i^fil,^^w,^ll^^^. 



THE LANDRAIL OR CORNCRAKE. 



{Crex pratensis.) 



Q PORTSMEN who during the early part of 

 ^^ September follow their "birds" into seed 

 — clover, rape, or mustard — seldom fail in such 

 places to pick up a Landrail or two, and add 

 in this way a pleasing variety to their bag. The 

 appearance of a Rail usually gives rise to some 

 comment, and not unfrequently to an expression 

 of surprise that a bird of such skulking habits 

 and apparently of such weak flight should be 

 able to leave the country periodically, and re- 

 turn to. it. That it does so, however, is certain. 



