THE WATER HEN. 



587 



substances, which they crack easily with their powerful bills. Their very long toes enable them 

 to walk upon the floating herbage nearly as well as the Jacanas, and upon land they are very 

 quick of foot. They use their long toes for carrying food to their beak, a habit which has 

 often been observed in the common coot. 



The Hyacinthine Grallinule is spread over a large extent of range, being found in many parts 

 of Africa, Asia, and Europe. It is graceful and quick in its movements, but is said to be 

 rather a stupid bird. Perhaps future observers may give a better account of its intellect. 

 The nest of this species is made in the sedgy parts of the morasses which it frequents, and con- 

 tains a rather small number of nearly white ego-s. 



HYACINTHINE UAIXLNUUE.— Porphyria veterum. 



The color of the Hyacinthine (jfallinule is rich blue, taking a dark indigo tone upon the 

 back, and assuming a beautiful turquoise hue upon the head. neck, throat, and breast. The 

 under tail-coverts are white, the bill is light red, and the legs and feet are pinky-red. The 



length of this bird is about eighteen inches. 



Our most familiar example of the Gallinules is the Water Hex. sometimes called the 

 Moor Hex. 



This bird may be seen in plenty in every river in Europe, and mostly on every pond 

 or sheet of water where the reedy or rushy banks offer it a refuge. It is a bold bird, though 

 sufficiently wary on occasions: and while it will slip quickly out of sight of a dog or a 

 man with a gun. will swim about with perfect self-possession in a pond by the side of a 

 railway, quite undisturbed by the sound and sight of the rushing train. \Vhen startled it 

 flies rapidly across the water with quick beating wings and dangling legs, leaving a long track 

 behind it, which will remain for some little time, like the wake of a ship. As it nears its 



