540 THE BIRDS OF YORKSHIRE. 



in the East Riding. It was afterwards placed in the York 

 Museum, as announced by Mr. J. Backhouse in the Naturalist 

 (1892, p. 308). 



A specimen in my possession was obtained while I was 

 shooting with the late R. F. Chilton, at the Teesmouth, 

 though on the Durham side of the river, on September i6th 

 1882 ; at the same time and place we also procured two 

 Spotted Crakes. 



The alleged example of this species, recorded as being 

 obtained at Goole (" Vertebrate Fauna of Yorkshire," p. 64), 

 proved to be an immature Spotted Crake. 



WATER RAIL. 



Rallus aquaticus (/,.). 



Resident in very limited numbers, and local. Also a winter migrant, 

 being then more numerous. 



The first Yorkshire reference to the Water Rail, so far as 

 is known, is contained in the Allan MS. in connection with 

 the Tunstall Museum (1791), thus : " Water Rail, Bilcock, 

 or Brook Ousel. Common in this kingdom in the North, 

 where it is seen in winter." (Fox's " Synopsis," p. 90.) 



Thomas Allis, in 1844, wrote : 



Rallus aquaticus. Water Rail Common near Doncaster ; very 

 scarce near Sheffield ; rare near Hebden Bridge ; also at Halifax ; 

 one specimen in immature plumage was shot at Salterhebble in that 

 neighbourhood ; common near Leeds ; not uncommon about Brid- 

 lington and York ; it is occasionally met with near Barnsley. 



A resident in limited numbers, and very local, the Water 

 Rail, owing to its solitary and skulking habits and the nature 

 of its haunts, often escapes observation. The nest has rarely 

 been found in Yorkshire, but young birds are occasionally 

 captured, and it may be desirable to give a detailed account 

 of the bird's status as a breeding species. In the south of 

 the county, according to Hatfield's " Historical Notices of 



