SWALLOWS. 503 



natural curiosity of the species, which leads it irresistibly towards any 

 reflected light. The slaughterer places a glass, or any object that 

 will reflect the sun's rays, in a field, concealing himself in its neigh- 

 bourhood. The Larks, attracted by the light, come within reach of 

 the destroyer, and fall around the mirror, undismayed by the fate of 

 companions. 



In this family the only species which lives in confinement is the 

 Skylark (Alauda arvensts, Fig. 219), and that only by very great care. 

 It sings unceasingly in a cage, and even imitates the song of other 

 birds. Larks are found all over the Old World, especially in Europe 



c 9 . -The Skylark. 



and Asia. The principal species is that just mentioned, the Crested 

 Lark (Alauda cristata) the Wood Lark {Alauda arbo7'ea), and the Shore 

 Lark (Alauda alpestris). 



The Pencilled Lark (Otocoris pencillatus) is a beautiful and but 

 lately-discovered species. It is a native of Persia, and its habits are 

 but little known. 



Fissirostres. 



The Fissirostral Passerine are characterised by a broad, short 

 bill, flattened horizontally and slightly hooked ; mandibles slightly 

 concave ; mouth very wide. They are essentially insectivorous. 

 They comprehend three genera : — 1. Swallows (Hirundo). 2. House 

 Martins (Chdidon). 3. Sand Martins (Cotyle). 



The Swallows are recognisable by their long pointed wings, forked 



