CPERSE th 5 53 th 3: iets: Sepeta. RETURN TO _ LIBRARY OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY WOODS HOLE, MASS. LOANED BY AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The Annals OF Scottish Natural History A QUAKTERLY MAGAZINE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “Che Scottish Naturaltst” EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.ZS. MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION JAMBSe We thle RATE MCA. M.D: WoIRSS Bolas: PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN AND WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., Mem. Brir. Orn. UNION NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART, EDINBURGH 1895 EDINBURGH DAVID DOUGLAS, CASTLE STREET LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES ST., CAVENDISH SQUARE List JOR eases Francis Buchanan White, M.D. Frontispiece. I. Map illustrating the Distribution of the Starling. II. Leptopsyllus robertsom, sp. noy., and L. minor, sp. nov. III. Map illustrating Report on the Little Auk. IV. Canthocamptus schmeilit, Mrazek, and C. minutus, Claus. Ajax) 1) | «= f j Ww 4 The Annals of Scottish Natural History No: 1.3) re o5 [JANUARY BVA NCIS) BUCHANAN, WHILE. MDs Els: IT is our sad duty to record the death, on 3rd December 1894, at Perth, of one who has for the greater part of his life been a very potent force in the great advance that has been made in our knowledge of the fauna and flora of Scotland. His wide and accurate acquaintance with animals and plants alike, of many groups the knowledge of which is in these days usually distributed among numerous specialists, and his readiness to place that knowledge at the service of all who sought his aid, early made him recognised as a leader in his favourite studies. But the respect felt for his abilities soon ripened into a warmer regard on the part of his correspondents, who felt the healthy stimulus of contact with him. Dr. Buchanan White spent several summers in different parts of Scotland in the practical study of natural history ; but his memory will be linked especially with his native city, Perth. It was chiefly due to him that the Perthshire Society of Natural Science was founded in 1867, and that its museum is a model of what such a museum should be. He was the founder of the “ Scottish Naturalist,” of which the “ Annals” is the descendant. We hope in our April number to give a more adequate sketch of his great services to natural history in Scotland, with an enumeration of his varied writings. 13 B 2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY THE STARLING IN SCOTLAND) ITS INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION: By J. A. Harvie-Browy, F.R.S.E. PEATE (. Our British Ornithologists have long been aware that the subject of our present remarks has had a history, and that its increase and extension of range present some interesting and phenomenal facts. An examination of already published accounts in great measure renders this evident, as we hope to show in somewhat more detailed manner than has hitherto been done. We desire to place on record a consecutive account of its steps of advance, before it becomes too late to gather up and arrange the more important minutia which are at our disposal in the year of grace 1894. Were this not done, points might be missed ; and besides, future workers find their time taken up by traversing imperfectly worked sround in the past. We hope then to afford a new starting- point by this paper. Nevertheless, of the incompleteness of our attempt, perhaps no one can be more fully aware than ourselves. Introduction of the Species.—I\f any important introduc- tions of this bird have ever taken place anywhere in Scot- land, we have been unable to trace them ; but we throw out the hint for other inquirers, as we do know that the Starling, just according to its rarity, was more kept as a pet-bird some forty years ago than it is now. Alternating Waves of Advance and Retreat—Some curious statistics appear in evidence of what we may be allowed to term alternating waves of advance and retreat. If, as appears from our earlier records, the Starling was at one time more abundant in the barren portions of our northern districts, such as Shetland, Orkney, north of Caithness, and the Outer Hebrides, than it was in the east and south-east and middle districts of Scotland, or the well-wooded areas of the south, there seems to be some reason for carefully considering— Whence originally came the Starlings which peopled our northern portions of Scotland; and what bearing this distribution Ann. Scot. Nar. Hist. 1895. PLATE 1 : Isl j comdnenad, Orkney Fair 0 ed Westra 4 oe estr ’ - onkner V9 fan! Oastronsa ISLES : i 738 | Ene Firth of ©. ty Ke 30 | -ctagaanKINROSS: 18-44, Oc#z|AN® Colonsay? ~ Ww Se J 56 Boa Gan | ce *"—TINLITHGY " : ast EDINBURGH gem CT: of th SELKIRK:-ROXBURGH cs Ko 188! Ao MAP OF SCOTLAND | = TO ILLUSTRATE < M&HARVIE BROWN'S PAPER ON THE STARLING Bae teen or Faunal Areas thus County Boundaries thus........... Scale of English Miles S33 E221 From Time Immemorial. §——75——go 35 40 Bo = = om a - —ai ye } _ wee : STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 3 may have had upon the allied subject of migration? Again, our later statistics show to us that a separate impulse appears to have been given to a wave of dispersal from the south, which advanced north along our south-west coasts and counties, and then apparently to some extent retreated again. In con- nection with these data we may ask the questions: Do our birds —-which were formerly migrants only, but have since become resident and breeding species within our area—extend their breeding areas, resulting from their autumn movements; or do they do so, resulting from their spring movements only ; or do they do so, resulting from combined observations and experiences gathered upon both spring and autumn journeys ? (See under Dee and Caithness notes, zz/ra, pp. 18 and 21.) We believe, after some study of migrational phenomena, that there is a possibility that, as increase of breeding area of a species extends along the longitudes between north and south on the continents of Europe and Asia, so will there likely be an increase of latitudinal dispersal along the routes of migrants from east to west coming to the shores of Great Britain from the Continent ; and resultant upon this, at least in some degree, there may be a corresponding increase of nesting localities north and south in our islands. Of this we may perhaps instance the well-known increase of the woodcock as a nesting species within the last thirty years, extending even, as it now does, to the barren hills and hollows of the Outer Hebrides. Thus, likely localities, viewed first in autumn flight, and then again in spring flight, may be re- visited and finally occupied, however long a period may have passed before such became and continued as established residences, Of a gradual pressure from congested centres within our own islands we have already given instances in other places, showing how lines of least resistance are followed, which are equivalent, or nearly so, to occupation of the most likely localities, first by a species pressing forward, though it has never previously migrated over the country (see under “Capercaillie in Scotland”). If congested centres occur— as they must do—of certain species in Britain, congested districts likewise, and under the same natural laws, must also occur on the Continent, or on large continental areas ; 4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY and if congestion results in extension north and south or east and west (as in the case of Pallas’ Sand Grouse), or if climatal phenomena be the principal factors apart from con- gestion, then a corresponding wave of dispersal must take place, expanding and increasing according to the force of the outburst, density of the congestion, or violence of meteorological change, and reaching farther with each successive outburst. How far the above remarks may be held as applicable to the species presently being treated of, may become apparent when we unite the links of our chain ; but we must leave to the study of many similar migrational and distri- butional phenomena, any final results indicating a general law. The present distribution of the Starling on the Continent and generally, we shortly epitomise from Dresser’s “ Birds of Europe,” vol. iv. p. 405. In Scandinavia it is common, and abundant on the coast regions of Nordland: less abundant in Lofoten, and is very rare north of these islands. At Tromsée it is “ repeatedly observed” in spring and autumn (thus a migrant). Stray individuals are met with in East Finmark, and found wzzer- zug as far north as Veerde in Lofoten. In Sweden it does not range so far north as in Norway, “not being found above Northern Angermanland and Umea in 64° N. It occurs commonly in South and West Finland, but not in the north and north-east portions. It is rare in the Archangel Govern- ment in North Russia, but general in Central Russia and common in the South and the Ural, south of 67° N., and eastwards through Eastern Siberia and India. The allied forms S. purpurascens, Gould, S. xztens, Hume, being com- paratively local geographical races (cf Dresser, of. czt.) But perhaps nowhere is the Starling so abundant as in the plains of Holland. The above Continental dispersal, even at the date of Dresser’s great work, surely indicates the extension along the parallels or slightly across them from east to west or south of east to north of west,—which has been shown is the present direction of general migration of many species,—from STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 5 a colder area to a warmer, a wintering within the influence of the Gulf Stream both on the coast of Norway and in our isles. These isothermal lines cannot be despised. Herr Muller in Faroe in his “ Fugle Fauna” says: “This bird is a resident and not migratory, and is to be seen throughout the islands both summer and winter.” It does not seem necessary for us to endeavour to trace back the earlier history of the Starling beyond the end of last century as regards Scotland. Suffice it to say that, from all available evidence, it seems to have inhabited the Orkney and Shetland Isles “from time immemorial,” as related by Mr. Robert Gray in his “ Birds of the West of Scotland.” The note, however, in Pennant’s “Caledonian Zoology,” in Lightfoot’s “Flora Scotica” (vol. i. p. 24 of my interleaved copy), that the Szare breeds “in great numbers in the cliffs of Arran, and other isles,” can, however, be only taken as a mis- print, or otherwise as a /apsws calami, for what is correctly stated in the earlier work of the same author—in the 2nd edition of his “British Zoology,” 8vo, 4 vols. (1768-1770), Vol ip, 231: Then Fleming (1828) and Selby (1833) quote Pennant ; Jenyns (1835) has nothing of value regarding its presence at Scottish localities ; and Montagu (1833) is dumb. Rutty (“ Nat. Hist. of Dublin,” 1772) does not mention the Starling, but his whole list of birds is very short and imperfect. But in 1849 Thompson speaks of it as “common and breed- ing in many parts of the island” (ze. Ireland), and gives evidence of a regular and extensive migration, extending over several weeks, and as seen to “ pour into Ireland from the north and wing their way southwards. This migration commences towards the middle of September, according to the season, and continues daily for about six or eight weeks. . . . They are generally seen only for one or two hours—from 8 to 10 A.M.” Besides these remarks, there are others upon the migra- tion of the Starling well worthy of perusal ; perhaps not the least interesting being that these migratory flocks may almost be said to have been traced as starting from Port-Patrick in the South-West of Scotland, “leaving before sunrise to steer for the southward.” In 1845, Yarrell only quotes former authorities for 6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Scotland ; but Professor Newton, in his rewritten “ Yarrell,” in 1872, recognises the increase, and indeed epitomises all that our previous writers have said about it. He, however, finds that its breeding-places in Ireland are few and far between, and that from most places it disappears in spring, and that it is only abundant in winter. But we must not forget MacGillivray’s account in 1837. He treats of the species principally as a Hebridean one, describing its haunts in the sea-caves, and also quoting “ Low and others” for its abundance in the Orkney and Shetland Isles. Headds: “ These birds occur in many other parts of Scotland, but are generally rare in the middle and southern divisions.” He also speaks of the Starlings of Skye “ leaving their breeding haunts and roosting in different localities during the winter, whilst those of the Outer Hebrides and the North-Eastern Islands—equally treeless—vemaznu all the year round.” But perhaps one of the most interesting remarks is one given in Lockhart’s “ Life of Sir Walter Scott.” Sir Walter says: “When I was four or five years old I was staying at Lessudden Place,—an old mansion, the abode of [Scott of] ~Raeburn. A large pigeon-house was almost destroyed by Starlings, then a common bird, though now seldom seen” —the italics are ours—(op. cit. p. 704; Edinburgh, 1845). Here appears a very clear indication of the advancing and retreat- ing wave of dispersal. According to our usual practice, we desire to add the testimony of the “Old Statistical Account,” which takes us back again to the end of last century. The records are as follows :—It is mentioned as a migratory species at Ballantrae, South-West Ayrshire, vol. i. (1791), p. 114. It is included in the following lists as occurring, viz. at Kirkhill, Inverness, vol. iv, (1792), p: 1143 Shetland, vol. v. (1793), p. 160% Orkney, vol. vii. p. 547 ; Caithness, vol. vii. p. 574; Cara and Gigha (“ Argyle”) vol. viii. (1793), p. 51; “ Dee,” vol. ix. (1793), p.. 1085 “ Tay veluux (703); p: 235eeShetland again, vol. x. (1764), p. 201; “Argyle” (Cantyre), vol. xiv. (1795), p. 202; Roxburgh, vol. xvi. (1795), p. 76. The records for “ Argyle,” “Dee,” and “Tay” are only isolated and rare, yet some are given upon the line of migration, such STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 7 as at Gigha, Cantyre, and Ballantrae (in Ayrshire) upon the same migratory course. In the “ Agricultural Survey of Scotland,” by various authors, dating 1793 to 1815, it is interesting to observe that there are only two notices of the Starling, neither of which are of much value. One relates to the island of Arran, which merely includes it amongst other smaller species as “seem to be migrating”—Arran, 1807. The other relates to Forfarshire, in Don’s appendix to the volume on that county, where he says: “ Sturnus vulgaris, the Starling: frequent on the mountains,’—which we can hardly accept, notwithstanding Mr. Don’s well-known abilities as an observer. Coming now to the records of the “New Statistical Account,” dating about forty to forty-five years later, or say about the middle of the present century, we find in some respects a valuable comparison. Not a single record appears yet from any south-east locality in Scotland, ze. from the whole county of Berwick or the east part of East Lothian. But when we come north to Midlothian and the western portion of East Lothian we find it recorded as a rarity by Mr. Weir in the latter county (of. cz. vol. ii. p. 156, 1842), and by the Rev. Thomas Wright as nesting to the extent of two pairs in the old trees and ruins of Borthwick Church (vol. i. p. 159, 1843); and it is spoken of as a rare species in the district of Galashiels (vol. iii. p. 15, 1842). In Roxburgh it is spoken of as “having for many years disappeared,” but “has again returned, and become common” (vol. iii. p. 4, 1842); and also as occurring in Eckford parish. But when we come over the ridge into the Solway basin, we find it more frequently recorded. Definite records occur in Wigtownshire, thus:—“ Coming in much larger flocks than formerly, along with Fieldfares.” In Portpatrick parish: “The Starling appears in considerable numbers once a year, and sometimes twice, and has been known to breed (vol. iii. p. 137, 1842)" Phen in’ Ayrshire the notices are more frequent, and are given in the parishes of Ayr, Ardrossan, and Dunlop :—‘ The Starlings, which a few years ago were almost unknown, are now very common.” Old Cumnock : “ Has begun to visit us, and also in Stevenston, Kilbirnie, and Kilwinning.” In Lanarkshire it is still spoken of as rare in 8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY most instances, and is included in lists from Biggar and Douglas. In Renfrew: “The Starling regularly breeds,” and remains all the year, and is considered a “regular visitor” in Paisley. In Neilston: “The Starling, though vare for many years, has again appeared in considerable numbers” (vol. viii. p. 320, 1843). In Dumbartonshire only one record occurs, in the parish of New Kilpatrick; and for Stirlingshire there is not a single record. In Clackmannan curiously, however, we find that it “has become plentiful in the parish of the same name as the county, being known to breed in the steeple of the old church.” Still rarer become the records in the north, in Perth and up the Tay valley. Only two localities are named in all the county: one in the parish of Bendochy, where flocks appear in autumn and winter, and a pair bred for two years prior to 1845 in elm trees at Cupar Grange; and another record is from St. Madoes parish. Bendochy parish is in the extreme east of Perthshire, and marches with Forfar, and is a low- lying district of Strathmore. In Fifeshire, at Dunbog, we have the record: “It may be worthy of notice that a pair of Starlings built their nest and brought out their young last summer (1844?) in the shrubbery at Dunbog House,” and it is included among “ rare birds found occasionally ” in Dunfermline parish. These are the only records from Fife. It may appear at first blush that these printed records of the “Old Statistical” and “New Statistical Accounts” point to an advance northward and north-eastward from “ Solway,” rather than an advance northward and _ north- westward from “ Tweed”; but we shall demonstrate further on, we believe, that “ Tweed” has really had almost as important a role as “Solway” in the advance, though both, even after uniting their forces between “ Forth” and “ Clyde,” seemed to have had greater difficulties to surmount on reaching Stirlingshire, where the waves appear to have received some considerable check to their northward progress, and that for some years, as will be seen from our records about to be given. It is now our intention to continue the more minute records of its advance, which we have been able to collect by means of a special circular, and by correspondence all over STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 9 Scotland. We begin with “Tweed” and “ Solway,” and so continue to work north through “ Forth” and “ Clyde.” TWEED. The “ Old Statistical Account” is silent (1791). The “ New Statistical Account” is also silent (1844). Mr. James Hardy’s data go back, he tells us, to 1830, when he was fifteen years of age. At that time, small parties of Starlings accompanied the Rooks to the cultivated fields in the neighbourhood of Dunglass. The Rooks came from Dunglass Rookery, which is partly in Berwickshire and partly in East Lothian, “where probably,” says Mr. Hardy, “ Star- lings had by this time settled.” A few years after, Starlings were found nesting near Cockburnspath, and young birds were kept in cages as pets. About this time many occurrences are noted in the “Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club Proceed- ings”; and in Selby’s “ Report on the Ornithology of Ber- wickshire, and districts within the limits of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club,” it is included as a “permanent resident” at the date of 1841. Mr. Hardy tells us, when writing to us in 1891, that no great increase became apparent “until of recent years, either here or in the east parts of Lothian, where now the numbers are something wonderful.” Mr. Hardy adds a note which may have some significance, especially from such a practised and accurate observer: “Of late years the Starlings have disassociated themselves from the Rooks, and prefer the company of Lapwings.” Mr. George Muirhead, author of “ The Birds of Berwick- shire,” writes us: “There has been a great increase. In the beginning of this century it was so rare in the county, that the late John Wilson of Edington Mains told me that he was sixteen years old before he saw one, and that in his boyhood the nest was considered to be a great prize, and the finding of it was spoken of a year afterwards.” Mr. Wilson was born at Edington Mains, Berwickshire, in 1810; and lived there all his life, until he removed to Duns. He died about a year ago (ze. say 1890). These records therefore go back to about 1826. fe) ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Now, by 1889, not only had the Starling occupied the richer “fallow” and “ lea-lands,” “carses,” and lower agricul- tural regions of “ Tweed,” but had penetrated to the higher- lying farms of the Lammermuirs, a colony taking possession of old ash trees at Cranshaws, where Mr. Bertram, the tenant, says they were a recently arrived colony. Again, by 1891 the colony at Dunglass (before men- tioned) became such a numerous winter colony that the shrubberies were being broken down by the weight of birds which roosted there ; and vast increase also took place about Cockburnspath. On the Northumbrian sandstone moors also the Starling began to breed in numbers; and in old trees in the Wooler district of the Cheviots. At present they are omnipresent. SOLWAY. For information offered by the “ Old Statistical Account ” See vol) dxcvi. 1765, 49.170: We have already referred to a prior existence of the species in vast numbers, as recorded by Sir Walter Scott. On the Estate of Cargen (Kircudbrightshire), as we are informed by the proprietor, Mr. P. Dudgeon, the Starling has increased very decidedly within the last twenty-five or thirty years (dating back since December 1891); and about the earlier dates a nest was looked upon as a great curiosity. It may be said to have appeared there about that time—say from 1861 to 1866. It may therefore have made an earlier appearance in “ Tweed ”»—say about 1825 to 1830, or rather sooner than in “Solway,” on its second wave of dispersal. But it cannot be ascertained, by notes kept by Mr. Dudgeon, the direction whence they probably proceeded. The first shot about Cargen was twenty-six years ago, say 1865. At present there is a colony in winter of about 500 to 600 birds in a bed of rhododendron at the stables, and others besides. According to Mr. Armistead of the Solway Fisheries, Starlings are not very abundant there, although much more common than formerly. Mr. Armistead never sees the enor- mous colonies which he so often meets with in Cumberland and Yorkshire, as well as in the South. STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 11 Mr. Adam Skirving, of Croy’s Property, near Dalbeattie, says: “It was a new thing to see a Starling when I first crossed the border. Now (1891) it swarms. About thirty years ago (say 1860 or 1861) it began to make itself apparent, and at that time the earliest nest was discovered. Again at Buccleuch, Parish of Castleton, Roxburgh, Starlings were reported as only appearing “during the last ten years” (ze. back from the date of 1891—-say 1881), “in increased numbers,” but they have been known in the district for the last forty years—say since 1861. FORTH. No information is contained in either the “ Old” or “ New Statistical Accounts.” In Haddington, as already seen under “ Tweed,” “ no great increase was evident, until recent years” (cf Hardy). But since, as we are informed by Dr. Crombie of North Ber- wick, there has been a notable increase, their first. appearance dating “years ago.” Dr. James Howden when he lived at Musselburgh in 1847 as a lad, kept a notebook, “ which,” he writes us, “I still have, and I find headed ‘The Fauna of the Parish of Inveresk.’ Amongst the birds, ‘ Sturnus vulgaris, which is then said to be ‘frequent.’” “ About the same time,” he continues, “I used to spend my holidays with Mr. A. Hepburn, then farmer at Whittinghame Mains, East Lothian, a keen naturalist. He and the late Robert Gray, then a bank clerk in Dunbar, and I used to shoot birds and skin them ; and I distinctly remember thinking I had got a prize when I shot a Starling, whose skin J have to this day.” We can remember, within our own experience, the vast difference in numbers of the Starling when a boy at Merchis- ton Castle School, and when at home at Dunipace, Stirling- shire. Of its vast increase since then we have so many records and such a quantity of testimony that it is difficult to select the most striking. A few must suffice as applicable to Stirlingshire, referring to the carse-lands of Falkirk, up the valley of the Carron and Bonny to the bases of the central hills of the county, and as far west as the Blane valley and the upper waters of the river Forth. “ 12 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Authorities east of the Denny Hills all agree they were rare birds about 1860, and began to get common about the next decade (say 1870). But one valued correspondent—Mr. David Cram of Bonnybridge—takes exception to the above dates, and, from notes in his possession, says: “They became abundant as early as 1852 or 1853,” and he remembers the first obtained in 1834. In that year he took a nest himself, the first we have record of. The next was of young ones procured at Carnock, Carse of Falkirk, which were reared by Mr. John Ure, Shoemaker, Larbert, who is still alive, and verifies the statement at about 1850. It is supposed locally that Star- lings came from the direction of Ayrshire. Coming now out of the “carse-lands” on to the “dry fields,” and up the valleys which come down from the Denny Hills, my neighbour, Mr. John Laing of Langhill, puts their advent at about the same time as most recorders here, viz. : “Twenty years ago, or thereabouts, it was a vara avts,’ and boxes were put up to encourage them. Mr. Laing imagines they came from the east. In 1860, only one nest existed, in a hollow tree at Mr. Laing’s house. Now (1891), there are six pairs breeding. At Sauchie, farther to the north, by the east base of the Central Hills, Sir James Maitland, Bart., observed them first in 1888—a late date. Now, in winter, they appear in thousands. We have known them to swarm in winter upon rhododendrons on an island on Larbert Pond since, at least, 1880; and now (1891-94), we have returns from many localities all along the northern base of the Central Hills, upon the “dry field,’ and between these and the Carse of Stirling and Vale of Menteith. Colonel Stirling of Gargunnock says his late gardener put the date of first appearance at between 1840 and 1845,—an early date,—but the first notice- able increase is put down by Colonel Stirling at five or six years previous to 1891—-say 1885 or 1886. Mr. James Stirling of Garden puts its first appearance at 1856. (Garden estate is about 10 to 12 miles farther west, and higher up the valley of the Forth than Gargunnock.) “A shoemaker,” says Mr. Stirling, “walked from Stirling to Drymen Bridge to take a nest there, sometime in the STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 13 forties. (Drymen Bridge is still farther west by about 7 miles.) Miss Mary Blackburn of Killearn, in the Blane valley, gives us valuable information at this point—carefully dated and reliable. In 1838, not a Starling was to be seen in the district by Miss Blackburn’s grandfather. The next year (1839), he saw one or two, and he and a young groom “stealt a horse out of the stable” before any one was up in the morning, and went to Craigbarnet and took a Starling’s nest there. “For four or five years after,” continues Miss Blackburn, “he never saw another nest; but, ¢/en, the old butler here—who was a great bird-fancier—put up a box, and a Starling built in it, and since then they have increased rapidly. I do not think they are as numerous now as they were twenty years ago (say 1871).” By other notes from Miss Blackburn, there seems to have been a decided falling off in their numbers of late ; but we cannot find space for all these interesting notes. They, however, very clearly seem to indicate an extension from Clyde, up the Blane valley, round the western bases of the Campsie Fells (or central hill ranges of Stirlingshire) ; and the data obtained from other sources coincide in a remarkable degree. We now return to the north coast of the Firth of Forth, and follow the northern enclosing rim of the Ochils, Lomonds, and Fife Hills to Callander, va Stirling and the north side of the Vale of Menteith, and see how far dates there can be found to fit in (or otherwise) with those given from the south side of the Vale of Menteith. On Lundin and Montrave in Fife, as we are informed by Mr. John Gilmour, “an immense increase has taken place.” He continues: “Thirty-three years ago, only one pair was known to nest, in an old tree on a farm, and young were taken as pets. Since then (say 1859), they have in- creased rapidly, and they roost in thousands in Lundin fir- wood.” Passing farther west to Brankstone Grange, Mr. J. J. Dalgleish says: “Very decided increase observable since about 1850” (compare here “New Statistical Account of Clackmannan, w¢ szp.) At Coldoch in South-West Perthshire, overlooking the Vale 14 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY of Menteith, as we are informed by the proprietor,—Robert Graham, Esq.,—“‘a very prodigious increase has been going on ever since I returned home twenty-one years ago (say 1871). The earliest nest I knew of was about the year 1838 in the hollow of an oak tree. The shrubs around the house last winter—18g90-91—-gave shelter to thousands. In the ex- ceptionally severe winter of that season they never left— possibly owing to equal severity in England. They have indeed almost ceased to migrate, except short distances from all directions to roost.” Around Callander, Mr. J. Buchanan-Hamilton of Leny speaks of their increase within the last ten or twelve years, but has no notes of first appearance of birds or nesting. He adds: “ My impression is that during these threescore years I have seen them come and go in waves as it were—sometimes several here, sometimes none.” Again: “ My impressions are that they come to us from the Lowlands, and that they did not penetrate in this locality much farther into the Highlands than Leny.” Mr. Buchanan-Hamilton attributes “their in- creased numbers and the permanency of their residence here during the last ten or twelve years to the increased extent of land that I have reclaimed from our hill-sides, and the in- creased shelter of some 400 acres of woodland I have planted. In my boyhood I have no recollection of seeing any whatever in winter.” CLYDE: We must now take up our thread again at “ Clyde,” at its junction with “Solway,” or as near to it as possible.’ About twenty years ago Mr. D. Cram (already mentioned under evidence from “Forth” area) saw Starlings in thousands on the Castle Loch, Lochmaidon (?), Ayrshire ; and saw them also near Lockerbie, Dumfries (“ Solway ”). At Glendoune, Girvan, Ayrshire, Mr. J. G. K. Young remembers seeing a few as long ago as he can recall, but they only became numerous about five years ago (say 1887). 1 We have but few records, simply because, perhaps of all our Scottish areas, “Clyde,” rich as it must be in its avifauna, seems to have but little attention paid to its vertebrate fauna in any thorough systematic manner, either by its societies or by individuals—a very great pity. STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 15 “They come in winter and autumn, increasing in numbers as the season advances, and occupy high laurels on the lawn now in thousands.” From Luss—west side of Loch Lomond—we have a very full account of them from Mr. Alfred Brown. He says: “The Starling has greatly increased in numbers, and is at present (1893) more numerous than at any previous time. I think the bird began to put itself in evidence about 1870, and has increased ever since. I remember in 1865 watch- ing the Daws at Inch Moin and Inch Galbraith, and there were no Starlings (or hardly any) amongst them, and now there are as many Starlings as Daws.” Mr. Brown enumer- ates a great variety of nesting-places, “all swarming with Starlings, and always associating with Daws.” ARGYLE. The “Old Statistical Account” gives Cara and Gigha (1793), vol. viii. p. 51; and Kilfinan in Cowall (1798), vol. viii. p. 51, and vol. xiv. p. 262. The “ New Statistical Account” mentions Inveraray and Kilchurn. “Benderloch” (Mr. William Anderson Smith) tells us, (“Land and Water,’ July 1880): “We remember flocks of many hundreds in the country to the south of Glasgow (“ Clyde”), now nearly thirty years ago. They had secured a firm hold of the country before that... . Yet it is only a few years since they arrived in the district of Benderloch.” The Duke of Argyll, writing in the same year, makes the date of their appearance at Inveraray very recent (“ Land and Water ”), and their arrival on the shores of the Clyde [North Shores—J. A. H.-B.] as comparatively so.” Anderson Smith also speaks of it in the Outer Hebrides as having “long held undisputed sway among the caves of the cliffs.” In 1867 Graham speaks of it as abundant in Iona in winter, and my friend Mr. Colin M‘Vean can answer for their breeding there as early as 1848. Now, in 1894, the Starling is almost universally dis- tributed over all the lower and more fertile parts of the 16 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY mainland of Argyle, and in most of the isles simply swarms, as may be gathered from our own notes in our “ Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides.” But it is interesting still to find traces of farther extensions up éowards the hills, from the valleys and from the haugh-lands to the mountain-slopes or remoter shepherds’ houses and shooting-lodges, in quite recent years ; filling up, as it were, blanks in its universality right and left of its main lines of least resistance, owing to the pressure upon the centres of earlier colonisation, and congestion. Whilst the vanguards pushed on and populated the straths in the earlier stages of their advent, the later younger arrivals, whether reared on the spot, or migrants from other nurseries, were obliged to press up the hill-sides and more remote glens, as we believe is the case with many other more or less assertive species. A difficulty now is suggested here, which at present we will only mention :—Whence came the vanguard of Starling immigration to Argyle mainland, and whence came the immigration to Argyle Isles? Did they both come from the same sources and the same directions, or from two diametrically different sources and directions, viz. from the “Clyde” and South-West entirely, from the Outer and Inner Hebrides entirely, or was its population drawn from the two sources—South-East and North-West—alike ? More minute and more numerous data are required, we believe, before we can say whether or not the Starling population on the west of the backbone of Scotland drew its battalions from the older and equally vast centres of long, long standing on the pathway of the great autumn migration which, as we believe, is well proved, occurs down the range of the Outer Hebrides and crosses salient points of the Inner Isles (following the shore-lines and nearest shore-cuts), past “ Clyde” to the Mull of Galloway, and thence, as we have endeavoured to indicate, shooting off to Ireland; or whether Argyle mainland is indebted to an advance over the mountain passes between the gates of the Highlands in the east and the wild west glens across the great backbone of Scotland ? STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 17 TAY. “Old Statistical Account,” vol. ix. (1793), p. 235. Crossing northward from Forth into Tay by the shallow depressions which lead from Stirling by the west end of the Ochils, and by the “ howes” or haughs of East Fife which pass round the eastern end of the Fife Lomonds, we obtain a certain number of records. But a blank wants filling up on the Forth watershed which rather incommodes us. Our most interesting return is from a salient point over- looking the Firth of Tay in the north-east corner of Fife, viz. from Tayfield and Scotscraig ; and for this we are indebted to Mr. William Berry of Tayfield. “ At Tayfield,” writes Mr. Berty, “I have noticed little change in their numbers ;” and at Scotscraig Mr. John Fowlis “has observed a great decrease there during the last year or two.” They used to roost in great numbers in a large wood on the property. John Fowlis has been about forty years keeper at Scotscraig, and when he was interviewed again gave the following informa- tion :—- “ Thirty to thirty-five years ago (ze. say 1856 to 1861), a Starling was looked upon as a rarity. They then came chiefly in summer. Four or five years ago they were in thousands here. There were nests in every corner. They roosted in clouds in the thick spruces of the West Hill, on the cliffs there, and in the ivy on the garden wall. This year (1891) there are very few.” Mr. Berry adds: “ Person- ally I have seen little change in numbers (two miles west of Scotscraig). When I first began to collect eggs, about twenty years ago (say 1871), Starlings’ eggs were easily ob- tained, but not in quantities, and these words are perfectly true at the present time. They are common, but their numbers are not excessive.” On the opposite side of the estuary of Tay, Dr. Robert Robertson, of Fernbank House, Errol, reports an “extra- ordinary increase,” and goes on to say: “Fifty years ago (say 1840 or 1841) only rarely a pair could be seen in this district. At present they are in thousands, and have in- creased steadily from then till now.’ Mr. Robertson cannot say whence they came, but adds: “They were numerous ii) € 18 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY about Glasgow before they became so plentiful here.” He thinks the first nest was obtained between the years 1832 and 1842. The greatest increase has taken place within the ten years previous to I8gI (say 1881). They roost in “millions” among the tall reeds of the river Tay, about half a mile from Errol, and gather in thousands on the village church spire. Dr. Robertson goes on to say: “I have watched their increase with the greatest interest, and I have very good opportunities of doing so while attending to my practice through the Carse of Gowrie.” At Seggieden, on the south slope of the Sidlaw Hills, and nearer to Perth, Colonel Drummond-Hay gives exactly similar evidence. They began to be apparent in increase about 1882. Thousands frequent Mugdrum Island on the Tay, and north of Dundee decided increase has taken place in the last five or six years (Auct. R. V. Kerr, Sec. Nat. Hist. Soc. Dundee) ; and they apparently came from the south. At Sunnyside, Montrose, Dr. James Howden reports: “ Marked increase during the last thirty-five years. No note of earliest appearances or nest. Along the coast-line up into Kincar- dineshire they collect in the autumn in thousands, as at the Den of Benholm and many other wooded “ dens” or “ denes.” Mr. Atherstone, an old sportsman, tells Dr. Howden that the first he shot was in 1854. “ Before this I used to pay four- pence a pair for their wings for trout-flies.’ In the Blair- gowrie district it has rapidly increased, and roosts in thousands (“countless numbers”) in the reeds of the Rae Loch ; but about 1841 the bird was almost, if not quite, unknown. Half-a-crown was freely given for young ones from the nest. Continuing up the Tay valley from. Perth, Mr. Adam Steel notes the increase within the last sixteen years. The first nest was found about 1870 or 1871. In “Dee,” as we are informed by Mr. George Sim, the Starling was only an occasional visitor at the more remote localities, or a regular spring visitor or bird of passage, at the date of the “ New Statistical Account.” At Tarland Mr. Sim personally observed it every spring as a passing migrant prior even to 1860; but none remained to breed until about 1859-60; since when, however, they have STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 19 year by year increased. No district throughout the county is now without them, and they remain all the year round. The direction whence they first came was from the south. So far as Mr. Sim can recollect, 1860 was the year of the first nest found; but he had also been informed of a pair nesting between two chimneys in Peterhead in 1850, and in the old Castle of Tolquhon in 1856. The principal winter roost is at Courtstone, where they congregate in thousands. MORAY. “Old Statistical Account,” Kirkhill, Inverness-shire, vol. ICL ZO?) Pp. I ha: “New Statistical Account,” Ardersier, Nairn, vol. xiv. p. 464. We find in the “ New Statistical Account” the notice that a “brood of fully fledged Starlings was seen in the church- yard, on the 5th June 1841,” of the parish of Ardersier, which is the extreme north-east corner of the county. Edward spoke of it as “rapidly increasing.” It is recorded as early as 1844 by Dr. Gordon: “Seen in small flocks in the spring and autumn, and even sometimes in December.” Again, “A few, like a brood, has been the only indication of their breeding in this part of the country ” (7e. by 1844). Captain Dunbar’s testimony is also given as to their great scarcity when he was a lad, and similar remarks come to us from Abernethy on Spey, from Rev. Dr. Forsyth. In 1851 Starlings have been most abundant, and continued longer than hitherto observed to do; and they were supposed to have become so, on account of the abundance of a small caterpillar, Plutella cruciferarum, in the turnip-fields. Of late years, as we have ourselves observed, Starlings are occupying even the cleared lands amongst the great pine forests of Rothiemurchus and Glenmore, etc., and have lately taken possession of old Great Spotted Woodpeckers’ holessat the base ‘of (Carnacruinch Hill 7 By 11393) *the increase became startlingly apparent, and they had reached far up among the foot-hills of the Cairngorms. In a very few years more, at the same rate of dispersal, it will be omnipresent. 20 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY North of the Moray Firth, the Starling is included without remark in Kincardine parish (“New Statistical Account,” vol. xiv. (1845), p. 405), and in Edderton parish; as also in Rosskeen. It would appear therefore that localities inside the Moray Firth became populated by the species at an earlier date than “ Dee,” or anywhere outside the Moray Firth to the south upon the Aberdeenshire coast. WEST Ross. According to our accepted authorities for West Ross,— Messrs. Hinxman and Eagle Clarke,—the status of the Starling in West Ross is as follows :—* Very local, but seems to be rapidly spreading. Has only appeared in some districts during the last few years. Not known at Shieldaig prior to 1890. Five or six pairs were observed nesting in the cliffs of Eilean Mhor, Outer Loch Torridon, in June 1892. Said to have come to Applecross about the year 1883. Reported common in Fisherfield, especially as flocks, in the autumn. Resident. —Besidesiithe aboves,Mr J.-H. Dixon (7886) includes it as “very common in places. . . . In the island of Foura, at the mouth of Loch Ewe, it uses holes in the ground for its nest, along with the Stormy Petrel.’” We find also from our journals in the same year (1886) that a few Starlings were observed by us on Priest Island in June. According to Rev. H. A. Macpherson, the Starling is resident (also 1886) in Skye. “In 1884 great (sic) numbers arrived in the drab nest-dress, in the Hamar plantations, on 23rd and 24th June.” In the Birds of Skye, and especially of the parish of Duirinish, Buckley includes the Starling as among the birds of North-West Ross-shire, applying more particularly to the Loch Carron district (MS. list and notes in our possession). We would still desire fuller particulars and dates from especially early times, if we are to arrive at the directions whence came the Starling into West Ross. It does zot seem as if they came from the Outer Hebrides through Skye, but rather down the west coast of the main- land (see Sutherland). STARLING IN SCOTLAND, INCREASE AND DISTRIBUTION 21 SUTHERLAND AND CAITHNESS. The Starling was rare previous to the year 1870, and is at present (1887) confined mostly to the coast-line. A pair bred at Balnacoil, however, ten miles up the river Brora, in 1879. Abundant on the west, and common on the North Coast. Common by 1868 (Sinclair’s List), and very abundant at Brawl Castle near Thurso in 1885. Very abundant at Hempriggs near Wick, and all over the cultivated land along the shore. Caithness would therefore seem to have been somewhat removed from the direct influence of the great migration streams which rush through the Orkney Islands and the Pentland Firth to the north, and also equally out of the direct influence of the first waves pouring into the Moray Firth. How much Caithness coast-lines have been indebted to direct lateral extension and to an overflow from congested areas to the north, or how much to a similar lateral extension from the south, it is not easy to determine; but it apparently succeeded the observance of the spring migration, both here and on)‘; Dee.” ORKNEY AND SHETLAND. Buckley gives us our statistics for Orkney. Abundant in Low’s time, and certainly not less common now. _ Resident and breeding. Mostly migrate in cold weather, but a few remain, roosting in holes in walls, etc., and in cliffs and in the rock-dove caves; and an equal abundance is recorded from Shetland as long ago as the date of the “ Old Statistical PACCOUnE « (17O3)) Pp, SO, OUTER HEBRIDES. As early as 1841, breeding and abundant, flocking in July. Resident in flocks till April. As far back as 1830 MacGillivray speaks of it in St. Kilda, where it had a Gaelic name. In 1848 Sir William Milner found its nest there. Gray found it common in 1871 in St. Kilda. MacGillivray goes as far back even as 1820 and speaks of it as inhabiting a cave on the west coast of Harris in “vast numbers”; and we also notice the remark in Charlesworth’s “Magazine of Natural 22 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY History” regarding its occurrence at Rowdil Old Church in South Harris about 1797, and again in 1804. The above notes are all extracted from our volume on the Outer Hebrides (pp. 68-69), and there is little to add since that volume was issued in 1888. It seems to us therefore that two great centres of habita- tion have influenced the dispersal of the species: an earlier one in the Shetlands, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides, and north coasts and north-east of Caithness, from north-east towards south-west ; and a later one, entering Scotland in the south and passing north through the south and central districts of Scotland. Moray appears to have drawn its supplies from the northward, in comparatively recent years ; but the districts to the south of the Grampians mostly, if not entirely, from the southwards. How much these have been augmented by migrations from Continental areas is of course difficult to decide, but there seems to be sufficient evidence in our cor- relation of dates to warrant the supposition that such an aug- mentation has taken place, as also in a correlation of parallel statistics connected with many other well-known species. It might not, perhaps, be too rash to predict that the day may yet arrive when the Starling having increased still more prodigiously, and every crevice and cranny having become populated by these cosmopolites, a great struggle for existence even amongst themselves may become necessary to preserve the balance of nature. Before this can take place, however, the probability exists that some other weaker species may have to go to the wall. Indeed there are already indications of such a fact in at least one instance and locality,—by sheer force of numbers,—about which we may have more to say at another opportunity. MAP. It only remains for me to say, the present distribution of the Starling scarcely requires any mapping, so general and omnipresent is the species. In the map accompanying this paper we have not therefore attempted to indicate it speci- ally ; and they are only the earlier movements which we have chronicled upon the map, and these only sufficient to illustrate the remarks made in this paper. FISHES NEW TO OR RARE IN THE FIRTH OF FORTH 23 DOME FISHES NEW TO OR RARE IN THE FIRTH, OF .FORTH By WituiaAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S. THE material for this contribution has been derived from two sources ; namely (1) from specimens and data most kindly supplied by my friend Mr. Thomas Scott, Naturalist to the Fishery Board for Scotland, and (2) from notes and captures made by the writer at North Berwick during August 1894. TRIGLOPS MURRAYI, Giinther. The addition of this rare and peculiarly distributed species to the fauna of the Firth of Forth is an event of considerable interest from an ichthyological standpoint. On the 28th of November 1890 Mr. Thomas Scott secured a specimen within the Firth, to the west of May Island. He carefully examined it at the time, with the aid of Day’s “British and Irish Fishes”; and finding no species in that standard work corresponding with his capture, he preserved it for future consideration. Investigations in connection with those Orders upon which Mr. Scott is well known as a leading authority deprived him, however, of an opportunity for its determination; and eventually, in September last, he kindly handed it over to me for that purpose. This specimen is nearly 5 inches—125°5 mm.— in length. It was taken in water varying from 25 to 28 fathoms in depth, on ground with a mud bottom, situated about half way between the north and south shores of the Firth and lying west of May Island. This species was described as new to science in 1885, from several specimens captured in the Mull of Kintyre, at a depth of 64 fathoms, in February and March; and four miles south-east of the island of Sanda, in 35 fathoms, in the middle of March. These examples were from 2°5 to 4 inches in length, and were obtained by Dr. John Murray whilst dredging on board the “ Medusa.” They are described by Dr. Giinther in the “ Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh” (vol. xv. p. 209, Plate IV. Fig. A). 24 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY In this magazine (1892, p. 76) Mr. George Sim recorded the first specimen of this little fish for the North Sea, an example having been taken fourteen miles off Aberdeen on the Ist of October 1890. Four others were obtained off Montrose in February 1891; and one off the Kincardineshire coast in September 1891. Mr. Sim informs me that these captures were made at depths ranging from 16 to 30 fathoms. In the above notes reference has been made, I believe, to all that has been published concerning this fish. A very remarkable feature in the history of this species is the fact that, according to our present knowledge of its distribution, 77zglops murrayz is entirely confined to Scottish waters. It is a comparatively small species, and hence liable to be overlooked—perhaps regarded as a young 77zg/a, to which it bears a superficial resemblance. An allied species, 77zglops pingeliz, occurs on the Nor- wegian coast: the other species of the genus are Arctic fishes. ZEUS FABER, Lzmn. John Dorey. A specimen, 15°32 inches in length, was captured off Pittenweem in October 1891. Mr. Scott regards this as a rare species in the Firth of Forth, where it has occurred both in deep and in very shallow water. CARELOPHUS ASCANII (Wald.) Yarrell’s Blenny. I obtained a specimen of this fish at North Berwick, on the 9th of August 1894, which was 7.3 inches in length, and weighed 43.5 grammes = 1.53 ozs. It was captured on rocky ground south of Craigleith, at a depth of 10 fathoms, by means of a hook baited with mussel. This is the first record, I believe, of the occurrence of this species zwzthznm the Firth. The only other information, with which I am acquainted, regarding Yarrell’s Blenny as a Forth fish is Dr. Wemyss Fulton’s note on the capture of an example two miles off the mouth of the River Tyne on the 13th of September 1889 (see “ Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” 1889, part iii. p. 357). This specimen was also captured on a hook and line, and the fish is said not to have been previously known to take a bait. FISHES NEW TO OR RARE IN THE FIRTH OF FORTH 25 My specimen when fresh-caught was of a chocolate brown colour, and not nearly so distinctly barred on the sides as the example figured in Day’s “ British and Irish Fishes.” LUMPENUS LAMPETRIFORMIS ( Wado.) This is another species added to the British fauna since the publication of the late Dr. Day’s standard work on the “ British and Irish Fishes.” It was, however, first recorded for our seas by that ichthyologist in the“ Proceedings of the Zoological Society” for 1884 (pp. 445-446, Plate XII.) In May of that year a specimen was captured in a trawl 15 miles off St. Abb’s Head, in 40 fathoms of water, and was forwarded to Dr. Day by Professor M‘Intosh of St. Andrews. Since then numerous examples have been taken in the deep waters of the Moray Firth, as recorded by Mr. Sim. In 1888 Mr. Scott obtained specimens in the stomachs of Cod trawled in the Firth of Forth; but these being in a more or less mutilated condition, he hesitated to ascribe them to this species. On the 14th of May 1889 he was able to add this species to the fauna of the Forth; for on that date he captured eight specimens in the shrimp-net when trawling a few miles east of the island of Inchkeith, and several others were taken by him just outside May Island a day or two afterwards. In 1889 Dr. Wemyss Fulton recorded (“ Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” 1889, Part iii. p. 357) more than 300 specimens of this fish captured in the trawl in the Firth during the year 1889, as many as 135 having been taken at one haul. He remarks that no doubt a migration of this fish to the mouth of the Firth—where most of the specimens were captured—had taken place. One specimen was taken in October, but the chief hauls were made in March, April, and May. Mr. Scott sends me two fine specimens, respectively 11.5 and 13.5 inches in length, captured a little to east of the Bass Rock. This Blennioid now appears to have become established in the Firth of Forth, has a somewhat wide range in its waters, and is not very uncommon, especially around May Island. 26 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY As a British fish Lumpenus lampetriformis is as yet entirely confined to the Scottish waters of the North Sea. It would appear, however, to be extending its range south- wards, and will no doubt be sooner or later captured on the English coast. It isa common fish on the Norwegian coast, being most numerous in the extreme north ; but it occurs in the Baltic, and also in the Iceland, Greenland, and Spitz- bergen Seas. Two coloured illustrations have appeared of this interest- ing fish during the present year (1894): one of these is given in Professor Smitt’s “ Scandinavian Fishes,” Plate XI. Fig. 5; the second in the “ Report of the Fishery Board for Scot- land for 1893, part: 11. Plate wl. Fiske: GADUS MINUTUS, Lzuu. Power Cod. This species is not included in Dr. Parnell’s classical essay on the “ Fishes of the Forth.” Among the material submitted to me by Mr. Scott is a specimen of this fish 4.18 inches in length, which was captured west of the Isle of May on the 29th of April 1890. Mr. Scott informs me that it is not a common species in the Forth, and is chiefly confined to the moderately deep water between May Island and Fidra and Elie, and at the mouth of the Firth, east of the May Island and the Bass Rock. RHOMBUS PUNCTATUS, Bloch. Miiller’s Topknot. The Little Black Hairy Fluke, as this fish is known in the Forth, does not appear to be by any means a common fish on the Scottish coasts. One sent to me by Mr. Scott was trawled in Largo Bay on the 15th of February 1890, and is 3.68 inches in length. I have a note regarding another Forth specimen, also taken in Largo Bay, on the 21st of March 1889. RHOMBUS NORVEGICUS, Giinther. Ekstrom’s Topknot. Professor M‘Intosh, F.R.S., records in the “ Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” 1893 (part. iii. pp. 227-228), FISHES NEW TO OR RARE IN THE FIRTH OF FORTH = 27 the capture of a fine example of this fish, which is also known as the Norwegian Topknot, ten miles south-east of the Carr Lightship, on the 6th of April 1894. This specimen is a female developing ovaries, and measures 3.36 inches, or 85 mm., in length. Professor M‘Intosh gives a full description of the specimen, and a coloured drawing and other figures (Plate IV. Figs. 5,6, and 7). This species is not only an addition to the fauna of the Firth of Forth, but, I believe, to the fauna of the British waters of the North Sea. Couch in his “ British Fishes ” (vol. iii. p. 175, Plate CLXVII.) records and figures the first British specimen from the Bristol Channel ; but this was considered by Dr. Day to be an example of Rhombus unimaculatus, or Bloch’s Topknot, and hence the species has no place in his work on “ British and Irish Fishes.” Dr. Giinther obtained a specimen off the Shetlands in 1868 ; and also records a third British specimen from Lamlash Bay, and a fourth in Kilbrennan Sound, in the “ Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh” (vol. xv. p. 217, 1888). Mr. Holt obtained a specimen in Donegal Bay in 1891, as re- corded in the “ Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society” (2), vii. p. 218. Finally, we have the Forth specimen, which concludes the list of the known British occurrences of this species. The range of this fish is given by Professor Smitt (“Scandinavian Fishes,” part i. p. 455, 1894) as extending from the Lofoden Islands to the Bristol Channel. NEROPHIS LUMBRICIFORMIS (Zzzz). Worm Pipe-fish. On the 2oth of August 1894 I captured a specimen of this little fish under a stone between tide-marks at North Berwick. It was 4.12 inches in length, and weighed .35 sramme=.12 oz. I have been unable to find any previous record of the occurrence of this species in the Firth, and there seems to be little doubt that it is here recorded for the first time for the waters of the Forth. The two following fishes are neither new nor rare in the Firth of Forth, but are recorded as remarkably fine examples of their respective species :— 28 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY COTTUS SCORPIUS, Zzznx. Short-spined Sea Bullhead. I captured a fine and highly coloured example of this Bullhead in a rock-pool at North Berwick on the 20th of August 1894. This specimen was 10.87 inches in length, and weighed 328 grammes=11.55 ozs. The head and sides, above the lateral line, were beautifully and plentifully varie- gated with bright pink; the pectoral and anal fins were broadly margined with rich orange, and the bars on the caudal fin were also of this last-named tint. GASTEROSTEUS SPINACHIA, Lzuu. Fifteen-spined Stickleback. A particularly large specimen, captured in a rock-pool at North Berwick on the 27th of August 1894, was 7.57 inches in length and weighed 16.3 grammes =.57 oz. ON NEW AND RARE SPECIES OF COPEPODA FROM SCOTLAND. By Tuomas Scott, F-LS., Naturalist to the Fishery Board for Scotland, and ANDREW SCOTT, Fisheries Assistant, University College, Liverpool. PEATE EL IN the following Notes we propose, first, to describe two new species of Copepoda, belonging apparently to the genus Leptopsyllus,—a somewhat curious genus recently instituted ; and, second, to give additional records indicating an extension of distribution for several species already described. DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SPECIES OF LEPTOPSYLLUS. Preliminary Remarks—The genus Leptopsyllus was in- stituted for a somewhat abnormal and very slender form of Copepod captured in the Forth, a few miles west of Queensferry, Zs _ Aww. Scor. Nar Hisr. 1895. PLaTE II A Scott, Del ad nat. R.&R Clark imp Fics. 1-14 LEPTOPSYLLUS ROBERTSONI, Sp.n Fics. 15 22 LEPTOPSYLLUS MINOR, 5Sp.n NEW AND RARE SPECIES OF COPEPODA FROM SCOTLAND 29 on the 25th of January 1894: there were several specimens of this form. On the 20th of August following, three species (two of which are described here), apparently belonging to the same genus, were obtained in the Forth, near Musselburgh —they were taken in pools on the shore, near low-water mark; but these three species, though similar in habit and in general structure to the one obtained west of Queensferry, and for which the genus Leftopsyl/us was instituted, differ from it in the following points :—Ist, the mandible-palp is two-branched instead of one-branched—the distal branch being two-jointed, while the proximal branch, which is smaller, is one-jointed ; 2nd, the second and third pairs of swim- ming feet are two-branched—the inner branches, which are one or two-jointed, being more or less rudimentary. But notwithstanding these and one or two other minor differences, the Musselburgh species are, in our opinion, undoubtedly congeneric with that from west of Queensferry, and we there- fore prefer to amend the generic definition as published in part iii, of the “Twelfth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” rather than establish a separate sub- genus for them. The definition of the genus Leptopsyllus as amended will therefore be as follows? :— LEPTOPSYLLUS (amended), 7. Scott, “Twelfth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” part iii. p. 253 (1894).—Body elongate, cylindrical, somewhat similar in form to Cylindropsyllus, Brady. Anterior antenne (in the female, seven or) eight-jointed, short. (In the male the anterior antennz are modified and hinged for grasping.) Posterior antenne three-jointed ; secondary branch small, one-jointed. Mandibles well developed, the broad biting part armed with several strong teeth ; palp comparatively large, consisting of a single two-jointed branch (or of two branches—the distal branch being two-jointed, while the proximal branch, which is smaller, is one-jointed). Other mouth appendages as in Cletodes, except that the posterior foot-jaws are three-jointed. Both branches of the first pair of swimming feet short, two- jointed. In the second and third pairs the inner branches (are one or two-jointed and more or less rudimentary, or) 1 The Amendments are within ( ). 30 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY are obsolete or entirely absent, but the outer branches are three-jointed. Inner branches of the fourth pair (usually) two-jointed and the outer branches three-jointed. Fifth pair foliaceous, small, two-branched (basal joints sometimes coalescent and forming a broad lamelliform plate ; the fifth pair in the male are smaller than those of the female. One ovisac, containing a few large ova). LEPTOPSYLLUS ROBERTSONI, SZ. ov. (Plate II. Figs. 1-14). Description —Female.—Length -63 mm. (5, of an inch). Body elongate and very slender. Anterior antenne moder- ately stout, shorter than the first cephalothoracic segment, seven-jointed : the fifth joint is shorter than any of the others, as shown by the formula :— Proportional length of joints 22 13 10 7 § Number of the joints og) 9 8S aes 8 9 Oe Posterior antennez nearly as in Leptopsyllus typicus, T. Scott. Mouth organs also nearly as in that species, except that the mandible-palp is two-branched ; the distal branch, which is slender and elongate, has the end joint equal to about two- thirds the length of the first joint ; the proximal one-jointed branch is nearly as long as the first joint of the distal branch. The first pair of swimming feet are similar to those of Leptopsyllus typicus, but the inner branches are rather longer than the outer, and there is a fascicle of moderately long setae on the inner margin of the second basal joint (Fig. 9). In the second and third pairs the outer branches are somewhat similar to those of Leptopsyllus typicus ; the inner branches, which are rudimentary, are two-jointed, the end- joint being very small (Fig. 10). The fourth pair are similar to those of Leptopsyllus typicus. The basal joints of the fifth pair are coalescent, forming a broad lamelliform plate, the end of which is broadly truncate and slightly concave, the obtuse angles being each furnished with two small sete, and on each side near the base of the joints the outer margin is produced into a broadly rounded lobe terminating in two sete ; the length of the basal joints is equal to about two- NEW AND RARE SPECIES OF COPEPODA FROM SCOTLAND 31 thirds of their entire width across the broadest part; the secondary branches are very small, obscurely triangular in out- line, and furnished each with three small setze on the outer edge (Fig. 12). The caudal stylets are in the form of elongate- ovate lamellz ; in length they are equal to both the last two abdominal segments together, and their breadth is about equal to two-thirds of their length; they are also each fur- nished with four terminal sete, the principal seta being about twice the length of the stylets, but the others are very small. Ovisac small, containing a number of moderately large ova. Male—The male is similar to the female, except in the following particulars :—The anterior antenne are each six- jointed ; the last four joints are modified and hinged, and form powerful grasping organs. The basal joints of the fifth pair of thoracic feet are coalescent, as in the female, but are much shorter, being only about half the length; the sixth pair of appendages are foliaceous, broadly subtriangular in outline, and not coalescent (Fig. 13). Habitat—In pools near low water on the shore of the Firth of Forth, at Musselburgh ; rather rare. Remarks.—This species is at once distinguished from any others of the same genus by the large, lamelliform caudal stylets, and by the form of the fifth pair of thoracic feet, as also by the structure of the anterior antenna. We have much pleasure in giving to this species the name of our kind friend Mr. David Robertson of Millport, the veteran Scottish Naturalist, who was one of the first to introduce us to that most interesting study——the study of the Micro- crustacea. LEPTOPSYLLUS MINOR, sf. nov. (Plate II. Figs. 15-22). Description.—Female—Length, -46 mm. (7 of an inch). Body elongate, very slender. Anterior antenne short, moderately stout, seven-jointed, somewhat similar in structure to those of Leptopsyllus robertsont. The proportional lengths of the joints are shown by the formula— Proportional length of joints 20 14 It 7 5 Number of the joints i ojo sta Ge 32 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Posterior antennze and mouth organs similar to those of Leptopsyllus robertsonz. The first pair of swimming feet are also similar in structure to those of that species, but smaller, and the outer branches are considerably shorter in proportion to the inner branches (Fig. 17). Inner branches of the second and third pairs one-jointed and very rudimentary (Fig. 18). Fourth pair similar in structure to those of Leptopsyllus robert- soni, but considerably smaller. The fifth pair are also similar in structure to those of that species, but the coalescent basal joints are proportionally longer, being in length equal to about three-fourths of their entire width at the broadest part. They also differ in form, being subconical in outline and with the apex distinctly bifid. Each of the two apical angles bears two short sete, and the lateral basal lobes are each furnished with a moderately long hair. The secondary joints are very small (Fig. 20). The length of the caudal stylets is scarcely equal to the combined lengths of the last two abdominal segments, while their breadth is nearly equal to half the length. They are each furnished with a few sete, the principal terminal seta being about twice the length of the stylets ; while one of the others, which are very small, springs from near the middle of the outer margin (Fig. 22). The ovisac contains a few very large ova. MMale.—The male is very similar to the female, but the anterior antenne are modified for grasping, and resemble those of the male of Leptopsyllus robertsonz. The fifth pair of thoracic feet, which are very small, also resemble those of that species; but the coalesced basal joints are shorter, and scarcely extend beyond the base of the secondary joints, while the secondary joints are proportionally larger. In the sixth pair of appendages the inner margins are sinuated and slope considerably outwards, the outer margins are short and nearly straight, and the broadly rounded apex is furnished with two small sete on the outer aspect and a small but stout spine interiorly (Fig. 21). Hlabitat——On the shore at Musselburgh, in the same pools with Leptopsyllus robertsoni. Remarks——This species is much smaller than the one last described, and is readily distinguished from it by the form of the caudal stylets, which are comparatively shorter NEW AND RARE SPECIES OF COPEPODA FROM SCOTLAND 33 and broader, and by the difference in the structure of the first and fifth thoracic feet. The ovisac of this species appears to contain fewer but larger ova than that of Lepéo- psyllus robertsone. RECORDS INDICATING AN EXTENSION OF DISTRIBUTION. CYCLOPS AXQUOREUS, Fischer, “ Abhandl. der Akad. der Wissenschaft,” Bd. viii. p. 654, Taf. XX., Figs. 26-29 (1860). —This, which is one of those curious species that form a link between the truly freshwater and the truly marine Copepoda, was obtained in brackish pools near the head of West Loch Tarbert, Argyleshire, on both the north and south sides of the loch. Though widely distributed, the Scottish localities where Cyclops equoreus has been recorded from are, so far as known to us, few in number. It has been “taken by the Rev. A. M. Norman in the West of Scotland” ;* in pools above high-water mark at Cramond Island, Firth of Forth ; in the mussel beds at the mouth of the river Eden, Fifeshire ; and Loch Stennis, Orkney. TACHIDIUS LITTORALIS, Poppe. [TACHIDIUS CRASSI- CORNIS, 7. Scott, “Tenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” part iii. p. 250, Plate VIII. Figs. 14-27 (1892).] Tachidius littoralis was recorded from the Firth of Forth, the first time for Scotland, in 1892. Though as yet known from only a few localities in the British Islands, we believe that it will yet be found distributed all round our shores wherever there is a suitable habitat, z.e. brackish water with a muddy and weedy bottom. It was obtained in pools of this description during the month of July last year around the head and north side of West Loch Tarbert. DELAVALIA PALUSTRIS, Brady, “ Nat. Hist. Trans. North- umb, and Durham,” iii. p. 134, Pl. V. Figs. 10-15 (1868).— This species was taken in pools between tide-marks near the head of West Loch Tarbert. Its distribution in Scotland appears as yet to be very limited. The Firth of Forth is 1 «A Monograph of the Free and Semiparasitic Copepoda of the British Islands,” ii. p, 120; no locality is given. 13 D 34 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY the only other Scottish locality known to us where Delavalia palustris has been obtained. CANTHOCAMPTUS PALUSTRIS, Brady, “Mon. Brit. Copep.,” ii, p. 53, Plate XXXIX Figs. 13-23 (1830) Ehiswwell- marked species has, like the last, a very limited known distrbution in Scotland; but we believe that, in this case also, it will be found to be more or less frequent when carefully sought for in suitable situations. It has during the last few years been obtained in one or two places in the Firth of Forth, and we have now to record its occurrence in brackish-water pools at the head and on the north side of West Loch Tarbert, Argyleshire. CLETODES TENUIREMIS, Z. Scott, “Eleventh Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” part iii. p. 204, Plate III. Figs. 21-28 (1893).—This interesting and easily distinguished species of Clefodes has not been observed beyond the Forth area till last summer, when it was obtained at West Loch Tarbert in brackish-water pools along with Canthocamptus palustris. PLATYCHELIPUS LITTORALIS, Brady, “ Mon. Brit. Copep.,” it p. 103, Plate (EXXIDe Wigs, 15-19 (1380), (7s Seer, Op. (Cll, Pp. 205, hate We mies 1 1-13 (11693) —— iT hegknewm distribution in Scotland of this curious species is, like that of most of the others recorded here, hitherto very limited, and so far as we know the present record of its occurrence in West Loch Tarbert is the only record for the West Coast. It was obtained in hand-net gatherings from brackish-water pools along with Canthocamptus palustris and Cletodes tenutremis. All the species recorded in the preceding notes have hitherto been obtained only where there was an admixture in greater or less proportions of sea and fresh water. These brackish-water forms frequently exhibit a curious combina- tion of characters interesting to the biologist, but often very troublesome to the systematist. We believe that there is still a rich harvest to be reaped by the study of these peculiar intermediate conditions of habitat and life. It may well be said— “The earth is full of Thy riches ; So is this great and wide sea.” NOTES ON THE FLORA OF ELPHIN, ETC, 35 EXPLANATION OF PLATE II, LEPTOPSYLLUS ROBERTSONI, sf. 20U. Fig. 1. Female, lateral view x 80 dia, | Fig. 9. Foot of first pair of ,, 2. Anterior antenna, swimming feet x 380 dia. female . A BBS) a5 », 10. Foot of second pair x 380 ,, », 3. Anterior antenna, », 11. Foot of fourth pair x 380 ,, male ‘ a 500! ns », 12. Fifth pair of feet, », 4. Posterior antenna x 380 ,, female aS Onn: >, 5- Mandible 6 Se SITO) op », 13. Fifth pair and sixth Ge Maxillay 2 5 SEBO) gp pair, malew. < 380) 5, », 7- Anterior foot-jaw x 380 ,, », 14. Abdomen and ,, 8. Posterior foot-jaw x 380 ,, caudal stylets x 80 ,, LEPTOPSYLLUS MINOR, Sf. 7200. Fig. 15. Female, lateral Fig. 19. Foot of fourth pair x 380 dia. view F x 8o dia. », 20. Fifth pair of feet, 5, 16. Anterior antenna x 500 ,, female a3 Ole. >, 17. Foot of first pair of », 21. Fifth pair and sixth swimming feet x 380 ,, pair, male . x 380 ,, », 18. Foot of second », 22. Abdomen and pair. 5 86 BYSIE) Be caudal stylets x 80 ,, NOLES, ON THE FLORA OF ELPHIN AND) Die ROCKS ‘OF “CNOC-AN-T’-SASUNNAICEH EN WES SUL TERLANDSHIRE. By G. CLaripcE Druce, M.A., F.L.S. LAST June I paid a visit of a few hours to Ledbeg in West Sutherland, in order to verify records made by Dr. Lightfoot in the “Flora Scotica” (which was published in 1777) of Dryas octopetala, Draba incana, Asplenium viride, and Polypodium (Polystichum) Lonchitis, the former of which he says “he found abundantly for two miles together upon a vast lime- stone rock called Creg-achnocaen, upon the boundaries of Coygach and Assynt, just on the confines of Ross-shire and Sutherland, about ten miles from Loch Broom, in the road to Ledbeg, upon the western coast.” The Drava and the two ferns were gathered by him in the same locality. On the faith of these records the four plants were included in “Topographical Botany” for West Ross; but, as the actual occurrence of the plants in both counties was a little uncertain, since the limestone rocks are represented on the geological 36 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY map No. 101 as thinning out near the county boundary, it was felt desirable to explore this portion of country, which is situated amidst wild and romantic scenery. The district is sufficiently remote to hinder many botanists from visiting it; and probably but little change has taken place since Dr. Lightfoot explored it. Either the miles are shorter now, or the new road is less direct, for we found the distance from Ullapool to the county boundary to be about 14 miles. This county boundary is marked by an iron railing near a small watercourse on a range of cliffs which, on the Ordnance sheet No. 101, are called Cnoc-an-t’-Sasunnaich, the summit of which is given as 1258 feet in altitude. The county boundary crosses its highest point. From the top the fine hills of Ben More of Coigach, An Stack, Suilven, Canisp, and Ben More of Assynt are to be seen. The high road from Ullapool to Inchnadamph passes at the base of the Cnoc-an rocks, and is between 700 and 800 feet above the sea-level. The rocks are very interesting from a geological point of view, as the fucoid beds are capped with limestone. The limestone beds touch the level of the road at the hamlet of Knockain ; but the beds slope upwards to the county boundary, where they have thinned out, and are present only as a small strip at the top of the cliffs. But slightly as they are represented in Ross-shire, the influence of the limestone is shown by the occurrence of Dryas octopetala, etc. The flora of the Sutherlandshire portion of the rocks is very interesting. Doubtless it was in this county that Dr. Light- foot saw the Dryas, etc., since the Dryas is not only a pro- minent feature in the vegetation on the rocks, but it is also present by the roadside in Elphin. Polystichum Lonchitis occurs in considerable quantity, and Asfplentum viride is plentiful. Both descend to 800 feet. Both Phegopteris polypodioides and P. Dryopterts occur ; but the latter not in its typical form, since it has somewhat of the facies of P. Robertiana. A small form of Asplenzum Ruta-muraria was seen, which simulated the rare A. germanicum. It is the var. pseudo-germanicum of Milde. *Adoxra Moschatellina* 1 The asterisk before the name of a plant denotes that it is not included in ‘Top. Bot.” for Sutherland West, but as considerable work at the botany of the west division of the county has been done since its publication, the present records are not necessarily new to the region. NOTES ON THE FLORA OF ELPHIN, ETC. 37 grew sparingly at the base of an overhanging rock. This appears to be the most northerly station yet recorded for it in Britain. Draba incana was scattered about the rocks as the variety contorta, Ehrh. Carex rupestris was not unfrequent, but rather local; it grew with a form of C. pudlicaris, and descended to 1000 feet, or even lower. A form of Carex bimervis, which has much of the aspect of the plant from Glen Callater that has been recorded as C. frigida, was noticed. I have elsewhere distinguished it as var. mgrescens. *C. flacca, Schreb., with C. panicea, C. Goodenovit, and C. pilulifera (the latter often as the variety with acute glumes and longer bracts), C. dzozca, C. echinata, C. fulva, *C. flava (both as the type and as the var. sor), were also noticed. Epilobtum angustifolium, which is given for West Sutherland without personal authority, occurred as an undoubtedly native plant. Sz/ene acaulis, Jacq., was common, and descended to 800 feet; as did also Thalictrum alpinum. Alchemilla vulgarzs occurred in the hairy, and in the glabrous (var. glabra, Wimmer et Grab.) forms. Rubus saxatilis was seen in flower, with an odour of hawthorn. Polygala vulgaris and P. serpyllacea were in beautiful flower. Habenaria viridis, *Geum rivale,and Luzula maximawere not unfrequent. *Avena pubescens was observed in the ordinary, and also as a more glabrous form (*var. g/aberrima, Borb.), and also another form which bears much the same relation to A. pubescens as A. alpina does to A. pratenszs. Poa pratensis, var. subcerulea (Sm.), and another Poa which shall be noticed later on, Festuca rubra and F. ovina, * Valeriana officinalis, * Cardamine sylvatica, and Lastrea dilatata were also noticed. In the fields at Elphin and Knockain very beautiful plants of *Orchis latifolia grew in profusion, and Tyollcus was also plentiful. In the corn-fields *Crepzs virens, * Spergula sativa, Raphanus Raphanistrum (the yellow-flowered plant), Brassica Sinapistrum, *Sonchus arvensis, * Veronica agrestis, *Lamium intermedium, *Stachys palustris, *Chenopodium album, and * Bromus commutatus, were noticed. Near Elphin and Ledbeg some interesting plants were seen, including Dryas octopetala, *Cardamine hirsuta, *Trifolium minus, Prunus Padus, *Geum urbanum, * Rosa mollis, * At gopodium Podagraria, *Sambucus nigra (probably planted), Valertana 38 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY officinalis, *Crepis paludosa, *Carduus palustris and *Myosotis versicolor (probably in the var. multecaulis, Bosch., as Mr. Arthur Bennett points out; the flowers, however, were all pale blue), *Urtica urens, * Salix cinerea and S. repens, *Orchis mascula and *O. incarnata, * Scilla nutans, *Luzula congesta, *Alopecurus pratensis, *A. geniculatus, *Phalaris, Avena pubescens, *Brachypodium gracile, * Arrhenatherum avenaceum, Festuca sciuroides *Equisetum palustre and *E. limosum. In the river, which at Ledbeg cuts its way through some white marble rocks (which were probably caused by rocks in a state of fusion coming into contact with the limestone), grew Nitella opaca, Chara fragilis, *Callitriche platycarpa, and Myriophyllum alternifolium. It may be of interest to the readers of the “ Annals” to know that while I was botanising on the Cnoc-an rocks I saw below me a large bird which appeared to be injured ; for on climbing down it made no attempt to move. I thought it was a Peregrine Falcon that had been wounded in a fight. On getting close alongside I saw that it was a young bird which was gorged from over-eating, the remains of a white bird being near. My photographer was in the carriage below, so I signalled for him, and a photograph of the bird was secured, but it is not a very successful one. The focussing cloth was next utilised to enwrap the bird, and he was safely conveyed to Ullapool, where we were assured he was a young Golden Eagle. My own knowledge of ornithology is mzl, The next morning the bird had quite recovered from the effects of his large meal, and was as wild and ferocious as need be; the parrot cage, in which I was very sorry to see him confined, evidently not being quite to his taste. I have suffered many qualms of conscience for bringing into captivity so fine a specimen ; but he is still alive at Ullapool. The Hzeracia noticed included H. iricum, H. argenteum, H. anglicum var. longibracteatum, H. vulgatum, etc, ON THE NECESSITY FOR A NEW MONOGRAPH OF ROSES 39 ON THE NECESSITY FOR A NEW MONOGRAPH COL irit ROSES OF THE BRIMGISHMISEANDS: By FRANCOIS CREPIN. (Translated from the French in “ Bull. Soc. Belg, Bot.,” xxx1. part. i. pp. 14-25.) THE Roses of the British Islands have been made the subject of two monographs. The first, by Woods, dates from 1813; the second is that published by Mr. J. G. Baker, in 1870, in the “ Journal of the Linnean Society.” Since the publication of this latter monograph the con- tinuous study of the species and varieties of the genus Rosa has perfected the knowledge of the very numerous forms of this generic group and of their synonyms, and has thus rendered necessary the revision of the old works. It is to be desired that some young English botanist would take up the work of these predecessors, and prepare a new mono- graph of the English Roses, brought into harmony with the present state of science. Except a certain number of varieties or local forms, the English Roses are the same as those of the neighbouring countries, and one can now prepare the list of specific types inhabiting England, Scotland, and Ireland. This list will include :— Sect. .—Synstyle. Sect. [77,—Canine. R. arvensis, Huds. Sub-sect. —EUCANINE, Sect. [/,—Stylose. R. canind, V. R. stylosa, Desv. R. obtusifolia, Desv. (in- R. glauca, Vill. (including cluding &. ‘omentella, R. coritfolia, Fr.) Lem.) Sub-sect. RUBIGINOSA. Sub-sect.—TOMENTOS&. R. rubiginosa, L. R. tomentosa, Sm. R. micrantha, Sm. Sub-sect. —VILLOS&. R. sepium, Thuill. R. mollis, Sm. ? R. graveolens, Gren. Sect, J V.—Pimpinellifoliz. R. pimpinellifolia, 1. We do not include in this list A. vzbella, Sm., which can be nothing but an accidental variation of 2. pempinellifolia, and not at all R. pimpinellifolia x alpina, or R. hibernica, Sm., 40 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY and R. zuvoluta, Sm., which are hybrids. Among the varieties of Rosa included in the eighth edition of the “ London Catalogue of British Plants” one sees the names of R. sylvicola, Déségl. and Rip., RX. collzna, Jacq., R. Koscenciana, Besser, and R. marginata, Wallr.; but these should be ex- cluded from the list of the roses of England, since they are hybrids of R. gallica, crossed with RF. rubzginosa and R. canina. Despite the very limited number of species, among which are two of subordinate rank—R. obtuszfolia and R. glauca—the future monographer will nevertheless have a laborious task to fulfil, a task that will demand years of researches out of doors and in herbaria. The geographical distribution will demand on its part much care and circum- spection, because of the confusions that have been or may be made between certain species. Thus #. mollis has some- what frequently been confounded with A. tomentosa, and certain varieties of R. g/auca with glandular leaves have even been placed under &. mollzs. In herbaria it is not uncom- mon to see certain varieties of R. mzcrantha named R. rubi- ginosa. R. glauca in its glabrous forms, or when pubescent (R. coritfolia), may be confounded with varieties of A. canzna. It should be remarked that 2. glauca presents varieties or sub-varieties parallel to those of A. canzna that I have classed artificially under the group names RX. /utetzana, Lem., R. dumatia, Bechst., R. andevagensis, Bast., R. verticillacantha, Merat, R. scabrata, Crep., R. Blondeana, Rip., R. dumetorum, Thuill, and R. Déséglisez, Bor. Even R.arvenszs has not quite escaped this confusion, since we see that its variety gallicoides (R. gallicoides, Déséglise) has been referred to R. stylosa. To settle the distribution of the species the monographer must then be very careful; he ought to verify everything, under risk of committing such errors. Watson, in his “ Topographical Botany,” has endeavoured to determine the geographical distribution of the Roses of England and Scotland ; but his work, based especially upon documents printed in floras and in catalogues, cannot inspire very great confidence in presence of the confusions of species that have been grievously fallen into by the authors of the ON THE NECESSITY FOR A NEW MONOGRAPH OF ROSES 41 works quoted. All the sources of information made use of by Watson require to be checked by a monographer per- fectly acquainted with the species and their varieties. R. pimpinellifolia and R. arvensis are about the only ones that have almost completely escaped being confounded with others. The experience that I have acquired by a long study of the European Roses, and by the examination of rich materials from the British Islands, warrants me in giving here some advice or explanations as to how certain species liable to such confusion should be examined. Rosa eanina, Z. This species is very common. It inhabits the plains by preference ; its abundance diminishes with altitude, and with latitude northwards. On mountains, and in the more or less boreal regions, it is more or less completely replaced by R. glauca (R. corifolia). ts variations are extremely numerous, and a considerable number of them have been raised to the rank of species. To settle the synonymy of the English authors it will be necessary to consult especially herbaria, and not to refer to mere descriptions or even to figures. As regards minor variations, even the study of authentic specimens does not always permit us to recognise exactly what the author had in view under a given name, since under the same name he may have distributed forms very different, though of almost similar aspect. The revision that I have made of the greater number of European herbaria, so far as relates to the Roses, has supplied me with frequent proofs of these errors, made even by the authors of species established on varieties or sub-varieties. One of the most frequent cases of confusion is between R. canina (including R. dumetorum, Thuill.) and R. glauca (including R. coriifolia, Fries), at least when in flower, among the glabrous and the pubescent forms alike. In A. canna the sepals remain reflexed after flowering, or raise themselves very little; they are habitually caducous at an early period,’ 1 In some cases of a very rare and quite accidental kind &. canzna shows itself with sepals erect during part of the ripening period. 42 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY while in R. glauca they raise themselves more or less rapidly after flowering, and remain habitually erect on the receptacle until complete maturity. It is not absolutely necessary to assure oneself of the condition of the sepals to distinguish R. glauca from FR. canina. In the former the large head of stigmas, tomentoso- whitish in colour, is very different in aspect from that of . canzna, which is less thick, with the hairs much less abundant, and sometimes is glabrous. In Rk. glauca the pedicels are usually shorter, more or less hidden by the bracts and dilated upper stipules ; the corolla is usually a rather bright red, in place of being pale rose or whitish. The bush of this species is usually more squat than that of FR. canzna. RR. cantina, in the varieties of the group &. andevagensis, Bast., and R. Deseglisez, Bor., may at times be mistaken for varieties of R. stylosa, Desv.; but it is easy to distinguish the latter by its glabrous styles, united into the stylar column, by the narrow upper stipules, and by the constantly smooth receptacles. In its varieties with the leaflets glandular below (groups R. scabrata, Crepin, and R. Llondeana, Rip.) R. canina~ may be confounded with 2. Jundzill, Besser (= R. trachyphylla, Rau), or with R. sepzum, Thuill. Since R. Jundzilli is not found in the British Islands, British botanists need not attend to it in this connection. A. sefzum is distinguished from the varieties of R. canznma having glandular leaflets by its styles being almost always glabrous and not shaggy, and by its leaflets being elliptical and more or less strongly narrowed at the base, with glands possessed of a decided scent of a rennet apple, and not odourless. Rosa obtusifolia, Desv. (including #. tomentella, Lem.) The true R. obtusifolia, Desv., which cannot be con- founded among the forms of A. dumetorum, Thuill, does not differ from A. tomentella, Lem., except in the teeth of the leaves being simple, and not compound-glandular. This single difference will not permit us to separate these two Roses specifically. The subordinate species constituted by them ought to receive the older name—that of R. obtuszfolia. The variety with simple teeth appears to be localised ON THE NECESSITY FOR A NEW MONOGRAPH OF ROSES 43 (and somewhat rare) in certain of the southern counties of England, while &. fomentella is rather widespread, and appears to reach the south of Scotland. It has not been noted from Ireland, but no doubt both it and odtuszfolia exist there. R. tomentella presents rather numerous varieties. Its leaflets are rather often glandular below, but with the glands odourless ; its pedicels, usually smooth, may be more or less hispid-glandular. As in R. canina, the sepals remain reflexed after flower- ing, which character in itself permits one to distinguish it from varieties of R. corizfolia with compound glandular teeth. On the Continent, varieties of KR. dumetorum are pretty frequently distributed under the name A. obtuszfolia. I believe that A. obtuszfolia and R. tomentella may occur at times with glabrous leaves. Rosa glauea, 7/7. (including 2. cordifolia, Fries). R. glauca is to R. cortifolia as R. cantina (glabra) is to R. dumetorum ; that is to say, R. coriifolia is the pubescent state of R. glauca, as R. dumetorum is the pubescent state of R. canina (glabra). It follows that if one unites the two latter as one species, it is equally necessary to unite the two former under one specific name. English phytographers have not as yet accorded suffi- cient importance to R. glauca, which they are accustomed to rank among the varieties of R. canina. It deserves in reality the rank of a subordinate species. It is a Rose of the mountains, which, in Central Europe, rarely descends into the plains. It is only in rather cold latitudes, towards the north, that one sees it inhabiting the plains. It is probable that in the British Islands it rarely occurs in the plains in the southern districts, and that it is only towards the north that one sees it at all common at low levels. R. glabra, in both its glabrous and pubescent states, pro- duces varieties or forms parallel to those of FR. canina. Several of these forms have given rise to confusions with not only R. canina and R. tomentella, but also R. tomentosa 44 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY and R. mollis. We reserve our remarks on these errors for another work. One meets on the Alps with forms which appear inter- mediate between &. glauca (including Rk. coriifolia) and R. canina (including R. dumetorum). These forms, which have received the names of R. subcanina (R. glauca, var. sub- canina, Christ) and of R. subcollina (R. corztfolia, var. sub- collina, Christ), should be sought for in England. Rosa rubiginosa, Z. The “London Catalogue of British Plants” ranks &. permixta, Déségl., among the varieties of R. rubzginosa, but the plant of Déséglise is unquestionably a variety of R. mzcrantha. Rosa micrantha, S77. The form referred to R. mzcrantha under the name of var. Briggsiz, Baker, is extremely curious because of its smooth pedicels. It seems indeed to be a variety of Smith’s type ; but it will require of the monographer a profound study before it can be definitely accepted as such. Rosa sepium, 7222/7. R. sepium, Thuill (2. agrestis, Savi), appears to be rare in the British Islands. On the Continent one see this species become more and more rare in proportion as one advances northwards. Even in Belgium it is extremely rare. In the north of Germany,in Denmark, and in the south of Scandinavia it is replaced by a variety of R. graveolens, Gren., known under the name of &. zzodora, Fries. R. graveolens being a mountain species, its existence in the north is naturally explained. Does it exist in the British Islands? It would seem so, if one rely on Mr. Baker’s monograph and on the London Catalogue ; but as yet I have no proof of the existence of this species in England. Rosa tomentosa, S77. is widely distributed in England, Scotland, and Ireland. It inhabits the plains rather than the mountains, at least in the ON THE NECESSITY FOR A NEW MONOGRAPH OF ROSES 45 southern counties. Its varieties are very numerous, and several among them have been raised to the rank of species: R. subglobosa, Sm., R. scabrinscula, Sm., etc. Some have the sepals remaining reflexed after flowering, and more or less early caducous ; while others have them erect and crowning the receptacle till complete maturity, then caducous. It is probable that ultimately there will be distinguished among these numerous varieties two or more natural groups, as has occurred among the old varieties of R. canzva. Up to the present time the classification of the varieties of R. tomentosa has been artificial. If the group of varieties or forms with sepals reflexed is always easily distinguished from 2. mol/zs, by the single character of the direction of the sepals, it is not the same with the group that have the sepals erect on the receptacle during ripening. Although the erection of the sepals may be less early and less marked in R. ‘tomentosa than in &. mollis, one must, to distinguish these two types from one another, have recourse to other distinctive characters. These are not wanting; but it is necessary to be able to grasp them well, not to be duped by mere appearances. These appearances, incorrectly appreciated on herbarium specimens, have led many botanists to confound these two types, which are essentially distinct, and thus to render the geographical distribution very uncertain. This confusion has even led, as a consequence of it, to some botanists uniting R. tomentosa and R. mollis specifically, and to not seeing in them more than one and the same species. At certain places on the mountains of Switzerland and of France one observes a species very near R. ¢omentosa, and which seems to be a mountain race. Its characters have appeared sufficiently remarkable and constant to warrant its separation from Smith’s plant as a subordinate species. We speak or R. omissa, Déségl., which for a long time Swiss and French botanists have confounded with R. mollzs. Up to the present time this species does not appear to have been determined from the British Islands, where, indeed, it appears not to exist. Rosa mollis, Sv. is rather abundantly distributed in the north-west of Europe, in Scandinavia, in Finland, in the Baltic districts, and in the 46 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY British Islands. It becomes more rare southwards, where it is ultimately replaced by FR. pomzfera. It is a species of the mountains, at least in the centre and the south of Europe, and not of the plain, like . tomentosa. If, in nature, R. mollzs is always easy to distinguish from R. tomentosa, this is not the case with herbarium specimens, and numerous are the confusions that exist in collections. As we have stated above, these two types are essentially distinct, not only in their morphological characters, but also by differences in their biology. Once again I draw the attention of phyto- graphers to the distinctive characters of these two species. R. pomifera, Herm. (which is closely related to R. mollis, to which one might probably unite it specifically), does not yet seem to have been met with in a wild state in the British Islands, in which it perhaps does not exist, at least in its typical condition. I come now to hybrids known under the names of R. hibernica, Sm. R. tnvoluta, Sm. R. Sabini, Woods, etc., which for a long time have been admitted as species peculiar to the British Islands. Regarded as autonomous types, these Roses made the rhodological wealth of this country. But at the present day these same Roses have been met with on the Continent, and under conditions such as to give rise to the belief that they are not true species, but rather hybrids. My own study of them has led me to accept this conclusion. While one of the parents of these alleged species is beyond doubt &. pzmpznellifolia, and for some F. tomentosa and RF. cantina is certainly the second, one may conclude with good cause that in the production of others R. mollzs has intervened, or perhaps even #. rudz- ginosa or R. micrantha. At present R. zzvoluta, Sm., is made up, according to the “London Catalogue,” of twelve varieties. These are very hard to characterise, or even to distinguish from one another, a thing very naturally explained if they are regarded as hybrids. Their study should be undertaken not on materials in herbaria, but on living plants in their natural habitats. They must be compared carefully with the other Roses that grow near them, and search should be made for the types FORMS OF ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS 47 with which R. pzmpznellifolia could have been crossed. It is only by such investigations, made with the greatest care, that one can succeed in discovering the true nature of these varied forms, the origin of which was misunderstood by the older authors. Having now traced the outlines of the investigations that appear to me indispensable for the elucidation of the genus fosa in the British Islands, I place myself very willingly at the service of British botanists to aid them in their rhodological studies. If they wish to know my opinion on any doubtful forms, I beg them to send to me materials sufficient to allow of their correct determination. Too often it is forgotten that a specimen of a Rose represents only a small fragment of an individual, and that this fragment is often far from giving the information that is indispensable for satisfactory recognition. If in a multitude of herbaceous species one had for their identification only fragments corresponding to those of the Roses, one would experience, as with the latter, great difficulty in naming them, especially in dealing with related species or secondary types. FORMS OF ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS. By Rev. E. F. Linton, M.A. DURING the spring of 1894 a number of examples of A. vulgaris, Linn., were submitted by me to M. Buser of Geneva, in the hope of settling questions of identification and nomenclature which have been raised from time to time, but not satisfactorily answered. I have not by me the paper by Mr. P. Ewing in the “Annals of Scottish Natural History,” for July 1893, in which three or four varieties were discussed. Many botanists will have noticed that we have three forms: a subglabrous plant, a moderately hairy plant, and a small form which is usually more hairy than the last and has often been labelled in herbaria A. montana, Willd. Each of these three was well represented in the parcel sent to M. Buser; 48 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY and provided that we have no other forms of the aggregate vulgaris, there will be no great difficulty in distinguishing them. But M. Buser was surprised at the paucity of British forms, and expressed the belief that the hill-country of the North of England and of Scotland must contain some of the numerous forms that are found in Scandinavia. This may prove to be the case; but in looking through the Boswell Herbarium (by kind permission of Mr. F. J. Hanbury), and the material at South Kensington and at Kew, I failed to find any forms which were not referable to these three. The following is their distribution in Scotland as at present known to me, the numbers denoting Watson’s counties or vice-counties. 1. A. vulgaris, L. (sensu restricto), (A. pratensis, Schmidt). —This appears to be the most widely distributed British form, ranging from the South of England to Orkney. It is very variable in size, with a hairy stem, leaves glabrous above, thinly pubescent beneath, nerves hairy, petioles villous more or less, calyx glabrous. 72. Dumfries (Moffat), Z. F. ZL. and W. R. L. 83. Edinburgh (“near Edinburgh”), Hb. Brit. Mus. $6. Mid Perth (Killin) 2. 7. Lo and W. 7K. ZL. S06. E, Perthi(Glen (sheesh. 17, ak. 22. 90. Forfar (Clova)\ 72 wand VW, kK. ZL: 92. South Aberdeen (Braemar), Z. 7. L. and W. R. L. 99. Dumbarton (Dalmuir), LZ. Watt. 111. Orkney, Hb. Kew. This form, which is regarded by M. Buser as the type of A, vulgaris in a narrowed sense, may be expected to occur in every county for which the aggregate is recorded. 2. A. alpestris, Schmidt (1794).—This differs from the last in having the stems glabrous or nearly so, petioles glab- rous, leaves thinly hairy on the principal nerves beneath, and silkily ciliate near the tips of the teeth, otherwise glabrous, calyx glabrous, teeth more acute. This is the same plant Mr. G. C. Druce has written upon, in the “ Annals of Scot- tish Natural History,” 1893, p. 32, etc, as A. vulgaris, L., var. glabra, Wimm. et Grab.; but as a varietal name b. g/adra, Mert. et Koch, 1823, and Lejeune, 1824, are both earlier. FORMS OF ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS 49 It is no doubt well distributed in Scotland. I have seen specimens from the following districts :— 72 Dumicies (Motiat), &. & L. and W.R.L. 74. Wigtown (Newton Stewart), Hb. Bazey. 77, Lanark, Hb. Kew. 86. Stirling, Hb. Brit. Mus. Sou Midi Perth (near Killin), Z£. 4. 2. and. Wake 2. 92. South Aberdeen (Braemar), &. 7. L. and W. Rk. L. 96. Easterness, Hb. Brit. Mus. 97. Westerness (Glen Spean), through Bot. Ex. Clud. 99. Dumbarton, Hb. Kew, and (Dalmuir) Z. Watt. 103. Mid Ebudes (Tobermory), Hb. Bazdey. 3. A. filicaulis, Buser.—This is identical with many of the small hairy forms which have (wrongly) been circulated as A. montana, Willd. It resembles A. vilgaris (as restricted) in the hairy stems and petioles, but differs from it most conspicuously in the upper surface of the leaf being thinly hairy and the calyx clothed with some rather long stiff hairs. I have seen Scotch specimens of this only from— 72. Dumfries (near Moffat), Z. F. ZL. and W. R. L. 80. Roxburgh, Hb. Brit. Mus. and (Stichill) Hb. Bos- well. 89. East Perth (Glen Shee), Z. 7. LZ, and W. Rk. L.; but it will no doubt occur in many other counties, especially in the south. It is widely distributed in England, though apparently more local than the two other forms. I have followed M. Buser in giving these three forms the position of species in this notice. There is little doubt, however, that we in this country shall rather regard them as varieties of the aggregate A. vulgaris, and in catalogue they may be expected to stand— A. vulgaris, Linn. a. pratensis (Schmidt). 6. alpestris (Schmidt). c. filicaulis (Buser). Ie3 E 50 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY CVYSTOPTERIS MONTANA, BERNHARDI, IN STIRLINGSHIRE. By A. SOMERVILLE, B.Sc., F.L.S. IT is always gratifying to be able to add to the previously known stations in this little country of ours, Scotland, for any local organism, be it plant or animal. Our indigenous ferns—many of them at least—are dainty things, and in- formation as to extension of their range is of interest, more especially when the species happens to be one confined to those higher levels, the flora of which is so linked with that of Scandinavia, and also, in a more distant degree, with the flora of the elevated areas of Central Europe. Cystopterts montana of Bernhardi, the Mountain Bladder Fern, is one of our rarest Cryptogame vasculares. With what may be termed decidedly arctic sympathies, it usually selects for its habitat a moist situation in “cloud-land,” at between 2300 and 3600 feet, with a northern, or, in one case, a north-western exposure, and where it will receive little of the direct rays of the sun. When on Ben Lomond in August last (1894), in company with Mr. Robert Kidston, F.G.S., Colonel J. S. Stirling of Gargunnock, and Dr. R. Braithwaite, F.L.S., author of the “ British Moss Flora,” I had the pleasure to meet - with this interesting plant, previously unrecorded for Stirling- shire, recognising its deltoid, very compound fronds and long stipes from having seen them on hills north of Glen Lochay, Mid-Perthshire, in 1888. Mr. Arthur Bennett, F.L.S., to whom the plant has been submitted, remarks in connection with it: “I think the Cystopteris must be C. montana, though certainly the glandular sete are much less numerous than usual.” Fronds only were brought away by me, and it is to be hoped that this local species may spread at its newly found station, viz. the wet grassy ledges of the precipitous cliffs of the northern face of the hill, at about 3000 feet, and in company with its congener C. fragzlis, Bernh. It is somewhat remarkable that though Ben Lomond CYSTOPTERIS MONTANA IN STIRLINGSHIRE 51 is but twenty-seven miles distant in a direct line from the “ Second City,” and is visited annually by many botanists, it should only at this late day be telling us that Cystopteris montana belongs to its flora and to the flora of Stirlingshire. Through the kind- ness of Mr. Bennett, 1 am in a position to give particulars in full of the other five counties in Britain in which C. mon- tana has been found; they are: (69) Westmorland, on Helvellyn ; (88) Perth, Mid, on the Breadalbanes ; (90) Forfar, in Caenlochan Glen; (92) Aberdeen, South, in Glen Callater; and, lastly, Argyle, Main, on Ben Laoigh, on its north-west side, as I have been kindly Lowest pinna of Cysto- informed by Mr. G. Claridge Druce, F.L.S., 2#7#s montana (show- : ; ing fructification). who was the discoverer of it there. C. % montana was first found in Britain by Mr. W. Wilson, on Ben Lawers, in 1836. Its foreign distribution, according to Sir J. D. Hooker, is in “arctic and alpine regions in Europe, Asia, and America.” The genus Cystopterts, of which there are five species known to science, has in Britain (excluding the doubtful C. alpina of Desvaux) two representatives, viz. the subject of this communication, and C. fragzlzs, Bernh. The latter, as we know, is common; I have taken it near Glasgow under the shade of a hawthorn hedge, between Possil Marsh and Cadder “ Wilderness” in Lanarkshire. Its altitudinal range is from the sea-level to 4000 feet, contrasting in this with C. montana, which latter, however, though an “alpine,” grows well from its creeping rhizome in our gardens under cultiva- tion. [For permission to use the figure I am indebted to the courtesy of Messrs. Swan Sonnenschein & Co., publishers of “ British Ferns, and where found.” | 52 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. Recurrence of the Wild Cat in Ardnamurehan.—Within the recollection of old folk still living, Wild Cats (Feds catus) were common in Ardnamurchan; but by 1879, when my more close acquaintance with the district began, they ‘were extinct, the last individual having been killed about 1876 by a gamekeeper who has now retired from active work. It was therefore with an interest not unmingled with doubt that I heard from my keeper in the end of October last (1894) that he had killed one, but when it was sent on to me it proved to be an undoubted female Wild Cat which had been nursing young this season. It weighed 7 lbs. 5 ozs. Two days later came news of the capture and death of the male at the hands of one of the rabbit-trappers; and since then two kittens, one-third grown, have met their end also in the rabbit-traps. The capture of these Wild Cats led me to inquire whether any had been seen on the eastern beat of the same estate; and my good friend Mr. Simon Ross, gamekeeper at Glenborrodale Castle, writes me thus: ‘With regard to the two Wild Cats trapped in Corrievoulin, I think they went down there some time about April or May last. I had them on Glenbeg early in April, and was after one of them. The Glenbeg shepherd’s dogs chased one of them from the middle of the glen till they lost it in Glenmore Burn. . . . I think they came down Loch Shiel way from the upper country. .. . In 1892 the Kintra keeper observed a good many footmarks, which he thought were made either by a small fox or a large cat; and in February that year he got a very large cat high up the hill on Acharacle, which proved to be a very large Mountain Cat. Nothing more was heard of any till last year, when four were caught at different times on Gorsten ground, and other two on Laga, in traps when they had them set for rabbits. ‘Three of these were young ones, and the other three old cats. One of them which I weighed was 11 lbs. The two got at Laga were males, but I cannot say as to the other four.” I am very sorry for the total destruction of the family on my beat. For, believing that an unlimited rabbit supply would keep them from harming almost aught else, I would gladly give the race shelter till they required diminution. But the imperative necessity of rabbit-trapping, as carried on by both shoot- ing and pastoral tenants, gives them but a poor chance of survivance. It looks, however, as if in some happy central deer-forest home the species is so far prosperous as to be able to give off emigrants at times.—A. BurN Murpocu, Edinburgh. Lesser Rorqual in Seottish Waters.—A male Lesser Rorqual (Balenoptera rostrata) got entangled in the swing rope of a herring- boat this summer, was killed, brought on shore, and landed on the ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 53 beach in the North Harbour, Peterhead. It was much swollen when I saw it, and appeared to be over 30 feet long, and from 18 to 20 feet in circumference. The mouth was open, and showed whalebone about 6 inches long of a yellowish colour. It had a long-looking fin with a grayish white bar across it. ‘The Lesser Rorqual is to be met with all over the Northern Ocean, mostly solitary. They are sometimes seen in herds in the early part of the summer north-east from Iceland. In the days of sailing ships, when there was little wind, they often came close to the ship, evidently examining her very closely. A favourite position of theirs was to lie close under the stern with their nose against the rudder. One came alongside the sailing-ship ‘“‘ Eclipse” on the passage home. The whaling gear being still in the boats, a harpoon was fired into it, and a great length of line was run out before being stopped. It was eventually killed and flenched. On opening the stomach, a large tubful of fresh herrings were found and eaten by the crew, who enjoyed the feast very much.— Davip Gray, Peterhead. Wood Mouse in the Outer Hebrides.—Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Buckley, in their account of the fauna of the Outer Hebrides, do not mention having found this mouse in any of the islands of this group. The Wood Mouse (d/us sy/vaticus) occurs in the islands of St. Kilda and The Lews, and I was fortunate in obtaining a very nice series of skins on the western side of the latter island during last summer. I failed to catch any examples of the House Mouse (Mus musculus). The country people could not distinguish my specimens from the mouse which they told me was so plentiful in and about the houses, during winter, therefore I think these mice (sy/vaticus) must come in from the moors to a great extent ; for I do not see how they could lay up much store to support themselves during that season in a place where there is no grain or fruit.— W. E. de Winton, Graftonbury, Hereford. Carrion Crow, Hen Harrier, and Eagles in Islay.—In several recent books on Natural History, Messrs Harvie-Brown and Buckley’s “Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides” is quoted as showing that there was no information as to the Carrion Crow (C. corone) being observed in Islay. Though long after date, I propose to supply this deficiency. I came to Islay in 1875, and found this house surrounded by plantations. The place had stood vacant for a year, and the woods around were a perfect paradise for what gamekeepers call ‘“vermin.” Close to the house there were several nests of the long- eared owl, three nests of sparrow-hawks, two of gray-backed crows, and one nest of C. corone. I of course carefully protected owls, but destroyed the rest. I shot the Carrion Crow off her nest, and found it contained eggs. I have never come across a Carrion Crow since, though every year gray-backed crows nest, and also appear in large numbers in their autumnal migration—chiefly seen on the sea- 54 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY shore. I should like to say a few words on the interbreeding of C. corone and C. cornix. Mr. Gray goes too far when, in his “Birds of the West of Scotland,” he says that they do so zzvariably. I have seen in various parts of the country the nests of these birds, from Galloway to Shetland, and yet personally I never met with a single instance of inter-breeding. I regret to note that, for the first time during nineteen years, I saw no Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus) last August and September. Formerly they were numerous, and, strange to say, the Black Game were utterly absent from that portion of the Rhinns of Islay with which Iam familiar. Their sudden disappearance is unaccountable, and no dead birds have been seen. Some weeks ago a shepherd noticed an odd-looking object on the moor. He found it was a Golden Eagle (Aguzla chrysaetus) with a rabbit-trap attached to its foot, and very weak and emaciated. The foot being removed, the eagle is rapidly resuming its healthy condition. During nineteen summers in Islay I have only seen three Sea Eagles (Haliaetus albicilla), and these were not residents.— R. Scor SKIRVING, Islay. Pied Flycatcher breeding in Inverness-shire.—The Pied Flycatcher (Muscicapa atricapilla) bred this year not far from Inverness, and the eggs were sent me by the man who took them.— T. E. Buck ey, Inverness. White-Winged Crossbill in Orkney.—On the 18th of June last I received from North Ronaldshay, Orkney, a specimen of Loxza bifasciata in the flesh. It was a male in finest breeding dress, and was secured by the gardener at Holland House on the 13th of June, while sitting on one of the gravel walks. He had seen the bird the previous evening when it was unattended by any of its own or other species. Mr. Eagle Clarke kindly identified it for me as belonging to the European race.—ALLAN Briccs, St. Andrews. Swallows Nesting in Tunnels.—Reading in the last edition of Yarrell’s “British Birds” (vol. ii. p. 343) that the statements of Couch and Edward regarding swallows (//7rundo rustica) frequenting and breeding in caves require confirmation, it has occurred to me that a circumstance relating to the Giffnock district of East Renfrew- shire, presenting a parallel to the cases referred to, to which my attention was directed by Mr. John Robertson of Eastwood, Thornliebank, may be of interest. There have been in this district for a long period most extensive sandstone quarries. ‘These have been largely worked on the tunnelling system, owing to the superin- cumbent mass of boulder clay, which has rendered the sacrifice of great pillars of pure sandstone (liver rock as it is called from its homogeneity) to support the roof less expensive than the removal of the tenacious clay. The entrances to these tunnels present some- ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 55 what the aspect of great natural caves. The tunnels, which are quite dark at a short distance from their entrances, branch in various directions, the longest being perhaps a quarter of a mile in extent. Some nine years ago swallows were known to nest near the entrances to and within the tunnels, but none have been noticed for a year or two. This year (1894), in the disused tunnels, now flooded with water at Williamwood, close to the Giffnock workings, they have again been found breeding in some numbers. On a visit early in the present month (November) with Mr. Robertson we found that some of the nests had been destroyed, the places occupied by them being plainly indicated by the fresh fractures from the stones which some incorrigibles had used to dislodge them, as they were inacces- sible either on account of their height on the tunnel walls or by their position over water. The nests destroyed were, from their situation, easily discerned when the tunnels were entered ; but one at the side, and in a dark corner, with some straws depending from it, still remains at a height of about twelve feet. These tunnels or caves have also witnessed the upbringing of the young of some domestic pigeons which have reverted to the traditions of their ancestors, breeding in holes and caves of the rock.—JOHN PATER- son, Glasgow. The Shoveller in Wigtownshire.—In the April number I drew attention to the attraction offered by the Canadian pond-weed to wild-fowl, as evinced by large flocks of widgeon on Myreton Loch, Wigtownshire, which bird I never saw on this loch till about four years ago. ‘This autumn I am glad to see another addition to the species frequenting it, in the shape of two pairs of Shovellers (Anas clypeata). Though this bird has been frequently shot in the county, I have never seen it on Myreton Loch until last week. The males are in fine plumage, and not nearly so shy as widgeon. —HERBERT MAXWELL. Ruddy Sheld-Dueck, Albino Cormorant, ete., in the Tay Distriet.—Some rare birds have lately come into my possession, shot on the Tay a few miles below this, and within the county of Perth, viz. three Ruddy Sheld-Ducks in winter plumage, an adult male and two females (one of the latter being a young bird) shot on the 26th of September last. There were four birds in all, but one escaped, though severely wounded. Two of these birds I hope to place in the Perthshire Museum. The other I have presented to the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art. I am not aware that this species is kept in a semi-domesticated state on any waters in Perthshire, or in the neighbouring counties of Forfar and Fife ; and I believe these specimens to have been truly wild ones, especially as there are three or four instances of this species having been obtained at the mouth of the Tay on Barry Links, where they may 56 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY have attempted to breed, one having been trapped in a rabbit’s burrow, and the last shot there in April 1877. The other birds worthy of mention obtained on the Tay about the same time are a Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and a Wild Duck (Azas boscas), both approaching albinism. These were both old females, and what is worthy of remark is, that in both cases the ovaries were diseased. The Cormorant had all the upper surface of a very pale fawn colour, head and neck included, darker on the tail and flanks, the under parts pure white, irides pale straw. The duck was also of a palish fawn colour, mottled on the back, the head grayish-brown, under parts pale, the bill and feet paler than in the normal form. Both these birds I also hope to place in the Society’s Museum at Perth. Regarding the specimen of the Hawfinch (Coccothraustes vulgaris) now in the Museum of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science at Perth, to which allusion was made in Mr. Eagle Clarke’s very interesting note in the last number of the ‘‘ Annals,” it was one of two birds that were shot in the garden at Annat Lodge, Perth, during January of the severe winter of 1860-61. ‘They were shot by the gardener on the wall-trees, and at once taken by him to Dr., now Professor M‘Intosh.—H. M. DrumMonp Hay, Perth. Nesting of the Water Rail near Glasgow.—As the nesting of the Water Rail (Rallus aguaticus) appears to be rather a rare occur- rence in the West of Scotland, at the request of the editors I send the following note :—On roth May 1889, whilst walking round the Possil Marsh, Glasgow, some boys brought me a nest and eggs of the Reed Bunting, for which I gave them a few pence. Seeing this, another boy ran off and soon returned with five eggs of the Water Rail. He told me that he had found the nest a day or two before, with nine eggs, out on the marsh, that he had blown four of them and put them back in the nest for the bird to lay to again, and brought the other five to me. On further inquiry, he told me that somebody else had since taken the four eggs he had left in the nest. The five he brought me were unblown, and quite fresh. I may add that I have shot the Water Rail in winter on the Clyde near Bowling, where it is by no means uncommon at that time of year.—ROBERT H. Reap, Westminster. Black-tailed Godwit in Orkney.—A specimen of the Black- tailed Godwit (Zimosa belgica) was shot on the island of Westray, Orkney, on the 27th of September 1894, and seems to be the first recorded from there on satisfactory evidence.—LrEwis DUNBAR, Thurso. Green Sandpiper in Dumbartonshire.—On the 8th of Decem- ber I shot a Green Sandpiper (Zo¢anus ochropus) on the pond at Douglaston. The bird was extremely wary, and though I saw it ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 57 several times between the rst and the 8th, it never allowed me to get a shot at it. I have presented the specimen to the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art. A bird of the same species appeared ten years ago, but I failed to secure it.—J. RipLry Krr, Douglaston. Albatross in the Oreadian Seas.—The specimen alluded to in the “Zoologist” for September as having been seen near the Orkney Islands (éoc. cz#. p. 337), I find is referred to in my journals in the following terms :—July 18th.—By 4 p.m. the log recorded 1434 miles (ze. from Great Dimon of the Faeroe group), and at 7.30 the captain put our position down ‘at 20 miles from the Orkneys, sighting the Mull Head. At 6.45 p.m., from 200 to 300 yards from the weather bow, and thence to a distance of three miles at least, I watched a big bird. Gannets in seyeral phases of plumage had been seen frequently. This bird was no gannet. ‘The flight petrel- or molly-like, seldom flapping ; swinging and skimming from side to side, not flying straight like a gannet; head low, and heavy bill, seen to be thick and short—a bird in what I would judge to be its second year’s plumage. The captain, who stood beside me at the time, said he had seen one to-day (or the same) close to the ship, and that it was no gannet.” I can say no more, but morally I felt certain it was an Albatross. It was far larger than a gannet, some of which we saw immediately afterwards. We were in a position N. by W.-3-W. and twenty miles from Orkney on our course.—J. A. a HARVIE-BROWN. The Fulmar Petrel off Dunbar.—On 23rd September last (1894), while I was staying at Tynefield, East Lothian, Mr. G. Pow kindly informed me that a Fulmar (/idmarus glactalis) had been captured alive the previous day by a boating party immedi- ately off Dunbar. I at once secured the bird; and, being curious to observe its mode of progression on land, turned it out into the garden, where unfortunately it lived but a couple of days. Owing no doubt to its emaciated and enfeebled condition, it made little or no effort to escape, but remained for the most part in a sitting posture on the lawn or in a flower-border, with the whole of the under parts, including the lower portion of the breast, resting on the ground. Every now and then, however, it would get to its feet, flap its wings, and in a very deliberate manner walk for a distance of five or six yards, then sit down again. When walking its appearance was very similar to that of a gull; but it made no attempt to rest on its legs, as gulls so often do. I mention these facts in view of Mr. G. Gillett’s statement (“‘ Notes on the Birds of Novaya Zemblya,” “Ibis,” 1870, p. 307) that the Fulmar “is easily caught with a baited hook, and when placed on deck is quite unable to rise or even to stand upright, but shuffles along by the help of its wings.” Perhaps the birds upon which his observations were made had 58 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY merely been endeavouring to effect their escape faster than their legs could carry them. My specimen—the fifth I have seen from the mouth of the Firth of Forth during the past twelve years —is a female apparently nearing maturity.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh, [Mr. D. Bruce, of Dunbar, kindly informs us that a Fulmar was captured two miles off Dunbar by some fishermen. This specimen was brought to Mr. Bruce, alive, on the 22nd of September, and may be the identical bird which afterwards found its way into Mr. Evans’s hands. —EDs. | Fulmar Petrel at Nairn.—On 8th September a Fulmar Petrel (Fulmarus glacialis) was killed by a golf-club on the course at Nairn, at a distance of about 60 yards. ‘The strange thing is that the Fulmar Petrel is a rare bird on the East Coast, and especially on land.—T. E. BucKLEyY, Inverness. The Great Crested Grebe in Wigtownshire. — The late Mr. Robert Gray, in his paper on the ‘ Birds of Wigtownshire and Ayrshire,” published in the ‘‘ Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow,” mentions the Great Crested Grebe (Podicipes cristatus) as being very rarely met with in either of these counties, and adds that “few, if any, of the young birds hatched in the Irish loughs find their way to the western shores of Wigtown.” One, a young male, has lately arrived on the White Loch of Myreton (Monreith), and I have had several opportunities of watching it through the glass: HERBERT MAXWELL. Retinia resinella, Z., in Aberdeenshire.—This insect has for many years been known to occur in other districts of Scotland, e.g. Perthshire ; and I would have scarce thought its occurrence in Aberdeenshire worth a paragraph, were it not for a sentence ina “List of Lepidoptera of Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire,” by William Reid, Pitcaple, reprinted.from the ‘“ British Naturalist ” in 1893. In this list, on p. 28, we find “ Aetinza resinana has been reported as occurring in Aberdeenshire (‘‘ Entomologists’ Record,” vol. i. p. 11), this is an undoubted error.” I am not acquainted with the record here referred to; but Mr. Reid’s contradiction would appear to imply that the insect does not occur in the county. Negative evidence is never trustworthy; and in this case it may be set aside, as I found on 8th September ‘current, on a Scotch fir tree by the roadside near Bridge of Ess, west of Aboyne, three of the unmistakable resinous masses formed by the larve. Each of the three was placed just below a whorl of twigs, which seemed little the worse of its presence. ‘Two of the masses were about as large asa walnut. The third was not more than half as large.—JamES W. H. TRAIL. BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 59 Cladocera from Barra and North Uist.—This note deals with the occurrence of Acantholeberis curvirostris, Muller, Drepano- thrix hamata, G. O. Sars., Llyocryptus sordidus, Lievin, and JZono- spilus tenutrostris, Fischer, in fresh-water lochs in Barra and North Uist. These four species of interesting and somewhat rare Cladocera have not previously been recorded from the southern islands of the Outer Hebrides. ‘The first was obtained in three localities in Barra and in three in North Uist: one of the Barra localities (pools near the top of Ben Herval) is about 1200 feet above sea-level. The second was obtained in two localities in Barra and three in North Uist. The third was obtained in five localities in Barra, but was not observed in the North Uist gatherings. The fourth was obtained in two localities in North Uist, but was not observed in any of the Barra gatherings. Dyrefanothrix hamata is usually fur- nished with a hook-like process on the dorsal edge of the carapace, but some of the Barra specimens were without this characteristic hook.—THomas Scott, Leith. BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS. First Records of Scottish Plants.—In Mr. Wm. A. Clarke’s “First Records of British Flowering Plants” in the “Journal of Botany” for October the following are enumerated from Scottish localities :— Betula nana, L., 17'7'7.—‘In Breadalbane.”—Lightf., “Fl. Scot.,” 575, with a figure. Discovered by Sir James Nasmyth (“E. B.,” 2326). Salix phylicifolia, L., 1802.—‘ At Finlarig, Breadalbane, Rev. Mr. Stuart.”—Sm. in ‘Linn. Soc. Trans.,” vi. 123. S. Janata, L., 1828.—“ On rocks in the Highlands of Scotland.” — Soe. Eng, Bl.” iv. 205. S. lapponum, L., 1777.—‘‘On the Highland mountains, Mr. Stuart.”—Lightf., “ Fl. Scot.,” ii. 604. S. arbuscula, L., 1804.—“In Alpibus Scoticis, D. Dickson.”— Sin, PL Brit.,” ii, 1050. S. Myrsinites, L., 1777.-—“ Upon the Highland mountains, as upon Ben Achulader, in Glenurchy, Mr. Stuart.”—Lightf., “ Fl. Scot... 1. 500: S. reticulata, L., 1777.x—-“ Upon many of the Highland moun- tains.” —Lightf., “Fl. Scot.,” il. 601. Pinus sylvestris, L., 1540.—‘“‘In Scotland, as I have been assured.” —Park., “ Theatr.,” 1540. 60 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Llodea canadensis, Mich.—“ In the Whitadder and ponds, Dunse Castle, Berwickshire, by Dr. Johnstone, some years ago.” —M. Kirby, “Fl. Leicestershire,” 148 (published 1850). Corallorhiza innata, R. Br.. 1777.—‘In a moist fences wood near the head of Little Loch Broom, on the western coast of Ross- shire.”—Lightf., ‘Fl. Scot.,” 523. Goodyera repens, R. Br.—‘ We found it . . . in an old shady moist hanging birch wood . . . facing the house of Mr. Mackenzie of Dundonald, about two miles from the head of Little Loch Broom on the western coast of Ross-shire.”—Lightf., “Fl. Scot.,” 520. Cochlearia micacea, 7. s6.—Under the above name Mr. E. S. Marshall has described and figured a Cochlearia found by himself on micaceous débris on Ben Lawers and Am Binnein in Perthshire, and on Ben Dothaidh, in Argyle; in all cases between 3000 and 3700 feet above sea-level. (He had already used the name C. con- feria in the herbarium, but has discarded it as not distinctive.) Mr. Marshall gives a full description, and enters at considerable length on the discussion of the allied forms of Cochlearia, pointing out that “the dark green, glossy foliage and the perfectly smooth fruits mark it off from all other British members of this family. The differences from avgdica, officinalis, and grenlandica are so evident as to scarcely need definition. Dr. Lange, to whom part of the 1891 gathering from Ben Lawers was sent, replied: /orsan distincta, ob radiem perennem, sed proxime affinis C. danice. The points of divergence in living plants are, however, sufficiently obvious. In micacea the root- leaves are more entire, coriaceous, ascending ; the inflorescence is less terminal, the flowers being very much larger, with a long claw to the petals, the pods smooth when ripe, the seeds much larger and fewer (2 to 6, usually 4, as compared with up to 12 in C. dania). The only British species with which confusion seems likely to arise is C. alpina, Watson, which I believe should retain specific (or subspecific) rank. Dried flowering specimens of the two are not always readily separable; but the living material may be differentiated by the following characters :—Root-leaves of alpina larger and coarser, with a deeper basal sinus, light green, more flaccid and!thinner, more concave, with more evident veins. Petals more gradually narrowed into a shorter claw, not rarely pinkish. Upper stem-leaves with conspicuous auricles. Sepals light green. Pods reticulate-veined when thoroughly ripe. Stems usually more procumbent.” He then compares micacea with two smooth-fruited forms, viz. :— C. fenestrata, R. Br., which resembles C. angdica in leaf char- acters, but with fruits terminal and crowded, and seeds small and numerous. C. arctica, Schlecht., with which szcacea has “much affinity.” BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 61 The differences stated by Mr. Marshall as observed by him are that arctica has seeds smaller, ‘‘stem-leaves all sessile (except the very lowest in some plants), much longer, narrower, more numerous and regularly scattered up the stem, nearly or quite entire, the root- leaves withering early, generally ovate, gradually narrowed into the petiole ; petals small, broadest at the tips, tapering uniformly to their base, instead of being abruptly clawed. The rootstock is more slender, and the general aspect dissimilar, though it is not easy, especially without having the sheets before one, to put the difference in words.” British Hieracia.—To all but the few initiated (if not to them also) the Hawkweeds form a group of plants that few can dare to claim a knowledge of. Varieties and species among them are not as among other groups, and require a very special training for their successful study. Mr. Hanbury, by his ‘‘ Tentative List of British Hieracia,” published in the “Journal of Botany” for July, with the accompanying ‘ Notes on British Hieracia” in the August number, has given a much-needed aid to the ordinary British botanist. The foreboding expressed in his ‘‘ Notes,” when referring to the “nearly one thousand named forms for North Europe,” that ‘‘such subdivision . will render the study of a wonderfully attractive and interesting genus an impossibility, except to the few specialists who may devote their entire lives to its elucidation,” is well-founded ; and few will feel that life is long enough to undertake such a task. Meanwhile gratitude is due to Mr. Hanbury for his unwearied labours in this very difficult field, and for his placing the results of such labours clearly before us. The “List” gives in tabular form all the named “species” and “varieties” yet recorded from Britain (including a good many described in the ‘‘ Notes” in August), divided into two great groups (/ilosella and Archieracia), which are themselves divided into sections and subsections. Each named form is provided with a reference to its original description or record. /%/ose//a includes 3 species only, of which /. pz/osedla has 4 named varieties. Archieracia contains 99 species, with 106 named varieties and 1 subvariety ; and in addition several ‘‘species” are represented in Britain only by forms differing so much from the usual continental types as to receive varietal names. Many of these forms have been detected and named by British botanists. Thus Backhouse is responsible for 12 species and 5 varieties, Babington for 1 variety, Beeby for 1 species, F. J. Hanbury for 28 species and 37 varieties, and the brothers Linton or W. R. Linton for 7 species and 9 varieties. In the ‘‘ Notes” the following Scottish forms are mentioned, with full descriptions of all those named for the first time :—/Z. fetvolatum, Elfstrand, from ascent to Ben-na-Muicdhui, from Glen Derry; 7. atratum, Fr. f., from Stuchd-an-Lochain, in Perthshire, and Ben 62 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Creachan, in Argyle ; . Ayparcticum, Almg., from Ben More, Assynt, in Sutherland; . carenorum, n. sp., near Cashil Dhu, in Suther- land, in 1888; H. Oreades, Fr., var. nov. subglabratum, to include the British form of 4. Oreades,; H. argenteum, Fr., var. nov. septentrt- onale, about Betty Hill and Naver, in Sutherland, in 1887; aggregatum, Backh., var. nov. profongatum, from mountains south of Glen Lochay, in Perth; 4 vzvale, F. J. Hanb., var. nov. subhirtum, on various hills in Perth and Argyle; A. murorum, L., pro parte, var. nov. camptopetalum, on Ben Hope, in Sutherland, in 1888; 4. duplicatum, Almq., from Kincraigie Burn, found in July 1891 by Dr. F. B. White ; 47 orarium, Lindeb., var. nov. fulvum, from east bank of the Naver, in Sutherland, in 1886 ; A. gravestellum, Dahlst., var. rhomboides, Stenstr., on some of the high mountains of Perth, Argyle, Aberdeen, Forfar, and Sutherland; A suéramosum, Lonn- roth, from Fife, near Burntisland, found in 1876 by Dr. Syme, and distributed by him as “ AZ, pallidum, Fr.” ; H. rigidum, Hartm., var. nov. Jongiciliatum, by the Clunie, Braemar, in 1887 ; H. Dovrense, Fr., var. nov. Hethlandie@, found by Mr. Beeby in Shetland in 1891; 7. strictum, Fr., var. nov. amplidentatum, from Perth and Argyle, from Crook of Devon, Kinross, and from Hoy in Orkney; 4 auratum, Fr., var. nov. ¢hu/ense, found by Mr. Beeby in Shetland in 1889. Note on the Occurrence of Linnea in Ross-shire.—In refer- ence to Mr. Bennett’s note on Linnzea in the July “ Annals,” I fear I must own to the soft impeachment of telling Dr. Joass that this plant ‘‘ grows in Novar Wood in Ross.” The original Novar locality is rather mythical—at least no one seems to know anything about it. The locality from which the accompanying specimens are sent, al- though on the Novar estate, is not, as far as I can learn, the same place as that indicated by former records. It is most likely that the note regarding its extinction “near Dingwall” applies not to the Novar station, but to one in the wood around Loch Ussie which was cut down some years ago. ‘This is also the “ Brahan Castle” locality. Kingsmills is an Inverness station. The discovery of the present Novar station is due to Mr. Hugh Miller of the Geological Survey, who towards the end of 1888, or thereabouts, brought me some of its long trailing stems which he had gathered in a fir wood on a hill some two miles from Novar (I am not anxious to be too definite as regards locality). It was not till after two seasons’ futile search that I came upon it in the end of June 1890, forming an extensive patch (some forty paces in circum- ference), in excellent condition and flowering profusely, at a height of 800 feet above sea-level. It grew along with Vaccinium (Myrtillus and Vitis Idea), Trientalis, Tormentil, short heather, Hypnum, and Lomaria Spicant. In July 1891 I visited, along with Dr. Joass, the Golspie station, where we observed several thriving plots of Linnea in a pine wood BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 63 scarcely raised above sea-level, near sandy flats, and full of open spaces with free circulation of air. The Linnea was here growing in company with heather, Empetrum, Aira, and Hypnum (loreum, triquetrum, etc.), and mingling its flowers with the whitish purple waxy bells of Erica Tetralix. It had to fight for its footing with tall heather ; and, adapting itself to circumstances, grew more upright than in its Novar habitat. In one place a heap of dry pine branches occupied the middle of a plot, and the Linnzea crept and climbed up among the loose branches till it clothed and overflourished the dead twigs with beauty and verdure. Not far distant in the same wood Pyrola uniflora grew in fair abundance—‘ beautiful exceedingly.” Its companions were Hypnum triquetrum, Luzula, Goodyera, heather, and whin,—under the last two of which it frequently found shelter. Just on the outside of the wood, on the close turf, great quantities of the little pink shore centaury occurred in company with brown plants of Bartsia, little white Spergula, sea-pink, and Spergularia,—a very pretty collocation.—ARTHUR SUTHERLAND, M.B., Invergordon. P.S.—The day after the above note was written (12th Septem- ber) I made my annual pilgrimage to the Novar station for Linnea. I found that the gales of November had stripped half the hillside of its pines, and that the Linnzea patch was in the path of the destructive north wind. Every tree in the neighbourhood for a quarter of a mile went down. Among the confusion of prostrate trunks, up- turned roots, and broken and scattered boughs, it was not easy to spot the plant, but when discovered, though buried under pine branches, it was found uninjured ; the plot, considering the condition of the surrounding soil, having escaped disruption in a wonderful manner. One plant was still in flower. The Hypnacez that grew in company were Hypnum Schreberi and Hylocomium splendens.— A. SUTHERLAND. I. On the various Divisions of British Carboniferous Rocks as determined by their Fossil Flora (opening address delivered before the Royal Physical Society, November 1893) ; II. On some new Species of Fossil Plants from the Lower Carboniferous Rocks of Scotland (read December 1893), both by Robert Kidston, F.R.S.E., F.G.S.—In these papers Mr. Kidston has done valuable service to the progress of Vegetable Palzeontology, as well as to amore general and correct appreciation of the methods useful in the determination of the age of the strata and of the reliance to be placed on the different kinds of fossils. He has shown excellent reasons for ranking the fossil flora as very reliable, owing to the narrower limits within which the species are restricted when compared with Mollusca; while the preservation in the Car- boniferous strata is often such as to give the utmost certainty in the 64 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY results, when these are guarded by reference to a sufficiently wide assemblage of species for each formation, giving a characteristic facies. The flora of the various divisions of British Carboniferous rocks is treated in several pages, the more important species in each being enumerated ; and a chart is given to show the extent of the geological distribution of certain plants, and their relative abundance in each formation. A table follows, in which are noted the geological range of all the plants known to occur in Carboniferous strata in Britain. In the second paper Mr. Kidston describes and figures (on Plates IV. to VI.) six new species, of which one fern is referred to a new genus. The Set of British Willows, of which Messrs. E. F. Linton and W. R. Linton have issued the first fascicle (Nos. 1 to 25), will be a very valuable aid to botanists who desire to become more intimately acquainted with the forms of a genus most interesting to the evolutionist, but most difficult to determine without actual examples accurately named for reference. It is expected that abaut 100 numbers will complete the set. Those already issued are repre- sented by very carefully selected and prepared specimens, many of which have been taken from cultivated examples. The original localities of the plants are in all cases stated, seven coming from Scotland. ‘Ten of the whole number illustrate forms of hybrids ; and two others at least are suspected to be hybrids. The labels of all bear bibliographical references ; and on many there are also in- teresting and valuable notes. The Sea Spleenwort (Asflenium marinum) in the Island of Barra, Outer Hebrides.—This pretty fern was growing in consider- able profusion among rocks above Sinclair Loch on the west side of the island. The plants were in dense clusters in the crevices of the rocks, but the fronds were not very large; one of the larger size taken as a specimen measures scarcely 6 inches in length. Asplenium marinum has been recorded from Little Barve, Harris (also one of the Outer Hebridean islands), but I do not know of any previous record of its occurrence in Barra.—Tuomas Scort, Leith. Topographical Botany: Wigtownshire.—At. p. 159, Gera- nium sylvaticum is recorded, on the authority of Mr. J. M‘Andrew, as occurring in Wigtownshire. Now I am fairly well acquainted with the phanerogamous flora of that county, and I have never yet seen G. sylvaticum. Mr. M‘Andrew has told me that he did not find the plant in flower, but recognised the leaves on the shores of the White Loch of Myreton. It is not G. sy/vaticum which grows there, but G. pheum, which I have known in that place for 25 years, probably a wanderer from neighbouring gardens. — HERBERT MAXWELL. CURRENT LITERATURE 65 CURRENT LITERATURE. The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His- tory which have appeared during the Quarter—October-December 1894. [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. WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHIN IN KILBRANNAN SOUND, ARRAN. John M. Campbell. Zoologist (3), vol. xviii. p. 424 (November 1894).— An account of a female captured on 1st September, off Dongarie, and measuring g ft. 8 in. in length. THE BrrD’ COLLECTION IN THE SMITH INSTITUTE. By James Sword. TZyrans. Stirling Nat. Hist. and Arch. Soc. (1893-94), pp. 139-204.—Gives a chatty account of the birds of the Stirling district, and a list, with localities, of 121 species represented by local examples in the Institute collection. CONTRIBUTIONS To THE LirE-HISTORIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOOD AND OTHER FISHES. By Professor M‘Intosh, M.D., F.R.S., etc. ep. Fish. Board Scot. (1893), part iil. pp. 218-229, Plates II.-1V.—Deals with additional observations on the eggs of the “Saithe,” the ova and larva of the Turbot, Lumpenus_ lampetri- formis (figured), and the Norwegian Topknot (figured). LIST OF SOME OF THE PELAGIC Ova, LARV#, AND YOUNG FISHES OBTAINED IN 1894. By H.C. Williamson, M.A., B.Sc. ep. Fish. Board Scot. (1893), part ii. pp. 298-301. A MONOGRAPH OF THE FISHES OF THE OLD RED SANDSTONE OF BRITAIN. Part II. No. 1. THE ASTEROLEPIDZ. By R. H. Tra- quair, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S. Paleontographical Society, 1894.—This is a continuation of the monograph on British Old Red Sandstone Fishes commenced many years ago by Powrie and Lankester, and of which only one part, that on the Cephalaspidee, written by Professor Lankester, has hitherto been published. ‘The present contribution is almost entirely occupied with the description and illustration of Asterolepis maxima (Ag.), a large Pterichthy-like fish from the Upper Old Red of Nairn, the true generic position of which the author was the first to point out, and of which only the anterior median dorsal plate had previously been figured. The series of specimens here depicted in the four plates drawn by Mr. F. H. Michael give at last a very complete idea of the exoskeleton of the creature, and the arrangement of its various parts is rendered still more clear by restored outline-figures printed in the text. It is to be noted, as the author remarks, that this creature has nothing to do with Hugh 13 F 66 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Miller’s “ Asterolepis of Stromness,” which is a large Coccostean which Miller, misled by a mistake on the part of Agassiz, erroneously identified with the Asterolepis of Eichwald. Notes oN PaLt#ozoic FisHes. No. 1. By R. H. Traquair, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), vol. xiv. pp. 368-374, Plate IX. (November 1894).—Includes descriptions and figures of Euphyacanthus semistriatus, gen. and sp. n., and Harpa- canthus major, sp. n., from the Lower Carboniferous of the Edinburgh district. A MOoNOGRAPH ON CARBONICOLA, ANTHRACOMYA, AND NAIAD- irEs. Part I. CarpBonicoLta (ANTHRACOSIA). By Wheelton Hind, M.D. Paleontographical Society, 1894.—Contains descriptions and figures of 16 species of Carbonicola, M‘Coy, better known as Anthra- costa, King, from British Carboniferous rocks, and of these 8 are recorded from Scotland. The descriptions are amply illustrated by 11 lithographic plates drawn by Mr. A. H. Searle. AN ENTOMOLOGICAL TRIP TO Forres, N.B. J. P. Mutch. £vz. Record, vol. v. p. 270 (November 1894).—Records of Lepidoptera captured from 3rd August to 22nd August 1894. CoLLECTING AT Douc Las, LANARK. Rev. J. A. Mackonochie. Entomologist, vol. xxvii. p. 352 (December 1894).—A list of about 50 species of Lepidoptera collected during July and August 1894. COLLECTING IN KINCARDINESHIRE. A. Adie Dalglish. £afo- mologist, Vol. Xxvil. Pp. 353-—A list of 115 species of Lepidoptera collected at Stonehaven in July 1894. COLLECTING IN WEST Ross-SHIRE. W. M. Christy. £xtomo- logist, vol. xxvii. p. 355 (December 1894).—A list of 73 Lepidoptera taken at Strathcarron. RanpoM NoTES ON ZYGHNA EXULANS AND ITS VARIATIONS. By J. W. Tutt. Lxt, Record, vol. v. pp. 258-267 (November 1894).—In this paper Scotch specimens are compared with others from the Alps. CIRRHGDIA XERAMPELINA IN SOUTH ARGYLESHIRE. W. M. Christy. ztomologist, vol. xxvii. p. 297 (October 1894).—Records the occurrence of this species in the Kyles of Bute. CIRRHGDIA XERAMPELINA IN AYRSHIRE. William C. S. Fergu- son. L£ntomologist, vol. xxvii. p. 297 (October 1894).—Taken on 4th September. TAPINOSTOLA ELYMI IN SCOTLAND. Montague Gunning. £x/o- mologist, vol. xxvil. p. 295 (October 1894).—Taken this year at Montrose. CHARGAS GRAMINIS IN SOUTHERN SCOTLAND. By Robert Service. Lxtomologist, vol. xxvii. pp. 278-282 (October 1894).— A short history of the late plague of ‘‘hill-grubs” in the southern uplands. CURRENT LITERATURE 67 CHARAS GRAMINIS IN SOUTHERN SCOTLAND.—A. Adie Dalglish. Entomologist, vol. xxvii. p. 317 (November 1894). Note on speci- mens found at Moffat, Dumfriesshire, in July 1894. PHIBALAPTERYX LAPIDATA AT GLEN MeEssIN, ARGYLESHIRE. James J. F. X. King. L£?. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. v. p. 275 (December 1894).—Specimen taken on 9th September 1892. PHIBALAPTERYX LAPIDATA, HB., IN SouTH LANARKSHIRE.— Kenneth J. Morton. £xt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. v. p. 257 (November 1894).—Other species are also recorded. PHIBALAPTERYX LAPIDATA IN STIRLINGSHIRE. J. J. F. X. King. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. v. p. 257 (November 1894). PHIBALAPTERYX LAPIDATA IN SOUTH ARGYLESHIRE. W. M. Christy. Zt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. v. p. 275 (December 1894).— Two specimens taken (24th September and 3rd October) near the head of Loch Striven. HYMENOPTERA IN SHETLAND AND ORKNEY. F. D. Morice. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. v. p. 259 (November 1894).—Bombus Smithianus, B. moalis, and Myrmica ruginodis recorded for Shetland, and Psithyrus vestalis, Bombus distinguendus, and B. Smithianus for Orkney. A MonocrapH OF BRITISH BRACONIDA Part V. By the Rev. Thomas A. Marshall. Zvans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1894, part iv. (December), pp. 497-534, Plates XI. and XII.—This part deals with a portion of the Alysiides, and gives the Scottish localities for the various species. PaL#arRctTic NEMouR#&. By Kenneth J. Morton. Zvans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1894, part iv. (December), pp. 557-574, Plates XIII and XIV.—Scottish localities are mentioned. ADDITIONS TO THE FAUNA OF THE FIRTH OF ForTH. Part VI. By Thomas Scott, F.L.S. Rep. Fish. Board Scot. (1893), part ili. pp. 231-270, Plates V.-X.—These include 43 species of Copepoda, 1 of Ostracoda, 10 of Amphipoda, 1 of Annelida, and 1 of Mollusca. Of Copepoda 17 species are described and figured for the first time, and one is new to Britain. A useful summary of Mr. Scott’s work during the past few years on the Copepoda of the Forth is also given. THE INVERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE INLAND WATERS OF SCOT- LAND. Part IV. By Thomas Scott, F.L.S. ep. Fish. Board Scot. (1893), part iil. pp. 284-290.—Treats of Loch Tay, Perthshire ; Loch Mullach, Corrie; Loch Awe,and Loch Assynt in Sutherlandshire. CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE GENUS CYCLUS, FROM THE CARBONIFEROUS FORMATION OF VARIOUS BRITISH Locauities. By Henry Woodward, LL.D., F.R.S. Geol. Mag., Dec. IV. vol. i. pp. 530-539, Plate XV. and Figs. 1-3 (December 1894).—Several references to Scottish specimens are given, 68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY BOTANY. LA RECAPITULATION ET L’ INNOVATION EN EMBRYOLOGIE VEGE- TALE. By Jean Massart. Bull. Soc. Belg. Bot., xxxi. part i. pp. 150-247, Plates 1-4, and 54 woodcuts.—Though not on the botany of Scotland, this paper contains much information regarding the life- histories and development of numerous plants that form part of the flora of Scotland. REGULAR PELORIA OF PERIANTH OF ORCHIS MACULATA (sexual organs normal).—Found at Alness, Caithness-shire, by Miss Munro. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part i. p. 83. NOTES FROM THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN, EDINBURGH—RE- PORTS ON TEMPERATURE AND VEGETATION DURING JULY 1893 TO JUNE 1894. By Robert Lindsay. Zzans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part i, PP. 7-15, 40-41, 90-94, 171-173, 179-182, 214-217, 222-224, 230-232, 264-266.—An enumeration of the species in flower in the rock-garden, and a statement of meteorological observations made in the garden. —— THE PLANTS IN THE PALM HOUSE AND TEMPERATE HOUSE. By R. L. Harrow (Zc. pp. 17-19, 42-44, 95-97, 174-175, 182-183, 218-220, 225-226, 233-235, 267-260). —— On RIBES SUBVESTITUM, HOOKER AND ARNOTT. By A. D. Richardson (¢.c. pp. 16-17). First RECORDS OF BRITISH FLOWERING PLANTS. Compiled by W. A. Clarke, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., Oct.-Nov.—Includes from Asarum to Goodyera. See p. 59 of this journal. NoreEs ON BriTIsH PLANtTs. By Arthur Bennett, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., Dec.—Some introductory remarks call attention to how much remains to be done in British botany, and to the aid to be gained from observation of the relation of plants to their environments. Mr. Bennett then discusses the genus Sfaéice in the British flora. The paper is a very valuable one. RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1892. By Arthur Bennett. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part 1. pp. 35-37.—This is a brief notice of some of the more interesting records, all having been already included in our pages (1893, pp. 95-101). NOTES ON THE FLORA OF STIRLINGSHIRE [FOURTH PAPER]. By Colonel Stirling of Gargunnock and Robert Kidston, F.R.S.E., F.G.S. Trans. Stirling Nat. Hist. and Arch. Soc., 1893-94, pp. 88-92.— Gives the results of the excursions made during the last season, and brings the total number of species recorded for the county up to 773: CURRENT LITERATURE 69 A List oF WIGTOWNSHIRE PLants, by Mr. James M‘Andrew, pp. 1-41.—In this brochure the author, after a brief historical sketch of the extension of information in regard to the flora of Wigtown- shire, enumerates all Vascular Plants and Characee known to him in the county. Very noteworthy is absence of alpine plants. Some of those marked as “introduced” appear peculiar in this connection, e.g. Dianthus deltoides. A few printer’s errors will call for correction when another issue is required. BotanicaL NoTES FOR THE Morrat District, 1893. By J. Thorburn Johnstone. Zvans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part 1. pp. 37-39: —Several new stations for plants already known from the district are noted, and a list of Averacia of the district is given. AN OLD List oF “STATIONS OF RARER PLANTS ASCERTAINED TO GROW ROUND INVERKEITHING AND NorTH OF THE ForTH. By A. Robertson.” Communicated by Professor Bayley Balfour. 7Z7ans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part i. pp. 84-90.—This is an alphabetical list found by Professor Balfour among some old papers of his father, and is believed to be the work of a former parish minister of Inver- keithing, in the earlier half of this century. It appears to omit only very common plants, and notes several plants as “decidedly intro- duced.” Notes ON THE FLoRA OF FIFE AND Kinross. By Charles Howie. TZyvans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part i. pp. 39-40.—Includes nine species of mosses not recorded in the author’s “ Moss-Flora,” and a statement of total number of plants known to occur in the counties. ExcursION OF THE SCOTTISH ALPINE BoTaNICAL CLUB TO Cuova. By Rev. David Paul, M.A. TZvans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part i. pp. 3-7, Nov. 1893.—Records finding a number of the rarer species of plants of Clova. CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS A FLorA oF West Ross. By G. Claridge Druce, M.A. Zvans. Bot. Soc. Edin. xx. part 1. pp. 112- 171.—This is a catalogue of all the Vascular Plants of West Ross (very many of them first recorded from there by Mr. Druce himself), preceded by a historical summary of the progress of botanical research in that district. ON AN APPARENTLY UNDESCRIBED COCHLEARIA FROM SCOTLAND. By Rev. E. S. Marshall, M.A., F.L.S. Journ. Bot., Oct. 1894, pp. 289-292, Plates 345-346.—See p. 60 of this journal. Sur LA N&kcEssITé p’UNE NouvELLE MONOGRAPHIE DES ROSES DE LANGLETERRE. By Francois Crepin. Bull. Soc. Belg. Bot., xxxi. part ii, pp. 14-25.—This paper is so important to British botanists that we give a translation of it in our present issue (see pages 39-47). 70 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Ros@# Hysrip&. By Francois Crepin. Audlletin de la Société Royale de Botanique de Belgique, xxxiii. part 1. pp. 7-153.—This is a very valuable monograph on the hybrid roses of Europe by the lead- ing authority on the genus at present. The following are noticed from Scotland :—A. pimpinellifolia x tomentosa. R. pimpinellifolia x mollis is regarded as the origin of a rose gathered in 1888 on sand- hills near Betty Hill of Farr, in Sutherlandshire, by Mr. J. Cosmo Melvill, and distributed under the name 2. Sabin. KR. pimpinellr- Jolia x canina (dumetorum) is assigned as the probable parentage of examples (under &. Azbernica in the herbarium of Edinburgh Botanic Garden) gathered by Gorrie in 1866 between Melvill Hall and Bellyford Burn. ScoTTIsH UTRICULARIAS. By Rev. E. F. Linton. Zvans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part i. pp. 110-112.—This calls attention to probable occurrence in Scotland of U. Bremizi, Heer. (Loch of Spynie and Moss of Inshoch, “‘near Glen Luce,” Culdoch Moor, Kirkcudbright, and Loch Feoir, Assynt), and WU. neglecta, Lehm. (Gordon Moss, Rannoch Muir, Argyle, and Long Moss in Selkirkshire). CYSTOPTERIS MONTANA, BERNH., IN STIRLINGSHIRE. By A. Somerville. Journ. Bot., Oct. 1894.—On Ben Lomond. BritisH ALc&.—In the seventh fasciculus (25 species) of his Alge Britannice rariores exsiccate Mr. E. M. Holmes includes the following from Scottish localities :—Cafsostphon aureolus, Gobi, found at Sea Mill, Ayrshire, in September 1894, by Mr. D. A. Boyd; Delesseria angustissima, Griff., at Cromarty, in April, by Mrs, M. Farquharson ; £ctocarpus distortus, Harv., at Cumbre, in August 1891, by Mr. E. A. Batters; &. ovatus, Kjellm., 2. tomentosotdes, Farlow, var. punctiformis, Batt., Haplospora globosa, Kjellm., and Phyllophora Trailiii, Holm. and Batt., all four at Cumbre, in April 1894, by Mr. Holmes; Uvospora collabens, Holm. and Batt., at Cumbree, in May 1894, by Mr. D. Robertson ; and Vaucherta coron- ata, Nordst., at Arbroath, in May 1894, by Mr. Jack. Haticystis OvaLis. /owrn. Bot., Nov.—Found two years ago by Mr. G. Murray and Dr. Schmitz in the Clyde Area, has been found at Lamlash, Arran, in seven fathoms water, by Mr. David Robertson. On ACROSIPHONIA TRAILU, A NEW BritisH ALGA. By Edward A. L. Batters, B.A.. LL.B. Zvans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part i. pp. 213-214, Plate 2, Figs. 1-7,—Found at Joppa, near Edinburgh, by Mr. G. W. Traill, after whom it is named. Oxiruary NoTIcE OF CHARLES JENNER. By Robert Lindsay. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part i. pp. 23-29.—An appreciative account of a most estimable man, with strong botanical tastes, very characteristically shown in his fine garden at Portobello. REVIEWS 71 REVIEWS. A MonocrapH OF LICHENS FOUND IN GREAT BRITAIN, BEING A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF THE SPECIES IN THE HER- BARIUM OF THE BritisH Museum. By the Rev. James Crombie, M.A., F.L.S., etc. # Published by order of the Trustees of the British Museum. Vol. I., 8vo, 519 pages, 74 woodcuts (by W. G. Smith), each containing several figures. The third edition of the “Lichen Flora of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Channel Islands,” published in 1879 by the Rev. W. A. Leighton, is admittedly an admirably accurate work ; but it has not taken the place in ordinary use among British botanists that its merits might have been expected to gain for it. The cause is probably to be found in the style and terminology of its descrip- tions, which are scarcely suited for easy and habitual use. It thus leaves room for a more popular manual; and the need of such a work is rendered greater by the information acquired since 18709. Mr. Crombie has spent not a few years in the study of British Lichens, and has been in close correspondence with Nylander, the renowned lichenologist, by whom so many new species have been recorded. He has had access to the types of the most important herbaria of British Lichens, and has used his opportunities perse- veringly. He is thus peculiarly fitted to produce a work of authority on British Lichens ; and the circumstances attending the publication of this monograph increase its importance. We rejoice to see such monographs issuing from the British Museum Department of Botany. May this be but the forerunner of numerous others on our native plants. The woodcuts give excellent representations of the characteristics of genera, and are thus very helpful to the student. The descriptions are necessarily somewhat technical (too often containing terms, e.g. lecideoid, of only comparative meaning) ; and, in consequence of this, a fuller glossary than the short one at the beginning of the volume would be very useful for beginners who wish to use the book. Mr. Crombie does not indicate in definite terms his views regarding the dual-lichen controversy, though a remark about /Vostoc might almost imply at least a partial acceptance of the dual nature, ‘The present volume contains the families Lphebacet, Collemacet, Lichenacet, and Myriangiacet (one species). A second volume is promised in 1895, to contain all other British Lichens, comprised in the families Lecedet, Graphidet, Pyrenvearpet, and feridiet. Only constant use for a time can fully disclose the merits or defects of any work on plants ; but, so far as an opinion may be hazarded, it seems probable that the ‘“ Mono- graph of Lichens found in Britain” will supply a felt want, and will stimulate new students to apply their labours to our native Lichens. Zz ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY A POCKET-FLORA OF EDINBURGH AND THE SURROUNDING Districr: A COLLECTION AND FULL DESCRIPTION OF ALL PHAN- EROGAMIC AND THE PRINCIPAL CRYPTOGAMIC PLANTS, CLASSIFIED AFTER THE NATURAL SYSTEM, WITH AN ARTIFICIAL KEY AND A GLossaRY OF BoranicaL TERMS. By C. O. Sonntag. 1894. (Williams & Norgate.) We fear that any one who may be induced by the somewhat pretentious title of this little book to turn to it for information will lay it down with the conviction that there is not much to be gained from it save disappointment. The Vascular Cryptogams alone are referred to in it. Several of the additional records of localities are inaccurate. East Linton is not a new station for Papaver dubium, or Linlithgow for Lepedium campestre, both being given in Balfour’s “Flora of Edinburgh.” Many plants recorded as still growing in certain localities have long been extinct there. Myoscyamus niger has not been found by this generation on Salisbury Crags, and it is long since Anagallis tenella bloomed in the Hunter’s Bog. Lunium fiexuosum, one of the commonest plants around Edinburgh, is not even mentioned ; whilst Carum Bulbocastanum, a plant which does not occur in Scotland, is recorded as common everywhere in the neighbourhood. _The general get-up of the book is good as regards paper and type, and its form and size render it convenient for the pocket. The vexed question of the use of capitals in specific names is set aside by commencing a@// specific names with capital letters. STIRLING NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAOLOGICAL SOCIETY TRANSACTIONS, 1893-94. It is again a pleasure to express our appreciation of the useful and highly appropriate work accomplished by this flourishing Society. The volume recording the past year’s proceedings con- tains the fourth part of the valuable paper on the “ Flora of Stirling- shire,” by Colonel Stirling and Mr. Robert Kidston; and an interesting and pleasantly written account of the Birds of the Stirling District, based upon the collections in the Smith Institute, by Mr. James Sword. There are other meritorious contributions of a geological and archeological nature, the whole forming a volume of 206 pages. The Annals of Scottish Natural History No. 14] reo5 [ APRIL RHE eEATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE: WITH PORTRAIT. | FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE was the elder son of Dr. Francis I. White, who was for years one of the leading physicians in Perth, where he still lives, though retired from medical prac- tice. F. Buchanan White was born in Perth on 20th March 1842. He was educated there for a time at St. Ninian’s College, and subsequently by a private tutor. Going to the University of Edinburgh, he entered on the study of Medicine, and graduated as M.D. in 1864; receiving commendation for his thesis, which bore the title of “On the Relations, Analogies, and Similitudes of Insects and Plants.” His love for the pursuits to which he largely devoted himself in later years showed itself about the age of twelve, when he com- menced to collect Lepidoptera and to study Botany. His earliest contribution in print appeared in the “ Entomologist’s Weekly Intelligencer” about 1857; but his notes in this journal are all very brief. After his marriage in 1866, he and Mrs. White spent a year travelling on the Continent, during which they visited France, Italy, and Switzerland, and he added largely to his collection of Lepidoptera. His experiences are narrated in “Lepidoptera observed during an Excursion in Italy and 14 B 74 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Switzerland” (“E.M.M.,” iv., 1867-68, pp. 57-60). After his return to Scotland he made his home in Perth; and hav- ing no desire for medical practice, and being independent of his profession, he devoted himself almost entirely to advan- cing the knowledge of the Natural History of Scotland, and to awakening a stronger interest in its progress, not only in Perth, but also throughout Scotland. In order to acquaint himself with the distribution of the animals and plants of Scotland by actual observation, he spent about six months of each year, until 1875, in the country, usually in a district not previously visited by him. Thus in 1867 he visited Rannoch, in 1868 Achilty in Ross-shire, in 1870 Colvend in Wigtownshire on the Solway Firth, in 1871 Braemar, in 1872 Dunkeld, and in 1873 he returned to Braemar. Powerfully built, and of great physical endurance, he de- lighted in active exercise; and he was accustomed to spend long days among the Scottish mountains, in the investigation of their fauna and flora. On such expeditions he scarcely seemed to feel fatigue ; and his attention was always on the alert. He thus gained a knowledge, founded on personal investigation, of many districts of Scotland so thorough as has perhaps never been attained by any other man. To this minute acquaintance with the animals and plants of his native land in their natural habitats, and amidst the environments most favourable to their healthy development, he added the systematic study of various groups, both of animals and of plants, and was recognised as an authority on widely dif- ferent divisions, e.g. on Willows and on Hemiptera as to classification, and on Lepidoptera, as to structure, habits, and effects of environment. A considerable number of new species were named and described by him, especially among the Hemiptera. The wide range of his contributions to various scientific journals will be best appreciated by a reference to the subjoined list of papers and notes from his pen. For several of the later years of his life, however, his labour was largely devoted to the preparation of a thoroughly reliable work on the Botany of Perthshire. With this aim, he spared no labour to become thoroughly familiar with the plants of all parts of Perthshire ; THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE 75 and many excursions were made by him to those districts of the county from which his information was defective, and which he thought it necessary to investigate more fully than had previously been done. To naturally keen powers of discrimination he added a close study of the leading “ floras” of the European Continent, and sought to determine more minutely than had hitherto been attempted the relation of the plants of Scotland to the same species as they exist on the Continent. He was thus able to detect species and varieties not previously recognised in Scotland; and he published some of the results of his studies in the “ Scottish Naturalist,” the “Journal of Botany,” and the “ Proceedings and Transactions of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science.” In 1879-82 he published in the “Scottish Naturalist” “ Preliminary Lists” of the Fungi, and of the Flowering Plants and Ferns of Perthshire, together extending to upwards of eighty pages. Until his death he never ceased to aim at rendering the work more accurate and complete ; and, fortunately, he has left it in such a condition that it can be published with very little alteration. It is hoped that it will be issued this year, on behalf of the Perth- shire Society of Natural Science, in whose prosperity Dr. White was at all times so keenly interested. The “Flora of Perthshire” will, it is believed, prove a worthy memorial of a life spent in the study of the Natural History of his native country, and in assisting others to gain that knowledge. His investigations led him to recognise the unsatisfactory treatment accorded to the difficult genus Sa/zr in British Floras, with the result that he gave his attention very speci- ally to this genus, and acquired a very minute knowledge of its species, both in nature and in the works of systematists. He accepted very fully the view that many of the puzzling intermediate forms in the genus are hybrids, and that the species hybridise most freely, even where, from their aspect, one might not at first anticipate such a connection. As will be seen below, he published several papers on the genus ; but the most important is that entitled “A Revision of the British Willows,” extending to considerably over 100 pages of the Linnean Society’s Journal, in vol. xxvii. This is, and will remain, a work of high value. 76 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Such papers as those “ On the Characters of the Flowers of Silene maritima and S. inflata,” “Winter Fertilisation by Agency of Insects,” “ The Influence of Insect Agency on the Distribution of Plants,” “The Flora of River Shingles,” “On the Origin of the Perthshire Flora,” and “Local Names and Uses of Perthshire Plants,” illustrate the width of his interest in Botany. This is shown still further by short notes on the structure of various monstrous forms, on white-flowered Varieties, ‘etc: In Zoology, as in Botany, all that could advance our knowledge of the Natural History of Scotland was welcomed by him; and his papers show the width and accuracy of his information, though chiefly devoted to Entomology. As with many other students of nature, the Lepidoptera first attracted him ; and throughout his life they never lost their interest for him, though displaced to some extent in later years by other studies. In the subjoined list will be found evidence of the success with which he pursued this branch of Entomology, alike in the discovery of additions to the species known to occur in Scotland, and in the investigation of the origin of the Scottish Lepidoptera and of their life-histories. “Insecta Scotica,—Lepidoptera,” compiled by him to show the distribution of the Lepidoptera in the river-basins of Scot- land, is a most valuable record. It extends to almost 150 pages of the “ Scottish Naturalist,” in which it appeared dur- ing the years 1872-79. “Fauna Perthensis,—Lepidoptera ” is a similarly accurate list for Perthshire ; and such papers as those on “The Mountain Lepidoptera of Britain,” “Some Thoughts on the Distribution of the British Butterflies,” “Variation in British Lepidoptera,” “ Melanochroism and Leucochroism,” and most of the shorter ones dealing with the insects of the South-West of Scotland, Strathglass, Ran- noch, etc., will be found well worth perusal. Nor did he neglect structural investigations, as evinced by important papers on the terminal abdominal segments in the males of European Rhopalocera, of French Zygenide, and of Eupi- thecia. Articles from his pen deal also with the distribution and habits of Scottish Insects of other groups, such as Beetles, Flies, and Hemiptera. After a time he turned his attention more especially THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE 77 to the Hemiptera, which he studied from the point of view of a systematist ; but, though he published a few articles on British Hemiptera, among which “Notes on Corixa, with Analytical Key to British Genera and Species,” is of much value, most of his papers relate to exotic species, and are contained in journals to which students of Scotch Entomology need not often refer. Most of these papers consist of de- scriptions of new genera and species ; but two of them afford scope for a wider treatment of biological problems, and de- serve study from this point of view also. These are “ Contri- butions to a Knowledge of the Hemipterous Fauna of St. Helena, and Speculations on its Origin,” and the “ Report on the Pelagic Hemiptera collected by H.ML.S. ‘ Challenger, ” Another and even more important side of the work done by Dr. White in furthering the study of Natural Science in Scotland, more especially in Perthshire and the surrounding counties, must be noticed. This lay in his eager desire to interest others in those pursuits that were so great a pleasure to himself, and in the success with which he awakened such interest, and induced those in whom it was awakened to provide for its extension and continuance in future. His influence in this direction is abundantly shown by the share that he took in the initiation of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science in 1867, the Cryptogamic Society of Scotland in 1874, and the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists’ Societies in 1884. Of the Cryptogamic Society he was for a time the Secretary ; while of the Union he was the first President. With the Perthshire Society his con- nection was naturally very close. He was throughout an active member of the Council; during a number of years as President, during part of the time as Secretary. He edited the publications of the Society from their commencement ; indeed it may be said that to him was due the commence- ment of these “Proceedings and Transactions” that have done much to advance the study of the Natural History of the county and to strengthen the Society. Recognising the very great value to a local society of a well-organised museum conducted on proper lines, he set himself to the en- deavour to originate such a museum in Perth. The Society took up the scheme heartily, with the result that the Perth- 78 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY shire Museum is already in the front rank of local museums, and is a model of what such an undertaking should be. Alike in his reports as Secretary and im his addresses as President, of which latter he was accustomed to give two each year, in March and in November, Dr. White was accustomed to select as his theme subjects of direct practical bearing on the work of the Society ; either the results already attained, or work yet to be done, very frequently forming the topic. The Reports on the Excursions of the Society, of which several are made each year to districts in and round the basin of the Tay, and of the Perthshire Alpine Club, a branch formed for the special exploration of the Perthshire mountains, were always furnished by him; and while his health allowed he was seldom absent from any of these ex- cursions. The progress of the Museum was a constant aim ; and he spared himself no labour in the endeavour to render it more complete and more instructive. To it he frequently recurs in his numerous contributions to the publications of the Society. Of the sense entertained by the Society of his services, the following resolution, passed at the first meeting after his death, bears witness: “ The Society records with profound regret its sense of the irreparable loss which it has sustained by the death of Dr. F. Buchanan White, F.LS., F.E.S., who was one of its founders, and who, during all the years of its existence, has guided its affairs with untiring devotion. In the service of the Society he spared neither time nor labour, and his large store of scientific knowledge was ever at the disposal of its members. To his energy and skill are mainly due both the reputation which the Society and its museum have acquired, and the popularity which the study of Natural Science has gained in our city and county.” In 1870 he induced the Perthshire Society to undertake the publication of a magazine for Scottish Natural History, he himself undertaking the work of editor. He was able to secure sufficient co-operation to ensure the financial inde- pendence of the new journal. In this way originated the “Scottish Naturalist”; which has done much to promote the objects for which it was commenced. In a few years. it was found necessary that the Society should issue a special publication of its own, but the “Scottish Naturalist” was con- THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE 79 tinued on an independent footing, Dr. White continuing to be the editor until the close of 1882. After an interval of six months, it was resumed under another editor; but he continued to give his hearty support to it, and to this journal, in which the “ Scottish Naturalist” is merged. Dr. White acted as Examiner for Degrees in Medicine in the University of Aberdeen, during five years, in the subjects of Botany and Materia Medica. As an examiner he was most fair, and acquitted himself well. Some years ago he suffered severely from rheumatism ; and, though he was able to a considerable degree to throw off its effects, he never again was wholly free from it. It did not, however, prevent his taking active exercise, or con- tinuing his excursions, though making it necessary to avoid the more exhausting excursions, such as he had previously been accustomed to undertake. But during 1894 a change for the worse in his health showed itself. Exertion of every kind became burdensome to him, and other symptoms in- dicated that the heart was affected. Despite care and medical treatment, his state continued to become worse until his death in his house, Annat Lodge in Perth, on 3rd December 1894. He did not take any prominent part in municipal life in Perth, but he was much liked personally in his native city, and exercised no small influence for good there indirectly, as well as in the promotion of a love for Natural History and for higher education, to which his efforts were more especially directed. His favourite amusement was curling ; and he was usually present at the competitions and meetings of the Scone and Perth Curling Club, of which he was a skip for a time. He was an attached member of the Scottish Episcopalian Church, being a member of the con- eregation of St. Ninian’s Cathedral, in which it is proposed to place a brass to his memory. He found that the ac- ceptance of revealed religion did not conflict with the freest inquiry into scientific problems. He is survived by Mrs. White, two sons, and several daughters. Endeavouring to sum up briefly Dr. White’s character and work, we must recognise in him excellent ability, keen 80 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY powers of observation and of discrimination, great physical power and endurance, strong love of all branches of Natural History in the wide sense, strong desire to impart to others the pleasure that he himself experienced from such pursuits, unwearied industry in these pursuits, clear views as to the best methods to be followed in securing public support towards the provision of whatever would extend a truer appreciation of scientific studies in the general community, and perseverance in employing the means within his reach. To his thorough integrity and unselfish devotion to the ad- vancement of the public interest in these lines must be attributed the success that attended his efforts. As a naturalist his point of view was more that of the past generation, with its wide range of interests, than of the specialists of the present day. He found a far greater pleasure in becoming familiar with plants and animals in their natural environments, and in the study of the interac- tions between them and their surroundings, than in their dissection in the laboratory; but he fully recognised the value of the labours of the anatomists and physiologists, and he shows in several of his writings that he had devoted careful study to structural details and appreciated clearly their importance in classification. By all students of the Natural History of Scotland his memory will be cherished as that of a true-hearted and earnest naturalist, than whom few have done more for the advancement of their favourite pursuits in Scotland; while those who had the privilege of his personal friendship will in addition cherish the memory of an honourable and much esteemed friend. He joined the Entomological Society of London in 1868, and the Linnean Society in 1873; and he was a member of several other scientific societies both in the British Islands and abroad. List oF PUBLISHED ARTICLES BY Dr. FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE. In the following list the papers have been arranged as far as prac- ticable under the several subjects, though it has not been possible to adhere absolutely to this arrangement in regard to all of them. Those of a more general nature have been placed first; then those THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE 81 more closely connected with the work of the Perthshire Society. The Botanical papers follow ; and after them come the Zoological, divided under the different groups of animals, from the Vertebrata downwards. Under each division or head those papers that relate to Perthshire are placed first, then those that relate to other localities in Scotland, beginning with the southern localities; and papers on foreign examples bring up the rear. A few papers are added of a popular kind, as well as three obituaries of Scottish naturalists known to be by him. A reference has been added to the place of publica- tion of each article, and the number of pages is stated as an indica- tion of its extent. In a few cases a brief indication has been added of the nature of the papers. The following contractions have been employed in the names of the journals referred to: Anun.S.V.A.=“ Annals of Scottish Natural History”; £.8.S.Z7.=“ Edinburgh Botanical Society’s Transactions” ; £.47.17.=‘“‘ Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine” ; me | nomelee pe 1a — Bapomeloniag. Weekly Intelli- mencer 4/2. — «Journal of Botany” ; Pres. Addr. = “ Presidential Addresses to the Perthshire Society of Natural Science,” published in the PPS. =“ Proceedings of the Perthshire Society of Natural seience =) 727..5,— Iransactions” of the same Society. “Whe designations of any other journals referred to are intelligible without explanation in the forms in which they stand in the list. The references are in many cases given only to the year of issue, as the most convenient (and sufficient) mode, but where it appeared desirable the volume also has been quoted. I have to offer my thanks to Mr. H. Coates and to Mr. Frank H. White for assistance in the compilation of this list. “Scientific Nomenclature,” S./V., 1873, pp. 104-109. ‘‘Suggestions for the Federation of Scottish Scientific Societies,” SV, 1883, pp. 49-51. “On the Work of Local Naturalists’ Societies,” S./V., 1885, -pp. 98-106. ‘““Proposed Combination of Natural History Societies,” P.P.S., 1884-85, pp. 200-205. In the “Reports” presented at the meeting of the E.S. Union of Naturalists’ Societies held in 1884 (and printed for the Union in 1885) are the following communications from Dr. White :— “Presidential Inaugural Address,” pp. 3-21. (On the work of the Union, the preparation of lists of the fauna and flora of the counties within the Union, and the distribution, with considera- tion of its probable causes, of the flowering plants within these counties. ) 82 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY ‘Preliminary Reports (each about a page in length) on the follow- ing groups within the district” : MZammalia ; Insecta, Arachnida, and Myriapoda ; Flowering Plants and Vascular Cryptogams ; Mosses and Hlepatica ; Lichens. PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. “Tnaugural Address” on 7th March 1867, separately printed in 1867. “Presidential Addresses in 1869, March and November 1885-91, and March 1892, in P.P.S. in the respective years,” dealing with subjects specified under subject heads below, and also with— ‘History of the Society” up to 1888, and “ Retrospects of Work of the Society” to 1892; also with ‘‘Subjects suitable for study by the Society.” “Annals of P.S.N.S. from Foundation to November 1881,” P.P.S., 1881, pp. 43-47. “Excursions of P.S.N.S.,” Reports of Excursions in summers of 1883-92 (in 1883-86 and 1892 as editor of P./.S., and in 1887-91 in Presidential Addresses). They contain many notes on Botany and some on Zoology of Perthshire. Contained in “ Proceedings ” of Society for these years. “Report of Excursion of Perthshire Alpine Club to the Breadalbane Mountains in 1886” (Pres. Addr.), P.P.S., 1887, 1.-vill. “The Perthshire Natural History Museum,” |S./V., 1883, pp. 51-53 ; 1884, pp. 101-104, 154-57, 194-95. “The Present Condition of the Museum,” ?.P.S., 1882-83, pp. 83-85. ““Guide to the Arrangement of the Perthshire Natural History Museum,” printed for the Society in 1884. “On the Condition and Aims of the Museum” (Pres. Addr., March 1885), and ‘Extension of the Museum” and “Proposed Botanic Garden” (Pres. Addr., March 1889), P.P.S., 1884-85, pp. 200- 205, and 1888-89, pp. xliv.-xlvil. “Some Suggestions anent Specimens for the Museum of P.S.N.S.,” PFS... VS51, pp. 20-29: ‘History of Movement to establish a Museum of Natural History’ (in) Perth), 27'S. 1381, 4PP-.3.6530: “The best manner of dividing Perthshire into Districts,” P.P.S., 1870, pp. 89-92. THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE 83 BOTANICAL. “Local Names and Uses of Perthshire Plants,” P.P.S., 1889-90, Ixviil.-lxxxi. “On the Origin of the Perthshire Flora, with a discussion of all Species having doubtful claim to be Native,” P.P.S., 1890-91, pp. C.-Cx1x. Notes on the “ Flora of Rannoch,” 4.8.8. 77, 1868, ix. pp. 252-57. Notes of a “Botanical Excursion to the Breadalbane Mountains, Perthshire” (by Col. Drummond-Hay and F. B. W.), S.WV,, 1875, pp. 18-20. Notes of a ‘‘ Botanical Excursion to Loch Clunie, Perthshire,” S./V., 1876, Pp. 349-53. “Preliminary List of the Flowering Plants and Ferns of Perthshire,” S.WV., 1881, pp. 133-41, 178-91; 1882, pp. 230-40, 278-87, 326-36. Notes on some “ Perthshire Plants,” S./V., 1882, p. 378. Note on the ‘‘Geology and Botany of Glen Tilt,” SV, 1877, pp. 160-62, pl...2. Glen Tilt; its Fauna and Flora,” S.ZV. (Flora), pp. 300-304, 1879, Pp. 85-93. “ Perthshire Plants and Topographical Botany,” /.B., xxi. 1884, Pp. 270-75. “A Puzzle in Topographical Botany” (as to divisions of Perthshire), J-B., 1889, pp. 329-30. “ Notes from the Herbarium of the P.S.N.S. Museum,” S./V., 1886, pp. 320-26. “A Catalogue of the Perthshire Willows in the Museum Herbarium,” TZ SE S89-90, Pp. 155-200. “The Salices of the Woody Island” (near Perth), Z77.P.S., 1886-87, Pp 34-36. “The Flora of River Shingles” (of the Tay), S.., 1890, pp. 290- 299. (‘List of Plants showing White-flowered Varieties in Perthshire,” in Pres. Addr. note, P.P.S., 1890-91, xc.) (“Ballast Plants near Perth,” in Pres. Addr., P.P.S., 1890-91, xCcv.) “Rosa alpina, Deseg., found naturalised near Perth,” £.B.S. Z7., viii., 1886, p. 248. “List of the Hieracia of Perthshire,” 4z.S.V.77., 1892, pp. 260-64. “Juncus alpinus as a British Plant,” SV, 1887, pp. 182-84; EBS: F. XVI TSSO, Pp. 313-14. 84 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY “‘Schoenus ferrugineus as a Flowering Plant new to Britain,” SV, EOS5, P, 1305 /-.; Xl pp. 219-2205 L.B.8.7 7, SV puzee: ‘Poa palustris-in Perthshire,” S:2V., 1889, p, 195s /-5-, ve p> 2735 2-5.S. 27, Xvi, ESOL, pp. 205-66, “Remarks on Carex ustulata and on Triticum alpinum, Don,” P.P.S., 1883-84, pp. 144-45. “ Agropyrum Donianum, a Correction,” S./V., 1890, p. 232. “The History of Agropyrum or Triticum Donianum,” £.B.S. 77, XVill., I89I, pp. 260-64. ‘Notes on the Season” (chiefly dates of flowering at Perth), PP.S., 1882, pp. 55-56. “ Notes on Various Plants,” P.P.S., 1882, pp. 71-72. ‘Seasonal Phenomena” (flowering in January at Perth), P.P.S., 1883-84, p. 140. “The Natural History of Kinnoull Hill” (Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi), P.P.S., 1885-86, pp. 244-45, 250-54. “Preliminary List of the Fungi of Perthshire,” S./V., 1879, pp. 173- 182, 270-78, 320-25, 361-67; 1881, pp. 39-42. “ Botanical Notes” (from Fifeshire bank of Tay), S.lV., 1876, p. 318. Note on the “ Botany of Loch Lindores, Fifeshire,” SV, 1879, Pp. 13-32. ‘Botanical Notes” (from Braemar and Ben-y-Gloe), S.LV.,, 18735 Pp. 175-76. “Report of Excursion (of E.S.U.N.S.) in 1886 to Braemar’ (Glen Shee, Lochnagar, and Glen Callater), S.2V., 1886, pp- 339-41. ‘““The Altitudes attained by Certain Plants,” S.V., 1871, pp. I19- £23, ‘Note onrAltitudes,” S:2V;,9167 3, ps 33. “ Altitude to which Luzula spicata descends,” (Vazturalist, iv. p. 91. * Review (with Critical Remarks on Scottish Plants) of Hooker’s ‘Student’s Flora,” S.ZV., 1871, pp. 21-23; and of Ed. 3, SW, 1884, pp. 280-84. Notes on the ‘‘ Forms of Caltha palustris,” S.2V., 1887, pp. 52-56. “Variety of Cardamine amara, L.” (“/acina, var. nova), S.lV., 1890, p. 299. ‘* Cerastium triviale, Link., var. alpinum, Koch,” S.ZV., p. 128. ‘“Note on a supposed new British Sagina” (S. Goydiz, n. sp., from Braemar), #.B.S.77., xvii., 1889, pp. 32-35- THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE 85 “TLepigonum rupestre” (in Kirkcudbrightshire), S.V., 1871, p. 57. “Trifolium agrarium as a probable British Plant,” S./V., 1884, pp. 178-79. “ Rhamnus Frangula in Ross-shire,” 2. B.S. 7%., x., 1870, pp. 151-53. “ Myosotis alpestris in Forfarshire,” /.Z., xxiii, 1885, p. 26. ° “Variety (fallidifiora) of Melampyrum sylvaticum, L.,” SV, 1875, p20: “On some British Plantagines allied to P. maritima, L.,” 4.4.5. 77., XO 70, Pps L7E-73. “Notes on a supposed new British Willow” (.S. spuria, Schl.), PPS EOOA-85, Pp: 210-12. “ Salix fragilis, S. Russelliana, and S. viridis,” /.4., xxvi., 1888, pp. 196-201. “The Collecting and Study of Willows,” /.2., xxvii., 1889, pp. 77- TO LV, LOO9, PP. 122-25. “List of British Willows,” /.2., xxvil., 1889, pp. 265-67. “On the Willows in the Royal Botanic Garden Herbarium” (Edinburgh), Z.B.S.Z7., xvii., 1889, pp. 441-43. “ Additional Notes on Willows in the University Herbarium” (Edinburgh), 2.2.8. 77., xvili., 1891, pp. 257-59. “The Willows of the District of the North-East of Scotland Union of Naturalists’ Societies,” S./V., 1890, pp. 359-66. “A Revision of the British Willows,” Zézn. Soc. Journ. Bot., xxvii. (Nov. 1890, but read June 1889), pp. 333-457, Pl. 1x.-x1. ‘Notes on Scottish Willows,” Azz..S.V.7H7., 1892, pp. 64-67. “Tuzula arcuata and Buxbaumia indusiata in Inverness-shire,” Shy Xe TOTO, DNs 392-53. *‘ Kobresia caricina, Willd., in Argyleshire,” S./V., 1875, p. 21. “The Cryptogamic Flora of Mull,” S.V., 1881, pp. 155-62. “Ts Polypodium flexile distinct from P. alpestre?” P.P.S., 1880, pp. 1-2. Remarks on “ Polypodium (Pseudathyrium) flexile and its relation to P. (Ps.) alpestre,” S.V., 1881, pp. 43-46. Notes on ‘“Grimmia subsquarrosa, Wilson,” MS., #.4.S.77., 1x., 1868, p. 142. Notice of “Two Mosses new to Science: Hypnum rupestre and H. breadalbanense, /.B.S.77., ix., 1868, pp. 198-99. Note on “ Discelium nudum” (near Perth), S.V., 1874, p. 362. Description of a “Scottish Fungus new to Science” (Vibrissea Margarite, from Braemar), S./V., 1874, p. 218. 86 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY “New British Fungi,” all in SV, as follows :—Dothidea Angelice near Forres, 1875, p. 21; Aydnum levigatum and Labrella Ptarmice at Rannoch, 1875, p. 178: ez. amentacea, found by Sir. IT. Moncrieffe, near Perth, 1877, p. 793 ~uqvud Oxyria, Fckl., in Mull, 1882, p. 254. “Fungi forwarded to Messrs. Berkeley and Broome,” S.WV., 1875, Pp. 77-78 ; 1876, pp. 267-73 ; 1878, p. 255. “New and Rare British Fungi,” S./V., 1880, p. 234. “On Uredo filicum, Desm., and Uredo (?) Pteridum, n. sp.,” SZV,, 1877, pp. 26-27. “The Wild Fruits of Scotland,” S.2V., 1875, pp. 22-28, 73-76. On the “Characters of the Flowers of Silene maritima and S. inflata” as regards their Stamens and Pistils, 4.4.S.77., x., 18600, Pp:.443-45 5. /-B., Vill., 1670, p. 324- “*Monstrosity of Scabiosa Succisa” (petalody of stamens), SV, D871, 5p. E20. “Monstrous Form of Teucrium Scorodonia,” S.V., 1873, p. 33. Remarks on ‘ Hermaphrodite Catkins of Salix,” PPS, 1883-84, p. 163. “ Winter Fertilisation by Agency of Insects,” /,B., New Ser., i. p. 48. ‘““The Influence of Insect Agency on the Distribution of Plants,” JB. New Set, 1873, pp. 11-135 Amer. Wat, vil, Fo73, pp. 268-71. “On the Relations, Analogies, and Similitudes of Insects and Plants,” being a Thesis for M.D. in Edinburgh, Commended, in 1864. On the “Botany of the ‘Jardin® of Mont Blanc,” 4.2.S.77, 1x, 1868, pp. 140-42. ZOOLOGICAL. “Fauna of Glen Tilt,” SV., 1877, pp. 160-63; 1878, pp. 181-90, 244-48; Eut., 1888, pp. 247-50. “Natural History of Kinnoull Hill,—The Vertebrates,” P.P_S., 1885- 1886, pp. 248-51. Museum Notes,—I. “ Perthshire Mammalia,” P.?.S., 1884-85, pp. 178-81. On a “ Hedgehog’s Nest,” P.P.S., 1883-84, pp. 139-40. “The Mammalia of Scotland,” SV, 1881, pp. 49-56. (This isa Review of E. R. Alston’s “Mammalia” in the ‘Fauna of Scotland,” published by Nat. Hist. Soc. of Glasgow, with a criticism of Alston’s views as to the origin of the Mammalia of Scotland.) THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE 87 “Notes on Birds” (Golden Eye, Swallow, and Swift, at Perth), P.P.S., 1888-89, pp. xlviii.-xlix. ‘On the better utilisation of the Sprats of the Tay and Forth,” SV, 1886, pp. 216-18. “A List of the Scottish Land and Freshwater Mollusca,” with hints on Collecting, S.JV., 1873, pp. 163-69; 1874, pp. 205-209. “Notes on the Census of Scottish Mollusca,” S.2V., 1891, pp. 125- 126. “On Involuntary Migration in Insects,” #.A MZ, viii., 1871-72, pp. 97-99. Notes on the “Insects of Strathglass, Inverness-shire,” 4.17. JZ, vil., 1870-71, Pp. 45-53. “Excursion to Mamsoul (Strathglass),” P.P.S., 1870, pp. 23-29. Notes on “Scottish Lepidoptera,” etc. (from Rannoch and Ross- shire), £.1Z.M7,, v., 1868-69, p. 104. Contributions towards a knowledge of the “ Life-histories of certain Coleoptera,—I. Dendrophagus crenatus, Payk.,” #.AZ.AZ, vii. pp. 196-98. “Notes on the Habits of Dytiscus lapponicus, Gyll.,” SV, 1881, Pp. 145-47- “The Cotton-gall of the Oak,” SV, 1871, p. 117. ‘Nest of Formica rufa and its Inhabitants,” SV, 1872, pp. 216- 222, 258-63. “ Tettix Schranckii, Fb.,” an Orthopteron new to the British Lists, E.M.M,, viil., 1871-72, pp. 15-16. “ Occurrence of a Supposed Undescribed Lepisma” (in a bakery in Edinburgh), S.JV., 1877, p. 46. “Note on the Genus Orthezia” (SV, 1877, pp. 160-63); £vt., 1880, pp. 304-306. “Sialis at Braemar,” 4.47.7, viii., p. 65. “ Hallesus auricollis and other Neuroptera” (from Rannoch and Deeside) S:2V., 1874; p- 203. “On Melanochroism and Leucochroism,” £.JZ.JZ, xiil., 1876-77, Pp. 145-49; xiv., 1877-78, pp. 15-16; L77., 1877, pp. 126-29. “Variation in British Lepidoptera,” S.JV., 1891, pp. 168-71. (This is a Review of “The British Noctuze and their Varieties,” Vo 1.y by autt:) “The Lepidoptera of the Scotch Fir,” S.4V., 1871, pp. 86-87. “‘The Mountain Lepidoptera of Britain”; their distribution and its causes, S./V., 1879, pp. 67-105, 147-160. 88 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY ‘‘Some Thoughts on the Distribution of the British Butterflies,” Ent., 1881, pp. 265-77. “Insecta Scotica,—Lepidoptera,” S.1V., 1872, pp. 161-68, 198-202, 238-41, 273-76; 1873, pp. 34-43, 81-88, 129-36, 177-84; 1874, pp. 224-32, 281-84, 321-28, 369-76; 1875, pp. 29-32, 81-84, 129-32, 180-82; 1876, pp. 227-30, 274-76, 319-20, 360-67; 1877, pp. 31-34, 120-28, 173-75 ; 1878, pp. 216-23, 269-73, 319-21; 1879, pp. 39-44. “ Notes on Scotch Lepidoptera,” “.JZ.JZ, v., 1868-69, p. 204. “Notes upon the Lepidoptera of the South-West of Scotland,” E.M.M,, vii., 1871-72, pp. 66-68. “A List of the Macro-lepidoptera which occur in Perthshire,” Naturalist, 1. Pps 53,00, 120, 0220 “Fauna Perthensis,—Part I. Lepidoptera.” “Notes on the Lepidoptera of Perthshire,” £.AZ. JZ, v. p. 224, vii. pp. I10, 140, 210. ‘Captures mear Perth,” 2./727., July 0857, pr123 3° yisitsto Dunkeld,” Zc, June 1858, p. 159; ‘‘Colias Edusa near Perth,” Zc., September 1858, p. 4; “Captures at Kirriemuir,” Zc, July £950, ps uo2s - larvaon Junipér,” 2c, pi as3: ‘‘Tepidoptera at Rannoch in 1867,” 4.AZ.M., 1867-68, pp. 154, 248-51. “ Notes on Collecting in Glen Tilt,” “xz, 1888, pp. 247-50. “Note on Morayshire Lepidoptera,” /.4Z. JZ, vi., 1869-70, p. 190. “Notes on the Lepidoptera inhabiting Ross-shire,” Z.AZ.JZ, v., 1868-69, pp. 131, 281-85. “The Lepidoptera of Orkney, Shetland, and the Outer Hebrides,” S.1V., 1882, pp. 289-91, 337-44. (Compiled from papers by Jenner Weir, published in £xfomologist, xiil. pp. 249-89 ; Xiv. pp: 200; 2765 XV. p. 1.) ‘The Butterflies of Perthshire,” P.P.S., 1870, pp. 55-62. * Has Meliteea didyma occurred in Scotland?” S.WV., 1877, p. 48. ‘¢ Vanessa Antiopa in Perthshire,” S./V., 1872, p. 266; 1877, p. 116. “Vanessa Antiopa” (in Scotland in 1872), SV, 1873, pp. 16-20. “ Note on our recent invasion by Vanessa Antiopa,” /.JZ.J/, ix., 1872-73, pp. 130-31. “The Hawkmoths of Perthshire,” P.P..S., 1870, pp. 2-10. Capture of a ‘“Zygzena new to the British Lists,” 4.AZ_AZ, viii., 187 1- 1872, p. 68. “The Scottish form of Zygeena exulans,” S./V., 1872, pp. 174-75. » THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE 89 7 Sesia philanthiformis in Scotland” (at Colvend), 2.4247, vii. EO7ZO-71, Ps 4il. “Ts the range of Boarmia gemmaria, Brahm. (2. rhomboidaria, Hb.), extending in Scotland?” SV, 1891, p. 193. “Some Notes on the British Species of Oporabia,” SV, 1877, pp. 111-16, pl. i. “Further Notes on the Species of Oporabia,” .S.V., 1877, pp. 158-60. ‘‘ Hybernia rupicapraria,” 2. W./7., January 1858, p. 148. “Note on Certain Species of Eupithecia,” S.WV., 1876, p. 266. “‘ Anticlea sinuata taken in Scotland,” SV, 1871, p. 42. “Ts Larentia cesiata double-brooded?” Z.AZM, xi., 1875-76, p. 86. ‘‘Larentia flavicinctata (Hb.) as a Garden Insect,” Anxn.SWV.Z,, Loo2, Pp. 271. ** Acronycta Myricz not a Distinct Species,” SV, 1878, p. 199. ® “ Xylophasia Zollikoferi, Frr.,” S.lV., 1872, pp. 267-68. ‘*Pachnobia hyperborea, var. alpina” (in Perthshire), S.4V., 1877, p. PAV LOO. uD: SAL “ Noctua ditrapezium in Scotland” (near Perth), S.WV., 1872, p. 267. ‘Is the range of Noctua sobrina increasing?” SW, 1891, pp. 40-41. “Note on Epunda lutulenta, var. luneburgensis,” Z4.4ZJZ, xiii., 1876-77, p. 164. “Botys verticalis” (at Dunkeld), Zz, 1876, p. 278. “Food of the Larvze of Scoparia and Crambus,” 4.J/M/, vi., 1869- 1870, pp. 143-44. “The British Species of Crambus,” S.V., 1872, pp. 135-41, 169-74. “Crambus myellus,” £.AZJ/, viii., 1871-72, p. 70; Ent, 1883, Deane: “Scoparia basistrigalis and Cochylis Smeathmanniana in Scotland ” (near Perth) S.2V5.1876,.p. 205. “A British Scoparia new to Science” (S. scotica), E.M.M., viii., EO71-72, p.. 160. ““Hypermecia angustana, Hb., in Perthshire,” SV, 1873, p. 203. ‘‘A new British Moth” (Ablabia argentana, Cl, at Blair-Athole), Veeco saps 1005 2,17 7 xi., 1875-76, pps 65-66: “Occurrence of Zelleria Saxifragee in Braemar,” S.V., 1872, p. 176; HMMS Wii. 1371-72, p. 271 5 (in Perthshire) ix., p, 130. “The Food-plant in Britain of Zelleria Saxifrage,” HALIM, xi., 1875-76, pp. 86-87. 14 C fete) ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY “Food-plant of Gelechia acuminatella” (Cz. heterophyllus), S.LV., 13.70; (PL Lo. “What aid does the form of the Lepidopterous Egg afford towards determining the position of certain Species,” £.AZ.AZ, vii., 1870-71, pp. 230-31. “On the Male Genital Armour in the European Rhopalocera,” Zzmz. Soc. Trans., Zool., 1. pp. 357-69, pl. lv.-lvii. (Abstract of this paper in LZzun. Soc. Journ. Zool.,” xili., 1877, p. 195.) “Observations sur l’armure genitale de plusieurs espéces francaises de Zygzenide,” Annal, Soc. Entom. France, 5° Ser., viil., 1878, pp. 467-76, Plates XI. and XII. “Structure of the Terminal Abdominal Segments in the Male of the genus Eupithecia,” “zz, 1891, pp. 129-30, Plates I. and II. “‘ Stridulation in the genus Vanessa,” £.J7. JZ, xili., 1876-77, p. 208. “Note on the Sound made by Hylophila prasinana,” S.V., 1872, pp. 213-15. “Lepidoptera observed during an Excursion in Italy and Switzer- land,” #.4Z.M7Z,, iv., 1867-68, pp. 57-60. ‘A new Bait for Moths,” 4.W.Z, May 1857, p. 51. ‘“The Sallows out in Scotland,” #.W.Z, March 1858, p. 3. ‘Captures at Sugar,” &.W.Z,, October 1858, p. 36. ‘ Sugaring—How, Where, and When to do it,” S.1V., 1871, pp. 29-35. ‘“Note on Bibio clavipes, Mg., and B. lepidus, Loew.,” SV, 1873, p. 23. “ Metamorphoses of Xylophagus cinctus, F., and X. ater, F.,” Z.AZ AZ, XllL, 1876-77, pp. 160-62, and note on p. 216. “Note on A‘torhinus (Orthotylus) bilineatus, Fl.” Z.dZ1Z, vi., 1869-70, pp. 9-10. ‘Notes on Scottish Hemiptera,” S./V., 1872, pp. 223-26, 263-65. “Two new British Hemiptera” (from Braemar), SV, 1873, p. 63. ‘“‘Note’on the Habits of Jassus cruentatus,” 4.47 JZ, vi., 1869-70, Ps. Zo: “Notes on Corixa, with Analytical Key to British Genera and Species,” .17.4Z,, x., 1873-74, pp. 60-63, 75-80. ““New and Rare Hemiptera observed during the years 1874, 1875, 1870,” Li x, Lo Tye per Ge “Descriptions of three new species of Hemiptera-Heteroptera from New Zealand,” £.AZ.JZ, xiii., 1876-77, pp. 105-107. “Abnormal Antenne in Hemiptera,” 4.47.47, xiv., 1877-78, pp. 93-94. THE LATE FRANCIS BUCHANAN WHITE gI Note on ‘“‘ Hebrus ruficeps, Thoms.,” £.AZ JZ, xiv., p. 117. “List of the Hemiptera of New Zealand,” £.4/_JZ, xiv., pp. 274-77 3 XV., PP: 31-34, 73-76, 130-33, 159-61, 213-20. “Contributions to a knowledge of the Hemipterous Fauna of St. Helena, and Speculations on its Origin,” Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1878, pp. 444-477, pl. xxxi. (seven genera and twenty-four species new). “Descriptions of New Species of Heteroptera collected in the Hawaian Islands by the Rev. T. Blackburn,” No. I., 4x. AZag. Nat ist. £o77..pp. 1f0-14; No. IL, 22, 1878) pp.365-74:- “Tist of the Hemiptera collected in the Amazons by Professor J. W. H. Trail in‘the years 1873-75, with descriptions of the new species,” nt. Soc. Lond. T7v., 1879, pp. 267-76. “ Descriptions of new Hemiptera” (I1.) (two new genera and sixteen species from North Brazil, and one n. sp. from Nicaragua), Linn. Soc. Journ. Zool., xiv.. 1879, pp. 482-89. “Descriptions of new Anthocoride,” Z.AZJZ, xvil., 1879-80, pp. 142-48. “The number of known Hemiptera-Heteroptera,” (ature, xx., 1880, p. 606: “Description of a new genus and species of the family Gerride ” (Llatygerris depressa), E.M.M., xx., 1883-84, pp. 36-39. “ Report on the Pelagic Hemiptera collected by H.M.S. ‘Challenger,’” Challenger Reports, vil.. paper ii, 82 pp., 3 plates. (MLS. received 24th February 1883.) “Notes on the Habits of a species of Black Ant in Italy,” Zz. Soc. Lond. Proc., 1872, pp. v.-vi. ; Zoolog., vil., 1872, pp. 3032-33. “‘ A Spider with a Parasite,” “.W./,, October 1358, p. 30. “Notes on various Parasitic Fungi which attack Insects,’ £7z¢,, 1888, pp. 121-23 (nothing new). “ Trespassing,” “vz. 1886, pp. 259-60. In Sctence for All. A Cockroach,” iti. p. 325; The “ Earwig,” iv. p. 130; “Locusts and Grasshoppers,” iv. p. 285; The ‘Anatomy of Ants,” v. p. tog; “Ants and their ways of Life,” v. p. 153; “A Beehive,” Vee 2 7.02 OBITUARIES OF Abram Sturrock, P.P.S., 1885-86, pp. 264-66. Sir Thomas Moncrieffe, Bart., S./V., 1879, pp. 145-48. Robert Walker, F.G.S.E., S.V., 1881, pp. 147-48. J. W.. As “ERarn. 92 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY LHE STARLING IN’ SOLWAY. By Rosert SERVICE. Mr. HARVIE-BROWN’S account of the increase and distribu- tion of the Starling throughout Scotland given in the January “ Annals” forms a very valuable and interesting chapter in Caledonian Ornithology. It was not to be expected that the subject could be treated in such detail as to satisfy students of the lesser faunal areas. And it is with a view to filling up several blanks in the history of the species in Solway that I venture to string together a few items that I find in my note-books, and offer them for permanant record in the pages of the “ Annals.” I am not convinced that there is sufficient evidence to prove that the Starling was at any time during the last century more than a transient migrating visitor north of the Borders. These transient visits, probably caused by a succession of two or more years of plenty, or favourable meteorological influences, seem to have been getting more frequent towards the end of the last century. It is interesting to note that most of these earlier records given by Mr. Harvie-Brown are at places along the fly-line with which observers in Solway are so familiar ; and which was first, I think, pointed out by Mr. Mitchell in his “Birds of Lancashire.” The birds in their vernal migration come straight up the Irish Sea from the coasts of France and Spain, brushing along the outlying headlands of Wales and N.W. England ; and coming on to the coasts of Galloway in vast flocks, strike across country, or, as is most usual, continue their journey up the western shores. Not once, but many scores of times, I have seen these migrating flocks arrive from the sea; and far oftener, in wild, moist, dark spring nights, have had the evidence of my ears that great multitudes of twittering, piping, whistling birds were passing overhead. Almost at any time during the latter half of September and in early October can the same phenomena be noted in the return direction. My own experience and recollection of the Starling THE STARLING IN SOLWAY 93 extends back to about 1862 or 1863. At that time the Starling as a breeding species was very scarce indeed, and an egg was a prize for a boy with the collecting mania at fever heat. While Starlings were thus rare as breeders, they were not at all uncommon during the spring and autumnal migra- tions. I mean by that statement, that during a walk of say three or four miles one might have seen one or two flocks, somewhere or other in the grass fields, of perhaps a score of birds. I have no doubt that the present resident Starling population has descended from an odd pair left by these migrating flocks from time to time. I have now to note a few of the earlier instances in which the Starling was known to breed in Solway. But first let me point out that Mr. Harvie-Brown’s reference to Roxburgh should have gone under “ Tweed.” Further, the second paragraph under “ Clyde” should go under “ Solway.” The, Castle Loch, Lochmaben (not Lochmaidon) is a well- known Dumfriesshire locality. On 4th June 1813, as I find on reference to the files of the “ Dumfries Courier,’ a boy was killed on the island on Loch Doon while climbing the ruins of the old castle in search of a Starling’s nest. The stones gave way and fell upon him. In reference to this record, I have often wondered if it was not the case, when the Starling was thus shown to be breeding at a locality away amongst the hills and moor- lands, that the bird was of necessity generally distributed and common over the arable and lower lands ? In the Dumfriesshire volume of the “N. S. A.” Sir Wm. Jardine, writing in 1832 of the avifauna of the parish of _ Applegirth, said: “The Starling is found in flocks during autumn and spring, but few in number, having diminished much in numbers of late years. In 1819 and 1820 flocks of many hundreds frequented the holms on the Annan, but of late not more than from ten to twenty have been seen together.” The late Mr. Hastings, so long known as a taxidermist in Dumfries, used often to tell me how, when he was employed as an under gardener at Closeburn Hall, Sir James Stuart Menteth, Bart., his employer, had sent from some- where or other a pair of young Starlings to be brought up and liberated. Hastings got them in charge, reared them 94 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY successfully, and they were then set at large. The following year a Starling was shot, and no one knew what the bird was until it was shown to Hastings. Soon afterwards, Hastings used to say, Starlings became comparatively numerous. I do not know the exact date of this occurrence, but it can be fixed approximately from the fact that Hastings left Close- burn Hall in 1837. For some years later Starlings were rare enough lower down in Nithsdale. Along one of the old walls of the beautiful ruins of Lincluden Abbey there remains to this day a row of spikes. These were inserted in May 1842 by a lad named John Mackenzie, who was then an apprentice blacksmith. A pair of Starlings had built in the old walls, and Mackenzie took this means of climbing up to get the nestlings, which were subsequently reared to adult featherhood. These particulars I have just learned from Mr. Hastings (no relation of the taxidermist), Nithbank, who was Mackenzie’s companion on that memor- able evening now more than half a century backwards in the mists of the past. Mr. John Maxwell, Registrar in Maxwelltown, tells me that when he was a boy, in May 1844, he, with a companion, having heard there was a nest of these rare birds, Starlings, at Long Beoch in Irongray Parish, went to get the young birds. The nest was in the gable wall of the barn. The boys did not get their birds, but to their great delight the farmer brought them with him to Dumfries next market- day, and this brood was successfully reared. Mr. Maxwell says his Starlings were the talk of all the cage- bird fraternity, and fanciers came from long distances to see them. In the issue of the “ Dumfries Courier” for Ist January 1840, the then editor (Mr. John M‘Diarmid), in reviewing the twenty-fourth volume of the “N. S. A.,” thus alludes to Starlings :— “They also breed close adjoining (ze. Borthwick Castle), and we would esteem it a favour could Mr. W. contrive to send us a pair, or even an odd one. It is true the same curious bird is partial to Kirkbean in our own neighbourhood, but with all our art we never could manage to secure a nestling, whether from the favourite sea-fanned Arbigland, THE STARLING IN SOLWAY 95 or the delightfully violet-pied woods adjoining which rejoice, and justly, in the name of Cavens.” Here may be given the only two notices of the bird in the “New. S. Acc. of Kirkcudbrightshire”: “The Starling exists here” (Kirkcudbright Parish, May 1843) ; and “ A few years ago exceedingly rare; now abundant” (Balmaclellan Parish, January 1844). I had an interesting letter a few weeks ago from Mr. William Thomson, Kirkcudbright (so widely known for his knowledge of the botany and zoology of the district around that old romantic town), on the subject of the increase of the Starling and kindred topics. Mr. Thomson says: “The first appearance of the Starling in our district was in 1848— not later at all events. Have often heard it stated that it was the lighthouse on the Ross that was the means of attracting them. Some of them had been killed on the lantern about that time. The first nest I ever knew was about 1850. At that time they were becoming common. At first they came in flocks and spread all over the district.” I have one more quotation to make, and it is from a charming account of the birds seen in and about his garden by the late Thomas Aird, poet and litterateur, published in the “ Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History Society’s Transactions” (the old society, not the present one) for 1863-64. Mr Aird wrote: “When I went to live at Mountainhall, eight years ago, not a Starling was to be seen thereabouts ; but now they breed with us, and I see large flocks of them in our fields in autumn. Now, such sudden and sweeping changes of habitat are not governed by the usual laws of inner migration—that is, of migration from one part of the island to another. The gradual changes of tillage, modifying the supplies of food for the bird, cannot account for such violent changes of habitat. I myself have no way of accounting for them.” Since then the Starling has every year become more and more abundant, always excepting such times as that during the long protracted and severe winter of 1878-79, when for nearly eighteen months later they became very scarce. Their habits seem to be annually undergoing modifications, for now they will breed like a blackbird, amongst the ivy 96 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY against a tree trunk, or in a laurel bush like the sparrows, and with a domicile exceedingly sparrow-nest-like in structure. Birds of the fields and meadows as they once were, now they make themselves at home amongst the thrushes and sparrows in suburban gardens ; and in one notable instance in the out- skirts of Maxwelltown during the terrible week of cold from 6th to 12th February last, they, to the number of forty or fifty, went to roost every evening along with the fowls in a low wooden hen-house, ranging themselves along the roosting poles in rows like ordinary domestic poultry. Within the last half dozen years or more their great roosting-places have become very conspicuous. There are two such places within this parish (Troqueer), at Cargen and Terraughtie respectively. The numbers roosting at each varies much with the seasons, and of course during the breeding months these places are completely deserted. I have seen as many as about 7000 birds at each of these places, which are only about three miles apart. There is a greatly frequented roosting-place in Dumfriesshire in a plantation called Wintersheugh on Kinmount estate. It gets the name of the “Starling Wood,” and it is said that 10,000 or 12,000 birds often roost there at certain seasons. But there are many other and smaller rendezvous for these birds scattered over the country, which need not be particu- larised. Interesting as these nightly haunts are, and fascinating as it is to watch their evening evolutions before the birds dive into the bushes, often maiming each other by coming into collison in doing so, it is a greater and more absorbing interest to me personally to watch one of the great migrating flocks that gather from all parts of the compass, congregating into one huge mass before quitting our shores in autumn. The business-like air they seem to possess, as if fully aware of the long and exciting journey before them, and the questions of “ why” and “ wherefor” that come up in the observer’s mind when he sees such a flock of Starlings 20,000 strong, make the sight one of intense interest to the ornithologist. In the mysterious impulses that govern such movements is to be found the secret of the increase and distribution of the Starling not only in Solway, but in Scotland. Ann. Scot Nat. Hist. 1895. Pear SHETLAND! ISLES , ; 3 meh ihstland. Isles } S Westra § oe estr fj . ORKNEY ees | ISLES _~G)- A n® Kolonsay 77 jas Ww acd af Oronsoy ae 23k < BERWICK PEEBLES| A Gales yay ie ID 2 ee BURGH J ‘| DUMFRIES = “w A OW? me TO ILLUSTRATE REPORT ON THE LITTLE AUK @=One X=Several := Many y 6 J Barthclomew& Co Edinr 7 Faunal Areas thus County Boundaries thus... = Scale of English Miles 4 = 30 40 50 100 or 3S N cS) RECENT VISITATION OF THE LITTLE AUK TO SCOTLAND 097 ON DHE OCCURRENCE OF THE SUB-ALPINE WEAK DIEEK IN @HE OUTER HEBRIDES. AT the meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Club held in London on the 19th of December 1894, “Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe exhibited a specimen of a bird new to the fauna of Great Britain. This was an example of the Sub-alpine Warbler (Sylvza subalpina), which had been forwarded to him for exhibition by Mr. J. S. Elliott, of Dudley, who had shot it himself on the island of St. Kilda on the 13th of June 1894, after a heavy gale from the south-west.” ! This Warbler is rather smaller than the Lesser White- throat. The male has the upper parts slate gray ; the wings brown, with paler edges to the inner secondaries and the coverts ; the chin, throat, and breast chestnut; the flanks pale chestnut ; and the centre of the abdomen nearly white. The female is brown above, and has the chin, throat, breast, and flanks buffish white. The home of this bird is in the basin of the Mediterranean, but it appears to be absent from Turkey and South Russia. In Europe it is a summer visitor, but in Northern Africa it is a partial resident. SNe th RECENT VISITATION OF THE Sinai: NUKE RGULUS ALLE) TO SCOTEAND: By Wm. EaGLe CLARKE. Bran. ills THE winter of 1894-95 will be memorable in the annals of British ornithology as a Little Auk season—one which witnessed the wreck of this species in vast and, perhaps, un- precedented numbers for a prolonged period, during which disaster followed disaster. The visitations of the Little Auk to our shores in unusual numbers are more or less phenomenal, since they appear to 1 «Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club,” No. xxii. vol. iii. p. ix. 98 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY be the direct result of particular weather conditions, usually severe northerly gales. These storms drive the birds from their accustomed boreal winter quarters,’ perhaps off the polar ice, first into the British seas, and then on to our inhospitable isles, where they perish miserably, either as hopeless wrecks upon our shores, or, being swept far inland, among hedges and ditches, moor and woodlands, and even in our villages, towns, and cities. It is in such a Little Auk year, and then only, that our ornithologists have an opportunity of seeing the species as a British bird, except here and there and now and then in autumn and winter among the Scottish Islands. In the Orkney Islands Mr. Moodie-Heddle tells us that a few occur almost every season, and that he has several times known them to come ashore dead in scores along with Puffins and Cormorants. “When the wind is westerly we get more Puffins and Razorbills, and when it northers and easters there are fewer of these species and more Little Auks. But when the wind gets southward of east we get few sea- birds of any kind after a gale.” It has been thought desirable that such a record visit as that of 1894-95 should not pass without special notice, so far as Scotland is concerned, in our pages. To this end a mass of useful data has been collected by Messrs. T. E. Buckley, Wm. Evans, J. A. Harvie-Brown, and John Paterson. This has been placed in my hands to report upon, and, along with my own collected notes, forms the basis of this contribu- tion. It must be borne in mind, however, and of this I am quite convinced, that a mere tithe only of the total number of Little Auks which have recently occurred in Scotland have come under observation; and of these, again, a mere tithe have been reported to us. The whole of the records received have been duly delineated on the map which accompanies this report, and are also precisely tabulated in chronological sequence in its final pages. The winter of 1894-95 had been remarkably mild, calm, and fine, until the early hours of the 22nd DECEMBER, when 1 Sir John Richardson states, in his ‘‘ Polar Regions,” p. 278, that this bird ‘keeps the sea in the high latitudes all the winter, wherever open water exists, but numbers of the species migrate southward.” RECENT VISITATION OF THE LITTLE AUK TO SCOTLAND 99 the spell was rudely broken by a gale of great severity. On the East Coast of Scotland, north of the Firth of Forth, the wind blew with great strength from the north and north-east, while to the southward it was blowing equally hard from the west and south-west. The centre of the cyclone passed a little to the north of Edinburgh on its way to Scandinavia, which explains the difference in the direction of the winds in the areas north and south of that city. As the result of this initial storm, indeed on the very day on which it prevailed, a Little Auk was picked up at East Linton, a village a few miles inland from Dunbar. On the day following numbers were observed in the Orkney Isles. We have here, it is thought, some evidence that this species may have pelagic winter quarters, perhaps resorted to by small numbers, in the North Sea. If not, these birds could hardly have occurred on our shores while the gale was actually in progress. Many of us, no doubt, remember that the late Mr. Robert Gray long ago held the opinion that such was the case, and the above mentioned facts seem to sub- stantiate in a remarkable manner the correctness of that most excellent ornithologist’s views on this subject. The weather remained in a more or less unsettled condi- tion during the remainder of the month, and on the 30th there was a strong gale from the northwards experienced in the north of Scotland, and the wind was still strong from that quarter on the last day of the year. The weather-conditions during this period resulted in some small disasters to the Little Auks, which will be found duly indicated in the schedule of occurrences which forms the concluding portion of this communication. This tabulation has been arranged chronologically, and may be consulted with advantage in connection with the above and the following observations of a similar nature. On the 6th JANUARY the weather again became change- able and unsettled in Scotland, with strong gales from the N. and N.-N.E. On the 7th the wind was northerly and strong to a gale in force. This second, but short, period of storm resulted in considerable disaster to this little bird along the entire east coast of Scotland, and it was just afterwards that the greatest numbers were observed to come ashore dead 100 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY and dying in the Orkney Islands. This series of northerly gales had, without doubt, driven before it vast numbers of Little Auks, and the North Sea had now become quite a rendezvous of the species. That such was the case is indeed proved by the events which followed. On 12th JANUARY another cyclonic period was ushered in by a gale from the S.E. affecting all parts of our Islands, and which is specially chronicled as blowing with great force on the north-east coast of Scotland, and with the temperature below freezing-point over the northern parts of Britain. On the 13th the gale still prevailed, and the sea was very rough. On the 14th the gale was still blowing with moderate force" in the north of Scotland. From this date until the early days of February weather of a very unsettled type prevailed, with the temperature below the mean. Latterly the cold was very severe ; the sea was often rough ; the wind often fresh from the N. or E., sometimes very strong ; and. there was some snow. A reference to our tabulated statistics shows that a great disaster overtook the Little Auks sojourning in the North Sea from the 13th January onwards. The period of strong winds, rough seas, low temperatures, and snowstorms which prevailed during these three weeks made great havoc in their ranks and wrecked them in vast numbers among the Northern Isles, and along the entire East Coast and its Firths, indeed throughout the length and, in some areas, the breadth of Scotland. The following are a few incidents of the storm and its results which are worthy of special mention. Some numbers were driven as far west as Loch Lomond, where they appeared after “the gale and snowstorm from the east ” on the 1 3th. One was found as far from the eastern seaboard as Fort William, also after that same storm. Considerable numbers appeared in the Firth of Forth, and 70-80 were observed on the 13th of January close off Aberdour, at the mouth of the harbour, seeking shelter from the high sea running outside. Mr. G. Pow says that in every sheltered bay along the Haddington coast from Prestonpans to Cockburnspath they sought refuge from the raging sea, and that doubtless many escaped in this way. RECENT VISITATION OF THE LITTLE AUK TO SCOTLAND tor At the end of January Mr. D. Bruce watched a small party about three hundred yards off the shore at Dunbar. A blinding snowstorm prevailed at the time, and a strong easterly wind had been driving the birds into broken water. After being buffeted for some time a few of them took wing and endeavoured to fly seaward, but the wind gradually lifted them high into the air, when some of them seemed suddenly to be turned quite over, and were driven back and inland be- fore the gale; the others were driven on to the beach. The remainder of the party made their way out to sea, diving through the waves when just about to break upon them. Lastly, Mr. Dunbar, Thurso, tells us that a party of from 50- 60 flew from the sea over the rocks and made their way inland. In FEBRUARY the weather remained very wintry until the closing week of the month. During this period the cold was intense, the coldest experienced in Scotland for forty years, as many as 40° of frost being registered. There was much ice in all the Firths on the East Coast ; and heavy snowstorms were experienced. Many Little Auks were found dead, some of which had, no doubt, fallen victims to the past storms ; but many also succumbed to the severe cold, which must have told upon numbers of them in their low condition, the result of the many and great hardships ex- perienced among the winds and waves of the previous month. All that were shot, so far as we know, were in a more or less lean condition, with little or nothing in their stomachs. Dr. Ogilvie found the same to be the case with the specimens ex- amined by him. Mr. Small, however, reports that the gullet of one received from Orkney was crammed with small, trans- parent, shrimp-like Crustaceans, half an inch long, probably a species of J/yszs; while the stomach and gullet of one shot at Aberdour, and examined by Mr. Evans, was full of a fleshy substance, probably fish. Mr. Wm. Evans saw ten specimens, all recently dead,—-several of them were still afloat among the broken ice drifting in with the tide——near South Queensferry on the gth of February, a calm day with intense frost. Ex- amples, mostly old and mummified, continued to come under the notice of our observers ; but a few fresh specimens were sent to the taxidermists, for preservation, until the end of the month, indicating that death was still thinning their ranks. 102 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY The data for the WEST COAST are not very voluminous, nor are they sufficiently complete to permit us to say /ow the birds found their way there. It is significant, however, that only two specimens are recorded for the Outer Hebrides: one of these by Dr. MacRury, who remarks concerning it, “the only one seen this winter”; while Mr. Peter Anderson, writing from Tiree, says that he has not seen a single Little Auk, dead or alive, during the winter, though a few come ashore there nearly every year at that season. If these birds had been numerous on the north-west coast of Scotland, I hardly think that they could have escaped the notice of these excellent observers. As our map indicates, the great majority of the West Coast records are for the Clyde area and the adjacent districts; and I think it highly probable that the birds occurring there may have found their way from the East Coast. The distance between the Firths of Forth and Clyde is only some forty miles, over low country ; and we have the important testimony of Mr. James Lumsden that they arrived at Loch Lomond, or practically in the Clyde, after the severe gale from the east, which is pretty conclusive evidence in favour of the opinion just expressed. Indeed, from the Firth of Forth we have a complete chain of records extending right through to the Clyde (see map). They would appear to have been most abundant, according to the information furnished, on the coast of Islay. The information for SHETLAND is also deficient, for, as the Messrs. Henderson justly remark, the East Coast would receive the great mass of wrecked Auks driven ashore. It is to be regretted that we have practically no information for that important coast-line. As to the TOTAL NUMBER of Little Auks that perished on the Scottish coasts, it is quite impossible to venture any computation. Mr. A. Laird, writing of the Kirkwall district, Orkney, says that “they have been destroyed by the thousand.” Dr. Ogilvie, writing of the Long Hope district of the same Islands early in January, tells us that these birds, even at that early date, lay dead and dying on the surface of the water and along the shores “in hundreds.” Great numbers were cast up along the entire east coast of the mainland and its RECENT VISITATION OF THE LITTLE AUK TO SCOTLAND 103 firths. A slight indication of the multitudes destroyed may perhaps be gleaned from the numbers sent for preservation to various taxidermists. Thus Mr. Sim, Aberdeen, received 122; Mr. Small, Edinburgh, 70-80; Messrs. M‘Leay and Son, Inverness, 70; Mr. M‘Culloch, Glasgow, 30; and Mr. Bisshopp, Oban, 26. Mr. Evans’s death-roll for the Forth area alone amounts to 270. The wreck of the Little Auk in 1894-95 was not con- fined to Scotland. It extended along the entire east coast of Britain, and often far inland. As giving some indication of the extent of the disaster in England, it may be stated that Mr. J. H. Gurney registered nearly 300 for Norfolk alone. Numerous Guillemots, Razor-bills, Gulls, and other seabirds, likewise succumbed to the severity of the weather on both the Scottish and the English coasts. Regarding the records, it must be remarked that the date given is in some cases not the exact day of the actual find- ing of a particular specimen, but the date on which it came into the taxidermist’s hands for preservation. In a few cases, too, the localities given may not be the precise ones. These little irregularities, which are few, cannot be avoided in connection with data rapidly collected, as in this case. The map affords a graphic illustration of the widespread nature of the wreck of the Little Auk, also some indication of its abundance in the various districts in which it has come under observation and has been reported to us. The thanks of the four gentlemen who have so kindly placed their data in my hands, and of myself, are due to the great number of observers whose names appear in the last column of the tabulated record. To all of these we desire to express our sense of the obligation we are under, and tender to them the thanks and acknowledgments they all so justly deserve. My thanks are also due to Mr. R. C. Mossman, Edinburgh, for affording me access to valuable meteorological data. In concluding, I would again express the opinion that this report gives a mere indication of the extent of the visita- tion and wreck of the Little Auk in Scotland during the winter of 1894-95. Much more is known concerning them than appears here; but more, far more, has happened unwitnessed. 104 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY OF THE REPORTED OCCURRENCES OF THE LITTLE AUK IN SCOTLAND, 1894-95. Date. Locality. 1894. Dec. 22 Near E. Linton, E, Lothian Dec. 23 and | Hoy, Orkney . 24 to Jan. 3 and 4 Dec. 26 North Berwick, E. Lothian IDE, 2s) Crail, Fife Wee: 24 Elie, Fife 39 3° I Dec., end of Jan. 10 to 20 Jan. 11 Jan. II or 12 Jan. 12 3) 29 io Jan. 12,about Jan. 13 Jan. 13 e¢ seg. Jan. 13 a, 3) 5 if) Bay of Spiggie, Shetland . Mearns, Renfrew : Hoy, Orkney . Hoy, Orkney . Nairn Tullichewan, Dumb? t caehine Hoy, Orkney . Wick Bay : Fyvie, Aberdeenshire Gourock . ‘ Brims, Orkney. : Portobello, Edinburgh North Berwick Longhope, Orkney . Kirhope, Orkney Dunbar, East Lothian Logie, Aberdeenshire Ellon, Bdeamouth, Fife Anstruther, ,, St. Andrews, se : Prestonkirk, E. Lothian F Near Dunbar . Near Skene, perdeenare Pitmarthen, 5 Nairn Prestonpans, E. Lothian . Peterhead Mouth of Lunan, Forfarshire Newbigging, 55 Bankfoot, Perthshire Dunbar . ‘ Dalmeny, West Lothian . Close to Aberdour, Fife Fair Isle . Fraserburgh About Aberdeen St. Andrews ‘ Strathkinness, Fife . Granton, Edinburgh Thurso Sauchie, Stirlingshire Numbers. One Many One -b) 39 ~ First seen One . A few . Fourteen seen One Many Twelve be) One 29 Two Many in flocks Numerous after gth Several. One Two ” . Three . Seven . One One shot One 39 99 29 2 ° Many driven ashore A‘flock. One 99 Many é Ten picked up Flock of 70 to 80 seen Many 99 Four One 29 Authority. Geo. Pow. J.G.Moodie-Heddle. k. Small. Oswin Lee. R. & T. Henderson. J. Paterson. J.G.Moodie- Heddle. Douglas Brodie. J. Paterson. J.G.Moodie-Heddle. Lewis Dunbar. G. Sim. Chas. Berry. Dr. T. W. Ogilvie. R. Small. Dr. T. W. Ogilvie. ” D. Bruce. G. Sim. Allan Briggs. R. T. Inglis. Allan Briggs R. Small. G. Pow. G. Sim. M‘Leay & Son. G. Hay. Rev. W. Serle. ** Scotsman.” 99 99 D. Bruce. Chas. Campbell. W. Evans fide — M‘Lauchlan. J. Anderson. A. G. Gavin. G. Sim. Allan Briggs. 99 R. Small. Lewis Dunbar. Crockart & Co. RECENT VISITATION OF THE LITTLE AUK TO SCOTLAND F) Jan., 39 mid . 1. 18, ete: . 18 & 19 3 UG) - Thurso Locality. Killearn, Stirlingshire Rowardennan, _,, Dunmore, Stronachlacher, Stirlingsh’r re Stirling Campbeltown, Argy leshire Banff West coast of Banff . Corgarff, Aberdeenshire Deveron Valley R. Ugie, Aberdeenshire Auchter-Ellon, ,, Old Meldrum _,, Loch Earn, Perthshire rit) rir) Liberton, Edinburgh Prestonpans, E. Lothian . Thurso Kinbrace, Snthedandshire Forss, Caithness Fort William Banffshire : Longside, Aberdeenshire . Callander, Perthshire Blairdrummond, S. Perth- shire St. Andrews, Fife Loch Lomond . Invergowrie Dundee Tongue, Sutherland Kirkwall . j Dunipace, Stirlingshire Denny, FP Leith : Thurso Berridale, Caithness Near Tongue Inverness Inchwayrack, Forfarshire . Stonehaven, Kincardinesh’e Leslie, Fife Thurso District Montrose, Forfarshire Bay, near Strathmore Beauly Nairn Granton-on- Spey Clacknaharry, Inverness- shire Kininylies, 5 North Kessock 5 Kirriemuir, Forfarshire Fettercairn, Kincardineshire Numbers, bi) oe) . Several. One A good many Many Several. One Several. Eighteen One Ten Three One 99 99 te Two One 3) Three Several washed up Many One Four One 39 Two Three One Many on shore Two | One ; : : Many obtained | Authority. J. Paterson. Crockart & Co. bi) 29 J. Paterson. J. Lemmon. 9 99 105 Rev. R. Cushory. Rev. W. Serle. D. Robertson. A. M‘Ewan. J. Dewar. Henry Fraser. Lewis Dunbar. Pr ] M‘Leay & Son. R. Small. Rev. R. Cushory. Crockart & Co. ” Allan Briggs. J. Lumsden. C. Heron Watson. Lewis Dunbar. R. Small. J. A. Harvie-Brown. R. Small. Lewis Dunbar. +P) M‘Leay & Son. W. Duncan. k. Small. 9 Lewis Dunbar. W. Duncan. Lewis Dunbar. M‘Leay & Son. = b] | W. Duncan. re) 14 D 106 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Date Locality. Numbers. Authority. 1895. Jan. 19 Brechin, Forfarshire Several . W. Duncan. “ss Letham Moss, Forfarshire | Two A. Nimmo, jun. Jan. 20 | Kirkwall . } One R. Small. x Kingussie, Inverness- -shire x M‘Leay & Son. Pe St. Andrews 55 Allan Briggs. . Montrave, Fife Two KR. Small. “ North Berwick 9 6 3 Crieff, Perthshire One David Bisset. . Granton, Midlothian sf R. Small. Old Killearn, Stirlingshire of J. Paterson. A Kelso, Roxburghshire Three R. Small. ae Near Dennistoun, Glasgow | One J. Paterson. Jan. 21 Reay Forest, Sutherlandshire| ,, M‘Leay & Son. a St. ‘Andrews of R. Small. Jan. 22 Kkildonan, Sutherlandshire ss M‘Leay & Son. is Invercarron, Ardgay, Ross- 55 3 shire ms Balnagown, Ross-shire a AG 29 | Fearn, 99 33 29 OMe) Alness, 33 99 > - Black Isle, a 56 Ke fs Reymore, Inverness- shire. 3 a = Monicur, Perthshire 5 55 RS Ellon, Aberdeenshire Two - | G, Sim, a Gartincaber, Perthshire Several . Lieut.-Col. Duthie. bis Dunfermline, Fife Two R. Small. Jan. 23 Kirkwall . : 0 <5 Jan. 24 Black Isle, Ross-shire One M‘Leay & Son. 55 Haddo House, Aberdeen- 2 G, Sim. shire a Aberdeen : Two 55 e Portlethan, Kincardineshire One a a3 Maryculter, a8 Ae 43 | Portobello, Midlothian Two R. Small. > Cramond, near Edinburgh | One $5 Dreghorn, Edinburgh One alive W. Evans. pe Near North Berwick One ‘* The Field.” Jan. 25 Portobello, Midlothian Three R. Small. Jan. 26 Loch Spiggie, Shetland One R.& T, Henderson. a5 Prestonpans and Port Seton,| Two — one W. Evans. East Lothian alive Jan. 27 | Stornoway : One M‘Leay & Son. ; Parkhill, Ross- shire . =a ee Jan. 28 Loch Spiggie, § Shetland One R. & T. Henderson. = Naim . ; 3 M‘Leay & Son. os Aberdeen ; S ‘ 5 |) Gs Sri a Off Aberdour, Fife . About twenty | P. Adair. seen—-four shot} 55 . | Callander, Perthshire One Crockart & Co. Jan. 29 | Loch Spiggie, Shetland 5 R. & T. Henderson. Jan. 30 Carbrook, Stirlingshire 9 : . | Crockart & Co. Jan. (?} Dunrossness, Shetland A good many | R. & T. Henderson, RS John o’ Groats. oy threcwrs Lewis Dunbar. 5 Sinclair’s Bay, Caithness . | Many 3 a Dunbeath, a One 5 x Freswick, 55 Two * RECENT VISITATION OF THE LITTLE AUK LO, SCOTLAND 107 Date Locality. Numbers. Authority. 1895. Jan. (?) Stirkoke, Caithness . Two Lewis Dunbar. 56 Sutherland, East Coast Many . T. E. Buckley. mn, Inverness District Mhreey: Hugh Snowie. i Beauly Firth Many T. E. Buckley. nO Port Gordon, Banff . Three G. Thomson. Portsoy, One: A. Donaldson. Jan. (?) and | East Lothian coast—Tan- Many—handled G. Pow. Feb. tallon to Cockburnspath forty-six Jan. (?) Forth District . Over twenty for| W. Hope. preservation 3 Stravithie, Fife One Allan Briggs. 5, Gourock, Renfrewshire Two J. Paterson. 96 Berwick -on-Tweed and | Several J. L. Campbell- Kelso Swinton. Feb. 1 Dunrossness, Shetland One Rk. & T. Henderson. Feb. || och Spispie, 55 ae ‘ +3 oh | Dunbar . : | One seen T. G. Laidlaw. a Off Aberdour, Fife . Flock of 20-30 | W. Evans jide— seen Mr. M ‘Lauchlan. Ss Cambo, Fife , One W. Erskine. nA Rossdhu, Dumbartonshire 55 J. Paterson. Feb. 3 Aberdeen Shore Five G,. Sim. af Aberdeen One PP Feb. 4 Cambo, Fife AS W. Erskine. ns Dunbar A 4 Rk. Small. +3 North Berwick 5 Three A 55 Musselburgh, near Ginn One 50 * Granton, Edinburgh a5 An 35 Portobello, ,, Aa 33 53 . | Aberdour, Fife 5 Crockart & Co. a Near Maryhill, Glasgow . J. Paterson. Feb. 5 St. Andrews ; 3 R. Small. 55 Cockburnspath, Bennicien +5 a - Prestonpans, E. Lothian . aE ‘ : AP 35 Off Aberdour, Fife . | Twoseen alive | W. Evans. 39 Donibristle, Fife | One, remains of| 5 Feb. 6 Dunbar One R. Small. a5 Kinghorn, ite! . | Two an e Cockenzie, East Lothian . | One 5 55 Cramond, near Edinburgh a : PA Feb. 8 Aberdour, Fife One shot W. Laidlaw. 53 Fairburn, Ross-shire One M‘Leay & Son. 5 St. Andrews os Allan Briggs. . North Berwick A R. Small. Heb 9 Riverdale, Inverness - M‘Leay & Son. D5 St. Andrews Two Allan Briggs. oF Portobello Ome 4 R. Small. 5 South Queensferry . | Ten—fresh W. Evans. Feb. 10 Queen’s Park, Edinburgh | One J. Laurie. Feb. 11 Portobello aes R. Small. aD Old Killearn, Stirlingshire 39 J. Paterson. Feb. 12 Meiklewood, near Stirling 36 . Crockart & Co, ebm 13 Rlonthi A dozen R. S. Anderson. Feb. 14 Prestonkirk, East leothicn! | One R. Small. Feb. 16 Falkirk, Stirlingshire $5 Crockart & Co. Feb. 17 Aberdeen ‘ : a G. Sim. 108 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Date Locality. Numbers. Authority, 1895. Feb. 17 Aberdeen Shore One G. Sim. Hebi22 Loch Lomond . e : . | R. Small. 5 North Berwick, west of 17,mostly been} W. Evans. dead consider- able time Feb. 23 Ayr One J. Paterson. Feb. 24 Orkney, outer sounds Many J.G. Moodie Heddle. aS Kangsbarns Shore, Fife Eleven . W. Erskine. Feb. 25 Rowardennan, Stirlingshire One J. Paterson. He Portobello fi R. Small. Feb. 26 Near New Deer, Aberdeen- 5 J. M. Campbell. shire Feb. 27 Aberdeen Harbour . BA G. Sim. Feb. yearly in Edinburgh, south side W. Evans. Date (? ) Lerwick . < : To Thos. Bowie. 35 Kirkwall . Thousands de- | A. Laird. stroyed BG Botriphnie, Banff. . | One A. G. Gavin. SS Near New Pitsligo, Aber- a Fe deenshire 55 Peterhead Sixteen G. Sim. 3 Loch Tay One Pine sie) dag op Perth District . 30 picked up. Lieut.-Col. Drum- mond Hay ro South of Callander . One Arthur Potts. 3 Gartincaber, Perthshire Two J. Stirling. <3 Lindores, Fife. One lise Wea Cooke;: 33 Newburgh, Fife ANoreva Allan Briggs. a Markinch, Fife One R. Tullis. 5 Linlithgow x. W. H. Henderson. 53 Airthrey, near Stirling 5p J. Stirling. ae Foulden, Berwickshire a5 Dr. Stuart. 35 Whitsome, ; Fs 3 s Loch Screidan, Mull ? C. H. Bisshopp. 3 Barra, Hebrides “One only”. | Dr. MacRury. Oban and Mull Twenty-three | C. H. Bisshopp. nA Islay Many at sea | Dr. Gilmour. and inland 5 Campbeltown . (?) Chas. Berry. $5 Dalry, Ayrshire Onew ¥. C. E. Eaton. Mr. Evans tells me, since the above table was set up, that one was picked up at Aberlady Bay, Firth of Forth, in a fresh condition, on the 24th of March. A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED AT OBAN 109 Aisi OF SPIDERS COLLECHED ATSOBAN, ARGYLESHIRE: By Grorce H. Carpenter, B.Sc., and WiLt1AmM Evans, F.R.S.E. [INTRODUCTORY NOTE By W. EVANS.—The following is a list of spiders collected by me in the immediate neighbour- hood of Oban, during a short sojourn there—namely from 13th April to 4th May—in the spring of last year. That the district is rich in spiders can scarcely be doubted, though I cannot say that they were as much in evidence at the time of my visit as I had expected to find them. The weather, however, was not so favourable as could have been wished for, and very probably to this cause may be attributed the somewhat scanty signs of both spider and insect life. Of the seventy species collected, only one, namely Enoplognatha thoracica (Hahn), is new to the Scottish list. Several others, however, are of very considerable interest, and even the commonest are worthy of record in view of the imperfect state of our knowledge respecting their distribution in North Britain. No section of the Scottish fauna will better repay investi- gation than the spiders; and our hope is that the present fragmentary list from Oban may be the means of inducing some naturalist resident in Argyllshire to turn his attention to the group. Experience gained in other districts justifies us in predicting as the reward of say a year’s well-directed research, the discovery not only of species new to Scotland and to Britain, but also of some new to science. A systematic examination of suitable spots from base to summit of one of the higher mountains, Ben Cruachan for instance, would be certain to yield most interesting results. As on former occasions, Mr. Carpenter has kindly over- hauled the collection for me, and from his memoranda and my own field-notes the subjoined list has been drawn up. The identification of a few of the less easily recognised species has been confirmed by the Rev. O. P. Cambridge. The arrangement and nomenclature are, with a few slight exceptions, the same as in our Lists for Edinburgh and IIO ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Aviemore recently published in the Royal Physical Society’s “ Proceedings” and in the present journal respectively. ] SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES. DYSDERID:. HARPACTES HOMBERGII (.Scop.)—Dunolly and Ganavan Bay, a good many ; ad. imm. and very young. SEGESTRIA SENOCULATA (Z.)—Common; four ad. ¢s (on 25th April) and several ad. 9s (one full of eggs); numerous imm. examples, some of them quite young. Oonops PULCHER, Zemf/.—Dunolly and among the hills behind Oban, a few ad. 9s and several imm. DRASSIDZ:. Drassus TROGLODYTES, C. Z. K.—Two only ad. 9?—detected. Drassus Laprposus (Walck.\—Common; five ad. ds (on 25th and 27th April), a few ad. 9s, and a number of imm. and young examples. an imm. ¢ and an CLupiona compta, C. Z. K.—Ad. ? (Dunolly, 21st April) and a few young. CLUBIONA TRIVIALIS, Z. Koch—A few on heather in end of April. CHIRACANTHIUM CARNIFEX (/adr.)—A few imm. 6s and 92s on heather in fir plantations behind Oban. ZORA SPINIMANA (.Suazd.)—Several imm. examples among moss and heather. AGROECA PROXIMA, Camby.—One imm. ? at same time and place as the last. DICTYNID~. DicryNA ARUNDINACEA (Z.)—Common on heather; first adults (both sexes) observed on 26th April. AMAUROBIUS FENESTRALIS (.S¢v.)—Common among stones, etc. AMAUROBIUS SIMILIS (Llackw.)—A few ad. 9s on wall of house. AGELENID. TEGENARIA DERHAMII (.Scof.)—Common in houses. TEXTRIX DENTICULATA (Oliv.)—Several ad. 9s and a number of others of various ages among stones at foot of cliffs Ganavan Bay and at Dunstaffnage Castle. A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED AT OBAN III HAHNIA ELEGANS (4/.)—One 2 among rushes in moist spot among the hills behind Oban, 25th April. HAHNIA MONTANA (427.)—A number of ?s (some ad.) and an imm. d among stones on hills behind Oban, end of April. PEE RED TM DAT. Ero Furcata (Vi//.)\—A number of ?s, mostly ad. THERIDION LINEATUM (CZerck).—Young examples common on furze in end of April and beginning of May. THERIDION sISYPHIUM (C/k.)—Common, but very few yet adult. PHOLCOMMA GIBBUM (Westr.)—An ad. ¢ anda number of 2s among heather. ENOPLOGNATHA THORACICA (//ahn) = Neriene albipunctata, Cambr. “Spid. Dorset.”—-Two ad. 9s of this addition to the Scottish list were found on a bank by the side of the Glencruitten road on 1st May. One of them has been shown to Mr. Cambridge. PEDANOSTETHUS Livipus (£/.)—Adults of both sexes—some beside egg-cocoons—common. BOLYPHANTES LUTEOLUS (42.)—Not common, an ad. ¢ and an ad. 2 being all that were detected. DRAPETISCA SOCIALIS (.Swzd.)—A few young examples. LINYPHIA CLATHRATA, Swvd.—One ad. ¢ and several imm. @s. LINYPHIA PUSILLA, Suwzd.—One ad. 6, 27th April, and a few imm. @?s. LapuLtta THORACICA (W7d.)—Several imm. 9s among stones on the Maiden Isle. LEPTYPHANTES OBSCURUS (B7.) A good many among heather, etc. LEPTYPHANTES BLACKWALLI, Audcz.1= Linyphia sebrina, Cambr. *«Spid. Dorset.”—A few. LEPTYPHANTES TENUIS (B/.)?= Linyphia tenebricola, Cambr. “ Spid. Dorset,” nec. Wid.—Common ; a few ad. ds. LEPTYPHANTES ERICHUS (4/.)—A few among heather. BATHYPHANTES VARIEGATUS (47.)—Common ; adult. 1 The first recorded Scottish examples were taken by me in Fifeshire in September 1893.—W. E. 2 See Rev. F. O. P. Cambridge’s ‘‘ List of the Araneidea of the Cumber- land Lake District,” ‘‘ Naturalist,” February 1895, p. 37. 112 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY BATHYPHANTES CONCOLOR (MVid.)—Ad. ¢ and several 9s. BATHYPHANTES NicRINUS (MWestr.)—Two 9s in marshy spot near Cleugh Inn. BATHYPHANTES GRACILIS (4/.)—Ad. 6 and several 9s. TMETICUS BICOLOR (A4/.)—A few 2s. MicroneETA FuscipaLPis (C. Z, K.)—One ad. d on wire fence, 25th April. GonGyLipIuM FuscuM (4/.)—A pair, ¢ and @, ad. ERIGONE ATRA (427.)—Adults common among shingle, etc. ERIGONE DENTIPALPIS (/V7zd.)—An ad. 6 and several ?s. LopHomMA PuNCcTATUM (4/.)—Four ad. 9s in marshy spot, 25th April. GONATIUM RUBENS (L/.)—Ad. 2s common. GONATIUM BITUBERCULATUM (Wid.)—Ad. 6 and ? in marshy spot near Loch Nell, 28th April. Dismopicus Birrons (L/.)—Ad. ds and @s not uncommon on heather, etc. DIPLOCEPHALUS cRIsTATUS (2/.)—Ad. ¢ under stone, 17th April. SAVIGNIA FRONTATA, Bl. = Walckenaéra frontata, Cambr. “ Spid. Dorset.”—Only one example—an ad. ¢ —detected. AR#oncus crassiceps (Westr.\—Ad. gs and 9s were found in abundance among shingle at high-water mark immediately to the south of Oban on 18th April. A specimen since taken by us at Loch Leven, Kinross-shire, has been the subject of the first Scottish record. This spider seems to have been found in Great Britain nowhere else than in Dorset. On the Continent it has occurred in Bavaria and in Sweden. PEPONOCRANIUM LUDICRUM (Camér.)—Adults common on furze. WALCKENAERA ACUMINATA, B/.—One ¢ and about a dozen @s, all adult. CERATINELLA BREVIS (/Vid.)—Several 9s about roots of heather. EPEIRID~. PACHYGNATHA CLERCKII, Suvd.i—An ad. 2 in marshy spot near Cleugh Inn, 28th April. 1 Tn our previous papers the genus Pachygnatha was placed at the end of the Theridiide, but I now think M. Simon is right in moving it to Zfedride.—G. H. C. A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED AT OBAN 113 PACHYGNATHA DEGEERII, Swzd.—Common on furze, etc. ; adults of both sexes. META SEGMENTATA (C7k.)—Abundant, both ad. and imm.—some very young. META MERIANA, Scof.—A few adults of both sexes and a number immature. ZILLA X-NOTATA (CZk.)—Numerous young examples on shed in centre of Oban; end of April. EPEIRA DIADEMATA (CZk.)—Abundant on cliffs at Ganavan Bay, etc., but all immature ; several cocoons of last year’s eggs on point of hatching. EPEIRA CORNUTA (C7/k.)—One ad. d (3rd May) and a number of imm. 9s on heather in several localities. EPEIRA QUADRATA (C7Z2.) A good many on heather ; all immature. THOMISID. XystTIcus cRIsTatus (C/k.)—Common, a few of the ?s adult. OXYPTILA ATOMARIA (Panz.)—Several ?s, one ad. LYCOSID:. PIRATA PIRATICUS (C7k.)—Immature examples common. TROCHOSA TERRICOLA, Zhor.— 3g and two 9s ad. and a good many imm. TROCHOSA PULVERULENTA (CZZ.) imm. states. Abundant, both in the ad. and LycosA AMENTATA (C7£.)—Very common, especially among shingle on the beach; many adult. Lycosa PULLATA (C7k.)—Very common ; many ad. LycOsA NIGRICEPS, Zzor.—Common among heather; a few ad. LycosA HERBIGRADA, 4/7.—One 9, Glencruitten, 1st May. LycosA PALUSTRIS (Z.)—Common ; numbers adult. ATTIDAL NEON RETICULATUS (4/.)—A good many (including several ad. ¢ s) on stony slope among hills immediately behind Oban, 26th April. 114 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1894, ADDITIONAL TO WATSON’S “TOPO- GRAPHICAL BOTANY,” 2nd Ed. (1883). By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S. THE present series of additions to county lists makes the tenth I have been enabled to publish by the kindness of correspondents. In these ten papers the additions are about 4870; or, allowing for personal confirmations, corrections of errors, etc., say 4500: a sufficiently large number, perhaps,'to show that they have been of some use. It has been my wish and desire to more particularly notice the commoner species, as the rarer ones are generally recorded. As this may be my last, I should like to thank most cordially all those who have so kindly‘helped to make these lists possible. The abbreviations, etc., are the same as in former records, wiz, “Ann. S.No Hi =< Annals: of Secttish= Natural History ”;°< |; B.—* )ourmal of Botany”; © trans 12 Bes =“ Transactions of the Edinburgh Botanical Society”; sf. denotes that a specimen was sent me, and ! denotes that I have seen a specimen from the county. 74. WIGTOWN. (Records by and ss. from /. JZ‘Andrevw.) Ranunculus circinatus. Calamintha Acinos. 3 Lenormandi. Utricularia intermedia. Arabis Thaliana. Carex filiformis. Mentha piperata (officinalis). Bromus sterilis. fy. AYR, Carlina vulgaris, 7. Smith, Sept. 1894, sp. Pulicaria dysenterica, Dr. Fudlarton, Oct. 1894, sp. Utricularia neglecta, Z. Watt, 1892, sf. 77. LANARK. Hieracium auratum, Fr. Be aor \ Johnstone, “77aus, 2. .5.9S.," voor. >) RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1894 115 85. FIFE. Hieracium subramosum, Lonnr. 86. STIRLING. (Records by and sfs. from Col. Stirling and R. Kidston.) Ranunculus trichophyllus. Nuphar intermedium. Myriophyllum spicatum, Andromeda Polifolia. Vaccinium Oxycoccus. Veronica persica (Buxbaumii). Potamogeton Zizii. undulatus. 4 lucens. Ss nitens, Potamogeton rufescens. A, Sturrockil. B; Bennettii, Fryer. * pectinatus. Typha angustifolia. Zannichellia palustris. Juncus tenuis, Willd. Carex distans. Festuca sylvatica. 88. Mip-PERTH. Cochlearia micacea, Marshall, “J. B.,” 1894, p. 289. Hieracium duplicatum, Almq., “J. B.,” 1894, p. 229. 92. ABERDEEN, SOUTH. Hieracium petiolatum, Elfstr., “J. B.,” 1894, p. 22 ie dissimile, Lindeb., “J. B.,” 1894, p. 23 94. BANFF. Scirpus rufus, pers. auth., Z. Watt. Carex extensa, Z. Watt. » vulpina, Z. Wate. 96. EASTERNESS (East Inverness). Hieracium dissimile, Lindeb., “J. B.,” 1894, p. 230. Juncus alpinus, Vill, Yruce, “Ann. S. N. H.;” 1894, p. 122: g7. WESTERNESS (West Inverness). (Sps. from S. AZ, Macvicar.) Rubus pyramidalis, Kalt. » Infestus. Ajuga pyramidalis (confirmed). Utricularia neglecta. Salsola Kali. Potamogeton perfoliatus. as prelongus. (Inthe 1893 record P. pusil/us ap- peared instead of prelongus ; but Mr. Macvicar having sent fzzsz/Zus also, the latter may stand.) Cladium Mariscus. Keeleria cristata. Sclerochloa loliacea. 116 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 98. ARGYLE. (All, except Rubus, recorded by Rev. Z. S. Marshall, and sps. sent by him to me.) Cochlearia micacea, Marshall. Rubus dumnoniensis, Bab., ; \ WVU . MW. Rogers. ,. pulcherrimus, Newm., | AOR 1. Rogers Hieracium reticulatum, Lindeb. Hieracium Langwellense, Hanb. es flocculosum. Utricularia neglecta. - atratum, Fr. Juncus alpinus, Vill. 99. DUMBARTON. Utricularia intermedia, Z. Watt, sf. 5 neglecta ? LZ, Watt, sp. 100. CLYDE ISLES. Sparganium affine, 4. Somerville, sp. Cladium Mariscus, Ballantyne, “Glasgow. N. H. Soc.,” 1894. 103. EBUDES, MID. Rubus plicatus. » dumnoniensis, Bab. 72 CONES, Woging’ I S. M. Macvicar t. M. Rogers. », villicaulis, var. 2 » mucronatus. », Radula, Weihe. 105. WEST Ross. The majority of this large number of records was sent to me by Mr. Druce before publication of his papers in “Trans. By Sabdse 1894, and “ Ann. S, N. H.,” 1895. * Caltha radicans.” Lathyrus maritimus. Fumaria Boreei. Prunus spinosa. 5 officinalis. Rubus suberectus. Barbarea vulgaris. ee iSSUs: Cochlearia ‘‘ groenlandica ” 5, plicatus. Sisymbrium officinale. rhamnifolius. Coronopus Ruellii. »» Incurvatus. Stellaria graminea. ,, leucostachys. Sagina nodosa. villicaulis, vav. Spergularia rubra. » macrophyllus. Erodium cicutarium. » pulcherrimus, Neum. Vicia angustifolia. »» mucronatus. RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1894 Rubus Radula. » corylifolius. Potentilla Fragariastrum. Epilobium angustifolium. 7Cheerophyllum temulum. 7Scandix Pecten-Veneris. 7thusa Cynapium. Adoxa Moschatellina. Gnaphalium uliginosum. Petasites vulgaris. Hieracium iricum. a rubicundum, Hanb. Eupatorium, Griseb. 7 Lycopsis arvensis. Mertensia maritima. Scrophularia nodosa. 7 Veronica polita. arvensis. is Anagallis. Utricularia minor. Mentha hirsuta. 4 sativa. Glechoma hederacea. PB) Stachys ambigua. Lamium amplexicaule. Atriplex hastata. Rumex acutus. 5 domesticus. »» conspersus. +Ulmus suberosa. {Salix viminalis ? 5, smithiana. Juniperus nana. Listera ovata. Habenaria albida. Sparganium minimum. Scirpus fluitans. Carex rupestris. Festuca elatior. Bromus giganteus. »» | racemosus. s commutatus, Triticum caninum. Asplenium viride. Polypodium Phegopteris. Equisetum arvense. 107. SUTHERLAND, EAST. Pyrola rotundifolia (AZ/rs. Wahab), Mr. Kidston, sp. 108. SUTHERLAND, WEST. Adoxa Moschatellina | Alopecurus pratensis J Hieracium hyparticum, Almq. ) ,, n Carenorum, Hanb. J Druce Ann. So N; Hi; ps 30s 1805: J. Bias. Tog. CAITHNESS. Cochlearia “ groenlandica, L.,” Marshall, “J. B.,” 1894, p. 114. Hieracium dissimile, Lindeb., “‘ J. B.,” 1894, p. 230. >) Farrense, Hanb., Shoolbred herb. ! I1o. OUTER HEBRIDES. 117 (All records and s/s. from Zr. Schoolbred, except Chrysosplenium.) Ranunculus Flammula, v. petio- laris, Marshall. Nuphar luteum (confirmed). Brassica campestris. Lychnis alba. Spergularia marginata. 118 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Rubus rusticanus, Merc. » gratus, Focke. » Radula, Weihe. mucronatus. carpinifolius, ? W. and N. rosaceus, P? W. and N. @hrysosplenium oppositifolium, W. S. Duncan, sp. t. MZ. Rogers. Epilobium angustifolium. Euphorbia Peplus (one stray s/., CGEnanthe Lachenalii. on rubbish). Valerianella dentata Alisma ranunculoides. Galium sylvestre. Zannichellia pedicellata. Petasites vulgaris (confirmed). Carex paniculata. Anthemis Cotula. », | xanthocarpa, Degl. Gnaphalium sylvaticum. Phalaris arundinacea. Veronica persica (1 stunted sf.) | TPoa nemoralis. Utricularia neglecta ? Aira caryophyllea (confirmed). Suzeda maritima. Festuca sciuroides (confirmed). Salsola Kali. Triticum junceum ? ‘‘acutum.” Polygonum Raii (confirmed). Elymus arenarius (confirms Mac- 3 lapathifolium. gillivray’s record). As yet no Scottish specimens of supposed U¢fricularia neglecta have been seen in flower. ON RANOUNGULES FLAMMOLA, BIG: By the Rev. E. S. MarsuHaLt, M.A., F.L.S. I READ with great interest Mr. Ewing’s recent paper (No. 12, pp. 235-239), which shows that ie has studied these plants with much attention. Detailed criticism is impossible for me, as I have never visited Loch Leven, upon the plants of which his observations are mainly based ; nor have I had an opportunity of seeing his specimens. As, however, I cannot agree with some of his inferences, I will venture upon a few remarks. In the first place, the method adopted of writing all the nine forms discussed as “. Flammutla,’ “R. pseudo- reptans,’ etc., is open to grave objection. “ States,” varieties (?), and species or’ subspecies, are here put side by side as if of equal rank, which obviously will not do. Secondly, it is asserted, with regard to the plants treated of (excepting FR. veptans), that “situation has no more to do with these forms than it has with the forms of other plants.” ON RANUNCULUS FLAMMULA, ETC. 119 Perhaps not ; but then, with other polymorphic species, such as Lpdlobium obscurum and E. parviflorum, situation has a great deal to do with the forms assumed. The inference drawn by Mr. Ewing is that the variations do not depend upon situation. Mr. Beeby found that var. radzcans, Nolte, from Shetland, perhaps the most marked of our Flammula forms, immediately became good average type under pot- culture ; and I have myself observed considerable alteration in the same individuals during successive seasons, according as the year was a wet or a dry one. If botanists were to subdivide the species on Mr. Ewing’s lines, I think that we might distinguish from twelve to twenty British forms about as strongly marked as those which he enumerates ; but most of us are likely to feel that such a result would not benefit science. Nor does it seem either desirable or possible for any authority, however skilful, to set up a kind of photographic “type,” as he suggests. Judging by the descriptions given, I am disinclined to separate permanently from type, as varieties, any of the eight proposed forms, feeling entirely sceptical as to their stability under altered conditions. Here it is necessary to say that Mr. Ewing’s R. petcolaris is evidently not my &. petzolaris. That was described (and very well figured) as a speczes in the “Journal of Botany ” for 1892, pp. 289-290—a fact which seems to have escaped Mr. Ewing’s notice. That it is a “critical” species, perhaps the result of a gradual evolutionary process, is beyond question ; but it has retained its striking peculiarities unimpaired, ever since 1888, in ordinary garden ground—a situation about as different from the original one as could be desired. It is not a strong-stemmed plant,—rather more slender, in fact, than average /lammula of the same height,—nor have I ever found it in muddy situations or on peat. It prefers gravelly or stony lake-sides ; and I have seen no specimens as yet from the East of Scotland (Loch Gainamheach, Argyle, although draining to the Tay basin, is far west), though I have carefully searched for it in several likely localities. I have, however, gathered on mud beside Cauldshields Loch, Selkirk- shire, a form of 2. Flammula which agreed very well with Mr. Ewing’s description, and which is probably the same 120 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY thing ; its resemblance to true AX. fetzolaris is purely super- ficial. Only the other day a small and slender /lammula form which I have noticed in West Sutherland and elsewhere was sent to me as &. fetzolaris, which it does not at all closely approach, by an accomplished Scottish botanist. I think that “var. radicans” is better entitled to bear the name of pseudo-reptans than what Mr. Ewing describes under (4), judging both from Syme’s description and from the mimicking of A. reptans by the former. The suggestion that “ var. vadicans” is a hybrid scarcely calls for serious ex- amination. R. reptans 1 have never had an opportunity of seeing alive in Britain; but I found it some years ago by a mountain lake in the Upper Valais, Switzerland, growing on mud, in the greatest profusion, at 6500 feet above sea-level, since which time I have never felt much real doubt about its specific distinctness. Mr. Ewing’s experience of its brittle nature exactly agrees with my own. There was no “ shading-off” towards R. Hlammula that I could detect (and I made a long and careful search in order to arrive at a definite conclusion, if possible). In the solitary fruit on my Loch Leven specimen, collected by Boswell Syme, the beale: 1s.almost exactly as Gepresented in: “EF; By edy ime & xxx, though rather more slender, and crowned with the per- sistent stigma. I should hardly have called it “short,” but shrinkage in drying probably makes some difference. ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. Pine Marten in Aberdeenshire.—A full-grown specimen of the rare Pine Marten (M/ustela martes) was caught here in a vermin trap on the 19th November last. It was very ferocious and dangerous to approach, and showed much fight to the last. It was in full winter pelage, and of the cream or pale yellow-throated variety. The limbs were short and remarkably strong, the body lean and thin. The extreme length was 321 inches, and the breadth between the tips of the ears 5 inches. It was handed over to me by the keeper who caught it, and it now forms part of my collection. —GEorE Sim, Gourdas, Fyvie. [We examined a fine female which had also been obtained near Fyvie during the second week of November last.—Eps. | ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 121 Pine Marten in Inverness-shire.—In some recent correspondence with Mr. Cecil H. Bisshopp, Taxidermist, Oban, he informs me that last year he received two Pine Martens (J/wstela martes) from Mamore Forest, Kinlochmore (Inverness-shire), and in the previous year three from the same locality. As this mammal is becoming scarcer every year, it is desirable to place these occurrences on record. —CHARLES CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park. Wild Cat in Renfrewshire.—A fine mature male Wild Cat (Felts catus) was killed on the 26th of January last on Gleniffer Braes by Mr. Frank Lowe, gamekeeper to James Coats, Esq., of Ferguslie. It weighed 10 lbs. 5 ozs., and measured 2 feet from the nose to the root of the tail, and the tail 123 inches. ‘The animal’s footprints betrayed its lair, which it is believed to have occupied for a number of years. It has been acquired for the Paisley Free Museum.—Morris YOuNG, Paisley. Wild Cat in Argyleshire.—The January number of the “Annals” contained a notice of the recurrence of the Wild Cat (4eds catus) in Ardnamurchan. I have now, on the authority of Mr. Ross, head- gamekeeper there, to report the capture in January last of two more specimens on the same estate; one being got at Gorsten and the other at Glenborrodale, places about eight miles apart. Both seem to have been caught in the rabbit-traps.—A. Burn Murpbocu, Edinburgh. Reeurrenece of the Wild Cat in Morvern, Argyleshire.—In the January number of the “Annals,” Mr. A. Burn Murdoch gave some recent records of the occurrence of the Wild Cat in Ardna- murchan, and concluded his note by remarking, “It looks, however, as if in some happy central deer-forest home the species is so far prosperous as to be able to give off emigrants at times.” This last sentence seems to receive confirmation from, and perhaps to account for, what has recently come under my notice. About the end of February I received information that two Wild Cats (eds catus) had been killed by one of the gamekeepers on Ardtornish Estate, near the ruins of the old Castle of Ardtornish, bordering on the Sound of Mull. Their weight was given as 114 lbs. and 12 lbs., and length 34 inches from tip to tip. As far as I can find out, it is nearly twenty years since the last authentic occurrence of the Wild Cat in this district; and wishing to receive additional evidence-regard- ing these last captures, I wrote to Mr. Bisshopp of Oban, to whom they had been sent for preservation. In his reply he states: “I received a male Wild Cat from Ardtornish Estate on the 18th of February, and again on the 22nd a female Wild Cat. Without a doubt these are the genuine Wild Cat. I get a few from time to time, but from places farther north.”—-CHas. CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park. 14 E 122 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY The Missel Thrush in Shetland.—A specimen of this bird was shot near Lerwick in November last. Dr. Saxby says of this species : ““The very few Missel Thrushes which do visit us appear in hard weather, doubtless for temporary shelter; but they are as shy here as elsewhere.” —“ Shetland News,” 17th November 1894. Whitethroat and Ring Dove in Shetland.—On the 13th of June 1894 I saw a Whitethroat (.Sy/va cinerea) searching for insects in a cottage garden in Mid Yell. On the 4th of the same month I put up a Ring Dove (Columba palumbus) from a little watercourse on the top of the cliffs in the very north of Yell, almost opposite the Gloup Holm. It was not wild, and soon alighted, and I had a good look at it through my binoculars. The dates on which these birds were observed may be considered of sufficient interest to warrant me in placing these occurrences on record.—NoORMAN RAE- BURN, Edinburgh. The Tree-Sparrow in Aberdeenshire.—A ‘Tree -Sparrow (Passer montanus) was killed here on the 2nd November last by a boy of mine. He had seen it occasionally about the house for some time previous, but it always kept aloof from the common species. This is the first authentic proof of it occurring here.—GEORGE SIM, Gourdas, Fyvie. Mealy Redpoll in Kirkeudbright.—In January last a bird- catcher who had been plying his vocation a few miles out of Dum- fries, on the Stewartry side of the Nith, informed me that he had captured two large Redpolls, which on inspection proved to be undoubted Mealy Redpolls (Zzzota linaria), a species which only very rarely occurs so far tothe westward as the Solway region.— ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown. Waxwings in the South-East of Seotland.—The appearance of the Waxwing (Ampelis garrulus) in the south-eastern counties of Scotland is too common an event to be always associated with a severe winter. Nevertheless, long spells of frost and snow seldom occur without some of these birds being observed, and the protracted storm which characterised the first two months of the present year has proved no exception. ‘The first example that came under my notice was captured near Gifford in East Lothian on roth January by Mr. D. King; on 7th February another, which I had an opportunity of examining in the flesh, was shot at Shielshaugh, Bowhill, Selkirkshire, by Mr. Martin, gamekeeper; and on 8th February a third was picked up by a surfaceman on the railway near Earlston. All proved on dissection to be males.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh. The Shorelark near Dunbar.—On 15th January 1895 a Shore- lark (Ov¢ocorys alpestris) was shot on the beach near the “ Vaults,” about two miles east of Dunbar. Only two birds were seen. The specimen secured was a female. Its companion hung about the ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 123 place for fully a week, but would not allow a near approach. It was evidently a male, as its colours were better defined than were the colours of the specimen secured.—D. Bruce, Dunbar. Shorelarks near Aberlady, East Lothian.—On oth February last (1895) I went along the shore from Longniddry to Gullane Ness, with the express purpose of looking for shorelarks (Otocorys alpestris), and was lucky enough to find two, both of which I secured. They were feeding at tide-mark in a small bay a mile or so to the east of the rocks known locally as ‘‘ Jovie’s Neuk,” that is, about three miles east of the village of Aberlady. The taxidermist to whom they were sent for preservation states that one is a male, but the sex of the other he could not make out.—D. PERcy AITKEN, Dunbar. Hoopoe in Peeblesshire.—Some time ago I saw, in the hands of Mr. Hope, taxidermist, George Street, a Hoopoe (Upupa efops) which he had received in the flesh from Peeblesshire in the spring of 1893. On inquiry I have since ascertained that the bird was shot at Edston Farm Pond, about two miles from Peebles, on 22nd April in the year mentioned, by Robert Gilchrist, gamekeeper.— WiiiaAmM Evans, Edinburgh. Roller in Aberdeenshire.—A fine specimen of the Roller (Coracias garrulus) was shot in the parish of Cruden, four miles from Peterhead, on June 1893, and was mounted by a local taxidermist. I had heard about this specimen some time ago, but have only recently been able to obtain particulars of its capture.—WILLIAM SERLE, Peterhead. Barn Owl in Caithness.—A female Barn Owl (Strix flammea) —a rare bird in North Caithness—was shot by the Forss keeper at Crosskirk, on the 5th of January. It was “bolted” from a rabbits’ burrow by a ferret.—LrEwis Dunpar, Thurso. On the Tufted Duck in South-West Scotland.—Mr. R. H. Read’s contribution to the October number of the ‘“ Annals,” on the nesting of the Tufted Duck (/digula cristata) in Kast Renfrewshire, I have read with much interest. My excursions to the lochs in that district, though numerous, have hitherto been confined almost entirely to the winter and spring months ; and though the occurrence of this duck had not been overlooked, it had been mixed up (not for the first time) with the Golden-eye. As Mr. Read indicates, the Tufted Duck abounds even in the breeding season, and is now one of the most common birds of the district. There are many localities, how- ever, in the South-West still not colonised by this species, and in illustration of this, I may say that I visited, in June 1893, Loch Moan in Ayrshire and Loch Trool in Kirkcudbrightshire without seeing it; while in June of 1894 I was at Lochs Ken, Harrow, Dungeon, 124 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY and Minnoch in Kirkcudbrightshire, and Mochrum and Castle Lochs in Wigtownshire, and in only one instance, referred to in the July number of the ‘“ Annals,” did I find any evidence of its presence. This is a great contrast to what obtains among the lochs of East — Renfrewshire. It would be interesting if the extension of the Tufted Duck’s range was carefully chronicled, not only in the South-West but throughout Scotland. This can be done more satisfactorily when the process is going forward than after it has become a thing accom- plished. It becomes of importance now to know where it does not breed.—JOHN PATERSON, Glasgow. The Pintail, Great Grey Shrike, and Jay in Renfrewshire.— On Saturday, 22nd December last, after the great storm, a drake Pintail (Dajfila acuta) was shot on one of the Mearns lochs. This duck is of rare occurrence in East Renfrewshire. I only know of another one shot a number of years ago on a small pond in Nether Pollok. On the 12th of February of this year a Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) was observed on the loch side near to Castle Semple, by George M‘Arthur (Mr. J. W. Shand-Harvey’s keeper), who shot one near the same place fifteen years since in May. I am not aware of any record of the occurrence of the Jay (Garrulus glandarius) in Renfrewshire, and Mr. Lumsden in his “ Notes on the Distribution of the Common Jay in Scotland” (‘Scot. Nat.,” 11. p. 233) says he has no note of it ever having occurred in this county. In the course of some inquiries on the birds of this district, I am informed by Mr. Allan Gilmour Yr. that he remembers one being shot in the Stonebyres wood about twenty-five years since. —JOHN PATERSON, Glasgow. Smew in Midlothian.—It may interest your readers to know that a friend of mine shot a Smew (Mergus albellus) on the Water of Leith, in Redhall Grounds, near Slateford, on gth February. The specimen is a young male.—Davip CHALMERS, Slateford. {We are informed that an adult male Smew was shot on the river Earn, near Crieff, on Tuesday, the 5th of February, by Mr. H. Kelsall.— Eps. | Brent and Pink-footed Geese on the Solway.—The Brent Goose (Lernica brenta) is sufficiently scarce on the Solway to deserve a note. One was shot on the Ken, above New Galloway, at the end of December last, which had evidently been blown inland by the gales. Three others were obtained at about the same time, two at Carsethorne. The Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) has also put in an appearance in large numbers this winter. One very curious bird was sent to me from Kirkconnell for examination. It was much larger in its dimensions than the largest birds of the species I had previously seen; was, in fact, fully larger than an average Bean Goose. Its coloration was in all respects the same ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 125 as an ordinary Pink-foot, except that round the base of the upper mandible there was a broad band of white feathers.—R. SERVICE, Maxwelltown. Hybrid between Red and Black Grouse.—A very fine speci- men of a hybrid between Grouse and Black-game was shot in December of last year near Ardgay, Ross-shire. The bird is a male, very dark, and showing the Red Grouse feathers here and there on its glossy black breast. ‘The head and tail are distinctly those of a Grey-hen, and the plumage is much spotted with white. Perhaps the most curious part of the bird is the foot. The toes are feathered half-way to the claws, the rest quite bare ; and they show the pectina- tions distinctly, though not to such an extent as a true Black-game. The legs are well feathered.—T. E. Buck ey, Inverness. Black-tailed Godwit in Orkney.—A male Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa belgica) was shot at Westray, in Orkney, on the 21st of September 1894, by Mr. G. Ellis, of Barrow-on-Soar, and sent to me for preservation. Mr. T. E. Buckley tells me that this specimen seems to be the first recorded for the Orkneys on satisfactory evidence.—LrEwis DunBAR, Thurso. Little Gull at St. Andrews.—A Little Gull (Zarus minutus) was picked up alive on the Links Burn on the 2oth of January last. It was a bird of last year—z.e. about six months old.—ALLAN Briccs, St. Andrews. Ivory Gull in Aberdeenshire.—An immature Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea) was shot at Rosehearty in November 1894. During the storm of the 13th January last, an old bird in good plumage was captured at Fraserburgh. This latter bird I examined while in the hands of the local bird-stuffer—WILLIAM SERLE, Peterhead. Great Crested Grebe in Wigtownshire.—Sir Herbert Maxwell tells us in the last number of the “‘ Annals” that a young male of this species had been observed at the White Loch of Myreton. In the first week of June last year, with two friends, I had the pleasure of walking round this interesting loch. One of the first birds we saw was a Great Crested Grebe (Podicifes cristatus) in full plumage,‘ and we all had ample opportunity of watching it through our glasses. We supposed it would be breeding there, but in our brief visit we only saw one bird.—Joun Paterson, Glasgow. Red-necked Grebe at Dunbar.—On roth February last a Red- necked Grebe (Podicipes griseigena) was shot near Dunbar Harbour by A. Main, fisherman, from whom I got it. The bird was a male in winter plumage. Several have been seen about the district.— D. Bruce, Dunbar. 126 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Red-necked and Eared Grebes near Dunbar.—During January and February last I obtained the following Grebes between Dunbar and Skateraw, namely: an Eared Grebe (Podicipes nigricollis), male, shot on 12th January ; and two Red-necked Grebes (P. gviseigena), female and male, shot on 5th and 18th February respectively.— D. Percy AITKEN, Dunbar. Red-necked Grebes in the neighbourhood of Dunbar.—On 17th February last I found a dead Red-necked Grebe (Podicipes griseigena) on Peffer sands, a few miles to the west of Dunbar; and on the 23rd a very fine male, almost in full summer plumage, was sent here from Cockburnspath to be stuffed: it had been shot.— G. Pow, Dunbar. Red-necked Grebes on the East Lothian Coast.—The stormy weather of January and February last seems to have told somewhat severely on the Red-necked Grebe (Podicipes grisezgena), if we may judge by the following instances of examples washed up on the shores of East Lothian. On 26th January I found onehalf-buried, but quite fresh, among the vejectamenta on the beach a mile or so to the east of Port Seton. On 17th February Mr. Pow picked up another, which he kindly sent me, on the sands at Peffer Burn, between Tynemouth and Tantallon. Then on 22nd February I saw the remains of a third among cast-up seaweed, etc., on the Dirleton shore, and found a fourth (a male with the occipital tufts well developed) newly left by the tide in Gullane Bay. Several, I hear, have been shot in the neighbourhood of Dunbar. Examples of this Grebe are usually to be seen cast up on our shores after a series of easterly gales during the winter months, and individuals are occasionally found miles inland. Numbers were obtained during the winter 1880-81, and in the beginning of March 1888 I examined several which had been washed ashore at Largo, North Berwick, and Granton.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh. [Several other Red-necked Grebes have been reported to us. The Rev. Wm. Serle tells us that one was shot at Peterhead during the first week in February. One shot on Loch Earn early in February was presented to the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art by Mr. Tom Speedy. Two were shot off Aberdour, in the Firth of Forth, on 8th February, by Dr. Badger and Mr. W. Laidlaw.—Ebs. | Sand Smelt or Atherine in Scottish Waters.—Trom a recent correspondence there seems to be some misunderstanding as to the range of this fish—the Azherina presbyter of Cuvier. I am surprised to learn that the Messrs. Anderson, fishmongers, Edinburgh, have never seen this fish before from Scotland. Parnell was acquainted with the fish as from the Forth, where he seems to say that it was formerly more plentiful than in his time. It is not uncommon, although probably local and uncertain, in the West of Scotland. I first met it at the mouth of a stream entering Loch Creran, where ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 127 quite a shoal of them had entered the estuary at low water. The following year, about the same time,—July-August,—they were again frequenting the same place, when I obtained a number of them without difficulty. I have no doubt, if suitable nets were in use throughout the west, we should hear of this fish far oftener. Mr. M‘Lean of Carsaig informs me that they are plentiful to the west of Mull. They have also been obtained from Loch Linnhe. ‘The term ‘‘Argyleshire” is so general that it is of little value as a locality. The specimen in the Edinburgh Museum is, I believe, labelled Argyle, as this locality is also given by Messrs. Anderson for their supply received in February last. Now, as this term includes the Clyde area to some extent, it is very misleading. I am disposed to conclude that it was from this area that the parcel referred to came, as they were said to be taken by Spardzng fishers, and no such fishers, to my knowledge, work north of the Clyde. Indeed I have no reliable record of the true Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) being ever taken north of the Mull of Cantyre, in the Hebrides. The Hebridal Smelt (A7gentina sphyrena) here takes its place. It is necessary to bear this in mind when dealing with these several species, and to make certain that they are not mistaken the one for the other. ‘The Hebridal Smelt is apparently a deep- water species, taken by Dr. Murray in the Clyde and by me in some quantity around Skye. They are much larger than the Atherine, and can scarcely be mistaken by a trained observer, but would undoubtedly be termed .Sve/¢s by an ordinary fisherman. —N. Harris, W. S. Duncan, s/., August 1895. Mr. Duncan has just lately (26th August 1895) sent me a turf with living specimens of this interesting Carex. It corre- sponds with nothing I have under the species for Asia, America, or Europe, and ex descrip. seems to come between C. flavicans, Nyl., and C. sficudosa, Fr., but wanting the rough apex to the glumes of the latter. I have not been able yet to see authentic specimens of the “species” Nylander describes in his works on the Flora Fennica, but hope to. OQ PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA, Z.—Near Balleloch, N. Uist, Dr. Shool- bred. AVIA CARYOPHYLLEA, Z.—N. Uist, Dr. Shoolbred, confirming Mac- gillivray’s record. CAREX FUSCA IN SCOTLAND 247 AVIA CRESPITOSA, Z., va7. PSEUDO-ALPINA, Syme.—Clisham, Dr. Shoolbred. A. FLExvosa, Z., var. MONTANA, Hook, f—Clisham, Dr. Shoolbred. CATABROSA AQUATICA, Beauv., Var. LITTORALIS, Paru.—sSea-coast, west side of Benbecula, Dr. Shoolbred. Poa NEMOoRALIS, Z.—Old wall of Hotel Garden, Tarbert, Harris, Dr. Shoolbred. Native? GLYCERIA FLUITANS, 2. Br., var. TRITICA, /v.—Marsh near Loch Maddy Hotel, N. Uist, Dr. Shoolbred. Festuca sciuroipEs, otk.—Wall top, east side of Loch Maddy. This is reported in “Top. Bot.,” ed. 2; but I cannot learn on what authority. AGROPYRON JUNCEUM, Beauv.—Coast near Balleloch, N. Uist, Ben- becula, Dr. Shoolbred. ELYMUS ARENARIUS, Z.—Small islet in Loch Maddy, N. Uist. (“Of very rare occurrence,” Macgillivray.) Dr. Shoolbred confirms this old record of 1831. Dr. Shoolbred’s paper and Mr. Duncan’s additions show that time spent in these islands will not be without good results ; there is yet more to be done by willing hands. CAREX FUSCA, ALLION, IN=SCOTEAND: By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S. IN a parcel of plants kindly sent me by my friend Mr. W. F. Miller from Inverness (Westerness, Co. 97) I was much pleased to find a specimen of the above Carex. It has been known as an Irish plant (as C. Burbaumzz, Wahl.) since 1835, in which year it was discovered by Mr. D. Moore on an island in Lough Neagh, near Toom-Bridge. In its Scottish habitat it occurs in five distinct places around and near a loch in the district of Arisaig. I cannot do better than give, in my friend’s own words, his account of his second visit to the loch to see its extent and surround- ings :—“I went to the place again last evening, and thoroughly explored the loch, a matter of some difficulty, as, besides the swampy nature of the ground, there are several deep water_ courses too wide to jump, which have to be taken in flank 248 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY I examined all round the lake thoroughly, and crossed and recrossed the boggy ground, and was rewarded by finding four additional patches of the plant. Three of them, like the first station, are on the west side of the loch, and close to it ; the other is on the north side, in the midst of the swamp, and 26 of 30 yards from the Jake. Each of the patches ms} roughly speaking, about the same size (8 or 10 square yards), but not any of the new stations are so full of the plant as the first one. So far as I could see, there are no connecting links between the different stations; stragglers from the main body do not extend far.” It grows associated with such plants as Evzophorum angustifolium, Drosera, sps. Carex filiformis, C. fulva, a var. (?) of C. Goodenovu, Rhinanthus, Galium palustre, Equise- tum limosum, a very narrow-leaved form of Orchzs maculata, Rhynchospora alba, a form of Agrostis (?), of the name of which as yet I do not feel certain, etc. The loch is situated “in a slight hollow amongst the low hills (or rather knolls), many of them wooded, which are one peculiarity of the district. Its height above sea-level is certainly under 100 feet. The highest land above the side of the loch where the Carer grows is about 400 feet; but it does not rise directly from the loch—there is a considerable breadth of boggy moorland, with a very slight rise. The loch itself seems to have a peaty bottom. It is a great place for white Water-Lilies, also for Scirpus Tabernemontant. My friend has, with living specimens of the Carex, kindly sent a list of the plants (and numerous vouchers) of the district, which seems to be a very interesting one. I hope he will publish this list after I have collated it with “ Topo- graphical Botany,” etc. In “ English Botany ” Dr. Boswell Syme mentions (under Carex vulgaris), from Clackmannanshire, a plant as greatly resembling some of the dark-spiked forms of C. Buxbaumiz, but proving to be a form or monstrosity of C. vulgaris. No record of the species has hitherto been made from Great Britain. On the Continent it is recorded from thirteen pro- vinces of Sweden, North and South Norway “to 70° 7) ashe Fries,’ Lapland, nineteen of the botanical provinces of Fin- land to “ Paatsjoki, 69°” ¢este Wainio ; (but it does not seem ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 249 to be recorded from Iceland or the Faroes). Central (Alps, etc.) Europe to middle Russia and France. In Asia—East, West, and Southern Siberia; Kamts- chatka. North America—from the Saskatchewan and Lake Winnipeg southwards to Virginia, and across the continent from east to west. Australian Alps. The principal names it occurs under are :— Carex fusca, Allioni: “Fl. Ped.,” vol. 2, 269 (1785). C. polygama, Schkuhr : “ Riedgraser,” 1, 84 (1801). C. subulata, Schumacher : “ Enum. Pl. Sell.” 270 (1801). C. Buxbaumit, Wahl.: “Vet. Akad. Stockh.,” 163 (1803). C. canescens, Lin. herb. fide Hook. and Arnott, “ Brit. Flora,” ed. 8, p. 507 (1860). “English Botany Supp.,” t. 2885. Moore and More: “Cybele Hibernica,” p. 329 (1866). Bailey, in “ Memoirs Torrey. Bot. Club,” No. 1, 63 (1889). Certainly one of the most interesting additions to the Scottish Flora that have been made in late years, and a promise of others when all its lochs shall have been carefully and systematically examined. Of our species, C. fusca most nearly resembles in appear- ance a vadgaris form without the male spikes, and the fruit without a beak (or an exceedingly short one), and the stigmas three. I have seen specimens for Sutherland with much the facies of fusca, but they were only vulgaris forms. ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. Capture of a Badger on the Pentland Hills.—On the 26th of May last a fine male Badger (JZe/es taxus), which I saw shortly after- wards, was dug out of a deep burrow on Boghall Hill, near the eastern extremity of the Pentlands, and within four miles of Edin- burgh, by the shepherd and other servants on Boghall Farm, who, up to the last moment, were under the impression that the “earth” was tenanted by a fox. There can be little doubt the animal is one which made its escape a week or two before from Craiglockhart, where it had been kept in confinement for some time. The occur- rence is therefore scarcely worth putting on record, except to prevent future misunderstanding.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh. 250 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Common Hare in Mull.—The Common or Red Hare was at one time very plentiful in Mull, where it thrived well until some few years ago; but, so far as I am aware, they are now completely exter- minated. There was one, probably the very last in the island, shot on the Laggan Beat on this estate on the 13th December 1882, by Mr. Rossell Barnett, which weighed 12 lb. It is difficult to account for the total disappearance of this animal. In my humble opinion the want of cropping has had much to do with it. I have imported on several occasions some fresh blood, and, I regret to say, without success.—MACLAINE OF LocHBUIE, Lochbuie, Isle of Mull. Occurrence of Sowerby’s Whale in the Firth of Forth.— About the end of April of this year a notice appeared in the news- papers of a Bottlenose Whale having come ashore at Morrison’s Haven. It was immediately taken possession of by some men who towed it to the shore at the village of Cuthill, near Prestonpans, and divested it of the blubber. The carcase lay on the shore until the authorities gave orders for it to be cut up in pieces and buried. About the end of June, at the request of Sir William Turner, I visited the burial spot and had the remains exhumed, when I was agreeably surprised to find it was a Sowerby’s Whale (AZtcropteron (Mesoplodon) bidens). The remains, as far as possible, were secured for the Anatomical Museum of the University of Edinburgh, and are now being prepared for preservation and description. Until the skeleton is articulated, it is impossible to give correct data as to the dimensions of the specimen ; but it will be probably about 15 feet in length, and is a male. Another specimen of this species was obtained at Dalgetty Bay, Firth of Forth, in October 1888, for an account of which see “ Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.” (vol. x. p. 5), by Sir William Turner.— James Srmpson, Anatomical Museum, University of Edinburgh. Seottish Stag-Horn Statisties.—The following statement should prove interesting to naturalists. It represents the point values of the first 500 Stags’ heads received by us for preservation during each of the past six seasons. 2 SW es Ny |e! 5 Number of Points. lich ealleseae) 7) 9 | in & Fallisaes 3 3s a= we |O.8| 6 a Si e/& |a iss) & Ser |S) Weice|] 6 78 eon|) ron) eres) ||/exqal exc |x6 | 18)} 20:) PO et | StS E889 (5407/3 50983) [G5 87) 1055.11 545i eS aller e ee alles etl | OO 1890 | 57. 1.37 | 90:||64"|\.94 49, | 132:), 6) Bah ctl ay ety ie Oe al eG eon r89x | 49 | 32 | 92 69 |1rr| 38 | 45| 4] xr| tr} —]|]—]—]| 2}/—] 2] 2] 54] 5e0 1892 | 56 | 44 | 87 2]|100| 46] 49] 6] 4] r|]—|]—]|]—] 10] 2] x I | 2x 500 1893 | 33 | 23 | 79 62 | 97| 7° | 71 | 13 2 2 1 | — re | 20 I 3 7 | 24 500 1894 | 38 | 43 | 97 | 64 | 102] 54] 38] 8] 5 I x] —|—j]12)—j] 6] 7 | 24 | soo 3000 W. A. Macteay & Son, Inverness. ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 251 Bird Notes from the Island of Tiree.—The first young ducks I saw this year were a brood of Pochards (/udigula ferina) on Loch Vassapol, and there were several other pairs on this loch. I also saw a pair of Tufted Ducks (Fudigula cristata) on the same loch through the breeding season, but as I was busy rearing Partridges I had not time to ascertain whether they bred or not. There are hundreds of Pochard on Loch Vassapol and Loch a Phuil every winter, and scores of Tufted Ducks. The Gadwall (das strepera) has not bred here yet, so far as I know; but they are the latest among the migratory birds to leave here, and the first to appear in the autumn. I have not seen any Sandwich Terns (Sterna cantiaca) or Scoters (Qdemia nigra) this year, owing, I believe, to the fact that every man, woman, and child takes the eggs of every bird they find near the shore and elsewhere. Snipe (Gad/inago calestis) have been very scarce all summer, and very few have bred here. I saw a pair of Smew (AZergus albellus) in Gott Bay on the 23rd of August, which I thought had returned earlier than usual.— PETER ANDERSON, Tiree. Garden Warbler in Perthshire.—With regard to the distribu- tion of this species (Sy/vza hortensis) in Scotland (“Annals of Scottish Natural History,” 1895, p. 194), I heard one in June sing- ing near the keeper’s lodge, by the roadside, in the Black Wood of Rannoch in Perthshire. I also heard and saw the Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) in the same locality—JOHN CoRDEAUX, Great Cotes, Lincoln. Goldfinch in Perthshire.—On 8th July I observed a pair of Goldfinches (Carduelis elegans) on a cherry tree at Ballinluig in the parish of Logierait, Perthshire. During the succeeding fortnight I saw a single bird almost daily, and frequently several times during the day, in the same locality. As the birds were always observed about the same place, I have little doubt that they were nesting in the immediate vicinity, but I was not fortunate enough to find the nest.—Brucr CAMPBELL, Edinburgh. Swallow and Blackbird in Shetland.—On 7th May 1895 I saw a solitary Swallow (A/zrundo rustica) flying up and down the shore of the Isle of Noss, opposite Bressay. The weather was very fine, and the bird was apparently obtaining numbers of insects. On the oth of May the powerful and sweet notes of the Blackbird (Zurdus merula), a strange sound in Shetland, attracted my attention while approaching Lerwick from the south. The song was first heard at fully a third of a mile’s distance. The singer proved to be perched on one of the fairly tall trees at Helendale near Clickahimen Loch. The Blackbird is best known in Shetland as an autumn visitor. Vague reports of its having nested near Lerwick do, however, exist. —Haro.p Rarpurn, Edinburgh. 252 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus) as a Breeding Species in the South of Scotland.—With the view of endeavouring to estimate the number of birds which may remain in parts of the South of Scotland on suitable ground during the summer, we have been pay- ing some attention to occurrences during last and the present seasons. Not a bird was seen last summer; but during the past summer I have seen three birds. ‘The first occurrence was in Deloraine Shiel, Ettrick, where Mr. W. Eagle Clarke and I saw a bird on 21st June. The second occasion was at Ericstane, Moffat, on 11th August; and the third at Carterhope, Tweedsmuir, on 15th August. I have not seen a Field Vole either during the summer of 1894 or of the present year, though I have passed over a considerable area of suitable ground within the area of the recent “plague.’—PETER ADAIR, Edinburgh. Hobby eaptured at Sea off the Firth of Forth.—On the roth of July I received in the flesh a fine adult male specimen of the Hobby (falco subbuteo), which had been captured while seeking rest on a trawler at sea, about fifteen miles east of the Isle of May. —R. Smatt, Edinburgh. Montagu’s Harrier in Lanarkshire.—On the afternoon of Saturday, 8th June, this year, a male specimen of Montagu’s Harrier (Circus cineraceus), not quite mature, was shot on Dungavel Hill, Avondale Parish, Lanarkshire. ‘The bird was sent to Mr. Blair, Gordon Street, Glasgow, for preservation. I had an opportunity of comparing it with some skins of the Hen Harrier in the posses- sion of a local taxidermist, also with examples of both species of Harrier in the reference collection in Kelvingrove Museum.—JoHN PATERSON, Glasgow. Inland Breeding of the Merganser in N.E. Seotland.—On 3rd June last I found a nest of the Merganser (A/erxgus serrator), on a sandy island in the Spey at Cromdale, a point distant at least thirty miles in a direct line from the sea. The nest was placed ina hollow under a juniper-bush, and contained 14 eggs, slightly incubated. A few of the eggs were of a different colour (greener) than the rest, and may have been contributed by another bird. Five other Mer- gansers, of which three were certainly drakes, were seen on the river above and below the island. I am not aware whether the Merganser has been hitherto recorded as nesting so far inland in the East of Scotland.—LioneL W. Hinxman, Edinburgh. White-fronted Goose in St. Kilda.—The Rev. H. A. Macpherson has presented to the collection of British Birds in the Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh, a fine adult male specimen of the White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), which was shot in St. Kilda between the 6th and 22nd of June last by his keeper, Mr. Ellis ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 253 Malcolm, The locality—it is an addition to the avifauna of the island—and the date are both interesting and worthy of record.— Wm. EacLe Crarkg, Edinburgh. Red Grouse in Shetland.—It appears that a few survivors of the 1882 introduction are still in existence in Yell. While in that island this spring I picked up some grouse-feathers in Lumbisterdale, which had evidently only been lost within an hour or so, and have lately received information that a nest of the Red Grouse (Lagopus scoticus) had been found this year (the eggs having probably been eaten) in that locality. The Grouse have had many enemies to contend with, and have received no protection whatever since a short time after their introduction. ‘That they should still survive and breed shows considerable powers of adaptability and self-protection in the bird.— Haro_Lp Raesurn, Edinburgh. Great Bustard washed up on the Ayrshire Coast.—On the 2oth of June this year, while walking on the beach at Irvine, I observed a large bird floating in the water, which I managed to secure, but was quite puzzled with it, having never seen one like it before, nor was I able to ascertain its name from any one in the district to whom I showed it. Finally I submitted it to Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown, who pronounced it to be a specimen of the Great Bustard (Ozs tarda)—a bird that has been extinct as an indigenous species in S.E. Scotland for over three centuries, and now only an extremely rare casual visitor from the Continent of Europe, and one which it is believed has never before been recorded for Ayrshire. The bird was considerably decomposed when found, and had evidently been in the water for some days. From its comparatively small size it was evidently a female.-—JOHN PRINGLE, Irvine. Green Sandpiper in Argyleshire.—On the roth of August last, I received for preservation a male specimen of the Green Sandpiper (Zotanus ochropus), which had been shot at Strontian by Mr. Stewart.—C. H. BissHopp, Oban. Greater Weever (Zrachinus draco) in the Firth of Forth.—A specimen of this fish was captured in the trawl-net of the Fishery Cruiser “Garland,” while at work at the “Fluke Hole,” off St. Monans, on the 29th of August of this year. The specimen measured 12 inches in length, and was very prettily marked. The depth of water at the “Fluke Hole” ranges from about 13 to 15 fathoms; the bottom consists in some parts of fine sand and comminuted shells, in other parts it is somewhat gravelly. This is only the second specimen of the Greater Weever that I know of that has been captured in the Firth of Forth: the first specimen was also taken by the ‘‘ Garland,” on the 21st of May 188g, in Largo Bay, and was smaller than the one now recorded, being only g inches in length. It is referred to in some notes on ‘‘ Rare and Uncommon 254 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Fishes,” by Dr. T. Wemyss Fulton, F.R.S.E., in the “ Eighth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland,” part i. p. 357 (1890). —T,. Scort, Leith. Helix hispida, vay. sinistrorsum, in Berwickshire.—On the 2nd of July last I found at Eyemouth a reversal specimen of Helix . hispida—a variety of this species which I do not think has ever been recorded before, at least it is not in the Conchological Society’s List of British Land and Freshwater Mollusca. I have named it, according to precedent, monstrosity s¢v7strorsum.—]ANET CARPHIN, Edinburgh. Geotrupes typhcus (Z.).—Referring to my note in the July “ Annals” (p. 198) on the occurrence of this beetle in Scotland, I see that Don includes the species in his account of the plants and animals of Forfarshire appended to Headrick’s ‘“ Agriculture” of the county, which was published in 1813.—WILL1IAM Evans, Edinburgh. Salda Muelleri in Perthshire.—During a visit to Ballinluig I had the good fortune to meet with six specimens of Sa/da Mueller, Gmelin. These have been very kindly identified by Mr. Edward Saunders, F.E.S., who at first informed me that the insect was new to the British List; but he now tells me that, ‘as a matter of fact, Mueller? is the one hitherto known under the name of S. JZozio, Zetterstedt. It has been taken at Aviemore by G. C. Champion ; Scarborough by Wilkinson; Horning by G. C. Champion. Ap- parently I [E. Saunders] am the only one who has met with the true Morio in this country, which I took at Buxton, on the moors, but only a very few males ; and in my ‘“ British Hemiptera” I described the ¢6 Morto and 9 Muelleri as one species, under the name AZorvio. The two species may be known apart thus: Jd/orio is more shining, almost burnished, and the elytra are so smooth as to show no definite punctuation ; whereas in JZze//er7 there is a distinct though irregular punctuation on their disc. The eyes in M@orio ¢ are smaller than in A/uelleri 3, each being narrower than the intervening space between them. Dr. Reuter has recently published a work on the Sa/d@ of the Palearctic region, and it is from his book that I have gleaned the characters which distinguish the two species.” __ Since my stay referred to, I paid a flying visit to Ballinluig, in search of more specimens. I was again successful in obtaining four 3 Mueller? and a damaged 9. In the sunlight the insect is of a bright bronze blue colour, and is sluggish in habit, making no attempt to leap or fly like our .S. Scotica and many other species of Saldze, which are so difficult to capture. The specimens seemed to avoid open places, and were only found by careful searching at the roots of the grass. I had also the good fortune to add S. Cocksit to the Perthshire list, the species being apparently common in this locality. —T. M. M‘Grecor, Perth. ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 255 Argulus foliaceus in the Edinburgh Distriet.—On the 26th of August my daughter, Miss Carphin, found among the Axacharis in the canal, near Meggatlandgate, several specimens of this curious Crustacean. About six of them were free, while one was attached to a Stickleback. This, the only British representative of the Branch- iura, has not, so far as I know, been hitherto recorded for the Edinburgh district —JANET CARPHIN, Edinburgh. Echinus acutus, Zamz., on the East Coast of Scotland.—This rare “Urchin,” which was first made known as British by Dr. Fleming, under the name of “chinus miliaris, and which was accord- ing to the same authority ‘‘found in deep water off Zetland,” has of late been brought into Aberdeen by the trawl-fishers. Some of the specimens were taken off the Pentland Skerries, and two were brought in by one man, which had been procured forty miles off Aberdeen. And on 23rd August last I had the pleasure of seeing another specimen, in the possession of Mr. Thomas Scott, which he had caught on Smith’s Bank while conducting experiments in the interest of the Fishery Board of Scotland. In the excellent “Catalogue of the British Echinoderms in the British Museum,” published in 1892, and written by Professor F. Jeffrey Bell, in speaking of the distribution of this form, he mentions amongst other places the “North Sea.” By these additional captures we are now able to speak more definitely as to the actual parts of the Scottish East Coast off which this fine Echinoderm may be obtained.—Geo. Sim, Aberdeen. Notes on Mollusea collected in South Perthshire and Clack- mannan.—lIn the “ Annals” for July Mr. Roebuck gave a list of shells collected by me in the Bridge of Allan, Abbey Craig, and Blairlogie districts of South Perthshire and Clackmannan. I now send you the names of a few more which have been authenticated, collected in the same localities :—/P2s¢dium amnicum, from the river Forth, Cornton and Lecropt burns; P. puszl/um, v. edentula, from a mill dam at Pendreich; Unio margaritifer, from the Forth; Limuea truncatula, from a ditch in Cornton and Manor Pow where it joins the Forth ; Amalia marginata (M‘Lellan), from Inchmahome, Lake of Menteith; Zax maximus, from railway and hedge banks in Cornton ; L. cinereo-niger, one specimen was found in October 1892 on the Abbey Craig ; He/ix aspersa, found about Blairlogie and Bridge of Allan ; 4. nemoralts, v. rubella, found about Bridge of Allan ; HZ. vwfescens, found in the garden of Dr. Paterson, Bridge of Allan (this snail appeared to be very partial to the decayed leaves of the Yucca gloriosa, for nearly all the specimens seen were feeding upon them) ; //. hzsfzda, v. nitidulus, collected on Abbey Craig, and about some hedgebanks ; Pupa cylindracea and vy. albina (the common form is widely diffused throughout the district, but a few specimens of the v. a/dina have been found on the Abbey Craig only, as were one or two speci- of the v. edentu/a),—GILBERT M‘DouGAaLL, Stirling. 16 E 256 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Carsia imbutata in ‘Moray.”—With reference to Mr. R. Thomson’s note in the last number of the “Annals” (p. 199), I may mention that in August 1889 I found this pretty moth common on a bit of Moorland behind Kincraig near Kingussie, and in August 1891 in abundance among Vaccinium Vitis-Ide@a in fir woods at Cromdale below Grantown. V. Vitis-[d@a, which I have no doubt is the food-plant of the larvae, is very abundant in the woods and commons of Strathspey, where it is known as the ‘ Cranberry,” and its fruit gathered and sold as such.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh. Nisoniades tages and Theela rubi in ‘‘ Moray.”—Mr. H. H. Brown’s note in the last number of this journal (p. 199) reminds me that in May 1893 I found the Dingy Skipper plentifully in several localities in the neighbourhood of Aviemore. It was chiefly observed on rather bare or stony places where the food-plant Lotus cornicu- /atus grew in spreading patches. I should say that V. ¢ages and Fidonia piniaria are not generally found in company. Another little butterfly, the Green Hairstreak (Zec/a rub7), was also abundant at the same time in the same neighbourhood, but invariably among Vaccinium Vitis-[dea, which I have not the slightest doubt is the food-plant of the larva in that district. Those who know the plant and the butterfly will readily understand how difficult it is to detect the latter when settled among the leaves of the former.—- WituiaM Evans, Edinburgh. Crambus geniculeus in the Forth Area.—In a paper on the Scottish Crvaméi published in the ‘ Annals” for 1893, p. 87, the author, Mr. Reid, states that he has never seen a Scottish example of C. geniculeus, and seems to doubt the only record (from ‘‘ Clyde” ?) of its occurrence on this side of the border. It may be well, therefore, to put on record the fact that I have twice met with the species in the Forth area; namely, a single specimen on the Isle of May, 13th September 1888, and about half a dozen on the Tyninghame side of the Tyne Estuary, East Lothian, 23rd August 1894. The May example and one of those from Tyninghame have been shown to Mr. C. G. Barrett of London, so that there can be no question as to the correctness of the identification, WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh. BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS. Ranunculus petiolaris.—My statement that ‘“‘ Mr. Ewing’s 2. petiolaris is evidently not my #. fetiolaris,” needs some qualification. Mr. Ewing has since kindly sent me his specimen, which is one collected by myself in the original station (1889) and forwarded to him by a mutual correspondent. Unfortunately it is one of a very BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 257 few plants which appeared to me, when gathered, to be an extreme form tending towards typical AZammula, and which were not meant to be circulated. Mr. Ewing’s Loch Leven form is probably the same thing; and he is, therefore, not without good grounds for his opinion. I am, however, now very doubtful whether these specimens belong to ¢rue R. petiolaris ; if so, they are considerably “off type.”—EDWARD S. MARSHALL. Callitriche autumnalis in Nairnshire.—A bed of this plant was discovered by me on the 3rd November 1894 in the Coulmony Burn, Ardclach. It is new to the flora of Nairnshire. — R. THOMSON, Ferness. Salix Lapponum, Z., in Midlothian.—When reading Walker’s ‘““ Essays of Natural History,” published 1808, though supposed to have been written between 1764 and 1774, it struck me that the origin of Sax Lapponum, L., being in its anomalous station of Colinton, Midlothian, was probably to be found here. In the Essay named “‘Salicetum” he mentions Salix Lapponum as first observed in July 1762 on the Moffat hills. Mr. J. T. Johnstone informs me it is still to be found in the place given in the Essay. Walker also states having kept it in his garden for many years, as he did several other willows. Dr. Walker was minister of Moffat from 1762 to 1783, at which latter date he was appointed to the Parish of Colinton. That he took an interest in his garden here also is evident, as Lord Woodhouselee in his ‘ Life of Lord Kames” mentions ‘having passed many pleasant hours with Dr. Walker in his garden at Colinton.” It seems most prob- able that he would take some of the plants which he had kept for years at Moffat to Colinton with him, especially an Alpine like S. Lapponum. Dr. Walker appears to have been fond of transplanting roots, so he might probably like to naturalise S$. Zapponum in the low-lying grounds of Colinton and neighbourhood. Dr. Walker, who acted as Professor of Natural History in Edinburgh University for some years, has not, I think, received the attention his botanical discoveries deserve. He discovered some plants in Britain at dates anterior to those given by Mr. W. A. Clarke in his paper at present being published in the “ Journal of Botany.” Dr. Walker in his “Statistical Account of the Parish of Colinton,” an abstract of which was published in Sir John Sinclair’s work, gives a list of ‘“‘the most unfrequent species” occurring in the parish. Salix Lapponum is not mentioned. He would have been sure to have mentioned this Alpine willow if it had been a native in the low-lying ground of his district, as it could hardly have been otherwise than unfrequent.—Symers M. Macvicar. 258 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Allium paradoxum near Edinburgh.—It may interest some of your readers to hear that I found Adium paradoxum in flower on 27th April within a short distance of Edinburgh. Hooker gives it under ‘‘ excluded species” reported to have been found at Linlith- gow. The specimens I found were about half a mile from a cottage which was the nearest dwelling-house, and was growing on a rather damp piece of ground.—A. F. Imiacu, Edinburgh. [This is an introduced plant, and has been found on several occasions in different localities round Edinburgh. It seems now to have become naturalised in woods near Binny Crag, twelve miles west from Edinburgh, where it was discovered about thirty years ago by Mr. A. Craig Christie—Ebs. ] Rynechospora fusea, 7. avd .S., in Westerness.—I have found the above plant this year in the districts of Ardnamurchan, Sunart, and Moidart, the two former being geographically in Argyleshire, the latter in Inverness-shire: they are all in Watson’s V.-C. 97. It grows in great abundance in Kintra Moss and in the ‘‘ mosses” of Loch Sheil at nearly sea-level ; also, more sparsely, at the side of a few small lochs, the highest being at 180 feet altitude. With one exception, the stations are all in what is practically the Loch Sheil valley, although the Ardnamurchan locality is now separated from the others by a raised beach which has deflected the course of the loch. The brownish-yellow patches of 2. fusca can often be recog- nised at a distance of a hundred yards in late summer; &. alba also turns that colour, but does not grow in such dense patches. I have looked in other watersheds of this locality for A. fusca, but so far without success. I think, however, it will most probably be found in more localities on this coast in low-lying and wet ground, where #. a/va is so plentiful. It has hitherto been known in Scot- land only from Wigtown, V.-C. 74 (Mr. M‘Andrew).—Symers M. MACVICAR. CURRENT LITERATURE. The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His- tory which have appeared during the Quarter—July-September 1895. [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. OBSERVATIONS ON THE Fauna oF St Kitpa. By J. Steele Elliott. Zoologist (3), vol. xix. pp. 281-286 (August 1895).—Two species of mammals and forty-six species of birds are noted. CURRENT LITERATURE 259 WHITE MOLES IN ABERDEENSHIRE. G. M. Zhe Meld, 22nd June 1895, p. 928.—Records the capture of six females. SPREAD OF THE ROE-DEER IN S.-W. SCOTLAND. Robert Service. Zoologist (3), vol. xix. p. 346 (September 1895). THE Marsu TIT IN DUMFRIESSHIRE. Robert Service. Zoo/ogist (3), vol. xix. pp. 349-350 (September 1895).—Compares the status of this species in 1840 and the present time. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE IN St. Kitpa. H. A. Macpherson. Zoologist (3), vol. xix. p. 348 (September 1895).—An adult male shot on St. Kilda in June of the present year. Arctic TERN AND COMMON GULL BREEDING IN SHETLAND. Robert Godfrey. Zoo/ogist (3), vol. xix. p. 349 (September 1895). —Breeding colonies found on a small island in the loch of Grum- navoe on 24th June last. NATTERJACK TOAD IN DUMFRIESSHIRE. Robert Service. Zoologist (3), vol. xix. p. 350 (September 1895).—Specimens found at Southerness. ALTERATIONS IN “ BRITISH CoNcHOLOGyY.” By J. T. Marshall. Journ. of Conchology, vol. vill. pp. 24-41 (January-April 1895).— Refers to Scottish species. NOTES FROM THE BOOKS OF THE EXCHANGE BASKETS. £774. Record, vol. vi. pp. 234-236 (15th June 1895), and vol. vil. pp. 13- 17 (15th September 1895).—Notes are included on Lepidoptera from Aberdeen, Montrose, Luss, Milngavie, etc. NOTE ON HEPIALUS HUMULI IN ORKNEY. H. M‘Arthur. Zv/o- mologist, vol. xxviil. p. 204 (July 1895). NyYSSIA LAPPONARIA IN SCOTLAND. Mrs. Cross. £xtomologist, vol. xxviii. p. 207 (July 1895).—Caterpillar taken on birch at Ran- noch in 1894. COLEOPTERA AT STORNOWAY, N.B. By James J. Walker, R.N., F.L.S. L£xt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. vi. pp. 182-184 (August 1895).— Seventy-three species are recorded, and mention made of four species of Lepidoptera. COLEOPTERA NEAR Dumrries. W. Lennon, £xt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol vi. p. 174 (July 1895).—Eighteen species recorded, of which seven are probably new to the Solway district. On NEw AND OpscuURE BRITISH SPECIES OF DiAsTaTa. By R. H. Meade. £xt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. vi. pp. 169-170 (July 1895).—Notes on D. obscurella, Fln., basalis, Meig., and fumi- pennis, Meig. D. unipunctata, Ztt., is here recorded as British for the first time, having been taken by Mr. Beaumont at Pitlochry in 1892. 260 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY THE Hyproips oF St. ANDREWS Bay. By Rev. J. H. Craw- ford, F.L.S. Ann, and Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), vol. xvi. pp. 256-262 (September 1895).—A table is given comparing the species of Hydroids found at St. Andrews with those of Plymouth and Heligo- land. BOTANY. PLANTS OBSERVED IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES IN 1894. By W. A. Shoolbred, M.R.C.S. Journ. Bot., August, pp. 237-249.— North Uist, Benbecula, and around Tarbert in Harris, were the localities chiefly worked, but short visits were paid to other places also. Ad/ the species and varieties observed are catalogued, with the localities added for all but the commonest. ALTITUDE OF AJUGA PYRAMIDALIS IN SCOTLAND. By Symers M. Macvicar.—As low as 15 or 20 feet above sea-level in Moidart. Excursion Notes. Proc. East of Scotland Union of Nat. Socs., 1891-95, pp. 9-11.—Enumerates plants collected at excursions in Forfarshire, in July 1891, to the Red Head, Rescobie Loch, and Clova. THE BEATITUDES OF BREADALBANE. By the late F. Buchanan White, M.D. Proc. £. S. U. NV. S., pp. 57-61, read in 1893.—After a short general sketch of the district, several of the plants to be looked for are mentioned. PLANTS OF KirkcaLpy. By W. S. Blackstock. Proc. EZ. S. U. N. S., 1891-95, pp. 61-65.—An interesting sketch of the scarcer plants of southern Fifeshire, with remarks on increasing rarity or abundance of several. NOTE ON THE ACCLIMATISATION OF VALERIANA AUREA NEAR ALFORD (AT BREDA). By William Wilson. Proc. E. S. U.N. S., 1891-95, p. 25.—This relates probably to the variety of V. Phu usually cultivated in gardens. List OF MossES FOUND ON THE SIDLAW Hits. By James Fulton. Proc. £. S. U. NV. S., 1891-95, pp. 12-19.—In this all the species known to the author (156) from the district are included, with localities for the scarcer species. THE DESMIDIEZ OF THE STORMONT District. By the late John Roy, LL.D: Proc, B.S. G. NW. S5-1801-O5, pp. 10-25:-— 4 list of all species found in material collected by Mrs. Farquharson, in 1891, from the district named, near Alyth, with introductory remarks, OBITUARY NOTICES 261 OBITUARY NOTICES. Charles Cardale Babington, M.A., F.R.S., ete., Professor of Botany in the University of Cambridge.— Professor Babington was one who did so much to widen our acquaintance with the flora of Scotland that, though not himself of Scotch descent, nor officially connected with the country, his death ought not to be passed un- noticed in our columns. Born at Ludlow in 1808, he studied at Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1830, and M.A. in 1833. His first original work in science was entomological; and between 1829 and 1844 he published a number of papers on insects. Among these was one of two pages, entitled ‘Catalogue of Insects found at Berwick- upon-T'weed in August 1834, which was read to the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club in 1834. Somewhat later he became absorbed in Systematic Botany; and he has long held a high rank in this study in Great Britain. His ‘‘ Manual of British Botany” has passed through eight editions, and is held in high esteem because of the clearness and accuracy of its descriptions. It has had a great influence during a long period on the advancement of botanical investigation among us; and it will continue to be used, even though not now fully representative of the results, both extensive and valuable, of the critical work of recent years—work with which the author’s age and health prevented so close a familiarity as in former years. Besides the ‘“ Manual,” Professor Babington con- tributed largely to botanical literature in numerous papers on critical genera or species of British plants. Among the longer of such contributions were his ‘Synopsis of the British Rubi” con- tributed (like many others of his papers) to the Zvransactions of the Edinburgh Botanical Soctety (ii-ii.) and to the Annals and Magazine of Natural History (1846-48), and his ‘ Notes on Rubi” in the Journal of Botany (1878). In these and similar papers he noted the occurrence of the plants under discussion in Scot- land where known to him. In 1834 he published “ An Account of some Additions to the Flora of Berwickshire” (Zvans. Berw. Nat. Club); and in 1891 a “List of Plants found in the Valley of Braemar and on Morrone” (Scot. (Vat, 1891, pp. 81-85, 132-136, 174-184). He also, in conjunction with the late Professor J. H. Balfour of Edinburgh, published (Zvans. Ed. Lot. Soc. 1844), an “Account of a Botanical Excursion to Skye and the Outer Hebrides during the month of August 1841” (pp. 133-144), followed by a “Catalogue of the Plants gathered in the Islands of North Uist, Harris, and Lewis” (pp. 145-154). During several years, till his health rendered him unable to do so, he used to spend part of each summer in Braemar. Since 1861 he has held the Professorship of Botany in Cambridge, where he died on 22nd July 1895. 262 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Dr. Paul Howard Maegillivray.—Though it is so many years since Dr. P. H. Macgillivray emigrated from his native land that his name will probably be familiar to few of those now interested in the natural history of Scotland, it would be unfitting that we should pass unnoticed the death of one who, even while a student, published a local Scottish Flora. He was the (only surviving) son of Dr. William Macgillivray, the eminent Professor of Natural History in the University of Marischal College in Aberdeen, who, though best known as an ornithologist, wrote numerous excellent works on several other branches of natural science, and in his scientific views more nearly approached those that now prevail than did all save a very few of his contemporaries. P. H. Macgillivray was born in 1834, and he received his education in Marischal College, where he took the degree of M.A. after a distinguished course as a student. He had intended to devote himself to a scientific career ; but the death of his father while he was still a student in Arts compelled him to turn to Medicine asa profession. Yet in 1853 he published “A Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Ferns growing in the Neighbourhood of Aberdeen,” a duodecimo of viii. and 44 pages. The district treated of extends over an area of about twenty-four miles from north to south, and sixteen from east to west, and shows a very considerable diversity of surface. The “Catalogue” was preceded by Dr. Dickie’s ‘‘ Flora Aberdonensis ” ; and probably the author was aided in its preparation considerably by his father, who had studied the botany of the district with some care. But, after such aid has been allowed for, it is very creditable to one who was under twenty years at the date of its publication ; and it gave pro- mise of good results had circumstances permitted him to devote himself entirely to scientific pursuits. This, however, as already said, he was unable to do, as he had to devote himself wholly to the medical profession for a livelihood during a number of years. About 1855 he went to the colony of Victoria, where he at first practised in Williamstown. He obtained the appointment of surgeon to the Bendigo Hospital in 1857. . He died in Bendigo on goth July 1895, of erysipelas, at the age of sixty-one. He had a high reputation in Victoria as a surgeon and physician. He found time also to resume work in Natural Science, and con- tributed largely to Sir F. M‘Coy’s “ Prodromus of the Zoology of Victoria.” He devoted himself especially to the study of the Polyzoa, both recent and fossil, of Australia, describing and figuring many new species. At the time of his death he had almost com- pleted a large work on the “ Polyzoa of Victoria,” to be published by the Royal Society of Victoria. In 1889 the University of Aberdeen conferred on him the degree of LL.D., in recognition of his merits. Dr. Hugh F. C. Cleghorn, of Stravithie, Fifeshire, though a native of Madras, may be claimed as a Scottish botanist, as he REVIEWS 263 received his medical training in the University of Edinburgh, was a Fellow of the Edinburgh Botanical Society since 1837, and from 1867 onwards resided in Scotland, taking a warm interest in all that could aid in the progress of Botany in the country. He took a peculiarly warm interest in Forestry, advocating the national im- portance of the subject. He spent a considerable part of his life in Madras, where he held the Professorship of Botany in Madras University, and aided largely in establishing the Indian Forest Department, to which he contributed valuable reports. He pub- lished numerous papers, chiefly on economic botany, to the Zrans- actions of the Edinburgh Botanical Society. He died at an advanced age at Stravithie on r9th May 1895. Dr. David Lyall, R.N., who died at Cheltenham on 2nd March 1895, is the subject of an appreciative obituary notice by Sir Joseph Hooker (Journ. Bot, July 1895, pp. 209-211). Dr. Lyall was born at Auchinblae, in Kincardineshire, on 1st June 1817, and was Assistant-Surgeon and Botanist on H.M.S. Terror during the famous expedition of Sir John Ross from 1839 to 1842, of which Sir Joseph was also a member. He served in subsequent expeditions, and on all occasions devoted attention to botany, bringing home valuable collections. ‘The herbarium made by him in duties on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains afforded materials for a valuable contribution to the Zznznean Society’s Journal in 1863. He retired in 1873, and attained the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals and Fleets before his death. REVIEWS. HELIGOLAND AS AN ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATORY: THE Resutt oF Firty YEARS’ EXPERIENCE. By Heinrich Gatke. Translated by Rudolph Rosenstock, M.A. Oxon. (Edinburgh: David Douglas, to Castle Street, 1895.) It is with the greatest pleasure that we have to notice the English edition of Mr. Gatke’s “‘ Birds of Heligoland.” This was first published in German at Brunswick in 1891 ; the manuscript having been completed, after the labour of years, by the author on r9th May 1890, on his seventy-seventh birthday. The present English edition is a literal translation of the original, made with great care by Mr. Rudolph Rosenstock, M.A. Oxon., the proof-sheets having been revised by Mr. Gatke himself. It is impossible to exaggerate the value and importance to English ornithologists of this admirable work—a work which is the outcome of fifty years’ observations, carried on day by day and season after season in one of the very best bird observatories in the 264 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY world ; for Heligoland unquestionably ranks par excellence as the fore- most ornithological station in the west of Europe. It is certain that one result of the author’s observations and _ his vast accumulation of facts will be to sweep aside for ever the crude theories, visionary speculations, and hasty deductions which in recent years have been put forward in the name of science in explanation of the various phenomena connected with migration ; and in this way the book will do good service in preparing the ground for the appreciative student, so that he may be better able to grapple with and understand some of those great problems which are yet only partly solved. To the ordinary reader the work is made attractive by the facile pen of the author. Mr. Gatke is a distinguished marine painter, with keenest gift of observation and intense love of nature in all her changeful moods as watched day after day from the lonely sea-girt rock. His exquisitely descriptive word-pictures of bird-life are not surpassed by ornithological writers in any land; and in this English edition the beauty of the original language has been well preserved and rendered by the able translator. The first portion of the volume (148 pages) treats generally on the Migration of Birds, and this is divided into nine chapters under the various headings :—(i) Course of Migration in Heligoland ; (ii) Direction of Flight; (iii) Altitude; (iv) Velocity; (v) Meteoro- logical Conditions ; (vi) Order of Migration according to Age and Sex; (vil) Exceptional Migration ; (viii) What Guides Birds ; (ix) The Cause of the Migratory Movement. Then we have a chapter on “Changes in the Colour of the Plumage of Birds without Moulting.” The second portion of the book (pp. 167-588) is an exhaustive account, under the head of each separate species, of all birds observed in Heligoland. This list, which now includes a female Great Bustard (O#s ¢arda) shot on 18th April 1895, makes the total which have occurred stand at 398, an extraordinary number for an island of so small an area in the gray North Sea—a bird-nesting station which may not inaptly be compared to the central office of a telephone system, where winged messengers from all quarters meet again to diverge. Space will not allow us to remark upon or criticise the author’s facts or deductions: these will bear the most careful reading and supply much material for thought. The subject is of the very highest interest not only to naturalists, but to the English-speaking people of every land. The illustrations which have been introduced are from photo- graphs taken on the island, and also pen-and-ink sketches by the author. Much praise is due to all those who have been connected with the production of this beautiful volume. First and foremost to the firm of Mr. David Douglas, the publishers, and then to Mr. J. REVIEWS 265 A. Harvie-Brown and Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke for the correction of proofs and revising the synonymy, and their share in bringing the work to a satisfactory issue. We cannot better conclude this notice than by quoting the last words of the author on the completion of this his great life-work : “With this my report on the Birds of Heligoland closes. It is not without a certain feeling of sadness that I take my leave of those dear companions of many years, whose voices, manifold and familiar, have come down to me like friendly greetings from the heights above during many a late hour of night spent at my desk over these leaves, whilst over the skylight of the room which serves me at once for museum and for studio their countless hosts were speeding onward towards their distant homes.” —JOHN CORDEAUX. BritisH Birps. By W. H. Hudson, C.M.Z.S. With a chapter on Structure and Classification by Frank E. Beddard, F.R.S. Illustrated. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1895.) This work is intended by the author not as a text-book for the use of the scientific ornithologist, but for general readers seeking information, and more especially for the young. It differs from all other books on British Birds with which we are acquainted, in the fact that it treats of the appearance, language, and life-habits only of such species—about 21o in number—that reside permanently, or for a portion of each year, within the British Isles ; accidental or irregular visitors being incidentally mentioned but not described. Amongst the multiplicity of works on British ornithology there was room for one of this description: for, since the appearance of John’s “ British Birds and their Haunts” in 1862, no book has been issued from the press at a reasonable price and in a condensed form, so well suited as a guide to the study of birds in a state of nature, and at the same time one less weighted and encumbered with technical matter in connection with nomenclature and generic and specific distinctions. ‘The volume commences with a chapter on Structure and Classification by Mr. F. E. Beddard, F.R.S., and then follows a short life-history of each species from the pen of the very capable author. A great feature is the many very excellent illustrations by the best-known bird artists. These include eight chromo-lithographs from original coloured drawings by A. Thorburn, eight plates and one hundred figures in black and white from original drawings by G. E. Lodge, and three illustrations from photographs from nature by R. B. Lodge. All these are charming in their way, and add greatly to the beauty, interest, and value of the volume. The descriptive portions are nicely written, and there are remark- ably few inaccuracies, and these such as may be readily corrected in a future edition. The Redstart 7s a common summer visitor to Scotland, being ex¢reme/y abundant in certain suitable haunts. 266 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY The Song Thrush (p. 39) is grouped with the Ring Ousel as a summer visitor. The Hobby is said not to range to Ireland; it is certainly a rare summer visitor, but has been recorded several times in that country. The only breeding station of the Fulmar, we are informed, in the United Kingdom is St. Kilda; it now, however, breeds in great and increasing numbers on Foula. The Sanderling figured at p. 308 is in autumn, not winter plumage. But we have no wish to be hyper-critical, and will only add that no prettier or nicer book can be found than this as a suitable and very acceptable gift to a young student or inquirer wishing to know something about the birds of the British Islands. BriTIisH Funcus Fiora. By G. Massee. Vol. IV. 1895. We have already had occasion to call the attention of our readers to the importance of Mr. Massee’s “ Fungus Flora” as embody- ing the results of much careful investigation by the author. The fourth volume, just issued, shows equal signs of painstaking and conscientious labour, and will, like its predecessors, be found indis- pensable by all British mycologists. It covers the groups of Ascomycacee, Hysteriacee, and Dzéscomycetes, and is illustrated by excellent figures of the genera recognised by the author as valid. There are very considerable changes in nomenclature as compared with Phillips’s “ British Discomycetes ” ; but this is inevitable owing to different estimates of the limits of genera, where these limits are so difficult of recognition as they often are among the Discomycetes and other lower cryptogams. It cannot be expected that the limits of genera and species, and the names employed by Mr. Massee, will in all cases meet with acceptance ; but the care with which his work has been done will be recognised by all who use the book, and the indication in each case of the material examined by him gives additional value to his conclusions. INDE xX Acrosiphonia Trait, a new British Alga (Curr. Lit.), 70 ADAIR, PETER, Wigeon breeding in Selkirkshire, 231; Short-eared Owl as breeding species in the south of Scotland, 252 AITKIN, D. Percy, Shorelarks near Aberlady, East Lothian, 123; Red- necked and Eared Grebes near Dunbar, 126 Ajuga pyramidalis, altitude of in Scot- land, 260 Albatross in Orcadian Seas, 57 Alca impennis, remains of in Edin- burgh Museum, 196 Alchemilla vulgaris, forms of, 47 ; and its segregates (Curr. Lit.), 202 Algze from Scotland (Curr. Lit.), Allium paradoxum near Edinburgh, 258 Ampelis garrulus in South-East Scot- land, 122 ANDERSON, PETER, Bird Notes from the island of Tiree, 251 Andrena albicans in Arran (Curr. Lit.), 201 Anser albifrons in St. Kilda, 252; brachy- rhynchus on the Solway, 124; segetum and A. brachyrhynchus as Scottish birds, 196 Argulus foliaceus in the Edinburgh district, 255 Asio accipitrinus as a breeding species in the south of Scotland, 252 Atherina presbyter in Scottish waters, 126, 197 Atherine in Scottish waters, 126, 197 Auk, Great, remains of in Edinburgh Museum, 196 Auk, Little, recent visitation of to Scot- land, 97; in Scotland (Curr. Lit. ), 201 Ayrshire (North), Peronosporez of (Curr. Lit.), 134; Ustilagineze of (Curr. Lit.), 134 BABINGTON, CHARLES CARDALE, M.A., F.R.S., obituary notice, 261 Badger, capture of on the Pentland Hills, 249 Balenoptera rostrata in Scottish waters, 52 Beetles from the island of Rum, 128 BENNETT, ARTHUR, F.L.S., records of Scottish Plants for 1894, addi- tional to Watson’s ‘‘ Topographical Botany,” 2nd Ed. (1883), 114; Carex fusca, Allioni, in Scotland, 247 ; contributions towards a flora of the Outer Hebrides, No. 2, 240 Bernicla brenta on the Solway, 124 Berwickshire plants, some rarer (Curr. Lit:); 202 Bird Notes from the island of Tiree, 251 Birds, report on the movements and occurrence of, in Scotland during 1894, 207 Birds of East Renfrewshire, 220 BissHopp, C. H., Green Sandpiper in Argyleshire, 253 Blackbird in Shetland, 251 Blennoid Fork-beard in Orcadian Seas, 197 LBoreus htemals in Edinburgh district, 199 Bot-Fly, a new British, 155 BriccGs, ALLAN, White-winged Cross- bill in Orkney, 54; Little Gull at St. Andrews, 125 Brown, Henry H., Wesonzades tages, in Moray, 199 Bruce, D., Shorelark near Dunbar, 122; Red-necked Grebe near Dunbar, 125 BUCKERY, a. i.) BoA. HeZ.9.,e bed Flycatcher breeding in Inverness- shire, 54; Fulmar Petrel at Nairn, 58 ; hybrid between Red and Black Grouse, 125 BuRN-MuRDOCH, ARCHIBALD, recur- rence of the Wild Cat in Ardna- 268 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY murchan, 52; Wild Cat in Argyle- shire, 121 Bustard, Great, washed up on Ayrshire Coast, 253 Bute, ornithological notes made in mid-winter in the island, 137 Butterfly, Clouded Yellow, Ayrshire (Curr. Lit.), 131 Cairngorms, flowering plants and fern allies of the (Curr. Lit.), 133 Callitriche autumnalis in Nairnshire, 256 Gahan: Bruce, Goldfinch in Perth- shire, 251 CAMPBELL, CHARLES, Pine Marten in Inverness-shire, 121 ; Wild Cat in Morven, Argyleshire, 121 Cancer pagurus, abnormal (Curr. Lit.), 132 Capreolus caprea in south of Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 200 Carduelis elegans in Perthshire, 251 Carex fusca in Scotland, 247 Carsia imbutata in Moray, 256 CARPENTER, G. H., B.Sc., Boreus hiemalis, L., in the Edinburgh district, 199 CARPENTER, GEORGE H., B.Sc., and Evans, WILLIAM, F.R.S.E., a list of Spiders collected at Oban, Argyleshire, 109 CARPHIN, Mrs. JANET, Helix hispida, var. sinistrorsum, in Berwickshire, 254; Dafila acuta in Renfrewshire, 124 Dendrocopus major nesting in Berwick- shire, 195 Desmidieze of Stormont district, 260 Diptera, a list of Perthshire, collected in 1894, 158 Dolphin, White-beaked, in Kilbrannan Sound (Curr. Lit.), 65 Dove, Ring, in Shetland, 122; Stock, nesting in Peeblesshire, 196 Druce, G. CLaripcE, M.A., F.L.S., notes on the flora and the rocks of Cnoc-an-t’-Sasunnaich in West Sutherland, 35; Poa humilis in West Ross and West Sutherland, 128 Duck, Pintail, in Renfrewshire, 124 ; Tufted, in South-West Scotland, 123 Dumfries, plants of Northumberland and Durham in relation to (Curr, Lit.), 133 Dunpar, Lewis, Black-tailed Godwit in Orkney, 56; Barn Owl in Caithness, 123 INDEX Etchinus acutus on the east coast of Scotland, 255 Edinburgh Botanical Garden, notes from (Curr. Lit.), 68 Elphin (W. Sutherland), notes on the flora of, 35 Entomostraca from Castle Milk (Curr. Lit.), 132; Freshwater, with special reference to Loch Leven, 163. Epilobia (two hybrid) new to Britain (Curr Lat) 9202 Euchelia jacobea in Perthshire, 199 EVANS, WILLIAM, F.R.S.E., Fulmar Petrel off Dunbar, 57 ; Waxwings in the south-east of Scotland, 122 ; Hoopoe in Peeblesshire, 123 ; Red- necked Grebes on East Lothian coast, 126; ornithological notes made in the island of Bute in mid- winter, 137; Chiff-chaff in Arran, 195; nesting of the Great Spotted Woodpecker in Berwickshire, 195 ; Geotrupes typheus in Arran, 198, 254; capture of a Badger on the Pentland Hills, 249; Carvsta zm- butata in Moray, 256; MVesoniades tages and Thecla rubi in Moray, 256; Crambus geniculeus in the Forth area, 256 EVANS, WILLIAM, F.R.S.E., and CARPENTER, GEORGE H., B.Sc., a list of Spiders collected at Oban, Argyleshire, 109 Falco subbuteo captured off the Firth of Forth, 252 Felts catus in Ardnamurchan, 52; in Renfrewshire, 121 ; in Argyleshire, 121 Field Mouse in Outer Hebrides, 53° Fife, notes on the flora of (Curr. Litt.), 69 Fishes, new or rare, in the Firth of Forth, 23 Flycatcher, Pied, breeding in Inverness- shire, 54 Fuligula cristata in South-West Scot- land, 123 Fulmar Petrel off Dunbar, 57; at Nairn, 58 Fulmarus glacialis off Dunbar, 57; at Nairn, 58 Gallinago major in Orkney (Curr. Lit.), 201 Garden Warbler in Clyde area, 194; in Perthshire, 251 Garrulus glandarius in Renfrewshire, 12 Geese, : Bean and Pink- footed, as Scottish birds, 196 Geotrupes typhaus, 254; in Arran, 198 269 Godwit, Black-tailed, in Orkney, 56, 125 Goldfinch in Perthshire, 251 Goose, Brent, on the Solway, 124 ; Pink-footed, on the Solway, 124 ; White-fronted, in St. Kilda, 252 Gray, Davip, Lesser Rorqual in Scottish waters, 52 Great Auk, remains of, in Edinburgh Museum, 196 Grebe, Eared, near Dunbar, 126; in the Hebrides (Curr. Lit.), 130 Grebe, Great Crested, in Wigtownshire, 58, 12 Grebe, Red-necked, at Dunbar, 125, 126; on East Lothian coast, 126 ; at Peterhead, 126; at Loch Earn, 126 GRIMSHAW, PERcY H., F.E.S., some Coleoptera from the island of Rum, 128; on the occurrence in Ross- shire of Cephenomyta rufibarbis, a new British Bot-Fly parasitic on the Red Deer, 155 ; a list of Perth- shire Diptera collected in 1894, 158 Grouse, hybrid between Red and Black, 125; Red, in Shetland, 253 Gull, Ivory, in Aberdeenshire, 125; Little, at St. Andrews, 125 Flalicystis ovalis (Curr. Lit.), 70 Hare, Common, in Mull, 250 Harrier, Hen, in Islay, 53 Harrier, Montagu’s, in Lanarkshire, 252 HARVIE-Brown, J. A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., the Starling in Scotland, its increase and distribution, 2; Albatross in the Orcadian seas, 57 Hay, Lieut. - Col. DRUMMOND, C.M.Z.S., Ruddy Sheld-Duck, Albino Cormorant, ete., in the Tay district, 55 Hebrides, Outer, contributions towards a flora of, No. 2, 240 Helix hispida, var. stnistrorsum, in Berwickshire, 254 HENDERSON, R. and T., Snowy Owl in Shetland, 195 Hieracta, British, 61 HINXMAN, LIONEL W., B.A., report on the movements and occurrence of birds in Scotland during 1894, 207 ; inland breeding of the Mer- ganser in North-East Scotland, 252 firundo rustica nesting in tunnels, 54 ; in Shetland, 251 Hobby captured off the Forth, 252 Hoopoe in Peeblesshire, 123 Hybrid between Red and Black Grouse, 126 Hymenoptera in Shetland and Orkney (Curr. Lit.); 67 Firth of 270 IMLACH, A. F., Allium paradoxum near Edinburgh, 258 Inverkeithing and North of the Forth, an old list of stations of rarer plants of (Curr. Lit.), 69 Jay in Renfrewshire, 124 JOHNSTON, Surg.- Major, D.Sc., Rake Subr. HluSs. mac cditlonsmto the flora of Orkney as recorded in Watson’s ‘‘ Topographical Botany,” and Ed., 173 Juncus tenuzs in Great Britain (Curr. Wit.) 134 Ker, J. Ripley, Green Sandpiper in Dumbartonshire, 56 Kinross, notes on the flora of (Curr. Lit.), 69 Kirkcudbright, plants of Northumber- land and Durham in relation to (Cums) 33 Lemargus borealis on south-east coast of Scotland, 128 Lagenorhynchus albirostrisin Kilbrannan Sound (Curr. Lit.), 65 Lagopus scoticus in Shetland, 253; and Tetrao tetrix, hybrid between, 125 LaIpLaw, T. G., Stock Dove nesting in Peeblesshire, 196 Lanius excubttor in 124 Larus minutus at St. Andrews, 125 Lepidoptera, Macro-, of Ardclach, Nairn- shire, additions to list of, 198 Lepus europeus in Mull, 250 Limosa belgica in Orkney, 56, 125 Linnea in Ross-shire, note on, 62 Linota linaria in Kirkcudbright, 122 Linton, Rev. E. F., M.A., forms of Alchemilla vulgaris, 47; the genus Azbws in the supplement to the 3rd edition of ‘‘ English Botany,” 182 Loch Leven, notes on Freshwater Entomostraca of, 163 LYALL, Dr. Davrb, Obituary notice, 263 Loxia bifasctata in Orkney, 54 Renfrewshire, M‘DouGaLlL, GILBERT, notes on Mol- lusca of South Perthshire and Clack- mannan, 255 MAacGILLivray, Dr. PAUL HOWARD, obituary notice, 262 M‘Grecor, T. M., F.E.S., Cinnabar Moth in Perthshire, 199; Sa/da Muellert in Perthshire, 254 Mackay, W. A., & SON, Scottish Stag- Horn statistics, 250 MACLAINE OF LOCHBUIE, prices paid ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY for ‘‘ Vermin” in Mull in 1825, 193; Common Hare in Mull, 250 MACVICAR, SYMERS M., Salix Lap- ponum in Midlothian, 257; Ryz- chospora fusca in Westerness, 258 Mareca penelope breeding in Selkirk- shire, 231 MARSHALL, Rev. E. S., M.A., F.L.S., on Ranunculus flammula, 118; Ranunculus petiolaris, 256 Marten, Pine, in Aberdeenshire, 120; in Inverness-shire, 121; in Banff- shire (Curr. Lit.), 200 MAXWELL, Sir HERBERT, Bart., F.L.S., the Shoveller in Wigtownshire, 55 ; Great Crested Grebe in Wigtown- shire, 58 ; “ Topographical Botany : Wigtownshire,” 64 Meles taxus, capture of, on the Pentland Hills, 249 Merganser breeding inland in N.E. Scotland, 252 Mergulus alle, recent visitation of, to Scotland, 97; in Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 201 Mergus albellus in Midlothian, 124 ; serrator breeding inland in N.E. Scotland, 252 Mesoplodon bidens in the Firth of Forth, 250 Moffat district, botanical notes from (Curr. Lit.), 69, 133 Mollusca of Scotland, additions to comital census, 149; notes on, of South Perthshireand Clackmannan, 255 Montagu’s Harrier in Lanarkshire, 252 Mosses of Newton Don (Curr. Lit.), 202; of Sidlaw Hills (Curr. Lit.), 260 Motactlla alba in Clyde area, 193 3 razz in Clyde area, 193, Muscicapa atricapilla Inverness-shire, 54 Mus sylvaticus in Outer Hebrides, 53 Mustela martes in Aberdeenshire, 120 ; in Inverness-shire, 121 ; in Banff- shire (Curr. Lit.), 200 breeding in Nemocre in Scottish localities (Curr. Lit.), 67 Wisoniades tages in Moray, 199, 256 Nithsdale (Upper), notes on the Rubi and Salices of (Curr. Lit.), 134 Nomada bifida in Arran (Curr. Lit.) 201 Wyctea scandiaca in Shetland, 195 Wyssia lapponarta in Scotland (Curr. Tits) S20 Orchis maculata, peloria of (Curr. Lit. ), INDEX Orkney, additions to flora of, 173° plants of, noticed (Curr. Lit.), 133 Ornithological notes made in the island of Bute in midwinter, 137 Otis tarda washed up on the Ayrshire coast, 253 Otocorys alpestr?s at Dunbar, 122 ; near Aberfeldy, 123 Owl, Barn, in Caithness, 123; Snowy, in Shetland, 195; Short-eared, as a breeding species in the south of Scotland, 252 Oxyethira frict in (Curr. Lit.), 202 Rothiemurchus Pagophila eburnea in Aberdeenshire, 125 Passer montanus in Aberdeenshire, 122 PATERSON, JOHN, Swallows nesting in tunnels, 54; Tufted Duck in South-West Scotland, 123; Pintail, Great Gray Shrike, and Jay in Renfrewshire, 124; Great Crested Grebe in Wigtownshire, 125; White and Yellow Wagtails in Clyde area, 193; Garden Warbler in Clyde area, 194; Montagu’s Harrier in Lanarkshire, 252 PATERSON, JOHN, and ROBERTSON, JOHN, list of the birds of East Renfrewshire, 220 Peronosporee of North Ayrshire (Curr. Lit.), 134 Petrel, Fulmar, at Dunbar, 57; at Nairn, 58 Phalacrocorax carbo, albino, in Tay district, 56 Phibalapteryx lapidata in South Lanarkshire (Curr. Lit.), 67; in Stirlingshire (Curr. Lit.), 67; in Argyleshire (Curr. Lit.), 67 Phycts blennioides in Orcadian seas, 197 Phylloscopus rufus in Arran, 195 Pintail in Renfrewshire, 124 Plants observed in the Outer Hebrides in 1894; Scottish, for 1894, addi- tional to Watson’s ‘‘ Topographical Botany,” 2nd Ed., 114; Scottish flowering, first records of, 129; variation in, 200 Poa humilis, Ehrh., in West Ross and West Sutherland, 128 Podicipes cristatus in Wigtownshire, 58, 125; grisezgena at Dunbar, 125, 126; on East Lothian coast, 126 ; at Peterhead, 126; at Loch Earn, 126 ; zzgrzcoll¢s near Dunbar, 126 ; in the Hebrides (Curr. Lit.), 130 Potamogeton Bennettit, Fryer (Curr. Lit.), 134 Pow, GEORGE, Red-necked Grebes in the neighbourhood of Dunbar, 126 16 271 PRINGLE, JOHN, Great Bustard washed up on the Ayrshire coast, 253 Pyrus latifolia, Syme, in East Ross, 202 RAEBURN, HAROLD, Swallow and Blackbird in Shetland, 251; Red Grouse in Shetland, 253 RAEBURN, NORMAN, Whitethroat and Ring Dove in Shetland, 121 Rail, Water, nesting near Glasgow, 56 Rallus aqguaticus nesting near Glasgow, 56 Ranunculus flammula, 118 ; petiolares, 256 Ray, Electric, on east coast of Scot- land, 127, 198 READ, RopertT H., nesting of the Water Rail near Glasgow, 56 Records (first) of Scottish plants, 59, 129; for 1894, additional to Watson’s ‘‘ Topographical Botany,” 2nd Ed., 114 Redpoll, Mealy, in Kircudbright, 122 Renfrewshire, East, birds of, 220 Retina resinella in Aberdeenshire, 58 Reviews— A Monograph of Lichens found in Great Britain, by Rev. James Crombie, M.A., F.L.S., etc., 71 A Pocket-Flora of Edinburgh and the Surrounding District, by C. O. Sonntag, 72 Stirling Natural History and Archzeo- logical Society Transactions, 1893- 1894, 72 Allen’s Naturalists’ Library, edited by R. Bowdler Sharpe, LL.D., I Wosh, Cie, LZyl A Monograph of the Land and Fresh- water Mollusca of the British Isles, by J. W. Taylor, F.L.S., with the assistance of W. D. Roe- buck, F.L.S., the late Charles Ashford, and other well-known conchologists, 135 The Cambridge Natural History, edited by S. F. Harmer, M.A., and A. E. Shipley, M.A. Vol. III.—Molluses, by Rev. A. H. Cooke, M.A. ; Brachiopods (Recent) by AS Ba) Shipley: Brachiopods (Fossil), by F. R. C. Reed, M.A., 203 A Catalogue of the Birds of Prey (Accipitres and Striges), with the Number of Specimens in the Norwich Museum, by J. H. Gurney, F.Z.S., 204 Forest Birds, their Haunts and Habits: Short Studies from Nature, by Harry F. Witherby, 204. 272 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Reviews— A Monograph of the Mycetozoa, by Arthur Lister, F.L.S., 204 The London Catalogue of British Plants, part i., 205 Heligoland as an Ornithological Observatory, by Heinrich Gatke, translated by Rudolph Rosenstock, M.A., 263 British Birds, by W. H. Hudson, CIMEZ. 959205 British Fungus Flora, by G. Massee, vol. iv., 266 RoOEBUCK, WM. DENISON, F.L.S., additions to the authenticated comital census of the Land and Freshwater Mollusca of Scotland, 149 Roedeer in south of Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 200, 259 Roller in Aberdeenshire, 123 Rorqual, Lesser, in Scottish waters, 52 Rose hybride from Scotland (Curr. its) 70: Roses of the British Islands, on the necessity for a new monograph of, 39 Ross (West), contributions towards a flora of (Curr. Lit.), 69 Rubi list in ** London Catalogue,” Ed. 9 (Curr. Lit.), 134, 202; of Upper Nithsdale (Curr. Lit.), 134; (British), notice of set of, 129 Rubus (genus) in the Supplement to the Third Edition of ‘‘ English Botany,” 182 Rubus Rogerstt in Lit.), 134 Rynchospora fusca in Westerness, 258 Scotland (Curr. Salda Muelleri in Perthshire, 254 Salices of Upper Nithsdale (Curr. Lit.), 134 Salix Lapponum in Midlothian, 257 Sandpiper, Green, in Dumbartonshire, 56; in Argyleshire, 253 Scott, THomas, F.L.S., Cladocera from Barra and North Uist, 59; the Sea Spleenwort in the island of Barra, Outer Hebrides, 64; notes on Freshwater Entomostraca, with special reference to Loch Leven, 163; Greater Weever in the Firth of Forth, 253 Scorr, THOMAS, F.L.S., and ANDREW, on new and rare species of Cope- poda from Scotland, 28; notes on some rare Freshwater and Marine Copepoda from Scotland, 233 Scottish Plants, see Plants Sea Spleenwort in the Island of Barra, 54 SERLE, Rev. WmM., M.A., Roller in Aberdeenshire, 123 ; Ivory Gull in Aberdeenshire, 125 SERVICE, ROBERT, the Starling in Solway, 92; Mealy Redpoll in Kirkcudbright, 122; Brent and Pink-footed Geese on the Solway, 124 Shark, Greenland, on south-east coast of Scotland, 128 Sheld-Duck, Ruddy, in Tay district, 55 Shetland, plants of, noticed (Curr. Lit.), 133 Shorelark at Dunbar, 122 Shorelarks near Aberlady, 123 Shoveller in Wigtownshire, 55 Shrike, Great Gray, in Renfrewshire, 124 Sim, GEORGE, A.L.S., Electric Ray on the east coast of Scotland, 127; Echinus acutus on the east coast of Scotland, 255 Sim, GEORGE, Pine Marten in Aber- deenshire, 120; Tree-Sparrow in Aberdeenshire, 122 SIMPSON, JAMES, occurrence of Sowerby’s Whale in the Firth of Forth, 250 SKIRVING, R. ScoT, Carrion Crow, Hen Harrier, and Eagles in Islay, 53 SMALL, RoBERT, Hobby captured off the Firth of Forth, 252 Smelt, Sand, in Scottish waters, 126, 197 Smew in Midlothian, 124 SmitTH, W. ANDERSON, Sand Smelt or Atherine in Scottish waters, 126, 197 Snipe, Great, in Orkney (Curr. Lit.), 201 SOMERVILLE, A., B.Sc., F.L.S., Cyst- opter’s montana, Bernhardi, in Stir- lingshire, 50 Sowerby’s Whale in the Firth of Forth, 250 Sparrow, Tree, in Aberdeenshire, 122 Spatula clypeata in Wigtownshire, 55 Spiders collected at Oban, list of, 109; new and rare, found in 1893 (Curr. Lit.), 131 Stag-horn statistics, Scottish, 250 Starling in Scotland, its increase and distribution, 2; in Solway, 92 Sterna fluviatilis and mznor in Outer Hebrides, 201 Stirlingshire, notes on the flora of, (Curr. Lit.), 68 Strix flammea in Caithness, 123 Sturnus vulgarts in Scotland, its in- crease and distribution, 2; in Sol- way, 92 INDEX 273 Surnia nyctea in Shetland, 195 SUTHERLAND, ARTHUR, M.B., note on the occurrence of Linnza in Ross-shire, 62 Sutherlandshire, notes on the flora of (Curr. Lit.), 35 ; plants of, noticed (Curr. Lit.), 133 Swallow in Shetland, 251 Swallows nesting in tunnels, 54 Sylvia cinerea in Shetland, 122 Sylvia hortensts in Clyde area, 194; in Perthshire, 251 Tadorna casarca in Tay district, 55 Tapinostola elymz at Montrose (Curr. Lit.), 66 Terns, Common and Lesser, in Outer Hebrides, 201 Tetrao tetrixand Lagopus scoticus, hybrid between, 125 Thecla rubé in Moray, 256 Thermobia domestica in Edinburgh (Curr. Iris) ey TuHomsoN, R., additions to a list of the Macro- Lepidoptera of Ardclach, Nairnshire, 199; Cadletriche au- zummalis in Nairnshire, 256 Thrush, Missel, in Shetland, 122 Tiree, Bird Notes from the island of, 251 Torpedo nobiliana on east coast of Scotland, 127, 198 Totanus ochropus in Dumbartonshire, 56; in Argyleshire, 253 Trachinus dracoin the Firth of Forth, 253 TRAN, Jo Wie Valen MIGID ES ICIS Sian Teles Retinia resinella in Aberdeenshire, 583 variation in plants, 200 URAOWATRE Ree. wcIuas.) BARSS., Remains of the Great Auk in the Edinburgh Museum, 196; Electric Ray on the East Coast of Scotland, 198 Turdus merula in Shetland; 251 vesctvorus in Shetland, 122 Upupa epops in Peeblesshire, 123 Ustilaginee of North Ayrshire (Curr. Lit.), 134 Utricularias, Scottish (Curr. Lit.), 70 Valeriana aurea, acclimatisation of, near Alford, 260 Vanessa urtice, var. connexa, in Suther- land (Curr. Lit.), 132 Variation in Plants, 200 “Vermin” in Mull, prices paid for, in 1825, 193 Wagtail, Yellow, in Clyde area, 193 ; White, in Clyde area, 193 Water Rail nesting near Glasgow, 56 Waxwings in South-East Scotland, 122 Weever, Greater, in the Firth of Forth, 53 Whale, Sowerby’s, in the Firth of Forth, 250 WHITE, FRANCIS BUCHANAN, M.D., F.L.S., notice of the late; 1, 73 Whitethroat in Shetland, 122 Wigeon breeding in Selkirkshire, 231 Wigtownshire, “Topographical Botany, ” 64; List of Plants of (Curr. Lit.), 69 ; botanical notes for 1893 (Curr. Lit.), 133; Plants of Northumber- land and Durham in relation to (Cums Lit) 133 Willows(British), notices ofset of, 64, 129 Winton, W. E. de, Wood Mouse in the Outer Hebrides, 53 Wood Mouse in Outer Hebrides, 53 Woodpecker, Great Spotted, nesting in Berwickshire, 195 Zygena exulans and its variations (Curr. Lit.), 66 END OF VOL. IV. Printed by R. & R. Crark, LIMITED, Edinburgh RC ie AY 3 Mr, ~ x < io =I | 3 ee) 3 J a2) = Bese 33 SE sedi