372 ALECTORIDES. 



Keiuhardt retains this species among the birds of Greenland on the strength of a 

 single spiecimen obtained at Sulikertoppen, Oct. 3, 1823. Sir John Richardson speaks 

 ol this species as being common in the Fur Countries, in the summer season, up to 

 the 62d parallel. It is particularly abundant on the shores of the small lakes which 

 skirt the plains of the Saskatchewan. 



Mr. Boardman informs me that he has found this Eail in the neigliborhood of 

 Calais, Me., where it is known to breed, and where it is much more common than the 

 Virginia Eail. It breeds in all the marshes along the borders of the numerous inlets 

 and rivers on the southern shores of Maine, and I have found it especially abundant 

 on the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers. Professor Verrill mentions it as a sum- 

 mer visitant in Oxford County, but as not occurring there in very great numbers. 

 Mr. Allen speaks of it as arriving near Springfield, Mass., in April, remaining until 

 November, breeding and becoming quite common in September and October. Tlie 

 same naturalist also mentions it as common in Great Salt Lake Valley. Mr. Ridgway 

 mentions it as being numerous in the marshes about Pyramid and Great Salt Lakes ; 

 and the same was true of Rul\y Valley and the vicinity of Parley's Park, and in fact 

 in all the localities of a similar character throughout the entire extent of his route in 

 the Great Basin. Mr. Dresser found this species not uncommon near San Antonio 

 in the months of Septeudier, October, and November. 



According to the observations of Giraud, it is not comnK)n in Long Island, though 

 now and then to lie met with along the shrubby banks of creeks, and is also some- 

 times observed on the salt-marshes. In the vicinity of New York City it is not 

 known to occur in any great nnndjers, only a few halting in their northern migra- 

 tions on wet and miry places covered with tall grass and ruslies. It is very abun- 

 dant in the early part of September along the reedy margin of the Hackensack River, 

 where it is hunted in the same manner as the '•'Clapper Rail." It is exceedingly timid 

 and retiring, seeking seclusion among the rank grass. At low water it can very rarely 

 be detected, as it hides so closely among the tall water-j)lants ; and but for its shrill 

 short notes its presence would not be suspected. In consequence of this peculiarity 

 of its habits, the sportsman's excursions are regulated by the state of the tide, and 

 his visits are timed so as to enable him to be on the spot some time before the tide 

 is in. Seated in a light skiff, aided by a person skilled in the sport, who pushes 

 along the boat and forces the Rails from their places of concealment, he is often 

 enabled to flush and to shoot a large number. The bird is driven from its place of 

 concealment, the rushes no longer affording it any protection, and it is compelled to 

 rise as the boat approaches. As it always springs up at a short distance, and its flight 

 is feeble, it is easily shot. The Sora is very sensitive to cold, and is not to be met 

 with in these marshes after the first sharp frost. In the spring, during its northern 

 migrations, it makes a short stop to recruit in its favorite marshes, but continues its 

 journey with only a very brief delay. Its favorite food is wild oats, from which 

 its flesh derives a very delicate flavor. In the autumn it becomes very fat, and is 

 tlien much sought for by epicures. When driven in the fall to warmer shelter by au 

 early frost, it will, on the recurrence of milder weather, often return to its favorite 

 feeding-grounds. It leaves New Jersey early in October. 



"Doughty's Cabinet of Natural History" (I. p. 208) gives an interesting account 

 of the manner of hunting this bird on the marshes of the Delaware. Early in August, 

 when the reeds have attained their full growth, the Sora Rail resorts to them in great 

 numbers to feed on the seeds, of which it is very fond. This reed (the Zizania clavu- 

 losa of Michaux) grows up from the soft muddy shores of the tide-water, where the 

 surface is alternately bare and covered with four or five feet of water, and attains 



