36 CLAPPER RAIL. 



strikes the water with its feet, as if unwilling to move far at a time, the 

 motion of its neck resembling that of the Gallinules. It dives well, re- 

 mains a considerable time under water, and in this manner dexterously 

 eludes its pursuers, although it certainly does not possess the power of 

 holding fast to the bottom, as some persons have alleged. When hard 

 pressed, it often sinks just below the surface, keeping the bill above in 

 order to breathe, and in this position, if not detected, remains for a consi- 

 derable time. If perceived and approached, it instantly dives, and uses 

 its wings to accelerate its progress, but I'ises as soon as it comes to a place 

 of safety. 



Their movements on the ground, or over the partially submersed or 

 floating beds of weeds, are extremely rapid, and they run swiftly off" be- 

 fore a dog, the utmost exertions of which are required to force them on 

 wing. Such an attempt by man would prove utterly futile, unless he 

 were to come upon them unawares. When not pursued, and feeling se- 

 cure, they walk in a deliberate manner, the body considerably inclined, 

 now and then jerking the tail upwards, although by no means so fre- 

 quently as Gallinules are M'ont to do. On the least appearance of danger, 

 they lower the head, stretch out the neck, and move off with incompara- 

 ble speed, always in perfect silence. They have thousands of paths 

 among the rank herbage, crossing each other so often that they can very 

 easily escape pursuit ; and besides, they have a power of compressing 

 their body to such a degree, as frequently to force a passage between two 

 stems so close, that one could hardly believe it possible for them to squeeze 

 themselves through. When put up, they fly slowly and generally straight 

 before you, with their legs dangling, so that they are very easily shot by 

 a quick sportsman, as they rarely fly far at a time on such occasions, but 

 prefer pitching down again into the first tuft of rank grass in their way. 

 When on their migrations, however, they pass low and swiftly over the 

 marshes, or the water, stretched to their full extent, and with a constant 

 beat of the wings. 



The young, which are at first covered with down of a black colour, 

 obtain their full plumage before the winter arrives, and after this under- 

 go little change of colour, although they increase in size for a year after. 

 In the Eastern States, this species is not held in much estimation as an 

 article of food, perhaps in a great measure on account of the quantity of 

 Soras met with there during early autumn, and which are certainly more 

 delicate ; but in the Southern States, especially during winter, they are 



