142 RALLID.E. 



way than by its frantic gestures. When the bird flies off it 

 is easily shot, as its flight is slow, and in a straight line over 

 the surface of the water. In diving it is very expert, and it 

 also runs with ease over the aquatic plants ; the water being- 

 its usual place of resort, swimming comes naturally to it. 



The food of the Moor-hen consists in worms, slugs, and 

 aquatic insects, which latter it is in pursuit of during the 

 entire day, swimming among the broad leaves of the water- 

 lilies ; and towards the evening it runs about on the meadows 

 in search of worms, slugs, grasshoppers, &c. 



Throughout the month of March the noise that the Moor- 

 hen makes towards the dusk of the evening in sport, while 

 chasing its mate and fighting for its partner, is very peculiar 

 and incessant, much resembling the bark of a small dog ; and 

 they are so much engaged in this pastime, that they continue 

 it even while a spectator is looking on. The nest, which is 

 composed of sedges, and either placed among the thickest 

 parts of the reeds or among the intricate, exposed roots of 

 trees that grow on the banks, is generally very well concealed, 

 and just above high-water mark ; it is very well and strongly 

 constructed, and contains from seven to eight eggs, and some- 

 times more ; we remember taking two nests in one day, the one 

 having nine and the other ten eggs, these nests were both placed 

 among the roots of trees On the banks of the river Mole, be- 

 tween Esher and Cobham, in Surrey. 



The Moor-hen is a very ornamental bird on the water, 

 nodding its head very gracefully at every stroke of its legs, 

 and its appearance indicates the retired quiet of the country ; 

 for its timid nature scares it within cover on the least ap- 

 proach of noise, and it very soon leaves its haunt if the busy 

 din of men encroaches on its territory. 



The length of the Moor-hen is thirteen inches, its wing, from 

 the carpus to the tip, six inches nine lines. 



