448 



THE SORA RAIL 



to follow him whin alarmed, for he will not rise again save under excep- 

 tional circumstances. Immense numbers of these birds are slaughtered 

 yearly, especially along the Atlantic Coast. They have this at least to recom- 

 mend them, that they are easy practice for juvenile hunters. They afford 

 less meat, however, than so many English Sparrows, and qualms of conscience 

 make pror sarce. 



WHERE THE SORA HIDES. 



Tho rightly counted shy, the Sora possesses one trait which brings it 

 into frequent notice curiosity. Often when I have been lying in a boat 

 waiting for ducks among the aquatic plants, some little distance off shore 

 and removed from the usual haunts of the Sora, I have heard sundry kcks 

 half apprehensive, half quizzical, followed by the plashing of light feet as 

 a troop of the little Rails worked their way out and surrounded me, under 

 pretense, indeed, of searching for food, but being all too plainly prompted 

 by inquisitiveness. Dr. Howard Jones tells of similar experiences : "I have 

 had them come up to me and peck my gum boots, and play with the gun 

 barrel as a bantam rooster does when teased." 



