372 
ALECTORIDES. 
Reinhardt retains this species among the birds of Greenland on the strength of a 
single specimen obtained at Sukkertoppen, Oct. 3, 1823. Sir John Richardson speaks 
of this species as being common in the Fur Countries, in the summer season, up to 
the 62d parallel. It is particularly abundant on the shores of the small lakes which 
skirt the plains of the Saskatchewan. 
Mr. Boardman informs me that he has found this Rail in the neighborhood of 
Calais, Me., where it is known to breed, and where it is much more common than the 
Virginia Rail. It breeds in all the marshes along the borders of the numerous inlets 
and rivers on the southern shores of Maine, and I have found it especially abundant 
on the Sheepscot and Damariscotta rivers. Professor Verrill mentions it as a sum- 
mer visitant in Oxford County, but as not occurring there in very great numbers. 
Mr. Allen speaks of it as arriving near Springfield, Mass., in April, remaining until 
November, breeding and becoming quite common in September and October. The 
same naturalist also mentions it as common in Great Salt Lake Valley. Mr. Ridgway 
mentions it as being numerous in the marshes about Pyramid and Great Salt Lakes ; 
and the same was true of Ruby Valley and the vicinity of Parley’s Park, and in fact 
in all the localities of a similar character throughout the entire extent of his route in 
the Great Basin. Mr. Dresser found this species not uncommon near San Antonio 
in the months of September, October, and November. 
According to the observations- of Giraud, it is not common in Long Island, though 
now and then to be met with along the shrubby banks of creeks, and is also some- 
times observed on the salt-marshes. In the vicinity of New York City it is not 
known to occur in any great numbers, only a few halting in their northern migra- 
tions on wet and miry places covered with tall grass and rushes. It is very abun- 
dant in the early part of September along the reedy margin of the Hackensack River, 
where it is hunted in the same manner as the “ Clapper Rail.” It is exceedingly timid 
and retiring, seeking seclusion among the rank grass. At low water it can very rarely 
be detected, as it hides so closely among the tall water-plants ; and but for its shrill 
short notes its presence would not be suspected. In consequence of this peculiarity 
of its habits, the sportsman’s excursions are regulated by the state of the tide, and 
his visits are timed so as to enable him to be on the spot some time before the tide 
is in. Seated in a light skiff, aided by a person skilled in the sport, who pushes 
along the boat and forces the Rails from their places of concealment, he is often 
enabled to flush and to shoot a large number. The bird is driven from its place of 
concealment, the rushes no longer affording it any protection, and it is compelled to 
rise as the boat approaches. As it always springs up at a short distance, and its flight 
is feeble, it is easily shot. The Sora is very sensitive to cold, and is not to be met 
with in these marshes after the first sharp frost. In the spring, during its northern 
migrations, it makes a short stop to recruit in its favorite marshes, but continues its 
journey with only a very brief delay. Its favorite food is wild oats, from which 
its flesh derives a very delicate flavor. In the autumn it becomes very fat, and is 
then much sought for by epicures. When driven in the fall to warmer shelter by an 
early frost, it will, on the recurrence of milder weather, often return to its favorite 
feeding-grounds. It leaves New Jersey early in October. 
“ Doughty’s Cabinet of Natural History” (I. p. 208) gives an interesting account 
of the manner of hunting this bird on the marshes of the Delaware. Early in August, 
when the reeds have attained their full growth, the Sora Rail resorts to them in great 
numbers to feed on the seeds, of which it is very fond. This reed (the Zizania clavn- 
losa of Michaux) grows up from the soft muddy shores of the tide-water, where the 
surface is alternately bare and covered with four or five feet of water, and attains 
