448 THE SORA RAIL. 
to follow him when alarmed, for he will not rise again save under excep- 
tional circumstances. Immense numbers of these birds are slaughtered 
yearly, especially along the Atlantic Coast. They have this at least to recom- 
mend them,—that they are easy practice for juvenile hunters. ‘They afford 
less meat, however, than so many English Sparrows, and qualms of conscience 
male peor sauce. 
Taken tn 
Lerain Photo by 
County 5 the Author 
WHERE THE SORA HIDIS. 
TILE SWAMP IS TilE ONE SHOWN WITH THE PRECEDING SPECIES BUT TiHJE PICTURE WAS TAKSN 
ABGUT A WEEK EARLIER IN THE SEASON. 
Tho rightly counted shy, the Sora possesses one trait which brings it 
into frequent notice—curiosity. Often when I have been lying in a boat 
waiting for ducks among the aquatic plants, some little distance off shore 
and removed from the usual haunts of the Sora, I have heard sundry keks 
half apprehensive, half quizzical, followed by the plashing of light feet as 
a troop of the little Rails worked their way out and surrounded me, under 
pretense, indeed, of searching for food, but being all too plainly prompted 
by inquisitiveness. Dr. Howard Jones tells of similar experiences: “I have 
had them come up to me and peck my gum boots, and play with the gun 
” 
barrel as a bantam rooster does when teased 
