270 LARK. 



in the Skylark it is nearly equal ; legs flesh-colour, hind claw long, 

 somewhat incurvated. Both sexes much alike. 



Hitherto Brisson's Alouette de Bois* has been ranked among 

 the synonyms of this bird, but it certainly resembles more the Tit- 

 lark ; and the same may be said in respect to that figured in the PI. 

 enlnm. 660. 2. and it may be doubted, whether Buffon meant this 

 bird; as the engraving in Hist, des Ois.-\ has the tail by much too 

 long. Albin's figure is not amiss. But Olina has expressed the 

 shortness of the tail sufficiently well, in which he is followed by 

 Will ugh by ; the other quotations seem to be pretty correct. 



This is by no means so plentiful as the Skylark, yet is met with 

 in most parts of this kingdom, and differs from that bird much in 

 manners, for it perches on trees, frequently sings as it flies, and 

 sometimes soars to a great height, flying in circles, and continuing 

 so to do for a length of time together ; will also sing while perched 

 on a branch ; and as its song is varied, it is by some thought to 

 approach that of the Nightingale. It builds early, X and places the 

 nest on the ground, in shape not unlike that of the Skylark, under 

 a low bush, or tussock of grass; the eggs four or five, smaller than 

 those of the Skylark, colour dusky brown, blotched with dusky, 

 with smaller spots of reddish brown, nearly confluent at the larger 

 end, and weighing from forty to fifty grains. || 



The Wood Lark does not assemble in flocks like the Skylark, for 

 it is rarely that more than six or seven are seen together, and pro- 

 bably only consisting of one family ; is now and then kept in cages, 

 but less frequently than the Skylark : in this state we remember one 

 for at least nine years. Like the Skylark, it is found throughout 

 Europe, as also at Kamtschatka. 



* 



Bris. Hi. 340. pi. 20. 1. f Vol. v. pi. 25. f. 2. 



X Sometimes the young fly before the end of March. || Om. Diet. 



