328 
WATER RAIL. 
Rallus aquaticus , Linnaeus. 
PLATE XXVIII. 
Rallus aquaticus, Linn . — Ralle d'eau, Temm . — Velvet Runner, 
WiUough . — Common or Water Rail of British authors. 
The Water Rail is found in the fenny counties of 
England, and, where there is an occasional marsh or 
fen, through most of the other districts ; in Scotland 
it occurs also in similar localities, hut is accounted 
far from abundant, though its apparent scarcity may 
be attributable to its very shy and secluded habits. 
During winter, in our own vicinity, we generally 
see or procure a few specimens, in wet ditches which 
do not soon freeze, and to which the bird at this 
time resorts, being driven from its better covered 
haunts by the severity of the storm ; in such places, 
after being pursued, it will creep into some hole or 
under cover, and allow itself to be taken by the 
hand. In summer, we have shot it once or twice, 
but have always been unable to discover the nest. 
It utters a discordant croak in the evenings, and 
during the while remains stationary, possessing the 
same ventriloquial power as the corn crake. Out 
