EALLID.E. 



483 



SUB-FAMILY I. 



Kallix^. 



llie Rails proper. 



Gen. Chahac. — Bill more or less long and slender, with the culmen keeled 

 and curved at the apex, and the sides compressed ; the nostrils lateral, with 

 the opening placed in a membranous groove ; the wings moderate, with the 

 first quills usually graduated ; the tail mostly short and rounded ; the tarsi 

 long and slender ; the toes more or less long and slender, and free at their 

 base. 



Fig. 190.— the wates-hail. 

 {Hallus aquaticus.) 



The birds composing tliis sub-family are fomid in 

 all temperate climates. Tliey inhabit marshes and 

 the borders of rivers^ more especially those fringed 

 with reeds or aquatic plants adapted to afford them 

 refuge^ and between which the compressed form of 

 their body enables them to pass with facility. Their 

 flight is awkward and slow, but they are capable of 

 swimming and diving, and, from the length of their 

 toes, can run over the surface of the water, supported 



