29 
frequenting swampy places, where they conceal 
themselves among the thick herbage; and their 
power of swimming, diving, and hiding their body 
under water. ‘This, and the last-named species, 
appear to have been confounded with each other, 
which is not at all surprising, as they are both 
about the same size and colour, except that the 
white markings on the back and scapula of Baillon’s 
Crake are much more numerous and distinct than 
those of this species. Their habits also appear to 
be similar, and their usual haunts are doubtless the 
same. Specimens of both birds have been ob- 
tained from the same countries. Their manner of 
nesting, and the number and colour of their eggs, 
are also identical. 
C RAK he Se Or hE ED, 
SpoTTED GALLINULE. 
GALLINULA PORZANA, Zemm. 
This bird, which is more common than either of 
the two preceding species, is a summer visitor to 
this country, frequenting low swampy situations, 
where reeds, rushes, and other coarse herbage offer 
a place of concealment beside pools and streams. 
Being a shy, wild, and solitary bird, it is with 
difficulty made to rise, and consequently is not 
often seen. Its nest, formed of rushes and other 
light materials, is constructed on the ground, close 
