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PURPLE GALLINULE. 
slightly arched, much compressed, tapering to a very acute point. Plumage 
blended ; form and wings of moderate length, broad, convex, with the second 
and third quills longest ; tail very short, much rounded, of twelve weak 
feathers ; lower coverts almost as long. 
PURPLE GALLINULE. 
Gallinula martinica, Linn. 
PLATE CCCIII.— Male. 
Reader, although you may think it strange, I candidly assure you that 1 
nave experienced a thousand times more pleasure while looking at the Purple 
Gallinule flirting its tail while gaily moving over the broad leaves of the 
water-lily, than I have ever done while silently sitting in the corner of a 
crowned apartment, gazing on the flutterings of gaudy fans and the wavings 
of flowing plumes. Would that I were once more extended on some green 
grassy couch, in my native Louisiana, or that I lay concealed under some 
oeautiful tree, overhanging the dark bayou, on whose waters the bird of 
beauty is wont to display its graceful movements, and the rich hues of its 
glossy plumage ! Methinks I now see the charming creature gliding sylph- 
like over the leaves that cover the lake, with the aid of her lengthened toes, 
so admirably adapted for the purpose, and seeking the mate, who devotedly 
attached as he is, has absented himself, perhaps in search of some secluded 
spot in which to place their nest. Now he comes, gracefully dividing the 
waters of the tranquil pool, his frontal crest glowing with the brightest 
azure. Look at his wings, how elegantly they are spread and obliquely 
raised ; see how his expanded tail strikes the water ; and mark the move- 
ments of his head, which is alternately thrown backward and forward, as if 
he were congratulating his mate on their happy meeting. Now both birds 
walk along clinging to the stems and blades, their voices clearly disclosing 
their mutual feelings of delight, and they retire to some concealed place on 
the nearest shore, where we lose sight of them for a time. 
Now, side by side, they look for the most secure spot among the tall 
rushes that border the lake, and there they will soon form a nest, removed 
