444 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 
by reason of its retired habits and the manner in 
which it can run through and conceal itself amongst 
the thick reeds and rank herbage which it constantly 
frequents, it 1s not so often seen as might be sup- 
posed. The power it has of squeezing itself through 
small holes and amongst the most matted and 
thickest cover may be at once imagined from the 
extreme narrowness of the breast-bone, which, when 
compared with that of other birds of about the same 
size and weight, shows a most marked difference ; 
for instance, compare it with the Fieldfare or the 
Snipe, of which the measurements are as follows :— 
FIELDFARE. 
Extreme breadth of breast-bone 7 lines. 
sf length of breast-bone : Tie 
Depth of keel : i GO 
Whole length of the id yh 10 aime: 
Weight about 4 oz. 
SNIPE. 
Extreme breadth of breast-bone + lines. 
, length of breast-bone : 22 aes 
Depth of keel ‘ : ' ‘ 9 es 
Whole length of bird 5 ek Ours 
Weight about 4 oz. 
WATER Ratt. 
Breadth of breast-bone 3 lines. 
Length of breast-bone 13°, 
Depth of keel OS 
Whole length of bird 114 in. 
Weight about 44 oz. 
