94 Cahn, Food Habits of the Virginia Rail. [j&a. 



manipulated the longest of all the foods except the garter snake, 

 the largest caterpillar being soused continuously for a period of 

 twenty-one minutes. At the end of this time the caterpillar was 

 greatly reduced in size, as the bristles had become softened and 

 broken, and the body limp. The frogs were hammered into in- 

 sensibility in the water, where there was less chance of escape for 

 them than on land. It took but a very few — usually less than 

 six — vigorous thrusts of the long bill to put the frog in so helpless 

 a condition that its escape was impossible, yet much poking and 

 shaking followed before it was finally devoured. 



The surprise, however, came when the bird was given a DeKay's 

 snake (Storeria dekayi) measuring seven and one half inches in 

 length. It was hardly expected that the bird would attempt to 

 eat it, yet not only was the attempt made, but it proved successful 

 and apparently easy. The snake was attacked with vigorous 

 thrusts of the bill, and in a very short time was entirely helpless, 

 whereupon the Rail devoured it, beginning with the head. The 

 whole performance occupied less than fifteen minutes — ■ less time 

 than was required for the caterpillar — and was witnessed by a 

 large crowd of noisy students. 



The next day a second snake, this time the common Garter 

 variety (Thamnophis sirtalis) was introduced. This individual 

 measured just twelve inches when fully extended. The Rail at- 

 tacked it at once, but had a great deal of trouble subduing it. After 

 half an hour of intermittent attacks the first attempt was made to 

 swallow the snake. The first few inches went down easily, but 

 then quite suddenly the dazed victim managed to loop its body. 

 Further progress being thus rendered impossible, the bird pro- 

 ceeded to recall what it had already swallowed, and for a few min- 

 utes stabbed violently at the snake with its beak. Satisfied by the 

 passivity of the victim that all was now well, a second attempt was 

 made, with the same results and sequel. Many unsuccessful trials 

 followed in the next hour and a half, during which time the bird 

 exhibited great concern over the constant twitching of the last inch 

 of the snake's tail, and it was not until two strenuous hours had 

 elapsed that the reptile was finally swallowed. After gasping a 

 few times and settling the enormous meal into as comfortable 

 position as possible, the bird — now a most distorted individual — 



