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LIBRARY OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY

WOODS HOLE, MASS.

LOANED BY AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The Annals

OF

Scottish Natural History
A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED

“Che Scottish Naturalist”

EDITED BY

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

MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION

VAMES) W. ia, TRAIL, M.A, MoDr) EAR Ss, Esko:

PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
AND

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

NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART, EDINBURGH

RATUR AD %

EDINBURGH

DAVID DOUGLAS, CASTLE STREET
LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES ST., CAVENDISH SQUARE

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The Annals

of
Scottish Natural History

Nos 27) 1897 [JANUARY

THE LATE PROFESSOR THOMAS KING.

THOMAS KING was born on the 14th April 1834, at
Yardfoot, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, a farm which was
owned and occupied by his father. He received his early
education in a small school in the village of Glenhead. He
was destined to be a teacher, and in 1855, after the sale of
his birthplace, and the removal of the family to Glasgow, he
entered the Normal Training College of the Free Church of
Scotland. The early bent of his mind revealed itself in his
attendance on the class of Botany in that Institution. In
1862 he was appointed teacher of English in the Garnet
Bank Academy, where, in addition to the ordinary subjects,
he taught an advanced class of Botany. The work of the
session, however, proved too much for his strength, which
had never been robust, and he was obliged to relinquish the
position. Through the influence of a brother, who had
settled in Chili, he was appointed to an English school in
Valparaiso. He took this step in the hope that a long sea
voyage, and residence in a warmer climate, might be
beneficial to his health. Leaving in July, he arrived at
Valparaiso in October, 1864.

During eight years of residence in Valparaiso his health
was in great measure restored, and his love of Botany found
new fields for its devotion. His letters during this period to

21 B

2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

a sister, with whom the latter years of his life were spent,
and who survives him, are full of interest and reveal the en-
thusiasm of his nature. He describes the scenery of a valley
near Valparaiso as resembling that of the Clyde valley about
twenty miles north from Moffat, but narrower, and intersected
by many cross valleys enriched with a profusion of wild-
flowers, such as yellow calceolarias and mimulus, “ growing
like chickweed.” The contrast between their richness and
the sterile mountain scenery struck him as “very wonderful.”

As evidence of the restoration of his health, we may
refer to his ascent of La Campana de Quillota, a mountain
of 6400 feet in height. The ascent was made by moon-
light, which “steeped the great silent hills in light, and
made one think how little of the grandeur and beauty of
nature we see.” Ata height of 4000 feet the party rested
for the night. When they reached the summit “the only
sign of day was the morning star in the east,” while “in the
west the moon was shining on the sea.” Gradually the light
became “brighter and brighter over the mountains,” “rays
from the yet hidden sun” streaming into the sky, till at last
“an intense point of the colour of lightning rose to view.”
When the full glory of the sunrise was upon them, the
shadow of the mountain was projected for twenty-six miles
over land and sea. There is frequent reference to the plants
which he gathered ; now a calceolaria “growing in a crack
of a rock a few feet from the highest point,” and again an
“ Umbellifer growing like great hassocks among the stones,
like a moss about nine inches high, or the golden fern
Adiantum sulphureum.’ The descent was made after sun-
rise, and at one point the party went into a copper mine,
“but I, liking better what grows on the outside of the earth,
took the opportunity to go among the plants.” So character-
istic of the man !

After eight years residence in Valparaiso he went to
Santiago, and communicated to Dr. Philippi, Professor of
Botany in the University there, the collection of plants and
seeds which he had made during these years. It proved to
be one of great value, including several plants new to
science. Schzzostemma Kingi, Ph. and Tropeolum King, Ph.,
perpetuate his name. He was the first to find Stemmatum

THE LATE PROFESSOR THOMAS KING 3

narcissotdes, Ph. Schizostemma and Stemmatum formed
new genera at the instance of Philippi. He was the first
also to find Errazurtzia glandulifera, Ph, a _ curious
leguminous plant with “long rat-tail spikes of flowers of a
peculiar purple and yellow” with an “ incense-like” scent.
Philippi named it in honour of President Errazuriz, and
King adds—so characteristic again—‘“ I was better pleased
than if he had named it for myself.”

Early in 1873 he returned to Scotland, with such
restored health that he determined to remain at home. In
1873 and 1874 we find him studying Botany in the
University of Glasgow, under the late Professor Dickson ;
and again in 1878-79 he attended the class of Practical
Botany under Professor Bayley Balfour. For a time he was
engaged in teaching in various schools in the West of Scot-
land, and set himself to qualify as a certificated teacher in
Science. In 1877 he was appointed Lecturer on Botany in
the Eastern Mechanics Institute, Glasgow; and in 1878 he
was appointed to a similar position in the Glasgow
Mechanics Institute, now incorporated in the Glasgow
and West of Scotland Technical College. In 1883 he
attended lectures on Botany and instruction in laboratory
work at South Kensington, and in the same year he obtained
the Certificate of the Department of Science and Art as a
teacher of Botany. In 1889 he was elected Professor of
Botany in Anderson’s College Medical School, and in 1890
Professor of Botany in the Glasgow Veterinary College.
He continued to discharge the duties of these various offices
till the date of his death.

Professor King was an active member of the Geological,
the Eastern Botanical, the Natural History, and the Micro-
scopical Societies of Glasgow. He was a Fellow of the
Cryptogamic Society of Scotland, of which he was Honorary
Treasurer from the year 1883. He has left no permanent
work in the literature of science, if we except an enlarged
edition of Kennedy’s “Clydesdale Flora,” which he published,
and an article on the “ Botany of Scotland,” which he wrote
for the “Ordnance Survey Gazetteer of Scotland.” But he
frequently contributed valuable papers to the various
societies of which he was a member.

4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

It was while attending the Annual Conference of the
Cryptogamic Society that he contracted the illness which
proved fatal. On the evening of Monday the 7th September
last he joined the members, who were assembled at Fochabers,
in good health and spirits. The following day was one of long
and arduous exertion in field-work, and at its close he was
unusually fatigued. On the morning of Wednesday the oth
symptoms of pleurisy developed themselves, but they were not
such as to cause any grave apprehension to the medical friends
who were with us. Although he was not able to rise from
bed during the remainder of the Conference, he was progressing
favourably, and was interested in our work. When members
left on Friday the 11th, it was in full hope that he would be
able shortly to return to his home and duties. On Sunday
the 13th, however, a relapse took place, with complications,
and, though all that medical aid could do was done for him,
he sank rapidly. It was a painful shock to all of us to
learn that he died on Monday the 14th. It was matter of
great satisfaction that his sister reached Fochabers in time
to nurse him in his last hours. The end was peaceful. His
remains were interred in the Abbey Churchyard of Paisley,
beside those of his ancestors.

Professor King was a man of sterling character, which
commanded the respect and esteem of all who came in
contact with him. He had many friends, and no one can
conceive the possibility of his having an enemy. Of a
singularly guileless, unselfish, and gentle nature, he uncon-
sciously attached to him all who had the privilege of his
acquaintance. The very quaintness of his peculiarities made
him more lovable. His enthusiasm in his favourite pursuits
was unwearying, and latterly the study of fungi became the
absorbing interest of his leisure hours. It was ever his
highest delight to impart to others the knowledge which he
possessed, and he was singularly patient in helping those
who had the desire to learn. Devoted to science, he took
little part in public affairs. Political or ecclesiastical con-
troversies were alike alien to his modest and gentle nature.
His presence will be long and sorely missed among us.

JOHN STEVENSON.
JAMES STIRTON.

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED 5

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED,
WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TOS THE BIRDS
OF BERWICKSHIRE,” AND NOTICES OF THE
OCCURRENCEROER SOME, OF THE,” RAKER
SPECIES IN THE ADJOINING DISTRICTS.

By GEorcE Bota, F.Z.S., etc.
(Continued from Vol. V., 1896, p. 93-)

PASSERES.

MissEL THRUSH, Zurdus viscivorus, Linneeus.—A resident species,
breeding in a few places within the limits of the borough, as, for
example, in the plantation below New Water Haugh, and sometimes
also in gardens in Ravensdowne. It is generally supposed to have
increased very much in numbers, in the district, within what we
may term (ornithologically speaking) historic times. Various recent
writers have remarked upon its comparative rareness in their younger
days, or when they first came to the district ; but even so far back
as 1830 or 1831, we find Selby writing: “ This species within the last
ten or fifteen years has become very common in the northern
counties.” While ten years later—viz. in 1840—he ranks the
Missel Thrush as a resident “which in our younger days was con-
sidered a very rare bird,” but ‘‘has now become common.”

Sone TurusH, Zurdus musicus, Linneus. |

BLACKBIRD, Zurdus merula, Linneus.
dents, breeding everywhere. In autumn the native stock is largely
augmented by immigrants, perhaps from abroad, proof of which is
very visible in the flocks of these birds which we sometimes meet
with in the turnip-fields in October and November. At that season
of the year numbers of them may also be found, upon our sea banks,
where they forage for snails, etc., along the grassy ledges of the cliffs,
and amongst the rank growth of herbage at their base.

To some extent, no doubt, the birds which breed with us are
also migratory in winter, but possibly it is only the young birds
which then move southwards. Be that as it may, it is quite certain
that many of the old residenters in our gardens do wot depart, but
remain throughout the year in their chosen haunts.

Well-known resi-

REDWING, Zurdus tliacus, Linnzeus. |

FIELDFARE, Zurdus pilarts, Linnzus. |
generally associated in flocks. They arrive about October, and
frequently remain till late in spring, sometimes until the middle of
May.

Common winter visitants,

6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Rinc Ovze., Zurdus torquatus, Linnzeus.—Not unfrequently
seen in Berwick, on migration, in autumn, and sometimes also in
spring. The following dates, from my journals, may be of interest
for comparison :—

1882. Oct. 14, and for a day or two afterwards.—Several noticed
in the garden at Ravensdowne.

1883. Apl. 25.—One seen in garden, Ravensdowne.

1884. Apl. 27.—Two pairs near Scremerston, three miles south of
Berwick.

» Sept. 14, and following days.—One or two in garden, Ravens-
downe.

1885. May 4.—One in garden, Ravensdowne ; a Pied Flycatcher
seen there same day.

1889. Oct. 20.—An old bird on sea banks at Scremerston, which
my dog “winded” a considerable distance off. The
‘camey ” smell of this species, to dogs, is pronounced, and
has frequently been remarked upon.

1891. Sept. 20.—Several about the plantation below New Water
Haugh on this and succeeding days. Were rather un-
usually numerous in the neighbourhood this autumn.

1895. Jan. 7.—One seen by my brother amongst the trees at Scots
Gate, in the town. This was a very stormy day of rain,
wind, and snow, and the beginning of the severe frost
which continued without interruption until March.

The occurrence of the Ring Ouzel in mid-winter is very unusual,
though I had one from near Rock, in Northumberland, so late as
the rst November 1885; and saw another near Wooler, on 5th
December 1883 (“ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. x. p. 388, and vol.
xi. p. 258).

The individuals which visit us here in autumn are generally in
immature plumage, with pale margins to all the feathers, imparting
rather a light-coloured appearance to the birds; gorgets on throats
of a dull muddy grey and somewhat inconspicuous. The quill
feathers of wings and tail in these immature specimens are sometimes
obscurely barred or spotted, a peculiarity which I have also observed
in some young examples of the Missel Thrush.

Wuite’s TurusH, Geocichla varia (Pallas)—The only record for
the district, of this rare accidental visitor to Great Britain, is the
specimen killed at Hardacres, in Berwickshire, in December 1878.
(Brotherston, ‘‘ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. viii. p. 518).

WHEATEAR, Saxicola enanthe, Linneus.—A common spring to
autumn migrant, and usually one of the first to herald the return of
spring. It often reaches us by the last week in March, my earliest
record, for nineteen years, being the 23rd of that month, 1893. In
autumn it congregates, in some numbers, about the vicinity of the
pier, and sometimes lingers there until October.

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED 7

Wuincuat, Pratincola rubetra (Linneus).—Another summer
migrant, arriving in March, and I used sometimes to meet with the
young, in our garden in Ravensdowne, on their return journey, in
August, and September, at which season they are in a much spotted,
and most interesting state of plumage. It is never numerous, but a
pair or two sometimes nest within the limits of the borough.

STONECHAT, Pratincola rubicola (Linnzeus).—Resident, and breeds
in several places ; always a pair or two upon the sea banks. ‘The
beds of coarse herbage at the mouth of the Whitadder, and on the
Orit Island, on the Tweed, form favourite resorts during winter.

REDSTART, Ruticilla phenicurus (Linnzeus).—Not very numerous,
but nests wherever suitable places occur, and is seen regularly in
Berwick, in spring and autumn. I am not aware that it breeds
nearer to the town than at Castle Hills.

Brack Repstart, Auvzicilla titys (Scopoli).—This is a bird which
one would think ought to be attracted by our rocky coast, but, though
I have for years kept a careful look out for it, the only instance
of its occurrence here is a female, in winter plumage, which was shot
by my brother, on the rocks behind the pier, on 15th December
1893, and is now in my collection.

It has occurred once or twice on the Northumbrian coast, and
has also been recorded from the shores of the Firth of Forth. It is
not included by Mr. Muirhead in his “‘ Birds of Berwickshire.”

BLUETHROAT, (uticilla suecica (Linneeus).—No record here, but
in addition to the specimen recorded by Selby, from the Town Moor,
Newcastle-on-Tyne, shot 28th May 1826, and now in the Newcastle
Museum, one was taken at the lighthouse, on the May Island, on 22nd
September 1881, (Gray in “ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. x. p. 84), and
another is recorded by Mr. Geo. Pow, of Dunbar (/oc. ci¢. vol. xi. p.
248), as having been killed at Belhaven, in East Lothian, in the end
of May or beginning of June 1868, and preserved by Mr. William
Johnstone, Belhaven. The last mentioned specimen is said to have
the central spot on the breast “yellowish brown with pure white
below.” The May Island bird was recorded by Mr. Gray as belong-
ing to the entirely blue-breasted form, A. zwo/#, but I have been
obligingly informed by Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke that the specimen is
now in the Museum of Science and Art, in Edinburgh, and belongs
to the red-spotted race.

Rosin, Evithacus rubecula (Linnzeus).—As common, and as wel-
come, in Berwick as elsewhere. A considerable increase to the
native stock is noticeable in September, and October, at which
season I have often remarked it with the little bands of Redstarts,
Warblers, Pied Flycatchers, etc., which sometimes pay a visit to the
gardens in the town.

8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

NIGHTINGALE, Daulias luscinia (Linnzus).—Although, as might
be expected, this premier songster has not yet visited the borough,
I have to put on record an undoubted instance of its occurrence in
Northumberland, in June, 1893, not more than some twelve miles
south of our limits, and within about half that distance, as the crow
flies, of the Scottish Border.

It is no unusual thing for a Nightingale to be reported in the
newspapers, as having been heard, in this, or that locality, in the
northern counties, only upon investigation to turn out to be a Sedge
Warbler, or some other night-singing bird, which has been treating
the neighbourhood to an even-song, and has therefore been at once
put down asa Nightingale ; and it is perfectly marvellous upon what
slight foundation these stories sometimes rest. Being accustomed
to these paragraphs, I was in no way surprised to see it stated in the
local press, in the early part of June 1893, that a Nightingale was to
be heard singing nightly, in a wood near the village of Whittingham,
and that another had been heard near Elsdon, both places being in
Northumberland, and in the ordinary course of events, I should
probably have paid but little attention to the matter. Of the re-
ported occurrence at Elsdon, I heard nothing further, and cannot
therefore say how far that story may have been correct ; but happen-
ing to be a good deal in the Whittingham neighbourhood at the
time, and hearing of the Nightingale upon all hands, I walked over
to the wood, about midnight, on the evening of Sunday, the 11th
June, and was no less astonished, than delighted to hear an un-
doubted Nightingale in full song. The bird sang from a low oak
tree, near the eastern corner of the large wood, at Whittingham, and
within a short distance of the village, and, late though the hour was,
there was still quite a little knot of people gathered together to
listen to the song. A footpath, from Whittingham to Callaly Castle,
skirts the wood at this place, and afforded an excellent opportunity
to every one to hear the bird without trespassing ; but the Earl of
Ravensworth, to whom Whittingham belongs, having heard of the
Nightingale, had given orders to have it strictly protected, and con-
sequently either the gamekeeper, or his son, remained on duty every
night.

There could, of course, be no mistake about the song, but, in
order to place the record entirely beyond suspicion, I made an ap-
pointment with the keeper, and revisited the place with his son, on
the afternoon of the 13th, when I had the satisfaction of obtaining
a very near view of the bird itself, close to the spot where I had
heard it sing two days before. We remained near the wood for
some time, and I had a second excellent view of the bird, and thought
that I detected a pair of them, but of this could not be perfectly
certain. Layton, the keeper, told me that he had first heard the
song on the 14th of May, and that, almost nightly, a large number of

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A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED 9

persons had come to hear it. As it afterwards turned out, the bird
had almost ceased singing before I heard it, and it was very little
either seen or heard after the 13th June.

It will be remembered that the summer of 1893 was one of the
hottest, and finest, we have experienced for many years in the north
of England, and it was supposed that the fine spring had tempted
the Nightingale to exceed its usual northern limit. During May and
June the barometer stood at a very high point, and remained prac-
tically stationary, whilst on the 18th June the thermometer recorded
85° in the shade in the Whittingham neighbourhood, and was up
nearly five points higher a few days later.

It seems only right to notice here that in the ‘‘ History of the
Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club,” vol. viii. p. 446, the late Rev. J. F.
Bigge has recorded that “during the very hot weather in the last
week in June 1878 a Nightingale was heard, about eight o’clock,
for several evenings, singing in a wood close to Blanchland, on the
river Derwent, in the county of Northumberland. <A great number
of the inhabitants went out each night to hear it.” But, unfortun-
ately, Mr. Bigge does not state whether he himself had heard the
bird, or whether he could personally vouch for the record.

HEDGE Sparrow, Accentor modularts (Linneus).—Abundant at
all seasons.

WHITETHROAT, Sylvia cinerea, Bechstein.—A common summer
visitant, and breeds freely in the borough. In most years we used
to have a nest of it, in Ravensdowne, and it was a frequent visitor
with other warblers, in September.

LESSER WHITETHROAT, Sy/uéa curruca (Linnus).—I have only
once been able to identify this species here, when, as recorded in
the “ History of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club,” vol. x. p. 389,
two examples were shot, one on the 14th, the other on 26th Sep-
tember 1881.

GARDEN WARBLER, Sylvia hortensis, Bechstein.—A not un-
common breeding species, both in Northumberland and Berwick-
shire, and well distributed, but within the borough itself there are
few situations likely to tempt it and kindred species to settle. I
first met with it, on migration, at Berwick, in 1883, when two or
three individuals were observed in the garden, at Ravensdowne, on the
17th September and subsequent days. Since that date it has been
noticed there on 22nd May 1884, a pair or more; 27th August
1884; 17th August 1885, and frequently between that date and
27th September following ; and on 22nd August 1886. After this
year, owing to our no longer occupying that garden, the same oppor-
tunities for observation have not been offered, but I still sometimes
notice a bird or two in the vicinity. One seen so late as 25th
October, in 1889, was busily engaged in stripping the berries off a

fe) ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

honeysuckle, growing in the Vicarage garden, at Ancroft, five miles
south of Berwick.

In certain localities it greatly exceeds the Blackcap in numbers,
as for example, in the Duke of Northumberland’s park at Alnwick,
where, upon more than one occasion, I have found more than half a
dozen nests in the course of an afternoon. In reference to Mr. A.
H. Evans’s remarks (“Scottish Naturalist,” 1891, p. 105), I may add
that I have also found it nesting in Messrs. Stuart and Mein’s
nurseries at Kelso (first in 1883, and several times since), as well as
in the neighbourhood of Yetholm, and in several other localities in
that district.

Its partiality for garden fruit is well known, and, prior to 1877,
I used to catch it under the raspberry nets at Weetwood Hall..

Buackcap, Sylvéa atricapilla (Linneeus).—Another well-distri-
buted breeding species in both the adjoining counties, and of pretty
regular occurrence in Berwick, on migration, in April and September.
It appears occasionally to winter in the district.

GREAT REED WARBLER, Acrocephalus turdotdes (Meyer.)—A
passing reference may be made to the well-known instance of the
occurrence of this very rare straggler to England, on 28th May 1847,
near Newcastle-on-Tyne (J. Hancock, “Birds of Northumberland
and Durham,” and “ Annals and Mag. Nat. Hist.,” vol. xx. p. 135).

SEDGE WARBLER, Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechstein). — An
abundant summer visitant, breeding in any thickish hedge or under-
growth. It is an incessant singer, and carols away merrily through-
out the short summer nights. Should it chance that the bird is
silent, as we pass by his haunts, at this season of the year, all that
is necessary is to “wake him up” by throwing a stone into the
hedge, and, no matter what the hour may be, his ready tongue is at
once let loose.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, Locustella nevia (Boddaert).—Breeds
in both the adjoining counties, and may perhaps occasionally do so
within the limits of the borough; but it is a most eccentric species,
and crops up suddenly in some seasons, and begins to nest, where
perhaps it has not been seen for more than a decade. 1879 was
one of its years of plenty, and in June of that year, Mr. A. H.
Evans and I found it nesting, quite numerously, amongst the heather,
on the hillsides, between Yetholm and Wooler, in localities in which
I have since looked for it a/mos¢ in vain. Inthe same year, towards
the end of June, it appeared in a hedge, by the roadside, near Castle
Hills Lodge, and sang there nightly, for a week or ten days. This
is the only occasion upon which I have seen this bird actually
within ‘“‘the Bounds,” but in the following year, I found its nest, in
Murton Dene, less than a couple of miles outside the parliamentary

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED II

limits of the borough, and have since taken it at Allerdean Mill, about
four miles south of Berwick.

The Grasshopper Warbler is a shy bird, of very skulking habits,
and, were it not for its peculiar song, might very easily be overlooked
in a district. Its song is, however, so very different from that of
any other bird, that it at once arrests the attention, and when once
heard can never be mistaken for that of any other species. To the
writer it seems almost incredible that any person, acquainted with
the notes of both species, should ever confuse the monotonous ¢77//
of this bird with the song of the Sedge Warbler.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, PyJloscopus superciliosus (J. F.
Gmelin).—Hancock’s well-known record from Hartley, Northum-
berland, on 26th September 1838, is still the only occurrence for
the district.

Cuirr-Cuarr, Phylloscopus rufus (Bechstein).—Much less numer-
ous than the next species, but a regular summer visitor, and vies with
the Sand Martin as the first to put in an appearance in the spring.

WILLow WaRBLER, Phylloscopus trochilus (Linnzeus).—The most
abundant of our Warblers, breeding wherever there are a few trees
to afford it shelter. The young in autumn are considerably yellower
in plumage than adults, and at this season are often numerous in
gardens in the town.

Woop WarBLER, Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechstein).—There are
no suitable nesting-stations for the Wood Wren in the borough,
but it breeds sparingly over the surrounding district, both in North-
umberland and Berwickshire. I once heard it in song, in the spring,
in the plantation on the banks of the Tweed, below New Water
Haugh, and have detected it, once or twice, among its congeners in
the garden, in August and September.

GOLD-CRESTED WREN, Regulus cristatus, K. L. Koch.—Quite
common in the surrounding districts, where it nests in most of the
fir plantations ; but it is only on migration, in the autumn, that it
occurs in Berwick. At this season it is not unusual to meet with
one or two of these mere atoms of bird life, in gardens, in the
town, and I have sometimes also noticed it, amongst the coarse
herbage, upon the sea banks.

LONG-TAILED Tit, Acredula rosea (Blyth).—Breeds in one or
two localities, within a few miles of Berwick, and upon both sides
of the Border, but to the borough itself it can only be regarded as a
very occasional visitor, there being but little to attract it. I once
met with a troop, foraging along the hedges of the ‘‘ Boundary
Road,” near High Cocklaw.

It may be worth while to refer, in passing, to the specimen of
the northern, white-headed form (4. cawdata) recorded by Mr.
Hancock, from Tynemouth, in November, 1852.

12 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Great Tit, Parus major, Linneus.
BuvuE Tit, Parus cweruleus, Linneus.
breeding alike in the town and in the adjacent country.

\ Both common residents,

Coat Tit, Parus ater, Linnzus.—Breeds in suitable localities
adjoining the borough, and possibly sometimes within it; but I do
not remember having met with it very near the town itself

MarsuH Tit, Parus palustris, Linnzeeus.—Less common than the
last species, but nests regularly, within a mile or two of our parlia-
mentary boundary, on the English side. I have also found it breed-
ing in Berwickshire, but do not recollect to have seen a specimen
actually within our limits.

NuruatcuH, Sitta cesta, Wolf.—I have never myself met with
this bird on the Borders, but Gray (“ Birds of the West of Scotland,”
p. 199) records a specimen, shot in the summer of 1865, near Her-
miston, in Haddingtonshire, and another, killed in a garden near
Dunse, in March 1856. Mr. Gray has also recorded (‘“ Hist. Berw.
Nat. Club,” vol. vili. p. 157) having seen one, which had been shot
near Jedburgh, on 18th January 1877; and in the same journal
(vol. vii. p. 502) the late Mr. Brotherston, of Kelso, mentions having
caught one on her nest, in a strip of plantation between Houndridge
and Harpertoun, near Ednam, about 1850.

TREE-CREEPER, Certhia familiaris, Linnzus.—A resident, and
found breeding, throughout the surrounding country, wherever woods
prevail ; but only a straggler on the outskirts of the borough.

The favourite nesting site of the Creeper is behind a piece of
bark which has become partially detached from the bole of a tree,
or in a crack caused by the splitting away of some large branch
from the trunk. Such vertical fissures seem always to be preferred
to a regular hole, such as a Titmouse would choose. It also builds
not infrequently in old walls.

WrEN, TZvoglodytes parvulus, K. L. Koch.—A common and
well-known resident.

Dipper, Cinclus aqguaticus, Bechstein.—A familiar bird upon all
our Border streams ; breeds at ‘“‘ Cantie’s Bridge,” and at New Mills,
on the Whitadder, within the borough. ‘Two or three broods are
reared in the season, the same nest being generally resorted to,
with a new lining added to it; and a favourite station is occupied
year after year. No matter at what distance the nearest trees
may grow, the nest is always lined out with beech or alder leaves,
and amongst these I have invariably found one or two leaves,
seldom more, of the oak.

I have always kept a look out here for the northern form (C.
melanogaster), but have never been able to detect it.

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED 13

GOLDEN ORIOLE, Oviolus galbula, Linnzeus.—In the “ History
of the Berwickshire Naturalists Club,” vol. x. p. 387, I have recorded
the capture of a mature male, near Middleton Hall, Belford, on
26th May 1881. The specimen is still in my collection. Middle-
ton is about thirteen miles south of Berwick, and I am not aware of
any other record for the district.

STARLING, Sturnus vulgaris, Linneeus.x—A very abundant
resident, and still on the increase. Less than a hundred years ago
it seems to have been considered quite a rare bird, upon the Borders.
Two broods are usually reared in the course of the season. Indi-
viduals, in a more or less white state of plumage, are not unfrequent
in autumn ; they seem invariably to be young birds.

ROSE-COLOURED Pastor, Pastor roseus (Linnzeus).—A casual
visitant, which has only very rarely appeared in the district. The
specimen recorded by me (‘ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. viii. p. 495)
as from near Ancroft, in August 1877, I have since been informed
by the person who shot it, was killed at Allerdean Folly, a place
about five miles south of Berwick, and perhaps two miles from
Ancroft. When shot it was sitting in a garden amongst some red-
currant bushes, and was afterwards carried off to Ancroft by the
policeman, who lived there, and who chanced to call at the “ Folly”
about the time ; from him it was acquired for the Berwick Museum,
but has since shared the fate of many another specimen in our local
Institution, having long ago been devoured by moths!

There are several other records for Northumberland, one being
by Selby, from Bamburgh, in July 1818, and another from West Ord,
in the vicinity of Berwick, on 13th July 1832 (Dr. Johnston, “ Hist.
Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. i. p. 4). In the same journal (vol. 1. p. 253),
Selby, in his “‘ Report on the Ornithology of the District,” read to the
Club, in December 1840, refers to “ Rose Pastor, killed at Tweed-
mouth and Ladythorn.”

Cuoucu, Pyrrhocorax graculus (Linnzus).—Mr. Muirhead has
shown that this fine species, which used formerly to breed upon the
coast of Berwickshire, probably became extinct there between 1846
and 1855 ; but, although I have not been able to obtain any really
satisfactory evidence upon the point, it seems just possible that it
may be re-establishing itself in its ancient quarters. Thus, when the
Berwickshire Naturalists Club visited St. Abb’s Head, on 26th June
1895, a pair were reported, by some of the fishermen about Petti-
cowick, to be nesting there. It was not until after we had returned
to Coldingham that I heard of this, and no definite information
could then be obtained about it, but on returning to the Head, a few
days later, I was most positively assured, by more than one person,
that a pair of Red-legged Crows had actually bred there that season, the
nest being, it was said, in the cliff a little to the west of Petticowick

14 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

harbour. <A high west wind, which was blowing at the time, made
the day very unpropitious for a close examination of the rocks, and
we were not fortunate enough to see a Chough, but one man, whom
we met near the old camps, informed us that one had been running
about upon the grass at the top of the cliff, within fifty yards of him,
not ten minutes before our arrival!

Anything more definite than this I have been unable to obtain,
either then or during several subsequent visits, and so, for the present,
the question must remain an open one, but it seems scarcely right to
omit all reference to it here ; and, as we were informed by the fisher-
men that we were not the only persons who had been making similar
inquiries of them, it is possible that some one may have been more
fortunate in his quest after the Choughs than we were, and may,
perhaps, be in a position to throw a little more light upon the matter.

A person named Penman, a signal-man upon the railway between
Spittal and Scremerston, and who used to stuff birds a little, and take
considerable interest in them, told me of one, which had been picked
up by his wife, upon the sea-beach near his house, in September
1884, which was quite strange to him, but which, from his very
graphic description of it, could really be nothing else than a Chough.
The weather for some days previously had been very stormy, and
the bird had been so much damaged, and knocked about, by the
waves, that it was, unfortunately, not preserved ; but neither the man,
nor his wife, had any previous knowledge of the existence of such a
bird as the Chough, and I am quite sure that there was no intention
to mislead.

When the Berwickshire Naturalists Club visited The Glen, the
seat of Mr. Edward Tennant, in Peeblesshire, in 1881, there was,
amongst the collection of birds in the house, a specimen of the
Chough, which Dr. Hardy elicited had been “shot by a ploughman
somewhere in the vicinity ” (“‘ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. ix. p. 488).

Jay, Garrulus glandarius (Linnzus).—Still manages to maintain
a footing in central Northumberland, where a few pairs breed oc-
casionally. A friend, who is well acquainted with this species, in
the county of Durham, informed me that he had seen one, during
the protracted snowstorm of December and January 1890-91, at
New Water Haugh, near Berwick. This is the only occurrence
hereabouts within recent times.

Macpixr, Pica rustica (Scopoli).—Fairly plentiful to the south of
the borough, and nests regularly within a short distance of our
boundary ; much more uncommon on the north side of the Tweed.
I saw one shot, near New Water Haugh, on 2nd October 1878.

The Magpie is one of the best checks we have upon the increase of
the Wood Pigeon, being very attentive to the nests of those birds in the

woods where it breeds.
(Zo be continued.)

INTERBREEDING OF RED GROUSE AND BLACK GROUSE 15

ON THE INTERBREEDING OF THE RED GROUSE
@AGOPUSMSCORIGUS) AND THE BLACK
GROUSE (LYRURUS TETRIX).

By Rev. H. A. MacpHerson, M.A.

THE Red and Black Grouse are both so plentiful upon the
moors of the border counties of England and Scotland, that
I have long expected to come across some additional
instances of the well-known but rare union between Lagopus
scoticus and Lyrurus tetrix. It was therefore with great
pleasure that I recently identified no fewer than four birds
of this curious cross. My friend Mr. Michael Huthart rents
the shooting of Shalloch, Kirkcudbrightshire,—a moor of
less than 3000 acres, upon which both Red and Black
Grouse nest in considerable numbers. The elevation of the
moor never exceeds 1300 feet above sea-level, but the Black
Game chiefly frequent the lower ground, which is full of
rushy, broken land. Mr. Huthart was shooting over the
moor with a party of friends upon the 26th of August 1896,
when he came across a covey of birds—an old gray hen and
seven or eight young ones. The gray hen got away un-
scathed, but Mr. Huthart shot two of the young birds right
and left. On examination at the shop of Mr. R. Raine, the
courteous taxidermist who preserved them, we found them
to be male hybrids between the Red and Black Grouse.
These birds, by an unfortunate oversight, were not weighed.

Mr. Huthart was shooting the same moor upon the 16th
of September, when two birds got up, a few yards apart.
The right bird, which fell to Mr. Huthart’s gun, proved to
be a young Blackcock ; but the left bird, which was shot by
a friend, was as certainly a female hybrid between the Red
and Black Grouse. This bird was shot in the same neigh-
bourhood as the two male hybrids first obtained. It was in
good condition, and weighed a trifle over 1 lb. 11 oz.

A careful search was made for additional specimens of
this cross, but only thoroughbred birds were killed until the
23rd of October, when Mr. Huthart’s keeper noticed a sus-
picious bird, which he shot. This proved to be a beautiful
female hybrid, and was killed at a distance of about half a

16 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

mile from the spot where the other hybrids had been found.
It was quite alone. It was in the finest feather, and weighed
I lb. 124 0z. By Mr. Huthart’s kind permission, I exhibited
a male hybrid killed on 26th August, and a female shot
upon the 16th of September, before a meeting of the British
Ornithologists Club upon 20th November 1896. Their
identification as hybrids between the Red and Black Grouse
was accepted by all the members present. Mr. J. G. Millais
stated that he had previously examined about eight hybrids
of this cross, but had never previously seen a female of such
origin. I begged that any doubts might be ventilated, but
Mr. Millais vouched for the identification of these birds being
absolutely correct and indisputable.

Having thus explained the circumstances under which
the specimens in question were procured, it may not be out
of place to add a few brief remarks upon the plumage of
these birds. I ought to say here that Mr. Huthart generously
presented me with a male and female hybrid for the Carlisle
Museum. The other two birds remain in his own possession.
Of the two male hybrids shot on the 26th of August, it
may be remarked at once that they show plenty of the Red
Grouse, both above and below. The tail in both of these
birds is well forked. The bird belonging to the Carlisle
Museum has the crown reddish brown, varied with broken
bars of black ; the nape is similar to the crown, but paler in
sround colour. The neck is yellowish buff, broadly barred
with black, but grouse-like feathers are moultzng in to replace
the first feathers. The feathers of the back are yellowish buff,
barred closely with irregular black bars; but rich brown
feathers, similar to those of the Red Grouse, are rapidly
replacing the earlier feathers. The lesser wing-coverts are
prettily varied with white. The secondaries closely resemble
those of a young Black Grouse, and are quite unlike those of
a Red Grouse. The feathers of the flanks are reddish buff,
barred with black; but the greater portion of the breast is
covered with dark, rich feathers, much like those of the Red
Grouse. Each of these dark feathers has a white fringe,
which is most extended in the feathers which occupy the
centre of the breast. The under tail-coverts are black and
white, but are only half grown. The second male bird much

INTERBREEDING OF RED GROUSE AND BLACK GROUSE 17

resembles that just described, but is more pied with white.
Many of the new grouse-like feathers of the back have
white margins, while both the secondaries and the lesser
wing-coverts are more conspicuously tipped with white.
The breast of this bird, which Mr. Huthart retains, is so
nearly of a glossy black, that a close examination is necessary
to disclose the reddish bars upon the feathers. Moreover, the
white margins of the feathers of the lower parts are broadly
fringed with white, so that the centre of the breast appears
to be entirely white.

As for the female birds, that shot on 16th September is
much further advanced in plumage than the cock birds.
The upper parts are a beautiful red, barred with black, the
neck and upper breast recalling to an expert the broadly
barred neck of a gray hen. The secondaries of both the
female hybrids closely resemble those of a gray hen. The
tail is slightly forked like the tail of a gray hen, and the
central rectrices are edged with buffy white as in that species.
The upper tail-coverts are likewise suggestive of the gray
hen; but a more important character is supplied by the
under tatl-coverts. These are buffish white, broadly barred
with black, and therefore very similar indeed to, if not
actually identical with, the under tail-coverts of the gray
hen. The wings of both this bird and the bird obtained in
October are prettily spotted with white. The lower parts are
also varied with white.

Many of the Red Grouse shot upon Shalloch are pro-
fusely pied with white. The male parent of these hybrids
would appear to have been a heavily pied individual, at least
if the amount of white exhibited by his hybrid offspring be
any criterion. Let me observe, in conclusion, that these
hybrids exhibit the comb of the Red Grouse, as long ago
remarked by Macgillivray. They have longer legs than
pure-bred Red Grouse, and stand proportionately higher.
The toes are only feathered for a short distance from their
base. Not the least curious fact connected with the occur-
rence of these birds is the abundance of both Black and Red
Grouse upon the moor where they were apparently bred. Had
Black Game been scarce, the pairing of the gray hen with a
male Red Grouse would have been much less remarkable.

21 C

18 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Sr GREAT “CRESTED )}GREBE AND, “OTHER
BK DS ON CHE AVE RE LOCH IOP My TON,
WIGTOWNSHIRE.

By Sir HERBERT MaxweELLl, Bart.

I AM glad to be able to record the nesting of this fine
Grebe (Podtcipes cristatus) in Wigtownshire during the present
season. As the circumstances of its arrival in the sanctuary
at Monreith are somewhat remarkable, perhaps it may
prove of some interest to your readers that I should put
them on record. The White Loch of Myrton, a sheet of
water of about 100 acres in the park at Monreith, has
been treated as a sanctuary for wildfowl during more than
fifty years, and since boyhood I have paid constant atten-
tion to the species frequenting it. In the spring of 1894,
when on a visit to Lord Dartmouth at Patshull in Stafford-
shire, I was greatly interested in the numbers of Great
Crested Grebes on the mere there, and I begged my host
to endeavour to rear some young birds which I might intro-
duce to my sanctuary. Owing, however, to the peculiar
nidification of Grebes, it was found impossible to fulfil my
wish. By a singular coincidence, on 7th November in the
same year, I detected for the first time a solitary imma-
ture specimen of this bird on the White Loch. It remained
till the great frost drove it away, but it returned in spring,
and remained all the following summer and mild winter
of 1895-96, still alone. However, during my absence in
spring it must have secured a mate, for now there are
three or four young ones disporting themselves with their
parents. I shall be glad to learn of other instances of this
Grebe nesting in Scotland.

Perhaps a note of the species of aquatic birds observed
on this lake may be worth preserving.

HOOPER or WHISTLING SWAN, Cygnus musicus.—A flight
of fifteen settled once and remained throughout the
day.

WILD Duck, Azas boscas.—Breeds in great numbers in
surrounding woods.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE ON WHITE LOCH OF MYRTON 19

SHOVELLER, Spatula clypeata.—F¥irst observed these in
October 1894, a year when the American pond-weed
was very luxuriant. Nine of them remained till the
great frost, and several were about all last winter.

TEAL, Querquedula crecca.—A regular resident, breeding
here.

WIGEON, Mareca penelope-—First noticed five of these in
1890. They abound on the adjacent coast and some
of the neighbouring lakes, but avoided the White Loch
till the American pond-weed took possession. In
recent winters they have frequented it in hundreds.

ScAaup Duck, Fuligula marilaa—Occurs at irregular in-
tervals.

POCHARD, Fuligula ferina.—A_ regular winter visitant ;
probably breeds here occasionally, as I have seen a
few birds in most months of the year.

TUFTED Duck, Fuligula cristata—The same remark applies
to this as to the Pochard. They are never wholly absent.

GOLDEN EYE, Clangula glaucion.—A few pairs frequent the
lake each winter, but the majority remain about the
sea coast.

GOOSANDER, Mergus merganser—I watched nine one day
in the spring of 1866, but have never since seen any.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE, Podicifes cristatus.—First appeared
in 1894. Bred in 1896.

LITTLE GREBE or DABCHICK.—Podicipes fluviatilis —A
constant resident.

COMMON CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax carbo.—A_ frequent
raider.

COMMON TERN, Sterna fluviatilis—This bird and gulls of
various kinds fly in from the sea, but owing to the
absence of islets (the only island being thickly wooded)
they are not fond of this lake.

WATER RAIL, Rallus aquaticus.—A regular visitant.

WATER HEN, Gadllinula chloropus—An abundant resident.

COMMON Coot, /udlica atra—Exceedingly and provokingly
abundant.

20 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

COMMON SNIPE, Gadlznago calestis—Frequents the marshy
margins.

JACK SNIPE, Gallinago gallinula—A regular visitant.

COMMON SANDPIPER, Zotanus hypoleucus. — Infrequent ;
shores too woody.

HERON, Ardea cinerea —Breeds in a wood near the lake.

COMMON BITTERN, BSotaurus stellaris—One was shot, I
regret to say, in January 1893.

KINGFISHER, Alcedo zspida.—An irregular visitor.

No doubt, were shooting permitted, other birds might
have been secured and identified, but the above have all
been recognised, except the Bittern, without paying the
penalty of death.

Since writing the above note I have witnessed a pretty
scene. The mother Grebe and two young ones were in a
shallow bay among a lot of Coots. I approached through
the wood sufficiently near to have an excellent view of all
their movements through the glass. The young birds were
playing on the surface, diving, swimming with all submerged
but their heads, and preening themselves. Meanwhile, the
parent bird was busy fishing. From time to time she
brought up a small perch four or five inches long, and held
it in her bill till one or other of the young ones came and
took it from her. Their movements were so quick that I
could not detect whether she served them alternately or
indiscriminately.

ON SOME NEW AND RARE BRITISH DIPTERA
By Percy Hatt Grimsuaw, F.E.S.

DURING the examination of a number of Diptera from
various parts of Scotland, either sent to me for identification
or presented to the Museum collections, I have come across
many specimens of sufficient interest to record in these
pages. Perhaps the most interesting point in connection
with these new records, and one which seems to impress

ON SOME NEW AND RARE BRITISH DIPTERA 21

itself more and more upon my mind, is the large proportion
of Scandinavian species which are turning up in Scotland,
revealing a remarkably close similarity in the insect fauna
of these two countries. Before dealing with the various
species serdatim, I must express my indebtedness to the
gentlemen who have so kindly contributed to my knowledge
of the distribution of Scottish Diptera, and whose names are
mentioned under the various species.

SYRPHUS ANNULIPES, Zét. (new to Britain)—Of this
large and handsome species, a female was taken on ragwort
in Kinfauns Woods, in July of last year, by Mr. W. Willie
of Perth. It was forwarded to me for identification, along
with a large number of other specimens, by Mr. Rodger,
Curator of the Perth Museum, under whose care this in-
teresting addition to the British fauna is now to be found.

As I quite expect such a conspicuous insect will be
captured again and again in the neighbourhood of Perth, if
not elsewhere, I venture to give a pretty detailed description
of it, in order that it may be readily identified by any one
coming across it.

S. annulifes, Zetterstedt, “Ins. Lapp.,” 599, 3 (1838);
“Dipt. Scand.,” ii. 702, 4 (1843). Negra, thorace nigro-eneo,
nitido, scutello flavicante ; abdomine fascus tribus, prima
interrupta, pedibusque, flavis, femorum bast, tibiarum poste-
carum annulo tarsisque omnibus et totis, antenntsque, nigris ;
alarum stigmate nigricante.”

May be easily recognised by its large size, hairy eyes,
nearly black, shining thorax, by the distinct flexure of
the fourth (third of Schiner) longitudinal vein of the
wings, and lastly, as indicated by the specific name, by
the dark ring on the hind tibie.

Eyes hairy, epistoma yellow, with black middle line and _ pro-
minent knob, cheeks blackish, and, as well as epistoma, covered with
pale yellowish hairs, front black, narrowly tomentose on each side in
the male, more broadly so in the female, with the hairs entirely
black, vertex shining black, especially in the female ; antennze black,
or with the least tinge of reddish at base of third joint, arista
reddish at the base. Thorax almost quite black, shining, with
fulvous hairs on each side, scutellum brownish-yellow, sometimes
slightly metallic, covered with black hairs. Abdomen shining black,

22 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

with three almost equally broad yellow bands, on the second, third,
and fourth segments respectively; first band interrupted, second
and third entire, with their anterior border straight and the posterior
emarginate ; fourth segment with the posterior margin yellow, which
colour extends over on to the anterior margin of the fifth segment,
round its sides and along its posterior margin; all the yellow
bands extend to the lateral margins of the abdomen, and are con-
tinuous with those on the under side. These latter are similar in
shape to those on the upper side, with the exception of that on the
second segment, which is much broader and entire. Legs yellow,
fore and middle femora black on their basal half, hind femora with
the basal two-thirds black, fore and middle tibiz yellow, hind
tibize slightly bent, with a blackish ring near their middle, tarsi of
all the legs black, with yellow metatarsi. Wings greyish, with a
yellowish tinge at the base and along the fore border, stigma
distinct, brownish, fourth longitudinal vein (third of Schiner) dis-
tinctly curved; halteres fuscous. Length of body 13-14 mm. ;
expanse of wings 27 mm.

CHRYSOCHLAMYS NIGRIFRONS, Egger (new to Britain),—
A male of this species was captured in May of the past
year in Ferness Wood, on the right bank of the Findhorn
(county of Nairn), by Mr. R. Thomson, who has most
generously presented it to the Edinburgh Museum of Science
and Art, it is very closely allied to C. uprea, Scop,
differing chiefly in the colour of the legs. In C. cuprea the
legs are entirely yellow, or, at the most, blackish at the
extreme base of the femora and the coxe. In C. xigrifrons,
however, the coxz and the basal half of the femora are
black, while in the male at least the middle portion of the
fore and middle tibiz is much darkened. On the head the
frons of C. cuprea is yellow, but of C. xzgrifrons quite black,
with a bluish-white reflection. Finally, the antenne, face,
and scutellum of the latter species are much darker in tint,
with the thorax of a bluish-black rather than a bronzy
tinge.

DIDEA INTERMEDIA, Lw.—At the same time as the
last-mentioned species, Mr. Thomson also sent for identifica-
tion, and afterwards as a donation to the Edinburgh Museum,
a specimen of Dzdea, which completely puzzled me, and led
me to think it the type of a new species. After carefully
examining it and considering the matter, I sent it on to Mr.

ON SOME NEW AND RARE BRITISH DIPTERA 23

Verrall, our greatest authority on the subject, and he very
kindly examined it, and reported as follows :—“I have been
closely examining your Dzdea, and think it must be the
same as a female belonging to Mr. R. C. Bradley and as a
female caught by myself at Lairg. I consider these the
same as the comparatively common New Forest species
= D. intermedia.”

This specimen was taken at Ferness, Dunphail, and so
far as I know is the only specimen taken in Scotland
besides the one mentioned by Mr. Verrall in the letter
quoted above. The only other Arztish record I can find is
in a paper by the Rev. E. N. Bloomfield on “ Rare British
Diptera in the British Museum” (“Ent. Mo. Mag.,” 1895,
p. 113), where he mentions the New Forest as a locality.

CYNOMYIA ALPINA, Z¢¢z—In Verrall’s “ List of British
Diptera” the name of this species is printed in italics, as
requiring confirmation for its being a British insect. Among
a small collection of flies from Barr, South Ayrshire, col-
lected and sent to me by Mr. Anderson Fergusson, is an
undoubted male of this species. In general appearance it
has a wonderful resemblance to a common Bluebottle (Cad//-
phora), but there are several important differences. As
Zetterstedt points out, it is smaller, with a narrower body,
the seta of the antenne is not plumose to the tip, the alulets
are white, not fuscous, while the apex of the abdomen is
clubbed in the male and more acute in the female. The
abdomen, moreover, is of a more greenish tinge and much
more polished than in either Calliphora erythrocephala or
vomitoria, while the bristles on the apical segments are
much stronger and more regularly disposed. In spite of
these distinctions, however, the species have a remarkably
close general resemblance, and no doubt this interesting
species of Cyxomyza has been often overlooked.

The only British record I can find is one in the
“ Scottish Naturalist,” N.S., vol. i. p. 18 (1883-84), where
Old Aberdeen is given as a locality by W. Armston Vice.
Mr. Verrall has evidently considered the identification
doubtful, and I am glad to be now able to confirm the
occurrence of the species in Scotland.

24 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

It is perhaps a fitting opportunity to record a few other
rare captures, though perhaps of less interest than the fore-
going. These are the following :—

NEMOTELUS NOTATUS, Z7¢t.—Male, Luffness Links, near
Aberlady, roth July 1895 (Mr. Wm. Evans).

SYRPHUS LATIFASCIATUS, Mcg—This very distinct and
interesting species was taken by me at Slateford, near
Edinburgh, on the 12th May 1896.

SYRPHUS BARBIFRONS, /?z,—Inverdruie, Strathspey,
May 1895 (Mr. W. Eagle Clarke).

SYRPHUS GROSSULARIA, M7g.—Taken in large numbers
in Dalmeny Park, near Edinburgh, 1st September 1896, by
the Rev. Alfred Thornley.

ARCTOPHILA MUSSITANS, /ab.—Falkland, Fife, 14th
August 1895 (Mr. Wm. Evans).

SPHEGINA CLUNIPES, //z.—Gosford Park, Aberlady,
4th June 1896.

PSILOSOMA LEFEBVREI, Z/¢z——Male and female taken
near Perth in August 1896 by Mr. W. Willie.

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND
AT ABERDEEN.

By James W. H. Trait, A.M., M.D., F.R.S.

(Continued from Vol. V., 1896, p. 245.)

Conium maculatum, L.—The distribution of the Common Hemlock
in the north-east of Scotland is very suggestive of its being an
immigrant through man’s agency in this district, where it has
become much more common within recent years. Only a few
plants occurred on the enclosed ground in 1893; but year by
year their number has increased, until in 1896 they formed a
very conspicuous part of the vegetation.

Apium graveolens, L. (Celery), Carum Petroselinum, Benth. and Hook.
(Parsley), and Pewcedanum sativum, Benth. and Hook. (Parsnip),
of which a few specimens were met with, doubtless owed their
origin to the sweepings of shops.

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 25

Daucus Carota, L.—The cultivated form was not uncommon in the
earlier years, but in 1896 it had almost disappeared, and the
roots had become smaller and much more woody. In that
year I found a single example of the wild form.

Caucalis nodosa, Scop.—This species is given in Hooker’s “ Student’s
Flora” as “ from Banff southward”; but Iam not aware that
it had been previously detected in Aberdeenshire or Kincardine.
Several plants occurred near together in 1893. Though some
fruited it did not reappear. It had probably been the produce
of refuse from among cereals, possibly from South Europe.

Scabiosa arvensis, L., had probably grown from mill refuse. It 1s
extremely rare, if not a mere casual, near Aberdeen.

Evigeron canadense, \..—Of this native of North America, now widely
naturalised in Europe, one or two were found in 1893 only.

Ambrosia artemisiefolia, \.., is another native of North America and
immigrant into Western Europe. One plant was found, in
good flower, in 1893.

Xanthium spinosum, ..—Of this strange-looking composite, a native
of South Europe, a single large plant was met with in 1893.
Though that summer was exceptionally warm, the plant failed
even to develop mature flowers, and it perished during the
following winter.

Bidens chrysanthemoides, Michx., a native of America, may have been
introduced in the sweepings of some shop.

B. tripartita, L., though given in the “Student’s Flora” as “in
watery places from Elgin and Isla southwards,” is not native in
Aberdeenshire or Kincardine, so far as I am aware. ‘The
seeds were probably introduced with rubbish from cereals.

Galinsoga parviflora, Cav.—This very inconspicuous weed, a native
of Western South America, has become so common in many
localities in Europe, e.g. near London, that the source of the
single example met with in 1893 is very doubtful.

Achillea crithmifolia, W. K.—Two examples of this plant of South-
East Europe were found in 1893, probably grown from shop
sweepings.

Anthemis Cotula, L., appeared very sparingly in 1893 and in 1896.
As it occurs in cultivated fields from Fife southwards in Britain,
and is widely distributed on the continent of Europe, it is
useless to try to conjecture whence the seeds had been brought.
None of these eight composites had, so far as I know, been de-
tected in this district previously.

26 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

A. arvensis, 1.., is met with occasionally as a weed in fields near
Aberdeen, but only as a rare casual. I have never observed it
to reappear in fields in the same place in subsequent years ; but
on the ground in question it has held its own, or even become
rather more abundant.

Chrysanthemum segetum, L., 1s not common in the immediate
vicinity of Aberdeen, though plentiful a few miles inland. It
was locally common near the mills, and a few plants grew
scattered about the ground.

C. Parthenium, Pers., is a not uncommon casual or garden-escape
near Aberdeen. It was locally abundant on this ground, the
patches extending from year to year. It may have grown
from impurities of cereals or from sweepings of shops.

C. coronaritum, \..—Of this native of Southern Europe a single plant
was found in 1893, no doubt grown from the rubbish of some
seedsman’s shop.

Matricaria Chamomilla, L., a common European weed, and known
as a weed of cultivated ground in England, was fairly common
in 1893, but diminished year by year in frequency ; while
Tanacetum vulgare, L., and Artemisia Absinthium, 1, failed to
reappear after 1893.

Artemisia arenaria, DC.—A single example, introduced probably
in wheat from South Russia, was found in 1892. It had not
been observed before in the district.

Calendula officinalis, L.—This common garden flower was not rare
in 1893, doubtless introduced in refuse from shops; but it
became less and less frequent, and was not seen in 1896.

Senecio viscosus, L., said in the “Student’s Flora” to occur on dry
ground from Banff southwards, is only a rare casual near Aber-
deen, not reappearing in the same spot, so far as I have observed.

Arctium minus, Bernh., a local plant in this district, with a distribu-
tion suggestive of man’s unconscious agency, was rare in 1893,
but had in 1896 become almost a conspicuous feature in the
vegetation.

Flelianthus tuberosus, L., the Jerusalem Artichoke, has appeared
sparingly year by year, probably from the outcast produce of
some garden.

Centaurea Cyanus, L., a sporadic cornfield weed in Aberdeenshire,
and C. Cakitrapa, L., a native of Southern England and of
Middle and Southern Continental Europe, both appeared here
and there, the latter plant only in 1893 and 1894. Both were
probably introduced in refuse from cereals.

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 27

Cichorium Intybus, L.—The Chicory is a somewhat rare casual in
North-East Scotland. A few examples have shown themselves,
perhaps from the same stocks, year by year. Probably the
seeds were introduced in rubbish from shops.

Picris echioides, 1.—Of this species, noted as growing from Hadding-
ton southwards, a single large example grew up in 1893, but no
seeds seemed to have ripened.

Leontodon hirtus, L., is one of our rarest plants in this district, if
indeed it is more than a casual. I found one large plant on
this ground in 1894; but, though it produced several heads of
ripe fruits, the species has not been found here in 1895 and 1896.

Lithospermum arvense, V., is very doubtfully indigenous in this
district ; and Echium vulgare, L., does not grow wild within a
good many miles of Aberdeen. The few examples of each on
this ground were doubtless introduced with refuse from the
mills.

Voluulus sepium, Junger.—A patch of this Bindweed has been
growing at the narrow western end of the ground since 1893,
and has continued to extend its area, while a few scattered
plants have also been found in 1895 and 1896. It seems to
have been introduced in garden refuse.

Solanum tuberosum, 1..—Potatoes continue to grow scattered in small
numbers (the produce of shop refuse), in almost the same
numbers year by year.

Lycopersicum esculentum, L.—In 1893 several patches of the ground
bore many small tomato plants, evidently the produce of
decayed fruits cleared out of shops. That summer being excep-
tionally warm, many of the plants flowered, and a very few
even produced ripe, though small, fruits; but the following
winter appeared to have destroyed the species, which has not
reappeared,

Nolana prostrata, L.—The two examples met with in 1894 must
be regarded as having grown from shop refuse. ‘The same
source probably explains the existence of the very few examples
of Verbascum Thapsus, L., Mimulus luteus, L., and MZ. guttatus,
DC. The species of Veronica were surprisingly ill repre-
sented.

Mentha Piperita, L.—A patch observed in 1893, probably outcast
from a garden, has extended from year to year. Of JZ. viridis,
L., a patch was detected in 1896, but was covered with cinders
last autumn, as were also some plants of JZ, arvensis observed
in 1894 and 1895.

28 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Scutellaria galericulata, \.—TYhis is one of the most local of our
native species, occurring in only one small spot on the Kincar-
dineshire coast, some miles from Aberdeen. Its appearance on
the reclaimed ground was very unexpected.

Stachys ttalica, Mill.—Of this South European plant a single example
flowered and fruited in 1893, but no more were found.

Salsola Tragus, L.—The so-called “Russian Thistle” may have
grown from seed introduced among wheat from South Russia,
or from North America, where it is now a most troublesome
weed in many places.

Polygonum equtsetiforme, Sibth., another plant of Southern Europe,
was not very rare locally in 1893, but did not recur. It also
was probably introduced among cereals.

Cannabis sativa, L.—The refuse of shops probably accounted for
the presence of several plants of Hemp in 1893; but, though
some of these ripened seed, only a few plants appeared in
1894, and none afterwards.

Juncus tenuis, Willd.—The occurrence of a single specimen (in 1894)
of this rush is suggestive of its introduction among refuse
from abroad. It had not been observed in the East of Scot-
land before.

Phenix dactylifera, ..—After the warm summer of 1893, several
seedling Date Palms reached a height of eight or nine inches
on different spots where the refuse of fruit shops had been laid.
However, the following winter destroyed all.

Panicum miliaceum, L.—A few examples of this grass, native in the
East, and now cultivated in South Europe, were found in 1893,
probably introduced among cereals ; and the same may be said
of P.Crus-galli, L., and Setaria viridis, Beauv.

Phalaris canariensis, L., occurs frequently as a casual about Aber-
deen, the result of its use as a food for birds. It has appeared
each year on the reclaimed area in small quantity.

P. arundinacea, L.—Of the striped variety, or “ Gardeners’ Garters,”
a small patch was found, doubtless an outcast from a garden.

P. cvrulescens, Desf.—This grass, native in Southern Europe, was
not very rare on one or two limited spots in 1894 and 1895.

Alopecurus agrestis, L.—A very rare casual near Aberdeen, where it
is probably introduced with grass seed for hay or lawns. A
few plants grew on the reclaimed ground in 1896.

The various cereals, species and forms of Avena, Triticum, Secale,
and Hordeum, were clearly the produce of seeds contained
among refuse from the neighbouring mills or from shops and
warehouses.

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 29

With them, as weeds, were probably introduced from Continental
Europe such grasses as Apera Spica-venti, Beauv., Avena strigosa,
Schreb., 4. fatua, L., Festuca uniglumts, Sol., Bromus madri-
tensis, L., 4égtlops triunciahs, L., and . caudata, L., all of
which were found in 1893 or 1894, but either did not appear
in a second season or became scarcer year by year.

Glyceria distans, L., and Hordeum maritimum, With., which were
both locally common in 1893, were much less common in
1894, and were not found after that year. G. distfans is not
common in this part of Scotland. It had probably been
introduced among refuse from grass seed. MZ. maritimum
more likely owed its presence here to its occasional use as an
ornamental grass.

Lolium perenne, L.—The Rye Grass was abundant in 1893, becoming
relatively less abundant in 1894 and 1895, and a little more
common again in 1896. In 1893, and even more markedly
in 1894, it showed a very great diversity in its development,
largely due to differences in the soil. On the beaten tracks and
harder spots the plants were often very stunted, with slender in-
florescences and distant small spikelets; but where the soil
was rich in organic food many of the plants grew to a great
size, and bore very large inflorescences, many of which bore
numerous branches. The branched forms often showed a
tendency to bear small abortive spikelets. Occasionally a stem
bore an inflorescence of the usual form on a branch from a
node near the base, and ended in a large branched inflorescence
on the main stem.

A comparison of the lists for the several years will show
the general course of change that the vegetation underwent
from year to year; but a very brief summary will not be
out of place here. A large number of the adventitious
species that appeared in 1893 did not survive the following
winter, or reappeared in 1894 only in much diminished
numbers. Others, like the vine, have lingered on in lessen-
ing numbers till 1896; others, like celery, have just held
their place ; and others, such as Szsymbrium pannontcumn,
Medicago sativa, M. falcata, and Melilotus officinalis, have
increased considerably. A few, eg. AZelclotus alba, became
more common for a time, and then appeared to die out. It
is curious to note that some of our most common weeds of
cultivated soil never seemed to gain a hold, even when they
formed a part of the vegetation in 1893. Fumaria officinalis,

30 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Viola arvensis, Lapsana communis, Myosotis arvensis, and
Veronica agrestis may be named as instances. The absence
of such species as Raphanus Raphanistrum, Veronica hedere-
folia, and other very common weeds of cultivated ground
was also noteworthy. In 1893 the number of species and
varieties was greater (192), though the soil was bare, or
nearly so, in many spots. Here and there the herbage grew
more strongly, but no species showed a marked preponder-
ance over the remainder; hence the vegetation was more
varied. In 1894 the number of species had fallen to 122;
and I noted, as compared with 1893, the great increase in
grasses of coarse habit, and other plants of vigorous growth,
such as thistles, docks, the larger melilots, etc. The addi-
tions to the list of plants observed in 1893 were Szsym-
brium pannonicum, Medicago sativa, Lithospermum arvense,
Mentha arvensis, Phalarts cerulescens, and Festuca pratensis,
and six others less noteworthy. Thus 82 species had
disappeared. A large portion of the ground was covered
up at this period by the rails and cinders laid in summer.
Proliferation was very frequent in 772folium hybridum, and
enlargement and branching of the inflorescences in Lolium
perenne.

In 1895 the changes in the type of vegetation continued,
large portions, where not covered with cinders, bearing a very
coarse vegetation of grasses, thistles, and other rank herbage.
A few plants observed in 1894 were not noticed in 1895,
but a few others (bringing the total for the year to 120)
were detected that had not been observed during 1894.
Some of these were growing on the cinders, others as single
examples here and there. In 1896 the area under cinders
had been considerably widened, and several species not
previously observed were found on them, as also a few already
noted in 1893 but not observed in 1894 and 1895. The
number was thus raised to 132. Woody species, both
shrubs and trees, were beginning to be more noticeable on
the cinders, as well as on the area not yet covered over,
which still occupied a large portion of the eastern end and a
narrow strip along the south side. On this uncovered area,
with the exception of the thinly covered roads, the vegetation
had become extremely coarse, and almost all the smaller or

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 31

more delicate plants had disappeared. Some of the grasses
(Phleum pratense, Agrostis palustris, Dactylis glomerata, and
Agropyron repens) covered large patches, often to the exclusion
of almost every other plant. Over most of the area thistles
(C. lanceclatus, and more locally C. arvenszs) abounded, often
in dense beds. Here and there grew conspicuous clumps of
hemlock, burdock, goosefoot, docks of various species, and
the larger nettle, and large masses of Zussz/ago covered the
ground. Szsymbrium pannonicum, Medicago sativa, M. falcata,
and WMelidotus offictnalis continued to increase in numbers.
Here and there certain other species showed an increase, but
for these reference must be made to the list. As previously
noticed, the cinders showed in general a very poor vegetation,
with, here and there, greener patches of deep-rooted species,
or of others that require little soil. Some heaps of refuse
soil and of manure lying on the cinders were covered with
close vegetation, one being almost covered with Polygonum
Convolviulus and some examples of Safonarta Vaccaria.
During the autumn of 1896 a considerable additional tract
has been covered with cinders, which will still further modify
the vegetation noted during the past four summers. The
products of the cinder beds will probably afford an interest-
ing study of the types of vegetation that can find a suitable
home on them in future years, if all vegetation is not excluded
by railway extensions.

Note.— Vicia tetrasperma, Mcench.—In the October issue, p. 245, I
stated that this “ had not been observed in this district before.”
Since the publication of this statement I have been informed
by Mr. A. Somerville that, during a visit to Aberdeen in
1881, he found this species “‘ growing in the outskirts of the
city,” and forwarded the specimen alive to Sir J. D. Hooker,
at Kew.

Potentilla recta, L..—I have recently been shown a specimen of this
species found within the inclosure of the Railway Station at
Dyce, a few miles north of Aberdeen. It may have been
introduced from the same source as those found by me at
Aberdeen (p. 245).

32 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

VONCTS TENUTS, WILLD, IN WESTERNESS.
By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S.

THE remarkable way in which this plant is being found in
so many places in Great Britain and Ireland is very puzzling
as to the “reason why.” Whence does it come if intro-
duced? and how? In the “Journal of Botany” Mr. J. Lloyd
Williams,! in an interesting account of the plant as found in
Wales, suggests: “May not the seeds have been carried
over with cargoes of corn” (ze. from America). But does
it grow among corn in America? and the threshing and
winnowing would rather be disposed to get rid of such seeds.
My own idea, as a suggestion, is—-A few years ago hay was
so dear that it was imported from America to a large extent,
the price it fetched here then paying to do so. Now,
J. tenuis could easily have been brought over in this, or even
in packing materials. I have picked off the packing of
Belgian and French glass a large number of plants (non-
British), and with good seed among them.

Mr. Williams notices the varieties that Engelmann
described from American specimens. However much these
may hold good there, I have British specimens that practically
combine the two on one root.

This note is written to record yet another Scottish
county. My friend Mr. W. F. Miller sent me specimens to
verify, gathered by Mr. W. Grant near Arisaig, in Inverness,
where he finds it in several places growing in similar locali-
ties to Juncus bufonius, L.

Of course my suggestion will not meet the plant’s occur-
rence in Renfrewshire, whence a specimen was sent in 1863
to the Greenock Museum, under the name of /. acutiflorus,
by Mr. John Thomson, Dennistoun.?

It may be of interest to here recapitulate the various
counties in which it has occurred, viz. :—

Hereford, Toundrow, “Journ. Bot.” 1884, p. gI.
Kirkcudbright, J. M‘Andrew, Zc, 1837, p. 374.

1 Pp. 201-204, 1896.
2 «Trans. Glasgow Nat. Hist. Soc.,” 1889, p. 168.

JUNCUS TENUIS IN WESTERNESS 33

Kemy, N. W. Scully, Ze, ©3390, pr 335.

Renfrewshire, P. Ewing, “Trans. Glasgow Nat. Hist. Soc.,”
ESSO, Pp: 167.

Carnarvon, W. H. Painter, “ Journ. Bot.,” 1891, psLZo:

Dumbarton, L. Watt, August 1891.

Cornwall E., J. N. Graham, “Journ. Bot.” 1894, p. 311.

Cork, N. A. Phillips, “Irish Naturalist,” 1894, p. 205.

Stirling, N. Kidston, specimen, December 1894.

Devon, N. Hiern, “Journ: Bot." 1895, p. 282:

Westerness, Mr. Grant, 1896. :

And the old record “ Found by G. Don in 1795 or 1796 by
the side of rivulet in marshy ground among the moun-
tains of Angusshire, but very rarely ” (“ English Botany,”
t22 74, 13816);

The Arisaig specimen sent me is more slender in all its
parts, and has fewer flowers than the majority of the British
or Irish specimens.

That there is some agency at work in this distribution is
shown by the same parcel containing from Arisaig specimens
of Euphorbia Cyparissias, L., and a Potentilla, probably
P. norvegica, L., both of which have certainly no claim to be
considered native plants.

Reference may be made for other notes and particulars
of the species to—

Beeidley in “Journ. Bot,” 1885; t. 253) 9p. 1.

P. Ewing, in “Trans. Glasgow Nat. Hist. Soc,” 1889, pp.
166-169.

G. C. Druce, in “Scottish Naturalist,” vol. i, N.S., 1883-84,
px 264;

Abeer, me, 1887, ps 182.

[| Vote.—The occurrence of this plant in 1894 ona piece
of made-up ground in Aberdeen, on which many foreign
plants, including several American species, have appeared, a
large number of them not having been observed before in
this district (“ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1896, p. 239, and
1897, p. 28), supports Mr. Bennett’s views as to its origin in
Britain, while it adds another county to the list —J.W.H.T.]

2 D

34 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ON THE FLORA OF EIGG:
By Symers M. Macvicar.

THE island of Eigg being mostly composed of Tertiary
basalts, it would naturally be expected, as is in fact the
case, that its flora would closely correspond with that of
Mull, which is almost wholly composed of the same forma-
tion, and with Skye, of which the greater part is of similar
structure ; but it is to be noted that the flora of Eigg also
agrees more closely with those parts of Skye composed of
other formations than it does with that of the Dalradian
schists of the mainland opposite itself. The low altitudes
at which the few alpine plants occur in the island as com-
pared with those on the nearest mainland are interesting.
The scarcity or usually scattered occurrence and the weakly
aspect of these plants denote that they are tending towards
extinction, and that they are now climatically out of their
true home on the warm west coast; and it seems as if, in
their effort to save themselves, they have seized on, or re-
tained, the only unoccupied surfaces within reach, viz. the
bare face of cliffs, where their long penetrating rootlets could
extract moisture from the debris in fissures. Their lower limit
is 450 to 500 ft. on the islands, and 1800 to 1900 ft. on the
mainland. Salix herbacea, L., is an exception, as it occurs
only on the Scuir, descending to about 900 ft., while on the
opposite mainland its usual lower limit is 1goo ft., though
in one place it descends to 1600 ft. The low altitude at
which alpine plants occur is common to our western islands.

The following list is the result of visits made to Eigg in
1893 and 1895, when I noted 350 species and varieties.
Mr. F. W. Miller also visited the island in 1895, and made
a list of the plants seen by him. Unfortunately he did not
know at the time of my previous searches, so could not
specially look for additions. He very kindly placed at my
disposal his list with notes, to which I have appended his
initials. In his list there are 23 species and varieties unre-
corded by me, making a total of 373 species and varieties—
a considerable number of plants for an island of 7900 acres,

ON THE FLORA OF EIGG 35

a large part of which is moorland ; and this cannot be taken
as an exhaustive list.

I am indebted to Professor Macpherson, former pro-
prietor of Eigg, for information on various points; to Mr.
Arthur Bennett, F.L.S., for notes on plants sent to him; and
to the Rev. W. Moyle Rogers, F.L.S., who named the Rudi
and Rose.

THALICTRUM DUNENSE, Dum.—Common on sandy shores at Laig
and Poll nam Partan.

ANEMONE NEMOROSA, Z.—Cleadale.

RANUNCULUS HEDERACEUS, Z.—Cleadale.e W. & Miller.

RANUNCULUS FLAMMULA, Z.—Locally common.

RANUNCULUs acrRIs, Z.—Common. A form grows on the sandy
shore at Laig, with dense spreading yellow hairs on the stem,
and with the rootstock occasionally horizontal (var. Steveni,
Andrz.).

RANUNCULUS REPENS, Z.—Common.
CALTHA PALUSTRIS, Z.—Not common.

TROLLIUS EUROP#£US, Z.—Cleadale cliffs.
PAPAVER DUBIUM, Z.—Plentiful in an oatfield and on adjoining
sand dunes at Laig.

NASTURTIUM OFFICINALE, A. 4r.—Rare ; in a stream at Laig.

ARABIS HIRSUTA, Scop.—Cleadale cliffs, at 450-500 ft. alt. ‘Less
hairy than the type, but more so than var. g/abrata; seems to
me to be the var. zuctsa, Wallroth (“Sched. Crit.” p. 357,
1822)”—Arthur Bennett zz “tz.

CARDAMINE PRATENSIS, Z.—Not many plants seen.

CARDAMINE HIRSUTA, Z.—Roadsides,
CARDAMINE FLEXUOSA, W7th.

Among rocks at the Scuir.

Drapa IncANA, Z.—Not uncommon on Cleadale cliffs, at 450 ft.
alt. ; Strath cliffs.

COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS, .—Shore at Macleod’s Cave.

SISYMBRIUM OFFICINALE, Scof.— Roadside near the harbour.
W. FF. M.

BRASSICA SINAPISTRUM, 4ozss.—A weed of cultivation in fields.
BuRSA PASTORIS, Wedber.—A weed of cultivation near houses,
CAKILE MARITIMA, Scop.—In patches on the sandy shore, Laig.

36 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

RAPHANUS RAPHANISTRUM, Z.—In fields of oats, and on the shore
at Laig; the plant of the latter locality being probably 2.
Landra, Moretti.

VIOLA PALUSTRIS, Z.—Locally common.

VioLta Riviniana, ezch.—Few plants seen ; at the Scuir.
VIOLA TRICOLOR, Z.—A weed of cultivation.

VIOLA ARVENSIS, JZun.—A weed of cultivation.

VioLa Curtisi, Aorster.—Rare ; sandy shore, Laig.
POLYGALA VULGARIS, Z.—Rather common.

POLYGALA SERPYLLACEA, Wete.-—Common.

SILENE MARITIMA, With.—Cliffs at Macleod’s ‘Cave. In great
abundance on the cliffs of Strath.

SILENE ACAULIS, Z.—Cleadale cliffs in some plenty, descending to
450 ft. alt. ; also on Strath cliffs. ji

LycHNis pioica, Z.—Rare.

LycuHnis FLos-cucuti, Z.—Rather rare.

CERASTIUM TETRANDRUM, Cuwrtis.—Sandy shore, Laig.
CERASTIUM GLOMERATUM, Zuz/7Z.—Common.
CERASTIUM TRIVIALE, Lizk.—Rather common.
STELLARIA MEDIA, Cyr.—Common near cultivation.
STELLARIA ULIGINOSA, JZur7v.—Not common.

ARENARIA SERPYLLIFOLIA, Z.—Rare ; Poll nam Partan.
ARENARIA PEPLOIDES, Z.—Not common ; shore at Laig.
SAGINA PROCUMBENS, Z.—Common.

SAGINA SUBULATA, /ves/—Rather common ; Laig road; summit of
Scuir, etc.

SPERGULA ARVENSIS, Z., var. sativa (Benn).—Weed of cultivation.

MontTia FONTANA, Z., a vefens, Pers.—Rare ; Macleod’s Cave.

f erecta, Pers.—Rare ; Cleadale.

Hypericum ANDROS&MuM, Z.—Not common. Macleod’s Cave ;
near the “ Cottage.”

HYPERICUM QUADRATUM, Sfokes.—Rather common ; side of streams
and sea cliffs.

HYPERICUM HUMIFUSUM, Z.—Uncommon. Laig road; near the
“ Cottage.”

HYPERICUM PULCHRUM, Z.—Common.

LINUM CATHARTICUM, Z.—Common,

GERANIUM MOLLE, Z.—Near the Hotel, and in several places.
W. Fo M.

ON THE FLORA OF EIGG 37

GERANIUM DIssEctuM, Z.—Sandy shore, Laig.

GERANIUM RosBeRTIANUM, Z.—Uncommon ; Cleadale.

Eropium cicutarium, Z’ Hérit.—Sandy shore, Laig. IW. & MW.

Oxauis ACETOSELLA, Z.—In several places.

ILex Aguirotium, Z.—Native. One stunted tree on Strath cliffs.

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE, Z.—Common in fields.

TRIFOLIUM MEDIUM, Z.—Very common; banks, roadsides, shores,
Cle:

TRIFOLIUM REPENS, Z.—Rather common.

TRIFOLIUM PROCUMBENS, Z.—One plant noticed, Laig Bay.
W. F. M.

TRIFOLIUM DUBIUM, S74¢4.Uncommon ; only near cultivation.

,

ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA, Z.—Common.
Var. Alliont, DC. W. FM.

LOTUS CORNICULATUS, Z.—Common.
Var. crasstfolius, Pers.—Occurs on the shore.

Vicia Cracca, Z.—In fields; only near cultivation.

Vicia SEPIUM, Z.—Laig.

LATHYRUS PRATENSIS, Z.—Rather common.

LATHYRUS MONTANUS, 4erni.—Rather common.

PRuNus spinosa, Z.—Native ; plentiful locally ; Poll nam Partan, etc.
SPir#A Unmaria, 2.—Locally common.

Rusus 1p#us, Z.—Native. Cleadale, ascending to 450 ft. alt.

RUBUS PULCHERRIMUS, JVewm.—Uncommon. ‘Just the Scanda-
navian plant” (Rev. W. Moyle Rogers zx /tz.).

RUBUS VILLICAULIS, var. é7suwdaris (F. Aresch.)—Rather common.
Rubus Gratus, Focke.-—Laig Bay.
RuBUS RADULA, Wethe.—Laig Bay.

RuBUS THYRSIGER, Bab.—Laig Bay. Differs somewhat from the type,
but is very like a plant from Westmeath, Ireland, gathered by
the Rev. E. F. Linton. This species has not been hitherto
recorded for Scotland.

RUBUS CORYLIFOLIUS, S”z.—Rather common in several forms.
RusBus SAXATILIs, Z.—Cleadale cliffs, at 450 ft. alt. ; Strath cliffs.
GEUM RIVALE, Z.—Rare; Cleadale.

FRAGARIA vEScA, Z.—Common.

POTENTILLA SILVESTRIS, /Veck.—Common.

POTENTILLA ANSERINA, Z.—Uncommon.

38 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

POTENTILLA PALUSTRIS, Scof.—Rare; in a ditch near the School-
house.

ALCHEMILLA ARVENSIS, .Scof.—On banks ; very few plants seen.

ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS, Z.—Specimens sent to Rev. E. F. Linton
were named by him 4. pratensis, Schmidt, and A. alpestrts,
Schmidt. The latter is the more common plant.

AGRIMONIA EupatoriA, Z.—Rare; cliffs near Macleod’s Cave.

ROSA PIMPINELLIFOLIA, Z.—Very common; flowers white or light
pink.

Rosa INVoLUTA, Sv.—Rare ; near the harbour.

ROSA TOMENTOSA, S77.—Not common.

Rosa CANINA, Z.—Not common. Rev. W. Moyle Rogers named
the specimens sent var. Ztetiana (Leman) ; var. verticellacantha,

“Anglorum, not of Merat, I believe”; and var. arvatica,
Baker.

Rosa GLAuca, V7//.—Not common.

CraT&GUS OxyYACANTHA, Z.—-Native; on cliffs near Macleod’s
Cave.

SAXIFRAGA AIZOIDES, Z.—Cleadale cliffs.

SAXIFRAGA HIRTA, //azw.—Cleadale cliffs at 450 ft. alt.; very
common on Strath cliffs, descending to 80 ft. above sea-level.
The Eigg plant, judging from the characters given in the Sup-
plement to ‘Eng. Bot.,” ed. 3, by N. E. Brown, is intermediate
between SS. /ivta, Haw., and S. hypuotdes, L. Mr. Arthur
Bennett said of the specimens sent him, “I should be inclined
to call them .S. Azvta, Haw., inclining to S. hypnotdes, or shad-
ing off to that plant.”

CHRYSOSPLENIUM OPPOSITIFOLIUM, Z.—Uncommon.
PARNASSIA PALUSTRIS, Z.—Not many plants seen.

RIBES RUBRUM, Z., var. spicatum (Robs.) ?—Rocks near Macleod’s
Cave.

SEDUM ROSEUM, Scop.—Rather common; Scuir. Cleadale and
Strath cliffs.

SEDUM ANGLICUM, /Zzds.—Common.
SEDUM ACRE, Z.—Rare ; sandy shores.

DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA, £.—Few plants seen; moor near the
Scurr.

MYRIOPHYLLUM ALTERNIFLORUM, C.—Hill lochs.

CALLITRICHE STAGNALIS, Scof.—Uncommon.

(CALLITRICHE HAMULATA, Awetz.—Cleadale; requires confirma-
tion.)

ON THE FLORA OF EIGG 39

EPILOBIUM PARVIFLORUM, Schveb.—Rare ; Cleadale.

EPILOBIUM MONTANUM, Z.—Rather common.

EPILOBIUM ADNATUM, Grisebach.—Rare ; Cleadale.

EPILOBIUM OBSCURUM, Schveb.—Near Musical Sands. W. & MV.

EPILOBIUM PALUSTRE, Z.—Uncommon ; a small narrow-leaved form
grows at the side of the hill lochs.

EPILOBIUM ALSINEFOLIUM, V72/.—Foot of Cleadale cliffs at about
400 ft. alt.
CIRCA LUTETIANA, Z.—Very rare ; roadside above the harbour.

Circa ALpina, Z.—Very rare; below Cleadale cliffs.
HYDROCOTYLE VULGARIS, Z.—Uncommon.

ERYNGIUM MARITIMUM, Z.—In some quantity on the sand dunes,
Laig Bay.

SANICULA EUROPA, Z.—Uncommon.

ConiuM MaAcuLAtTUM, Z.—Several plants on waste ground near
houses, Kildonan. W. &. AZ

CONOPODIUM DENUDATUM, Aoch.—Common.

Myrruis Oporata, Scop.—Several plants near a house, Kildonan.
Wate MM.

CENANTHE cCrocaTa, Z.—Uncommon.
Licusticum scoticum, Z.—Rocks on the shore in the harbour.

ANGELICA SYLVESTRIS, Z.—Rather common; Cleadale, Strath,
Macleod’s Cave.

HERACLEUM SPHONDYLIUM, Z.—Uncommon ; Poll nam Partan.
Daucus Carora, Z.—In plenty on sand dunes, Laig Bay.
HepeErRA Hetix, Z.—Native ; common on sea cliffs.

LONICERA PERICLYMENUM, Z.—Uncommon ; Cleadale; above the
harbour.

GALIUM BOREALE, Z.—Cleadale and Strath cliffs.

GALIUM VERUM, Z.—Very common ; banks, roadsides, etc.
GALIUM SAXATILE, £.—Common.

GALIUM PALUSTRE, Z., var. Witheringit (Sm.)—Rather common.
GALIuM APARINE, Z.—Uncommon ; shore near Macleod’s Cave.
VALERIANA SAMBUCIFOLIA, W7//d.—Uncommon.

ScapiosaA Succisa, Z.—Common ; fields, cliffs, etc.

EUPATORIUM CANNABINUM, Z.—Locally common; Cleadale; Mac-
leod’s Cave.

40 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SoLIDAGO VircauREA, Z.—Common on the Scuir, sometimes dwarf.
BELLIS PERENNIS, Z.—Common.
ANTENNARIA Dioica, &. 47.—-Rather common.

GNAPHALIUM ULIGINosUM, Z.—Covers the bottom of a dried-up
small loch, Strath.

GNAPHALIUM SYLVATICUM, Z.—Uncommon ; Laig.
ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM, Z.—Common.
AcHILLEA Prarmica, Z.—Uncommon ; Laig.

MarTRICARIA INODORA, Z., var. salina, Bab.—Shores; Laig Bay,
Poll nam Partan.

ARTEMISIA VULGARIS, L.—Common in cultivated fields.
TusstLaco Farrara, L.—Rare; roadside above the harbour.

PETASITES OFFICINALIS, AZwnch.—Side of stream at Laig Bay, in
plenty.

SENECIO VULGARIS, Z.—Common ; cultivated fields, roadsides, and
waste places.

SENECIO JAcoBz£A, Z.—Common.
Var. flosculosus (Jord.)—Sand dunes at Laig Bay.
W. F. M.

SENECIO AguaTicus, Auds.—Uncommon ; ditch, side of Laig road.

CARLINA VULGARIS, Z.—Very rare; sea cliffs on the south of the
island.
Arctium minus, Bernh.—Rare ; roadside above the harbour.

Cnicus LANCEOLATUS, W2//d.—Common.
Cnicus PALusTRIS, W2l/d.—Rather common.
CNICUS HETEROPHYLLUS, W2l/d.—Cleadale cliffs, at 450 ft. alt.

Cnicus ARVENSIS, Hoffm.—Very common; cultivated fields, road-
sides.
CENTAUREA NIGRA, Z.—Common.

+CicHoriuMm Intysus, Z.—Sides of cultivated fields near the Hotel.
LAPSANA COMMUNIS, Z.—Uncommon.

CREPIS VIRENS, Z.—Common in some fields.

Hieracium Pitosetia, Z.—Uncommon ; Laig road.

HIERACIUM ANGLICUM, /47.—Sculr.

Hieracium tricum, /%. (¢esfe F. J. Hanbury).—Cleadale and Strath
cliffs.

HIERACIUM VULGATUM, /7.—Scuir.

HieRaAcium corymposum, /7 (deste F. J. Hanbury).—Poll nam
Partan, 12 2-7.

ON THE FLORA OF EIGG 41

HypocH®RIS RADICATA, Z.—Fields.

LEONTODON AUTUMNALIs, Z.—Common.
Var. pratensis (Koch).—On the Scuir.

TARAXACUM OFFICINALE, Web.—Roadsides.
TARAXACUM PALUSTRE, DC.—Scuir, among wet rocks.
SONCHUS OLERACEUS, Z.—W. FM.

SoncHUS ASPER, /Zoffm.—Probably native on sea cliffs; a similar
form grows on sea cliffs in Skye, and on the mainland opposite
Figg.

SONCHUS ARVENSIS, ZL.

Sand dunes, Laig Bay. W. & M.
Lopetia DortmManna, Z.—Common in the hill lochs.

+CAMPANULA RAPUNCULOIDES, L.—Several plants among corn, Laig.
W. Fe M.

CAMPANULA ROTUNDIFOLIA, Z.—Generally common on north and

east sides.
Var. lancifolia, Mert. and Koch.—On Cleadale and Strath
cliffs, at 450-500 ft.

Vaccinium Myrtiuius, Z.—Rare.

CatLuna Erica, DC.—In plenty.

Erica TETRALIX, Z.—Common.

ERICA CINEREA, Z.—Very common.

PYROLA MEDIA, Sz.—Rare. Ina few places above the harbour.
ARMERIA MARITIMA, W72//d¢.—On the shore.

PRIMULA ACAULIS, Z.—Common.

LYSIMACHIA NEMORUM, Z.—Rather common.

GLAUX MARITIMA, Z.—Common on the shore.

ANAGALLIS ARVENSIS, £.—Cornfield, Poll nam Partan. W. & JZ.

ANAGALLIS TENELLA, Z.—Uncommon; Kildonan ; near Macleod’s
Cave.
ERYTHR#A CENTAURIUM, /e7s.—Rather common near the harbour.

GENTIANA CAMPESTRIS, Z.—Locally common. Cleadale ; harbour.
MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA, ZL.

LYcopsiIs ARVENSIS, Z.—Sandy shore near cultivation, Laig Bay.
PNEUMARIA MARITIMA, //7//—Very rare; shore at Macleod’s Cave.

Myosotis c&spitosa, /. Schultz.—Rather common about wet rocks,
Cleadale ; Strath.

MYosoTis REPENS, 2. Don.—Uncommon; ditch at side of Laig road.

(To be continued.)

42 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

Lesser Shrew on the summit of Ben Nevis.—I was up Ben
Nevis on the 27th of August last. On the 25th the cat belonging
to Mr. J. Niel, the cook employed in the Observatory, brought into
the kitchen a Lesser Shrew (Sovex minutus). Mr. Niel says the cat
never goes but a short distance from the huts. I thought a Shrew
from the highest altitude of Great Britain an interesting capture and
worthy of record.—H. W. FIELDEN, Wells, Norfolk.

Sowerby’s Whale in the Moray Firth.—In the ‘“ Nairnshire
Telegraph ” of 28th October last there appeared a notice of a Whale
aground a mile and a half east of Nairn harbour. It was supposed
to be a Bottle-nosed Whale. About a month afterwards I visited the
place, and found the carcass somewhat damaged, but still fresh. I
at once saw that it was not yperoodon rostratus, as I had seen that
species in the flesh before. It turns out to be a male specimen of
Sowerby’s Whale (JZesoplodon bidens), nearly fifteen feet in length and
nine in girth. I secured the skull and most of the skeleton. Sir
Wm. Turner saw the skull, and confirmed my identification of the
species.

The whole animal was black from snout to tail on ventral as
well as dorsal surface, the skin ‘shining like a well-polished shoe.”
The blow-hole was very slightly crescentic, almost a transverse slit.
The following are some measurements of the skull and other parts :—
Basal length of skull, 2 ft. 4 in.; length of rostrum, 1 ft. 6 in.;
breadth of rostrum (middle), 2 in. ; greatest breadth of skull, 114 in. ;
height of skull through nares, to} in. ; length of sternum, 1 ft. 9 in.;
length of flipper, 1 ft. 8 in. ; greatest breadth of flipper, 6 in. ; length
of humerus, 54 in.

This appears to be the only specimen of JZesoflodon bidens
recorded from the Moray Firth since Sowerby’s type, Pyseter bidens,
was cast ashore ninety-six years ago, within sight of the spot where the
present specimen was found.—Wm. Taytor, Lhanbryde.

Barred Warbler at Dhu Heartach Rock, Argyleshire.—Mr.
William Davidson, principal keeper of the lighthouse on Dhu
Heartach Rock (off the Argyleshire coast, 154 miles S.W. of Iona),
kindly forwarded to us the remains of an immature specimen of the
Barred Warbler (Sy/vza nisoria). ‘This rare visitor was found dead
at the foot of the lantern on the morning of the gth of September last,
and had been killed either early that morning or during the previous
night. ‘The Barred Warbler has only once before been recorded for
Scotland, namely at Broadford, in Skye, on the 16th of August
1884.—J. A. HARvIE-BRowN and WM. EAGLE CLARKE.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 43

Wryneck in Orkney.—A Wryneck (/yxx torguil/a) was shot on
the Island of Shapinshay on the 14th September last and forwarded
to me for identification. I bought it, and it proved to be an adult
female.—TuHomas M‘CRIE, Kirkwall.

Hoopoe in Stirlingshire.—We have received for preservation a
Hoopoe (Upupa epops) from Mr. Aitken Couper, Stirling, which was
caught by his son on Menstrie Hill on the 16th of November last.—
D. Crockart & Co., Stirling.

Roller in East Lothian.—An adult female Roller (Coracias
garrulus) was shot at Tyningham, Prestonkirk, on the 28th of Sep-
tember last, and is the second example that to my knowledge has
occurred here.—HapDpDINGTON, Tyningham.

Snowy Owl in Sutherland.—An almost pure white Snowy Owl
(Wyctea scandtiaca)—a male, judging from its size—was obtained by
Mr. D. Barclay, gamekeeper, at Forsinard, Sutherland, on or about
the r2th of December 1896.—T. E. BucktLey, Inverness.

Greenland Faleon in Skye.—A Greenland Falcon (falco candt-
cans) was sent in to Inverness for preservation, which was shot
near Portree, Skye, in December 1896. It was eating a Grouse
whose head had been knocked off, probably by the Falcon.—T. E.
BUCKLEY, Inverness.

Male Peregrine Falcon Ineubating.—On the 22nd of May last
the keeper here shot a female Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) as
she flew off her nest. On the 25th I went up with two men and
a rope for the purpose of taking the eggs. On approaching the
cliff where the nest was situated, the male bird flew out from the
nest, and on taking the eggs they proved to be quite warm and had
evidently been incubated by him after the death of his mate. I
shall be glad to know if this is usual.—J. C. Stewart, Glenmoidart.

Osprey in Inverness-shire.—On the 18th of August last an
Osprey (Pandion halietus) was sent in from Moy Hall, the seat of
The Mackintosh, to Mr. Mackay for preservation. —T. E. BucKLEy,
Inverness.

Night Heron in Barra.—lI shot a “ Night Heron” (WVyctecorax
griseus) on the east coast of the island of Barra on 12th October,
after a snowstorm and gale on the 11th. It rose from some sea-weed-
covered rocks which had just been uncovered by the tide. It was
submitted in the flesh to Mr. Eagle Clarke for inspection, and he
confirms my opinion that it is an immature bird. By dissection it
proved to be a male.—C. V. A. PEEL, Barra.

Shoveller in East and Mid Lothian.—On 17th April 1896 I
observed a Shoveller (Spatula clypeata) drake on a small loch at the
base of the Lammermuirs. On my first visit the bird was resting on
a piece of open water in company with a Coot, and both birds rose

44 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

and flew off as I drew near. Later in the day I returned to the loch,
and found the Shoveller lying up in a thick bed of equisetum; it allowed
me to approach within a few yards before rising, as if unaware of
the conspicuous attraction it formed by its white lower neck. In the
autumn I saw in Mr. Small’s shop a female Shoveller, which he had
received on 8th September from Gladhouse Reservoir in Mid-
lothian.— ROBERT GODFREY, Edinburgh.

Turtle Dove in West Lothian.—On the 2oth of October 1896
Mr. David M‘Diarmid, head gamekeeper to the Earl of Rosebery,
shot a Turtle Dove (Zurtur communis) which rose from a stubble-
field in Dalmeny Park. The occurrence of this bird in the
county is sufficiently rare to deserve being placed on record in the
“* Annals.” —Cuas. CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park.

Turtle Dove in West Fife.—A young male Turtle Dove (Zurtur
communis) of the year was shot by Mr. C. N. Johnston on 4th
September on the farm of Waulkmill, estate of Pitliver, parish of
Torryburn, Fifeshire, about 400 yards from the Forth, and at the
side of a strip of plantation out of which it rose.-—J. J. DALGLEISH,
Brankston Grange, Fife.

Turtle Dove in Perthshire.—On the rst of October, when
out shooting in Glenshee, about 20 miles north of Blairgowrie, we
shot a Turtle Dove (Zurtur communis). Perhaps the observation
may be of sufficient value for insertion in the “ Annals of Scottish
Natural History..—-GrorcrE HENDERSON, London.

Turtle Dove in West Ross-shire.—I saw a Turtle Dove (Zurtur
communis) here in October 1895, and another in June 1896.—OsGoopD
H. MACKENZIE, Inverewe.

Turtle Dove in Caithness.—A Turtle Dove (Zurtur communts)
was shot at Shurrery by the keeper there in July last.—J AMES STIRLING,
Garden.

Stock Dove on Cumbrae.—During a short visit to Cumbrae I
saw a pair of Stock Doves (Columba livia) on 18th August. I think
they were nesting in the rabbit burrows among the hazel scrub near
the shore on the western side of the island.—BrucE CAMPBELL,
Edinburgh.

Capereaillie in Linlithgowshire.—On the 9th of November last
I shot an old hen Capercaillie (Zetrao urogallus) in a fir strip on
Lord Hopetoun’s estate of Tartraven, situated on the Bathgate hills
about 34 miles from Linlithgow and the same from Bathgate. I
thought it was a gray hen when I fired at it in thick cover, or I
should not have shot it.—N. LEcKrr, Houstoun.

Hybrid Blackeoeck and Capercaillie in Peebleshire.—On
2nd October a cross between a Blackcock (Zetrao tetrix) and
Capercaillie (Zetvao urogallus) was shot while I was shooting on
Netherurd Mains, Peeblesshire. I believe there are a few more

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 45

about, and that they must be breeding, as the numbers always are
about the same. ‘Two were shot on Netherurd four years ago, but
I do not know what became of them, and did not see them. The
specimen now recorded takes most decidedly after the Blackcock.—
GEORGE H. Gisson CARMICHAEL, Mountaincross.

Spotted Crake in Islay.—As I understand the occurrence of
the Spotted Crake (Porzana maruetta) has rarely been observed
on the west coast of Scotland farther north than the Firth of Clyde,
I may mention that a specimen of this bird was shot by one of my
sons on the 29th September last in the island of Islay. I have every
reason to suspect that the bird breeds here on a marsh close to this
house. It has been suggested that an effort should be made next
year to discover its nest, but this, I fear, is practically impossible.
The marsh is a very large one, and some twenty acres of its extent
is a quagmire, covered with sedges, and quite inaccessible to human
foot. In fact, in two cases within my knowledge persons have
narrowly escaped death on attempting it. Water Rails are abundant
in the marsh, and J doubt not the Crakes have in consequence often
escaped observation.—R. ScoT SKIRVING, Foreland, Islay.

Spotted Crake in Moray (Zeach).—A Spotted Crake (Porsana
maruetta) was shot on the shores of the Beauly Firth by Mr. F.
Cameron, Moniack Castle, on 26th September. ‘This species has
been but rarely recorded from any locality on the mainland north of
the river Ness.—T. E. Buck ry, Inverness.

Great Snipe near St. Andrews.—On the 22nd of September
last I shot a Great Snipe (Galdinago major) in a small marsh some
four miles inland from St. Andrews. It was a female weighing 7+
oz. On the same day I saw a considerable number of Common
Snipe in the marsh, very wild and unsettled, and to my knowledge
freshly arrived.—J. R. M. Cook, St. Andrews.

Little Stint in the Clyde area.—Writing of the Little Stint
(Tringa minuta), Gray states, in his ‘‘ Birds of the West of Scotland ” :
“‘T am not yet able to include this bird as a western species.” As
this statement has been copied over and over again since the publica-
tion of Gray’s work (1871), and as Mr. Service can apparently only
answer for three examples in Scottish Solway, the following, which
relates chiefly to the Clyde area, may be of interest. It has been
shot at Ross by Sir George H. Leith Buchanan, as stated by Mr.
Lumsden in his ‘Guide to the Natural History of Loch Lomond.”
My correspondent Mr. J. Burnett Dick has shot it on the shores
of the Clyde between Dumbarton and Helensburgh; and on one
occasion at Loch Swein (“ Argyle” area), while waiting for ducks, he
was tempted to shoot at a flock of small waders which were passing
within range, and brought down several Little Stints. Mr. Charles
Berry informs me (7 /c¢¢. 16th March 1896) that in September 1890

46 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

he saw five at Ballantrae Bay, of which number he killed four, and
again in September 1893 he shot one at Lendalfoot. Two of the
specimens he had procured I saw in his collection. One of these
he gave me, and I sent it to Mr. Harvie-Brown. On the 29th of
August 1896 I saw one on the sands at Turnberry beside two
Knots. Mr. M‘Culloch, the taxidermist in Glasgow, tells me he
has never had it for preservation, but he handled one at Port
Bannatyne, Bute, which was in the possession of Mr. Frew, an
artist, who had shot it out of a number in Etterick Bay, Bute. I
incline to the belief that this species is a regular autumn visitor in
small numbers to this area, and that there are more Little Stints
than observers. —JOHN PATERSON, Glasgow.

Gray Phalarope in Caithness.—A Gray Phalarope (Phadlaropus
fulicarius) was sent in to Mr. Macleay, Inverness, for preservation,
from Watten, Caithness, on 23rd September 1896.—T. E. BUCKLEY,
Inverness.

Sabine’s Gull in Kilbrennan Sound.—The description given in
the October number by Mr. W. Evans of a Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabinz)
in Aberlady Bay convinces me that I saw the same species in
August 1894 on the coast near Campbeltown in this county. I was
hand-line fishing outside Campbeltown harbour in a small steam-
launch. Many gulls came round us to pick up bits of the bait, etc.
One of them caught my eye at once as unlike any bird I had ever
seen. It was a very small gull, although its forked tail, which was
conspicuous, led me at first to think it was a Tern. But its more
robust form rendered that impossible. I have now no doubt it was
a Sabine’s Gull. I feel sure that many of the rarer Gulls are really
more common than is supposed. ‘The very small proportion of sea-
going observers who know anything of ornithology, together with the
general uniformity of aspect among all Gulls, make the recognition of
species a rare accident. Many years ago, when on my way to
America, we stopped as usual at Queenstown. The liner I was in
was surrounded by scores of Gulls. Among them I saw one wholly
white—not a speck of black or gray on any part of its plumage. I
do not know what the species was. But I could not help noticing
that among the many passengers, British and American, on board
not a human being but myself took the least notice of a rare and
fine Gull.—ARrGYLL, Inveraray.

Little Gulls at Dunbar.—On the 11th September last I was
informed that two strange birds had been shot at the mouth of the
Biel burn, Belhaven, about two miles from Dunbar. I managed
to secure the birds, and on examination identified them as two
immature specimens of the Little Gull (Larus minutus)—from
their plumage, I should say birds of the year. Both were sitting
together on a rock near the edge of the water, and appeared very
tame.—D. Bruck, Dunbar.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 47

Rana esculenta in Scotland (a correction).—I forwarded
specimens of the Frogs which I obtained from Kincardineshire last
March, as recorded in the “ Annals,” 1896, p. 162, to Mr. G. A.
Boulenger, F.R.S., and he informs me that the species is ¢emporaria,
and not esculenta as I supposed. While regretting that I should
have made a mistake, I am glad the matter has been set at rest, at
least until some one with more enterprise has actually discovered
R. esculenta in Scotland. The dark patch at the side of the head
in ¢emporaria, on which so much emphasis is laid as a distinguishing
feature, may be absent ; while it may be present, Mr. Boulenger tells
me, in escw/enta. Furthermore, vocal sacs are present in the males
of both species, and are not absent in /emporaria as is usually
supposed. In ¢emforaria, however, they are internal, and not
external as in escw/entfa. If my error is the means of bringing about
corrections in the text-books on which I relied for distinguishing
characters between the two species, I am not sorry I made it.—
Puitip J. WHITE, University College, Bangor.

Hebridal Argentine on the West Ross-shire Coast.—I caught
a “ Hebridal Argentine” (Argentina sphyrena) in August last, on a
small line, in about 40 fathoms water, at the mouth of Lochbroom.
This is only the second specimen of this fish that has come under
my notice. The former one I got last year near the same place.—
J. A. Fowter, Inverbroom.

Helix lamellata, /ef, in East Lothian.—This pretty little
shell, which has not, so far as I know, been previously reported
from any part of the Lothians, was found by me in considerable
abundance on the 16th of last September in a shady part of the
glen which runs through the grounds of Yester, near the foot of the
Lammermoor Hills in Haddingtonshire. The spot where it occurred
is about a couple of miles above the village of Gifford, but I have
no doubt it will, when closely looked for, be discovered in other
places in the neighbourhood. Most of the shells contained living
molluscs, and were found adhering to fallen leaves, chiefly those of
the rhododendron. Among the other land mollusca collected on
the same occasion were felix granulata (=sericea) and AZ. fusca.
I cannot find that /7. Zame//ata has previously been noticed lower
down the Forth valley than Craigquarter Wood near Stirling, where
it was found by Mr. T. Scott a few years ago, so that the present
record carries its distribution a long way farther to the east. Prior to
1837, however, the late Dr. Johnston found it, ‘though very seldom,”
in Berwickshire (“ Mag. Zool. and Bot.,” i. 201).—WILi1aMm Evans,
Edinburgh.

Geotrupes typhcus (Z). in Ayrshire.—I am pleased to be
able to record the occurrence of this beetle in Ayrshire. Three
specimens—two males and a female—were taken by Mr. Thomas

48 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Wilson of Ayr, while we were walking over Irvine Moor with a small
party of the Kilmarnock Ramblers Society, on the 18th April last.
Mr. Wilson again visited the moor on 16th May, and found another
male. Geotrupes typheus ha:/ already been recorded for Arran by
Mr. Wm. Evans (‘“ Annals,” 1895, p. 198), so the above is the
second locality for the species in the Clyde area. A specimen was
submitted to Mr. G. C. Champion, F.Z.5., for verification.—ANDERSON
FERGUSSON, Ayr.

Exomias araneiformis, Sc/vazz., in Clyde and Solway.—Three
specimens of this Weevil were collected near Ayr in April 1894, and
Mr. Morris Young has taken five in the Paisley district. Both of
these localities are in Clyde.” I found another specimen in June
last near the village of Barr, which lies in that part of Ayrshire
included in ‘‘Solway.” Canon Fowler, in his “Coleoptera of the
British Islands,” says regarding the occurrence of this species in
Scotland: “ Nor has Dr. Sharp ever come across a Scotch example,
although it must be admitted that Murray records it as ‘ occasional’
in Scotland.” Specimens were submitted to Mr. G. C. Champion,
F.Z.S., for verification. —ANDERSON FERGUSSON, Ayr.

Vanessa antiopa in Aberdeenshire.—I have pleasure in
recording the capture of this butterfly in Aberdeenshire during the
past season. First, one was taken at Rubislaw on the 14th September
by Mr. Alexander Park, and is now in the splendid collection of Mr.
Horne of Aberdeen. A second specimen was captured, between
Logierieve and Esslemont, by Mr. Youngson on the 4th October.
It is now in the possession of Mr. Crane of Ellon. <A third was
seen by Mr. Crane, about six weeks previous to the last record,
near the Wool Mill, Ellon. Mr. Crane was within a yard of it, but,
not having a net, the butterfly escaped capture. All the specimens
belonged to the British type with the pale border to the wings.—
WitiiAM Cowlk, Aberdeen.

Vanessa antiopa in Shetland.—I received a specimen of this
fine butterfly—the Camberwell Beauty of collectors—from my friend
Mr. Frank Traill, who captured it in the Island of Foula on the
31st August last. Foula is about 15 miles west of the mainland of
Shetland ; and the occurrence of the insect in this somewhat remote
isle affords an interesting illustration of the wandering tendency
possessed by this handsome butterfly. It is a pale-bordered specimen
(2? of Scandinavian origin), and has been presented by Mr. Traill to
the Scottish National Collection in the Museum of Science and Art,
Edinburgh.—W. EAGLE CLARKE.

Acherontia atropos and Alucita polydactyla in Roxburghshire.
—I received from Ormiston, in the beginning of September last, a
larva of the Death’s-head Moth (Acherontia atropos), which was found
crossing a field road there. Aductta folydactyla I took in autumn

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 49

1894, and again hybernated specimens in May last. Mr. C. G.
Barrett has seen both the autumn and hybernated specimens, and
he says: “I cannot find a record of Aluctta polydactyla in Scotland
at all. Yorkshire and Westmoreland appear to be the most northerly
localities of which I know.”——A. Etior, Caverton, Roxburghshire.

Death’s-head Moth in East Lothian.—I have heard of the
capture of three examples of the Death’s-head (Acherontia atropos)
in East Lothian this summer, namely—one (now in my possession) at
Harelaw near Aberlady, in the beginning of July; one at Had-
dington about the same time; and one at Tranent. All are said to
have been about bee-hives.—WiLi1AM Evans, Edinburgh.

Death’s-head Moth in Moray.—A specimen of Acherontia
atropos, Linn., was captured by Mr. Hossack, Alma Cottage, Elgin,
in his garden on the evening of 3rd July last. It seemed to be
freshly emerged from the pupa, was under the average size, and had
the lower left wing undeveloped.—HeEwnry H. Brown, Elgin.

Clifden Nonpareil in Moray.—A specimen of the rare moth
Catocala fraxint, Linn., was picked up by Mr. R. H. Mackessack, of
Woodside and Hatton, on 17th September last, upon the road near
Seapark in the parish of Kinloss, Elginshire. It appeared to have
been crushed by the foot of some person passing along the road, but
was alive when Mr. Mackessack found it. Seapark is in the vicinity
of Forres, a district long celebrated for the richness and variety of its
Lepidopterous fauna, but /raxznz is undoubtedly the most interesting
discovery which has been made there for some time.—HENry H.
Browy, Elgin.

Sirex juvencus in Roxburghshire.—On 2oth August last the
farm steward at Ormiston, in this district, kindly sent me several
living specimens, both male and female, of Szvex juvencus. He had
got them, I understand, when splitting up an old larch gate-post
which was perforated with the burrows of the larva.—A. EL.iot,
Caverton, Roxburghshire.

Hydrometra stagnorum, Z., in Perthshire and Fifeshire.—I
do not find this species mentioned in Mr. T. M. M‘Gregor’s list of
Perthshire Hemiptera (“ Annals” for October 1893 and April 1894),
and am therefore induced to mention its occurrence in the south-
western part of the county, where, in April last, I found several
examples in a ditch by the roadside at Loch Ard. I have also
taken it in Fifeshire at Otterston Loch.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.

Boreus hiemalis, Z., near Edinburgh.—The “ Annals ” for July
1895 contains a record by Mr. G. H. Carpenter of a specimen of
this curious insect taken by me at Morton, about a couple of miles
south of Edinburgh, in November of the previous year. During
October and November 1896 I again found the species, but this

72 I E

50 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

time in such numbers, and in so many different places, as to convince
me that, in this district at any rate, it is not the rarity it seems to
have been hitherto regarded. A favourite habitat is an old moss-
grown wall or tree-trunk, and it was while shaking moss from these
(patches near the ground are the best) over a newspaper, in order to
dislodge any small Coleoptera lurking among it, that the Bore were
met with. Both sexes occurred. ‘The following are the localities
and dates :—Flotterston Bridge, near Glencorse, 2oth October, half
a dozen specimens ; roadside at Morton (the locality in which the
1894 specimen was got), 21st October, common; Dreghorn, 22nd
October, three; Comiston, 24th October, six; Swanston, 28th
October, a few; Boghall, 9th November, several; Lothianburn, 24th
November, one. These localities, it may be noted, are all at or near
the base of the eastern spur of the Pentland Hills. Besides the
other Scottish localities (Killin and Aberdeen) referred to by Mr.
Carpenter, this insect has been taken by Dr. Hardy in Berwickshire
(cf. “Scot. Naturalist,” January and April 1885).— WILLIAM
Evans, Edinburgh.

Cheirocrates intermedius, G. O. Sars, in Loch Fyne.—A single
specimen of this apparently rare Amphipod was recently obtained
in some dredged material from Loch Gair (Loch Fyne), which is a
new station for this species. Among the Zoological Notes in the
“Annals of Scottish Natural History” for January last, Chezrocrates
intermedius is recorded from the Firth of Forth as an addition to
the British fauna ; its occurrence in the Clyde district is therefore
of interest because extending its distribution, and indicating that,
though apparently rare, its distribution may after all not be so very
restricted if the species were carefully sought for. As pointed out
in the previous “ Note,” the chief distinctive character of the species
is the peculiar form of the second gnathopods—a character which
may easily be overlooked. Sars himself admits having at one time con-
founded this species with C. swndewalli (Rathke).—T. Scott, Leith.

Gammarus Duebeni, /z//jeborg., in a Freshwater Loch near
Campbeltown (Cantyre).—Judging from published records, this
Amphipod appears to be usually obtained in water that is more or
less brackish, and seldom in fresh water. In the ‘“‘ Annual Report of
the Fishery Board for Scotland” for last year, Gammarus Duebent
is recorded from a freshwater loch on the uplands behind Lerwick,
and I have now to record it from a similar loch, known as “ Achy
Lochy,” situated among the hills to the north of Campbeltown
(Cantyre). The water of this loch, like that of the Shetland loch
referred to, is used for domestic purposes, which is a sufficient
guarantee of its “freshness.” Gammarus Duebeni may be dis-
tinguished from the common Gammarus pulex by the shape of the
eyes, which are also larger, and by the posterior part of the body
and appendages being more hairy.—T. Scott, Leith.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 51

Cyclops maecrurus, G. O. Sars, and Canthocamptus northum-
bricus, “4rady, in Lochgelly Loch, Fifeshire.—While recently
examining a small gathering of Entomostraca from Lochgelly Loch,
collected in 1890, but somehow overlooked, several comparatively
rare species were obtained ; and though most of them have already
been recorded in part il. of my papers on “‘ The Land and Fresh-
water Crustacea of the District around Edinburgh” (see “‘ Proc. Roy.
Phys. Soc. Edin.,” 1893, vol. xii.), two of the species are deserving
of special notice, viz.: (1) Cyclops macrurus, G. O. Sars—so far the
Scotch stations for this species are few in number, and there is no
previous record for it in the Edinburgh district ; (2) Canthocamptus
northumbricus, Brady—this has not before been recorded for Fife-
shire, and the only other locality within the Edinburgh district
where it has been obtained is Duddingston Loch. JBoth species
are fully described and figured in Dr. Brady’s monograph of the
British Copepoda, vol. i. (1878) and vol. ii. (1880); see also his
“ Revision of the British Species of Freshwater Cyclopidze and
Calanidz ” (1891).—T. Scott, Leith.

Luidia Sarsi, Dzid. and Kor., in the Moray Firth.—A speci-
men of this Starfish was captured in the Moray Firth, a few miles
east of Tarbet Ness, on the 25th of August last. This species is
quite distinct from Lzdia ciliaris (Philippi), which I have also
recorded from the Moray Firth. It is much smaller, and has five
instead of seven arms. The specimen of Zazdia Sarsi now recorded
measures fully 7 inches across from the extremity of the one arm to
that of the one opposite.—T. Scort, Leith.

DIGEST OF OBSERVATIONS ON THE MIGRATIONS OF BIRDS AT
LIGHTHOUSES AND LIGHTVESSELS, 1880-1887. This has been pub-
lished in pamphlet form by the British Association, and may be had
from the offices of the Association, Burlington House, Piccadilly,
London, for sevenpence, post free.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Lathyrus palustris, Z. (‘“ Annals,” p. 247, 1896).—By the
kindness of Mr. R. L. Praeger of Dublin, I have ascertained that
there is no specimen of the above species from Scotland in Mackay’s
herbarium in Dublin. —ARrTHUR BENNETT.

Forms of Euphrasia in Seotland.—Herr R. v. Wettstein has
recently issued a very careful and elaborate “‘ Monographie der
Gattung Euphrasia” (‘‘ Arbeiten d. botanischen Instit.” d. K. K.
Deutsch Universitat in Prag, No. ix., 1896), in which he discusses
the assemblage of forms included under the term Z£. officinalis, L.,
in the wide sense. He admits a large number of species, very fully

52 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

described and figured; and each is followed by a long list of the
localities whence the author has seen specimens. He gives the fol-
lowing, and the collector’s name for each, as growing in Scotland
(the numbers being those of the monograph) :—

9. borealis, Townsend.—Braemar, Melvich Cliffs, and Caithness
(all Townsend).

10. dbvevi~ila, Barnat and Gremli (cf. “Journal of Botany,”
1884, p. 167).—“ Drosachs” (K. Richter), Foyers and Oban (Towns-
end).

13. zemorosa, Pers.—Braemar (Townsend).

16. curta, Fries. —Aberdeen (Marshall).

20. foulaensis, Townsend, zz sched.—Shetland Islands, on the
Hammerfeld in Foula (Townsend), Burra Fiord and Vord Hill in
Unst, and at Ollaberry (Beeby).

24. gracilis, Fries. (cf. “Journal of Botany,” xxii. p. 184).—
Aberdeen (Nicholson), Scotston Moor near Aberdeen, Foyers, and
Oban (Townsend).

30. scotica, Wettst. (= £. paludosa, Townsend, in “ Journal of
Botany,” xxix. (1891), p. 161, nec £. paludosa, R. Br.)—Known
only from Braemar.

35. Rosthoviana, Hayne (cf. Townsend in “ Journal of Botany,”
xxil. 1884).—Caithness (Linton), Oban (Townsend).

Linaria viscida, AZwnch (LZ. minor) in Kineardineshire.—The
tendency of this little toadflax to make its appearance on railways
has been noticed in this journal (i. pp. 142, 204) and elsewhere.
I last summer, on 20th June, found it flowering in fair abundance
on the railway between Stonehaven and Muchalls, about a mile
from the latter station. I believe that this is considerably beyond
any previous record for this plant in Scotland. It has of course
been introduced, probably in the ballast used on the line.—JAMES
Wo E. TRAIE.

Rhinanthus major, “Arh., in Aberdeenshire.—This plant is
very plentiful in some parts of Fifeshire, e.g. near Elie; and I
have gathered it in Forfarshire, also near Elgin; but till recently
I had never seen it in the counties of Kincardine, Aberdeen,
and Banff, nor has it been recorded from them. In July 1894 I
observed in a field of barley at Auchnagatt, about twenty miles
north of Aberdeen, a single plant in flower. Again, in August
1895, I found several plants coming into flower on the site of a
stackyard near Glassel, in the valley of the Dee, about twenty miles
west of Aberdeen. Though north of the Dee, the locality is within
the boundary of Kincardineshire, close to its west frontier. On
27th June 1896 I met with this species in some quantity flowering
among rye grass in a hayfield near Grandholm, about five miles
north of Aberdeen. No doubt the plant has grown in other places

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 53

in the district besides those in which I have seen it; but even they
are sufficient to show that it is now somewhat widely distributed in
Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire north of the Dee. Its presence
appears evidently due to importation among farm seeds ; but in view
of its occurrence in so widely distant places in the last three years,
it is strange that it had not been noticed previous to 1894.—JAMES
WeeEl, WAT.

Ranuneulus fluitans, Zam., in N.E. Seotland.—This aquatic
Ranunculus is, so far as I have observed, not met with in the
streams of Kincardineshire, nor in Aberdeenshire except in the
Deveron. In this river I found it in great abundance, in the end
of last August, from Turriff to Inverkeithnie, almost as the only
representative of its section of the genus. As the Deveron for some
distance above Turriff is the boundary between the counties of
Aberdeen and Banff, 2. jfuztans may be fairly included in the
lists for North Aberdeen, for which it does not stand on record.
It had been recorded previously from the Isla, a tributary of the
Deveron in Banffshire, as found by Rev. J. Keith, LL.D.—James
Wis EL TRAIL.

Flora of St. Kilda.—On the return of the party that visited
Rockall at the end of last May, under the auspices of the Royal
Irish Academy, we cast anchor one dark wet morning in the Bay of
St. Kilda. Three hours ashore was all that was allowed to us, and
in that brief time I collected as many plants as possible. The flora
has already been well worked out by Mr. R. M. Barrington, who
spent three weeks on the island in June 1883, and published his
results in the “‘ Journal of Botany” for 1886, and by Mr. Alexander
H. Gibson, whose list appears in the ‘‘ Proceedings of the Botanical
Society of Edinburgh,” in the part issued October 1891. Their lists
combined give a flora of about 140 species. Of these, my three
hours’ search revealed 104 species, and, in addition, two others,
Stellaria uliginosa and Lgutsetum palustre, which are not recorded
in either paper. Another, Sonchus asper, doubtfully recorded by
Mr. Barrington, I found near the village. The others of my list being
covered by those of Mr. Barrington or Mr. Gibson, or both, do not
appear to be worth publishing—R. Litoyp PRAEGER, Dublin.

A Visit to the Loch of Spynie in seareh of Utricularia
Bremii.—In June last I paid a hurried visit to the above loch in
hopes of meeting with the plant which has been reported as U¢ri-
cularia Bremit. The loch, which is about four miles from Elgin, is
a breeding-place of the Black-headed Gull; and the place is made
noisy by the shrill calls of the bird, which occurs in great quantity.
I may at once say that I was disappointed in the special object of
my search, for I was unable to see any species of Utricularia ; but
time prevented me from working the marshes on the eastern side.

54 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

In the loch I noticed Ranunculus Baudotu, Hippuris vulgaris,
Littorella juncea, Potamogeton gramineus (hetorophyllus), P. per-
Joliatus, P. pectinatus, Elodea canadensis, etc. On the margins
Ranunculus Lingua, R. sceleratus, Potentilla palustris, Galium Wither-
ingit, Pedicularis palustris, Orchis latifolia, Sparganium erectum,
Triglochin palustre, Eleocharis palustris, Carex canescens, C. rostrata,
Phragmites communis, Equisetum limosum and var. fluviatile, Typha
latifolia, etc., were noticed.

Local tradition asserts that the sea at no distant date came close
to the loch, if indeed it was not directly connected with it; but
the only plant noticed in the loch which is suggestive of brackish
water is the Ranunculus Baudotit, which is, I believe, a new county
record. The marshes near, however, yield two plants which support
the tradition referred to, viz. Scirpus Tabernemontanit and Scirpus
rufus, the latter of which gradually merged into the var. dzfolius.

Salix stipularis is plentiful by the loch; S. ¢réandra, S. aurita x
cinerea, and SS. rubra also occur. The walk from Elgin to Spynie
yielded several interesting plants. On sandy ground near the town
Szlene conica occurs. It is, I should think, native there. In culti-
vated ground near to the town Fumaria Lorei, Papaver Argemone,
Sisymbrium Thahana, Brassica alba, Viola tricolor, V. arvensis,
Lychnis Gtithago, Sagina apetala, Malva_ sylvestris, Erodium
cicutarium (as the plant with spotted petals), dZedicago lupulina,
Sherardia arvensis, var. hirsuta, Baguet, Myosotis versicolor, Veronica
agrestis, Lamium amplexicaule, Arrhenatherum precatorium, Scleranthus
annuus, etc., were gathered.

The railway banks afforded +JZedicago sativa, + Poterium murt-
catum, Ltteractum rigidum, +Campanula rapunculoides, + Crepis
setosa, Daucus Carota, Festuca arundinacea, etc.

+ Chrysanthemum Parthentum is naturalised on the walls of the
Cathedral. Mr. A. Fryer kindly looked at the pond-weeds for me.
The Rev. E. F. Linton remarks that the Sa/ix stipularis has a great
look of S. Cafrea x viminalis. It was abundant on the eastern
side of the loch, where plants of undoubted wminalis x Caprea
were growing. I saw Aubus villicaulis in Elgin.—G, CLARIDGE
Druce, MOA, FAS:

Notes of Plants observed about Forres and Findhorn.—The
sandy district about Findhorn is well worth a visit, and a more
prolonged search than I had time to give. Ranunculus Baudotit is
found between Findhorn and Forres, but is much nearer to the
former place. In the same marsh grew Scirpus rufus, which here,
as at Spynie, merged into the var. dz/o/ius—that is, if the length of the
bract is the decisive character. An immense quantity of Zrythraa
littoralis, forma minor, Hartm., was conspicuous. /uncus balticus,
J. Gerardi, Carex extensa, and Scirpus Tabernemontani also occurred.
On the sandhills and in the neighbourhood of Findhorn I observed

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 55

Sisymbrium Sophia, Senebiera Coronopus, Teesdalia nudicaulis, Ceras-
tium tetrandrum, Malva rotundifolia, Onontis repens, Trifolium arvense
(in great quantity), Anthriscus vulgaris, Filago mintma, Carduus
pycnocephalus, Centaurea Cyanus, Sonchus asper, Lamium purpureum,
Flantago Coronopus, Atriplex Babingtonit, Urtica urens, Triglochin
maritimum, Carex arenaria, Agrostis alba, var. maritima, Agrostis
pumila, Poa subcerulea, Bromus sterilis, Agropyron repens, var.
barbatum, A. junceum, Elymus arenarius, and Keleria cristata. Inthe
neighbourhood of Forres, on the southern side of the river Findhorn,
I found +erderis (but not native), Papaver dubium, P. Argemone,
Fumaria officinalis, Cardamine hirsuta, C. sylvatica, Sisymbrium
Sophia, Thlaspi arvense, Silene Cucubalus, Lychnis alba, Stellaria
Flolostea, Spergula sativa, Malva sylvestris, Geranium dissectum,
| Melilotus officinalis, + Trifolium hybridum, Vicia angustifolia, + Spirea
Filipendula (on the railway bank), Rubus vellicaulis, near var. insu-
laris, R. mucronatus, Rosa mollis, R. tomentosa, R. rubiginosa, R.
glauca, R. arvensis (doubtfully wild), Pyrus Aria (? planted), Azbes

va-crispa, Conium maculatum, Anthriscus vulgaris, Caucalis An-
thriscus, Sherardia arvensis, Senecio sylvaticus, Sonchus asper, S. arven-
sts, Veronica hederefolia, V. arvensis, V. serpyllifolia, Melampyrum
pratense, var. hians (plentiful in the woods round the Nelson Monu-
ment), Riznanthus Crista-gallt, var. angustifolia, Polygonum lapathi-
folium, Rumex domesticus, Humulus Lupulus, Quercus Robur, var.
sessiliftora, Goodyera repens, Juncus balticus (westwards of Forres, by
the river), Hodcus mollis, Avena pratensis, Arrhenatherum precatorium,
Poa nemoralis, P. subcerulea, Festuca rubra, F. elatior, F. arundin-
acea, Bromus sterilis, B. mollis, + Lolium ttalicum, and Agropyron
caninum.—G. CLARIDGE Druce, M.A., F.L.S.

Caltha radieans, /orsz., in South Aberdeen.—Fairly typical
specimens of this plant were gathered by me in June 1896 in a marsh
near the Dee not far from Invercauld. The plants in the locality were
uniformly rooting, but the shape of the radical leaves was somewhat
variable. The stem leaves were quite like those of my West Ross
specimens. In the vicinity ordinary Caltha palustris occurred.—
G. C. DRUCE.

Discomycetes in Morayshire.— During the meeting of the
Scottish Cryptogamic Society at Fochabers on gth to 11th Septem-
ber the following were picked up, both growing on the ground :—

Geoglossum microsporum, Cooke and Peck.—New to Scotland.
In Phillips’s “British Discomycetes” it is mentioned only from Clifton
in England.

Pesziza Crouant, Cooke.—This had previously been found in
Scotland only near Aberdeen, by myself.

It may be worth adding that a careful search on the beach west
of Lossiemouth among £Zymus and Ammophita failed to yield Peziza

56 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ammophila, D. and M. Ina similar situation on the coast north of
Aberdeen it is abundant every autumn.—JAmes W. H. TRAIL.

Species of Lithothamnion new to Seotland.—Mr. E. A. Batters,
in “New or Critical British Marine Alge” (Journ. Bot.,” September),
notes the following from Scotland, identified for him by Mr. M. Foslie
of Trondhjem, and mostly described in “ Norwegian Forms of
Lithothamnia,” by Mr. Foslie (‘‘ Det. Kgl. Norske Vidensk. Selsk.
Skr., 1894”).

L. incrustans, Foslhie, Z.c. 94, pl. 18.—Cumbrae, £2. A. B.

f. Harveyt, Foslie, Zc. pl. 18, figs. 12-15.—Cumbrae, £. A. B.

L. Sonderi, Hauck. (“ Meeresalgen,” p. 273, pl. 3).—Cumbrae,

EA. B.

L. orbiculatum, Foslie, 7c. 143, pl. 22, figs. ro-11.—Arran,

£E. A. B.; Sea Mill, £. 1 Holmes.

L. flabellatum, Rosenvinge (‘‘ Gronl.,” Havalz., 772, figs. 1-2).

f. Granit, Foslie, 7.c.—Port Bannatyne, Bute, D. Robertson.

L. Lenormandi (Aresch.), f. sublevis, Foslie, Zc. 151.—Berwick,

VAP.
L. Battersit, Foslie (“ New or Critical Lithothamnia,” 1, figs. 1-5).
—Cumbrae, £. A. B.

L. coralliotdes, Crouan (“ FI. Finist.,” 152, pl. 20).

f. australis, Foslie, 2c. 62, pl. 16, figs. 24-31.—Cumbrae
LA, DB

f. flabelligera, Foslie, Zc. figs. 32-37.—Cumbrae, £. A. B. ;
Port Bannatyne, D. Robertson.

Serophularia Ehrharti, Stev.—Several beds of this plant were
discovered by the Edinburgh Field Naturalists on 17th June last on
the side of the river Esk above Musselburgh. It has not been before
recorded from this locality —A. B. STEELE, Edinburgh.

Additions to the known Flora of the South Ebudes.—In
the Journal of Botany (October, p. 433), A. Somerville records from
Islay the following :—A4uda marina, Dum., var. neglecta (Kindb.) ;
FPotentilla procumbens, Sebth.; LEvrythrea pulchella, Fr., form or
variety ; Polygonum Rati, Bab.; Rumex conglomeratus, Murr. ;
Juncus alpinus, Vill., new to the Hebrides as a whole; Sfar-
ganium minimum, Fr. (2); Potamogeton decipiens, Nolte; Cladium
Jamaicense, Crantz (= C. Mariscus, R. Br.) ; Deschampsta discolor, R.
and S. ; Festuca rubra, L.

First Records of Scottish Plants.—In the concluding part and
the ‘‘ Additions” to the list of “First Records of British Flowering
Plants” compiled by W. A. Clarke, F.L.S. (Journ. Lot, Nov. and
Dec.) the following Scottish records are included :—

Poa alpina, L., 1777.—“ On the sides of Craigchalleach, above
Finlarig, in Breadalbane. Mr. Stuart.”—Lightfoot, “ Fl. Scot.,” i. 96.

CURRENT LITERATURE 57

P. laxa, Heenke, 1800.—“ On Ben Nevis. Mr. Mackay.”—Sm.,
EL Brit.,” tor (asf. fexuosa).

P. Balfourii, Parnell (in Ann. Nat. Hist, x. 122), 1842.—
“Gathered by Dr. Balfour on Ben Voirlich, near the head of Loch
Lomond.”

Festuca sylvatica, Vill., 1800.—“ In a moist wooded valley at the
foot of Ben Lawers, 1793. Mr. Mackay.”—Sm., “Fl. Brit.,” 1. 121
(as & calamaria).

Oxytropis uralensis, DC.—‘ Discovered by Dr. John Walker
near Loch Leven in 1761.” See Walker’s ‘‘ Essays on Nat. Hist.
and Rural Economy,” 1808, p. 380.

Lathyrus niger, Wimm., 1821.—‘‘ Found by Thomas Dummond
in the Den of Airly, 12 miles west of Forfar.”—Hooker, “Fl. Scot.,”
il. p. 267 (as Orobus niger).

Saxtfraga rivularis, L., 1792.—‘“In monte Ben Nevis Scotize
hanc plantam primus in Britannia invenit anno 1790. D. Robertus
Tounson.”—J. E. Smith, in Linneeus’s “ Fl. Lapponica,” 2nd ed., p.
143.
Salix lapponum, L.—“It appears from the essays of Dr. J.
Walker that this was first observed by him in the parish of Moffat
in July 1762.

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—October-December 1896.

[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 initals of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the
sources of information undermentioned. ]

ZOOLOGY.

Museum Notes: ON THE NESTING BirpDs OF PERTHSHIRE AND
THE BASIN OF THE Tay. By the late Col. H. M. Drummond Hay,
C.M.Z.S. Trans. Perthshire Soc. Nat. Sci., vol. ii. pt. iv. (1895-96),
PP. 143-147.

Birp Lire on Rona’s HIL1, SHETLAND. By Robert Godfrey.
The Field, 26th September 1896, p. 535.

IN THE WILDs oF NorTH ROE, SHETLAND. By Robert Godfrey.
The Field, 21st November 1896, p. 848.—Refers to the bird life of
the district.

HEDGE-SPARROW BREEDING ON THE Bass Rock. J. A. Harvie-
Brown. Zoologist (3), vol. xx. p. 358 (September 1896).—A reply
to a note by Mr. Meiklejohn in the previous number.

JERFALCON IN SkvE. E. Willoughby. Ze Field, 5th December
1896, p. 906.—Specimen shot at Portree on 28th November.

60 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Eucheeta norvegica is stated to occur in Loch Fyne and Concheecia
elegans in Loch Etive.

BOTANY.

A REVISED LIST OF THE BRITISH CARYOPHYLLACEA, by Fred. N.
Williams, F.L.S. (Journ. Bot, October, pp. 423-429), is an effort to
bring the nomenclature of British floras into line with that employed
in many Continental floras, in which the genera are accepted in
much narrower limits. The (rather numerous) alterations in the
names given in the ninth edition of the “‘ London Catalogue” are
marked with an asterisk.

THE Satix Lists In THE LONDON CATALOGUE, by (Rev.) E. F.
Linton, M.A. (Journ. Bot., November, pp. 461-472), discusses fully
the treatment of .Sa/zx by the author and by Dr. F. B. White, giving
reasons for the writer’s views, and discussing from his present
knowledge the origin and rank of hybrids, ete.

List OF BRITISH CYPERACEZ (EXCLUDING Carex), by C. B.
Clarke, F.R.S. (Journ. Bot., October, pp. 415-417), is valuable as a
statement of the views with regard to nomenclature of the recognised
authority in Britain on the Cyperacez. He keeps Zveocharis distinct
from Scirpus, but sinks Llysmus; and he falls back on the older
name Cladium jamaicense, Crantz (1766), for C. Mariscus, R. Br.

BARTSIA ODONTITES, VAR. LITTORALIS, REICHB., IN BRITAIN. By
Symers M. Macvicar. Journ. Bot., November, p.479-—Grows in some
quantity on shingly shore on west coast of Argyleshire, in v.c. 97.

West PERTH Piants. By (Rev.) W. Moyle Rogers. /ourn.
Bot., November, pp. 479-480.—New records for the vice-county
are :—Lycopodium tnundatum, from Ben Ledi; Polygala oxyptera,
Flieracium auratum, ¥Fr., Lactuca muralis, Arctium minus (seg.),
Betula verrucosa, all from near Callander ; Polygonum maculatum,
near Lake of Monteith.

THE BoTany OF AYRSHIRE (BY PARISHES), FROM ORIGINAL
INVESTIGATION. By John Smith (of Monkredding, Ayr). (Ardrossan:
A. Guthrie and Son, 1896.)—Briefly reviewed by A(rthur) B(ennett)
in Journ, Bot., October 1896, pp. 435-436.

ADDITIONS TO THE KNOWN FLORA: OF THE SOUTH EBUDES
(Islay, in September). By A. Somerville. Journ. Lot., October,
Pp. 433.—About 340 vascular plants were found, 11 being new to
the vice-province 102.

First REcorps OF BRITISH FLOWERING PLANTS. Compiled
by William A. Clarke, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., Nov., pp. 472-476, and
Dec., pp. 507-510.-—Includes from Arrhenatherum to end, and
additions and corrections.

REVIEWS 61

REVIEWS.

AMONG BRITISH BIRDS IN THEIR NESTING Haunts: ILLUs-
TRATED BY THE CAMERA. By Oswin A. J. Lee. (Edinburgh:
David Douglas, 1896.)

A few months ago we noticed in our pages what may be termed
the pioneer work on the application of photography to birds’ nests
and eggs taken 7 situ. We now have the pleasure of noticing a
much more ambitious and important work devoted to the same
subject : one which at once carries this branch of ornithological work
to its highest place, both as regards the beauty and size of its plates,
and the intention of making it a complete pictorial history of the
nests of all the birds that breed in the British Islands, as seen in
their natural surroundings.

The two parts issued each contain ten fine facsimile plates
depicting the nesting habits of the Eider Duck (2), Cormorant,
Peregrine (2), Long-eared Owl, Sparrow-hawk, Lesser Black-backed
Gull (2), Roseate Tern, Coot (2), Waterhen (2), Shoveller, Willow
Warbler, Kittiwake, Sandwich Tern, and Sheld Duck (2). All of
them are most satisfactory and pleasing, and we may at once say
that they are as near perfection as it is perhaps possible to make
them. Mr. Lee has evidently spent much time and enthusiasm in
the procuration of his pictures, many of which must have been pro-
cured under great difficulties not to say danger.

We are not sure that much letterpress is necessary as an adjunct
to such a work: Mr. Lee, however, has not only supplied the
necessary data relating directly to his plates, but he has also given a
considerable amount of general information relating to each species,
and has added his own experience concerning them. ‘This section
of the work is illustrated by a series of sketches of some merit
devoted to the birds and their haunts.

There are one or two statements in the text to which attention
may be drawn. Chief among these is the one that the camera
indicates that the Sandwich Tern makes two beats of its pinions in
the twentieth part of a second, that is 40 strokes per second, or
2400 per minute! ‘This is a most startling statement, and one that
must be received with considerable doubt, since Mr. Lucas estimates
the wing vibrations of the Humming Birds—a family in which these
movements probably reach their maximum—at something under 500
per minute. Other items worthy of notice, and requiring confirmation,
relate to the breeding—somewhat commonly too—of the Hooded
Crow in Peeblesshire, as related in the account of the Long-eared Owl ;
and the nesting of the Kittiwake in recent years at St. Abb’s Head.

Great credit is due to Mr. Douglas for the really excellent
manner in which he has accomplished his share of the production.
It is admirable in all respects, and leaves nothing to be desired.

62 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The work is being issued in monthly quarto parts at ros. 6d.
Each part contains ten plates; and it is probable that eighteen or
twenty-two parts will complete the work.

THE CAMBRIDGE NATURAL History. Edited by S. F. Harmer,
M.A., and A. E. Shipley, M.A. Vol. Il.—Worms, RoTiFERS, AND
Poryzoa. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1896.)

‘The Cambridge Natural History” is making satisfactory progress,
since three important volumes have been issued in less than two
years.

The volume under notice is the third issued, and it is equal to
its precursors, which have been favourably noticed in our pages,
in the excellence of treatment, scientific accuracy, and in its original
illustrations, of which there are 227 in the text.

It treats of the following important, and in some cases difficult,
groups of invertebrates, chiefly by authors who are well known and
have made them a special study :—Flat-worms and Mesozoa, by
F, W. Gamble ; Nemertines, by Miss L. Sheldon; Thread-worms
and Sagitta, by A. E. Shipley, M.A.; Rotifers, by Marcus Hartog,
M.A., D.Sc. ; Polychaet Worms, by W. Blaxland Benham, D.Sc.,
M.A. ; Earthworms and Leeches, by F. E. Beddard, M.A., F.R.S. ;
Gephyrea and Phoronis, by A. E. Shipley, M.A.; and Polyzoa, by
S. F. Harmer, M.A.

There is only one fault to find with this volume, namely, the
want of a general introduction to the difficult groups treated of in
its pages. True, there is a tabulated “Scheme of Classification,”
but this is not sufficient, and fails to convey an adequate idea of the
relationships and value of the different groups.

We have pleasure in recommending the volume to those who
desire to have the best scientific work on the Worms, Rotifers, and
Polyzoa. Judging from the quality of the volumes issued, there is
no room for doubt that the Cambridge Natural History is destined
to become facile princefs among the Natural Histories, past and
present, written in our language.

LiFE IN PoNDS AND STREAMS. By W. Furneaux, F.R.G.S.
With 8 Coloured Plates and numerous illustrations in the text.
(London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1896.) Price ras. 6d.

This is the fourth volume of the popular “Out-door World
Library.” It isa handsome and prettily illustrated volume ; is attract-
ively written ; and contains a great amount of useful and accurate
information regarding the numerous, very varied, and interesting
forms to be found in the ponds and streams of the British Islands.

We have chapters devoted to Introductory matters ; Collecting
in Ponds and Streams ; the Use of the Microscope ; Preservation of
Objects ; Aquaria and their Management ; the Lower Forms of Pond
Life; Worms, Leeches and their Allies; Freshwater Mollusca ;
Fresh-water Crustaceans and Spiders ; Aquatic Insects ; Fish for the

REVIEWS 63

Aquarium; Amphibians. The subject matter relating to the multitude
of creatures treated of has been carefully and judiciously selected ;
while the instructions for collecting and preserving are eminently
practical.

As a book for young naturalists, it is unrivalled on the subjects
to which it is devoted, and worthy of being well recommended.

A Concis—E HANDBOOK OF BRITISH BirvDs. By H. Kirke Swann.
(London: John Wheldon and Co.)

Of the making of books on British Birds there appears at present
to be no end. Among them Mr. Kirke Swann’s Handbook may
claim as its raison a@’étre that there is still room for a handy book at
a moderate price, which can be carried conveniently in the pocket,
for use in the field or in the museum. In some respects the book
before us meets this want. ‘The type is clear, and, so far as its form,
size, and binding are concerned, it leaves nothing to be desired; but its
claim to be a “ handy text-book for reference” will be open to dispute
until it is provided with an alphabetical index. Unfortunately, in
the work itself there is a lack of proportion; two or three species
having as many pages assigned to them in the first part, while
towards the end ten or eleven species are crowded into the same
space, and some species are inadequately described. The in-
formation given regarding the distribution of birds in Scotland is
frequently misleading and erroneous. The Stock Dove is stated to
be locally distributed as far as South Scotland. ‘This is an under
statement, while that Wigeon breed throughout the Highlands is at
once too much and too little. The Buzzard extends north to the
Inner Hebrides according to Mr. Kirke Swann, but it is well enough
known in West Ross. The Gray Crow does not breed throughout
Scotland—it is rare between Clyde and Solway in summer. The
Marsh Tit, readers of this journal will be surprised to learn, only
breeds in the South of Scotland. The Jay is “rather conmon and
generally distributed, except in extreme north of Scotland.” As a
matter of fact, there are counties in the south of Scotland where it
has perhaps never been anything but a straggler, and in others it is
now quite extirpated, although formerly abundant. These are only
a few examples of inaccuracies regarding Scottish Distribution, but
the book has no defect that cannot be remedied in another edition,
in which we hope it will be thoroughly revised and justly pro-
portioned.—J. P.

BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. By J. W. Tutt, F.E.S. (London:
George Gill and Sons, 1896.)

This is a capital book, of a handy size, handsomely got up, and
wonderfully cheap. For the remarkably low sum of five shillings the
collector of butterflies may here obtain an excellent account of our
native species, with descriptions of all the varieties, and of the egg,

64 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

larva, pupa, and imago of the typical forms. In addition is given a
carefully prepared account of the habitat and distribution of each
species, with its time of appearance ; while at the end of each chapter
we find a most useful table showing at a glance the months in which
the collector should meet with each of the four stages of any species,
its reputed food-plants, and its place of pupation. ‘This is perhaps
one of the best features of the book, and should save the youthful
enthusiast a great deal of trouble in searching for the facts he requires
concerning the life-history of any of his favourite creatures. At the
end of the volume is a series of nine photographic plates (the first is
used as a frontispiece) showing the imagos of all the species, while
in the body of the work is a tenth plate showing the structure and
mode of attachment of butterfly pupee.

GILL’s PRACTICAL OBJECT LESSON SERIES. PART IJ.—INSEcTS
AND SpIpERS. By J. W. Tutt, F.E.S. (London: George Gill and
Sons, 1896.)

This little book consists of a series of fifteen lessons supplying,
for the use of teachers, an outline of the principal points in the
anatomy and physiology of insects, and upon the whole they have
been carefully compiled. A very awkward blunder has been made,
however, in Lesson V., where in the text the author is talking about
locusts (family Acridiide). He states correctly in two places (pp. 47
and 49) that the female is not provided with an ovipositor, and then
immediately refers to Plate VI. Fig. 1, which is a representation of
one of the Locustide, calling the long ovipositor there shown a digging
organ! This is very misleading, and when we find a statement on
p. 84 that flies have two ocelli we cannot help feeling that the book
must have been written in a hurry. In the first part of Lesson X.
it might have saved confusion if it had been stated that the House
Fly was the creature described, as many of the statements made
cannot otherwise be accepted. It is a pity that such a useful little
book is marred by these inaccuracies, but a second edition may afford
an opportunity to correct them.

RULES FOR REGULATING NOMENCEATURE IN ENTOMOLOGICAL
Work. Compiled by Lord Walsingham and John Hartley Durrant.
(London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1896.)

This is a set of rules, fifty-one in number, prepared with a view
to securing a strict application to the law of priority, and entomologists
will be grateful to the authors for preparing such a guide. Some
uniform method of dealing with the vexed question of nomenclature
is much needed, and the present contribution is full of useful
suggestions. Prepared by such authorities, and with so much care,
its value is manifest.

The Annals

of

Scottish Natural History

No: 22] 1T8o7 [APRIL

Ee Wik “CAT “OF SCOmeAND:
By Epwarp Hamitton, M.D., F.L.S., F.Z.S.

THE history of the Wild Cat of Scotland must be in a great
measure conjectural. As far as I can judge from my own
observations and researches, which have extended over a
period of upwards of thirty years, as well as from the observa-
tions of others, I find but very few facts which can be entirely
relied on, and the few there are are mixed up witha great many
fallacies.

It would seem that the original Wild Cat, as found in
early historical times as well as in the Middle Ages, has
for a long time been quite extinct in this country, its place
being taken in the first instance by a mixed breed, in which
the hereditary strain of the original wild race predominated.
Later on, as the imported domestic race increased in numbers
and localities, this was superseded by a still more modified
form of feral cat, in which the foreign characteristics of the
ancestral progenitors of the domestic race, viz. the African
cat, were in the ascendant, and prevail up to the present time.

The only evidence of the existence of the Wild Cat in
Scotland in prehistoric times rests on the discovery of some
osseous remains in the shell marl deposits at the bottom of
five or six small lochs in Forfarshire intermingled with the

22 B

66 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

bones of other animals, which the late Sir Charles Lyell
(“Principles of Geology,” vol. iii. p. 326, 6th ed.) arranges
in the following order, according to their abundance. He
begins with those of the red deer (Cervus claphus) as most
numerous, and then follow those of the ox, the bear, the
horse, the sheep, the dog, the hare, the fox, the wolf, and
lastly the cat. These marl deposits are comparatively of
recent date, and the bones brought to light are all of animals
now existing, or which have become extinct by human
agency, as the bear and the wolf.'

A long period of geological time must have elapsed
between the Pleistocene deposits of brick-earth and gravel,
in which the bones of the Wild Cat have been found in
England intermingled with the osseous remains of the great
cave bear, cave lion, cave hyena, and other extinct mammals,
and the marl deposits in which we find the Wild Cat of
Scotland. Not a single bone of any carnivore, recent or
extinct, has been discovered in any of the earlier geological
formations, and not even, as far as I am aware, in any of the
great peat-bogs or morasses. Professor J. Geikie (“The
Great Ice Age,” p. 347) says that nowhere in the recent deposits
in Scotland have we any trace of the great pachyderms so
frequently met with in certain river gravels of England and
the Continent ; and Professor Boyd Dawkins, British Post-
Glacial Mammals (“Quarterly Journal of the Geological
Society,” vol. xxv., 1869), states that he “knows of no evidence
that post-glacial mammals ever existed in Scotland, with the
exception of three remains of the mammoth and two of the
reindeer. Remains of other animals, such as the urus, red-
deer, and the like, have been obtained from marl beds
underlying the peat, or from alluvials which are prehistoric
but not post-glacial.”

Scotland, says Sir Charles Lyell (“‘ Antiquity of Man,” p.
274), “was submerged 2000 feet, and other parts of the British
Isles 1300 feet. The Scotch Lowlands would therefore
emerge from the glacial wave long after the middle and southern

1 | have been unable to trace the present whereabouts of these bones. On
my applying to Sir Leonard Lyell, he answered : ‘‘I certainly do not remember
having seen any fossil bones of the cat from the marl. There are only a few

skulls and antlers of deer and ox remaining. ‘These are in a most friable condition,
and I had much difficulty in preserving them.”

THE WILD CAT OF SCOTLAND 67

parts of Britain had been occupied by post-glacial mammals,
even if the rate of elevation was equal over the whole British
area”; and he tells us that “the close of the glacial period in
Scotland probably coincided with the existence of man in
those parts of Europe where the climate was less severe, and
notably in the basins of the Thames and the Somme, in which
bones of many extinct animals are deposited with flint
instruments of the antique type.’ Amongst these extinct
animals are the fossil bones of a cat, which, as Sir Richard
Owen remarks, are “undistinguishable from the analogous
parts of the still existing species of Wild Cat.”

The Wild Cat was probably an inhabitant of Southern and
Middle Britain for a long period previous to its appearance
in Scotland, when, by the termination of the Great Ice Age,
the climate of these northern regions had been sufficiently
modified to allow of the existence of animal and vegetable
life.

What were the obstacles which prevented its migration
into Scotland ?

Before the last upheaval of the land, when the Lowlands
were emerging from the great Glacial Sea, an arm of that sea
extended from the Firth of Clyde to the Firth of Forth,
completely separating the northern from the southern portion ;
and Sir Charles Lyell (“ Antiquity of Man,” pp. 52-55) tells
us that this state continued long after the advent of man in
those parts. Skeletons of whales and other marine animals
have been found in the loamy and peaty beds in the Carse
of Stirling, and near them pointed implements made of
deer’s horns. The position of these fossil whales and bone
implements shows, says Lyell, that the upheaval by which
the raised beach at Leith was laid dry extended westward
as far as the Clyde, where marine strata containing buried
canoes have been discovered.” This same upward movement
reached simultaneously east and west, and as far north as
the estuary of the Tay, and a similar movement occurred much
farther south, on the estuary of the Solway Firth. Wallace
(“Geographical Distribution of Animals,” vol. i. pp. 12, 13)
points out that arms of the sea are barriers to mammal
migration. Very few mammals, he writes, can swim over
any considerable extent of sea, though many can swim well

68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

for a short distance. He considers that in most cases a
channel ten miles in width would prove an effective barrier
to most mammals. This would certainly be the case as to
most of the smaller species of cats, as well as to those
animals upon which their existence depended. The lemmings,
for instance, described by Wallace as migrating in their
hundreds of thousands, cross rivers and lakes with impunity,
but nearly all perish from the salt water if they attempt to
cross an arm of the sea.

Assuming that these wide estuaries and arms of the
sea were the chief obstacles to migration, the next point for
consideration is: When were they sufficiently obliterated to
allow of a free and safe passage? According to Sir Charles
Lyell (“ Antiquity of Man,” p. 55), the conversion of the sea
into land has always been considered by antiquaries to have
been caused by the silting up of the estuaries, both in respect
to the Solway and the Forth. “Thus Horsley insists on the
difficulty of explaining the position of certain Roman stations
on the Solway,the Forth, and the Clyde, without assuming that
the sea had been excluded from certain areas which it had
formerly occupied.” Lyell goes on to say that, “on a review
of the whole evidence, geological and archeological, afforded
by the Scottish coast-line, we may conclude that the last
upheaval of twenty-five feet took place, not only since
the first human population settled in the island, but long
after metallic implements had come into use; and there
seems even a strong presumption in favour of the opinion
that the date of elevation may have been subsequent to the
Roman period.” But this rise of twenty-five feet was only
the last stage of a long antecedent process of elevation ; and
during that earlier period the Wild Cat and the smaller rodents
had probably the means of migrating afforded to them by
the drying up of some portion of these estuaries.

As the bones of the cat have only been found in the latest
deposits of the Quaternary series, namely in the shell marl
deposits of some of the Forfarshire lakes, which have been
drained in order to use the marl for agricultural purposes,
under what circumstances did these bones get there ?

Lyell remarks that these marls often consist entirely
of an aggregate of shells of the genera Limnza, Planorbis,

THE WILD CAT OF SCOTLAND 69

Valvata, and Cyclas, all at present existing in Scotland. A
considerable portion appear to have died young, few attaining
a state of maturity, and many are entirely decomposed. In
or on these deposits are found the osseous remains of animals,
as previously stated. According to the same authority, these
bones could not have been embedded by the action of rivers
or floods; and the expanse of water was originally so con-
fined that the smallest animals could have crossed by
swimming from shore to shore. Deer, and such species as
take readily to the water, may have been mired when landing
where the bottom was soft and quaggy ; other species, Lyell
supposes, may have fallen in when crossing the frozen surface,
and this may account for the scarcity of the bones of the
Wild Cat. At any rate, some were there to testify that it
had migrated as far north as Forfarshire in very early pre-
historic times, and would gradually extend its range through-
out the country as the means of its existence increased.

The late Edward Alston, in his introduction to the
fauna of Scotland, says “that the absence of the known
fossil fauna of Scotland and Ireland, and of most of the charac-
teristic post-Pliocene English animals, shows that the northern
migration of these forms was slow, and gradually advancing
as the glacial conditions of the northern parts of our island
decreased in intensity. Thus it is not difficult to suppose
that the hedgehog, ermine, badger, squirrel, and mountain
hare may have found their way into Ireland from southern
Scotland long before they were able to penetrate into the
sub-arctic regions of the Highlands, which they did not
accomplish until a further improvement in the climate had
taken place.”

In historic times there is no allusion to the Wild Cat in
Scotland until the early part of the sixteenth century,
although in England this animal is often mentioned in old
documents of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, either as
a beast of the chase or as vermin. In Sir Robert Lindsay’s
“Chronicles of Scotland ” (vol. ii. p. 348), published in 1528,
there is an account of a great hunt and entertainment given by
the Earl of Athol to James V., in which a great number of
all sorts were killed, and among them certain “ small beastes
such as roe, woulffs, foxes, and wyld cattis.” And, a century

68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

for a short distance. He considers that in most cases a
channel ten miles in width would prove an effective barrier
to most mammals. This would certainly be the case as to
most of the smaller species of cats, as well as to those
animals upon which their existence depended. The lemmings,
for instance, described by Wallace as migrating in their
hundreds of thousands, cross rivers and lakes with impunity,
but nearly all perish from the salt water if they attempt to
cross an arm of the sea.

Assuming that these wide estuaries and arms of the
sea were the chief obstacles to migration, the next point for
consideration is: When were they sufficiently obliterated to
allow of a free and safe passage? According to Sir Charles
Lyell (“ Antiquity of Man,” p. 55), the conversion of the sea
into land has always been considered by antiquaries to have
been caused by the silting up of the estuaries, both in respect
to the Solway and the Forth. “ Thus Horsley insists on the
difficulty of explaining the position of certain Roman stations
on the Solway,the Forth, and the Clyde, without assuming that
the sea had been excluded from certain areas which it had
formerly occupied.” Lyell goes on to say that, “on a review
of the whole evidence, geological and archeological, afforded
by the Scottish coast-line, we may conclude that the last
upheaval of twenty-five feet took place, not only since
the first human population settled in the island, but long
after metallic implements had come into use; and there
seems even a strong presumption in favour of the opinion
that the date of elevation may have been subsequent to the
Roman period.” But this rise of twenty-five feet was only
the last stage of a long antecedent process of elevation ; and
during that earlier period the Wild Cat and the smaller rodents
had probably the means of migrating afforded to them by
the drying up of some portion of these estuaries.

As the bones of the cat have only been found in the latest
deposits of the Quaternary series, namely in the shell marl
deposits of some of the Forfarshire lakes, which have been
drained in order to use the marl for agricultural purposes,
under what circumstances did these bones get there ?

Lyell remarks that these marls often consist entirely
of an aggregate of shells of the genera Limnza, Planorbis,

THE WILD CAT OF SCOTLAND 69

Valvata, and Cyclas, all at present existing in Scotland. A
considerable portion appear to have died young, few attaining
a state of maturity, and many are entirely decomposed. In
or on these deposits are found the osseous remains of animals,
as previously stated. According to the same authority, these
bones could not have been embedded by the action of rivers
or floods ; and the expanse of water was originally so con-
fined that the smallest animals could have crossed by
swimming from shore to shore. Deer, and such species as
take readily to the water, may have been mired when landing
where the bottom was oon and quagey ; other species, Lyell
supposes, may have fallen in when crossing the frozen surface,
and this may account for the scarcity of the bones of the
Wild Cat. At any rate, some were there to testify that it
had migrated as far north as Forfarshire in very early pre-
historic times, and would gradually extend its range through-
out the country as the means of its existence increased.

The late Edward Alston, in his introduction to the
fauna of Scotland, says “that the absence of the known
fossil fauna of Scotland and Ireland, and of most of the charac-
teristic post-Pliocene English animals, shows that the northern
migration of these fone was slow, and gradually advancing
as the glacial conditions of the northern parts of our island
decreased in intensity. Thus it is not difficult to suppose
that the hedgehog, ermine, badger, squirrel, and mountain
hare may have found their way into Ireland from southern
Scotland long before they were able to penetrate into the
sub-arctic regions of the Highlands, which they did not
accomplish until a further improvement in the climate had
taken place.”

In historic times there is no allusion to the Wild Cat in
Scotland until the early part of the sixteenth century,
although in England this animal is often mentioned in old
documents of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, either as
a beast of the chase or as vermin. In Sir Robert Lindsay’s
“Chronicles of Scotland ” (vol. ii. p. 348), published in 1528,
there is an account of a great hunt and entertainment given by
the Earl of Athol to James V., in which a great number of
all sorts were killed, and among them certain “small beastes
such as roe, woulffs, foxes, and wyld cattis.” And, a century

70 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

later, Sir Robert Gordon, in his genealogy of the Earls of
Sutherland, dated from Dornough, the 3rd day of December
1630, observes that “all the forests and schaces of that
country are full of Reeddeir and Roes, Woulfs, Foxes,
Wyld Cattis, Brocks, Skyrrells, Whittretts, Weasels, Otters,
Martrixes, Hares, and Fumarts.”

The first description of the Wild Cat of Scotland is given
by Sir Robert Sibbald, who published his “ Scotia Illustrata,
sive Prodromus historiz naturalis” in 1684, where he men-
tions it as Fels sylvestris. He says: “ Felis sylvestris major
est domestica, densiore et longiore pilo, colore fusco, variato,
cauda crassiore. Aviculis vescitur, Lepusculis,” etc. The
Domestic Cat he describes as “Felis animal familiare ac
domesticum, Leoni non dissimile, facie ac dentibus et
unguibus. In tenebris illi fulgent radiantque Oculi.”

Sir Robert Sibbald was His Majesty’s physician and
geographer. He cautions people against allowing cats to be
near children, especially infants, and says: “ Feles infantibus
exitiales quandoque sunt; ipsorum enim ori toto corpore
incumbentes fuliginis exitum et Thoracis motum intercipiunt,
pestiferaque, quam exhalant, aura tenellorum Infantium
spiritus inficiunt, eosque prefocant.” He also affirms that
certain parts of the Wild Cat are very useful as medica-
ments: “Cati sylvestris Axungia calefacit, emollit, discutit.
Ad contracturas et Articulorum affectus reponitur. Pellis
mollis et pinguiuscula paratur a Pellionibus ad calefaciendum
Ventriculum frigidum appetitumque excitandum, instar scuti
stomachici. Arthritici Articulis imponunt.”

In 1790 Sir R. Sinclair began his Statistical Account of
Scotland, the reports of each parish and county being, for the
most part, written by the clergymen of the district, and
depending on the knowledge which they acquired from others
on particular subjects, especially on natural history. The
Wild Cat is mentioned as found in the counties of Angus,
Caithness, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Inverness, Kirkcudbright,
Nairn, Perth, Ross and Cromarty, Roxburgh, Stirling, and
Sutherland. In most of the remaining counties the natural
history report generally ran thus: “ The wild animals of the
district are much the same as in the other parts of the
Highlands.” The New Statistical Survey was commenced

THE WILD CAT OF SCOTLAND 71

about 1832-33, and published in 1845, and it is interesting
to note the changes which had taken place in the years
intervening after Sir R. Sinclair's account. It is found, for
example, that in Dumfriesshire in 1791 (Old Statistical
Account, vol. i. p. 61), in the parish of Kirkmichael, the
wild quadrupeds reported are foxes, otters, badgers, hares,
polecats, wild cats, ermines, and weasels ; and at Ballantrac
in Ayrshire are hares, foxes, rabbits, polecats, and wild cats.
In the New Statistical Account the report for Ayrshire
says: “From the names Wild Cat Road, Cats Craig, etc.,
the native cat would seem at some time to have been a
common inhabitant of the neighbourhood ; but the race is
probably now exterminated,” while in Dumfriesshire there is
no mention of a single Wild Cat having been seen. Again,
in) -Roxburghshire,- the Rev. J. Arkle reports) im) 1795;
that the wild quadrupeds are foxes, wild cats, polecats,
wheazles, and white wheazles. In the New Statistical
Account no mention is made of the Wild Cat. At times,
however, the reverse is the case; and, while the Wild Cat is
absent from the old statistics in certain parts of the Highlands,
the new accounts testify to its existence. In most of the
reports, both old and new, it is mentioned as destructive to
game but not to lambs; but the Rev. Charles Hardy reports,
in 1792, that in the parishes of Crathie and Braemar, in
Aberdeenshire, the depredations of wild animals, including
the Wild Cat, on game, sheep, and poultry were so great
that the value of sheep and lambs in these and other neigh-
bouring parishes annually killed by vermin equalled half the
rent paid by the proprietors. Mr. Farquharson formed a
scheme for the more complete destruction of these destroyers.
During the time this scheme was in operation, a period
of about ten years, there were killed in those parishes 634
foxes, 44 wild cats, 157 polecats, 70 eagles, 2920 hawks
and kites, 1347 ravens and crows, besides those which died
from poison or wounds.

Selby also (“Quadrupeds and Birds of the County of
Sutherland ”), writing in 1835, says that the Wild or Moun-
tain Cats in Assynt commit great ravages among the young
lambs.

Harvie-Brown, who has written more about the Wild

72 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Cat of Scotland than any other naturalist, says, in his “ Past
and Present Distribution of some of the Rarer Animals in
Scotland” (‘“ Zoologist,” 1881), that this animal is rapidly
becoming extinct; and he agrees with the late Edward
Alston as to its complete extermination in the Lowlands,
although it may still be found in some of the wilder districts
of the extreme north.

But was this Wild Cat, which in 1881 had become
nearly extinct in many parts of Scotland, a true species,
descended from that native cat, the remains of which have
been found in the marl deposits existing in early historic
days, or was it the offspring of a mixed race resulting from
the interbreeding of the original wild race with the imported
domestic cat ?

Most authors who have written on the natural history
of this animal state that there are certain well-known
characteristics which distinguish it from the domestic variety.
It has been found, however, that, on examining a number of
specimens of both races, these so-called specific character-
istics are as often found in the tabby forms of Felis catus
domestica as in the Fels catus ferus, and cannot be con-
sidered as representative, but are caused by the interbreed-
ing of the two races for a long series of years.

We have no direct record as to when the domestic cat
was first introduced into Scotland. Possibly the Romans
brought it over with them, for we know that it was imported
into Italy from Egypt some five hundred years before the
Christian era, and, though distributed throughout the
provinces, was not common among the Romans themselves
till the middle of the first century A.D.

The Romans under Cesar invaded Britain in the year
55 Bc., and, before the lapse of a hundred years, had re-
duced it to a Roman province, with frequent and regular in-
tercourse with Rome. We find, moreover, that towards the
end of the second century A.D. the Lowlands of Scotland,
even up to the great Caledonian Forest, had been covered
with an extraordinary number of towns and stations, and
for many years the process of Romanising and civilising
went on without interruption, except for the occasional in-
roads of the far northern tribes, the Caledonii and the

THE WILD CAT OF SCOTLAND 73

Meeate. It was against these that Antoninus Pius built
his famous wall, the remains of which are now known as
Graham’s Dyke. The Romans had at that time introduced
most of the luxuries which always accompanied their legions,
and with them, it may be supposed, the domestic cat. This
is indeed but a supposition, but there is a certain amount of
corroboration of the very early introduction of the domestic
species into the country, and notably the discovery by the Rev.
Dr. Joass, at Golspie in Sutherlandshire, of a part of a jaw
(the left mandible) of a cat, which, from its size, etc., closely
resembles the domestic race, in those curious ancient habita-
tions called Brochs. Although this is not at all conclusive,
there is a probability that the domestic cat was known in
Scotland in the early historical period, and previous to the
final evacuation of the Romans in 436 A.D. Should this
conjecture be correct, we have a period of nearly 1500
years for the two closely allied forms to interbreed with
each other ; and, from the known propensities of both races
to wander, especially during the season period, promiscuous
intercourse would be the rule and not the exception, for
this has been found to be the case wherever the two races
coexist. Darwin (“Animals and Plants under Domestica-
tion”) gives numerous instances, and Sir W. Jardine (“ Nat.
Libr.,” vol. ii. p. 243) notes several cases of the same in the
north of Scotland, the so-called hybrids being undistinguish-
able from the Wild Cat. Mr. Layard (“Catalogue of South
African Museum”) says that the domestic cats of South
Africa breed freely with the wild cats, and that their off-
spring are fertile ; and Mr. Walter Elliott also shows (“ Journ.
Asiatic Society”) that the /Fe/zs catus interbreeds with the
domestic cat. Moreover, M. Gyon, a surgeon in the Algerian
army, quoted by M. Isidore Geoffroy St. Hilaire, notes that
the domestic cat breeds with the wild cat, and adds that in
these mixed unions the female is, as a rule, of the domestic
variety. Many other instances could be mentioned, but one
rather more interesting than usual may be given in conclu-
ding the remarks on this part of the subject. Mr. Harrison
Weir, in “Cats and all about them,” says that Lord Hope-
toun exhibited at the Crystal Palace show some hybrid
kittens, the father of which was a long-haired cat, and the

74 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

mother a sandy-coloured cat by a Wild Cat out of a long-
haired tabby, which he maintains proves, if proof were want-
ing, that hybrids breed freely either with hybrids or with the
domestic or the Wild Cat.

It is a well-known fact that the offspring of domestic
cats which have taken to a feral life assume the uniform
eray colour of the wild race. Mr. Wallace (“ Natural
Selection,” p. 40) says that domestic varieties of animals
which have taken to a wild life must return to something
like the original colour of the wild stock or become extinct;
and to this opinion Darwin adds that feral cats, ze. cats run
wild, both in Europe and elsewhere, are striped and grow
to an unusual size, that in La Plata breeds which have been
imported soon disappear, and that from their nocturnal
and rambling habits free crossing cannot be prevented.
Dieffenbach observes, in his “Travels in New Zealand,’
quoted by Darwin, that in that country, where none but
domestic cats had been imported, all those which had run
wild had assumed a streaky gray colour ; and, according to
Sir W. Jardine, “there is no animal that so soon loses its
cultivation, and returns apparently to a state completely wild,
as the domestic cat.” Charles St. John, a close observer,
has noticed in his “ Natural History of Morayshire” that
domestic cats of a gray or tabby colour are more inclined
than others to take to the woods; and he remarks that, what-
ever may have been the colour of the parents, those bred
out of them are almost invariably of the brindled gray colour
of the Wild Cat.

These feral cats are generally considered, by those who
have not studied the matter, to be examples of the genuine
Wild Cat of Scotland. In some districts, and especially where
rabbits abound, they are becoming very prevalent. I have
lately, through the kindness of Mr. Bisshopp, the well-known
taxidermist of Oban, examined no fewer than seventeen
skins (besides examples which have been set up) of these
reputed Wild Cats, killed in the counties of Argyle, Inverness,
and Ross, in the years 1895 and 1896. With the exception
of two, which showed traces of the early mixed breed, these
skins were undoubtedly those of feral cats, the offspring of
domestic cats which had taken to a wild life—real vermin,

THE WILD CAT OF SCOTLAND 75

and arrant poachers, to be placed in the same category as
the polecat and the stoat, and very far removed from the
original native cat.

At the present time, after so many hundred years of the
interbreeding of the two races, it is very difficult to determine
the difference between these feral cats and the Felzs catus
as it existed in medizval times. As far as my observations
go, the chief distinctions are the form of the skull, and the
general colour and markings of the fur.

1. In the true Wild Cat of earlier days, the skull is long
and narrow. ‘The frontal bones are narrow, depressed, and
concave in the centre. The cranium is compressed and
elongated. The occipital ridge is jagged and thick. The
sagittal ridge,extending sometimes as far as the coronal suture,
generally about half way. All the bones of the skull are thick
and firmly welded together. The basal length is from 85
to 90 mm., and the breadth over parietals is 44 to 47 mm.
See Hic, No: tr.

In the feral or Wild Cat of the present day in Scotland,
the skull is short and broad, the cranium round and bulging.
The frontal bones are broad, convex, or flat. The occipital
ridge is thin and less jagged. The sagittal ridge is short or
altogether absent. The bones of the skull are comparatively
thin and less firm than in the true Wild Cat. The basal
length is 78 to 84 mm., and the breadth over parietals 47
Ons umimryesece fic. No, 2.

In the skull of the African cat (/. manzculata), Fig. 4,
the frontal bones and cranium approximate to the same
parts in Fig. 1, while the same parts in the skull of the
domestic cat, Fig. 3, come nearer to those bones in Fig. 2.

2. Although very little reliance can be placed on the
distinctions of external appearance and colour, all the earlier
writers on the subject (Gesner excepted) state that the colour
of the fur of the Wild Cat is of a uniform gray brown. But
the examination of a number of examples of the reputed
Wild Cat of Scotland, both in the flesh and set up, as also
of the dry skins, shows that a large portion have patches of
white fur, more or less, on the throat, chest, and anterior
part of the abdomen. The chin and muzzle are also white.
This white colour, I have every reason to believe, is the re-

76 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Fic. 2.——Skull of Wild Cat, mixed breed, Ae//'s cats ferus.

THE WILD CAT OF SCOTLAND 77

sult of the interbreeding of the two races. It is now gener-
ally conceded that the ancestor of the domestic cat is the

Sess
WS

Fic. 4.—Skull of African Cat, 7. manzculata.

Egyptian (Felis mantculata), which has the muzzle, throat,
chest, and abdomen of an almost pure white.

78 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

As previously stated, most of the external characteristics
usually considered as specific to the Wild Cat are common
to the domestic species, especially to the tabby variety.
Particular stress is laid on the shortness and thickness of the
tail of the Wild Cat, as differing from that of the domestic
cat, notwithstanding that Macgillivray, in 1838 (Naturalist’s
Library, vol. vii., “ Mammalia”), drew attention to this fallacy.
He says: “The tail of the domestic cat seems longer and
more tapering because the fur is thinner and shorter, but
individuals of the domestic cat are at times met with which
exhibit scarcely any difference from the Wild Cat.” In
respect to this apparent shortness of the tail, in measuring a
number of the tails of both races, I found that they ranged
between 11 and 14% inches, the longer length being quite as
often found in the Wild Cats as in the domestic.!

In conclusion, the history of the Scottish Wild Cat may
be divided into two periods: the first commencing with
the prehistoric cat, as found in the marl beds of Forfarshire,
continuing on through early historic times, not only previous
to, but long after, the introduction of the domestic cat, as
the Felis sylvestris of the earlier writers and of the Middle
Ages; and the second period beginning when the domestic
cat had become more diffused over the country and the
interbreeding of the two races more general, producing a
mixed breed, the /e/zs catus ferus of authors, now quite
extinct. This again interbred with a pseudo wild cat, the
offspring of domestic cats which had taken to a wild life,
now an extremely rare animal. But there is also a feral cat
now existing and becoming, especially in some districts,
common—the offspring of domestic cats without any strain
of the original native cat, and with very little, if any, affinity
to the Felis catus ferus of the seventeenth or eighteenth
centuries.

1 The length of the small intestines, and the periods of gestation, are often

supposed to be specific characteristics. I have entered fully into these in my
‘Wild Cat of Europe,” pp. 70, 74.

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED 79

~~ Elst OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-EWEED,
With SPECIAL REFERENCE TOM EE SiR DS
OF BERWICKSHIRE,” AND NOTIGES OER TELE
OCCURRENCE OF SOME OF Gilera kik
SPECIES IN THE ADJOINING DISHRICTS:

By GEORGE Bo.aM, F.Z.S., etc.
(Continued from p. 14.)

Jackpaw, Corvus monedula, Linneeus.—Very abundant, nesting
in large colonies in the sea cliffs, at Marshall Meadows, and north-
wards. Numbers of them come to roost regularly with the Rooks
at Castle Hills; and in the early morning they may constantly be
met with in the streets of the town, picking up any refuse that is to
be found.

Individuals with a few white feathers are frequently noticed, and
the gray upon the nape is sometimes extended to the margins of the
feathers of the back, and even to the shoulders of the wings.

RAVEN, Corvus corax, Linneus.—Sixteen or seventeen years ago
I used to see a Raven, or a pair of them, occasionally along the sea
banks, between Berwick and Marshall Meadows, and as these some-
times occurred in the breeding season, they would no doubt be
nesting at no great distance. Since that time, however, it seems to
have been almost banished from the Berwickshire coast.

There is an old nest, in a sheltered corner of the cliff, at Blakey,
near Burnmouth, but the fishermen tell me it has not been tenanted
for over twenty years. Viewed through a telescope, from the heights
above, it is difficult to believe that the nest can be so old, for the
sticks are quite fresh and clean looking at that distance, but as it is
several years now since it was first pointed out to me, and during
that time I have noticed no change in it, the story begins to seem
not so improbable after all.

In September 1892 a shepherd, whom we met near Fast Castle,
told us that the Raven ‘‘had got very uncommon there now,” but
that a pair had nested, two years previously, on a scar, about half a
mile north of the Castle.

In September 1880 one was observed to frequent Lamberton
Moor for a short time. In July 1895 the lighthouse-keepers in-
formed us that they had noticed a single Raven at St. Abb’s Head,
one day during the previous winter, but had seen no others for some
time past. On 17th March 1895 a solitary bird flew past me, on
the sea banks, near Berwick, going in a northerly direction. These
dates supplement the information given by Mr. Muirhead.

So ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

In Northumberland, I am glad to say, this fine bird still maintains
a footing, and nests in two or three localities, amongst the Cheviot
Hills. The eggs are usually laid in March.

CARRION Crow, Corvus corone, Linnzeus.— Rather plentiful
about Berwick, several pairs breeding regularly on the trees about
New Water Haugh, and at Castle Hills, and also upon the cliffs
along the coast. It is also numerous in the surrounding districts,
especially on the south side, the absence of the gamekeeper favour-
ing its existence in many places.

The eggs are laid towards the middle of April, and, even in
wooded localities, the nest is sometimes built in a high hedge.

HoopED Crow, Corvus cornix, Linnzeus.—Common during the
winter months, arriving in October, the 7th of that month being the
average date on which they have been first noticed here, during the
last nineteen years. The 27th September. 1879 is the earliest
record during that period, when about a dozen birds were seen
flying together over Berwick, from the direction of the sea, no doubt
just arriving.

In the spring, they are late in returning to their summer quarters,
and have frequently been noticed here, on migration, in April, up to
the zoth, and even later. Between four and five o’clock, on the
morning of gth April 1895, a number passed over my head at
Newton-by-the-Sea, flying due north, and at a height of about a
hundred yards. Nineteen were counted together in one party, and
several pairs and single birds. One pair descended to a field close
by, and remained there half an hour, after which they were noticed
to mount in the air again and resume their journey. In the autumn
mornings, I have frequently observed the arrival of parties of forty
or fifty together ; they usually come in from the sea, at a goodish
height, in loose straggling order, like Rooks, and hold straight on
inland, without attempting to stop here.

I have already recorded (‘“‘ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. x.
p- 391, etc.) the interbreeding of the ‘‘ Hoodie ” with the Carrion
Crow, upon the cliffs near Berwick, and need only say here that this
has been observed to take place in 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881,
1882, and 1886.

In 1892 a pair, of which one was black and the other a hoodie,
frequented the cliffs, a little to the north of Burnmouth, and no
doubt bred there; and during the summer of 1895, a pair nested
near the same place, of which one appeared to be black, while the
other was intermediate, in coloration, between the two forms. It is
curious to note, that the above is almost the only instance in which
I have noticed one of these “‘half-castes” to be breeding here, in
nearly every other case the parent birds having belonged to one or
other of the orthodox forms.

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED 81

Rook, Corvus frugilegus, Linneeus.—Abundant at all seasons,
there being three considerable rookeries within the borough—Castle
Hills, Sanson Seal, and Marshall Meadows.

White or pied varieties are not unfrequently met with amongst
the young birds, various shades of brown and grey also occurring ;
more rarely the feathers are barred, or spotted, with one or other of
these colours, suggesting, as has been supposed, an approach to the
spotted nest-plumage so common amongst the Passeres. All these
varieties have occurred in the district, our museum containing one
or more specimens of each.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE, Lantus excubitor, Linnzeus.—Rather an
uncertain winter visitant, appearing in some seasons in considerable
numbers, and not again perhaps for several years. The following
have occurred in the borough, within recent years :—

One shot at Spittal, 25th November 1882.

One seen near Ord Cottage, December 1886.

One picked up upon the railway near the town on gth April 18809.

One seen in a garden near the pier, 3rd December 1889.

One shot at Yarrow Slake, rst January 1890.

One shot at Spittal a few days later.

Another near Berwick about same time.

On 2oth or 30th January 1892, the late Mr. Evan G. Sanderson
saw one amongst the trees on Bank Hill; and several others
might be mentioned.

Most of the birds which occur here exhibit traces of immaturity
in the barring of the plumage, more or less faintly in different indi-
viduals, of the under parts ; and some of the specimens undoubtedly
show only one white bar upon the wing, and are therefore perhaps
referable to the more northern race, Zanius major, of Pallas.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE, Lantus collurto, Linnzeus.—A rare acci-
dental visitant, of which two examples have occurred in the borough.
One was killed by a lad with a stone, at T'weedmouth, in the
beginning of August 1879, and is preserved in the Museum here;
the other was shot by my brother, on 15th September 1883, on the
sea banks about a mile and a half north of Berwick, and is now in
my collection. ‘The day on which the latter was killed was thick
and misty, and a Pied Flycatcher was found flitting about the
rocks at high-water mark, near the same place. Both the shrikes are
in immature plumage (see “‘ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. ix. p. 165 ;
and vol. x. p. 386).

Woopcuat, Lanius pomeranus, Sparrman.—A rare bird through-
out the country, and does not appear to have been noticed north of
the Tweed. It ought not, strictly speaking, to be included in our
list, but in the case of casual migrants a parliamentary boundary is
irksome, and as two examples have occurred, only a few miles to the

ANB. C

82 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

south of the borough, it seems hardly proper to exclude it altogether.
Hancock (‘“ Birds of Northumberland and Durham,” p. 42) records
one, which was shot near Bamburgh, on 29th April 1859; and I was
informed by Mr. Frederic Raine, of Durham, that about the middle
of September 1876 he shot a specimen, on the links at Holy Island,
but unfortunately lost it amongst the bents. Mr. Raine wrote of it
as follows :—‘‘ I was on the links near the limekilns with W. Lilburn
(pilot) when I saw it sitting on a clump of ragwort. After having a
good look at it I called Lilburn to see it. He did not know it, and
said it was a ‘foreign bird.’ He was carrying my gun, so I told
him to shoot it. He fired, and the bird flew a short distance and
dropped amongst the bents. Taking the gun, I went to where it

fell; up it got, I fired, and it dropped amongst the bents again, and
we could find nothing more of it.”

Waxwinc, Ampelis garrulus, Linneeus.—A rare and uncertain
winter visitant, appearing in some seasons, in considerable numbers.
There are plenty of records from the surrounding districts, but I do
not find any for the borough itself, though Mordington, where an
adult female was found dead, on the 11th December 1891, is just

outside our parliamentary boundary. Several appeared upon the
Borders in 1892 and 1893.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, Muscicapa grisola, Linnzeus.—A common
summer visitor, breeding in several places in the borough. I have
sometimes noticed it, in autumn, visiting the gardens, in company
with the little bands of Redstarts, Warblers, etc.; and on Holy Island,
on 12th May 1884, I found a good many Spotted Flycatchers,
mixed up with large numbers of Willow Wrens, Sedge Warblers, and
Whitethroats. Most of these birds were evidently only resting upon
the island, for not many or any of them nest there, and they were
crowding together about the scant hedges and bushes, which grow
upon the island. ‘The actions of the warblers, in skulking about the
hedges, seemed natural enough, but I was much struck with the way in
which the Flycatchers sought shelter zx the middle of the bushes, when
disturbed, as though impatient of observation ; and their movements
amongst the branches contrasted so strongly with their usual habit
of perching on the outside or topmost twigs only, that it was some
time before I could satisfy myself that the birds I was watching
were really Flycatchers, and not some sort of Whitethroat, or other
large Warbler.

Prep FLycaTCHER, Muscicapa atricapilla, Linneeus.— Occurs
irregularly, on migration, in autumn, and is rather less frequently
observed in spring. Breeds intermittently in Northumberland,
where I have found its nest in more than one locality, and has been
reported also to have done so in Berwickshire.

A few years ago, I was accustomed to meet with it, in Ravens-

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED 83

downe, from the middle to the end of September, but have not of
late years been able to keep a very good look-out for it. In the
spring I saw one in the garden there, on 4th May 1885 (the year
in which it first appeared to any extent during summer). One was
shot, at Castle Hills, on 26th April 1890, and another seen, at The
Elms, on 8th May 1892. These were all males in the conspicuous
black and white dress; the only female I have seen here in spring
was one, which I picked up dead, by the roadside, near the Hope
Nurseries, on roth May 1891. It was in a very emaciated state, and
had no doubt fallen a victim to the bleak and barren weather we
experienced that season. On roth June 1885, my brother saw a
fine male, on the side of the Whitadder, below Edrington Castle, in
Berwickshire.

As evidence of the lateness of its arrival on our shores, I may
mention that the Rev. Charles B. Carr saw one upon the Farne
Islands, on 16th May 1880.

RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, Muscicapa parva, Bechstein.—As
already recorded (‘“‘ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. x. p. 387, etc.), I was
fortunate enough to meet with an example of this rare visitor, in the
garden, at Ravensdowne, on 5th October 1883. It wasa young bird,
in the inconspicuous brown plumage of immaturity, and is still in
my collection.

SwWALLow, firundo rustica, Linneus.—A common summer
visitor, arriving about the second week in April, and departing by
the end of September. A few remain later, and may be met with
throughout the following month. During the last nineteen years
I have noticed it, on three or four occasions, about the town, in
November, the latest date being 16th November 1887.

Martin, Chelidon urbica (Linneus).—Not so abundant as the
last, but large numbers breed under the ledges of the rocks, upon
the cliffs, near Berwick, and northwards along the coast of Berwick-
shire. Under the parapets of the Royal Border Bridge, the Martin
finds a secure site for its nest, and this is its principal breeding-place
about the town. Although the bulk of them leave early in the autumn,
belated individuals not unfrequently linger on until November, the
latest date I have here being the 23rd of that month in 1889.

SAND Martin, Cottle riparta (Linneeus).—Common, and nests
regularly in holes in the old town walls. I have sometimes also
noticed it upon the sea banks, nesting in holes in the rock, rather
than in the bank itself, though the latter is of course the ordinary
situation, here as elsewhere. In 1881, I saw a nest in a hole in the
wall, which encloses the policy, at Paxton House—a most unusual
circumstance. ‘The Sand Martin arrives before either of the two
preceding species, in spring, and I have noticed it here as late as
the 12th November, this in 1886.

84 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

GREENFINCH, Ligurinus chloris (Linnzeus).—Abundant at all
seasons, nesting commonly in the gardens of the town.

HawrFincu, Coccothraustes vulgaris, Pallas—Has been increas-
ing its range northwards, during recent years, and has bred in one
or two stations, in Northumberland, where I had the pleasure of
seeing it nest, near Alnwick, in 1895. Mr. Thomas Darling, of
Berwick, saw one on the sea banks a little to the south of Spittal, on
28th October 1880 (see “ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. xiii. p. 348).

GoLprincH, Carduelis elegans, Stephens.—A rare visitor, but
appears to breed, occasionally, within the borough. In June 1880, a
pair were reported, by the gardener, to be frequenting the garden at
Gainslaw House, and to have had a nest there “two years ago,”
when he ‘saw the old birds carrying food to their young” ; and, on
25th July 1886, I saw a bird there, which was very noisy, and appeared
to have young ones near at hand, though we could not find the nest.
The gardener reported that a pair of them had appeared during the
previous winter, and had remained about the garden ever since, and
that he often saw them together. On 7th May 1882, and again on
13th September 1883, a single bird was noticed in the garden, at
Ravensdowne ; and on roth December 1890 my sister Edith found
a dead bird, with a wound on its back, floating in the Tweed, near
the ruins of the old castle. On 30th May 1886, a pair were seen, by
my brother, feeding upon thistles, in Tibby Fowler’s Glen, near
Edrington Castle, just over the boundary into Berwickshire ; and
when the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club visited St. Abb’s Head, on
26th June, 1895, the lighthouse-keepers reported that they usually
saw a few Goldfinches, about the Head, every winter.

In the adjoining parts of Northumberland, small parties of
Goldfinches sometimes appear during hard weather, and are caught
in snares, or with limed twigs; the neighbourhoods of Ancroft,
Lowick, and the young woods between Scremerston and Unthank,
being favoured localities.

Siskin, Carduelis spinus (Linneeus).—Occurs locally in winter,
in small flocks, in both the adjoining counties, where plantations of
alder and birch are present. In the deep snowstorm of January
1879, I met with a single individual, upon the sea beach, a few miles
south of our boundary.

SpaRRow, Lasser domesticus (Linneus).—Common everywhere,
and does considerable harm in gardens, etc. ‘They consume
quantities of insects, and their larvee, no doubt, particularly during
the period when they have young, but in early autumn they betake
themselves in large flocks to the fields, and there show a decided
preference for the ripening corn.

TREE Sparrow, Passer montanus (Linnzeus).—A resident, and
nests commonly in the town, in holes in the walls of the old ramparts,

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON TWEED 85

and other convenient places ; and further afield in holes in trees, old
buildings, lime-kilns, and the like. Is well distributed, and fairly
plentiful, throughout the surrounding districts, on both sides of the
Border, more especially along the sea coast. In Berwickshire it
seems to have extended its range inland considerably, within the last
ten or twelve years, and I have noticed it breeding at Paxton,
Foulden, Hutton Hall, Chirnside, and other places.

In June 1878 I found several nests in the banks between
Coldingham Shore and St. Abb’s Head, and since that date I have
frequently noticed it breeding there.

CHAFFINCH, /7ingilla celebs, Linnzeeus.—A common resident.

BRAMBLING, /vingilla montifringilla, Linneus.—A _ winter
visitant ; more abundant in some years than in others. Arrives
about the beginning of October, and an odd bird sometimes lingers
till late in spring. I saw a female in the garden, at Ravensdowne, on
ist May 1884,’at which date Chaffinches had eggs, and on roth
April 1889, a fine male was quietly picking amongst some sea-
weed, close to the Pier House. In the autumn they have been
observed at Ravensdowne: in 1882, on r2th and r6th October; in
1883 and 1884, on 5th October in each year ; and, on 14th November
1877, a beautiful male came with the Sparrows to pick up some
crumbs in front of my office window.

An old male, which had been caught in the snow, near the Tweed
Dock, in 1877, lived with us for over three years, and became very
tame, coming eagerly to take a fly, or other food, from the fingers,
when held near his cage.

LINNET, Acanthis cannabina (Linneus).—A resident, assembling
in large flocks with other birds during snowstorms, and much
sought after by our youthful bird-catchers on the “ Meadows.”

The nest is invariably placed in a whin bush, and, as the old
Northumbrian proverb has it, ““Whins and Fenwicks flourish every-
where,” so that the Linnet finds no lack of congenial nesting-stations
in the district.

MEALY REDPOLE, Acanthis finaria (Linnzeus).—An occasional
winter visitant, not always distinguished from the more common
form. A male in my collection was one of two which we kept in
confinement for some time, and which were snared at The Greens,
during the great snowstorm, in the beginning of March 1886. On
21st October 1885, I saw two very pale-coloured individuals, feeding
upon the street, with some Sparrows, near Dr. Maclagan’s stable door
in Ravensdowne. It is not included in Mr. Muirhead’s book, but has
since been recorded, as a Berwickshire bird, by Dr. Stuart, from a
specimen seen by him, near Chirnside, on 25th November 1895
(Ann: scot. Nat. Hist.,” No. 175 p.58).

86 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

LESSER REDPOLE, Acanthis rufescens (Vieillot).—A pair or two
nest, in suitable localities, in the adjoining parts of both counties, but
to the borough itself it is only an occasional visitor, most frequent
during hard weather, when I have noticed it several times about the
town. It used sometimes to appear in the garden, at Ravensdowne
so late as the middle of May; and on the 18th of that month, 1881,
I saw one near the five-arch bridge at Tweedmouth, which looked as
if it were nesting not far off.

Twite, Acanthis favirostris (Linnzus).—A winter visitant, as a
rule ; appearing sometimes in large flocks, usually near the sea-side.
On 7th November 1881 I noticed it in the garden, at Ravensdowne ;
and on 23rd December 1887 my brother shot one, out of a mixed
flock of Linnets and Finches, on the meadows, just north of the town.

On 23rd May 1877 I took a nest of this species, amongst
heather on the sea banks, near Spittal; but this is the only instance,
known to me, of its nesting in the borough.

BuLLFIncH, Pyrrhula europea, Vieillot—A resident species,
and not uncommon in the adjoining districts ; but seldom strays far
into the borough, where there is but little to attract it.

CrosssiLL, Loxza curvirostra, Linneus.—Most erratic in its
appearance, I have noticed it in some years, in considerable numbers,
in North Northumberland, where it sometimes remains to breed. On
26th May 1895 I came upon a flock of perhaps thirty Crossbills, in
the fir plantations, at Heathery Tops, just outside our boundary. In
Berwickshire I noticed a party of about twenty frequenting the
woods on banks of the Whitadder, at the Retreat, on 19th April
1889; and when the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club visited Bunkle,
on 5th June 1895, we were shown several specimens preserved in
the keeper’s cottage, which had been obtained in the woods there,
and at Cockburn Law, within recent years. The last specimen had
been added to the collection only about a week before our visit, and
we were informed that there were still some frequenting the
plantations, where they had been regularly observed for some months
previously.

In the middle of July 1888 a flock of about seventy appeared
at the lighthouse, on one of the Farne Islands, one bird succeeding
in killing itself against the glass ; and in this connection it is interest-
ing to note that Herr Gatke reported them “in swarms,” on Heligoland,
towards the end of June that year (“ Naturalist” for 1888, p. 224).

Two-BARRED CrossBILL, Loxia béfasciata (C. L. Brehm).—On
the visit of the Berwickshire Naturalists Club to Bunkle, on 5th June
1895, already alluded to in connection with the last species, I was
agreeably surprised to find a specimen of this rare British bird,
among the Common Crossbills, in the gamekeeper’s cottage there.
It had been shot, on 19th December 1889, in Staneshiel covert,

A LIST OF THE BIRDS OF BERWICK-ON-TWEED 87

where it was found in company with some of the Common Crossbills
(see ‘‘ Hist. Berw. Nat. Club,” vol. xii. p. 532).

This is an important addition to the Birds of Berwickshire, as
well as to the Eastern Borders.

Corn Buntine, Lmberiza miliaria, Linneus.—A common
resident, breeding on the “Meadows” close to the town, and
throughout the surrounding district. In winter it assembles in
considerable flocks,—thirty or forty being sometimes seen together,
—and then associates in the fields and stackyards with Larks,
Finches, etc.

YELLOW HAMMER, Lmberiza citrinella, Linneus.—Abundant
all the year round.

Crrt Buntine, Lmberiza cirlus, Linneus.—A specimen in the
Kelso Museum, referred to in Gray’s “Birds of the West of Scotland,”
p- 132, as having been shot at Greenhill, near Yetholm, about the
year 1840, seems to have escaped the notice of Mr. A. H. Evans, in
his paper in the ‘‘Scottish Naturalist,” for 1891.

This is a species I have always kept a look out for here, but have
not, so far, succeeded in thoroughly identifying, though I was almost
convinced that a pair of birds, which I met with at Castle Heaton, in
Northumberland, on tst January 1890, were Cirl Buntings. They
were feeding at some stacks, by the roadside, in company with Finches
and Yellow Hammers, but moved off at once, and, in the bad light
which prevailed at the time, I may have been mistaken.

REED Buntinc, Lmberiza scheniclus, Linneus.x—A common
resident, breeding by the sides of the Tweed, and in other suitable
places, and associating in small companies with the flocks of Larks,
Finches, and kindred species on the “ Meadows ” in winter.

Snow Buntine, Plectrophenax nivalis (Linneus).—An abundant
winter visitant, assembling during hard weather in large flocks,
particularly about the Freemen’s ‘ Meadows” to the north of the
town. A few arrive about the middle of September, the flocks a
month or six weeks later; and in the spring I have noticed single
birds as late as the 5th of April. The great dissimilarity in plumage,
as well as in the size, of these birds is very perplexing to our young
ornithologists.

LAPLAND BuntiNnc, Calcartus lapponicus (Linnzeus).—Has not
yet been obtained here, but, in the snowstorm of January 1893, I
met with considerable numbers on the coast, near Holy Island, about
a dozen miles south of our boundary. ‘They remained there at any
rate up to 14th March following, on which date they were still
numerous.

Large flocks of this species visited the eastern counties of

88 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

England during that winter, a lot of very interesting information
regarding them having been published by Mr. J. H. Gurney in
“The Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists Society,”
Vol. Vv. Dp. 372, €f segs

On the roth October 1893 I saw a single specimen upon the
coast at Newton-by-the-Sea in Northumberland.

ON THE OCCURRENCE. OF THE FRIGATE
PETREL @2Z7ARGOOKOMA MARINA) ON
THE WEST eons isOr SCOTLAND:

By Wm. EAGLE C1iarkg, F.L.S.

A SPECIMEN of this stranger to European seas was captured
alive on the margin of a stream on the west side of the
island of Colonsay on the Ist of January of the present
year. It was forwarded in the flesh to Edinburgh, where I
had the pleasure of examining it and determining its
identity.

On dissection, the bird proved to be a female, and an
inspection of its bones indicated that it was quite a young
bird. Among other evidences of incomplete ossification, the
carina exhibited several fenestrations. The sternum of this
species is extremely small.

The weather immediately preceding this bird’s visit to
the West Coast of Scotland was characterised by severe
gales from the south-west, and these may, perhaps, have
been instrumental in driving it from its accustomed haunts,
the nearest of which are in the vicinity of the Canary Islands ;
but it is a wide-ranging species in the Southern Seas.

The only other visit of this petrel to Europe was also
to the West Coast of Britain, a specimen having been
washed up dead on the sands of Walney Island, Morecambe
Bay, in November 1300; as recorded by the Rev. H.vA:
Macpherson.

This species varies in the coloration of the upper
surface, some- specimens being much more dusky than
others, and this irrespective of age or sex.

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 89

NOGES JON LEPIDOPTERA COLLEGREDUIN, EERE
EDINBURGH DISTRIC#

By WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E.

FOR many years, more indeed than at times I care to con-
template, the Lepidopterous fauna of Midlothian and the
immediately surrounding counties has had a peculiar attrac-
tion for me. Almost from the outset an ample record of
species captured or observed has been kept, and some three
or four years ago the idea of drawing up a revised list of the
Lepidoptera of the district took definite shape. But the
bulk of the “ Micros ”»—a veritable liliputian army—had still
to be reckoned with ; for, like the majority of collectors, I had
hitherto confined my attention mainly to the “ Macros.”
The attack on the Micros, which had previously been of a
half-hearted kind, was taken up in earnest in the autumn of
1894, and continued throughout 1895—a singularly good
year, by the way, for Lepidoptera, the fine spring and summer
following an exceptionally hard winter. Indeed, it may
safely be said of 1895 that a better season for entomological
work in general has seldom been experienced in the district :
at any rate I do not remember ever having here seen more
insects dancing in the sunshine than during some of the
hot days of the May and June of that year. Railway
banks, hedge and ditch sides, edges of woods, meadows, and
other favourable spots were at times literally alive with
Halonote, Stigmonote, Dicrorampha, Eupecilie, Lampronie,
Micropteryges, Argyresthie, Gracilaria, Coleophore, Elachiste,
Lithocolletes, Nepticule, and other Micros, so that a couple of
sweeps of the net was often sufficient to imprison a score of
specimens. On the other hand, 1896—which was charac-
terised by a wet summer and autumn, following a particularly
mild winter—was almost as conspicuous a failure as 1895
was a success, and consequently yielded but small augmenta-
tion to my data. What the present year may yield remains
to be seen, but in any case some time must elapse yet before
my facts are sufficiently complete to warrant the issue of the

go ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

proposed list. In these circumstances it may be well to
record now the more interesting of my recent captures ;
perhaps help from unexpected quarters may thereby be
evoked. In the case of the Micros (to which unfortunately
few collectors pay any heed) I have given a pretty full
record, but as regards the Macros, only the less common
(that is, in my experience) are mentioned.

A number of the species included in the following
memoranda have not, so far as I know, been previously
recorded for the district,—a few of them apparently not for
any part of Scotland,—but I have not yet been able to look
so thoroughly into the scattered literature as to feel justified
in making positive statements in this respect.

Whatever difficulties may attend the collecting of Micro-
Lepidoptera, they are as nothing compared to the difficulty of
naming them; and I shall not readily forget the pleasure I
experienced when Mr. Charles G. Barrett, F.E.S., consented
to name specimens for me. I scarcely like to think of the
extent to which I have already taken advantage of his able
and ready assistance ; but when I state that specimens of all
the Micros and also of most of the smaller Geometers here
recorded have passed through his hands, some idea of my
indebtedness to him may be formed. He has earned my
warmest gratitude, and, I need scarcely say, he has it.

In the matter of arrangement and nomenclature I have
followed South’s list,! that being, I understand, the one at
present favoured by the Editors of the “ Annals.” Where
the specific name adopted in that list displaces a familiar
“ Doubleday’s list” one, the latter is given within brackets.
The explicit adoption of the nomenclature of a particular list
seems, in the case of papers like this, to do away with the
necessity for writing the “authority” after each name; at
any rate, I gladly avail myself of this view as an excuse for
leaving them out on the present occasion.

Although scarcely falling within the title of my paper, I
have availed myself of the opportunity to record a few in-
teresting captures made, during April and May 1896, in the
neighbourhood of Aberfoyle in the upper section of the

1 «©The Entomologist” synonymic list of British Lepidoptera, by Richard
South (London, 1884).

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT o1

“Forth” area. The locality is a good one, and if properly
worked would, I am sure, yield a rich harvest.

It is just forty-five years since Lowe and Logan’s List of
the Lepidopterous Insects of Midlothian appeared in “ The
Naturalist.”’ Since then the district has, from various
causes, still further deteriorated as a home for the majority
of our Lepidoptera, and not a few that formerly could be
obtained quite close to the city have now to be looked for
much farther afield.

MEMORANDA UNDER SPECIES.

An asterisk before a name signifies that I am not aware of any previous record
for Scotland.

RHOPALOCERA.

Luchloe cardamines.—The only examples of the ‘Orange Tip” I
ever took in the district were obtained at Tynefield in East
Lothian in May 1860 and 186r.

Argynnis selene—Two near Falkland, 1st July 1888 ; common at
Aberfoyle, end of May 1896. A. euphrosyne.—Also common
at Aberfoyle last May. A. agdaza.—Leven Links, July 1879,
several; Luffness and Gullane Links, 29th July 1883,
common; Luffness Links, roth August 1884, one.

Vanessa polychloros.—In the autumn of 1869 I saw an example of
this fine butterfly within the grounds of Tynninghame, East
Lothian, but failed to secure it. A specimen caught in a
garden at Duddingston was exhibited by Mr. Logan at a
meeting of the Royal Physical Society in March 1861. Of
V. zo 1 still possess one of two specimens captured at
Buckstone, near Edinburgh, in 1860. In 1875 or 1876 one
was taken at Cramond House. V. aztiopa.—Have seen one
which was taken near Doune in August 1878. V. atalanta.—
Occurs annually in greater or less numbers; unusually abun-
dant in 1893. V. cardwi.Scarce most years ; fairly common
in 1896—Merchiston, Auchendinny, Luffness, etc.

Pararge egeria.—Thirty to thirty-five years ago I used to meet
with this butterfly in a plantation at Biel, but have not since
found it anywhere in the Lothians.

Satyrus semele.—Still occurs in a few localities, chiefly on or near
the coast: Arthur’s Seat, July 1889; Tentsmuir, July 1885 ;

1 Some fifty ‘‘additions” were recorded by Logan in ‘* The Naturalist”
for 1853, and others are given in the Royal Physical Society’s Proceedings for

1854-58.

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Tynefield, August 1894, in the exact spot where I used to see
them thirty to thirty-five years before ; one, South Morningside,
July 1896 ; also at Pettycur and Aberlady. ‘S. janirva is now
also mainly a coast insect with us. I never see one, for
instance, on or near the Pentland Hills; in August 1895,
however, I met with it in some numbers about Falkland in
the centre of Fife. .S hyferanthus.—Have not seen one in
the Lothians for many years; used to take it at Biel and
Tynninghame. Common at Lauder in 1895 (Mr. D. H.
Low); Aberfoyle, 1896. Canonympha typhon (= davus).—
Took a specimen, which I still possess, on moor by the
roadside immediately to the south of Leadburn, in July
1868.

Thecla quercus.—Captured one at Bracklyn Falls, near Callander, on

31st August 1877, and saw what I believe was another near
Linlithgow in the summer of 1887. 7. xwéi.— Aberfoyle, 6th
May 1872, one; Callander, 12th May 1894, several; Aber-
foyle and neighbourhood, April (from 24th) and May 1896,
abundant.

Lycena astrarche, v. Artaxerxes.—It was on the coast of Fife, in July

1867, that I first made the acquaintance of this interesting
little butterfly, and I have seen it there on many subsequent
occasions, the last being on 26th June 1895, when dozens
were to be seen on a certain flowery bank. In June 1872 I
captured a specimen (in which the band of red spots is un-
usually well developed on the upper surface) on the Pentlands
above Dolphington, and on 8th July 1890 I met with a few
near Peebles. I have frequently looked for it in its historic
locality on Arthur’s Seat during the last twenty-five years, but
without success, and believe it to be now extinct there. Mr.
Andrew Wilson, however, found both larve and perfect insects
in plenty in 1868. ZL. minima (=alsus).—On sea braes, Fife ;
usually about over when the last is at its best—in 1895 only a
few, all more or less worn, were to be seen on 26th June when
Artaxerxes was abundant and in perfection.

HETEROCERA

SPHINGES.

Acherontia atropos.—My specimens of the Death’s-head are from

the following localities: Pitcox, 1861; Oxwellmains, 25th
September 1886; Musselburgh, 29th June 1891; and Hare-
law, near Longniddry, July 1896; and I have recently seen a
specimen taken at Springhill, Peebles, last September.

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 93

Sphinx convolvult.—Specimens from the conservatories at Biel and
Tynninghame, 1860-64; Liberton Brae, near Edinburgh, 7th
July 1887; and Peebles, 7th October 1891, are in my
collection.

Deilephila galiti—On 22nd July 1888 (the great Gali year) Mr.
James Cockburn captured a female of this fine Hawk-moth in
his garden, Malta Green Villa, Stockbridge, Edinburgh. It
was taken to Mr. A. Wilson, who kindly handed it over to me.

Cherocampa porcellus.—One, coast west of Tyne Mouth, July 1883 ;
one, Luffness Links, 28th June 1884; one, near Pettycur, July
1888 ; three, near Kinghorn, beginning of July 1896 (per Mr.
W. E. Clarke); larva, Luffness Links, roth August 1896.

Smerinthus popult—Much our commonest Hawk-moth.

Macroglossa stellatarum.—Buckstone Farm, immediately to south of
Edinburgh, August 1870 and 1871, captured several; one,
Blackford Road, Edinburgh, roth July 1887; one, Falkland,
Fife, July 1888. JZ. fuctformis (= bombyliformis, Esp.).—One
captured at Temple, Midlothian, on 23rd (not 20th) May 1896 —
(“ Annals,” 1896, p. 193). The Rev. James Blake informs
me that it was taken in the manse garden while “‘ hovering at
the blossom of a purple lilac.”

Trochilium crabroniforme (=bembeciforme, Hb.).—Pair taken at
Auchenbowie, Bannockburn, 20th July 1894 (I have to thank
Mr. P. H. Grimshaw for this record). In July 1895, and
again in 1896, I found a good many empty pupa cases project-
ing from holes in poplars and willows at Luffness, but I failed
to find any of the moths. Boswell Syme took a pair at Balmuto
imns 7x ( scot. Nat.,” i. 154).

Sesta musciformts (= philanthiformis, Lasp.).—In September 1894 I
found, on the coast between St. Abb’s and Eyemouth, root-
stocks of the Sea-pink bored, I believe, by the larvae of this
Clearwing, and Mr. Barrett, to whom I submitted a specimen,
is of the same opinion. Diligent search on the coasts of the
seaward portion of ‘ Forth” would probably lead to the dis-
covery of the insect there.

Zygena filipendule.—North Berwick, Longniddry, Pettycur, etc.

BOMBYCES.

FHalias prasinana.—Reared from larve, off oaks at Pressmenan and
Biel, August and September 1894. Not “F.” in “ Lep. Scot.”

Nudaria mundana.—Common near Peebles, 4th and 5th July 1890;
one, Fushiebridge, 6th July 1895; etc.

94 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Setina trroredla.—Larve abundant on rocks on the coast near Eye-
mouth, September 1894. Surely it must occur in like situations
in the seaward portion of the ‘“‘ Forth” area also.

Euchelia jacobee.—Abundant on coast links at Westbarns, North
Berwick, Luffness, and Largo; one, Dalmeny Park, 2nd June
1895 (from Mr. C. Campbell).

Nemeophila russula.—Aberfoyle—larve in April; moths, 27th May.
LV. plantaginis.—Bavelaw, Kirknewton, Ravensnook near Peni-
cuik, Lomonds, ete.

Spilosoma lubricipeda.—Reared from larve got in gardens at Aber-
lady, September 1885, 1887, 1892, and 1896. Stands in
Stewart’s Edinburgh list (1809), but Lowe and Logan never
met with it.

FHepialus hectus—Aberfoyle, 23rd May; have never seen it in
neighbourhood of Edinburgh. A. sy/vinus.—Braid Hills,
Portobello, etc. MW. velleda and H. lupulinus are among our
commonest moths.

Dasychira fascelina.—F¥ound several pupz on Tentsmuir, June
1885.

Orgyia antigua.—Larve on roses, Tynefield, 1860-64; pupe and
moths abundant on moor near Thornton, September 1893 ;
Tynninghame, September 1889 (G. Pow).

Bombyx rubi.—Pentlands, both east and west, on many occasions ;
observed many of the moths on wing in Boghall Valley on 5th
June 1895, and counted about 50 larve on gth November
last; Selms, 1887 and 1895; etc. B. guercus, v. callune.—
Larvee, Callander, May 1894; and common about Aberfoyle
during April and May 1896—one “spinning up” 24th May,
and moth emerged, 5th July.

Odonestis potatoria.—Reared from larve found near Callander in
May 1894. During April and May 1896 the larve were
abundant in damp, rushy spots all round Aberfoyle, and at
Lake of Menteith. Blank for “ Forth” in “ Lep. Scot.”

Saturnia pavonia (= carpini).— Observed annually on the Pent-
lands ; Ravensnook, Lomonds, Doune, etc.

Drepana lacertinaria.—Miss Balfour, Whittinghame, has kindly
shown me a specimen taken at Pressmenan, roth July 1872.
Not marked “Forth” in Buchanan-White’s “Lep. Scot.”
D. falcataria.—Tentsmurr, June 1895 (D. H. Low).

Cerura vinula.—Seldom met with about Edinburgh now. Several
reared from larve off willows, Braid Burn, August 1870; one,
Drylaw, near Davidson’s Mains, May 1873; larve, Tentsmuir,
July 1885, and near Markinch, August 1895.

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 95

Lophopteryx camelina.—One, Aberlady, 25th July 1883 ; one reared
from larva off beech, Lundin Tower, Fife, 9th September 1893 ;
one, Swanston Wood, 5th June 1895; larva off alder, near
Falkland, r4th August 1895. In Stewart’s 1809 List of Edin-
burgh Insects ; but supposed by Lowe and Logan to have been
erroneously inserted.

NVotodonta dictea.—Larva, Newhall, Carlops, 22nd October 1887 ;
several larvae, Aberlady, September 1892; common in larval
state, West Wemyss, Fife, September 1893 ; the moths emerged
July 1894. WV. dromedarius.—Several from larve, Micklerig
Wood, East Lothian, many years ago; one from larva off birch,
Tynefield, 21st August 1894.

Thyatira batis.— Tynefield, July 1863; two, Muirhouse, near
Granton, about 1870 (G. Hutchison) ; two, Corstorphine Hill,
gth June 1875 (W. A. Forbes, “Scot. Nat.,” iii. 264).

Cymatophora duplaris.—Several larvee off birch, West Wemyss,
August 1893.

Asphalia flavicornis.— Common, in pairs, on the twigs of tiny
birches, near Kirknewton, 6th April, and one, West Wemyss,
8th April, 1895. I had previously discovered the larvee at
both places. Miss Balfour has kindly shown me specimens
taken at Whittinghame in 1872. Not “F.” in “ Lep. Scot.”

Noctué.

Bryophila perla.—Arthur’s Seat, Longniddry, Aberlady, Falkland,
rail ete:

Demas coryli.—One larva near Temple, 27th July 1893; two off
alders, Blairadam, 20th July 1895—moths emerged 6th May
following.

Leucania lithargyria.—Pettycur, June 1895, etc. L. comma.—Com-
mon on damp spot, Luffness Links, July 1883, anda few in 1892.

Gortyna ochracea ( = flavago).—In the end of September 1892 I
found empty pupa cases in stems of burdock, near Aberlady,
and in July 1895 I obtained numbers of the larvae in the same
neighbourhood, the perfect insects emerging in end of August
and beginning of September. On 2nd October 1894 I cap-
tured a specimen of the moth at Tynefield.

Axylia putris—Three, Meggetland, near Edinburgh, July 1881 ;
one, from larva, Tynefield, September 1894.

Neuronia popularts.—One, ‘Tynefield, at light, goth August 1894.
Mamestra furva.—Arthur’s Seat, Morningside, Aberlady, July 1895.

Miana strigilis.—Aberlady, July 1883. AZ. “tterosa and MV. arcuosa
both fairly common.

96 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Celena haworthii.i—Bavelaw Moss, Dalmahoy, Harper-rig, Long-
niddry Links, near Peebles, etc.

Caradrina taraxact ( = blanda).—Arthur’s Seat, June, and Luffness

Links, July, 1895.
Rusina tenebrosa.—Lochgelly, 21st June 1887.

Agrotis cursoria.—A few, Tynefield, August 1894. A. obelisca.—
Arthur’s Seat, 8th August 1893. <A. /ucernea.—Reared from
larvee got at foot of Salisbury Crags in March 1882, 1888,
1893, and 1895.

Noctua triangulum.—Two, Meggetland, July 1881; two, Morning-
side Park, at light, 21st July 1895. . /estiva.—Merchiston,
Dreghorn, Currie Moor, Swanston. JV. umbrosa.—Gosford
Links, Falkland, etc.

Mania maura. —Tynefield, 1860-64, and again in September
1894; St. Andrews, 1891. MZ. typica.—Fairly common.

Panolis piniperda.—Bavelaw Wood, towards end of April, almost
yearly since 1881. Was taken there by Dr. Lowe in 1854;
near Kirknewton, April 1895; Selms Wood, May 1895 ; etc.

Pachnobia rubricosa.—Near Marchbank, Balerno, May 1883; one
on high moor behind Aberfoyle, 16th April 1896: no willows
within at least a mile. Pentlands (Logan, “ Naturalist,” 1853).

Teniocampa pulverulenta ( =cruda).—A few, Callander, at “ sugar,”
1st May 1892. Not marked “ Forth” in “ Lep. Scot.”

Orthosia lota.—Aberlady, at ‘‘sugar,” 7th October 1893; near
Kirknewton, at “sugar,” 30th September 1895. O. macilenta.
—Dalkeith Park, at “sugar,” 3rd October 1891; one, Biel, on
oak trunk, 15th September 1894.

Xanthia fulvago ( =cerago.)—West Wemyss, August 1893; Falk-
land, August 1895. X. flavago (= stlago).—Crawhall, near
Torphichen, August 1895.

Dianthecia nana ( = conspersa)—Meggetland, Braid, Fushiebridge,
Aberlady, North Berwick, etc. D. capsincola.—Larve very
common in seed capsules of common Lychnis. D. cucubali.—
Larvee fairly common on ragged robin; Mortonhall, Bavelaw,
Kirknewton, Falkland, etc. D. carpophaga.—Not so often met
with as the others: several, North Berwick, at flowers of the
bladder campion, 28th June and 2nd July 1884 ; larvae, common,
on same plant, Aberlady, August 1885, and a few in 1892
and 1895.

Dasypolia templi.—One, Merchiston, 11th October 1882 ; one, Isle
of May, 17th September 1885; female, Bavelaw Wood, 21st
April 1888 ; two, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, at light, 26th
September 1895 ; one, Colinton, on lamp, 17th October 1895 ;

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 97

also taken near Linlithgow in 1895 by Mr. A. Duncan. Bos-

well Syme has recorded it (‘‘Scot. Nat.,” i. p. 42) from Balmuto

in 1868, and from near Kirkcaldy in 1869.

Agriopis aprilina.—This beautiful moth is not uncommon on oak
trunks in September and October; I have taken it at Dud-
dingston, Dalkeith Park, Kirknewton, Dalmeny, Biel, Kiel’s

Den near Largo, etc.

Euplexia lucipara.—Two, Meggetland, July 1881; one, on window
of the Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh, 5th July 1884; one
reared from larve got at Tynefield, September 1894; two,
Merchiston, June 1895.

fladena pist.—Penicuik, Bavelaw, etc.; the beautiful larvae were
very common on bracken and buckthorn on Hedderwick Hill
Links in August 1894. AH. adusta.—Near Balerno, Silver-
burn, Newpark.

Calocampa vetusta.—Several, Callander, at “sugar,” 30th April 1892 ;
two, near Kirknewton, at “sugar,” 30th September 1895. On
the latter occasion C. exolefa was in great abundance, as was
also Xanthia circellaris ( = ferruginea), Anchocelis litura, Scopelo-
soma satellitia, Miselia oxyacanthe, Phlogophora meticulosa, etc.

Gonoptera libatrix.—Rare ; Tynefield and Penicuik.

flabrostola tripartita ( = urtice).—Aberlady, North Berwick, ete.

Plusta chrysitis—Near Slateford, Longniddry, Aberlady, North
Berwick, etc. /. festuce.—St. Andrews, July 1890; Dalmeny,
July 1893.

Anarta myrtilliMoor near Thornton, larve common in Sep-
tember 1893 ; Bavelaw Moss, common in June 1895 ; etc.
Chariclea umbra (= marginata).—Two at Srlene, North Berwick,
July 1884; a good many reared from larve got on rest-
harrow at Pettycur and Biel in August 1894. Taken at Bal-
muto by Boswell Syme in July 1874 (“Scot. Nat.,” ili. p. 265).

Phytometra viridaria ( = enea).—Common at Aberfoyle in May last.
Pentlands (Logan, “ Naturalist,” 1853, p. 70).

Euchdia mi.—Abundant, Gosford Links, 28th May 1881; one, near
Burntisland, 30th May 1895.

GEOMETRA.

LEllopia prosapiaria ( = fasciaria).—Fir woods near Balerno, Falkland,
etc.

Crocallis elinguaria.——Tynefield, Aberlady, Falkland, etc.

flimera pennaria.—Aberlady, 1892; several reared from larvz off
oak, Aberfoyle, May 1896. I have seen specimens in Miss
Balfour’s collection at Whittinghame, which were taken there
in the seventies.
22 D

98 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Amphidasys betularia.—Biel ; Pressmenan, 1894.

Cleora lichenaria.—Six, Carrington, near Temple, on trunks of ash
trees, gth July 1885.

Gnophos obscuraria.—Two, Arthur’s Seat, 22nd July 1895, and
common on seabanks near Eyemouth same year. I have seen
specimens from North Berwick Law.

Acidalia remutariaa—Common in oak coppices, Aberfoyle, May
1896. Not given for “ Forth” in Buchanan-White’s catalogue.

Cabera exanthemata.—Near Polton, May 1882. C. pusaria.—More
common.

Macaria liturata.—Fir woods, Macbiehill and Balerno.

Panagra petraria—One, Aberfoyle, 24th April 1896; common
three to four weeks later. Not recorded for “Forth” in
Buchanan-White’s catalogue.

Numeria pulveraria.—Two, Aberfoyle, 27th May; Bavelaw, May
1887 (Dr. Carlier, ‘‘ Annals,” 1892, p. 44).

Scodiona belgiaria.—One, Currie Moor, Pentlands, July 1880 ; four,
Bavelaw Moss, 22nd and 24th June 1895—all females.

LHybernia leucophearia.—Half a dozen, Dalkeith Park, March 1892 ;
a few, Dalmeny Park, March 1893—all males.

Anisopteryx escularta.—One, Tentsmuir, near Leuchars, 21st March
1896 (D. H. Low).

Oporabia filigrammaria.—One, Bonaly, 11th September 1881; one
(which Mr. Barrett has seen) near Kirknewton, 26th August
1895.

Emmelesia decolorata.—Roslin Woods, Dalmeny, Aberlady (abun-
dant in June 1890), Pettycur. £. unifasciata.—One, Long-
niddry, on wall, 26th July 1884. I have seen no previous
record for “Forth.” £. minorata ( = ericetata).—A few, Bave-
law Moss, 4th and 11th August 1884; several, Lomonds, 7th
and 8th August 1895.

Eupithecia pulchellata.—Merchiston, Braid Hills, Mortonhall, Falk-
land. £. oblongata ( = centaureata).—Lufiness, Tynninghame
(larvee abundant on ragwort), Pettycur. Z. pygm@ata.—In
marshy spots, fairly common; Braid, Balerno, Newpark,
Manuel, Ormiston, Lochgelly, Falkland, etc. £2. helveticaria.
—tLarve still abundant on juniper on the Pentlands in
September. On 5th June 1895 I beat a few of the moths out
of the bushes. One, Aberfoyle, 6th May 1896. On 6th June
1882 I took on Bavelaw Moss, among heather (no juniper
anywhere near), a specimen which Mr. Barrett refers to the
variety avceuthata. £. satyrata.—Common ; larvz on flowers
of Scabiosa succisa. EE. castigata—Dalmeny Park, Aberlady,

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 99

Tynninghame. £. /fraxinata.—Reared from larve got at
Kirknewton and Tynefield, 1894. £. indigata—Common
about fir woods in June. /. xanata.—Common among heather
on all our hills and moors. £. adbsinthiata.—A few, Luffness
Links, on 4allota, July 1895. L£. minutata.—Reared from
larvee on heather, West Wemyss, September 1893 ; Hedder-
wick, 1894; Kirknewton, 1894. £. lariciata—A few yearly
since June 1887 in fir wood near Kirknewton; one, near Fushie-
bridge, 6th July 1895. Not given for “ Forth” in Buchanan-
White’s list. £. adbbreviata.—Common in oak coppices,
Aberfolye, April and May. JZ. sobrénata.—Reared in abund-
ance from larvee off juniper on Pentlands, beginning of June
1895; moths there September 1890 ; Merchiston, on lamps,
July and August. 2. pwmlata.— Abundant near West Wemyss,
Fife, flying about young spruces in afternoon, 30th May 1895.
Not marked for “Forth” in Buchanan-White’s list. JZ.
vulgata, E. assimilata, E. exiguata, and £. rectangulata are all
more or less common about gardens and hedges.

Thera simulata, Hb. (= contferata, Curt.).—Reared from larvee off
juniper on Pentlands, roth June 1895. TZ: jfirmata.—Not
uncommon on Scotch fir; Bavelaw, Mortonhall, Gladsmuir,
Tynefield.

LTypsipetes trifasciata ( = impluviata).—West Wemyss, Stenton, etc.

Melanthia bicolorata ( = rubiginata).—Polmont, Otterston, Wemyss,
Falkland.

Anticlea badiata.—Colinton, Tynefield.

Coremia munitata.—Colinton, Swanston, Bonaly Hill, Kirknewton,
Lomonds. C. designata (=fropugnata).—Falkland, June
1888. C. ferrugata.—Aberfoyle, 24th May.

Phibalapteryx vittata (= lignata)—Abundant at Luffness marshes
on the evenings of roth and rath July 1895.

Cidaria siterata (= psittacata.) — One, Tynninghame, 6th
September 1894; Whittinghame (Miss Balfour). C. mzata,—
Biel ; Merchiston, 17th October 1894. C. corylata.—Aberfoyle,
22nd May. C. selaceata.—One, Dalmeny Park, June 188o.
C. dotata ( = pyraliata)—Far from uncommon ; have taken it
in many localities.

Pelurga comitata.—A few, Aberlady, July 1895.

Lubolia cervinata.—Two, Aberlady, 6th September 1886, and
another 23rd August 1892.

Anaitis plagiata.—Two, Pentlands, July 1880.
Tanagra atrata ( = cherophyllata).—Biel, June 1863.

100 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

PYRALIDES.

Aglossa pinguinalis.—Tynefield, in house, August 1894.

Pyralis farinalis—Locally common; Buckstone Farm, Morning-
Side; etc.

Scoparia cembre—Two, Dalkeith Park, July 1892; several, Morn-
ingside, July 1895. S. ambigualis.—Balerno, Kirknewton, New-
park, Blairadam, etc. S. afomalis.—Mr. Barrett has referred
specimens I sent him from fir woods at Kirknewton and Drum-
shoreland to this form, and I believe I have it from other
localities, but find some difficulty in separating it from the last.
S. dubitalis and SS. murana are both abundant. S. mercuredla.
—Dunfermline, 30th July; Falkland, 14th August. S. crate-
gella.—Dean Park; Manuel. S. angustea (= coarctalis).—
Aberlady, 17th August, 13th September; Tynninghame, 23rd
August. S. pallida—Common, Luffness: marshes, July 1895.

Nomophila noctuella (= hybridalis) —One, Gullane Links, September
1885.

Pyrausta purpuralis—Several, Falkland, Fife, August 1895.
P. ostrinalis.—Two, Luffness Links, August 1896.

Herbula cespitalis—Abundant; Pentlands, Arthur’s Seat, Luffness
Links, Lomonds, etc., May, and again in July and August.

Scopula olivalis—Common, Corstorphine Hill, 26th June ; Newpark,
18th July. .S. prunalis——Aberlady, 11th July; Winton, 4th
July ; Falkland, August. .S. ferruga/is.—One, Luffness Woods,
11th September 1892. |S. Zuteali’s is very common, as are also
Botys fuscalis and Pionea forficalis.

PTEROPHORI.

Platyptila isodactyla?—A “Plume” taken off a lamp at Merchiston
in October 1894, though too much damaged for certain
determination, is probably of this species. . gonodactyla.—
North Berwick, June; Newpark, 17th July; Otterston, 31st
July ; Winton, 4th July.

Amblyptilia acanthodactyla—Common on an open, heathy spot,
surrounded by young spruce trees, near Wemyss, Fife, 30th May
1895. A. cosmodactyla (= punctidactyla).—One, off oak, Pease
Dean, Berwickshire, 4th October 1894.

Mimeseoptilus bipunctidactylus.—Much the most abundant of our
“Plumes.” MZ. pterodactylus (=fuscus).—Also common ;
Braid, Longniddry, Pettycur, etc.

Pterophorus monodactylus—Gullane Links, October 1893; near
Kirknewton, 30th September 1895; etc.

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT ror

Alucita hexadactyla (= polydactyla)—In 1895 I found what I
believe to have been the larve of this interesting species on
honeysuckle at Gosford, East Lothian, but I have not yet
succeeded in finding the moth itself. Lowe and Logan recorded
it, however, from Duddingston and Balgreen.

CRAMBI.

Crambus dumetellus.—Fairly common on Longniddry and Luffness
Links in July 1895. C. pinellus (= pinetellus).—A single
specimen of this pretty species was beaten from an elm on
Corstorphine Hill on 27th June 1895. C. ferdel/us, var. war-
ringtonellus.—Abundant on Luffness Links, July 1895. C.
geniculeus.—One, Isle of May, 13th September 1888; half a
dozen, Sandyhurst, Tynninghame, 23rd August 1894; one,
Luffness Links, 24th August 1896. C. pratellus, C. tristellus,
C. culmellus, and C. hortuel/us.—All more or less abundant.

flomeosoma nimbella.—One, in my little garden, Morningside Park,
Edinburgh, 25th June 1895. *Z. dimevella.—Four, Luffness
Links, among burdock, 12th July 1895.

Phycis fusca ( =carbonariella).—A few, on charred stems of furze,
Braid Hills, rst July 1895.

Oncocera ahenella.—Several, Pettycur, 29th June 1889, and again
4th June 1895. W. A. Forbes took it in this same locality in
June 1874 (‘‘Scot. Nat.,” iii. p. 64).

Aphomia sociella.—Tynefield, many years ago; Upper Braid Farm,
June 1889; Braid Hills, July.

‘TORTRICES.

Tortrix xylosteana.—Fairly common ; Riccarton, Newpark, Falkland,
Torphichen, Luffness, etc. Z. costana (= spectrana).—Dud-
dingston, 29th June; Luffness Marshes, abundant, rath July.
T: viburnana.—Pair, Bavelaw Moss, 24th June ; common, Selms
Moor, 29th July; abundant, Lomonds, 8th August; a few,
Kirknewton, 25thAugust. Z. palleana ( =icterana).—Common ;
Comiston, Ravensnook, Balerno, Winton, Pettycur, etc., June
and July. TZ: zosana, T. heperana, T. ribeana, and T. wirt-
dana are all very abundant. Z- ministrana.—Common among
birches, Aberfoyle, 23rd and 27th May. Recorded for Press-
menan by Logan.

Amphisa prodromana.—Reared from larva got at Ravelrig in August
18923; moths common near Callander, 1st May.

Leptogramma literana.—One, very green, on oak trunk, Biel,
1st October 1894.

oz x ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

LPeronea rufana.—One, Flanders Moss, 1st May 1896. P. mixtana.
—Common on Pentland Hills in October and March. P.
schallertana.—Common, Luffness Woods, among birches, 11th
September; near Torphichen, 8th August; Yester, 16th Sep-
tember. /. comparana.—Common in September and October.
P. perplexana.—One, Luffness Woods, 11th September 1892 ;
one, Tynninghame, roth September 1894: both identified by
Mr. Barrett. . astiana.—A few, Balerno, on alder, roth
October. £. maccana.—One, Dreghorn, July 1891; one,
Duddingston, 8th August 1893; one, Biel, 5th October 1894.
P. caledoniana.—Abundant, Pentlands, 21st July; Bonaly
Hill, 31st August ; Auchincorth Moor, 29th July; Lomonds,
7th and 8th August. *P. shepherdana.—Mr. Barrett has so
named a richly coloured (2 ) Peronea reared from larve found
feeding on meadow-sweet, near Ormiston, East Lothian, 5th
July 1895. PP. aspersana and P. ferrugana—Common. P.
variegana and P. sponsana (=favillaceana).— Abundant.

Rhacodia caudana.— Locally common; Luffness, Tynninghame,
Torphichen, Falkland, August and September.

Teras contaminana.—Abundant.

Dictyopteryx leflingiana.— Rather common; Newpark, Luffness,
Tynefield, Falkland, etc. D. dergmanntana.—Common.

Argyrotoxa conwayana.—Fairly common ; Corstorphine, Dreghorn,
Roslin, Winton, etc.

Ptycholoma lecheana.—Dalkeith Park, 30th July 1892.

Penthina sororculana ( = prelongana).—A good many near Kirknew-
ton, 28th May, etc.; Aberfoyle, 23rd May. P. pruniana.—
Blackford Hill, r9th June; Aberfoyle, 25th May. P. variegana
(=cynosbatella).—Fairly common; Dreghorn, Aberlady, Win-
ton, etc.

Spilonota neglectana.—Single specimens: Merchiston, 24th June;

,

Aberlady, 1oth July ; Newpark, 17th July ; Dunfermline, 30th
July.
Pardia tripunctana.—Common.

Sericoris cespitana.—Abundant on Gullane Hill in July 1895; a
few, Arthur’s Seat, same month. S. wrticana.—Common in
oak coppices, Aberfoyle, in May—plenty of wild sage growing
about. S. /acunana.—Very common.

Mixodia schulziana.—Locally common; Bonaly Hill, Bavelaw,
Kirknewton, Lomonds.

Orthotenia antigquana.—Duddingston Loch, Comiston, Luffness
Marshes, and near Falkland.

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 103

Cuephasia politana (=lepidana).— Locally common; Pentlands
above Silverburn, 27th May; Aberfoyle 5th and 6th May.
C. musculana.— Rather common; Kirknewton, Newpark,
Wemyss, etc.

*Sciaphila conspersana.—Mr. Barrett refers a specimen reared from
a larva found on Peéaszzes, banks of Water of Leith, Gorgie,
25th June 1895, tothisform. S. w7gaureana.—Very abundant ;
occasionally nearly black. S. octomaculana.—Newpark, Elie,
Falkland. S. penztana.—A few, Arthur’s Seat, on rocks, roth
August 1892; and again, 22nd July 1895.

Clepsts rusticana.—\Locally common ; Kirknewton, Silverburn, Drum-
shoreland, Wemyss ; May and June.

Bactra lanceolana.—Common. B&B. furfurana.—Common: Dudding-
ston Loch, on £veocharts, 29th June; Drumshoreland Curling
Pond, on same; Luffness Marshes.

Phoxopteryx unguicella (=unguicana) and P. lundana.— Both
common. /. étarcwana.— One, Aberfoyle, 26th May.
P. myrtillana.—Not uncommon; Pentlands (Boghall and
Swanston), 5th and roth June; Newpark, 7th June; etc.

Grapholitha ramella ( = paykulliana).—Falkland, 8th August ; Press-
menan, 25th August. G. zzsella.—One, wood at Gladsmuir,
12th September 1896. G. xigromaculana.—One, Longniddry
Links, 2nd July 1895. G. subocellana ( =campoliliana).—
Locally common; Drumshoreland, Kirknewton, Crawhall, and
Bowhouse, etc. G. ¢rimaculana and G. penkleriana.—Both
abundant. G. x@vana.—Common.

Phiewodes tetraquetrana.—Common, near Kirknewton, 28th May 1895;
Drumshoreland, 8th June.

Lypermecia cruciana, L. non Zett—Common near Kirknewton, July
1894; and at Newpark, July 1895.

Batodes angustiorana.—Common on yew hedge, Morningside, July
1896 ; Aberlady ; Tynefield.

Pedisca ratzeburgiana (= Mixodia ratzeburgiana).—Common, West
Wemyss, on spruce, 14th August 1893; a few, Falkland, on
silver fir, 4th and 7th August 1895. P. rudbiginosana (=
M. bouchardana).—Common in young fir plantation, Drum-
shoreland, 8th June 1895; Kirknewton 23rd May, etc. P.
opthalmicana.—One, Luffness Woods, 11th September 1892.
P. occultana.—Morningside, Midcalder, Falkland, on conifers.
P. corttcana and P. solandriana.—Both common; Lothians
and Fife. P. sordidana.—Less so; near Torphichen, 31st
August ; Kirknewton, Biel, Tynefield, September.

104 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Lphippiphora (Flalonota) similana ( = bimaculana).—One, Luffness
Woods, 11th September 1893 ; one, Drumshoreland, 13th, and
several, Wemyss, 4th September 1893; banks of Avon near
Torphichen, 31st August 1895. £. pfugiana ( = scutulana).—
More common; Midcalder district, Boghall, Bowhouse, etc.
£.. cirsiana and £. brunnichiana.—Both abundant, the latter
especially.

Coccyx cosmophorana.—One, near Kirknewton, 28th May 1895.
C. nemorivaga ( = tedana).—One, near Belstane, south of Mid-
calder, June 1891. C. ftedella (= hyrciniana).—Abundant
about spruce trees. C. distinctana.—Several off young spruce,
Boghall, 5th June 1895. C. nanana.—One, Winton, East
Lothian, at spruce, 4th July 1895.

Pamplusia mercurtana ( = monticolana).—Abundant on the Pentlands
and Lomonds in July and August.

Retinia turtonana.—Several, near Kirknewton, 23rd May 1895.
Mr. Barrett names these 7. fosticana, ? var. of turionana. R.
pinworana.—Half a dozen, Drumshoreland, off young Scotch
firs, 8th June 1895.

Endopisa nigricana ( = nebritana).—Two, Ormiston, East Lothian,
5th July 1895.

* Stigmonota ravulana.—One, off birch, Aberfoyle, 23rd May 1896.
Mr. Barrett, who believes he has correctly determined this speci-
men, says the dorsal marking is unusually white. S cond-
Jerana.—One, near Kirknewton, 2oth July 1894. S. perlepidana.
—Common ; near Dalkeith, 26th April; Glencorse, 5th May ;
etc. “.S. zztfernana.—A few, near Buckstone, on whin, 28th
June 1894; common, Braid Hills, flying about whin bushes in
the sunshine, 21st June and rst July 1895. This is an in-
teresting discovery. When on wing it has a much whiter
appearance than Cafoptria ulicetana, with which it intermingles.

Dicrorampha petiverella.—Fairmilehead, Roslin, Hedderwick Hill,
etc., July and August. D. acuminatana.—One, Biel, 5th
September 1894; one, Pettycur, 4th June 1895. D. plumbana
and YD. herbosana.—Both abundant, especially the latter, on
grassy banks in July.

Pyrodes rhediellan—A few, Aberfoyle, 26th May.

Catoptria cana.—Fairly common in June and July; Corstorphine
Hill, North Morton, Aberlady, Pettycur. C. scofoliana, Haw.
non \). L.—One, Kirknewton, zoth June; one, Luffness, roth
July ; two, Pettycur, 8th August. C. wlicetana is very abundant
on furze.

Trycheris aurana (=mediana).—A few, Winton, 4th July; a good
many, Ormiston, 5th July; and near Portobello, 7th July.

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 105

Symethis oxyacanthella ( = fabriciana).—Every where.

Lupeclia nana.—A few, Aberfoyle, among birch, 23rd May. £.
dubitana.—Abundant, Pettycur sea braes, 4th June 1895. ZL.
atricapitana.—One, Luffness Links, on hound’s tongue, 12th
June 1894. £. maculosana.—Several, Aberfoyle, among broom,
25th May. £. angustana.—Abundant. £.*ci/ie//da—Common,
Bavelaw Moss, 27th May ; Boghall, Pentlands, 5th June ; Aber-
foyle, 7th May.

Xanthosetia hamana.—One, Pettycur, 26th June; two, Ormiston,
5th July.

Argyrolepia hartmanniana (= baumanniana).—A good many, near
Kirknewton, 25th May and 13th June. A. dadiana.—Half a
dozen, Luffness Links, on burdock, middle of July 1895.

Conchylis straminea ( = stramineana).—Common and wide spread.

Aphelia osseana ( = pratana).—Abundant, both on inland moors and
on the coast.

Tortricodes hyemana.—Abundant in oak coppice, Callander, April
1892.

TINE.

Exapate congelatella——Males common on the Pentlands, 17th and
30th October, and 6th November; one, Comiston, on wall,
30th October.

Diurnea fagella.— Common on tree trunks in April.

Solenobia, sp.2—In March 1895, at Mr. Barrett’s request, I went in
search of So/enobia cases on rocks on the Pentlands, and found
a good many, some of them containing living larvee, none of
which reached the perfect state, however. Others were obtained
on Arthur’s Seat and near Fairmilehead in October. Possibly
the species is S. ¢viguetre//a, but until we rear or otherwise
obtain a male imago the point will be hard to settle.

Ochsenheimeria bisontella.—Common ; near Kirknewton, 31st July
and 8th August; Tynninghame, 22nd August and 2nd Sep-
tember ; Lomonds, 6th August.

Tinea tapetzedla.—Local; common, Tynefield, in stable, August
1894; Morningside, August 1895.

*T. pallescentella.—One, Morningside, July 1891, identified by Mr.
Barrett. TZ: granella, T: cloacella, T: pellionella, T. lapella, and
T. rusticella, are all more or less common. Specimens of the
last named taken in woods at a distance from houses seem to
me to have the purple tint on the wings more pronounced.

Phylloporia bistrigella——Rather scarce; woods near Kirknewton,
28th May and 7th August; Newpark, 7th June and 18th July, etc.

106 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Tineola biselliellan—Only too common in many houses.

Lampronia luzella.—F¥ive, Falkland, 9th August 1895. Taken at
Tranent by Logan many years ago (“ Naturalist,” 1851, p. 71).
L. rubiella.—Common among wild raspberry ; Corstorphine
Hill, Midcalder, Penicuik, June.

LIncurvaria muscalella ( = masculella)—Common ; near Kirknewton,
23rd May; and at West Wemyss, 30th May.

Micropteryx calthella.—Corstorphine Hill, 27th June ; Ormiston, East
Lothian, 5th July, a few. AZ. seppelia (Meyrick unites this to
Aruncella, Scop.)—Abundant. *JZ mansuetella.—One, Aber-
foyle, 22nd May 1896. MZ. aureatella ( = allionella) Common;
West Wemyss, 30th May ; Newpark, 7th June; Aberfoyle, 26th
May. JZ. subpurpurellaa—Mortonhall, 9th May; Aberfoyle,
1st May.

Adela rufimitrella.—One, Newpark, 7th June 1895. A. frbulella.—
Two, Dura Den, July 1890; one, Aberfoyle, 26th May 1896.

Swammerdamia griseocapitella, Doub. List.—Common; near Wemyss,
on birch, 30th May; Aberlady, July; Pettycur, August. SS.
pyrella.—Several, Greenbank, on hawthorn, 3rd June 1895.

Lyponomeuta padellus—Common in gardens, Aberlady, on apple.

Prays curtisellus—Not unfrequent; Craiglockhart, Morton, New-
park, Gosford, etc.

Plutella cruciferarum.—Common; sometimes only too abundant
for the good of the turnip crop. 1891 was the last really bad
year. P. porrectella.—In my garden, Morningside, 27th June
1895. L. annulatella—One, Gullane Links, roth September
1896; several near St. Abb’s the previous September. /.
dalella.—Common ; Pentlands, Bridge of Allan, Gullane, etc.

Cerostoma vittella.—Fairly common ; Colinton, Torphichen, Gosford,
Tynninghame, Falkland (very dark variety). C. radiatella.—
Very common ; beautiful variety (white with black streak),
Falkland, August 1895.

Harpipteryz xylostella (=harpella).—Not uncommon; Dalkeith
Park, Roslin, Newpark, Luffness, etc.

Orthotelia sparganella.—One, Luffness Marsh, roth July 1895.

* Phibalocera quercana.—One, Grange, Edinburgh, on gas lamp,
14th August 1892.

Depressaria subpropinguella.—One, Westbarns Links, East Lothian,
27th August 1894. WD. alstremeriana.—Common, north side
of Tynninghame Bay, August 1894. D. dcture//la—Pettycur
and Tynefield, August 1894. *D. carduella.—One, Pease
Dean, Berwickshire, 4th October 1894. JD. dbadiella.—One,
Westbarns Links, 27th August 1894. WD. costosa, D. arenella,
D. applana, and D. heracleana, are all more or less common.

LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 107

Gelechia ericetella——Abundant on every moor. G. mulinella.—
Common on furze. G. dffinis.—Several, Braid Hills, 1st
July ; Falkland, 9th August. *G. dstinctella.—A few, Gullane
Hill, r4th July 1895. *G. celerella-—Fairly common, but
rather over, Whitberry Point, Tynninghame, 22nd August
1894. G. confinis—One, Aberfoyle, 26th May. G. derredla.
—Common. G. folitella.— Longniddry Links, 2nd July.
“G. mundella.—Pettycur, Fife, 4th June 1895. G. affinis.—
Several, Pettycur, 4th June.

Lita acuminatella—A few, Drumshoreland, 1st June; one, Bog-
hall Valley, 6th June. JZ. artemisiella.—Frequent. *ZL. ethiops.
—Common on burnt heather, Bonaly Hill, Pentlands, 13th
May 1895. JZ. semidecandrella, Threlfall.—-A few, Hedderwick
Hill Links and Tynninghame, August 1894. LZ. marmorea.—
Abundant among thistles, Luffness sandhills, July. Z. planta-
ginella.—Common on Plantago maritima, Vyne Estuary, August
1894. TZeleta fugitivella.—One, Dalkeith Park, 30th July.
ZT. sequax.—Several, Arthur’s Seat, 22nd July. Z: dodecella.—
Kirknewton, 13th June and 12th August; Newpark, 18th
July. *Z. ¢triparella.—One, Aberfoyle, 22nd May. Mr.
Barrett is not quite certain that he has identified this correctly,
the specimen not being in very good condition.

* Nannodia stipella ( = neviferella).—One, Falkland, 9th August 1895.

Lrachycrossata cineredla.—Roslin, July ; Luffness, 9th August 1896.

* Parasia lappella.—One, Pettycur, 26th June. *P. metzneriella.—
One, Ormiston, East Lothian, 5th July. *P. carline//a.—One,
Braid Burn path, past Greenbank, 3rd June—all 1895.

Chelaria hitbnerella—Common, Luffness Woods, on birch, September
1892, and also at Gladsmuir, September 1896.

Pleurota bicostella.—Common on Bavelaw Moss, 24th May 1895.

Dasycera sulphurella.—Morningside Park, 26th May.

Qeophora fulviguttella ( = flavimaculella).—One, Luffness Mill, 16th
August 1896. CQ. fuscescens——Gosford, 8th August; New-
park, 18th July. C. pseudospretella.—Only too common in
houses, as is also Exdvoszs fenestrella.

Butalis senescens.—One, Pettycur, 4th June, and another, Luffness
Links, 14th July, 1895. £4. ¢orquatella.—One, in old wood
near Kirknewton, 28th May 1895.

Glyphipteryx thrasonella,—Common in damp meadows, Fushiebridge,
6th July; a few, The Bush, near Roslin, 22nd June. G.
jischeriellan—Very common, May and June.

Argyresthia ephippellaa—Common; Dreghorn, Kirknewton, Aber-
lady, Tynefield. A. mz¢zdella.—Very common on hedges, etc. ;

108 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

var. ossea, ‘Tynefield. A. semitestacea.—Common ; Gosford,
off beech and cedar; Biel, on beech; Falkland. A. spzntella.
—Belstane, on rowan, plentiful, 26th August 1895. A. albi-
stria.—Halls near Penicuik, 7th July ; Pettycur, on blackthorn,
plentiful, 8th August, 1894. *A. mendica.—A_ specimen,
taken at Dreghorn on 16th July 1889, is referred by Mr.
Barrett to this form. <A. vetineZla.—Common on birch;
Dreghorn, Newpark, Winton (off spruce), Blairadam, etc.,
July. A. curvella— Common on apple ; Mortonhall, Aberlady,
etc. A. gedartella—Abundant on birch. A. brocheella.—
Blairadam, common on birch, 2oth July 1895. <A. arceuthina.
—Pentlands, common on juniper, 5th and roth June 1895.

Cedestis farinatella.—One, near Midcalder, on fir, 29th July; one,
Falkland, 9th August.

Ocnerostoma piniariella.—Ravelston, 6th June; common, near
Portobello, on fir, 6th July ; Glencorse,; 11th May.

Gracilaria alchimiella (=swederella)—Abundant; swarming on
oaks on Corstorphine Hill in June 1895. G. elongella.—Not
uncommon ; Gosford, Wemyss, Falkland, August and Septem-
ber; Mortonhall, 27th October; Bridge of Allan, 31st
December ; a puzzling variety near Wemyss, 30th May, 1895.
G. tringipennella.—A few, Newpark, 7th June; three, Pettycur,
26th June, 1895. G. syringella——Abundant about privet
hedges. G. auroguttella—A few, Ormiston, East Lothian,
5th July 1895.

Ornix anglicella.—Common about hawthorn hedges in May and
June; Hillend, Kames, Greenbank, Balerno, etc. O. detule
and QO. d/oganella are, Mr. Barrett thinks, both represented
among specimens taken near Kirknewton, at birch, in May and
June 1895. O. scoticella—Newpark, common on rowan,
7th June 1895.

Coleophora alcyonipennella.—Greenbank, 24th July; Dalkeith, 30th
July; Pettycur, 4th June. C. adbicosta —Common on furze ;
Braid Hills, Comiston, Kirknewton, etc. C. murinipennella.—
Kirknewton, 23rd and 28th May; Silverburn, plentiful in old
pasture, 27th May; Ormiston, 5th July. C. cespitetiella.—
Very common. *C. obdtusella, Sta.n—Mr. Barrett refers a
specimen obtained among rushes in a damp meadow near
Borthwick to this form. If the identification be correct, the
species is not so strictly maritime as has been supposed.
C. Jlaripennella (anniulatella).—Craiglockhart, 1st August ;
Winton, 4th July; Elie, 23rd July. C. artemistella, Scott.—
One, Pettycur, 8th August 1894. C. nigricella.—One, Kirk-
newton, 13th June; one, Newpark, off birch, 18th July. *C.
vitisella.— Dalkeith, 30th July 1892; Silverburn, 29th June 1894.

' LEPIDOPTERA COLLECTED IN THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT 109

Batrachedra preangusta.—One, Luffness, 21st August 1892.

Chauliodus cherophyllellus—Not uncommon; Braid, gth May ;
Inverkeithing, 11th April; Biel, 3rd October ; East Wemyss,
12th August.

* Laverna lacteella.—One, Newpark, 17th July; one, Aberlady, roth
July 1895, and another 17th August 1896. *Z. ochraceella.—
A dozen, Longniddry Links, at roots of rushes on ditch side,
2nd July 1895. J. atra (= hellerella).—One, Aberlady, roth
July 1895.

Elachista apicipunctella and £. albifrontella.—Both quite common,
especially about midsummer. £. atricome//a.—Bavelaw Moss,
Selms Moor, Fushiebridge, June and July. £. Zutscomella.—
By Braid Burn, past Greenbank, 30th June 1895. Z£.
cinereopunctella.— Two, Drumshoreland, 1st June 1895. *Z£.
stabilella.—Greenbank, 3rd June; Buckstone, 17th October,
1895. £. nigrella—Near Colinton, 17th July 1893; Kirk-
newton, June 1895. *£. subnigrella.—Arthur’s Seat, 27th
April 1893; Kirknewton, 28th May; Merchiston, abundant
about sallows, 30th May, 1895. *Z. Aumzlis— One, Kings-
knowe, 15th June 1895. £. obscurella.—Not uncommon; a
few, Drumshoreland, Newpark, Westbarns, etc. Specimens of
a pale, dirty white form of this species ? were taken at Loganlee
and Kirknewton in May 1895. <£. rhynchosporella.—Bavelaw
Moss, a good many, 24th June 1895. £. triatomea.—A few,
Longniddry Links, 2nd July; also at Winton, 4th July 1895.
E. rufocinerea—Kames, 9th May; Kirknewton, 28th May ;
Drumshoreland, rst June. Z. argentella ( =cygnipennella).—
Very common.

Tischeria complanella.

Fairly common, Aberfoyle, 23rd May.

Lithocolletis pomifoliella and guercifoliella.—Both very common. JZ.
faginella.—Dreghorn, Aberlady, etc. LZ. spinolella.—Near
Kirknewton, Bowhouse, Winton, on sallows, June and July.
L. scopariella.—Braid, Roslin, Ormiston, on broom.

Lyonetia clerchella—¥airly common in garden at Tynefield, East
Lothian, August 1894.

Cemiostoma spartifoliella—Dreghorn, Roslin, Ormiston, July, on
broom. C. scite//a.—Larvee (from which I obtained specimens
of the moth) very abundant in leaves of apple and pear, Aber-
lady, July 1895.

* Opostega crepusculella—One, Luffness Marsh, roth July ; another,
22nd August 1895.

Bucculatrix nigricomella ( = aurimaculella).—Pettycur, common, 6th
June; Manuel, 15th June; Kingsknowe Quarry, 15th June.
*B. cristatella.—Pettycur, a few, 8th August 1894.

110 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Nepticula anomalella—Kirknewton, 23rd May; Greenbank, 3rd
June 1895. . pygmeela—One, Kirknewton, 23rd May 1895.
NV. myrtillellaa—Ywo, Newpark, on bilberry, 7th June 1895.
N. argyropeza.—Common on aspen, West Wemyss, Fife, 30th
May 1895. . argentipedella——One, Boghall, roth June;
near Kirknewton, common among grass in vicinity of sallow
bushes, 20th June 1895. JV. gradiosedia.—Greenbank, Dudding-
ston, Luffness, etc., on hawthorn hedges. */V. margintcolella.—
One, Aberfoyle, beaten from heather on rock, 21st April 1896.
* NV. lapponica?—Boghall, off juniper, 6th June ; near Midcalder,
off sallow, z2oth June, 1895. Identification not quite certain.

Trifurcula inmundella,—Braid Hills, common on furze, 30th June ;
Tynefield, 18th August, 1894. .

ON THEVBEORA OF EIGG.

By Symers M. Macvicar.
(Continued from p. 41).

MyosotTIs ARVENSIS, Zam.—Common.

Myosoris VERSICOLOR, Aeichb.— Rather common.

SCROPHULARIA NODOSA, Z.—Rare ; near cultivation.

DIGITALIS PURPUREA, Z.—Generally distributed.

VERONICA AGRESTIS, Z.—Field weed near the Hotel. W. #. I.
+VERONICA TOURNEFORTH, C. Gme/.—Garden weed at the “Cottage.”
VERONICA ARVENSIS, Z.—Common in fields.

VERONICA SERPYLLIFOLIA, Z.—Roadsides ; borders of fields.
VERONICA OFFICINALIS, Z.—Scuir; also by roadsides and fields.
VeRONICA CHAMA&DRYS, Z.—Fields.

VERONICA SCUTELLATA, Z.—Rare; Cleadale? W. F. MW.
VERONICA BeccaBunca, Z.—Rare ; stream at Laig Bay.
EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS, Z., var. a Rostkoviana, Hayne; f. borealis,

Townsend.—Common, chiefly in pastures.
Var. c gracilis, Fr—Common, chiefly on moors.

Bartsia Opontires, Huds.—Locally common as O. verna, Reichb.
PEDICULARIS PALUSTRIS, Z.—Local.
PEDICULARIS SYLVATICA, Z.—Rather common on heaths.

RHINANTHUS CRISTA-GALLI, Z.—Rather common.
Var. Drummond-Hayi, F. B. White-—On Cleadale cliffs, at
400-500 ft. alt.

ON THE FLORA OF EIGG III

OROBANCHE RUBRA, S7.—Several plants on a rock near the harbour ;
previously gathered there in July 1885, by Mr. A. Somerville,
F.L.S. (“ Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow,” N.S., vol. i. p. Ixxvii.).

PINGUICULA VULGARIS, Z.—On the moors.

MENTHA HIRSUTA, //uds.—Rare; Laig Bay.

MENTHA SaTivA, Z.—Rare; Strath.

(MENTHA ARVENSIS, Z. ?—Rare ; ditch at side of Laig road.)
THYMUS SERPYLLUM, /7.—Very common.

Tuymus CHAM@&DRYsS, 47.—Rather common.

SCUTELLARIA GALERICULATA, Z.—Uncommon ; on the shore.
PRUNELLA VULGARIS, Z.—Common.

STACHYS PALUSTRIS, £.—Locally common.

STACHYS PALUSTRIS x SYLVATICA (AMBIGUA, Sm.)—Roadside above
the harbour, with both parents.

STACHYS SYLVATICA, Z,—Rather common.

STACHYS ARVENSIS, Z.—A not uncommon weed in cornfields
W. Fo M.

GALEopsSIS TETRAHIT, Z.—lWV. /&. M.

Var. difida (Boenn.)—This is here, as elsewhere on this part
of the coast, the prevalent form.

LAMIUM PURPUREUM, 2.—Weed of cultivation.
TrEuUcRIUM ScorRoponiA, Z.—Common.

PLANTAGO major, Z.—The usual form of this plant, very common
on roadsides and dry places, is, or approaches, var. zzdermedta,
Gilib. Mr. Arthur Bennett said of specimens sent to him,
“Seemingly the plant of Gilibert.”

PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA, Z.—Common.

PLANTAGO MARITIMA, Z.—Shores.

PLANTAGO Coronopus, Z.—Shore, Poll nam Partan.
LITTORELLA JUNCEA, Berg.—Common in hill lochs.
CHENOPODIUM ALBUM, Z.—Sides of cultivated fields.
ATRIPLEX PATULA, Z.—Laig Bay? W. F M.
(ATRIPLEX DELTOIDEA, Lad. ?—Laig Bay ; specimens immature.)
ATRIPLEX BaBINGTONH, Woods.—Laig Bay.

ATRIPLEX LACINIATA, Z.—In some quantity at Laig Bay.
SaLsOLA Kati, Z.—Rather common; Laig Bay.
POLYGONUM AVICULARE, Z.—Common on roadsides, Laig.
PoLtyconum Persicaria, Z.—Laig.

112 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

POLYGONUM AMPHIBIUM, Z., forma /errestre, Leers.—Laig Bay, with
under side of leaves and peduncles glandular. This form
I have also gathered on the mainland in Moidart and at
Corpach near Fort-William.

RUMEX OBTUSIFOLIUS, Z., and RUMEX cRIsPpuS, L.—Sides of fields
and waste places.

RuMEx AceEtTosa, Z.—Common.

RuMEX ACETOSELLA, Z.—Common in dry places.
EupHorRBIA HeE.ioscopia, Z.—Rather common in cornfields.
MERCURIALIS PERENNIS, Z.—Uncommon ; Cleadale.

Urtica pio1ca, Z.—Common in waste places and on ground
manured by frequent visits of animals.

UrtTICA URENS, Z.—Side of Scuir, with U. pioica, Z., in a sheep-
shelter. .
Myrica Gate, £.—Moorland near the Manse? VW. F. AZ.

(BeTULA, sf/.—Extinct. Professor Macpherson told me that he
remembers two birch trees on the island; but that they were
cut down by crofters, as the sheep spoiled their wool by rubbing
against them. Birch stems are frequently found in the peat
mosses. )

CoryLus AVELLANA, Z.—Native ; locally common.

Quercus Rosur, Z.—Native ; grows only a few feet high.

+SALIX FRAGILIS, Z.—A large tree at Cleadale planted about seventy

years ago (Professor Macpherson), and plants grown from
cuttings from it are in the neighbourhood.

SALIX CINEREA, Z.—Native; uncommon; near Macleod’s Cave
and the Hotel.
SALIX AURITA, £.—Native ; rather common.

SALIX REPENS, Z.—Very common.

SALIX REPENS x AURITA (AMBIGUA, LArh.)—Near the Hotel, with
both parents.
+SALIX vimINALis, Z.—Planted by Professor Macpherson.

SALIX HERBACEA, Z.—On the Scuir, descending to about goo ft. alt.

POPULUS TREMULA, Z.—Native, as stunted plants on Cleadale cliffs.

EMPETRUM NIGRUM, Z.—Rather common, and fruiting on the Scuir.

JUNIPERUS comMUNIS, Z.—Uncommon, occurring usually as a
prostrate plant. Prof. V. B. Wittrock, to whom I sent speci-
mens from Eigg and other parts of the neighbouring coast,
remarked that they were nearer /. communis than /. nana,
but did not agree fully with any Swedish forms that he
had seen.

ON THE FLORA OF EIGG 113

LisTERA OvaATa, &. 4r—One plant only seen, north side of the
Scuir.

ORCHIS LATIFOLIA, Z.—In fields.
ORCHIS MACULATA, Z.—Fields, banks, and heaths ; common.
HABENARIA CONOPSEA, Lenti.—Heaths and pastures.

HABENARIA VIRIDIS, A. 47.—Rare; bank near Hotel. (Moorland
’ near the pier. W. & JZ)

Ir1ts Ps—EuDACcORuS, Z.—Rather common in patches.

ALLIUM URSINUM, Z.—Rather common among rocks at Strath; occurs
also at Cleadale, and beside a stream near the “ Cottage.”

SCILLA FESTALIS, Sa/sb.—Cleadale; beside a stream near the
= Cottage: 7

NARTHECIUM OsSIFRAGUM, /Zuzds.—Common.

JuNcus Buronius, Z.—Common on wet footpaths and roadsides.
JuNcus sQuaRRosus, Z.—Common on moors.

Juncus Gerarp1, Lozse/.—Shore, Poll nam Partan.

Juncus EFFusus, Z.—Common.

JUNCUS CONGLOMERATUS, Z.—Common.

Juncus supinus, Wench, var. Kochit, Bab.—Common.

JuNcus Lamprocarpus, “£Arhi.—Common.

Juncus acutTiFLorus, Zhri.—Common.

LuzuLta Maxima, DC.—Cleadale cliffs ; cliffs at Macleod’s Cave.
LUZULA ERECTA, Vesv.m—Common.

TRIGLOCHIN PALUSTRE, Z.—Common.

TRIGLOCHIN MARITIMUM, Z.—Poll nam Partan.

POTAMOGETON POLYGONIFOLIUS, Pour. — Rare; stream, Laig Bay 5
ditch near the Schoolhouse. (Shallow pool on shore near
Macleod’s Cave. W. F. JZ)

ZOSTERA MARINA, Z., var. angustifolia, Fr.—Near the harbour.
W. Fo M.
ELEOCHARIS PALUSTRIS, A. Br.—Common in hill lochs.

ELEOCHARIS MULTICAULIS, S7z.—Rare ?

ScIRPUS PAUCIFLORUS, Zighéf—Rather common ; Poll nam Partan ;
Laig road.

SciRPUS C&SPITOSUS, Z.— Moors.

ScIRPUS SETACEUS, Z.—Rare ; near Macleod’s Cave.

Scrrpus RuFuS, Schrad.—Poll nam Partan.

ERIOPHORUM VAGINATUM, Z.—Moor near the Scuir.

ERIOPHORUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM, Ro‘h.—Common.
PIP) E

114 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SCHCENUS NIGRICANS, Z.—Shore at Poll nam Partan.
CarREx pDioicA, Z.—Not many plants seen.

CAREX PULICARIS, Z.—Laig Bay.

CAREX ARENARIA, Z.—Common on sandy shore, Laig Bay.
CarREXx vuULPINA, Z.—Very rare; Laig Bay.

CAREX ECHINATA, JZurr.—Common.

CAREX OVALIS, Good.—Uncommon.

Carex GoopENnown, /. Gay.—Generally distributed.

CAREX FLACCA, Schreb.—Rather common, especially near the shore ;
Mr. Arthur Bennett remarked on a specimen from Strath cliffs :
“‘ Approaching in habit to var. s¢ictocarpa.” (Forma /lavescens,
near Musical Sands. W. F JZ)

CAREX PILULIFERA, Z.—Scuir ; glumes frequently awned.

CAREX PALLESCENS, Z.—Uncommon; occurs with both crimped
and plain bracts.

CAREX PANICEA, £.—Common ?

CAREX BINERVIS, S7.—Common; also grows on Cleadale and
Strath cliffs.

Carex FLAVA, Z.—Common; this plant, with Festuca ovina, L.,
forms the greater part of the scanty covering of the upper
Scuir ridge.

CAREX ROSTRATA, Stokes.—Rare; ditch near Schoolhouse; Laig
Bay.

PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA, Z.—Rare.

ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM, Z.—Common.

ALOPECURUS GENICULATUS, Z.—Common ?

ALOPECURUS PRATENSIS, Z.—Rare ; sides of cultivated fields.

AGROSTIS CANINA, Z.—Rather common.
AGROSTIS PALUSTRIS, /Zuds.—Common.
Var. maritima, Mey.—Laig Bay.

AGRostTIs VULGARIS, With—Common. The dwarf state, infected
with a fungus, also occurs in dry places.

AMMOPHILA ARUNDINACEA, /Yost.—Sandy shore, Laig Bay ; Poll nam
Partan. I was told that this had been introduced to the
former place by a farmer some years ago, my informant showing
me a specimen that he himself had introduced on to the main-
land ; but as he thought that LZymus arenarius was the same
species, and as this latter plant also grows at Laig Bay, it is
probably the one introduced into Eigg, since Ammophila
occurs also in another part of Eigg, which my informant was
unaware of.

ON THE FLORA OF EIGG 115

AIRA CARYOPHYLLEA, Z.—Rare ; roadside near the Hotel.
AIRA PR&COX, Z.—Uncommon ; roadside near the Hotel.

DESCHAMPSIA C&SPITOSA, Beawv.—Common; also occurs on
Cleadale cliffs.

DESCHAMPSIA FLEXUOSA, Z7iz.—Common.

Var. montana, Hook. fil—On Cleadale and Strath cliffs ; on
the Scuir a slightly different form occurs, with panicles
very silvery.

Ho.cus Lanatus, Z.—Common ?
AVENA PUBESCENS, /7/ids.—Rare ; Cleadale.

ARRHENATHERUM AVENACEUM, Seauv.— Uncommon; Cleadale
cliffs ; Laig Bay, with both flowering glumes equally awned ;
occurs also with Avena pubescens, with pubescent sheaths; Mr.
Arthur Bennett, who saw a specimen, remarked: “I can find
no mention of such a form.”

Var. nodosum, Reichb.— More common than the type;
Cleadale.

SIEGLINGIA DECUMBENS, Berni.—Common.

CYNOSURUS CRISTATUS, Z.—Rather common.

KOELERIA CRISTATA, evs. — Generally distributed; common in

places.
MOLINIA VARIA, Schrank.—Common ?
CATABROSA AQUATICA, Beauv., var. Littoralis, Parn. — Musical

Sands. W. F. MW.

DACTYLIS GLOMERATA, Z.—Common.

Poa annua, Z.—Common.

POA NEMORALIS, Z.—Very rare; Strath cliffs; “of the varieties
described by Syme, this seems to come between coarcfata and
glaucantha” (Arthur Bennett).

POA PRATENSIS, Z.—Common.

Poa TRIVIALIS, Z.—Uncommon.

GLYCERIA FLUITANS, &. 4r.—Rare.

FESTUCA ovina, Z.—Very common.

FESTUCA RUBRA, Z.—Scuir; Cleadale; Strath.

Var. pruinosa, Hackel (¢este Arthur Bennett).

FESTUCA ELATIOR, Z.—Rare; shore; Poll nam Partan.

BROMUS MOLLIS, Z.—Roadsides near cultivation.

BRACHYPODIUM GRACILE, Beawv.—Rare.

LOLIUM PERENNE, Z.—-Common near cultivation.

AGROPYRON REPENS, Seawv.—Sandy shore, Laig Bay.
Var. barbatum, Duval-Jouve.—Sandy shore, Laig Bay; not
seen as a weed of cultivation.

116 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

AGROPYRON AcuTUM, &. aud S.?—Sandy shore, Laig Bay.
AGROPYRON JUNCEUM, Beauv.—Sandy shore, Laig Bay.

Narpbus stricta, Z.—Common.

+ ? Etymus ARENarRtIus, Z.—See remarks on Ammophila arundinacea.
PTERIS AQUILINA, Z.—Common.

+CRYPTOGRAMME crispa, &. Br.—A lady told me that she had
. . . s! - .
planted this on the Scuir. I did not meet with it there.)

LoMARIA SPICANT, Desyv.—Common.

ASPLENIUM ADIANTUM NIGRUM, Z.—Rather common.
ASPLENIUM MARINUM, Z.—Rocks near Macleod’s Cave.
ASPLENIUM TRICHOMANES, Z.—Scur.

ASPLENIUM Ruta-MuURARIA, Z.—Rocks, Poll nam Partan.
ATHYRIUM FILIx-F@MINA, Roth.—Common.

SCOLOPENDRIUM VULGARE, Symons.—Rare ; rock clefts near Musical
Sands.

CYSTOPTERIS FRAGILIS, Bernh. —Plentiful on side of Scuir;
Cleadale.

PoLYSTICHUM LOBATUM, /res/, var. aculeatum, Syme. — Rare ;
Cleadale cliffs.

LASTR&A OREOPTERIS, Pres/—Common.

LastR#A Fiiix-mas, Pres/.—Plentiful on the side of Scuir.
LASTRAA DILATATA, Pres/,—Side of Scuir.

POLYPODIUM VULGARE, Z.—Side of Scuuir.

PHEGOPTERIS POLYPODIOIDES, /ee.—Side of Scuir.

(;OsMUNDA REGALIS, Z.—A lady informed me that she had
introduced this. I did not see it.)

(Borrycutum Lunaria, Sw.—lI was told that this grows in a field
near the Manse. My informant is familiar with the plant.)

EQUISETUM ARVENSE, Z., also var. decumbens, Meyer, deste Arthur
Bennett, who wrote: “ Your specimens are much larger than
my Danish ones.” This form, apparently not hitherto noted
for Britain, grows on the sands of Laig Bay. I have gathered
a plant in Skye which seems intermediate between this and the
common decumbent form of /. avvense.

EQuISETUM SyLvaTicuM, Z.—Laig Bay.

EQUISETUM PALUSTRE, Z.—Ditch at side of Laig road.
(EQUISETUM LiMosuM, Sm. ?—This requires confirmation.)
Lycopopium SELaco, Z.—Rare; summit of Scuir ridge.

SELAGINELLA SELAGINOIDES, Gray.—Rather common.

NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH MOSSES 117

ISOETES LACUSTRIS, Z.—Rare; small loch at the summit of Scuir
ridge, a few plants.
CHARA FRAGILIS, Desv.—Rare; ditch above the “ Cottage.”

To the above must be added a Yieracitum gathered on
the Scuir by Mr. Miller, who tells me that it is a small plant
not much like typical A. arxgenteum, Fr.; but that Mr.
Hanbury said of it: “This agrees with a plant from the
Hebrides marked A. argenteum, modif., in the Herbarium ”
(Boswell Syme’s ?).

Lpilobium adnatum, Grisebach, must be deleted. Rev.
E. S. Marshall, to whom I have sent a specimen since the
above was in print, has named it 4. obscurum, Schreb.

The following, inadvertently omitted, are to be in-
cluded, viz. :—

CHRYSANTHEMUM SEGETUM, Z.—Very common in cornfields ; has
spread to roadsides and waste places.
CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM, Z.—Banks near the Hotel.

NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH: MOSSES:
By Dr. J. Strrton, F.L-S., ete.

CAMPYLOPUS FUSCOLUTEUS (published 1865) is distinguished
by the compact tufts, with abundance of red or, in older
specimens, brown tomentum, which ceases rather suddenly a
little below the long, somewhat spreading apical leaves. The
nerve is very broad, two-thirds or even three-fourths the
breadth of the leaf near the base, with the usual broad
pellucid cells next the nerve, and very narrow cylindrical
cells near the margin; the upper cells are small and quad-
rangular. A section of the nerve reveals an anterior layer
of largish pellucid cells ; two intermediate rows of small dark
cells, and an outer row of large bullate projecting, pellucid
cells. The alar cells are scarcely developed, but larger cells
with a tinge of red are often seen next the nerve, and this
red colour is frequently seen for a considerable distance up
the side of the nerve. Ben Voirlich, 13864.

CAMPYLOPUS SYMPLECTUS (described 1887) is distin-
guished from C. fuscoluteus by the pale or pale brownish

118 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

dense tufts with only a few pale radicles. The nerve is
equally broad, and the pagina ceases in the lowest fourth of
the leaf. The areolation near base is smaller than in C.
fuscoluteus, although there are the usual narrow cells near the
margin. Alar cells scarcely developed, not more so than in
C. compactus, while in some specimens there can scarcely be
seen any alar spaces. There are no hair-pointed apices to
the leaves. A section of the nerve reveals two anterior rows
of pellucid cells, those of the inner row being usually smaller,
one row of small dot-like cells and an outer layer of pro-
minent (diam. often .cog mm.), bullate ceils with thickish
walls, containing apparently chlorophyll to a small extent.
Benbecula, 1885.

DICRANUM EXPALLIDUM.—Stems densely ceespitose,
scarcely, if at all, radiculose, one to two inches in height,
whitish pale or pale fuscescent, upwards greenish-glaucescent,
sparsely ramulose; leaves ovate lanceolate acuminate,
narrowed somewhat at the base; nerve a little up from the
base one-third breadth of the leaf, seldom broader ; cross
section of nerve shows a row of pellucid cells in front, next
to this another row of small opaque cells, behind these a row
of pellucid cells, while on the posterior aspect a row of bulg-
ing largish pellucid cells. At base are often two or three
rows of largish yellow or orange cells much as in Decranuam.
This group, in the majority of the specimens, is apt to
remain on the stem when the leaf is detached from it.
Central basal cells large oblong pellucid, towards margin
narrower, near margin very long and narrow, about the
middle of the stem small, quadrate ; apex of leaf toothed,
and often teeth (pellucid or at times greenish) are seen down
the margins as well as on the back. Capsule ovate, a little
bent, on a stout, straight seta.

This moss seems more allied to Dicranum albicans than
to the Campylopz.

These three mosses must be associated with C. subulatus,
and, if I had not secured tufts of the latter fully an inch long,
having leaves, as regards length, etc., as described by Dr.
Braithwaite, I might have been tempted to put down C.
subulatus as a stunted, undeveloped condition of one or other
of them.

NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH MOSSES 11g

CAMPYLOPUS PELIDNUS. (described 1887).—Similar to
C. atrovirens, but with stems stronger, shorter, and the leaves
more closely set and somewhat spreading. Leaves not hair-
pointed, but with several pellucid teeth at apex. No auricles,
but only very rarely small spaces at base composed of cells
with thin walls such as may be seen in other non-auricled
species. A section of the leaf reveals three nearly equal
rows of cells with thick walls, here and there translucent in
the centre. Nerve about one-third the breadth of the leaf
near the base; upper cells long, rhomboid, dark, containing
nuclei and much granular matter. Benbecula, 1885.

CAMPYLOPUS SHAWII assumes many forms, and it has
as varied aspects. One specimen, on a large scale, with
abundance of red (not brown) tomentum giving the moss
the appearance of some aspects of C. fleruosus, I have named
the variety rwfulus. In the specimen before me the leaves
are denticulate at apex as well as considerably down the
margins. The nerve is about one-half the breadth of the
leaf near the base. Auricles in young leaves colourless,
large, and hollow; in older leaves wine coloured, large,
extending right across to the nerve, suggesting in this
respect also C. fleruosus. Benbecula, 1885.

CAMPYLOPUS BREVIPILUS, var. ATTENUATUS, differs from
the type in the long slender stems, two to four inches in
length, not showing the fasciculated innovations of the leaves,
but merely slight interruptions indicative of renewed growth,
quite as in the other species; leaves not hair-pointed, with
involute margins (almost touching), and not reflexed so far
as can be seen; no auricles, but merely here and there
small pellucid spaces composed of cells with thin walls ;
upper areolation longer and more slender, .035 —.05 X .004
—.006 mm. A section of the nerve shows two to three
rows of dark small points, at times irregularly disposed,
but without the intermediate pellucid cells. Unst, Shetland,
18386.

In deference to two botanical friends, | have agreed,
meanwhile, to allow this moss to remain as a variety, mainly
because neither they nor I have completed investigations
into the structure of the nerve.

120 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

BARBULA EXIGUELLA.—Synoicous. In lax tufts, pale
green above, fuscous below, slightly radiculose, short, about +
inch in height. Leaves distant below, very small, sub-erect,
upper much longer, and crowded in a patulous coma, from a
longish sheathing, white, thin base, lanceolate, pale green or
glaucous, when dry arcuato-incurved ; wings concave, incurved,
sloping upwards rather suddenly towards the nerve; nerve
stout, bent upwards near the apex, so that the leaf there is
somewhat boat-shaped or cucullate, excurrent in a longish
mucro, prominent beneath, smooth, pale; cells at base
hyaline, lax, rectangular, ceasing transversely, gradually
becoming smaller and ending in the roundish-quadrate,
small chlorophyllose cells, papillose on both sides, and
margin crenulate from projecting cells. . Perichztial leaves
of laxer texture, the inner composed of a larger proportion
of hyaline cells. Setz pale or yellowish, straight, very
numerous ; capsule not formed.

I have only on two occasions seen antheridia nearly in
apposition to a germinating archegonium.

On the ground in open fields, Mainland, Orkney, August
1887; plentiful.

BARBULA AGGREGATA.—Stems rather densely, at times
laxly, aggregated, from one to one and a half inch in height,
stout, sparsely and shortly branched above ; leaves thickly
set on the stem, when dry circinnately incurved, nearly
straight when moistened, lanceolate, scarcely acuminate,
fragile ; pagina incurved upwards, sloping towards nerve
pretty suddenly at the acute apex ; nerve smooth on back
and pale, somewhat glistening, extruded in a short acute
mucro ; areolation at base as in that of 4. ¢ortuosa, sloping
upwards to margin at a very acute angle, and prolonged in
all the lower leaves as a single row of small smooth cells to
apex, so that the margin is smooth ; apical leaves, crenulate
in upper half; rest of the areolation dense, opaque, and
minutely papillose. On sandy soil near the sea, Harris, 1886.

BARBULA CIRRHIFOLIA (Sch.) is recorded here because
it was discovered by me on Ben Lomond in 1863, the only
Scottish station at that time. A specimen was sent to
Professor Schimper. This is A/ol/za hibernica (Mitt.), Braith.

NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH MOSSES 121

GRIMMIA RETRACTA (published 188 5), vav.SUBMUTICA.—
Gr. retracta is easily recognised in the field by its light green
patches, whose leaves remain permanently squarroso-recurved
during wet weather, while those of Gr. Hartmani under the
same conditions become flaccid, and cohere in little groups
in an upward direction. The variety swbmutica is of a
somewhat darker colour, while the leaves in some patches
are all without hair points, in others, a very short hair point
is occasionally seen. Achnacarron, Loch Awe, 1896.

BRYUM RUBRICOSUM (published 1867).—Densely tufted,
radiculose, one to three inches in height, red below, green near
summit, above sparingly and fastigiately branched. Stems
red, thickish; leaves rather distantly placed, small, about
1.4 X.8 mm., concave, obovate (narrowed a little at base),
rounded at apex, reflexed on margin almost throughout ;
nerve solid, red, tapering upwards and excurrent in a short
straight sharpish mucro, at times ceasing just below apex,
but the leaf still a little pointed ; areolation lax, oblong below,
.05 X .O19 mm., a little smaller above and more hexagonal.
Leaf not bordered nor thickened, margin composed of one,
occasionally two rows of cells, slightly narrower than the
others, viz. .013 mm. in breadth. Near the summit of Ben
Lawers, 1864.

In August of 1887 there was picked up, near the shores
of Loch Harray in Orkney, a Philonotis which attracted my
attention. An examination of the moss lately showed it to
be P. rigida (Brid.). This is the only record of the moss for
Scotland, and probably the most northern station for it in
Europe. Curiously enough, near it grew Alectorza bicolor,
enveloping a tuft of Calluna—an unusual habitat for this
lichen, and one not many feet above sea-level. On the
Ward Hill of the Mainland, Orkney, at an elevation of not
more than 150 feet above the sea-level, I secured two
mosses growing nearly in apposition, viz. Sphagnum medium
(Limpr.) and Bryum Duvali (Voit). I may revert to the
shores of Loch Harry as the habitat of several good things,
and notably as to the curious distribution there of Przmula
Sscotica.

In September of 1896, near Loch Awe, I picked off

122 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

the bark of a rather young poplar, at a height of six feet
from its base, a curious variety of Hypuum trequetrum, whose
leaves are undulated transversely much as in Decranum
undulatum, or as in those of Neckera pumzla (Hdw.), which
grew in apposition to it, or, indeed, intermingled with it.
Apart from the unusual habitat, the appearance of the moss
differs from the common form inasmuch as the branching is
irregular and not pinnate, while the short branches are not
deflexed nor attenuated. An examination of the leaf under
the microscope revealed near the base areolation larger
and more separated; while, in the same region, the cells
appeared to communicate with each other by lateral and,
occasionally, by apical pores. There were seen, besides,
one or two rows of large red cells quite at the base, which
often extended right across. Neither of these peculiarities
have I observed in normal specimens, but merely at times
yellowish cells near the nerves. Meanwhile I distinguish
this variety by the name corrugatulum.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

A Supposed Instanee of the Occurrence of the Wild Cat in
Midlothian.—When I wrote my ‘ Mammalian Fauna of the Edin-
burgh District ” I was unable to cite a single record of the occurrence
of the Wild Cat in Midlothian, but pointed to the banks of the Esk
as a locality in which it was just possible a few might have lingered
till the opening years of the present century. Not long after,
namely, in October 1892, Mr. Thomas Gordon, Banker, Edinburgh,
informed me that his father, who lived at Temple, shot a “‘ Wild Cat”
at Arniston on the southern branch of the Esk in 1830, and that its
stuffed skin remained in the family till a few years ago, when it was
destroyed. I suggested that perhaps it was only a domestic cat
run wild, but this Mr. Gordon would not admit ; and certainly his
description of it was quite in keeping with that of the present race of
Scottish Wild Cats.—WiLiiAM Evans, Edinburgh.

Marten in Sutherland and Inverness-shire.—Messrs. Mackay
received a Marten (A/ustela martes), a very fine specimen, from Mr.
D. Morrison, Scourie, Sutherland, on 12th January 1897; and
another equally fine from Kenneth Kennedy, Inverie, Knoydart,
Inverness-shire, on 11th February.—T. E. Buck ey, Inverness.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 123

Badgers in Lanarkshire.— Referring to the Badger (Meles taxus)
recorded from Lanarkshire in the “ Annals” for October 1896, I have
been informed since sending that note that other two, male and female
respectively, have been taken in the same locality, Jock’s Gill, a
deep ravine on the right bank of the Clyde, separating Milton-
Lockhart from Mauldslie Castle. The history of the female, taken
in the autumn in poachers’ nets, is somewhat obscure, which is not
surprising in view of the circumstances of its capture ; but the male
was trapped towards the end of January by the keeper at Milton-
Lockhart, and was preserved by my friend Mr. Drummond Pringle,
Chapel, Braidwood. Iam again indebted to Mr. Robert M. Morton for
communicating the information regarding these Lanarkshire Badgers,
and from the inquiries which that gentleman has made it appears
that those in the neighbourhood referred to who are most likely to
know of any introduction cannot speak to such, and are unable to
account for their appearance. It will be remembered that three
were got on the Dolphinton estate, Lanarkshire, in the two or three
years preceding 1891 (“ Scot. Nat.,” vol. v. N. S. p. 36).—JOHN
PaTERSON, Glasgow.

Great Tit in Sutherland.—This is at all times an uncommon
species anywhere north of the Kyle of Sutherland. In December
1895 a Tit was seen at Kintradwell by Mr. Houstoun, which, from his
description, was evidently a Great Tit (Parus major). It appeared
along with other species of Tits and Creepers. On 19th December
1896 I saw a single Great Tit on the road between Spinningdale
and Bonar Bridge, and this is the first actual specimen I have ever
seen in the county of Sutherland.—T. E. Buck ry, Inverness.

The Seaup Duck on Fresh Waters.—This bird is stated by
all authorities to be almost exclusively marine in habit. I am
inclined to think it is often overlooked among Tufted Ducks, with
which it usually consorts, and which it closely resembles on the water
at a distance. The male bird of each shows black and white, and it
is only through the glass that one is able to identify the Scaup drake
by his silvery gray back, and white instead of yellow irides. The
ducks of both species are very similar in general appearance, until
with age the female Scaup acquires the characteristic ring of white
feathers on the face round the bill. Scaup (Fadigula maria)
regularly frequent the lake sanctuary at Monreith, which is rarely
without one or more pairs in winter.—HERBERT MAXWELL.

Baillon’s Crake in West Renfrewshire.—In the middle of
May 1893 an example of this Crake (Porzana baillont), which had
met its death through coming in contact with telegraph wires, was
picked up in Lochwinnoch parish, Renfrewshire, by a Mr. Whitelaw.
Not knowing what the bird was, its possessor submitted it to
Messrs. Matthew Barr and John Craig, joint authors of a list of the
birds of the Ayrshire parish of Beith, adjoining Lochwinnoch, and

124 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

it was identified by them as Baillon’s Crake. Mr. Whitelaw prob-
ably did not understand its value, and he exchanged it with Mr.
F, W. Paple, Bolton, for some birds’ eggs. It was acquired by the
Chadwick Museum, Bolton, from Mr. Paple, with other birds, in the
same year (1893), and I am indebted to Mr. Thomas Midgley, the
assistant curator there, for kindly sending it to me for examination.
It is usually stated that but two examples of this species have
occurred in Scotland, and these are old records, but Mr. Macpher-
son in his ‘‘ Introduction to the Study of British Birds” (1891) says
he “can answer for a third, caught by a dog near Stranraer.” — JOHN
PATERSON, Glasgow.

Solitary Snipe in the Solway District.—A fine specimen of
this rare species, which had been shot not far from Crocketford on
2nd October, was sent me for identification. It weighed 74 ozs.
when it came to me, but the previous day it had weighed a quarter
ounce more. ‘The bird was extremely fat, and proved on dissection
to be a young male. ‘The stomach contained some moss and other
vegetable fibres unknown, one small caddis worm, one little red
earthworm, several white aquatic worms, and one single larva,
evidently lepidopterous. So far as I know, this is the first time the
occurrence of the Great Snipe (Galdinago major) in Dumfriesshire
or Galloway has been thoroughly authenticated. There is, however,
a record in the old files of the Courier for 29th September 1818 of
an extra large Snipe that I have no doubt was really a specimen of
the Solitary Snipe. The paragraph is of interest in the present
connection, and runs as follows :—‘“ As two gentlemen were shooting
at Barnsoul on Thursday last, a remarkably large snipe rose before
them, at which, in order to make sure, they both fired, and brought
it down. It proved to be of the most beautiful plumage, and of
the following weight and dimensions, viz. 8 ounces in weight, and
measured from tip to tip of the wings 194 inches, and in length
from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail 154 inches.”—
R. SERvIcE, Maxwelltown.

Greenshank and other Birds in West Lothian.—On 4th
February I picked up a Greenshank (Zotanus canescens) in a sadly
mutilated condition at the side of Port Edgar in West Lothian.
On 4th to 6th February I counted seventy-nine dead birds in por-
tions of the West Lothian and Fife shores, the most interesting of
which, next to the Greenshank, was the Little Auk (A/ca alle), of
which I found ten individuals.—RoOBERT GopFREy, Edinburgh.

The Curlew Sandpiper and Marsh Tit in East Renfrewshire.
—wWe are able to add the two species named to the list of East
Renfrewshire birds. In September 1895 we saw two or three
waders, which we suspected to be Curlew Sandpipers (Z7zmga subar-
quata), but they flew off, and gathering darkness made further search
useless. On 19th September 1896, however, we were pleased to

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 125

have our suspicions confirmed regarding the appearance of this
species at this season, by seeing two of them at Waulkmill Glen
Reservoir ; and on the following day, at Balgray, less than a mile
distant, we heard the somewhat musical ¢Areep of this species, and
saw two (probably the birds of the previous day) detach them-
selves from a small flock of waders which were skimming across the
waters. The Marsh Tit (Parus palustris) has been seen on thirteen
occasions between 7th November 1896 and 14th February 1897 in
the Giffnock district. Comparatively numerous at one time during
that period, it has disappeared since the last-named date, but we
hope only temporarily. Its characteristic “chay, chay,” is sometimes
so shaky as to resemble the buzzing of a humble-bee entangled in
grass. —JOHN PATERSON and JOHN ROBERTSON.

Gray Phalarope in the Solway District.—A remarkably early
instance of the occurrence of this scarce species in the district is
an example shot on the Nith near to Kelton on 19th September
last, which came into my hands shortly afterwards. As usual, the
bird was very tame, and was easily procured as it swam near to
the river edge. The specimen is a rather small male. I have an
impression that the Gray Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) only
finds its way to our area after strong north-westerly winds. For
some days previous to the capture of this particular bird there had
been very strong winds from N.N.W.—R. Service, Maxwelltown.

Little Gull on the West Coast of Scotland.—Considering the
comparative rarity of Zarws minutus in Western Scotland, it is
interesting to notice the relative frequency with which this species
has visited the Solway Firth of recent years. In 1893 a bird of the
year was shot on Rockliffe Marsh on the 28th of October. Another
was shot near Annan in January 1894. A very interesting bird, in
changing plumage, was shot near Silloth in June 1894. I received
several reports of a Little Gull being seen by different observers on
the Eden at Carlisle in January and February 1895. A Little Gull
in nest feather was shot on the north side of the Esk, opposite
Rockliffe Marsh, on the 16th of September 1896. Lastly, another
young bird, which retains much of the brown nest plumage on the
upper parts, was obtained near Allonby on the gth of October 1896.
This last specimen was shot by Mr. Thomas Mann, who kindly in-
sisted upon my accepting it. I had previously purchased the other
four specimens, and added them to the public collection of Aves in
the Carlisle Museum. A record of our local occurrences of Larus
minutus prior to 1893 will be found, I believe, in the “ Fauna of
Lakeland.” This note brings the record up to date.—H. A, Mac-
PHERSON, Allonby Vicarage, Cumberland.

Little Auks in the Forth.—The Little Auks (AZergulus alle)
have again been driven on our shores, but apparently not in any-

126 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

thing like such numbers as in the beginning of 1895. ‘The first I
heard of them was from Mr. D. Bruce, Dunbar, who reported one
found in an exhausted state on the railway embankment near there
on 15th January ; others were seen just off the town the same day.
On 3rd February he again wrote me to say that the fishermen
reported large numbers in the mouth of the Firth between St. Abb’s
and Fife Ness; also that on the previous day he had three specimens
brought to him, and had heard of others being got at Spott and
other inland localities. On 1st February one was found at Aberlady
and taken to Mrs. Bryden ; and about the same date two were shot
close to Portobello Pier. On roth February I saw altogether thirty-
one in the hands of the city taxidermists: most of these specimens
had been ‘‘sexed,” and with one exception were females.—WILLIAM
Evans, Edinburgh.

Little Auk in Renfrewshire.—Mr. John Lang, Greenock, has
kindly sent me word that a Little Auk (4/ca alle) was picked up dead
on 6th February this year near the Cloch Lighthouse.— JoHN
PATERSON, Glasgow.

Vertigo substriata in Midlothian.—On 8th ult. (March 1897)
I found a fresh specimen of this tiny shell on a patch of damp moss
(Mnium punctatum) in Dreghorn Valley, Pentland Hills, near Edin-
burgh. I do not think the species has previously been reported for
the county. The specimen has been submitted to Mr. J. W.
Taylor, F.L.S., for “authentication.”—-WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.

A New Station for the Water Spider.—47gyvoneta aquatica has
been found at the Braid Hills in the course of the investigations
which are being carried on at the ponds there by Mr. T.
Scott, F.L.S., F.Z.S., and myself. This station is the pond at
the southern side of the Braids known as the Elf Loch. About
1885 two members of the Edinburgh Field Naturalists’ Society,
Messrs. Archibald Gray and A. B. Herbert, found this interesting
spider—the one at Luffness, the other at Bavelaw. Mr. Herbert
then predicted that it would yet be found nearer the city, and now
two members of the same Society have discovered it to be present
in the loch above mentioned.—JouHNn Linpsay, Edinburgh.

Noctua depuneta and Mania maura and its vars. in Roxburgh-
shire.—When sugaring some trunks here for /Voctuwe in the begin-
ning of August last, I took a specimen of WVoctua depuncta on a
trunk of spruce fir, settled amongst other common insects such as
G. Pronuba, X. Polyodon, etc. Mr. C. G. Barrett has seen the
specimen, and notes this as a new locality for it. Janta maura
at same time was not uncommon on the trunks, and I took eleven
fine specimens, including the coppery-brown coloured variety, and
another intermediate between the typical form and it, with the
orbicular and reniform spots having a distinctly paler outline, and

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 127

also the marginal index of hind wings; and the blotch or spot at
apical angle of fore wings being much lighter in colour and more
distinctly defined.—A. Exuiot, Caverton, Roxburgh.

Dactylocotyle palmatum (Zewchart) in the Moray Firth.—A
few specimens of this curious Trematode were obtained on the gills
of a Ling (AZolva vulgaris) caught in the Moray Firth last November.
This leech-like parasite does not appear to be very common; I do
not know of any previous Scottish record for it. The anterior end
is obliquely two-lobed, and each lobe terminates in four finger-like
appendages: the lobes are opposite each other, and grasp the gill-
arch much the same as an object is grasped by the fingers and thumb
of the human band.—TuHomas Scott, Leith.

Rhinealanus gigas, 4rady, in the Moray Firth.—A specimen
of this Copepod was captured in the Moray Firth, off Nairn, on the
16th of October last. So far as I know, this is only the third time
Rhincalanus gigas has been recorded as having been found in the
Scottish seas: it was first obtained in some tow-net material from
Orkney collected in 1889, and in February of the following year I
obtained the same species twenty-two miles south-east of Montrose.—
THoMAS Scott, Leith.

Euealanus erassus, Gresbrecht, in the Moray Firth.—A speci-
men of this Copepod was obtained in the same gathering of tow-net
material collected off Nairn in which RAcncalanus gigas occurred.
There is no previous record of Lucalanus crassus from the East
Coast of Scotland.—THomas Scott, Leith.

Asterocheres violaceus (C/aus) from the Firth of Clyde.—
Quite recently I obtained two specimens of this somewhat rare
species in some material collected last year off Pladda Island, Firth
of Clyde. The species has not before been recorded from Scotland,
but my son (who has published a description, with drawings, of the
species) has recorded it from the Irish Sea (see Giesbrecht’s
Revision of the Ascomyzontide, published in ‘Zoologischer Anzeiger,”
Nos. 521 and 522, 1897).—THomas Scott, Leith.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Seoteh Euphrasis.—Dr. von Wettstein of Prague, who has
recently published a monograph of the genus Euphrasia, has kindly
looked over a few of my specimens gathered in Scotland. They
include the following, which are described as species in the
monograph alluded to :—

Luphrasia curta, Fries (“ Nov. Fl. Suec.” (1828), ed. il. p. 198,

128 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

pro var. Wettst. “Mon. Euph.” (1896), p. 228).—I gathered this pretty
small form near Invercauld, South Aberdeenshire, in June 1896.

£. gracilis, Fries (“ Mantissa,” iii. p. 62).—Invercauld in South
Aberdeen; near Strathpeffer in East Ross; Ben Lawers, Mid-
Perth.

£. brevipila, Burnat et Gremli (ex. Townsend in “ Journ. Bot.”
(1884), p. 167).—In several places about Braemar, South Aberdeen-
shire, 1896.

£. borealis (Towns.) Wettst. (“ Mon. Euphrasia ” (1896), p. 108).
—Applecross, Ullapool, Dundonell, etc., in West Ross; Glen
Spean in Westerness ; Kingussie in Easterness ; near Loch of Spynie
in Elgin.

£. Rostkoviana, Hayne (“Arzneig.,” ix. (1823), t. 7).—Ben
Lawers, in Mid-Perth.—G. CLARIDGE DRUCE.

[In Highland Plants collected in 1896 (“Journal of Botany,”
March 1897. Messrs. Marshall and Shoolbred record the follow-
ing Euphrasiz :—‘“ &. Rostkoviana Hayne and £. gracilis Fr. are
frequent about Glen Roy; £&. scottica Wettst. (Z. paludosa Towns.,
non KR. Br.) is also plentiful, and ascends to fully 2000 feet,
preferring wet, grassy, or sedgy spots.”]

Seoteh Carices—Carex wdocarpa, Anderss., “ Plantee Scandina-
vie” (1849), p. 25, as asub-species of C. Géderz, Ehrh. Calam. n. 79.
C. Géderi (Ehrh. Cal.), Hoffm., “Deutsch. FI,” var. edocarpa
(And.), Hartm., ‘‘ Hand. Skand. Fl.” (1879), p. 459: “Spica masc.
valde pedunculata, fem. ovatis-globosis remotis, fructibus nervis
acutioribus rostroque evidentiori, recto, bracteis erecto-patentibus ;
culmis decurvis. In Roslagia (ad Ranas) tantum observavi.” ‘ Flora
Danica,” t. mmdccxciv., Exs. Herb. Norm., f. 13, n. 83: “ Differt a
speciei forma typica spica mascula longius pedunculata, foemineis
ovalibus vel globoso-ovatis, inter se remotis, bracteis erecto-patentibus,
perigynii rostro magis conspicuo recto, nervis magis prominulis.” I
gathered this sedge near Loch-an-Eilan, Easterness, as noted in the
“Scottish Naturalist” for 1888, p. 330.

C. canescens, Vann., “sps Pl’ (2753), Pp. 974 val. tents, OF K.
Lang in “Linnea” (1851), xxiv. p. 538: “Tota valde gracilis et
debilis habitum fere referens Caricis Persooniil. Spiculz paucifloree.
Hujus memorabilis formze czespitem circiter culmorum octodecim
in consortio normalis plante prope Erlangam quondam legi.” In
the year 1888 I found this variety in Glen More, Easterness. I owe
the identification to Dr. Lange of Copenhagen. I had placed it in
my Alpine canescentes, as it bears considerable resemblance to the
var. alpicola of British botanists. I may refer those botanists who
continue to use the name of C. curta for the species to Andersson’s
“‘ Cyperaceze Scandinavie,” p. 58, where the author says: “‘ Auctores
Anglici Linnzeum C. canescentis nomine C. brizoidem vy. C. Buxbaumil
intellixisse contendunt, quare nostram C. canescentem C. curtam

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 129

dixerunt. Quze transmutatio nominum e confusione minime insolita
speciminum, que in herbario Linn. asservantur, evidenter orta est,
quare nomen a botanicis suecicis semper adhibitum heic jure re-
cepimus.”—G. CLARIDGE DRUCE.

Poa nemoraiis, Linn., “Sp. Pl.” (1753), p. 69, var. subunifiora,
Reichb., ‘‘Ic. Fl. Germ. et Helv.,” i. p. 51, t. clix. f. 403: “Tenuis-
sima spiculis paucis subunifloris.” This depauperated variety, or
form, occurs plentifully about the Corrymulzie Falls, in South
Aberdeenshire. Professor Hackel is my authority for the name.—
G. CLARIDGE DRUCE.

Seottish Fungi.—Miss A. L. Smith, in her paper on “ Micro-
scopic Fungi new to or rare in Britain,” notes the following from
Scotland :—

* Peronospora Radit, De Bary.—On leaves of Chrysanthemum
segetum, Dalton, Dumfriesshire, August 1894. [I gathered this
fungus on capitula of Cl see CE segetum in Orkney in 1888,
ane on capitula of MJatricaria tnodora in “Aberdeenshire in 1890.—
je W. He TRaie.]

Sporodinia grandis, Link., and Sysygites megalocarpus, Ehr.—
On decaying fungi, Annan, Dumitiesshire, August 1896.

* Mortierella Rostafinskiz, Bref., on dead fir stump; and J.
candelabrum, Van Tiegh. and Le Mon., on a fungus at Strathpeffer,
August 1896; Mr. Jenkin.

* Piptocephalis Freseniana, De Bary.—Parasitic on Filavia on
rabbits’ dung at Strathpeffer ; Mr. Jenkin.

Achlya apiculata, De Bary.—On mouths of U¢ricudaria bladders,
Strathpeffer, Mr. Jenkin.

CEdocephalum Preussii, Sacc., Cephalosporium Acremonium
Corda, and Cephalothecium candidum, Bon.—On decaying stems, etc.,
Annan, Dumfriesshire, August 1896.

* Periconia pycnospora, Fres.—On dead herbs and Acremontella
pallida, Cooke and Massee, Annan, August 1896.

Stachybotrys alternans, Bon.—On packing-straw from Edinburgh,
June 1896.

New Forms of British Rubii—The Rev. W. Moyle Rogers,
in the “Journal of Botany” for February (pp. 42-50), gives a full
enumeration of the forms of Aubws found by himself and by his
son, in the summer of 1896, in five counties of Midland and West
Scotland, but chiefly near Callander in West Perth. They are
numerous, among them being four not previously recorded from
Britain. These are :—

“R., Scheutzii, Lindeb. (=. Lindebergit, P. J. Muell., var.
tristts, Aresch).—One of the most abundant and most constant
brambles seen by me in Mid Scotland. West Perth—exceedingly
common about Callander, Loch Vennachar, Lake of Monteith,
and between it and Aberfoyle. Mid Perth—Knock of Crieff,

22 F

130 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Crianlarich (Rev. E. S. Marshall). Stirlingshire—about Stirling
and Gargunnock. . . . I should say that its nearest allies in
our list are FR. pulcherrimus, Neum., and &. Lindebergi, P. J.
Muell.; but its peculiar leaves, glabrous stem, and very different
colouring, make it recognisable from both at a glance, nor do I
think it possible for any careful observer to confuse the living bush
with other British forms. The following are its most marked
characters :—It grows in large, rather low, circular masses, with
glabrous, shining stem, green, rhamnifolian, nearly glabrous leaves,
a remarkably broad subrotund-cuspidate terminal leaflet, and a
long, very narrow, more or less flexuous panicle with large flowers,
long stamens, pinkish-lilac petals, and gray-green sepals, which are
only loosely reflexed on the fall of the petals, and become more or
less subpatent afterwards.”

“R. hirtifolius, Muell. and Wirtg., var. danicus, Focke.—West
Perth—common, Callander, Loch Earn, Lake of Monteith, etc.
Mid Perth—Knock of Crieff (a form intermediate between type
and variety), Crianlarich (E. S. Marshall). Argyle—Dalmally (E. S.
Marshall). Stirlingshire—in two localities (Messrs. Kidston and
Stirling). Mid Ebudes—Coll (S. M. Macvicar). Sutherland. A
plant gathered by Mr. F. J. Hanbury at Tongue is probably this.”

“The following is Dr. Focke’s note on the West Perth specimens :
—‘This is indeed my Rubus danicus, which I put as a variety
under &. Airtifolius, Muell. and Wirtg. It is a plant that is nearly
intermediate between A. macrophyllus and RK. pyramidalis. ‘Terminal
leaflet much more rounded than in either species.’ . . . It seems to
me much nearer to var. Schlechtendalit than to typical macrophyllus,
though distinguished from both without difficulty by the ascending
sepals (common to it and to &#. Airtifolius) and the very differently
shaped terminal leaflet. The more roundish cuspidate-acuminate
terminal leaflet is also one of the characters by which danicus is
distinguished from typical Airtifolius, together with the more hairy
under surface of the leaves and the luxuriant panicle with more
conspicuously hairy rachis and more showy flowers. ‘The bracts
are usually somewhat gland-ciliate, and the pedicels occasionally a
little glandular; but generally it seems a more nearly eglandular
plant than the type, though that also, like many of its allies, is
variable in this respect. The petals are white, and the sepals
reflexed in flower, but quickly becoming patent.”

“« R. melanoxylon, Muell. and Wirtg.—West Perth, fairly common,
seemingly distinct, in spite of considerable variation in armature.
Callander Crags; near L. Vennachar and L. Earn; moor between
Callander and Port of Monteith. Dr. Focke writes: ‘The species
is not well known, and its limits are quite uncertain. Your plant
from Scotland, however, is more like the original specimens than
anything I met with under this name.’ . . . It seems nearly allied

EE

CURRENT LITERATURE 131

to R. mucronatus, Blox., and FR. podophyllus, P. J. Muell., coming
between them and the more glandular states of &. calvatus, Blox.,
and distinguishable from the two former by its stronger, larger
prickles, more mixed armature, gradually acuminate leaflets, com-
pound panicle, and dark purplish brown colour of stem and rachis ;
and from &. calvatus by the close, even toothing and soft under
surface of its more roundish-acuminate terminal leaflet, as well as by
the mixed armature. . . . My very distinct Hants and Dorset
plant, described as &. melanoxylon by Professor Babington in
‘Journ. Bot.,’ 1890, p. 133, 1s R. melanodermis, Focke.”

“R. Drejert, G. Jansen.—West Perth, by Lochs Earn and
Vennachar ; Stirling, on Castle Hill, and among rocks beyond
King’s Park. Thus named for me by Dr. Focke, with the additional
note: ‘&. Drejert, 1 think, is exactly the same plant as the type
from Slesvig and Denmark.’ This is not quite the plant described
by me in ‘Journ. Bot.,’ 1892, p. 271, under the same name, then
suggested for it by Dr. Focke, that being the R. Zeyanus, Rogers,
‘Lond. Cat.,’ ed. 9, No. 482, a widespread and locally abundant
form with us, which appears to be unknown on the Continent. The
true R. Drejert . . . differs from R. Zeyanus in its dull-coloured,
more hairy stem, its chiefly 3-nate leaves and shortly pointed
roundish or obovate leaflets, with less formal outline, /ooser toothing,
and harsher greener under surface, its much longer and more
cylindrical panicle with hairier and more densely prickly rachis and
broader less attenuate sepals. Thus the shining, neat look and
yellowish colour so characteristic of #. Zeyanus give place to a
rough, shaggy look and dull brownish colour in A. Drezeri, and the
close alliance between them is by no means striking at first sight.

. I think that form (Zeyanus) had best be placed as a strongly
marked variety under 2. Dreyert.”

In addition to the above forms there are many new county
records, especially from West Perth, but these will appear in due
course in Mr. Bennett’s annual report of additions to ‘ Topo-
graphical Botany.”

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—January-March 1897.

[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 initals of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the
sources of information undermentioned. ]

ZOOLOGY.

THE IsLANDS OF YELL SouND. By Robert Godfrey. The
Field, gth January 1897, p. 62.—Treats of the birds of these islands,
and of the mammals in the surrounding waters.

132 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

By RIVER AND LocH IN AYRSHIRE. By Boyd Alexander. Zhe
Field, 23rd January 1897, p. 100.—Deals with the bird-life of the
district round Ballochmyle.

UNsST AND ITs Birp-Lirzr. By Robert Godfrey. Zhe Field,
30th January 1897, p. 134.

PROTECTION OF WILD Birps IN ScoTLanp.—Zzhe Field, 30th
January 1897, p. 135.—Summary of orders made by the Secretary
for Scotland for the counties of Dumbarton, Berwick, and Had-
dington.

SCLAVONIAN GREBE AND LITTLE AUK AT ST. ANDREWS. M. J.
C.M. The Field, 20th February 1897, p. 243.—Six of the former
and a good many of the latter birds recorded.

ADDITIONS TO “ BRITISH CoNCHOLOGY.” By J. T. Marshall.
Journal of Conchology, viii. pp. 338-352 (January 1897).—These
notes include a large number of Scotch records.

Nores FROM THE WEST OF ScoTLAND. A. Adie Dalglish. ut.
Record, vol. 1x. p. 17 (15th January 1897).—Records of fifty species
of Lepidoptera from various localities.

COLLECTING ON THE East Coast oF ScoTLAND. Arthur Horne.
Ent. Record, vol. ix. p. 18 (15th January 1897).—Notes of thirty-
two species of Lepidoptera from Aberdeen, Kincardineshire, etc.

LEPIDOPTERA OBSERVED IN GLEN LocHay. By Kenneth J.
Morton, F.E.S. £xt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. viii. pp. 1-4 (January 1897).
—A long list of species taken during the month of June 1895.

COLIAS HYALE IN SCOTLAND. J. R. Malloch. Zt. Mo. Mag.
(2), vol. viii. p. 62 (March 1897).—An interesting and beautiful
specimen captured in a clover-field on 5th August 1896; no precise
locality is given.

EUVANESSA ANTIOPA IN ABERDEENSHIRE. Wm. Cowie. £7xt.
Record, vol. ix. p. 20 (15th January 1897).—Specimen captured on
4th October 1896 between Logierieve and Esslemont.

CHAROCAMPA NERII IN ABERDEENSHIRE. Arthur Horne. £77.
Record, vol. ix. p. 63 (March 1897).—A male taken on roth Sep-
tember at Grandholm Works, near Aberdeen.

NocTUA DEPUNCTA AND MANIA MAURA IN ROXBURGHSHIRE.
A. Elliot. xz. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. viii. p. 63 (March 1897).—Speci-
men taken at Caverton in August 1896.

OccURRENCE OF ‘‘ HADENA” MAILLARDI, HUB., IN THE SHET-
LAND Istes. By C. G. Barrett, F.E.S. £x7z. Mo. Mag. (2), vol.
viii. pp. 51-52 (March 1897).—This paper establishes the identity
of this moth with Crymodes exulis, of which it is a variation.

SETINA IRRORELLA IN SUTHERLAND. Herbert Ashby. £7/o-
mologist, vol. xxx. p. 81 (March 1897).—Specimen obtained in June
1896 on a small island in Badcall Bay, on the West Coast.

CURRENT LITERATURE 133

XANTHOLINUS DISTANS, KRr., in CarrHNess. Alfred Thornley.
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. viii. p. 19 (January 1897).—A few ex-
amples taken near Thurso in August 1892.

LIMNOPHILUS ELEGANS, C., AT RaNnnocH. James J. F. X.
King. nt. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. viii. p. 14 (January 1897).—A
specimen taken in Currie Wood during May 1896.

BOTANY.

On Rosert Brown. Presidential Address to Edinburgh
Botanical Society, by Professor F. O. Bower, F.R.S. Zvrans. and
Proc. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part ii. pp. 459-468.

THE GERMINATION OF BARLEY WITH RESTRICTED MOISTURE.
By T. Cuthbert Day. Zvans. and Proc. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part ii.
Pp. 492-501.

AN ATTEMPT TO CLASSIFY COMMON PLANT PIGMENTS, WITH SOME
OBSERVATIONS ON THE MEANING OF COLOUR IN PLanTs. By Miss
M. J. Newbiggin, B.Sc., Zrvans. and Proc. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part iil.
PP. 534-559:

NOTES FROM THE RoyAL BOTANIC GARDEN, EDINBURGH.
Being,—I, Report on Vegetation from July to December 1895, by
Rosert Linpsay; II, Meteorological Observations for same
months; Lil, Notes on Plants in the Plant Houses, by Ro Ez:
Harrow. TZyrans. and Proc. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part iil. pp. 472-
479, 487-489, 502-500.

AUSTRALIAN AND OTHER FOREIGN TREES AND PLANTS IN ARRAN,
ALL UNPROTECTED. By Rev. David Landsborough. TZzans. and
Proc. Bot. Soc, Edin., xx. part il. pp. 508-531.

EXCURSION OF THE SCOTTISH ALPINE BOTANICAL CLUB TO
TYNDRUM IN 1895. By William Craig, M.D. TZyvans. and Proc.
Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part iil. pp. 481-486.

PLANTS OF TIREE AND Cott. By Symers M. Macvicar. /ourn.
Bot, February, pp. 54-57-— Ranunculus marinus, Fries, from
Tiree, is the first “satisfactory” record from Scotland known to
Mr. A. Bennett; Potamogeton coloratus, Hornem., is new county
record from Coll; and Plantago Coronopus, var. maritima, Gren. and
Godr., is new record of variety from Britain.

HIGHLAND PLANTS COLLECTED IN 1896. By Rev. E. S.
Marshall, M.A., F.L.S., and W. A. Shoolbred, F.R.C.S. Journ. Bot.,
March, pp. 65-71.—Chiefly in Glen Spean, in Corrie Ardran, and
Glen Falloch (Mid Perth), and at Ardlui in Dumbarton.

On soME ScoTtisH Rusi. By Rev. W. Moyle Rogers, F.L.S.
Journ. Bot., February, pp. 42-50.—Records full results of exploration

134 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

in 1896 of Callander and other localities in West Perth, Knock of
Crieff, and near Killin and Loch Tay in Mid Perth, and brief visits
to Oban, Balloch, and Stirlingshire.

Set or British Rugi. <A supplementary fascicle (Nos. 106-134)
has just been issued by Messrs. Ley, E. F. Linton, W. R. Linton, and
Rogers. It contains seven forms that, ‘‘so far as is known at
present, are endemic.” The specimens are excellent, as in the
previously issued fascicles. None are from Scotch localities.

BRITISH HreractA. Second fascicle, issued by Messrs. E. F.
and W. L. Linton.—Many of the examples are Scottish.

CAREX AQUATILIS Wahlb. in LakE LANCASHIRE, by Arthur
Bennett, F.L.S. (WVaturalist, March 1897, pp. 77-80). The
distribution of the species in Great Britain and Ireland is fully
discussed under the vice-counties. These amount to three in North
England, twenty-one in Scotland, and seven in Ireland.

HYMENOPHYLLUM TUNBRIDGENSE, SM., IN S. EBUDES, V.C. 102.
By A. Somerville. Journ, Bot. January, p. 21.—In Kildalton
Woods, Islay.

Moss ExcHANGE CiuB MS. Report For 1896. /ourn. Bot.,
January, pp. 30-31.—In this brief notice the following are mentioned
from Scotland :—Aypnuum procerrimum from Perthshire (R. H.
Meldrum), and P. cochleariforme, Weis., from Moidart (S. M.
Macvicar).

THUIDIUM PHILIBERTI, LIMPR., A NEW BritTIsH Moss. By
H. N. Dixon, M.A., F.L.S. Journ. Bot., January 1897, pp. 16-17).
—Found sterile near summit of Craig Chailleach in Perthshire in
1893. Described and distinguished from its nearest allies (Z-
aelicatulum, Mitt., and 7: recognitum, Lindb.) most readily by stem
leaves drawn out into fine hyaline hair of a single row of linear cells.

MICROSCOPIC FUNGI NEW TO, OR RARE IN, BRITAIN. By Annie
Lorrain Smith. Journ. Bot., January 1887.—Several of the species
are from localities in Scotland (see p. 129).

FUNGI OBSERVED IN GLEN URQUHART, INVERNESS-SHIRE (at the
meeting of the Scottish Cryptogamic Society in 1895). By Rev.
David Paul. TZvans. and Proc. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part iil. pp.
468-471.—Folyporus ciliatus, Fr., new to Britain, and various rare
species.

ALG# AT LosstEMouTH. Journ. Bot., January, p. 31.—Mr. E.
M. Holmes exhibited at the Linnean Society’s meeting of 3rd Dec.
1896, Liebmannia major, new to Britain, found by himself in
August 1896.

THE GENUS GLOIOPELTIS. By Professor Fr. Schmitz, Greifswald.
Trans. and Proc. Bot. Soc. Edin., xx. part ili. pp. 554-570.

REVIEWS 135

REVIEWS.

First RECORDS OF BRITISH FLOWERING Puants. By William
A. Clarke, F.L.S. Reprinted, with additions and corrections, from
the “Journal of Botany,” 1892-96. (London: West, Newman,
and Co., 1897.)

We have frequently had occasion to quote from Mr. Clarke’s
compilation extracts relating to first records of plants from Scottish
localities ; and we very gladly welcome the issue of the work, which
in its completed state forms an octavo of 103 pages. Only those
that have attempted such work can fully appreciate the labour
required in its execution, and the care with which it has been
prepared. It deserves, and ought to find, a hearty welcome from all
interested in British botany, and especially from those who desire to
know something of the growth of systematic study of the flora. An
index of genera adds to its value for reference in its new form.

A MANUAL AND DICTIONARY OF THE FLOWERING PLANTS
AND Ferns. By J. C. Willis, M.A. (Cambridge University
Press, 1897.)

This work, in two small octavo volumes, is one of the
excellent ‘‘Cambridge Natural Science Manuals.” ‘Though not
specially devoted to British botany, it will be found most suggestive
and useful as a companion to the systematic floras, directing the
attention to points (not requiring a microscope for their investiga-
tion) in the structure and biology of the more important native
genera that are seldom touched on in such floras. The first
volume treats of such subjects as General Morphology, Variation,
Evolution, Classification, Forms of Vegetation, Geographical Distri-
bution, and Economic Botany. ‘This part will repay careful perusal.
The second volume is prepared in the form of a dictionary for
reference.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO APPLIED NATURE. By William Wilson,
Jun. (London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent, and Co.,
1896.)

This little volume consists of a number of essays, some of which
had been read at the meetings of various societies, while others are
published in it for the first time. With the connecting link that all
relate more or less to agriculture, they range over a wide field in
their choice of subjects ; and, in consequence, a good many of them
are only Mr. Wilson’s conceptions of information gleaned by him
from varied sources. Some of the papers, on the other hand, are
based on personal observations, and show power of observation
and love of the open-air study of natural history in its applications
to agriculture.

136 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

THE MicRATION OF BiRDS: A CONSIDERATION OF HERR
GATKE’s views. By F. B. Whitlock. (London: R. H. Porter,
£eg7.) Price 3s..6d. met

This is a brochure of 140 pages devoted, as its title implies, to
a critical examination of Herr Gatke’s views on bird-migration as set
forth in his now well-known volume on the Ornithology of Heligo-
land. Mr. Whitlock deals with the subject under five heads,
namely :—(1) Direction of the Migration Flight ; (2) Altitude of the
Flight, and Meteorological Conditions which influence Migration ;
(3) Velocity of the Flight; (4) The causes of the Migratory Move-
ment, and what guides Birds during their Migrations ; and (5) Excep-
tional Migration Phenomena. (A Table of Contents to facilitate re-
ference to these chapters would have been a decided convenience.)

Herr Gatke’s theories—speculations we had almost said—on
several of these points are, we believe, pretty generally regarded
among ornithologists as decidedly extravagant and unsupported by
anything deserving the name of proof; but mainly, no doubt, from
generous motives, with which we fully sympathise, no adequate
criticism of them has previously appeared in this country, though
doubtless Dr. J. A. Allen’s able notice in the American journal
“The Auk,” for April 1896, is familiar to many of our readers.
Mr. Whitlock’s pamphlet should therefore be welcomed by all who
desire to see the other side of the question placed before the public
in a manner worthy of its importance. To our mind there can be
little doubt on which side the balance of evidence lies. Before we
can believe with Herr Gatke that the majority of migratory birds,
contrary to all we know of their physical powers and organisation,
can suddenly, on two nights in the year, rise from the lower atmo-
sphere in which their lives are spent to an altitude of from four to
seven miles above sea-level, and there, in spite of the rarity, etc., of the
air, not only live, but put forth powers of flight far exceeding anything
they seem capable of when within our ken,—before, we say, we can
believe this, some solid evidence of its possibility and necessity will
have to be adduced.

But those who wish to see an ample and thoughtful discussion of
the objections to Herr Gitke’s views, and the difficulties which
surround them, cannot do better than read Mr. Whitlock’s little
book ; and along with it we would suggest the perusal of Mr. Eagle
Clarke’s “‘ Digest of the Observations on Migration,” in which what
undoubtedly are the true bearings of meteorological conditions upon
migration are explained. W. E.

The Annals

of
Scottish Natural History

No. 23] 1697 [JULY

REPORT ON THE MOVEMENTS AND OCCUR-
RENCE OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING

1896.
By Lionet W. Hinxman, B.A.

Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union.

IT is satisfactory to be able to report a considerable increase
in the number of schedules sent in for 1896. Thirty-four in
all have been received, as compared with twenty in 1895.
Of these, twenty-two come from lighthouses and coast-stations,
the remainder from inland observers.

The faunal areas of Moray, Tay, Outer Hebrides, and
West Ross are still most insufficiently represented, and it is
hoped that additional observers in these districts may this
year be added to the list. Schedules can always be obtained
from Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, Museum of Science and Art,
Edinburgh.

It remains to convey our hearty thanks to all those who
have kindly assisted in these inquiries, with the hope that
they may be able to induce others to record and send in their
observations.

The following list gives the names of observers from
whom reports have been received. The localities are arranged

Bee B

138 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

under the different faunal areas, proceeding from north to
south along the east and west coasts.

SHETLAND.
Locality. Name of Observer.
North Unst L.H. James Ferrier.
Sumburgh Head L.H. D. Sinclair.
ORKNEY.
N. Ronaldshay L.H. Chas. M‘Fadyen.
Isle of Graemsay L.H. Sam. Sutherland.
N. Ronaldshay Allan Briggs.
SUTHERLAND. .
Dunnet Head L.H. Arch. M ‘Eachern.
Holburn Head L.H. Peter Anderson.
Cape Wrath L.H. Neil M‘Donald.
Thurso Lewis Dunbar.
Moray.
Cromarty L.H. Donald Miller.
Badenoch Lionel W. Hinxman.
DEE.
Kinnairds Head L.H. Robert Murray.
Rattray Head L.H. R. Clyne and J. Gilmour.
Peterhead Rey. W. Serle.
Tay.
Arbroath T. F. and W. J. Dewar.
Tayfield, Newport Wilham Berry.
FORTH.
Inchkeith L.H. William Gilmour.
Lothians Bruce Campbell.
Lothians Robert Godfrey.
Dalmeny Charles Campbell.
Aberfoyle and E. Lothian William Evans.
TWEED.
Hallmyre, Peebles David G. Laidlaw.

Chirnside, Eastern Borders Charles Stuart, M.D.

MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1806 139

OUTER HEBRIDES.

Locality. Name of Observer.
Barra John M‘Rury, M.B.
ARGYLL AND INNER HEBRIDES.
Isle Ornsay, Skye The Lightkeepers.
Skerryvore L.H. John Nicol and William Ross.
Dhuheartach L.H. W. Davidson.
since Peter Anderson.
CLYDE.
Lamlash L.H. James Edgar.
Pladda, L: HE: Robert A. M‘Harrie.
Ailsa Craig L.H. William A. Tulloch.
Turnberry Point L.H. Thomas J. Wallace.
Ti Bue localities { John Paterson, John Robertson,
(| H. B. Watt, Robert Wilson.
SOLWAY.
Mull of Kintyre L.H. William Quine.

GENERAL REMARKS.

The mild winter of 1895-96 was followed by a warm
and early spring, and the dates recorded for the appearance
of our summer migrants are, on the whole, slightly earlier
than in 1895, but show no marked departure from the
normal.

The spring bird-movements recorded are unimportant.
Skylarks were observed in small numbers at Skerryvore
Feb. 13-18, and Thrushes, with other birds unidentified,
Aprile4-7- Exom Tiree comes the usual mote of the
northward passage of Whimbrels and White Wagtails at the
latter end of April.

The principal autumn migratory movement appears to
have taken place between the 4th and 14th of September,
and was noticed both on the East and West Coasts. In North
Ronaldshay, Orkney, with E. and S.E. winds, birds appeared
in increasing numbers from Sept. 7 to Sept. 12, when a
recular rush took place—including Redstarts “in swarms,”
Whitethroats, Pied Flycatchers, Willow Wrens, and Pied

140 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Wagtails. Wind S.E., strong. At Rattray Head L.H. a
rush of Redstarts and Whitethroats occurred on Sept. 7, wind
SE Shoe

On the West Coast rushes of Wheatears, Robins, Meadow
Pipits, and Pied Wagtails were noted at Skerryvore and
Dhuheartach, Sept. 5-14, with easterly winds ; and Wheat-
ears and Robins at Pladda, Sept. 5-7. A later rush of
Thrushes, Chaffinches, and Snow Buntings was observed at
Skerryvore, Nov. 4 and 5, with strong N.W.-S.W. winds.

Among other points of interest contained in the reports,
attention may be called to the evidence for the farther ex-
tension of range of the Stock Dove and Tufted Duck; the
unusual number of Turtle Doves, reported from many widely
separated localities; the occurrence of Wrynecks in the
Orkney Islands and at Arbroath, and of the Red-backed
Shrike (Lauzus collurio) at Rattray Head.

The list of rare and casual visitants includes a specimen
of the Barred Warbler (Sy/vza xzisoria) killed at Dhuheartach
Light on Sept. 8, during a rush of other birds; male
Squacco Heron (Ardea ralloides), killed in North Ronaldshay,
Sept. 7; Night Heron (WVycticorax griseus), young male,
Barra, O.H., Oct. 12 ; Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), in Stirling-
shire, Feb. 18 ; Hoopoe (Upupa epops), taken near Stirling,
Nov. 16; Roller (Coracias garrula), in the Orkney Islands
and East Lothian ; and an adult specimen of Sabine’s Gull
(Xema sabiniz), seen in Aberlady Bay, August 24.

TuRDUS Musicus (Song Thrush).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 5; 12, in rush with Warblers.
Argyli—Tiree, Oct. 26; Skerryvore, April 5, 7, 18, 20; Nov. 4, in
rush with other birds, N.W. CZyde—Ailsa Craig, Oct. 31, Nov. 9;
Pladda, Mar. 10, April 16, Dec. 9 ; Camphill, Glasgow, “‘ numerous
to Oct.26,

TURDUS ILIACUS (Redwing).

Moray—Insh, Oct. 17. Forth—Roslin, Oct. 12. Zweed—
Chirnside, Nov. 15. Outer Hebrides—Barra, Nov. 3-May 5. Argyll
—Skerryvore, Oct. 7; Tiree, Oct. 24. Clyde—Ailsa, Oct. 18;
Queen’s Park, Glasgow, Nov. 7, Mar. 15.

Earliest observed, Oct. 7, Skerryvore.

MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1896 141

TURDUS PILARIS (Fieldfare).

Moray—Nincraig, Oct. 23. Dee—Peterhead, unusually numerous.
Forth—Thriepmuir, Oct. 28. Zzweed—Chirnside, Nov. 15. Argyll
—Skerryvore, Oct. 11; Tiree, Oct. 27; Dhuheartach, Nov. 3, 5.
Clyde—Ailsa, Sept. 21 ; Pladda, Oct. 28-April 7 ; Camphill, Oct. 27.

Earliest observed, Sept. 21, Ailsa.

TURDUS MERULA (Blackbird).

Shetland—N. Unst, Sept. Mee—Peterhead, Oct. 27, on migra-
tion. Argyll and Isles—Skerryvore, Mar. 14, June 3; Nov. 4, 5,
in rush; Nov. 26. Dhuheartach, Nov. 5. C/yde—Pladda, Mar. 10,
in rush with other Zurdide@ ; Sept. 2, Dec. 22.

PRATINCOLA RUBETRA (Whinchat).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 2, 10, 12, in rush with Warblers.

Forth—Aberfoyle, May 3. Zweed—Chirnside, May 3. Outer
Hlebrides—Barra, May 12. Argyll and Isles—Skerryvore, May 4,

Aug. 13, Sept. 4. Clyde—Mallsmire, April 29 ; Loch Fyne, Sept. 4.
Banhest. Apml 29 ; latest, Sept. 12.

SAXICOLA (ENANTHE (Wheatear).

Orkney—lIsland of Graemsay, May 25-Sept. 17. d/oray—Glen
Feshie, April 7. Dee—Peterhead, April 9, Oct. 4. /orth—Pent-
lands, Mar. 19. Zzeed—Chirnside, April 22-Sept. 20; Hallmyre,
April 8. Outer Hebrides—Barra, Mar. 24. Argyll and Isles—
Tiree, Mar. 25 ; Dhuheartach, Sept. 4-6 (in rush), E., 13-14 (rush),
18; Skerryvore, Mar. 12, Apr. 1, 14, 21, May 4, 14, 24, Aug. 10,
13, Sept. 5-10, in rush with Pipits and Wagtails, E., Sept. 17-21 ;
Ben Nevis, April 3. C/yde—Ailsa, Sept. 14 (in numbers), April 21 ;
Pladda, Sept. 2-7 ; Mallsmire, March 16 ; Neilston, Sept. 20.

Earliest, March 12, Skerryvore; latest, Oct. 4, Peterhead.
Principal movements, Sept. 4-14.

RUTICILLA PHCENICURUS (Redstart).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 3; 8-12, ‘‘in swarms,” a great
rush N.E.; 13 (numbers), 14-19. Swtherland—Cape Wrath, May 5.
Moray—Badenoch, April 22. Dee—Rattray Head, Sept. 7. Forth
—Dalmeny, April 16; Aberfoyle, April 22. Zzveed—Chirnside,
April 28-Aug. 5. Argyll and Isles—Skerryvore, August 13-Sept. 8.
Clyde—Beith, April 28 ; Camphill, Sept. ro.

Earliest, April 16, Dalmeny; latest, Ronaldshay, Sept. 19.
Principal movements, Sept. 8-14.

142 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ERITHACUS RUBECULA (Robin).

Argyll and Isles—Dhbuheartach, Sept. 14, in rush with Wheatears
and Larks. Clyde—Lamlash, Sept. 5, several; Pladda, Sept. 6.

SYLVIA CINEREA (Whitethroat).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 7, 8, 12 (in rush), 13; Sept 18,
S. curruca (Lesser Whitethroat), one 9. Joray — Kinrara, May
15. Qee—Rattray Head, Sept. 7; Pitfour, May 13. Zay—Tay-
field, May 15. Sorth—Dalmeny, May 4; Aberfoyle, May 9;
Gladsmuir, Sept. 12. Zzveed—Chirnside, April 28-Sept. 5. Hall-
myre, April 28. Outer Hebrides—Barra, April 22. _ Clyde—Pladda,
Sept. 7, 13; Giffnock, May 3.

Earliest, April 28, Chirnside; latest, Sept. 18, Ronaldshay.
Principal movements, Sept. 8-13.

SYLVIA ATRICAPILLA (Blackcap).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 7, 9, 13, 16. Forth—Dalmeny,
April 25; Fife, May 8. Zweed—Chirnside, May 20. Clyde—
Thornliebank, May 17.

Earliest, April 25, Dalmeny.

SYLVIA NisoRIA (Barred Warbler).

Argyll and Isles—One killed at light, Dhuheartach, Sept. 8,
E.S.E.

SYLVIA HORTENSIS (Garden Warbler).
Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 3, 7, 11. /orth—Aberfoyle,
May 6. Clyde—Ailsa Craig, May 14; Fiddler Gill, May 7.
ACROCEPHALUS PHRAGMITIS (Sedge Warbler).

Dee—Peterhead, Aug. 5. Zzee¢—Hallmyre, April 24. Outer
ffebrides—Barra, June 16.

LOCUSTELLA Ne@&via (Grasshopper Warbler).
Forth—Aberfoyle, May 3. C/yde—Beith, April 22; Giffnock,
April 30; Helensburgh, Aug. 3.
PHYLLOSCoPUS RUFUS (Chiffchaff).

Forth—Aberfoyle, April 17 (nested), Sept. 3. Zzveed—Chirn-
side, April 10. Clyde—Ayr, March 30.

MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1896 143

PHYLLOSCOPUS SIBILATRIX (Wood Wren).

Moray—Kinrara, May 7. Forth—Aberfoyle, May 4; Dalmeny,
May 11. Zzweed—Duns, May 15.

PHYLLOSCOPUS TROCHILUS (Willow Wren).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 31, Sept 1, 3, and present in
small numbers till rgth. 4/7o7ay—Rothiemurchus, April 26. Dee
—Peterhead, May 3-Sept. 7. /vrth—Blackford Hill, April 22 ;
Aberfoyle, April 22; Dalmeny, April 23; Penicuik, April 28 ;
Luffness, Sept. 9. Zzweed—Hallmyre, April 20; Chirnside, April
28-Sept. 10. Clyde—Daldowie, April 22; Queen’s Park, Glasgow,
Septet 7.

Earliest, April 20, Hallmyre; latest, Sept. 19, Ronaldshay.

REGULUS cRISTATUS (Gold-crested Wren).

Clyde—Pladda L.H., Sept. 12, in numbers; Sept. 25, 28, Oct.
(Gy Tig, aie
LaNIUS EXCUBITOR (Great Gray Shrike).

Clyde—Lanark, April 11.

Lantus coLLuRIO (Red-backed Shrike).

Dee—Rattray Head, Sept. 7.

MuscIcAPA GRISOLA (Spotted Flycatcher).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 3. Zay—Tayfield, May 23;
Fife, Aug. 19. Zzweed—Hallmyre, May 17 ; Chirnside, left Sept. 1.
Clyde—Pladda, Sept. 8; Thornliebank, May 17; Queen’s Park,
Sept. 19.

MUSCICAPA ATRICAPILLA (Pied Flycatcher).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 2, 3, 11, 12 (in rush with other
birds), 13.
Hirunpbo Rustica (Swallow).

Orkney —Graemsay, May 13. Sutherland —Cape Wrath,
“ Swallows,” May 9, July 11. J/oray—Forres, May 13. Dee—
Rattray Head, April 25, Oct. 19; Peterhead, April 25-Oct. 17. Zay
—Tayfield, April 25. #orth—Dalmeny, April 11; Aberfoyle,
April 24; South Queensferry, Oct. 9 ; Tyninghame, Nov. 23 (one).
Tweed — Chirnside, April 3; MHallmyre, April 13; Whitadder,
Oct. 4. Outer Hebrides—Barra, May 12 (nesting for first time on
island). Argyll and Isles—Tiree, May 5, Oct. 6; Skerryvore, May

144 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

10. Clyde—Renfrewshire, var. loc., April 18; Rutherglen, Oct. 11.
Solway— Moffat, Oct. 25.

Earliest, April 3, Chirnside. Latest, Oct. 25, Moffat; November
23, Tyninghame.

CHELIDON URBICA (House Martin).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 4, 5, 14. /orth—Cramond,
April 11 ; South Queensferry, Oct. 9. Zeed—Chirnside, May 7-
Sept. 30; Hallmyre, April 15. Outer Hebrides—Barra, May 15.
Clyde—Ailsa Craig, May 9, Oct. 12; Lamlash, April 24; Eagle-
sham, May 2; Mearns, Sept. 28.

Earliest, April 11, Cramond ; latest, Oct. 9, South Queensferry.

CoTILE RIPARIA (Sand Martin).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 19, Sept. 5. AZovay—Badenoch,
April 22. #orth—Doune, April 12. Zzveed—Chirnside, April 25-
Aug. 29; Hallmyre, April 15. So/zway—Lendalfoot, March 22.

Earliest, March 225 latest, Sept. 5:

FRINGILLINZ (Finches and Linnets).

Shetland—L. linaria (Mealy Redpoll), Unst, April 25. Dee—
Peterhead, well-defined flocks of Greenfinches and Yellow-Hammers
first seen Oct. 7, W.; do. do. Nov. 7, 8, 21; Chaffinches and
Linnets, Dec. 26, 27. Zzweed—Chirnside, Bramblings, Oct. 25,
remaining till late April; Oct. 25, Chaffinches and Greenfinches in
large flocks. Outer Hebrides — Barra, Mealy Redpoll, Oct. 8;
Brambling, Oct. 12. Argyll and [sles—Tiree, flocks of Greenfinches,
Oct. 26; Skerryvore, Linnets, April 21; Brambling, Nov. 2 ;
Chaffinches, Nov. 4, 5, in rush. Clyde—Ailsa Craig, Feb. 3,
Chaffinches and Bramblings; Feb. 4, Mealy Redpoll; Oct. 18,
Bramblings ; Nov. 16, Dec. 7, 13, Chaffinches; Dec. 27, Green-
finches ; Dec. 13, Linnets ; Giffnock, Goldfinch, Nov. 15 ; Bramb-
lings, Nov. 29.

Principal movements, Oct. 7, 25, 26, Nov. 4-21, Dec. 26, 27.

PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS (Snow Bunting).

Shetland-—N. Unst, Feb. 16 “in hundreds,” April 6; ‘“‘a few
remain all summer.” Orvkney—N. Ronaldshay L.H., Nov. 6,
“swarms, E. Forth—Largo, Sept. 29; Aberlady, Oct. 7. Outer
Hebrides—Barra, Oct. 5 (in large flocks after this date). Argyl and
Isles—Tiree, Sept. 30; Dhuheartach, Oct. 3, 9, 25; Skerryvore,
July 30 (?), Oct. 18, Nov. 4 (in rush). CZyde—Ailsa, Feb. 6 (in
numbers), Oct. 18; Pladda, Oct. 20, Nov. 5 (in flocks); Queen’s
Park, Glasgow, Nov. 29, March 11.

Principal movements, Feb. 6, 16, Nov. 4-6.

MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1896 145

LOXIA CURVIROSTRA (Crossbill).

Tay—Tayfield, Jan. 5, flock ; Scotscraig, Oct. 30.

MoraciLL& (Wagtails).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 7, 19, JZ. /ugubris (Pied Wagtail),
and in rush with other birds, Sept. 12. Satherland—Cape Wrath,
May 6, 11, “Wagtails” (probably JZ. alba). Dee—Peterhead,
M. lugubris in extraordinary numbers last half of August; Sept. 7,
three JZ. razz (Yellow Wagtail). Forth—J. alba, Loch Ard, April 18;
flocks of AZ. Zugubris passing W. along shore at Inverkeithing, Sept. 28;
M. rai nesting at Portobello, June 3; Luffness, Aug. 13. Zzveed—
Chirnside, JZ. razz, Aug. 4. Outer Hebrides—Barra, M. alba (White
Wagtail), May 2. Argyll and Isles—Tiree, M. alba, April 22-24,
passing N.; do., S., Aug. 24. Dhuheartach, “ Wagtails,” Aug. 28,
Sept. 6, 13, 18, in rush with Wheatears and Pipits. Skerryvore,
Meaiusubris, Nay 25, Aug. 12, Sept. 25 Sept iO G02 inekosi)
Nov. 1. Clyde—Ailsa, MZ. rait, May 10. Pladda, “ Wagtails,”
Oct. 18, 20, 25. Glasgow, AZ. alba, Mar. 29. Dalbeth, Mar. 30,
M. rai. Walbeth, April 21; Mallsmire, Oct. 11.

Principal movements—JZ. dugubris, Aug. 15-30, Sept. 12-18, 28;
M. alba, April 22-24, Aug. 24.

ANTHUS TRIVIALIS (Tree Pipit).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 16. J/oray—tInsh, April 28.
Forth—Aberfoyle, April 22; Dalmeny, May 4. Zweed—Hallmyre,
April 22. Clyde—Beith, April 25.

Earliest, April 22, Hallmyre, Aberfoyle; latest, Sept. 16,
Ronaldshay.

ANTHUS PRATENSIS (Meadow Pipit).

Argyll and Isles—Dhuheartach, Sept. 4-6, in rush; Oct. 3, 9.
Skerryvore, Aug. 14, 19; Sept. 5-8, 12, in rush with Wheatears and
Wagtails, E.; Oct. 20. Clyde—Glasgow, Migrating in numbers,
NDEI 256 3:

Principal movements, Sept. 4-12, April 2, 3.

ALAUDA ARVENSIS (Skylark).

Orkney —N. Ronaldshay L.H., Dec. 21. Dee—Peterhead,
congregating from the W., Jan. 13-16. Zzweed—Chirnside, Nov. 20,
in great flocks. Argyll and /sles—Dhuheartach, Sept. 14 (in rush),
Oct. 10 (rush) ; Skerryvore, Feb. 13-18, Aug. 19.

146 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

CyPSELUS APUS (Swift).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 4,14. J/oray—Forres, May to.
Dee—Peterhead, May 11, Aug. 18. Zay—Arbroath, May 9, Aug. 22.
Forth—Alloa, May 9. Tweed—Chirnside, May 6, Aug. 5. Outer
Hebrides—Barra, June 16. Argyll and Isles—Skerryvore, May 13.
Clyde—Cambuslang, May 8 ; Crookston, Aug. 26.

Earliest, May 6, Chirnside ; latest, Sept. 14, Ronaldshay.

Picus MAJOR (Great Spotted Woodpecker).

Forth—Dalmeny, May 26.

IyNX TORQUILLA (Wryneck).
Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 3, one 2; Sept. 6, one. Shapin-
shay, one @, Sept. 14. Zay—Arbroath, May 17.
CoRACIAS GARRULA (Roller).

Orkney—Taken at Westray, June. /orti—@Q shot at Tyning-
hame, E. Lothian, Sept. 28.

Upupa Epops (Hoopoe).

Forth—One caught on Menstrie Hill, Stirling, Nov. 16.

CucuLus caNnorus (Cuckoo).

Moray—Glen Feshie, May 5. Dee—Peterhead, April 26. TZay
Tayfield, May 2. For¢h—Dalmeny, April 16; Aberfoyle, April 23.
Tweed—Berwickshire, May 5. Outer Hebrides—Barra, May 5.
Argyll and Isles—FEarraid, April 30; Tiree, May 9. Clyde—Mearns,
April 4 (!); Lamlash, April 30.

Earliest, April 4, Mearns.

FALco CANDICANS (Greenland Falcon).

Argyll—Waternish, Skye, May 26; Portree, Dec.

ARDEID& (Herons).

Orkney—Ardea ralloides (Squacco Heron), 6, N. Ronaldshay,
Sept. 7. Outer Hebrides—Nycticorax griseus (Night Heron), young
6, Barra, Oct. 12.

BOTAURUS STELLARIS (Bittern).

forth—Barton, Stirlingshire, Feb. 18.

MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1896 147

ANSERIN& (Geese).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, A. brachyrhynchus (Pinkfooted Goose),
Oct. 6, “rare.” Sutherland—Thurso river, Feb. 25, ‘‘rare.” Zay—
Tayfield, 4. brachyrhynchus, Sept. 30, last seen April 20, Forth—
A. brachyrhynchus, Aberlady, Sept. 29 ; Bernicla leucopsis (Bernacle
Goose), Aberlady, Oct. 8. Outer Hebrides—Barra, B. leucopsis, Oct.
13; last seen May 2. Argyll and Isles—Tiree, “Geese” travelling
S., Sept. 29; &. drenta (Brent Goose), Oct. 13; A. albifrons—Oct.
16; 4. leucopsts, Oct. 18. ' Clyde—Fairlie Road, Feb. 15, “over
too Brent.”

Cycnus musicus (Whooper Swan).

Outer Hebrides—Barra, Jan. 8, flying W. Argyll and Lsles—
Tiree, Nov. 3, numerous, with C. dewicki, Nov. 7.

ANATID& (Ducks).

Shetland—W alls, Fuligula marila (Scaup), June; Delting, Clangula
glaucion (Golden Eye), July 8; Firth Voe, Harelda glacialis (Long-
tailed Duck), July 22. Orkney—Graemsay, ZV. g/acialis passing N.W.,
May 9; Cdemia fusca (Velvet Scoter), Sept. 16. Sztherland—
Thurso, A. glacialis, April 26. C£demia nigra (Scoter), Aug. 29.
Moray—tLoch Insh, 13 Clangula glaucion, May 16. Dee—Rattray
Head, #. glacialis, April 30; Oct. 15, 23, Nov. 3, in large flocks.
Peterhead, @demia nigra, Oct. 21. Forth—F. marila, Nov. 6,
Feb. 11; Spatula clypeata (Shoveller), Lammermuirs, April 17; C.
glaucton, Lochend, March 25. Zzweed—Fuligula marila, Colding-
ham Loch, April 20; & cristata (Tufted Duck), nesting Duns
Castle. Outer Hebrides—Barra, Hl. glacialis, Oct. 13; & marila,
May15. Argyll and Lsles—Tiree, Spatula clypeata, April 2 ; Mergus
albellus (Smew), Aug. 19; & marila, Oct. 6; H. glacialis, Oct.
20. Clyde—Fuligula cristata, Loch Fad, Bute, May 21; / marila
and & ferina (Pochard), Balgray Dam, May 21, and through
summer ; JZareca penelope (Wigeon), Castle Semple, April 18, Balgray,
Oct. 11; Clangula glaucion, Balgray Dam, May 3 (immature),
Sept. 27.

CoLUMBA NAS (Stock Dove).

Forth—Nesting on Pentlands and at Dalmeny. CZyde—Cum-
brae, Aug. 18.

TURTUR COMMUNIS (Turtle Dove).

Sutherland—Shurrery, June 12, July. Zay—Glen Shee, Oct. 1 ;
Torryburn, Fife, Sept. 4, young ¢. forth—Dalmeny, Oct. 20.
Outer Hebrides—N. Uist, August, young. West Ross—Braemore,
June 6; Inverewe, June.

148 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

CREX PRATENSIS (Land Rail).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay L.H., May 20. JZoray—Insh, May
7. Dee—Peterhead, May 25. Zay—Tayfield, April 29. orth
—Aberfoyle, May 5; Dalmeny, May 8. Zzweed—Hallmyre, April
24. Outer Hebrides—Barra, May 8. Argyll and Isles—FKarraid,
April 16; Tiree, May 7; Skerryvore, June 7. Clyde—Langside,
April 25.

Earliest, April 16, Earraid.

PoRZANA MARUETTA (Spotted Crake).

Moray—Beauly Firth, Sept. 26. Argyll and Tsles—lIslay,
Sept 20:
RALLUS AQuATICUS (Water Rail).

Clyde—Pladda L.H., Nov. 4.

CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS (Golden Plover).

Dee—Peterhead, in flocks, Nov. 8, ‘unusually numerous all
winter.” Zay—Tayfield, in flocks, Jan. 9, E. gale. Argyll and Isles
—Tiree, Sept. 28, in numbers. CZyde—Ailsa, Oct. 8; Cathcart,
numerous, Sept. 7.

SQUATAROLA HELVETICA (Gray Plover).

Tay—Tayfield, Jan. 9, in. flock with C. pluvialis. Forth—Aber-
lady Bay, first immature birds, Sept. 11 ; adults in summer plumage,
Aug. 7.

STREPSILAS INTERPRES (Turnstone).

Shetland—Sound of Yell, July 23. Orkney—N. Ronaldshay,
Aug. 2, 7 (in breeding plumage). Dee—Peterhead, Mar. 14
(numerous), Aug. 17, 19. Azgyl and Lsles—Skerryvore, Aug. Io-
May 1. Clyde—Lunderston Bay, May 9; Fairlie, Aug. 15.

PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS (Gray -Phalarope).
Sutherland—Watten, Caithness, Sept. 23. So/way—On the
Nith, Kelton, Sept 19, after strong N.W. winds.
CALIDRIS ARENARIA (Sanderling).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, first seen Aug. 13. Dee—Peterhead,
Aug 23. orth—Aberlady, Aug. 22, 24 (in flock). Clyde—Turn-
berry Point, June 5, Aug. 30.

MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1896 149

SCOLOPAX RUSTICULA (Woodcock).

Sutherland—Dunbeath, Oct. 8 (winter migrants). dZoray—
Kingussie, Oct. 15. orth—Pentlands, Oct. 28 ; Dublin St., Edin-
burgh, Nov. 16.

GALLINAGO MAJOR (Great Snipe).

Tay—St. Andrews, Sept. 22. So/way—Terregles, Dumfries,
Oct. 2:

GALLINAGO GALLINULA (Jack Snipe).
Shetland—N. Unst, Nov. 9, at light. Ovkney—N. Ronaldshay,

Sept. 9. MWoray—Badenoch, Oct. 11. Zay—Tentsmuir, Sept. ro.
Argyll and Isles—Skerryvore, Sept. 8.

TRINGA SUBARQUATA (Curlew Sandpiper).

Forth—Aberlady Bay, Sept. 1, a dozen immature birds. CZyde
—Glen Dam, Eastwood, Sept. 19, two immature birds.

TRINGA CANUTUS (Knot).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 13 (only one seen). Sutherland
—Thurso, Sept. 5. /vrti—Aberlady, first immature birds seen,
Aug. 21; Sept. 6, flock of go, all immature but three. Clyde—
Turnberry Point, Aug. 29.

TRiInGA sTRiATA (Purple Sandpiper).

Argyll and Isles—Skerryvore, July 26, Aug. 10-May 1. Clyde
—Turnberry Point, June 5, Aug. 30.

TRINGA MINUTA (Little Stint).

Forth—Aberlady Bay, Sept. 5, three immature birds.

MACHETES PUGNAX (Ruff).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 31. Swtherland—Thurso, Sept.
5, immature. Forth—Luffness, Aug. 13, one @ ; Sept. 3, nine (3 6,

69).

ToraNUS HYPOLEUCUS (Common Sandpiper).

Moray—toch Insh, April 16. ee—Peterhead, Aug. 19. orth
—Aberfoyle, April 20. Zzveed—Coldingham, April 20 ; Chirnside,
April 20-Aug. 20. Outer Hebrides—Barra, May 5. Clyde—Ken-
muir, April 11; Ailsa, April 24; Pladda, Sept. 7 ; Balgray, Sept. 19.

150 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

LIMOSA LAPPONICA (Bar-tailed Godwit).

Forth—Aberlady Bay, July 30, flock of 143 adult birds, many in
summer plumage ; first young bird seen, Aug. 21. Outer Hebrides—
Barra, flock of eleven “ Godwits”” remained allsummer. Argyl and
Zsles—Tiree, Sept. 26. Clyde—Turnberry, June 5 ; Fairlie, Sept. 4.

NUMENIUS ARQuaTA (Curlew).

Moray—Glen Tromie, Badenoch, to Sept. 19. Dee—Rattray
Head, in flocks, March 5, April 24, Sept. 29; Peterhead, on migration,
Sept. 4. Argyll and Isles—Skerryvore May 17, Aug. 15-31, Sept. 1.

NuMENIUS PH#oOPUS (Whimbrel).

Orkney—N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 3, one; Aug. 7, 8, 17, in small
flocks. Sutherland—Brawl Castle, Aug. 3. /orth—Aberlady Bay,
July 31, three. Azgyl and TIsles—Tiree, April 24. Clyde—Ailsa,
March 7 (large flock), April 8 ; Turnberry, June 5 ; Cardross, Aug. 3.

STERNIN# (Terns).

Orkney —Graemsay, May 18-Sept. 4. S. macrura (Arctic
Tern). JZoray—Loch Morlich, May 11, one S. féveatilis (Common
Tern). Dee—Peterhead, May 4-Sept. 14, S. féuviatilis. Tay—
Tentsmuir, April 27. Forth—sS. fluviatilis, Inch Mickery, May 6;
Aberdour, Sept. 28; S. macrura, Aberlady, Oct. 7,9; S. dougall
(Roseate Tern), Aberlady, July 30. Outer Hebrides—Barra, May
13, S. macrura. Argyll and Isles—Tiree, May 2-Aug. 25; one
young bird, Oct. 7, S. macrura,; Skerryvore, May 25, Aug. 30.
Clyde—Pladda, Sept. 13. S. minuta, Turnberry, Aug. 30.

LarIn& (Gulls).

forth—Xema sabinit (Sabine’s Gull), one adult, Aberlady Bay,
Aug. 24; Larus minutus (Little Gull), Belhaven, Dunbar, Sept. 11.
Argyll and Lsles—L. leucopterus (Iceland Gull), Dhuheartach, Oct.
25. Solway—L. minutus, Solway Firth, Sept. 16, Oct. 9.

STERCORARIUS PARASITICUS (Buffon’s Skua).

Outer Hlebrides—Barra, May 12, first record.

MERGULUS ALLE (Little Auk).

Shetland—Yell, Dec. 1. Dee—Aberdeen, Oct. 22.

LIST OF RARER BIRDS IN THE VALLEY OF AYR 151

PopICIPES AURITUS (Sclavonian Grebe).

Outer Hebrides — Barra, Oct. 13. Argyll and Isles — Tiree,
Oct. 26.

OCEANODROMA LEUCORRHOA (Fork-tailed Petrel).

Outer Hebrides—One found dead, Barra, Sept. 28.

Pest OF SOME OF THE RARER BIRDS FOUN
IN HE UPPER REACHES OF 2H VAEEEY
OFTHE AYER.

By ARCHIBALD FAlIRBAIRN.

GOLDEN EYE, Clangula glaucion—FEarly in the spring
of the year 1888 I found a female specimen of this bird
dead on the lower reservoir, Glenbuck. This is the only
one I have observed in the locality.

GOOSANDER, Mergus merganser.—On 10th March 1891
I observed a specimen flying towards the east at a very low
elevation. The weather was cold at the time, snow had
fallen, and a sharp frost had set in.

LITTLE GREBE, Podicipes fluviatilis.—I1 shot on 15th
January 1892 an example of this little diver on the river Ayr.
It proved to be a female, and the first and only one that has
been observed by me here.

GREAT GRAY SHRIKE, Lanzus excubitor—On the 29th
February 1892 I shot a female specimen of this bird at
Glenbuck reservoir among some willow bushes. This speci-
men, which is in my collection, has only one white bar on
the wing, and it may also be interesting to add that the
stomach contained a Short-tailed Field Mouse.

REDSTART, Rutictlla phaenicurus—On the 15th April
1892 a male in full breeding plumage was observed near
the river Ayr, and was the first I had noticed in the
locality. Since then I have seen only one other bird of the
species, also a male. It seems strange that this bird should

152 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

be so plentiful farther north, and remain in this area so very
rare.

ALPINE SWIFT, Cypselus melba—A bird of this species
was caught, apparently exhausted, at a high window on
25th August 1892. I kept it overnight and allowed it to
escape in the morning. On comparing it with good illustra-
tions and descriptions of the Alpine Swift, I have no doubt
whatever as to its proper identification.

SHELD-DRAKE, 7 adorua cornuta.—On the 12th September
1892 I shot an immature female in a marsh near the river
Ayr. It is of interest to note that the marsh in question is
situated fully 24 miles from the sea-coast.

SHORT-EARED OWL, Aszo accipitrinus—This bird, which
is somewhat rare even in autumn, has nested once to my
knowledge in this district, namely during the period of the
recent Vole Plague.

TAWNY OWL, As7zo otus—This species of Owl is also un-
common, although much is done to encourage its protection.

RAVEN, Corvus corax ; PEREGRINE FALCON, Falco pere-
grimus ; COMMON BUZZARD, Luteo vulgaris.—These are
occasionally seen on the hills, although they do not breed.

PIED FLYCATCHER, MWuscicapa atricapilla.—On the 22nd
April 1895 a young male of this species was obtained here.
It is the first and only occurrence of the Pied Flycatcher in
this locality known to me. It may be of interest to note
the early date, as the Spotted Flycatcher is seldom observed
here before the second week of May. This fact leads me to
think the bird was a wanderer, or perhaps on migration.

YELLOW WAGTAIL, Motacilla raii Has been observed
for two successive years in the same field in about the second
week of May. On both occasions it paid a very short visit,
and was no doubt on migration.

TUFTED DUCK, Fulzgula cristata—On 4th May 1896
I had a very good view of a male and female of this species
swimming together—and by no means shy—on a pond in
this neighbourhood. About a week later I observed the
female at the same place, but could not discover the male.

BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY, ORKNEY 153

This is the first occurrence here of this species, so far as my
observation goes.

WooD WARBLER, Phylloscopus stbilatrix—This warbler,
at one time very rare, is now fairly common, but local in its
distribution. At the present time several pairs are breeding
here.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER, Locustella nevia—Once fairly
common, now exceedingly rare. In some seasons only one
or two are heard, in others none at all.

This district is in some parts very open and exposed to
cold winds, which may account for the scarcity of the more
delicate of the summer visitors.

WELLWOOD, MUIRKIRK, 15¢h June 1896.

BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY,
ORKNEY
By ALLAN BRriccs.

Autumn 18096.

HAVING spent some seven weeks of the past autumn with
my brother-in-law, Mr. Traill, in his island home, North
Ronaldshay, I thought it might be of some interest to your
readers to hear of the movements of birds there during the
few weeks of my stay. In the first place, the weather, take
it all in all, was of the worst description—very wet and
stormy, the wind blowing gales first from one direction and
then from another. The prevailing winds during August
were more or less from the west. During September, up to
the 18th, the wind blew mostly from the east or south-east,
sometimes backing north of east. One of the most remark-
able incidents of this autumn was the early arrival of many
members of the Passeres ; the first arrivals being noticed on
the 2nd Sept., increasing in numbers daily up to the 12th,
whereas in past seasons numbers have not come in until
23 C

154 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

early in October, as in 1893, when they bulked most from
the 4th to the 9th of that month. Another remarkable
feature was the almost total absence of Charadriide,
excepting some of the commoner sorts. The Greenshank
(Totanus canescens), the Bar-tailed Godwit (Lzmosa lapponica),
the Curlew Sandpiper (77znga subarquata), the Little Stint
(Tringa minuta), being altogether absent, or at least
unobserved ; while the Ruff (J/achetes pugnax) was only
represented by some six individuals, and the Knot (Z7znga
canutus) by only a single specimen. It would be interesting
to note if this has been the experience of other observers
all along our east coast. |

I arrived in North Ronaldshay with my family from the
south on Ist August. On the following day I had a look
round, but did not see much of interest ; a number of Turn-
stones (Strepsclas interpres) in breeding plumage, and a
single Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) being all that is worth
mentioning. On the following day, 3rd Aug., Traill and
myself were out after Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis).
We found them more plentiful here this season than I have
ever seen them, excepting the year 1892, when they were
unusually numerous; the Lapwing (Vanellus crtstatus) is
also more abundant, large numbers having hatched out, as
the natives inform me. On this day we saw a single
Whimbrel (Nusmenius ph@opus), which we secured. On 4th
Aug. I found a Twite’s nest (Lzxota flavirostris) on the ridge
of a furrow in a potato-field; the nest, which contained
four hard-set eggs, was quite exposed, as the potato shaws
and other vegetation had quite died down, but it was well
sunk, the rim being almost flush with the sandy soil like that
of a lark’s. On 7th Aug., with the wind northerly, I saw
a single Pied Wagtail ((Zotacilla lugubris) ; it was a bird of
the year, and was sitting on the sheep-dyke on the south side
of the island. JI shot a Whimbrel, a single bird, and also
saw the first Merlin (Falco @salon) of the season. I shot
six Turnstones from a flock of from twenty to thirty
individuals: these birds were in rather mixed plumage,
much abraded on the back and scapulars. Aug. 8 was a
dull, showery day. I saw two small lots of Whimbrel, three
and four in. each flock, but they seemed Scarce here pthis

BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY, ORKNEY 155

season, and were seldom seen except singly. One of the
natives, however, a bit of a shot himself, informs me they were
earlier than usual this year in their arrival ; many having been
seen at the beginning of July, and large flights having occurred
later on in that month. A single Phalarope (Phalaropus
hyperboreus) was still hanging about the breeding-place, and
I caught a young bird in down with the quills just beginning
to show. Saw a flight of nine Teal (Querquedula crecca), but
failed to get on terms with them. Aug. 10 proved a
wet, stormy day, wind W. to S.W. I was out for a time,
but saw nothing of interest except a Richardson’s Skua
(Stercorarius crepidatus) flying south over the island.
Aug. 11.—Very stormy from the west, with fine rain in
afternoon. Mr. Traill and myself were both out, but saw
nothing special. Aug. 13.—Wet in morning, fine afternoon.
Shot a single Knot from a fair-sized flock of Golden Plover ;
this is the only Knot we saw this season, generally a common
bird here during the latter half of August. Saw the first
Sanderling (Calidris arenaria) among a small flock of Ring
Plover; Sanderlings were fairly common before I left on
Sept 19, Aus. 14 was a dull, breezy day; we went out
fishing in the firth. The only bird of interest we saw was a
Fulmar (almarus glacialis) which came circling close to the
boat just before we stood for home in the evening. It
appeared to be very dark coloured on the back, probably a
young bird. Aug. 17 was a fine day, but cold. Traill and
I were out all day shooting ; we saw a flock of ten Whimbrels,
the only good-sized flock seen during my stay. At 10 p.m.
it was blowing a gale from the south-east. Aug. 18 was
a beautiful morning after the gale of last night. Four
Curlews (Wumenzus arquata) along the shore of Gretchen Loch.
Three Richardson’s Skuas along the shore of the South Bay,
two of which I secured; they were wonderfully bold, and
seemed little afraid of the sound of a gun when engaged in
pursuit of a luckless Gull or Tern ; they were all of the dark
variety. This Skua was very common about the island this
autumn, generally in close attendance on the large flocks of
Terns which frequent several well-known points of rock at
low water. I only saw two of these Skuas in the black and
white plumage. This same morning I saw three Ravens

156 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

(Corvus corax), the only birds of the species I fell in with
during my visit. Saw the first Heron (Ardea cinerea) of the
season, mobbed by half a score of Terns. Aug. 19.—
Lovely day, very warm. Saw two Pied Wagtails, both
immature. Large flights of Meadow Pipits (Axthus pratensis)
all along the west side of island, over a hundred in some of
the flocks. Shot a single Sand Martin (Cotze riparia) near
a small pool of water. Saw a single Merlin; it, and indeed
all hawks, were very scarce this autumn. Curlew now more
plentiful; I saw a flock of at least forty. Aug. 20.—Dull
day, wind S. Shot a Richardson’s Skua at Bridesness ; saw
several others, also two Shelduck (TYadorna cornuta), the
latter rather scarce here at this season, although several
pairs breed annually. Saw five Sanderlings at Nouster
along with Turnstones ; of the latter there were numbers now
all round the island. Saw two Kestrels (Falco tennunculus).
Aug. 21.—Fine day, wind west. Saw a Peregrine (Falco
peregrinus) on west rocks. Aug. 25.—-Cold, dry day ; strong
west wind. A Greenshank seen at the north end, the only
one I heard of this season. Aug. 28.—Torrents of rain,
wind south. Shot four Teal from a flock of between twenty
and thirty, the only Teal I got during my stay. Aug. 29.—
Showery ; wind south, backing to east later on. Got a
Richardson’s Skua (black and white form). Aug. 30.—
Wind and rain from the south-east. Aug. 31.—Better day ;
fair, wind still from the south or south-east. Saw seven Ruffs
about the Mill Loch, two single birds and a flock of five; I
bagged five of the seven, one Ruff and four Reeves. Sawa
Willow Warbler (PAyloscopus trochilus), for the first time,
among the reeds of the Mill Loch.

September 1.—Misty day; some heavy showers ; wind
due east. Several Willow Warblers in Holland Garden. I
shot a Ruff, a single bird, at Bridesness Loch on the east
side of the island. Sept. 2—Misty in morning; fine after-
noon; wind east. Wounded and lost the first Whinchat
(Pratincola rubetra) 1 have had the pleasure of seeing in
North Ronaldshay. Shot two Pied Flycatchers (Zuscicapa
atricapilla), and saw a third ; the two I got were immature
or females, indeed all I have ever seen or shot here appeared
to be so. Sept. 3.—Lovely day; bright sunshine ; wind

BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY, ORKNEY 157

east ; a slight mist over the sea at different times during the
day. Quite a great day for small birds, most of them about
Holland House and Garden. In the first place I shot a
Spotted Flycatcher (M/uscicapa grisola), one of a pair; this
bird is new to our North Ronaldshay list, neither Mr. Traill
nor myself having seen one before, although a bird of such
sober plumage might easily escape observation. There
were two, if not three, Garden Warblers (Sylvia hortenszs)
about the elder hedges ; I secured one of these, a female. On
one previous occasion I had noticed this bird here (see
‘Annals: Atpril 1894, p. 83) Saw a singles Hied eh
catcher and a single Redstart (Ruticilla phenicurus), both in
the garden. I also shot a female Wryneck (lynx torguilla)
as it was sitting on the coping stones of a wall close to the
house, in the company of a Willow Warbler and a Pied Fly-
catcher ; perhaps all three may have been driven from the
garden when we were beating the bushes and hedges shortly
before. Three days later, on Sunday, 6th September, when
out for a walk we saw another Wryneck; it kept flying
along a dry-stone dyke, by the side of which we were walk-
ing, always dropping on the far side of the dyke from us,
until we were quite close, then skimming away again for
another 70 or 80 yards, and we ultimately lost sight of it
over a field of standing corn. On two former occasions the
Wryneck has been taken, to my knowledge, in North Ronald-
shay, both times by the late Dr. Traill, the last being in 1880
or 1881. A single Swift (Cypselus apus) kept circling round
the house for an hour or two in the afternoon, and later on
in the evening six House Martins (Chelzdon wrbica) arrived ;
I shot one of the latter to make sure of its identification.
I may say here that I have never yet identified the swallow
(Hirundo rustica) in this island. Several Willow Warblers
in the garden towards evening. Willow Warblers, although
never very plentiful this season, were still common, as from
their first appearance on 31st Aug. to the day of our depart-
ure on 19th Sept. there were always a few to be seen about
the island wherever there was a bit of cover. Although well
looked out for, there was no sign of the Chiffchaff (Phyllo-
scopus collybita) this season; only twice have I fallen in
with it here, viz. 1893, when I got one on 16th and another

158 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

on the 23rd Oct: (see “Annals for April 1304, p..32):
Sept. 5—Cold, dry day ; wind north. Sawa Martin anda
Sand Martin together hawking for insects over the Mill Loch.
A Song Thrush (Zurdus muszcus), and a small Warbler I
could not make out, in the garden to-night. Sept. 7.—Dry
day; wind N.E. Several small birds in garden ; two Garden
Warblers, one Blackcap (Sylvza_ atricapilla) immature,
several Willow Warblers, and a single Whitethroat (Sy/uza
cinerea)—the last mentioned rather a rare bird here in my
estimation, and in Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Buckley’s
“Fauna of the Orkney Islands” they give nothing but the
statement by Morris of the bird shot on Sanday by the late
Mr. Strang. This season the Whitethroat has been, com-
paratively speaking, common here during the latter part of
our stay, from 7th Sept. to 19th Sept., two and three being
seen at times together. While Snipe shooting this afternoon
in the Mill Loch, along with Mr. Traill, we disturbed a bird
from the edge of the loch, which, as it flew straight from me, -
I at first took to be a White Owl ; Traill, who saw it sideways,
shouted out that it was an Egret. The bird settled in a patch
of rushes across the loch. We followed it up, keeping slightly
apart. It rose to me, across shot, but wild, and the bird
dropped to shot apparently dead. Next instant it was up
again, and flew to the far end of the loch, to all appearance
not much the worse for the shot, alighting this time close to
a dry-stone dyke. My brother-in-law remained in the loch
hidden among the reeds, and I, after a very long roundabout
stalk, came up to the back of the dyke. The bird rose within
20 yards, and I did not fail to secure him ; he proved to be
a Squacco Heron (Ardea ralloides),an old male in almost
perfect plumage. This certainly is an addition to the Orkney
fauna, and a rare bird for Scotland; Yarrell, fourth edition,
recording only two examples as having been taken in the
country within the last forty years or so. Sept. 8.—Dry,
cold day; wind E.S.E. Shot the first Wigeon (Mareca
penelope) of the season on Gretchen Loch, a single bird, an
old female. A Whitethroat, a Redstart, and a Willow
Warbler in garden. Sept. 9.—Day cold and dry; wind
from the E. or N.E. Shot an immature Blackcap ; it was
along with a dozen or so Rock Pipits. Got two Jack Snipe

al
BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY, ORKNEY 159

(Gallinago gallinula), the only ones seen and the first for the
year. Sept. 10.—Damp, cold day; wind S.E. Shot two
old male Redstarts and two Whinchats, the latter being birds
of the year. Sept. 11.—Dull day ; wet and misty in after-
noon; wind S.E. Garden Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, female
Redstart, several Willow Wrens, and a Robin (E7i¢thacus
vubecula) in garden. Sept. 12.—Stormy ; heavy rain showers
throughout the morning; very wet afternoon; wind S.E.
Swarms of Redstarts in the garden and all along the west
side of the island; I never remember to have seen anything
like it. We generally see a few Redstarts every season, but
this was a regular rush; the red tails were flirting by the
dozen along every dyke side, and every large boulder on the
beach sheltered one or more. They were almost entirely
young birds, as far as I could make out. Among the host
of Redstarts were many other Passeres, but owing to the
blinding rain it was difficult either to identify or shoot many
of the little creatures, which were blown about like leaves
among the boulders and stones on the beach by every gust
of wind, or went jinking out and in about the open stonework
of the dykes ; however, I made out Song Thrush (one), Robin
(one), several Pied Flycatchers, several Whitethroats, Whinchat
(one). I shot a fine old male Blackcap, the only bird of the
kind with a black head I have met with here, the brown-
headed birds being frequently seen in late autumn. I also
shot a female Tree Pipit (Azthus trivzals), this being the
first time I have met with the species in this island. A good
many immature Pied Wagtails were among this rush of birds.
Sept. 13, Sunday.—Better weather, sunshine at times. Birds
in garden: Pied Flycatchers, Willow Warblers, Whitethroats,
one Robin, one Blackcap, numbers of Redstarts. Out for a
walk with my wife and Traill, we saw three Tree Pipits
together, between the house and the west rocks, identified
for certain through the binoculars at a close range. Sept.
14.—Misty morning ; heavy rain in afternoon. Traill and
myself were both out and tried different directions. Traill
killed a fine old cock Goldcrest (Regulus cristatus) ; it was by
itself along the side of the west sheep-dyke. He also secured
two fine old male Redstarts. A single Swift was again about
the house and farm buildings at 11 o’clock in the forenoon,

160 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

joined a little later by two House Martins. A single Chaf-
finch (4ringilla celebs) in the garden. Sept. 16—Damp
morning ; frequent showers ; the wind rose towards afternoon,
and by 12 P.M. it was blowing a perfect gale from the S.S.W.
I shot a Tree Pipit ; it was alone and on the ground, appar-
ently seeking for food, when I came on it. Still a few Red-
starts and Willow Wrens and a single immature Blackcap
haunting the garden. Sept. 17.—Dull morning; very wet
afternoon ; wind S., and at 10.30 P.M. blowing strong from
the S.E. Traill, who returned from Sanday this morning,
informs me that several lots of small birds passed close to
his boat, heading south ; he could not determine the species.
Sept. 18.—Wind S.W.; very stormy in morning ; moderate
towards afternoon. Traill and myself noticed a small gray
bird in the garden this morning ; it was very wary, and kept
well in cover. After rather a protracted pursuit all over the
place, I managed to get a shot and secured a Lesser White-
throat (Sy/vza curruca); I fancy this is new to Orkney, as I
can find no mention of it in Messrs. Harvie-Brown and
Buckley’s “Fauna.” The bird on dissection proved, to be a
female. I find, however, that I have the skin of a Lesser
Whitethroat shot by myself in North Ronaldshay, dated 4th
Oct. 1893. These are the only two of the species that have
come under my notice. Sept. 19.—-Day fine, with very little
wind. Crossed the firth to Sanday on our way home. In the
morning, before leaving the island, I had a last look round
the garden. The only strangers I saw were two Redstarts and
a Willow Warbler. On 6th Oct. D. Knight, Mr. Traill’s
man, shot a Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) ; the
bird was alone when shot. It was sent on to St. Andrews,
where I saw it ; it appeared to be an old bird, but was in too
high a state to be of use. This species would appear to be
of rare occurrence in the Orkneys, Messrs. Harvie-Brown and
Buckley in their “Fauna” only mentioning three different occa-
sions on which it had been seen.

NESTING OF THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE 161

NOTES ON THE NESTING OF Ee GREAT
CRESTED GREBE (PODIGIZPESICKISTALTCS)
IN, DHE VALERY OF THE HOR RE

By Oswin A. J. LEE.

IN the spring of 1895 I observed a pair of Great Crested
Grebes on the Lake of Monteith, but failed to locate their
nest.

On the 28th of April 1896, however, I arrived at the
lake, determined to find the nest, if it was there again, and
was rewarded by seeing a fine male in full breeding
plumage diving about near a large reed-bed in the north-
east end of the lake. He was very tame, and allowed me
to row within thirty yards of him without paying the
slightest attention to me, so that I had ample leisure to
admire him through my glasses. I failed, however, to find
the nest that day.

On the morning of the 29th I started early to find the
nest, as I was quite sure that the female was sitting on eggs
not far off. I commenced operations by beating up the
reed-bed. As I came close to a swan’s nest among the
reeds, I saw a tell-tale ripple and line of bubbles running out
from a point in the reeds, just like some large pike making
off to the deep water, and to my delight the female Great
Crested Grebe appeared about seventy yards off. In less
than three minutes I found the nest. It was rather an
insignificant-looking pile of dead reed stems, half decayed
weeds, and pieces of young water lily leaves,—the latter
evidently freshly plucked,—floating in about two feet of
water among the tall reeds and anchored to them. It
contained two perfectly fresh eggs, which were carefully
covered up and felt quite warm. The day was bright but
rather windy, so I did not try to photograph the nest, but
devoted my attentions to watching the birds.

After disposing of my boat at a little distance, I waded
in among the reeds and secreted myself behind a thick
clump about fifteen yards from the nest. I could see the

162 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

two Grebes out in the open about seventy-five or eighty yards
off ; they sat low in the water, and swam about at a great
pace. The male would occasionally swim round and round
his mate, ducking his head and bobbing it up and down,
every now and then striking the water with a single stroke
of his wings ; the female, however, paid but little attention
to his blandishments, as her eye was fixed on the vicinity of
the nest. They swam about in the same spot for nearly
half an hour, sometimes diving for pieces of green weed,
which they tore to pieces on the surface, and sometimes
toying with each other.

Just as my patience was becoming exhausted, the female
swam closer in shore, and, after looking cautiously about,
she dived. I kept my eyes glued on the nest. Suddenly
she appeared about three feet from the nest, but must have
caught sight of me, as she dived almost immediately and
reappeared about forty yards out. I noiselessly changed
my position, getting farther behind the clump of reeds. In
about fifteen minutes she suddenly appeared again beside
the nest, and, after a hurried look round, got on to it and
carefully uncovered the eggs, arranging all the weeds on the
nest before she finally turned the eggs with her bill and
settled herself on them. The male appeared almost im-
mediately about six feet from the nest, on the side nearest
me, with a young water lily leaf which had not yet unrolled
itself ; this he deposited on the side of the nest, the female
giving it two or three playful dabs with her bill. During
the short time that the male was at the nest, he kept up a
sort of crooning noise, difficult to describe on paper, but
resembling somewhat the syllables “ Krrraw-quaw-quaw,
krrraw-quaw-quaw,” repeated very slowly over and over
again, and continually bobbed his head up and down.
After he dived away the female composed herself to rest
and buried her head among her feathers.

By this time I was getting very cold and stiff, as I had
been standing there about two hours, over my knees in water,
without waders. Keeping my eye on the sitting bird, I
made a slight movement; she jumped up and _ hurriedly
covered up the eggs with some of the weeds on the nest,
remaining bolt upright with her head erect and listening

LEPIDOPTERA IN ROXBURGHSHIRE 163

intently as if she had not spotted me. On my next move-
ment she dived noiselessly into the water and appeared
some sixty yards off right out in the open. I was so cold
and stiff that I could hardly wade ashore, but 1 was amply
rewarded by my glimpse at the habits of these beautiful
birds at their nest.

On the morning of the 30th there were three eggs in
the nest, and on the rst of May another egg was laid. On
each occasion I found fresh water lily leaves on the side of
the nest, but no trace of any withered ones! Can they
have been used as food ?

LEPIDOPTERA IN ROXBURGHSHIRE.
By ADAM ELLIOT.

AS it might perhaps be of considerable interest to Entomo-
logists, those at any rate who give their attention to the order
of the Lepidoptera, to have authentic county lists of the species
occurring throughout the Scottish counties, as showing their
distribution, I have here noted the species of Lepidoptera I
have myself taken in Roxburghshire—/jive species excepted :
four of these having been casually come upon by friends
and kindly given to me alive at the time of capture, and one,
viz. Coltas edusa, several specimens of which were taken by
a friend in this district, and I have myself seen this species
on the wing in the western district of the county. The
bulk of the species noted have been taken in the perfect or
imago state, while a number in each group, and in the
division of the Micro-Lepidoptera, have been reared from
eggs or larve. I may say that in every instance when I
have had the slightest doubt as to the correct identification
of species, the specimens have been seen, and their identi-
fication made or confirmed, by Mr. C. G. Barrett. It is
necessary, I think, in recording Lepidoptera, that the
specimens should c¢hemselves be im evidence, by being in
the collector's possession, otherwise the mere reports
of the capture of species frequently turn out unre-

164 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

liable, and consequently of no value. Possession, there-
fore, should be a szze gua non. It has been the fashion of
late to manufacture in rather a wholesale way synonyms for
the older names of insects, which generally would have been
much better left alone; and the nomenclatures used by
entomologists of such eminence as the late Mr. H. T. Stainton,
I think, should be a good example. It would take up far too
much space to here give specific detail and notes of the
capture and rearing of the larve, etc., of many interesting
species enumerated in the list. I may say, however, that some
species being very recurrent in appearance, when opportunity
offers by a good species turning up, a good old axiom
should be kept in view, and a series secured at the time, as
a like opportunity may not come again to the collector for
many years, if at all. I once found J/xo statices flying
plentifully in the sunshine on the grassy bank of a burn-side,
Aspilates strigedllaria in the glade of a moorland young
plantation, and Wemeophila plantaginis in numbers on a spot
of moorland ; but all these species I have not again seen, and
I fortunately secured some specimens of each. I used to
take Lycena Alsus in the south-western district, and associ-
ated with it Arfaverxes, and later in the same locality Erebza
blandina, Alsus I have never seen in any other district
of the county, but have met with the two last named in
the eastern ‘district. Tf ‘eed? scarcely “say that “perfect
condition in specimens of Lepidoptera is of the utmost
importance, and one of the best ways of attaining this is by
rearing from the eggs or larvae; and indeed many species
are not easily obtained in any other way. Besides being a
means of obtaining perfect specimens, there is much of
interest to note, such as the times, or periods of the day, of
emergence from the chrysalis of the different species—a
subject which seems to have received very little attention
from entomologists. At one time I bred a number of well-
known species successively for several years, principally
from the families of the Sphingide and of the Wotodontde,
under as uniform conditions as possible, noting the time of
emergence of the different species, which was singularly
uniform as to time or periods of the day in which they
emerged. There are two periods of the day in which most

LEPIDOPTERA IN ROXBURGHSHIRE 165

species emerge, viz. from 7 to 10 A.M., and again from 5 to
8 or 9 P.M.; and in my experience in successive years, the
same species emerged within the same hours. As is well
known, Lepidoptera can be abnormally forced to emerge
from the chrysalis state by artificial conditions of heat and
moisture; and I have forced specimens of Smerinthus popule
and ¢/z@ and other summer species in the month of January,
but any rule of emergence under such artificial conditions
will probably not hold good. I may say that the forced
specimens were normal, excepting in colour, which is usually
paler. Following is the list :—

RHOPALOCERA.
PIERIDA. VANESSID.
Colias edusa, Vanessa cardui, Z.
peel
Pieris brassicee, Z. ” Atalanta, Z.
Peerapeen J: 55 Io, Z.
Penapi 7s 5 Unter Zz
Anthocharis cardamines, Z. AReuNNDe
Caen Melitzea artemis, S. V.
Satyrus semele, Z. Lyc@NIDé&,
Peeamita, 2, Polyommatus phlezas, Z.
,, Hyperanthus, Z. Lyczena Alsus, S. V.
Erebia Blandina, / 5 AlexiseiSs 77

Cznonympha Pamphilus, Z. 5 Aitaxercesy 7

HETEROCERA.
SPHINGES.

ZYGENID&. Sphinx convolvuli, Z.
Cheerocampa celerio, Z.

a porcellus, Z.
Macroglossa stellatarum, Z.

BA bombyliformis, O.

Ino statices, Z.

SPHINGID.

Smerinthus populi, Z. :
ili ESIID&.
yO sukies, SL. r SI re
Acherontia atropos, Z. Trochilium bembeciforme, Z.

166 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

BOMB YCES.

EPIALID.

Epialus lupulinus, Z.
humuli, Z.
velleda, 7.

sylvanus, Z.

9
)

>)
NOTODONTID.

Harpyia furcula, Z.
» vinula, Z.
Notodonta dromedarius, Z.
" ZiCZac. Lh,
Pterostoma palpina, Z.
Leiocampa dictza, L.

as dictzoides, £.
Lophopteryx camelina, Z.
Pygzera bucephala, Z.

LIPARIDZ.

Demas coryli, Z.
Orgyia antiqua, ZL.

CyMATOPHORID.

Thyatira batis, Z.
Acronycta psi, L.
ligustri, S. V.

>)

LEUCANIDA.

Leucania conigera, S. V.
lithargyria, £.
comma, Z.
impura, [7
_ pallens, Z.
Nonagria fulva, 7.

‘ lutosa, 77.

APAMIDZ.
Hydreecia nictitans, Z.
¥s micacea, £.
Xylophasia rurea, /.
5 lithoxylea, S. V.
a polyodon, Z.

NOCT OE.

LITHOSID.

Nudaria mundana, Z.

CHELONID.

Arctia caia, Z.
Nemeophila plantaginis, Z.
Spilosoma fuliginosa, Z.

Bi menthastri, S. V.
Euchelia jacob, Z.

BOMBYCID&.

Bombyx rubi, Z.
quercus, vay. calluna
-populi, Z.

9)

”
SATURNID.

Saturnia carpini, S. V.

ee

DREPANULIDZ&.

Cilix spinula, S. V.

Charzeas graminis, Z.
Luperina testacea, S. V. |
Mamestra furva, S. V.
~ brassicee, Z.
Apamea basilinea, S. V.
» genmina, 77:
_ oculea, /.
Miana strigilis, Z.
fasciuncula, zw.
,, Jliterosa, Zz.
Celzena Haworthil, C.

99

CARADRINID&.
Caradrina blanda, 7.
7 cubicularis, S. V.
NOCTUID2.

Rusina tenebrosa, /7/.
Agrotis suffusa, S. /.
3 segetum, 5.7/7
,, exclamationis, Z.

LEPIDOPTERA IN ROXBURGHSHIRE

Agrotis porphyrea, S. V.
Trypheena ianthina, S. V.
fs fimbria, Z.

5 subsequa, S. V.
orbona, /:
a pronuba, Z.
Noctua glareosa, £.

iy Gepuncta,, Z.

oy AUS

ve plectay =f.

ee G-mierum, 2:

» triangulum, 7

» brunnea, S. V.

pee LeStlval 9:07

ee coniua,. 2

» rubi, View.

fh blanlordosey 76

ea bala ese 12

» xanthographa, S. V.

ORTHOSID.

Trachea piniperda, Pavz.
Tzeniocampa gothica, Z.

4 rubricosa, --
Js instabilis, £.
-f stabilis, Vzezw.

Orthosia suspecta,
3 upsilon, S. V.

5 lota, Z.
vA macilenta, //.
Anchocelis lunosa, Hw.
- litura, Z.
Orrhodia vaccinu, Z.
. spadicea, G.

Scopelosoma satellitia, Z.
Xanthia fulvago, Z.

i silago, /Z.
ferruginea, S. V.

>b}
COsMID&.
Tethea subtusa, S. V.

HADENID&.

Diantheecia carpophaga, BA.

capsincola, S. V.
% cucubali, S. V.

Hecatera serena, S. V.

2

Pola ehiy 2.

Epunda lutulenta, S. V.
» viminalis, 7:
Miselia oxyacanthee, Z.

Dichonia aprilina, Z.
Phlogophora meticulosa, Z.
Euplexia lucipara, Z.
Aplecta herbida, S. V.

Pe occulta, Z.
Hadena adusta, Z.

3 we protea Sa

55 dentina, S. V.

i oleracea, Z.
= DIS
* thallasina, B%.
3. SECellimeas ers
XYLINID.
Calocampa vetusta, H.
* exOletages.

Cucullia umbratica, Z.

HELIOTHIDA
Anarta myrtilli, Z.

PLUSIID.
Habrostola urtice, 7.
Plusia chrysitis, Z.

5 bEaeteage Sie

3) testwersaee:

5) lOtay eZ:

» v-aureum, G.

> gamma Ze

5 Interrogationis, Z.

GONOPTERIDA,
Gonoptera libatrix, Z.

AMPHIPYRID&.
Amphipyra tragopogonis, Z.
Neenia typica, Z.

Mania maura, Z.
EUCLIDIDA,
Euclidia mi, Z.
3 Slypbicas oz.

POAPHILIDA.
Phytometra zenea, S. V.

167

168 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

GEOMETRINA.

ENNOMID&.

Rumia crateegata, L.
Metrocampa margaritata, ZL.
Ellopia fasciaria, Z.

Selenia illunaria, /Z.
Odontopera bidentata, Z.
Crocallis elinguaria, Z.
Ennomos tiliaria, BA.
Himera pennaria, Z.

AMPHIDASID&.

Phigalia pilosaria, S. /.

Amphidasis betularia, Z.
BOARMID&.

Cleora lichenaria, [Z/
Boarmia repandata, Z.
rhomboidaria, S. V.

99

ACIDALID.
Venusia cambrica, C.
Acidalia aversata, Z.

CABERIDZ.

Cabera pusaria, Z.

MACARID&.

Macaria liturata, Z.
Halia wavaria, Z.

FIDONID.

Scodiona belgiaria, /.
Fidonia atomaria, Z.

> pliniaxia, 2:
Aspilates strigillaria, /.

ZERENID.

Abraxas grossulariata, Z.

HYBERNID&.

Hybernia rupicapraria, S. V.

xf aurantiaria, /Z.

Hybernia progemmaria, /7.
- defoliaria, Z.
Anisopteryx zescularia, S. V.

LARENTID&.

Cheimatobia brumata, Z.
boreata, /7.

Oporabia dilutata, S.

autumnaria, G.

99

bP}

Larentia didymata, Z.
multistrigaria, Zw.
ceesiata, Lang.
salicata, 7.
pectinitaria
Emmelesia alchemillata, Z.
albulata, S. V.
+ decolorata, /7/.
Eupithecia subfulvata, //w.
pygmeeata, /7.
satyrata, /Z.
castigata, £7.
indigata, /Z.
nanata, /Z.
vulgata, Zw.
tenuiata, /7.
exiguata, /7.
sobrinata, /Z.

togata, /7.

ie rectangulata, Z.
Thera variata, S. V.

|) firmata, 77.

Hypsipetes impluviata, S. V.

. elutata, 77.
Melanthia ocellata, Z.
Melanippe tristata, Z.
biriviata, B2.
montanata, S. V.

Ye fluctuata, Z.
Anticlea badiata, S. V.

sae UeGetivala SAV
Coremia munitata, 77.
propugnata, S. /.
ferrugata, ZL.

29

»P

99

>]

9

filigrammaria, /Z. S.

———————

a

LEPIDOPTERA IN ROXBURGHSHIRE

Camptogramma bilineata, Z.

Scotosia dubitata, Z.
Cidaria psittacata, S. V.
m miata, Z.
i corylata, Zh.

“ russata, S. V., and vars.

- immanata, //w.

» suffumata, S.V., and var.

piceata.
3 Prumata, 2.
i testata, 22.

Cidaria populata, S. V.
- fulvata, Forst.
» pyraliata, S. V.

EUBOLID-.

Eubolia mensuraria, S. V.
a plumbaria, #
Anaitis plagiata, Z.
Chesias spartiata, Jess.
Odezia cherophyllata, Z.

DELTOIDES.

HypENID&.—Hypena proboscidalis, Z.

VACATE MIDE.

ENNYCHID.

Herbula cespitalis, S. V.

BoryDé.

Botys fuscalis, S. V.
Pionea forficalis, Z.
Scopula lutealis, 7.

“ prunalis, S. V.
Nomophila hybridalis, 7.

CHOREUTID&.

Simaethis fabriciana, Z.
. pariana, Z.

EUDORIDA.

Scoparia atomalis, Dé.
% ambigualis, 7:
bs pyralella, 77.
. crategella, A.
is murana, C.

GALLERIDA.

Aphomia sociella, Z.
Hypochalcia ahenella, S. V.

CRAMBID/.
Crambus pratellus, C7k. Dé.
A hortuellus, /.
culmellus, Z.
pe) tRIStells: sSayA

LORTRTCINA:

TORTRICIDZ.

Amphysa gerningiana, S. /.
Hypermecia angustana, /Z,
Tortrix icterana, 4707.

> viburnana 1S.

, witidana,, Z.

a. pHorsterana; (772

» heparana, S. V.

23

PLICATA.

Lozotzenia musculana, 7.
Batodes angustiorana, /w.
Ptycholoma Lecheana, Z.
Spilonota trimaculana, (zw.
Catoptria cana, Hw.
Halonota bimaculana, Dzyvz.
“4 trigeminana, Ss.

169

170 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Halonota cirsiana, Z. STIGMONOTID&.
scutulana, S. V.

- brunnichiana, S. V.
Dicrorampha petiverella, Z.
politana, S. V.
herbosana, Bar.

” Peecilochroma corticana, /7.

Retinia pinivorana, Z.
a sylvestrana, C.
Pamplusia monticolana, J.

99

99

Coccyx hyrciniana, Usdar. CNEPHASIDA.
ANCHYLOPERIDE. Sciaphila virgaureana, 7:
- octomaculana, C.

Spilonota neglectana, D.
Anchylopera myrtillana, 7°
” unguicella, Z. SERICORIDA.
Bactra lanceolana, /7/.
Argyrotoza Conwayana, /-

Aphelia pratana, 7,

Sericoris rivulana, 5S.
lacunana, S. V.

Hemerosia rheediella, Z. ee :
Mixodia Schulziana, /

PERONEID&.

: . . LOZOPERID.
Cheimatophila mixtana, 7. oe :
Peronea tristana, /7. Argyrolepia cnicana, Dé.

‘ aspersana, /7. Eupeecilia atricapitana, Ss.

a maccana, 7° e angustana, /7.

x variegana, S. V. is ciliella, A.

nA Caledoniana, S/. Cochytis straminea, 7.

ve ferrugana, S. V. Xanthosetia hamana, Z.
Teras caudana, / ‘. zegana, L.

TINEINA.

EXAPATID. PLUTELLIDZ.
Chimabacche fagella, W. V. Plutella cruciferarum, Z.
Ochsenheimeria birdella, C. »» porrectella, Z.
Tinea rusticella, * dalella, S7z.

,, tapetzella, Z. Cerostoma vittella, Z.

cloacella, /Zz.
» pellionella, Z.
,, semifulvella, /7Zzv. GELECHIDA.
» supella.

Incurvaria masculella, /

radiatella, Dzv.

99

Depressaria costosa, //w.

Nemophora schwarziella, Z. ” assimilella, 7
A alstreemeriana, C7.
MICROPTERYGID~. b, arenella, W. V.
Micropteryx subpurpurella, zw. » applana, 7:
> nervosa, [/w.
HYPONOMEUTID#. a heracliana, De Geer.
Swammerdamia apiella, Duzzv. Gelechia confinis, .Szz.
A pyrella, V277. -s ericetella, AZ.

a

GALLS 171

Gelechia terrella, W. V. COLEOPHORIDA.
5 acuminatella, Szrcom.

leophora albicosta, Aw.
Pleurota bicostella, Z. Coleephors ab ees

- artemisiella, Scott.

ZECOPHORID-.
ELACHISTID&.

Ecophora subaquilea, Szz.
“A pseudospretella, S¢v.
Endrosis fenestrella, .S.

Chauliodus cheerophyllellus,
Goeze.

Elachista apicipunctella, S¢v.

atricomella, Sz.

rufocinerea, /7zw.

cygnipennella, /7/.

GLYPHIPTERYGID/. 2

Glyphipteryx thrasonella, .S.
Es fuscoviridella, Az.

fischeriella, Z, LITHOCOLLETIDA.

ue)

Lithocolletis spinolella, D.

ARGYRESTHID#. See er
coryli, LVecedlz.

oP)

Argyresthia nitidella, /
retinella, Z.

3 PTEROPHORINA.
9 gcedartella, Z.
* arceuthina, Z. Platypilus Bertrami, /eoss/er.
Cedestis farinatella, D. Pterophorus — bipunctidactylus,
Hw.
GRACILARID. - microdactylus, /Z.

thee Aciptilus tetradactylus, Z.
Gracilaria swederella, Dhnbe. : oe

tringipennella, Z.
syringella, 7.
phasianipennella, 7. Alucita polydactyla,

f ALUCITINA.

Pp)

”

GALES:
By Prof. James W. H. Tram, M.A., M.D., F.R.S.

TWENTY-FIVE years have elapsed since I began to describe,
in the early volumes of the “Scottish Naturalist,” the galls
found by myself in N.E. and central Scotland, or sent me by
friends from various parts of the country. The earlier papers
were issued at a time when information as to the makers of
these productions was not easily acquired. In later papers
in the same journal, and in the publications of the Natural
History Societies of Aberdeen and Perth, I have supple-

172 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

mented their deficiencies by descriptions of galls not
previously on record from Scotland, and by giving names
of others the makers of which had not been previously
identified. That the observations were fairly thorough may
be inferred from the fact that in the districts most wrought
by me I have found very few novelties for a good many
years past. The district around Glasgow, and, to a less
extent, some other regions in the West of Scotland, have
had their galls investigated by Mr. Peter Cameron, whose
discoveries are recorded largely in the publications of
Glasgow Natural History Societies, as well as in the
“Scottish Naturalist,’ the “Entomologist’s Monthly Mag-
azine,” and other scientific journals. The true Gall-flies, or
Cynipide, and the Gall-making Saw-flies, have been well
treated of in Mr. Cameron’s great work in four volumes
(issued by the Ray Society), under the name of “the
British Phytophagous Hymenoptera.” Mr. F. G. Binnie, in
1876, published in the Transactions of the Glasgow Societies
some short but valuable papers on the Ceczdomyzde, or
Gall-midges, of the neighbourhood of Glasgow.

For a good many years very little additional information
has been published about the galls of Scotland, or indeed of
any part of the British Islands ; and the few notes that have
appeared are apt to be overlooked in the absence of any
index to the very scattered literature of the subject. Though
the galls of a very few districts have been collected with
some care, and described with sufficient fulness to permit
their recognition in most cases, these districts form but a
very small part of our islands ; and very little, if anything, is
on record about the distribution of the gall-makers in Britain
as a whole.

During the past two decades much has been done on the
continent of Europe in the careful investigation of the life-
histories and of the structure of the gall-makers, especially
of the less conspicuous forms produced by nematoid worms,
mites, and midges; and our earlier British records demand
reconsideration in the light of this fuller information. I
have for some time been engaged in collecting all the
information I can obtain upon galls, in the hope of being
able to bring our knowledge of the galls of the British

GALLS 173

islands into line with that of the galls of Central Europe
and Italy. I also hope to be able to extend our records of
the distribution of the gall-makers in our country. I ask the
co-operation of all who may observe galls to aid me in this
by kindly forwarding to me examples of the various forms,
fresh or dried. Each specimen should be labelled with the
name of the food-plant (unless the part sent is sufficient to
show this), the collector’s name, the locality, the approxi-
mate height above the sea-level, and the date. I will
gladly supply the names of the makers if it is possible to do
so. It will make this easier if the sender will number each
kind sent, retaining an example bearing the same number.
Examples from almost any locality in the country will be
welcome, no matter how common they appear to be. So
little is recorded as to the distribution that every scrap of
information will be helpful.

Galls form a most interesting subject of study. The
power that certain low forms of plants and many animals,
belonging to widely different groups, possess of influencing
the growth of the cells of their hosts so as to give rise to
structures usually of a very definite nature is one that man
has not yet been able to acquire, even in a limited degree.
The change produced is in most cases so characteristic that
the galls can be recognised with as great certainty as, and
with far greater ease than, the gall- makers themselves.
Indeed, in a good many cases, for example among certain
Cyutpid@, the gall-makers can scarcely be distinguished from
one another, while the galls are very different. A con-
tinuous gradation leads from galls that are little more than
a slight enlargement of the part, or a mere surface distortion,
to those so highly specialised in form, and of so varied
tissues, that they appear like wholly new parts not repre-
sented in the normal organs of the plant.

A clear and accurate conception of the nature of the
change induced by the gall-maker in the processes of nutri-
tion and of growth characteristic of the healthy cells would
be a most valuable contribution to our knowledge of
physiology. In the simplest galls, often scarcely deserving
the name, this change is probably due to local irritation
caused by the parasites absorbing their food from the

174 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

affected cells. Such galls are almost always formed by
parasites (such as many Gall-mites and some Aphides) for
their own protection and nourishment. The alterations in
these forms frequently amount, as stated above, to little
more than an enlargement of the cells of the ground-tissue
or of the epidermal cells, with sometimes an increase in
their numbers. Hairs often grow from the surface, in small
numbers and scattered, or so abundantly as to form con-
spicuous patches. These have frequently been described as
fungi, usually under the supposed genera FErzzeum and
Phyllerium. These galls belong to a somewhat specialised
type in that the hairs in each kind are very seldom like
those usually found on the host plant, while they show forms
characteristic of the galls. .

Very different, at least in degree, from the influence
exerted by the parasite in both these cases, must be that in
force in the production of such galls as those formed on oaks
by the true gall-flies; and the difference is increased by the
fact that so many of these insects produce in each year two
galls absolutely distinct in aspect, and often very different in
structure. Yet these highly developed galls only manifest in
an extreme degree a power that in its less specialised stages
is possessed by many other insects, as well as by organisms
of numerous types lower than insects in the scale of being.

There does not appear to be any reason why man should
not discover how to exercise some such power over nutrition
and growth of parts so as to modify structure profoundly.
The importance of such a discovery in its scientific interest
and in its practical applications is self-evident.

The subject of Galls is far too large to be treated in its
fulness here ; but an outline of it may help to induce readers
to look for them, and to respond kindly to my request for
assistance in the form of specimens.

It is somewhat difficult to define clearly what a gall is,
so as to include the widely different forms with which we
meet. But it may practically be accepted as any structure
in which the action of a parasite has led to increase in
size of the tissues of the host. The enlarged tissues very
generally show marked increase in the number of the cells,
along with enlargement of the individual cells, and (in the

GALLS 175

more highly specialised galls) often a great diversity in
structure, uses, and contents among the constituent cells.
In this sense galls may be said to occur on animals as well
as on plants; but the galls on animals are comparatively
few, and need not be considered here. Passing to plants as
hosts, we meet with galls, necessarily of very simple struc-
ture, even among some of the Algz or water-weeds, ¢,g. in a
few red sea-weeds, and in species of the green freshwater
weed Vaucherta, which bear flask-shaped galls caused by a
Rotifer— Notomma Werneckiz. But the whole number of
galls on flowerless plants is very small, even the ferns and
their allies bearing but few, and of a structure but little
specialised. Many of the flowering plants, on the other
hand, show a very wide range of structure and form in the
galls they bear. By far the most specialised forms known
to us occur on some of the Dicotyledons. It is curious to
find that the Gymnosperms show a far less development of
galls, alike in structure and in frequency, than do the Angio-
sperms, or flowering plants with closed seed-vessels, though
they so long preceded the latter plants in their appearance
on the earth’s surface. Among the Angiosperms, the two
great divisions of Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons present
a similar inequality ; the former division, though the earlier
to appear in the earth’s history, being by far behind the
other in the complexity of structure reached by the galls,
and also in the number of kinds of gall-makers in comparison
with the number of species of plants in each division.
Certain orders of Dicotyledons are very susceptible to attacks
of gall-makers, every species bearing one or more kinds.
Pre-eminent alike in number of forms, in high specialisation
of many of the galls, and in the prevalence of dimorphism
(or two forms of a single species in successive generations
within the year producing two forms of galls), stand the
Oaks. The other genera (beech, hornbeam, and hazel) of
the family of Cupuliferee are also more or less infested by
galls. The allied families Betulaceze (birches and alders)
and Salicaceze (willows and poplars) are rich in forms pro-
duced by parasites of widely different groups. These
families are generally regarded as being among the older,
and in some respects less specialised, Dicotyledons.

176 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Turning now to the more specialised types of Dicoty-
ledons, we find that of some families almost every member
is liable to bear galls, while in others only certain genera are
attacked, or only a few species of different genera may be so.
Among the Rosacez we meet with numerous galls, the work
of very various makers. Some of these are of low organisation,
while others in their complexity of structure and in their
aspect recall the highly specialised forms of oak-galls. The
Crucifere, Leguminose, Rubiaceze (as represented by the
Bedstraws and their allies), and Composite may be men-
tioned as families including many herbaceous plants that
bear galls. Among the more highly organised woody
Dicotyledons, the Limes, Maples, and Common Ash are rich
in galls, though seldom of complex structure.

Few families of Dicotyledons, even in the British flora,
except some of those represented by only one or by very
few species, are absolutely free from galls ; and, if we look to
the records from other countries, we see that a good many of
our plants bear galls elsewhere, though they are not yet
known to do so in the British Islands. Among the few
that are not yet recorded as gall-bearers may be noted the
families of the Water-lilies, Holly, Crowberry, Sundews,
Water Milfoils, Ivy, Thrift, Bladderworts, and Bog Myrtle,
along with a few other less conspicuous types. Several of
these are water-plants, and others show peculiarities of
nutrition that may protect them against the gall-makers.
But it is difficult to suggest a sufficient cause why most of
these families should be free, while others, apparently as
secure against attack, are gall-bearers. The immunity of so
many of the Monocotyledons is even more difficult to explain,
eg. the freedom from galls of Orchids and of Cyperacez
(apart from a few Carices) in contrast with the relatively
numerous galls on Grasses.

Every part of plants, from the rootlets upwards, is
liable to be galled; but in each plant certain parts are
usually more liable than others. Most gall-makers show
a preference for a definite part; for example, some attack
the roots alone, others the leaves, others the flowers, or
even a single organ of the flower, such as the seed-vessel.
A few parasites produce changes that show themselves

GALLS 177

in most parts of the entire plant, which may be greatly
altered. Indeed, so great is the change in some cases that
the affected plants have been taken for species distinct from
the type. Such conditions, which scarcely fall under
the usual idea of galls, are generally the work of fungi.
Widely extended effects are also produced by some of the
gall-mites when they give rise to the condition known as
virescence, the inflorescences being replaced by small ill-
formed green bodies, and the foliage leaves being diminished
in size, and usually more or less cut into narrow divisions or
fringes. But in most cases the part attacked is strictly
limited, though some species gall one organ at one period,
and a different one at another, ¢,g. the leaf and root-galls of
Phylloxera vastatrix on the Vine. The two forms of galls
formed by the dimorphic generations of some gall insects
have been already referred to. These, in their highest
development, are confined in Britain to Oaks.

A gall-maker does not often affect plants of more than
one natural order, except those that show a well-marked
alternation of hosts,as do a good many fungi and some
Aphides. These insects alternate between Dicotyledonous
trees or shrubs, less often herbs, and grasses, on which they
pass the winter. There is evidence that tends to show that
some of the gall-mites also can live on, and distort plants of,
different orders.

The various forms of galls have been ranged, as regards
their structure, under two groups—(1) Szmple, in which one
member alone is affected, and (2) Compound, or Lud-galls, in
which the shoot and the members that it bears are more or
less altered.

The Szwple galls have been divided into the subjoined
groups :—

A. Felt-galls, better called Hazr-galls, composed wholly,
or at least chiefly, of hairs on the surface of the part affected.

b. Mantle-galls, formed by the part curving round, or by
a pouch being formed by the increased growth of a limited
area, resembling the finger of a glove projecting from the
surface, or a pit formed by the more rapid growth of the
sides of the cup. However formed, the hollow surface is
lined with epiderm, corresponding to that of the outer sur-

178 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

face of the member forming or bearing the gall. The cavity
serves to protect the maker of the gall. The Mantle-galls
show three chief divisions corresponding to the modes in
which they may be formed, as indicated above. They are :—

a. Roll-galls, formed by the margins of the part rolled
upwards or downwards.

b. Pocket- or Pouch-galls, in which stimulus of a limited
part of the galled member has caused increased growth of
that part. Owing to the surrounding tissues not having
increased in corresponding measure, the galled portion bulges
outwards on one surface, and forms a pouch on the other
side. The form and depth of this pouch depend on the
extent of the part galled, and on the activity of growth
within it. The Pouch-galls differ much in form. Often the
pouches are wide and shallow, as on the leaves of many
plants (eg. the galls of Ceczdomyia pustulans on Meadow-
sweet, and those of Aphides, so common on Currant bushes
in gardens). Sometimes they occupy most of the leaf, which
is then usually curved round, as one sees so often in the
leaves of Elms. On other leaves the pouch is a narrow
ridge lying between two chief veins (e.g. in Hornbeam), or
near the margin (in Honeysuckle). In this form the opening
of the pouch is a long narrow slit, kept nearly closed by its
edges. More striking forms are like a nail or bullet attached
to the surface, usually of a leaf, by a narrow neck, through
which is the exit. In these, the part affected has been very
small, but growth in it has been very active,so as to disguise
at first sight their true origin. Galls of these latter forms,
the work of mites, are often abundant on leaves of Sloe,
Birdcherry, Lime and Maple.

c. Covering-galls, or Cup-galls, as the third class of
Mantle-galls may be termed, owe their form to the growth
ceasing, or nearly so, at the point where the gall-maker or
the egg is fixed, while it becomes very active around this
point. A wall is thus built up, which forms at first a cup,
but may elongate into a tube, or may arch over the cavity so
as almost (seldom altogether) to shut it in. Sometimes the
erowth is much more rapid on one side, the position of the
opening (as in the galls of Zetraneura Ulmi on Elm leaves)
showing the true apex of the gall.

GALLS 179

Hatr-galls and Mantle-galls are not sharply marked off
from one another, many forms combining the characters of
both groups. They agree in the gall-makers living on the
outer surface of the plants, not really penetrating the inner
tissues.

C. The third class of Simple Galls differs from both the
former in the gall-maker living whiz the tissues of the host,
or piercing the tissues and depositing an egg within them,
around which the gall grows. These galls differ widely in
complexity, ranging from the blister-like galls of some mites
(as on Pear and Mountain Ash leaves) or the irregular
swellings caused by many fungi and nematoid worms, to
the most highly developed galls known to us, those namely
of the true Gall-flies or Cynipide. In the simpler forms the
increase in size is almost wholly due to multiplication and
enlargement of the cells, which are otherwise little altered in
aspect. In them the parasites, if animals, live in irregular
spaces between the loosely massed cells, or, if fungi, bore
between and into the cells. In either case they draw their
food from the contents of the cells. Galls of this class
produced by mites almost always have the passage through
which the animal penetrated: to the interior kept open as an
exit. In almost all others of the class the passage caused
by the parasite when entering the tissues, or by the parent
insect in depositing an egg within them, is soon blocked ;
and it can be recognised only with great difficulty, if at all.
The latter are well distinguished as Closed Galls. Many of
them remain closed throughout their existence, the parasites
or their offspring being set free by the decay of the galls, as
occurs with the “finger and toe” of turnips and other
Crucifers, and the root-tubercles caused by some Nematoids.
The more highly developed closed galls are formed mostly
by Gall-flies and some Saw-flies for the protection and
nourishment of the larve; some of them being formed
around the egg, others only after the larve have emerged
and begun to feed. The Gall-flies mostly undergo the full
metamorphosis within the galls, the perfect insects escaping
by holes eaten through the walls. The Saw-fly larva when
full fed eat their way out, and, dropping to the earth,
become pupz, usually under ground. The galls of the

180 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Cynipide very generally in the centre possess a thin-walled,
small-celled food-mass rich in cell-contents as food for the
larve. Around this is a somewhat sharply defined, more or
less thick, protecting layer of tissue, composed of thick-
walled pitted cells closely knitted together. Outside this
protecting layer is in most cases a comparatively thick mass
of thin-walled cells. In some galls this differs little from
the ordinary ground-tissue of the part that bears the gall.
In others it is, at least in part, composed of cells of very
irregular outline that leave wide interspaces. The epiderm
is as a rule not very different from that usually present on
the plant. On some it bears characteristic hairs, as on the
common Oak-spangles. The galls of other gall-makers
seldom show any approach to such complexity of structure.
In a simple closed gall there is usually only one chamber
occupied by the larve; but in some there are more than
one such well-defined space. Occasionally the food-mass
surrounded by the protecting layer forms an inner gall,
which separates away from the outer layers during growth,
the latter increasing in size more rapidly than it. Ina
few cases, a part, like a cork in form, separates from the
rest of the gall, and falls to the ground, carrying the larve
with it. In some closed galls a small circular lid breaks
away to form an exit. Where two different forms are
produced by one insect (as by so many of the Cyzzpzde@ on
Oaks) these usually differ much in structure as well as in
aspect. How great the difference may be, even when the
two forms are produced on the same member of the plant,
is well seen if one compares the soft, juicy, globular, smooth
currant-gall of the Oak with the firm, rather dry, lens-shaped,
hairy spangle, both forms growing from the leaves.

The Compound Galls, or Bud-galls, in their more marked
forms appear very different from the simple forms, many
members of the host being frequently involved in a single
gall; but it is not possible to draw a clear line of separation
between the two types. The compound galls are usually
the result of attacks on buds in a very early stage of
development, often before the members of the bud have
become recognisable as separate parts. Frequently the gall
is only an assemblage of parts of which each corresponds to

ie

GALLS 181

a simple gall, such as in the rolled leaves of Geranzum
sanguineum, or of the Bedstraws. But in most cases such a
distortion of the parts is attended with shortening and
other changes in the axis, altering very greatly the whole
aspect of the shoot. Other bud-galls are buds that have
remained abortive, or have swollen a little, the leaf-members
becoming like widened leaf-scales. Others are more changed
in aspect, forming large masses of tissue, in which it is
difficult to recognise the ordinary parts of the plant. Some
of the compound galls are the work of several gall-makers in
co-operation; others are produced by a single gall-maker
for the protection and nourishment of several larve, each of
which occupies its own chamber. Occasionally gall-makers
that habitually form compound galls may also produce
simple galls or vce versa ; and among the dimorphous gall-
flies the one gall may be a compound, the other a simple,
form.

Compound Galls may be divided into nearly the same
eroups as Simple. The Hazr-galls and Roll-galls, however,
are less numerous, and may in fact be regarded as mere
assemblages of simple galls of these types, in which the
crowth of the branch itself is interfered with and its
appearance changed. Compound Mantle-galls are often
formed by the fusion of the edges of members usually free.
Closed Bud-galls are formed by gall-makers of various groups,
e.g. Gall-apples on Oaks.

Bud-galls differ in aspect according as they result from leaf-
buds or from flower-buds. Ifa leaf-shoot is stunted,as the effect
of the attack, the leaves are apt to be much increased in num-
ber and to be short and broad, overlapping at the edges. Thus
a cone-like body is formed, as by a gall-midge on the Yew
and by another on Bedstraw, if the leaves are closely placed
one on the other; or a rosette, as is often seen on Sallows
and Hawthorn, if the short broad leaves spread apart. When
the bases of the leaves become fleshy, and unite for a time, a
body very like the fruit of some Conifer may result, as so
commonly occurs on spruce twigs owing to the attack of the
spruce Aphis.

Flower-bud galls resemble usually swollen buds that
never open. Often they are conspicuously coloured. The

182 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

floral members are often much swollen and fleshy, and are
fused together, the changes being greatest at the base. The
stamens and carpels are almost always sterile. Often the
parts of the flower are monstrously distorted (¢,g. flowers
of Crucifers galled by the white rust fungus Cyszopus candt-
dus). Gall-mites very often cause the parts to be multiplied
and to become much cut, fringed, or otherwise distorted
green bodies. The gall-makers live between the deformed
parts, or within the tissues, just as in the simple galls. The
bud-galls show very much the same diversities in structure
and in surface as have been described already under simple
galls. i

Some compound galls reach a very considerable size,
such as the “ witch-besoms” so commonly caused by a fungus
on Birches, and the large irregular masses, caused by a mite,
that sometimes replace the inflorescence on the Ash.

Allusions have already been made in this paper to the
groups of gall-makers, but a more systematic notice of them
may not be out of place. Those that form galls on
terrestrial plants in Britain belong chiefly to the groups
Fungi, Nematoid Worms, Mites, and Insects. Of Insects
the gall-makers in Britain belong to Hemiptera-Homoptera,
Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera. In
the more recent works galls are termed Cecedza ; and they
are distinguished by a prefix to denote the group to which
the maker belongs. There is a certain amount of con-
venience in this usage. To indicate its method, the different
groups will be denoted by the appropriate names below.

Myco-cECIDIA.—The galls formed by fungi belong
mostly to the closed type, the threads of the fungus
traversing the tissues of the host, and giving rise to a
swelling or gall, which may be localised (as in the tumours
on roots of Juncus bufonius caused by Endorhiza), or may
alter the whole aspect of the plant (as by A/elanotenium in
Lady’s Bedstraw). The reproductive bodies or spores of the
fungus may be set free only by decay of the gall (as in these
two fungi), or they may be formed on and dispersed from
the surface of the gall (as in Cystopus and in the swellings
of Juniper stems caused by Gymnosporangium). Hazr-galls
and Mantle-galls are caused by certain fungi (such as some

+) ae Me ei

————

GALES 183

species of Hwoascus) which confine their attacks to the
epidermal cells and outer layers of ground-tissues. Some of
the latter fungi also cause the conspicuous “ birds’ nests”
referred to above. Cwup-galls are formed, though of only
small size, by some inconspicuous species of Syuchztrium (e.g.
on the Wood Anemone). The line of separation between
simple and compound galls is very ill-defined in the case of
the majority of Mycocecidia.

NEMATO-CECIDIA, or, preferably, HELMINTHO-CECIDIA,
are the work of small nematoid worms. The great majority
of animals of this low group live in water or damp soil or in
decaying substances; but a few, belonging to the genera
Tylenchus and Heterodera, form more or less well-defined
galls on plants. The gall-making species H. Schachtiz is a
most formidable pest owing to the injury caused to many
cultivated plants by its tuberous galls on their roots. It has
been found over a great part of the earth’s surface. The
females become mere swollen egg-bags.

The species of Tylenchus are rather numerous, and their
galls are produced on almost all members of plants upwards
to the ovary. Their galls are swellings, often ill-defined,
but usually confined in each species to one special member,
e.g. on leaves of Agrostzs and of Plantago, in ovary of wheat
“corn-cockles””), and so on. They are mere enlargements
of the cellular tissues of the part, with no increased com-
plexity of structure.

PHYTOPTO-CECIDIA are produced by a family of micro-
scopic mites characterised by their small cephalo-thorax and
long ringed abdomen, and by having only four small weak
legs. They have been in recent years studied by Dr. A.
Nalepa, who has published a series of very valuable papers
on them, illustrated by most careful figures, and by Dr.
Canestrini in his “ Prospetto del Acarofauna italiana.”

Dr. Nalepa has distinguished several genera and many
species of these mites, and Dr. Canestrini has also described
numerous species, while a few have been described by other
workers. Careful investigations of the mites themselves has
seldom revealed a species producing galls on plants of more
than one natural order ; but a reference is due to a paper by
Dr. J. Peyritsch (in “Sitzungsber. d. Kais. Akad. der

184 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Wissenschaften ” of Vienna, xcvii. pp. 597-605), of which I
prepared a translation for the “ Scottish Naturalist,” 1889, pp.
114-121. He describes in it the results of many experiments
on infecting numerous plants of the orders Valertanacee and
Crucifere, and a few from other orders, by laying on them
portions of Valeriana tripterts, found wild near Innsbruck,
the buds of which were infested by Phytoptus. ‘These results,
he believed, prove that the same mites can gall in various
ways many kinds of plants. Professor Dalla Torre of Inns-
bruck has also put on record an observation of Professor
Heinricher, that willow twigs with buds galled by Phytoptus
having been used as supports for Polygala myrtzfolia, the
latter after a time had its buds similarly galled.

Phytopto-cecidia chiefly belong to the types described
above as Hair-galls (Erineum), Roll-galls, Pouch-galls (from
the shallowest form of pouch to the slender nail form),
Blister-galls (the mites boring into tissues of leaves or bark
of twigs, but keeping the passage open), and Aud-galls.
These forms pass into one another frequently. They may
be restricted to limited portions of a member of the host, e.¢.
on the leaves; or they may affect almost every member on
a shoot, passing into the bud-galls; or they may habitually
affect the buds only,as in Black Currant and Hazel; orthe buds
may grow into short twigs with many lateral buds, causing
small “witch-besoms.” If the flower-buds are attacked they
may become virescent, or may form large diseased masses, as
in the Ash, or may be otherwise distorted. Mite-galls show
little if any advance in complexity of structure beyond the
normal tissues. Any change is rather in the nature of
degeneration of tissues.

ENTOMO-CECIDIA is the name given to all galls formed
by insects. But they are so numerous and so varied in
structure that they are divided into the several groups to
which the makers belong.

HEMIPTERO-CECIDIA.—The division Hemiptera includes
a considerable number of gall-makers; but of those in
Europe only one genus (Laccomotopus, galling the flowers of
Teucrium) belongs to the Heteroptera or Plant-bugs. All
the others belong to the Homoptera. The Psyl/id@ are
small leaf-hoppers, many of which produce pouches on

GALLS 185

leaves, some being so shallow as scarcely to be noticeable,
while a few are well-formed pouch-galls.

Of the Apfhide (Green-flies or Plant-lice) a good many
produce Mantle - galls, varying from shallow discoloured
pouches or curled leaves, as on Currants, to very characteristic
pouches or cup-galls of considerable size and depth, and often
of peculiar form. Some produce bud-galls of cone-like form,
as on the Spruce, or short shoots with broad loose leaf
sheaths, between which the insects live. The notorious
Phylloxera produces galls on leaves and on roots of the Vine ;
and the almost equally notorious American blight, or woolly
blight, causes irregular outgrowths or cankers on branches of
Apple-trees.

COLEOPTERO-CECIDIA, or the galls of beetles, are com-
paratively few. They mostly belong to the closed type of
simple galls, and consist of an increase in the cellular tissue,
with no clearly defined cavity or complexity of structure.
They are found on roots and stems, as swellings of the cortex
or of the pith, and are seldom very conspicuous. They do
not often occur on leaves. The flowers are more often
galled, especially the ovaries. The larger number of gall-
making beetles belong to the family of Weevils (Cz7-
cultoniae).

DIPTERO-CECIDIA.—By far the greater number of the
gall-making Diptera belong to the Cecedomyide or Gall-
midges, a group numerous in species but very uniform in
appearance. A very large number of genera have of late
been put forward by specialists, based frequently on minute
distinctions. Many of the Cectdomyzde do not make galls,
some feeding on minute fungi, others being carnivorous.
From such forms we pass to the gall-makers by gradations
from very shallow pouches on the leaf-surface to well-formed
closed galls on various parts on the host. They seldom
show a complex internal structure. The surface may vary
from smooth to very hairy. We find among them, of the
simple type, Rol/-galls, Pouch-galls, Cup-galls (sometimes
with a separable inner gall or lid), and Closed-galls, the
latter at times being not very different in appearance from
those of Hymenoptera. Aud-galls are very common, both
of the leaf type and of the flower type. The larve live

22 E

186 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

between the parts of the buds, which may be considerably
enlarged. Occasionally (eg. on the Bedstraws) the bud-
galls may be conjoined to form pretty large masses. The
larve of some gall-midges pupate in the galls, while others
leave the galls to pupate in the soil.

The 77yfetzd@, a family of flies with spotted wings, and
often not unlike the common house-flies in form and size,
afford a small proportion of gall-makers, especially affect-
ing Composctt@. On these plants the galls are formed either on
the stem (Uvrophora Carduz on thistles), or in the flower-
heads (7rypeta solstitzalts or Centaurea nigra).

LEPIDOPTERO-CECIDIA are few, and of no special in-
terest. They consist almost exclusively of thickenings of
leaf-stalks, leaf-veins, or stems.

HYMENOPTERO-CECIDIA are numerous and varied, but
all belong to the closed type, usually of simple galls, though
bud-galls are not uncommon. The gall-makers in this
division fall under the families Zenxthredintde or Saw-flies,
Chalcidide, and Cyni~ide or true Gall-flies. All Hymen-
optero-cecidia belong to the closed type, the mother, by means
of the ovipositor, making a wound in the tissues, in which
she deposits an egg. Afterwards the wound heals up.
The Saw-flies make swellings in the twigs or leaf-stalks,
or produce more conspicuous galls on leaf-blades, especially
on Salix. These leaf-galls are pea-shaped and affixed by
a narrow support ; or they are bean-shaped and sunk, singly
and in pairs, in the leaf, projecting on both surfaces. The
galls are fleshy, and are composed chiefly of cellular tissues,
the inner tissue forming a food-mass whicn is eaten away
by the larva. There is no well-defined larval chamber ;
nor do the walls of the gall show clearly defined layers of
tissue.

The Chalcidide are mostly parasites on other insects, or
dwellers in galls of true gall-makers, but the genus /sosoma
causes thickenings on the stems of grasses, sometimes
covered over with short broad leaf-sheaths, as on Couch-
grass. The galls of the Cyuzfjide@ have been so frequently
referred to in the course of this paper as to make any
lengthy reference to them here out of place. They show
frequently the greatest degree of complexity in structure

GALLS 187

known to us in galls. The Oaks bear a very large pro-
portion of the galls of this family, many of the Oak-galls
exhibiting very marked dimorphism, as demonstrated by Dr.
Adler’s researches. Roses bear several different forms of
galls on leaves produced by the species of Rhodites ; Rubus
bears galls on stems caused by Dastrophus ; and species of
Potentilla have the creeping stems galled by Xestophanes.
The genus Az/ax includes a good many species, and is not
so limited in its host plants. Most of the species cause
more or less marked swellings in the inner tissues of stems
of plants in widely different orders; thus Awlar Hueraciz,
Bouché, has been reared from galls on a number of species
of Hveracium ,; and insects that Dr. Mayr could not dis-
tinguish from it have been reared from Lznaria vulgaris
and Cytisus capitatus; and Mr. Cameron is disposed to
regard the maker of inconspicuous galls in knotty rhizomes
of a grass (probably the False Oat-grass) as also this species,
though named by himself at first A. gramznzs, because of the
difference of food-plants. Other species of Aw/ax gall fruits,
é.g. achenes of species of Scabious and capsules of Poppies.

Our information with regard to British gall-makers is
more completely recorded for the Hymenoptera than for any
other group, thanks to Mr. Cameron’s work referred to
above.

Most galls can be preserved in a state suitable for
recognition by drying them. The large firm closed galls
may be dried in an open place, where they are exposed to
a free access of dry air but not to direct sunshine. Better
results, if convenience permits, are obtained by keeping them
in fine dry sand until the twigs and leaves around them are
dry. ‘The various Mantle-galls are best dried in sand, with
which they should be filled as well as surrounded. This
method gives them the support while drying that is required
to prevent shrinkage and distortion. Hair-galls and vir-
escent plants may be well preserved in the same way; but
they may also be treated with fair success by the simpler
method of drying in botanical paper, or between the leaves
of a book.

Soft fleshy galls that contain much sap, such as Currant-
galls of Oaks, galls of Weevils on Turnips, young galls of

188 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Chermes on Spruce, and many bud-galls, especially in flower-
buds, become much distorted if allowed to dry exposed to
the air, and shrivel a good deal if dried in sand. Their
form is well retained usually in one or other of the preserva-
tive fluids in common use, but they almost always lose much
of their colour.

But while galls should be treated for permanent pre-
servation in the way best fitted to give good results, they
can be recognised in almost all cases from examples dried
even roughly between the leaves of a book or between pieces
of newspaper under only slight pressure. I will be glad to be
favoured with the sight of specimens from any part of the
country, however roughly dried, as actual specimens form
the most trustworthy records.

Of course it is not possible to obtain the gall-makers
usually from dried galls. To succeed in this it is necessary
to have the fresh galls, and to keep them under conditions
favourable to the development or study of the gall-maker.
But, as already said, the galls are usually at least as easily
recognised as their makers, and afford reliable evidence of
distribution of the maker of the gall, if it has been already
determined from elsewhere.

CAREX MAGELEANIGA TE, IN THE OUTER:
HEBRIDES.

By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.LS.

In Dr. Shoolbred’s paper on these islands, in the “ Journal of
Botany ” for 1895, he reports the above species (the C. zrrigua
of Smith) from South Harris.

As Dr. Shoolbred notes that I had gone through the
whole collection, it would be supposed that I agreed to the
name; but I was surprised to see it so reported, having only
noted C. /zimosa (specimen very poor) myself. I asked Dr.
Shoolbred to kindly send me the specimen so named, and the
authority for the name. This he did, and I fear he must

CAREX MAGELLANICA IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES 189

have thought me very neglectful not to have taken some
notice of it ere this; but I was not satisfied with the name,
and asked Mr. Duncan to send me some specimens of C.
Zimosa from North Harris which he told me he had gathered
there. This he has lately done, and I was surprised at the
variability of the plant. When one gets specimens sent
from collections abroad, they naturally send what is sup-
posed to best represent the species asked for, and so one
gets good sets of typical species, but with no range of varia-
tion. Here is an evil not easily done away with, and which
Hooker and Thomson in the “Flora of India” remark
on as follows (I quote from memory): “It is much to be
wished that botanists would collect the variations of species,
and so see if many are not really extreme forms of some
ether species, cte:

After seeing these North Harris specimens and others
from Arctic Europe, I have no hesitation in saying that Dr.
Shoolbred’s specimen is simply a form of C. /émosa.

In looking over these North Harris examples I found that
some much resembled the figure of C. stygza, Fries, in Anders-
son's ~ Cyperacee Scandinavica, t 7. f 71 (io40)5 Con-
trasting this with the figures of /mosa (f. 73) and of rariflora
(t. 6, f. 70), to which Fries considered stygza most nearly
allied, it seemed that the Hebridean specimens much more
resembled that of stygza than that of /zmosa. Fries insists,
for one thing, on the “squamis . .. obtusis mucronatis
obvolutis.”’ These Harris specimens varied from “ obtusis’
and “lanceolatis” to “evidentius apiculatis”? of Fries’s
sty gia.

I have never been able to see an authentic specimen of
Fries’s stygza ; but Hjelt in his “ Consp. Fl. Fennicz,” part iii.
p. 293 (1895) (a Flora of great interest from the evidence
of careful work that it contains), remarks: “ An example in
Fischer's herbarium is only C. Zzmosa,” quoting as authority
» Ereviranus in” Moscow Bull; No, 2,542 43863); Also
he says: “F. Nylander’s example in Fries’s herbarium from
Hibina belongs to C. pula,’ quoting Th. Fries in “ Jakta-
gelser rosande Ostfinmarken Starr-Arter, 1857.”

“ )

1 <« Summa Veg. Scand.,” p. 234 (1846).
2 Anderson, /.c. p. 35.

190 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

I have had occasion to note the likeness in habit, etc.,
of some fulla forms to “émosa, and vice versa.

One of Mr. Duncan’s specimens has the lower spike
springing from the leaves of the rootstock, thus having a
leaf forming the bract. I have seen this in /zrta, glauca,
panicea, etc., but not in the /zosa series before.

Although I admit that it differs so much in look from
the typical form, I do not see that it is possible to call Dr.
Shoolbred’s specimen a variety, as in the North Harris ex-
amples the glumes pass from his form, through all the forms
given above, to exactly the glume figured under Fries’s
stygia.

Another critical Hebridean Carer found by Mr. Duncan
was referred by me doubtfully to a sa/zna form, “being very
near C. spzculosa, Fries.” I see that Dr. Hjelt* refers Fries’s
plant to “C. salina x vulgaris, juncella.” Dr. Almquist agreed
that the plant was very near sfzculosa, Fr.; and vulgaris jun-
cella certainly occurs in the group, but no sal/znva has yet
been found, though Mr. Duncan has been over the ground
again. C. sfzculosa is very rare in Finland, being found only
on the Kunookotka promontory in the White Sea. Though
not absolutely identical with Fries’s plant, ours is very
near it.

Hjelt has a C. aqguatilis x vulgaris, juncella, which he says
(t. Almquist, I presume) is C. avcuata of Laestadius: “ Bidrag.
Kan. i Tomea Lappmark,” p. 43 (1860). This I have not
seen, but I do not see that one can say juucella positively
enters into the Hebridean plant. Laestadius compares his
plant with aguatilzs and acuta, and says that it grew with
Betula nana, Vaccinium uliginosum, Tofieldia borealis, Pingut-

cula villosa, etc.
1 Or rather D. S. Almquist.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 191

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

The Hedgehog in Sutherland.—In ‘A Vertebrate Fauna of
the Moray Basin” (vol. i. p. 155), I find stated: ‘‘ The Hedgehog
is not yet found in a wild state in Sutherland, although it has been
introduced on several occasions.” This year I found two Hedgehogs
(Lrinaceus europeus): one on the 21st July amongst long heather,
and the other in thick brackens on the 3rd August. ‘They were
found about two miles up the Lettie, which is a tributary of the
Fleet, and their haunts were only about 800 yards apart ; and but for
the movements of the dogs I should not have discovered them. As
eatly as the beginning of autumn 1872 I found a Hedgehog about
zoo yards from Tressady Lodge, but at the time did not con-
sider it worthy of special notice—WILLIAM MACKENZIE, Rogart,
Sutherland.

Badger (JZe/es taxus, Schreb.) in Stirlingshire.—Mr. John
Moir of Dunipace, Larbert, reports that a specimen of this mammal
was found dead at the mouth of the conduit that enters from a
ditch near Roughmute, Dunipace, during the last week of April.
The body was taken to Mr. George Paterson of Thornton, who has
had it stuffed, and who reports that it was three or four years old
and that it measures 31 inches from tip to tip. Mr. Paterson also
states that there was formerly an old ‘‘saugh” tree that stood
exactly on the Thornton and Dunipace march, and at the foot of that
tree there was a hole, known as the badger’s hole, and that led into
the same drain or ditch where this one was found.

Long-eared and Pipistrelle Bats in Islay.—The presence of
bats of different kinds in Islay has always been well known to the
natives, though Mr. Harvie-Brown does not seem to have been able
to obtain actual specimens from the island. In the spring of 1892
I saw one flying about, but could not identify the species. In
August 1894 one was brought in alive, by a cat, to the kitchen of
Mr. Colin Scott, Port Ellen. It proved to be the Pipistrelle
(Vesperugo pipistrellus). Last November another—also a Pipistrelle
—was sent me by Mr. M‘Donald, lighthouse-keeper at Rhu Mhaoil,
in the Sound of Islay, where it was caught alive. And only a week
ago a third, a beautiful example of the Long-eared Bat (Vecotus
auritus), was got in Port Ellen during the demolition of some old
buildings. As the Gaelic names for these two species are different,
the Long-eared Bat being called by a name signifying horned, we
have a proof that both kinds have been sufficiently long recognised
to have acquired distinctive names in Islay.—T. F. Grtmour, Port
Ellen.

192 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Osprey (Pandion halietus) near Peterhead.—I have just been
to see what was reported to me as a Golden Eagle captured in a
pole trap at Ludquharn near Peterhead on the 17th May. It
proved to be a healthy Osprey in fine plumage, seemingly a male of
a year or two old: it measures 2 feet in length; expanse of wing 5
feet 2 inches. The bill is black, with the base horn-blue ; the had
has not much of a crest ; forehead white, chin white, and the crown
of the head brown—brown continuing over the nape. Upper
plumage dark, but the tail is a shade lighter and banded: across the
breast there is a very distinct broad band of brown, pretty like the
plate in Morris’s ‘“ British Birds,” 1895 edition. All the rest of the
under surface white, except that the long white feathers of the flank,
under the wings, have six or seven large brown spots in them near
the ends, and there are also six or seven smaller brown spots on the
shorter flank feathers just under the shoulder. The bird is being
looked after by the gamekeeper, who fed it on rabbits after it had
shown no inclination to take fish. —WILLIAM SERLE, Peterhead.

Bittern at Invergarry.—A Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) was sent
to Messrs. Macleay, Inverness, on 2nd February 1897, which was
procured at Invergarry. They are very rare visitors so far north.—
T. E. BUCKLEy, Inverness.

The White-fronted Goose in the Solway.—For the last few
winters there has been a noticeable tendency amongst the wild
Geese frequenting the Solway to increase in variety—that is to say,
such species as the Brent (Lernicla drenta), Pink-footed (Azser
brachyrhynchus), and Gray Lag (Anser cinereus) have put in an
appearance in greater numbers than the odd birds of quite casual
occurrence that have hitherto been seen. Some fairly large
flocks of Pink-footed Geese have been observed, while on another
occasion a string of about a score of Brents was noted. On the
other hand, the Barnacles (Lventa leucopsis), which are the character-
istic geese of the Solway, have hardly come up to their average
numbers. On 23rd January I received a fine female specimen
of the White-fronted Goose from Carsethorn. Of course the species
is not rare in Britain, but has hitherto been of very considerable
scarcity locally ; by far the least frequent, I think, of the four species
of ‘‘Gray ” Geese in the Solway waters and merses. It was one of
a party of four, all of whom would have been got, but the tide
turned at the moment and prevented farther approach.—R. SERVICE,
Maxwelltown.

Goosander and Seaup in Sutherlandshire.—I took a Goosander’s
nest this season from an island in a loch farther to the east than
any other recorded locality in this country. ‘The nest was in a hole
in a peat bank, and contained eight eggs. The same day on which I

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 193

took the Goosander’s nest I saw an adult pair of Scaups on the
same loch, 17th May.—T. E. BuckLey, Rossal, Inverness.

Grebes in the Forth Distriet.—The following birds have passed
through my hands lately and may be worth recording :—(1) a female
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) shot on 3rd February at
Cramond by Mr. William Lumley, and presented by him to the
Museum of Science and Art; (2) a female Eared Grebe (Podzceps
nigricollis) and (3) a female Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps griseigena),
both shot on 8th February by Mr. Robert Colledge at North
Berwick.—Wm. SMALL, Edinburgh.

House-Martin in Wigtownshire in Mareh.—According to a
correspondent of the “ Glasgow Evening Times,” a Swallow was
observed near Whithorn at 6.30 P.M. on the 22nd of March this
year, and was endeavouring to enter a dwelling-house by one of the
windows. On the following day the bird was found dead in one
of the apartments, the window of which is kept slightly open. It
was forwarded with the correspondent’s letter, and was sent by the
proprietors of the paper to a Mr. Innes in my neihgbourhood, in
whose possession I saw the skin a few days later. The bird was a
House-Martin (Chelidon urbica) with no appearance whatever of hav-
ing been in confinement. It may be stated that at Burrow Head, a
few miles from Whithorn, there is an enormous colony of House-
Martins on the cliffs—JOoHN PaTErson, Glasgow.

Goldfinch in Midlothian.—It may be interesting to note that,
while walking near Dreghorn, Midlothian, on 18th April, with P.
Adair, Esq., we observed a pair of Goldfinches.— BRUCE’ CAMPBELL,
Edinburgh.

Nesting of the Grasshopper Warbler (Locuste//a nevia) in
**Upper Forth.”—Although the Grasshopper Warbler is not at all an
uncommon summer visitor to the “ Forth ” area, its nest seems seldom
to have been discovered. At any rate I have myself frequently looked
for it, but always, till this year, without success. In the beginning
of May 1896 I heard the peculiar ‘‘ reeling ” sound which constitutes
the song of this species in a swamp near Aberfoyle, but on returning
a fortnight later I failed to hear or see anything more of the birds.
This year I revisited the spot in the middle of May, and again the
“evidence was entirely negative. However, in two or three places,
from one to two miles off, the “reeling” was nightly to be heard,
and in one or other I hoped to find the nest later on. On 1st June
I returned, but the search that day produced nothing. . The follow-
ing day (2nd June 1897), towards evening, my son and I walked
out to the old locality at the swamp, little expecting, however, in
view of previous experiences, to find the prize there. First a Reed
Bunting and then a Sedge Warbler fluttered from their nests, and a

194 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

minute or two later a small brown bird slipped out of a clump of
bog-myrtle almost at my son’s feet. A few seconds sufficed to find
the nest—a genuine Grasshopper Warbler’s, neatly made of withered
grass, and containing five closely freckled pinkish eggs, in which
incubation had scarcely, if at all, begun. ‘Though placed well down
in a patch of rushes and bog-myrtle, the nest was nothing like so
well concealed as I had expected; indeed, when looked at from
above, the eggs were quite visible. On our going back next day to
get a better look at the bird, we found her again on the nest and
saw her quit it as before—a short flight of a couple of yards or so,
then a rapid mouse-like movement among the grass for about the
same distance, and she was gone. Presently a distinct, but not loud,
tick, tick, tick indicated that she had made her way to some bushes
thirty to forty yards off, and was there watching our proceedings.
The only previous record of a nest of this species in “ Forth” with
which I am acquainted is that in MacGillivray’s ‘British Birds”
(vol. ii. p. 403) of one found by Durham. Weir on the Bathgate
Hills in the beginning of June 1835. But no doubt others have
been found, though not recorded.—WiLi1aM Evans, Edinburgh.

The Little Gull (Zarws minutus) in East Lothian in May.—On
the 11th of May last (1897) a Little Gull—an adult female nearly in
full summer plumage—was found lying dead in a field a mile south
of Ballincrieff, East Lothian, and handed to Mr. James Lamb,
Aberlady, who kindly sent it on to me. It bore no outward mark
of injury, was in fair condition, and in beautiful plumage. The
whole of the feathers of the under parts were suffused with a rosy
tint of the most delicate description, and in a few days the black
hood would no doubt have been fully acquired. As it is there are
still a good many white winter feathers about the forehead and
throat ; these, unlike the newly acquired black ones, are all worn
at the tips, and beneath them tiny black feathers just bursting
through their sheaths can readily be seen. In this instance the
change seems clearly to be one by moult, and not rejuvenescence
and recoloration of the old feathers.—WiLLiaAmM Evans, Edinburgh.

The Fulmar on the Solway.—Although the Fulmar (/a/marus
glacialis) is sometimes said to be in the aggregate one of the most
numerous birds in the world, it is uncommon enough in the Solway
Firth. Iam not aware that it has been got here on more than two,
or perhaps three, previous occasions. In December a storm-driven
example was found on Mersehead bank. It was in a sadly emaciated
condition. This fine bird is, however, fairly often observed out at
sea, betwixt the Mull and the Isle of Man.—R. Service, Maxwell-
town.

Abundance of the Cockehafer in the Solway District.—Are
we going to have an outbreak of this troublesome and most

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 195

destructive insect? Its ravages have of late years been worse than
usual in France and other parts of the Continent, and in Southern
England it has also done damage. Specimens of the Cockchafer
(Melolontha vulgaris) were sent to me in September, November, and
in December—most unusual dates for it, as the ordinary time of
flight is May and June. And early last month a Kirkbean farmer
brought me a two-year-old example of the larva or grub, wishing to
know what the creature was. In his case a “ley” field was literally
overrun with these grubs. I have also heard of it from various other
quarters, but not to such a serious extent as in the Kirkbean case.
Like so many other noxious insects, the Cockchafer has what may
be characterised as maximum and minimum periods at which its
numbers increase or diminish. The causes for these periods of
destructive increase, or the reverse, are no doubt climatic, depend-
ing upon the particular cycles of weather that may suit particular
species, but very few precise observations have ever been applied
towards their elucidation.—R. SERvIcE, Maxwelltown.

Libellula quadrimaculata, Z., in Ross-shire.—On the 25th
May last a fine specimen of this somewhat local Dragon-fly was sent
to the Museum for identification by Mr. J. M‘Lennan of Melvaig
Schoolhouse, Gairloch, who stated that it had been captured there
the day before. The occurrence of this species so far north may
be of some interest to students of Neuroptera. The specimen has
been kindly presented by Mr. M‘Lennan to the Museum collections.
—Perercy H. GrimsHaw, Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh.

Erichthonius Hunteri (Spence Late) in the Cromarty Firth.—
This Amphipod was obtained in a miscellaneous gathering of inverte-
brates which I recently examined, and which was collected in the
Cromarty Firth on 13th August 1895. Though L£7richthonius
fluntert was described as far back as 1862 (see ‘‘ British Museum
Catalogue of Amphipoda” of that date), yet the first distinct British
record of the species that I know of is that contained in part ili.
of the ‘‘ Fourteenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scot-
land,” published last year. The specimens referred to in that
Report were obtained in the Firth of Forth; its occurrence in the
Cromarty Firth is therefore of interest—this being a new station
for the species on the east coast of Scotland.—T. Scorr, Leith.

Seottomyzon gibberum (7! and A. Scott) in the Cromarty
Firth.—Scottomyzon gibberum was described and figured by my son
and I in the “ Annals and Magazine of Natural History ” for February
1894, from one or two specimens obtained in the Firth of Forth.
Though at that time the species appeared to be rare, I have found
since that it is really not uncommon in the Firth of Forth when one
knows where to look for it. Some time after the discovery of the
species in the Firth of Forth, my son obtained it in the Liverpool

196 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Bay district, and I myself observed it in the estuary of the Clyde;
but though it thus appears to be widely distributed it is only now
that I am able to report its occurrence in the Cromarty Firth.
Several specimens of this Copepod were obtained in the same
gathering with the Lrichthonius also now reported for that estuary.
When describing this species in the “‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural
History,” my son and I referred it to the genus Dermatomyzon,
Claus, but at the same time pointed out certain structural differences
between it and that genus. Dr. W. Giesbrecht of Naples, in his
revision of the Ascomyzontide (published a few months ago), found it
necessary to remove our Copepod to a new genus, and for it adopted
the name given above, which is a modified form of the older name.
—T. Scort, Leith.

Sabelliphillus Sarsi, C/afarede, in the Clyde.—This Copepod,
which is remarkable for its curious habit of living on the beautiful
feathery plumes that adorn the head of a species of Sade//a,—one of
the marine Annelids,—has not yet, so far as I know, been recorded
from the Scottish seas, and I have now the privilege of adding this
interesting species to the Copepod fauna of Scotland. ‘The specimens
I have to record were observed on the plumes of two examples of
Sabella captured in Kilbrennan, and on one taken about six to
seven miles east of Sanda Island, near the mouth of the Clyde estuary.
Sabelliphillus has been known for several years as a member of the
marine fauna of Liverpool Bay, and is recorded for that district by
Mr. I. C. Thompson, F.L.S. These Copepods are not easily
noticed on the plumes of the Saéella, as the two are nearly of the
same colour; they also adhere so firmly to the plumes as not to be
readily shaken off even though the plumes are washed in strong
spirit, and it is perhaps owing to this that Sade/liphillus has not been
more frequently obtained.—T. Scort, Leith.

Cytherella serrulata, Lrady and Norman, from the mouth of
the Clyde.—Quite recently I obtained two specimens of this
Ostracod in some muddy sand brought up from a depth of about
sixty fathoms a few miles south of the island of Sanda at the mouth
of the Clyde. Professor G. S. Brady, F.R.S., who kindly examined
the specimens, thinks that they certainly belong to the species to
which they are ascribed. So far as I know, Cytherella serrulata has
not previously been recorded from the British seas ; its occurrence
at the mouth of the Clyde estuary is therefore of interest, as, besides
being a new record, the distribution of the species is thereby con-
siderably extended.—T. Scort, Leith.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 197

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Hazel-nuts in Alluvial Soil near St. Andrews, and Note on
Brambles.—In the parish of Cameron, near St. Andrews, Fife,
comprising upwards of gooo acres, there is not a single wild hazel
bush, neither has there been within the memory of man; and yet,
while constructing some four-feet-deep drains in alluvial soil, the
workmen cast up hazel-nuts in shovelfuls, thus proving that a dense
hazel copse must at one time have existed in the locality. The
watershed of the now gently-running streamlet which must have
washed down these hazel-nuts does not much exceed 3000 acres,
and to deposit several feet of diluvium over several acres must have
taken ages. How such a hardy plant as the common hazel should
have entirely disappeared from the district is difficult to account for,
as where the ground is not regularly cropped, broom, whin, and
blackthorn apparently spring up spontaneously. I may mention that
the shells of the hazel-nuts were entire, conclusively proving that
squirrels did not abound there in those days.

I may also mention that till after 1853 there were only two or
three stunted bramble bushes on the sides of the road between
this and St. Andrews, a distance of four miles. In that year the
road was improved by cutting and banking, and immediately bram-
bles sprung up in the cuttings, and now abound; and very
welcome they are, with their beautiful spring flowers, their fruit,
and richly tinted autumn leaves. Curious to say, brambles have
always abounded to the east of the road in question, but to the
westward you may travel for at least half a dozen miles without
seeing the vestige of one. Brambles, every one knows who has
tried it, are difficult to extirpate; and yet nature has apparently
capriciously done so, as above related. Of course the explanation
of their resurrection in the cuttings (though, somewhat singular to
say, not in the embankments) is that the seed had lain dormant till
exposed to light and air ; but brambles must have previously existed
there, in order to produce the seed. Can any of your readers suggest
an explanation of the above phenomena.—JouN Purvis, Kinaldy,
Stravithy, R.S.O., Fife.

Juneus tenuis, ////d., in Westerness (‘“ Annals,” p. 32).—Mr.
Arthur Bennett’s suggestion that American hay has been the means

198 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

of introduction of this plant into Britain seems strengthened by
some facts in relation to this case. After reading Mr. Bennett’s
article, I wrote to Mr. W. Grant, Arisaig, the finder of the plant,
asking for any particulars he could think of. In reply he wrote:
“The first place I found /wncus tenuis was on the edge of a hay-
field, beside a track used for the cartage of manure, and not a
quarter of a mile from the houses. I only found an odd plant or
two there. Afterwards I found it thriving, but not very abundant,
as a weed in a corner of the garden amongst rhubarb, etc., where
the ground has not been dug for some years. I have not come
across it anywhere else as yet, and it has evidently been introduced
to these localities lately. There has certainly been a quantity of
bought hay used in the stables during the last ten years, but where
grown I do not know.” The plant being as yet limited, so far as is
known, to the two localities,—the side of a manure track, and
among rhubarb, which is commonly mulched with manure,—com-
bined with the fact that American hay is frequently bought in that
part of the coast, as I know to be the case, makes the probability
fairly strong that it has been introduced into this locality by this
means.—SYMERS M. MACcvICcar.

Ceratiomyxa mucida, Sciv., and Rivularia ealearea, Sy7th,
near Edinburgh.—These plants were gathered near Balerno, on
Saturday, rgth June, by members of the Edinburgh Field Naturalists’
and Microscopical Society, during an entomological excursion under
the leadership of Mr. P. H. Grimshaw. ‘The fungus, found on a
decayed pine stem, is not uncommon about Edinburgh, although
Greville in his “ Flora Edinensis” states it is rare, and only grows
in the autumn. The alga, gathered on moist rocks, is rather rare in
the neighbourhood.—A. B. STEELE, Edinburgh.

CURRENT LITERATURE 199

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—April-June 1897.

[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 initals of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the
sources of information undermentioned. ]

ZOOLOGY.

BIRD-LIFE AROUND WALLS, SHETLAND. By Robert Godfrey,
The Field, 1st May 1897, p. 677.

YELLOW WAGTAIL IN ARGYLLSHIRE. Robert Robinson
Davison. Zoologist (4), vol. 1. p. 167 (April 1897).—Records the
occurrence last spring (March and April 1896) of a solitary specimen
about a mile from Oban.

CAPTURES IN ORKNEY IN 1896. E.M.Cheesman. £77. Record,
vol. ix. p. 93 (15th April 1897).—A list of 55 species of Lepidoptera
captured during the year.

TEPHROSIA BISTORTATA (CREPUSCULARIA) IN MORAYSHIRE. A.
Horne. xt. Record, vol. ix. p. 93 (15th April 1897).—A single
specimen found, on 16th April 1892, resting on the trunk of a fir
tree in the Altyre Wood, near Forres.

VELIA CURRENS, FAB.,IN SCOTLAND. R.M. Leake. Lxtomologist,
vol. xxx. p. 176 (June 1897).—Three examples of the macropterous
form taken at Musselburgh from the river Esk during the month of
August 1893.

BOTANY.

NoTESON BritisH PLANts—II. Carex. By Arthur Bennett, F.L.S.
Journ. Bot., Jane 1897, pp. 244-252.—The following are Scottish
records :—Carex rupestris, All., ‘more plentiful in W. Sutherland
than the first record would seem to intimate”; C. /eporina, I.., var.
capitata, Sond., “ Mr. Miller gathered this in W. Sutherland in
1881”; C. spiralis, Ewing, from near the ridge between Forfar and
Aberdeenshire (this is one of the rigide?); C. aguatilis, Wahl.
Dr. Buchanan White sent a form from Whitemyre of Methven,
referred by Dr. Almquist to C. aguattls, var. epigejos, Laest., but

200 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

referred by Mr. Bennett to probably C. aguatilis x Goodenowit
juncella ; the forms of agwatilis found in Britain are enumerated ;
x C. grantii, Ar. Benn. = C. aguatilis x kattegattensts, Fr., growing
with parent forms by Wick river ; C. sa/zna, Wahl., var. kattegattensts
(Fries), by Beauly Firth; C. spiculosa, Fries, forma nova hebridense,
Ar. Benn., gathered in Harris, Outer Hebrides, by Mr. Duncan.

NOTES ON SOME RARE SPECIES OF Mycetozoa. By Arthur Lister,
F.L.S. Journ. Bot., Jane 1897, pp. 209-218.—Includes notices of
numerous species—among them one new species and several new
varieties. The following records are from Scotland :—//ysarum
penetrale, Rex, at Moffat, on a pine-stick; Z7ichia Botrytis, var.
munda, n. var., at Moffat ; both collected about. 1879 by Professor
Balfour.

The Annals

of
Scottish Natural History

No. 24] 1897 [OCTOBER

Lob SBiRDS Or CARMICHAEL. PARISHES WiIGhEr
NOTES ON "RARER ISPECIES IN GEE VWRPER
WARD OF LANARKSHIRE.

By Rev. James D. W. Gipson, B.D.

THE Parish of Carmichael’ may be roughly outlined as the
tract of country bounded on the N.W. by the Clyde and
Douglas Water, which each after a course of about three
miles along the north-west border—the former in a south-
westerly, the latter in a north-easterly direction—meet to
flow towards the N.W.; on the S.W., S., and S.E., by the
range of Tinto, circling round as a natural background ; and
on) the NE. by the Carlisle Road; “The. surface of the
parish presents a very unequal and diversified aspect, the
mountain range of Tinto looking down from a commanding
elevation” (cairn on top is 2335 feet above the sea-level) “upon
several hills and valleys which lie at its base, and sending
many tributary streams” (Cleuch, Carmichael, Drumalbin,
and Ponfeigh Burns) “to the Clyde and Douglas Water.”
Between Tinto and the Clyde and Douglas Water two
distinct ranges of hills may be traced running parallel with
these rivers, but the continuity of each range is broken by

1 The Parish of Carmichael is contained on the Ordnance Survey Map No. 23.
24 B

202 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

the valleys which follow the courses of the streams, so that
a feature of the scenery is the number of hills—for the most
part grassy—cut off from one another and attaining to alti-
tudes varying from 1220 ft. (Woodlands or Black Hill) to
1156 ft. (Carmichael Hill), to1o014 ft. (Crossridge), and 884 ft.
(Whitecastle). The district, although upland, the lowest
elevation being over 600 ft., is fertile where arable, and in
favourable seasons good crops of hay and oats are reaped.
But, as can be understood, seeing it is so far inland as well
as upland, spring is late and autumn quickly passes into the
severity of winter, and this remark applies to the whole of
the Upper Ward.

On the east of the Carmichael Burn the hillsides and
valleys are well sprinkled with fine old beeches—in rows and
clumps—not less than 150 years old. These afford fine situa-
tions for several rookeries. Within and adjoining Carmichael
Policies are many thriving young plantations of spruce and
fir interspersed with hardwood, of ages varying from two to
twenty-five years’ planting. On the Eastend Estate at the
base of Tinto stretch long plantations of old larch and Scotch
fir—sadly decimated by the winter storms of 1883-84. On
the Douglas Estate the hill above the Manse is well wooded
with fir and spruce on its N.E. and S.E. slopes, and the
heathery sides of Stonehill are covered on the N.W. with an
old plantation of fir and hardwood, part of which was also
levelled by these storms, but has been renewed a few years
ago.

The following list is the result of observation, more or
less continuous, during a residence in the parish of over twelve
years. It-is not published with any pretensions to com-
pleteness or finality, but as a contribution towards an Avi-
fauna of Upper Clydesdale. It may not be inappropriate
in this connection to quote the following from White’s classic
“ Selborne” :—“It is now more than forty years that I paid
some attention to the ornithology of this district ; without
being able to exhaust the subject, new occurrences still arise
as long as inquiries are kept alive.’ In the preparation of
the list I have had the benefit of the help of others ; to one
and all of those named in the text I offer my sincere thanks.
To my much esteemed friend Sir W. Carmichael Anstruther,

THE BIRDS OF CARMICHAEL PARISH 203

Bart., as also to Mrs. Thomson Carmichael, my thanks are
due for permission to refer to specimens of rarer species pre-
served in Carmichael and Eastend Houses. In the list I
have incorporated notices in “New Statistical Account”
(1841) [hereinafter referred to as “S.A.”], as also all notes
on distribution in the Upper Ward in R. Gray’s “ Birds of the
West of Scotland,” etc. [hereinafter referred to as “B.W.S.”],
as these were furnished by the late Edward R. Alston, Esq.,
who resided at Stockbriggs, in Lesmahagow Parish. John
Paterson, Esq., Glasgow, has favoured me with the perusal
of “Notes on Birds in Douglasdale, etc, 23rd May 1895,
and Ist, 2nd, and 3rd June 1895” [hereinafter referred to
as “Notes”]; Mr. Drummond Pringle, Chapel, Braidwood,
has gone over with me his interesting collection ; to them, as
well as to J. A. Harvie-Brown, Esq., F.R.S.E., etc., for many
valuable suggestions in the preparation of this list, I am
under deep obligation.

MissEL THRUSH, Zurdus viscivorus, 1., local name “ Feltifare.”—
Fairly common, but not seen in numbers till autumn, when
flocks assemble to feed on berries of rowan tree, etc. Absent
during severe weather in winter, but may be heard in song as
early as January 4 (1897). A light cream-coloured specimen
frequented the parish for three seasons, from April 12, 1892
to 1894.

Sonc TuHrRusH, Zurdus musicus, L., local name ‘‘ Mavis.”—Abun-
dant. Absent in winter, returning as early as the beginning of
February (February 15, 1897. On this date, at the break-up of
frost and snowstorm there appeared also Lapwings and Golden
Plovers and Larks.)

REDWING, Zurdus iliacus, L.—Very rare. I have not myself
observed it. Mr. D. Pringle used to see it in numbers—not,
however, of late—in his district.

FIELDFARE, Zurdus filaris, L.—Present on migration in small flocks
during autumn, winter, and spring, as late as April 13, 1897.
When seen in autumn and winter they are wild and restless,
generally passing over the fields foraging, heading towards the
S.W. Straggling parties of three or four may remain for a few
days during severe frost. In “S.A.” it is stated that “a pair
of Fieldfares have twice remained the whole year, and built
their nest near the Manse” of Crawfordjohn, about 1836.
(Mr. Harvie-Brown remarks: “ These are probably only Missel
Thrushes, which in Scotland are popularly known as “ Feltifliers ”
or, Felties.”)

204 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

BLACKBIRD, Zurdus merula, L., local name “ Blackie.”—Resident
and breeding. Very common.

Rinc OvuzeL, Zurdus torquatus, L.—A few, as in 1871 (“ B. W.S.”)
Have heard it in song in glen above Lochlyock, May 11,
1896. The young occasionally in small parties visit gardens
in autumn. Mr. Paterson found it nesting on the Windrow
Burn and on another tributary of Douglas Water (‘‘ Notes ”).

WHEATEAR, Saxicola enanthe, L.—Common, arriving in March,
sometimes as late as April 5 (1897). This season a bird was
seen coming out of a bank of loose stones within 200 feet of
top of Tinto, and by its movements indicated that it was nesting.

Wuincuat, Pratincola rubetra (L.), local name ‘‘ Whinchucker.”—
Rather common. Mr. Paterson found it very common all over
the district traversed by him, in striking contrast to the Wheat-
ear (“ Notes ”).

STONECHAT, Pratincola rubicola (1..), local name ‘“ Stanechucker.”
—Very rare. Only once observed it. Mr. Alex. Telfer,
head gamekeeper, Douglas, reports its presence in Douglas-
dale. Mr. D. Pringle has seen it two or three times in winter
near his place.

REpDSTART, Ruticilla phenicurus (L.)—Noted as scarce in Biggar
district in-18 3'5 (““S.2Ae4) se Gray (“ B. W. 5.”) writes(in- 1872)
that thirty years ago (7.e. 1841) this species would appear to
have been much commoner in Lanarkshire than it is now. At
present it is well distributed in the district and by no means
uncommon. Within the last ten years there has been a
decidedly appreciable increase. Mr. D. Pringle reports a like
increase for his district. First seen this season April 26 at
Braidwood, and May 18 in the parish. Mr. Paterson saw it in
Happendon Woods and in Braidlea Burn glen, Douglas
(* Notes’),

REDBREAST, L7ithacus rubecula (L.), local name ‘ Robin.”—
Common and resident, nesting near the Manse.

WHITETHROAT, Sylvia cinerea, Bechst.—Regular visitor. Scarcer
this season. Mr. Paterson found it common in suitable
localities (‘‘ Notes ”).

LESSER WHITETHROAT, Sylvia curruca, (L.)—Very rare. <A pair
frequented the hedgerows of the Glebe for a short time during
the early summer of 1896.

Biackcap, Sylvia atricapilla (L.)—Mr. D. Pringle reports the
presence of this species in his district, and has specimens in
his collection.

THE BIRDS OF CARMICHAEL PARISH 205

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia hortensis (Bechst.)—One seen in Manse
garden, May 22, 1897; another afterwards, on June 20, in
hedgerow below Crossridge Farm, gathering insects, which it
carried off in the direction of Carmichael Policies. For an
interesting note on the distribution of this species around
Lanark, see paragraph by Mr. John Paterson in “ Annals of
Scottish Natural History,” 1895, p. 194. Mr. D. Pringle
reports it as nesting at Chapel.

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN, Aegiulus cristatus K. L. Koch.—Re-
ported as common around Biggar in 1835 (‘‘S. A.”) ; and under
Walston is the remark that at times it may be met with, the
Rey. J. Wilson having found one perched on the bell-rope in
his study, October 1835. Seen by Mr. J. Paterson in Hap-
pendon Woods, Douglas. It is known to Mr. A. Telfer.
There are several families frequenting suitable localities in the
parish : Carmichael Avenue, Stonehill, and Eastend Woods.

Wittow Wren, Phylloscopus trochilus (L.)—An abundant spring,
summer, and autumn visitant. Appeared this season April 15
at Braidwood, and April 30 in the parish.

Woop WreN, Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechst.)—Mr. J. Paterson
found this species scarce in Braidlea Burn glen, but frequent
and common in Happendon Woods (“Notes”). I have heard the
note of this species among the pines of Carmichael Avenue and
Stonehill Wood, but have not seen the bird itself. Mr. Pater-
son informs me (¢z “Zt, August 9, 1897) that he also knows of
the presence of this species “‘on the Avon, the Fiddler’s Burn,
the Mouse, and Falls of Clyde.”

SEDGE WARBLER, Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechst.)—Not uncom-
mon, and nesting. Mr. Paterson found it common in district
visited by him (‘‘ Notes ”).

HEDGE SPARROW, Accentor modularis (L.), local name “ Dykie.”—
Resident and common.

DIPPER, Cinclus aguaticus, Bechst., local name ‘ Water-crow.”—
Resident along the Clyde and all the streams of the district.
Referring to note in ‘Annals of Scottish Natural History,”
1892, p. 1g8—“ On Unusual Nesting-Places of Species ”—the
following particulars may be given. In 1889 a nest was found
on the top of a boulder about three feet high in mid-stream of
the Carmichael Burn. It appeared to be a piece of rough
turf stranded after a spate. On being touched it fell over, and
the bird flew out, revealing the nest. In 1891 a nest was
built on the very point of an old hawthorn stump, about six
feet above the burn at the foot of the Manse garden. The
situation was too conspicuous, and it was destroyed after eggs

206 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

were laid. Gray records a touching incident referring to the
song of a Dipper observed near Lanark (“ B. W.S.”)

From the Hyndford Bridge it may be watched resting like a
miniature duck on the water to dive to the bed of the river,
where it may be seen searching for food among the pebbles of the
bottom. One very cold morning in the beginning of last April
I was much pleased by being the witness of a male bird dis-
playing the charms of his dress and voice to his mate. Sitting
“bolt upright” and uttering loudly his song, he made the
white feathers of his breast stand out straight and conspicuous,
giving him the appearance as if a white napkin had been tied
around his neck and was hanging down in front. This attitude
he went through several times, following in short flights his
seemingly irresponsive and inattentive spouse.

LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE, Acredula caudata (L.)—It is noted as scarce
in Biggar Parish in 1835 (“S. A.”). Mr. Robert Gray, game-
keeper, Westraw, has known it nesting in Carmichael Policies.
Mr. A. Telfer has kindly informed me that he has seen it several
times in Douglasdale: once on a tree in front of his house at
Braidlea. Seen frequently in Fiddler’s Gill (Mr. D. Pringle).

GREAT Titmouse, Parus major, L., local name “ Ox-ee.”—Resident
and generally distributed. Chiefly in evidence with the Blue
Titmouse in winter.

Coat Tirmoust, Parus ater, L.—Not so common in winter as
preceding and following, but during summer and autumn it is
the commonest of all the Tits,

MarsH Tirmouse, FParus palustris, L.—Gray’s remarks on this
species (‘‘B, W. S.”) may be quoted: “ Writing from the Upper
Ward of Lanarkshire, Mr. Alston informs me that, though not
so numerous as the preceding” (ze. Coal Titmouse), ‘the
Marsh Tit is not uncommon in his neighbourhood, and nests
there regularly, frequenting natural birch woods and pine
plantations.” I have not observed it in the parish. Mr. D.
Pringle reports its presence at Chapel, Braidwood, but tells me
that it has not been so common within the last eighteen months.

BLuE Titmouse, Parus ceruleus, L.—Resident and common.

WREN, Zroglodytes parvulus, K. L. Koch.—Resident; varying in
numbers, being more common during some seasons than others.
TREE CREEPER, Certhia familiaris, L., local name “ Woodpecker,”

“'Tree-speeler.”—Resident ; rarer than the preceding. Mr.
Paterson observed it in Braidlea Burn glen (“ Notes”).

Prep WactalL, Motacilla lugubris, Temminck.—Common spring
and summer visitor. The most common of all the Wagtails.
Rarer than usual this season.

THE BIRDS OF CARMICHAEL PARISH 207

Gray WactalL, Motacilla melanope, Pallas.—Regular visitor in less
numbers than the preceding ; relative numbers of species seem
to have changed since Alston’s time (“ B. W. S.”)

[‘‘YELLow WactaiL, Motacilla flava” (“S. A.”); “ BLUE WacTAIL,
Motacilla cwrulea” (“S. A.”).—Noted in 1838 as birds of the
parish. Are probably the Gray and Pied species respectively,
neither of which is given in “S, A.”]

TREE Prrit, Anthus trivialis (L.)—This species visits the parish and
district regularly in fair numbers. Mr. Alston (‘ B. W. S.”) also
records its presence, and Mr. Paterson found it common
(“Notes”). Mr. D. Pringle reports it common in his district.

>

Meapow Pipit, Anthus pratensis (L.), local name ‘“ Mosscheeper.’
—Abundant in spring, summer, and autumn all over the grass
and heath lands of the district.

GREAT GRAY SHRIKE, Lanius excubitor, L.—Irregular visitor.
Specimen shot near the Manse by Mr. R. Gray, then gamekeeper,
Carmichael, preserved in Carmichael House. One was shot in
Lanark Parish, April 11, 1896 (‘Annals of Scottish Natural
History,” 1896, p. 190); another in Carluke Parish about
November 1896 (Mr. D. Pringle).

Waxwinc, Ampelis garrulus, L.—Gray records (‘‘B.W.S.”) the
capture of five birds of this species near Lanark early in
December 1866. One was got three or four years ago at
Hazelbank on the Clyde, about three miles north of Lanark
(Mr. D.. Pringle).

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, A/uscicapa grisola, L.—Regular and common
summer visitor. Nests every season on the ivied walls of the
Manse offices. Alston once observed a nest on the ground at the
root of a tree (“B.W.S.”) Arrived this season on May 19.

SwatLow, “irundo rustica, L.—Every farm “town” holds a nesting
colony of this species.

Martin, Chelidon urbica (L.)—As abundant as the preceding, and
nests under eaves of farmhouses and in haysheds. Mr. Paterson
observed a colony on railway bridge over Mouse at Cleghorn
(Notes*’):

Sand Martin, Cottle riparia (L.)—Common, and nesting wherever
it finds suitable sites. It arrived this year April 18, a week
before the swallow, April 23.

GREENFINCH, Ligurinus chloris (L.)—Resident. Very abundant in
late autumn and winter.

GOLDFINCH, Carduelis elegans, Stephens, local name ‘ Gouldie.”—
Once common in the district, to judge from “S. A.” and from the
statements of elderly persons as to numbers trapped by bird-

208 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

catchers. Mr. Jas. Wylie, gamekeeper, Carmichael, has kindly
informed me that he saw a small flock of about a dozen in
Carmichael Policies during cold weather at end of January last.
An individual was seen near Castlemains, Douglas, in August
this year (Mr. A. Telfer). Used to be fairly common at Chapel,
Braidwood, but now very rare, and none seen for two or three
years (Mr. D. Pringle).

SISKIN, Chrysomitris spinus (L.)—Gray remarks (“ B.W.S.”) : “ Thirty
years ago” (ze. about 1841) “this was a well-known winter
visitant in some parts of Lanarkshire, but from all I can learn
it is much less common, or at least not so steady in its times
of appearance.” Have never seen it in the parish. Sometimes
it is seen by Mr. D. Pringle.

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus (L.)—Very abundant. Individuals
speckled with white are not uncommon. ‘This season during
month of July a specimen with almost black plumage frequented
the neighbourhood of Hyndford Bridge.

TREE Sparrow, Lasser montanus (L.)—During cold weather in
January last this species appeared in the parish. I obtained
one for identification on January 26 near the Manse, and
some days afterwards noticed several in hedgerow near Cross-
ridge.

CuarFincH, Fringilla celebs, L., local name “Shelfa.”—Resident
and abundant.

BRAMBLING, Fringilla montifringilla, L., local name ‘‘Cock of the
North.”—Winter visitant. Last season was markedly in evidence
during January.

Linnet, Acanthis cannabina (L.), local name “ Whin Lintie.”—Is
now very scarce in the parish, though referred to as being very
common about thirty years ago. Noted as bird of parish in
1838 (“S. A.”) under name of Brown Linnet.

LESSER REDPOLL, Acanthis rufescens (Vieillot).—‘‘ Common around
Biggar” in 1835 (“S. A.”) Gray (‘‘ B. W. S.”) notes this bird as
sparingly distributed in parts of Lanarkshire, excepting around
Glasgow. Mr. A. Telfer knows the species around Douglas,
and Mr. D. Pringle reports it as not very plentiful in his district.
Not common in the parish, but young birds appear in small
numbers towards autumn.

TwitE, Acanthis flavirostris (L.), local name “ Heather Lintie.”—
Appears regularly in flocks in autumn, and feeds on the seed
of ragweed. ‘Towards end of December it is less in evidence,
again appearing in March in immense flocks which may be
heard uttering their twittering song in stormy weather from the
shelter of a stone dyke. Gray (“‘B. W.S.”) says it nests in the

THE BIRDS OF CARMICHAEL PARISH 209

higher grounds of Lanarkshire. Mr. Baxter, Woodlands, gives
me the interesting information that it nests not infrequently in
heather bushes on his hill.

BULLFINCH, Pyrrhula europea (Vieillot).—Gray writes (“ B, W. S.”) :
‘‘Mr. Alston informs me that it appears to be on the increase
in Lanarkshire.” Not uncommon now, making its appearance
in pairs with young, August 1895 ; or in small parties of nine,
February 19, 1897; or in pairs, ¢ and ?, July 3, 1897. It
nested in the parish three seasons ago. It prefers the more
sheltered and wooded grounds and orchards by the Clyde
below Lanark. Noted as a bird of the parish in “‘S. A.”

CrossBILL, Loxia curvirostra (L.)—In “‘S. A.,” under Carluke, is the
following : ‘‘ The Crossbill, after an absence of eleven years, has
again paid us a visit in considerable numbers” (August 1838).
Gray (“B. W.S.”) remarks that this species “in many parts of
Lanarkshire is found in considerable numbers during the breeding
season, especially in the neighbourhood of Douglas.” Specimens
were obtained at Braidwood in 1853 (Mr. D. Pringle). Mr.
Paterson remarks (‘‘ Notes”): “Mr. Amos” (for about forty
years the much respected head gamekeeper on Douglas Estate)
“tells me he has no knowledge of the occurrence of the species.”

Corn Buntinc, Emberiza miliaria, L.—Very partially distributed
in pairs, showing a marked preference for special spots ; three
of which are known to me inthe parish. Appears to be absent
during very severe weather in winter.

YELLOW BuntTinc, Lmderiza citrinella, L., local name “ Yellow
Yite.”—Resident and common.

REED BuntTING, Lmberiza schentclus, L.—Resident, but less common
than the preceding.

Snow BuntTIinc, Vlectrophenax nivalis (L.)—Winter visitor in variable
numbers. Very abundant last winter up till the 21st March.

STARLING, Sturnus vulgaris, 1.—This species has increased greatly
within recent years, and is still increasing, nesting in every
available place. Sometimes appears in immense flocks during
spring migration—March 17 and 18, 1897. Up till within
forty years ago it seems to have been rare. In “S. A.,” under
Wandell and Lamington, it is stated that a few have been
occasionally seen and some captured for pets. In my note-
book I find the following: “ January 13” (a few days previous
to severe snowstorm)—“ After several dull, quiet days, to-day
is very bright and fine. Observe the Rooks are paired. A
Starling was looking out for a hole in ivied wall at front of
Manse in which to commence nest-building.”

210 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

CuoucH, Pyrrhocorax graculus (L.)—“In the winter of 1834 a
Corvus graculus or Red-legged Crow appeared in the vicinity
of the village” of Crawfordjohn “and was shot” (“S, A.”)

MacpIik, Pica rustica (Scopoli).—Is occasionally seen in pairs in
spring, making ineffectual attempts to establish itself in the
parish. It has nested—though unsuccessfully—in fir wood
on hill west of Manse; and there is a nest—built a few
seasons ago—-still holding together on a low “saugh” tree in
Harleyholm Meadow.

JACKDAW, Corvus monedula, ..—Abundant; specially so during
winter. Among its nesting-haunts may be numbered some

rabbit burrows on the very easy southern slope of Carmichael
Hill.

RAVEN, Corvus corax, L.—Very rarely seen. In “S. A.,” under
Biggar, it is said that the Raven is occasionally seen passing
to its “haunts on Tinto.” Alas! these no longer claim it,
though seventeen or eighteen years ago there was on Tinto a
nest from which three young birds got away (Mr. R. Gray).
Two were killed on Tinto ten years ago (Mr. T. Cranston) ;
and Mr. Edward Stodart, head gamekeeper, Eastend, has kindly
informed me that he has killed it on the Scaut Hill, Symington.
Last season, Mr. A. Telfer observed it on the hills above
Douglas, and one of a pair frequenting Carstairs Woods was
trapped by Mr. R. Gray.

CARRION Crow, Corvus corone, 1.., local name ‘“ Corbie,” ‘“ Hoodie.”
—Resident, and nests ; three nests at least in parish last season.
Numbers greatly increased during late autumn and winter,
so that a flock of a dozen may at times be counted.

HoopED Crow, Corvus cornix, L., local name ‘‘ Gray Hoodie.”—
Rare. Specimen killed by Mr. T. Cranston preserved in
Carmichael House. Another was killed this year on Tinto
(Mr. T. Cranston). It has also been killed on Scaut Hill,
Symington (Mr. Ed. Stodart).

Rook, Corvus frugilegus, L.—Resident and abundant, in spite of
young being kept down owing to its egg-destroying propensities.
Evidence that in this district it in instances retains feathers at
the base of bill. Mr. T. Cranston informs me that for some
years a part of rookery at Carmichael of about forty nests has
been entirely taken up by individuals with feathered bills.
This season there are few, as the birds were shot hard down
last year, as he considered them more destructive on eggs, etc.,
than the “ bare-billed” Rooks.

SKYLARK, A/auda arvensis, L.—Fairly abundant and widely dispersed
from spring till autumn all over the district on heath and

DHE, BIRDS OF CARMICHABE, PARISH 211

pasture lands. Mr. Paterson found it common, and in the
valley of the Duneaton, about Crawfordjohn, very many occur
(“‘ Notes ”).

Swirt, Cypselus apus (L.)—Regular summer visitor. There is a
colony of from thirty to forty pairs nesting under the iron
bridge of the Caledonian Railway at Pretts Mill. A favourite
haunt is around the cairn on Tinto.

NIGHTJaR, Caprimuleus europaeus, L., local name “ Burr Owl.”—Mr.
T. Cranston informs me that he shot a ‘‘ Burr Owl” over
twenty-five years ago at Fala, Carnwath. Rare, but may be
heard occasionally in Stonehill Plantation, where one was shot
a few years ago (Mr. J. Kerr, gamekeeper, Douglas). Mr.
J. Wylie tells me one rose from the heather on Shawhill, June
11, 1897, where a fortnight afterwards he saw the remains of a
dead one. Mr. A. Telfer saw an old one with a young one on
August 9 of this year, and I saw one on evening of September
2 near the Schoolhouse.

KINGFISHER, Adcedo ispida, L.—An irregular visitor. One fre-
quented the Carmichael Burn at foot of Manse garden at
intervals during 1889-90. Has been seen by the Clyde, and
by the stream below Carmichael House, and near Warrenhill
(Messrs. T. Cranston and J. Wylie), and by the pond at
Eastend (Mr. Ed. Stodart). About five years ago there was a
nest—unfortunately destroyed—on the banks of Douglas Water
below Harperfield (Mr. J. Kerr). Mr. A. Telfer has seen it
this season within Douglas Policies.

ROLLER, Coracias garrulus, L.—Gray (“B. W.S.”) notes that a bird
of this species was shot at Culter House, Biggar, in October
1866.

Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus, L.—Seen and heard all over the district.
First heard this season, April 26.

BARN Owl, Strix flammea, L.—Still frequents the district.
Specimens are preserved in Eastend House. One was caught
on Lochlyock in a rabbit trap at the mouth of a burrow,
February 19, 1897.

LONG-EFARED OwL, 4Aszo otus L., local name ‘‘ Horned Owl.”—
This species has, of all the Owls, come most frequently under
my notice. Mr. A. Telfer finds it the most common around
Douglas. Alston (““B. W.S.”) states it is common in the
Upper Ward.

SHORT-EARED OWL, Asio accipitrinus (Pallas), local name “ Hill
Owl.”—Was very common on Thankerton Moor during the vole
plague ; since then less common (Mr. T. Cranston). It is not
unfrequently seen on the moors around Douglas (Mr. A. Telfer).

212 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Tawny OwL, Syrnium aluco (.)\—Gray writes (“ B. W.S.”): ‘Mr.
Alston informs me that it is very common in Upper Ward of
Lanarkshire.” At present it appears to hold a middle place
between the two preceding, and is not uncommon. [Mr.
Paterson states (‘‘ Notes”) that ‘Owls are less common, ac-
cording to Mr. Amos, since the great destruction of timber in
Douglasdale a decade ago” (1883-84). |

Common Buzzarp, Luteo vulgaris, Leach.—Specimen preserved
in Mr. D. Pringle’s collection, which was got at Eastend two
years ago.

ROUGH-LEGGED Buzzarp, Butea lagopus (J. F. Gmelin).—Specimen,
got by Mr. E. Stodart, preserved in Eastend House; another
in possession of Mr. R. Gray, who shot it‘on Shawhill. One
was shot on Westsidewood Estate, Carnwath, March 15, 1896
(“ Annals of Scottish Natural History,” 1896, p. 191).

[EacLes.—[In “S. A.” it is said that “the Eagle is sometimes seen on
the hills to the north of Dunsyre, particularly on Craigengar ”
(1834); and under Hamilton that “the Erne is often observed”
(1835).] An Eagle flew between Douglas and Carmichael some
years ago (Mr. ‘T. Cranston). Mr. Paterson has the following
note: “A Golden Eagle, Mr. Amos tells me, took up its quarters
in an island on one of the lochs recently, where it created some
havoc among the Ducks, which are rigorously protected.”

SPARROW Hawk, Accipiter nisus (L.), local name “ Blue Hawk.”—
This species still holds its own, and may be seen dashing over
the hedgerows or by the side of plantations after its prey. On
March 20, 1897, a female struck the plate-glass window of
Manse dining-room in an attempt to seize a canary.

Kite, Jilvus ictinus (Savigny)—A specimen of this species is
preserved in Eastend House, shot on the estate about ten
years ago (infor. in “it. July 22, 1897, by Mrs. Thomson
Carmichael).

PEREGRINE Fatcon, Falco peregrinus (Tunstall).—This Falcon is
occasionally seen. Two specimens, young and old females,
got by Mr. Ed. Stodart, are preserved in Eastend House. Mr.
A. Telfer informs me that an injured female has for some time
roosted on one of the windows of Douglas Castle, and that he
has seen this species occasionally on the moors. He possesses
at present a fine tamed bird, 9, now in its second year, taken
from an eyrie on Meggat Water, Peeblesshire.

MERLIN, Falco esalon (Tunstall).—This species still nests in the
parish and district, but is not so common as the Sparrow
Hawk or Kestrel.

THE BIRDS OF CARMICHAEL PARISH 213

Kestre., Falco tinnunculus (L.), local name “Red Hawk.”—
Commonest of all the hawks, specially in autumn, when, during
some seasons, as many as half a score may be counted hover-
ing over Carmichael Hill.

Osprey, Pandion haliaétus (L.)—Mr. Plenderleith, Bowhouse,
Carmichael, has kindly given me the following particulars :—
‘‘Over twenty-five years ago, Wm. Young, now dead, then
gamekeeper on Carwood Estate, saw occasionally a pair of
Ospreys frequenting the Clyde, and one day, when Mr. Plender-
leith was in his company, the birds passed overhead, and Young
fired at one, which was struck and dropped a grayling. Young
came from Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, and knew the Osprey,
having seen it there.” Mr. A. Telfer has been so good as to tell
me that an Osprey frequented the lochs at Douglas for two
weeks in May this season, then disappearing for a week to
return for another fortnight in June.

Common Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo (L.)—This_ species
occasionally visits the Clyde. A few years ago, in autumn,
one was shot at the railway bridge at Pretts Mill; another was
seen last autumn a little farther down the river. It also
“sometimes appears on the lochs at Douglas” (Mr. Paterson’s
*€ Notes’).

Common Heron, Ardea cinerea, L.—Frequents the burns and
marshes. Mr. Paterson quotes the following from “ Zoologist,”
1872, p. 3268: “ Lanarkshire—an old established heronry on
large spruce firs in Glespin Wood, near Douglas. In June
1870 a single nest was taken on an island in the centre of a
Loch near Douglas Castle, the seat of the Earl of Home, and
in 1871 two pairs nested in a wood about a mile from this
loch.” There is now a heronry on an island in a loch within
Douglas Policies. ‘The nests are on spruce trees, which are
thereby killed (Mr. A. Telfer). Referring to it, Mr. Paterson
says (“Notes”): “There might be a dozen nests last year (1894),
but Mr. Amos thinks they suffered from the great frost in
January and February this year (1895), and that their numbers
are reduced. I sawnine or ten birds on May 23, 1895. The
birds are protected.”

[Nicut Heron, WVycticorax griseus (L.)—Mr. R. Gray saw a strange
Heron, which he believes belonged to this species, frequenting
the Clyde at Westraw during June 1896. It appeared to be
preying upon the grayling then dying in numbers in the river. |

BITTERN, Botaurus stellaris (L.)—In “S. A.” there is the note: “A
Bittern was shot five years ago on Biggar Moss, but none have
appeared since” (1835).

214 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

GerESE.—Flocks of Geese are seen occasionally by the Clyde and
elsewhere, but I am not able to decide as to the species. A
specimen preserved in Carmichael House almost certainly
belongs to the Pink-footed species (Amser brachyrhynchus,
Baillon). I am, as also is Mr. A. Telfer, of the opinion that
this is the species which, for the main part, visits this district.

Swans.—These occasionally visit the Clyde, as a pair of these in
immature plumage—the heads of which are preserved in
Eastend House—were shot there by Mr. E. Stodart about
ten years ago. I am unable to decide whether they are
‘‘Whoopers” or “ Bewick’s Swans.” Mr. R. Gray found a
young one (dead) in the Clyde last winter.

Mute Swan, Cygnus olor (J. F. Gmelin).—There are several of
these on lochs at Douglas, where they nest. Five or six years
ago, in spring, a strayed pair appeared on the Clyde below
Hyndford Bridge, where they remained for some time.

ComMMoN SHELD-DUCK, Zadorna cornuta (S. G. Gmelin).—Is an
occasional winter visitor to the Clyde (Mr. R. Gray).

MALLARD, Anas boscas, L.—Common on all lochs and marshes
of the district.

TEAL, Quergquedula crecca (1..)—Not uncommon, and nesting.

WicEoN, JJareca penelope (L.)—Autumn and winter visitor to the
Clyde, and has been found on ponds and lochs of the district.

Turtep Duck, /iligula cristata (Leach), local name “'‘Tappit Duck.”
—This species visits in small numbers the lochs in Douglas
Policies. Mr. A. Telfer informs me that there were individuals
there this season as late as second week of May, to reappear
again about July 20. Mr. Paterson saw one on May 23, 1895
(“ Notes ”).

Scaup Duck, Fudigula marila (L.)—Not infrequently seen on Clyde
during winter (Mr. R. Gray).

Go.LpEN-Eye, Clangula glaucion (L.)—This species frequents the
lochs in Douglas Policies (Mr. A. Telfer), as also the Clyde
(Mr. R. Gray), during autumn and winter.

GOoSANDER, Mergus merganser (L.)—Winter visitor to the Clyde.
Two very fine specimens (both d), as also a 9, shot by Mr.
T. Cranston, are preserved in Carmichael House.

Rinc Dove, Columba palumbus, L., local name ‘ Cushie.”—
Abundant.

Stock Dove, Columba ewnas, L.—During the severe weather in end
of January last, a pair of doves which affeared to belong to
this species flew round the Manse garden and rested for some
time on a beech tree. Mr. D. Pringle informs me that there

THE BIRDS OF CARMICHAEL PARISH 215

were two nests of this species this season near to his house—
one 200 yards below it, the other about a quarter of a mile
farther up the glen.

Rock Dove, Columba livia, J. F. Gmelin.—Common in the parish,
as there are good colonies in pigeon-houses at Westmains, and
dovecots at Eastend. Whatever may have been their state
formerly, they are now quite undomesticated, and forage for
themselves.

Biack GAME, Zefrao ¢etrix (L.)—Fairly abundant. Chiefly in
evidence when snow lies on the ground, as then it descends
to lower grounds to feed on haws, etc. During the early
spring this species assembles in flocks, and the cocks may be
heard uttering their characteristic notes, as also seen performing
their strutting antics, to prove themselves attractive to the
hens. This species perches readily on high and slender twigs
of beech and birch. Frequently have I watched small parties
perched on the feathery sprays of a birch at the foot of the
Manse garden, picking off the seeds. As late as June 12,
1897, a gray hen, accompanied by a male, rose off a nest
which she was preparing, and another was seen sitting on a
nest on June 21, high up on Lochlyock Hill.

RepDGrousE, Lagopus scoticus (Latham).—There is a good and healthy
stock on Tinto and the heath lands of the district. In late
seasons, in company with Black Game, this species feeds largely
upon the ungarnered oats.

PuHeEAsant, Phastanus colchicus (L.)—Is strongly in evidence, being
extensively reared for sport from gathered as well as purchased
eggs. The majority have the white collar more or less distinct,
and white and piebald individuals are not uncommon. <Ac-
cording to “S. A.,” its introduction to Pettinain took place
about 1835, “a vast number” having been “brought from
England,” which ‘are now finding their way into the adjoining
parishes.” Under Carluke (‘‘S. A.”), ‘“‘ Pheasants,” it is said,
“have increased much of late” (1838).

PartripcE, Perdix cinerea (Latham).—Common, prolific, and
robust, though during severe winters many perish. Gray
(“B. W. S.”) states that Alston knew in the Upper Ward of a
brood of 20 young being reared by a pair. I have been
told (Mr. J. Wylie) of a nest near Happendon, Douglas, in
which were laid 27 eggs; of these, 25 were hatched out, and
23 young were reared. ‘This season a bird laid 15 eggs in a
nest in the Manse garden (where there is a nest every spring),
of which only one egg was infertile. Though eggs hatched out
well this season, most of the old birds have no following of

216 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

young. A small covey of young, about the size of sparrows,
just beginning to fly, were seen on the Glebe as late as August
18, 1807.

QualL, Coturnix communis (Bonnaterre).—In ‘S, A.” this species is
reported to have been seen near Biggar, but not for many years
previous to 1835.

Lanp Raitt, Crex pratensis (Bechstein), local name “ Corncrake.”—
May be heard, if not seen, in all the meadows and cornfields
of the district, where it nests. A nest of five eggs, destroyed
by hay-cutting, was taken as late as July 30, 1897, and sent
tome. ‘They were quite fresh. It was first heard this season,
May 16.

WaTER Ratt, Radllus aguaticus, L.—A specimen of this bird, shot
by Mr. T. Cranston, is preserved in Carmichael House. The
species is well known to all the gamekeepers in the district,
and to Mr. D. Pringle.

Moor HEn, Gallinula chloropus (L.), local name “ Stank Hen.”—
Common by all the lochs and marshes. In spring it ascends
the burns, and nests may be found along the course of
Carmichael Burn and in the meadows of the parish.

Coot, Fulica atra, L.—By no means so common as the preceding
in the parish, there being no sufficiently large ponds available
for its resorting to as at Douglas and at Longloch, Lanark,
etc.

CREAM-COLOURED COURSER, Cursorius gallicus (J. F. Gmelin).—
It may be noted here that a specimen of this bird was shot in
a grass field near Lanark on October 7, 1868, by Charles
Walker, Esq., then of Braxfield House (zede “ B. W. S.,” p. 250).

DotrereEL, Ludromias morinellus (L.)—Mr. D. Pringle possesses a
specimen which was shot in Carluke Parish about twenty-five

years ago.

GoLDEN PLovER, Charadrius pluvialis, L.—Spring, summer, and
autumn sojourner. From July onwards they may be seen in
large flocks—sometimes in hundreds—consorting with Lapwings
and Starlings until their departure.

Lapwinc, Vanellus vulgaris (Bechstein), local name ‘“ Peesweep.”—
Abounds in the district during nine months of the year. The
spring return takes place in the beginning of February in
favourable seasons. Nesting commences by the middle of
March, and is continued till the end of June, as I have seen
young, freshly run, as late as the second week of July. As
soon as the young can fly—about the middle of June—they
assemble together, with numbers greatly increased by migrants
from other quarters, and frequent the grass lands, turnip-fields,

THE BIRDS OF CARMICHAEL PARISH 217

and hillsides, and as the season advances these flocks assume
large size. By September, if not earlier, there is a gradual
decrease in the numbers, the incoming stream having spent
itself, while emigration is increasing in force. One with a
white wing appeared this spring near Cloburnwood (Mr. T.
Cranston).

OYSTER-CATCHER, Hlematopus ostralegus (L.)—Mr. R. Gray kindly
informs me that two pairs frequented the Clyde during the
summer of 1896.

| PHALAROPE.—Mr. A. Telfer kindly reported to me the presence of
a small bird of the habits of a Redshank, which swam freely on
the lochs at Douglas. In my note-book I find the following :—
“August 9. Showed Mr. Telfer the plates of Phalaropes in
Morris’s “‘ British Birds,” and he at once said that the red-necked
was the bird he had seen swimming on the lochs. (It may be
observed, however, that the Gray Phalarope in this book is
represented in winter plumage.) When walking with him
towards the Castle from his house, he recognised the bird, by
its note, flying up the Douglas Water. I saw the bird some
150 to 200 yards distant. ‘The light was not good (7.15 P.M.),
and the setting sun was on our backs, low down: the bird
appeared dark above and whitish or light-coloured underneath.
Every now and then it was uttering its note, which corresponded
with ‘a low metallic pleep, pleep’ (H. Saunders, ‘ Illustrated
Manual of British Birds”). ‘The bird is a solitary one, and
every night Mr. Telfer sees it ascending the Douglas Water
from the lochs.”

Woopcock, Scolopax rusticula, L.—Regular autumn and winter
visitor. Though individuals have been known to tarry through
the summer, I have not known of its nesting in the parish.
Mr. T. Cranston has known of it nesting on Climpy, Carnwath.
Mr. Paterson has the following note: “ Formerly bred, but has
not done so for some years (Mr. Amos). ‘Twenty shot on one
day. This is the largest number at a time (Mr. Amos).”

ComMON SNIPE, Gadlinago calestis (Frenzel).—Common, and may
be heard in spring and early summer anywhere in the parish
and district “bleating.” On evening (very wet) August 13,
1897, on the main road west of Howford, as many as nine
rose within a hundred yards.

Jack SNIPE, Gadlinago gallinula (L.)—Regular winter visitor.

COMMON SANDPIPER, Zofanus hypoleucus (.)—Regular spring to
autumn sojourner. Returned this season, April 25. Rarer
this season. Gray hasnotes (“B. W.S.”) from his own observation
and Alston’s on its nesting habits in Upper Ward. ‘These are
to the effect that it not infrequently nests in gardens and
24 C

218 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

orchards in the immediate vicinity of water. Occasionally
nests have been found in the Manse garden (which is sur-
rounded by a high wall), under a currant or gooseberry bush.

Common ReEpDsHANK, Zofanus calidris (L.)—Spring and summer
visitant. Returned this season, March 28. Has increased
in numbers within the last twelve years. ‘Common in
Douglasdale, and on Duneaton at Crawfordjohn” (Mr. Paterson).

GREENSHANK, Zofanus canescens (J. F. Gmelin).—An individual was
shot on loch at Carluke two years ago (Mr. D. Pringle).

Common CurRLEw, WVumenius arguata (L.)—Common from spring to
late autumn all over the district on grass, as well as heath, lands.
This season (May 15) there was a nest in a field not far from
the boundary of the Glebe. ‘The young—a few weeks old—I
have seen hiding in herbage along the roadside. During a
snowstorm and bitterly cold gale from N.E. on January 22,
1897, a pair were seen high up and calling loudly, being driven
before the wind. |

BLACK-HEADED GULL, Larus ridibundus, L., local name “ Sea-
mew.”—This species is very abundant in spring, when it
follows the plough; and in summer, when on fine evenings it
hawks after the Ghost-swift Moth (Hepialus humult). This
species nests generally throughout the district in suitable
localities, on islets in the Clyde above Pretts Mill and on moors
above Douglas. One of the chief haunts is a marsh of several
acres extent on Robiesland Farm, Lanark. When I visited this
marsh on May rg last the birds rose in thousands screech-
ing and screaming from their nests among the rushes and long
grass. So dense was the crowd of birds that it could only be
compared to a swarm of bees on the wing whilst hiving. This
morass is a splendid place for a nesting haunt, being soft, deep,
and treacherous from its edge, and is much favoured by Duck,
Teal, Reed Bunting, as wellas this species. From the banks eggs
were seen in various nests, but it was impossible, without artificial
means, toreach them. When the place was visited again on May
31, there was not so great a crowd of birds in the air, and the
eggs appeared to be hatched out, none being seen; but many
young as well as duckling were observed swimming about or
hiding among the clumps of rushes.

Common GuLL, Larus canus, L.— A specimen of this species, got
by Mr. T. Cranston, is preserved in Carmichael House.

HERRING Gui, Larus argentatus, L.—This species visits the
district during winter and early spring. Mr. E. Stodart sent
(April 21, 1897) me a bird in immature plumage, which was
destroyed on Tinto. Mr. D. Pringle has several specimens, also
in immature plumage, in his collection.

THE SPOTTED REDSHANK ON THE SOLWAY FIRTH 219

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GuLL, Larus fuscus, 1..—This species makes
its appearance in winter and spring over at Symington fields,
on which are scattered refuse from a slaughter-house there.

Purrin, Zratercula arctica (L.)—Mr. A. W. Yuill, Lanark, informs me
that a few winters ago, during a severe frost, one of this species
was caught alive in a garden in Lanark. Mr. D. Pringle, who
possesses a specimen, reports that this species “has been got on
the Clyde.”

RED -NECKED GREBE, odiceps griseigena (Boddaert).— Gray
(“B.W.S.”) says, a bird of this species was obtained as far inland
as the neighbourhood of Lanark.

LittLe Grese, Podiceps fluviatilis (Tunstall)—Common on the
Clyde (Mr. T. Cranston), on Douglas lochs (Mr. A. Telfer), and
on ponds at Braidwood and Lee (Mr. D. Pringle).

CARMICHAEL MANSE, September 16, 1897.

Hie eSeOLEED! REDSHANK ‘ON LEE SOEW AY
FIRE.

By Rev. H. A. Macpuerson, M.A.

THE Spotted Redshank (Zotanus fuscus) is at all times a
rare bird in Scotland. I never have had the pleasure of
meeting any ornithologist, ercept Mr. William Evans, who
could tell me that he had met with the present species north
of the Border. I cannot recall any records of the occurrence
of this species from any part of Scotland, except the East
Coast. It seems possible, however, that further research may
demonstrate that this wader occasionally visits the Clyde
area. When I first began to work at the Fauna of the
Solway Firth, nearly fifteen years ago, I could find no living
man who had ever shot this Zotanus on any of our salt-
marshes ; though all the commoner “ shanks ” were well known.
Forty years had slipped away since the late James Cooper had
last met with a Solway specimen, and “e only met with this
wader about twice in all 4zs local collecting. And, indeed,
several years of careful search on my own part proved barren
of result. It was not until 1888 that Mr. W. Nicol succeeded
in obtaining a local specimen for me. He had met with the

220 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

species, as he assured me, on a few occasions previously, but
had never fully identified it until the occasion just mentioned.
The specimen to which I refer was shot on the 18th of
August 1888. Nicol saw another Spotted Redshank in the
same neighbourhood on the 4th of September 1889. He
did not succeed in shooting it then; but it was shot on the
following day, 5th September 18809. In 1890 another
Spotted Redshank was shot on the same estuary, on the
2nd of September, by a man named Story.

No Spotted Redshanks were seen in 1891 until October,
when Nicol recognised the (to Az) familiar note of this
scarce bird. He saw it several times, when working up
to Wild Ducks in his punt ; but it escaped unscathed. I have
no local notes of Totanus fuscus in 1892. Two were seen
in 1893. The first of these was seen on 7th September.
It remained some weeks in the neighbourhood ; but was very
wild, and would never allow Nicol to get within shot. The
other was shot by a young lad on the 7th of September.
This is one of the many specimens which I have had the
pleasure of presenting to the Carlisle Museum. No Spotted
Redshanks were detected in 1894. In 1895 a single bird
of this species appeared in the customary haunts towards
the end of August. Nicol often saw it, but could never get
within shot. No Spotted Redshanks were discovered in
1896—a year in which the Ruff (A/achetes pugnax) visited
the salt-marshes of the English Solway in unusual numbers.
In 1897 Nicol met with a Spotted Redshank in the second
week of August. He could easily have shot it, had he had
a gun, but he was fishing ; and illness prevented his search-
ing for it afterwards.

On the 13th of September 1897 a Spotted Redshank
was seen by James Smith on a salt-marsh a few miles
higher up the Solway. He and another wild-fowler watched
it feeding in the creeks for more than half an hour (they had
no gun with them). Nicol thinks that #izs may have been
the identical bird that he saw about a month earlier, as it
was tamer than usual. We have thus given chapter and
verse for the occurrence of at least eight Spotted Redshanks
in the neighbourhood of the Solway Firth between 1888 and
1897, a single decade (I have mislaid the date upon which

THE SPOTTED REDSHANK ON THE SOLWAY FIRTH 221

Nicol saw a Peregrine chasing another Spotted Redshank
towards the Scottish foreshore). Four of the number have
been shot. Three of these are in the Carlisle Museum.
These specimens are in immature plumage. Indeed the
scanty data at our disposal refers exclusively to young birds,
which are more likely to stray from the usual lines of
migration than old birds. I notice that Mr. Howard
Saunders speaks of the Spotted Redshank as being more
partial to fresh water than the Common _ Redshank.
Indeed he observes that the Dusky Redshank “is seldom
seen by the sea.” I do not suggest that the Spotted Red-
shank is partial to the open sea-coast ; probably it prefers
sheltered situations. But it is only fair to say that the
specimens seen on the Solway have frequented the shores
and creeks of a sandy estuary. They have fed alike on the
scaurs or mussel-beds, on the soft sand under the edge of
the marshes, and in the semi-liquid mud of the marsh creeks ;
never, however, venturing into any very narrow ditches.
I have been unlucky in dissecting Spotted Redshanks ; for
I have rarely found anything but grit in their stomachs.
In 1887 I purchased no fewer than fifteen Spotted Red-
shanks at once in Leadenhall Market. Some were young,
others old birds moulting into winter plumage. They were
bought on the 10th of September, when they were not fresh
enough to make good skins. In 1889 I bought two out of
a bunch of twenty hanging up in Leadenhall. These were
asserted to have been killed on the east coast of England,
but were too stale to preserve. The local bird which I
dissected in 1888 had been feeding on little fishes: its
stomach was full of the minute bones of its prey. I have
never had any opportunity of searching for the Spotted
Redshank in the area of the Scottish Solway ; but it surely
ought to be found upon the north side of the Frith? At
the same time, it must be admitted, that there is only one
bit of estuary upon the English side of the Solway which
appears to be congenial to this interesting species. The
late James Smith of Rockliffe was quite as accurate, in
identifying the notes and flight of waders,as Mr. Nicol. Yet
the former shot over the creeks and foreshore of the upper
marshes of the Solway for at least thirty years, without ever

222 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

meeting with the Spotted Redshank. The wariness which
it often, though not invariably, exhibits, may partly account
for our imperfect knowledge of the visits which it pays to
the British Isles.

LUBLED DUCK IN SOLWAY.

By ROBERT SERVICE.

IT is just a little more than ten years ago since I found the
Tufted Duck breeding in this district for the first time.
Particulars of the event were given in the “ Zoologist” for
1887, p. 342. Since that period the species has spread
throughout our area till every suitable loch, I think, has now
at least a pair or two on or near its precincts.

Loch Kindar, which lies snugly under the eastern slopes
of Criffel, has been one of the last localities to be taken up.
Now, however, the Tufted Duck has found out the attractions
of this famous trout loch. There are no pike, and con-
sequently the greatest source of destruction to the young
ducklings will be absent. Early in June, Mr. Willie
Thomson, who looks after the angling interests of Loch
Kindar, sent me word that there were some strange ducks
on the loch he wished me to see. Getting there on the
evening of 10th June, we were soon out in one of the boats,
steering for the ancient crannoge which, in its little round
mass of greenery marks a picturesque portion of the loch.
Like most such remains of prehistoric times, this crannoge is
made of large stones resting on piles. The Kindar crannoge
has a broad rim of stones above water. From the high-water
line it bears an exceedingly dense and most luxuriant mass
of brambles, which are laced and interlaced in an in-
extricable tangle almost impenetrable to hand or foot.
The whole structure is not above 20 to 25 feet across.
The pair of stranger ducks had been seen in proximity to
this islet, and we concluded they must be nesting thereon.
Landing upon it, we proceeded to search as well as we
could by peering down into the dense mass of brambles
wherever they were a little thinner than usual. In a minute
out scuttled a duck from a rabbit-hole-like passage in the

TUFTED DUCK IN SOLWAY 223

vegetation. She was only a Mallard. A peep at her nest
revealed the fact that she was sitting on nine eggs—or, to
be quite correct, six eggs, for three had already hatched,
and the young were crouching meekly down in the inside of
their recently enveloping shells. On the other side of the
crannoge we found in another minute the Tufted Duck
slipping out through a narrow passage in the briars from a
nest which closer examination disclosed as containing ten
eggs, the last of which appeared to be newly laid. We
made our further stay as brief as possible, so as not to
interfere with the domestic cares of these two most interest-
ing avian households.

One week later I paid a visit to Lochrutton, the centre
from which, so far as I know, this district has been colonised
by the Tufted Ducks. It was here I found them breeding
in 1887. The species has increased from the original one,
or perhaps two, pairs of ten years ago, till on my visit
referred to I counted, with the aid of the binoculars, upwards
of forty males upon the loch. Dotting the smooth surface
of the water at intervals all over the loch, hardly two of
them could be said to be in company. There can be little
doubt the great majority of these males had mates brooding
around the loch margins. So many of the species at that
period of the year was a sight to gladden the soul of any
ornithologist ; and, seen in the rays of the western sun on a
calm evening, with the light shining on their white breasts, the
spectacle could not but be gratifying to a lover of nature.
Satisfying as this sight was, I must still find out something
more. So,in company of a neighbouring farmer and his son,
we proceeded to search for nests. At the south end of the
loch are situated a good many acres of reeds and mud and
sedges interspersed with deep pools of water. Very little of
it is traversable by wading, and on most of it a boat is
impossible. Nevertheless, by some “engineering” un-
necessary to describe, we managed access to a little space
that might be considered a sort of island in the midst of the
reeds and sedges. It was covered with small willows,
coarse grasses, and a thick growth of long rushes. In size
it was not much bigger than an ordinary dining-table, and
so little above the surrounding water that some of the eggs

224 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

examined subsequently were scarcely clear of it. Ducks
flew off as we went upon the place, emitting their guttural
calls of kur-rook, kur-rook, kur-rook, as they got away. No
less than five nests were on this little spot, all at distances of
about four feet from each other, and snugly ensconced under
clumps of rushes. They contained respectively thirteen,
eight, thirteen, ten, and seven eggs; great variation in shape
and colour being noted. One nest had the eggs extremely
pale in colour. Two of the eggs in the first nest of thirteen
were bright green, and all were greatly elongated in shape.
On the small islands in the loch itself we found four other
nests, containing nine, thirteen, ten, and six eggs respectively.

Altogether the status of the Tufted Duck at Lochrutton
is most satisfactory. The hatch-out this season has been
very successful. The only hindrances to their prosperity are
the pikes, which annually take toll of at least three-fourths
of the newly hatched young. The locality (quite apart from
the restrictions imposed by the Wild Birds’ Preservation
Acts) is fully preserved,and I have to acknowledge indebted-
ness to my friend Mr. George Robson, the game tenant, for
the privilege of unrestricted inspection.

RARE BRITISH ANIMAS KRECENTEY ADDED
£0 THE EDINBURGH MUSEUM OF SCLENCE
AND VAR TE

By R: H. Traquair, M.D;, IUL.D., F.R.S:,

Keeper of the Natural History Department.

SIX -GILLED GRAY SHARK, Wotidanus griseus, Gmel. —
A specimen 4 feet 8 inches in length caught off the island of
Rona on 1oth April of this year. Obtained for the Museum
through Mr. George Sim, Aberdeen.

BONITO, Thynnus pelamys, Linn.—A specimen 20 inches
in length caught by Mr. Edward M‘Coll, fisherman, in a
“whammle” net in the Nith channel on the 2nd August
last. Well known as an inhabitant of the tropical and
warmer parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the Bonito

THE HARDIE COLLECTION OF FOSSILS 225

must be reckoned among the rarer visitants of our British
shores. According to Mr. Service, through whose good
offices the specimen was presented to the Museum by Mr.
M‘Coll, this species has only occurred three times previously
in the waters of Dumfries or Galloway.

FRIGATE PETREL, Pelagodroma marina (Lath.)—The
occurrence of this bird on the island of Colonsay on the Ist
January of this year has been already recorded in the April
number of this journal (p. 88) by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke,
who, however, omitted to state that the specimen had been
acquired by the Museum of Science and Art.

THICKNEE, Cdicnemus scolopax (Gmel.)—A_ young
female specimen was shot at Muirhouse, on the 12th August
last, by Mr. Ripley Ker of Dugalston, Milngavie, and by him
presented to the Museum. ‘Though a well-known summer
visitor to the southern parts of England, the Thicknee
becomes rare in the north, and the present is only the
second record of its occurrence in Scotland, a specimen havy-
ing been killed near St. Andrews in 1858.

GREAT BUSTARD, Ots tarda, Linn.—The specimen
mecotaediin tlie “Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” fer 1892; p: 138, as
having been shot at Housebay, Stronsay, Orkney, has now
been acquired by the Museum.

HONEY BUZZARD, Pernzs apivorus (Linn.)—A male in
immature plumage was shot by a crofter at Balta Sound,
Shetland, on 29th or 30th July, and was acquired for the
Museum through Mr. Small, Edinburgh, to whom it was
sent to be stuffed.

fait eeAkR DIE COLLECTION OF FOSSHES:
iBy-R. Hi. Traquair, M.D, LED ERS:

THE Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art has recently
acquired the valuable collection of fossils from the Upper
Silurian rocks of the Pentland Hills, made by the late Mr.
David Hardie, Bavelaw. This collection is noteworthy, as
containing the largest and most important representation

226 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ever brought together of the fossils from the “ Eurypterid-
bearing” beds of Gutterford Burn, near Carlops, whose re-
markably fossiliferous character was first discovered by Mr.
John Henderson, a well-known Edinburgh geologist. And
it was from specimens obtained by the Museum from Mr.
Henderson that Professor Malcolm Laurie, a few years ago,
described five new species and one new genus of the
interesting extinct group of Eurypterida.

Mr. Hardie was an enthusiastic collector, and devoted
much patient work to bringing together this important
collection, which is now the property of the nation. It
consists of 866 specimens in all, mostly from Gutterford
Burn, though a certain number are from the North Esk.

Naturally the most interesting of the Gutterford fossils
are the Eurypterida, represented by 237 specimens, both
entire and fragmentary, of species of Eurypterus, Stylonurus,
and Drepanopterus. Here there is material for a considerable
extension of our knowledge of the details of the species
concerned. Of the remaining fossils from this locality, the
most numerous are Echinoderms, though Trilobites, Mollusca,
Brachiopoda, and Graptolites are also represented.

Only 132 specimens are from the North Esk beds, and
these are chiefly remarkable for the fine series of the sponges
Plectoderma scitulum and Amphispongia oblonga which they
contain. An interesting series of sections of the limestone
pebbles of Silurian age, and containing corals, which occur in
the Lower Devonian Conglomerate of the Pentland Hills also
forms part of the collection.

A Eis? “OF SPIDERS COLLECTED UN “UBPER
PORTH.”

By GeorGE H. CarpENTER, B.Sc., and WILLIAM Evans, F.R.S.E.

[INTRODUCTORY NOTE By W. EvANs.—In the course of the
past eight years I have paid a number of visits to the district
of “Upper Forth” for the purpose of investigating its fauna,
and on several of these occasions the Spiders have received

A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED IN “UPPER FORTH” 227

a considerable share of attention, with the results embodied in
the following list. My investigations have been made mainly
around two centres,—Callander and Aberfoyle,—and for the
most part in the months of April, May, and September. A
few weeks’ diligent search at other seasons of the year,
especially during late autumn and winter, when many of the
small Vherzdiide reach the adult state, would no doubt have
materially lengthened the catalogue of species, but hitherto
I have not been able to spare the necessary time for this. In
1861 the Rev. O. P. Cambridge spent a couple of days (30th
June and Ist July) at the Trossachs collecting Spiders
(vide “ Zoologist” for 1862, and “ Entomologist” for 1877),
and obtained four species which as yet I have not found
in the district: these we have inserted in their proper
places.

The present list contains 125 species, but future research
ought to well-nigh double the number ; for the district, with
its warm valleys, and hillsides clothed with heather, juniper,
oak copse, birch, bog myrtle, etc., has few superiors in Scot-
land. Of the 125 species here recorded, sixteen are not in
our Edinburgh District list (“ Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.,” xii.
pp. 527-590, and xiii. pp. 308-315), while one—L£pvsinus
truncatus—does not appear to have been previously detected
in Scotland. Taking our Edinburgh list, which now contains
180 species,! to represent “Lower Forth,” we have thus a
total of 196 recorded for the whole of “Forth.” To this
should perhaps be added about half a dozen species from
the north-east corner of Berwickshire recorded in Dr.
Hardy’s lists, which we have not yet found within the water-
shed.

I have again been fortunate in securing the co-operation
of my friend Mr. Carpenter of the Dublin Museum in the
most important part of the work, namely, the proper identifica-
tion of the specimens collected ; and we have jointly to thank
the Rev. O. P. Cambridge, F.R.S., for the continuation of
his assistance in cases of difficulty.]

1 This includes Prosthesima electa, C. L. K., discovered on Largo Links
last June.

228 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES.

(Arrangement and nomenclature as in our previous lists of Scottish Spiders.
Species not in our Edinburgh list are marked with an asterisk. )

DYSDERID.

HARPACTES HOMBERGII (.Scop.)—Trossachs, July 1861 (Rev. O. P.
Cambridge).

SEGESTRIA SENOCULATA (Linz.)—Bridge of Allan, December 1893 ;
Callander, May 1894; Aberfoyle, Duchray, etc., May 1896.

OONOPS PULCHER, Zemp/.—Aberfoyle, September 1897, 9.

DRASSID/.

MICARIA PULICARIA (Suzd.)—One, 9, Pass of Aberfoyle, roth
April; another, ¢, Duchray, 8th May 1896.

Drassus TROGLODYTES, C. Z. A.—Two. or three near Aberfoyle,
May 1896 and September 1897.

Drassus CUPREUS, 4/.—Callander, Aberfoyle, Loch Chon, etc.,
common. A number of more or less immature ¢s and @s,
obtained about Aberfoyle in April and May 1896, have been
submitted to the Rev. O. P. Cambridge, who unhesitatingly
refers them to this form.

CLUBIONA TERRESTRIS, Westr.—Bridge of Allan, Callander, Aber-
foyle, common ; adult ¢sand @s, 29th April 1896.

CLUBIONA RECLUSA, Cb.—Callander and Aberfoyle. In the latter
locality adult 9s were obtained in June and September; and
an adult ¢ on 12th Sept. 1897.

Callander, May 1889, an adult ¢.

CLUBIONA PHRAGMITIS, C. L. K.=C. holosericea, De G.?, Cambr.
‘“‘Spid. Dorset.”—An ad. ? under bark on an old paling near
Callander, 13th May 1894; and an immature ?, probably of
this species, Aberfoyle, September 1897.

Ciupiona compra, C. LZ. K.—Aberfoyle, April, May, and September
—an ad. ¢ on 27th May 1896.

CLUBIONA PALLIDULA, CZAR.

CLUBIONA TRIVIALIS, Z. K.--Common on furze, juniper, etc. ; adults
of both sexes, Callander, 13th May; ad. ¢, Aberfoyle, April,
ds, September.

CLUBIONA DIVERSA, Cé.—Bridge of Allan, December 1893, several
adults of both sexes; Aberfoyle, September 1897, one or two
immature.

*CHIRACANTHIUM CARNIFEX (faér.) = C. erraticum (Wl|k.)—
Callander, 4th and 11th May 1894, a few, still immature; on

A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED IN “ UPPER FORTH” 229

heather between Aberfoyle and the Trossachs, etc., May 1896,
not uncommon (first ad. ¢ and @ noticed on the 6th) ; Aber-
foyle, September 1897, a few immature examples.

ZORA SPINIMANA (.Suzd.)—Common among dead leaves in oak
woods, Aberfoyle, in April and May 1896—some 9s adult by
end of April; again common in second week of September
1897, but no adults seen.

*ANYPHANA ACCENTUATA (W7k.)—Two és and two 9s, all adult,
-and a number of immature specimens were beaten off oaks
about Aberfoyle on 23rd and 26th May 1896; in September
1897 immature examples were common. Has been taken by

Dr. Hardy in the Pease Dean, Berwickshire.

*AGROECA BRUNNEA (/.)—Aberfoyle, April 1896, an immature
2; and on r2th September 1897 an adult g¢ and two @s.

DICT YNIED As.

DICTYNA ARUNDINACEA (Z.)—Abundant on heather, juniper, etc. ;
at Callander in 1894, ad. ¢s were first noticed on 4th May ;
and at Aberfoyle in 1896 adults of both sexes, on 19th April.

AMAUROBIUS FENESTRALIS (S¢v.)—Abundant around Callander,
Aberfoyle, etc. Near Callander, early in May 1894, a female
was found beside a batch of 150 eggs, apparently her own.

AMAUROBIUS SIMILIS (47.)—A few, including an ad. ?, in house at
Callander, May.

AGELENIDA.
CRYPHECA SYLVICOLA, C. Z. A.—Bridge of Allan, December, a

good many, both adult and immature; Callander, May, a few
adults and immature examples of both sexes.

TEGENARIA DERHAMII (.Scof.)—Common in houses.

TEXTRIX DENTICULATA (O/v.)—Callander, Aberfoyle, etc. An ad.
dg and several 9s were obtained near Callander on 6th May

1894.

THERIDIID.

Ero Furcata (Vi//.)—Near Aberfoyle, May 1897.

*EPISINUS TRUNCATUS, Walck. = Theridion angulatum, Bl. ‘‘Spid.
Gt. Brit. and Irel.”—On roth April 1896 a male and two
females, all still immature, of this addition to the Scottish list
were dislodged from underneath a tuft of heather growing on a
rock near the Pass of Aberfoyle.

THERIDION LINEATUM (C7k.)—Callander, May 1894, young fairly
common; Aberfoyle, 13th September 1897, a few 9s beside
their egg-cocoons ; Trossachs (O. P. C.)

230 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

THERIDION TEPIDARIORUM, C. Z. &A.—Orchid-houses, Bridge of
Allan, December 1893, adults and young.

THERIDION SISYPHIUM (C/k.)—Abundant on juniper bushes, etc.,
Callander, 5th May 1894, mostly immature, but some of both
sexes already adult; Aberfoyle, May and June 1897, adults
common.

THERIDION PALLENS, £/.—Callander, 5th May 1894, a few ad. gs
on furze, and on rith adults of both sexes numerous on wire
fence ; Aberfoyle, September 1897, a few, immature.

PHOLCOMMA GIBBUM (JVestr.)—An ad. g and several 9s among
leaves, Aberfoyle, 12th September 1897.

PEDANOSTETHUS Livipus (4/.)—Callander and Aberfoyle, adults of
both sexes in April and May; ad. ¢ in September.

TAPINOPA LONGIDENS (JV7zd.)—Near head of Loch Katrine, 1st
july 161 (O, PC.)

BOLYPHANTES LUTEOLUS (7.)—Aberfoyle, 12th September, a few,
all immature but one ¢. Apparently much less common than
in ‘‘ Lower Forth.”

DRAPETISCA SOCIALIS (.Suzd.)—Aberfoyle, 11th September, a few
ad. 9s; Trossachs (O. P. C.)

LinypHIA iInsicNnis (4/7.)—Bridge of Allan, December, an ad. 9;
Aberfoyle, 12th September, common, but only one adult, ag,
noticed.

LINYPHIA LINEATA (Z.)—Trossachs, July 1861 (O. P. C.)

LINYPHIA CLATHRATA, Suad.—Bridge of Allan, Aberfoyle, etc.,
common—adults in December and May.

*LINYPHIA MARGINATA, C. L. K.=L. triangularis, Bl. “Spid. Gt.
Brit. and Irel.”—Several specimens were obtained by the Rev.
O. P. Cambridge “in angles and interstices of the rocky banks”
of Loch Katrine, on 1st July 1861.

LINYPHIA MONTANA (C7%.)—Callander, May 1894, two ¢s and two
Qs adult, and several half grown, beaten off juniper bushes ;
Duchray, near Aberfoyle, 27th May 1896, an ad. ¢.

LINYPHIA TRIANGULARIS (C7/k.)—Callander, Aberfoyle, etc. ; adults,
especially 9s, common in September.
LINYPHIA PELTATA, Wid.—Bracklyn Falls, near Callander, 5th

May 1894, three ad. 6s and an imm. ?; Pass of Leny, 11th
May, several ad. ¢s.

LINYPHIA PUSILLA, Swnd.—Callander, May 1894, ? ; Aberfoyle,
April 1896, 3; September 1897, immature examples common.

LABULLA THORACICA ( /Vid.)—Bridge of Allan, Callander, and Aber-
foyle ; ad. 9s in May.

A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED IN “ UPPER FORTH” 231

LEPTYPHANTES MINUTUS (4/.)—Bridge of Allan, December 1893,
one or two 9s; Trossachs, July 1861 (O. P. C.)

LEPTYPHANTES TERRICOLA (C. LZ. KX.) = L. alacris (Bl.)— Bridge of
Allan, January 1894, a few; Callander, May, two 9s.

LEPTYPHANTES OBSCURUS (47.)—Callander, 13th May 1894, one or
two 9s.; Aberfoyle, September 1897, ?.

LEPTYPHANTES CRISTATUS, JZenge.—Bridge of Allan, December 1893,
ana dGe

LEPTYPHANTES BLACKWALLII, Kudchz. = L. terricola (Bl.) = L. zebrina,
Cambr. ‘‘Spid. Dorset.”——A few of both sexes obtained in the
neighbourhood of Aberfoyle in May 1896—identification con-
firmed by the Rev. O. P. Cambridge.

LEPTYPHANTES TENUIS (L/.) = L. tenebricola, Cambr., non. Wid.—
Callander, May 1894, and Aberfoyle, April and May 1896, a
number of adults of both sexes. Several specimens were sent
to Mr. Cambridge, who confirmed our identification.

LEPTYPHANTES ERICZUS (47.)—One or two at roots of heather near
Aberfoyle, September 1897.

BATHYPHANTES VARIEGATUS (4/.)—Callander, May, adults of both
sexes common ; Aberfoyle, September, a few immature.

BATHYPHANTES CONCOLOR (/V’7d.)—Callander, 6th May, an ad. 9;
Aberfoyle, May, three ad. ¢s. Apparently rare compared
with what it is in “ Lower Forth.”

BATHYPHANTES APPROXIMATUS (Cé.)—A number of ad. és and?s
in a swamp between Callander and Doune, 6th May 1894.
BATHYPHANTES NIGRINUS (J/Vestr.)—Aberfoyle, April, an ad. ?;

September, several immature.

BATHYPHANTES DORSALIS (/V7d.)—Callander, many adults of both
sexes off juniper bushes in May; Aberfoyle, a few adults in
May, many immature in September.

BATHYPHANTES GRACILIS (L/.)—Aberfoyle, 12th September 1897,
several, one ¢ adult.

PORRHOMMA PyGM&UM (4/)—Pendreich, near Bridge of Allan,
31st December 1893, an ad. ¢ and several immature.

TMETICUS ABNORMIS (4/.)—Callander, May 1889, one; wood at
foot of Callander Craig, May 1894, an ad. 9 beside a cocoon,
containing 20 eggs, on under side of a stone ; Loch Chon, 27th
April 1896, another ad. ?.

TMETICcusS RUFUS (/V7d.)—Bridge of Allan, December, one; Callander
Craig, several under stones in wood, May; Aberfoyle, May,
two—all ad. 9s.

‘TMETICUS HUTHWAITII (C’.)—One ?, Aberfoyle, May 1896—species
determined by O: PB: C-

232 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

TMETICUS BICOLOR (/.)—Bridge of Allan, December; Callander,
May, a few 9s.

MICRONETA FUSCIPALPIS (C. LZ. X. ?), Cambr. “Spid. Dorset.”—An
ad. ¢, Aberfoyle, May 1897.

MICRONETA INNOTABILIS (C%.)—Bridge of Allan, December 1893,
one; Aberfoyle, May 1896, a few, September, one—all 9s.

MicroneETA VIARIA (7.)—Bridge of Allan, December, ¢; Callander,
May, 3; Aberfoyle, April and May, two gs and two 9s—
all adult.

GONGYLIDIUM DENTATUM (J/V7d.)—Callander, May, @ ; Aberfoyle,
April, ¢ and two ?s—adult.

GONGYLIDIUM FuscuM (47.)—One ¢, Aberfoyle, May 1896 —species
determined by O. P. C.

*GONGYLIDIUM APICATUM (B/.) = lVeriene apicata, Bl. “Spid. Gt.
Brit. and Irel.,” and Cambr. ‘‘Spid. Dorset.”,—Two ¢s
(adult) and one @? (not quite mature) among shingle by the
Duchray Water, a little above the Milton of Aberfoyle, 4th May
1896. Has been taken near Paisley by Mr. Morris Young.

ERIGONE ATRA (4/.)—A few ad. ds on footpath near Callander,
oth May 1894; Aberfoyle, 9, May 1896.

ERIGONE DENTIPALPIS (Wid.)—Callander and Aberfoyle, several
ad. ds and @s in May; Aberfoyle, ad. d, September 1897.

LoPHOMMA PUNCTATUM (4/.)—In Marsh near Doune, May 1894, @.

GONATIUM RUBENS (L/.)—Common; Bridge of Allan, Callander,
Aberfoyle, etc.; ad. ds observed only in September and
December.

GONATIUM RUBELLUM (82)—Duchray, May 1896, ad. 2; Aber-
foyle, September 1897, one or two ad. ds.

GONATIUM BITUBERCULATUM (lVzd.)—Near Doune, May 1894, an
ad. d and two?s; Aberfoyle, April, and Duchray, May 1896,
two @s.

Dismopicus BIFRONS (B/.)—An ad. 6 and several ¢ s off whins on
hillside near Callander, 5th May 1894.

DIPLOCEPHALUS cRISTATUS (B7.)—An ad. d, Aberfoyle, April 1896.

SAVIGNIA FRONTATA, 5/.—Bridge of Allan, December 1893, a few
adults of both sexes.

PEPONOCRANIUM LUDICRUM (Cd.)—Several adults of both sexes off
whins on hillside near Callander, May 1894; Aberfoyle, April
1896, do.

PL&SIOCRERUS PERMIXTUS (Cd.)—Aberfoyle, April 1896, ad. d
and @.

A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED IN “UPPER FORTH” 233

-PLa&siocr@#rus Fuscipes (L/.)—Aberfoyle, among dead leaves,
September 1897, a good many adults of both sexes.

PL#SIOCRARUS ALPINUS (Cé.)—Aberfoyle, April 1896, an ad. 6.
Wiper antica (/Vid.)—Aberfoyle, April 1896, ?.

WALCKENAERA ACUMINATA, 4/.—Callander, May, and Aberfoyle,
April, several ad. 2s; Bridge of Allan, December, two ad. ds;
Aberfoyle, September, two ad. ds.

CERATINELLA BREVIS (/V#d.)—Bracklyn Falls, near Callander, ad. 3,
5th May; Leny, ad. 3 and several ?s, 11th May 1894.

CERATINELLA BREVIPES (JVestr.)—Aberfoyle, September 1897, two
ad. 2s, apparently of this species.
Maso sSUNDEVALII (Westr.)—Bridge of Allan, December 1893,
one @.
EPEIRID~.

PACHYGNATHA CLERCKII, Swud.—Callander, May 1889, and Aber-
foyle, May 1896, ad. 9s; Aberfoyle, September 1897, adults
of both sexes.

PACHYGNATHA DEGEERII, Swzd.—Bridge of Allan, December 9 ;
Callander and Aberfoyle, April and May, adults of both sexes
common ; Aberfoyle, September, many immature.

*META MENARDI (Latr.)= Epeira fusca, Bl., “Spid. Gt. Brit. and
Irel.”—In Rob Roy’s Cave, Loch Ard, 29th April 18096,
two ds and three 9s adult and a few immature examples
of this large and interesting spider were captured and a good
many more seen. Mr. Cambridge obtained specimens at the
foot of Ben A’an, Trossachs, on 30th June 1861.

META SEGMENTATA (C7/k.)—Aberfoyle, April, ad. ¢; Callander,
May, common, but mostly immature; Aberfoyle, September,
adults of both sexes abundant.

META MERIANA, Scof.—Callander, May, common, a few adults, but
mostly immature and young; Aberfoyle, April, an ad. 6,
September, a number immature.

*TETRAGNATHA EXTENSA, Z. (as now restricted)—When Mr. Fred.
O. P. Cambridge was working at this genus in 1895, he referred
some specimens obtained by us near Callander in 1894 to this
form, and among a number of specimens since collected at
Aberfoyle in April and September we believe there are a few
more, but being immature it is difficult to speak of them with
certainty.

“TETRAGNATHA PINICOLA, L. Koch.—A few Tetragnathe—among
them an ad. d—taken on heather by the roadside between
Aberfoyle and the Trossachs in May 1896 have been referred
by the Rev. O. P. Cambridge to this form.

24 D

234 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Cyctosa conica (fai/.)—An ad. ? on boxwood hedge in the garden
at Duchray Castle, near Aberfoyle, 27th May 1896.

*SINGA HAMATA (C/h.) = Epeira tubulosa, Bl. “Spid. Gt. Brit. and
Irel.”——On. 4th and 11th May 1894 a 6 and seven 9s, all
more or less immature, of this rare and local spider were
found in their small silken retreats on burnt heather on the
moor behind Callander Hydropathic. On 1st May 1896 a
few more immature examples were detected on old heather
between Aberfoyle and Duchray, and on 24th May a number
of adult 2s were obtained between Aberfoyle and the Trossachs.
The species has been recorded from near Castle Dougias
(“ Entomologist,” 1877, p. 202).

ZILLA X-NOTATA (C7&.)—In a small collection of Callander Spiders,
received from Mr. A. Forrester a few years ago, this species oc-
curred (vide ‘‘ Annals,” 1893, p. 224); but we have not yet
ourselves met with it for certain. In September 1897 Zl/e@
were common at Aberfoyle on wooden palings, stone walls, and
in the upper angles of doors and windows (as well as on bushes,
etc.); but, notwithstanding the nature of the habitat, all the
adults we examined were clearly referrible to the next species,
the long palpi of the males rendering ¢he/r identification
extremely easy. Such habitats are probably those to which
x-notata practically confines itself; but our experience both in
Upper and Lower Forth shows that africa also may frequently
be found in them, and is not to be looked for exclusively on
shrubs and bushes, as Mr. Cambridge’s remarks in his ‘‘ Spiders
of Dorset” would seem to imply.

ZILLA ATRICA (C. LZ. X.)—Bridge of Allan, Callander, Aberfoyle,
etc., abundant on whin, juniper, and other bushes; also, as
mentioned above, on walls, buildings, and wooden fences; ad.
3s in August and September, ?s for some time longer.

EPEIRA CUCURBITINA (C/&.)—Callander and Aberfoyle, May, a few
immature; Duchray, 27th May 1896, an ad. 9; Aberfoyle,
September 1897, an ad. ?, and several small ones.

EPEIRA DIADEMATA (C/7&.)—Common, especially in the young state ;
adults of both sexes, Callander, Aberfoyle, etc., in August and
September.

EPEIRA CORNUTA (C/&.) = £. afoclisa, Bl. “Spid. Gt. Brit. and Irel.””
—Not uncommon in the immature state about Callander in
May 1894, and around Aberfoyle in April and May 1896; but
a few adults, including one or two males, were obtained.

*EPEIRA QUADRATA (C7&.)—Of this remarkably fine spider a few
scarcely half grown examples were met with near Callander in
May 1894; and in September 1897 a good many adult females,

A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED IN “ UPPER FORTH” 235

and also a few small ones, were found on bog-myrtle and heather
near Aberfoyle.

EPEIRA UMBRATICA (C/k.)—Two ad. 9s under bark on dead
mountain ash at Duchray, near Aberfoyle, 8th May 1896.

THOMISID.

XYSTICUS CRISTATUS (C/7k.)—Common, and at all stages, in every
locality examined.

XysTicus Birasciatus (C. Z. K.)—On 13th September 1897 two
examples—an ad. 9 and a 6 not quite mature—of this large
and uncommon “crab” spider were beaten off bog-myrtle near
Aberfoyle.

OxypTILaA TRUX (L/.)—An ad. 6 near Callander, 23rd April 1892 ;
and a few immature specimens at Aberfoyle in September 1897.

OXYPTILA ATOMARIA (/anz.)—An imm. 9, Aberfoyle, September.

PHILODROMUS AUREOLUS (C7k.)—Common on whin and juniper
bushes ; adults at Aberfoyle in June 1897.

TIBELLUS OBLONGUS (/V7k.)—Banks of Loch Chon, 27th April
1896, 2 not quite adult; Aberfoyle, September 1897, several

immature.
LYCOSID.
*OCYALE MIRABILIS (C7A.) = Dolomedes mirabilis, Bl. “Spid. Gt.
Brit and Irel.’— Of this handsome species a few ad. os.

and some quite small specimens were captives round about
Aberfoyle in the end of April and the beginning of May 1896;
in 1897 anad. 6 was got at Aberfoyle on 16th May, and a half-
grown @ in September. Mr. Cambridge met with it at the
foot of Ben A’an in 1861.

PrIRATA PIRATICUS (C7k.)—Aberfoyle, April 1896, a number of small
and half-grown ones ; June 1897, a few adults ; 12th September,
a 2 with a score of newly hatched young clinging to her body.

*TROCHOSA LEOPARDUS (Sund.)=Lycosa cambrica, Bl. “Spid. Gt.
Brit. and Irel.’”—On 15th April 1896 a 6, not quite mature,
was found under a stone in a marshy spot at the Pass of
Aberfoyle.

TROCHOSA RURICOLA (De G.)—An ad. @ under a stone in grass field
east of Aberfoyle, 21st April; and another among shingle by
the Duchray Water, 4th May 1896.

TROCHOSA TERRICOLA, Zhor.—Callander, May, several imm. ;
Aberfoyle, April, two ad. ds; September, a few adults of both
Sexes.

236 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

TROCHOSA PULVERULENTA (C7/k.)—Common, both in the immature
and adult states, in May; a few half grown in September.

TROCHOSA ANDRENIVORA (C7k.)—On hillside to east of Aberfoyle,
21st April 1896, a pair adult.

LycosA AMENTATA (C/é.)—Common in every locality examined ;
adults in April, May, and June. At Callander in 1894 a few
were carrying egg-cocoons by 9th May.

*TvCOSA AGRICOLA, Zhor.—=Z. “fluviatilis, Ble “Spid: “Gt. “Bat
and Irel.”—-Adults of both sexes were common on shingle by
the Duchray Water, about two miles from Aberfoyle, on 4th
May 1896.

LycosaA LuGuBRIS, /V/7k.—On warm sunny days in May and June
this species was met with in great abundance running among the
dead leaves in the oak woods around Callander and Aberfoyle:
both sexes were then adult, but a few females were still to be
seen carrying egg-cocoons in the middle of September.

Lycosa PULLATA (C/k.)—This was also very plentiful, preferring,
however, more open situations.

LYCOSA NIGRICEPS, Zor.—Rather common among grass and heather :
Bridge of Allan, Callander, Aberfoyle, etc. ; adults of both sexes
obtained during first week of May.

*LYCOSA HERBIGRADA, 4/,—This form is represented in the
collection bya @ taken in an old pasture between Aberfoyle and
Port of Menteith in the end of April 1896.

Lycosa PALUSTRIS (Z.)—Bridge of Allan, Callander, Aberfoyle, etc.,
common in old pastures ; adults in end of April and beginning
of May.

ATTIDZ.

EPIBLEMUM SCENICUM (C7/k.)—Aberfoyle, April, several immature ;
September, a few adult 9s.

*HASARIUS FALCATUS (C/&.)=Salticus coronatus, Bl. “Spid. Gt.
Brit. and Irel.”—Three specimens, all 9s, were captured in
the vicinity of Aberfoyle on three separate occasions, namely,
on the 19th April 1896, 2nd June 1897, and 12th September
1897. ‘The last was immature, the others adult.

NEON RETICULATUS (4/.)—Half a dozen, including two ad. ?s,
among dead leaves in wood behind Aberfoyle, September 1897.

EUOPHRYS ERRATICUS (W/k.)—One @, near Callander, May 1889.

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 237

PEORULAT OP ® PIECE OF WASTE GROUND
at A ERO ENE

By JAMES’ Wo HY Tram, AM. MoD.. Fakes:

IN this journal, in October 1896 and January 1897, under
the above title, I gave an account of observations made by
me during the years 1893-96, my object being to follow out
the changes that can be traced from year to year in the
vegetation of a newly made-up soil when protected from
injury and left almost untouched by man. I have continued
these observations this year (1897); and the results will be
found stated below.

During the past winter and summer the space covered
with cinders has been somewhat added to; and the heaps of
earthy rubbish having been mostly removed from beside the
lines of rails the plants growing on them alone (e.g. Saponaria
Vaccaria) have disappeared. Now (in September) a new
railway is being laid down at each side of the two already
existing on the ground. Thus the vegetation that was
growing up beside the rails, much more plentifully than any-
where else on the cinders, has been, at least in the mean-
time, destroyed. The general surface of the cinders is very
bare, except where soil has been mixed with them here and
there, and where a few clumps of docks and other deep-
rooted plants have gained a hold. On one part, where the
surface looks almost covered with herbage from a little
distance, there are several low-growing but vigorous plants
of broom, and a few whin and gooseberry bushes.

On the area not covered with cinders the changes
already described as in progress have continued to advance.
The coarser grasses and weeds have still more fully occupied
the surface, so that the former tracks have almost disap-
peared, and only one or two bare patches mark where sawdust
heaps lay.

Over much of the ground it is now difficult to make
one’s way through the dense masses of thistles, hemlock,
and other coarse weeds. Thus annuals and low-growing
perennials become more and more restricted, and are now

238 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

confined to a few spots, chiefly near flour-mills along the
south side of the ground, to the earthier patches on the
cinders, and to rubbish thrown down along the edge of the
cinders here and there.

The tendency to the diminution in number of species,
and to the occupation of portions of the ground by individual
species of the more vigorous large weeds, almost to the
exclusion of all others, is still more marked than in 1896.
A few species not previously observed have to be added ;
but these are hardly such species as might have been
expected to occur. The absence of many of the commonest
weeds of cultivation and of waste ground elsewhere near
Aberdeen, formerly remarked on by me, is no less noteworthy
this year than it was in past years. A few of the evidently
introduced plants named in my former notes as increasing
have in 1897 become very scarce, or even seem to have dis-
appeared, while others have continued to hold their place
unchecked or to increase, though not apparently more suited
to do so.

My census this year was taken in July, and again in the
beginning of September; and I use the same symbols to
denote frequency and condition as before, viz. 1 scarce, 2 not
rare, 3 common, 4 plentiful (each being modified by the signs
— and + where desirable to denote a less or greater degree
of frequency than that indicated by the number itself); 2
denoting Jocal, and vl. very local. Veg. denotes the absence
of flowers and fruits, and /v. denotes the presence of ripe or
nearly ripe fruit. Species with neither symbol were in
flower and fruit when recorded. The names of non-British
species are in italics ; and an asterisk before a name denotes
that it is not native here, though British. I have noted
each species observed in 1897, to contrast with my former
lists, and have added brief notes of any points of special
interest to many of the names.

Ranunculus acris, Z.—1 in July.

R. repens, Z.—o to 4 3+ on the cinders and more open places,
spreading much by runners.

*Papaver Rhoeas, Z.—One plant, in flower in July, on the
cinders.

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 239

Lesperis matronalis, L.—Two plants, in flower, in July, and in flower
and fruit in September. One seems to be the same plant
as that observed last year.

Sisymbrium pannonicum, Jacq.—For this species, which in 1896
appeared to be increasing and seeded freely, I looked in vain
in July. In September I found one plant just coming into
flower on a rubbish heap on a part of the ground at some
distance from where it had been most abundant.

Brassica Napus, L.—Abundant on a heap of rubbish on slope of
cinders.

B. Sinapistrum, Bo/ss.—Fl. in September; common along the side
near flour-mills.

Capsella Bursa-pastoris, /Veb,— Here and there on more open places,
but diminishing.

[*Zepidium Draba, L.—The single plant recorded as brought from
this ground into my garden in 1895 has spread freely by buds
produced from the roots, which have extended widely through
the soil. It produced numerous flowers, of which a consider-
able proportion, though not so large as in 1895, showed note-
worthy deviations from the usual floral structure. The
species has not reappeared on the waste ground under
consideration. |

Cochlearia Armoracia, L. (horse radish).—I omitted to note the
occurrence in 1896 of two plants in a vegetative state. These
plants have grown larger this year, but have not shown any sign
of flowering.

Viola tricolor, Z.—One weak plant, on the cinders.

Lychnis alba, d///7—Increasing in frequency, especially near the
mills (up to 3 + there), but still only scattered singly over most
parts of the ground.

Sagina procumbens, Z.—Not observed till 1897, when one or two
plants were found on the cinders.

Cerastium triviale, Zixz.—Up to 2+ on more open spots, but
becoming less plentiful.

Stellaria media, Cyr.—Plentiful (up to 3 + ) near the mills, but usually
from 1 to 2, on opener spots becoming less plentiful.

Spergula arvensis, Z., vay. sativa, Goenn.—As in former years, more
common (to 2) near mills.

; ly one or two observed, becoming 1
Geranium molle, ite te vee oming Jess

: common as ground is covered with
G. dissectum, Z. 2

coarser weeds.

Ulex europzeus, Z.—Eight or ten plants on the cinders, the largest
being a bush about fifteen inches across. None have attempted
to flower.

240 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Cytisus scoparius, Zzzk.—On the cinders at one place a good many
plants were growing, the largest being nearly two feet across,
but not tall. Several have been destroyed in widening the
railway track.

Medicago sativa, L., is holding its place ; but, though it flowers freely
and produces a few fruits, it has not increased since last year.

*M. Falcata, Z., is extending, though not rapidly, round the two
places where it first appeared. The plants grow matted among
grasses, but are very vigorous, flowering freely and setting a few
fruits.

Trifolium pratense, Z.—Only one or two plants observed.

T. hybridum, ., and T. repens, Z.—Diminishing in amount, owing
to increase of coarser plants ; nowhere exceeding 2.

*Lotus tenuis, Wadd. and A7¢.—One plant in flower was detected in
September among grass. It had not been previously observed
on this ground, and is only a rare casual in the district.

Vicia Cracca, Z., and V. sepium, Z., had both slightly increased,
especially the former, which flowered.

Rubus ideeus, Z., as before, except that one plant is now about
three feet high.

Potentilla Anserina, Z., is very local. Not present over most of
the ground, it forms one or two patches almost to the exclusion
of other plants, and young plants occur here and there on the
cinders.

P. recta, L., was much less common, only one or two examples
being observed on the cinders.

*Pyrus Malus, Z.—Most of the seedlings formerly noted are still
growing, though slowly.

Ribes Grossularia, L.—This seems rather more numerous, especially
on the cinders in one place; some of the plants are now nearly
a foot high. Several have been destroyed in making the new
lines.

*R. nigrum, Z.—One or two observed, which had been overlooked
in 1896,

*Lythrum Salicaria, Z.—The single plant formerly noticed was
again in flower in 1897.

Epilobium montanum, Z.—One small plant, in flower in July ; none
observed in September.

Conium maculatum, Z.—This is now one of the most conspicuous
plants on the ground, covering large portions of it, either alone,
or along with thistles and coarse grasses, so as to crush out the
lower plants. It is increasing year by year, and its seedlings
occupy the opener spots, often almost to the exclusion of annuals.

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 241

*Apium graveolens, Z. (celery).—The few plants originally observed
still grow in a dwarfed condition, and flower; but they are not
increasing.

Carum Petroselinum, B. and H. (parsley), has almost disappeared.

AZ gopodium Podagraria, Z.—Rather curiously, this weed, so common
by roadsides and on waste ground, did not seem to have gained
an entrance up to 1896. ‘This year there is a good-sized patch
of it on the south side, near the edge of the cinders, among and
beside a heap of rubbish. It will doubtless increase rapidly.
Despite its abundance as a weed, the distribution of this plant
in N.E. Scotland points to its introduction, intentional or
otherwise, by man.

*Scandix Pecten-Veneris, Z.— Several examples were found in
flower in July, on the same rubbish as Grassica Napus. By
September all trace of them had disappeared. This plant is
scarce more than a casual, of very uncertain occurrence, near
Aberdeen.

Anthriscus sylvestris, /Zoffm.—One plant, in fruit. The rarity of
this species on the ground is curious.

Caucalis latifolia, L.—Two examples, in flower and fruit, were found
in July, near the flour-mills, probably grown from seeds thrown
out among rubbish of wheat from South or East Europe. It
has not occurred in this district before.

Galium Aparine, Z.—One or two in July.

Bellis perennis, Z.—A few on the opener places, but diminishing as
these are restricted.

Achillea Millefolium, Z.—lIncreasing slightly. Over most of the
ground nowhere exceeding 2+, but forming compact masses
of foliage in a few small patches.

A. Ptarmica, Z.—This species was omitted by an oversight from my
list ; but it has been observed each year since 1893. Though
very scarce when first noted, it has increased little by little,
until in 1897 it has become not uncommon, especially on the
south side of the ground.

*Anthemis arvensis, 7.—Abundant on rubbish with Brassica Napus.
Not able to hold its place against the coarser weeds.

Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, Z.—Diminishing in frequency.
C. Parthenium, Pers. — Much less frequent, and tending to be
crushed out.

Matricaria inodora, Z£.—Plentiful in some places, but becoming
more restricted.

Artemisia vulgaris, Z.—One or two plants, in flower and fruit.

242 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Tussilago Farfara, Z., continues to spread, forming several large
patches.

Senecio vulgaris, Z., occurs on cinders and on opener spots, but
cannot contend successfully with the coarse vegetation.

Arctium minus, ernh.—Not increasing.

Llelianthus tuberosus, ..—One weak plant seen.

Cnicus lanceolatus, W7l/d., is the most conspicuous plant on the
ground, and continues to increase rapidly. In the autumn the
seeds are scattered far and wide on every breeze.

C. arvensis, /Zoffm., is also increasing year by year, though not so
abundant as C. /anceolatus ; it forms some large clumps, and is
freely mingled with the other coarser vegetation.

Centaurea nigra, Z., barely holds its place.

Lapsana communis, Z., appears to be increasing on the southern
part, though slowly.

Crepis virens, Z., is becoming crushed out, and now occurs only
isolated here and there.

Taraxacum officinale, Wed., scarcely seems to do more than keep
its place on the more open spots.

Sonchus oleraceus, Z., is diminishing.

Lycopsis arvensis, Z.—Of this a single example was found in flower
in July. It had not been met with before on this ground.

Myosotis arvensis, Zam., was more common here and there in July
than it had been in former years.

*Volvulus sepium, /unger, has extended year by year, and has
spread considerably since 1896, flowering with moderate
freedom, and supporting itself on the coarse vegetation among
which it climbs.

Convolvulus arvensis, Z., of which a plant was observed here for the
first time last year, appears to have got a hold, two or three
having been seen in 1897.

Solanum tuberosum, L. (potato).—A good many here and there,
especially on rubbish.

Mimulus luteus, 1..—One plant, in flower, on the cinders.
Mentha viridis, L.—Two patches in flower in September.
M. piperita, Z. (not M. viridis) was destroyed under cinders in 1896.

Nepeta Glechoma, entz.—Destroyed in the extension of the
railways.

Scutellaria galericulata, Z.— Two small patches, bearing flowers,
were detected at the west end of the ground in July.

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 243

Galeopsis Tetrahit, Z—Common on a limited area near the flour-
mills, along with other annual weeds.

Lamium purpureum, Z.—Very scarce.

Plantago major, Z., and P. lanceolata, Z., are diminishing in
frequency as the more open ground becomes more and more
restricted.

Chenopodium album, Z., and var. viride, Syme, and Atriplex patula,
Z., not quite so abundant as in former years.

Polygonum Convolvulus, Z., was common on rubbish along the
edge of the cinders, and occurred in small numbers here and
there on cinders; but some rubbish heaps that were densely
covered with it in 1896 having been removed, it was much less
abundant on the whole this year than last.

P. aviculare, Z., still common in the few open spots, but much less
general than formerly.

P. Persicaria, Z.—Much as in 1896.

P. lapathifolium, Z.—Only one or two plants seen in 1897, diminish-
ing in frequency.

Rumex.—The several species formerly enumerated by me showed
scarcely any change in relative frequency in 1897.

Urtica dioica, Z.—This nettle has spread little, but it forms two or
three pretty large scattered clumps.

Carex ovalis, Good.—A single plant sprung up and fruited on the
cinders, the only representative of the great order Cyperacez
that has been found here.

Alopecurus geniculatus, Z.—One or two small patches were
observed.

Phleum pratense, Z., though by no means a common grass around
Aberdeen, has from 1893 been frequent on this waste ground.
It grows to a large size, and has continued to increase where
undisturbed, so that it now forms a very conspicuous part of
the coarse vegetation over much of the surface.

Agrostis palustris, Zuds., with var. stolonifera, and A. vulgaris W7th.
—As in 1896.

Deschampsia ceespitosa, Beawv.—A few vigorous tufts are scattered
over the area.

Holcus lanatus, Z.—As in 1896.

Avena strigosa, Schreb., *A. fatua, Z., and A. sativa, L.—These
occurred in small quantity on rubbish and on the more earthy
patches on the cinders, chiefly in the neighbourhood of the mills

244 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Arrhenatherum avenaceum, Zeauv., forms a part of the coarser

vegetation as in former years, but does not seem to be
increasing.

Dactylis glomerata, Z—The same remarks apply to this as to
Phleum pratense.

Poa annua, Z., is diminishing as the open ground becomes lessened.

P. pratensis, Z., appeared slightly more common this year in July,
perhaps because of the time of year.

P. trivialis, Z., did not seem quite so abundant as formerly.

P. nemoralis, Z.—Two or three plants were observed in flower in

July, and the hardly recognisable stems were again seen in
September.

*Festuca rigida, Kunti.—The name of this species was inad-
vertently omitted from my former list. It grew in 1893 and
1894 on the more open spots and paths, but the coarse
vegetation has crushed it out.

F. elatior, Z., and var. pratensis, Huds.—As in 1896, not increasing.

Bromus mollis, Z., and Lolium perenne, Z., show no tendency to
increase, nor can they hold their place against the larger
grasses. Of L. perenne, var. italicum, Braun, only one or two
plants were seen.

Agropyron repens, Beawv., continues to increase, forming almost the
whole of the vegetation in places. Var. barbatum, Duval-
Jouve, is a good deal more abundant than var. obtusum, Syme.

Triticum vulgare, Vill., Secale cereale, .., Hordeum aistichum, L..,
and /7. hexastichum, L.—Of all four a few plants were seen on
rubbish, especially near the mills.

A comparison of the above list with my previous paper
on the same flora shows very clearly the inability of all but
a very few of the introduced plants to hold their place where
left to contend with the native species. It shows too how
a few vigorous and rank-growing species crush out many
other less vigorous forms and impoverish the flora.

The following species that were included in the list for
1896 have not been observed in 1897. Several evident
casuals among them, of which only one or two specimens
were found, are denoted by an asterisk :—*Papaver dubium,
Sisymbrium officinale, Brassica Rapa, *Thlaspi arvense,
*Saponaria Vaccaria, Silene Cucubalus, *Lychnis dioica, Vitis

FLORULA OF A PIECE OF WASTE GROUND AT ABERDEEN 245

vinifera, Medicago lupulina, Melilotus officinalis, * Lotus
uliginosus, Vicia angustifolia, var. Bobartii, Heracleum
Sphondylium, Daucus Carota, Scabiosa arvensis, Anthemis
Cotula, Chrysanthemum segetum, Matricaria Chamomilla,
Senecio Jacobeea, *Centaurea Cyanus, Cichorium Intybus,
Hieracium boreale, *Fraxinus excelsior, Echium vulgare,
*Veronica montana, Mentha piperita, M. arvensis, *Prunella
vulgaris, *Phalaris canariensis, Festuca rubra. To these
might almost be added Sisymbrium pannonicum. Some of
these, of which only a very few plants were seen in 1896,
may have been overlooked in 1897 among the dense
vegetation, but several, eg. Melilotus, are too conspicuous
to be readily overlooked. A few have been destroyed by
the operations of spreading the cinders and preparing part of
the ground for new railway. The casuals, growing on
rubbish, are of course destroyed when the rubbish is
removed, so that their occurrence and disappearance signify
little. A larger number of disappearances must be accounted
for by the situations where the plants grew having been
invaded and covered by hemlock, thistles, and coarse grasses.

The plants found in 1897, additional to those noted
in 1896, are few, viz. :—

(a) Casuals noticed for the first time, introduced with rubbish from
the mills or railway ballast :—Sagina procumbens, Caucalis
latifolia, Lycopsis arvensis, and Carex ovalis. Only one or two
examples were found.

(2) Not previously observed, but possibly there in 1896 :—Lotus
tenuis, A’gopodium Podagraria, and Poa nemoralis.

(c) Inadvertently omitted from former list :—Cochlearia Armoracia
and Achillea Ptarmica. (See Festuca rigida also.)

(Z) Casuals observed in years earlier than 1896 :—Papaver Rhceas
and Brassica Napus.

Very few of the introduced plants now survive, even of
those which at first became more abundant and seemed likely
for a time to secure a footing.

246 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

RECORDS OF SCOTTISH (PLANTS FOR 1300)
ADDITIONAL “IT@ “WATSONS “ZOPrG-
GRAPHICAL, BOTANY] 2ad. (Ed) (i583):

By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.LS.

THESE carry on the annual records to the end of 1896;
they are not numerous, as must be expected. The following
contractions are again employed :—“ Ann. S. N. H.” denotes
the “Annals of Scottish Natural History,” sf. that a speci-
men was sent me, and ! that I have seen a specimen from
the district.

| 74. WIGTOWN.

Atriplex littoralis (type), sf. Riu
Potamogeton lucens. ;

75. AYRSHIRE.
(Records by 4. Somerville, except one.)

Spergularia marginata. !

Potentilla suberecta, Zimm. = Tormentilla x procumbens, sf.
Rosa involuta, Barclay (“ Ann. S. N. H.,” p. 117, 1896).
Myriophyllum spicatum. !

+Anthemis arvensis. !

Avena pubescens. !

Keeleria cristata. !

Triticum junceum. !

85. FIFE AND KINROSS.

Potamogeton nitens, ! Dr. Playfair, 1873.

86. STIRLING.

(Records by Col. Stirling and R. Kidston in “ Notes on Stirling
Plants for 1896” (1897).)

+ Brassica alba. Hieracium centripetale, Hanb.
Galium boreale. ” pictorum, Linton, var.
Anthemis arvensis. Mentha sativa.

87. WEST PERTH.
Rosa involuta, Barclay (“ Ann. S. N. H.,” p. 117, 1896).

RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1896 247

go. FORFAR.

Hypocheris glabra. Sf. in Herb. Mus. Brit.; gathered by Robert
Brown in August 1792. Confirms record for county.
Carex epigejos, Fries. (zon Lzestadius) ; sf. from Dr. & B. White.

97. WESTERNESS.
(Records by S. AZ. Macvicar.)

Ranunculus sceleratus, s/. +Scabiosa arvensis, sf.
+s bulbosus, s/. Veronica Anagallis, sf.
Rubus Lindleianus, Lees (teste Listera ovata, mz.5.
M. Rogers). Catabrosa aquatica, var. littor-
Rubus corylifolius, 7.5. alis !

(Records by WW. Grant, ex M. F. Miller.)

Arabis hirsuta. Avena flavescens.
Cerastium semidecandrum. Bromus asper.
Carlina vulgaris. Poa nemoralis.

Lemna minor.
98. ARGYLE.

Moneses grandiflora, Z. S. AZarshal/ (“‘ Journal of Botany,” p. 400,
1896).

100. CLYDE ISLES.

Phragmites communis, sf., A. Somerville.

102. SOUTH EBUDES.
(Records by A. Somerville.)

Spergularia neglecta, sf. Sparganium minimum, sf.
Potentilla procumbens, s/. Juncus alpinus, sf.

Erythrzea pulchella, f., sf. Deschampsia discolor, sf.
Polygonum Rail, sf. Festuca rubra, sf.

Rumex conglomeratus, sf. Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense. !

Potamogeton decipiens, sf.

103. Mip EBUDES.

Rubus corylifolius (? recorded) proves to be R. hirtifolius, Muell.
and Wirtg., probably the form given as R. danicus, Focke.
Epilobium parviflorum, S. JZ, Macvicar.

104. NorTH EBUDES.

Rubus thyrsiger, Bab. (teste MZoyle Rogers), S. M. Macvicar.

248 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

105. West Ross.

Subularia aquatica, Z. S. Sa/mon (personal authority),

109. CAITHNESS.
(Records by & J. Hanbury.)
Carex pelia, O. & Lang, sp.
x C. Grantii, Av. Benn. =C. aquatilis x kattegatensis, sf. (1887).
112. SHETLAND.

Holcus mollis (“required confirmation”). ) W. Beeby
Ophioglossum ambiguum. ass oie

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

Daubenton’s Bat in Argyleshire.—I am pleased to be able to
add a new locality to the somewhat limited list of places this Bat is
known to frequent in Scotland. Kinlochaline Castle is situated at the
head of Loch Aline, an inlet from the Sound of Mull, in the district of
Morvern, Argyleshire. It is one of the best preserved old buildings
in the Highlands, and, standing on a rocky eminence, it is an ideal
place for the Bat and the Owl. For several years in the long
summer nights I had often watched the Bats coming out from their
retreat in the old castle to flit up and down the course of the river
Aline or skim over the surface of the loch. ‘The only species I had
been able to identify up to this year were the Pipistrelle and the
Long-eared Bat. On the 13th of June, while going through the
castle, I noticed a crevice in the lintel of one of the windows which
showed unmistakable evidence of the presence of Bats. There
seemed no prospect of getting at them until I thought of trying the
effect of smoke. Applying a match to a few scraps of paper which
I pushed into the crevice, smoke soon began to issue from various
cracks in the wall, and there was an immediate scramble among the
Bats to get out. I soon caught as many as I wanted with my hands
as they emerged from their retreat, and I then saw I had got some-
thing new to me. To ensure a correct identification, I forwarded
half a dozen by post to Mr. William Evans, Edinburgh, and he pro-
nounced them Vesfertilio daubentont. ‘This Bat is not mentioned
in Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Buckley’s ‘‘ Fauna of Argyll.”—Cuas.
CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 249

On the supposed occurrence of the Harvest Mouse in Moray.
—lIn Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Buckley’s “ Vertebrate Fauna of the
Moray Basin” (vol. i. p. 202), the Harvest Mouse (d/ws minutus) is
stated to occur in Banffshire. It is also stated that there is a
specimen in the Banff Museum. I lately had the opportunity of
examining all the Rodents there, and I can find no trace of a genuine
Harvest Mouse. The only animal that might have been mistaken
for it was a stuffed skin of a reddish-coloured Field Mouse (JZus
sylvaticus), which might have been skinned from a spirit specimen.
I do not yet believe that A/7us minutus has ever been found north of
the Grampians. Mr. Edward probably mistook young, bright-
coloured Field Mice for Harvest Mice, as his knowledge of British
Rodents was not complete. He said he “thought he had seen the
Dormouse” in the North of Scotland. I think’the Dormouse has
never been found in Scotland at all. At any rate, if it had been
once seen by a naturalist like Edward he would never have forgotten
it—Wn. TayLor, Lhanbryde.

Sperm Whale in South Uist.—In the month of May last the
carcass of a Sperm Whale (Pyseter macrocephalus) in a comparatively
fresh state was washed ashore on the west side of the island of South
Uist. It was bought by Mr. Macaskill, Polcharra, who told me that
it measured about 70 feet in length, and that he had got a large
quantity of oil from it. JI understand the skeleton is to be secured
for the Glasgow Museum.—Joun MacRury, Barra.

The Pied Flyeateher in Dumfriesshire.—During this summer
several Pied Flycatchers (AZuscicapa atricapilla) have been under
observation at a locality in Dunscore Parish. It was strongly sus-
pected they were nesting, but the fact was not proven. ‘The oc-
currence marks the latest extension of the species in Solway. It
may be of interest to record the history of the Pied Flycatcher as a
Dumfriesshire bird, so far as known to me. The late Mr. Hastings,
bird-stuffer in Dumfries, saw a ¢ in Drumlanrig Park in the summer
of 1865. My friend Mr. Tom Brown, Auchenhessnane, discovered
a pair nesting at a spot on the Scaur Water in 1884. They reared
a brood, and returned again to the same place in1885. In August
1889 I met with a pair and their newly fledged young brood flitting
about the gardens at Kirkwood House, near Lockerbie. About the
same time, and for several years subsequently, Pied Flycatchers were
seen in the vicinity of Thornhill by Mr. Robert Armstrong. On
30th May 1892 that gentleman took me to a pretty little glade on
the Cample, where, in a hole in an alder-tree trunk, I had the pleasure
of examining a nest containing seven eggs. There are what may be
considered as two colonies: one in Annandale, the other in Upper
Nithsdale. Small colonies they certainly are, but they bid fair to
multiply and extend their bounds each recurring season.—ROBERT
SERVICE, Maxwelltown, Dumfries.

24 E

250 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Swifts in the Outer Hebrides.—I am just back from a ten days’
sojourn in North Uist. You may like to hear that on Saturday, 28th
August, I observed certainly one Swift (C. afus) on the west side.
Three or four others were with it, which my companion, who has
younger eyes than myself, pronounced to be exactly similar. Ap-
parently they were fresh in from the sea; they were all flying low,
more like swallows.—J. W. P. CAMPBELL OrbDE, Kilmory.

[Several specimens are recorded in the “Fauna of the Outer
Hebrides.” Dr. MacRury, in his “ Birds of Barra,” says that one or
two are seen each season.—EDs. |

Alpine Swift in Seotland.—The Muirkirk record of the oc-
currence of this species in the current number of the ‘‘Annals” reminds
me of what is said in the “Trans. of the Gaelic Socy. of Inverness,”
vol. xil., 1885-86, in an article by Mr. Charles Fergusson on the
“Gaelic Names of Birds,” and the following extract may be worth
printing in the “ Annals” :—‘‘I know a very high precipice amongst
the rocks of Strathardle, about 1400 ft. above sea-level, in which, in
a crack or rent in the face of the cliff, the Alpine Swift has bred,
and never missed a single season, from my earliest remembrance up
till I left the district a few years ago, and I have no doubt they
breed there still. My uncle has told me that, when he was a boy,
over 50 years ago, they bred there then, and had been there from
time immemorial. . . . I have lain for hours watching them, after
the young ones had flown, in a flock of 12 or 16 flying about high
in the air, and then all darting down suddenly into the crack in the
rock, in which they held a chattering, screeching concert for a minute
or so, and then all pouring out in a torrent quicker almost than
the eye could follow them, screeching very loudly, and after a while
circling about, repeating the performance again and again. I
could not be mistaken about this being the Alpine Swift, as its white
belly at once distinguishes it from the Common Swift. Old and
young keep together in a flock till they leave the country early in
August. I have never seen them anywhere else.” Mr. Fergusson
distinguishes their Gaelic names from that of the Common Swift,
giving for the Alpine Swift—Gobhlan-monaidh, Ainleog-monaidh,
and Gobhlan-nan-creag.—Hucu Boyp Watt, Glasgow.

[We are much obliged to Mr. Watt for calling our attention to
the above. We have the gravest doubts, however, as to the correct-
ness of Mr. Fergusson’s identification of the species. —EDs. |

Bee-eater in Caithness.—A pair of Bee-eaters (AZerops aptaster)
were seen by Mr. Wm. MacPherson on the 12th of May last at
Langwell ; and one of them was seen two days afterwards attacking
bees.—LeEwis Dungar, Thurso.

Cuckoo in Shetland.—On 11th June, Mr. Thomas Bowie and I
came on a Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) by the side of a stream in the
North Delting Hills, Shetland. The bird was very wild, and would

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 251

not allow of our approach when we first came on it; later in the
day, however, on our return, the bird was again in the same locality,
and on this occasion it fell to my companion’s gun. It had never
cried during the period we observed it. The bird was a male,
and its stomach was crammed with beetles and larve.—ROBERT
Goprrey, Edinburgh.

Red-footed Faleon in Aberdeenshire.—A fine male specimen
of the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) was killed at Crimin-
mogate on the 7th of May last. This is the third occurrence of the
species in Scotland: the first having been killed at Hill of Fiddes,
Aberdeenshire, 29th May 1866; the second at Hauxley, near the
Borders, in October 1868. In the last edition of Yarrell’s ‘ British
Birds ” (vol. i. p. 70), it is stated that ‘‘two have been killed near
Aberdeen.” This is a mistake ; there was but one, as above noted.
It may be well, however, to say that when the Aberdeenshire one
for 1866 was recorded in the local papers, and there appeared
the following day a letter in which it was affirmed that one had
been killed at Rothiemay, Banffshire, and three in Aberdeenshire,
the last two having been killed and their nest and eggs taken,
subsequent inquiry proved all these statements to be incorrect.
The weight of the specimen now recorded was 6} ounces, expanse
of wings 271 inches, length from beak to end of tail 12 inches,
wings when closed same length as tail. Upper parts dark brown ;
primaries light mealy gray, with black shafts; tail black, with a
greenish sheen when held to the light; abdomen and leg feathers
cinnamon brown. ‘The stomach was filled with shrew mice.—GEo.
Sim, Aberdeen.

[There are two recorded Scottish specimens in the Edinburgh
Museum: one killed at Kinghorn on the 2oth September 1880 ;
and the second near Jedburgh on the 21st June 1888.—Ebs. |

Merlin nesting in Tree in Midlothian.—The extreme partiality
of the Merlin (4adco @salon) for a haunt it has formerly occupied—
a fact well known to all field ornithologists—was strikingly illustrated
in the case of a nest found this season in Midlothian. In 1896 a
pair of Merlins chose an old crow’s nest in an open wood-clump
at the base of the Pentlands as the receptacle for their eggs ; and
on 30th April, when I first examined the nest, they had cleared out
all the old pine-needles that accumulate in vacant nests, but had
not as yet laid. On goth May I again visited the wood and put the
Merlin off the nest, and on climbing found two eggs. On 15th
May the female was shot off her eggs, and the keeper forwarded a
note to me stating the fact. The male lingered about the nest two
days longer, and successfully eluded the repeated attacks made by
the keeper on his life; he then forsook the locality, and I climbed
on the 18th and took the four eggs. This year—in spite of the
treatment accorded him last year—the male returned with another

252 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

mate, but did not proceed so early to nest. Its presence in the
wood was not noted till the end of May or the beginning of June,
but on this occasion both birds fell to the keeper’s gun, and were
brought to me on roth June. ‘The birds had chosen the same tree
as that occupied by them in 1896.—RosBeEert GoprrReEy, Edinburgh.

Honey Buzzards in Moray.—A pair, male and female, of Honey
Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) was shot on the Findhorn on the 2nd
of September last.—JAMEs Brown, Forres.

Pintail in the Forth Distriet.—On the 1st of May last a pair
of Pintail (Dajila acuta), male and female, was seen by Mr. Bruce
Campbell and myself on Loch Leven. ‘The late date on which the
birds were seen is interesting, and is perhaps worthy of being placed
on record.—T. G. LarpLaw, Edinburgh.

Tufted Duck, Seaup, and Golden-eye in Orkney in Summer.—
Although the Tufted Duck (/ugula cristata) has already been
recorded as occurring in the Orkneys in summer (‘“‘ Annals,” 1896,
p. 21), yet it has been restricted to the larger lochs of Harray and
Skaill—so far as I can judge, at least, from Mainland records avail-
able to me. On 26th May 1897, besides a party of Tufted Ducks
on the Loch of Skaill, I saw single pairs on the mill dam of Stenness
and on Clumly Loch, which are, however, close to those already
known to be tenanted. In anticipation of some future records, I
may say that I saw no Tufted Ducks on Tankerness in the east of
the Mainland on 31st May.

I met with the Golden-eye (C/angula glaucion) twice on 26th
May: a single bird on the Loch of Skaill, and a party of five on
Clumly Loch—amongst which I could distinguish two adult drakes.

What pleased me most, however, among the ducks observed in
Orkney was the presence of the Scaup (/uwdgula marila) on the
Loch of Tankerness, 31st May. I saw two pairs of this fine species,
and I watched them for a long time, wondering, as I did so, when
the first positive record—after the many recent appearances of the
bird in summer—of its nesting with us would be made.—ROBERT
GopFREY, Edinburgh.

Common Scoter breeding in the Inner Hebrides.—A pair of
Common Scoters (Zdemia nigra) had a nest in Tiree this season.
I tried to find it, but failed. However, the young were hatched
out and were daily seen by me in the little creeks along the shore.
There were five young birds, and do¢h old birds attended them—-a
very unusual thing in the duck tribe, I think.—PETER ANDERSON,
slicee:

The Brent Goose in the “ Clyde” Area.—Scarcely anything has
been published regarding the occurrence of the Brent Goose
(Bernicla brenta) in the faunal area which drains into the Clyde
and its firth, Gray in “The Birds of the West of Scotland”

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 253
makes no allusion to its occurrence in “Clyde.” In the ‘‘ Notes on
the Birds of Glasgow and its Vicinity,” by the same writer, in the
‘Notes on the Fauna and Flora of the West of Scotland” (Glasgow,
1876), it is stated that ‘‘the Brent Goose is very scarce,” while the
Barnacle Goose is declared to be “a regular winter visitant in large
flocks to the grass banks of the estuary between Dumbarton and
Helensburgh.” In frequent excursions afloat and ashore in the
locality named by Gray I have failed to get to close quarters with
either species. However, Mr. David Gemmell, Mount Pleasant,
Port-Glasgow, informs me that he has in his possession “ Brent
Geese shot on the Clyde opposite Port-Glasgow in the month of
February—the month they are mostly seen. Bernicle are seen
there too, but not socommon. I have one shot there too.” From
the other side of the estuary Mr. W. A. Donnelly, Milton of
Colquhoun, sends me interesting details of the movements of Brent
Geese from the river in a N. by N.W. direction overland in spring ;
the first flight observed this year being on 7th February, numbering
70 birds, and a larger flight later in the same month consisting of
300 birds in three companies. The fly-line is invariably the one
just mentioned, and the flights noted in previous years were in
February, March, and once in April. In February 1895 Mr.
Donnelly saw a flock of 57 Barnacle Geese flying due west. “In
point of numbers, from my own observation,” he says, ‘‘the Brent
seem to outnumber the Barnacle.” In the paper “ On the Birds of
Ayrshire and Wigtownshire,” by Robert Gray and Thomas Anderson
(‘‘ Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow,” vol. i. p. 269), the Brent Goose is
stated to be much less common than the Barnacle Goose ‘‘ occur-
ring, perhaps, in the proportion of one to fifty.” No precise state-
ment is made by the writers quoted of any occurrence of, or locality
frequented by, either species. Mr. Charles Berry of Lendalfoot,
South Ayrshire, informed me (zz Z¢. 3rd March 1895) that the day
after the great gale (21st-22nd December 1894) he shot a Brent
Goose, and two days later he received for preservation a Barnacle
Goose—“ they are both rare here,” he says. Information regarding
a great haunt of Brent Geese at Fairlie, North Ayrshire, first reached
me from my friend Mr. Hugh Boyd Watt, and I have frequently
seen them there in numbers since their occurrence was reported
to me. Thus in the present year I saw there on 1st January a
tlock of about 150, on 20th February I estimated the numbers at
600, and on 6th March about 250 in a flock, the birds apparently
belonging to the white-breasted form. A Brent Goose was shot at
Lamlash during the winter of 1893-94, as I am informed by Dr.
Neil Fullarton. Mr. Ben Jordan, Campbeltown, has informed me
that Brent Geese and Barnacle Geese both occur in that locality,
but I have no information regarding their relative numbers. It
would be interesting to know upon what foundation the statements

254 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

in Gray regarding the great preponderance of Barnacle Geese and
the scarcity of Brent Geese rest, as I can find no confirmation of
them in “Clyde.” I am certain that the term ‘“ Barnacle Goose ”
is often applied generically to the two species under consideration,
and that statements regarding flocks of ‘‘ Barnacle Geese” cannot
safely be assumed to point in all cases to Bernicla leucopsis— JOHN
PATERSON, Glasgow.

Turtle Dove in Argyle.—On the 7th of September, at Drimnin
in Morvern, I shot a Turtle Dove (Zurtur communis)—a fact that
may be worth recording in the “ Annals,” since the bird is certainly
uncommon in the West of Scotland.mARCHIBALD BURN-MURDOCH,
Edinburgh.

Capercailzie in the Mid-Deveron District.—I have to apologise
for sending you such a belated notice of what—so far as known—
is the first instance of a Capercailzie being found in this district.
On the 29th September of last year a young cock bird was shot by
one of the keepers at a roe drive in the Binn Wood near Huntly.
It was bagged as a blackcock, and acknowledged to be of un-
precedented size. The bird was not in full plumage, and was probably
hatched in that very extensive wood. At least one other was
reported in course of the season.— Duncan M. Ross, Glass.

Iceland Gull in the Outer Hebrides.—Mr. D. Mackenzie, of the
Royal Hotel, Stornoway, sent an Iceland Gull (Larus deucopterus) to
Messrs. Macleay, Inverness, for preservation. It was procured about
the last days of August, which is an early date for that bird’s
appearance.—T. E. BucKLEy, Inverness.

Buffon’s Skua (.Szercorarius parasiticus) inMoray.—One specimen
was obtained at the mouth of the Findhorn river by John Garrow,
Esq., on the r1th August 1897, as we are informed by Mr. James
Brown.—J. A. HARVIE-BROWN.

Fulmar Petrels at Cape Wrath in the Breeding Season.—On
the 19th of June last the s.s. “‘ Pharos” left Loch Erriboll for Cape
Wrath, where it was intended to land lighthouse stores. When
close off the cliff which lies about half a mile to the eastward of the
headland, which is a great breeding station of various species of
rock-fowl, I was much surprised to see around the ship several
Fulmar Petrels (4idmarus glacialis) flying about in company with
the numerous Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins, Kittiwakes, etc. On
the 30th of June the ‘“ Pharos” again called at Cape Wrath, and I
again saw the Fulmar. If these birds had been observed af sea off
the Cape, there would have, perhaps, been nothing remarkable in
the circumstance ; but their occurrence in the height of the season
in the vicinity of a large breeding station of rock-birds, and their
association with the birds actually nesting on the cliff, is significant,
since it strongly suggests that the Fulmar has now a breeding

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 255

station on the mainland of Britain. We know that the species
has recently much extended its nesting range in the Shetlands, to
which along with St. Kilda, its range in the breeding season in our
islands has hitherto been confined.—Wm. EAGLE CLARKE.

Molva abyssorum in British waters.—Ten specimens of JZolva
abyssorum were caught by trawl twenty miles off Rona, 25th May
1897, and brought to Aberdeen Fishmarket. ‘This is the second
occurrence of this northern form within the British area ; two having
been caught 27th February 1895, thirty miles off Shetland, one
of which came into my possession. So far as I am aware, this
species has never been previously recorded as having been caught
in British waters.

The fish differs from the common Ling in its lower jaw being
longest, and the chin barbel being much shorter and thinner, the
body being of a dusty gray colour above the lateral line and rather
lighter along the abdomen, all the fins being nearly black and
destitute of the white edging so conspicuous in the common form.
It differs from the common Ling internally, in the abdominal cavity
extending much farther behind the anal orifice; in the liver
being broad and thin anteriorly, and extending posteriorly into a
long sharp point, that of the common Ling being the same breadth
throughout, and having two, sometimes three, short obtuse lobes at
its posterior margin. Again, abyssorum, so far as I have seen, has
only from 19 to 28 pyloric ccece, while the common Ling has
from 20 to 40 such appendages; but this point cannot be spoken
to definitely until a larger number of adyssorum has been examined.
The teeth, both in form and arrangement, in both forms, are almost
identical.

The stomach of one of the examples under notice was well filled
with fish scales of great size, probably that of the Wrasse. As an
article of food, abyssorum is excellent, its flesh being white, tender,
and of pleasant flavour. Those examined were females, with the
roe in its lowest stage of development.—GEo. Sim.

[Under the name of JZolua |=Molva] dypterygia (Pennant),
Lesser Ling, Professor Smit, in his “ History of Scandinavian
Fishes,” pt. i. pp. 521-522 (1893), describes this fish as strictly a
Norwegian species, living only in deep waters from 100 to 300
fathoms, and is common only north of Bergen and up to Finmark.
Now and then, however, it enters the Skager Rack, where it has been
taken in 35 fathoms of water. In the work quoted a fine coloured
portrait of this new British fish is given, plate xxvi. fig. 3.—Ebs. |

Liparis montagui (onov.) in “Forth.”—In August 1897 I
captured half a dozen examples—two of which I handed to Mr.
Eagle Clarke—of the little fish known as Montagu’s Sucker, in rock
pools at North Berwick. The largest was about 24 inches long.
They were resting on, but not adhering to, the fronds of Laminaria

256 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

digitata. This species is not included in Parnell’s “ Fishes of the |
Firth of Forth,” and I know of no subsequent record ; but, from the
fact of its occurrence at St. Andrews (in abundance), and also on
the Berwickshire coast, it is probably not uncommon in the outer
portion of the Forth.— WiLi1am Evans, Edinburgh.

Pontocypris aeupunectata, G. S. Lrady, from the Clyde.—lI
have this Ostracod from two localities within the Clyde area, viz.
off Port-Glasgow, where it was obtained in 1892, and in Campbel-
town Loch, where it was dredged in April this year. Pontocypris
acupunctata has been recorded from both the East and West Coasts
of Scotland (though apparently not before from the Clyde), and as
far north as Shetland. It appears nevertheless to be a scarce species,
and its occurrence in the Clyde is therefore noteworthy.—THOMas
Scomn Jeerth:

Sabelliphilus Sarsi, C/afarede, from the Firth of Forth.—In
the last issue of the “‘ Annals of Scottish Natural History” I reported
the occurrence of this interesting Copepod in the Firth of Clyde,
where it had been observed for the first time in Scotland. I have
now to record its occurrence in the Firth of Forth, where it was
found, as in the Clyde, adhering to the feathery plumes on the head
of a large Sadella, and probably its distribution is coextensive with
that of this Annelid.—TuHomas Scott, Leith.

Asterope norvegieca, G. O. Sars, from near Montrose—New
to Britain.—A<A single specimen of this rare Ostracod has been in
my possession for several years, but has only lately been identified.
The specimen was obtained near Montrose in September 1892, and
I, failing at the time to recognise it, labelled it Asterope, sp., and set
it aside for further study. Attention to other matters, however,
crowded out all remembrance of it till a short time ago, when my
son, Mr. Andrew Scott, happening to notice it, identified it as above.
There is no previous British record of Asterope norvegica, and the
only other locality for which it is recorded is “ Holmestrand in the
Christiania Fjord, Norway, in 50-60 fathoms, muddy bottom,” where
it was discovered by Prof. G. O. Sars. I may state that Prof. G. S.
Brady kindly examined the specimen and confirmed my son’s
identification of it. It was obtained off Montrose in about 14
fathoms water, where the bottom appears to consist largely of shelly
sand.—THomas Scortt, Leith.

Cytheropteron depressum, 4rady and Norman, from the
Clyde.—This somewhat rare Ostracod was dredged in Campbeltown
Loch, Firth of Clyde, during April last. There does not appear to
be any previous record of it from the Clyde district, and it is only
within the past few years that it has been observed in the Scottish
seas, and is probably not very common. It would seem, however,
to have a fairly wide distribution even round the coasts of Scotland,

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 257

for I have specimens of this species both from the Firth of Forth
and from the Moray Firth.—Tuomas Scort, Leith.

Xysticus erraticus (/V/k.), in Inverness-shire.—Since the
publication of the list of Aviemore Spiders by Mr. Carpenter and
myself in the ‘‘Annals” for 1894, I have detected among my
specimens a female of this species obtained at Aviemore in June
1893. The identification has been confirmed by the Rev. O. P.
Cambridge.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.

Acherontia atropos—the Death’s-head Moth—in Solway.—
It is only seldom that a year passes without the occurrence of this
grand species somewhere in our province. Mr. W. F. Kirby has
expressed the opinion (Allen’s Naturalist’s Library—‘“ Moths,” vol. iv.
p- 53) that it is much commoner in England than it used to be,
and he appears to be justified in his remark. At the same time, I
fully agree with Mr. Richard South when he comes to the conclusion
(“ Entomologist,” vol. xix. p. 147) that ‘ Atvopos is rather a
wanderer in, than a denizen of, the greater portion of Britain, and
that the imagines and larvee which occur outside those counties in
which the species is more or less constant are either migrants or the
offspring of migrants.”

Extended migrations, comparable to those of the birds, do take
place amongst the Lepidoptera ; and what species amongst them is
so pre-eminently adapted for such flights as Azvopos? In the imago
stage it has been found from the Shetlands to the Scilly Isles. I
have a specimen that was captured on board a yacht which was
sailing at the time betwixt Gibraltar and Malta. I know of one
caught on a trawler midway between the Isle of Man and the Mull
of Galloway. Both specimens were in very good condition. Yet
for all its extended distribution in the British Islands, how seldom
are larvee found outside a few of the southern counties of England.
Has the larva been found in Ireland? Mr. De Visnies Kane does
not say that it has—indeed the contrary is inferred (‘‘ Catalogue of
the Lepidoptera of Ireland,” “ Entomologist,” vol. xxvi. p. 269). I
am aware that the larvee are, or were, “in plenty” at Formby, near
Liverpool (‘“ Naturalist,” 1886, p. 50); but, as has been already
stated, outside of a strictly southern limit, the occurrence of the larva
is quite exceptional.

Last year, my friend Mr. Thomas Rae Bruce told me of the
finding of a larva of Azropos at Cairnryan, Wigtownshire, on 24th
August. Mr. Bruce’s knowledge of natural history sufficiently
authenticates the identity of the capture; and I have at present in
safe keeping a larva of Afvopos—a magnificent fellow, of the greenish
type of coloration—and am assiduously watching its preparations for
pupation. It was found in a potato field at Cluden, a few miles
from Dumfries, and given to me by Mr. G. F. Scott-Elliot on the
4th September current. ‘The rarity of the species in the caterpillar

258 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

state in Scotland (in fact I cannot ascertain that more than the two
individuals noted in this communication have been hitherto recorded)
is my excuse for writing at such length on the subject.—RoBERT
SERVICE, Maxwelltown.

Euchelia jacobeee (Z.) in Midlothian.—Perhaps the fact that I
caught a perfect specimen of the Cinnabar Moth on Blackford Hill,
Edinburgh, on 24th June this year may be worth recording. Al-
though a very common insect on the coasts of East Lothian and
Fife, I do not remember having ever seen it so far inland before.
Musselburgh is the only Midlothian locality given by Lowe and
Logan in their list of the Lepidoptera of the county.—WILLIAM
Evans, Edinburgh.

Teeniocampa gracilis (72.) in Arran and Upper Forth.—In
my note on the occurrence of this moth at Oban in April 1894
(“ Annals,” 1896, p. 259) I omitted to mention that I had caught
a fresh specimen at Brodick, Arran, on 30th April 1895. To these
captures I can now add a third, namely, a rather worn example taken
near Aberfoyle on rst June 1897.—W1LLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Notes on British Plants.—Under this heading Mr. Bennett
continues in the “Journal of Botany” (July, pp. 259-264) remarks
on the genus Carex. The following refer to Scottish examples :—

C. Goodenowit, Gay, var. y bulbosa, Drej., gathered in 1896 by
Mr. A Somerville from sands near sea on Ayrshire coast.

C. flacca, Schreb., var. y acuminata, Anders., from Outer
Hebrides; C. pelia, O. F. Lang, from Caithness, in July 1887,
J. Hanbury.

C. panicea, var. tumidula, Laest., from Glen Carron, W. Ross,
gathered by Mr. Sewell; C. vaginata, Tausch., B sparsiflora, Hartm.,
in several places in Scotland; C. panicea, L., b. zntermedia (Mieg.),
near Fort William, by Rev. E. S. Marshall; C. capzl/arts, L., var.
major, gathered in Glen Shee by Mr. Ewing, and recorded by him
(‘‘ Glasg. N. H. Soc.,” 1888, p. 110) as var. alpestris, Anders.

C. vesicaria x rostrata ( x Pannewitziana, Figert), found in Perth-
shire by Dr. F. B. White.

Varieties of Plantago Coronopus.—JIn the “Journal of
Botany” (July, pp. 257-259, pl. 371), a variety new to Britain
(ceratophyllon, Rapin) is described and figured from Dorsetshire,
and seven other varieties of the type are described briefly. Of
these forms, besides the type, the following have been recorded
from Scotland :—/ygme@a, Lange, found by Mr. Beeby in Yell in
Shetland, and maritima, Gren. and Godr., collected in Tiree in

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 259

1896 by Mr. S. M. Macvicar. The other five varieties have not
yet been recorded from Britain, all being found in S. Europe, N.
Africa, Canary Islands, or W. Asia. ‘The various forms are distin-
guished thus :—

1. Coronopus, L.; root generally slender, annual or biennial ;
leaves spreading flat on ground, rarely suberect, linear or lingulate,
t-nerved, usually with narrow acuminate ascending lobes; scape
usually exceeding leaves, rachis of scape about } to 1 inch or
more long; bracts acuminate, longer than sepals; capsule 3-4-
locular, 3-4-seeded (“ Eng. Bot.,” pl. MDLX.)

2. Ceratophyllon, Rapin; root long, thick, probably perennial ;
leaves 6 inches long or more, suberect, hairy, oblanceolate, 3-5-
nerved, rachis of leaf broader, acute or acuminate, with remote,
occasionally toothed acute or subacuminate lobes; scape rather
more hairy than in type, rachis of scape 1 to 4 inches long ; bracts
acuminate, longer than sepals; capsule 3-locular, usually 2-seeded.

3. Pygmea, Lange, dwarf; leaves narrow, 4-3 inch long, with
narrow segments; scapes generally ascending, just longer than
leaves, spikes globose, 2-4-(or more)-flowered.

4. Crithmifolia, Wilk. and Lange ; leaves not carnose, bipinnati-
partite, hirsute, rachis of leaf dilated towards apex, sub-3-nerved,
lobes oval, lanceolate ; scapes ascending. 5S. Spain.

5. Latifolia, DC.; leaves not carnose, hirsute, lanceolate or
linear-lanceolate, rachis broad, 3-nerved, lobes linear-lanceolate ;
scapes ascending. S.W. Europe and N. Africa.

6. Maritima, Gren. and Godr. ; leaves carnose, smooth or ciliate,
linear-lanceolate, pinnatifid, rachis of leaf broad, 3-nerved, lobes
linear ; scapes erect. France, S. Spain, Berlengas off Portugal, Tiree.

7. Integrata, Gren. and Godr. ; leaves carnose, linear, acuminate,
subentire, scarcely dentate, ciliate or smooth, rachis of leaf sub-3-
nerved ; scapes slender, erect. Sweden, France, Spain, Canaries,
Mediterranean, S. Persia.

8. Cupant, Denk.; leaves rosulate, with narrow rachis and
lobes; spikes oblong; bracts ovate, rotund, acute, shorter than
calyx. Mountain pastures in Sicily and Morocco.

9. Bipinnatifida, Wirtgen ; leaves pinnatifid, with narrow rachis
and lobes. Rhineland.

Eriocaulon in Coll.—In the “ Annals” for 1896, p. 249, I gave
some reasons for thinking that Macculloch, in his “ Highlands and
Western Isles of Scotland,” 1824, had made a mistake in giving
Eriocaulon as occurring in the island of Coll. On visiting the
island again this year, however, I was pleased to find that the plant
does occur there. I found it growing in a loch named Loch a’
Mhill Aird, in the north end of the island. At the shallow margin
of this loch Ranunculus petiolaris, Marshall, is to be seen, but not
in any quantity.—SymeErs M. Macvicar.

260 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Juneus tenuis, //7z//d., in Moidart.—I found one plant of this
rush last August in the centre of a disused road in this district.
This is probably its first year of flowering, as I could hardly other-
wise have failed to have noticed it before. There were seventy-
seven flowering stems in the tuft. As American hay has frequently
been brought into the district of late years, it strengthens the
suggestion that the /wncus has been introduced into Britain by this
means. ‘This locality for the plant has no connection with that of
Arisaig previously recorded ; as, although they are but twenty miles
apart, there is only a bridle path between the districts, which are
also supplied from different centres.—Symrers M. Macvicar.

Myurium Hebridarum, Sc//., in Tiree.—I found this rare moss
last July in a few places on Scarinish Moor in this island. It is
easily recognised at sight by its dense golden tufts of some inches
in breadth. It has been previously found on some of the islands
of the Outer Hebrides, and at Loch Coruisk in Skye; but nowhere
else in Britain, I believe. It is not known to occur in any other
part of Europe, but has been found in the Canaries.—Symers M.
MACVICAR.

Peziza ammophila, D. avd JZ, in East Lothian.—On the 17th
of August 1896 I found a single plant of this local fungus growing
on the sandhills at the far end of Luffness Links in East Lothian.
So far as I know, this is the first record for “ Forth.” Asa Scottish
plant, P. ammophila was first detected about twenty years ago at
St. Andrews, where I found it still in plenty in 1890. The “ Annals”
for 1893 contains an interesting article on the species by Professor
Trail, who, I may add, has seen the Luffness specimen.—WILLIAM
Evans, Edinburgh.

Carex from Ben Lawers.—I have gathered a Sedge on Ben
Lawers that is either Carex helvola or C. macilenta.—G. C. DRUCE.

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—July-September 1897.

[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.

DAUBENTON’S BAT IN ARGYLESHIRE. Charles Campbell. Zhe
Field, 31st July 1897, p. 222.—A short account given of a colony
found last June in Kinlochaline Castle.

CURRENT LITERATURE 261

A List OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN SHETLAND, May AND JUNE
1897. By Bernard A. E. Buttress. Zoo/ogist (4), vol. i. pp. 360-
362 (August 1897).—A list of sixty-three species is given; of these
the eggs were found of twenty-seven.

Notes ON A “LIsT OF THE BIRDS WHICH HAVE BEEN OB-
SERVED IN THE DISTRICT OF ARDNAMURCHAN, ARGYLESHIRE,”
WITH ADDITIONS THERETO. By John J. Dalgleish, F.S.A. Scot.,
M.B.O.U. TZrans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow (N.S.), iv. pt. ill. pp.
347-350 (March 1887).—Adds sixteen species to the list, making
the total number of birds of the peninsula one hundred and thirty-
one.

APPEARANCE OF MIGRANTS IN ABERDEENSHIRE DURING 1896
AND 1897. William Wilson. Zoo/ogist (4), vol. i. p. 366 (August
1897).

BEE-EATER IN CaiTHness. J. H. T. Zhe Meld, 28th August
1897, p. 389.—A pair seen and the male shot at Langwell on r2th
May.

BLACK- THROATED DIVER BREEDING IN SHETLAND. Bernard
A. E. Buttress. Zoo/ogist (4), vol. i. p. 364 (August 1897).

SUMMER APPEARANCE OF WILD GEESE IN FIFESHIRE. A.
H. Meiklejohn. Zoologist (4), vol. i. p. 363 (August 1897).—On
1st July a flock of about twenty flew over the links at St. Andrews
in an easterly direction.

NOTES ON THE ANIMAL PLANKTON FROM H.M.S. ‘‘ RESEARCH.”
By Thomas Scott, F.L.S. 15th Ann. Rep. Fishery Board Scot, pt.
iil. pp. 305-315 (1897).—Records the results of the examination of
twenty-four tow-net gatherings collected in July and August 1896
in the Shetland-Faroe Channel. Notes are given on some of the
species.

Lump SUCKERS IN SALMON Nets. Gerald Ansdell. Zhe Field,
21st August 1897, p. 318.—A number of specimens of Cyclopterus
lumpus caught at Kilmelford, Argyle.

THE MARINE FISHES AND INVERTEBRATES OF LocH FyNnE. By
Thomas Scott, F.L.S. 15th Ann. Rep. Fishery Board Scot., pt. iii.
pp. 107-174, pls. i.-ii. (1897).—In this catalogue the total number
of species enrolled is 837, which includes several not before re-
corded for the Clyde, one Copepod new to Britain, and one new to
science.

NOTES FROM THE GATTY MARINE LABORATORY, ST. ANDREWS—
No. XVIII. By Prof. M‘Intosh, M.D., LL.D. F.R.S. Ann. and
Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), vol. xx. pp. 167-178.—Include a description
of a new species of Evarne from Rockall (p. 168).

262 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

THE INVERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE INLAND WATERS OF SCOT-
LAND — Part VII. By Thomas Scott, F.L.S. Including AN
ACCOUNT OF THE EXAMINATION OF SOME OF THE LOCHS OF
SHETLAND. By Thomas Scott, F.L.S., and Robert Duthie. 157%
Ann. Rep. Fishery Board Scot., pt. il. pp. 316-333, pl. ix. (1897).
—tThe species recorded include a Canthocamptus new to science,
a species of Moraria new to Britain, and a species of Cyclops new
to Britain. A species of Cyclops new to the Scottish fauna is
also recorded.

ADDITIONS TO “ BRITISH CoNCHOLOGY.” By J. T. Marshall.
Journ. of Conchology, vol. vill. pp. 353-372 (April 1897), and pp.
385-395 (July 1897).—A large number of Scottish records are
given.

List or ADDITIONS, ETC., TO SHARP AND FOWLER’S “CATALOGUE
OF BRITISH COLEOPTERA” (1893). By G. C. Champion, F.Z.S.
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. vill. pp. 145-147 (July 1897).—The follow-
ing Scottish records are mentioned:—Bembidium virens (Loch
Maree) and Telephorus figuratus, va7, cruachanus (Ben Cruachan).

NESTING OF THE GREAT NORTHERN AND BLACK-THROATED
Divers IN SHETLAND. O. V. Aplin. Zoo/ogist (4), vol. 1. p. 425
(September 1897).—This note discusses two statements respecting
these birds in an article by Mr. Bernard A. E. Buttress in the
previous number of the magazine.

GoLDEN EaGLE IN Ross-SHIRE. John Morley. Zoologist (4),
vol. i. p. 425 (September 1897).—A fine specimen, two years old,
and measuring 36 in. in length, and over 7 ft. in expanse of wings,
and weighing 11 lb., caught a few days previous to publication.

BOTANY.

EXTRACTS FROM BOTANICAL EXCHANGE CLUB REPORT, 1895.
By William H. Beeby, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., Aug., pp. 307-312.—
Caltha palustris, L., var. procumbens, Beck, “‘ Marshy ground, Loch
Insh, near Aviemore, v.c. 96, 15th June 1894; A. Somerville,” is
referred to C. radicans. Weingertneria canescens, Bernh., sand-dunes
by the sea between Morar river and Arisaig, July 1895 ; Frederick
Townsend. Mr. Townsend ascertained that it had been sown here
by Mr. E. A. Macdonnell of Morar.

Notes ON West Ross Puiants. By EK. S. and C. Salmon.
Journ. Bot., Sept., pp. 347-349.—I1s supplemental to Mr. Druce’s
“Flora” in Trans. Bot. Soc. Edinb., 1894. New records for v.c.
are Rubus Rogersiz, Linton, and 2. viliicaults, Kochl., from Kinloch-
ewe; Lpilobium anagallidifolium, Lam. x palustre, L., Slioch; Circea
alpina, L., var. intermedia, Loch Maree; Hzeracitum graniticolum,

CURRENT LITERATURE 263

W. R. Linton, &. atratum, Fr., f., A. senescens, Backh., 77. Leyz, F. J.
Hanb., all from Shoch; A. Schmidtit, Tausch., and A. rubicundum,
F. J. Hanb., var. Boswedlz, Linton, both near Kinlochewe; /.
argenteum, Ben Eay; AZ. Sommerfeltit, Lindeb., Slioch ; Luphrasia
brevipila, Burn. and Gremli, Kinlochewe ; £. scotica, Wettst., Ben
Eay ; Poa Badlfourit, Slioch.

MONOGRAPH OF THE BRITISH SPECIES OF EUPHRASIA, PRE-
FACED BY AN EPITOME OF PROF. WETTSTEIN’S VIEWS ON THE
DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE BRITISH SPECIES. By
Frederick Townsend, M.A., F.L.S. /ourn. Bot., Sept., pp. 321-336.
—Only the “ Epitome” is included in this instalment.

PLANTAGO CORONOPUS, VAR. CERATOPHYLLON. By E. G. Baker,
F.L.S. Journ. Bot., July, pp. 257-259.—See p. 259.

SALIX Hysrips. By Rev. Ed. S. Marshall. /ourn. Bot., Aug.,
p. 313.—S. Lapfponum x repens, reported from Lochsie Burn, in
cultivation proves to be true S. Zapponum. Supposed S. Arbuscula
x herbacea from Ben Chaisteil, Argyle, is only S. Arvduscula with
unusually rounded leaves. A willow from the same hill proves to
be S. Arbuscula x nigricans.

SALIX CERNUA, Linton. By E. F. Linton. /ourn. Bot., Sept.,
p. 362.—Recorded as in fair quantity on Little Craigindal, Braemar.

NoTES ON BriTISH PLANTS (Carex). By Ar. Bennett, F.L.S.
Journ. Bot., July, pp. 259-264.—See p. 258.

IN aE 2X

Acherontia atropos in Roxburghshire,
48; in East Lothian and Moray,
4935 at Culross (Cur, Lit); 58);
in Solway, 257

Algze at Lossiemouth (Curr. Lit.),
134

Allotrichia pallicornés, Eaton, and other
Trichoptera from Clydesdale (Curr.
Lit.), 59

Alucita polydactyla in Roxburghshire,

4

ANDERSON, PETER, Common Scoter
breeding in the Inner Hebrides, 252

Animal Plankton from H.M.S. ‘‘ Re-
search,” notes on the (Curr. Lit.),
261

Argentine, Hebridal, on the West Ross-
shire Coast, 47

ARGYLL, His GRACE THE DUKE OF,
F.R.S., Sabine’s Gull in Kilbren-
nan Sound, 46

Asterocheres violaceus (Claus.), from the
Firth of Clyde, 127

Asterope norvegica, G. O. Sars, from
near Montrose, 256

Auk, Little, in Aberdeen (Curr. Lit.),
58; in the Forth, 125; in Ren-
frewshire, 126; at St. Andrews
(Cite Mite), 13

Australian and other foreign trees and
plants in Arran, all unprotected
(Curr. Lit.), 133

Ayr, a list of some of the rarer birds
found in the upper reaches of the
valley of the, 151

Ayrshire, By River and Loch in (Curr.
Tit) pag

Badger ( JZeles taxis, Schreb.) in Lanark-
shire, 123; in Stirlingshire, 191
Barley, germination of, with restricted
moisture (Curr. Lit.), 133

Bartsia odontttes, var. littoralis, Reichb.,
in Britain (Curr. Lit.), 60

Bat, Daubenton’s, in Argyleshire, 248,
(Curr. Lit.) 260

Bats, Long-eared and Pipistrelle, in
Islay, 191

Bee-eater in Caithness, 250, (Curr. Lit.)
261

BENNETT, ARTHUR, F.L.S., /uncus
zenuzs, Willd., in Westerness, 32 ;
Lathyrus palustris, L., 513 Carex
magellanica, L., in the Outer
Hebrides, 188 ; records of Scottish
plants for 1896, additional to
Watson’s “Topographical Botany,”
2nd Ed. (1883), 246

Bird life around Walls, Shetland (Curr.
Lit.), 199; on Rona’s Hill, Shet-
land (Curr. Lit.), 57; notes from
North Ronaldshay, Orkney, 153

Birds, a list of, observed in Shetland,
May and June 1897 (Curr. Lit.),
261 ; of Berwick-on-Tweed, a list
Of, 55) 791) notes on) Au bistmon
Birds which have been observed in
the District of Ardnamurchan,
Argyleshire,” with additions thereto
(Curr. Lit.), 261; on the White
Loch of Myrton, Wigtownshire, 18 ;
report on the movements and
occurrence of, in Scotland during
1896, 137; a list of some of the
rarer, found in the upper reaches
of the valley of the Ayr, 151; of
Carmichael parish, the, with notes
on rarer species in the upper ward
of Lanarkshire, 201

Bittern at Invergarry, 192

Blackcock and Capercaillie, hybrid,
in Peeblesshire, 44

BoLaM, GEORGE, F.Z.S., a list of the
birds of Berwick-on-Tweed, 5, 79

Bombyx callune, aberration of (Curr.
Lit.), 58

Boreus hiemalis, ., near Edinburgh,

49
Botanical Exchange Club Report, 1895,
extracts from (Curr. Lit.), 262
Botany of Ayrshire (Curr. Lit.), 60
Brambles, note on, 197

INDEX 265

BriGGs, ALLAN, bird notes from North
Ronaldshay, Orkney, 153

British Animals, Rare, recently added to
the Edinburgh Museum of Science
and Art, 224

British Plants, notes on—II. Carex,
(Curr. Lit.) 199, 258, (Curr. Lit.)

263
Brown, Henry H., Death’s-head
Moth in Moray, 49; Clifden

Nonpareil in Moray, 49

Brown, JAMES, Honey Buzzards in
Moray, 252

Brown, on Robert (Curr. Lit.), 133

Bruce, D., Little Gulls at Dunbar, 46

BUCKLEY, T. E., B.A., F.Z.S., Snowy
Owl in Sutherland, 43 ; Greenland
Falcon in Skye, 43; Osprey in
Inverness-shire, 43 ; Spotted Crake
in Moray, 45; Gray Phalarope in
Caithness, 46; Marten in Suther-
land and Inverness-shire, 122;
Great Tit in Sutherland, 123;
Bittern at Invergarry, 192; Goos-
ander and Scaup in Sutherland-
shire, 192; Iceland Gull in the
Outer Hebrides, 254

BuRN-MurpbocuH, ARCHIBALD, Turtle
Dove in Argyle, 254

Buzzards, Honey, in Moray, 252

Caltha radicans, Forst., in South Aber-
deen, 55

Camberwell Beauty in Forfarshire in
September (Curr. Lit.), 58

CAMPBELL, BRUCE, Stock Dove on
Cumbrae, 44; Goldfinch in Mid-
lothian, 193

CAMPBELL, CHARLES, Turtle Dove in
West Lothian, 44; Daubenton’s
Bat in Argyleshire, 248

Canthocamptus northumbricus, Brady,
in Lochgelly Loch, Fifeshire, 51

Capercaillie in Linlithgowshire, 44 ;
hybrid Blackcock and, in Peebles-

shire, 44

Capercailzie in the Mid-Deveron dis-
trict, 254

Carex aguatilis, Wahlb., in Lake

Lancashire (Curr. Lit.), 1343 sagel-
lanica, L., in the Outer Hebrides,
188; from Ben Lawers, 260;
notes on British plants (Curr. Lit.),

263
Carices, Scotch, 128
CARMICHAEL, GEORGE H. GIBSON,

hybrid Blackcock and Capercaillie
in Peeblesshire, 44

CARPENTER, GEORGE H., B.Sc., and
WILLIAM Evans, F.R.S.E., a
list of Spiders collected in ‘‘ Upper
Forth,” 226

24

Caryophyllacee, revised list of British
(Curr. Lit.), 60

Cat, the Wild, of Scotland, 65; sup-
posed occurrence in Midlothian,
122

Catocala fraxint at Aberdeen (Curr.
Lit.), 58; in the Orkneys (Curr.
Lit.), 59 f

Ceratiomyxa mucida, Schr., near Edin-
burgh, 198

Cherocampa neriz
(Curr Lits) 132

Chetrocrates intermedius, G. O. Sars, in
Loch Fyne, 50

CLARKE, WM. BAGTE nha leaoes
M.B.O.U., Vanessa antiopa in Shet-
land, 48; on the occurrence of
the Frigate Petrel (Pelagodroma
marina) on the West Coast of
Scotland, 88; Fulmar Petrels at
Cape Wrath in the breeding season,

2

in Aberdeenshire

254

CLARKE, WM. EAGLE, and J. A.
HARVIE- Brown, Barred Warbler
at Dhu Heartach Rock, Argyle-
shire, 42

Clifden Nonpareil in Moray, 49

Cockchafer, abundance of, in the Sol-
way district, 194

Cenonymphatiphon, var. philoxenus, in
Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 58

Coleoptera, list of additions, etc., to
Sharp and Fowler’s ‘‘ Catalogue of
British” (Curr. Lit.), 262

Colias hyale in Scotland (Curr.
132

Conchology, additions to British (Curr.
Lit.), 132, 262

Cook, J. R. M., Great Snipe near St
Andrews, 45

Cowik, WILLIAM, Vanessa antiopa in
Aberdeenshire, 48

Crake, Spotted, in Islay, 45 ; in Moray,
45; Baillon’s, in West Renfrew-
shire, 123

CROCGCKART &) Con DF
Stirlingshire, 43

Cuckoo in Shetland, 250

Cyclops macrurus, G. O. Sars, in Loch-
gelly Loch, Fifeshire, 51

Cyperacee, list of British (Curr. Lit.), 60

Cytherella serrulata, Bradyand Norman,
from the mouth of the Clyde, 196

Cytheropteron depressum, Brady and
Norman, from the Clyde, 256

Lit.),

Hoopoe in

Dactylocotyle palmatum (Leuchart), in
the Moray Firth, 127

DALGLEISH, J. J., Turtle Dove in West
Fife, 44

Diptera, some new and rare British, 20

Discomycetes in Morayshire, 55

266

Diver, Black-throated, breeding in Shet-
land (Curr. Lit.), 261; nesting of
Great Northern and Black-throated
(Curr. Lit.), 262

Dove, Stock, on Cumbrae, 44; Turtle,
in West Lothian, West Fife, Perth-
shire, West Ross-shire, and Caith-
ness, 44; Turtle, in Argyle, 254

Druce, G. CLARIDGE, M.A., F.L.S.,
a visit to the Loch of Spynie in
search of Utricularia Bremit, 53;
notes of plants observed about
Forres and Findhorn, 54; Ca/tha
vadicans, Forst., in South Aber-
deen, 55; Scotch Zuphrasia, 127;
Scotch Cartces, 128; Carex from
Ben Lawers, 260

Duck, Tufted in Scotland (Curr. Lit.),
58; in Solway, 222; in Orkney in
summer, 252

Dunsar, Lewis, Bee-eater in Caith-
ness, 250

Eagle, Golden, in Ross-shire (Curr.
Lit. ); 262

East Coast of Scotland, collecting on
the (Curr. Lit.), 132

Ebudes, South, additions to flora of, 56

ELLIOT, A., Acherontia atropos and
Alucita polydactyla in Roxburgh-
shire, 48; Stvex juvencus in Rox-
burghshire, 49; Voctua depuncta
and Mania maura and its vars. in
Roxburghshire, 126; Lepidoptera
in Roxburghshire, 163

Evichthonius Huntert (Spence Bate)
in the Cromarty Firth, 195

Eriocaulon in Coll, 259

ELucalanus crassus, Giesbrecht, in the
Moray Firth, 127

Luchelia jacobee (L.), in Midlothian,
258

Euphrasia, forms of, in Scotland, 51 ;
monograph of the British species
(Curr. Lit.), 263

Euphrasia, Scotch, 127

Euvanessa antiopa at Aberdeen (Curr.
Lit.), 58 ; in Aberdeenshire (Curr.
Lit.), 132

EVANS, WILLIAM, F.R.S.E., Helix
lamellata, Jeff., in East Lothian, 47 ;
Death’s-head Moth in East Lothian,
49; Hydrometra stagnorum, L.,
in Perthshire and Fifeshire, 49 ;
Boreus hiemalis, L., near Edin-
burgh, 49; notes on Lepidoptera
collected in the Edinburgh district,
89; a supposed instance of the
occurrence of the Wild Cat in Mid-
lothian, 122; Little Auks in the
Forth, 125; Vertigo substriata in
Midlothian, 126; nesting of the

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Grasshopper Warbler (Loczstella
nevia) in ‘* Upper Forth,” 193;
the Little Gull (Zarus minutus) in
East Lothian in May,194; Xystecus
erraticus (W1k.) in Inverness-shire,
256; Liparis Montaguz (Donov.)
in ‘‘Forth,” 256; Azchelia jaco-
6ee (L.) in Midlothian, 258;
Tentocanipa gracilis (Fb.) in Arran
and Upper Forth, 258; feszza
ammophila, D. and M., in East
Lothian, 260

EVANS, WILLIAM, F.RS.E., and
GEORGE H. CARPENTER, B.Sc.,
a list of Spiders collected in
““ Upper Forth,” 226

Exomias aranetformis, Schrank., in
Clyde and Solway, 48

FAIRBAIRN, ARCHIBALD, a list of
some of the rarer birds found in
the upper reaches of the valley
of the Ayr, 151

Falcon, Greenland, in Skye, 43; Male
Peregrine, incubating, 43; Red-
footed, in Aberdeenshire, 251

FERGUSSON, ANDERSON, Geotrupes
typheus (L.) in Ayrshire, 47 ;
Lxomias aranetformis, Schrank.,
Clyde and Solway, 48

FIELDEN, H. W., Lesser Shrew on the
summit of Ben Nevis, 42

Findhorn, plants observed at, 54

Firth of Forth, additions to fauna ot
(Curr. Lit.), 59

Flora of Eigg, 34, 110

Florula of a piece of waste ground at
Aberdeen, 24, 237

Flowering plants, first
British (Curr. Lit.), 60

Flycatcher, Pied, in Dumfriesshire, 249

Forres, plants observed at, 54

Fow er, J. A., Hebridal Argentine on
the West Ross-shire Coast, 47

Fungi, Scottish, 129 ; microscopic, new
to, or rare in, Britain (Curr. Lit.),
134 3; observed in Glen Urquhart,
Inverness-shire (Curr. Lit.), 134

records 0.

Galls, 171

Gammarus Duebenz, Lilljeborg, in a
freshwater loch near Campbeltown
(Cantyre), 50

Gatty Marine Laboratory, St. Andrews,
notes from the (Curr. Lit.), 261

Geese, summer appearance of Wild,
in Fifeshire (Curr. Lit.), 261

Geotrupes typheus (L.) in Ayrshire, 47

GIBSON, Rev. JAMES D. W., B.D.,
the Birds of Carmichael parish,
with notes on rarer species in the
Upper Ward of Lanarkshire, 201

INDEX

Gitmour, T. F., Long-eared and
Pipistrelle Bats in Islay, 191
Glotopeltzs, the genus (Curr. Lit.), 134
GODFREY, ROBERT, M.A., Shoveller
in East and Mid Lothian, 43;
Greenshank and other birds in
West Lothian, 124; Cuckoo in
Shetland, 251; Merlin nesting in
tree in Midlothian, 251; Tufted
Duck, Scaup, and Golden-eye in
Orkney in summer, 252
Golden-eye in Orkney in summer, 252
Goldfinch in Midlothian, 193
Goosander in Sutherlandshire, 192
Goose, the White-fronted, in the Solway,
192; Brent, in the Clyde area, 252
Grebe, Great Crested, and other birds
on the White Loch of Myrton,
Wigtownshire, 18; Sclavonian, at
St. Andrews (Curr. Lit.), 132;
Great Crested, notes on the nesting
of the, in the valley of the Forth,
161
Grebes in the Forth district, 193
Greenshank and other birds in West
Lothian, 124
GRIMSHAW, PEercy Hatt, F.E.S.,
on some new and rare British
Diptera, 20; Lzbellula gquadri-
maculata, L.., in Ross-shire, 195
Grouse, interbreeding of Red and
Black, 15
Gull, Sabine’s, in Kilbrennan Sound,
46; Little, at Dunbar, 46; Little,
on the Solway Firth (Curr. Lit.),
58; Little, on the West Coast of
Scotland, 125; Little, in East
Lothian in May, 194; Iceland, in
the Outer Hebrides, 254

HADDINGTON, RIGHT Hon. EARL OF,
Roller in East Lothian, 43

Hadena maztllardi, Hiib., in the Shet-
land Isles (Curr. Lit.), 132

HAMILTON, EDWARD, M.D., F.L.S.,
F.Z.S., the Wild Cat of Scotland,
65

Hardie Collection of Fossils, 225

Harvie-Brown, J. A., F.R.S.E.,
Buffon’s Skua (Stercorarius para-
szticus) in Moray, 254

HARVIE-BRown, J. A., and Wm.
EAGLE CLARKE, Barred Warbler
at Dhu Heartach Rock, Argyle-
shire, 42

Hazel-nuts in alluvial soil near St.
Andrews, 197

Hedgehog in Sutherland, 191

Felix lamellata, Jeff.,in East Lothian,

47 :
HENDERSON, GEORGE, Turtle Dove in |

Perthshire, 44

267

Heron, Night, in Barra, 43; in Scot-
land (Curr. Lit.), 58
fFlieracia, British (Curr. Lit.), 134

Highland plants collected in 1896
(Curr. Lit.); 133
HINXMAN, LIONEL W., B.A,

report on movements and occur-
rence of birds in Scotland during
1896, 137
Hoopoe in Stirlingshire, 43
Hydrometra stagnorum, L., in Perth-
shire and Fifeshire, 49
flymenophyllum tunbridgense, Sm.,
in S. Ebudes (Curr. Lit.), 134
Hypsipetes sordidata, local races of
(Curr. Lit.), 59

Invertebrate fauna of inland waters of
Scotland, (Curr. Lit.) 59, (Curr.
Lit.) 262

Islands of Yell Sound, the (Curr. Lit.),
131

Jerfalcon in Skye (Curr. Lit.), 57
Juncus tenuts, Willd., in Westerness,
32, 197; in Moidart, 260

King, the late Professor Thomas, 1

LAIDLAW, T. G., Pintail in the Forth
district, 252

Lathyrus palustris, L., 51

LECKIE, Major N., Capercaillie in
Linlithgowshire, 44

LEE, A. J., notes on the nesting of
the Great Crested Grebe (Podicipes
cristatus) in the valley of the Forth,
161

Lepidoptera, notes on, collected in the
Edinburgh district, 89; observed
in Glen Lochay (Curr. Lit.), 132 ;
in Roxburghshire, 163

Libellula quadrimaculata, ., in Ross-
shire, 195

Limmnophilus elegans, C., at Rannoch
(Curr. Lit.), 133

Linaria visctda, Mcench, in Kincardine-
shire, 52

LINDSAY, JOHN, a new station for the
Water Spider, 126

Liparis Montaguz (Donov.)in Forth, 256

Lithothamnion, species of, new to Scot-
land, 56

Luidia Sarst, Diib. and Kor., in the
Moray Firth, 51

Lump Suckers in salmon nets (Curr.
Lit.), 261

M‘Crig, THOMAS, Wryneck in Orkney,

43
MACKENZIE, OsGoop H., Turtle Dove
in West Ross-shire, 44

268 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

MACKENZIE, WILLIAM, the Hedgehog
in Sutherland, 191

MACPHERSON, Rev. H. A., M.A., on
the interbreeding of the Red Grouse
(Lagopus scoticus) and the Black
Grouse (Lyvurus tetrix), 15; Little
Gull on the West Coast of Scotland,
125; the Spotted Redshank on the
Solway Firth, 219

MacRury, JOHN, Sperm Whale in
South Uist, 249

MAcvicar, SyMERS M., on the flora
of Eigg, 34, 110; /ncus tenuis,
Willd., in Westerness, 197; Z7zo-
caulon in Coll, 259; /zzcus tenuzs,
Willd., in Moidart, 260; AZyurcem
Hebridarum, Schp., in Tiree, 260

Mania maura and its vars. in Rox-
burghshire, 126; (Curr. Lit.),
132

Marine fishes and invertebrates of Loch
Fyne (Curr. Lit.), 261

Marten in Sutherland and Inverness-
shire, 122

Martin, House, in Wigtownshire in
March, 193

MAXWELL, Sir HERBERT, Bart., the
Great Crested Grebe and other
birds on the White Loch of Myr-
ton, Wigtownshire, 18; the Scaup
Duck on fresh waters, 123

Merlin nesting in tree in Midlothian,
251

Migrants, appearance of, in Aberdeen-
shire during 1896 and 1897 (Curr.
eit) 260

Molva abyssorum in British waters,

255

Moss Exchange Club MS. Report for
1896 (Curr. Lit.), 134

Mosses, new and rare Scottish, 117

Moth, Death’s-head, in East Lothian,
49; in Moray, 49

Mouse, Harvest, supposed occurrence
of, in Moray, 249

Mycetozoa, notes on some rare species
of (Curr. Lit.), 200

Myurium Hebridarum, Schp., in Tiree,
260

Nesting birds of Perthshire and the
basin of the Tay (Curr. Lit.), 57

Noctua depuncta im Roxburghshire,
126)" (Cum Lert.) 132

North Roe, Shetland, in the wilds of
(Curr. Lit.), 57

ORDE, Sir J. W. P. CAMPBELL, Bart.,
Swifts in the Outer Hebrides, 250

Orkney, Bird Notes from North Ronald-
shay, 1533 captures in, in 1896
(Curr. Lit.), 199

Osprey (Landion halietus) in Inver-
ness-shire, 43; near Peterhead,

192
Owl, Snowy, in Sutherland, 43

PATERSON, JOHN, Little Stint in the
Clyde area, 45; Badgers in Lanark-
shire, 123; Baillon’s Crake in West
Renfrewshire, 123 ; Little Auk in
Renfrewshire, 126 ; House Martin
in Wigtownshire in March, 193 ;
the Brent Goose in the ‘‘ Clyde ”
area, 252

PATERSON, JOHN, and JOHN ROBERT-
SON, the Curlew Sandpiper and
Marsh Tit in East Renfrewshire,

124

PEEL, C. V. A., Night Heron in Barra,
43

Pelagic ova, larvee, and young fishes
collected by the *‘ Garland ” (Curr.
Lit.), 58

Petrel, Frigate, occurrence on the West
Coast of Scotland, 88; Fulmar, on
the Solway, 194; Fulmar, at Cape
Wrath in the breeding season,
254

Peziza ammophila, D. and M., in East
Lothian, 260

Phalarope, Gray, in Caithness, 46; in
the Solway District, 125

Pintail in the Forth District, 252

Plant pigments, attempt to classify
(Gurr eit) 5133

Plants, First Records of Scottish, 56 ; of
Tiree and Coll (Curr. Lit.), 133 ;
Records of Scottish, for 1896, addi-
tional to Watson’s ‘‘ Topographi-
cal Botany,” 2nd Ed. (1883), 246 ;
notes on British, 258

Plantago coronopus, varieties of, 258:
var. ceratophyllon (Curr. Lit.), 263

Pontocypris acupunctata, G. S. Brady,
from the Clyde, 255

PRAEGER, R. LLoypD, flora of St. Kilda,
53

Protection of wild birds in Scotland
(Curr. Lit.), 132

Purvis, JOHN, Hazel-nuts in alluvial
soil near St. Andrews, and note
on Brambles, 197

Rana esculenta in Scotland (a correc-
tion), 47

Ranunculus fluttans, Lam., in N.E.
Scotland, 53

Redshank, the Spotted, on the Solway
Firth, 219

Reviews—

Among British Birds in their Nesting

Haunts: Illustrated bythe Camera,
by Oswin A. J. Lee, 61

INDEX

Reviews—

The Cambridge Natural History,
edited by S. F. Harmer, M.A., and
A. E. Shipley, M.A. Vol. II.—
Worms, Rotifers, and Polyzoa, 62

Life in Ponds and Streams, by W.
Furneaux, F.R.G.S., 62

A Concise Handbook of British Birds,
by H. Kirke Swann, 63

British Butterflies, by J. W. Tutt,
KE S., 03

Gill’s Practical Object Lesson Series,
Part II.—Insects and Spiders, by
JooW- Tutt; BESS: 64.

Rules for regulating Nomenclature
in Entomological Work, compiled
by Lord Walsingham and John
Hartley Durrant, 64

First Records of British Flowering
Plants, by William A. Clarke,
JaaUgSon 125

A Manual and Dictionary of the
Flowering Plants and Ferns, by
EeGeaVVallisS MCA. 13's

Investigations into Applied Nature,
by William Wilson, 135

The Migration of Birds: a consider-
ation of Herr Giatke’s views, by
F. B. Whitlock, 136

Rhinanthus major, Ehrh., in Aberdeen-
shire, 52

Rhincalanus gigas,
Moray Firth, 127

Rivularia calcarea, Smith, near Edin-
burgh, 198

ROBERTSON, JOHN, and JOHN PATER-
son, the Curlew Sandpiper and
Marsh Tit in East Renfrewshire,
124

Roller in East Lothian, 43

Ross, Duncan M., Capercailzie in
the Mid-Deveron district, 254

Roxburghshire, Lepidoptera in, 163

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh,
notes from (Curr. Lit.), 133

Rubz, new forms of British, 129; on
some Scottish (Curr. Lit.), 133;
set of British (Curr. Lit.), 134

Brady, in the

Sabelliphilus Sarsi, Claparede, in the
Clyde, 196; from the Firth of
Forth, 256

Salix list in the London Catalogue
(Curr. Lit.), 60; hybrids (Curr.
Lit.), 263; cerzua, Linton (Curr.
Lit.), 263

Sandpiper, Curlew, in East Rentrew-
shire, 124

Scaup Duck on fresh waters, 123; in
Sutherlandshire, 192; in Orkney
in summer, 252

Scolectthrix hibernica, a new species of

269

Copepod, with some remarks on
the distribution of the Crustacea
(Curr. Lit.), 59

Scoter, Common, breeding in the Inner
Hebrides, 252

Scott, THOMAS, F.L.S., Chezrocrates
intermedius, G. O. Sars, in Loch
Fyne, 50; Gammarus Duebenti,
Lilljeborg, in a freshwater loch
near Campbeltown (Cantyre), 50:
Cyclops macrurus, G. O. Sars, and
Canthocamptus northumbricus,
Brady, in Lochgelly Loch, Fife-
shire, 51; Lzazdza Sarsz, Diib. and
Kor., in the Moray Firth, 51;
Dactylocotyle palmatum (Leuchart)
in the Moray Firth, 127 ; RAzzca-
lanus gigas, Brady, in the Moray
Firth, 127; Aucalanus crassus,
Giesbrecht, in the Moray Firth,
127 ; Asterocheres violaceus (Claus)
from the Firth of Clyde, 127;
Lirichthonius huntert (Spence
Bate) in the Cromarty Firth,
195; Scottomyzon sibberum (T.
and A. Scott) in the Cromarty
Firth, 195; Sabelliphilus Sarsz,
Claparede, in the Clyde, 1096;
Cytherella serrulata, Brady and
Norman, from the mouth of the
Clyde, 196 ; Pontocypris acupunc-
tata, G. S. Brady, from the
Clyde, 255; Sadbelliphilus Sars?,
Claparede, from the Firth of
Forth, 256; Asterope norvegica,
G. O. Sars, from near Montrose,

256; Cytheropteron depressum,
Brady and Norman, from the
Clyde, 256

Scottish Alpine Botanical Club, excur-
sion of, to Tyndrum in 1895 (Curr.
ity) ies

Scottish plants, first records of, 56

Scottomyzon gibberum (T. and A. Scott)
in Cromarty Firth, 195

Scrophularia Ehrhartt, Ster., 56

SERLE, WILLIAM, Osprey (Pandion
halietus) near Peterhead, 192

SERVICE, ROBERT, Solitary Snipe in
the Solway district, 124; Gray
Phalarope in the Solway district,
125; the White-fronted Goose in
the Solway, 192; the Fulmar on
the Solway, 194; abundance of the
Cockchafer in the Solway district,
194; Tufted Duck in Solway,
222; the Pied Flycatcher in Dum-
friesshire, 249 ; Acherontia atropos
—the Death’s-head Moth —in
Solway, 257

Setina trrorvella in Sutherland (Curr.
Sit) a2

270 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Shetland Islands, inland waters of

(Curr. Lit.), 59
Shoveller in East and Mid Lothian, 43
Shrew, Lesser, on the summit of Ben
Nevis, 42
GEORGE, A.L,S., Red-footed
Falcon in Aberdeenshire, 251 ;
Molva abyssorum in British waters,
255
Strex juvencus in Roxburghshire, 49
SKIRVING, R. Scot, Spotted Crake
in Islay, 45
Skua, Buffon’s, in Moray, 254
SMALL, WILLIAM, Grebes in the Forth
district, 193
Snipe, Great, near St. Andrews, 45;
in Dumfriesshire (Curr. Lit.), 58 ;
Solitary, in the Solway district,

SIM,

124

South Ebudes, flora of (Curr. Lit.), 60

Sparrow, Hedge-, breeding on the Bass
Rock (Curr. Lit.), 57

Spider, Water, a new station for the, 126

Spiders collected in ‘‘ Upper Forth,”
226

Spynie, a visit to the Loch of, in search
of Utricularia Bremiz, 53

STEELE, A. B., Scrophularia Ehrharti,
Ster., 56; Ceratiomyxa mucida,
Schr., and R2zvularia calcarea,
Smith, near Edinburgh, 198

STEWART, J. C., Male Peregrine
Falcon incubating, 43

Stint, Little, in the Clyde area, 45

STIRLING, JAMES, Turtle Dove in
Caithness, 44

STIRTON, Dr. J., F.L.S., new and rare
Scottish Mosses, 117

St. Kilda, flora of, 53

Swift, Alpine, in Scotland, 250; in the
Outer Hebrides, 250

Teniocampa gracilis (H.) in Arran and
Upper Forth, 258

TAYLOR, WILLIAM, Sowerby’s Whale
in the Moray Firth, 42; on the
supposed occurrence of the Harvest
Mouse in Moray, 249

Tephrosia bistortata (crepuscularia) in
Morayshire (Curr. Lit.), 199

Thuidium Philiberti, Limpr., a new
British moss (Curr. Lit.), 134

Tit, Great, in Sutherland, 123; Marsh,
in East Renfrewshire, 124

TRAIL, JAMES, W. H., A:M., M.D.,
F.R.S., F.L.S., florula of a piece
of waste ground at Aberdeen, 24,
237; Linaria visctda, Mcench., in
Kincardineshire, 52; Ahznzanthus
major, Ehrh., in Aberdeenshire,
52; Ranunculus fluitans, Lam.,
in N.E. Scotland, 53; Dzscomycetes
in Morayshire, 55; Galls, 171

TRAQUATR, JR EE, MDs, usb:
F.R.S., the Hardie collection of
fossils, 225; Rare British Animals
recently added to the Edinburgh
Museum of Science and Art, 224

Trichoptera from Clydesdale (Curr.
Lit.), 59

Unst and its bird-life (Curr. Lit.), 132
Utricularia Bremiz, visit to Loch of
Spynie in search of, 53

Vanessa antiopa in Aberdeenshire, 48 ;
in Shetland, 48; at Skye (Curr.
Lit.), 58

Velia currens, Fab., in Scotland (Curr.
Lit.), 199

Vertigo substriata in Midlothian, 126

Wagtail, Yellow, in Argyleshire (Curr.
Lit.), 199

Warbler, Barred, at Dhu Heartach
Rock, Argyleshire, 42; Grass-
hopper, nesting of the, in ‘‘ Upper
Forth,” 193

Watt, HucuH Boyp, Alpine Swift in
Scotland, 250

West Coast of Scotland, marine dredg-
ings from (Curr. Lit.), 59

West of Scotland, notes from the (Curr
Lit.), 132

West Perth plants (Curr. Lit.), 60

West Ross plants, notes on (Curr. Lit.),
262

Whale, Sowerby’s, in the Moray Firth,
42; Sperm, in South Uist, 249

WHITE, PuILip J., Raza esculenta in
Scotland (a correction), 47

Wryneck in Orkney, 43

Xantholinus distans, Kr., in Caithness
(Gurre Wit.)5 133

Xysticus erraticus (Wllk.) in Inverness-
shire, 256

END OF VOL. VI.

Printed by R. & R. CLark, Lim iteED, Edinburgh

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