THE RAIL. 187 



THE RAIL. 



The Rail tribe are small in size, when compared 

 with the birds just described ; but they are very active^ 

 arid quick in their motions, some of them being able 

 to run with surprising swiftness. They live on snails 

 and insects which they find about marshes. They 

 build their nests on the ground, and raise a large 

 brood. They are a numerous race, some of the spe- 

 cies being found in almost every country. One or 

 two kinds are considered among the most delicate 

 morsels for the table. 



THE CLAPPER RAIL. 



How large is the Clapper Rail ? 



The Clapper Rail measures fourteen inches in 

 length, and with the wings spread, eighteen inches in 

 extent. Its bill is a little more than two inches long. 



What colour is this bird ? 



Its prevailing colour is dark brown, which on the 

 tipper parts is nearly black, spotted with light brown. 

 The under parts are lighter brown, and the throat is 

 white. 



What is the shape of this Rail ? 



The bill is small, long, and sharp pointed ; the head 

 small ; the tail is blunt, turned up at the end, and so 

 short as to look as if cut off with a pair of shears. 

 The legs and neck are of moderate length. 



Where does this bird live ? 



The Clapper Rail inhabits the shores and marshes 

 of the Atlantic ocean, from Connecticut to Florida. 

 It is also sometimes found on the rivers, at a distance 

 from the ocean. 



