of fine grasses, circularly disposed, and forming a bed about two inches
thick, with a lining of grous' feathers, and those of other birds. In
the beginning of July, the eggs are deposited. They are four or five in
number, large, greyish, and covered with numerous pale blue and brown
spots. The young leave the nest before they are able to fly, and follow
their parents over the moss, where they are fed about a week. They run
nimbly, emit a soft _peep_, and squat closely at the first appearance
of danger. If observed and pursued, they open their wings to aid them
in their escape, and separating, make off with great celerity. On such
occasions it is difficult to secure more than one of them, unless several
persons be present, when each can pursue a bird. The parents all this
time are following the enemy overhead, lamenting the danger to which
their young are exposed. In several instances, the old bird followed us
almost to our boat, alighting occasionally on a projecting crag before
us, and entreating us, as it were, to restore its offspring. By the
first of August many of the young are fully fledged, and the different
broods are seen associating together, to the number of forty, fifty,
or more. They now gradually remove to the islands of the coast, where
they remain until their departure, which takes place in the beginning
of September. They start at the dawn of day, proceed on their way south
at a small elevation above the water, and fly in so straggling a manner,
that they can scarcely be said to move in flocks.
This species returns to Labrador and the adjoining islands in the
beginning of June. The males are then so pugnacious and jealous of
their females, that the sight of one of their own sex, instantly excites
them to give battle; and it is curious to observe, that no sooner does
one of these encounters take place, than several other males join in
the fray. They close, flutter, bite, and tumble over, as the European
Sparrow is observed to do on similar occasions. Several times while in
Labrador, I took advantage of their pugnacious disposition, and procured
two or three individuals at a shot, which it is difficult to do at any
other time. Several pairs breed in the same place, but not near each
other. The male bird sings sweetly while on wing, although its song is
comparatively short. It springs from the moss or naked rock obliquely,
for about forty yards, begins and ends its madrigal, then performs a few
irregular evolutions, and returns to the ground. There also it sings,
but less frequently, and with less fulness. Its call-note is quite
mellow, and altered at times in a ventriloqual manner, so different, as
to seem like that of another species. As soon as the young are hatched,
the whole are comparatively mute, merely using the call-note. Only one
brood is reared each season.
The food of the Shore Lark consists of grass-seeds, the blossoms of
dwarf plants, and insects. It is an expert catcher of flies, following
insects on wing to a considerable distance, and now and then betaking
itself to the sea-shore to search for minute shell-fish or crustacea.
It associates with the Brown Lark (_Anthus Spinoletta_), which indeed
breeds in the same places. As I found the nest of the latter in Labrador,
for the first time in my life, I will here describe it. It is always, I
believe, placed next to the foot of a rock, in a tuft of grass, and is
entirely composed of fine bent grass, neatly lined with delicate fibrous
roots, without any feathers. The eggs, usually four, are small, and of
a very dark uniform _chocolate_ colour.
The Shore Larks reach the United States at the approach of winter. When
the weather is severe in the north, they are seen in Massachusetts as
early as October. Many spend the winter there, in the vicinity of the
sea shore and sandy fields; others retire farther south, but seldom
proceed beyond Maryland on the Atlantic, or the lower parts of Kentucky,
west of the Alleghany mountains. My friend BACHMAN never saw one near
Charleston, and only one have I seen in Louisiana, where the poor thing
appeared quite lost, and so fatigued, that I caught it. I am, therefore,
scarcely disposed to believe that _this species_ was ever found on the
table land of Mexico, as asserted by Mr BULLOCK.
At this season they fly in their usual loose manner, over the fields
and open grounds, in search of food, which now consists of seeds, and
the dormant larvæ of insects, mixing with the Brown Lark, and now and
then with the Cow Bunting and others. They become plump and fat, and
afford delicious food, for which reason our eastern markets are supplied
with them. Although they at times alight on fences, I never saw one on
a tree. The ground, indeed, is their proper place; there they repose,
near tufts of dry grass, in small groups, until the return of day, when
they run about in a straggling manner. If affrighted, the whole take to
wing, perform a few evolutions, and alight on the same ground again.
I have given six figures of this beautiful Lark in different stages.
The male birds, which, during the love season, have the black tufts of
feathers on their head, as represented in the plate, nearly lose them
at the approach of winter, when the brightness of their whole summer
plumage is also much diminished.
ALAUDA ALPESTRIS, _Linn._ Syst. Nat. vol. i. p. 289.—_Lath._
Ind. Ornith. vol. ii. p. 498.—_Ch. Bonaparte_, Synops. of
Birds of the United States, p. 102.
SHORE LARK, _Wils._ Americ. Ornith. vol. i. p. 85. fig. 4.
Female.
HORNED OR SHORE LARK, ALAUDA CORNUTA, _Swains. and Richards._
Fauna Bor.-Americ. vol. i. p. 245.
Adult Male. Plate CC. Fig. 1 and 3.
Bill rather short, somewhat conical, compressed, acute, straightish,
entire; upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly arched, the edges
inflected and sharp, the point acute; lower mandible straight, with
inflected edges and acute tip; nostrils basal, oval, with an arched
membrane, and covered by the frontal feathers. Head rather large, neck
short, body oval. Legs of ordinary length; tarsus longer than the middle
toe, anteriorly scutellate, acute behind; lateral toes nearly equal,
the outer united to the middle one at the base; hind toe of moderate
size; claws longish, slightly arched, that of the hind toe very long,
tapering, acute, and nearly straight.
Plumage rather dense and compact. Wings of moderate length; the second
and third primaries longest, first and fourth nearly equal; secondaries
emarginate; scapulars elongated. Tail emarginate, straight, of twelve
feathers. The principal peculiarity in the plumage consists of two
erectile pointed tufts of feathers on the anterior and lateral parts
of the head, which give the bird, viewed from before, a very remarkable
appearance, somewhat resembling that of an owl.
The colours of the male in its winter plumage, are as follows. Beak
blue at the base, blackish at the point. Iris chestnut-brown. Feet
and claws greyish-black. The general colour of the upper parts is a
dusky-brown, the feathers paler on the edges. On the forehead is a
recurved crescentic band of brownish-black, forming the erectile tufts;
another curved downwards, proceeds on each side from the base of the
upper mandibles; while a band of yellowish white runs over the eyes and
forehead. Throat pale yellow, with a broad patch of a dusky tint on the
lower neck anteriorly; the rest of the under parts brownish-white. The
quills dusky, the tail-feathers blackish, excepting the two middle ones,
which are of the same reddish-brown as the upper tail-coverts.
In summer, the male changes its aspect considerably; the brownish-black
bands on the head and neck becoming deep black, the throat and frontal
band white, and the upper parts light brownish-red.
Fig. 3 represents the Male in winter; Fig. 1 in summer.
Length 7½ inches, extent of wings 14; bill 3/12; tarsus 1 inch.
Adult Female. Plate CC. Fig. 2.
The female is dusky-brown above, dull white beneath, the wings and tail
as in the male; but it wants the black bands on the head and neck.
Nestlings. Plate CC. Fig. 4, 5, 6.
The bill and feet flesh-coloured; iris brown; the upper parts deep brown,
mottled with pale reddish-brown; the lower parts pale yellowish-grey.
KENTUCKY BARBICUE ON THE FOURTH OF JULY.
Beargrass Creek, which is one of the many beautiful streams of the
highly cultivated and happy State of Kentucky, meanders through a deeply
shaded growth of majestic beech woods, in which are interspersed various
species of walnut, oak, elm, ash, and other trees, extending on either
side of its course. The spot on which I witnessed the celebration of
an anniversary of the glorious proclamation of our independence is
situated on its banks, near the city of Louisville. The woods spread
their dense tufts towards the shores of the fair Ohio on the west, and
over the gently rising grounds to the south and east. Every open spot
forming a plantation was smiling in the luxuriance of a summer harvest.
The farmer seemed to stand in admiration of the spectacle: the trees
of his orchards bowed their branches, as if anxious to restore to their
mother earth the fruit with which they were laden; the flocks leisurely
ruminated as they lay on their grassy beds; and the genial warmth of
the season seemed inclined to favour their repose.
The free, single hearted Kentuckian, bold, erect, and proud of his
Virginian descent, had, as usual, made arrangements for celebrating the
day of his country's independence. The whole neighbourhood joined with
one consent. No personal invitation was required where every one was
welcomed by his neighbour, and from the governor to the guider of the
plough all met with light hearts and merry faces.
It was indeed a beautiful day; the bright sun rode in the clear blue
heavens; the gentle breezes wafted around the odours of the gorgeous
flowers; the little birds sang their sweetest songs in the woods, and the
fluttering insects danced in the sunbeams. Columbia's sons and daughters
seemed to have grown younger that morning. For a whole week or more,
many servants and some masters had been busily engaged in clearing an
area. The undergrowth had been carefully cut down, the low boughs lopped
off, and the grass alone, verdant and gay, remained to carpet the sylvan
pavilion. Now the waggons were seen slowly moving along under their
load of provisions, which had been prepared for the common benefit. Each
denizen had freely given his ox, his ham, his venison, his turkeys, and
other fowls. Here were to be seen flaggons of every beverage used in
the country; "La belle Riviere" had opened her finny stores; the melons
of all sorts, peaches, plums and pears, would have sufficed to stock a
market. In a word, Kentucky, the land of abundance, had supplied a feast
for her children.
A purling stream gave its waters freely, while the grateful breezes cooled
the air. Columns of smoke from the newly kindled fires rose above the
trees; fifty cooks or more moved to and fro as they plied their trade;
waiters of all qualities were disposing the dishes, the glasses, and the
punch-bowls, amid vases filled with rich wines. "Old Monongahela" filled
many a barrel for the crowd. And now, the roasting viands perfume the
air, and all appearances conspire to predict the speedy commencement of
a banquet such as may suit the vigorous appetite of American woodsmen.
Every steward is at his post, ready to receive the joyous groups that
at this moment begin to emerge from the dark recesses of the woods.
Each comely fair one, clad in pure white, is seen advancing under the
protection of her sturdy lover, the neighing of their prancing steeds
proclaiming how proud they are of their burden. The youthful riders
leap from their seats, and the horses are speedily secured by twisting
their bridles round a branch. As the youth of Kentucky lightly and
gaily advanced towards the Barbicue, they resembled a procession of
nymphs and disguised divinities. Fathers and mothers smiled upon them,
as they followed the brilliant cortege. In a short time the ground was
alive with merriment. A great wooden cannon, bound with iron hoops, was
now crammed with home-made powder; fire was conveyed to it by means of
a train, and as the explosion burst forth, thousands of hearty huzzas
mingled with its echoes. From the most learned a good oration fell in
proud and gladdening words on every ear, and although it probably did
not equal the eloquence of a CLAY, an EVERETT, a WEBSTER, or a PRESTON,
it served to remind every Kentuckian present of the glorious name, the
patriotism, the courage, and the virtue, of our immortal WASHINGTON.
Fifes and drums sounded the march which had ever led him to glory; and
as they changed to our celebrated "Yankee Doodle," the air again rang
with acclamations.
Now the stewards invited the assembled throng to the feast. The fair led
the van, and were first placed around the tables, which groaned under the
profusion of the best productions of the country that had been heaped upon
them. On each lovely nymph attended her gay beau, who in her chance or
sidelong glances ever watched an opportunity of reading his happiness. How
the viands diminished under the action of so many agents of destruction
I need not say, nor is it necessary that you should listen to the long
recital. Many a national toast was offered and accepted, many speeches
were delivered, and many essayed in amicable reply. The ladies then
retired to booths that had been erected at a little distance, to which
they were conducted by their partners, who returned to the table, and
having thus cleared for action, recommenced a series of hearty rounds.
However, as Kentuckians are neither slow nor long at their meals, all
were in a few minutes replenished, and after a few more draughts from
the bowl, they rejoined the ladies, and prepared for the dance.
Double lines of a hundred fair ones extended along the ground in the
most shady part of the woods, while here and there smaller groups
awaited the merry trills of reels and cotillons. A burst of music from
violins, clarionets, and bugles, gave the welcome notice, and presently
the whole assemblage seemed to be gracefully moving through the air.
The "hunting-shirts" now joined in the dance, their fringed skirts
keeping time with the gowns of the ladies, and the married people of
either sex stepped in and mixed with their children. Every countenance
beamed with joy, every heart leaped with gladness; no pride, no pomp,
no affectation, were there; their spirits brightened as they continued
their exhilarating exercise, and care and sorrow were flung to the winds.
During each interval of rest, refreshments of all sorts were handed round,
and while the fair one cooled her lips with the grateful juice of the
melon, the hunter of Kentucky quenched his thirst with ample draughts
of well tempered punch.
I know, reader, that had you been with me on that day, you would have
richly enjoyed the sight of this national fête champetre. You would have
listened with pleasure to the ingenuous tale of the lover, the wise talk
of the elder on the affairs of the State, the accounts of improvement in
stock and utensils, and the hopes of continued prosperity to the country
at large, and to Kentucky in particular. You would have been pleased to
see those who did not join the dance, shooting at distant marks with
their heavy rifles, or watched how they shewed off the superior speed
of their high bred "old Virginia" horses, while others recounted their
hunting exploits, and at intervals made the woods ring with their bursts
of laughter. With me the time sped like an arrow in its flight, and
although more than twenty years have elapsed since I joined a Kentucky
Barbicue, my spirit is refreshed every 4th of July by the recollection
of that day's merriment.
But now the sun has declined, and the shades of evening creep over the
scene. Large fires are lighted in the woods, casting the long shadows
of the live columns far along the trodden ground, and flaring on the
happy groups, loth to separate. In the still clear sky, began to sparkle
the distant lamps of heaven. One might have thought that Nature herself
smiled on the joy of her children. Supper now appeared on the tables,
and after all had again refreshed themselves, preparations were made for
departure. The lover hurried for the steed of his fair one, the hunter
seized the arm of his friend, families gathered into loving groups, and
all returned in peace to their happy homes.
And now, Reader, allow me also to take my leave and wish you good night,
trusting that when I again appear with another volume, you will be ready
to welcome me with a cordial greeting.
ERRATA.
Page 9, line 15 from the bottom, _dele_ primaries.
Page 204, _for_ Plate CXXXIV. _read_ CXXXIII.
Page 251, _read_ extent of wings 22; bill along the back ¾.
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INDEX.
Page
Acadian Owl, 567
Acer spicatum, 207
Alauda alpestris, 570
Almond, Wild, 340, 521
American Crow, 317
— Golden-crested Wren, 476
— Robin, 190
— Sparrow Hawk, 246
— Starling, 216
— Swift, 329
Anona, Purple-flowered, 359
Apple, Seven years', 391
Arbutus uva-ursi, 454
Azalea, calendulacea, 566
— Orange-leaved, 566
— viscosa, 96
Bachman's Finch, 366
— Warbler, 483
Ball in Newfoundland, 211
Balsam Fir, 426
Barberry, Canadian, 514
Barbicue, Kentucky, 576
Barn Owl, 403
Barn Swallow, 413
Bay of Fundy, 485
Bignonia capreolata, 83
— radicans, 16
Black and Yellow Warbler, 145
Blackberry, 175
Blackbird, Great Crow, 504
Blackburnian Warbler, 208
Black-cap Titmouse, 343
Black-poll Warbler, 201
Black-throated Blue Warbler, 309
Black Gum Tree, 204
Black Haw, 328
Black Jack Oak, 107
Black Larch, 459
Black Locust, 23
Black Snake, 107
Black Vulture, 33
Black Walnut, 324
Blue Bird, 84
Blue Grosbeak, 140
Blue-headed Pigeon, 411
Blue Jay, 11
Boat-tailed Grakle, 504
Brown-headed Nuthatch, 151
Bunting, Townsend's, 183
— Snow, 515
Burning of the Forests, 397
Butter-nut, 252
Calopogon pulchellus, 231
Canada Flycatcher, 17
Canada Grous, 437
Canada Jay, 53
Canadian Barberry, 514
Canadian Columbine, 311
Caprimulgus virginianus, 273
Caracara Eagle, 350
Cardinal Grosbeak, 336
Carolina Titmouse, 341
Carrion Crow, 33
Cat Bird, 171
Cathartes Aura, 296
— Jota, 33
Chat, Yellow-breasted, 223
Chelone glabra, 150
Chestnut-oak, 195
Chimney Swallow, 329
Chipping Sparrow, 21
Citrus aurantium, 260, 360, 475
Cloudberry, 542
Coccyzus Seniculus, 390
Cod-fishing, 522
Columba cyanocephala, 411
— leucocephala, 443
— montana, 382
— passerina, 471
— Zenaida, 354
Columbine, Canadian, 311
Common Crossbill, 559
Connecticut Warbler, 227
Cordia, Rough-leaved, 448
Cordia Sebestena, 448
Cornus canadensis, 365
— florida, 144
— suecica, 541
Corvus americanus, 317
— canadensis, 53
— Corax, 1
— cristatus, 11
— ossifragus, 269
Cotton Plant, 130
Cratægus apiifolia, 538
Crossbill, Common, 559
Crow, American, 317
— Fish, 269
Cuckoo, Mangrove, 390
Cypselus pelasgius, 329
Death of a Pirate, 180
Dogwood, 144
Dove, Ground, 471
Dove, Zenaida, 354
Downy Woodpecker, 81
Dwarf Cornel, 541
Dwarf Huckle-berry, 231
Dwarf Maple, 207
Eagle, Caracara, 350
— Golden, 464
— White-headed, 160
Emberiza nivalis, 515
Falco Chrysaëtos, 464
— islandicus, 552
— lagopus, 377
— leucocephalus, 160
— niger, 381
— Palumbarius, 241
— plumbeus, 108
— Sparverius, 246
— Stanleii, 245
Falcon, Rough-legged, 377
— Iceland, 552
Falcon, Jer, 532
False Acacia, 23
Finch, Bachman's, 366
— MacGillivray's, 285
— Pine, 455
— Savannah, 63
— Sharp-tailed, 281
Field Sparrow, 229
Fir, Balsam, 426
— Silver, 426
Fish Crow, 269
Ferruginous Thrush, 102
Florida Keys, 312, 345
Flowering Raspberry, 147
Flycatcher, Fork-tailed, 387
— Great Crested, 176
— Green-Black-capped, 148
— Olive-sided, 422
— Pewee, 122
— Pipiry, 392
— Small Green Crested, 256
— Warbling, 114
— Wood Pewee, 93
— Yellow-throated, 119
Force of the Waters, 97
Forests, Burning of the, 397
Forked-tailed Flycatcher, 387
Fox-coloured Sparrow, 58
Fringilla Bachmanii, 366
— canadensis, 513
— caudacuta, 281
— cærulea, 140
— iliaca, 58
Fringilla leucophrys, 88
— Lincolnii, 539
— ludoviciana, 166
— Macgillivraii, 285
— passerina, 185
— pinus, 455
— pusilla, 229
— Savanna, 63
— socialis, 21
Fundy, Bay of, 485
Gentiana saponaria, 228
Gerardia flava, 222
— yellow-flowered, 222
Glaucous Kalmia, 542
Gleditschia triacanthos, 279, 290
Golden-crested Wren, American, 476
Gordonia Lasianthus, 389
— pubescens, 484
Gossypium herbaceum, 130
Golden Eagle, 464
Golden-crowned Thrush, 253
Goshawk, 241
Grakle, Boat-tailed, 504
— Rusty, 325
Grape, Racoon, 80
— Summer, 92
Great Cinereous Shrike, 534
— Crested Flycatcher, 176
— Crow Blackbird, 504
— Laurel, 20
Green Black-capped Flycatcher, 148
Grosbeak, Blue, 140
— Cardinal, 336
— Rose-breasted, 166
Ground Dove, 471
— Ground Hemlock, 170
— Squirrel, 410
Grous, Canada, 437
— Pinnated, 490
— Spotted or Canada, 437
— Willow, 528
Habenaria lacera, 365
Hare, Northern, 469