126 A Visit, TO POEPARD Asian y= 
he hid himself as soon as he was observed. He 
resembled a moorhen in general appearance, 
but was larger and stouter, with a more 
pointed tail and also had a dull white or 
flesh-coloured beak, as well as a white patch 
on his head in front. This mark is very dis- 
tinctive, and has bestowed on him the name 
of ‘ Bald *Coot” or ° Baldicoot’>~ Hie miaees 
narrow white line across the wing to relieve 
his general blackness, but this is not well 
seen from a distance ; the legs and feet are 
green. The toes are peculiar, being expanded 
on both sides into flat round membranes each 
the size of half a sixpence, two or three to 
each toe. These add greatly to its swimming 
powers, and it spends much of its time on 
the water like a duck. Though thus partially 
web-toed, the bird is said to be a much better 
percher than the moorhen, and to be able 
even to climb a tree, being assisted in this 
respect by strong claws. It uses these toes 
with good effect in fighting, like the domestic 
cock. The bird’s single ‘ kraak’ is like the 
moorhen’s cry but sharper and in a higher 
