15S 
BE.\.TJTIFUL BIEDS. 
part on insects, \Yorins, grain and other seeds, the 
leaves of the clover, etc. 
Wlien winter draws near they are seen to assemble 
in innumerable flocks, increasing in magnitude as the 
weather becomes more severe by arrivals from colder 
regions ; they habitually frequent stubble-fields, 
tuniip-fields, and such-like situations, and being con- 
sidered a delicacy for the table, large quantities are 
caught at this period of the year by means of nets, 
and despatched to the London market. Dunstable is 
a noted place of resort for Larks, where multitudes 
are captured ; besides which many are brought from 
Holland. The Skvlark has formed the theme of 
many a poet’s lay. AVe quote one, from the writings 
of James Hogg : 
Oo 
“ Bird of the wilderness 
Blithsome and cuinljerless. 
Sweet be thy matin o’er moorland and lea ! 
Emblem of happiness, 
Blest is thy dwelling-place — 
O to aljide in the desert with thee ! 
Wild is thy lay, and loud, 
Far in the downy cloud. 
Love gives it energy, love gave it birth, 
n'here, on thy dewy wing. 
Where art thou journejung ? 
Thy lay is in Heaven, thy love is on earth. 
O’er fell and fountain sheen. 
O’er moor and mountain green. 
O’er the red streamer that heralds the day. 
Over the cloiuUet tlim. 
Over the rainbow’s rim, 
Musical chei’ub, soar, sing away ! 
Then, wheu the gloming comes. 
Low in the heather blooms. 
Sweet will thy welcome and bed of love be ! 
Emblem of happiness. 
Blest is thy dwelling-pilaee, — 
O to abide iu the desert with thee !” 
