29 



frequenting swampy places, where they conceal 

 themselves among the thick herbage ; and their 

 power of swimming, diving, and hiding their body 

 under water. This, and the last-named species, 

 appear to have been confounded with each other, 

 which is not at all surprising, as they are both 

 about the same size and colour, except that the 

 white markings on the back and scapula of Baillon's 

 Crake are much more numerous and distinct than 

 those of this species, Their habits also appear to 

 be similar, and their usual haunts are doubtless the 

 same. Specimens of both birds have been ob- 

 tained from the same countries. Their manner of 

 nesting, and the number and colour of their eggs> 

 are also identical. 



CRAKE, SPOTTER 



SPOTTED GALLINULE. 



G-ALLINULA PORzANA, Tetnm> 



This bird, which is more common than either of 

 the two preceding species, is a summer visitor to 

 this country, frequenting low swampy situations^ 

 where reeds, rushes, and other coarse herbage offer 

 a place of concealment beside pools and streams. 

 Being a shy, wild, and solitary bird, it is with 

 difficulty made to rise, and consequently is not 

 often seen. Its nest, formed of rushes and other 

 light materials, is constructed on the ground, close 



