CHAPTER XLIX. 



THE MOOR HEN. 



[Qallinula chloropus.~\ 



" And far beneath, where slow they creep 

 From pool to eddy, dark and deep, 

 Where alders moist and willows weep." 



SIR WALTER SCOTT. 



THE moor-hen, or water-hen, very much resembles the coot in colour 

 and form; though in many respects of different habits, yet they 

 associate tog-ether during the breeding season, and their young are 

 reared in company with those of the latter. The moor-hen never 

 seeks the salt-water, but confines itself entirely to fresh ; and is never 

 seen confertus. It is by no means shy, but when undisturbed is as tame 

 as a domestic fowl. The croak of the moor-hen can never be mis- 

 taken when once the sportsman has become acquainted with the 

 sound j and it is familiarly known to every rustic. Its flesh is not 

 generally much esteemed ; but when dressed as a coot it is really a 

 very inviting dish. 



Moor-hens offer good practice to the young sportsman ;* they may 

 sometimes be easily driven from their hiding places at the waterside 

 by a dog ; and they generally present so fair a mark, that it would 

 seem impossible to miss them : but they will occasionally lie so close 

 when any one is near, that they require much pressing before taking 

 wing. The moor-hen makes but a sorry attempt at flying, its wings 

 being so far forward that its body and legs hang down in a most 

 awkward manner ; but this deficiency is made up in its pedestrian 

 powers : it runs with great rapidity, flicking up its tail, and exposing 

 the white feathers beneath it, with apparently insulting' contempt. 

 This bird also swims fast and with graceful attitude, nodding its 

 head at every stroke of the leg. 



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