566 THE KAILS 



what in shape. (PL N.) Average size of 50 eggs, 2-1x1-41 in. [53*4x36 mm.]. 

 Both sexes take part in incubation, which lasts, according to Naumann, 20-21 

 days, while Mr. W. Evans's observations showed variation from the end of 

 the 21st day to the 23rd day from the laying of the last egg. In some cases, 

 however, incubation undoubtedly begins long before the clutch is complete, and 

 there is much difference in the state of incubation of the eggs. Occasionally eggs 

 may be found in the south of England by mid-March, but the more usual breeding 

 time is late in April or early in May. Probably two broods are frequently reared, 

 but as the nests are often robbed, and the hen will go on laying clutch after clutch 

 if the eggs are repeatedly taken, it is difficult to say whether the late hatches so 

 often met with are really second broods or not. [F. c. E. J.] 



5. Food. Chiefly aquatic plants ; also aquatic insects and molluscs ; 

 land insects and molluscs ; grain, grass, berries ; worms. The young are fed by 

 both parents largely on aquatic plants. [F. B. K.] 



The followng species are described in the supplementary chapter on "Rare 

 Birds ": 



Little crake, Porzdna pdrva (Scopoli). 



Baillon's crake, Porzdna pusilla (Pallas). [P. bailloni (Vieillot).] 



Carolina crake, Porzdna Carolina L. 



[Allen's gallinule, Porphtfrio alleni (Thompson).] [F. o. R. J.] 



