196 RAIL. 



those acquainted with Rail-shooting, it is hardly necessary to 

 mention, that the tide, in its flux, is considered an almost in- 

 dispensable auxiliary; for, when the water is off the marsh, the 

 lubricity of the mud, the height and compactness of the reed, 

 and the swiftness of foot of the game, tend to weary the sports- 

 man, and to frustrate his endeavours. Even should he succeed 

 in a tolerable degree, the reward is not commensurate to the 

 labour. I have entered the marsh in a batteau, at a common 

 tide, and in a well-known haunt have beheld but few birds. The 

 next better tide, on resorting to the same spot, I have perceived 

 abundance of game. The fact is, the Rail dive, and conceal 

 themselves beneath the fallen reed, merely projecting their heads 

 above the surface of the water for air, and remain in that situa- 

 tion until the sportsman has passed them ; and it is well known, 

 that it is a common practice with wounded Rail to dive to the 

 bottom, and, holding upon some vegetable substance, support 

 themselves in that situation until exhausted. During such times, 

 the bird 5 in escaping from one enemy, has often to encounter 

 another not less formidable. Eels and cat-fish swarm in every 

 direction, prowling for prey; and it is ten to one if a wounded 

 Rail escapes them. I myself have beheld a large eel make off 

 with a bird that I had shot, before I had time to pick it up; and 

 one of my boys, in bobbing for eels, caught one with a whole 

 Rail in its belly. 



"I have heard it observed, that on the increase of the moon 

 the Rail improves in fatness, and decreases in a considerable 

 degree with that planet. Sometimes I have conceited that the 

 remark was just. If it be a fact, I think it may be explained on 

 the supposition, that the bird is enabled to feed at night, as well 

 as by day, while it has the benefit of the moon, and with less 

 interruption than at other periods." 



