70 THE MEADOW LARK. 



stout. Claws arched, compressed, acute, that of the hind toe large. Plumage 

 rather compact. Upper eyelid margined with strong bristles. Wings of 

 moderate length, broad; the second, third, and fourth quills longest; one of 

 the inner secondaries nearly as long when the wing is closed. Tail short, 

 much rounded, of twelve acute feathers. 



THE MEADOW LARK, OR MEADOW STARLING. 



~STUENELLA LUDOVICIAN53, Limi. 



PLATE CCXXIIL— Male, Female, and Nest. 



How could I give the history of this beautiful bird, were I not to return 

 for awhile to the spot where I have found it most abundant, and where the 

 most frequent opportunities occurred of observing it? Then, reader, to those 

 rich grass fields let us stray. We are not far from the sandy sea-shores of 

 the Jerseys; the full beauties of an early spring are profusely spread around 

 us; the glorious sun illumines the creation with a flood of golden light, as he 

 yet lies beneath the deep; the industrious bee is yet asleep, as are the birds 

 in bush and tree; the small wavelets break on the beach with a gentle 

 murmur; the sky is so beautifully blue, that, on seeing it, one fancies himself 

 near heaven; the moon is about to disappear in the distant west; the limpid 

 dew-drops hang on every leaf, bud and blossom, each tall blade of grass 

 bending under the weight. Anxious to view Nature at her best, I lie wait- 

 ing in pleasure for the next moment: — it has come; all is life and energy; 

 the bee, the bird, the quadruped, all nature awakes into life, and every being 

 seems moving in the light of the Divine countenance. Fervently do I praise 

 the God who has called me into existence, and devotedly do I pursue my 

 avocations, carefully treading on the tender grass, until I reach a seat by 

 nature's own hand prepared, when I pause, survey, admire, and essay to 

 apprehend all — yes, all around me! Delightful days of my youth, when 

 full of strength, health and gladness, I so often enjoyed the bliss of contem- 

 plating the beauties of creation! They are gone, never to return; but 

 memory fondly cherishes the thoughts which they called into being, and 

 while life remains will their memory be pleasing. 



See the Lark that arrived last evening! fully refreshed, and with a bosom 



