BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
203 
from. In form, color and markings they are such perfect counterparts, 
that they seem to be the same in miniature. Their form is ovoidal, and 
they are marked with reddish-brown and obscure spots of lilac, the former 
predominating, upon a deep buff, or creamy background. They vary 
somewhat in dimensions, even in specimens from the same locality. In 
New England eggs are found which range from 1.31 to 1.52 of an inch 
in length, and from .90 to .95 in width. Others from Pennsylvania have 
an average measurement of 1.28 by .94; from New Jersey, 1.20 by .95. 
From the Carolina Rail, which they approach in size, they may be readily 
distinguished by the color, a fact which all amateurs would do well to 
bear in mind. A careful observance of the difference in the two grounds, 
which in the Carolina Rail is a yellow-drab, with a faint olivaceous tinge, 
will prevent the one from being mistaken for the other. In regard to the 
number of broods annually raised there may be some difference of opinion. 
Wilson thought that the species was double-brooded. He was led to this 
opinion by having come into possession of young birds, a few days old, in 
the month of July. But these may have been the first hatching of birds 
whose early efforts had been prevented by tidal overflows, or some other 
of the numerous disasters, which are the natural concomitants of boggy 
situations. 
The drawing represents a nest of this species, typical in character, 
and placed in position. The eggs are of the natural size and figured in 
the foreground, while the birds are diminished and put in the distance. 
The birds are exhibited in pro 2 ^er colors, and may be easily identified. 
The upper parts are olivaceous-brown, the monotony of which is relieved 
by longitudinal stripes of brownish-black. The throat is white, fore-part 
of the neck and breast bright-rufous, abdomen and under tail coverts 
transversely banded with black and white, the former being the broader ; 
upper wing coverts bright rufous-chestnut and the under wing coverts with 
transverse white lines upon a field of black. These sombre colors are 
rendered less irksome by the pre.sence of a reddish-white line from the 
base of the bill over the eye, and by the bright-red iris. The female 
