34S UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



prefer running to flying. Early in August, when the reeds along the 

 shores of the Delaware have attained their full growth, the Rail re- 

 sort to them in great numbers, to feed on the seeds of this plant, of 

 which they, as well as the Reed-birds and several others, are immo- 

 derately fond. On their first arrival they are generally lean, and un- 

 fit for the table; but as the seeds ripen they rapidly fatten, and from 

 the early part of September to the last of October they are excellent, 

 and eagerly sought after. The usual method of shooting them in 

 Pennsylvania, is as follows : The sportsman furnishes himself with a 

 light bateau, and an experienced boatman, with a pole of twelve or 

 fifteen feet long. About an hour or two before high water they enter 

 the reeds, and each takes his post, the sportsman standing in the 

 bow ready for action, the pole-man on the stern seat pushing the boat 

 steadily through the reeds. The Rail generally spring singly, as 

 the boat advances, at a short distance ahead, and are instantly shot 

 down, while the boatman, keeping his eye on the spot where the bird 

 fell, directs the bateau forward and picks up the game as the gunner 

 is loading. The sport continues tiil an hour or two after high water. 

 Several boats are sometimes within a short distance of each other, 

 and a perpetual cracking of musquetry prevails along the whole reedy 

 shores of the river and the islands. In these excursions it is not un- 

 common for an active and expert marksman to kill from six to teu 

 dozen Rail in a tide. These birds, in common with many others, 

 always migrate in the night ; and hence the reason why many are at 

 a loss to ascertain what becomes of them, when it is discovered that 

 they have disappeared : as these observers cannot have ocular evi- 

 dence of the migration, they still remain incredulous as to the fact. 

 The first north-easter which takes place in the latter part of October, 

 or beginning of November, the great body of the Rail depart; and 

 his then that these birds are found to be most abundant in Virginia 

 and elsewhere to the south. The Rail, though considered a great 

 delicacy by many, is yet far inferior to the Snipe. 



The Purjile Gallinule is found in the southern parts of our conti- 

 nent. In the state of Georgia it frequents the rice fields and marshes ; 

 it is rare, and extremely shy. In respect to its manners, it is said 

 to be a docile bird when tamed ; to feed with the poultry, and scratch 

 the ground with its feet like the cock and hen. It will feed on many 

 things, such as fruits, roots of plants and grain; will frequently stand 

 on one leg, and lift the food to its mouth with the other, like a Parrot, 

 The flesh is said to be exquisite in taste. 



This is a most splendid bird : the head, part of the neck, throat 

 and breast, are of a rich violet purple ; the back and scapulars 

 brownish green ; the sides of the neck ultramarine; wings the same, 

 tinged with green; the belly of a purplish black; the vent pure 

 White; the naked crown, legs and feet are red; the bill of the same 

 colour, tipt with yellow. 



The Coot makes its appearance in Pennsylvania about the first of 

 October. Among the muddy flats and islands of the river Delaware, 

 which are periodically overflowed, and which are overgrown with the 

 reed or wild oats and rushes, the Coots arc found. They are not 

 numerous, and are seldom seen, except their places of resort are 

 covered with water : in that case they are generally found sitting on 

 the fallen reed, waiting for the ebbing of the tide. Their food con- 

 sists of various aquatic plants, seeds, insects and small fish. The 



