SKYLARK. 21 



in stubble-fields, and especially in the vicinity of farms, 

 where they pick up a rich supply of grain and seeds. 



The geographical distribution of the Skylark is very ex- 

 tended, this species being found throughout the continent 

 of Europe as far as Siberia; in Asia; and in the northern 

 parts of Africa ; but, according to Temminck, it does not 

 inhabit the warmest parts of that quarter of the globe. 

 Throughout these widely extended regions, the Skylark is 

 more or less migratory, according to the latitude. It inha- 

 bits the most northern parts only in summer, retiring south- 

 ward in autumn. This migratory movement takes place 

 as far south as the Orkney and Shetland islands, where these 

 birds are still only summer-visitors ; and it appears that even 

 Scotland is partially deserted in severe weather, when large 

 flocks leave that latitude, and wing their flight further south. 

 Throughout England, a great addition is observable in 

 autumn to the number of our native Larks, so that in some 

 counties they are taken in vast numbers in nets for the table. 

 The arrival of these birds has been noticed on the eastern 

 coasts of Britain at this period, to occur in flocks from ten 

 to fifty in number, during several days in succession : and, 

 in unusually severe weather, they appear to pursue their 

 course still further, and to seek the warmest portions of 

 Britain for refuge and subsistence, having been observed in 

 the south of Devonshire in the winter of 1803, in all the 

 stubble-fields, in unprecedented numbers. 



As before mentioned, the Skylark penetrates in summer 

 far towards the north, and at this time it entirely forsakes 

 some of its winter quarters. In Corfu, we learn from Mr. 

 Drummond, this bird is only a winter resident, arriving there 

 the latter part of September, and passing northward again 

 in February ; but this species is not included in Mr. Drum- 

 mond's list of the birds that inhabit or frequent the island 

 of Crete in the Mediterranean : nor does Temminck make 



