CAROLINA RAIL. 121 



the birds affected as described, were all females of the 

 rallus Virginianus, or common rail. 



" The rail, though generally reputed a simple bird, 

 will sometimes manifest symptoms of considerable 

 intelligence. To those acquainted with rail shooting, it 

 is hardly necessary to mention, that the tide, in its flux, 

 is considered an almost indispensable auxiliary; for, 

 when the water is off the marsh, the lubricity of the 

 mud, the height and compactness of the reed, and the 

 swiftness of foot of the game, tend to weary the sports- 

 man and to frustrate hig endeavours. Even should he 

 succeed in a tolerable degree, the reward is not com- 

 mensurate to the labour. I have entered the marsh in 

 a batteau at a common tide, and in a well known haunt 

 have beheld but few birds. The next better tide, on 

 resorting to the same spot, I have perceived abundance 

 of game. The fact is, the rail dive, and conceal them- 

 selves beneath the fallen reed, merely projecting their 

 heads above the surface of the water for air, and remain 

 in that situation until the sportsman has passed them ; 

 and it is well known, that it is a common practice with 

 wounded rail to dive to the bottom, and, holding upon 

 some vegetable substance, support themselves in that 

 situation until exhausted. During such times the bird, 

 in escaping from one enemy, has often to encounter 

 another not less formidable. Eels and cat-fish swarm 

 in every direction prowling for prey, and it is ten to one 

 if a wounded rail escapes them. I myself have beheld 

 a large eel make off with a bird that 1 had shot, before 

 I had time to pick it up; and one of my boys, in 

 bobbing for eels, caught one with a whole rail in its 

 belly. 



" I have heard it observed, that on the increase of the 

 moon the rail improves in fatness, and decreases in a 

 considerable degree with that planet. Sometimes I 

 have conceited that the remark was just. If it be a 

 fact, I think it may be explained on the supposition 

 that the bird is enabled to feed at night, as well as by 

 day, while it has the benefit of the moon, and with less 

 interruption than at other periods." 



