RED RAIL. 369 



presented to it, shaking it like a dog. It uttered 

 in rapid succession the most deafening screams. 



The long beak, and the spurs upon the wing- 

 let, distinguish this species from our other Rails. 



RED RAIL.* 



Water Partridge, 

 fiallus concolor. MIHI. 



THE gallinaceous form common to the Rails, 

 and the red hue of this species have given to it the 

 provincial name of Water Partridge. It affects fresh- 

 water morasses, and secluded streams, rather than 

 saline swamps, and is found even on the moun- 

 tain acclivities. I have shot it skulking among the 

 aquatic weeds at Basin Spring. As it roams, it 

 utters at intervals of a few seconds, a cluck, like 

 a hen. The remarkable thinness of body, common 

 to all this tribe, beautifully adapts them for making 

 their way through close herbage. 



It is sometimes seen perched on a low tree by 

 the road-side, at which time it seems to have lost 

 its usual shyness, and sits looking at the sports- 



* Length 10 inches, expanse 15, flexure 4-^-, tail 2, rictus I^L, tar- 

 sus 1-^-, middle toe l^. Irides vermillion ; beak yellowish-green, black- 

 ish above ; feet dull purplish-crimson, or pink. Plumage reddish-brown, 

 dark on back and wings ; brighter and redder on sides ; paler and more 

 ashy on belly. Wing-quills blackish. 



R O 



