CRAKE. GRALLATORES. CREX. 183 
legs are also described as of an olive colour ; whereas those 
of C. Baillonii are flesh-coloured, and the bill orange-red at 
the base, a particular unnoticed by TEmmincx in his ac- 
count of the latter species, but which nearly agree with the 
colour of those parts in Crea pusilla. Mownracv’s bird is 
evidently nearly allied to C. Baillonit ; but as, in ornitho- 
logy, specific differences are sometimes found to exist in fea- 
tures of as little apparent consequence as those just mention- 
ed, it is not improbable but that future investigation will 
prove the Gailinula Foljambet of Monvacu to be a distinct 
species from either the C. Baillonit or C. pusilla. For the 
present, however, I have inserted it as a doubtful synonym 
of the former of these—This Crake, like the others of the 
genus, is an inhabitant of swamps, and the reedy margins of 
lakes or smaller pools; in such retirement its peculiar shy- 
ness of disposition screens it from observation, unless, when 
suddenly surprised, it is compelled to make a momentary 
use of its pinions. At other times, when aware of the ap- 
proach of danger, it evades its enemy by the rapidity of its 
progress through the entangled aquatic herbage ; or by the 
ease with which, from the compressed and wedge-shaped 
form of its body, it can pierce through the interstices of the 
thickest bed of reeds. It is also said to swim and dive well, 
and sometimes to elude pursuit by submerging its body, and 
keeping its bill only above the surface of the water, as the 
Rail and Common Gallinule frequently do.—In Britain it is Rare visi- 
only known as a rare visitant ; and the few specimens which a 
have occurred have all been taken in the eastern parts of 
England ; nor have I hitherto met with any instance of its 
capture in the north. Upon the opposite continental coast, 
in nearly the same parallel of latitude, it is not uncommon, 
being well known in the neighbourhood of Boulogne, where 
it annually breeds in the marshes. It is also spread over the 
other districts of France during its polar migration; but is 
much more numerous in Italy, and the eastern parts of Eu- 
rope.—Its nest is usually placed near to the water’s edge, or Nest, &c. 
