206 BIRDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



depending more on concealment in thick cover 

 than upon their wings to avoid danger. From 

 these circumstances it is that they are so rarely 

 obtained." 



Yarrell mentions a specimen of the Little Crake, 

 belonging to Mr. Foljambe, which was purchased in 

 the shop of a London poulterer in May, 1812. 

 About the same time Mr. Plasted, of Chelsea, ob- 

 tained another, which was shot on the banks of the 

 Thames near that place. This latter bird corre- 

 sponded with the figure and description of Montagu's 

 Olivaceous Gallinule, and was believed to be an 

 adult male. 



MOORHEN, Gallinula chloropus. Common resi- 

 dent. Found all along our brooks and at quiet 

 pond sides. 



I hardly know a prettier object in a country walk 

 than a Moorhen in its proper haunt. Look at 

 that bird running along the bank, startled at our 

 approach as we follow the winding brook. Now he 

 stops to listen, and, with stately tread, lifts his 

 dainty green legs, and peers about with bright hazel 

 eye. Now he has caught sight of us, and, quick as 

 thought, has run to the edge and dropped like a 

 stone into the water. Now we have lost him ! no : 

 there he is again, ten yards further on, and making 

 for that clump of rushes on the opposite side. How 

 he nods his head at every stroke, and flirts up his 

 little white tail, uttering at intervals a sharp " keck- 



