CLAPPER RAIL. 533 
enabled to pass between the stalks of gtass and reeds with great 
rapidity. There are also every where among the salt marshes covered 
ways, under the flat and matted grass, through which the Rail makes 
its way like a rat, without a possibility of being seen. There is gen- 
erally one or more of these from its nest to the water edge, by which 
it may escape ‘unseen; and sometimes, if closely pressed, it will dive 
to the other side of the’ pond, gut, or inlet, rising and disappearing again 
with the silence and celerity of thought. In smooth water it swims 
tolerably well, but not fast; sitting high in the water, with its neck 
erect, and striking with great rapidity. When on shore, it runs with 
the neck extended, the tail erect, and frequently flirted up. On fair 
ground they run nearly as fast as a man; having myself, with great 
difficulty, caught some that were wing-broken. They have also the 
faculty of remaining under water for several minutes, clinging close, 
head downwards, by the roots of the grass. Ina long stretch, they 
fly with great velocity, very much in the manner of a Duck, with 
extended neck, and generally low; but such is their aversion to take 
wing, that you may traverse the marshes where there are hundreds of 
these birds, without seeing one of them; nor will they flush until they 
have led the dog through numerous labyrinths, and he is on the very 
point of seizing them. 5 : : 
The food of the Clapper Rail consists of small shell-fish, particularly 
those of the snail form, so abundant in the marshes; they also eat 
small crabs. Their flesh is dry, tastes sedgy, and will bear no com- 
parison with that of the Common Rail. Early in October, they move 
off to the south ; and though, even in winter, a solitary instance of one 
may sometimes be seen, yet these are generally such as have been 
weak or wounded, and unable to perform the jowney. 
The Clapper Rail measures fourteen inches in length, and eighteen 
in extent; the bill is two inches and a quarter long, slightly bent, 
pointed, grooved, and of a reddish brown color; iris of the eye, dark 
red; nostril, oblong, pervious ; crown, neck, and back, black, streaked 
with dingy brown; chin and line over the eye, brownish white; 
auriculars, dusky; neck before, and whole breast, of the same red 
brown as that of the preceding species ; wing-coverts, dark chestnut; 
quill-feathers, plain dusky; legs, reddish brown; flanks and vent, 
black, tipped, or barred with white. The males and females are nearly 
alike. 4 
The young birds of the first year have the upper parts of an olive 
brown, streaked with pale slate; wings, pale brown olive; chin and 
part of the throat, white; breast, ash color, tinged with brown; legs 
and feet, a pale horn color. Mr. Pennant, and several other natural- 
ists, appear to have taken their descriptions from these imperfect 
specimens, the Clapper Rail being altogether unknown in Europe. 
I have never met with any of these birds in the interior, at a dis- 
tance from lakes or rivers. I have also made diligent inquiry for 
them along the shores of Lakes Champlain and Ontario, but without 
success. 
45* 
