70 On the Ornithology of Wilts {^Lohipedidce]. 



it can both swim and dive with great ease. It remains with us 

 throughout the year. 



"Moorhen." {Gallinula Chloropm.) This is the most common 

 species of the whole family, for it may be seen on almost every 

 retired pond or lake, either swimming amidst the rushes with its 

 peculiar jerking motion, or alarmed at the presence of an intruder, 

 seeking the shelter of the most distant bank and the thickest sedge : 

 or as evening draws on, wandering over the newly-mown grass of a 

 hay-field, searching diligently for food. Though a shy bird, it is 

 more familiar and shows more confidence in man than the preceding 

 species, and has been known when undisturbed to become quite 

 tame. In the classic grounds at Walton Hall, the seat of the late 

 well-known naturalist, Mr. Waterton, where all birds were en- 

 couraged and protected, I have seen the Moorhens feeding just 

 beneath the drawing room windows, and not caring to move nearer 

 the water, even when a stranger approached. At Bowood, they 

 show great boldness, and at Draycot pond, where they are not 

 molested, they evince none of that timidity for which the race of 

 Rails is renowned. Where however they are not so protected, 

 and are surprized in an open space, ihej' will skim along the surface 

 of the water, partly flying, partly running, legs as well as wings 

 being actively employed, till they have hurried into thick cover. 

 They are conspicuous for the bright scarlet frontal plate or horny 

 shield which extends above the beak, and as they swim over the 

 pond, with a nodding motion of the head, examining every weed 

 on either side; or as they hurry through the meadows, in both 

 cases perpetuall}' jerking up their tails, they alwa3'8 seem in a 

 bustle, and as if they had no time to waste. 



LOBIPEDID^ {Lobe-feet). 



There is no more perfect example of the gradual transition from 

 one class of birds to another than is to be seen in the little family 

 of Lobefeet. Occupying a position as they do at the end of the 

 Order of Waders, and immediatel}' before that of the Swimmers, 

 we find them partaking of the anatomical structure as well as the 

 habits of both. They have neither the stilted legs and lengthened 



