WATER-RATL. 
RALLUS AQUATICUS, Linn. 
Rallus aquaticus, Linn. S. N.i. p. 262 (1766) ; Naum. ix. 
be 
p- 472; Macg. iv. p. 521; Hewitson, ii. p. 873; Yarr. 
ed. 4, ii. p. 159; Dresser, vil. p. 257. 
Réle Weau, French; Wasser-Ralle, German; Rascdén, 
Polla de agua, Spanish. 
To those of my readers who have pursued Snipes or 
Ducks in any of the marshes of Europe, it would, I 
think, be superfluous to go into details as to the habits 
of this well-known bird, which is more or less common 
im soft places throughout the Continent and our own 
Islands. In localities where the Water-Rail does not 
breed it is best known as an autumnal migrant, and is 
probably considered as much less common than it really 
is, owing to its skulking habits and aversion to take 
wing. The nest of this bird is a well-arranged mass 
of dead flags, sedge, and reed-leaves, generally placed 
amongst thick aquatic vegetation, very often in dense 
beds of reed. The eggs are generally from eight to 
ten in number, and in colour and markings somewhat 
resemble those of the Corn-Crake, but are rounder in 
shape; the first broods generally leave the nest before 
