THE LAND-RAIti. 201 



sometimes assists in the nurture of its young. During the summer I have 

 remarked the continued presence of a Cuckoo in a particular spot, and 

 imagined it might be for the above object. Nevertheless, I cannot believe the 

 fact, although admitted as such, to be of common occurrence. For we must, 

 in this event, suppose either that the Cuckoo lays but a single egg, or that 

 her eggs are laid in nests contiguous to each other, or that she passes from 

 one locality to another, and visits her young in succession, neither of which 

 suppositions are satisfactory. In the present instance no Cuckoo had been 

 seen or heard in the garden since the discovery of the spurious nestling, and 

 in another instance that has come under my observation this summer, the 

 total absence of the Cuckoo seems equally certain. 



We have more to learn regarding the peculiar habits of the Cuckoo, and 

 I trust the pages of your journal may offer other communications from 

 correspondents on the subject. 



Comhe Vicarage, Hants, July 14<^., 18 j4. 



THE LAND-RAIL, CORN-CRAKE, OR DACRE HEN, 

 {OliEX PBATENSIS.) 



BY JOHN DIXON, ESQ. 



From my ^^Calendar of Observations," this bird seems to have generally 

 arrived in our district the second week in May, between the 8th. and 12th.: 

 a few earlier arrivals have been noted; some at the latter end of April; it 

 is, however, unusual to hear them before the dates first mentioned. This 

 present year they have been a little later than common, probably from con- 

 trary winds, which often have more effect in retarding the arrival and 

 departure of migratory birds, than a continuance of cold or wet weather. 

 When I speak of being "later than common," it must be understood as applying 

 to this district only; other observers near the coast will perhaps be able to 

 furnish different data. This bird cannot be called rare in Yorkshire, being 

 heard during the summer months almost throughout the county; there may 

 be a few solitary spots where it is rather scarce, but this, no doubt, can be 

 traced to the nature of the country not being compatible with its habits; but 

 if you have damp meadows, or sheltered corn patches, where the vegetation 

 is rank enough to afford secure protection and a supply of food, you will be sure 

 to hear its welcome note, not only throughout the livelong day, but a goodly 

 portion of the night. It seems of a very restless habit, and in warm moon- 

 light weather, I have heard it "crake" until an early hour in the morning; 

 its solitary cry echoing through the profound silence that reigns on everything 

 around. It possesses the power of ventriloquism to a certain extent; for 

 sometimes you fancy yourself close upon it, when the next moment it is far 

 distant — too far in fact to be gained by running, yet leaving no doubt as to 

 the notes issuing from one and the same bird. 



