SHORE-LARK. 31 



species near Felix Harbour, but considers that it is rarely 

 met with above the seventieth degree of north latitude. 



The nest of the Shore-lark is described by Audubon as 

 being constructed of fine grasses, circularly disposed, forming 

 a bed about two inches thick, with a lining of grouse feathers. 

 The eggs, four or five in number, are greyish in colour, and 

 covered with numerous pale blue and brown spots. 



In Europe the range of this species does not extend so far 

 to the south as on the American Continent, probably on 

 account of the greater mildness of the air on the eastern than 

 on the western shores of the Atlantic. In England the ap- 

 pearance of the Shore-lark has been confined to a very few 

 individuals, and it seems to be generally as scarce in similar 

 latitudes on the Continent of Europe. Temminck, however, 

 speaking of this species, says it is found in Holland, where 

 in winter it approaches the villages ; that it is common in 

 Saxony ; in the plains of the valley of the Rhine, and in the 

 environs of Nancy. The same author, in the third volume 

 of his Manuel, from which we quote the above information, 

 asserts that it breeds in Holland on the downs that line the 

 sea-shore. 



This Lark appears, like its congeners, to be entirely terres- 

 trial in its habits, which may also be inferred from the straight- 

 ness of its hinder claws ; the localities chiefly frequented by 

 it are barren, wild, and open. Its food consists partly of 

 insects, and partly of the seeds and buds of various plants 

 and grasses. 



The entire length of this species is six and a half inches. 

 The beak measures to the forehead four lines and a half, and 

 six lines to the corner of the gape. The tarsi measure nine 

 lines ; the middle toe eight lines ; the hinder toe and claw 

 eight lines, four of which belong to the claw, which is nearly 

 straight. The wing measures four inches from the carpus to 

 the tip, and the forked tail extends nine lines beyond the 



