99 THE NATURAL HISTORY 
the win trouble, and is purfued by the dogs with 
the fame eagernefs, and he flies only when the 
danger is very great. He is found during the , 
- greateft part of Winter near {prings that are. 
not frozen; yet he has a feafon for migrating, 
like the Land Rails, and in Spring and Autumn — 
has been feen paffing over the ifland of Malta. 
A French gentleman endeavoured to bring 
fome up tame: they were very well for a fhort — 
time, but about a fortnight after they were taken, — 
their long legs became paralytic, that is, they loft | 
the ufe of them 5. they could only drag themfelves 
along upon their knees, and foon after died.  . 
This fpecies is common in England ; it frew 
quents the edges of ponds and rivulets that are — 
well furnifhed with cover; whilft it flies its legs 
hang down; it frequently takes to the water, and 
{wims hale well; and often runs on the fur- 
pi if there be weeds to bearitup. - 
The fpotted Gallinule, or little Water Rail’s 
“Forctibad: and under part of its neck, is afh-colour ; si 
the two intermediate tail-fcathers are {potted with 
white; the beak and fect are a little olive-co- 
loured. ae oe 
It-makes its appearanc ein the fame feafons as 
the common Water Rail, frequents pools and ) 
marfhes, and makes its neft among the reeds ; the 7 
28 8 | aie 

