that have been found breeding in Ohio. It is probable that the Yellow Rail, and possibly the Black 
Rail, may yet be discovered nesting in this State. The eggs of the summer-resident species bear a general 
resemblance to each other, yet the difference in size, ground-color, and markings is quite sufficient to make 
identification easy. The eggs of the Red-breasted Rail may be known by their size, ground-color, and 
markings, and the remaining two species may readily be recognized by the ground-color and markings, 
although in size and shape they are very similar. 
REMARKS : 
The three eggs illustrated, Fig. 6, Plate XLIV, show the sizes, shapes, ground-colors, and markings 
of the eggs of the Virginia Rail. The coloring is that of eggs which have been blown about two years. 
The Virginia Rail is a very interesting bird, whether in its wild state or in captivity. I have several 
times reared young birds of this species and have been much entertained with them. Mr. Maynard has 
written so accurately of their habits that I can not do better than to copy his text. On page 420, “ North 
American Birds,” he says: “The Virginia Rails inhabit the wet, fresh water marshes from Canada to 
Florida, but appear to prefer those which are partly grown up to bushes. This propensity I could not 
explain, until I saw one in the aviary of Mr. August Koch, who has fitted up an abode for captive birds 
with great care, having a fountain, miniature pond, rock work with grottos, all embellished with numerous 
plants, among which are some vines that twine up to the ceiling. One of the most attractive birds, among 
many which lived in this enclosure, was the Rail mentioned, which was quite tame, and which evidently 
behaved much as it would have in its native swamp. It fed readily, waded about in the water, and 
when slightly alarmed, would take refuge among the surrounding ferns, etc.; but what surprised me most, 
was to see it climb up the vines, which it did with the utmost ease, clinging to the branches with its 
long claws, and in this way it often reached the top, some ten feet from the ground. The bird was 
evidently hunting for insects, and this habit was probably acquired when among the bushes in the meadows. 
“When only slightly alarmed, the Virginia Rails utter a chuckling sound, but if badly frightened or 
greatly annoyed, especially during the nesting season, when they have young, they will emit a sharp squeak, 
but their regular notes are harsh screams, usually given at night. These Rails breed early in June, 
building on some slightly elevated spot, either in the grass or among the bushes, and when their domiciles 
are approached the birds quietly leave them. The young leave the nest as soon as hatched, and run 
nimbly through the grass. They become scattered somewhat during the day, but toward night they 
will utter sharp cries, in order that the adults may know of their whereabouts, and then the entire brood 
will gather beneath the parent for warmth. I have, on several occasions, captured these little black Rails 
in the evening, having ascertained where they were by hearing them peeping. When taken young they 
become very tame, feeding readily upon bits of meat or insects, behaving much' like young chickens. They 
are, however, very delicate and difficult to rear, as they require considerable attention, especially at night) 
when they should be kept warm.” 
276 
