siesta 
itaties 
iets See 


He 


+33 
peetstis. 
errs 


q 
iss 


ee TO 
LIBRARY OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY 


WOODS HOLE, MASS. 


LOANED BY AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 


The Annals 


OF 


Scottish Natural History 
mw OUART ERIEY WANGAZINE 


WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED 


“Che Scottish Naturalist” 


EDITED BY 


J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. 


MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION 


JAMES W. H. RAIL, M.A, M.D. E.B:S., FIs: 


PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN 
AND 


WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., Mem. Brit. ORN. UNION 


NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART, EDINBURGH 


= “ 1893 


EDINBURGH 
DAVID DOUGLAS, CASTLE STREET 
LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES ST., CAVENDISH SQUARE 


(2) 
Her 


Ais) 0 


iSite Or = hil awig S 


. An Unusually Coloured Raza clavata, Linneus. 
. Pylaiella varia, Kjellman, and Lctocarpus Landsburgit, Harvey. 


. Canuella perplexa, sp. nov., and Longip~edia coronata, Claus. 


. Scottish Desmidieze. Plate I. 


The Annals 


of 
Scottish Natural History 


No. 5] 1893 [J ANUARY. 


RISSO’'S “GRAMPUS (GRAMPETS, GRISETGS) IN 
EWE SS OUNWVIAW. Sa haiiiclr 


By ROBERT SERVICE. 


ON 28th of September last I read in our local newspaper, 
the “ Dumfries Courier,’ a short paragraph to the effect that 
on the 24th of that month a “ young bottle-nose whale” had 
been captured near Annan. Knowing that the dimensions 
given were very unlikely to apply to that species, I lost no 
time in writing for further information to my obliging friend, 
Mr. Wm. Wright, Annan, who in due course replied, giving 
the following particulars :—The animal had been seen, when 
the tide ebbed, floundering in a pool on the sands of the 
Dumfriesshire Solway at a spot close to Battlehill, near 
Annan, by Mr. Wm. Blake, fisherman, who with assistance, 
and after a considerable struggle, killed it. Its dimensions 
were, length 10 feet 3 inches; girth at thickest part 5 feet ; 
flippers 7 or 8 inches wide, 16 or 17 inches long; it had 
two bumps right on the nose, one on each side with hollow 
between ; the bumps were like one’s fist and could be taken 
hold of. The shape from the dorsal to the tail “went away 
to nothing.” Three teeth in each side of the front of lower 
jaw, and no teeth whatever in upper jaw. Colour of upper 
parts described as somewhat greenish in hue when alive and 
5 B 


2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


in the sea; after death the back was exactly the colour of 
“dark blue Welsh slates.” Under parts white. The animal 
was a female. On making subsequent inquiry about the 
white stripes usually present as a distinguishing character of 
Risso’s Grampus, I was informed that “it had little faint 
sray streaky marks, } inch in width, and some were long, 
and some were short,” but as Mr. Wright had to prompt his 
informant on this point, I conclude these marks must have 
been inconspicuous. When requested by Mr. Wright, the 
lower jaws were very kindly presented to me by Mr. Blake. 
Before removing the mass of adherent flesh, I made a close 
examination of the dentition. Taking the left mandible, I 
found embedded in the flesh, at the point of the jaw in 
front of the three mandibular teeth, a couple of very small 
denticles, so soft as to be scarcely calcified, and quite easily 
cut through with the knife. They appeared on the surface 
as roughish points hardly to be seen, but easily felt with the 
finger. Then behind the three mandibular teeth were at 
regular intervals two small openings into the gum. These 
were about the diameter of an ordinary knitting wire. On 
shaving slices off the gum these openings were seen to widen 
out into tooth sacs of the calibre of an ordinary lead-pencil, 
and half an inch deep, and they were quite filled with a very 
soft, white, pasty substance with no signs whatever of calci- 
fication, except in the walls of these sacs, which were of 
tolerably hard cartilaginous matter, harder than the sur- 
rounding gums. The two front denticles had small, rough, 
shallow sockets in the bone, but the tooth sacs described 
had no visible sockets in the bone of the jaw, as was 
ascertained when the flesh was all removed. The right jaw 
had the couple of small denticles, the three mandibular 
teeth, and the two tooth sacs in the same order and position 
as on the left jaw. The mandibular teeth seemed remark- 
ably loose in their sockets, and with the finger and thumb 
could be moved quite easily in any direction, the great depth 
and width of the sockets when compared with the size of 
the teeth perhaps accounting for this. Each of them was 
exactly half an inch above the gums; when removed from 
their sockets and cleaned, the front one on each side 
measured 14 inch in total length, the others were all alike 


RISSO’S GRAMPUS IN THE SOLWAY FIRTH 3 


in measurement—1+ inch. All of the six teeth had their 
summits bent inwards, had apparently been tolerably sharp 
at one time, but had become much worn and chipped. It 
may be worth pointing out that the dentition of this animal 
might be variously described as 9 9 or 2 2 or as ? ? accord- 
ing to the inclination of the observer. 

Not trusting my own identification of this Cetacean as 
Risso’s Grampus, I forwarded the jaw, after it had been 
cleaned, to Mr. Eagle Clarke, who promptly informed me 
that he had “compared it with the perfect remains of 
Grampus griseus in the Anatomical Museum of the 
University of Edinburgh, under Sir Wm. Turner’s charge. 
The jaw belongs, undoubtedly, to a young specimen of that 
species.” Before leaving this Annan specimen, it should be 
added that the oldest and most experienced of the Annan 
fishermen declared that none of them had ever seen a “ whale” 
of the same kind in the Solway before. 

On Monday, 17th October, I was told that a “small 
whale” had been killed on the previous Saturday evening 
at Carsethorn, a little fishing hamlet about fourteen miles 
from Dumfries, but situated in the adjoining county, on the 
shores of the Stewartry Solway, a little to the westwards of 
the mouth of the Nith. Following on the recent occurrence 
of the rarity at Annan, my interest in Cetaceans was now 
thoroughly aroused, and within a few hours after the notice 
reached me I was at Carsethorn. I had no anticipation 
whatever that I was so soon to hear of another example 
of the same species, and it was therefore with the most 
pleasurable feelings that, after walking down the beach 
from our gig, the friend who accompanied me and I saw, 
when the old sail had been lifted off the animal we had 
come to see, that we had before us another veritable Risso’s 
Grampus. This one had been caught at the mouth of the 
Kirkbean Pow, at a little distance above Carsethorn village. 
It had been seen stranded in the shallow water when the 
tide receded, and was captured by Mr. Robert M‘Call, 
fisherman, with the assistance of the villagers. One man 
who was present described it as grunting very loudly, 
another said it barked like a mastiff dog, and snapped 
viciously at anything or anybody that came within its reach, 


4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


while a third individual said it squealed! It had been 
stabbed in the throat and bled in the same way as pigs 
are slaughtered, and when I examined it, the body was 
positively undamaged in any way, with the exception of the 
cut under the throat. I made the following notes of its 
appearance on the spot :— 


Dimensions.—Total length, 8 feet. 
Girth in front of dorsal, 54 inches. 
. midway betwixt. snout and dorsal, 52 inches. 
>  Gorsaliand tailyy 220. 


9 


,, just before expansion of tail, 13a 
Flipper.—Length, 164 inches. 
- Width, 5 3 


Dorsal.— Length, 16 _ 
Height, r0o5" . ,, 
a Breadth in middle, 7 inches. 
Tail fins from tip to tip, 18 inches. 
Lower jaw from point to angle of mouth, 9? inches. 
Upper - 33 53 TOME 

Sex.—Female. 

Colours.—Eye, dark brown; pupil round and black. General 
colour of upper parts of a dark slaty tinge, greenish in certain lights, 
bluish in others. Colour of upper parts passing through the different 
shades from slate colour to grayish at the median line, and gradually 
passing to pure milky white from vent to flippers, but becoming 
darker on the under side betwixt the flippers. Flippers deep black. 
White on throat extending to gape, and then over the upper jaw, 
covering all the nose and forehead except a deep black moustachial 
patch of pretty regular outline, beginning over the upper part of the 
nose and extending downwards on each side. Round each eye was 
a large deep black patch of irregular outline shading off to gray at 
the edges. The white lines usually assigned as a specific character 
were altogether absent, with the exception of a silvery white line 
lying obliquely across the back of the neck. It was about 8 inches 
long and enclosed a deep black line along its centre half an inch in 
width. There was one group of seven black spots on left side mid- 
way between dorsal and belly. The largest of these spots was the 
size of a half-crown, the smallest the size of a threepenny piece, and 
they looked precisely as if some one had been throwing ink on the 
skin. There was a large number of scattered white spots the size of 
peas, just behind vent and a little to left side. Three white 
spots outlined in deep black were situated just above middle of left 
upper lip; several white spots were also to be seen along the edge 
of left under lip. There were no other spots or lines anywhere on 
the beast, and those described were anything but conspicuous. 


” 


RISSO’S GRAMPUS IN THE SOLWAY FIRTH 5 


Dentition, etc.—The sides and front of tongue were fringed by a 
row of upright papille of rather horny consistency. No teeth in 
upper jaw. No teeth visible in lower jaws, but on feeling the left 
under jaw very carefully with the fingers two hard spots were felt. 
On cutting into them, these hard spots were found to conceal a 
couple of small teeth, and behind them another tooth was also dis- 
covered embedded in the gums. ‘The other under jaw was not cut 
into. 

Appearance of Head.—\.ips very thick and fleshy, but no depres- 
sion between the snout and lips such as has sometimes been described 
as seen in other specimens of this Grampus. ‘The great swelling 
lumps on each upper cheek, continuing down to and including the 
lips, was an extremely conspicuous feature, and gave one the strong 
impression that the swollen appearance was the result of injury or 
disease. Snout rounded in upper jaw ; much pointed in lower jaw. 

Skin.—The whole skin smooth and shining, transparent looking 
in some lights. Very soft and velvety to the touch, the outermost 
cuticle easily abraded or rubbed off. The skin was easily lifted in 
little folds betwixt finger and thumb. 


There is not much more to say about the Carsethorn 
specimen of this rare Cetacean, except that I was glad to be 
the medium of securing its skeleton for the Museum of 
Science and Art, Edinburgh. A gentleman resident in the 
village who was present when the bones were divested of 
their flesh preparatory to being despatched to Edinburgh, 
and who examined the stomach, informs me it was quite 
empty. The same friend also had the curiosity, not to say 
temerity, to cut off a suitable piece of the flesh and have it 
cooked. He tells me “it was dark in colour and tasted not 
unlike the flesh of a hare, or between that and _ beefsteak. 
It was a little peculiar in flavour, but not unpleasant.” The 
blubber produced a little over six gallons of good oil, which 
is used in the same way, and for the same purposes, as the 
fishermen and others in this neighbourhood use porpoise oil. 

Whether the two specimens of Risso’s Grampus described 
in the foregoing pages entered the Solway in company can 
only be a matter of conjecture. I have been unable to hear 
of any of our whammle-net men who noticed such animals 
in the Firth before their capture, and the fishermen in 
question are distributed over the comparatively narrow 
limits of the Solway at every tide. One thing seems very 
certain to me that any such Cetaceans once passing inside 


6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Barnhourie Bank and the Robin Rigg would hardly escape 
many hours from being stranded on one or other of the 
numerous sandbanks that stretch for hundreds of thousands 
of acres in every direction, when the surges that swell up with 
the famous tidal flow of old Solway have once more ebbed 
again with equal swiftness back into the Irish Channel. 


DESTRUCTION OF WILD BIRDS’ EGGS, AND 
EGG-COLLECTING 


By Lieut.-Colonel W. H. M. Duruis, R.A. 


It is gratifying to learn from Mr. Knubley’s interesting 
paper in the “Annals” of last October, that some well 
known members of the British Association have taken up 
the subject of the destruction of, wild birds’ eggs, and are 
considering the question, whether legislative measures should 
be recommended for their protection. 

There is evidently no time to be lost if we wish to pre- 
serve as breeders in the British Isles some of our fast dimin- 
ishing species ; and it seems to be the duty of our Natural 
History Societies and Field Clubs throughout the country to 
use their utmost endeavours to educate and interest the 
public within their several spheres of influence, and thus 
co-operate with the British Association in its laudable efforts 
to stem the tide of egg-destruction which has set in. 

In seeking for the cause of the mischief complained of, 
we naturally turn our attention, first of all, to the egg- 
collectors, all of whom, in a greater or less degree, must be held 
responsible; and we feel sure that if they could be reason- 
ably controlled, there would be little left for the British 
Association to do. 

There are three kinds of collectors who require to be 
specially dealt with, viz. the Aimless, the Greedy, and the 
Mercenary Collector, 

The Aimless Collector should be discouraged. He is 
generally a person who knows little or nothing about birds 
or their habits. His collection is an accumulation of un- 


DESTRUCTION OF WILD BIRDS’ EGGS 7 


authenticated specimens stowed away in ill-arranged boxes, 
totally regardless of order, species, or locality, and is useless 
to himself and of no interest to science. 

The Greedy Collector should be vestrazned. He should 
be satisfied, as a rule, with one clutch of eggs of each bird, 
with an occasional addition of an abnormal clutch or egg for 
the sake of comparison. 

The Mercenary Collector should be aboleshed. He it is 
who is mainly responsible for the extermination of species 
and waste of eggs. His collection is the result of gold, 
changed into silver and copper as it filters through the hands 
of dealers, gamekeepers, shepherds, herd-boys, and others, 
who, often in direct disobedience of orders from their em- 
ployers, have robbed many an important eyrie, and with 
indiscriminating ignorance have swept some of our bird 
nurseries bare. The size and value of this collector’s store 
depends upon the length of his purse, and while proud to 
tell the market value of a particular egg, he may be unable 
to describe the bird that laid it, or the nest in which it was 
found. 

The True Collector should be a Naturalist, acquainting 
himself with birds, their habits, flight, migration, language, 
and breeding haunts; his egg-collecting being only one of 
the means of acquiring this knowledge. He should collect 
for himself, and should never receive an egg into his cabinet 
unless authenticated by an individual in whom he can im- 
plicitly trust. To him, therefore, no dealer need apply, and 
under these conditions egg-collecting has all the excitement 
of sport, and the final acquisition of a rare egg, after perhaps 
years of waiting and watching, is a triumph, and the egg 
itself is a trophy of which the possessor is justly proud. 
The collection, whether large or small, should be perfect as 
far as it goes, all eggs being arranged according to order, 
genus, and species. Every specimen should be marked 
with a number and registered with a corresponding mark 
in a book kept for the purpose, in which should also be 
recorded the date, locality, and authority, and any note of 
interest taken at the time. The chief aim should be accu- 
racy ; and the journal, if properly kept, is a mine of useful 
information. It and the cabinet are inseparable, and the 


+ 


8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


two together may form a valuable addition to a museum. 
Besides its ornithological value, the collection is deeply inter- 
esting to the collector himself on account of its recorded 
memories. That large white egg stained with brown, lying 
on a piece of dry seaweed, recalls a day on the Bass Rock, 
when eye and ear are bewildered by the constant movement 
and sound of countless hosts of Gannets and other wild sea- 
birds floating in the air and on the waves, or diving beneath 
the surface of the water, their shrill cries making a strange 
discord with the music of the sea, as it rolls its deep-toned 
accompaniment along the base of the stupendous cliff. 
Again, the clutch of Buzzards’ eggs speaks of the solitude 
of the mountains, of a bulky nest set on a ledge of a steep 
overhanging rock at the head of a Highland glen, with a 
peat-stained burn below winding its way through a world of 
heather and moss. And so on all through the cabinet, every 
clutch has its story, each egg its tale to tell, and every 
drawer breathes its own separate associations: the shady 
woods and breezy uplands, the swift-running brooks and 
sluggish streams, the lake and mountain tarn, the misty glen, 
the sandy shores and rocky coasts, the hedgerows, and shrub- 
beries, and eaves, and every nook and corner where the birds 
come, from far and near, to rear their offspring in the joyous 
days of spring—all are represented here in the lovely and 
varied relics which lie displayed in systematic order before 
us. When once the eggs of a particular bird have been 
obtained they are rarely required again; but the breeding 
haunt being known, the return of the birds may be looked 
for in each succeeding year, and their habits watched and 
noted during the whole period of incubation. 

If we could confine our Collectors to the true type, 
which I have attempted to describe, the Egg Dealers would 
cease to exist, and with them would also disappear the tribe 
of hangers-on which they maintain, there being no need for 
their services, and no demand for their supplies; and with 
the attainment of this happy result, legislation for the pre- 
servation of wild birds’ eggs would become unnecessary. | 


CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 9 


CONTRIBULIONS TO A FAUNA OF THE 
SHETEAND ISLES. 
AUTUMN NOTES. 


By J. A. Harviz-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. 


Two visits paid to a far southerly portion of the Shetland 
Isles convinced the writer of these notes that the district is 
almost a ¢erra incognita to the working Field-Naturalist 
during the autumn. 

Dr. Saxby’s “ Birds of Shetland,’—excellent as in many 
respects it is,—and his earlier first notes in the “ Zoologist,” 
cannot be held as relating to Shetland generally, and indeed 
as only referring to the much more restricted area of Unst. 

Since Dr. Saxby wrote, we have scarcely a record from 
Shetland, except of summer observations, of which latter, 
however, there is no lack. 

We spent several weeks, first in October and November 
1891, and again in September and October 1892, at the 
Southern extremity of the Shetland Isles, in the parish of 
Dunrossness, to which portion of the main island the ac- 
companying notes principally refer. 

During the first of these visits we only met with 56 
species of birds. During our second visit we added consider- 
ably to this list, making a list of and notes upon 84 species. 

In 1891, migration along our whole East Coasts—Scot- 
tish and English—was at a minimum, on account of the 
prevalence of westering winds throughout the season, culmi- 
nating in a gale of great force and severity from S.S.W., which 
ranged over our coasts for the space of seven days, begin- 
ning moderately (in Shetland) on the night of the 8th October, 
continuing strong over the 9th to 13th, and reaching its 
maximum strength on the 14th. On the 15th, I find in my 
journals that the united roar of surf and wind “had gone 
down to a‘hum,’” and that it was windless on the 16th. 
All the time previous to the latter date, the wind had been 
westerly. In 1892, migration bulked much more heavily all 
down our East Coasts, even as far north as North Ronaldshay 
in Orkney, and at Girdleness in Aberdeenshire, whilst on the 


10 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


East English Coasts it was quite phenomenal. But Shetland 
appears only to have been brushed, as it were, by the outer- 
most primaries of the right wing of the flight, and only a few 
“dropped feathers ”—a few solitary migrants—helped us to 
swell our list. The direction of the wind prior to the 4th 
October was southerly, veering to S.S.E. and S.S.W., and 
few migrants were observed. But on the 5th, and night of 
5th and 6th, migration became more noticeable, both as 
observed at the lighthouse, and by ourselves in the open. 
This was the fringe of a vast migration, which will be found 
duly recorded by other observers farther to the southward. 
The wind had been northerly and strong, but during the 
night a sudden shift took place to S.E., and increasing to a 
gale, whipped up the migrants which had already started on 
their passage of the North Sea, and drifted them on our 
shores. But in Shetland we only got a slight waft of this 
change, and it did not last long enough to flood the islands 
with migrants. Such were the conditions of migration during 
the two visits we made to Shetland in 1891 and 1892. 

Of the place itself we must be very shortly descriptive. 
The area we treat of contains the hill and cliffs and high 
plateau of Fitful Head (928 feet), and the “scattald” or taxed 
land which lies around it. 

It also contains the links of Quendale, the sandhills, and 
long washed sands of Quendale Bay, the rocky points of 
Sumburgh Head and Garthness, and, out in the bay, the holms 
of Quendale. It includes the more important lochs of Spiggie, 
and Brow, and Hillwell, as well as a few other minor sheets 
of water, with the marshes and marshy meadows, peat “cuts ” 
and “banks,” which connect or surround them. Then there 
are the rocky, or sandy, or muddy voes of the South Coast, 
and the rockier voes of the west side. Between the pastured 
hills are glens and green-edged or marsh-edged burns. When 
we add to the above description the stunted heather of the 
high “ fields,” the short grazing of the “scattalds,” the wind- 
swept scalps, showing the disintegrating granitic rock in 
rapidly recurring stripes or succeeding terraces, with the 
‘“plantie cruives ” or small enclosures in which young cabbage- 
plants are protected from the storms, which are dotted over 
the otherwise bare landscape, and the “ farm-toons ” with the 


CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND II 


agricultural land around them, and the long dividing walls 
and fences, we have, sufficiently for our present purpose, indi- 
cated the nature of the country in which we observed the 
following birds and mammals. 


HEDGEHOG (L£yrinaceus europeus).—When staying at the manse of 
Tingwall, three miles from Lerwick, I was informed, very much 
to my surprise, that the Hedgehog exists along the shores of Loch 
Tingwall (fresh water), and is perfectly well known to Mrs. 
Bain, who told me also that, “when we put them into the 
garden they usually die.” These animals were introduced at 
Veersgarth by the farmer there, and he planted whins for their 
protection. They are supposed to have been introduced into 
the island of Burra by means of a cargo of empty casks, or in 
the ballast of a vessel (v. “Annals S. N. H.” 1892, p. 132). 
In 1892, whilst staying at Sumburgh House, we obtained further 
account of the Hedgehog in Shetland from our friend Mr. 
John Bruce, who first heard of the animal occurring around 
Cunningsburg in the following manner. He had heard of 
some mischievous boys tormenting an old woman by putting 
a Hedgehog in her bed. Mr. Bruce had then asked the lads 
to bring him the next one they found, which they did, and Mr. 
Bruce obtained two, and had them alive in Sumburgh Garden ; 
but they escaped, and have not been seen or heard of around 
Sumburgh since. They are stated to be far from uncommon 
around Cunningsburg, and to frequent the high “ fields” and 
driest ground among heather. As yet I am unable to trace any 
reliable history of their original introduction, which, however, is 
currently believed and spoken of as having been effected fifty 
years ago. 


THE Common FirtH SEAL (Phoca vitulina) is very abundant 
about the Quendale Holms. 


OTTER (Lutra vulgaris).—Many Sea Otters occur all over the district, 
as is evinced by the fine skins which Mr. John Bruce obtains. 


SToat (Mustela vulgaris)—Not rare. We saw skins in the pos- 
session of Mr. George Bruce of Sand Lodge. The actual dis- 
tribution throughout the isles has not, to our knowledge, been 
worked out. We are credibly informed, however, that it occurs 
in some islands but not in others, and our friend Mr. Allan 
Briggs tells me it does not occur on North Ronaldshay, the 
nearest of the adjoining group of Orkney. 


BLACKBIRD (Zurdus merula).—Not observed at all abundantly. 
Only one seen in October (15th) in 1891, in a turnip-field up 
the Mill Glen of Quendale—a favourite shelter ground of 
migrants. In 1892 I shot a female up the burn which flows 


12 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


into Garth Wick, 30th October, and saw another sheltering in 
nettles near Garth Crofts on Sunday 6th October. One or 
two others were observed around Sumburgh and Quendale, but 
not prior to 5th October. 


Sone THRUSH (Zurdus musicus)—My cousin, who accompanied us 
in 1892 to Quendale, Mr. Adrian Forrester, who is a keen 
collector, saw several thrushes, and we observed two near 
Garth on gth October. 

Repwinec (Zurdus tliacus).—One ; the only one seen up to date of 
12th October 1891. I shot amongst the peat ‘“‘cuts.” Only 
single birds seen among the peat cuts, or in the “plantie 
cruives,” up till 2oth, when about a score were found sheltering 
in a flock in the Mill Burn Glen, close to Quendale. In 1892 
a few single birds seen on and after 5th October. One or two 
seen nearly every day for a week or so. 


FIELDFARE (Zurdus pilaris)—In 1891, only a few solitary birds 
seen scattered among the more sheltered hollows. In 1892, 
they did not arrive or show up with Redwings or Thrushes 
during October; but early in November a flock was reported 
to us by Captain M‘Farlane, as seen in the angle formed by 
two walls, close to the Established Church—a favourite place 
for newly arrived migrants. 

WHEATEAR (Saxicola enanthe).—A few scattered birds, natives of the 
district, remained into October, and until about the 14th, but 
not later than this in 1891, except one—a passing bird, or a 
lingerer—on the roth. In 1892, most of the Wheatears 
disappeared earlier, or about the 6th October. 


Wuincuat (Pratincola rubetra)—We did did not meet with the 
Whinchat in 1891; but in 1892, Mr. Adrian Forrester shot a 
young male on Fitful Headland on 8th October. 


STONECHAT (Pratincola rubicola).—We did not meet with the Stone- 
chat in 1891; but a male was obtained on the Mill Burn, and 
a young bird on Fitful, 6th October 1892. 


Repstart (Ruticilla phenicurus).—A single male seen in Mill Glen 
Burn, and a female seen previously, between the sea and 
Quendale Links, on the 2nd October 1892. Not observed in 
autumn of 1891. 

HEDGE AccEeNTOR (Acentor modularis).—Not in our 1891 list. 
Only one seen in nettles at Garth Banks, 9th October 1892. 


BiackcaP (Sylvia atricapilla)—A female observed within a few 
paces, skulking and sheltering amongst nettles, inside old croft 
at Garth Banks, on Sunday, gth October 1892. 


WILLow WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochilus).—Not noticed in 1891. 
Several seen, one at Garth Banks, 6th October, 1892, on the 


CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 13 


sea slope, and others about the same dates, but not before. 
Again one in Sand Lodge garden, on 21st October. 


GoLp-crEst (Regulus cristatus).—Gold-crests were reported to us 
by Mr. Youngclause as appearing at the lantern of Sumburgh 
Head Lighthouse previous to 29th October 1891. But there 
are no returns during October 1892 in Mr. Youngclause’s 
schedules, although they appeared so abundantly at more 
southern stations. 


ComMON WREN (Z7voglodytes parvulus).—Not very abundant. In 
18g1 only one seen in “plantie cruives” near Spiggie. Shot 
one in Garthwick Burn, and saw a family party in Moussa, 
one of which was shot, and is now in Edinburgh Museum. 
The other, of which I have the skin, I took the following 
measurements of: base of bill to end of tail, 42% inches ; 
wing from carpal joint 142 inches. These Shetland Wrens 
appear to be large and large-footed, light-coloured, and much 
vermiculated, both on back and under parts. 


Meavow Pipir (Azthus pratensis)—Not very abundant. In 1891, 
appeared to be almost confined to the limited marshy edging of 
the Hillwell Burn, by the base of Fitful, and the valley behind 
“The Cleap”; and there only singly or in pairs, up to about 
3rd October. In 1891, we made the note on the date of 3rd 
October, ‘‘ Meadow Pipits and Larks are now flocking,” and 
‘‘Meadow Pipits not common, and very local.” Most seen 
about 3rd or 4th October. 


Rock Pipir (Axthus obscurus).—Seen commonly, even abundantly, 
in its usual haunts, especially around the fish-curing station at 
Garth Banks; occurring also, however, inland, up the Eel Burn, 
and on the shore of Loch Hillwell. Observed no increase of 
numbers at any date, either in 1891 or in 1892. 


SwaLLow (//irundo rustica).—A solitary bird seen at Loch Hillwell on 
17th October 1891. In 1892, two seen flying over Loch 
Brow, 8th October. The Swallow was reported to us by Mr. 
George Bruce as unusually abundant in the summer of 1892, 
along with Swifts. 


Sand Martin (Cottle riparia).—One seen hawking over upper 
Culsetter Marsh, near Hillwell Burn, on 8th October 1892 ; 
and another seen at Spiggie on 13th October. 


Rosin (£7ithacus rubecula).—In 1891, only one seen close to Garth 
fishing-station. In 1892, five or six seen, one at Hillwell Farm 
on 8th October. 


House-Sparrow (Lasser domesticus)—Common at Quendale Farm, 
and indeed at most, if not all, the farm-towns from Sumburgh 
House to Lerwick, yet scarcely to be called generally distributed, 


14 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


and distribution somewhat broken, so far as we could observe. 
We have quite failed as yet to record the Tree Sparrow from 
Shetland. 

CuHarFINcH (Fringilla celebs)—The Chaffinch stands in our autumn 
lists as the first bird taken note of. When we visited Shetland 
in October 1891, Chaffinches were by that time in large flocks 
(9th October) in the corn-fields, and sheltering from the gale 
under the “kail-blades.” They were, however, all migrants. 
In 1892, the first observed was shot amongst a flock of 
Twites (5th October); and immense flocks afterwards of 
hundreds and thousands were seen for the space of a few days. 
Same day one Brambling seen amongst them; and on 8th at 
least one sixth were Bramblings. From the association, we 
think there is no doubt about the Scandinavian origin of these 
flocks. All disappeared as suddenly as they arrived, and 
stragglers only were met with after the roth October 1891. 


BRAMBLING (/vingilla montifringilla).—First seen in 1892—a single 
bird amongst a lot of Chaffinches—on the 6th October. Then 
on the 8th—wind north—close to Loch Spiggie, a large flock 
of mixed Chaffinches and Bramblings, the latter composing 
about one-sixth of the whole—several thousands in the flock. 
Wind had been N. or N.N.E., veering and backing, but always 
to the N. Suddenly shifted to S.E. and blew hard on night of 
5th to 6th, but alas! only for too short a spell. 


LinneET (Linota cannabina).—Not observed in 1891. But in 1892 
one small flock was identified by us, 17th October, near 
Scatness. 

Twitrt (Linota flavirostris).—Very abundant. In small flocks 
seldom exceeding fifty individuals. Frequent the cabbage- 
yards, feeding on seeding sorrel, especially in the unoccupied 
‘‘plantie cruives,” and in numerous small flocks on the stubbles. 
Not so often seen on the “scattald” or “fields” at this season, 
except where the ‘‘plantie cruives” exist. Observations the 
same in 1891 and 1892. 


Corn Buntine (Zmberiza miliaria).—Not at all abundant, and ex- 
tremely local ; so far as our opportunities gave us of observation. 
Rarely seen on the farm-lands at this season, but a consider- 
able flock—probably all for many miles round—sheltered 
during the day, and roosted at night among the reeds of Hill- 
well Loch in 1891. In 18g2—but why, we know not—their 
numbers appeared to be not more than one-third of those in 
1891, and besides they were not so persistent in their chosen 
roosting-place. 


Reep Buntinc (Emberiza scheniclus).—Not observed in 1891. 
One single female bird was shot on 8th October 1892. 


CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 15 


About same date we received a wing of one killed by Mr. 
Allan Briggs in North Ronaldshay. 


Snow Buntine (Plectrophanes nivalis).—In 1891, first a small flock 
went “tinkling” overhead. Then flocks of hundreds and 
thousands were seen along Loch Spiggie and upon Backasetter 
Farm on the 23rd October, and many were heard overhead 
all day, and they continued exceedingly abundant all the re- 
maining time of my stay—z.e. up to 3rd of November. Captain 
Macfarlane, however, afterwards reported that all, or nearly all, 
had left by the 1t9th December of the same year. In 1892, 
during October, Snow Buntings were much rarer than in 1891, 
all the time I was there—23rd September to 30th October. 
The first heard of was a flock of twelve on the 6th October. 
Then a flock of some hundreds same day, but they did not 
alight, but flew steadily south. After this some considerable 
flocks seen, but most passed on. ‘The people on certain farms 
catch these birds with a sieve-trap—twenty to thirty at a 
time—in snow-time. In Shetland, the skins are removed by 
inserting a quill, or the barrel of a steel pen-holder, in a small 
cut made on the forehead. The pen-holder is then used as a 
blow-pipe. Of course shot birds cannot be skinned in this 
way. This method is called ‘ blowing them.” 


STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)—In 1891, observed in small flocks. 
Nowhere did we observe them in large numbers, as compared 
with more southern localities. But they are very abundant 
notwithstanding. We might expect to find amongst migratory 
Starlings, specimens of the so-called S. Farcensis. I did not 
care to slay numbers of them to make the discovery ; but any 
which I did examine did not appear to me to be worthy of 
specific separation. 


Jackpaw (Corvus monedula).—In 1891, two were seen distinctly by 
us flying in company with Rooks close to Sumburgh Head on 
27th October; and in 1892, two again were seen on 18th 
October consorting with about a dozen Hooded Crows. As 
will be noticed further on, it is curious how many species 
observed in 1891 and 1892 appeared in exactly similar 
numbers at approximate dates, and in adjacent localities. (See 
Greylag Goose, Wood-pigeon, and several more.) 

Since writing the above, we have heard from Mr. Young- 
clause that “‘what he takes to be three Jackdaws were seen 
near Grutness on the 28th October 1892.” 


RAVEN (Corvus corax).—Perhaps nowhere more abundant in 
Britain than in the Shetland Isles. Often seen in dozens and 
half-dozens, and occasionally in much larger companies. Seem 
to have, in common with many other species, regular beats 


16 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


over which they pass at certain hours, this varying with the 
direction of the wind. Thus some days the Garth Banks is a 
sure find, if one wishes to procure specimens ; other days the 
sandhills of Quendale close to Hillwell, and again Spiggie 
and other places. 


Hoopvep Crow (Corvus cornix).—Abundant, fearless, undisturbed. 


In flocks of scores or singly. Everywhere assertive and impudent. 
A possible increase was observable after the roth October— 
at least flocks were more commonly seen. Some were much 
whiter in the mantle than others, and may have been of more 
eastern origin. 


Rook (Corvus frugilegus).—In 1891 several were seen: first three 


on the 19th October, then five reported. By all accounts rare 
in Shetland, but Mr. Bruce of Sumburgh lately (September 
1891) had quite a large flock close to his house. Many are 
seen at odd times. Wind always southerly and westerly when 
observed. Not observed in 1892. 


SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis).—In 1891, Skylarks were literally in 


thousands up to the middle of October, but after that, perhaps 
only in hundreds, and later on still fewer; frequenting the 
stubbles. By 22nd December, Larks had become still scarcer, 
as we were informed by Captain Macfarlane. In 1892, Larks 
were only seen rising out of the stubbles in September singly, 
or in small scattered flights; but soon after, about the 4th 
October, a great change appeared, and they were beginning to 
flock and draw nearer to one another—a change observable 
also amongst the Meadow Pipits. This was a day or two 
before the general movement of birds on 5th and 6th October 
1892. 


Wrvneck (Zyzx torguilla).—Mr. Thomas Marshall, The Store, 


Stanley, Perthshire, informs us (27 “4 20th October 1892): 
‘*Mr. Youngclause sent me the Wryneck on 21st August 1891.” 
Mr. Youngclause wrote thanking Mr. Marshall for the identi- 
fication, and said: ‘‘It was sent up to me by our local post- 
master, Mr. Isbister, and had killed itself on the telegraph 
wires. I, however,’—continues Mr. Youngclause,— “saw 
another one alive at Quendale this day week [letter is dated 
29th August 1891]. So it seems a few of them have been 
about.” 


SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio accipitrinus).—In 1891, one was shot by 


us, as it rose out of the peat “cuts” below Loch Hillwell on the 
17th October, and one—probably the same bird—was reported 
by Mr. Youngclause as seen at Sumburgh Lighthouse two days 
before. In 1892, one was seen about the same place by 
Captain Macfarlane before my arrival at Quendale in September. 


CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 17 


Snowy Owt (Surnia nyctea).—On the 28th October with S. and 
S.W. wind and heavy rain, and a migration of Glaucous Gulls 
passing S. to S.E., a magnificent Snowy Owl passed within a 
hundred yards of our boat on Spiggie. It was almost within 
range of the big eight bore, but we were all at first too much 
taken up in watching him, in a very bad light, trying to make 
him out. At first I thought it was an albino Sea Eagle. I felt 
dubious, and then flashed across my miserable memory the 
Snowy Owl’s flight in Russia ; the wings not so “ deard-square”’ 
as the Eagle’s. He flew low over Backasetter, and winged his 
way over the “fields” towards Fitful. When it dipped and its 
back. became visible, it appeared to be a bird about two to 
three years old, from the mottling of the feathers on the back. 
The wings showed “frilling” or “fringing” on the edgings 
against the sky, much as a Rook’s or an Eagle’s wings do. 1 
believe this bird would probably rest upon the flat plateau 
which forms the summit of Fitful, and towards which it was 
slowly winging its way, flying south witha S.W. wind. Perhaps 
its next resting-place will be Butt of Lewis, possibly Orkney ; 
less likely the mainland of Scotland. 


WHITE-TAILED EaGLe (Haliaetus albicilla).—Distinctly saw a White- 
tailed Eagle wing its high way over Quendale Links and Sand- 
hills towards Fitful, which, however, was enveloped in dark 
thick mist. Mr. George Bruce, who was along with us, saw it 
also, and said, “It is one of the Fitful eagles.” He tells me 
these Fitful birds have often been killed, and he believes that 
the reason the Fitful Eagles have continued to hold their eyrie 
so long is to be found in this occasional destruction of one or 
the other bird before its mate gets too old to wed again. In 
this I perfectly acquiesce. Mr. George Bruce still believes there 
are five pairs in Shetland, and Mr. John Bruce corroborates 
the statement that there has been no break in the continuity of 
their occupancy of Fitful. Little or no information can be ex- 
tracted from the natives about this or almost any species of bird. 
We are not ourselves perfectly satisfied of their occurrence there 
as a nesting species now, but the above notes may elicit more 
data and proofs. 

PEREGRINE Fatcon (alco peregrinus).—The Fitful falcons were 
constantly seen both in r89r and 1892. ‘The female a very 
large powerful bird, and the male a particularly small bird. I 
saw them both often at short distances as they suddenly flashed 
past along the hill-sides, intent on Blue Rock Doves, about the 
outskirts of the cropped land. 

MeruIn (Falco e@salon).—Very common, and often seen hunting 
singly, and at times in pairs. Usually appears on the track of 
the Snow Buntings, Snipe, or flights of small birds. I have 

E Cc 


18 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


several times nearly whistled them over with the plover call in 
Shetland, and successfully practised the dodge elsewhere. 


Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo).—A pair regularly frequent Loch 
Spiggie, and visit Loch Hillwell and fly across thence by the 
“cuts” and Quendale to Quendale Bay. Common at the 
Holms in Quendale Bay, but not to compare in numbers with 
the smaller species or Shag. 


SHaG (Phalacrocorax graculus).—Very abundant, sitting in great 
colonies upon the rocks all round Garthness, the Quendale 
Holms, and indeed everywhere prominent in the sea-scape—as 
many as 300 or 400 together. 


Common HeERon (4rdea cinerea).—Visits the district in autumn. 
In 1891, five or six were observed early in October along the 
side of Loch Brow, and in the marshy meadows (marked in 
the 6” scale O. S. Map as “subject to flooding”). These 
shortly disappeared, and only one or two were seen afterwards. 
In 1892, the first observed was on 1st September, when 
Captain Macfarlane saw two. Afterwards seen frequently at 
Loch Brow; and also on Mousa Island, on zoth October, six 
or seven were seen together. 


GREYLAG GoosE (Azser cinereus)—In 1891, one solitary bird was 
seen, and put up at a distance of perhaps a hundred yards, by 
the side of Loch Spiggie, on 26th October. Mr. Youngclause 
also reported (77 Zz.) “Greylag Geese” flying S.W. at Sumburgh 
Lighthouse on the same date. In 1892, curiously enough, again 
‘a solitary bird was seen at the same loch side on roth October. 
It rose and ‘‘gabbled” as it flew, showing the alar patches very 
distinctly. 


BERNICLE GOOSE (Lernicla leucopsis).—Saxby says in July 1854 he 
saw one of this speciles—making sure of it—and added: ‘‘No 
other authentic record of its occurrence in Shetland has come 
to my knowledge ;” and Howard Saunders, building upon this, 
says: “To the Shetlands and Faroes, this species is only a 
rare straggler.” On gth October one which we examined had 
been shot, out of a flock of seven, among Quendale sandhills, 
by the Quendale grieve’s son, who did not know the bird. 
On 15th October, I saw three, and these were seen going about 
the sides of Loch Spiggie for some time. The Bernicle Goose 
is quite common here—Dunrossness—on migration in both 
spring and autumn, but does not remain, we are assured, in 
winter, as it does in the Hebrides. ‘Thirty-eight were frequent- 
ing Spiggie Shore on the 21st October 1891 and many more 
were seen. In 1892, quite a big lot were reported to us close 
to Backasetter on 6th October, but we saw none till gth October, 
when a flock of seven passed south near Quendale House—wind 


CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 19 


N.E.—at 2 p.m., and appeared to light on the larger of the 
Quendale Holms. This was the gth October, exactly the date 
of the flock of seven of which the grieve’s son killed one last 
year, and the wind was in the same direction. Afterwards 
flocks of seven, sixteen, and other numbers, were seen at Sum- 
burgh and on Mousa. 


WHOOPER (Cygnus musicus).—One which had been wounded now 
does ;duty on Loch Brow as sentinel for wild-fowl, and decoy 
for other swans. It often gets on wing and flies a few hundred 
yards, but seems little alarmed by the reports of fire-arms. 
Another came in November 1891. 


WiLp Duck (Anas boscas).—Common, but not to be called abundant. 
Seen early in the month, and shot in the marshes. Certainly 
less common than many other species of Anatidae ; much rarer 
than Wigeon or Teal, Scaup, etc., and never seen in large flocks. 
A drake shot by W. Moir on 22nd October had not lost the 
entire female plumage. It possessed the alar patch. ‘The 
head was only beginning to take back the glossy green. ‘The 
wing-coverts were partly male and partly female. General 
plumage, female predominating. No sign of curled feathers 
of the tail of the,male. Axillaries mostly female; very few 
vermiculated male feathers. Back mostly female, very few male. 
This appears to us a very late date at which to find this phase 
of plumage. But on the 28th October 1892, another in pre- 
cisely similar plumage was also obtained at Loch Spiggie. Now 
the first of these birds was decidedly an old bird; but the 
second, to our eye and examination, was a young male of the 
year. We cannot get any satisfaction on this point from 
Dresser’s “‘ Birds of Europe”; MacGillivray only quotes Waterton ; 
and Howard Saunders (‘‘ Manual”) says nothing of the differences 
of the plumage of old males reassuming the drake plumage 
‘““by the middle of October,” and of the young drake of the 
year assuming first adult male plumage. MacGillivray only 
touches the question at vol. v. p. 41, under “ Progress towards 
maturity,” g.v. We regret that both these birds were not 
preserved, but our remembrance of them is very distinct. 


TEAL (Querquedula crecca).—About twelve seen upon Spiggie and 
Brow on 12th October 1891,—which appears to be about 
their usual time of appearance,—and daily almost afterwards. 
In 1892, seen at an earlier date, and numbers along with 
Wigeon on the 8th at Spiggie and Brow. 


WiIGEON (JZareca penelope).—Very common. Many seen. Flocks of 
twenty or more on Lochs Spiggie and Brow or in Backasetter 
Marshes or Meadows; all during October 1891. In 1892, 
during rough weather and south winds, over a hundred were in 


20 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Brow, and when put up they broke up into six lots, and all chose 
a fly-line up the Culsetter Marshes to Hillwell, where, standing 
still, I shot one ; and had the line been observed sooner, I believe 
six brace could have been got, as they all flew over the same 
spot, and quite low, against the strong south wind. This was 
on the 6th October, and many were also in on the roth. 


Pocuarp (filigula ferina)—In 1891, five were identified clearly. 
Many more were suspected, but glass was not powerful enough 
to make sure whether Pochard or Scaup. In 1892, none 
made certain of. 


Scaup (/uligula marila).—In 1891, numbers of Scaup were frequent- 
ing Lochs Spiggie and Brow. Considerable uncertainty about 
their identity existed until the 29th October, when I secured 
one out of a lot by the side of Loch Spiggie. There remained 
then no doubt as to their presence long before this date, and 
afterwards. 


Turrep Duck (/udigula cristata).—I find no record of them in 1891, 
but four were identified in Quendale Bay, 25th September 1892. 
They certainly are not at present common here. 


GOLDEN-EYE (Clangula glaucion).—Common on Lochs Spiggie and 
Brow, and single old males at times on Loch Hillwell. Also 
in 1892 equally common. 


Lonc-TaILED Duck (Harelda glacialis).—We do not, curiously 
enough, find any records of Long-tailed Ducks in 1891. But 
in 1892 their numbers were very great close in shore. The 
first seen was a single male sitting on the east point of Loch 
Spiggie. It is not usual to find this ocean duck on a fresh- 
water loch. On 17th October, on Wildness Point, between 
Virkie V6e and Grutness Voe, there were some hundreds, 
coming pretty close in. Wind, which had been N.E., changed 
round for a short space to E., and blew pretty strong. On 
18th there were large lots also in West Voe, and in Quen- 
dale Bay; and a pretty sight it was to watch them with the 
glass, ranged in close phalanx; those packs on the east side 
showing a preponderance of females, but the flocks in Quen- 
dale Bay a preponderance of males. Wind by 18th back to 
N.W., and bitterly cold. 


Common Ermer (Somateria mollissima).—Not seen very abundantly, 
though said to be seen very plentiful at times in the voes of 
the west side. Always a few about the Quendale Holms and 
Bay, and along the Scatness shore. 


RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (JZergus serrator).—Five identified 
flying overhead towards Quendale Bay from Spiggie, on the 
28th October in 1891. In 18g2, several times seen; five in 


CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 21 


Garth Bay at the fishing-station, 9th October, two at same 
place on 15th October, and four in West Voe on 18th. 


RinG Dove (Columba palumbus).—In 1891, two were seen on the 
Backasetter Farm, close to Loch Spiggie; and one was shot 
on 26th October. It was in poor condition. Curiously, in 
1892, two again were seen at Loch Spiggie on roth October, 
and one shot by Captain Macfarlane. 


Rock Dove (Columba fivia).—Abundant inland during the day, 
and repairing to the caves at dusk. The old Broch of Mousa 
is one vast pigeon-house, affording abundance of fine garden 
manure, which is collected once or twice a year for Sand Lodge 
garden—perhaps a ton annually. 


SPOTTED CRAKE (forsana maruetta).—In 1891, my _ spaniel 
“bunched ” a Spotted Crake in Culsetter Marsh, and fetched 
it to me alive; otherwise, I would not probably have found 
it. This was on the 26th October. Saxby says, ‘‘Not in 
Shetland”; but Saunders’ (‘‘ Manual”) says, “Twice in the Shet- 
lands in October.” This one is only the second I have seen 
alive in Scotland, the first having been flushed in a marsh in 
Stirlingshire close to our own house some years ago. At the 
Queen’s Hotel, Lerwick, we found another specimen stuffed, 
which had been shot by Mr. Weber, the landlord, who assured 
me they were not uncommon, and are usually seen between 
September and November, and even in the latter month. Mr. 
Weber added: “I could have shot one two days ago,” the 
21st September 1892. Mr. Weber appeared to know the 
Water Rail quite perfectly, though he also gave that name to 
the Spotted Crake in his possession. Mr. G, H. Bruce of Sand 
Lodge, writing to Captain Macfarlane, says, ‘‘We never find 
these Rails unless we have a dog, and I was unaware of their 
existence in Mousa until last year (1891), when we had 
Furlonger’s dog and got three, ove of which was different from 
the other two.” 


WaTER Ratu (Rallus aquaticus).—Saw none in 1891, but shot one 
and saw another on Loch Hillwell, and obtained two in Mousa, 
28th September and zoth October 1892. Said to be quite 
common, and believed to breed in Shetland. 


Coor (/ulica atra).—Common : five or six pairs on Loch Hillwell, 
and a few also between Lochs Spiggie and Brow. Young in 
down, one shot at Loch Hillwell, 28th September. 


Water HEN (Gallinula chloropus).—Less common than the Coot. 
None noticed in 1891, when the marshes were drier ; but seen 
and obtained in 1892, when the marshes were much too wet to 
hold Snipe. Commonest about Spiggie and Brow. 


22 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


GOLDEN PLovEeR (Charadrius pluvialis)—We saw none ourselves, 
either in 1891 or 1892, but in September, William Moir shot 
two in the “scattald” between the two stone walls near the 
churches —a favourite place for newly arrived migrants. 
Golden Plover appear to be decidedly scarce in autumn in 
Dunrossness. 


Rincep PiLover (4 ¢ialitis hiaticula)—Abundant earlier in the 
year, but in 1891 decidedly scarce as resident birds. Only 
one seen in 1891 in autumn till the 27th October. But 
plentiful at Sumburgh and Virkie Voe on the 27th—doubtless 
migrants. In 1892 they were again scarce up till late in October, 
and again were very numerous at Virkie Voe on 17th, and at 
Sandwick on 2oth. 


Lapwinc (Vanellus vulgaris).—Decidedly a scarce bird around 
Quendale on migration. Four or five seen at Loch Brow the 
day before the gale culminated on the 14th October 1891, and 
an odd small flock afterwards. In 1892 a single bird seen 
near Quendale House, and four at Loch Spiggie, 3rd and 6th 
October. 


TuRNSTONE (Sérepsilas interpres).—1 have received a Turnstone in 
its flesh, shot at Quendale by Captain Macfarlane. Of course 
it is a species which, with many others, may be expected to 
appear there. ‘This, however, is my first positive record from 
Quendale. 


OysTER CATCHER (Hematopus ostralegus).—A few seen in 1892 on 
the Quendale Holms, most likely resident and old birds in 
pairs. 

Woopcock (.Scolopax rusticula).—Several were observed on Fitful 
Head after my departure ; and W. Youngclause writes us, 31st 
October 1892: “Since the rush of these Chaffinches” (viz. 
sth and 6th October), “I have seen no new birds, except one 
Woodcock, which I started on the 2oth inst. from the corner 
of one of the parks close to the houses. 


Common Snipe (Gallinago celestis).—Local sportsmen distinguish 
the dark-coloured home-bred Snipes from the lighter coloured 
foreign birds. Abundant. “A flight,” writes Captain Mac- 
farlane, ‘‘came in at the latter end of September, amongst 
which a number of very heavy [7.e. large ? ] birds were noticed.” 
This occurred before my arrival, and my host (Captain Mac- 
farlane) being at the time physically unfit for working the 
marshes, no specimens were obtained. From what I heard 
subsequently, there seems to be little reasonable doubt that 
these were Great Snipe, and it would have been possible to have 
killed two or three couple at that time, or even more. In 1891, 
Snipe were fairly abundant; but in 1892, Snipe were quite 


CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 23 


scarce as compared with the previous season, and all obtained 
up to end of October—with the exception of Jacks and perhaps 
two or three Full Snipe—were home-bred birds. We shot one 
day on Mousa with Mr. George Bruce, but nine Snipe, two 
Jacks, and two Water Rails composed our joint bag. Further 
north, on Bressay and in Lerwick district, we heard, however, of 
bags of ten anda half couple (W. Weber), and fifteen and a half 
couple (Captain Furlonger) ; and Captain Furlonger in Fetlar 
added in all ninety-six to his score in 1892 to date. It wasa 
bad migration season. Snipe which are constantly talked of as 
weighing seven and a half to eight ounces, and as “foreign 
birds,” can hardly prove to be other than Great Snipe. During 
our stay in Shetland in 1892, some three or four Snipe we shot 
were of the rwsse¢ variety ; and we brought home skins of both 
varieties : the dark, boldly-marked birds, usually looked upon as 
home-bred, and the russet, richly vermiculated variety, usually 
considered to be of foreign origin. 


Jack SNIPE (Gadlinago gallinula)—A sprinkling in the marshes in 
18o9t, and quite a number in 1892—for a few days only—the 
earliest seen on 28th September, and two shot next day. But 
most seen about 6th October to roth: a few remained longer. 


SANDERLING (Calédris arenaria).—Mr. A. Forrester shot one,—the 
only one seen,—27th September 1892, 0n the shore of Quendale 
Bay. 

DuNLIN (77énga alpina).—Four were seen and two shot on the 
shore of Loch Hillwill on 6th October 1892 by Mr. A. Forrester ; 
and three more were seen on Loch Spiggie a day or two after- 
wards. None were observed in 1891. 


PURPLE SANDPIPER (Zyinga striata).—Only two observed at Garth 
Banks in 1891. One only shot by Mr. A. Forrester on 
29th September 1892 at same place. 


REDSHANK (Zofanus calidris)—Not observed very commonly in 
1891. But many seen along the rocky shores of Quendale Bay 
on both sides of the sand in 1892—probably all migrants. 


Bar-TAILED Gopwit (Limosa lapponica).—First identified by loose 
feathers picked up at Loch Hillwell. Saw several afterwards at 
Virkie Voe in October 1891, and also at the same place in 1892 ; 
but not by any means abundant. 


Curtew (Mumenius aguata).—A flock of about fifteen to twenty 
persistently frequented the Quendale Links and shore both in 
189t and 1892; always most unapproachable. A large flock 
on Virkie Voe, and around, Sumburgh. 


WHIMBREL (umenius pheopus)—Not many seen. None in 1891. 
A few in 1892, as late as 3rd October. 


24 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus rvidibundus).—In 1891, none observed. 
They are said to have bred on Backasetter Meadows only 
during the last three years. Twelve birds flew over the Hillwell 
“cuts,” 6th October 1892. I wonder if these are resident birds 
or migrants. Captain Macfarlane says about twenty pairs bred 
at Backasetter Meadows this summer, and nine nests were 
robbed. Saw a few on other occasions about Spiggie and 
Brow. 


Common GuLuL (Larus canus).—None seen in 1891. Several seen 
previous to 3rd October 1892, and one flock on that date. 
Several seen 1toth October, and often afterwards over land and 
sea. 


GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus).—Common. 
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus).—Common. 


HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus).—Commonest of the three 
species. Thousands congregating in Quendale Bay for about 
three or four days previous to the 4th October. ‘“Sillock” 
came into the Bay with the change of wind to the N. 


KittiwakEe (f7ssa ¢tridactyla)—Hundreds in Quendale Bay, off 
Garthness, and around the Holms, previous to and also after the 
change of wind from southerly to northerly, in the end of 
September 1892. 


Giaucous GuLL (Larus glaucus)—In 1892, on gth October, 
wind N.E., one Glaucous Gull flew past in a N.W. direction, 
and I saw the same bird several times afterwards. On 26th 
October, wind N.W. by W., and in afternoon still more westerly, 
a migration of Glaucous Gulls was distinctly made out: only 
stray birds had been noted before, very occasionally. They 
were passing south in single birds and in pairs. I saw seven 
in all, one a splendid adult bird. They flew S. or S.S.E. 
Glaucous Gulls are known and spoken of in Shetland as “ Ice- 
land Gulls.” 


RicHarpson’s Skua (Stercorarius crepidatus).—An apparently dis- 
abled bird, or a gorged bird, on Quendale Links, was added to 
Mr. A. Forrester’s collection. It was in very dark first year’s 
plumage. 


NoRTHERN Diver (Colymbus glactalis).—Captain Macfarlane shot 


one in spring of 1892, and we saw a few in autumn—one in 
Grutness Vée, and another in Quendale Bay, in October 1892. 


Biack GuILLEMoT (U7ia grylle).—Very common all around the 
coasts, and varying in plumage to a great extent. 


SCLAVONIAN GREBE (Podicipes auritus).—Three were shot by us on 
22nd October 1891, out of a flock of seven on Loch Brow. 


Ss Som fat 


Hirst. 1893. 


Prats I. 


a) 
LATA 


R&R.Clark imp 


UNUSUALLY COLOURED THORNBACK 25 


Wind E. by S., fine, very light. They were at first mistaken 
for Teal flighting over. This appears to be the commonest 
Grebe in Shetland ; but none observed in 1892. 

Little GREBE (Podicipes fluviatilis).—Only one observed on Loch 
Spiggie, 26th October 1891. None seen in 1892 to date of 
30th October. 


AN UNUSUAEEVS COLOURED EXAMPLE ©F THE 
THORNBACK GeaAyA CLAVATA, LINN.) 


By RH. Praquarr, M:D), F.R:S. 


Keeper of the Natural History Collections in the Museum of Science 
and Art, Edinburgh. 


RAGES ie 


A SHORT time ago Mr. Charles Muirhead, Edinburgh, 
presented to the Museum a Thornback caught to the east of 
the Isle of May, the unusual colouration of which renders it 
worthy of being recorded and figured. 

The fish is a female and measures 33+ inches in length 
from the tip of the snout to the termination of the tail, and 
in breadth 214 inches across from angle to angle of the pectoral 
fins. In general form and in its dentition and dermal arma- 
‘ture it is a perfectly typical example of Raza clavata, Linn., 
but in its colouration strangely aberrant. 

The ground colour of the upper or dorsal surface is white, 
mottled all over with blotches of dark gray and small spots 
of black so as to give it a most extraordinary appearance. 
The colour of the ventral surface is quite normal. 

Protective resemblance is generally accepted as the lead- 
ing motive in the tinting of the coloured surfaces of flat ground 
dwelling fishes, whether Raiida or Pleuronectide, thus we 
have ordinarily various shades of brown or brownish yellow, 
mottled so as to imitate more or less the appearance of a 
muddy, sandy, or gravelly sea-bottom. But it is hard to 
imagine what manner of sea-bottom the colour of this Thorn- 
back could imitate, unless it were a surface of white chalk, 
scattered over with dark pebbles! 

The only explanation which occurs to my mind is that 
this colour-sport may be a case of partial albinism. 


26 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


NOTES ON ASTRONVX LOVENI, MULLER. 


By W. ANDERSON SMITH, 
Member of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 


WHEN I first obtained a specimen of this most interesting 
Starfish, from 90 fathoms in the Sound of Sleat, in the summer 
of 1886, it was considered a most rare inhabitant of the 
Scottish waters. Only one previously had apparently been 
recorded, viz. from Lochinver. But Mr. Thomas Scott had 
taken one the year previous in 70 fathoms off Peterhead, with 
a disc 2 inches in diameter and 12 inch arms. This is of 
much more robust and less characteristic dimensions than that 
from the Sound of Sleat, in which the disc was only 1 inch 
diameter, with two arms each 16 inches long, and three of 
inferior length and robustness. ‘This variation in the size of 
the limbs is a marked characteristic of the species, and is con- 
genital, and not owing to former severance and a new growth, 
as so frequently happens amongst other stars. Indeed 
Astronyx is not so brittle as its long slender limbs would 
lead one to suppose, although, when a mass of them get 
intertwined, it is difficult to obtain a perfect specimen; as 
noted by Mr. Sim when they are captured by the trawlers 
off Aberdeen. There they seem to be very plentiful accord- 
ing to the above authority, but I have no details as to their 
special habitat on that coast. 

During my recent West Coast investigations, however, I 
had the opportunity of obtaining this species from several 
localities, and found them indeed, as is commonly the case 
with all classes of life, to be plentiful enough once the proper 
habitat was discovered. A marked peculiarity of our West 
Coast lochs is the prevalence of the great Seapen, /unzculina 
guadrangularis, of noble proportions and great beauty. In 
every case in which Astronyx Lovent were taken during this 
summer they were in conjunction with these zoophytes, very 
often twined around them, and apparently living upon the 
polyps. 

In no case did we, however, meet with it south of Skye, 
either on this or on former expeditions. We first met it in 40 to 


NOTES ON ASTRONYVX LOVENT, MULLER 27 


55 fathoms in the Sound of Sleat as before, two smaller speci- 
mens coming up, along with Pusiculina. In Loch Duich they 
proved to be numerous and larger, and in this they were in 
keeping with the Pennatule, which were also plentiful and 
of fine proportions. On the west of the Minch, in 63 fathoms, 
off the mouth of Erisort, we again met both the one and 
other of these low type organisms in juxtaposition, while 
Lochs Nevis and Hourn were both plentifully supplied with 
this Starfish, all so closely intertwined with the Seapens that 
their connection could not well be questioned. Loch Nevis, 
with its opening opposite the point of Sleat,—but the Loch 
itself trending southward,—is the most southern habitat I 
have yet found it in. But the fact that in both Nevis and 
Hourn they were more especially abundant, would not lead 
me to look upon them as the southern limit; so that 
specimens may be naturally looked for still further south 
in the waters of the west. 

The habitat in all cases then seems to be in deep water, 
from 50 to 100 fathoms; and as this depth is not readily 
found until a considerable northern latitude is attained on 
either coast, the possibility is that only stray specimens will 
be taken south of the Small Isles, and then under exceptional 
circumstances. We have never yet taken them, although we 
have trawled and dredged all the ground down to the south 
of Islay, south of the Sound of Sleat. Again, if they specially 
haunted the ground on which the Fusniculina quadrangularis 
displayed its greatest charms, we should find them in Loch 
Linnhe and the Mull lochs, where these are especially fine and 
abundant. But although that ground has been repeatedly 
worked by us at all times of the year, we have failed to dis- 
cover Astronyx Lovent amidst the Seapens. The enemy of 
Funiculina in these latter waters is the crustacean Arcturus 
longicornis, which evidently browses persistently upon the 
polyps, and refuses to allow itself to be removed. 

Astronyx therefore seems to demand not only the con- 
genial company of suitable provender such as Fuszculina, but 
deep water, which in itself may mean more temperature than 
pressure. On the East Coast therefore it may not require 
such great depth, as the temperature may be more suitable 
at lesser depths. The fact that they are occasionally taken 


28 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


in quantities off Aberdeen in the trawl net would support this 
contention, as the common trawlers do not work at the depth 
mentioned. 

There is greater delicacy and attenuation evidenced by the 
measurements on the West Coast than on the East; and further, 
seems to be still more marked in the confined lochs than in 
the open waters of the Minch and Sound of Sleat. This 
would be natural, with no severe currents or rough water to 
contend against. 

The fact that these rare Starfish were taken in plenty in 
so many localities is proof not only of the inadequate examin- 
ation hitherto of the lochs of the West of Scotland, but also 
of their undeveloped possibilities. For these separate lochs, 
with their differing conditions and isolation, give every facility 
for differentiation. 


ON SOME SCOTTISH. WILLOWS GATHERED 
IN 1892. 


By the Rev. E. S. Marsuatt, M.A., F.LS. 


DURING last July I spent a fortnight at the Spittal of 
Glen Shee, mainly with a view to examining the Sales of 
the neighbourhood. Glen Callater has long been known as 
one of the best localities in Scotland for these plants; but 
this, and other rich spots accessible from my headquarters, 
had not, so far as I am aware, been especially worked for the 
hybrids of the genus. My expectation of fresh discoveries 
was not disappointed, four new ones being added to the 
British list ; of these, three were found in the course of one 
afternoon’s walk, on the banks of the Lochsie, above its junc- 
tion with the Thailneiche Burn, in the upper part of Glen 
Shee: 

A few days earlier, Mr. John Knox, of Forfar, had 
introduced me to the botanical treasures of Restenneth Moss. 
Here there is a large field for the salicologist ; but my visit 
was rather too late in the year, and the results are con- 
sequently not so certain as could be wished. The ground 
had already been worked to some extent, and _ several 


ON SOME SCOTTISH WILLOWS GATHERED IN 1892 29 


hybrids discovered, either by my guide or by Dr. Buchanan 
White. To the latter I am indebted for very valuable 
notes and criticisms ; specimens from nearly all the gather- 
ings have passed under his eye, in some cases fresh as well 
as dried. I have also had some useful hints from the Rev. E. 
F. Linton, who has a good knowledge of many hybrids. 

The records fall under three vice-counties: East Perth 
(89) ; Forfar (90); and South Aberdeen (92). An asterisk 
denotes a new vicecomital, a dagger a new British discovery. 


Salix nigricans—phylicifolia.—Apparently frequent at Restenneth, 
no less than three plants being so named. I did not recognise 
the wZgricans element when they were growing, but it is very 
evident in the dried material. Dr. White (‘Revision of the 
British Willows,” p. 401) remarks that this is ‘in a few places 
more abundant than either phyZicifolia or nigricans.” 


S. Lapponum, L.—A fine bush was found by the Shee Water, some 
distance below the Spittal, at about 1100 feet; and this 
species is extraordinarily abundant on the Lochsie, from 1300 
to 1800 feet. One very curious plant was found here, with 
extremely narrow (linear-lanceolate) leaves, which Dr. White 
suggests may perhaps be the form described as S. gnaphatoides, 
Schl. 


S. aurita x cinerea (S. lutescens, A. Kerner).—Restenneth ; I think 
it is common there. 


S. aurita x Lapponum.—By the Lochsie, 89 ; three bushes, between 
1400 and 1500 feet. ‘Two of these, though very unlike one 
another, are good intermediates ; the third I suspected might 
possibly be Lapponum x phylicifolia, and I still feel some doubt, 
which it may be hoped that cultivation will clear up. Dr. 
White has seen a specimen collected by Mr. Baker in Glen 
Shee, many years since; no doubt from this locality, as the 
Thailneiche is very poor in willows. 


*S. aurita x nigricans (S. coriacea, Forbes).—Banks of the Lochsie, 
about a mile above the Spittal, 89; a good intermediate. 
Restenneth ; on the wzgrvicans side. 


*S. aurita x phylicifolia (S. ludificans, B. White).—Shee Water, 80 ; 
rather towards phylicifolia. 


S. aurita x repens (S. ambigua, Ehrh.)—Three forms were seen by 
the Lochsie, one being very remarkable for its Aerbacea-like 
habit and thin leaves, which scarcely shew any of the usual 
silkiness on the under side. Also near the Spittal of Glen 
Shee, a large state, and on the hills near Beauly, East Inverness 


30 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


(v.c. 96). A very pretty little specimen was found at Resten- 
neth, with leaves only } to ? inch in length, linear-lanceolate. 


tS. caprea x Lapponum (S. Laestadiana, Hartman, A. canescens, 
And.)—By a waterfall on the Lochsie, at 1750 feet. A well- 
developed female plant, about four feet high. Fruit very like 
that of Caprea, but smaller; style distinct, but shorter than in 
Lapponum. One of the most beautiful willows that I have 
ever seen, owing to the satiny pubescence, which extends even 
to the upper surface of many of the leaves. These are small- 
sized (as was the case with the form of .S. Capvea which grew 
near), but not more so than ina specimen from Karesuando, 
Lapland, in herb. Brit. Mus., collected by Laestadius in 1839. 
In Scandinavia the hybrid is more or less silky, though not 
nearly so much so as in this Perthshire form; cézerea x Lapponum 
is duller, and more like aurita x Lapponum. 


S. Caprea x phylicifolia (S. faurina, Sm.)—Shee Water ; two bushes, 
both nearer phylicifolia. 


*S. cinerea x nigricans (S. strepida, Forbes).—Restenneth, 90. When 
dry, it looks very near wzgricans, but cinerea was the more 
evident parent when living. Barren. 


*S cinerea x phylicifolia (S. Wardiana, Leafe)—Restenneth, go. 
A female plant, just intermediate. 


*§. herbacea x lanata (S. Stephania, B. White).—Glen Callater, 92; 
at about 2700 feet, in the company of both parents. Much 
like one of Dr. White’s Glen Lochay forms. Nearer to 
herbacea, by its small leaves and decumbent, tortuous habit ; 
but the leaves are different in colour and texture, woolly at 
the tips when young, and very evidently reticulate. I notice 
that herbacea asserts itself in much the same way in Laestadius’ 
specimens of his S. hastato—herbacea (herb. Brit. Mus.) Very 
probably S. herbacea x Lapponum grows above Loch Kandor, 
where the two species are abundantly associated. This theory 
is favoured by the small size, the low and rooting habit, and 
the structure of some of the leaves; but I found no fructifica- 
tion, and cannot be sure that the plant is more than dwarfed 
Lapponum at present. 


*S herbacea x Myrsinites (S. Sommerfelti, And.)—Head of Glen 
Callater, 92. Stems prostrate, tortuous, rooting, buried in 
moss. Leaves small, } to ? inch long, frequently recurved, 
ovate-lanceolate or ovate-oblong, crenate-serrulate, dotted, 
shining, more or less hairy on both sides. Bark shining, 
dark brown; twigs slender, like those of herbacea. A good 
intermediate ; probably male, as no catkins were found, though 
the plant was quite healthy. Close by grew a small bush 


+ 


ON SOME SCOTTISH WILLOWS GATHERED IN 1892 31 


which may be S. Lapponum x Myrsinites, but from the poor 
material obtainable there can be no certainty. 


S. Lapponum x nigricans.—At about 2700 feet in Caenlochan 


Glen, 90; on the “gentian rocks.” A small bush, about two 
feet high, growing with the parents ; unfortunately, the material 
was scanty, and my cuttings do not seem likely to grow. When 
alive, it rather suggested aurita x Lapponum ; aurifa does not, 
however, occur at the spot, and xzgvicans came out clearly as 
the specimens dried. Dr. White agrees with me in placing 
them here. I have examined Laestadius’s specimens of his 
Lappono-nigricans from Karesuando, at South Kensington ; two 
of them are evidently, as Anderssen has noted, glauca x nigricans, 
but the third is clearly correct, and closely resembles the 
Forfarshire form. 


Lapponum x repens.—By the Lochsie, at about 1500 feet. 
Very dwarf, creeping and rooting. Both parents have left 
unmistakable traces of their influence; but no flowers or 
fruit were to be had. ‘The leaves, however, afford sufficient 
material for a confident determination. I have healthy-looking 
plants in cultivation. 


S. Myrsinites x nigricans (S. Wahlenbergit, And.)—I found this in 


* S$. nigricans x repens. 


Caenlochan, as well as (in various forms) in Glen Callater and 
Corrie Kandor—several bushes being male. I also have the 
male plant in cultivation from Glen Doll or Glen Fiagh. 


A barren bush, growing in company with 
these species, a few hundred yards from the Spittal of Glen 
Shee, 89 ; quite intermediate in leaf-characters. 


1S. phylictfolia x repens (S. Schradertana, Willd.)—By the Lochsie, 


at about 1400 feet, in two forms—one (probably male) low- 
growing, with shorter, ovate, less silky leaves; the other 
(female) taller, the leaves lanceolate, strongly resembling phylz- 
cifolia in their upper surface, and very silky beneath. Like 
phylicfolia in the catkins, which, however, are somewhat 
smaller, and have the capsules more crowded. Dr. White 
says (‘‘ Revision,” p. 395): ‘“‘It is possible that a hybrid 
between S. repens and S. phylicifolia (= S. Schraderiana, Willd., 
which is known only as a cultivated plant) also occurs in 
Britain ; but more specimens must be seen before it can be 
recorded.” 


32 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


VE CEE VIGA ViGIEGARTS, VW; 
By G. CLaripGE Druce, M.A., F.L.S. 


THE following paper is translated from the “Schedze ad 
Floram Exsiccatam Austro-Hungaricam” by A. Kerner, 1884. 


Alehemilla Vulgaris, Linn., “Sp. Pl.” ed. i. p. 123 (1753). 


Linneus (“Sp. Pl.” ed. i.) distinguishes Alchemzlla vulgaris, 
with a var. B, A. alpina, with a subspecies A. hybrida, and lastly 
A. pentaphyllea. There can be no question as to A. penta- 
plyllea and A. alpina; and later botanists have never raised 
a doubt about them. But very different views have been 
entertained since Linnzus’s time with respect to A. hybrida, 
which he annexed as a subspecies to A. a/pzna, simply because 
most authors neglected to follow Linnzus’ indications ‘and 
statements. He cites as synonymous with A. ydrzda, on the 
one hand A. alpina pubescens minor (Tournef. “ Inst.,” p. 508), 
and on the other Plukenet’s “ Hist.,” tab. 240, fig. 1. Plukenet 
sives on the plate cited a figure of a small branch and a single 
leaf of an Adlchemzlla from the royal garden at Paris. The 
figure does not give us much information, scarcely more than 
that the plant depicted must have been clothed with very 
delicate hairs, and that the leaf was rather more deeply 
divided than the leaf of the AJdchemzla which the older 
botanists named A. vulgaris. Tournefort refers in the place 
cited above to Alchemilla minor hirsuta cinericia in Barrelier’s 
“Plante per Galliam, Hispaniam, et Italiam observate,” p. 
103, tab. 728; and it is undoubtedly on Barrelier’s figure that 
Linnzus based the remark on A. hydrida which Linnzus 
introduced into the “ Hortus Cliffortianus,” and which will be 
noticed again presently. The figure presents a plant with its 
leaves so deeply divided that the incisions in most leaves 
reach almost to the middle of the blade. The leaf in the 
middle of the figure has the lobes toothed at the apex only, 
and the lateral margins of the lobes are entire. According 
to Barrelier, this A/chemzlla, which he says has only ash-gray 
hairs, is found “in editioribus Apeninorum pratis necnon in 
monte Ventoso prope Avenionem.”  Linnzeus (“ Hort. Cliff.” 


ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS, L. 33 


pp. 38, 39) says only of this Adchemilla, “A. alpina pubescens 
minor, Tournef.= A. mznor hirsuta cineritia TItalica, Barr., 
foliis gaudet minoribus et subtus villositate sericea nitida 
tectis et in sequente specie (4. a/pzua) ; attamen examinatis 
omnibus partibus nullam observare potui notam qua distingui 
posset. An sit species hybrida ab A/chemille foliis digitatis 
cum Alchemille foliis palmatis? Vel an sit solus locus qui 
luserit 2? Hec enim in solis alpibus crescit.” These remarks 
of Linnzeus would lead us to think of the hybrid form 
between A. vulgaris and A. alpina which Christ has named 
A. splendens, or of the Alchemilla which M. Bieberstein calls 
A. pubescens. As the hybrid from A. vulgaris and A. alpina 
is extremely rare, and does not answer to Barrelier’s figure, 
whereas A. pubescens, M. B., is found over a large area in the 
mountains of Southern Europe, occurs particularly on Mont 
Ventoux, and moreover agrees well with Barrelier’s figure, it 
may perhaps be taken for granted that the name A. hydrida L. 
should be assigned to the Adchemzlla with ash-gray hairs 
which Marschall Bieberstein has since named A. pubescens. 

Willdenow, who, in the “Spec. Plantarum,’ i.p. 698 (1797), 
unites A. hybrida, L., to his own A. vulgaris, and says of it, 
“ Differt modo foliis subtus sericeo-pubescentibus ; est sola 
varietas hujus, nec sequentis speciei (ze. A. al/pina),” evidently 
did not mean Linnzeus’s A. hybrida. This appears from the 
fact that afterwards, in 1809, in the “ Enum. Plantarum Hort. 
Berol.,” i. p. 170, he annexes only A. vulgarts and hybrida of 
the “Sp. Pl.” of the year 1795 to his A. montana, and does 
not give A. hybrida, L., as a synonym, and indeed does not 
mention it at all. 

What then is A. montana, Willd.? The author ranks it 
with the species which he considers to be A. vadgaris, and 
distinguishes the two in the following manner : 

“1. A. vulgaris, foliis reniformibus novemlobis acute 

dentatis glabris corymbis terminalibus. 

“2. A. montana, foliis reniformibus novemlobis acute den- 

tatis, subtus pubescentibus, corymbis terminalibus. 

The former species is said to grow in “ Europe pratis,” 
the latter in “ montosis ducatus Baruthini et Saxoniz.” 
According to Willdenow, therefore, the leaves of A. vulgaris 
are smooth; but we find the exact contrary stated of 

5 D 


34 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


A. vulgaris in Linnzus’s own writings. Inthe “Flora Suecica,” 
ed) 5p. 46 (1745), he distinouishes, under Noy i135 .the 
number which is appropriated for the first time to A. vulgarzs 
injthes Sp. Pl,” ed. i..(1753), a var @.- Alchemea petenmis 
viridis major, foliis ex luteo virentibus. Morison, “ Hist.” it. p. 
195, 1 and adds a note, “ Nostra planta communis (A. vz/garts, 
a) erectior villosa et viridis est, at varietas 4 foliis magis 
glabris, caulibus procumbentibus magis viridis subluteis, 
rarissima, uti in quibusdam campis arenosis exaridis, rarius 
Upsaliz obvia”; and in the second edition of the “ Flora 
Suecica,” p. 50 (1755), he supplements this note with a fuller 
description of his A. vulgaris, a, from which the following 
passages are extracted: “Caules plures debiles . . . adspersi 
pilis albis patulis . . . folio reniformi globo obtuso plicato, 
ante explicationem lateribus involuto, margine circumserrato, 
subpiloso presertim apice.” The observations of Linnzus 
show undoubtedly, that by A. vulgaris, a, is meant the wide- 
spread plant with a stem rising from a decumbent base, and 
clothed with spreading hairs, and with leaves which are hairy 
on the margin, at least when they unfold: the plant, there- 
fore, which is numbered 816 in the present list. When 
Willdenow calls A. vulgaris, L., glabrous, he uses the term 
with some incorrectness, and must be understood to mean 
that A. vulgaris, L., is glabrous in comparison with the other 
Alchemilla which he formerly, erroneously, took for A. 
hybrida, L., and subsequently named A. montana. That is to 
say, while the leaves of A. vulgaris, a, L., when fully grown, 
often lose the hairs on the lower side and on the margin, 
those of A. montana, Willd., are permanently clothed with a 
dense overlay of silky soft hairs. The flower-stalks also, and 
the outer side of the calyx-tips, which are glabrous in A. 
vulgaris, L., are densely covered with gray hairs, both when 
the flowers open and when the fruit is ripe. The physiog- 
nomic impression which we receive from A. montana owing 
to the covering of hairs is strikingly different from that given 
by A. vulgaris. Physiognomically A. montana, Willd., is not 
unlike A. hybrida, L.(A. pubescens, M. B.), and we can under- 
stand how Willdenow previously confounded A. montana with 
A. hybrida, L. 


1 Unfortunately no specimen of this is contained in the Morisonian herbarium. 
—G. C. D. 


ACHEMILLA VULGARIS, L. 35 


As to Alchemilla vulgaris, 6, which is said by Linnzus 
to have large yellowish-green glabrous leaves and more 
decumbent stems, to be rare, and seen by him only in sandy 
places, I can hardly be wrong in taking it for A. g/adra, 
Wimm. et Grab., here numbered 817. 

The only thing to be said against this conjecture is that 
Linnzeus in “Flor. Suec.” cites Morison, “ Hist.,” ii. p. 195, for 
a synonym of A. vulgaris, 6, and that Morison’s description 
does not agree in all respects with our A. glabra. It is true 
that it is a matter of indifference, as far as the nomenclature 
is concerned, whether A. vulgarzs, 6, L., is the same or not as 
A. glabra, Wimm. et Grab., because Linneus has given this 
plant no specific name; at the same time it would be im- 
portant to establish the identity of the two, in order to 
determine the area of extension. 

A. KERNER. 


The above paper throws a good deal of light upon the 
vexed question of what is 4. montana, Willd. ; and it may be 
of interest to add a few particulars bearing upon A. valgarzs 
and its forms as noticed in Britain. 

First let me say that the plant in the Linnzan herbarium 
answers to the description given above for A. vulgaris, L., 
var. a; that is, that the type plant is pubescent, not glabrous. 
This is a plant which has a general distribution through the 
British Isles, and ranges from near the sea level to 4000 
feet elevation. Whether we have A. montana, Willd., as well, 
perhaps this paper may elucidate; at any rate it may direct 
the attention of Scotch Botanists to the question. 

Now for the plant which Linneeus calls his var. 6, and which 
A. von. Kerner identifies with 4. glabra of Wimm. et Grab. 
“Fl. Silesiaca,” i. p. 135, as a variety of A. vulgaris (1827) 
[=A vulgaris, var. glabrata, Wimm., “ Flora von Schlesien,” i. 
p. 143 (1844)]. Respecting this A. von Kerner ¢ ¢.) says: “It 
is distinguished from A. vulgaris, a, L., by the glabrous state, 
colour, and texture of the leaves, by the flowers, which are 
twice the size, and especially by the presence of large foliage 
leaves to a considerable height on the stem, and by the cir- 
cumstance that the ramifications which spring from the 
axils of these leaves rise only slightly if at all above the sub- 


36 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


tending leaves, and terminate in rather crowded cymes, are 
all very nearly of the same length, and thus give a racemose 
character to the entire inflorescence. The stem in A. vul- 
garis, a, L., bears fewer leaves ; some of the branches which 
terminate in loose cymes are elongated ; and the entire in- 
florescence gives the impression of a raceme of umbels rather 
than of a true raceme.” 

Last year, when botanising in Glen Spean, I found on a 
rock at the entrance of one of the upper corries near Aonach 
Mor a large-leaved <Adchemilla, which struck me as _ possibly 
the same with this. I collected specimens and sent a sheet 
to A. von Kerner. He and Dr. von Wettstein assented to 
my query as to its identity with the var. e/adra of Wimmer 
et Grabowski. The specimen of A. glabra in the “ Schede 
Exsicc.” in Herb. Brit. Mus. is in an immature state, so that 
one cannot well compare its inflorescence with my well- 
matured plants from Scotland. In these I fail to see any 
marked variation from specimens of A. valgarzs in the inflor- 
escence, or in the presence of large foliage-leaves on the 
stem. The flowers are somewhat larger, and the texture of 
the more yellowish-green leaves is somewhat different, while 
the total absence of hairs from the leaves, flower-stalks, and 
calyces, is the most marked character. Cultivation must 
decide whether there is really any claim to varietal distinc- 
tion. 

A somewhat similar, but smaller, plant was gathered in 
quartz shingle washed down from Ben Eay near Kinlochewe 
in West Ross, and it will probably be found to have a fairly 
wide range in the Highlands. 

The arrangement of Alchemilla in the London Catalogue 
requires alteration. No. 498 should stand A. vulgarzs, L. 

Var. 6. should be var. glabra, Wimm. et Grab.; and if 
A. montana, Willd., be really a British plant (which Nyman 
does not give), it should be placed as var. ¢. montana. I 
have seen no specimen which I could certainly call by that 
name; but I have examined no very extensive series. 

Probably A. conjuncta, Bab., would be more correctly 
placed as A. alpina, L., var. argentea (Don.); since Mr. H. 
Boswell tells me that A. a/pzxa which he brought from Ben 
Lawers has become changed in his garden into A. comjuncta. 


PEZIZA AMMOPHILA, D. AND M. 37 


In Syme’s “English Botany” the type is considered to 
be sub-glabrous ; but the characters for var. montana do not 
agree with those quoted by Kerner. In fact, A. montana, 
Willd., seems to recede from the type in one direction, as 
var. glabra does in the other. 

I do not find that our British A. valgarzs has the stem 
and calyx-tips glabrous, as Kerner describes. Usually scat- 
tered hairs, more or less numerous, are found on them. 

I might add that in the first edition of Vlora Angtlica 
Hudson had a species, A. mznor, based on Tournefort’s plant, 
and gives Westmoreland as a locality. In the second 
edition of the same book, p. 71, he reduces it to a variety 
of A. vulgaris, L.; but there is no proof or probability that 
this is identical with the plant Willdenow called A. mon- 
tana. It was probably the small form, not by any means 
confined to mountain districts, since I have seen it in pas- 
tures in the midland counties. 


PEZIZA AMMOPHILA, DEANDEM: 
By James W. H. Trait, M.A., M.D., F.L.S. 


THIS species of fungus appears to be so local that com- 
paratively few mycologists have had the opportunity of 
observing it in its native habitats. These are such as to 
appear very unpromising to the seeker after the fleshy fungi, 
being the dry sands close to the upper limits of the tide- 
mark, or the adjacent sandhills ; while the late season of the 
year during which it appears (September to November) 
renders such localities but little attractive to botanists in 
quest of the higher plants. It is probably often overlooked, 
despite its being one of our largest Pezize ; and it may be 
a good deal less rare than it is commonly supposed to be. 
Probably a search for it in the suitable localities and at the 
proper season would disclose its presence in places where it 
was not previously suspected to occur. 

For some years I have had the opportunity of becoming 
familiar with the plant and of following it through its various 
changes of form. 


38 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


It was first detected and described in Algeria. In 
February 1876 it was recorded as British by Berkeley and 
Broome (No. 1619), on the evidence of specimens sent by 
the Rev. M. L. Anderson from St. Andrews in Fife. In 
Phillips’s “ British Discomycetes” it is also recorded from 
Brampton Burrows, Ilfracombe ; and in Saccardo’s “ Sylloge 
Fungorum,” viii. p. 70, it is recorded under the name Geo- 
pyxis arenaria as “immersa in sabulosis ad radices Psamme 
in Britannia, Gallia, et Algeria.” My personal acquaintance 
with the fungus commenced on 17th October 1888, when I 
found two examples growing among loose sand on the Links 
of Menie, eight or ten miles north of Aberdeen. The dis- 
covery was quite accidental, and was due to my kicking one 
of the two under the impression that it was a nearly mature 
puffball (Lycoperdon), when the brittle texture at once showed 
the true group of the fungus. A careful search failed to 
disclose more of the cups at this time. 

I next met with one in September 1890, on the beach 
north of the river Don, close to the high-tide mark. The 
Lyme-grass (Elymus arenarius) has of late years become 
much more plentiful on the coast of Aberdeenshire, where it 
forms a belt along the seaward base of the sandhills, and 
assists materially to protect them from being washed or 
blown away, and adds to the width of the shore by preventing 
the sand from blowing. Small quantities of Psamma aren- 
aria, of Agropyrum junceum, and of the other grasses found 
in such localities, are often mingled with the Alymus ; but 
in many places the latter almost alone forms the belt. 
P. ammophila appeared to be confined to this belt, over a 
distance of about quarter of a mile in length by about ten 
yards in breadth, growing most often in the more open sandy 
spots, though at times also among the tufts of grasses. Far 
the most of the cups were in the vicinity of the Elymus, 
much less often among the other grasses. There seemed no 
close relation between the fungus and the Psamma or the 
other grasses, so far as I could trace. Though the roots of 
all the grasses occasionally adhered to the so-called “stem ” 
of the fungus, I could not satisfy myself of this connection 
being more than casual. The cups usually appeared in small 
groups of from two to four, probably from the same mycelium ; 


PEZIZA AMMOPHILA, D. AND M. 30 


but, owing to the fragile nature of all parts, it was most 
difficult to trace out their relation to each other. It would 
have been easy to collect two or three hundred cups almost 
any day during September or October, until storms caused 
the sand to drift over the belt in which they grew, so that 
most of them were buried under several inches of sand. 
However, a few in sheltered nooks remained visible till nearly 
the middle of November, after which date I could see no 
more of them. In 1891 they reappeared at the same season, 
and under the same conditions, in equal abundance; and 
again in September and October 1892, though in less 
abundance, owing to early drifting of the sand during storms 
so as to cover their habitat. Such persistence has not, so 
far as I am aware, been previously recorded in this species. 

The appearance varies so greatly with the age of the 
specimen that it would be difficult to recognise the species 
but for the fact that all the intermediate forms can be traced 
in the various groups. 

The descriptions given by the authors above quoted are 
based upon only one stage of growth, and are thus very 
imperfect, and indeed misleading if it is assumed that they 
represent constant characteristics. 

From personal observation, I find the course of develop- 
ment to be as follows. The fungus first pushes its way 
through the sand as a sphere, rather flattened above, and 
continued below into a thick tapering stalk or “rooting stem.” 
The surface is so covered with sand as to be scarcely visible. 
On removing as much of the sand as is possible without 
injuring the tissues the surface is seen to be very pale brown, 
and appears free from hairs, though under the microscope 
one finds the surface loosely covered with a downy coating. 
The apical half of the stalk bears a more evident mycelium. 
The entire fungus is fleshy and brittle, so as to render it some- 
what difficult to procure perfect specimens. The stalk is 
peculiarly apt to break away unless very carefully handled. 
On their first appearance the cups do not rise above the 
surface of the sand, which they much resemble in colour. 
The smallest that I have seen were about half an inch in 
diameter, or rather less, and the only indication of the open- 
ing of the cup was a small hole in the middle of the upper 


40 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


surface. The cup continues to enlarge ; and the central hole 
widens, remaining circular and still surrounded by an entire 
inflexed margin, so that the brown hymenium lining the 
interior is in full view. When the cup has reached a diameter 
of about an inch it has assumed the form figured in Cooke’s 
“Mycographia,” figures 100, 373. The margin becomes 
split rather irregularly by the more rapid growth of the 
adjacent tissues ; and the cup becomes turbinate. The pro- 
portions of the cup vary a good deal. I have found them 
in this stage upwards of 13 inches (42 mm.) in diameter. 
The tissues lining the cup continue to increase; and at last 
the hymenium may become only slightly concave, or flattened, 
or even slightly convex, so as to resemble greatly Peszza 
ancilis, Rehm (a species that I have found in Aberdeenshire 
in April on ground covered with old sawdust). In this con- 
dition I have found examples exceeding 24 inches (60 mm.) 
in breadth. 2. ammophila thus passes through so marked 
changes of form that, in the later stages especially, it might 
readily be mistaken for some other species if only one or two 
examples were found. The long stalk buried beneath the 
sand is one of its most characteristic features ; but, as already 
stated, this is so easily broken off that it might readily be 
overlooked. 

The depth to which the plant is imbedded in the sand 
depends very much on circumstances, after the cup has pushed 
its way out and has opened up. It may remain sunk up to 
the very edge of the cup; and even the cup may be found 
partially or wholly filled with drifted sand. But frequently 
the cup and even a part of the stalk rise above the level of the 
sand, probably owing to the latter having been blown from 
around them by the wind. On tracing the stalk downwards 
one finds that it usually remains unbranched ; but in some ex- 
amples it gives off two or three short, thick, diverging branches. 
The asci are cylindrical with rounded apex. They are usually 
about 300 to 350 mm. long by about 15 mm. wide. Each 
contains eight elliptical, smooth, colourless sporidia, which 
vary from 15 to 20 mm. long by 8 to 10 mm. broad. They 
escape from the ascus by a well-defined circular hole at the 
apex. The paraphyses are not numerous. ‘They are slender 
and unbranched, and are slightly thickened towards the apex. 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 41 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 


Poleeats (Mustela putorius) at Lochinver.—A gardener, whose 
cottage is built on the edge of the plantation and faces on to the 
high road, had two of this year’s Herring Gulls tame; these were 
both killed one night. Next night he set a rabbit-trap beside his 
hen-house, and in the morning found a male Polecat caught in it. 
Thinking the female would come, the trap was set again next night, 
and another male was captured. Both specimens measured 18} 
inches from tip of nose to root of tail, and the tails were 8 inches 
long, and were evidently full grown. Last year a Polecat was 
captured in the same place, but not before it had killed seven hens 
and five ducks. All the birds were killed in the same manner: the 
front of the necks clawed, and the back of the necks bitten.— 
ARTHUR BEVERIDGE, M.B., Lochinver. 


Notes on Voles as Garden Pests.—I have been much interested 
in the article of Mr. Adair on the Owl and Kestrel in the vole- 
infested districts which appeared in the “ Annals of Scottish Natural 
History” for October. There is little doubt that, could the increase 
of the above, and other predatory birds, be sufficiently secured, it 
would be the surest and most effective means of coping with the 
Vole plague. It may not be uninteresting to give my experience of 
a troublesome visit of Voles to the gardens at Dunrobin Castle on 
several occasions during the last ten years. I may say that the 
gardens are surrounded by woods and old pastures, which, in some 
seasons have a considerable stock of Voles. ‘The first occasion I 
found them effect a lodgement in the gardens was about 1880, when 
they cut roads in some tall box edgings, in which they took refuge, 
and fed at night on the succulent flower-stems of some hundreds of 
Lobelia cardinalis, which had been newly planted out in a prominent 
position about the end of May. ‘They found refuge too in some 
large clumps of Avundo conspicua (a kind of pampas grass), the 
fleshy stems of which they fed upon. ‘Thinking the damage was 
being done by the common long-tailed field-mouse, which, like the 
poor, is always with us, I had traps set of various kinds, with 
different baits, without getting any of the mice. As there is usually 
little difficulty in getting ordinary field-mice trapped, I concluded the 
damage was the work of Voles. A rat-catcher, who happened to be 
in the neighbourhood at the time, took the matter in hand, and tried 
all his stock of poisons and traps unsuccessfully. The difficulty 
seemed to be, to find a medium which the Voles would eat readily 
enough to get them to eat the poison with it. I may say I tried 
dusting the plants with hellebore, rubbing the flower-stems on which 
they fed with phosphorous paste, a tedious and somewhat dangerous 
process, but with no success. A chance observation of one of the 


42 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


creatures feeding, enabled me to cope with the enemy with more 
success. One evening, I observed a slight movement among the 
grass. Standing quite still, I found it was one of the Voles feeding 
on something like the head of a dandelion; after a short time it 
shifted its position a little way, and cut over a dandelion with ripe 
seed on it; as soon as the stem fell it commenced to feed on the 
dandelion seed. I lost no time in acting on the information thus 
gained ; getting some ripe heads of dandelions and cutting off the 
down, I steeped them in a solution of strychnine, and laid them in 
the runs of the Voles. Next morning I had the satisfaction of finding 
several of the creatures stark and stiff near the poisoned seed. Ina 
few days I cleared them out in this way. On several occasions 
since, Voles have made an attack on Carnations, Lobelias, and 
Arundos, but dandelion seed and strychnine solution has universally 
done for them. Whether this remedy might be successful in coping 
with the Vole pest, I am not prepared to say. If a seed could be 
found which the Voles would eat freely and which could be had in 
sufficient quantity, something might be done by placing poisoned 
seed, well protected from other animals, in spots at some distance 
apart in vole-infested areas. Dandelion heads with seed are easily 
enough got in summer in most districts. Plantain seed might be 
tried, and if the Voles ate it, might be got in quantity. Whin, broom, 
thistle, or other wild seeds might be experimented with ; and if once 
a suitable medium was found, poisoned seeds might have a tangible 
effect in coping with the Vole plague-—D. Metvitix, Dunrobin 
Castle Gardens. 


The Ring Ouzel (Zurdus torguatus) in Winter.—To-day (10th 
December) I have been handed a specimen of this bird shot in 
the early morning in an orchard in the outskirts of Maxwelltown. 
It had been shot in mistake for a blackbird, as the gardener who 
killed it was engaged in thinning down these sable gentry in view 
of his future crops. The bird is a male, and apparently a bird of 
the year, and is in rather poor condition, a result probably of the 
hardships of the exceptionally severe weather of the past fortnight. 
The bird had been seen at intervals about the same place since 
about the time the currants were ripe, but was very shy. The 
climate of lower Galloway is usually so mild and moist in autumn 
and early winter that certain species of summer migrants prolong 
their stay with us for weeks after they have left the rest of Scotland. 
In the case of birds that can live almost wholly upon berries, there 
is no reason why in seasons such as this, when various wild fruits 
are so abundant, they should not remain the winter through. I 
have notes of a well-authenticated instance where a Ring Ouzel 
did live at a place in the Stewartry during the whole winter of 
1880-81; and that winter was by no means one of our usual mild 
ones. That bird was seen until so late as the middle of March, 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 43 


and probably joined its relatives, who had followed out the family 
instinct, when they arrived from the south later on. In the middle 
of January 1884 I handled a fresh specimen that had been picked 
up dead in a garden near here. So the fact seems established that 
in at least occasional instances the Ring Ouzel may remain in winter 
in the mild south-west of Scotland, in the same way as they have 
been occasionally observed to do in England since the time when 
old Gilbert White of Selborne noticed a small party of them at 
Christmas.—ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown. 


Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) Nesting in the Rigging of a 
Ship.—In April last a pair of Jackdaws built their nest on the chock 
at the after part of the main-topmast head, between the tressel-trees, 
of the training-ship “ Empress,” which is stationed in Gareloch, about 
a quarter-of-a-mile from the shore, and equidistant from Row Pier 
and Roseneath. ‘The nest was composed of sticks, dried stems of 
dock, and coarse grass, and was lined with feathers, wool, and bits of 
rag, paper, and ribbon. The nest contained six eggs, and at the time I 
received the information there was another nest building on the fore- 
topmast head, much in the same position. For the above informa- 
tion I am indebted to Mr. J. Nutt, one of the officers of the 
“Empress,” and to my friend Mr. F. C. Buchanan.—JAMEs 
LumspDEN, Arden. 


Note on the Sand Martin (Coti/e riparia) and Carrion Crow 
(Corvus corone) in Tiree.—Regarding the observations made on these 
species in the “ Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides,” I beg to 
say that there is no doubt that they nested in Tiree prior to 1887. 
Though I did not see them nesting previously, I had seen over two 
dozen of their holes in a sandbank, close together, and I am told 
that the birds were seen flying in and out of them. As to the crows, 
I did not know there was any doubt about their occurrence here occa- 
sionally. They are, however, rare, and do not occur every year. I 
saw three about a month ago (¢.e. about mid October). They 
appeared very tired ; and if I had had a gun I could probably have 
shot them.—PETER ANDERSON, Tiree. 


Goldfineh (Carduclis elegans) near Edinburgh.—When passing 
up the road between Craigend and Kingston Grange, early in July 
last, I had the pleasure of seeing a goldfinch. I was attracted by 
the bird’s note, and at once detected it on the overhanging branch 
of one of the Craigend trees, about ten yards from the point where 
I stood. After sitting a few minutes, it flew over the wall into 
Kingston Grange grounds, taking a south-easterly direction. As 
the bird is extremely rare in Mid-Lothian during summer, the 
occurrence may be worth recording.—P. Apair, Edinburgh. 


White Wagtail (J/otacilla alba) near Kelso.—On Sunday, rith 
of September, at Nenthorn Manse, I happened to be sitting at a 


44 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


window that looks on the lawn, when a Wagtail alighted. It came 
frequently within two yards of the window, and I easily identified it. 
On going outside I saw three wagtails on the roof, but could not 
identify them. I raised the White Wagtail that was running 
familiarly on the lawn, and it joined the three on the roof. I see 
by the ‘Scottish Naturalist” of July 1891 that A. H. Evans, in his 
list of birds of Melrose district, says (p. 107): ‘‘ White. Wagtail 
not observed nearer than the border between Berwickshire and 
Haddington.” Nenthorn Manse is near the Eden Water, about 
four miles north from Kelso.—WILLIAM SERLE, Leith. 


Swift (Cypselus apus) in November.—lI was rather astonished 
to see a Swift flying about here, in Haddington, on the forenoon of 
the 16th November. I watched the bird for nearly an hour, and 
wondered where it had been during the late severe frosts.—JOHN 
MILLER, Haddington. 

Occurrence of the Hoopoe, and of a Buff-coloured variety of 
the Snipe, in the Tay Basin.—A fine male specimen of the Hoopoe 
Upupa epops (a bird of the year) was shot at Birkhill, on the south 
bank of the Tay, by Harry Wedderburn, Esq., younger of Birkhill, on 
the 8th of October last (1892). When first noticed, the bird was 
flying high in the air over a potato field, and finally lit on a wire 
fence adjoining, but was shortly lost sight of. Mr. Wedderburn on 
crossing the field and approaching the spot where the bird was last 
seen, put upa partridge and fired at it; on the report of the shot, 
the Hoopoe immediately arose from among the potatoes at some 
considerable distance, and was killed with the second barrel. From 
the muddy state of the bill and feet of the bird, and the soft nature 
of the ground, it was evidently on the feed, occupying the ground it 
would most naturally do, being in the close vicinity of trees and open 
woods. This was the first time the bird had been seen about, but 
from its plump appearance and healthy state I should say it had 
been in the neighbourhood for some few days. Mr. Wedderburn 
most kindly sent me at once the bird in the flesh, and I have since had 
the pleasure of placing it in the Perthshire Society’s (Natural Science) 
now valuable collection of the local birds of the Tay Basin. I have 
further to place on record the capture of a beautifully marked variety 
of the Common Snipe (Gadlinago calestis), which I take to be a 
form of albino, shot on the north bank of the Tay, opposite the 
mouth of the Earn, on the 3rd October (1892). This bird, which 
seemed not quite to have completed its autumnal moult, was 
apparently a young female, most beautifully shaded and pencilled 
with rich buff and creamy yellow, the breast whitish, bill and legs 
when fresh yellowish cream with a pinky tinge, eyes dark brown, 
Though I believe Buff-coloured Snipe have now and again been got 
in Ireland, this is the first occurrence of this variety that has come 
under my notice, or that I have heard of in this country. This bird 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 45 


has also been placed in the Perthshire Society’s collection of local 
birds. —H. M. Drummonp Hay, Seggieden, Perth. 


Snowy Owl (Vycfea scandiaca) in North Ronaldshay.—Mr. 
Allan Briggs, in a letter to Mr. R. Cook, dated 15th November 
1892, says: ‘“‘ A Snowy Owl has been seen by several people here. It 
appeared early in this month, and remained for a day or two. This 
is most likely the same bird I saw at Quendale on the 3oth October” 
(see p. 17).—J. A. HARviE-BRown. 


The Goshawk (Astur palumbarius) in Mull.—On Wednesday, 
gth November, while out woodcock-shooting in the Glenforsa estate 
of Mull, I saw a Goshawk fly over. Its peculiar appearance 
attracted the attention of my cousin, Mr. C. Akroyd, with whom I 
was shooting, and also the keeper, both of whom are well acquainted 
with Buzzards, Peregrines, etc., but neither of whom had ever seen a 
Goshawk before.—T. E. Buck Lry, Inverness. 


Spotted Crake (/orzana maruetia) near Moffat.—On the gth of 
October last I shot a spotted crake Ina marsh near Moffat. I have 
been informed by Messrs. Small and Son, George Street, Edinburgh, 
that it is by no means common, though they have another for stuffing 
from Forfarshire.—ADAM Fyre, Moffat. 


Quail (Colurnix communis) in Wigtownshire in 1892.—In the 
late spring, Mr. James Cowan, farmer, Sandmill, Stoneybrook, flushed 
a bird on that farm. And during the second week of October, Mr. 
Weir, gamekeeper, Lochnaw, shot a fine old bird on the farm of 
Glengyre, Kirkcolm. It rose from among some cabbages in a field 
of greencrop. The bird, which I saw, was a very fine specimen ; but 
had been much shattered by the charge.—P. Aparr, Edinburgh. 


Great Snipe (Gal/inago major) near Thurso.—A solitary Snipe 
was shot by Mr. Arkwright at Westfield, near here, on the 24th of 
August last—Lrwis Dungar, Thurso. 


On the oceurrence of the Red-breasted Snipe (MJacrorhamphus 
griseus) in Apgyllshire.—In the notice of the Red-breasted Snipe 
in the “‘ Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides,” it is stated that two 
specimens of this bird have been killed in Argyllshire in 18g1. 
The bird I exhibited at the meeting of the Zoological Society, rst 
December 1891, as having been killed near Crinan, is the same as that 
which is recorded as being shot at Poltalloch by a son of Colonel 
Malcolm. The mistake has arisen from confusing the two localities, 
The actual place where this bird was shot was some distance above 
the bridge over the river Add, in what is called the old river (a former 
bed of the Add), near some cottages called Dalnahassoc, on the 
Poltalloch estate, but nearer Crinan than the mansion of Poltalloch. 
Mr. Seebohm considers this specimen to be one of the short-billed 
race (JZ. scolopaceus) from the west of the Rocky Mountains, and 
breeding in Alaska.—EpDwarp HAMILTON, South Kensington. 


46 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Note on the Red-necked Phalarope (Palaropus hyperboreus) in 
Argyllshire.—In the Fauna of Argyll, under Phalaropus hyperboreus, 
it is stated that Phalaropes are also seen, but always in winter. On 
referring to my notes for the year 1880, I find that I shot a Red- 
necked Phalarope (Phalaropus hyperboreus) on the sands opposite 
Traigh House, Arisaig, on the 13th of September of that year, and on 
the same afternoon a curlew sandpiper, Z7inga subaguata.— EDWARD 
HaAmILron, South Kensington. 


Black-tailed Godwit (Zizmosa belgica) in Forfarshire.—On 
19th September, Mr. Davidson, Montrose, shot a bird unfamiliar to 
him on the Montrose Basin. He showed it to Dr. Key, who kindly 
forwarded it to me. It turned out to be a male Black-tailed Godwit. 
This is only the fourth or fifth occurrence of this bird in Forfarshire ; 
in each case the month was September and the locality Montrose 
tidal sands.—J. F. Dewar, Arbroath. 


Ruff (AZachetes pugnax) in the Outer Hebrides.—As I see in the 
‘‘Fauna of the Outer Hebrides,” only one instance of the Ruff is 
recorded ; I think it will interest you to hear that one was shot by 
Mr. T. W. Buisson, of Snown Hill, Betchworth, on the 6th of 
September last, on the Galson shootings, of which I am tenant. It 
was identified by the late Mr. McLeay of Inverness.—RADCLYFFE 
Wa TERS, Ewell, Surrey. 


Ruddy Sheld Duek (Zadorna casarca) in the Moray Firth.— 
Another fine specimen of this rare duck was shot in the estuary near 
Findorn on the roth of October last by Mr. W. A. Brown of Dundee. 
This is the last of the five that visited the Firth early in July.— 
James Brown, Forres. 

Tufted Dueck (/uligula cristata) breeding in Selkirkshire,— 
While staying with W. B. Boyd, Esq., of Faldonside, last July, I 
almost walked on to a nest of this bird, containing nine eggs, 
evidently near hatching ; they were left undisturbed. ‘Though noted 
as a visitor in Mr. Evans’s List of the Birds of Melrose, it has not, so 
far as I know, been previously observed to nest in the county. The 
locality was a very wet “moss,” about three miles from Faldonside, 
in a thick bed of horsetails. I also saw several broods of young 
Pochards on a loch in Forfarshire, where that species has been a 
regular resident for some years past.—EpDWarD S. MARSHALL. 


Pomatorhine Skua (Stercorarius pomatorhinus) in Perthshire. 
—A Pomatorhine Skua was shot in the third week of September 
last on the moor of Dalclathie near Comrie, Perthshire.—E. T. 
Ba.Lpwin, London, S.W. 

Cannibalism in the Zonuridz.—I observe that at page 
271 of your last number, Mr. J. Macnaught Campbell states that 
he would be glad to hear of any case similar to that related by 
him of supposed cannibalism in the Slow-worm (Azguis fragilis). 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 47 


In the early spring of 1858 I was strolling through an oak copse in 
the province of Epirus, not far from Butrinto, and suddenly observed 
something moving under the fallen leaves at a few paces distance ; 
there are no rabbits or squirrels in the district to which I am allud- 
ing, but many Martens and Polecats, and thinking that the leaves 
were possibly stirred by one of these animals, I fired at the spot, and 
on going up to it found an unusually large specimen of the so-called 
Glass Snake, Psewdopus pallasi (Oppell), quite dead, and much cut 
about by my shot, in the act of swallowing one of its own species. 
Of the latter animal some three inches were protruding from the jaws 
of its captor, and life was not quite extinct. I cut open the larger 
lizard from the vent, and extracted the smaller one, with but slight 
injury to its scales; the strangest part of my story remains to be 
told, for on opening the body of the second I found a third of the 
same species in its interior, with the fore-parts partially digested. 
This Glass Snake was common in Epirus in dry places, and I believe 
that its ordinary diet consists of snails and slugs ; three feet is rather 
above the average length of adult specimens, but the animal that I 
killed by shooting on this occasion cannot have measured less than 
three and a half feet at least—Li_rorp, Lilford Hall, Oundle. 


Oceurrence of Sebastes viviparus, Kroyer, off the East Coast 
of Scotland.—Four examples of this form were brought into Aber- 
deen market on 24th October 1892. Collet holds that this is 
merely a variety of Sebastes norvigicus; and Day, in his “ British 
Fishes,” follows him. Kroyer and Lutken take the opposite view ; 
and from what follows it will be seen that there are strong grounds 
for believing that the two forms are distinct. It has been said that 
the young of S. zorvigicus has a distinct black opercular spot ; this 
the writer has never seen, although many young have passed through 
his hands. This spot being conspicuous in S. wviparus, is the 
external distinguishing mark between the two forms, and is peculiar 
to wiviparus in so far as the writer knows. V7vip~arus has thirty to 
thirty-one vertebra, xorvigicus twenty-five to twenty-six. In zivi- 
parus the ventral spinous processes always commence on the ninth 
vertebra, counting from the head, while in xorvigicus the first pro- 
cess is always on the sixth vertebra. Vzv7parus has a large and well- 
developed air-bladder ; orvvzgicus has none, at least I have never seen 
one. The palate and gullet in zvparus are white, while in zor- 
vigicus they are blue. In vviparus the exit from the stomach runs 
downwards for half its length, and then upwards at an acute angle, 
while in zorvzgicus the same organ is straight and directed upwards. 
The ossicles that lie in the base of the brain cavity in vivéparus are 
large and inelegant as compared with that of norvigicus. These 
very marked differences considered, it may be safely concluded that 
the two forms are distinct, and that now z7z7parus may be added 
to the list of British fishes—Gro. Sim, Aberdeen. 


48 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


The Clouded Yellow Butterfly (Colas edusa).—This pretty 
insect reappeared during this Autumn in Galloway, after a character- 
istic absence during four seasons. I saw one specimen near Newton 
Stewart in Wigtownshire, and heard of others during the month of 
September.—HERBERT MAXWELL. 


Notes on Crambus myellus, Hubner.—Mr. William Herd (of 
Scoonieburn, near Perth) and I having during the last few years 
taken a good number of this hitherto rare Crambus, a few notes on 
the habits of the species may not be without interest to some of the 
readers of the “ Annals of Scottish Natural History.” 

The earliest record of its capture in Britain, so far as I can find 
out, is one specimen said to have been taken “near Aberdeen,” and 
another “in Scotland,” wide the ‘“ Entomologists’ Annual” for 
1869, p. 126. Probably this latter one is the specimen referred 
to by Dr. Buchanan White in the “ Entomologist,” vol. xvi. p. 213, 
as having been taken in Glen Tilt. Dr. White seems to have 
secured the next ones, getting three at light in Braemar as mentioned 
in the ‘f Entomologists’ Monthly Magazine,” vol. viii. p. 70; while at 
p. 113 of the same vol. Mr. Warrington records its capture from 
Rannoch. Mr. Herd was the next to fall in with it, taking two in 
Glen Tilt in 1883. My first experience of the species was in 1885s, 
when, through the kindness of my friend, I collected with him on the 
ground where he took the two just referred to, and on which occa- 
sion we each got one specimen. Every year since, we have been 
successful in taking other specimens; the last few years more num- 
erously when we have been fortunate enough to get favourable days 
for our visits, so that now I possess a nice series, and have also been 
able to spare a few specimens to some of my friends. During the 
last two or three years it has again turned up near Aberdeen, and 
probably will yet be found more widely distributed in Scotland. 

It is a very timid and retiring species. Ona very warm day, 
with strong sunshine, and without wind, it seems to fly pretty freely, 
with a short, jerky flight, like all the Crambites ; on a dull day, how- 
ever, It is impossible to get it to use its wings at all. Our mode 
of working for it is to be on the ground as early in the day as 
possible, and beat the pines and other fir-trees in which it delights 
to rest, for it seems to fly most freely at night or early morning, and 
then take shelter in these trees; the least shake of the wind, how- 
ever, dislodges it, and, falling to the ground, it will not in a dull day 
rise again. Noticing a specimen fall out of a tree in passing gave 
us our clue for searching for it; and the majority of our examples 
have been obtained in this way, very few having been taken during 
flight. In beating, one has to keep a very sharp look-out, as this 
beautiful insect usually just drops without a motion of the wings, 
trusting, doubtless, to escape detection amid the shower of rubbish 
which the beating-stick brings down out of a fir; reaching the 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 49 


ground, it scuttles down into the grass head first, making it, when 
the exact spot is observed, a difficult matter to get it boxed without 
injury, and, when the place is not clearly noted, an impossible thing 
to find it at all, Ona windy day one may go over the ground and 
beat every tree without seeing a single specimen, the trees being 
tenantless and the approach and beating of the collector only making 
any in the ground dive down more deeply into the roots of the 
grasses. I have said it is a great advantage to be early on the ground, 
and one of our happiest recollections goes back to 1887, when we 
arrived at the scene of operations one morning about four o’clock. 
We had had a hard day’s collecting the previous day on the hills, 
and late at night had stretched ourselves under a large larch for a 
few hours’ sleep, but found that luxury denied us by the midges ; and 
though we got head and hands inside our nets, and tried other plans 
to rid ourselves of their attentions, we had at length to give in, and, 
after an early cup of tea, trudge on our way to the AZyeH/us ground. 
As soon as light permitted, we began beating operations, and were 
within a short time rewarded with about a dozen specimens, but the 
wind rising strong with the advance of day, our success was of but 
short duration, and although we searched diligently until afternoon, 
we did not see another specimen that day. Open ridings in woods, 
and isolated trees, will be found most productive. ‘There are two 
little pines, about three or four feet high, situated all alone on 
the hillside, from which we seldom fail to beat a specimen in 
passing ; the ground underneath these trees is hard and without any 
undergrowth, and the specimen, as it falls upon it, makes a desperate 
attempt to get out of sight, failing which, however, it resorts to strata- 
gem and feigns death, lying motionless and apparently helpless on 
its side. Of the earlier stages in the life-history of the insect I can 
say little. The eggs, which we have often had, are, when first laid, of 
a pale yellow colour, turning, prior to the exit of the larva, to a deep 
orange. Mr. Herd has put several lots out near Perth, but we have 
never as yet seen any trace of the species in these localities ; possibly 
the larva did not meet with a suitable pabulum. So far, all the 
specimens of this species which have been obtained have been from 
around Aberdeen and from Glen Tilt, with the single exception of 
Mr. Warrington’s specimen from Rannoch ; and it is to be hoped 
collectors in Rannoch and other parts will look specially for this 
species, so that its distribution in Scotland may be more clearly 
defined. It has always appeared to me as very strange that in the 
locality where we have been so successful in taking this species we 
have never seen its close ally, Prvezed/us, although this latter is 
very generally distributed over other parts of Perthshire.—S. T. 
EL.ison, Perth. 

Reappearance of Euthemisto compressa in the Firth of Forth. 
—In the “Tenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” 

5 E 


50 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


I recorded for the first time in the Firth of Forth the occurrence 
of the Amphipod Luthemisto compressa (Goes). The specimens 
were obtained at Trawling Station V. (west of May Island) in 
February of this year (1892). These were probably stragglers 
from the immense shoal that was observed off Redcar during the 
roth, 11th, and 12th of the same month by Mr. Thomas H. Nelson 
when, according to his description (‘“ Naturalist” for May 1892, 
p. 144), “‘the sea was literally alive” with them, and that “heaps 
of these were afterwards washed ashore by sea winds, and afforded 
a feast for starlings and other frequenters of the tidal line.” Quite 
recently (25th November), this species was obtained for the second 
time in the Firth of Forth in material collected by surface tow-net 
between Fidra and the Bass Rock; when a few specimens only 
were taken, and they have been forwarded to the Museum of 
Science and Art, Edinburgh. uthemisto compressa is readily 
distinguished from Parathemisto oblivia (Kroyer), which also occurs 
in the Forth, by its larger size, its keeled dorsum, and by the 
two last segments of the mesosome and two first of the metasome 
being produced posteriorly in the median dorsal line into distinct 
tooth-like processes. The same species was obtained off the 
Aberdeenshire coast by Mr. Sim, and recorded by Mr. Spence Bate 
in the “ Annals and Magazine of Natural History” for May 1878, 
under the name of Lestrigonus spinidorsalis. Like most of the 
Hyperiidee, Luthemisto compressa is a northern form, and attains its 
maximum dimensions in the Arctic seas, where, according to Dr. 
Bovallius, it reaches a length of 30 mm. (1+ inches). Another 
species, Luthemisto libellula (Mandt), which is not yet recorded for 
our seas, attains to a much larger size, and seems to be a veritable 
giant among the Hyperiide. Specimens 60 mm. (22 inches) in 
length, have been recorded from the Arctic seas by Dr. Bovallius. 
A specimen from Greenland in my collection measures 13 inches. 
—TuHomas Scott, Leith. 


Eledone cirrosa in the Firth of Forth.—In “Annals of 
Scottish Natural History,” Part 3, p. 202 (1892), there is an 
interesting note on the occurrence of L/edone cirrosa (Lamarck) 
in the Solway Firth ; on reading which it occurred to me that some 
records of the recent captures of this Cephalopod in the Firth of 
Forth might not be out of place. But before giving these, it may 
be as well to state, for the sake of the uninitiated, that Z/edone, which 
closely resembles, and may be mistaken for, Octopus vulgaris, is 
readily distinguished by observing that each tentacle has only one 
row of suckers instead of two rows as in Octopus; but though this 
be a ready and sure means of distinguishing between the one 
Cephalopod and the other when the animal is at rest, careful 
examination is nevertheless necessary should it be moving its 
tentacles about. The suckers composing the two rows on the 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 51 


tentacles of Octopus are arranged more or less alternately, and when 
the tentacles are stretched, though to a comparatively small extent, 
it is at times difficult to determine whether there are one or two 
rows, and the alternate suckers then approach so near to the 
middle line as to appear to constitute but one row; this is especially 
the case with those suckers that are more distant from the base and 
nearer to the extremity of the tentacle. The following are some 
recent records of the capture of Z/edone within the area of the Firth 
of Forth: 


Trawling Station I. (East of Inchkeith), September 2 rst. 
5 a aT - 2 22nd. 
5 5 IE e October 22nd. 
73 _ VIII. (N.E. of the Bass), S 25th. 
. - VII. (between Fidra and Bass), __,, 26th. 
93 V. (West of May Island), November rrth. 


One, or at most two, specimens only were taken at one time. In 
the ‘“‘Invertebrate Fauna of the Firth of Forth,” by Leslie and 
Herdman, p. 104, the only record of the occurrence of /7/edone in 
the Firth is that by Dr. M‘Bain, who obtained the species in 
Kirkcaldy Bay in 1855.—THomas Scott, Leith. 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS. 


Ranuneulus Flammula, Z. ; var. petiolaris, Lange ined. Mar- 
shall in ‘Journ. Bot.,” 1888, 230. 


R. petiolaris, Marshall, ‘“‘Journ. Bot.” 1892, t. 328, p. 289. 


Mr. S. M. Macvicar of Invermoidart has kindly sent specimens 
of the above plant from Loch Bealachna Gavishe, alt. 607 ft, 
Moidart, Inverness-shire, 21st November 1892. He also has 
gathered it in another station. ‘The specimens he sends show that 
the plant produces roots, and root-leaves at the upper nodes, which, 
falling to the ground by the decay of the flowering stem, become 
new plants. The atumnal root-leaves are 3 to 5 inches long, 
terete for two-thirds of their length, the apex produced into a slightly 
flattened, spathulate, concave end, with whitish membraneous basal 
sheaths. For a short distance above the sheaths the leaf-petioles 
are slightly doubly channelled, shading almost imperceptibly into 
the terete portion. The new plant is produced by the side of the 
old flowering-stem (most of the roots of which are decayed, or decay- 
ing), with the habit of growth of 777g/ochin, and also reminding one 
of some of our native orchids. 

I have no specimens at hand of the type to compare; but from 
recollection I believe the growth to be different in that. 


52 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Mr. Macvicar found Swbularia aquatica growing with it, as at 
Mr. Marshall’s original station. 

Judging by descriptions, the varieties of A. flammudla that come 
nearest to Mr. Marshall’s plant are: var. «. alismoides, Van den 
Bosch., “Fl. Bataviee,” p. 9 (1850), and 6. ¢enuzfolius, Wallroth, 
“Sched. Critic,” p. 289 (1822); but they do not agree; and the 
habit of the plant is so curious and characteristic that Mr. Marshall 
seems at present to be justified in giving it a specific name.— 
ARTHUR BENNETT. 


Caltha palustris, 7.,and its forms.—In the ‘‘Scottish Naturalist,” 
1887, pp. 52-56, Dr. Buchanan White called attention to a paper by 
Dr. Gunther Beck of Vienna on the above plant, giving a translation 
of its more important parts, and calling attention to such Scottish 
forms as he had seen. 

Since then I am not aware of any results having arisen from the 
above notes ; but the receipt of some well-dried specimens obtained 
at various heights in Aberdeenshire and Inverness-shire by Mr. A. 
Somerville, induces me to recur to the subject, as it is much to be 
desired that we should £zow what forms really do grow here, whether 
considered as species, subspecies, or varieties. 

Since Dr. Beck’s paper, Dr. E. Huth has published a ‘‘ Mono- 
graphie der Gattung Caltha,” with a plate of leaves and fruits. He 
here somewhat modifies Dr. Beck’s results; but his paper is by no 
means exhaustive, as he has, zz 7/4, to add an appendix for materials 
taken from the Russian collections at St. Petersburg. But even with 
this he has not taken up all the names, as one misses C. glabra, 
Gilibi, “HIS With?”\(1782)) Ci vaaicans, DWC.(us re) eke. 

Dr. Huth keeps the Scottish xadicans distinct by itself, adding 
C. zetlandica, Beeby, as a synonym. ‘The Finland plant placed 
under it, he refers to a variety procumbens, Beck, m. s.  C. minor, 
Miller, he localises from the mountains of Westmoreland (“ Herb. 
Mertens”). Var. membranacea,Turcz., to which Dr. White was inclined 
to refer Syme’s var. minor, he gives from Siberia and Japan, but has 
not seen a specimen. Schur’s vanunculoides he separates from this, 
but puts Schur’s ranunculiflora under Miller’s mznor. 

Mr. Somerville seems to have gathered the var. procumbens, Beck, 
the var. minor, Syme, a large form resembling vadzcans in habit, but 
certainly not with the leaves of that plant, and a plant from 3900 feet, 
in Aberdeenshire,! that I cannot make agree with any of Huth’s 
forms. 

Some of these specimens I hope this winter to submit to Dr. 
Huth, by the kindness of Dr. G. Beck.—ARTHUR BENNETT. 


Lepigonum neglectum., A7zzd?., and Polygonum minus, /Zds., 
in North-east Scotland.—As I am not aware that either of the 


1 soo ft. higher than on record for Scotland. 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 53 


above plants has been recorded from Aberdeen, it may be worth a 
note to state that I have met with both in this neighbourhood: the 
former near estuaries, the latter plentifully around the small Loch 
of Loirston in Kincardineshire, the only locality in Scotland for 
Juncus filiformis. 

L. neglectum occurs beside the South Esk and the North Esk in 
Forfarshire, extending also into South Kincardineshire. It is not 
uncommon, though stunted, and readily overlooked, on a low part 
of the links south of the River Don, often flooded by the river at 
high tides. It also occurs on a back water from the river Ythan 
near Newburgh, and along both shores of the estuary. It is usually, 
if not almost always, situated where the water is only slightly brackish ; 
and its structure, size, and relation in habitat to Z. marginatum, 
which I almost always find near at hand, but within the reach of 
the spray, if not of the salt water itself, suggests that it is a weaker 
representative, the relative weakness being due to less favourable 
conditions of growth. The /o/. minus grows on rather a barren 
beach, associated with P. FPersicaria. Both frequently show very 
dwarfish examples, though some examples that have the good fortune 
to grow in rather better soil by the out-let stream reach quite a fair 
size. Both species show a great tendency in this exposed situation 
to assume a red-brown tint on all parts; but this is much less 
evident in the plants of Po/. minus that spring up in the water. 
These are often of a distinctly, though dull, green tint. Dr. Roy 
informs me that Zep. neglectum was brought to him from near Bervie, 
and that he has “some recollection of having gathered it on the 
Old Town Links, and at Newburgh. At both places, Z. margin- 
atum occurred.” Of Pol. minus he tells me that “some years ago it 
grew around the margin of an old disused mill-dam at Stoneywood 
(a few miles north of Aberdeen). I believe the dam has been filled 
up and the station destroyed. It also occurred, and probably does 
so still, very sparingly, along with P. ydropiper, on the margin of 
Loch Kinnord.”—James W. H. TRAIL, 


Lupinus perennis, Z., in Scotland.—It is curious how long a 
time it takes to introduce certain facts into books. Of this a good 
example is afforded by the way in which British Floras appear re- 
solved to ignore the presence of this Lupine as a denizen thoroughly 
established in many parts of Scotland. It is extremely plentiful along 
several of the larger rivers, along which it has spread rapidly down- 
wards. Year by year the seeds, washed down from the higher grounds, 
extend the range of the plant towards the mouth of each river. Its 
effect on the banks and bed of the river is very marked in many 
places; and during the period of flowering, in early summer, the 
beds of Lupines are not seldom a continuous sheet of blue and 
purple. A beautiful example is seen at Cults, a few miles up the 
Dee from Aberdeen. Here there is an island of some acres in 


54 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


size in the river. About twenty years ago this was in truth an 
island, separated from the mainland on the north by a rather wide 
shallow stream which it was not easy to cross dry shod, except after 
continued dry weather when the Dee was low. ‘The bed of this 
portion of the river consisted of sand and shingle. The Lupine, 
though rather frequent even at that time some miles farther up the 
Dee, did not then occur near Cults. But a few years afterwards it 
began to colonise the banks and higher portions of the sandy beds 
of shingle ; and soon it became abundant, seedlings springing up in 
multitudes. In a very few seasons the consequences of the immigra- 
tion as affecting the course of the river began to be evident. The 
plants during the dry weather proved able to establish themselves so 
firmly on all parts exposed when the water was low that they ran 
little risk of being uprooted during the floods of winter. They 
flowered and seeded freely; and the dead stems caught and re- 
tained the sand and smaller pebbles brought down the stream, and 
that had formerly been swept onward towards its mouth. In the 
summers the plants grow only more vigorously because of the 
materials deposited by the river each winter; and the result has 
been that the bed of the old channel is now raised so high by such 
accumulations that only the higher floods of winter cover any 
part of it. The Lupines have spread over the area so gained, and 
form an almost continuous covering from two to nearly four feet in 
height, and of great beauty during the flowering season. ‘There is 
little reason to suppose that the species will not form a permanent 
part of the flora of Scotland in future ; and it assuredly deserves to 
be noticed as an immigrant in all works dealing with the British 
flora as a whole. Its effect upon our native flora may be worth a 
brief notice, as it proves itself one of the most powerful competitors 
in the struggle for existence along our river banks, and tends to 
crush out some of the most interesting species met with beside 
such rivers as the Dee. ‘The tributaries of this stream, rising at 
high altitudes, carry down with them the seeds of Alpine species. 
These, lodging among the shingle and sand along the river in its 
lower course, often spring up; and, being free in such bare places 
from severe competition with our native plants of the Lowlands, they 
reach very low levels at times. But the Lupine has taken possession 
of many of the localities suited to such alpine species along the lower 
course of the Dee, and has greatly diminished their frequency, a 
heavy price to pay for its beauty in the landscape.—James W. H. 
TRAIL. . 


First Records of Seottish Flowering Plants.—The following 
are noted in the instalments of the F. R. of British Flowering 
Plants in “ Journ. Bot.,” October to December 1892 : 

Astragalus alpinus, Z.—Found, 30th July 1831, by Mr. Brand, 
Dr. Greville, and Dr. Graham, in Glen of the Dole, Clova. 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 55 


Oxytropis uralensis, DC.—Upon Carn-Dearg, one of ,the lower 
heads of Ben Sguilert, a high mountain in Glen Creran in Upper 
Lorn. . . found there by Mr. Stewart. It has also been discovered at 
the Bay of Farr, on the eastern coast, and in a rocky soil at Cromarty, 
by Mr. Robertson. See “Scotch Magazine” for July 1768, with a 
figure of it. 

0. campestris, DC., 1813.—Discovered by Mr. J. Don, in the 
summer of 1812, on a high rock, at the head of Clova. 

Rubus nessensis.—W. Hall, in “Trans. Roy. Soc. Edin.,” i. 21 
(1794). &. suberectus, Anders. (1813). ‘I found (it) in the High- 
lands in 1787, on thé banks of Loch Ness.” —W. Hatt, Z ¢. 20. 

Potentilla Sibbaldi, //a//er, f. 1684.—Transmissa fuit ad Hortum 
Medicum a regione Hose ubi in sylvis sponte provenit.” Sibbald, 
io scotia’ Ulustr:,” a. 25. 

Alehemilla argeptea, Doz. ex W. C. Trevelyan, ‘‘ Veg. Faroe 
Islands,” 10 (1837).' A. conjuncta, Bab. (1842).—“I am informed 
by Mr. D. Don that the same plant was gathered by his father in 
the Island of Skye, and that he considered it a good species, 
naming it A. argentea,” W. C. T., 2. ¢. 

Rosa involuta, .S7., 1804.—“ In insulis occidentalibus Scotiz,” 
D. Walker and D. J. Mackay Smith, ‘Fl. Brit.,” iii, 1398. 2. mollis, 
Sm. ‘In the way from Edinburgh to Ravelston Wood,” Smith, Z. ¢ 


li. 539. 


British Rubi.—The difficulties of all who desire to become 
thoroughly acquainted with the flora of their own districts will be 
greatly lightened, as regards the genus Awdus, by the labours of a 
band of clergymen, who, though English, have done much to 
extend our knowledge of the distribution of plants in Scotland. 
Messrs. E. F. Linton, W. R. Linton, R. P. Murray, and W. Moyle 
Rogers are now issuing a “‘Set of British Rubi,” of which the first 
fascicle (twenty-five forms) has been issued. It is anticipated that 
there will be three more fascicles, the whole number of forms amount- 
ing to about a hundred. Mr. Roger’s Synopsis, at present in course 
of publication in the “ Journal of Botany,” is the result of the labours 
of himself and his colleagues, after careful comparison of the British 
forms with those of the Continent of Europe, aided by the advice 
of such specialists as Professor Babington and Dr. Focke. Much 
progress has been made in clearing away doubts and errors in 
nomenclature, and in gaining a better insight into the true relations 
of the different forms; and this is embodied in the Synopsis, and 
will be fully illustrated in the “Set,” if one may judge by the excell- 
ence of the examples in the first fascicle. The genus possesses great 
attractions, increased by the very difficulty of the subject; and it 
may be recommended as a profitable study to all who wish to become 
practically acquainted with the problem of the relations of species to 


56 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


varieties. Access to the “Set of British Rubi” will much facilitate 
the preparation of local floras. Local Natural History Societies 
could scarcely do better than acquire one for the use of their 
members, which may be done on communicating with the Rev. 
E. F. Linton, Crymlyn, Bournemouth.—Ep. A. S. N. H. 


The Champion Potato.—The last issue of the ‘‘ Annals of 
Scottish Natural History” contained some very interesting notes 
on Pistillody of the Stamens in the Champion Potato, by Professor 
Trail; and I am glad to be able to give some additional facts 
regarding this variety. For many years I have experimented by 
hybridising various kinds of potatoes with the object of rearing new 
and improved varieties from them. ‘The Champion possessing good 
properties, I was anxious to see its offspring and to prove their value ; 
but in vain I looked for plums on it every season from the time 
when it was distributed up to 1887, in which year I found a few 
solitary fruits. In the following summer I crossed a few of the 
most completely developed blossoms with pollen from other good 
sorts; and I was rewarded with a few more plums, thus proving 
that naturally fertilised seed may be found, although rarely to be 
met with, and that well-formed ovaries may be made fruitful by 
artificial pollination, under favourable circumstances. I always find 
the stems of the Champion robust and hardy, and the stamens 
occasionally deformed and without pollen even when the corolla is 
well expanded and complete. The blossoms are very conspicuous 
even from a distance in a good season; but they are of short dura- 
tion, and the whole flower soon falls away. I may add that the 
progeny of the Champion from both pure seed and when crossed 
showed a number of distinct kinds, none of which resembled the 
female parent; and when reared up to maturity they all proved 
inferior to that variety.—W. Sim, Fyvie. 


New British Fungus.—At the recent visit of the Cryptogamic 
Society of Scotland to Aberfoyle there were found, near the Mansion 
House of Gartmore, growing in a spot where garden rubbish had 
apparently been burned, numerous specimens of a small orange 
feziza, about an eighth of an inch in diameter. It was sent to 
William Phillips, F.L.S.; Shrewsbury, and he replied, “It is Pezéza 
majalis, Fr., of which I am not aware of any record in Britain. It 
is therefore most interesting. It is very close to P. carbonaria, A. 
and S., but is smoother outside, is of a more decided orange-yellow 
inside, and less crenate on the edge; the stem is also shorter.” On 
the same spot were also found P. /eucoloma, Hedw., and P. violacea, 
Pers.—TuHomas KING. 


CURRENT LITERATURE 57 


CURRENT LITERATURE. 


The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His- 
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—October-December 1892. 


The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as 
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and 
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the 
sources of information undermentioned. | 


ZOOLOGY. 


RED DEER BORN IN SEPTEMBER. E. F. J. Zhe Field, 22nd 
October 1892, p. 613.—A newly born calf found on 26th September 
1892, in the Island of Rum. 

Risso’s GRAMPUS IN THE SoLway. R. Service. Zoologist (3), 
xvi. pp. 404-405 (November 1892).—One taken in the Solway near 
Annan, on the 24th of September 1892. 

PHEASANTS DEVOURING MICE AND VoLes. “Kirkcudbright.” Ze 
Field, 12th November 1892, p. 759.—Pheasants are very fond of 
voles, and when a vole’s nest was discovered, the young pheasants 
would fight greedily for its contents. 

LATE NESTING OF THE TAWNY OWL IN SCOTLAND. R. Service. 
Zoologist (3), xvi. p. 424 (December 1892).—A nest with new-laid 
eggs, at Crichope Linn, on the rgth of September 1892. 

LaPwiINGs CARRYING THEIR YOUNG. R. Service. Zoologist (3), 
xvi. pp. 360-361 (October 1892).—An interesting fact observed in 
Southwick in May 1892. 

ON THE RECENT OCCURRENCE IN THE BRITISH ISLANDS OF THE 
Ruppy SHELDRAKE. F. Menteith Ogilvie, M.A., F.Z.S.  Zoologist 
(3), xvi. pp. 394-395 (November 1892).—A flock of five, one shot, 
at Durness, Sutherland, on 20th June 1892. ‘The other Scottish 
records quoted have already appeared in 7he Annals. 


ON THE Foop or FisHEs. By W. Ramsay Smith, M.B., C.M., 
B.Sc. Tenth Ann. Rep. of the Fishery Board for Scotland. Being 
for the year 1891. Part iii. (Scientific Investigations), Section B. 
(Biological Investigations), pp. 211-231. 

OBSERVATIONS ON THE REPRODUCTION, MATURITY, AND SEXUAL 
RELATIONS OF THE Foop FisHes. By Dr. T. Wemyss Fulton, 
aes. bee -Op) ct. pp. 233-243, Plate VI 

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LIFE-HISTORIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF 
Foop AND OTHER FIsHEs. By Professor M‘Intosh, M.D., LL.D., 
ERS. OZ, Gt pp: 273-322, Llates XIV ev rE 


ADDITIONS TO THE FAUNA OF THE ForTH. Part IV. By 
Thomas Scott, F.L.S. Op. ct. pp. 244-272, Plates VII.-XIII.— 
Records not only species of Copepoda and Amphipoda new to the 


58 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Forth, but describes genera (four) and species (fourteen) new to 
science. 

[The Fishery Board is to be heartily congratulated on the 
results of its Biological Investigations. This section of the Report 
is a perfect mine of information relating to Scottish Marine 
Biology.—Edd. | 

NOTE ON CETONIA FLORICOLA, HEerest. R. W. Lloyd. vz. 
Mo. Mag. (2), iii. p. 310 (December 1892).—Eight or nine pup in 
nest of Formica rufa, at Rannoch, in 1891. 

COLIAS EDUSA IN SCOTLAND, 1892. Lxtomologist, xxv. p. 313 
(December 1892).—One, a male, Whistlefield, Loch Long, 
Dumbartonshire, 24th August (Geoffrey Hughes). A male taken 
at Forgandenny, near Perth, 25th August (R. Lawson). One near 
Row, near Glasgow, about 20th August (F. C. Woodforde). Two 
at New Abbey, Kirkcudbrightshire, on the 23rd September (L. S. 
Brady). 

NOTES ON THE SEASON—MoraAy AND ABERDEEN. A. Horne. 
Ent. Rec., ii. pp. 233-234 (October 1892).—Records of Lepidoptera 
captured. ABERDEEN. J. P. Mutch. £ux?. Rec., iil. pp. 257-260 
(November 1892).—Notes on Lepidoptera observed and captured 
at Monymusk and elsewhere in the County. ABERDEEN. A. 
Horne, Zc. p. 287. J. Sinclair, Zc. p. 287 (December 1892).—Notes 
of Lepidoptera captured. 

CARSIA IMBUTATA AND CIDARIA POPULATA IN LANARKSHIRE 
[Lancashire, in error]. Rev. J. C. Mackonochie. Lxtomologist, 
vol. xxv. p. 245 (October 1892), and correction, p. 293 (November 
1892).—Common in August near Douglas Castle, Lanark. 

HERCYNA PHRYGIALIS, HB., PROBABLY A BRITISH INSECT. 
Philip B. Mason. xt. Mo. Mag. (2) vol. ili. p. 264.—A new 
Pyralid said to have been captured in Scotland by Turner. Mr 
Mason considers there is nothing unlikely in the capture of this 
species among the Scotch mountains. 

On NEw AND OBSCURE BRITISH SPIDERS. Rev. F. O. Pickard, 
Cambridge. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (6) x. pp. 390-392 and 394 
(November 1892).—Leptyphantes pinicola and Porhomma adipatum 
mentioned as Scottish species. 

STUDIES OF BRITISH TREE- AND EARTH-worMs._ Rev. Hilderic 
Friend, M.A., F.L.S. /ourn. Linn. Soc., Zoology, xxiv. pp. 292-315, 
Plate XXI. (October 1892).-—Allolobophora celtica, Rosa, specimens 
were obtained at Langholm in 1890. A. boeckii, Eisen, obtained 
at Paisley in 1892. Lumbricus rubescens, sf. zov., Paisley. 


New BritisH EarRTH-worMs. Rev. Hilderic Friend. Vature, 
27th October 1892, pp. 621-622.—Contains the same information 
as the last. Dr. Hurst (Vature, roth November 1892, p. 31) and 
Dr. Benham (of. ct7, 1st December 1892, p. 102) concur in con- 


CURRENT LITERATURE 59 


sidering the Rey. Mr. Friend’s supposed new species to be identical 
with Enterion festivum (Savigny), described under the name 
Lumbricus festivus by Rosa. 


BOTANY. 


SPECIES, VARIETIES, ETC., DESCRIBED OR OBSERVED IN GREAT 
BRITAIN AND IRELAND SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF BABINGTON’S 
“MANUAL,” Ep. 8 (1881), AND HOOKER’s “STUDENT'S FLORA,” 
Ep. 3 (1884). By Arthur Bennett, F.L.S. Concluded, Sczence 
Gossip, October.—This most useful list is here carried to the end 
of the Vascular Plants. 

First RecorpDs OF BRITISH FLOWERING PLANTs, compiled by 
William A. Clarke, F.L.S. Continued, /ourn. Lot., October- 
November.—The two instalments cover from Z7ifoliéum to Rosa 
inclusive. Several Scottish records are noted (see p. 54 of Annals). 

FLORA OF THE LEFT BANK OF THE TAY, BETWEEN PERTH AND 
GLENCARSE. By W. Barclay. Zvans. and Proc. of the Perthshire Soc. 
of Nat. Sc., vol. i., pt. 6, 1891-92.—This enumerates all the species 
of Vascular Plants found in the above area; and indicates especially 
the more rare, local, and interesting species. 

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS (on 12th November 1891) TO THE 
PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. By F. Buchanan White, 
M.D.—In his address Dr. White described the several excursions 
of the Society during 1891, with especial reference to the flora of 
the localities visited. 

ON AN APPARENTLY ENDEMIC BRITISH RANUNCULUS. By Rev. 
E. S. Marshall, M.A., F.L.S. Journ. Bot., October, pp. 289-290, 
plate 328.—This form is named &. fetiolaris, n. sp., with the 
synonym appended thus: “ 2. /Zammudla, L., var. pettolaris, Lange, 
ined., Marshall in /Journ. Bot., 1888, 230.” It is now fully de- 
scribed and figured. It has been found on ‘‘ gravelly margins of 
small Highland lakes in W. Scotland; Kingshouse, Argyle; Sligachan, 
Skye; Assynt, W. Sutherland,” growing by preference in water two 
or three inches deep, and not more than a yard or two from the 
margin. The characteristic habit and leaves have been constant in 
cultivation during four years. 

Aw Essay aT A Key TO BRITISH Rus. By Rev. W. Moyle 
Rogers, F.L.S. Continued, Journ. Bot., October-November.—The 
sections Radule and Koehleriane are discussed fully in the above 
numbers. The only plants noted from localities in Scotland are 
R. obscurus, Kalt., from ‘‘ Banchory, N. B.,” and &. Koehleri, W. and 
N., var. plinthostylus, Genev., from ‘‘ Kirkcudbright.” 

FURTHER NOTES ON HIERACIA NEW TO BRITAIN (Continued). 
By Frederick J. Hanbury, F.L.S. /ourn. Lot, December.—The 
following are recorded, with full descriptions, from localities in 
Scotland :— Hreracium britannicum, n. sp., ‘a well-defined and 


60 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


characteristic plant of the extensive limestones of Central Britain,” 
and two examples in the Boswell herb., from Burntisland in Fife, 
appear to belong to it. “4. Sommerfeltii, Lindeb., var. ¢actum, n. 
var., “from mountains around Kingshouse in Argyle.” 7. caniceps, 
n. sp., ‘among the rocky burns of Sutherlandshire and Perthshire, 
often at no great elevation above the sea.” . cesium, Fr., var. 
insulare, n. var., “ Hitherto observed only in the vicinity of Crian- 
larich, at 2100 to 3200 feet above the sea.” HH. /riesiz, Htn., var. 
hirsutum, n. var., found in August, 1887, in the stony bed of the 
Cluny in Braemar, and in 1891, by Dr. F. B. White, in Strath Braan 
and at the Linn of Campsie. 


SOME ScoTTIsH WILLows. By Edward F. Linton, M.A., F.L.S., 
and William R. Linton, M.A. /ourn. Bot., December.—Enumerates 
and describes many hybrids observed by the authors, chiefly in 
Clova, one or two from Perthshire, one from Little Craigindal 
in Braemar, and one from Dunbeath in Caithness-shire. Almost 
all have been cultivated for some time in deep heavy soil at 
Shirley, and in sandy peaty soil at Bournemouth, and the results 
are embodied here. One new form is described, .S. ewgenes, n. sp., 
or n. hyb. (probably S. dZyrsinites x reticulata). 

HYPNUM PROCERRIMUM MOLENDO: A NEW BritisH Moss. By 
R. H. Meldrum. Zyans. and Proc. of the Perthshire Soc. of Nat. Sc. 
1892, 1. pt. vi—F rom Ben Lawers. 

NEw or CRITICAL BriTIsH ALG&. By E. A. L. Batters, B.A., 
LL.B., F.L.S.  Gvrevillea, December 1892.—Enumerates and de- 
scribes numerous species, among which are the following from 
Scottish localities :—/alicystis ovalts, Aresch., Loch Goil and Kyles 
of Bute, G. Murray; Lctocarpus brevis, Sauvag., Berwick-on-Tweed ; 
on Ascophyllum nodosum, E. A. L. Batters. 


REVIEWS. 


A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF LAKELAND. By the Rey. H. A. 
Macpherson, M.A. (David Douglas, Edinburgh, 1892.) 

This is a large, handsome, and well got up octavo volume of 552 
pages, and the latest contribution to the series of district faunas from 
the press of Mr. David Douglas. 

The faunal area of the district comprises Cumberland and 
Westmoreland, and Lancashire north of the Sands—a land of 
special interest to the naturalist, as one of the last remaining 
strongholds in England of some of our most interesting beasts and 
birds. The author is able to include a total number of 421 species 
of vertebrate animals as having, at one time or other, occurred 
within its limits. 

In turning over the pages of this volume, what will most strike 


REVIEWS 61 


the reader is the extraordinary amount of antiquarian research that 
has been bestowed by the author on his subject. In this manner 
facts of the greatest possible interest have been accumulated and 
for the first time brought together. 

Mr. Macpherson records 262 species of birds as visiting the 
English Lake district, past and present. This seems a small number 
when compared with the avi-fauna of some of the Eastern counties, 
but it must be remembered that the geographical position of the 
district is such as to place it, to a great extent, beyond the direct 
influence of those chief lines of bird flight, which in the autumn 
bring so many migrants to the East Coast, including many rare and 
occasional visitors. 

Cumberland and North Lancashire can, however, boast of three 
rare and far-travelled wanderers, in the Isabelline Wheatear, the 
Spotted Eagle, and the Frigate Petrel, the first and last being new 
to the British list. The Wheatear was shot on 11th November 1887, 
near Allonby ; the two latter by a most strange and singular coin- 
cidence washed up on the shore of Walney Island in 1875, and 
both passing through the same hands. 

Eyries of the Sea-Eagle undoubtedly formerly existed at Wallow 
Crag, Hawes Water, and Buck Crag in Martindale, and probably in 
other places. - Notwithstanding, however, the accumulated facts 
brought forward by Mr. Macpherson in his endeavour to prove the 
former nesting of the Golden Eagle in central and western Lakeland, 
we think there is not sufficient evidence that this has been the case 
._ within the period of historic ornithology—all the facts when critically 
examined are equally suggestive that the occurrences are referable 
to HZ. albicilla. The positive testimony of Richardson as to the 
nesting of Golden Eagles in 1788 and 1789 in the Buck Crag, 
Martindale, is finally disposed of in the negative, by the author him- 
self, in a footnote at the end of the volume. 

The evidence also supplied as to the former nesting of the Osprey 
is exceedingly nebulous and cannot be considered conclusive. Sea- 
Eagle and Osprey are often synonymous terms with the old ornithol- 
ogists. The record or tradition says nothing of the position of the 
eyrie of reputed Ospreys in Whinfield Park in the last century, and 
both Eagle and Osprey we know do occasionally select trees for 
their nesting places. In the second instance adduced, the precipices 
on the Westmoreland side of Ullswater are a most unlikely posi- 
tion for an Osprey’s nest but very likely for the Sea-Eagle. Dr. 
Heysham, who wrote towards the close of the eighteenth century, in his 
‘Catalogue of Cumberland Animals,” published in Hutchinson’s 
Cumberland, 1794, makes separate species of the Sea-Eagle and the 
Cinereous or White-tailed Sea-Eagle. Of the former he says: “ A few 
years ago there used to be an annual nest in the rocks which sur- 
round the lake of Ullswater, and the great trout of that lake 
had been taken out of its nest.” The concluding sentence of the 


62 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


paragraph is: ‘‘This bird has often been mistaken for the Golden 
Eagle.” So it is obvious that the Ullswater birds could not have 
been Ospreys. Mr. Macpherson’s notices of the past and present 
status of the Harriers, Kite, Buzzards, Peregrine, Merlin, Heron, 
Bittern, Shoveller, Tufted Duck and Woodcock, are very pleasant 
reading, and contain an immense amount of information. The 
Dotterel never seems to have been a common nester, even in the 
wildest parts of Lakeland, although “trips” on passage have from 
time immemorial visited the highest ranges of fells, and these were, 
before the passing of the Wild Birds’ Act, annually shot down and 
destroyed for the sake of their feathers, used in tying “ flies.” 

Mr. Macpherson, we think, completely fails to prove the former 
existence of the Ptarmigan in the mountains about Keswick, his 
argument being chiefly based on the former existence of a single ex- 
ample in a local museum, but without any label or document to state 
the locality it was obtained from. ‘The illustrations in the volume 
include excellent coloured plates of the Isabelline Wheatear and 
Frigate Petrel, and several others from photographs very fairly exe- 
cuted, interesting also from the local scenery they depict. 

Space will not allow us any further, much as we should have 
liked to do so, to follow Mr, Macpherson in his many pleasant pages 
descriptive of the haunts and habits of beast, bird, and fish. Some 
of his chapters are charmingly written, and if the merits of this work 
were left to depend on his antiquarian researches it would in this 
respect alone be a valuable addition to zoological literature, both 
local and general. 

British Funcus Fiora. By George Massee, Vol. I. (George 
Bell and Sons.) 

In our last issue we briefly referred to the announcement, in 
Grevillea, of the early appearance of this work. ‘The first volume 
has now been published, and an estimate can thus be formed of 
the place which the new Flora will occupy in British Mycology. 

Those familiar with the classifications in use in previous works 
on the whole subject of British Fungi will probably enough find them- 
selves a little embarrassed by the arrangement of the groups in Mr. 
Massee’s scheme. ‘This commences with the Gastvomycetes, and 
passes on to the //ymenomycetes, in which the usual order of treat 
ment is reversed, the succession being from the Zvemellinee to the 
Agaricinee. Of the latter the present volume includes only the 
Melanospore and the Porphyrospore, leaving a very large part to 
follow in the second volume. The diagnoses, alike of the species, 
of the genera, and of the higher groups, are careful and clear; and 
the additional remarks that follow the diagnoses and give the “ eye- 
marks” and points of special interest show familiarity with the works 
of previous writers as well as, where opportunity permitted, with the 
fungi themselves in the living state. These remarks are often of 
great interest and value, not only to the beginner, but also to the 


ADDITIONS TO THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART 63 


adept in the study, by calling attention to characters which, though 
of much importance, might otherwise be overlooked. 

Numerous woodcuts illustrate the structure of the genera, and 
will render the use of the book more easy and also more reliable. 
A good index of genera and species is a detail worthy of commenda- 
tion, certain to be appreciated by all who make use of the Flora. 
Habitats are noted under each species, but not localities. The 
work will be found useful by all who interest themselves in the 
British Fungi, and we have great pleasure in recommending it to 
the favourable notice of Scottish botanists. It will add to the 
reputation of the author; though we cannot but think that he will 
find himself unable to include all known British Fungi in three 
volumes of the size of that before us, despite the announcement on 
the title-page. Meanwhile we can cordially wish him success in 
the accomplishment of the serious task to which he has set himself. 

In THE GUN RooM: SKETCHES IN PROSE AND VERSE. By H. 
Knight Horsfield. (London: Eden Remington and Co., 1892.) 

This neat little volume is, as its title implies, chiefly given up 
to sketches relating to sport. One of them, however, is devoted to 
“ A Visit to the Island of Foula,” and is, moreover, written from 
the standpoint of a Naturalist. But while this does not profess to 
be a contribution to science, it is most attractively written and its 
perusal impresses us with the fact that Mr. Horsfield is not only 
gifted with a graceful and philosophic pen, but that he is also a 
keen and accurate observer and excellent field-naturalist. We are 
inclined to express the hope that the author may be induced to give 
the public a series of his delightful nature-sketches in the near future. 

VEGETABLE WASPS AND PLANT Worms. By Dr. M. C. Cooke. 
(S-P: CK, Eondon, 1392.) 

Under the above somewhat fanciful title is issued, at the low 
price of 5s., a book dealing with all the Fungi parasitic upon 
insects that are known to the veteran author. Each fungus is 
described, and its habitat and the locality of its discovery are 
mentioned. Woodcuts of a considerable number are given. ‘The 
book is a very valuable collection of information in a curious depart- 
ment of mycology, and is of peculiar practical interest also. ‘There 
is no doubt but that it “will be welcome alike to the Entomologist 
and to the Mycologist,” and that it will ‘‘assist them in their 
respective studies,” as the author expresses the hope that it will. 


RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE NATURAL HisTORY DEPARTMENT OF 
THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART, EDINBURGH. 
‘THE most important donations to the Natural History Department 


of the Museum of Science and Art since the beginning of last July 
comprise :—— 


64 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Four hundred and twenty Bird-skins from the duplicates of 
the Tweeddale Collection, presented by Major Wardlaw Ramsay of 
Whitehill. Sixty-three Bird-skins and a number of Mammals, Rep- 
tiles, and Insects from the Gold Coast, presented by Dr. Ferrier. 
A collection of Zoological Specimens in spirit from Swatow, China, 
presented by Dr. Philip Cousland. Seventeen skins of Reptiles 
and Fishes from the duplicates of the British Museum, presented by 
the Trustees. ‘Twenty Land Shells from New Caledonia and New 
Hebrides, presented by Mr. E. L. Layard. Pelvic limb of the Right 
Whale (Lalena mysticetus, Linn.), comprising the pelvic bone, femur 
and tibia (the latter modelled in wood), also the original cartila- 
ginous tibia in spirit, presented by Professor Struthers, M.D. Fifteen 
exotic Mammals, from Mr. W. Eagle Clarke. Three Mammals from 
San Diego, Texas, presented by Mr. W. Taylor. Zuthemisto com- 
pressa, Goes, and a Cucumaria from the Firth of Forth, presented by 
Mr. Thomas Scott. Several specimens of Astronyx Lovent, from the 
West Coast of Scotland, presented by Mr. W. Anderson Smith. Two - 
exotic Bird-skins, presented by Brigade-Surgeon Aitchison. Several 
exotic Rays, presented by Professor Cossar Ewart, M.D. 

Of British Birds, specimens have been given to the Museum by 
Mrs. Traill, by Major Wardlaw Ramsay, and by Messrs. J. A. Harvie- 
Brown, W. Smith, W. Eagle Clarke, W. Berry, F. P. Johnson, 
D. Smellie, and T. G. Laidlaw. 

Of British Mammals, by the Rev. George Birnie, and Messrs 
G. H. Caton Haigh, J. C. Moodie Heddle, and Charles Campbell. 

Of British Fishes, by Messrs. C. Muirhead, E. W. Holt,:and 
W. Loudon. The last named gentleman’s donation consists of a 
number of the malformed trout of Gonar Burn, to which reference 
was made in a previous paper in this journal. 

From the Caithness Flagstone Company the Museum has re- 
ceived six Fossil Fishes from the Old Red Sandstone of that county, 
while Professor Heddle has also presented a Slab of Sandstone from 
the Upper “Old Red” of Dura Den, containing specimens of 
floloptychius Flemingu, Agassiz. Several Fossils from Glencartholm, 
Eskdale, have also been given by Dr. Haddon, Canonbie. 

Among the purchases are :—The bones of a specimen of Risso’s 
Grampus (Grampus griseus) caught in the Solway Firth, and which 
are now being prepared to form a skeleton of this hitherto rare 
Cetacean. A Barred Warbler (.Sy/via nisoria) captured on the York- 
shire Coast, a pair of Lapland Buntings (Cadcarius Lapponicus) from 
Norfolk, and a pair of Bearded Reedlings (Panurus brarmicus) and 
their nestling, also from Norfolk, are among the rarer British Birds ac- 
quired. A number of Fossil Fishes and Fish-remains from the Old 
Red Sandstone of Caithness, including the type specimen of Homa- 
canthus borealis, 'Traq. Eighty-three exotic Bird-skins ; also thirteen 
Minerals, including the recently discovered Geikielite. 

R. H. Traquair, Keeper of Natural History Department. 


The Annals 


of 
Scottish Natural History 


No. 6] 18938 [ APRIL: 


REPOKI. ON THE GREAT SKUASTERCORAKIGS 
CATARRAHACTES) IN SHETEAND DURING 
iit NESTING SEASON OF sirse2: 


By Wm. EaGLe CLarkg, F.LS. 


Fouta.—Mr. Frank Traill, who spent a _ considerable 
portion of the past summer in this island, kindly informs 
us that careful preparations were made by the proprietor to 
protect the eggs of this bird from the raids of any stranger 
who might visit Foula during the nesting season ; and that 
these were carried out with complete success. Many of, or 
all, the eggs of the first laying, and part of the second, were, 
however, again taken by the natives, which is much to be 
regretted ; and some of these, about a dozen, Mr. Traill saw 
on sale in Kirkwall, for which the sum of ten shillings each 
was demanded. It is satisfactory to know, however, that 
from sixty to seventy young Great Skuas were reared in 
Foula this year. We are much obliged to Mr. Traill for 
the above information. 

Unst.—Regarding this species in its most northern 
British breeding haunts, and how it fared there during the 
past season, we quote the letter which Mr. Thomas Edmond- 
ston addressed to “The Times” of 11th October 1892 on 
the subject, as follows : 

6 B 


66 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


‘Will you permit me again to make my annual report regarding 
the preservation of the Great Skua on Hermanness? Iam glad to 
say that eight pairs, the whole number that returned to their accus- 
tomed nesting-place, succeeded in hatching their broods, all the 
young birds getting away in safety. One pair again made trial of 
the neighbouring heights of Saxavord, but the nest was, as usual, re- 
morselessly harried. Another pair of colonists were more fortunate ; 
for, selecting the hill of Sneuga, some distance south of the enclosure 
of Hermanness, they were there hospitably entreated and carefully 
protected by the occupier of the land, Mr. Alexander Sandison of 
Lund, with the happy result that the young birds were safely hatched, 
and another settlement, I hope, founded upon the island of Unst. 
The result is a net gain of two pairs over last year, when only seven 
couples, and all of them in Hermanness, succeeded in maintaining 
their homes inviolate. I ought to add that, in spite of the most 
careful watching, two nests on Hermanness were plundered of their 
eggs, but it was early in the season, and the birds laid again with 
better results. 

“Tt is not possible to state with any kind of confidence at what 
period of life the young of the Great Skua become mature and begin 
to pair. The birds are so rare, and their lives so wandering, that 
opportunities of observation, except during the short period of their 
stay in their breeding stations, are wholly wanting. Again, the 
thought of killing a Great Skua, even in the dearest interests of 
science, has been abhorrent to the minds of three generations of 
bird-lovers in my native island, and hence there has been no chance 
of determining the point referred to by comparison of specimens at 
various stages of life or by anatomy. It was, however, the opinion 
of my late father, Dr. Edmondston, supported by the still higher 
authority of his son-in-law, Dr. Saxby, that the Great Skua does not 
attain its full plumage, or begin to breed, until the fourth year. 
These opinions, and I know of none entitled to greater weight, were 
based upon various experiments in keeping young birds for some 
time in captivity, and, although by no means conclusive, are probably 
approximately correct. If this be so, we may reasonably expect that 
some of the birds successfully hatched in 1891 will return to breed 
in 1895, and those of the present year in 1896, and so on. I ad- 
here to my formerly expressed opinion that Hermanness is already 
stocked to its utmost capacity, or nearly so; and, if the Skuas in 
Unst are to be largely increased, the protected area must be extended. 
It is surely not too much to hope that the neighbouring proprietors will 
do as Mr. Sandison has done in the case I have referred to, and will 
afford true northern hospitality to such grand and interesting guests. 

“Tt may not be out of place, as illustrating the difficulties of pro- 
tecting Hermanness, to mention an occurrence of last season. ‘Two 
visitors, presumably gentlemen, since they came provided with intro- 


BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY 67 


ductions, and calling themselves ornithologists, presented themselves 
to my nephew, Mr. Lawrence Edmondston of Halligarth, and 
sought permission to visit the Skua’s home. Such permission is 
never refused to any one, the only conditions being that all visitors 
shall be accompanied by the keeper, and the birds disturbed as 
little as possible. The Skuas were then in act of laying, and, as the 
visitors had time at command, Mr. Edmondston suggested that their 
expedition should be postponed for two or three days, when all the 
birds would be sitting, and when they would have an opportunity of 
seeing the Skuas to greater advantage, and with less risk of damage. 
This proposal was acquiesced in, but two days afterwards these 
gentlemen betook themselves to Hermanness, entirely on their own 
account, and without the necessary letter of permission. Warned 
off by the keeper, they laughed at his remonstrances, and proceeded 
to hunt for the Skuas’ nests. It is highly satisfactory to add that 
they did not find them, for the keeper, who had been joined by my 
nephew’s shepherd, ‘‘shadowed” them at a few paces distance, tak- 
ing good heed of all their proceedings. But the example of two 
“stranger gentlemen” in thus setting at defiance the prohibition 
against trespass very naturally encouraged native raiders, better ac- 
quainted with the locality. Only a few days afterwards the two 
nests to which I have already referred were plundered of their eggs, 
and there was no possibility of tracing the depredators. You can 
give powerful aid to our dearly prized dependents if you will give 
world-wide publicity to my protest against such unworthy conduct.” 


BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONAEDSHAY. 
By ALLAN Briccs. 


THIs island is so well described in “ A Fauna of the Orkney 
Islands” by Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Buckley, that little 
remains for me to add. There are seven named lochs on 
the island, the largest being known as the Mill Loch, with 
an area of something over twenty-eight acres during winter. 
The island is for the most part cultivated, and divided into a 
great number of small farms, which are intersected by stone 
dykes, in many cases so low that they are of little use for 
stalking purposes. Many strange birds undoubtedly occur, 
but with such a large population (the inhabitants numbering 
about 500) they are so often disturbed that they seldom 
remain with us for more than a day at a time. 

This is my first experience of North Ronaldshay during 


68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


the winter, but in the years 1884, 1885, 1887, and 1888, I 
was here during the months of August and September, or 
part of them. 


Sonc THRUSH (Zwrdus musicus).—One, or at most two pairs breed 
in the island. A pair had several nests in the garden here 
(Holland) this spring, but they always came to grief through 
cats. It is only within the last two years or so that the 
Thrush has been known to breed here. I find under date 
13th October, ‘‘ Have seen for some days numbers of Song 
Thrushes about.” 


REDWING (Zurdus tliacus).—First noticed for 1892 on 14th October, 
when six were seen about the garden, one of which I shot. 
After this I saw them in small lots up to 26th November, 
never more than seven in a flock. 


FIELDFARE (Zurdus pilaris)—In 1892 they occurred here on 3rd 
November, when I found a flock of close on 500 in one of 
the grass parks near the house, out of which I shot nine. 
Since this date I have seen them in small lots, up to a score, 
and a few single birds. 


BLACKBIRD (Zurdus merula).—Two or three pairs resident: they 
have only been so for a very few years. Last June one pair 
had their nest in an £scallonia close to our dining-room 
window. Unfortunately, the cats took the young when nearly 
ready to fly. On 3rd November there were large numbers of 
Blackbirds all along the stone dykes: the wind on the 2nd had 
been strong from the S.E. 


WHEATEAR (Saxicola awnanthe).—Common, and breeding all over 
the island, both in rabbit-holes and old stone walls. The last 
one I saw was on 15th October 1892. 


STONECHAT (Pratincola rubicola).—One, a female, shot on 15th 
October 1892: the only one I have ever noticed here. 


Repstart (futicilla phenicurus).—Saw three on 1st September 
1892. Shot one,a male. One seen on 2nd September, and 
one 25th October. ‘These birds often occur in company with 
Pied Flycatchers. 


ReEpDBREAST (L7vithacus rubecula)—On 4th October 1892, noticed 
numbers scattered in small parties along the wall sides on the 
west of the island. A few have remained about the garden up 
to this date (January 1893). 

WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa).—I shot one in the garden here on 
19th September 1888, and on the roth July 1892 saw a 
single bird in the garden, which remained a few days. 


BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY 69 


GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN (Regulus cristatus)—One in garden 5th 
November 1892. The Gold-crest occurs nearly every winter, 
sometimes in large numbers. 


WiLLow WrR_EN (Phylloscopus trochilus)—One killed 29th August 
1884. On 31st August 1892, and for the first few days of 
September, there were large numbers about the garden and 
among beds of nettles along the west side of island: as many 
as fifteen or twenty together. Wind easterly. 


HEDGE Sparrow (Accentor modularis).—A pair seen in the Holland 
Garden, 13th October 1892. 


CoMMON WREN (7Z7oglodytes parvulus).—Saw one in the garden on 
2nd October 1892. Since then there have been one or two 
constantly about. 


Piep WactaliL (MJotacilla lugubris)—On the 22nd August 1892, 
saw a single bird close to the Lighthouse on the north beach. 
On 29th August I saw several family parties feeding on insects 
among the rotting seaweed along the south beach, and for 
some days after this there were a few small lots about. 


MeEapvow Pipit (Anthus pratensis).—I saw a few on 20th September 
1892. I had seen them in small numbers in former years. I 
cannot make out that they breed here, though I particularly 
looked for them during the breeding season I saw nothing 
of the birds during spring and early summer. 


Rock Preir (Anthus obscurus)—Very common, breeding in the 
stone wall which runs all round the island, and among the 
loose stones on the beach. 


PIED FLYCATCHER (JZuscicapa atricapil/a).—One in Holland Garden 
2nd September, one on 13th, and two on 14th October 1892. 
This bird seems to occur pretty regularly nearly every autumn. 


SAND MartTIN (Cottle riparia).—A single bird circling round the 
house here on the evening of 25th September 1892, after a 
dreadful day of wind and rain from the S.W. 


House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).—Common all over the island. 
I shot an albino in August 1892. 


CuarrincH (Fringilla celebs).—Large numbers occurred on 5th 
October 1892, and small lots were to be seen for the next few 
days. Flocks largely mixed with Bramblings. It struck me 
that the Chaffinches largely consisted of females. 


BraMBLine (fyingilla montifringilla).—Seen along with the above 
from the sth to roth October. At no time would I say there 
were large numbers. Shot a Brambling on the 14th October 
1892: a single bird, which was the last one I saw. 


70 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Linnet (Linota cannabina).—On the 19th October 1892, several 
small flights of Linnets near the Mill Loch. ‘This is the only 
time I have identified the Linnet in North Ronaldshay. 


LEssER REDPOLE (Linota rufescens)—Four in Holland Garden, 
15th September, a few near the Mill Loch, 18th October 
1892; and a single bird in the garden, 13th January 1893. 


TwitE (Linota flavirostris)—Common, and breeding all over the 
island ; nesting almost invariably in young corn or grass fields. 
Have observed no difference in numbers at any time, only 
during the winter months they collect in small flocks of a dozen 
or so about the stack-yards. 


Common CrossBiLL (ZLoxia curvirostra).—One, a female, caught 
close to the Lighthouse, on 7th July 1892, by the daughters 
of Mr. Ross, the chief light-keeper. 


Common Buntine (L£mberiza miliaria).—Fairly common, fifteen 
or sixteen pairs breeding here. Seem all to collect about the 
corn-stacks at Holland Farm during the winter. No perceptible 
increase or decrease in numbers. 


Snow Buntinc (Llectrophanes nivalis).—The first I saw here for 
1892 were on 19th September, when I noticed three or four 
small flights, numbering from five to a dozen birds. A flock 
of forty at the north end of the island on 21st September, and 
a flock of several hundreds on 27th September. On the 19th 
October, and for some time after this date, they were simply in 
thousands—required to be seen to be believed. 


SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis)—Very common, and breeding every- 
where throughout the island. From my observations, much 
scarcer during the winter months. 


Common STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris).—Very abundant, breeding in 
all the old stone walls, and under large stones and boulders on 
the beach. Large flights roost during the early autumn in the 
reed beds of the Mill Loch. Only small numbers seem to remain 
here for the winter. 

Gray Crow (Corvus cornix).—I have only seen two this winter 
(1892): one on 26th November, and another some time 
in October. The natives assure me they sometimes occur in 
great numbers in October and November. ‘This is not to be 
wondered at, when the large quantity of ‘‘ braxy mutton ” which 
is always more or less plentiful around the shore is taken into 
consideration. Their scarcity this year is all the more strange, 
as I understand the percentage of deaths among the shore 
sheep has been large. 

Raven (Corvus corax).—This bird is generally to be seen here 
during the autumn months. I have noticed a few birds every 


BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY yp 


August and September I have spent here, but never more than 
two or three together. This season, 1892, I have seen about 
ten birds. One family party of five I chased half way round 
the island before I managed to get on terms with them ; how- 
ever, I eventually succeeded in securing a pair. This was on 
14th September. Since then, I have only seen two birds. 


Swirt (Cypselus apus).—Killed one 26th August 1892: two others 
were along with it. These birds were flying in a westerly 
direction over the island, the wind being S.W. and the weather 
very stormy. This is the first occasion on which I have noticed 
this bird in North Ronaldshay. 


Lonc-EARED OwtL (Aso ofus).—I shot one, a male, in Holland 
Garden, 24th November 1892. 


SHORT-EARED OwL (Asio accipitrinus)—Saw one, a male, on 2nd 
December 1892, which rose out of some reeds by the edge of 
a small loch, where I was after Snipe. I killed it and a Snipe, 
right and left. I came across another on the night of 3rd 
December when I was waiting for duck. It circled round me 
several times, but I refrained from shooting it. I hear from 
the natives at times that they have seen a Cat-face (their 
name for an owl) among their turnips, and I fancy in most 
cases they mean this bird. 


Scops-EARED Owt (.Scops aldrovandi).—A bird of this species was 
caught alive on 2nd June 1892, in an outhouse at the Light- 
house, by Mrs. Ross, wife of the head light-keeper. It lived 
for some days, but eventually choked over a piece of meat ; 
when Mr. Ross had it stuffed, and it is now in his possession. 
This is, I believe, the first instance of this bird being recorded 
in Orkney. 


Snowy OwL (Wyctea scandiaca).—On the 2nd November 1892 Mr. 
Angus (the farmer at Holland) sent a message to the house to 
inform me that there was a very large owl sitting in one of his 
fields. Unfortunately I had set out for the north end of the 
island. Next morning I had a good look all round, but did not 
search the rocks on the west shore, close to where it had been 
seen. I understand it was seen on these rocks the day after my 
ineffectual search. From Mr. Angus’s description, there is little 
doubt but that this was the Snowy Owl. He told me, when first 
his attention was called to it the bird was sitting in a stubble- 
field. What first drew his attention was the row the gulls were 
making, mobbing it. It was seen subsequently by two other . 
men and a daughter of the farmer. This is likely to have 
been the same bird seen by Mr. Harvie-Brown at Quendale, 
Shetland, and recorded in the January number of this 
magazine. 


72 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


HEN HaARRIER (Circus cyaneus).—I saw one sweeping over the 
fields, close to the house, on 16th July 1892. From its light 
colour and small size, I made it out to be a male. This is 
the only one I have noticed this season, but in former years I 
have seen them generally in September. 


PEREGRINE Fautcon (alco peregrinus).— Always several about 
during the autumn and winter. The first I noticed for 1892 
was on 31st August. Since then there have always been 
one or two with us. On 7th October I shot a young 
female. 

MERLIN (falco @salon)—Common every year during August and 
September. One or two remain through the winter. The first 
I noticed for 1892 was a single bird on 21st July. About 
16th August they were very plentiful. On that date I saw four 
on the sheep dyke within a yard or two of one another. Nearly 
all the birds seen here are immature. 


KestreEL (Fako tinnunculus).—Not so common here as the last 
named, but fairly abundant immediately after harvest. I think 
mostly young birds. I never saw a male in mature plumage. 


CorMoRANT (Phalacrocorax carbo).—Common, and breeding on the 
Seal Skerry. On 4th July 1892 I visited the Skerry with 
my wife and a lady friend. We counted fifty nests, most of 
which contained three eggs. Only in five were there four eggs, 
which was the largest number observed. In some nests the 
eggs were quite fresh, in others hard sat. The Shag (Phadacro- 
corax graculus) does not breed here, but during the winter 
months large numbers of these birds roost, along with the 
Cormorant, on the Seal Skerry. 

GANNET (Suda bassana).—Common, from summer onwards, fishing 
round the island. What strikes me most is the preponderance 
of those in the pure adult plumage. 


HERON (Ardea cinerea).—Occur here in small numbers every year. 
The first generally appear early in August. They make the 
Seal Skerry their headquarters. On a visit there (oth January 
1893) I counted fifteen rise at our approach: the largest 
number I have ever seen here at one time. 

GRAYLAG GOOSE (Amser cinereus).—On the 7th October 1892, 
during a fearful gale, with rain from the N.W., three of these 
birds occurred here. They appeared very restless, shifting their 
ground often, and eventually disappearing on the 9th October. 
I think this bird must seldom visit the island, as the natives 
who saw them informed me they had never seen the bird 
before. The Brent (ernicla brenta), seems to be the commonest 
variety seen here. From all accounts, they were fairly plentiful 
last winter (1891-92), many being shot. 


BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY 73 


Canapa GoosE (Bernicla canadensis).—On the gth June 1892 I 
saw this goose on the Mill Loch. Coming round the corner of a 
wall, I found myself within twenty yards of the bird. It rose 
heavily and flew across the loch, where it dropped again on the 
water. By next morning it had disappeared. 


Hooper (Cygnus musicus).—Thirty seen crossing the island, flying 
due west, on 15th October 1892. Of this flock only five were 
in pure white mature plumage. They flew low, almost within 
gunshot. 


SHELDRAKE (Zadorna cornuta).—Fairly common during the breeding 
season: perhaps a dozen pairs breed on the rabbit links. Seldom 
seen after August. I only once saw them after the breeding 
season, that was on the 26th September 1888, when I shot two 
out of a flock of six close to the Lighthouse. 


WiLtp Duck (Anas boscas).—Always a few about, without being 
plentiful. A goodly number sit about the Seal Skerry all day, 
coming on land after dusk to feed. Many pairs breed here, 
both in the reed beds in the lochs and in grass fields ; but their 
eggs are most systematically taken by the natives for eating 
purposes, or to sell as those of the Domestic Duck. 


SHOVELLER (Spatula clypeata).—On coming here in June 1892, I 
found two pairs of these birds breeding in the Mill Loch. Their 
eges of course shared the same fate as those of the Wild Ducks, 
but one pair eventually brought off a brood of, I think, nine 
youngsters. They seem to remain here the year round, as I 
have seen them all through the autumn and winter months. 
On 3rd January I shot a drake which had nearly completed 
the moult back into his nuptial dress. These birds can only 
have bred here within the last two or three years, as on my 
former visits I never saw or shot them. On my drawing the 
attention of some of the natives to the peculiar Ducks, the 
more intelligent of them seemed to agree that the birds were 
first noticed in 189g. 


TEAL (Querquedula crecca).—Fairly common in the month of 
September and later. At times very plentiful. This season 
(1892), about the beginning of October, I shot four, from a 
flock of sixty or so, on one of the small lochs. The same day I 
saw a flock of about a score on another loch. On a recent 
visit to the Skerry, on 9th January 1893, I must have seen a 
hundred and fifty Teal, besides Duck and Widgeon. 


Wipcrton (Mareca penelope).—Occurring regularly, but in small 
numbers. The largest flock I have ever seen would number 
not more than fifteen. One, a drake, remained here the 
greater part of June 1892. 


74 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


PocHarD (fuligula ferina).—I killed a pair at flight, from a flock 
of about a score, at a small loch close to the house here, on 
14th November 1892. Since that I have seen two flocks of 
five and six, and a few single birds. 


Scaup (/uligula marila).—On the 15th October 1892 I shot two, 
both ducks, on the loch of Garso, at the north end, just getting 
into mature plumage, the face beginning to show the white well. 
Since then I have seen and shot a few others, but they are by 
no means plentiful. 


TuFTED Duck (Fuligula cristata).—I have only shot three Tufteds 
here this season: the first on roth October 1892, on Garso 
Loch—there was another with it at the time. The last I killed 
was on 13th January 1893, a young male; he, along with a 
fine Golden-eye drake, was in company with six Pochards. 


GOLDEN-EYE (Clangula glaucion).—A few occur. These would appear 
to keep principally to the Mill Loch, which is a fairly large sheet 
of water during the winter. ‘These are nearly all females or 
birds of the year. I have shot four in all, one of them a drake 


in the third year’s plumage. I have only seen one other old 
drake. 


LONG-TAILED Duck (f/are/da glacialis),—Large numbers. Seem to 
prefer the sandy bays on the east side of island. Often occur 
on the lochs in stormy weather. The first I shot, 2nd 
November 1892, rose off a small loch near the old lighthouse 
at the extreme north-east corner of the island. I had seen them 
several weeks before this date. 


Emer Duck (Somaterta mollissima)—Very abundant, occurring 
in large flocks. Numbers roost on the Seal Skerry. 


RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (JZergus serrator).—Occurs regularly. 
The first I recognised for 1892 was on the 14th October, when 
I saw four swimming in a sandy bay on the south side. Since 
then I have seen several pairs at different dates. 


SMEW (MVergus albellus).—1 saw what I believe to be a bird of 
this species on 1st September 1892, on a loch about the 
centre of the island. JI had a good binocular with me, and 
watched it for some time. ©The prevailing black and white 
plumage and the peculiar head and bill were most distinctive, 
and I have little doubt in my own mind that the bird was 
identified unmistakably. There was no cover of any kind, 
and when I tried to get within shot it took alarm, and after 
circling once round, went off in a westerly direction. 


Rock Dove (Columba tivia).—I have only seen a pair of the Wild 


Blue Rock here: this was in September 1888, when I shot one, 
and a friend, Mr. Cook, the other. It is curious their not 


BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY 75 


occurring oftener, as in the island of Sanday they are numerous ; 
and the distance is so short. 

WaTeER Ratt (Radlus aguaticus)—There seems to have been a 
regular influx of these birds into North Ronaldshay this winter 
(1892). The first I saw were on oth November, while snipe- 
shooting. I shot five, and could, I believe, have killed a dozen 
more. The marshes were much flooded, and consequently 
there was little cover. ‘The poor birds took refuge in the loose 
stone walls, where my old retriever at once spotted them, and 
stood scratching at the place till I called him away, or the bird 
bolted through the dyke. After this I saw them in greater or 
smaller numbers all through November and up to goth 
December, when most of them disappeared. Saw one on 16th 
January 1893. Never saw this bird during my former visits. 


SPOTTED CRAKE (Porzana maruetta).—On the 8th September 1884 
I shot one in the Mill Loch, and in the same loch, and within 
a few yards of the same spot, I shot another (a male) on the 
27th September 1892. There was a second bird along with 
this last, but it got into a thick patch of rushes, and the united 
efforts of my dog and myself were unavailing to turn it out. 


Lanp Rati (Crex pratensis).—A very common breeding species ; in 
fact, I never knew them so common anywhere. Many fall 
victims to prowling cats. Last seen for 1892 on roth October. 


Moor HEN (Gallinula chloropus).—Common, but seems to entirely 
disappear during the winter. I have seen six nests at a time 
in the reed beds of the Mill Loch. 

Coor (fulica atra).—Breeds in most of the small lochs, perhaps 
from fifteen to twenty pairs, all told. None seen for the last 
two months (December and January). 

GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis).—Large numbers here at 
times. The first I saw in 1892 were five on 4th July, after 
which they came in rapidly, and for the first half of August 
were here in great numbers. After September they were scarce 
for a time, but about the end of November again became 
plentiful, though very wild. One bird with pure white wings 
remained here part of August and September. 

Gray PLovER (Sguatarola helvetica).—I shot the only one I have 
ever seen here, on 3rd September 1892. 

RINGED PLOVER (4g7alitis hiaticula).—Very common, and breeding 
wherever there is suitable ground. 

Lapwinc (Vanellus vulgaris)—_A common breeding species, but 
most of them leave early in September. 


TURNSTONE (Strepsilas interpres)—A few seem to remain here all 
the year round. I saw five on the Seal Skerry on 4th July 


76 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


1892, a score at the east rocks on 27th July, and numbers 
came in as the season advanced. 


OYSTER CATCHER (//ematopus ostralegus)—Two or three pairs 
breed. Small numbers come in autumn, when flocks of from 
ten to thirty may often be seen at the west rocks. 


RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus hyperboreus).—A few pairs 
nest. The last I saw of them was on 4th August, when I noted 
three birds, after which they seem to have taken their departure. 
On 3rd August 1887 I saw six, evidently a family party. 


Wooncock (Scolopax rusticula).—I have only seen three here this 
winter, all of which I got: the first on 3rd, and second on gth 
November, the last being shot on 2nd January 1893. I under- 
stand a number were seen among large boulders on the north 
beach, near the Lighthouse, in December 1891. 


Common SNIPE (Gadlinago calestis)—Fairly numerous, sometimes 
even as early as August. Fluctuating in numbers, as one might 
expect, according to weather. Season 1892, they were most 
plentiful during the latter half of November and most of 
December. Since the beginning of January 1893, they have 
been few in numbers, and dreadfully wild. Up to 16th January 
1893, I have shot somewhat over 200 couples, the heaviest 
weights for individual birds being, one 6$ozs., another 5£ ozs., 
while many ranged from 44 to 54 ozs. 


JACK SNIPE (Gadlinago gallinula).—First I shot for 1892 was one 
on 6th September, during which month I only killed four; in 
October, twenty; November, twenty; in December, only 
thirteen, making in all fifty-seven. Out of a number weighed, 
one was 32 ozs. 


Dunn (Zringa alpina)—Common during the breeding season ; 
nesting much in corn-fields. When the young are able to fly, 
they all take their departure, and are not seen again for months. 
A few reappear in early winter. 


LittLe Stint (Z7inga minuta).—I had never seen the Little Stint 
here until 26th August 1892. On that date I had gone out 
along the west side to see if any strangers were about, as it had 
been blowing a gale during the night, and the wind was still 
pretty strong from the west or south-west. At the extreme 
north-west corner of the island there is a considerable tract of 
barren ground, given up to the sheep, with a few pools of water 
in the hollows ; and here it was I found the Stints. There was 
one flock of fully fifty birds, and two smaller lots, containing, I 
should say, from ten to fifteen birds each. It was difficult to 
count them accurately, as they were restless, and constantly on 
the move. After this I saw them in small lots or singly in 


BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY Heil 


different parts of the island up to 2nd September, but after 
this there was not one to be seen. They seemed to mix little 
with other waders ; in any case in which I observed them do so, 
it was only a single bird, or at most two. 


PURPLE SANDPIPER (7Z7izga striata).—Occurs every autumn. The 
first I noticed for 1892 was a flock of five on 23rd August. 
In November they swarmed all along the rocks; on the 11th 
of that month I counted fifty-three birds in one flock, and there 
were many other much larger flocks. 


CURLEW SANDPIPER (Z7inga subarqguata).—I shot two on 24th 
August 1892, and on 30th August killed ten at a shot, out of 
a good-sized flock, which appeared to be all of this species. 
After this I saw them fairly common all over the island. The 
last mention I find of them in my diary was rst October, when 
I shot a single bird. I never saw the Curlew Sandpiper in 
North Ronaldshay before this year. 
Knot (Z7vinga canutus).—Noticed almost every August I have been 
‘here. I shot a single bird on 12th August 1892; on 17th I 
saw a flock of about a score, and 23rd August found them 
plentiful along the west rocks. During this winter I have not 
remarked their presence. 


RurF (Machetes pugnax).—In my experience of North Ronaldshay, I 
have found that the Ruff occurs pretty regularly during the 
months of August and September. In 1887 they were more 
plentiful than usual, being often seen during August. On the 
2oth August of that year I shot five (two Ruffs, three Reeves), 
from a flock of nine, this being the only occasion on which I 
have seen a flock. They usually appear only singly, or perhaps 
as many as three together. ‘This season I have noticed less 
than a dozen, of which I shot three at different times, viz. gth 
August, 26th August, 1st September 1892. 

SANDERLING (Cadidris arenaria).—Wonderfully numerous in 1892. 
First seen on 25th August, when fourteen were counted in 
flights of Ringed Plover. Since then they have been con- 
spicuous among the shore birds. 

REDSHANK (Zotanus calidris).—Scarce during the breeding season, 
only a few pairs nesting here. Common all along the shore 
in autumn and winter. 

GREENSHANK (Zo¢anus canescens).—A scarce autumn visitor. I shot 
one on 27th August 1887, and had only recognised them on 
two previous occasions. In 1892 I identified one, by its 
peculiar call, flying overhead on 25th October. On roth 
November, picked up the remains of another, and subsequently 
heard that a man had shot two, out of a lot of six, some time 
in October, at the loch where I found the dead bird. 


78 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


BaR-TAILED Gopwit (Limosa lappontca).—On 24th August 1887 I 
shot one, a single bird. 8th June 1892, I found a Godwit, in 
full breeding plumage, frequenting the margin of one of our 
small lochs. I saw him for a week or ten days, and then he 
disappeared. I heard he had been shot by one of the islanders. 


WaHIMBREL (NMumenius pheopus).—A common bird here during the 
month of August: I have seen as many as thirty or forty together. 
In a flock of Whimbrels, Curlews are often seen, but much in 
the minority, as the latter is by no means common here till after 
the Whimbrel leaves, which it does early in September. 


CurLew (Mumenius arquata),—Pretty common in late autumn and 
winter. During winter most of the Curlews on the island 
appear to keep in one flock, their favourite resting-place a 
point of rock on the north shore running out for some dis- 
tance into the sea, called the Green Skerry. They sometimes 
number a hundred or more, and are very wary and difficult to 
approach. 

Arctic TERN (Sterna macrura).—A common breeding species—last 
year scattered in small groups or single pairs in different parts 
of the island, whereas formerly, I am given to understand, they 
nested almost entirely in one colony: in a large grass field at 
the south-west of the island. ‘This past season they nested 
largely in corn-fields, perhaps owing to the late season and the 
corn being backward in growth. 

Common TERN (Sterna fluviatilus).—Scarce, compared with the 
Arctic Tern, but still certainly identified. Nesting sometimes 
singly, and in other instances with the above-named bird. In 
very few cases did I find more than two eggs in the nests of 
either species. 

BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus).—A very large colony 
occupy the reeds in the centre of the Mill Loch. I believe this 
colony to be much smaller than it was some years ago, owing 
to the manner in which the nests are systematically robbed by 
the boys. The late Dr. Traill did all in his power to protect 
the birds during the breeding season, but the present proprietor, 
Mr. John Traill, having been so much abroad, the boys have 
had it all their own way. 

HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus)—The commonest of the Larinze 
during winter here; the Common Gull (Larus canus) being 
noticed in much smaller numbers 

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus).—By no means com- 
monly seen at any time. During July 1892 a flock of some 
sixty or seventy remained about Ancum Loch for two or three 
weeks. These were chiefly old birds, but few in the first year’s 
plumage being seen among them. 


BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY 79 


GreEAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus).—A few of these birds 
are always to be seen here, although less common in spring. 
No appreciable difference in numbers is noticed during winter. 


Guiaucous GULL (Larus glaucus).—On the 10th November 1892 I 
saw a single bird in mature plumage at the north end of 
island, and later in the same month I came on another 
sitting on the shore of the Mill Loch. On the 22nd December 
I again saw a single bird at the north end, close to Lighthouse. 
When waiting for duck on the Seal Skerry on oth January of 
the present year, I counted fifteen on the wing at the same 
time. All that I have mentioned were in mature plumage. 
I cannot say that I identified a single bird in the first or second 
year’s plumage, and I think I should have recognised them, 
even at a distance, as I saw numbers of them, and shot several 
some years ago, near St. Andrews, Fife. 


IcELAND GULL (Larus leucopterus).—I shot one, a female, on 3rd 
January of this year. ‘This bird, which is the only one I have 
seen, was shot flying along the east rocks in company with 
some Herring and Common Gulls. 


Common Sxkua (Stercorarius catarrhactes)—A specimen of this bird 
was shot here in 1891—f I am correctly informed, some time 
during September. It is now in the collection of Mr. Denni- 
son of West Brough, Sanday. 


POMATORHINE Skua (Stercorarius pomatorhinus)—On 5th Nov- 
ember 1892, while on a point of rocks (Sromness Point) at the 
south corner of the island, waiting for Curlews flighting over, 
I saw a large black-and-white Skua. He was engaged chasing 
the Gulls, which were fishing a few hundred yards off in the 
firth, Again, on 29th December, I saw a similar bird not 
far from the same point. From the shorter tail feathers and 
greater apparent bulk, thus differing from Richardson’s Skua, 
I have little doubt these were of the above-named species. 
I may mention that I have shot the Pomatorhine Skua at 
St. Andrews. 


RICHARDSON’S Skua (Stercorarius crepidatus).—Commonly seen here 
during August and September. In 1892 they were oftener 
noticed than usual. Saw three on 3rd August beating up 
against a strong wind from the west, flying over the island, 
just in front of the house. On roth August I shot a single 
bird in black-and-white plumage at a small loch. After this 
many were seen, for the most part of the dark variety. 


LITTLE GREBE (Podiceps fluviatilis) —I shot one (a bird of the year) 
on Garso Loch on 5th December 1892. This is the only one 
I have ‘ever seen here. 


80 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


THE CRAMBI OF SCOTLAND: 
By WituiamM REID, F.E.S. 


THE Scotch Cvrambz are very diversified in their habits, 
and may be found in every variety of rough grassy places, 
from the coast sandhills to the summits of the highest 
mountains. Many fly about merrily in the bright sunshine 
on quiet days, others prefer the cool of the evening, while 
several are more or less nocturnal in their habits. The com- 
monest species in Scotland are Crambus pratellus, culmellus, 
and ¢réstrellus, which are widely distributed, and com- 
mon everywhere. Dumetellus, pascuellus, hortuellus, mar- 
garitellus, and perlellus are also fairly common, but local. 
Geniculeus is recorded on insufficient authority. /uguznatellus 
is very local, though possibly not rare. Pzvezel/us is only found 
in or near fir woods, and is almost nocturnal in its habits. 
Ericellus and furcatellus are mountain species, and are rather 
scarce in collections. J/yellus, though widely distributed, is 
always considered a prize. 

The genus may be characterised as follows: Imago— 
Antenne, simple, or slightly ciliated. Pa/pz, prominent, 
always much longer than head. /ore-wings, oblong, twice 
as long as broad, tip blunt or produced to a point: most of 
the species have a longitudinal white streak or dash along 
centre of wing from base, and an angulated transverse line 
near hind margin. Others are nearly unicolorous, without 
markings. Hind-wings, ample, folded longitudinally in 
repose. They rest on grass stems with the head downwards, 
and the wings wrapped tightly round the body. The larvee 
are quite unknown to me, and I am obliged to Mr. Leech’s 
little work on the British Pyralides for any notices appended 
to the various species. 

To facilitate identification, I have divided the genus into 
seven sections, characterising each section separately, and, 
where essential, each species comprised in the section. By 
this means I do not think it will be necessary to enter into 
minute details, and will only notice the more prominent 
features in my descriptions. 


THE CRAMBI OF SCOTLAND 81 


The nomenclature adopted is that in ordinary use in 
Britain. I do not consider it necessary to give any syno- 
nyms. 


Section I—Fore-wings streaked and speckled with white 
and brown, two transverse angulated lines. C. falsellus. 


CRAMBUS FALSELLUS, Schzff. 


Antenne, whitish brown. /Padpz, whitish ochreous, darker 
at the sides. Head, dirty ochreous white. TZorax, whitish, 
with a dirty ochreous tinge. /ore-wings, pale ochreous 
white, with a number of rusty and dark brown streaks ; two 
transverse angulated streaks—-one before and the other 
beyond the middle; fringes slightly glossy. AHind-wngs, 
pale gray. Addomen, whitish gray. Legs, whitish ochreous. 
Expands about 20 mm. 

Occurs in July and August. I never saw it alive, and 
know nothing about its habits. It has been found in all the 
eastern counties from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, and, though 
local, is probably not rare. 


Section II].—Fore-wings with a white longitudinal streak, 
followed by a white spot or blotch, and an angulated trans- 
verse line near hind margin. 


a. Fore-wings dull brownish, streak narrow, acutely 
pointed, silver spots near tip, indistinct. C. pratellus, 

b, Fore-wings glossy ochreous brown, streak and silver 
spots at tip distinct ; a narrow white streak on costa 
at base. C. dumetellus. 

c. Fore-wings dark ochreous brown, streak broad, fol- 
lowed by a large white blotch, and a whitish streak 
along inner margin.  C. erzcellus. 

d. Fore-wings shining ochreous brown, the broad white 
streak commences oz the costa at base. C. pascuellus. 


CRAMBUS PRATELLUS, Lzzz. 


Antenne, dark brown. /Palpz, brownish. Head, brown- 
ish, tinged with ochreous. Thorax, dark brown, tinged with 
ochreous. /ore-wngs, dull dark brown, with an ochreous 


tinge, a narrow dirty white streak on the costa; and a 
6 C 


82 ‘ ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


narrow white streak from near the base to beyond the 
middle is followed by a small whitish blotch and an angu- 
lated, transverse, glossy whitish line near hind margin; there 
are also several indistinct whitish spots on costa near tip, 
fringes glossy. //zud-wings, dark gray, fringes pale. Ad- 
domen, dark brown, with an ochreous tinge. Legs, ochreous 
brown. Expands about 18 mm. 

Occurs in July. Frequents meadows, commons, and 
bogs, and is an abundant and generally distributed species. 
It flies naturally before and after sunset. The ? is much 
paler than the 6, and not so easily found. “The larva 
feeds amongst roots of grass, and hybernates, pupating in 
spring in a slight cocoon.” 


CRAMBUS DUMETELLUS, fd. 


Antenne, brownish ochreous. /Pa/fz, brownish ochreous. 
Flead, pale ochreous brown. Thorax, shining dark ochreous 
brown. fore-wings, glossy ochreous brown. A _ narrow 
white streak on costa at base, and a longitudinal white 
streak from base along centre of wing, broadest beyond 
the middle, is followed by several distinct white spots and a 
transverse elbowed line near hind margin ; fringes, and blotch 
at anal angle, shining whitish gray. AHind-wings, grayish, 
fringes dirty white. Addomen, gray, with an ochreous tinge. 
Legs, ochreous brown. Expands about 22 mm. 

Occurs in July. Frequents sand-hills, riverside meadows, 
and grassy places on the mountains; does not seem to occur 
much above a thousand feet. Though very local, it is 
widely distributed in Scotland, and common in many places. 
It flies naturally in the sunshine, and at dusk. It seems to 
prefer dry, sunny hillsides and coast sand-hills, and is less 
common in wet places. 


CRAMBUS ERICELLUS, 0. 


Antenne, brownish. Palpz, brownish, tinged with 
ochreous. Head, brown, with a slight ochreous tinge. 
Thorax, ochreous brown. Fore-wings, dark ochreous 
brown, slightly paler towards the inner margin; a broad 
white streak from centre of base to beyond the middle is 


THE CRAMBI OF SCOTLAND 83 


followed by a white blotch and an angulated transverse line 
near hind margin; there is also a triangular white spot on 
costa, and another at the tip, and a pale dirty white streak 
along the inner margin. A/zxd-wings, dark gray, fringes 
paler. Addomen, dark grayish brown. Legs, ochreous brown. 
Expands about 23 mm. 

Occurs in July. Frequents grass, and heath-covered 
knolls and hill slopes, at an elevation of from 1000 to 2500 
feet. It flies naturally at dusk, and is distributed over the 
whole of the north-western counties, and in some places is 
not rare. 

CRAMBUS PASCUELLUS, Lzzz2. 


Antenne, brownish. Palpz, ochreous brown, darkest at 
the sides. Head, pale ochreous. Thorax, pale ochreous ; 
shoulders ochreous brown. Jfove-wzngs, glossy ochreous 
brown, slightly tinged with rust colour before the trans- 
verse line; a broad white streak from costa at base to 
beyond the middle is followed by a white blotch, an angu- 
lated transverse white line before the hind margin, and two 
white spots at tip ; veins and inner margin generally streaked 
with white ; blotch at anal angle dark gray; fringes glossy. 
Hind-wings, pale gray, fringes and inner margin very pale. 
Abdomen, pale gray. Legs, ochreous brown. Expands 
about 23 mm. 

Occurs in June and July. Frequents wet meadows, 
edges of woods, and damp heaths and bogs. Flies naturally 
at dusk, and is local and rather rare in Scotland. It has 
been found in the counties of Aberdeen, Forfar, and Perth. 


Section III.—Fore-wings unicolorous, or nearly so, with 
a pure white longitudinal streak. 


a. Palpi, head, and thorax dark brown. C. furcatellus. 
b. Palpi, head, and thorax white. C. margaritellus. 


CRAMBUS FURCATELLUS, Zett. 


Antenne, dark brown. /a/fi, brown, paler towards 
base. Head, dark brown. Thorax, dark brown, or dark 
chocolate brown. /ore-zzngs, dark brown, chocolate brown, 
or dark brown with an ochreous tinge ; a pure white streak 


84 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


from centre of base to near the centre of outer margin, outer 
half broadest, and lower edge serrated ; fringes pale, almost 
white. Hzud-wzngs, dark brownish gray, fringes paler. 
Abdomen, dark brownish gray, anal tuft slightly ochreous. 
Legs, ochreous brown. Expands about 22 mm. 

Occurs in July. Frequents grassy mountain slopes at 
from 2500 to 4000 feet. Flits about over the grass on quiet, 
warm, sunny days. It is local, but not rare where it occurs. 
I have taken it on several of the mountains near Braemar. 
also on the Glen Shee and Perthshire hills at a high elevation, 
It is recorded from the counties of Argyll, Perth, Inverness, 
Forfar, Aberdeen, Elgin, Ross, and Sutherland. The larva 
is said to feed under the club-moss.. Probably it also feeds 
on other species of moss, as club-moss is not always present 
where /urcatellus occurs. 


CRAMBUS MARGARITELLUS, /Z0. 


Antenne, ochreous white. Pali, white, or dirty white. 
FHlead, white. Thorax, white, shoulders pale brownish ochreous. 
Fore-wings, brownish ochreous, or dark brownish ochreous ; 
a broad white streak from near the costa at base almost 
reaches the hind margin ; streak broadest beyond the middle. 
Flind-wings, pale gray, with a slight glacious tinge. Addo- 
men, pale gray, anal tuft slightly ferruginous. Legs, whitish 
ochreous. Expands about 24 mm. 

Occurs in July and August. Frequents wet moss and 
damp woods. Flies naturally about sundown and dusk. 
Although local, it is widely distributed in Scotland, and is 
common where it occurs. 


Section IV.—Fore-wings with a pure white interrupted 
longitudinal streak. 


a. The streak with one interruption. C. pznetellus. 
6. The streak with two interruptions. C. myellus. 


CRAMBUS PINETELLUS, L2zz2. 


Antenne, yellow ochreous. /Pal~z, white above and 
below, brownish ochreous at the sides. Head, white. 
Thorax white, shoulders yellow ochreous. ore - wings, 


THE CRAMB/ OF SCOTLAND 85 


yellow ochreous or brownish ochreous, clouded towards the 
costa and hind margin with dark brown; a broad pure 
white streak from base to near the hind margin is inter- 
rupted in the middle by an oblique transverse bar of dark 
brown; fringes darker than ground colour. Hind-wings, 
very pale grayish. Addomen, almost white, with a slight 
ochreous tint. Legs, white, or white with a tinge of ochreous. 
Expands about 24 mm. 

Occurs in July and August in or near fir woods. Flies 
naturally at dusk; easily found at rest with a light. It is 
widely distributed, but rather local, and is not common in 
Scotland. “The larva lives in a silken web amongst the 
tufts of grass on which it feeds ; it hybernates and pupates in 
a cocoon amongst its food.” 


CRAMBUS MYELLUS, /70. 


Antenne, dark brown. Palpi, pure white on the upper 
surface, dirty white below, and dark brown at the sides. 
Head, pure white. Thorax, pure white, shoulders ochreous 
brown. Fore-wzngs, rich ochreous brown, darkest towards 
the tip and hind margin ; a broad white streak from base to 
near the hind margin is interrupted in the middle, and near 
the outer edge, by oblique chocolate brown bars. Hznd-wings, 
very pale gray, darker towards the hind margin, fringes pale. 
Abdomen, same colour as hind wings. Legs, white, with 
a tinge of ochreous. Expands about 26 mm. 

Occurs in July and August on moors and near the 
edges of woods. Flies naturally for a few minutes on quiet, 
warm evenings at dusk. Mr. Webb of Dover, writing under 
date 28th November 1890, in answer to an inquiry of mine, 
says: “The first British specimen of Crambus myellus was 
captured sitting on a grass culm in a pouring rain (and 
another seen) by Mr. N. Brown, then curator to Mr. Wilson 
Saunders, on a hillside about three hours’ walk from 
Aberdeen, and brought to me to identify the following week 
as a doubtful C. penetel/lus. From the British Museum collec- 
tion, I quickly ascertained its name, and it was exhibited 
at the Linnean and London Entomological Societies by 
Mr. Saunders’s son as new to Britain.” Since then it has 
been found in a number of different localities comprised 


86 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


within the counties of Aberdeen, Perth, Elgin, and Kincardine. 
It has been found in fair numbers in Perthshire for several 
years. Aberdeenshire can also show a long array of records. 
I had sixty specimens on my setting boards last year (1892) ; 
and it has been taken regularly in the place where I found 
mine for the last five years. “The larva-feeds in silken 
galleries under moss on stones, in which galleries it hybernates, 
pupating the following May.” From what I have seen of 
the localities where JJ/yellus is found, I do not think that 
it is necessary there should be stones below the moss. I 
think it may probably feed among the moss. 


Section V.—Fore-wings with, or without, a more or less 
distinct longitudinal streak, and generally two transverse 
lines. 


a. First transverse line very indistinct. C. ¢restrellus. 
6. Both transverse lines distinct. C. exquznatellus. 
c. Lines sharply angulated at costa. C. gemzculeus. 


CRAMBUS TRISTRELLUS, Fé. 


Antenne, yellow ochreous. Pa/pi, yellow ochreous. 
Head, yellowish, yellow ochreous, or ochreous brown. 
Thorax, different shades of ochreous, or ochreous brown. 
Fore-wings, pale yellowish, yellow ochreous, ochreous brown, 
or dark brown with an ochreous tinge; very variable in 
shade and depth of ground colour, costal portion darkest ; 
a more or less distinct white streak from base to outer 
margin; an angulated transverse line before the centre 
of wing,—this line is often only to be distinguished by 
a dark spot on fold—and an angulated transverse line 
near outer margin; veins generally paler. Hind-wings, 
glaucous gray or pale gray, fringes paler. Abdomen, pale 
whitish ochreous. Legs, pale ochreous. Expands about 
27 mm. 

Occurs in July and August among rough herbage. Flies 
naturally at dusk and by night, and is an abundant species 
almost everywhere. It is the largest Crambus found in 
Scotland. “The larva feeds on grasses in a vertical silken 
tube, and pupates amongst the roots after hybernating.” 


THE CRAMBSI OF SCOTLAND 87 


CRAMBUS INQUINATELLUS, Schiff 


Antenne, grayish brown.  Palpz, pale ochreous brown 
or dark brown. Head, ochreous brown, very pale. Thorax, 
pale ochreous. Fore-wéngs, grayish brown ; veins and outer 
half of costa pale ochreous or pale yellowish ; streak very 
indistinct, hardly to be distinguished from veins ; two trans- 
verse angulated lines, one before and the other beyond the 
middle ; fringes grayish brown. //ind-wings, gray, with pale 
fringes. Addomen, pale ochreous. Legs, pale ochreous 
brown. Expands about 24 mm. 

Occurs in July and August in fields, waste places, and 
heaths. It has been taken as far north as Perthshire, but is 
most abundant in the south. I never saw it alive. “The 
larva feeds on the surface of the ground in silken galleries, 
upon various species of grass.” 


CRAMBUS GENICULEUS, Haw. 


This species zs saz? to have been taken in Scotland. | 
cannot find an authentic record, and am unable to describe 
it, as I have never seen a Scotch specimen. 


Section VI.—Fore-wings pearly white or ochreous brown. 


a. Fore-wings pearly white. C. perlellus. 

6. Fore-wings pearly white ; veins dark brown, sometimes 
almost black. Var. Warringtonellus. 

c. Fore-wings pale ochreous. C. culmellus. 


CRAMBUS PERLELLUS, Scop. 


Antenne, white or ochreous white. Pa/fz, white or pale 
ochreous. //ead, white, or dirty ochreous white. Thorax, 
white, or ochreous white. /ore-wings, pearly white, some- 
times with a dirty ochreous tinge. A brownish longitudinal 
dash from the base near costa to near the hind margin 
Hind-wings, pale grayish, darkest towards tip; fringes pale. 
Abdomen, pale grayish. Legs, dirty ochreous white. Ex- 
pands about 26 mm. 

Occurs in July on dry pastures and coast sand-hills. 
Flies naturally by day in the bright sunshine, and at dusk. 


88 ‘ ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


It is widely distributed, but local in Scotland. The variety 
Warringtonellus has the veins dark brown. It is more 
abundant in Scotland than the type. I have seen it flying 
in dozens on the Culbin Sands, near Forres, on bright, warm, 
sunny days. “The larva feeds in perpendicular tubular 
galleries on Azra flexuosa and other hard grasses. It hyber- 
nates and pupates the following spring in a cocoon half sunk 
im the earth: 


CRAMBUS CULMELLUS, Lzxn. 


Antenne, ochreous brown. Padlpi, ochreous brown. 
Flead, ochreous, Thorax, pale ochreous. Fore-wzngs, pale 
ochreous, the costal half and fringes darker, veins generally 
paler than ground colour. //7xd-wings, gray, or dark gray ; 
fringes slightly paler. Addomen, same colour as hind-wings. 
Legs, ochreous brown. Expands about 18 mm. 

Occurs in June, July, and August. It is an abundant 
species almost everywhere. Flies naturally on dull, quiet 
days, and at dusk. “ The larva lives in upright silken tubes 
among the tufts of grass on which it feeds, and forms a 
cocoon in its tube for pupation.” 


Section VII.—Fore-wings ochreous brown, veins lighter, 
with a transverse angulated line near hind margin.  C. 
hortuellus. 


CRAMBUS HORTUELLUS, 0. 


Antenne, dark brown. Pad/pz, dark brown, with an ochre- 
ous tinge. Head, dark brown. Thorax, dark brown. Ffore- 
wings, whitish ochreous brown, ochreous brown, or dull 
dark brown. Very variable in depths of colour. Veins 
generally distinctly paler than ground colour ; a bluish white 
angulated transverse line near hind margin; fringes glossy. 
Expands about 20 mm. 

Occurs in July. Frequents grassy places, and is common 
in many parts of Scotland. I know very little about its 
habits ; all I have seen were flying about on quiet, warm days. 
“The larva occurs amongst the roots of grass in fields, in- 
habiting a silken tubular gallery.” 


‘NOTES ON COPEPODA FROM FIRTH OF FORTH 89 


NOTES ON COPEPODA FROM VIBE FIRTH OF 
PORTH # LONGIPEDIA= CORONAEA CLAUS; 
AND: A. PRELIMINARY DES CRIP TION OB AN 
APPARENTIEY NEW GENUS AND SPHEIES: 


By Tuomas Scott, F.L.S., 
Naturalist to the Fishery Board for Scotland, 


and ANDREW SCOTT. 


Pirate sur 


Longipedia coronata, Claus, is one of the most beautiful as 
well as one of the most common of the Copepoda in the 
British Seas, and has long been familiar to us. 

It belongs to the Harpactictde, a family not only very 
extensive, but which also includes many interesting and 
curious species. As regards distribution, Longipedia coronata 
is to be obtained in a great variety of places, and at very 
various depths ; it usually lives on or near the bottom, and is 
thus much more frequently obtained in materials collected by 
means of the dredge than in tow-net gatherings. Its favourite 
habitat seems to be among the zoophytes and weeds of the 
littoral and coralline zones. 

Though many hundreds of specimens have passed through 
our hands, especially during the last few years, so that its 
appearance has become familiar to us, we have nevertheless 
had our suspicions occasionally aroused as to whether there 
were not really two species mixed up together under the 
name Longipedia coronata as understood by British Carcin- 
ologists. On several occasions during the past few years a 
partial investigation has been made by us for the purpose of 
ascertaining whether there were really two species or not ; 
but from want of time, or from some other cause, no satisfactory 
solution was arrived at. On referring to some of the litera- 
ture dealing with the Copepoda, it was ascertained that a 
certain amount of dissatisfaction had been expressed by 
various authors with the diagnosis of Longzpedia coronata as 
given in “ Die freilebenden Copepoden” and in the “ British 


1 This plate will be issued with the July number. 


go ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Copepoda.” Geisbrecht! in 1882 pointed out some of the 
doubtful characters in the description of this species in both 
the works named, but he apparently failed to realise the 
important significance of the characters he had called in 
question. In a capital work by Dr. Eugene Canu lately 
published, entitled “Les Copepodes du Boulonnais,” that 
author again calls in question the accuracy of the description 
of Longipedia coronata in these same two monographs, but 
ascribes the error, in the one case to a young male having 
been described for an adult, and in the other case to a 
misunderstanding as to the sexes. The following are Dr. 
Canu’s remarks: “ Formes jeunes tres fréquentes et peut-étre 
plus nombreuses dans une méme péche que les adultes ; ce 
que pourrait expliquer les méprises faites par Claus (jeune ¢ 
décrit pour l’adulte) et Brady (confusion entre les deux sexes 
? immatures) et relevées par Geisbrecht.”? Dr. Canu has 
thus evidently missed the true explanation of the difference 
between the so called “male” and “female” forms; at least 
so far as regards the description of Longipedia in “ British 
Copepoda.” 

A short time ago one of the writers of the present 
remarks (Andrew Scott), while examining a quantity of 
material dredged in Largo Bay, Firth of Forth, in 1891, 
observed as usual both forms of Longipedia coronata—ze. 
“males” and “females”; he also observed that some of the 
“males ” carried one ovisac! and one or two of the “ females ” 
two ovisacs! This discovery naturally led to further inquiry 
being made, with the result that two distinct species of 
Copepoda were found to have been mixed up under the one 
name, the so-called “male” being the true “female” of the 
Longipedia, while the so-called “ female” was found to be the 
female of a new and distinct species, for which we have had 
to provisionally institute a new genus. Both males and 
females of this new species have now been obtained. A pre- 
liminary description of the true Lozgzpedia coronata and of the 
new species is given below. Full descriptions (with drawings) 
are being prepared for the Annual Report of the Fishery 
Board for Scotland, to be published during the summer. 


1 « Die freilebenden Copepoden der Kieler Fohrde.” 
2 «Les Copepodes du Boulonnais” (1892), p. 146. 


NOTES ON COPEPODA FROM FIRTH OF FORTH gl 


LONGIPEDIA, Claus. 


Longipedia coronata, Claus, Plate II., Figs. 4-6. 

1863. Longipedia coronata, Claus, “Die freilebenden 
Copepoden, p: 1l0; te xive 

1880. Longipedia coronata, Brady (in part), “Mon. Brit. 
Copep.,” vol ii. p. 6, Plates XXXIV and XXXV. 


Female—Secondary branch of posterior antenne nearly 
as long as the primary branch, six-jointed, all the joints 
rather longer than broad. Inner branches of second pair of 
swimming-feet in both sexes conspicuously elongate, being 
much longer than the outer branches, or fully two and a half 
times longer. Fifth pair of feet foliaceous: those of the 
female consist of a moderately long inner segment, obovate 
in outline, bearing three setze of moderate length and two 
very small ones on the outer distal margin, and one long 
and two short terminal setz ; a long stout and curved seta 
with a minute hair, arising from its inner aspect and near 
the proximal end, springs from the inner part of the basal 
joint; this spine-like seta is distinctly articulated to the 
basal joint. The rounded posterior dorsal margin of the last 
abdominal segment bears three spiniform processes, the central 
one large and easily observed, the lateral ones smaller. The 
postero-lateral angles of the cephalo-thoracic and abdominal 
segments acutely angular. Caudal stylets short, slightly 
divaricate. Length, 1-5 mm. (th of an inch). One 
ovisac. 

One of the most prominent characters of this species, and 
one by which it is readily distinguished, is the very long 
inner branches of the second pair of swimming-feet. 

Longipedia coronata is common all over the Forth, and 
especially so off Musselburgh. 


CANUELLA,! gen. nov., provisional name. 
LONGIPEDIA, Brady (in part). 


Anterior antenne less robust and less plumose than 
those of Longifedia coronata, five-jointed, first and second 


1 So named by us in compliment to Dr. Eugene Canu, author of ‘‘ Les 
Copepodes du Boulonnais.” 


92 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


joints large. Posterior antenne somewhat similar to those 
of Longzpedia, but the secondary branch is shorter, the width 
of the joints being greater than the length. Mouth organs 
similar to those of Longifedia. Both branches of each of 
the first four pairs of swimming-feet of about equal length, 
and, with the exception of the second pair, somewhat like 
those of Longzpedia ; the first joint of the inner branches of 
the second pair very short, and armed with a stout conical 
spine about equal in length to the second joint (Fig. 2). 
Fifth, in both sexes rudimentary, consisting of a small basal 
joint, bearing in the female four seta, one of which is rather 
longer than the others, and densely plumose (Fig. 3). The 
first and fourth segments of the abdomen without spinous 
armature. Caudal stylets about equal in length to the two 
last abdominal segments, and considerably divergent. The 
animal is more slender than Longipedia coronata, and the 
postero-lateral angles of the cephalo-thoracic and abdominal 
segments are rounded (Fig. 1). Ovisacs two, large. 

One of the most conspicuous differences between Canzwella 
and Longipedia is in the structure of the second pair of swim- 
ming feet. In Longzpedia the inner branches of the second 
pair are greatly elongated in both sexes, and form one of the 
distinctive characters of the genus, the name of which has also 
reference to this character. In Canzuel/a, on the other hand, 
both branches are of about equal length in both male and 
female, and the fifth feet are rudimentary. Therefore, not- 
withstanding the number of important points in which the 
two forms agree, the differences described clearly separate the 
one from the other ; and, moreover, while Lougzpedia has only 
one, Canuella has two ovisacs. 


Canuella perplexa, sp. n. (provisional name) Plate II. 
Pigsha=3. 

1880. Longipedia coronata, Brady (fem.), “ Brit. Copep.” 
vol. ii. p: 6, Plate XXIV. Hies, 30); selate 2OOCV igs: 
1.350: 

The characters of the genus are applicable to the species, 
and therefore need not be repeated, this species being the 
only one known. Length, 1'4 mm. (,,th of an inch). 

Additional Notes—(a) Males and females of a small (?) 


NOTES ON COPEPODA FROM FIRTH OF FORTH 93 


variety of Lomgzpedia were observed after the above Notes 
had been prepared. This variety agrees in size and with the 
detailed figures and description of Longzpedia coronata in Dr. 
Geisbrecht’s work on the free-living Copepoda of Kiel 
Fohrde, but differs from the description and figures of the 
“male” in “ British Copepoda,” and from Longzpedia coronata, 
partially described and figured in the present Notes, in the 
following particulars, viz : 

(1st) In the armature of the first pair of swimming-feet 
being more slender ; (2nd) in the outer branches of the second 
pair being proportionally longer. The two first joints of the 
outer branch are about equal in length to the two first joints 
of the inner one, and the large spiniform seta on the outer 
edge of the long third joint of the inner branch has a position 
nearly intermediate between the two smaller setz on the inner 
edge; and (3rd) the middle lamellz of the fifth pair of feet in the 
female are much narrower and more elongate. These differ- 
ences, so far as we can make out, appear to be constant. For 
the purpose of provisionally distinguishing this variety, we 
propose to call it variety mznzor. Length of variety, ‘85 mm. 
(,,th of an inch). On the other hand, the form partially 
described here as Longzpedia coronata (type) agrees practic- 
ally in size and in structure with the so-called “ male” of 
Longipedia described in “British Copepoda” and in “ Die frei- 
lebenden Copepoden,” while that described here as Canuella 
perplexa agrees in structure with the so-called “female” of 
Longipedia in “ British Copepoda.” We have not seen Boeck’s 
description, and are unable to say which of the forms now 
referred to agrees with that described by him. 

(2) In 1867 M. Hesse recorded! a new Copepod (Szza- 
ristes pagurz) living as a commensal in the same shell with 
Pagurus (a kind of hermit-crab), and which in some respects 
agrees with the form described by us here as Canuella perplexa, 
but differs from it in the following important points. The 
first abdominal segment in the female is “aussi long que les 
quatre autres; il est séparé du thorax par un espace assez 
écarté et arrondi qui facilite les mouvements du corps,” and 
each of the two ovisacs “forment un ovale tres-allongé et 


1 «Ann. Sc. Nat. (Zool.),” 5th series, vol. vii. p. 205, Plate IV. Figs. 11- 
25; also op. cet. p. 211. 


94 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


sont presque pointus des deux bouts. Ils sont attachés, par 
leur extrémité supérieure et par un pédicule, au bord inférieur 
du dernier anneau thoracique, et leur longueur égale celle de 
abdomen.” There also appear to be important differences 
in the structure of the mouth appendages and swimming-feet 
in both sexes. Szzarzstes is also much longer than our species, 
being “5 millimetres de long” (? including tail sete), The 
habitat is quite different, for the Swxarzstes “sont les com- 
pagnons intimes des Pagures, et cest avec la plus grande 
peine qu’on peut les en séparer, non qu’ils soient fixés sur eux 
comme le sont leurs parasites, mais par leur adresse a se 
cacher dans |’intérieur, ou en dessous des coquilles que ceux- 
ci habitent.” 

In 1884 Dr. Wilh. Miller described’ a large Copepod 
(Longipedina pagurt) that he had discovered living with 
Pagurus bernhardus. This is considered by Dr. Canu to be 
the same as the Suzarzstes of M. Hesse; it also resembles, 
even more closely than Swzzaristes, the form now described 
by us. 

After a careful study of the descriptions and figures of 
Sunaristes and Longipedina we find that, if both authors are 
correct, the difference in their descriptions and figures are 
scarcely reconcilable, and appear to refer to different species ; 
and further, the difference both in respect of structure and 
habitat between both of these and the species described by 
us is apparently so considerable that we prefer for the present 
to consider the Forth species as distinct from both. Canuella 
perplexa is, so far as we know, a free-living Copepod, and is not 
associated in any way whatever, as commensal or parasite, with 
any other animal. 

EXPLANATION OF PLATE. 


Canuella perplexa, gen. et sp. n. 


Fig. 1. Adult female . : : : x 46°6 
», 2. Foot of second pair. : : x 126°5 
» 3: Foot of fifth pair : : : x 760 

Longipedia coronata, Claus. 

Fig. 4. Adult female. ‘ : : x 46°6 
» -5- Hootof second pair — 4 ; ' : x 84°0 
» 6. Foot of fifth pair, female  . ; ; x 190 


1 « Archiv fiir Naturgesch.” Jahrgang 50, Erste Band, p. 19, Plate III. 


RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1892 95 


RECORDS, OF SCOTMSH SReANiS: HOK (1592, 
ADDITIONAL ©) “LOEOGKAPHICAL 
BOTANY. Edv2.1o3de: 


By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S. 


WHEN these records were first undertaken in 1886, it was 
thought that when those for 1883 to 1886 were taken up 
and embodied (1849 records), the others that would have to 
be placed on record might occasionally tell up to 200 or a 
little more ; but, contrary to this, the numbers have been 323, 
688, 583, 225, 371, 306, and in this present one, about 180. 
At first it was intended that notes should accompany such 
species as seemed of interest; but the space occupied has 
quite forbidden such a wish being carried out, notwith- 
standing a very patient editor. Perhaps hereafter this may 
be done. 

Personally, I should like to see these records carried on 
until we get a new edition of “Top. Botany.” The number 
of counties to be filled up with Watson’s “ British types ” is 
now very much reduced, and in the next year or so it may 
be allowable to make some observations on the census of 
these, and of some other of the more diffused types. 

We do not progress much in the records of ascertained 
higher or lower limits of species in Scotland. This is a 
subject that should always be kept in mind, if we are to 
keep ahead of some of our Continental neighbours. The 
French botanists have been doing good work in this among 
the Jura Mountains lately ; and the Irish botanists are also 
doing good work. 

I have to record one plant on this occasion new to Scot- 
land, vzz. Orobanche cruenta, Bert. (O. gracilis, Sm.) For 
some years I have had a specimen of an Orobanche, named 
O. elatior, gathered in 1846, near Oban in Argyllshire ; it 
has been a puzzle to me, until, last autumn, my friend Mr. 
Miller sent me some very interesting specimens of the genus 
from the Channel Isles, but too far gone to be able to dissect 
them. This made me resolve to try and clear up the 
Argyll specimen, which was certainly not e/atzor. I carefully 


96 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


dissected it, and, by comparing it with Reichenbach’s “ Icones ” 
and the Kew herbarium, made it out to be O. cruenta; and 
very troublesome they are, when dried, to make out. Other 
particulars will be found elsewhere in this Journal. 

The sequence of the counties and the abbreviations are 
the same as before, vzz. “Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” =“ Annals of 
Scottish Natural History; “J. 3B. =“ journal of Botany 
Introduced species are marked with 7. It may be that 
this sign is placed less frequently than it ought to be; but, 
when general rules fail to guide, local observers must be 
relied on. 


72. DUMFRIES. 


(Report for 1891. Transfer Hordeum pratense from 72 to 73, 
Kirkcudbright.) 


Tue following additions to the county list are included in the 
‘‘Dumfries Flora,’ in the “Transactions of the Dumfries and 
Galloway Natural History Society,’ on the authority of Messrs. 
Scott-Elliott and J. T. Johnstone, as indicated by the initials after 
each species. 


Hypericum dubium, /. 7! /. 

Geranium pyrenaicum, /. Sazw, in ‘“ Dumfries Flora.” 
Euonymus europeeus, 7. 47. Dzxon, in ‘‘ Dumfries Flora.” 
Vicia Orobus (confirmed), 7. 7. //. 

Veronica humifusa, 7. 7: /. 
Scutellaria minor, J/r. Thomson. 
Salix stipularis, 7. Z: /. 

Salix lapponum, 7. Z: //. 
Cladium Mariscus, .S. 2. 


The two following are inserted as extending records of vertical 
range :— 

Cerastium glomeratum, at 2000 feet, 7, Z: /, (1050 feet is Watson’s 
record). 

Spergula arvensis, at 700 feet, S. . (600 feet is Watson’s record). 


74. WIGTOWN. 
All, except where specified, recorded by Mr. J. M‘Andrew. 


Hypericum hirsutum, /, J7‘4., in Scott-Elliott’s “ Flora.” 
Lavatera arborea. 

Malva rotundifolia. 

Geranium dissectum, ex. WVewdould. 

Anthriscus vulgaris. 


RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1892 O7 


Carex remota. Carex pendula. 
Carex sylvatica. Melica uniflora. 


[Ceterach officinarum. ‘There is an earlier record for this, “ Near 
Wigtown, Rev. Baillie,” in ‘Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin.” 1863, 


p. 201.] 
77. LANARK. 


Hieracium gothicum, /, 7. Johnstone, Lc. 


79. SELKIRK. 
(fide Mr. Boyd, ex. Rev. E. S. Marshall). 


Berberis vulgaris. Potamogeton natans. 

Prunus Padus. Potamogeton polygonifolius. 
Rosa involuta. Potamogeton plantagineus, s/. 
Rosa mollis. Sparganium minimum. 

Rosa sepium, var. Sparganium simplex. 

Circeea intermedia. Carex (chrysites) CEderi Auct. 
Chrysosplenium alternifolium. angl., 

Cicuta virosa. fide Rev. E. S. Marshall. 
Symphytum tuberosum. Ranunculus Drouettii. 
Utricularia “ neglecta ? ” Cardamine flexuosa. 

Ulmus montana. Geum intermedium. 

Orchis latifolia, seg. Rubus Radula. 

Habenaria Conopsea. Callitriche stagnalis. 
Potamogeton pusillus. Zannichellia palustris, agg. 
Potamogeton Friesii? sf. Luzula multiflora. 
Potamogeton przlongus, sf. Carex filiformis. 


80. ROXBURGH. 
(Rev. EL. S. Marshall.) 
Utricularia neglecta, sf. 


86. STIRLING. ; 
(Col. Stirling and R. Kidston.) 

Ranunculus Lenormandi, s/. Potamogeton pusillus(Berchtoldii, 
Ononis spinosa. Fieber), sf. 
Hieracium “pallidum, var. Triticum caninum, sf. 

Smithu, Tausch.” 7+ Euonymus europzus. 
Hieracium duriceps, Hanb., sf. + Melilotus officinalis. 
Veronica polita, sf. + Dipsacus sylvestris. 
Neottia Nidus-avis. +Centaurea scabiosa. 
Convallaria majalis, sf. yAcorus Calamus. 
Juncus Gerardi, sf. +Apera Spica-venti. 


7Sagittaria sagittifolia. 

(From record for 1891 delete Glycerta maritima, as on record 
previously.) 
6 D 


98 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


87. PERTH, W. 


Hieracium Sommerfeltii, Lindeb., Rev. £. S. Marshall in “Ann. Scot. 
Nat. Hist.” 1892, p. 1860. 


88. PERTH, M. 


Hieracium przlongum, Lindeb., Dr. & B. White. 
Hieracium angustatum, Lindeb., Dr / B. White. ex. Hanbury, 
‘Be? 8Gg2: 
Hieracium Sommerfeltii, Rev. ZL. S. Marshall in “Ann. Scot. 
Nat. Hist.” 
$9; Purra, i. 


(All reported by Rev. £. S. Marshall.) 


Aquilegia vulgaris. Salix “ Smithiana.” 

Polygala oxyptera. Glyceria plicata, “extinct”? “TJ. 
yeaa Oxypte y Pp ) 

Rubus villicaulis. B71 384500. 275: 

Hieracium flocculosum. Lastrea czemula. 


go. FoRFAR. 


(All reported by Rev. £. S. Marshall, except Lep. neglectum.) 


Ranunculus Drouettii, sf. 
Polygala oxyptera. 
Lepigonum neglectum, Zyaz/ in “Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1893. 
Hieracium angustatum, Lindeb., Hanbury, “J. B.” 1892. 
Utricularia neglecta, sf. 
Orchis mascula, at 2900 feet. (Watson’s highest level is 1500 
feet.) 
Lastrea spinulosa. 
QI. KINCARDINE. 
Lepigonum neglectum ) 


Polygonum mirfus i Trai in “Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1893, p. 53. 


92. ABERDEEN, S. 
Stellaria nemorum, at 3000 feet, Rev. LE. S. Marshall. (Watson’s 
highest record was 1200 feet.) 
Lepigonum neglectum, 77az/ in “ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” SOS. Pre5i3s 
Hieracium onosmoides, Fries, Hanbury in “J. B.” 1892, [Open ea 
Polygonum minus, Zvai/ in “ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1893, p. Cae 
[Potamogeton perfoliatus, at 2300 feet, in Loch Brotachan, Rev. £. 
‘S. Marshall, This is not new to vice-county, but extends the 
vertical range, Watson’s highest record being 1200 feet. | 


93. ABERDEEN, N. 
Lepigonum neglectum, Zyaz/ in “ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” L893, Ps 53- 


RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1892 99 


96. EASTERNESS (E. INVERNESS). 


[ Drosera intermedia should be deleted from 1891 report, as Mr. S. 
Grieve writes that the station “is just within V.C. 97,” for which 
it was already on record. | 

(The two at the head of subjoined list are recorded by 4. Somerville, 

the remainder all by Rev. £. S. Marshall. 


Viola canina. Carduus crispus. 

Carex paniculata. 7 Veronica Buxbaumii. 
Cochlearia anglica. Myosotis palustris, strigulosa. 
Lepigonum salinum. Myosotis repens. 

Rubus plicatus. Atriplex littoralis. 
Rubus mucronatus. Rumex Hydrolapathum. 
Rubus villicaulis. Humulus Lupulus. 
Rubus corylifolius. Betula pubescens. 
Myriophyllum alterniflorum. Orchis latifolia, seg. 
Cenanthe crocata. Ruppia rostellata. 
Lactuca muralis. Zostera nana. 

Arctium nemorosum. Glyceria plicata. 


[Vicia sepium at 1700 feet, A. Somerville. No maximum Scottish 
height is given in ‘Compendium of Cyb. Britannica.” ] 


97. WESTERNESS (W. INVERNESS). 


Thalictrum maritimum, SS. JZ, Macvicar, sp. 
Ranunculus petiolaris, Z. S. AZarshall. 
Ranunculus Steveni. S. JZ. Macvicar, sp. 
Callitriche polymorpha, Lonn. ? 
+Plantago media, S. JZ, Macvicar, sp. 
Hieracium holosericeum. 
Thymus Serpyllum. G. C. Druce in “ Anns Scot. Nat, Elst, 
+ Populus alba. 1302.) Dame os 
+ Populus canescens. 
98. ARGYLL. 


Hieracium Sommerfeltii, Lindeb. | 
Hieracium angustatum, Lindeb. - Rev. £. S. Marshall. 
Hieracium submurorum, Lindeb. 
Vicia hirsuta, P. Lweng, sp. 
Orobanche cruenta, Bert. (A/iss Harvey, 1846). 
99. DUMBARTON. 


Trientalis europzea, Rev. Mr. Somerville, 14th July 1880. 


roo; CriypE Isius: 
Rubus villicaulis (f M. Rogers), Z: Azng. 


100 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


104. EBUDES. 


Hieracium onosmoides, Fr., WV. R. Linton, ex Hanbury, “J. B.” 
L8O2, PD: 
105. Ross, W. 
[Vicia hirsuta, delete “ Zzcng” and substitute Druce in ‘“ Record 
Club,” 1880, p. 169.| 
Hieracium prelongum, Lindeb., Drwce. 


TOO, JKOSS, E. 


[1891 Report. Delete Mreracium anglicum and substitute ZW. 
Langwellense, Hanb., fide Marshall in litt. 

Under Rosa rubiginosa delete Marshall and substitute Druce, “J. B.” 
Pp. 350. 

Delete Cerastium tetrandrum, Spergularia marginata, and Veronica 
Buxbaumit, as already on record. | 


(ide Rev. EL. S. Marshall, except where specified.) 


Cochlearia groenlandica, s/. Petasites vulgaris. 
Cochlearia anglica, sf. Arctium intermedium, / 
+Senebiera didyma. Symphytum tuberosum. 
Lepidium Smithii. Rumex viridis. 
Polygala eu-vulgaris. Potamogeton pusillus, sf. 
Cerastium semidecandrum. Potamogeton rufescens, s/. 
Rubus Radula. Potamogeton nitens, s/. 
Rubus diversifolius. Potamogeton crispus, s/. 
Agrimonia Eupatorium. Typha angustifolia. 
7Pyrus torminalis, sf. Zostera nana, sf. 
Hieracium flocculosum, /az/y, Carex filiformis. 

herb., 7d@e Hanbury. Aira uliginosa, sf. 
Hieracium strictum. Glyceria plicata, f sf. 
Hieracium boreale. Bromus giganteus. 
Hieracium auratum, Fr. Bromus asper, s/. 


Hieracium onosmoides, Fr. 


107. SUTHERLAND, E. 
(Last 8 records fide Mr. Henderson.) 


Cherleria sedoides, AZarsha// in “J. B.” 1888. 
Scirpus lacustris, Murray’s ‘‘ Northern Flora.” 

Carex pauciflora, Graham, as spec. to H. C. Watson. 
Carex rigida, MZarshai?, in “J. B.” 1888. 


Arabis petreea. Potentilla alpestris. 
Silene acaulis. Saussurea alpina. 
Cerastium alpinum. Azalea procumbens. 


Stellaria cerastoides. Polystichum Lonchitis. 


= 
_ 


PLATE Ji] 


Anw. Scot. Nar Hrst.1893. 


&eouay 


VG) ; 
Lash 


eo aa 
‘ NON B Ad 
Vo Wh 
/%, 
3 Ad 
=] 


by 


R.& R Clark imp 


LANDSBURGII Harr 


E Batters del 


Fig IV &CTOCARPUS 


Figs I- [Il PYLAIELLA VARIA Ajedére 


OCCURRENCE OF PYZLATELLA VARIA IN SCOTLAND IOI 


to8. SUTHERLAND, W. 


Cochlearia groenlandica, L., &. S. Marshall in “ Ann. Scot. Nat. 
FList.” 18 925 sao 7- 
(In our old manuals C. gvenlandica usually meant the C. alpina of 
the present day.) 


109. CAITHNESS. 


Hieracium reticulatum, Lindeb., Hanbury, sp. 


110. OUTER HEBRIDES. 


[1891 Report. Delete the following as on record, viz.: Avradis, 
Orobus, Lysimachia, Polygonum, Listera cordata, Habenaria (2), 
Potamogeton pusillus, Carex paucifiora, and Pilularia.| 


(Recorded by W. S. Duncan, sp.) 


Raphanus maritimus. Juniperus communis. 
Alchemilla arvensis. Ruppia rostellata. 
Centunculus minimus. Carex distans, £ 


pik OCCURRENCE OF PVLATELEASVAwcn 
KJELLMAN, IN SCOTLAND. 


By E. M. Hotmgs, F.L.S. 


RoAre ie 


UNDER this name Kjellman described in 1883, in his “ Alga 
of the Arctic Sea” (p. 282), a plant which, although very 
variable in its characters, he considered to be distinct from 
P. ltoralts, Kjellm. His description of the plant is as 
follows : 


‘* P. thallo racemoso-ramoso, ramis sub angulo fere recto egredien- 
tibus duplicis generis, longioribus et brevissimis; his e singulis bis 
denis cellulis constructis, omnibus, vel saltem nonnullis, vulgo 
divisione vario modo peracta in zoosporangia vario modo disposita 
mutatis. Tab. 27, Figs. 1-12. 

“The alga forms loosely complicated mats of a dark olive-brown, 
lying free on the bottom or hanging on larger alge. I have not 
found attached specimens. The frond is repeatedly racemosely 


102 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY . 


branched, with distinet main axis, with branches of at least four 
orders. The branches are of two kinds: long branches with many 
cells, and short ones with from one to ten cells. The former are few 
in number, and issue partly alone, partly in pairs opposite to each 
other. The short branches are numerous; by these the present 
species is easily recognised from P. Zvoralis. In long parts of the 
frond such a branch issues from every cell. They are always isolated, 
and issue at a right or nearly right angle. The long branches are 
somewhat attenuated towards the tip, and generally end in some long 
hair-cells. The short branches are cylindrical or slightly claviform, 
with an apical cell rich in endochrome, which cell is finally trans- 
formed into a zoosporangium. 

“The cells of the frond are usually short, cylindrical, or slightly 
tun-shaped, equally or even twice as long as thick. The cells which 
give rise to a long branch are commonly short. Ifa short branch 
issues from a cell which is longer than thick, as is often the case, the 
branch is almost always placed at the middle of the longer wall. 
The thickness of the principal axis is about Sou. With the exception 
of the hair-cells, all the cells are rich in granular, equally distributed 
endochrome. The development of the zoosporangia, and their 
arrangement thereupon, are subject to very great variations. The 
zoosporangia are sometimes arranged as in P. /foralis. Ina modi- 
fication of this type all the cells, not only the ultimate ones, are 
transformed into zoosporangia. Sometimes only the apical cell 
becomes a zoosporangium, and the branch is composed of one or 
more cells. It also often happens that a greater or less number of 
cells are divided by longitudinal or oblique walls, and that it is the 
secondary cells produced by this division that are developed into 
zoosporangia. In this case the division of the cells and the develop- 
ment of the zoosporangia sometimes take place in such a manner 
that the zoosporangia become arranged in whorls.” 


The above description applies exactly to a seaweed 
which I detected in a parcel of specimens collected in 
Cromarty Firth, and forwarded to me last year by Mrs. M. 
Farquharson of Meigle. It formed dark brown, dense, 
entangled rope-like tufts, and by reason of the short hori- 
zontally patent ramuli, it was distinguishable at once from 
the ordinary forms of Pylazella litoralis, Kjellm., which were 
present in the same parcel. The latter could easily be 
spread out naturally in sea water, but with P. varza it was 
impossible to do so, owing to the felting of the ramuli. The 
plants were abundantly fruited, having unilocular zoospor- 
angia: sometimes in a short moniliform series of four or five, 
formed at the expense of one of the short lateral ramuli, and 


OCCURRENCE OF PYLAJELLA VARIA IN SCOTLAND 103 


sometimes only the terminal cell was developed into a zoospor- 
angium. By this fruit it is at once distinguished from 
Ectocarpus adistortus, Harvey, which it so exactly resembles 
in habit that by the naked eye it would be almost im- 
possible to say to which species a plant might belong. 

The occurrence of ?. varia on the coast of Scotland is 
interesting for three reasons : 

1. It is one more addition to a numerous series of the 
algze of Scandinavia that have been detected on the coast of 
Scotland, in consequence of a definite search for Norwegian 
species which I started some years since, and which has 
resulted in the discovery in Scotland of a large number of 
species new to the British Flora by several algologists, more 
especially Mr. G. W. Traill of Edinburgh and Mr. E. A. 
L. Batters. 

2. It is one of the forms characteristic of species grow- 
ing amongst Zostera roots, in water comfparatively still and 
less saline than ordinary sea water. Under such conditions 
there appears to be a tendency to the horizontal development 
of shorter branches, as in /:ctocarpus distortus, E.. Landsburgiz. 
Sphacelaria cirrhosa, var. patentissima, Falopteris filicina, f, 
patens (S. Sertularia, “ Phyc. Brit.”), and Laurencta obtusa, 
Lamx., f. crucifera, Hauck. 

3. It is variously described by different algologists: by 
some as a species, and by others as a variety. 

Dr. Kjellman, who first published it as a distinct species, 
still maintains its specific rank in the “ Handbok i Scandin- 
aviens Hafsalgflora” (1890), p. 83. 

Dr. Kuckuck, in an inaugural dissertation entitled “Beitrage 
zur Kenntniss einiger Ectocarpus Arten der Kieler Forde,” 
degrades it to a sub-species; considering that Pylazella litoralis 
consists of a series of forms (/formenkrezs), modified accord- 
ing to the circumstances under which it grows, This species 
he divides as follows : 


Pylaiella litoralis, Kjellm. 
Sub-species a, oppositus. 
f. typica, Kuck. (£. firmus f. vernalis), 
“ Aresch. Alg. Scand, Exs.” Fasc. 
4, No. 173, 


104 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


f, subvertzcilata, “ Kutz, Vab, Phye:’ 
ay Wee 77 7ER MOKED, bat 
& 7upimcola, Kutz. Tabi Phyeese 
7Oy onl 
f. vectangularts. 
Sub-species £, firmus, Kuck. 
f. typzca, “ Wyatt, Alg. Danm.” No. 129. 
f. swbglomerata. 
f. Zeveda. 
f. Bachycarpa. 
Sub-species ry, divaricatus, Kuck. 
f. ramellosa “ Kutz. Tab. Phyc.” 5, t. 78. 
Sub-species 6, varius, Kuck. 
ft gypica, “ Kjellm: Ales wArcts Sean) t 
27, Ss 1=1 2: 
f. contorta. 


f. pumula. 


Kjellman, on the other hand, divides P. /:toralis into 
three varieties and several forms, as follows: 


Var a, opposita, Kjellm. 
f. vupencola, “ Aresch Alg. Scand. Exs.,” 
No. 113: 
f. elongata. 
f. crasstuscula. 
f. nebulosa. 


Var. B, firma, J. Ag. 
f. oltvacea, Kjellm. 
f. macrocarpa, Fosl. “Nye Hafsalg.” 
Ret. 2, fos. P31 c- 
f. parvula, Kjellm. 
Var. y, divaricata, Kjellm. 
f. pretorta, Kjellm. 
f. egagropila, Kjellm. 
f. subsalsa, Kjellm. 


None of these, except f. rapzncola, are identified by 
Kuckuck with the forms described by him. 


The limit of a species doubtless forms a very vexed 


OCCURRENCE OF PYZAIELLA VARIA IN SCOTLAND 105 


question ; but it seems desirable, for the sake of convenience, 
that when two plants differ in habit and mode of growth 
and development so much as do P. “toralis and P. varia, and 
retain their characteristics in different countries, they should 
be kept distinct, as, for example, is done in the Rudz, Salices, 
and Hvzeracta, amongst Phanerogams. If Dr. Kuckuck’s plan 
were followed, there would be little reason for holding céo- 
carpus distortus and FE. Landsburgi distinct from L. tomen- 
tosus, Lyngb. The plurilocular fruits borne on specimens of 
EF. Landsburgit sent me by Mr. D. Robertson of Cumbrae, 
and those of £. distortus collected by myself at Fairlie in 
Ayrshire, show so great a resemblance to those of £cto- 
carpus tomentosus that I see no reason why they should not 
both be considered as sub-species of that plant, more especially 
as the differences in ramification and in the size of the zoo- 
sporangia are not greater than exist between P. /toralzs and 
P. varia. A careful search on the west coast of Scotland 
would doubtless reveal an intermediate series of forms con- 
necting the three plants 4. ¢omentosus, FE. distortus, and E. 
Landsburgit. 

It may be noted in this relation that Dr. Kjellman 
identifies the #. Landsburgiz of Dickie, “Alg. Suth,” i. p. 
142, with Pylazella varia. But it has not been shown that 
Dickie correctly referred this plant to E. Landsburgi. Dr. 
Kjellman says of the gametes of P. varza that they are un- 
known ; but Dr Kuckuck describes both the unilocular and 
plurilocular zoosporangia (gametes) of his P. “toralis, f. 
varia. 


DESCRIPTION OF PLATE III. 


ea 
Q 
4 


. Pylaiella varia, Kjellm., from Cromarty Firth, 
with unilocular sporangia. 


to 


. The same more highly magnified. 
With plurilocular sporangia. 


S 
oO 


. Ectocarpus Landsburgi from Cumbrae, with pluri- 
locular sporangia. 


aS 


106 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA. 
By Joun Roy, VLD: 


IN the following pages an attempt is made to bring the 
knowledge of “Scottish Desmidiee” up to date, and to 
indicate their distribution throughout the country. From 
their very nature, both subjects must necessarily be imperfect. 
The northern and midland counties have been fairly well 
examined, some of them very well, but we have almost no 
information from south of the Firths of Forth and Clyde, 
except from Renfrew, Bute and Arran, and Kirkcudbright. 

No attempt has been made to give the distribution of 
species in altitude. This cause does not appear to exercise 
any great influence on their distribution, most species seem- 
ing to be found both at high and low altitudes. A very 
few species seem to cling to marshes formed by melting 
snow, where it lies late into the summer and autumn, from 
3500 feet upwards. | Cosmarium nasutum, Nord., and Staur- 
astrum Kyjellmantt, Wille, may be cited as typical examples 
of these. 

Perhaps the most marked influence in determining the 
number of species in a district is its geological formation. 
Granite appears to be the most favourable, limestone less 
so, and sandstone very poor. Hence the basin of the Dee, 
in Aberdeen and Kincardine, which is almost wholly granite, 
has turned out well, one marsh alone yielding about 300 
species; while in Strathmore, on sandstone, it is seldom 
possible to get more than forty or fifty species in a gather- 
ing, and usually not nearly so many. Sometimes, however, 
in these scanty gatherings, a little patience reveals a rarity : 
eg. Cosmarium biretum, Breb., var. supernumeraria, Nord., at 
Keithick, near Cupar Angus; and Cosmarium subortogonum, 
Raciborski, at Ballendoch, near Alyth. The direction of 
the watershed of a country has also something to do with 
distribution, though probably not so much as was at one time 
supposed, and certainly not nearly so much as it has in the 
case of flowering plants. In Scotland the chief watershed 
runs from north to south, giving rise to an Atlantic and 
Germanic slope. Almost the only species known at present 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEAI 107 


to be confined to the Atlantic slope are Euastrum divari- 
catum, Lund., Staurastrum bidentatum, Wittr., St. setzgerum, 
Cleve, and S¢. dzfidum, Ehr.; but a little further investigation 
may find these over the watershed, as it has found others. 
It must not be forgotten, however, that the western slope 
has not been searched with anything like the care bestowed 
on the eastern. Indeed, it has only been tapped at a few 
widely separated points: by myself in Sutherland, at Loch 
Inver; in Ross, at Poolewe, by Rev. D. Campbell ; in Inver- 
ness, at Balmacarra, by Mr. Wills ; and by myself in different 
localities in Skye; in Argyll, in Glen Coe, and about Oban, 
by Mr. Wm. Archer; in Mull, by Dr. Buchanan White and 
Mr. G. Ross; between Lochs Lomond and Long, by Dr. 
Watson ; near the Kyles of Bute, by Mr. Wm. Anderson ; in 
Bute and Arran, by Messrs. J. and J. P. Bisset; near 
Greenock, by Mr. T. Fisher; and near New Galloway, in 
Kirkcudbright, by Mr. M‘Andrew. I have seen and 
examined gatherings from all these localities, except those 
made by Mr. Wills and Mr. M‘Andrew. Mr. Wills 
examined his gatherings himself, and gave the results to 
Mr. W. Barwell Turner, Leeds, who kindly sent them to me. 
Mr. M‘Andrew’s gatherings were sent to Mr. Wm. West, 
Bradford, who very courteously placed the results, as well as 
those of numerous gatherings of his own, from various parts 
of the country, at my disposal. In “Eng. Fl.” vol. v. pt. 
i., Captain Carmichael records five species from Appin, in 
the north of Argyll, and in Ralf’s “ Brit. Desmid.” Rev. D. 
Landsborough records four species from Ayrshire; but in 
both cases the species recorded are quite common all over 
the country. 

These few collections, though good in themselves, and 
exceedingly useful, are quite insufficient as a basis on which 
to found any reliable generalisations as to the frequency of 
the occurrence of species on, the Atlantic side of the water- 
shed as compared with the Germanic, or vce versa. A few 
rather notable species, which hitherto have proved western 
in other portions of our islands, have not as yet been 
detected in Scotland. These are Micrastertas apiculata, 
Ehr., and J. brachyptera, Lund., from Westmoreland ; JZ. 
furcata, Ag., Docidium nodosum, Bailey, Staurastrum Ophiura, 


108 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Lund., St. draszliense, Nord., forma, Lund., from North Wales, 
and from Connemara in Ireland; and S¢. verticcllatum, 
Arch., from Connemara. The entire absence of these species 
is somewhat remarkable ; but no doubt there is a fine field 
for the future investigator along our whole western slope. 
In passing, though it does not come directly in my way, I 
would remark on S¢. braszliense. WLundell’s form does not 
accord well with Nordstedt’s Brazilian species bearing that 
name; but it does agree exactly with Sz. multzcorne, 
Grunow, issued by Hilse in No. 2165 of Rabenhorst’s 
“ Algen Europas,” in March 1870. It seems to me that 
Grunow’s name should be adopted. 

Perhaps it may be thought that some explanation of 
the terms expressing the distribution should be given. When 
the words “general” or “common” are used, it is to be 
understood that the species has been found in suitable 
localities in all the counties examined, though not occurring 
in every gathering, or in every district of a county. “Not 
common” implies that in many districts the species is 
awanting, or occurs sparingly. In this case a list of the 
counties from which it has been seen is given; and if it 
occurs very sparingly the localities are also added. When 
“rare,” “very rare,” etc., occur, it is to be understood that 
though the species may occur in more than one county, it 
may be in only one or two localities, and there very sparingly. 
Single examples of a species have been occasionally found, 
which no amount of searching has been able to detect 
again. Onychonema leve, Nord., is a remarkable instance 
of this. An unmistakable filament was once found in a 
gathering from a spot near Aboyne; but though that spot 
has been searched many times since, the Oxychonema has 
not been seen again. Agricultural improvements, such as 
drainage, etc., account for the loss of some species. Several 
of our most productive localities on Deeside have been lost 
from this cause. 

Exception may perhaps be taken to the alphabetical 
arrangement of species adopted in the following pages. I 
admit at once that it has nothing to recommend it except 
convenience. On this ground it was adopted when this 
work was begun a good many years ago; and now I shrink 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA: 109 


from the labour involved in rewriting and rearranging the 
whole. 

“Suitable localities” have been spoken of. It may be 
asked, What are suitable localities? They are of various 
kinds. Amongst the best are comparatively small perman- 
ent pools of clear water, a few square feet or yards in extent, 
with floating Sphagnum round their margins. The Desmids 
nestle among the Sphagnum leaves, and have to be squeezed 
out. Such localities often yield large numbers of species. 
In similar pools Myriophyllum, Utricularia, Chara, and 
Nitella will always be worth treating in the same way as 
Sphagnum. Occasionally the Desmids form small, pale, 
yellowish-green films on the mud at the bottom of pools, and 
can be taken up with a little care. It requires a little more 
care to strip the submerged stems of grasses, etc., between 
one’s fingers, and to secure the stripped materials ; but this 
process often yields very interesting results. Another very 
suitable locality is in tufts of moss growing on rocks and 
stones which are kept constantly moist. Many of our rarest 
and most beautiful species are found on such spots, from 
cliffs by the sea to high up on our mountains. 

And here I must be permitted to enter a protest against 
a practice among writers on Desmids, more particularly in 
recent years. I refer to the multiplication of so-called var- 
ieties. Some species seem to have been specially fixed on 
for the application of this process. Take the case of Cos- 
marium Meneghinu, Breb., for instance. This tiny species 
has been so covered over with these vars. that it runs a risk 
of being crushed out of existence altogether. And yet the 
original form of Brebisson, as figured by Ralfs, and its zygo- 
spore figured by Mrs. Thomas in the “ Quarterly Microscop- 
ical Journal,” vol. iii., is surely a distinct enough species. But 
so, it seems to me, is De Bary’s form, and so are several 
others. Now, if these forms maintain their individuality, 
and that they do so is undoubted, I fail to see the utility of 
crowding them together as varzeties. Why not make species 
of them at once? The time will no doubt come when 
species will be largely reduced, but it has not come yet ; 
neither will it be accelerated by the indiscriminate manu- 
facture of varieties, and still less by what is worse, varieties 


110 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


of varieties! Varieties are founded on slight differences of 
shape, or size, or of the degree of roughness or smoothness 
of the particular forms. But it is well known that many 
species vary greatly in size and roughness. ‘Take the case 
of Gonatozygon Brebissoni, De Bary. This varies in surface 
from perfectly smooth without puncta to rough with gran- 
ules, depending not a little, I believe, on the water in which 
it is found, and in size from the tiniest thing to 300m long 
or more; but it is distinctly G. Srebzssonzz in all these 
variations. If there are no intermediate forms, I certainly 
prefer to call the extremes separate species. 

There is another subject on which a remark may be per- 
mitted. It is in connection with the attempts—more or less 
successful, generally less—to divide some of the old genera 
into new. I confess to having a certain amount of sympathy 
with this movement, for the genera SZaurastrum and Cos- 
marium are becoming very unwieldy. But however desir- 
able a rearrangement would be, it seems to me that the 
present state of our knowledge does not admit of an arrange- 
ment on a strictly scientific basis being made. Any other 
would simply add to the confusion already existing. Before 
a scientific arrangement is possible, the Desmidieze of the 
whole world must be much better known. Thanks to the 
few hard workers in this field, this knowledge is rapidly being 
gained. 

In this paper I adhere mainly to Ralf’s divisions. I 
decline to break up Doczdzum into Docidium and Pleuro- 
tenium. In dealing with species when the cells are empty, 
as they usually are in material sent from other parts of the 
world, how is the chlorophyll to help one? TZ7yzfloceras is 
a very natural division; and I do not agree with Wolle in 
retaining it under Doczdzum. 

Collections of material for examination are gratefully 
acknowledged from the following: Shetland, Mr. John Sim, 
who also sent many valuable gatherings from Aderdeen and 
Kincardine; Orkney, Mr. Cowan; Cazthness, Mr. James 
Mitchell ; Ross (West), Rev. D. Campbell ; Ross (East), the 
late Dr. D. M. Fraser ; Ross (from numerous localities about 
Strathpeffer, the Black Isle, etc.), Mr. and Mrs. Farquharson 
of Haughton ; /zverness (Glen Urquhart), Dr. A. M‘Gillivray; 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES III 


Inverness (Brin, etc.), Mr. and Mrs. Farquharson ; /zverness 
(Cairngorm), Mr. A. I. M‘Connochie; Wazrn, Mr. and Mrs. 
Farquharson ; Lanff, Rev. Dr. Gregor ; Aberdeen, Dr. Walker, 
Mr. G. Sim, Mr. Wm. Anderson, Col. Ch. Leith-Hay, Mr. 
and Mrs. Farquharson, Mr. J. P. Bisset, Mr. Alex. Kemlo, 
Rev. Dr Davidson, Mr: J. Roy, jun, Mir Wo ikoy, .CE.; 
Miss H. J. Roy, and Mr. Wm. S. Duncan ; Kzucardzne, Mr. 
J.-P. Bisset, Mr, Alex. Kemlo; /forfar, Rev. Dr Anderson, 
Rev. J. Fergusson, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Farquharson of Haughton, 
and Miss Aglon; Perth, Mrs. Farquharson, Dr. F. B. White, 
Sir Thos. Moncreiffe, Mr. Wm. Rutherford, Mr. Alex. Croall, 
Messrs. J. P. and J. Bisset, Mr. Wm. Archer; Azgyle, Mr. 
Wm. Archer, Mr. G. Ross, Dr. F. B. White, Mr. Wm. 
Anderson; /zfe, Mrs. Farquharson; Stirling, Mr. Alex. 
Croall ; Dumbarton, Dr. Watson ; Rezfrew, Mr. Thos. Fisher ; 
Bute and Arran, Messrs J. P. and J. Bisset. Besides these 
I have notes of species found in /nverness by Mr. W. Wills ; 
Breadalbane, by Mr. H. G. Stewart; in Azzross, by Mr. G. 
Lawson ; in Kzrkcudbright, by Mr. M‘Andrew ; and in various 
parts of Scotland by Mr. W. West, Bradford ; also notes of 
species found in Lanff, Aberdeen, and Kincardine by Dr. 
Dickie and Mr. Peter Grant. 

To Mr. J. P. Bisset my thanks are specially due for 
most valuable assistance in every part of the work. The 
drawings are wholly from his facile and accurate pencil. 

Several matters which it has been found impossible to 
introduce are reserved for a supplement, including several 
species not seen by us. Any notes of species, distribution, 
etc., which may be received while the present portion of the 
work is being published will also be inserted there. 


(To be continued.) 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 


Water Shrew (Cvossopus fodiens) in the Isle of Kerrera.— 
Having observed under the head of Cvossopus fodiens in the “ Fauna 
of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides” the statement that “as yet all 
endeavours to trace this species in any of the islands have utterly 
failed,” it struck me that it might interest you to know that in 1836 


112 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


I picked up, near Gylen Castle, in the Isle of Kerrera, two dead 
specimens of the above species. They were both males, and in 
very good condition, and were within a few yards of one another.— 
Won. Borrer, Horsham. 


Variations in the Field Vole (4rzicola agrestis).—It has been 
somewhat surprising, considering the untold myriads of Voles that 
have overrun the sheep pastures for a year or two past, that so few 
variations in colour have been reported. It is true that one observer 
stated in a communication to the Highland and Agricultural Society’s 
“Transactions” that they were ‘‘of all colours,” but the statement 
has been entirely uncorroborated, and I am afraid there was exceed- 
ingly little foundation in fact for the remark. I have not seen any 
noteworthy aberration amongst those I have seen in peregrinating 
through their haunts, but the shepherds have reported an occasional 
pied example. I have, however, a very strong impression that the 
“hill voles” are decidedly of a more smoky tint than those to be 
found in the lower lands amongst the hedges and plantations. The 
latter seem to develop a much ruddier colour on the fur along the 
back, and the general tone of gray seems much brighter than that 
of the Voles that have ravaged the upland pastures. <A short time 
ago I received for examination a very fine variety of the Field Vole 
from Blackaddie. It is not an albino, although the fur, on a cursory 
examination, seems quite white from nose to tail. On blowing the 
fur tips aside it is seen that only about one-fifth of the length of 
each hair is white, the remainder being a very pale brown or fawn, 
but the fur being so close set it really appears to be all white. The 
eyes are not pink, as in every albino, but they are much paler than 
the normal eyes. The whiskers and the hairs on the tail are entirely 
white. This curious specimen is undoubtedly an example of the 
variation usually termed ‘‘leucotism.” It would be interesting if 
we could hear of any specimen of the other striking variations 
known as ‘‘albinism” and ‘“ melanism.”—-ROBERT SERVICE, Max- 
welltown. 

[Mr. Wm. Evans presented to the Museum of Science and Art, 
Edinburgh, a beautiful pale isabelline variety of this species, which 
was obtained near Hawick in December 1891.—W. E. C.] 


The Wild Cat (/e/s catus) in Caithness.—The local newspapers 
record the capture of a Wild Cat in the month of January 1893 by 
a gamekeeper (Andrew Steenson) at Rangay, Forse, in the parish of 
Latheron. It measured 3 feet 2 inches in length, and is described 
as being very fat and in good condition.—Joun Gunn, Edinburgh. 


Common Dolphin (De/phinus delphis) dredged off Mull.—Mr. 
Cecil H. Bisshopp of Oban forwarded to me for identification a 
skull of this species, which had been obtained in Loch Scriden in the 
middle of November last. This Cetacean is perhaps an addition 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 113 


to the fauna of ‘* The Isles,” for it is not recorded to have occurred 
in the “Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides.”—WILLIAM 
EAGLE CLARKE, Edinburgh. 


The Ring Ouzel (Zurdus torguatus) in winter in Perthshire.— 
With regard to the appearance of this bird in winter in Galloway, as 
mentioned in the last issue of the ‘‘ Annals” by Mr. Robert Service 
I may state that it is not only “in the mild West of Scotland” that 
the Ring Ouzel remains the winter, but that it has long been noticed 
as an occasional resident in the colder East of Scotland, namely, in 
Perthshire. Mr. P. D. Malloch says ‘‘that it sometimes remains all 
the year round in some of its habitats” (‘ Report on the Ornith- 
ology of the East of Scotland,” 1886, H. M. D. H.), and in 
support of this I would mention that there is a @ specimen in the 
museum of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science in Perth, 
bearing date of 5th February 1882, as shot on the Ochils. This 
bird was sent in the flesh at the time for preservation to the museum 
by Mr. James Dow, Balmano.—H. M. Drummonp Hay, Perth. 


Wheatear (Sax7cola wnanthe) in the Forth Distriet in January. 
—On 2nd January, while sitting in a shelter on the south side of 
Cramond Island, waiting for some duck that were drifting round 
with the tide, I was surprised to see a Wheatear alight on a stone on 
the rising ground behind me. It was within easy shot, but, trusting 
to get a chance later on, I did not fire, and so missed the only 
opportunity I had of securing it. In summer Cramond Island is a 
favourite haunt of this bird.—CHARLES CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park. 


Bluethroat (Cyanecula) in Moray.—On 15th September 1890, 
I saw at Hopeman, on the coast near Elgin, a Bluethroat. I 
followed the bird for some time, and with the aid of a strong 
telescope identified it beyond a doubt, though it would be impos- 
sible to say to which of the two forms it belonged.—H. BrinsLEy 
BRookKE, Forres. 


Bohemian Waxwing (Ampelis garrudus) in Seotland.—During 
the months of January and February the Waxwing has occurred in 
many districts in Britain. ‘The following ‘occurrences have been 
recorded from Scottish localities so widely separated as Wick and 
Golspie (Sutherland), Inverewe (West Ross), New Pitsligo (Dee), 
Carse of Gowrie (Tay), Roxburgh (Tweed), and Mugdoch (Solway). 

The “Dundee Advertiser” of 9th January records a specimen 
shot near Errol, in the Carse of Gowrie; and Mr. W. A. Brown, 
2 Grosvenor Terrace, Dundee, writes that four more were seen and 
two shot between Dundee and Errol, shortly after the date of this 
paragraph. On gth January one was shot near New Pitsligo, 
Aberdeenshire, by Mr. J. Burnett of Glasgow. The “Rod and 
Gun” of 4th February mentions a specimen received from Mr. 
George Lawson of Golspie by Messrs. W. A. Mackay and Sons, 

6 E 


114 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Inverness: the first received by them for ten years. Mr. George 
E. Paterson, Ravenslea, New Kilpatrick, identified a bird seen on 
the roadside hedge, eating haws, at Mugdoch on 5th February as 
a Waxwing. On the 5th of February a female was captured alive 
at Wick, as we are informed, by Mr. Lewis Dunbar. Mr. Osgood 
H. Mackenzie of Inverewe, West Ross, writes under date 29th 
February: ‘‘We have had a Bohemian Waxwing here lately. I 
have been on the look out for rare birds here for over forty years, 
but have never before seen a Chatterer.” Dr. Stewart of Chirnside 
informs us that Mr. Aitchison of Duns has lately received for pre- 
servation two specimens, one of which was obtained at Roxburgh. 

Mr. George Sim sends the following records.—On the 2nd of 
January an immature specimen was shot near New Pitsligo. On 7th 
January, one, a female, flew into a house in the parish of Tough, 
and was caught there: its stomach contained some seeds. Another 
female was killed near Rhynie, on 25th February, and its stomach 
contained juniper berries. One was picked up dead on the shore 
near Pennan. Lastly, an immature male was obtained in the Parish 
of Arbuthnot in Kincardineshire, about the 15th of March. 

Mr. Fred Box killed a good specimen of this rare visitant, in the 
neighbourhood of Tongue, on the rith January last; and on the 
27th of the same month Mr, G. R. Lawson obtained another in his 
garden at Golspie. 


Sparrow and Mouse.—On 3rd February 1893, while walking 
along the road at the foot of the Calton Hill, opposite the Gaol, I 
saw a Sparrow swoop down several times at a Mouse, which was 
running along a bare part of the hill, a little way up from the wall. 
The Mouse eventually escaped into a hole-—WILLIAM LouDoN, 
Edinburgh. 


Lapland Bunting (Cadarius lapponicus) in Shetland.—By a 
clerical error this species was described in my “ Autumn Notes” 
from Shetland, in the last number of the “ Annals,” pp. 14 and 15, 
as a Reed Bunting (Zmberiza scheniclus).—J. A. HARVIE-BRown, 
Dunipace. 


Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)-in Tiree.—The only new bird I 
have seen this winter was a Jackdaw. It was among a flock of 
Rooks, and is the first Jackdaw I have seen in Tiree.—PETER 
ANDERSON, Tiree. 


Magpie (Pica rustica) in Orkney.—Towards the end of August 
last the boatman on Loch Kirbister informed us that he had one 
morning seen a curious black and white bird hopping about the 
roof of the cottage, which from his description was obviously a 
Magpie. ‘The Magpie appears to be very rarely seen in Orkney.— 
A. NOEL SKELTON, Edinburgh. 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 115 


Tufted Duck (Fudigula cristata) and Wigeon (JJareca penelope) 
in Selkirkshire during the breeding season.—Mr. E. S. Marshall’s 
note in the ‘“‘ Annals” for January last (p. 46) reminds me that on 
14th June 1889 I observed six Tufted Ducks (two pairs and two 
fine males swimming singly) on one of the lochs in the upland 
district of Selkirkshire between Ettrick and Teviot. Though I 
did not see a nest (I made in fact no search), there can be little 
doubt some of the birds had nests among the broad beds of rushes 
which extend all along one side of the loch; indeed the behaviour 
of the two single drakes seemed clearly to indicate they had mates 
sitting in the immediate neighbourhood. ‘The Tufted Duck now 
breeds so freely throughout the east of Scotland that I have for 
some years ceased to be struck by its presence on any of our lochs 
during the nesting season. Beginning at the Borders and proceed- 
ing north to Aberdeenshire, I could name over twenty lochs on 
which it has already been ascertained to breed. ‘The species, as is 
well known, is a late breeder. Particulars of over thirty Scotch 
nests and young broods are now before me, and show that laying 
seldom begins before the last week of May, and in many cases not 
till June is well in. 

But of much more interest to me than the Tufted Ducks on the 
occasion above mentioned was the sight of three Wigeons, a male 
and two females, resting on the glassy surface of the loch. As I 
approached, they soon began to show signs of uneasiness, and in a 
minute more were winging their way out of sight. From this loch 
I walked over a bit of rough and rather spongy moor to a smaller 
sheet of water a mile or so distant, on which a beautiful male 
Wigeon in adult summer plumage was swimming all alone. As I 
drew near, he exhibited considerable anxiety, and when put up flew 
round the moor ina manner which made me feel sure he had a 
mate sitting on eggs among the heather. I at once began a diligent 
search for the nest, but all to no purpose. I may add that I have 
since been assured that Wigeon have been killed on a loch in the 
same neighbourhood during the month of August. Though actual 
proof is still wanting, the facts here stated seem to me to render it 
highly probable that a few pairs of this interesting duck now breed 
annually in the south of Scotland.—WILi1AM Evans, Edinburgh. 


Pintail Dueks (4vas acuta) in the Forth Distriet.—Mr. James 
Robertson, Ticket Office Clerk at Larbert Station, caught a male 
Pintail upon the railway line, about 150 yards from the station, on 
Friday, 8th December last. He still has the bird alive, and it has 
become very tame. Another, a female, was shot on the estuary of 
the Eden, in Fife, by Mr. J. Lonie. It was amongst Wigeon, and the 
date of its capture was the 6th or 7th December. This species is 
gradually increasing in numbers—or at all events the records of them 
are—within recent years upon our Scottish coasts. It certainly 


116 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


appears to be one of the Anatidze which is extending its range ; 
slowly at present, but which may perhaps be expected to do so more 
rapidly within a few years.—J. A. HArviE-Brown, Dunipace. 


Gray Plover (Sguatarola helvetica) in Barra.—This is a bird 
that is now very rare in the Outer Hebrides, and I think therefore 
its occurrence in Barra is worth recording. About the middle of 
January 1892, one bird, which was with a flock of Bartailed God- 
wits, was shot by Mr. Murdoch Macgillivray of Eoligary, the head 
and feet of which he kept. He had never seen any of the species 
in Barra before ; and the only one of them I ever saw in the Outer 
Hebrides was one bird which I saw with a flock of Golden Plover 
on the Valley Strand in North Uist some nine or ten years ago.— 
Joun MacRury, Barra. 


Variety of Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis) in Barra.— 
Variations in this species are somewhat rare. It may be worth re- 
cording that I shot one this winter with its wings and tail feathers 
nearly all white, the rest of the plumage being of the usual colour.— 
Joun MacRury, Barra. 


Knot (Zrvinga canutus) in Barra.—On the 31st of August 
1892 I shot three birds out of a small flock of this species on 
the big strand at Eoligary in this island. I have never met with 
any of them in the Outer Hebrides before, although I have been 
looking out for them. No doubt some of them may visit us now 
and then, for a few days, on migration, without being noticed, but 
they certainly do not remain any time. On the 26th January 1893 
I saw a flock of about a dozen Knots in the same place where I 
shot three of the species last autumn, but although I am frequently 
in the locality I never saw any of them except on these two 
occasions. 

My old friend the /VAzmérel has spent another winter with us, as 
I saw it lately at its usual station quite fresh and lively—JOHN 
MacRury, Barra. 


Ruff (Jachetes pugnax) in Benbecula.—On the gth October 
1892 I saw a Ruff in reeds in a swamp in Benbecula. This 
is now the third occasion, within the last three or four years, I 
have seen birds of this species in Benbeculaa—JoHn MacRoury, 
Barra. 


Curlew Sandpiper (777zga subarquata) in Orkney.—I observe it 
stated in “ The Fauna of the Orkney Islands” (page 302) that it was 
mentioned in “Rod and Gun” that a specimen of the Curlew 
Sandpiper (Z7inga subarquata) had been shot at Renniebister, but Mr. 
Ranken traced it to Mr. Small, the birdstuffer, in Edinburgh, and the 
latter had told Mr. Ranken it was a Reeve. We had Swanbister and 
the shooting this year, and towards the end of August one of our 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 117 


party shot, out of a small flock of small wading birds, a bird like a 
miniature Curlew, which on being sent to Mr. Small was pronounced 
by him to be a Curlew Sandpiper.—A. Nort SKELTON, Edinburgh. 


The Curlew Sandpiper (77izga subarquaéa) in summer plumage 
in the Firth of Forth.—As an autumn migrant the Curlew Sand- 
piper visits the Forth annually; but in the many flocks which I 
have examined during the past ten years I could never detect a 
single adult bird till last September, when I had the satisfaction of 
seeing two in Aberlady Bay. On the 28th of August I noticed a 
party of six, and on 3rd September a flock of about 100; and as 
usual these were all young birds in first plumage. On the 4th 
(Sunday) I counted 120 in the Bay, eighty of which were feeding 
together in one group, and among them were the two adults. For 
nearly half an hour I stood watching them, at times not more than 
twenty to twenty-five yards off. The two old birds were conspicuous 
even to the unaided eye, but when viewed through my binocular one 
was seen to be nearly in full summer plumage, while the other had 
lost something like half of it. Next morning I was early on the 
sands, but could find only some fifty or sixty of the birds, and of 
course the two old ones were not among them. Up to the 11th of 
the month I daily observed this remainder of the flock feeding about 
the same spot, but by the following day they too had nearly all gone off 
in a body. The last seen—two or three with a group of Dunlins— 
was on the 16th. Mr. Gray records (‘Birds of the West of Scotland”) 
p. 317) seeing a flock of Curlew Sandpipers at Dunbar on 9th May 
1870, some of which would most likely be adult birds on their way 
to their breeding grounds ; but, with this possible exception, I cannot 
call to mind a record of the species having been previously noticed 
in summer plumage on the Scottish coasts.—WILLIAM Evans, 
Edinburgh. 


The Protection of the Osprey.— Something more than a 
rumour has reached us that the Council of the Zoological Society of 
London has decided!to award its Silver Medal to the protectors of 
one of our rarest British birds—the Osprey. It will be remembered 
that the Council presented its medals in 1891 to the families of 
Edmondston and Scott for the protection of the Great Skua on 
their respective domains. ‘This well-deserved recognition was the 
means of doing great good, as it stimulated an increase of vigilance 
for the bird’s welfare ; and we trust that similar results will accrue to 
the Ospreys. 


Occurrence of the Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) in Shetland. 
—In December last I received from my friend Mr. Frank Traill, who 
was sojourning in the island of Foula, a beautiful specimen, in the 
flesh, of the Ivory Gull, which had been captured there on the 
8th of that month. This Gull was taken in the following curious 


118 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


manner. After a gale from the north-west, the bird was observed in 
the vicinity of the houses. A hooked line, attached to a rod, was 
baited with fish and placed on the green. The would-be captor had 
not long to wait. The bird took the bait and endeavoured to fly off, 
but the rod proved too much for it, and it was easily secured. 
This specimen is a male in immature plumage, but is not a very 
young bird, for there are no black spots on the upper and under tail 
coverts, or on the back ; while the chin is only slightly barred with 
gray, and the dark shaft stripes on the wing-coverts are very obscure. 
—WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE. 


Black Guillemot (U/via gryd/e) in black or breeding plumage in 
winter.—In our books on Ornithology the plumage of this bird is 
said to be grayish white in the winter, and black with a white patch 
on the wing in the summer. Considerable numbers of them breed 
in the rocks on the Barra coast, and during the breeding season 
they all seem to be in the black plumage; at any rate, I never 
saw any in the gray, although I carefully watched during the last 
two or three seasons. The most of the birds leave us in the autumn, 
but a few remain during the winter. On the 15th of February of 
this year I saw one bird in the black or full breeding plumage, and a 
day or two after that I came across three more, all in the same 
plumage. Two of these were accompanied by companions in the 
gray plumage, the third being a solitary bird. Now, I think 
these birds must have retained the dark plumage during the 
whole winter, as the date is too early for them to have acquired 
the summer dress completely if they had lost it in the autumn. 
I notice that Mr. Nicol, a lighthouse-keeper in Shetland, observed 
in 1888 that the old birds retained the black plumage during the 
whole year, and that it was only the young birds that were gray in 
their first winter. I think he is right, but the matter is worthy of 
further observation.—JOHN MacRury, Barra. 

The Palmated Newt (J/olge palmipes) in West Ross-shire.—On 
the 4th of June last we captured several specimens of this Newt in 
Loch Coire nann Faradh, in the Applecross district. In 1848 Mr. 
Wolley recorded (“ Zoologist,” 1848, p. 2265) this species for the ex- 
treme north of Sutherland. In 1880 Mr. E. R. Alston wrote (“ Proc. 
Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow,” 1880, p. 149), commenting thus upon this 
Sutherlandshire record, “We are not aware of this species having 
been found in any other parts of the North Highlands.”——-LIoneEL W. 
HINXMAN and W. EAGLE CrLarkE, Edinburgh. 

The Palmated Newt (JZolge palmipes) in Mid-Perth.—In May 
last, while staying at Fearnan, on the north side of Loch Tay, I found 
the Palmated Newt in abundance in a ditch by the road leading to 
Kenmore under the shelter of Drummond Hill. For many weeks 
previous to 18th May practically no rain had fallen in the district, 
and the thick layer of dead leaves which well nigh filled the ditch 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 119 


was perfectly dry for the greater part of its depth. On the 2oth, 
which was a warm, sunny day, some two inches of water stood in a 
section of the ditch about fifty yards in extent, and in this I counted 
between sixty and seventy Newts, all of the present species. They 
were nearly all in pairs, each female being accompanied by a single 
male with tail invariably curved round towards his head and vibrat- 
ing rapidly. In other respects they remained quite still, seldom 
showing any desire to move from the spots on which they rested 
unless an attempt was made to capture them. ‘Two or three small 
ones, scarcely half grown, were observed, which struck me as rather 
odd, looking to the season of the year. Some of the adults I sent 
home laid eggs shortly afterwards. 

The Palmated Newt is doubtless common and widely distributed 
in Scotland, but records bearing on its actual distribution north of 
the Tweed are extremely meagre, although it is now nearly fifty years 
since it was first discovered by Wolley in the neighbourhood of Edin- 
burgh, where it still exists —WiILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh. 


Coleoptera at Loch Awe in June 1892.—During the beginning 
of June I spent four or five days at the Loch Awe Hotel, and while 
there worked pretty hard for beetles. On the hill at the back of the 
hotel I took the following species amongst others: Cavadbus arvensis, 
Pterostichus ethiops and vitreus, Patrobus septentrionis, Phyllopertha 
horticola (including the black variety), Coxymdites tmpressus (2)—one 
under dead leaves, the other beaten from birch. 

Corymbites cupreus, tesselatus, guercus, and the var. ochropterus ; 
Telephorus palustris, figuratus (Scoticus), including a form with the 
elytra entirely black and the legs, except knees, black. These speci- 
mens I at first mistook for e/ongatus, and in fact recorded them as 
such; they belong, however, to Ze/ephorus proper, and not to 
Rhagonycha, and there can be little doubt they are a variety of figz7- 
atus: they occurred on sweeping coarse grass in a damp place. 

Otiorhynchus maurus, Gonioctena pallida, Clythra 4-punctata, 
Megacronus cingulatus, Luperus flavipes, Aphodius lapponum, Coccinella 
16-guttata, and Anthophagus testaceus. 

Crossing the loch and working round home again by the railway 
bridge I found that beating flowers of the mountain ash, young oaks, 
poplars, and sallows, produced numbers of beetles, including //ater 
nigrinus, Sericosomus brunneus, Rhynchites cupreus and eneovirens, 
Elleschus bipunctatus, Orchestes avellane, Rhamphus flavicornis, 
Erirhinus tortrix, and pectoralis ; also Coccinella 16-guttata in great 
numbers. Both the common species of Aagium were abundant 
everywhere. 

On the banks of the river above the loch I found Geodromicus 
nigritus, and in the pools at and near the top of the hill at the back 
of the hotel, which pools were full of water beetles, there were Agabus 
arcticus, congener and nitidus, ydroporus morio, etc. 


120 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


The place is well worth working in fine spring weather. The 
steep hill facing the south forms a sort of natural sun-trap, and this 
being almost always damp, is very favourable to the production of 
beetles, and probably other orders of insects. There were a large 
number of Tenthredinidz about ; some of these I took, but I have 
not yet worked out the species. —ARTHUR F, Cuitty, Queen’s Gate 
Gardens, London. 


The Food of the Sagitta: Additional Note.—In “Annals of 
Scottish Natural History,” Part 2, p. 142 (1892), I submitted a few 
observations on the food of the Sagitta; and, as supplementary to 
these observations, I desire in the following remarks to record an 
interesting occurrence recently observed while examining some 
tow-net material collected between Fidra and the Bass Rock, Firth 
of Forth, Among this there were as usual a number of Sagitta, 
large and small. While carefully overhauling the material and 
taking note of the various organisms present, a peculiar wriggling 
movement attracted my attention, and on clearing away some things 
that were obstructing the view, I observed that a comparatively large 
Sagitta had caught hold of another one about half its size; and it 
was the wriggling of the smaller one to free itself from the grasp of 
its big brother that had first attracted my attention. Being anxious 
to ascertain how the two would get on, I continued watching them, 
allowing nothing to interrupt me from observing what was taking 
place, and this is what happened. Shortly after the small Sagitta 
had been seized by the middle by the larger one, and after it had 
wriggled a while in its efforts to escape, the two halves became 
gradually folded together, and the wriggling also gradually ceased ; 
every second or two a quick movement of the jaws of the large 
Sagitta was distinctly visible, and all the while the doubled-up body 
of the victim passed slowly into the mouth and down the gullet of 
the devourer, and could be seen through its semi-transparent test. 
In a short time, the head and tail of the captive disappeared 
together from view within the jaws of the captor. The time 
occupied from the capture of the small Sagitta till it vanished from 
sight was a little over five minutes. It would appear from this 
incident, and from what is stated in a previous note, that the Sagitta 
is not over fastidious, provided the object is of a convenient size to 
suit the capacity of its jaws.—THomas Scort, Leith. 


Damage by the Water Vole (Arvicola amphibia) in Berwick- 
shire.—This amphibious animal has come into the pasture-fields 
at Chirnside and burrowed exactly like a Mole, and is doing much 
damage. Mr. Cockburn, the forester at Ninewells, has caught 
twenty-five in the pastures around the mansion-house, and he in- 
forms me that their burrows are all over the grounds. ‘The river 
Whitadder is not a quarter of a mile from where it is working. I 
spoke to a Mole-catcher to-day [13th March 1893], who told me he 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 121 


had caught two in his traps, some distance from water, on Maimes 
farm last week ; and he said he had never caught any before. Last 
autumn the artichokes and carrots in my garden were all eaten by 
some rodent, and I begin to suspect these Water Voles. ‘There can 
be no doubt that they are spreading to the fields—J. STUART, 
Chirnside. 


Niptus hololeucus, Fald., in Caithness.—On the 11th February 
Mr. Donald Doull sent to the Museum, for identification, several 
specimens of this beetle, taken in a house at Thurso. So far as I 
can ascertain, this species has not hitherto been recorded further 
north than the Moray area, being mentioned for that district by Dr. 
Sharp in his paper on the Coleoptera of Scotland, “‘ Scottish Natural- 
ist,” vol. iv. (1877-78), p. 322. Its occurrence in the Sutherland 
area may therefore be of interest.—PERCcY HALL GRIMSHAW, 
Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh. 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS. 


Orobanche eruenta, er/o/., ‘“‘ Rar. it. pl.,” Dec., ill. 56. =O. 
gracilis, Smith, in “ Linnean Trans.,” iv. 672. 

For some years I have had in my herbarium a specimen of 
Orobanche named “ O. edatior” ; the plant, I expect, on which the 
doubtful record of ‘‘ Argyll” for O. edatior rests. I merely noted 
on the sheet “certainly not e/atvor” ; and so it has been left, until 
last autumn my friend Mr. Miller kindly sent me specimens of many 
gatherings of Orobanche from the Channel Isles. These evidently 
contained one, or probably two species that had not been reported 
from these isles, or from Britain proper; hence I was led to ex- 
amine and dissect all my doubtful Orobanche material, with the 
result that the Argyll one proved to be O. cruenta. 

Until regathered it seems best to merely publish this note to 
call attention to the plant, leaving for a future time a full account 
of the species, and only giving such helps as will assist in refinding it. 

It is localised from “near Oban”; and the date of collection is 
“1845, Miss Harvey.” 

It grows on - Genista tinctoria, Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus cornicu- 
latus, Lathyrus pratensis, Anthyllis Vulneraria, Ononts arvensis, 
fledera felix, etc. 

The occurrence of this species in Scotland may seem somewhat 
anomalous at first ; but the species of this genus are extremely un- 
certain in appearing, one year occurring in abundance, the next scarce, 
and sometimes hardly to be found. 

O. rubra, Sm. (which Solms-Laubach in Herb. Kew makes a 
variety of O. epithymum, DC., under the name of var. rubiginosa) is 


122 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


equally a plant of Scotland and of the north-west of France (where 
O. cruenta also occurs), so that too great stress must not be laid on 
its distribution. 

O. rubra certainly occurs near Oban, whence came specimens 
now in Herb. Brit. Museum. 

O. cruenta belongs to a section of the genus in which there are 
no other British species ; and it seems to be an exceedingly variable 
plant on the Continent.— ARTHUR BENNETT. 


Alehemilla alpina, Z., and A. conjuneta, Bad.—Mr. Druce, in 
the January number of the “ Annals,” quotes Mr. H. Boswell as 
having produced in his garden A. conjuncta, Bab. from A. alpina, 
L., from Ben Lawers. 

My experience of the two plants is by no means the same. I 
have had 4, algina, L. (also from Ben Lawers), for eight years, and 
A. conjuncta for sixteen years, and in neither case is there the slight- 
est reversion, one towards the other. A. conjuncta seeds much more 
freely than a/fina,; but both produce seedlings, which I have watched 
through to the flowering stage. A. alpina does not bear our dry 
Surrey climate so well as conjuncta, which grows remarkably well 
here. A. afina from Shetland (but kept two years only) also 
shows no sign of any approach to conjuncta. 

And in none of the numerous specimens of a/ézva from Scotland, 
the Faroes, Iceland, or elsewhere, have I seen any real approach to 
conguncta, such as would lead one to suppose that the one could be 
produced from the other. None the less I do not mean to dispute 
that conjuncta may only be a variety of a/fina ; that is another 
matter.—ARTHUR BENNETT. 

[My experience with plants of A. alpina and of A. conjuncta 
during six years in my garden in Old Aberdeen agrees with Mr. 
Bennett’ s.—J. W. H. Trait. ] 


Plants of Glen A’an, Banffshire.—In August 1891, in company 
with Mr. G. H. Robertson, a few hours were spent in examining 
the precipices on the south and west sides of the glen which 
encircles Loch A’an. We had crossed over by the east side of 
Cairngorm, and found that side poor in plants. The precipices 
near the head were richer; as also were the shelving rocks down 
which a stream, fed by the snow on Ben Muic Dhu, falls into the 
loch. 

Arabis petrea, Lamk., occurred on the south side, as did also 
Cerastium arcticum, Lange, which is probably the C. /atifolium of 
“Top. Bot.” C. alpinum occurred on the north side of the glen, on 
Cairngorm; as did Rhodiola rosea and Saussurea alpina, DC. 
Trollius europeus and Cerastium trigynum occurred on the south 
side ; and towards the head of the glen Cryptogramme crispa, Athy- 
rium flexile, Phleum alpinum, very rare, and Alopecurus alpinus, also 


CURRENT LITERATURE 123 


scarce. A form of /olygala serpyllacea with very large leaves 
occurred in the lower part of the glen, near the level of the lake.— 
G, CLARIDGE DRUCE. 


Notes on some Scottish Plants : 

Ranunculus petiolaris, J/arsha//, in Easterness.—The above 
plant I gathered as a curious form of #. -Zammula on the stony 
margin of Loch Morlich in Glen More, in August 1888. I have 
sent a specimen to the Rey. E. S. Marshall, who thinks it is to be 
referred to the above plant. 

Hieracium Sehmidtii, Zazsch, forma, in Elgin.—Mr. Hanbury 
has thus named a curious hawkweed, gathered by the Findhorn in 
August 1888. 

Hieracium tridentatum, /77es, in Easterness.—This hawkweed 
was gathered by the Spey side, near Boat of Garten, in 1888, but 
was omitted from my lists of Easterness plants which have been 
published heretofore. 

All the foregoing are, I believe, new county records. —G. 
CLARIDGE DRUCE. 


CURRENT LITERATURE. 


The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His- 
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—January-March 1893. 


The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as 
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and 
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the 
sources of information undermentioned. ] 


ZOOLOGY. 


ALPINE HARE IN THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND. D. A. M. The 
field, 7th January 1893, p. 15; 21st January 1893, p. 102.— 
Particulars of introduction about 1847, and its subsequent spread. 

THE OCCURRENCE OF Risso’s DOLPHIN (Grampus griseus) IN 
THE SHETLAND SEAS. By Professor Sir William Turner, F.R.S. Proc. 
Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin. xi. part il. (1891-92), pp. 192-197.—Four 
females and two males captured off Hillswick in September 1889. 

OccURRENCE OF THE CARRION CROW IN THE ISLAND OF COLL. 
L. H. Irby. Zoologist (3), xvil. p. 73 (February 1893).—A single 
bird on the 6th of December 1892. 

Nestinc or Woopcock. J. J. Armistead. Zhe Meld, 25th Feb- 
ruary 1893, p. 296.—Nesting in Dumfriesshire, where they are 
increasing. Mr. Armistead considers that it is too late to shoot 
these birds in February. 

Variety or Woopcock. J. Whitaker. Zoologist (3), xvii. p. 109 
(March 1893).—Shot at Invar, in Scotland, in November last. 


124 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


LITTLE GREBE KILLED BY TELEGRAPH-WIRES. Robert Service. 
Zoologist (3), xvil. p. 29 (January 1893).—At Maxwelltown, in the 
first week of December 1892. 


JoTTiINGs FRoM My NoTE-BooK. By David Robertson, F.LS., 
E.G.S. Proc. and Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. iii. (N. S.), part 
lii. (1889-92), pp. 267-271.—Phycis blennioides, Zeugopterus 
punctatus, Pleurobranchus plumula, P. membranaceus, and Uraster 
glacialis, are recorded for the Clyde area. 


ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF ASTEROLEPIDZ. By R. H. 
Traquair, M.D, F. RS: £7oc Koy. Phys. Soc. aim. xi. part a: 
(1891-92), pp. 283-286.—Bothriolepis leptochirus, 7. sf. de- 
scribed from specimens obtained from the Upper Old Red Sand- 
stone of Heads of Ayr, Hugh Miller Collection, Edinburgh Museum 
of Science and Art. A list of British Asterolepidee is also given, 
with localities for the Scottish species. 


List OF SHELLS, ETC., OBSERVED ON THE ARDEER AND IRVINE 
BEACHES, AYRSHIRE. By John Smith. voc. and Trans. Nat. Hist. 
Soc. Glasgow, vol. iil. (N. S.), part iii, (1889-92), pp. 243-248.— 
More than eighty species are recorded, 

THE RaAIsED SEA-BOTTOM OF FILLYSIDE,—RESEARCHES IN 
1869-70 and 1888,—by James Bennie, witH LISTS OF THE 
Motuiusca,—by Andrew Scott. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., xi. 
part ii. (1891-92), pp. 215-237, Plate VIII.—Fifty-six species of 
Mollusca are recorded. 

COLEOPTERA AT CRAIGELLACHIE, N.B., SEPTEMBER 1892. A. J. 
Chitty. Zyxt. Mo. Mag. (2), iv. p. 19 (January 1893).—Twelve 
species are recorded. 

COLEOPTERA AT LocH AWE, JUNE 1892. A. J. Chitty. £77. 
Mo. Mag. (2), iv. p. 48 (February 1893).—Ten species are recorded. 


COLEOPTERA IN ARRAN. T. R. Billups. £tomologist, xxvi. 
p- 54 (February 1893).—A list given of seventy-eight species taken 
by Mr. A. B. Watson in August and September 1892. 


COLEOPTERA IN MoraysHIRE. A. J. Chitty. Zt. Mo. Mag. 
(2), iv. pp. 68-71 (March 1893).—Notes taken during the autumn 
of 1892, on the borders of the Culbin sandhills, about five miles 
from Forres. A long list of species given, including Balaninus 
cerasorum, new to Scotland, and Hydnobius punctatissimus, new to 
the north of Scotland. 

CoLIAS EDUSA IN SCOTLAND. J. A. Mackonochie and Rev. 
A. B. Watson. L£xtomologist, xxvi. p. 17 (January 1893).—Male 
taken and female seen near Wigtown on 22nd September. Speci- 
men taken at Tarbert, Loch Fyne. Six males (and several more 
seen) taken at Kilmorie, Arran, and another on the west coast of 
the island. 


CURRENT LITERATURE 125 


COLIAS EDUSA IN SCOTLAND. William Cowie. v¢. Rec., iv. 
p- 40 (February 1893).—One specimen captured at Scotstown Moor, 
Aberdeenshire, on the 29th August 1892. 


COLLECTING IN ARRAN. A. B. Watson. Lxtomologist, xxvi. 
p. 52 (February 1893).—Fifty-five species of Lepidoptera (larvee and 
imagos) seen or taken in August and September 1892. 


THE LARVA OF CocCYX NEMORIVAGA, WITH SOME NOTES RELAT- 
ING TO THE PUPAL STRUCTURE. T. A. Chapman. £7. Rec., iv. 
p. 38 (February 1893).—The information is based on specimens 
obtained in Sutherlandshire in September last. 


Micro-LEPIDOPTERA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND IN 1892. 
Wm. Reid. £x¢. Rec. vol. iv. No. 3 (March 1893), pp. 80-85.— 
A long list of species is given, including Aciptilia tetradactyla, which 
is probably new to Scotland. 


HYSTRICHOPSYLLA OBTUSICEPS, RITSEMA, IN SCOTLAND. A. J. 
Chitty. Lt Mo. Mag. (2), lv. p. 20 (January 1893).—This 
species, with Typhlopsylla musculi, Duges, found on a sick or dying 
mouse near Forres. 


ON SOME NEW OR RARE SCOTTISH ENTOMOosTRACA. By Thomas 
Scott, F.L.S., and Andrew Scott. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 
6, vol. xi. pp. 210-215, Plates VII. and VIII. (March 1893).—De- 
scribes two new genera: (1) Parartotrogus, of which P. Richardi, sf. z., 
is the type, obtained near Fidra Island, Firth of Forth, and from the 
“Fluke Hole” off St. Monans; and (2) Moraria, of which M. Anderson- 
Smithi, sf. 7, is the type, from Loch Morar, Argyllshire [Inverness]. 
The other records are Lichomolgus concinnus from Granton, and 
Cyclops Ewarti and Attheyella cryptorum from Loch Morar. 


A SECOND CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A CATALOGUE OF THE 
AMPHIPODA AND ISOPODA OF THE FIRTH OF CLYDE AND WEST OF 
ScoTLanp. By David Robertson, F.L.S., F.G.S. Proc. and Trans. 
Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. iii. (N.S.), part ili, (1889-92), pp. 
199-2 23.—Sixty species are added for the district, many of which 
are new to Scotland, and some recently new to science. A new 
genus (Pararistias) and a new species (Socarnes erythrophthalmus) 
are also described. 


NOTES ON CECROPS LATREILLII, LEACH, AND LA&MARGUS MURI- 
catus, Kroyer. By Andrew Scott. Proc. and Trans. Nat. Hist. 
Soc. Glasgow, vol. iii. (N. S.), part ill. (1889-92), p. 266.—Both 
species were found on a specimen of the Short Sunfish, Orthagoriscus 
mole, which was captured near Inchcolm, in the Firth of Forth, on 
roth October 1890. 

NoTES ON RHINCALANUS GIGAS, BRADY, AND EcTINOSOMA 


ATLANTICUM, BRADY AND ROBERTSON. By Thomas Scott, F.L.S. 
Proc. and Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. iii. (N. S.), part iii. 


126 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


(1889-92), pp. 264 and 265.—The first-mentioned species was 
taken at Orkney in 1889, and near Montrose in 1890. 


List OF FORAMINIFERA DREDGED IN PORTREE Bay, ISLAND OF 
Skye. By David Robertson, F.LS., F.G.S. Proc. and Trans. 
Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. ili. (N. S.), part iil, (1889-1892), 
pp. 239-242.—Over roo species are recorded. 


BOTANY. 


Our Enpemic List. By William H. Beeby. /ourn. Bot., 
March.—Discusses the claims to be considered endemic of several 
of the plants noted as such in the second edition of /sland Life, 
by A. R. Wallace, and indicates a different conclusion in the case 
of some, and grave doubts as to others. 


First Recorps oF BriTIsH FLOWERING PLANTS (continued). 
By William A. Clarke, F.L.S. Journ. Sot., March.—The only 
Scottish records in this part are Saxifraga rivularis, L., “on Ben 
Nevis, Dr. Townson, in 1800”; SS. cernua, L., 1794, “amongst the 
rocks on the summit of Ben Lawers, James Dickson”; Lpclobzum 
anagallidifolium, Lam., 1856, “lofty mountains of Scotland, Morne 
and Lochnagar, etc., Babington”; £. alpinum, L., 1777, ‘on Ben 
Lomond, about two-thirds of the way up, Lightfoot.” 


ENGLISH BOTANY, SUPPLEMENT TO THIRD EDITION. Part III. 
By N. E. Brown.—This part brings the supplement to the end of 
Dipsacaceze. ‘The completion of the supplement has been under- 
taken by Arthur Bennett, F.L.S., whose name guarantees the value 
of the work. 

New AND RarE FINDs IN 1891. By George F. Scott-Elliott, 
B.Sc. Zrans. D. and G. N. H. and A. Soc., 1893.—Enumerates 
a good many species from Dumfriesshire, several being noted as 
introduced. 

NOTES ON SOME SCOTCH PLANTS, ESPECIALLY WITH RELATION 
TO DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY, AND THEIR RELATION TO 
NaTIvE Species. By Arthur Bennett, F.L.S. Z7zans. D. and G. 
N. H. and A. Soc., 1893.—This is a valuable analysis of the 
probabilities of occurrence in S.W. Scotland of several plants. 


Nores ON A HERBARIUM COLLECTED BY Miss E. G. ADAMS AND 
Miss S. D. JOHNSTON aT CowHILL. By G. F. Scott-Elliott. Zvans. 
D. and G. N. . and A. Soe., 1893.—The collection includes 
about 300 species, of which five are recorded as new to Dumfries- 
shire, viz. Papaver Argemone, Primula elatior, Jacq., Euphorbia 
amygdaloides, Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus, and Galanthus nivalis, 
the two last naturalised fully. Mr. Scott-Elliott has since informed 
us that the Premula and Euphorbia are undoubtedly only intro- 


duced plants. 


CURRENT LITERATURE 127 

NOTES ON THE FLORA OF Morrar DISTRIcr FOR 1891. By 

John T. Johnstone. Zzans. D. and G. N. H. and A. Soc., 1893. 

—Includes four species confirmed for the district and numerous 
local species, many being new to Dumfriesshire. 


A CONTRIBUTION TO THE CRYPTOGAMIC BOTANY OF THE MOFFAT 
District. By James M‘Andrew. Zvans. D. and G. N. 4. 
and A. Soc., 1893.—Refers chiefly to Mosses and Hepatice, and 
to some Lichens. 


FLORA OF DUMFRIESSHIRE AND DumFrrRigs District. Part II. 
From Feseda luteola to end of Rhamnacee. Edited by G. F. Scott- 
Elliott, assisted by various botanists and entomologists. Zrans. D. 
and G, N. Hf. and A. Soc., 1893.—In this are included, in addition 
to the localities for the several species, a record of the insects 
observed visiting the flowers in the district. 


An Essay aT A Key TO BritTisH RusBi. By Rev. W. Moyle 
Rogers, F.L.S. Is concluded in Journ. Got. February, and a full 
index is given to all the numerous names.—No forms are referred to 
as Scottish in the two last instalments. 


RuspuS AMMOBIUS, FocKE, IN East Ross. By Edward S. 
Marshall. Journ. Sot., March.—A few bushes on shingle by the 
Carron river. 


FURTHER NOTES ON HIERACIA NEW TO Britain. By Frederick 
J. Hanbury, F.L.S. Concluded Journ. Bot, January.—Two doubt 
ful forms from Scotland are described, but not named. 


AJUGA PYRAMIDALIS IN SCOTLAND. By Arthur Bennett, F.L.S. 
Journ. Bot., ¥ebruary.—Discusses localities and effects of cultivation. 
“The Old,” in Caithness, is surely a misprint for ‘‘ The Ord.” 


ALISMA RANUNCULOIDES, VAR. ZOSTERIFOLIUM, FRIES, IN 
BRITAIN. By Rev. EH. S. Marshall, M.A., F.L:S. Journ. Boz., 
February. Found in small pits near Beauly, East Inverness. The 
form is described and full synonymy given. 


New BritisH Funct. By M. C. Cooke. Gvevillea, March.— 
This paper includes and describes, among others, two species from 
Scotland, viz. Geopyxis majalis, Fries, “on the ground, Scotland,” 
and WVeottiella ovilla, Peck, var. flavodisca, Cooke and Massee, ‘on 
the ground, among moss, Ben Lawers, 2500 feet.” 


AucoLtocicaL Notes. By T. H. Buffham, A.L.S. Gvevillea 
March.—In this paper, and in the accompanying plate, are de. 
scribed and figured the plurilocular sporangia of Chorda Filum, 
Giffordia Padine, sp. n., conjugation of zoogametes in Cladophora 
/anosa, and antheridia and spores of Prasiola stipitata. 


128 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


REVIEWS. 


On THE Fossi, FISH REMAINS OF THE COAL MEASURES OF 
THE BritisH Istanps. Part I. Pleuracanthide. By James W. 
Davis, F.G.S., F.L.S., ete. Zrans. Roy. Dublin Soc., ser. ii. vol. iv. 
pp. 703-748, Plates LXV.-LXXIII. 

This ambitious memoir, consisting of forty-six quarto pages and 
nine plates, need only occupy us so far as the author’s references to 
Scottish specimens are concerned ; such matters as the remarkable 
conception of Selachian anatomy involved in the “restoration” of 
the top of the head of Pleuracanthus being safely left to other 
periodicals. Mr. Davis enumerates the following species of Pleur- 
acanthus as occurring in Scottish Upper Carboniferous rocks : 


Pleuracanthus levissimus, Ag.—Shettlestone, near Glasgow. 
alatus, Davis—Stonehouse, Newarthill. 
cylindricus, Ag.—Quarter, Hamilton. 

Thomsont, n. sp., Davis—Quarter, Kilmarnock. 
Woodwardi, n. sp., Davis—Cowdenfoot, Dalkeith. 
Taylori (Stock)—Airdrie. 


We may refrain in the meanwhile from expressing any opinion 
upon the validity of several of Mr. Davis’s new species, but we did 
not expect the rehabilitation of Stock’s Zaylor7, which we had con- 
sidered long ago safely relegated to the synonymy of 77. cylindricus, 
Ag. Mr. Davis seeks to identify two Scottish Lower Carboniferous 
spines with species occurring in the true Coal Measures; main- 
taining that 7. edegans, Traq., from the Loanhead Ironstone, is 
identical with the young stage of P72. Zevissimus, Ag.; while he also 
identifies a small spine from the “ Better-bed” Coal, Clifton, York- 
shire, with PZ. horridulus, Traq., from the same bed as PV. elegans, 

It certainly seems to us that Mr. Davis is not yet sufficiently 
acquainted with the characters of these Scottish spines, else he would 
not have committed himself to any such identifications. 

Reference is made at the close of the paper to another Scottish 
Lower Carboniferous spine—Anodontacanthus fastigiatus, Davis—in 
the following terms: “A single specimen, described as a third 
species [of 4 nodontacanthus |, A. fastigiatus, from the Blackband Iron- 
stone at Loanhead, is considered by Dr. Traquair, who has other 
specimens, to belong to another genus, and awaits his further decision.” 
Dr. Traquair has, however, so far back as five years ago (Geol. Mag. 
1888, p. 101), expressed his opinion that the “ species fastzgiatus falls 
into Pleuracanthus, as that genus at present stands.” 

A FauNA OF LAKELAND. £rratum.—lIn our review of this book 
in the January Aznals, p. 61, by an oversight it was stated that the 
Spotted Eagle and the Frigate Petrel were both washed up on Walney 
Island in the year 1875. We should have said that the Petrel was 


thus obtained in 1891. 


x. Scot. Nar. Hrsr 1893. PLATE | 


7-Zl CANUELLA PERPLEXA Jpn. /égs IV-VI WONGIPEDIA CORONATA. Claus 


j 
ew Scott del ad Nat. R.&R Clark imp 


130 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


To the President of the Board of Agriculture. 


Str—The Committee appointed on 28th May 1892 to 
inquire into and report upon the circumstances attending 
the plague of voles in some of the southern counties of 
Scotland, and to ascertain, either experimentally or otherwise 
as they might determine, whether any, and, if so, what pre- 
ventive and remedial measures could be adopted, having 
conducted their inquiry to certain conclusions, beg to submit 
to your Board the following Report. 

Before proceeding to the infected district your Com- 
mittee received evidence from Major Craigie, Director of the 
Intelligence Department of your Board, who stated that the 
attention of his office had not been called to the existence of 
the plague of voles until the winter 1891-92, when it had 
been in existence for a considerable time. He laid before 
us the reports of two of the local inspectors of your Board, 
Mr. R. F. Dudgeon and Mr. J. I. Davidson, who, early in 
1892, had been directed to inquire into the extent of the 
outbreak in the counties affected. Your Committee also re- 
ceived through the Office of Woods and Forests copies of 
correspondence relating to former outbreaks of the kind in 
England, and through the Foreign Office information of 
similar plagues in other European countries. 

Hereafter, your Committee proceeded to the infested 
district and received evidence from farmers, shepherds, land- 
agents, gamekeepers, naturalists, and others at Howpasley 
on 20th June, at Hawick on 21st June, at Moffat on 22nd 
June, and at Thornhill on 23rd June. They also inspected 
the farm of Howpasley, about 12 miles from Hawick, which 
was said to have suffered as severely as any from the ravages 
of voles. 


NATURE AND ORIGIN OF THE PLAGUE. 


The animal which by excessive multiplication has caused 
so much mischief on hill farms in the southern uplands of 
Scotland is the short-tailed field-vole (Arvicola agrestis). 
Of this vole an excellent and exhaustive account was con- 
tributed to the “ Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ 
Club,” in 1878, by the late Sir Walter Elliot; F.R:Si => 2: 


REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 131 


This field-vole is at all seasons a well-known inhabitant 
of our pastures, and may be found at all heights from the 
sea-level to near the summits of our highest hills. The 
chairman of your Committee saw one in the autumn of 1891 
at a height of 2000 feet on Ben Eibhinn, in Strath Ossian. 
The attention of farmers and shepherds is only attracted to 
it when circumstances have combined to cause an abnormal 
increase in its numbers. One shepherd stated that when 
as a boy he used to find a nest of voles he would “hap” 
(protect) it, because it was thought rare. 

The field-vole usually produces three or four litters a 
year, each consisting of from four to eight young, but in 
some seasons they are even more prolific, the breeding season 
is prolonged, young voles being observed from February to 
November, and the litter containing as many as ten young. 
Mr. Service of Maxwelltown, a local naturalist and careful 
observer, mentioned in his evidence that he had observed 
females simultaneously suckling young and in a pregnant 
state. 

The present outbreak may be traced back to the year 
1888, when the voles were observed to be increasing on the 
farm of Glenkerry and others in Selkirkshire. In the 
summer of 1889 the low-lying pastures near Closeburn, in 
Dumfriesshire, were observed to be infested by enormous 
numbers of voles, which remained there during 1890, and 
disappeared in 1891, probably moving up to the hill pastures, 
where at the time of your Committee’s visit they were 
swarming. 

On some of the hill farms this excessive increase was ob- 
served as early as the autumn of 1890; elsewhere, however, 
they attracted no attention till the spring of 1891. 

The districts principally affected are the hill pastures in 
the north-west of Roxburghshire, the south of the counties 
of Selkirk, Peebles, and Lanark, and the northern part of 
Dumfries from Eskdalemuir by Moffat to Thornhill. The 
voles have also appeared in great numbers in the parishes of 
Dalry and Carsphairn, in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. 

Your local inspector, Mr. R. F. Dudgeon, has already in- 
formed you that at the date of his report he estimated that 
in Roxburghshire 30,000 to 40,000 acres had been affected, 


132 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


of which he considered 12,000 to 15,000 acres had been 
rendered useless ; in Dumfriesshire 40,000 to 50,000 acres, 
and in the Stewartry of Kircudbright 10,000 to 12,000 acres 
were described by him as infested by voles. 

Your Committee received no estimate of the area affected 
in the counties of Selkirk, Peebles, and Lanark, nor had they 
the means of verifying Mr. Dudgeon’s calculation in respect 
to the other counties affected ; but a reference to the map 
accompanying this Report will show that an area not less 
than 60 miles in length, and from 12 to 20 miles in breadth, 
has been overrun. 


CAUSES OF THE OUTBREAK. 


The rapid increase in the number of voles to the dimen- 
sions of a plague was attributed by all the witnesses examined 
to one of two causes, or to a combination of both. The first 
of these consists in the character of the seasons. Mr. Service 
called attention to the occurrence of a series of dry springs in 
1890, 1891, and 1892, adducing figures to show that the 
rainfall in these seasons was very much below the average, 
and therefore favourable, in his opinion, to the breeding of 
small mammals. The autumn of 1890 was unusually wet, 
producing great luxuriance of grass on the hill pastures, which 
afforded abundant shelter for the voles. The winter which 
followed, though very severe in England, was a mild one in 
Scotland. It will be observed that Sir Walter Elliot has 
traced the cause of the outbreak of voles which took place in 
1876 to the unusual mildness of the four or five winters pre- 
ceding that year. 

The second cause assigned by witnesses is the destruc- 
tion of hawks, buzzards, owls, stoats, and weazels by persons 
interested in the preservation of game. Major Craigie had 
previously stated to your Board that “a preponderance of 
opinion amongst farmers is reported, tracing the cause of the 
present outbreak to the scarcity of owls, kestrels, hawks, 
weasels, and other vermin.” Of the prevalence of this opinion 
your Committee were made fully aware, nearly every witness 
who was examined giving it as his belief that the outbreak 
was due to the destruction of the “natural enemies” of the 


REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 133 


voles. A similar view was expressed by the witnesses before 
the committee of the “ Teviotdale Farmers’ Club” appointed 
to inquire into the cause of the outbreak in 1876; but Sir 
Walter Elliot states that much weight was not attached to 
this “popular opinion . . . because no more hawks, owls, 
weasels, etc., had been destroyed than usual.” They had in 
fact (to use Sir Walter Elliot’s own words) “ been well nigh 
extirpated long before the outbreak took place.” 


EFFECT UPON THE PASTURE. 


Of the damage done to the hill pastures your Committee 
had ocular demonstration during their visit to Howpasley 
farm (3000 acres), and nothing short of personal inspection 
could have given them an adequate idea of the extent of the 
mischief. The voles had shown themselves there first in 
what is called the “ bog” land, ze. strong marshy land either 
grazed or cut for hay. Having devoured the grass there, 
they spread to the “bent,” “lea,” or dry hill pasture, and to 
the heather, which they destroyed as effectually as they had 
done the grass. The stem of the grass is eaten close to the 
ground where it is white and tender, leaving the blade above 
withered and useless. Plantations are sometimes attacked, 
the young trees being peeled and killed, but this has not been 
the case so much during the present outbreak as in former 
years. The arable land, so far, has not been much affected ; 
but there is no doubt from the experience of Mr. Oliver, who 
had three acres of corn damaged by them, that, if unchecked, 
they might swarm upon the cultivated ground with disastrous 
effect. Indeed, your Committee have information to the 
effect that in some districts they have recently appeared in 
numbers in the harvest-fields. 

In walking across the hill your Committee saw numbers 
of voles darting about in every direction, and caught several 
for examination. The grass, which, at the end of June, should 
have been in full flush of verdure, was lying in withered wisps 
over a large extent of the farm, and the heather, which is 
valuable for winter feeding of the stock, had suffered to a 
similar extent. 


134 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


EFFECT ON THE STOCK. 


Numerous witnesses spoke to the injury to stock owing 
to the damaged pasture. This injury was twofold, consisting 
first in the low condition to which the ewes were reduced, 
at and after lambing, from insufficiency of food, and the 
consequent increase of death-rate among them, and secondly, 
in a diminution in the crop of lambs, and deterioration in 
their quality. 

Admitting the serious injury done to the pasture by 
voles, to which your Committee can testify from personal 
inspection, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the 
sheep dependent on that pasture must have suffered to a 
considerable extent. To quote Sir Walter Elliot's words, 
“The importance of these early grasses to flocks emaciated 
by previous scanty fare, at a time when the ewes, gravid with 
young, require more than ordinary nourishment to enable 
them to rear their lambs, explains how disastrous any 
diminution in their still scanty food might prove, whether 
from severity of weather, or other unusual cause, such as the 
swarming of voles.” But it is not easy to estimate the 
extent to which the death-rate of the ewes was increased, or 
the crop of lambs diminished as the direct result of scarcity 
of pasture caused by the voles. 


REMEDIES. 


No concerted or systematic attempts to stamp out the 
plague in its earlier stages seems to have been undertaken 
by the farmers of the district affected, and this is the more 
remarkable because some of them, at all events, had the bitter 
experience of the outbreak in 1875-76 to warn them of the 
serious results of allowing the voles to get ahead. Isolated 
efforts were made by some tenants to rid their land of voles 
by burning the grass and heather, by killing them with men 
and dogs, by turning out cats, and by poison ; but the effect of 
such piecemeal endeavours seems to have been well nigh 
inappreciable. Your Committee are not prepared to declare 
that landowners and farmers could have arrested the plague, 


REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 135 


but they hold a very strong opinion that the best chance 
of averting its disastrous effects would have been for all 
interested in the ownership and occupation of land to have 
combined for the destruction of the voles when they were first 
observed to increase. 

Burning bog-land, bent, and heather, seems to be effective 
in driving the voles off the portions burnt. Mr. Carthew 
Yorstoun, Commissioner on the Duke of Buccleuch’s Lang- 
holm estate, stated that he had written to every tenant of a 
hill farm in 1892, asking if an extension of the time for 
burning would be an advantage. Three-fourths of those 
written to replied in the affirmative, and received permission 
to burn from 14th April (the usual limit) to 28th. The 
remaining fourth said they had already burned as much as 
the ground would stand. 

It is not profitable to burn all the rough pasture on a 
farm, as the sheep depend on it for sustenance when snow is 
on the ground. 

Poison has been tried with partial success. Samples of 
grain treated with strychnine, and coloured red to prevent 
mistakes, were supplied from Germany and submitted. It is 
stated that good results were obtained with this in limited 
areas; for instance, the tenant of Middlegill, near Moffat, 
holding a farm of 3000 acres, applied this poison to a 
meadow of 10 acres, and thereby partly destroyed the voles. 
Sir Walter Elliot quotes a letter from Sir Robert Menzies, 
who describes how he got rid of the voles which infested 
140 acres of Scots fir plantation, by laying down half a ton 
of half-inch drain-pipes, in each of which was placed a tea- 
spoonful of oatmeal mixed with phosphorus. But for 
obvious reasons, the application of poisoned grain over hill 
farms extending to many thousands of acres, even if practic- 
able, would be attended with much risk to other forms of 
life. 

Pitfalls, ze. holes cut in the ground with precipitous 
sides, are equally out of the question when a large tract of 
country has to be dealt with. But they have proved effectual 
when plantations of limited extent have been attacked. 
The forester at Branxholm within a week exterminated the 
voles infesting a plantation of six acres, by digging pits 12 


136 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


inches wide at thé mouth, 15 inches wide at the bottom, and 
18 inches deep. These were placed at a distance of from 
12 to 20 feet apart. 

On the other hand the head-keeper at Drumlanrig said 
that pitfalls had been tried without much success in the 
extensive plantations at that place. 

As a remedy on sheep-farms, pitfalls were graphically 
appraised thus by Mr. Whittle: “How many holes .. . 
would it take to cover my farm of 7600 acres, and what 
would be the cost ?” 

The same objection—namely, the nature and extent of 
the ground affected—applies to the proposal of other 
expedients which have been resorted to in various parts 
of the Continent, viz. passing a heavy roller over the 
ground, trampling it with cavalry, inundating it, injecting 
water, steam, or noxious fumes into the runs. All of these 
may be dismissed as wholly impracticable. 

Large numbers of voles were destroyed on some farms 
by men and dogs. The vole is extremely rapid in its 
movements and difficult to hit with a stick. A more 
effective weapon is a wooden implement shaped like a small 
spade. 

The tenant of West Buccleuch, in Selkirkshire, killed by 
this means 13,000 in three months on 3000 acres; the 
tenant of Glenkerry (3000 acres) employed a man who killed 
15,000 in one month, or about 450 per diem. The tenant 
of Langshawburn hired a man with 12 terriers, who killed 
from 400 to 600 a day on 4260 acres. In addition he 
turned out 100 cats, and by the end of June 1892 reported 
that there was not one vole for every 100 that there had 
been on his ground. 

There can be little doubt that simultaneous and com- 
bined action of this sort on the part of owners and occupiers, 
aided by timely and judicious burning zz the earlier stages 
of the outbreak, is the most effective method of staying the 
ravages of the plague. Unfortunately, not only have these 
exertions been hitherto isolated and intermittent, but they 
have been delayed until the voles were swarming over a 
considerable extent of ground. 


REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 137 


NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE VOLE. 


No phenomenon in connection with the present plague 
of field-voles in Scotland has been more marked than the 
presence of large numbers of the short-eared owl (O7us 
brachyotus). This bird, which is distributed over almost 
every part of the globe, is a normal winter migrant to these 
islands, appearing simultaneously with the woodcock (whence 
it is popularly known as the “ woodcock owl”) and usually 
departing in spring. Nests in ordinary seasons are of com- 
paratively rare occurrence in Great Britain, but in consequence 
of the vast multiplication of their favourite food, the vole, 
these owls have not only arrived in unusual numbers, but 
have remained and bred freely all over the district affected, 
laying from 8 to 13 eggs (though Professor Newton in his 
edition of Yarrell’s “ British Birds” mentions seven as an 
unusual number) and rearing more than one brood. The 
shepherd on Crooked-stone, near Crauford, has counted 14 
nests on his ground. The small wood behind the farm- 
steading of Howpasly presented a remarkable appearance, 
the ground being densely covered with the “pellets” or 
“castings” of owls, composed of the fur and bones of voles. 
Living specimens of both old and young short-eared owls 
were produced for the inspection of your Committee at 
Howpasly. 

The short-eared owl differs from most other owls in that 
he hunts in daylight, and his operations can be observed ; 
but there is no doubt that the nocturnal species are equally 
useful to the farmer in destroying small rodents, and it 
would be difficult to condemn too severely the foolish and 
cruel action of those who allow or encourage the destruction 
of this useful and beautiful family of birds. It is with much 
satisfaction that your Committee record that many land- 
owners and game preservers seem to have become convinced 
in late years that owls of all sorts are not only harmless to 
game, but most beneficial to agriculturists, and have issued 
orders for the preservation of these birds. 

Next, and hardly second in merit, as a check upon voles 
and mice, comes the kestrel (alco tinnunculus), and it is to 
be deplored that popular ignorance as to its food and habits 


138 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


is even greater than that which prevails in regard to owls. 
This bird, although possessing the long wings and dark eyes 
characteristic of a true falcon, is known to gamekeepers as 
a hawk—woscrtur a socits—its death warrant is a standing 
order in most preserves, though here again there has been 
some improvement, and the destruction of the kestrel is 
forbidden on some estates. The food of this bird is known 
to consist almost exclusively of mice, grasshoppers, coleop- 
terous insects, and their larvze; but the sort of evidence on 
which it is condemned may be gathered from the following 
answers made by a gamekeeper to questions put by your 
Committee :— 


Q. Why did you kill the kestrel 2—Well, it was an 
enemy of the game, of course, and that is why I 
killed it. 


OQ. How long have you been a gamekeeper ?—Six or 
seven years. 

Q. How often have you seen a kestrel take game ?— 
Many a time. 

Q. What kind of game >—Young pheasants. 

Q. Had you many young pheasants at West Buccleuch ? 
—No. 

Q. Then why did you kill the kestrel >—Because they 
will kill young grouse. 

Q. Did you ever see them take young grouse p—No. 

Q. Did anybody of your acquaintance ever see them 
take young grouse ?—No, but I have heard of 
their taking young grouse. 

Q. Would you believe a man if he said that he sawa 


kestrel taking young grouse ?—Yes, if he said it 
I would. 
Q. Any man ?—Yes, if he was not drunk. 


It is true that one witness, a tenant of shootings, stated 
his belief that the kestrel is a “deadly enemy of game” ; that 
one of this species took 70 young pheasants from the coops, 
and was shot one evening in the act of carrying off a young 
pheasant. But he was not speaking from observation, but 
from the report of his keeper, and there is little doubt that 


REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 139 


kestrels are often attracted to pheasant-coops by the presence 
of rats and mice drawn thither by the food prepared for the 
young birds. Against this may be set the evidence of the 
head-keeper at Drumlanrig (where kestrels are preserved by 
order of the Duke of Buccleuch), who said that in his 
experience of over thirty years he thought he could remember 
twice seeing a kestrel taking a young pheasant. 

It will, your Committee feel convinced, be a very 
eratifying result of the present inquiry if it tends to 
persuade persons interested in game-preserving that the 
kestrel preys not so much on game as on the vermin of the 
farm. 

It may be observed in connection with this question of 
the kestrel’s habits, that it is rare to find people able to 
distinguish between one kind of hawk and another. Few of 
the witnesses before your Committee were able to describe 
hawks otherwise than as red, blue, brown, or yellow, and it 
was often impossible to make out what species they intended 
toindicate. Itis one of the peculiarities of the /alconzde that 
their plumage varies according to age and sex. In the 
southern counties of Scotland the sparrow-hawk (which 
does not prey on mice) is generally known as the “blue 
hawk,’ and the kestrel as the “brown” or “red” hawk. 
But an immature male sparrow-hawk has_ reddish-brown 
plumage, and an adult male kestrel has a bluish-gray head 
and back. 

Several witnesses deponed to an increase in hawks “ since 
the mice came,” but were unable to identify the species. No 
doubt they were kestrels, for other species of hawks do not 
commonly prey on mice, and your Committee, in driving back 
from Howpasly, observed five kestrels together hovering over 
the vole-haunted ground. .. . 

Buzzards probably destroy large numbers of voles and 
mice, and are too heavy on the wing to do much injury to 
winged game ; but they have become very scarce in southern 
Scotland owing to their destruction by gamekeepers. 

Ravens and hooded crows have also become rare, but this 
cannot be regretted in the farmer’s interest, as they attack 
young lambs, and even pick the eyes out of the weakly ewes. 
Moreover the rooks, which it is to be hoped no short-sighted 


140 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


policy will greatly reduce in numbers, have done excellent 
service in digging up the voles’ nests and devouring the young. 

Mr. Service of Maxwelltown drew attention to a change 
which had taken place in the habit of rooks in his neighbour- 
hood during the last ten years, having “developed most 
marked carnivorous habits, taking eggs, young birds, young 
poultry, young hares and rabbits to an extent they never did 
before.” Simultaneously with this manifestation of carrion 
crow-like habits, Mr. Service had noted an increase in the 
number of rooks with feathered faces like the carrion crow, 
which he was inclined to connect with the change in their 
diet. (See Stevenson’s Birds of Norfolk, vol. i. pp. 274- 
DUS teat 

This alleged modification in the habits of the rook, though 
favourable to the farmer, has not unreasonably brought him 
into evil repute with game-preservers. 

Amongst other birds which have been observed to prey 
on voles are certain species of sea-gull. 

Stoats and weasels are among the deadliest and most 
persevering enemies of small rodents. They kill far more 
than they can devour, apparently out of sheer blood-thirstiness. 
In woodlands and on low ground they undoubtedly do much 
harm to game, especially the stoat, which may be easily 
distinguished from the weasel (known in Scotland as the 
“whittret”) by its greater size and by the black tuft at the 
end of the tail, which is retained at all seasons of the year, 
even in winter, when the rest of the body becomes wholly or 
partially white. 

Adders feed readily on voles, and in July 1892 the chair- 
man of your Committee was present when one was killed 
with a vole in its gullet. This was in Wigtownshire, where 
no abnormal increase in the number of voles has been 
observed. But a single adder would probably not kill more 
than one animal of the size of a vole in a single day—so 
there is no reason to extend protection to these venomous 
reptiles. 

Some naturalists aver that the mole preys upon voles, but 
your Committee, though directing inquiries upon this point, 
were unable to elicit any evidence tending to confirm this 
belief. 


REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 141 


Your Committee deem it right to point out that the 
popular opinion that the excessive multiplication of field- 
voles is the direct result of the destruction of birds of prey, 
stoats, and weasels, which has been admittedly great over 
part of the affected area, does not appear generally to be the 
outcome of personal accurate observation. 

Your Committee are of opinion that birds and beasts 
of prey, even had they been wholiy unmolested, would not 
have prevailed to avert the vole plague, though they would 
probably have greatly mitigated its severity; and they are 
confirmed in this view by the circumstances attending similar 
outbreaks in this country in the sixteenth and seventeenth 
centuries, and in foreign countries of late years. Neither in 
Essex previous to the outbreak reported by Holinshed, nor in 
South America previous to the outbreak described by Mr. 
Hudson in Zhe Naturalist in La Plata, nor in Thessaly 
previous to that prevalent there in 1891-92, was there any 
check placed by man upon the multiplication of the natural 
enemies of these rodents. 

In reply to the question (ter ala) whether “birds of 
prey and other rapacious animals have assisted to any 
material extent in the destruction of the voles (in Thessaly) ? ” 
Her Majesty’s Minister at Athens transmitted the following 
reply : “Birds of prey and other rapacious animals would 
never suffice to prevent the alarming multiplication of the 
voles under favourable climatic conditions.” 

This view has been amply confirmed by the observations 
of the chairman and secretary of your Committee during 
their recent visit to the infested plains of Thessaly. Birds 
of prey—eagles, buzzards, kites, kestrels, and other hawks— 
are exceedingly abundant there, and no one thinks of 
molesting them. Indeed, the Turks (of whom there are 
about 30,000 in the province) are exceedingly kind to wild 
animals, and object to their being destroyed. In 1866, when 
that country last suffered from a visitation of field-voles, 
Thessaly was under Turkish dominion, and birds of prey 
were protected. The change from Turkish to Greek rule 
which took place in 1881 made no difference in this respect, 
yet in favourable seasons the voles multiply in spite of the 
presence of a very full stock of their natural enemies. 


142 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 


Your Committee have reluctantly been led to the con- 
clusion that they are unable to recommend any specific method 
of dealing with or putting an end to the present outbreak. 

It appears to be an instance of the power which small 
animals are well known to possess, of prodigiously rapid 
multiplication under favourable climatic conditions and with 
a plentiful supply of natural food. 

Experience shows that a combination of such favourable 
conditions will always tend to bring about a recurrence of 
the plague. That being so, it ought to be the endeavour of 
every farmer and shepherd to be on the alert, and report 
without delay to the land-agent, and to the secretary of the 
local farmers’ club, or agricultural society, the first signs of 
the multiplication of vermin, so that palliative measures may 
at once be adopted, not on isolated farms, but everywhere 
throughout the district. 

The most effective measures appear to be periodical and 
timely burning of grass and heather, followed by active 
pursuit of the vermin by men using wooden spades and dogs. 
If this were promptly done in the earlier stages of the out- 
break, it is quite possible that it might be averted altogether, 
or greatly mitigated in severity. 

It is hardly necessary to point out that the proprietor of 
the land should be informed as soon as any one else, because 
his keepers and others might be usefully employed in assist- 
ing to prevent what amounts, if unchecked, to a common 
calamity upon all classes connected with land. 

Where plantations of limited extent are attacked, pitfalls 
wider at the bottom than at the top, and about 18 inches 
deep, should be dug. The voles fall into them and cannot 
escape, and the ground is soon cleared of them in this way. 

Your Committee cannot speak with approval of the use 
of poisoned grain, except where the area affected is very 
limited. 

Nor have they been able to come to any conclusion 
favourable to the adoption of Professor Loeffler’s method of 
destroying voles by means of bread saturated in a preparation 


REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 143 


of the dacillus typhi murium, or mouse typhus. The personal 
investigations made by the chairman and secretary in Thessaly 
(where in May 1892 Professor Loeffler was employed at the 
expense of the Greek Government to combat the plague of 
field-voles then prevailing in that country) convinced them 
that the favourable reports circulated as to the complete 
success of the experiments have not been justified by the 
results. In certain parts of Thessaly the voles were reported 
by landowners and others to be as numerous in January 1893 
as ever they were. 

Your’ Committee readily admit that when used in a fresh 
state, the bacilliferous fluid is an effective though somewhat 
dilatory poison for mice or voles, and has this advantage 
over mineral poisons that, as has been proved, it is innocuous 
to human and other forms of life. 

It has also been reported by Professor Loeffler that the 
Scottish voles sent to him alive by instructions from your 
Committee have been found as susceptible of the mouse 
typhus bacillus as their Greek congeners. But there are 
three objections which in the opinion of your Committee 
render this method almost worthless except for employment 
in houses, gardens, enclosed fields, or other limited areas : 


1. It is very expensive ; the virus supplied to the Greek 
Government was paid for at the rate of about 4s. a 
tube, containing enough when dissolved to treat 
about two imperial acres, a cost which in many 
instances would exceed the rent of the Scottish hill 
pasture. To this must be added the price of bread 
used in distributing the virus, which would appreci- 
ably raise the cost of the process. Thus to deal 
effectually with a hill farm of say 6000 acres, would 
entail an expenditure of from £700 to 41000, 
making the remedy more costly than the evil. 

2. Mouse typhus is not contagious ; it can only be com- 
municated to those animals that will swallow some 
of the virus. The allegation that healthy voles 
will become infected by devouring the bodies of the 
dead has not been satisfactorily proved. That 
Greek voles when in captivity had been observed 


144 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


to feed upon the corpses of their fellows hardly 
warrants the assumption that Scottish voles in a 
state of liberty will do the same; and unless the 
disease were communicable from one animal to the 
other, it is not easy to see how the remedy could 
prove effective on extensive hill pastures. 

3. The fluid loses its value in about eight days after 
preparation. Consequently much disappointment 
might ensue if, after a supply had been obtained, a 
fall of snow, or wet weather, were to interfere with 
its distribution over the land. 


The remedy which has been found most effectual in 
Thessaly is an injection of the fumes of bi-sulphide of carbon 
into the burrows. ‘This, however, is a more expensive process 
than the other, besides being injurious to the health of those 
engaged in its application. It is, moreover, inapplicable to 
the Scottish vole (Arvzcola agrestis), which does not burrow 
to a depth like the vole of Thessaly (Arvicola Giinthert), but 
lives in shallow runs amongst the roots of herbage. 

With the under-noted exceptions, the natural enemies of 
the voles may be divided into two classes, viz. those which 
destroy the voles, and are harmless to sheep, crops, and 
game ; and those which, though preying on voles, are so hurt- 
ful in other ways as to have no claim to preservation : 


i. Vole-killers, harmless, or it. Vole-killers, hurtful in other 
nearly so to sheep, crops, ways. 
and game. Higees, 
Owls of all sorts, Ravens, 
Buzzards, Carrion and Hooded Crows, 
Kestrels, and the Great Blackbacked Gulls, and 
Smaller Seagulls. Adders. 


Strict injunctions ought to be given by landowners that 
the birds mentioned in the first class should not be destroyed. 
Their presence in full numbers, though inadequate to avert 
an outbreak, would undoubtedly tend to mitigate it, and, as 
has been proved in the case of the short-eared owl, they have 
the faculty of multiplying abnormally in presence of an 


REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 145 


unusual supply of food. They are at all events most useful 
allies to man in combating attacks of ground vermin. 

Your Committee further desire to deprecate in the 
strongest manner possible the use of the pole-trap for the 
capture of hawks. Besides the inhumanity of this device, it 
is indiscriminate, and harmless owls, kestrels, and buzzards 
are just as likely to be taken by it as are the most mischiev- 
ous species. 

Three animals, diligent vole-destroyers, have been omitted 
from both these lists, because they are undoubtedly hurtful 
to game. The first of these is the common rook (known to 
the shepherds as the corn-crow), of which, however, the 
services to agriculture are now generally recognised. 

The other two animals referred to are the stoat and the 
weasel. Of all the smaller beasts of prey these are perhaps 
the most hateful to gamekeepers, and it is hardly reasonable 
to expect that stoats should be allowed to multiply in game- 
coverts, or in the vicinity of pheasant-coops. But your 
Committee have no hesitation in recommending that weasels, 
which are persistent mouse-hunters and do little damage to 
game, should not be molested, at least on moorlands and 
hill pastures, where they can do little harm and much good. 

Your Committee cannot conclude their labours without 
expressing gratitude for the consideration with which they 
were everywhere received in the course of their inquiry, for 
the hospitality shown to them, and for the exertions made 
by various individuals to obtain witnesses and arrange their 
evidence. 

HERBERT EUSTACE MAXWELL (Chairman). 
MINTO. 

D’ARCY W. THOMPSON. 

JOLIN GILEESEIE: 

WALTER ELELIOM 


J. E. HARTING (Secretary). 


146 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


THE WHISKERED BAT VESPERTILIO MVS TA 
CINUS, EISEN, EAST LOTHIAN: 


By WiLu1aM Evans, F.R.S.E. 


ON 28th March last, Mr. George Pow, Dunbar, sent me a 
Bat which I at once saw was worthy of more than the cursory 
glance I was at the moment only able to give it. Accordingly 
it was passed on the same day to Mr. Eagle Clarke to be 
softened (the wing membranes were already too dry to be 
stretched without tearing), and then compared with the spirit 
specimens of British Bats in Mr. Clarke’s collection. A 
couple of days later we examined it together and found it to 
be an example of the Whiskered Bat (Vespertzlio mystacinus, 
Leisl.) I immediately wrote to Mr. Pow for full information 
as to place and date of capture, and learned from him that 
the little animal was knocked down on the links about a mile 
east of Dunbar, on the evening of 20th March, by a fisher-boy, 
from whom he received it alive. 

I am thus enabled to add this interesting species to the 
fauna of the Forth district; and I do so with real satisfac- 
tion, feeling sure that it is not a record of a mere straggler 
from distant lands, wafted hither by a combination of circum- 
stances which in all probability would not occur again for 
many years to come, but a genuine addition to the list of our 
native vertebrates. The specimen, moreover, is but the second 
that has been recorded for Scotland. The first, which is 
preserved in the Owen’s College, Manchester, was captured 
by Mr. J. Ray Hardy about four miles from Rannoch on the 
Pitlochry Road, in June 1874. When referring to this 
specimen in my “Mammalian Fauna of the Edinburgh 
District” (April 13892); pri235 I ventured stop point to sthe 
species as a very probable addition to our list, and it is there- 
fore gratifying to be able to add it so soon. 

For several years past Mr. Pow has rendered me and 
others invaluable aid in the investigation of various branches 
of local Natural History, and I gladly avail myself of this 
opportunity of publicly thanking him and commending his 
disinterested zeal to the notice of others similarly situated. 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 147 


REPORT ON GoaE MOVEMENTS AND OCCUR- 
RENCE, OE TBIKDS IN SCOLRLANDF DURING 


1892. 
By LionEL W. Hinxman, B.A. 


The usual schedules for recording notes on the move- 
ments and occurrence of birds during the past year were sent 
by Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Eagle Clarke to all the sixty 
light-stations on the Scottish coasts. Of these, twenty-two 
have been returned. Schedules were also sent to others who 
were thought likely to take an interest in the matter, with the 
result that notes have been received from twenty-five observers 
in different parts of the country, making a total of forty-three 
schedules tabulated. To those who have so kindly aided 
us in these inquiries, and to Mr. T. G. Laidlaw for other as- 
sistance, our hearty thanks are accorded, coupled with the 
hope that we may continue to be favoured with their valuable 
co-operation in the future. 

Further observations are much needed from the faunal 
areas of Sutherland, West Ross, Moray, Dee, Tweed, Clyde, 
and Solway—West Ross and Clyde being at present entirely 
unrepresented ; and it is hoped that a larger number of 
schedules will be available for next year’s report. It is also 
a matter of regret that no returns have been made from the 
Isle of May, one of the most important stations for migration 
records. 

The following list gives the names of observers from whom 
schedules and notes have been received. The localities are 
arranged under the different faunal areas, proceeding from 
north to south along the east and west coasts. 


NORTHERN ISLES. 


SHETLAND. 
Locality. Name of Observer. 


Burrafiord, N. Unst (Shore James Ferrier, Lightkeeper. 
Station) , 


Sumburgh Head L.H. James Youngclause, _,, 
Dunrossness J. A. Harvie-Brown. 


Foula F. Traill 


148 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Locality. 
N. Ronaldshay L.H. 
N. Ronaldshay 
Hoy Sound (High Light) 
Cantick Head L.H. 
Pentland Skerries L. H. 


Dunnet Head L.H. 


Thurso 
Lochinver 


Helmsdale and Brora 
Tarbat Ness L.H. 
Glenlivet and Strathspey 


Fyvie 
Girdleness L.H. 


Bell Rock L.H. 
Arbroath and Montrose 
Newport and ‘Tayport 
Callander and Loch Tay 


Inchkeith L.H. 
Doune 

Linlithgow 
Dalmeny 
Edinburgh District 
The Lothians 


Hallmyre, Peebles 
Chirnside 


ORKNEY. 
Name of Observer. 
William Ross, Lightkeeper. 
A. Briggs, Holland House. 
Thomas Hughson, Lightkeeper. 
pes Lawrence, 3 
Malcolm M‘Dougall, __,, 


SUTHERLAND. 


David Laidlaw and J. Carson, Light- 


keepers. 
Lewis Dunbar. 
Arthur Beveridge, M.B. 


Moray. 


Hugh Miller, H.M. Geol. Survey. 
Arch. M‘Eachern, Lightkeeper. 


Lionel Hinxman, H.M. Geol. Survey. 


DEE. 


George Sim. 
John Gilmour, Lightkeeper. 


Tay. 
James Cadger, Lightkeeper. 
Dr. T. F. Dewar. 


W. Berry. 
W. Evans. 


FORTH. 


Charles M‘Fadyen, Lightkeeper. 
Lt.-Col. W. H. M. Duthie, Row. 
P. C. Mackenzie, Longcroft. 
Charles Campbell, Dalmeny Park. 
T. G. Laidlaw. 

Bruce Campbell. 


TWEED. 


David G. Laidlaw. 
Charles Stuart, M.D. 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 149 


OuTER HEBRIDES. 


Locality. Name of Observer. 
Butt of Lewis L.H. Alex. M‘Gow, Lightkeeper 
Island) Ghiais 1H, Hamis . “The Ligshtkeepersi? 
Monach Isles L.H. Wm. A. Tulloch, Lightkeeper. 
Barra Head L.H. James Edgar, :s 
Mingalay, Barra John Finlayson. 
Stornoway H., Mackenzie, Royal Hotel. 
Rodel, S. Harris John Finlayson. 


ARGYLL AND INNER HEBRIDES. 


Tiree Peter Anderson, Kirkapol. 

Skerryvore L.H. John Nicol, Lightkeeper. 

Skervuile L.H., Jura Alex. J. Grant and D. M‘Donald. 

Kilfinichan, Mull G. Ay MeVieans 

Oban, Canna, Kerrera, etc. Cecil H. Bisshopp, Oban. 

Inverary His Grace the Duke of Argyll. 

Ben Nevis The Observatory Staff. 
SOLWAY. 

Loch Ryan L.H. Rodk. M‘Innes, Lightkeeper. 

Portpatrick L.H. Jas. Biggs, bs 

Little Ross L.H. Neil M‘Donald, a 


GENERAL REMARKS. 


Owing to the long continued northerly winds during the 
latter half of April, the bulk of the summer migrants were 
fully a week late in arrival at all localities, though a few 
isolated early dates are recorded. Redstarts were again very 
numerous on the West Coast, though perhaps not so much so 
asin 1891. A noteworthy movement of Skylarks is recorded 
from the Bell Rock Lighthouse during the last week of 
February, beginning on 24th February with great numbers, 
together with a few Blackbirds,—wind S.E.,and fog,—continu- 
ing in fewer numbers during the 25th and 26th, and culmi- 
nating in a rush of hundreds during the night of 27th 
February, with light variable breezes and thick haze, when 
many were killed at the lantern. 

The first important movement in the autumn is recorded 
from Pentland Skerries on 20th September, but does not 


150 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


seem to have been’ observed at any other station. On that 
date, with a S.E. gale and haze, a rush of Fieldfares, Red- 
wings, and Redstarts took place, some of the birds remaining 
for three or four days. At the same locality, on 4th October, 
at noon, with a S.E. gale, a great rush of Snow Buntings, 
Ring Ousels, Redwings, and Fieldfares. This was followed on 
5th and 6th October by the greatest movement of the year, 
and of which we have records from most of the East Coast 
stations. At Dunrossness, a few stragglers came in on the 
night of 4th October; but on the night of 5th and 6th October, 
a sudden shift of wind from N. to S.E., rising to a gale, 
brought in numbers of Twites, Chaffinches, and Bramblings, 
with stragglers up to 10th October. At Sumburgh Head, 
under similar conditions, a rush all night of 5th October, and 
on 6th October during the day,of Chaffinches and Bramblings. 
A similar record comes from North Ronaldshay for 5th 
October, with stragglers up to 14th October. At Girdleness, 
the migration on this date was very heavy ; and during the 
afternoon of 6th October, with a southerly gale and haze, 
there was an extraordinary influx of Thrushes, Redstarts,— 
which seemed to be mostly females,—Redbreasts, Goldcrests, 
Willow Wrens, Chaffinches, and Bramblings. Mr. John 
Gilmour writes on this date: “A perfect rush of birds here 
this afternoon, the turnip drills in gardens perfectly swarm- 
ing with the species mentioned.” 

During November, the chief movements recorded were on 
the 5th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, and 24th, and included the usual 
autumn immigrants, with nothing worthy of special remark. 
The occurrence of the Great Gray Shrike (Lanzus excubitor),— 
a male-—near Haddington, on 15th June, is an interesting 
fact. 

The Iceland Gull (Larus leucopterus) seems.to have been 
more than usually abundant on the North and West Coasts, 
individuals being reported as seen or shot from eight several 
localities. 

NOTES UNDER SPECIES. 
Turdus musicus (Song Thrush). 


ORKNEY. . Hoy Sound, Oct. 9. N. Ronaldshay, Oct. 13, 
numbers about ; Nov. 3, large numbers. 
DEE . : . Girdleness, Oct. 5, numerous. 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 151 


OuTER HEBRIDES 


ARGYLL AND ISLES 


ORKNEY 


OUTER HEBRIDES 


SHETLAND . 

DEE : 

Tay : 
OUTER HEBRIDES 


ARGYLL AND ISLES 


ORKNEY 


Moray 


SDEE.. 

FORTH 

TWEED : 
OUTER HEBRIDES 


ARGYLL AND ISLES 


Skerryvore, Nov. 18, in rush with Fieldfares ; 
Nov. 23, 24, great rush all night, with Field- 
fares, Blackbirds, etc. ; E. light, hazy. 

Skervuile, Nov. 18-20, 23-24, in rushes. 

Principal movements, Nov. 3, 18, 20, 23, 24. 


Turdus tliacus (Redwing). 


Pentland Skerries, Sept. 20, great rush; Oct. 4, 
in great rush with Fieldfares and Snow 
Buntings. 

Last seen April 30, Monach I. 

Principal movements, Sept. 20, Oct. 4. 


Turdus merula (Blackbird). 


Dunrossness, Oct. 30 ; Sumburgh Head, Nov. 5. 

Girdleness, Nov. 3, 19, numerous. 

Spring, ~ Bell Rock, Feb) 25; Mareh’ 3, 11. 

Skerryvore, Sept. 19, Nov. 20; Nov. 23, 24, in 
rush. 

Skervuile, in rushes, Nov. 18, 20, 23. 

Principal movements, Nov. 18-20, 23, 24. 


Turdus pilaris (Fieldfare). 


Pentland Skerries, great rush, Sept. 20; Oct. 4, 
do. N. Ronaldshay, a few each night, Nov. 
5, 22. 

Strathavon, first seen Oct. 15; Strath Brora, 
Octi 20. 

Fyvie, Oct. 18; last seen April 22. 

Edinburgh, Oct. 5. 

Hallmyre, Nov. 5; last seen April 11. 

Rodel, Nov. 1; Skerryvore, Nov. 18-20, 23, 
24, in rushes; Monach I., “ Mid-May.” 

Skervuile, Nov. 18-20, 23, 24, in rushes. 

First seen Pentland Skerries, Sept. 20; last seen 
Monach I., “ Mid-May.” Principal movements, 
Sept. 20, Oct. 4, Nov. 18-20% 235 24: 


Turdus torquatus (Ring Ouzel). 


ORKNEY 


DEE . 
SOLWAY 


Pentland Skerries, in rush with Snow Buntings, 
Fieldfares, etc., S.E. gale, Oct. 4. 

Girdleness, Oct. 4. 

A male, in poor condition, shot at Maxwelltown 
Dees ro; 


152 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Saxicola enanthe (Wheatear). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, last seen Oct. 15. 

Moray . Strathspey, April 8; Cromdale Hills, Oct. 1. 
DEE ~ : . Fyvie, April 5 ; Girdleness, Oct. 5. 

Ay. . Arbroath, March 22, and Oct. 6. 

ForTH 5 . Doune, April 4; Edinburgh, April ro. 
TWEED ; Chirnside, April 11. 


OuTER HEBRIDES Mingulay, March 30; Monach I., April 1. 
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, one, March 27; plentiful after April 8 ; 
last seen Oct. 8. 
iBurst seen) Wiree, March 275; last —seenyeN: 
Ronaldshay, Oct. 15. 


Pratincola rubetra (Whinchat). 


SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, last seen Oct. 8. 

DEE . . Fyvie, April 22. 

Ave : . Glenlyon, May 8th; not numerous till a week later. 
ForTH . Edinburgh, April 18. 

TWEED . Hallmyre, Peebles, May 5. 


First seen Edinburgh, April 18; last seen 
Dunrossness, Oct. 8. 


Pratincola rubicola (Stonechat). 


SHETLAND . . Fitful Head, Oct. 8. 

ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, one shot, Oct. 15.—‘‘ The only 
one I have noticed here.” 

OvuTER HeEsripES Skerryvore, Sept. 11, 12. 


Ruticilla phenicurus (Redstart). 


SHETLAND . . Quendale, Dunrossness, last seen Oct. 2. 

ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 1, 2, and one on Oct. 25; 
Pentland Skerries, Sept. 20, in rush with 
Turdide. 

DEE) « ; . Fyvie, May 1; Girdleness, Sept. 25 and Oct. 5, 
in rush, mostly ?. 

FORTH . Dalmeny, April 26; Menteith, April 28. 

‘TWEED : Peeblesshire, May 1. 


OuTER HEBRIDES Mingulay, Barra, May 31. 
First seen Dalmeny, April 26; last seen N. 
Ronaldshay, Oct. 25. Principal movements, 
Dept. 20-25, OChes. 


Exithacus rubecula (Redbreast). 


SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Oct. 8, five or six seen. 
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Oct. 4.—‘‘ Numbers in small 
parties—a few remaining up to Jan. 7, 1893.” 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 153 


DEE . 
Tay 


OUTER HEBRIDES 


ORKNEY 


DEn . 
FORTH 
TWEED 


OUTER HEBRIDES 


SOLWAY 


TWEED 


SHETLAND . 


FORTH 


OUTER HEBRIDES 


"TWEED 


ORKNEY 
DEE . 


TWEED 


SHETLAND . 


ORKNEY 


Moray 
DEE. 
TRAN? 
FORTH 
TWEED 


Girdleness, Nov. 19 ; numerous, Oct. 5. 

Bell Rock, Feb. 28. 

Skerryvore, Oct. 4. 

Principal movements, Oct. 4-8. 

Sylota rufa (Whitethroat). 

N. Ronaldshay, July 10, one, which remained a 
few days. 

Fyvie, May r2. 

Dalmeny, May 12; West Lothian, Sept. 19. 

Peebles, May 24. 

Barra, May 13. 

Little Ross L.H., May 23. 

First seen May 12; last seen W. Lothian, Sept. 19. 


Sylvia curruca (Lesser Whitethroat). 

Nesting at Allantore, Chirnside, June 20. 
Sylvia atricapilla (Blackcap). 

Garth, Dunrossness, Oct. 9; one Pf seen. 
Linlithgow, May 19. 

Mingalay, Barry, Oct. 5. 


Sylvia salicaria (Garden Warbler). 
Chirnside, June 5. 


Regulus cristatus (Golden-crested Wren). 


N. Ronaldshay, Nov. 5. 
Girdleness, Oct. 5, numbers in rush with other 
small birds. 


Phylloscopus collybita (Chiff-chaff). 


Chirnside, March 30.—“ Increased in numbers 
’ oO 
of late years.” 


Phylloscopus trochilus (Willow Wren). 


Dunrossness, Oct. 6, 21. 

N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 31, and first few days of 
September ; large numbers about ; wind E. 

Glenlivet, May 7. 

Fyvie, April 22 ; Girdleness, Oct. 5. 

Arbroath, May 11. 

Edinburgh, April 18; Callander, April 23. 

Chirnside, April 20; Hallmyre, Sept. 15. 

First seen Edinburgh, April 18 ; last seen Dun- 
rossness, Oct. 21. Principal movements, Aug. 
21, sept. 5, Oct. 55 6: 


154 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Wood Wren). 


Ay y. : . Kenmore, May 5, one pair; not numerous till a 
week later. 

ForTH : . Dalmeny, May 8. 

West Ross . Loch Torridon, May 27. 


Acrocephalus schenobenus (Sedge Warbler). 


Moray . Helmsdale, May 17. 
DEE. : 2) OByvie, Mayere- sept. 13. 
TWEED : ; Hallmyre; Peebles; May 25: 


Motacilla (Wagtail). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 22,29, Pied Wagtails.—“In 
family parties on shore; not observed during 
breeding season.” 

OvuTER Hesripes Monach L.H., April 27, 30, “ Wagtails” ; Barra, 
May 4, White Wagtail; Skerryvore, Aug. 17, 
two “ Wagtails.” 

ARGYLL AND IsLes Tiree, May 3, 6, White Wagtail, passing N.E.; 
Sept. 1, White Wagtail. 


Anthus trivialis (Tree Pipit). 


ForTH : . Callander, April 30; Lothians, May 1. 
TWEED : . Hallmyre, May 24. 
West Ross . Loch Torridon, May 26. 


Lanius excubitor (Great Gray Shrike). 


ORKNEY . . Pentland Skerries, one ¢ shot, Nov. 20. 

SUTHERLAND 4 Dhurso;one ¢ shot Dec, 16: 

Tay . : . Arbroath, one caught, sex doubtful, Dec. 7. 

ForTH : . One ¢ killed near Haddington, June 16. 

TWEED : . One seen near Hutton Village, Chirnside, 
Oct. 1e: 


Muscicapa grisola (Spotted Flycatcher). 


FoRTH 5 . Edinburgh, May 7; Dalmeny, May 14. 
TWEED : . Peebles, May 17. 
SOLWAY. > little Ross CE. May 23: 


Muscicapa atricapilla (Pied Flycatcher). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, July 1, one; Sept. 2, one; Oct. 
14, two.—‘‘Seems to occur pretty regularly 
nearly every autumn.” . 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 155 


SHETLAND . 


ORKNEY 


DEE. 

Tay 

FORTH 

‘TWEED : 

OUTER HEBRIDES 

ARGYLL AND ISLES 
SOLWAY 


SHETLAND . 
ORKNEY 


Moray 

DEE . 

Tay 

ForTH 

‘TWEED : 
OuTER HEBRIDES 


Flirundo rustica (Swallow). 


Dunrossness, last seen Oct. 8, reported as “ un- 
usually abundant in summer of 1892, along 
with Swifts.” 

N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 26, one seen flying W. ; 
wind strong S.W. 

Fyvie, last seen Nov. 16. 

Tayfield, April 23 ; Arbroath, Oct. 6. 

Callander, April 22; Edinburgh, Oct. 14. 

Hallmyre, April 11, Oct. 18. 

Butt of Lewis, May 17, Sept. 17. 

Inveraray, April 8, one; Jura, April 16. 

Loch Ryan, April 22. 

First seen Inveraray, April 8; last seen Fyvie, 
Nov. 16. 


Cotile riparia (Sand Martin). 

Dunrossness, Oct. 8, 13, one seen each day. 

N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 25, one seen after gale 
from S.W. 

Fochabers, last seen Nov. 12. 

Fyvie, May 2 to Oct 14. 

Arbroath, April 29. 

Doune, April 15 ; Edinburgh, Oct. ro. 

Chirnside, April 30; Peebles, Oct. 6. 

Monach I., May 25. 

First seen Doune, April 16 ; last seen Fochabers, 
Nov. 12. 


Chelidon urbica (House Martin). 


Moray 

DET. 

Tay 

ForTH 

TWEED ; 
OUTER HEBRIDES 


SHETLAND . 


Helmsdale, May 9. 

Fyvie, May 2 to Oct ro. 

Arbroath, April 28. 

Edinburgh, last seen Oct. ro. 

Hallmyre, May 13 to Oct. 14. 

Monach I., May 25. 

First seen Arbroath, April 28; last seen Hall- 
myre, Peebles, Oct. 14. 


Fringilling (Finches). 

Dunrossness, Oct. 5, Chaffinches and Twites; on 
succeeding few days Chaffinches in immense 
flocks, on the 8th associated with Bramblings, 
the latter forming one-sixth of the whole. 


Stragglers seen only after Oct. ro, wind shifting 
from N.-N.N.E. to hard S.E. on night of Oct. 5. 


156 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


ORKNEY. . 'N. Ronaldshay. Large mixed flocks of Chaf- 
finches and Bramblings on Oct. 5, and in 
smaller lots till Oct. 10. Last Brambling 
seen Oct. 14. The Chaffinches seemed to be 
mostly females. Oct. 18, a few Redpoles. 
Oct. 19, small flight of Linnets. 


DEE . : . Girdleness, Oct. 5, rush of Chaffinches and 
Bramblings. 
MAY = 2 . Bell Rock, March 3, Chaffinches and Linnets ; 


April 12, Linnets. 

OUTER HEBRIDES’ Rodel, Harris, Nov. 17, several flocks of Chaf- 
finches and Linnets. Mingalay, May 18, one 
£ Goldfinch; Oct: 5, Siskins; Nov. 15, an 
army of Greenfinches. 

Principal movements, Oct. 5-10, Nov. 15-17. 


Loxta curvirostra (Common Crossbill). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, July 7 ; a female taken near the 
Lighthouse. 


Plectrophanes nivalis (Snow Bunting). 


SHETLAND . . Sumburgh Head, Sept. 13 ; Dunrossness, Oct. 6 
and succeeding few days, considerable flocks 
passing south. Sumburgh Head, Nov. 13, a 
rush all night. 

ORKNEY . . Pentland Skerries, Sept. 7 ; N.Ronaldshay, Sept. 
19, 21, in small flights, and from Oct. 19 
to Oct 24 in flocks of thousands. 


* SUTHERLAND . Dunnet Head, Sept. 18. 

Moray ; . Strath Brora, Oct. 21; Ben Aigan, Oct. 28. 
DEE. ' , Bywie; Oct 2o>"Girdleness; Oct. 23: 
Way. Arbroath, Nov. 15. 


OUTER HEBRIDES Butt of Lewis, large flocks, Sept. 17; Rodel, 
Harris, Oct. 17 ; Monach I., May 3. 
First seen Pentland Skerries, Sept. 7 ; last seen 
Monach I., May 3. 
Principal movements, Sept. 17-21, Oct. 6, 19-24. 


Alauda arvensis (Skylark). 


SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Skylarks observed drawing together 
in flocks a day or two previous to the great 
movement of Oct. 5, 6. 


DEE . ; . Girdleness, Nov. 19, 23, 24, in rushes with 
other birds ; wind N.E., light. 
awe : . Bell Rock, Feb. 24, in great numbers at light, 


10 P.M. till dawn, wind E., fog; Feb. 25, 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 157 


a few; Feb. 29, in hundreds, 9-12 P.M., hazy ; 
March 3, a few. 

Outer Hepripes_ Skerryvore, Sept. 19, three young birds; Dec. 4, 
four, N.W. gale, snow. 

ARGYLL AND IsLEs Skervuile, Jura, Nov. 18-20, 23, 24, in rush with 
Turdide ; wind strong E., haze. 
Principal movements, Feb. 24-27, Nov. 18-24. 


Sturnus vulgaris (Common Starling). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay L.H., Nov. 5-22, a few each 
night, with Fieldfares. Large flights in N. 
Ronaldshay in early autumn, a few only re- 
maining for the winter. 

Hoy Sound. ‘Those wintering here leave about 

May 1, flying W. 

ARGYLL AND IsLEs Skervuile, Jura, Nov. 23, 24, in rush with 
Turdide. 


Cypselus apus (Common Swift). 


SHETLAND . . Reported by Mr. John Bruce as occurring with 
Swallows in Dunrossness during the summer. 

ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay. Three seen, one killed, Aug. 
26, flying west ; wind S.W., very stormy. 

DEE . . Fyvie, May 20; Girdleness, Sept. 11. 

pIUAV . Loch Tay, May 10; Broughty Ferry, Sept. 3. 

ForTH : . Doune, May g; Edinburgh, May 12; Hadding- 
ton, Nov. 16 (‘‘ Annals,” Jan. 1893). 

TWEED : Hallmyre, May 11; Chirnside, May 13. 


OuTER HEBRIDES Monach I., May to. 
First seen Doune, May 9; last seen Hadding- 
ton, Nov. 16. 


Alcedo tspida (Kingfisher). 


OUTER HEpRIDES Barra, July 25. 


Cuculus canorus (Cuckoo). 


Moray. . Glenlivet, May 8; Helmsdale, May 9. 
DEE . . Fyvie, May 9. 

ForTH . Edinburgh, April 27 ; Callander, April 30. 
TWEED Hallmyre, April 29. 


OuTER HEBRIDES Stornoway, May 11; Rodel, May 15; I. Ghlas, 
Harris, Aug. 22, first time seen here. 
ARGYLL AND Isxtes Skervuile, Jura, May 1. 
SOLWAY. . Loch Ryan, May 1. 
First seen Edinburgh, April 27. 


158 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Strigide (Owls). 


SHETLAND . . Short-eared Owl (A. accipitrinus) seen flying at 
Sumburgh Head in September. 
Snowy Owl (Wyet@a scandiaca) seen flying south 
over Loch Spiggie, Oct. 28. 
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay. Long-eared Owl (Aszo otus), 
male, shot Nov. 24. 
A. accipitrinus, Dec. 2, 3; one killed, one seen. 
Nyctea scandiaca, seen Nov. 2. 
Scops owl (Scops giz), one taken at the Light- 
house, June 2 ; the first record of this owl for 
Orkney. 


Circus cyaneus (Hen Harrier). 


ORKNEY . . Hen Harrier, a male seen July 16; generally 
seen in September. 


Ardea cinerea (Common Heron). 


SHETLAND . . Visits Dunrossness in small parties in autumn. 
First seen Sept. 1. 
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, in small numbers every year, 


generally appearing early in August. 


Anatide. 
Wild Geese. 


SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Oct. 10, one Greylag on Loch 
Spiggie. 

Bernicle Geese (2. /eucopsis) on migration, in 
numbers Oct. 6 and succeeding few days; 
wind N.E. 

ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Oct. 7, three Greylag, N.W. 
gale ;) Oct, te, Wald) (Geese 7-7 |ialyamas 
two Gray Geese. Brent Geese (4. dzenta) 
fairly plentiful during winter of 1891-92. 

Tay. : . Pink-footed Geese (Anser brachyrhynchus), 
Newport, Fife, April 29. Flock of ten, 
Sept. 19 ; ‘‘earliest date I have known here.” 

OvuTER HEBRIDES Barra Head, Oct. 17, about 150 Bernicle 
Geese flying south; wind N. I. Ghlas, May 
3, flock of 29 ‘Wild Geese,” flying north. 

ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, “‘ Wild Geese” left April 30, in flock of 
150, going north, and returned Oct. 7, three 
weeks earlier than usual; strong N. wind. 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 159 


ORKNEY 


SUTHERLAND 


Swans. 


N. Ronaldshay, Oct. 15, flock of 30 Whoopers 
(Cygnus musicus) crossing the island ‘to west. 

Thurso, March 25, Whooper seen; April gth, 
young male shot. 


OuTER HepripEs Barra Head, Dec. 7, Swan shot, supposed to 


SHETLAND . 


ORKNEY 


MorRAY 


Tay 
TWEED 


’ be a young specimen of C. dewizcke. 


Ducks. 


Teal (Querguedula crecca), WDunrossness, in 
numbers about Oct. 8, with Widgeon. 

Tufted Duck (/udigula cristata), Sept. 17, a few 
in Quendale Bay. 

Longtailed Duck (/arelda glacialis), Oct. 17, 
in hundreds off coast at Quendale. 

Pochard (Fudigula ferina), N. Ronaldshay, Nov. 
14. 

Tufted Duck, Oct. ro. 

Golden Eye (Clangula glaucion), Nov. 2. 

Longtailed Duck, Noy. 2, in large numbers. 

Ruddy Sheldrake (Zadorna casarca), Findhorn 
estuary, Oct. 19, see ‘* Annals.” 

Tufted Duck, Newport, Fife, Sept. 12. 

Tufted Duck, nest with eggs in Selkirkshire, 
July, see ‘‘ Annals.” 


OuTER HEBRIDES Pochard, Rodel, June 5, a pair remaining to 


SUTHERLAND 


SHETLAND . 


ORKNEY 


SHETLAND . 


ORKNEY 


breed. 
Pintail (Dajfila acuta), Rodel, Oct. 29. 
Longtailed Duck, a pair seen daily in May, Min- 
galay. 


Turtur communis (Turtle Dove). 
Male shot near Wick June 7. 


Rallus aquaticus (Water Rail). 


Loch Hillwell, Sept. 28 ; Mousa, Oct. 20, “ be- 
lieved to breed in Shetland.” 

N. Ronaldshay, in large numbers during the 
winter ; first seen Nov. 9; most of them dis- 
appeared by Dec. 9. 


Porzana maruetta (Spotted Crake). 


One seen near Lerwick, Sept. 21 ; said to be not 
uncommon between Septemberand November. 

One killed and another seen, N. Ronaldshay, 
Sept. 2i7. 


160 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Crex pratensts (Land Rail). 


ORKNEY . . Pentland Skerries, April 27, a pair, the male 
bird killed at lantern ; Hoy Sound, May 18; 
last seen Oct. 16. 


WAY 3 . Fearnan, Loch Tay, May 10; Arbroath, May 23. 
FORTH : . Duddingston, May 7 ; Doune, May ro. 
TWEED : Hallmyre, May 4. 


OuTER HEBRIDES Stornoway, May 6; Island Ghlais, Aug. 23. 
ARGYLL AND IsLes Tiree, May 16. 
SOLWAY. . Loch Ryan, May 18. 
First seen April 27, Pentland Skerries; last 
seen Oct. 16, same locality, 


Charadrius pluvialis (Golden Plover). 


SHETLAND . . _Dunrossness, two shot in September ; decidedly 
scarce In autumn. 
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, first seen July .4; in numbers 


during first half of August, and again at end 
of November. 
OuTER HEBRIDES Monach I., May 1o. 
Sguatarola helvetica (Gray Plover). 
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay Sept. 3. 
OuTER HEBRIDES I. Ghlais, Harris, May tro. 


Vanellus vulgaris (Lapwing). 


SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, scarce on migration ; Oct. 3, one ; 
Oct. 6, four. 

ORKNEY . . Hoy Sound, first seen April 3 ; N. Ronaldshay, 
mostly leave early in September. 

Tay. : . Bell Rock, Feb. 26, one; March 3, twelve pass- 


ing west, wind E. 

OuTER HEBRIDES Barra Head, Noy. 10, two; Oct. 25, one. Butt 
of Lewis, first seen April 15. Monach L.H., 
April 18. 

ARGYLL AND IsLes Skervuile, Jura, Nov. 23, large flock in rush 
with other birds, wind E. 


Strepsilas interpres (Turnstone). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, July 4, five; July 27, a score; 
and numbers later. A few seem to remain 
all the year. 

OurTER HesripEs Monach I.—“ <A good few always round here: a 
pair about the same place every year.” 

ARGYLL AND IsLes Tiree, May 6.—“A few always stay here all 
summer.” 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 161 


Phataropus hyperboreus (Red-necked Phalarope). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, last seen August 4. 
ARGYLL AND IsLes A specimen of P. fulicarius (Gray Phalarope), 
picked up in Oban Bay, Jan. I5. 


Scolopax rusticula (Woodcock). 


SHETLAND . . Sumburgh Head, one seen, Oct. 20. 
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Nov. 3, 9. 

SUTHERLAND . Dunnet Head, one killed at lantern, Nov. 17. 
DEES: : . Girdleness, in rush with other birds, Nov. 19. 
ForTH : . Spring migration: Doune, March 4, eight birds, 


new arrivals; March 11, a great many; all 
passed by March 15. 

OuTER HEBRIDES Barra Head, Oct. 20; Rodel, Harris, Oct. 17; 
Skerryvore Nov. 23, 24, in rush with Zurdide, 
wind E., hazy. 

ARGYLL AND IsLes Tiree, January 11.—‘‘ Very abundant: more 
than I have ever seen here before.” 

Principal movements, March 11-15, Nov. 109, 
23, 2A: 
Gallinago major (Double Snipe). 


SUTHERLAND . Thurso, Aug. 24, young male killed. 

SHETLAND . . Among flights of Snipe visiting Dunrossness at 
latter end of September were a number of 
individuals which were doubtless specimens 
OnGwaar | \irtsor, |. AV H.-B:| 


Gallinago celestis (Common Snipe). 


ORKNEY . . Arrived in N. Ronaldshay as early as August, but 
most plentiful in latter half of November and 
December. 


Gallinago gallinula (Jack Snipe). 


SHETLAND . . A number seen in Dunrossness: earliest Sept. 
28; most between Oct. 6 and 103 a few 
remained longer. 

ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, first seen Sept. 6. 


Tringa minuta (Little Stint). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 26, in flocks of from ten 
to fifty, and numerous up to Sept. 2. 
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, Aug. 31, in large flocks. 


Tringa striata (Purple Sandpiper). 
SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Sept. 29. 
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 23, five. 
i D 


162 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


. Tringa canutus (Knot). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 12, one; Aug. 17 to 23, 
in flocks. 

ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, Aug. 12; May 28, flock of seven flying 
north. 


Machetes pugnax (Ruff). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 9, 26, Sept. 1; singly, or 
not more than three together. 
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, Sept. 6, 22, three. 


Calidris arenaria (Sanderling). 


SHETLAND . . Quendale, one shot, Sept. 7 ; the only one seen. 

ORKNEY . . Wonderfully numerous in N. Ronaldshay ; first 
seen Aug. 25, flock of fourteen with Ringed 
Plover. 


ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, May 16, winter residents have left ; May 
31, several hundreds in summer plumage, 
wind S.; Aug. 25, first seen passing south. 


Totanus hypoleucus (Common Sandpiper). 


ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, last seen Sept. 1. 
Moray : . Glenlivet, April 24. 

ap AVaee : . Arbroath, April 25. 

ForTH : . Edinburgh, April 18. 

TWEED ‘ Peebles, April 24. 


OUTER HEBRIDES Monach I., May 1. 
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, May 16. 
First seen, Edinburgh, April 18; last seen, N. 
Ronaldshay, Sept. 1. 


Totanus canescens (Greenshank). 


ORKNEY . . Scarce on autumn migration ; one seen Oct. 25, 
and two shot out of flock of six in same 
month. N. Ronaldshay. 

ARGYLL AND IsLeEs Tiree, last seen May 7, returned Aug. 3. 


Limosa (Godwit). 


SHETLAND . . Small numbers of JZ. Jdappontca (Bar-tailed 
Godwit) at Virkie Voe in October. 

ORKNEY . . A specimen of ZL. /apponica in full breeding 
plumage seen in N. Ronaldshay, June 8. 

TAve ; . Tay estuary, Sept. 19, Z. lapponica; pair of 


L. egocephala (Black-tailed godwit) shot in 
Montrose basin, Sept. 19; and one near 
Tayport, Sept. 3. 


MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 163 


ARGYLL AND IsLeEs Tiree, Z. Zappontca last seen April 1, passing Sept. 
6. L. egocephala, May 29, one ; Junerg, two. 


Numenius pheopus (Whimbrel). 


SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, last seen Oct. 3. 

PRA 2 : Peay port, AUS. .3 1, 

Outer Hepripes Barra, April 12; Rodel, Harris, April 11. 

ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, April 28; May 7, flocks passing north ; 
Aug. 25, flocks passing south. 


Sterna (Terns). 


ORKNEY . . Pentland Skerries, S. fuviatilis (Common Tern), 
May Io. 

Moray : . Glenlivet, S. fluviatilis, May 13. 

Tay . : Arbroath, S. fluviatilis, May 11, Oct. 1. 


OuTER HeEpripEs Butt of Lewis, May 24, “Terns” come to breed ; 
Rodel, June 7. 

ARGYLL AND IsLes Tiree, S. minuta (Little Tern), May 11, one; 
plentiful by May 15. Skervuile, Jura, 
“Terns,” May 17; Arctic Tern, May 9. 


Larus glaucus (Glaucous Gull). 


SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Oct. 9, one, flying north-west ; on 
Oct. 26, seven, passing south, in single birds 
and in pairs: wind N.W. by W. Sumburgh 
Head, Nov. 8, two. 

ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Noy. ro, single birds in mature 
plumage. 

ARGYLL AND IsLEs Kerrara, March 3, one shot. 


Larus leucopterus (Iceland Gull). 


SHETLAND . . One in Grutness Bay, Oct. 13. 
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Jan. 3; Foula, Jan. 12. 
SUTHERLAND . Sandside, Caithness, Jan. 23; ‘Thurso, Dec. 


11, two shot. 
OvuTER HEBRIDES Stornoway, one shot in January, one May 20, 
and one seen May 23; seen also from July to 
September, and supposed to have remained all 
summer. Monach L.H., one seen April 28. 
ARGYLL AND IsLes Inverary and Poltalloch, Feb. 4; the latter 
specimen immature. 


Stercorarius (Skua). 
ORKNEY . ,. Single birds identified as S. fomatorhinus 
(Pomatorhine Skua) seen at Stromness Point, 


Noy. 5, Dec. 29; S. crepidatus, Richardson’s 
Skua, common in N. Ronaldshay after Aug. 3. 


164 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


eA es ; . iS. pomatorhinus shot near Comrie, third week 
in September. 
ARGYLL AND IstEs Tiree, S. crefidatus, May 20. 


Procellaria pelagica (Stormy Petrel). 


Moray ‘ . One captured in Strath Brora, 15 miles from sea, 
Oct: zo, 

FORTH : . Inchkeith, twelve seen, Aug. 12. 

OuTER HEBRIDES’ Barra Head, Nov. 16. 

SOLWAY. ; och (Ryan :o., one .atWantem, Nov. 257 
5.W. gale. 


Colymbus glactalis (Great Northern Diver). 


SUTHERLAND. Adult male, with breeding plumage not quite 
complete, caught in nets at Thurso, June 13. 
ARGYLL AND IsLes Skervuile, Jura, pair about the rock, April 17-28. 


ADDITIONS TO THE AUTHENDICAT ED YCOMIMagATE 
CENSUS OF THE LANDVAND FRESHWATER 
MOLELUSCA OF SCOTLAND: 


Wm. DENISON RoEsuck, F.L.S. 


Hon. Secretary and Recorder to the Conchological Society of 
Great Britain and Ireland. 


THANKS to the kindness of several friends,—viz. Mrs. Janet 
Carphin of Edinburgh, Mr. William Evans, F.R.S.E., of the 
same city, Mr. Lionel W. Hinxman of the Geological Survey 
of Scotland, Mr. W. Baillie of Brora, Sutherlandshire, and 
Mr. W. Duncan of Montrose,—I am able to add a consider- 
able number of new records in continuation of my paper in 
the “ Annals of Scottish Natural History ” for October 1892, 
pp. 235-238, and in former numbers. The paragraphs are 
numbered in continuation from my last paper. 


II. SHELLS FROM LOCHMABEN, DUMFRIESSHIRE.— 
This is a county from which in former times I have been 
singularly unsuccessful in obtaining mollusca for authenti- 
cation and record. I was therefore extremely pleased to 
receive from Mrs. Carphin a few specimens of Spherinm 
corneum (referable to the var. xucleus but not perfectly 


LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND 165 


characteristic of it), Pés¢dium fontinale, P. pusillum, P. 
milium (=roseum), Limnea palustris, L. peregra var. lacus- 
tris, Planorbis fontanus (=nitidus), Pl. nautileus, Pl. albus, 
Pl. spirorbis, Pl. umbilicatus (= marginatus), Pl. contortus, 
Physa fontinalis, Valvata piscinalis, Succinea putris, and 
Vertigo pygm@a var. quadridentata, sixteen species, from 
Lochmaben. All of these are, with the exception of the ZL. 
peregra, additions to the list of Dumfriesshire shells which 
have passed the scrutiny of the Conchological Society’s 
referees ; the specimens have, with one exception, been 
kindly presented to the Conchological Society’s cabinet. 
Numerous further additions may be anticipated to the 
Dumfriesshire list, which, so far, only amounts to a total 
of 38 species. 

12. HELIX PULCHELLA AND H. CAPERATA IN PEEBLES- 
SHIRE.—It is to Mrs. Carphin also that we are indebted for 
an example of H. pulchella taken at Peebles, and one of //. 
caperata at Innerleithen, both additional authentications for 
this county, for which we have now 36 species on record. 
As Mrs. Carphin points out, it is interesting to find the last- 
named species so far inland, as in Scotland it is more usually 
found in districts bordering on the sea. 


13. ARION MINIMUS AND PISIDIUM PUSILLUM IN 
SELKIRKSHIRE.—For these two additions to the county 
list, which now numbers a total of but 29 species authenti- 
cated, we are indebted to Mr. Wm. Evans, by whom they 
were found at Tushielaw, roth July 1892. From this 
place he also forwarded Cochlicopa lubrica and Fyalinia 
crystallina, which have been already recorded for the county. 


14. LIMNZA GLABRA IN MIDLOTHIAN.—From Mr. Wm. 
Evans we have a couple of specimens of this species, collected 
at Bavelaw Moss, near Balerno, 17th April 1891: an import- 
ant addition to the fauna of the county of Edinburgh. 


15. HELIX HISPIDA (=CONCINNA) AND HYALINIA 
PURA IN LINLITHGOWSHIRE.—A _ consignment of shells 
from this county so far back as the 18th October 1890, 
which has been mislaid and so escaped my attention, in- 
cludes these two species, additional to my list. A number 
of shells collected at Philpstoun on the date mentioned 


166 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


included an example of H. pura, one of H. cellaria, a few of 
FH. nitidula, some young Helzxrotundata, a Cochlicopa lubrica, 
and several Vitrzna pellucida. _ Another box of shells collected 
about Linlithgow on the same date included, in addition to 
several specimens of the type and a few of the var. albzda 
of Helix hispida (the shell hitherto known as A. concinna, 
and so recorded in my former papers), a young //. aspersa, 
several small Physa fontinals, several encrusted and blackened 
examples of Spherium corneum, and numerous Limnea 
peregra, also blackened and encrusted. For the sight of 
these shells we are indebted to our indefatigable friend Mr. 
Wm. Evans. 


16. VERTIGO PYGMAA' AND OTHER SHELLS IN FIFE- 
SHIRE.—I have one addition for the Fifeshire list in Vertzgo 
pygmea, found by Mr. Wm. Evans at Elie, 20th June 1891, 
along with Heli pulchella and Pupa cylindracea (= umbili- 
cata). From Mrs. Carphin we have a specimen of the var. 
maritima of Limnea peregra, albeit not a very characteristic 
one, which it is of interest to note, although the species 
has, of course, been authenticated for the county long ago. 


17, ADDITIONAL RECORDS FOR SOUTH PERTH WITH 
CLACKMANNAN.—From Mrs. Carphin we have received two 
species additional for this area,—viz. Planorbis nautileus var. 
crista, and Axncylus lacustris—both from Bridge of Allan, a 
locality which, although, as Mrs. Carphin points out, it is 
included politically in Stirlingshire, is included in the vice- 
county of South Perth in Mr. Watson’s comital scheme, 
which we follow. 

From Strathyre we have a couple of examples of Coch/z- 
copa lubrica, which Mrs. Carphin sent us. This, however, 
has been added (since the census) by Mr. Evans, and is con- 
sequently no longer an addition. 


18. VERTIGO SUBSTRIATA IN SOUTH PERTHSHIRE.— 
Mr. Wm. Evans has been so fortunate as to meet with this 
seldom-detected species on the banks of the Keltie, near 
Callander, where he found it on the 25th April 1892, in 


1 The Editors remind me that this species was recorded from Elie by Mr. 
Thomas Scott, F.L.S., so long ago as 1891 (‘‘ Scot. Nat.,” April 1891, p. 50), 
but as the specimen in question has not been seen by the Society’s referees, 
it does not come within the scope of this paper. 


LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND _ 167 


company with a few examples of V. edentula. We have 
had the opportunity of examining the specimens of both, V. 
substriata being especially noteworthy as an addition to the 
South Perthshire list. 


19. SHELLS IN NORTH PERTHSHIRE.—Mrs. Carphin 
sent us single examples of Helix granulata (= sericea), HH. 
arbustorum, and Unio margaritifera, from Dunkeld, and all 
of them additional records for the vice-county, for which we 
have now had 52 species placed on record. 


20. THE WHITE VARIETY OF ARION ATER IN KINCAR- 
DINESHIRE.—Although not a new county record, it will be 
of interest to record that in 1891 I received from Mr. Wm. 
Duncan, of Montrose, a fine living example of Avion ater 
var. alba, which he had found on the banks of the North Esk 
at Morphie. 


21. UNIO MARGARITIFERAIN BANFFSHIRE.— The receipt 
of an example of the pearl mussel from the river Spey at 
Aberlour, sent by Mr. Lionel W. Hinxman, of the Geological 
Survey of Scotland, enables us to add this fine species to our 
list for Banffshire. Another addition for the same county 
is Helix rotundata, of which we have specimens collected at 
Dufftown in November 1892 by Mr. Hinxman. At the 
same time and place he found the following, which, however, 
have already been placed on record by himself and other 
friends: Helix hortensts var. lutea 12345, H. arbustorum, 
Pupa cylindracea (=umbilicata), Bulimus obscurus, Balea 
perversa, Clausilia perversa (=rugosa), Cochlicopa lubrica, 
Arion ater, A. minimus, A. circumscriptus, and Agriolimax 
agrestis var. sylvatica. 


22. ADDITIONAL RECORDS FOR EASTERNESS.—A collec- 
tion of slugs and shells made by Mr. Wm. Evans at Dalwhinnie 
and received by me on the 17th June 1892 includes three 
species additional to the vice-county: namely, Avion subfuscus, 
A. minimus, and Hyalinia fulva ; the other species sent with 
them including Avzon ater (small), A. cercumscriptus ( = bourg- 
uzgnati), A. hortensis, Agriolimax agrestis, Hyalinia alliaria, 
H. radiatula, and Cochlicopa lubrica (very young). The 
elevation at which they were found was 1200 feet. 


168 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


23. NEW RECORDS FOR EAST SUTHERLANDSHIRE.— 
From our old friend Mr. W. Baillie of Brora, to whom at 
various times we have been indebted for much assistance 
willingly rendered, we received a few specimens each of 
Limnea peregra and its var. lineata, *Planorbis nautileus, 
*Pl. spirorbts, *Pistdium fontinale, P. pusillum and _ var. 
obtusale, all from Loch Brora, collected on 17th October 
1892; and from Brora, the same date, the following land- 
shells: Cochlicopa lubrica, Balea perversa, Vitrina pelluceda, 
Pupa cylindracea (=umbilicata), *P. marginata, Hyalinia 
crystallina, 1, cellaria, H. pura, Helix arbustorum, H. caper- 
ata, and H. pygmea, the four species marked with the asterisk 
(*) being additional records. 


24. THE FAUNAL STATUS IN SCOTLAND OF NERITINA 
FLUVIATILIS AND PLANORBIS CARINATUS.—I have been in 
correspondence with Mrs. Carphin on this subject. She 
informs me that the former lives in abundance in Loch 
Stennis, Orkney, and that as to the latter the only Scottish 
locality given for it is the pond in the Botanic Garden at 
Edinburgh, which is full of imported plants. There can be 
no doubt whatever that P/lanorbzs carinatus is certainly not 
entitled to be ranked as a Scottish shell ; while with regard 
to the WVerztzna, it would be a matter of considerable interest 
to ascertain why it should be found in the Orkneys and 
nowhere else in the kingdom of Scotland. 


25. HELIX PYGM#A AND VERTIGO EDENTULA ADDED 
TO THE ELGINSHIRE LIST.—So much material has been 
placed before our referees from the county of Elgin by the 
kindness of the Rev. George Gordon, D.D., and Mr. William 
Evans, F.R.S.E., that it is not now an easy matter to add 
o the number of species that we have had the opportunity 
of seeing from it. Nevertheless, an examination of a collec- 
tion of specimens made by Mr. Evans so far back as August 
1891 (and which has been mislaid and only just turned up) 
adds a couple of molluscs to the list of authentications, which 
now amounts to 55 species. One of these is Helzx pygmeaa, 
a few examples of which were collected at Ballindalloch 
Castle, 15th August 1891, along with Hyalinza nitidula 
(one), H. alliaria (a few, small), H. crystallina (several), H. 


LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND 169 


pura var. margaritacea (a few), H. fulva (two), Vitrina pel- 
Jucida (one, small), and Carychium minimum (several). The 
second addition is Vertigo edentula from Cromdale, near Gran- 
town, a few of which were collected in August 1891 along with 
Vitrina pellucida (several), Hyalinia cellaria (one), H, atlliaria 
(a few), H. radiatula (a few), Cochlicopa lubrica (several), 
Limnea peregra (two), and Axcylus fluviatilis (one). 

26. SIX ADDITIONS TO THE BANFFSHIRE LIst.—The ex- 
amination of specimens collected by Mr. William Evans in 
Banffshire so long ago as August 1891, which I have had the 
misfortune to misplace, and which I have just found, brings 
under the notice of our referees as many as six species which 
they have not hitherto seen from Banff, and which bring its 
total list of species up to 32. An example of /yalinza 
radiatula is among a gathering made at Ballindalloch on the 
15th August 1891, which also includes an individual of 
Vitrina pellucida and several of Helzx rotundata and of 
Cochlicopa lubrica. The other five additions are Hyalinza fulva, 
H. glabra, H. pura var. margaritacea, Helix pygma@a, and 
Carychium minimum, of which a few specimens each were 
collected on the banks of the Avon above Ballindalloch, 
Banffshire, on the 25th August 1891, along with several 
FHyalinia crystallina, a few Vitrina pellucida, several Cochlicopa 
lubrica (both type and var. /ubrecozdes), and several Limnaa 
truncatula var. ventricosa. 

27. SHELLS FROM EASTERNESS.—I have to thank Mr. 
William Evans for an interesting series of shells collected 
during May of the present year at and near Aviemore, in the 
vice-county of Easterness, which includesas many as I I species 
which our referees have not hitherto seen from that vice- 
county. These are Hyalinza nitedula (one), Helix lamellata 
(one), HY. fusca (one, young), HY. rotundata (one), Vertigo 
edentula (one), Clausilia rugosa (one, small), Succinea putris 
(several, young), Lzmnea truncatula (one), Ancylus fluviatilts 
(a few), and a number of P2szdzum pustllum and P. fontinale 
(these two from Loch Phitinlais). Other shells sent at the 
same time were Cochlicopa lubrica (a few), Hyalinia fulva 
(one), HY. crystallina (several), H. radiatula, H. pura var. 
margaritacea (several), Ff. alliaria (several), and Vitrina 
pellucida (one); and they were accompanied by small 


170 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


examples of three slugs: Arion subfuscus (one), A. minimus 
(two), and Limar cinereo-niger (one, from Loch-an-Eilan). 
While recording these, I take the opportunity of mentioning 
several examples of Hyalinza alliarta and a few of Vitrina 
pellucida collected on the 12th of September 1891 at Nairn, 
which Mr. Evans has been good enough to allow us the sight 
of. The eleven additions now brought forward raise the 
total number of authentications for Easterness to 36 species. 


ON] SCOMMSE, DESMED IEA: 


By Joun Roy, LL.D. 
(Continued from p. 111.), 
PLATE IV. 


DESMIDIE: (Ke.), Dr Bary. 
DESMIDIUM (Ag.), De Bary. 
1. D. Aptogonum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Fife. 
PB Ehrenbergit, Rab.—Rare. | Aberdeen—pools beside 
Birsemore Loch ; Kincardine—near Banchory. 
D. cylindricum, Grev.—General. With zygospores, at Slew- 
drum in Birse. 
D. quadratum, Nordst.—Very rare. Aberdeen 
in Birse. 
4. D. Swarts, Ag.—General. With zygospores, at Tomachar, 
in Aberdeen. 
PB quadrangulatum, Ralfs—Rare. | Aberdeen—Scotston 
Moss (Mr. P. Grant and Dr. Dickie), Heughhead 
near Aboyne, Black Moss in Cromar, Braemar 
(Mr. W. West). 


HVALOTHECA, Kg. 
1. ff. adissiliens (Sm.), Breb.—General. 
B bidentula, Nordst—Common. 
y tridentula, Nordst.—Common. Zygospores are abundant. 
2. F7/. mucosa (Dillw.), Ehr.—Not common. Inverness, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Perth, Argyle. 
PB minor, n. var.—Very rare. Only half the usual diameter, 
g-12 p. Aberdeen—plentiful in a small pool at the 
west end of Birsemore Loch. 


N 


at Slewdrum 


ios) 


PLATE TV 


Awn. Scot. Nat. Hist 


09930, 
28800 


205940 
S20es0 Soo 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE 171 


3. Hf. undulata, Nordst.—Very rare. Aberdeen—in two pools 
immediately to the west and north of Loch Dawan. 

This species was detected in Sweden by Dr. Nordstedt in 
1878, and was published in No. 248 of Wittrock and 
Nordstedt’s “Alga Exsiccate.” It was first collected and 
identified as a new species about 1870 by Mr. W. Archer, 
F.R.S., in the west of Ireland ; and was sent to a few of his 
friends under the MS. name of /. ¢enuzs, but was not other- 
wise published, though a careful drawing was made at the 
time. We found it in Aberdeenshire in 1874, and after- 
wards in North Wales (Plate IV. fig. r). 


GYMNOZYGA, Ehr. 


G. moniliformis, Ehr. (= Bambusina Brebissonti, Kg. = Didymoprium 
Borrert, Ralfs.)—General. With zygospores, in Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Perth, and Argyle. 


SPOND YLOSIUM, Breb. 


S. pulchellum, Archer.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle. 
This species has been found distinctly stipitate, attached 
to species of Conferva. Mr. Archer drew my attention 
to this. 


SPHAROZOSMA, Corda. 


1. S. Archeri, Gutwinski (“Flora Glonéw Okolic Lwowa,” Tab. I. 
fig. 4, p. 29, 1891; Nordstedt in Witt. and Nord., “ Alg. 
Exsic.,” No. 967, 1889, under Spherozosma vertebratum 
(Breb.), Ralfs. Forma; and Nordstedt in “ Alg. Aq. Dulcis 
Exsic.,” Fascic. 21, p. 34, 1889.—Very rare. Aberdeen— 
pond at Tonley, near Alford, where it is abundant; and 
near Castleton, Braemar, where we first found it, very 
sparingly, in 1878. 

Nordstedt and Gutwinski think that probably this is the 
species Archer had in view as having a spiny zygospore. 
I scarcely think so, for he makes no mention of the two 
rows of granules on the semi-cell, which he was far too good 
an observer to miss. Biene’s form (Rabenh. “ Alg. Europ.,” 
No. 1769) is so completely shrunk, that no amount of coax- 
ing will show the true form of the cells; but no trace of 
granules can be seen on them. ‘The probability, therefore, 
is that his form and Archer’s are the same. 


172 


Ny 


wW 


. »S. secedens, De Bary.—Very rare. Aberdeen 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


S. excavatum, Ralfs.—General. Frequently conjugated, especi- 
ally among stones in the margins of streams. 
B Watllichit, Jacobs.—Probably not uncommon. _ Inver- 
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine. 
y Wallichtt has been observed on Deeside, and _ is 
probably common. 


S. granulatum, Roy and Bisset.—Widely distributed, but not 


common. Sutherland, Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, 
Forfar, Perth, Argyle. 


at Slewdrum in 
Birse, Loch Dawan, and Mosston Moor in Cromar. 


. S. vertebratum (Breb.), Ralfs.—Not common. Aberdeen, 


Kincardine, Forfar, Perth. 


ONYCHONEMA, Wallich. 


O. filiforme, Ehr. (Spherozosma, Aut.)\—Not common. Ross— 
near Strathpeffer ; Inverness—Lochs Ruthven, Aschie, and 
Coire, etc., near Brin; Aberdeen and Kincardine have 
numerous localities. 


. O. leve, Nord.—Extremely rare. Found once. Aberdeen— 


by the side of the old road from Aboyne to Kincardine 
O’Neil, about a mile from Aboyne. 
O. Nordstedtiana, Turner.—Not common. Probably occurs 


more frequently than its near relative O. filiforme ; but its 
separate distribution was not noted till recently. 


MICRASTERTIAS, Ag. 


. M. americana (Ehr.), Ag.—Rare. Aberdeen—Scotston Moor, 


Powlair, south of Birsemore, Slewdrum, Morven, Lochnagar, 
corrie of Loch Ceanmhor; Kincardine—Glen Dye and 
Clochnaben ; Forfar—Lundie Bog near Menmuir ; Perth— 
Glen Shee and Glas Maol. 
B Ralfs.— Very rare. Aberdeen— Corrie of Loch 
Ceanmhor; Kincardine—Crathes, and about Cam- 
mie in Strachan. 


. M. angulosa, Hantz.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 


ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle. 
Conjugated at Slewdrum on Deeside. Zygospore large, 
globose ; spines stout, bi-, tri-, and quadri-furcate at their 
apices, and not very numerous. Diameter, without spines, 
114-116 4; length of spine, 32 » (Plate IV. fig. 2). 


3. WM. conferta, Lundell.—Rare. Inverness—Glen Urquhart ; 


Aberdeen—Upper Powlair in Birse, Birsemore Loch and 
Dalwhing near Aboyne, pool north of Loch Dawan, and 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE 173 


marshes between Loch Kinord and Cambus-o’-May; Kin- 
cardine—Muiryhaugh and Dalbrake in Strachan; Argyle— 
in Glen Coe; Arran—in North Glen Sannox. 


4. MW. crenata, Breb.—Pretty common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran, Fife. 


5. M. Crux-Melitensis (Ehr.), Ralfs—-Rare. Aberdeen—Scotston 
Moor, Brimmond, Den of Gowner near Old Meldrum, 
Slewdrum, beside Birsemore Loch, Tomachar and Home- 
head in Cromar; Kincardine—somewhere near Cammie in 
Strachan ;; Forfar—Clova Tableland ; Perth—Durdie, near 
Perth. 

6. MW. denticulata, Breb.—General. 

B notata, Nordst.—Not uncommon. 
y angusto-sinuata, Gay.—Rare, or overlooked. Kirkcud- 
bright (Mr. W. West). 


7. M. fimbriata, Ralfs——Rare. Aberdeen—Scotston Moor, near 
Kintore, Presswhin, Loch Ullachie, near Ballater; Kincar- 
dine—near Bridge of Feugh; Forfar—Tannadice Curling 
Pond, marsh north-west from Menmuir Church. 

B spinosa, Bisset, n. var.—Very rare. 

Differs from the typical form in having a row of minute 
spines along each side of the principal sinuses, three or four 
close to the base of each semi-cell, and a row of about four 
under the base of the end lobe. Length, 210 yw; breadth, 
200 p.; isthmus, 25 » (Plate IV. fig. 3). Aberdeen—Slew- 
drum, Loch Ullachie and marsh west of it. 


8. MZ. Jenneri, Ralfs.—Not uncommon. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran. 


9. M. mucronata (Dixon), Rab.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, 
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran. 


10. MV. oscitans, Ralfs. 

This species was reported from Aberdeen by the late Mr. 
Peter Grant; but we have seen nothing in this country 
agreeing exactly with Ralfs’s drawings of it. From two 
localities—viz. the head of Glen Tannar, Aberdeen, and 
Balquhadly Hill, in Fern, Forfar, examples were seen which 
came near it, but they differed, essentially as I think, in the 
toothing of the lobes. 


11. M. papillifera, Breb.—General. Has been found with zygo- 
spores in Aberdeen near Dinnet ; and in Perth near Fowlis 
Wester. 


12. M. pinnatifida (Kg.), Ralfs.—General, but scarce. Forms simi- 
lar to those noted by Wallich and Elfving have been observed, 
particularly in a pool a little to the north of Loch Dawan. 


174 


12. 


14. 


ity 


16. 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


M. radiosa, .Ag.—¥Extremely rare. Aberdeen—Slewdrum, 
Aboyne, and Birsemore Lochs. 
PB ornata, Nordst.— Extremely rare. Inverness—near 
Brin; Aberdeen—Slewdrum, and near Craigendinnie 
Farm ; Kincardine—Scolty Dam. 


M. rotata (Grev.), Ralfs.—General. Conjugated examples with 
zygospores have been found in Aberdeen at Slewdrum, in 
Kincardine between Bishop’s Dam and Clochnaben, and in 
Forfar on Monroman Moor. 


M, Thomasiana, Archer.—Not very common. Ross, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Stirling, Dumbarton. 


M. truncata, Corda.—General and abundant. A variable species, 
of which several forms have been observed. One found in 
Glen Dye, in Kincardine, strongly suggested Nordstedt’s JZ 
adscendens. Unfortunately only one example was seen, 
several years ago. 


17." M. verrucosa, Bisset.—Rare. Figured and partially described by 


Wolle in the “ Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club,” pp. 
127-128, Tab. IJ. fig. ro, December 188s. 

Large, about one-fifth part longer than broad, with num- 
erous lobed or subgranulated prominences scattered over its 
surface, of which three at the base of the semi-cell close to 
the isthmus are larger than the others, and distinctly lobed ; 
usually there are four on each side of these, reaching close to 
the margin—these are smaller, and sometimes indistinct; there 
are usually about eighteen others,—four on the end lobe, five 
on the upper side lobes, and two on each of the basal lobes, 
—but these numbers are liable to vary ; the margin of the 
end lobe and upper side lobes resembles JZ angulosa, 
Hantz., while the margin of the basal lobes is nearer JZ 
denticulata, Breb.; the end view, owing to the numerous 
prominences, is very irregular. Cell very thin; membrane 
brownish. 

This very interesting species is related to JZ. angulosa, 
Hantz., in much the same way as JZ. denticulata, Breb., is to 
M. Thomasiana, Archer. It is not granulated in the ordinary 
sense; the prominences seem flattened, and their margins 
cut into rounded segments, similar to the stigma of a species 
of Poppy, only more deeply cut. Length, 210; breadth, 
r80p; isthmus, 29 (Plate IV. fig. 2). Aberdeen—Collie- 
ston, Bennachie, Powlair in Birse (where it was detected by 
Mr. Bisset in 1877), Slewdrum, ‘‘Old Road” Aboyne, beside 
Birsemore Loch, Moss of Logie, Morven, Dalbagie ; Kincar- 
dine—Crathes, pool north-west side of Kerloch. 


NO 


Ga 


Io. 


If. 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE 175 


EUASTRUM (Ehr.), Ralps. 


. Aboense, Elfy.—Rare, or overlooked. Aberdeen—on Ben 


Muich Dhui, above Loch Etchachan. 


. affine, Ralfs.—General, not abundant. 


. ampullaceum, Ralfs.—Not very common. Sutherland, Ross, 


Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, 
Arran, Fife. Conjugated with zygospores in Aberdeenshire, 
in moraine pools near Cambus-o’-May. ‘The zygospores 
are globular, with numerous short, conical, acute spines. 
Diameter without spines, 54-60 ~; length of spine 6.4 p. 


. ansatum, Ralfs—General and abundant. Vars. swblobatum 


and pyxidatum, Delponte, are common, but scarcely deserve 
special notice. Found conjugated with zygospores in 
Aberdeenshire, near Turriff, by Mr. W. Anderson. ‘They are 
globular, with numerous short, stout, abruptly sharp-pointed 
spines. Diameter without spines, 38.44; length of 
spine, 6.4 p. 


. binale (Turpin.), Ralfs—General and abundant. Extremely 


variable. The following forms from Ralfs are common, 
and seem pretty constant. Their zygospores are much 
wanted. 

(a) Forma ménuta, Lund. (Ralfs, “ Br. Des.,” t. xiv. 8a). 

(6) Forma (Ralfs, Zc. 84). 

(c) Forma (Ralfs, Zc. 8¢, 2). 

(d) Forma (Ralfs, Zc. 8¢), etc. 


. crassicolle, Lundell.—Rare. Ross—Poolewe ; Aberdeen— 


Presswhin and Bogwartle in Cromar, Colonel’s Bed in 
Glen Ey; Forfar—Canlochan ; Perth—Rannoch, Craig-an- 
Lochan ; Kirkcudbright—New Galloway. 


. crassum (Breb.), Lund.—General. 


. cuneatum, Jenner.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 


ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Arran, Kirkcud- 
bright. 


. declive, Reinsch.—Abundant. Zygospores are not uncom- 


mon. 


. denticulatum, Gay.—General. 


didelta, Ralfs.—General. With zygospores, at Dalwhing 
near Aboyne. ‘They are globular, very thick-walled ; spines 
not numerous, short, stout, and blunt. Diameter without 
spines, 73.6»; length of spine, 12.8 p. 


. divaricatum, Lundell.—Very rare. Argyle—in Glen Coe. 


176 


13: 


14. 


ris 


Tos 


72 


18. 


19. 


20. 


ot 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


elegans, Breb.—General. With zygospores, at Slewdrum. 
They are globular, with pretty numerous simple spines, taper- 
ing to an acute point. Diameter with spines, 64”; diameter 
without spines, 51.2 p. 

B. bidentatum, Nig.—Common. 


£. elobatum, Lundell.—Rare. Sutherland—Loch Inver; Ross— 


Poolewe ; Aberdeen-—Tonley and Tough, near Alford ; Kin- 
cardine—Cammie in Strachan; Perth—Glas Maol, Ben 
Chroin, and Craig-na-Lochan (Mr. W. West). 


. erosum, Lundell.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aber- 


deen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran. 


. gemmatum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 


ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth. 


. Aumerosum, Ralfs.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aber- 


deen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle. 


. ¢nerme (Ralfs), Lundell—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, 


Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, 
Arran. 


. insigne, Hassall—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 


ness, Banff, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, 
Arran, 


. 2nsulare, Wittr—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 


ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle. 


intermedium, Cleve.—Rare. Sutherland—Loch Inver : 
Ross—Poolewe ; Aberdeen—South Birsemore; Forfar— 
Glen Clova ; Perth—Arnbathie Loch ; Argyle—Glen Coe. 


- Lobulatum, Breb.—General, but usually occurs very sparingly. 


oblongum (Grev.), Ralfs.—General. With zygospores, in 
Aberdeen at Powlair in Birse. 


. pectinatum, Breb.—Very common. With zygospores, in 


Aberdeen at Slewdrum in Birse, and Dalbagie, near Ballater. 
PB brachylobum, Wittr.—Not so common. 


. pingue, Elfv. (Z. Armstrongianum, Archer’s MSS. )—Very 


rare. Aberdeen—near Cambus-o’-May; Forfar—in Glen 
Clova ; Argyle—in Glen Coe. 

This species was gathered by Mr. Archer in Connemara, 
and shown as a new species at the meeting of the Dublin 
Microscopical Club on 29th April 1870. A slight descrip- 
tion, without a name, appears in the club’s transactions of 
that date. 


26. £. pinnatum, Ralfs—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Aber- 


deen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle. 


27. 


28. 


20. 
20. 


No 


w 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE 177 


E. Pokornyanum, Grunow.—Extremely rare. Ross—Poolewe 
(Rev. D. Campbell). 


E. pulchellum, Breb.—Seems widely distributed, but occurs very 
sparingly. Sutherland, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, 
Perth, Argyle. 

E. rostratum, Ralfs——General, but scarce. 


E Sendtnerianum, Reinsch. 
B datius, n. var.—Extremely rare. 
Apices broader. Length, 43.2; breadth at base, 25.6, ; 
breadth at apex, 19.2 ps. 
Aberdeen, near Den of Maidencraig. 


. £. stnuosum, Lenorm.—Rare. Aberdeen—near Kintore, Upper 


Powlair, Birsemore Loch, South Birsemore, Dalbagie and 
Castleton ; Kincardine—Cammie, Curran, and Dalbrake in 
Strachan ; Perth—Glen Garry, Rannoch, and near Coilan- 
togle Ford. 


. £. sublobatum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 


ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle. 


. E. ventricosum, \Vandell—Not common. Sutherland, Inver- 


ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Perth, Argyle, Arran. 


E. verrucosum, Ehr.—General. 


STAURASTRUM (Meyen), Ralfs. 


S. acarides, Nordst.—Rare. Aberdeen—Craig Phiobaidh near 
Girnoc, corrie of Loch Ceanmhor; Forfar—Canlochan ; 
Stirling—Alva Glen. 

S. aculeatum, Ehr.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth. 


S. acutum, Breb.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth. 


S. alternans, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Fife. 


B. pulchrum, Wille.—Seemingly very rare. Perth—Glen 
Garry near Dalnacardoch. 


S. amenum, Hilse. 
Forma Sfetsbergensis, Nordst.—Not common. Sutherland, 
Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, 
Dumbarton, Bute. 


. S. anatinum, Cooke and Wills.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Slew- 


drum and Blair Glas, and between Loch Kinord and Cambus; 
Kincardine—near Curran in Strachan; Argyle—Glen Coe. 
This fine species was first detected in Connemara by - 


Vy), E 


178 


Io. 


Tipe. 


12. 


itp 


S, 


2S: 


S. 


=. 


S. 


saoe 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Mr. Archer, ‘about the year 1866. He sent it to me with 
beautiful drawings in 1874. In the following year he 
gathered it in Argyle, and we found it in Aberdeen. It is 
very local and rare in this country. 


. apiculatum, Breb.—General, but scarce. With zygospores, at 


Slewdrum in Aberdeen. 


. Arachne, Ralfs.—Distribution peculiar ; all but confined to 


Deeside, where it is not uncommon. Aberdeen—Upper Pow- 
lair, Slewdrum, Forest of Birse, near church of Birse, south 
of Birsemore, Craigendinnie, Steps, Glen Tannar, Dalwhing, 
Tomachar, Culblean, south of Loch Kinord, Dalbagie, Loch 
Ullachie, Castleton in Braemar, and Glen Clunie; Kincardine, 
—Nigg, Crathes, Curran; Argyle—Glen Coe. 


. Arctiscon (Ehr.), Ralfs.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Birsemore 


Loch and Dalbagie; Argyle—in Mull near Tobermory 
(1878). 

arcuatum, Nordst.— Very rare. Aberdeen—pool beside 
Loch Dawan, Dalbagie, and in Glen Clunie. 


aristiferum, KRalfs—Not common. Inverness, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Perth, Dumbarton. 


armigerum, Breb. (“ Liste,” 1856, S. pseudofurcigerum, Reinsch, 

“Acta Senckenb,” 1867, and “Die Algenflora,” 1867). 
Not common. Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, 
Perth, Stirling, Arran. 

With zygospores, at Heughhead, near Aboyne. They are 
globular, with numerous spines, which are broad at the base 
and taper to a fine, slightly bifid apex. Diameter, exclusive 
of spines, 41 y.; length of spine, 12 » (Plate IV. Fig. 12). 


. Arnelliz, Boldt. 


B tnornatum, n. var.—Extremely rare. The only difference 
consists in the granules being scattered. Aberdeen 
—near Alford (Mrs. Farquharson of Haughton). 
asperum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Fife. 


aversum, Lundell.—Very rare. Aberdeen—near Aboyne ; 
Kincardine—at Cammie. 
Avicula, Breb.—General. 

Zygospores have been seen in the Feugh, at Heughhead, 
Kincardine. (Plate IV. fig. 11 is probably a form of this 
species with zygospore. ) 
bacillare, Breb. 

B obesum, Lundell.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—in a 

small pool at the south end of Loch Dawan. 


19. 


20. 


tN 
LS) 


24. 


25. 


iS: 


Sy 


S. 


oS. 


S. 


3S: 


. bifidum (Ehr.), Breb.—Extremely rare. Ross 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA: 179 


bicorne, Hauptfl—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—north and 
west margins of Birsemore Loch. 


bidentatum, Wittr. (S. dongispinum, Lundell, not of Bailey). 
—Very rare. Argyle—Glen Coe (1878). 


Bienecanum, Rabenh.—Rare. Caithness—Loch Hempriggs ; 
Kincardine—Kerloch and Blackhall ; Forfar—Balquhadly in 
Fern. 
Forma Spetsbergense, Wille. — Very rare. Aberdeen— 
Lochnagar near the summit. 


at Poolewe 


(July 1889, Rev. D. Campbell). 


. botrophilum, Wolle.—Extremely rare. Inverness—on Cairn- 


gorm, at 3500 feet (Mr. A. I. M‘Connochie). 


. S. brachiatum (Ehr.), Breb.—Not uncommon. Ross, Inverness, 


Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran. 
With zygospores, in Kincardine—at Curran and Cloch- 
naben. 


. brachycerum (Ehr.), Breb.—Not common. Aberdeen, Kin- 


cardine, Forfar, Perth. 


. Braunii, Reinsch.—Very rare. Aberdeen—near Aboyne on 


the “Old Road.” 


. Brebissonit, Archer.—Not common. Ross, Aberdeen, and 


Kincardine, common; Forfar—Barrelwell near Brechin ; 
Perth—Hill of Alyth, Loch Lundie, and Birnam Hill; Fife 
—Tents Moor. 


brevispinum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Inverness, 
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth. 


Cerastes, Lundell.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—near Loch 
Dawan. 


. »S. cepsydra, Nordst.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—at Achnerran, 


in Logie-Coldstone. 


Clevet (St. deve, Ralfs; ( Clevez, Wittr.)—Very rare. Inver- 
ness—at Brin, and in Sieve near Loch Coruisk ; Argyle—Glen 
Goce; 


. coarctatum, Breb.—Very rare. Kincardine—at Cammie in 


Strachan. 


. connatum (St. dejectum, y connatum, Lund.)—General. 
. controversum, Breb.—General. 


cordatum, Gay.—Very rare. Inverness—near Brin (Mrs. 
Farquharson). 


. corniculatum, Lundell.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Bottomend 


and Heughhead, Aboyne. 


180 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


36. S. cornigersum, mr. sp.—Extremely rare. 


Small ; length and breadth equal ; semi-cells oval, diverging 
widely from the isthmus, which is broad ; sides with one 
simple or deeply cleft stout spine; end with about six small 
emarginate spines, and two rows of similar spines within the 
margin; end view triangular, with a stout spine at each 
angle, and about four small emarginate spines on the margin 
of the straight sides, and one row of similar spines within 
the margin. 

Length and breadth, 27 p, without side spines; isthmus, 
11 py; length of spine, 9 p (Plate IV. fig. 5). 

The nearest ally of this pretty species is S* AZaamense, 
Archer ; but the stout spines sufficiently distinguish it. Mr. 
Archer sent it from Connemara many years ago. 

Aberdeen—Blairglas, Logie-Coldstone (1878); Argyle— 
Glen Coe. 
cosmariotdes, Nord.—Extremely rare. Perth—Ben Chuirn 
(Mr. William West). 


. crenulatum (Nag.), Arch.—Pretty common. 
. cristatum (Nag.), Arch.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, 


Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Fife. 


. cuspidatum, Breb.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Banff, 


Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle. 

B divergens, Nord.—Occurs in many localities, but its 
distribution has not been noted. It is certainly 
common on Deeside. 

y coronulatum, Gutwinski.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen 
—Birsemore Loch. This looks like a distinct species. 


cyrtocerum, Breb.—Not common. Shetland, Sutherland, 
Ross, Inverness, Banff, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, 
Argyle. With zygospores, in Aberdeen, at Scotston. 


(To be continued.) 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 


The Gray Seal (Halicherus grypus) near Berwick-on-Tweed.— 


In the stake nets at Goswick Salmon Fishery, belonging to Sir 
William Crossman of Cheswick, and situated upon the North- 
umberland coast about six miles from the mouth of the Tweed, the 
first catch of the season 1893 was a seal, which was found in the 
nets on the evening of the 16th February. On the following day, 
when, on the invitation of Sir William, I paid a visit to Goswick, in 
company with Captain Norman, R.N., for the purpose of seeing a 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 181 


large flock of Wild Swans (Cyguus musicus) which had taken up 
their quarters there, we were shown the Seal at the fish-house, and 
the following dimensions were taken: Length, from tip of nose to 
end of hind flippers, 4 feet 5 inches; girth round chest in front of 
fore flippers, 2 feet 5 inches; the greatest girth being just 5 inches 
more, and that immediately behind the shoulders. ‘The weight, we 
were afterwards informed, was 74 stones of 14 lbs. ; and the seal was, 
as is usual, very fat. Of fur, properly speaking, there was none ; the 
only covering being a very short stiff hair, of rather scanty growth, 
and not much exceeding a quarter of an inch in length on the upper 
parts of the body, slightly longer and thicker below. ‘The hair 
presented a dirty white or washed-out appearance all over, and on 
the upper part of the neck and body had been almost entirely rubbed 
off, as was supposed, by the attempts of the animal to escape from 
the net. The skin thus bared was of a dark brown or almost black 
colour, with several apparently natural spots or rings of a lighter hue 
about the neck. The whiskers and bristles on the face were very 
strong and pretty numerous, but had also been much worn and 
broken. Being rather uncertain as to the species, I had the head 
cut off and forwarded to Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke a day or two later, 
when, from the dentition, he was able without doubt to pronounce 
the specimen to be a young example of A. grypus. Although since 
1841, when Selby recorded the Gray Seal as a not uncommon 
inhabitant of the Farne Islands, the species has been well known 
along the Northumberland coast, one is so rarely properly identified 
that this nbdtice may not be without interest, while the occurrence, 
though in England, is so near the Borders that perhaps no excuse 
is necessary for its insertion in the “ Annals.”—-GEoRGE Botan, 
Berwick-on-T weed. 


Golden Oriole (O7io/us galbula) in Orkney.—On the 2oth of 
May, at 6 p.m., I observed a specimen of this beautiful species at 
Lopness, Sanday. The bird was quite alone, and did not join the 
starlings and other birds which were near by. ‘The wind was from 
the south-east, a fresh breeze, with some fog occasionally, and had 
blown from that quarter for about a week. As this species has no 
place in Messrs. Buckley and Harvie-Brown’s Fauna of Orkney, it 
is probably an addition to the avifauna of the islands\—Wmn. Harvey, 
Sanday. 

Nesting of the Snow Bunting (/lectrophanes nivalis) in the 
Eastern Cairngorms.—On 2nd June, while traversing the bare, stony 
top overlooking a steep rocky corrie in one of the highest parts of 
this range, we observed a male Snow Bunting in beautiful summer 
plumage sitting on a stone a few feet from us and apparently quite 
unconscious of our presence. On moving nearer, he flew off, and 
the female was seen creeping amongst the stones close by. From the 
motions of the birds, we felt certain that the nest was not far off; 


182 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


but two successive spells of ‘‘lying-up” failed to reveal its position, 
nor indeed did we again see the female bird. The next day we 
revisited the spot, but saw nothing of either of the birds, and spent 
some time in fruitlessly tapping and turning over the loose stones in 
the vicinity, with the hope of putting the female off the nest. On 
returning in the evening, the male was seen on the point of a rock 
a little way down the steep scree-face of the corrie, and just below 
the point where he was first observed. He was singing beautifully, 
and continued his song while under observation from a distance of a 
few feet. ‘The female was still invisible, and our chances of finding the 
nest, owing to the difficulty of driving her out from among such 
a chaos of loose blocks, seemed almost hopeless. The morning of 
the 5th, however, saw us back again, accompanied by Captain and Mrs. 
Savile Reid, Mr. St. Quintin, and Mr. Ogilvie Grant of the British 
Museum. No sooner had we reached the edge of the corrie than 
the female was seen a little distance below flitting amongst the 
stones. ‘Taking up our position in line along the face, we had only 
to wait ten minutes before the bird was observed to slip in under 
a rock by one of the writers ; the spot was marked, and we knew the 
nest was ours. ‘Twenty feet or so below the brow of the corrie, and 
at an elevation of 3700 feet above sea-level, the nest was placed 
about 18 inches in amongst the loose granite blocks forming the 
scree, in a position almost exactly similar to that of the nest taken 
by one of us in Sutherland in 1886. The eggs, five in number, 
were perfectly fresh, and the nest was composed chiefly of dry bents, 
with a foundation of moss, and lined with innumerable hairs of the 
red deer and a few white ptarmigan feathers. LIoNEL W. HINXMAN, 
W. EAGLE CLARKE, 


The Red-backed Shrike (Zanius collurio) nesting in Lanark- 
shire.—In going over the collection of eggs of Mr. J. Harkness, 
Cambuslang, a few months since, I was much pleased to have my 
attention drawn to the eggs of the Red-backed Shrike, taken at Hall- 
side, near Cambuslang, in the nesting season of 1892. Mr. Hark- 
ness, while employed at the steel-works at Newton, had a message 
sent to him on the afternoon of the 22nd of May by Mr. George 
Jardine, son of the proprietor of Hallside, to the effect that he had 
discovered a nest of the Red-backed Shrike, with eggs, there. Mr. 
Harkness went to Hallside that evening, and found the nest placed 
in a hawthorn hedge about five feet from the ground. It contained 
six eggs, which were all taken. Two of these were exhibited at the 
April meeting of the Andersonian Naturalists’ Society. Mr. Harkness 
informs me that both birds were frequently seen by him and by Mr. 
Jardine. So far, their return has been looked for this year without 
result. I have been unable to learn of any previous record of this 
species nesting in Scotland, although Gray mentions some circum- 
stances which point to this having happened ; but perhaps the editors 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 183 


of the “Annals” may be able to give some information on the 
subject. — JOHN PATERSON, Govanhill. 

[This species is said to have nested in the South-Eastern districts 
of Scotland. On the West it is only to be regarded as very rare; and 
we do not remember, at the moment, an authentic instance of its 
having nested there.—Ebs. | 


Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) and Caterpillars.—It would be 
interesting to know whether in other places a much larger number of 
Cuckoos than usual have been noticed, or whether this place has been 
specially favoured by a convocation of these birds. In ordinary years 
we usually see a solitary Cuckoo several times in the season, and 
hear them in the ordinary way; but this spring the walled garden 
which adjoins the house, and the woods round the house, have for 
above a week been absolutely alive with them. On the 22nd of 
May, I noticed an extraordinary number of these birds, and was 
surprised at the free way in which they showed themselves. As 
many as three or four would fly up from among the fruit bushes in 
the garden. One evening, between 8 and g p.m., we frightened as 
many as six of these birds from the garden ; while the trees round the 
house seemed full of others cuckooing loudly. The convocation 
seems dispersing now. Whether the severe measures the gardener is 
taking to get rid of a perfect plague of Caterpillars in the gooseberry 
bushes has brought this about, I do not know, but certainly since 
he gave the bushes a dressing of black-soap and water and _ paraffin 
a few nights ago, our Cuckoos have not been so much in the garden. 
—E. L. Macpowatt, Lochwinnoch. 


The Merlin (falco esalon) as an enemy of the Vole.—In his 
evidence before the Commission on the Vole Plague, one of the 
witnesses states that the Merlin did not prey on Voles. That it does 
so, when it has the opportunity, is shown by the fact that two Voles 
newly killed were found lying at the margin of a nest of this bird 
on the Pentland Hills, which contained young.—T. G. LarpLaw, 
Edinburgh. 


Quail in Mid-Lothian (Co¢urnix communis).—I had the pleasure 
of hearing two birds on the afternoon of Thursday, 18th May. ‘The 
first was in a rye-grass field on the farm of Loanhead, which hes to 
the east of the village of Pathhead. ‘The other, which was also in 
rye-grass, was on the farm of Remote, which lies to the east of, and 
adjoins the first-named farm. ‘The birds were nearly half a mile 
apart ; but I could hear both calling at intervals, while walking from 
the one field to the other. I was close to both birds, but thought 
it prudent not to disturb them. Mr. T. N. M‘Dowall, farmer, 
Remote, who was accompanying me, informed me that he had, for 
a time previously, heard birds on his own and adjoining farms. 
Remote is near the East Lothian boundary.—P. Apair, Edinburgh. 


184 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Fulmar Petrel (/w/marus glacialis) breeding in Papa Stour, 
Shetland.—It may be interesting to place on record the fact that 
thirty pairs of Fulmars had nests on the south-westerly face of the 
Horn of Papa Stour in 1892. Hitherto, I believe, its only Shetland 
nesting resort has been Foula.—ADELAIDE L. TRaAILL, Edinburgh. 


The Palmated Newt (JZolge palmata) in Inverness-shire.— 
Following up my note on this species in the “Annals” for April 
last (p. 118), I have now to record it from Inverness-shire, where I 
found it in May last in some abundance in a pool close to Aviemore, 
and also at Loch Vaa, about three miles distant—WILLIAM Evans, 
Edinburgh. 


Scottish Newts Wanted.—I shall be glad to receive specimens 
of Newts, for examination, from all parts of Scotland, with the view 
to working out the distribution of the species. All co-operation 
will be duly acknowledged. ‘They travel well alive in a little damp 
moss. —WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, Museum of Science and Art, 
Edinburgh. 


On Nezera cuspidata (Olivi) and Odostomia rufa (Philippi), var. 
fulvo-eineta, in the Firth of Forth.—These two species have already 
been recorded for the Forth Estuary, but are apparently rare ; and 
this report of their recent occurrence may therefore be of interest. 
On the 14th of April last, we were trawling a few miles (6 to 8) 
east of May Island, in 31 to 32 fathoms of water (ordinary spring 
tides), when, owing to a slight accident, the bottom tow-net when 
hauled up was found to contain a considerable quantity of muddy 
sand ; this sand was casually examined when collected, but appeared 
to include little of anything that was of special interest. It was 
nevertheless carefully washed, and when afterwards an opportunity 
occurred for looking over the material, several interesting things 
were obtained, among which were fefalomera declivis, G. O. Sars, 
and Campylaspis rubicunda, Lilljeborg,—two Crustaceans that have 
been only lately added to the British fauna, and the two species of 
Mollusca now referred to. 

Neera cuspidata is recorded in Leslie and Herdman’s useful 
little work on the ‘Invertebrate Fauna of the Firth of Forth,” on 
the authority of Thomas, as occurring off Port Seaton and Fidra, in 
17 fathoms. In the same work reference is also made to Firth of 
Forth records in Forbes and Hanley’s ‘ British Mollusca,” and in 
Dr. M‘Bain’s Catalogue (in Wood’s *‘ East Neuk of Fife”); but there 
appears to be no record of its occurrence in the Forth Estuary 
within recent years. ‘Though apparently a widely distributed species, 
there are comparatively few reports of its occurrence on the east of 
Scotland. Macgillivray has reported it from the Aberdeenshire 
coast, and I have it from the Moray Firth. The Moray Firth 
specimen is smaller even than that from the mouth of the Forth 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 185 


Estuary. Both the Firth of Forth and the Moray Firth specimens 
were alive when captured. 

Odostomia rufa (Philippi), var. vufa-cincta, was first recorded 
for the Forth by Professor Henderson in the “ Proceedings of the 
Royal Physical Society, Edinburgh,” vol. vill. p. 313 (1884-85). 
He obtained one living, and several dead specimens somewhere 
west of May Island, in 20 fathoms. Our specimens occurred, as 
already stated, in the same material with the Veera ; a few living 
specimens were secured, all marked with the characteristic rufous 
band.—TuHomas Scott, Leith. 


The Water Spider (47eyroneta aquatica) in Inverness-shire.— 
On ro9th May last I captured about a dozen examples of this fine Spider 
among sphagnum, growing in pools by Loch Phitiulais, near Aviemore. 
The fact is interesting, inasmuch as it carries the distribution of the 
species much farther north in central Scotland than hitherto ascer- 
tained ; the only Scotch habitats on record, so far as I know, being 
Luffness and Balerno near Edinburgh, Possil Marsh, Glasgow, and 
Scotston Moor, near Aberdeen. No doubt, when carefully looked 
for in suitable localities, it will be found to have a much more general 
distribution than we are at present aware of.—WILLIAM EVANs, 
Edinburgh. 

Notes on Forth Annelida.—The Forth Annelids appear to have 
received less attention than several of the other invertebrate groups. 
This neglect is perhaps partly due to a certain feeling of repugnance 
with which many people look upon these animals; yet when this 
feeling can be overcome, the study of the Annelida is found to be 
exceedingly interesting. 

The curious Zzneuvs marinus, Mont. = Wemertes borlasit, Cuv., 
though comparatively a common species, has not, so far as I can 
ascertain, been recorded for the Forth. We occasionally obtain 
specimens of this species measuring several yards in length; yet 
these, though large, are but pigmies in comparison with the giant 
described by Professor M‘Intosh in his valuable ‘“‘ Monograph of the 
British Annelides.” This specimen had been cast ashore at St. 
Andrews during a severe storm in 1864; and when put into a jar 8 
inches wide by 5 inches deep, it half filled the vessel. At page 183, 
part 1., of the work referred to, Professor M‘Intosh thus describes the 
length of the specimen: ‘‘ Thirty yards,” he says, ‘“‘ were measured 
without rupture, and yet the mass was not half uncoiled.” We 
usually obtain Zinews marinus about the roots of tangles, among 
which it winds itself in apparently inextricable confusion. 

Ammotrypane aiulogaster, Rathke.—The only Forth record of 
this species seems to be that contained in the report of the German 
North Sea Expedition, where it is recorded by Professor Mobius from 
the vicinity of the Bass Rock. We find Ammotrypane all over the 
Forth where there is a muddy bottom, which seems to be the kind 


186 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


of habitat it prefers. It is also sometimes obtained by us in the 
stomachs of fishes, z.c. haddocks, etc. (a specimen was obtained in 
the stomach of a haddock captured in the Firth on the 3oth ult.) 
We are indebted to Professor M‘Intosh for the name of this species. 
—TnHomas Scott, Leith. 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS. 


Alehemilla vulgaris, Z.—I have been much interested in the 
translation from A. Kerner, and also in the remarks by Mr. Druce 
himself on this plant and its forms. It is one to which I have 
paid some heed, being struck with what appear to me to be two 
low country forms, and two distinct alpine forms. 

ist. We have A. vulgaris, eu., almost glabrous, common by the 
moist waysides and in shady places. This is a strong-growing plant, 
with the largest leaves on the stem near the roots. The whole 
plant is of light green colour. 

2nd. We have a form, common in similar, but dry situations. 
It is of a more recent state of growth, with long brown hairs; but 
otherwise appears to be the same plant. I have always taken this 
to be A. montana, Willd. 

3rd. We have on moist rocky ledges at considerable elevations, 
and beside mountain rivulets, a plant that seems to come very near 
A. glabra of Wimmer and Grabowski. It has long, smooth, and 
shining petioles, generally of a ruby colour, The leaves are much 
thinner than in either of the preceding, and their colour is light 
green when the plant grows at about 2500 feet. The parts of this 
plant are often larger than are those of the other forms; and, as 
a rule, the largest stem-leaves are about the middle of the stem. 

I sent this form to Mr. Bennett some years ago, but he returned 
it as A. vulgaris, L.; for my own part I have always pointed it out 
on the hill as 4. vulgaris, L., var. alpina? I have now got a name 
that pleases me far better, viz. 4. e/abrata? 

4th. We have that small form, with short grayish pubescence, 
which is common on mountain sides, and grows almost to the top 
of our highest mountains. 

It is possible that the difference in these forms is entirely due to 
situation ; but, when extreme forms are compared, it is somewhat 
difficult to admit this. 

Should the opportunity occur I will collect these forms and send 
out sets of them to one or two of my friends, as well as to Mr. 
Druce. 

The late Professor Balfour told me that a plant of A. alpina 
had become A. conjuncta after a few years’ cultivation in the 
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens. I put a plant from Ben Lawers into 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 187 


a rockery at home twenty-three years ago. It was in every way typical 
alpina last year. I have had at Uddingston a/pzma and vulgaris 
- growing side by side, and often intermixed with each other, for eight 
years, in the hope of getting conjuncta by self cross-fertilisation. I 
get many zzlgar?’s seedlings, but no a/pina seedlings, and nothing 
approaching conjuncta. 

Although this shows very clearly what decision I ought to come 
to in the matter, I hear so often of this plant changing under 
cultivation, that I am not perfectly sure if it does not under certain 
conditions. I have a specimen of comjuncta in my herbarium that 
was taken from Ben Lawers by Provost Smith of Kinghorn, many 
years ago, as a souvenir of his first trip to that mountain, Now if 
he took a/fina, and no other person substituted conjuncta for it, 
alpina in this case must have changed into conjuncta; but as 
conjuncta is such a common garden hardy herbaceous plant, it is 
just possible that in this case also the change is very much due to 
the gardener. 

I will believe in the change when I see some of my own plants 
changing.—P. EwIne. 

Orchids and Rooks.—There is a piece of undulating moor about 
three miles from Aberdeen, dear to the botanists of that city, under the 
name of Scotston Moor. On this some years ago various species of 
Orchids abounded, including Orchis maculata, O. latifolia, Habenaria 
Conopsea, and Havenaria bifolia, all plentiful. For a number of years 
the Orchids showed no sign of diminishing; nor did they appear to 
suffer from the attacks of any animal. But during a severe winter 
eight or ten years since the rooks, much straitened for food, turned 
to the Orchids and dug out and ate the tubers. On several days 
during that winter, and in the succeeding spring, I observed the 
rooks in large numbers scattered over the surface of the moor, hard 
at work, and I was able to convince myself of the object of their 
search. ‘The ground was full of holes made by them. Next summer 
the Orchids named above had almost disappeared from their old 
haunts, showing the damage done to them by the birds. The raid 
has not been repeated, probably owing to the tubers being too few to 
offer much inducement to seek them out; and the Orchids are 
slowly regaining ground ; but it will apparently be some time before 
the damage is wholly repaired.—JAmes W. H. TRaIL. 


Sundews and Butterflies.—On the same moorland I was once 
witness to a somewhat striking reversal of the usual law that animals 
feed on plants. On a swamp not exceeding ten yards across, on 
which Drosera anglica was growing rather freely, one summer day I 
noticed upwards of a dozen of the Small Heath Butterfly (Cenxonvmpha 
Pamphilus) on the leaves. Some were dead; others were still struggling 
violently. All were caught by the head, thorax, and legs, and seemed 
quite powerless to tree themselves. I have only once or twice seen 


188 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


these butterflies captured on other occasions by sundews. One 
might well suppose they are too large to fall easy victims. On the 
occasion referred to, I saw nothing that could explain the large 
number captured ; nor were the insects at all more numerous than 
usual on the moor, either at the spot or elsewhere.—ID. 


New Scottish Hawkweeds.—In a paper on “ British Hawk- 
weeds” by Messrs. E. F. and W. R. Linton, of which two instalments 
have appeared in the /owrnal of Botany (May and June), several 
new “species” and ‘‘varieties” are named and described, and 
numerous additions are made to previous county records. Almost 
all the plants noticed in the paper are from Scotland. The new 
forms are: 7 graniticolum, n. sp., from Corrie Etchachan, under 
Ben Muic Dhui; % c/ovense, n. sp., fairly abundant in Clova from 500 
to 2000 feet above the sea, also in Canness and at Cairnwell ; 
fT, bifidum, Kit., var. nov. sémuwatum, W. R. Linton, near the fall of 
Unich Water, above Loch Lee in Forfarshire ; AZ. Pictorum, Linton, 
var. nov. dasythrix, from Corrie Ardran, in Mid-Perth ; 7. Boszweddit, 
n. sp., from near Kirkwall in Orkney, the Strath of Dunbeath in 
Caithness, several localities in Skye, and Meall-nan-Tarmachan and 
near Killin in Mid-Perth ; 77 cesium, Fr., var. nov. petrocharis, from 
the Breadalbane Hills; A. ewprepes, Hanbury, var. nov. glabratum, 
from Clova district, and from three localities in Mid-Perth; /. 
stenophyes, n. sp., from Bettyhill in Sutherland, from Mid-Perth, from 
Dumbarton, and from near Moffat. 


Experimental researehes on the Life-history of Uredineze.— 
Dr. Plowright has published in “Grevillea” (June) the results of 
experiments on certain forms of hetercecismal fungi, of some of 
which a brief account has already appeared in the ‘ Gardener’s 
Chronicle.” He finds that 4cidium Periclyment, Schum., on honey- 
suckle produces a Pucctnta on Festuca ovina and on F. duriuscula, 
but not on other grasses, and that, conversely, the spores of this 
Puccinia produce only &£cidium FPericlyment. He describes the 
cycle under the name Puccinia Festuce. He has worked out similar 
relations between “£cidium Aquilegig, Pers., and a Puccinia on 
Agrostis alba and A. vulgaris, and describes the cycle under the 
name Puccinia Agrostidis. 

He has established a similar cycle between Uvomyces lineolatus, 
Desmaz., on Scirpus maritimus and Asctdium Glaucis on Glaux 
maritima. 


Uredinez in Scotland.—In reference to Dr. Plowright’s results 
as stated in the above paragraph, it may be of interest to mention 
that £cidium Periclyment is common in many localities in Scotland, 
and that 4c, Aguilegie has been found near Ballater. I have also 
examples of Festuca ovina and of Agrostis alba, both bearing uredo 
and teleutospores of Puccinia, found by myself in Aberdeenshire, 


CURRENT LITERATURE 189 


but not in either case in the vicinity of the respective <cidva. 
Scirpus maritimus and Glaux maritima grow in close proximity on 
the Links near Old Aberdeen; but I have not detected any fungus 
of this group on either, despite frequent searches.—James W. H. 
TRAIL, 


CURRENT LITERATURE. 


The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His- 
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—April-June 1893. 


The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as 
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and 
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the 
sources of information undermentioned. ] 


ZOOLOGY. 


A CaTALOGUE OF LocaL Lists OF BRITISH MAMMALS, REPTILES, 
AND FISHES, ARRANGED UNDER Counties. By Miller Christy, 
F.L.S. Zoologist (3), vol. xvii. pp. 209-216 (June 1893).—The 
present instalment deals with the Mammals of Scotland. 

THE PLAGUE OF FIELD VOLES IN SCOTLAND. REPORT OF THE 
COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Zoologist 
(3), vol. xvii. pp. 121-138 (April 1893). 

ORNITHOLOGICAL Notes. By George Bolam. Proc. Berwick- 
shire Nat. Club, vol. xiii. pp. 345-368.—Notes on forty-eight species, 
including Waxwing, Pied Flycatcher, Hawfinch, Hoopoe, Hen 
Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Smew, Spotted Crake, Great Skua, Red- 
necked Grebe. 

WASTE GROUND AND SUBURBAN Birp Lire. By John Paterson. 
Ann. Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 118-127.—Forty-nine species 
of birds observed in a small area within the present boundaries of 
the city of Glasgow. 


Waxwinc IN CaltTHNEss. Zoologist (3), vol. xvil. p. 148 (April 
1893).—Specimen captured in February near Rosebank by Mr. 
John Malcolm, Wick. 


Tue RETURN OF THE SWALLOW. By Hugh Boyd Watt. <Azn. 
Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. $3-88.—-Includes an addendum 
by Mr. John Maxwell, on p. 88, giving dates of arrival of Swallows 
at Baillieston House, Lanarkshire, from 1855 to 1892 inclusive. 


Woopcock NESTING IN Marcu. E. J. W. Wood. Zhe field, 
tst April 1893, p. 470.—Nest with four eggs found 21st March in 
Islay. 

RuFF IN THE IsLAND OF Lewis. R. Walters. Zhe Field, 


r1th March 1893, p. 376.—Specimen shot in the first week of Sep- 
tember 1892. 


190 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


THE GADWALL IN SCOTLAND. H. A. Macpherson. Zoologist 
(3), vol. xvii. p. 153 (April 1893).—Bird shot in December 1892, in 
the neighbourhood of the Moray Firth. 

ON SOME NEW REPTILES FROM THE ELGIN SANDSTONE. By 
E. T. Newton, F.G.S. (From Pyoc. Roy. Soc., vol. 52).—Notice 
given in Geol, Mag. N. S., Dec. III., vol. x. p. 173 (April 1893). 


CaPTURE OF LarRGE Cop. G.M. The Field, 1st April 1893, 
p. 470.—Cod landed at Hopeman, in the Moray Firth, measuring 
4 ft. 4 in., and weighing 72 lbs.; and two others landed at Aberdeen, 
weighing 52 lbs. and 58 lbs. respectively. 


A LarcE Hauisut. J. 8. M. Zhe Meld, 15th April 1893, 
p- 572.—Specimen landed on the 6th April at Stromness, Orkney, 
measuring 6 ft. ro ins, in length, and weighing 245 lbs. 


E1cG SHELLS: ADDITIONAL NOTES ON THE LAND AND FRESH- 
WATER MOLLUSCA OF THE ISLAND OF Eicc. By the Rev. John 
M‘Murtrie, D.D. Journ. of Conchology, vol. vii. pp. 189-191 (April 
1893).—Ten species and two or three varieties added to the record 
for the island. 


COLEOPTERA AT THURSO, 1892. Alfred Thornley. zz. Mo. 
Mag. (1), vol. iv. p. 142 (June 1893).—Numerous records given for 
the shore between Thurso and Scrabster, tarns on Holborn Head 
and Dunnet Head, and the sandhills at Castletown. 


Wasps AND WASP-NEST BEETLES IN SCOTLAND. A. J. Chitty. 
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. iv. p. 91 (April 1893).—Notes made last 
autumn on the nests of Vespa norvegica (britannica), silvestris, and 
rufa. (Quedius puncticollis, Cryptophagus pubescens, Megacronus 
analis, and Lathridius minutus taken in or near the nest of Vespa 
vulgaris. 

A NEW VARIETY OF TELEPHORUS FIGURATUS. A. J. Chitty. 
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. iv. p. 143 (June 1893).—Description given 
of specimens from Ben Cruachan, previously recorded as T. elong- 
atus, but now named var. cruachanus. 


EARLY SWARMING OF BeEgEs. B. B. Bantock. Zhe Field, ist 
April 1893, p. 470.—A hive of, bees threw off a swarm on 25th 
March at New Galloway. 


LEPIDOPTERA OF THE SHETLAND IsLanps._ By Richard South. 
Entomologist, vol. xxvi. pp. 98-102 (April 1893).—Upwards of sixty 
species are recorded. 

List OF LEPIDOPTERA OF ABERDEENSHIRE AND KINCARDINE- 
SHIRE. William Reid. Avitish Naturalist, part xxv. (January 1893), 
pp. 8-10.—Tortrices. 


NoTES ON COLLECTING, ETC.—ABERDEEN. A. Horne. £7xz¢. 
Record, vol. iv. p. 154 (May 1893).—Cidaria suffumata, var. piceata, 


CURRENT LITERATURE I9I 


Euchloé cardamines, Macroglossa bombyliformis, Viminia meny- 
anthidis, and V. myricz taken between 12th April and rst May. 


NOTE ON RETINIA DUPLANA, Hb. WW. H. B. Fletcher. £77. 
Mo. Mag. (2), vol. iv. p. 114 (May 1893).—The note refers to 
specimens taken at Forres in 1891 by the Messrs. Salvage. 


PERONEA PERPLEXANA, BT., NEAR GLascow. James J. F. X. 
King. xt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. iv. p. 140 (June 1893). Several 
specimens taken at Cadder Wilderness and Mugdock Woods, near 


Glasgow, and one specimen on the Mouse Water, Cleghorn, near 
Lanark. 


HEMIPTERA, HETEROPTERA, AND HOMOPTERA COLLECTED IN 
PERTH District, 1892. T. M. M‘Gregor. LZnz. Mo. Mag. (2), 
vol. iv. p. 92 (April 1893).—Fifty-three species are recorded. 


SHETLAND Diptera. C. W. Dale. xt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. iv. 
p. 93 (April 1893).—A list of fifty-four species given, collected in 
June 1890. 


BOTANY. 


First ReEcorps oF BritisH FLOWERING PLANTS (continued). 
By William A. Clarke, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., May.—The only 
records from Scotland are J/yrrhis odorata, Scop., noted by Light- 
foot in 1777 as “frequent, but always near houses,” and Zigusti- 
cum scoticum, 1. first mentioned by Sibbald in 1684. 


New LOCALITIES FOR SOME RARE BORDER PLANTS. By John 
Anderson. fist. Ber. Nat. Club, 1891, p. 386.—The plants 
are Linnea borealis, Gatium mollugo, and Llaphomyces granulatus, 
Fries. 


REMARKS ON SOME NEw LOCALITIES FOR RaRE PLants. By 

J. Hardy. Ast. Ber. Nat. Club, 1891, pp. 410-411.—The 
plants referred to are AZttium effusum, Nuphar minima, Lathrea 
sguamaria, Linnea borealis, Pyrola minor, Linaria minor, Cheno- 
podium polyspermum, Lepidium Draba, Cetrarta sepincola, and Sguam- 
arta gelida. 


JeD Forest. By Walter Laidlaw. ist, Ber. Nat. Club, 1891, 
PP. 393-394.—Gives measurements of several of the largest trees. 


List OF CULTIVATED PLANTS AND SHRUBS GROWN AT CARHAM 
Hatt. By Mrs. Hodgson Huntley. er. Wat. Hist. Club, 1891, 
PP. 387-389. 

BritisH HAwKWEEDs. By Edward F. Linton, M.A., and W. R. 
Linton, M.A. Journ. Lot., May, pp. 145-149, ane pp. fae 182.— 
Ae plants referred to or described in this paper were chiefly 
collected in Aberdeenshire, Forfarshire, Mid-Perth, and Dumfries- 


192 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


shire. Numerous-new county records are given; and several new 
forms receive names as new species or varieties. (See ‘‘ Notes and 
News.”) 


Notes on ScorcH FRESHWATER ALG (with one plate, No. 
333). By William West, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., April.—The materials 
employed in the preparation of this paper were collected on several 
of the mountains of Perthshire and Forfarshire, in New Galloway, and 
in the Orkney Islands. It includes a number of forms not previously 
recorded as British, and the following new to science: Gdogonium 
Itzigsohnit, De Bary, var. nov. minor, var. nov. from Orkney; Oocysézs 
spiculata, sp. n., from Orkney; and 77ochiscia paucispinosa, N. Sp., 
from Ben Lawers. 


New or CriticaAL British Atc#. By E. A. L. Batters, 
B:A., etc. Gyvevillea, June.—The following are recorded from 
Scotland: Cladophora crossani, Ktz., dredged in Lamlash Bay in 
four to five fathoms of water ; //aplospora globosa, Kjellm., gathered 
by Mr. G. Brebner near the Lion Rock, Cumbrae; £ctocarpus 
tomentosoides, Farlow, recently found at Weymouth, but new to Scot- 
land, from the estuary of the Clyde, also found by Mr. Brebner. 


LANARKSHIRE RAMBLES. By Robert Turner. Ann. Andersonian 
Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 1-17.—A paper dealing with the Botany of 
Clydesdale. 


RECORDS OF EXCURSIONS IN RENFREWSHIRE. By John Paterson. 
Ann. Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 18-45.—Notes on the Botany 
of the parishes of Cathcart, Eastwood, Neilston, Paisley, Renfrew, 
Inchinnan, Erskine, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch, Kilmalcolm, Houston 
and Kilallan, Port-Glasgow and Inverkip. 


RARER FLOWERS OF East RENFREWSHIRE. By John Wood. 
Ann. Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 46-54. 


REcoRDS oF Excursions To LocH LoMonpDsIDE. By John 
Paterson. Ann. Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 55-65.—Notes 
on the Botany of the Luss District, Buchanan Castle and District, 
Arrochar, and Balloch Castle. 


THE FLORA OF STIRLING AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD. By 
Johnston Shearer. Ann. Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 66-70. 


ALPINE ExcuRSIONS TO CAM CHREAG AND BEINN DOIREANN. 
By E. Raymond Burden. <Azn. Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp: 
71-77.—Fifty-three species of plants recorded. 


ON THE FERTILISATION OF THE LaRcH. By Rev. A. S. Wilson, 
M.A., B.Sc. Ann. Andersonian Nat, Soc., 1893, pp. 78-82. 


Scorch Names oF NativE WILD FLowerRs. By John Wood. 
Ann, Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 89-103. 


The Annals 


of 
Scottish Natural History 


No. 8] Le.o3 [OCTOBER 


NOTES ON THE DISAPPEARANCE (OB sii 
SHORT-TAILED® FIELD VOLE Gee erA 
AGRESTIS), AND ON SOME OF Ti Er ER Gis 
OF THE VISTVAGION: 


By PETER ADAIR. 


LITTLE more than twelve months ago, the plague of voles 
had reached the maximum of its virulence over a wide area 
of the districts affected. By the summer of the present year, 
it had ceased. 

This paper is based on particulars of a general character, 
and applicable to the greater part of the infested area, which 
have been obtained from the district extending from the top 
of Teviot on the east to the hills of Galloway on the west ; 
and upon special information obtained from farmers and 
shepherds in that area, in reply to questions submitted to 
them ; and from personal visits to the Selkirkshire district. 
The farms from which particulars have been got embrace, on 
an estimate, 70,000 acres. 

In dealing with the advent and disappearance of the 
animal, it may be stated that an increase began to be observed 
in the infested area for some years before 1890. By the 
Autumn of 1890, the numbers on certain farms, chiefly 

8 B 


194 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


situated on the upper part of the watersheds of the suffering 
counties, had assumed formidable dimensions. During 1891, 
the pastures on these farms were being destroyed. By the 
end of the same year, the greater part of the whole remaining 
affected area was suffering seriously. The numbers of the 
destroying rodent, as a rule, reached their highest point in the 
summer of 1892. In the autumn of that year, they began 
to decrease steadily; and by August last they had disappeared. 
It is proper to give a few specific instances in illustration 
of these statements, taken from farms over the whole infested 
area. Each instance commences with the time when the 
numbers began to assume the dimensions of a plague. 


I. Trevior Disrricr.—1. Howpaseey—PBegan Autumn 1890, 
and Spring 1891. At worst Autumn 1891 and Spring 18092. 
Diminution from May till August 1892. Increase from September 
to November of that year, then gradually diminished. Disappeared 
last May. 2. a/nash.—Began 1890. Worst from November 1891 
to May 1892. Gradually diminished from October 1892.  Dis- 
appeared May last. 3. Commonside-—Began 1890. Worst Winter 
of 1891 and Spring and Summer of 1892. Disappeared gradually 
between Autumn of 1892 and last February. 4. Car/enrig.—Began 
1891. Worst Spring and Summer 1892. Disappeared gradually 
between Autumn 1892 and last April. 5. Shankend (Slitrig). 
Began 1891. At its height last Spring. Began to decline in May 
last. Had disappeared by August. 6. West Redfordgreen.—Began, 
commencement of 1892. Worst June 1892. Decline noticed last 
Spring. Disappeared last April. 7. Destrict and Liddesdale.—Mr. 
John Martin, farmer, Carlenrig, informs me that, after the plague had 
ceased on his farm it was still bad on farms in Slitrig and in Liddes- 
dale. 


II. Errrick.—1-9. Potburn, Broadgarhill, Overkirkhope, Dat- 
gleish (Over and Nether), Gair, Midgehope, West Buccleuch, Wardlaw, 
and Annelshofe.— Began in 1890. Ended last Spring. to. 
Scabcleuch— Began 1891. Worst August 1891-92. Decline after 
August 1892, rapid at first, then slower. Disappeared last April. 
11. Glenkerry—Began 1891. Worst Autumn 1891 and Spring 
1892. Disappeared between October 1892 and last April. 12. 
Wardlaw.—Began 1890. At worst August and September 1892. 
Disappeared from end of 1892 to March 1893. 13. East Buccleuch. 
—Began 1891. At worst Spring and Summer of 1892. Dis- 
appeared gradually from Autumn of 1892 till last Spring. 14-15. 
Newburgh and Crosslee.—Began 1890. Worst Autumn 1891-92. 
Gradually disappeared between Autumn and April last. 


DISAPPEARANCE OF SHORT-TAILED FIELD VOLE 195 


III. EskDALEMUIR AND LIDDESDALE.—1. Castle Oer and Crurie. 
—This estate is divided by a river. The plague began in one 
division in February 1891, and was at its worst in the Summer of 
1891. A decrease was observed in Spring 1892, at first gradual, at 
last rapid, ending in the disappearance of the vole in May of that 
year. As regards the other division of the property, the plague 
was at its worst in the Summer of 1892. It began to decline in 
the Autumn of 1892, and ended, rapidly at the close, in November 
of that year. 2. /inmgland.—Began 1890. Worst between November 
1891 and May 1892. Disappeared gradually between July 1892 
and last February. 3. Whztrope, Liddesdale.—Began Spring of 1892, 
but never so bad as in Teviotdale. At worst December 1892 and 
January last. Gradual disappearance between January and May. 


IV. YarRrow.—1. Sundhope.—Began in 1891. At its worst 
Spring and Summer of 1892. Gradual decline after August 1892. 
Clear in May last. 2. Destrict Generally.—Mr. Martin, head keeper 
at Bowhill to the Duke of Buccleuch, who is proprietor of much of 
the infested area in Ettrick and Yarrow, states that the vole appeared 
as a plague in Ettrick, and disappeared there earlier than in Yarrow. 
In Ettrick the ground was, as a rule, clear by the end of April. In 
Yarrow the disappearance occurred about May and June. Mr. 
Martin further states that voles were not so plentiful in Yarrow as 
in Ettrick. 


V. Morrat District.—1. Azvox.— Began Summer of 1890. 
At worst Spring and Summer of 1892. Disappeared between Sep- 
tember 1892 and last May. 2. Middlegill— Began 1890. At worst 
Spring and Summer 1892. Disappeared gradually between Nov- 
ember 1892 and last March. 


VI. Gattoway.—1. Barlae, Lorg, and Altry.—Began 1891. 
Worst Autumn of 1891 and Spring and early Summer of 1892. 
Disappeared rather rapidly between last February and April. 
2. District from Moffatdale westward to Carsphairn.—Mr. Robert 
Service informs us that the plague was at its worst from the Autumn 
of 1891 till about May 1892, when a decline was noticed which 
became rapid towards its close in the early part of the present year. 
At present, the vole is down to its normal numbers, or less. 


With the view of arriving at a reasonable conclusion as 
to the causes of the disappearance, it is necessary to advert 
to the fact that the animal was, as a rule, first observed in 
numbers among the luxuriant growth of grasses which in 
the districts infested covers the “bog” land and the better 
quality of soil in the flats and on the hillsides. There, the 
necessary conditions of food and shelter existed, and the 


196 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


voles multiplied till everything green was eaten, and the 
whole herbage destroyed ; being cut at the roots, and lying 
on the ground like withered hay. No attempt was made to 
burrow in that description of ground, which is more or less 
damp, except in the drier areas. Here shelter was sought 
among the large tussocks of withered herbage, in shallow 
runs over the surface, and along the sides of the surface 
drains. But on the firmer ground, where the vegetation was 
not luxuriant, burrows were made six to fourteen inches deep. 
After a time, rain and wind levelled the tussocks ; and con- 
siderable tracts of the grass were burnt with the view of lessen- 
ing the cover. Then, food and shelter having disappeared, the 
areas first occupied were deserted, and the animal appeared 
in greater numbers upon ground on which it had not been 
previously numerous, and on the “ heights,’ which, over most 
of the southern highlands, are covered with vegetation. 
From these resorts it made its final disappearance. 

So far as can be ascertained, the disappearance has been 
general over the whole infested area. On some farms, the 
normal numbers remain, on others scarcely a vole is to be 
seen. 

The question arises, To what causes can be ascribed a 
result so complete and so satisfactory? Inquiry has been 
made as to the effect of the weather during the decline of 
the plague, the possibility of the occurrence of an epidemic, 
and the action of natural enemies. 

As regards weather, the summer of 1892 was cold and 
cheerless, followed by a wet autumn, when the decrease 
began. A severe frost set in before Christmas, which lasted 
till February. That frost was succeeded by an exceptionally 
genial spring. The general opinion of the farmers and 
shepherds communicated with is, that the state of the weather 
appeared to have nothing to do with the disappearance. 
But one or two farmers whose views are entitled to considera- 
tion point out that the animal was partial to damp ground, 
and consider that the exceptional drought of last winter and 
spring had an effect. All, however, with one exception, agree 
that the frost of last winter had no effect, though it was 
severe, and though unaccompanied by much snow. 

Turning to the possibility of an epidemic, it has been 


DISAPPEARANCE OF SHORT-TAILED FIELD VOLE 197 


ascertained that dead voles were observed on the surface at 
Howpasley, but not in considerable numbers. A number of 
dead were also seen on Whitrope, on Middlegill, and on 
Barlae ; but many of those on Barlae were marked on the 
back of the head, as if they had been killed. Mr. William 
G. Steuart, Middlegill, mentions that towards the close of 
the plague there, the animals looked thin and lanky. Mr. 
Thomas Glendinning, farmer, Fingland, however, states, 
with reference to his farm, that, though dead voles had not 
been noticed on the surface, during their disappearance he 
had sometimes kicked out nests with the dead inside: in 
some instances only one, in others two or three. This points 
to some epidemic; as wild animals affected by disease or 
sickness, as a rule, conceal themselves and die in places where 
they entirely escape our notice: a fact which renders it most 
difficult to obtain data regarding an epidemic theory, which 
some of my naturalist friends are inclined to favour as the 
cause of the somewhat sudden end of the plague. Their 
opinion, however, is not based upon specific information, but 
upon the known fact that such vast increases of life in a 
single species invariably result in an outbreak of disease: a 
plague among plaguers it would be in this case. 

But it is the almost unanimous opinion of farmers and 
shepherds that the disappearance is due, in a great measure, 
to the action of “natural enemies” ; stress being laid on the 
value of the Owl, Kestrel, Rook, and Black-headed Gull, and 
locally to the Buzzard among birds, and to the Stoat and the 
Weasel among mammals. Of the birds, the Short-eared 
Owl was almost entirely a stranger; the Kestrel, partly so. 
The Owl first appeared in numbers in the autumn of 1891. 
It bred early in the spring of 1892, and again in the late 
spring or summer of that year, and reared an abnormal 
number of young. The Kestrel also remained in greatly 
increased numbers, and multiplied. The consequence was, 
that at the close of last summer the Vole had, in addition to 
its native enemies, a most formidable and rapacious host, 
foreign to the district, to contend with. I was long 


1 For much valuable and interesting information concerning the Short-eared 
Owl and the Kestrel in the vole-plague district, see Mr. Adair’s paper in the 
** Annals,” 1891, pp. 219-231.—EDs. 


198 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


uncertain as to the value of rooks as destroyers of full- 
grown voles, as I had watched them repeatedly through 
good binoculars, without result. But the point has been put 
to rest by Mr. Martin, Bowhill, who shot five rooks at 
Tushielaw, in Ettrick, and three on Dryhope, in Yarrow, and 
found that the birds had been feeding on old as well as 
young voles. Mr. Martin has several times seen Black- 
headed Gulls rise out of a meadow with voles, so close that 
he could hear the vole “squeak” and see it “wriggle.” The 
Buzzard is so scarce and local on these uplands as not to 
deserve much notice. But on the farms frequented by a 
stray bird or two, the shepherds have unbounded faith in its 
virtue as a vole-killer. 

Of the part taken by the Stoat and the Weasel in the 
work of destruction, little information can be obtained. The 
only point certain is that, during the plague, few were visible, 
though now they are showing themselves. Our view is that, 
while the voles were in plenty, they got their food so quickly 
and so abundantly that they never required to be much out 
of their accustomed quarters. 

The present has been truly an instance of the birds of 
prey flocking to the carcase; and when the numbers and 
rapacity of the horde which gathered together are taken 
into account, it may fairly be assumed that they were a con- 
siderable factor in the gradual disappearance, and the final 
extermination of the Vole. 

Mr. Robert Service, whose views are of very great value, 
is of opinion that the plague was due to a set of favourable 
and very unusual weather conditions, leading to abnormal 
reproductive power; and while giving due weight to the 
ravages of natural enemies in bringing the plague to a ter- 
mination, considers that the principal factor was “the loss of 
those abnormal powers of increase, which, until they ceased, 
no number of natural enemies ever likely to be present could 
have coped with.” 

The effects of the disappearance of the Vole on the Short- 
eared Owl and the Kestrel have been disastrous. The Owl 
began to nest last spring as early as February ; but the nests 
on the various farms were very much below the numbers of 
the spring of 1892,so0 far as we have learned, except in four 


DISAPPEARANCE OF SHORT-TAILED FIELD VOLE 199 


instances: one on Sundhope, Yarrow, where Mr. Barrie, the 
tenant, states there were 40 or 50 nests; another on Whit- 
rope, where 7 or 8 were seen; another on Middlegill, 
where there were a dozen nests; and the last on Rivox, 
where Mr. Scott, the tenant, mentions that Io nests were 
seen. ‘Fhe nests; as a rule, contained a less average 
number of eggs than last year, though in instances 12 
and 14 were seen. The young appear to have hatched 
out well. But after the plague ceased, the supply of food 
having failed, the old birds almost entirely disappeared 
from the farms, and the greater number of the young died. 
A number of full-feathered birds were also seen dead on 
most of the farms ; but these may have been birds of an early 
hatching. The survivors dispersed over the country, betak- 
ing themselves to districts often a long way from the area of 
the plague. Mr. Service informs us that a great number be- 
took themselves to the game coverts, where they wrought 
havoc among the young pheasants. Mr. Martin, Bowhill, 
states that numbers appeared in» the natural wood there 
about the end of June and in July, where they remained for 
a while; and that at the present time hardly a bird is to be 
seen on the hills. And I lately flushed a pair on a heathery 
fell near Portpatrick. I have not learned that this Owl had, 
during its stay in the vole districts, any enemy, except per- 
haps one. Mr. David Glendinning, Howpasley, informs us 
that on digging out the earth of a Fox on that farm which 
had acquired a taste for lamb, there were found “5 young 
Foxes, 76 dead Short-eared Owls, and a number of Grouse, 
Black-game, Partridges, Ducks, Curlew, Plover, Rats, Voles, 
and Lambs.” The circumstance of so many Owls being 
found in the burrow prompted me to make full inquiry : and 
Mr. Glendinning was good enough to inform me that the 
burrow was an old one; that it was dug out on the roth or 
11th of last May; that the Owls found inside consisted of 
8 old birds and 68 young of all ages, but all unable to fly ; 
that some of the birds had been recently killed, while others 
were in various stages of decay, some appearing to have been 
killed a month before. 

The disappearance of the Vole has also led to an enormous 
decrease in the numbers of the Kestrel. It is true, many 


200 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


birds are still seen on the ground ; but it is seldom that two 
are to be seen hovering over the same hillside. These birds 
have also suffered seriously from want, and many have died. 

The concurring testimony of farmers and shepherds is 
that, since the cessation of the plague, the grass has come 
away beautifully, and that there is at present an abundant 
supply of excellent pasture. In one or two instances, 
complaint is made that there are “wants” in the pasture 
which have not yet been filled up. Only in one instance 
has the information been unsatisfactory. The tenant of 
West RKedfordgreen tells us that, where the greatest damage 
was done on that farm, the ground is “covered with 
thistles.” 

Farmers and shepherds are almost unanimously of 
opinion that the recent vole plague is a result of the 
destruction of birds and animals of prey. I have obtained 
much information on this point, but cannot say that the 
evidence goes to confirm their views. It is not suggested 
that birds and animals of.prey were seriously molested even 
in Thessaly or in La Plata, and yet we know that destructive 
plagues have occurred there; and we have the familiar 
instance of the oft-occurring Lemming plagues in the north 
of Europe and America, where the “balance of nature” 
cannot be much interfered with. Besides, if the late plague 
was a result of the destruction of natural enemies, it is 
singular that the periodical vole visitations, the last of which 
occurred in 1876 or 1877, have not been more . frequent. 
The districts of Ettrick and Yarrow have suffered much 
from the vole plague ; and we made special inquiry at Mr. 
Martin in regard to the destruction of Stoats and Weasels’ in 
the wide district there under his eye. We find that during 
the eleven years of his residence in Bowhill, very few have 
been killed by the game-watchers, except those caught in 
rabbit-traps during the trapping-season, which were not on 
ground infested by voles. A few were also found in mole- 
traps. Mr. Martin points out that the plague in Ettrick and 
Yarrow began and was confined to ground where game- 
watchers are few, or entirely absent, and that, with the 
exception of the man employed by Mr. Massey, whose doings 
were reported to the Commission last year, none of the 


DISAPPEARANCE OF SHORT-TAILED FIELD VOLE 201 


watchers had, to his knowledge, set traps for stoats or 
weasels. 

As matter of fact, vermin, so called, does not seem to 
increase whether molested or not. A few scattered Stoats 
and Weasels are found in suitable localities ; and the same 
localities harbour the animal year after year, without apparent 
increase or decrease. In the same way, the Kestrel has 
always been scarce, even in the most favoured districts. Mr. 
Martin estimates the normal number in Yarrow between 
Bowhill and St. Mary’s Loch, including Bowhill Woods, at 
eleven pairs, and the number in Ettrick from its junction 
with Yarrow to Tushielaw (say 16 miles) at ten pairs. We 
estimate the number between Tushielaw and Ettrick Pen at 
the head of the river (say 12 miles more) at six pairs. 

I further think that a great deal too much is made of the 
bloodthirsty character of the Stoat and the Weasel. My view 
is that the reputation of the animal has very largely arisen 
from the great slaughter sometimes committed by it among 
young game. But these instances occur during the breeding 
season, when the animal cannot afford to miss an opportunity 
of securing and storing food, and when its prey is young, 
and in numbers together. In its normal state, I believe it 
simply kills to eat, and not for destruction, and that the 
numbers of birds and animals which fall a prey are not 
comparatively great. In the same way, the propensity of 
the Kestrel to take young game has, so far as I have been 
able to ascertain, manifested itself in the nesting-time alone. 
I have never known an instance of the bird molesting game 
at any other season of the year. 

The above remarks as to the characters of the Stoat, the 
Weasel, and the Kestrel, may not be relevant to the present 
paper; but I cannot close without expressing my views on 
this subject. 

Special thanks are due to the gentlemen who have 
furnished the particulars which have enabled me to complete 
the paper. I would particularly mention among farmers 
and shepherds in Teviot district, Mr. Chas. J. Grieve, 
Mr. Stevenson, Mr. John Martin (Carlenrig), Mr. David 
Glendinning, Mr. Simon Rutherford, Mr. Thos. Elliot ; in 
Eskdalemuir and Liddesdale, Mr. Bell, Mr. Thos. Glen- 


202 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


dinning, and Mr. John Oliver; in Ettrick, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. 
Brydon, Mr. Graham, and Mr. Wm. Grieve ; in Yarrow, Mr. 
Barrie ; in Moffat district, Mr. Steuart, and Mr. Scott; and 
in Galloway, Mr. Wm. A. M‘Turk; and among observers, 
Mr. Robert Service, Mr. Alexander Sturrock, Mr. Jas. Mathie- 
son, and Mr. John Martin (Shielshaugh, Bowhill, Selkirk). 
Mr Martin has taken a very great deal of trouble, and 
supplied much valuable information. 


ON SOME REMARKABLE SPECIMENS OF RANA 
TEMPORAKIA EPROM SCOTLAND: 


By G. A. BOULENGER. 


IT has long been known that the common frog grows to a large 
size in Scotland, and occasionally assumes so peculiar a physi- 
ognomy as to have been described as a distinct species, Rana 
scotica, by Thomas Bell. During a recent visit to Cannisbay, 
Caithness, Dr. J. Anderson, F.R.S., has come across such 
specimens, of which he has kindly sent me three alive. They 
are so handsome, and so aberrant in some of their markings, 
that it may be of interest to put them on record. Two are 
females, measuring 95 and 93 mm. from snout to vent; the 
third isa male, 80 mm.long. They are therefore not only much 
above the average size, but two even surpass any specimens 
on record, whether from other parts of Great Britain or from 
the Continent. In fact, the largest specimen J had seen before 
is a female from Exeter, preserved in the British Museum, 
measuring 87 mm.; and the following are the dimensions 
of some of the largest Continental specimens examined by 
me :— 


Milan : . @ 82 mm. é 69 mm. 
Brussels. : > iia WETS ss es Go) FOO es, 
Paris : le ke, O =O) 4 
St. Malo . , SPT EGO} = as 


Mt. Ducan, Bellunine Alps, 5300 feet, $¢ 80 


9) 


Bedriaga records a female from the Tyrol 90 mm. long. 
In both female specimens the ground colour, above and 
beneath, is sulphur yellow. In the larger specimen, the 


REMARKABLE SPECIMENS OF RAWVA TEMPORARIA 203 


ground colour of the upper part is obscured by brown and 
mustard-coloured vermiculations ; the yellow appearing in the 
form of dots. Six pretty regular longitudinal series of large, 
deep black blotches, like ink-spots, extend along the body : 
two series between the giandular folds, and two on each side. 
The glandular folds are yellow, with a few brown dots, and 
edged on the outer side with brown and with a series of more 
or less confluent black spots ; the temporal spot dark brown, 
edged below with yellow. Hind limbs with black spots; the 
dark cross-bars traceable, though interrupted and irregular. 
The throat, belly, and lower surface of thighs are clouded with 
very pale brownish. 

The other female is more remarkable: both for its very 
warty skin, which gives it a quite toad-like appearance, and 
for its coloration. The ink-black spots noticed in the 
preceding specimen invade the upper parts in such a 
manner as to cover them, including the glandular lateral folds 
and the streak below the temporal spot ; the yellow appearing 
merely here and there in the form of dots or fine vermicula- 
tions. The exposed upper surface of the limbs show accord- 
ingly no trace of cross-bands. On the sides the black is 
abruptly limited by the bright yellow of the lower parts. The 
belly is devoid of spots ; but the throat is a little obscured by 
brownish mottlings. 

The male is:olive brown, more yellowish on the vertebral 
area, with a few large, irregular, deep black blotches. No 
cross-bands on the limbs, but small, deep black spots, which 
are rather crowded on the tibia. Temporal spot not much 
darker than the ground colour. The throat is pale lilac or 
pearl grey, as normal in males in summer, and the belly of 
a very pale yellow marbled all over with grey. 

A black and yellow male specimen, somewhat similar to 
the smaller female noticed above, was found in May 1892 at 
Kinlochewe, Ross-shire, by my colleague Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, 
and presented by him to the British Museum. Among some 
specimens obtained by the same gentleman in June last at 
Glen Avon, Banffshire, one is interesting in showing a pale, 
black-edged vertebral stripe as distinct as in the striated 
variety of Rana arvalis: it is a female, measuring 75 mm. 
from snout to vent. 


204 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


SCORPAINA DACTYVLOPLTERA, DELAROCHE, WN 
SCOTDMISEN WAGERS. 


By GeorcE Sim, A.LS. 


THIs fish has been long known to the writer under the name 
of Sebastes norwegicus. Soabundant is it some twelve miles off 
Troup Head, that frequently from one to four hundredweight 
have been brought in by one vessel ; while smaller quantities 
are of much more frequent occurrence. This fish is caught 
in comparatively deep water, varying from 40 to 110 fathoms. 
It is an excellent article of food, and as it attains to a length 
of 18 to 20 inches, it is of some economic importance. 

As an inhabitant of the British North Sea Area, how- 
ever, Scorpena dactyloptera was first placed on record by 
Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, of the Science and Art Museum, 
Edinburgh, who received a young specimen from the York- 
shire coast. His remarks thereupon were embodied in a 
paper on this species generally, read before the Royal 
Physical Society of Edinburgh during the present year. 

As already stated, Scorpena dactyloptera has been known 
to the writer, on the east coast of Scotland, under the name 
of Sebastes norwegicus ; and it might still have been looked 
upon by him as that species, but for the recent occurrence 
of another closely allied form, known as Sebastes viviparus, 
Kroyer. When Sebastes viviparus first came under his 
notice, the writer compared it with what he believed to be 
Sebastes norwegicus, and found so many marked differences 
that he reported his observations in the present volume of 
the “ Annals of Scottish Natural History,” p. 47, with a view 
to show that the two forms were specifically distinct : a point 
that is still doubted by some. 

Subsequently he sent specimens of both forms to Dr. 
Giinther of the British Museum, and that gentleman pro- 
nounced the Sebastes norwegicus of the writer to be Scorpena 
dactyloptera ; and since then this view has been supported 
by Dr. Traquair, and Mr. Eagle Clarke of the Edinburgh 
Museum. And to all three gentlemen the writer tenders 
his thanks. 


SCORPAANA DACTYLOPTERA IN SCOTTISH WATERS — 205 


It is considered necessary to make these statements, so 
that the writer may point out that his remarks in “ Annals,” 
p. 47, are now of no value, otherwise than as a record of 
the occurrence of Sebastes viviparus. The chief external 
difference between Scorpena dactyloptera and Sebastes 
norwegicus is, that the latter has fifteen spinous rays in the 
first dorsal fin, while the former has but twelve in the same 
organ. It appears, however, that far too much value is 
placed upon spines and rays of fins as a specific distinction. 
Organs that are subject to such variation in number cannot 
surely be taken into account; and the species now under 
notice is no exception to this. The most common number 
of spines in the first dorsal fin of Scorpena dactyloptera is, as 
already stated, twelve. However, on the 19th of May last, 
nineteen examples of this form were brought into Aberdeen, 
and three of these had each thirteen spines in the first dorsal. 
Again, on 12th June, twelve more were brought in, one of 
which possessed thirteen spines in its first dorsal. And 
further, the writer is in possession of an example of Scorpena 
dactyloptera, in which the rays of the second dorsal fin stand 
clear of the connecting membrane for nearly half their 
length ; and the line is so exactly drawn that it does not 
seem to be the result of accident. These things considered, 
he repeats that fin-ray numbers cannot have much value 
placed upon them as a specific distinction." 

As some excuse for the error into which the writer has 
fallen, it may be pointed out that the names Sedaszes and 
Scorpena have been so mixed up together, and applied to 
Sebastes norwegicus, that he for some time believed these 
names were synonymous, and that there was no real 
Scorpena dactyloptera. In speaking of the latter form, 
Cuvier and Valenciennes say that “this species is so much 
like Sebastes norwegicus in appearance that it is necessary to 
place the two species side by side to distinguish them.” It 
may be further pointed out that this Scorpena dactyloptera 
has gone under the name of Sedastes dactylopterus (Giinther, 

1 [Scorpena dactyloptera and Sebastes norwegicus, though much resembling 
each other in general appearance, are perfectly distinct species belonging to 


equally distinct genera. The characters by which they are defined are well 


marked, and not by any means confined to the spine and ray formula of the dorsal 
fin. —EDs. ] 


206 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


“Cat. Acanth. Fishes,” ii. p. 99); and Savage gives it the 
name of Sebastes bibront. On the other hand, Sebastes 
norwegicus has figured under the name of Scorpena 
norwegicus by Richardson (“ Faun. Bor. Amer.,” iii. p. 52), 
Jenyns (“ British Vert.” p. 347), and Johnston (“ Trans. Berw. 
Nat. Club,” 1838,i.p.170). Now this continual change and 
substitution of names is an endless source of trouble and 
perplexity that could, to a large extent, be easily obviated ; 
and it is earnestly hoped that some mitigation of this growing 
evil may be soon brought about. 


ON THE DISCOVERY. OF C2222 72S72/S in 
THE CAITANESsS FrEAGs: 


(Abstract of a paper read before Section C of the British Association at 
Nottingham, September 1893.) 


By Dr. R. H. Traquair, F.R.S. 


Ir is remarkable that although Cephalaspzs is so character- 
istic a genus of fossil fishes in the Lower Old Red Sand- 
stone of Forfarshire and of the West of England, there has 
been hitherto no record of its occurrence in the great 
Orcadian area of Old Red Sandstone which lies to the north 
of the Grampians. This autumn, however, a magnificent 
specimen was discovered in the pavement quarry at Spital, 
about ten miles from Thurso, and presented by the Caithness 
Flagstone Company to the Edinburgh Museum of Science 
and Art. 

This unique specimen constitutes a new species, which is 
the largest known, exceeding in this respect even C. Salweyz, 
Egert. and C. /exz, Traq. The length of the shield is 83 
inches, and its breadth, were the right cornu entire, would 
be 12 inches; but this excessive proportional breadth may 
be so far accounted for by its having been crushed absolutely 
flat. The snout is pointed, as in C. Campbelltownenszs, 
Whiteaves, though not quite so acutely; but the cornua, 
instead of being long and curved, as in that species, are com- 
paratively short and broad based,—the orbits are also pro- 
portionally smaller and farther apart. The surface-ornament, 


THE MARSH TITMOUSE IN STRATHSPEY 207 


where seen, consists of an excessively minute and close tuber- 
culation, which is, however, coarser and more prominent round 
the margins of the orbits: the cornua are not provided with 
denticles along their inner margins. The pseudo-tesselation 
of the middle layer is proportionally minute. 

The remains of the Jody are scanty and badly preserved ; 
but on its scales clear evidence is afforded of a tubercular 
ornament similar to that of the cranial shield. 

To this new species of Cephalaspis, which is so interesting 
from its geological position and locality, I propose the name 
of C. magnifica. 

The occurrence of Cephalaspis in the Caithness Flags has 
however, no important bearing on the question of the relative 
ages of the Orcadian Old Red Sandstone and that of Forfar- 
shire and the West of England; as a species of the same 
genus (C. laticeps) has already been described by me from the 
Upper Devonian of Canada.! 


tHE MARSH TlIMOUSE INSTVAR EDS Bive 
By Wittiam Evans, F.R.S.E, 


A DETAILED account of the distribution of the Marsh Tit in 
Scotland is much to be desired, and would form a capital 
subject for a paper in the “ Annals.” But such a paper, to 
be of any real value, would have to be based on a much 
more extensive series of observations than is yet available ; 
for it must be admitted that our knowledge of the distribution 
of this interesting bird north of the Tweed is still very im- 
perfect. It has, to be sure, been recorded from practically 
every county in the Lowlands; but even there it is much 
overlooked, while in the Highlands and the northern parts 
of the country generally, records of its occurrence are very 
scarce indeed. 

Though undoubtedly local, and, as a rule, far from 
common, I am persuaded it is neither so very local nor so 
rare as is generally supposed. Among tiny and inconspicuous 


1 «*Geol. Mag.” (3), 1890, vol. vii. p. 16. 


208 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


woodland species; like the Tits and the Warblers, only the 
more common kinds come, as a rule, within the ken of the 
ordinary observer ; but it may well be doubted if any other 
native bird of equal population has succeeded in maintaining 
an zucognito existence so long and so thoroughly as the 
Marsh Tit has. The surest way to detect these tiny species 
is by their call-notes; a thorough knowledge of which is 
invaluable to the ornithologist. The observer who trusts to 
his eyes rather than to his ears will allow many a Marsh 
Tit to pass by unnoticed ; for the unmistakable tzay, tzay, 
tzay, may constantly he heard proclaiming its presence when 
all attempts to get a clear view of the bird itself in the 
thicket are unavailing. 

My own experience of the Marsh Tit in Scotland is 
limited to the Tweed, Forth, and Spey districts, in all of 
which I have found it breeding and resident. Hitherto the 
Lothians seem to have been looked upon as its Scottish 
stronghold ; but unquestionably they cannot compete with 
Strathspey for this distinction. 

Before narrating my own observations on the species in 
Strathspey, let me state what other writers have recorded of 
it in respect of the “ Moray ” area. 

The first to detect it in the district appears to have been 
Charles St. John, in whose “ Natural History and Sport in 
Moray” (ed. 1882, p. 16) we find it stated that the “ Marsh 
Titmouse (Parus palustris, L.) is numerous in the fir woods 
during winter, forming part of the large flocks of birds which 
are constantly passing in search of food, hanging on the 
branches and prying into every crevice for insects or their 
eggs and larve.” Then A. G. More, in his paper “On the 
Distribution of Birds in Great Britain during the Nesting 
Season,” published in “The Ibis” for 1865, tells us it 
extends to Fifeshire according to MacGillivray, and breeds 
in Perthshire, occasionally in Aberdeenshire, “and even as 
far north as Inverness (Mr. W. Dunbar).” It does not appear 
to have been again noticed—at any rate I am not aware of 
any further record—till I met with it in the Kingussie district 
of Strathspey, in the autumn of 1889, as recorded in the 
“Scottish Naturalist” for January 1891, and here shortly 
repeated. St. John’s observations were no doubt made much 


THE MARSH TITMOUSE IN STRATHSPEY 209 


farther down the valley, presumably chiefly in the country 
around Elgin. 

In 1889, I spent about five weeks, beginning 3rd August, 
at Kincraig, and employed a great part of the time in noting 
the birds frequenting the valley between Kingussie and 
Grantown. From the day of my arrival, the Marsh Tits were 
a constant source of interest, and their abundance a continual 
subject of remark. Between the points mentioned, a party 
of Tits and Goldcrests was seldom encountered where birch 
or alder was prevalent, in which two or three were not 
present ; and occasionally as many as six to eight might be 
counted in one group. Though struck at the time with their 
abundance,—not having elsewhere in Scotland found them so 
numerous,—I afterwards thought little of the circumstance on 
subsequently reading St. John’s statement : which, by the way, 
loses some of its weight, however, when read along with his 
next statement, namely that the “Cole Titmouse (Parus ater) is 
more uncommon than the Marsh Titmouse”; for the Cole 
Tit is particularly abundant in the pine woods of “ Moray,” 
and could hardly have been otherwise when St. John wrote. 

In August 1891, I was again in Strathspey, this time at 
Cromdale, a few miles below Grantown, and again met with 
my friends the Tits, but in much smaller numbers than in the 
Kincraig district. 

My experience was, I understand, of much interest to 
Mr. Harvie-Brown, who has been working at the Ornithology 
of “ Moray” at intervals for a number of years past, inas- 
much as he had never met with the Marsh Tit there himself, 
and had practically no information concerning it beyond the 
statements of St. John and More quoted above. He was 
therefore inclined to regard the birds seen by me in 1889 
and 1891 as migrants from Scandinavia, and consequently 
not likely to be found breeding in Strathspey. Various 
considerations, which need not be referred to now, led me to 
hold an opposite opinion ; but as the question could only be 
adequately settled by the detection of the birds in the breed- 
ing season and the discovery of a nest, I was not sorry to 
find myself on the 2nd of May last ex route for Aviemore, 
where, within a couple of hours of alighting at the railway 
station, I had the satisfaction of seeing a pair of veritable 

8 € 


210 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Marsh Tits evidently quite at home in a mixed wood of 
birch and pine. Several other pairs were soon detected, 
some busy drilling holes in old stumps; and in a few days 
two nests were under observation. In one of them, the first 
egg was laid on 1oth May and the last (the seventh) on the 
16th ; and the other was found to contain eight eggs fully a 
week incubated on the 17th. Both were in dead portions of 
old alders: the first within a few inches of the ground, the 
other about twelve feet above it. The latter was in a 
remarkably well-made hole fully a foot deep, and must have 
cost the little artificers much labour to excavate. The fibre 
of the outside wood was still close and firm, and could 
scarcely have been pierced at any other point than that 
which had been selected, namely where a branch had 
formerly sprung from. Nesting-holes of former years were 
observed in many parts of the woods in the district ; and I 
cannot help thinking that not a few of the so-called wood- 
pecker borings in the forests of Spey have been formed by 
the Marsh Tit, and perhaps also by its crested relative: not 
that I for a moment doubt the existence of true woodpecker 
borings in Strathspey—I have myself seen them,—but from 
conversations with keepers and foresters, none of whom knew 
the Marsh Tit, I feel sure its work is often mistaken for that 
of the now almost traditional Woodpecker. 

While engaged in the duties of incubation, the birds 
were little seen or heard; and it was only after the young 
had left the nests, and the family parties were wandering 
through the woods, that their abundance could be fully 
realised. Though constantly observed feeding in the pines 
in company with Cole and Crested Tits and Goldcrests, 
they were seldom to be seen where birches or alders were 
totally absent. 

When seen at close quarters in the beginning of May, 
some of these Spey Marsh Tits gave one the impression 
of being a shade lighter than southern examples; and to 
test this, a specimen was secured on 17th May, which, on 
comparison with the only other specimen I possess, namely 
one shot in Stirlingshire in autumn, seemed to bear out 
this impression. Curious to know to what extent the Spey 
bird differed from English and Continental examples, I asked 


THE MARSH TITMOUSE IN STRATHSPEY 211 


Dr. R. B. Sharpe to compare it with the specimens in the 
British Museum. This he kindly did, and replied that my 
bird is referable to the British form, to which Stejneger 
has given the name of Parus palustris dressert (Dr. Sharpe 
designates it shortly Parus dressert). It is, he adds, a little 
greyer, however, than examples from the south of England. 

When sending Dr. Sharpe the Marsh Tit, I also enclosed 
a couple of Cole Tits from the pine woods of Strathspey,— 
one obtained at Castle Grant on 4th September, immediately 
after the autumn moult ; the other in Rothiemurchus on 11th 
May,—and he pronounces both to be true Parus britannicus. 
Having been informed that Professor Newton possessed a 
Cole Tit, obtained by Wolley in the neighbouring forest of 
Dulnan, which approximated closely to the Continental form, 
—the typical Parus ater of Linnzus,—I wrote to him on 
the subject, and was kindly favoured with a sight of the 
specimen, which was killed in the beginning of May 1851. 
It agrees exactly with my Spey skins. When sending this 
Dulnan specimen, Professor Newton remarks that it is “inter- 
mediate” between ordinary English examples and those from 
the Continent: an observation which he made twenty years 
ago, and was able to confirm on the day he wrote me, after 
a comparison with Cambridgeshire specimens. While I write, 
I have before me two examples procured in Peeblesshire 
(near West Linton) in September, for which I am indebted 
to Messrs. T. G. and D. G. Laidlaw. One of these in no 
way differs from the Spey specimens; and the other is only 
very slightly more dingy. 

Without a large series of specimens from various districts 
for comparison, it would be rash to jump to the conclusion 
that Scotch Marsh and Cole Tits are always, or even generally, 
_ perceptibly greyer than those from England. Still, I. think 
it is a fair inference to draw from the facts I have stated that 
in all probability the tendency on the part of these birds is 
to assume a lighter aspect as we proceed northwards ; so that 
those from the pine woods of Scotland (of the Highlands in 
particular) can without much difficulty be distinguished, when 
in good plumage, from those of the south of England. 

My main object, however, in referring to these Spey 
specimens, is to show that they are referable to the British 


212 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


rather than to the Continental forms, and that therefore any 
attempt to trace in them a Scandinavian origin will have to 
deal with a period many thousands of years back into the 
past, and not with a nineteenth-century immigration. That 
these two species are in any proper sense migratory,—as 
between one part of the British Isles and another, or from 
the Continent to Great Britain,—TI cannot believe. The very 
fact that so many geographical races exist, and the absence 
of any trace of migration at Heligoland and the lighthouses 
on the British coasts, seems well nigh conclusive on the point. 
One tit no more makes a migration than a swallow a 
summer, Our Tits are essentially non-migratory birds: 
they wander continually, no doubt, through the woods in 
search of food ; but these peregrinations are confined within 
very narrow limits. Wherever I have met with the Marsh 
Tit in autumn or winter,—it is most easily detected then,— 
I have invariably been able to find it again in spring and 
summer, when carefully looked for. 

With regard to the vexed question, namely the best form 
of nomenclature to use for the designation of geographical 
races, I do not presume to speak with the authority of an 
expert. I cannot refrain, however, from confessing to a 
certain amount of repugnance to the raising of them all to 
specific rank. In the interests of science, it is of course 
highly desirable that these races should be recognised and 
named ; but it seems to me the objects in view would be 
better attained by giving them merely sub-specific rank and 
adopting a trinomial system of nomenclature, than by raising 
them to full specific rank under a purely binomial system. 
To my mind, the old-fashioned plan, or some modification of 
it, of adding var. (variety) so and so to the binomial appella- 
tion of the species, regarded in the broad sense, is as good, 
and would meet with as general acceptance as any yet 
devised. By its adoption, the less learned among us would 
be saved much bewilderment, and at times more serious 
troubles ; while full scope would still be given for the genius 
of those who desire, or find it necessary to employ further 
subdivision. The more elastic the system, the greater will 
be its utility. For it must be remembered that Ornithology, 
with its many aspects, appeals to an unusually large con- 


HETEROPTERA AND HOMOPTERA IN PERTHSHIRE 213 


stituency, and includes among its votaries men of very 
different attitudes of mind, and every degree of scientific 
attainment ; many of whom, like myself, would no doubt be 
glad to be able, without risk of being misunderstood, to 
speak on ordinary occasions of our Marsh Tit and our Cole 
Tit as Parus palustris and Parus ater respectively, reserving 
the use of the sub-specific additions dresser and britannicus 
(some day it may have to be sco¢zcus) for special occasions, 
when greater precision is necessary or desirable. Species- 
making, like other good things, may easily be overdone; and 
I cannot help feeling that the very laudable practice of 
occasionally naming plants and animals after outstanding 
personages is also rapidly assuming undue proportions. 
Linnea borealis, for instance, is excellent in every way—a 
tribute to the memory of a great naturalist, descriptive of 
the plant, euphonious, simple ; but as much can scarcely be 
said for the majority of names (already too numerous) 
of the Scarabeus schneideri type. 


ma LIST OF LHE HEMIPTERA AE tER OPT Re: 
AND’ HOMOPTERA OCCURRING, IN PERTH 


SERGE: 
By T. M. M‘GREGOR 


(Perthshire Society of Natural Science). 


HETEROPTERA. 
Sehirus biguttatus, Lin.—Pitlochry (Norman); Loch Ran- 
noch (Marshall). 


Pentatoma baccarum, Lin.—Kinnoull Hill in April, on 
Hesperis and Verbascum (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 


Prezodorus lituratus, Fab., Stal—Perth, on broom and furze, 
in autumn (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 


Tropicorts rufipes, Lin.—Perthshire (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 
Picromerus bidens, Lin.—Perthshire (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 


Asopus punctatus, Lin—Kinnoull Hill in May, upon blae- 
berry (Dr. F. Buchanan White); Rannoch (Marshall). 


214 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Zicrona cerulea, Lin—Muir of Durdie (?) (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White). 

Acanthosoma dentatum, De Geer.—Ardargie, September; three 
specimens off birch. A. zxterstinctum, Lin.—Ardargie, 
September. Common on birch. 


Berytus Signoreti, Fieb—Perthshire (Norman). 


Nysius thymz, Wolff—Perthshire (Norman) ; Stanley, July ; 
one specimen. 


Stygnus pedestris, Fall—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 
S. arenarius, Hahn.—Banks of Tay below Barnhill (Dr. 
F, Buchanan White). 


Trapezonotus agrestis, Panz.—Bankfoot, August ; one speci- 
men off heather by sweeping. 


Drymus sylvaticus, Fab—Kinnoull (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Aldie, by Methven; and Bankfoot. Not common. 
D. Lrunneus, Sahlb.—Rannoch (Marshall). 


Scolopostethus affints, Schill—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White). SS. decoratus, Hahn.—Fairly common. 


Gastrodes abtetis, Linm—Kinnoull and Moncreiffe Hills, in 
winter, in spruce cones (Dr. F. Buchanan White); 
Pitlochry (Norman). 


Presma quadrata, Fieb—Banks of Tay at Invergowrie, in 
April, under stones (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 

Derephysia foliacea, Fall—Minkie Moss (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White). 

Monanthta carduz, Lin—-Common on thistles. J/. humutlz, 
Fab.—At Quarrymill Den (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 

flebrus ruficeps, Yhoms.—Minkie Moss, amongst sphagnum 
(Dr. F. Buchanan White). 

Velta currens, Fab.—Very common. 


Gerris rufoscutelata, Latr.—Pitlochry (Norman). G. coste, 
H. S.—Loch Rannoch (Marshall) ; Pitlochry (Norman) ; 
Perthshire (M‘Lachlan); Birnam (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White); Aldie by Methven, May; one specimen. G. 
aspera, Fieb.—Pitlochry (Norman). G. lacustris, Lin.— 
Almond; four specimens. G. odontogaster, Zett.— 


HETEROPTERA AND HOMOPTERA IN PERTHSHIRE 215 


Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). Common on pools 
at Methven Moss. 


Ploiaria vagabunda, Lin—Minkie Moss, September ; six 
specimens off Scots fir. 


Nabis flavomarginatus, Scholtz—Loch Rannoch (Marshall) ; 
Pitlochry (Norman); Stanley; Methven Moss. JV, “mba- 
tus, Dahlb.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). Fairly 
common throughout Perthshire. JV. ferws, Lin.—Perth 
(Dr. F. Buchanan White); Bankfoot, August; three speci- 
mens. WV. vugosus, Lin.— Almond, June. Fairly 
common. 


Salda saltatoria, Lin—Rannoch (Marshall) ; var. vest2ta— 
Linn of Campsie, July ; one specimen. S. C.-album, 
Fieb.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; Almond, 
May; one specimen. S. orthochila, Fieb—Rannoch 
(Dr. F. Buchanan White). S. rzparia, Fall—Rannoch 
(Marshall, Rye). S. scotéca, Curt—Rannoch (Dr. F. 
Buchanan White, Marshall) ; Birnam (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White); Perth (Reuter); Linn of Campsie, July ; common. 
S. Morio, Zett—Shores of Loch Rannoch (Marshall). 
S. lettoralts, Lin—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 
S. elegantula, Fall—Perth, March (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White). 


Cryptostemma alienum, H. S.—Tay shingles (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White) ; Linn of Campsie, July. Not uncommon. 


Cimex lectularius, Lin—Perth (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 


Temnostethus pusillus, H. S——Widely distributed, and fairly 
common. 


Elatophilus nigricornts, WH. S.—Moncreiffe Hill (Reuter). 
One specimen on Pzxus sylvestris (1876). Kinnoull, 
Stanley, Aldie by Methven ; three specimens. Rare. 


Anthocoris confusus, Reut.—Common and widely dis- 
tributed. A. xemoralis, Fab.— Rannoch (Dr. F. 
Buchanan White), Perth. Common and widely dis- 
tributed. A. sarothamniz, D. and S—Perth (Reuter) ; 
Stanley, July; one specimen. A. sylvestris, Lin— 
Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White); Perth. Common 
and widely distributed. 

8 D 


216 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Acompocoris pygmaeus, Fall—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White) ; Perth. Common on Scots fir. 

Microphysa pselaphiformzs, Curt—Dunkeld, on juniper (Dr. 
F. Buchanan White) ; Rannoch (Marshall). 

Pithanus merkelt, WH. S.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White); 
Aldie, Stanley ; two specimens ; July. 

Mirts calcaratus, Fall—Perth. Widely distributed and 
fairly common. JZ. /evigatus, Lin.—Perthshire (Dr. 
I. Buchanan White); Ardargie, September; four speci- 
mens. JZ. holsatws, Fab—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White) ; Perth. Widely distributed and fairly common. 
M. longicornis, Fall—Pitlochry (Norman); Rannoch 
(Marshall). 

Megalocerea ruficornis, Fourc.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White); Perth. Fairly common. 

LTeratocorts viridis, D. and S.—Rannoch (Marshall) ; Perth- 
shire (Norman). 

Leptoterna ferrugata, Fall.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White) ; Perth. Common and widely distributed.  Z. 
dolobrata, Lin.—Glenfarg, July ; five specimens. 


Monalocoris filicis, Lin.—Perthshire (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 


Bryocorts ptertdis, Fall.—Rannoch, on lady-fern (Dr. F. 
Buchanan White). 

Phytocoris popult, Lin.—Rannoch, on hazel (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White). 2. ¢lz@, Fab.—Minkie Moss, September ; 
five specimens. JP. longzpennis, Flor.—Perth (Reuter) ; 
Minkie Moss, September; one specimen. P. dzmzdi- 
atus, Kb.—Kinnoull, Almond, Minkie Moss. _ Fairly 
common. P/. pzxz, Kb.—Pitlochry (Norman); Dun- 
keld; Minkie Moss (Dr. F. Buchanan White); Bankfoot. 
Common. 

Calocoris striatellus, Fab—Kinnoull, Minkie Moss, Almond. 
Not uncommon. C. serguttatus, Fab—Stanley. Com- 
mon in Glenfarg in July. C. dbzpunctatus, Fab.— 
Common and widely distributed. C. Chenopodiz, Fall. 
—Almond, July; two specimens. C. roseomaculatus 
D. T.—Rannoch, on low plants near water (Dr. F 


HETEROPTERA AND HOMOPTERA IN PERTHSHIRE 217 


Buchanan White); Bankfoot, July; a few specimens 
by sweeping low plants. C. striatus, Lin—Pitlochry 
(Norman); Rannoch; Perth (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Minkie Moss, July; one specimen off broom by beating. 


Dichrooscytus rufipennts, Fall—Perth. Common on Scots fir. 


Plestocoris rugtcollis, Fall.— Pitlochry (Norman); Perth. 
Fairly common. 


Lygus pratensis, Fab—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Perth: Common. JL. vubricatus, Fall.— Bankfoot, 
August; three specimens. JL. contaminatus, Fall.— 
Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; Perth. Common. 
L. lucorum, Mey.—Perth, July ; two specimens. Var 
nigronasutus—Perth, July; one specimen. JL. pabu- 
linus, Lin.—Perth. Common. L. cervinus, H. S.— 
Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; Perth. Common 
and widely distributed. ZL. kalmziz, Lin.— Woody 
Island, May (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; Almond, June ; 
four specimens. 


Peciloscytus Gyllenhalliz, Fall Almond, June, one specimen 
Ardargie, September, one specimen. P. wntfasctatus 
Fab.—Stanley, July ; three specimens. 


Liocorts tripustulatus, Fab.—Barnhill, February, in hollow 
stems of Umbellifera and nettles (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White). 

Bothynotus pilosus, Boh.—Bankfoot, July ; one specimen. 
Very rare. 

Rhopalotomus ater, Lin—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 

Strongylocoris leucocephalus, Lin.—Pitlochry (Norman) ; Ran- 
noch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 


Labops saltator, Hahn.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Stanley, July ; one specimen. 


Macrolophus nubilus, H. S.—Pitlochry (Norman). 


Dicyphus constrictus, Boh.—Perth, on Symphytum (Reuter). 
D, stachydis, Reut—Perth. Common on Foxglove. 
D. pallidicornis, Fieb—Perth, off Foxglove (Dr. F. 
Buchanan White). 


218 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Cyllocoris histrionicus, Lin.—Minkie Moss, Aldie, Kinnoull. 
Not common. 

JEtorhinus angulatus, Fab.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White) ; Almond; Bankfoot. Not common. 


Mecomma ambulans, Fall—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White) ;; Almond ; Stanley. Not common. 


Orthotylus bilineatus, Fall—Rannoch, on aspen (Dr. F 
Buchanan White); Pitlochry (Norman). O. flavinervis 
Kb.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). O. mar 
ginalis, Reut—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Perth. Common. O. éennellus, Fall—Almond, July ; 
one specimen. O. xassatus, Fab—Rannoch (Marshall). 
O. viridinervis, Kb.—Pitlochry (Norman). O. con- 
color, Kb.—Perth (Reuter). O. adenocarpfi, Perr.— 
Perth (Reuter); Almond, July; one specimen, 0: 
ericetorum, Fall—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Methven Moss, August. Common off sallows. 

Fleterocordylus tibialis, Aahn.—Perthshire (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White); Aldie; Minkie Moss, July. Common on 
broom. 

Malacocoris chlorizans, Fall—Rannoch, on hazel and alder 
(Dr. F. Buchanan White); Minkie Moss, September ; 
one specimen. 

Macrocoleus hortulanus, Mey.—Pitlochry (Norman). J/. 
molliculus, Fall—AI|mond, July ; two specimens. 


Harpocera  thoracica, Fall—Kinnoull; Almond; Minkie 
Moss, May; three specimens. 


Phylus melanocephalus, Lin.— Almond, Kinnoull, Minkie 
Moss, July and August. Fairly common off oaks. 
P. coryli, Lin.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 


Plesiodema pinetellum, Zett.—Perth (Reuter); Aldie, by 
Methven, July ; one specimen off Scots fir. Rare. 


Psallus ambiguus, Fall—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Perth. Common. P. detuletz, Fall—Perth, July. Fairly 
common on birch. VP. varzabelis, Fall—Rannoch (Dr. 
F:* Buchanan White); Perth.) (Common. “> gvercis, 
Kb.—Almond, July; four specimens off oak. P. 


HETEROPTERA AND HOMOPTERA IN PERTHSHIRE 219 


lepidus, Fieb—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Perth. Fairly common, and well distributed. /P. 
Jallenit, Reut—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Perth. Not common. VP. varians, H. S.—Rannoch 
(Dr. FE. Buchanan White): Perth Common. 7. 
adiminutus, Kb.—Perth (Reuter). Common, and widely 
distributed. PP. sanguzneus, Fab.— Rannoch (Dr. F. 
Buchanan White); Perth. Common. 


Plagiognathus virtdulus, Fall—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White) ; Perth. Common, and widely distributed. P. 
arbustorum, Fab.—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White), 
Perth. Common, and widely distributed. P. pulicarius, 
Fall—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). P. sa/tctans, 
Fall—Perth (Reuter). P. Welkinsoni, D. and S.— 
Moncreiffe Hill (Reuter). 


Asctodema obsoletum, D.and S.—AlI|mond, July; two specimens. 
Notonecta glauca, Lin.——Common in pools. 


Corixa Geoffroyz, Leach—AI|mond, August ; three specimens. 
C. Sahlbergi, Fieb—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; 
Methven Moss. Common. C. Linne@z (var.), Fieb.— 
Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). C. semzstriata, 
Fieb.— Perth (Reuter); Almond; May; one specimen. 
C. venusta, D. and S—Almond. Common. C. striata, 
Lin.—Invergowrie (Dr. F. Buchanan White) ; Almond. 
Common. C. dstincta, Fieb—Perth (Reuter, Dr. F. 
Buchanan White). C. masta, Fieb—Rannoch (Dr. F. 
Buchanan White); Methven Moss; four specimens. 
C. fossarum, Leach.—Stanley ; Almond ; six specimens. 
C. Scottz, Fieb—Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 
C. Fabriciz, Fieb—Rannoch ; Perth (Dr. F. Buchanan 
White). C. preusta, Fab.—Common at Methven Moss 
in August.. C. preusta, var. Wollastonz, D. and S.— 
Rannoch (Dr. F. Buchanan White); Methven Bog, 
August ; one specimen. C. Lousdorffi, Sahlb.—Methven 
Moss, May (Dr. F. Buchanan White). 


Sigara minutissima, Lin—Common at Woody Island in 
May. 


220 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


HOMOPTERA. 


Cixius pilosus, Ol—Almond ; Dupplin. Not common. C. 
cunicularts, Lin—A|mond ; Glenfarg, July and August. 
Not common. C. xervosus, Lin—Very common, and 
widely distributed. 

Liburnia difficilis, Edw.—A|mond, June and July ; two speci- 
mens. JL. dzscreta, Edw.—Almond, July ; one specimen. 
L. denticauda, Boh.—Aldie, May; six specimens. JL. 
limbata, Fab.—Bankfoot, Minkie Moss, Methven. Not 
common. 


Dicranotropis hamata, Boh—Al|mond, June and July; two 
specimens. 


Stiroma albomarginata, Curt.—Aldie, July ; one specimen. 
Aphrophora alni, Fall.—Al|mond, July ; two specimens. 


Philenus spumarius, Lin.—Very common and widely distri- 
buted. P. exclamationts, Thunb.—Minkie Moss ; 
common at Bankfoot. PP. lineatus, Lin—-Common, and 
widely distributed. 


Ulopa reticulata, Fab—Common at Aldie and Bankfoot 
amongst heather. 


Megophthalmus scanicus, Fall—Minkie Moss, September ; 
one specimen. 


Macropsis tanio, Lin—Common on oak. 


Bythoscopus alnz, Schr.—Stanley, July ; five specimens. JB. 
rufusculus, Fab.—Fairly common, and well distributed. 
B. flavicollis, Lin.—Common on birch, and widely 
distributed. 


Idtocerus confusus, Flor—Well distributed, and not uncommon 
on sallows. 


Evacanthus interruptus, Lin—Not uncommon, but not 
numerous. 


Acocephalus nervosus, Schr—Bankfoot and Methven, July and 
August. Notnumerous. A. dz/asczatus, Lin.—Glenfarg, 
July ; one specimen. A. albzfrons, Lin.—Minkie Moss, 
August ; two specimens. 


HETEROPTERA AND HOMOPTERA IN PERTHSHIRE 221 


Doratura stylata, Boh.—Pitlochry (Buckton) ; Stanley, July ; 
one specimen. 


Athysanus brevipennis, Kbm.—Pitlochry (Buckton) ; Perth. 
Fairly common. 4d. sordzdus, Zett——Almond, May ; 
one specimen. A. gr7sescens, Zett—Minkie Moss, June. 
Fairly common. A. communis, Sah|— Almond ; Stan- 
ley, June and July; three specimens. A. obscurellus, 
Kbm.—Almond; Bankfoot, August; two specimens. A. 
obsoletus, Kbm.—Bankfoot, August ; two specimens. 


Deltocephalus abdominats, Fab—Common, and widely dis- 
tributed. D. distinguendus, Flor.— Common, and 
widely distributed. LD. strzatus, Lin—Not common. 
D. pulicaris, Fall Bankfoot; Stanley, July and August. 
Not common. 


Allygus mixtus, Fab.—Perth ; three specimens. Rare. 


Thamnotettix prasina, Fall— Common. 7. sabfuscula, Fall. 
Common. 


Limmotettix quadrinotata, Fab.—Minkie Moss; Ardargie, 
August and September. Not common. ZL. sulphurella, 
Zett—Almond ; Stanley, July; three specimens. 


Crcadula sexnotata, Fall,—aAldie, July ; two specimens. 
Gnathodus punctatus, Thunb.—Stanley, July ; one specimen. 
Alebra albostriella, Yall—Common throughout. 


Dicraneura variata, Hardy.—Dupplin, September ; two 
specimens. 


Kybos smaragdulus, Fall—Common throughout. 


Eupteryx atropunctata, Goeze-—Common throughout. 4. 
Germart, Zett—Kinnoull, July, one specimen ; Minkie 
Moss, September, off Scots fir. Common. £. pulchellus, 
Fall.—Common in August and September on oak. 
E. concinna, Germ.—Common on oak; August and 
September. 


Typhlocyba sexpunctata, Fall.—Dupplin, September; one 
specimen. 7. guercus, Fab.—Minkie Moss, September ; 
one specimen. 


222 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


SOME NEW SCOTCH LOCALIMES BOR 
ARACHNIDS. 


By Gro. H. Carpenter, B.Sc. 


THROUGH the kindness of Messrs. W. Evans and W. Eagle 
Clarke of Edinburgh, and Professor D’Arcy Thompson of 
Dundee, I have lately had the opportunity of examining a 
number of spiders from Scottish localities. Most of Mr. 
Evans’ specimens were collected around Edinburgh and in 
the Grampians near Aviemore and Kingussie. Special lists 
of the species from these districts are now in preparation. 
The present list of spiders and harvestmen from other 
localities is put forward as a modest contribution to our 
knowledge of the distribution of these animals in Scotland. 
We have already Rev. O. Pickard-Cambridge’s paper “ On the 
Spiders of Scotland” (“Entom.,” x, 1877), Professor Drail’s 
“List-ot Spiders of Dee C Trans. Nat! Fist) Soc) Aberds. 
1878) and Mr. Young’s lists from the Glasgow district (“ Proc. 
Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasg.,” vols. iii. and iv.), besides various 
Scottish records in Mr. Pickard-Cambridge’s “Spiders of 
Dorset.” The localities now indicated have not, I believe, 
been searched for spiders before ; and I accordingly enumerate 
all the species found, including those common forms which 
may be presumed to range over the whole of the British Isles. 
Some of Professor Thompson’s specimens are from Dundee, 
and the opposite coast of Fife ; but the majority were taken 
at Buckie in Banffshire. Mr. Evans’s collections were made 
in 1889 at Tushielaw in the Ettrick district, and near 
Callander in Perthshire. Mr. Evans has also placed in my 
hands some specimens collected for him by Mr. C. Campbell 
at Morven, Argyleshire. Two of the harvestmen from this 
locality—Olzgolophus ephippiatus, Koch, and O. palpinalis, 
Herbst.—are now recorded for the first time as Scottish. The 
former species is, according to Mr. Pickard-Cambridge, widely 
distributed in England ; but the latter has hitherto been found 
only in Dorset and North Wales. Mr. Evans has also sent 
mea few specimens taken by Mr. A. Robertson at heights of 
over 3000 feet on Ben Alder and Creag Meaghaidh in the 


SOME NEW SCOTCH LOCALITIES FOR ARACHNIDS 223 


Laggan district. Through Mr. Eagle Clarke, I have had the 
opportunity of examining small collections made by Mr. 
Forrester of Glenmiln, at Callander, and at Kilmalcolm, 
Renfrewshire. I would place on record my indebtedness to 
Rev. O. Pickard-Cambridge, of whose readiness to assist 
students in determining difficult species I have had ample 
experience. 


ARANEIDA. 


DRA SSTDAE. 


Drassus troglodytes, C. L. Koch—Sidlaw Hills (D’A. W. T.) 
D. lapidicolens, Walck.—Callander (W. E.) 
Clubtona reclusa, Cb.—Callander (F.) 


DUCT VND. 


Amaurobius similis, Bl—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Callander (F.) 
A. fenestralis, Str.—Callander (W. E.) 


AGELENIDA. 


Textrix denticulata, Oliv.—Callander (W. E.) 
Tegenaria derhamit, Scop.—Morven (C. C.) 


LTE RED TLTDAE. 


Theridion pallens, B\.—Fife (D’A. W. T.) 

T. stsyphium, C\.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 

T. tepidariorum, C. LL. Koch—Morven (C. C.) 

T. varians, Hahn.—Morven (C. C.) 

Phyllonethis lineata, C\.—Callander (F.) 

Pedanostethus lividus, B\.—Callander (W. E.), Kilmalcolm (F.) 
Linyphia triangularts, Cl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Callander (F.) 
L. pusilla, Sand.—Morven (C. C.) 

Drapetisca socialis, Sund.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 

Leptyphantes tenebricolus, Wid.—Callander (F.) 

L. sebrinus, Menge.—Morven (C. C.) 

L. leprosus, Ohl.—Kilmalcolm (F.) 

Tmeticus bicolor, Bl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Kilmalcolm (F.) 
T. abnormis, B\.—Callander (W. E.) 

Erigone atra, Bl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 

E£.. dentipalpis, Wid.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 


Pachygnatha degeerit, Sund.) : 
Pet sind Callander (W. E.) 


224 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


EPEIRIDA. 


Meta segmentata, Cl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Callander (F.), Morven 
(C. C.), Kilmalcolm (F.) 

M. meriane, Scop.—Tushielaw (W. E.), Callander (W. E.) 

Tetragnatha extensa, Linn.—Callander (F.) 

Zilla x-notata, Cl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Callander (F.) 

Z. atrica, C. L. Koch.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Callander (F.), 
Kilmalcolm (F.), Morven (C. C.) 

Epeira cucurbitina, Cl—Dundee (D’A. W. T.), Callander (F.) 

E. cornuta, Cl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Tushielaw (W. E.) 

£. diademata, Cl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Callander (F.) 

E.. quadrata, Cl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 


THOMISIDA. 
Xysticus cristatus, Cl.—Callander (W. E.), Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 


LYCOSIDA. 


Trochosa pulverulenta, Cl.—Callander (W. E.), Morven (C. C.) 

T. terricola, Thor.—Callander (W. E.) 

Lycosa amentata, Cl.—Creag Meaghaidh (A. R.), Ben Alder (A. R.), 
Morven (C. C.), Callander (W. E.), Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 

L. pullata, C\.—Callander (W. E.), Tushielaw (W. E.), Morven 
(CXC), Buckies( DAS Wi) Ben Alden (Ay Ra) 

L. lugubris, Bl.—Morven (C. C.) 

L. nigriceps, Thor.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Morven (C. C.) 

Pirata piraticus, Cl.—Morven (C. C.) 


A LALIT 
Epiblemum scenicum, Cl.—Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 


PHALANGIDA. 


Phalangium opilio, L.—Dundee (D’A. W. T.) 
Oligolophus morio, Fab.— Buckie (D’A. W. T.), Callander (F.), 
Kilmalcolm (F.), Morven (C. C.) 
var. alpinus, Herbst.—Callander (F.), Creag Meaghaidh and 
Ben Alder (A. R.) 
O. agrestis, Meade.— Buckie (D’A. W. T.) 
O. ephippiatus, C. L. Koch—Morven (C. C.) 
O. palpinalis, Herbst.—Morven (C, C.) 
Platybunus corniger, Herm.—Callander (W. E.) 
Megabunus insignis, Meade—Callander (W. E.) 


CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS FLORA OF EAST SUTHERLAND 225 


CONGRIBUMION TOWARDS AWE LORAVOE EAST 
SUTHEREAND: 


By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S. 


THE county of Sutherland (East 107, West 108 of Watson) 
extends across the north of Scotland from the Atlantic Ocean 
to the North Sea. On its west and north-west seaboard it 
is deeply indented by numerous sea-lochs ; its eastern sea- 
board is much lessso. East Sutherland is divided by Watson 
from West by the water-parting on the central ranges of 
mountains; towards the south the county parting thus becomes 
very complicated, and it may be that parts of West Sutherland, 
hitherto so considered, are really drained into East Suther- 
land. West Sutherland has been much more searched by 
botanists than East, and its flora is much better known 
and is probably more extensive ; although in both cases the 
information is much scattered. As so much has been put 
on record respecting the West division of the county, and so 
little about the East, I have thought it would be well to put 
into print what I have been able to get together, especially 
as some of it is contained only in my own collection. I do 
not pretend to have exhausted the literature, but name such 
sources of information as are known to me, and appear in 
my notes on the county. These are as follows :— 


1. Excursions tnto the Highlands of Scotland, by Dr. Graham, 
in Jameson’s ‘‘Edin. New Phil. Journal,” 1825, 1827, 
TOs. 

2. The Northern Flora, by A. Murray, M.D., 1836. 

H. C. Watson. Catalogue in Kew Library, Nos. 39 and 41, 

contains “ Lists of Plants seen about Golspie in Sutherland 
in August 1832.” 

4. List of plants seen in East and West Sutherland in 1881, 
by Mr. W. F. Miller, embodied in Votes on the Flora of 
Caithness and Sutherland, by Arthur Bennett, in “ Journal 
of Botany,” 1882, pp. 117-119. 

5. Records of Characee, by Messrs. Groves, in “Journal of 
Botany,” 1883, 1884, 1886. 

6. A collection of plants made by Mr. Grant of Wick, in 1888, 
and transmitted to me in the same year. 


w 


226 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


7. Excursion of the Scottish Alpine Botanical Club to Sutherland 
and Caithness in 1888, by Dr. W. Craig, in ‘‘ Transactions 
of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh,” 1889, p. 372. 


8. Records, by Messrs. Linton, in ‘Journal of Botany,” 1889, 
p. 208. 


g. Notes of plants gathered by the late Mr. Henderson, in a 
notice of his life by Mr. Grant in “The Northern Ensign.” 


to. In Record Club Report for 1883 (quoted as R. C.), are numerous 
notices by Mr. Grant; but many of the stations here given 
as In East Sutherland are in West Sutherland, such as 
“ Trantlebeg,” which is at least ten miles to the west of the 
water-parting, though others are really in both East and 
West Sutherland. 


t1. Votes on Highland Plants in 1890, by Messrs. Marshall and 
Hanbury, in “ Journal of Botany,” 1891, pp. 108-118. 


For brevity the authorities for the specific names are omitted, 
unless zof contained in the usual Floras. 


References.—The names of the authorities responsible for the 
several localities are printed in italics, and refer to the above records 
in each case: ‘‘sp.” denotes that I have seen a specimen from the 
locality ; ‘‘exs.’’ denotes that dried specimens exist. 

RANUNCULUS HEDERACEUS.—Golspie, Watson; Lairg, AZiller. 
RANUNCULUS FLAMMULA.—Golspie, Watson; Lairg, AZiller. 
RANUNCULUS ACRIS.—Golspie, Watson. 

RANUNCULUS REPENS.—Golspie, Watson; Lairg, Miller. 
RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS.—Golspie Links, Graz, sp. 
(RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS.—Not recorded.) 

RANUNCULUS FICARIA.—Grani, Cat. 

CALTHA PALUSTRIS.—Golspie, Watson; Lairg, Mller. 


TROLLIUS EUROP£US.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Grazz, 81 ; 
Lairg, Ader ; near Invershin, Craig. 


NyMPH#A ALBA.—Between Rosehall and Oykell Bridge, J/arshall 
and Hanbury. 


PAPAVER DUBIUM.—Golspie (1843), Watson. 

PAPAVER RHa@aAS.— Watson. 

CORYDALIS CLAVICULATA.—Gordonbush, Granzé, sp., 1888. 
FUMARIA OFFICINALIS.—Lairg, W. #. Ailler. 

RESEDA LUTEA.—Banks of railway above Invershin Station, Crazg. 
THLASPI ARVENSE.— lVatson. 


CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS FLORA OF EAST SUTHERLAND 227 


CapsELLA BuRSA-PASTORIS.—Lairg, AZ//er. 

+LEPIDIUM LATIFOLIUM.—(107), Watson. 

COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS.—Mouth of the Golspie Burn, Granz, sp. 
DRABA INCANA.—Heaths near Wilkhouse Inn, ‘“‘ Alora Scotica.” 
(DRABA VERNA.—Not recorded.) 

CARDAMINE PRATENSIS.—Lairg, JZ//er. 

NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE.— Watson. 

SISYMBRIUM OFFICINALE.—East Coast, [Vatson. 

SINAPIS ARVENSIS.— Watson. 

RAPHANUS RAPHANISTRUM.—Lairg, Aller. 

HELIANTHEMUM VULGARE.—Strathsteven, Grav, sp. 

VIOLA PALUSTRIS.— Watson. 

VIOLA SYLVATICA (RIVINIANA).—/Vatson. 

VIOLA ARVENSIS.—Lairg, JZ/er. 

Falls of the Shin, Dr. Craze. 

VIOLA CurTISH, var. MacKkatl.—Golspie Links, Graz, sp. 


VIOLA LUTEA, AMCENA. 


DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA.—Kildonan, Granz¢, R. C. 1884. 

DROSERA ANGLICA.—Gyvaham, sp. in herb. Watson; Falls of the 
Shin, Craig. 

POLYGALA EU-VULGARIS.—Lairg, AZiHer. 

POLYGALA DEPRESSA.—Oykell Bridge, A/arshall and Hanbury. 


MONTIA FONTANA, var. RIVULARIS.—Helmsdale, Messrs. Linton. 
var. MINOR, Lairg, AZeller ; Grant, sp. 


SILENE INFLATA.—Golspie Burn mouth, Gravz, sp. 

SILENE ACAULIS.—Ben Griam, Henderson. 

SILENE MARITIMA.—Seashore at Golspie, Gravz, sp. 
Lycunis FLos-cucuLi.—Lairg, JZ//er. 

LYCHNIS DIURNA.— lVatson. 

(Lycunis GITHAGO.—Not recorded. ) 

SAGINA PROCUMBENS.—Lairg, JZHler’. 

(SAGINA APETALA.—Not recorded. ) 

SPERGULA ARVENSIS.—Lairg, J/c/ler. 

HONCKENEYA PEPLOIDES.—Golspie Burn mouth, Grand, sp. 
SPERGULARIA MARGINATA.—Seashore at Dunrobin, Grav‘, sp. 
(SPERGULARIA RUBRA.—Not recorded.) 

ARENARIA SERPYLLIFOLIA.—Lairg, AZiller. 


228 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


ARENARIA SEDOIDES.—Ben Clibrich, JZarshal/, 1888. 
ARENARIA TRINERVIA.—Dunrobin Glen, Grant, sp. 
STELLARIA MEDIA.—Lairg, JZiler, 

STELLARIA HoLostEa.—Golspie Burn, Granz. sp. 
STELLARIA GRAMINEA.——Gyrant, 1883 ; but in West Sutherland. 
STELLARIA ULIGINOSA.—Waztson. 

CERASTIUM SEMIDECANDRUM.—Golspie Links, Grand, sp. 
CERASTIUM ALPINUM.—Ben Griam, Henderson. 
CERASTIUM GLOMERATUM.—Golspie Links, Granz, sp. 
CERASTIUM TRIVIALE.—Lairg, AZ/er. 

(CERASTIUM TETRANDRUM.—Not recorded.) 

CERASTIUM TRIGYNUM.—Ben Griam, Henderson. 

LINUM CATHARTICUM.— Watson. 

+ Marva MoscHATA.—Golspie Burn mouth, Granzf, sp. 


HYPERICUM PERFORATUM.—Between Kinbrace and_ Kildonan, 
Grant, 1881. 


HYPERICUM PULCHRUM.— Watson. 

ERODIUM CICUTARIUM.— Watson. 

GERANIUM MOLLE—/Vatson. 

GERANIUM DISSECTUM.— Watson. 

GERANIUM ROBERTIANUM.— /[Vatson. 

RHAMNUS FRANGULA.—“ planted?” Watson. 

ULEx EUROP#US.—Along the East Coast, Graham, exs.; Strath 
Fleet, Graham, exs. 

ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA.—Lairg, J/7ler. 

CyTisus scoparius.—Plentiful on the East Coast, Graham, exs. 

MEDIcAGO LuPULINA.—Field at Golspie, Granzé, sp. 

TRIFOLIUM MEDIUM.—Lairg, JZc/ler. 


7 TRIFOLIUM HYBRIDUM.—By the station at Helmsdale, Handury 
and Marshall. 


TRIFOLIUM REPENS.—Lairg, JZiller. 
TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE.— Watson. 


(TRIFOLIUM PROCUMBENS AND TRIFOLIUM MINUS.—Grant, R. C., 
1883, but in West Sutherland.) 


Lotus CORNICULATUS.—Lairg, Jiller. 
ASTRAGALUS HYPOGLOTTIS.—‘“ Gordon M.S.,” fide Watson. 


ViICIA SYLVATICA.—Free Vater, Graham, exs. 


CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS FLORA OF EAST SUTHERLAND 229 


Victa Cracca.—Lairg, Ader. 

Vicia SATIVA.— IVatson., 

VICIA ANGUSTIFOLIA.—Pict’s House, at Dunrobin, Grant, sp. 

Vicia SEPIUM.—Lairg, A@7/er. 

Vicia HIRsUTA.—Cornfields, Kildonan, Gran7, R. C. 1883. 

LATHYRUS PRATENSIS.—Lairg, J/7er. 

OROBUS TUBEROSUS.—Lairg, Aller; between Kinbrace and Kil- 
donan, Grant; var. TENUIFOLIUS.—Lairg, AZiler. 


PRUNUS SPINOSA.—Between Rosehall and Oykell Bridge, Marshadl/ 
and Hanbury. 


Prunus Papus.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Granz. 
Prunus Avium.—Golspie Burn, Grand, sp. 

SPIRHA UtMariA.—Lairg, Aller. 

GEUM URBANUM.—Golspie Burn, Graz, sp. 

POTENTILLA ANSERINA.— Watson. 

POTENTILLA ALPESTRIS.—Ben Griam, Henderson. 

COMARUM PALUSTRE.—Lairg, JZller. 

FRAGARIA VESCA.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Granz. 


Rusus CHAMAMOoRUS.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Grant ; 
or near Achintoul, Grant. 


RUBUS SAXATILIS.—(Forsinain, Grant, 1883; but this is in West 
Sutherland.) 


Rusus Ip#us.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Grant, Lairg, 
Miller. 


RuBus CORYLIFOLIUS.—Near Invershin, J/arshall and Hanbury. 


RusBUS PLICATUS, RUBUS LEUCOSTACHYS, AND RUBUS MUCRO- 
NATUS.—Between Rosehall and Invershin, JZarshal/ and 
Hanbury. 


ROSA SPINOSISSIMA.—Golspie, MVatson. 
Rosa INVOLUTA, forma.—Granzé, sp. 
Rosa MOLLIS.—Golspie Burn, Gravzé, sp. 


Rosa TOMENTOSA.—Dunrobin, Gran, sp. 
var. SCABRIUSCULA, Sm. (¢esfe, Baker).—Golspie Burn side, 
Grant, sp. 

ROSA CANINA, var. ASPERNATA.— Rosehall 

- var. SUBCRISTATA.—lInvershin 
‘5 var. BORRERI, £—Invershin 


Marshall and 
flanbury. 


ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS.—Golspie, Watson, Lairg, AZi/ler. 


230 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


ALCHEMILLA ALPINA.—Ben Duhain (Dobhrain, 2030 ft.), Granz, 
ReaG 1853. 


ALCHEMILLA ARVENSIS.— Watson. 

CRATAGUS OxvacANTHA.—Near Rosehall, AZarshall and Hanbury ; 
Lairg, AZHer. 

Pyrus Aucuparia.— Watson ; Lairg, AZHer. 

EpILopiuMm MonTaNuM.— Watson. 

EPILOBIUM PALUSTRE.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Gvavz. 

EPILOBIUM OBSCURUM.—Near Rosehall, AZarshall and Hanbury. 

HippruRIs VULGARIS.—Kildonan, Granz, R. C., 1883. 

MyYRIOPHYLLUM ALTERNIFLORUM.—Loch Brora, Granjé, sp. 

CALLITRICHE PLATYCARPA.—JZiller, Cat. 

SCLERANTHUS ANNuUS.— Watson. 

SEpUM RHop1oLA.—Central corrie of Ben Clibrich, AZarshall. 

SEDUM ACRE.—Golspie Burn mouth, Gazz, sp. 

SAXIFRAGA STELLARIS,— Roadside between Rosehall and Oykell 
Bridge, Marshall and Hanbury. 

SAXIFRAGA AIZOIDES, “‘ Syme, sp.”— Watson. 

SAXIFRAGA TRIDACTYLITES.—Dunrobin, Watson, also ‘‘ Dr. Gordon.” 

CHRYSOSPLENIUM OPPOSITIFOLIUM.—Golspie Burn, Grant, sp. 

PARNASSIA PALUSTRIS.—Kildonan, Grant, R. C., 1884. 

HepeERA Hewix.—kKildonan, Grani, R. C., 1883. 

Cornus Suecica, Watson. 

HypROCOTYLE VULGARIS.—Lairg, AZiéler. 

SANICULA EUROPAA.—Kildonan, Gran, R. C., 1883. 

HELOSCIADIUM INUNDATUM.—Near the Mound, Golspie, Grant, sp. 

ZEcopopiuM PopaGRARIA.—Golspie Links, Gravz, sp. 

BuUNIUM FLEXUOsUM.—Lairg, AZi/ler. 

ANGELICA SYLVESTRIS.—Golspie Burn, Grant, sp. 

HERACLEUM SPHONDYLIUM.—Lairg, JZ/er. 

ToriLis ANTHRISCUS.—Seashore at Golspie, Grant, sp. 

ANTHRISCUS SYLVESTRIS.— Watson. 

+ ANTHRISCUS VULGARIS.—Golspie, Watson. 

SAMBUCUS NIGRA.—Lairg, J/ler. 

VIBURNUM OpuLus.—“ Stables,” Watson. 

GALIUM SAXATILE.—Lairg, JZiller. 


CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS FLORA OF EAST SUTHERLAND 231 


GaALiuM APARINE.— lVatson. 

GALIUM BOREALE.—Rosehall, AZarshall and Hanbury. 
SHERARDIA ARVENSIS.—Invershin, Marshall and Hanbury. 
ASPERULA ODORATA.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Grant. 
VALERIANA OFFICINALIS.— Watson. 


VALERIANELLA OLITORIA.-— Banks on rocks in_ Strathsteven, 
Grant, sp. 


ScABIOSA Succisa.— Watson. 
LEONTODON AUTUMNALIS.— /Vatson. 
Lairg, Miller. . 


SONCHUS ARVENSIS.—Golspie Tower, Graz, sp. 


HyYyPOCHARIS RADICATA. 


SONCHUS ASPER.—Helmsdale, £. -: Linton, “Journ. Bot.” 1889, 
p. 208. 


SONCHUS OLERACEUS.— Watson. 

CREPIS VIRENS.—Roadside, Golspie, Gravzt, sp. 
CREPIS PALUDOSA.—Lairg, AZi/ler. 

Hr1eRAcIUM PILOSELLA.—Lairg, JZ/er. 


HIERACIUM MURORUM, Seg.—Lairg, JZ7/ler, sp. 


HIERACIUM RIVALE, Hanb,—On rocks by the Oykell at Oykell 
Bridge, Marshall and Hanbury, 1889; “Journ. Bot.” 1893, 


p- 368. 
HIERACIUM VULGATUM, H. CORYMBOSUM, AND H. RIGIDUM.—AIll at 
Lairg, AZi/ler. 


HIERACIUM PALLIDUM, Back.—‘“‘ Oliver, sp.” fide Watson. 


HIERACIUM DURICEPS, Hanb., and H. srricrum. Fr.—Both at Oykell 
Bridge, AZarshall, sp. 


HIERACIUM LANGWELLENSE, Hanb.—Oykell Bridge, J/arshall and 
Hanbury ; Dunrobin Glen, Grant, sp. 


HIERACIUM SPARSIFOLIUM, Lindeb.—Oykell Bridge, AZarshal/ and 
Hanbury. 


HIERACIUM OREADES, Fr.—Rocks by the sea, Strathsteven, Gravd, sp. 
TARAXACUM OFFICINALE.—Lairg, J/i//er. 

LAPSANA COMMUNIS.—Lairg, J/7/ler. 

CaRDUUS LANCEOLATUS.— Watson. 

CaRDUUS ARVENSIS.— Watson. 


CARDUUS PALUSTRIS.—Lairg, AZ/ler. 
8 E 


32 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


CARDUUS HETEROPHYLLUS.—Rosehall, Marshall and Hanbury. 

SAUSSUREA ALPINA.—Ben Griam, Henderson. 

CENTAUREA CYANUS AND C. NIGRA.— Watson. 

(ARTEMISIA VULGARIS.—Not recorded.) 

GNAPHALIUM DIo1cuM.— Moors about Golspie, Vatson ; between 
Kinbrace and Kildonan, Gran¢,; Lairg, M/ller. 

GNAPHALIUM SYLVATICUM.—Watson. 

GNAPHALIUM SUPINUM.—East side of Ben Clibrich, A/arshadv. 


GNAPHALIUM ULIGINOSUM.— Between Kinbrace and _ Kildonan, 
Grant. 


GNAPHALIUM MINIMUM.—Near Lairg, Craig. 
TussILAGO FARFARA.—/Vatson. 
ASTER TRIPOLIUM.— Watson. 


SOLIDAGO VIRGA-AUREA.— Watson. 
SENECIO VULGARIS.—Lairg, JZz/ler-. 


SENECIO SYLVATICUS.—Lairg, A/iler. 
(var. Livipus.—Abundant near Lairg, Dr. Graham.) 


+SENECIO viscosus.—Among stones scarcely above high-water mark 
at Helmsdale, Messrs. Linton, “Journ. Bot.,” 1887, p. 208. 


SENECIO JACOB£A.— Watson. 

SENECIO AQUATICUS.—Lairg, JZiller. 

BELLIS PERENNIS.—Lairg, AZi/ler. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM SEGETUM.—Lairg, JZiller. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM.—Golspie, Graz, sp. 
+CHRYSANTHEMUM TANACETUM.—lVatson. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM INODORUM.—Lalrg, J//ler. 

MATRICARIA CHAMOMILLA.—Railway bank at Golspie, Graz, sp. 
ACHILLEA Prarmica.— Watson. 

ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM.—Lairg, A/i/er. 

CAMPANULA ROTUNDIFOLIA.— Watson. 

ErIcA TETRALIX AND E, CINEREA.—Lairg, J/z/der. 

CALLUNA VULGARIS, f. “ INCANA.”—Near Bonar Bridge, Graham, exs. 
(ArputTuS ALPINA.—Not recorded.) 


Arsutus Uva-Ursi1.—Moors on East Coast, Watson; Falls of 
Shin, Craig; Killean, Grant, sp. 
VACCINIUM MyrtTILLus.— Watson. 


CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS FLORA OF EAST SUTHERLAND 233 


(VACCINIUM ULIGINOSUM.—Not recorded.) 


VACCINIUM VITIS-ID#A.—Golspie, Watson ; between Kinbrace and 
Kildonan, Grant. 


LOISELEURIA PROCUMBENS.—Ben Griam, Henderson. 

PYROLA MEDIA.—Falls of Shin, Crazg. 

PyRoLA MINOR.—Golspie Burn, Granf, sp. 

PYROLA SECUNDA.—Ben Bhraggie, Granzé, sp. 

PYROLA UNIFLORA.—“ G. Gordon MS.,” Watson. 

{FRAXINUS EXCELSIOR.—Lairg, JZiler. 

GENTIANA CAMPESTRIS.— [Vatson. 

GENTIANA AMARELLA,—RKildonan, Grant, R. C., 1883. 
ERYTHRZA CENTAURIUM.—Links west of Golspie, Grant, sp. 


MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA.—Loch Brora, Grané, sp.; between Kin- 
brace and Kildonan, Grazz. 


CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS.— Watson. 
VERONICA ANAGALLIS.— Watson. 
VERONICA BECCABUNGA.—lWatson. 


VERONICA ARVENSIS, V. SCUTELLATA, V. OFFICINALIS, AND V. 
CHAMADRyYS.—All at Lairg, AZ/er. 


V. HEDERIFOLIA.—Roadsides near Golspie, Grav, sp. 
V. AGRESTIS.—Trantlebeg (in West Sutherland), Grant, R. C., 1883. 


Bartsia Opontites.—Forsinard, Grant, in R. C., 1883. This 
parish is on the water-parting between East and West Sutherland. 


EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS.—Lairg, JZi/ler. 
RHINANTHUS CRISTA-GALLI.—Lairg, JZiller. 
MELAMPYRUM PRATENSE.—Lairg, AZi/ler. 
Lairg, Adler. 
PEDICULARIS SYLVATICA.—Lairg, AZzller. 


PEDICULARIS PALUSTRIS. 


SCROPHULARIA NODOSA.—Near Invershin, Dy». Crazg, l.c. 
DIGITALIS PURPUREA, Lairg, AZ/ler. 

MENTHA SYLVESTRIS.—Gvaut, sp. 

MENTHA AQUATICA.—Grani, R. C., 1883. 

THYMUS SERPYLLUM, agg.—Lairg, Miller. 

TEUCRIUM ScoroponiA.—Forsinard, Grant, R. C., 1883. 
AJUGA REPTANS.— Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Grant. 


234 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


AJUGA PYRAMIDALIS.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Grant; 
Burn of Culdgour (Killiegower), Aooker and Arnott; south 
of the Ord, near the sea. 


LAMIUM AMPLEXICAULE.— Watson. 

LAMIUM PURPUREUM.—Invershin, Marshall and Hanbury. 
(LAMIUM INTERMEDIUM.—Not recorded.) 

GALEopsIS TETRAHIT.—Lairg, AZller. 


(STACHYS PALUSTRIS, AND S. AMBIGUA.—Both in Strath Halladale, 
Grant, R. C., 1883 ; but this is in West Sutherland.) 


STACHYS SYLVATICA.—Cornfield at Golspie, Grant, sp. 


STACHYS ARVENSIS.—Helmsdale, Messrs. Linton, “Journ. Bot.,” 
1889, p. 208. 


Nepeta Catarta.—Zf. C. Watson, “ introduced.” 
PRUNELLA VULGARIS.—Lairg, A/z/ler. 
SCUTELLARIA GALERICULATA.—Near Invershin, Craig. 


MyosorTis C&spirosa.— Watson. 

MYOSOTIS ARVENSIS AND M. VERSICOLOR.—Lairg, A/i//er. 
(MERTENSIA MARITIMA.—Not recorded. ) 

LycopsIs ARVENSIS.— Watson. 

ASPERUGO PROCUMBENS.—Dornoch Burn, 1808, Borrer, fide Watson. 


PINGUICULA VULGARIS.—Coast, Watson; Lairg, Miller ; between 
Kinbrace and Kildonan, Grant. 


PINGUICULA LUSITANICA.—Invershin, and abundant nearly to Oykell, 
Graham; Oykell, H. W. Campbell; roadside between Shin 
Bridge and Rosehall, dZwrray in “ Northern Flora.” 


UTRICULARIA INTERMEDIA.— Graham. 
PRIMULA VULGARIS.—Lairg, MHer. 
(PRIMULA scoTica.—Not recorded.) 


TRIENTALIS EUROP#A.—Falls of Shin, Drv. Craig, l.c.; between 
Kinbrace and Kildonan, Graz¢, sp. 


LysIMACHIA NEMORUM.—Lairg, J///er ; between Kinbrace and kil- 
donan, Grant. 


ANAGALLIS ARVENSIS.—Roadside near Rosehall, J/arshall and 
flanbury. 


(GLAUX MARITIMA.—Not recorded.) 
ARMERIA MARITIMA.—Strathsteven, Ganz, sp. 
PLANTAGO MAJOR AND P. coronopus.—Both at Lairg, Aller. 


CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS FLORA OF EAST SUTHERLAND 235 


PLANTAGO MARITIMA.—Goispie, Watson, Lairg, AZidler. 
PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA.— Watson. 


LITTORELLA LACUSTRIS.—Lake Brora, Grant, sp. 
CHENOPODIUM ALBUM.— Watson, 


CHENOPODIUM BONUS-HENRICUS.—Roadside near Golspie Tower, 
Grant, sp. 


(ATRIPLEX BABINGTONII.—Not recorded.) 

ATRIPLEX ANGUSTIFOLIA.—Seashore, Golspie, Gant, sp. 
SALSOLA KALI.—Seashore west of Golspie, Graz, sp. 
POLYGONUM AMPHIBIUM.— lVatson. 


POLYGONUM PERSICARIA. 


Lairg, AZiller. 

POLYGONUM AVICULARE.—lVatson. 

POLYGONUM ConvoLvuLus.—In a field near Golspie, Grvanzé, sp. 
RuMEX crispus.—Invershin, Rosehall, AZarshall/ and Hanbury. 


RUMEX DOMESTICUS.—Seashore, Helmsdale, 2. 7: Linton. 
RUMEX OBTUSIFOLIUS, Watson. 

Rumex Acetosa.—Lairg, JZe/ler. 

RuMEX ACETOSELLA, Watson. 


OXYRIA RENIFORMIS.—East side of Ben Clibrich, at 2000 ft., 
Marshall. 


EMPETRUM NIGRUM.—Golspie, Watson. 
EupHorsiA Hetioscopia.—Cornfield near Golspie Tower, Gvanz, sp. 


(EUPHORBIA PEPLUS.—Graut, R. C., 1883. This locality is in West 
Sutherland.) 


URTICA DIOICA AND U. URENS.—Both at Lairg, AZi/er. 


ULmus MONTANA.—“ Clearly native near Rosehall,” AZarshall and 
flanbury. 


QuERCUS ROBUR, Yar. SESSILIFLORA.—Dunrobin Glen, Grant. 
FaGus SYLVATICA.—Roadside near Golspie, Grant, sp. 
CoryLus AVELLANA.—Dunrobin Glen, Granf, sp. 

ALNUS GLUTINOSA.— Watson. 

BETULA ALBA, agg.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Granz. 
POPULUS TREMULA.—Near Invershin, Cvazg. 


(SALIX PENTANDRA.—Strath Halladale, Grant, R. C. This locality 
is in West Sutherland.) 


SALIX VIMINALIS.—Z. -. Linton, 1888 


236 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


SALIX CINEREA.—Lairg, Miller ; Golspie Burn, Grant, sp. 
SALIX AURITA.—Lairg, JZiller, sp. 

SaLix Caprea.—Golspie Burn. 

SALIX AMBIGUA.— Watson. 

SALIX REPENS.—Watson. 

SALIX HERBACEA.—KEast side of Ben Clibrich, AZarshad. 


SALIX AURITA xX CINEREA.—Oykell Bridge, JZarshall and Ffanbury, 
lic: 


Myrica GALe.— Between Kinbrace and Kildonan, Grazz. 


PINUS SYLVESTRIS.—Oykell Bridge, near Rosehall, J/Zarshall and 
Flanbury, \.c. 


JUNIPERUS NANA.—Between Rosehall and Invershin, AZarshal/ and 
Flanbury, \.c. 


GOODYERA REPENS.—Ferry Wood, Golspie, Graz‘, sp. 

LISTERA CORDATA.—Ben Bhraggie, Golspie, Grant, sp. 

LISTERA OvATA.—Near Invershin, Dv. Craig, l.c. 

(ORCHIS MASCULA.—Not recorded.) 

ORCHIS LATIFOLIA, age.—JMViller, Cat. 

ORCHIS MACULATA.—Lairg, JZzller. 

HABENARIA ConopsEA.—Kildonan, Gran?, R. C., 1883. 
HABENARIA BIFOLIA.—Oykell Bridge, Marshall and Hanbury, |.c. 
HABENARIA VIRIDIS.—Golspie Links, Gravzé, sp. 

HABENARIA ALBIDA.—Lairg, A/iller. 


MALAXIS PALUDOSA.—Roadside above Invershin. On the hill 
behind Oykell, near Free Vater, Graham, exs. 


IRIS PSEUDACORUS.—Lairg, A//ler. 
ALLIUM URSINUM.—Golspie Burn Glen, Gravz, sp. 
(ScILLA VERNA.—Not recorded.) 


HYACcINTHUS NON-SCRIPTUS.—Between Kinbrace and Kildonan 
Grant. 
NARTHECIUM OSSIFRAGUM.—Lairg, JZz/ler. 


(TorreLp1a and ALtisma.—Not recorded.) 
TRIGLOCHIN MARITIMUM.—Near Little Ferry, Golspie, Graz, sp. 
TRIGLOCHIN PALUSTRE.—Lairg, J/i//er ; near Invershin, Crazg. 


(To be continued.) 


42. 


43. 


44. 


45. 


46. 


47. 


48. 


49. 


50. 


ie 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA: 237 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE ZA. 
By Joun Roy, LL.D. 


(Continued from page 180.) 


. dejectum, Breb.—General. Zygospores are not uncommon. 


B patens, Nord.—Aberdeen—Alford and Tomachar. 


. Dickiet, Ralfs—General. With zygospores, in Aberdeen and 


Kincardine. 


. dilatatum, Ehr.—General. The zygospore of this species is 


rather remarkable. One example of the triangular form was 
found conjugated near Dinnet in Aberdeen. It is somewhat 
barrel-shaped, with round ends, and has numerous raised 
bands, passing longitudinally round it, giving the end view an 
undulated appearance. Diameter 48 p. (Our Plate IV. fig. 4.) 


. dispar, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Aberdeen, 


Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Dumbarton. With zygospores, in 
Aberdeen, at Slewdrum. 


S. echinatum, Breb.—Very rare. Aberdeen—near New Pitsligo, 


andsouth of Birsemore; Forfar—Canlochan ; Perth—Bracklin. 


S. elongatum, Barker (Trans. Dub. Micro. Club, 27th May 1869). 


St. terebrans, Nordst.— Norges Desmid.” 1872. Very 
rare. Ross—Poolewe ; Argyle—Glen Coe. 


. evasum, Breb., according to Boldt.—Very rare. Ross—near 


Coul (Mrs. Farquharson). 


. eustephanum, Ehr.—Must be very rare. Perth—Spital of 


Glen Shee (Mr. Wm. West). 


. Farquharsonii, n. sp.—Medium-sized, about as long as broad, 


almost circular, ends slightly depressed ; constriction deep, 
linear, outer opening small with basal angles acutely rounded ; 
end view triangular, sides slightly concave, angles very 
broadly rounded; membrane punctate. Length, 5474p; 
breadth, 48 ; isthmus, 11 w; thickness, 38°4 p. (Our Plate 
IVE figs 3.) 

This somewhat resembles a form figured by Delponte 
under 5S. ordiculare,; but his form, besides being only half the 
size, wants the depression in the ends—a very characteristic 
feature. Very rare. Aberdeen—plentiful in the old curling- 
pond at Haughton, Alford. 


S. forficulatum, Lundell—Very rare. Perth—near Buchanty, 


and near Fowlis Wester. 


238 


Bee 


DEP 


54. 


55: 


56. 


57: 


58. 


59: 


60. 


Oit, 
62. 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


S. franconicum, Reinsch.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Bishop’s 
Loch and Tomachar. 


S. furcatum (Ehr.) Breb. (including St spinosum, Ralfs.)— 
General. 

S. furcigerum, Breb.—General. Conjugated in a marsh south 
of the Ord, near Dinnet, Aberdeen. ‘The zygospore is 
exactly like that of S. armigerum in size and appearance. 
Unfortunately the specimen was lost. 


S. glabrum, Ehr.—Common. 


S. gracile, Ralfs.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inverness, 
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Fife. 

B bicorne, Bulnh.—Rare. Aberdeen—Upper Powlair, 
Slewdrum, Birsemore Loch, Craigendinnie, Heugh- 
head, west of the Ord, near Loch Dawan, Homehead, 
Birkhill, Mosston Moor; Kincardine—Scolty Dam 
and Dalbrake ; Perth—Folotry in Fowlis Wester. 

y tenutsstma, Boldt.—Rare. Inverness—in Skye, and at 
Brin ; Aberdeen—at Haughton, and in Glen Clunie ; 
Kincardine—Crathes. and Glen Dye; Perth—Glen 
Garry. 

S. grande, Bulnh.—Very rare. Perth—near Loch Mharc in the 
Forest of Athole, where it was found in July 1876, and in- 
cluded in a list of Perthshire species, published in the “ Scot. 
Nat.,” April 1877. 

S. granulosum, Kg.—Rare. Ross—near Tain; Aberdeen— 
marshes south of Birsemore ; Kincardine—Cammie, Heugh- 
head, and Dalbrake (with zygospores), in Strachan. Zygo- 
spore globular, with numerous slightly bifid spines. Diameter 
without spines, 28 1; length of spine, top. (Our Plate III., 
fig. 6.) 

S. Heimerlianum, Litkem. 

B spinulosum, Liitkem.—Rare, or overlooked. Aberdeen 
—Upper Powlair in Birse ; Kincardine—pool by the 
Spital Burn, Strachan. 

S. hexacerum, Ehr. (S. tricorne, Ralfs).—General, but occurs 
sparingly. Zygospores have been observed at Scotston 
Moor, near Aberdeen. 

f Ralfs.—General, but scarce, 
y semilunare, Wittr.—Apparently rare. Aberdeen— 
Whitestripes (Mr. A. Murray). 


S. jirsutum (Ehr.), Breb.—General, but scarce. 


S. horametrum, n. sp.—Rare. 
Medium-sized, a little longer than broad, “ hour-glass ” 
shaped, constriction opening rectangularly, sides about 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE 239 


straight, semi-cells widening upwards, angles subacute, ends 
flatly convex; angles with 3 to 4 rows of crowded, short, 
simple, acute, stout spines; end view triangular, or quad- 
rangular, sides slightly concave, angles acutely rounded, 
very spiny, 2 to 3 rows of spines across the angles, and a 
circle of 15 spines around the centre in the triangular 
form, and of 20 in the quadrangular. Isthmus about half 
the thickness of the semicell. Membrane smooth. 
L. 57; b. 48p; isth. 18; thick. 33 ».—from a triangular specimen. 
9 65 5 9 SOMs 19 2463 3) 42 pf— 55 quadrangular ” 
(Our Plate III. fig. 2.) 
Its nearest ally is S. asperum, Breb. ; but the spines and 
their arrangement are wholly different. 
Aberdeen—Powlair, Slewdrum, Heughhead,  Birkhill, 
Tomachar, Dinnet, Glen Clunie ; Kincardine—near Crathes, 
and pool near Durris Bridge ; Forfar—Glen Isla. 


63. S. /Zystrix, Ralfs.— Not common. Sutherland, Inverness, 
Aberdeen, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran. 


64. S. inconspicuum, Nordst—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, 
Inverness, Moray, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, 
Argyle. 

65. S. zzflexum, Breb.—General. 

66. S. totanum, Wolle.—Rare or overlooked. Aberdeen—near 
Girnoc ; Perth—Spital of Glen Shee and Ben Lawers 
(Mr. W. West). 

67. S. Kjellmanit, Wille-—General, but very sparingly distributed 
on the low grounds; plentiful on the higher mountains, as 
Cairngorm, Ben Muichdhui, Lochnagar, etc., near melting 
snow. Seems too near S. punctulatum, Breb. 

68. S. deve, Ralfs.—Rare. Sutherland—Loch Inver ; Aberdeen— 
Birsemore Loch, near Loch Dawan, Tomachar ; Kincardine 
—overflow pool in the Dee, near Durris Bridge. 

69. S. devespinum, Bisset (“ Journ. Roy. Micro. Soc.” 1884, Plate 
V. fig. 5).—Very rare. Arran—Goat Fell (Oct. 1882). 

70. S. lanceolatum, Archer.—Not common. Ross, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth. With zygospores, in Aberdeen 
and Kincardine. 

71. S. leptodermum, Lundell.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Slewdrum. 

2. S. lunatum, Ralfs.—Rare. Ross—near Tain; Inverness— 
near Brin; Aberdeen—near Alford, south of Birsemore, 
Dalbagie ; Perth—Craig-an-Lochan (Mr. W. West). 

73. S. Maamense, Archer (Trans. Dub. Micro. Club, 17th December 
1868. S. pseudocrenatum, Lundell, 1870).—Rare. Its dis- 
tribution is peculiar, being practically confined to a district 


240 


79: 


8o. 


SI. 
82. 


85. 


86. 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


extending a few miles west and east of Aboyne, on Deeside, 
and a distant outlier in Mull. 

Aberdeen—Upper Powlair, moor near Church of Birse, 
Rosehill Loch, Birsemore Loch, three localities near Craigen- 
dinnie, Moss of Logie, pool close to north end of Loch 
Dawan, foot of Culblean, east side ; Kincardine—Crathes ; 
Argyle—near Tobermory in Mull. 


S. margaritaceum (Ehr.), Menegh.—General. 


. Ss 
. mesoleium, Archer (Trans. Dub. Micro. Club, 22nd June 


S. megacanthum, Land.—Somewhat rare. Aberdeen, Kincar- 


dine, Perth, Argyle. 

megalonotum, forma, Nordst.—Very rare. Kincardine— 
between Bishop’s Dam and Clochnaben. 

meriant, Reinsch.—General, but scarce. 


1883).—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Aberdeen, Kin- 
cardine, Perth, Fife. 


S. minutissimum, Aurs.—Very rare. Inverness—on Cairngorm; 


Aberdeen—Milton Moor, and Tomachar in Cromar ; Kincar- 
dine—on Kerloch. 


S. monticulosum, Breb.—Not common. Aberdeen, Kincardine, 


Forfar, Perth, Arran. 
B bifarium, Nordst.—Rare. Ross—Falls of Connon ; 
Aberdeen—near Ballater. 


. mucronatum, Ralfs.—General, but scarce. 
AS 


muricatum, Breb.—Not common, Orkney, Sutherland, 
Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, 
Argyle, Arran, Kirkcudbright. 
var. acutum, W. West.—Rare. Perth—Glen Tilt (Mr. W. 
West). 
muticum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Inverness, 
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Perth, Stirling, Argyle. 


S. oligacanthum, Breb.—Rare. Inverness—near Brin; Aber- 


deen—near Cambus O’May and Tomachar; Perth—near 
Loch Clunie. 


. O'Mearit, Archer.—Not common. Sutherland, Aberdeen, 


Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran. 


. orbiculare (Ehr.), Ralfs.—General, and often conjugated. 


B extensum, Nordst.—General, but scarce. With zygo- 
spores, in Aberdeen, near Dinnet. 

yidepressum, Roy and Bisset.—Rare. Perth (or Argyle)— 
Ben Laoigh (Mr. W. West); Fife—Tent’s Moor (Mrs. 
Farquharson). 

oxyacanthum, Archer.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, 

Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran. 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE 241 


88. S. pachyrynchum, Nordst.+Very rare. Aberdeen—Slewdrum 
in Birse, and Heughhead near Aboyne. 

89. S. papillosum, Kirch.—Very rare. Ross—Loch Kinnelan ; 
Aberdeen—Tonley Pond. 


go. S. paradoxum, Meyen.—General. One crushed zygospore seen 
on Kerloch in Kincardine: it had been globular, not large, 
with few long spines, 2-3-fid at the apex. 
B longipes, Nordst.—Very rare. Caithness—Loch Hem- 
, prigs (Mr. James Mitchell) ; Ross—Poolewe (Rev. D. 
Campbell) ; Moray—Dallas ; Argyle—Glen Coe (Mr. 
W. Archer). 
y parva, West.—Common. 
gt. S. pileolatum, Breb.—Not common. Ross, Aberdeen, Kincardine, 
Perth, Argyle. With zygospores, which have been lost, in Kin- 
cardine, at Den of Garrol. They were pretty large, globular, 
with not very numerous stout spines, 2-3-fid at the apex. 
g2. S. pilosum (Niag.) Archer.—General, but scarce. With zygo- 
spores, in Kincardine at Cammie, and Argyle in Glen Coe. 


93. S. polymorphum, Breb.—General, and variable. 


94. S. polytrichum, Perty—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aber- 
deen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Wigtown. 
This species I look upon as identical with S. Pringsheimiz, 
Reinsch ; and being the older name, it must take the place of 
Reinsch’s. They agree in size and form; and in the arrange- 
ment and size of the spines. —S. saxonicum, Bulnh., appears 
to be distinct, having its semi-cells oval rather than elliptical, 
and its spines differently arranged, much more numerous, and 
smaller. For the sake of comparison, figures of both species 
from Deeside specimens are given on our Plate III.: fig. 8 
is S. polytrichum, Perty, and fig. ro is S. saxonicum, Bulnh. 
95. S. proboscidium, Archer (.S. asperum, Breb., 8 proboscidium, Breb.) 
—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, 
Forfar, Perth, Fife, Arran. 
96. S. pterosporum, Lundell.—Not uncommon. With zygospores, in 
Aberdeen, at Heughhead, near Aboyne. 
97. S. punctulatum, Breb.—General, but rather scarce. 
98. S. pungens, Breb,—Not common. Aberdeen, Kincardine, For- 
far, Perth. 
99. S. pygmeum, Breb.—Not common. Ross, Aberdeen, Kincar- 
dine, Forfar, Perth. 
Forms mazus and minus, Wille.—Probably rare. Aberdeen 
—Ben Muichdhui, above Loch Etchachan. 
Var. semicirculare, Wittr.— Rare. Kincardine — near 
Clochnaben. 
Var. obtusum, Wille-—Rare. Forfar 


in Canlochan. 


242 


I0o 


IO! 


Toz2. 


Os 


104 


105. 


106 


107 


108. 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


. S. guadrangulare, Breb.—Very rare. Aberdeen,—at Birse- 


more Loch, near Dinnet, and Dalbagie. 


. S. Reinschit, Roy.—General, but scarce. With zygospores, in 


Argyle, Glen Coe (Mr. Archer). 
S. repandum, Perty.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Glen Callater. 


S. rhabdophorum, Nordst.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen (or 


Forfar ?)—table-land north-west of Canlochan. 


. S. vostellum, n. sp.—Rare. 


Small, slightly longer than broad, broadly oval, constriction 
shallow, opening wide; semi-cell flatly oval, spiny, spines small, 
the one next the constriction rather larger and directed 
downwards, more prominent at one angle owing to a peculiar 
twist in the semi-cell giving it a considerable resemblance 
to a bird’s beak, a number of small spines (about 14) are 
arranged round the margin of the semi-cell and 2 to 3 rows 
within the margin; end view quadrangular, with sides con- 
cave, spiny, and angles a little produced, one more promi- 
nent on account of the twist. Membrane smooth; isthmus 
broad. Length, 31-33; breadth, 29-31; isth., 13-14 p. 

It seems unnecessary to compare this species with any 
other (our Plate III. fig. 3). 

Ross—near ‘Tain and Strathpeffer ; Inverness—Skye, at 
the head of Glen Sligachan ; Aberdeen—many localities from 
Scotston to Girnoc ; Kincardine—Rickarton ; Perth—Glen 
Garry ; Argyle—Glen Coe. 


S. vugulosum, Breb.—Rare. Ross—near Strathpeffer; Kin- 


cardine—on the north side of Cairnmonearn. 


. oS. saxonicum, Bulnh.—Rare. Aberdeen—near Mill of Maiden- 


craig, Haughton, Tillyfour, old channel of Dee below Aboyne, 
near Dinnet School, Koynach Moor in Cromar, Castleton, 
Braemar; Kincardine—near Durris Bridge, Cammie, Dal- 
brake, Slack of Birnie ; Forfar—Lundie Bog, Easter Ogil in 
Fern (our Plate III. fig. ro). 


. S. saxonicum, Reinsch.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Powlair in 


Birse, and Dinnet. 
This is probably nothing more than a form of .S. aculeatum, 
Ehr., but it is a remarkable one. I have seen few examples. 


S. scabrum, Breb.—Not common. Shetland, Sutherland, 
Ross, Moray, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Fife, 
Argyle, Arran. With zygospores, in Aberdeen near Cambus- 
o’-May. ‘They are globular, sometimes slightly oblong, with 
short stout spines, 3-4-fid at the apex. About 10 to 13 
visible round the margin. Diameter without spines, 32-35 p; 
length of spine, 5-6 p. 


109. 


IIo. 


1h 1A Ee 


I12. 


pele 
iA. 
1S). 
TOs 
Pt 7 


118. 


Lip 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA: 243 


S. Sebaldi, Reinsch. 


 ornatum, Nordst.—Rare. Ross—Falls of Rogie ; 
Aberdeen—Brimmond, Slewdrum, old channel of 
Dee below Aboyne, Powlair, near Dinnet, ‘Tomachar ; 
Kincardine—plentiful in a moraine pool above 
Cammie; Perth—Durdie Moor; Kirkcudbright— 
New Galloway. 


S. setigerum, Cleve (S. Royanum, Archer).—Extremely rare. 
Argyle—Glen Coe (Mr. Archer, by whom only this fine species 
has been found). It is not known to occur elsewhere in the 
British Islands; and there are very few Continental localities. 
Glen Coe specimens are figured on our Plate III. fig. 9. The 
specimen in front view has been lying a little obliquely, hence 
the end margin is too straight: it should be very slightly convex. 


S. sexangulare, Bulnh.—Extremely rare. Inverness—near Brin 
(Mrs. Farquharson). 

All the examples seen were 6-radiate, agreeing exactly with 
Bulnheim’s form. ~ All the Welsh and Irish specimens which 
have come under my observation were 5-radiate. Mr. 
Archer was the first to note this handsome form as a distinct 
species ; it having turned up in one of his early visits, if not 
his first, to Connemara. 

S. sexcostatum, Breb.—Rare. Sutherland—Loch Inver ; Aber- 
deen—Brimmond, Ben-na-Chie, south of Birsemore, near 
Craigendinnie, Dalbagie, Lochnagar, Glen Callater Table- 
land ; Kincardine—Nigg, near Durris Bridge, Gillan, Curran, 
Muiryhaugh; Forfar — Canlochan (a five-angled form) ; 
Perth—Ben Lawers, Rannoch. 

Sub. sp. productum, West.—Not common. Sutherland, 
Ross, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Dum- 
barton, Argyle, Renfrew. 

S. spongiosum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Stirling. 
SS. subscabrum. Nordst.—Very rare. Kincardine—in a mor- 

aine pool in Glen Dye. 

S. teliferum, Ralfs.—General. Occasionally with zygospores. 


S. tetracerum, Kg.—General. 


S. tumidum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth. 


S. turgescens, De Not.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, 
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Wigtown. 


S. Ungeri, Reinsch.—Very rare. Inverness—Loch Ruthven ; 
Aberdeen—old channel of Dee below Aboyne; Kincardine 
—Kerloch. 


244 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


120. 5S. vest’tum, Ralfs—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, 


qT. 


2) 


Gs 


~I 


XxX. 


X. 


mr, 


Kincardine, Perth. 


XANTHIDIUM, Ekhr. 


aculeatum, Ehr.—Not common. Sutherland, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Dumbarton. 


antilopeum (Breb.), Kg—Common. Of the two forms, the 
smaller, with slightly curved spines, is the more common. 
This form has been found conjugated in Sutherland at Loch 
Inver, and in Aberdeen at Logie Coldstone, The zygospore 
is large, globular, with numerous stout, tapering, slightly bifid 
spines, of which about 15 appear round the margin.  Dia- 
meter without spines, 60; length of spine, 18p. Our 
Plate III. fig. 13, is from an immature specimen. Forma 
supernumeraria, Nord., occurs in Sutherland near Loch 
Inver. 

The other form is larger, with stout, almost straight spines. 
A curious state of this form occurs in Loch Ruthven, 
Inverness. It has a stout, short, blunt spine on the basal 
angle, under the lower pair of spines, and with them forming 
an equilateral triangle. 

Both forms are very constant in their characters, and each 
probably forms a good species; but not having seen the 
zygospore of the larger form, it is thought better not to 
separate them at present. 


. armatum, Breb.—General. Has been found conjugated in 


Sutherland at Loch Inver, in Kincardine at Cammie, and in 
Argyle in Glen Coe. 

Bigorrianum, Perty.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Loch Ullachie 
near Ballater ; Kincardine—Cammie. 


. Brebissontt, Ralfs—Not common. Aberdeen, Kincardine, 


Forfar, Perth, Dumbarton. 
B basidentatum, Borg.—Very rare. _Aberdeen—south 
west from the Ord, near Dinnet ; Fife—Tent’s Moor. 
concinnum, Archer. 
Var. Boldtiana, West.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Loch 
Ullachie, near Ballater. 


. cristatum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver- 


ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth. 

B uncinatum, Breb.—Common. A curious form of this 
variety occurs in Loch Ruthven, Inverness, in which 
the central circlet of granules is replaced by a short, 
stout, blunt spine. 

y Delpontit, n. var. (Delponte, ‘Spec. Subalp.,” Tab. XIV. 
figs. 1-12).—Extremely rare. Kincardine—Scolty. 


ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA# 245 


Delponte’s figures illustrate a form which differs from the 
typical form of Brebisson, and indeed are nearer var. 6. It 
seems better therefore, for the present, to include it as a 
tolerably distinct variety. 

8. X. fasciculatum, Ehr.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Aber- 
deen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Fife. 

g. X. guadricornutum, n. sp., Roy and Bisset——Medium-sized, a 
little longer than broad, constriction deep, opening widely ; 
semi-cells elliptical, slightly reniform at the base, with two 
spines about the middle of each side; the centre of the 
semi-cell thickened, densely, and irregularly scrobiculate ; end 
view elliptical, slightly quadrangular, with a spine at each 
angle, sides thickened. Isthmus narrowed. Membrane 
smooth. 

Length, 47-5-50 ~; breadth, 45-47-5 »; isthmus, 14-15 p. 
(Our Plate IV. fig. 5.) 

Very rare. Kincardine—in a pool near Durris Bridge. 

This species does not come very near any other known to 
me: the arrangement of the spines and the remarkable centre 
sufficiently distinguish it. 

to, X. Smithit, Archer.—Extremely rare. Kincardine—Cammie in 
Strachan. Now lost by drainage. 


ARTHRODESMUS (Ehr.), Archer. 


1. A. bifidus, Breb—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, 
Kincardine, Perth, Argyle. 


(Zo be continued.) 


ERRATA IN LasT NUMBER, 
Plate IV. should be distinguished as ‘‘ Scottish Desmidiez, Plate I.” 


(Wote.—The references in the text are to this and future special plate numbers. ) 

On page 171, under 3. A. undulata, for Plate IV. read Plate I. Fig. 1. 
pa eee 7. MM. jimbriata, ‘for ,, \Norvead %; I Bigs 3: 
99 Wie on WA WE ea We 5g ING EL I Bigs 2 
1 Whey on 1 Sa Ce Oe oy NG ep, UE, Vite, 
on uyhsy) on KO. Sh CAA TILEE Jor 3, IN 7eed We ic ae 
Bo LOO; espn gOsmSs COT7220E7 U2, F075, UN xeada eb i oan. 


DESCRIPTION OF SCOTTISH DESMIDIEZ, PLATE I.—Fig. 1. Ayalotheca 
undulata, Nord. x600. Fig. 2. JMtcrasterias verrucosa, Bisset: a, front; 4, end; 
x 200. Fig. 3. J. fimbriata, Ralfs, B spznosa, Bisset, x 200. Fig. 4. Closterium 
pseudodiane, Roy, x 400. Fig. 5. Cosmarium Archeriz, Roy and Bisset: a, front ; 
6, end; x4oo. Fig. 6. C. alpestre, R. and B.: a, front; 6, end; x4oo. Fig. 
7. C. microsphinctum, Nord., forma majus, x 400. Fig. 8. C. Davidsonzz, R. 
and B., x600. Fig. 9. C. eductum, R. and B.: a, front; 4, side; x600. Fig. 
10. C. Grantiz, R. and B.: a, front ; 4,side; c,end; x600. Fig.11. C. Gregoriz, 
R. and B., x600. Fig. 12. C. hexalobum, Nord., B, x600. Fig. 13. C. 
trachypleurum, Lund., var. minor, Racib.: a, front; 6, side; c, end; x 600. 
Fig. 14. C. melanosporum, Arch.: a, front; 4, zygospore; x600. Fig. 15. C. 
Litchachanense, R. and B.: a, front; 6, side; c, end; x 600. 


246 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


‘ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 


The Quail (Coéwrnix communis) in the Edinburgh Distriet.— With 
reference to Mr. Adair’s note in the July number of the “ Annals” 
reporting the presence of the Quail on the farm of Remote, some five 
miles east of Dalkeith, it may be worth while putting on record the 
following further occurrences this year in the district around Edin- 
burgh, as indicating a visitation in more than usual numbers: a cir- 
cumstance which it is natural to associate with the unusually fine 
spring and early summer. 

On 22nd July (shortly after sunset), and almost daily during the 
following week, I heard the well-known call in a field of barley ad- 
joining the village of Roslin. The field was immediately opposite 
the house in which I was staying; and it was very pleasant to sit 
during the evening near the partly open window listening to the 
liquid notes: now so distinct as to suggest the bird being but a few 
yards off, now almost inaudible, as if quite at the other side of the 
field. Mr. Eagle Clarke tells me that during the same week he 
and Mr. Adair heard one calling in a field of oats on the farm 
of Morton Mains, a few miles south of Edinburgh; and that on 
several occasions during the last few days of July he heard others on 
different parts of Comiston farm, only a few hundred yards beyond 
the city boundary at Morningside. To the neighbouring farm of 
Oxgangs, they used to come annually about twenty years ago; but I 
am not aware that they have been noticed there since. Again, just 
before daybreak on the mornings of the 12th and 14th of August, I 
heard one calling in the heart of the town of Leven in Fife: it must 
have come into one of the larger gardens to feed. Mention should 
also be made of a nest containing eggs within a few days of hatch- 
ing, which was discovered in June last in a hayfield adjoining the 
village of Tranent in East Lothian, as stated in the newspapers at 
the time. 

It must not be supposed that I record these occurrences because 
the Quail is a very rare bird in the Forth district (it occurs annually 
—in some localities with great regularity), but merely because they 
seem to point to its presence this summer in more than usual 
numbers.—Wm. Evans, Edinburgh. 


Quails (Coturnix communis) in Barra.—About the middle of 
June, I heard the notes of the Quail in a field of corn on the 
minister's glebe in this island. Since that time, and up to the 
beginning of September, I heard the notes frequently about the same 
locality; and one day I marked out at least four or five different 
birds, but although I walked over the fields I failed to see or put 
any of them up. The Rev. J. W. M‘Donald, who accompanied 
me on several occasions, was, however, more fortunate, as he saw 


ZOOLOGICAL ‘NOTES 247 


and put up one in the early part of the month of August. From 
the time the birds have been in the island, I think they must have 
nested. I don’t think there is any record of the Quail having been 
seen or heard in Barra before this year.—JoHN MacRury, Barra. 


The Swordfish (X7phius gladius, L.) in the Firth of Forth.— 
A specimen of this fish, which is of rather rare occurrence on the 
British coasts, was caught in the salmon-nets at Bo’ness, Firth of 
Forth, on the 17th July, and has been acquired for the Kelvingrove 
Museum, Glasgow. ‘The measurements were : 

Total length, 8 feet 2 inches. Tip of sword to front of lower 
jaw, 2 feet 5 inches. 

In the stomach were otoliths of young haddock and whiting, a 
few vertebree, and several specimens of a Nematoid.—J. M‘Naucur 
CAMPBELL, Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. 


Bonito (Zzyunus pelamys) and Fox Shark (A4/ofecias vulpes) in the 
Solway Firth.—Mr. M‘Kie, honorary curator of the Kirkcudbright 
Museum, has kindly furnished me with particulars of the capture of 
this very rare fish in the salmon-nets at the mouth of the Dee. The 
fish is being mounted for the museum, which contains a collection 
of fish well mounted and beautifully shown. ‘This is only the third 
record of the Bonito in local waters, so far as I am aware. One 
was caught at the Bowes Scaur on 25th July 1831. Another one 
was captured on 22nd July 1842, by a haaver, near to Caerlaverock 
Castle, and was sold in Dumfries. Since then I am not aware of 
any other instances of the capture of this beautiful species in or 
near the Solway. Mr. M‘Kie also tells me of another interesting 
addition to his fish collection in a fine specimen of the Thresher, 
captured last month in Wigtown Bay. ‘This is by no means so rare 
a species in our waters as the Bonito.—R. SERvicE, Maxwelltown. 


Note on a Parti-coloured Plaice (//euronectes platessa).—The 
question as to the cause of the presence or absence of particular 
colours in fishes and other marine creatures is one of great interest. 
It might be the subject of the most important investigations, and 
has already occupied the attention of such a skilled and careful 
observer as Cunningham of Plymouth Laboratory. That all fish 
are largely influenced by the ground on which they may happen to 
dwell is well known. Flat-fish more especially seem to take the pre- 
vailing colour of the sea-bottom they affect, without losing their 
characteristic appearance otherwise. The White or Gray Conger of 
the deep sea, and the Black Conger of the tangle area, are cases in 
point. Every Highland loch with a silver strand or sandy bottom 
at one end and a peaty bottom elsewhere, carries Trout with 
characters derived evidently from such bottoms. It has come 
consequently to be an accepted opinion that colour in fish is due 
to the influence of light as reflected from coloured surroundings. 


8 F 


248 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Thus the experiments of Stoddart with Trout kept in white basins, 
which rapidly lost their colouring, was considered of a crucial 
character. And yet Gold Carp do not necessarily lose richness of 
colouring in any ordinary dishes. Similarly flat-fish whose under 
surface is removed from the influence of light have no pigment 
on this under surface; and by experiment this under surface has 
been pigmented by reflecting light thereon. Yet we have such 
creatures as the Palmipes Starfish with a band of rich colouring on 
the under surface, although living in deep water and on muddy 
ground. So that other elements may enter into the question. Apart 
from these experimental and natural observations, there are some 
which are evidently wholly abnormal. ‘These are perhaps still more 
important than what we have previously alluded to. Thus we find 
flat-fish such as Plaice with a partial coloration on the under sur- 
face. Some have been taken, as one fisherman described it, as if two 
young Plaice had been stuck together to make one fish—fully 
coloured on the under surface as well as on the upper. Through 
the kindness of Mr. Colin Leitch of Ardrishaig, we have been favoured 
with a very remarkable specimen of such a Plaice. The lower half 
and a portion of the upper half towards the dorsal fin were as well 
coloured as the upper surface, with the distinctive orange spots well 
shown. ‘The remaining fourth, including the under surface of the 
head, was quite normal, Here was a fish that had apparently reverted 
to the coloration of a prior condition, when the fish swam on its 
edge with eyes on both sides, as indicated in the early development 
of the flat-fishes. But the stvwctfuve had not reverted, and when the 
head was approached, it and its immediate neighbourhood retained 
the normal appearance of a present-day Plaice. If the normal 
development of the young Plaice were delayed so as to keep it on 
its edge with eyes on both sides a few days longer than usual, the 
pigment cells might obtain such a start as to continue developing in 
spite of the untoward conditions of an ordinary flat-fish existence. 
Has a Plaice ever developed completely so as to be taken absolutely 
double-sided: that is to say, not only pigmented on both sides, but 
with an eye on each side, as in the early stages? We have not met 
such a specimen, but partial retrogression, at least in colouring, is not 
uncommon, and the above specimen at the tail half was as com- 
pletely coloured on the one side as the other.—W. ANDERSON 
SMITH, Ledaig. 


Psodos coracina, /s/. (=P. trepidaria, Z77.), at a low eleva- 
tion.—This little mountain moth is, I believe, usually regarded as 
only occurring in this country at an altitude of 2000 feet and upwards 
—see Buchanan White’s “ Lepidoptera Scotica” (Scot. Nat., vol. 
iv. p. 32). It may be worth mentioning therefore, that in June of 
the present year I took two specimens at Inverdruie Saw Mill, and 
a third by the Spey close to Aviemore Bridge, only some 700 feet 


ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 249 


above sea level. A few days before I captured one at about 1000 
feet elevation by the roadside leading to Loch Morlich. On Cairn- 
gorm and Braeriach it was abundant at the usual altitude. —WILLIAM 
Evans, Edinburgh. 


Rare Beetles in Inverness-shire.—It may interest some of the 
readers of the “ Annals” to know that I found the bright red beetle 
Lros aurora, Herbst., in considerable abundance in the forest of 
Rothiemurchus towards the end of May last (1893). Besides a 
single example at Loch-an-Eilean and another at the Doon, I found 
numbers resting or crawling on the branches of a dead bush of 
broom at Inverdruie. From twenty to thirty might have been 
captured on each of several successive days. ‘The spot was thickly 
covered with decayed sawdust. According to Sharp’s “Coleoptera 
Scotica” and Fowler’s “ British Coleoptera,” this species has not hitherto 
been taken in Moray; the only British localities given for it being 
Rannoch, etc. Another interesting capture was Pachyta sexmaculata, 
L.,of which I obtained a single specimen on the sand-hills at the upper 
end of Loch Morlich in the forest of Glenmore. On referring to 
the authors above mentioned, I find only one previous record, and 
that for the same district, namely two specimens captured at 
Aviemore in 1877. Another good beetle taken among shingle by 
the margin of Loch Gamnha was JZeloe violaceus, Marsh.—WILLIAM 
Evans, Edinburgh. 


Lepidepecreum carinatum, Sfence Bate and IVestwood, in the 
Firth of Forth.—This curious Amphipod has recently been obtained 
in the Firth of Forth for the first time. The genus and species 
were instituted by Spence Bate and Westwood in 1868, and are 
described at page 509 of the second volume of their work on the 
‘“‘ British Sessile-eyed Crustacea,” from a female specimen sent to 
them by the late Thomas Edward of Banff. Mr. Spence Bate had 
previously (‘‘ Cat. Amph. Crust. Brit. Mus.” 1862) described a male 
specimen sent to him from Shetland by Mr. George Barlee as 
Anonyx longicornis ; and it is therefore the opinion of some British 
Carcinologists that the name of the species should be Lepidepecreum 
longicorne, Sp. Bate : but Professor G. O. Sars (“‘ Crustacea of Norway,” 
vol. i. p. 115) thinks that the “last-named specific appellation must be 
cancelled as only referring to a masculine character, although it is of 
somewhat older date than the name subsequently assigned to the 
female.” The species does not appear to be a very common one. 
The Scotch records for it are Shetland (as Anonyx longicornis, Sp. 
Bate); Moray Firth (Thomas Edward: “I have it also from that 
locality”); and Firth of Clyde (David Robertson).—THomas Scort, 
Edinburgh. 


Metopa nasuta, 4ceck, from the Moray Firth.—This small 
Amphipod (scarcely 3 mm. in length) has been taken in the Moray 


250 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Firth among Filograna implexa. It was obtained by carefully wash- 
ing the /7/ograna, and appeared to be moderately common. There 
is no previous record of this species for the East of Scotland ; but 
Mr. David Robertson has obtained it in the Clyde off Fairland 
Point, Cumbrae.-—TuHomas Scott, Edinburgh. 


Cumacea from the Moray Firth.—The following interesting 
species of Cumacea have lately been obtained in the Moray Firth, 
viz., Petalomera dechivis, G. O. Sars ; Endorellopsis deformis, Kroyer ; 
and Campylaspis rubicunda, Lilljeborg. The Firth of Forth is the 
only other Scotch locality where these species have been obtained 
hitherto; and they have not (so far as I know) been previously 
recorded for the Moray Firth. They have occurred in considerable 
numbers in both localities.—THomas Scott, Edinburgh. 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS. 


First Records of Seottish Plants.—JIn the continuation 
(Journ. Bot.” August and September) of “First Records of 
British Flowering Plants,” by William A. Clarke, F.L.S., the follow- 
ing are noted from Scotland. 

Linnea borealis, L.—‘‘ Found by Professor James Beattie, for the 
first time in Britain, in an old fir wood at Mearns, near Aberdeen, and 
exhibited at the Linnean Society, 2nd June 1795. ‘Linn. Trans.,’ 
lil. 333.” (Nore.—The locality was Inglesmaldie, near Fettercairn.) 

Erigeron alpinum, .—“ Found by James Dickson,.in 1789, on 
Ben Lawers. Dickson, ‘Crypt. Fasc.,’ ii. 29, and ‘Linn. Trans.,’ 
li. 288.” 

Gnaphahum Norvegicum, Gunn., ““1777.—As a variety 
sylvaticum, occurring upon the Highland mountains. Lightfoot, 
“Fl Scot, 7472: ¢ 

G. supinum, L., ““1777.—Upon the tops of the Highland 
mountains. Mr. Stuart. Lightfoot, ‘Fl. Scot., 471.” 

Arctium intermedium, Lange, 1856.—‘‘ Near Berwick-on-Tweed, 
etc. Babington in ‘Ann. Nat. Hist.,’ ser. 2, xvil. 375.” 

Crepis succisefolta, Vausch, “ 1794.—In ‘Sylvis Scotiz australis,’ 
1789. James Dickson in ‘Trans. Linn.,’ i. 288 (//zeractum molle).” 

Lactuca alpina, Benth., ‘‘ 1810.—Discovered on the Aberdeen- 
shire mountain of Lochnagore by Mr. G. Don, September 1881. 
Oi Bs e242 


Rosa resinoides, Cvefzn, in Mid-Perth.—I have to record the 
occurrence of the above rose near Lawers.—G. C. DRUCE. 


Juniperus intermedia, Sciur, in Seotland.—Among gatherings 
of Juniperus from the island of Scarp, Outer Hebrides, sent by Mr. 
Duncan, I found three that were- evidently not exactly wana or 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 251 


communts. On comparing them with specimens from Transylvania 
and the Austrian Tyrol at Kew, it seemed to me they agreed with 
Schur’s plant. 

But I should rather place it as a variety of communis, as Nyman 
has done, than as a hybrid, as Wettstein does ; as it fruits freely. 

It might be searched for when the two plants grow together, 
if an hybrid. ‘The references are : 

Juniperus intermedia, Schur, in “ Verh. siebund naturf. Verein,” 
2, p. 169 (1851). 

Juniperus communis, L., var. intermedia. Nyman, in “ Consp. FI. 
Europ.,” 3, p. 676 (1881). 

Juniperus communis x nana, Wettstein, in ‘Sitzb. Wien. Akad. 
moatuanat-,- cle xcvi, p. 332 (1887): 

Intermediate in habit and characters between communis and 
nana, though perhaps nearer the former; fruiting freely on both 
the Austrian Tyrolese and the Hebridean specimens.—ARTHUR 
BENNETT. 

Algee Britannicz rariores exsiceate, fasc. vi., issued by E. 
M. Holmes, F.L.S.-—This excellent series of new, rare, and critical 
British Algze must prove of much value to all algologists, but 
especially to isolated students of these plants. Of the twenty-five 
in the fasciculus now issued, the following are from Scotland: 
Ascocyclus orbicularis, Magn., on leaves of Zostera, from Fintry Bay, 
Cumbrae ; Ascophyllum Mackait, var. Robertsont, Batt., from Loch 
Ranza, Arran; Chordaria divaricata, C. Ag., from Fairlie, Ayrshire ; 
Dermocarpa violacea, Crn., on Fucus vesiculosus, from Berwick-on- 
Tweed ; Lithothamnion corallioides, Crn., from Lamlash Bay, Arran ; 
L. rosaceum, Batt., M. S., from Berwick-on-Tweed ; JZesoglwa lanosa, 
Crn., from Lamlash Bay; MWonostroma Ailyttiz, Wittr., from Kame’s 
Bay, Cumbrae; Pylaiella varia, Kjellm., from Invergordon, Ross- 
shire (see “Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.,” vol. i. p. ro1); Streblonema 
Areschougit, Batt., on Aimanthalia lorea, from Cumbrae. 

Monstrosity (Flower on Fruit) in Hydrocotyle vulgaris.— Being 
on the outlook for the flower of White-rot on roth August I found 
one plant, which bore only fruit. As there were several unopened 
buds on the plant, it was taken home and put into a shallow vessel 
in water where some sun-dew was growing in Sphagnum. The 
pennywort put out new leaves from the buds, and also a single 
flower from the tip of one of the fruits in the region of the style of 
the former flower. ‘The new flower was fully developed on the 
15th; but the stamens did not appear to be well supplied with 
pollen. 

To-day (18th), the flower has quite withered away.—A. Mac- 
DONALD, Durris. 

Rare Fungi. Zactarius violascens, Fr.—This, so far as I am 
aware, is new to Britain. It has been discovered on Deeside by 


252 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Mr. James Renny, who informs me that he has gathered it in Savoy 
and Switzerland. The milk soon assumes a violet tint on exposure 
to the air, and is a very distinctive feature. 

Strobilomyces strobilaceus, Berk.—This has been forwarded to me 
from Eastwood, Dunkeld, by Mr. Charles M‘Intosh. The specimen 
was small, but perfectly developed. Until recent years it was found 
only in Herefordshire. In 1889 a few good specimens were 
gathered in Drummond Wood, near Crieff, during the visit of the 
Cryptogamic Society. Mr. M‘Intosh has been fortunate in adding 
another Scottish station for this very remarkable plant.—]oHN 
STEVENSON. 


Parka decipiens.—Notes on specimens from the collections of 
James Reid, Esq. of Allan House, Blairgowrie, Scotland. By 
Sir William Dawson, LL.D., F.R.S., and Professor Penhallow, B.Sc. 
“Trans. Roy. Soc. Canada,” Section IV., 1891, pp. 3-16, with a plate. 


Part I. Historical and Geological. By Sir William Dawson. 

This part gives an account of the various views that have been 
held regarding the nature of Parka decipiens since its discovery by 
Fleming in 1831. This is followed bya description ; but as to the 
mode of occurrence and the individual appearance of the specimens 
sent him by Mr. Reid,—who, in addition to those of his own collecting, 
forwarded to Sir William Dawson additional specimens collected by 
Mr. W. Graham, Rescobie,—after reviewing the evidence in favour 
of each of the rival claims for the animal and vegetable affinities of 
Parka, and referring to the plant remains with which it is usually 
associated, Dawson sums up as follows: ‘“‘ Putting the parts to- 
gether in accordance with these facts, we may suppose Parka 
decipiens to be the fruit’ of an aquatic plant having strong rugose 
but not woody stems or rhizomes, producing numerous branches ; 
those which were fertile, and perhaps nearer the base, supporting 
clusters of Parka, those which were barren producing long grass-like 
floating leaves like those of Zostera. The affinities of such a plant 
would be with modern rhizocarps, though a peculiar and exaggerated 
form.” Dawson further states: “It seems possible that the plant 
formerly described by the author as Cordaites angustifolia, from the 
Evian of Gaspé, may be allied to Parka, though only its leaves and 
stems are known.” He also thinks that such organisms as Sforocystes 
and Lepidocystis of Lesquereux may be allies of Parka. 


Part If. Microscopical and Botanical Results. By D. P. 
Penhallow, B.Sc. 


In the first paragraph of this part of the subject, we have the 
key-note to the general results of Professor Penhallow’s investigations 
summed up in the following sentence: ‘“ After careful examination 
and comparison, the conclusion was reached that Parka was an 
aquatic rhizocarp, probably allied to Pe/ularia. 


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 253 


Preliminary to his investigation, Professor Penhallow classified his 
material as follows : 


1. Rugose stems in which the organic matter has been wholly 
replaced by red oxide of iron. 

2. Rugose stems showing apparently leaves attached. 

3. Fragments of linear leaves (Cordaztes angustifolia ?). 

4. Linear leaves or branches. 

s. Oval impressions showing distinct reticulations ‘devoid of 
Parka discs, but showing a reticulated and somewhat 
radiating structure, evidently composed of: elongated 
parenchymatous cells.” 

6. ‘Discoid impressions of bodies represented by a somewhat 
carbonaceous residue, but showing no structure. Apparently 
solid, spore-like spherules flattened by pressure.” 

7. Fragments of Parka. 


Detailed descriptions of the various organisms are given; but 
the point of greatest interest centres in Parka decipiens, the examples 
of which, owing to differences in point of size, are treated by Professor 
Penhallow in three distinct groups. 


In group A they measure 6 to r1 mm. in diameter. 

In group B they measure about 13 x 20 mm. 

In group C, the most perfect specimen measured, 3-5 x 5-3 cm. 
fe) ’ are) ro) 


Professor Penhallow believes that in these masses ‘*we must 
recognise sporocarps containing globular sporangia (Parka discs).” 

The discs appear, according to this writer, to be invested by a 
thick carbonaceous layer, which, when examined as an opaque object, 
shows a reticulation of the surface. Internal to this the disc consisted 
“of a distinct tissue, composed of rather thin walled cells, thus giving 
direct proof that they were not simple spores, but of the nature of 
sporangia. 

‘Tn one or two cases they also appear to contain certain rounded 
bodies similar to spines, at least distinct from the other parts of 
the structure, but so involved as to leave their identity somewhat 
in doubt.” Certain isolated minute bodies were also observed, which 
are regarded as microspores. He also figures and describes some 
cellular structures which he believes to be prothadi. 

From the examination of the material at his disposal, 
Professor Penhallow comes to the conclusion “that Parka is an 
aquatic rhizocarp allied to Prdudaria.” 

He therefore defines the genus Parka as follows 


Genus Parka, Flem. 
“Aquatic plants with creeping stems, linear leaves, and sessile 
sporocarps having two kinds of sporangia. Sporangia, 2 mm. in 
diameter ; macrospores, 40 #3 microspores, 15 p. 


254 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


“ Parka decipiens, Flem.—Stems rugose, about 4 cm. in diameter, 
showing stumps of branches about 11 cm. distant. Leaves linear, 
rt cm. broad, with somewhat rounded terminations. Sporocarps 
oval, 3-5 x 5-5 cm., bearing more or less conspicuous impressions of 
the contained sporangia. 

“a. media, n. var.—Sporocarps oval, nearly entire, 13 x 20 mm. 
broad. Impressions of sporangia distinct ; usually carbonised. 

“This var. shows no conspicuous leaves or stems. 

“6B. minor, n. var.—Stems 4 mm. broad. Leaves linear, 1-5 to 
2 mm. broad, sometimes finely veined. Sporocarps oval, 6 to 
11 mm. broad. Impressions of the sporangia distinct, often 
carbonised.” 

The paper, which shows that a great deal of care and labour has 
been bestowed on its preparation, must be carefully studied by all 
interested in the structure and affinities of Parka ; but, on the showing 
of the writers themselves, there is scarcely enough of conclusive 
evidence—the most of their conclusions are really in the form of 
probable explanations or suggestions—to admit of the genus 
Parka being so fully and rigidly defined as has been done by Pro- 
fessor Penhallow; as we have no evidence placed beyond reasonable 
doubt that the stems and leaves (?) with which Parka is associated 
are really referable to it. The mere fact of their association on the 
same slabs cannot be accepted as proving any original organic 
connection between them. ‘Their association may give ground for 
the assumption of their being different parts of the same organism ; 
but, in absence of any certain knowledge of their organic union, one 
is scarcely justified in characterising a genus on merely supposed 
relationships. The evidence on which it is accepted that Parka 
possessed macrospores and microspores is far too slender to justify the 
important conclusions drawn from it—R. Kipsron. 


CURRENT LITERATURE. 


The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His- 
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—July-October 1893. 


The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as 
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and 
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the 
sources of information undermentioned. | 


ZOOLOGY. 


A CATALOGUE OF LocaL Lists or BriTISH MAMMALS, REPTILES, 
AND FISHES, ARRANGED UNDER Counties. By Miller Christy, 
F.L.S. Zoologtst (3), vol. xvii. No. 199 (July 1893).—Lists relating 
to Scottish Reptiles [and Amphibia], pp. 249-251. Lists relating to 
Scottish Fishes, pp. 260-262. 


CURRENT LITERATURE 256 


DISTRIBUTION OF THE ALPINE HARE IN SOUTH-WEST SCOTLAND. 
R. Service. Zoologist (3), vol. xvii. pp. 265-266 (July 1893). 


THE VOLE PLAGUE IN SCOTLAND.  Zoologist (3), vol. xvil. p. 353 
(September 1893). Notes that the Voles have almost entirely dis- 
appeared from the affected area. 


VARIATION IN THE CoLouR OF FIELD VOLES. R. Service. 
Zoologist (3), vol. xvii. p. 266.—Observations based on Scottish 
specimens. 


LarGE Rat. R. Leckie Ewing. Zhe Meld, 5th August 1893, 
p- 208.—One killed on the banks of the river Devon, Perthshire, 
weighed 2 lb. 


A VISIT TO SULE SKERRY, ORKNEY. J. B.S. Zhe Field, 2nd 
September 1893, pp. 358-359.—Contains an account of the bird 
life. 


NOTES ON THE NESTING OF SOME SHETLAND Birps. By Ernest 
W. H.. Blagg, M.B.O.U. The lois (6), vol. v. pp. 350-358 (July 
1893). 

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER IN ARGYLLSHIRE. Allan Gordon 
Cameron. Zhe Field, 29th July 1893, p. 198.—Observed this 
summer, for the first time, in the neighbourhood of Loch Crevan, 
North Argyll, in May and June. 


QuaIL IN SOUTH-wEST SCOTLAND. R. Service. Zoologist (3), 
vol. xvil. pp. 306-307 (August 1893).—Records, in addition to 
general information, the finding of two nests in June in Duntfries- 
shire. 

LocaL ABUNDANCE OF Quai. G.and B. Zhe Field, 1st July 
1893, p. 3.—Several heard in a field near Edinburgh. 


QUAIL IN PERTHSHIRE. Arthur H. Crake. Zhe Field, oth Sep- 
tember 1893, p. 399.—One shot at Auchingarrich, 4th September. 


GREEN SANDPIPER IN SOUTH-WEST SCOTLAND. R. Service. 
Zoologist (3), vol. xvii. p. 305 (August 1893).—Winter records. 


A FURTHER DESCRIPTION OF PALEOSPONDYLUS GUNNI, 
Traquair. By R. H. Traquair, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S. Proc. Roy. 
Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xii. part 1. (1892-93), pp. 76-94. 


LEPIDOPTERA IN ELGINSHIRE AND ABERDEENSHIRE. A. Horne. 
Lent, Record, vol. iv. No. 8 (August 1893), p. 234.—Ten species of 
Heterocera recorded from Burghead, eight species and one variety 
from Aberdeen, and Zygzena exulans from Braemar. 


THE LAND AND FRESHWATER CRUSTACEA OF THE DISTRICT 
AROUND EDINBURGH. ParRT II. THE OSTRACODA AND COPEPODA. 


256 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


By Thomas Scott,-F.L.S. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xii. 
part 1. (1892-93), pp. 45-76.—Gives extensive annotated lists of 
species. 


THE GLACIAL FAUNA OF KING EDWARD, IN BANFFSHIRE. By 
Alfred Bell. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xii. part 1. (1892-93), 
p. 20.—A list of fifty-seven fossils given, principally Mollusca, of 
which seventeen are new to Scotland. 


On a Deposir IN LarGo Bay. By Alfred Bell. Proc. Roy. 
Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xii. part 1. (1892-93), p. 22.—Includes a list 
of thirty-three shells and one Crustacean, and compares the deposit 
with a similar one at Fillyside. 


_ THE ANCIENT LAKE oF ELIEz. By James Bennie and Andrew 
Scott. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xii. part i. (1892-93), pp- 
148-170.—Contains an account of the fauna and flora. 


BOTANY. 


First RECORDS OF BRITISH FLOWERING PLANTs. By William 
A. Clarke, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., August and September.—These 
instalments extend from Peucedanum to Wahlenbergia. (See p. 250 
of this journal.) 


SOME PLANTS OBSERVED IN EAST SCOTLAND, JULY AND AUGUST 
1892. By Edward S. Marshall, M.A., F.L.S. /ourn. Bot., August. 
—Plants are noticed from Selkirkshire, Forfarshire, around Spital of 
Glenshee, and near Beauly. Numerous new county records are 
given, as are also the altitudes at which many species were observed. 


BritisH HAWKWEEDS (concluded), By Edward F. Linton, M.A., 
and Wm. R. Linton, M.A. /ourn. Bot., July.—lIn this are described 
the following ‘‘new species”: /Z. eustales, from Glen Derry, South 
Aberdeen, and from two localities in Mid-Perth; A orcadense, W. 
R. Linton, from Hoy in Orkney. There are also several “ varieties ” 
described as new to science, or at least to Scotland. 


NEW OR CRITICAL BritisH ALcG&. By E. A. L. Batters, B.A, 
LL.B., F.L.S. Grevillea, September.—The following are enumerated 
(and each is described) from Scotland: Zzthothamnion roseum, 
n. sp., from Berwick, Cumbrae, and St. Andrews (C. Howie and Dr. 
Axford) ; Pleurocapsa fuliginosa, Hauck, from Berwick ; Aphanocapsa 
marina, Hansg., from Berwick; /lectonema terebrans, Born. and 
Flah., boring into shells at Cumbrae; Zyngbya lutea, Gomont, in 
shallow puddles at high-water mark at Cumbrae. 

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF ARTHROSTIGMA GRACILE, DAWSON, IN 
THE LOWER OLD RED SANDSTONE OF PERTHSHIRE. By Robert 
Kidston, F.R.S.E., F.G.S. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xii. part 1. 
(1892-93), pp. 102-111, Plate III. 


REVIEWS 257 


REVIEWS. 


SHORT SKETCHES OF THE WILD SPORTS AND NATURAL 
HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDs. By Charles St. John.—A new 
edition, with the author’s notes, and a memoir by the Rev. M. G. 
Watkins. (London: John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1893.) 

This, the ninth edition of a most popular and classic work, issued 
by the world-famed publishing firm of Murray, differs from all the 
preceding in containing the additional notes of the author, marked 
“C. St. J.” These have been printed word for word from an inter- 
leaved copy of Jenyns’s Wanual of British Vertebrate Animals. ‘There 
are also numerous additional annotations by the Rev. M. G. Watkins, 
which are all that can be desired in illustrating and explaining the text ; 
and these in themselves display a wide and scholarly knowledge of 
the subjects dealt with. The preface, and a memoir of St. John by 
the same writer, give additional interest to the present edition, so 
also the portrait of St. John which forms the frontispiece ; this is the 
only portrait that was ever taken of the author, and is now for the 
first time introduced, and specially possesses a melancholy interest, 
as it was taken after the time the writer was struck down by the 
malady which eventually carried him off at the comparatively early age 
of forty-seven. ‘The volume contains 79 illustrations by Harrison 
Weir, C. Whymper, and others, exquisitely engraved on wood by J. W. 
Whymper. It is a long time since we have seen a book so well 
and beautifully got up, and so highly finished, and doing credit to 
all who have been engaged in its production. ‘There are some few 
works in our language treating of wild nature of which we may 
safely predict that they will never lose their interest with the reading 
public, and this is one of them. 


ANNALS OF THE ANDERSONIAN NATURALISTS’ Society. Edited 
by Robert Turner. (Glasgow: Allan and Ferguson, 1893.) 

Naturalists will examine this volume with interest because of the 
variety of features it presents, and the attractive way in which these 
are treated. It is the first publication of a society which has been in 
existence since 1885, and though local—and most properly so—in 
its character it is above the usual average of publications of the kind. 
The aim of the society is avowedly to popularise studies in natural 
science in Glasgow, and it seems already to have done some good 
in this way. The volume before us is an earnest of this, and con- 
tains just the sort of information that field-naturalists desiderate. 
It deals with botany, zoology, and archzeology, and the information 
given is both interesting and useful. The writers of the various 
articles possess a practical knowledge of the subjects they deal with, 
and seem to take a pleasure in them for their own sake. It would be 
invidious to single out any of the writers, but it is particularly notice- 


258 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


able from one of the papers how a scientific subject can be handled 
to make it both attractive and interesting. 

The volume is handsomely got up, and is extremely well printed 
and illustrated. It has been carefully edited and printed, and few 
if any inaccuracies occur. Botanists may find fault in some places 
with the nomenclature. On page 2 the generic name Sarothamnus 
is preferred to Cyézsus, and on page 67 Caucalis to Torilis. On 
pages 63 and 77 the lesser club-moss is placed under the genus 
Selaginella, where it ought properly to be; but before doing so it 
would be advisable to alter its specific name, now no longer intelli- 
gible under this genus. A few more such trivial discrepancies occur, 
and will occur in such publications until some uniform system of 
botanical nomenclature is introduced and adopted by phytologists. 

All the papers are well worthy of being put on record, and we 
congratulate the society on its advent, and trust that other and 
equally useful volumes may appear in due course. 


Dr. JOHNSTON’s LETTERS.—Selections from the Correspondence 
of Dr. George Johnston . . . collected and arranged by his 
daughter, Mrs. Barwell-Carter. Edited by James Hardy, LL.D. 
Hon. Secretary to the Berwickshire Naturalist’s Club. (David 
Douglas, Edinburgh, 1892.) 

A remarkable phenomenon in history is the extraordinary 
influence exercised on intellectual progress by ‘borderers,” that is, 
people of mixed race, combining the strong rather than the weak 
points of the two races which mingle at their point of contact. To 
naturalists, and especially those whose work in the field is furthered 
by the active existence of field clubs and out-of-door societies for the 
investigation of natural phenomena, the name of George Johnston 
carries with it special veneration as that of the man from whose 
vigorous brain and bright interest emanated the idea that led to the 
successful establishment, and no less successful prolonged career of 
the first, and in many respects still one of the best organisations of 
its kind. Dr. Johnston was pre-eminently a Borderer, a native of 
Berwick, that bit of English land which lies on the Scottish side of 
the ‘Tweed; and his memory is cherished with equal pride by Scot 
and by Southron. 

The volume before us is remarkably interesting, and gives us an 
excellent notion as to the kind of man Johnston was. No one can 
rise from its perusal without an added feeling of regard for the man 
and his versatile, many-sided nature, the genial character which 
made for him such hosts of friends, the scientific acumen that 
enabled him to enrich natural history with a series of works that 
were really required. The volume, however, does not merely reveal 
Dr. Johnston himself, but also many of his contemporaries ; and while 
the English will take pride in the names of Alder and Selby, the 
Scot will evince no less interest in those of Landsborough and 


REVIEWS 259 


Hepburn, Hardy and Baird, Fleming and Jardine, who also ranked 
among the favoured correspondents and valued friends of the subject 
of this memoir. 

All naturalists are deeply indebted to Mrs. Barwell-Carter for 
this tribute of filial affection, and to Dr. Hardy for the care with 
which the editorial supervision has been done. 


THE GLASGOW CATALOGUE OF NATIVE AND ESTABLISHED PLANTS; 
BEING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY OF THE 
WESTERN AND CENTRAL COUNTIES OF SCOTLAND. (Glasgow: Peter 
Ewing, The Frond, Uddingston, 1892.) 

Mr. Ewing, in this useful catalogue, has unfortunately adopted 
an alphabetical arrangement. Many years ago Mr. H. C. Watson 
rightly inveighed against such lists; and to be dragged from Anthyliis 
to Afium and thence to Arum is most irritating. In the interest of 
Scottish Topographical Botany, I have waded through the whole 
list, but with many fits of impatience. It does not seem necessary 
here to go into the numerous omissions (these I have personally 
communicated to Mr. Ewing) of comital distribution, but actual 
omissions of species occur under Aradis alpina (104), Luphrasia 
gracilis (105), Festuca fallax (110), Hieractum nitidum (97), #7. 
strictum, Fr. (75), Kobresia caricina (98), and Linnea borealis (105). 
Lycopodium “complanatum” is an erroneous record for Lycopodium 
alpinum var. decipiens, Syme, but Mr. Ewing is not answerable for 
this. Witella batrachosperma (110), Orobanche cruenta, Bert. (98), 
Ranunculus pettolaris (97, 98, 104), Rubus Maasit (110), PR. calvatus 
(105), Urtica urens (110), Veronica saxatil’s (97), may be named. 
The botanists of Wester Scotland cannot do better than send Mr. 
Ewing any additions; as every one who has worked at comital 
distribution knows how difficult it is to include all reliable records, 
leaving out of question the numerous ones recorded on data often 
very doubtful, and sometimes absolutely misleading and untruthful! 

It should be explained that the numbers used by Mr. Ewing 
are those of the comital areas of Mr. H. C. Watson’s “ Topo- 
graphical Botany,” Ed. 2; and, being symbols only, great care is 
needed that they are accurately stated —ARTHUR BENNETT. 

NATURALIST’S Map OF SCOTLAND. By J. A. Harvie-Brown and 
J. G. Bartholomew. Large folding sheet in cloth case. 1893. 
With four pages of Explanatory Note. Price 2s. 6d. on paper, 3s. 6d. 
on cloth. 

Naturalists generally, and not merely those of Scotland, are laid 
under considerable obligation by the publication of this map; and 
its authors (if we may so term them) are to be deservedly congratulated 
on having attained a maximum of usefulness with a mimimum 
sacrifice of clearness and legibility. 

They are to be congratulated on having included everything 
with a general application that could be reasonably expected, and 


260 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


in not having attempted to show specific features. In other words, 
they have been careful to avoid showing what are, strictly speaking, 
results to accrue from investigation, whether past or future, while 
giving the physical features which regulate those results. A brief 
statement of what is done will be useful. Carefully and appropriately 
selected colours show us at a glance the cultivated lands (pale green), 
the patches of woodland (deep green), the moorlands, hill pastures, 
and other uncultivated lands (purplish-pink, heather-colour), and 
deer-forests (bluish patches on the heather tracts). Blue is used to 
colour the freshwater lochs and rivers as far up as it is possible to 
have sport with salmon and sea-trout: this is the nearest approach 
to giving distribution that is attempted, but essentially all that is 
done is to show the inland waters which migratory fish are capable of 
passing up without physical impediment. 

Levels are shown by shading ; the lines being taken at 1000 and 
2000 feet. We might suggest, however, that it would have been 
preferable to show H. C. Watson’s divisions at goo and 1800 feet 
instead, and so have fitted in with botanical and conchological 
investigations. The rooo’s are merely arbitrary; the goo’s are based 
on climatological considerations. Red bounder-lines, which are 
really the water-shed lines (or, as Mr. Harvie-Brown puts it, sky-lines) 
showing the drainage areas or river-basins, are given, and it will be 
a source of gratification to Dr. Buchanan White to see that the 
faunal divisions he proposed so long ago as 1873 still hold good, 
and seem to be universally accepted. 

The requirements of marine zoologists are also well catered for. 
The varying depths of the sea are distinguished by shades of blue at 
intervals of every ten fathoms ; and the area between high and low 
tide is coloured yellow. The principal (why not all?) lighthouses 
are marked by prominent red stars; and a useful feature is given by 
a dotted blue line to show the limits within which beam-trawl-fishing 
is prohibited. The scale of the map is 10 miles to the inch; and it 
is exceptionally clearly printed; for, notwithstanding the extent and 
variety of information shown, the place-names can be easily read 
everywhere, and the physical features readily made out. 

The map is accompanied by four pages of explanatory notes, 
setting forth the leading principles which have actuated the authors; 
but these are not as clearly and intelligibly set forth as we could 
like: in fact, we are totally unable to discover what is meant by the 
words “the first of these” and “the latter” used at p. 3 in reference 
to cultivated and uncultivated lands. 

Taken altogether, this map will be found most useful; and, so 
far as we can judge, not being on the field, it is extremely well done. 
It would be difficult to find authors more capable of dealing with 
such a task ; and they are to be congratulated on a good piece of 
work well done.—W. D. R. 


PN Dae 


ADAIR, PETER, Goldfinch near Edin- 
burgh, 43; Quailin Wigtownshire, 
45; Quail in Midlothian, 183; notes 
on the disappearance of the Short- 
tailed Field Vole, and on some of 
the effects of the visitation, 193 

Ajuga pyramidalis in Scotland (ve- 
ference to discussion of), 127 

Alchemilla alpina, L., and A. conjuncta, 
Bab., 122; wzlgards, varieties of, 
32, 186 

Alge, New or Critical 
605 1275 19257256 

Algee Britannicze rariores exsiccatz, 
issued by E. M. Holmes, 251 

Alismaranunculoides, var. zostertfoliune, 
Fr., near Beauly (reference), 127 

Alopecias vulpes in Solway Firth, 247 

Alpine Flora of Cam Chreag and Beinn 
Doireann (reference), 192 

Ampelis garrulus in Scotland, 113; in 
Caithness (Curr. Lit.), 189 

Amphipoda of Clyde and West Scot- 
land (Curr. Lit.), 125; new to 
Forth (Curr. Wit.) 57 

Anas acuta in Forth District, 115 

ANDERSON, PETER, Sand Martin and 
Carrion Crow in Tiree, 43; Jack- 
daw in Tiree, 114 

Annelida, Forth, notes on, 185 

Arachnids, some new Scotch localities 
fOr 222 

Arthrostigma gracile, Dawson, in Lower 
Old Red Sandstone of Perthshire, 
256 

Arvicola agrestis, variations in, 112; 
report on plague of, 129; dis- 
appearance of, and the effects of the 
visitation, 194 

Asterolepidee, British species of (Curr. 
Lit.),, 124 

Astronyx Lovent, Miiller, notes on, 26 

Astur palumbartus in Mull, 45 


(references), 


BALDWIN, E. T., Pomatorhine Skua in 
Perthshire, 46 
Bat, Whiskered, in East Lothian, 146 


Beetles, rare, in Inverness-shire, 249 

BENNETT, ARTHUR, F.L.S.— Ranun- 
culus flammula, var. petiolaris, 
Lange, and 2. fetzolarts, Marshall, 
51; Caltha palustris, L., and its 
forms, 52; records of Scottish 
Plants for 1892, additional to 
‘*Topographical Botany,” Ed. 2, 
1883, 95 ; Ovobanche cruenta, Bertol. 
(in Argyle), 121; <Alchemilla 
alpina, L., and A. conjuncta, Bab., 
122; contributions towards the 
Flora of East Sutherland, 225 ; 
Juniperus intermedia, Schur, in 
Scotland, 250 

BEVERIDGE, ARTHUR, M.B., Polecats 
at Lochinver, 41 

Bird Notes from North Ronaldshay, 67 

Birds in Scotland during 1892, report 
on the movements and occurrence 
of, 147 

Bluethroat in Moray, 113 

Bohemian Waxwing in Scotland, 113 

BoLaM, GEORGE, F.Z.S., The Gray 
Seal near Berwick-on-Tweed, 180 

Bonito in Solway Firth, 247 

Border plants, new localities for rare 
(reference), 191 

BoRRER, W., M.A., Water Shrew in 
the Isle of Kerrera, 111 

BOULENGER, G. A., F.Z.S. On some 
remarkable specimens of Rana 
temporaria from Scotland, 202 

Brooke, H. BRINSLEY, Bluethroat in 
Moray, 113 

BROWN, HARVIE-, J.A., F.R.S.E., 
F.Z.S., contribution to a Fauna 
of the Shetland Isles, Autumn 
Notes, 9; Snowy Owl in North 
Ronaldshay, 45 ; Lapland Bunting 
in Shetland, 114; Pintail Ducks in 
the Forth District, 115 

Brown, JAMES, Ruddy Sheld Duck in 
the Moray Firth, 46 

Bhoerauay, I 1d, WAS WAS, Aloe 
Goshawk in Mull, 45 

Butterflies and Sundews, 187 


262 


Calcarius lapponicus in Shetland, 114 

Caltha palustris, L., and its forms, 52 

CAMPBELL, CHARLES, Wheatear in the 
Forth District in January, 113 

CAMPBELL, J. M‘NaAuGut, F.Z.S., 
The Swordfish in the Firth of 
Forth, 247 

Cannibalism in the Zonuridz, 46 

Carduelis elegans near Edinburgh, 43 

CARPENTER, GEORGE H., B.Sc., 
some new Scotch localities for 
Arachnids, 222 

Carrion Crow and Sand Martin in 
Tiree, 43 

Carsia imbutata in Lanarkshire (Curr. 
Lit.), 58 

Cat, Wild, in Caithness, 112 

Cephalaspis in the Caithness Flags, on 
the discovery of, 206 

Cetonia floricola at Rannoch (Curr. 
Lit.), 58 

Charadrius pluvialts, 
Barra, 116 

Cidaria populata in Lanarkshire (Curr. 
Witt) byes 

CLARKE, WILLIAM EAGLE, F.L.S., 
report on the Great Skua in Shet- 
land during the nesting season 
of 1892, 65; Common Dolphin 
dredged off Mull, 112 ; occurrence 
of the Ivory Gull in Shetland, 117; 
Scottish Newts wanted, 184 

CLARKE, WILLIAM EAGLE, and HINx- 
MAN, L. W., Palmated Newt in 
West Ross-shire, 117; nesting of 
the Snow Bunting in Eastern 
Cairngorms, 181 

Coleoptera in Arran (Curr. Lit.), 124 ; 
at Craigellachie (Curr. Lit.), 124 ; 
at Loch Awe (Curr. Lit.), 124; in 
Morayshire (Curr. Lit.), 1245; at 
Thurso (Curr. Lit.), 190 

Colias edusa in Galloway, 48; in Scot- 
land (Curr. Lit.), 58, 124, 125 

Copepoda of Edinburgh District (Curr. 
Lit.), 255; new to Forth (Curr. 
Lit. ), 57 ; from the Firth of Forth, 
notes on, 89 

Cotile riparia in Tiree, 43 

Corvus cornix in Tiree, 43 

Corvus monedula nesting in rigging of 
ship, 43; in Tiree, 114 

Coturnix communis in Wigtownshire, 
45; in Midlothian, 183; in Edin- 
burgh District, 246 ; in Barra, 246 ; 
in Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 255 

Crake, Spotted, near Moffat, 45 

Crambi of Scotland, 80 

Crambus myellus, Wiibner, notes on, 48 

Crossopus fodiens in Isle of Kerrera, 111 

Crow, Carrion, in Coll (Curr. Lit.), 
123 


variety of in 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Crustacea of Edinburgh District (Curr. 
Lit.), 255 

Cuckoos and Caterpillars, 183 

Cumacea from Moray Firth, 250 

Cypselus apus in November, 44 


Delphinus delphis dredged off Mull, 
112 

Desmidieze, on Scottish, 106, 170, 237 

Dewar, J. F., M.B., Black-tailed 
Godwit in Forfarshire, 46 

Diptera of Shetland (Curr. Lit.), 190 

Dolphin, Common, dredged off Mull, 
112 

Dolphin, Risso’s, in Solway, 13; in 
Shetland Seas (Curr. Lit.), 123; 
in Solway (Curr. Lit.), 123 

Drucs, G. CLARIDGE, M.A., F.L.S., 
Alchemilla vulgaris, 32; plants of 
Glen A’an, Banffshire, 122; notes 
on some Scottish Plants, 123; 
Rosa restnoides, Crepin, in Mid- 
Perth, 250 

Duck, Ruddy Sheld, in the Moray 
Firth, 46; Tufted, and Wigeon in 
Selkirkshire during the breeding 
season, 115; Tufted, breeding in 
Selkirkshire, 46 

Ducks, Pintail, in the Forth District, 


II 

Dumfriesshire Plants (references), 126, 
127 

DuNBAR, Lewis, Great Snipe in 


Thurso, 45 

DUTHIE, Lieut.-Col. W. H. M., R.A., 
Destruction of Wild Birds’ Eggs, 
and Egg-collecting, 6 


Earthworms, Scottish species (Curr. 
Lit.), 58-59 

East Scotland, some plants in, July and 
August 1892 (reference), 256 

Eggs, Wild Birds’, Destruction of, and 
Egg-collecting, 6, 

Eledone cirrosa in the Firth of Forth, 50 

ELLISON, S. T., notes on Cvrambus 
myellus, Hiibner, 48 

Entomostraca, new and rare Scottish 
(Curr Lat) yas 

Euthemtsto compressa, reappearance in 
the Firth of Forth, 49 

EVANS, WILLIAM, F.R.S.E., Tufted 
Duck and Wigeon in Selkirkshire 
during the breeding season, IT5; 
the Curlew Sandpiper in summer 
plumage in the Firth of Forth, 117 ; 
the Palmated Newt in Mid-Perth, 
118; the Whiskered Bat in East 
Lothian, 146; the Palmated Newt 
in Inverness-shire, 184 ; the Water 
Spider in Inverness-shire, 185 ; 
Marsh Titmouse in Strathspey, 207 ; 


INDEX 263 


the Quail in the Edinburgh District, 
246; Psodos coracina at a low eleva- 
tion, 248; rare beetles in Inver- 
ness-shire, 249. 

Ewin, P., Adchemilla vulgaris, L., 186 


Falco e@salon as an enemy of the Vole, 


183 

Fauna of the Shetland Isles, contribu- 
tions to a, 9 

Felis catus in Caithness, 112 

Flora of East Sutherland, contribu- 
tions towards, 225 

Flower on Fruit of Hydrocotyle vulgaris, 
251 

Flowering plants, first records of 
Scottish, 54, 126, 191, 250 

Foraminifera in Portree Bay, Skye 
(Curr. Lit.), 126 

Fox Shark in Solway Firth, 247 

Fruit (flower on) of Aydrocotyle vul- 
garts, 251 

Fuligula cristata breeding in Selkirk- 
shire, 46; in breeding season in 
Selkirkshire, 115 

Fulmar Petrel breeding in Papa Stour, 
Shetland, 184 

Fulmarus glacialis breeding in Papa 
Stour, Shetland, 184 

Fungi new to Scotland (veference), 127 ; 
rare, 251 

Fungus, new British (Peztza mazjairs, 
Fr.), 56 

FYFE, ADAM, 
Moffat, 45 


Spotted Crake near 


Gadwall in Moray (Curr. Lit.), 190 

Gallinago calestis, buff variety of, 46; 
buff-coloured variety of, 44 3 #zajor 
near Thurso, 45 

Glasgow District, notes of the Flora 
(references), 192 

Glen A’an, Banffshire, plants of, 122 

Godwit, Black-tailed, in Forfarshire, 46 

Goldfinch near Edinburgh, 43 

Goshawk in Mull, 45 

Grampus griseus (Risso’s Grampus) in 
the Solway Firth, 1; in Shetland 
Seas!) (Cum Lit) 23min the 
Solway (Curr. Lit.), 57 

Grasshopper Warbler in Argyleshire 
(Curr. Lit.), 255 

GRIMSHAW, Percy HALL, Wiptus holo- 
Zeucus in Caithness, 121 

Guillemot, Black, in black or breeding 
plumage in winter, 118 _ : 

GUNN, JOHN, the Wild Cat in Caith- 
ness, 112 


Halicherus gryphus near Berwick, 180 
HAMILTON, EDWARD, M.D., F.Z.S., 
on the occurrence of the Red- 


8 


breasted Snipe in Argyleshire, 45 ; 
note on the Red-necked Phalarope 
in Argyleshire, 46 

Harvey, Wmo., the Golden Oriole in 
Orkney, 181 

Hare, Alpine, in South Scotland (Curr. 
Lit.), 123 ; distribution of in South- 
west Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 255 

Hawkweeds, new Scottish (references 
to descriptions), 59, 127, 188, 191 

Hay, DRUMMOND, Lieut.-Col. H. M., 
occurence of the Hoopoe and of a 
buff-coloured variety of the Snipe 
in the Tay Basin, 44; the Ring 
Ouzel in winter in Perthshire, 113 

Hemiptera Heteroptera and Homop- 
tera of Perthshire, list of, 213; in 
Perth District (Curr. Lit.), 190 

flercyna phrygialis, probable occurrence 
of, in Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 58 

Heteroptera of Perthshire, 213 

HINXMAN, LIONEL W., B.A., report on 
the movements and occurrence of 
birds in Scotland during 1892, 147 

HINXMAN, LIONEL W., B.A., and W. 
EAGLE CLARKE, the Palmated 
Newt in West Ross-shire, 117 ; 
nesting of the Snow Bunting in the 
eastern Cairngorms, 181 

Ho mes, EF. M., F.L.S., the occurrence 
of Pylatella varia, Kjellm., in Scot- 
land, 101 

Homoptera of Perthshire, 213 

Hoopoe and buff-coloured variety of the 
Snipe in the Tay Basin, 44 

Hydrocotyle vulgaris, flower on fruit, 


251 
Hystrichopsylla obtusiceps in Scotland 
(Cure Lit) 125 


Isopoda of Clyde, West Scotland (Curr. 
Lit.), 125 
Ivory Gull, occurrence of, in Shetland, 


117 


Jackdaw nesting in the rigging of a 
ship, 43; in Tiree, 114 

Juniperus intermedia, Schur, in Scot- 
land, 250 


KipsTon, R., 
cipiens, 252 
KinG, THOMAs, a new British fungus, 


F.R.S.E., Parka de- 


Knot in Barra, 116 


Lactarius violascens on Deeside, 251 

LAIDLAW, T. G., the merlin as an 
enemy of the vole, 183 

Lantus collurio breeding in Lanark- 
shire, 182 

Lapland Bunting in Shetland, 114 


264 


Larch, fertilisation of (reference), 192 

Lepidepecreum carinatum in Firth of 
Forth, 249 

Lepidoptera of Aberdeenshire and Kin- 
cardineshire (Curr. Lit.), 1903; in 
Arran (Curr. Lit.), 125; in Elgin- 
shire (Curr. Lit.), 255; (micro) in 
North Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 125; 
of Shetland (Curr. Lit.), 190 

Lepigonum neglectum, Kindb., and 
Polygonum minus, Huds., in North- 
east Scotland, 52 

LILFORD, Rt. Hon. Lord, F.Z.S., can- 
nibalism in the Zonuride, 46 

Limosa belgica in Forfarshire, 46 

Literature, Current, 57, 123, 186 

Loupoun, WILLIAM, Sparrow and 
Mouse, 114 

LUMSDEN, JAMES, F.Z.S., Jackdaw 
nesting in the rigging of a ship, 43 

Lupinus perennis, L., in Scotland, 53 


MACDONALD, A., monstrosity (flower 
on fruit) of Hydrocotyle vulgaris, 
251 

MACDOWALL, E. L., Cuckoos and 
Caterpillars, 183 

M‘GreEcor, T. M., list of Hemiptera 
Heteroptera and Homoptera in 
Perthshire, 213 

Machetes pugnax in Outer Hebrides, 
46, 116, 189 

Macrorhamphus griseus in Argyleshire, 


45 

MacRury, JOHN, M.D., Gray Plover 
in Barra, 116; variety of Golden 
Plover in Barra, 116; Knot in 
Barra, 116; Ruff in Benbecula, 
116; Black Guillemot in black or 
breeding plumage in winter, 118; 
Quails in Barra, 246 

Magpie in Orkney, 114 

Mareca penelope in breeding season in 
Selkirkshire, 115 

MARSHALL, Rev. E. S., M.A., F.L.S., 
on some Scottish Willows gathered 
in 1892, 28; Tufted Duck breed- 
ing in Selkirkshire, 46 

MAXWELL, Sir HERBERT, the Clouded 
Yellow Butterfly (Colas edusa), 48 

MELVILLE, D., notes on Voles as 
garden pests, 41 

Merlin as an enemy of the Vole, 183 

Metopa nasuta from Moray Firth, 249 

MILLER, JOHN, Swift in November, 44 

Molge palmata in West Ross-shire, 118; 
in Mid-Perth, 118; in Inverness- 
shire, 184 

Mollusca of Scotland, additions to the 
authenticated comital census of the 
Land and Freshwater, 164; from 
Eigg (Curr. Lit.), 190 


ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


Monstrosity (flower on fruit) of Hydro- 
cotyle vulgaris, 251 

Moss, Aypnum procerrimum, a new 
British (reference), 60 

Motacilla alba near Kelso, 43 

Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh, 
additions to Natural History 
Department, 63 

Mustela putorius at Lochinver, 41 


Names (Scotch) of native wild flowers 
(reference), 192 

Neera cuspidata and Odostomia rufa, 
var. fwélvo-cincta, in the Firth of 
Forth, 184 

Newt, Palmated, in West Ross-shire, 
118; in Mid-Perth, 118; in Inver- 
ness-shire, 184 

Newts, Scottish, wanted, 184 

Niptus hololeucus in Caithness, 121 

Nyctea scandiaca in North Ronaldshay, 


45 


Odostomia rufa, var. fulvo-cincta, and 
Leera cuspidata in the Firth of 
Forth, 185 

Orchids and Rooks, 187 

Oriole, Golden, in Orkney, 181 

Oriolus galbula in Orkney, 181 

Orobanche cruenta, Bertol. (in Argyle), 
121 

Osprey, the, protection of, 117 

Ostracoda of Edinburgh District 
(Curr. Lit.), 255 

Owl, Snowy, in North Ronaldshay, 
45 


Pagophila eburnea in Foula, Shetland, 
117 

Paleospondylus Gunnz, further descrip- 
tion of (Curr. Lit.), 255 

Parka decipiens, 254 

Larus palustris in Strathspey, 207 

PATERSON, JOHN, the Red-backed 
Shrike nesting in Lanarkshire, 
182 

Peronea perplexana near 
(Curr. Lit.), 190 

Perthshire Flora (references), 59 

Peziza ammophila, D. and M., 37; 
majalis Fr., a new British fungus, 
56 

Phalarope, Red-necked, in Argyleshire, 

6 


Glasgow 


4 
Phalaropus hyperboreus in Argyleshire, 
6 


Pica rustica in Orkney, 114 

Plaice, notes on a parti-coloured, 247 

Plants, notes on some Scottish, 123; 
of Glen A’an, Banffshire, 122; 
first records of Scottish flowering, 
54, 126, 191, 250; new district- 


INDEX 265 


records, 28-31, 35-37, 51-57, 59-60, 
95-101, 102, 121-23, 126-27, 170- 
80, 186-89, 191-92, 250-51, 256; 
Scottish, for 1892, additional to 
“© Topographical Botany,” 2nd Ed., 
95; described or observed in Great 
Britain and Ireland since publica- 
tion of Babington’s ‘‘ Manual,” Ed. 
8 (1881) (veference to list), 59 

Plectrophanes nivalis nesting in the 
eastern Cairngorms, 181 

Pleuronectes platessa, note on a parti- 
coloured example, 247 

Plover, Gray, in Barra, 116; Golden, 
variety of, in Barra, 116 

Polecats at Lochinver, 41 

Polygonum minus, Huds., in North-east 
Scotland, 52 

Porzana maruetta near Moffat, 45 

Potato, the Champion (production of 
seed), 56 

Psodos coracina at a low elevation, 248 

Pylaiella varia, WKjellm., in Scotland, 
the occurrence of, IOI 


Quail in Wigtownshire, 45; Midlothian, 
183; Edinburgh District, 246; 
Barra, 246; Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 
255 


Raia clavata, unusually coloured ex- 
ample of, 25 
Rana temporaria from Scotland, on 
some remarkable specimens of, 202 
Ranunculus petiolaris, Marshall, 51 
Records (first) of Scottish flowering 
plants, 54; of Scottish Plants for 
1892, additional to ‘‘ Topogr. 
Botany,” 95 
Reptiles, new, from Elgin Sandstone, 
(Curr. Lit.), 190 
Retinia duplana at Forres (Curr. Lit.), 
190 
Reviews— 
A Vertebrate Fauna of Lakeland, by 
Rev. H. A. Macpherson, 60 
British Fungus Flora (vol. i.), by 
George Massee, 62 
In the Gun Room: Sketches in Prose 
and Verse, by H. Knight Horsfield, 
62 
V pecraic Wasps and Plant Worms, 
by Dr. M. C. Cooke, 63 
On the Fossil Fish Remains of the 
Coal Measures of the British 
Islands, by James W. Davis, 
F.G.S., ete., 128 
A Fauna of Lakeland, Zyrratum, 
128 
Wild Sports and Natural History of 
the Highlands, by Charles St. 
John, 257 


Reviews— 
Annals of Andersonian Naturalists’ 
Society, 257 
Selections from the Correspondence 
of Dr. George Johnston, edited 
by James Hardy, LL.D., 258 
Glasgow Catalogue of Native and 
Established Plants, 259 
Naturalist’s Map of Scotland, by J. 
A. Harvie-Brown and J. S. Bar- 
tholomew, 259 
Ring Ouzel in winter, 42; in winter in 
Perthshire, 113 
ROEBUCK, WM. DENTSON, F.L.S., 
additions to the authenticated 
comital census of the Land and 
Freshwater Mollusca of Scotland, 
164 
Rooks and Orchids, 187 
Rosa resinoides in Mid-Perth, 250 
Roy, JoHN, LL.D, on _ Scottish 
Desmidiex, 106, 170, 237 
Rubi, British (issue of dried set), 55; 
Key to, (reference), 59 
Ruff in the Outer Hebrides, 46; in 
Benbecula, 116; in Lewis (Curr. 
Lit.), 189 


Sagitta, the food of, 120 

Sand Martin and Carrion Crow in Tiree, 
43 

Sandpiper, Green, in South-west Scot- 
land (Curr. Lit.), 255 

Saxicola enanthe in Forth District in 
January, 113 

Scorpena dactyloptera in Scottish waters, 
204 

Scott, THomas, F.L.S., reappearance 
of Luthemisto compressa in the 
Firth of Forth, 49; £ledone ctrrosa 
in the Firth of Forth, 50; the food 
of the Sagitta, 120; on Meera 
cusprdata and Odostomia rufa, var. 
fulvo-cincta, in the Firth of Forth, 
184; notes on Forth Annelida, 
185; Lepidepecreum carinatum in 
the Firth of Forth, 249; JZetopa 
nasuta from the Moray Firth, 249; 
Cumacea from the Moray Firth, 
250 

Scott, THOMAS, and ANDREW, notes 
on Copepoda from the Firth of 
Forth: Longipfedia coronata, Claus. ; 
and a preliminary description of an 
apparently new genus and species, 
89 

Seal, Gray, near Berwick-on-Tweed, 
180 

Sebastes viviparus, Kroyer, off the east 
coast of Scotland, 47 

SERLE, WILLIAM, M.A., White Wag- 
tail near Kelso, 43 


266 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


SERVICE, ROBERT, Risso’s Grampus 
in the Solway Firth, 1; the Ring 
Ouzel in winter, 42; variations in 
the Field Vole, 112; Bonito and 
Fox Shark in Solway Firth, 247 

Sheldrake, Ruddy, recent occurrences 

in Britain (Curr. Lit.), 57 

Shells on Ardeer and Irvine Beaches 
(Curr. Lit.), 124 

Shrike, Red-backed, nesting in Lanark- 
shire, 182 

Sim, GEORGE, A.L.S., occurrence of 
Sebastes viviparus, Kroyer, off the 
east coast of Scotland, 47; Scor- 
pena dactyloptera in Scottish 
waters, 204 

Sim, W., the Champion Potato, 56 

SKELTON, A. NogEL, Magpie in 
Orkney, 114; Curlew Sandpiper 
in Orkney, 116 

Skua, Great, in Shetland, report on, 
65 ; Pomatorhine, in Perthshire, 46 

SMITH, W. ANDERSON, notes on 
Astronyx Lovenz, Miiller, 26 ; note 
on a parti-coloured Plaice, 247 

Snipe, buff-coloured variety, and 
Hoopoe in the Tay Basin, 44; 
Great, near Thurso, 45; Red- 
breasted, in Argyleshire, 45 

Snow Bunting, nesting of, in the eastern 
Cairngorms, 181 

Sparrow and Mouse, 114 

Spiders, new and obscure British, 
(Curr: Lit.), 58 

Squatarola helvetica in Barra, 116 

Stercorarius pomatorhinus in Perth- 
shire, 46 

STEVENSON, Rev. JOHN, LL.D., Rare 
Fungi, 251 

Strobilomyces strobilaceus at Dunkeld, 
252 

Secee J.. M.D., damage by the 
Water Vole in Berwickshire, 120 

Sundews and Butterflies, 187 

Swift in November, 44 

Swordfish in the Firth of Forth, 247 


Tadorna casarca in Moray Firth, 46 

Telephorus figuratus, new var. (Curr. 
Lit.), 190 

Thornback, unusually coloured example 
of, 2 

Thynnus pelamys in Solway Firth, 247 

Titmouse Marsh, in Strathspey, 207 

Totanus ochropus in South-west Scot- 
land (Curr. Lit.), 255 


END OF 


TRAIL, Prof. JAMEs, W. H., M.A., 
M.D., F.R.S., Peztza ammophila. 
D. and M., 37; Lesigonum ne- 
glectum, Kindb., and Polygonum 
minus in North-east Scotland, 52; 
Lupinus perennts in Scotland, 53 ; 
Orchids and Rooks, 187 ; Sundews 
and Butterflies, 187; Uredineze in 
Scotland, 188 

TRAILL, ADELAIDE L., Fulmar Petrel 
breeding in Papa Stour, Shetland, 


184 
TRAOUATR,, JRovEle.g Vi) see Ie alos 
BORIS.) HiG.S:; an unusually 


coloured example of the Thornback 
(Raia clavata, Linn.), 25 3 recent 
additions to the Nat. Hist. Dept. 
of the Museum of Science and Art, 
Edinburgh, 63; on-the discovery 
of Cephalaspis in the Caithness 
Flags, 206 

Tringa canutus in Barra, 116 

Turdus torquatus in winter, 42, 113 


Upupa epops in the Tay Basin, 44 

Uredinez, experimental researches on 
the life-history of (reference), 188; 
in Scotland, 188 

Uria grylle in black plumage in winter, 
118 


Vespertilio mystacinus in East Lothian, 
146 

Vole, Field, variations in, 112 ; in Scot- 
land, report on, 129; Short-tailed 
Field, notes on the disappearance 
of, and on some of the effects of 
the visitation, 193 

Voles as garden pests, notes on, 41 


Wagtail, White, near Kelso, 43 

WALTERS, RADCLYFFE, Ruff in the 
Outer Hebrides, 46 

Water Shrew in the Isle of Kerrera, 111 

Water Spider in Inverness-shire, 185 

Waxwing in Caithness (Curr. Lit.), 189 

Wheatear in the Forth District in 
January, 113 

Willows, on some Scottish, gathered 
in 1892, 28; some Scottish (ve- 
Serence), 60 


Ziphius gladius in the Firth of Forth, 


247 rae rt 
Zonuride, cannibalism in, 46 
Zoological Notes, 41, 111, 180, 246 


VOL, Il 


Printed by R. & R. CLark, Edinburgh at 


+¢ 


ie 
At 


$ 
esasedioss > 
F 


sh: = ts 
Edt eeas szeeieseeit 


Pea ipHE 


i 
presestgests 
eaperirs: a 

eietts EEE 


gee 


Hae 


HE 
ete 
sreeaieetpsrietaeiee 
size ssc sesi tienes 
te 3. reyes? FS