RAILS. 



281 



green, but the base of the former as well as the 

 forehead-shield, and that part of the leg just 

 above the heel, are bright scarlet. 



MOOR-HEN. 



The Moor-hen may often be seen swimming in 

 the open water of rivers and ponds ; which it does 

 with much grace and swiftness, with a nodding 

 motion of the head ; it frequently picks floating 

 seeds, shells, or insects, from the surface. It is 

 very wary, and on the approach of an intruder it 

 either dives, or rising just high enough to flap its 

 wings, flutters along the surface with much plash- 

 ing, to gain the nearest cover. In the former 

 case, it swims a long way beneath the surface 

 before it rises again, aiding its progress by striking 

 vigorously not only with the feet, but also with 

 the short and hollow wings, which are expanded. 



