j38 Camera Craft Notes. [,^t 



Emu 

 Jar 



Spotless Crake. — A nest of the Spotless Crake (Porzana 

 immaculata) was found by me in the school swamp on the 28th 

 November, 1914. It was built among rushes and reeds over five 

 feet in height, and was placed three feet above the muddy wa,ter. 

 The eggs were fresh, and, knowing from previous observations 

 that the period of incubation is 16 to 18 days, I did not look at 

 the nest again until the 15th December, when the three eggs were 

 slightly chipped. Early next morning I again visited the nest, 

 and one chick was out. It immediately dived over the nest into 

 the slush beneath, and a long time elapsed before I found it. I 

 then brought mv camera to the nest. 



.1 



Spotless Crake's Nest, with Chick and Eggs. 



FROM * PHOTO. BY MISS) J. A. FLETCHER. 



As the little Crake would not sit stiU, I made it a prisoner in 

 my camera case for the nonce. Focussing was exceedingly difficult, 

 owing chiefly to the unstable conditions of the boggy ground. 

 When all was ready I placed the chick in the nest. It lay still 

 for an instant, and I exposed a plate. Young Crakes and Rails 

 are difficult subjects for the photographer, as they hide immedi- 

 ately the rushes are parted. A nestful of Crakes is a pretty sight. 

 The down of the little birds is a beautiful, shining, greenish-black. 

 I found a nest at 5 a.m. this morning, but I had barely time to 

 count three fledgelings before the nest was empty. — (Miss) J. A. 

 Fletcher. Springfield (Tas.), 20th November, 1915. 



