6 
THE CONDOR 
Vol. XVII 
with comparative ease I would take them home with me ; otherwise I would 
take the chance of the bird returning to them by leaving them in the nest. 
Picking one up, and hooking my thumb and forefinger about it, I placed it to 
my eye ; Avith the sunlight on the opposite side I could note that incubation 
was advanced. 
Fig. 3. Another view of the nest of the Louisiana Clapper Rail, 
SHOWING DETAIL OF CONSTRUCTION 
But just as I held the egg to the sun, between thumb and finger, there 
came an awful clatter from the grassy jungles near at hand, the protest and 
expression of indignation of the parent at my conduct: “ CRACK, CHACK, 
chack, chack, chack, chack ! !’’ As if to say, 11 HEY, YOU, put that egg back !” 
The first syllable was loud, harsh and startling, and each succeeding one 
