RALLIDyE — THE RAILS — RALLUS. 
361 
so many rats, and taking refuge among the thickest of the bushes, not showing them- 
selves as long as there was any apparent danger. An adult specimen and a young- 
bird recently hatched were obtained July 21. The stomach of the former contained 
a portion of a crab and a few shells. The young bird was completely clothed in 
black down with a greenish gloss. 
Leotaud gives this as one of the most common birds of Trinidad, and as being 
by far the most abundant of the Rails. It is always found among the mangroves, 
and never leaves the border of the sea. As it moves it always holds its head erect 
and its tail elevated, fear rather than pride seeming to be the moving cause of these 
positions. It always seems apprehensive of danger, stopping every moment to watch 
and to listen, and if seriously threatened concealing itself behind a mangrove-clump, 
or taking to flight. It then lowers its head, extends its neck horizontally, and starts 
off with the rapidity of an arrow. When nothing appears to disturb it or to attract 
its attention, it seems to manifest sportive impulses, uttering its very peculiar rolling 
cry. Other birds take up and repeat the refrain, until the whole swamp resounds 
with the clamor, which may be heard to a great distance. This bird will respond 
readily to a decoy-cry, and is not frightened at the sight of the hunter if the latter 
keeps motionless ; in this way it may be readily obtained. It is much hunted for, as 
although its flesh is not of the nicest quality, it is considered fairly good. 
In many parts of the country this bird is generally known as the “ Meadow-hen.” 
It is essentially a southern species, resident throughout the year south of the Poto- 
mac, hardly known beyond Long Island, and rare even there. Giraucl states that it 
is, however, abundant on the sea-coast of New Jersey, and that in some seasons it 
occurs in considerable numbers on the salt-marshes along the south shore of Long 
Island, which it reaches about the 1st of May, remaining until the latter part of 
September, and a few continuing even as late as October. 
I am, however, informed by Mr. J. H. Batty that, having for some time suspected 
that this species remains on Long Island during the winter, he obtained positive evi- 
dence of the fact in at least one — perhaps exceptional — instance. On the 4th of 
February, 1873, having been informed that a “Meadow-hen” had been seen on a 
neighboring creek, he proceeded to the place with his gun and dog, and procured the 
bird, which proved to be a fine adult male. 
This species is said to be confined almost entirely to low wet marshes, hiding in 
the reeds and rank grass. It can seldom be seen flying, and seems when pursued to 
depend for escape on its power of running. Its speed is very rapid, and with its 
thin compressed body it is able to pass through the grass so quickly that it is soon 
out of sight and danger. In Long Island it breeds in the latter part of May, placing 
the nest on the meadows, and usually building it so high that it may be readily dis- 
covered. This is attributed to the danger from high tides. The eggs are esteemed 
a great delicacy and are much sought after, the number found in a nest being usually 
ten, of a pale clay-color, finely dotted with purple. If in making a short excursion 
in the water this bird becomes suddenly alarmed, it instantly disappears by diving, 
or, if near the bank, by hiding in the grass. If far from the shore it will cling to the 
roots of the grass, where it will sometimes remain a surprisingly long while. It is 
not usually pursued by sportsmen except when the meadows are overflowed by the 
unusual high tides, which occur after the wind has been blowing heavily from the 
southeast. Hunters take advantage of these occasions, and pushing a skiff over the 
sunken meadows, drive the Rails from their retreats, often obtaining them in large 
numbers. As this bird is slow in its flight and moves in a straight line, it becomes 
an easy mark when there is nothing to obstruct the sight, and may be very readily 
vol. i. — 46 
