WATER-RAIL 179 
bank of a shallow trout-stream for about twenty yards until 
it reached the trunk of a sloping willow, which it ran up 
with all speed, not halting until it reached an outermost 
branch, on which it perched in safety. It is wonderful 
through what dense and tangled undergrowth a hunted 
Water-Rail can tread its way, the remarkably narrow breast 
and flanks being admirably adapted for such habits. It will 
also at times enter the water and swim to a place of 
safety. 
Flight.—As in the case of the Corn-Crake, the wing 
power of the Water-Rail must not be judged by the heavy, 
short and reluctant flight of the bird when suddenly flushed 
from cover. As yet I have not met with it at sea, but 
judging from the extremely light weight of its body (five 
ounces being the average) compared with its size! and from 
the proportionate size and shape of the wings, I have no 
doubt that when on migration its flight is rapid and buoyant. 
Besides, it has frequently been killed when striking lanterns, 
stronger’ evidence still of the rapid rate at which it can fly. 
Voice. — The ordinary voice, frequently heard during 
the breeding-season, is hoarse, though not loud. It has 
rather a croaking frog-hke sound (Newton). But the 
call-note of the male is much louder and is produced with 
ereat suddenness. Mr. Ussher says, its ‘‘ outbursts of 
hoarse cries are startling in summer, especially when a shot 
is fired; they give the idea that the bird is hit and screaming 
with pain, though often uttered without assignable cause. 
: When not excited, the bird produces a 
sound like continued grunting and squealing, each grunt 
being prolonged and “terminating In @ squealing sound 
though the latter is not shrill like that of a pig, ie 
Saunders syllables the voice as cro-o-o-an. 
Food.— Vegetable substances, as well as worms, slugs, and 
small water-snails, constitute fie diet. 
Nest.—This species breeds on marshes, usually select- 
ing a site where the soil is boggy and yielding. A 
favourite spot is in the midst of a dense bed of tall sedges, 
the nest being a little elevated on a tussock of such 
vegetation. The building-materials are reed and sedge- 
blades, with an admixture of a little grass. The nest is 
' The Water-Rail is about one inch longer in the body than the Corn- 
Crake, though it weighs one and a-half to two ounces less. Its wings are, 
however, somewhat shorter in proportion. 
