326 GEALLATOEES, OE WADING BIEDS. 



bordering brooks and small rivers are localities to which they 

 are peculiarly partial, inasmuch as they assist ready conceal- 

 ment from their enemies. Their flight is slow and heavy, and is 

 generally directed in a straight line, but little elevated above the 

 ground. Running, however, is the means they usually adopt for 

 escaping their pursuers, and by their numberless turns and wind- 

 ings they often succeed. But in some cases their efforts are of 

 such a feeble character that dogs catch them without difficulty, 

 and even the sportsman has been known to capture one with his 

 hands. 



Rails are solitary, differing in this from the majority of 

 migratory birds, which generally assemble in flocks previous to 

 undertaking long journeys. 



The nest is roughly constructed among the reeds and flags of 

 some quiet pond or river bank. The females lay from six to eight 

 eggs. The young ones run as soon as they are hatched, and grow 

 very rapidly. Their favourite food is worms, insects, and shrimps, 

 but they do not reject wild corn and other seeds. Their flesh 

 is considered delicate, and is certainly superior to that of the 

 Water Hen: in the autumn it acquires an exquisite flavour 

 in the estimation of French gourmands. 



Rails are very common in France. The species most abun- 

 dant there is the Land Rail, which is thus named from its habits 

 being more terrestrial than aquatic; besides, it gives a very 

 decided preference for fields, copses, heaths, and meadows. It is 

 vulgarly called the "King of the Quails," probably from frequent- 

 ing the same localities. They do not acquire their most perfect 

 condition till the end of summer ; this, therefore, is the proper 

 time to kill them. Twenty species of Rails are enumerated, which 

 are spread over the various countries of the globe. However, the 

 characteristic features of all are nearly alike. 



The COOT (Fulica) has a bill of moderate size, stout, tapering, 

 much depressed, with a well-developed frontal plate ; the toes are 

 slender, and edged with a broad, scalloped membrane. Their 

 plumage is glossy, soft, full, and blended, and impervious to 

 water. 



Coots are essentially aquatic, frequenting lakes, pools, and 

 marshes, and sometimes the shores of estuaries, bays, and gulfs. 



