NOTES. 477 



This species is more abundant in the early spring and 

 autumn than in the rest of the season ; and I infer from 

 this, that it breeds principally in the northern countries. 



Wilson describes its general habits in the following lan- 

 guage : 



" This species makes its appearance in Pennsylvania about the 

 first of October. Among the muddy flats and islands of the river 

 Delaware, which are periodically overflowed, and which are over- 

 grown with the reed, or wild oats and rushes, the Coots are found. 

 They are not numerous, and are seldom seen, except their places 

 of resort be covered with water : in that case, they are generally 

 found sitting on the fallen reed, waiting for the ebb of the tide, 

 which will enable them to feed. Their food consists of various 

 aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and, it is said, small fish. The Coot 

 has an aversion to take wing, and can seldom be sprung in its 

 retreat at low water : for, although it walks rather awkwardly, yet 

 it contrives to skulk through the grass and reeds with great speed ; 

 the compressed form of its body, like that of the Rail genus, being 

 Well adapted to the purpose. It swims remarkably well ; and, 

 when wounded, will dive like a duck. When closely pursued in 

 the water, it generally takes to the shore, rising with apparent 

 reluctance, like a wounded duck, and fluttering along the surface, 

 with its feet pattering on the water. It is known in Pennsylvania 

 by the name of the Mud-hen." 



NOTES. 



I continue Mr. Couper's valuable notes, made at Quebec, 

 Lower Canada : 



ARDEA HERODIAS. The adult is never seen in this latitude. However, 

 in the fall, the young pass this way to the Atlantic States. They breed near 

 Rice Lake, in Upper Canada. 



BOTAURUS LENTIGINOSUS. The Bittern breeds here, and appears to 

 be common. It prefers savannas to lakes ; and, as plenty of food is found on 

 the latter, probably this species may visit higher latitudes. 



NYCTIARDEA GARDENI. Common. Breeds on the island of Orleans, 

 east of Quebec, and in the woods adjoining the St. Lawrence. This bird 



