THE SKYLARK. 
89 
cheerily high overhead, as though looking upward only, and 
forgetful of the scene of desolation beneath. 
It pairs early in ]\Iarch, but I have not succeeded in finding 
the eggs before May, after which time they may be seen con- 
stantly until even so late as the end of July. Here, as else- 
where, two broods are reared in the season ; indeed, the pair 
will return to the same nest for two years in succession. The 
earliest nests are found in the lower grounds, so placed by the 
side of a large rock, or near the angle of a wall, as to receive 
the full benefit of the sunshine, and yet be well screened 
from the hi ti er east and north-east winds which commonly 
prevail in spring. The nest is always placed in a cavity upon 
the ground, often among heather upon the very highest hill- 
tops, and sometimes even in corn-yards, or among heaps of 
small stones which have been collected in the meadows. 
When the lining of the nest is commenced, the biids often 
entirely fill the cavity with the materials before beginning to 
adjust them permanently, a process which occupies about an 
hour ; however, as the completion of the nest approaches, each 
fine blade of grass is carefully woven into its place before the 
next is sought for. I have not observed any very remarkable 
difference in the colouring of the eggs, although varieties in 
shape are of constant occurrence. I have seen some of the 
shape and size of a pea, some very much lengthened and pointed, 
others much flattened at the large end, and others again equally 
rounded at both ends. Incubation lasts thirteen days, as 
nearly as I can ascertain. The female is shy at first, but I 
have always, when I wished it been allowed to stroke her 
with my hand as she sat upon the eggs, though only after very 
cautious and gradual advances. 
