114 
RALLUS CAROLINES. 
be no reasonable doubt as to the residence of many of 
these birds, both here and to the northward, during 
the summer. That there can be as little doubt relative 
to their winter retreat, will appear more particularly 
towards the sequel of the present account. During 
their residence here, in summer, their manners exactly 
correspond with those of the water crake of Britain, so 
that, though actually a different species, their particular 
habits, common places of resort, and eagerness for 
concealment, are as nearly the same as the nature of 
the climates will admit. 
Early in August, when the reeds along the shores of 
the Delaware have attained their full growth, the rail 
resort to them in great numbers to feed on the seeds 
of this plant, of which they, as well as the rice birds, 
and several others, are immoderately fond. These 
reeds, which appear to be the zizania panicula effusa 
of Linnaeus, and the zizania clavulosa of Willdenow, 
grow up from the soft muddy shores of the tide water, 
which are alternately dry, and covered with four or five 
feet of water. They rise with an erect, tapering stem, 
to the height of eight or ten feet, being nearly as thick 
below as a man’s wrist, and cover tracts along the river 
of many acres. The cattle feed on their long green 
leaves with avidity, and wade in after them as far as 
they dare safely venture. They grow up so close 
together, that, except at or near high water, a boat can 
with difficulty make its way through among them. The 
seeds are produced at the top of the plant, the blossoms 
or male parts occupying the lower branches of the 
panicle, and the seeds the higher. These seeds are 
nearly as long as a common sized pin, somewhat more 
slender, white, sweet to the taste, and very nutritive, 
as appears by their effects on the various birds that at 
this season feed on them. 
When the reeds are in this state, and even while in 
blossom, the rail are found to have taken possession of 
them in great numbers. These are generally numerous 
in proportion to the full and promising crop of the 
former. As you walk along the embankment of the 
