WATER-RAIL. 55 



WATER- RAIL. 



BILCOCK. BROOK-RUNNER. RUNNER. 



PLATE CLXXX. FIGURE III. 



Rallus aquaticus, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



rpiHE nest of this species, which is built of sedge, 

 -L flags, and grass, is abstrusely concealed among 

 the thickest herbage; frequently in willow beds. Mr. 

 Wolley mentions one which was built upon rushes, 

 floating on the water, and another upon a clump close 

 to its margin. 



The eggs are covered with small specks of greyish 

 ash-colour and reddish brown, on a dull cream-coloured 

 white ground; some are almost spotless. They are 

 from seven to ten in number. 



