Rail, when roasted on the spit, enveloped in greased paper, are very good. They should never be stuffed. Fifteen minutes will cook them if the fire be brisk. Reed birds are best when roasted au naturel on the spit before a brisk fire. They cook better enveloped in greased paper, there being less waste of the fat. They are good, also, when stuffed with bread crumbs, butter, and a little of herbs; and also when nicely broiled. Some prefer them this way to all others.