Order GRALLTE. 
Bill varied, but usually straight, in many long and slender. Wings proportionately long. 
Tail in general short, the feathers varying much in number. Legs lengthened and slender, with 
the tibia bare*-, anterior toes often connected by a partial web, sometimes only between the 
middle and outer toe ; hind toe in general small and raised, in a few long and on the same plane 
as the front ; in some absent altogether. 
Fam. RALLID2E. 
Bill in general rather short (in some lengthened), much compressed , high at the base, 
straight, with the nostrils median and pierced through the mandible ; culmen in many produced 
back upon the forehead in a casque. Wings rounded, with a tubercle at the flexure ; the tertials 
lengthened. I ail of 10 to 12 feathers, very short, scarcely exceeding the closed wings. Legs more 
or less lengthened. Tarsus moderately stout, covered in front with broad transverse scales. Feet 
large. Toes lengthened, exceeding the tarsus in some ; hind toe well developed, rather long in 
some. 
Sternum nairow, the keel high, and with a very deep notch on each side of it. 
Mostly of skulking and aquatic habits, and with the power of swimming well. 
Genus PORZANA+. 
Bill rather short, much compressed, straight, slightly depressed at the centre of the culmen ; 
nostrils linear, and placed in a lengthened depression; gonys pronounced. Wings slightly 
rounded, the 3rd and 4th quills the longest, and the 1st shorter than the innermost ; a small 
tubercle at the flexure. Tail longer than the tarsus, rounded, the feathers lax; bare portion of 
tibia less than the hind toe and claw. Tarsus equal to the middle toe, covered with broad but 
smooth scales. Toes smooth ; outer toe longer than the inner ; claws acute. 
Of small size. 
* The "Woodcock forms an exception. 
t I commence the Grallas with this genus of the Rallidse, as it grades more than any other into the Quails, and 
exhibits slight affinities with the Gallinaceous birds. The pretty little subgenus Coturnicops, of which Mr. Swinhoe’s 
little Chinese Crake (O. exquisite,) is a member, have much the form and aspect of game-birds. 
