70 
THE MEADOW LARK. 
stout. Claws arched, compressed, acute, that of the hind toe large. Plumage 
rather compact. Upper eyelid margined with strong bristles. Wings of 
moderate length, broad ; the second, third, and fouith quills longest ; one 
of the inner secondaries nearly as long when the wing is closed. Tail 
short, much rounded, of twelve acute feathers. 
THE MEADOW LARK, OR MEADOW STARLING. 
Sturnella ludoviciaimi, Linn . 
PLATE CCXXIII. — Male, Female, and Xest. 
How could I give the history of this beautiful bird, were I not to return 
for awhile to the spot where I have found it most abundant, and where the 
most frequent opportunities occurred of observing it ? Then, reader, to those 
rich grass fields let us stray. We are not far from the sandy sea-shores of 
the Jerseys ; the full beauties of an early spring are profusely spread around 
us ; the glorious sun illumines the creation with a flood of golden light, as he 
yet lies beneath the deep ; the industrious bee is yet asleep, as are the birds 
in bush and tree ; the small wavelets break on the beach with a gentle 
murmur ; the sky is so beautifully blue, that, on seeing it, one fancies himself 
near heaven ; the moon is about to disappear in the distant west ; the limpid 
dew-drops hang on every leaf, bud, and blossom, each tall blade of grass 
bending under the weight. Anxious to view Nature at her best, I lie wait- 
ing in pleasure for the next moment : — it has come; all is life and energy ; 
the bee, the bird, the quadruped, all nature awakes into life, and every being 
seems moving in the light of the Divine countenance. Fervently do I praise 
the God who has called me into existence, and devoutly do I pursue my 
avocations, carefully treading on the tender grass, until I reach a seat by 
nature’s own hand prepared, when I pause, survey, admire, and essay to 
apprehend all — yes, all around me ! Delightful days of my youth, when 
full of strength, health, and gladness, I so often enjoyed the bliss of contem- 
plating the beauties of creation ! They are gone, never to return ; but 
memory fondly cherishes the thoughts which they called into being, and 
while life remains will their memory be pleasing. 
See the Lark that arrived last evening ! fully refreshed, and with a bosom 
