depend the saving of a race from extinction. I flushed the pigeon, hoping that it 

 would direct its flight northward, and not rest until it had passed beyond the 

 limits of boys with slingshots and stones. It left its perch, but to my dismay 

 it shaped its course straight toward the heart of the smoky city. Good wishes 

 followed its arrowy flight, but the bird's life history is closed, as the last one died 

 a few months ago. 



The Purple Gallinule {lonomis martinicus) 



By Gerard Alan Abbot 



Length : 13 inches. 



Range : South Atlantic and Gulf states, casually northward to New York, 

 Maine and Wisconsin. 



This brilliant bird is common to the Southern states. It is generally asso- 

 ciated with the Florida gallinule, but is marked by more brilliant plumage. 



It has little of the aspect of a gallinule, but stands higher, and has its legs 

 more forward. As it walks, the neck is alternately bridled up or thrown forward, 

 and its short black and white tail is changed from a semi-erect to a perpendicular 

 position, with a flirting motion. As this bird walks over the tangled leaves and 

 stems of aquatic plants resting on the surface of the water, it moves with great 

 deliberation, frequently standing still and looking leisurely about. Ever on the 

 lookout for any danger that may menace it, at the least noise it hides among the 

 rushes. Only when its place of concealment is invaded is flight attempted, when 

 progress in the air is heavy and not well sustained. Its voice is loud and strong, 

 but has in it nothing remarkable. 



It is a near relation of the rails, and, like them, is a shy and timid bird. An 

 expert swimmer, but more inclined to wade. When walking it steps or strides 

 with dignity — a graceful walker. 



Worms, mollusks, and the fruit of aquatic plants are its food. It gathers 

 seeds and carries them to its beak with its claws, and it also makes use of them 

 in clinging to the rushes, where the water is very deep. 



The nest is a platform of reed stalks built in rushes over water or in marshes ; 

 eight to ten eggs are laid. Often builds sham nests. Cackles like a chicken. 



Feed the Winter Birds 



By W. M. Morrill 



From many quarters has the appeal been made of late to feed the non- 

 migratory birds at such times during the present winter as it will be impossible 

 for them to secure their natural food. It is very important that this be borne 

 in mind. There can be no better way to prepare for such contingency than to 

 procure at once and keep on hand grain or other food to be scattered judi- 



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