314 
A DESCRIPTION OF 
snare laid for him ; but they ought to be entirely ex- 
ploded. 
THE WATER-HEN (Gallinula chloropus,) 
Is larger than the plover, and is also called the Moor-Hen, 
or Moor- Coot, and the Gallinule. The breast is of a lead co- 
lour,aud the lower part of the body inclining to ash-colour; 
and the back blackish. As she swims or walks, she often 
flirts up her tail. Water-hens feed upon watery grass and 
roots, and upon the small insects which adhere to these ; 
they grow fat, and their flesh is esteemed for its taste 
next to that of the teal ; yet it is seldom that it can be 
entirely deprived of its fishy taste. They build their 
nests upon low trees and shrubs by the water-side, breed- 
ing twice or thrice in the course of a summer; the eggs 
are white, with a tint of green, dashed with brown spots. 
There are very few countries in the world where these 
birds are not to be found. They generally prefer the 
cold mountainous regions in summer, and lower and 
warmer situations during winter. 
