On taking off the skin, one is struck to observe the bases of all the feathers projecting from the interior surface, to an extent seen in no other birds than those of this genus. SCARLET-FRONTED GALLINULE.[119] _Gallinula galeata._ _Gallinula chloropus_, +Bon.+—Aud. pl. 244. _Gallinula galeata_, +Licht.+ [119] Length 13¹⁄₂ inches, expanse 20¹⁄₂, flexure 6¹⁄₂, tail 2³⁄₄, rictus 1²⁄₁₀, breadth of shield ¹⁄₂, height from base of lower mandible to top of shield 1, tarsus 2¹⁄₂, middle toe 3. Hind claw smallest. By a confusion of terms this species is called in Jamaica the Coot, while the following is known by the name of Water-hen. This bird is scarcely to be distinguished from the European Moor-hen, in appearance or in manners. It delights in any water where there is cover; sometimes a swiftly running stream, as Sweet River, where the bushes dip their branches into the water, or the margins are fringed with high weeds; but more usually large ponds, in which tall and thick bulrushes densely grow, or masses of the great ginger-fern. On approaching such a piece of water early in the morning, or at any hour of the day, if the place be unfrequented, we may see the Gallinules playing on the surface, some by their black plumage and scarlet shields, known to be females, the browner males less dressy, as becomes their sex, and some smaller and greyer, which are young. As they swim to and fro, they utter a loud _cluck_ at short intervals; but on alarm each one sounds the note in a higher key, and the whole company dashes into the cover. Here they continue to call to one another; but if much pressed, they lie close, or conceal themselves in some way, so as to elude search even in a very small area; probably by keeping under water, holding on the roots of the rushes. But if the observer remain quite silent and concealed, in about half an hour the _cluck_ is again raised, and they begin cautiously to re-emerge, and play at the margin of the reeds. I think the sense of sight is less acute with them than that of hearing.