534 CREX PRATENSIS. 



met with any of these persons, and had considered the state- 

 ment made as discredited by all well-informed people, until, 

 in the Historia Naturalis Orcadensis, published in 1848, I 

 found the story solemnly repeated : — " There is good reason 

 for believing that this bird remains the whole year in Orkney. 

 This idea is supported by the fact that Land-Rails, even in 

 good condition, as in harvest, are unequal for long flights, and 

 on their first appearance in summer are so lean, and in such a 

 weakly state, as to be unable to fly beyond a few yards. More- 

 over, they have never been observed taking their departure, 

 as is the case with other birds of passage. Besides, we have 

 the positive proof, that they have been frequently seen here 

 during winter. One was observed at Lopness, in December, 

 1812, and another in Ronsay, in February, 1847 ; and upon 

 several occasions, when digging up old turf-dykes, Land- 

 Rails have been found in them in a torpid condition." A 

 still more extraordinary " vulgar error " is cherished in Ire- 

 land, it being there, according to Mr. Thompson, " believed 

 that the Corn Crake becomes a Water-Hen in winter." 



