THE LAND KAIL, OR CORN CRAKE. 



461 



Devonshire than in the counties farther east, and increases 

 in abundance as we advance northwards. In the north of 

 Ireland it is to be heard in every meadow and corn-field, 

 and here its incessant cry in the evenings is monotonous, 

 if not wearisome. In many parts of Scotland it is also 

 very common, and here it is much more frequently seen. 



THE LAND KAIL, OR CORX CRAKE. 



In waste lands, where it can find no continuous corn, it 

 takes refuge in patches of flags, rushes, or tall weeds, and 

 if watched for, may be seen leaving its place of conceal- 

 ment, and quietly walking along the grass, lifting its feet 

 high, and stooping from time to time to pick up its food, 

 consisting of worms, insects, snails, and seeds. 



The Land Rail is considered a delicate article of food, 

 and has long been prized as such. In France it used to 

 be termed, in old sporting phraseology, " King of the 

 Quails," the Quail being a bird which it much resembles 

 in colouring. 



The Corn Crake places its nest, which is composed of a 



