36 THE BIRDS 
marsh, the rails, they do not run for protection, but trust 
to the color of their plumage and motionless attitude, 
which blends entirely with the surrounding vegetation. 
One can almost step on these birds before they will flush. 
Small ponds in the islands off our coast also form an 
attractive home ground for them during the breeding time. 
The nest is a well-constructed platform of dry marsh 
grasses and stems, or rushes; fastened to the upright blades 
of marsh grass or rushes, from six inches to a foot above 
the marsh or water. The eggs number from four to five, 
a light, pale greenish-white. Size, 1.20x.90. Fresh eggs 
June 5th to 10th. Only one brood a season. 
