BRITISH BIRDS. 



137 



THE WATER RAIL. 



BILCOCK, VELVET OR BROOK RUNNER. 



(Ru/lus (Ujiiaticus, Linn. Rale d' eau vulgaire, 

 Temm.) 



THIS bird, though a distinct genus of itself, has 

 many traits in its character very similar to both the 

 Land Rail and the Spotted Rail: it is migratory, 

 like the former, to which it also bears some resem- 

 blance in size, lengthened shape, and compressed 

 body; its haunts and manner of living are nearly 

 the same as those of the latter; but it differs from 

 both in the length of its bill, and in its plumage. 

 It weighs about four ounces and a half, and 

 measures twelve inches in length, and sixteen in 

 breadth. The bill is slightly curved, and one inch 

 and three quarters long; the upper mandible 

 dusky, edged with red; the under reddish orange; 



