42 



YEARBOOK, PUBLIC MUSEUM, MILWAUKEE 



[Vol. II. 



ried on a hinged panel at either side of the case. These panels can be 

 folded in stich a manner as to afford added protection to the contents, 

 when the case is transported from place to place. 



One of these cases, that of the Coot, is shown in figure 27. The 

 label accompanying this group is as follows : 



COOT OR MUD HEN 

 "The Coot somewhat resembles its nearest relative, the Florida 



Fig. 27. — One of the Museum's new series of school loan groups : "The Coot 



or Mud Hen." 



Gallinule, but its white bill and scalloped, webbed feet, in addition to 

 slight differences in the colors of the plumage, will serve to distinguish 

 it. They also prefer more open water, swimming most of the time, 

 while the Gallinule is more partial to the thick marsh vegetation. 



"Coots nest in suitable localities throughout the whole state of Wis- 

 consin, but are most abundant in their spring and fall migrations when 

 flocks of hundreds may sometimes be seen on the open water of lakes 

 and ponds. At such times they are frequently mistaken for ducks. 

 They arrive early in spring and leave in fall when the lakes freeze over. 



