Order GRALL^L 



Bill varied, but usually straight, in many long and slender. Wings proportionately long. 

 Tail in general short, the feathers varying much in number. Legs lengthened and slender, with 

 the tibia bare*; anterior toes often connected by a partial web, sometimes only between the 

 middle and outer toe ; hind toe in general small and raised, in a few long and on the same plane 

 as the front ; in some absent altogether. 



Fam. RALLIDJ3. 



Bill in general rather short (in some lengthened), much compressed, high at the base, 

 straight, with the nostrils median and pierced through the mandible ; culmen in many produced 

 back upon the forehead in a casque. Wings rounded, with a tubercle at the flexure ; the tertials 

 lengthened. Tail of 10 to 12 feathers, very short, scarcely exceeding the closed wings. Legs more 

 or less lengthened. Tarsus moderately stout, covered in front with broad transverse scales. Feet 

 large. Toes lengthened, exceeding the tarsus in some ; hind toe well developed, rather long in 

 some. 



Sternum narrow, the keel high, and with a very deep notch on each side of it. 



Mostly of skulking and aquatic habits, and with the power of swimming well. 



Genus POKZANAf. 



Bill rather short, much compressed, straight, slightly depressed at the centre of the culmen; 

 nostrils linear, and placed in a lengthened depression ; gonys pronounced. Wings slightly 

 rounded, the 3rd and 4th quills the longest, and the 1st shorter than the innermost ; a small 

 tubercle at the flexure. Tail longer than the tarsus, rounded, the feathers lax ; bare portion of 

 tibia less than the hind toe and claw. Tarsus equal to the middle toe, covered with broad but 

 smooth scales. Toes smooth ; outer toe longer than the inner ; claws acute. 



Of small size. 



* The Woodcock forms an exception. 



t I commence the Grallae with this genus of the Ballidae, as it grades more than any other into the Quails, and 

 exhibits slight affimties with the Gallinaceous birds. The pretty little subgenus CoUimicops, of which Mr. Swinhoe's 

 little Chinese Crake (0. exquisita) is a member, have much the form and aspect of game-birds. 



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