442 THE CAROLINA RAIL. 



animal, as well as vegetable life, but particularly the seeds 

 of weeds. 



How gracefully it walks along that floating log, moving 

 its head forward and backward in dainty dove-like jerks to 

 keep its center of gravity, and also jerking its tail forward 

 with a quick spreading motion. Leaving the log and trav- 

 ersing the floating debris, it slumps in and wades or swims 

 for a short distance without the least inconvenience. 



While traversing a marsh, in the beautiful days of Octo- 

 ber, one may every now and then see it start up from almost 

 under foot, and flying with apparent feebleness just above 

 the tops of the grass, with legs dangling carelessly down- 

 ward, drop suddenly out of sight again, to be put up a 

 second or third time perhaps, but finally depending 

 upon the strength and facility of its legs, rather than upon 

 its more feeble wings, for safety. Its body, too, becoming 

 almost as flat as one's hand at pleasure, can wedge its way 

 through sedges and rushes, almost with the ease of a mouse. 

 It is equally expert as a diver, clinging with its feet for 

 some time to the reeds under water, or, when compelled to 

 breathe, hiding dexterously under floating herbage, merely 

 protruding its head or bill above the surface. Being in 

 good requisition for the table, it has been extensively hunted, 

 especially about the marshes of Delaware and Chesapeake 

 Bays, where it is very numerous. Wilson gives a full 

 account of the manner of capturing these birds in his day — 

 a general slaughter, decidedly repulsive to good sense and 

 humane feelings. 



The nest, built here late in May, in its favorite localities, 

 is placed on a matted tussock of dried sedges or grasses. 

 It is quite basket-like, tied just above the water, neatly laid 

 of fine materials, well edged up, and having the tops of the 

 grasses elegantly woven together as a canopy over the nest. 



