UP TUB RIVER 



381 



Rails fly well enough when they once get started, and 

 go a long way without stopping. But they are lazy 

 about it in their summer homes, where they only flap 

 up and then dodge down again to hide ; so they are 



Virginia Rail. 



easy shooting — too easy to be any sport. It's what I 

 call killing, not hunting." 



" What a strange note they have," said Ivap. ''Some- 

 thing like a Woodpecker's call." 



''Yes, but you sliouhl licar tlie noise they make in 

 spring, Avhen there are crowds ot" birds along tlie river 

 and back in the meadows. The Redwin<^s and Meadow- 



