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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
TAMES: Ws i TRAIL, MAS. MD.” BUR-S:, FES:
PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

AND

WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., F.R.S.E.-

KEEPER OF THE NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, ROYAL SCOTTISH MUSEUM, EDINBURGH

1907

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

The Annals

of

Scottish Natural History

No: 62] LS: O07 [JANUARY

WANTED—THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
OF SCOTEAND:

By Jamess Ws) H. TRart, MEAS MODS ERS:

THE time is long past since it was possible for any one to
claim that he took all knowledge for his province; and
societies, like individuals, have had to restrict their scope to
ever-narrowing fields as knowledge has grown and deepened.
Some have applied themselves to the investigation of a
single science or portion of a science; while others, with
wider range of subjects, have limited their action within a
definite, it may be a relatively small geographical area.
More and more has it become evident that concentration
in a definite field is a condition necessary to the production
of work of permanent value, and that for all but a gifted few
that field must not be wide.

But while the subdivision of labour is necessary, and
has brought with it very great increase in knowledge in
almost every field of study, it has also brought very serious
loss and danger. The many workers toil on within their
narrowing limitations ; and however precious the ore they
seek, they tend to shut themselves off from the wider vision

61 B

2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

and to lose knowledge of and sympathy with the work of
others, and the sense of proportion that should make their
own work sane and true. Even within the narrow limits of
the special study the work fails, crushed under the accumula-
tions of materials that will not be fitted into a coherent
scheme, or defective through the difficulty of ascertaining
what has been already published on the same _ subject.
There have been, and there are, numerous societies in
Scotland whose object has been to add to what was already
known of the natural history of the country ; and outside
the work of the societies there have been issued numerous
books and papers in journals, forming a mass of information
of large amount and of much worth, if only it could be made
readily accessible. But much of it is buried almost beyond
reach, and a relatively small part alone can be made full
use of. The influence of this literature as a whole on the
study of the natural history of Scotland is hurtful rather
than helpful while it cannot be properly utilised, as the
vague knowledge of its existence tends to disguise how
very much remains to be done, and the effort to search
out the records consumes much time that can ill be
spared.

The societies that existed in Scotland a century ago
included inquiries into the natural history only as a part of
their proceedings; yet the small number of publications
issued in any form made it comparatively easy to follow
all that was being done. But for many years it has been
almost impossible to ascertain all that has been issued.
Many societies have been formed, most of them strictly
limited in their scope, either to certain counties or districts,
or to certain subjects. Among the most successful are those
that restrict their publications strictly within the limits in-
dicated by their names ; and numerous valuable contributions
have been issued by these societies. But for the most part
these publications are issued only to the members of each
society, or in exchange with other societies, and this makes
it almost impossible for a worker to have access to some of
these publications. When we turn to the papers issued in
journals the practical difficulty is hardly less; for we find
them scattered through numerous publications, each usually

WANTED—THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 3

limited to one science, or even to a much narrower field ;
and no one can hope to keep account of these papers by
one’s own watchfulness. Still more difficult is it not to
overlook what appears in separate form, or in local works,
guidebooks, travels, sometimes in foreign languages, and in
ways that are very apt to escape notice.

As the years pass, many contributions, while still of
great value, become forgotten, especially if issued in a
local publication. Their subjects are investigated again,
under the supposition that they have not been previously
approached, and much labour is wasted that might have
been saved had the earlier work not been forgotten ; or after
completion of the work anew the earlier paper is found, and
the second proves to have been needless, and is thereupon
withdrawn. Every worker knows how large a part of the
time that should be available for extending knowledge is
spent in seeking to find out what had already been published
on the subject under investigation, and must have longed
for an accurate and full subject-index to the field of
investigation. This heavy burden on scientific work grows
more exigent year by year, and threatens to preclude
advance, if the inquiry must be made anew by each indi-
vidual. There is urgent need to free research from such
burdens as far as that is possible. If relief is not given by
efficient indexing research will build itself into its own
tomb; and its very earnestness and productiveness will
only cause it to be crushed by its own products the more
speedily.

It may be thought that to advocate the formation of
another natural history society is only to add to the burdens
already so oppressive. That might be so if it were on the
lines of those already existing; but the society of which
there is need should not be on these lines. Its aims should
be to supplement and strengthen the work of all societies
and individuals that seek in any way to extend what is
known of the natural history of Scotland; in no way to
diminish or to interfere with their usefulness or freedom, but
to aid them by bringing within the reach of all a knowledge
of what has been gained in the past and is being done at
the present time; to show what is known and what gaps

4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

exist ; and thus to suggest where labour can be most usefully
and profitably applied to extend what is known, within the
limits of place and time in which each works.

Scotland is exceedingly well defined as a natural area
for investigation, since even its southern frontier, by which
alone it is in contact with any other land-surface, is clearly
marked throughout most of its length by the Cheviot hills.
Its surface is much diversified; and the numerous islands
along its west and north coasts offer problems of an interest-
ing and important kind in their relation to the origins of
fauna and flora, and to the evolution of new types by isola-
tion. But while these conditions appear so favourable to the
pursuance of a systematic investigation of the natural history
of the country as a whole, no organisation has been formed
with that aim—a strange and unfavourable contrast to what
exists in various parts of continental Europe, often where
only political instead of natural limits mark out the
countries. Finland, Switzerland, Bavaria, and Branden-
burg afford examples of admirable work of the kind in
question.

It is more than time that steps were taken to provide
for a careful and thorough investigation of the natural
history of Scotland as a whole, to take up work of a kind
that no existing society attempts to discharge, and to
supplement the individualism of the workers, and even of
the numerous societies, by the common efforts of all to the
same end, by means that shall make the work of each
known to all to whom it can be helpful.

Such an aim can be fulfilled only by co-operation.
There is much need for the formation of a new society
whose one end should be the investigation of the natural
history of Scotland. That “Natural history” should be
interpreted in the old, wide sense, to include all that falls
under physiography and geology, as well as zoology and
botany. Anthropology should not be excluded, although,
for the sake of convenience, it would be represented probably
by physical and prehistoric aspects rather than by its
other sides. Geology has already been the care of the
Geological Survey ; the Ordnance Survey has given excellent
maps of the present configuration of the country ; and the

WANTED—THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 5

climate is the object of continued observation and records
by the meteorologists. In so far as all these have national
support for their study, there is less need to make other
provision for them; yet even in these there are side issues
that call for inquiry; and there is room for extension of
the information acquired into forms that would bring it
more directly before those likely to be interested in such
things.

It is, however, in the sciences of botany, zoology, and
anthropology that the want of co-operation and co-ordina-
tion is most evident and the urgent need of action is most
felt. Much has been done in the study of the flora and
fauna, and, especially in recent years, of the origin of the
human population of Scotland; but that work has been
done in an isolated way by individual workers or by local
societies. It has rarely been done with reference to the
whole country, or as part of a general scheme. Much of
what has been done has been made known only to members
of the local society, or at least to few others; and in a
short time much excellent work is forgotten, buried in
publications that can scarcely be procured or seen even for
reference. What has been put on record is most difficult
of access, and much of it has appeared under conditions
that tend to its being overlooked or out of reach of many
to whom it would be of great value. Some parts of the
work have been repeated needlessly, while very much
remains untouched or nearly so; and there is at present no
means of readily learning what has been done, and what
awaits investigation. The need of a guide is urgent; but
the guide must be one accepted as authoritative, not apt to
be overlooked or forgotten, and readily accessible to all
whenever required.

The preparation of such a guide and its publication
would be of great and immediate service; but the labour
is too great to be accomplished except by co-operation.
There is great need to supplement and extend the more
or less isolated efforts of the past by a definite scheme or
survey in which these efforts should have their due recogni-
tion and be preserved from loss. But such a survey should
be extended to the whole of Scotland and its islands, and

6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

should indicate what has been already accomplished, suggest
researches that should be undertaken, and advise as to
methods and sources of information, where such advice
would be likely to attract or be useful to new workers or
to aid those already in the field.

There is no likelihood that a Biological survey of
Scotland will be placed on a similar basis with the
Geological survey as a national undertaking. It must
depend on the voluntary support of such as think that the
survey should be made, and that what extends our know-
ledge of our country ought to be made known. A survey
of the natural history of a country to be efficient must, like
other surveys, be the working out of a co-ordinated scheme,
prepared after due consideration, and with full knowledge
of the scope of the work and of the means available. The
researches that have been made on the natural history of
Scotland have for the most part related to some limited
district, or to the distribution of some group (vascular plants,
mosses and liverworts, fungi, seaweeds, and desmids among
plants, and lepidoptera, beetles, etc, among animals)
throughout the country. No general scheme for such a
survey has ever been prepared. Indeed, there has been no
organisation with authority to do so, since each society’s
efforts have been rightly directed to its own field, and
each individual’s to one or to a few groups. But the time
is more than come for the preparation of a scheme fora
survey of the whole natural history of Scotland, in which
existing societies and individuals will find the true place
for their work and inspiration and assistance for more
strenuous efforts. In a well-devised scheme no existing
organisation or research should be interfered with or dis-
couraged. The new should supplement and not supersede
the old.

No existing organisation can with advantage undertake
a national survey of the kind required. That will require
a new society, formed for the promotion of whatever will
advance that aim—-THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF
SCOTLAND in the fullest sense of the name.

The work to be done by such a society, and the relations
between it and those at present existing have been already

WANTED—THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 7

referred to, but a more definite and systematised statement
with regard to them and to the organisation and means that
may be employed may not be out of place.

Aims of the Society—To carry out a full survey of the
Natural History of Scotland in the widest sense, in so far as
not already provided for (e.g. by the Geological and Ordnance
Surveys), and to promote all that tends towards that end,
especially by co-ordinating and rendering more accessible
all information that bears on it.

Relations to other Socteties with similar aims and to
individual research—Mutually helpful, supplementing and
in no way interfering with or superseding each other.

Work of the Soctety—(1) To procure and publish guides
to all the information contained in published books and
journals, such guides to contain lists of the various items
classified by subjects, by localities, and by authors, with
a brief indication of the contents and where each paper may
be found; (2) To issue for each year a classified index of
new papers relating to the natural history of Scotland,
whether contained in the publications of the various local
societies, of societies outside Scotland, in journals or in books
touching on or devoted to any part of the society’s field of
work; thus a far wider circulation would be secured from
the first for all information of real value; it would be more
widely helpful, and would be less likely to be forgotten after-
wards ; (3) To include with this index short statements of
published researches elsewhere that throw light on the natural
history of Scotland, and that may suggest lines of inquiry that
should be followed up in this country, or that suggest or
describe new methods of study that might be usefully applied
here ; (4) To prepare and issue a reasoned scheme of in-
vestigation for the whole of Scotland, indicating what has
been or is being accomplished, and what most evidently
awaits investigation as regards either districts or subjects,
and to secure advice for those seeking it on any matter,
especially by the appointment of referees willing to name
specimens submitted to them ; (5) To assist in the preparation
and issue of monographs on such divisions of the whole
scheme as might be judged ready for publication, whether
these be large or small parts of the whole; (6) To assist in

8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

the preparation and issue of maps or of other means by
which distribution in Scotland of animals, plants, minerals,
etc., may be graphically and effectively shown, and their
past history in the country and their relations to man
traced. While these are some of the more important lines
of work that should be undertaken by the society, its
usefulness will certainly extend in other ‘directions also.
Meetings for the reading of papers should not be included
in its sphere of activity, its function being to supply in-
formation in print, but not to provide opportunities for verbal
discussion.

Constitution of the Society—A large membership is very
desirable, to permit of a considerable circulation of the
reports and other publications at a relatively low expense, and
also to supply a larger number of active workers in various
departments. The organisation of the work should be en-
trusted to a committee elected by the society. The work
of the secretary would probably be sufficient after a time to
require the services of a skilled paid official, who should be
responsible for the preparation of the annual reports of
current literature, and for the issue of all other publications,
under the directions of the committee. Voluntary assistance
should be of great use towards the preparation of the much-
needed subject-index to past literature. Those engaged
in any special research have usually to prepare such an
index for personal use in the special field, and could give
valuable aid by contributing the index in each case; but
to carry through the formation of the index as a whole the
past literature should be searched systematically. Large aid
could be given towards this if a list of periodicals and other
literature in want of examination were prepared and circu-
lated, with a request for volunteers to look through such of
the work as they could conveniently undertake to prepare
separate slips of the various articles or notices in—such
slips to be sent to the secretary, who should classify the
information supplied in them according to the scheme
approved by the committee. It would make information
obtained in this way more useful if the slips were of uniform
size and design, to be obtained from the secretary by any
one signifying the willingness and intention to examine and

WANTED—THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND 9

send in the slips for a given part of the literature. The
preparation of monographs suitable for publication on any
part of the field must be done by those whose study the
sroups have been; but the co-operation of specialists may
be relied upon for this part of the work.

To permit of the issue of such monographs, with the
requisite maps, of the index to the past literature and of the
annual reports, and possibly of a journal on a fairly adequate
scale, will require financial support from a pretty large
number of members, if, as is much to be desired, the sub-
scription be not more than ten shillings a year; for it is
much to be wished that the help afforded by such publications
should reach all to whom it would be of service, many of
whom could not afford to pay a large subscription.

But if developed, as the work of the society should be,
into a national survey, there is reason to hope that it would
commend itself to those who could and would give it
financial support that would permit of its being carried on
with success.

In conclusion, may I ask that the question of organising
such a survey be considered, neither overlooking nor
exaggerating the difficulties and labour involved. The
need of some such organisation has been keenly felt by the
Editors of this magazine, and also doubtless by many others,
who may have been deterred by the apparent greatness of
the task. Co-operation and co-ordination of the efforts
already employed would make a successful commencement
of the work possible without delay.

Discussion will be welcomed, whether of details towards
carrying out the scheme, or of obstacles that would oppose
it, for it is well to know the difficulties to be overcome. It
would be helpful if those that approve generally of the
proposals would indicate their approval through this journal
or to myself.

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN.

fe) ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

WHALING IN SCOTLAND.
By R. C. Haupang, F.S.A. (Scot.).
PLATE I.

THE season of 1906 has been a productive one and presents
features of great interest. The results have been—

Bs B. B. B.
musculus. sibbaldit. borealis. Megaptera. Sperm. biscayensts.

Norrona Co. 40 fits 37
Shetland Co. 31 Te 16
Alexandra Co. 49 ae qe a
Olna Co. 178 I may 3 at
Buneveneader Co. 19 53 64 2 I 6

317 54 326 5 I 6

and one Bottle-nose whale (Ayferoodon) brought in at Olna.

The large number of B&B. dorealzs killed this year is very
remarkable, also the six Right Atlantic Whales, Balena
biscayensis.

BALHNOPTERA SIBBALDII (Blue Whale).

The particulars of these whales are given below :—

No. of Bulls. Average Length. No. of Cows. Average Length.

ft.) 10S: ft. sins?
Buneveneader . 35 (fc 18 2s
Olna. ; : I O21

Last year, 1905, Buneveneader had
18 FOrn2 ne L2G

This year there were bulls of 82, 80, 79, 76, and 73 feet, and cows of
83, 82, 78, 78, 76, 76, and 74 feet long. The Shetland whales of this
species never seem to be large. Hyjort gives the length of these
whales as ‘‘up to 85 feet.” The migration of these whales seems
to be about longitude 10° W., passing between Iceland and Faroe
and then spreading East and West. They are fairly abundant west
of St. Kilda, but rare in Shetland waters. On roth July one of
these Blue Whales had a foetus 22 feet long, ‘‘ but the latter was not
full grown yet.” On rst August another was got 18 feet long not
developed enough for birth. These two cases show how large the
young Blue Whales are at birth. .

WHALING IN SCOTLAND Ik

BALENOPTERA MUSCULUS.

l |
Number | ,. | Number A Proportion | Proportion

STATION. of Bulls a = ae | of Cows in ag of Bulls | of Cows

killed. Sper) es ikalleds engi. | per cent. | per cent.

(eitep ins) ft. ins.
Norrona . ; : 20 ng “0 | “ze 61 5 50.0 50.0
Shetland ‘ : 18 Se Ge 58 7 58.0 42.0
Alexandra. : 21 Go} 19) 25 6r 8 42.8 Gyiail
Ola: : OA 5a 7a || On ish it 47.1 52.8
Buneveneader : LOM SON OU |, ale Ho i 47-3 52.6

i530 55°. 6 | 167 59 2 | 49.1 50.9

For comparison I add the table from my paper in the July “Annals.”

|
| Norrona. Shar 2 Oi 3) Bi 61 9 57-5 42.4
Shetland : 5 2 62 6 24 Os ii 50.0 50.0
Alexandra. . : 56 GO @ | gy 64 7 64.3 35-6
Olnay yy: , é gI Ger Be | ig 58 4 49.3 50.6
Buneveneader : 45 GON 55 aeesS 60 2 57-6 42.3
248 60 5 | 202 62 0 Spy Aare |

The first thing to notice is that these whales are much fewer
than last year, their size smaller, and cows are more numerous than
bulls. The reason of the first is from the invasion of 2. borealis,
which comes nearer land than the Finner, and the latter will not
associate with the former. Occasionally a small Finner will be
found near them, but the adult Finner keeps away from LB. borealis.
One captain of a whaler told me there was a regular belt of water
(in which there were plenty of herrings) between the two whales.
The 4. borealis left about 18th July, and then Finners came _ back.
I attribute the smaller size to differences in the measurement.
Hjort gives the size of B. musculus as “ 60-65 feet, seldom over 70
feet.” Why the proportion of the sexes has changed I can only say
that I do not know. In 1904 there were, out of 226 Finner
whales, 60 per cent of bulls and 4o per cent of cows. It is not
that whales are getting fewer, for the captain of a steamer coming
from Iceland told me that for some 40 miles between Iceland and
Faroe he passed thousands of Finner whales; he said they were
blowing all round the ship as far as he could see. Whaling was
just about over at the time. I tried to get the proportion of the
sexes from foetuses. Out of 19, 11 were bulls and 8 cows, or
about 58 bulls per cent, but the number is too small for much use.

I counted the baleen plates in a large Finner 71 feet long.
I took the right side to show the difference in colour. The first
anterior 170 plates were yellow, and the 207 posterior plates were
grey; total, 377 plates. The number of plates varies with the
individual whale.

12 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The farther north these, or any other, whales are killed, the
thicker is the blubber. ‘The last season, 1906, was cold and
inclement, and it seemed to me that the blubber was thicker than
formerly.

At Norrona station one Finner had herrings inside, and at the
Alexandra station ten had fed on herrings. ‘The latter part of July
is the time when these whales first begin to eat herrings ; in August
they are more frequently found with herrings.

BAL#NOPTERA BOREALIS (Seihval). Plate I.

I have just stated that these whales came in vast numbers this
year. In 1904 the four Shetland stations had only five of these
whales. In 1905 the number went up to thirty-two, of which the
Olna station had twenty-seven and the Alexandra none. 1906
showed the extraordinary number of 262. It was not only off the
Shetland coast where they were, but off Harris they seemed just as
plentiful. Once off the coast of Finmark there was a similar
invasion, when Finner whales kept away; the following year they
were gone. ‘To those who are interested in the migration of fish
and other denizens of the sea this will be noteworthy. ‘These
whales feed on much the same food as B. szbbaldii and do not eat
fish. Hjort gives the length as from 4o to 50 feet. I counted
290 plates of baleen in one individual. The particulars of these
whales given below may be of interest :—

Numb Numb P tion |P. ti
STATION. of Bulls | Average | oF Cows | Average | or'Bulls |. of Cows:
killed. pe killed. enstis | per cent. | per cent.
ft. ins.| ft. ins
Norrona . : ‘ 22 39 (8 15 BON 62) 5955 40.5
Shetland : : 7 43 4 9 AGO} |e A357, 56.3
Alexandra. ; 25 41 Oo 47 Aig Tp) Yo 7/ 65-3
Olna . : : 76 42 6 61 42 O}] 55-4 44.5
Buneveneader ‘ 43 ~=—*|36-48 25 + |36-48 63.2 36.8
173 AE G7 a esa 42 2} 51.3 48.7

In the above average lengths I have not included the return from
Buneveneader station. A note from the manager says: “ From 13th
June to 6th of July 62 Seihval-were killed near St. Kilda; 22 of
these were female, but no foetus ; dimensions, 36 to 48 feet and from
14-20 (girth), A storm came and brought them away (6th July), so
none were to be seen on the fishing grounds after that.”

The last paragraph is very interesting; the whales, curious,
changeful creatures, went off on account of a storm. In Shetland
we had fine weather at the time and they stayed on for another
twelve days and left us on the 18th July. We had a storm on the
19th, few were seen after that. I particularly wanted a small foetus

ANN, Scom Nam Eiism 1907, Prare |.

BALA4ZNOPTERA BOREALIS: DORSAL ASPECT.

BALENOPTERA BOREALIS: VENTRAL ASPECT,

Whaling in Scotland.—P. 12

é

a
*
3
t
> a
j \
i? aaieal
s 2
is
=
’ '
' ;
‘
ae
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«
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P .-
'
ro

WHALING IN SCOTLAND 13

of B. borealis for the University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge,
but during the month they were near us the foetuses were all too
large. In this they seem different from 2. musculus, the foetuses of
which vary greatly in size.

The baleen of the Seihval is fringed with soft silky hair of a
dirty white colour. It is valuable, the present market price being
475 to L100 a ton. That from B. musculus being £27: 108.
The smaller size of the Seihval makes it less valuable than the
Finner, probably two Seihvals are equal in value to one Finner. In
one thing it is superior: the beef is excellent, like veal, and cooked
as veal cutlets one can hardly tell the difference, only the whale is
richer.

The same hairs occur on the jaws in both &. musculus and
borealis. LB. borealis has a peculiar parasite attached to the stomach,
I was told, but it may have been taken from the intestine near the
stomach, small red and white objects like tiny sausages. These
Dr. Harmer considers are Echinorhynchus turbinella, and there is
also Lichinorhynchus porrigens, Rudolphi. One whale had received
an injury to the snout, the end of which had been battered in, but
had healed, leaving a concavity. In this were some barnacles,
Conchoderma aurita; they were growing close to and among the
coarse hairs which grow at the end of the upper jaw.

The following are the lengths of the biggest of these whales
killed, in feet :—

Norrona Bulls 45, 45, 42, 42, Cows 47, 45, 45, 44

Shetland ,, 47, 46, 45, 44, » 47,47, 47, 46
Alexandra ,, 46, 47, 46, 44, » 48, 46, 46, 46
Olna »» 56, 50, 50, 50, » 57> 52, 52, 50

The last station got some whales of unusual length.

BALENA BISCAYENSIS [| =. australis]

The Buneveneader station was the only one to get any of the
Atlantic Right whales. Four bulls and two cows. The length and
then the girth is given—

Bulls. 5 Sh Suge io AON fo 30.052! x36
Cows . =. KASiX Sys 2EG SO

Hjort gives the length as up to 50 feet, and the whalebone from
5 to 7 feet.

The whalebone of the above is given as from 2 to 8 feet in
length, and is valuable. These whales are called Nordcaper in
Norway. The only other specimen I have heard of was got in
1903 by a Faroe whaler 50 miles west of Shetland ; so far as I know
no more have been got near Shetland than this one, unless the
Faroe whalers have got any, for they often “ fish” in Shetland waters.

14 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

MEGAPTERA LONGIMANA (Humpback Knol)

The Olna station got 2 bulls, 42 and 41 feet, and 1 cow of 43
feet. Buneveneader station, 2 bulls, both 32 feet, the girth of which
is given as 20 and 21 feet.

These whales live on shrimps and are of a very savage nature.
They are by no means common. I have records of only seventeen
having been killed in Shetland in four years.

PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS (Sperm Whale)

The one got off the Flannen Islands by the Buneveneader
Company was a large bull 68 feet long, the girth is given at 33 feet.
I regret not having been informed as to the contents of the stomach,
they are such omnivorous creatures.

HyPEROODON DI0DON [= Z. vostratwm] (Bottle-nose)

There are plenty of these whales round Shetland, but they are
not fired at by the whalers on account of their small size. The one
killed at Olna was a bull of 263 feet. Hjort gives the length at 20
to 25 feet. The oil is as valuable as sperm oil. In Norway this
is a separate fishery conducted in sailing craft with small harpoons.

A Norwegian gentleman suggests a reason for the grooves in
the thorax of the Balenophore and Megaptera. In Norway they
have grooves in the ski to give a better grip of the snow and to
make them go faster. It is possible that these whales have grooves
to enable them to travel faster through the water.!

The herring fishermen and curers are making a great outcry
about whaling ruining the herring fishing. It is difficult to reconcile
this statement with the fact that the last three years have been the
finest herring years on record :—

LOGS & : : : é - 309,909 crans.
I9g04 . : : . ‘ e543 2AOne
L905: ; ; ; : OAS Oa Aare
TOO. 2 , : : , (45 5,000mr ee

1 I suggested the same in different terms, viz. that these grooves are
**sluices” to allow the resisting water to pass; and that if no such grooves
existed on the under surfaces of the animals, the resistance to their progress, as
bottom-feeders, would affect the quantities of their food, and prevent it reaching
their mouths, the weight of water being diverted to either side; besides the
great pressure also would affect the progress of the huge animals through the water.
Perhaps additional probability may be lent to the theory here advanced by quite
recent discoveries made in ship-building by Mr. William Peterson of Newcastle,
which is thus described :—<‘ His design is for a groove of about 3 feet from edge
to edge, and a foot in depth, to run from the bows alongside a ship. In this
hollow, it is claimed, the spiral energy of the waves cast up when the bow cleaves
the water, etc.,” causes increased speed with less coal or driving power. Has Mr,
William Peterson thus taken the lesson from Nature ! ? JiR.

WHALING IN SCOTLAND 15

It is true that the West Coast fishing was a failure this year, but
this has happened long before whaling began, and is probably due
to the cold for the first six months of this year.

Government has been asked to stop whaling entirely, but as
more than half the capital in the four whaling stations is British,
this could not be done without paying compensation. Even if it
were done, what would be the result? Whalers from Faroe would
take the places of the existing whale steamers. Floating factories
would anchor, and after flensing the carcases would let them drift.
Affairs would be far worse than at present, and there would be no
remedy without altering International law.

LOcHEND, SHETLAND.

ONT iE OCCURRENCE OF TRE SIBERIAN
Gp RoCHAPE (PHVLLOSCORUS SLRESTES))
IN SCOTEAND: A NEW BIRD Ose
BRITISH FAUNA.

By Wm. EaGLe CiarKe, F.R,S.E., F.L.S.

IN October 1902 I received from the Sule Skerry lighthouse,
a lonely rock-station situated out in the Atlantic and some
33 miles west of Orkney, an example of a Phylloscopus,
which had been captured at the lantern a short time
previously, namely on the night of September 23. In order
to preserve this specimen until such time as it was possible
to despatch it to the mainland, the bird had been immersed
in methylated spirit, and reached me in a sodden sstate.
On examination I found that it was a Chiff-Chaff, but its
condition did not then allow me to detect the differences
between the European and Asiatic species. Fortunately,
however, I had the specimen preserved, and having recently
received a Chiff-Chaff from Fair Isle I was led to examine my
lighthouse and other material relating to the genus. I then
found that my old friend of 1902 was not the British and
ordinary European species, but the bird known as the Siberian
Chiff-Chaff, the Phylloscopus tristts of Blyth. This was an
interesting discovery, for the species has not been detected
in Western Europe, not even on that wonderful island, Heligo-
land, which has furnished so many surprises for ornithologists

16 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

especially those who are interested in the phenomenon of
bird migration.

This new British bird is a summer visitor to North-
eastern Europe, and finds its western limit in the valley of the
River Petchora, where it was discovered by Messrs. Harvie-
Brown and Seebohm during their notable investigations into
the ornis of that little-known region. Eastwards, the last-
named naturalist found it nesting in the valley of the Yenesei,
and it also occurs in summer in the highlands of Kashmir.
In winter it is widely distributed over India, being only
absent from the southern portion of the peninsula. The
only record known to me for Europe, beyond the Petchora
and Eastern Russia, is one for the river Po in Italy, as
mentioned by Eduardo in “ Avicula” (ii. 1-2) in 1898.

In plumage Phylloscopus tristis resembles our Chiff-Chaff,
P. rufus, but is browner above; has the under parts buff,
paler on the chin, throat, and abdomen ; and the bill and
legs darker, the latter being blackish brown. It differs
also from the Common Chiff-Chaff in its song, which is loud
but not musical.

Its nest was found by Seebohm on the lower Yenesei.
One which he describes was placed in the branches of an alder
about 4 feet from the ground, and was semidomed, com-
posed of grass, and lined with grouse feathers. The eggs
are white, spotted with dark purple, and are large for the
size of the bird.

THE RoyaL SCOTTISH MUSEUM, EDINBURGH.

NOTES ON THE BIRDS SEEN IN THE OUTER
HEBRIDES DURING THE SPRING OF 1906.

By Norman B. Kinnear, M.B.O.U.

DURING last spring I spent some six weeks in the Outer
Hebrides, starting at Barra and working north to Stornoway.
For part of the time I was fortunate in having my friend
Mr. P. H. Bahr for a companion, and my only regret is that
he was not able to continue with me for the whole trip.
The principal object of our visit was to see certain species

NOTES ON BIRDS SEEN IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES 17

which had recently been reported in these pages as breeding
in the Outer Hebrides, and at the same time to obtain some
photographs of birds and their nests. We were exception-
ally fortunate, and Bahr obtained some splendid photographs
of old birds on their nests and with their young. To the
different proprietors we wish to acknowledge our thanks for
their kindness in giving us permission to visit the various
islands, and we are also indebted to their keepers, who
afforded us great assistance.

Among the birds given in the following list, the Coal
Titmouse, Spotted Flycatcher, and Crane are new to the
Outer Hebrides ; and the Missel-Thrush and Golden-crested
Wren have not been recorded before during the breeding
season. The Heron also is an addition to the list of breed-
ing species. By finding the nests of the Shoveller, Scaup,
and Tufted Duck we were able to confirm the previous
record in the “Annals” of these species breeding in the
Outer Hebrides.

MissEL-THRUSH, Zurdus visctvorus, Linneeus.—The breeding of this
species may now be regarded as established. I saw a Missel-
Thrush in the Castle grounds at Stornoway on 2nd July, and
a few days later, on the 7th, I came across three, two old ones
and a young one, which had evidently been bred in the
district. In all probability the pair of birds seen in the Castle
grounds by Dr. Mackenzie on 26th April 1go2 (‘ Annals,”
1902, p. 138) bred there, and were not just passing migrants,
as suggested by Mr. Harvie- Brown. The woods round the
Castle are of considerable extent, and it is not always easy to
find the Missel-Thrushes, so that may account for Mr. Harvie-
Brown not seeing the birds during his visit.

Sonc THRusH, Zurdus musicus, Linneus.—We found the Song
Thrush fairly plentiful in all the islands, but their chief strong-
hold is in the woods round Stornoway. It is found at a
considerable height on the bleak hillsides, and I saw one
singing on Eval, in North Uist, at about 800 feet, and another
on the Cleisham in Harris at 600 feet. We were much struck
by the dark colour of all the Song Thrushes we saw in Barra
and the Uists. Near Stornoway I saw both light and dark
examples, but I am not sure that the former were not young
birds.

BLACKBIRD, Zurdus merula, Linneus.—In Barra we saw a single
male at North Bay and another in a small plantation on the
61 c

18 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

east side of the island. We only came across one in South
Uist, and that was a male in the garden at Grogary Lodge.
I saw a pair, and found a nest, in a garden near Loch Maddy,
North Uist. Round Stornoway the Blackbird is nearly as
common as the Song Thrush.

Wuincnat, Pratincola rubetra (Linnzus).—We did not come
across the Whinchat in either Barra, the Uists, or Benbecula.
In Lewis I saw a pair near Loch Tholta Bhredein, some five
miles to the south-west of Stornoway, and there are several
pairs breeding in the Castle grounds near that town.

STONECHAT, Pratincola rubicola (Linnzeus).—This species does not
seem to have been found breeding in Barra. On 18th May
we saw a single male by the side of Traig Mhoir, and on the
22nd a male and two females among the heather at the foot of
Ben Erival. The first bird seen may possibly have been a
passing migrant, but I do not think the other three were, as
two of them, a pair, kept flying about as if they had a nest,
though we failed to find one. In South Uist we saw a male
near Daliburgh on rst June, and in Benbecula two pairs at
the foot of Rueval. The Stonechat is not uncommon in
North Uist, and I also saw it in Harris and Lewis.

REDBREAST, /vithacus rubecula (Linneus).—We saw two Robins in
Barra during the last week of May; it has bred there since
1892. Round Stornoway it is very abundant.

WHITETHROAT, Sylvia cinerea (Bechstein).—A single bird, seen in a
small plantation on the east side of Barra, was the only
example of this species we came across in the Outer Hebrides.

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN, Aegulus cristatus, K. 1. Koch.—A few
pairs of Golden-crested Wrens bred in the woods round the
Castle at Stornoway, and I several times fell in with family
parties of old and young birds. Mr. D. Mackenzie teils me
this species is plentiful at Stornoway in the autumn, but I do
not think it has been recorded before during the breeding
season.

HEDGE SPARROW, Accentor modularis (Linneus).—In Barra we
came across a pair at North Bay, and a single bird amongst
some trees near Traig Mhoir. Dr. M‘Rury does not seem to
have met with this species in South Uist, but we saw one in
the garden at Grogary Lodge, and another among some long
heather near the head of Loch Skiport. It is common in the
Castle grounds at Stornoway.

Coat TirmouskE, Pariis britannicus, Sharpe and Dresser.—In October
1904 Mr. D. Mackenzie, Stornoway, saw a small flock of
Coal Tits on a tree in front of Mhorsgail Lodge, Lewis. He
ran into the lodge for a gun to shoot a specimen, but the Tits

NOTES ON BIRDS SEEN IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES 19

had gone by the time he returned. Mr. Mackenzie is a native
of Sutherland, and is well acquainted with the Coal Tit there,
so I think there is no doubt about the identification. During
the first week of July I frequently came across family parties of
Coal Tits in the woods round Stornoway Castle, which had
evidently been bred there, but it cannot be said to be an
abundant species.

Waite WactaliL, MWotacilla alba, Linneeus.—This species was fairly
numerous on migration in Barra from the 18th, the day we
landed, to the 22nd of May.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, MJuscicapa grisola, Linneeus.—On 7th July I
saw a single bird at the back of the Castle gardens, Stornoway.
It appeared from its actions to have young or a nest near, but
I was unable to find either or see a second bird.

SwaLLow, Airundo rustica, Linnzeus.—We saw three Swallows at
the back of Ben Scurrival, Barra, on 22nd May. Mr. D.
Mackenzie, Stornoway, tells me that about fifteen years ago the
coachman at the Castle asked him to come and see a pair of
birds which were nesting at the stables, as he did not know
what they were. Mr. Mackenzie found that they were a pair
of Swallows, but he has not seen any nesting there since.

SAND MartTIN, Chelidon riparia (Linnzus).—One seen at Rueless,
on the east side of Barra, on 24th May.

GREENFINCH, Ligurinus chloris, Linneus.—No mention of this
species at Stornoway is made in Mr. Harvie Brown’s supple-
ment to the “ Fauna of the Outer Hebrides,” but from all I was
able to learn it must have been a breeding species there for
some time. It is not yet really abundant, but I saw a few
both old and young birds in the Castle grounds.

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus, Linnzeus.—The House Sparrow
in the Outer Hebrides seems still to be confined to Castlebay,
Barra; Tarbert, Harris ; and Stornoway, Lewis.

TREE Sparrow, Passer montanus (Linnzus).—We only saw the
Tree Sparrow in Barra at Eoligary, where there is a long-
established colony. On the west side of North Uist I came
across six Tree Sparrows by the roadside near Balmartin.
They were all old birds, but though I watched them for some
time I was unable to ascertain whether they were nesting. At
Stornoway I found a small colony of six pairs breeding in the
Castle grounds. The nests were in Spruce trees, and in three
of them the lower part was made of dried grass, and the upper,
the domed part, of green moss.

/

(Zo be continued.)

20 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

BIRD-LIFE AS OBSERVED AT SKERRYVORE
LIGHTHOUSE:

By James Tomison, Principal Light-Keeper.

SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE is situated on a small reef in
North at. 56° 109 22” and) West Long. 7° 6’ 32” 3 71
nautical miles W.S.W. + W. of the island of Tiree, the
nearest land ; 33 miles S. + E. of Barrahead, the southern-
most point of the Outer Hebrides; 30 miles W. of Iona; and
50 miles from the nearest point of the mainland of Scotland.
From Hynish Point in Tiree to the Mackenzie Rock—3
miles W.S.W. of Skerryvore—there is a continuation of
“foul” ground consisting of small rocks, some above sea-
level, others covered at high water, and others constantly
under water, but near enough the surface to be a source of
the greatest danger to the mariner who unwittingly comes
in their vicinity. There is thus stretching right out in the
Atlantic, in the fairway of all shipping passing through the
Outer Minch, as dangerous a line of reefs and shoals as can
be found anywhere round our coasts. The Skerryvore, or
Big Skerry, was selected as the most suitable on which to
erect a lighthouse, owing to it being always above water,
and being of some considerable extent, affording fair facilities
for landing. The superficial area of this rock at low water
is about 300 sq. ft., and less than half that size at high
water. The rock itself consists of quartz, felspar, hornblende,
and mica, and is extremely hard, so that where it is polished
by the action of the sea it is quite smooth and slippery, and
landing on it has been described as “like climbing up the
neck of a bottle.” A trap rock in the form of a dyke of
basalt intersects the strata, and lies almost due North and
South, being continuous until lost in the sea at either end,
a distance of 150 feet. The building of the lighthouse was
begun in 1838, and after six years of arduous labour was
completed, and the light first exhibited on Ist Feb. 1844.
It has now withstood the force of the Atlantic storms and
billows for over sixty years, and to-day shows not the slightest
signs of decay.

From an ornithological point of view it is a place of

BIRD-LIFE AS OBSERVED AT SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE 21

considerable interest, standing as it does right in the track
of the migration stream passing between the Inner and the
Outer Isles. Since being appointed there in August 1903,
I have kept notes of all feathered visitors that have come
under my notice, and at the request of the Editors I have
prepared this contribution regarding them.

We have no birds that may be classified as residents,
for the simple fact that there is no place to reside on. <A
few are seen about more or less the whole year round, but
the great bulk of our visitors are birds of passage calling on
their way North and South. During migration the number
of visitors depends a good deal on weather conditions. It is
pretty well known now by all students of bird-migration that
the beams of light issuing from the lantern of a lighthouse
attract the passing flocks, and this especially is the case
when the atmosphere is hazy, and when there is a night of
“sma’” rain or Scotch mist. This condition of weather un-
doubtedly makes the beams more conspicuous and attractive.
The night must also be quite dark. Moonlight is a most
unfortunate time for the observer who is anxious to witness
a rush, for I never yet saw a bird on the windows when the
moon reigned on high. Also if the atmosphere is very
clear, no matter how dark it may be, the passing crowds
pass on without a pause. But in spring or autumn, if the
wind is easterly, and the horizon hazy, hazy enough to
obscure a light about eight or ten miles distant, and if a
large crowd of birds happens to be passing, the scene
witnessed from the balcony of the tower is really worthy of
being termed one of Nature’s wonderful sights. Hundreds
of birds are flying about in all directions, crossing and re-
crossing one another’s flight, but never coming into collision,
all seemingly of the opinion that the only way of escape out
of the confusion into which they have got is through the
windows of the lantern. In ordinary clear weather they
pass at a great height, so high as to be invisible to the
naked eye. This was very forcibly brought under my
notice this year in September and November. On 27th
Sept., a clear quiet day, I distinctly heard the cry of Red-
wings high overhead, but could see no birds. I happened
to have the telescope in my hand, and at once levelled it

22 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

in the direction of the sound, when I distinctly saw a
considerable flock passing in a southerly direction. After
following their flight till lost sight of, I searched the northern
sky for some time, and was rewarded for my trouble by
seeing another flock coming direct from Barrahead. When
passing the rock they slightly altered their course, and
disappeared, going due South. Again on toth Nov. I
heard the sound of Redwings, and got sight of one flock
travelling in exactly the same direction. This was all I
was able to see, but nearly every day in November when
the weather was moderate I could hear them passing. On
rare occasions a straggler rested on the rock during day-
light. This autumn I have seen more migrants than in
any former season. On 17th July a flock of twenty-five
Turnstones were seen flying around the rock without resting,
and after having a good look round departed in the direction
of the coast of Ireland. On 20th Aug. Wheatears first
made their appearance, and from then onwards we had a
few visitors every day till the end of September. White
Wagtails were also fairly numerous. But the first great
rush of the season took place on the night of 20th to 21st
Sept. For some days previous the weather was very
mild and quiet, a little hazy, wind S.E., barometer high—
30.20 to 30.30, temperature 58°to60. About 8 P.M. on the
20th a few Meadow Pipits and Wheatears were noticed on
the lantern, and at 10 P.M. the Meadow Pipits were flying
round in thousands. Standing on the balcony watching
them, one could almost imagine there was a heavy fall of
snow, the flakes abnormally big. Thousands were flitting
about; hundreds were striking against the dome and
windows ; hundreds were sitting dazed and stupid on the
trimming-paths ; and scores falling to the rock below, some
instantaneously killed, others seriously injured, falling help-
lessly into the sea. This continued till dawn, when all that
were still uninjured disappeared. The weather all night
was delightful ; wind S.E., light breeze, haze dense enough
to make Dhuheartach Light—18 miles distant—very in-
distinct (in clear weather it shows very clearly). Along
with the Pipits were a number of Wheatears, one Starling,
one Ring Ouzel, two Jack Snipe, a few White Wagtails, one

BIRD-LIFE AS OBSERVED AT SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE 23

Thrush, and one Yellow-Browed Warbler. Redshanks and
Golden Plovers were heard but not seen.

On 21st Oct. there was a great rush of Redwings, Field-
fares Blackbirds, and Thrushes, with a few Starlings. The
wind was S.E., strong breeze, almost a gale, haze and rain.
From 7 P.M. till dawn the following morning their numbers
were far in excess of anything seen here for years. They
were striking the windows constantly, and the number killed
that night was almost beyond calculation. As the wind was
strong, nearly every one as it struck was carried away, falling
in the sea, a small percentage only falling and remaining on
the balcony. Yet in the morning we picked up ninety-eight
dead on the gallery. Watching them from the lee side of
the lantern, from 10 P.M. to midnight there seemed a constant
fall of dead and maimed. The only way I can give an idea
of the number of fatalities is this: from the focus of the
light till all was lost in darkness, a distance of 20 to 30 ft.
down, the eye could always detect three falling, sometimes
more, but I consider this a fair average Were I to go
more minutely into this I might lay myself open to criticism,
and some might be inclined to doubt my statements. Some-
times we use the terms hundreds and thousands without
thinking what these figures mean, but on this occasion when
I say thousands were killed I do not exaggerate in the
slightest. Unfortunately, that night there was a very heavy
sea washing right over the rock, so that not a single specimen
was left around the base of the tower. Taking the strength
of the wind into consideration, and from observation, I am
inclined to say that the number falling on the balcony formed
about I per cent of the death-roll. The rush consisted mainly
of Fieldfares and Redwings, with a few Thrushes, Blackbirds,
and Starlings. The following night, though the weather
conditions were the same, only about a dozen were seen.

Another great rush took place on 1oth Nov.—wind S.E.,
fresh breeze, rain—but on this occasion very few were killed.
They were first observed at 10 P.M., and by midnight vast
crowds were circling round, consisting chiefly of Fieldfares
and Redwings, a few Thrushes and Blackbirds, and one
Starling. Whether these birds come down by the Outer
Islands, or are blown out of their course by easterly winds,

24 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

is difficult to say. From what I have seen I am satisfied
there is a stream coming down outside and passing this
place on their way South. This is very distinctly seen in
the case of the sea birds—Guillemots and Razorbills. In
August I have watched them for days coming from Barra-
head in flocks of from twenty to fifty, and when passing the
tower altered their course to a direction that would fetch the
north coast of Ireland.

I will now give a list of birds seen at Skerryvore, with
some notes of their occurrence.

TuHRusH, Zurdus musicus.—A visitor on migration. Never very
numerous. Generally in company with Redwings and Field-
fares ; more common in autumn than spring.

REDWING, Zurdus tliacus.—A regular spring and autumn visitor,
sometimes in great numbers. The earliest record of their
appearance in autumn was on 27th Sept. this year. Asa rule
they are not seen till the 8th or roth Oct., but weather con-
ditions may have something to do with this. The main body
seems to pass South in October and the first half of November,
but stragglers are not uncommon till the end of November.
In spring so far I have never observed any great rush.

FIELDFARE, Zurdus pilaris—Not plentiful in spring, but always
common in October and November, generally arriving about
ten days to a fortnight after first appearance of Redwings.
Rarely seen after end of November.

BLACKBIRD, Zurdus merula.—Fairly common in March and April,
and again in October and November, for the most part in
company with Redwings and Fieldfares.

RING OUZEL, Zurdus torquatus.—An occasional visitor in spring
and autumn.

WHEATEAR, Saxicola enanthe.—Always seen in spring and autumn,
sometimes in considerable numbers. Earliest occurrence in
spring, 26th March 1906. In the Fall the date of arrival
varies from 15th to 2oth Aug., and on through August and
September they are almost daily visitors. I have noticed four
or five about the rock a whole day, departing before sunset,
and the following day fresh arrivals took their place. When
the weather is clear none are seen on the lantern at night,
and as they make no particular cry when on the passage, it is
not easy to detect their occurrence unless they rest on the
rock. In hazy weather numbers are seen at night, but never
in a great rush.

BIRD-LIFE AS OBSERVED AT SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE 25

REDSTART, Ruticilla phenicurus.—A rare visitor. ‘Two were seen
on the rock at 2 P.M. on 6th Oct. 1903; wind S.E., fresh
breeze. Both were secured. Another was killed on the
lantern on the night of 21st Sept. 1906; wind S.E., fresh
breeze, haze.

Rosin, £7ithacus rubecula.—Very rarely seen. Two on the rock
on roth April 1906.

GoLpcrest, Regulus cristatus—Once seen, on 24th March 1904,
when about sixty made their appearance on the lantern at
Io P.M., and remained fluttering about all night. Wind S.E.,
light breeze, haze.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, Phylloscopus superciliosus.—One was
captured on the night of the zoth Sept. 1906, or, to be
more particular, at 2 a.M. of 21st. On the same night there
was a great rush of Pipits, Wheatears, White Wagtails, and
amongst the dead on the trimming-path this rare and interest-
ing visitor was found. It was identified by Mr. Eagle Clarke.

Wuite WacraiL, Moftacilia albana—A common visitor in August
and September, in company with Pipits and Wheatears, but
often seen during the day, two or three at a time, without any
other species along with them.

Prep WacralL, otacilla lugubris.—Seen on the rock on rst Sept.
1906, at 10 A.M.

MeEavow Pipit, Anthus pratensis—Common in spring and autumn,
sometimes a few remaining a day or two on the rock when the
weather is moderate. The biggest rush seen was on 2oth to
21st Sept., when they were about the lantern all night in large
numbers.

Rock Pipit, Anthus obscurus——Has been recognised on several
occasions.

PreD FLy-CATCHER, JJuscicapa atricapilla——One specimen got on
21st Sept. 1906.

SwaLLow, Hirundo rustica.—A summer visitor, generally in May
and June, when one or two stray out in this direction. When
they do favour us with a visit it is usually an afternoon call,
and more than once I have seen one come in at the door and
take up its quarters for the night on a coil of rope.

GREEN Fincu, Ligurinus chloris— Three were found dead at the
foot of the tower on the morning of 3rd Nov. 1906. Wind
all the previous night S.E., light breeze, haze. A few
Redwings were seen and heard, but none on the lantern. This
is the only record of this species.

HawFincn, Coccothraustes vulgaris.—One found dead at foot of
tower, 28th April 1904. Wind S., strong breeze. Rain the

26 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

previous night. One caught on lantern on 11th Nov. 1906,
at 11.30 p.m. Wind fresh breeze, clear. This was the only
bird seen that night.

House Sparrow, Passer domesticus.—A rare visitor in summer for
a few hours, probably wandering from Tiree.

BRaMBLING, /ringilla montifringilla—aA rare visitor. One caught
in October 1905, and kept in a cage till April following, when
it accidentally escaped. One on lantern on roth Nov. 1906.

Common Buntine, Lmberiza miliaria—Has been seen in spring
and autumn.

Snow Buntinc, Plectrophenax nivalis—This species always calls
on the passage South and North, sometimes in flocks of twenty
to thirty, often seen only through the day, but when weather
conditions are suitable they are also attracted by the light at
night. They are more often seen in September and October
than in spring, but, wonderful to say, though other migrants
have been more than ordinarily numerous, not a single member
of this species has been seen this autumn. It would be interest-
ing to learn if they have failed to visit other localities on this
route.

STARLING, Sturnus vulgaris.—An erratic and irregular visitor.
Frequent on migration, and in summer a flock of half-a-
dozen or so often come out from the direction of Tiree,
occasionally remaining overnight, roosting on the dome of the
lantern.

Rook, Corvus frugilegus——One solitary individual arrived on the
rock on the afternoon of 6th April 1906, and spent the night
in one of the windows of the tower.

SKvLaRK, Alauda arvensis.—Is only a visitor on migration. Earliest
seen in spring, 21st Feb. 1905, when three were seen flying
round the rock. In March 1905 flocks of from ten to twenty
passed North, generally resting for half-an-hour on some out-
lying rock. The dates on which they were seen were 8th,
wind N.E., fresh breeze, clear; 18th, wind S., strong breeze,
rain; 25th, wind S.E., fresh breeze, clear. A straggler is not
uncommon during summer. In autumn they begin to make
their appearance towards the end of August, and are mostly
seen on the lantern in company with Wheatears and Pipits.
In September, October, and November, when there is a rush
of other birds, we can always depend on seeing one or two
Larks, and now and again a solitary specimen will appear on
the windows, spending the night making fruitless endeavours to
get inside, only departing on the approach of daylight.

Swirt, Cypselus apus.—Has been seen every year in August, passing
South.

BIRD-LIFE AS OBSERVED AT SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE 27

Lonc-EARED OwL, Asto ofus.—One seen resting on the rock on
12th Nov. 1906.

PEREGRINE Fautcon, /ako peregrinus.—One captured on the
lantern on 26th Sept. 1903.

MERLIN, 4alo e@salon.

An occasional visitor in September.

Cormorant, Phatlacrocorax carbo.— Always present around the
rock from August till February or March. When the breeding
season comes round they all leave, but it is not uncommon
to see one on a fishing expedition during the spring and
summer. During stormy weather, when the Atlantic billows
are having some gentle exercise, and covering all reefs and
rocks to a depth of from 20 to 50 feet, the Cormorants dis-
appear for a time, but whenever the weather improves they
return at once. They do most of their fishing quite close to
the rock, where the water is shallow, and apparently make a
good living, at least one would infer so when they spend the
winter in such a locality.

SHAG, Phalacrocorax graculus——What has been written about the
Cormorant applies also to the Shags, only the latter are to be
seen in greater numbers and do not seem to be so afraid of
man’s presence, since they rest very frequently on the lighthouse
rock, and more than once have tried to take up their quarters
for the night in the windows, a proceeding always decidedly
objected to by the lightkeepers. The Cormorant never comes
near the tower.

GaNNET, Sw/a bassana.—The Solan is to be seen practically all the
year round. ‘Towards the end of November and in December
one is rarely seen, but in January a few are daily seen, gradually
increasing in numbers as the season advances. ‘The numerous
shoals in the vicinity are swarming with fish, and hospitably
entertain passing Solans. We must admit that Nature never
makes mistakes, but when I see these birds feeding I cannot
help feeling that there is something wrong when they require
so much food: it seems a waste of good material. I have
carefully watched them, singling out one bird, and have seen it
make 25 dives in 30 mins., every time, as far as I could
judge, securing its prey, and each fish would weigh from 4 to
6 oz. This goes on the whole day long, from an hour before
sunrise to an hour after sunset. I have seen them fishing on a
clear night, diving from a height of 20 or 30 ft., one hour
after sunset. The Cormorant and Shag bring their captures to
the surface before swallowing; the Solan swallows its catch
under water. Only once have I seen the fish in its bill above
water, and this was when, instead of diving, it merely skimmed
through the surface amongst a shoal of podleys. After paying

28 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

careful attention to their habits it is easy to form a conclusion
whether a dive has been successful or not. If nothing is
caught the bird on emerging from the water immediately takes
to flight, so quickly, in fact, that the observer feels inclined to
think that there is a small display of temper, whereas when
successful a short time is spent on the surface before flight, the
bird giving itself a general shake up and dipping its bill once
or twice in the water. The Solan always falls on its prey from
a great height in the air, in my opinion the height above water
depends on the depth of the fish under water, probably the
greater height giving it more impetus to reach a greater depth.
I have often seen one alter its mind when half-way between
the starting-point of its fall and the water, and continue its
flight, the cause of this being that the fish had moved out of
line of original aim. ‘Though it does not dive from the surface
like other sea birds after its prey, it can do so all right.
Frequently, when fishing close to the rock, I have seen them
during a heavy sea, on coming to the surface, dive to avoid a
broken billow. In doing this they do not dive like the Shag,
but disappear like the Northern Diver, and on coming up on
the other side of the billow take to flight at once.

HERON, Ardea cinerea.—The Heron is a casual visitor, sometimes
flying past without resting, and on other occasions spending an
hour on an outlying reef. I have detected them coming out
here from Tiree, and altering their course to due South when
near the lighthouse. This was in August. I never saw them
in spring. At Earraid, on the S.W. of Mull, one has nested
and reared its young these past three years, always in the same
spot—a ledge on one of the higher cliffs of the island.

EIpER, Somaterta mollissima.—May be called a regular winter
resident, arriving in September and remaining till March, living
at sea in all weathers, and only landing on the rock on a fine
day for a few hours.

Corn CRAKE, Cvex pratensis.—Has been seen twice on the rock—
14th Sept. 1904 and 12th Sept. 1906.

GOLDEN PLOVER, Charadrius pluvialis.—Is always seen and heard
on migration, but more often in the autumn than spring.
This year in October and November two or three were seen
nearly every day arriving from the North, and after a short rest
continuing their flight in a southerly direction.

Lapwinc, Vanel/us vulgaris.—Is only an occasional visitor, seen on
both migrations. ©

TURNSTONE, Strepsilas interpres.—A regular winter resident. About
five or six are always on the rock from August to April feeding
amongst the seaweed when the tide is out. They are so

BIRD-LIFE AS OBSERVED AT SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE 29

accustomed to seeing us about that they are quite tame, and
seem to have no great fear of mankind. Along with them
from a dozen to twenty Purple Sandpipers (Z7znga striata) are
constantly on the rock. I have never yet been able to decide
what they do, or where they go during a gale. Very often
the whole rock is constantly under water for days, but no
matter how quickly the sea may fall, as soon as there is a part
left uncovered, we can rely on seeing a few Turnstones and
Purple Sandpipers. Both leave in April about the same time ;
the Turnstone is the first to return.

SNIPE, Gadllinago celestis—Has been got dead on the lantern on
frequent occasions in autumn.

Jack SNIPE, Gallinago gallinula.—Two were got dead on the
lantern on 2oth Sept. 1906.

SANDERLING, Calidris arenaria.—Seen pretty regularly in September.

COMMON SANDPIPER, Zofanus hypoleucus.—Two seen in August this
year flying about the rock.

REDSHANK, Zofanus calidris.—More often heard than seen on
migration. I have never yet known one to strike the
lantern. In summer a straggler calls and spends an hour or
two on the rocks.

CurRLEwW, Wumenius arquata.—Is a regular spring and autumn
migrant, seen in flocks of from three to twenty. Never seen
resting.

WHIMEREL, WVumenius pheopus.—Often seen in May and August,
two or three calling and resting for a short time.

Arctic TERN, Sterna macrura.—Seen in June and July in quest
of food. I have often seen them with a small fish in their bills
passing at full speed for Tiree, having got this fish a long way
to the westward of the rock. We also daily see them fishing
close to the tower, and when successful they at once start for
home with their catch. Towards the end of July they are
accompanied by their young, who rest on the rock whilst the
parents fish for them.

LITTLE GULL, Larus minutus,—Once seen here, 24th Sept. 1903,
at 6 P.M.; wind S.E., strong breeze. It was flying about the
rock, but did not alight. It came sometimes within six feet of
where I was standing, and I am perfectly satisfied of its identity.

SABINE’S GULL, Xeza sadbinit.—Seen flying about the tower for a
short time, January 1905.

BLACK-HEADED GULL, Larus ridibundus.—A rare visitor in summer.

HERRING GULL, Larus argentatus.—Seen all the year round, some-
times in great flocks. From six to a dozen are rarely ever
absent, summer or winter.

30 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

LESSER BLACKBACK GULL, Larus fuscus.—A summer visitor in
June, July, and August.

GREAT BLACKBACKED GULL, Larus marinus.—Two or three are
constantly here.

Guiacous Gui, Larus glaucus.—QOne or two immature birds
periodically seen in November, December, and January. The
latest occurrence was on 3rd April 1904.

KitTIwaKk, Avssa tridactyla.—A few may be termed resident all the
year round ; but in August especially enormous flocks are seen
at sea, and very often covering every available piece of rock.

ARCTIC SKUA, Stercorarius crepidatus.—Often seen in summer.

RazorBILL, Adca torda.—A regular migrant in both seasons, and
also seen fishing in the vicinity in summer.

GuILLEMot, Urvia froile.—Vast flocks seen passing on migration,
especially in August. ,
BLack GUILLEMOT, Uvia grylle.—A few spend the winter in the

near vicinity of the rock, but never land.

Purrin, /ratercula arctica.—Very rarely seen.

Litre Auk, Jergus alle-—Small flocks are periodically seen in
winter, generally in January.

Futmar, /ulmarus glacialis—I have never seen this species from
the rock, but when on board the steamer a few miles from it in
summer I have never failed to see a few flying about.

Manx SHEARWATER, Puffinus anglorum.— Always numerous in
spring and summer. Seen on wing all around the rock, some-
times one or two, and occasionally scores. On 6th April 1905,
when on board the Hesperws between Dhuheartach Lighthouse
and Jona, I saw them in hundreds. The sea all the way in—
about 15 miles—was covered with them, and crowds were on
wing all around us. I never before or since saw such numbers
of them.

StorM PETREL, Procellaria pelagica.—Seen occasionally near the
rock towards the end of August and in September at twilight
on a dark gloomy afternoon. Have got a few specimens on the
lantern.

Ture NORTHERN DIVER is represented by two and sometimes three
specimens, arriving in November, and remaining till April,
always feeding in close vicinity to the rock. They will at times
disappear for a week, and I have more than once seen them on
the wing coming out from Tiree, circling round the rock, and
settling down a short distance out. On the rock at low water
there is a long narrow pool, 20 ft. long, 3 ft. broad, and 4 ft.
deep, and the rock all around it, about 3 ft. above water edge,
the water escaping at one end amongst loose rocks. On the

BIRD-LIFE AS OBSERVED AT SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE 31

21st March last I noticed a bird in this pool, and found that
it was a diver that had got left by the tide, and was unable to
get out, as there was no room for it to stretch its wings. I
spent over an hour watching it, admiring its expertness in the
water, and amused at its clumsy attempts to climb up the rocks,
When swimming under water it never made the slightest move-
ment with its wings, the propelling power being done with its
feet alone, and both feet were without exception used simul-
taneously, not alternately as we see surface swimming birds
usually doing. And what amazed me most of all was the great
rate at which it could travel. Of course it was frightened, but
allowing for that the speed was extraordinary, for when doing
its best the eye could hardly detect anything but a streak from
one end of the pool to the other. I took it out of the water,
and set it down on the rock. There a more helpless creature
one could hardly imagine. In the end I let it flounder into
the sea, when it disappeared like magic, and came to the
surface more than half-a-mile out.

SKERRYVORE LIGHTHOUSE.

ONE SeCODRRISH SPECIES OF VO244V0KA
(PROCTOTRV PID) PARP I:

By P. CAMERON.

SOME time ago I sent to the Abbé J. J. Kieffer the collec-
tion of Oxyura I collected during the period I resided in
Scotland, to aid him in his monograph of the European
species for André’s “Spécies des Hyménopteres.” As the
collection contained an exceptionally large number of un-
described species, besides known species unrecorded for the
British Isles, and as M. Kieffer in his work does not give
the particular localities where the species were captured, I
have thought it desirable to draw up a complete catalogue of
the collection with the localities where the species were taken.

Very little attention has been given to the Oxyura in
this country. The late A. H. Haliday and Francis Walker
recorded a few Scottish species, and a small number of species
have been noted from Scotland in more recent years. In
1873 the Rev. T. A. Marshall published “A Catalogue of
British Hymenoptera ; Oxyura” (Entomological Society of
London) in which 373 were recorded. As 142 species

32 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

of these were Walkerian species of Scelionzde, etc., the list,
so far as these are concerned, cannot be regarded as a critical
one. The following illustration will show how largely M.
Kieffer has increased our knowledge of these minute insects.
In Marshall’s catalogue are recorded 15 British species of
Anteon, mostly described by Walker; in the present list 47
species of that genus are recorded from Scotland.

Not much is known about the natural history of the
Bethylide and the Dryimime. Species of the former group
have been reared from Lepidopterous, Coleopterous, and
Dipterous larve, and some species have been taken in ants’
nests. The Dryimine, so far as we know, are parasites on
Homoptera (Typhlocyba, etc.). Aphelopus melaleucus has been
reared by Giard in France from 7yphlocyba hippocastani and
T. Douglast. The species in Scotland appear chiefly in June.
Many species of Oxyura may, however, be found in the
autumn in fungi.

In the following lists the species recorded in Marshall’s
catalogue are marked thus *.

BETHYLIDA.

By recent authors, following the example of Haliday, this group
is referred to the Aculeate division of the Hymenoptera.

BETHYLUS, Latr., sec. Kieffer.

1. mandtbularis, Kieffer, Clober.
*2. fulvicornis, Curtis., Bishopton.
*3, fuscicornis, Walker, sec. Kief., Tollcross, Claddich, Loch Awe,
Mull. ‘This species has been taken in the Sierra Nevada,
Spain, by Dr. D. Sharp, F.R.S.

PROCTOTRYPID.
DRYININA.

ANTEON, Jurine.

. Cameroni, Kief., Thornhill.

. fusciformis, K., Dumfries.

. flavicornis, K., Dalry, Ayrshire, Sutherlandshire.

. procericornis, K., Mugdock, Eccles, Dumfriesshire, Bonar
Bridge, Sutherlandshire.

. vitellineipes, K., Clydesdale.

. melanocera, K., Mugdock.

WN &

Nun

=i
OO Oxi

11.
12%
iggy
14.
Ea

16.

7.
18.

19.
20.

21.
22.

22.
24.
25.
26.

27.

28.
29.
30.

Bi.

32.

33;

ON THE SCOTTISH SPECIES OF OXYURA 33

. Ayalinipennis, K., Carribber Glen, Manuel, Dalry.
. imberbis, K., Rannoch.

. aivisus, K., Mugdock, Dumfries.

. flavinervis, K., Dumfries.

nigricornis, K., Eccles.
filicornis, K., Sutherlandshire.
adivisus, K., Clober Moor.
nigroclavatus, K., Cadder, Kilsyth, Mull.
vulgaris, K., Kenmuir on the Clyde, Cadder, Dumfries,

Sutherlandshire, Glen Lyon, Mull.

var. frivialis, K., Claddich.

brevicollis, K., ‘Thornhill, Cadder, Bonar Bridge.
parvicollis, K., Cadder.
xanthostigma, K., Dumfries.
scoticus, K., Sutherlandshire.
curvatus, K., Bonar Bridge.
trivialts, K., var. flaviscapus, K., Claddich.
aqualis, K., Glen Lyon.
pyrenaicus, K., Clober, Bonar Bridge.
integer, K., Cadder, Mugdock, Bonar Bridge.
indivisus, K., Bishopton, Thornhill, Dumfries.
crenulatus, K., Bonar Bridge.
minutellus, K., Kenmuir, Dumfries.
vicinus, K., Manuel, Dumfries.
arcuatus, K., Eccles, Thornhill.
fiavitarsis, 1., Clober.
subapterus, K., Aviemore (Champion).
Juscoclavatus, K., Kenmuir, Cadder, Thornhill.
rectus, K., Cadder, Possil Marsh, Bishopton, Dumfries, Bonar

Bridge.

. aeclivis, K., Clober Moor.

. triareolatus, K., Bonar Bridge.

. pallidicornis, K., Clober.

. gracilicollis, K., Possil Marsh.

. fractinervis, K., Clober.

. curvinervis, K., Bonar Bridge.

. azorus, Walker, Clydesdale.

. divisus, K., Dumfries, Mugdock.
. parviulus, K., Dumfries.

. triangularis, K., Bonar Bridge.
. tndtvisus, K., Thornhill, Dumfries.
. neglectus, K., Clydesdale.

. nttidus, K., Clydesdale.

. pallidinervis, K., Mugdock.

LaBEo, Hal.

. excisus, Westw., Bishopton.

61 D

34 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

APHELOPUuS, Dal.

*1, melaleucus, Dal. Type form; Cadder, Clober, Kenmuir, Dum-
fries, Bonar Bridge; var. atratus, Dal., Dumfries, Bonar
Bridge ; var. migriceps, K., Claddich, Dumfries, Cadder ;
var. carinatus, K., Cadder.

I have taken <Avteon succineipes, K, near Gloucester, and A.
nitidus, K. in Dunham Park, Cheshire.

(Zo be continued.)
NEw MILLS, BY STOCKPORT.

SOME) SCOPMSHUXODI DAS (TICKS),
By Wiuiiam Evans, F.R.S.E.

HAVING recently had occasion to pay a little attention to
the parasitic Acarina known as Ticks, occurring in Scotland,
it may interest some of the readers of the “ Annals” to learn
what species I have so far found. I therefore subjoin the
short list. Dates and other facts bearing on the life-history
of the species are purposely given in some detail. Several
other species are recorded from England, and one or two of
them may be expected to occur north of the Border. Ticks
are not prepossessing creatures, but they are deeply interest-
ing all the same, and their intimate connection with certain
diseases in domestic animals has brought them into promi-
nence. During recent years they have been the subject of a
number of important papers, including the valuable series by
Prof. G. Neumann of Toulouse, published in the “ Memoires
de la Société Zoologique de France,” 1896-1902, under the
title’ “Revision de la famille: des Ikxodidés and! wns the
“ Archives de Parasitologie,” 1902-1906, in the form of
‘Notes sur les [xodidés.’ Attention may also be directed
to Salmon and Stiles’ treatise on ‘The Cattle Ticks of the
United States, in the 17th “Annual Report of the Bureau
of Animal Industry,” for 1900, and to E. G. Wheler’s useful
paper on ‘British Ticks,’ in the “Journal of Agricultural
Science,” 1906.

My best thanks are due to Prof. Neumann, who has
kindly examined specimens of each species, and confirmed

SOME SCOTTISH IXODID4: (TICKS) 35.

)

my identifications. To Dr. J. H. Ashworth I am indebted
for a sight of some of the foreign literature.

[xodes ricinus (1...) '—Locally common on cattle, sheep, and deer.
In the immediate neighbourhood of Edinburgh it appears to be
scarce at the present time. Shepherds and others to whom I have
spoken about it, say they seldom see it except on animals that have
recently been brought from other parts of the country. A case in
point occurred in October 1905, when several were found at a dairy
in the vicinity on a newly bought in cow. On 21st September
1906, I observed numbers on cows grazing on a moor south of
Callander. They were mostly affixed to the udders and adjacent
parts of the legs of the animals. Of four good-sized females (length
6 to 7 mm.) secured for examination, it was found that three had
the much smaller male (length just over 2 mm.) attached to the
ventral surface as figured by Wheler. We have here a date for the
coming together of the sexes, a point on which Wheler is silent.
In August 1906 several nymphs were got on the head of a Red
Deer from Argyllshire. In April 1894, near Oban, I found a large
replete female under a stone in a slight recess at the base of a rock,
where sheep were in the habit of sheltering; and in April 1902
another—this time a “ fasting” one—under a stone near Aberfoyle.
On roth September 1905 an adult male was found on the under-
side of a piece of bark lying on the ground at the top of Finlarig
Wood near Killin. Mr. A. E. Shipley has shown me a few larvee
and nymphs taken from a Red Grouse last summer. In the North
of England, according to Wheler, this species is known as the
“ Grass-tick.”

Ixodes hexagonus, Leach.—This species is attached chiefly to:
Carnivores. ‘Two forms occur, the type and the variety zzchoatus,
Neumann. Of the former, I have a distended female which I took
off a Polecat (AZustela putorius) killed in Ross-shire towards the end
of January 1906, and half a dozen larve from a hedgehog (Z7znaceus
europeus) captured near Edinburgh in June.

The variety, or subspecies, /. 2. zzchoatus is a common pest on
dogs in many parts of the country, and well deserves the name of
‘“‘ dog-tick.” Shepherds’ dogs, especially young collies, on the
Pentlands and Moorfoot districts are much infested with it, and I
have had no difficulty in obtaining any number of specimens.
Sporting-dogs, by being better attended to, are freer from them. So
far as I have seen, the parts of the host usually selected for attach-
ment are the neck, fore part of the back, and down the sides behind
the fore-legs. The following records are given chiefly for the sake
of the dates :—April 1905, one (@) on retriever, Dalkeith ; 3rd

1 This name is now used in preference to 7. reduvius.

36 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

March 1906, several nymphs and half a dozen females, not much
distended, from collie, Crosswood, Pentland Hills; roth March,
two females, considerably distended, from young collie, Swanston ;
September 1905 and September 1906, nymphs (a few) and females,
in various stages of distention, common on young collies at Bavelaw.
The male I have not yet met with; it should be looked for in the
kennels or houses in which the dogs are kept, for apparently it is
not its habit to seek the female on the host or to accompany her
thither. The fasting periods of this tick are no doubt spent in
chinks and other places of concealment about the homes of its
hosts. I expect male ticks feed little, if at all, after reaching
maturity. In 1849 Dr. G. Johnston of Berwick gave to the dog-
tick of the Eastern Borders the name Lxodes canisuga (“ Proc. Berw.
Nat. Club,” vol. ii. p. 371), a fact which has been overlooked by
subsequent writers; but his description is, I daresay, scarcely pre-
cise enough to warrant the adoption of this name for the subspecies.

Ixodes tenutrostris, Neum.—The only example of this species I
have seen is a fully distended nymph, which I found crawling on
a Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius, var. ater) from Drumlithie,
Kincardineshire, 30th October 1905. I[ am not aware of any
previous record for Scotland. In England it has been taken from
the Field Vole and the Bank Vole.

Ixodes putus (Cambr.)=Z. borealis, Kram. and Neum.—In the
“Annals” for April 1906 (p. 85) I recorded and figured this tick
from St. Kilda, specimens (adult females and nymphs) having been
handed to me by Mr. James Waterston, who collected them there
in the summer of 1905, from Puffins and Fulmars, and on the
ledges frequented by these birds. Almost simultaneously it was
recorded from the Hebrides by Mr. Wheler (“ British Ticks,” in
“Journ. Agric! ‘Sci.’ :p..416)). “Sincega. recorded the st. Kalda
specimens, the Rev. O. P. Cambridge has submitted a type of
his Kerguelen tick to Prof. Neumann, who informs me it is a
nymph, and confirms him in his former determination that the
southern and northern forms are of the same species. I do not
think it necessary to use the subgeneric name Ceratzxodes, and
Neumann himself drops it in his letters to me.

Ixodes sp.?—A tick which I have been unable to identify with
any described species, and of which I have sent specimens to Prof.
Neumann for his opinion, occurs on Cormorants (Phalacrocorax
carbo) frequenting the Firth of Forth. On the head of a dead
immature Cormorant got on the beach near North Berwick in
October last, I found the remains of several examples, and from
the heads of two of these birds, shot in the same locality on 17th
November and kindly sent to me by Mr.. W. Ingles, a score of
living larvee, nymphs, and adult females (the largest 8 mm. in
length) were obtained. The back of the bird’s head seems to

SOME SCOTTISH IXODIDA: (TICKS) a7

be the part usually selected for attachment. The adult examples
were of a pale bluish grey colour, but all have become reddish
after being a week or two in spirits.

Since the above was put in type, I have received a note from
Prof. Neumann saying my Cormorant tick appears to him to be a new
species, that which it comes nearest being Zx. ewdyptidis, Mask. It
will be described soon.

EDINBURGH.

AGEN PLANES:
By JAMES FRASER.

DURING the year 1906 the following “alien” or “intro-
duced” plants were observed by Mr. James M‘Andrew and
myself, a few of them not in the immediate vicinity of
Edinburgh, whence the change of title from that of my
previous lists which appeared in the “ Annals of Scot. Nat.
Hist.” for April 1904, 1905, and 1906.

In this list the locality is mentioned by name instead of
by a number ; and, as before, the relative abundance of each
species in its locality is represented by the Greek letters
thus :—a=once found ; 8 =twice or thrice, but rare; y=
neither rare nor frequent ; 6= frequent ; e = abundant.

Under each Natural Order the names of the species are
arranged alphabetically, and those not previously found in
Britain are distinguished by a star zz front of the name.

RANUNCULACE:.

Adonis autumnalis, Z. Leith, a.

Delphinium Ajacis, Z. Leith, a.
*D. hybridum, S7efz. Leith, pf.
*T); pubescens, DC. Leith, a.

Eranthis hyemalis, Sa/sb. Monimail, Fife, y.
Ranunculus trilobus, Desf Leith and Slateford, 6.

PAPAVERACEA.

Glaucium corniculatum, Curt. var. rubrum. Leith, y.

FUMARIACE.

Fumaria Boreei, Jord. Leith, P.
F. densiflora, DC. Leith, y.
F. officinalis, Z. Leith, «.

38 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

CRUCIFERA:.

Arabis albida, Stev. Slateford, /3.

Alyssum incanum, Z. var. viride, Zausch. Leith, a.
Brassica dissecta, Bozss. Leith, a.

Carrichtera Vella, DC. Leith and Slateford, a.
Conringia austriaca, Sweet. Slateford, a.

Iberis amara, Z. Leith, a.

Lepidium incisum, Roth. Leith, £.

Hesperis laciniata, A//. Leith, a.

CARYOPHYLEE AS,

Gypsophila paniculata, Z. Leith, a.

Holosteum umbellatum, Z. Leith, a.

Saponaria officinalis, Z. Inverkeithing, Fife, 6.

Silene Armeria, Z. Leith, 6:

Ss) conlca, 72. slveitn eG:

S. Muscipula, Z. Leith and Slateford, 6.

S) tubellayeZ,, @ilerths 6.

S. gallica, vay. anglica, Z. Leith, y.

S. gallica, var. quinquevulnera, Z. Leith, y.
*Vieleviamnigida;e2. leith; “a.

PORTULACEA

*Claytonia virginica, Z. Near Aberdour, Fife, p.

MALVACE.

Lavatera punctata, 4//. Leith, B.
Malva borealis, Wad/m. Leith, f.
M. moschata, Z, Morningside, Edinburgh, a.

LINE.

Linum angustifolium, Hads. Leith, a.

GERANIACE.

*Geranium reflexum, Z Ratho, 6.
G. pusillum, Burm. f. Slateford, f.
Limnanthes Douglasu, A.47. Leith, a.
Oxalis corniculata, Z. Slateford, y.

AMPELIDE.
Vitis vinifera, Z. Slateford, .

ALIEN PLANTS 39

LEGUMINOS,

*Astragalus sesameus, Z. Leith and Slateford, y.
Galega officinalis, Z. Leith, a.
Medicago disciformis, DC. Leith, P.
M. spheerocarpa, ert. Leith and Slateford, 6.
M. tornata, Wid/d. Leith, y.
M. turbinata, W7d/d. Leith, Pf.
*Melilotus infesta, Guss. Leith, y.
Onobrychis Caput-galli, Zam. Leith, a.
Ononis mitissima, Z. Leith, a.
Ornithopus perpusillus, Z. Leith, a.
*Trifolium hirtum, 4/7, Leith, a.
*T. involucratum, Ortega. Slateford, a.
*T’, mutabile, Portensch/. Leith, a.
jie migrescens, Vz; Leith, a.
*T. purpureum, Zozs. Leith, £.
T. subterraneum, Z. Esk Mouth, a.
T. suffocatum, Z. Leith, y.
Trigonella arabica, DeZ. Leith and Slateford, fp.
T. besseriana, Sev. Leith, £.
*T. crassipes, Bozss. Leith, «a.
T. gladiata, Svev. Leith, .
ai Jacmiata, 7. Meith, a.
Vicia pannonica, Crvan¢z. Leith and Slateford, /.

SAXIFRAGE#:,
Saxifraga tridactylites, Z. Elie, Fife, y.

CRASSULACE:.
Sedum album, Z. vay. micranthum, Zast Blackford Hill, «.
S. Telephium, Z. var. Fabaria, H C. Wats. Morenish, Perth-
shire, «.
ONAGRARIEA.

(Enothera purpurea, Curt. Leith, PB.
O. tenella, Cav. Slateford, f.

CUCURBITACEA,
*Ecballium Elaterium, 4. Ach. Gorgie, a.

UMBELLIFER.

Archangelica officinalis, Hoff. Longniddry, «.
Astrantia major, Z. Carribber Glen, /.
Caucalis arvensis, Huds. Leith, f.

*Cherophyllum nodosum, Zam. Leith, a.
Scandix australis, Z. Slateford, y.

40 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

CAPRIFOLIACEA.
Sambucus Ebulus, Z. Inverkeithing, Fife, «.

RUBIACE.
*Crucianella angustifolia, Z. Leith, f.

VALERIANEA.

*Fedia Cornucopie, Gertn. Leith, B
Valerianella eriocarpa, Desy. Leith and Slateford, f.
V. rimosa, Bast. Leith, £.

DIPSACE.
Scabiosa maritima, Z. Leith, £.

COMPOSIT.

Achillea nobilis, Z. Slateford, a.
Anthemis mixta, Z. Slateford, y. :
Arctium tomentosum, Zam. Slateford, y.

* Artemisia longifolia, Vw¢¢. Leith, a.

*A. sericea, Weber. Leith, y.
Carduus nigrescens, V7//, Slateford, f ?.
Centaurea solstitialis, Z. var. Adami, WV. Leith, a.
Lactuca Scariola, Z. Leith, a.

*Lasthenia glabrata, Zzzd/7. Slateford, [.
Onopordon illyricum, Z. Slateford, (3 ?.
O. tauricum, W7//d. Leith and Slateford, y.
Picris (Helminthia) echioides, Z. Leith and Slateford, £.
Solidago lanceolata, Z. Craigmillar Quarry, /.
Xanthium strumarium, Z. Leith, y.
Xeranthemum annuum, Z. Leith, a.

CAMPANULACE,
Specularia pentagonia, 4. DC. Leith, f.

POLEMONIACE.
Gilia capitata, Szms. Slateford, f.

BORAGINE.

Alkanna lutea, 4.DC. Leith, a.

Amsinckia angustifolia, Zehm. Leith, £.

Anchusa undulata, Z. Leith, a.

Echium violaceum, Z. Leith, a.

Lithospermum arvense, Z. vay. medium [Cheyv.]. Slateford, 6.
*Nonnea alba, DC. Leith, a.

ALIEN PLANTS 41

CONVOLVULACE.

*Convolvulus altheoides, Z. Leith, f.

SOLANACE.

Lycium chinense, JZ. Elie and Inverkeithing, Fife, y:
Physalis Alkekengi, Z. Leith, 8 (seedlings).
Solanum villosum, Zam. Leith, a ?.

SCROPHULARINEZ.

Mimulus Langsdorfii, Donn. var. guttatus, DC. Near Gore-
bridge, e.

Veronica acinifolia, Z. Slateford, y.

V. triphyllos, Z. Slateford, 6.

LABIAT/A.

*Lallemantia iberica, /isch. and Mey. Slateford, y.
Lamium maculatum, vay. levigatum, Z. Gilmerton, 6
Mentha alopecuroides, Hw//. Near Killin, 6.
Origanum vulgare, var. virens, G. and G. (non Hoffm.). Railway
Bank, Trinity, y.
Stachys arvensis, Z. Rosyth, Fife, y.
Salvia P Werth; a.

AMARANTHACE~.
Amaranthus Blitum, Z. Leith, a.

*A. spinosus, Z. Leith, y.
POLYGONACE.

Rumex alpinus, Z. Lawers, Perthshire, y.

EUPHORBIACE/:.
*Euphorbia falcata, Z. Slateford, f.
*K. taurinensis, 4//, Slateford, /.
Ricinus communis, Z. Leith, 6 (seedlings).
HY DROCHARIDE-.
Stratiotes aloides, Z. Blackhall Pond, y.

LILIACE.

Ornithogalum umbellatum, Z. Near Kirkliston, y.

42 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

GRAMINE.

* Agrostis elegans, Zhore. Leith, a.
Apera intermedia, Hacke/. Leith, a.
Bromus commutatus, Schrader. Leith and Slateford, y.
B. commutatus var. pubescens. Leith, a.
B. erectus, “Yds. var. villosus, Bab. Leith, a.
*B. divaricatus, AAode. Leith and Slateford, 6.
B. madritensis, Z. var. rigidus, Roth. Slateford, fp.
B. secalinus, Z. var. velutinus (Schrad.). Kinghorn, Fife, a;
Leith, (3.
Cynodon Dactylon, Pers. Leith, f.
Keeleria phleoides, Fess. forma. Leith, a.
Panicum glabrum, Gawd. Leith, y.
Phalaris brachystachys, Zzzk. Near Joppa, a ?.
P. intermedia, Bosc. Leith, a.
*P. tuberosa, Z. Slateford, a.
*Poa, persica, 77m. ~ Leith, a:
Triticum cylindricum, Ces. var. ——? Leith and Slateford, y.

I have once more to express my gratitude to Professor Hackel
for his kindness in again identifying several of the grasses—/oa
persica, Trin., Keleria phleoides, Pers., and Phalaris intermedia,
Bosc.—and to A. O. Hume, Esq., C.B., F.L.S., for much valuable
direct and indirect assistance in determining and verifying a number
of others. I have also to record my indebtedness to A. B. Jackson,
Esq., who was the first to find Apera intermedia, Hackel, in Britain
(Leicestershire) about two years ago, and who very kindly verified
my specimen of that plant by comparing it with his one.

LEITH, December 1906.

WEST HIGHLAND MOSSES AND PROBLEMS
THEY SUGGES.

By James Stirton, M.D., F.L.S.

LAST year, during the months of July and August and part
of September, at Arisaig on the West Coast, several important
mosses were found, and the distribution of others of scarcely
less significance showed peculiarities of an almost unique
character.

The most important is the beautiful and remarkable
Myurium Hebridarum (Sch.)—remarkable as regards its
area of growth and spread. It was found about 5 miles

WEST HIGHLAND MOSSES AND PROBLEMS THEY SUGGEST 43

south-west of Arisaig in a station of very restricted area,
close to the sea, its usual habitat. This is the second station
for the moss on the mainland of Scotland. The first was
discovered some years ago by Dr. Macvicar at a station
similarly situated to the present one, and only several miles
to the east of it. These are the only known stations
diverging a little from the main line of growth. There is
possibly another near Loch Coruisk in Skye, although the
rock formation there would seem to favour this slighter lateral
extension. As is now well known, its area is confined to
the ridge in the sea extending from the Faroe Islands down
to St. Helena. I have the moss from the Butt of Lewis
down the whole chain of islands of the Outer Hebrides to
Barra, where, in places, it grows very luxuriantly. I have it
also from the Azores, and it has been reported from the
Canaries and St. Helena, but from nowhere else in the
world. Now the plant has never been found in fruit, and
the only other means of spread, apart from the natural
extension of the tufts, is through buds, which are only very
occasionally seen, extruding a little beyond the general
surface of the compact masses; but these, from their size,
can only be carried short distances by winds, and even then
it is more than doubtful whether they can serve for purposes
of propagation, inasmuch as no radicles have ever been seen
on them. KRadicles are necessary for the development of
buds, and such are abundantly supplied to the detached buds
in the species of the genus Campylopus, which never fruit—
a genus well represented in these same islands.

In my opinion all this argues strongly in favour of a
continued land-surface, such as has been indicated as the
continent of Atlantis.

The question of the length of time necessary for so great
extensions in range as are implied in such slow growths and
spread opens up a wide field for speculation—a speculation
of rather an alluring nature in these days of sweeping
generalisations.

The next moss in importance is Hedwzgtdium tmberbe
(Sm.), inasmuch as the present station is the second for
Scotland, and not more than eight such are known through-
out the world. This moss was discovered within restricted

44 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

and well-defined limits, on a mountain 2 miles east of
Arisaig—-a nameless mountain of an elevation of not more
than 1500 feet. Bartholomew’s map on a scale of 2 miles
to the inch scarcely, or at least doubtfully, indicates it. I
applied for information to several of the older inhabitants
without eliciting anything definite as to its name. At length
the Rev. J. Chisholm, of St. Mary’s, Arisaig, a good Gaelic
scholar, promised to investigate the matter. In a day or
two a card was handed in, on which were written two words,
“Sithean Mor.” The next step was their pronunciation.
An appeal to the Rev. D. M‘Lean resulted in words as near
the pronunciation as possible, “ Shean Mor,” with the addition
by way of translation, “ The larger height of the Fairies.”

The moss second in the order of discovery is Dzcranum
Fergussont. In this instance the specimens show a greater
degree of development than those of any other known locality.
The more typical show serratures on the upper half of the
margin of the leaf, sharply defined, as well as prominent
pellucid serratures on the back of the nerve, at times as high
as .oo8 mm. The red tomentum is also, in two instances,
as well marked as in D. Miihlenbeckii (Sch.), a moss not
hitherto detected in Britain; indeed the whole stems, from
base to apex, are shrouded in these felt-like masses. The
areolation is besides different from that of D. Scottzanum,
inasmuch as the upper cells are oval and much larger, viz.
.O12-.018 by .007-.01 mm. Rather abundant throughout
the district, but barren. This moss is clearly in process of
evolution and differentiation from D. ScottZanum, and accord-
ingly ought to be closely observed.

I have now four stations for this moss; but the speci-
mens from Arisaig show a much greater divergence from the
original type than those of any of the others. All this implies
that I have no belief in the fixity of species ; I mean, of course,
in the sense that all freaks and variations on the part of nature
quickly revert to the unalterable type, and that there can be
no departures from that type such as may lead ultimately
to diverse types in the course of time and amid changes
of surroundings, etc. All such changes are much more
frequently seen in plants of simpler organisations, and
especially in genera which propagate, for much the greater

WEST HIGHLAND MOSSES AND PROBLEMS THEY SUGGEST 45

part, by other means than spores properly so called. Long
observations, extending back for nearly forty years, have
only served to strengthen this belief. At any rate, such
a condition of mind has this advantage, that it often gives an
increased spur to research. I am glad to observe that other
botanists are acting under the same conviction, even if they
do not openly profess it.

Lastly, there is certainly a much greater distinction
between this moss and D. Scottianum than between Campy-
lopus setifolius and C. Shawiz.

AODIMLONS FOR roo6’ TO (CENSUS OF
SCOURS: HEPA TIGA:

By Symers M. Macvicar.

SINCE the “ Additions” were published in the “ Annals,”
1905, p. 108, the Moss Exchange Club has issued a “ Census
Catalogue of British Hepatics,” in which is incorporated all
the Scottish records of which I have examined specimens
up to nearly the close of 1905. The records for Scotland,
additional to those in the “ Annals,’ amounted to 140. These
included two species new to the Scottish flora, Azcca
crystallina and Prionolobus Massalongi. The former was
discovered by Mr. M‘Andrew, and almost simultaneously
by Mr. W. Evans, in reservoirs on the Pentland Hills. A
few days later it was also found in Fife by Mr. Aimer.
The old records for this species in Scotland must be referred
to R. glauca and R. sorocarpa. The Prionolobus was found
by the late John Sim in Kincardineshire in 187(7 ?).

The present paper contains 125 records of specimens
examined, most of them having been found in 1906. They
include three additions to the Scottish flora, Lophozta badenszs
(Gottsche) Schffn. Prionolobus striatulus (C. Jens.) Schffn.,
and Cephaloziella Limprichtii Warnst. The Lophozza has
been a much confused species. I found it in my herbarium,
under the name ZL. turbinata, from four localities in Scotland,
the earliest specimen having been gathered on Mochra Hill,
Ayrshire, by Mr. P. Ewing, in January 1883. The distinctive

46 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

characters of L. dadensis and L. turbinata will be found in
Lindb. and Arnell’s IZusc. Asiae bor. p. 46. The Prionolobus
was found by the writer among Sphagnum on Lousie Wood
Law, Elvanfoot; it is an addition to the Britannic flora.
This species is described and figured by C. Jensen in Revue
Bryologique, 1904, p. 25. The Cephaloziella is closely allied
to Ceph. myriantha. The locality where it was found is at
the side of a footpath on Kirkton farm at the base of Tinto.
A translation of the original description of the species will
be found in /ourn. Bot, 1905, p. 186. Other interesting
species given below are Axthelia julacea and Hygrobtella
laxifolia from Ayrshire, Gymnomitrium adustum and Hygrob,
laxifolia from Lanarkshire, Pallavicinta Flotowtana and
Madotheca Thuja from Haddingtonshire, Lophozia atlantica
from Arran, Sphenolobus Pearsoni from Mull, and Anastrepta
orcadensis from its original locality, Ward Hill, Hoy, Orkney,
where it was discovered by Hooker in 1808.

72. DUMERIES.

Cephaloziella byssacea, AZzss K. B. Macvicar.

75. AMR:

(C. Scott.)
Lophozia Miulleri. Ptilidium ciliare.
Hygrobiella laxifolia. Trichocolea tomentella.
Bazzania tricrenata. Scapania irrigua.

Lophozia badensis, P. Lwing.
Anthelia julacea, G. West.

76. RENFREW.
Riccia Lescuriana, P. Lwing. Lophozia excisa, S. AZ, Macvicar.

77. LANARK.
(S. AZ. Macvicar.)

Aneura latifrons. A. pumila.
Metzgeria conjugata. Lophozia Miilleri, va~. bantriensis.
Pellia Neesiana. L. excisa, vav, Limprichtii.
Gymnomitrium adustum, vav. L. barbata.

olivacea. Cephalozia connivens.
Marsupella emarginata. C. leucantha.
Nardia hyalina. Hygrobiella laxifolia.

Aplozia crenulata. Prionolobus striatulus.

ADDITIONS FOR 1906 TO CENSUS OF SCOTTISH HEPATIC 47

Cephaloziella Limprichtii. Blepharostoma trichophyllum.
Odontoschisma Sphagni. Scapania compacta.

Kantia Sprengelii. S. subalpina.

Kantia arguta. S. irrigua.

78. PEEBLEs.
(W. Evans.)

Riccia glauca. Fossombronia Wondraczeku.
R. sorocarpa. Cephaloziella bifida.
(S. MZ, Macvicar.)
Aneura multifida. Cephaloziella byssacea.
Nardia obovata. Kantia arguta.
Lophozia bicrenata. Scapania compacta.
L. excisa. S. nemorosa.
L. quinquedentata. S. irrigua.
L. barbata. S. curta.
Sphenolobus exsecteeformis. Lophozia incisa.

Cephalozia leucantha.
82. HADDINGTON.

(J. M‘Andrew.)

Pallavicinia Flotowiana. Lophozia gracilis.
Lophozia Milleri, vav.bantriensis. | Chiloscyphus pallescens.
L. bicrenata. Cephaloziella bifida.

L. quinquedentata. Madotheca Thuja.

83. EDINBURGH.
Riccia glauca
Reneseanana t W. Evans. Lophozia badensis, 7. A/‘Andrew.
84. LINLITHGOW.

(/. M‘Andrew.)

Aneura latifrons. Lophozia bicrenata.
Marsupella emarginata. Ptilidium ciliare.
Aplozia pumila. Scapania undulata.

(W. Evans.)

Lophozia Floerkii, vay, Baueriana, Scapania nemorosa.
Soa IEE:

Lophozia badensis ieee!
Cephalozie]la myriantha j WW. Evans.

Scapania nemorosa, /. A/‘Andrew.

86. STIRLING.
\ J. M‘ Andrew.

Sphenolobus minutus
Lepidozia trichoclados

48 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

95. ELcIn.
Lophozia Milleri, 4. Croald.

96. EASTERNESS.
(Miss K. B. Macvicar.)
Nardia obovata. Chiloscyphus polyanthos.
Aplozia riparia. Madotheca rivularis.
A. pumila.
98. ARGYLL.

Marsal erythrorhiza l i So ee
M. Jorgensenil i)

99. DUMBARTON.
(S. Af, Macvicar.)

Marsupella Pearsoni. Lepidozia Pearsoni.
Cephaloziella byssacea. Microlejeunea ulicina.
Odontoschisma denudatum, waz.

elongatum.

100. CLYDE ISLES.

Lophozia atlantica ) Rea gy pe
. M. Macvicar.

Cephaloziella byssacea {

103. Mip EBUDEs.
(D. Kennedy.)

Marsupella Pearsoni. Hygrobiella laxifolia.
M. aquatica. Lepidozia Pearsoni.
Aplozia crenulata. L. trichoclados.
Sphenolobus Pearsoni. Anthelia julacea.
Anastrepta orcadensis. Radula aquilegia.

Cephalozia leucantha,
106. East Ross.

Eremonotus myriocarpus
Cephaloziella byssacea \ Lo WBS
Lophozia badensis, AZ7ss K. B. Macvicar.

III. ORKNEY.

(PD. Lillie.)
Metzgeria furcata. Lophocolea cuspidata.
M. conjugata. Kremonotus myriocarpus.
Gymnomitrium crenulatum. Cephaloziella myriantha.
Marsupella aquatica. Bazzania triangularis.
Lophozia quinquedentata. Lepidozia reptans.
Anastrepta orcadensis. L. Pearsoni.

Plagiochila spinulosa. Radula Lindbergii.

ADDITIONS FOR 1906 TO CENSUS OF SCOTTISH HEPATICA 49

112. SHETLAND.
Cephaloziella bifida ) ;
Lejeunea cavifolia J. Sim.
Marsupella Pearsoni W. Hl. Beeby.
Nardia compressa

Sphenolobus exsectzeformis ) |. . Bh
Scapania compacta f Fair Isle. rss AZ. Skene.

INVERMOIDART, ACHARACLE, ARGYLLSHIRE.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

Lesser Shrew on Ailsa Craig.—For some time a Shrew has
been known to inhabit Ailsa Craig, but the species had not been
determined, though it was thought most probably to be the Lesser
Shrew (Sovex pygmaus). Through the kindness of Mr. Thomson,
the principal lightkeeper on Ailsa Craig, I have received a single
specimen, which turns out to be Sorex pygmaeus, as was expected.
This is the only specimen Mr. Thomson was able to catch, though
he has been trying for some time; and in his letter which came
with the specimen he says, ‘‘ These little animals seem to be dying
out here; at one time they used to be plentiful enough.”—-NoRMAN
B. Kinnear, Edinburgh.

Common Shrew at Dunnet Head.—The Common Shrew (Sorex
araneus) has already been recorded as common in Caithness, but
perhaps it is worth while mentioning that I trapped a single example
on Dunnet Hill last October. It is thus interesting to note that
while the Common Shrew is found in the very north of the mainland,
as Dunnet Hill is about one and a half miles off the most northerly
point, yet it does not extend across the Pentland Firth, the
Lesser Shrew (Sorex pygmaeus) being the only species of Shrew
known with certainty to occur in Orkney.—NorMAN B. KINNEAR,
Edinburgh.

Wild Cats in N.-W. Highlands and Skye.—My friend, Mr.
Osgood H. Mackenzie of Inverewe, Poolewe, West Ross-shire, writing
to me under date of 14th November 1906, says: ‘‘ My stalker has
trapped two half-sized Wild Cats, quite pure bred, we believe. They
were not injured. Wild Cats are on the increase here owing to no
trapping in forests.” —J. A. Harvie-Brown.

Bird Notes from Shetland.—At 10.15 p.m. on 14th September
I heard a considerable number of Terns calling, passing overhead,
and apparently going in a southerly direction ; and others were heard
again on the zoth calling overhead, to p.M., and also going south.

On 3rd and 4th October a Swallow was seen at Bressay.

On the 7th a Bullfinch, presumably belonging to the large

61 E

50 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

northern species (P. major), was seen at Lerwick ; and a large flock
of Bramblings, hundreds of them, appeared at Sound. And on the
oth between twenty and thirty Swallows were observed at Lerwick ;
also Blackbirds, Twites, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, and Redstarts.

A Nightjar was found dead floating in the harbour at Lerwick
on 20th October. It was badly damaged, having apparently come
in contact with some object during flight.

There was a rush of birds at Lerwick from the 5th to the roth
of October of a very unusual and extensive kind. It was not
confined to a small space, but extended from the north to the south
end of the town, the birds, judging from the sound, apparently
travelling from an easterly to a southerly or south-westerly direction.
I heard them passing overhead from 7.30 till after 10 P.M., and,
judging from the frequency of the calls, the birds must have been in
countless numbers. Unfortunately, owing to the darkness it was
impossible to see them, but I drew the attention of a number of
people to the migration. I was able to recognise the cali of the
Redwing.

The Bullfinch referred to on 7th October was apparently attracted
by the light, and came to a window of a house at the Hillhead,
Lerwick. The bird was captured alive and put in a cage, under the
impression that it had escaped. Another, a female, came to our dining-
room between g and 10 P.M. on 11th October. My sister (who saw
the Bullfinches last winter) heard it, and lifted up the blind and got
a good view of it sitting on the sill—Joun S. Tuttocn, Lerwick.

Bird Notes from North Shetland for 1906.—SNowy OwL
(Wyctea scandiaca).—One shot on 30th January. Sporrep FLy-
CATCHER (MMuscicapa grisola)—Two seen on roth April. <A rare
bird of passage in Unst. CRANE (Grus cinerea).—One seen on
16th May. Burron’s Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus)—One on
30th May. ‘The second I have seen during eight years of observa-
tion. BLUETHROAT (Cyanecula suecica)—One seen on 25th
September ; two on the following day. Great TirmousE (Larus
major).—One killed on 16th October ; came into the house through
an open window. Single birds also seen on the 17th and atst.
CoRNCRAKE (Cvex prazensis)—A male killed on 18th October.
NorRTHERN BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula mayjor)—Many seen on 4th
November.—T. EpMonston Saxey, Baltasound, Unst.

Albino Brambling in Fife.—On the 11th of December we saw
a most beautiful Albino Brambling (/7ingilla montifringilla). It
was sitting in the trees on Lahill Avenue, with a large flock of
ordinary Bramblings. It was pure white on the crown of the head,
tail, primaries, and scapulars, and whitish on the back and rump.
The breast was a pale plum colour shading off into white, and on
the sides of the head, nape, and secondaries there was some brown.
It flew and behaved in all ways as an ordinary Brambling, of which

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 51

we have an unusual amount this winter.—EvELYN V. BaxTER and
LEONORA JEFFREY RINTOUL, Colinsburgh, Fife.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Skerryvore Lighthouse.— A
Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus superciliosus) was captured on
the morning of the 21st September at 2.30 a.m. At 8 p.m. the
previous night a few Meadow Pipits made their appearance, gradu-
ally increasing in numbers till 10 p.M., when they were to be seen in
hundreds, resting on and flying about the lantern. At 11 P.M. one
young Ring Ouzel killed itself, that being the only one seen. One
Thrush was seen, also several White Wagtails ; and Redshanks and
Golden Plovers flying about most of the night. ‘Two Jack Snipe were
found dead at the foot of the Tower in the morning. ‘The wind was
S.E. all night, and had been blowing moderately from E. and S.E. for
three days previous. It was what might be called a lovely night,
wind light airs, horizon hazy, but overhead the stars were shining
fairly bright. The haze was just dense enough to make the beams
of light from the lantern very distinct. The Yellow-browed Warbler
struck against the glass at 2.30 A.M., and was picked up dead. No
other warblers were seen that night. Mr. Eagle Clarke has kindly
examined the specimen, and confirms my identification.—JAMES
Tomson, Skerryvore Lighthouse.

Migration of the Redbreasted Flyeateher (J/uscicapa parva).—
As showing the extent which a migratory movement often covers,
it may be of interest to record that on 20th September, the day on
which the Redbreasted Flycatchers were seen on Fair Island by Mr.
Eagle Clarke, as mentioned by him in his interesting note, p. 236,
one was shot in Norfolk, and on 18th September two more, which I
have examined and find to be young birds. At the same time
several Arctic Bluethroats were seen, another species also met with
by Mr. Clarke on this northern island, which seems so favoured by
migrants.—J. H. Gurney, Keswick, Norfolk.

[Another Redbreasted Flycatcher was obtained at Fair Isle
on 4th October.—W. E. C.]

Rose-coloured Pastors in Foula.—On the 28th of October five
or six rose-coloured Pastors (Pastor roseus) appeared in the garden
of the Congregational Manse at Foula, Shetland, one of them being
a fine adult male. A southerly wind prevailed at the time of their
visit—Wwn. Ropertson, The Manse, Foula.

[This bird has on several occasions visited Shetland, but never
before to our knowledge in the numbers indicated.—Ebs. |

Capercaillie in Midlothian.—My friend J. 5. Tait of Bavelaw
tells me that his keeper reported to him that two Capercaillie had
been seen in the woods there in the beginning of August. Mr.
Tait himself, in September, flushed the two birds, and saw them
quite clearly. Sir Thomas Gibson Carmichael writes that these two

52 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

have been also seen on his property. He says, in a letter to Mr.
Tait, that his keeper could have shot them several times, but knew
that Sir Thomas would not wish it. “He saw one this morning
quite close to him” (November 6, 1906). I know that the Caper-
caillie had appeared in Fife, but this appearance of the bird to the
south of the Forth is new to me. I believe that the two birds seen
were both males.—H. N. Bonar, Saltoun, Pencaitland.

(Mr. William Evans tells us he has six records of Capercaillies in
Midlothian, including one shot in Bavelaw fir-wood nearly twenty
years ago.—EDs. |

Capereaillie in Dumfriesshire.—A friend of mine who is
personally acquainted with the appearance of Capercaillie (Zetrao
urogallus) in Perthshire, when out shooting on the hills to the
N.N.W. of this county in November 1905, saw one cock and two
hen Capercaillie, just after a fall of snow. He tried to stalk them,
but they got up when out of shot, and flew off in a northerly direction.
This is I believe the furthest south that these birds have been
recorded—the previous most southerly point being Tarbolton Moss,
in Ayrshire, of which occurrence I informed you, on p. 116, No. 58,
of the “ Annals of Scot. Nat. Hist.”—Hucu S. GLapstoneg, Thorn-
hill, Dumfriesshire.

Caperceaillies in Moray.—lIt is interesting to record that Caper-
caillies (Zetrao urogallus) have now got up here, Elgin. Last year
there were certainly none; but in the beginning of October one of
my keepers said he had seen a hen on the Binn Hill. I said it
must have beena Grey Hen. Afterwards, when looking for Woodcock
on the hill, we saw two cocks and a hen. The Binn Hill is a
wooded hill about 400 feet high, facing the sea. It is covered with
trees, mostly Scotch fir, some larch and spruce. The different
portions vary from 20 feet to 4o feet in height. Between it and
the sea there is a waste of stones separating belts of Scotch firs
about 40 feet high, with heather, juniper, and bracken underneath ;
and this was where we saw the birds. Altogether, I should say,
there are between four and five hundred acres of wood. I have
made inquiries among the neighbouring keepers, and hear that in
the Gordon Castle woods there are now, they think, about thirty
Capercaillies, and these are believed to have arrived last year. Last
week a cock was killed at Pluscarden, on the other side of Elgin,
and there are two more ( ¢ and 9?) left—Jamrs Davipson, Elgin.

Grey-Lag Goose in Ayrshire.—A Grey-Lag Goose (Anser
cinereus), a young male, was shot near the Black Rocks, south of
Fairlie, on the evening of 13th November 1906, by Mr. Knox
Whyte. There was another bird in its company at the time. There
are a few old records of this species having been observed in the
Clyde Area, but the above appears to be the first specimen obtained.
—Rosert WILSON, Glasgow.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 53

Dotterel at the Flannan Islands.—In September last I received,
in the flesh, a specimen of the Dotterel (Zudromias morinellus), a
bird-of-the-year, from Eilean Mor, Flannan Isles. The occurrence
of this species in this remote locality is of considerable interest to
those who concern themselves with the migratory movements of
birds, for this species has not hitherto been detected in the Outer
Hebrides, of which the Flannans are far western outliers—Wwm.
EAGLE CLARKE.

Mortality among Guillemots and Razorbills.—Since the end
of July there has been one of the mysterious epidemics (?) running
its course amongst the Solway Guillemots, and, to a lesser extent,
amongst the Razorbills too. Old and young have been equally
affected, and many of the latter were mere chicks. All along the
tide mark from about Auchencairn eastwards defunct individuals
have been strewn in very large numbers, and up till mid-September
this fatality seems to have been continuous. Since then it hardly
appears to have been so bad. Such epidemics amongst these rock-
birds have occurred occasionally, one of the most fatal having taken
place in 1869. Some authorities attribute this widespread destruc-
tion of the birds to destitution following upon tempestuous weather ;
others to starvation owing to absence of their food over the banks
where they dive for it; while most seem to favour the disease theory.
It seems strange that no precise observations upon the cause of the
mortality seem to have been made. All the birds that I handled in
August and September, cast ashore as described, were extremely
emaciated, but in fine condition as to plumage. Their stomachs
were always empty. Some few I caught ashore in a helpless con-
dition. Many were noticed close inshore, within a stone’s throw of
the edge, and this was a most unusual place for these birds, in such
shallow water as our firth ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown.

Fulmar nesting at Dunnet Head.—From Mr. Harvie-Brown’s
note in the October number of the ‘‘ Annals” it might be supposed
that last year was the first time the Fulmar (4a/maruws glacialts) had
nested at Dunnet Head. That is not the case, as I was told by one
of the lightkeepers, Mr. H. Laidlaw, when there last October, that
the Fulmar had bred since 1900. At first there were only two
pairs nesting, but now they have increased to three colonies, with
from ten to twelve pairs in each.—NorMan B, Kinnear, Edinburgh.

Miiller’s Topknot eaptured in the Sound of Mull.—A specimen
of Miiller’s Topknot (Zeugopterus punctatus) was captured on 7th
September last in a wire fish trap on the coast of Morven in the
Sound of Mull, nearly opposite Tobermory. I believe it to be the
third specimen caught during the past fifteen years—one off Ardna-
murchan Coast at Kilchoan, and two off Drimnin shore.—A. BURN-
Murpocu, Edinburgh.

54 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Chrysops sepuleralis, /, Theriopleectes montanus, J7Zg., and
other Tabanidz at Aberfoyle (Forth).—On 30th June 1905, a
bright, warm summer day, Zaéanide were very plentiful ina meadow
near Aberfoyle. Flies were not the special object of my pursuit at
the time, but the “‘clegs” forced themselves on my notice, and I
captured a number. On examining them later I found three species
of Chrysops represented, namely, C. cacutiens, C. relicta, and half a
dozen specimens (? ?) of what I made out to be the rare C. sepzd-
cralts, ¥., a determination in which Mr. Verrall, to whom I sub-
mitted a specimen, concurred. Zherioplectes was represented by
T. solstitialis, and a darker species, an example (@) of which Mr.
Verrall returned to me with the name 7: monzanus, var. Of several
Tabanus sudeticus seen, one only allowed itself to be netted. Females
of the ubiquitous Hematopota pluvialis were, of course, abundant,
but only one male was got.—WiL11aAM Evans, Edinburgh.

Lepidoptera from West Ross-shire, ete.—The following is a
list of Butterflies and Moths taken by me this year at Swordale, and
which, according to Barrett’s ‘‘ British Lepidoptera,” have either
not been found so far north before, or in East Ross :—

Chrysophanus phiwas, L..; Canonympha pamphilus, L. ; Demas
corylt, ..; Pecilocampa populi, .; Trichiura crategi, L.; Cerura
furcula, L..; Notodonta dictea, L.; NV. ziczac, L. ; WN. dromedarius, L. ;
Pterostoma palpina, L.. ; Thyatira batts, L.; Asphalia flavicornis, L. ;
Acronycta rumicis, ..; Triphena janthina, Esp.; Noctua neglecta,
Hb.; Polia chi, L. ; Miselia oxyacanthe, L.; Miana strigilis, Clerck ;
Panolis piniperda, Panz.; Xanthia cerago, Schiff.; Plusca bractea,
Fab.; P. pulchrina, Haw.; Luclidia mit, Clerck; Hypena pro-
boscidalis, 1.; Rumia crategata, L.; Cabera pusaria, L. ;
exanthemaria, L.; Fidonia carbonaria, L. ; Numeria pulveraria, L. ;
Selenia illunaria, Hb.; Metrocampa margaritata, L.; Elopia
fasciaria, 1..; Biston betularius, L.; Phigalia pilosaria, Schiff;
Lomaspilis marginata, L.; Anticlea badiata, Schiff; A. deriwvata,
Schiff; Coremia multistrigaria, Haw.; Emmelesia alchemillata, L. ;
Cidaria psittacata, Schiff; C. miata, L.; C. corylata, Thnbg.; C.
suffumata, Schiff; C. stlaceata, Schiff; C. prunata, L.; C. fulvata,
Forst. ; Zhera firmata, Hb.; 7: variata, Schiff; ypstpetes ruberata,
Frr.; HZ. impluviata, Schiff; Oporabia dilutata, Schiff; Carsta im-
butata, Hb. ; Eubolia palumbaria, Schiff; Eupithecia lariciata, Frr.

At the end of September I found the following species at
Dornoch, Sutherland :—//atypteryx lacertinaria, L.; Hadena fist,
L.; and also obtained larvee of: Cidaria corylata, Thnbg. ; Cadera
exanthemaria, L. (2); Platypteryx lacertinaria, L. (1, off birch) ;
Cymatophhora duplaris, \..; Notodonta dromedarius, L.; Hadena
pist, L. (2); Rumia crategata, L.(2); Lomaspilis marginata, L. (a
few, very young); and Lupithecia lariciata, Frr. (from larch and
Scotch fir),—Dorotuy Jackson, Swordale, Evanton, Ross-shire.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 55

Cheerocampa eelerio, /., at Galashiels.—It may be of interest
to note that a fine specimen of the above species of Hawk-Moth
was taken in the town of Galashiels in the month of October this
year. ‘The species always appears to be uncertain and irregular in
its appearance, and in Scotland has only occurred in the Moray
area and the south, as stated in Barrett’s work, vol. 11. p. 55. The
present example found its way into the collection of the South of
Scotland Entomological Society, but through the good offices of the
Secretary, Mr. John Clapperton, it has been presented by them to
the Royal Scottish Museum.—Prrcy H. GrimsHaw, Edinburgh.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Carex muricata, Zzzv., in North Aberdeen.—Among plants
collected in the neighbourhood of Banff during the autumn of this
year (1906) by Mr. William G, Craib, a student in the University of
Aberdeen, were several local and scarce species. Among them was
an example of the above sedge, gathered in the parish of King
Edward. This is its first record for the vice-county of North
Aberdeen (92), though known from the neighbouring vice-counties.
It is very local and nowhere common in the north-east of Scotland.
—J. W. H. TRaIL.

The Disappearance of British Plants.—In the ‘ Journal of the
Royal Horticultural Society,”in December 1906, appeared an excellent
address on this subject (reproduced in great part in the ‘ Journal of
Botany,” 1906, pp. 414-422), well deserving to be read and thought
over. To those familiar with the flora of a town and its vicinity
the local disappearance of species is only too evident; yet Prof.
Boulger found himself unable to name a single species that had dis-
appeared wholly in recent times from the British Islands, while re-
calling the extinction of Calamagrostis neglecta, var. borealis, from its
single locality, a marsh near Loch Tay in Mid Perth, recorded by
Mr. Druce. ‘The editor of the “ Journal of Botany” adds Erythrea
/atifolia, no longer found on the Lancashire sandhills, its former sole
British habitat. Others are, if not extinct, perilously near that fate
in Britain, and stand in need of protection. Only a few are in
serious danger from the covetousness of botanists, the more serious
risks arising from industrial and urban operations, amusements such
as golf, and the collection of wild plants for sale by tradesmen.

Botanical Nomenclature.—The unavoidable difficulties in the
determination of the correct names of plants are sufficient in them-
selves to test the perseverance of the student, and to bring despair
to the less sanguine. When to these are added the more irritating
troubles caused by the diversity of names applied to the species,
and by the changes of names rendered so frequent by the researches

56 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

into priority within recent years, the effect is to repel too many from
the study of plant-life, and to rouse an earnest wish to have the
nomenclature at least relieved from the burden of uncertainty in its
use. Its aim is to aid research, not to leave obstacles in the way.
It is largely based on convention, and the most useful agreement
is that which codifies the methods and results shown by experience
to be of most value. A great advance in this direction was made
by the last International Botanical Congress, which met at Vienna.
Two volumes have been recently issued as a record of the meeting,
and in one of these is a statement of the code recommended for the
regulation of botanical nomenclature. The code is also issued
separately, and as an appendix to the November and December
numbers of the ‘Journal of Botany.” A list of generic names that
should, for good reasons, be retained, though not entitled to be so
by mere priority, will commend itself to many botanists.

Some Plants whieh spread from my Garden.—It may be of a
little interest to give a short account of some of the plants which
spread from the garden of this farm, Hillocks of Terpersie, in the
parish of Tullynessle, near Alford, in Aberdeenshire, at nearly goo
feet above the sea-level, on the south side of the Coreen Hills.

The Great Mullein ( Verdascum Thapsus) sometimes appears in the
fields, but rarely survives its first season, though in October of this
year I found a plant in flower on three-year-old lea, beside a decayed
stem of the last year’s growth. The Milk Thistle (AZarzana dactea)
and the Welted Thistle (Carduus crispus) also show themselves near
the garden, and even some distance from it, but they only occasion-
ally succeed in flowering. The Common Comfrey (Symphytum
officinale) appears near the steading, and the Bloody-veined Dock
(Rumex sanguineus) appears here and there in the fields, but seldom
reaches a height of 1} feet. Peppermint (AZentha piperita), Mar-
joram (Ovzganum vulgare), and Common Balm (AZelzssa_ officinalis)
extend only a little way from the garden. White Deadnettle
(Lamium album) and Spotted Deadnettle (Z. maculatum) also spread
from it, as do, among weeds of this genus, the Henbit Deadnettle
(LZ. amplexicaule), and Red Deadnettle (Z. purpureum). The
Leopard’s Bane (Doronicum Pardalianches) grows here and there on
the fields. ‘The Burdock (Arctium Lappa) occurs in the shelter of
the garden, and occasionally spreads on to the fields, and on gravel
a considerable distance down a stream. Good King Henry (Cheno-
podium Bonus- Henricus) extends beyond the garden, and the
Common Cowslip (Primula veris) has been met with by me on pasture
fields. I have also seen small plants of Meadow Rue (Zzalictrum),
Lark-spur (Delphinium), Columbine (Aguilegia), Monkshood (Acon?-
tum), Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis), Common Solomon’s
Seal (Polygonatum multyflorum, Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), species
of Adium and Crocus, outside the garden, either through seeds or

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 57

by young plants, but they rarely succeed. Still less successful are

Dielytra spectabilis, Atropa Belladonna, and Lythrum virgatum,

portions of which from the gardens when thrown on the top-dress-

ing heap are carried out to the fields, but soon die off. I have also

seen one or two small plants of J/orzna longifolia on the fields, but

whether from seed or outcast I have not been able to satisfy myself.
W. WILSON.

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural
History which have appeared during the Quarter—October-December 1906.

{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.

Hoopor IN ORKNEY. H. W. Robinson. Zhe Field, 24th
November 1906, p. 908.—Example picked up dead near the Loch
of Harray, near Stromness, on 16th November.

SPOTTED CRAKE IN Lewis. Arthur W. Rowlands. Ze Fiedd,
1oth November 1906, p. 822.—Specimen shot at Stornoway on
15th October.

LocH Broom SEA MownsrTer. Zoologist, October 1906, pp.
396-398.—Notes by Messrs. J. Murie and J. A. Harvie-Brown,
expressing the opinion that the monster in question was a Basking
Shark (Selache maxima).

A Mo.LuuscaN VISIT TO SOME OF THE INNER HEBRIDES
(IsLay, Cott, TiREE, AND Iona). By Rev. G. A. Frank Knight,
M.A., F:R:S.E. TZrans. Perthshire Soc. Nat. Sci., vol. iv., pt. tii.
1906, pp. 135-161.

EMPIS HYALIPENNIS, FLN., IN DUMBARTONSHIRE. J. R. Malloch.
Ent. Mo. Mag., November 1906, p. 257.—Four specimens taken
on 25th August in Murroch Glen, near Bonhill.

On Aa FEW TACHINIDA AND THEIR Hosts. By Claude Morley,
F.E.S. £ntomologist, December 1906, pp. 270-274. — Tachina
larvarum, L., reared from Galashiels specimens of Macrothylacia
rubi by Mr. Haggart.

POLIETES HIRTICRURA, MEADE. By James Waterston, £77.
Mo. Mag., December 1906, pp. 269-270.—The female (hitherto
unknown) described from a specimen taken in Glen Ashdale, near
Whiting Bay, Arran.

58 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

On THE BritisH Species OF PHora (Part I.). (Continued.)
By Dr. John H. Wood. xt. Mo. Mag., November and December
1906, pp. 262-266.—P. opaca and fennica recorded from Bonhill
(Malloch), and P. femorata from Nairn (Yerbury) and Bonhill
(Malloch).

PHORA CUBITALIS, BECK., A SPECIES NEW TO THE BriTISH LIST.
J. R. Malloch. nt. Mo. Mag., October 1906, p. 233.—Over
thirty specimens taken in July at Bonhill, Dumbartonshire.

PHORA SORDIDA, ZETT., IN DUMBARTONSHIRE. J. R. Malloch.
Ent. Mo. Mag., December 1906, p. 276.—Several specimens taken
near Bonhill on 22nd September.

COLEOPTERA IN INVERNESS-SHIRE. James E. Black. £7.
Record, December 1906, pp. 321-322.—Thirty-four species recorded
as taken at Newtonmore in the month of June.

Nore oN SCYDM&NID& AND PSELAPHIDA FROM THE NORTHUM-
BERLAND AND DurRHAM District. R. 5S. Bagnall. at. Record,
December 1906, p. 326.—This note also refers to a specimen of
Euplectus piceus taken in Glen Ashdale, Arran, in July.

CARIDA AFFINIS, PAYK., A BEETLE NEW To Britain. D. Sharp.
Ent. Mo. Mag., October 1906, p. 220.—Several specimens found
by Mr. C. G. Lamb and Col. Yerbury in Strathspey in July.

OTIORRHYNCHUS MORIO, F., Vv. EBENINUS, GYLL., IN SUTHER-
LAND. J. Kidson Taylor. Zt. Mo. Mag., December 1906, p.
272.—A single specimen taken near Lochinvar in June rgot.

ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES ON THE PAST SEASON. By Percy C.
Reid, F.E.S. Zz. Record, December 1906, pp. 301-302.—Four-
teen species of Lepidoptera recorded from Kinloch Rannoch, and
three other species recorded as taken in Scotland in October.

COLLECTIVE INQUIRY AS TO PROGRESSIVE MELANISM IN
LEPIDOPTERA. Summary of evidence prepared by L. Doncaster,
M.A. (continued). Zé. Record, 15th October 1906, pp. 248-254.
—Numerous Scottish forms are alluded to in this useful paper.

ACHERONTIA ATROPOS IN ROXBURGHSHIRE. B. Weddell.
Entomologist, November 1906, p. 261.—Specimen captured at
Newtown St. Boswells on 8th October.

ACULEATE HYMENOPTERA AT ST. FILLANS AND THE BRAES
OF BALOQUHIDDER, PERTHSHIRE. G. A. James Rothney. £77.
Mo. Mag., November 1906, p. 257.—A list of twenty-two species
given, taken between 5th July and 3rd August.

CRABRO CARBONARIUS, ETC., IN THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.
William Evans. Zt. Mo. Mag., October 1906, p. 232.—In this
note Scottish localities are given for the above species and also
C. aphidum, C. capitosus, and Andrena ruficrus.

CURRENT LITERATURE 59

TRLENODES REUTERI, M‘LACH., A SPECIES OF TRICHOPTERA
NEW TO BriTAIn. By K. J. Morton, F.E.S. Zt. Mo. Mag.,
December 1906, pp. 270-271.—Several specimens taken by Mr.
W. Evans on 7th July at the River Laggan (Forth) near Aberfoyle,
and again on the 14th of the same month by Messrs. Evans and
Morton.

A CATALOGUE OF LAND, FRESH-WATER, AND MARINE CRUS-
TACEA FOUND IN THE BASIN OF THE RIVER FORTH AND ITS
Estuary. By Thomas Scott, LL.D., F.L.S. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.
Edin., vol. xvi., No. 7, 1906. In this, the second part of the paper,
the Ostracoda, Copepoda, and Cirripedia are dealt with.

On NEw AnD Rare BritisH MITES OF THE FAMILY ORIBATID&.
C. Warburton and N. D. F. Pearce. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1905,
vol. 11. (published April 1906), pp. 564-569), pls. 19, 20.—Of the
eleven species recorded in this paper, seven are described as new
to science. The type of Nothrus crinitus, sp. nov., was taken at
Lochgelly, Fife, in May 1905, by W. Evans.

BOTANY.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BritTisH PLAaNts. By G.S. Boulger,
F.L.S. Journ. Bot., 1906, pp. 414-422.—This is a reprint of a
paper in the Journ. Roy. Hortic. Soc., December 1905.

MEETING OF THE SCOTTISH ALPINE BOTANICAL CLUB, 1905,
aT Kiuuin. By Alexander Cowan. TZvans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xxiii,
1906, pp. 165-167.—Cysopteris montana found on Meall nan
Tarmachan.

THE Extra-Tropica. TREES OF ARRAN. By Rev. David
Landsborough, LL.D. 7Z7ans. Bot. Soc. Edin. xxiii. 1906, pp.
136-157.—A very valuable contribution to the records of the growth
in the open air in Arran, and at Kinloch Hourn in West Inverness,
of many woody plants from warm climates, the dimensions being
given. A list is added of twenty-three species of Bamdbusacee
growing at Achnashie in Argyll.

NOTE ON A RARE BRITISH FERN, CYSTOPTERIS FRAGILIS, VAR.
SEMPERVIRENS. By William Young. voc. Bot. Soc. Edin., xxiii.,
1906, pp. 192-194.—Found in Corrie Ceann-mor, S. Aberdeen-
shire, in July 1904.

NoTE ON RHACOMITIUM RAMULOSUM. By William Young.
Proc. Bot. Soc. Edin., xxiii.. 1906, pp. 190-191.—Found on Craig
Mhor, in Mid Perth, in June 1898, but recently determined.

BRITISH COENOGONIACEH By A. Lorrain Smith, F.L.S.
Journ. Bot., 1906, pp. 266-268.—Calls attention to Racodium

60 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

rupestre or Byssus nigra as including two forms, the one of which
incloses filaments of Cladophora, while the other incloses cells of
Chroolepus aureus ; and records the latter type as found in Dumfries-
shire.

BOOK NOTICES.

THE Eccs oF THE Birps oF Europe. By H. E. Dresser,
FL.S:, E:Z.s., ete. Londom:)@he Author, 110 Cannon Street
E@, | Price ros. 6d: per Part,

Since our notice on the appearance of the first number of this
highly important and beautiful work, several parts have been issued ;
and we are now able to form a more deliberate opinion as to its
merits, that is to say of its artistic merits, for the value of its letter-
press was assured by the high scientific status of the author. It is
a source of great satisfaction to us to offer our sincere congratula-
tions to Mr. Dresser on the marked success he has achieved in the
matter of his plates. We confess we were at first sceptical as to
whether the three-colour process was suitable for the reproduction
of portraits of such difficult subjects as birds’ eggs are so well
known to be. Now we are more than pleased to pronounce that his
plates are surprisingly excellent. Indeed, so realistic do the eggs
appear that one has the feeling that it were possible to pick up each
of them from the plate: the unfortunate flatness which has hitherto
been so manifest even in the best productions having been entirely
overcome. It is an immense advantage too, as we have already
pointed out in our previous notice, that we have now for the first
time a great work on bird’s eggs in which absolutely reliable
portraits of specially selected specimens are afforded, in the place of
the interpretations of artists, who have for the most part failed to
produce satisfactory likenesses.

Mr. Dresser has been successful in securing the co-operation
of a number of naturalist-photographers, who have supplied him
with pictures of the nests and eggs, many of them rare and difficult
to obtain, and these add much to the attractiveness of his pages.

In all, six parts of this work have been issued. These contain
29 plates, whereon are depicted many hundreds of specimens,
showing the range of variation in the eggs of over 170 species.

A FAUNA OF THE Tay BasIN AND STRATHMORE. By J. A.
Harvie-Brown. Edinburgh: David Douglas, 1906. Price 30s. net.

The object of this notice is to draw the attention of our readers
to the fact that Mr. Harvie-Brown has again rendered British
naturalists indebted to him for another great contribution to our
knowledge of the Vertebrate Fauna.of Scotland. The book in this
instance deals with one of the most interesting, beautiful, and highly

BOOK NOTICES 61

diversified areas in Great Britain. So diversified, indeed, is “ Tay,”
that it may safely be said that in spite of this valuable contribution
to our knowledge, much necessarily remains to be accomplished ere
the fauna of the innumerable mountains, moorlands, woods, and
lochs of the fair county of Perth, which forms the greater part of
the Basin, are worked out with the thoroughness they so well deserve.

Mr. Harvie-Brown, however, affords us much information about
the mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians of this singularly
attractive area; also a full description of its physical features, and
his views on a number of problems relating to the distribution of life
therein. The fauna of the Tay area is, as we should expect, a rich one.
It comprises 43 mammals, 236 birds, 3 reptiles, and 4 amphibians.

The volume contains in all 463 pages; and there are 21 full-

page plates, a number of text illustrations, and 5 maps.
Wi eC:

THE CAMBRIDGE NaTuRAL History, Vou. I. Protozoa, by
Prof. Marcus Hartog, D.Sc.; Porifera (Sponges), by Igerna B. J.
Sollas, B.Sc. ; Coelenterata and Ctenophora, by Prof. S. J. Hickson,
F.R.S. ; Echinodermata, by Prof. S. W. MacBride, F.R.S. London:
Macmillan and Co. Ltd., 1906.

This outstanding ‘‘ Natural History” is now nearing completion,
and the appearance of the present volume, occupying as it does the
first place in order in the series, has naturally been looked forward
to with some impatience. Its issue at this late date, instead of at
the beginning of the enterprise, has, however, been a distinct advan-
tage, in that it has enabled the authors to take cognisance of recent
important researches in their respective subjects. The volume,
which is a bulky one, extending to close on 700 pages, is in every
way a worthy companion to its forerunners.

In a series of well-written chapters, occupying 160 pages—
none too many—Dr. Hartog deals with the Protozoa, starting with
an examination of “the structure and behaviour of protoplasm and
of the cell as an introduction to the detailed study of the Protozoa, or,
better still, Protista, the lowest types of living beings, and of animals
at large.”

The classification of the Protozoa is admittedly a matter of
great difficulty, and that adopted by the author is probably as good
as could at present be devised. In the succeeding section, to which
78 pages are devoted, Miss Sollas gives a clear and well-arranged
account of the Porifera or Sponges, in which is included a key to
British genera. Prof. Hickson’s treatment, extending over 180 pages,
of the Phyla Coelenterata and Ctenophora—for to this rank does
he raise the latter—strikes us as particularly good from whatever
point it is regarded. And the same has to be said of Prof.
MacBride’s account of the Echinodermata, which occupies 197 pages.
In both the systematic part can be highly commended. The Sea-

y]

62 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

cucumbers, we observe, are placed beside the Sea-urchins in the
sub-Phylum Eleutherozoa; and most of the British species of
Echinoderm, it should be said, are mentioned in their proper places.
The volume is, like the rest of the series, well illustrated, a
number of the figures being original. W. i.

THE RECREATIONS OF A NatTura.ist. By James Edmund
Harting. With Eighty-one Illustrations. London: T. Fisher Unwin,
1906.

Mr. Harting, who is so well and so favourably known to all
field-naturalists, has for many years past contributed articles of con-
siderable interest to zoologists and sportsmen to various magazines,
through whose pages they are scattered far and wide, both as regards
place and time. These, over forty in number and covering a re-
markable variety of subjects, are now garnered and form a handsome
volume, which will be welcome to zoologists, especially to those who
have had the advantage of their author’s friendship. ‘The articles,
which are written in an attractive style, include many that have
been seldom, if ever, treated upon from Mr. Harting’s standpoint,
and the information he affords and his critical remarks thereon
are extremely useful and acceptable.

The book is nicely got up and well illustrated, and the frontis-
piece is an excellent portrait of the author with one of his favourite
falcons on his wrist.

ENTOMOLOGY, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS BIOLOGICAL
AND Economic Aspects. By Justus Watson Folsom, Sc.D.
(Harvard). London: Rebman Limited, 1906. 8vo. Pp. 485
and 5 Plates (one coloured). 14s. net.

The author of this new work on Insects is to be heartily con-
gratulated on having produced a most excellent handbook on entirely
new lines. The whole treatment of the subject is most lucid and
refreshing, masterly and entertaining. We have seldom seen the
innumerable facts relating to entomological matters presented in a
more attractive form, and the book is eminently readable and
suggestive from beginning to end. For an example of the lucidity
of style in dealing with a difficult subject we need only refer the
reader to the account given on pp. 103-109 of the Sounds of Insects
and Hearing. ‘The illustrations, of which there are some 300, are
exceedingly well executed and happily chosen, a large number of
them being original. Plates I. and II. are novel and of much
interest, showing the successive stages in the pupation and emergence
of the imago of the well-known Milkweed Butterfly, Azosca plexippus.
We notice, by the way, a slip on p. 18, in estimating the number of
described species of Coleoptera as 18,ooo—this figure only re-
presenting about one-fifth of the actual number at present known.

The book is divided into thirteen chapters, commencing with

BOOK NOTICES 63

three dealing with classification, anatomy, physiology, and develop-
ment; then follow seven treating of aquatic forms, colour, origin of
adaptations, the relations of insects to plants, animals, and other
insects; then one on insect behaviour, one on distribution, and a
concluding chapter on insects in relation to man. Not the least
useful feature of the volume is a very full classified bibliography,
giving (upon a rough estimate) about 1000 titles,

In conclusion, we can honestly recommend Dr. Folsom’s work
as one of the best general introductions to the science that has
appeared in recent years. The price is exceedingly moderate.

po EG:

BRITISH FLOWERING PLants. By W. F. Kirby, F.L.S., F.E.S.
London: Sidney Appleton, 1906. With 120 Coloured Plates and
119 Illustrations in the text. 53s.

How To FIND AND Name WILD FLowers. By Thomas Fox,
F.L.S. London: Cassell and Company, 1906. Illustrated by the
Author. 2s.

These two works represent different types of the efforts so
frequent on the part of publishers to meet the growing interest in
and love for Nature. The desire to know more about the universe,
and especially about the living beings that dwell around one’s home,
can only add to the richness and enjoyment of life; but without a
guide progress is slow and uncertain. Books written by those that
possess the required knowledge along with the power of clear
exposition are the best substitutes for the living voice and guidance
of the enthusiastic teacher ; and their usefulness is greatly increased
by well-selected illustrations. Among the difficulties of the beginner
not the least are those to be overcome in learning the names of
plants and animals ; and the books that have been issued as guides
through the maze of difficulties are already many, yet have not solved
the problems, if one may judge from the everflowing streams of new
efforts. The two under review are not likely to stop that flow or to
meet the needs of beginners, although both can claim the merit of
being very low-priced for the work involved in their production.

“British Flowering Plants” is scarcely an accurate title for a
book that in its 120 coloured “plates” includes over 20 per cent
of species not native in the british Isles. The descriptions rarely
give real guidance likely to help a beginner in doubt as to the
characters of a genus or family, or as to the methods or aims of
classification ; but there are notes on the properties and uses of
some of the plants that may arouse interest, and numerous references
to the insects that feed on the various plants give the work an
individuality among such books.

“How to Find and Name Wild Flowers” must have cost its
author much labour, but we fear the usefulness to the beginner will
not be as great as he hopes. A classification based on the months

64 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

of flowering, the colours of petals, and the size of flowers must bristle
with difficulties, and it has the defect of separating widely plants
that should be kept together. Tested by the characters given, a
large proportion of the plants could not be referred to their genera,
and some not even to their families. There are conveniences in the
use of a more or less arbitrary method of working out the name of
an unknown specimen, but the Linnean classification is very much
simpler and more precise than any other that has been proposed for
this end. It is not likely to be superseded by this new method.
Mr, Fox is evidently a supporter of the use of English names for all
flowering plants in our flora. But, after all, are such names as
‘“Umbelliferous Jagged Chickweed,” ‘Yellow Alpine Whitlow
Grass,” ‘Austere Strawberry Tree,” “Remote-flowered Sea-lavender,”
“Small Eight-stamened Waterwort,” “Sweet William Catchfly,” and
‘* Cow Herb” popular names in any sense or more easy to remember
than the scientific names, which are free from ambiguity and known
to botanists of all countries? Where genuine popular names, in
common use, exist, by all means use them in works for English-
‘speaking readers wherever their use does not endanger clearness and
accuracy. But to strain this desire for English names to the point
of translating a scientific name into equally unfamiliar English is
surely a mistake. Exception might be taken to various statements,
such as leaves of Bog Myrtle “2-3 inches” long, Campanula
glomerata beginning to flower in August, stem of ‘‘ Comarum palustre”
“bent down”; but it is unnecessary to go into details. Part II. of
the book gives a list of the greater number of British native and
alien flowering plants, in their systematic order, with brief characters
of the families and larger divisions. In this list the scientific names
are used. References are given from the descriptions in Part I. to
this list, and v7ce versa. For each species in the list an abstract of
the distribution in Great Britain is given, the extremes being named
and the number of “counties” from which the plant has been recorded ;
but the total number of “counties” is given as 118 instead of the
commonly received 112. Several excellent photographs of common
plants are scattered through the book.

I GO A-WALKING THROUGH THE WOODS AND O’ER THE Moor.
With Illustrations from Photographs. By Charles Reid, Wishaw.
Edinburgh: T. N. Foulis, 1907. 2s. 6d.’ net.

This is the third of the series submitted to us for notice, and,
like its precursors, it is an excellent little book of its kind. Mr.
Reid’s pictures of mammals, old and young ; birds and their nests ;
and country scenes, are very charming, and have been beautifully repro-
duced, while the accompanying letterpress is appropriate. In spite
of much that has been done on similar lines, these pictures, seventy
in number, hold their own and compare favourably with any we
have seen.

ANN. Scot. Nat. Hist. 1907. AE ail

ae

Bee tie

es ee
nA o gS

LAGENORHYNCHUS ALBIROSTRIS.

The Annals

of
Scottish Natural History

No. 62] KOOL? [APRIL

WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHIN, LAGENORHYNCAUS
ML ames iRLS, IN THE: FIRTH -OR FORTE.

By Bruce CAMPBELL.
PLATE II.

A FINE specimen of this uncommon Cetacean was captured
off Cramond on the 26th of March. I had the pleasure of
examining and photographing it on the following day, and
found it to be an adult male measuring 8 feet 8.5 inches

on the straight. Its stomach contained the bones of
fishes and the claws and the legs of Hermit Crab (Pagurus
bernhardus).

This species is new, so far as is known, to the fauna of
the Firth of Forth, but examples have been obtained in the
North Sea just to the north and south of the mouth of the
Firth, namely at the Bell Rock and off Berwick. Though
this species was described in 1846 from an English specimen
captured off Yarmouth, it was not until 1879 that it was
detected in Scottish seas, but since that date several have
been obtained on both the east and west coasts of Scotland.
The White-beaked Dolphin is a native of the North Atlantic
from Davis Straits south-eastwards to the British and Irish
coasts, the North Sea and the Baltic.

62 B

66 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

As its name implies, this Dolphin has the tip of its beak
and lips, and also the under parts, creamy white ; while the
colour of the upper surface is deep purplish black. In this
example the beak slips were mottled with grey, and there were
greyish patches above the flippers and on the back between
the dorsal fin and the tail.

This latest Scottish example has been presented to the
Royal Scottish Museum by its captor, Mr. William Lumley,
of Cramond.

The following are the dimensions of this specimen :—

Feet. Inches.

Extreme length ; aks) 8.5
Depth in front of dorsal a IM 3
Width across tail : : f in ee 8.5
Height of dorsal fin (on curve) 2 5
Length of anterior ae of flipper I 9.5
Mouth slit : : : TES
Angle of mouth to eye : 2.5
Blow-hole to tip of beak . ; age | 2555
Tip of beak to dorsal fin. 53 EO
Diameter of blow-hole : : 75

EDINBURGH.

THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE — il THE RESULTS
OF OBSERVATIONS MADE DURING THE
YEAR 1906.

By Wm. EacLe Ciarke, F.R.S.E., F.L.S.

My previous communication! on the birds of Fair Isle was
based upon observations and inquiries made during a visit
to the island in the autumn of 1905. In that contribution
I was able to enumerate one hundred species as comprising
its known avifauna. Throughout the whole of the follow-
ing year, 1906, the investigations were vigorously carried
on, with the gratifying result that considerable additions

1 ¢ The Birds of Fair Isle, Native and Migratory,’ ‘‘ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.,”
1906, pp. 4-24, 69-80.

THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 67

were made to our knowledge of the ornis of this interesting
and remote island.

Along with Mr. Norman B. Kinnear, I again spent
several weeks at Fair Isle in the past autumn. During
this sojourn we observed nearly one hundred species and
many thousands of individuals, the vast majority of which
were on their passage southwards to more or less distant
winter haunts.

A more important contribution, however, is that fur-
nished by my valued correspondent, Mr. George Stout.
This enthusiastic and capable observer deserves special
mention and thanks for the conscientious and accurate
manner in which he has carried out my instructions and
wishes. Mr. J. W. Anderson has also helped with observa-
tions and specimens, and deserves mention.

The Fair Isle record for 1906 is a remarkable one, and
affords material for a study in bird-migration which I hope
shortly to be able to prepare. The aim of the present paper
is to afford additional information on the species already
treated of, and to enumerate, with particulars of their occur-
rence, the birds—no less than forty-three in number—which
have been added to the fauna of the isle during the past year.

The Fair Isle avifauna as at present known comprises
143 species. Of these 32 are natives, being either residents
or summer visitors. The rest are visitors during the periods
of their spring and autumn passages, most of them being
regular in their appearance, while a few must be accounted
rare not only in Fair Isle, but elsewhere in Britain.

Among the more interesting and rare birds occurring in
1906, mention may be made of the Red-rumped Swallow,
new to fauna of the British Isles ; and of the Reed Warbler
and the Scarlet Grosbeak, both of which are additions to the
fauna of Scotland. The Greater Redpoll, Woodlark, Shore
Lark, Sedge Warbler, and Red-breasted Flycatcher have
not hitherto been known to occur in the Shetlands, of which
Fair Isle is accounted an integral, though outlying, part.
Others, such as the Little Bunting, Ortolan Bunting,
Northern Bullfinch, and Yellow-browed Warbler, are
decidedly rare as British birds; while the Lapp Bunting,
Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Creeper, Red-backed Shrike,

68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Lesser Whitethroat, Chiff- Chaff, Bluethroat, Stonechat,
Spotted and Pied Flycatchers, Shelduck, Green Sandpiper,
and Pomatorhine Skua, are reckoned as quite uncommon as
visitors to the northern isles.

The occurrences of rare birds have always had a peculiar
charm for British ornithologists, but to the student of bird-
migration their irregular, and in some instances erratic
appearances, are not helpful in connection with his re-
searches; indeed they are often distracting, and present
problems which admit of no satisfactory explanation.

Though the period (the whole of September and the first
week of October) covered by our 1906 visit coincided
as to date with that of 1905, yet quite a number of
migrants came under notice during the past autumn which
were not observed by us in the previous year. On the
other hand, only one of the birds of passage of 1905, the
Ruff, was not detected in 1906.

It has been suggested to me that Fair Isle must possess
some peculiar and special advantages over other northern
islands, and thus render it much visited by migratory
birds. In my opinion such is not the case. It has, how-
ever, decided advantages for the odserver. The secret, if
secret it be, of its superiority as our observing station over
the Isles of the Orkney and Shetland groups, lies in its
detached position and its small size. This results in (1)
some concentration at Fair Isle, whereas the isles of both
the groups named are many, large, and not far apart,
and thus the migrants visiting them are widely and thinly
scattered ; while (2) its small size renders it possible to ascer-
tain, with some degree of completeness, what species are
present each day. In this latter respect, however, even
Fair Isle, with its two and a half miles of. varied surface, is
too extensive for a couple of observers, and there were days
on which feathered visitors were abundant when we were
conscious that, in spite of our utmost endeavours, we had
missed many birds.

The experience gained during many holidays devoted to
bird watching has convinced me that, with all our great army
of trained observers, we in Britain see only an infinitesimal
number of the migrants which visit our shores: far fewer than is

THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 69

senerally supposed, and this is especially the case on the main-
land. Thus the Lapland Bunting, which was so numerous
at the Flannans and at Suleskerry in the autumn of 1904,
and at Fair Isle in 1905 and 1906, entirely escaped notice
elsewhere in Scotland; and the Yellow-browed Warbler which
was observed at Fair Isle in 1905 and again in 1906 (when
it was not uncommon, and was also captured at Skerryvore),
has never been detected on the mainland of Scotland. On
reaching the mainland the migrants, especially the passerines,
become widely scattered over the country where cover
abounds, and thus the vast majority of them escape notice.

Specimens of all the birds mentioned, or about to be men-
tioned, have been presented to the Royal Scottish Museum.

It is again my pleasant duty to express our gratitude to
John Bruce, Esq., of Sumburgh, and to the Commissioners of
Northern Lighthouses, for the privileges they so graciously
granted us; and to Mr. Dick Peddie for his kind and valued
co-operation. Our acknowledgments are also due to Mr.
and Mrs. Wallace for their great kindness during our residence
in the Skadan Lighthouse, and to our many good friends
among the natives, who allowed us to visit their crofts, the
great resort of the small migratory birds.

In the following list the species that are numbered are
additions to the one hundred recorded in my first contribu-
tion. Certain other birds are treated of, and concerning
these the information now given is supplementary to the
data of 1905, and throws additional light on them as Fair
Island species.

CuarFincH, /yringilla celebs. — This migratory visitor was
observed in the autumn of 1906 in much greater abundance
than it did at same season of the previous year. They
arrived during the last week of September in fair numbers,
but were much more numerous during October, and a few
remained throughout the winter. It is, as we should expect,
a bird of double passage at Fair Isle, and was observed on
its spring journey northwards on several days about mid-
April.

tor. LINNET, Acanthis cannabina.—An adult male, obtained on
r8th April, is the only bird of this species which has, as yet,
come under observation. There is also little information
regarding this bird as a Shetland species.

70

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

102, MEALY REDPOLL, Acanthis linaria.—A small party appeared

on the Island in May, one of which, a typical example of
this species, was forwarded to me. A few appeared in
January of the present year. Several Redpolls were seen by
us late in September, but as they were very wild we failed to
secure specimens.

GREATER REDPOLL, Acanthis rostratanx—In the “ Annals”

for 1906 (p. 17) I alluded to the abundance of a form of
Redpoll which did not seem to belong to the well-known
Mealy species (A. “naria), and whose particular identity I
reserved for further consideration. Since then I have had
an opportunity of comparing these specimens with the fine
series of Mealy Redpolls in Mr. Rothschild’s great collection
at Tring, and have satisfied myself that they belong to the
form described by Coues as giothus rostratus, which is
considered by some authorities to be the young of A. horne-
mann (several adults of which species were present at the
same time), whose young have not, I believe, been described
by those who recognise these two forms as distinct. Asa
visitor to Scotland, A. vos¢raza has only hitherto been recorded
for the Island of Barra, Outer Hebrides, where my friend
Mr. W. L. MacGillivray has several times obtained it.

The Greater Redpoll, as it is termed by the American
ornithologists, is a native of Greenland; but in the winter
visits Labrador, and the N.E. of Canada and the United
States,

NORTHERN BuL.iFincu, Pyrrhula major.—This is, no doubt,

the species or race treated of in my former contribution under
the name of /. europea, the common Bullfinch. A few birds
of both sexes of this fine northern bird appeared in
November, but only remained a few days on the island.

This Bullfinch was only added to the fauna of Scotland
last year on the strength of Shetland and Fair Isle records
(“ Annals,” 1906, p. 115).

103. SCARLET GROSBEAK, Carpodacus erythrinus.—This is new to

the Scottish fauna. A bird of the year, in its inconspicuous
dull green plumage, was shot from a patch of potatoes on
3rd October. The nearest native haunts of this rare
straggler to Britain are Finland and the eastern countries
bordering the Baltic, whence its range extends to Kam-
tschatka. Its previous visits to our isles, so far as they have
come under observation, are only two in number, both to
southern counties in England.

104. Rerp Buntine, Lmberiza scheniclus—During the last week

of May and early days of June several of these birds visited

THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 71

the island, haunting the margins of ditches. A few again
appeared late in September, and throughout October it was
frequent and occasionally fairly numerous. The last was
observed on 20th November. Since this species is probably
a bird of double passage in Fair Isle, it seems strange that
in Shetland it is only known as a rare casual visitor: one
which has been observed on four occasions, according to
recorded information.

LittLe Buntinc, Lmberiza pusillaa—An adult female was
shot on 3rd October. It was fortunately detected among a
vast number of Twites which were seeking shelter and food
in the stubbles. On znd October 1905 one was observed
close to where this specimen was obtained, as already re-
corded in the pages of the “Annals.” There are only three
records of the occurrence of this bird in Scotland, all of
them for the northern isles ; and it has been equally rare in
its visits, so far as we know of them, to England.

105. YELLOw Buntinc, Lméertza citrinella——One example only
came under notice in spring ; but in autumn it was occasion-
ally numerous, and a few remained the winter. Saxby saw
this bird several times in Unst, and Mr. T. Henderson, jun.,
tells us that it occurs in Dunrossness on migration ; other-
wise there is little information regarding this bird for Shet-
land.

106. OrtToLtan Buntine, Emberiza hortulana.—This species is only
to be regarded as an occasional visitor to Fair Isle during the
seasons of passage. (Quite a number appeared on the island
during the last days of May, and a bird of the year was captured
on 18th September. There is only one previous record, I
believe, of the occurrence of the Ortolan Bunting in Shet-
land, namely, that of one adult male at Spiggie, Dunrossness,
on 30th April 1898. It has rarely been recorded for Scot-
land, namely, near Aberdeen in 1863, and at the Isle of May
in 1888.

LapLaANp Buntinc, Calcartus lapponicus.—The first arrivals
were observed on 8th September, or one day later than last
year. They were not so numerous as in 1905, but were
nevertheless seen almost daily after the date named. ‘This
bird does not appear to winter in the island; but the return
movement north was witnessed in May, when a few arrived
and were duly chronicled.

107. WoopLaRK, Adauda arborea.—A few appeared during the
early days of November, and remained on the island until
the middle of December. ‘The occurrence of this species at
this remote northern station is somewhat remarkable, and it

{2

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

will be interesting to know if its visits are repeated. In
summer its range extends to the southern portion of Scandi-
navia, but its lines of flight to reach these nesting haunts do
not appear to lie along any section of the British shores. The
specimens sent me from Fair Isle are the only satisfactory
proof we have of the occurrence of this species in Scotland.

108. SHORE LARK, O¢ocorys alpestris—A small number of Shore

Larks arrived on the island towards the end of October,
and remained until mid-December, after which date they
were not observed. ‘The most seen on any occasion was
seven.

This species has not hitherto been detected in Shetland,
and hence may be regarded as an addition to the fauna
of the archipelago, though doubtless it has often visited the
islands on its somewhat irregular though numerous visits to
the coasts of Britain.

tog. Prep WacrailL, MMotactlla lugubris.— A few appeared on

passage in April and May, sometimes in company with
M. alba. No birds of this species were observed during
September 1905 and 1906, when the White Wagtail was
one of the commonest birds of passage throughout the month.

110. YELLOW WactTalL, Motacilla rayz.—On 8th May an adult

male was captured, and forwarded to me in the flesh for
identification, by Mr. J. W. Anderson. The occurrence of
this species at Fair Isle is interesting, but can only be regarded
as exceptional, since Scandinavia and the rest of Northern
Europe lie far beyond the bird’s summer home. Saxby, how-
ever, in his ‘‘ Birds of Shetland” (p. 84), tells us that it is a
rare straggler to Unst, and that, so far as he was able to ascer-
tain, it appeared in the late summer and early autumn. He
remarks that he several times saw it feeding among cattle.

TREE Pipit, Anthus trivialis—This has proved to be a bird

of double passage. It was not at all uncommon during May,
and again in September, while stragglers occurred well on
into October. On some days it was quite numerous, both
in spring and autumn. This species, no doubt, escaped our
notice in 1905, when only one specimen was obtained.

Previous to our visits this bird had no place in the Shet-
land avifauna.

111. CREEPER, Certhia familiaris.—QOn 27th December a male

was found in an exhausted condition and allowed itself to
be captured by the hand. This bird has been compared
with the extensive series of Creepers in Mr. Rothschild’s
collection, and found to belong to the Continental and not
to the British race. It must have been blown across the

THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 73

waters of the North Sea by the fierce gales which prevailed
just prior to its appearance.

There are two previous records of the occurrence of
Creepers in Shetland, namely, one in Unst in 1859, anda
male at Bressay on 12th October 1882.

A knowledge of racial forms is of the greatest possible
service to those interested in bird migration, for it is of the
utmost importance to know whence our bird visitors have
come. This information is to be found in Dr. Hartert’s
“Die Vogel der palaarktischen Fauna,” a most useful book
now in the course of publication. It is to be hoped that
the author will give us an English version, some day, for
the benefit of those who do not read German.

112. RED-BacKED SHRIKE, Lantus collurio.—Several appeared on
passage late in May and in early June. One of these was
observed feeding on a Rock Pipit (Azthus obscurus) which
it had just captured. <A short time afterwards an examina-
tion of the victim’s remains revealed the fact that not a
scrap of flesh remained upon its bones. It has not, to our
knowledge, been detected in autumn. ‘The only Shetland
records are those of Saxby, who saw one in October
1866, and a female accompanied by three young birds in
June 1870.

CoMMON WHITETHROAT, Sylvza ctnerea.—Fairly frequent on
passage in May and early June and again in September, but
only observed in small numbers. In September 1905 a
single bird only came under notice. It appears to have
been observed on a few occasions only in the more northern
isles, z.e., in the Shetland group proper.

113. LESSER WHITETHROAT, Sy/via curruca.—During the spring
and autumn migratory movements of 1906, this bird,
hitherto regarded as a somewhat uncommon visitor to
Scotland, occurred frequently, and occasionally in some
abundance. It was observed on three dates in May, when
it was not uncommon; and one remained on the island until
18th June, and was heard in full song. In September Mr.
Kinnear and I saw it on nine days, and sometimes several
were seen on the same date. The last came under our
notice on 4th October, the day we left the island. The
only previous records for the occurrence of this species
in Shetland are those of Saxby, who mentions, in _ his
delightful book, “‘ The Birds of Shetland,” that he met with
this species on three occasions,

114. CuirF-Cuarr, Phylloscopus rufus.—The passage movements
of this little Leaf-warbler very largely escape notice; prob-

74

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ably because it is then silent, or nearly so, and hence does
not proclaim itself and is consequently overlooked. <A
male specimen was obtained on roth October 1906, and
duly forwarded to me.

So far as I have been able to ascertain, this is the first
specimen that has ever been od¢ained in any of the Isles of
the Shetland group. Saxby, however, mentions it as occur-
ring very rarely at about the same times of the year as the
Willow-warbler.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, Phylloscopus superciliosus.—Dur-

ing our 1905 visit we accounted ourselves fortunate when
we obtained a single specimen—the second Scottish—of
this interesting little migrant. In the autumn of 1906 no
less than six of these birds came under our observation
during the latter half of September and the early days of
October, and, no doubt, several others escaped notice. They
all frequented the plots of potatoes and turnips, and were ex-
tremely shy and restless, and hence very difficult to approach.

I15. SEDGE WARBLER, Acrocephalus phragmitis.—This was another

bird of double passage in 1906. It was not uncommon
during the second, third, and fourth weeks of May ; but only
twice came under our notice in the autumn, namely, in the
latter half of September, when single birds were seen. ‘This
bird has not hitherto, strange to say, been recorded for any
of the Islands of the Shetland group; and yet, as it is a
summer visitor to Norway, where it reaches a high northern
latitude, it most probably occurs annually on passage in our
northern Isles, as indeed the Fair Isle record for 1906
indicates.

116. REED WARBLER, Acrocephalus streperus.—The only Reed

Warbler known to have occurred in Scotland was shot from
among some potatoes on 24th September—a day on which
Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts, Redwings, Thrushes, Tree
Pipits, Chaffinches, Jack Snipe, and other migrants, were
present in numbers. ‘This species is unknown in Norway,
but is found as far north as the south of Sweden. ‘The
occurrence of this bird at Fair Isle presents one of those
enigmas, already alluded to, with which the study of bird
migration is so much beset.

ReEpDBREAST, Lrz¢hacus rubecula.—This is chiefly a bird of

double passage, but a small number pass the winter in the
island. Only a few appeared in September, but in October
and November its visits were frequent, and it was occasion-
ally observed in considerable numbers. Several remained
through the winter of 1906-7.

THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 75

On the spring passage it was not much observed, but
individuals were seen in March, April, and May on
their way northwards. The birds obtained at Fair Isle
all belonged to the Continental race, which is characterised
by having a much paler breast than the native British
bird. All these immigrants were remarkably wild. ‘The
Redbreast has usually been considered a very uncommon
bird in the Shetlands.

ARCTIC BLUETHROAT, Cyanecula suecica.—This species, which
has hitherto been regarded as an extremely rare visitor to
Scotland, again appeared at Fair Isle in the autumn of 1906.
On 20th September and the following days no less than
twelve of these birds, adults of both sexes and young, were
seen, and it is certain that a number of others escaped
notice. Their chief haunts during their visit were the faces
of the great cliffs which flank the geos on the west side of
the island, where insect life was abundant owing to the
genial influence of the sun, to which they are exposed. In
such retreats as these it was most difficult to discover them.
Others frequented the cover afforded bythe patches of potatoes
and bracken. These birds reminded us much of the Red-
breast in their actions and attitudes. Some of the adults still
retained their beautiful frontlets, while in others they were
partially hidden by the more sombre winter dress.

117. REDSTART, Ruticilla phenicurus.—Vhough not observed by
us in the autumn of 1905, the Redstart proved to be quite
common on its southerly passage from the middle of
September to the end of that month in 1906, and stragglers
occurred down to late in October. It was almost as fre-
quent and abundant on the northerly passage in the second,
third, and fourth weeks of May. During their visits to Fair
Isle, these birds, like the last, were most abundant on the
gaunt precipitous faces of the geos, and much less frequent
on the stone walls and among the cover afforded by the
crofted portion of the island.

118. WuincHat, Pratincola rubetra.—This is another bird of
double passage whose autumn southerly flight escaped notice
during our first visit.. During May both males and females
were observed on their northward passage on eight different
days ; and in September we saw it also on eight occasions.
On some days small numbers were seen both in spring and
autumn, and the bird was probably fairly numerous. The
Whinchat has only been detected in Shetland on very few
occasions, and is accounted as a rare visitor to the group.

119. STONECHAT, Pratincola rubicola.—A bird of double passage,
though certainly not numerous. In 1906 it appeared in

76

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

April and a few were seen at intervals throughout that month.
On September a single bird only came under notice. The
occurrence of this bird at Fair Isle is interesting since there
appears to be only one previous instance of the visits of the
Stonechat to the Shetland group; and as it is not a native of
Scandinavia, the bird must be regarded as a casual straggler
only to our Northern Isles.

120. HEDGE ACCENTOR, Accentor modularis.—In 1906 this species

was observed both on the spring and autumn passage, but
only very small numbers came under notice at both seasons.
It does not appear to pass the winter on the island. There
seem to be only three records for this species as a visitor to
Shetland, all relating to single birds, but as the Hedge
Sparrow is a migratory species in Scandinavia its visits are,
perhaps, more frequent than is expected, and the Fair Isle
observations indicate that such is the case.

121. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, MWuscicapa grisola.—Several appeared

on their way north from late in May to beyond the middle
of June; but on the return journey southward only one
came under our notice, namely, on 15th September. This
bird, according to published records, has seldom been
observed in the Shetlands.

122. Prep FLycatcHeEr, Juscicapa atricapilla.—T hough this species

did not come under our notice in the autumn of 1905, yet
it was fairly common, passing at intervals and usually in
small parties, in September 1906. A number of these visitors
were males, but all were in the greenish grey plumage of
autumn. During their short sojourn on this treeless and
shrubless isle, these Flycatchers chiefly frequented the steep
cliffs on the west side, which the sun rendered especially
genial, and where also insect life was abundant: advantages
which most of the insectivorous birds among the migrants
were not slow to take advantage of.
This species has rarely been recorded for Shetland.

123. RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, JZuscicapa parva.—The occur-

rence of this Central European summer bird at Fair Isle in
some numbers in the autumn of 1906 was one of those
pleasant surprises which sometimes fall to the lot of the ob-
server of bird migration. On 20th September three or four
were seen, and an adult female and a young male were
secured; and on the following day several others were
observed. It is probable that on both these dates this bird
was present in fair numbers, for those seen frequented the
great range of lofty cliffs which flanks the entire west side

THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 77

of the island, and it was most difficult to detect them.
In these singular haunts they were busily engaged in the
pursuit of insects, which were evidently abundant on the
faces of the lichen-clad perpendicular rocks. When thus
employed they were very sprightly in their actions, and
we noticed that they had a habit of erecting their tails
to a remarkable degree—indeed, until they were almost
parallel with their backs. Occasionally they quitted the
cliffs and alighted on the fences or on rocks near their
summit ; but at all times and everywhere they displayed
extreme shyness and wariness, and were practically un-
approachable. On the days named these birds appeared
synchronously with the Arctic Bluethroats, Redbreasts, Red-
starts, Bramblings, Redwings, Goldcrests, Yellow - browed
Warblers, and other northern migrants ; and it seems to me
highly probable that these Flycatchers reached the island in
their company.

On 4th October there was another considerable arrival
of immigrants, and among them was a bird of the year of
this species.

There is only one previous record for the occur-
rence of this little Flycatcher in Scotland, namely, at
the Monach Isle, Outer Hebrides, on 22nd October 1893.

124. SwWALLow, //zrundo rustica.—A few were seen on the spring
passage northward during May and June; but only a single
example was detected returning in the autumn. Several
were seen, on rare occasions, in the summer of 1906, but the
species does not nest on the island.

125. RED-RUMPED SWALLOw, //zrundo rufula.—The occurrence of
this southern straggler, the first that is known to have
reached the shores of Britain, on the 2nd of June 1906, has
already been recorded in the pages of this magazine
ClAnnals,” 1906, p: 205).

126. HousEe-Martin, Chelidon urbica.—In spring this species is
much more abundant as a passing migrant than the Swallow,
but it has not yet been detected as an autumn visitor on its
return southern flight.

127. SAND-MaRTIN, Cottle riparia.—Several were seen late in May,
and others late in June ; but none were observed as visitors
during the autumn. It appears to be a rare bird in the
Shetland group. That it should be so is interesting and
significant, for the species has a high northern range in
Scandinavia, and hence might naturally be expected to
occur regularly, and in some numbers, in the Archipelago,
while on its spring and autumn migratory journeys.

78 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

128. Swirt, Cypselus apus.—One or two were seen at intervals from
31st May to 27th July. On 6th July six were seen. It
would seem as if these were non-breeding birds which had
pushed their way thus far north but had not proceeded
to the summer haunts of the species in Scandinavia. It
appears to be very irregular in its visits to Shetland,

Wryneck, /ynx torguilla—On the 3rd of September one was
observed on some wooden fencing on the west side of the
island. We did not meet with this species in the flesh on
our previous visit.

Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus.—In 1906, the Cuckoo appeared on
both the spring and autumn passages. It occurred in May
and early June on its northward journey, and was observed
again early in September on its return southward. Three
was the largest number seen on any occasion.

This species does not appear to be regarded as a regular
visitor, according to present knowledge, to the Shetland
Islands.

129. SHORT-EARED OwL, Asvo accipitrinus.—From the latter days of
October until the second week of November this common
migratory Owl was seen at intervals, but only in small
numbers.

130. WHOOPER, Cygnus musicus.—Swans on passage are recorded
for both spring and autumn. The head of one obtained
was that of a Whooper in immature plumage.

131. WHITE-FRONTED GOosE, Axser albifrons.—For a wing of this
Goose I am indebted to Mr. J. W. Anderson, who obtained
the bird in the autumn of 1905. It is regarded as an
occasional visitor to Shetland, but I expect it occurs there
regularly on migration.

132. SHELDUCK, Zadorna cornuta——A young bird appeared at the
island late in May ; and during October a few, once as many
as eight, were seen on several occasions. It is considered
rare in Shetland, but the group, including Fair Isle, may be
visited by migrants to and from Northern Europe.

133. ScauP, Fuligula marila.—A few were seen on several occasions
during the first half of November. The Fair Isle waters,
however, offer no suitable feeding grounds for this diving
duck, and hence it does not come much under notice.

134. VELVET SCOTER, @demia fusca.—An adult female was washed
up on 1st December. This species has seldom been
recorded for Shetland, but it is probable that the bird has
escaped notice, for comparatively little attention has been

135-

137%

THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 79

paid to the islands during the periods of migration, except
by Saxby in Unst.

TuRTLE Dove, Zurtur turtur—An immature bird appeared
on 25th September, and was observed feeding on some
bare stony ground much frequented by migratory parties of
Golden Plover. Young birds are not infrequent in Shetland
as casual visitors during the period of the autumn passage.

. WATER Rail, Rallus aquaticus.—We saw one by the side

of a burn on 28th September, and several were observed
in October, November, and December.

GREAT SNIPE, Gadlinago major.—One rose at our feet, out of
some rough grass, on the south end of the island on 5th
September.

LITTLE STINT, Z7inga minuta.—As this is a somewhat rare,
or, perhaps, to speak more correctly, an overlooked, species
on migration in Shetland, it may be well to state that a
single bird was obtained on 14th August. One was seen
by us in September 1905.

GREEN SANDPIPER, Zofanus ochropus.—A Green Sandpiper,
perhaps the same individual, was seen on several occasions
between 7th and 14th September. Our observations for
the previous season related to the first known occurrence
of this species in any of the northern islands. We were
gratified to renew its acquaintance at Fair Isle in 1906,
since it confirmed the opinions we then expressed regarding
its visits there being probably not unusual.

138. Common TERN, Sterna fluviatilis.

139. ARCTIC TERN, Sterna macrura.—Neither of these species have

hitherto been identified as visitors to the island, and our
introduction to them was a rather remarkable one. At
10.30 on the night of r1th September our attention was
drawn, by their loud cries, to a number of birds flying round
the lantern of the Skadan Lighthouse. On going out to
investigate we found a number of Terns careering noisily
around the light. We at once ascended to the gallery,
where we succeeded in capturing a number of examples as
they struck against the windows, and these included repre-
sentatives of both species. The birds remained flying in the
rays until 2 A.M., when the dismal and terrifying shrieks of
the foghorn scared them from the mystifying and dangerous
influences of the light. On this night the beams from the
lantern were particularly brilliant, owing to the alternating
drizzle and heavy rain which prevailed. Three Herons
were also attracted to the lantern, and while we stood on

80

140.

I4I.

142.

nA.

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

the gallery they came quite close up, and once or twice
were within an ace of striking the glass. Several Wheatears
and White Wagtails also appeared, on this, the only night
on which the weather conditions were favourable for the
display of the decoying powers of the lantern.

On the two following days a number of Terns were
present off the south end of the island ; and on the night of
the 2oth, at 9 P.M. a party again appeared on migration
in the vicinity of the lighthouse, but as the night was clear
they did not approach the lantern, and only announced
their presence through their cries.

The Common Tern has only recently been added to
native birds of Shetland.

IcELAND GULL, Larus Jeucopterus.—One was seen on toth
December, and so well described that I have little hesitation
in accepting the record. This is another species about
which we have, as yet, little information relating to its
visits to Shetland. I have reason, however, to believe that
it is not very rare at Fair Isle during the winter months.

POMATORHINE SkuA, Stercorarius pomatorhinus.—An immature
female was obtained on 27th November. ‘This, strange to
say, appears to be only the fourth known occurrence of
this bird for Shetland, and yet one would expect that it
must regularly visit the seas of the group on its passages
between its summer and winter haunts.

RED-THROATED Diver, Colymbus septentrionalis.—One seen
on roth September is the only example that has, as yet,
been observed at Fair Isle. It seems remarkable that this
species, which breeds in Shetland, as well as in Northern
Europe, should not have been noticed on any other
occasion.

MANX SHEARWATER, Puffinus anglorum.—A few were seen
late in May, during June, and early in July. I should not
be surprised if the “ Lingy Bird,” as the Fair Islanders call
this species, bred in small numbers on the island.

FuLMAR PeEtreL, Fudmarus glacialis—We observed several
Fulmars hovering around and alighting on the cliffs at one
of their breeding stations on the 2nd of September, but all
appear to have departed on the oth, for after that date we
saw them no more. It does not appear to leave its native
haunts for a protracted period, but like other species of
rock-breeding sea-fowl returns early in the year to its
nesting-places. Mr. George Stout informs me that in 1907
the first of these birds returned on 17th January and took
up their residence on the cliffs and stacks.

NOTES ON BIRDS SEEN IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES 81

NOTES ON THE BIRDS SEEN IN THE OUTER
HEBRIDES DURING THE/SPREENGZOF 1906.

By Norman B. Kinnear, M.B.O.U.
(Continued from p. 19.)

CrossBILL, Loxia curvirostris, Linnzeus.—Dr. Mackenzie, Stornoway,
tells me that in 1895, the year in which Dr. M‘Rury came
across the Crossbills in Barra, he saw a flock of seven in his
garden in Stornoway on 8th July, and that they remained about
the district for nearly three weeks.

Hooprep Crow, Corvus cornix, Linnzeus.—One of the North Uist
keepers showed me three Hoodies’ eggs which he had taken
from a nest, after shooting the female bird as she flew off.
The eggs were of a beautiful pale blue without any spots.

Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus, Linneus.—Both in North Uist and The
Lews I was told that the Cuckoo was scarcer than usual this
year.

SHORT-EARED OwL, <Asio accipitrinus (Pallas)—We only came
across one or two Short-eared Owls in the whole of the Outer
Hebrides, and these were in South Uist.

Hen Harrikr, Circus cyaneus (Linnzeus),—We twice saw a Hen
Harrier in Barra, but it probably had come from South Uist,
where there still are a few. In North Uist I saw one example,
and was told that a few pairs nest there annually. In both
these islands the Hen Harrier is now carefully protected.

Heron, Ardea cinerea, Linnzeus.—We saw two Herons in Barra
near Eoligary, and in the Uists and Benbecula this species
was frequently seen. Mr. D. Mackenzie, Stornoway, informed
me that Herons had bred for the last two or three years on
the west side of The Lews near the Harris march. On writing
to the keeper there, I learned that the first pair bred there in
1902, behind a Rowan tree on the face of a cliff overhanging
a sea loch. In 1903 there was again a single nest in the same
place, but it was disturbed by boys, and next year the birds
nested in company with another pair in a fresh place further
inland. Another pair joined the small colony in 1905, and
last year there were again three nests in the same place.

Grey Lac GoosE, Anser cinereus, Meyer.—The Grey Lag still nests
in The Uists and Benbecula. In South Uist there has been
a decided increase since the ‘‘ Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer
Hebrides ” was written.
62 c

82 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

PINK-FOOTED GooskE, Aznser brachyrhynchus, Baillon.—Bahr put up
a single bird near Eoligary, Barra, in the end of May. Mr.
W. L. MacGillivray told us he had seen two there for some
time.

BERNACLE GoosE, Lernicla leucopsis, Bechstein—We saw one on
Fiaray, a small island off the north end of Barra, in the end of
May. Probably it was a pricked bird.

WHOOPER Swan, Cygvus musicus, Bechstein.—On 1st June we saw
nine wild Swans on a small loch in South Uist. We took
them to be Whoopers, but as they were a good distance off,
and we were going in the opposite direction, we put off trying
to identify them till our return in the afternoon, by which time
they had departed. An angler fishing on a loch a little further
north told us that the Swans passed over his head in the
afternoon, flying in a northerly direction.

SHOVELLER, Anas clypeata (Linnzus).—This species has already
been recorded as breeding in the Outer Hebrides south of the
Sound of Harris. We found one nest and saw several pairs
of birds.

PintalL, Dajila acuta (Linneus).—A single drake Pintail was seen
on a loch in one of the islands in the beginning of June, but
we did not see any signs of a female or a nest.

TEAL, LVettion crecca (Linnzeus).—The Teal now breeds plentifully
in The Uists and Benbecula. We did not come across this
species in Barra.

WicEoNn, AZareca penelope (Linnzeus).—Several times we saw a pair
of Wigeon during June, but we failed to make certain whether
they were nesting.

Scaup, Fuligula marila (Linneeus).—We are glad to be able to con-
firm the record in the “ Annals” of this species breeding in the
“Outer Hebrides.” We found a nest on a small island in
Loch . The first time we landed on the island a
female Scaup flew off from a tussock of grass a few feet away
and alighted on the water close by. On going to the tussock
we found a nest alongside, containing nine eggs and a quantity
of down mixed with bits of dried grass. Without disturbing
the nest, we left the island and returned in about an hour.
This time the duck flew off before we stepped on to the island,
and on examining the nest again we found the eggs carefully
covered with down, so probably the duck had been watching
our approach and getting prepared. Alongside the present
nest were the remains of a last year’s nest, but whether it had
also been a Scaup’s or not it is impossible to say. There were
no other nests on the island.

NOTES ON BIRDS SEEN IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES 83

TuFrTED Duck, Fuligula cristata (Leach).—The Tufted Duck breeds
in the same islands as the Shoveller, and we found it to be
rather more numerous than that species.

GOLDEN-EYE, Clangu/a glaucion (Linnzus).—I saw a single female
Golden-eye in Loch Maddy in June.

LonG-TAILED Duck, Hare/da glacialis (Linneeus).—We saw a very
interesting freshly killed specimen shot at North Bay, Barra,
on 17th May. It was rather backward, for it had only just
begun to change from winter to summer plumage.

E1pER Duck, Somateria mollissima (Linnzeus).—Very few Eiders,
if any, nest on the fresh-water lochs in South Uist or Benbecula,
but in North Uist a fair number do so. I saw a female Eider
of a pale fawn colour in Loch Maddy.

GOOSANDER, JVergus merganser,.Linneeus.—I saw a male in the
Sound of Fuday off Barra on 22nd May. This species is of
rare occurrence in the Outer Hebrides.

Woop PiGEoNn, Columba palumbus, Linneus.—On 8th June one
was shot at Grogarry, South Uist, by the head gamekeeper.
The Wood Pigeon has occurred only a few times in the Uists
and Barra.

RED Grouse, Lagopus scoticus, Latham.—The Grouse in the Outer
Hebrides sit very close. We did not seea single bird in Barra,
only their marks, but in the other islands we were more
fortunate. The Barra Grouse is very dark in colour, and so
also, I believe, are specimens from the Uists and Benbecula ;
but in The Lews they are the reverse, and I was much struck
by their light colour. Both Mr. D. Mackenzie and D. Graham,
the head keeper at Lewis Castle, consider the Grouse of The
Lews to be much lighter than the ordinary run of birds from
Sutherland and West Ross-shire, which parts of the mainland
they are well acquainted with.

PTaRMIGAN, Lagopus mutus (Montin).—On the evening of rst June,
near a large loch in the southern end of South Uist, a strange
bird got up some distance in front of us. Bahr at once said,
“That is a Ptarmigan.” On following it up, the bird rose wild,
but watching it carefully with our glasses as it flew across the
loch, we made certain that it was a Ptarmigan. A few days
later we again saw the bird about the same place, and this
time were able to have a good look at it on the ground, and

-make absolutely certain as to its identity. By the side of a
loch, practically at sea-level, is about the last place one would
expect to see a Ptarmigan, and I think the only explanation
is that it must have come from the Harris or the Skye hills,
which are the nearest on which Ptarmigan are found. During

84 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

the preceding week the wind had been northerly. The
Ptarmigan used to be found in South Uist, and John
MacGillivray, writing in 1841, mentions that it is found on Ben
More and Hecla in that island. More recently, in 1900,
one or more were seen on Hecla by an old shepherd, Archie
Macdonald by name.

LANDRAIL, Crex pratensis, Bechstein.—While cycling past a loch
in South Uist we saw a Corncrake running along in the water
at the edge of a loch being mobbed by Common Gulls. It
eventually made its escape into some thick heather. I was
told that the Corncrake was scarcer than usual round Stornoway
this year.

WaTeR HEN, Gadlinula chloropus (Linnzus).—We did not see
many Water Hens in the Uists, and certainly it must be shyer
than on the mainland, if it is really common.

CRANE, Grus communis, Bechstein.—Mr. D. Mackenzie tells me
that on 14th May a Crane was shot near Stornoway. It had
been seen in the district for about a week or ten days before
it was killed. This bird is not known to have occurred before
in the Outer Hebrides.

TURNSTONE, Strepsilas tnterpres (Linneeus).— We saw several Turn-
stones in full summer plumage on a small island off the north
end of Barra on 26th May.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, Phalaropus hyperboreus (Linneeus).—This
bird is strictly protected. I tried to watch a bird into its nest,
but found it quite impossible, as it crept about in the grass,
more like a mouse than a bird.

Dunuin, Zringa alpina, Linnzeus.—The Dunlin does not seem to
breed regularly in Barra. Mr. W. L. MacGillivray has only
seen two nests, and these were on an island a little to the
north of the main island. Round Loch Hallan, in South
Uist, we saw a great many Dunlin flying about in twos and
threes during the last few days of May. These must have
been chiefly migrants, as a day or two later only about a
quarter of the number were to be seen.

PURPLE SANDPIPER, Z7inga striata, Linneeus.—We observed half
a dozen Purple Sandpipers on the same island off Barra where
we saw the Turnstones. They appeared to be in full summer
plumage.

SANDERLING, Cadidris arenaria (Linnzeus).—We saw a small flock
on the shore on the west side of South Uist in June, and
Bahr saw either the same flock or another in Benbecula a
few days later.

PLATE III.

ANN. Scot. Nat. Hist. 1907.

MEMOM OR SV AOUMOCR AA EROS AEACEIN VO 8 OSLOUUNITMO OL1L4OLLNOUOUIT YI

"Jap ‘92layDnd “X32

‘jap

‘gua “Xap 7

NOTES ON BIRDS SEEN IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES 85

REDSHANK, Zofanus calidris (Linneeus).—We saw a single bird in
South Uist in the beginning of June, and another near
Loch Maddy, North Uist, a little later in the same month.

WuimpreL, Wumentus pheopus (Linneus).—When we first landed
in Barra on 18th May there were quite a number of Whimbrel
on the west side of the island. They gradually passed away
northwards, and on 26th May, our last day on the island, we
only saw two or three. On the 31st of May we saw three
on the north side of the Sound of Barra.

Common TERN, Sterna fluviatilis, Naumann.—A single example,
seen by Bahr in Loch Boisdale harbour, was the only Common
Tern we saw throughout the Outer Hebrides.

LESSER TERN, Sterna minuta, Linneeus.—Mr. W. L. MacGillivray
told us that the Lesser Terns first appeared in Barra in the
summer of 1901, and nested there in 1902 and 1903, but
since then they have not returned. We visited one other
Hebridean nesting locality, but only saw about six pairs of
these birds.

Ivory-GuLL, Pagophila eburnea (Phipps).—Dr. Mackenzie, North
Uist, told me on 28th June that he had lately seen an Ivory-
Gull on his farm of Scolpig in that island. He said there
was no doubt about the identification as he was quite close to
the bird.

Fuutmar, Filmarus glactalis (Linneeus).—The principal lightkeeper
at Barra Head informs me that he saw the first pair of Fulmars
there in 1899, but it was not till 1902 that he actually saw
eggs, though he adds that they may have nested there before
that date without his knowing. ‘There are from eight to twelve
pairs breeding there now.

EDINBURGH.

ON. A NEW BRITISH TERRESTRIAL ISOPOD:

By ALEXANDER PATIENCE.

TRICHONISCID2Z::
Genus TRICHONISCUS, Brandt, 1833.
Trichoniscus spinosus, n, sp. (Plate III.).

Description of Species——Body oblong-oval in form, about
two and a half times as long as broad. Dorsal face convex
and closely covered with small spines directed backwards.

86 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Cephalon with front obtusely rounded, lateral lobes moder-
ately produced and bearing one or two small spines on the
outer edge. Lateral parts of the segments of mesosome
edged with small appressed spines, the three posterior
segments having the corners recurved and acuminate.
Metasome occupies about one-fourth of the length of body,
the terminal expansion of the last segment being obtusely
rounded at the tip and armed with from two to five
triangularly-shaped spines. Antennule with the last joint
longer than the second and bearing from four to six sensory
filaments. Antenne about one-third the length of body,
spinulose, and the flagellum composed of three articulations.
Eyes consist of three visual elements embedded in dark
pigment. Left mandible with two, right with one, penicil
behind the cutting part. Last pair of legs in both sexes of
the same structure, the last joint having on the outer edge
three or four short but fairly prominent spines. Inner ramus
of first pair of pleopoda of male not greatly produced, the
tip of the last joint reaching to the middle of the distal joint
of second pair; the last joint of very delicate structure,
needle-shaped and about twice the length of first. Inner
ramus of second pair biarticulate, the last joint about three
times the length of first, abruptly contracted at about two-
thirds towards the distal end and terminating in a spear-like
point. Uropoda with the outer ramus about twice the length
of basal part, the inner ramus being narrower and shorter.
Colour dark reddish brown, marbled with white. Length of
adult female 3.5 mm.

Remarks.—This species bears some resemblance to
Trichoniscus stebbingt, Patience, in the general form of the
body; in the type of coloration; in the structure of the
first pair of pleopoda of the male, and in the shape of the
last segment of the metasome. The telson, however, in
T. spinosus is more obtusely rounded at the tip than in the
above-named species, and in this respect connects 7. stebbingz
with the other British species of 77zchonzscus, where the tip
of the last segment of the metasome is truncate. Again, the
last joint of the inner ramus of the first pair of pleopoda of
the male is slightly longer and comparatively more slender
than in Z. stebbing?, while the colour arrangement on the

ON A NEW BRITISH TERRESTRIAL ISOPOD 87

dorsal face presents a more definite pattern. The antenne,
legs, and uropoda, which in 7. spzzosws are coloured, are in
T. stebbingz generally devoid of pigment.

Occurrence.—I discovered this pretty little species recently
(Feb. 6, 1907) in a greenhouse in Springburn Public Park,
Glasgow, living in company with 7. stebbzngz, T. pusillus,
Brandt, 7. voseus (Koch) and Haplophthalmus danicus, Budde-
Lund. All these species were bearing ova. I have not yet
found it outside the greenhouse mentioned above, but as I
first met with the closely allied species, 7. stebbingz, in the
open country, I have no reason to doubt that 7. sfznosus
will yet be discovered in quite open situations.

I have drawn attention recently in two papers, relating
to the distribution of the terrestrial isopods within the Clyde
faunal-area, to the fact that my examination of a large
number of hothouses throughout the area showed that the
members of the Zvzchonzscide do not seem to have any
marked preference for these places, although the food there
is both choice and abundant. Evidently the most important
and indispensable condition to their existence is a fairly
abundant and steady supply of moisture, and where I have
met with these species inhabiting greenhouses, this condition
of things usually obtained. Many species, however, belong-
ing to the Oxzscide, do not seem to be affected in the same
manner, ¢.¢. I have found Porcellio scaber, Latr., P. dilatatus,
Brandt, Metoponorthus pruinosus (Brandt), and Cylisticus
convexus (De Geer), living in hundreds in tomato-houses in
widely separated parts of the Clyde faunal-area, where they
seemed to enjoy the almost tropical heat which usually prevails.

The members of the 77ichonisctde are evidently a hardy
race. Bate and Westwood refer to Kinahan as having found
T. vividus (Koch) quite active mid snow. The same remark
may be equally well applied to many more members of the
family, for I have found during the past winter (1) 7.
pygmeus, G. O. Sars, and 7. roseus living quite actively in a
garden at Dullatur, Dumbartonshire, underneath old logs
which were covered with snow and ice, and (2) 7. pusdllus
and H/. danicus in several places near Lanark, under the bark
of fallen trees, where the interstices had become filled up
with ice.

88 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

T. spinosus like T. stebbtngz is active in its movements
and runs with agility when alarmed.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE.

Q Female specimen of 7r2chonzscus spinosus, about 3.3 mm.
Mf, Mandibles.
A. Antenna.
pg. 7 One of the seventh pair of legs.
plp & One of the first pair of pleopoda of male.
plp* & One of the second pair of pleopoda of male.
7. Last segment of metasome with the uropoda.

A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A KNOWLEDGE
OF THE SCOUMSERICRVPTIN A: ((CHNEG-

MONIDA2).
By P. CAMERON.

IN this paper I have only enumerated the species I have
collected myself, and in my own collection. It cannot
therefore be regarded, in any respect, as a complete catalogue
of the species inhabiting Scotland; but the 113 species
enumerated may be looked upon as fairly illustrating the
Cryptine of the country. The species were examined some
years ago by the late Mr. John B. Bridgman of Norwich
and, more recently, by Mr. Claude Morley, the author of a
work on the British C7ypizne.

Judging by my collection the tribe Coppin (which
contains some of the largest species) appears to be poorly
represented in Scotland, although common in more southern
districts.

I have followed the generic arrangement of Prof.
Schmiedeknecht in his Opuscula Ichneumonologica.

S ELE PINT.
Exo.Lytus, Foer.

1. Jevigatus, Gr., Lambhill, near Glasgow, Dumfries, Sutherland-
shire.

. Splendens, Gr., Glen Lyon, Kingussie.

. scrutator, Hal., Clyde near Cambuslang, Bishopton, Blair
Athol.

No

oo

on Ww

Bw NH

and

on

THE SCOTTISH CRYPTINZ 89

ATRACTODES, Gr.

. bicolor, Gr., Bishopton.
. gilvipes, Holmg., Cadder, Thornhill, Bishopton, Cambuslang,

Kenmuir, Kilsyth, Rannoch, Loch Awe, Glenelg, Kingussie,
Sutherlandshire.

. gravidus, Gr., Dalry, Arran.
. extlis, Curt., Glen Lyon, Rannoch, Bonar Bridge, Altnaharra.
. albovinctus, Curt., Thornhill.

MESATRACODES, Morl.

. propreator, Hal., Lambhill, near Glasgow, Cadder, Loch Awe.

ASYNCRITA, Foer.

. foveolata, Gr. = cultellator, Curt., Cadder.

POLYRHEMBIA, Foer.

. tenebricosa, Gr. = vestalis, Curt., Cadder, Milngavie, Kelvinside,

Cambuslang, Kilsyth, Strathblane, Cannisburn, Kenmuir,
Gleniffer, Glen Lyon, Rannoch, Loch Awe, Ben Lawers, on
flowers at about 3000 feet, Kingussie, Glenelg, Sutherland-
shire.

STILPNUS, Gr.

. gagates, Gr., Clober, Kenmuir, Bishopton, Possil Marsh.
. deplanatus, Gr., Sutherlandshire, Cadder.

. aryadum, Curt., Clober. Rare.
. pavonia, Gr., Cadder. Rare.

Obs.—A. gilvipes and P. tenebricosa are among the commonest
most widely spread of the Scotch Ichneumonide.

PEZOMACHINI.
PEZOMACHUS, Gr.

. festinans, F., Carmyle.

anthracinus, F., Dumfries, Castlecary, Clober, Cadder, near
Cambuslang, Kingussie, Sutherlandshire. I have a specimen
from Alsasua, Spain, given me by Dr. D. Sharp, F.R.S.

nigritus, F., Clober, bred from Spider’s eggs, Kingussie.

timidus, F., Bothwell.

acarorum, 1.., Eccles, Kelvindale, Paisley.

carnifex, F., Cadder, Mugdock, Clober, Kilsyth, Bishopton,
Rannoch.

ochraceus, F., Cadder.

. corruptor, F., Cadder, Glenelg.

go ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

9. zntermedius, ¥., Ballantrae, Gleniffer, Cambuslang, Bishopton,
Mugdock, Rannoch, Kingussie.

10. modestus, F., Manuel, Kenmuir, Mugdock.

11. comes, F., Eccles, Thornhill, Cadder.

12. bicolor, Gr., Eccles, Cadder.

13. fraudulentus, Gr., Cadder, Bute.

14. attentus, F., Cadder, Manuel.

15. mocrurus, ¥., Cadder.

16. znstabilis, ¥., Thornhill, Cadder, Rannoch.

17. costatus, Bridg., Bishopton.

18. palpator, Gr., Cadder.

19. Zinearts, ¥., Dumfries, Ballantrae.

20, indigator, F., Bishopton.

21. fasciatus, F., Gleniffer, Kenmuir, Cambuslang, Clober, Paisley,
Manuel, Claddich, Loch Awe, Rannoch, Sutherlandshire.
Bred from a Spider’s egg-bag.

P. Carnifex, fasciatus, and anthracinus are the three commonest

species.
PEZOLOCHUS, Foer.

1. rufipes, F., Galloway, Dumfries, Mugdock, Bishopton. I have
an example from Malta given me by Mr. J. J. Walker.

Oressius, Marshall.
1. castaneus, Marsh. Top of Gyrvil, Rannoch (over 3000 feet),
and of Goatfell, Arran.
THAUMATSTYPUS, Foer.

1. Lillupsi, Bridg., Cadder.

HEMITELLINI.

CREMNODES, Foer.

1. atricapillus, Gr., Mugdock. Bred from dipterous leaf-miner
of Primrose.

Cremnodus is regarded by Prof. Schmiedeknecht as identical
with Hlemiztelles. Cf. Opus. Ichn., 871.

HEmMITELES, Gr.

1. fulvipes, Gr., Mugdock. Bred from the cocoons of Apantéeles
sericeus, the parasite of Thera juniperana.

2. submarginatus, Bridg., Claddich, Loch Awe, Arran.

3. marginatus, Bridg., Cadder.

4. cingulator, Gr., Glen Lyon, Kingussie.

Nun

THE SCOTTISH CRYPTINA gl

. bicolorinus, Gr., Cadder, Rannoch, Beauly, Kingussie.
. ridibundus, Gr., Clyde near Cambuslang.
. areator, Cadder, Mugdock, Paisley, Dalry. Bred from galls

of Mematus gallicola, West.

. rufocinctus, Gr., Cadder.

. tenebrosus, Gr., Rannoch,

. pictipes, Gr., Glenelg.

. castaneus, Vasch., Dalry.

. melanarius, Gr., Glenelg.

. varitarsis, Gr., Possil Marsh.

. levigatus, Rutz., Cadder.

. biannulatus, Gr., Cadder.

. subannulatus, Bridg., Possil Marsh.
. floricolator, Gr., Clober.

. tristator, Gr., Mugdock.

. politus, Bridg., Kingussie, Braemar.
. necator, Gr., Bonar Bridge, Cadder.
. incisus, Bridg., Cadder, Kilsyth, Strathblane, Bishopton. Bred

from /Vematus viridis.

. similis, Gmel., Kenmuir, Rannoch, Glenelg.

. subzonatus, Bridg., Gleniffer, Cadder, Kingussie.

. hemipterus, ¥., Cadder.

. Bridgmant, Schm. = Theroscopus niger, Bridg., Kingussie.

Many of the species of /femzteles are hyperparasites, Ze.
parasites on other Ichneumons.

PHYGADEUONINI.

Cratocryptus, Thoms.

. anatorius, Gr., Cadder.
. parvulus, Gr., Cadder, Bishopton, Rannoch, Sutherlandshire.

PLECTOCRYPTUS, Thoms.

. digitatus, Gmel., Kingussie.

STENOCRYPTUS, Thoms.

. migriventris, Thoms., Kingussie.
. oviventris, Gr., Clyde near Cambuslang, Rannoch,
. brevicornis, Tasch., Cadder.

Microcryptus, Thoms.

. leucostictus, Gr., Cadder.
. abdominator, Gr., Cadder, Kenmuir, Clober, Rannoch, Kin-

gussie.

. scoticus, Marshall, Rannoch.

92

ios)

Nun

O00 ON AN

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

. cretatus, Gr., Dumfries.

. sericans, Gr., Bonar Bridge.

. erythrinus, Gr., Possil Marsh.

. bifrons, Gmel., Glen Lyon, Kingussie.

nigrocinctus, Gr., Clyde near Newton, Cadder, Thornhill.

. brachypterus, Gr., Cadder.
. micropterus, Gr., Possil Marsh.

HeEmIcryYptus, Kriech.

. labralis, Gr., Clyde opposite Kenmuir, Cadder, Sutherland-

shire.

. galactinus, Gr., Clyde opposite Kenmuir.

ACANTHOCRYPTUS, Thoms.

. nigricollis, Thoms., Clyde opposite Kenmuir, Dalry.
. guadrispinus, Gr., Dalry.

STYLocryptus, Thoms.!

. profligator, Gr., Rannoch.

. suffolctensis, Morl., Clyde opposite Kenmuir.

. erythrogaster, Kenmuir, Clober, Rannoch,

. brevis, Gr., Kenmuir, Rannoch.

. glyphicremis, Foer. Cf. Schmiedeknecht, Opus. Ich., 658.

PHYGADEUON, Gr.

. vagans, Gr., Cadder, Paisley, Clyde opposite Carmyle,

Rannoch, Kingussie, Loch Awe, Sutherlandshire.

. variabilis, Gr., Possil Marsh, Cadder, Kenmuir, Blantyre,

Rannoch, Glen Lyon, Kingussie, Glenelg, Bonar Bridge.

. dumetorum, Gr., Cadder, Clober, Mugdock, Blantyre, Stirling,

Kingussie, Sutherlandshire.

. flavimanus, Gr., Cadder, ex Lmphytus serotinus.
. exiguus, Gr., Beauly.
. fumator, Gr., Possil Marsh, Cadder, Clober, Kenmuir, Clyde

opposite Carmyle, Gleniffer, Stirling, Strathblane, Dalry,
Craig Dubh, near Kingussie, 2000 feet; top of Ben
Clibrich, Sutherlandshire.

. tnflatus, Thoms., Cadder, Gleniffer, Bishopton, Carmyle,

Blantyre, Stirling, Loch Awe, Rannoch, Glenelg. Parasitic
on Lmphytus serotinus.

. scaposts, Thoms., Clober, Cadder, Dalry, Sutherlandshire.
. rotundipennis, Thoms., Cadder, Kilsyth.
. dimidiatus, Thoms., Possil Marsh, Mugdock Moor, Bishopton,

Rannoch.

1 The generic location of the species marked * is not clear to me.

THE SCOTTISH CRYPTINZ 93

11. mzxtus, Bridg., Stirling.
12. ambiguus, Gr., Glenelg.
13. ¢arsatus, Bridg., Arran.

IscHNOCRYPTUS, Kriech.
1. hercynicus, Gr., Blantyre.
*2. pellucidator, Gr., Kingussie, Sutherlandshire.
LrEptocryptus, Thoms., ? PANARGYROPS.

. @reus, Gr., Cadder.
. tenuzs, Gr., Glenelg, Kingussie.
*3. tenerrimus, Gr., Cadder, Gleniffer.

.
c
W®Q N &

CRYPTINI.

Cryptus, F.

1. sponsor, F., Sutherlandshire.
2. obscurus, Gr., Rannoch, Kingussie, Glenelg, Altnaharra.

SPILOCRYPTUS, Thoms,

1. ¢ucubator, Sturm., Clober.
2. cimbicis, ‘Tschek, Claddich, Loch Awe, Rannoch, Cadder.
Bred from Z7tchiosoma lucorum.

Ipro.ispa, Foer.
1. analis, Gr., Braemar (IF. G. Binnie).

GonrocryPtus, Thoms.

1. tttilator, Gr., Stirling, Rannoch, Kingussie.

Hasrocryptus, Thoms.

1. assertorius, F., Possil Marsh. Rare.

SOME RHIZOPODS AND HEEIOZOA OF. THE
FORTH AREA:

By JAMEs Murray.

THIS short list of Sarcodina has been compiled almost
entirely from material supplied to me by Mr. W. Evans.
While examining the Sphagnum and other mosses which he
sent to me from time to time during the year 1905, chiefly

94 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

with an eye to the Rotifers and Tardigrada (see published
lists), I noticed incidentally any Sarcodina which I could
identify. Those are chiefly the common and easy species.
Drawings of some of the more difficult species were sent to
Dr. Penard, who named them; and Dr. Penard himself has
since examined for Mr. Evans a sample of Sphagnum from
the Forth Area, and supplied notes of species which do not
come within my limited knowledge. Mr. Cash has also
examined moss sent by Mr. Evans, and given a list of many
interesting species. Dr. Penard’s and Mr. Cash’s lists are
being published by Mr. Evans in the “ Proceedings of the
Royal Physical Society.” The sole reason for publishing
this very incomplete and unauthoritative list is that a
number of the common species which I observed did not
happen to occur in the moss sent to those specialists, or at
any rate were not noted by them, and that it supplies
additional localities for many of the others.

Beyond the species found in the moss collected by
Mr. Evans I have only added some half-dozen species
collected by the Lake Survey in Loch Vennachar in the
year 1902, as there were no other records of most of them
from the Forth Area.

CLASS SARCODINA.

Sus-C.Lass Loposa.

Order AM@B&A.
Ameba terricola, Greeff.rtHopetoun Woods, June 1906.

Order TESTACEA.

Difiugia piriformis, Perty.—Bavelaw Moss, Roslin, Marl Pit near
Davidson’s Mains, Gullane Links, Winchburgh, Largo Links,
Aberfoyle.

. capreolata, Penard.—Aberfoyle.

. dacillifera, Penard.—Loch Vennachar (1902).

. acuminata, Ehr., and var. zxflata, Penard.—Bavelaw Moss.
. globulosa, Duj.—Bavelaw, Aberfoyle.

. constricta, Ehr.—Duddingston Loch, Roslin, Loch Leven,
Doune, Aberfoyle.

Se SESS)

. arcula, Leidy.—Aberfoyle.

SOME RHIZOPODS AND HELIOZOA OF THE FORTH AREA 95

Centropyxts aculeata, Stein.—Davidson’s Mains, Lothian Burn,
Bavelaw, Hopetoun, Gullane, Largo, Ochils behind Dollar,
Aberfoyle.

Pontigulasia bigtbbosa, Penard.—Aberfoyle.
Lecquereusia spiralis (Ehr.).—Loch Vennachar (1902).
L. modesta, Rhumb.—Loch Vennachar (1902).
Hyalosphenia papilio, Leidy.—Bavelaw, Aberfoyle.

Hf. elegans, Leidy.—Thornton (Fife), Aberfoyle.

Nebela collarts, Leidy.—Duddingston Loch, Lothian Burn, Bavelaw,
Gullane, Hopetoun, Thornton, Aberfoyle.

NV. bohemica, Taranek.—Roslin, Aberfoyle.
LV. tubulosa, Penard.—Near Doune.

LV. lageniformis, Penard.—Bavelaw, Gullane.
LV. carinata, Leidy.—Bavelaw, Aberfoyle.
LV. marginata, Penard.—Aberfoyle.

LV. flabellulum, Leidy.—Bavelaw, Star Moss near Markinch, Aber-
foyle.
LV. bursella, Vedj.—Aberfoyle.

LV. militaris, Penard.— Aberfoyle.
LV. crenulata, Penard.—Lothian Burn, Gullane.

Quadrula symmetrica, F. E. Schultze.—Ochils near Dollar, Hope-
toun.

Fleleopera petricola, Leidy.—Upper Elf Loch, Lothian Burn, Kirk-
newton, Thornton, Aberfoyle.
Var. amethystea, Penard.—From all the same localities as
the type, except Elf Loch.

H1. cyclostoma, Penard.—Luffness Marsh, July 1906.

Arcella vulgaris, Ehr.—Duddingston, Bavelaw, Gullane, Largo,
Markinch, Ochils, Aberfoyle.

A. discoides, Ehr.—Upper Elf Loch, Bavelaw, Thornton, Markinch,
Ochils, Aberfoyle.

A. artocrea, Leidy (=catinus, Pen., and vulgaris, var. compressa,
Cash).—Aberfoyle.

Sub-Class Finosa.

Order MoONOSTOMINA.

Cyphoderia ampulla (Ehr.).—Duddingston, Lothian Burn, Bavelaw,
Gullane, Winchburgh, Ochils, Aberfoyle.

Luglypha alveolata, Duj.—Loch Vennachar.

96 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

£. ciliata (Ehr.).—Roslin, Hopetoun, Thornton, Doune, Aberfoyle.
E. brachiata, Leidy.—Loch Vennachar.

Placocysta spinosa, Leidy.—Thornton, Aberfoyle.

Assulina seminulum (Ehr.).—Bavelaw, Leadburn, Aberfoyle.

A, minor, Penard.—Leadburn, Aberfoyle.

Trinema enchelys (Ehr.).—Aberfoyle, Loch Vennachar.

Sub-Class HELIOzoa.

Order APHROTHORACA,
Actinophrys sol, Ehr.—Bavelaw, Loch Leven.

Actinospherium eichhorni, Ehr.—Nether Habbies Howe (Pentlands),
Aberfoyle.

Order CHALAROTHORACA.

Acanthocystis turfacea, Carter.—Loch Vennachar.

NOTES ON THE, FLORA, OF BERWICKSHIRE
By G. CiaripcE Druce, M.A, F.L.S.

IN August of 1906 I spent a few days in the bracing air of
Berwickshire, and had the advantage of the company of my
friend Mr. A. H. Evans, the well-known ornithologist, whose
knowledge of the botany of the plants of his native district
is very thorough. In “Topographical Botany” the records
are unusually free from personal vouchers, so that I venture
to give a list of the more important species which were
noticed by me during my visit, and have added a few which
Mr. Evans or Mr. Ferguson of Duns also communicated
to me.

The occurrence of Agrimonia agrimonoides in such a
natural-looking situation is remarkable, nor could I obtain
a clue to its introduction. The most interesting find prob-
ably was that of the hybrid orchis, which I had not
observed hitherto in Britain. Our search in Gordon bog for
the Utricularia which has been called Bremz¢ was unsuccess-
ful, only U. mznor being observed, but the bog has suffered
much recently from drainage.

EEE

Inof dgefi Anof tye} lnofl vine}

NOTES ON THE FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE 97

p Signifies personal voucher. * New record. + Introduced species.

Ranunculus peltatus, Schrank, var. truncatus (Hiern).—Colding-
ham Loch.

R. Lingua, Z.—Duns.
R. Steveni, 4Azdrz.—Duns.

Caltha radicans, /orst.—Coldingham, on the margins of the loch
in some plenty,

Fumaria Borzei, /ord.—Near Gordon.

Coronopus procumbens, G7z/.—Duns.

Cochlearia officinalis, Z.—Berwick, Tweedside.

Cardamine flexuosa, /’7¢.—Duns.

Cakile maritima, Scof.—Berwick coast.

Helianthemum Chameecistus, J7/27/,—St. Abbs.

Viola lutea, /7wds.—A very beautiful form with large flowers of
deep yellow with upper petals purple, in fields near Gordon.

V. segetalis, Jord.—Near Duns.

Polygala serpyllacea, Wezke.—Gordon, etc.

p Silene maritima, V/7zti.—St. Abbs.

* Wd

Dianthus deltoides, Z.—Berwickshire, A. H. Evans.
Saponaria officinalis, Z.

Lychnis alba x dioica.—Duns.

L. alba, J/227.—Duns.

Spergula sativa, oenn.— Duns.

Arenaria peploides, Z.—Near Berwick.

Spergularia media (Z.) (.S. marginata, Syme).—Near Berwick.
S. marina, Mert and Koch.—Near Berwick.

Arenaria verna, Z.—St. Abbs.

Stellaria palustris, Ae¢s.—Gordon Bog.

Cerastium semidecandrum, Z.—St. Abbs.

Millegrana Radiola, Druwce.—Saughton Leas.

Sagina nodosa, /enz/.—Coldingham.

Linum usitatissimum, Z.—Duns.

Malva rotundifolia, Z.—Near Berwick.

M. moschata, 7.—Duns.

Geranium pratense, Z.—Near Duns.

Trifolium procumbens, Z., var. majws, Koch.—Duns.
T. arvense, Z.—Lamberton, A. H. Evans.

Astragalus glycyphyllus, Z.—Lamberton, A. H. Evans.

Vicia angustifolia, Z.—Near Gordon. This removes the query
to/ record) in“! Lop. Bot,”
62 D

98 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

* V. lathyroides, Z.—St. Abbs, A. H. Evans.

* V. Orobus, DC.—Grant’s House, A. H. Evans.

Prunus Padus, Z.—Duns.

Geum intermedium, “4r;.—Duns.

G. rivale, 7.—Duns.

Potentilla palustris, Scof.—Gordon.

* Rubus Selmeri, Zz7deb.—Duns.

R. dasyphyllus, Aogevs.—Duns.

R. Radula, WVezhe.—agg. Duns.

Rosa Eglanteria, Z.—Near Coldingham.

R. glauca, Vz//7.—Duns.

R. coriifolia, “7zes.—Duns.

R. dumalis, 4echs¢t,—Duns.

* R. dumetorum, Zuz2//.—Duns.

p Alchemilla vulgaris, Z., var. ji/zcaulis (Buser), var. adlpestris
(Schmidt).—Duns.

* Acrimonia agrimonioides, Z.—Quite naturalised in a wood near
Duns ; showed me by Mr. Ferguson.

p Epilobium angustifolium, Z.—John’s House.

* E. obscurum, Schveb.—Duns.

E. montanum, Z.—A curious form with very pale flowers of a
different tint from the normal, with much of the appearance
of vosewm, grows on walls in Duns.

Pp Hippuris vulgaris, Z.—Gordon.
* Myriophyllum spicatum, Z.—Duns, Coldingham.
* Callitriche hamulata, Awetz.—Duns.
p Parnassia palustris, Z.—Gordon.
Ribes nigrum, Z.—Duns.
R. rubrum, Z.—Duns.
R. Grossularia, Z.—Duns.

k* k k

p Cé£nanthe crocata, Z.

+ Carum Petroselinum, 4exth. and Hook.—Quite naturalised at
Burnmouth.

p Ligusticum scoticum, Z.—St. Abbs.

p Viburnum Opulus, Z.—Duns.

* Galium Witheringii, S.—Coldingham.

p G. boreale, Z.—A. H. Evans.

p Valeriana dioica, Z.—Langton Leas.

p Taraxacum palustre, )C.—Langton Leas. _

* Arctium intermedium, Zange.—Duns.

A. minus, Berni.—Duns.

ac]

xO Dd OU

NOTES ON THE FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE 99

Tragopogon pratense, Z.—By the Tweed.

Silybum Marianum, Gaertn.— Duns.

Carduus tenuiflorus, Cwz7/,—Berwick.

C. crispus, Z.—Duns.

Campanula latifolia, Z.—Duns.

Vaccinium Vitis-idza, Z.—Langton Leas.

Pyrola minor, Z.—Near Langton Leas, Mr. Ferguson.
Veronica didyma, Ze7.—Duns.

p V. Buxbaumil, Zez.—Duns.

V. montana, Z.—Duns.
Rhinanthus Crista-galli, Z.— Duns.
R. stenophyllus, Sckwr.—Duns.

* Euphrasia brevipila, Bwznat.—Langton.

—l|-

a]

—- W

E. nemorosa, AZ. M/art.—Duns.

E. curta, /7zes.—St. Abbs.

E. gracilis, /7zes.—Langton.

E. Rostkoviana, Yayze.—Gordon.

Lathreea Squamaria, Z.—Paxton, A. H. Evans.

Mentha piperita, Z., var. officinal’s.—St. Abbs, Gordon.

M. longifolia, “7zd@s.—Duns, in some plenty by a stream side.
Clinopodium vulgare, Z.—Duns.

Galeopsis bifida, Loenn.—Duns.

G. speciosa, J4/7//-—Gordon.

Thymus Chameedrys, /7zes.—Duns.

Stachys ambigua, S7.—John’s House.

Salvia Verbenaca, Z.—Berwick.

Anchusa sempervirens, Z.—(Quite naturalised to the east of Duns

by the roadside.
Pinguicula vulgaris, Z.—Langton Leas.

Littorella uniflora, Asch.—Coldingham Loch.

Chenopodium album, Z., var. candicans (Lam.), and var. z7ide,
£.—Duns.

Atriplex hastata, Z.—Duns,

Rumex Hydrolapatheum, /Zwds.—By the Eden, near Gordon.

Polygonum Bistorta, Z.—Berwick.

Empetrum nigrum, Z.—Langton Leas.

Euphorbia exigua, Z.—Duns.

Quercus Robur, Z. (pedunculata).—Duns.

Q. foemina, 1/7 (sessiliflora, Sal.).—Duns.

Betula alba, Z.—Langton.

B. pubescens, “Ar.—Gordon.

100 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

x Ww hw hw —-

i

Populus alba, Z.—Duns.

Juniperus communis, Z.—Grant’s House.

Goodyera repens, &. Br.—Near Langton, Mr. Ferguson.

Listera cordata, . 47.—Langton Leas.

Orchis maculata, Z., var. evzcetorum (Linton).— Langton.

Orchis maculata, var. evicetorum x Habenaria conopsea.—This
interesting hybrid was found by Mr. Evans and myself in a
marshy spot on the east side of Langton Leas, and was a
good intermediate. The perfume of comopsea was retained,
but the facies of the spike was rather that of macu/ata.

Habenaria bifolia, #.47.—Gordon bog.

H. viridis, #.&7,—Near Duns, Mr. Ferguson.

Neottia Nidus-avis, Scop.—Near Duns, Mr. Ferguson.

Scilla verna, Z.—St. Abbs.

p Allium Scorodoprasum, Z.—Showed to me by Mr. A. H. Evans

* WW

erst! ae} ae} ae}! tas]

*

*

on the banks of the Whitadder, in considerable plenty.
A. vineale, Z.—With the foregoing.
Potamogeton filiformis, /Vo/fe.—Still abundant at Coldingham.
P. crispus, £.—Duns.
P. polygonifolius, ow7.—Langton.
Acorus Calamus, Z.—Duns, in the castle lake, doubtless planted.
Typha angustifolia, Z.—With the above, and probably introduced.
Sparganium minimum, /7zes.—Gordon.
Juncus Gerardi, Zozs.—Near Berwick.
J. bufonius, Z., var. fasciculatus, Koch.—By the Tweed.
Scheenus nigricans, Z.—Gordon.
Scirpus maritimus, Z.—By the Tweed.
S. sylvaticus, Z.—A. H. Evans.
Carex canescens, Z.—Gordon.
. disticha, Huds.—St. Abbs.
. paniculata, Z., var. s¢mpliccor, And.—Gordon.
. flava, Z..—Gordon.
. extensa, Good.—Fast Castle.
. pendula, H7wds.—Lamberton, A. H. Evans.
. acutiformis, £7;.—Duns.
. riparia, Curt.—Whitadder.
Milium effusum, Z.—Peasdene, A. H. Evans.
Agrostis canina, Z.—Gordon.
Phragmites communis, 7777., var. uniflora, Bor.—Gordon.
Avena pubescens, //~d@s.—Greenland.
Arrhenatherum avenaceum, var. ¢uberosum (Gilitb.).—Duns.

PncucinG@n@) «nn G)

NOTES ON THE FLORA OF BERWICKSHIRE 101

p Glyceria plicata, /vies.—Coldingham.

p G. maritima, J7. and A.—Tweedside.

* G. distans, Wah/l.—By the Tweed, about two miles above
Berwick ; scarce.

* Poa nemoralis, Z.—Duns.

Briza media, Z.—Duns.

Festuca rubra, Z.—Duns, etc.

Agropyron caninum, 4eawv.—Duns.

lel ye) lye

A. repens, Beauv., var. darbatum.—Duns.

Hordeum murinum, Z.—Duns, by the Tweed.

Cystopteris fragilis, Ber722.—Duns.

Polystichum angulare, Pres/?—Peasdale, A. H. Evans.

Asplenium marinum, Z.—Fast Castle.

Phyllitis Scolopendrium, G7eeve.—Duns.

Botrichium Lunaria, Sz.—Gordon.

Selaginella selaginoides, Zz7k.

Equisetum sylvaticum, Z.—Gordon.

Lastrea spinulosa, Pves/.—Duns.

Agrostis alba, Z., *var. stolonifera (1..)—Duns.
*var. gigantea, Meyer.—Duns.

Poa pratensis, Z., var. swbcerulea (Sm.).—St. Abbs.

Chara fragilis, Desv.— Duns.

C. aspera, W7//d.—Coldingham.

Langton.

Ine} Igo] nope dnl lye} Iyeh lash = baa,

OXFORD.

TRITICUM PEREGRINOM, HACKEL A NEW
SPECIES FOUND AS," AN ALIEN NEAT
EDINBURGH.

By JAMES FRASER.

LAST year, in each of two places, near Edinburgh, I found a
single plant of a Triticum which evidently belonged to the
sub-genus A‘gilops, and at once suggested g7lops mutica,
Boiss. On comparing it with the latter, however, and with
every other species of Triticum in the Herbarium of the
Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, which, by the courtesy of
Professor J. Bayley Balfour, F.R.S., I was permitted to do,
it was at once seen that it corresponded with none of them.
Specimens were sent to Professor Hackel, who, with charac-

102 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

teristic kindness at once replied that after careful study he
could not identify it with any described plant, and that he
considered it to be a new species of Triticum of unknown
habitat, but almost certainly of oriental origin.

In both the places, though five miles apart, where this
plant occurred, the conditions are somewhat similar: one
place is a derelict poultry farm where grain-refuse from dis-
tilleries is thrown, yielding a luxuriant crop of hundreds of
foreign plants; the other is a stretch of uneven waste
ground, whose hollows are being filled up with sweepings
from the holds of grain-ships and with other refuse. In
both these places the plant was growing in association with
Triticum crassum, Aitchis. and Hemsley, a native of Central
Asia; Phleum grecum, Boiss. and Heldr.; Phleum asperum,
Jacq.; Apera intermedia, Hackel, whose only known habitat is
Asia Minor ; and the three well-known species of A¢gilops.

The following diagnosis by Professor Hackel is pub-
lished in Scotland at his request, as he desired it to appear
in connection with the observations of Mr. James M‘Andrew
and myself on alien plants here :—

“Triticum (sub.-gen. d¢gzlops) peregrinum, Hackel,
nov. spec.—Annuum. Culmi graciles, circ. 35 cm. alti, apice
longe nudi, glaberrimi. Vaginz ventricosz, ore plus minus
fimbriatz, ceterum glaberrime. Ligula brevissima, truncata.
Laminz anguste lineares (6-8 cm. longe, 2-7 mm. late),
acute, utrinque pilis mollibus patentibus plus minus con-
sperse. Spica brevis (3-6 cm. lg., 6-8 mm. diam.) sursum
attenuata, e spiculis fertilibus 4-5 constans, adjectis in basi
spiculis sterilibus 3 parvis v. minutis, rhacheos articuli sub-
curvati sursum modice dilatati dorso complanati, ventre
concavi, plus minus scabri, spicula adjacente plus minusve
breviores. Spiculz fertiles ovato-oblonge (circ. 12 mm. lg.,
4 mm, It.), 4-floree, floribus 2 inferioribus fertilibus, superi-
oribus sterilibus, decrescentibus, viridulea. Glumz ‘steriles
subeequales, 2-2 spicula zquantes, obovato-oblonge, circ.
7 mm. lg., sinuato-bidentatz, dentibus triangularibus acutis
v. acutiusculis in spicula terminali interdum (altero v. ambis)
in aristam brevem latiusculam productis, inter dentes inter-
dum denticulum minutum exhibentes, dorso elevato 7-nervis,

TRITICUM PEREGRINUM, HACKEL 103

nervis aculeolato-scaberrimis. Glume fertiles oblonga,
retusze, bidentate, dente altero nervum medium excipiente
plerumque in mucronulum crassum obtusiusculum producto,
altero depresso-triangulari, interdum tertio rotundato aucto,
ceterum mutice, 5-nerves, tota superficie minute scabro-
punctate. Palea glumam fertilem aequans, oblonga, obtuse
bidentata, carinis setuloso - ciliolata. Lodicule ciliate.
Ovarium apice hispidulum. Spica cum omnibus spiculis
fertilibus demum caduca, spiculis sterilibus in culmo
manentibus.

Patria ignota, introductam in Scotia prope Edinburgh
(Slateford et Leith Docks), invenit J. Fraser.

Affinis Zvztico mutico (Aigilopt mutice, Boiss.) quod
differt a nostro spica elongata gracili multispiculata, inter-
nodiis spicula adjacente longioribus, spiculis minoribus angusti-
oribus, oblongis, glumis sterilibus vix dimidiam spiculam
zequantibus apice dilatatis obscure sinuato - denticulatis,
slumis fertilibus obtusissimis subintegris.”

LEITH, JZarch 1907.

BULOMUS CMBELLATUS, lL, IN\CAIEHNESS:
By ARTHUR BENNETT.

Mr. R. BAIN of Wick, in a letter recently sent me, tells me
he has seen three specimens of Butomus on the north side
of the Wick river, and a botanical friend informs him that
he has “seen it in the same place a good many years ago.”
Mr. Bain adds, “I am a good deal surprised that your friend
Mr. Grant ‘has not reported it.’ I am not, because it may
be it flowered only occasionally. It is one of those semi-
aquatic species that are very uncertain in flowering.

Of course, with such a paucity of specimens we cannot
say much; but there is no reason why the species should
not be a native of Scotland. The late Dr. B. White in his
Flora of Perth considered it a native, and also in letters to
myself when discussing the grade of various species.

In Sweden it is general in the provinces of Skane,
Halland, Sodermarland, Upland, and Nerike, and occurs
in twelve other provinces north to Jemtland about 64 N.

104 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

latitude.’ Indicated in S. Norway ; it occurs in Finland in
eleven provinces north to Kemi in lat. 65° 30” (Cashen 1793,
Brenner 1870).” In Russia in Livonia and Petropoli (St.
Petersburg), etc. Thus its distribution lends itself to being
native in Scotland, though the greater severity of the winters
in 64 N. lat. does not count altogether, as the fall of snow
is greater, and this tends to the preservation of plants that
without it even in the south of England die in winter.
I am not advocating that Butomus is native in Caithness ;
but how do such plants become introduced (unless planted) ?
The appearance of semi-aquatic plants in quarries, gravel
pits, railway cuttings, is very curious, as they surely do not
occur in horse fodder, and at least in many examples of
Dutch and Belgium packed goods I never detected any of
these species. An entomological friend (Mr. Thurnel) tells
me that when he finds in isolated gravel pits Scrpus
palustris, L., he is almost sure to find a species of moth
(Lactra furfurana, Haw.) whose larva feeds in the stems. If
it is difficult to account for the appearance of the Scirpus, it
seems much more so with the moth. It is easy to account
for the introduction of many aliens, and of many species
native in the south but not in the north, but semi-aquatics
seem to present more difficulty even than aquatics.

CROYDON.

POTAMOGETON UNDULATUS, WOLFGANG,
INF SCORLAND:

By ARTHUR BENNETT.

THIS plant, which is. generally considered as a_ hybrid
(Potamogeton prelongus Xx crispus), was reported as a British
plant by Mr. Fryer® and by myself;* but Mr. Baagoe of
Naersted, Denmark, showed” that the British plant must be
referred to P. perfoliatus. x crispus. To this Mr. Fryer has
given the name x VP. Coopferz, and the plate quoted below
and description refer to this and not to Wolfgang’s plant.
1 Berlin: Skand, Halfons 113, 1875. 2 Hjelt : Fl. Fennica 1, 513, 1895.

3 «Journ. of Botany,” t. 373, p. 289 (1891).
4 «Trish Naturalist,” p. 124 (1894). 5 Bot. liddsk,” xxi.up. 220 (1897).

POTAMOGETON UNDULATUS IN SCOTLAND 105

I am now able to report the true plant from Scotland,
whence it was sent me by Mr. Kidston, whose label is as
below :—

“ Potamogeton prelongus, Wulf. Kildean. River Forth
near Stirling. Sept. 10, 1894. Stirlingshire.”

The false report of the plant before, naturally made one
very cautious as to a second one, and it was not till recently
that, on a careful comparison of Mr. Kidston’s specimens with
types gathered by Wolfgang and Besser in Lithuania, and
Caspary in Prussia, which I possess, they were found to be
identical. The Scotch specimens are absolutely sterile (in
my specimens), the flowers that remain unopened, though
most had fallen off; if anything they are rather more
towards prelongus, while Caspary’s are more towards crispus,
Wolfgang’s original specimens being exactly intermediate.
It differs from prelongus by being sterile, the apex of the
leaves scarcely cucullate, and by the stem being compressed ;
from crispus by the non-serrated edge of the leaves, the
greater number of nerves, with more numerous cross veins ;
from fervfolzatus by possessing numerous bast-bundles in the
bark, and by differences in the axial cylinders. I give the
original description, etc.—

POTAMOGETON UNDULATUS, Wolfg. (Besser zz @z¢t.), in
Roem. and Schul., “Sys. Veg. Mant.” iii. 361 (1827).

P. CRISPUS, f. Ezchwald, “Nat. Skizz.-Lithauen,” etc.,
105 (1830).

PACRISPUS, va7,, LEDEBOUR, “Fl. Ross. iv. 29 (1.653)

P2) *GRISPA’ X PRELONGUS, Caspazyin “22 Oe 'G
Konigl.” v. 18, 99 (1877).

P. DECIPIENS, JVolte, teste Schmatlhausen, ex. Nyman.

“Consp. FI. Europ.” supp: 287 (1300);

CRISPUS, L., Kichier,, El, Europe tem 4y( S90);

. PRELONGUS X CRISPUS, Asch. and Graeb. “ Syn. FI.

Mitt.europ.” i. 338 (1897).
RAUNKIEAR, Dazske, Blomsterpl. 105 (1895).

wees

“Caule compresso, sulco utrinque longitudinali fluctanti,
inferne ramosa; foliis omnibus submersis, membranaceis,
integerrimis, alternis, oblongo-ovalis, lanceolatis, rotundato-

106 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

obtusis, apice planis amplexicaulibus ; stipulis truncatis, com-
planitis, caule adpressis, Wolfg. Ms. No. 22. Besser zm d2tt.

“ Differt a P. crispo foliis longioribus, majoribus integer-
rimis nec crispatis, nec serrulatis, colore atroviride, et venis
non convergentibus, sed transversim reticulato-strictis, Wolf.

“In specim. nostro flores desunt, folia 4-5 poll. $-4+ poll.
lata, majora quam in crispo, quidquam undulata, 5-7-nervia,
nervis 3 fortioribus. Maxime sane affinio P. crispo.” Roem.
et sch 72.¢.

The distribution of the plant is—

Denmark. River Gudenaa. Jylland! Baagoe.
Nilso-Ribe. Jylland! .
Vigersdal. Sjaelland ! -.
Lithuania. In fluvio Wahu, Wilna, Besser! and
Wolfgang !

W. Prussia. Dlugi See, Kreis Kartham, Caspary!
Glembohi See.

Pe erissias Berent. Neustadt. Schwetz. Nei-
denburg and Allenstein.

Sch. Holstein. Ascherson and Graebner, Zc, but not
mentioned by Prahl., “ Krit. Fl. Holst.-
Sch. 1500.

The finest specimens I have seen are those in the
herbarium of M. Casimir de Candolle, gathered by Besser.

I may say that Mr. Baagoe’s excellent paper is in
English as well as Danish.

POTAMOGETON MACVICART, NUE Se PRE-
LONGUS x P. POLY GONTROLELG Sa) NEN,

HYBRID:
By ARTHUR BENNETT.

IN the year 1897 Mr. Symers M. Macvicar sent me a series
of gatherings of Potamogeton specimens from the West of
Scotland (Moidart, etc. in Argyllshire), Among them were
specimens from Ardnamurchan named—

“ P. prelongus (leaves hooded when fresh). 25.8.1897.”

POTAMOGETON MACVICARIZ: A NEW HYBRID 107

On these special specimens I seem to have made no
remark, at that time accepting the name without comment.

In August 1906 Dr. Graebner of Berlin paid me a visit
in connection with his work on the genus for Engler’s
“ Natiirl. Pflanzenfamilien ” ; and as a result I have gone care-
fully over many hundred specimens both of British and
foreign examples to assist him in his work. On this sheet
of specimens coming under examination, I at once saw they
differed from prelongus in many ways. To examine at once
my series from all over its area of distribution was a natural
result, with the conclusion that there was nothing among
them similar. Turning to Mr. Macvicar’s letter accompany-
ing the specimens, he writes, “I send you a long narrow-
leaved P. prelongus from Ardnamurchan. It is the longest-
leaved form I have seen.” In this same letter, speaking of
the loch in which the specimens were gathered, he remarks,
“The only other Potamogetons in the loch which could be
seen were P. natans and P. polygontfolius, but of course
there may be others.”

Consulting many Continental and British floras, I can
find no reference to any other condition in the species than
“semiamplexicaul leaves” (Fries’ remarks “Folia semper
semiamplexicantia, nulla petiolata, basi subovata”) ; except
that Chamisso, in Linn. 2, p. 192 (1827), in the description
says, “ex ovato sensim attenuata.”

In the original description of the species by Wulfen? he
says, “Fol. . . ., omnino sessilia ex ovata semiamplexicauli
basi,’ and, later on, adds, “sed sessilia.”

Mr. Macvicar has lately kindly sent me his collection of
specimens of the genus for Moidart, etc. and among them
are specimens of folygontfolius with submersed elongate
leaves very like some of the young growths of the present
plant. I may here say how necessary it is to study this
genus in all its aspects, especially the young spring and
autumnal growths; Mr. Fryer, who has done this more than
any other botanist, has shown how needful it is to the full
understanding of the many and difficult problems the genus

1 Nova HIS Suec:7 42) (1828),
2 F. X. Wulfen. ‘Plant. nov. descriptiones,’ in Reemer’s ‘Arch. fiir die
Botanik.” iii. 331 (1805).

108 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

involves. No herbarium specimens can answer the queries
(unless specially collected) like the growing plants. Fortun-
ately Mr. Macvicar’s specimens of this plant show well the
varying stages of growth, and it is these young growths that
at once show the specimens cannot be prelongus “ pure and
simple.”

It may be urged (and rightly) “but how do you know
how these species differ among themselves ; may not these
specimens be only an extreme form of the species?” In
answer to this I may say I had prelongus growing for eight
years in my garden; it was watched week by week (along
with alpinus and Griffithit), and I never saw anything
approaching to these specimens.

P. prelongus in its usual form occurs in many lochs
in Moidart, “Lochs Bealachna, Garisha,’ etc.; and the
specimens are in no way different to others from its area of
distribution.

Hab.—Loch-na-Craig-dhui, Ardnamurchan, and Loch
Dow, Moidart, Argyllshire. This first loch has a stream
running through it from Loch Sligneach, and discharges its
waters by the Allt Eas-an-Taileia into Kentra Bay.

Differs from pr@longus (to which it is most nearly
related) by the leaves being distinctly tapered into the
footstalk, and in the young growths with a distinct petiole,
the stipules much less persistent (even in the young growths),
in the young leaves never hooded at the apex (and not
always so in the mature growth), or even if slightly so, xo
splitting as they so often do in pr@/ongus, and in the structure
of the venation of the leaves, which is between pr@/ongus and
polygonifolius. In the young state the aspect of the leaves
is very like the submerged elongated leaves of folygonzfolius,
except that the apex is rounded, instead of pointed (or
subacute).

None of the specimens have flowers or fruits.

Taking a series of leaves and comparing them with
those of prelongus, they show as under :—

x P. Macvicariz. P. prelongus.

3 principal nerves. 3 principal nerves.
8 lesser do. Tu lesser do.

GOOSEBERRY-MILDEWS 109

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

THE leaves of Gooseberries have long been known to be
liable to the attack of a mildew, which covers them with a
thin pale grey web of slender interwoven tubular cells, which
draw their nourishment from the leaf by means of suckers
pushed into the cells of the surface on which they grow.
On the web after a time appear small balls, changing from
yellow to dark brown. Each of these bears around it a
circle of from 10 to 15 appendages as long as the diameter
of the ball, in the form of stiff brown tubular cells, which
end in repeatedly bifurcated pale tips imbedded among the
web. The balls inclose in each from 4 to 8 asci, each con-
taining about 4 ascospores. This fungus, J/zcrosphera
Grossularia, Lev., has been found throughout Europe, in
Northern Asia and in North America, and in colonies else-
where, to which it has been carried. It is often exceedingly
prevalent, especially in autumn. It has been recorded from
many localities in Scotland, in all parts of the country.
But though so common, and certainly weakening the plants
to some extent, it does not appear to injure the fruit to any
serious extent. But since 1834 another mildew has been
observed in North America on the fruits of various species of
Ribes, and is known by the name of Spherotheca Mors-uve
(Schw.) Berk. Originally found on 2. Uva-crispa, it has since
been found on several other species, including the gooseberry.
It has extended its range widely in the United States and
in Canada, and is dreaded as a dangerous scourge of the
gooseberry. In 1900 it was observed, for the first time to
the east of the Atlantic Ocean, in three gardens in the north-
east of Ireland. Attention was called to its occurrence there,
and to the danger of its becoming epidemic in Europe, by
Mr. E. S. Salmon, F.L.S., in the “Journal of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society,” a full description and figures being given to
allow of the recognition of the fungus and the destruction of
infected bushes with the least possible delay.

It was found in central Russia in 1901, on bushes sent
from St. Petersburg and Riga two years previously. In

110 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Sweden also it was found in 1901, on bushes received in
1900 from a nursery in Denmark. In Ireland it has, since
1900, been observed throughout County Down, and _ in
localities scattered through the whole eastern half of the
island. So in Russia it has been found widely scattered,
Finland showing it in several localities on imported bushes.
It has also appeared in eastern Germany, in a number of
places in Denmark, and in one in southern Norway, on
bushes imported from Denmark. In almost all these
localities there is evidence of importation of gooseberry
bushes a year or two before the fungus appeared; and in
some cases it was ascertained that they had been brought
from North America, where the disease prevails. In
October 1906 Mr. Salmon detected the fungus in a garden
in Worcester, England, on bushes recently imported from
the Continent, and at once made the fact known, and urged
the necessity of endeavouring to prevent the spread of the
injury by compulsory and thorough destruction of the affected
plants. Mr. George Massee, having visited the infected area,
came to the conclusion from information obtained there that
the fungus had been growing on gooseberry bushes in that
locality for a number of years, and that its effects in England
were likely to be less harmful than in the United States,
and were in fact of no very serious import. In opposition
to these views Mr. Salmon urges that the evidence is
strongly in favour of the recent introduction of the fungus
into Europe from America; that the assertion of the
existence of the fungus in Worcestershire a number of years
ago is based on the confounding the effects of injuries done
to young twigs by aphides with those due to the fungus ; and
that the evidence of such experts as Professor J. Eriksson in
Sweden goes to prove that the range of the fungus is ex-
tending very rapidly on the Continent, and that it has been
necessary to uproot and burn all affected plants, In Sweden
the importation of gooseberry plants has been prohibited
since 1905. As yet this fungus has not been observed any-
where in Scotland, but it is most unlikely that we shall
remain free of the pest ; and, in view of the experience else-
where, it is much to be desired that it should be recognised
at once, and measures taken to destroy it before it can get

GOOSEBERRY-MILDEWS III

a hold and become dispersed over the country. In the
United States of America good results have been found to
follow spraying the bushes with a solution of sulphide of
potassium, in the proportion of } oz. in one gallon of water ;
but this treatment has not been found equally beneficial in
Europe; and it is therefore not recommended as a trust-
worthy safeguard.

The fungus is most conspicuous when it attacks the
berries, usually more severely on one side than on the other,
causing the fruit to become distorted from the attacked spots
ceasing to grow. At first the spots are pale, being covered
with a web of fungus-tubes, which becomes powdery from
the separation of the reproductive cells or conidia. Gradually
the web thickens, becomes rusty brown, and may be peeled
off the surface of the fruit. On the web there may be found
small black balls (perithecia), each bearing near its base a
number of long wxbranched tubular cells or appendages, en-
tangled among the tubes of the web. Each perithecium
contains only one ascus, in which lie eight elliptical
ascospores,

The fungus also grows on the young twigs and leaves,
usually making its first appearance on the terminal buds
while these are opening, and in severe attacks destroying
these parts, covering them with a growth similar to that on
the fruits.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

Martens in N.-W. Highlands and Skye.—Mr. John Smith,
forty years head-keeper of shootings in Sutherlandshire, reports to
me, under date of 11th December 1906, that “he was informed that
two Martens had recently been obtained, and that a litter of them
was seen last summer, so it appears they are not ail dead yet. Iam
of opinion they must have come up from the shore.”

The above localities are in Sutherland and N.-W. Highlands.
I have before pointed out the recurrence of abnormal seasons of
plenty in several species of animals. The above appears to bear
out my remarks. But now we must also take into consideration
the great increase of protection given to many animals, by the
extension of deer forests, now almost continuous along our western
sea-board and across Scotland.

112 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Beside those above recorded in Assynt, I am likewise informed
of at least four others obtained at Inverpolly by the keeper there.
My informants are my cousin Chas. Blunt, who resides at Baden,
Tarbert, and Mr. Jas. S. Henderson, Ullapool. One was obtained
by Mr. Henderson himself on the 22nd January, and the others were
obtained about the same time.—J. A. Harviz-Brown, Dunipace.

Common Seal in the Tay.—A Seal (P. wituwlina) was captured
in the Tay, near Stanley, above Perth, 21st January. The specimen
was a male, very fat and in plump condition, and is probably the
same individual which has been seen from time to time near Perth
during the past four or five weeks.—ALrEx. M. Ropcer, Perth.

Bird Notes from the Solway District.—TuHE LrssER REDPOLL
(Linota rufescens), 8 NEw Trair.—For the last month or more I
have been interested in noting a new habit on the part of the
Lesser Redpoll. A small party of over a dozen of these Redpolls
have been located in our nursery grounds since about November.
In December several large beds were sown with seed of the
Common Birch (Letwla alba). Following the usual practice in
nurseries, this seed is very lightly, or scarcely at all, covered with
soil, so that it practically lies on the surface. Recently some of the
Redpolls found this out, and first one pair only, subsequently the
whole party, have since been busy when the surface of the soil
became dry, which, however, it has only seldom been. I am
describing this new habit of eating sown seed on the part of the
Lesser Redpoll merely as a student of birds and not as a nursery-
man, otherwise I should have had to point out a very obvious
remedy! But for all the little damage this small party have been
doing, I have not molested them. It is quite another thing when,
later in the season, hosts of Greenfinches, Chaffinches, and Sparrows
descend upon the sown pine seeds. GREAT GREY SHRIKE
(Lanius excubitor).—Mr. Norman Menzies of Newtonairds sent mea
fine young male Shrike on 28th December last. It had been shot
on the previous day by Mr. Menzies. The bird was of the typical
double-spotted form. This species, formerly of regular annual
winter occurrence here, has now become decidedly scarce, the last I
heard of having been got seven years ago. GREATER SPOTTED
WOODPECKER (Dendrocopus major).—It is not yet too late to put on
record a rather remarkable occurrence of this species in two
localities in Solway, a notice of which I have purposely refrained
from mentioning earlier. During the months of February, March,
and April, some strange sounds were heard in the woods of
Southwick and in Kirkcudbrightshire, and caused a considerable
amount of talk and speculation, no one, except some interested
parties who were early initiated into the mystery, being able to
account for them. During the same period an exactly similar

i i

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 113

occurrence took place at Closeburn, in Dumfriesshire, some thirty
miles distant. In both cases the sounds ceased in May, and
although a pair of birds was undoubtedly present at each locality,
no nest was discovered to my knowledge, nor indeed any signs of
their having nested. So far, nothing has been seen of the birds up
till date of writing. SmMEw (Mergus albellus).—A finely plumaged
young female was sent to me on 2nd January 1907. It had been
shot at Kirkconnell by Mr. Robert Maxwell Witham. There was
another bird of the same species in its company when first seen on
the salt merse lands of Kirkconnell. My last record of a local
Smew is one taken on the neighbouring estate of Shambellie during
the arctic weather of February 1895. GREEN SANDPIPER (Zofanus
ochropus.—This species I was very pleased to see again, the last
occutrence here to my knowledge being 26 years old. Mr.
Paterson Jun. of Broomlands shot a pretty female specimen on his
shooting at Locharbriggs, Dumfriesshire, on the afternoon of
29th December 1906. It seems strange that the Green Sandpiper
should not turn up, because some half-century or more ago (vide
Sir Wm. Jardine) it seems to have been quite a familiar species in
Dumfriesshire. Forxk-TarLepD PETRELS (Procellaria leucorrhoa).—
In November we had a severe NNW. gale, one of the kind that
brings to Nithsdale and Annandale squall after squall, heavy with
rain-clouds that hold salt spray which leaves on trees and hedges a
coating of salt that is often quite visible, and may always be tasted
if touched with a moist fingertip. When a storm of this type
happens in November we invariably hear of Petrels being brought
along with it, and flung exhausted across the country. This
particular gale was no exception, for a Fork-Tailed Petrel was picked
up at Dunscore on the morning of 18th November. It was caged,
but died shortly after, as well it might, for its captor offered it
canary-seed as food. Another one was found alive in Lochar Moss,
and within a couple of miles a third was picked up dead. Two
days afterwards a fourth was got at Castlemilk near Lockerbie.—
ROBERT SERVICE, Maxweiltown.

Bird Notes from Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.—GREAT GREY
SHRIKE (Lanius excubitor).—A female was shot at Newtonairds,
Dumfriesshire, on 26th December 1906. Presumably blown in
by north-easterly gales then raging. GREEN SANDPIPER (Zo¢anus
ochropus).—Shot near Dumfries on same date, under similar
conditions. SNnipE (Gadlinago celestis)—With white secondaries,
scapulars, and a sprinkling of white feathers on body. Shot four
miles west of Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, on 7th November 1906.
WatTER Ralt (Rad/us aguaticus).—Shot four miles west of Thornhill,
Dumfriesshire, on 7th November 1906. This is the first time, as
far as I can ascertain, that this bird has been seen in this locality.—
Hucu S. GLapsToneg, Thornhill.

62 E

114 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Marked Starlings.—Mr. R. Tomlinson of Musselburgh has
asked me to notify in ‘‘The Annals,” that he has attached tabs to
the legs of a number of Starlings. The tabs in question are, “as
far as he found it possible and practicable,” attached to the left
legs of the birds.

Should any of these liberated birds come under the notice of
our readers, or otherwise attract attention, we would be obliged
if such occurrences were communicated to ‘‘The Annals.” The
birds liberated are numbered on a metal ring as follows, and were
liberated on the dates given :—

1906.
December 11. Nos. 61, 63, 18, 30, 36, 38.
35 13. Pa (Oya (UG As Quy 2

be) 14. 9° 34, 42, 49, 45, 29, 13, 12, 17.

”? 15. 99 47; 34, 50, 9.

be) 17. ” 19, 71, 63, 66, 54, 7> 10, 52, 69.
20. 53 40, 46, 57.

21. » 59, 55, 35:

58 23. | ps4 4 One e

a 27. gs) 3310; BOM0S:125, 37a 19> 233° 30°
5p 28. 5, 65; 33> 15; 65.143, 40; 51-

1907
January 22. ON OMNS 2 OAMNA SR ELAyE2I7/-
29 23. ” 37> 27> 5> 62.
” 25. ” 24, 41, 58, 4, 52.
5s 29. » 31, 64, 38, plain ring, no number.
>) 30. +e) 53, 20, I, 309, 4.
3 Bile a Og By Que
February 1. OOM RLO:
” 4 ” 59.
Po) 5. 9 16, 79, 50 60, 39; 43.
“ 6. 4, 23, 64, 55, 49, 72, 25, 28, 60, 70, 7.
%” 7 ES:
55 8. ., 24, 44, 45, 56.
a3 ine) Ps HG, ly oy AO, 417,

J. A. Harviz-Brown, Dunipace.

Bramblings in West Ross-shire.—I shot a pair of Bramblings
here to-day in the garden, a male and a female, and I think it is
not a usual visitor here. The last time they were noticed was in
January 1899 by my sister, but there were only one or two to be
seen then. To-day I saw six pairs altogether, which have apparently
been driven here by the storm. They are being added to the
Braemore collection, as we have not a specimen there.—ALAN A.
Fow er, Inverbroom, Ross-shire.

Rustie Bunting in Aberdeenshire.—On gth April 1905, I
received from Learney, Torphins, a pair of Rustic Buntings (Zmderiza
rustica).—The birds were all but spoiled, having been dead, I should
think, a fortnight. They were dried up, but by careful handling and
softening in spirits I managed to skin and stuff them, not quite what

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 115

I should like them to have been, but very fair birds under the
circumstances.—E. T. CLARKE, Cheltenham.

[This bird was recorded for the first time for Scotland in ‘‘ The
Annals” for 1906 (p. 138). The above occurrence, however,
takes precedence as regards date of capture.—Ebs. |

Nesting of the Snow Bunting in Aberdeenshire.—Last season
I received from Rathen in the above county a clutch of four eggs of
the above-named species. ‘They were sent to me as Snow Birds,
which is, I suppose, a local name for them,—E. T. CLARKE,
Cheltenham.

Great Grey Shrike in Mull.—On 2oth January, as I was
returning from a short walk, I was struck with an unusual com-
motion among chaffinches and a few other small birds in the
shrubbery in front of my house. As there was no cat about I
proceeded to make inquiry as to the cause of the hubbub, when
out from a laurel flew a light grey bird about the size of a thrush,
and perched on the branch of a tree. I had no difficulty in
deciding that the bird was a Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor).
I got a momentary glance of what must have been the same bird
two days previously as it flew out of a rough bramble-covered
thicket.—D. Macpona.p, Mull.

Snowy Owl in Perthshire.— Two Snowy Owls (WVyctea scandiaca)
were killed about 40 years ago on the Duke of Atholl’s estate, Blair
Atholl, and were preserved by my grandfather. One is now in the
possession of Mr. Monsey of Bleak House, Cheltenham.—E. ‘T.
CLARKE, Cheltenham.

Pintail in Forth Area.—Mr. W. Hannay, the gamekeeper
upon Denovan Shootings, brought to me an immature ¢ Pintail
(Dajila acuta) in a very interesting plumage. It was shot by him
whilst waiting at “ flight” for ducks on Stumpig Moss (Stirlingshire) ~
on 22nd December. It had alighted, and had been sitting there
some time, as he shot it on the rise and not “ flighting in.”

The apparent rapidity with which wild ducks, of various species,
“take up house” in this country, after first records of nesting, is a
point well worthy of notice. There are few exceptions, I think,
which can be quoted, where actual habitation and continuous
nesting, in this class of birds, have not followed rapidly upon all
authenticated records of ‘‘first nesting.” At least, I do not recall
any exceptions to the rule. Attention drawn to any exceptions will
be acceptable.

The only other instance of the occurrence in winter of this duck
in this district was also a male, shot by myself on the Water of
Bonny, and I think it was recorded at the time in the “ Zoologist,”
early in the seventies or in the sixties.

The nesting of the Pintail in South of Shetland, on the

116 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

authority of Mr. Henderson of Spiggie, has already been recorded in
“The Annals,” and feathers of the young ( ? birds) in his possession
have been sent to me.—J. A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace.

Oceurrence of the American Wigeon in Benbecula, Outer
Hebrides.—The following note is sent in response to the Editor’s
request for information regarding the capture of the American
Wigeon (Mareca americana). When we arrived at Greagorry, we
found everything under snow and practically all the fresh-water lochs
frozen up. On 3rd January we tried some of the salt-water lochs
for Wigeon, etc. On one of these, Ob Suille, about a mile east of
Greagorry, we found about thirty Wigeon. Of these we shot two
as they passed out to sea. Our shots disturbed a solitary Brent,
which flew up to the top of the loch. We then sent the men round
to flush the Goose or anything else that might have remained, while
we guarded the outlet. The men flushed the Wigeon in one of the
small bays of the south side, and it flew towards me, lighting again
after flying about 200 yards, and swam towards or past me, feeding
from time to time. When abreast of me I stood up, it rose, and I
shot it. Unfortunately it was not killed and my spaniel pulled most
of the tail out in retrieving it. It was a male of the year, I fancy,
but, if so, in very fine plumage.—Epwarp M. Corser’, Greagorry,
Benbecula.

[This rare visitor has been obtained on one or two occasions in
England, but this is the first authentic record of its capture in
Scotland. ‘The bird has been presented to the Natural History
Museum, South Kensington.—Ebs. |

Velvet Scoter at Barra, Outer Hebrides.—An adult female
Velvet Scoter (Cidemia fusca) was found dead a few yards above
high-water mark at Eoligary cn the 25th of November last. It is
the first I have known to occur in the Island of Barra; but I have
a male in my collection obtained in South Harris in the spring of
1896.—Wm. L. MacGittivray, Barra.

Capercaillie in the South of Scotland.— Mr. Gladstone notes
the appearance of Capercaillie (Ze¢rao urogal/us) in Dumfriesshire
as marking the southernmost limit of their occurrence in Scotlar d.
We in Wigtownshire are considerably farther south than Thornhill
(as I write I am actually farther south than Durham). In 1873 or
1874 two Capercaillie hens were shot in this county, one on the
estate of Barnbarroch and one on that of Penninghame. The
appearance of this strong-flying bird may be expected, I fancy, in
any district where there is suitable woodland more frequently in the
future as the stock increases in Central Scotland.—HERBERT
MaxweELL, Monreith.

Capercaillie and Willow Grouse in Moray.—In reference to
the article in the January number of “The Annals” on the above

———————

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 117

subject, it may be interesting to know that, some ten years ago,
the Duke of Richmond turned out two cocks and some hen
Capercaillies (Zetrao wrogallus) at Gordon Castle. In 1898-9, at
least two cocks and three hens arrived here, a few miles up the
Spey, and this present season I have had upwards of 12 nests
hatched out. This will easily account for these birds in the district
from Keith to Forres, and no doubt they will continue to extend
their range as long as they find woods suitable and quiet.

I am now trying to acclimatise Norwegian Rype or Willow
Grouse (ZLagopus lagopus), which, if successful, may possibly cross
with our red grouse, and in any case be an addition to the moor-
edge bird life.

I have had two unusual visitors here this winter. A Great
Grey Shrike (Zanius excubitor) and a Little Auk (Aergulus alle)
blown in with the heavy storm, about twelve miles from the coast.
W. Srevart MEnziEs, Craig Ellachie.

Hen Capercaillie in full Male Plumage.—A hen Capercaillie
(Zetrao wrogallus) was shot at ‘Torphins, North Aberdeenshire, in
January 1906, and was obtained from Messrs. Allan and Son, Sauchie-
hall Street, Glasgow. I sent the bird to the “ Field” office for inspec-
tion, and a short article appeared in the columns of that paper by
J. E. Harting. I believe Mr. Harvie-Brown has quoted two in partly
assumed plumage, but the plumage in this case was complete,
looking like a miniature cock.—E. T. CLARKE, Cheltenham.

Quail in Fife-——Mr. Skinner, taxidermist, Kirkcaldy, tells me
that two Quails (Coturnix coturnix) were taken in Fife last summer,
one near Freuchie, and one near Inverkeilor.—LEONORA JEFFREY
RINTOUL, Largo.

[One was shot at Whitburgh, East Lothian, on 6th October.—
Eps. |

Rush of Golden Plover in Tiree.—It will perhaps interest you
to hear that from the 19th to the 23rd of December, there were
thousands of Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis) passing south
over the island. Such a big southerly migration of these birds at
that date is unprecedented so far as I know. ‘The southerly move-
ments of this bird usually end towards the close of November, but
in open seasons a great many stay all the winter with us. On the
24th frost set in, and on the 26th, 27th, and 28th we had a
tremendous snowstorm with a heavy gale from the north which
drove all the Golden Plover off the island. I am of opinion that
the Golden Plover knew that the storm was coming, and hence the
heavy migration southwards.—PETER ANDERSON, Tiree.

Grey Plover, Woodeock, and Great Crested Grebe in Shetland
in Winter.—It may interest you to know that a few Grey Plover
(Sguatarola helvetica) have been in this neighbourhood since October

118 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

last. I saw one of them on 23rd February. In my experience
it is very unusual for Grey Plover to winter here. We have also
had a considerable number of Woodcock (.Scolopax rusticula)
throughout the winter. A Great Crested Grebe (odicipes cristatus),
the first I have ever seen here, was obtained on 11th January.—
‘THOMAS HENDERSON Jun., Spiggie.

Supposed Occurrence of the Yellow-shanked Sandpiper near
Hawick.—In the “ Scotsman” for 14th October 1906, it is recorded
that a pair of these birds was shot near Hawick about the end of
July. One of them was fortunately preserved, and was submitted
to me some time ago for my opinion as to its identification. I found
it to be a young Redshank in first plumage. As no further com-
munication has been made to the press regarding it, I have deemed
it desirable to publish this note on the subject—Wwmo. EAGLE
CLARKE, Edinburgh.

Fulmar Petrels at Dunnet Head, Caithness. Mr. N. Kinnear
having kindly drawn my attention to the Fulmar Petrels (Fw/marus
glacialis) nesting at Dunnet Head, Caithness, I have thought it
worth while to ascertain particulars, and place the complete facts
on record, so far as I have been able to attain them.

The following account of their advent and recurrence is supplied
by Mr. Laidlaw, at my request, through my good friend Mr. Lewis
Dunbar of Thurso. Mr. Laidlaw writes:—“ The first time I
observed the Fulmars here was in May 1900. They may have
been here before and I not see them. I could only see three
birds there. They were below the Lighthouse. In February 1gor
I saw them again, and counted ten birds that time, and every
year they have increased in number. ‘They first came below the
Lighthouse. I saw them in no other place until the year 1904,
when I noticed some on the east side of the Head—about half a
mile. I saw two pairs that same year ; and last year (1906) there
was one pair about three miles on the Thurso side of the Head. They
have been gradually increasing in numbers year by year: as nearly
as I can count, there were fifteen pairs below the Lighthouse—nine
pairs on the east side and six pairs on the west side. That is within
the number, as it is impossible to get the correct number when
some are flying about. I can’t tell the exact date or the month
that they come, or in what numbers. What more information you
would like I would be glad to give you if I can.”

The above precise account from the resident lighthouse-keeper
is of interest now, and may prove of greater interest in the chrono-
logical history of the species, and its marvellous dispersal, at some
future time. From personal observation of the whole cliff-faces of
the promontory, I may, I think, venture to predict a great future
for “Fulmardom” in the Pentland Area of Scotland, upon these

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 119

Dunnet Head precipices. How much farther south the birds may
yet occupy, I will not at present venture to say. Mr. Kearton and
Mr. W. L. Dunbar saw a pair of these birds hovering about Holborn
Head on ist June 1905, but whether they were nesting it was
impossible to say. The ledges of the cliffs at Holborn Head dip
towards the sea, and consequently afford less holding-ground for rock
birds and their eggs than the cliffs of Dunnet.—J. A. HARVIE-
BROWN.

The Wood-Wasp (Srex gigas).—The late summer of 1906 was
remarkable in the extreme south-west of Scotland for an unusual
number of that fine insect the so-called Wood-Wasp (Sivex gigas).
Needless to say, it is not a wasp, nor in any way related to wasps,
its affinities being with the saw-flies and ichneumon flies. Foresters
need apprehend no mischief to growing trees from the presence of
these flies, as they deposit their eggs only in dying or felled trees ;
but carpenters have reason to complain of the tunnels made in
timber by the lary, and considerable alarm is said to have been
caused sometimes by the emergence of numbers of hornet-like
creatures from the foreign timber in newly built houses.

I saw a female Wood-wasp in August last, quite dead, having
driven her ovipositor into a larch pole in a paling and failed to
withdraw it.— HERBERT MAXWELL.

Lepidoptera of East Ross-shire: a Correetion.—By an un-
fortunate slip, Miss Dorothy Jackson’s notes on the Lepidoptera of
East Ross-shire were attributed to the western section of the county
in the January number of ‘‘The Annals” (p. 54). Only one species
(Zuclidia mz) was taken in West Ross-shire.

Phoxichilidium femoratum (athe) from the Firth of Forth.—
Having submitted to Prof. Carpenter a pair of Pycnogonids, found
under a stone between tide-marks at North Berwick, in January
1896, he informs me that they belong to the species Phoxichilidium
femoratum (Rathke), which, so far as I know, has not previously
been recorded from the Firth of Forth, though known from other
parts of the east coast of Scotland.—WIL.L1AM Evans, Edinburgh.

Preemachilis hibernica, Carfev/er, in Seotland.—A most interest-
ing discovery has recently been made by my friend Prof. G. H.
Carpenter of Dublin, namely that the Thysanuran which in Ireland
has been regarded as Machilis polypoda (L.) is not that insect, but
a new species which he has just described under the name of
Premachilis hibernica (see Irish Naturalist, 1907, pp. 54-56). On
hearing of this discovery I resubmitted to Prof. Carpenter some
specimens (from Arthur’s Seat, February 1896, and Bridge of Allan,
February 1898) recorded by us as Aachilis polypoda in our joint
paper on the Collembola and Thysanura of the Edinburgh district,

120 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

1899 ; and he finds they all undoubtedly belong to the new species,
P. hibernica. ‘The interesting question now arises, have we JZ.
polypoda in Scotland >—WILiIaM Evans, Edinburgh.

Some Pezomachi and other Cryptinz from “ Forth.”— During
last year Mr. Claude Morley, F.E.S., kindly examined a number of my
Ichneumonidae, and reported among them the following Cryptin@ :—
Atractodes bicolor, Grav. 9 Gullane Links, 9/96.

A. vestalis, Hal.— ? ? Luffness Links, 7/98 and 8/04; ¢ ? Largo
Links, 6/04; d& Currie, 6/06.

Stilpnus deplanatus, Gr.— , Kilconquhar Loch, 8/04.

Lezomachus acarorum, 1..—Huntlaw, near Pencaitland, 5/06. My

Pesomachi are all @ 9 and apterous.

P. anthracinus, ¥orst.—West end of Loch Leven, 7/06.

P. attentus ¥orst.—Forest Mull, Clackmannan, 7/o1; coast,
Dunbar, 3/05.

P. fasciatus, Forst.—Aberlady, 9/93 and 8/96 ; Thornton, Fife, 8/98.

P. festinans, Gr.—Thornton, 8/98 ; Glenfarg, 9/99.

P. fraudulentus, Forst—Wemyss Woods, Thornton, 8/04.

P. impotens, Forst.—One, not quite typical, Aberlady, 9/93.

P. instabilts, Forst.—Near Dunfermline, 10/97 ; Oakley, 8/98.

P. intermedius, Forst.—Harburn, 10/95 ; Balerno, 3/05; Gifford,
4/05.

Pp ae var. dellicosus, Forst.—Elie, 7/05.

P. modestus, Forst.—One under stone, Hillend, near Edinburgh,
3/99:

f? oe Forst.—East bank of Avon, near Inveravon, 2/03 ;
Abbey Craig, near Stirling, 4/06.

Hemiteles areator, Panz.— 9? near Dunfermline, 10/97.

H. necator, Gr.— @ Near Drumshoreland, 8/06.

H. varicornis, Gr.— ? Bavelaw, 3/05.

Microcryptus abdominator, Gr.— $6 $ Cullalo, Fife, 7/04, and
Dirleton, 6/06.

M. bifrons, Gr.— @ 3 Kirknewton, 5/o1, and Boness, 6/or.

M. nigrocinctus, Gr.— 6 Kirknewton, 7/00; ¢@ @ in grass tufts,
Kirknewton and Hillend, 1/o2.

Phygadenon fumator, Gr.— 5 g Gullane, 7/98, and Currie, 6/06.

P. inflatus, Thoms.— 2 Charlestown, Fife, 7/04; ¢ near Carlops,
8/04.

FP, Ps Gr.— ? 2 Kirknewton, 7/95, and Swanston, 8/o0 ;
3 Drumshoreland, 7/04.

P. variabilis, Gr.— 3 d Aberlady, 8/04; Humbie, E. L., 7/04;
Currie, 6/06.

Pycnocryptus peregrinator, L.— @ St. Davids, Fife, 6/oo.

Cryptus albatorius.— 3 $ Currie and Dirleton, 6/06.

C. obscurus, Gr.— @ Saltoun, E, L., 7/04.

C. tarsoleucus, Schr.— ? Kinghorn, 5/00.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 121

Spilocryptus abbreviator, Fab, (= Pez. hopet, Gr.).— 2 near Balerno,
9/05.
Gontocryptus titillator, Gr.— és ¢ Saltoun, E. L., 7/04.
Witiiam Evans, Edinburgh.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

List of British Seed-plants and Ferns.—This will be welcomed
by British botanists, whose thanks will be given to the authors,
Mr. James Britten and Dr. A. B. Rendle, and to the Trustees of the
British Museum, under whose authority it has just been issued as
one of the official publications from the Department of Botany, at
the very low price of fourpence. In the preface it is explained that
the list has been compiled in accordance with the International
Rules of Botanical Nomenclature, adopted by a large majority at
the Botanical Congress at Vienna in 1905. One of these rules
embodied the usage of zoologists that the earliest specific name must
stand, no matter under what genus the plant was first described in
a recognisable manner. Adherence to this rule entails some altera-
tions of name, though frequently these are returns to names familiar
a good many years ago to British botanists. The authors have
done a good deal more than merely compile the “ List,” having
made use of the admirable library of the Department to refer to the
original description of each species and thus ensure accuracy.
Varieties have not been included, nor have critical forms of Awéus,
Hieracium, Euphrasia, and Salix, the other genera and species
being accepted as limited in the gth edition of Babington’s
“ Manual,” but the nomenclature is correlated for Bentham’s
‘¢ Handbook,” ed. 6, 1892, and Hooker’s “Student’s Flora,” ed. 3,
1884. Of evident aliens only those thoroughly naturalised are
named, in italics. At the end of the List follows an arrange-
ment of the families according to recent views of their affinity. A
commentary explaining all changes of nomenclature rendered
necessary is given in the “Journal of Botany” for March (pp. 99-
108). Although finality in nomenclature can hardly be regarded as
attained, yet this may be accepted as representing a great step on
the way to a more satisfactory solution of the difficulties.

New Species of Lichen, Aspicilia Lilliei, 4. de ZLesad—Ecosse ;
Caithness, Ousdale supra saxa granitica. Leg. Rev. D. Lillie, 1905.
Crusta tartarea, circa .5 mm. crassa, rimoso-areolata, alba, intus
flavida, K— C— KC—. Apothecia minuta, atra, in areolis immersa,
rotundo-deformia, vel lirelliformia. Epith. olivaceum, hypoth. in-
coloratum, paraphyses gelatinoso-concrete, asci anguste clavati.
Spore 4-6, ellipsoidez, 13-15 lat., 5-6 crass. Gelat. hym. I. in-
tense cerulescit. Cette espece a tout a fait aspect de 7 Aspictlia

122 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

calcarea dont elle différe par son thalle jauni intérieurement, et par ses
spores (‘ Bulletin de la Société Botan. de France,” vi. 1906, p. 515).

Hieracium nigrescens, Willd., var. commutatum, Lz7ded., ete.,
on Ben Heasgarnich, Mid Perth.—I gathered the hawkweed which
the Rev. W. R. Linton thinks is probably the above variety, on the
eastern slopes of Ben Heasgarnich in August last, where | also
found H. cerintheforme, Backh.; 4H. gracilentum, Backh.; Z.
Sommerfeltii, Lindeb.; and HZ. sarcophyllum, var. expallidiforme,
Dahlst., as well as Salix Arbuscula and S. Myrsinites. I also
gathered Carex canescens, *var. fallax, ¥. Kurs. ; C. alpina at nearly
3000 feet, C. afrofusca in quantity and good condition, and C,
tellulata, Good, var. grypus.—G. C. DRUCE.

Altitudinal Range of Utricularia minor.—On 2zoth August
1905 I found this plant in a wet spot at about 2250 ft. above sea-
level on the south side of the Tarmachans, near Killin, Perthshire.
The moss AHypnum trifarium was growing beside it.—WILLIAM
EVANS.

[This is, so far as I am aware, a very considerable extension of
the altitudinal range of U. minor for Scotland, the highest previous
record that I have met with being 1500 ft., in pools north-west of
Loch Ericht, with U. ¢ztermedia, found by H. N. Dixon in 1883,
see “Journ. Bot.,” 1894, p. 88.—J. W. H. T.]

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural
History which have appeared during the Quarter—January-March 1907.

(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.

WINTER WHITENING IN A Brown Hare. R. L. The Meld,
2nd February 1907, p. 183.—This note refers to a specimen
obtained at Carradale, Argyllshire, in which the head exhibits light
areas, some almost pure white and others a mixture of white and
brown hairs, forming a series of symmetrically arranged patches on
both sides. The specimen is now in the Natural History Museum,
South Kensington.

THE OCCURRENCE OF Risso’s DOLPHIN, GRAMPUS GRISEUS, CUV.,
IN THE FortTH. By James Eggleton. TZzvans. Wat. Hist. Soc.
Glasgow, vol. vii. (N.S.), part iii, pp. 253-257 (February 1907).—
This paper refers principally to a specimen captured near the
Inchbrake Light, off Kincardine, on 15th October 1904. A brief
history of this mammal as a British species is also given.

CURRENT LITERATURE 123

THE HooDED AND CARRION Crows IN SCOTLAND. D. A. M.
The Field, 9th February 1907, p. 215.—A short paragraph giving
particulars of distribution in various parts of the country.

GREENLAND Fatcon IN Lewis. R. Zhe Feld, 231d February
1907, Pp. 307.—Specimen seen at Scaliscro on 21st January.

GREENLAND FaLcON IN ARGYLLSHIRE. Austin Mackenzie.
The Field, 26th January 1907, p. 149.—One seen, but the exact
locality not specified.

Rippon FisH in ORKNEY. H.W. Robinson. Zhe Field, 16th
March 1907, p. 445.—Specimen washed ashore at Whitemill,
Burness, Sanday. It measured 13 feet in length, 2 inches across,
and about 8 inches in depth.

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF CONODONTS IN THE ARENIG-LLANDEILO
FORMATIONS OF THE SOUTHERN UPLANDS OF SCOTLAND. By John
Smith. Zvans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. vii. (N.S.), part iii.
pp. 235-252, pls. v.-ix. (February 1907).—Several new species are
described and figured.

GALASHIELS AND District: A GUIDE TO THE EXISTING
Fauna. Proc. Berwickshire Nat. Club, vol. xix., No. il. pp. 179-203.
—This paper consists of —(1) General Remarks, by William Shaw ;
(2) List of Coleoptera captured by J. M. Whitehead and others ;
and (3) List of Land and Freshwater Mollusca found by J.
Roseburgh. At the beginning of the paper is also given a List of
Butterflies and a List of Moths found in the district.

MoNOGRAPH OF THE LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF
THE BritisH Istes. By John W. Taylor. Parts 13 and 14, pub-
lished 16th February 1907.—As usual, full details of distribution
in Scotland are given under each species.

ScoTrTisH LEPIDOPTERA IN 1906. By A. E. Gibbs, F.L.S.
Entomologist, March 1907, pp. 55-58.—A summary of the species
collected by Mr. L. G. Esson in Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, and
Elginshire.

LEPIDOPTERA OF East SUTHERLAND. By M. A. Rollason.
Entomologist, February 1907, pp. 40-41.—A list of ninety-three
species taken during 1906 within a ten-mile radius of Golspie.
The larvze of five species are also mentioned.

RETROSPECT OF A COLEOPTERIST FOR 1906, By Prof. T.
Hudson Beare, B.Sc. F.R.S.E., F.E.S. nt. Record, February
1907, pp. 29-33-—Several Scottish records, all previously published,
are referred to.

PsyCHODID& IN DUMBARTONSHIRE IN 1906. By J. R. Malloch.
Ent. Mo. Mag., February 1907, p. 43.—Twenty species recorded,
all identified by the Rev. A. E. Eaton.

124 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

THE GROUSE-FLY, ORNITHOMYIA LAGOPODIS, Sp. N. By D.
Sharp, M.A., F.R.S. at. Mo. Mag., March 1397, pp. 58-60.—
This interesting new species is described from specimens captured
in the northern half of Scotland.

A New BritisH FLEA. By the Hon. N. Charles Rothschild,
M.A., F.L.S. Zt. Mo. Mag., January 1907, p. 11.—A single
specimen of a flea new to science, and named Ceratophyllus borealis,
taken by Mr. Norman H. Joy on the Island of St. Kilda in July
last, and probably found in the nest of a gannet.

DraGON-FLY SEASONS OF 1905 AND 1906. By W. J. Lucas,
B.A., F.E.S. Extomologist, February 1907, pp. 30-33.—Somato-
chlora arctica and A®schna czrulea taken by Mr. K. J. Morton
at Rannoch.

ANURIDA MARITIMA, GUER., AND ITS ENEMIES. By Richard S.
Bagnall. zt. Record, March 1907, p. 71.—Found in July 1906,
on the shores of Ayrshire, Arran, the Cumbraes, and the Kyles of
Bute.

A CONTRIBUTION TO THE HYDRACHNID FAUNA OF SCOTLAND.
By Wm. Williamson. Zvans. Edinburgh Field Nat. and Micro, Soc.,
vol. v., part iv., pp. 239-242 (1906).—A list given of thirty species,
collected chiefly in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and
West Kilbride.

Notes ON NEw AND RARE COPEPODA FROM THE SCOTTISH
Seas. By Thomas Scott, LL.D. 24th Ann. Rept. Fishery Board
for Scotland, 1905, part iil., pp. 275-280, pl. xiv.—Three species
are dealt with, one of which is new to science and called Amphiascus
catharinee.

Tue EncystMENT oF Macropiorus. By james Murray.
Zoologist, January 1907, pp. 4-11 and figs. 1-5.—This paper
includes the description of a new species illustrated in the figures
and called M. dispar. Specimens were found in a pond at Nerston,
near Glasgow, in Loch Tay, in a pond near Shetland, and in the
Shetland Isles.

BOTANY.

ON THE HisToLoGy OF PLANT-GALLS: I, XESTOPHANES ToR-
MENTILLA. By R. A. Robertson (Proc. Scot. Microsc. Soc. 1906,
iv. pp. 136-141).

FLORA OF CAIRNIE ParisH. By Peter Stuart, M.A., being pp.
191-198 in Zhe Parish of Cairnie (Aberdeenshire), by James Pirie
(Banff, 1906); an enumeration of species noted by Mr. Stuart as
observed in the parish.

NoTES ON THE ‘List OF BRITISH SEED-PLANTS AND FERNS.”
By James Britten, F.L.S., and A. B. Rendle, D.Sc., F.L.S. (Journ.

CURRENT LITERATURE 125

Bot., 1907, pp. 99-108), being an explanatory commentary on
the more important alterations in nomenclature made in the List by
these authors, just published by the Trustees of the British
Museum.

Hieracium Noves. By Rev. Augustin Ley, M.A. (/ourn. Bot.,
1907, pp. 108-112). Enumerates and describes Scandinavian
forms recently detected in Britain. Among these is 7. prnnatifidum,
Lonnr., from 89 and 96.

Notes oN Limonium. By C. E. Salmon, F.L.S. (Journ. Bot.,
1907, pp. 24-25). ‘Treats of LZ. dimervosum (= L. occidentale = Statice
Dodartii, Bab.), and records var. Awmzle from near Cramond (83,
Midlothian) in 1842, as well as from Mull of Galloway.

NEw AND Rare BritisH Hepatica. By Symers M. Macvicar
(Journ. Bot, 1907, pp. 63-66). Of references to Scottish plants
are a disentangling of Lophozta badensis, (Gottsche) Schiffn., from
L. turbinata (Raddi), (with records for Z. dadensis from counties
Ayr, Edinburgh, Fife, and East Ross), and a record of Prionolobus
striatulus, (C. Jens.) Schiffner, from Lousie-wood Law, in Lanark,
new to Scotland.

ASPICILIA LILLIEI, N.SP., AND RHIZOCARPON LOTUM, STITZ., IN
ScoTLAND. By M. Bouly de Lesdain (Lull. Soc. Bot. France, 1906,
Pp. 515-517). Found by Rev. D. Lillie in Caithness, in 1905.

BOOK NOTICES.

OoTHECA WOLLEYANA; AN ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF THE
CoLLECTION OF Birps’ EGGS FORMED BY THE LATE JOHN WOLLEY,
M.A., F.Z.S. Edited by Alfred Newton. Part IV. Alcz—Anseres:
with Supplement and Appendix. London: R. H. Porter. Price
25S et

We cordially congratulate Prof. Newton on the completion of
his great tribute to the memory of the late John Wolley. The
collection which it describes so well not only includes the historical
one formed by Mr. Wolley, but also that amassed with great and
unremitting care during the past sixty years or more by Prof. Newton
himself. Some idea of the extent of these combined cabinets may
be gathered from the fact that their history and description occupies
no less than 1289 pages of letterpress and forms two handsome
volumes. This magnificent collection, we are glad to learn, has
been presented by Prof. Newton to the Cambridge University, in
whose Museum of Zoology it finds a most appropriate resting-place.
Like its predecessors, this final Part deals with a number of species

126 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

around whose nesting haunts and eggs little or nothing was known
when Wolley embarked upon his adventurous and arduous ex-
peditions to northern Europe in search of reliable information
regarding them. Fortunately, and thanks to his enthusiasm and
indomitable industry, many triumphs were achieved, and these are
related in the ‘‘Ootheca” in the delightfully simple words in which
he recorded them in his field-books ere the flush of success had
passed away. Those who have not made a study of the
literature relating to the nidification of our British birds are un-
aware how much John Wolley contributed towards the making of
the history of quite a remarkable number of our rarer and more
interesting species. It is a book whose freshness will never fade,
while its historical associations will secure for it a permanent place
among the classics of ornithological literature.

A series of appendices are devoted to reprints of Mr. Wolley’s
other contributions to Natural History. These are of an interesting
and varied nature, and many of them relate to Scottish subjects.

THE Aquatic Birps OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. By
Charles J. Patten, M.A., M.D., Sc.D. With many illustrations.
London: RH. Porter, 1906s" rice: 3os. net.

Prof. Patten has good claims to be the author of such a work as
the one under notice. He has devoted over twenty years to the
study of his subject, and being a field observer of the best type has
made himself familiar with most of the species either in their native
swamps and marshes, or on our shores and mud-flats during the
periods of passage or in winter. The first-hand information thus
acquired has enabled him to add to our knowledge and to introduce
into his book that strong personal element which never fails to be
appreciated, and which renders such works of special value and,
needless to say, adds immensely to their attractiveness.

The species dealt with in this volume, which contains over 600
pages, are the Cormorants, Gannet, Herons, Ducks, Geese, Pigeons,
Game-birds, Rails, Crakes, Bustards, Plovers, Snipe, Gulls, Terns,
Skuas, Guillemots, etc., and Petrels. It will be noted, however, that
a few of the groups included are eminently terrestrial, but Prof.
Patten pleads that it is inadvisable, from the systematic standpoint,
to omit the species which happen to resort to dry situations: a plea
which hardly applies to whole Orders such as the pigeons, for
instance. An excellent feature of the book is the systematic arrange-
ment of its subject matter, which renders it possible to at once find
the precise information wanted concerning any species. Thus we
have for each species and under definite headings, sections devoted to
food, flight, voice, geographical distribution, descriptive characters
(including all stages of plumage), and average dimensions. The book
throughout bears evidence of having been prepared with the greatest
care ; it affords much original and interesting information, and is an

BOOK NOTICES 127

excellent up-to-date manual on the British aquatic birds, native and
migratory. It contains many excellent illustrations, of which 56
are full-page and 68 are text figures, a goodly number of which are
original, and all are acceptable and worthy of reproduction.

A Natura History OF THE BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. Vol. 1.
By J. W. Tutt, F.E.S. London: Elliot Stock, 66 Paternoster Row,
HG Price: 21s. net,

With astonishing rapidity and unflagging industry Mr. Tutt has
again issued one of his important volumes on British Lepidoptera.
We were partly prepared for the appearance of the one now under
consideration, since it consists of the first twenty parts of the work
announced under the above title, which has been appearing
regularly for some months. No one foresaw, however, not even the
author himself (as he frankly confesses), that the account of the
Rhopalocera would run to such a length. With 470 pages in the
volume and only ten species dealt with, it strikes one that surely
everything has been said about the creatures that need be. The
only fear is whether some of the details given are not really de ¢rop.
For instance, does it serve any useful purpose to give a list, extend-
ing over half-a-dozen closely printed pages, of the times of appearance
of the Small Copper? However, the author may have his reasons
for entering into such minute detail, and, at any rate, the possession
of such a volume renders all other works superfluous, excepting, of
course, such as are embellished with fine coloured plates.

The introductory chapters are particularly interesting, and full
of information such as might be difficult to find elsewhere. These
preliminary chapters are fourteen in number, four of which deal with
egg-laying, egg-structure, and the photographing and collecting of
eggs, while the structure (external and internal) and habits of larve
furnish material for other seven which run to over sixty pages. ‘The
species treated of in Part II. (the bulk of the volume) are the eight
“Skippers” and the two “Coppers,” and it must be somewhat
alarming to the young amateur to find so many of them under new
and unfamiliar generic names. However, our indefatigable and
always careful author has gone fully into questions of classification
and nomenclature, and before his special knowledge in such matters
we can only bow the head in silent acquiescence.

The serious student of Lepidoptera in Scotland will find the
present volume, like its predecessors, absolutely indispensable. The
twenty excellent photographic plates help materially to render the
book attractive as well as useful. Got up in the same style as
the previous four volumes, the text is so closely printed that the
pages have a somewhat forbidding aspect. When one commences
to read, however, this feeling soon passes away, especially in the
introductory chapters, and the reader commences instead to admire
the energy and enterprise of the author.

128 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

We understand that the second volume, on Butterflies, will be
published in twenty parts at one shilling each net. This method of
publication should enable any one at all interested in the subject to
procure the work without feeling the expense. 1 ie oe ©

THE British TUNICATES; AN UNFINISHED MONOGRAPH ‘BY
THE LATE JOSHUA ALDER AND THE LATE ALBANY HANCOCK,
F.L.S. Edited by John Hopkinson, F.L.S., F.G.S., Secretary of
the Ray Society. Vol. ii, With lives of the Authors by Canon
A. M. Norman and the late Dennis Embleton. London: Ray
Society, 1907.

Never in the whole course of its long career of usefulness has
the Ray Society been doing better work for British Naturalists than
during recent years. Through its benign agency a number of
singularly valuable and much-needed monographs have been issued,
which, in all probability, would not otherwise have seen the light
on account of the expense involved in their production, The
volume for 1907 is the second of the unfinished work on British
Tunicates by two great masters on the subject, both, alas, no longer
with us, but concerning whom biographies are furnished by con-
tributors most competent to write them. The volume is illustrated
by thirty plates, chiefly coloured, and has been edited by Mr. John
Hopkinson, to whom we offer our congratulations on the excellence
of this latest production of the Ray Society.

ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOK TO THE PERTHSHIRE NATURAL
History MusEUM, AND A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE ANIMALS,
PLANTS, AND RocKs OF THE County. By Alex. M. Rodger,
Curator. Second edition. Perth: The Society, 1906. Price 3d.

This is an excellent little guide to the collections of the Perth
Museum, which is one of the best arranged local institutions of
its kind in Great Britain. It treats mainly of the fine series of
specimens illustrating the Fauna, Flora, and Geology of the extensive
and varied surface of the County of Perth; affording in a series of
annotated lists much information in brief on the Perthshire mammals,
birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, plants, trees, fungi, etc. ; and also
an enumeration of the rocks and minerals. Another section is
devoted to the Index and Type Collections, concerning which it
gives reliable and appropriate information for the use of the visitor
to the general collections to be seen in the Museum. It is a neat
and well-illustrated Handbook, and reflects great credit on the
Curator, Mr. Alexander M. Rodger; and the Society is to be con-
gratulated on its all-round excellence, and its usefulness not only
in the Museum, but outside of it.

The Annals

ot

Scottish Natural History

No. 63] 1907 [Jury

IN MEMORIAM: ALFRED NEWTON.
WITH PORTRAIT.

THE death of such a distinguished naturalist as Professor
Newton demands some notice in the pages of this magazine.
With him ornithological science has lost its brightest orna-
ment, and the zoological editors of “The Annals” a very
old and greatly revered friend.

Alfred Newton, the fifth son of William Newton, Esq.,
of Elveden Hall, Suffolk, was born on the 11th of June
18209, and died at Cambridge on the 7th of June 1907, and
had thus nearly completed the seventy-eighth year of his age.

Professor Newton was perhaps best known to British
naturalists as the editor of volumes i. and ii. of “ Yarrell’s
Birds”: masterly productions, through which the literature
of the ornithology of our islands was raised to its highest
level, both in its scholarly and scientific aspects. His greatest
work, however, was “The Dictionary of Birds,’-—a volume
which is a perfect mine of ornithological wealth, culled
from marvellously wide sources, and illumined by original
contributions of the greatest value. Another important
work, and the last completed, was the “ Ootheca Wolleyana,”
recently noticed in these pages. The papers which stand to
his credit are many and important, and it is impossible to
enumerate them here.

63 B

130 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

In 1866 he was appointed Professor of Zoology and
Comparative Anatomy in the University of Cambridge (a
post which he held to his death), and he was a Fellow of
Magdalene College. He was editor of the second series of
“The Ibis” ; was chairman, for twenty years, of the British
Association Committee on the Migration of Birds; and
had filled the important offices of Vice-President of the
Royal and Zoological Societies. In recognition of his services
to science he received one of the Royal Medals of the
Royal Society, and the Gold Medal of the Linnean Society.

No other British naturalist has ever done so much to
foster the study of his favourite science, ornithology, as
Alfred Newton. The position he held for so many years
in his University afforded him great opportunities, and these,
coupled with his singularly attractive and inspiring person-
ality, made him the central figure and guiding spirit of
a large and enthusiastic band of bird-men. The death of
such a man is an irreparable loss to natural science, and
creates a void in a host of friendships that will never be
filled.

OBITUARY.

On 5th June died Alexander Somerville, B.Sc. one of
the most keenly interested students of the natural history
of Scotland, especially of its vascular plants, as the pages
of this journal have frequently testified. His constant
readiness to place his knowledge and help at the service
of others, and his ‘kindly nature, were such as to make his
death a grief to his numerous friends. We hope to give a
sketch of his services to Scottish botany in our next issue.

REPORT "ON SCOSTISE (ORNITHOMOGY
FOR 1906.

By JoHN PATERSON.

IN the annals of Scottish ornithology, the year 1906 is
somewhat memorable for various reasons. Like its pre-
decessor it owes some of its ornithological distinction to the

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 131

information which has resulted from Mr. Eagle Clarke’s in-
vestigation of the avi-fauna of Fair Isle, especially at the
period of the autumn passage. No particular reference can
be made here to the details of this inquiry, as they have
already appeared in full in an earlier number of this year’s
“Annals” (pp. 66-80). But the report would be incom-
plete without references to the important results obtained,
and they are consequently briefly mentioned in their natural
place under species.

During the spring passage the comparatively favour-
able conditions which obtained till mid-April were then
interrupted by a period of cold and wet weather, which
unhappily continued until the end of May. As a result
of this unfavourable change at a critical period for the
appearance of one of the most satisfactory to observe of all
our visitors—the Willow-Wren, we find its appearance in
numbers later by a week or ten days than in the two pre-
ceding years.

The phenomena of the autumn passage would alone
lend the year distinction however. The first great rush of
the season was on the 20th and 21st September, when
thousands of Meadow Pipits appeared at Skerryvore with
a S.E. wind, and among other species a Yellow-browed
Warbler. This synchronised to a day with the appearance
of the Red-breasted Flycatchers, Arctic Bluethroats, and
Yellow-browed Warblers at the Fair Isle, but the movement
does not seem to have been observed on our coasts generally.
Between 5th and 10th October a rush of a “very unusual
and extensive kind” was noted at Lerwick, the call of the
Redwing being distinguishable-——and this species supplies
the dominant note of the great October movement of 1906.
It was by the 1oth October numerous at Spiggie, in numbers
all over the island at the Pentland Skerries, while a flock is
reported on the same date at Sule Skerry. This movement
seems to have been confined to the extreme northern group
of localities, but a different story falls to be told of that
which took place ten days later. On the 19th October
“very large numbers” are reported from Kirkliston, on the
20th “immense flocks” at Spiggie, and on the 21st at the
Bell Rock, thousands are reported, many being killed; a

132 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

“nus. at the lantern at. SulewSkemyea “creat rush) ga
Skerryvore, the “numbers were far in excess of anything
seen here for years”: 98 birds of this and other species
being picked up on the gallery of the lantern next morning
(p. 23), while at Mull 100 are noted as arriving—all on
21st October, and like the previous movement with a S.E.
wind. On the 22nd, at Pentland Skerries a “great rush”
of Fieldfares, Redwings, etc. The influence of this ex-
traordinary inrush was felt throughout the winter. To it
is probably to be attributed the fact of the Redwing being
“more abundant than usual” this winter at Kirkliston, of
the “large flocks here this winter” recorded from Newburn,
and of the fact that the writer has never in his experience
in the Glasgow district seen so many Redwings as during
the winter of 1906-7. To give a concrete illustration of
this I may say that in an equal number of excursions for
observation in the winters of 1905-6 and 1906-7, I find
five entries of Redwings in the former to sixteen in the
latter. From Carmichael, the Rev. J. D. W. Gibson writes
—“ We had an unusual number of Redwings with us this
autumn. Some seasons this species is very rare on migra-
tion here. Both Fieldfares and they have been in large
flocks.” Later Mr. Gibson writes—“ This species | Redwing |
was very abundant in November, and it is not usual to find
any so late here.”

Another distinction of the last quarter of 1906 was the
appearance in unusual numbers, and so far as “Clyde” is
concerned at any rate, of unprecedented numbers of the
Brambling. Fife correspondents write—“ There have been
larger flocks about here during December than we have ever
seen before.” At Kirkliston they have been “unusually
numerous this winter.’ In Mull, where they arrived on
18th October, they “ betook themselves to Aros beech woods,”
where 500 or so remained till 30th December when they
left.”. Though much larger flocks have occurred in “Solway ”
in some other years, Mr. Service has never known them so
“generally diffused.” At Carmichael in Lanarkshire, they
were in enormous flocks, and the Rev. Mr. Gibson writes—
“I should say there are more of this “Speetes™ than vor
any other with us at present.” Curiously the lighthouse

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 133

returns throw no light on the great immigration of this
species.

The last distinction of the interesting quarter which
closed 1906, was the great movement connected with the
outbreak of boreal conditions on the afternoon of Christmas
day, which has been dealt with for English and Irish
localities in the pages of the “Zoologist” in January, February,
March, and April of this year. Referring to his experience
at Fairlie, Ayrshire, Mr. Robert Wilson writes of the 26th
December thus :—“ At Brigaird Point, from daybreak until
well on in the forenoon, a great movement took place—Star-
lings and Skylarks in thousands, great numbers of Chaffinches,
Redwings, and Fieldfares, many Ring-Doves and a few
Stock-Doves, and one Kestrel, all flying in little trips low
over the ground, and coming out from the land along the
ridge of the Spit and disappearing over the water due west.
Many Common Snipe along the shore line, one Jack Snipe,
Golden Plovers abundant. Hundreds of Wigeon and a
good many Mallards flighting over the Black Rock after
sundown, making but poor headway against the bitter blast.”
This narrative may be followed appropriately by this note
under 3rd January 1907, in the Schedule from Douglashead
Lighthouse, Isle of Man :—“ Great number of Meadow-Pipits
and Wrens found dead amongst the rocks where they had
taken shelter from the snow-storm.”

Cordial thanks are given to the numerous correspondents
through whose kind co-operation it has been possible to
make this report. The compiler hopes that the good work
will continue to receive their support and that this national
undertaking may improve with the flux of time.

Turpus viscivorus (Mistle-Thrush).—In song, Glasgow, 28th
January; Mull, 20th February ; Edinburgh, 21st; Kirkliston,
26th. Nest in crevice of stone quarry close to ground at
Kirkliston. Its breeding in the Outer Hebrides may now be
considered established (p. 17). Passing south, in Mull on
5th August, roth September (large numbers), and 26th (7).
In song again, Edinburgh, 23rd December.

T. musicus (Song-Thrush).—In song, in Mull, 5th January; Kirk-
liston, 23rd. Reappears Caldwell (Renfrew), 29th January,
and returns to Carmichael (Lanark), 6th February. Nest of

134

AR

ae

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Blackbird with four Song-Thrush’s eggs at Beith. Nest very
shallow and out of order. Singing on Eval, North Uist, at
about 800 feet, and Mr. Kinnear was much struck with dark
coloration of all seen in Barra and the Uists (p. 17). Last
in song, Kirkliston, 6th July. Sings again, 16th September,
and intermittently in many localities till 2zoth December. All
over the island at Pentland Skerries on 10th October, when
there was another movement, 2nd to roth November.

ILIAcUS (Redwing).—Last seen mainland in spring, in several

localities, 2nd to 4th April. In autumn, first at Pentland
Skerries, 16th September (1); many passing Skerryvore, 27th ;
Mainland appearances, 4th October, Glasgow and Kirkliston ;
6th, Beith (Ayr). For remarkable immigration on 21st
October, and abundance during winter on mainland, see
introduction. Dates of chief movements, roth and 21st
October, and roth November.

PILARIS (Fieldfare).—Last mainland observations in spring, 1st

to 6th May, exactly a month later than preceding species.
First autumn appearances, 8th to roth October, Sule Skerry
and Spiggie, Shetland. On the mainland, 13th October,
Burntisland; 18th, Mull; roth, Caldwell. Greatest move-
ment of immigration, 21st to 22nd October (see introduction).
Abundant all winter throughout parts of mainland whence
observations come.

MERULA (Blackbird).—No important movement’ whatever
recorded. Singing in Edinburgh district in the end of
January and continued till 8th July.

TORQUATUS (Ring-Ouzel).—Mull, 4th April; Beattock, roth.
Mull, 30th June, begin to gather and all local birds away a
month later. Nine on Ben Ledi on 22nd September (W.
Evans). Between 7th October and 4th November a few at
Sule Skerry, Pentland Skerries, and Bell Rock.

SAXICOLA DESERTI (Desert Wheatear).—One sent in the flesh from

Pentland Skerries, secured 26th May.

S. (ENANTHE (Wheatear).—24th March, Lendalfoot (Ayr); 26th,

Skerryvore; 1st April, North Berwick; 2nd, Beith and Crail ;
5th, Swordale, E. Ross; 6th, Broughton, Beattock, and Mull.
Spring passage reported at lighthouses till 26th May. 5th
June, Eden, Fife, one (3) with white head. In autumn, 2oth
August, Skerryvore, and daily a few till end of September.
Latest mainland occurrences, 10 and 11th October, Crail.

PRATINCOLA RUBETRA (Whinchat).—1st May, Drumeldrie (Fife),

and Broughton (Peebles); 2nd, Mull; 5th, Bute; 18th, Car-
michael (Lanark). In May at the Fair Isle on eight occasions,
and the same number of times in September (p. 75).

— ee

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 135

P. RuBIcoLA (Stonechat).—Fair Isle, a few throughout April and
one in September (pp. 75, 76).

RUTICILLA PHCENICURUS (Redstart)—April 20th, Coldstream ( ¢) ;
28th North Berwick; rst May, Beattock; 2nd, Lendalfoot
(3); 6th, Mull; 8th, Burntisland. May 25th, at Luss, Loch
Lomond, two nests with six fresh eggs each. At North
Ronaldshay, 16th September (3); Pentland Skerries, roth ;
Skerryvore, 21st (1); Pentland Skerries, 5th October; Ler-
wick, gth (several). From middle to end of September quite
common in Fair Isle and stragglers till late October. Almost
as frequent and abundant there in May after the first week
(Pp. 75):

CYANECULA SUECICA (Bluethroat).—On Fair Isle on 2oth September
and following days, a dozen seen, others no doubt escaping
notice (p. 75). Unst, 25th September (1); 26th (2), (p. 58).

ERITHACUS RUBECULA (Redbreast).—A straggler at the Fair Isle in
September, it was occasionally seen in considerable numbers
in October and November. Not much observed in the spring
(pp. 74, 75) Numerous at Spiggie (Shetland) on 23rd
October; a number at Pentland Skerries on 2nd November ;
a few during the day with snow on 30th December at same
place.

SYLVIA CINEREA (Whitethroat).—6th May, first observed at Cadder,
near Glasgow. Reported from five localities between 11th
and 16th. Laying at Kirkliston on 27th May, it was last in
song there on 23rd July. Several at Saltoun, 13th September.

S. curRucA (Lesser Whitethroat).—Not uncommon on three days
in May at Fair Isle, and one remained till 18th June. Seen
there nine days in September, and the last on 4th October, the
day Mr. Clarke left the island (p. 73). This is an interesting
series of observations on a most elusive Scottish species.

S. ATRICAPILLA (Blackcap).—At Kirkliston on 15th May. On 24th
August at Bell Rock (1); 5th October, Spiggie (Shetland) (1) ;
12th Pentland Skerries (1) ; 23rd Spiggie, several.

S. HORTENSIS (Garden-Warbler).—At Eaglescarnie, Haddington,
2nd May (H. N. Bonar). Kirkliston, 13th, and Rouken Glen,
Glasgow, 16th. Last in song on 11th July at Kirkliston.
On sth October one shot at Pentland Skerries and sent in the
flesh, and on 8th October a number there.

REGULUS crRIsTATUS (Golden-crested Wren).—In song in Mull on
2oth February. Nest on a cypress about 3 inches from the
trunk at Beith, the closest to the trunk Mr. Craig has seen it
in his long experience. Pretty generally observed from the rst
till the 21st of October from the Bell Rock to Spiggie
(Shetland).

136 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

PHYLLOSCOPUS SUPERCILIOSUS (Yellow-browed Warbler).—In the
second half of September and early days of October, six at
the Fair Isle (p. 74), and on 21st September one at Skerryvore
Bi 5i):

P. ne (Chiffchaff).—At Lendalfoot (Ayr), 4th April; Beith
(Ayr), 15th; Coldstream, 18th (H. N. Bonar). At Whittinge-
hame, 5th June (H. N. Bonar). At the Bell Rock one killed
28th August, and one on roth October at Fair Isle (p. 74).

P. TROcHILUS (Willow-Wren).—Lendalfoot, 5th April; Carmyle,
near Glasgow, 13th, and Kirkliston same date. First recorded
as abundant on 28th on the Cart near Glasgow, and at Edin-
burgh on rst May full numbers. Singing softly at Pencaitland
on 11th September, it is last recorded for the mainland on the
18th at Gilston, Colinsburgh.

P. SIBILATRIX (Wood-Wren).—On 4th May appears at Burntisland ;
7th, Roslin Glen, several (Evans); 8th, Kirkliston; 12th, Mull,
but Mr. M‘Donald writes that in a given area in Aros Woods
there, but two pairs occurred where twenty could have been
marked in former years. There was a small addition to the
nesting birds there, however, early in June.

ACROCEPHALUS STREPERUS (Reed-Warbler).— The first Scottish
example was shot on the Fair Isle on 24th September (p. 74).

A. PHRAGMITIS (Sedge-Warbler).—Several appeared at the Bell Rock
on 12th May, two being killed. It is reported as occurring at
Kirkliston on 13th, and was laying there on 2nd June. Last
in song at Glen Dam (E. Renfrew) on 28th July, and Kirk-
liston on rst August. Last seen on the mainland at the Lake
of Menteith (Binnie) on 12th September, in which month there
were two occurrences in the latter half at the Fair Isle, where it
was not uncommon from the second week till the end of May
(p. 74).

CincLuS AQguaticus (Dipper).—In Mull begins on 1st March re-
pairing nest which has been used for the past eight years. The
nest is a formidable affair now. ‘Iwo broods were reared, and
the autumnal song began on 22nd August. At Alyth (Perth),
on 23rd March, has young birds (Dr. Dewar). Returned to
winter quarters at Caldwell (Renfrew) on 26th September.

CERTHIA FAMILIARIS (Tree-Creeper).—On 19th May, in Bute, a
nest with six fresh eggs (R. Wilson). One of the Continental
race found exhausted at the Fair Isle on 27th December
(p. 72).

MoraciLLa LuGUBRIS (Pied Wagtail).—On 4th March returned to
Caldwell, and on 22nd to West Calder. A dozen at North
Ronaldshay on 24th, and on 26th, a pair by the river, inland

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 137

at Swordale, East Ross. On the 26th April, Mr. Robert
Wilson saw over forty roosting in reeds at the Little Loch
(E. Renfrew). At Beith, a Blackbird’s nest of the year with
three Pied Wagtails’ eggs was found, of course the Wagtail
lined the nest to fit itself. No important movements reported
in autumn, and none observed on Fair Isle on September
1905 or 1906 (Pp. 72).

M. atpa (White Wagtail).—Beginning at Beith on 8th April, this
species is observed on the west coast in Mull, Barra, and the
Flannans, up till 3rd June, at last-named locality. The other
spring records are April and May, at the Fair Isle (p. 72); a
few pairs at Dornoch Firth on 22nd May, and two seen at
Sule Skerry on gth. In autumn a dozen are reported from
Sule Skerry on 30th August. It was one of the commonest
birds of passage on the Fair Isle in September as in 1905
(p. 72), and was numerous at Spiggie (Shetland) on r4th.

M. MELANOPE (Grey Wagtail).—Returned to Caldwell on 5th
March; Kirkliston, 13th; and Mull, 31st, where a few
remained till 31st December. Young away at the Rouken
Glen, Glasgow, on 16th May.

M. rat (Yellow Wagtail).—Appeared first in Clyde at Beith, 15th
April. A male was captured at the Fair Isle on 8th May
an exceptional occurrence (p. 72).

‘ANTHUS TRIVIALIS (Tree-Pipit).—At Kirkliston, 24th April; Mull,
26th ; Caldwell, 30th ; Cadder, near Glasgow, 6th May, many.
Last in song at Kirkliston, 16th July.

A. PRATENSIS (Meadow-Pipit)—Returned to Carmichael (Lanark),
toth March; Mull, 21st, on the moors but not numerous yet ;
Mearns Moor (E. Renfrew), returned, 25th. On 2nd June,
Mr J. Craig writes from Beith, that he found a Meadow-Pipit’s
nest with two eggs and a Cuckoo’s egg, but they were cold.
He visited the nest a week later, but it was forsaken as the
eggs were still cold—probably the full clutch had been laid
before the Cuckoo deposited her egg, and she reduced the
number to two which caused the Pipit to forsake. ‘This,
Mr. Craig, who has very great experience, never knew a Pipit
to do before, and thinks it must have been a young bird. On
zoth and 21st September at Skerryvore there was a great rush
of Meadow-Pipits with a S.E. wind—thousands being observed
(see introduction).

LaNIUS EXCUBITOR (Great Grey Shrike).—One seen at Unst on
24th October, and on 27th December at Newtonairds
(Dumfries), a young male of the double-spotted form (p. 112).

138 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

L. coLLuRIo (Red-backed Shrike).—Several late in May and early
in June at Fair Isle (p. 73).

MUSCICAPA ATRICAPILLA (Pied Flycatcher).—One at Scoughall,
east of North Berwick, on 8th May (W. Evans). Another
at Skerryvore on 21st September, in which month at Fair
Isle small parties were passing at intervals (p. 76).

M. GRISOLA (Spotted Flycatcher).—Two are reported from Unst
on toth April, by T. Edmonston Saxby (p. 50), an extra-
ordinary date for a species that is pretty free from any vagaries
in the way of early occurrences. The next date is just at the
time it is expected, roth May, Dunbar, thereafter follow, 14th,
Kirkliston, 18th, Carmichael. Several appeared at Fair Isle
from late May till beyond mid-June, but only one in autumn,
on 15th September (p. 76). It was laying at Kirkliston on
6th June. From 28th July till end of August it was abundant
at Colinsburgh, and is last recorded for the mainland in East
Ross on 13th September.

M. parva (Red-breasted Flycatcher).—Three or four observed on
2oth and 21st September at Fair Isle, and another there on
4th October (pp. 76, 77).

HiruNDO RustTIcA (Swallow).—Beith, 6th April; Carmyle (Glasgow),

13th; Lendalfoot, 18th; Carmichael, zoth; Kirkliston, 21st ;
Blackford Hill, two on 6th May, ‘seems late in arriving in

the district this spring (W. Evans); Edinburgh, 7th May,-

“now in full numbers” (Binnie); Mull, 26th May, “remark-
able absence of species.” In autumn reported from nine
mainland localities in October, and on 22nd November, near
Cockenzie, one was observed (W. Evans).

H. RUFULA (Red-rumped Swallow).—One at Fair Isle on 2nd June
(“ Annals,” 1906, p. 205).

CHELIDON URBICA (House Martin)—On 16th April one at Colins-
burgh flying north; appears Kirkliston 24th; 6th! May, Mull ;
same date Canty Bay Hotel near North Berwick, where
numbers breed annually, first two pairs appeared (W. Evans) ;
May 8th, Largo, several. In Mull nesting abnormally late,
young of first and only brood leave nest on 8th August. At
Aberlady on 29th September, young still in nest. Last
observation Crail, 16th October (2).

COTILE RIPARIA (Sand-Martin). On 3rd April at Burntisland; 12th
at Beith, and same day at Dunbar, one (Evans); 13th,
Elie, four (Evans); 13th, Cambuslang; 18th, Coldstream,
several, Last seen Largo Bay, 18th September, with other
species.

OE

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 139

LiGURINUS CHLORIS (Greenfinch).—Earliest nesting reported Colins-
burgh, 27th April, three eggs. Last nesting 26th August,
Kirkliston. Last in song roth August, Edinburgh. Must
have been breeding for some time at Stornoway where Kinnear
observed a few in the Castle grounds (p. 19). From roth
November till 8th December at Mull, almost solely confined
their attention to seeds of the Burdock (Arctium Lappa), and
was the only species so doing. Previous to this with Twites
at seeds of Knapweed (Cenéaurea nigra). A few remained in
Mull till 31st December. At Stobcross Quay in Glasgow
Harbour on 28th December, a flock of 40/50 suddenly
appeared on the deck of the Anchor Line Co.’s S.S. Persza.
This was during the hard spell which began on Christmas day
(see introduction).

COcCCOTHRAUSTES VULGARIS (Hawfinch).—One caught at Skerryvore
on 11th November.

CARDUELIS ELEGANS (Goldfinch).—One at Cow Parsnip (er-
acleum Sphondylium) in Mains Woods, Giffnock, East Renfrew,
on 11th November (R. Wilson). Information about this bird
as a Scottish species is desirable. ‘The paucity of observations
that comes is remarkable, now that we have so many interested
observers.

C. spinus (Siskin).—Small flock resident during January at Car-
michael (Lanark). Crail, 17th February, one. Swordale (E.
Ross), 3rd March, several.

PASSER MONTANUS (Tree-Sparrow).—Nesting colony discovered in
South Bute by John Robertson (‘ Annals,” 1906, p. 237). On
14th July there, six or seven pairs seen by Robert Wilson, who
found four nests with young and two with fresh eggs. At Kirk-
liston, 18th May, a full clutch partly incubated—three pairs
nesting (Zc. p. 185). Half-a-dozen observed near Balmartin in
North Uist. A colony of six pairs nests in the Castle grounds,
Stornoway (p. 19). Nesting in the Columban ruins, Iona,
with the House-Sparrow on 2oth June. This, however, is an
old station.

FRINGILLA CELEBS (Chaffinch)—On half-a-dozen dates between
23rd January and r2th February parties at the Flannans of
from seven to thirty birds. At Kirkliston on 18th February
in song, which it attempts at Garscadden, Glasgow, on same
date unsuccessfully. Last in song gth July, Kirkliston.
Between 3rd and 16th October it is reported five times from
the Bell Rock and Pentland Skerries. This was the month
in which it was most abundant at Fair Isle (p. 69). There is
no other reference to it from August till December in the
schedules, etc., received.

140 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

F. MONTIFRINGILLA (Brambling).—Curiously the only light thrown
on the appearance of this species in autumn are the records of
‘hundreds ” at Sound, Shetland, 7th October, and of varying
numbers, but only once of a large flock at the Pentland Skerries
between that date and the 16th of same month. Nor can these
trivial movements be connected with the great immigration to
“ Forth” and “Clyde” which took place apparently unobserved.
Supplementing the observations already made in the introduc-
tion (g.v.), it may be said that from the Clyde above Lanark,
through the Glasgow district, and on to the Gareloch and Bute
and South Ayrshire they have been traced. Where in former
years they were unknown they have become familiar, and where
they were recognised as regular visitors, as at Carmichael, they
have been in unprecedented numbers. So abundant was the
beech-mast at Carmichael that they refused grain laid on the
ground where they fed. The last of them had not left the
Glasgow district on the 21st of April, and the Gareloch on
24th April 1907. On 11th December at Largs, one, pure
white on crown of head, primaries, and scapulars. Whitish on
back and rump. Breast pale plum colour, shading off to white.
A little brown on the sides of the head, nape, and secondaries.
On sth January 1907 a cream-coloured one at Carmichael.

[It occurred in great numbers at Fair Isle from September
19 to end of October.—W. E. C.]

L. trnaria (Mealy Redpoll).—A small party appeared on Fair Isle
in May (p. 70).

L. RUFESCENS (Lesser Redpoll).—Bute, 19th May, a nest with four
slightly incubated eggs, which is early (Wilson).

L. FLAVIROSTRIs (Twite).—In Bute on roth May, a nest with six
eggs on the point of hatching (Wilson).

PyRRHULA Major (Northern Bullfinch).—One presumed to be this
species on 7th, and another on 11th October at Lerwick (pp.
49, 50). Many (4 and 9) seen Unst, 4th November (p. 50).
A few of both sexes in November for a few days on Fair Isle
(p. 79).

CARPODACUS ERYTHRINUS (Scarlet Grosbeak).—One shot on Fair
Isle on 3rd October, an addition to the Scottish Fauna (p. 70).

EMBERIZA MILIARIA (Corn Bunting).—At Whalsay, 8th February, a
mixed flock. In N.W. Mull a passing migrant (1) on 2nd
May. Last in song, 12th August, Edinburgh. At Fife Ness
crowds sheltering on the lee side of turnip leaves on 15th
October. At Lendalfoot (So. Ayr) about a hundred for a
week “a very unusual sight here” (Chas. Berry).

E. CITRINELLA (Yellow Bunting).—At Kirkliston. Sings on 18th
February. Last nest there 24th August and last in song 28th.

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 141

Only once observed in spring at Fair Isle, but occasionally
numerous in autumn and a few remained for the winter (p. 71).

E. HoRTULANA (Ortolan Bunting).—Quite a number during the last
days of May, and one on 18th September at Fair Isle (p. 71).

E. pusILia (Little Bunting).—An adult female shot at Fair Isle on
3rd October (p. 71).

E. scH@NicLus (Reed-Bunting).—At Kirkliston, nest in middle of
hedgerow and another in barley field each some distance from
water. Glen Dam, E. Renfrew, last in song 28th July.
During last days of May and early June several at Fair Isle where
it occurred from late September till 2oth November (pp. 70, 71).

PLECTROPHENAX NIVALIS (Snow-Bunting).—In first half of year
widely reported, except in south-west where only one bird
(Cardross, 13th February) seen. First autumn appearance at
Spiggie, Shetland, a flock on 8th October. A clutch from
Rathen, Aberdeenshire, taken this season (“ Annals,” p. 115).

CaLcaRIus Lapponicus (Lapland Bunting).—A few on Fair Isle in
May, returned on 8th September, and seen almost daily after
that date (p. 71).

STURNUS VULGARIS (Starling).—Lighthouse observation on this
species quite trifling this year. .At Glenorchard, Glasgow,
most of the Starlings which roosted during the winter left in
the first week of February. On 11th November at Drumpellier
(Lanark) “the trees and lift were black with starlings. The
trees with their visitors looked as if the foliage had suddenly
appeared again. Not an inch seemed without its bird, while
vast flocks circled around. Sudden movements would take
place and a black mass would burst from a tree, thin out like
dust and disappear from that tree’s neighbourhood. It brought
to mind what I had once seen at the blowing up of a land-
mine” (Alex. Ross).

Pastor ROSEUS (Rose-coloured Starling)—At Foula, Shetland, on
28th October, 5/6, one a fine ad. ¢ (p. 51).

Pica Rustica (Magpie).—In East Renfrew on 4th November a
flock of ten and another of eleven (Rennie).

CORVUS MONEDULA (Jackdaw).— At Crosswood Reservoir, West
Calder, four arrived 1st March, on 29th it was building at
Kirkliston, and on 2nd April at Edinburgh, but it was just
beginning to lay on 1st May at Cleghorn Woods, Lanark.

C. corone (Carrion-Crow).—Building at Kirkliston on gth April.
On 8th May in Fife, one killed a young Mistle-Thrush and
carried it off to its nest.

C. cornrx (Hooded Crow).—At the Flannans in twos or threes
between 22nd January and sth April. At Pentland Skerries

142 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

on 21st October a flock of thirty or forty. On 3rd November
at the Bell Rock, several flying westward.

C. FRUGILEGUS (Rook).—On 21st January enormous gathering at
Balgray, E. Renfrew. Clearing out old nest at Edinburgh
on 4th February, building at: Kirkliston, 22nd, and young
out of nest there, 2nd May. A Lugton keeper estimates his
loss in nests of Pheasant’s eggs this season, owing to Rook’s
depredations, at fifty.

ALAUDA ARVENSIS (Skylark).—Singing at North Ronaldshay, where
they had their first flock (20) for a long time on 18th February.
On this date, also singing at Garscadden, Glasgow. In
Edinburgh singing three days earlier. Reappears at Caldwell
(E. Renfrew) on 4th March. On 27th May, at Edinburgh,
young fully fledged and last in song there, 6th July. In the
autumn, first movement recorded 19th and 20th September.
Mull, passing south, flying high. Big accession to numbers
at Kirkliston this month. In various localities, in song between
30th September and 4th November.

A. ARBOREA (Wood-Lark).—A few early in November at the Fair
Isle, which remained till mid-December (p. 71).

OrocoRYs ALPESTRIS (Shore-Lark).—A small number at Fair Isle
from the end of October till mid-December (p. 72).

CypsELuS Apus (Swift)—Kirkliston, 4th May; Camphill, Glasgow
(2); Giffnock (1); Blackford Hill, a dozen (Evans); North
Berwick, all on 6th May. Largo, two flying north, and Forfar,
several seen on 7th. On z2oth a dozen passing north at Mull.
Passing south again in Mull, 26th July till rst August. Last
record Kirkliston, 25th August.

CaAPRIMULGUS EUROP#US (Nightjar).—On 26th May at Pentland
Skerries remains found of a bird seen flying about middle of
April. On October znd one seen at Pentland Skerries,
and on 2oth one found dead in the harbour at Lerwick.

IyNX TORQUILLA (Wryneck).—One at the Fair Isle on 3rd September
(p. 78).

DeENDROCOPUS Major (Great Spotted Woodpecker).—From February
till May at Southwick (Kirkcudbright) and at Closeburn
(Dumfries), a pair at each but no nest found (pp. 112-113).

ALCEDO ISsPIDA (Kingfisher).—On the Clyde near Glasgow, nest
ready for eggs 13th April.

CoRACIAS GARRULUS (Roller).—At Balnacoil on the Brora, Suther-
land, one on 28th May (‘“ Annals,” 1906, p. 185).

Upupa Epops (Hoopoe).—One picked up dead at Loch of Harray,

near Stromness, on 16th November (The /ze/d, 24th November
1906, p. 908).

a lt

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 143

CucuLus canorus (Cuckoo).—29th April, North Berwick ; 30th,
Caldwell and Broughton; 4th May, Beattock, Carmichael, and
West Calder; 5th, Torduff, Pentland Hills (Evans), Bute and
Inverbroom ; 6th, Teasses and Lahill in Fife, Swordale (E.
Ross), and Mull; July 3rd, calling halfan-hour at Caldwell.
Said to be scarcer this year in North Uist and Lewis (p. 81).
At Pentland Skerries, 7th November, one.

STRIX FLAMMEA (White or Barn Owl).—27th July, returns to nest-
ing-place (Edinburgh).

A. ACCIPITRINUS (Short-eared Owl).—Kinnear only saw one or two
in the Outer Hebrides, and these were in South Uist (p. 81).
1gth September, Dunnet (1); 8th October, Spiggie (Shetland),
(1); 22nd October, Bell Rock, one caught in Tower window,
Pentland Skerries same date (1); 23rd, Spiggie (1). In small
numbers end October till second week November at Fair Isle

su(Ds 7S):

NYCTEA SCANDIACA (Snowy Owl).—3oth January, Unst, one shot
(p. 50); 6th and 7th May, Flannans (1).

CIRCUS CYANEUS (Hen Harrier).—Twice seen in Barra and seen in
North Uist where a few pairs said to nest (p. 81).

BuTEO Lacopus (Rough-legged Buzzard).—1o0th November or about
that date, one killed in Gorebridge district (Evans). 16th
November, one ( @ ) in Caithness.

PERNIS APIVORUS (Honey-Buzzard).—One shot at Largo on a2tst
May (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 186).

Fatco canpicans (Greenland Falcon).—26th May, Barra, one shot
(Annals, 1906; p. 237).

F, IsLANDUs (Iceland Falcon).—Eye Peninsula, Lewis, 28th February,
one obtained (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 185).

(Zo be continued.)

DAE SPRING RETURN OF THE WOODCGOCKS
iN) FORTH: \ANDW GLY DE:

By J. A. Harvis-BRown.

THE return of the Woodcocks and the passing of the spring
migration of these birds has always been a prominent
feature in the central districts of Scotland, which lie between
the Firths of Forth and Clyde; nearly always remarkable

144 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

for its punctual occurrence during the first ten to fourteen
days of March. They are not shot now as formerly ; and,
indeed, I am one of those who are of the opinion that the
well-known and vast increase, which has taken place in their
numbers as a nesting species all over Scotland of late years,
has been greatly due to this change in action by our best
sportsmen.

It always seems desirable to carefully record such
appearances of this interesting game-bird, and let me give
such particulars as I can of the return of the Woodcocks in
the spring of the present year, 1907, as instanced by
information I have received from the extensive Woodcock
covers of Touch, near Stirling, and elsewhere.

Mr. Simpson, head-keeper, at Touch, informs me that
“ The Woodcocks were seen on the roth March (1907) to the
number of perhaps 200 to 300.” On the roth snow lay on
the ground to a uniform depth of some 24 inches. The keepers
at Touch were tracking foxes at the time the flight of Wood-
cocks was met with. Mr. Simpson continues, “It is about
eight or nine years ago that I saw anything like the above,
and it was, if I remember aright, in the first week in March ;
and they only stayed one day, and the weather was open
and fine at that time. Also, 1900 was a good season—-z.é.,
shooting season. I saw in October, in the high wood of
Touch, in about twenty acres, over 100.

“When we were shooting this year (1906), on the 4th
December we killed thirty-one Woodcock. They just come
in for a day or two, though we also have a good few all the
year round; and I have seen young on the 20th April well
fledged. I got three this year in one day with only one leg
each. They might have been shot off, or the birds snared,
and the wire have cut them through, or someone might have
put rings on too tight when young.”

In intimate connection with the above information, I
may add the following:—On the 5th December 1907,
when shooting our covers here at Dunipace, which covers
face the south (Touch covers face the north and east), our
party saw, at least, twenty birds; and of those driven out of

1 1895 was a year disastrous in the annals of the Woodcock population in the
north and west of Scotland.

—— ee

=

SPRING RETURN OF WOODCOCKS IN FORTH AND CLYDE 145

‘

cover seven were shot by the ‘guns’ outside. As sportsmen
know,two ‘guns,’ walking quietly with a spaniel, would probably
have accounted for a good many more. Our cover seldom
holds so many Woodcock per acre as equally adapted covers
which face the north and east. Torwood covers, where I
have seen thirty-five and thirty-eight shot in a day, face
north and east, and so, as seen above, do the covers of
Touch, which are the Woodcocks’ favourite holds. Again on
the following Saturday (15th December) thirty-eight ' were
shot on Mugdock ground, in the south-west of the county,
and on Torwood, above mentioned, thirty-two; and I have
other returns to show the inrush, and probably continued
residence for ten days or more, of the autumn flights of
Woodcock in Central Scotland in 1906.

In the history of the bird in this district I can go
back to 1865, when I found my first Woodcock’s nest, duly
recorded at the time in the pages of the “ Zoologist.”

The date of these eggs was 25th April, but they were
very hard set. I have already related elsewhere the late
hatching off of Woodcock in our covers here in 1902 ; and,
on that occasion, I accounted for the lateness, and for the
abnormal numbers nesting on our ground of both Woodcocks
and Snipe, by the sudden and great cold snap of 2nd and
3rd May, which recorded 17° of frost over a great part of the
North of Scotland ; and the succeeding north-east blizzard
of wind and sleet and snow, which continued well into June,
with little or no change in direction. As I have also related,
the large number of young Snipes hatched on our ground at
that late date in May, about the 1oth May 1902, perished,
and were found in numbers dead within a few feet of the
empty shells. Now, I think there can be scarcely any reason-
able doubt that both these large accessions of Snipe and Wood-
cock in Central Scotland in the late nesting season of 1902
(and again, almost similarly, in 1904) were directly due to
the first layings having been destroyed on the morning of that
phenomenal exposition by King Frost, viz. on the morning
of the 3rd May, over a large extent of their northern breeding
range in Scotland, and a consequent crushing down of the
Snipe and Woodcock population after that event; or otherwise,

1 The usual average at Mugdock for a whole season is about that figure.

63 G

146 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

check had been applied to the productiveness even of the
first laying of these Snipe and Woodcocks’ eggs, and their
season abruptly (3rd May) put off. That is a point for the
physiologists to decide, and scarcely affects the chapter in
the life-history of the Woodcock which I am desirous of
trying to elucidate.

Returning to the subject of the return of the Woodcocks in
spring, it is worthy of passing remark, that, however regularly,
and however abundant the birds may appear in Central
Scotland early in March, no such great wave of flight
appears to take place to the east of the narrow winding
tideway of the Forth, or rather I should say, no such
phenomenon has as yet been recorded, nor have I ever
succeeded in obtaining records or statistics of any such
return from anywhere in Fife south of the Ochils, and
we have some good observers living along that line, ze.
south of the Ochils from near Alloa to the East Neuk.
Nevertheless, on occasions of phenomenal returns, I have
had abundant proof of their enhanced numbers or sudden
appearances from most covers between this place and the
south side of the river Forth, on Polmaise, Dunmore, and
Airth Castle grounds, and on the flat moss, which is partly
upon Dunmore, Airth, and Kinnaird.

Now, the area within which the return of the Woodcock
is known and spoken of as a well-known annual phenomenon
of migration, I beg to define as stretching between the upper
estuaries of Clyde and Forth (spring return), or Forth and
Clyde (autumn), and including in breadth from the southern
boundaries of the watersheds of Tay with Forth, and the
southern boundary of Forth, so far as the area is included
between the Firths of Forth and Clyde (of the rest of the
Forth area I do not speak here). The expression, “ return of
the Woodcocks,” so far as I am aware, was originally and
solely used in that so-defined district. It may have been,
and may now be, used elsewhere; but I have known of it
in Forth and Central Forth as long as I can remember,
and heard it so spoken of by our fathers. But I do not
recollect hearing it used anywhere else in Scotland until
perhaps occasionally much more recently.

Now, of the further extension of the migrations, spring

SPRING RETURN OF WOODCOCKS IN FORTH AND CLYDE 147

and autumn, of the Woodcock to the west, in contradistinction
to its extensions as recorded to the east (vide antea), we
have abundance of evidence ; but perhaps no one has paid
such complete and thorough attention to this part of our
inquiry, and as regards its increase and extension as a nest-
ing species, as Mr. R. M. Buchanan of Fairholm, Giffnock,
Renfrewshire, whose careful and excellent accumulations of
statistics and ingeniously marked mapping of the Clyde area,
north of the firth, we hope to reproduce in reduced form at
some future time.

Now, all the above may at this time form one chapter
only in the completed history of the distribution, dispersal,
and migrations of the species in Britain,

But, to complete such a history, it would be necessary to
analyse all the records as far back as the history of the
species in Britain can take us; and these brought down to
date for every county or every definable natural area from
as early a period as possible. That done, then it would be
desirable to continue the inquiry upon more elaborated lines,
and to see whether the results fit in with our previous
knowledge and these said analyses, or in what respects they
differ.

Then the present contribution and its significance might
merely occupy one small paragraph, or one portion of a
whole chapter, if properly condensed.

Here lies work for those who do not consider that our
knowledge of this species is yet completed. And in this
work lies a suggestion of similar endeavour as regards the
distribution, dispersal, and migrations of every species known
in the country, whether resident or migrant, whether breeding
or merely passing portions of their lives in this country.

This knowledge of species, if acquired in any country
which is included within the range of all seasons of each
species, in time could scarcely fail to illuminate the still
brooding darkness which surrounds these several natural
phenomena. Future means towards advancing the informa-
tion may be found in marking (or labelling) birds caught
for the purpose, and released, so that the individuals may be
recognisable whenever they may a second time be met with.

Something has been attempted on these lines already

148 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

but would have to be done upon a much more extensive
scale if reasonable expectation of success is to follow, and
some systematic plan be followed universally.

Much has been done, but much more remains to be
undertaken, and it must be by combined and widespread
endeavour, to be successful.!

In reference to the date mentioned in the text above,
viz, the 1oth, March, it Misminterestine to note jthaty. Gales
in “ The Field” (of May 25, 1907, pp. 863-4), gives details
of the migration of the birds as observed by him in Jutland,
distinguishing the area there of the principal movements
between the 7th March and the 14th, and again other later
flights. It appears to the present writer that these Jutland
notes have direct bearing upon the subject of this paper.

THE BLACK, SPA-BREAMP (CAN HAAS MGriie
THARTS \(.) = (CANATTA RU S ON EAAGES
(MONT) SIN THE SIR oH OF PORE

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

ON 13th April last (1907) a strange fish was captured in
the salmon-nets at the Aberlady end of Gosford Bay on the
south side of the Firth of Forth. It was taken to my friend
Mr. James Lamb, Aberlady, who at once sent me word,
enclosing a rough drawing of the fish, and asking what I
thought it would be. The sketch clearly indicated a Sea-
Bream of some kind; and as the members of that group
are all uncommon in the Firth, I asked Mr. Lamb to send
me the fish for examination, which he most kindly did. On
its arrival I was pleased to see that it was a Bream, and a
closer examination of its characters left no doubt that it was
a fine example of the Cantharus lineatus of Montagu, known
on the English coasts as the “ Black Sea-Bream” or “Old
Wife.” The total length of the fish was about 174 ins., and

1 But the foundations have been laid: down, and the first endeavour ought to
be to collate all previous data and result, then start afresh.

Pi

THE BLACK SEA-BREAM IN THE FIRTH OF FORTH 149

its greatest depth about 54 inches; so that it was clearly a
full-grown specimen. Its general colour was silvery-grey,
darker above and paler beneath, very much the same as in a
salmon.

The species is not included in Parnell’s well-known
Essay on the Fishes of the Firth of Forth, published in
1837; but in Giinther’s Catalogue of the Fishes in the
British Museum, a specimen—from the Parnell collection—
from the Firth of Forth, is mentioned. When at the
British Museum a few weeks ago, Mr. Eagle Clarke had,
through the courtesy of Mr. Boulenger, an opportunity of

seeing this specimen, which he tells me is labelled simply
“Firth of Forth; presented by Dr. R. Parnell, January 4,
1839.” It is about 15 ins. in length, and I think we may
assume that it was captured in 1838. The example I now
have the pleasure of recording would thus appear to be but
the second that has been obtained in the Firth, and the first”
to which a precise locality and date can be assigned.

The species, which is abundant in the Mediterranean
and adjacent parts of the North Atlantic, occurs, according
to Day’s “British Fishes,’ not infrequently along the west
and south coasts of England, but becomes rare in the North
Sea, where it has, however, been met with off the north of

150 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Scotland (Banffshire coast, Z. Edward), and the south of
Norway. Prof. F. A. Smitt, in his “ History of Scandinavian
Fishes” (1893), p. 55, writes of it as follows :—“ From its
proper home, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic between
the Canary Islands and England, the Black Sea-Bream has
several times wandered north and been met with on the
south coast of Norway, up to Trondhjem Fjord. On only
one single occasion, however, has it been found in Swedish
waters. . . . It is extremely improbable that it propagates
its species north of England, as only full-grown specimens,
and never small fry, have been taken there. . . . Its flesh is
generally little esteemed, but in the north of France it is
considered fairly good.”

The present specimen, it should be stated, has been
presented to the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. A
photograph of it, taken by my son, W. E. Evans, is here
reproduced.

ON THE DIPTERAS OF ST: KILDA
By Percy H. GrimsuHaw, F.E.S.

I AM indebted to my friend the Rev. James Waterston,
BD: B.Se, dior the privilece of, examining ay svery mune
collection of Diptera made by him in the island of St. Kilda
during the months of June and July 1905. As considerably
over one thousand specimens were taken with discrimination
and carefully pinned by Mr. Waterston, it may fairly be claimed
that the present collection is a representative one, and that
the following list gives a tolerably good idea of the actual
Dipterous fauna of this small and remote, but none the less
interesting portion of the British Isles. Although I have
been able to clearly distinguish 119 species, yet a number
of these have baffled any attempt on my part to identify
them specifically. It is possible that some of those still
unnamed may be new to science, while the most interesting
of those satisfactorily determined include such species as
Diamesa tonsa, Hal. (probably never seen since the type
was described fifty years ago), Rhamphomyta fumipennts, Zett.

ON THE DIPTERA OF ST. KILDA I51

(a rare species), Zachypeza nervosa, Mg. and Lonchoptera
trilineata, Zett. (both new to Britain), Cenosza geniculata,
Fln. (rare), and C. albzcornis, Mg. (new to Britain). All the
specimens are in beautiful condition, and it is a pleasure to
add that with characteristic generosity Mr. Waterston is
presenting a selection of them to the Royal Scottish
Museum.

In the following list a few notes of interest have been
added by Mr. Waterston. These are placed within square
brackets, and have the initials J. W. appended.

Family MYCETOPHILID#.

1. SCIARA sf.—1@ belonging to the section IIa. 1c. of Winnertz’
monograph.

to

ScIARA sf.—1 headless ¢, with yellowish halteres, pitchy legs
and shining black thorax.

BOLeETINA sf.—2 ¢ 6 and19.

BOLeETINA sf.—Three specimens of a smaller species than No. 3.
LASIOSOMA HIRTUM, JZg¢.—1 ¢.

SCIOPHILA sf.—1 6.

TAKE &

MACROCERA FASCIATA, JZg.—1 6.

Family BIBIONIDA.

8. SCATOPSE NOTATA, Zzu7.—Four specimens.

9g. DILOPHUS FEBRILIS, Zzzu.—6 ¢ ¢.

Family CHIRONOMIDE.

10. ORTHOCLADIUS ? SORDIDELLUS, Ze/t—4 8 ¢ and 4 ? 9 of
what I believe to be this species.

I1. ORTHOCLADIUS sf.—1 @ of a species coming near variadilis,
Staeg., but I cannot exactly identify it.

12. TANYTARSUS TENUIS, JZ.
and delicate species.

13. TANYTARSUS sf.—2 6 dg, possibly vernus, Meg.

1 g and 2 @ 9 of this elegant

14. METRIOCNEMUs FuscIPEs, JZe.—2 $6 ¢ andi 9.

15. Diamesa tonsa, Ha/—A single $ belonging to this genus
agrees pretty well with Haliday’s description of ¢onmsa in

152

16.

30.

Bits

. LIMNOBIA NUBECULOSA, J/g.

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Walker’s “Ins. Brit.” vol. ili. p. 195. The peculiar genitalia
appear to mark off this species from its allies, as well as the
remarkable antennz, which are figured in Walker’s work.
Unfortunately Haliday’s type cannot be found in the
collection at Dublin, and I believe the St. Kilda specimen
is the first obtained since,

CERATOPOGON FLAVIPES, (Zg.—5 36 and 21 99. The
colour of the legs varies, in some specimens being almost
entirely pitchy or blackish.

. CERATOPOGON sf.—2 @ @ of a species with hairy wings.

Family LIMNOBIID.
Preis

. DicRAanomvia mITIs, Wg.—z2 ¢ 6 andi 9.
. GONIOMYIA TENELLA, A7Zg.—8 ¢ ¢ and 7 @ 9, one pair being

mm cop.

. RHYPHOLOPHUS NODULOSUS, AZcg. 1 $ and1Q.
. ERIOPTERA FUSCIPENNIS, JZ7g.—6 ¢ 6 andi Q.
. ERIOPTERA TRIVIALIS, AZg.—1 9.

. LIMNOPHILA MEIGENH, Verr.—5 ¢ 6.

Family TIPULIDA.

. TIrpuLa ? conrusa, Wip.—2 ¢ ¢.

. TIPULA ? MARMORATA, JZe.—1 ¢ and 2 9 9.
. TIPULA OLERACEA, Zinn.—4 ¢ g andI 9.

. TIPULA sf.—1 ¢ near flavolineata, Mg. ?

. TIPULA sf.—1 @ near vernalis Mg. ?

Family TABANID.

HAEMATOPOTA PLUVIALIS, Lizu.—3 ¢ 6 and5 9 3. [During
the last week of my stay this was a pest. J. W.]

Family EMPIDZ.

RHAMPHOMYIA FUMIPENNIS, Ze¢7.—1 ¢ and 2 9 9 of this fine
and rare species. At first sight rather like szdcafa, Fln., but
easily distinguished by its blackish halteres. Previously
recorded as British only from Muchalls (Aberdeenshire) and
Rannoch (Perthshire).

a

38.
39-

48.

. DOLICHOPUS ATRATUS, JZe.

ON THE DIPTERA OF ST. KILDA 153

. EMPIS STERCOREA, L777.—I 9.

. Empis sf.—1 ¢ and 2 9? 9 of a small shining biack species

with simply ciliated dark legs.

. Hivara sf.—15 ¢ 36 and 9 ? @ of a species belonging to

the chorica group, but I cannot determine it with certainty.

. CLINOCERA FONTINALIS, H/al.—2 64 and 5 99. [On
surface of water in the “‘ Well of Virtues,” West Bay.—J. W. |
. HEMERODROMIA PRECATORIA, f77.—4 $6 6 and 14 9? 9.

. TACHYPEZA NERVOSA, J7g.—19 and 2 g 6. Although not

recorded as British I can come to no other conclusion than
that the St. Kilda specimens represent the true zevvosa of
Meigen. Ihave also seen specimens of the same species from
Aberfoyle taken by Mr. A. E. J. Carter.

TACHYDROMIA compTa, IV/k.—4 92 9.

TACHYDROMIA sf.—1 ¢ and 5 9 @ like cursttans, Fab., but
the abdomen has no grey side-spots.

Family DOLICHOPODID.

16 6 gd andi5 9 9. [Abundant
everywhere, especially in marsh. J. W.]

. Doticuopus PLUMIPES, Scop.—41 ¢ go and 24 99. [Abun-

dant everywhere, especially in marsh. J. W.]

. DOLICHOPUS GRISEIPENNIS, Sfanmm.—16 ¢ 6 and 129 9.

[Abundant, but chiefly in marsh. Later in appearance than
the other two species of the genus. J. W.]

. SYNTORMON PALLIPES, /ab.—2 $ ¢ and 29 9.
. CAMPSICNEMUS Sf.—I @.
. SYMPYCNUS ANNULIPES, JZg.—14 6 6 and 15 9? 9.

. ? SCHOENOPHILUS sf.—Two specimens of a tiny species which

appears to belong to this genus, but it is not verswtus, WIk.

. Represented by five specimens which I am unable to de-

termine.

Family LONCHOPTERID&.

LONCHOPTERA TRILINEATA, Zet#7—6 ¢ g andio 9 9. These
agree fairly well with Zetterstedt’s description, and I cannot
make them fit with any other species, in spite of the fact that
trilineata \s not on the British list.

154

49.

50.

Soe

54:

55:

56.

oils
58.

59:

60.

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Family SYRPHID.

LIOGASTER METALLINA, Fab.—6 ¢ ¢ and 2 9 ¢. [Common
in and near marsh by sweeping. J. W.]

PLaTycHIRUS MANICATUS, WZg.—6 3 6 and 2 99. [Very
common in north of island, a few in cultivated area in
south, J. Wel

. PLATYCHIRUS CLYPEATUS, M/e—11 $4 and 9 29.

[Abundant in marsh in south of island, a few on the cliff
ledge in north. J. W.]

MELANOSTOMA MELLINUM, Zimz.—A single ¢ with dark
abdomen totally devoid of spots and the legs much darker
than the typical form. [In marsh. J. W.]

. Ascia popacrica, fab.—4 6G and 17 9 ¢. [Somewhat

large specimens, but antennze and cross-vein obscuration
typical. J. W.]

ERISTALIS ARBUSTORUM, JZinu.—19 ¢ 6 and 16 @ @.
[Common, latterly abundant. In cultivated area only, and
there chiefly on flowers of Marigold. J. W.]

HELOPHILUS PENDULUS, Linn.—3 6g and 99. [Seen
only on two days in the month, first one then a dozen, on
Marigold. J. W.]

SYRITTA PIPIENS, Zzzv.—4 ¢ 3S. [Generally distributed. In
cultivated area and on cliff edges; never in numbers.

J. W.]
Family TACHINID.

SIPHONA GENICULATA, Deg.—4 ¢ ¢.

CyNoMYIA MoRTUORUM, Linn.—4 ¢ $6 and ¢ ?. [Abundant
especially on north slope. Has a curious habit of settling
on grass. J. W.|

A specimen which I cannot identify, coming somewhere near
Brachycoma.

Family MUSCID.

MYIOSPILA MEDITABUNDA, Fab.—1 $ and 4 @ ?. [Swarming
in marsh. J. W.]

. CALLIPHORA ERYTHROCEPHALA, M/g.—1 6 and 3 99.

[Common. J. W.]

83.

. HYETODESIA OBSCURATA, JZg.

ON THE DIPTERA OF ST. KILDA 155

Family ANTHOMYIID.

. Hveropesia 1ncana, Wied.—13 6 6 and2 99. [Swarming

in marsh. J. W.|

tS... duce

HYETODESIA LONGIPES, Ze¢t—15 ¢ ¢ and4 9 ¢. [Common.
Scattered specimens in cultivated area, common in marsh.

J. W.]

. HyeETopEsIA sf.—1 @? not determined, with black legs, striped

thorax, and yellowish cinereous indefinitely tessellated abdo-
men.

. SPILOGASTER DUPLICATA, J7g.—1 ¢ and iIo 9 9.
. LIMNOPHORA SOLITARIA, Ze#ti—15 ¢6 and 11 9 9Q.

[Always near water. Common in burn in glen; swarming
in marsh. Has the habit of settling on stones. J. W.]

. HyprorT#a DENTIPES, fab.—i10 ¢ § ands5 ¢¢. [Common

in cultivated area and in marsh. J. W.]|

ANTHOMYIA RADICUM, Linu.—2 ¢ 6.

. PHorpia FLoccosa, Acg.—4 3 6.
. PHorsiA PupIca, Aud.—4 oo.
. PHORBIA sf.—52 ¢ ¢ of a species which may be zguofa, Rnd.,

or something near.
PHORBIA 5f.—8 6 4.

PHORBIA sf.—2 $¢. (Also 14 9 Q of the genus Phoriia
not identified).

. PEGoMYIA BICOLOR, Wied—7 38 6 and 4 9 9.

. HOMALOMYIA CANICULARIS, Limu.—1 6

. HoMALOMYIA SERENA, //n.—34 6 $6 and 14 9 9.

. AZELIA ZETTERSTEDTI, Aud.—t1 6.

. AZELIA CILIPES, Ha/Z.—1 6.

. Ce@tomyia MoLLissima, Ha/.—18 g g and 18 9 9. [Noted

in hundreds on a hot day towards the end of June. On
Ranunculus acris flowers, not elsewhere. J. W.]

. Ca@nosia GENICULATA, /7x.—7 6 ¢ of this rare and interest-

ing species.

. CaENOSIA ALBICORNIS, AZg.—15 6 ¢ of this species (which is

new to Britain) correspond exactly with the descriptions given
by Meigen and Schiner.

C@nNosIA sf.—1o @ @ undetermined. All the femora are
dark and the tibize light.

Ql.

92.
93:

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Family CORDYLURID.

SCATOPHAGA STERCORARIA, Lina.—4 g 6 and4 99. [Very
common everywhere except on exposed rocky heights. J. W.]

. SCATOPHAGA MERDARIA, ab.—5 ¢ ¢ and 2? 9 of this doubt-

fully distinct form.

. ScaToPHAGA squaLipa, M/e.—7 6 6 and 6 ? @. [Common

with S. stercoraria. J. W.|

. ScATOPHAGA LITOREA, Mg.—s5 6 ¢ and 12 ¢ 9. [On the

lower part of the island. J. W.]

Family HELOMYZID.

. BLEPHAROPTERA MODESTA, JZg.—1 ¢ andi Q.
. BLEPHAROPTERA 5f.—1 @ near flavicornis, Lw.

. BLEPHAROPTERA sf.—4 6 ¢ and 2 ¢ ? undetermined.

Family SCIOMYZID.

ELGIVA ALBISETA, Scof.—4 6 6 and 2 9 9. [Common in
marsh, J. W.]

Family SEPSID.

NEMOPODA CYLINDRICA, fab.—2 g ¢ and 2 9 9.

THEMIRA PUTRIS, Linmu.—5 g 6 and 3 @ Q.

Family PIOPHILID.

94-95. PIOPHILA sff.—23 specimens belonging to this genus

96.
97-
98.
99.

represent, I believe, two distinct species, but I cannot
satisfactorily identify them. One has a black epistome and
the other a yellow one.

Family EPHYDRID.

NoTIPHILA ULIGINOSA, Hal—g 6 6 and 14 @ 9.
HyYDRELLIA GRISEOLA, //7.—39 specimens, sex not determined.
HYDRELLIA NIGRIPES, Ze¢4i—1 4.

HYDRELLIA RANUNCULI, Hlal—4 ¢ 6 and 3 9? 9.

100. SCATELLA STAGNALIS, /77z.—3 specimens.

LO.

108.

109.

ON THE DIPTERA OF ST. KILDA 157

Family DROSOPHILIDS.

SCAPTOMYZA GRAMINUM, /7z.—4 specimens.

DROSOPHILA Sf.—1I specimen.

Family OPOMYZID.

. BALIOPTERA COMBINATA, Zz77.—1 9.

Family CHLOROPID.

OscINIS PUSILLA, JAZe.—4 specimens.
CENTOR CERERIS, /7z.—1 specimen.

CHLOROPS 5f.—3 specimens.

Family AGROMYZID.

SCHCENOMYZA LITORELLA, //z.—9 3 6 and 27 22. Some
of the @ @ show three shining black fasciz on the abdomen
where the posterior edge of a segment slides under the
anterior edge of the succeeding one. ‘The question has
occurred to me whether Meigen’s fasciata is not founded
on specimens in this condition. So far as I can see there is
no other difference between the two species.

CERATOMYZA DENTICORNIS, /avz.—13 specimens.

AGROMYZA NIGRIPES, J7g.—1 specimen.

110-112. PHyTOMYZA sff.—6 specimens representing at least 3

113.
PLA.
BiG.
116,
7:
Tne:
biG.

species.
Family BORBORIDE.
BoRBORUS NITIDUs, AZg.—1 g andi 9.
BORBORUS GENICULATUS, Jcg.—1 ¢.
BORBORUS ? VITRIPENNIS, J7g.—1 9.
4 és ands 9 Q.

LIMOSINA FONTINALIS, /777.—3 specimens.

LIMOSINA SYLVATICA, JZ¢.

LIMOSINA CRASSIMANA, AZa/.—3 specimens.
LIMOSINA Sf.—1 specimen.

NOTE.

Since the above paper was in type I have received some notes
from Mr. Waterston regarding the capture of certain of the Diptera,
also in reference to the weather conditions, methods of collecting,
and other information of some interest. His remarks are incor-
porated in the following paragraph.

158 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The specimens were taken on Hirta, the main island of a group
of four which are collectively called St. Kilda. The other three are
known as Boreray, Soay, and Dun. Mr. Waterston’s stay on the
island extended from 17th June to 17th July inclusive, and from
information since received it appears that the weather conditions
were unusually favourable for insect life. The Diptera formed by
far the largest part of the insect fauna noted. In one little patch—
the marsh—they rose in swarms on hot days. In the evenings col-
lecting was done by sweeping, and on one occasion over 2000
specimens were obtained in a quarter of an hour. On some days
hardly anything new was added to the previous captures, as Mr.
Waterston made it a rule that if he recognised a species he took as
little of it as possible. Some species, however, occurred with per-
sistent regularity, and consequently the rule was occasionally broken
unconsciously. Under these circumstances it is, therefore, important
to note that the number of specimens of a species in the collection
is no clue to the frequency of its occurrence on the island. The
occurrence of Celomyia mollissima is of particular interest. It was
only seen on a single day on a ledge about 100 feet from the top of
the cliff and 400 feet from sea-level. This ledge was covered with
a good layer of blackish earth enriched by droppings of puffins and
other organic debris. The place was moist, had a luxurious vegeta-
tion, and in June and July the heat was great in the forenoon.
C. mollissima occurred on every buttercup, and the point of interest
was that, as this fly usually frequents moist woods, it occurred here
on St. Kilda only on the one spot where the conditions were
similar.

THE ROYAL ScorTisH MUSEUM, EDINBURGH.

ON THE, SCOTTISH SPECIES SOR O3G70 i
(PROCTOTRY PID 7) PART Ii}

By P. CAMERON.

SCELIONINAE.

THE species of this group are parasitic in the eggs of other
insects. Says Dr. Ashmead of them in his “ Monograph of
the North American Proctotrypide,” p. 137, “ This group is
probably the most extensive in the whole family, and of the

1 Part i., antea, p. 34.

ON THE SCOTTISH SPECIES OF OXYURA 159

greatest economic importance, all the species comprising it
being strictly egg parasites, scarcely a single order of insects
being free from their attack.” Most of them are of very
minute size. Marshall records 61 British species, mostly
described by F. Walker.

H * * *
O0woO om AM RW DND we

Lal
Les

a |
Am BW SN

eT

on

aT
2

3)

TELEASINI.
TELEAS, Lat.

. cortaceus, K. Bonar Bridge.

Hop.tocyron, Ashm.

. cursor, K., Thornhill, April, in sphagnum.

. nigerrimus, K., Clober.

. timarte, W\k., Bute in June.

. bacilliger, K., Ben Clibrich, Sutherlandshire ; Manuel.

. rufonotus, K., Thornhill, in haystalk ; Manuel.

. micropterus, K., Eccles, in haystack.

. levigena, K., New Galloway.

. mermerus, Wlk., Bonar Bridge, Dumfries, New Galloway.
. @gele, Wik., Bonar Bridge.

. antennalts, K., Clydesdale.

. striatigena, K., Bishopton, Dalmally.
. agilis, K., Eccles.
. carinifrons, K., Eccles, in haystack ; Bonar Bridge.

. punctatifrons, K., Claddich.
. fimbriatus, K., Clydesdale.

. Cameroni, K., Dumfries, New Galloway.

Gyron, Hal.

. misellus, Hal., Eccles.

CERAPHRONINE.

A very extensive group, and, as most of the species are parasites
aphidz, of great utility to the farmer and gardener.

MEGASPILINI.
LAGYNODES, Foer.

. pallidus, Boh., Ballantrae.

. reflexus, Ruthe, Mugdock.

. rufescens, Ruthe, Clober, Dumfries, Manuel, Sutherlandshire.
I have this species from the London district and from
Scarborough (D. Sharp).

-

* %* K
&wWN

Oo N HW

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

APHANOGMUS, Thoms.

. furcatus, K., Mugdock.

MEGASPILUS, West.

. dux, Curt. Clydesdale.

. rufimanus, K., Kingussie.

. punctulatus, Cam. Tr. Ent. Soc. 1881, 557, Dalry, Ayrshire.
. Mullensis, Cam. Zc. 558, Ben More, Mull, 2000 feet.

Conosticmus, K. °

. Carpenteret, K., hills near Stirling.
. nigriventris, K., Clydesdale.
. subfilicornis, K., Galloway, Bishopton, Eccles, Dumfries,

Strathblane.

I took this species near Gloucester, and Mr. C. G. Champion

gave me a specimen from Lee and Houndslow in the London
district.

00 ON OAM

. rufipes, Nees, Manuel.

. aubtosus, K., Clober, Thornhill.

. fasciatipennis, K., Clydesdale.

. planifrons, K., Ballantrae.

. Zucidus, K., Bishopton.

. lentus, K., Dumfries.

. versicolor, K., Clober, Mugdock, Kilpatrick Hills, Dalmally,

Claddich. Probably a common and widely distributed
species.

[neatif~rons, K., I have this species from the Manchester district,
and C. humilis, K., from Dunham Park, Cheshire. ]

. puactifrons, K., Claddich.
. inconstans, K., Bishopton. Also from Houndslow, Surrey

(C. G. Champion).
C. inconstans, K., var. pennatus, K., has been taken by Mr.
Champion at Lee, Surrey.

. levifrons, K., Mugdock.

. apterus, K., Clydesdale.

. clavicornis, K., Manuel.

. basalis, K., Clyde near Newton.

. britannicus, K., Mugdock.

. brachypterus, K., Clober.

. rhopalophorus, K., Clydesdale.

. rufescens, K., Clyde near Cambuslang.

. ruficollis, K., Clober Moor.

. scabriventris, K., Clober, Dalry, Colvend.

ON THE SCOTTISH SPECIES OF OXYURA 161

I took C. testaceipes, K., in Cheshire; Mr. Champion captured
C. crassinervis, K., at Box Hill, and C. leptothorax, K., at Caldon,
Surrey, all three being additions to the British Fauna.

What may be an undescribed species of Conostigmus was taken
by me at Claddich.

LycoceErus, Foer.

1. subguadratus, K., Clober.

2. breadalbanensis (Cam.), K., Ben Lawers in July at a height of
about 3900 feet.

3. aphidivorus, K., Kelvinside, Mull. Bred from an Aphis on
Southernwood (Artemesia) in my garden at Whitle, Derby-
shire.

4. rectangularis, K., Manual, Dumfries. Bred from Rose-aphis in
June at New Galloway.

5. semiramosus, K., Cadder.

6. fusciventris, K., Mugdock.

7. bicolor, K., New Galloway. Also a specimen taken at Ben Lawers,
along with LZ. dreadalbanensis.

8. rufiventris, K., Clydesdale.

9. frenalts, K., Loch Libo.

10. sordidipes, K., Bonar Bridge; Z. Cameroni, K., was taken by
my old friend, F. G. Binnie, at Tadcaster, Yorkshire.

TRICHOSTERESIS, Foer.

1. glabra, Boh., Cadder, Bishopton. I have also taken it near
Gloucester.
2. punctatipennis, K., Clober.

CERAPHRON, Jur.

Marshall, in his Entomological Society’s Catalogue, records 8
British species of this genus, and in “The Entomologists’ Annual,”
1874, p. 146, he records an additional species, C. scw¢ed/aris, Thoms.,
from England, I presume, but no locality is given. It is noteworthy
that of his 9 species, 7 of them are Scandinavian species described
by C. G. Thomson. It might have been expected that some of
Thomson’s species would have been taken by me. As a matter of
fact the 6 species I have captured are undescribed.

Cameroni, K., Eccles, Thornhill, in haystack. September.
spinifer, K., Eccles, Moffat. May.
noticus, K., Clyde, near Cambuslang.
armatus, K., Manuel. August.
nigraticeps, K., Cockerloy Hill, Linlithgow, August ; Clober.
nigrelliceps, K., Eccles. September.

63 D

Oe So

162 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

THE: FALSE-SCORPIONS SO THE WHSiOn
SCOMEAIND:

By RoBERT GODFREY.

THE following list of False-scorpions known to occur in the
West of Scotland is given in the hope that it may rouse the
interest of other naturalists in this little-studied group. It
contains seven species, in comparison with eight known from
the East coast. Of the seven, three have not yet been taken
in the Eastern division of Scotland, and two of these are
new to the Scottish list. The list has, however, some very
conspicuous omissions :—Chezridium museorum (Leach), eg.,
ought to be as common here as in the East of Scotland,
though it has so far eluded my search in haylofts and other
likely places; Chelifer rufeolus, Simon, ought also to be
discovered in old byres and barns; and, during the months
of August and September, Chelzfer nodosus, Schrank, should
be occasionally at least seen clinging to the legs of flies
on our window panes. ‘Then, again, Chelifer cimicoides, F.,
and other species which live under the bark of old trees in
England, should yet be found in similar situations in the
S.W. of Scotland. Careful search. would, I have no
doubt, soon raise our list to nearly double its present
number.

CHELIFER DUBIUS (Camébridge).—Two individuals, found in com-
pany with Jéeoroncus cambridgit and Chthonius rayt, were
taken by Mr. Robert Whyte on a piece of driftwood near
Balmacara House, Ross-shire, on August 27, 1906. CA.
dubius makes a nest for moulting purposes only. The adults
do not hibernate inside nests, nor does the female make any
nest for the purposes of reproduction, but simply carries her
embryonic mass about with her attached to the under surface
of her hind-body. :

CHELIFER CANCROIDES (Zzvz.),—This species was added to the
Scottish list on April 2, 1907, on the strength of a single
specimen found among hayseed in a Glasgow stable. Later
search, however, revealed a large colony living in the joints of |
old harness buried in the hayseed. On April 29, Robert

THE FALSE-SCORPIONS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 163

Whyte and I obtained the moulting nests of the species between
the tightly-sewn pieces of harness leather.

IDEORONCUS CAMBRIDGII (Z. Koch).—Though as yet undetected on
the East coast, this is a widely distributed species on the West,
ranging from Balmacara, Ross-shire, through Argyll and Ayr,
to the Solway Firth. It occurs on several of the islands, as
on the Maiden Island and Kerrera at Oban, and on the Rough
Island in the Solway ; abounds on natural ground near the sea,
and ranges inland to Ben Cruachan and the western shore of
Loch Awe. In spite of its abundance, nothing is yet known
concerning its reproductive habits, and no evidence is yet
forthcoming of any nest-building habits in this species.

OBISIUM MARITIMUM, Leach.—The only Scottish locality for this
species yet known is at the head of Loch Fyne, near Shirvan,
where it was discovered by Mr. Henry Drummond Simpson
and myself in September 1904. It lives under stones below
high-water mark, and constructs nests for moulting and for
reproduction.

OBISIUM MUSCORUM, Leach.— Universally distributed from Strome
Ferry and the hills of Skye to the Solway Firth. I have
personally taken it in Ross, Skye, Argyll, and small islands off-
shore, Dumbarton, Lanark, Renfrew, Ayr, and Kirkcudbright.

This species, like the two species of Chthonius hereafter
mentioned, constructs nests for the various purposes of moult-
ing, hibernating, and reproduction.

CHTHONIUS TETRACHELATUS (/veyss).—Next to O. muscorum the
present species is probably the most widely-distributed of our
Scottish False-scorpions. In the western counties, it has been
taken in Argyll, Renfrew, Ayr, and Kirkcudbright. Besides
haunting natural hillsides, this species occurs about farm-
steadings, and is frequently to be obtained about empty flower-
pots and old bricks in conservatories. My observations on
the nest-building habits of this species were first carried out in
Ayr and Argyll.

CHTHONIUS RAYI, Z. Koch.—The most northerly haunt known for
this species in Scotland is at Balmacara, West Ross, where
Messrs Whyte and I took about two hundred specimens in the
autumn of 1906. It is recorded from Oban by Mr. Evans,
and was taken near Dalbeattie by Mr. Aird Whyte in January

1907.

111 FINLAY DRIVE, DENNISTOUN,
GLASGOW.

164 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ON THE FLORARORSSH i ii AN i:
By Wititiam H. Bessy, F.L.S.

SINCE my last article on this subject (“ Annals,” January,
1892), many visits have been made to the islands, but
naturally there has not been so much to record as during
the earlier years of the work. Moreover, the habit of
returning several times to the same place, for the purpose
of elucidating some doubtful point, does not tend to produce
the greatest number of new records. A considerable amount
of matter has, however, accumulated, and it seems desirable
that it should now be published.

In the interval a new edition (1903)* of Edmondston’s
“Flora” has been issued under the editorship of Mr. C. F.
Argyll Saxby, a nephew of the author. It is difficult to
know how to describe this work, which is neither a simple
reprint, nor a new edition brought up to date. It comprises
most of the species recorded in the original work, and the
arrangement and nomenclature are modernised. Many of
the records and remarks of the present writer are incorporated,
but not those of the earlier observers, Tate, Craig-Christie,
etc.; so that a number of more or less common plants are,
in consequence, absent from its pages. Certain plants
recorded by Edmondston in his “Flora” are also omitted,
apparently quite at haphazard. Thus, on the one hand, we
note the exclusion of, for example, Daucus Carota, which
really was an erroneous record, although the plant still
flourishes in the Shetland of “ Topographical Botany” ;
while, on the other hand, Mr. Saxby excludes Ranunculus
Ficaria, Sinapis arvensis, Silene acaulis, Arctium, Aira precox,
and others, all of which are recorded by Edmondston, and
all of which really do occur; the last in particular being one
of the most prevalent plants. There are three or four new
records which will require confirmation. Mrs. Jessie M. E.
Saxby, a sister of the author, contributes a brief but
interesting biography of the youthful botanist, whose short
life came to so tragic a close but ten months after the

1 Oliphant, Anderson and Ferrier. Price 2s.

ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 165

publication of his “ Flora,” and while he was still only in his
twenty-first year. The book is well printed, and is withal
so light and portable, that it is regrettable that it should
not be a more reliable guide to the Flora of the islands.

One or two mistakes have crept into Mr. Bennett’s
supplement to “Topographical Botany”; and, as the
practice with regard to Shetland plants is, “once a record,
always a record,” it may be well to dispose of them before
they have become established on the permanent list. I do
not deal with some instances of what I regard as omissions,
and confine myself to the other side of the question :—‘“ Vzola
lutea, Beeby (?).” I think this should read “ Beeby spec. (?),”
which is not quite the same thing. Certainly a little doubt
was felt about some of my Unst gatherings in 1886 or 1887,
but the plants were referred without hesitation to V. trecolor
by Professor Babington, and I have not seen any reason to
doubt the correctness of his determination. “ Carduus nutans,
Evans.” This was but a single specimen on the beach, “very
likely from the rubbish of boats” (A. H. E. zz dr). Bhis
record appeared to me so unlikely when first published, that
I wrote to Mr. Evans for details, with the above result.
“ Scirpus acicularts, Beeby.” This was an error of mine,
and was subsequently withdrawn (“Journ. Bot.’ 1894, p. 87).
Mr. Bennett wrote recently that he had unfortunately omitted
to take note of the correction, hence the record. Besides
these, there are “Mentha arvensis, all except 71”; and
“ Alnus glutinosa, all except 111.” What is the authority
for the occurrence of these two plants? Shetland is not
credited with them in Professor Trail’s “ Additions,” and
I have been unable to trace any record of their being
found.

Concerning the forms of Ranunculus acris named below,
I must call to mind that in “Scot. Nat.” January 1891, I
wrote of R. Stevenz, and of the burnside form (presumably
intending R. vuleatus), that “cultivation of the two states
indicates that the differences between them are due to
situation alone.” I cannot now recall the experiment ; but
I was then living in London, and my plants grown at
Reigate were about that time removed to my late mother’s
new garden at Worplesdon. There may have been some

166 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

mixture of roots; but in any case recent observations lead
me to think that the statement quoted above is incorrect.

In the following list all new records since my last paper
are marked with an asterisk, although some of them have
already been recorded, of course without locality, in the
supplement to “Top. Botany.” Other abbreviations are :—

D = Dunrossness.
N = Northmaven.
S=Sandsting and Aithsting.
U=Unse
L= Neighbourhood of Lerwick.
Conf. = Confirmation of previously unconfirmed record.

In order to prevent misunderstanding, it must be observed
that the term form, when used by Rouy and Foucaud, Alfred
Fryer, and, I believe, the late F. Townsend, indicates a grade
superior to the variety ; intermediate, that is, to the variety
and sub-species. |

Ranunculus Drouetit, F. Schultz.—This must replace my previous
record of ?. ¢vzchophyllus, made in error. Messrs. H. and J.
Groves write, “In spite of the dark colour, we should refer
this to PR. Drouetiz, rather than to A. ¢richophyllus.” Occurs
both in Kirkiegarth Loch and Bardaster Loch, Walls; by the
shallow stony shores the plant forms small tufts a few inches
high, but in deep water the stems are two feet long, or so.
Both states flower under water.

R. acris, L.—The following short account is founded mainly on Mr.
Rouy’s determinations of some of my plants sent to him by Mr.
F. Townsend. As Rouy and Foucaud sometimes use the same
name both for a sub-species and also for a form of that sub-
species, I have written the aggregate names, as of Rouy and
Foucaud, to avoid misunderstanding.

Sub-sp. I. &. Loreanus, Rouy and F., form &. vectus, Bor. D.
Quendale Sands, L. Scalloway, N. Hillswick, Ollaberry (R.),
U. Baltasound.

Sub. var. pumzlus, Rouy and F.—Rocks by the Loch of Lumbister,
Yell (R.). I now doubt whether the type &. Boreanus, Jord.,
occurs. :

Sub-sp. II. A. Stevent, Andrz.—D. near Skelberry, L. Bressay ;
pastures by Asta and Tingwall Lochs. N. Ollaberry (R.).

ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 167

Sub-sp. III. 2. Miescanus, Rouy and F., form &. vulgatus, Jord.
D. near Spiggie, L. Burn between Lerwick and Grimista. N.
Estwick Burn, Ollaberry (R.); form 2. 7ieszanus, Jord.—N.
By the Gluss Burn, near Ollaberry (R.).

Those named by M. Rouy are marked (R.). Ihave only given
a few of the known localities. Sub-sp. I. is common on the
lower hill slopes and on low ground, generally where the soil
is light and dryish. Sub-sp. II. affects natural pasture and
meadow lands at low elevations; it has a tendency to be
gregarious, but does not form such dense masses as the next.
It is local, but fairly common. Sub-sp. III. frequents the banks
of the lowland burns, and frequently forms dense masses a yard
in length. The three sub-species appear to me to be fairly
separable, and to differ both in habit and in habitat, in leaf
characters and in root characters. The distinctions founded
on the beak of the fruit have not, so far, appeared to me so
reliable.

Cochlearia micacea, Marshall.—U. Baltasound, W. A. Shoolbred
(Marshall in “ Journ. Bot.” 1895). I have also gathered it on
the Hill of Hamar.

Subularia aquatica, L.—S. This proves to be common; but as most
of the lochs have gradually shelving bottoms, and the plant
does not grow where there is a possibility of drought, it is only
seen on wading out some distance.

Cardamine hirsuta, L.—S. Rocks by the Vaara Burn, by Burga
Water, and rocks west above Hamari Water.—Conf.

*Elatine hexandra, DC.—S. A few scraps floating in Kirkiegarth
Loch, Walls, amid a mass of derelict Caditriche. 1 could
not find the plant’ growing, but the loch contains so much
decomposed peat in a state of suspension that it is often im-
possible to see the bottom. The pieces found bore a few half-
ripe capsules.

Hypericum pulchrum, L.—S. A curious colour variation occurred
on the hills above the Lochs of Hostigates. The flowers were
cream-coloured, or rather just the colour known to artists as
Naples yellow. In consequence of this change in the body
colour of the petals, the red splashes on their underside were
pure lake, instead of the usual rather orange red.

*Erodium cicutarium, L’Hér.—D. “. . . Sandwick Parish.
The soil sandy, produces plenty of Geranium ctcutarium, not
observable anywhere else, either here or in Orkney.” Low’s
“Tour” (1774). Sandy ground near the sea, Levenwick.
The two places lie a few miles apart on the opposite sides of

168 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Channer Wick, so that the discovery of the plant at Levenwick
practically confirms Low’s record.

*Oxalts Acetosella, L.—N. Abundant in a ravine on the Bjorgs of
Skelberry, alt. c. 500 feet.

Vicia septum, L.—S. Holm in Burga Water, and on various other
holms in the neighbourhood of Walls and Clousta. The one
or two plants recorded from Tingwall owed their immunity to
the fact that they grew in the midst of a mass of Lathyrus
pratensis, a plant which for some reason is avoided by the
sheep.

Alchemilla vulgaris, 1..— All the plants so far collected belong to
A. filicaulis, Buser. The plant recorded as A. vulgaris, var.
subsericea, K., is referred A. fifzcaulis, var. vestita, Buser.

A. conjuncta, Bab.—The Queen’s Hotel, Baltasound, lies some way
back from the road, and it was only on paying a visit there in
1898 that I saw this plant in the garden. It occurred in some
plenty, scattered indiscriminately over the small lawn and
flower beds, most or all of the plants being evidently self-sown.
I could only learn that the plant was there when the hotel was
built. Prior to its erection, the site was occupied by a store
kept by one Thomson, then dead. I had visited this store in
1886 and 1887 but on both occasions, unfortunately, after
dark. Mr. Thomson’s family had left Shetland, but I learnt
from Mrs. Hunter of Ernsdale that Thomson was much given
to horticulture, and ‘‘was always bringing things into his
garden.” Last year I heard that the family had returned to
Shetland, and I wrote and elicited the following information :—
(1) That the A/chemilla was not given to them by Edmondston,
who, I thought, might have had roots sent to him; (2) that
most of their plants were grown from seeds obtained from an
Edinburgh florist ; but (3) that there were also in their garden
some native Shetland plants originally got at Sandwick in Unst.
This seemed a possible clue to a native habitat for this most
illusive of British plants, and although I was not staying in
Unst last year I made a special trip to Baltasound in order to
investigate. Sandwick is, as its name implies, a sandy bay ;
two burns run down into it, and I thoroughly examined one
without result. The other looked quite similar through the
glass, but there was not time to search it. The ground did
not look at all likely, still the plant may occur somewhere in
the neighbourhood. I have given full details so that any
botanist visiting Unst and feeling disposed to follow up the
search may know where to start. If lodgings can be got,
sojourn should be made at Uyeasound, as this is quite near to
the ground to be worked.

— a ee

ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 169

Rubus saxatilis, L.—S. This flowers rather frequently on the sea-
bank ; a few ripe fruits were seen on the south side of Clousta
Voe.

Rosa glauca, Vill.—All old gatherings of Rosa as well as several
new ones were referred to this by Prof. Crépin. The record
of 2. dumalts is therefore cancelled.

Pyrus Aucuparia, Ehrh.—S. Seen for the first time with flowers
and fruit on the holm in Hamari Water.

*Peucedanum Ostruthium, Koch.—S. A large patch within the
enclosure of the croft of Setter near Walls; origin unknown.
Called locally “ Alexanders,” a name for which I imagine some
ill-informed tourist is responsible. An ancient Roman Catholic
burial-ground lies near the croft, so that the introduction of
the plant may date from monkish times.

Centaurea Cyanus, L.—D. A few plants in a cornfield at Levenwick,
probably sown with the crop.—Conf.

fFfteracia.—These will be dealt with on a future occasion, mean-
while the following are the principal additions :—The plant
recorded as AZ. truncatum is now named A. dovrense, var.
Hf, ethlandie, Hanb., but I have since found A. truncatum,
Lindeb.; *. éocculosum, Backh:; *H. duriceps, Hanb. ;
* FT, stictophyllum, Dahlst.; and *AZ. strictum, Fries.

* Taraxacum spectabile, Dahlst.—Mr. C. H. Ostenfield considers this
the same as the Faroe plant, and to be referable to this species
or to be very close to it. The plant is particularly frequent
in S., where it occurs commonly by the stony shores of lochs,
burnsides, etc., while it sometimes grows rather high up on the
hills, among rocks and heather, but in the higher parts it rarely
flowers. I have never seen it on cultivated land. Also occurs
in U., N., and Yell. I have had this in cultivation since rgor.
It does not begin to flower until the third or fourth week in
May, and the flowering season is short, lasting but about three
weeks. The plants formerly referred to as Z. palustre belong
here. The Shetland plant usually has the leaves marbled
with purplish-chocolate, after the manner of some of the
Llieracia.

*Crepis virens, L.—N. Quite naturalised and in some plenty on
grassy banks within the enclosure of St. Magnus Hotel, Hills-
wick, likely introduced during building operations.

Campanula rotundifolia, L.—D. Moor between Skelberry and
Boddam. A large patch in one place, only a few plants show-
ing flower. I could not see it elsewhere on the moor.—Conf.

(Zo be continued.)

170 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

APERA INTERMEDIA VAS RAN (ALLE NN
BRITAIN.

By A. BRUCE JACKSON.

THIS interesting grass was first collected in England by my
friend Dr. W. A. Vice, who found it associated with other
aliens of Eastern origin on waste ground at Blaby Mill,
Leicestershire, in June 1903. A specimen was subsequently
sent to the herbarium of the Leicester Literary and Philo-
sophical Society, where I found it wrongly labelled Polypogon
monspeltensts. 1 submitted an example to Dr. Hackel, who
identified it with an undescribed species, Apera intermedia,
Hackel, collected several years ago by Dr. Zederbauer on
the Erdchias-Dagh, a volcano in Asia Minor. A note embody-
ing this information appeared in “ Journ. Bot.,” 1904, p. 348.

In 1906 Mr. James Fraser gathered, with other aliens, at
Leith docks near Edinburgh, a grass which I identified as
Apera intermedia from comparison with the Blaby specimen.
Its occurrence in Scotland was recorded by Mr. Fraser in his
paper on Scottish aliens (“Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1907, p. 42).

Last autumn I submitted a portion of a Leith specimen
to Prof. Hackel, who wrote as follows :—

The Apera contained in your letter is really A. zztermedza,
Hack., though in one point it is less characteristic than the
specimen from Blaby you sent formerly. The sterile glumes
of true zztermedia have somewhat elongated points (like
small bristles), those of the Leith specimen are pointed but
not bristle bearing. A. zwtermedia is somewhat intermediate
between A. Spica-vent2 and A. interrupta, but nearer to the
latter. The chief differences are :—

Afpera interrupta, Beauv.

Panicula interrupta ; rami primarii |

plerumque breviores quam in-
ternodia, inter verticillos, raro
eos zequantes.

Glume steriles acuta, mutice.

Gluma fertilis callo brevissime bar-
bulato, arista eam 5-6plo super-
ante terminata.

Anthere .4-.5 mm. longe.

Apera intermedia, Hack.

Panicula zqualis; rami primarii
racheos internodia superantes.

Glume steriles (saltem superior) in
setulam brevissimam abeuntes.

Gluma fertilis callo glabro, arista
eam 3-4plo superante ter-
minata.

. Anthere 1.5 mm. longe (quam

gluma fertilis 2 mm. longa
parum breviores).

APERA INTERMEDIA AS AN ALIEN IN BRITAIN 171

Apera intermedia has just been described by Dr. Hackel
im Annaleny;de: Naturhist. Hofmuss Wien soc p. 430
(1907.).

At present it is known only from the three localities
mentioned, and is not included in Dunn’s “ Alien Flora.”

KEw, 237d Jay, 1907.

NEW ANDY RARE MOSSES, EROMB THE
Wrist OF SCOTLAND

By James StTirton, M.D., F.L.S.

I HAVE, in the first place, to record the discovery of fruiting
specimens of Ulota phyllantha and Scotica from three localities
in the neighbourhood of Arisaig. How many capsules of each
have been secured cannot be reckoned at present—certainly
twenty in the aggregate. As is well-known, U.phyllantha
is found in great profusion in the west of Scotland, includ-
ing the Outer Hebrides, where trees can be got to grow, also
in Wales and Ireland, Western and Northern Europe, and
throughout extensive tracts in Canada and North America ;
and yet I should say not more than a dozen capsules have
ever been found, and not more than half that number in good
condition. As in other instances, fruit has been found only
where U. Lruchiz in a fertile state grew intermingled with
it. The fruit of U. Bruchzt was ripe in September, but the
capsules of the other two must have ripened three months
previously. What influence the antheridia of U. Bruchiz
could have had in fructifying the other two it is impossible
to say, but the probability is that there was a determining
influence of some sort.

The fruit of U. Scotica is the longer of the two, and the
long, slender neck runs far down the seta. In one instance
of U. Scotica eight pale pinkish, short, broad teeth were seen,
with eight shorter cilia between; the teeth were also seen to
split into two distinct parts.

I have not yet ventured to separate the two kinds of
capsules from the mixed tufts, for the reason that the
fructified stems have leaves, for the most part, with only

172 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

rudimentary propagula ; accordingly the minute structure of
the leaf requires examination for adequate determination.

Along the main road at Arisaig grows a Grimmza on
stones which, in wet weather, has a peculiar glossy or silky
sheen, such as I have not seen in any other species of this
perplexing genus. The flat tufts are often extended con-
tinuously from two to six inches, but the strange
peculiarity about it is its rapidity of growth. I have
watched a tuft of Grzmmza Stirtonz (Sch.), near Killin, from
year to year for the purpose of getting fruit, showing
scarcely any difference in the size of the button-like patches.
On the contrary, this moss, during three months, often
extended from two inches to nearly four, and what is more,
minute new patches became quickly visible in the near
neighbourhood. Moreover, in 1904 this moss could be
detected for not more than half a mile, while in 1906 it
could be traced for nearly double that distance. It never
fruits. By what means was it propagated so quickly?
This puzzled me, until in the beginning of September,
during rainy weather, propagula were seen in abundance at
the apices of stems, and generally attached to leaves near
their bases as well as to the stems themselves. These
propagula are quite unique in character. They are globular,
yellow, then reddish-brown, simple, or at times I-septate,
with granular contents, in clusters or in short chains, and large,
.03-.038 mm. diam. A question arises whence the origin of
this moss, or, rather, whence the origin of these germinat-
ing cells. This question is rendered more difficult of
solution from the fact that the moss grows nowhere else in
the district, and I have not observed it in any of my
rambles elsewhere.

Grimmia polita—Tufts extended, of a yellowish green
colour, stems strong, simple, or not infrequently somewhat
fastigiately branched above: leaf a little crisped when dry,
laxly spreading when wet, or cohering in little bundles during
wet weather, ovate lanceolate acuminate, terminating in a
long, nearly smooth hair; nerve strong, .065 mm. broad
near base, scarcely narrowing upwards for more than the
lower half, turning red, of rather dense structure within,
but on the very prominent convex back a row of close cells,

a

NEW AND RARE MOSSES FROM THE WEST OF SCOTLAND $173

evidently a continuation of the paginal cells, as chlorophyll
was detected in them, another central row of larger cells,
and in front, irregularly placed smaller cells ; central basal
cells of the leaf long, narrow, granular, .038-.055 by .005-.008
mm.; outwards broader and shorter, with three to five short
perpendicular rows, at basal margin of nearly hyaline, oblong
cells, about .0o32 by .o1 mm.; upwards, cells gradually
denser, until they are ultimately quite opaque and densely
eranular, variable in shape and larger than usual .008-.OI1
mm. diam.; margin recurved for nearly two-thirds up from
base, and what is unusual, more broadly recurved in the
middle than below; pagina unistratose below, soon one
marginal transverse couple of cells seen, then two such,
and near apex very often three close couples seen. Accord-
ingly all the cells except those of the small basal marginal
group are more or less densely granular; besides, in wet
weather, minute points, like stereids, are seen everywhere
between and even on the cells.

This moss is evidently allied to G. ¢richophylla (Grev.),
but is quite distinct from it ; besides, the latter, which fruits
freely, was not detected in the district. Indeed, this part
of the West Coast is rather deficient in species of this genus.

At Glenfinnan, a railway station half-way between
Arisaig and Fort-William, was discovered a peculiar little
moss,—

Oligotrichum exiguum. In lax tufts, green above, red
below ; stems simple, very slender, slightly undulating, from
a quarter to half-an-inch long; pale, then red; leaves laxly
disposed around stem, incurved when dry, still a little
incurved when wet, upper green, lower red, slightly sheath-
ing, oblong, apex deeply cucullate with the nerve bent
nearly at right angles, rendered sharpish by means of a
longish apical cell; nerve in lowest fourth free of lamelle ;
above with from six to eight or nine lamella, long, slender,
composed of from seven to ten bluntly quadrate cells in
single series, apical cell a little longer; lamella nearly as
broad as the breadth of pagina of either side, nerve im-
perfectly or interruptedly (two to three) lamellate above ;
cells at central base oblong, .o2 by .o11 mm., only a few
such, the rest, upwards, nearly bluntly square, but variable,

174 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

.O12-.018 mm. across, somewhat smaller near apex ; pagina
unistratose, nonpapillose ; margin entire but incurved above,
with one or two teeth near apex. Barren.

There is another Olzgotrichum from Connel Ferry, with
stems from a half to one inch in height, but these stems, instead
of being simple, as they are usually, have two to five fastigiate
branches arising from a common stock situated about half
way up the stems. The apex of the leaf is, besides, slightly
incurved.

Let this form meanwhile be called O. hercynicum, var.
Jastigzatum.

There grows on a wide but rather shallow basin opening
on the sea to the north of Arisaig a minute moss in very
dense, and, in two instances, very wide continuous flat
tufts, from five to eight inches in diameter. As many as
six separate patches have been noticed, those farthest apart
not more than two miles from each other. As I cannot
identify this moss with any other, and as, moreover, it is
very constant to its characters, I think it right to describe it,
although it is barren.

Pohlia tenerrima.—In very dense, generally large tufts of
a beautiful green colour above, pale or pale yellow below ;
stems a quarter to one-third of an inch long, generally
simple, rarely divided, very slender; leaves laxly disposed
around the stem, very tender as well as small, on an average
.7 by .27 mm. at greatest breadth, erecto-patent when
moist, straight and more upright when dry, but pagina
shrivelling somewhat, ovate-lanceolate scarcely acuminate ;
nerve slender, pale then yellowish above, .o4 mm. wide near
base, tapering, and either very slightly excurrent or vanishing
in the acute apex, where it is rather indefinite; margin
plane, entire or faintly serrated near apex; cells at central
base narrowly oblong, .028-.04 by .o08-.011 mm., outwards
shorter, and at margin with one or two rows of quadrate
cells, .013-.018 by .oI-.012 mm., upwards, cells narrower
and rhomboid, .027-.032 by .co7 mm. On peaty soil mixed
with sand.

The areolation points to association with Pohia. The
leaves are wonderfully uniform in size and shape throughout
the whole series of tufts, and only show a little smaller and

a

NEW AND RARE MOSSES FROM THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 175

shorter near base of stem, but lengthen very little towards
its summit. The stems, although slender, are tenacious, as
the older may be traced continuously down through the soil
to a depth of half an inch.

Barbula limosella. Tufts very compact, often extended,
forming patches of a vivid green colour above, reddish below,
as well as radiculose ; stems very slender, simple for much
the greater part, occasionally bifurcate, one-third of an inch
long or less; leaves curled and crisped when dry, widely
spreading when moist, with the upper fourth strongly re-
curved or squarrose, especially the short, extended part of
nerve ; base hyaline as in &. “mosa; upper cells large,
distinct, hexagonal, or merely rounded, .009-.014 mm. across,
without papille; indeed scarcely any papille detected
throughout the leaf, which has a blunt apex, as in Z7vzch.
brachydontium, and pagina frequently ending abruptly and
unequally, but the nerve in this is certainly extended. At
the mouth of the basin, near Arisaig, on muddy soil mixed
with sand, a little within high-water mark of spring tides.

In this broad, shallow basin, through which a sluggish
stream meanders, and which opens out like a trumpet on the
sea, where its breadth is two miles, are found five mosses
belonging to a closely allied group, viz., Barbula tortuosa; a
large form of 4. nitzda, as well as its usual condition; B.
imosa (“ Annals,” April 1905), and B. “mosella ; lastly, B.
exiqguella, referred to below. The upper cells of B. Lémosa
are obscure from the presence of papillae, and minute, .005-8
mm. across. Accordingly the upper cells of B. Zzmosella are
nearly four times as large as those of L. Zemosa. Lb. limosella
is the most slender of the four as well as the most compactly
tufted.

Schistidium nodulosum—Laxly tufted, of a dark green
above, reddish below; stems simple or dichotomously
branched, about half an inch in length; leaves rather closely
arranged, imbricated when dry, spreading a little when wet,
ovate lanceolate slightly acuminate, contracted at base;
nerve strong, thick, bulging much behind, reddish at base,
.0o6 mm. broad, slightly broader above, and near apex
still .o45 mm. broad, strongly nodulose behind and at sides,
nodules .004-6 mm. high, rounded at apex, sparsely nodulose

176 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

behind, also on margin near apex, as well as on the lower
part of the hyaline hair, which is besides crisped or spirally
twisted throughout, and nearly half the length of pagina ;
margin strongly recurved near base, almost spirally so for
two-thirds upwards, plane thereafter; cells at central base
bluntly oblong, separate, .024-.04 by .007-9 mm., outwards
shorter and slightly constricted with three or four marginal
rows of roundish or irregular cells, .oI-.013 by .007-9 mm.,
upwards at first slightly constricted, then roundish, separate,
.006-9 mm. across; pagina below thin, thicker upwards,
unistratose at first, then on margin one transverse couple
of cells, soon two such, and farther up often three, with not
infrequently one detached couple nearer nerve. Arisaig and
on Ben lWaweérs, 16672.) Batten, jin (both instancessia!
described in the “ Annals” for April, 1900, a corresponding
nodular condition of Schzst. maritimum, but the other
peculiarities in the present moss warrant, in my opinion,
specific distinction.

Throughout a series of years I have picked up from time
to time a moss, on open moors more especially, which I had
rather rashly identified with Breutelia arcuata. Last year
the two were found in close proximity, when the contrast
between the two was rendered much more manifest. In the
absence of fruit I have, meanwhile at least, inserted the
present one under the genus Bartramza.

Bartramia subvirella—In extended rather dense patches
of a yellowish-green colour; stems for the greater part
dichotomously branched with not infrequently very short
branchlets near the apex; leaves closely arranged round
stems, slightly spreading and straight both in a wet and dry
state, not clasping (as in Sveutelia), rather broadly and
roundly ovate-lanceolate, shortly acuminate, only slightly
sulcate near base, plane and smooth above, thin and _ trans-
lucent, very fragile in upper fourth; nerve narrow, .o4 mm.
near base, tapering and vanishing considerably below apex,
margin rather broadly reflexed in lower half, serrate through-
out, but more sharply so above; central basal cells much
shorter and a little broader than those of Areutelza, bluntly
cylindrical, hyaline, .025-.035 by .005-.0065 mm., becoming
narrower and longer upwards, .032-.045 by .004-5 mm., with

NEW AND RARE MOSSES FROM THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 177

papilla at the lower extremities of cells; at alar base a
longish group of bluntly oblong cells, coloured red below,
.O16-.025 by .OI-.013 mm. It is not necessary to indicate
further the differences between the two mosses, as they are
manifest enough.

The next moss has been familiar to me for several years,
more especially in the neighbourhood of Glasgow. It was
got throughout November of last year in perfect fruit. It
differs from AMypnum cupressiforme in several important
particulars.

Fypnum tecchophilum.—T ufts large, dark-green, prostrate;
stems stout, irregularly branched; leaves large, not divari-
cately arranged on stem, but regularly imbricated on its
upper aspect and falcate downward, convex, somewhat de-
current on stem; margin plane except in lowest fifth, where
it is often seen slightly reflexed, entire except in uppermost
fourth, where it is slightly serrulated, nerveless, or obsoletely
2-nerved just at base; alar basal spaces well defined, nearly
square or slightly oblong, composed of five to eight perpen-
dicular rows, each having five to seven or eight cells, cells
square (or slightly oblong), with thickish walls, becoming
reddish, but contents remaining colourless or only very
sparingly granular, .018-.027 by .o14-.021 mm.; cell above
long, narrowly acicular with sharply-pointed extremities, .06-
.085 by .003-.0045 mm., a little broader near base ; capsule
on a long, reddish, strong seta, oblong, curved, brown ; lid
large, conical, terminating in a slender, shortish acumen.
Accordingly this moss differs from any form of HY. cupresst-
forme in its cell formation, both alar and general, in the
disposition of the leaves round the stem, in the seta, capsule
and lid.

Dr. Braithwaite, in his work on British mosses, states
that the alar cells in 7H. cupresstforme are typically square in
shape. Such is not the case. They are small, oval, and, in
much the larger proportion, reddish-yellow as well as darkly
granular.

There is still another moss scattered here and there
throughout the district of Arisaig, in crevices of rocks, but,
in two instances, on stones slightly covered with earth. It
is near Dicranum montanum, but differs in the habitat, in

63 E

178 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

the leaves not being papillose, and in their apices quite entire
and much narrower, etc.

Dicranum letophyllum. Tufts large, rather lax, of a dark-
green colour above, brown beneath, slightly radiculose ; stems
simple or bifurcate, about half an inch or more long; leaves
ovate lanceolate, narrowly subulate, much-curled when dry,
laxly spreading when moist, slightly clasping the stems
where they are broader, but rather quickly narrowing into
the long subulate upper portion, which is quite entire and
a little rounded at apex, but narrow, about .03 mm. broad,
not papillose, margin plane, entire, but a little incurved
upwards ; nerve, .065-.085 mm. broad near base, tapering
and vanishing below apex; auricles well developed, cells
large, colourless at first, then with thick, brownish walls,
oblong or oblongo-hexagonal, .03-.045 by .013-.018 mm.,
central basal cells granular, narrow, cylindrical, .04-.06 by
.0045-.006 mm., outwards shorter, broader until near margin,
much the same as those just above, upwards gradually short-
ening into the dense, distinctly separate, opaque, quadrate or
rounded, granular cells above, .007-.01 mm. across, but near
margin always smaller (.005-.008 mm.) than cells found
quite at apex ; seta (often two from one perichztium), pale,
then reddish, long, strong ; capsule erect, oblong, brown ; teeth
dicranoid but broken ; lid (in young capsules) long, subulate
above, not much shorter than capsule. The fruit is either
that of the previous year, or too young for examination.

The upper cells of the leaf have a distinct resemblance
to those of Amphoridium Mougeoti in their peculiar opacity,
in being faintly striated longitudinally, and in showing
slender connecting tubes with neighbouring cells, especially
in a vertical direction.

I have seen the same peculiarities in several other mosses
but more particularly in Bartramzta Oedert (Sw.).

Trichostomum episemum. Tufts rather dense, having
much the appearance of those of 77. drachydontium ; stems
strong, about one inch in length, leaves oblong, reflexed
when wet, obtuse and rounded at the apex as in 77 /ztorale ;
nerve strong, pale then red, .085-.1 mm. broad near base,
tapering and excurrent in a short stump, margin plane,
crenulated above from projecting cells as well as papillose ;

NEW AND RARE MOSSES FROM THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 179

cells at base large, oblongo-hexagonal, with thin walls, but
merely oblong nearer the margin, all hyaline, .04-.06 by
.OI-.013 mm., above, at first shorter and oblong, passing
gradually into the obscure, large, upper, generally hexagonal,
but often bluntly quadrate cells, .oog-.o14 mm. diam., densely
and minutely papillose back and front. Connel Ferry, 1905.

According to the description by Dr. Braithwaite, vol. i.
pp. 243, 246, this cannot be either 7: angustéfolium or T.
lutescens (Lindb.).

In 1903, Mr. D. Haggart sent me from Glen Lochy,
Killin, a Rhacomztrium which, owing to the papillosity of the
leaves, and long teeth of the peristome, nearly as long as
the capsule, was referred to FR. canescens. The leaves, how-
ever, are quite muticous, and even slightly rounded as well
as slightly hollow at apex. But what is most remarkable is
the areolation of the leaf, which is that of R. heterostichum.,
viz., in upper half the cells are green-chlorophyllose, at first
short and constricted in the middle, while nearer the apex
they are quadrate, .007-.01 mm. across.

I think it right to call attention to this moss. Mean-
while, it may be named R. consocians.

Another Rhacomitrium has similar peculiarities. It
resembles in habit what I have described, in the “ Annals”
for April 1902, as R. amblyphyllum. The two have in
common blunt apices to the leaves, where the breadth at the
junction of hair with pagina varies from .12 to .25 mm., but
in this the areolation is entirely that of R. szcrocarpum, inas-
much as the cells near and at apex are sinuose, .O14-.025
by .005-7 mm. Let this be named RX. adzvergens.

This moss has been discovered in many places in the
West of Scotland and Western Islands.

As I have said in a previous paper, I am anxious to call
attention to such peculiarities of structure, inasmuch as they
seem to indicate departures from the usual conditions of
organisation, which may have important bearings on the life-
history of the plants themselves.

The genera which I have studied more closely as showing
stronger tendencies to such departures from the normal, are
—Campylopus, Dicranum, Grimmia, and the near ally of the
last, Rhacomitrium.

180 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

There was also found south of Arisaig on open moors,
generally near rivulets, but not in woods, ypnum corru-
gatulum, described in the “ Annals” for April 1897, under
H. triquetrum. On two occasions small quantities of Barbula
extguella, also described in the “Annals” for April 1897,
were picked up; but, as in Orkney, only young sete were
seen. In my older collections made during the szx¢zes on
the Breadalbane Ranges, I have come across Larbula icmado-
phila (Sch.) from near the base of King’s Seat, Killin, and
Hypnum canariense at the base of Ben Lawers, near the Inn.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

A Novel Method of Skinning Birds and Mammals.—When I was
resident at Quendale, Dunrossness, Shetland, a small boy, a native,
showed me the trick he had of skinning Snow-Buntings, which
were caught with szeve-traps in large numbers and used as food. A
small incision was made at the occiput, and a straw-stem inserted
as a blow-pipe, and the whole skin of the bird was thus completely
loosened. This plan was perfectly successful, so long, of course, as
the skin was in no other place broken or perforated. Remember-
ing the above, we experimented here with a Pipistrelle Bat, and a
proper blow-pipe, with perfect success. The whole skin of the body
was easily separated from the flesh, and even the leathery wings were
expanded between the dorsal and ventral surfaces. The toughest
part to separate by the impelled air was that part of the skin
between the shoulder blades. I cannot imagine a more perfect
way for separating the skin from the flesh of small mammals and
birds, so long as the skin is uninjured and perfect. I do not
know whether this method is generally known to collectors or not,
but I cannot recollect ever having seen it mentioned in a book;
so I have thought it worth making note of, in our present number
of the “Annals,” as it may prove an aid to those who are at
“present studying or collecting our smaller mammals, as_ well
as to our bird-collectors at home or abroad. Of course, after this
operation a larger slit has to be made and the further divestment
performed, and the body removed.—J. A. HARVIE-BROwN.

A Litter of Male Foxes.—A Fox’s den was found here
about the middle of May, containing eight cubs, every one of which
was a male. I have never heard of a similar occurrence, and I do
not think it can be at all common.—FrRancis G. Guwnnis, Brora,
Sutherland.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 181

The Hawfineh in East Lothian.—On 25th April 1907, one of
my foresters picked up a dead adult male Hawfinch (Coccothraustes
vulgarts) close to the foot of a spruce near the lake at Smeaton-
Hepburn. The bird being strange to him, he gave it to my boy, who
in turn brought it to me for identification. The bird had evidently
been dead a few days and the breast was slightly eaten, fortunately
the skin was in a sufficiently good condition to be capable of being
preserved. The occasions on which the Hawfinch has been found
in East Lothian are few: so far as I have been able to ascertain
there is no certain record of their having been seen alive in the
county. Mr. W. Evans, to whom I wrote, kindly replied that
in the autumn of 1904 a keeper at Luffness stated to him that he
had seen a pair in the woods there. This identification may or may
not have been correct ; that they should not have been seen alive, is
no more than one would expect, taking into consideration their un-
doubted rarity, and the extraordinary facility possessed by, them
of avoiding the human eye. Turnbull, in his “Birds of East Lothian,”
says, ‘“‘rare, mostly seen in winter”; in this connection I may
mention that I have a specimen probably obtained by my father in
the county, but so far no record of its origin has been found. Mr.
Tunnard tells me that, in addition to the female found starved in
_Tynninghame gardens during the third week of February 1904 (and
recorded), there is a male in the museum there, obtained, he thinks,
in the eighties, and recorded. I have not had an opportunity of
finding this notice. The foregoing notes and records seem to
complete the history of the Hawfinch in East Lothian so far as
known.

With regard to other parts of Scotland the records though few,
as Mr. Eagle Clarke writes me, include an adult and a young bird
at Arniston, and an undoubted egg from Fife; he also mentions
having received a notice of a male obtained in the Upper Forth
district during March this year. That there is a record of the
steady extension of the Hawfinch’s breeding area northward from
its haunts in the south of England is undoubted, and I am
reasonably certain, considering April is the birds’ breeding month,
that both the Smeaton bird, and that in the Upper Forth district,
would have had nests, had not an evil fate overtaken them. Mr.
Eagle Clarke is of opinion that the Hawfinch is undoubtedly
establishing itself in Scotland.

Lord Lilford, in his ‘‘ British Birds,” mentions that in summer
the Hawfinch frequents and shows a marked preference for the
yew tree, which is also a favourite nesting-place ; it is perhaps worth
recording that the spruce tree (a bare pole) at the foot of which the
bird was found is surrounded by old yews, and forms the com-
mencement of an old yew walk, so I have hopes that it may yet be
my fortune to find a nest.—ARCHIBALD BUCHAN-HEPBURN.

182 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Hawfineh in Upper Forth Distriet—On 18th March last, Mr.
Simpson, gamekeeper at Touch, Stirlingshire, shot a Hawfinch,
which has been preserved and presented to the museum of the
Smith Institute at Stirling.—J. A. HARvIE-BRown.

Great Spotted Woodpecker in “Forth and Tay.”—I have
evidence of the Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major)
appearing and remaining to nest in several new localities in Scotland,
namely, in Stirlingshire and Perthshire. Two pairs have been
observed in one locality in the former county. My friend, Mr.
J. G. B. Henderson of Nether Parkley, Linlithgow, adds yet another
locality for the advance of the Great Spotted Woodpecker in
Scotland, viz., as follows:—‘ At least one bird has been in the
neighbourhood of Dupplin (Tay) this spring. The keeper has
known of it for some time, and my friend, Mr. Seton M. Thompson,
saw it on the 24th of May.—J. A. Harvig-Brown.

Probable Occurrence of the Great Spotted Woodpecker in
the Loch Awe District.—Last year a proprietor on the shores of
Loch Awe noticed that a Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major) had
most evidently been at work boring in a Wellingtonia in his
grounds. The bird was never observed, but this year they have
again begun in the same tree. My informant, who was lately there,
saw the tree, with several circular holes about one and a half or two
inches in diameter, not quite through the bark, some apparently
freshly chipped and with white splashes of excrement around them.
Another visitor who was lately there said that he had recently seen
just the same thing on the shores of Loch Fyne. Although the
bird has not yet been seen, I presume that there can be little
doubt but that it is the work of the Great Spotted Woodpecker,
and is interesting in view of the recent reports of its nesting in other
parts of the county.—Cuas. H. Aston, Letterawe, Loch Awe.

Wanted: Notes on the Osprey.—I have for many years back
been engaged in collecting information on the Osprey’s haunts in
Scotland, with a view to publication, and shall be obliged to our
readers for any items they may be able to afford me.—J. A. HaRVIE-
Brown, Dunipace, Larbert.

Garganey in Shetland.—You will no doubt be interested to
hear that I was fortunate enough to obtain on 14th April, a very
good specimen of the Garganey (Querguedula circia), a male; also
two Brent geese out of a flock of eight. I have never come across
the Garganey before. No other rarities to report so far, though I
am hoping ere long some will turn up.—T. EDMONDSTON Saxsy,
Baltasound, Shetland.

Pintail in Clyde Area.—With reference to Mr. Harvie-
Brown’s note in the ‘Annals of Scottish Natural History” on
‘“‘Pintail in Forth Area” it may be of interest to note that I saw a

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 183

Pintail Duck (Dajfila acuta) which was shot on gth January 1903
near the river Kelvin at Balmore in Stirlingshire. Although this
is in “Clyde” area it is not so very far distant from the part of
Forth of which Mr. Harvie-Brown speaks.—Jas. BARTHOLOMEW,
Kinnelhead, Beattock.

Smew (Méergus albellus) in “Forth.”—On 8th January last
an immature Smew, which I had the pleasure of receiving in the
flesh, was shot by one of the Dunbar gunners near the mouth of
the Belhaven burn. On examination I found it to bea male. The
specimen was exhibited by me at a meeting of the Royal Physical
Society on 28th January. I also received, through the kindness of
Mr. D. Bruce, an Eared or Black-necked Grebe (Podicipes nigricollis),
male, killed on 3rd January on the coast about two miles south of
Dunbar.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.

Swans in the Outer Hebrides.—In the April “ Annals,” Mr.
Kinnear records having seen a flock of Whooper Swans (Cygnus
musicus) in the Outer Hebrides on 1st June 1906, a rather surprising
date. I dare say Mr. Kinnear is not aware that small flocks of
Mute Swans are quite common in the islands, and they come and
go during summer between Barra and Tiree.—PETER ANDERSON,
uhizee)

Food of the Wood Pigeon.—Mr. Simpson, gamekeeper, at
Touch, Stirlingshire, informs me that the crop of a Wood Pigeon
(Columba palumbus), which he shot on the 11th April, was full of little
grey slugs. ‘This I think is unusual_—J. A. Harvir-Brown.

Pied Flyeatecher in Kirkeudbrightshire.—Hitherto all the re-
ferences to the occurrence of this beautiful and interesting bird as
a local species have been in the Dumfriesshire portion of Solway.
It now gives me very great pleasure indeed to record its
presence and nesting in Kirkcudbrightshire. An explicit statement
of locality will not be made in the meantime, as I am disgusted to
find that the “collector” has at last reached this district.

The discovery is not mine, but was made by a friend whose
name is also not to be mentioned, as it would surely indicate a
locality. My friend, having seen the birds and found their nest,
took me to the spot on the 6th June current, where I had the
supreme satisfaction of putting my eye to the aperture in a tree trunk
and seeing the hen bird not four inches away. We saw an egg
peeping out from beneath her, but did not disturb her further. While
we were “keeking in,” the cock (which, however, we had already
thoroughly examined with the glasses) came on a branch not more
than four feet above our heads and sat there with a beautiful air of
assumed indifference. The hole in the bole of the tree is quite a
small one, and there is not much room for the sitting bird inside.
The nest is about five feet from ground level. It is believed there

184 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

are some other Pied Flycatchers not far off, and I may be able to
say more of them by and by. This makes the third Solway nest of
the species that I have personally examined, and in addition there-
to I once met with a brood of fledglings. All the localities for
these four instances are rather widely scattered.mROBERT SERVICE,
Maxwelltown, Dumfries.

Shetland Garden Warbler.—J. C. Grierson, Esq., sent, for
identification and record, a specimen of the Garden Warbler. It
was found dead in the greenhouse tank the day before, ze. gth June
1907. The locality is at Mr. Greirson’s house Helendall, Lerwick.
—J. A. Harvit-Brown.

Winter Movements of Woodeock.—The shoreward migration
of Woodcocks was very pronounced in December when the first
universal fall of snow took place there. Mr. Jas. Davidson saw
very few there till the 2nd week in December. Down to the ist
February in all 150 were shot on Innes property, but the keepers
only shot on Saturdays to supply six cock pheasants per week to
order. Our great flights here—Central Scotland—were 1st to 15th
December. ‘They were first known to have dropped in here on 27th
and 28th November. There were big bags made on rst December—
Mugdoch, 38 on that day. The second portion, or indeed second
flight, came in about ten days later, and on the 15th December 33
were killed in Torwood. On this ground on the 1st December
over 20 were seen and 7 shot, which is almost I think a record in
autumn flight, though I have seen many more in a day about the
r2th March.—J. A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace.

Birds recently added to the Perth Museum.—The following
interesting specimens, among others, collected in and around
Arbroath by Dr. T. F. and Dr. W. S. Dewar, have been presented
to the Perthshire Natural History Museum, in Perth,—Fulmar
Petrel, Montagu’s Harrier, Golden Oriole, Wryneck, Red-legged
Partridge, Black-tailed Godwit, also a Black Rat. The kindness of
the Messrs. Dewars is much appreciated by the Museum Committee.
A female Bittern (Bofaurus stellaris) was taken in a very exhausted
condition, near a stream, not far from Carnoustie, on 21st January.
The bird died and is now in the Perth Museum.—ALEx. M. RopGEr,
Perth Museum.

Black-tailed Godwit (Zimosa de/gica) in Lanarkshire.—There
is but one record of the occurrence of the Black-tailed Godwit
in Clyde during the spring, one having been shot on Loch
Lomond as long ago as May 1851, by the late Sir Geo. Hector
Leith Buchanan, Bart. of Ross Priory. This bird, in the bay dress
of summer, I saw in the collection of rare local birds at Ross Priory
a few years ago. This year on the 4th May I visited Gad Loch,
Lanarkshire, near Lenzie, with Messrs. A. Ross, A. M‘Leod, and

*
Le

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 185

R. Henderson, to gather information relating to the appearance of
our summer visitors and birds of passage. We were delighted to
make there the acquaintance of the Black-tailed Godwit in brilliant
summer dress, strongly contrasting with the fresh green of the grass.
In flight they presented a remarkable appearance owing to their
high coloration and purity of the white on the wings and its extent
on the rump against the deep black of the tail. There were three
birds, but they disappeared over night.—JoHN Paterson, Glasgow.

Tufted Dueck (/idigula cristata) in West Lothian.—On the 7th
June last I found a Tufted Duck’s nest for the first time in this
county: this was on an island ina small loch, and contained a clutch
of nine eggs. On the loch itself were several other ducks of the same
species. On later inquiry I was informed that the ‘‘ Goldeneye ”—
as the Tufted Duck is named locally—bred on this loch last year
(1906), which was the first occasion to the knowledge of the keepers
on the estate on which it had done so.—S. E. Brock, Kirkliston.

Lesser White-throat (Sy/vta curruca) nesting in “Tay.”—On
the afternoon of 26th May, I sat reading in my little town garden.
That garden is within the Burgh of Forfar, but on the fringe of the
populous part ; and, owing to the fact that the plants in which I am
particularly interested are all microscopic, it is, to say truth, in a
sad tangle of weeds and herbage ; most of all is this the case in an
odd acute-angled corner occupied by a score of neglected gooseberry
bushes. Now as I read, the interesting and suspicious movements
of a little bird among these bushes attracted my attention. By the
use of a field-glass I saw that it was a White-throat. As I watched,
it made many journeys to and fro so that I was able to fix the scene
of its operations to a nicety; and lo, when I went in among the
tangled undergrowth to corroborate, there was the nest in process
of construction in the gooseberry bush, somewhat hidden by herb-
age and about, 16 inches from the ground. I did not visit it again
till 30th May. On that day I found the nest apparently completed,
but, to my surprise, by no means like a typical or well-built
White-throat’s nest ; considerably less neat and delicate, indeed.
When I returned on Sunday, 2nd June, there were three eggs, but
they were zo¢ White-throat’s eggs. When I went to inspect the
nest on Monday, 3rd June, a fourth egg was there. The bird is
so stealthy in its movements that is not easy to see; but the result
of several recent glances have confirmed my original view that it
was a White-throat. To-day, I have solved the difficulty by taking
an egg and examining it carefully: it is a typical egg of the Lesser
White-throat, whose nesting in North-eastern Scotland has hitherto
been a matter of considerable doubt.—Tuomas F. Drwar, Forfar.

Note on the Breeding of the Snow-Bunting in Buchan.—I see
in the April “ Annals” the record of the nesting of the Snow-Bunting

186 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

at Rathen, Aberdeenshire. I fear there is some mistake. Rathen
parish is in the north-east corner of Buchan, a district I know
well. A part of the parish borders the sea at Inverallochy for
a little distance. The parish 1s wholly under cultivation and below
200 feet elevation above sea-level ; very much of it under 100 feet
elevation ; only in the south-west of the parish does the land rise
abruptly to 700 feet to form the hill of Mormond. No one would
expect for a moment to find the Snow-Bunting breeding in such a
district, and I suspect the eggs are varieties of the common Bunting,
Emberiza miliarta—a characteristically abundant bird of the district.
I may add it is comparatively easy to become possessed of Snow-
Bunting’s eggs in Buchan. Buchan seamen, fishing in the Arctic
Regions, are in the habit of bringing home Arctic eggs, and I never
received any Arctic eggs without those of the Snow-Bunting being
amongst them. I have received 50 on a single piece of thread
from a Peterhead seaman, and I have seen in a labourer’s home
the kitchen window festooned with Little Auk’s eggs.—WILLIAM
SERLE, The Manse, Duddingston.

Gemmous Dragonet (Ca/lzonymus tyra) in Shetland Seas.—
There was captured on a sea-line, about a mile off Boddom, on the
south-east coast of the mainland, in April last, a male specimen of
this brilliantly-coloured fish. Not having seen one like it before,
I sent it to Mr. Eagle Clarke for identification; and he also
informs me that there appears to be no previous record for this
species in the Shetland seas, but that its occurrence is not
surprising, since it has been obtained in Scandinavian waters, and is
not very uncommon on the coasts of the Scottish mainland.—
T. HENDERSON, Jun., Dunrossness, Shetland.

Early Appearance of Eristalis tenax, Z., in the Forth
Distriet.— Whilst at Gullane on Saturday, 23rd March, about
2.30 P.M. I found three female specimens of Zvistalis tenax, L.,
which were kindly identified by Mr. Grimshaw. As the date is
very early for these flies, he has asked me to give particulars of
their capture. They were on the sand at the mouth of a small
damp cave situated about two and one-third miles north-eastward
along the coast from Gullane, at a place marked on the Ordnance
Map as “ Hanging rocks.” The wings of a fourth specimen were
lying on the sand near the three I procured. The mouth of the
cave faces almost due north, and being about half-way down the cliff,
the sun’s rays would be completely excluded.—R. D. R. Troup,
Edinburgh.

[Verrall, in his “ British Flies,” says of this species, “my dates
extend from 14th February to 22nd November, but I expect it may
occur at any time.”—P. H. G.]

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 187

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

The Plants of the Flannan Islands.—In the ‘“ Annals” No. 55,
187, 1905, Dr. Trail enumerates the specimens brought by Mr.
Eagle Clarke from these islands.

The following additional species were gathered by Mr. W. J.
Gibson on Eilean Mor in July 1899. They were kindly sent to me
by Mr. A. Somerville, with a request to name them and return to
Mr. Gibson.

They add nine species to the thirteen given by Dr. Trail, viz. :—

Lychnis Flos-cucult, L.

Cerastium tetrandum, Curt.

C. glomeratum, Vhuill.

Sagina maritima, Don.

Spergularia neglecta, Syme.

Plantago maritima, L., var. minor, Hook and Arn.

Atriplex hastata, L.

Rumex Acetosa, L. ‘‘ Tufts of this were growing beside the Puffins’
burrows and nowhere else. ‘Martin Martin, Gent.,’ who visited
the Western islands about 1695, says that the Fulmars (Ai/marus
glaciaiis) of St. Kilda eat it. Ifthe Puffins do so also, it forms a
good illustration of how plants are spread by birds” (W. G. zx “?z.).
The Rev. N. Mackenzie, in ‘‘Notes on the Birds of St. Kilda,” ?
does not mention that they eat the sorrel, but remarks, “but prefers
those places where there are steep grassy slopes with tufts of earth
or sorrel,” z.e. to make their nests.

Poa annua, 1.

Festuca rubra, L.

Of Matricaria inodora, L., M. Gibson remarks, ‘‘ Growing in
great profusion on upper slopes of cliffs. The Chamomile odour
was very pronounced in the fresh plants.” This is rather surprising
as Mr. Gibson’s specimens are zzodora, not Chamomilla.

Armeria maritima, ‘‘The leaves of this seem to form the
greater part of the short close sward” (W. G. zz @7¢.). Mr. Gibson,?
speaking of Eilean Mor, remarks—‘‘ The top slopes considerably to
the south-west, and is covered with a close mat of short grass,
decorated with sea-pinks and diminutive buttercups and ragged-
robins.”

Accounts of the birds (with photos of Eilean Mor), by Mr. Eagle
Clarke, will be found in the “ Annals” for 1905, pp. 8, 80, and 243;
of the Diptera, p. 218; Coleoptera, p. 20, and Spiders, p. 120.—
ARTHUR BENNETT, Croydon.

1 <« Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 78 (1905).
2 In ‘* Chambers’s Journal,” ii. 796 (1899).

188 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The May issue of the ‘“ Journal of Botany” is of peculiar interest
to lovers of the British flora because of its containing an exceptional
number of papers of importance in their bearing on its study.
They are on “Three interesting Ascomycetes,” by W. B. Grove,
B.A.; “Forms of Potamogeton new to Britain,” by Arthur
Bennett; ‘“‘A Synopsis of the Orders, Genera, and Species of
Mycetozoa,” by A. and G. Lister; and on “ British Roses of the
Mollis-Tomentosa Group,” by Rev. Augustine Ley, M.A.

New Records of Plants in South Aberdeenshire.—In Sep-
tember of 1906 we found the following plants, new to South
Aberdeen (v.c. 92), while collecting within a few miles of Aberdeen
itself :—

Ranunculus circinatus, Sibth., at the Loch of Skene.

Nasturtium palustre, DC., at Grandholm Mills on Donside,
where it had been known to a retired mill-worker, named Thompson,
for some years.

Potentilla argentea, L., as a casual on the roadside at Balmoral.

Scutellaria galericulata, L., from the Loch of Park.

We have also seen Luphorbia Cyparissias, L., specimen, which
had been growing as a garden weed at West Cults.—A. C. Macrag,
Macgregor Skene.

Origin of the Blue Lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis, Donn) as a
Denizen by the Dee.—As mentioned in a note in this Journal,
(1900, p. 128), the earliest example of this Lupine known to me to
have been gathered in Scotland is a fragment in the Kew Herbarium,
bearing the label “‘ Z. polyphylius, ? naturalised on the banks of the
Dee near Aboyne, August 1862,” gathered by the Rev. M. J.
Berkeley. The Lupine forms so conspicuous a feature along the Dee,
for most of its course, and has produced so great effects on the
native vegetation, and even on the course of the river, that I have
sought to ascertain how and when it was introduced into the valley.
About a week ago a former student, Dr. Duncan Mackintosh, now
in medical practice at Aboyne, mentioned to me that he had been
told by an old man, who had been employed in the gardens at
Balmoral when Her Majesty, the late Queen Victoria, purchased the
old castle and estate as a residence, that the Lupine was one of the
first plants brought from the south, and had not been seen, at least
on upper Deeside, before, and that from the plants grown at Balmoral
seeds had been carried into the river, and had sprung up along the
river banks and spread by seeds quickly. As Balmoral was purchased
by Her Majesty in 1847, and was used as a residence at once, this
makes it probable that the Lupine was introduced before 1850, and
had sprung up from seeds carried down river as far as Aboyne before
1861. It now looks as much at home on the more recently formed
shingles as any natives.—JAmEs W. H. TRalL.

CURRENT LITERATURE 189

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural
History which have appeared during the Quarter—April-June 1907.

[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.

THE MAMMALS OF THE EDINBURGH OR FORTH AREA. SUPPLE-
MENTARY Notes. By William Evans, F.R.S.E., Proc. Roy. Piys.
Soc. Edin. vol. xvi. No. 8 (May 1907), pp. 387-405.— Brings the
total number of species now known to have occurred in the area up
to fifty.

SCOTTISH AND NoRWEGIAN RED Deer. R. L. Zhe Field, 15th
June 1907, p. 1015.—Refers to a paper by Dr. Leonard Stejneger,
in a recent issue of the Smithsonian Miscellaneous Contributions,
dealing with the racial differences between the Red Deer of western
Norway and those of Sweden. According to this author, the former
are inseparable from those of Scotland, and thus furnish evidence in
favour of a late land connection between the two countries in
question.

RAVEN AND RING OUSEL NEAR GLascow. D. A. M., The
Field, 8th June 1907, p. 957.—-Specimen of the former seen flying
high (and croaking) within one mile of Glasgow, and the latter heard
in May singing within two miles of the city.

Earty Nest or THE Dipper. TT. Thornton MacKeith,
Zoologist, April 1907, p. 151.—Records the commencement of a
nest at Uplawmoor, Renfrewshire, on 15th February, the fourth egg
being laid on 16th March.—The same observer (Zoo0/ogist, June
1907, p. 235) took a clutch of five Dipper’s eggs in the same
locality on 14th April, and on 30th April found five freshly laid eggs
in the identical nest.

LANDRAIL KILLED BY TELEGRAPH WiRE. A. Crawshay, Zhe
Field, 27th April 1907, p. 689. The incident occurred at New
Cumnock on 22nd April, an early date for the arrival of this
species.

MIGRATION OF WILD Swans. H. W. Robinson, Zhe Field,
27th April 1907, p. 689.—Large flights observed passing over
Graemsay, Orkneys, on 15th April.

On MELANOTUS RUFIPES, HERBST., AND M. CASTANIPES, PayYK.
E. A. Newberry, Zz. Mo. Mag., June 1907, p. 123.—A short

190 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

article relative to the distinctness of these two species, and based
partially on an examination of specimens taken at Rannoch.

Nores on THE GENus GonaTopus (Drvininz). A. J. Chitty,
Ent. Record, April 1907, pp. 79-82.—Scottish localities are referred
to.

NoTEs ON DIPTERA IN SCOTLAND, 1906, A. E. J. Carter, uz.
Mo. Mag., May 1907, pp. 110-112.—A long list of species, taken at
Polton, Musselburgh, and Aberfoyle.

DIPTERA IN DUMBARTONSHIRE IN 1906. J. R. Malloch, v7.
Mo. Mag., April 1907, pp. 86-87.—A list of 82 species taken chiefly
at Bonhill.

THE Myriapops (CENTIPEDES AND MILLIPEDES) OF THE FORTH
AREA. William Evans, F.R.S.E., Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol.
xvi. No. 8 (May 1907), pp. 405-414.—-Notes on 17 species,
specimens of nearly all of which were determined for the author by
Mr. Pocock.

BOTANY.

A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO THE FRESH-WATER PLANKTON OF
THE ScoTrisH Locus, by W. West and G. S. West, Zvans. Roy.
Soc. Edin., xii. 1906, pp. 477-518, 7 plates.

NOTES ON THE FORMATION AND FLORA OF A SHINGLE ISLAND IN
THE RIVER ORCHy, DALMALLY, ARGYLL. By Beatrice Sprague,
Trans. Edinb. Field Nat. and Micr. Soc. v. 1906, pp. 290-315, 3
maps.

Notes on BritisH Rupr By Edward Gilbert, M.D., /ourn.
Bot. 1907, PP: 129-135.

British Rosks OF THE Mo tuits-TOMENTOSA Group. By Rev.
Augustine Ley, /ourn. Bot. 1907, pp. 200-210.—A discussion of
the forms, which are ranked under 18 ‘species.’ Each is defined,
and its distribution in Britain, as known to the author, is
indicated.

FORMS OF POTAMOGETON NEW TO Britain. By Arthur Bennett,
Journ, Lot., 1907, pp. 172-176.—An important contribution to the
history of the genus in Britain. Several of the forms are from
Scotland.

SYNOPSIS OF THE ORDERS, GENERA, AND SPECIES OF MYCETOZOA.
By A. and G. Lister, Journ. Bot. 1907, pp. 176-197.—A very
valuable abstract of the most distinctive features of the group in all
grades of classification down to species.

—

BOOK NOTICES I9I

BOOK NOTICES.

THE BRITISH WARBLERS: A HISTORY, WITH PROBLEMS OF
THEIR Lives. By H. Eliot Howard, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. Illustrated
by Henrich Gronvold. London, R. H. Porter, 1907. Part I. price
21S. net.

Among the sciences, the literature of ornithology stands unsur-
passed for the beauty of its works, and the book under notice
will certainly be second to none. The Warblers form one of the
most attractive groups among our native birds, and are well worthy
of having an exhaustive monograph devoted to the delineation of
their graceful forms and their engaging and interesting life-histories.
Mr. Howard’s book promises to furnish this in a manner
which is in all respects worthy of his feathered favourites. The
coloured portraits of both birds and eggs are of extreme beauty and
excellence, and are decidedly the best we have ever seen; while
the series of photogravure pictures illustrating courting attitudes,
from drawings by the author, are, we believe, unique. The strong
point of the letterpress is its originality. Mr. Howard has watched
his subjects with remarkable zeal and affords us some of the best
peeps into the least observed phases of their life-histories that have
ever been given us. He deals too with many of the problems raised
in a pleasing and philosophic manner; and the descriptions of his
bird-watchings are graphic and devoid of those wearisome details
which characterise the essays of some recent writers. The text,
too, is admirably arranged, and one can find at once any item of
information, whether it relates to description of plumage, geo-
graphical distribution, or habits.

The work is to be completed in 8 parts. Part I. contains 24
pages of letterpress, and deals with the Sedge Warbler and the
Grasshopper Warbler. It contains 4 coloured and 1o photogravure
plates, and two maps showing the approximate distribution of the
birds during summer and winter.

Birp-LIFE OF THE BORDERS ON MOORLAND AND SEA, WITH
FAUNAL NOTES EXTENDING OVER Forty YEARS. By Abel Chapman,
F.Z.S. etc. With coloured maps, and numerous _ illustrations.
London, Gurney and Jackson, 1907. 14s. net.

This is a second edition of what was deservedly ¢he bird-book
of the year 1889. Written by one possessed of an intimate know-
ledge of his subject and an attractive pen, and a first-rate orni-
thologist to boot, the edition soon became exhausted and the book
has been very scarce for many years. The work was certainly well
worthy of being reprinted, but fortunately more than this has been
accomplished, for Mr. Chapman has been induced to practically

192 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

rewrite and much enlarge the book; and he has added several
plates to his series of original and vigorous pen-and-ink sketches—
pictures that will be much appreciated by those familiar with bird-life
in the open. There is no better book of its kind, and to Scottish
naturalists it will be especially acceptable since it deals with the
bird-life of the Cheviots, the moorlands of the Border, and the
adjacent seaboard. In its new form it will be welcome even to
those who possess the original edition.

We have only one fault to find with the author, namely, that he
has not brought his chapters on migration up to the level of
modern knowledge, and hence some of his statements are now
known not to hold good. The book forms a handsome and well-
printed volume of 458 pages, and the reproductions of the plates
are excellent.

EUROPEAN ANIMALS: THEIR GEOLOGICAL HISTORY AND
GEOGRAPHICAL DisrRipuTION. By R. F. Scharff, Ph.D., B.Sc.
London: Archibald Constable and Co., Ltd., 1907. 7s. 6d. net.

This book has strong claims on British naturalists, since a con-
siderable portion of it is devoted to the history of the animals of
our islands past and present—a subject of the greatest importance
to all who are genuinely interested in our insular fauna. Scottish
naturalists will find a chapter devoted to the animal life of their
country, which is compared with that of both England and Ireland ;
and its associations with Iceland on the one hand and Scandinavia
on the other are fully discussed. Other chapters, in like manner,
deal with the distribution of animals in other European countries.
Many very intricate and difficult problems naturally present them-
selves for solution in dealing with such subjects, and these are
treated fully and fairly; and although we do not always agree
with the deductions which Dr. Scharff draws from the facts pre-
sented, yet his conclusions are always worthy of careful considera-
tion. The book is replete with useful facts gleaned from many
sources, and dealing with all classes of animals; those species which
bear evidence of great importance are depicted along with their
geographical distribution on a series of maps. The book is one which
should certainly be in the hands of all British zoologists, not only
on account of the elaborate manner in which it treats of the history
of our fauna, but also as a book of reference dealing with the past
and present distribution of European animals generally. It is a
well got up volume, and is remarkably reasonable in price.

ra

eGo IVE

ANN. Scot. Nat. Hist. 1907.

wa
ae

The Annals

of
Scottish Natural History

No. 64] LOOT [OCTOBER

tHe Late ALEXANDER: SOMERVIEEE BSc
WitTH PortTRAIT.

ALEXANDER SOMERVILLE was born in Glasgow in 1842, his
father being the well-known and revered missionary Dr.
A. N. Somerville, who was for many years minister of the
Anderston Free Church in Glasgow, previous to his missionary
services. Mr. A. Somerville was educated in Glasgow, first at
the Academy and then for three years at the University.
Entering on business, he went to Calcutta, where he spent
fifteen years. Owing to ill-health he returned to Scotland,
and resumed tastes and pursuits that had been interrupted by
want of leisure during the intervening years. Returning to
the University of Glasgow, he entered on the curriculum in
Science and graduated B.Sc. As a boy he had been in-
terested in entomology ; and natural history on all its sides
attracted him greatly, his studies being chiefly directed for
several years to the Mollusca, and afterwards to the vascular
plants of the British Islands. In both fields his efforts were
unwearied and successful, and the results were most freely
placed at the service of others. Numerous communications
were made by him to scientific periodicals, especially to the
publications of the Glasgow Natural History Society, of
which he was a strong supporter, being its President for
some years. An enthusiast himself, his zeal communicated
64 B

194 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

itself to others; and he was never happier than when able
to assist a fellow-worker.

He diligently explored the western shores of Scotland
for Mollusca, dredging the seas and lochs, and keeping most
careful records of the results in manuscripts now in the
possession of his nephew, the Rev. G. A. Frank Knight.
They give the localities explored, the depths in fathoms, the
numbers of the species and varieties in each haul of the dredge,
distinguishing the dead from the living specimens. They show
that in this thorough way he had investigated the whole of
the Clyde area and almost the whole West Coast up to the
Butt of Lewis and Loch Broom. These records have
remained unpublished ; but Mr. Knight is engaged in pre-
paring reports on them which will make available to
conchologists the stores of information amassed by Mr.
Somerville. His knowledge of critical species was such that
he was one of three referees appointed by the Conchological
Society of Great Britain and Ireland for Marine Mollusca.
He was for a number of years on the Council of the Society,
and for three years was its President. In 1886 he issued a
List of the British Brachiopoda and Marine Mollusca, which
was recognised as the standard until the appearance in 1900
of the Conchological Society’s official list.

For many years he was a strong supporter of the
marine station at Millport, and did much to obtain means for
its equipment and to extend its usefulness. The topo-
graphical distribution of Scottish plants was of great and
continued interest to him, and was investigated with care like
that bestowed on the Mollusca. Though chiefly carried on
in the West of Scotland, his researches extended to other
regions also, eg. to Orkney, where he spent some weeks
a few years ago investigating the flora. Ever ready to
spend time and labour in assisting others, he went to
districts, such as Linlithgow, about which information was
desirable, and communicated the results of his visits most
freely, as is often evidenced by the pages of this and of
other scientific journals. He contributed articles to the
“ Journal of the Conchological Society,” the “ Transactions of
the Glasgow Natural History Society,” and other scientific
papers; but his scientific services are not less evident in

THE LATE ALEXANDER SOMERVILLE, B.Sc. 195

the frequent acknowledgments in the publications of other
workers of assistance and information supplied by him.
Since 1881 he was a Fellow of the Linnean Society. He
was much interested in the Scottish Antarctic Expedition,
and was ready to lend a helping hand to whatever could
promote natural science.

Nor was he less disposed to assist in social work and
philanthropic efforts at home and abroad. His personal
character won him the esteem and affection of those that had
the privilege of his acquaintance. Of late years his health
rendered him unable to undertake the expeditions of former
years in search of shells and plants; and for some months
he often suffered severe pain; but his interest in the
familiar studies remained keen, as did also his pleasure in
the progress made by others. He died in his house in
Glasgow on 5th June 1907. He was twice married ; and
is survived by a widow, two sons, and four daughters.

His memory will remain with his friends as that of a
zealous and earnest seeker after truth, a successful student
of biological science, and an unselfish and lovable man.

REPORT, ON, SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY
FOR 1906.

By JOHN PATERSON.
(Continued from p. 143.)

FaLco #SALON (Merlin).—Observed at the Flannans, 9th and 29th
April and 13th and 14th May. At Pentland Skerries on roth
August, two chased over the island by Terns. At Sule Skerry,
16th September (1); 21st (4).

SULA BASSANA (Gannet).—Seen frequently all January at the Bell
Rock. On znd May, diving among shoal of young Coal-fish 5
yards off Tobermory pier. On gth August, flocks passing S.
at Bell Rock.

ARDEA CINEREA (Common Heron).—At North Ronaldshay,’ 7th
January, two from the S. rested for a few minutes and then
went N. Small colony (three nests) west side of The Lews
(p. 81). On 25th July, five flying across the island at Noup

196 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Head in a S.E. direction. At Kelburne Castle (Ayr), young
still in nests on 16th September. On the following day, at
Spiggie, Shetland (13). One at Pentland Skerries on 9th Octo-
ber; “not often seen here.” Another same locality next day.

ANSER CINEREUS (Grey-Lag Goose).—More numerous than usual
towards end of February in North Uist (‘‘ Annals,” 1906, p.
114). Inverbroom, 14th May, “wild geese” (sp.?) went N.
Decidedly increased as a nesting species in South Uist since
the “Outer Hebrides” volume of the Scottish Fauna series
appeared (p. 81). Introduced half-wild birds now nesting in
“Tay ” (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 237). On 4th October, at Spiggie,
Shetland, eight flying about loch for some days. Between 6th
and 13th October, “ wild geese” (sp. ?) seen daily passing S. at
Inverbroom. At Burntisland, on roth October, small flock
‘wild geese” (sp. ?) passing S. ; 12th, at same place, large flocks
passing S. At Sule Skerry “geese” (sp.?) (7), passing E. to
W. At Fairlie (Ayr), on 13th November, a young male Grey-
Lag shot (p. 52).

A. sEGETUM (Bean Goose).—One shot at Pentland Skerries on 3rd
November.

A. BRACHYRHYNCHUS (Pink-footed Goose).—Geese, probably “ pink-
footed,” flying round Forfar in the night of 2rst October.
The same incident reported from Arbroath on the same night—
“Geese flying in the fog all the night through.” On roth
November, Mr. Wm. Evans saw several hundreds in the
Aberlady district. They seemed to Mr. Evans more abundant
than usual that autumn. On the 14th November, a very large
flock of geese flying over Montrose basin, probably “ Pink-
footed.”

BERNICLA LEUCOPSIS (Barnacle-Goose).—In North Uist, in February,
more than usually numerous (‘ Annals,” 1906, p. 114).
Twelve at the Flannans on 26th March, and about a hundred
on 1st May.

B. BRENTA (Brent Goose).—At Fairlie (Ayr), on 27th January (50) ;
24th February (about 60). At Lingay, North Uist, flock of
160 on rough wild days (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 114). On 4th
October, at Loch Ard-na-laird, Grimersta, Lewis (11).

Cycnus musicus (Whooper Swan).—At the Fair Isle, in spring and
autumn, a head obtained belonging to this species (p. 78).
At Lerwick, 11th April, five “Swans” (sp.?) flying N. At
Unst, 12th, flocks of six and nine ‘“‘ Whoopers,” evidently very
tired, flying very low. In South Uist, on 1st June, nine, which
flew N.; believed to be “ Whoopers” (p. 82). 13th October,
at Spiggie, Shetland, one Whooper; 14th, three Whoopers ;
2oth, eight Swans (sp. ?) on Loch.

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 197

C. BEwIck1 (Bewick’s Swan).—On 7th February, at North Uist (3) ;
rst March (4) (“‘ Annals,” 1906, p. 114). The following record
referring to Bishop Loch (Lanark) is supplied by Mr. Alex.
Ross. On 5th January (2); 7th (4 ad. 3 juv.); 14th (8 ad.
3 juv.) ; 18th February, still there ; 25th, “gone.” Reappeared
4th November (1); 24th (3); 9th December, thirteen, which
had been frozen out and driven off when the Loch revisited
Ist January 1907. On 31st December, Mr. Ross and the
writer saw thirteen flying and calling in a snowfall, proceed-
ing W. to E. along the Forth and Clyde Canal at Glasgow.
An hour later Mr. M‘Keith, Caldwell, 12 miles S. of
Glasgow, saw thirteen flying S.W. into Ayrshire. On same
date Mr. John Robertson saw four in Bute.

TADORNA CORNUTA (Common Sheld-Duck).—Common and increas-
ing in N. Uist in February (p. 114). Becoming more numerous
at Fairlie (Ayr) 24th February. At Bishop Loch, east of
Glasgow, on 29th April, four, migrating of course. In Fife,
young hatched out by 18th June. In October, three at Sule
Skerry on 12th, five flying S.E. at the Pentland Skerries on
24th, and at the Fair Isle a few on several occasions this month,
once as many as eight (p. 78).

Anas soscas (Mallard).—‘ Nothing like so numerous as usual” at
North Uist in February (p. 114). In Bute, on 15th April, a
nest with ten eggs.

A. STREPERA (Gadwall).—Brood reared near Broughton, Peebles
(The Field, 28th July 1906, p. 196). One shot early in August
in “Tay” out of what appeared a family party (“ Annals,”
1906, p. 238).

SPATULA CLYPEATA (Shoveller).—On 25th March, at Gad Loch,
Lenzie (3); 21st April, Harelaw Dam (1); 6th May, Possil
Marsh, a pair; 20th, Hogganfield, a pair; 9th June, Possil
Marsh (again), a pair—all near Glasgow. The Shoveller is
“a late nester.” It would be interesting to have some data for
Scotland on this point. In the autumn, two at Kilconquhar
on 8th August, four at Hogganfield on 6th September, and
eleven at Bishop Loch on 4th November.

DaFILA AcuTA (Pintail).—Early in August a bird of the year shot
out of what appeared a family party (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 238).
On the Eden, 12th September (1). On 22nd December, im-
mature ¢ shot at Stumpig Moss (Stirling) (p. 115).

NeETTION cRrEcCA (Teal).—Nothing like so numerous as usual in
North Uist in February (p. 114). ‘‘ Now breeds plentifully ”
in the Uists and Benbecula (p. 82).

198 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

MARECA PENELOPE (Wigeon).—A few at Swordale (E. Ross) on 5th
May—the last seen. ‘The last pair goes almost simultaneously
from Mull (6th May). ‘The others had left last-named locality
before 26th April. Reappeared at Swordale on roth Septem-
ber, and was plentiful at Spiggie, Dunrossness, Shetland, on
27th. Appeared at Fairlie (Ayr) on 25th September.

FULIGULA FERINA (Pochard).—Two at the Glen Dam (E. Renfrew)
28th July. At Loch Libo (E. Renfrew) on gth December (71).

F. cristata (Tufted Duck).—Many on the Glen Dam (E. Renfrew)
on 28th July.

F. Marita (Scaup Duck).—At Swordale (E. Ross) the last lot for
the season seen on 26th March. Confirmed as a breeding
species in the outer Hebrides (p. 82). At Swordale, on 14th
November, 2 ¢, 19. A few on several occasions in first half
of November in Fair Isle (p. 78).

CLANGULA GLAUCION (Golden-eye).—More numerous than usual in
N. Uist in February (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 114). On Mishnish
Loch, Mull, seven on 25th April. One (¢) in Loch Maddy
in June (p. 83). On 26th August one at Balgray Dam (E.
Renfrew). First seen at Kirkliston, 19th October.

HARELDA GLACIALIs (Long-tailed Duck)—On 12th March, flock at
Bell Rock—last seen there (a pair) on rith April. A good
many at Balcomie (Crail) on 24th. At Balcomie, on 6th
October, small parties kept arriving from the north, some
passing; on 8th more arrivals, and on 14th flocks passing
between 10 A.M. and 1 P.M., one party which alighted consisted
of nine drakes in full white winter plumage and one in dark
plumage with a white crest.

SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA (Common Eider Duck).—Small numbers at
the Flannans between 23rd January and goth April. On 5th
June nests with five and three eggs respectively in Fife. On
20th June with young off Coll. Fair number breed at N. Uist,
9 of a pale fawn colour seen in Loch Maddy (p. 83). In
autumn first seen at Bell Rock on 17th September.

S. SPECTABILIS (King Eider).—On island of Graemsay, Orkney,
ad. ? shot on 21st February (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 116). One
observed by Alex. Ross near Kintra at the south of Laggan
Bay, Islay, on 25th July.

CEDEMIA FuscA (Velvet-Scoter).—Enormous flocks (‘‘ thousands ”)
at Largo Bay on 6th June. ‘Have records of this and the
common species all through the year” (Leonora J. Rintoul and
Evelyn V. Baxter). An ad. (¢?) found dead at Eoligary, Barra,
on 25th November (p. 116). _ Another ad. (?) washed up on
1st December at the Fair Isle.

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 199

CE. PERSPICILLATA (Surf-Scoter).—At Stromness, 14th to 21st
December, an ad. ¢ (‘ Annals,” 1906, p. 117).

MERGUS MERGANSER (Goosander).—At Kirk 0’ Muir, Carronside,
in February, an ad. ( ¢) (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 117). One (¢)
off Barra on 22nd May, ‘‘a rare occurrence in the Outer
Hebrides” (p. 83). One on the loch at Spiggie on 7th October.

M. SERRATOR (Red-breasted Merganser).—About thirty at Swordale
on 6th February. One at Balcomie (Crail) on 24th April.
On 25th May, at Luss (Loch Lomond), with young on the water
and nest with nine fresh eggs. On 11th July, at Swordale, one
(2) with twenty-six young in her company. ‘Two on the Eden
(Fife) on roth August.

M. ALBELLUS (Smew).—One, shot at Kirkconnel, reached Mr, Service
on 2nd January, 1907 (p. 113). Seen several times in the
Sound of Harris in February, but no males (p. 114).

CoLUMBA PALUMBUS (Ring-Dove).—One found dead at the Flannans
on 14th May. On 8th June one shot at Grogary, “only a
few occur in the Uists and Barra” (p. 83).

C. @nas (Stock-Dove).—Three nests with eggs on 15th April in
Bute, one set hard incubated, and on 14th July, in same locality,
two nests with fresh eggs. Four Stock-doves observed in Cleg-
horn Woods, Lanark, on 1st May.

C. tivia (Rock-Dove).—On 15th April in Bute two nests with
young, one lot fourteen days old.

TuRTUR comMmuNIS (Turtle-Dove).—An immature bird on 25th
September at the Fair Isle (p. 79).

SYRRHAPTES PARADOXUS (Pallas’s Sand-Grouse).—A flock of six seen
on some “ well-known links” in East Lothian (Zhe /ie/d, 2nd
June, 1906, p. gor). [A very doubtful record.—Eps. |

TETRAO UROGALLUS (Capercaillie).—Hen shot at Torphins (Aberdeen)
(p. 117). August-November, two at Bavelaw, Midlothian (pp.
51-52). On the Binn Hill, near Elgin, in October, two d and
one 9 ; at Gordon Castle Woods about thirty, and at Pluscarden
towards the end of the year one ( ¢) killed, ‘‘and there are two
more (¢ and 9) left” (p. 52).

T. TETRIX (Black Grouse).—Hybrid with Pheasant, shot at Barcaple

(Kirkcudbright) January 1906 (Bull. B. O. Club, 1906, p. 54,
“ Annals,” 1906, p. 239).

Lacopus scoticus (Red Grouse).—Young seen on 18th May at
Crosswood, W. Calder. Kinnear notes Barra birds very dark,
but found the Lews birds so light that he was much struck
with them (p. 83). In N. Uist, a few, decreasing (p. 114).

200 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

L. Mutus (Ptarmigan).—One practically at sea-level in South Uist
on 1st June (p. 83).

PHASIANUS COLCHICUS (Pheasant).—Near Edinburgh on 29th April
nest with fourteen eggs (Binnie).

PERDIX CINEREA (Partridge).—At Kirkliston lays on 26th April.
At Gilston (Fife) on 3rd June nest and sixteen eggs.

CoTURNIX COMMUNIS (Quail).—This species was heard during July
calling in the fields adjoining the links at Balcomie (Crail) by
the writer. Two were taken in Fife during the summer, one
at Freuchie and the other at Inverkeilor (p. 117). One got at
Sandside, Reay, on 30th September.

CREX PRATENSIS (Corn-crake).—There are usually reports of the
appearance of this species in April from several localities, but
this year the earliest reports are Burntisland and Lennoxlove
(Haddington) 1st May. Kinnear was told that it was scarcer
than usual round Stornoway this year (p. 84). Still calling at
Crossmyloof (Glasgow) and Fairlie (Ayr) on 6th August. One
shot at Lahill (Fife) on 26th September, and one killed 18th
October at Unst (p. 50).

PORZANA MARUETTA (Spotted Crake).—One shot at Stornoway on
15th October (Zhe Fie/d, 10th November 1906, p. 822).

RaALLUS aAQuatTicus (Water-Rail)—One seen in N. Uist on 6th
February (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 114). Young one unable to fly
in Tiree in August (Z¢. p. 237). At the Pentland Skerries on
gth October and 12th. Two at Spiggie on 17th. In the
Fair Isle observed from 28th September till December (p. 79).

GRuUS COMMUNIS (Crane).—One shot near Stornoway on the r4th
May (p. 84), and another observed two days later in North
Shetland (p. 50).

EUDROMIAS MORINELLUS (Dotterel).—A bird of the year received
in the flesh in September from the Flannans (p. 53).

ANGIALITIS HIATICOLA (Ringed Plover).—Three newly hatched
young on 7th August, in Fife. ‘No nests this year [Fife]
with over three eggs and several birds sitting on two.”

CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS (Golden Plover).—One black-breasted at
Cardross, 13th February. At Swordale a pair returned to
Moor on 19th March and reported on Mearns Moor
(E. Renfrew) on 25th. In the last named locality had eggs
by 22nd April, well incubated, and on 29th observed one
“on her nest, her neck was stretched full out, and her head
rested on the ground while the wings were slightly extended ”
(Robert Wilson). In October and November at Skerryvore
a few—two or three daily from the north, proceeding S. after

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 201

a rest. A conspicuous feature of the fields around Glasgow
until after the snow on 13th December, when it practically
disappeared, any that were left clearing out after the snow-
storm on Christmas night. An unprecedented rush of thousands
took place over Tiree from the 19th to the 23rd. They pro-
ceeded southward anticipating the great snow-storm of 26th
to 28th (p. 117).

SQUATAROLA HELVETICA (Grey Plover).—One on the Tyne estuary
on 12th May (W. Evans) ; a few wintered at Spiggie (Shetland),
which is very unusual (p. 117). In E. Ross (Swordale) from
rgth September till zoth November, there being ‘‘a good
many” on 20th October. In East Fife from roth August (7)
and 18th (14) till 9th October in small numbers. In Ayrshire
at Girvan on 23rd September (1), and at Fairlie 6th September
(1), 6th October (1), Ist November (2).

VANELLUS VULGARIS (Lapwing).—Returned to Carmichael (Lanark)
6th February, spring call at Kirkliston 22nd, and near Glasgow
28th. Returned to Crosswood, West Calder, 3rd March (5) ;
Swordale, 4th (a few) ; Mearns Moor, 25th. First nest Swordale,
4th April; Kirkliston, 13th; at Tentsmuir on 16th June,
“still has eggs.” In autumn, 24th September, at Pentland
Skerries, a flock passing S.E. being the first seen for six weeks.
Swarming along three miles of shore at Fairlie (Ayr) 6th
October, but very scarce by the 19th, when not more than fifty
seen all afternoon. About a hundred pass south at Spiggie
on rith October. After the snow which fell in the Glasgow
district on 13th December they practically disappeared.

STREPSILAS INTERPRES (Turnstone).—At the Bell Rock on 13th
April (3); Whitberry Point, near Dunbar, ten “beauties” on
r2th May (W. Evans). Fairly numerous in Bute on roth
May. On r7th July Skerryvore visited by twenty-five which
passed on to Ireland (p. 22). Fairlie (Ayr), 25th August (2) ;
Mull, 5th and 19th September, in large numbers on both dates ;
23rd, Girvan (30); 19th October, Fairlie (16); 24th, Pentland
Skerries, thirty or forty.

H&MATOPUS OSTRALEGUS (Oyster-Catcher).—First pair arrived Sule
Skerry, 18th February, six on 25th. At the Flannans two on 2oth
March ; return to breeding ground, Swordale, on 31st. ‘Three
“chicks” at Fairlie, 4th August, on which date the species is
observed at the Bell Rock. On 13th November at Largo
Bay one with a broken wing when approached took to the
water and swam a long way out, “as well as any duck.”

PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS (Grey Phalarope).—At the Flannans on
18th May (1), 19th (2); Bell Rock, 6th to 9th September,
one remained feeding three days.

202 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SCOLOPAX RUSTICULA (Woodcock).—In North Uist not so numerous
as usual (February) (‘‘ Annals,” 1906, p. 114). One flushed
from two young at Swordale, 1st July. First seen at Spiggie
on 6th October; fifteen were shot on Fitful Head on 23rd.
A considerable number seen throughout the winter (p. 118).

GALLINAGO MAJOR (Great Snipe).—One on the Fair Isle on 5th
September (p. 79).

G. C@LEsTIS (Common Snipe).—Not so numerous as usual in
N. Uist (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 114) on 4th February, on which
date one drumming. At Crosswood, West Calder, drumming
on 31st March. Some that had been at Sule Skerry all winter
disappeared early in April. At Gilston (Fife) nest with four
eggs on 3rd May. More than usual at Inverbroom on 26th
December.

G. GALLINULA (Jack Snipe).—In February not so numerous as
usual in N. Uist (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 114). One shot near
Loch Spynie on roth August, and another reported from
Pitgaveny (Zhe Field, 25th August 1906, p. 342); “supposed ”
to breed in Shetland (‘ Annals,” 1906, p. 239). First shot at
Swordale, 24th October.

TRINGA ALPINA (Dunlin).—At Crosswood, W. Calder, on r2th
April (2), and on 29th April one at Hogganfield and three at
Bishop Loch on passage, both localities near Glasgow. In
last few days of May in South Uist a great many which must
have been chiefly migrants (p. 84). Young, newly hatched, in
Fife on 5th June; young on Mearns Moor (E. Renfrew) on
15th, “very scarce here this season.” In numbers in Mull on
5th September. A pair at Pentland Skerries on 12th October.

T. minuta (Little Stint).—One obtained on Fair Isle on 14th August
(p. 79). On 16th August one on the Eden (Fife), and

on 15th September in same locality, two. One at Spiggie on
6th October. ]

T. suBARQUATA (Curlew-Sandpiper).—At the mouth of the Eden
(Fife) on 15th September, two.

T. striata (Purple Sandpiper).—From 5th February till 25th May,
in small numbers at the Flannans. At Crail several on 3rd
April; at Bell Rock, two on 13th. On island off Barra, half-
a-dozen in last days of May (p. 84). Two at Elie on 2oth
July. About fifty at Sule Skerry on 14th August. At
Balcomie (Fife) a few on 14th October.

T. caANuTUS (Knot).—Several at the Eden on 5th June, at Aberlady
Bay on 18th July (eleven) (W. Evans). Flocks at the Eden
18th August till 15th September. At Fairlie (Ayr) about
twenty on 3rd September.

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 203

CALIDRIS ARENARIA (Sanderling).—Three at Largo on 6th June, and
a small flock in South Uist and Benbecula in this month
(p. 84). Several at Largo on 7th August, and the Eden on
t1th. Two in Mull on 5th September, and one in Swordale
6th, two 8th October.

MACHETES PUGNAX (Ruff).—Over a dozen in one flock on 1st
September at Spiggie, Dunrossness, Shetland (‘‘ Annals,” 1906,
P. 239)-

TTOTANUS HYPOLEUCUS (Common Sandpiper).—Cloverhill, Broughton,
26th March. West Calder, 11th; Caldwell and Beith, 12th;
and Clyde at Newton, 13th; Carmichael (Lanark), 17th April.
Eggs slightly incubated at Broomlee on 22nd May (Binnie).
On 21st July from Balcomie to Crail in every ditch and wet
place where as a rule there arenone. ‘“‘ Evidently just passing.”
Last seen at Swordale (E. Ross) on 8th August.

T. ocHRopus (Green Sandpiper).—Dunbarnie Links, near Largo,
23rd August (W. Evans). Fair Isle, one on 7th and 14th
September (p. 79). Locharbriggs (Dumfries) one (¢?) shot,
29th December (p. 113).

T. cALipRis (Redshank).—Cloverhill, Broughton, 17th March;
Crosswood, W. Calder, two arrived 18th; returned to Mearns
Moor 25th, and to Swordale on 6th April. In Mull on 6th
July, passing N.W. On 6th October flock of 150 at Fairlie
(Ayr), mostly young.

T. CANESCENS (Greenshank).—Fairly numerous in N. Uist in
February (‘ Annals,” 1906, p. 114). At Waulkmill Glen Dam
(E. Renfrew) on 21st January a pair, 18th February one, 29th
July one, 5th August two; Kilchattan, Bute, one on 8th
April ; Crosswood, W. Calder, on 13th May, two; near North
Berwick, 25th August, one (W. Evans) ; at Fairlie (Ayr) on
11th and 25th August (1), 3rd September (3), 5th (2), 6th
(4); at Swordale (E. Ross) on 20th October (2); Salen, Mull,
on 22nd October (2); 7th November (3).

Limosa Lapponica (Bar-tailed Godwit).—In N. Uist on 6th February,
flocks (20, 10, and 40) (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 114). Large flocks
at Eden mouth on 18th June. Fourteen (one a fine red bird).
at Aberlady Bay, 18th July (W. Evans). Eden on roth August
a “good many.” Large flocks on the Dornoch Firth on 26th
September.

NUMENIUS ARQUATA (Common Curlew).— Arrived Crosswood,
W. Calder, on 3rd March; Mearns Moor, same date ; Caldwell,
4th; Cloverhill, Broughton, gth; and left Sule Skerry about
25th April. Seen at the Bell Rock on 4th August, and twelve
arrived for winter on 6th August. On the 23rd numbers

204 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

passing eastward (? from Pentland Moors to the shores of the
Forth) over Morningside late in evening. Flock seen at
Pentland Skerries on 28th September.

N. pH#opus (Whimbrel).—Numbers in Barra throughout May
(p. 85). Northward movement general from 7th May till 8th
June. One at Aberlady on 18th July (W. Evans), and another
at Garroch Head, Bute, on 2zoth. Small numbers Elie and
Eden mouth, 26th July till 18th August.

STERNA CANTIACA (Sandwich Tern).—At Crail several on 24th
April, North Berwick 29th. Quite a fair-sized flock at Loch
of Strathbeg on 27th July (“ Annals,” 1906, p. 239). Parties
of varying size continually passed south at Balcomie (E. Fife)
from 10.15 A.M. till 4.15 P.M. on 6th October.

S. FLUVIATILIS (Common Tern).—First report 29th April at North
Berwick ; 3rd May, Bell Rock (6); 5th, large flock ; 8th, Largo
Bay, evidently just arrived, “any number” sitting on the sand
very tired; 11th, Pentland Skerries, numbers flying over island
till 21st when they settled; oth, Elliot sands, numerous
“terns”; many nests and eggs in Fife by 13th June, but
numbers less than usual in proportion to birds (Largo). At
Tarrsgeir, a small rock south of Texa, off Port Ellen, Islay, a
colony of 400 pairs nesting in July (Alex. Ross). At North
Ronaldshay, 13th to 24th August, great numbers. Leaving
from 27th at Sule Skerry. When undisturbed usually leave
Pentland Skerries first week in August. This year strangers
robbed many nests in June,! and consequently large numbers of
young were late. The young strong on the wing left early in
August as usual, Last seen Bell Rock 14th September.
Numbers of both species at the Fair Isle 11th to 13th, and
again on 20th September (pp. 79, 80). Stragglers at the East
Neuk of Fife till gth October (4).

S. MACRURA (Arctic Tern).—At Loch of Sandwick, Whalsay, on
29th May. With Common Terns at the Fair Isle in September
(see previous species). Thousands at Nigg Sands, Swordale,
on 14th August, and five at Dornoch on 27th September (two
young running after parents for food).

S. minuta (Little Tern).—Ness of Sound on 7th June (5); Fife,
18th June, nests with two and three eggs; six pairs in one
nesting locality in Outer Hebrides (p. 85). Spiggie on 6th
October (1), passing east.

LARUS RIDIBUNDUs (Black-headed Gull).—Assumes hood, “Clyde ”
on 12th February, Kirkliston 17th, and Garscadden 18th. On
22nd March great flocks arrived N. Ronaldshay “ presumably
for season.” At the great colony at Harelaw Dam (E. Renfrew),

[1 In Pentland Skerries ?-—Eps. ]

EE

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 205

laying only beginning on 21st April. First appeared Whalsay
on 22nd April. <A colony of about fifty pairs nesting at the
Little Loch (E. Renfrew) disappeared 7th May, all the nests
having been destroyed. In Mull on 3rd July first seen on
return from nesting. Noup Head toth July (16). Winter
plumage, Edinburgh, 12th August.

L. ruscus (Lesser Black-backed Gull).—Appears in Mull on 5th
April. Last seen there 22nd September. On 4th November
at Bishop Loch, near Glasgow, several. Appearances at this
season of this migratory gull deserve attention.

L. GLaucus (Glaucous Gull).—One at Southerness (Solway) in
mid-September. Two at Sule Skerry on 7th November.

L. LEUCOPTERUS (Iceland Gull).—At Ullapool on 28th January (1)
(“ Annals,” 1906, p. 115). In Tobermory Bay, Mull, one,
immature, for a fortnight in December. One on roth December
at the Fair Isle (p. 80).

RISSA TRIDACTYLA (Kittiwake Gull).—At the Bell Rock on 21st
February and 12th March flocks flying south. Several at
the Flannans on z2oth March. Arrived at Treshnish Isles
on 3rd April.

PAGOPHILA EBURNEA (Ivory Gull).—One in North Uist in June
(p. 85).

STERCORARIUS POMATORHINUS (Pomatorhine Skua).—An immature
female obtained on the Fair Isle on 27th November (p. 80).

S. cREPIDATUS (Arctic Skua).—Loch of Sandwick, Whalsay, 29th
May, a number. Between 11th June and 8th October in
East Fife small numbers—thirteen being of the dark form,
three light, and one not noted.

S. parasiticus (Buffon’s Skua).—On Unst on 30th May one killed,
the second obtained in eight years (p. 50). One (3) shot on
the hills at Morvern,! Argyll, in the first days of June (p. 186).
Another (3) at Morven, Caithness, about 7th June. One with
“extremely long” middle tail feathers reported from Balcomie
on 5th October, and another shot at Lochnabhraon on 6th.

Aca TORDA (Razorbill).—Seen in numbers about the Flannans from
13th February and arrived to stay on 20th March. Seen sitting
on the cliffs at Noup Head on 22nd ; before that date swimming
and flying about. From the end of July till the middle of
September a great continuous mortality of this and the next
species in Solway (p. 53). At Balcomie on 8th October with
fresh south wind “from 10.15 A.M. when we got out... till
it was too dark to see, a constant stream” passed south. Till

1 «<¢ Morvern” is rarely used, and ‘‘ Morven,” Argyll ; ‘‘ Morven,” Caithness ;
and ‘* Morven,” Aberdeenshire, is more in general use.—J. A. H.-B.

206 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

I P.M. they came fast and thick with a large proportion of big
flocks, thereafter the stream seemed to slacken. On goth (with
a south-east wind) the movement continued, though not so fast
and furious. After two days of very thick fog and other two
of varying conditions, during which time no migration was
observed, the movement was again resumed on the 14th, many
Razor-bills, Guillemots, and Long-tailed ducks passing, all going
south, between ro A.M. and 1 P.M., slackening towards the latter
hour. On the 16th a distinct xorthward movement, a lot
flying off that way either in small parties or singly.

UriA TROILE. (Guillemot)—At Noup Head appearing in dozens
from 17th February till there were many swimming and _ flying
about. They were sitting on the cliffs on 21st March, and are
reported at the Flannans as having arrived to stay on the
previous day. On the 15th of August they were all away from
Noup Head. On 6th October there was a great arrival at
Balcomie with a west wind. ‘There were again some parties
passing there among the Razorbills on the 8th and 14th.

MERGULUS ALLE (Little Auk).—East Neuk of Fife, 8th October (2) ;
Dunbar, one got on 8th December (Evans); North Berwick,
29th December.

FRATERCULA ARCTICA (Puffin).—At the Flannans, one on 6th April,
several on the 9th, hundreds on the rz2th. On last-named date
at Noup Head great numbers, the first this year. On the 13th
at Sule Skerry great numbers arrived for breeding. Returned
to Treshnish Isles and Staffa on 16th. A white one seen at
Sule Skerry on 1st June. Leaving Sule Skerry from roth
August and last seen 2nd September. All away from Noup
Head 12th August. Flocks flying N. at the Bell Rock on
14th-15th October.

CoLymbus arcticus (Black-throated Diver).—One at Largo Bay on
6th June. Some at St. Andrews on 16th August.

C. SEPTENTRIONALIS (Red-throated Diver).—The (same ?) pair
nesting for eight years past at a freshwater loch in Mull returned
mid-April. Several at Lerwick 2nd May. Four at Largo Bay
on 8th May. One at Bute on roth. Some at St. Andrews
on 16th August. One at the Fair Isle on roth September

(p. 80).

PopIcIPES CRISTATUS (Great-crested Grebe).—Reappears in E.
Renfrew (Balgray) on 4th March. Nest and five eggs on 13th
in E. Renfrew.

P, GRISEIGENA (Red-necked Grebe).—One at the Eden, St. Andrews,
27th January, and another on 12th September.

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1906 207

P. NIGRICOLLIS (Eared Grebe).—One shot by Chas. Berry at
Lendalfoot (Ayr) on 27th January. ‘‘Not the Slavonian but
the one with the bill turned a little upwards, especially the lower
mandible.” This is a new species to the “ Clyde” list.

PoDICIPES FLUVIATILIS (Little Grebe).—At Mishnish Lochs on 11th
March. Back at nesting place, Edinburgh, on 24th. Builds
at Kirkliston on 15th April, and clutch of six eggs there on 24th
June.

PROCELLARIA PELAGICA (Storm-Petrel).—About the beginning of
June at Lunga, Treshnish, one with a white throat (“ Annals,”
1906, p. 186).

OCEANODROMA LEUCORRHOA (Leach’s Fork-tailed Petrel).—First
observed at the Flannans on 16th April ; there were several there
on 8th May. After one of the gales in the end of November
examples were found at Dunscore, Lochar Moss, and Castlemilk
respectively—all Dumfriesshire localities.

PUFFINUS ANGLORUM (Manx Shearwater).—Seen in the Firth of Forth
from the latter part of May till the end of Autumn. ‘Not so
plentiful as I have in some years seen them” (W. Evans).
A few seen late in May till early July at the Fair Isle (p. 80).

FULMARUS GLACIALIS (Fulmar).—Appeared at the Fair Isle on 17th
January (p. 80). At the Flannans 4th February (5), 12th (6).
Isle Ornsay (Skye), one seen 25th July (‘‘ Annals,” 1906, p.
240). Whalsay, two small colonies. Eight to twelve pairs
now at Barra Head (p. 85). Fifteen pairs below the Light-
house at Dunnet Head, and one pair three miles on the Thurso
side of the Head (p. 118). ‘ Quite a large colony” on Yell

this year (Annals, 1906, p. 240). ‘‘Say two dozen” at Noup
Head on 17th November.

CoRRECTIONS.—P. 140, under F. MONTIFRINGILLA, for Largs read Largo;
p- 143, under STRIX FLAMMEA, vead 27th January, xoft July.

Acknowledgments for assistance are due to the following
contributors :—In the northern group of localities—John R.
Laurence, Pentland Skerries; Kenneth Sinclair, North
Ronaldshay ; John Edgar, Noup Head; the Lightkeepers,
Sule Skerry ; T. Edmonston Saxby, L.R.C.S., F.R.Met.Soc.,
etc. Baltasound; John S. Tulloch, Lerwick; Thomas
Henderson, jun., Spiggie. On the East of Scotland—Lewis
Dunbar, Thurso; Annie Jackson, Swordale, Easter Ross ;
the Keepers, Bell Rock Lighthouse, per R. Clyne, Signal
Dower, Arbroath; (“Tha Dewar MDs Se Forfar;
Leonora J. Rintoul, Lahill, Largo, and Evelyn V. Baxter,

208 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Gilston, Colinsburgh ; A. C. Gairns, Cloverhill, Broughton ;
D. J. Balfour Kirke, Burntisland; Wm. French Little,
Crosswood Reservoir, West Calder ; Wm. Evans, Edinburgh ;
S. E. Brock, Kirkliston; Wm. Binnie, Edinburgh; Rev. H.
N. Bonar; W. M. Ingles, North Berwick. In the West
and South-West—Robert Anderson, Flannan Islands; Lady
Fowler’s family, Inverbroom ; D. MacDonald, Tobermory ;
T. Thornton MacKeith, Caldwell ; John Robertson, Robert
Wilson, and Alex. Ross, Glasgow; John Craig, Beith;
Chas. Berry, Lendalfoot ; Rev. J. D. W. Gibson, Carmichael ;
James Bartholomew, Beattock ; Robert Service, Dumfries ;
Wm. Begg, Douglashead Lighthouse.

1150 CATHCART ROAD, GLASGOW.

SOME BIRD NOTES FROM THE OUTER
HEBRIDES DURING A MONTH SPENT
THERE, MAY-JUNE 1007.

By P. H. Bane, B.A, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

I SHALL endeavour to make these notes supplementary to a
paper contributed by my friend, Mr. N. B. Kinnear, in the
“Annals” for January and April 1907, which in turn have
enabled us to bring the information contained in Mr. Harvie-
Brown’s “Appendix” more up to date. In addition to
enumerating the various species observed, a few of which
have not been previously recorded at this time of the year,
I intend more especially to deal with certain traits and
habits incidentally observed during my efforts to obtain
characteristic photographs of certain of them. Though
such photography has been stigmatised by some as useless,
yet more certainly has it had the effect of causing more
careful observation of the home life of even our commonest
species, and many new and interesting facts have come to
light. As such, then, I present these few and meagre
observations, hoping that they may still prove of interest

1 <¢ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.,” April, July, October 1902, January 1903.

;
qi
¢
Ly

SOME BIRD NOTES FROM THE OUTER HEBRIDES 209

to the readers of the “ Annals.” I am no collector of skins
or eggs, and I do not wish in any way to imperil the
already overharassed members of our avifauna. I am

greatly indebted to those who allowed me to stray over
their valuable preserves, and hope, by publishing these
notes, I am in no way betraying the localities in which
certain species, dear to the collector, were observed.

Sonc THRusH, Zurdus musicus, Linn.—It is generally recognised
that this species is on the increase. According to my
experience they are not found so much in the gardens, even
such as contain bushes, as among the wooded islands in
even the wildest lochs. On 21st June I disturbed several
from such islands, where, amongst the ruins of some long-
forgotten castle, they appeared to find an abundance of snails,
et hoc genus omne. It is to be noted that I did not find
any on islands where the Gulls bred, nor could I find any
nests. The specimens I saw were all of the dark variety. On
another occasion I saw one on the moors by the side of the
road. Only once did I hear their song, and that was at Loch
Boisdale on my way home on 27th June. I imagine that they
were deterred from singing by the execrable weather. Under
no circumstances does one appreciate the beauty of the song
more than when, above the shrieking of the Gulls, it resounds
from some lonely den, re-echoing from the hillsides as it falls
on the observer's ear.

BLACKBIRD, Zurdus meruda, Linn.—As on the last occasion I visited
these islands, so on this, my experience was limited to a single
pair, probably the same; these were feeding on the borders of
the aforementioned loch, and appeared to inhabit the same
islands as the Thrushes.

STonEcHAT, Pratincola rubicola, Linn.—Unless this species too be
on the increase, it would appear to be much more abundant
than has been supposed. Some five pairs were observed in
S. Uist, even in the wildest parts of the island; they all
appeared to be breeding, but no young ones were observed.

WHITETHROAT, Sy/via cinerea, Bech.—Whereas last year we only
saw a single bird during our travels, this, on the other hand, I
heard no less than three individuals singing: two on 29th
May on an island which served as a nesting site for the
Black-throated Diver, and one two days later on an island in
another loch. That at least one of these was resident would
appear from the fact that I heard it on subsequent occasions. '

SwaLLow, Azrundo rustica, Linn.—This species would seem to have
been especially numerous this year, owing no doubt to the

64 re

210 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

stormy weather, which blew many out of their course. Thus
after a storm from the S.E. two were seen in S. Uist on 31st
May. Again on 4th June two more. The keepers tell me that
several years ago they nested at Grogary Lodge. On another
occasion, 8th June, after another gale three more were seen.

House Martin, Chelidon urbica, Linn.—A single example, which
is new to the list, was seen after a violent gale (from no
particular direction, as it blew from all quarters) on 4th June.

Twitt, Linota flavivostris, Linn.—This in the Outer Isles represents
the Sparrow elsewhere. Its nests are found abundantly, not
only in the cultivated parts, but high up on the barren moors
far from human habitation. In some stunted sycamore trees
we found four nests on 27th June. Some of the eggs were
partly incubated. JI marvelled at the manner in which the
eggs remained in the nest when perilously swaying in the
storm. On 5th June a patch of gorse yielded five nests: two
which contained six eggs, one young birds.

STARLING, Sturnus vulgaris, Linn.—This bird has become even
more numerous than last year, Numbers nest amongst the
stones on which the foundation of the roadway is built. The
young were all flying by gth June.

RAVEN, Corvus corax, Linn.—Of these we saw but little. Once
while photographing an Oyster Catcher on her nest, a
particularly miserable specimen passed over. The Oyster
Catchers immediately gave chase, and so discovered us in our
lair. This specimen was in full moult, and many of its
primaries were missing.

SKYLARK, A/auda arvensis, Linn.—The skylark’s song sounds to me

the sweetest when heard above the raging of the storm: no

amount of rain seems able to damp their spirits. In these
islands the nests are sometimes found miles away from any
others of their kind, out on the moors, Last year I found one
close to that of a Wild Goose, some seven miles from the
nearest piece of cultivated ground. ‘This bird is a very good
mimic, and is able to imitate the call notes of many shore birds
to perfection. At the end of May, when searching for Dunlins’
nests, we were often misled by hearing their characteristic trill,
which, on further investigation, proved to proceed from this
versatile songster’s throat. That they are able to reproduce
these notes, even before their rightful owners have arrived, goes
far to prove that their memory serves to last from one season
to another. In like manner I have heard them reproduce the
love-song of the Ringed Plover, and even the shrill notes of
the Oyster Catcher, interspersed, of course, with snatches of
their original composition. In other parts where the Redshank

SOME BIRD NOTES FROM THE OUTER HEBRIDES 211

is common, his plaintive whistle makes a welcome addition to
the Skylark’s repertoire.

NIGHTJAR, Caprimulgus europeus, Linn.—This species is an
addition to the list. After an extra violent gale from the S.E.
we saw one, evidently exhausted, on the ‘‘machair” (the low-
lying ground) on 2nd June. It was being mobbed by Pewits
and Gulls.

Cuckoo, Cuculus canorus, Linn.—This was a bad year for Cuckoos.
Whereas last year they were fairly common, this I heard but
two, and that not till rg9th June. I often wonder what attrac-
tions they can possibly find in such a barren place.

Barn Ow, Strix flammea, Linn.—In his “‘ Appendix” to the Avi-
fauna of the Outer Hebrides, Mr. Harvie-Brown includes
this species in brackets. I do not know whether such evidence
as I can supply will be of sufficient importance for these to be
removed. JI heard its peculiar cry about midnight on
several occasions about 7th June, but was never in the twilight
able to detect the author.

SHORT-EARED OWL, 4szo accipitrinus, Pall.—Though observed in
comparatively plentiful numbers last year, not a single specimen
was in evidence this. This fact would be in accord with the
well-known sporadic habits of this species.

Hen Harrier, Cyrcus cyaneus, Linn.—Males were observed
plentifully last year. I had not caught a glimpse of one on
this occasion till near the end of our stay. On 25th June
I flushed a female in a little-frequented spot. She flew round
my head, uttering cries of anxiety. The cause thereof was
found to be a solitary young one about fourteen days old, still
covered with down, with bright yellow cere and talons. He
was sitting on a few twigs of heather under a rock on the side
of a steep incline. From its rude structure, the nest
appeared to have been recently made; the real nest was
found thirty yards farther on amongst some deep heather.
No trace of young or egg-shells could be detected on the
original site. It would appear that the young one had been
removed by the parents, and not washed out by some newly
formed torrent; for the new nest was not below the original
one, but thirty yards to one side of it, 0 the same horizontal
Zevel. I am glad to be able to report that the keepers, acting
on instructions from headquarters, did not attempt to shoot the
old birds, and spared the life of their offspring.

PEREGRINE, Falco peregrinus, Tunstall—On 13th June a fine pair
were shot off some sea-girt rocks by the keepers, presumably
in the neighbourhood of their nest. ‘The female, a particularly
fine specimen, weighed 2 lbs., her mate } lb. less. The male

212 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

above had an incubation mark, and this was an oval spot some
24x rd inches, situated on the lower part of the abdomen,
The stomach contained the remains of at least three young
birds, one of which was a Duckling, the other two looked like
young Black-headed Gulls. The carcass of this Peregrine was
devoured by Common Gulls—How are the mighty fallen!
During the evening of 15th June, I saw a fine specimen fly
over, chased by every bird in the vicinity. I first became
aware of his approach by the shrieking of the Pewits, who rose
in a black cloud, having detected their enemy long before we
could see him. The Oyster Catchers all sounded their alarm
note, and an angry buzzing told us that the Black-headed Gulls
had all been aroused. The excitement continued long after its
author had vanished into space. The next morning we dis-
covered the cause in the shape of the carcass of a freshly killed
Black-headed Gull.

KestREL, Falco tinnunculus, Linn.—Of late years has become
scarcer, but now more plentiful again. In the stomach of a
male shot from the nest on 12th June the remains of three
mice were found.

HERON, Ardea cinerea, Linn.—Was extremely common this year
both on fresh-water and sea lochs.

Grey Lac Goose, Anser cinereus, Mayer.—By 28th May all the
Geese had hatched off. The commonest number of young
was five. By 25th June all old, and young, had collected on a
solitary hill loch, where they were to be seen in great quantities,
when they had, for the most part, begun to moult. In fact,
I only saw two which could fly. The primary feathers were
found on the islands scattered in great profusion. On this
loch I counted no less than 147 adults, entirely omitting the
numerous young, which, I think, shows that no diminution in
their numbers is taking place. When swimming with their
young they are able, by stretching out their necks and sinking
their bodies, to make themselves well-nigh invisible. On these
occasions the gander leads the way, and his mate brings up
the rear.

BERNACLE GoosE, Lernicla leucopsis, Bech.—A fine specimen in
full plumage frequented the fresh-water lochs and sea-front on
2zoth June and subsequent days and then disappeared. It
appeared to have no desire to associate with the Grey Lag.

Mute Swan, Cygnus olor, Gmelin.—A number of these swans are
commonly to be seen flying about. The noise caused by
the vibration of their primaries carries to a great distance.
With a flock numbering some seven individuals, a Black Swan
was seen associating. This is the second occasion on which
this exotic species has been observed.

SOME BIRD NOTES FROM THE OUTER HEBRIDES 213

SHOVELLER, Anas clypeata, Linn.—Is still on the increase. We found
two nests this year, one on 28th May. This contained eleven
eggs, and was in exactly the same position as the one we
found last year. The young had all hatched off by 17th June,
when not a vestige of the down or egg-shells remained—one is
at a loss to know what happens to it. In the beginning of
June we constantly observed a Mallard drake associating with
a Shoveller duck, seemingly paired to her. Ina collection made
in these islands there is a remarkable variety of the Mallard
which is to all appearances a hybrid between that species and
the Shoveller.

PintaiL, Dajila acuta, Linn.—Though a single drake was seen last
year in the middle of June, we were unable to obtain any
evidence that they remain to breed. None were seen this
year.

TEAL, JVettion crecca, Linn.—Were abundant this year. By the 2oth
of June females were seen with young. One of the keepers
found a nest containing sixteen eggs.

WicEon, AZareca penelope, Linn.—A pair was seen last year, in the
middle of June. No traces of any could be found this season.

TuFTED Duck, Fuligula cristata, Leach.—A nest with nine eggs
was found in the same hollow, which contained a Scaup’s nest
with a similar number last year. These are to all intents and
purposes the same in both species, though the down differs.
Unless special steps had been taken, a mistake in identity might
easily have occurred. Only one pair of these ducks were seen,
as compared with four times that number last year. By 17th
June these eggs had all hatched off, and again every vestige
of down and egg-shell had disappeared.

Scaup, /uligula marila, Linn.—I think it is well known that duck
are especially erratic in regard to their appearance in a
locality. Last season we observed no less than five pairs ; this,
on the other hand, not a single specimen was seen.

GOLDEN-EYE, Clangula glaucion, Linn.—On 29th May, amid the
wintry storms we were treated to, two pairs of Golden-eye
appeared and stayed till 8th June, raising hopes that they
might breed, though in the absence of trees they would have
had to exercise their wits to find suitable nesting-holes. They
were composed of two females, a fine drake in full plumage,
and a sombre-coloured one of the same sex with white spot but
faintly marked.

LonG-TAILED Duck, Harelda glacialis, Linn.—This duck is not
common off these coasts during the summer. A pair in full
summer plumage were seen out at sea on 8th June.

214 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ScoTER, Gidemza nigra, Linn.—A pair were seen in the same locality,
namely, an inlet of the sea, on two occasions, 20th and 25th
June. It is quite possible that they were breeding, but no
further evidence came to light. The record of this species
remaining in summer is, I believe, new.

LANDRAIL, Crex pratensis, Bech.—On their arrival in May, before
the grass and rushes have grown tall enough, these birds may
be seen skulking about in the open anxiously searching for
cover. When thus exposed they are constantly mobbed by
Common Gulls. On 23rd June we found a nest containing
eleven eggs in a small tuft of rushes in the middle of a bare
field. Onone occasion, after an extra heavy shower, we almost
succeeded in catching a Landrail whose wings had become so
sodden that he was unable to fly.

RincGED PLOvER, “gialitis hiaticola, Linn.—Breeds in great
numbers on the sandy “machairs” amongst the growing oats.
So sorely are they harassed by the Common Gulls that it is
a puzzle to me how they manage to keep up their numbers.
These of all other eggs are the most palatable to these marauders.
The contents of no less than six nests were robbed in this way,
and only one pair of all those which came under our notice
managed to hatch off its young in safety. Owing to the in-
clement weather, no doubt, few complete clutches of eggs
were found, three being the full complement in several instances.
We found also that those nests in proximity to the Pewits
proved best, as the latter courageously and untiringly beat off
the Common Gulls, when engaged on their diurnal egg-hunt,
from their particular stretch of ground. Of the puny attacks
of the smaller species the Gulls appeared not to take the least
notice. In these parts it would appear, from an experience
during this and last season, that nesting is not commenced till
the end of May. Though one would think that the eggs laid
amongst their natural habitat, the shingle on the foreshore,
would fare better than those farther inland, this does not
appear to be the case, for in the latter instance as well they
disappeared with the greatest regularity. The peculiar flight
indulged in during the love season is remarkable, being more
owl- than plover-like, and while thus engaged their version of a
love-song, sounding like “‘pourt, pourt, pourt,” may be heard ;
often I observed them in their fervour chasing a Dunlin in mis-
take for their own mate. Owing, no doubt, to the constant dis-
turbance by herd boys and cattle, they were as difficult to
photograph as their nests. One in particular completely
defeated us, for she would observe the slight movement of the
string long before the shutter was released. The rapidity
with which a bird is able to receive an impression and act on

SOME BIRD NOTES FROM THE OUTER HEBRIDES 215

it, I think, is well shown by the fact that they are able to hear
the click of the shutter and fly off before the exposure is
completed—a period lasting but 34 of a second. While
conscious of being observed in the neighbourhood of her nest,
the hen bird would pretend to be feeding, apparently finding
a store of nourishment amid barren stones and sand, but in
reality keeping her weather-eye open in one direction. This
habit they share in common with other waders. The cock bird
mounted guard on a knoll overlooking the nest, and to him
the hen would run and hold a consultation when perplexed
as to the nature of the strange object. Once or twice she
behaved in an extraordinary way: under the eye of the camera
she would pluck a daisy and run away a short distance and
pretend to devour it, returning in a few seconds for another.
The nests when first found were mere hollows in the sand,
but as incubation commenced a lining of grasses, small stones,
and bits of shell was added, and in one instance the leaves of
the beautiful silver-weed, which grew around in great profusion.

(Zo be continued.)

PROSECUTION, UNDER THE WILD BIRDS TAGE

AT the Lerwick Sheriff Court on 8th July—before Sheriff
Broun—Major William Stirling, J.P., D.L., a Member of the
British Ornithologists’ Union, residing at Ord House, Muir-
of-Ord, near Dingwall, Ross-shire, and A. L. Jessop, Leasing-
ham, near Sleaford, Lincolnshire, were charged with having
on 3rd June, at a part of the island of Hascasay, in the
parish of Yell, Shetland, taken two eggs of the Great Skua
and four eggs of Richardson’s Skua.

The accused did not appear, and Mr. J. C. Grierson,
solicitor, acted as their agent.

Wm. Hoseason, son of James Hoseason, farmer, deponed
that his father was appointed by the Society for the Pro-
tection of Wild Birds to protect the scheduled eggs in the
islands. He (witness) was sent to Hascasay to watch that
no eggs were taken. On the 3rd of June he was in the house
on the island when two strangers came. They said they
were in search of eggs, but he told them they could not take
any as the eggs were protected. The men said they could
not understand that. They said they would have a look
round. He (witness) followed the men. They soon came to

216 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

a Great Skua’s nest on the east side of the island, and after
having a look at the eggs they all turned away. On the
way back one of the men said it was a great pity to leave
the eggs, but he (witness) told them that these eggs were
protected, and that if they took them they would have to
take the consequences. The two men then stood aside, and
spoke for a little, and then they said they would take the
eggs and stand the consequences. They afterwards took the
eggs. He (witness) did not know the gentlemen’s names at
the time, but he learned afterwards. They also took four of
the Richardson’s Skua’s eggs from the middle of the island.

The eggs were produced in court and were identified by
witness.

Mr. Grierson briefly addressed the Court. The offence
was not a serious one, he said, and the 41 for each egg
mentioned in the Order did not actually mean that the eggs
were worth that sum, and suggested that the eggs should not
be forfeited. If the Sheriff would not allow the men to keep
the eggs, perhaps he would agree to send them to Christ’s
Hospital, London, which school was very much interested in
ornithology.

The Sheriff sentenced accused to pay a fine of 41 for
each egg, jointly and severally, and the eggs to be forfeited.
One Great Skua’s egg, and two of the Richardson’s Skua’s
eggs, were to be sent to Christ’s Hospital, London, and the
remaining three to the Edinburgh Museum.

CENTROLOPAUS NIGER, (GNIBUIN, “ON ne
SCOTTISH COAST, WILH AS NOTE ON TONE
OR TWO VPOIN TSaIN. 1S 2S ae Wii WiRsBe

By Joun REnwniE, D.Sc.

IN the month of June in the present year I received from
Mr. Ewen, schoolmaster, Cullen, a fish regarding which he
supplied me with the following note: “It was caught in a
net among herring. The locality was a herring area called
by fishermen ‘Smith Bank,’ a sandy tract about 18 to 25
miles N.E. of Cullen. The skipper thinks it had been feed-

ee

CENTROLOPHUS NIGER ON THE SCOTTISH COAST 217

ing on young herring. None of them has ever seen such a
fish before.” This interesting find on examination proves to
be a specimen of a somewhat rare visitor to northern waters,
viz. Centrolophus niger, Gmelin, regarding which notes have
already been made in these “Annals.” It is generally
regarded as a Mediterranean fish; Regan (“ Ann. and Mag.
Nat. Hist.,” 1902, p. 195) gives its distribution as “ Mediter-
ranean and N. Atlantic.” According to Traquair, it has also
occurred in Ireland, and Jordan and Evermann record it
from Dennis, Mass., although Traquair throws doubt upon
the identity of the species in this latter case. The present
specimen is the fourth recorded from the east coast of Scot-
land ; three of these have been found between Lossiemouth
and Aberdeen, the fourth occurred in Largo Bay (see notes
in the “ Annals” for 1902 by Dr. Traquair and Mr. George
Sim). The earliest record is by Dr. Gordon in 1841.

In Dr. Traquair’s communication some particulars are
given as to dimensions, in which he notes in the proportions
of his specimen some differences from the current descriptions
and figures. Since the Cullen example proves on the whole
intermediate it may be of some value to record particularly
its more important characteristics.

Along the dorsal region the fish is a deep blue-black
colour; ventrally it is lighter, being of a greyish slaty blue.
This lighter colour is in part, however, due to the fish having
been immersed in spirit. The total length is 14.7 inches ;
the greatest depth, just in front of the anus, is about 3 inches.
It is thus contained) slightly less than five times in the total
length. Traquair’s specimen is stated to be in body depth
“slightly over four times in the total.” Regan gives the
depth of the body as about four times. From snout to
posterior margin of operculum this latest example measures
2.9 inches, almost exactly one-fifth of the total length.
This accords with the proportion given by both Gunther and
Day, viz. one in five. Traquair’s measurement is “ rather
less than one in five and ahalf.” Regan gives this dimension
as four and a third to five times, hence Traquair’s figure ex-
tends the range of variation of this dimension. The pectoral
fin measures 1.6 inches to the tip of the longest ray, giving a
proportion of rather more than half the length of the head.

218 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Traquair’s figure for this dimension is one-half, while Day’s
is two-thirds. There are 20 rays in the left fin and 21 in
the right. The caudal fin is 2.5 inches long, and is thus
practically one-sixth of the total. This is Traquair’s pro-
portion ; it is less than that of Cuvier and Valenciennes or
of Day. There are 38 dorsal and 22 ventral fin rays, but
no other specially distinctive external characters.

Mr. Sim in his note comments upon the cesophageal
pouches and speculates as to their function. These structures
appear to be characteristic of the Families Stromateide and
Tetragonuride, to the former of which Centrolophus belongs.
They are carefully described by Sim, who, however, omits to
note that the ridges which divide the pouches into compart-
ments are simply continuations of the cesophageal ridges.
They are here deeper, bridging over the cavity of the pouch,
and are fibrous in character. In their anterior parts these
ridges are very large, and project prominently into the lumen
of the gullet as expanded plates. The edges of the ridges as
well as of these plates are beset with numerous recurved
setiform spines, which, as Sim points out, are simple and not
barbed as stated by Gunther. As to the function of these
pouches, it may be of interest to note that I found their
cavities filled with a soft, creamy, pulpy substance similar to
the contents of the stomach and pyloric ceca. The only
difference observable was that the material in the latter
organs was in a more fluid condition ; it was, in fact, in a
further advanced stage of digestion. Remarkable as it
undoubtedly is, the facts seem to suggest that these fishes
reeurgitate their food ; and as these pouches are so very
thoroughly supplied with spines it seems possible that some
sort of rumination is indulged in. Certainly the substance in
the pouches had no resemblance to recently swallowed
material unacted upon. Boulenger states that the Stroma-
teidz feed on crustaceans, medusz, and the fry of other
fish; the circumstances under which this example was
caught suggest the last named at the time of capture, yet
there were no recognisable traces of herring fry, either in the
pouches or in the stomach.

NATURAL History DEPARTMENT,
THE UNIVERSITY, ABERDEEN,

SOME ARTHROSTRACA FROM ST. KILDA 219

SOME ARTHROSTRACA AND OTHER INVERTE-
BRATA FROM ST. KILDA.

By C. Gorpon Hewitt, M.Sc.

THE following list of certain invertebrates collected during
a month’s visit to St. Kilda, in July 1907, has been written
to assist in the completion of a fauna of that island. As
Mr. Waterston of Edinburgh has published one or two
short lists describing his collections of the previous year,
I shall only include in this short paper those species which
he has not already recorded, as repetition is both use-
less and confusing. <A list of the Coleoptera, together with
those collected by Mr. Waterston, is to be published by
Professor Hudson Beare ina separate paper. The following
list contains the Isopods and Amphipods, together with
certain Lepidoptera and Hydroids :—

ARTHROSTRACA.

AMPHIPODA.

Gammarus locusta, Fabr.—This species is common on the shore,
beneath the rocks.

G. pulex, Desm.—This is common in both streams, and occurs in
several of the wells.

Isopopa (Marine).

Eurydice pulchra, Leach.—This was common, swimming about in
the pools beneath the rocks on the shore.

Tdotea baltica, Pallas—These occurred in the same situations, and
were rather small specimens.

Jera marina, Fabr.—Under stones beneath the tide-marks. This
species has a wide distribution throughout the Atlantic coasts.

Ligia oceanica, 1..—-This species was interesting, as I found mature
specimens in the crevices of the rocks on the top of Ruadval,
almost 450 feet above sea-level. Its presence there, like that
of the littoral mollusc Li¢torina “ittorea, is explained by the
almost constant presence of spray from the Dun _ passage.
The largest specimens were below the normal size. I found
the young individuals on the stones between tide-marks.

220 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The fauna of the shore of Village Bay, which is practically
the only shore on the island, is very scanty. Crustacea are
almost absent except for a few small species. Not a single
species of decapod was seen. This scarcity of littoral
animal life is no doubt due to the powerful action of the
sea. A species of animal attaining any size would almost
certainly be crushed by the violent action of the boulders
which form the greater part of the shore.

Isopopa (Zerrestrial).

Ontscus asellus, L.—Common everywhere under stones. Its colour
varied from light brown to dark slate.

Trichoniscus pusillus, Brandt.—Fairly common near the shore and
on the slopes of Connacher and Mullach Mor where the
ground was damp. ‘The specimens were rather small.

Porcellio scaber, Latreille-—This is certainly by far the commonest
invertebrate in the island. It occurs in thousands under
stones and rubbish—in fact, everywhere from the seashore to
the top of the hills. As Sars states, this is the most widely
distributed species of the Oniscoidea.

LEPIDOPTERA.

Owing to the very bad state of the weather during the whole
of my visit, it was impossible to do much collecting of insects of
this order. About forty species were obtained, of which the follow-
ing are a few :—

Flepialus velleda,! Hb.—A large series of this species was collected,
as it showed great variations in size and colour. The variety
gallica also.

Melanchra thalassina, Rott.

Plusia tnterrogationis, ..—Obtained in the glen, where the larva
feeds on the heather (Ca//una).

Tephroclystis venosata, Fb.—This form was fairly common near the
shore, where the larva feeds on the white sea-campion.

Lfydriomena alchemillata, UL.
Xanthorhoe munitata, Hb.—The Shetland variety of this northern
form was obtained.

Lois rusticata, F.—This species was extremely abundant, being
by far the commonest moth at the time of my visit.

1 Mr. Waterston has already recorded this species (‘* Ann. Scot. Nat.
Hist.,” July 1906, p. 152).

SOME ARTHROSTRACA FROM ST. KILDA 221

I was interested to find among the large numbers of
specimens of Forficula auricularia, L., which occur on the
island, a number of the “high-males,” the forceps of some
of the specimens measuring .75 cms., while those of the
“low-males”” measured .3 cms.

COELENTERATA.
A few Hydroids were found on the rocks in Village Bay ; the
following species occur :—
Clava squamata, O. F. Miiller.—This was common,

Coryne pusilla, Gartner.—My friend Mr. F. H. Gravely, to whom I
showed these Hydroids, tells me that the specimens of this
species were remarkably stunted, having the hydrocauli very
much tangled; the perisarc also was less regularly annulated
than is usual.

Campanularia flexuosa, Hincks.

THE UNIVERSITY, MANCHESTER, August 1907.

HYMENOPTEROLOGICAL NOTES.
By P. CAMERON.

I—NOCTURNAL HYMENOPTERA.

THE Hymenoptera are, as regards the vast majority of the
species, light- and sun-loving insects. There are, however,
a few forms which are more or less nocturnal in their habits.
I am not now alluding to humble-bees (40702), which, during
warm and moonlight nights, may be seen actively collecting
honey or pollen, but to various species and even genera
of different tribes and families which apparently, to their
more or less nocturnal habits, have acquired a close identity
in coloration, as well as a peculiarity in their simple (ocelli)
and compound eyes. There may, of course, be exceptions,
but as a rule nocturnal Hymenoptera have their bodies of a
uniform fulvous or light brownish coloration, only slightly,
in some cases, marked with black. They have also their
eyes larger than is the case with most day-flying species ;
and, further, they approximate more to each other on the

222 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

top than is the case with species which are not known to fly
at night. Very noteworthy, also, is the fact that the ocelli,
in these nocturnal or quasi-nocturnal species, are much larger
than usual, as well as being of a light glassy brown colour.
As examples of these two peculiarities we have the Ichneumon
tribe Ophionini, eg. Ophion and its ally Enzscospilus, which
are well known to be attracted by artificial light at night, and I
have also seen Ofhion at “sugar” placed as bait for moths at
night. It is the same with the Panzscznz, which are identical
in coloration,—uniformly fulvous,—as well as the Braconid
tribe Zelecn?; e.g. I have known Zele to come to lamplight
at night. Then it is known that the large ants of the genus
Dorylus (all of them of a uniform fulvous colour) come to
light and have been seen flying at night in large numbers.
A correspondent sent me from Java a number of a large
species of Dorylus, which caused great alarm by flying in
huge numbers into the fire, besides hovering almost in clouds
round the lighted lamps. Then among bees we have the
large Indian Xylocopa rufescens, which has been found on
flowers at night; it is ofa uniform golden brown colour, and
its ocelli are larger than they are in most of its congeners.

From the fact that the ocelli are larger with the nocturnal
than they are with diurnal species, one might fairly conclude
that the simple eyes aid the compound ones in enabling the
insect to see better in darkness.

I].—MALPINE HYMENOPTERA.

The number of Scottish Alpine Hymenoptera, so far as I
know, is not large. Among the Saw-flies we have WVematus
breadalbanensis, Cam., which is found on the mountains (the
Breadalbane and Ben More, Mull) at a height of 3000 feet
and upwards ; JW. clibrichellus, Cam., which I captured on the
top of Ben Clibrich, Sutherlandshire (3180 feet). Probably
N. carinatus, HAtg., and WN. lativentris, Thoms., are also
Alpine species, having been found on the Braemar mountains,
but I have no note of the elevation at which they were taken.
Polyrhembra tenebriossa, Gr., 1 have taken on flowers ata
height of about 3000 feet on Ben Lawers; Phygadeuon
fumator, Gr., at 2000 feet, also on flowers. The curious

HYMENOPTEROLOGICAL NOTES 223

apterous Ichneumon, Ovesbius castaneus, Marsh., occurs on
mountain tops—on Goatfell, Arran and Gyrvel, Rannoch.
Among Alpine Ozyura we have Lygocerus breadalbanensts, K.,
and L. édzcolor, K., which I captured near the top of Ben
Lawers (about 3900 feet); and J/egaspilus mullensis, Cam.,
from Ben More, Mull. A very rare British Ichneumon,
Arenetra pilosella, Gr.,1 found in April near a snow-patch
half-way up Ben Lawers.

It need hardly be said that nearer the Equator //ymenop-
tera are more or less abundant at a much greater height
than they are in more northern regions. Thus at Simla,
Masuri, and elsewhere in the Himalayas A/ymenoptera are
common at a height of 6000 feet and upwards, as they are
also in the more southern parts of the Rocky Mountains.
Mr. Edward Whymper captured a few species of Wymenop-
tera, of both the aculeate and parasitic divisions of the
Order, in the Equatorial Andes at a height of from 12,000
to 13,300 feet (see his “ Travels amongst the Great Andes of
the Equator,” p. 356); those found at the latter elevation
being Ichneumons belonging to the J/chmeumontnt and
Paniscinz (cf. Cameron, “ The Entomologist,” 1908, pp. 95
and 160). The highest Hymenoptera of which I can find
any record are those mentioned by Hooker in his “‘ Himalayan
Journals,” 2nd ed., vol. ii. p.146. There we read: “ At nearly
17,000 feet I passed two small lakes, on the banks of one of
which I found bees, a May-fly, and gnat.”’ The bees prob-
ably were either Bomdbz or belonging to the genus Axdrena,
both being not uncommon at high elevations in the Himalayas,
as they are in northern latitudes.

LAO ROTAA BORUS SICA. Suen, ey
NEW: LO THE OBRITISE LIST

By Percy H. Grimsuaw, F.E.S.

ON the oth July of the: present. year my friend) Mr
A. E. J. Carter found a single male /Vydrotea sitting on a
leaf at Comrie in Perthshire. He noted that it bore some
resemblance to fZ. curvzpes, but in certain points did not

224 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

agree with the published descriptions of that species. Upon
his return to Edinburgh Mr. Carter brought the specimen
to me, and upon examination it proved to be an interest-
ing addition to the British list, namely, the little-known
H. borussica, first described by Stein in the “ Entomologische
Nachrichten,” Jahrg. xxv. (1899), p. 23, and more fully
afterwards in his monograph of the genus published in
the “Verhandlungen der k.k. zool.-bot. Gesellsch. Wien,
Jahrg. 1903, pp. 334-335:

At first sight A. bdorusstca may be distinguished from
H. curvipes by its darker colour, the thorax having a
decidedly blackish tint with hardly any trace of longitudinal
stripes. The yellow markings on the abdomen are some-
what darker, and restricted to the two basal segments, while
in the better-known species this colour extends over part or
the whole of the third. The wings are also much clearer in
the present specimen, although Stein’s description says they
are conspicuously tinged with yellow.

The bristle arrangement on the legs is of the same
general character, but there are several important differences
which afford at once a safe and ready means of separating
the two species. The following characters, belonging to
H. borussica, will serve to show how it may be dis-
tinguished from H. curvipes: the front tibie are less deeply
excavated, and with the long postero-ventral hairs only
extending along the apical third; the middle femora have
about five postero-ventral blunt spines, which are confined
to the basal third, whereas in 7. curvzpes there are on this
surface only 3 to 4, which are more widely spaced and occupy
the mzddle third ; the middle tibiz are furnished at the tip
with two very long fine antero-dorsal hairs which are absent
in the other species; the hind tibia are bent much as in
H. curvipes, but with more than the apical half thickened—on
the ventral surface at the middle is a very characteristic
short row of about 12 to 15 long and strong bristles which
do not converge at the apex, but whose ends are tortuous, the
whole forming a band easily visible to the naked eye and
occupying about the middle sixth of the tibia, the dorsal
surface with a row of long fine bristles occupying about the
basal half.

HYDROT-ZA BORUSSICA, A FLY NEW TO BRITISH LIST 225

The female of this interesting species is as yet unknown.
The male has only been found, so far as I am aware, in
Russia and Eastern Prussia.

THE ROYAL SCOTTISH MUSEUM, EDINBURGH,
25th September 1907.

A NEW LOUSE (4 4MATOPINUS OVILLUS,
NEUM.) FROM THE SHEEP.

By Witi1am Evans, F.R.S.E.

IN the spring of last year (1906), when collecting material
for a list of the parasitic Hemiptera of this district, I
obtained, through the kindness of Mr. W. F. Little, a
number of small brownish Anoplura taken from the face of
a sheep of the “ Black-faced”” breed at Crosswood, Pentland
Hills, Midlothian. The date on which they were taken was
the 30th of April, and I was informed that this louse is
common in spring on the faces—especi-
ally about the cheeks—of sheep in that
part of the Pentlands.

That these lice belonged to the
well-known genus Hematopinus was
evident at a glance, but I could not
make them fit with any of the de-
scribed species, though it was clear
they were closely related to A. sten-
opsts, Burm., the louse of the goat.
Not being able to identify them, I sent
several examples to Professor L.-G.
Neumann of the Veterinary College,
Toulouse, for his opinion. He replied
that they undoubtedly belonged to a
new species, and that by an interesting
coincidence he had only a few weeks Qx 22
before received from New Zealand a
specimen of the same parasite found there on the face of a
sheep belonging to the “ Border-Leicester” breed, and had
written for further specimens to study before describing the

64 D

226 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

insect. These he has since received, and in May of the
present year I had a few more from Black-faced Sheep on
the western Pentlands.

Professor Neumann has now described this new species
of Anoplura, to which he has given the name of Hematopinus
ovillus, in the Revue Vétérinaire for August 1907, pp. 520-
524, where full particulars will be found. It is not.a little
remarkable that a parasite of so well known a domestic
animal as the sheep should have remained unknown to
science till now. No species of Hematopinus has hitherto
been recorded as occurring on the sheep. Doubtless
H. ovillus has reached New Zealand from this country by
importation on its host. The length of my specimens, one
of which is figured on p. 225, varies from 2 to 22 mm.

ADDITIONS AND "CORRECTIONS TO, DHE tOre-
GRAPHICAL -BORANY OF SCOTLAND:

By Jaws W; Eo ean 2AM, M.D. ERS ehok:s;
(Continued from No. 60, Oct. 1906, p. 233.)

GRAMINACEZ.

Panicum capillare, L., casual, in 83. P. Crus-galli, L., 83 cas.; P.
glabrum, Gaud., 83 cas.; P. miliaceum, L., 83 cas. ; LP. sanguin-
ale, L., 83 cas.

Setarta ttalica, Beauv., 83 cas. ; S. viridis, Beauv., 83 cas. ; S. glauca,
Beauv., 83 cas.

Cynodon Dactylon, Pers., 83 cas.

Phataris brachystachys, Link, 83 cas.; 2. canartensis, L., 83, 84, 93 ;
P. cerulescens, Desf., 83 cas.; P. intermedia, Bosc., 83 cas. ;
P. paradoxa, L., 83 cas. ; P. minor, Retz, 83 cas. ; P. tuberosa,
lL. 82 (cas:

Alopecurus myosuroides, Huds., 83 cas.

Phleum asperum, Jacq., 83 cas.; 2. Bohmert, Wibel, 83 cas.; P.
echinatum, Host., 83 cas.; P. grecum, Boiss. and Heldr., 83
cas.; P. Micheliz, All., 83 cas.; P. tenue, Schrad., 83 cas.

Agrostis canina, Z., 81; z.e. from all the vice-counties. var. scotica,
Hackel, 105.

A. palustris, Zds., 80 ; z.e. from all the vice-counties ; va. maritima,
Mey., 106; var. coarctata, Hoffm., 94, 106, 107.

TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY OF SCOTLAND 227

A. vulgaris, W7th. The form pumz/a has been recorded from 72,
TATE OO-OG, LOL, LO2, LOA rts.

A. elegans, Thore, 83 cas.

Polypogon monspeliensis, Desf., 83 cas.; 2. maritimus, Willd.,
83 cas.

Gastridium australe, Beauv., 83 cas.

Apera Spica-venti, Beauv., 93 frequent cas. ; A. ¢xtermedia, Hackel,
83 Cas.

Ammophila arundinacea, /Zos¢., 84, 103.

Lagurus ovatus, L., 83 cas.

Deschampsia alpina, Roem. and Schult:, 100, 102, 105, 106.

D. discolor, Roem. and Schult., go confirmed, 93.

D. flexuosa, 77iz., var. montana, Hook. f,, 106, 108.

Trisetum pratense, Pers., 110; I have no record of this for 74.
T. pumilum, Kunth, 83 cas.

Avena pratensis, Z., 111?; var. longifolia (Parn.), 94, 98.

A. strigosa, Schreb., 83, 93, 108; A. fatua, L., 108; A. barbata,
Brot, 53: cas. > A. ste7zis, L., 83, cas.

Gaudinia fragilis, Beauv., casual 83, 92.

. Phragmites communis, 7727., All.

Cynosurus echinatus, L., 83 cas.

Molinia varia, Schranck, 78, t.e. in all the vice-counties.

var. depauperata (Zzvd/.) has been recorded from a number
of vice-counties, and probably may be found where the
plant grows on poor open moorlands and other suitable
localities.

Eragrostis major, Host, 83 cas.

Keeleria cristata, ers. Under this name records stand for all the
vice-counties except 76, 77? 78, S84, 105, 108+, 112; but a
critical examination of examples from Scotland by Dr. Domin
has shown the following results :—

K. glauca, DC., subsp. arenaria, Dumort., 85, 90, 95, 106,
107.

K. britannica, Domzn. (probably a subspecies of K. gracilis,
Fers.), is the common plant in Scotland, though as yet
recorded only from 83, 90, 92, 94, 95, 96, 109, III.

K. phleoides, Pers., 83 cas.

Catabrosa aquatica, Beauv., 105 ; var. littoralis, Parn., 103.

Dactylis hispanica, Roth., 83 cas.

Lchinaria capitata, Desf., 83 cas.

Briza media, Z., 99; B. minor, L., casual, 83, 92; &. maxima, L.,
casual, 83, 92, 93.

Wangenheimia disticha, Mcench., 83 cas.

Poa annua, Z., vay. supina, Gaud., 106; P. bulbosa, L., 83 cas.

Poa glauca, Sm., 89, 108.

P. Balfouri, Parnell, 92, 97, 106.

228 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

iP nemoralis, Z., 74, $2, 84, °85, 932, TO7, 10S: var. “divaticata,
Syme, 94, (delete 92); var. glaucantha, Rezchb., 98, 108.

P. compressa, Z., 85 confirmed, 92 7 ?

P-Ghaixt, Vill., 83.

P. pratensis, Z., 107, ze. in all the vice-counties ; var. sub-czerulea
(Sm.), 81, 96, 97.

P. palustris, L., 83 cas.; P. persica, Trin., 83 cas.

P. trivialis, Z., 107 ; z.e. in all the vice-counties.

P. bulbosa, L., var. vivipara, 83 cas.

Glyceria fluitans, #. 57, 84; ze. in all the vice-counties; var.
triticea, 77., 90.

G. plicata, 77, 74, 76, 90, 91, 92, 94, 108, 111 confirmed ; var.
pedicellata (Zowns.), 111 ; var. declinata (Gré.), 92, 94, 96,
IOo.

G. aquatica, Sw., 82, 91, 93, 94, 101, (delete 74).

G. distans, Wahlend., 84, 106.

Sclerochloa dura, Beauv., 83 cas.

S. procumbens, Beauv. (=Festuca procumbens, Awnth); almost
certainly not native in Scotland, 83 cas., 91, 92 (plentiful in
1906 along N. bank of new channel of River Dee at Aberdeen).

Festuca rottbeellioides, Awnth., 72; #: uniglumis, Soland., casual in
83 and 92.

F. Myuros, L., 83 cas.

. sciuroides, Aoth., 79.

. ovina, Z., var. paludosa (Gaud.), 105, 106.

. rubra, Z., has no record for 80; var. grandiflora, Hacke/, go.

. sylvatica, V2//., 93.

F. elatior, Z., has no record for 80; var. pratensis, Auds., 74, 84,
93, 95-

EF. ciliata, Pers., 83 cas.; F: gustica, Bertol., casual 83, 92.

Bromus giganteus, Z., 97.

B. erectus, Huds., 72, 73; 3B. madritensis, L., 92 cas.

B. racemosus, Z., 80, 85, 91, 93, 9473; B. commutatus, Schrad.,
107.

B. mollis, Z., vay. glabratus, Ded/., 75°; var. Lloydianus, Syme, 73.

B. Alopecuros, Poir., 83 cas.; B. arvensis, L., 83 cas.; B. divari-
catus, Rhode, 83 cas.; &. znermis, Leys., 85 cas.; B. japonicus,

. Thunb., 83 cas. ; &. macrostachys, Desf., 83 cas.

B. patulus, Mert, and Koch., 83 cas.; B. rigidus, Roth., 83 cas. ;
B. scoparius, L., 83 cas.; B. secalinus, L., var. velutinus (Schrad.),
83 cas., 85 cas.

B. squarrosus, Vs., casual 983; (925-8. ecloru mi, We es eas ede
wntolordes, A.B.K., frequent casual, 83, 84, 92.

Brachypodium distachyon, Reem, and Schult., casual in 83 and 92.

Lolium rigidum, Gaud., 83 cas.; L. temulentum, Z., 83 cas., 93 cas.

Psilurus nardotdes, Trin., 83 cas.

he} Fe} bj by

TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY OF SCOTLAND 229

Agropyrum caninum, Z., 84.

A. repens, Z., var., Leersianum, Gray, common, 81, 93, 94, 95,
96, 98, 106.

_ A. pungens (?) Rem. and Schilt., 93.

A. acutum, Rem. and Schult. 75, 90, 102, 103.

A. junceum, Beauv., 82, 84.

A. triticeum, J. Geertn., 83 cas.

i gilops cylindrica, Host., 83 cas.; 4. ovata, L., 83 cas.; &.
peregrina, Wackel, 83 cas.; @. speltowdes, Tausch., var.
Aucheri (Boiss.), 83 cas.; 4. triaristata, Willd., 83 cas. ;
LE, triuncialis, L., 83 cas.

Hordeum murinum, Z., 747.

H. marinum, uds., 83 cas., 842, 92 frequent cas.

fT. bulbosum, L., 83 cas.; H. jubatum, L., 83 cas.; H. europaeum,
All., 83 cas.; A. sylvaticum, Huds., 83 cas.

fT, Caput-Meduse, Cosson, casual in 83 and 92.

Elymus arenarius, Z., 84; £. szbiricus, L., casual in 83 and 85.

GYMNOSPERMS.
CONIFER.

Juniperus communis, Z., 79?; var. intermedia, Vyman, 108.
J. nana, Wil/d., 93.
Taxus baccata, Z., 84, 937.

CRYPTOGAMS.
FILICEs.

Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, S7z., (dedete 112).

Cryptogramme crispa, 2. Br, 94.

Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, Z., vay. Serpentini, Koch., 94.

As richomanes, /., 112.

A. Ruta-muraria, Z., 112; var. pseudo-germanicum, JZz/de, 89.

Athyrium alpestre, J/7/de, 105, 106.

Cystopteris fragilis, Lernh., var. dentata, Hook., 93, 943; var. sem-
pervirens, 92.

Polystichum lobatum, Pres/., var. aculeatum, Syme, 79.

Lastrea Filix-mas, Z., var. abbreviata, Badb., 106.

L. spinulosa, Pres/., 79, 81, 94.

L. dilatata, PresZ., var. collina, Moore, 111.

Phegopteris Dryopteris, /ée, 110.

P. polypodioides, Fé, 93.

Ophioglossum vulgatum, Z., 94.

Botrychium Lunaria, Z., vay. incisum, AZi/de, Pentland Hills.

230 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

EQUISETACE.

Equisetum maximum, Zam., 34.

E. arvense, Z., var. alpestre, Wahlenb., 72°; var. nemorosum,
Braun, 106.

E, sylvaticum, Z., var. capillare ({offm.), 92, 107.

E. palustre, Z., vay. polystachyum, 93 ; var. nudum, /Vewm., 111.

E. limosum, S., var. fluviatile (Z.), 73.

E. hyemale, Z., 97.

E. variegatum, Sch/ezch, 104, 108, 110; var. arenarium, /Vewm., 106.

LYCOPODIACE.

Lycopodium Selago, Z., var. recurvum, Desv., 106.
L. inundatum, Z., 97.
L. annotinum, Z., 96, 106.
L. alpinum, Z., var. decipiens, Syme, 106.
Isoetes lacustris, Z., 98, 102 (Lightfoot).
I. echinospora, Dur., 112.
CHARACES.
Chara fragilis, Desv., 81, 93; var. capillacea, Coss. and G., 73;
gar, delicatula, A: 67.5 03, 105.
C. aspera, Will/d., 81, 93 ; var. desmacantha, #7. and /. Groves, 111.
C. baltica, Bruzel, 111.
Cyhispida, -2.,°80, 152; 35,02. 10G:
Cyvulganis, 2216 5,503-
Nitella translucens, Agardh, 74, 85.
N. opaca, Agardh, 94.

SUPPEENENT,

While these “ Additions and Corrections” have been in
course of publication, various papers and short notes have
been published in botanical journals, and other information
has also been acquired. Such additional information as
came to hand in time has been included in these additions ;
but a good many notes relate to species in families already
passed. As it appears desirable to make this record as far
as possible complete, up to this date (July 1907), these are
given as a supplementary list below.

~ RANUNCULACEZ.
Adonis autumnalis, L., 83 cas.
Ranunculus circinatus, Szb¢h., 92.
R. trichophyllus, Chaix. Delete 112.
R. Drouettii, Godr., 112 confirmed.

Se —

TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY OF SCOTLAND 231

R. scoticus, Marshall, 94.

R. sardous, Crantz, 102.

R. trilobus, L., 83 cas.

Caltha radicans, Forster, 94.

Delphinium Consolida, V.., D. divaricatum, Ledeb., D. hybridum,
Steph., and D. pubescens, DC. ; all casuals in 83.

LEranthis hyemalts, Salisb., 85.

PAPAVERACEA.

Papaver hybridum, L., and P. nudicaule, L., casuals in 83.
Argemone mexicana, L.., 83 cas.

CRUCIFERA.
Arabis hirsuta, Scop., 99.
Cardamine pratensis, Z., var. dentata, Hayne and Welw., 94.
(Alyssum maritimum, L., said to have been found in gt or 92.)
A. incanum, Z., var. viride, Zausch., 83 cas.
Cochlearia alpina, Wats., go.
flesperis laciniata, All., 83 cas.
Stsymbrium orientale, L., 83 cas.
Brassica subularia, Brot., 83 cas.
Lberis sempervirens, L., 92 Cas.
Carrichtera Vella, DC., 83 cas.
Chorispora syriaca, Boiss., and C. tenella, DC., casuals in 83.

RESEDACE.

Reseda crispata, Link., 83 cas.

VIOLACE.

Viola lutea, Huds., var. amcena (Symons), 94.

POLYGALACE.

Polygala oxyptera, Rezchend., 102.

CARYOPHYLLACEZ.
Velezia rigida, L., 83 cas.
Dianthus barbatus, L., 83 cas.
Gypsophila paniculata, L., 83 cas.
Saponaria officinalis, L., 81.
Silene conica, Z., 33 cas.
S. dichotoma, Ehrh., 94.
S. anglica, Z., and var. guznguevulnera, L., S. juvenalis, Del., and
S. rubella, L., casuals in 83.
Cerastium triviale, Zz7k., var. holosteoides, #7, 112 (Fair Isle).

232 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

C. alpinum, Z., var. pubescens, Syme, 94.
C. hirsutum, Tenore, 92 cas.

Flolosteum umbellatum, 1.., 83 cas.

Sagina Reutert, Boiss., 83 cas.

S. apetala, Z., 103.

Stergula vulgaris, Boenn., 112 (Fair Isle).

PORTULACACE.

Claytonia virginica, L., 83 cas.

ELATINACE.

Elatine hexandra, DC., 103.

MALVACE#.
Althea rosea, Cav., 83 cas.
Lavatera punctata, All., 83 cas.
Malva moschata, Z., 84 cas.; JZ. borealis, Wallm., 83 cas.

LINACE.

Linum usitatissimum, V., casual in 81, 92, 93; L. angustifolium,
Huds., LZ. grandifiorum, Desf., and L. perenne, L., casuals in
83.

GERANIACE.

Geranium lucidum, Z., 94.

G. Robertianum, Z., vav. modestum, /ord., 94.

G. reflexum, L., 83 cas.

Erodium cicutarium, Z’ e777, 112.

E. maritimum, ZL’ /eriz., 83 cas.

Oxalis Acetosella, Z., 112.-

O. stricta, L., 83 cas. To this name must be transferred the records
formerly given under O. corniculata, in accordance with the
fact that these names have been transposed in English floras.

Impatiens Roylei, Walp., casual in 83, 92, and no doubt elsewhere.

Limnanthes Douglasit, R. Br., 83 cas.

AMPELIDACEZ.,

Vitis vinifera, L. Seedlings may often be found in numbers on
rubbish heaps near towns, ¢.g. in 83 and g2, no doubt from
refuse of fruiterers’ shops; but they seldom grow to more than
a foot or so in height, or survive more than one winter.

(Zo be continued.)

ee

ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 233

ON, THE FLORA, OF SHETREAND:

By WitiiaAmM H. Beesy, F.L.S.
(Continued from p. 169.)

*Rhinanthus grenlandicus, Chabert.—Mr. C. H. Ostenfeld, who
has had great facilities for the study of the arctic and boreal
forms, has kindly named my plants (conf. also Ostenfeld’s
“Phanerogameze and Pteridophyta of the Faroes,” p. 51). U.
Cliffs north of Saxa Vord. S. By Burga Water and on holm
in the same loch. *var. Drwmmond-Hayi (B. White).—N.
Hillside, Benegarth, North Roe. The Burga Water plant is
“exactly the plant of the Faroes”; this, the large form, is
rather less scarce than the variety.

Luphrasia.—A detailed account of the species must be deferred,
but the following are the forms so far detected :—£. dorealis,
Towns. ; £. scottica, Wetest; E£. Foulaensis, Towns. ; £. curta,
Fr. £. curta f. piccola, Towns.

Statice maritima, Mill, *var. plantfolia (Syme).—U. Hill of Hamar,
near Baltasound. N. Rocks on the east side of Sand Voe.—
I have had the Unst plant in cultivation, side by side with
the type, since 1898 ; in addition to the recorded characters,
I may mention that under these equal conditions the variety
flowers about three weeks earlier than the type.

Plantago lanceolata, ..—D. A curious proliferous form occurred near
Spiggie, with heads recalling the ‘ Hen-and-chickens” daisy,
the central head being small, and surrounded by numerous
very small heads on long stalks proceeding from below the
base of the main head. The plants (2) were seen two years
in succession. *var. depressa, Rostr. (‘‘Flo. Danica,” tab.
3008).—U. Sea-sands, Sandwick. N. Hillside, Benegarth.
L. Scalloway. D. In many places. Chiefly on sand, but
not confined to it. Leaves very broad, which is the chief
characteristic. Doubtless it is the plant recorded as P. media
by Edmondston. Mr. Ostenfeld writes of the Unst plant—
“Just the same form that E. Rostrup named var. depressa.”

Atriplex hastata, L.—U. A common weed at Baltasound.

*A. laciniata, L.—D. Some half-dozen plants on a sandbank near
Clayval (1899). Next year I visited the spot again, but
found the A/rflex and all the other low-growing plants buried
under an additional foot or two of sand, above which the tops
of Psamma arenaria just showed. Doubtless the plant occurs

234 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

in other places on the adjacent coast, which affords many
suitable habitats.

* Salix Caprea, L.—S. Almost covering two small holms in the
middle of Mousa Vord Loch, to which, so far as known, it is
now entirely confined. This is a puzzling form, owing to the
young branches being pubescent, and to the leaves having a
tendency to be somewhat obovate. The Rev. E. F. Linton
was at first disposed to consider it a hybrid between S. Cafrea
and one of the other Caprvee, but on my explaining that it was
the only Sax occurring either on or near the holms, he referred
it to S. Caprea, informing me that sometimes in very exposed
situations in the north, the branchlets have a tendency to be-
come pubescent. I have a tree in the garden which I believe
to have been grown from a cutting of the Mousa Vord plant.
I omitted to label it, so cannot be quite positive; but I do
not myself feel much doubt, as I have never brought into this
garden any other willow of any sort whatever, and as I know
of no S. Caprea in the near vicinity, it is unlikely to have
originated from wind-borne seed. Mr. C. H. Ostenfeld con-
siders the Mousa Vord plant a large-leaved form of S. cnerea,
but in this opinion I am unable to concur; partly because my
large series of Surrey Capre@, which has been criticised by both
F. B. White and E. F. Linton, shows one or two plants with
leaves having an obovate tendency, as well as one plant from
dry sand on the middle of Bagshot Heath with much more
pubescent twigs than the Shetland plant, but chiefly because
the clothing of the under side of the leaf is to my eye that of
S. Caprea and not S. cinerea. Mr. Ostenfeld agrees that the
garden plant is S. Capvea.

* Betula alba, 1..—Recorded by T. Edmondston in a list of Shetland
plants contributed to “Ann. and Mag. of Nat. Hist.,” 1841 ;
also by him in the same year in the “ New Stat. Account of
Scotland.” The Shetland volume of the latter work contains a
chapter entitled ‘“ General Observations on the County,” by Dr.
Laurence Edmondston, father of the botanist. Dr. Edmondston,
who was himself a naturalist, confirms the occurrence of the
birch in these words—“ No indigenous trees are to be seen, if
we except a few dwarf bushes of birch, willow, and mountain
ash,” The fact that Edmondston omits the birch from his
Flora is of no moment; he also omits sundry quite common
plants such as Lotus corniculatus, Galium Aparine, Lobelia
Dortmanna, actually recorded by himself in his lists published
a few years earlier! It may be mentioned that in the north
part of Northmaven there is a loch called “ Birka Water,”
while in the south part of the same parish there is a ward hill
called “ Birka Vird”; but whether the birch still lingers in

ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 235

Shetland is at present uncertain. I accept the record on the
authority of Dr. Laurence Edmondston. I have good specimens
of branches and stem from the peat, kindly sent me by Mr.
William J. Gordon, Yell.

[ Alnus glutinosa, Gaert.— Hazel, mountain ash, and elder shrubs are
found in the mountains,”’—Rev. James Gordon, in “Stat.
Account of Scotland,” (North Yell and Fetlar) 1794.—Mr.
Symers M. Macvicar, to whom I am indebted for extracts from
the old “Statistical Account,” suggests that “elder” is a mis-
print for ‘‘alder.” This I think very likely, for it is pretty sure
that elder bushes never grew “in the mountains” in Shetland.
Roots from the peat in North Roe have been referred
doubtfully to Alnus. The only tree I have seen is by the
side of the inn at Tresta, where many plants both native and

’ exotic have been gathered together in the unusually sheltered
garden, by a former proprietor. I have not ascertained the
origin of the tree, which is a fine healthy specimen some
twenty feet high. ]

*Corylus Avellana, L.—Yell. ‘“Hazels . . . are found in the
mountains.” Rey. James Gordon, Z¢, 1794. Delting.—
“The mountain ash or rowan tree, the hazel, the honeysuckle,
the hip brier, and willow, are natives in many of the islets or
holms in the freshwater lochs.” Rey. John Bryden in ‘‘ New
Stat. Account,” 1841. I regard this evidence as satisfactory
considering the nature of the plant. As it occurred on the
holms, there is no particular reason to suppose that it has
become extinct. The nuts are found from time to time in the
peat.

Lotamogeton polygontfolius, Pour., form cancellatus, Fryer.—This is
the name that has been given to the remarkable form, found
in the Burn of Brooster, near Walls. (Scot. Nat.,” January
1891.)

P. vaginatus, Turcz.—L. Tingwall Loch, 1887. This plant, the
exact name of which has been somewhat doubtful, is now
definitely identified by Mr. Arthur Bennett (“J. of Bot.,”
May 1907). It also occurs in Asta Loch, which drains out of
Tingwall Loch. The plant which occurs abundantly in Spiggie
Loch, Dunrossness, is probably the same; but in the absence
of fruit, or more developed specimens, Mr. Bennett is unable
to speak with certainty. As a British plant, it is confined
to Shetland.

Iris Pseud-acorus, L.—All the plants examined, in various districts,
belong to Z. acoriformis, Boreau. '

*Carex glauca x flava——S. Holm in a small tarn on Gibbie Law’s
Burn. This plant, which appeared to me to be a hybrid, is

236 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

thought by Mr. Ostenfeld to probably originate as above.
Mr. Ostenfeld added, that C. Hornschuchiana might be the
second parent if it occurred. This sedge does not, however,
occur on the holm, which is a very small one, and I have not
seen it growing near.

*C. vestcaria, L.—S. Abundant in drains running into the west end
of Grasswater, near Bridge of Walls.

* Triticum junceum x repens.—U. Sea-sands, Norwick.—N. Head of
Sand Voe. Abundant in both places. Mr. Ostenfeld con-
firms the name.

“Asplenium Ruta-murarta, L.—S. On several groups of rocks
about the north Loch of Hostigates.

“A. Trichomanes, L.—S. Sparingly on rocks, west above Hamari
Water. Very sparingly on a ledge of rocks, above the south
side of the North Voe of Clousta.

folypodium Phegopteris, L.—N. Exposed ledge of rock at the
N.W. corner of the Bjorgs of Skelberry, alt. c. 550 feet.—
Conf.

Osmunda regalis, L.—S. South Loch of Hostigates ; Burga Water ;
Flatpunds Loch; Galta Water. On holms in the above lochs,
abundant on most. By Hostigates I found two seedlings
respectively $ inch and 14 inch high. ‘These were half-buried
among large stones, and had so far escaped the sheep. ‘The
fern fruits very freely, and myriads of spores must be drifted
ashore every year, but no plants are seen on the shores of the
lochs. —Conf.

“Tsoétes echinospora, Dur.—S. Culeryn; Burga Water; Kirkiegarth
and Bardaster Lochs, Walls, and in several other lochs.
Apparently common in this district.

Lsoétes lacustris, L.—The spores of this species are covered with
thin ridges, or plates, not tubercles. All our books describe
them wrongly, down to the last edition of Babington. They
are correctly described in the Scandinavian Floras. See Blytt,
“Norges Flora” ; and Lange, ‘‘ Danske Flora.”

THe FRESH-WATER Houtms.-—The examination of the Holms
which are scattered over so many of the fresh-water lochs has
especially attracted my attention during recent years, although
comparatively few of them have actually been visited. Whether
regarded as the final refuges of some species no longer known in
Shetland beyond their confines, or as enabling us to conjure up a
picture of Shetland loch-side vegetation, as it was before the advent
of the sheep, these holms demand our serious consideration ; and
until they have been more fully investigated it cannot be claimed

ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 237

that our knowledge of the Shetland Flora approaches completeness.
As recorded above, Sa/zx Caprea is entirely confined to two small
holms in the middle of Mousa Vord Loch; Vzcia sepium is
practically extinct, except on various holms on which it flourishes ;
while Osmunda regalis luxuriates on the holms in some four or five
different lochs, and doubtless on others, but is no longer found
on their shores. It may be worth while to try to give a rough
picture of the vegetation on some of these holms. Burga-water.—
As one approaches the green holm at the north end of this loch,
from the south, one sees a thick belt of Osmunda surrounding a
third or more of the islet; mixed with it grow Spir@a Ulmaria
and other common species, while over all trail festoons of Vicia
sepium and Lathyrus pratensis; behind this belt are considerable
thickets of Salzx aurita, while in the open grassy spots between
the thickets are found RAznanthus granlandicus, Hieracium crocatum,
and other interesting plants; the northern part of the holm is
sterile, and is covered with a dense growth of Luzula sylvatica
almost to the exclusion of any other plants. Hostigates.—The
small holm in the south loch contains large clumps of Osmunda mixed
with other ferns and common plants, as well as well-grown examples
of Pyrus Aucuparia; these last, however, are not so fine as those
on the holm in the adjacent north loch, where they reach a height
of some six feet. Hamari-water.—The holm in this loch is
particularly interesting. A bank along one side was covered with
Rosa glauca and Lonicera Periclymenum, both flowering profusely ;
among and below them common ferns luxuriate, and below these
Spirea, Caltha, etc. ; while in the dryer parts Wreraciwm strictum is
plentiful, as well as Salix aurita, S. repens, and various other plants.
At the farther end I came upon a little forest of miniature rowan
trees, most of them perfectly symmetrical little trees, covered with
flowers and fruit, but none of them over four feet in height! One
tree a little under four feet bore between thirty and forty bunches
of withered flowers and half-ripe fruit ; the lowest branches sprang
from the main stem only some three or four inches from the soil,
and were borne down and touching the ground with the weight of
the fruit. Nowhere else have I seen, in the wild state, plants that
so nearly approach the dwarfed Japanese trees with which we are
now familiar. Unfortunately, I had no camera with me; but when
at Clousta some few years later, I made a special visit to Hamari-
water for the purpose of photographing the little forest. After
wading across to the holm, I was surprised to find that there were
no rowan-trees to be seen ; eventually, however, I recognised them
in a number of dead-looking sticks, some bearing one leaf, some
two or three, but no sign of flower or fruit. On getting back to
Clousta at night, I learned that there had been an exceptionally
severe snow-storm with biting north-east wind at the end of May

238 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

or beginning of June, and this no doubt accounted for the disaster.
The incident well exemplifies the precariousness of the seasons in
Shetland. Mousa Vord.—The two holms in the middle of this
loch are practically one, being connected by a ridge of rocks a little
below the surface. The soil is poor, and owing to this and to the
greater part of their area being covered by the thickets of Salix
Caprea, the flora is very scanty indeed. The following is a list of
all the plants seen on these holms :—

Ranunculus acris. Rumex Acetosa.
- repens. ay 2acetosellar
Caltha palustris. Salix Caprea.

a », subsp. radicans. | Luzula sylvatica.
Cardamine pratensis. Anthoxanthum odoratum.
Cerastium triviale. Agrostis alba.

Sagina procumbens. Holcus lanatus.
Spiraea Ulmaria. Poa pratensis.
Geum rivale. ,», trivialis.
Angelica sylvestris. Festuca rubra.

From these few observations on the flora of the holms I think
one may safely surmise what the loch-side vegetation was like in
the olden time a thousand years ago. While now little meets the
eye but the eternally recurring prospect of undulating purple-brown
heather-clad hills stretching right down to the margin of the loch
basin, with rarely a shrub to break the monotony, there would then
have been the pleasant relief of a broad margin of greenery round
many of the lochs ; first, a belt of Osmunda and other ferns, as well
as many other herbaceous species ; behind these thickets of wild
roses and honeysuckle, or of several species of willow, with small
trees of mountain ash and sometimes birch interspersed. This
vegetation would extend some little way up the ravines and gullies,
while the lower slopes of the hills themselves would be dotted over
with shrubs of one sort or another; so that the ancient landscape
must have been far more diversified and pleasing to the eye than
the present often somewhat dreary aspect. So far as the herbaceous
plants are concerned, the sheep, and to a lesser degree the ponies
and cattle, are responsible for the change that has been wrought ;
but in the case of the trees and shrubs the hand of man has been
a potent influence, ‘‘for a shrub of the size of a walking-stick, a
flail tree, or a fishing-rod, would prove a temptation too strong for
the moral courage of a Shetlander to resist.”1 Then much brush-
wood was no doubt cut for firing, while the sheep, again, have put
the finishing touch by nibbling off any seedlings as fast as they
spring up and so destroying all chance of renovation.

As an illustration of another phase of vegetation in Shetland I

1 Rev. John Bryden, Zc.

ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 239

give a list of the plants seen growing on the turf roof of a byre at
the croft of Setter, near Walls.

Cardamine pratensis. Galeopsis Tetrahit.
Cerastium triviale. Rumex Acetosella.
. tetrandum, Juncus supinus.
Stellaria media. 5, bufonius,
Sagina procumbens. »» | squarrosus.
Potentilla silvestris. Agrostis vulgaris.
Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Aira flexuosa.
Galium saxatile. »» preecox.
Scabiosa Succisa. Poa annua.
Solidago Virga-aurea. »» pratensis.

Leontodon autumnalis.

I may add, in conclusion, that the few observations on
the scenery past and present apply more particularly to the
peat and heather tracts. On the limestone, clay-slate, etc.,
where the hills are clothed chiefly with coarse grasses, the
general coloration is of course much brighter; but there is
the same monotony as regards trees and shrubs. At the
same time one often comes across charming burn-side fore-
ground studies, while the grandeur of the coast scenery
alone more than compensates for any shortcomings that
some may find in the inland landscape.

THAMES DITTON, J7/ay 1907.

A CONLERIBUTION TO. A FLORAVOR SE, BIEDAY
BEING WAY (LIST OF CERGAIN 2 EI@ rian:
MOSSES, HEPATICAL AND, FRESHWATER

A GAE,
By C. Gorpvon Hewitt, M.Sc.

DURING the visit to St. Kilda, in July 1906, which I made
in order to study the insect fauna of that isolated volcanic
rock, I also collected a few lichens, alge, and bryophytes,
with the hope of assisting in the completion of the flora
of that island, as these groups had not been studied to my
knowledge.

The lichens were kindly identified by my friend Dr. O. V.

240 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Darbishire, the rest by Mr. H. Murray of the Manchester
Museum, to both of whom I wish to express my thanks.

The following list is not supposed to be by any means
complete, and any one making a closer study of the lower
orders of plants would be well rewarded.

ALG&.

Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum, Kutz., var. cortwosum.

Tetraspora gelatinosa, Desv.—On JVardia, also in damp places on
Armeria maritima.
HEPATIC.

Metzgeria furcata (L.), Raddi.
Nardia compressa (Hook.), G. and Benn.—On rocks in bed of stream.

Chiloscyphus polyanthus (L.), Dum.—This interesting form almost
fills the ‘‘ Well of Virtues” at the bottom of the glen.

Muscl.
Mnium hornum, ..—On the top of Connacher.
Pterygophyllum lucens, Brid.—In damp places.

Fissidens adiantoides, Hedw.—In moist situations.

LICHENS.
Cladonia uncialis, Hffm.

Cladonta, sp.

C. furcata, Hffm.

C. rangiferina, Ny).
Ramatina farinacea (L.), Ach.
R. polymorpha, Ach.
Parmelia saxatilis (L.), Ach.
P. oltvacea, L.

Ricasolia amplissima, Scop.—This usually lignicolous species was
found on rocks of Mullach of Bich, and Cairn Mor.

R. lete-virens (Lightft.), Nyl.—On the cliffs of Ruadval.
Peltigera canina, L.—On the rocks of the cleits. |
P. horizontals, L. |
Physcia aquila.—Ach.

Xanthoria parietina, L.

Placodium, sp.

Se

os

A CONTRIBUTION TO A FLORA OF ST. KILDA 241

Pannaria plumbea, Lightft—On Ruadval.

Ochrolechia parella (L.), Mass.

Acarospora fuscata (Schrad.), Th. Fr.—On the rocks of cleits.
Biatora lucida (Ach.), Th. Fr.—On the rocks of cleits.

Rhizocarpon geographicum (1..), Dl.—On the rocks of cleits.

The orchis O. maculata which occurs on thebanks of
the stream interested me during my visit. It is usually
pollinated by bees, but as no bees have yet been discovered
in St. Kilda, the flowers of that island have to depend on
other insects for pollination. Quite accidentally one morning
a dipterous fly, an Anthomyia, I believe, settled on my
hand ; upon its head I noticed two pollinia of O. maculata,
but before I was able to capture it, it flew away. O. maculata
is no doubt dependent on the visits of flower-haunting flies
and other insects in this island, where the hum of the bee
has not yet been heard.

THE UNIVERSITY, MANCHESTER, August 1907.

REE. NOMENCLATURE OF BRIDISH PLANTS:

By GEoRGE CLARIDGE Druce, M.A., F.L.S.

IN my paper on the “ Nomenclature of British Plants” which
appeared in the “Annals” for October 1906, but which
unfortunately I had no opportunity of seeing in proof, so
that numerous misprints occur, I made some suggestions of
a tentative nature as to certain changes which, if the Vienna
“ Actes” were followed, might have to be made in the
names of our British plants. These were based upon the
arrangement and limitations of Bentham and MHooker’s
“Genera Plantarum.” In 1907 Rendle and Britten issued a
“List of British Seed-Plants and Ferns,” in which the compilers
adopt the sequence and generic limitations of Groves’s edition
of “ Babington’s Manual of British Botany,” which differs con-
siderably from those used by Bentham and Hooker.

In this List about seventy of the names suggested by
me in the foregoing paper are also used, so that, working
independently, it is pleasing to find that agreement in the

64 E

242 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

majority of cases is obtained. Erwin Janchen of Vienna,
an enthusiastic worker at nomenclature, has also published
a list of alterations which are necessitated in Fritsch’s “ Ex-
kursion Flora” of Austria, and also adopts a considerable
number of the foregoing names. He also chooses the
following names suggested by me in the “ Annals” which
are not used by Rendle and Britten: Calamagrostis canescens,
Phragmites vulgaris, Bromus hordeaceus, Polygonatum odor-
atum, and Crepis mollis. With regard to one of these, Poly-
gonatum odoratum, doubts have been expressed as to whether
Convallaria odorata, Miller, means our Polygonatum officinale,
or rather refers to a form of P. multzflorum. If that be
so, then our Polygonatum should be called Polygonatum
angulosum (Lam.), since Convallaria angulosa, Lam., “FI. Fr.,”
iii, 268 (1778), is earlier than 7%. offeznale, Alliom, “FU
Reda) 1 3ici jos):

The genus Lrythrea must be replaced by Centaurium,
Miller, “ British Herbal,’ 1756, p. 625; and our plants are
C. umbellatum, Gilib. (Erythrea Centaurium), C. vulgare, Rafn.
(E. littoralis), C. latifolium (Sm.), C. pulchellum, Druce, and
C. capitatum, Rendle and Britten, as Cextaurzon capitatum.

Danaa cornubtense replaces Physospermum cornubiense
according to Dr. Janchen. Carex Hostiana, DC., has pre-
cedence over C. Hornschuchiana, Hoppe. ; and we must read
Alnus rotundifolia, Miller, vice A. glutinosa, Gaertn. ; and Dr.
Janchen gives good reason for rejecting Helzanthemum
marifolium, Miller, in favour of H. canum, Baumg.—it is the
Cistus canus, L., 1753. Coronopus verrucarius, M. and T.,
replaces C. procumbens, Gilib. /nula squarrosa, Bernh., must be
substituted for 7. Cozyza, DC. ; and Dr. Janchen uses Matrz-
caria suaveolens, Buchenau, instead of JZ. dzscotdea, DC.
Taraxacum vulgare, Schrank, precedes 7. officenale, Wigg. ;
and Dr. Janchen uses Hzeracium lanceolatum, Vill.,instead of H.
strictum, Fries.! Rendle and Britten correct me in showing that
Nymphotdes orbiculata, Gilib., must be written lV. peltatum,
Rendl. and Brit. since pe/tatum was the oldest specific name.
Other corrections made by them are of Sz/ene venosa, Gilib.,
which they suggest should be S. /atzfolia (Mill.), R. and B. ;
and if S. Zatzfolia, Poiret, is not valid, then that must be so,

1 The Rev. W. R. Linton does not agree to this, but retains A. stréctum, Fr.

THE NOMENCLATURE OF BRITISH PLANTS 243

although Schinz and Thellung, in “Bull. Herb. Boiss.,” p. 506,
reject this and some other names, which they term “tot-
geboren.” In this particular instance they use Sz/ene vulgarzs,
Moench, but I should prefer to follow the plan followed by
Rendle and Britten in using the earliest specific name, even
if it had not been generally adopted. Statzce Armeria, L.,—
it should be S. sarztezma, Mill.—is not British, nor are Rumex
aqguaticus, L., and Carex vettlis, Fries. Valerianella rimosa,
Bast., is older than V. Aurecula, DC. Cephalanthera Dama-
sonium (Mill.) is rejected by Rendle and Britten in favour of
C. grandifiora, S. F. Gray, but with this I do not concur. Two
obvious errors in my paper are Polygonum sagittatum, Gilib.,
which was a misprint for Hagopyrum sagittatum, Gilib. (it is
correctly given on p. 218); the other is Hordeum bulbosum,
L., which was a lapsus calami for H. nodosum, L.

H. Schinz and A. Thellung in “Bull. Herb. Boiss.,” Zc, also
adopt some names used by me in the “Annals” instead of
those used in Rendle and Britten’s List, eg. Ranunculus
Jeniculaceus, Gilib., instead of R. devarzcatus, Schrank, and
Galium hercynicum, Weig., instead of G. saxatile, L.

I cannot follow Rendle and Britten in using the name
Myosotis scorpiotdes, L., for MW. palustris ; but on the contrary,
following the English custom, since the var. a in the “ Species
Plantarum,” of JZ. scorpiozdes, L., is arvenszs (if this name be
retained), I should write WZ. scorpiozdes, L., vice M. arvensis.
There is also this advantage, that in rejecting MW. arvensis,
Hill, we get rid of a most ambiguous name, since it was
partly, if not wholly, 1/7. versecolor. M. palustris, Hill, was
the Water Forget-me-not, and is well defined. To go into a
detailed criticism of the “ Plant List” would now take up too
much space and time, but one may point out that Oxonds
reclinata is wrongly omitted and Ophzoglossum lusitanicum
wrongly included. Only those who have worked at the
subject know how extremely difficult it is; to prepare a list
without errors is well-nigh impossible, and even then the
names selected may, according to the standpoint adopted, be
rejected for several reasons. This much may be said, that
Britten and Rendle, Janchen, and Schinz and Thellung still
differ widely in their choice of names. The latter authors, I
think correctly, use Aradzs scabra, All., instead of A. stricta

244 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Huds., and write Ludvzgza, L., rather than Ludwzgza, and
Evonymus, L., instead of Huonymus. They also use Potentilla
Tabernemontanz, Asch., instead of P. verna, L.; but the older
name is P. mznxor, Gilib., although that perhaps is used in an
ageregate sense. They are correct in using P. erecta, Hampe,
instead of P. sylvestris, Neck., which Rendle and Britten
employ, and also show that if Galzwm sylvestre, Pollich, is to
be rejected, it must be called G. asperum, Schreber, and
not G. umbellatum, Lam.; but I have yet to be convinced
that G. sylvestre, Scop., is a Galzwim—the description does not
suggest it, and no one, I believe, has yet identified it. They
also point out that the authority of Avagalles tenella is Murray
and not Lightfoot, and that Scrophularia alata, Gilib., has
priority over S. wmbrosa, Dum. We are also indebted to
them for vindicating the use of the name Veronzca Tournefortiz,
Gmelin, instead of V. Buabaumi. F. W. Schmidt used V.
Tourneforti in 1791, but it is a synonym of V. pectenata ;
therefore V. Zournefortiz, Gmel., 1805, is available, and pre-
cedes V. Buxbaumzi,Ten. They also reject Mr. Robinson’s re-
versal of the names of Oxzales stricta and O. corniculata. Dr.
Janchen tells me that the Orchzs montana, Schmidt, 1794, was
only a large form of Habenaria bifolia and not the plant
familiar to us as 1. chlorantha, Bab. Since there is an earlier
H. chlorantha than that of Babington it would appear that
we must use //. virescens (Zollik) for that species, since
Zollik’s specific name vzrescens dates from Gaudin’s “ Flora
Helvetica” (1829) and is therefore earlier than 1. chloroleuca,
Ridley. The Continental authorities chiefly use Platanthera
for the generic name instead of Hadenarza. The wider
question of the advisability of following the Vienna “ Actes”
when they depart from the Rule of Priority must not be
touched on here, although it demands most serious attention,
and I for one cannot assent to such an unfair and illogical
practice.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

Mr. Norman B. Kinnear.—Our friend and valued contributor,
Mr. Norman B. Kinnear, has been offered, and has accepted, the
Keepership of the Museum of the Bombay Natural History Society,

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 245

and will proceed to India in October to take up the appointment.
The Society was founded in 1883, and now its members number
some 1200, resident in all parts of Indiaand Burma. By the excel-
lence of its work and the value of its publications it has become one
of the leading societies of its kind in the East, and has earned and
received the generous recognition of the Government of Bombay.
During the quarter of a century it has existed the Society has amassed
very considerable and valuable collections from all parts of the Indian
Empire. Mr. Kinnear, who is a keen and promising zoologist, is a
great-grandson of that distinguished naturalist, the late Sir William
Jardine, Bart.

The Editors of the “Annals,” while much regretting the loss
Scottish Natural History sustains, extend to Mr. Kinnear their best
wishes for a career of usefulness and distinction in his new sphere
of activity.

Hedgehog in Argyll.—In view of the remarks on this subject
in Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Buckley’s “Vertebrate Fauna of
Argyll and the Inner Hebrides ” (1892), the following extracts from
my diary during a visit to Ballachulish in 1893 may be of some
interest as supplementing the occurrences which have since been
recorded in this Magazine (see “ Annals,” 1901, p. 233; and 1902,
pp. 50 and 117). “29th August.—Mrs. Campbell” (wife of Dr.
Campbell, who was, I believe, lessee of the Ballachulish quarries)
“showed me a Hedgehog found by her gardener on the hillside
near their house.” “ 1s¢ September.—I saw the gardener, who stated
that it was the first he had seen in the locality, and that a man at
the quarries said he had not heard of one being seen in the neigh-
bourhood for quite ten years. On the same day we saw a Mole.”
—A. HoLtTrE MacpHerson, London, W.

Great Grey Seal in the Firth of Forth.—Perhaps it might
interest your readers to know that on the afternoon of 27th July
I saw, in the bay to the north-west of Rossend Castle, Burntisland,
a Great Grey Seal (Halicherus gryphus). Ut was not over 60 yards
from the shore, and I could quite easily identify it by its size, shape
of the head and neck, and grey colour of the skin. It came up
twice, and I had it under observation on its reappearance the
second time very particularly. Being seated in the 1.35 train from
Edinburgh, which had only drawn up waiting the signal to enter
Burntisland Station, I had no opportunity of seeing where it
eventually went to. I pointed it out to the occupants of the
carriage, and they remarked on its large size. Being a native of
the county of Orkney, and thus quite familiar with the appearance
of these seals in the water, I had not the slightest hesitation in
identifying the animal. Is not this a rather unusual occurrence
in a busy waterway like the Forth ?—F. SEaTrer.

246 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Interesting Birds at Fair Isle. —I have just returned from a five
weeks’ residence on Fair Isle, where in the course of my investiga-
tions I witnessed the passage movements of no less than 82 species
of migratory birds. Among the birds observed were several species
of special interest (some of them being new to Scotland), and these I
propose to mention in this preliminary note, reserving full parti-
culars for a future contribution on the results of the year’s observa-
tions. The rarer species that came under my notice during September
and the early days of October were—Black-throated Chat (Saxzcola
occidentalis), Black-headed Bunting (Zmdberiza melanocephala), Grey-
headed Wagtail (AZotacilla viridis), Red-breasted Flycatcher (JZusce-
capa parva), Greater Redpoll (Acanthis rostrata), Ortolan Bunting
(Eméeriza hortulana), Lapland Bunting (Catarius lapponicus),
and Hoopoe (Upupa epops).—W™n. EAGLE CLARKE.

Peculiar Blackbird’s Eggs and their Significanee.—The
following record relating to several peculiar clutches of Blackbird’s
eggs seems to prove that, in cases where the eggs of birds of one
species are subject to variation, each individual female of that
species lays year after year eggs similar in colour and markings.

Early in April 1903 I found a Blackbird’s nest containing three
pure blue eggs, but these were taken before the clutch was complete.

On roth April 1905, within a few yards of the same spot, I
again found a Blackbird’s nest, presumably belonging to the same
bird, as it contained two pure blue eggs and a third of ordinary
Blackbird’s-egg type. This nest was also robbed before the clutch
was complete, but by 26th April a new nest had been constructed
close by the old one, and two eggs had .been laid, both pure blue
in colour. On 3oth April, when I again looked at the nest, the
bird was sitting closely on a clutch of three eggs, one of which,
the last laid, was of ordinary markings. Again the nest was robbed,
and again, on 1oth May, I found the bird sitting on another nest,
which contained a clutch of eggs similar to that found on 30th April.

The next nestful of these peculiar eggs which I found was dis-
covered on 8th April 1906, and consisted of two unspotted eggs:
on goth April the number remained the same, but a pure blue egg
was found on the ground a few yards away; this egg I placed in
the nest, which, however, proved to be deserted.

This year I did not find the unspotted Blackbird’s eggs until
28th June, when I found a deserted clutch in a nest built about
50 yards from the former sites. This clutch consisted of five
eggs: four blue and unspotted, and the fifth of ordinary markings.

It is, of course, impossible to prove from the above scanty
observations that all these nests belonged to the same pair of birds ;
yet, as, with the exception of the 1907 nest, all were built within
a space of about roo square yards, it is quite probable that
they did.

ale i gt i eh ee

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 247

A gardener who had been at work near the last-mentioned nest
declared to me that it belonged to a pair of birds of which the
male was a pied specimen, as he had several times seen the bird
near the nest ; but as the nest was deserted when I first saw it, and
the eggs were taken two days later, I was unable to make any
personal observations on this point. If the gardener’s statement
could but be satisfactorily proven, it would form a record of unusual
interest.—WILLIAM BINNIE, Aberdeen.

Unusual Situation of Willow-Wren’s Nest.—During the past
nesting-season I came across a Willow-Wren’s nest in a very unex-
pected position, viz. on the extremity of the drooping branch of
a spruce, fully nine feet above the ground. ‘The locality in which
this nest was found is a rather damp, low-lying patch of woodland ;
which fact, in conjunction with the inclemency of the season, may
account for,the bird’s unusual choice of a nesting-place.—S. FE.
Brock, Kirkliston.

Redstart in Mull.—In regard to the distribution of the Red-
start (Aeuticilla pPhenicurus) in the Hebrides, it should, in view of
doubts to the contrary, be stated tnat in this portion of the Inner
Hebrides the species is a fairly common summer visitor.—
D. Macpona.p, Tobermory.

Pied Flycatcher in Ayrshire.—I think it may interest you to
know that we have had a Pied Flycatcher (AZuscicapa atricapilla)
breeding here. The nest was in a small hollow on the bole of an
old acacia tree about 4 feet from the ground. The young birds
were hatched out all right, and all seemed to be going well, when
either the bird itself or another started to build a second nest on
the top of them, and they were all smothered—a catastrophe I
cannot account for.—Mary Younc, Glendoune.

Great Spotted Woodpecker nesting in Perthshire.—In con-
nection with the extension of range of this species as a native bird
in Scotland, which is being discussed in the pages of the ‘ Annals,”
it will be of interest to record that I have received reliable informa-
tion of its nesting both at Crieff and Drumtochty in May last.—
Mary BeEprorpD, Meikleour, Perthshire.

Great Spotted Woodpecker nesting near Callander, Perth-
shire.—This spring my daughter discovered that we had the Great
Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major) in this neighbourhood.
In June she watched a pair of these birds carrying lichens in their
beaks and depositing them in a small hole in an alder, so that
there can be no doubt they are nesting with us.—J. B. BaiLure
HamiLton, Callander.

Albino Shag in Mull.—On r4th and 15th June I visited a bird
colony established within recent years at Rhu-na-Caillich, in the
extreme N.W. of Mull. While there I was assured by Mr. Alex.

248 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Mitchell, lessee of the salmon fishings, that a wholly white Shag
(Phalacrocorax graculus) was seen near there a few days previous to
my visit. On 18th July I was informed by four Staffa boatmen
that they had that morning passed close to a Shag which was com-
pletely white. All my informants were unanimous that the bird was
a Shag, and that a similarly coloured bird had never before been
observed by them.—D. Macpona.p, Tobermory.

Little Bittern in Inverness-shire.—It may be of interest to
your readers to know that I found a Little Bittern (A7detta minuta),
a female, at Lentran station, six miles from Inverness, on the gth
of June. The bird was alive, but one wing was broken, it having
evidently come in contact with the telegraph wires.—Wwm. MILNE,
Inverness.

[The Little Bittern is of rare occurrence in Scotland, and has
not hitherto been known to visit the Moray area.—Eps. |

Nesting of the Quail in East Lothian.—Learning that a strange
note had been repeatedly heard by the field-workers at Saltoun East
Mains farm on 3rd June in the young corn and grass fields, I
went out on the morning of 5th and heard the unmistakable
dactylic cry of the Quail (Coturnix coturnix). There seemed.to be
three calling males in the grass field that day. After this the call
was heard almost daily in four different fields for at least a fortnight.
I managed to see a bird once, in a spot where the hay grew thinly,
and another time I surprised one feeding in the middle of the road,
as I came along quietly on my bicycle. Its alarm cry was exactly
like that of a partridge, though not quite so strong. ‘The hay-field
where I first heard the birds calling was cut on 17th July, but in
spite of vigilance and precautions following on my interest in the
matter, the nest was not found till the horse-rakes had dragged a
great swathe of hay over it. I found one egg close beside the
empty nest, and other five some ten yards off, all broken, containing
chicks on which the down had begun to form. Possibly there had
been more eggs than these, but I could only find the six.—H. N.
Bonar, Saltoun.

[Introduced Quails were put down in Stirlingshire, remained
some time, but disappeared.—J. A. H.-B.]

Garganey in Aberdeenshire.—On the roth of November 1906
we saw a Garganey (Querquedula circia) at the mouth of the Don.
It allowed us to get very close to it, and, although it kept itself
partially submerged while we were near it, we were able to identify
it by the light streak over the eye. We also found its footmarks
on the sand, and had a distant view of the whole bird before it swam
off and submerged itself. According to Mr. Sim, the only record
for this district was also for the autumn migration season (22nd
October 1898).—A. L. THomson and L. N. G. Ramsay,
Aberdeen.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 249

Tufted Duck nesting in West Lothian.—With reference to
Mr. Brock’s notice in the July number of the “ Annals,” I may
state that I have known the Tufted Duck to nest regularly in the
eastern portion of West Lothian during the last ten years.—BRUCE
CAMPBELL, Edinburgh.

Dotterel in Mull.—On the roth of May I accompanied a friend
in a climb to view the grand panorama to be seen from the summit
of one of the mountains of N.W. Mull. ‘The sight was very grand,
but to me a more interesting one was in store, for my eye caught
sight of a plover-liké bird, and within a few feet of it its brighter-
coloured mate—a pair of Dotterels (Zzdromias morinellus). We
had our binoculars, but there was little need for them, as the birds
were so confiding as to permit our approach to within ten yards of
them. During the hour we watched them they were engaged seek-
ing insects, which they found among the coarse herbage on the hill-
top. They were never more than a few yards apart while thus
engaged, as each bird would move three or four feet, pick up an
insect, stand for a second or two, and then repeat the process. I
visited the scene again on the 24th, but, as I expected, both birds
had taken their departure—D. Macpona_p, Tobermory.

Woodeoeks in Dumfriesshire.—Of recent years the nesting of
Woodcocks in this locality has become more and more frequent.
Their nests are to be found in woods and coverts, and in the spring
at twilight Woodcocks may be seen “roding” up and down the
sides and edges of the coverts. In June and July the broods, accom-
panied by their parents, may be flushed in the more open parts of
the woods. In August they seem to have left the woods and taken
refuge in the great stretches of bracken, which grows here in some
places to the height of four or five feet. Such patches of cover, if
near a wood, may be almost counted on to hold a Woodcock. This
season (1907) they have been more than usually plentiful, and already
(1st September) many have been shot. On 17th August five couple
were shot while walking up grouse. It was noticed that they were
usually flushed at the edge of a clump of brackens, and that where
one was flushed another Woodcock was nearly certain to be within
thirty yards; but never were two birds flushed at a time, so
close did they lie. When on the wing they flew ‘like owls,” in a
dull, heavy, direct way, very different from their autumnal zigzag flight
in the coverts. On three or four occasions we saw, say at a hundred
yards in front of us, one of these birds flutter up out of the
bracken and settle down again a few feet off. This happened
presumably when the bird wished to move and was unable to do so
on foot because of the too dense undergrowth of heather or dead
bracken. It would be interesting to know if this increase in numbers
of Woodcock is general throughout Scotland this season.—Hucu S.
GLADSTONE, Capenoch, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.

250 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Black-tailed Godwit in Barra.—On her return from the north
of the Long Island, Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford shot a
Black-tailed Godwit at Eoligary, Barra, which will be preserved and
find a resting-place in the collection of local birds formed by the
Messrs. MacGillivray of Eoligary. It was shot by her on 7th
September 1907. Her Grace perfectly identified the bird before it
was shot, and I am informed of the above facts by Mr. Wm.
MacGillivray zz @¢. toth September 1907, with the additional
information that so far as he, Mr. MacGillivray, is aware, ‘‘this is
the first record of the species for Barra.” —J. A. HARVIE-BRown.

Black-throated Diver on the Aberdeenshire Coast.—On the
3oth of January 1907 a Black-throated Diver (Colymdbus arcticus)
was shot at the mouth of the Don; it is now in Marischal College
Museum. Mr. Sim (“Vertebrate Fauna of Dee”) said in 1903
that he had had only one specimen through his hands in forty
years ; thus, although there has been another since, it seems to be
very rare in this district.—A. LANDSBOROUGH THomson, Aberdeen.

The House Cricket (Gry//us domesticus) in an old Quarry near
Edinburgh.—One associates the House Cricket so entirely with
ovens and fireplaces, that I was almost incredulous when my son
told me he heard dozens “chirping” in an old quarry west of
Slateford, near Edinburgh, on the evening of 25th June last. On
2oth July he heard them again, and this time brought home three
in support of his statement. I then visited the place myself, and
found the insects quite numerous, and at all stages from newly
hatched young to full-sized adults. They were living under a layer
of rubbish, including pieces of old furs, corsets, the stuffing of
chairs, tin cans, etc., that had been from time to time deposited in
the quarry.

No doubt the crickets have been introduced into the quarry
with some of the rubbish, and it will be interesting to see if the
colony survives the winter in the open.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.

False-Seorpions of the West of Scotland.—Since writing my
note for the July “ Annals” I have detected two other species in the
West of Scotland.

Chetridium museorum (Leach) has been obtained in the two
widely separated counties of Ayr and Ross. In the former county a
number of specimens were taken by myself in a meal-mill at Dalry
on 29th June, and in the latter a single adult was discovered by Mr.
G, A. White in a hay-barn at Balmacara on 26th August.

This species builds nests for the various purposes of moulting,
reproduction, and resting. But it differs to some extent in its re-
productive habits from our other Scottish species. Sometimes the
female follows the course adopted by Odzscam and Chthonius of shut-
ting herself inside her nest and retaining her embryo mass attached to

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 251

her genital pore during the period occupied by the embryonic
changes ; but at other times she apparently lays a few eggs inside a
nest and allows them to develop without her presence in the nest at
all. This latter method is so startling that I have diffidence in
publishing the fact; but in June 1905 I obtained such nests with
eggs in my own house in Edinburgh, and in the spring of 1907
Mr. G. A. Whyte obtained strongly confirmatory evidence by finding
nests containing several young that had attained their definitive
form and were unaccompanied by the female.

Chelifer rufeolus, Simon.—On 28th June I obtained three im-
mature individuals of this species—the first Scottish examples—from
a stable loft in Walls Street, Glasgow ; and in the month of August
Messrs. Whyte and I discovered it commonly at Balmacara, where
we took eighty specimens from a small byre. In the Glasgow stable
the moulting nests were found on wood and in a clotted mass of
straw ; and in the byre at Balmacara a female carrying her embryonic
mass was shaken out of some refuse on 24th August. The synonymy
of this species is not yet finally settled, and it is possible that in the
future another name will be substituted for that used here.

Two records made this summer of species already referred to in
the July “Annals” deserve notice. Chelifer cancroides (Linn.) has
been discovered in a second Glasgow stable ; and Od/stum maritimum,
Leach, has been obtained on the shore of Loch Duich, near
Balmacara.— ROBERT GODFREY.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Juneus balticus, W7//d., away from the Sea-Coast.—This
plant is given in works on the British flora as found ‘in sandy
places near the sea, or rarely by inland lakes.” The only locality
under the latter head is, or rather was, the Loch of Drum or Park
in the valley of the Dee, about twelve miles inland. It now seems
to be extinct at this place; at least it has not been found there for
some years. In August of this year, while residing at Aviemore in
East Inverness-shire, I walked from the railway station of Daviot by
Moy and Tomatin to Carr Bridge. Between the two last places the
road crosses a range of hills; and although it passes through a
ravine known as the Slochd Mor, it reaches a height of 1327 feet
above sea-level. Near a milestone marked “Carrbridge 64” miles,
where the altitude must approach 1300 feet, grow several clumps of
J. balticus. Two or three of these are some feet across, and of
vigorous growth, so that the conditions appear to be very favourable
despite the altitude and the distance from the sea-coast. Even the
upper end of the Moray Firth is nearly twenty miles away ; and the
open sea is considerably more distant.—James W. H. TRalt.

252 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Mite-Galls on the Beech (/agus sylvatica) in Seotland.—In
August I found in Rothiemurchus several forms of growth on the
leaves of beech trees, which were due to the action of microscopic
mites of the group £rzophyide, formerly known as Phytoptide.
The most frequent was the form once regarded as a fungus, under
the name of L77neum fagzneum, Persoon, consisting of patches on the
lower surface of the leaves covered with short clubbed hairs. I have
seen these patches in various parts of Scotland, from Dumfries north-
wards, but always of a pale colour, or at most becoming pale rusty
brown. The red variety, described from the Continent of Europe,
has not been seen by me in Scotland.

On a few trees in Rothiemurchus, and on one by the Findhorn
near Relugas, I met with leaves bearing similar pale hairs on the
upper surface in narrow belts along the chief veins, the so-called
Lrineum nervisequum, Kunze. These sometimes occurred on the
same leaves as £. fagineum, but usually there appeared to be
little connection between them. They are both attributed to
Lriophyes nervisequus, Can.

On a few other trees the leaves were still more markedly altered,
being thickened in texture, permanently folded along the veins, and
covered with hairs, which early become pale brown. The leaves
remain small and useless to the plant. Usually the two or three
terminal leaves of a shoot are entirely altered, while the lower ones
show no sign of injury. One or two trees showed many branches
affected, while others had few attacked. I have seen this gall only
rarely before in Aberdeenshire and Perthshire, and at Kew, near
London. All the examples that I have found have been dry and
vacated by the makers. It has been attributed to Zvzophyes stenasfts,
Nalepa ; but the gall characteristic of this mite is a rolling of the leaf-
margins into narrow tubes more or less filled with hairs, known as
Legnon circumscriptum, Bremi. ‘This latter gall I have found in
Dumfries and elsewhere in Scotland, but not frequently, and never
associated with the plicate leaves. I looked without success for the
rolled leaf-margins on the trees that bore the other form ; and I did
not see them in the valley of the Spey this autumn.

As the Beech is itself a comparatively recent introduction into
Scotland from the continent of Europe, its galls must have been
introduced with young trees.—James W. H. TRat.

Galled Flowers of Field Gentian (Gentiana campestris, L.).—I
had occasionally observed in former years distorted and swollen
flowers on the Gentian in the valley of the Dee, e.g. in Braemar and
near Dinnet, but had not had the fitting opportunity to examine
these closely, hence I was glad to use the opportunity to do so pre-
sented by finding such flowers rather plentifully in August in various
places in Rothiemurchus, in Abernethy, Cromdale, and elsewhere near
the Spey. The plants showed a tendency to be badly affected in

ee

ee

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 253

limited areas, and to remain free from the attack in other places a
little way off from infested spots. Only the flowers showed signs of
injury. They remained closed, but much swollen, and the purplish
colour of the corolla was often very evident, though in other
examples the green alone was visible. The parts of the flower
become much swollen, and so distorted as to be useless for their
proper functions, the stamens often bearing no pollen ; while the
ovary becomes inflated, and, bursting down one side, displays a
smaller flower of like structure, the ovary of which may show even
a third flower from its interior. Among the distorted organs of the
flowers were numbers of the cause of injury, the mite L7zophyes
Kerneri, Nalepan—James W. H. TRAIL,

A New Variety of the Lesser Broomrape (Ovobanche minor,
Sm.) in Seotland.—When in Scotland in August I had the pleasure
of finding near Cupar, Fife, some specimens of a very dark-coloured
Orobanche, which I could not name. I sent it to Mr. Claridge
Druce, who said he believed it to be an unusual variety of O. minor,
a plant very rarely found in Scotland,! and advised me to send it to
Professor Von Beck of Prague, who is writing a monograph on the
Orobanchacee. I did so, and I now forward a translation of the
Professor’s very interesting reply :—‘‘ Botanic Garden and Institute
of the Imperial German University, Prague, 4th September 1907.—
Honoured Madam—I thank you sincerely for your kindness in
sending the Ovobanche, which is indeed an unusual form of O. minor.
I had not seen it before, and I recognise it as forma conciliata,—
Corolla excepta basi alba amethystino-violacea, squamz calycis cum
cauli purpurascentes. It is very interesting that other Ovobanches
found in Scotland are also of a darker colour, as is the case with
O. rubra, Hook.” —M. C. Murray.

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural
History which have appeared during the Quarter—July-September 1907.

(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.

THE CRESTED TIT IN ScoTLanp. “Lichen Grey.” Zhe Field,
roth August 1907; P. 249.—A short article, describing the nesting
and other habits of the species, with a note on its distribution.

1 Only in Fifeshire (85), where it has been suggested that it was introduced
probably with agricultural seeds (Ed. ‘*‘ A.S.N.H.”).

254 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

NESTING OF THE SCOTER IN SUTHERLAND. C. H. T. White-
head. Zhe Meld, 13th July 1907, p. 53, and 31st August 1907, p.
435.—Nest with six young and two eggs found towards end of June
near the edge of an inland loch, and another brood a few days later
swimming with the mother in a small tarn.

SoME NOreEsS ON THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE “ DALE COLLECTION ”
oF BritisH INSECTS, NOW IN THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
(continued). James J. Walker, M.A., R.N., F.L.S. nt. Mo. Mag.,
July 1907, pp. 154-158.—Reference made to a series of Zygzena
exulans from Braemar; specimens of Sphinx pinastri taken by Dr.
Leach near Edinburgh and by Mr. Wilson, in 1818, in ‘“ Ravelston
Wood, near Edinburgh” ; and four examples of Sesia scolizeformis
from Rannoch.

NOTES ON THE GENUS CRYPTOPHAGUS, WITH A TABLE OF SPECIES.
Arthur J. Chitty. £z¢. Mo. Mag., July-August 1907, pp. 164-
171.—C. fumatus taken at Forres and C. cylindrus mentioned as
occurring in the North of Scotland.

ON THE BRACONIDOUS CRYPTOGASTRES. Claude Morley, F.E.S.
Entomologist, August 1907, pp. 179-184.—Acrogaster rufipes re-
corded from Aberdeenshire, and A. quadridentatus from Nairn.

HYPOPHYLLUS CRINIPES, STAEG., IN THE ForTH DistRICT.
A. E. J. Carter. Zz. Mo. Mag., July 1907, p. 160.—One male
and two females taken at Musselburgh.

On soME BriTisH Potyzoa. Canon A. M. Norman, M.A., etc.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist, September 1907, pp. 207-212,
plate ixx—Terebripora ditrupze, sf. 2., described from specimens
obtained off Shetland. Schizoporella alderi and Phylactella pygmza
are also recorded from Shetland.

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF A SUPPOSED AUSTRALASIAN HyDROID
(SERTULARIA ELONGATA) IN THE NorTH SEA. James Ritchie, M.A.,
B.Sc. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc., vol. xvii. No. 2 (March 1907), pp. 78-
80.—A cluster of colonies found in the net of a trawler which had
been working off the Shetland Isles and off Buchan Ness. The
author comes to the conclusion that the specimen drifted from an
Australasian, perhaps from a West Australian locality, to the spot
where it was picked up.

THE ATRACTYLIS COCCINEA OF T. S. WricHT. G.S. Russell,
M.A. Ann. and. Mag. Nat. Hist., July 1907, pp. 52-55, and
figure.—Redescribes the species, and refers to specimens obtained
in the Firths of Forth and Clyde.

History OF THE LocH-AN-EILEIN Ospreys. C. G. Cash.
Cairngorm Club Journal, July 1907, pp. 270-278.—Give chrono-
logical notes gathered from various sources and from _ personal
observations extending from the year 1804 to 1902. Information
regarding Loch Morlich, Glenmore, is also given.

CURRENT LITERATURE 255

BOTANY.

HYBRIDS AMONG BRITISH PHANEROGAMS. By Rev. E. F. Linton,
M.A. Journ. Bot., 1907, pp. 268-276, 296-304.—A catalogue with
notes of all known to the author. The ferns and allies are also
included, despite the title of the paper.

PLANTS OF E. PERTH AND S. ABERDEEN. By Rev. E. S.
Marshall, M.A., F.L.S., and W. A. Shoolbred, F.L.S. /ourn. Lot.,
1907, pp. 292-296.—Several new to each district are mentioned in
the critical genera, e.g., Hieracium.

On THE DISAPPEARANCE OF CryptoGaMic Puants. By A. R.
Horwood. Journ. Bot., 1907, pp. 334-339.—Relates to Leicester-
shire especially, but gives valuable notes on effects of industrial
works on these plants, the gases proving harmful.

Norres oN BritisH Hepatic&. By Symers M. Macvicar.
Journ. Bot., 1907, pp. 258-262.—Several species and varieties
discussed, either new to Britain or of critical importance.

New Loca.LitTies OF RaReE LicHENS. By A. Lorrain Smith.
Journ. Bot. 1907, p. 345.— Names Ffertusaria gyrocheila from
Harris and Ramalna Curnow from Lewis.

GALL FORMATION ON Ramatina. By A. Lorrain Smith. Journ.
Bot., 1907, pp. 344-345.—Thalli deformed and showing cavities
tenanted by mites. 2. cuspidata, var. crassa, from North-East
Scotland, is one of the forms named as bearing the galls.

BOOK NOTICES.

Tue LETTERS TO GILBERT WHITE OF SELBORNE FROM HIS
INTIMATE FRIEND AND CONTEMPORARY THE ReEv. JOHN MULSO.
Edited with Notes and Introduction by Rashleigh Holt-White, M.A.
London: R. H. Porter.

This volume contains a series of 229 letters addressed to
Gilbert White between the years 1744 and 1790. ‘That these should
have been carefully preserved by their distinguished recipient is no
small recommendation, and will appeal to many who revere all things
associated with White’s memory. The letters relate to a great
variety of subjects, many of them of current interest at the time
they were penned ; but it must be said that the allusions to natural
history are few and of little consequence. We are able to gather
from them, however, some knowledge of subjects and persons
in which White was evidently interested other than Natural
History and naturalists, and this is undoubtedly their chief value.
On the other hand, a perusal of them does not lead one to

256 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

form a high opinion of their author, but the fact remains that, what-
ever his faults, he was Gilbert White’s oldest and most intimate
friend, and one for whom he evidently had great regard. Mulso
seems to have been a far-seeing man, for, writing in 1776, he says
of the Natural History of Selborne: “ Your work, upon the whole,
will immortalize your place of abode as well as yourself, it will
correct men’s principles; and give health to those who chuse to
visit the scenes of Mr. Grimm’s pencil, in their original” : prophetic
words. The introduction affords information of interest anent
the Mulso family and the friendly relations existing between its
members and the Selborne naturalist.

REPORT ON THE IMMIGRATIONS OF SUMMER RESIDENTS IN
THE, SPRING OF 1906. By the Committee appointed by the British
Ornithologists’ Club. London: Witherby & Co., 1907. Price 6s.

This is the Second Report issued by the Committee, and like
the last deals solely with the arrival of Summer birds on the English
coasts, their dispersal to accustomed English nesting haunts, and their
passage movements to beyond the area, so far as it may be possible
to detect them. It contains a considerable amount of information
on the dates of arrival on great stretches of coast-line and from wide
inland areas, and may be studied with advantage in conjunction
with Mr. Paterson’s Report on the Scottish movements. As these
English investigations of the Club are still in their infancy, it would
be well to desist from drawing useless and misleading deductions
from the data at present obtained, and to reserve for some future
Report a final and authoritative pronouncement based upon the
necessary adequate material.

Tue Insect Hunter’s Companion. By the Rev. Joseph
Greene, M.A. Fifth edition, revised and extended by A. B. Farn.
London: West, Newman and Co., 1907. Price 1s. 6d. net.

This little book is an old friend in a new garb. The text is
practically the same as in the older editions, but the typography and
paper are improved, and the book is bound in a neat green gilt-
lettered cover. Although it was written so many years ago, we
venture to think that this little work will still hold its own amid the
many larger and more up-to-date handbooks. For the schoolboy
or novice it is an agreeable and useful fulfilment of its title, and can
be conveniently carried in the pocket and even taken into the field.

INDEX

Acherontia atropos in Roxburghshire
(Curr. Lit.), 58

Aculeate Hymenoptera in Perthshire
(Curr. Lit.), 58

Alien Plants, 37

ALSTON, CHARLES H., Probable occur-
rence of the Great Spotted Wood-
pecker in Loch Awe District, 182

ANDERSON, PETER, Rush of Golden
Plover at Tiree, 117 ; Swans in the
Outer Hebrides, 183

Anurida maritima and
(Curr) Lit. ); 124

Afpera intermedia as an Alien in Britain,
170

Arthrostraca, some, and other Inverte-
brates from St. Kilda, 219

Aspicilia Lilltec, a new species of
Lichen, 121, 125

Atractylis coccinea in Forth and Clyde
(Curr. Lit.), 254

its enemies

BARTHOLOMEW, JAMES, Pintail in
Clyde Area, 182

BAXTER, EVELYN V., and RINTOUL,
Leonora J., Albino Brambling in
Fife, 50

BEDFORD, Her Grace the Duchess of,
Great Spotted Woodpecker nest-
ing in Perthshire, 247

BEEBY, WILLIAM H., F.L.S., On the
Flora of Shetland, 164

BENNETT, ARTHUR, F.L.S., Butomus
umbellatus in Caithness, 103;
Potamogeton undulatus in Scot-
land, 104; Potamogeton Macvicarit,
106; The Plants of the Flannan
Islands, 187

BINNIE, WILLIAM, Peculiar Blackbird’s
Eggs and their Significance, 246

Bird-Life as observed at Skerryvore
Lighthouse, 20

Bird-Notes from Shetland, 49

Bird-Notes from North Shetland for
1906, 50

Bird-Notes from the Solway District, 112

64

Bird-Notes from Thornhill, Dumfries-
shire, 113

Birds added to Perth Museum, 184

Birds of Fair Isle in 1906, 65; in
1907, 245

Birds seen in Outer Hebrides during
the spring of 1906, 16, 81

Bittern, Little, in Inverness-shire, 248

BoNAR,, Rev. Hi, N.; B:Z:S:, Caper-
caillie in Midlothian, 51 ; Nesting
of Quail in East Lothian, 248

Book Notices :—Eggs of the Birds of
Europe, by H. E. Dresser, 60 ;
Cambridge Natural Flistory (Proto-
zoa, Porifera, Coelenterata, Cteno-
phora, Echinodermata), 61; The
Recreations of a Naturalist, by
James Edmund Harting, 62;
British Flowering Plants, and How
to Find and Name Wild Flowers,
63; I go a-walking through the
Woods and o’er the Moor, 64;
Ootheca Wolleyana, edited by
Alfred Newton, Part IV., 125;
The Aquatic Birds of Great Britain
and Ireland, by Prof. C. J. Patten,
126; A Natural History of British
Butterflies, by J. W. Tutt, 127;
The British Tunicates, by Alder
and Hancock, edited by John
Hopkinson, 128; Illustrated Hand-
book to the Perth Museum, by
Alex. M. Rodger, 128; The British
Warblers) | Panty bye dl.
Howard, 191; Bird-Life of the
Borders, by Abel Chapman, Io1 ;
European Animals: their Geo-
logical and Geographical Distribu-
tion, by R. F. Scharff, 192 ; The
Letters of John Mulso to Gilbert
White, edited by Rashleigh Holte-
White, 255; Report on the Im-
migration of Summer Residents in
1906, 256; The Insect Hunter’s
Companion, by the late Joseph
Green, 256

F

258 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Botanical Nomenclature, 55

Braconidous Cryptogastres,
(Curr. Lit.), 254

Brambling, Albino, in Fife, 50

Brambling in West Ross-shire, 114

Bream (Black Sea-) in the Firth of
Forth, 148

Brock, SyDNEY E., Tufted Duck in
West Lothian, 185 ; Unusual Situa-
tion of Willow Warbler’s Nest, 247

Broomrape, Lesser, New Variety of, 253

BUCHAN-HEPBURN, Sir A., Bart.,
Hawfinch in East Lothian, 181

Bunting, Rustic, in Aberdeenshire,
114

Bunting, Snow, nesting in Aberdeen-
shire, 115, 185

3uRN-MurbocH, A., Miiller’s Top-
knot in the Sound of Mull, 53

Butomus umbellatus in Caithness, 103

Scottish

CAMERON, PETER, On the Scottish
Species of Oxyura (Proctotrypidz),
31, 158; Scottish Cryptinze
(Ichneumonidz), 88 ; Hymenop-
terological Notes, 221

CAMPBELL, BrucE, White - beaked
Dolphin in the Firth of Forth, 65 ;
Tufted Duck nesting in West
Lothian, 249

Capercaillie in Midlothian, 51; in
Dumfriesshire, 52 ; in Moray, 52;
in the South of Scotland, 116

Capercaillie hen in male plumage, 117

Capercaillie and Willow Grouse in
Moray, 116

Carex muricata in North Aberdeen, 55

Carida affinis in Strathspey (Curr. Lit.),

Centrolophus niger on the Scottish
Coast, with note on points of
Structure, 216

Cherocampa celerio at Galashiels, 55

Chrysops sepulcralis at Aberfoyle, 54

CiarKE, E. T., Rustic Bunting in
Aberdeenshire, 114; Nesting of
Snow Bunting in Aberdeenshire,
115; Snowy Owl in Perthshire,
115; Hen Capercaillie in Male
Plumage, 117

CLARICn. WetAGIE BAR Sak Welenoss
Occurrence of the Siberian Chiff-
Chaff in Scotland: a new Bird to
the British Fanua, 15 ; Dotterel at
the Flannan Islands, 53; Birds of
Fair Isle in 1906, 66; Supposed
occurrence of the Yellow-shanked
Sandpiper near Hawick, 118;
Rare Birds at Fair Isle, 245

Coenogoniacez, British (Curr. Lit.), 59

Coleoptera in Inverness-shire (Curr.

Lit.) 58

Coleoptera in 1906 (Curr. Lit.), 123
Conodonts, occurrence of in S. Scot-
land (Curr. Lit.), 123

Copepoda, New and Rare Scottish
(Curr. Lit.), 124
CorBetT, Epwarp M., American

Wigeon in Benbecula, 116

Crabro carbonartus in S. Scotland (Curr.
Irie) Gye:

Crake, Spotted, in Lewis (Curr. Lit.),

Cricket, House, in old Quarry near

Edinburgh, 250

Crows, Hooded and Carrion, in Scot-
land (Curr. Lit.), 123

Crustacea of the Forth Area (Curr.
Lit.), 59

Cryptinze, Contribution towards Know-
ledge of Scottish, 88

Cryptophagus fumatus and C, cylindrus
in North of Scotland (Curr. Lit.),
254 4

Cystopteris fragilis, var. sempervirens
(Curr. Lit.), 59

DAVIDSON, JAMES, F.Z.S., Capercail-
lies in Moray, 52

DEWAR, THOMAS F., M.D., D.Sc.,
Lesser Whitethroat nesting in
“Tay,” 185

Dipper, early nest of (Curr. Lit.),
18

Diptera in Dumbartonshire in 1906
(Curr. Lit.), 190 ; in Scotland in
1906 (Curr. Lit.), 190

Diptera of St. Kilda, 150

Diver, Black - throated, on the Aber-
deenshire Coast, 250

Dolphin, Risso’s, in the Forth (Curr.
Texte) 122

Dolphin, White-beaked, in Firth of
Forth, 65

Dotterel at the Flannan Islands, 53 ;
in Mull, 249

Dragon-Fly Seasons of 190s and 1906
(Curr. Lit.), 124

Dragonet, Gemmous, in Shetland Seas,
186

Druce, G. CLaripGE, M.A., F.L.S.,
Notes on the Flora of Berwick-
shire, 96; Heeractum nigrescens,
var. commutatum, on Ben Heas-
garnich, Mid Perth, 122; Nom-
enclature of British Plants, 241

Duck, Tufted, in West Lothian, 185, 249

Eggs, peculiar Blackbird’s, and their
significance, 246

Empis hyalitennis in Dumbartonshire,
(Curr. Lit.), 57

Eristalis tenax, early appearance of,
186

INDEX 259

EVANS, WILLIAM, F.R.S.E., Some
Scottish Ixodidz (Ticks), 34;
Chrysops sepulcralis, Therioplectes
montanus, and other Tabanidee at
Aberfoyle, 54; Phoxtchilidium
Jemoratum from the Firth of Forth,
119; Premachilis hibernica m
Scotland, 119; Some Pezomachi
and other Cryptinz from ‘‘ Forth,”
120; Altitudinal Range of U¢r7-
cularta minor, 122; Black Sea-
Bream (Cantharus cantharus) in
the Firth of Forth, 148 ; Smew in
““Forth,’ 183; A New Louse
(Heematopinus ovillus) from the
Sheep, 225; The House Cricket
in an old Quarry near Edinburgh,
250

Fair Isle, Birds of, in 1906, 65; in
1907, 245

Falcon, Greenland, in Lewis (Curr.
Lit.), 123; in Argyllshire (Curr.

Lit.), 123

False-Scorpions of West of Scotland,
162, 250

Fauna of Galashiels and _ District

(Curr. Lit.), 123

Flea, new British (Curr. Lit.), 124

Flora of Berwickshire, Notes on, 96

Flora of Cairnie Parish (Curr. Lit.),
124

Flora of St. Kilda, a Contribution to, 239

Flora of Shetland, 164

Flora of a Shingle Island in the River
Orchy (Curr. Lit.), 190

Flycatcher, Pied, in Kirkcudbright, 183 ;
in Ayrshire, 247

Flycatcher, Red-breasted, migration of,
51

Fow .er, ALAN A., Bramblings in West
Ross-shire, 114

FRASER, JAMES, Alien Plants, 37 ;
Triticum peregrinum, a new alien
found near Edinburgh, 101

Foxes, Litter of Male, 180

Fulmar nesting at Dunnet Head, 53, 118

Galled Flowers of Field Gentian, 252

Garganey in Shetland, 182; Aberdeen-
shire, 248

Godwit, Black-tailed, in Lanarkshire,
184; in Barra, 250

Gonatopus, Notes on Genus (Curr. Lit.),
190

Goose, Grey-Lag, in Ayrshire, 52

Gooseberry-Mildews, 109

GLADSTONE, Hueu S., M.A., F.Z.S.,
Capercaillie in Dumfriesshire, 52 ;
Bird-Notes from Thornhill, Dum-
friesshire, 113; Woodcock in
Dumfriesshire, 249

Grebe, Great Crested, in Shetland in
Winter, 117

GRIMSHAW, PERcy H., F.E.S., Chero-
campa celerto at Galashiels, 55; On
the Diptera of St. Kilda, 150;
Hydrotea borussica, a Fly new to
the British List, 223

GODFREY, RoperT, M.A., The False-
Scorpions of the West of Scotland,
162

GUNNIS, FRANcIS G., F.Z.S., A
Litter of Male Foxes, 180

GURNEY, (Jen Ee Bolens, H-Z.93,
Migration of the Red - breasted
Flycatcher, 51

IBUGROYAINID, IR (Ca, aS vac
Whaling in Scotland, 10

HaMILtTon, J. B. BAILLIE, Great
Spotted Woodpecker nesting near
Callander, Perthshire, 247

Hare, Brown, Winter Whitening of
(Cur wlits) 122

Harvie-Brown, J. A., F.R.S.E.,
EeZeSe.y Walds(@ats mites Nee
Highlands, 49; Martens in N.W.
Highlands, 111; Marked Starlings,
114; Pintail in Forth, 115; Ful-
mar Petrels at Dunnet Head, 118 ;
Spring Return of Woodcock in
Forth and Clyde, 143; A Novel
Method of Skinning Mammals and
Birds, 180; Hawfinch in Upper
Forth, 182; Great Spotted Wood-
pecker in Forth and Tay, 182;
Food of the Wood Pigeon, 183 ;
Garden Warbler in Scotland, 184 ;
Winter Movements of Woodcock,
184; Black-tailed Godwit in Barra,
250

Hematopinus ovillus, anew Louse from
the Sheep, 225

Hawfinch in East Lothian, 181 ; Upper
Forth, 182

Hedgehog in Argyll, 245

Heliozoa of Forth Area, 93

HENDERSON, THomAs, Jun., Grey
Plover, Woodcock, and Great
Crested Grebe in Shetland in
Winter, 117 ; Gemmous Dragonet
in Shetland Seas, 186

Hepatice, New and Rare (Curr. Lit.),
125 ; British, Notes on (Curr. Lit.),
255

Hepaticze, Scottish, Additions to Census
for 1906, 45

Hewitt, C. Gorpon, M.Sc., Some
Arthrostraca and other Inverte-
brates from St. Kilda, 219; A
Contribution to a Flora of St.
Kilda: being a list of certain

(Scot. ),

260 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Lichens, Mosses, Hepaticz, and
Fresh-water Algee, 239

Ffieractum, Notes on (Curr. Lit.), 125

fTieracium nigrescens, var.commutatum,
in Mid Perth, 122

Hoopoe in Orkney (Curr. Lit.), 57

Hydrachnid Fauna of Scotland (Curr.
Wits) 127.

Hydroid, Supposed Australian, in North
Sea (Curr. Lit.), 254

Flydrotea borussica, A Fly new to the
British List, 223

Hymenopterological Notes, 221

Hy pophyllus crinipes in *‘ Forth” (Curr.
eit) S220

Isopod, New British Terrestrial, 85
Ixodidz, Some Scottish, 34

JACKSON, A. BRUCE, Afera intermedia
as an Alien in Britain, 170

JAcKson, Dororuy, Lepidoptera from
East Ross-shire, 54

Juncus balticus away from the Sea-
coast, 251

KINNEAR, NORMAN B., M.B.O.U.,
Notes on Birds seen in the Outer
Hebrides in the Spring of 1906, 16,
81; Lesser Shrew at Ailsa Craig,
49; Common Shrew at Dunnet
Head, 49; Fulmar nesting at
Dunnet Head, 53; Indian appoint-
ment for, 244

Lepidoptera from East Ross-shire,
etc., 54, 119; Jinloch- Rannoch
(Curr. Lit.), 58; in East Suther-
land (Curr. Lit.), 123; Scottish,
in 1906 (Curr. Lit.), 123 ; Scottish,
in ‘Dale Collection” at Oxford
(Curr. Lit.), 254

Lichens, Rare, New Localities for (Curr.
Lit.) AEE

Limonium, Notes on (Curr. Lit.), 125

Louse, New, from the Sheep, 225

Lupine, Blue, Origin of as a Denizen
of the Dee, 188

MACDONALD, D., Great Grey Shrike
in Mull, 115; Redstart in Mull,
247; Albino Shag in Mull, 247;
Dotterel in Mull, 249

MACGILLIVRAY, Wm. L.,
Scoter in Barra, 116

MacpuHeErson, A. Ho re, M.A,, etc.,
Hedgehog in Argyll, 245

Macrag, A. C., New Records of Plants
for South Aberdeenshire, 188

Macrobiotus dispar, sp. n. (Curr. Lit.),
124

Velvet

Mammals of the Forth Area (Curr.
Lit.), 189

Martens in N. W. Highlands, 111

MAcvicAR, SYMERS M., Additions
for 1906 to Census of Scottish
Hepaticze, 45

MAXWELL, Sir HERBERT, Bart., F.R.S..,
Capercaillie in the South of Scot-
land, 116 ; Wood Wasps, 119

Melanism in Scottish Lepidoptera
(Curr. Lit.), 58

MENziEs, W. STEWART, Capercaillie
and Willow Grouse in Moray, 116

MILNE, WM., Little Bittern in Inver-
ness-shire, 248

Mite-Galls on the Beech in Scotland,

252
Mollusca of Inner Hebrides (Curr.
Lit.), 57
Mortality amongst Guillemots and

Razorbills, 53

Mosses, New and Rare from the West
of Scotland, 171

Mosses, West Highland, and Problems
they suggest, 42

Murray, JAMES, Some Rhizopods and
Heliozoa of the Forth Area, 93

Murray, M. C., A New Variety of the
Lesser Broomrape in Scotland, 253

Mycetozoa, Synopsis of (Curr. Lit.),

190
Myriapods of the Forth Area (Curr.
Lit.), 190

Natural History Society of Scotland,
wanted, 1

NEWTON, ALFRED, In Memoriam, 129

Nomenclature of British Plants, 241

Ornithology, Scottish, Report on for
1906, 130, 195

Ornithomyia lagopodis, a new Grouse-
Fly (Curr. Lit.), 124

Oribatidze, New (Curr. Lit.), 95

Ospreys, History of the Loch -an-
Eilein (Curr. Lit.), 254

Otiorrhynchus morto, v. ebeninus, in
Sutherland (Curr. Lit.), 58

Oxyura (Proctotrypida), Scottish
Species of, 31, 158

Owl, Snowy, in Perthshire, 115

Pastor, Rose-coloured, in Foula, 51

PATERSON, JOHN, Black-tailed God-
wit in Lanarkshire, 184; Report on
Scottish Ornithology for 1906, 130,
195

PATIENCE, ALEXANDER, New British
Terrestrial Isopod, 85

Pezomachi and other Cryptine from
** Forth,” 120

INDEX 261

Phanerogams, Hybrids among British
(Curr. Lit.), 255

Phora, British (Curr. Lit.), 58

Phora cubttalis (Curr. Lit.), 58

Phora sordidain Dumbartonshire (Curr.
Lit.), 58

Phoxichilidium femoratun from Firth
of Forth, 119

Pintail in Clyde Area, 182

Pintailin Forth Area, 115

Plankton of Scottish Lochs (Curr, Lit.),
190

Plants, British, disappearance of, 55

Plants, Cryptogamic, disappearance of
(Gita White.) ASKS

Plants of the Flannan Islands, 187

Plants of East Perth and South Aber-
deen (Curr. Lit.), 255

Plants, New Records for South Aber-
deenshire, 188

Plants spreading from Garden, 56

Plover, Grey, in Shetland in winter,
117

Plover, rush of Golden, at Tiree, 117

Polietes hirticrura in Arran (Curr. Lit.),

Sy

Polyzoa from Shetland (Curr. Lit.), 254

Prosecution under the Wild Birds Act,
215

Potamogeton, forms new
(Cur. Lit.), 190

Potamogeton Macvicariz, Bennett, P.
prelongus x P. polygonifolius, a
new hybrid, 106

Potamogeton undulatus in Scotland,
104

Premachilis
119

Psychodidzee in Dumbarton in
(Curr. Lit.), 123

to Britain

hibernica in Scotland,

1906

Quail in Fife, 117
Quail nesting in East Lothian, 248

Ramalina, Gall formation on (Curr.
Lit.), 255

Ramsay, L. N. G., and A. L. THom-
sou Garganey in Aberdeenshire,
24

Raven and Ring Ousel near Glasgow
(Curr. Lit.), 189

Red Deer, Scottish and Norwegian
(Curr. Lit.), 189

Redstart in Mull, 247

RENNIE, JOHN, D.Sc., Centrolophus
niger, Gmelin, on the Scottish
coast, with a note on one or two
points on its structure, 216

Rhacomitium ramulosum in Mid Perth
(Curr. Lit.), 59

Rhizocarpon Lotum in Scotland (Curr.
Ghia 2S

Rhizopods of Forth Area, 93

Ribbon Vish in Orkney (Curr. Lit.), 123

RINTOUL, LEONORA JEFFREY, Quail
in Fife, 117

ROBERTSON, Rev. W., Rose-coloured
Pastors in Foula, 51

ROpDGER, ALEXANDER M., Common
Seallyinuethe. ay eta es birds
recently added to the Perth

Museum, 184

Roses of AZol/’s Tomentosa Group (Curr.
Lit.) 190

Rubi, British, Notes on(Curr. Lit.), 190

Sandpiper, Yellow-shanked, supposed
occurrence of near Hawick, 118

SAXBY, Dr. T. EDMONDsTON, Bird
Notes from North Shetland for
1906, 50; Garganey in Shetland,
182

Scoter nesting in Sutherland (Curr.
Lit.), 254

Scoter, Velvet, at Burra, 116

Seal, Common, in the Tay, 112

Seal, Great Grey, in the Firth of Forth,
245

SEATTER, F., Great Grey Seal in the
Firth of Forth, 245

Seed-Plants and Ferns, List of British,
I2I, 124

SERLE, Rev. Wm., M.A., M.B.O.U.,
Note on the Breeding of the Snow-
Bunting in Buchan, 185

SERVICE, ROBERT, M.B.O.U., Mor-
tality among Guillemots and
Razorbills, 53; Bird Notes from
the Solway District, 112; Pied
Flycatcher in Kirkcudbright, 183

Shag, Albino, in Mull, 247

Shrew, Common, at Dunnet Head, 49

Shrew, Lesser, at Ailsa Craig, 49

Shrike, Great Grey, in Mull, 115

Siberian Chiff-Chaff in Scotland, 15

Skinning Birds and Mammals, New
Method of, 180

Smew in ‘ Forth,” 183

SOMERVILLE, ALEXANDER, the late,

193

St. Kilda, Diptera of, 150

Starlings, Marked, 114

STIRTON, JamMeEs, M.D., F.L.S.,
West Highland Mosses and Prob-
lems they suggest, 42; New and
Rare Mosses from the West of
Scotland, 171

Swans, Wild, Migration of (Curr. Lit.),
189

Swans in the Outer Hebrides, 183

Tabanidee at Aberfoyle, 54
Tachinidee and their Hosts (Curr. Lit.),

bf

262

THOMSON, A, LANDSBOROUGH, Black-
throated Diver on the Aberdeen-
shire Coast, 250

THomson, A. L., and Ramsay,
L. N. G., Garganey in Aberdeen-
shire, 248

Therioplectes montanus at Aberfoyle, 54 |

Titmouse, Crested, in Scotland (Curr.
Lit.), 253

TomIson, JAMES, Bird Life at Skerry-
vore Lighthouse, 20; Yellow-
browed Warbler at Skerryvore
Lighthouse, 15

Topknot, Miiller’s, in Sound of Mull,

Tees James W. H., M.A., M.D.,
F.L.S., Wanted, The Natural
History Society of Scotland, 1 ;
Carex muricata in North Aber-
deen, 55; Gooseberry Mildews,
109; Origin of the Blue Lupine
as a Denizen by the Dee, 188;
Juncus balticus away from the Sea-
coast, 251; Mite-galls on the
Beech in Scotland, 252; Galled
Flowers of Field Gentian, 252

Trees, Extra- Tropical, in Arran
(Curr. Lit.), 59

Trienodes reutert near Aberfoyle (Curr.
Lit.), 59

Triticum peregrinum near Edinburgh,
IOI

Troup, R. D. R., Early appearance of
Eristalis tenax in the Forth Dis-
trict, 186

TULLOCH, JOHN S., Bird Notes from
Shetland, 49

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Utricularia, Altitudinal Range of, 122

Warbler, Garden, in Shetland, 184

Warbler, Willow, unusual situation ot
nest of, 247

Warbler, Yellow-browed, at Skerryvore
Lighthouse, 51

Whaling in Scotland, 10

Whitethroat, Lesser, nesting in ‘* Tay,”
185

Wigeon, American, in Benbecula, 116

Wild Cats in N.W. Highlands, 49

WiLson, ROBERT, Grey-Lag Goose in
Ayrshire, 52

Witson, W., Some Plants which
spread from my Garden, 56

Woodcock, Winter movements of, 184

Woodcock, Spring return of, in Forth
and Clyde, 143

Woodcock in Dumfriesshire, 249

Woodcock in Shetland in winter, 117

Woodpecker, Great Spotted, nesting
in Loch Awe District, 182

Woodpecker, Great Spotted, nesting
near Callander, Perthshire, 247

Woodpecker, Great Spotted, in Forth
and Tay, 182

Woodpecker, Great Spotted, nesting
in Perthshire, 247

Wood Pigeon, Food of, 183

Wood Wasp, 119

Xestophanes Tormentille, Histology of,
(Gurieits) 722!

Younc, Mary, Pied Flycatcher in
Ayrshire, 247

END OF VOL. XVI.

Printed by R. & R. CLARK, LimiteD, Edinburgh.

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