PLATE I IX. 



FAMILY RALLID^E. 



rpO this family belong sixteen species in Australia, comprised under the following genera : — Porphyrio, 

 J- Fulica, Gallinula, Rallus, and Porzana, all of which have their European representatives ; and Parra, 

 Eulabeornus, and Tribonyx — three genera, of which the first is common to India and the Indian Islands, 

 and the other two are confined, as far as we know, to Australia. 



GENUS HYPOTGENIDIA (Reichenbach). 



CUVIER classified this genus as Rallus pectoralis, but as it is very different in structure and habits 

 from the true Rails — more nearly approaching the Crex paratensis of Europe — Reichenbach was fully 

 justified in erecting it into a new genus. Allied species of this form exist in New Zealand, the Celebes, 

 and Fiji. 



HYPOTGENIDIA PHILIPPENSIS (Linncms). 



PECTORAL RAIL. Genus : Hypotcenidia. 



THIS Rail is migratory in its habits, passing one half of the year in the southern and the other in the 

 northern part of the colonies. In August it appears in New South Wales, spreading from thence 

 southward, and in February it makes its way northward again. 



It is very generally dispersed over the Continent, no locality seeming unsuitable to its habits, 

 which, with its actions and general economy, approximate closely to the Land Rail ( Orex pratensis ) of 

 Europe. This Pectoral Rail may be found on grassy flats between hills, and in damp spots where the 

 vegetation is most dense. It has a shy retiring disposition, and escapes pursuit by running through the 

 grass ; but if flushed from this retreat, it flies low and straight, with a flapping motion of the wings. 



The food consists of grasses, seeds, and a good deal of sand, taken probably as a digestant. The 

 flesh of the bird is very good eating, and fair game to any sportsman, as pointers will stand to it without 

 hesitation. 



There is scarcely a perceptible difference in the plumage of the sexes, and the young assume the 

 adult dress at a very early period. 



This Rail does not seem to distress itself much about a nest, the eggs being deposited on the 

 ground. Four or six make up the clutch. They are cream coloured, largely blotched with irregular marks 

 of dark chestnut at the larger end, and a few smaller ones are distributed over the rest of the surface. 

 Length, 1 inch 5^ lines ; breadth, 1 inch 1^ lines. 



