RALLID7E — THE RAILS ~ RALLUS. 
365 
different parts of Mexico. It was obtained near Matamoras, in August, by Mr. Dres- 
ser ; and is given by Dr. Heermann as occurring at San Antonio. A single specimen 
of this bird has been taken in Bermuda. Mr. J. A. Allen found this species very 
common in the marshes and low lands in the Valley of Great Salt Lake ; and Mr. 
Ridgway mentions having seen two or three individuals in the vicinity of Pyramid 
Lake, among the sedges on the banks of the sloughs and ponds. It is only partially 
migratory in the winter, even in places where the winter is quite severe. A specimen 
was taken by Captain Bendire near Fort "Walla Walla, Jan. 3. 1879. 
Although Dr. Cooper never obtained any himself, he states that this bird is found 
throughout the marshes of California, chiefly those of the interior, and as far to the 
north at least as Cape Flattery. It is undoubtedly resident in California throughout 
the year, as Dr. Suckley obtained a specimen near the Straits of Fuca in January. 
Mr. Boardman informs me that it is found as far east as Calais, and even breeds 
in that neighborhood, although it is not common. It was once quite abundant in the 
vicinity of Boston in all our marshes and fresh-water meadows, and more especially 
on the margins of brooks. In June, 1837, I discovered a nest containing ten eggs 
within the present limits of Boston, and only a few rods from a recently-constructed 
railroad track. Mr. Allen included it among the birds of Western Massachusetts, 
but did not regard it as being of common occurrence there. On May 16, 1859, 
Mr. Frederick Ware found a nest, with nine eggs, in the Fresh Pond marshes, West 
Cambridge. 
Although found sparingly present, during the breeding-season, along our entire 
Atlantic coast, from Charleston, S. C., to Eastport, it is far more abundant in the 
fresh-water meadows of the interior. On Long Island, according to Giraud, it is 
known to hunters and sportsmen by the name of the “ Fresli-water Marsli-hen ” or 
“ Mud-hen.” It is there only found in low situations, usually selecting the reedy 
margins of watercourses and rivulets. Giraud also met with it on the low salt- 
marshes along the sea-coast. In its habits, as well as in its plumage, it bears a greater 
resemblance to Bailies elegans than it does to B. crepitans. With all the movements, 
actions, and manners of the former its own are very much in unison. Hiding, as it 
does, among reeds and rushes, it escapes observation, except on the part of those who 
are familiar with its habits. 
Like all of this family, the Virginia Rail is very reluctant to take wing, and when 
pursued by dogs it trusts to its legs until they cease to be sufficient. It runs with 
great swiftness, and is capable of continuing a very rapid and irregular course through 
the close grass for some time. Unless followed by a very active dog, it is always 
able successfully to evade pursuit without exposing itself to the sportsman’s gun. 
It is not often observed on the water, yet it can swim and dive very well when 
driven to this element for safety. It seems to prefer wet ground, or water so shallow 
that it can wade through without being obliged to swim. The food of this species is 
said to consist of aquatic insects, worms, snails, and the seeds of various kinds of 
grasses that grow on marshy ground and in the low fresh-water meadows which it 
frequents. The flesh of this bird is not particularly delicate, yet it is frequently 
brought to the Hew York market in the month of April. 
Wilson speaks of it as far less numerous than the Common Rail in Hew Jersey, 
though frequently seen along the borders of salt-marshes, as well as among the 
meadows on the banks of the larger rivers. He met with it on the Barrens of Ken- 
tucky, but was told by the inhabitants that it was seen in wet places only in the 
spring, going north during the breeding-season. It feeds less on vegetable and more 
on animal food than the Common Sora, and on this account its flesh is much inferior 
