SPOTTEt) AKD LITTLE CRAIKS. 
181 
specimens are occasionally seen. A still more extraordi- 
nary * vulgar error * is cherished in Ireland, viz. that the 
Corncraik becomes a Water-hen in the cold season. 
Burns evidently does not share in his countrymen's beliefj 
for in his ^ Elegy on Capt. Henderson ' he says : — 
Mourn, clam'riiig Craiks, at close o' day, 
*Mang fields o' flow'ring clover gay, 
And when ye wing your annual way 
Frae our cold shore. 
To thae far warlds, wha lies in clay, 
AVhom we deplore. 
Of the other British members of the Craik genus but 
little need be said, as they are all rare birds. 
The Spotted Craik, sometimes called the Spotted Rail, 
Water-rail, Water-hen, or Skilty, is about nine inches 
long ; the plumage is dull brown, with dusky streaks and 
white spots above, paler beneath, the sides barred with 
light red and whitish ; the wings light red. In form and 
general appearance it is much like the Corncraik, but it 
is considerably smaller than that bird, and more decidedly 
aquatic in its habits. It has been found, though rarely, in 
nearly all parts of Britain. Its nest is described as of 
large size, formed of decayed water-plants, and placed 
among reeds often surrounded by water. The eggs are 
from seven to ten in number, of a pale red or dark grey 
colour, spotted with umber or deep reddish brown, and 
brownish grey ; it is sometimes called the Spotted Gallinule. 
The Little Craik. — The length of this species is generally 
under seven inches : like the other members of its genus 
it has enormously long legs, fitting it to run upon the 
broad leaves and water weeds without sinking. It con- 
structs its nest in the marshes upon broken reeds, rushes, 
&c., and lays seven or eight yellowish eggs, sprinkled with 
bluish spots of an olive tint. The plumage is olive brown, 
with a few white streaks above, bluish grey beneath, hav- 
ing the sides and abdomen faintly barred with brown and 
white. Montagu calls this the Little Gallinule, and de - 
scribes it as equally capable of diving and concealing its 
body under water, with only the bill above the surface to 
secure respiration ; and of running with celerity, and 
