138 KRIDER'S SPORTING ANECDOTES. 



been found to contain minute fragments of 

 stone. 



The disposition of the rail is strongly marked 

 by petulance and curiosity. Although by no 

 means manifesting the restless and spirit-like 

 energy which distinguishes the snipe, they are 

 far from being the stupid birds which it has 

 pleased some writers, in their infinite wisdom, 

 to represent them. Like woodcock, they often 

 display ingenuity enough to baffle the sports- 

 man, and were it not for the advantage of the 

 tides, we should have little or no diversion to 

 boast of in rail shooting. They are so inces- 

 santly harassed during their stay among us, 

 and keep so closely to their coverts at low- 

 water, that it is almost impossible to acquire 

 any intimate acquaintance with their habits. 

 From what has been observed of their domestic 

 relations, we have no doubt that in their reedy 

 homes, in warmer climes afar, they are sociabJe 

 and frolicsome birds. 



When a person, totally unacquainted with the 

 habits of rail, is brought in a light skiff to the 

 very edge of the marshes, and informed that 

 myriads of the interesting birds which have so 

 long attracted the attention of the sportsman and 

 the naturalist, are at that moment sleeping, feed- 



