482 



GRALLATOKES. 



were^ of the sole of the foot. The plumage of the 

 Rallidae is soft and loose, and their wings, wdth few 

 exceptions, are short and rounded. They feed on 

 aquatic plants, grasses, and seeds, as well as on 

 worms, insects, and mollusca. They generally make 

 a large nest, and lay numerous eggs. 



They are divisible into two sul)-families, one of 

 which comprehends the Rails proper, the other the 

 (lallinule.s, or Moorhens. 



