LARKS' CHARMED LIVES.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1513, 15 July 1905, Page 2

LARKS' CHARMED LIVES.

liliOOI) HATCHED ON" A BUSY HAGECOURSE.

A pair ot larks which built thrir nest on tile racecourse at Keele T'ark, Staffordshire, and raised a little family, have been taken under the special protection of the Grand Duke Michael of Russia, who is now in residence at Keele Hall. On May 24th, steeplechase races wen? held at Keele Park, and on Thursday morning the larks' nest was discovered on the racecourse, near the winning post. Respite the races, file large number of carriages, and the crowds of people, who had passed over the course, the nest had escaped injury. Marks of horses' hoofs and carriage wheels were found perilously near to the .larks' little home, and in one case a wheel had evidently just grazed the outer edge. The Grand Duke Michael was told «f tin? strange discovery, and went to inspect the nest. There was another day's racing, but it was thought useless to have the nest removed, and so it was again left to the care of Providence. Again, on the following day, great crowds thronged the racecourse. Racehorses and carriages crossed and re-crossed the spot selected by the birds, but again the nest escaped scathless.

AYhen the nest was examined it was found that three young larks were hatched out, and the parent birds were busy feeding their youngsters.

The Grand Duke was informed of the birds' destruction, and lie at once issued instructions to the men oil the estate to carefully guard the larks and their home.