PLATE XIV. 
Th Wood Lark. 
T 
A HE birds m this number, as in all the paft, are delineated as large as the life. 
The wood-larks in fize are inferior to the ficy-larks, and are, when young, very tender, and fub- 
jea to cramp. Hence it is difficult to rear them : nor indeed does it anfwer any elfential purpofe 
to attempt it : for it is well known that birds caught wild far excel thofe which are brought up by 
hand, in the melody of their fong, and the beauty of the feathers : fo much is nature fuperior to art 
in all her operations. The eggs of thefe birds are fix in number, and, as the plate exaaiy repre- 
fents them, very dark. Their neft, which is peculiar in its ftruaure, is compofed of fine long dried 
grafs, and lined with hair. The ufual fpot on which they build is by the fide of large woods and 
forefts ; and their favourite haunts are the plains, and commons near thofe places. Thefe larks 
perch upon lofty trees ; and from that ftation, to which their choice appears purpofely direaed, 
their fong echoes through the refounding wood. Their note is lefs fonorous, but equal in fweetnefs 
to that of the fky-lark. They fing in the night, and as they fly ; while the rich variety of their fong 
is very delightful to the ear. The fize is the only difcriminative quality of the male and female. 
They feed upon feeds, but, when caged, they fhould be fupplied with clover turf, which they like 
very much, and which is good for their health. If approached within twenty yards, their nature is 
to (liulk rather than to take wing, like others of the feathered tribe. 
