THE RAILS. 209 
and near the coast. There are numerous varieties 
of the Rails, the most common of which are the 
Sora Rail and the Virginia Rail. They are both 
more or less abundant, during the summer months, 
as far northward as Massachusetts, but retire to the 
Southern States and Mexico to winter. The flight 
of these birds during their migrations is swift and 
long continued, and is performed with a constant 
beating of the wings. At other times they seem to 
possess but little activity, except in the use of their 
legs; their flight being slow and heavy, with the 
legs dangling, and seldom prolonged to any great 
distance. The Sora Rail, if pursued by the sports- 
man, after being forced to rise several times, will at 
last dive under the water and secrete itself beneath 
floating weeds, with its bill only above the surface. 
Respecting this bird Audubon says: “The most cu- 
rious habit or instinct of this species is the nicety 
of sense by which they can ascertain the last moment 
they can remain at any of the feeding grounds at 
which they tarry in Autumn. One day, you may see 
or hear the Soras in their favorite marshes, you may 
be aware of their presence in the dusk of evening; 
but when you return to the place early next morning, 
they are all gone. Yesterday the weather was mild, 
to-day it is cold and raw; and no doubt the Soras 
were aware that a change was at hand, and secured 
themselves from its influence by a prompt movement 
under night.” 
The plumage of the Rails, although plainly colored, 
is very soft and compact, particularly on the breast. 
ist Oo 
