236 THE BIRDS ABOUT Us. 



posed to know the little rail as well as the chipping 

 sparrows in the garden ; better, in fact, for they are a 

 common bird upon the table when in season. This 

 bird comes to the Middle States in May and goes on 

 northward, breeding in the New England States as a 

 rule, but Dr. Warren states that it nests in various 

 parts of the State (Pennsylvania). In the early sum- 

 mer the habits of this rail-bird are precisely those of 

 the other species, and the clicking sound they make 

 not unlike that of the king-rail, but not so loud. 

 Late in July these birds begin to congregate on the 

 marshes of our larger rivers, and where there is an 

 abundant food-supply there the rails will gather in 

 hundreds. It is no uncommon occurrence for two 

 men, one pushing the boat and the other shooting, 

 to bag one hundred of these birds in a day. Their 

 flight at this time of the year is so slow that the bird 

 when it rises presents an easy mark ; but when it is 

 satisfied to run rather than fly, it is difficult for a 

 spaniel to overtake it. 



In every marsh, particularly towards the close of 

 summer, besides the various species mentioned, will 

 be found a few little Yellow-breasted Rails. They 

 offer in habits no peculiarities ; and in the same locali- 

 ties where these birds occur are found two rail-like 

 birds that present a rather striking appearance as 

 seen standing on the edge of a little pool, or running 

 a few steps before taking wing. These birds are the 

 Gallinules. There are two, known as the Purple and 

 Florida Gallinules, and as seen stalking along the 

 grassy shore of some retired pond or quiet reach of 

 river-shore, the two birds look very much alike. 



