May, and there is good evidence that the bird rears 
two or more broods in the season. 
I haye frequently, especially during the prevalence of 
floods, seen Water-Rails perched at a considerable 
height from the ground in bushes and old thorn-fences ; 
but, as-a rule, they keep to the ground and water. 
They are good swimmers, and can dive well when pressed 
by a dog. In common with most birds of this family, 
these Rails are much excited by a sudden noise, such as 
the report of a gun or a clap of thunder, and, in places 
where they abound, set up a screeching “skirl” that 
lasts for some minutes. The usual note is a single 
twit, and conveys but a faint idea of the vocal powers 
possessed by the Water-Rail. ‘These birds thrive well 
in captivity, and, if kept in a small cage, become very 
tame and impudent ; in an aviary, however, where they 
have means of concealment, they generally avail them- 
selves of it to the fullest extent. The flesh of the 
breast is fairly good eating ; but I consider the bird as 
barely worth a charge of powder and shot. 
