RAIL. 
383 
or blackish spots ; the young run off as soon as they break the shell, are 
then quite black, and run about among the grass like mice. The old ones 
he has very rarely observed at that time, but the young often. Almost 
every old settler along these meadows, with whom I have conversed, has 
occasionally seen young Rail in mowing time ; and all agree in describ- 
ing them as covered with blackish down. There can, therefore, be no 
reasonable doubt as to the residence of many of these birds both here 
and to the northward during the summer. That there can be as little 
doubt relative to their winter retreat, will appear more particularly 
towards the sequel of the present account. During their residence here, 
in summer, their manners exactly correspond with those of the Water 
Crake of Britain already quoted ; so that, though actually a different 
species, their particular habits, common places of resort, and eagerness 
for concealment, are as nearly the same as the nature of the climates 
will admit. 
Early in August, when the reeds along the shores of the Delaware 
have attained their full growth, the Rail resort to them in great num- 
bers, to feed on the seeds of this plant, of which they, as well as the 
Rice-birds, and several others, are immoderately fond. These reeds, 
which appear to be the Zizania panicula effusa of Linnaeus, and the 
Zizania clavulosa of Wildenow, grow up from the soft muddy shores 
of the tide water, which are alternately dry, and covered with four or 
five feet of water. They rise with an erect, tapering stem to the height 
of eight or ten feet, being nearly as thick below as a man's wrist, and 
cover tracts along the river, of many acres. The cattle feed on their 
long green leaves with avidity, and wade in after them, as far as they 
dare safely venture. They grow up so close together that, except at or 
near high water, a boat can with difficulty make its way through among 
them. The seeds are produced at the top of the plant, the blossoms or 
male parts occupying the lower branches of the pannicle, and the seeds 
the higher. These seeds are nearly as long as a common-sized pin, 
somewhat more slender, white, sweet to the taste, and very nutritive, as 
appears by their effects on the various birds that, at this season, feed 
on them. 
When the reeds are in this state, and even while in blossom, the Rail 
are found to have taken possession of them in great numbers. These 
are generally numerous in proportion to the full and promising crop of 
the former. As you walk along the embankment of the river, at this 
season, you hear them squeaking in every direction, like young puppies ; 
if a stone be thrown among the reeds, there is a general outcry, and a 
reiterated kuk kuk kuk, something like that of a Guinea-fowl. Any 
sudden noise, or the discharge of a gun, produces the same effect. In 
the meantime, none, are to be seen, unless it be at or near high-water ; 
for when the tide is low, they universally secrete themselves among the 
