RAIL, 
243 
the like effect. In the fall of 1811, as I was shooting 
amongst the reeds, I perceived a Rail rise but a few feet 
before my batteau. The bird had risen about a yard when 
it became entangled in the tops of a small bunch of reeds, and 
immediately fell. Its feet and neck were extended, as in the 
instances above mentioned, and, before it had time to recover, 
I killed it. Some few days afterwards, as a friend and I were 
shooting in the same place, he killed a Rail, and, as we 
approached the spot to pick it up, another was perceived, not 
a foot off, in a fit. I took up the latter, and placed it in the 
crown of my hat. In a few moments it revived, and was as 
vigorous as ever. These facts go to prove, that the Rail is 
subject to gusts of passion, which operate to so violent a 
degree as to produce a disease, similar in its effects to epilepsy. 
I leave the explication of the phenomenon to those patho- 
logists who are competent and willing to investigate it. It 
may be worthy of remark, that the birds affected as described, 
were all females of the Gallinula Carolina . , or common Rail. 
“ The Rail, though generally reputed a simple bird, will 
sometimes manifest symptoms of considerable intelligence. 
To those acquainted with Rail shooting, it is hardly necessary 
to mention, that the tide, in its flux, is considered an almost 
indispensable auxiliary ; for, when the water is off 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 
sportsman 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 situation 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 
