The Woodlark. 



245 



and particularly mellow ; in this respect it is about equal to 

 that of the Nightingale. It is very plaintive and thrilling, and 

 of good compass. In volume and execution it is inferior to that 

 of both the Nightingale and Skylark. When kept in captivity, 

 Woodlarks are so timid and sensitive that they will refuse to 

 utter a note in the presence of a stranger, unless excited to do so 

 by the introduction of a rival. This is a great drawback, and 

 seriously affects the bird so far as public favouritism is con- 

 cerned. In the open air, the Woodlark will sing either on 

 a tree, or whilst flying, in a similar manner to the Skylark. 

 Its song under these circumstances is well-sustained, and of 

 considerable duration, the bird warbling for thirty to forty 

 minutes, or even longer, almost without a break. The Wood- 

 lark sings more after the fashion of the Nightingale, and so 

 strongly resembles that bird in many passages of its song, and 

 the way in which it intones its voice, that numbers of people 

 have been completely deceived by it. It will occasionally 

 "throw down the gauntlet" to the Nightingale, and many 

 severe conflicts have been witnessed between these ardent 

 rivals of song; but ''Philomel" almost invariably proves the 

 conqueror. 



Points to be Obseeved in Judging. — Select a bird of 

 graceful contour and noble carriage ; it should be bright and 

 clear in hue, distinctly spotted, and have a well-defined 

 wreath, from eye to eye, extending backward round the base 

 of the skull. The plumage should be close and smooth, the 

 wings and tail well carried, the eyes full and bright, the head- 

 feathering long and plentiful, and the legs and feet free from 

 scales or corns. A specimen intended for show purposes 

 should be scrupulously clean, in prime condition, docile, and 

 tractable. A hen is best for exhibition purposes. 



General Eemarks. — The Woodlark is not so robust as the 

 Skylark,, and requires more attention. If not well cared for, 

 it will speedily lose condition, and cease to sing. Nothing 

 is so conducive to the health of these birds as cleanliness, and 

 a frequent change of diet. An occasional sand bath, say once 

 or twice a week, is necessary to preserve these birds in health. 

 They become fretful and anxious if not well cared for ; other- 

 wise, they thrive fairly well in a state of domestication ; though 

 they are shorter lived than either Skylarks or Titlarks. They 

 may be bought for sums varying from 5s. to 30s., and are fre- 



