VIRGINIA RAIL. 119 



found at other points in Southern Ontario, but the St. Clair Flats 

 seem to be its favorite breeding place. The extent of the marsh 

 .and the almost stagnant water appear to suit the taste of these birds, 

 and here they spend the summer and raise their young without 

 being disturbed. 



They are seldom seen on the wing, but become very noisy and 

 excited before rain, keeping up an incessant cackling, which, better 

 than anything else, gives an idea of the number that are moving 

 about under cover of the rushes. 



This seems to be the northern boundary of their habitat in 

 Ontario, for they are not found in the North-West, nor anywhere else 

 to the north of us. They arrive in May and leave in September. 



RALLUS VIRGINIANUS (LINN.). 

 81. Virginia Rail. (212) 



Coloration, exactly as in elegans, of which it is a perfect miniature. Length, 

 8i-10; wing, about 4; tail, about 1| ; bill, H-l; tarsus, !-!; middle toe, 



14-lf. 



HAB. North America, from British Provinces south to Guatemala and 

 Cuba. 



Nest, in a tuft of reeds or rushes, some of them bent down to assist in form- 

 ing the structure, which is usually placed close to the water. 



Eggs, six to nine, buff or creamy, speckled and blotched with reddish- 

 brown and obscure lilac. 



Although this cannot be said to be a numerous species, it is very 

 generally distributed, being found in all suitable places throughout 

 the Province. When not disturbed, it may be seen quietly wading 

 in the shallow ponds in search of its food, which consists of aquatic 

 insects, snails, worms, and the seeds of such grasses as grow near its 

 haunts. If alarmed, it at once takes to the rushes, and passes with 

 such swiftness along the covered runways which interlace the rush 

 beds, that it will elude the pursuit of an active dog, and avoid 

 exposing itself to the aim of the sportsman. 



It is found in the North-West, but is not abundant. 



In Southern Ontario it arrives early in May and leaves late in 

 September. 



