222 
RALLID.^:. 
inches deep in the centre, and carefully lined an inch thick 
with fragments of weeds and small pieces of moss. The cavity 
measured seven inches across. 
In Shetland the calling of the Landrails may at times be 
heard throughout the whole night. I am inclined, however, 
to think that they nearly always become silent immediately 
after they have paired. 
THE WATER-RAIL. 
Kalins aquaticus. 
Cover of sufficient height to conceal even a Water-Rail 
being very scarce in those spots most likely to be frequented 
by such a bird, it is not to be wondered at that examples were 
rarely met with previously to the formation of the gardens, far 
from the neighbourhood of which it is scarcely ever seen. 
Necessity, however, frequently compels it to wander away 
from its garden stronghold to neighbouring springs and ditches, 
from the sides of which almost every blade of grass has been 
closely cropped by hungTy cattle ; hence it happens that 
the Water-Rail is here very often seen on wing, there usually 
being no other resource for it when surprised. Twice I have 
taken a very long shot at it upon the ground, and each time 
it has dropped motionless ; upon my approach, however, jump- 
ing up, and after running for a few yards, flying vigorously 
away to the nearest shelter. The secluded habits of this species 
afford but little opportunity for observation. I therefore give 
an extract or two from the note-books. 
March 31, 1864. — During the winter, Water-Rails were to 
be seen in many parts of these islands. Upon the whole, they 
may be considered rather scarce here, but they have been 
more frequently met with this year than previously. As soon 
as the frost sets in, they visit enclosed grounds, sometimes 
venturing into corn-yards, and even to our very doors ; but I 
never found corn in their stomachs, even in the most severe 
weather. One couple invariably takes possession of an angle 
