262 LLOYD'S NATURAL HISTORY. 
“One curious feature noticed with a nestling, which had 
been upset into the river, was its power of rapid swimming 
and diving, when pursued. As soon as the hand was placed 
close to it, it rapidly dived into the dark water, in which it was 
impossible to see it, and would rise at distances of more than 
a yard away. Owing to this power the little creature managed 
to evade all my attempts to seize it, taking a refuge eventually 
far under the bushy growth, where it was impossible to pursue 
it. The prolonged immersion which a nestling will thus 
instinctively and voluntarily undergo, or which an adult bird 
will bear in an attempt to drown it, seems to me quite remark- 
able.” 
Nest.— Described above. 
Eggs.—Two appears to be the general number laid, or, in 
some cases, three. As many as six are recorded ina single 
instance, probably the result of two birds laying in the same 
nest. Oval in shape, and remarkably like those of the Com- 
mon Corn-crake. Ground colour pale buff or stone colour, 
marked with pale cloudy violet undermarkings and reddish- 
brown surface spots. Average measurements, 1°8 by 1°3 
Navel 
THREE-TOED QUAILS AND PLAIN-WANDERERS. 
ORDER HEMIPODII. 
The small Quail-like birds comprising this Order occupy a 
somewhat isolated position, and are not really very closely 
allied to the Gallinaceous birds, though, perhaps, nearer to them 
than to any other group. Some of their characteristics show a 
marked affinity to the Rails, and on the whole the most natural 
position for the Hemipodii appears to be one between these 
two great Orders of birds. 
Among the important skeletal characters may be noted the 
following :-— 
