that have been found breeding in Ohio. It is probable that the Yellow Rail, and possibly the Black 

 Rail, may yet be discovered nesting in this State. The eggs of the summer-resident species bear a general 

 resemblance to each other, yet the difference in size, ground-color, and markings is quite sufficient to make 

 identification easy. The eggs of the Red-breasted Rail may be known by their size, ground-color, and 

 markings, and the remaining two species may readily be recognized by the ground-color and markings, 

 although in size and shape they are very similar. 



REMARKS : 



The three eggs illustrated, Fig. 6, Plate XLIV, show the sizes, shapes, ground-colors, and markings 

 of the eggs of the Virginia Rail. The coloring is that of eggs which have been blown about two years. 



The Virginia Rail is a very interesting bird, whether in its wild state or in captivity. I have several 

 times reared young birds of this species and have been much entertained with them. Mr. Maynard has 

 written so accurately of their habits that I can not do better than to copy his text. On page 420, "North 

 American Birds," he says: "The Virginia Rails inhabit the wet, fresh water marshes from Canada to 

 Florida, but appear to prefer those which are partly grown up to bushes. This propensity I could not 

 explain, until I saw one in the aviary of Mr. August Koch, who has fitted up an abode for captive birds 

 with great care, having a fountain, miniature pond, rock work with grottos, all embellished with numerous 

 plants, among which are some vines that twine up to the ceiling. One of the. most attractive birds, among 

 many which lived in this enclosure, was the Rail mentioned, which was quite tame, and which evidently 

 behaved much as it would have in its native swamp. It fed readily, waded about in the water, and 

 when slightly alarmed, would take refuge among the surrounding ferns, etc.; but what surpinsed me most, 

 was to see it climb up the vines, which it did with the utmost ease, clinging to the branches with its 

 long claws, and in this way it often reached the top, some ten feet from the ground. The bird was 

 evidently hunting for insects, and this habit was probably acquired when among the bushes in the meadows. 



"When only slightly alarmed, the Virginia Rails utter a chuckling sound, but if badly frightened or 

 greatly annoyed, especially during the nesting season, when they have young, they will emit a sharp squeak, 

 but their regular notes are harsh screams, usually given at night. These Rails breed early in June, 

 building on some slightly elevated spot, either in the grass or among the bushes, and when their domiciles 

 are approached the birds quietly leave them. The young leave the nest as soon as hatched, and run 

 nimbly through the grass. They become scattered somewhat during the day, but toward night they 

 will utter sharp cries, in order that the adults may know of their whereabouts, and then the entire brood 

 will gather beneath the pai-ent for warmth. I have, on several occasions, captured these little black Rails 

 in the evening, having ascertained where they were by hearing them peeping. When taken young they 

 become very tame, feeding readily upon bits of meat or insects, behaving much like young chickens. They 

 arc, however, very delicate and difficult to rear, as they require considerable attention, especially at night? 

 when they should be kept warm." 



276 



