VIRGINIAN -RAIL. §29 
span of the foot measures upwards of six inches; the inner edge of 
the middle claw is pectinated ; the exterior and middle toes are united 
at the base, for about half an inch, by a membrane. 
The articulations of the vertebra are remarkably long ; the intes- 
tines measure upwards of eight feet, and are very narrow. The male 
and female are alike in plumage; both, when of full age, having the 
train equally long. : 
Se 
VIRGINIAN RAIL.—RALLUS VIRGINIANUS. —Fic. 248. 
Arct, Zool. No. 408. — Edw. 279, — Lath. Syn. iii. p. 228, No. 1, var. A.— 
Peale’s Museum, No. 4426. 
RALLUS VIRGINIANUS. — Linn xvs.* 
Rallus Virginianus, Bonap. Synop. p. 334. 
Tas species very much resembles the European Water Rail, (Ral- 
lus aquaticus,) but is smaller, and has none of the slate or lead color 
on the breast, which marks that of the old continent; its toes are also 
more than proportionably shorter, which, with a few other peculiarities, 
distinguish the species. Tt is far less numerous in this part of the 
United States than our Common Rail, and, as I apprehend, inhabits 
more remote northern regions. It is frequently seen along the borders 
of our salt marshes, which the other rarely visits; and also breeds 
there, as well as among the meadows that border our large rivers. It 
spreads over the interior as far west as the Ohio, having myself shot it 
in the Barrens of Kentucky early in May. The people there observe 
* In my note upon the genus Cres, I mentioned the distinctions existing between 
that genus Gallinnla and Rallus. The Virginian Rail, and that following, show 
good examples of the latter form. In their habits they closely agree with the. 
aquatic species of Crex, are distributed over all countries of the world, and in 
general perform partial migrations. 
When pursued or roaded by a dog, they may be raised once, but the second 
time will be a task of more difficulty , if the ground is an extensive meadow, they 
may be followed for an hour without success; butif there are holes or ditches, they 
will eenecally seek for one of these, where they conceal themselves beneath some 
sod, or brow, or thicket of bushes, and may then be easily taken by the hand. I 
_ have frequently taken our Common Water Rail in this manner, and sometimes 
‘with the head only concealed. They are easily tamed. The structure of the 
feathers on the forehead and crown of the rails is peculiar, and may be intended 
as a defence to that part from the friction of the strong grass and reeds among 
which they are so constantly running. The rachis.of each feather is lengthened, 
and broadened into a flat and sharp poi, having the appearance of lengthened 
scales; in one or two species, the feathers consist of the rachis alone, presenting a 
horny appearance over the whole forehead. The bastard pinion is furnished with 
a spur, concealed, however, by the plumage. 
The form of the Crakes and Gallinules is well adapted for their peculiar manner - 
of life, but in this group is most conspicuous. ‘The legs are placed far behind ; the 
body is long, much flattened, and remarkably pliable; and the ease and agility 
with which they run and thread through the’ long vegetation of the marshes, is 
almost inconceivable to a ae who has not witnessed it, — Ep. 
5 : 
