552 GALLINULA CHLOROPUS. 



which thus answered the purpose of a sail, and would have 

 carried the bird on at a good rate, even if it had not made 

 use of its oars. 



It often perches on the stumps or trunks of willows grow- 

 ing in the water or hanging over it, or rests on a tuft of turf, 

 where it may be seen standing on one foot, with its neck 

 drawn in. Its ordinary position when reposing, resembles 

 that of the Heron, the body being oblique, the legs straight, 

 the head retracted ; and in walking, it raises its feet high, 

 probably to prevent its long toes from being entangled. Early 

 in the morning, often even at any time of the day, if it sus- 

 pects no danger, it makes excursions into the fields or pas- 

 tures adjoining its watery retreat, and walks along precisely 

 with the air of a domestic fowl, searching for food. It is ex- 

 tremely vigilant when on shore, and on the least alarm, runs 

 off with great speed, throwing its body forward, and stretch- 

 ing out its neck. Its flight is heavy, straight, performed by 

 regular flappings, and very similar to that of the Corn Crake. 

 When flying over a short space, it allows its legs to dangle, 

 and when alighting on the water, enters it at a very low 

 angle, splashing it up with its wings, as is the manner of the 

 Coot and most species of the Duck tribe. In rising, also, it 

 moves a considerable way before fairly quitting the water, 

 which it strikes with its wings like the Gannet and most 

 aquatic birds. 



It is curious to observe with what facility the Water-hen 

 makes its escape, in circumstances in which one might at first 

 suppose it impossible for it to get off in security. Thus you 

 may come upon one feeding in a narrow ditch filled with 

 water. It instantly dives or flies off a short way, and when 

 you run up to the place where it has just alighted, and think 

 you are sure of it, you find no traces of its existence. Watch 

 as long as you please, no bird makes its appearance ; it has 

 sunk, and concealed itself somewhere along the margin, and 

 there it will remain, with nothing but its bill above the sur- 

 face, until you have departed, for it would require an eye 

 shaper than that of a lynx to discover it. Although, when 

 accustomed to the molestation of man, it is very vigilant, 

 easily alarmed, and always prepared for flight, it is less wary 



