278 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [1895 
doubt, however, that the bird has been seen here alive for the 
past quarter of a century, and it might properly be retired from 
the active list” (A. C., 100). 
Family RaLtip#—Rails, Gallinules and Coots. 
Rallus elegans (208). King Rail. 
Fairly common summer resident of our fresh and brackish 
marshes. At Patapsco Marsh they have been taken from May 
17 (’93) to October 6 (’76, Resler), while on October 13 (’94) 
I saw a small box of mixed game from Cumberland opened, 
among others it contained one King Rail. 
At Tolchester, on May 30 (’91, Fisher), a nest containing 6 
fresh eggs was found, and on June 15 (’91, Fisher), another 
with 10 fresh eggs at the some place. 
Possibly some may winter during open seasons ; vide—“T'wo 
King Sora were brought to Fredericksburg, Va., on Saturday 
(Jan. 28, ’93), by Mr. Geo. Newton, of Stafford, and presented 
to Capt. M. B. Rowe. The appearance of these birds at this 
season is said to be quite remarkable, as they generally leave on 
the first appearance of frost” (Va. item in the Sun paper). 
Stafford is about 6 miles from the Potomac. In January, 1895, 
Mr. Scoggins received two King Rail “from the Rappahannock.” 
Rallus longirostris crepitans (211). Clapper Rail. 
Possibly resident in southern Maryland except when driven 
out by severe frost; this species, where not persecuted by 
pot hunters is fairly numerous on salt water marshes during 
summer. On May 17 (93), 3 were shot on Patapsco Marsh, 
one, a female, contained a large number of eggs in the ovary, 
some quite large, and one in the ovaduct already spotted and 
ready for extrusion. Noted at Hagerstown in October, ’79 
(Small). 
Rallus virginianus (212). Virginia Rail. 
Common during migration, a few remain during summer. On 
July 8 (92, Wholey) a specimen was taken at Sandy Point, near 
