220 
RALLID/E. 
the larger and more brilliantly coloured of the pair is the 
female ; not the male, as is usually supposed. The stomachs 
of all I have examined contained small insects, some fine vege- 
table matter, and a little sand. The tarsi and feet of a newly 
killed bird are lead colour, with dusky marks upon the joints ; 
the bill black, and the eye very deep brown. 
It is scarcely probable that the Phalarope’s only Shetland 
breeding station is in Unst. Hitherto I have inquired care- 
fully for it in various parts, but it seems to be quite unknown. 
I have no doubt, however, that it will yet be discovered in 
Fetlar and upon Mainland by some person who has time to 
explore the reedy margins of the lochs during the months of 
June and July. 
The Phalarope is said to arrive in Unst every year about the 
same time as the Lapwings. 
V. RALLIDJE, 
THE LANDKAIL. 
Crex pratensis. 
CORNCRAKE. 
Landrails arrive in considerable numbers about the end of 
j\Iay, and may then be heard in every cultivated district 
throughout the islands. At the time of their first appearance, 
vegetation has made so slight an advance that they are easily 
seen, being quite unable to conceal themselves among the short 
grass or corn. I have killed them in autumn as well as in 
spring, and have usually found them in good condition at both 
seasons. Many of what the Shetlanders term the learned ” 
class, i.e., those who possess books, are firmly of opinion that the 
Landrail remains the whole year round ; the main fact which 
they advance in support of their theory being that it is some- 
times found in winter, in a torpid state, among the crevices of 
