RALLID.E — THE RAILS — RALLUS. 365 



different parts of Mexico. It was obtained near Matamoras, in August, by Mr. Dres- 

 ser ; and is given by Dr. Heermann as occurring at San Antonio. A single specimen 

 of this bird has been taken in Bermuda. Mr. J. A. Allen found this species very 

 common in the marshes and low lands in the Valley of Great Halt I^ake ; and Mr. 

 Ridgwaj- mentions having seen two or three individuals in the vicinity of Pyramid 

 Lake, among the sedges on the banks of the sloughs and ponds. It is only partially 

 migratory in the winter, even in places where the winter is quite severe. A specimen 

 was taken by Captain Bendire near Fort Walla Walla, Jan. 3. 1879. 



Although Dr. Cooper never obtained any himself, he states that this bird is found 

 throughout the marshes of California, chiefly those of the interior, and as far to the 

 north at least as Cape Flattery. It Ls undoubtedly resident in California throughout 

 the year, as Dr. Siickley obtained a specimen near the Straits of Fuca in January. 



Mr. Boardiuan informs me that it is found as far east as Calais, and even breeds 

 in that neighborhood, although it is not common. It was once (piite abundant in the 

 vicinity of Boston in all our marshes and fresh-water meadows, and more especially 

 on the margins of brooks. In June, 1837, I discovered a nest containing ten eggs 

 within the present limits of Boston, and only a few rods from a recently-constructed 

 railroad track. Jlr. Allen included it among the birds of Western Massachusetts, 

 but did not regard it as being of common occurrence there. On May 16, 1859, 

 ^Ir. Frederick A\'are found a nest, with nine eggs, in the Fresh I'ond marshes, West 

 Cambridge. 



Although found sparingly present, during the breeding-season, along our entire 

 Atlantic coast, from Cliarleston, S. C, to Eastport, it is far more abundant in the 

 fresh-water meadows of the interior. On Long Island, according to Giraud, it is 

 known to hunters and sportsmen by the name of the " Fresh-water Marsh-hen " or 

 " JMud-hen." It is there only found in low situations, usually selecting the reedy 

 margins of watercourses and rivulets. Giraud also met with it on the low salt- 

 marshes along the sea-coast. In its habits, as well as in its plumage, it bears a greater 

 resemblance to Rallus elegans than it does to R. crejntans. With all the movements, 

 actions, and manners of the former its own are very much in unison. Hiding, as it 

 does, among reeds and rushes, it escapes observation, except on the part of those who 

 are familiar with its habits. 



Like all of this family, the Virginia Rail is very reluctant to take wing, and when 

 pursued by dogs it trusts to its legs until they cease to be sufficient. It runs with 

 great swiftness, and is capable of continuing a very rapid and irregular course through 

 the close grass for some time. Unless followed by a very active dog. it is always 

 able successfully to evade pursuit without exposing itself to the sportsman's gun. 



It is not often observed on the water, yet it can swim and dive very well when 

 driven to this element for safety. It seems to prefer wet ground, or water so shallow 

 that it can wade through without being obliged to swim. The food of this species is 

 said to consist of aquatic insects, worms, snails, and the seeds of various kinds of 

 grasses that grow on marshy ground and in the low fresh-water meadows which it 

 frequents. The flesh of this bird is not jjarticularly delicate, yet it is frequently 

 brought to the New York market in the month of April. 



Wilson speaks of it as far less numerous than the Common Rail in New Jersey, 

 though frequently seen along the borders of salt-marshes, as well as among the 

 meadows on the banks of the larger rivers. He met with it on the Barrens of Ken- 

 tucky, but was told by the inhabitants that it was seen in wet places only in the 

 spring, going north during the breeding-season. It feeds less on vegetable and more 

 on animal food than the Common Sora, and on this account its flesh is much inferior 



