The Skylark. 



239 



difficult matter. Choose the straightest and most erect bird, as 

 the male Lark generally carries himself in a dignified manner, 

 and frequently raises the feathers on his head. The breast of the 

 cock bird is brighter in colour than that of the hen, and the 

 spots that adorn his plumage are larger and brighter. There 

 is more white in the outer feathers of the tail of a male 

 bird, and the spur is much longer. In matured birds, the 

 hen is less in size, and more profusely spotted on the back 

 and breast ; the colours of her plumage are paler, her breast 

 is whiter, and her gait quieter. Her manner and general 

 demeanour are altogether more effeminate ; there is not the 

 bold, defiant, and self-satisfied air about a hen that is 

 observable in a male bird ; the difference in this respect is 

 very palpable to an experienced eye. 



Song. — As a vocalist, the Skylark has, probably, only one 

 superior, and that is the Nightingale. He sings with the 

 greatest possible freedom and gusto, and his song is simply 

 bewitching, as he towers heavenward on a bright, delicious 

 summer's morning, fluttering rapidly with his wings, and 

 struggling upward and onward, circling his way through the 

 silvery mist, which has risen with the approach of the sun, 

 and pouring forth, as he ascends, in the most luscious and 

 enrapturing, manner, a flood of delightful melody, which, 

 for compass and variety, is perfectly amazing. A caged bird 

 never sings with the same joyous animation as the free rover. 



Points to be Observed in JuDaiNG. — Choose a well- 

 formed, long, sleek, sprightly bird, with a gay and majestic 

 carriage ; a straight, thin beak ; a full eye ; clear yellowish 

 brown plumage, with spots and markings clearly defined, and 

 deep in tone ; the throat creamy white ; the belly and vent 

 clear greyish white ; the wings and tail perfect in form, with 

 the full complement of feathers, and well carried. The claws 

 and spurs must be properly formed, and in good order, and 

 the exhibit free from dirt. 



General Remarks. — Skylarks newly caught may be bought 

 for 9d. or Is. each, male birds ; and hens, from 4d. to 6d. ; 

 these may turn out desirable birds or otherwise. Much 

 depends on circumstances. Hand-reared birds, house-moulted, 

 and thoroughly domesticated, and which sing with freedom, 

 may be bought at prices ranging from 5s. to 20s. each, according 

 to appearance and musical capabilities. A little hemp seed, 



