372 
RALLIDjE. 
GRALLA TORES. 
RALLIDjE. 
LANDRAIL.—CORN CRAKE. 
Crex pratensis. 
PLATE CV. FIG. II. 
The Corncrake, though common in most parts of this 
country, is seldom seen by the common observer; skulk¬ 
ing amongst the long grass, it very rarely takes to flight, 
till forced to it by the dog of the sportsman. It makes 
but a slight nest of dry grass, and lays its eggs, which are 
from seven to ten in number, amongst the long grass of 
our meadows, where they are frequently laid bare by the 
mower; several nests are sometimes found in the same 
field. Corncrakes are not uncommon in Shetland, where 
we saw them, two or three times, seated upon the stone 
walls, and appearing as if very much out of their element. 
The eggs of this species seldom vary, except in the size 
and frequency of the spots: some have the ground-colour of 
a warm red tint, with deep red-brown and purple blotches; 
others, white, slightly tinted with blue, and fancifully 
streaked and spotted all over 
