May, and there is good evidence that the bird rears 

 two or more broods in the season. 



I have frequently, especially during the prevalence of 

 floods, seen Water-Rails perched at a considerable 

 height from the ground in bushes and old thorn-fences ; 

 but, as a rule, they keep to the ground and water. 

 They are good swimmers, and can dive well when pressed 

 by a dog. In common with most birds of this family, 

 these Rails are much excited by a sudden noise, such as 

 the report of a gun or a clap of thunder, and, in places 

 Avhere they abound, set up a screeching " skirl " that 

 lasts for some minutes. The usual note is a single 

 twit, and conveys but a faint idea of the vocal powers 

 possessed by the "Water-Rail. These birds thrive well 

 in captivity, and, if kept in a small cage, become very 

 tame and impudent ; in an aviary, however, where they 

 have means of concealment, they generally avail them- 

 selves of it to the fullest extent. The flesh of the 

 breast is fairly good eating ; but I consider the bird as 

 barely worth a charge of powder and shot. 



