156 
THE GALLINULE. 
Mediterranean. In Sicily, they are bred in plenty, and 
kept for their beauty; but whether indigenous there, we 
are not certain. It is frequently met with in various parts 
of the south of Russia, and western parts of Siberia, among 
reedy places ; and in the neighbourhood of the Caspian Sea 
not uncommon ; but in the cultivated rice grounds of Ghilan 
in Persia, in great plenty, and in high plumage. The female 
makes her nest among the reeds, in the middle of March ; 
lays three or four eggs, and sits from three to four weeks. 
That it is common in China, the paper-hangings thence will 
everywhere testify. It is also met with in the East Indies, 
the islands of Java, Madagascar, and many others. Our 
late navigators saw them at Tongataboo in vast numbers, as 
well as the islands of Tanna, and other parts. It is also 
common in the southern parts of America. 
u In respect to its manners, it is a very docile bird, being 
easily tamed, and feeding with the poultry, scratching the 
ground with the foot, as the cock and hen. It will feed on 
many things, such as fruits, roots of plants, and grain ; but 
will eat fish with avidity, dipping them into the water 
before it swallows them ; will frequently stand on one leg, 
and lift the food to its mouth with the other, like a parrot. 
The flesh is said to be exquisite in taste.” 
“ The moderns,” says Buffon, u have given the name of 
Sultana Hen to a bird famous among the ancients, under 
the name of Porphyrion. We have frequently had occasion 
to remark the justness of the denominations bestowed by 
