116 WATER RAIL. Class II. 



very distinct from the rail, as to constitute an- 

 other genus. 



" Both sexes of the water rail appear alike. 

 The nest is formed of coarse grass among the 

 thickest aquatic plants, in which the female 

 lays five or six pale yellow eggs, spotted all 

 over with dusky brown. 



" The species is found from Norway to the 

 extreme south ; is very common in Malta'^ 



J, L. 



