CORNCRAKE 279 



ground, and, like the partridge, is to some extent a bird of the 

 homestead. Yet it is rarely seen, for, of all skulking creatures, it is 

 the shyest, swiftest of foot, and most elusive. Its narrow, wedge- 

 like shape fits it to pass through the close, upright stems of the 

 grass with perfect ease, and, with head and neck extended as if 

 Hying, it runs in the grass as rapidly as a plover or partridge over 

 the smoothest ground. But though not seen it is heard, its low 

 creaking cry sounding incessantly from morning till night in 

 spring from the meadows and fields. This curious sound may be 

 imitated by rapidly passing the thumb-nail along the teeth of a fine 

 comb. The note is said to be uttered by the male, and is not often 

 heard after breeding begins. The nest is made at the end of May, 

 or in June, and is placed among growing corn or meadow grass, 

 and is formed of dry grass and leaves. Seven to ten eggs are laid, 

 reddish white in ground-colour, spotted with bright brown and 

 grey, 



The corncrake, or landrail, is found throughout the British 

 Islands, and is most abundant in rich pastures ; in southern 

 England and in Ireland it appears to be most numerous. At the 

 beginning of October it migrates, but birds are not unfrequently 

 met with in winter, particularly in Ireland. 



Moorhen. 

 Gallinula chloropus. 



Fore part of the bill yellow ; base and frontal plate red ; irides 

 red ; upper parts dark olive-brown ; head, neck, and under parts 

 slate-grey, with some white streaks on the flanks ; under tail- 

 coverts pure white ; legs greenish yellow, red above the tarsal joint. 

 Length, thirteen inches. In this species the female is larger and 

 more brightly coloured than the male. 



The moorhen is one of our most familiar wild birds ; for not 

 only is it common and generally distributed in the British Islands, 

 but where it is not molested, and the stream, or pond, or ditch it 

 inhabits is close to the homestead, it becomes almost domestic in 

 its habits, and will freely mix with the poultry and share their 

 food. Furthermore, it attracts a good deal of attention, and is 

 something of a favourite with most people, on account of its pretty 

 appearance and quaint, graceful carriage, as it moves over the turf 



