BRITISH BIRDS. 
J2 
WATER RAIL. 
BILCOCK, VELVET RUNNER, OR BROOK OUZEL. 
{Uallus aquaticus, Lin . — Le Rale d^Eau, BufF.) 
This bird, though a diftinO: genus of itfelf, 
has many traits in its chara6ter very fimilar to both 
the Corn Crake and the Water Crake: it is mi- 
gratory, like the former, to which it alfo bears fome 
refemblance in its fize, in its long fliape, and in 
the flatnefs of its body : its haunts and manner of 
living are nearly the fame as thofe of the latter ; 
but it differs from both in the length of its bill, 
and in its plumage. It weighs about four ounces 
and a half, and meafures twelve inches in length 
and fixteen in breadth. The bill is flightly curved, 
and one inch and three quarters long ; the upper 
mandible is dufky edged with red j the under 
