The Sora frequents those parts of marshes preferably where fresh water springs rise through the morass. Here it generally constructs its nest, "one of which," says an observer, "we had the good fortune to discover. It was built in the bottom of a tuft of grass in the midst of an almost impenetrable quagmire, and was composed altogether of old wet grass and rushes. The eggs had been flooded out of the nest by the extraordinary rise of the tide in a violent northwest storm, and lay scattered about the drift weed. The usual number of eggs is from six to ten. They are of a dirty white or pale cream color, sprinkled with specks of reddish and pale purple, most numerous near the great end." When on the wing the Sora Rail flies in a straight line for a short distance with dangling legs, and suddenly drops into the water. The Rails have many foes, and many nests are robbed of their eggs by weasels, snakes, Blackbirds, and Marsh Hawks, although the last cannot disturb them easily, as the Marsh Hawk searches for its food while flying and a majority of the Rails' nests are covered over, making it hard to distinguish them when the Hawk is above. [Illustration: From col. Chi. Acad. Sciences. SORA RAIL.] THE SORA RAIL. This is one of our fresh-water marsh birds. I show you his picture taken where he spends most of his time. If it were not for the note calls, these tall reeds and grasses would keep from us the secret of the Rail's home. Like most birds, though, they must be heard, and so late in the afternoon you may hear their clear note, ker-wee. From all parts of the marsh you will hear their calls which they keep up long after darkness has set in. This Rail was just about to step out from the grasses to feed when the artist took his picture. See him--head up, and tail up. He steps along carefully. He feels that it is risky to leave his shelter and is ready at the first sign of danger, to dart back under cover. There are very few fresh-water marshes where the Rail is not found. When a boy, I loved to hear their note calls and would spend hours on the edge of a marsh near my home. It seemed to me there was no life among the reeds and cat-tails of the marsh, but when I threw a stone among them, the Rails would always answer with their _peeps_ or _keeks_. And so I used to go down to the marsh with my pockets filled with stones. Not that I desired or even expected to injure one of these birds. Far from it. It pleased me to hear their calls from the reeds and grass that seemed deserted. Those of you who live near wild-rice or wild-oat marshes have a good chance to become acquainted with this Rail. In the south these Rails are found keeping company with the Bobolinks or Reed-birds as they are called down there. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER. Although this bird is called the Kentucky Warbler, we must not think he visits that state alone. We find him all over eastern North America. And a beautiful bird he is.