In the winter season sky-larks collect into large flocks, and are caught with different kinds of nets in vast numbers for the table. The neighbourhood of Dunstable is chiefly celebrated for them. The season commences about the 14th of September, and ends the 25th of February; and, during that time, as we are informed by Mr. Pennant, about 4000 dozen have been caught. In the country adjacent to the river Rhone, in France, as many larks have been caught by one person in a day as loaded two mules: and in Saxony, where they are liable to a tax, an average sum equal to about 900l. sterling is annually paid to the city of Leipsic, on account of the larks that are caught in that neighbourhood. 146. _The WOOD-LARK_ (Alauda arborea) _is a bird smaller than the sky-lark, with slender bill, long hind claws, and a white streak over each eye, extending backward so as to form almost a ring round the head._ _It is a very common bird in this country; and is found in other parts of Europe, and in Siberia._ There is, in the song of these birds, a plaintiveness and mellowness of tone which exceed those of any English songster except the nightingale; but their execution is much inferior to that of most others. They are not only heard in the day-time, but also during the night: and not only whilst in flight, but also when perched upon trees. Wood-larks are tender birds, and not easily to be reared in a cage. Towards the beginning of winter they become fat, and are then considered excellent eating. They generally form their nests in a bush near the ground, and have about four eggs of pale red colour, clouded, and mottled with red and yellow. 147. _The NIGHTINGALE_ (Motacilla luscinia) _is distinguished by the rusty brown colour, tinged with olive, of its upper parts, and by an ash-coloured ring on the naked part of the thigh above the knees._ _It is a migratory bird, generally arriving in this country in the month of April, and leaving it in September, and then retiring, as it is supposed, into some parts of Asia._ This bird delights in solitude, and is naturally of a wild and timid disposition. His usual resort is the side of some hill, especially if there be an echo. Here, perched upon the branch of a tree or shrub, he most delights to sing; and interrupts his warblings by short pauses, as if listening and making responses to the echo of his own voice.