236 Tue Birps Asout US. 
posed to know the little rail as well as the chipping 
sparrows in the garden; better, in fact, for they are a 
common bird upon the table when in season. This 
bird comes to the Middle States in May and goes on 
northward, breeding in the New England States as a 
rule, but Dr. Warren states that it nests in various 
parts of the State (Pennsylvania). In the early sum- 
mer the habits of this rail-bird are precisely those of 
the other species, and the clicking sound they make 
not unlike that of the king-rail, but not so loud. 
Late in July these birds begin to congregate on the 
marshes of our larger rivers, and where there is an 
abundant food-supply there the rails will gather in 
hundreds. It is no uncommon occurrence for two 
men, one pushing the boat and the other shooting, 
to bag one hundred of these birds ina day. Their 
flight at this time of the year is so slow that the bird 
when it rises presents an easy mark; but when it is 
satisfied to run rather than fly, it is difficult for a 
spaniel to overtake it. 
In every marsh, particularly towards the close of 
summer, besides the various species mentioned, will 
be found a few little Yellow-breasted Rails. They 
offer in habits no peculiarities ; and in the same locali- 
ties where these birds occur are found two rail-like 
birds that present a rather striking appearance as 
seen standing on the edge of a little pool, or running 
a few steps before taking wing. These birds are the 
Gallinules. There are two, known as the Purple and 
Florida Gallinules, and as seen stalking along the 
grassy shore of some retired pond or quiet reach of 
river-shore, the two birds look very much alike. 
