278 TEANSACTIONS OF THE [1895 



doubt, however, that the bird has been seen here alive for the 

 past quarter of a century, and it might properly be retired from 

 the active list " (A. C, 100). 



Family Rallid^ — Rails, Gallinules and Coots. 

 Rallus elegans (208). King Rail. 



Fairly common summer resident of our fresh and brackish 

 marshes. At Patapsco Marsh they have been taken from May 

 17 ('93) to October 6 ('76, Resler), while on October 13 ('94) 

 I saw a small box of mixed game from Cumberland opened, 

 among others it contained one King Rail. 



At Tolchester, on May 30 ('91, Fisher), a nest containing 6 

 fresh eggs was found, and on June 15 ('91, Fisher), another 

 with 10 fresh eggs at the some place. 



Possibly some may winter during open seasons ; vide — " Two 

 King Sora were brought to Fredericksburg, Va., on Saturday 

 (Jan. 28, '93), by Mr. Geo. Newton, of Stafford, and presented 

 to Capt. M. B. Rowe. Xhe appearance of these birds at this 

 season is said to be quite remarkable, as they generally leave on 

 the first appearance of frost " ( Va. item in the Sun paper). 

 Stafford is about 6 miles from the Potomac. In January, 1895? 

 Mr. Scoggins received two King Rail " from the Rappahannock." 



Rallus longirostris crepitans (211). Clapper Rail. 



Possibly resident in southern Maryland except when driven 

 out by severe frost; this species, where not persecuted by 

 pot hunters is fairly numerous on salt water marshes during 

 summer. On May 17 ('93), 3 M^ere shot on Patapsco Marsh, 

 one, a female, contained a large number of eggs in the ovary, 

 some quite large, and one in the ovaduct already spotted and 

 ready for extrusion. Noted at Hagerstown in October, '79 

 (Small). 



Rallus virginianus (212). Virginia Rail. 



Common during migration, a few remain during summer. On 

 July 8 ('92, Wholey) a specimen was taken at Sandy Point, near 



