62 STOBIES OF BIKD LIFE 



through it and he will change his mind. Clapper rails, 

 sometimes termed " marsh hens," called constantly to each 

 other from their hidden retreats in the grass. At times 

 some of them must have been within a few yards of where 

 I stood, but so carefully were they concealed in their cov- 

 ered runways beneath the grass, and so closely did the 



markings of their feathers resemble their surroundings, 

 that, although a dozen of the birds would often be calling 

 near at one time, I was unable to catch sight of a single one. 

 A few of their nests were found. Some of these held as 

 many as twelve spotted eggs, although the most of those 

 examined had been deserted by the young. 



The clapper rail is about fifteen inches in length, includ- 



