332 RURAL BIRD LIFE, 



the irregularity of its appearance. Landrails are seldorr* 

 known in the same numbers for even two successive- 

 seasons. One season they are abundant, and the still 

 evening air is laden with their cries ; the next, but 

 one or two birds will be heard. Now, from what I 

 have observed respecting this irregularity of appearance, 

 I find that when the birds occur in such large numbers, 

 and remain to breed, a rainy season almost invariably 

 occurs. The birds are therefore enticed to stop with us, 

 for a wet season must of necessity prove a successful 

 one for them, and one harmonising with their require- 

 ments. Again, I am also led to believe that when the 

 birds come in such vast numbers they are probably on a 

 more extended migration, and stay in certain districts 

 for a few days for rest and food. Probably, too, these 

 birds, unknown to us, vary their routes to the places 

 visited, and this, then, will explain their scarcity or 

 abundance in various seasons and in different localities ; 

 for it is just upon their arrival that we notice them in the 

 greatest abundance, and in a few days their numbers 

 materially decrease. Truly this motion of the Land- 

 rail is as yet almost completely enshrouded in mystery, 

 and our opinions on the matter, crude as they are, can 

 only be drawn from sources, at best, perplexing and un- 

 reliable. We will now return to our Rail hiding amongst 

 the vegetation, and as far as possible trace out his shy 

 and retiring habits. 



The Landrail pairs annually, and I have reason to 

 believe some little time after their arrival here. Before 

 that event (pairing) takes place, the birds are of a 

 wandering disposition, and indeed until a nesting ground 

 has been selected they are continually on the move. We 

 hear them calling in one particular field one evening, and 

 perhaps not again in that locality for several days. 



