( 204 ) 



in the tottering skiff, is exceedingly irksome, and does not compare 

 with the exhilarating sport when following a fine and well broken 

 dog through a pleasant country, in search of the game just men- 

 tioned, the pursuit of which produces that fine flow of spirits which 

 waits on healthy circulation, and lends a charm to sporting. 



In the spring of the year, when passing on to the North, it tar- 

 ries a short time on its favorite marshes to recruit, and with but 

 little delay continues its journey, which, according to Dr. Richard- 

 son, extends to the 62d parallel. At the approach of autumn, it is 

 seen on its return, travelling southward as the season advances. — 

 Its migrations at this period extend beyond the southern limits 

 of the Union. 



In the markets at New Orleans, during winter, I did not observe 

 this or the former species, but found the Clapper Rail in abundance. 



Its choice of food is wild oats, from which its flesh derives an 

 exceedingly delicate flavor. In autumn it gets very fat, and is much 

 sought after by the lovers of good living. In some instances, when 

 frost occurs in the early part of the season, and the weather returns 

 warm, it revisits its favorite haunts, from which it had been driven 

 by the untimely cold. In the early part of October it disappears. 

 On Long Island, it is known to the gunners by the name of Eng- 

 lish Rail. 



ORT YGOMETRA NOVEBORA CENSIS— LATHAM. 



YELLOW-BREASTED CRAKE GALLINULE. 



Rallus noveboracensis, Bonap. Syn. 



Yellow-breasted Rail, Rallus noveboracensis, Sw. & Rich. 



Yellow-breasted Rad, Nutt. Man. 



Yellow-breasted Rail, Rallus noveboracensis, Aud 



Specific Character — Bill, along the gap, five-eighths of an inch ; 

 tarsi eleven-sixteenths. Adult male with the upper parts brownish 

 black ; the feathers margined with dull yellow, crossed with narrow 

 white bars from the crown the tips of the tail feathers ; fore neck 



