The Skylark. 



237 



In the spring of the year, when the birds have just mated, 

 the following device is sometimes resorted to for the purpose of 

 ensnaring an exceptionally good songster : Take a tame Lark, 

 tie its wings, and attach to it a forked limed twig. When 

 the bird you desire to capture is descending, after one of 

 his aerial musical tours, put down this decoy in the vicinity 

 from which the songster arose. As soon as the decoy is 

 observed, it will be instantly pounced upon, as a presumed 

 rival, and you will secure your prize, as Larks are easily 

 excited to jealousy at this time. 



Old Larks are very wild when first ensnared, and, to prevent 

 them fluttering, and beating themselves against the wires of 

 the cage, it is a good plan to tie the tips of their wings 

 securely, and strew a few ' oats at the bottom of the cage. 

 Another excellent plan is to place a large number of them 

 together, in a moderate sized cage, which will prevent their 

 becoming sullen, and damaging their plumage, &c., to the 

 extent that they would do if caged singly or in pairs. In 

 about a week or ten days their wings may be unfastened ; 

 but leave the cage in the same place. 



Food and Teeatment. — In a natural state. Skylarks feed 

 on ants' eggs, worms, flies, and other insects and their larvae ; 

 they also eat several kinds of seeds, and, in the autumn and 

 spring, bats, turnip tops, mangel-wurzel, &c. In confinement, 

 they may be fed on crushed hemp seed, and cheese and bread, 

 finely grated, and given dry. It is well, however, to change 

 their food frequently, and give them a little raw lean meat, 

 finely shredded, and mixed with breadcrumbs ; a few meal- 

 worms, flies, and ants' eggs ; also green food — lettuce, cabbage, 

 watercress, or chickweed — and sometimes a few groats and a 

 little maw seed. A fresh clover or grass turf once a week is 

 an absolute necessity if it be desired to keep the birds in 

 health and song. They also thrive well on the following 

 compound : Pea meal (fresh) 3 parts, oatmeal 2 parts, crushed 

 hemp seed (freed from husks) 1 part, maw seed 1 part, crushed 

 linseed 1 part, moistened with water, and given fresh every 

 day. 



Rearing the Young. — Skylarks are very difficult to rear 

 by hand, as they are so subject to cramp. The young must 

 not be handled, as the warmth imparted by the hand will 

 often induce an attack of this serious complaint ; and it is 



