196 
RAIL. 
those acquainted with Rail-shooting, it is hardly necessary to 
mention, that the tide, in its flux, is considered an almost in- 
dispensable auxiliary ; for, when the water is oflf the marsh, the 
lubricity of the mud, the height and compactness of the reed, 
and the swiftness of foot of the game, tend to weary the sports- 
man, and to frustrate his endeavours. Even should he succeed 
in a tolerable degree, the reward is not commensurate to the 
labour. I have entered the marsh in a batteau, at a common 
tide, and in a well-known haunt have beheld but few birds. The 
next better tide, on resorting to the same spot, I have perceived 
abundance of game. The fact is, the Rail dive, and conceal 
themselves beneath the fallen reed, merely projecting their heads 
above the surface of the water for air, and remain in that situa- 
tion until the sportsman has passed them; and it is well known, 
that it is a common practice with wounded Rail to dive to the 
bottom, and, holding upon some vegetable substance, support 
themselves in that situation until exhausted. During such times, 
the bird, in escaping from one enemy, has often to encounter 
another not less formidable. Eels and cat-fish swarm in every 
direction, prowling for prey; and it is ten to one if a wounded 
Rail escapes them. I myself have beheld a large eel make ofi" 
with a bird that I had shot, before I had time to pick it up; and 
one of my boys, in bobbing for eels, caught one with a whole 
Rail in its belly. 
‘‘I have heard it observed, that on the increase of the moon 
the Rail improves in fatness, and decreases in a considerable 
degree with that planet. Sometimes I have conceited that the 
remark was just. If it be a fact, I think it may be explained on 
the supposition, that the bird is enabled to feed at night, as well 
as by day, while it has the benefit of the moon, and with less 
interruption than at other periods.” 
