RED RAIL. 369 



presented to it, shaking it like a dog. It uttered 

 in rapid succession the most deafening screams. 



The long beak, and the spurs upon the wing- 

 let, distinguish this species from our other Rails. 



RED RAIL.* 

 IVater Partridge. 



Rallus concolor. — mihi. 



The gallinaceous form common to the Rails, 

 and the red hue of this species have given to it the 

 provincial name of Water Partridge. It affects fresh- 

 water morasses, and secluded streams, rather than 

 saline swamps, aud is found even on the moun- 

 tain acclivities. I have shot it skulking among the 

 aquatic weeds at Basin Spring. As it roams, it 

 utters at intervals of a few seconds, a cluck, like 

 a hen. The remarkable thinness of body, common 

 to all this tribe, beautifully adapts them for making 

 their way through close herbage. 



It is sometimes seen perched on a low tree by 

 the road-side, at which time it seems to have lost 

 its usual shyness, and sits looking at the sports- 



* Length 10 inches, expanse 15§, flexure 4^, tail 2, rictus l-J^, tar- 

 sus 1^, middle toe l^- Irides vermillion ; beak yellowish-green, black- 

 ish above ; feet dull purplish-crimson, or pink. Plumage reddish-brown, 

 dark on back and wings ; brighter and redder on sides ; paler and more 

 ashy on belly. Wing-quills blackish. 



