The Moorhen. 



489 



until it becomes semi-domesticated, wHen it may be allowed to 

 accompany the Ducks about the farmyard. 



Food and Treatment. — The Moorhen feeds on aquatic 

 insects, worms, snails, small fishes, and the leaves and seeds 

 of water plants. In confinement, it may be fed on bread 

 and milk, worms, fish, and snails. 



Eeaeing the Young. — Obtain the young just before they 

 are fledged, and, if convenient, place them in a covered coop 

 with young Ducklings ; feed on bread and milk, fish refuse, and 

 worms. When reared with poultry, they may be permitted to 

 go about with them, as they soon become tame, and will not 

 attempt to stray beyond the first pond or pool of water, and 

 will return to their domicile to be fed and to roost. Where a 

 piece of ground is walled in for the accommodation of poultry, 

 and an artificial pond is formed for their use, they will settle 

 as contentedly as Ducks. If kept in a farmyard, the Moorhen's 

 favourite resort will be the dunghill, where it may be seen 

 industriously searching for insects and grubs. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cook and Hen. — The female is 

 smaller than the male, and paler in colour ; in some specimens 

 the throat is white, but not in all. The most reliable mark of 

 distinction is the bare membrane extending from the base of 

 the bill upwards ; this in the male is reddish orange, and in 

 the female olive brown. 



Song. — The Moorhen utters a call note only. In the spring, 

 the male bird vociferates almost incessantly until he has 

 paired. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — The Moorhen is not 

 a show bird ; hence, to enumerate the distinctive marks of beauty 

 that would be looked for is unnecessary. 



General Remarks. — Old birds when first caught are difficult 

 to reconcile to domestic life, and usually seize the first 

 opportunity to make good their escape ; but birds obtained 

 young, and reared with Ducks or Chickens, not only become 

 tame, but settle down quite contentedly to a state of artificial 

 existence. 



Birds that are caught may be kept in an aviary or poultry 

 pen, but a large tub of water must be supplied to them for 

 constant use, and the water changed frequently. They how- 

 ever thrive far better, and really look more ornamental, if 

 permitted to take up their residence on a pond which is partly 



