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376 
of these two species in the same way in which those of 
the corncrake are exposed by cutting down the long grass; 
several of the nests of the Spotted Crake (which are, 
however, less numerous then those of the water-rail) 
were thus readily obtained. They were placed on the 
marshy ground upon a bed of broken reeds, and were 
formed of the long ribbon-like grass of the reeds, and 
lined with a finer soft grass, which distinguishes them 
from those of the allied species. They contained from 
seven to ten eggs each, varying considerably, but always 
characteristic of the species. 
