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WATER RAIL. 



Rcdlus aquaticus, 



PLATE XXVIII. 



Rallus aquaticus, Zi/m. Ralle d'eau, TVmrw. -Velvet Runner, 

 Willough. Common or Water Rail of British authors. 



THE Water Bail is found in the fenny counties of 

 England, and, where there is an occasional marsh or 

 fen, through most of the other districts ; in Scotland 

 it occurs also in similar localities, but is accounted 

 far from abundant, though its apparent scarcity may 

 be attributable to its very shy and secluded habits. 

 During winter, in our own yicinity, we generally 

 see or procure a few specimens, in wet ditches which 

 do not soon freeze, and to which the bird at this 

 time resorts, being driven from its better covered 

 haunts by the severity of the storm ; in such places, 

 after being pursued, it will creep into some hole or 

 under cover, and allow itself to be taken by the 

 hand. In summer, we have shot it once or twice, 

 but have always been unable to discover the nest. 

 It utters a discordant croak in the evenings, and 

 during the while remains stationary, possessing the 

 same ventriloquial power as the corn crake. Out 



