W8 



THE SORA RAIL. 



in follow him when alarmed, for he will not rise again save under excep- 

 tional circumstances, immense numbers of these birds are slaughtered 

 yearly, especially along the Atlantic Coast. They have this at least to recom- 

 mend them, — that they are easy practice for juvenile hunters. The) afford 

 less meat, however, than so many English Sparrows, and qualms of conscience 



Tho rightly counted shy, the Sora possesses one trait which brings it 

 into frequent notice — curiosity. Often when I have been lying in a boat 

 waiting for ducks among the aquatic plants, some little distance off shore 

 and removed from the usual haunts of the Sora. I have heard sundry kcks 

 half apprehensive, half quizzical, followed by the plashing of light feet as 

 a troop of the little Kails worked their way out and surrounded me. under 

 pretense, indeed, of searching for food, but being all to,, plainly prompted 

 by inquisitiveness. Dr. Howard Jones tells of similar experiences: "I have 



had them come up to me and peck my gum 1 ts, and play with the gun 



barrel as a bantam rooster does when teased." 



