IIIE SPOTTKD G.M.I.IMU.E.* 



The bird that has just been described is dispersed over Europe generally, and is found 

 also in many parts of Asia and Africa. It is about the size of a pigeon, and it weighs 

 about a pound. The upper plumage is dark olive green, inclining to black ; the under 

 plumage is deep bluish-gray, with white on the under tail-coverts and the edges of the 

 wings, and there is also some dull white on the belly and thighs. The feathers on the 

 flanks, which are loose and pendant, and hang over the upper parts of the thighs, are 

 black, with streaks of white. The bill, which is about an inch in length, is thick and 

 strong, arched in both mandibles towards the tip, and with the upper projecting a little ; 

 it is greenish at the tip, and reddish towards the base. 



This bird swims gracefully, and dives not only to avoid danger, but often to obtain 

 food, as it has been taken by lines baited for eels. It feeds habitually on insects, aquatic 

 worms, the larva) of dragon-flies, &c. When suddenly surprised on the bank, where it 

 may often be seen at rest, it dashes into the water, where, half flying, half running over 

 the surface, it makes its retreat. Its actions are smart and lively, and render it an 

 interesting appendage to ornamental sheets of water. 



The Spotted Gallinule, of which we now give a representation, is also extensively 

 known. It is found in the southern parts of Russia ; it is rare in the north of Germany 

 and in Holland ; it is more common in France and Provence ; but it is most frequently 

 met with in the southern and eastern parts of Europe. 



The spotted gallinule is one of Britain's summer visitants, breeding in marshes over- 

 grown with reeds and sedges. Its nest, formed of coarse aquatic plants, but having a 

 lining of softer materials, is built on the wet ground, and often at the edge of the water. 

 Here it deposits eight or ten eggs, of a pale reddish- white, spotted and speckled with 

 dark reddish-brown. A naturalist says : " There can be no doubt that the spotted 

 gallinule breeds in the marshes of Norfolk. AYe have seen a considerable number of its 

 eggs in Yarmouth, which, as well as its young, 

 that place." 



The flesh of a water-hen, in good season, when accustomed to a neighbouring wheat 

 or barley stubble, is juicy and well-flavoured. 



were found in the neighbourhood of 



* Rallus Poizana. — Linn. 



