EGGS: 



"The complement of eggs varies from six to ten. In shape they are an elongated oval. They 

 measure from 1.55 to 1.84 in long-diameter by 1.12 to 1.26 in short-diameter. The average of a set of 

 ten is 1.77 x 1.24. The ground-color of the shell is pale brownish-buff. They are studded every-where with 

 small blotches, specks, and dashes of rich chocolate-brown; the markings being larger and more numerous 

 toward the greater end. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 



"The nest and eggs can only be compared, as regards Ohio, with those of the Coot; the differences 

 being as follows : The nest of the Gallinule is, on the average, considerably smaller than that of the 

 Coot, measuring two or three inches less in diameter, and other dimensions less in proportion. The eggs 

 also are smaller and less pointed than those of the Coot, and their ground-color inclines to brown, which 

 is not the case with the Coot's e^'S. The markings of the Gallinule's es'gs are larger and less numerous, 

 and are red-brown, while those upon the eggs of the Coot are sepia, so dark as to appear in some speci- 

 mens almost black." 



REMARKS : 



The eggs figured, Plate XLVII, Fig. 3, were selected from several sets in the possession of Mr. 

 J. B. Porter. They represent the patterns and variations in size commonly observed, the middle egg- 

 being perhaps the commonest form. 



The Florida Gallinule is in many respects a curious bird. It occasionally is found during its periods 

 of migration in open fields away from water, or even in the barn-yard. Some years ago a gentleman in 

 Circleville found one walking about among his chickens. To him it was a new and strange bird, and he 

 concluded to capture it and see where it was hurt. He at once gave chase and soon caught it, but a 

 careful examination failed to reveal a wound. I saw the bird later in the day walking about his yard. 

 It seemed as tame as the chickens and jierfectly contented. On the flat, hard ground it moved about 

 awkwardly, often stepping with one foot upon the toes of the other, an accident which seriously affected 

 the grace of its movements. The gentleman could not be persuaded that the bird was not hurt, and hav- 

 ing no idea it could fly, it was left in the yard with the poultry. The following morning it was gone, 

 having' disappeared as mysteriously as it came. 



The Florida Gallinule is often mistaken for the rarer and handsomer Purple Gallinule. The Purple 



Gallinule has only within the last few years been taken this far North, being emphatically a Southern 



bird. In 1877, May 10th, I killed a beautiful specimen, and have since seen one bird. It is probable 



that it breeds in the State when it happens to visit us and is unmolested, and in time it may become a 



common summer resident. 



164 



