j , KALLbS VIH 1 yj A y US. 



Avei-ni;-e iiieasuiT iiicnts of'^pceimen'^ iVoni Eastern Nurtli America. Length, 9-25; .stretch, IS'SO; winir, :i-95; tail, 1-45; 

 bill, lirr, tarsus, I'S'J. I.oiigc't specimen, 9-7S; greatest extent of wing, 14-0{i; longest wing, 4 30, tail, 1-75; bill, 1'62: 

 tarsus, 1-40. S-liurtest specimen, 9'50; smallest extentuf wing, )3-ii0; shortest wing, 3 40; tail, 1 50; bill, 1 0,5; tarsus, 1'25. 



DnSCRlPTlON OF NESTS AND EGGS. 

 Nes!s, placeil on the ground in marsiiv places, com ijoseil of grass, weeds, etc. Eijys, from eight to ten in number, 

 oval in form, creamy in color, sparcely spotted and dotted with reddish-brown and lilac. Dimensions from 'QOx 1-20 to "9.5 

 X 1-30. 



IIAIUTS. 



One hot July day, when I wjis a small boy, I was lying at full length in a meadow, 

 in order th;tt I might quench my thirst from a cool spring that w;is so thickly suri'ounded 

 ]iy wa'icr docks, grass, and olhcr herbage, as to be nearly hidden. I had taken a long 

 draught, when a clnickling sound attracted my attention, and looking up, I saw what then 

 appeared to aie to be a singular bird, witli a, long, sword-shaped bill, standing by the edge 

 of the spring within a foot of my head, quietly gazing at me. As I raised my head, he 

 gave a quick nod or two, as if to say, "That's all right." then turned and walked slowly 

 awa,', ivith a stately, swinging gate, evidently satisfied that I was too small to be consid- 

 ered :it all dangerous. It was some years after this event, that I saw a Virginia Rail with 

 his proper cognomen attached, but I at once recognized the bird as being similar to the 

 guardian of the spring in the meadow. The Virginia Rails inhabit the wet, fresh water 

 marshes from Canada, to Florida, but appear to prefer those which are partly grown up to 

 bushes. This propensity I could not explain, until I saw one in the aviary of Mr. August 

 Koch who has fitted up an abode for captive birds with great care, having a fountain, mini- 

 ature pond, rock work with grottos, all embellished with numerous plants, among which 

 are some vines that twine up to the ceiling. One of the most attractive birds, among the 

 nianv winch Vncd in this enclosure, was the Rail mentirmcd, which was i|uitc tame, ;tiid 

 which e\idrnll\ hrluiNcd luiu-li as it would ha\e in its uati\'e. swainp. It led readily, wad- 

 ed about in the water, and when slightly alarmed, would take refuge among tlie surround- 

 ing ferns, etc.; but what surprised me most, was to see it climb up the vines, which it did 

 with the utmost ease, clinging to the branches with its long claws, and in this way, it oft- 

 en readied the top, some ten feet from the ground. The bird was evidently hunting for 

 insects and this habit was probably acquired when among the bushes in the meadows. 



When only slightly alarmed, the Virginia Rails utter a chuckling sound, but if badly 

 frightened or greatly annoyed, especially during the nesting season, when they have young, 

 they will emit a sharp squeak, but their regular notes are harsh scream.s, usually given at 

 night. These Rails breed early in June, building on some slightly elevated spot, either 

 in the grass or among the bushes, and when their domiciles are approached, the birds qui- 

 etly leave them. The young leave the nest as soon as hatched, and run nimbly through 

 the grass. They lieconie scattered somewhat during the day, but towanl night, they will 

 utter sharp cries, in order that the adults may know of their whereabouts, and then the 

 entire brood will gather beneath the parent for warmth. I have, on sevenl occasions, cap- 

 tured these little black Rails in the evening, having ascertained where they were by hear- 

 ing them peeping. When taken young, they become very tame, feeding readily upon bits 

 of meat or insects, behaving much like young chickens. They are, however, very delicate 



