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with by sportsmen when in pursuit of other game. Like the rest 

 of the Genus, it reluctantly takes wing — and when pursued by 

 dogs, trusts to its legs until that mode of progression is deemed no 

 longer safe. It runs with great swiftness, and is capable of contin- 

 uing its rapid and irregular course through the close grass for several 

 minutes ; and if not followed by an active dog, avoids pursuit with- 

 out exposing itself to the sportsman's aim. 



Though not usually observed on water of any considerable depth, 

 still, when safety requires, it swims and dives well ; but it prefers 

 wet ground and shallow water, that it can wade through without 

 swimming. 



The food of the Virginian Rail consists of aquatic insects, worms, 

 snails, and the seeds of various grasses that are produced on the 

 marshy grounds that it inhabits. Its flesh, though not particularly 

 delicate, meets with ready sale, and it is frequently brought to our 

 markets in the early part of April. According to Mr. Audubon> 

 it is distributed through the country and along the Atlantic shores, 

 from Texas to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, breeding in all 

 the districts. The eggs, though smaller, resemble in color those of 

 the preceding. 



RALLUS ELEGANS— AUDUBON. 

 GREAT RED-BREASTED RAIL.OR FRESH-WATER MARSH HEN, 



Specific Character — Bill, along the gap, two inches and three 

 quarters ; length of tarsi two inches ; sides and fore part of neck 

 and the breast bright orange-brown ; " Iris bright red." Total 

 length of the specimen before us seventeen inches, wing six and 

 three quarters. 



Adult, upper part of head and hind neck dull brown ; from the base 

 of the upper mandible over the eye a dull white line, terminating 

 with brownish orange ; lower eyelid white ; loral space, and a 

 band behind the eye dusky ; upper parts of the body brownish 

 black ; the feathers broadly margined with light olive-brown ; wing 

 27 



