150 
NATURAL HISTORY 
SICY-LARK. 
The song of the Sky-Lark, whilst it soars 
into, and hovers in the air, inspires every 
hearer with delight. Often does it elevate 
itself even among the clouds, and its voice 
is distinctly heard, whilst the bird itself is 
almost imperceptible to human vision. The 
Sky-Lark builds its nest upon the ground, 
beneath some turf that serves to hide and 
shelter it. The female lays four or five eggs, 
of a dusky hue in colour, closely marked 
with dark spots. It is while the female sits, 
that the male usually entertains her with his 
singing; and while lie is risen to an imper- 
ceptible height, yet he still has his much- 
loved partner in his eye, nor once loses sight 
of the nest either while he ascends or 
descends. It is to be observed, respecting 
the Sky-Lark, that, from the great length of 
the hinder claw, it is unable to perch on 
hedges and trees, like other small birds. 
