OF NORTH AMERICA. AT 
makers have decided ‘that they shall be di- 
vorced, basing their decree upon the differ- 
ence in size ot birds. The size of this bird 
is: Extent, 63 feet; length, nearly 4 feet. 
56. KING RAIL. RED-BREAST RAIL. 
FRESH-WATER MARSH-HEN. 
Rallus elegans. 
Predominating color olive-brown, streaked 
with very dark brown; plain brown on top 
of head and neck ; chestnut-brown on wings ; 
reddish-brown below; lighter on the belly. 
‘The sides are darker and streaked with white. 
Length, 14 feet; extent, 2 feet. Bill and 
feet yellow-brown; eyes red. Is found in 
the fresh-water marshes of the eastern United 
States, south of lat. 40° N., where it skulks 
and hides in the high grass and_ reeds, 
and can even take to the water on approach 
of the dog, flying principally by night, and 
not starting easily when approached. They 
feed upon insects, reptiles and seeds of the 
aquatic plants and grasses. Their flesh is 
good, well flavored, and this, combined with 
their size, makes them a favorite game bird. 
He Ch APPER RATA SALT WATER 
MARSH-HEN. 
Rallus longirostris crepitans. 
Varieties — California Clapper Rail, Louis- 
lana Clapper Rail. 
