LANDRAIL. 183 



well Fen : this was on the 8th of July, 1831. These 

 eggs were not very unlike those of the landrail, but 

 of a whiter hue, with the spots smaller and much 

 less numerous. 



The body of the water-rail is strongly compressed, 

 and admirably adapted for enabling the bird to insi- 

 nuate itself between the reeds and high stems of 

 sedge, which abound in the localities which it mostly 

 haunts. The legs are long, and placed far behind, 

 with a small space bare above the knee ; the toes 

 likewise are long, and divided to their very origin. 

 The wings are remarkably short, and but ill calcu- 

 lated for flight. Annexed to the bastard winglet is 

 a small but sharp spur, two lines in length. Query, 

 if this is equally developed in both sexes ? 



LANDRAIL. * 



SOME seasons landrails are not uncommon in the 

 grass meadows adjoining this village, and may often 

 be heard in the evening uttering their peculiar harsh 

 cry ; in others, not one is to be found. One thing 

 always very much strikes me whilst listening to this 

 bird, and that is the wonderful rapidity with which 

 it seems to change its place in the field, judging from 

 the note, which, from being one minute close at 

 hand, in a few seconds will be so distant as to be 

 almost out of hearing. Landrails are noted runners, 

 and thread their way through the long grass with 

 great swiftness ; but whether they really have the 



* Crex pratensis, Bechst. 



