PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

OF GLASGOW.

VOL. I V

187S-1880.

GLASGOW: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY,
AT THEIR ROOMS, 207 BATH STREET.

1831.

GLASGOW :

PRINTED BY E. ANDERSON,

22 ANN STREET.

CONTENTS.

-♦-

Vol. IV.— Sept. 1878 to April 1880.

I'AGK

Accounts, Abstract Statement of, Session 1877-8, - - - 114

Accounts, Abstract Statement of, Session 1878-9, .... 332
Adventitious Structures on Crinoid Stems, Notes and Observations

of, by "A Corresponding Member," communicated by Mr. John

Young, F.G.S. 3rd Paper, ... - - 73

Albino Specimen of the Hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus, the Earl of

Haddington on an, 37

Anderson, Mr. Thomas, of Girvan, Note on the Death of, - - - 122
Apiarian Observations during the successive Months of 187S, by Mr.

R. J. Bennett, 10

Apiarian Notes in Argyllshire for 1879, by Mr. B. J. Bennett, - - 193
Aporrhais pes-pellcani from Garvel Park, Cartsdyke, Mr. John Far-

quhar on, - 199

Apteryx owenii of New Zealand, and its Eggs, On. By Mr. John A.

Harvie-Brown, F.Z.S., V.-P., 14

Archaeology and Natural History of Tory Island, On the. By Mr.

J. A. Mahony, Corresponding Member. (With two Plates,

III. and IV.)," - 80

Auk, Little {Mergulus alle), exhibited, 213

Avondale, Notes on the Botany of. By Mr. E. Turner, - - - 120

Barra Head and its Bird-Life. By Mr. George M'Lachlan, formerly
Lighthouse-keeper there, with Notes by Mr. John A. Harvie-
Brown, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., - - 2S0

Birds of Buchan, Collected Notes on the. By Mr. William Horn, - 234
Birds of Iceland, On the. By Mr. George A. Burns, - 15

Birds of the North-west of Perthshire, Notes on the. By Mr.

William Horn, ---------- 54

Bittern, Botaurus stellaris, exhibited, 37

Boring Marine Alga penetrating the shell structure of a species of
Productus, Notes on the occurrence of a species of. By Mr.
John Young, F.G.S., - - - - - - - - - 77

Botanical, Notes chiefly, of a Visit to the Island of Coll. By Mr.

Thomas Scott, - 226

Botany of Avondale, Notes on the. By Mr. E. Turner, - 120

39786

)

LV CONTENTS.

l'ACK

Brachiopoda, Notes ou Carboniferous. By Mr. Robt. Etheridge, Jun.,
F.G.S., Pres. Roy. Phys. Soc, Edin. (with two Plates, III.
and IV.), - - - - 263

Brachiopod Shells, On J\h//uchopora, a genus of, new to Carboniferous

strata. By Mr. John Young, F.G.S., V.-P., 13

Buchan, Collected Notes on the Birds of. By Mr. William Horn, - 234

Calciferous Sandstone Fossils, from near Heads of Ayr, Mr. Walter

Burns on, ----------- 8

Carboniferous Braehiopoda, Notes on. By Mr. Bobert Etheridge, Jun. ,

F.G.S., Roy. Phys. Soc., Edin. (with two Plates, III. and IV.), 263
Carboniferous Crinoid Stems, Observations on the Swollen Condition
of. By Mi\ Robert Etheridge, Jun., F.G.S. (with two Plates,
I. and II.), - - ... .... 19

Carboniferous Species of Glauconome, Notes on a. By Mr. John

Young, F.G.S., V.-P., 257

Caterpillars, On the use of Coloration and Markings of, and on the

Development of the Insect. By Mr. Peter Cameron, - - - 224
Chapman, Mr. Thomas, Notice of the Death of, .... 122

( Idle, The Flora of. By Mr. Thomas King, 41

Chonetcs gibberuht, Mr. John Young, F.G.S., on, 79

Claytonia alst'noides from Dumfriesshire, Mr. John Kirsop on, - - 18
Clearwing, Hornet, Sesia bemiformis, Mr. D. M'Lellan on the, - 17

Coll, Notes, chiefly Botanical, of a Visit to the Island of. By Mr.

Thomas Scott, - - 226

Colquhoun, Note on the Death of Dr. Hugh, 7

Condor [Sarcorampus gryphus), Mr. John M. Campbell on the,- - 192
Conodonts, &c, from Laigh Baidland, Mr. John Young, F.G.S. , on,- 191
Conodonts, On a Group of Fossil Organisms termed. By Mr. John

Young, F.G.S., - 5, 10

Conodont Remains and Sponge Spicules from the Silurian and Devonian

Limestone strata of England, Mr. John Young, F.G.S., on, - 7S
Conodonts, Sponge Spicules, and Fish Remains, from Laigh Baid-
land, Mr. R. Mason on, - 190

Craigenglen, Account of Excursion to, 2

Crake, Spotted, Porzana maructta (Leach), Mr. James Lumsden,

F.Z.S., on the, 17

Crinoid Stems, Notes and Observations of Adventitious Structures
on. By "A Corresponding Member," communicated by Mr.

John Young, F.G.S. 3rd Paper, 73

Crinoid Stems, Observations on the Swollen Condition of Carbonifer-
ous. By Mr. R. Etheridge, Jun., F.G.S. (with two Plates,

I. and II.), 19

Curlew, Escpiimaux [Numenius borealis), Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown,

F.Z.S., on the, - 12

Dandelion [Taraxacum officinale), Mr. A. F. Fergus on an abnormal

variety of, - - ^ 213

CONTENTS. V

PAGE

Dentaliuni, On the Species of, found in the Carboniferous Strata of

the West of Scotland. By Mr. John Young, F.G.S., - - 69

Duck, Tufted {Fuligula cristata), Notes on the occurrence of the, as

a Breeding Species in Scotland. By Mr. Rowley Jex Long, - 53

Eagle (Golden) (Aquila chrysai-tus), the, exhibited, .... 199

Entomological Notes bearing on Evolution. By Mr. Peter Cameron, 25G

Ferns, Fossil, from Both well, Mr. John Young, F.G.S., on, - - 18

Flora of Chile, The. By Mr. Thomas King, 41

Fungi, Messrs. Thomas King and Peter Ewing on, - - - - 195

Fungi, On. By Mr. Thomas King, ------- 959

Glauconome, Notes on a Carboniferous Species of. By Mr. John

Young, F.G.S., Y.-P., 257

Hebrides, On the Mammalia of the Outer. By Mr. John A. Harvie-

Brown, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Y.-P., S8

Hedgehog, Erinaceus ein'opaeus, Albino specimen of the, the Earl of

Haddington on an, 37

Hoopoe, Upupa epops, Mr. James Lumsden, F.Z.S., on the, - - 12

Hymenoptera, On some New or Rare. By Mr. Peter Cameron, - 108

Iceland, On the Birds of. By Mr. George A. Burns, - 15

Kiwi [Apteryx australis), Mr. John M. Campbell on the, - - 271

Library, Additions to the, Session 1878-79, 109

Library, Additions to the, Session 1879-S0, - 327

Lichens, On. By Dr. Stirton, 119

Loch Lomond, Ornithological Jottings from the neighbourhood of.

By Mr. James Lumsden, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., 199

Mammalia of Scotland, On the. By Mr. Edward R. Alston, F.Z.S.,

F.L.S., F.G.S., Corresponding Member, SO

(Title only, this Paper being a contribution to the Fauxa
of Scotland, and printed separately.)
Mammalia of the Outer Hebrides, On the. By Mr. John A. Harvie-

Brown, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Y.-P., 88

Meteorological Notes, and Remarks on the State of Yegetation during

1879. By Mr. D. M'Lellan, Superintendent of Parks, - - 214
Meteorological Record kept at Queen's Park, Glasgow, for the years

1876-77-78, - - 72

Meteorological Record kept at Queen's Park, Glasgow, for 1877-78-79, 216

Microgaster sericeus, Mr. Peter Cameron on, 273

Migration of Birds in the Autumn of 187S and the Spring of 1879,

Remarks on. By Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., 126

Moa {Dinornis gigantea), Mr. George A. Burns on bones of the,- 196

Moss-cup (Peziza cocclnea), Mr. A. F. Fergus on, .... 212

vi CONTENTS.

Newt, Alpine (Triton alpestris), Mr. John M. Campbell on the,

PAGE

27:;

Opossum, Common (Didelphis aurita), " Comadreja picaso," or Black
and White Comadreja, Notes on the. By Mr. Ernest Gibson,
F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., - 38

Opossum, Yellow (Didelphis crassicaudata) , from Cape San Antonio,
Province of Buenos Aja-es, On the. By Mr. Ernest Gibson,
Corresponding Member, 84

Ornithological Jottings from the neighbourhood of Loch Lomond,

December, 1870. By Mr. James Lumsden, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.. - 199

Ornithological Journal of the Winter of 1878-79, with Collected Notes
regarding its Effects upon Animal Life, including Remarks on the
Migration of Birds in the Autumn of 187S and the Spring of 1879.
By Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., - - - 123

Ornithology, Second Report on Scottish, October 1st, 1879, to Sep-
tember 30th, 18S0. Compiled by Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown,
F.R.S.E., &c, - - 291

Ostracoda, Fresh- and Brackish-water, chiefly from the West of

Scotland, On. By Mr. David Robertson, F.L.S., F.G.S., - 77

(Title only, this Paper being a contribution to the Fauna
or Scotland, and printed separately.)

Parasites and Saprophytes, Vegetable. By Mr. Robert Turner, - 203
Peccary, Collared (Dkotyles tajacn), Mr. John M. Campbell on the, - 2G9
Pentremites (Say.), On the occurrence of the genus, in the Carbon-
iferous Limestone series of the East of Scotland. By Mr. Robert
Etheridge, Jan., F.G.S., Pres. Roy. Phys. Soc, Ediu. (Plate V.,

figs. 7 to 12), - 260

Perthshire, Notes on the Birds of the North-west of. By Mr.

William Horn, 54

Planorbis complanatus, Mr. F. G. Binnie on, - - 118

Potamogelon zizii, Mr. R. Turner on, - - - - - 192

Potato, Solatium tuberosum, Mr. Thomas King on the, - - 45

Product it* (jrijjithianus, Mr. John Young, F.G.S., on, 79

Productus, Notes on the occurrence of a species of Boring Marine
Alga penetrating the Shell Structure of a species of. By Mr.
John Young, F.G.S., - - - - 77

Report of the Council for Session 1877-78, - - - 1

Report of the Council for Session 1878-9, - L - - - 115
Report on the Proceedings of the Summer Session of 1879. By Mr.

Thomas King, 117

Rhynchopora, On, a Genus of Brachiopod Shells new to Carboniferous

Strata. By Mr. John Young, F.G.S., Y.P., ... 13

Sandpiper, Wood, Totanus glareola, Lin., Sir George Leith Buchanan

on the, ... 9

Saprophytes, Vegetable Parasites and. By Mr. Robert Turner, - 203

CONTENTS. Vll

I'AGF.

Seal, Great Grey [ffalicliaerus gryphus), Sir John W. P. Orde, F.X.S.,

oil the, - - - - 37

Skuas, On the, particularly with reference to the recent occurrence
of the Pomatorhine Skua (Stercorarius pomaforhinus) on the
Coasts of Scotland in unusual numbers. By Mr. J. J. Dal-
gleish, M.B.O.U., ----- - 274

Snake, Smooth [Coronella laevis), Mr. John M. Campbell on the. - 107
Societies, &c, to which the Proceedings are sent, List of the. - 112, 330
Sphaeria, a parasitic fungus. Mr. John Young on. - - - 5

Spiders new to Scottish lists, Mr. Henry C. Young on, - 70

SpiriaUs retroversus, from Gairloch, Ross-shire, Notes on. By John

Grieve, M.A., M.D., ----- - 230

SpiriaUs retroversus, Mr. David Robertson, F.L.S., F.G.S., on, - 233
Sponge Spicules and Couodont Remains from the Silurian and De-
vonian Limestone Strata of England, Mr. John Young, E.G.S.,

on, - - - 7S

Sponge Spicules, Conodonts and Fish Remains from Laigh Baidland,

Mr. Robert Mason on, - - - - 100

Stachys palustris, Mr. Peter Ewing on. ... 192

Thomson, Mr. George, Note on the Death of, - - - 51
Tory Island, On the Archaeology and Natural History of. By Mr. J.

A. Mahony, Corresponding Member (with two Plates, III. and I Y. . 80

Touraco, Musophaga gigantea, Mr. James Coutts on the. . 12
Tubers, Bulbs, and Tap Roots, their functions in the Yegetable

Fconomy, On. By Mr. Alexander S. Wilson, M.A.. B.Sc, - 217

Unwelcome Flower Guests. By Mr. A. S. AVilson, - - US

Yegetable Parasites and Saprophytes. By Mr. Robert Turner, - 203
Yegetation in the Public Parks, and Observations regarding the
Weather during 187S, Note on the State of. By Mr. D. M'Lellan,
Superintendent of Parks. - - - 70

Yegetation during 1879, Meteorological Xotes and Remarks on the

state of. By Mr. D. M'Lellan. Superintendent of Parks, - 214

THE FAUNA OF SCOTLAND.

MAMMALIA. By Edward R, Alston, F.L.S., F.G.S. 1880.
Pp. 40.

FRESH- AND BRACKISH-WATER OSTRACODA. By
David Robertson, F.L.S., F.G.S. 1880. Pp. 36.

&&

PROCEEDINGS

OF THH

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW.

SESSION 1878-7 9.

THE TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING,
ANDERSON'S COLLEGE BUILDINGS,

September 24th, 1878.

Mr. James Barclay Murdoch, Vice-President, in the chair.

The Treasurer submitted his Annual Financial Statement, which
showed a balance in favour of the Society of £73 13s. 5d.

The Secretary read the Report of the Council on the business of
last Session. Since last Annual Meeting the death of four mem-
bers had been recorded, viz., Mr. Charles Malloch, a life member;
Mr. Thomas S. Hutcheson, Dr. James M'Pherson, and Mr. James
"\Vingate, ordinary members. During the Session 26 members
were admitted, one of whom paid the life composition, as did also
four who were formerly on the roll. The total number of members
last year was 150, and, making allowance for deaths, resignations,
and removals, the roll at present numbers 166, being an increase
of 16 since last Annual Meeting. No Special Meetings were held
during the Session, but the eight ordinary Monthly Meetings were
all well attended, and the business throughout was varied and
interesting. Several important papers were read, and many
specimens of interest were brought forward for exhibition. Full
Reports of all the Meetings appeared in the North British Daily
Mail, and the work of the Society was thus kept before absent
members, as well as before those of the general public who might
take an interest in Natural History pursuits. Part 3 of Vol, III,

VOL, IV. a

2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

of the Proceedings, embracing the work of last Session, being
nearly through the press, will be in the hands of members by next
Meeting, and, as it contains many original papers, it will doubtless
be appreciated by the members. A beginning has been made with
the Catalogue of the Fauna of the West of Scotland, the first
portion of the Hymenoptera, by Mr. Peter Cameron, being
included in the part above referred to, while other lists are in
progress, for future issue. A series of nine excursions to places of
interest was arranged for the recess, and two of these, taken in
concert with the Geological Society in the early part of the season,
were well attended; but the others set down for the summer
months wrere not successful so far as attendance went, the members
to a large extent being resident at the coast or in the country.
The last excursion of the series, on 31st August, was successfully
carried out, as there was a good attendance, and the day was fine
throughout, although previously the weather had been wet and
ungenial. The district chosen was Craigenglen, a small ravine or
glen of erosion, of about a quarter of a mile in extent, running
north and south along the southern slope of the south hill of
Campsie, and about a mile and a quarter north of the village of
Torrance. The glen has been long known to and often visited by
members of the Natural History Society and Geological Society of
Glasgow, on account of the abundance and variety of the Carboni-
ferous limestone fossils obtained from its strata, and from the
excellent state of preservation in which many of the specimens are
found. The strata here exposed belong to the lower limestone series,
and in the neighbourhood of the glen, as well as at other points
along the south hill, the limestone and coal of the Campsie and
Hurlet series were at one time extensively worked, both by open
cast quarries and by mining the strata into the hill ; but of recent
years little or nothing has been done in developing the mineral
wealth of the district. It is to be hoped, however, that the new
Kelvin Valley Railway, which passes through the village of
Torrance, little more than a mile south of the old workings, will
be the means of inducing the resumption of operations, as it will
afford an easier and cheaper method of transit to the centres
of industry than that by which the traffic was formerly carried on.
Besides the coal and limestone referred to, the clay-band
ironstone in the banks of Craigenglen was worked by mining in
the earlier years of the present century, and from the fossiliferous

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 3

shales in connection with the ironstone a rich harvest of organic
remains was formerly obtained in the old shale banks and in the
bed of the stream. So abundant were crinoid stems then that the
stream was known to the people of the district as the " witch whorl
burn," these remains being known in various districts of the
country as pulley stones, screw stones, fairy stones, or St. Cuthbert's
beads, before their real organic structure was understood. Of
recent years these fossiliferous shale banks have become very much
overgrown by whin, thorn, broom, and rose bushes, as well as by
grass and herbage, and few good exposures of the shale are now to
be seen ; still, by digging into the banks, by examining the bed of
the stream, or by washing the weathered shale for the smaller
organisms, many interesting specimens are yet to be found by the
patient investigator. Upwards of 150 species of Carboniferous
fossils have already been recorded from the strata of Craigenglen,
the list having been much enriched during recent years by members
of the Society in their search for the microzoa of these old deposits.
All the groups of fossils characteristic of the limestone districts of
other portions of Scotland are represented in the strata of the glen
to a large extent, while the number and variety of spiral or
univalve shells in a fine state of preservation has seldom been
equalled in any other beds of the same age.

In connection with the marine deposits of Craigenglen, it was
pointed out by Mr. John Young, F.G.S., that here there are
alternations of fresh- water deposits with those formed or laid down
over the old sea bottoms, the fresh-water beds being characterised
by the absence of marine organisms and by the presence of entomo-
straca, and fishes, found in similar strata in other portions of the
Scottish coal-field ; such alternations of marine and fresh- water
conditions implying extensive upheavals and depressions of the
earth's crust during the formation of the limestone series.

Craigenglen having a southern exposure, and being sheltered from
the east and west winds, affords a fine field for the botanist. In
the early months of the year the slopes are brilliant with a profusion
of primroses and other spring flowers, and farther in the season the
Adders-tongue fern, Ophioglossum vulgatum. may be found in
abundance on the eastern bank. A distinctive feature of the glen
is the profusion of rose bushes, which flourish more particularly on
the right bank, the prevalence of Rosa villosa imparting a striking
and picturesque aspect to the view. The long, straight stems of

4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

this species, measuring six or seven feet, profusely loaded with
the fully ripe fruit — of a rich red colour, globose form, and large
size, in many instances having a circumference of nearly three and
a half inches — arrested the attention of the members, such a fine
display never having been observed before.

This locality presents a favourable field for the investigations of
the entomologist, the shady nooks and quiet resting-places of the
glen affording suitable shelter for the objects of his pursuit.

Several captures of spiders, &c, were made, and, after some points
of interest were explored, the party proceeded to Torrance Hotel,
where dinner had been provided, and where a happy and instruc-
tive evening was spent.

The Librarian reported that during the Session the library had
been made good use of by the members. The books were all in good
condition, and the volumes requiring it had been bound. Eight
volumes had been added by donation ; in exchange with other
societies, fourteen complete volumes and about fifty parts of
Transactions ; while six volumes had been purchased. Eleven
societies were added to the exchange list, among them being
some of the most important on the Continent and in America.

The Reports were all approved of and adopted.

The following gentlemen were elected office-bearers of the
Society: — Professor John Young, M.D., F.R.S.E., &c, President;
James Barclay Murdoch, John Young, F.G.S., and John A.
Harvie-Brown, E.Z.S., Vice-Presidents ; Robert Mason, Secretary;
Robert J. Bennett, Treasurer; Henry C. Young, Librarian; D.
Corse Glen, C.E., F.G.S., Francis G. Binnie, George J. Combe,
Archibald Robertson, David Robertson, jun., Joseph Somerville,
John M. Campbell, Arthur Pratt, and John Kirsop, Members of
Council.

Messrs. D. M. Fleming and F. Fergus were elected ordinary
members of the Society.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. James Coutts exhibited a fine large branching specimen of
one of the Alcyonoid Corals, belonging to the Gorgonidae family,
from the collection of Mr. George Thomson, of Victoria, Western
Africa, one of the Society's corresponding members. In this species
the cortical layer is of a brilliant orange colour, the polype cells
being of an oval shape and placed on the top of small wart-like

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 0

tubercules. According to Professor Dana, the colours of the
cortical layer in all the alcyonoicl corals, which may be orange,
crimson, scarlet, or purple, are due to the colour of the minute
calcareous spicules of which it is composed, and which form beauti-
ful and interesting objects for microscopic examination.

Mr. John Young, F.G.S., showed a number of specimens of
Sphaeria, a parasitic fungus which attaches itself to the head of
the caterpillar of one of the lepidoptera. As the fungus grows it
roots itself in the body of the insect, which it ultimately destroys,
rising as a narrow stem to the height of two or three inches. It
is stated that this parasite presents a rather curious appearance as
a crop of them is seen springing from the ground where the cater-
pillars have buried themselves. It is collected by the Chinese,
who use it as a medicine, for which a high price is paid.

Mr. John Kirsop brought forward a series of specimens of Silurian
and Devonian corals, &c. , from Torquay and Bristol, on which some
remarks were made by Mr. James Thomson, F.G.S.

Mr. Walter Burns exhibited a collection of fossils obtained from
the calciferous or cementstone beds near the Heads of Ayr, the
remarks on which were postponed until the following meeting.

PAPER READ.

On a Group of Fossil Organisms termed Conodunts. By

Mr. John Young, F.G.S.

The writer said that these forms had recently been discovered
in the Carboniferous limestones of the Ayrshire coal-field by Mr.
John Smith, of the Eglinton Ironworks, Kilwinning, a gentleman
who has done much good work during recent years in the collect-
ing of the minuter forms of life which had been deposited over
the Carboniferous old sea bottoms. Mr. Smith having kindly
forwarded his specimens for examination, he had taken the oppor-
tunity of bringing them before* the members of the Natural History
Society, that this interesting discovery might be recorded. The
organisms termed Conodonts are minute, slender, conical, tooth-
like bodies, of varying forms, of a brownish colour, and having a
glistening or enamelled appearance. They were first brought
under the notice of geologists in 1856, by Dr. Pander, in a work
descriptive of the fossil fishes of the Silurian formation in Russia,
in which country they are found ranging from the upper Cambrian

O PROCEEDINGS OF THE

to the Carboniferous deposits. In America they have also been
discovered in the Devonian and Carboniferous formations, Pro-
fessor Newberry having figured and described a number of Car-
boniferous forms in his work on the Palaeontology of Ohio. In
Britain no remains of Conodonts seem to have been noticed in the
strata of the several formations previous to this discovery by Mr.
Smith, but it is very likely they will yet be found on a more
careful examination of the beds. These Conodonts are found in
both the lower and upper limestones of the Ayrshire coal-field,
upwards of thirty forms having been already discovered, and the
number Avill probably be increased by further researches in the
deposits.

Mr. Young stated that he had recently the opportunity of
submitting Mr. Smith's specimens to a Canadian Palaeontologist,
Mr. Jennings Hinde, when on a visit to this country, and he stated
that they were closely related to the American forms, especially to
those that Professor Newberry had described from the Carbon-
iferous strata. Although these curious tooth-like organisms have
now been known to Palaeontologists for more than twenty years,
great doubts still exist as to what group of animals they belong.
Dr. Pander, their first discoverer, thought they were the teeth of a
group of cyclostomatous fishes allied to the present Lampreys.
Professor Owen doubts their fish affinities very much, and says
some of them may be the dentated claws of small crustaceans; and
that others may be the tooth booklets or denticles of naked
molluscs or annelides. No undoubted fish remains are at present
recorded from strata older than the upper Silurian, so, if Dr. Pander
is right in referring them to fishes, as Professor Newberry thinks
he is, fish life will have to be carried forward to much earlier
strata, namely the Cambrian. In the Ayrshire limestones yielding
these Conodonts, remains of many genera of fishes belonging to
the plagiostomous and lepidoganoid groups have been found.
Many of these, especially the minuter forms, have not yet been
determined, but amongst them it may be interesting to note the
occurrence of the vertebral bones of small fishes, in the most
beautiful state of preservation. If the Conodonts are yet satis-
factorily proved to belong to the fishes, the vertebral bones may
also belong to the same group. The Ayrshire Conodonts are
obtained by washing the weathered limestone found in the fissures
or nodular cavities of the rock; many of them being in a perfect

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 7

condition, and quite free from the matrix. They are mostly of a
comb-]ike form, being serrated along one of the sides, as in a comb,
with a row of teeth, often of unequal length and stoutness. Some,
however, consist of single, round, hollow, conical teeth, tipped
with a layer of clear enamel at their points. Few of the organisms
exceed an eighth of an inch in length, many of them being
much smaller. In this respect they agree with the Conodonts
found in other countries. In the upper limestone series at Glen-
cart, near Dairy, as well as at one or two other localities of the
same district, Mr. Smith has discovered, along with the Cono-
donts, a new group of fossil sponges belonging to a different
group from that of the Hyalonema, which he found in the lower
limestone series at Cunningham Baiclland, near Dairy. The
silicious spicules of this new group of sponges from the upper
limestone are of various types, as might be seen from the specimens
exhibited; they are also all in excellent preservation. At present
these forms were being examined by Professor Young and Mr.
Young, who intend to bring them before the Society at a future
meeting. In this same deposit Mr. Smith has also found an
interesting group of small forms of molluscs, many of which are
in a most beautiful state of preservation. Some of the univalve or
spiral shells have their mouths quite entire, and several of them
are of species not formerly recorded from the Carboniferous strata
of the West of Scotland. The limestone in which the varied
groups of organisms here recorded are found, is a hard, compact,
fine-grained rock of a greyish colour. At its outcrop at Glencart
the rock is eroded by weathering into curious nodular-shaped
cavities of varying size, and it is from the rotted limestone found
filling these cavities that the Conodonts and other organisms are
obtained by washing.

October 30th, 1878.

Mr. John Young, F.G-.S., Vice-President, in the chair.

Messrs. Edward Laurie Fogo and Thomas King were elected
ordinary members of the Society.

The Chairman having referred to the death of Dr. Hugh
Colquhoun, an honorary member of the Society, it was unani-
mously agreed, on the motion of Mr. James B. Murdoch, that a

8 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

notice of the event should bo entered in the record, and a copy of
that portion of the minutes sent to the family of the deceased, with
an expression of the sincere sympathy of the members.

The members have heard with regret of the death of Dr.
Colquhoun, who from the commencement of the Society until his
retirement from Glasgow, actively interested himself in promoting
its interests. He was one of eleven who were present at the
first business Meeting, and for many years the minute-book shows
that he was regular in his attendance. He was frequently engaged
in bringing forward material for discussion; and, while botany and
entomology were his favourite studies, he took an intelligent
interest in all departments of natural science, as appears from
often-repeated exhibitions of birds, shells, and other specimens,
both native and foreign. When, some years after its establish-
ment, the Society resolved to frame a catalogue of the flora and
fauna of the Clyde Valley, Dr. Colquhoun drew up the list of
Lepidoptera, an order to which he gave special attention.

He took a deep interest in the formation of the library, and was
the donor of some of the most valuable works which it possesses,
among which may be named Sowerby's " English Botany," in
eleven volumes, and Stainton's " Natural History of the Tineina,"
in thirteen volumes. For many years he filled the office of vice-
president, and on the retirement of Dr. Scoular from the president's
chair he was unanimously elected to, and held this honourable
position until he went to live at Bothwell, when he was made an
honorary member. Being unable, from distance, to attend the
meetings, he continued to take an interest in the Society's work,
and at his own request was kept advised of its proceedings.
Although not personally known to many of the present members,
all must respect his memory as one who, during his long connection
with the Society, exerted himself in promoting its prosperity and
' increasing its usefulness. Dr. Colquhoun died at Anchorage,
Bothwell, on 24th September last.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. Walter Burns gave his postponed remarks on the
calciferous sandstone fossils he had collected last autumn from the
group of strata found on the coast near the Heads of Ayr, illus-
trating them by an enlarged map of this portion of the county,
taken from that of the Geological Survey. The organisms consist

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. V

of the remains of a Lepidodendroid plant, scales and teeth of
apparently a species of Holoptychian fish, and Entomostracan
remains. They are contained in a grey, flaggy micaceous sand-
stone of the series, somewhat similar to that enclosing plant
remains of the same character at the Spout of Ballagan, in the
Campsie Hills, from which beds Mr. Burns also exhibited speci-
mens of plant remains in illustration of his subject.

The Chairman also showed some specimens sent by Mr. Denholm
Young, the discoverer of the fossiliferous beds at Heads of Ayr.
These consisted of clay ironstone nodules, containing a species of
Myalina, and specimens from a thin band of Spirorbis helicteres.
He stated that these strata would be found, on close examination,
to yield a group of fossils interesting because of their close identity
with many forms found in the same division of the Carboniferous
strata oh the Fifeshire coast.

Mr. James Lumsden, E.Z.S., read some notes communicated by
Sir George Leith Buchanan, a corresponding member of the
Society, on the occurrence for the second time on the banks
of Lochlomond at Ross Priory, on -itli October, of the Wood
Sandpiper, Totanus glareola (Linn.). Mr. Lumsden stated that,
at the meeting of the Society, in October, 1872, he had exhibited
a specimen of this species obtained at the same place by the
same careful observer. The specimen now recorded was thought
by Sir George, when first observed, to be a Dunlin, which
shows that one well acquainted with birds may be mistaken
in identifying the Wood Sandpiper at first sight, from its close
likeness to other species. It is possible, therefore, that specimens
may often escape notice, and may be of more frequent occurrence
on the West Coast than is generally supposed. Mr. Lumsden
stated that since 1872 he had not seen or heard of any certain
occurrence of the Wood Sandpiper in the West of Scotland.
About three years ago a specimen was reported to have been got
in Argyllshire, but on such uncertain authority that it does not
deserve record.

Mr. James B. Murdoch stated that, although several specimens
of this bird are recorded from the East Coast, it was rarely met
with in this district, and that in Gray's " Birds of the West of
Scotland" only one specimen is recorded as having been got on
the banks of the Clyde, opposite Bowling, in 1853.

The Chairman, in illustration of his remarks at last meeting of

10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the Society on the interesting group of organisms termed Conodonts,
discovered by Mr. John Smith in the limestones of the Ayrshire
coal-field, exhibited a series of beautiful plates of Silurian forms
from Dr. Pander's monograph of this group, and which had been
discovered in Russia in the older Palaeozoic strata. In the plates
exhibited, which he owed to the president (Professor Young), he
was much interested to find a very close agreement between many
of the Silurian and Carboniferous forms of the Conodonts, several
of the genera being identical, such as Cordylodus, Gnathodus,
Ctenognathus, Prionodus, and Lonchodus. Of these genera there
are several species in Mr. Smith's collection which can hardly be
distinguished by any difference in their external characters from
the drawings of the Silurian forms. Mr. Young stated that, while
Professor Owen was very doubtful about all of Dr. Pander's figures
of these organisms being referable to the teeth of fishes, yet he
believed that one or two of the above genera may have belonged
to vertebrates. As the Carboniferous forms are associated with
undoubted fish remains, he hoped that ere long their true nature
would be identified.*

Mr. James Thomson, F.G.S., in remarking on the discovery of
Conodonts by Mr. Smith, said it was one of considerable im-
portance, and expressed his belief that ultimately these organisms
would be found to belong to fishes.

PAPER READ.

Apia/rian Observations during the successive months o/*1878.
By Mr. Kobt. J. Bennett.

The weather during the months of January and February
being exceedingly mild, much breeding went on, and stores were

:' Since the above was communicated to the Society, Mr. G. Jennings
Hinde, F.G.S., has read a paper before the Geological Society of London,
entitled "Annelid Jaws from the Cambro-Silurian, Silurian, and Devonian
Formations in Canada, and from the Lower Carboniferous in Scotland."
In this paper the forms obtained from the above group of strata are referred
to the jaws of errant Annelids, and are classified by Mr. Hinde, from their
resemblance to existing forms, under seven genera, five of which are included
in the family Eunicea, one in the family Lycoridea, and one among the
Glycerea. In spite, however, of this apparent resemblance to Annelids,
great doubts were still expressed as to their true affinities.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 11

greatly diminished; but March with its freezing blasts was a month
of disaster which did more harm to the apiary in Scotland than
can be remembered by the oldest inhabitant. From its beginning to
its close scarcely a bee was on the wing, and, as in the previous
month breeding had been going on rapidly, the bees being anxious
to increase their numbers, the sudden change of weather prevented
them from getting abroad. In these circumstances they were
brought to the verge of destitution, and required to be liberally
supplied with artificial food. On 2nd April it was found, upon
examination of the hives, that two stocks had succumbed, while
others followed at a later date, and generally great mortality
prevailed. From correspondence with Apiarians in Scotland, it
was estimated that 40 per cent, of the bees had perished. The
first half of May was very favourable for ingathering, but by the
middle of the month wet and boisterous weather set in, and
another check took place. On 4th June an examination of the
stocks showed breeding going on rapidly; by the 12th swamiing
had begun, and before the end of the month the apiary, which
consisted of eight stocks, had increased to twenty. The fine
weather of July was very favourable, and from the white clover
blossoms honey was secreted in abundance ; but by the middle of
the month the heat became so intense that the clover was burnt up,
and but for roses and other wild plants in flower the bees would
have found it difficult to get a bare subsistence. In August the
writer proceeded to London to attend the British Beekeepers'
Show, and subsequently he visited Paris with the view of making
observations, the result being that, in his opinion, Scotland is ahead
of both capitals, the French observatory hives being simply
deplorable, as no advance had been made since the former
Exhibition. On his return, and on through September, he found
all his hives in splendid condition, and after taking 200 lbs. of
honey from the stocks, he was able to leave each of them with
over 35 lbs. to put through the winter. Mr. Bennett gave some
interesting information regarding hermaphrodites and fertile
workers, the latter of which he had seen for the first time at
Blantyre, in possession of Mr. Thomson. The bees having failed
to raise a queen, were noticed to be paying marked attention
to a worker, who deposited eggs, which in three or four days
produced grubs, and in a short time beautifully marked drones
emerged from the cells. In conclusion Mr. Bennett said that in

12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

closing his remarks last year, he mentioned that it had been a year
of famine, and hoped the coming one would be a year of plenty.
These expectations had been fully verified, as during twelve years'
experience he had never taken such an abundant harvest, nor had
his bees in such splendid condition as when closed up for this
winter.

November 26tii, 1878.

Professor John Young, M.D., F.G.S., President, in the chair.
Messrs. John Munro and Alexander Clerihew M'Intyre were
elected ordinary members of the Society.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown, F.Z.S., showed a fine series of
skins of northern birds, brought home by the late Arctic Expedition,
and made some remarks regarding the variations between certain
of them and specimens of the same species from Iceland. He
also exhibited a fine specimen of the Esquimaux Curlew, Kumenius
borecdis, which was shot in Aberdeenshire on 29th September last,
and read a note from Mr. George Sim, Aberdeen, who had
forwarded the specimen, giving detailed measurements, weight, &c. ,
and noticing that the stomach contained crowberries, some flies,
and a caterpillar.

Mr. James Coutts exhibited a specimen of the Touraco, Muso-
phaga gigantea, forwarded from Western Africa by Mr. George
Thomson, corresponding member. This genus of birds frequents
the mountain ranges and perches on the highest trees ; feeds on
fruits, and is known locally under the name of Plantain-eater.
The specimen exhibited was obtained on the high range of the
Camaroon mountains, and has been presented by Miss Thomson to
the Hunterian Museum.

Mr. James Lumsden, F.Z.S., exhibited a specimen of the
Hoopoe, Upiqxc ejmps, shot at Kilmahew, Cardross, Dumbarton-
shire, on 1st November of this year. The Hoopoe has several
times occurred in Scotland ; various instances are recorded in
Gray's " Birds of the West of Scotland," and since the publication
of that work five or six more have been recorded. In England
and Ireland it has also occurred, and is known to have bred at
least once in the former. No doubt records of its breeding might

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 13

be more cornnion, were it not that its marked plumage has often
proved the cause of its destruction. It is found as a regular
breeding species in the south and south-east of Europe, and north-
east of Africa. In winter it migrates to the south of these
regions, and is common in India at that season. In summer it
seeks the north, and has once been found in Spitzbergen. Accord-
ing to Dr. Tristram, the Arabs have a superstitious reverence for
the bird, and call it the Doctor bird, as they believe it possesses
marvellous medicinal powers. Its head is an indispensable
ingredient in all their charms, and in the practice of witchcraft.
The Hoopoe is the Lapwing of the Bible, and is the bird mentioned
in the unclean list given in Leviticus xi. 19 and Deuteronomy
xiv. 18.

Professor Young exhibited mounted specimens and enlarged
drawings of the silicious spicules of a new Lithistid sponge from
the Carboniferous limestone of Ayrshire, on which he made
lengthened remarks.

PAPERS READ.

I. — On Rhynchopova, a Genus of Brachiopod Shells, neio to Carboni-
ferous strata. By Mr. John Young, F.G.S., Vice-President.

The writer stated that he had discovered in the upper limestone
series at BoAvertrapping, near Dairy, a species of Rhynchopova new
to Carboniferous strata. The genus Rhynchopova was established
by Professor W. King, of Queen's College, Galway, for a species
of Bhychonillid shell, showing a distinct perforated structure, found
in one or two places, in the Permian formation, on the Continent.
This, the only previously known species of the genus, is now
named Rhynchopova Geinitziana. Before the discovery of a
perforated structure in this species, it was stated by Dr. Carpenter
that no Pthynchonillid shell was perforated, and consequently the
finding of perforations in what was then known as Rhynchonella
Geinitziana, led to a warm and rather interesting discussion
between Dr. Carpenter and Professor King, the former stating that
only the inner layers of the shell in this species were punctate;
while the latter asserted that the shell was perforated throughout
its entire thickness. Mr. Young, finding the Carboniferous species
to be distinctly perforated, sent an example of the shell to Mr.
Thomas Davidson, F.R.S., Brighton, author of the great work on

14 - PROCEEDINGS OF THE

"British Fossil Brachiopoda," for determination. He, being like-
wise satisfied as to its punctate structure, sent on the specimen to
Professor King, who writes that it is undoubtedly a new and
second species of his genus Rhynchopora, and that he considers
the Carboniferous species as an interesting discovery, confirming
all that he had already written as to the structure of the Permian
shell. It is proposed by Mr. Davidson, who will figure and
describe Mr. Young's specimen, to name the species Rhynchopora
Youngii, in honour of the discoverer.

II. — On Apteryx oivenii of Neiv Zealand and its Eggs. By Mr.
John A. Harvie-Brown, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Vice-President.

Regarding these specimens of this rare species, my friend, Mr.
A. J. Grant, writes under date 22nd June, 1878, from London: —
" I will now tell you of a pleasant surprise I have in store for
you. I have succeeded in securing for you one of the rarest eggs
in the world, through my brother-in-law, Rev. H. Rutherford. He
has been living on the "West Coast of New Zealand for some time,
where his parish is, and he succeeded in obtaining through the
diggers specimens of the bird and egg of the Small Apteryx of
the South Island. The egg is one of the first found, there being
not more than one, I think, in the various museums of New
Zealand. At any rate, both bird and egg are very rare, and I am
sure you will value them. There was another egg in the nest, but
the dog which found it broke it to pieces."

In reply to a letter asking for further particulars, Mr. Grant
obtained from the Rev. H. Rutherford an account of how the egg
was found, which I transcribe here : —

"Sept., 1877.— I got the Kiwi's egg from Michael P. French.
He told me that he had gone some distance up Soldiers' Gully —
which is situated close to Reef ton, west coast of Nelson Province,
N.Z., about a mile from that town. He was walking along the
track early in last September, when he heard his dog barking a
little way up on the side of the low range, which is densely covered
with birch bush. Arriving, guided by the sound of the barking,
he found the dog scratching at the root of a birch tree, the hole at
which he was working being about the size of an ordinary rabbit's
burrow. He put his arm in and found that the bird was sitting
upon two large eggs. He drew one forth, but as he was getting

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 15

out the other, the dog made a spring and broke it with his paw.
He then caught the bird, which, if not the very bird that you
have, was one exactly like it. The man had three of them skinned,
and he did not know for certain which of the three it was that he
got the egg from. So his mate, Robert Wolf, told me. The hole
was 3 or 4 feet long, soft at the end, wdth a small quantity of
leaves or fibres, or perhaps just the dry vegetable mould, which is
very deep round these birch trees." So much for the Rev. Mr.
Rutherford's letter.

I am not prepared at present to state how many specimens of
the egg of Apteryx owenii exist in museums in this country or
elsewhere, but possibly before long I may gain further information
on this point. The specimen during transmission has suffered a
slight fracture of the bill, but is otherwise perfect.

III. — On the Birds of Iceland. By Mr. George A. Burns.

During the past summer I formed one of a party which went on
a yachting expedition to Iceland — a very novel and interesting
cruise; but as we were only there a short time we had not the
opportunity of doing much in the way of Natural History. Still
we were able amongst us to make some observations upon the
birds we met with; and from what we saw, and from what I
have read, I am convinced that many birds which do not breed in
this country, except in one or two islands of the Hebridean and
Shetland groups, and others which are only rarely met with as
occasional visitants, will be found breeding regularly, and perhaps
numerously, in Iceland. In the list of birds noticed by us
are several which are considered as prizes if met with in this
country, and yet they all seemed common enough in Iceland. This
list included the Wild Swan, the Arctic Skua, the Long-tailed
Duck, the Pintail Duck, the Whimbrel, the Raven, the Redshank,
the Snipe, the Golden Plover, the Meadow Pipit, the Red-necked
Phalarope, the Snow Bunting, the White Wagtail, and the Stone-
chat. Of these the Whimbrel was one of the commonest — so much
so that we were wearied by its constant cry from every cairn and
heap of stones. The coasts (especially those in the north) swarm
with sea-fowl of every description, and most of the islands seemed
to be thronged with the Eider Duck, which is not allowed to
be shot under penalty of a heavy fine, About the Lake of

16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Thingvalla the sportsman and naturalist would be sure to find
almost every variety of duck, as well as all the birds I have men-
tioned. The Ptarmigan is almost the only game bird in Iceland,
but is, I believe, nearly as common as grouse in Scotland. One
cannot help being struck by the entire absence of blackbirds,
thrushes, robins, and our other "feathered songsters." This, I
think, may be partly accounted for by there being no trees in
the island for them to nest in, and it will have been noticed that
all the birds already mentioned are of species which lay their eggs
on the ground or in rocky cliffs.

The birds which I exhibit to-night have all been met with more
or less frequently in Scotland, though only one or two have been
found breeding with us. The Greenland Falcon (Falco groen-
landicus) is undoubtedly the finest of all the falcon tribe, and has
always been in great request for the s])ort of hawking, £20 being
the usual price for a young bird. They breed freely in the northern
parts of Iceland, but their nests are very difficult to get at, owing
to the precipitous and inaccessible nature of the rocks they select.
It seems to be generally considered that the lighter the colour the
older the bird, but possibly it may have something to do with the
season at which they are taken. A skin brought home by another
of our party was that of a smaller bird, considerably darker in colour.
The food of the Falcon is said principally to consist of ptarmigan,
curlews, hares, guillemots, puffins and other sea-fowl. My next
two birds are common with us, but still more so with the Ice-
landers. The Goosander fJIergus merganser ) is often found in
our district, and may be seen almost every year on the Cart, near
Glasgow. The Great Northern Diver (Colymbus glacicdis) is also
found in the West of Scotland, but is more common the farther
north you proceed. My next curiously-marked specimen, the
Harlequin Duck (Anas kistrionica ), is even a greater rarity than
the Falcon, not above half a dozen specimens having occurred in
Great Britain. They are said to be as common in Iceland as any
other varieties of duck. Their nests are similar to those of the
Eider Duck, being lined with their own down, although not of
such a fine quality as that of the latter species, nor in sufficient
quantities for exportation. My last bird is a specimen in mature
plumage of Richardson's Skua ( Lestris richardsoniij, one of the
well-known sea pirates, and the dread of the gulls. The only thing
to notice about it is the dusky black of its feathers, there being

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 17

no trace of the white or yellow which is generally seen on the
breast and neck of this species. The legs and feet are also all
black, whereas, at an earlier period of the bird's existence, they are
blotched with yellow.

January 7th, 1879.

Mr. James Barclay Murdoch, Vice-President, in the Chair.

Messrs. John Guthrie Smith, John H. Fash, Alexander Smith,
John Jex Long, and Archibald Drummond were elected Ordinary
Members of the Society.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. Jas, Lumsden, F.Z.S., exhibited a specimen of the Spotted
Crake, Porzana maruetta (Leach), shot at Aberuthven by Mr.
Graeme, of Inchbreakie, on 7th October last, and sent for exhibition
by Mr. P. D. Malloch, of Perth. Mr. Lumsden read some notes
from Mr. Harvie-Brown regarding this species, who also forwarded
skins of the Water Rail and Little Grebe. Both of these species
were said to be remarkably abundant this season, Mr. Malloch
having got as many as seventeen of the former in one day, while
the Grebe has been common on our streams during the frost so
long as the least bit of open water remained.

Mr. D. M'Lellan exhibited specimens of the Hornet Clearwing,
Sesia apiformis, with its larva and chrysalis, and a vertical section
of the Willow, Salix caprea, from Kelvingrove Park, showing the
injury which this insect inflicts on the tree. The larvae feed on
the solid wood to such an extent as in many cases to cause the
death of the tree. They form a tunnel of considerable length in
the trunk or branches, living concealed for two years, eating up-
wards, and, when fully fed, spinning a tough cocoon and emerging
as a perfect insect in midsummer. Unlike most others, the moths
of this genus — of wdrick there are a dozen species — are true lovers
of the sunshine, and while sporting among the flowers are apt to
be mistaken for bees, wasps, or other hymenopterous insects.
Although not rare, they are local in their habits, and, when they
get into a well-wooded locality, are very difficult to eradicate.

Mr. M'Lellan also showed a portion of the trunk of a beech tree
which had been cut down in Glasgow Green. Upon splitting up

VOL. IV. b

18 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the lower portion of the stem there was exposed, about midway
between the centre and outer bark of the tree, the initials of a
name, with the date 1810, as distinct as if newly cut.

From the conversation which ensued it seemed to be the unanimous
opinion of the members that the letters had been cut into the wood
through the bark, which had afterwards closed, and allowed of a
yearly addition to the trunk, the space between the letters and the
exterior being about nine inches.

Mr. John Kirsop exhibited a specimen of Claytonia alsinoides,
from Dumfriesshire, forwarded by Miss Johnstone, Solsgirth.
This American plant is now getting very generally diffused over
the country, examples of this species having been found at Gourock
and Rothesay. It has not been admitted into any British Flora
until recently, when Dr. Joseph Hooker gave a place in the
Student's Flora to C. perfoliata, which he says occurs too frequently
to be omitted, and he includes it in the order Portulaceae. Mr.
Kirsop also showed a portion of the spike of Xantheria kingiana
from New Zealand, a plant belonging to the Typhaceae, or some
, closely-allied order. The two species of Typha which occur in this
country are small in comparison with the New Zealand specimen,
the spikes of which, when entire, would probably measure about two
feet in length. These plants are commonly misnamed bullrushes,
the proper name being Heed Mace or Cat's-tail. the spikes closely
resembling an angry cat's tail. The roots are farinaceous, and
bread is made of the pollen by the natives of New Zealand.

Mr. John Young, F.G.S., exhibited some large and well-preserved
specimens of fossil ferns, from the new pit at Bothwell Station,
which is being put down by Messrs. Baird <fc Co. through part of
the upper coal measures of the district, to the valuable seams of
coal which lie about 200 fathoms below the present land surface.
Mr. Young stated that the strata passed through in the upper
portion of this pit consist of beds of reddish sandstone, reddish-gray
shale, gray fire-clay, dark gray shale, grayish-white sandstone,
and one or two irregular thin seams of coal. The plant-bearing
beds in this pit lie 700 feet below the surface, but in a much
higher geological horizon than those beds yielding plant remains in
other districts of our coal-field, chiefly the roof shales that overlie
some of the lower workable seams of coal. On a visit to the pit
last autumn the secretary and himself had found the remains of the
following plants in the fire-clay and gray sandy shales, viz. ; —

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 19

Stigmaria Jicoides with the rootlets attached, Galamites arenosus
in an erect position in the shade, along with one or two crushed
fragments of Galamites nodosus, and Pinnularia capillacea, the
supposed roots of Calami tes. The species of ferns noted were
Alethopteris heterophyllia, Neuropteris giganiea, Sphenopteris lati-
folia, the latter found in large fronds, and seeming by its abundance
to be the characteristic fern of the strata, and Sphenopteris artemisiae-
folia. Of this very rare fern only one beautifully preserved frond
was found in the sinking of the pit, and the sole other record of
the species in our strata is from the roof shales of one of the coal
seams at Airdrie, where it is rare. Mr. Young stated that he was
indebted to Mr. Samuel Adair at the pit for kindly presenting a
large series of specimens of the various species to the Hunterian
Museum.

PAPER READ.

Observations on the Swollen Condition of Carboniferous Crinoid
Stems. By Mr. R. Etheridge, Jun., F.G.S., of the British
Museum, Corresponding Member. With two Plates (I. and

n.).

1. Introduction.

The enlargement visible in, and the injuries sustained by, the stems
of Crinoids during Palaeozoic times, do not appear to have excited
much curiosity amongst naturalists and palaeontologists. Indeed,
the same remark applies to the Crinoidal remains of other geologi-
cal periods, and, so far as I am aware, to those of the present day.
I believe that this will prove a fruitful branch of study in the
future. In the present communication I purpose placing on record
a few personal observations made on the stems of Carboniferous
Crinoids during the last few years, whilst engaged in palaeonto-
logical work on the Geological Survey of Scotland, and lately on
specimens contained in the British Museum collection. The more
apparent characters visible will only be touched on at present, as I
wish to reserve the more purely microscopical details for a future
communication.

2. History.

Before proceeding to describe the specimens, it is but right that
attention should be drawm to the views held, and facts recorded bv
the comparatively small number of authors who have touched upon

20 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

this branch of study, whether having reference to Carboniferous
species or those met with in younger rocks.

17D3. — One, the first to notice these injured Crinoid stems, the
Rev. David Ure, in speaking* of the Crinoidal remains collected by
himself in the Rutherglen neighbourhood, says, "Some" (i.e., the
stems) " appear to have been wounded in a recent state. This is
indicated by an unusual swelling, which in every case exhibits a
large and deep puncture, probably the cause of the swelling." This
notice is accompanied by a figure representingt a portion of a
column, irregularly swollen, and towards one side a laterally elon-
gated puncture. Ure's figure may be taken as a typical example
of this condition of stem amongst Carboniferous Crinoids.

1820. — Baron Yon Schlotheim gave a figure of a portion of the

stem and calyx of the characteristic secondary Eucrhiites mesioili-

formis,\ the Bradford Encrinite of Parkinson. In this case the

column is regularly and gradually swollen, but there is no evidence

of any injury or puncture.

1821. — Mr. J. S. Miller, in his Natural History of the
Crinoidea^ enters on the present subject somewhat fully. He gives
a good figure || of an enlargement of the stem of the common Car-
boniferous Crinoid, Poteriocrinus crassus, and ascribes it to a rapid
secretion by the animal to repair an injury sustained through the
loss of a side-arm. He says: "Its column has sometimes numerous
joints swelling gradually out, and thus giving it a barrel-shaped
appearance, generally pressed in on one of its sides, and becoming
there concave, with a central perforation, evidently leading to the
alimentary canal. This has all the appearance of a cicatrized
wound, and as the alimentary canal in the column is not increased,
the swelling can only arise from a more rapid secretion from these
joints, probably to strengthen it, and to compensate thus for the
injury probably sustained in one of its auxiliary side-arms. The
cavity before mentioned was probably produced by the loss or
separation of the injured auxiliary side-arm from the column, and
the subsequent cicatrizing of the wound. ^[ In addition to this
illustration, Miller also gave figures of a peculiar condition in the
stem of Actinocrinus dactylus** " The column sometimes exhibits

* The History of Rutherglen and East Kilbride, 1793, p. 324.

+ T. 18, f. 1. %Die Petrefactenhuide, 1820, atlas, t. 29, f. 5.

§ Bristol, 4to, 1821. || Plate facing p. G8, p. 18.

IT hoe. cit., p. 69. ** Actinocrinus, t. 6, f. 17 and 18.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 21

a swelling out of several joints, and a lateral concave depression
with a centre perforation, as in Poteriocrinites crassus."* One
very strange figure of Miller's may be referred to here — where a
section of a portion of a column is shown with an exudation pro-
ceeding from the central canal and collecting on the exterior of the
stem as a rounded encrusting mass.f Although not strictly analogous
to the swellings at present under consideration, it is probable that
it may bear some relation to them, and will be considered later on.
Miller describes it in these words: "A calcareous secretion has
sometimes exuded on this part, surrounded the column, and con-
cealed its articulation, forming an inorganic investing mass, as
appears on examining transverse fractures. This exudation some-
times swells out into large knobs."!

Finally, Miller reproduces Yon Schlotheim's figure of the swollen
stem of Encrinites mespiliformis.%

1823. — Von Schlotheim's addition to his previously quoted work
contains another figure of a swollen stem of Encrinites mes-
2)iliformis,\\ and he reproduces Miller's figure of the perforated
and enlarged stem of Poteriocrinus crassus.^l

1843. — The Messrs. Austin, in describing the stem of Poteriocrinus
crassus,*% made the following remarks on the subject : — "Miller was
the first to observe the injuries which the columns of this species
so frequently suffered. The effect of most of these mishaps, as
presented to our notice, is a gradual swelling out into an unsightly
protuberance of several consecutive joints, with a considerable
concavity on one side. This concavity has evidently been produced
by the violent extraction or severance of an auxiliary side-arm
from the column, and the Crinoid, in its endeavours to repair the
injury and strengthen the wounded part, has, by a rapid and more
profuse secretion of calcareous matter, enlarged the joints above and
below the severed member, and at the same time closed in the orifice
which communicated with the columnar canal." A similar figure ff
to that of Miller is given by these authors, and also a smaller one 1 J
showing much the same effects. The statement that Miller was
the first to observe such injuries requires modification, because it is
probable that Ure's figure represents a specimen of Poteriocrinus

* P. 96. t F. 26. X p. 97. § Plate facing p. 114, f. 17.

II Nachtracje zur Petrefactenkunde, abth. 2, 1823, t. 23, f. 3d.
^ PjIiL, t. 25, f. 2d. ** Mm. Recent and Foss. Crinoidea, 1843, p. 72.

ttT. 8. f. h. XX Ibid., f. /.

22 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

o'assus. Neither will the entire reference of the phenomena now
under discussion to the severance of an auxiliary side-arm, and
consequent repair, stand, for, allowing that it may and does result
from this cause at times, I hope to show, later on, that the causes
are of a very much more varied description.

1869. — An interesting and instructive paper by the late Mr.
John Rofe, entitled "Note on the Cause and Nature of the
Enlargement of some Crinoidal Columns," appeared during this
year.* In this paper Mr. Rofe conclusively showed that one
amongst the many causes of enlargement of Crinoid columns
arose from the attachment of a species of coral, Cladochonus crassus,
(M'Coy) and the subsequent endeavours of the Crinoid to envelope
its parasite (or epiphyte?) by the undue deposition of its substance.
He further demonstrated that in this process of envelopment "the
divisions of the ossicula of the column are carried round the
intruder and show on the outside." Very satisfactory figures
accompany this paper — one, f a cross section, showing the coral
and enclosing crinoidal matter, another, | a stem surrounded by a
Cladochonus, in which the substance of the stem has not yet
completely invested it. Mr. Rofe stated further, that a similar
enlargement in a Bradford clay Apiocrinites was caused by the
investment of a foreign substance.

1876. — We next come to a paper read before your Society —
" Notes and Observations on Injured and Diseased Crinoids" (by a
"Corresponding Member ")§ — in which, as in the above paper, many
interesting facts are recorded, but scarcely bear out, I think, the
conclusions arrived at by the author, in their entirety. We are
indebted to a "Corresponding Member" for the results of a study
of numerous swollen stems from the Scotch Carboniferous rocks,
from which it appeal's specimens in all stages of injury and
repair were examined, from the much-mutilated condition of "two
flattened sides, each perforated," to one without " any evidence of
disease except the swelling of the column." The conclusions
obtained from the above facts, as stated by a " Corresponding
Member," appear to be (1) That the joints or ossicles of the column
are thickened, producing an elongation of the stem, and a modifi-
cation of the surface ornamentation; (2) a straining of the parts

* Oeol. Mag., VI., 1869, p. 351. + P. 352, f. 3. % Ibid., f. 2.

§Proc. Nat. Hist. Snc. Glasgow, 1876, III., pt. 1, p. 91.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 23

takes place around the perforation, and on the flattened side; (3)
an irregular or contorted state of the restored portions is frequently
to be observed. The deduction drawn by a " Corresponding Member "
appears to be that, although admitting this appearance may be
affected by the loss of a side-arm, and consequent repair of the
injured parts, the chief reason is that of disease, arising "from an
overstrain caused by forced flexion, or from idiopathic causes."
He says: "Recalling to mind the phenomena attending necrosis, or
caries, or even fracture, when defensive action is active, as well as
the more rare instances of adventitious structure, formed to defend
or support certain organs of animals against threatened destruction,
and dismissing the idea of wound or puncture, how does the
question rest?"

Freely admitting, as T do, that solitary instances of disease might
be found and demonstrated amongst fossil Crinoidea, and again as
freely admitting that the appearances under discussion are occa-
sionally caused by the loss and repair of a side-arm, I cannot, at
the same time, subscribe to the theory of disease so ably and in the
sense advocated by a " Corresponding Member." The reasons for
this difference of opinion will be found in the following descriptions
of specimens — suffice it to say that I believe, with the exception
of rare cases, the puncture and swellings visible on the majority of
Crinoid stems are produced by a series of causes exterior to the
will of the Crinoid, usually in the form of other organisms using
the crinoid -structure as a means towards their own existence.
Neither will strained flexure account for the phenomena, for it is
now known that the stems of the Crinoidea will undergo this to
an enormous extent without injury.

1878. — I am indebted to the kindness of my friend, Dr. J. R. S.
Hunter, of Braidwood, for the loan of a second pamphlet by the
same " Corresponding Member" — "Notes and Observations on In-
jured or Diseased Crinoids, &c."* — in which a still more elaborate
and interesting array of facts are set forth. Several swollen
examples of Crinoid stems are described, but do not now call for
any special remark, except that the enlargement appears to be
frequently accompanied by a straining of the stem. By far the
most interesting portion of this communication is that on "Adven-
titious Structures on Crinoidal Fragments," in which is shown the

*Proc. Nat. Hist Soc. Glasgow, 1878, III., pt. 3, p. 333.

24 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

method adopted by certain corals and polyzoa, of attaching them-
selves to living and dead Crinoid stems. In one case where a
colony of Chaetetes tumidus had attached itself, the growth of the
stem was apparently hindered and interrupted ; for the stem beyond
the edges of the cluster is enlarged, whereby the former is raised
above the general level of the periphery, and enveloping, as it were,
the coral. I give an exceedingly good figure of a similar occurrence
(PI. I. fig. 17, PI. II. fig. 7), and shall return to the subject further
on. A " Corresponding Member" also shows how the hole usually
seen on these injured Crinoids is in one instance occupied by the
root and part of the stem of a polyzoon.

3. — Description of Specimens.

As a rule we find the enlargement of Crinoidal columns, now
under discussion, to consist of a gradual expansion of the stem at
some definite point in its course. Generally the enlargement is
gradual (PL I. figs. 1, 4, 6), the stem returning above the swelling
to much the same diameter and shape as at the point below where
the irregularity first manifested itself. Irregular and contorted
enlargements are, however, met with (PI. I. fig. 8); but cases of
sudden expansion, so far as my own observation has gone, are rare.
The chief modification appears to be, that one of the sides of the
enlargement becomes flattened, and more or less concave (PI. I. figs.
1 and 8), or, as pointed out by a "Corresponding Member," both may
become so.* Of the former modification good examples are seen in
the figures of Ure and Miller. Externally the separate segments or
" ossicles " of the column undergo little or no change (except in one
variety of swelling, to be more particularly referred to hereafter)
beyond that necessary to assist in the general formation of the en-
largement and some slight alteration in the surface ornamentation,
as described by a " Corresponding Member." The same authority
also noticed that a thickening of each ossicle took place, resulting in
an elongation of the stem generally.

In very few cases which were not attributable to the loss of a
side-arm have I met with a swelling or enlargement unaccompanied
by an aperture or puncture, or the remains of one, at some point
in the enlarged periphery. The best marked of these proved, on a
section being made, to arise from such a course, but in the others

* Proc. Nat. Hint. Soc. Glasgow, 1876, III., pt. 1, p, 94.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 25

no trace whatever of an opening could be detected. The specimens
were small and could not be cut without destruction. Similar
specimens are noticed by the before-mentioned authority.

The column at or about the aperture is usually flattened or
impressed, or it may become quite concave. The opening is some-
times large and distinctly visible, at other times only represented
by a mere dot (PL I. tigs. 1-4 and 15); and again examples are before
me in which its former existence is only indicated by a general
depression of the surface. When well marked, the openings are
either oval, oblong, round, irregular in form, or may possess a
pinched appearance. The margins are usually rounded and directed
inwards, but one case is described by a " Corresponding Member,"
where the hole had everted edges.* A good example of a small
round, or circular, hole is shown in PL I. fig. 14, or fig. 15. The
irregular form is seen in PL I. fig. 1, where the depression in which
it occurs is much elongated vertically ; or again in PL I. fig. 16, where
the aperture is transversely elongated and much puckered at the
corners, and with a gradual closing over of the substance of the
stem. The holes arising from this irregular condition are also
exhibited in a marked degree by those stems attacked by Productus
coniplectens (mihi), PL II. figs. 2, 3, and 4.

As to the internal structure of these swollen stems, with the
view of demonstrating this I have had prepared a number of cross
sections of various stems, by means of which we shall be enabled
to gain an insight, of a more or less complete nature, into the
ultimate course and probable use of the apertures in question, and
of the passages into which they lead.

It will be observed that in some sections (PL I. figs. 10 — 13) the
holes lead into mere pockets, as it were, in the substance of the
columns, and do not by any means reach the central canal. The
pocket is itself frequently filled with a plug of calcareous matter
(PL I. figs. 10, 11, and 12), but usually separated from the wall
of the cavity by a thin, dark lining of matrix. This peculiar
pocket-like opening Las much the appearance of an inversion of
the stem-wall, arising probably from its external rounded edges
(PL I. fig. 13), which, in some instances at least, are produced by
the subsequent growth of the stem to repair the injury done.

In other sections the apertures will be seen to lead directly into

* Loc. cit., p. 94.

26 PROCEEDINGS OF TIIE

passages which communicate with the columnar canal (PI. I. figs. 5,
7, and 9). The passages in question vary in length and form — they
may be short, and without any form in particular (PL I. fig. 5), or
they may be of some length, and distinctly funnel-shaped (PI. I.
fig. 7). An interesting and well-marked example lies before me,
from Roscobie, contained in the collection of the Geological Survey
of Scotland. The stem (PI. I. figs. 1, 2, and 3) is a gradually
enlarging one, and was cut at three different points, representing a
space of 1| in. vertical. The middle section passed almost through
the centre of the plug, and shows (PL I. fig. 3) the partially funnel-
shaped passage leading to the columnar canal. The latter contains
(PL I. figs. 2 and 3) a piece of black matrix (?) reposing against
its further wall, and somewhat crescentiform in appearance. Both
the upper (fig. 2) and lower section show the same black fragment
extending upwards and downwards through the canal. It will be
noticed that in this specimen the aperture is placed in a longitudinal
depression, extending some distance up and down the stem. PL II.
fi£>\ 6 is a section of a small stem in the British Museum Collec-
tion from the English Carboniferous limestone series, and shows a
remarkably straight and direct passage leading towards the central
canal, but not reaching it. The passage dilates very slightly at its
termination.

In the vertical section of another specimen in the British Museum
Collection, an infilling of matrix marks the extent of the external
opening leading by a more or less contracted passage to a small inner
cavity filled with transparent calcite, and representing the object
which had once dwelt within the Crinoid stem (PL II. fig. 8).

An attentive examination of any of the cross sections will show
that, up to a certain point in the existence of the Crinoid, growth
went on regularly and steadily; but if the outermost circular lines
of accretion are followed round, it will be seen that, on arriving at
the pocket, or passage, as the case may be, they curve inwards,
following the latter, whereas those nearer the centre, on reaching
the passage, simply abut against it. I believe the accretion lines
with the inwardly curved termination to be simply those which
were acquired by the column after the injury had been done, and
the size of the aperture seen on the exterior of a column depends
to a certain degree on the extent to which this process has gone.
It is, of course, also dependent upon the original size of the aperture
and passage.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 27

With the view of comparing sections of stems possessing aper-
tures and passages with those in which the branch canals leading
to the auxiliary side-arms, and the mode of articulation of the arms
themselves are exhibited, I have given two sections, one of them
horizontal, and the other vertical (PI. I. figs. 20 — 21). The marked
difference between the articular sockets in these and the pocket-like
apertures in PI. I. figs. 10, 11, 12, and 13 is at once apparent.
There is a nearer approach to them in the aperture and passage
seen in PI. I. figs. 5 and 7, but I do not think it is sufficiently strong
to warrant us in concluding that these holes on the exterior of
Crinoidal columns, and the passages leading from them, are merely
the enlarged sockets of the auxiliary side-arms and the branch
canals connecting them with the large columnar canal.

The examination of a large number of injured and enlarged
Crinoid stems, and sections made from them, lias led me to the
conclusion that they may be provisionally placed under one of
three heads, viz.: —

1. Those in which there is no trace of aperture or canal, but
simply an enlargement of the column — the cause of the latter
being sometimes present and apparent, at others not.

2. Those in which the aperture is usually round, or oval, leading
into a short pocket-like cavity, and not communicating with the
central canal.

3. Those in which the aperture is more or less irregular, leading
into a similar passage placed in connection with the columnar canal.

4. Agents and Influences which Produce the Enlargement

of Crinoidal Columns.

There can be no possible doubt that, in a large number of cases,
enlargement is produced originally by the external attachment
of bodies to the stems, foreign to the life and well-being of the
particular individual attacked. Of this nature there may be
enumerated —

1. Cladochonus crassus (M'Coy). — This coral has been satis-
factorily shown by the late Mr. Rofe to attach itself to the stems
of Crinoid s, and to produce in them some very extraordinary
examples of distortion. I have had an opportunity of examining
Mr. Rofe's types, now in the British Museum, and can bear testi-
mony to the accuracy of his descriptions in the Geological

28 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Magazine. Mr. Rofe's specimens are supplemented in the
National Collection l>y many others from the Derbyshire lime-
stones, all pointing to one conclusion, that the coral in question
was one of the most important agents in affecting distortion and
enlargement in the Crinoid columns of the Derbyshire and York-
shire Carboniferous area. Some idea of this may be formed
when I say, that I have now before me more than fifty well-
marked examples. In PI. II. tig. 12a may be seen the end of a
stem with the petaloid canal, and the articular crenulations of the
ossicle there exposed quite normally. Within the space of about
eight or nine ossicles, or one inch vertical, the diameter has
increased from seven lines, the measurement at the smaller end,
to eleven lines, or nearly one inch, the actual breadth of the
original stem at this point (PL II. fig. 12), exclusive of the coral
and subsequently deposited matter, being as near as possible six
lines. The individual had therefore increased in thickness on each
side of the stem, through the action of the coral, between two
and three lines. The action of the Gladochonus in attaching
itself to the Crinoid stem is peculiar and characteristic. After
the first attachment was made, it evidently grew laterally right
and left, throwing off its bud-like calices, and ultimately sur-
rounding the stem, as it were, with a band or belt (PI. II.
fig. 11). By this means a series of projecting corallites were
left standing out from the stem like the spokes of a wheel from
the axle, and in overcoming and surrounding which the Crinoid
deposited sufficient substance to cause the swellings we are now
investigating. The amount of the envelopment varied in different
specimens. In some complete investment has taken place, in
others partial enclosure only has gone on, whilst, in a third ex-
ample, the apertures of the calices of the coral only are left.
In this state the true nature of such openings is not easily deci-
pherable, and it is only on making these microscopic sections
that the cause becomes apparent. On examining such a section
(PI. II. figs. 13 and 14), it will be observed that complete encircling
of the stem has taken place, the corallites all being connected by a
common tube. From this it follows that the enclosing Growth of
the Crinoid took place from above or below, or both. The stems
infested with Gladochonus appear to have experienced great incon-
venience from its presence, if we may judge from the contorted,
gnarled, and uncomfortable appearance most of the specimens

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 29

present. To give some idea of the work devolving on a Crinoid,
consequent on the attachment of this coral, the following measure-
ments of the two largest specimens which have come under my
notice (in the British Museum) may be taken : — The original stem
at the point measured was five lines in diameter: as now seen, with
the additional secreted matter surrounding the Cladochoniis, the
diameter is one inch five lines, and the circumference four inches
seven lines. Another almost equally large stem originally
measured four lines — in its present state the diameter is one inch
one line, and the circumference three inches eleven lines. There
is in this specimen one of the ordinary circular apertures which
lead directly into the calice of a C'laclochonus.

It is a curious fact that most of the examples which have come
under my observation from Derbyshire or Yorkshire are caused by
Cladochonus, although there are a few good specimens of the
passage leading direct to the columnar canal from these localities,
in the British Museum (PL II. figs. 1 and 6). I have not suc-
ceeded in obtaining any clear evidence of enlarged Crinoid stems,
arising from this cause, occurring in Scotch Carboniferous beds,
although there is no reason why they should not, as Cladochonus
occurs plentifully at certain localities.

Before closing this portion of our inquiry, it may perhaps be well
to refer to some peculiar specimens also in the British Museum
Collection (PI. II. figs. 16 and 17), but which diner greatly in
appearance from the true C ladochonas-hif ested stems. Those
now under consideration have the whole surface riddled with
circular holes, without showing any signs of enlargement. The
apertures are arranged roughly in cycles, apparently following the
line of demarcation between the ossicles composing the stem, and
vary much in size. When very prevalent and close together they
impart to the Crinoidal column a bitten and decayed appearance,
changing its whole aspect. In some instances, wdiere less weathered,
one of the margins appears to project more than the others. So far,
sections have not revealed any satisfactory solution of this peculiar
appearance, for the apertures do not appear to lead any distance
into the stem, but are merely superficial.

2. Favosites parasitica (Phillips)— The Bofe Collection (British
Museum) contains a Crinoid stem, with a colony of this coral
attached, occupying a central position on the stem, the latter
having become swollen above and below it, thus leaving the

30 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Favosites between two enlargements of Crinoidal matter — an upper
and a lower (PI. II. fig. 7). Round the edges of the coral can be
seen a gradual closing-in of the substance of the stem, similar to
that seen in PL I. figs. 16 and 17.

3. The Stems of other Crinoids. — The diligent collecting of Mr.
James Bennie, of the Geological Survey of Scotland, has brought
to light a number of intertwined and tangled stems from the Car-
boniferous limestone series of Dunbar. By means of these small
specimens we are made acquainted with the fact that attachment
of one Crinoid stem with the other took place in a most complete
manner. By what means, and from what cause union first took
place we are unable to say, but this having been effected, one, and
sometimes both individuals, set to work to absorb or envelope
one another, by the deposition of matter round about and over its
offending neighbour, until the one had wholly enclosed that portion
of the other lying across its stem, had only partially done so at the
expense of considerably enlarging itself, or had finally formed, with
the aid of others, an irregular and confused mass of Crinoid stems.

Polyzoa. — A "Corresponding Member" has already pointed out
the manner in which Polyzoa and their roots become attached to
Crinoid stems. By the aid of an exceedingly instructive specimen,
from Roscobie, obtained by Mr. James Bennie, and now in the
Collection of the Geological Survey of Scotland, I am in a position
to show how even these delicate organisms can be the cause of
enlargement in Crinoidal columns. In PI. I. fig. 16 the usual
polyzoal incrustration, which in this particular case appears to
be a species of Archaeopova, has been gradually overlapped at its
edges by the substances of the stem, and encroachment has taken
place for some distance. The expanse occupied by the network
must have been of some size, judging by the dimensions of the
present depression in the stem. The manner in which the enclosure
has taken place, with the obtusely rounded edges of the overlapping
Crinoidal substance, is quite perceptible, together with the grooving
or puckering left by its advance.

Produclus complectens (milii). As one of the causes of enlargement
of Crinoid stems, we must take into consideration the action of the
peculiar little brachiopod I described some time ago under the
above name* A large number of small Crinoid stems were met

•&v

*t«

On an adherent Productus," &c, Quart. Jour. Oeol. Soc, 1875,

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 31

with in the neighbourhood of Dunbar, by Mr. James Bennie, with
small bodies attached to them in various stages of development,
which proved on investigation to be a neAv form of Productus.
In the younger conditions attachment took place by the spines
of the ventral valve clasping the object to which the brachiopod
adhered, but as development progressed the whole surface of the
valve became united to the Crinoid stem. Had matters remained
in this state, all well and good, we should merely have had a species
of a genus not hitherto supposed to be adherent showing signs of
it. " Attachment took place during the life of the Crinoid; for in
nearly every case where the Productus remains adhering, we find
that its rate of growth was less than that of the Crinoid, the result
being that the substance of the latter surrounded or enclosed its
parasite, first the encircling spines disappearing and gradually the
shell. "We have specimens showing this remarkably well in all
stages of the process, from the mere absorption of the spines by the
substance of the Crinoid, up to the total disappearance of the
Productus itself, when the Crinoid stem assumes a swollen or dis-
torted appearance."* In my paper on this subject, and from which
the above extract is taken, I gave a figure f of a Crinoid stem com-
pletely surrounded by the grooves caused by the tightening spines,
and which will afford some idea of the irritation which must have
been set up in the Crinoid stem by their unwelcome presence. P.
complectens is perhaps one of the best examples of the cause of en-
largement in the columns of Crinoids, because, from the exceptional
advantage of possessing many individuals, it has been possible to
trace onwards and prove the process from the earliest stage to the
point where we have presented to us only a swollen and distorted stem.

The foregoing examples may be taken as illustrating the manner
in which the enlargement of Crinoid stems is produced by the ex-
ternal attachment of extraneous bodies, which afterwards become
internal through the rapid and extra secretion of Crinoidal sub-
stance around them.

We have now to examine a different set of agents occupied in
this process, those which, working from the exterior, penetrate the
stem, and there, setting up local irritation, probably cause an un-
usual secretion of the substance of the stem, giving rise to the
swollen or enlarged appearance.

*Loc. cit., p. 460. tT. 34, f. 12.

32 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

1. Sponges. — I have not as yet obtained any definite information
of the ravages of this class, although I fully anticipate that indica-
tions of their presence will ultimately be met with. That bur-
rowing sponges (? of the Cliona type) existed in the Carboniferous
seas is, I think, abundantly proved by the condition of the shells
of our common Ghouetes, which at many localities — e.g., East Barns,
near Dunbar, and Jloscobie quarry, are met with, riddled with
passages and galleries of peculiar form, resembling those of sponges
in shells of the present day. These I have briefly noticed else-
where,* and I would recommend this branch of the enquiry to
those possessed of material likely to yield good results.

2. Annelida. — An interesting specimen, found by Mr. James
Bennie, leads me to think that in all probability Annelides took
some part in these enlargements. Examine PL I. fig. 1 8 attentively :
at the extreme edge of the large fractured surface will be seen two
small holes in the Crinoid stem — the larger of which, when highly
magnified, will be seen to be filled by a small black tube of shining
material. On viewing the fractured surface this becomes much
more apparent, pursuing its way towards the columnar canal, and
near the centre becoming lost in an undistinguishable mass. To
those accustomed to work amongst Carboniferous fossils, the
aspect of the shining, horny-like tubes of Serpidites will be familiar,
especially when possessing the delicate bloom which indicates con-
version into Vivianite — a peculiar phosphate of iron. The little
body penetrating this stem has such an appearance, and although,
so far as I am aware, no evidence has yet been brought forward to
show that the Carboniferous forms of Serpulites possessed burrowing
powers, still, the resemblance is so strong that I cannot but refer
the object in question to Serpulites, for want of a better resting-
place. Unfortunately, this is the only specimen we possess, other-
wise microscopic sections prepared from it would doubtless have
thrown further light upon the matter.

V. — Recapitulation and Conclusion.

The extent of our published knowledge on this subject appears
to be this —

First. — Enlargement may be caused by the loss of a side-arm
and subsequent repair of the parts. In the only well-defined

*Geol. Mag., Dec. 2, 1847, IV., p. 319.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 33

example of this which has come under my notice the enlargement
of the stem was simply confined immediately to the part in
question, and did not extend to a general swelling of the stem;
neither was there any aperture. Miller was so far correct in his
general description of this phenomenon of enlargement; only his
remarks apply not to the loss of a side-arm, as he supposed, but to
the causes which follow.

Second. — The combined researches of Mr. Rofe, a "Corresponding
Member,'' and myself, haYe proved that another cause is the
external attachment of extraneous bodies, such as corals, stems
of smaller Crinoids, certain Polyzoa, and a species of Prodv.ctus.
Future research will probably disclose other agents.

Third. — Enlargement is certainly caused by the attack of para-
sites, although the cause and effect under this heading are not
so clear as they might be. There is some reason to believe,
judging from PI. I. tigs. 18 and 19, that an Annelide was one of
these.

In seeking a cause for this peculiar enlargement of Crinoidal
stems, attention must be given to the theory of disease advanced
by a " Corresponding Member;" but I think, after due consideration
of the numerous facts I have now brought forward, the theory of
disease, pure and simple, will have to be relegated to the position
of one of the minor causes. After all, no doubt, any form of
enlargement may be said to a certain extent to be disease, because
it arises from an unnatural and undesirable state of the Crinoid,
viz., the adherence of extraneous bodies during growth, or the
attack of burrowing organisms within.

That these causes should give rise to serious disorganisation on
the part of the Crinoid is not to be wondered at, when we take
into consideration the important and delicate part played in its
economy by the vascular axis contained in the columnar canal.*
Any obstruction to the growth of the column and its axis would
probably call forth all the resistance the Crinoid was capable of,
and its chief endeavours would be to either get rid of the intruder,
or, by the more vigorous deposition of matter round about the part
attacked to render the life of its antagonist untenable.

* On this head, see P. H. Carpenter, on some points in the Anatomy of
Ptntacrinus and Ehizocrlnus {Jour. Anat. and Phijs., 1877, XII., pt. 1, pp.
35-53.)

VOL. IV. C

34 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

That such cause and effect are not without parallel in the
invertebrate world we have not far to seek. For instance, look
at the thickness attained by the shells of some oysters, arising from
the rapid deposition of calcareous matter by the mantle of the
mollusc to counteract the ravages of Cliona, and other similar
parasites. Again, observe the commercial use of this peculiarity in
some mollusca made by that ingenious and clever people, the
Chinese, who introduce small images and reliefs below the mantle
of a species of Anodon, and thus produce most peculiar structures
quite foreign to the nature of the shell, simply by the irritation
caused by their projection against the inner surface of the mantle.

Again, if any further example of the formation of additional
matter consequent on the action of extraneous bodies is required,
there may be mentioned that of certain Annelides on the corallum
of the Stylasteridae. According to Mr. Moseley they " are liable
to become much distorted in growth by the presence upon them of
parasites of various kinds, each of which appears by the special
kind of irritation which it offers to produce a particular form of
abnormal growth in the part of the corallum it infests, producing
thus, as it were, an animal gall. The commonest distortion is the
reduction of the stem of a coral or branch, or of one side of these,
into a hollow canal or deep furrow, more or less roofed over by a
thin wall. This condition is produced by the adherence to the
growing stem of an Aphroditacean Annelid. . . . On Errina
labiata a parasitic filiform Nemertean also occurs, which twines
itself round the tips of the branches in many coils. The branches
thus irritated grow out into a burr -like mass of projecting points,
which are evidently hypertrophied dactylopore prominences. . . .*

In conclusion, I have to express my thanks to Professor Geikie,
F.R.S., for the loan of specimens in the Collection of the Geological
Survey of Scotland, and to my colleague, Dr. H. Woodward, for
pointing out to me many curious specimens in the British Museum.
To Messrs. It. N. Peach and G. Sharman I am indebted for the
accompanying drawings.

*The Croonian Lecture, "On the Structure of the Stylasteridae," 1878,
p. 469.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 35

DESCRIPTION OF PLATES I. AND II.

PLATE I.

Fig. 1. A swollen stem of Poteriocrinus crassus?, from Roscobie Quarry,
Fife. Nat. size. The aperture is seen near the centre of the stem iu an
elongated depression, and filled with a plug of matrix.

Figs. 2 and 3. Sections of fig. 1, taken at various heights, to show the
aperture and passage leading to the central canal and the mass of black
matrix which extends throughout the canal for some distance. Nat. size.

Fig. 4. Another swollen stem from Bathgate, taken from the non-
perforated side. Xat. size.

Fig. 5. The section of Fig. 4 cut directly across the passage. Xat. size.

Fig. 6. A stem — from the Edinburgh neighbourhood — in which there is
a large oval depression resembling Miller's original figure in the Natural
History of the Crinoidea, Nat. size.

Fig. 7. Section of the same stem, in which the passage leads direct to the
central canal from the external depression. Nat. size.

Fig. 8. Vertical section, in which the connection between the external
depression in the stem, the passage leading from it, and the canal is quite
apparent. Nat. size.

Fig. 9. A horizontal section, showing a direct, somewhat triangular
passage. The section has been cut a little above the communication between
the latter and the canal. Nat. size.

Figs. 10 to 12. Horizontal sections of small stems, showing the shallow
pocketdike passage not communicating with the canal. Fig. 10, Nat. size.
Figs. 11 and 12. x 2.

Fig. 13. Cross section of another small stem, in which the aperture shows
a tendency to split into two passages. x 2.

Fig. 14. A small stem, showing two small apertures, such as lead into
pockets represented in Figs. 10-13. x 2.

Fig. 15. A similar specimen, with one circular hole. Nat. size.

Fig. 16. A Crinoid stem, on which there has been an adherent Polyzoon
now in course of enclosure. Nat. size.

Fig. 17. The Polyzoon, with enclosing Crinoidal matter enlarged. It
appears to be a species of Archaeopora. x 2.

Fig. 18. Swollen stem, with two apertures almost along the line of
fracture, x 3.

Fig. 19. The fractured surface of Fig. 18, showing the passage into which
the two apertures led, and occupied by what appears to be an Annelide
tube, x 3.

Fig. 20. Vertical section of an uninjured stem, to show the mode of
articulation of the auxiliary side-arms. Nat. size.

Fig. 21. Horizontal section of an uninjured stem, to show the same thing.
Nat. size.

36 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PLATE II.

Fig. 1. Vertical section of a stem, showing a deep concavity on one side
tilled with matrix, and a large space excavated in its substance. In the
other half of the column this excavation communicates with the central
canal. Nat. size.

Figs. '2-5. Four stems, to which specimens of Productus complectens are
attached. They show the various degrees of envelopment by the sub-
stance of the Crinoid. Highly magnified. (Copied from the Quart. Jour.
Geol. Soc.)

Fig. G. Section of a small stem, from the Carboniferous limestone of
Derbyshire, with a straight direct passage leading towards, but not reaching,
the central canal. Nat. size.

Fig. 7. A stem which has become infested with a colony of Favosites
parasitica, over which the Crinoid stem is gradually encroaching from above
and below.

Fig. 8. Microscopic section of au enlarged stem, with some foreign body,
probably the cause of the enlargement, lying against the columnar canal.
Nat. size.

Figs. 9-11. Crinoid stems infested with colonies of Cladochonus. In
fig. 9 are two enlargements of the stem caused by the different colonies,
the terminations of the calices of which are seen protruding from it. Fig.
10 is a similar specimen, but with the calices in a better state of preserva-
tion, and more free of the Crinoid substance. Fig. 11. Another example,
showing the gradual enlargement of the stem, and a siugle line of calice
openings. Nat. size.

Fig. 12. A weathered section of a stem (a) which has been surrounded by
a series of corallites of Cladochonus, (b) in their turn now enclosed within
the more recently secreted Crinoidal matter. Nat. size. Fig. 12a. The
opposite extremity of the same stem to show the difference in size of the
affected and normal condition of the stem. Nat. size.

Fig. 13. Section of a Crinoid stem, of which the original size is apparent,
encircled by calices of Cladochonus, and the whole enveloped in secondary
Crinoidal substance. Nat. size.

Fig. 14. Microscopic section of another stem, from which radiate four
corallites of Cladochonus, surrounded by secondary Crinoid substance.
Nat. size.

Fig. 15. A similar specimen, showing a very large calice of a Cladochonus.
Nat. size.

Fig. 16. A fragment of a Crinoid stem, riddled with small circular holes,
arranged in cycles. Nat. size.

Fig. 17. Another, covered with similar holes, but without any definite
arrangement. Fig. I7a. Cross section of the same.

The subjects of PI. I. figs. 1 to 21, and PI. II. figs. 2 to 5, are from the
Scotch Carboniferous limestone series, and are in the Collection of the
Geological Survey of Scotland. Those of PI. II. figs. 9 to 11 are in the
"Gilbertson Collection;" whilst those of PI. II. figs. 7, 8, 12 to 17, form
part of the "Rofe Collection."

Proc.Jai r:Misi. Soc. Glasa'ow 2SJ9,

iw/r Fl.L

,-i ;'_

, ,;■'-., '

■T' *~~ - " *?5Wft^~

' /3d

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".Vat erst on, Sons ic Stewart. Litr.rs Emir

CARBONIFEROUS C R IN 0 I D STEMS.

ProcJat. Hid Sot .Glasgow, 1879.

Vol n: piii

i.

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1Z?

8.

14-.

16.

C.Berjeau, lith.

Waterston, Sons Jc Stewart Lith" Ellin*

CARBONIFEROUS CRINOID STEMS.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW

January 28th, 1879.
Mr. John Young, F.G.S., Vice-President, in the chair.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

The Secretary showed a young Albino Hedgehog {Erinaceus
europaeus), which had been forwarded by the Earl of Haddington,
corresponding member, who wrote that some time after the capture
of the mother (also an Albino) two young ones were discovered, but
they had both died, and one of these having been preserved, had been
sent for exhibition. Mr. James Lumsden, F.Z.S., read some notes
on the history and habits of the species. Mr. Murdoch stated that
several records of the occurrence of Albino Hedgehogs were to be
found in the Zoologist, notably at Norwich in 1850, in Hants in
1858, and at Eton in 1867.

The Secretary also showed a tine and well-preserved skull of the
Great Gray Seal (Halichaerus gryphus,) sent for exhibition by Sir
John W. P. Orde, F.Z.S. It was found on the shore of the Island
of Uist, covered with wounds, supposed to have been got while
fighting. It is one of the largest of the Seal family, an adult
measuring from seven to ten feet, and is pretty common in our
waters from Shetland to the Isle of Wight. It is said to have been
found as far north as Disco, but is rather an inhabitant of tem-
perate than of Arctic seas, and it is recorded to have been found
breeding at the Fern Islands. It has a small amount of brain,
and is of a very fierce disposition.

Mr. John M. Campbell, Kelvingrove Museum, showed a variety
of objects which had been sent to that institution from Japan.
Among these were specimens of the Japanese Pheasant, and a
number of examples of the economic purposes to which the natives
apply its feathers, in the formation of brushes, fans, and other
articles of domestic use.

Mr. James D. Dougall exhibited a specimen of the Bittern,
Botaurus stellaris, shot in the end of December last on the river
Echaig, Argyllshire, by Mr. Duncan of Benmore's keeper. The
stomach contained the remains of a small rock cod.

38 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PAPERS READ.

I. — Notes on the Common 0 possum ( Didelphis aurita), "Comadreja
jricaso" or Black and White Comadreja. By Mr. Ernest Gibson,
F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Estancia "Los Ingleses," Partido de Ajo, near
Cape San Antonio, Buenos Ayres. Corresponding Member.

This marsupial diners from the only other species our district
possesses, not only in size and colour, but in habitat and habits.
It is confined to the woods and higher — or at least dry — grounds,
taking up its abode either in hollow trees or holes in the ground,
but never found inhabiting "biscacheros" (burrows of the Biscacho,
Lagostomus trichodactylus ), though often frequenting them. From
being the sworn foe of all hen-roosts, it also not only ventures about
buildings by night, but will establish itself in the coolest manner
possible in outhouses, garrets, roofs of houses, store-rooms — in short,
anywhere it can gain admittance to. As the result of long
experience, I go up to the loft in the cooper's "galpon" (barn),
in fear and trembling, jumping back several feet at every box I
turn over, in the momentary expectation of being glared, fuffed,
and snapped at, by one of these vicious animals. The great look-
out ladder is reared against the aforesaid barn, affording an easy
means of access to the thatched roof, and thence to the loft ;
consequently one or more comadrejas may almost always be found
there. One morning I found the cooper waiting at the foot
of the ladder, armed with a cooper's "devil," and receiving three
half -grown comadrejas as they came leisurely down it in succession.
On another occasion one was found in the store-room, to which it
must have gained access by a small window having been left open.
The discoverer immediately hurled some missile and knocked it
over, but came to the conclusion that he must have totally
annihilated it, as not another trace of the intruder could he find.
Two or three weeks after it was found in a box half-full of
maccaroni, sleeping soundly, and looking very plump and comfortable.
Another one kept us all frantic for several weeks, promenading
about between the inner "cielo raso," or wooden ceiling, and the
outer thatch roof. It was ultimately detected in the early morning
returning to its abode from a nocturnal ramble, and was then
dispatched. Examination proved it to be a female with seven
young ones in the pouch — a promising colony, doubtless! A.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 39

similar case showed that, in order to gain the thatched roof,
another comadreja ascended and descended regularly by one of
the outside corners of the house, built of brick faced with mortar,
which covered both bricks and interstices smoothly over, and at
least twelve feet high. The tail could have been of no assistance
in this case, but the mortar bore the traces of the claws.

In the woods surrounding our head station were certain hollow
trees where I could always depend upon finding one or more coma-
drejas. I should here note that, except when the female has
young, this species is generally found in pairs, or occasionally
three are met with together. Once I found five full-grown ones
in a nest, but notwithstanding that they all appeared to be adults,
I am inclined to believe they were simply a female and young-
ones. As a rule they make a nest in their abode, of dry grass,
wool, feathers, and pieces of paper and rags. Even in woods,
though, if the soil is sufficiently sandy and dry, they will take
possession of some burrow, enlarging it if necessary. The fact of
their never occupying any burrow but those in very dry soil, and
their avoidance of water, constitute one of the greatest differences
between this and the next species. The one is entirely arboreal
and terrestrial in its habits, the other terrestrial and aquatic — the
former I never saw swim, the latter never climb a tree.

Lastly, the "comadreja picaso" is very frequently to be found in
the nests of our common green parroquet (Bolborhyncltus monachus),
occupying one of the chambers thereof. I formerly used to
thrust my hand into these nests after eggs or birds, but now take
care to ascertain that thev contain none but their legitimate
occupants. The result of one investigation was a comadreja in
one of the upper chambers, parroquets occupying the intermediate
ones, and a teal duck sitting on five eggs in the lowest. Unless
the extremely thorny nature of the building material had kept
the comadreja from extending its explorations, I fail to see how
these neighbours should have escaped ; it says much for their courage
that they should have continued to remain in immediate proximity
to such an inveterate enemy. At night one frequently hears the
parroquets leaving their nests with a terrific uproar, and it is then
generally attributed to a comadreja, as tiger-cats could only rarely
gain admittance.

Eggs and birds of all kinds, but particularly poultry, constitute
the chief food of the comadreja. To these may probably be added

40 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

various small quadrupeds, frogs, and insects, though the two latter
are only a supposition on my part.

I have very frequently taken both this species and the next in
traps at "biscacheros," but never yet drowned out the former, as I
have often done the latter; showing that it is only the pursuit of
food that takes the " comadreja picaso '; there, and that whether
that prey is young biscachos, birds (prairie owl and burrowing
ground woodpecker), rats and mice, or frogs, it never takes up
its abode with the biscachos.

It is to be regretted that I can only give an approximate date
for its breeding-time. The two or three instances I have recorded
are about the end of October and beginning of November, but
doubtless the season varies more. The usual number of young is
about seven or eight, but in one instance I found no less than
thirteen. These were smaller than shrew mice, quite bare, the
eyes unopened, and they wrere still attached to the mother — inside
the pouch, of course. About the end of November I found another
female, with nine young ones, in a hollow tree ; these were the size
of large rats, and in appearance, ferocity, &c, just miniature
editions of their mother. The nestful could not be resolved into
head or tail, and when I poked the female up into wakefulness
and defence, all the young ones clung on to her fur with claws
and tails, presenting such an aggregate collection of vicious black
eyes, sharp teeth, and twining caudal appendages, and fuffing and
swearing in proportion to their looks, that I felt I had got into
rather bad society.

The movements of the1, "comadreja picaso" are very sluggish;
on the ground it moves but slowly, with a long loping run, and
can almost be overtaken by a quick walker. Even in trees it does
not move fast.

It sleeps all through the day, and is not easily roused. When
discovered in a nest, it will not voluntarily leave it, preferring to
remain on the defensive, and fu fling and snapping at the intruder.
The way it bites and worries at a stick is a caution. I saw one
absolutely break several of its sharp teeth on the blade of a bowie-
knife, and yet continue trying. to make an impression on it.

The odour peculiar to the species is hardly perceptible till the
animal is irritated, when it becomes very strong indeed. Though
bad enough in all conscience, it is not to be compared to that of
the polecat.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 41

The last noteworthy point connected with the '-'comadreja
picaso" is its tenacity of life. Dogs may worry at it as long as
they like — it hardly offers any resistance; half-a-dozen times will
it be left for dead, and as often does it reYive and begin to move
off. The first and biggest one I came across was in a parroquet's
nest. I put three revolver bullets into its body, and gave it a
knife thrust as it came towards me, which precipitated it to the
ground, over twenty feet. By the time I descended, it was
trotting leisurely away, and after various assaults on it with a
stick, I was ultimately compelled to fire other two shots into the
head, after which it did not come to life any more. Hanging I
found to be the best and speediest way of securing a specimen,
without mortally injuring both the cranium and fur. The latter
is very handsome, but the skin is impregnated with grease to such
an extent as to be a great deterrent to its use. All specimens I
ever killed, whatever the season, were extremely fat.

There has been no perceptible change or variation in the
numbers of the " comadreja picaso " in our district, during the
last six years. Unlike the next species, wet or dry seasons
cannot much affect the abundance of its food, as it does not
frequent the swamps; while, from its habits, man, its only enemy,
does not often come across it. Accordingly, I long expect to be
able, as I am at present, to lay my hands on specimens whenever
I want them.

II.— The Flora of Chile. By Mr. Thomas King.

As the character of vegetation depends on the nature of its
surroundings, I will first say a few words regarding the physical
geography of Chile. This country lies between the Andes and the
Pacific, and stretches from the southern borders of the tropics
to Cape Horn — a distance of 2000 miles. Its average breadth
is from 70 or 80 miles, and its area 150,000 square miles, or
about a fourth larger than Great Britain and Ireland. In a
country so situated there is necessarily great diversity of climate,
and consequently conditions favourable to the growth of many
different kinds of plants. But the climate is even more varied
than we might expect from the geographical position of the
country, owing to the great differences of elevation and the unequal
distribution of moisture. The surface rises from the sea level to
heights far above the snow line, and while in Valdivia, in the

1:2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

south, the annual rainfall is over 100 inches, in the north it is
reduced to a shower or two in the year.

As might be anticipated, the vegetation is very varied. In
Britain we have of flowering plants and ferns about 1600
species, but the Flora of Chile, as represented by the collec-
tion in the Santiago Museum, contains 4013 species, belonging
to 747 genera, and 140 natural orders. Feuille, Molina, and
Miers have each described a number of species, but we are in-
debted to Claude Gay, a Frenchman, for the first Chilian Flora.
In 1834, when Mr. Darwin visited Chile in the Beagle, Gay was
collecting specimens in all branches of Natural History. He
spent twelve years in the country and then took his collections to
Paris, where, with the help of other scientific men, he brought out
in 1845 his "Historia de Chile," in 27 volumes, 8 of which are
devoted to Botany. Though almost necessarily incomplete and
inaccurate, it is a very valuable work, and will serve as a basis
for all future Chilian Floras. Dr. B. A. Philippe, the able and
zealous Professor of Natural History in the University of Chile,
Santiago, has done more than any other man, except Gay, to
extend our knowledge of Chilian vegetation. Not only has he
made large collections himself, but for many years he has named
and described all the new plants found by his friends, so that the
number of known species is constantly increasing, and in 1872 I
saw a manuscript catalogue, drawn up by Dr. Philippe and his
sons, of all the native species known up to that date.

I will now mention what seem to me the most remarkable
features of the Chilian Flora. In October, 1864, after a voyage
of 100 days, during which time we had seen no plants but floating
seaweed, we neared the shores of Chile, a few miles to the south
of Valparaiso. Taking a glass and looking at the hill-sides, I saw
they were covered with vegetation, but of a kind new to me. It
was neither forest nor pasture, but short bushy vegetation. I
found afterwards that there were trees also, but the abundance of
bushes is a remarkable feature in the landscape. After living
in the country for some time, I saw that these bushes were
evergreen, but at a later date I found, in the vicinity of Val-
paraiso, two deciduous woody plants, one an acacia, the other a
fuchsia.

Another feature, much more marked, is the want of grass. As
there is no rain in Central Chile — in which Santiago and Valparaiso

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 43

are situated — from the spring to the autumnal equinox, the ground
during that time is dry and bare. On first entering the Bay of
Valparaiso, and looking at the treeless, rounded, earth-coloured
hills, I 'wondered that people ever built a city there. It did not
seem at all, as its name implies, a Valley of Paradise. When at
length I again returned to this country, nothing surprised and
pleased me so much as the uniYersal covering of green, and I felt
that grass would never again be to me a common thing. A curious
fact connected with the reappearance of herbaceous vegetation at
the beginning of the rainy season, is that the green haze which
overspreads the ground after the first shower is caused by the
germination of countless numbers of the seeds of Stork's Bill —
Er odium cicntarium and E. moschatum — plants believed, with good
reason, to have been accidentally introduced from Europe.

Again, the Chilian Elora includes certain tropical or sub-tropical
plants, such as canes, palms, and the cacti, which arrest the atten-
tion of people from colder countries. I was much pleased when I
first saw seed on a cane plant — Chusquea: it wras just like ryegrass
seed. There is only one species of palm on the mainland, Jubaea
spectabilis, or Micrococos chilensis, which attains a great height,
and has a bulging trunk three feet in diameter. It is not so
graceful as many of its kind, but to one who has never seen a
palm, except in a conservatory, it is a beautiful, and even a won-
derful tree. The southern limit of palms in Chile is 34° S., and it
is worthy of remark that Valparaiso is situated very nearly in the
same latitude — 33° V 5 6".

But it must not be supposed, from what I have just now said, that
the vegetation of Chile is of a tropical character. To support a
rank vegetation, both heat and moisture are necessary. In the
north, where the temperature is high, moisture is wanting; and in
the south, where moisture is abundant, the temperature is com-
paratively low. The central parts of the country have a climate
resembling that of Southern Europe. The mean winter tempera-
ture of Valparaiso is 51° Fah., that of summer 61°, and the mean
annual temperature 57°. The thermometer seldom rises above 80°
in the shade, and though the roofs on winter mornings are covered
with hoar-frost, I never saw ice. Of course, inland the variations
are greater.

I will mention only only one other feature, but perhaps the most
remarkable of all. Nearly all the Chilian species are different from

44 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the British. This is an interesting fact in connection with the dis-
tribution of plants. I understand that the flora of the continent of
Europe has much in common with that of our own country — in
fact, that all our British species are also continental, and that there
is a strong family likeness between our flora and that of North
America. But the case is quite different with respect to Chile;
there, the vegetation has an unfamiliar appearance. Of course,
many of the natural orders and genera are the same as here, but
the species are different. And this difference is not owing to any
peculiarity in the soil or the climate, as is shown by the rapidity
with which European plants spread themselves, when once in-
troduced. Of these I may mention a few. Our common bind-
weed (Convolvulus arvensis), is now one of the worst Chilian
weeds. Mentha piperita and M. citrata, the Yerba-buena of
the Chilenos, were introduced by the Spaniards to season their
dishes, and are now found in every damp place in the country.
Hemlock (Conium maculatum), now so common that it is used to
thatch booths, conies from a few seeds which an apothecary had
sent to him from Spain, fifty or sixty years ago. Trifolium repens
(white clover), is now common on the hills behind Valparaiso;
Viola odorata (the scented violet), grows by the sides of streams,
and little boys sell bunches of them in the streets! I saw the
dandelion for the first time in June, 1872. Dr. Philippe had
seen it six months earlier, but by December I saw it growing in
the streets of Santiago. I tried to introduce the field Daisy (Bellls
perennis), and got some seed sent to me from the West End Park.
It grew well enough and flowered, but did not spread. I suppose
it is extinct by this time. But the most remarkable introduction
of all is perhaps the Cardon — that is the Great Thistle (Gynara
carduiiculus), a plant from the south of Europe. It now covers
large tracts in Chile, and is, I believe, the same thistle that has
overrun the plains of the Argentine Republic.

In addition to the introduced species, there are a number of
cosmopolites, such as Lemna minor and L. gibba, Typha latifolia,
Arundo phrar/mites, 'Hymenopliyllum twnbridgense, Cyslopteris
fragilis, Funaria hygrometrica.

Having now mentioned some of the more noticeable features of
the Chilian Flora, namely — 1st, the abundance of bushes; 2nd,
the fact that nearly all the woody plants in the central provinces
are evergreen; 3rd, the absence of a carpet of grass; 4th, the

i
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 4o

presence of certain tropical forms, such as palms; 5th, the differ-
ence between the Chilian and the British species, I will now
show some dried specimens, noting their peculiarities, and will
take first a few which have become familiar to us from cultivation
in this country : —

Calceolaria. — Several species grow luxuriantly in the neighbour-
hood of Valparaiso. I think our gardeners waste their time and
skill in trying to grow calceolarias out of doors. To any one who
has seen them growing wild, our garden plants seem dwarfed,
pinched and insignificant.

Fuchsia. — This is, I believe, the wild form of the fuchsias now
growing so freely in the open air at all the Clyde watering-places.
I gathered this specimen near Valparaiso,

Potato (Solatium tuberosum). — I believe the potato is found wild
on the Andes from Chile to Mexico. I gathered the specimens
behind Valparaiso, but I am not sure that they are truly wild — the
tubers are suspiciously like those sold in the shops. The Chilenos eat
potatos twice a day, — to breakfast and dinner, so that they form a
very well-known article of food. If they were to become diseased
and scarce, everybody would soon know of it; but, though making
inquiries, I never heard of the potato disease all the eight years I
was in the country, till at last, in 1872, just a few months before
I came away, a Scotchman told me that he had seen, near Santiago,
a field of potatos with blackened shau's. In what state the tubers
were I don't know. If the disease first appeared in Chile about
1870, that was a quarter of a century after its first appearance in
Britain. The potato is a native of dry places, and produces
tubers, perhaps from the uncertainty of being able to produce seeds.
Those behind Valparaiso, though they flower freely, do not ripen
seeds, as the shaws are burnt up by the sunshine before there is
time.

In cultivating the potato we wrong it in several ways: we
divide the tuber — the store of food nature had intended for one,
amongst several plants — or as the farmers say, we cut the potato
into sets; and in doing this we necessarily destroy nature's protec-
tion— the skin — and leave the raw flesh exposed to water, worms,
and all the hurtful influences it may meet with underground.
The plant bears this treatment for several generations, but by and
by all its reserve energy is exhausted, and when a trying time
comes, such as a wet season, it succumbs. Immediately thereupon

46 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

it is attacked by fungi and parasitical insects, their presence not
being the cause of the disease, but a consequence.

This, I believe, is the generally-received theory regarding the
potato disease, and it seems a very reasonable one. But I am
not aware that what I am about to say has yet been received as
reasonable. I hold that we cannot cure the potato disease, but
that we may prevent it; and, in order to do so, I would import
annually wild tubers from the Andes. These I would go on
improving until I had produced varieties fit for profitable culti-
vation. The farmer should then take them, and use them. in the
way that would pay him best. They would keep sound for many
years; but whenever he saw signs of failure, let him cease to
propagate the enfeebled plants and fall back on a later im-
portation. As the Andes are far away, perhaps it Avould be
advisable to acclimatise the wild plant on the hills of Italy and
Spain, where they could be got at more easily. I know that
potatos imported from South America to this country have failed,
but what I do not know is the history of those potatos before
they were imported. I should mention, in conclusion, that the
Chilenos always plant their potatos whole.

Lapageria rosea (R. and P.) — This beautiful climber, which is
now exhibited at almost every flower-show, grows wild amongst
"Boldo" bushes in the neighbourhood of Concepgion, lat. 36° S.
It is named in honour of Josephine Lapagerie, wife of Napoleon I.,
but I much prefer its euphonious Indian name " Copigue."

Oxalis. — Of this genus we have in Scotland only one species —
the wood sorrel; but in Chile there are 57 species, some of which are
now cultivated in this country; but I do not think that the " Churco"
(0. gig antea J, the largest Oxalis in the world, has yet been introduced.
It grows in great patches in the desert of Atacama, and attains a
height of from three to five feet. The flowers are yellow, and
about the size of a buttercup; the leaves are trifoliate, and have
the ordinary acid taste. It flowers with one shower a year, but if
there happens to be no rain it does not blossom. The inhabitants
of the district in which it grows make use of it in housebuilding.
First they put up a frame-work of wood, next fill all the open
spaces with " Churco," and then plaster all over with clay. It is
said that rats will not eat through this wall, doubtless because they
dislike the taste of " Churco."

I must mention one other species of this genus — 0. lobata, " Flor

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 47

de la perdiz, or Partridge flower" of the natives. It is the earliest
flower of the rainy season. When the Stork's Bill and young grass
are making the hill-sides green, this little bulbous-rooted sorrel
springs up as plentiful as our field daisy, and by the month of May,
which corresponds to our November, the surface is, as it were,
gilded with its delicate yellow blossoms.

Tropaeolum tricolor, T. brachyceras, and T. azureum. — These are
exquisitely beautiful climbers, covering the bushes in September
and October. They are all now cultivated in our conservatories. I
was surprised to see another Chilian species, T. speciosum, gro wing-
freely on the front of a cottage near Selkirk in the autumn of 1877.
T. tricolor is described by Darwin in his work on Climbing Plants.

Aristotelia, "Maqui." — This is an arborescent bush about the size
of our hazel. I mention it to show how easilv Chilian shrubs mi»ht
be acclimatised here. I raised a plant of it from seed at Innellan
in 1873, and it has grown there in the open air ever since. " Maqui"
berries are reckoned a powerful remedy in dysentery.

Lardizabala biter nata, "Coguille." — This is an evergreen climber,
as beautiful as ivy, and bears graceful racemes of dusky purple-
chocolate flowers. It comes nearer my idea of tropical woody
climbers than anything I have seen. A young plant of it is now
growing in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens.

Dry mis chilensis, or D. winteri (Winter's Bark), tree "Canelo." —
This handsome evergreen tree extends from the Straits of Magellan
to lat. 31° S. It is the sacred tree of the Araucanian Indians, and
its bark was long a well-known medicine in our own country. It
was introduced by Dr. Winter, a physician in Drake's expedition
in 1577 — hence its name, Winter's Bark. It is well worth the
attention of shrub fanciers, and would grow easily in mild situations.
The general aspect is that of the rhododendron, but looser. The
flowers are, however, quite different.

Ledocarpum peduncular e, *'Amancay." — This handsome yellow-
flowered woody plant grows in the northern desert. It is easily
raised from seed. I had a plant of it eight inches high, but it died
in the air of Glasgow.

Cruickshanksia (natural order, Rubiaceae). — This genus is peculiar
to Chile, and, so far as I know, none of the species are yet culti-
vated in Britain. They grow in the north, and form beautiful
patches on the sand.

Myrtus ugni, " Mol." — A tine plant of this is in the Glasgow

48 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Botanic Gardens. The berries are very good, and are made into
jam, There are 44 species of Myrtaceae in Chile, some of them
very beautiful shrubs, especially when in flower.

Loranthus. — Four species. These are all parasitical, and, like
the mistletoe, have exceedingly sticky berries.

Litrea venonosa. — This was one of the first plants I heard of in
Valparaiso. "Have you seen 'Litre'?" Then I was told of its
wonderful properties. If you touch it, or sit under its shade, your
face swells and turns red, as if you had erysipelas. I have heard
of school children being kept at home for weeks because they had
been smitten by "Litre." The cure for the eruption is a poultice
of the leaves of "Mayten." However, I treated the "Litre" like
any other bush — forced my way through thickets of it, broke off
branches, collected its seeds, and rubbed my hands with its leaves,
but all without result. The explanation given was that it did
not affect every one alike. Still, I believe there must be some
truth in what everybody says, as in the natural order to which it
belongs — the Anacardiaceae — there are plants possessing very hurt-
ful properties. It forms a dusky, handsome shrub, and in favour-
able situations becomes a timber tree.

Maytenus chilensis. — This is a more graceful tree than our
birch. If you imagine a cross between the boxwood and the
weeping willow, you will have some notion of its general appearance.
It was introduced into Britain in 1829, and Loudon remarks that
it would probably become a hardy shrub, but I have never seen it
at home.

Quillaja saponaria, " Quillai." — This is another fine evergreen
tree, with clear shining leaves, common in the central provinces.
Its bark is now largely exported to France for scouring wool. The
Chilenos use it instead of soap for washing the head, and some say
that to it they are indebted for their luxuriant hair.

Of the Leguminosae there are 269 Chilian species, and many
are of forms altogether wanting in Britain. All our native species
have the papilionaceous corolla, like the pea or the broom, with
the stamens united, but in the Chilian Flora there is not only
this form but three others. — 1st, the genus Adesmia has the
papilionaceous corolla with the stamens free; 2nd, Caesalpinia,
Cassia, etc., have the flowers regular, or nearly so; and 3rd, the
Acacias have quite regular flowers, with an indefinite number of
stamens.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 49

I 'will now name a few of the Leguminosae : —

Balsamocarjwti brevifolium, "Algarrobillo." — This plant grows in
the northern desert, and attains the size of a gooseberry bush.
The pods, which consist mostly of gum or resin, are used in tanning
leather, and the peas are eaten by the Chinchilla.

Acacia cavenia, "Espino." — This is the deciduous tree already
mentioned as growing in Central Chile. At one time a great part
of the country was covered with impenetrable thickets of it, which
have been recklessly cut down to make wood-charcoal, fences,
Arc. It would make excellent growing hedges, but at present the
branches are cut off and set up close to each other on end, and
form a good temporary fence. The wood is ornamental, but
unfortunately of small size, and so fragrant are the flowers that
the tree is called " Aromo " as well as " Espino " (thorn).

Errazurizia glandidifera (Philippe, new genus). — This is a pretty
and peculiar-looking plant, with an incense-like fragrance. It has a
trailing habit, and would be suitable for a rockery. I discovered
it in the neighbourhood of Carrizal-Bajo, and Dr. Philippe named it
in honour of the President of Chile, just then elected, SenorErrazuriz.

Adesmia balsa/mica. — The twigs and leaves of this plant are
completely covered by a sticky, fragrant gum, from which I used to
think the perfumers might get a new scent. I removed it easily
by alcohol, but then I could not remove the smell of the alcohol
from the gum.

Solanum elaeagnoides, " Tomatillo." — The fruit is celebrated for
removing greasy stains from cloth.

Cuscuta chilensis, Dodder, " Pelo de anjeles," that is, angel's
hair. — Parasitical on lucerne, &c.

Eccvemocarpus scaber. — A handsome climber, now common in
England. It is described by Darwin in his "Climbing Plants."

Argyllia geranoides, and other species. — These plants grow in the
north, and are yet unknown in Britain; at least the genus is not
in Loudon's "Cyclopaedia of Plants cultivated in Britain."

Schizanthus candidus. — Many fine species of this genus are now
common in this country; one of the best known is S. pinnatus.

The Verbena is common in the vicinity of Valparaiso. The
Mimulus is also a native of Chile. The Heliotrope forms large
bushes in some of the northern valleys.

Cordia decandra, "Carbon." — Grows in the north now only as
bushes, but formerly as trees. I have been told that far inland in

VOL. IV. D

50 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the Andean valleys there are still great trees of it. The timber is
very ornamental, and -would be valuable to the cabinetmaker if it
could be had in quantity. It flowers profusely, having beautiful
white bells; but the foliage is dingy and sticky.

Of the Compositae there are 736 Chilian species, many of them
woody, such as Baccharis rosrnarinifolius, B. concava, Proustia
pyrifolia, B. jiungens, Senecio denticulatus, Flourensia thurifer.

Mutisia, — Of this genus Loudon says, "Mutisia is an exceedingly
interesting genus of shrubby climbers, with leaves terminating in
tendrils, by the prehension of which the stems are supported.
M. latifolia represents a family of climbers so very different from
every other hitherto propagated in British gardens, that we cannot
but strongly recommend it for trial against every conservatory
wall." Darwin says that this is the only genus in the Compositae
which has tendrils.

M. latifolia is given in Loudon, but it is very inferior in
beauty to M. subulata, whose flowers show like stars above the
bushes. Also in this species the leaves are reduced to a line, as
the name indicates, so that each seems a tendril.

Cryptocaria peumus, "Peumo." — A very fine shrub, or tree, in
favourable situations. The fruit is eaten, but smells like castor-oil.

Guivena avellana, "Avellano." — This is, I think, the finest Chilian
shrub. It has clear, shining, compound leaves, resembling those
of Mahorda quercifblia, and has fruits about the size of a marble,
which in ripening change from green to yellow, and from yellow to
red. It grows in the south, and might be easily reared in Britain.
I was much pleased to see a young plant of it in the Botanic Gar-
dens last summer.

Leontochir ovallei, "Mano de leon," (that is "lion's fore-paw," and
the lion being the puma). — This is a rare plant, and, so far as I
know, confined to a small district in the north. The roots, which
resemble those of the dahlia, are about two feet below the surface.
The head of flowers is like a peony, but unfortunately the colour
is not pure.

Timber Trees. — Fitzroya, "Alerce" or "Larch" — so named from
some resemblance to the European larch, and perhaps the most
useful wood in Chile. It attains a great size and age. As many
as 2000 rings of annual growth have been counted in a trunk.
The wood is red, and is said neither to rot, warp, nor crack.

" Roble," meaning oak, but in reality a beech, Fagus. — The wood

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 51

is very durable and strong, and is used where these properties are
required.

Laurel. — This is an inferior wood, and is used for the commonest
purposes.

Myrtus luma, "Luma," — So hard that it is used for cart-axles.

Persea lingue, "Lingue." — A valuable timber tree. The wood
resembles cheap mahogany, and is used to make office furniture,
etc.

"Belloto." — That is acorn, and so called because the fruit re-
sembles an acorn.

Fruits. — The fruits cultivated in Chile are nearly all introduced
from the Old World: — Vine, Fig, Orange, Olive, Peach, Almond,
Plum, Apricot, Cherry, Mulberry, Walnut, Pomegranate, Pear,
Quince, Apple, Melon, and Cucumber. The only valuable native
fruit is a variety of strawberry; the others — "Bolclo," "Maqui,"
"Quilo," "Peumo," "Avellano," etc. — rank no higher than our
hips, haws, sloes, and brambles.

Grains. — The chief grains are wheat and maize.

February 25th, 1879.

Professor John Young, M.D., F.G.S., President, in the chair.

Messrs. John C. Dougall, James Neilson, jun., and David
Macbrayne, were elected Ordinary Members.

It was agreed to place on the record a notice of the death of
Mr. George Thomson, a corresponding member of the Society, and
that an extract from the minutes should be sent to the
surviving relatives of the deceased, accompanied by an expression
of the sincere sympathy of the members with them in the loss
they have sustained.

Mr. Thomson was originally connected with the Naturalists'
Society, which became incorporated with the Natural History
Society in 1866, and for some years after the union he took an
interest in the business, and a share in the management of the
Society. He was unanimously elected a corresponding member
before he left this country for Western Africa for the purpose of
establishing a sanatorium for the benefit of missionaries labouring
in that field. For the accomplishment of this object he worked
with untiring zeal, and had the satisfaction before his death of

52 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

seeing the scheme successfully carried out. Amidst the labours
thus entailed upon him, as "well as the fulfilment of other duties,
he still found leisure for indulging in his favourite pursuits, and
by his diligence as a collector he has done much to illustrate the
Fauna and Flora of that portion of Africa where he was located.
His contributions to this Society were frequent and varied, and
many of his friends have had their collections enriched by his
donations.

Though Mr. Thomson, when in this country, took an interest in
all departments of Natural History, he was chiefly attached to the
study of plants, and in his botanical excursions was successful in
finding new stations for many of our rare and interesting species,
and these have been recorded on his authority in the latest edition
of Hennedy's "Clydesdale Flora," 1877.

Mr. Thomson was endowed with a cheerful and amiable disposi-
tion, which made him a favourite with all who had the pleasure of
his acquaintance, while to those who enjoyed a closer friendship he
was endeared by his warm and generous affections, as well as by
his upright bearing and many sterling qualities.

The members, though deeply regretting his loss, have the satis-
faction of knowing that Mr. Thomson did good work, and was
useful in the sphere in which he was placed, and feel that the
remembrance of his many good characteristics will prolong his
memory amongst them.

Mr. Thomson died at Victoria., Western Africa, on 14th
December last, after a week's illness.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. James Coutts exhibited several objects of interest from
Victoria, Western Africa, forwarded by the late Mr. George
Thomson, corresponding member, to whose memory he paid a
warm and deserved tribute. Among the objects shown were
two feet of a large Lizard, or Iguana, with a few of its eggs,
and which reaches, when full grown, a length of seven or eight
feet; a species of Lemur — a genus of quadrumanous animals
nearly allied to the monkeys, but with a form approaching
that of quadrupeds, which live chiefly on fruits and insects,
and mostly inhabit Madagascar and the East Indian Islands;
as also a species of Chiroptera or Bat, a family of mammals
widely distributed over the globe, and found both in the old

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 53

and new worlds and in Australia. The President at some length
gave a description of the various specimens.

PAPERS RP]AD.

I. — Notes on the occurrence of the Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristataj
as a breeding species in Scotland. By Mr. Eowley Jex Long.

In looking over the Proceedings of this Society I do not find
any mention made of this bird as a nesting species in Scotland. In
Vol. I., part i., page 312, Messrs. Eobert Gray and Thos. Anderson,
in a paper read on 30th March, 1869, on the birds of Ayrshire and
Wigtown shire, say, regarding Fidigida cristata, "Strictly a winter
visitant." In Yol. II., part i, page 1G3, Mr. James S. Dickson, in
his paper of 30th May, 1871, on the birds of Possil Marsh, says,
" Mr. Gray informs me that a Tufted Duck was obtained at Possil
within a few years." Whether this specimen was obtained in
winter or summer Mr. Dickson does not say. In Yol. III., part i.,
pages 52, 53, 54, Mr. Harvie-Brown, on 25th January, 1876, in
his paper On the Birds of the North-east of Russia, mentions this
bird as rare. In page 72 of the same part of the Proceedings, Mr.
James Lumsden, in his paper on the birds of Loch Lomond and
district, 29th February, 1876, says, with regard to Fuligula
cristata, '-'a few pairs on the loch every winter."

Within the last few days Mr. Small, of Edinburgh, writes to me
that two years ago a Mr. Herbert took a nest in Fifeshire and
placed the eggs under a hen, which brought them out; also that
a brother of Sir Victor Brooke took two nests last year, but he
does not say where.

Mr. Small does not recollect ever having had a specimen sent to
him for preservation during the breeding season, nor to have heard
of the nest being taken in Scotland, with the exception of the
above two instances.

The specimens which I have brought here to-night, and which
were obtained from Perthshire, were sent to me in the latter part*
of last year, my friend having had them in his possession since last
summer. He writes: "The Tufted Duck's nest I found under a
swan's nest, on a small island, about 18 inches down among the
straw, and there were 9 eggs in it. I shot the drake, which you
have, but the duck got away after being wounded. I took two of

54 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the eggs, and went back again a week after, but she never returned,
so I took the whole of them."

I have brought for your inspection the bird which was sent and
some of the eggs. It is very likely that there may be other instances
on record of this bird breeding in Scotland, but, if so, I am not
aware of them. At any rate it is as yet a comparatively rare
breeding species, and therefore may be a subject of some interest
to the Society.

Mr. Harvie-Brown and other members made some remarks on
the importance of the information communicated by Mr. Long.

II. — Notes on the Birds of the North-west of Perthshire.
By Mr. William Horn.

Under the above heading I mean to include all that part of
Perthshire which is watered by the Tay and its tributaries above
Dunkeld, a district full of interest to the ornithologist on account
of its varied character. It includes the valleys of the Garry,
Tummel, Lyon, Dochart, and Bran; Lochs Tay, Tummel, Rannoch,
and Ericht; as well as some of the highest mountains in Scotland.
The character of the country, though for the most part rugged and
mountainous, is toned down by the numerous woods of pine and
birch which fringe most of the rivers and lochs, while in the larger
valleys there is a considerable extent of arable ground. This is
especially the case in Strath Tay, where there is a considerable
breadth of cultivated ground between the hills and the river. The
mountains of Ben Lawers and Schiehallion, between Lochs
Tay and Rannoch ; Ben More, in Glen Dochart ; Ben-y-Gloe, above
the Pass of Glen Tilt; and Ben Brackie, overhanging the Pass of
Killiecrankie, oner an occasional resting-place to the Golden and
White-tailed Eagles, while the Ptarmigan and Snow Bunting breed
on their highest tops. Game birds of all kinds abound on the
lower hills, especially the Bed Grouse, the pursuit of which
annually attracts numbers of sportsmen from all parts of the
kingdom. Nowhere, perhaps, in Scotland is this bird to be found
in greater abundance.

The well-wooded glens with which the country abounds, among
which may be mentioned Glen Lyon, Glen Bruar, the Pass of
Killiecrankie, and the woods at the Falls of Moness, near Aber-
feldy, are favourite resorts of the warblers and small birds of all

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 55

kinds, while the marshy ground along the banks of the Dochart
and the moor of Rannoch are much frequented by many of the
waders. The Kingfisher, Bald Coot, and Water Hen inhabit the
banks of the rivers, while the Oyster Catcher breeds in considerable
numbers on many of the channel banks and islands on the Tay and
Tummel. The Common and Black-headed Gulls breed on an
island in Loch Tay.

For an inland county the lochs are peculiarly rich in sea birds,
Ducks, Geese, &c. On Loch Tay have been killed the Osprey,
Wild Swan, Pochard, Widgeon, Tufted Duck, Golden-eye, Scaup
Duck, Goosander, Little Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Cormorant,
Razor-bill, Puffin, Leach's Petrel, aud many other commoner
species ; and in the immediate neighbourhood of the loch, the
Snowy Owl, Woodpecker, Bohemian Waxwing, Snow Bunting,
Bramb]ing, Crossbill, Quail, Pigmy Curlew, &c.

Many species are slowly but surely gaining ground annually,
and amongst them I would note specially the Missel Thrush,
Rook, Jackdaw, Jay, Starling, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Crossbill, and
some of the warblers; and no doubt this is owing to the increased
acreage under wood. Other species, on the other hand, are
getting gradually more scarce, and some of them, I have no doubt,
will soon be extinct in the district. All the rarer species of
raptorial birds, the Landrail, the Common Swallow, and House
Martin, are less common than they used to be, even within the
last six years. Hawks of all kinds are shot down indiscriminately
by gamekeepers, and consequently are but seldom seen. For
several years I have not heard a Landrail in Strath Tay, and for
two years past there has been a marked falling off in the numbers
of Swallows and House Martins.

The following list I have endeavoured to make as complete as
possible. The names, however, of some birds which have occurred
may be omitted, for there are only included in my list such species as
I have either met with myself or heard of from undoubted sources.

I feel that I ought not to conclude these remarks without
acknowledging the valuable assistance I have received from
Colonel H. M. Drummond Hay of Seggieden, Mr. J. A. Harvie-
Brown of Dunipace, Larbert, and Mr. Duncan Dewar, game-
keeper, Remony, Kenmore.

The nomenclature is according to Sundevall's method, revised
by H. Thornton Wharton.

56 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

OSCINES.

Redstart. — Ituticilla phoenicurus (Linnaeus). Common in sum-
mer.* Frequents old walls at the sides of plantations.

Redbreast. — Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus). Very common.
Stonechat. — Pratincola rubicola (Linnaeus). Pretty common.
Whinchat. — Pratincola rubetra (Linnaeus). Rare.
Wheatear. — Saxicola oenanthe (Linnaeus). Commoner than
either of the two last mentioned species, and to be found in the
same localities year after year.

Missel Thrush. — Turclus viscivorus, Linnaeus. Very abundant,
and increasing every year.

Song Thrush. — Turdus musicus, Linnaeus. Very common.
Redwiny. — Turdus iliacus, Linnaeus. A common winter visitant.
Fieldfare. — Turdus pilaris, Linnaeus. Also a common winter
visitant. Col. Drummond Hay mentions that he has seen this
bird in the Faskally woods, near Pitlochry, in June, and asks
whether it could have been bred there. I think it is quite possible,
as I believe I have seen Fieldfares in the Aberfeldy district at a
later date than June.

Blackbird. — Turdus merula, Linnaeus. Very numerous in all
the wooded valleys in this district.

Ring Ouzel. — Turdus torquatus, Linnaeus. Breeds on most of
the hills in Perthshire in considerable numbers.

Dipper. — Cine] us aquaticus, Bechstein. Common on the Tay
and all its tributary streams. There is hardly a burn, however
small, where one or two of this species may not be seen.
Wren. — Troglodytes parvulus, Koch. Very abundant.
Gold-crest. — Regulus cristatus, Koch. Not often seen. In the
Old Statistical Account of Scotland this species is mentioned as being
rare in the parish of Dunkeld (1798).

Fire-crest. — Regulus ignicapillus (Brehm). Observed by myself
in October, 1879, at Edradynate, in Strath Tay.

Chiff chaff. — Phylloscopus collybita (Vieillot). This species occurs
in the Rannoch district, on the authority of Mr. Thomas Eadle.f

Willow Wren. — Phylloscopus trochilus (Linnaeus). To be found
in all the large birch woods of the Breadalbane country.

Wood IFVen. — Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechstein). Not un-
common in the woods of Faskally and near Pitlochry, according to

* Booth's Cat. Birds in Dyke Road Museum, p. 14. + Zoologist, 1871, p. 2656'.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 57

Col. Drummond Ha)7, who knows that neighbourhood thoroughly.
Has also been seen in Glen Lyon."''

Lesser Whitethroat. — Sylvia curruca (Linnaeus). Rare.

Garden Warbler. — Sylvia salicaria (Linnaeus). Not uncommon
about Dunkeld, and one has been seen by Col. Drummond Hay
at Pitlochry.

Sedge Warbler. — Calamodus schoenobaenus (Linnaeus). Occurs
on several places on the banks of the Tay.

Great Titmouse. — Parus major, Linnaeus. Common.

Blue Titmouse. — Parus caeruleus, Linnaeus. Very common.

Coal Titmouse. — Parus ater, Linnaeus. Very abundant. A very
large flock of this species was seen by me lately in a wood on the
opposite side of the Tay from Aberfeldy, and they seemed to be
holding a discussion upon some knotty point in connection with
their winter place of residence, for every now and then one or two
would start off from the main body and try to induce the others
to follow. Their twittering was most delightful to listen to.

Marsh Titmouse — Parus palustris, Linnaeus. Rare.

Crested Titmouse. — Parus cristatus, Linnaeus. With reference
to this species Col. Drummond Hay says:f "The Pass of Killie-
crankie has been given as a habitat for this bird. I have never
seen it there, nor is it a likely place for it, as the Scotch fir on
which it subsists is not found there, the pass being exclusively
clothed with natural birch. A much more likely habitat would be
the old pine forest in Rannoch; but I have never met it, or ever
heard of its being found there, or in any part of Perthshire. The
nearest locality to the pass where I have seen it is on the remnants
of the old forest of Rothiemurchus, where it is still a constant
resident. The Killiecrankie bird must have been, I suspect, con-
founded with the Parus ater. The call notes of the two birds are
very distinct."

Yarrell states that Mr. F. W. Bigge of Hampton Court, in the
summer of 1837, observed several examples of this species in the
pass of Killiecrankie.

Long-tailed Titmouse. — Acredula caudata (Linnaeus). Common.

Great Gray Shrike. — Lanius excubitor, Linnaeus. Several have
been killed in different parts of Perthshire, but I have only heard
of one in this particular district.

* Booth's Cat. British Birds in Dyke Road Museum, p. 107.
f Van-ell's British Birds, 3rd Edition, 1856, Vol. I., p. 392.

58 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Waxwing. — Ampelis garrulus, Linnaeus, One of this species
has been killed near Loch Tay, by Mr. D. Dewar, gamekeeper at
Bemony, near Kenmore, who has the specimen in his possession.

Spotted Flycatcher. — Muscicapa grisola, Linnaeus. Not common,
but a few may be seen every season in the wooded parts of the
country.

Pied Wagtail. — Motacilla lugubris, Temminck. Common.

Gray Wagtail. — Motacilla sulphurea, Bechstein. A few seen by
me every season. Col. Drummond Hay says that the Yellow Wag-
tail has never been observed by him in Perthshire or any of the
adjoining counties, and where it has been recorded he believes it to
have been confounded with the Gray Wagtail in its winter dress.

Tree Pipit.— Anthus trivialis (Linnaeus). Rare. Seen in
Faskally woods, near Pitlochry, by Col. Drummond Hay.

Meadow Pipit. — Anthus pratensis (Linnaeus). Very common in
all this district.

Pock Pipit. — Anthus obscurus (Latham). In a list of " birds
observed at Rannoch in 1879,"* by Thomas Eadle, the Pock
Pipit is included, but I agree with Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown in
thinking this must be an error.

Hedge Sjxirroiv. — Accentor modularis (Linnaeus). Not very
abundant but increasing yearly.

Pine Grosbeak. — Pinicola enucleator (Linnaeus). One seen at
Dunkeld by Col. Drummond Hay, hitherto unrecorded.!

Bullfinch. — Pyrrhula europaea, Vieillot. Common in all the
wooded glens, especially in the woods behind Aberfeldy and in the
Pass of Killiecrankie. As this bird is frequently accused of damag-
ing fruit trees, I give the following notes by Col. Drummond Hay
in its defence : —

" This bird has a bad name, on account of the supposed mischief
he does in destroying the fruit buds during the spring months, and
is consequently shot down indiscriminately. In its defence, how-
ever, I may say that I have known an apple-tree in the neighbour-
hood of Pitlochry, under which the whole ground was positively
strewed with buds, and yet, when the autumn came round, this very
tree, which in spring had all the appearance of having been de-
stroyed by Bullfinches, bore a heavier and a finer crop than any other

* Zoologist, 1871, p. 2656.

fHarting's " Handbook of Brit. Birds," p. 114.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 59

tree in the garden. This may have been from the fact of being
partially disbudded, or the buds that were destroyed having been
affected with caterpillars, and so prevented the spreading — leaving
the buds that remained to perfect their fruit in security."

Greenfinch. — Ligurinus chloris (Linnaeus). Plentifully dis-
tributed throughout the valley of the Tay.

Goldfinch. — Carduelis elegans, Stephens. Tolerably numerous
in summer. I have seen several come close to the verandah at Killie-
chassie, near Aberfeldy, where I had put a cage with a canary,
and imitate it to perfection.

Siskin. — Carduelis spinus (Linnaeus). Rare, but I have seen a
nest on an island in the Tay, opposite Dalguise. It also breeds at
Rannoch,* and at Killin,t as well as near Pitlochry, where Col.
Drummond Hay says that it is abundant in winter.

Obs. Mealy Redpoll, — Linota linaria (Linnaeus). Mentioned in
the New Statistical Account of Scotland, 1845, as a rare bird
in Killin parish, but I have never observed it myself.

Lesser Bed poll. —Linota rufescens (Vieillot). Rare, but occurs
near Pitlochry and Killin.

Linnet. — Linota cannabina (Linnaeus). Common.

Chaffinch, — Pringilla coelebs, Linnaeus. One of the commonest
birds in the district.

Br ambling. — Fringilla montifringilla, Linnaeus. Rare. Mr.
E. T. Booth has taken a nest of the Brambling in Glenlyon,
Perthshire^; and Mr. Dewar has shot one near Loch Tay.

House Sparroio. — Passer domesticus (Linnaeus). Very common.
This species, Col. Drummond Hay says, is much more abundant
than formerly in the Upper Athole district. About twenty or
thirty years ago he can hardly recollect having seen one.

Crossbill. — Loxia curvirostra, Linnaeus. This bird is very
abundant in the neighbourhood of Dunkeld during the winter
months,§ and is mentioned in the Old Statistical Account of
Scotland as having first appeared in Dunkeld when the larch was
planted there. Col. Drummond Hay has frequently noticed these
birds in the woods near Pitlochry, especially among Scotch firs, and
so late in the season as to lead him to suppose that, being early

* See Zoologist, 1871, p. 2656. t Jardiue, Nat. Lib., p. 278.

X Zoologist, 1877. p. 60.

§ See New Statistical Account of Scotland, Dunkeld Parish.

60 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

breeders, they were nesting. Mr. Dewar has got them occasionally
on Loch Tay side.

Bunting. — Emberiza miliaria, Linnaeus. Not common.

Yellowhammer. — Emberiza citrinella, Linnaeus. Very common.

Snow Bunting. — Plectrophanes nivalis (Linnaeus). Breeds on
most of the high mountains in this district, especially Ben Lawers
and Schiehallion.

Rose-coloured Pastor. — Pastor roseus (Linnaeus). A specimen of
this rare species was obtained at Dunkeld on 29th September, 1831.

Starling. — Sturnus vulgaris, Linnaeus. Very abundant, and
increasing in numbers every year.

Chough. — Fregilus graculus (Linnaeus). Pennant states that he
found this bird "in the farthest parts of Glenlyon and Achmore,"
but I have never heard of any being seen of late years.

Magpie. — Pica rustica (Scopoli). This bird used to be common
in Strath Tay and in the neighbourhood of Pitlochry, but is now
seldom seen. Almost the only district where it is still seen
regularly is Glenqueich, near Amulree.

Jay. — Garrulus glandarius (Linnaeus). In Strath Tay, the Jay
is increasing rapidly in numbers, but Col. Drummond Hay says
that in the Athole district it is far from, being so abundant as
formerly.

Jaclcdaio. — Corvus monedula, Linnaeus. Swarms in the numer-
ous high rocks overhanging the valley of the Tay.

Rook. — Corvus frugilegus, Linnaeus. Very common. There
are several large rookeries in the valley of the Tay, notably those
at Castle Menzies, Ballechin, and Pitnacree.

Raven. — Corvus corax, Linnaeus. A good many always to be
seen on the high grounds.

Carrion Crow. — Corvus corone, Linnaeus. Common.

Hooded Grow. — Corvus cornix, Linnaeus. Not common. Kept
down by the gamekeepers, who wage continual war against them.

Tree Creeper. — Certhia familiaris, Linnaeus. Common in the
wooded glens. I have seen a great many in the wood at the Falls
of Moness, at Aberfeldy. Mr. E. T. Booth found a nest there.*
It is also found in the woods near Pitlochry.

Obs. Nuthatch. — Sitta caesia, Wolf. The New Statistical
Account of Scotland, 1845, mentions this bird as a rarity in the

* Cat. Birds in Dyke Road Museum, p. 155.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 61

parish of Killin, along with the Greater Spotted Woodpecker,
Greater and Lesser Redpolls, Kites, and Hen Harrier, Water Rail,
etc. It is also mentioned as frequenting Drumniond Hill, near
Taymouth, by Alexander Campbell.* It is very doubtful
whether this species should be included on the authority of the
above-mentioned works.

Swallow. — Hirundo rustica, Linnaeus. Common, but decreasing
in number. They arrive in Strath Tay about 13th April.

Martin. — Chelidon urbica (Linnaeus). Very common, and breeds
in large companies under the cliffs about Ben-y-Gloe in Glen Tilt,
according to Col. Drummond Ha v.

Sand Martin. — Cotyle riparia (Linnaeus). Common along the
banks of the Tay, where they breed in large numbers.

Skylark. — Alauda arvensis, Linnaeus. Not very common.

VOLUCKES.

Greater Spotted Woodpecker. — Picus major, Linnaeus. In the
New Statistical Account of Scotland this species is mentioned as
occurring in the parishes of Blair and Killin. One has been
obtained within the last few years by Mr Dewar, while keeper at
Finlarig, on the north side of Loch Tay.

Wryneck. — Jynx torquilla, Linnaeus. Col. Drummond Hay,
in a letter to the Scottish Naturalist, says that, for several
seasons in succession, he heard the note of the Wryneck while
fishing in the Tay about Ballathy, not far from Stanley, and also
in the Faskally woods, near Pitlochry. On the 6th September,
this year, there was a specimen caught on the banks of the Cale-
donian Railway, near Stanley, which is now in the collection of
Mr. T. Marshall.

Cuckoo. — Cuculus canorus, Linnaeus, Very abundant all
through the summer. On 12th August, 1877, I saw no fewer
than three young birds on a moor, near Aberfeldy, and while
beating a wood at the same place on 7th or 8th October, 1873,
Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown saw an adult bird. This year, 1878,
it was heard for the first time on 5th May.

Boiler. — Coracias garrula, Linnaeus. One specimen obtained at
Dunkeld is mentioned by Mr. Gray.f

* Journey through Scotland, by A. Campbell, 1802. Vol. I., p. 231.
t " Birds of West of Scotland, p. 202."

62 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Nightjar. — Caprimulgus europaeus, Linnaeus. Seen occasion-
ally on the moors in autumn.

Swift. — Cypselus apus (Linnaeus). Common.

Kingfisher. — Alcedo ispida, Linnaeus. According to the New
Statistical Account of Scotland, a few Kingfishers are found near
Dunkeld on the banks of the Tay. One was shot in 1877 by the
keeper at Bolfracks, between Aberfeldy and Kenmore, and the
keeper who shot it says that, though they used to be pretty
common on the banks of the Tay, he had not seen any but this one
for many years back.

Ring Dove. — Columba palumbus, Linnaeus. Common.

Stock Dove. — Columba oenas, Linnaeus. A pair of this species
bred at Dunkeld in June, 1878.*

ACCIPITRES.

Barn Owl. — Aluco liammeus (Linnaeus). Not nearly so com-
mon as it used to be in this district. I have heard of nests being
taken at Castle Menzies and in the ruins of the Cathedral at
Dunkeld.

Long-eared Owl. — Asio otus (Linnaeus). Not uncommon in the
autumn months.

Short-eared Owl. — Asio accipitrinus (Pallas). Very common in
neighbourhood of Dunkeld, and has been killed by Mr. Dewar on
the north side of Loch Tay.

Tawny Owl. — Strix stridula, Linnaeus. Perhaps the com-
monest variety of all. I have frequently seen three or four in an
afternoon's walk through the woods at Killiechassie, near Aber-
feldy.

Snowy Owl. — Nyctea scandiaca (Linnaeus). One has been killed
on Morinish Hill, near Loch Tay, by Mr. Dewar.

Obs. Eagle Owl. — Bubo ignavus (Forster). One was shot on the
banks of the Tummel, near Pitlochry, but there is no doubt that
it must have been an escaped bird. Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown tells
me that one escaped from Fountain's Abbey shortly before this
one was shot.

Sparrow Hawk. — Accipiter nisus (Linnaeus). Common.

American Gos-Hawk. — Astur atricapillus (Linnaeus). Mr. R.
Gray mentions that a specimen of this bird was obtained by a

;: Scot. Nat., Vol. V., p. 36.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 63

keeper on the flanks of Schiehallion along with a number of Snow
Buntings.*

Hen- Harrier. —Circus cyaneus (Linnaeus). Mentioned in the
New Statistical Account of Scotland, 1845, as one of the rare birds
in Killin parish. Colonel Drunimond Hay says that, though not
uncommon in former years, it is now all but extinct through the
incessant persecution of keepers.

Buzzard. — Buteo vulgaris (Leach). Not so common as in former
years. Colonel Drunimond Hay says that even in 1832 they were
to be seen in considerable numbers about the Dunkeld grounds.
In the Old Statistical Account of Scotland the name " buzzard " is
applied indiscriminately to Buzzards and Gleads.

Rough-legged Buzzard. — Buteo lagopus (Gmelin.) The New
Statistical Account, 1845, says that this species is only an occasional
visitant in the neighbourhood of Dunkeld, but that in 1840 a great
many were seen. Colonel Drummond Hay mentions the fact that
as late as the year 1856 he remembers this bird being constantly
trapped by the gamekeeper on the Ballyouchan shootings, near
Pitlochry, and that then it was far more numerous than the last-
named species. Now they are both nearly extinct.

Greenland Falcon. — Falco candicans, Gmelin. Harting men-
tions that a specimen of this bird was obtained at Foss, on
Loch Tummel side, in the spring of 1862.

Peregrine Falcon — Falco peregrinus, Tunstall. Much rarer
than they used to be. In the New Statistical Account, 1845, the
Peregrine is said to be by no means rare in the parish of Dunkeld,
while Colonel Drummond Hay tells me that some years ago it
used to nest regularly on the rocks about Craig-y-barns. One was
killed at Grand tully not long ago.

Merlin. — Falco aesalon, Tunstall. As common as the Sparrow-
hawk. Two years ago three or four Merlins were caught on a
pole-trap on Killiechassie Moor, near Aberfeldy, in a very short
time.

Hobby. — Falco subbuteo, Linnaeus. The Hobby is mentioned
in a list of "Birds observed at Rannoch" by Thomas Eadle,f and
my friend Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown tells me that he saw it there
in 1874 on two occasions.

Kestrel. — Falco tinnunculus, Linnaeus. Tolerably abundant.

* a

Birds of West of Scotland," p. 39. t Zoologist, 1871, p. 2656.

64 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Golden Eagle. — Aquila chrysaetus (Linnaeus). Towards the
middle of last century, according to Pennant,* eagles were so
common in Rannoch, that the commissioners of the forfeited
estates offered a reward of five shillings for every one that was
destroyed; in a little time such numbers were brought in that the
Honourable Board reduced the premium to three shillings and
sixpence. This and the endless war waged against them by game-
keepers, sufficiently explains the comparative rarity of their
appearance in this part of Perthshire at the present time. They are
still occasionally to be seen, however, frequenting the high tops of
Ferragon, Ben Lawers, Schiehallion, &c. The keeper at Killie-
chassie told me that he came upon one suddenly on a misty day
near the top of Ferragon in 1873.

White-tailed Eagle. — Haliaetus albicilla (Linnaeus). An Eagle
of this species was seen on Loch Tummel by Henry Hussey's son,
and a few days afterwards at Loch Erricht.f I have heard of two
others being seen and killed, one in Glen Lyon, and the other on
Ben Lawers.

Kite. — Milvus ictinus (Savigny). Though much rarer than
formerly, this species still exists in considerable numbers in the
wilder parts of Perthshire.

Honey Buzzard. — Pernis apivorus (Linnaeus). Macgillivray |
mentions the occurrence of a nest in the woods of Aberfeldy on
the authority of Mr. J. M. Brown. Dr. Robertson of Dunkeld
also got one at Dalguise in the autumn of 1836. The New
Statistical Account says one was shot at Dunkeld some years
before 1845, and is in the possession of the Honourable Fox
Maule, Birnam Lodge.

Osprey. — Pandion haliaetus (Linnaeus). Has been shot by
Mr. Dewar on Loch Tay, and though not common, is not a very
rare bird. It is to be seen on the Tay sometimes in the neighbour-
hood of Dunkeld.

GALLINAE.

Obs. Pallas' Sand-Grouse. — Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Pallas). One
of this species was sent in a hamper of game from Perth to Mr. A.
Kuthven, gamedealer, Liverpool, and is now in Derby Museum.
It is not known from what district of Perthshire it came.

* Pennant's "Tour," Vol. iii., p. 24. f Zoologist, 1864, p. 9206.

% Macgillivray 's " British Birds,", Vol. III., p. 738.
§ Zoologist, 1863, p. 8689.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 65

Ptarmigan, — Lagopus mutus, Leach. A few are to be found on
some of the highest mountains, such as Ben Lawers, Ben More,
Schiehallion, Szc.

Bed Grouse. — Lagopus scoticus (Latham). The commonest bird
in the district.

Capercailzie. — Tetrao urogallus, Linnaeus. More numerous here,
perhaps, than in any other part of Scotland. Since their reintro-
duction into this country by the late Marquis of Breadalbane, they
have increased rapidly, and are now spreading all over Scotland.
They do a good deal of damage to the trees, and are said to drive
out blackgame and pheasants.

Black Grouse. — Tetrao tetrix, Linnaeus. Common, especially
on the birch-clad hills above Taymouth, in Strath Tay.

Pheasant. — Phasianus colchicus, Linnaeus. In 1793* the
Pheasant was a common bird at Dunkeld, having been introduced
by the Athole family, but in 17981 they were dying out again after
repeated attempts to rear them had been made. Now, however,
they seem to do well at all the large places, such as Castle Menzies,
Taymouth, Murthly, &c.

Partridge. — Perdix cinerea (Charleton). Very common on the
low grounds.

Quail. — Coturnix communis (Bonnaterre). One has been shot by
Mr. Dewar on Loch Tay side.

GEALLATOBES.

Heron, — Ardea cinerea, Linnaeus. Common. Breeds at Blair
Athole, where there is a heronry. YarrellJ mentions, on the
authority of Sir David Lindsay, that Cranes formed part of the bill
of fare at a grand hunting entertainment given by the Earl of
Athole to James V. of Scotland and the Queen mother, on the
banks of the Loghaine, in Glen Tilt, There is little doubt that
Herons are meant here.

Curlew. — Numenius arquata (Linnaeus). Very abundant every-
where.

Greenshank. — Totanus glottis (Pallas). Rare. Col. Drummond
Hay says: " Mr. Carrington showed me an unblown egg of this
species which he had recently found on one of the moors in the
north-west of Perthshire, where he saw the old birds breeding."

* Old Stat. Acct. Scot., Vol. IX. t Old Stat. Acct. Scot., Vol. XX., p. 439.
jYarrell, Vol. II., p. 531.

VOL. IV. E

66 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Wood Sandpiper. — Totanus glareola (Linnaeus). In some " Orni-
thological notes from Perthshire," in the Zoologist,* mention is
made of this species being found on the moor of Rannoch.

Redshank. — Totanus calidris (Linnaeus). Common on the Tay.

Common Sandpiper'. — Actitis hypoleucus (Linnaeus). Very
common.

Curlew Sandpiper. — Tringa subarquata (Guldenstadt). One shot
by Mr. Dewar near Loch Tay.

Woodcock. — Scolopax rusticola, Linnaeus. Remains all the year
round, and breeds in most of the woods. It is perhaps worthy of
remark that since they began to breed here in any numbers, there
has been a marked falling off in the number of birds to be found
when beating the woods at the end of the season.

Common Snipe. — Gallinago gallinaria (0. F. Mtiller). Not very
numerous.

Jack Snipe. — Limnocryptes gallinula (Linnaeus). Nearly as
common as the last-mentioned species, and I have shot them on the
1 2th of August.

Red-necked Phalarope. — Phalaropiis hyperboreus (Linnaeus). Col.
Drunimond Hay tells me that a rather numerous colony of this
bird was known to him to breed annually in a small isolated loch
in the Athole district, but, as he has not visited it for some years,
he cannot say whether they still frequent the same spot.

Grey Phalarope. — Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus). Mr. E. T.
Booth obtained a single specimen of this species in Glen Lyon, at a
distance of forty miles from the sea.f

Black-winged Stilt. — Himantopus candidus (Bonnaterre). Mr.
Don, in his account of the native plants and animals of Forfar-
shire, mentions two specimens of this species of Plover which were
obtained, one on the mountain of Clova, in Forfarshire, and the
other on Ben Lawers, at the north side of Loch Tay.

Lapwing. — Vanellus cristatus, Meyer. Breeds in large numbers
all through the district.

Golden Plover. — Charadrius pluvialis, Linnaeus. A few to be
seen on the moors throughout the summer.

Dotterel. — Eudromias morinellus (Linnaeus). Rapidly decreasing
in numbers. It is still to be found during the breeding season,
however, on some of the higher mountains to the north of Loch

r.

* Zoologist, 1876, p. 5101. f Cat. Birds in Dyke Road Museum, p. 98.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 67

Tay. Mr. Booth obtained some specimens on the north side of
Glen Lyon.*

Ringed Plover. — AEgialitis hiaticula (Linnaeus). Rare. Has
been seen by Col. Drummond Hay in the Athole district.

Oyster Catcher. — Haematopus ostralegus, Linnaeus. On every
channel island on the Tay and its tributaries several pairs of this
bird are to be seen during the breeding season. In one or two
places they breed in large numbers, as at Dalguise, between Dun-
keld and Balinluig. Their eggs are greedily gathered for sale as
Plover's eggs.

Water Rail. — Rallus aquaticus, Linnaeus. Rare. Has been
shot near Aberfeldy, at Killiechassie, and on Loch Tay, at Finlarig.

Com Crake. — Crex pratensis, Bechstein. In the neighbourhood
of Aberfeldy I have not heard or seen a Corn Crake for two years,
whereas, in the Athole district, Col. Drummond Hay says it is much
more abundant than it used to be.

Moor-hen. — Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus). Very common.

Coot. — Fulica atra, Linnaeus. Not so common as the last-
mentioned species.

NATATORES.

Arctic Tern. — Sterna macrura, Naumann. Rare.

Kittiwake. — Rissa tridactyla (Linnaeus). Has been shot on Loch
Tay by Mr. Dewar.

Black-headed Gull. — Chro'icocephalus ridibundus (Linnaeus).
Common.

Great Black-backed Gull. — Larus marinus, Linnaeus. Rare.
Has been obtained by Mr. Dewar on Loch Tay.

Lesser Black-backed 67W/.— Larus fuscus, Linnaeus. Tolerably
common, and generally seen in company with the Black-headed
Gull.

Common Gull. — Larus canus, Linnaeus. Not so common as
either the Black-headed or Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Breeds on
an island in Loch Tay.

Razor-bill. — Alca torda, Linnaeus. Shot by Mr. Dewar on
Loch Tay, who tells me that he sees several every year.

Common Guillemot. — Alca troile (Linnaeus). Has been obtained
on Loch Tay by Mr. John Tarret. who has the skin in his pos-
session.

* Cat. Birds in Dyke Road Museum, p. 146.

6$ PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Puffin. — Fratercula arctica (Linnaeus). One found dead on the
shore of Loch Tay in July, 1878, by Mr. Dewar.

Great Northern Diver. — Colymbus glacialis, Linnaeus. Fre-
quents Loch Tay. Col. Drummond Hay has known instances
of these birds being taken in the nets set for pike on Loch Ordie.

Black-throated Diver. — Colymbus arcticus, Linnaeus. Mr. J. A.
Harvie-Brown states that at least one pair breeds near Pitlochry,
while Col. Drummond Hay has seen one specimen in splendid
plumage which was killed there.

Little Grebe. — Podiceps minor (Gmelin). Often seen on the lochs.

Great Cormorant. — Phalacrocorax carbo (Linnaeus). Killed by
Mr. Dewar on Loch Tay, and now in his collection.

Shag. — Phalacrocorax cristatus (Faber). Not a rare bird on
Loch Tay, and I have seen two or three at different times on Loch
Glassie, near Aberfeldy.

Leactis Petrel. — Procellaria leucorrhoa (Vieillot). One shot by
Mr. Dewar on Loch Tay, in July, 1875.

Stormy Petrel. — Procellaria pelagica, Linnaeus. One found dead
in Glen Tilt on November 1st, 1868.

Obs. Wild Geese are frequently seen passing and repassing during
their autumnal and vernal migrations, but it is impossible to say to
what species they belong.

Whooper. — Cygnus musicus, Bechstein. In severe winters to
be seen on many of the lochs.

Obs. Black Swan. — Seen on Loch Tay by Mr. Dewar. No doubt
an escaped bird.

Widgeon. — Mareca penelope (Linnaeus). Common in winter.

Teal. — Nettium crecca (Linnaeus). Plentifully distributed all
over the district. Breeds in considerable numbers by the
numerous burn sides, and in the peat-hags.

Wild Duck. — Anas boschas, Linnaeus. Common.

Shoveller. — Spatula clypeata (Linnaeus). A pair of these birds
was seen at the mouth of the river Dochart by Mr Homes, when
fishing at Killin.

Pochard. — Fuligula ferina (Linnaeus). Not uncommon on Loch
Tay. A nest of this species was found on a small loch at Kilbryde,
near Dunblane, this season, 1879.

Tufted Duck. — Fuligula cristata (Leach). Pretty common on
Loch Tay. Mr. Dewar has frequently shot them.

Scaup. — Fuligula marila (Linnaeus). Occasionally to be seen on
Loch Tay.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 69

Golden-eye. — Clangula glaucion (Linnaeus). Rare.

Eider Duck. — Somateria mollissima (Linnaeus). Several shot
by Mr. Dewar on Loch Tay.

Goosander. — Mergus merganser, Linnaeus. Breeds on an island
on the Tay, between Dunkeld and Ballinluig. Is often seen on
Loch Tav.

Red-breasted Merganser. — Mergus serrator, Linnaeus. Col. D.
Hay has seen this species in the Athole district.

III. — On the species of Dentalium found in the Carboniferous
Strata of the West of Scotland. By Mr. John Young, F.G.S.

Mr. Young stated that in "Woodward's classification of the
Molluscs, Dentalium is placed next to the Chitonidse in their
organization, and form a family by themselves named Dentalidse.
According to this authority, these tooth shells are animal feeders,
devouring Foraruinifera and minute bivalves. They are found in
most seas, in sand or mud, in which they bury themselves — the
British species ranging over the sea bottom at a depth of from 10
to 100 fathoms. The shells of Dentalium are tubular, symmetrical,
curved, open at both ends, attenuated posteriorly, the aperture
circular and not constricted, and the surface of the shell smooth,
annulated or longitudinally striated. They have been found
ranging from the Devonian formation to the present seas, and seventy
fossil and thirty living species have been recorded. The species
found in our Scottish beds are Dentalium ingens, De Koninck;
D. jM'iscum, Goldfuss; D. inornatum, M'Coy, and two other
smaller forms, apparently undescribed, to which the author had
provisionally given the specific names of D. Scoticum and D. Dal-
ri/ense. After giving in detail a description of the first three
species, and noticing the localities where they have been found, the
author stated that the little species to which he had provisionally
given the name of D. Scoticum, is abundant in the shale of one
or two localities, where it is always associated with D. priscum.
In our lists it is generally confounded with D. inornatum, but
may be easily distinguished from that species by its small size
and the much greater curve of its shell, which is smooth, the
greater curvature being at the posterior end. It rarely exceeds
| inch in length, and at the anterior end -^ inch in diameter, and
now that well-preserved examples of D. inornatum have been

70 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

found, the distinguishing characters of it and of D. Scoticum can
be better compared.

During the course of an excursion last summer, and while pro-
ceeding from Cunningham Baidland to Dairy, attention was
directed by Mr. John Smith, of the Eglinton Ironworks, to a
bed of shale lying exposed alongside one of the pit railways,
and which he stated contained some rather rare Entomostraca.
Among other organisms obtained from this shale it was interesting
to find a species of Dentcdium which Mr. Young considered new,
and which he had pleasure in naming after a district which has of
recent years yielded many interesting groups of fossils. D. Dcdrij-
ense is a little curved tapering form, and may be described as
having its surface ornamented by fine, sharp, regular lines of
growth, which have an oblique curve around the shell. It seems
to have seldom exceeded \ inch in length by -fV inch in diameter at
its anterior end. It has the same curvature as I). Scoticum, but
is easily distinguished from that species by its fine sharp annular
lines of growth and by a rather more rapid tapering of its shell.
This species is only known to occur in the bed of shale at Dairy
which lies in the upper limestone series of that district, but it will
probably be discovered in other localities. Mr. Young concluded
by stating that while the Scottish species of Dentalium range from
the lower to the upper marine beds, yet they do not occur, so far
as he was aware, in any of the purer beds of limestone. All the
species of the genus which he had found were obtained from the
shales, which indicated that they lived in seas of lesser depth than
those in which the purer limestones were deposited. This con-
clusion therefore agrees with what Mr. Young has already recorded
regarding many other Carboniferous gasteropod shells which are
likewise chiefly obtained from the shale beds.

IV. — Notes on the state of Vegetation in the Public Parks, and
Observations regarding the Weather during 1878. By Mr.
Duncan M'Lellan, Superintendent of Parks.

Last season will long be remembered as one of the most genial
and fruitful of the present century. The spring months were all
that could be desired for starting anew the vegetable world. The
soil was in perfect condition during the month of March for
receiving the precious seed, and April with its sunshine and
showers brought out a flush of vegetation which has rarely been

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 71

equalled; consequently, trees and shrubs were very luxuriant in all
the Parks during the summer and autumn. The only exception
proved to be* the horse chestnuts and limes in Kelvingrove Park,
which received a blight in May during a few days of east wind.
This, combined with the sulphurous smoke from St. Rollox,
rendered them unsightly for the remainder of the season.

The flowers in all the Parks bloomed very profusely, more
especially geraniums and calceolarias. The planting-out season in
May being very favourable, the plants were enabled to get a good
start, and with the high temperature and brilliant sunshine which
prevailed daring June, July, and August, the blooms and foliage
were brought to remarkable perfection. The flowers continued in
good form until late in the autumn, indeed geraniums, antir-
rhinums, stocks, and pentstemons remained in bloom until the end
of October, when frost and snow killed them. A further proof of
the very mild weather in autumn was afforded by the bursting
into leaf and flower of the Scarlet-fruited Elder.

As a result of the fine weather during last summer and autumn,
all flowering trees and shrubs promise an abundant bloom for this
year, especially the rhododendrons. Although the frost was very
severe during December, the wood and buds were well matured,
and do not appear to have suffered.

It may be interesting to note that the display of flowers in
George Square, although in the centre of the city, was not far
behind that of the Parks — annuals, stocks, geraniums, calceolarias,
and other bedded-out plants were very effective. Experiments
were made by planting a number of foliage plants and shrubs, to
test their endurance of smoke. The following appeared to good
advantage all the season : — Eucalyptus globulus, or gum-tree of
Australia, Arabia siebohlii, various species of Dracaena, Yucca,
Agava americana, Echeveria metallica, Acacia lophantha, Grevillea
robusta. These were planted out about the beginning of June,
and remained in the ground until the first week of October.

At the close of my remarks on the weather of 1877, which was
an extremely wet season, I expressed a wish that the old Scotch
proverb, "Lang foul, lang fair," might prove true in 1878, and
I think you will agree with me that it has been verified by the
following record kept at Queen's Park : —

During 1878 there were 225 dry days, with a total rainfall of
26*18 inches, as against 195 dry days, with a total rainfall of

72

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

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NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 73

48-03 inches, in 1877. The lowest point to which the thermometer
fell was 10° on the 2-ith December last, and the highest in the
shade 89° on the 28th June, as against 13° on the 27th February,
and 79° on the 16th June, of 1877, the average temperature being
about equal for each year.

It may be interesting to notice a prediction made to me by an
old o-entleman in Kilmarnock when I was there at the end of
February last year. On the previous week a peculiar fog or mist
had settled down over the town, wdiich my friend assured me was
a sign that we would have a very dry summer, as he recollected
the same phenomenon occurring before the dry year of 1826.

The above record proves this weather prophet to be a keen
observer of nature, and teaches us that we may derive benefit
from everyday signs if we can read them aright.

March 25th, 1879.

Mr. John A. Harvie-Brown, F.Z.S., Vice-President, in the
chair.

Messrs. R. Wilson Thorn and St. John Vincent Day were
elected ordinary members.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. James Ooutts exhibited specimens of sponges from the
Greensand, and various fossils from the Carboniferous and Liassic
formations in the South of England, on which Mr. John Young,
F.G.S., made some descriptive remarks.

PAPERS READ.

I. — Notes and Observations of Adventitious Structures on Crinoid
Stems. By a Corresponding Member. Communicated by
Mr. John Young, F.G.S.

[Third Paper.]

A long engagement, often renewed, renders the remarks which
follow in some degree hallowed; and it would be a relief, while
the pen can still be wielded, to advance or complete the old self-
imposed compact, in continuation of previous observations in these
pages — for nature presents nothing in itself frivolous.

74 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

In a short paper read at a meeting of the Natural History
Society, about a year ago (see Vol. III., 1878, p. 333), it was
demonstrated that the Polyzoa and Crinoidea attached themselves,
not strictly parasitically, but adequately, by a basal structure, as
independent organisms, to fragments of old ocean debris, par-
ticularly in the latter, to those belonging to its own genus. Other
organisms likewise attach themselves less markedly, and a few as
if so attached are found which do not need or seek such support,
except as a temporary resting-place, and there apparently perish.
But to begin:

I. ? Jfichelhiia, De Kon. An irregular mass of irregular calcare-
ous structure, attached to a much worn fragment of Crinoid, found
at Gare, has somewhat of the character of the coral Michelinia. The
cups or cells are heaped up and ill denned in variously shaped squares,
divided by slender partitions, with no notable surface markings.
Some specimens of what is evidently the basement portion are found,
but do not aid much in defining or determining this organism,
being seemingly the side of a cell, with the slender partitions, and
in one instance showing lines or bracings of attachment or of ex-
tension. The structure is by no means attractive, and from this
cause, or its rarity, few specimens have been collected or preserved.

II. Palceacis cyclostoma, Phill. Numerous specimens of this
Actinozoon, on worn stems of Crinoids, at Gare, and in the beds con-
nected with the first calmy limestone, are found.

A species also named Palceacis cyclostoma, is found in the
shales above the Hosie limestone. These are so dissimilar in
aspect and character, as to admit of a doubt whether they are of the
same species. The specimens from Gare, and from the first calmy
limestone, are all badly-formed single cells of the same size (about one
line diameter), high and comparatively strong on one side. The
whole consists apparently of three or four distinctly dotted rows
of a coarse character, rather than of fine reticulation; the lowest
row only forming a complete circle, while the others form portions,
more or less, of circles. The high side derives its strength from
the angle of its external wall alone, as it is straight or perpen-
dicular on the inner side, and from the highest point the lips of
the cup gradually slope to the opposite side, which is low. The
bottom of the cup is thin and flat. At a glance they all appear
imperfectly-formed cups, yet, as every specimen is alike, there is
reason to believe that the organism is of adult proportions, never

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 75

assuming any other form, size, or ornamentation. But the speci-
mens found in the shales above the Hosie limestone are elegant
and complete structures, twice the diameter of the former,
the cells being formed in a mass of some thickness, with well-
defined elevated cups, and depressions in the mass separating
the cups from each other. The cups are symmetrically formed,
strong, with rounded bottoms. The whole structure is finely
reticulated.

III. tipirorbix ca/p&ratus, M'Coy. This little Annelid often
selected Crinoids on which to attach and construct its abiding;
place, and does not seem to have chosen any but those which wrere
much worn. Although numerous, the specimens are by no means
conspicuous, and a small bit of Crinoid may have from one to four
specimens on its surface ; but comparatively few bear the character-
istic markings, and the size is not uniform. Professor M 'Coy's
description does not seem to be perfectly correct, although not
likely to be misleading; but at the time of passing the "Synopsis"
through' his hands, he had seen only one example of the species.
" Strongly wrinkled concentrically," as described by him, applies to
distinct and regular, round, concentric, fine lines, crossing the shell
from one point of attachment to the other, a shell marking which
belongs to the outer coat exclusively, not as wrrinkles or wrinkle-
like, as illustrated by the specimens exhibited.

A. A characteristic specimen.

B. Partially abraded.

C. Showing cavity and thickness of shell.

D. Three specimens on a bit of worn Crinoid, along with

Palcmcis, Stenopora, basal attachment of Polyzoon,
&c.

E. A specimen entangled with web of Stenopora not

during life.

IV. Ortonia carbonaria, J. Young. To have found that good
specimens of Ortonia carbonaria had been laid aside for enquiry,
upwards of 50 years ago, is something very like a new observation.
Often in comparatively recent times, in agglomerated masses of
fossils, this organism has been found at Gare, and in the first
calmy limestone bed; but the specimens — about a dozen in number
—under notice, which had so long ago excited attention, are attached
to the surface of a clean well-preserved Crinoid. A question naturally

76 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

arises — Did these slender and minute structures build the fabric
they present, and live on stems of Crinoids; or is their condition
an accidental phenomenon by mere temporary adhesion or contact1?

V. Vermilia minuta, Brown. These fabricless inhabitants
of ancient oceans, in their shadowy shrouds might excite the
imagination and please the visionary in his dreams. Did they
perform any significant or important office?

To smooth, unworn Crinoids — not to the tattered and torn, like
faint images in a mirror, scarcely more substantial — they seem to
have clung, and, martyr-like, performed their last wriggle, not after
any pattern, but variously; and like man, have fulfilled their
allotted span in the same space in history — they lived — they died.

VI. Crania quadrata, M'Coy. In the sediments of the old
seas the broken and dismembered stems of a Crinoid were the
special throne of the Crania, although other debris was not
rejected. The attached valve is generally almost exclusively found
on these stems. If it were important, the proportion might be
vaguely ascertained. In 30 instances, for example, attached to
well-preserved fragmentary Crinoids — not to worn or abraded
fragments — 2S present the attached valve, and only 2 specimens of
both valves. In the majority of examples little is left of the
shelly matter, and one is left involved in a web of Stenojwra tumida.
Of the free valve, on a small stem, two examples occur; one
evidently bearing the free valve compressed; another specimen,
deemed very rare, has during life been encroached on by an
enlarging basal portion of Crinoid, or the union of several, and
would have been covered had not the vital energy of the first
occupant apparently necessitated a deviation from the common
plan by continued and forcible resistance, causing the Crinoid to
disperse its required structure on either side, free of the living
Crania — which nevertheless perished, as it would seem, through its
confined and restricted action and growth. The phenomenon is
unique as far as known.

VII. Discina nitida, Lamarck. On a fragment of stem of a
Crinoid only one Discina (with both valves), indifferently preserved,,
has been seen, and, consequently, in this connection, it must be
found rarely. It is, however, by no means rare, and is often
found in small ironstone nodules beautifully preserved. It is
found, also, on shells, sometimes in groups.

As light dawned the original stock of organic substances, long

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 77

laid aside, as found on Crinoids, decreased — the basal portions of
the Crinoid, when recognized in its hydra aspects, having alone
obscured several genera of imagined structures.

II. — On Fresh and Brackish-water Ostracoda, chiefly from the
West of Scotland By Mr. David Robertson, F.L.S., F.G.S.

This paper, being a contribution to the " Fauna of Scotland,"
published by the Society, is printed separately.

III. — Notes on the Occurrence of a species of Boring Marine Alga
penetrating the Shell Structure of a species of Productus. By
Mr. John Young, F.G.S.

Mr. Young stated that, while preparing specimens of a Productus
for microscopic examination of the shell structure, he had occasion
to remove the outer surface of the shell with weak acid. After
this was done, he found that the inner layer, in many of the
specimens, had been burrowed by a minute parasitic organism of a
tubular character. These borings on the surface are scarcely
visible to the naked eye, but when examined under a low power
of the microscope, are seen to branch in certain directions by
bifurcation of the tubes as they pass through the inner layers
of the shell. In some of the specimens the dark matter filling the
tubes is seen to terminate in rounded points : some of the branches
also present a moniliform structure of tube; while others, viewed
in cross sections on the etched surfaces of the shell, appear as a
series of black round dots. Mr. Young stated that at first he was
inclined to regard these perforations as the work of a minute bur-
rowing sponge, but he had found that a similar organism which had
been found perforating the structure of Silurian and Devonian
corals and brachiopods, as well as corals from some of the more
recent formations, had been described by Professor P. M. Duncan,
F.G.S., in the Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of
London, for May, 1876. Professor Duncan, in his paper, regards
these perforations as the work of a unicellular alga, parasitic within
the structure of the organisms, and clearly related to Achlya; and he
distinguishes the form found in the palaeozoic rocks as Palaeachlya
perforans. After a close comparison of the Carboniferous organism
with that figured by Professor Duncan, Mr. Young wras inclined to

78 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

regard it as the same, as it agreed in all essential particulars*
except those which would naturally arise out of differences in the
form and structure of the kind of organism penetrated. To dis-
tinguish the Carboniferous form from that already described, he
proposed to call it Palaeachlya perforans, var. carbonaria, as it
appears to have been a little more robust than the older form.

Mr. James Neilson, jun., also showed an interesting series of
Chonetes Laguessiana from Roscobie, Fifeshire, which, under the
partly eroded surface of the outer shell, showed numerous perfora-
tions of, apparently, the same boring alga. Mr. Young had also
found it in the shell structure of Productus costatus, a Carboni-
ferous limestone fossil, as well as the last named.

April 29th, 1879.

Professor John Young, M.D., F.G.S., President, in the chair.
Mr. John Smith, Stobbs, Kilwinning, was elected a correspond-,
ing member, and Mr. Christopher Sherry an ordinary member.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

. Mr. John Young, F.G.S., exhibited a series of Conodont re-
mains and Sponge Spicules from the Silurian and Devonian lime-
stone strata of England, forwarded by Mr. John Smith, Kilwinning,
corresponding member, who had sent for exhibition, at a former
meeting of the Society, an interesting series of conodonts and
various forms of sponge spicules, which he had found in the lime-
stone strata around Dairy, Ayrshire. Since that time Mr. Smith
had visited several districts in England, and had been successful
in discovering the remains of conodonts in some of the weathered
shales and limestones of the localities he had visited, and which
curious remains had not, so far as he knew, been formerly noted
as occurring either in the Silurian or Devonian formations of
England. Yery little is yet known of the nature of the organisms
that have yielded these conodont remains, which consist of small
teeth, jaws, &c, of many different forms, one authority referring
them to the jaws of annelides, another to those of myxinoid fishes,
or to the lingual armature of certain forms of mollusca or the

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 79

maxillipeds of Crustacea. As ne"\y localities for these interesting
though obscure forms are being found, it is to be hoped that more
light will soon be thrown upon the true nature of their origin.

Mr. Young also exhibited a series of beautiful plates he had
received from Mr. Thomas Davidson, F.RS., Brighton, illustrating
a number of new and rare forms of Carboniferous brachiopoda
from the West of Scotland, which he is preparing for the supple-
ment to his great work on the Fossil Brachiopoda of Great Britain,
upon which he has been busily engaged for the last 30 years.
Among the specimens figured in these plates, Mr. Young called the
attention of the members to a small species of Productus which he
had found at Brockley, near Lesmahagow, and to a small species of
Chonetes from Corrieburn, Campsie. The former had been
identified by Prof, de Koninck, of Liege, as his Procluctus Griffith-.
ianus, found first at Vise, in Belgium, but which has not previously
been recorded for Britain. The second had been identified by
Mr. Davidson as Chonetes gibberula (M'Coy), and also new to the
Scottish list.

Mr. Henry C. Young exhibited the following spiders new to
Scottish lists : —

Steatoda bipunctata, Linn. One specimen, a male, taken in
the window of a cellar at Port-Dundas on 14th June, 1878.

Agroeca proximo,, Cambr. One male, taken on a hedge bank at
Kilmalcolm on 4th September, 1878.

Neriene rvfipes, Sund. Two females, taken in the neighbour-
hood of Glasgow in June, 1878.

Linyphia zebrina, Menge. This spider was exceedingly common
among herbage in every locality visited during last summer and
autumn.

■

Linyphia pallida, Cambr. One specimen found at roots of
grass near Hamilton on 22nd August, 1878.

Epeira agalena, "Walck. A male and female of this species
were taken at Aviemore, Perthshire, in July, 1878, by Mr. J. J.
King.

Xysticus idmi, Hahn. A. male of this species taken among grass
on the cliffs, Arbroath, in September, 1878.

Tarentula rrtiniata, C. L. Koch. One specimen, a female, taken
at Prestwick, by Mr. F. Alexander, in July, 1878.

Heliophanus flavipes, C. L. Koch. Two specimens, females,
taken in the neighbourhood of Glasgow in June, 1878.

SO PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PAPERS READ.

I. — On the Mammalia of Scotland. By Mr. Edward R. Alston,
F.Z.S., F.L.S., F.G.S., Corresponding Member.

This paper, which forms a portion of the " Fauna of Scotland,"
published by the Society, is printed separately.

II. — On the Archaeology and Natural History of Tory Island.
By Mr. J. A. Mahony, Corresponding Member. With two
Plates [III. and IV.].

What Iona is to Scotland, Tory is to Ireland. The archaeological
remains of the Irish island are not in so good a state of preservation
as those of Iona, but do not yield to them in interest. It is there-
fore of importance to chronicle them, as well as to have a full record
of the Natural History of so remote an island; but this has not
hitherto been done. The readiest way to get to the island is from
Ballinass, near Falcarragh. This place is 42 miles from London-
derry by road. Arrived at Ballinass you make arrangements for a
small boat to take you to the island, the "regulation" cost of
which is 20s. From Ballinass to Tory the distance is 10 Irish
miles, and the journey is, of course, not unattended by danger;
but, with a breeze from the S.W. or S.E., is pleasantly performed
in two or three hours. The writer has visited the island six
times, and on two occasions only experienced any trouble in re-
turning. Southerly gales kept him a prisoner for a week at one
time, and for five days at another.

Tory is two and a-half miles long, and about a-quarter of a mile
broad at its western extremity. There it is level, but on the east
it rises into towering headlands 200 feet high — these cliffs (or "tors,"
as they are called by the natives, and which may account for the
name of the island) being of the boldest and most fantastic shapes.

The usual place of landing is at the Camus, where the first thing
to attract notice is the Bound Tower. Nothing has been done to
preserve this interesting ruin from the ravages of time, and its
original height cannot now be accurately ascertained. It was exa-
mined, however, by Mr. Edwin Getty, in 1845, and at that time
the pileus or cap was partly standing. He gives the height at 51
feet, the outer circumference at 51 feet 6 inches, and the diameter
17 feet 2 inches.'" Every winter now brings down some of the

* Ulster Journal of Archaeology, Vol. I., p. 146.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 81

upper structure, and I estimated that its present height is 45 feet.
It is built of undressed boulders of red granite, and where white
lime, made of burnt shells, has been used, it is only sparingly so, and
wherever even a very small stone could be employed, it has been
fitted in. The doorway is at a height of 8 feet from the ground,
and the writer was enabled to climb up to it by the help of the
interstices between the stones. Here it was found that the wall
was -i feet 3 inches in thickness, the doorway itself being 5^ feet
high.

Looking upwards through the interior, projecting stones at
regular distances seemed to indicate the existence of stone floors
when the tower was in use, and these floors were five in number,
so far as the present state of the tower enabled one to judge, the
communication between them being probably by means of ladders.
That Round Towers were, to some extent at least, intended for places
of refuge, is shown by their mode of building, as well as by the
fact of the door being placed in so comparatively inaccessible a
position.

The next most important ruin in the island is the Abbey of St.
Finian. Its extent was easily ascertainable in 1870, and a few
years previous to that an arch, probably the east door, was intact;
but now the whole is an indistinguishable heap of stones. This
abbey is believed to have been founded by St. Columba in the sixth
century, before he commenced his missionary work in Iona.

The remains of another church are met with outside the "town "
as you travel westwards. This is " The Church of the Seven" — or
Mor Sheishear — a very small place of worship, as it does not seem
from the examination made by the writer to have been more than
12 feet long. From a hole in the wall earth is sometimes taken,
which is guaranteed to banish rats from any house in which it is
placed. The natives are jealous of any stranger helping himself to
this sacred deposit, so the services of the man who has the assumed
privilege had to be secured; but the result of its use when trans-
ported to the mainland was not successful in causing the rats
to depart.

N ear the Tower is a rude collection of stones, mostly chiselled,
which gets the name of " The Altar of St. John the Baptist." A
trough-shaped mass of sandstone, -4 feet 10 inches long and 5 inches
deep, with a cup-shaped vessel, rudely fashioned of the same
material, is placed in the centre. The uses of these remains are

VOL. IV. f

82 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

not known, but at this "altar" the priest was in the habit of
officiating before the present chapel was built.

There are three Crosses on the island, although one of them
could not now be recognized as such. The least imperfect is placed
on a pedestal, built in 1877, by the Rev. James M'Fadden, for its
preservation. It is of mica slate, and is 6 feet in height, ending, as
it does, at the arms. No markings are now visible.

The second cross is called St. Columba's Cross, from the idea
that the figure of a man indicated on it represents that saint. The
third is known as St. John's Cross. It has lost its arms, which,
however, are carefully laid at the side of the monolithal pedestal
on which it stands.

Another, and more perfect Cross, was taken, a long time ago,
from Tory, and now lies in the graveyard of Ray Church, near
Falcarragh.

So much for the ecclesiastical remains. They point to a very
remote time, and are, I think, full of interest, especially when
looked at in the picturesque light which the legends of the islanders
have associated with them, but which it would not be suitable to
reproduce here. It seems to be determined with tolerable accuracy,
however, that Columba left his native place, Gartan (about 1 1 miles
from Ramelton), and established a religious fraternity in Tory
Island, before he went to Deny, or thence to Iona. Some of the
remains are certainly coeval with his residence there, and others
later, but all old — probably from the sixth to the tenth century.

Botany. — With a granitic soil, the island is anything but fertile.
The people don't attempt to grow oats ; barley and potatoes are
the principal crops. From the west town to the east town — a
distance of a mile — the rocky substratum is covered by a thin
coating of peaty soil, except where it has been removed for fuel.
It is generally only nine inches to a foot in depth, and ultimately
the people will be compelled to leave the island for want of fuel,
for they are, as a rule, too poor to buy coal. This peaty surface
soil is covered by a stunted growth of heather (Calluna vulgaris),
associated with Nardus stricta and Carex panicea, along with some
grasses, which solely seem to justify the presence of a few sheep and
two or three very lean cattle. The sw^ard on the summit of the
eastern cliffs is composed, to a large extent, of a dwarf variety of
sea thrift (Armeria maritima). On the shore, above high- water
mark, the common scurvy grass ( Gochlearia officinalis) is every-

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l.The Red Port. 2.TKe West Tov

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 83

where to be seen, while, in shady nooks on the cliffs, Asplenia m
marinum is noticed, though it is not abundant. The flora of Tory
would be very poor in variety but for the superior conditions for
existence afforded to plants by a great hollow about the centre of
the island, on the north side, called the Ram's Hollow, or in Irish,
Lagareithe. This is like a steep amphitheatre in form, and was
likely at one time a large cave, the roof of which has collapsed.
There is still an arched opening to the sea. On the sides and in
the bottom of this hollow may be found : —

Solidago virgaurea.
Rumex acetosella.
A ngeliea sylvestris.
Thymus serpyllum.
Lonicera perielymeaum.
Bellis perennis*
Sedum anglicum.
A thyrium filix-foemiaa.
Hedera helix.
Poly gala vulgaris.
Tormentilla officinalis.

As might be inferred from its position, the larger Laminariae
and Fuci are abundant, and of robust growth. The specific
gravity of the sea water at Tory is greater than near the mainland,
or than the water at any part of the Deny or Antrim coast. This
may be, and likely is, the cause of the fronds of Laminaria
digitata being thick and " leathery " here as compared with those
of other places, and of the extraordinary development of Laminaria
hulbosa. In the sheltered bays the Himanthalia lorea grows to
a length of 20 feet, and forms, at low-water, a barrier almost
impassable by boats.

Thus it is that the burning of these seaweeds into kelp is carried
on vigorously in the months of June, July, and August, and used
to be the source on which the people depended for paying their
rents. Now, however, they appropriate the money to their own
uses, most of them having determined to resist such payments as a
relic of the dark ages.

During the remainder of the year, when not employed at kelp
making, the inhabitants of Tory reap the harvest of the sea by

* Also all over the island.

84 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

fishing. Every season brings its appropriate kind of fish. In July
and August " Braziers," as the Tory folk call them, but known
elsewhere as " Barwin " and " Gunner " {Pagellus centrodontus),
are caught from the curraghs, or canvas boats, with long lines, in
great numbers. The bait used is the common limpet. This fish is
split open, salted, and dried in the sun, and forms an important
article of export. At other times the Cod (Gadus morrhua), the
Haddock (G. aeglefinus), the Ling [Lota molva), the Mackerel
{Scomber scomber), are captured and taken in open boats to
Ballinass, Dunfanaghy, Kamelton, and Letterkenny.

The Dogfish (Scyllium catulus) is very common on the coasts,
and a deadly war is waged against it by the islanders. Among the
smaller fishes to be met with, often under stones on the shore or in
rock pools, are —

The Cornish Sucker (Lepidogaster comubieusis), the Worm Pipe-
fish (Syngnathus lumbriciformis), the Smooth Blenny (Blennius
pltolis), the Spotted Gunnell (Blennius gunnellus), the Black Goby
(Gobius niger).

I will conclude these notes by saying that I have not looked into
the Mammalia of the island beyond ascertaining that there are no
rats on the island, but abundance of rabbits and mice, and that
there are no snakes, toads, or frogs.

III. — On the Yellow Opossum (Bidelphis crassicaudata), from
Cape San Antonio, Province of Buenos Ayres. By Mr.
Ernest Gibson, Corresponding Member.

In my last paper* I treated of the companion species, the Black
and "White variety (Didelphis aufita), and I now put together these
notes on the Yellow Opossum, the u Camadreja Colorado" (Red
or Yellow Opossum), as it is called in our district, and exhibit two
or three skins. The usual measurement of adult specimens may
be seen in the following table : —

Total length, nose to end of tail,

Length of tail,

Nose to shoulder,

Girth of chest,

Girth anterior to hind leg,

Height at shoulder,

Height at hind leg,

* See Proceedings, Vol. TV., Part i., page 38.

.Male.

Female.

29

inches.

• 26

inches.

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NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 85

Eyes black, small, and very sinister — the latter because they
are set obliquely in the head. Bare portions — such as nose, ears,
soles of feet, and tip of tail — pale flesh-colour. Fur, yellow or
yellowish-brown, deeper in colour on the abdomen, but varying
there to an orange or reddish tinge. Frequently very beautiful
varieties are found, either bright orange, or orange with a coppery
tinge of red, both metallically bright; but after two or three weeks
I have always been disappointed by finding the skins change to a
dull, dead colour, completely losing the pretty gloss they have in life.
The fur is short, but very close and fine. Occasionally one sees a
tobacco pouch of yellow 'possum skin, which is the only use it is
ever put to.

Though of late the species has been very abundant in this
district, three years had passed here before I met with it for the
first time, which is rather surprising, considering that I was then
regularly egg-hunting in its favourite haunts — the swamps and fens.
Since then the swamps have been unusually full of water, remain-
ing so even during each summer's drought, and consequently
affording both security and abundance of food for the animal in
the shape of young birds and eggs.

The aforesaid first-met-with specimen I found in a " Biscachero,"
a colony of Lagostomus trichodactylus, while drowning out Bis-
cachos one day. Desirous of securing it alive if possible, I took
off* my coat and endeavoured to entangle it in that — no easy
matter, for it would turn on me now and then, and spring at my
knee above the riding boot. Even when I did manage to throw
my coat over it, its head would suddenly appear in the most
unexpected proximity to my hands and cause me to let go. Success-
ful at last, I drove my bowie-knife into the ground, and, clasping
one end of a long silver watch-chain to the Opossum's hind leg,
attached it by that. At sundown I returned for my captive, but
was rather puzzled as to how I should get on to my horse with it,
as I was riding bare-backed, and the said horse was young and
anything but quiet. So I elected to reach for the knife without
dismounting, and after a short struggle managed to do so; but at
the critical moment my horse shied, his 'possum ship swung up
against the off fore-shoulder and incontinently put in his teeth, upon
which I experienced the well-known sensation of being astride a
young earthquake, followed by the pampas rising up and striking
me heavily over the bead and shoulders. Then I "went for that

86 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

heathen J' Opossum and smote it violently, professing a momentary
and most thoroughly unzoological contempt for the value of this
particular cranium. But I met with my punishment, while at the
same time adding to my knowledge of the family, for on going to
pick up the now apparently dead Opossum, I had my thumb
instantly bitten to the bone.

This was the only case I ever knew of the Yellow Opossum using
its tail to aid it in springing at an enemy. In doing so, the tail
was curved round into an arch, so that about a third of its length
rested on the ground, and on the animal springing up — nearly per-
pendicularly— the muscles evidently acted as a propelling power,
enabling it to jump nearly two feet in height. As the action was
repeated several times, I retain no doubt on the matter, though
surprised that it should never have occurred again in any other
instance.

When on land " Biscacheros " (inhabited ones) and vacant
armadillo burrows generally afford this species a home. How it
agrees with the inmates of the former I never ascertained, but
confess to having my doubts. On this subject, as on having a
skunk as occasional hall-porter, I should like to have the frank
opinion of some communicative " member for the burrows " of
L. trichodactylus !

Though as much at home in the water as an Otter, the Opossums
I surprised sleeping on any little islands during the flood of 1877
would not leave the land, and if driven to the edge of the water,
stood at bay there rather than take to it.

As I described the black and white species as being entirely
terrestrial and arboreal in its habits, so may the present one be
distinguished as being as entirely terrestrial and aquatic. The
nature of its food may be imagined, when I cite one instance of
finding a specimen in a duck's nest, in the middle of a swamp. It
was rolled up among the eggs and sound asleep, actually letting
me touch it with my riding whip before it awoke, when it took
to the water, and escaped. As birds, and even eggs, are to be
found all the year round, the only hard times for the Yellow
Opossum is during a drought, when the swamps dry up and deprive
it of both shelter and food.

One spring, about the end of September, I rode over to the
Canada de Cisneros (Swamp of the Swanneries), in search of eggs
of Cygnus nigricollis. Three or four nests gave me as much to

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 87

cany as I could wish for, and left me free to look out for other
game. The water was deep, sometimes over my horse's withers,
but the bottom being comparatively free from mud, we moved
about quite easily. Presently a nest attached to some reeds caught
my eye, and at once announced itself as a novelty. It was
spherical in shape, six or seven inches in diameter, constructed
of dry rushes and water grasses, and suspended about a foot
above the water. No aperture being visible, I began to remove
the upper part of the nest, and was considerably surprised on
finding its occupant to be a Yellow Opossum. It immediately
sprung from the nest, and seemed to run along the surface of the
water for several yards before plunging in. This, however, it
effected by grasping the rushes just at the surface of the water,
though they grew two or three inches apart, and using both fore
and hind feet with such marvellous celerity as to give the above-
mentioned appearance. On being pursued till it came to a channel
of open water, it took to swimming — not so fast but what I
managed to overtake it, when fuffing angrily at me once or twice,
it dived like an Otter and disappeared. On the same occasion I
found a good many similar nests, and have since continued to do
so. All present the same characteristics — varying in size according
to that of the occupant, from a few inches to over a foot in
diameter; built loosely, but sufficiently strong and thick to sustain
and hide the inmate. Where the opening is I never could
ascertain, and am inclined to think that the Opossum simply
pushes its way in somewhere in the side, curling itself into a ball
as it does so, and drawing the aperture roughly together again.
The trick of running among the rushes I have often seen repeated,
and its swimming and diving powers almost equal those of the
Otter.

On the ground the Yellow Opossum progresses more rapidly
than its black and white relative, though easily run down on foot,
and at bay is rather more disposed to be aggressive. That feigning
of death (which some naturalists now believe to be a temporary
and involuntary paralyzation of all the faculties through fear),
characteristic of all the family, and so strongly shown in the other
species, is by no means so fully developed in this one. Neither is it
quite so tenacious of life as the others.

The Yellow Opossum is, I am glad to say, not so highly odori-
ferous as its darker relative, but has the same style of voice — a

88 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

hissing or fuffing sound — only used when attacked, and uttered
evidently from the throat, as the mouth remains open.

During the flood of 1877 one came on board the raft on which
we were floating bales to a small port in our neighbourhood, and
was not discovered till we arrived at our destination on the
following day. But, as a rule, the Yellow Opossum does not
show such cool assurance in its dealings with man as the allied
species.

I have never yet been so fortunate as to find a nest of young
ones, and can only state, in regard to its breeding habits, that the
young are independent of the mother at a very early stage, some
I have taken being only the size of a small rat. This, then, must
remain a point for future notice.

IV. — On the Mammalia of the Outer Hebrides. By Mr. John A.
Harvie-Brown, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Vice-President.

Introduction.

It is unnecessary for me to describe at any length the physical
geography of the Long Island, as that has frequently been done
before by authors, down from the date of Martin and the other
historians whose names and works I shall mention further on, and
to most of which latter I have referred during the preparation
of this paper.

A short description, however, may not be considered out of place.

The total length of the Outer Hebrides, from the Butt of Lewis
to Barra Head, is about 130 miles. The greater part of Lewis is
comparatively flat, and covered with lochs,* or rough, uneven
ground of no great altitude.

Harris, on the other hand, is rugged and grand, especially the
northern half, where some of the mountains reach to altitudes of
over 2,500 feet. On the west coast of South Harris commences
the level, sandy-margined, pastoral country, which, with scarcely
any intermission, stretches southward to the south end of the Long
Island, interrupted only by the sounds, and the shallow fords,
which separate the various islands.

North Uist presents to the eye the most curious division of land
and water, being exactly the counterpart of Harris. Looking

* Martin tells us that from this fact the island receives its Gaelic name,
viz., Leog, meaning "ivatcr lying on the surface of the land." — "Description
of the "Western Isles," 2nd edition, 1716, p. 1.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 89

down upon it from the sides of its higher hills on the east side, it
appears a perfect network of lochs, islands, and arms of the sea,
and it is difficult at all points to say where land ends and water
begins. Arms of the sea, such as Loch Maddy, stretch away
inland from the east coast, until only separated from the Atlantic
on the west by an isthmus of a few yards in width,* while the
land on either side is studded with innumerable fresh-water lochs,
and cut up in every direction by the ramifications of the offshoots
from the sea. Ben Eabhal and Ben Lee are the only hills of any
altitude, and the lower range of the Grogary hills bounds the flat
land in the west. Beyond these stretches the pastoral country
before referred to.

Benbecula is very similar, being mossy land studded with lochs,
with a pastoral seaboard on the west side.

In the scenery of South Uist the same rugged grandeur which
we rueetvwith in Harris is combined with the flatter, water-inter-
sected, and pastoral descriptions of country. The high hills of
Hecla and Ben More, and their connecting range, form the iron-
bound east coast. The central portions are mossy moorland, and
the west side pastoral, fringed with sand-hills — an admirable barrier
to the encroachment of the Atlantic waves.

Much the same scenery is found in Barra, but there are no high
hills; but when we come to the lesser islands of Mingalay and
Bernera, or Barra Head, a magnificent precipitous coast frowns over
the Atlantic. The cliffs of Mingalay rival in sheer precipitous
front the famed cliffs of St. Kilda, and at no locality in Scotland
of the same size, I believe, will be seen a more wonderful colony
of rock-birds than on the Stack of Lianamull, behind the cliffs of
Mingalay.

The geological formation of the Outer Hebrides consists ex-
clusively of gneiss rocks, with a poor surface soil and a large pro-
portion of moss and moor. In the west the land is richer. The
sandy pastures go by the name of " machars."

An examination of Mr. E. It. Alston's exhaustive paper on the
Mammalia of Scotland, prepared at the request of the Council of
this Society (vide " Fauna of Scotland"), and of the table at page
•i of the same, will show, that of twenty-four terrestrial Mammals

* The neck of land separating Loch Maddy from the Sound of Harris is
only from 15 to 20 yards in width.

90 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

which occur in Scotland, seven occur in the Inner Hebrides, and only
six in the Outer Hebrides, while Ireland contains no less than twelve.

Of the twelve in Ireland, one I consider doubtful as an indigen-
ous species, viz., the Squirrel — Sciurus vulgaris. My reasons for
doing so cannot be given in this place, as they involve too long a
discussion for this paper.

To five previously recorded in the Outer Hebrides I am now
able to add the sixth — Sorex minutus.

We gather the general information from these comparative lists
that the semi-aquatic Otter, and the wide-ranging, swift Deer were
those animals — not purely oceanic — which had the earliest and
widest distribution in the Long Island amongst now-existing
species. Next in order probably come some of the smaller rodents,
and then the Marten. The Rabbit cannot be taken into this con-
sideration, as it was an introduced species.

The following is a list of the various works treating of the
Outer Hebrides which have been found more or less useful in this
connection, as well as of others which I have not had an opportunity
of examining : —

1703. M. Martin — " A Description of the Western Islands of
Scotland."

1716. A second edition — the one I have consulted.

1764. Rev. Kenneth Macaulay — "A Voyage to, and History
of, St. Kilda."

1769-1774. T. Pennant— "A Tour in Scotland, and Voyage to
the Hebrides."

1777. Lightfoot — Pennant — " Flora Scotica." Contains a
Sketch of Caledonian Zoology, by Pennant.

1793. Rev. J. L. Buchanan — " Travels in the Western
Hebrides."

1787. John Knox — " Tour through the Highlands of Scotland
and the Hebride Isles in 1786."

1807. Rev. J. Hall's "Travels in Scotland, with a Trip to the
Orkneys and Hebrides." 2 vols.

1808. Dr. Walker — "Economic History of the Hebrides."
Contains Botany, but little Zoology.

1819. Dr. MacCulloch — " Description of the Western Islands
of Scotland." 2 vols, text, 8vo, and 1 vol. plates, 4to.

1829-30. John Macgillivray — "Account of the Series of
Islands denominated the Outer Hebrides." (Edin. Journ, Nat.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 91

Hist, and Geog. Science, Vols. i. and n. Quadrupeds, pp. 161-5,
Birds, pp. 321-34.)

Donald Maclean — "Account of one of the Hebrides."

1838. L. MacLean— " Sketches of the Island of St. Kilda."

1842. James Wilson, F.R.S.E. — " Voyage round the Coasts of
Scotland and the Isles." 2 vols.

1865-66. Prof. Duns, D.D., F.R.S.E.— " On the Natural
History of Lewis." Proc. Royal Soc. Edin., Vol. v., pp. 615-625.

1868. Henry D. Graham — " On the occurrence of the Harp
Seal (Phoca groenlandica) in Loch Tarbert, Jura, with Remarks
on the Habits of some other Species frequenting the Western
Islands." (Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Glasgoiv, Vol. i., p. 53.)

1870. J. A. Harvie-Brown — "Journal of a Trip to the Outer
Hebrides in 1870" (April 13th to June 1st), including portions
written by Captain H. W. Feilden. MS.

1875. "Sixty-One" (Rev. Mr. Hutchinson) — "Reminiscences
of the Lews."

1875. Captain H. W. Feilden — "Journal of a Tour through the
Outer Hebrides in 1870." (Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc, Glas., Vol. n., p. 58.)

Annals and Magazine of Nat. Hist., Vol. vin., pp. 7, 96, 230.

1879. E. R. Alston, F.Z.S., F.L.S., etc.— "Fauna of Scotland"—
Mammalia. Published by the Natural History Society of Glasgow.

1879. J. A. Harvie-Brown — "Journal of a trip to the Outer
Hebrides in 1879." May 28th to June 21st, 1879. MS.

In preparing the following Catalogue and Notes, I have been
materially assisted by my friend Mr. E. R. Alston, who revised the
synonymy, and added several notes and suggestions, besides what I
have gathered from a perusal of the MS. of his paper on the
" Mammalia of Scotland," before mentioned. To Professor Duns'
courtesy I am also indebted for a copy of his paper " On the
Natural History of the Lews." Mr. A. Williamson has added
some interesting results of his experience of the Deer of Lewis, as
well as other matter.

Cheiroptera. Vespertilionidae.

1. COMMON BAT.

Yesperttgo pipistrellus (Schreber).

Does not appear to be plentiful in the Long Island. Captain

Macdonald of Rodil told me, in 1870, he had only once seen a Bat

at Rodil, which is a well-sheltered spot, with a few trees around it

92 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

and a considerable plantation near it. Professor Duns includes
"Bats" in his paper (loc. cit.), but without notes. Previous writers
are unanimous in excluding them, but we may with safety include
them under this species, as it is the only one likely to occur.
Since the above was written, and while staying at Rodil in June,
1879, I was repeatedly assured that Bats had become much com-
moner there of late years, and are now far from rare. I failed,
however, to observe any myself.

Insectivora. Soricidae.

LESSER SHREW.

Sorex minutus, Linn.*

This is the species probably meant by Macgillivray as being

"found in the Outer Hebrides on sandy pastures, where it is

termed Luch-fheoir" (Edin. Jour. Nat. and Geog. Sc, Yol. n.) —

a name, however, properly belonging to the Field Vole (vide

Alston, "Fauna of Scotland," Mammalia, p. 28). I was fortunate

in obtaining a single specimen of this species in North Uist, in

June, 1879, which I preserved in spirits for identification. They

are very rarely seen here except in harvest-time, so that my getting

one in summer was considered very lucky indeed. It was the

only one I saw.

Carnivora. Mustelidae.

COMMON OTTER.

Lutra vulgaris, Erxleben. Gaelic — Balgar. t
The Otter is plentiful in some localities, frequenting the sea-
shore for the most part, until the Salmon and Sea-trout begin to
" run " in July, when it follows them up the streams, and frequents
the fresh-water lochs. Exciting sport may sometimes be had when
men and dogs succeed in hemming one in upon any restricted area,
or upon one of the smaller sheets of water. " Sixty-One " gives an
interesting account of such a hunt in his "Reminiscences" (p. 129).
A forester in Harris showed me a small rock in Loch Resort,
where he once killed two at one shot. The recently-frequented
resting-place of an Otter is readily recognizable by the freshness of
the grass, but the droppings themselves, which cause the greenness,
rapidly dry up.

* Sorex pygmaeas, Pall, of the 2nd ed. of Bell's ' ' Brit. Quadrupeds. "
+ The name Balgar, applied to this animal in the Hebrides, properly
belongs to flip Fox.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 93

Otters are found more or less plentifully all along the coast line,
through. South TJist to Barra Head.

John Macgillivray mentions the fact of the Otters in the Hebrides
being of the darker coloured type.* I have not had an opportunity
of comparing them with those obtained on the mainland.

A shepherd in North TJist, on his own beat alone, had shot over
70 Otters during a residence of 25 years.

3. MAPTEN.

Martes sylvestris, Nilsson. Gaelic — Taglian.

In 1870 this species was reported as present in Harris, but not
abundant. There are no trees in Harris — or at least only a very
few at scattered localities — and the Martens which are procured
are found amongst cairns and long heather on the hillsides. It
occurs in the Mhorsgail deer-forest in Lewis (Prof. Duns, op. cit).
It was recorded so long ago as 1777, by Pennant, as occurring in
Harris (Lightfoot's " Flora Scotica," &c). The " Polecats " of the
"Old Stat. Account" of Lewis were undoubtedly Martens. At
the present time (1879) the Marten is very rare in Harris.

Mr. H. Greenwood tells me — " There seem to be no Martens left
in the Lews. Certainly they were here at one time, but have been
destroyed." In lit., 27 th December, 1879.

Carnivora. Phocidae.

Pinnipedia.

i. COMMON SEAL.
Phoca vitulina, Linn.

The Common Seal is very abundant on these coasts — perhaps
nowhere more so than in the Sound of Harris. I have seen
twelve upon a small sloping rock in Loch Maddy, which was just
sufficiently large to afford them resting room.

Their habit of springing out of water like salmon has been
noticed by several observers under somewhat different circum-
stances. Mr. Macdonald, of Newton, told me that he once saw a
number of Seals rushing against a strong tide-stream between two
rocks in the Sound of Harris. They followed one another in
single file, " springing right out of the water like salmon breasting
a fall." The place, which he pointed out to me afterwards, is not
more than forty yards in width, and the ebbing tide, when I saw

* Op. cit.

94: PROCEEDINGS OF THE

it, escaping from a land-locked strait, rushed through this narrow
gorge with such tremendous impetus that I felt sure at the time
no vessel could have stemmed its flow. John Macgillivray also
noticed the habit. He says : " During a storm, I have seen them
throwing themselves forward half out of the water several times
in succession; " and my friend, Mr. J. Henderson, of Mull, has seen
them doing so in calm weather before a storm. Mr. Henderson
has had much experience in the haunts and habits of Seals upon
the West Coast.

I saw them on various occasions plunging and springing out of
the water. They looked like salmon bent in their spring, and
coming down head first. This appears to be quite a common
practice, and must not be confounded with the more direct and
forward movement witnessed when they are stemming a rapid.

After accomplishing the ascent of an unusually strong and rapid
tide-way, they have been seen by Mr. Macdonald to pant for
breath, showing that this movement has been called forth by
unusual exertion.

Other authors record this habit in the breeding season, and
assign it to the males chasing one another, but it appears evident
that it is practised at various times and seasons, and is not neces-
sarily connected with the combats of the males.

Martin records that the inhabitants of the Long Island use the
flesh of the Seal for food, " and And it as nourishing as beef and
mutton" (op., cit., 2nd ed., p. 11).*

It is perhaps worthy of record here that Seals are hardly ever
known to frequent sand-banks in the Sound of Harris. Mr.
Macdonald had never seen one upon a sand-bank; rocks are
invariably preferred.

Captain Macdonald, of Stein, in Skye, who has had much experi-
ence of Seal-shooting on the west coast of that Island, finds that the
Seals there are generally fat, and that they float oftener and longer
when shot than they do in other localities known to him. In the
Sound of Harris it was quite provoking the number that were lost
after being shot in the water, when I was there this year.

5. RINGED SEAL.
Phoca hispida, Schreber. Gaelic — Bodach?
Evidence of the occurrence of this species in the Hebrides on the

* Vide Lawrence Edmonstone's "Seals of the Shetland Islands," 1837, p. 4.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 95

authority of Mr. M'Neil, of Colonsay, is given,* but we have no
positive records of its occurrence beyond the accounts quoted of
Bell's "British Quadrupeds," 2nd ed., pp. 248-9.

6. GREENLAND SEAL.
Phoca groenlaxdica, Fabricius.

On the 2nd of May I saw four of this species upon a rock in
the Sound of Harris. Mr. Macdonald, of Newton, and I started
down the Sound in one of his boats, in quest of Seals. After firing
two ineffectual shots at Seals in the water, we spied several lying
on a rock, a good way out in the Sound. Getting well to leeward,
we dropped gently down behind the rock, and landed, but a slight
scrape upon the rough projections of the surface startled them, and
before we got over the top they had slid into the deep water.
.Running forward we had a good view of thern, as they kept close
in and often rushed past within a few feet of where we were stand-
ing, and "the large splashy-looking, dark marks on either side of
the back " were distinctly visible (I quote almost exactly from my
Journal). I fired into one near the rock, but before the boat could
be brought round he sank. The strong tide running made it vain
to search for him.

As regards the evidence of this species occurring in the
British seas, I think that given by Mr. Henry D. Graham is well
worthy of credence. Mr. Graham, well known as a careful observer
and a naturalist of ability, saw "three of these rare visitors to
British waters" in Loch Tarbert, Jura, and, with the aid of a
powerful telescope, " both he and his friends could distinctly make
out the markings which characterize the Harp Seal," and "the
animals remained in full view for three hours, constantly watched."
Mr. Graham appears to have been quite aware of the name Tap-
vaist being indiscriminately applied to several species of large Seal.
(Vide Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Glasgoiv, Yol. i., p. 53, 1868.)

GREAT GREY SEAL.

Halichoerus gryphus, Fabricius.

Haskier Island has long been known as a resort of this species.
Pennant mentions Seals in "Hiskyr" in 1777. Captain Macdonald,
R.N., showed me a very fine skin of one he had shot in the Sound

* Bell's " British Quadrupeds," 2nd ed., p. 249.

96 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

of Harris, and Mr. Macdonald, of Newton, pointed out to me various
favourite rocks in the Sound which the Great Seal frequents in
small numbers. Some confusion amongst natives exists as to the
difference between the Great Grey and the Greenland Seals, all
apparently going under the name of " Grey " or " Haskeir " Seals.
The dark markings on the side of the back, on either side of the
spine, are very prominent in the Greenland Seal, however, and can
hardly fail to arrest the attention.*

Captain H. J. Elwes visited Haskeir Island on 30th June, 1866,
and saw a few of the large seals in the water.

" Up to the year 1858," as Captain Elwes informs me, " it was
the custom annually to have a battue there in November, when the
Seals resort to the rocks with their young ones. The boats arrived
usually about daybreak, and the men cut off the retreat of the Seals
lying on the rocks, and killed from 40 to 100 young and old. They
used to be divided amongst the men, but the farms of Vallay,
Scolpig, and Balitone, were each entitled to a larger share. This
battue was stopped by the late proprietor, Sir J. Orde, Bart."

John Macgillivray also observed this species on a rock off the
west coast of South Uist.

Mr. Macdonald, of Newton, has been present at the killing of
53 in one day at Haskeir, where they breed, t

In the Sound of Harris is a rock called to this day Skeir na
Taibheist, which is still frequented by a pair of the large Grey
Seal, and in June, 1879, I saw a pair of very large specimens
upon it. This rock has borne the name for many years, and the
fact of their breeding in the Sound of Harris cannot be doubted,
as the young have been found upon the rocks even of late years.

* Macgillivray also takes notice of the fact that the Great Seals seldom
enter the shallow sounds, but Mr. J. Henderson has given me evidence of
their occurrence within the range of the Outer Hebrides, upon a certain
isolated rock (en ore).

t For some account of the catching of these seals and apportioning of them
afterwards, see Martin, op. cit. p. 60, et seq. Donald Maclean, in his
"Account of one of the Hebrides, " made mention of the practice of hunting
seals with dogs : the services of which, however, could amount only to
irritating them to resistance, and thus by detaining them, gain time to the
hunter to attack them with a club (vide Edmonstone's "Seals of the
Shetlaud Isles," p. 37). A hundred years previous to the date of Martin's
work, however, six times this number have been killed during oue battue.
On the rock of Easmuil 320 have been killed in one day (Martin, Western
Islands, p. 62).

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 97

This Skeir na Taibheist is out of gunshot of any of the other rocks
in the Sound, bearing witness to the superior sagacity and wariness
of this species, as observed by the natives and those who have been
in the custom of hunting them constantly in the Sound of Harris.
In the Sound the Haskeir seals go very much more in pairs than the
common species, but at Haskeir this cannot be said to be the case.
Apart from his superior size, the Great Grey Seal can be readily
distinguished by his greater length of nose and his hoary grey
appearance. When in the water, and looking towards one, the
head looks very grey, and appears to me to have a striking resem-
blance to that of a sleuth-hound, wanting only the long pendant
ears of the latter to make the likeness perfect. The eyes appear
deeply sunken in the sockets, this appearance being imparted by
the grey colour of the rest of the face.

8. WALRUS.
Trichecus rosmarus (Linn. )

Instances of the occurrence of the Walrus in Scotland are given
in " Bell's British Quadrupeds," by which records it will be seen
that "one was killed in December, 1817, at Caolas Stocnis,* on
the east coast of Harris, and was examined by the late Mr.
Macgillivray, who gave an account of it in Yol. xvn. of the
'Naturalists' Library;'" and "another was killed in April, 1841,
on the East Heiskar, near Harris, by Captain Macdonald, R.N.,
as mentioned by Dr. B. Brown in the ' Annals and Magazine of
Natural History, 1871.'"

Captain Macdonald, of Stein, Skye, told me that a Walrus was
distinctly seen two years ago, close to the point of rock near Stein.
It lifted its head quite out of water, and the tusks were distinctly
seen. It was afterwards fired at, and correctly described by a
keeper, off the coast of Sleat in Skye.

Professor Heddle, with whom I was travelling in June, 1879,
stated also that he saw one adult, and a young one, in 1849 or
1850, off the coast of the parish of Walls in Orkney.

* At present (1879) a herring-curing establishment.
vol. IV. G

98 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

Cetacea. Delphinidae.

(Odontoceti).

17. PILOT WHALE.

Globicephalus melas (Trail). Gaelic: — Muc-mhara,* Liumadairan.

Mr. E. R. Alston writes to me: — "Their occurrence among the
Hebrides is rarer than at Shetland. More than 300 were taken in
1805, and 92 in 1832, at Stornoway. (Naturalists Library, xxyi.,
pp. 214-215.) Nearly 200 were taken there in 1869."

Mr. Macdonald was at the killing of 100 of these animals, some
years previous to 1870. They were, as usual, pressed in confusion
on to the shore of a small semicircular sandy bay, not far from his
house — Newton — on the Sound of Harris.

Prof. Duns informs me also that he was present at the death of
a large herd of Caaing Whales, numbering in all 90, old and young,
and he had an opportunity of "cutting into" and examining them.

Even as early as the days of Martin this species is mentioned,
the 50 "young whales" spoken of so quaintly belonging no doubt
toit.f

18. PORPOISE.

Phocaena communis (F. Cuv.) Gaelic: — Muc-mhara. Canna.

Common in the seas surrounding the Long Island, but does not
so often approach close to land, nor is it induced to enter the sea
lochs so easily as the last species.

Obs. Mr. James Wilson, during his " Voyage round Scotland,"
saw whales "of the largest class" off the entrance of East Loch
Tarbet. Mr. Alston informs me that "these were probably
either Balaeiioptera musculus (Linn.), the Common Rorqual, or
B. sibbaldi (Gray), cf. Bell, 2nd ed. A specimen of the former, I am
informed by Prof. Turner, was brought into Stornoway in 1871.
B. rostrata (Fabr.) — Rudolph's Rorqual — has occurred off Islay.
Other species of Cetaceans doubtless occur, but I know of no
records." Large whales are often seen in the herring season off
the Sutherland coast, opposite Stornoway.

* All whales in the Hebrides are called " Muc-mhara," but at the same
time several species are separately distinguished, thus: — Mucan biorach
(sharp-pointed), for Bottle-nosed Dolphhr; Liumadairan (the Jumping or
Leaping Whale), for the present species, or Herring Whale.

t Martin, op. tit., pp. 5, 6.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 99

Ruminantia. Cervidae.

16. RED DEER.

Cervus elephas (Linn.)

Martin in his time computed the number of deer in Harris to be
"at least 2000."

John Macgillivray tells us that deer "were so plentiful in Harris
and Lewis 30 years ago," (i.e., about 1800) that the poor had an
abundant supply of food. A peasant is said to have killed five at
one shot, and another to have killed 18 in a season. They rapidly
decreased, however, when the local Militia became instituted, and
after Lord Seaforth's time, who had protected them. He
(Macgillivray) seems to have been under the impression that the
species had become extinct in all the Long Island except Lewis
and Harris; but Captain Feilden and I were told nothing in 1870
which would lead us to suppose that it had ever become actually
extinct in North Uist, although it was generally considered that it
was rapidly approaching extinction. In 1879 it was reported to
me that there was no increase in their numbers in North Uist,
but at the same time no perceptible decrease since 1870.

Perhaps the finest collection of stags' heads and horns — of animals
killed in Lewis — is that of Mr. A. Williamson, of Edinburgh, who
rented the Aline and Soval shootings for several years. I had the
pleasure of seeing these lately. The small but beautifully sym-
metrical horns are indeed a contrast to his marvellous collection of
Wapiti and other trophies from Colorado, but they are none the
less interesting and valuable. I am also indebted to Mr. William-
son's courtesy for the following account of the Deer of the Lews,
and as these experiences cannot fail to prove valuable additions to
our knowledge of the history of the Red Deer in Great Britain,
I transcribe those parts of his letter in full, which relate to this
species : —

" 26th March, 1879. — Stags in the Long Island I found rapidly
deteriorating as they are doing elsewhere. From a table I kept
very carefully during the first three years I was at Aline, I find
the average weights were as follows : —

1872. — 16 stags averaged 11 J stones (clean).
1873.— 18 „ „ 11 stones 3 lbs.

1874.— 22 .. „ lOf stones.

100 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

" As I shot nothing under four years old, or any wretched old
brute, of which we had but too many, these averages give a
correct idea of the size of Lewis stags. I noticed one very striking
peculiarity, their immense craving for bones and old deers-horns.
My predecessor shot an old horse a few days before he left in May,
about two miles from the lodge. When I arrived in August, the
Deer were coming nightly to chew the bones, and all the latter
had disappeared before I left in November of the same year.

"I have often, when lying watching a herd, seen the hinds chew-
ing the horns of a stag lying on the ground, and that this was a
common practice was shown by the marks of their teeth on almost
every stag I killed late in the season. I never saw signs of any-
thing of the kind on the 50 stags I have since shot on the mainland.

" The heads of the Lews Deer are very pretty, though small,
having generally more points than mainland Deer. I generally
killed two, sometimes three Royals in a year, and " 11-pointers"
were very common.

" The cause of the deterioration in the Lewis and Harris Deer I
attribute to overstocking, not to their being overshot so much.
Doubtless, there, as elsewhere, though nothing like to the same
extent, the killing-off of the finest stags and hinds is telling; but I
believe it is mainly owing to the poor feeding on ground unable to
carry the vast numbers of Deer in the Harris and Lewis forests.
The number of the hinds was far too great, as Sir James Matheson
was opposed to their being shot down. If the severe winter has
killed off the half of them, it will have done great good." So much
for Mr Williamson's interesting observations and conclusions, with
which, I am sure, all who have studied the subject as thoroughly
as he has done must agree.

In Harris, in 1870, I saw plenty of Deer. As already shown
by Mr. Williamson, the stags are not usually large, nor
approaching in size those of certain forests on the mainland. In
one lot, however, there was one immense brute, as compared with
the others. With a powerful glass — " Lord Bury Telescope " — I
could make out one Hoyal head in the same lot, and another with
8 points. The horns, though usually small, are seldom distorted.
This I learned from an inspection of many heads at Fin-castle, and
the shooting lodges, and from the information of the foresters, in
whose company I passed several days during my search for Eagles'
eyries.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 101

At this season the hinds keep, as a rule, lower down the hill-
sides, and seldom associate with the stags. Only on one occasion
did I see stags and hinds in company. Several times I started a
solitary hind from her lair low down amongst the old rank heather,
and on all such occasions she seemed to be an aged beast, greyer
and more rugged-looking than those which were going in herds.
Probably these were the old barren hinds. About 70 or 80 stags
are killed in a season on the wester half of the Harris Forest, and
about 60 on the easter half — at that time leased by the Messrs.
Milbank — " all by stalking, driving never being resorted to" as I
was informed by the head forester. In 1869, 75 were killed on
the former, and 50 on the latter beat.

Captain Macdonald, of Rodil, informed me that when fresh blood
was introduced from Athole Forest, one fine large stag of the
Athole lot would not take up with the degenerate stock at all. This
splendid animal wandered southward to Rodil, thence crossed the
Sound of Harris — 8 miles — going from island to island, to North
Uist. Here the hinds did not please him, and he travelled on
until he reached Barra Head. There, as Captain Macdonald told
me further, he " smelt no* longer the scent of land," and turning,
retraced his steps, and attempted to land again in Harris. Alas!
two Cockney sportsmen, who had taken the Borve shootings,
massacred the noble animal in the water, before he even put foot
on land, when Captain Macdonald happened to be away from
home.

In North Uist Deer are not now so numerous as formerly, and
appeared in 1870 to be gradually dying out. They have bad heads,
much deformed. The only fresh blood ever introduced was a single
stag, I understand, about 3 or 4 years previous to 1870. There is
no suitable forest ground in North Uist, except a small piece around
Ben Lee, which contains, however, no Deer, being a sheep farm.
The Deer inhabit the low moors, which are perfectly cut up with
" peat-hags," and intersected by the wonderful ramifications of the
sea and fresh- water lochs. There are no Deer on either Ben Lee or
Ben Ebhal.

Those on the moors and islands of the lochs* are almost

* There is one large green, almost circular, island on Loch-nan-Ean — where
there is an immense colony of the Common Gull {Lams canis, L.) — a par-
ticularly favourite haunt of the deer. Here Captain Feilden and I picked
up several cast horns.

102 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

unapproachable. In the New Statistical Account of North Uist
we find the following passage, which is worth repeating: —

" The mode of stalking these is so peculiar that we are tempted
briefly to describe it. The sportsmen rendezvous at a place pre-
viously fixed upon, and each, with an attendant, is appointed to a
pass along the lakes, which he cautiously approaches, and when all
are presumed to be at their stations, another party with a small
boat, provided for the purpose, come up as quietly as possible.
The Deer, scared from their fastnesses in the islands, make for some
of the passes, and it very rarely happens that a chance of a shot is
not afforded to some one or more of the sportsmen concealed under
the cover of the heather."

During many years, however, none were killed at all; still they
seemed to be decreasing in numbers. The gamekeeper at Loch
Maddy in 1870 informed me that the practice of driving them had
been given up, and that any which were ever killed were killed by
fail' stalking.

On the 10th May, 1870, when our ghillie — Robert Ross,* a
Sutherland man — landed upon an island upon a loch near Loch
Maddy, for the purpose of digging out a nest of Shiel-ducks' eggs,
a stag jumped up from a hollow in the island almost at his feet.
Robert noticed that it was lug-marked, and afterwards we were
told that it was the solitary introduced stag from Skye.

In South Uist, though once plentiful, Deer are now extinct. In
1842 there was only a single hind in the whole parish, the rest
having found their way north wards, t

They were extinct in Barra at that date, though many antlers
found in the mosses testify to their former occurrence there. |

Obs. American Deer (sp. 1) have lately been introduced by Lord
Dunmore to the Island of Harmetray in the Sound of Harris.

The melancholy death of poor Ross happened in the severe snow-
storms of the late winter. On the 10th of January, 1879, he was returning
home to Inverpolly from Loch Inver, in Sutherland, and while taking a
short cut from the high-road to the house, his foot slipped near the top of a
rock, and his dead body was found two days afterwards, with one of the
arms broken, and otherwise sadly bruised. All our Sutherland party missed
his cheerful companionship during this summer, none, perhaps, more than
myself, who had known him for upwards of fourteen years.

f New Stat. Accl., Inverness, p. 165. Z New Stat. Acct., No. xxxi., p. 185.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 103

The j have since become so wild as to defy capture, and appear to
be thriving, but I had no opportunity of seeing them.

The following weights are supplied to me by Mr. H. Greenwood,
who had a shooting in Lewis. He writes — 27th December, 1879,
— " Deer here never require artificial feeding. As to weight after
' grulloching' —

" September

12. — 1 stag,

... 12

stones 11 lbs

;•>

24. — 2 stags,

J 13
- Ill

3 „

12 „

" October 2. — 1 stag,

... 13

a

3 „

it

4. — 1 stag,

13

J5

9 „

it

8. — 1 stag,

14

5)

10 „

)>

13. — 1 stag,

12

55

10 „

jj

20. — 1 stag,

13

55

0 „

Mr. Greenwood adds — " The horns of these stags, though small,
are well formed, and are said to be larger on the east coast,
diminishing in size towards the west of Lewis."

Rodentia. Muridae.

12. BROWN RAT.

Mus decumanus (Pall).

Brown Rats are abundant on most of the islands, and frequent
greatly the sea-shore, where they live upon shell-fish and dead
things thrown up by the sea, in this way to some extent acting as
scavengers.

Martin tells us that "about 14 years ago a swarm of Rats, but
none knows how, came into Rona, and in a short time eat up all
the corn in the island."'" From the date of Martin's first edition,
this would be about 1689, and from that of the second edition,
about 1702. He also tells us that they w^ere very abundant at
Rodil, where numbers of cats w^ere employed for the purpose of
exterminating them, and after a severe struggle " succeeded so
well that they left not one Rat alive."

Rats in the Hebrides also frequent the inland moors, far from
houses, subsisting upon dead sheep, and, doubtless, also to some
extent upon birds' eggs. Their burrows may be seen by the sides
of the inland lochs and tarns quite commonly ; and they are also
found, generally, upon the islands of the Sound of Harris.

* Op. cit., 2nd ed., p. 25.

104 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

HOUSE MOUSE.

Mus musculus, Lin.

Common. It would appear that this species also frequents the
cropped fields, because in harvest time they become much more
abundant in the houses.

Rodentia. Arvicolidae.

COMMON FIELD VOLE.

Arvicola agrestis, De Selys.

Occurs in North Uist and in South Uist. No mention is made of
it by Macgillivray or previous writers, and considerable confusion
existed concerning the Yoles and Shrews of the Long Island, until
in June, 1879, I fortunately succeeded in obtaining specimens of
both for identification. This species is extremely abundant all over
the hills, and in the "machars" or sandy meadows, and their
runs in the grass are found to cross and recross in a perfect net-
work in certain favoured localities. The shepherd dogs take great
delight in hunting for them, and eat them with great relish. In
autumn they are most abundant in the lower ground and around
the farms, but in summer they are found all over the more unin-
habited parts equally numerous.

Rodentia. Leporidae.

13. BROWN HARE.

LErus europaeus, Pall.

Introduced into Harris at Rodil, becoming very numerous, and
numbers could be seen at one time crossing and recrossing the road
between Rodil and Borve; but prior to 1870 they were much
scarcer, and when I was there in that year I did not meet with a
single example. In 1879, however, they appeared more abun-
dantly, and, I was informed, had again largely increased.

Hares occurred in Lewis as early as 1842.*

They were also introduced into Barra, according to John
Macgillivray. f

Buchanan puts on record the positive fact of the entire absence

* Wilson's Voyage, Vol. II., p. 120. t Op. cit.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 105

of Hares from all the Long Island in 1782-1790,* and Pennant
likewise, in 1777.f

Mr. H. Greenwood includes both Brown and White Hares in a
list of Mammals of the Lews sent to me, and adds — " White Hares
are most plentiful towards the west coast of Lewis and Harris,
where the ground is more mountainous."

14. WHITE HARE.

Lepus variabilis (Pall.)

This species (as well as the last) was introduced, I was assured,
to the Island of Harris, at Rodil, about twenty years ago, and
has since then spread rapidly all over Harris and Lewis. In the
Forest in North Harris they are killed down at all seasons by the
foresters as vermin. They come down from the hills to the hollows
and mosses, even close to the shore, where I often saw them, and
are generally distributed at all altitudes. They become white in
winter, like those on the mainland, and retain the white coat a long
time. I saw some as pure white as they could well be, at the end
of April, whilst others were bluer. In all of them, however, I
believe bluish patches appear at that season, if the wind raises the
fur, as I often had opportunity of observing. When in Harris in
1870, I cannot say that I observed any marked difference in the
size of the White Hares from those of the same species on the
mainland. Mr. A. Williamson, however, who has had nine years
experience of Lewis, " noticed in the Lews all animals and birds,
— even the Snipe — were smaller than on the mainland. The
Grouse were smaller, . . . and Hares little bigger than
rabbits." The Salmon, of which he " in one season killed 90,
getting with the fly in one day 19, averaged only 6f lbs."

This deterioration in size, usually accompanied with darker
plumage or fur, is incidental to insular positions, and is what may
be expected. Deterioration from an introduced stock may take
some time to become very apparent, but a succession of extremely
wet seasons, and late springs, may, very probably, hasten the

* Travels, p. 22.

t Lightfoot's "Flora Scotica." Pennant mentions a small sort of Hare—
"a bad runner" — as occurring in Islay. In Mull the Irish Hare occurs,
and I have shot them at Loch Bhuie, where, however, I understand they
were introduced. In Lewis, on the Aline and Soval ground, Brown Hares
are unknown. Mr. Williamson only met with the next species.

106 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

process. This visible deterioration appears to me to be only one
link in a chain of destruction, decay, and final death of species; and
in this place it may not be foreign to the subject to state that,
with regard to grouse in the Long Island, this process seems to be
steadily advancing towards the final act, assisted in some measure
by severe and late springs. Mr. A. Williamson is also strongly of
this opinion. He writes : — " After an experience of nine years, and
giving much thought to the subject, I have come to the conclusion
the grouse are there — in Lewis — slowly dying out, for which I
blame severe and late springs.''

RABBIT.

Lepus cuniculus, Linn.

Rabbits were introduced to South Uist prior to 1842;* also, in
Barra and Vatersay,t where they have been abundant since that
date. Several attempts to introduce rabbits in Lewis have failed. \
There were Rabbits in Colonsay in abundance in 1794.^ They
have, however, been introduced successfully on an island in Loch
Seaforth by Mr. Milbank.

The sandy downs, and grassy islands, and inland meadows of the
west coasts of the Uists and islands to the southward, are in every
way suitable for the species, but the rockier ground and moors of
Harris and the east coast are likely to prevent it from gaining
ground. The same deterioration above-mentioned is distinctly
noticeable in the Rabbits upon the island in Loch Seaforth, and
doubtless elsewhere.

In North Uist Rabbits have increased from an introduction in the
south of the island about eight years ago, and are slowly spreading
northward along the west coast. One was shot at Scolpig last
year (1878), as I was informed by Mr. Macdonald of Newton. |j

There are none at present (1879) in the islands of the Sound of
Harris.

* New Stat. Acct., No. xxi., p. 170. t Wilson's Voyage.

X Prof. Duns, he. cU., p. 620. § Old Stat. Acct., Vol. xn., p. 332.

|| In the machars — or sandy meadow land — of North Uist are many holes
scraped in the saud having every appearance of Rabbits' work. But these
are made by the women of the island who carry away fresh white sand
every morning to sand the floors of their houses with. When the Rabbits
do reach northward, they will doubtless at once take possession of these
partially formed burrows.

natural history society of glasgow. 107

Domestic Animals.

Of these it is only necessary in this place to speak very shortly.
The Dog appears to have been early domesticated in the Long
Island, bones having been found in a " Pict's house " in Harris,
carrying us back at least 1000 years, and so also with a small
breed of Sheep and a small-sized Horse.*

Bones of Swine have also been found, but their age would
appear to be doubtful, t as Martin mentions some facts which seem
to cast doubt upon the asserted antiquity of shell-mounds in the
Long Island, i

Of other domestic and semi-domestic animals, it is only necessary
to speak here of two. The Wild Goats of Harris have very fine
heads and horns, and, as far as wildness goes, are " as wild as the
fery Deer themselves," as I was frequently told. I saw several in
Harris, either in profile against the sky at the top of the great
precipices in the Forest, or making their way along the ledges,
where it is not always easy to discover them. The curious Four-
horxed Sheep are to be seen upon several of the farms in Harris
and Xorth Uist. Mr. Macdonald, of Newton, usually keeps some
of them. One which he gave some years ago to Lord Dunmore
had five horns, the fifth projecting from the centre of the forehead.

Of extinct British species possibly we may find a trace of the
Wolf, Cards lupus (Lin.), in the name Loch Maddy in Xorth
Uist, though the loch is more probably named from the two rocks
near its entrance, called Maddie gruamach and Maddie more.

Remains of the Small Fossil Ox, Bos longifrons, Owen, are
referred to by Dr. J. A. Smith, as having been found in a Pict's
House in Harris, as noticed by Dr. James M'Bain, B..N., op.
cit. in note, supra : or in " Ancient Underground Building at
Xeibost in Harris," by Captain Thomas of H.M. Surveying Ship
"Woodlark."^

* VideProc Royal Philosophical Society, Vol. i., pp. 141-207 — M'Bain.
"Notice of various Osteological Remains found in a 'Pict's house' in the
island of Harris/'

t Feilden. Proc. Xat. Hist. Soc. of Glasgow, Vol. II., p. 5S.

t Op. cit., p. 64.

§ Proc, Soc. Antiq. of Scotland, Vol. ix., p. 634. — " Notes on the Ancient
Cattle of Scotland."

108 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Y. — On some New or Rare Hymenoptera, By Mr. Peter Cameron.

The species described by the author included Limneria fusipes,
Holmgren, from Sutherlandshire ; L. vestigicdis, Ratz, bred from
galls of Nematus gallicola — both additions to the British lists;
L. flaviventris, Ratz, bred by Dr. B. White, from fir cones
inhabited by Eupitecta togata, near Perth ; Torymus azureus,
Boh., bred from the same fir cones by Dr. White; and T. caudatus,
Boh. (sec. Thomson), bred from fir cones collected by Mr. J. E.
Fletcher, near Worcester, gathered to see if they would yield
Coccyx strobilana. T. caudatus differs from azureus in its much
longer ovipositor and more obscure coloration, &c, and is regarded
by Thomson as a good species, but the contrary opinion is held by
Mayr. Allotria pleuralis, Cam., a new species of parasitic
Cynipidae taken in several localities in the west of Scotland.
Antaeon lateralis, Thorns., from Dumfries, a species of Oxyura new
to our Fauna. Nematus ochropus, Thorns., a saw-fly hitherto un-
recorded as British, but taken so long ago as 1825 by the late Mr.
J. C. Dale of Glanvilles' Wooton, in the south of England. There
is a ticket attached to the specimen to the effect that it was bred
from a " striped larva in willow." Poecilosoma longicome, Thorns.,
likewise an addition, from various Scotch localities. There was
shown along with it an apparently undescribed Poecilosoma from
Rannoch. There were also exhibited two specimens of the fish
parasite Argulus foliaceus, which emerged alive out of a water-
pipe in a house in Apsley Place, having travelled all the way from
Gorbals Water-works. The species does not appear to be very
common in the district; but it has been taken by Mr. David
Robertson in the Paisley Canal. Daplmea pidex and Cyclops
quadricornis are occasionally found in our water-pipes, but neither
these nor the Argulus can be regarded as injurious, nor as in-
dicating impure water.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 109

ADDITIONS TO THE LIBEAEY.

SESSION 1878-7 9.

DONATIONS.

E. R. Alston, Esq. — Quarterly Journal of Geological Society.

Vol. XXXIV.
Journal of the Linnean Society. Botany :
Vol. XVI. Zoology : Vol. XIII.
Alfred Brown, Esq.— The Mollusca of the Firth of Clyde. 1878.
James Lunisden, Esq. — The Naturalist. Vols. I., II.

FROM SOCIETIES.

Amsterdam. Koyal Academy of Sciences. Transactions. Vols.

I. to XIII.
Basel. Naturforschende Gesellschaft. Abhandlungen. Vol.

XVI. Parts III. and IV. 1878.
Bath Natural History and Antiquarian Field Club. Proceedings.

Vol. IV. Part II. 1879.
Belfast Naturalists' Field Club. Proceedings. Ser. II. Vol. I.

Part IV. 1879.
Berwickshire Naturalists' Club. Proceedings. Vol. VIII. Part

III. 1879.
Bremen Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein. Abhandlungen. Vols.

III. and IV. Vol. V. Part. I. Vol. VI. Parti. 1872-79.
Bristol Naturalists' Society. Proceedings. Vol. II. Parts II.

and III.
Brussels. Societe Malacologique de Belgique. Annales. Tome

XL
Brussels. Societe Royale de Botanique. Bulletin. Vols. I. to

XVI.
Brunn. Naturforschender Verein. Verhandlungen. Band XVI.

1878.
Cambridge (U.S.A.) Entomological Club. Psyche. Monthly.
Cambridge {U.S.A.) Nuttall Ornithological Club. Bulletin.

Vols. I., II., III. Vol. IV. Parts I., II., and III. 1876-79.

110 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Chester Society of Natural Science. Proceedings. No. 2. 1878.
Cincinnati Society of Natural History. Vol. I. Nos. I. and II.

1878.
Danzig Naturforschende Gesellschaft. Schriften. Band XIV.

Heft III. 1878.
Edinburgh Botanical Society. Transactions. Vol. XIII. Part

II.
Florence. Societa Entomologica Italiana. Bulletino. 32 Parts.

1869-79.
Frankfurt. Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft.

Abhandlungen. Biinde X. and XL Berichte 187G-7-8.
Glasgow Philosophical Society. Proceedings. Vol. XL No. 1.

1878.
Gorlitz. Naturforschende Gesellschaft. Abhandlungen. Vol.

XVI. 1879.
Graz. Natiirwissenschaftlicher Verein fur Steiermark.

Mittheilungen. 12 Parts. 1870-79.
Hague. De Nederlandsche Entomologische Vereeniging.

Tijdschrift. Deelen XIX., XX., XXI.
Hamburg. Natiirwissenschaftlicher Verein von Hamburg-Altona.

Verhandlungen. Neue Folge, Nos. I., II., and III. 1877-79.
Heidelberg. Naturhistorisch-niedicinischer Verein. Verhandlun-
gen. Vol. I. Parts IV. and V. Vol. II. Parts I.-III.

1876-79.
Helsingfors. Societas pro Fauna et Flora Fennica. Meddelanden.

Parts I.-IV. Acta. Vol. I. Notiser. Part XL
London. Itoyal Geographical Society. Journal. Vol. XLV 1 1 .

Proceedings. Vol. I. Nos. 1-9. 1879.
London. Quekett Microscopical Club. Journal. Nos. 36-40.
London. Geologists' Association. Vol. V. Parts I.-IV. Report.

1878.
London (Ontario). Canadian Entomologist. Monthly.
Madrid. Sociedad Espaiiola de Historia Natural. Anales. Vol

V, VI., VII.
Manchester. Geological Society. Transactions. Vol. XI V.

Parts 20-22. Vol. XV. Parts 1-6.
Manchester Field Naturalists' and Archaeologists' Society. Pro

ceedings. 1878.
Metz. Societe d'Histoire Naturelle. Bulletin. Nos. 14, 15.

1876-78.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. Ill

Moscow. Societe Irnperiale des Naturalistes. Bulletin. Annee,

1877. Annee, 1878. Nos. 1, 2, 3.
Neufchatel. Societe des Sciences Naturelles. Bulletin. Tomes

VIII., IX., X. Tome XL Parts I. and II. 1868-78.
Newhaven, Conn. Academy of Arts and Manufactures. Tran-
sactions. Vol. IV. Part I. 1877.
Norwich. Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society. Transac-
tions. Vol. II. Parts IY. and V. 1878-79.
Poughkeepsie. Society of Natural Science. Proceedings. Vol. I.

Part I. 1875.
Prague. Kon. bohmische Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften.

Sitzungsberichte. Jahrgang, 1878. Jaliresbericht, 1878.
Padua. Societa Veneto-Trentina di Scienzi Naturali. Tomo I.

Numero I.
Plymouth. Plymouth Institution and Devon and Cornwall
Natural History Society. Transactions. 8 Parts. 1867-79.
Stettin. Entomologischer Verein. Entomologische Zeitung.

Jahrgang, 31-38.
Schaffhausen. Die Schweizerische Entomologische Gesellschaft.

Mittheilungen. Yol. Y. Parts 6 and 7.
Salem, Mass. Essex Institute. Bulletin. Yol. IX. 1877.
Trieste. Societa Adriatica di Scienzi Naturali. Bolletina. Yol.

III. Yol. IY. Parts I. and II. 1877-79.
Truro. Royal Institution of Cornwall. Journal. Nos. 16 to 20.

1874-78.
Washington. Smithsonian Institution. Report for 1877.
Washington. U. S. Geological Survey, per Dr. Francis H. Hayden.
Birds of Colorado Valley. Part I. By E. Coues. 3 Maps.
Also 45 Miscellaneous Pamphlets.
Watford. Natural History Society. Transactions. Vol. I.

Parts 9 and 10. Vol. II. Parts 1, 2, 3.
Vienna. K. K. Zoologisch-botanische Gesellschaft. Verhand-
lungen. Bande 26-28. 1876-79.

BY PURCHASE.

Annals and Magazine of Natural History.

Entomologists' Monthly Magazine.

Ibis.

Scottish Naturalist.

Zoological Record.

112 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

LIST OF SOCIETIES, ftc, TO WHICH THE
PROCEEDINGS ARE SENT.

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.

Bath Natural History and Antiquarian Society.
Belfast Naturalists' Field Club.
Berwickshire Naturalists' Club.
Bristol Naturalists' Society.
British Museum.

Chester Society of Natural Science.
Edinburgh Botanical Society.
Geological Society.
Entomologists' Monthly Magazine.
Glasgow Geological Society.
Mitchell Library.
Philosophical Society.
London Geologists' Association.

Quekett Microscopical Club.

Royal Geographical Society.

Royal Microscopical Society.
Manchester Field Naturalists' Society.

Geological Society.
Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society.
Paisley Free Library.
Plymouth Institution and Devon and Cornwall Natural History

Society.
Scottish Naturalist.

Truro. — Royal Institution of Cornwall.
Watford Natural History Society.

CONTINENT OF EUROPE.

Amsterdam. — Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen.
Basel. — Naturf orschencle Gesellschaf t.
Bremen. — Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein .
Brussels. — Societd* Entomologique de Belgique.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 113

Brussels. — Societe Malacologique de Belgique.

Societe Royale de Botanique.
Briiim. — Naturforschender Yerein.
Danzig. — Naturf orschende Gesellschaf t.
Florence. — Societa Entomologica Italiana.
Frankfurt. — Senckenbergisclie Naturf orschende Gesellschaf t.
Gorlitz. — Naturf orschende Gesellschaft.
Graz. — Natimvissenschaftlicher Yerein fur Steiermark.
Hague. — Nederlandsche Entoniologische Yereeniging.
Hamburg. — Naturwissenschaftlicher Yerein fiir Hamburg- Altona.
Heidelberg. — Naturhistorisch-medicinischer Yerein.
Helsingfors. — Societas pro Fauna et Flora Fennica.
Koenigsberg. — Physikalisch-okonomische Gesellschaft.
Liege. — Societe Royale des Sciences.
Madrid. — Sociedad Espanola de Historia Natural.
Metz. — Societe de Histoire Naturelle.
Moscow. — Societe Imperiale des Naturalistes.
Neufchatel. — Societe des Sciences Naturelles.
Padua. — Societa Yeneto Trentino di Scienzi Naturali.
Prague. — Kon-bohmische Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften.
Paris. — Societe Zoologique de France.
Stettin. — Entomoloo'ischer Yerein.

'©'

Schaffhausen. — Schweizerische Entomologische Gesellschaft

o'

Trieste. — Societa Adriatica di Scienzi Naturali.
Vienna. — K. k. zoologisch-botanische Gesellschaft.

AMERICA.

Boston. — Natural History Society.

Cambridge Entomological Club.

Nuttall Ornithological Club.

Cincinnati Society of Natural History.

Davenport Academy of Natural Science.

London, Ontario. — Entomological Society of Province 01 Ontario.

Newhaven, Conn., Academy of Arts and Manufactures.

Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences.

Poughkeepsie Society of Natural Science.

St. Louis Academy of Science.

Salem. — Essex Institute.

Washington. — Smithsonian Institution.

U.S. Survey of the Territories, per Prof. Haydex.
vol, IV. H

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PBOCEEDING-8

OF THE

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW.

SESSION 1879-80.

THE TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING,
ANDERSON'S COLLEGE BUILDINGS,

September 30th. 1870.

Professor John Young, M.D., F.G.S., President, in the chair.

The Treasurer submitted his Annual Financial Statement, which
showed a balance in favour of the Society of £77 Is. lid.

The Secretary read the Report of the Council on the business of
last Session. Since last Annual Meeting the death had occurred
of Dr. Hugh Colquhoun, an honorary member, and of Mr. George
Thomson, a corresponding member, notices of both having been
given during the past Session. Death had also claimed Mr. Thomas
Chapman, who became a member in 1852, and was thus 27 years
on the roll of the Society, during which time he filled various
offices, being latterly one of the Vice-Presidents ; and Mr.
Alexander Donaldson, who had been a member for 13 years, and
always took a deep interest in the progress of the Society.

The number of ordinarv members on the roll at last Annual
Meeting was 166 ; since then 16 names have been added, making
a total of 182, from which has to be deducted for deaths, resigna-
tions, and removals, 8, leaving at present 174.

The usual number of meetings — eight — were held on the last
Tuesday of each month from September to April, the attendance
at all of which was satisfactory, many of the papers read being

VOL. IV. I

116 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

important. Notices of the meetings appeared in various local and
Edinburgh newspapers, and detailed reports were given in the
North British Daily Mail. The proceedings were thus made,
in some measure, available to members who were not present
at the meetings, and in some instances the reports had been the
means of inducing some to join the Society.

The printing of the Proceedings has made considerable progress,
and a new part will shortly be ready for issue. It will contain two
instalments of the " Catalogue of the Fauna of Scotland " — the
Mammalia, by Mr. Edward R. Alston, F.Z.S., F.G.S., and of the
Fresh and Brackish Water Ostracoda, by Mr. David Robertson,
F.L.S., F.G.S.

Towards the close of last Session proposals were made by the
Glasgow Society of Field Naturalists for an entrance into this
Society, and these being favourably entertained, negociations were
entered upon by the respective Committees, resulting in a
satisfactory issue; and at the closing meeting the union was
consummated by the entrance of the members of the former
Society into the Natural History Society of Glasgow. The Council
regards this as an event of importance, which will not merely
increase the number of members on the roll, but will serve to
strengthen the Society and extend its usefulness, the Field
Naturalists having given considerable attention to the study of
Botany, a department of Natural History which has not for some
years been so prominent at the meetings of this Society as it
deserves. To meet the views of the Field Naturalists, the Society
resolved to institute a Summer Session, extending from May to
September. During this term excursions to places of interest
will take place, and meetings for the exhibition of specimens
and reading of short papers will lie held, but no general business
will be transacted.

At the commencement of the Twenty-Eighth Session it is grati-
fying to contrast the respectable position the Society now occupies,
with its humble origin. The number attending its first meeting-
was only eleven, and since then its progress has been gradual, but
constant and steady. "We may therefore hope that it has still before
it a long career of prosperity and usefulness, and that as one by
one the older members leave us others may take their places and
carry on the work. The Council trusts that in the Session now
commencing it will be the aim of each member to do what in

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 117

him lies to make it more interesting and successful than any
preceding one.

The Librarian reported that the books were all in good con-
dition, and that a considerable number of members had made use
of them. The sale of the Society's publications was steadily
increasing, and they were to be had for sale in London and on the
Continent. Exchanges were made with G4 societies — 22 British,
13 American, and 29 Continental. Donations of 6 volumes have
been made to the Library, and over 300 parts of the publications of
other societies have been received.

Mr. Thomas King read the following Report on the proceedings
of the Summer Session, for which he was Secretary : —

6th May, 1879.

The first Summer Meeting of the Society, with which the Glasgow
Society of Field Naturalists had just been incorporated, was held in
Anderson's College this evening — Mr. W. J. Milligan in the chair.

A Report of the Society's excursion of the previous Saturday
to Glenboig was given by Mr. Cairney, who had acted as conductor.

Mr. Crawford then read a paper "On Recent piscoveries in
Spectrum Analysis and their bearings on the Kinetic Theory of
Gases," exhibiting several forms of Crookes' Radiometer, and ex-
plaining Professor Pye Smith's new method of observing end-on
spectra in gases.

Mr. Schultze gave a paper " On Immersion Lenses for the
Microscope," and exhibited his beautiful and powerful instruments,
through one of which was seen plainly — without any trouble as to
focusing — the parallel lines on the diatom Amphipleura pellucida.

May 20th, 1879.

Mr. Gregorson in the chair.

The Chairman exhibited specimens of Acer campestre, on which
lie made some remarks.

Mr. M'Kay gave an account of the excursion to Hamilton on
the previous Saturday. The members of the party had inspected
the ancient oaks — remains of the old Caledonian Forest — and
the White Cattle. Chrysospleiiium altemifolium was found.

Mr. Allan then read a paper containing observations on the
effects of the past winter.

118 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

July 1st, 1879.

Mr. W. J. Millisran in the chair.

Mr. Ewing exhibited an abnormal specimen of Caltha palustris,
and reported the finding of the Adder's tongue — Ophioglossum
vulgatum — at Milngavie.

Mr. F. G. Binnie exhibited specimens of Planorbis complanatus,
Lin., collected by Mr. J. J. King, in Maxwelltown Loch, Dum-
fries, where it is abundant, and is the second known Scottish
locality for the species. Mr. Haddin recorded it for Loch-end
Loch, Edinburgh (Proceedings, Vol. I., p. 247); and Mr. David
Robertson, F.L S., F.G.S., writing more recently on its occurrence
in the latter locality (Proceedings, Yol. III., p. 173), says — "It is
somewhat singular that, while this shell is so plentiful all over
England, Wales, and Ireland, the small patch of water near
Edinburgh, known as Loch-end Loch, is its only known locality in
Scotland." He adds further that the loch is being filled up through
the emptying of the town refuse into it. Here it will probably
soon be extinct. Mr. King's discovery will, however, enable it to
retain its place in the Scottish Fauna.

Mr. Turner exhibited a large number of rare plants recently
collected by himself. Among these may be mentioned —

Doronicum plan taginei im.
Tulipa sylvestris.
Meconopsis cambrica.
Scrophula/ria vemalis.
Arum italicum.

Hippophaae rhamnoides.
Papaver argemone.
Ligusticum scoticum.
Montia fon tana.
Osmunda regalis.

Mr. A. S. Wilson then read a paper, entitled " Unwelcome
Flower Guests," in which he compared a cleistogamous flower,
such as those produced by the violet — the type of a self-fertilized
flower — with ordinary flowers, and said that the comparison
brought out that ordinary conspicuous flowers, in addition to the
means of attracting certain classes of flying insects, were also pro-
vided with structures, the object of which was to prevent the
access of small crawling and creeping insects, which could do no
good in the way of transferring pollen, and thus effecting cross-
fertilization. These obstructions might be ranged under the follow-
ing heads : — 1st, isolation of the flower-stalk in water; 2nd, viscid
secretion on flower-stalk ; 3rd, prickles and downward-pointing hairs

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OP GLASGOW. 119

on the peduncle ; -Ath, closed nectaries ; 5th, temporary closing of
the flower ; 6th, inflated calyx ; 7th, diversion of the insects by
attractive secretions on part of the plant other than the flower ;
8th, position and character of the petals.

July 15th, 1879.

Mr. Thomas King in the chair.

Dr. Stirton exhibited Woodsia hyperborea, and some mosses
likely to be found at Blackmount on the occasion of the Society's
excursion there ; Mr. Broom exhibited Echium vulgare, Anchusa
sempervirens, and tianguisorba officinalis, from the Avon valley,
west of Linlithgow; and Mr. Stewart exhibited Lastrea rigida,
from Arran — its first discovery in Scotland, also Polystichum
angulare, from Arran — its first discovery there.

Dr. Stirton, F.L.S.. then read a paper on Lichens, in which
he showed the relation subsisting between them and the state of
the atmosphere. Dr. Stirton stated that, when the environment of
Lichens remains unchanged, they naturally live through several
centuries, but are so sensitive to any alteration in the amount of
moisture or of sunshine that they are easily affected for the worse,
and are ultimately destroyed. Hence their great value in register-
ing climatal changes.

July 29th, 1879.

Mr, W. J. Milligan in the chair.

Dr. Stirton gave an account of the excursion to Black Mount.
The weather was very unfavourable, but several rare plants were
found, amongst which might be mentioned Cornus suecica, Pyrola
secunda, Lobelia dortmanna, Allosorus crispus, and Gnaphalium
supinum.

Mr. Thomas King then read a paper on "The Development of
the Vegetable Ovule from its first appearance till its fertilization."
The paper was illustrated by a number of preparations under the
microscope, arranged in such a way as to show the progress of
development. In a transverse section through the ovary of Loasa
the ovules were seen as simple rounded swellings on the three
placentas, while those of the Mignonette showed the rudimentary

120 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

coverings us rings encircling the base of the nucleus. In the
ovules of Funkia the coverings were seen in different stages of
incompleteness, and in those of the Violet complete. The raphe,
embryo-sac, <fce., were also shown; and the orthotropal, campylo-
tropal, and anatropal ovules were respectively illustrated by those
of Rhubarb, Orobus, and Violet.

August 12th, 1879.

Mr. W. J. Milligan in the chair.

Mr. M'Kay reported on the excursion to Ben Vorlich, where
the following plants were seen in flower : —

Thalictrum alpinwm. S. hypnoides.

Silene acaidis. Carduus heterophylhcs.

Slbbaldia procumbent. Gnaphaliwm supinum.

Epilobium alpinum. Salix herbacea.

Sedum rhodiola. J uncus triglumis (in fruit).

Saxifraga stellaris. Luzida spicata (in fruit).

S. aizoides. Carex rigida.

S. oppositifolia (in fruit). Lycopodium annotinum.

Mr. Stewart exhibited Lastrea dilatata, var. alpina, in three
distinct forms, which had been sent to Mr. Moore as distinct
species.

Mr. Turner then read a most interesting paper, entitled " Notes
on the Botany of Avondale. " This paper was intended as a slight
contribution towards a plan of working which the author com-
mended to the Society — viz., that a number of the members should
each take up some limited area of the neighbourhood of Glasgow,
and work it up thoroughly, so that in the course of a few years,
by the combination of their labours, it would be possible to
form a very complete flora of the district. Mr. Turner also pro-
posed that a botanical register should be undertaken and regularly
kept by the Society. Such a register would facilitate the work in
a way that mere notices in the minutes never could do.

Mr. Cameron then exhibited some nature-printed plates of
butterflies, by a new French process. In these the colours and
markings of the wings and body were reproduced with the most
marvellous accuracy, and with all the brilliance of nature, while
the price was very moderate.

natural history society of glasgow. 121

August 26th, 1879.

Mr. Thomas King in the chair.

Mr. M'Kay reported on the excursion to Eaglesham, where
little of interest had been found, except Polygonum minus.

Mr. Turner moved that a committee be appointed to keep a
register of plants and their localities. The motion was agreed to.
Messrs. Turner, M'Kay, and King were then appointed as mem-
bers of the committee.

Mr. P. Cameron then read an interesting paper on the "Evolu-
tion of the Hymenoptera with regard to Larval Coloration.''

23rd September, 1879.

Mr. W. J. Milligan in the chair.

Mr. Allan gave an account of the excursion to Campsie, which
was the last of the season.

Mr. Crawford exhibited Trientalis europaea from Perthshire,
and Mr. M'Kay a branch of Evergreen Oak from Milngavie.

Mr. J. J. King gave an account of a visit he had paid during
the summer to Hampshire, and exhibited some beautiful specimens
of Lepidoptera which he had captured there.

Mr. Thomas King then read a paper on " Goethe's Essay on the
Metamorphosis of Plants,'"' published in 1790. An English trans-
lation of it appeared in Seeman's Journal of Botany, vol. i., 1863.

The reports were all unanimously approved of.

The election of office-bearers was then proceeded with, when
the following list for 1879-80 was unanimously agreed to: —
President — Professor John Young, M.D., F.G.S.; Vice-Presidents
— John Young, F.G.S., John A. Harvie-Brown, F.Z.S., and
W.J. Milligan; Secretary — Robert Mason; Treasurer — Robert J.
Bennett; Librarian — Henry C. Young; Members of Council —
Archibald Robertson, David Robertson, jun., Thomas King, John
M. Campbell, Arthur Pratt, John Kirsop, James B. Murdoch,
James Allan, and A. S. Wilson.

Mr. John Farquhar, 352 South Wellington Street, was elected
an ordinary member.

On the motion of Mr. James Coutts, it was agreed to enter on

122 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the record a notice of the death of Mr. Thomas Chapman, and the
Secretary was instructed to forward an extract from this portion
of the minutes to the widow and family of the deceased.

Mr. Thomas Chapman, who died on 27th August last, at the
residence of his son, Dr. Chapman, in Hereford, was identified
with the Society during the greater portion of its existence. He
became a member in 1852, the year following its formation, and
was thus connected with it for the space of 27 years. During
that time he was regular in his attendance, and served on different
occasions as a member of Council, for some time as Treasurer,
subsequently as Librarian, and at two periods as Vice-President.

While taking an interest in all departments of Natural History,
Mr. Chapman was more particularly devoted to the study of
Entomology, especially of the family Lepidoptera, in which
he was recognized as an authority. He possessed an exten-
sive cabinet, which not only contained specimens of the native
species but was enriched by contributions from many foreign
countries with which he maintained an extensive correspondence.
The Proceedings of the Society show the frequency with which he
brought forward specimens for exhibition, as he allowed no
opportunity to pass for securing anything that was new or rare
which might add to the interest of the meetings.

Mr. Chapman was well known to many of the members, by
whom he w^as much esteemed and respected, as he spared no pains
to help such as were engaged in similar studies, or who might
feel an interest in them. Being of a retiring disposition, he con-
fined himself more to practical work than to writing or lengthened
speaking on scientific subjects. The position he occupied will not
easily be filled, and it is believed that the remembrance of his
services and of his many good qualities will cause his memory to
be long cherished in the Society.

It was also resolved to record the recent death of Mr. Thomas
Anderson, of Girvan, who was elected a corresponding member in
1867. In the early years of his connection with the Society, Mr.
Anderson brought forward on various occasions specimens of rare
Star-fishes and Zoophytes from the shores of Girvan. He was the
author, conjointly with Mr. Robert Gray, of a lengthened paper
on the " Birds of Wigtownshire," which is published in the first
volume of the Society's Proceedings. Of late years he devoted him-
self principally to the investigation of the Palaeontology of the

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 123

Girvan Valley, and had been the means of adding several new-
species to the list of Silurian fossils, which will be described and
figured in the monograph now being published by Professor
Alleyne Nicholson and Mr. Robert Etheridge, jun.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. George J. Combe exhibited specimens of the Hazel-leaved
Bramble, Rubus corylifolius, on which he made a few remarks.

The Secretary exhibited eggs of Cygnus nigricollis, Ghauna
chavaria, Ciconia maguari, and Polyhorus thawrus, which had
been brought from Cape San Antonio, in the province of Buenos
Ayres, by Mr. Ernest Gibson, corresponding member.

Mr. John M. Campbell made some remarks on the habits of the
different species, and it was stated that the specimens had been
presented to the Kelvingrove Museum.

PAPER READ.

Ornithological Journal of the Winter of 1878-79, with Collected
Notes regarding its effects upon Animal Life, including Remarks on
the Migration of Birds in the Autumn of 1878 and the Spring
of 1879. By Mr. John A. Harvie-Browx, F.Z.S., M.B.O.TL

The following attempt to chronicle the abnormal effects of an
unusually severe winter cannot lay claim to any approach to
completeness. Living at an inland locality myself, I had not the
same opportunities of observation which occur to the resident near
the coast lines, the principal effect upon bird-life at inland localities
being simply the general absence of it, except around the farm-
steadings and in certain sheltered localities. I was in hopes of
receiving more assistance from the members of our own Society —
•some of Avhom, at all events, live in localities suitable for observa-
tions being made; though I have received some interesting notes
from one or two members, amongst whom I may mention Mr.
J. S. Dickson.

Several papers have already appeared upon this subject, amongst
which I may mention the following, to all of which I am largely
indebted for material for the present collection and compilation of
items : —

Professor Duns read a paper at a meeting of the Royal Physical

124 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Society of Edinburgh, " On the Influence of the Recent Storm on
Bird-Life," of which he has kindly forwarded me a copy.

Mr. George Sim contributed a short but able paper on " The
Effect of the Late Storm upon our Wild Animals in the North-
east of Scotland'' to the Scottish Natural 1st, April, 1879, No.
xxxiv., p. 84.

Mr. A. Brotherston, of Kelso, contributed an interesting paper,
" Notes on the Effects of the Past Winter in the South-east of
Scotland," to the Scottish Naturalist, April, 1879, No. xxxiv., p. 81.

Mr. A. Brotherston also has another paper, " Notes on the
Effects of the Past Winter," published somewhat later than the
last-mentioned, in the " Proceedings of the Berwickshire Natura-
lists' Club," and I am obliged to the author for a separate copy of
his paper, as also for one of his "Zoological Notes" (op. cit.,
p. 521), in which he makes references to various facts of interest.

Mr. Robert Service has reported upon " The Winter and Birds,"
in the Dumfries Courier of 25th March, 1879, referring principally
to the South-west of Scotland.

Mr. John Cordeaux has treated of the " Early Migration upon
our East Coast — England — in the Autumn of 1878," in the Field
and Zoologist. I am indebted to him for a copy of this paper.

Mr. Robert Warren has an able paper on " The Effect of Severe
Frost on Animal Life as observed in the County Mayo," in the
Zoologist for July, 1879, which should be read in this connection.*

Dr. Buchanan White has some "Notes of the Spring of 1879,"
in the July number of the Scottish Naturalist, p. 132, principally
Botanical, but with a few references to Birds and Quadrupeds.

Mr. J. Hardy, of Old Cambus, has some interesting notes in

Those who are interested in the effects of the winter upon Fish should
read a paper in the "Journal of the Scottish Meteorological Society, New
Series, Nos. lvii., lviii., lix., by Archibald Young, Commissioner of Scottish
Salmon Fisheries, entitled ' ' On the connection between the Severe Winter
and Spring of 1878-79 and the Failure of the Spring Salmon Fishing in the
Early Rivers."

Mr. Cordeaux has also a paper, "Our Notes from North Lincolnshire," in
Zoologist, 1879, p. 371, which may be consulted in this connection. In it
some parallel observations may be found upon the scarcity of spring
migrants and the delay of migrants, and consequent hurrying north of these
species at a later date. These may be compared with my remarks in this
paper upon the crowding upon our latitudes of certain other species, such
as the Willow Warbler, &c.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 125

the " Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists^ Club" 1879,
p. 527, entitled " Miscellanea, Extracts from Correspondence, &c."
I am much indebted to Mr. Hardy for various other items, and a
most interesting correspondence, besides a copy of this paper.

Mr. Robert Gray has "Ornithological Notes" (op. cit., 498),
which are also useful in this connection.

Mr. George Muirhead contributes " Additional Notes on Birds
in the Neighbourhood of Paxton" (op. cit., p. 503).

Mr. T. H. Gibb also contributes some "Notes on Birds in
1878-79," from the neighbourhood of Alnwick, on the Eastern
Border (op. cit.)

Mr. Robert Service has a later and more complete paper than
that the title of which is given above, viz., " Effects of the
Weather of the past Twelve Months upon Animal Life," referring
principally to the South-west of Scotland. This paper is reported
in the Dumfries papers of 8th and 12th November, 1879, and will
appear in extenso in the Transactions of the Dumfries and Galloway
Xatural History and Antiquarian Society, session 1879-80, in due
course. I have made copious extracts from it, but those interested
in the minutiae of this subject ought to consult it separately.

Mr. Hastings, Naturalist, Dumfries, read a paper on " Rare
Birds with the Hard Winter," at meeting of the Nat. Hist, and
Archaeol. Soc. of Dumfries, on 5th December, 1879.

The Duke of Argyll had a letter in the Times about the last
week of December, 1879, on the subject, and some correspondence
resulted therefrom. I am sorry I did not have an opportunity of
seeing this.

Various scattered notices of the effects of this severe winter will
also be found in the local newspapers- and journals, such as the
Inverness Courier, Dundee Advertiser, Oban Times, and others.
From these sources, together with private correspondence and a
small share of personal observation, and from investigations made
during the summer and spring of 1879, I have taken the items
hereafter mentioned under the headings "Migration of the Autumn
of 1878 f " Journal of the Winter of 1878-79 ;" and " Observations
on the various Species which came under notice ;" and the
whole paper is intended to include notes upon the species up to
the date of reading this paper, viz., the 30th September, 1879.

I repeat, this report is very incomplete, but it is only by united
work that a large amount of such statistics can be collected.

126 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

The arrangement of them is simple enough, and it is hoped that in
time they may develop useful results.

To many kind correspondents — far too numerous to mention in
this place — I desire to offer my best thanks.

I may add here that it is my intention to keep notes from this date
onward of a similar nature, and I will be glad at any time to receive
the smallest contributions for future reports on Mammals or Birds.
I earnestly solicit the co-operation of all members and others who
desire to see an annual and full report on this subject compressed
into the space of one paper.

I. — Migration of the Autumn of 1878.

All accounts agree in recording the unusually early and rapid
migration of birds during the autumn of 1878. They appeared
upon the Sound of Iona, in Mull, fully a month earlier than usual —
except Woodcocks, which arrived, as usual, about the 12th October.
Snipe were extremely abundant in many localities. Here, in
Stirlingshire, I never saw more than we had in the end of
September up to middle of November ; but from various localities
an unusual scarcity of the Jack Snipe is recorded. I never saw
fewer of the latter here. The very dry summer of 1878 sufficiently
accounts for the crowding of our marshes with the common species,
and the rapidly approaching winter, probably, for the scarcity of
the Jack Snipe.

Mr. W. Boyd writes to me regarding the migration in Mull :- —
" In the month of October I was tishing on Loch Assapol, near
Bunessan. Almost every day I saw flock after flock of little birds —
Larks, Buntings, Robins, and even Wrens — flying across the loch.
All these birds were steering the same course, having apparently
come from the outlying Hebrides, via Tyree, Iona, up the Boss of
Mull, and were steering for the mainland. Fresh arrivals of
different kinds of Duck rested, and then passed on. Wild Geese
and Swans were seen far up in the air, all taking a bee-line for
the South."

Larks, Buntings, Ilobins, and Wrens are all common in the
Outer Hebrides. Therefore these flights observed by Mr. Boyd
in all probability had their starting-point in the Long Island.
They steered the same course — a south-easterly one — which Wild
Geese and Swans were seen to take high up in air. But that all

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 127

the Wrens migrated from the Outer Islands is not the case, as many
remained throughout the past winter in North Uist, as they
usually do, as I ascertained when there this summer. The winter,
however, in North Uist was not by any means so severe as in
Harris, nor was the spring so late and cold. Snow lay much more
persistently in Harris than it did in North Uist.

In December Mr. Boyd went out to Tyree, and he and Mr.
Henderson both remarked "the extraordinary scarcity of common
birds, and the unusual number of winter visitors. The whole
island was full of Wild Geese, and on one fresh-water loch more
than sixty Swans had taken up their winter quarters." Batches
of Snipe were observed to arrive, but as a rule they did not
remain long. This was after the usual time of migration, and they
were at a loss to account for it. One day, however, every Snipe
they put up, instead of flying a bit and settling again, rose high in
air, and went off due south-east as far as they could see, right away
across the sea to Mull. The remark was then made, "The sooner
we go south for powder and provisions the better, we are going
to have an arctic winter."' They had no reason afterwards to
regret that they at once acted upon the suggestion.

On returning later, many Gadwall were seen, and live were
shot in one day, in an hour or two, amongst other wild fowl. All
the lochs being frozen up, the Ducks had resorted to salt water,
and those obtained were shot from the shore as they flew past.

Mr. Robert Service, in his excellent paper, of which I have
given the title above, writes as follows : — " Amongst the summer
warblers some curious changes resulted from the ungenial weather
of the summer months. The Sedge-warbler, Blackcap, Chiff-chaff,
Wood-warbler, and Willow-warbler were all in augmented numbers.
In the autumn of 1878 the Golden-crested Wren, Great Tits, Blue-
tits, Cole-tits, and Long-tailed Tits passed through the district in
larger numbers than usual, getting out of the way, as the sequel
proved, of the coming severe weather, with unerring instinct."

We find an indication, in the movements of birds at Tyree and
Mull, of a treble migration, the earlier ones in October probably
coming from the north-east — Norway, Sweden, and North Russia
— being an extension of the same migration which passes Heli-
goland ; and of a migration coming from the north-west. The
absence of Bewick's Swan on the west coast of Scotland, and the
abundance of the Hooper, rather points to a north-west origin than

128 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

to a north-east origin.* I have been able also to trace the Tyree
flock of Swans as having in all probability passed over North
Uist ; and a later one from localities nearer home — the north of
Scotland and the Orkney Islands. Local migrations, caused by
the severity of the winter, were observable also on our east coast.
Grouse were seen crossing the Moray Firth in December and
January, flying southward. The inclination of migrations seems
to be to reach first the coast lines or great valleys, and then to
follow them ; and this is especially noticeable in the autumn
migration, when all our estuaries are crowded with Dunlins and
Waders, but many of these same estuaries deserted by them during
their more direct progress in spring. Mull being the nearest
(southward) land to Tyree, the birds would make direct for it, and.
according to the local winds, would hug the shelter of the land or
head their flight across the promontories.

On the Solway Firth early notice of the coming winter was
afforded by the arrival of vast numbers of wild fowl, and towards
the end of the storm their numbers exceeded anything within the
memory of the oldest fishermen (R. Service, Dumfries Courier,
25th March, 1879). Unusual numbers of sea-fowl were seen upon
the Irish coasts also, as I am informed by Mr. Robert Warren,
and so with numerous other localities.

Herr Gaetke, the well-known naturalist of the " Little Red
Rock in the Sea " — Heligoland — that wonderful resting-place of
vast multitudes of migratory birds, has reported that while in
ordinary seasons the autumn migration of birds often continues
until the end of February — until, in fact, it is almost time for them
to return again — in the autumn of 1878 every migratory bird had
sped past by the end of November (fide J. Cordeaux, in Zoologist,
quoting Gaetke).

Mr. Stevenson writes from Norwich on the 11th January, 1879:
— " No rare birds have been killed. The storm began too early,
and all the rare things went further south." Mr. Robert Warren,
of Mayview, Ballina, Ireland, reports similarly. He says : — " 1
did not meet with a rare northern bird, not even an Iceland nor a

h Subsequent experience in 1879-80, however, causes this statement to
be modified, as large numbers of Bewick's Swan — and possibly of the
doubtful species, C. americanus — occurred on the west coast, at Islay and
elsewhere. A fuller account of these will be given in our lleport for
1879-80.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 1 29

Glaucous Gull. I suppose they all went further south, looking for
a warmer climate."

A theory was started to account for the unusual severity of the
winter. The hot summer of 1878 is supposed to have loosened an
unusually large quantity of polar ice, which floated further south
than in ordinary seasons. This affected the atmosphere, and,
making it colder, the reaction upon the floating ice prevented it
from melting as soon as is usually the case. The unusually early
migration of birds, and the haste with which they passed, favour
the opinion that winter had set in unusually early in the north of
Europe. Even as late as March, 1879, vessels were beset and
damaged by icebergs off the mouth of the Gothenburg river and
seaward. The Marjory was holed on the starboard bow by an
iceberg, and the Frithjof, from Gothenburg, on arrival at Granton,
reported that she had been much detained by icebergs in the river
and at sea {Edinburgh Courant, March 18th, 1879).

We are not prepared to take up this as the natural cause of the
severe winter, nor to enter into the deeper considerations of the
eccentricity of the earth's orbit and deflection of the Gulf Stream.
It will be quite sufficient to chronicle the facts without dipping
into the speculative part of the subject. The ease with which
Arctic expeditions penetrated to Franz Josef Land, and made the
Xorth-east Passage (Nordenskjiild), also indicates an unusual
loosening of Arctic ice ; and the fact of an unusually tine summer
in Iceland in 1879, and an extremely wet one in Great Britain,
appears also confirmatory of similar causes and effects.*

* The following are among many similar reports from other parts of Europe,
illustrating the effect of the severe weather, which it would be almost an
endless task to collect and arrange with any hope of completeness : —
"The Hard Winter and the Wild Fowl. — The Geneva correspondent of
the Times -writes: — The severity of the weather has brought immense flocks
of Wild Ducks into the Val de Travers, where the streams, rich in trout,
remain unfrozen owing to the sheltered position of the valley. To make
head against the invasion and prevent the extermination of the fish, the
Government of Neuchatel have prolonged the shooting season, which had
already expired, for eight days. Another interesting fact in natural history
is the unwonted presence at Geneva of thousands of Lake Gulls. They
fly all day long in the neighbourhood of the Pont du Mont Blanc,
disputing with the Swans the bread thrown by visitors into the river.
The home of these graceful birds is among the rocks on the Savoyard
side of the lake, and on their arrival here two months ago they were

130 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

II. — Journal of the Winter of 1878-79.

The first real indication of winter we had was on the 27th of
November, 1878, when, during the night, a heavy fall of snow
covered a large portion of Scotland, and, being accompanied in
some places by wind, drifts took place even at this early stage of
the proceedings of this memorable winter of 1878-79. A drift on
the Finfcry Road, between Todholes Farm and Fintry (Stirling-
shire), was between four and five feet deep, and impassable to
horses. One cart-horse breasted it, but, as described to me, "her
fore-legs jist gaed frae her, wi' her breest agin' the snaw." This
was on the 28th of November.

A sharp frost then set in, and continued without intermission
until the last day of the year 1878. By this time a vast accumula-
tion of ice had formed, and on the Carron river (Stirlingshire) I
measured virgin ice nine inches thick on the still reaches the dav
before the thaw began, on the 30th of December; and I was
assured of its being twelve inches thick in other places. The
Forth was frozen over above Stirling Bridge, and carts crossed it.

The exceeding stillness of the frosty air at the commencement
of the storm must have been noticed by many as indicating the
severity of the frost. Walking along the river-side on the look-out
for Ducks, the bed of the river was almost hidden from my
view by the thick incrustation of frozen snow upon the alders
and willows.

A rapid thaw then began, and by the third day the river ice
was broken up, and for the most part floated away; but large
masses of pure blue ice were scattered along the margins of the
rivers, left high and dry by the subsiding floods. T measured
manv of these blocks, and found the ice from six to ten inches
thick, which, allowing for the effects of the thaw, may be said to
represent a greater thickness. These blocks afterwards lay there

regarded as the harbingers of a hard winter, as, indeed, they have proved
to be."

And again: — "Extraordinary Capture of Sea Birds. — The Cornish-
man narrates an unprecedented and accidental take of birds. On the St.
Ives fishing-boat Davis hauling in her nets on Friday morning, in addition
to about 100 mackerel there were 400 Gulls, Kittiwakes, and 'Murrs' in
the meshes. One hundred were alive and were liberated, 300 were dead
and were taken to Penzance, where they sold for 2s. 6d."

This last occurred towards the end of the storm, and may or may not
have been directly connected with the severe weather.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 131

for weeks without change. I refer here to the River Carron, in
Stirlingshire. Jack Frost resumed his sway again on the 3rd of
January, 1879.

On the 2nd of December I was at Leadhills, in Lanarkshire,
having walked from Crawford, and returning to Crawford bv
Elvanfoot. On a small pond above Leadhills curling was going
on even at this early date ; but the high altitude of Leadhills
accounts for the severity here— over 1200 feet.

On the 24th December my valued correspondent, the Rev.
Geo. Gordon, of Birnie, wrote to me : — " We are now passing
through a season which, for upwards of two weeks, has as ex-
tensively and firmly interfered, by snow, between many of our
wild animals and their natural food as I recollect any winter to
have done."

Accounts from various districts of Scotland, amongst others the
coast of Banff, and in Lewis, Tyree, and Mull, also from Ireland
and the Scilly Isles, show what immense numbers of Woodcock
and Snipe were killed towards the end of December, while other
localities seemed to be scarcely visited by them at all. Inland
localities had at this time been long since deserted.

The thaw, we have seen, lasted but a short three davs, and was
not enough to clear the ponds, or lakes, or stagnant water, of their
thick coverings of ice. The frost recommenced operations on the
3rd of January, and continued uninterruptedly till the 13th, with
considerable severity. Curling and skating had continued almost
without interruption.

9th Jan., 1879. — The ice upon an artificial pond on Sheriffmuir
was on this date nearly two feet thick.

On the 13th a slow thaw, with rain, but no wind, lasted two
days, and frost began again on the loth : but the frost was never
so intense as in December.

The Times says — " The essential characteristic of the winter of
1878-79 is 'long-continued moderate frost.' By its quiet per-
sistence, without spasms of sudden severity, it has attained a
minimum of cold which is the lowest in the last 21 years — for
November with four exceptions, for December with one, and for
January without a rival. . . . During the last 91 years
' only four winters can be found to match its severity.' :

By the 1 3th of January birds had almost entirely disappeared
from Tongue, in Sutherland, and by even an earlier date from

VOL. IV. K

132 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

many inland localities in England. At the beginning of the frost
Fieldfares and Redwings had been " more abundant " in Norfolk
than had been ever seen before [I have similar reports from many-
localities] ; but very soon dead and dying were picked up, and
finally all birds disappeared, except a few pet Robins, &c, near
the houses.

By the 2ord of January it was reported that such snow had
not been known in Paris since 1861. It lay six inches deep
in the Boulevards, and 7000 men were engaged to sweep the
streets. *

In Sutherland Rooks did not leave Tongue, but migrated every
day for food to Durness and Far-out-Head, a point of land which
runs out seaward, and, as Mr. John Crawford told me, was, he
believed, clear of snow.

On the 25th of January Loch Lomond presented a wondrous
sight, and 15,000 people are said to have been skating and curling
upon it between Balloch and Inchmurrin (vide daily papers).

Great mortality amongst the birds — game-birds and others — was
liow reported by gamekeepers ; and small birds were found frozen
to the branches of trees in Sutherland.!

Lake Windermere was reported, on the 27th January, to be
frozen over a larger extent of its surface than can be remembered
since the very severe winter of 1854-55. .

Great drifts of snow have been constantly occurring and
recurring in different parts of the North of Scotland, but princi-
pally on the Caithness line of railway. During the continuance
of the storm two men were employed always in carrying the mails
into the further districts of Sutherland and Caithness, as well as
of other parts of the Highlands. It was not considered safe for
one man to travel alone.

The average temperature for 24 hours ending at 8 o'clock this
morning (27th Jan.) was 27° Fah.

28th January, 1879. — Almost all bird-life has been annihilated
around Tain, in Ross-shire, by this date, as I am informed by Mr.
Thos. Mackenzie.

29th January. — Gartmorn Dam, Alloa, has been bearing for
eight weeks — " unprecedented in the history of the present
generation" (Alloa Advertiser, 29th January, 1879).

* Glasgow Evening Citizen, 27th January, 1879.
flbhl

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 133

30th January. — Curious to observe, that two variegated plane
trees, notwithstanding this continued frost, are thrusting out shoots.
These trees stand at either end of Dunipace House, and are close
to the windows. In March (6th), when I returned home after a
month's absence, these buds were no further developed, and little
difference was observed upon them until towards the end of the
month.

At Candlemas, or a little before it, we had a high storm of
wind, with thaw. Robertson, in his " Agriculture of Kincardine-
shire," p. 396, tells us that " The Green Plover or Peesweep
arrives here so very correctly about Candlemas, that the storm,
which generally happens about that season of the year, goes by
its name — The Tchuchet Storm." It was not until nearly a
fortnight later that they put in an appearance, only to be again
driven away by the deep fall of snow on the 12th and 13th of
March (q.v.)

16th February. — Six inches of snow lying at Galashiels, and
more or less over all the South of Scotland. A train stuck in a
snow-wreath at Dalwhinnie, 1400 feet above the sea. In Caith-
ness trains again stuck fast. Telegraph posts blown down. The
locality of one train not known. Such were some of the reports
of the daily papers for this date.

The Scotsman reported, on the 24th February, that " The
Cheviots have now been covered with snow for sixteen weeks. A
fresh fall yesterday at Peebles was nearly six inches. Hay is
getting scarce. Outdoor labour at a standstill for eleven weeks.
Frost with great severity again in the West of Scotland. Loch
Lomond is again safe for skating. Frost at Huntly was at least
as keen as at any previous period of the winter. Sheep in some
places are dying by the score. After a week's labour the surface-
men have succeeded in cleaning away the snow on the Caithness
Railway.'

From various places it is again reported that game and small birds
are suffering severely. At Pitsligo, Aberdeen, and indeed generally
along our coasts, great numbers of birds resort to the sea-beach.
Even Wrens, Starlings, and Rooks left the inland districts, and
were seen anions: the rocks on the Berwickshire coast.

The Spey was frozen over for several weeks in many places.

21st February. — Another great drift on the Caithness line.
One hundred men are engaged in a cutting where there is an

134 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

average depth of fourteen feet of snow. They cleared a mile.
Still six miles to clear, which is expected will be done by Saturday
next (1st March).

21st February, 1879. — All kinds of wild animals, such as Deer,
Hares, and Rabbits, also Birds, are dying for want of food (report
from Alyth, Forfarshire).

21st February. — A thaw has as yet only reached three inches
into the ground at Hawick. Deep snow in Caithness, and in
Dumfriesshire; Alyth (16 to 18 inches, and 30 to 34 in the north
of the parish) \ also at Aberfeldy, Brechin, Aberdeen (keen frost) ;
Peterhead, Loch Alsh, and Kirkwall (keen frost).

Ice on Loch Vennacher when at thickest measured 16 inches,
and on Loch Lubnaig about 10 inches, as I am informed by my
friend, Mr. J. H. Buchanan, of Leny.

It may prove useful in this connection to reissue the following-
record of the weather up to the end of February, as given in the
Field of 28th February, 1879 :—

[The following interesting letter from Mr. G. J. Symons, F.R.S.,
one of our highest authorities on meteorology, appeared in the
Times of the 2nd hist., and as it affords reliable statistics on the
subject inquired about, we reprint it for the information of our
readers : — " As we have just passed through the coldest January
for at least twenty-one, and, I believe, for forty-one years, following
a December which was also, with one exception, the coldest for
twenty-one years, I presume some particulars respecting the
present and previous winters will be acceptable. The observations
which I shall quote will be my own, back to November, 1858, and
prior to that the most trustworthy tables for Greenwich at present
attainable. It may be well to add that the averages for Greenwich
and for this high part of Loudon are nearly identical. In the first
place, it is necessary to give an abstract of the observations of the
last twenty-one years, from which we learn — (1) That the average
maximum temperature of November was the lowest during the
period with two exceptions, that of December the lowest with one
exception, and that of January the lowest of the whole period ;
(2) that the average minimum of November was the lowest dur-
ing the period with four exceptions, that of December the lowest
with one exception, and that of January the lowest; (3) that the
mean temperature of the three months was not only 5° below the

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW.

135

average, but also lower than in any previous year out of the
twenty-one.

Average Maximum.

Average Minimum.

Mean Temperature

Winter.

Nov.

Dee.

Jan.

Nov.

Dee.

Jan.

Nov.

Dec.

Jan. Nov.- Jan.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

Deg.

1858-9 .

.46-0

44-5

448

33-6

34-6

34-2

39-8

39-6

39-5 ..

.39-6

1859-60.

.48-0

40-8

44-7

36 7

316

35 0

42 2

36-2

399..

.39-4

1SG0-1 .

.46-0

40-5

38'4

36-4

321

28-9

411

36 3

336..

.37-0

1861-2 .

.47'3

45-7

43-5

34 2

35-1

33 7

40 7

40 4

3S6 ..

. 39-9

1862-3 .

.43 9

47-0

46-2

34-4

38-5

37-6

39 2

42-7

41-9..

.413

1863-4 .

.50-7

48-7

41 0

401

369

32-5

45 4

42-8

36-8..

.41-7

1864-5 .

..48-8

42-3

40-9

35-3

34 4

31-5

42-1

38-3

36 2 ..

.38-9

1865-6 .

..50-6

46 5

47-6

400

38-5

38-3

45-3

42 5

42 9..

.43 6

1866-7 .

..51 0

48-1

39-7

38-4

37-9

29-3

447

43 0

345 ..

.40-7

1867-8 .

..47-7

42 3

415

35-9

32 5

33-0

41 S

37'4

37-3..

.38-8

1868-9 .

..472

50-7

46-3

36 5

410

35 9

41-9

45-9

41*1 ..

.43 0

1S69-70.

. 49-1

43-3

43-4

37'4

33 3

34-4

43 3

38-3

389 ..

.40 2

1870-1 .

..48-0

38-3

37-4

36-2

299

29-5

42-1

341

334..

.36 5

1871-2 .

..43*6

42-7

46-1

32-8

34 2

36-3

38-2

38-5

412 ..

.39-3

1872-3 .

..509

47 0

46-7

40 2

38-2

38-3

45-5

42-6

42-5..

.435

1873-4 .

..50-1

45-8

47'4

38-8

35-8

35-9

44-5

40-8

41-6..

. 42 3

1874-5 .

..47-4

381

48-2

36-9

28-7

39 2

42 2

33 4

437..

.39-8

1875-6 .

..48-1

42-9

42-5

37 2

34-8

31-5

42 7

33-8

37-0..

.39-5

1876-7 .

..497

47-8

48-5

38-8

40-4

37 4

44 2

441

43 0..

.43-8

1877-8 .

.52 3

45-6

45 2

39-6

35-5

35-5

45 9

40 5

40-4..

.42-3

1878-9 .

..449

38-2

35-8

34-8

29 5

28-7

39-9

339

32 2 ..

.353

Mean . . .

..48-2

44-1

43 6

36-8

34-9

34-1

425

39-5

38-9..

.40-3

Highest

..52-3

507

48-5

40-2

41 0

39-2

45 9

45 9

43-7.

.43-8

Lowest .

..43-6

38-1

35-8

32-8

28-7

28-7

38-2

33 4

322.

.35-3

In the following small table I have collected all the instances in
which the three months seem to have been as cold as, or colder
than in those just past. It shows that there are only four other
instances in ninety-one years: —

ME AX TEMPERATURE.

Winter.

1788-9 ...

Nov.

Deg.

...40-6

Dec.
Deg.
29-0

Jan.
Deg.
33-4

Mean
Deg.
34 3

Winter.

1829-30...

Nov.

Deg.

...39-3

Dec.
Deg.
34-9

Jan.
Deg.

30-7

Mean
Deg.
35 0

1794-5 ...

...433

36-8

23 9

34-7

1878-9 ...

...39-9

33 9

32-2

353

1813-14...

...40 2

36 6

26 9

34 6

If, instead of the three months, we confine our attention to the
two months which had the lowest temperature, we shall still find
very few cases in which the mean temperature of December and
January has been as low as in 1878-9.
instances: —

The following are all the

MEAN TEMPERATURE.

Winter.

Dec. Jan.

Deg. Deg.

1788-9 29-0 ... 33-4

1794-5 368.. 23"9

1796-7 30*4 ... 35-4

Mean
Deg.
312
30 4
32 9

Winter.

Dec.

Deg.

1813-14 36-6

1829-30 34 9

187S-9 339

Jan.

Deg.

26-9

30-7

32'2

Mean
Deg.

31-8
32 -S
33-1

13G PROCEEDINGS OF THE

The individual months which have had a lower temperature are
rather more numerous; but even they are not more than nine or
ten in a century, as is shown by the following table: —

MEAN TEMPERATURK.

December.

i

•January.

Year.

Deg.

Year.

Deg.

Year.

Deg.

Year.

Deg.

1788 ...

... 29'0

1844 ...

... 33-0

1795...

...23-9

1826...

...32-0

!796 ...

... 30-4

1846 ...

... 329

1814...

...26-9

1829...

...31-7

1798 ...

... 33-7

1874 ...

... 33-4

1815...

...31-9

1830...

...307

1799 ...

... 32-8

1878 ...

:i3-9

1820...

...317

1838...

...28-9

1840 ...

... 33-3

1823...

...31-8

1879...

...32-2

" The whole of the foregoing facts prove that the distinguishing
feature of the winter of 1878-79 has been constant low temperature,
and thereto it is desirable to add that its essential characteristic
has been long-continued moderate frost, without any of those
.sudden periods of intense cold when the thermometer even in the
neighbourhood of London runs down nearly to zero, as it did in
1855, in 1860, and in 1867."

On the same day there appeared another interesting letter from
Mr. Thomas L. Plant, the well-known meteorologist, of Birming-
ham. He mentions several severe winters, notably in 1813-14,
when the frost lasted from December 26 to March 21, the mean
temperature in January, 1814, being 26*8. In this winter the
Thames was frozen over. In the winter of 1819-20 the frost
lasted from November to March; in 1839 there was an eight- weeks'
frost, the mean temperature for January being 28#5 ; in 1855
(during the Crimean war) the mean temperature for January and
February was 31° and 29° respectively; the mean temperature of
thirty days ending January 16, 1861, was 26°. Mr. Plant adds
that the Christmas Eve of 1860 the thermometer registered 34° of
frost, or 2° below zero, which finds no equal in his records since
January, 1838. The next severe winters were in 1870-71. Mr.
Plant states that the mean temperature in the Midlands in
December last was 31°, and in January 29 'S0. We may add that
on Christmas Day, 1860, the thermometer at Nottingham regis-
tered 13-8° below zero, as vouched for by Mr. E. J. Lowe, of the
Beeston Observatory — the mean temperature there on that day
being 4° only, being 32^° below the avei^age of forty- three years.]

March. — Effects of severe winter are disastrous in many
botanical gardens, notably as reported at Manchester: — "There
has not been such severe weather since December, 1860, nor such

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 137

a prolonged frost since the memorable winter of 1838. During
the last eighteen years efforts have been made to replace the many
fine trees and shrubs destroyed in I860, and now wide-spread
destruction has come again."

After an interlude of spring, which lasted during the first few
days of March, a great snow-storm again covered the earth in a
white mantle. Flocks of Finches had reappeared on the scene,
and Rooks had got so far advanced with their building operations.
High gales, however, had interfered with their work. In Banff-
shire, wreaths of snow lay from 3 to 5 feet deep, and from 4 to 7
inches in the open; and generally over Scotland winter again
reigned. Trains were blocked up. From Orkney along all the
east coast, frost and snow. Passengers from Aberdeen to Wick
by steamer had to be landed at Thurso on the north coast, owing
to blinding snow-drift on the east coast.

Five inches of snow fell in Stirlingshire on the 12th March.
General fall over the whole country. Reports from Burntisland,
Dunfermline, Leven, Alloa, Auchterarder, Denny, Stow, Galashiels,
Earlston, Kelso. Heavy snow and intense frost on nights of 13th
and 14th. Country roads blocked up. Inhabitants of Strath
Braan, Perthshire, and Amulree, and Glen Quoich, were shut out
from rest of the world by snow-drifts. [A useful summary of the
weather up to 14th appeared in the Scotsman of March 14th.]
Snow storm continued till 17th. Icebergs are reported in the
papers off Gothenburg, and vessels damaged by collision with them.

On 19th, rain and thaw, which continued; but all through
April cold east winds, occasional falls of snow, and bitterly incle-
ment weather. Snow fell heavily and whitened the ground on
the 12th — the clay on which Swallows usually arrive in Stirling-
shire. In Lincolnshire no spring migrants had arrived on the
20th, and everything points to a late spring. On the morning of
3rd May \ inch of ice formed in Stirlingshire, and keen frosts,
succeeded by hot sun and dry east winds, prevailed. Scarcely any
growth of grass is observable in Argyllshire inland, and very little
in Stirlingshire. Grass grew nearly an inch on the night and
morning of 26th-27th April when we had a shower of rain, but
little difference since then up to May. Buds upon variegated
planes — before mentioned — only showing green, 2nd of May, on
the western exposure, but not yet showing green on the eastern
exposure (in Stirlingshire). Thus these trees which began to bnd

138 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

in the end of January, have by the beginning of May scarcely
begun to push out their green leaves.

The following is the newspaper report for 9th May, 1879: —
" Wintry Weather. — Snow fell heavily at Kelso yesterday morn-
ing, and the hills in the neighbourhood are quite covered. Our
Thurso correspondent says the accounts from the hills are sad as
to the havoc which the inclement weather is making among the
sheep; and lambs, it is said, are dying in hundreds. Flockmasters
are consoling themselves with the possibility of saving the ewes.
The weather is dreadful — more like mid-winter than the month of
May."

Similar accounts reach me from several parts of the Highlands;
and snow-storms, even at this late date, were recurring on the east
coast of England.

Very general are the reports of the unusual scarcity of birds
in our woodlands, especially along the east coast, and even
Sparrows seem to have greatly decreased in numbers in some
localities.

While this scarcity occurred in Scotland, in the southern
counties of England unusual numbers of Thrushes were hatched,
being no doubt a large proportion of our Scottish population of
ordinary seasons.

Insect and vegetable life is quite a month late in Dumfriesshire
[R. Service, in lit., May 15th],

Similar accounts reach me from Ireland. Mr. Robert Warren
writes (May 19th, 1879) : — "The country looks quite depopulated
of the usual hedgerow and field inhabitants. All have suffered,
but some have been nearly cleared out altogether. With regard
to this place," continues Mr. Warren, " which contains about 200
statute acres, including 40 acres of wood of over 50 years' growth,
and distributed in various small woods and screens, the fields all
divided by white-thorn hedges from six to fifteen feet high, and
altogether most favourably circumstanced for our small birds,
what have we left to stock it this spring? I can only see one
Thrush, two or three Blackbirds, but not a hen-bird or a nest has
been seen of either. One or two pairs of Missel Thrushes and one
nest found ; a couple of pairs of Cole-tits ; two or three pairs of
Blue-tits ; one Great- tit ; two or three pairs of common Wrens ;
not a golden-crested Wren to be seen. One solitary old Cock-
sparrow is the sole remnant of a little colony. The Chaffinches

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 139

have kept up their numbers the best of all the Finches. I think
the Goldfinches suffered most. Yellow Hammers are fearfully
thinned out."

As will be seen further on, the above remarks by Mr. Warren
are equally applicable in Scotland in most instances.

May — June. — Even in May the scarcity of our most familiar
resident species was painfully apparent, especially such as are
known to subsist principally upon insect food, such as Creepers,
Gold-crests, Tits, &c. These remarks do not apply to the really
migratory species, such as Swallows, Swifts, Cuckoos, &c, which,
though very late of arrival, do not, as a rule, appear to have
seriously decreased in numbers. [Exceptions will be found under
the different species.]

In the beginning of June ice strong enough to have permitted of
curling is reported to have been found on one of the lochs beside
Lochnagar, at an altitude of little more than 2000 feet [Scot.
Nat., July, 1879, p. 134].

The effects of the winter upon animal life were different in
different localities. Inland localities were denuded of bird-life,
except around the towns and farm-houses, where birds were
abundant. Finches and Buntings flocked in from various districts,
but Thrushes and many other species deserted the inland districts
entirely. Around Kelso, as reported by Mr. Brotherston, birds
remained fat and in good condition, and birds generally appeared
in that district to be as abundant in the following summer as in
ordinary years. [Vide Mr. A. Brotherston's "Notes," Proc. Berw.
Nat. Club, before referred to.] But, judging from most other
reports, this state of affairs must have been exceptional on the
east coast or at inland localities, except where unusually well
sheltered and wooded.

In the valleys and other more sheltered localities the scarcity
(and, perhaps, even the lateness of arrival) of some of our summer
species was not so remarkable. Thus, in the vale of Menteith,
Stirlingshire, Tree Pipits, Martens, Swallows, and other summer
species appeared to be almost as numerous at the end of May as in
other seasons. In more exposed situations, however, the terrible
scarcity was very apparent.

In Islay, as in most insular localities on the west coast, the
winter was not so severe as on the mainland or on the east coast
of Scotland, Still the winter was much more severe than usual.

140 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

All the lochs were frozen, but the ice was not very thick, and the
sun had great power in melting it. Red Deer, Roe Deer, and
Fallow Deer did not suffer at Kildalton, but Hares and Rabbits
died in some numbers. The shore birds and regularly recurring
migrants appeared and departed about the same time as usual.
Many birds not commonly seen and strange to the people spent
last winter in Islay ; and in January and February many small
birds died. I am indebted to my friend, Mr. F. S. Mitchell, for
the above notes on Islay.

In a general report upon the winter in Islay, prepared for me
by Mr. F. S. Mitchell, and quoting from the log of Mr. Chisholm,
there occurs the following passage : — " While going from Bowmore
to Portnahaven on January 10, 1879, we had frost at Bowmore
and pretty sharp cold. On arriving a mile beyond Port Charlotte
we found no snow, nor had there been any during the winter in
that part, nor more than a very slight sprinkling in the whole
parish of Kilchonan. The weather, by all accounts, was milder in
Islay in winter than any place in Britain except the Channel
Islands, but the spring migrants arrived late."

In the Outer Hebrides in June, vegetation was far further
advanced than at any other locality in Scotland that I had seen.
June in Uist was for the most part warm and genial, notwith-
standing that north and north-east winds prevailed here, as else-
where in Scotland, all through the summer.

Few of the birds which are usually resident in the Long Island
migrated, or were much affected by the severe winter. Twites
collected as usual in flocks around Newton and other favourable
localities, and Wrens remained as usual. In Harris, however,
which is more exposed and higher than Uist, small birds died in
some numbers, and one Deer succumbed.

As the autumn of 1879 advanced, and the time for the great
migration approached, I communicated with various correspondents,
asking them to keep me acquainted with the bird-life on the coasts
and in other localities, but I do not expect to make much use of
these reports or correspondence, until I receive at the end of the
year the various schedules which have been issued by Mr. John
Cordeaux and myself to the principal keepers of the lighthouses,
with the sanction and approval of the Brethren of the Trinity House
and the Commissioners of Northern Lights. The subject of the
Migration of Birds on our coasts will in future form material for a

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 141

separate Report, with which, however, rny Annual Report to this
Society will be continuous, and closely related.*

MAMMALS.

RED DEER, ROE DEER, FALLOW DEER.

One correspondent writes me : — " In the severity of the past
winter a great number of young Deer succumbed, aAd in some
places full-grown stags and hinds. At the present time they are
extremely lean [May, 1879]. As an instance of what cold and
hunger reduced some of them to last winter, I may mention that a
neighbouring shepherd, one night, as he went to feed his cows
before retiring to rest, found a hind lying down against his byre
door, but on seeing him she got up and went off. On rising next
morning the first thing he did was to go to the byre, which was
under the same roof as his own dwelling, to feed his cattle, and, to
his astonishment, he found a two-year-old hind lying, stiff and stark,
dead against the door." This was in Ross-shire.

I have several other reports of Red Deer having succumbed to
the severity of the storm in Harris, Sutherland, and other localities,
but the mortality arising directly from this as regards Red Deer
has not been great. With Roe Deer it is different. Many Roe
died even in comparatively well-sheltered situations, as at Loch
Inver, in Sutherland ; and the Fallow Deer at Rosehall suffered
considerably.

The Deer in the various forests were reduced to skin and bone
by the end of May or earlier, and it was with difficulty they were
driven away from the farm-yards. In Mar, Invercauld, Balmoral,
and other forests they w^ere fed regularly [Journal of Forestry,

* Our first Report has been published since the above was written, and
arrangements for further extension of our observations have been made, and
additional stations secured, against our second report in 1880. [See "Report
on the Migration of Birds in the Autumn of 1879," by John Cordeaux aud
John A. Harvie-Brown— Zoologist, 1880, May, pp. 161-204.]

A second " Report on Scottish Ornithology," also, forming a continuation
of the present paper — for 1879-80 — was read to this Society on 30th March,
1880.

U2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

June, 1879, p. 146]. In Islay and the islands generally, however,
both Roe and Red Deer stood the winter well, the climate of Islay
having been reported as being milder than any other part of
Britain, except the Channel Islands, during last winter. No
decrease amongst birds has been noticed in Islay, except amongst
the Thrushes (Turdus musicus), which disappeared.

In the S.W. of Scotland Roe Deer received "a considerable
accession " to their numbers, according to Mr. Service, and " com-
mitted much damage to the young plantations." This is no doubt
due to a local migration caused by a scarcity of food.

Of a good many hundreds of sets of Deers' horns obtained at
Blair Athole, there was only one royal, and that a poor one.
Great deterioration is noted in Red Deers' horns generally.

RABBITS.

Rabbits seem to have escaped uncommonly well in most places.
Here, in Stirlingshire, however, they suffered very much, some I
shot as early as the close of December being mere bags of bones ;
and after the final thaw I found a good many lying dead, their
bones picked by the rooks. A Ross-shire correspondent, before
mentioned, found them survive the winter uncommonly well, even
at a considerable altitude above the sea, but many reports reached
me of their having suffered in other districts. On Loch Awe side
they remained in very fair condition during all the storm. In
Ross-shire, though they survived for the most part, many were
seen in almost the last stage of weakness. "Sometimes," writes
Mr. M'Lennan, "when one came suddenly upon them, in trying
to get away, they would stumble and fall from sheer weakness,
and then, finding they could not run and regain their holes, they
would sit in the snow and squeal in a most piteous manner." In
Islay Rabbits stood the winter well [Mr. Chisholm]. Dr. Buchanan
White records that Rabbits were put to such straits for food that
they barked even some of the larger trees in January [Scot. Nat.,
July, p. 132]. In the S.W. of Scotland Mr. Service estimates
that " fully one-half of the Rabbits perished on some estates. On
Mabie their skeletons could have been picked up actually in
hundreds." — [Bumf, and Gall. Sat. Standard, Nov. 8th, 1879.]

SQUIRREL.

Various accounts reach me of the scarcity of this animal in

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 143

many localities. Mr. Jas. Graham, gardener, near Moffat, when
reporting in my behalf to Mr. Robert Service, regarding the dates
of first appearance of the Squirrel in Dumfriesshire, adds : — " They
have never been abundant here, and I have only seen one this
summer. I think the past winter has had a severe effect upon
them."

A perceptible increase in the numbers of Squirrels upon
Oastlemilk estate, Dumfriesshire, took place every year after their
first appearance there, until 1878, when their numbers might be
about four times that of 1854 [when they were comparatively
scarce]. Mr. Johnstone, forester at Castlemilk, reporting to Mr.
Service, adds — "Their numbers this year — 1879 — are much less,
which I attribute to the long and severe winter." Similar reports
reach me from other parts of Scotland, and a general decrease is
noted by many observers — amongst whom I may mention Mr.
Duncan Detvar, at Remony, Loch Tay. Mr. Service says : —
" Squirrels were all but totally exterminated, and since last
December he had only seen one." [Op. cit., Nov. 8th, 1879, p. 4.]

Later in 1879, however, it is reported to me that, around Perth,
and in the woods of the lower Tay valley, Squirrels were never
more abundant than they were in December. This distinctly
indicates extensive migrations, and I have similar reports from the
Vale of Menteith and elsewhere — viz., fluctuations in the popula-
tion of Squirrels, evidently caused by local, or it may be even
more extensive, migrations. It is perhaps needless to point out
the almost self-evident fact, that unless suitable avenues of escape,
and sufficiently continuous shelter is afforded for such migrations,
the species must decrease in numbers.

Now, all this is interesting in the particular case of the Squirrel,
as tending to strengthen the opinion of several of my correspon-
dents, that the extinction or almost total extinction of the species
in Scotland was in some measure hastened by "a succession of
severe winters." The following passage — extracted from the MS. of
an essay " On the Squirrel in Scotland," at which I am at present
working — is appropriate in this connection : —

" After passing through a winter of unusual severity — 1878-79
— our thoughts are, not unnaturally, turned to consider some of
the severe winters which have occurred before. It is not long-
since a writer in one of our Scotch papers gave a resume of these,
and it is not without significance that two of the most terrible

1 44 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

occurred just about the times between which it may be supposed
the Squirrel became scarcer, or extinct. One was in 1740, and it
continued for five months, and " destroyed vegetation of all kinds
over the country." The next occurred in January, 1795, when
" thousands of sheep were lost and a number of shepherds
perished." In 1788-9, 1794-5, 1796-7, the mean temperature was
equally low with that of 1878-79. It is this succession of hard
winters which one of my correspondents specially alludes to, " as
having had effect in hastening the decrease of the Squirrel in some
localities, and its extinction in others."

It must be remembered that in those days the area of woods of
refuge for the species was much more circumscribed than it is now,
and consequently extermination would be more rapidly accom-
plished.

FISH.

It is reported to me by Mr. F. S. Mitchell, who visited Islay
in May, 1879, and took notes for me upon the effects of the winter,
that Fish, during the frost, left Lochindall, in Islay, for the deep
sea, and I have general and similar reports from various places on
the west coast.

BIRDS.

OSPREY.

Pandion haliaetus (Lin.).

Whilst fishing in Loch Awe on the 30th April, 1879, my friend,
Mr. W. Horn, and I saw an Osprey, which came close overhead,
and we had a fine view of it. It was being chased by Crows and
Gulls. It came over our heads four times, hovered, with heavy
flapping, and feet hanging down, over " The Minister's Bay," near
Taycreggan, but did not dash down to fish. About 6.30 p.m. we
again saw it opposite to Loch Main, Bhalloch, and about the same
hour it (or another) was reported to have been seen about the
islands, 6 miles further down the loch, near Dalmally.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 145

An Osprey was also seen at Kirkmichael, Dumfriesshire, in the
end of September, 1878, as reported by Mr. Robt. Service \Dumf.
Courier, 25th March, 1879].

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.

BUTEO LAGOPUS (Gill.).

Only one heard of in Berwickshire, where in ordinary seasons
they appear not uncommonly on migration [J. Hardy, in lit.,
9, in., 79], This is probably the specimen referred to in Mr. Geo.
Muirhead's article, seen on various occasions on Lamberton Muir,
during a fortnight of the December storm.

HONEY BUZZARD.

Pernis apivorus (Lin. ).

Two Honey Buzzards, which I exhibited to the Glasgow
Natural History Society on 30th September, 1879, kindly for-
warded by Mr. P. Henderson, of Dundee, were shot in Forfar-
shire in the same month. The female (sex ascertained by dissection
by Mr. Henderson) was shot at Mill Hill, on Colonel Ogilvie's
farm, on the estate of Lord Kinnaird, about eight miles westward
from Dundee, on the 10th September. Its crop and gizzard were
both filled with the larvae of wasps, and also a few pieces of the
mature insect, but not the slightest trace of fleshy matter was to
be seen anywhere during the dissection of this individual. The
male (sex also ascertained by dissection) was procured near
Balmuir, about four miles northward from Dundee, by Mr. F.
B. Sharp, Fern Hall, Broughty Ferry, on the 1 3th September. Its
crop and gizzard were nearly empty, and contained only a fewr
semi-digested larvae of wasps and a small quantity of brownish
pulpy matter, consisting of the half-digested flesh and hair of some
small quadruped, probably that of a mouse, because, on close
inspection, the hair was not long enough for that of a rabbit.

Mr. Henderson, who supplied the above carefully-noted and
interesting particulars, adds :— " These are the only authentic
instances of its occurrence in this neighbourhood for at least
fourteen years. In June, 1866, I dissected one — a dark-coloured
male — killed at Panmure, about eleven miles north-east from
Dundee. Its crop was crammed full of pheasant chicks, along
with considerable portions of shells of the eggs that had contained

1 4G PROCEEDINGS OF THE

them. The chicks were fully developed, and were nearly ready
for hatching. I counted eighteen feet and a corresponding number
of heads, which were those of young pheasants without a shadow
of doubt, the egg-shells bearing out the other indications. This
bird was perfectly gorged to the throat, and must have been
scarcely able to fly. Two other Buzzards were seen since the
occurrence of these last ones, both of which were to the westward
of Dundee, and near the place where the first-mentioned bird was
shot. Should any more occur, I shall not fail to give you full
particulars. The light-coloured bird is the female, the dark the
male."

In 1871 I was successful in obtaining two eggs of this species,
taken in Scotland on the 3rd July. In reply to queries put to
our correspondent by Captain Feilden, the person who found the
nest gave us the following particulars : —

" The birds were noticed about a week before the nest was
found. They had been coming regularly to the same locality for
the last five or six years. The nest was built in a Scotch fir, in
the fork of the tree, and was as large as a rook's, and was lined with
wasps' nests. I saw the nest harried. I did not take the eggs
myself, but I assisted in taking them. The old birds flew over-
head when the nest was harried, but not before then. I believe
they leave this locality about the middle of September. I do not
think they will lay again this season."

Captain Feilden blew these eggs, and reported them to be quite
fresh.

For other localities where the species has been obtained, or has
been recorded as breeding, see Mr. Robert Gray's " Birds of the
West of Scotland," p. 48.

In addition to those recorded by Mr. Gray and to the above,
one — a young male — was recorded as shot at Kilberry, Argyll-
shire, in the end of September, 1875, by Mr. Campbell of Kilberry,
and was placed on record by Mr. Gray and Mr. Lumsden at the
third meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow of that
year — [v. Proceedings, Vol. in., p. 31].

If these records and accounts be compared, there will, I think,
be found some reason to believe that these Forfarshire birds — male
and female — were probably birds having their breeding range in
Scotland. As most of the localities where the species has been
recorded as breeding in Scotland are to the northward of the

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 147

mass of the localities where they have been recorded as shot on
migration, it seems more than likely that some of these obtained
are British bred birds, or British breeding birds. T am particular
in alluding to this here, as it is desirable to trace out the exact
lines of migration of individual species, and every record of service
in this direction may prove useful afterwards.

Another Honey Buzzard was seen for some days frequenting
Penmanshiel Wood, near Oldcambus, Berwickshire, about the
18th September, as related to me by Mr. Hardy.

Obs. Negative. No Buzzards or Goshawks were seen this
season — ] 878-79 — in North Berwick, where they often appear in
ordinary years, as I am informed by Mr. Jas. Hardy [op. cit.
5, ii., 79], Rare birds indeed are unusually scarce everywhere
this winter, for reasons already given — the suddenness, severity,
and early arrival of the winter.

MERLIN.

Falco aesalon (Tunstall).

Accessions to their numbers were observed in the S.W. of
Scotland during the winter by Mr. Service. The species, he writes,
" became quite common." [Report of paper, he. cit.]

SNOWY OWL.

Nyctea scandiaca (Lin. J.

Lately several White Owls, supposed to have come from Norway,
have been shot in Lewis [Glasgow Weekly Mail, 25th January,
1879]. It is still somewhat doubtful whence come the Snowy
Owls which visit Lewis almost every year.*

1 Mr. John Cordeaux and myself have lately taken up the subject of
Migration of Birds upon our coasts, and by sanction of the Commissioners
of Northern Lights and Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, have enlisted
the services of the Lighthouse keepers to fill in circular schedules upon the
autumn migrations at the various stations, which are to be returned to our
hands by the 23rd of December. It is hoped and expected that a series of
such observations, extending over a number of years, and, taken in conjunc-
tion with similar ones taken in Heligoland by Herr Gaetke, and at other
localities, may in time result in a somewhat more perfect knowledge of the
migrations of various species of Birds, and also be found of use from a
meteorological point of view. I will be glad to correspond with any of our

members regarding this subject, or to receive hints and notes at any time.
VOL, iv. L

148 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

TAWNY OWL.

STRIX STR1DULA, Li».

Mr. .Robert Gray records an increase of this species in the
Eastern Counties of Scotland during the winter months, and
arrives at the conclusion " that the accession to its numbers is
due to the arrival of migratory flocks from northern latitudes."
Mr. Gray adds, " I have examined upwards of twenty specimens
all in the clear grey plumage which I believe distinguishes these
migrants." [Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, 1878-79, p. 498.]

Obs. — Owls and hawks generally were observed by Mr. Service
to be much emaciated. He found a skeleton of a Kestrel on
Marthrown. This has significance with regard to the general
scarcity of small birds, also, of course.

MARTIN.

Chelidon urbica (Lin.).

Mr. Hardy saw a pair on the 4th May playing round a cave at
Siccar Point. None seen at Dunipace up to 9th May.

SAND MARTIN.

COTYLE RIPARTA (Lin.)

One is recorded on the 31st April at Perth, on which morning

the ground was white with snow. [Scot. Nat., July 1879, p.

132.]

SWALLOW.

HlRUNDO RUSTICA, Lin.

Appeared at Callander on 19th April, 1879; Dunipace, 20th
and 22nd. At Taycreggan, Loch Awe — first seen, and only one
— 2nd May. Swallows did not remain continuously at their
summer haunts up to middle of May, except in sheltered localities.
In Berwickshire a swallow was seen on the 1st May. Two played
about alone; with seven Sand Martins on the sea-banks. Not so
abundant as usual [J. Hardy]. One was seen near Perth on 31st
April, on which morning the ground was white with snow. [Scot.
Nat., July 1879, p. 132.]

SWIFT.
Cypselus apus (Lin.).

The first seen at Dunipace was on the 16th May.

The first seen at Dumfries was on the 11th May, and again on

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 149

the 14th. They seem to have arrived very generally over the
country about this time. They were later also of departing in the
autumn ; those later of departing being probably birds deterred
from going far north by the cold spring and summer, and crowded
down upon our latitudes. Swifts were last seen in Berwickshire
by Mr. Hardy on the 12th September.*

KINGFISHER.
Alcedo ispida, Lin.
Very unusual numbers are rejjorted in autumn, 1878, through
the central southern counties of Scotland, and the bird-stuffers
were receiving them in great numbers. Later in the autumn
this large migratory flight arrived in the counties of Dumfries and
Kirkcudbright, as recorded by Mr. Robert Service [Dumfries
Courier, 25th March, 1879], on the banks of the Nith, Urr, and
Dee. They left for the south about the middle of December.
The first I again observed at their breeding haunts was on
the 4th April at Dunipace. I cannot remember that they ever
so completely deserted the central counties of Scotland before,
though in most seasons a partial migration takes place, all
blanks being usually filled by an immigration of birds from
further north. On our coast line they frequent open tidal ditches,
and a local migration takes place from inland to the coast. This
winter, however, they were quite absent from both resorts.
Recorded also from Midlothian as a rarity [Zool, May, 1879,
p. 220]. Professor Duns, in his paper above referred to, gives a
list of nine preserved by one bird-stuffer in Edinburgh alone,
between December 7th, 1878, and January 11th, 1879. "Some
of the birds," he tells us, " were in extremely low condition." Mr.
Robert Gray records that " about twenty were obtained in the
neighbourhood of Edinburgh in the course of six wTeeks during the
present winter " [Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, 1878-79, p. 499].

HOOPOE.

Upupa' epops, Lin.
A male Hoopoe was shot by the under-keeper to Mr. Baird of
Elie, at Elie House, Fifeskire, on the 8th May, as recorded by Mr.
J. J. Dalgleish in Zoologist for June, 1879, p. 268.

• The late stay of Swifts in various parts of England has been freely
commented upon in our periodicals. [Vide Zoologist, October. 1S79, p. 423.]

150 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

CREEPER,

Certhia familtaris, Lin.

Tlie Creeper was quite driven off by the severity of the winter,
and all April their absence from woods in which they were usually
abundant was quite remarkable. They did not begin to reappear
here until the beginning of May. I saw the first here on the 4th
of May, and Mr. Hardy records having seen one at Oldcambus
on the 11th. I have little doubt that these and other species
returned to Loch Awe and western localities sooner than they did
here.

WREN.

Troglodytes parvulus, Koch.

Disappeared from most inland localities and took to the coast
line, in common with many other species. Thus, they appeared
commonly along the Berwickshire coast, and elsewhere, feeding
a/nongst the tangle on the shore, but finally left even this locality
after the storm had continued a week or so [J. Hardy, in lit.].
Wrens only beginning to reappear on Heligoland — where there
was dreadful weather then — in the end of April — and so with
Redstarts. Little else seen returning [J. Cordeaux, in lit.].
Wrens reported very scarce from various localities. In the outer
Hebrides the Wren was not migratory. It remained in North Uist
all last winter. But multitudes of Birds, amongst which were
many Wrens, were seen by Mr. Boyd flying across Loch Assapol,
near Bunessan, having come, apparently, from the outlying Hebrides,
via Tyree, Iona, up the Ross of Mull, and were steering for the
mainland. I am under the impression that the Wrens which were
seen by Mr. Boyd probably had their original starting point from
Faroe, Iceland, and north-east, and possibly also from the more
northern districts of Scotland, Orkney, and Shetland, while some
may have started from Harris and Lewis, where the snow and frost
were much more severe than in North Uist, and from which islands
I have no positive statement as to their remaining all winter.
Judging, however, from local reports on other species, and the
nature of the winter generally in Harris, I would imagine that it
was quite probable that Wrens left Harris in the depth of the
winter of 1878-79.

Wrens remained scarce at many localities. Mr. Hardy, writing
in September to me, says : — "I have not seen a Tit or a Wren for a

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 151

very long time." Wrens did not reappear in Berwickshire till 10th
November, 1879, when three were seen in as many localities.
A similar report reaches me from the Lightkeeper at The Little
Ross Lighthouse on the Sol way Firth. Complaining of unusual
scarcity of birds, he writes — " I attribute the scarcity of birds this
season to the severity of last winter, which I know has occasioned
them to die in thousands. The Redbreast and Wren used to be
very common here in winter, bivc I saw none of them this year,
except one Redbreast, which was on the 20th September." The
scarcity of birds on migration in 1879 is, however, partly due also
to a prevalence of N.W. winds driving the body of the migrants
further south, as is proved, I think, by the unusually large body
of autumn migrants upon the English east coast. [Vide Cordeaux,
"Our Notes from North Lincolnshire in autumn of 1879," Zool.,
Jan., 1880.]

WILLOW WARBLER.

Phylloscopus trochilus [Lin.)

Willow Warblers were present on Loch Awe side, around Tay-
creggan, by the 28th April. I had not observed any previously
either in Stirlingshire or at Callander. On the 28th they appeared
in Berwickshire, and continued. On the same day I found them
on Loch Awe side, and in a few days after they were abundant in
all sheltered places, but especially in larch plantations. I found
them in the garden of Newton House, North Uist, in June, and
was informed that they appeared there for the first time three
years before [say 1876].

The result of my observations during the summer of 1879, so
far as I have been able to judge, tells me that various summer
migrants to our shores are more than usually abundant this
summer, though they were late of arrival as a rule. The deterrent
influence of the late cold spring made them late of arrival, and to
some extent no doubt shortened their journey. We find proof of
this also in the large numbers of Song Thrushes breeding in the
south of England and the corresponding scarcity in Scotland, or
indeed almost total absence jn some districts. Mr. Hardy, writing
to me in September, 1879, says — "The most numerous summer
birds were the Willow Wren and the Whitethroat. " In one place
in Berwickshire he reports them in May as " sometimes as numer-
ous as bees, but little song amongst them."

152 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

WOOD WARBLER.

Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechst.J.
Arrived at Oldcambus, Berwickshire, on May 12th, and again
on May 23rd, which, there, was a great day of migration of various
species.

WH1TETHROAT.

Sylvia rufa (Boddaert).

Has been abundant this summer, as reported by several corres-
pondents, and observed by myself in autumn before they migrated.

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.

Regulus cristatus, Koch.

The glens of Mull were simply swarming with this species, and
several species of Tits, during migration in October, but very few
were seen after December [J. H. ex ore]. Up to 9th May only
one Gold-crest had been seen by Mr. Hardy, and that in furze.
Woods around Dunipace, where they used to be seen plentifully,
appear almost quite denuded of them. Up the river Almond, in
Perthshire, where there used to be hundreds, this year there is
not a single one to be seen, as I am informed by Mr. Maloch. It
would be interesting to know if these birds have crowded down to,
and proved very abundant in, lower latitudes this season, as in the
case of the Thrushes. A general scarcity is recorded in migration
of autumn of 1879.

ROBIN.

Erithacus eubecula (Lin.).

Remained about houses, bub a diminution of their numbers
observed in April, 1879. Robins sought shelter in rabbit-holes at
Taycreggan, Argyllshire, and many were caught and killed by the
rabbit-catcher's ferrets, as were also some Larks and Chaffinches
[q.v.]. Robins died, it is believed, as much from cold as
hunger, as pointed out by Mr. Robert Service in the Dumfries
Courier [25th March, 1879]. After the severe frost of 13th-14th
December a gardener found three lying close to the fire, two dead
and one dying [loc. cit.]. Robins remained unusually scarce all
summer, but in certain sheltered and favourite haunts I recog-
nized, both in May and in September, the genius loci, in the
shape of the " old resident," the Robin. Thus in the Yale of

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 153

Menteith, in this county, and in Perth, the Robins seemed not
to have suffered so much as in some more exposed localities.

BLACK CAP.
Sylvia atricapilla (Lin.).

Is reported as almost absent in 1879 from Ireland. Rev.

Chas. W. Benson received no notice of its occurrence. It is

rare and local, however, in Ireland, as also are the Tree Pipit,
Wood and Garden Warbler.

WHEATEAR.

Saxicola oexaxthe (Lin.).

The first I saw in Stirlingshire was on the -4th April. The first
observed at Leny, Callander, was on the 23rd April. It is curious
that they do not appear to breed upon the Braes of Doune, though
apparently suitable. Possibly the geological formation may
supply a cause for their absence here. They are abundant in the
central range of hills of Stirlingshire. I observed Wheatears to
be unusually abundant this summer in Sutherland. Though late
of arrival and late of breeding [or shall we not rather say because
late of arriving and breeding?], the Wheatear seemed more than
usually abundant. On the Stirlingshire coast, in the first week
of September, 1879, Wheatears — young principally — were more
abundant than I ever remember seeing them before. On the
Berwickshire coast they w^ere first observed by Mr. Hardy on the
30th August, and not again after the 1st September.

WHINCHAT.
Pratincola rubetra (Lin.).

May 4. — Whinchat first seen at Oldcambus, Berwickshire
[J. H.]. Seen again on the 12th.

MARSH TIT.

Parus palustris, Lin.

Swarmed in the Glens of Mull in October. I am strongly of
opinion that these early migrants are of Scandinavian origin, and
that very possibly, had some of these Marsh Tits been preserved,
they would have turned out to belong to the northern form
P. borealis, if not of still more eastern origin.

L54 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

COLE TIT.
Parus ater, Lin.

Iii a squirrel's dray at Remony, Loch Tay side, Mr. D. Dewar
found two Cole Tits, dead and quite dried up with the frost. They
bad <rept into the squirrel's nest for shelter during the hard winter
[ex ore, 14th Oct., 1879].

BLUE TIT.

Parus caeruleus, Lin.

Decidedly scarcer in spring of 1879. Reported so from Berwick-
shire, Aberdeenshire, Argyllshire, and elsewhere, and the same
observed in Stirlingshire. Of four fed by Mr. Hardy only one
appeared after the thaw. It seems more than probable that many
Birds died of a surfeit after the thaw came. [See also Waterhex,
page 176.] Tits remained scarce all summer, except in very shel-
tered and favoured localities, and so scarce that a few noted as late
as October 30th, 1879, are mentioned in Mr. Hardy's notes.

LONG-TAILED TIT.

ACREDULA ROSEA (Btyth).

Swarmed in October in the Glens of Mull [J. H., ex ore].

Reports of deaths reached me later in the season from several
localities. Mr. Robt. Service notes it near Dumfries \_Dumf.
Courier, 25th March, 1879], where the death in one instance is
recorded, as the little bird was found dead, head and shoulders
buried in the snow, having died apparently without making a
single struggle, and probably dropped head first dead from its
perch. I found birds in former winters similarly situated, and
also Redpoles frozen to their perches, dead.

PIED WAGTAIL.

Motacilla lugulris, Temm.

Appeared at Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, on the 18th March,
and here — Dunipace — on the 22nd. During a week spent at Loch
Awe, between April 28th and May 3rd, only two were seen, and
these on the 2nd of May. [This is noted in connection with the
scarcity of some species this summer — 1879.] It must not be
understood, however, that, because some species were scarce, all
small birds were similarly affected by the winter and late spring

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 155

as regards numbers. Thus, while we had this summer an unus-
ually large breeding population of some summer migrants which
have a far northern summer distribution, these having been driven
further south by the winter, and delayed in returning, aud having
been therefore unusually crowded upon our latitudes, we had also
a great decrease in the numbers of others, such as the Common
Thrush, which, however, made an unusual call upon the insect
population of the south of England, as elsewhere referred to.

MEADOW PIPIT.

AXTHUS PRATENSIS (Lin.).

In April their scarcity upon the moors and hills of Stirlingshire
and S. Perthshire, and I have no doubt elsewhere, was quite
remarkable. They appeared to me to be scarce at most localities
throughout the summer. In autumn, however, they appeared to
be even more numerous than in ordinary seasons.

ROCK PIPIT.
Anthus obscurus (Lath. J.

The Rock Pipit is reported as scarcer than usual during the
summer of 1879 upon the Berwickshire coast [J. Hardy].

TREE PIPIT.

Anthus trivialis (Lin. J.

First appeared at Oldcambus 14th May. First appeared at
Dunipace 16th May, when I saw one pair. Found Tree Pipits
building their nest on 25th May.

Among eggs collected at Remony, Loch Tay side, Perthshire,
by Mr. D. Dewar, I recognized several of the Tree Pipits. The
exact distribution of this species in Scotland is not fully worked
out; therefore my mention of locality.

The Rev. Chas. "W. Benson of Dublin records that he has no
account this year of the Tree Pipit in Ireland.

MISSEL THRUSH.

Turdus viscivorus, Lin.
One was seen as late as the last week of January by Mr.
Hardy in Berwickshire [in lit.. 5th February, 1879], but
they are decidedly scarcer throughout the country, as I

156 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

can gather from my own observations here, as well as those
of correspondents in Berwickshire and various other locali-
ties. I saw a pair on the west side of Loch Awe in the end
of April. They remained scarcer than usual throughout the
summer. In autumn [September] I saw large flocks, however, in
the Vale of Menteith, a warm and well-sheltered strath. Usually
shy, they came along with Common Thrushes and other species to
feed at a window-sill in Paxton House [auct. Mr. Geo. Muirhead].
Gradually increased in numbers in many localities up to the late
severe winter, which caused their migration and consequent local
decrease. A few died.

FIELDFARE.

TURDUS PILARIS, Li//.

Fieldfares early suffered from the storm, but not to the same
extent as Redwings. Still, large numbers were found dead, and
the coast line, brook sides near the sea, open commons, and
some of the Western Islands, were strewed with their wings and
other remains. I have reports from a large number of localities
both on the east and west coasts. Inland localities were very
soon deserted by them; in Stirlingshire few died, except in
the town of Stirling, where boys were also catching them and
Redwings with their caps [D. Bruce, ex ore\ Fieldfares and
Redwings reappeared near Kelso on the 10th March [A. Brother-
ston]. Mr. Service records their unusually early and large arrival
in the autumn of 1878. In 1879 their arrival was overdue quite
six weeks in the S.W. of Scotland on the 8th November \loc. cit.],
and fewer than usual were seen in the spring of 1879.

THRUSH.

T Urdus music us, Lin.

These migrated southward at an early date. They had entirely
left Sutherland [Tongue district] long before Christmas. A few
were overtaken by the storm, and died, but the bulk appear to
have escaped to the south. Thus, a few were found dead at wall-
sides in Berwickshire by Mr. Hardy. During some mild days at
the beginning of March a few Thrushes were heard to sing, as at
Dunipacc and Callander [J. H. Buchanan, on 3rd March] ; but
their song soon ceased. All April was remai*kable for the absence

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. l-r>7

of song in the woods. At Dunipace I only heard three individuals
sing, where we usually have a couple of dozen.

Still reported scarce — remarkably so — up to the end of April,
as in* Glen Almond, Perthshire, where usually there are hundreds
in spring. Mr. Maloch, of Perth, only saw and heard two in two
days. Penmanshiel Wood and Dunglass Wood, in Berwickshire,
Mr. Hardy writes me, " are very lone and unpeopled :" during a
walk of two miles in the former he only heard one Thrush, and on
the 5th May sawr only one in Dunglass. Up to 22nd May the
same scarcity was noticed by me at Dunipace. None were heard
at another locality mentioned by Mr. Hardy, and only one was
found by him along the banks of the river Eye.

Unusual numbers are reported to have bred, however, in the
south of England, probably a large proportion of them being our
Scottish birds.

In Islay, Thrushes appear to have been the only birds affected
by the severity of the winter and spring. They disappeared
altogether [Mr. Chisholm, Jide F. S. Mitchell].

No improvement in their numbers appears to have taken place
during the summer, so w7e may safely conclude that the greater
number remained further south to breed. Their almost total
absence from our turnip fields in September is also strong evidence
of their scarcity here and further north.

Thrushes were destroyed by Rooks during the winter [T. H.
Gibb, loc. cit.\

REDWING.

Tuedus iliacus, Lin.

Mr. J. H. Gurney, junr., reports to me that Redwings and
Fieldfares were more abundant in Norfolk than he ever saw before.
" But," he continues, " I soon began to pick up dead and dying,
and very few of those that remained survived." This refers to the
early part of December. A boatman with whom I am acquainted,
on the Firth of Forth, living near Aberdour, told me he picked up
thirty dead Redwings and a few Fieldfares in about ten minutes,
lying around his house. In Berwickshire, and indeed very gener-
ally, their unusually large numbers in autumn, at the beginning of
the storm, wrere noted, as also the great death amongst them later.
Mr. Hardy writes (5th February, 1879) : — " The wings and tails
are still scattered about in the open, and in sheltered places where

L58 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

they had resorted for food." Similar accounts reached me from
N. Aberdeenshire [Pitsligo], and various other localities. Above
fifty were caught in one garden in Stirling by boys. The
same is reported by Mr. George Sim from Aberdeenshire ; hf Mr.
Robert Service, Dumfries ; Mr. Brotherston, Kelso ; and almost
universally. The deaths must have been enormously large. Mr.
Maloch found a great many Fieldfares and Redwings dead.
"There is a small island with a tower built upon it in the middle
of the Tay at Broughty Ferry. Inside the tower the ground was
almost covered with dead Fieldfares and Redwings, they having
gone in for shelter and died. " A supposed instance of the nesting
of the Redwing this summer in England is given in the Zoologist for
November.

BLACKBIRD.

TlJRDUS MERULA, Lift.

Even Blackbirds are reported to have left many localities
entirely, or to have greatly decreased in numbers. One pied
Blackbird, Mr. Gurney writes me, " which had migrated before,
however, preferred this time to remain and brave it out; and at last
he came to the window to be fed, and at length allowed himself to
be fed regularly" [J. H. G., in lit., 30th January, 1879]. At
Dunipace we had five Blackbirds which we fed regularly at the
door all through the winter, but the silence of the cold sprhig of
1879 — few bird-voices being heard — indicated a decrease in numbers.
A few dead Blackbirds are reported from several localities, but
they do not seem to have suffered to the same extent as Redwings
and Fieldfares. A few were found dead by the sides of walls at
Oldcambus. One Blackbird here lost its tail, which became
frozen to the snow while it was being fed. Five of the feathers I
picked up, bound together by a lump of frozen snow. The bird
was afterwards seen flying about. Blackbirds remained scarcer
than usual throughout the summer, except at localities on the
west coast.

WHITE'S THRUSH.

Turdus varius, P alias.

" One was shot at Hardacrcs, near Kelso [in last week of
December, 1878]. Unhappily, the young farmer who shot the
bird did not know its value, but partially skinned and ate the
treasure, the wings and head and throat only being preserved to

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 159

decorate the head-dress of his sister. Mr Brotherston of Kelso at
once perceived its rarity and value, and was permitted to preserve
the mutilated remains for the Kelso Museum. They are quite
enough to prove the identity of the bird, and, preserved as Mr.
Brotherston has done, with extended wings, head, and throat, may
so be disposed in a case that the parts awanting may not be much
missed.'' [Dr. F. Douglas, Kelso, in lit., 29th January, 1879.
See also, for detailed account of this bird, Proc. Berw. Nat. Chib.,
Vol. viii. , p. 518.]

Mr. A. Brotherston also informs us that another of the same
species was seen on January 19th, 1879, by Mr. A. Steel, close to
Kelso Bridge. ■ Both birds were solitary." [Loc. cit.]

DIPPER.

ClNCLUS AQUATICUS, Bech.

" More than two-thirds must have perished or migrated from the
S. W. of Scotland before the winter ran its course " [R. Service,
loc. cit.], and a diminution of their numbers was evident in the
spring in Stirlingshire.

WAXWING.

Ampelis g are cxus, Lin.

On 29th December [Sunday] my friend, Mr. J. H. Buchanan,
saw a Waxwing in the pig-stye at Leny, Callander. In the
middle of February, 1879, live Waxwings were seen in Banff
[Thos. Edward, Zool, May, 1879, p. 217]. They fed upon
Bo wan-berries. Another wras killed on 3rd November, 1878, at
"Broxburn, and sent to Mr. Robt. Small, bird-stuffer, Edinburgh,
for preservation.

ROOK.

CORVtJS FEUGILEGUS, Lin.

Some of the effects of the winter upon this species have been rather
curious. In January Rooks migrated daily from Tongue to Durness
to find their food at Far Out Head, a point of land that runs out
seaward, and is clear of snow [J. C. in lit., 13th January, 1879.]
Mr. J. Crawford at Tongue, almost simultaneously with myself in
Stirlingshire, made the note that at the least indication of a
thaw Rooks stay at home. Much " cawing" and repairing of old
nests took place at Dunipace the morning I received Mr. Crawford's

160 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

next letter [30th Jan., 1879], whereas previously they had invariably
left for the coast at Dimmore, and for the neighbourhood of towns.
Curiously, at this date two variegated plane trees were throwing
out shoots. Rooks, though in flocks as usual, have begun to
renovate their old nests. But their labours were very short-lived.
The male and female are assiduous in protecting each other from
their neighbours, though they do not hesitate to steal from one
another, as no doubt all who have lived close to a rookery have
observed [Journal, 31st Jan., 1879]. On the Farm of Mains of
Biffle a Rook found underneath the snow is supposed to have been
thus buried for six weeks, as related in the Aberdeen, Free Press as
follows : —

" On Saturday last, while the servants upon the farm of Mains
of Biffle were lifting — or rather digging — turnips out of the snow,
they came upon a small black hole in the otherwise uniformly
snow-covered field. On inspection the hole was found to serve as
the ventilator of an apartment in which a Crow was imprisoned.
It would seem that this bird, probably about the commencement
of the storm, had taken refuge from the snowdrift between two
drills of turnips and had been covered. By his ineffectual struggles
to free himself, he had formed sufficient space to allow of his
moving about, but when the blowing had ceased he must have
been more than a foot below the surface of the snow. About the
middle of last week, the snow had so far melted that the crust
above the feathered prisoner was only a few inches thick, and
doubtless the natural heat remaining in poor 'Dick' had completed
the hole which was observed by the men. When taken out the
Crow seemed more dead than alive, being reduced almost to a
skeleton for want of food. A few hours of heat and comfort,
however, brought him round. Later in the day he was able to
pick at a turnip, and on the day following his release he found his
way to a neighbouring wood. This poor bird must have been at
least six weeks entombed in the snow."

Rooks fed freely upon the wagon grease made from palm-oil
refuse, and frequented collieries, railway stations, &c, as pointed
out by Mr. J. S. Dickson at a former meeting of this Society.
Mr. Dickson wrote to me : — " I have observed them force open the
grease-box lids of the wagons, when they were so stiff that I had
difficulty in doing so with my fingers. If they get the least crack
where they can insert their beaks, by repeated wedging they soon

NATURAL HISTORY t-OCIETY OF GLASGOW. 161

open them. They are often, when so employed, surrounded by an
admiring flock of Starlings, Chaffinches, Yellow-Hammers, Spar-
rows, &c, which pick up the particles scattered by the Rooks."

At Dunipace, in March, Rooks, which were sadly dejected by
the late falls of snow, and were desultory and often interrupted in
their building operations, had many consultations as to what was
best to be done. By the 17th of March, however, they seemed to
settle down to more steady work. I have reason to believe that
some had already laid eggs before the severe snow-storm of March,
which filled their nests with snow. One morning — that of the
snow-storm (16th March) — the Rooks rose in a body to set out for
Dunmore, where they usually go in severe winter weather. Two
or three pairs separated and returned and settled on their nests,
but ultimately were driven off by the continued gale and snow, and
were obliged to follow their companions.

Rooks were put to various straits for food. I found a dead
hedgehog clean picked by Rooks, and the carcases of rabbits and
hares were fed upon by them, as I found their foot-prints on more
than one occasion round the skins and bones. Rooks were seen to
attack and kill a Curlew (or some large wader) as it sat on a rock on
the sea-shore at Corran Ferry, in Argyllshire, and afterwards de-
vour it [J. J. D., ex ore, as told to him]. And they are reported to
have sought out and fed upon the carcases of other fellow-sufferers
[R, Service, "Dumfries Courier;' 25th March, 1879]. Though
emaciated, I cannot, however, think that any appreciable number
succumbed. There is a considerable increase in our Rookery at
Dunipace this year, being 400 nests against about 350 last year.
Rooks in Ireland became quite carnivorous, feeding on dead and
dying small birds [Robert Warren, in lit], and observers in other
places record the same.

STARLING.

Sturstus vulgaris, Lin.

Deserted the north of Scotland at an early date, but present
all winter in central counties of Scotland, living in company with
Rooks, and frequenting the railway stations, and feeding upon the
grease in the boxes and on the wheels. I saw several picking
up scraps of this kind at Larbert Station on the 21st February,
and similar accounts reached me from Glasgow and other localities
[vide Rook, ut supra]. They often disputed possession of the choice

162 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

morsels with Jackdaws, and even Books. Starlings completely
disappeared from the neighbourhood of Dumfries in the end of
November, 1878, and did not reappear till the beginning of
March. It is not uninteresting to compare the reports from
different localities in this way, as it indicates different conditions
and degrees of severity of the winter at these different localities.
By 15th May not one Starling in twelve had returned to their
breeding haunts in Dumfriesshire, and a decided diminution in
numbers was observable everywhere in Scotland during April and
the first week or ten days of May. Flocks of thirty or forty,
however, appeared a few days later, but did not disperse. Last
year young were hatched out by this time, but this year the few
early arrivals are only laying. Local migration of Starlings is
noticed by Mr. Geo. Muirhead \op. cit.~\, also of their assembling
in evergreens at Mordington House, Berwick, last autumn.

CHAFFINCH.

Fringilla coelebs, Lin.

Unusually abundant in autumn of 1878. A large proportion
remained along with other hard-billed species, and did not suffer,
as the farm-yards proved their salvation. The same opinion is
held by my correspondents in the more northerly parts of Scotland,
and here there appears to be little diminution, if any, in their
numbers. Chaffinches, besides other small birds, were glad some-
times to seek shelter and warmth in rabbit burrows, as was related
to me by a rabbit-catcher and boatman at Taycreggan, Loch Awe.
The steep bank facing the south was the same place where Wood-
cocks congregated [see Woodcock, p. 174]. Mr. Geo. Muirhead,
however, records their disappearance, in December, 1878, from his
neighbourhood, but immense numbers flocked into Alnwick
[J. H. Gibb, he, cit.].

COMMON SPARROW.

Passer domesticus (Lin. J.

Decidedly scarcer at Dunipace. Indeed in some localities, where
formerly scores were seen in May, hardly one is to be found. They
are said also to be scarcer in Berwickshire. In the carse-lands of
Stirlingshire, however, no diminution in numbers was noticeable
at the end of summer, and by the autumn they appeared in scarcely

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 163

diminished numbers at their old haunts further inland, indicating
therefore only a local migration.

HAWFINCH.

COCCOTHRAUSTES VULGARIS, Pallas.

Six Hawfinches were caught at Costerton, East Lothian, one
day in the end of January, as I am informed by my friend, Mr.
W. Horn [in. lit, 2nd February, 1879].

GREENFINCH.

LlGURINUS chloeis (Lin.).

Greenfinches did not suffer. Very abundant in autumn [or
more observed owing to their crowding around the farm-houses,
where they obtained abundance of food]] Specially noticed as
abundant from many localities.

TWITE.

LlNOTA FLAVIROSTRIS (Lin.).

The Twites in the Long Island did not migrate, but assembled
in flocks as usual around the farm-houses.

LINNET.

LlNOTA CANABINA (Lin.).

In ordinary seasons Linnets, which breed in great numbers
amongst whins at Oldcambus, Berwickshire, remain in the neigh-
bourhood all winter. This season they left in a body before the
storm commenced. The same was observed here — Stirlingshire —
and similar reports reached me from various localities.

A single Grey Linnet returned to Cockburnspath on 28th
March [J. H., in lit., 4th April, 1879], but by the 9th only three
were visible, the only return from a large flock bred there. Con-
tinued rarer than usual in Berwickshire all summer.

REDPOLE.

Linota rufescexs (Vieillot).

Mr. Service records the Redpole as abundant in the spring and
summer of 1879 in Dumfries, and remarks the unusuallv warm
lining of the nests, these being plentifully lined with feathers. In
northern countries — Norway and N. Russia — Redpoles' nests are

VOL IV. M

164 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

very commonly, if not invariably, lined with feathers. Were these
additions to the Redpole population of Dumfries birds crowded
down from more northern countries, bringing their nest-building
instincts with them ; or were they simply native birds adapting
their nest-building to suit the unusually cold season? Such
inquiries appear to me worthy of consideration, as they may have
considerable bearing upon dispersal of species, change of habits, &c.

YELLOW HAMMER.

Emberiza citrinella, Lin.

Remained all winter in central districts of Scotland, but in
diminished numbers, many having gone further south. They
fared pretty well in the farm-yards.

REED BUNTING.

Emberiza schoeniclus, Lin.

First seen on April 6th at Dunipace. They, as usual, entirely
left inland localities early in the winter.

SNOW BUNTING.

Plectrophanes nivalis (Lin.).

Seen in November in Stirlingshire, also on December 3rd in
Lanarkshire, also in November near Dumfries [R. Service], but
appears generally to have fled further south during the winter.

LARK.

Alauda arvensis, Lin.

Disappeared, except where fed. In Stirlingshire, at one or two
localities where this was done, they became pretty tame. They were
also commoner in the vicinity of large public works and towns —
as at Bonnybridge Foundry, Stirlingshire — than elsewhere, finding,
no doubt, some slight difference in temperature. They disappeared
from the neighbourhood of Oldcambus and reappeared in the
beginning of March [J. H., in lit., 9th March, 1879]. Larks
sought shelter in rabbit burrows at Taycreggan [see Chaffinch,
p. 162]. Their scarcity in April, both on lowlands and moors, in
Stirlingshire and S. Perthshire was quite remarkable. At the
lonely house of the forester of Fannich Forest [Ross-shire], a Lark
and a Blackbird- -the only small birds seen for several weeks —

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 165

fed amicably together [John Maclennan, Inverness Courier, 24th
April, 1879]. This instances how completely some districts were
denuded of bird-life.

Large flocks were seen on Lamberton Farm, in Berwickshire,
in January, 1879, near the sea-side, as recorded by Mr. Geo.
Muirhead. There the land was nearly clear of snow.

An increase in their numbers during the breeding season of 1879
was observed in S.W. Scotland, where of late years they have been
on the decrease [R. Service, loc. cit.~\

WOODPECKER.

Picus major, Lin.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker (an adult female) was shot near
Callander on the 24th April, 1879. [A "Black and White"
Woodpecker was seen on the Ross of Mull. I mention it as tend-
ing to show that this early migration — in October — was probably
of Scandinavian origin. I believe that more careful observation
at certain localities upon our west coast will result in some
curious discoveries in the facts connected with the autumnal
migration of birds.] Mr. Maloch, of Perth, saw two (a pair) of
these birds near Kinross. A female was shot at Quixwood,
Berwickshire, about the beginning of February, 1879 [Mr. George
Muirhead], and another was received by Mr. Hastings, naturalist,
Dumfries, for preservation.

STOCK DOVE.

COLUMBA OEN'AS, Lin.

A Stock Dove was shot at Haggerstone, south of Berwick. It
was in the company of Wood Pigeons [James Hardy, in lit., 5th
February, 1879]. Mr. Robert Gray also records one shot on the
11th March, 1879, in the woods of Dunse Castle, Berwickshire,
"out of a flock of more than a dozen;" and of late years several
others have been recorded as breeding or having been shot in
Scotland, indicating a northward extension in Great Britain of its
breeding range.

WOOD PIGEON.

COLUMBA PALUMBUS, Lin.

Had left Sutherland — Tongue district — entirely, shortly before
the 13th January [J. C, in ttt., 13th January, 1879]. Half a

166 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

dozen reappeared at Tongue about the 27th-30th, induced to
return by a temporary thaw [J. C, in lit., 30th January, 1879].
.Resorted to the sea-coast in N. Aberdeenshire [Rev. A. Grigor,
Pitsligo, in lit., 24th February, 1879]. Reported as appearing in
vast flocks around N. Berwick, making great havoc amongst the
turnips. Few of them perished during the storm, and most of
those shot were in good condition [Dr. J. L. Crombie, in lit.].
Such was not the case, however, in many other and more inland
localities, as in Stirlingshire, near this, where Wood Pigeons which
remained were dreadfully emaciated. Dr. Duns also notices that
many were seen around Dunse; and some were found dead in
Inverness-shire.

It was not till the second week in January that dead birds were
found near Dumfries [R. Service, Dumfries Courier, 25th March,
1879]. In Aberdeenshire they were found lying dead by the
dozen in turnip fields, and Mr. Geo. Sim relates that "one gentle-
man saw, on his estate, some of this species feeding on a dead
companion." — [Scot. Nat, April, 1879, p. 84.]

A pair of Wood Pigeons were seen in Eig this summer [1879,
auct. J. J. Dalgleish, ex ore].

I saw Wood Pigeons at Rodel, in Harris, in June this year.
I did not learn in what year they first made their appear-
ance at this locality, the only likely spot in Harris to shelter
them.

In the Zoologist for October, 1879, it is recorded that no less
than 20,529 Wood Pigeons were killed in Banffshire in three
years [p. 428].

ROCK DOVE.

Columba livia, Brisson.

Every one questioned around Kilchoan, in the west end of
Ardnamurchan, agrees about the unusual scarcity of Rock Pigeons
in 1879, and they are supposed to have been killed or forced to
migrate by the severity of the weather. I remember seeing quite
a large flock around Kilchoan two years ago. Two or three birds
were all I saw there in October of the present year.*

Mr. J. Cordeaux notes that dead Kock Doves were fouud iu "great
numbers" on the Yorkshire coast, quoting Mr. Bailey. [Zoologist, March.
1879, p. 127.]

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 167

BLACK GROUSE.

Tetrao tetrix, Lin.

Numbers frequented all the patches of corn near moorland, and,
as one person informed me, " very many did not go back to the
hill again." At Taycreggan nearly 100 Black Game were shot in
one small field by one gun. This is quite unprecedented in the
locality. A Black Cock was found frozen to a hedge " many miles
seaward of the heather hills and alder glens " [T. H. Gibb,
loc. cit.~\

GROUSE.

Lagopus scoticus (Lath.).

Grouse, by the 3rd of February, were not much affected by the
severe frost and snow. One correspondent believes, instead of
harming them, it will do them good : ' ' The ground will be opened
up and cleansed by the frost, and weakly birds will be killed off."
They were, however, reported to be dependent upon the keepers for
food at several periods through the winter at several inland localities :
and a flock — or pack — was seen in December crossing the Moray
Firth, and making for the Banff coast, as I am informed by my
friend, Mr. Thomas Mackenzie, Tain. During January a Grouse
came to one of the villa gardens in Callander regularly for food
for many days together [J. H. Buchanan, in lit.].

Mr. A. Williamson, of Edinburgh, who has had much experience
of Grouse in the Hebrides, is of the opinion that Grouse are slowly
dying out in Lewis. He writes : " After an experience of nine
years, and giving much thought to the subject, I have come to the
conclusion that Grouse are there slowly dying out, for which I
blame severe and late springs" [in lit., 26th March, 1879 J. It
will be interesting to note if the unusually late frosts and cold
spring of 1879 bear this out in any tangible statistics. Grouse
were scarce on the high grounds, and very plentiful on low
moors, in April. This is very generally reported, and might be
expected when the higher grounds were covered with snow long
into the summer. At one time Grouse were so hard up for food that
they were seen to follow in the tracks made by the herds of deer
in immense flocks [Journal of Forestry, June, 1879, p. 146].

Grouse were not apparently affected by the weather in Ardna-
murchan, or generally in the West of Scotland, up to beginning
of April [J. J. Dalgleish, ex ore\ They have suffered, how-

168 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

ever, at some eastern and inland localities, as in Aberdeen [Geo.
Sim] and elsewhere. The wet weather, which deluged the eastern
— and most — parts of Scotland, killed many young Grouse after
hatching time, but on the whole sportsmen had no reason to com-
plain. In W. Sutherland Grouse are more abundant this year
than they have been for six or eight years back, but there it has
been comparatively fine weather during all the nesting season,
while the summer was, as in the Western Islands, unusually dry.
Generally, Grouse have been plentiful and healthy.

Some appearance of disease was visible towards the end of
September and October, 1879. Tn one district of Perthshire,
where I shot Grouse in October, every day several birds were
obtained showing signs of disease. There is almost an entire
absence of fresh young heather, and there was scarcely any bloom
this year at all.

A local reappearance of Grouse, on a moor some time denuded of
them, is recorded by Mr. Geo. Muirhead — LambertonMuir, Berwick.

Grouse were scarce in some parts of the west coast owing to the
very wet season. Though fairly plentiful early in the summer,
and unaffected by the severe winter and spring, the wet summer
banished them or killed them outright.

In this connection may be read an interesting paper, entitled
" A Gossip about the Grouse Family," in Bailey's Monthly Maga-
zine for November, 1879.

PTARMIGAN.

Lagopus mutus, Leach.

Even this bird of the snows and mists yielded in some instances
to the severity of the season so far as to descend to the low grounds.
One was seen sitting on the roof of a house in the Fannich Forest,
Ross-shire, as related by Mr. John Maclennan [Inverness Courier,
April 24, 1879]. In Assynt, Sutherlandshire, Ptarmigan came
down to the range of cliffs called the Stronchrubie rocks, just above
Inchnadamph, quite 1000 feet below their usual range.

QUAIL.

Coturnix communis, Bonn.

Quails are reported to have vanished from the counties of
Dublin and Wicklow since the severe winter [Rev. Charles W.
Benson, in lit.\

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 169

PARTRIDGE.

Perdix cinekea, Charleton.

Reports reached me from several localities of the deaths amongst
Partridges, but especially serious ones from Aberdeenshire, where
in some districts they died in large numbers, and some estates were
nearly depopulated. Mr. Geo. Sim reports to this effect in the
Scot. Nat. [Ap., 1879, p. 84], where he has some well-chosen
remarks on the " Effects of the Winter, etc." In the Oban
district Partridges suffered also, and " are now scarce," but not so
scarce but that another breeding season will fill up the blanks
[Glasgow Evening Citizen, 31st March, 1879]. The wet summer
has made matters still worse in many districts of Scotland, and it
is feared now — August — that it will take some time to replace the
stock of Partridges. In other localities they seem not to have
suffered at all, and it is not always easy to account for this
variation.

LAPWING.

Yanellus ceistatus, Meyer.

Large numbers of wings and remains of Lapwings and other
species were seen in Tyree, the whole island being strewn with
them in December [J. Henderson, ex ore]. Lapwings deserted
many localities, but clung to isolated places here and there with
great tenacity. They frequented a stony field close to Rosehearty,
in N. Aberdeenshire, until the storm temporarily abated, when
they all left [Rev. A. Grigor, Pitsligo, in lit.]. They completely
disappeared from the neighbourhood of Dumfries in the end of
November, and did not reappear until the beginning of March
[R. Service]. "We do not remember," writes Mr. Service, "ever
to have seen these birds leave us in winter before " [Dumfries-
Courier, 25th March, 1879].

The Lapwings usually arrive with great punctuality in spring,
about the term of Candlemas, so accurately indeed — as Robertson
tells us in his "View of the Agriculture of Kincardineshire" —
•'that the storm which generally happens at that season of the
year goes by its name — ' The Tchuchet Storm.' : They were quite
a fortnight late of arriving this year; and in April I noticed at
their breeding places a decided diminution in their numbers, which
was also remarked upon by others equally well acquainted with
the localities. Whether this diminution is generally noticeable I

170 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

cannot say, but certainly it is so in some districts. While along
Loch Awe Lapwings bred about the usual time, they were con-
siderably later in the east, and at many inland localities. Lap-
wings' eggs are sent up to the London Market from the Loch
Awe district in large numbers.

In Dumfriesshire Lapwings were only hatched by the middle
of May.

GOLDEN PLOVER.

Charadrius pluvialis, Lin.

Large numbers on the coast of N. Aberdeenshire in the end of
February [Rev. A. Grigor, in lit., 24th February, 1879]. They do
not appear entirely to have left us, but did not return to their
breeding haunts until quite a fortnight — in some localities three
weeks — after their usual time of arrival. They were still fre-
quenting the low fields in flocks or pairs as late as the 23rd April,
at Callander. A good many were found dead or dying in Islay
[F. S. Mitchell, in lit.~\ in January and February. The autumn
flocks in the carselands and coast of Stirlingshire appear to be as
large as usual, but a good many birds remained longer than usual
on the high lands of Perthshire.

DOTTEREL.

ElTDROMIAS MORINELLUS (Lin.).

For some interesting notes on this species, see Mr. Geo. Muir-
head's article [Proc. fierw. Nat. Club, viii., p. 506]. They
appear much more rarely now than formerly on Lamberton Moor
on the spring migration. It seems to me uncertain if this is
entirely owing to their scarcity at their breeding haunts as com-
pared with former times. I cannot, however, consider them as
really a scarce bird in Scotland in the breeding season.

WHIMBREL.

Xumenius phoeopus (Lin.).

Unusually large numbers of Whimbrels appeared in Ireland on
their spring migration, as reported to me bv Mr. Robert Warren.
This, no doubt, is occasioned by the migration being delayed, and
larger bodies of birds collecting together before starting. Unusually
large numbers were also reported from North Uist in May; and, upon
our Stirlingshire coast in autumn — end of August and beginning

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 171

of September — Wliimbrels were more than usually plentiful. In
most seasons it is a rare bird on the Stirlingshire coast.

These records point, I think, to unusual crowding of the species
upon latitudes further south than their ordinary range, owing to
the extra severity of the spring at localities upon their northern
limits.

Mr. Cordeaux also records their commonness on the Lincolnshire
coast [in lit.], and mentions that the last Whimbrel passed that
district as late as the last week in July, 1879. Comparing this
with my autumn observation on our Stirlingshire coast, the time
between the end of the spring migration and beginning (?) of the
autumn return journey of this species, did not extend much over a
month, which I hold to be another indication of the Arctic nature
of our climate in these days.

HERON.

Ardea cinerea, Lin.

In Berwickshire Herons were not observed in their usual winter
haunts. One young one was found dead upon a frozen ditch at
Arden, Lochlomond [J. Lumsden, in lit.] In Stirlingshire a few
remained on the coast, but not so many as usual: while in the
Kelso district they did not seem to be much affected [A. Brother-
ston, Scot. Nat, 1879, p. 82], but rather to thrive. They were
shut out from their food-resorts in Dumfriesshire, " and a good
many died from hunger " [R. Service], A rat was found in the
stomach of one. In an ordinary season, however, I have found
the Heron swallowing the Water Yole : it is part of its regular
food when obtainable.

NIGHT HERON.
Nycticorax griseus (Lin. J.

A tine specimen of that rare and interesting bird the Night
Heron was shot on 23rd May on a tree on the banks of the Black
Devon, adjoining Alloa Park policies, by one of Lord Mar's game-
keepers. So far as is known, this appears to be the second or
third example which has been met with in Scotland, and there is
no record of any having been seen since 1823.

BITTERN.

BOTAURUS STELLARIS (Lill.J.

Mr. James D. Dougall exhibited to the members of this Society
a specimen of the Bittern, shot in the end of December last on

172 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the River Echaig, Argyleshire, by Mr. Cousins, keeper to Mr.
Duncan, Benmore. The stomach contained the remains of a small
rock cod.

Another is recorded from the Allerburn, near Lilburntown,
Berwick, shot by Mr. Arthur B. Collingwood on the 10th January,
1879.— [Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, 1879, p. 528.]

CURLEW.

NUMENIUS ARQUATA (Lin.).

Curlews do not appear to have suffered much, if at all, and
remained plentifully in their usual winter quarters, but were quite
a fortnight late in returning to their breediDg haunts. At
Callander*they had not laid eggs by the 23rd April, and were still
in flocks. There does not appear to be any diminution in their
numbers either here or at Callander, and few had begun to sit in
Dumfriesshire by the middle of May.

In some parts of Ireland numbers of the skeletons of Curlews
were seen; for instance, in the county of Fermanagh, as I am
informed by my friend Mr. Stilling, of Garden, Stirlingshire. On
the coasts of S.W. Scotland they were observed to be emaciated
[R. Service, loc. cit.\

As late as June 1 2th, as reported to me by Mr. Hardy, a single
Curlew was left unpaired, but afterwards disappeared, and was
again seen on July 12th. This was in the neighbourhood of
Cockburnspath, Berwickshire.

REDSHANK.

TOTANUS CALIDRIS (Lin. J.

Arrived at their breeding haunts if anything later than usual,
but not so late as Plovers and Lapwings, and in distinctly
diminished numbers. They had not begun to lay at Loch Mohaik,
near Doune, on the 22nd April.

GREENSHANK.

Totanus glottis (Pallas).

Greenshanks were somewhat more common at Grangemouth
than in most autumn migrations. I shot one on the 1st September,
and saw another; and Mr. R. Gray also takes notice of their being
commoner than usual on the Firth of Forth [Proc. Berw. Nat. Club.
1878-79, p. 499]. I did not observe that they were more than
usually abundant at their summer haunts in Sutherland.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 173

GREEN SANDPIPER.

Helodromas ochropus (Lin.).

In July, after heavy rain, on the 17th, a single Green Sandpiper
was seen, and continued for a few days in the dean at Oldcambus
[J. Hardy, Prcc. Berw. Nat. Club, 1879, p. 528]. Three appeared
on the Aln in summer, and remained until late in the autumn
[T. H. Gibb, loc. eit.\

WOOD SANDPIPER.

TOTANUS GLAREOLA (Lhl.J.

One was shot on the 3rd October, 1878, by Sir George H. Leith-
Buchanan, Bart., near the mouth of the End rick, Dumbartonshire.

GODWIT.

LlMOSA LAPPONICA (Li)l.J.

Late in September this year — 1879 — Bar-tailed Godwits — adult
birds shot on our coast — retained a portion of the summer plumage.
Last year in September I observed that Knots also retained a very
considerable portion of their summer dress at the same time of
year. In previous seasons I have never noticed this in Knots or
Godwits on the Stirlingshire coast.*

RUFF.

-Machetes pugnax (Lin. J.

A Ruff was shot on the Duke of Montrose's estate, near Drymen,
Stirlingshire, on or about the 9th September, as I am informed by
Mr. Maloch, gunmaker, Stirling, to whom it was sent for preser-
vation. Ruffs and Reeves are not uncommon in the east of the
county about the time of migration — I have shot five or six in a
day — but their occurrence further west, as in this instance, is

rarer.

GREAT SNIPE.

Gallinago major (Gmelin).

A solitary Snipe is reported as having been shot at Carsaig,
Mull, by Mr. Archd. MacLean, of Pennycross.

* Similar records of several species of birds, which have a far northern
breeding range, retaining till a later period than usual their summer
plumage, are given by Mr. J. H. Gurney and others [Zoologist, November,
1879].

174 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

SNIPE.

Gallinago gallinama (0. F. Mutter).

Unusually abundant in November, 1878, here, and generally in
Scotland. [Jack Snipe unusually scarce.] Their habits in Tyree
were quite different from what they are in ordinary seasons. All
seemed anxious to press southward, and, when flushed, took right
away in that direction. They all left our marsh here in a single
night — the 1st of December. No less than 1303 were shot on one
shooting in S.W. of Ireland, mostly by one gun [v. Field, March 1,
1879], in 50 days' shooting. Snipe and Jack Snipe were very
abundant in most localities in the autumn of 1878, probably owing
to the unusually dry and fine summer and autumn of that year,
which drove them down off the moors to favourite marshes, and
brought them more together.

Mr. T. H. Gibb makes some remarks on their great abundance
also in the eastern counties of Scotland during the winter. " Mr.
Ohas. Purvis, of Alnwick, computed a flock, which he sprung from
the moats which surround the ruins of Dunstanborough Castle, to
have been composed of at least fifty individuals" [loc. cit.\

Snipe appeared to be unusually scarce, however, in the marshes
in many parts of Scotland up to the end of August, 1879. This
was doubtless owing to the unusually large area of feeding ground
supplied by the very wet summer. On 1st September no Snipe
were found in the salt-marshes of Stirlingshire, but on the 2nd
over 30 were flushed in one little corner. I believe these Snipe
to have been of foreign origin, as it is only after frost in ordinary
seasons that Snipe frequent our salt-marshes in this county. Up
to the date of reading this paper Snipe remained scarcer than usual
in our inland marshes, the continuous wet weather sufficiently
accounting for their wider dispersal over the country. In our
own marsh — where, in the autumn of 1878, 1 saw as many as 50 in
a day — this year, as yet, I have only seen about a dozen altogether.

It is reported from Ireland that unusually large numbers of

Snipe did not migrate further north in the spring, but remained to

breed in the Irish bogs and mountains, crowding down on our

latitudes.

WOODCOCK.

Scolopax rusticola, Lin.

Woodcocks from Norway and North of Europe arrived upon
our coasts about the usual time, but local migrations of very large

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 175

proportions took place later. During a storm in December, 1878.
" nearly 500 Woodcock were killed along the shore between Lossie-
mouth and Burghhead [in Elgin], on the shore of the Moray Firth
— supposed to have come from the opposite side of the Firth, if
not from the still further north" [Rev. Geo. Gordon, Birnie, in
lit., 24th January, 1879]. Woodcock "of late" had left Suther-
land [Tongue District, J. C., in lit., loth January]. In three days
Angus MacLean, gamekeeper to Mr. W. S. Parker, lessee of the
Soval shootings, Lewis, bagged to his own gun 51 Woodcock.
MacLean walked on the first day 14 miles on snow 2 feet deep
before he fired his first shot. Woodcock are reported also as
unusually abundant in Norfolk at the beginning of the storm
[H. Stevenson, in lit']. Other accounts of numbers of Woodcock
killed will be found in Inverness Courier of February 1st. In
Ireland, between December 12th and February 18th, on a shooting
in the S.W., one gun killed 290 Woodcock [Field, 1st March,
1879]. SO Woodcock were shot in three days in the Boss of Mull
[J. H., in lit.]. At Taycreggan, on Loch Awe, which did not freeze
over, 67 Woodcock were shot in one small wood, from time to
time, by one gun [ex ore]. This was in the beginning of January.
About 30 couple were shot in two days on Tyree.

Woodcock were starved and found dead and dying in Ardna-
murchan, numbers being picked up, and others caught alive by dogs
[J. J. Dalgleish, ex ore]. Woodcock suffered also in Aberdeen-
shire, Mr. Geo. Sim having found some reduced almost to
skeletons.

Though abundant on the coast of Elgin and Banff, inland
localities were almost destitute of Woodcock, and the same remark
applies to almost all inland localities in Scotland. In Eig, as I
am informed by Mr. J. J. Dalgleish, who visited the island this
summer, and took notes, as many as 17 and 18 were killed in a
day, in the winter of 1878-79. Mr. B. Service reports Woodcock
as unusually plentiful in the breeding season of 1879, on the
estate of Mabie, Dumfriesshire. This appears like a crowding
down of the species on our latitudes.

Their unusual scarcity on migration during the autumn of 1879
is reported to me by the light-keeper at Little Boss Lighthouse,
in the Solway Firth. My correspondent writes — " The Woodcock,
also, used to be common here, but I saw none this year."

Larger numbers than usual are reported as remaining to breed

176 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

in Ireland, as I am informed by Rev. Chas. W. Benson, of Dublin,
and others. [So also with Snipe, q.v.~\

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.

Phalaropus hyperboreus (Lin.)
On June 9th Sir John Orde and I saw about four pairs of Red-
necked Phalaropes at one locality in North Uist, and took a nest
with three eggs. It was believed, however, that, although some
were already laying, all had not arrived at their breeding haunts,
all species of birds being considered later this season in breeding
in the Outer Hebrides.

GREY PHALAROPE.

Phalaropus fulicarius (Lin.).
One of these birds was distinctly identified by Mr. A. Burn-
Murdoch, swimming amongst sea-weed, near the base of Ben Hiant,
in Loch Sunart, Ardnamurchan, on 26th September, 1879. Two
are recorded as shot by Mr. Hastings, Dumfries [loc. cit.] .

COOT.

Fulica atra, Lin.

Coots, which are rare birds on Loch Awe, appeared in hundreds
a week before the final break-up of the storm. They were wild
and unapproachable. They crowded the loch below Taycreggan,
and departed in a northward direction after a few days. Mr. A.
Brotherston reports that in the Kelso district they did not seem
to fare so well as the Water-hens, which latter were very fat. [See

Water-hen.]

WATER-HEN.

GrALLINULA CHLOROPUS (Lin.).

Water-hens suffered severely from the winter. Many came
regularly to farm-houses and cottages to be fed while the storm
lasted. One at Callander, as I was informed by my friend, Mr.
J. H. Buchanan, " came from the Keltie to a cottage on Cambus-
more, and entered the house. One day the people, by way of a
treat, gave it some of the hot peelings of potatoes at dinner time.
It eat away very busily, and then lay down and died, having,
evidently when in a state of starvation, overeaten itself.'" Three
or four frequented our gardeners cottage here all through the

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 177

storm. Also the same recorded from various other localities, such
as Auchenfroe, Cardross — where one also died of overfeeding —
Arden, &c, Dumfriesshire, auct. R. Service, who thus instances
its scarcity there : — " So scarce had they become that only one
nest rewarded my searches in the breeding season, whereas 50 or
60 could formerly have been found on Troqueer alone."

CORNCRAKE.

Orex pratensis, Bechst.

The scarcity of the Corncrake has been of late years very
generally remarked upon in various parts of Scotland. No
diminution of its numbers appears to have taken place, however,
in the Hebrides, where, in the summer of 1879, it was exceedingly
abundant.

WATER RAIL.

bvALLUS AQUATICUS, Liu.

Extremely abundant, apparently, all over Scotland. Great num-
bers were shot and preserved by local birdstuffers. Seventeen
were shot in one day on the Tay estuary by Mr. Maloch, Perth.
Water Rails — three pairs — bred in Eig this summer — 1879. [Auct.
J. J. Dalgleish, ex ore.] Extremely abundant over many parts of
Scotland. Fifteen sent to one birdstuffer in Edinburgh [R. Gray,
in Proc. Bene. Nat. Club, 1878-79, p. 500].

SPOTTED CRAKE.

PORZAXA MARUETTA ( Leach).

This species has occurred more commonly than usual. Mr.
Maloch pursued one for a long time on the Tay side the day he
shot 17 Water Rails. I saw one in our own marsh here, and
another was seen another day. [Recorded also from Dumfries by
Mr. Hastings, he. cit.]

GOOSE.

Anser, sp. !

A very large flock of Grey Geese [probably Grey-lag or Bean]
passed northward over Loch Awe on the 2nd May, which is just
one mouth later than usual. They were flying low, and were
apparently tired.

The following account of the slaughter of Wild" Geese in the

1 78 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

north went the round of the northern papers. These were pro
bably Brent Geese, which have been unusually plentiful in our
seas and firths this winter: —

" Alness. — Slaughter of Wild Geese. — The Invergordon
Times says that in the shop of Mr. Hugh Munro, merchant,
Alness, there were, on Monday last, no less than 300 Wild Geese,
the bulk of which were shot by Captain Spicer. It is added that
Captain Spicer has been successful in taking down fifty-six geese
with one shot."

For three weeks in April Wild Geese frequented the upland
farms in Berwickshire, and as late as 28th April.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE.
Anser brachyrhynchus, Baillon.

One was shot at Callander this winter by Mr. MacDougall.
They were reported as unusually plentiful and tame. This is
almost undoubtedly the common wild Grey Goose of our East
Coast, the Bean being really the rarer species of the two. Their
condition was reported as bad. Mr. R. Gray says some he examined
" were in a state of great emaciation " [Proc. Benv. Nat. Club,
1878-79, p. 500].

BARNACLE GOOSE.

Bernicla leucopsis (Bechst.J.

Reported as unusually abundant this year on the Island of
Colonsay, Argyllshire ; and also at other stations along our west
coast, as in the Solway Firth [R. Service]. They fed inland during
the day along the banks of the Nith. One gamekeeper near Dum-
fries shot 15 in one day [auct. cit.~\. A Barnacle Goose lingered in
the Sound of Harris till an unusually late date this summer, and
was seen there by Mr. John MacDonald on the 17th June.
Barnacle Geese leave North Uist en masse usually about the middle
of May.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE.

Anser albifrons (Gmel.J.

Recorded as unusually abundant, and visiting localities on our
east coast not generally frequented by them, as at Kincardine on
Forth [v. also R. Gray, Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, 1878-79, p. 500].

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 179

SWAN.
Cygnus, sp. ?

Wild Swans were unusually plentiful, yet not as plentiful as in
some other milder seasons. A flock of 60 took up tlieir winter
quarters on Tyree, and others wTere seen on migration high in air,
passing south. Several were seen on the Berwickshire coast.
One shot was Cygnus immutabilis, another was 0. beioickii [J.
Hardy, in lit., 9th March, 1879]. Four Wild Swans frequented
Edenmouth, St. Andrews; one was shot. A flock visited Loch
Lomond, and were heard flying overhead by a party of woodmen,
and seen next morning swimming in the bay. It is only in very
severe seasons that Swans visit Loch Lomond. Swans were
unusually abundant on the Tay estuary also. Three or four were
shot at New^burgh [P. D. Maloch, in lit.], and various parties were
seen passing southward over Loch Awe, but none alighted. A
good many were shot upon the Berwickshire coast during the
winter [Proc. Berw. Nat, Club, 1879, p. 530], and they were
more than usually abundant on the English coasts. [For full
account of C. immutabilis, see also Mr. T. H. Gibb's paper, in
Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, viii., p. 511; also, particulars of Bewick's
Swan, loc. cit.]

In June, 1 879, I was informed that one of the 60 Wild Swans
which wintered in Tyree, having been wrounded, remained behind
the others. It was afterwards caught on the ice by some boys,
and taken to the factor's place, where it was let loose along with a
tame one.

A flock of between 70 and 80 Wild Swans passed over Newton
in North Uist, towards the south-east, and 8 wintered on the Loch
at Scolpig. This flock, in all probability, is the one wmich wintered
on Tyree, and, if so, it may afford evidence of Icelandic and not
of north-eastern origin.

WIDGEON.

MARECA PENELOPE (LlU.J.

Widgeon have been plentiful in the estuaries. At the end of
April numbers were frequenting Loch Vennachar and Loch
Mohaick, near Doune, and the males were apparently in full
summer plumage. This is a species whose breeding limits may
be expected to extend considerably southward of their present
range.

VOL. IV. N

180 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PINTAIL.

Dafila acuta (Lin.).

Specimens have been observed. One was seen in Firth of Forth
by Mr. J. H. Buchanan [in lit, 1st Jan., 1879]. Two were seen
by Mr. J. Henderson in Tyree [ex ore\. And 3 males were
obtained at Bowhill, Selkirkshire, in the last week of February
and on the 14th March [R. Gray, loc. cit\

WILD DUCK.

Anas eoschas, Lin.

Unusually large numbers of Mallards frequented our streams in
Stirlingshire for a week or ten days at the beginning of the storm.
During that time, while the frost hung heavily on the aspens and
willoAvs by the brooks, I usually succeeded in bagging two or three
or four Duck every forenoon. Later they disappeared from
inland haunts and took to the estuaries in surprising numbers,
where they remained all winter, only coming inland when the
short temporary thaws took place. Their unusual abundance on
the Firth of Forth was several times noticed by myself both at
Bo'ness and lower down the Firth ; and similar reports of their
great numbers have reached me from Aberdeenshire, Forfar-
shire, and Berwickshire, on which latter coast Mr. Hardy one day
counted 170 in a flock. In the beginning of February I saw also
very large flocks in Dalgetty Bay and at Aberdour, in the Firth of
Forth; and I heard also of their extreme abundance in Mull and
Tyree, and elsewhere on the west coast. At Loch Awe, which was
not frozen over, Ducks of various species were more numerous than
on any former occasion which my informant could remember (he
is 52 years of age); but a gamekeeper assured me that many died, and,
at the breeding season of 1879, there was "not one for twelve Ducks
nesting on the Loch side," as compared with last season. In end of
April I found remains of more than one Duck on the islands and
shore. Wild Duck in masses were last seen on the Berwickshire
coast by Mr. Hardy as late as the 29th April. Their scarcity at
many localities was not probably so much from actual deaths as
from the unusual lateness of the spring, though deaths also occurred.
On May 5th, or a day or two sooner, a nest of 11 hatched out at
Dunipace. The nest was in an open grass field. A perceptible
increase in the numbers of Wild Duck was observable about the

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 181

15tli May here, so that while some early ones hatched out by the
5th, many had not arrived at their breeding haunts, or were just
arriving. Many died also on Loch Tay side.

The observations of the summer go to prove that Wild Duck
were unusually plentiful, caused, it is believed, by the deterrent
effects of the late spring upon the northward migration, the latter
being therefore restricted.

As early as 18th September, 1879, Ducks began to frequent
salt water [J. H., in lit.].

GADWALL.

Chaulelasmus streperus (Lin. J.

These appeared plentifully at some localities upon the west coast.
I know of between 30 and 40 having been shot by one shooting
party, and of as many as five having been killed in a few hours.
They were mingling with other Wild Duck, and were frequenting
salt-water lochs. I received two specimens — both males — from
Mr. Henderson, of Phionphort, Mull, which were, along with
others, shot by him about the middle of November, but apparently
they moved further south later in the season this year. There
can scarcely be a doubt that the Gadwall is a regular visitor to our
west coast, where it usually winters on some of the most suitable
islands.

Mr. Gray also records the occurrence of this species on Loch
Leven in the last week of December, 1878; and another on the
Forth, at Kincardine — a young male — on the 14th March, 1879
\loc. cit.\

TEAL.

Nettium crecca (Lin.).

Teal have been unusually scarce all winter, and I am inclined
to think they were amongst the first birds to take their departure
southward. The scarcity of the species has been very generally
remarked upon, and in spring, during April, they did not return
in such numbers to their breeding haunts. By the middle of May,
however, they began to reappear somewhat more plentifully.
From many localities they have been almost quite absent from
beginning of December until middle or end of April. I cannot
think that Teal this summer, and up to the end of August, or later,
was nearly as plentiful as in ordinary seasons,

L82 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

GARGANEY.

QUERQUEDULA CIRCIA (Lill.).

A male Garganey was shot by the gamekeeper at Kirkmichael,
in Dumfriesshire, on the 1st of December.

SHOVELLER.

Spatula clypeata (Lin.).

On the 16th August, 1879, I shot a Shoveller near Keith, in
Banffshire; and six <or seven other Duck, which got up at the same
time out of the marsh, were also of this species, and probably a
brood. This is a species which we may expect will breed more freely
in this country than it has done hitherto. What effect the late
spring may have had in bringing this about is as yet hard to say.
The keeper at Keith had never seen the species before. Quite
probably we may have to thank the severe winter and late spring
for this instance of the Shoveller having bred and reared its young
in Scotland. Others have been recorded as occurring at Jedburgh,
— in May, 1878. A female shot there had an egg almost ready for
extrusion. It was shot by Mr. Adam Elliot, Screamerston. We
cannot urge too earnestly that birds which are likely to stay and
breed with us should not be destroved. The Wild Bird Act
appears to be a dead letter.

Another Shoveller was shot at Kirkmahoe, in August, which
.Mr. R. Service thinks must have been bred in this country.

POCHARD.

FULIGULA FERINA (Lill.).

Amongst many Widgeon, Mallard, and Teal, upon Loch Mohaik,
near Doune, I saw a pair of Pochards on the 22nd April, and
pointed them out to Mr. J. H. Buchanan, who was with me. On
a second visit to the same locality on the 25th May, Mr. Hamilton
Buchanan and Mr. John Gibson, of Edinburgh, discovered the nest
and eggs, which fact will be found duly recorded by Mr. Buchanan
in the Proc. Royal Phys. Soc, 1878-79, p. 105.

I am favoured with the following abstract of his remarks upon
the nest and eggs by Mr. Hamilton Buchanan : —

"The nest was placed among very tall reeds, and was similar to
a Coot's in structure. It was lined with a small quantity of down,
and contained six eggs, all with one exception being deeply incu-

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 183

bated. The embryo fully confirmed the species. The gamekeeper
had taken two eggs from the nest on the previous Monday. Both
Mr. Gibson and I saw the bird fly off the nest, which it did not do
until we were within ten yards of it. The eggs measure from

Much cry was made in a local paper about the taking of this
nest of eggs. For scientific purposes — the evidence of an extension
of the breeding range of any species — I hold that naturalists are
quite entitled to take birds' eggs, on ground where they have
liberty to do so from the proprietor, and especially such as those
of our rarer Ducks, which are known to be extending their distri-
bution, and where it is advisable to record these steps of advance.
Where the discovery is put to a useful scientific purpose, Ave cannot
regret the act, and the act is necessary if the record is ever to be
of any real value afterwards.

Obs. — It appears desirable that attention be paid to the late
stay, in spring, of Scoters and Velvet Scoters upon our coasts.
[See also remarks on this head by Mr. E. Gray, Proc. Bene. Nat.
Club, viii., pp. 75 and 501.]

EIDER DUCK.

SOMATERIA MOLLISSJMA (Llll.J.

Commenced paying their spring visits on the Berwickshire
coast much about the usual time,, but in small parties [Jas.
Hardy, in lit., 5th Feb., 1879]. Eider Ducks common on Berwick-
shire coast [J. BE., in lit., 9th March, 1879]. Seven males and
seven females off the coast of Berwick, at Cockburnspath, 4th April
[J. H., in lit, 4th April, 1879].

TUFTED DUCK.

FULIGULA CRISTATA (LeachJ.

An immature female, unable to fly, was shot on Hoselaw Loch,
by Mr. A. Roberton, on the 20th August, 1879. Hoselaw Loch
is between two and three miles from Yetholm Loch, as I am
informed by Mr. A. Brotherston, of Kelso, who preserved the
specimen. [For account of the breeding of the Tufted Duck of
late years in the South of Scotland, see " Zoological Notes " by
Mr. Brotherston, in Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, p. 521.] A Tufted
Duck was found frozen to the ice near Kelso \op. cit.].

184 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

GOLDEN-EYE.

Clangula glaucion (Lin.),

A pair seen by Mr. Lumsclen on Loch Lomond as late as 30th
April, 1879. Three Golden-eyes remained off the Berwickshire
coast as late as the 3rd May [J. Hardy]. Golden-eyes are reported
to have bred in a hollow tree at a locality in the south of Perth-
shire this summer — 1879. The young were taken and an attempt
made to rear them, but they all died.

KING DUCK.

SOMATEJRIA SPECTABILIS (Lin.).

Plentiful in beginning of January about Dundee [J. Henderson,
in lit.].

At St. Kilda, in June, a party of gentlemen saw a Duck standing
or walking upon a rock, upon which too great a surf was running
to allow of their landing from the boat. One of the party,* who was
a good ornithologist, described the bird minutely to me, and both
he and I came to the conclusion that it could hardly be any other
bird than a male King Eider. He described it to me on board
the s.s. " Dunara Castle," immediately after having seen it. I am
particular in mentioning this, as I have for some years noticed
the tendency of several northern species of Duck to extend their
breeding range in a southerly direction.

GOOSANDEPv.

Mergus merganser, Lin.

It is feared that the pair of Goosanders mentioned by Mr. J. H.
Buchanan in his paper " On the Birds which have been observed
in the Parish of Callander, Perthshire" [Proc. Royal Phys. Soc,
1878-9, p. 61], as having bred last year near that, have been shot,
and are now in Mr. Small's shop, Edinburgh. Goosanders were
unusually abundant in the Kelso district, and were very fat, being
gorged with trout and parr, and also eels, as reported by Mr. A.
Brotherston [''Scot. Nat." April, 1879, p. 82]. There is evidence
of a still further southerly extension of the breeding range of the
Goosander in Scotland, and their breeding is annually becoming
more and more general. A pair remained all summer on the

* Mr. Boyd, of Greenock, since deceased.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 185

Tay, above Perth, in 1879, and doubtless bred there. Mr. J. H.
Buchanan is at present engaged in preparing a paper upon " The
Goosander in Scotland."*

SMEW.

Meegus albellus, Lin.

A specimen of this comparatively rare British species was
brought in for preservation to Mr. Hastings, Dumfries, which
had been shot during the storm in the neighbourhood [R. Service,
loc, cit.].

BLACK-THROATED DIYER.

COLYMBUS ARCTICUS, Lin.

There is evidence of this species extending its breeding range
southward, as they have been found occupying localities hitherto
untenanted by them. A pair was shot at a small loch near Tay-
moath Castle, and preserved for his Grace the Earl of Breadalbane
by Mr. Maloch, of Perth. A pair frequented a loch quite in the
soith of Perthshire. Unfortunately, one of them was caught and
di owned in a pike-net. I remember, about the year 1870, that
tlieir range did not come further south than the neighbourhood of
Pitlochry.

LITTLE GREBE.

Podiceps MINOR (Gm.).

Unusually plentiful during the first few weeks of the frost, and
as long as any open water remained on the pools and streams.
One which I shot contained in its stomach remains of min-
nows and small fish, besides water insects. In 1870 and 1874
Grebes were noted by Mr. R. Service as unusually abundant on
the rivers in the S. W. of Scotland, and the same thing was apparent
this winter. Mr. A. Brotherston notes the Little Grebes in the
Kelso district as in good condition, and found in the stomach of
one a quantity of salmon roe \_u Scot. Xat." April, 1879, p. 82].
He also records that " the feet of several Grebes and Ducks were
frost-bitten, part of the toes and web being lost" \Proc. Berw.
Nat. Club, 1878, p. 538].

* Since read to the Royal P/njs. Soc, 17th December, 1879, and printed
in the Proceedings.

186 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

GREAT CRESTED GREBE.
Podiceps cristatus (Lin.).

Mr. Robert Gray records a specimen shot at North Berwick in
the second week of January, and another, at Portobello, in the last
week of February, 1879 [loc. cit.\

RED-NECKED GREBE.

Podiceps rubricollis, Latham.

A fine specimen shot at Coldingham, Berwickshire, on the 14th
February, 1879, and recorded by Mr. R, Gray \op. cit., p. 502].

SCLAV ONI AN GREBE.

Podiceps cornutus (Gm.J.

A specimen is recorded by Mr. R. Gray, " found dead upon the
shore near Dirleton early in March [op. cit., p. 502]. Another,
which I have examined, and two or three others, were obtained on
the Tay estuary by Mr. Maloch, Perth.*

RAZORBILL.

Alca torda, Lin.

About the end of February and beginning of March there seems
to have been considerable mortality amongst Razorbills on the
Berwickshire coast [J. Hardy, in lit., 9th March, 1879].

Inquiries instituted and observations made in St. Kilda and the
Shiant Islands, and other rock-bird stations, show that no appre-
ciable difference took place in the time of their laying. They
cannot be said to have been affected by the cold spring, and the
same remark applies to rock-birds generally.

LITTLE AUK.

Mergulus alle (Lin. J.

Large numbers of this species were caught or shot at inland
localities in the counties bordering the Firths of Forth and Tay,

* The recurved bill of the Eared Grebe (Podiceps auritus) is sufficient to
distinguish it at any age from the Horned or Sclavonian Grebe (Podiceps
cornutus). Macgillivray puts the description in plain language. Describ-
ing the former, he says [Brit. Birds, vol. v., p. 270] : — " Somewhat inferior
in size to the Sclavonian Grebe, this species is distinguished from it by the
peculiar form of its bill, which is curved a little upwards at the end, and
depressed at the base."

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 187

and in Forfarshire. I have records of specimens obtained at
Blairadam, in Fife [about 19th Jan., 1879], Loretto, near Mussel-
burgh, the previous week. Up to 19th Jan., Mr. Small, naturalist,
Edinburgh, had received 5 for preservation. Three were captured
during the winter in the S.E. of Scotland [A. Brotherston] ;
and Mr. P. Henderson, Dundee, gives an account of many which
were found, some dead, at inland localities, in Forfarshire
[v. "Land and Water"]. Regarding these last, the Rev. J. E.
Somerville, writing to Mr. James Lumsden, says: — "The birds
seem to have been thirsty, and drank freely after having water
given to them" [in lit., 22nd January, 1879].

Concerning this appearance of the Little Auk in Forfar,
Mr. Henderson writes, under date of 1st January, to Mr.
Lumsden : — " A great flight of Little Auks has occurred here
within the last few days, and they have been found distributed
over an area of 8 or 9 miles in length, by about 3 in breadth, and
mostly on dry land, some at great distances and heights from the
sea, and some have been picked up dead on or near the beach. I
saw a flock of about 40 yesterday, as I took a stroll towards
Broughty Ferry, and the fishermen told me that the boys were
catching them at the back of Broughty Castle. Others were
procured on streams." Further particulars will be found in
"Land and Water" of 11th Jan., 1879.

One was found as far inland as seven miles west of Perth
[Dr. Buchanan White in " Scot. Nat.;1 July, 1879, p. 132]. Six
are recorded from localities in Berwickshire [Proc. Berw. Nat.
Soc.} 1879, p. 530], one being found on a moor many miles from
the German Ocean [T. H. Gibb, loc. cit.\

MANX SHEARWATER.

PUFFINUS ANGLORUM, Temui .

Mr. Gray records examples in the Firth of Forth, and observes
that they have come to the Firth within the past three years in
considerable numbers. They remain between four and six weeks.
These birds are usually obtained in August, and seen in flocks in
the Firth. I have myself obtained a specimen here, it having
been knocked down by a telegraph wire, near Larbert. Their
great assemblages in summer seem to take place off the north end
of Colonsay, on the west coast of Scotland, not far distant from

188 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

their breeding haunts; and again off the Islands of Orkney to the
west, and off Cape Wrath, in Sutherland.

LITTLE GULL.

Chroicocephalus minutus (Pallas).

An immature specimen of this species was shot in Berwickshire
on the 14th August, 1879. I saw the specimen in the premises of
Mr. Hope, naturalist, George Street, Edinburgh, on the 18th
September, where it had been sent for preservation. While
comparatively rare upon our Scottish coasts, the Little Gull
occasionally appears in large numbers a little way further south
upon the English coast. Breeding in large numbers on the Russian
lakes of Ladoga and that district, their line of migration would
appear, in such seasons as they visit us, to be down the Baltic, and
so to the English coast. By Mr. A. Brotherston's " Notes " \_Proc.
Berw. Nat. Club: loc. cit.] it will be seen that Coldingham Loch is
a favourite resort of the species, where one in Mr. Wilson's (of
Coldingham) collection was obtained, and where Mr. A. Brother-
ston saw another in 1877.

COMMON GULL.
Larus canus, Lin.

This and the next species were often seen during the storm
feeding on the offal in the streets and ashpits, and disputing with
the sparrows [Ii. Imrie, loc. cit].

BLACK-HEADED GULL.

Chroicocephalus rldibundus (Lin. ).

An unusually rapid moult took place in this species this
spring [1879]. Numbers of the same flock accomplished a full
moult in three days, as observed by Mr. P. D. Maloch, Perth;
and a very similar rapid moult was observed here by myself, when
birds frequenting our river Carron, as they always do in spring,
changed from mottled heads to black in two, or at most three,
days. Some birds frequented our river course and low fields quite
three weeks later in spring than usual. One breeding place, 7
miles from here, is dried up, and all the birds have left.

I visited a large colony near the Port of Menteith, on the 22nd
May, when the birds^appeared to be engaged in incubation.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 189

GLAUCOUS GULL.

Larus glaucus, 0. F. Midler.

This species did not appear in any great numbers on our coasts
this winter. A fine adult male was received by Mr. A. Brother-
ston — in full winter plumage — which was shot on The Magdalene
Fields, Berwick \op. cit., A. Brotherston].

In the early autumn of 1879 Glaucous Gulls appeared at
Kincardine on Forth. One was shot and another seen on the 1st
and 3rd September by Mr. Arthur Dundas, Carron Hall.

ICELAND GULL.

Lakus leucopterus, Faber.

In Mr. Small's shop, Edinburgh, on the 12th May, I saw, in the
flesh, an immature Iceland Gull, which had been shot in the Firth
of Forth. The wings and tail were very much shattered by the
shot, but were also very much abraided, so that it had almost the
appearance of an escaped bird, possibly from some one of the
whaling vessels returning from the sealing. It was described as
" very tame," which is quite the reverse of our experience of them
in our seas on a former season [v. Proceedings, 1872-73, p. 210].

SKUA.

Stercorarius, sp. ?
An unusually large migration of Skuas (Lestridae of four species)
will come to be spoken of more fully in my next report and in
another place besides. Meanwhile it is sufficient to record here
that they appeared in October and November at a great many
localities along our east coast. I have records of a great number;
twenty-six Pomatorhine Skuas came to one birdstuffer alone in
three weeks, shot in the Firth of Forth. A few, comparatively,
also occurred on the west coast and islands.

TERN.

Sterxus, sp. ?

The destruction of Terns' eggs is really deplorable, besides tha
of almost every other species which breeds upon Tent's Muir, in
Fife. Not for the first time in his letters to me does Mr. Hender-
son, of Dundee, describe the awful mischief committed on this
breeding haunt by boys who come out from Dundee and elsewhere,
and harry the nests, and destroy wholesale all the eggs they come
across. Mr. Henderson states that the Terns are "positively

190 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

getting driven away by the continuous and wholesale destruction
of their eggs. In this case the Protective Acts are a perfectly
dead letter. The eggs are destroyed in thousands. Terns, Ring
Plovers, Dunlins, Lapwings, &c, are suffering dreadfully. Scarcely
a single bird gets flown ; and as for Shieldrakes and Eiders, every
egg is blown or boiled. Such is the state of matters here. You
may make use of this statement at your meeting, and I can
substantiate every word to be correct."

Have we not a " Society of Field Naturalists " at Dundee 1 I
think so. And is it not part of their duty to try and prevent this
destruction 1 It ought to be considered part of the duty of every
local Natural History Society to do so. Pressure should be brought
to bear on the magistrates, continued and repeated until some-
thing is accomplished.

October 28th, 1879.

Professor John Young, M.D., F.G.S., President, in the chair.

Mr. A. J. Grant was elected a corresponding member, and
Professor J. Bailey Balfour, Messrs. James C. Christie, and James
Eggleton, ordinary members of the Society.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

The Secretary exhibited a collection of Silicious Sponge Spicules,
Conodonts, and Fish Remains, which he had obtained at Laigh
Baidland, on an excursion of the Society to the Dairy district
during last summer. He said — The spicules are those of Hyalo-
nema Smithii, which were first found in Carboniferous strata
in the lower limestones at Cunningham Baidland, by Mr. John
Smith, of Kilwinning, and the Conodonts, which are of a con-
siderable variety of forms, are to a large extent similar to those
found by Mr. Smith at Glencart Bridge, and brought before the
Society during last session. The chief interest attached to the
present collection is because it comes from a different locality,
and one which had not before been visited by the members of
the Society. Several of the Conodonts are nearly identical
with those figured from the Palaeozoic rocks of Russia, and the
Devonian and Carboniferous formations of North America; but,
as is well known, their relation to any of the families of the
marine fauna is still undetermined — some writers referring them

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 191

to Annelides, some to Crustaceans, and others to fishes. Along
with the spicules and Conodonts there were also found, in some
abundance, scales and teeth of placoid and ganoid, and vertebral
bones of osseous, fishes in fine preservation. While therefore some
of the forms of Conodonts may be referred to Annelides and
Crustaceans, the large number of fish remains found in the deposit
is a strong argument for the greater portion of them having an
affinity with that family. The quarry at Laigh Baidland, which
is in the lower limestone, has never been of large extent, and has
not been worked for many years; the strata exposed are therefore
of limited extent. The remains are found in a dark-coloured
shale interbedded with the limestone, which, in its weathered
condition, is of a deep chocolate colour — due to an infusion of iron,
or probably manganese. The decomposed limestone obtained from
the fissures does not contain many organisms. There is abundance
of Lithodendron junceum; Heterojihyllia mirabilis, with portions
of the hooklets attached, sparingly; plates of two species of
Archaeocidaris ; portions of various Crinoids; four species of
Entomostraca of the genera Cyther-e, Baiixlia, and Lejierditia;
one species of Polyzoa, Diastopora megastoma ; and remains of
Productus and other Brachiopods, with a few univalve shells, but
these are in limited quantity and not well preserved.

Mr. Arthur Pratt showed a series of mounted specimens from
the same locality, among which was an example of a small species
of Trilobite.

After some observations by the Chairman,

Mr. John Young, F.G.S., remarked upon the care with which
Mr. Mason had worked out the Microzoa from this deposit, and
stated that upon the slides exhibited would be found many
organisms of interest which had not been obtained in such
abundance in any of the other quarries of the district. Amongst
them was a fine series of the anchoring rods of the Glass Sponge
(Hycdonema Smithii), first discovered in the limestone strata of
this district, and numerous vertebral bones of small fishes. Mr.
Young stated that, from no other locality in which the remains
of Conodonts had yet been noted, had similar small vertebrae
been recorded. They are here found varying from half a line to
one-eighth of an inch in diameter ; and being free from the matrix
and finely preserved, their form could be clearly ascertained. He
was in hopes that the finding of these vertebrae and other small

192 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

plates and scales of fishes in this deposit, along with the teeth-like
Conodonts, would yet help us to arrive at some knowledge as to
the nature of the fishes to which they belonged. While there was
evidence of various genera of Conodonts in the Scottish lime-
stones, those of Prionodus and Polygnathus seem to have been
most abundantly represented; but doubtless more light would yet
be thrown upon these interesting but obscure organisms.

Mr. Peter Ewing exhibited a specimen of Stachys palustris,
which showed a considerable divergence from the normal type.
Instead of the two opposite leaves which this species usually has,
the specimen showed three, the same arrangement being carried
out with the bracts and other portions of the plant, while the
stem and branches were hexagonal instead of the usual four-sided
form, it was found growing with others in water, which might
account for the divergence; but as its root could not be obtained,
no satisfactory cause could be assigned for the abnormal conditions.

Mr. Robert Turner exhibited a specimen of Potamogeton zizii,
a species intermediate between P. luceas and P. heterophylluSj to
both of which it bears a resemblance. It has been observed in
many parts of the north and centre of Europe, but only within
the last few years has it been distinguished in this country, its
name not having been determined with certainty till the present
season. For its discovery in Scotland we are chiefly indebted to
Mr. A. Brotherston, who found it growing in shallow water in
Cauldshiels Loch, near Melrose, Roxburghshire.

Mr. John M. Campbell showed a fine specimen of the Condor
( Sarcorampus gryphus), which had recently been received from
Chili. Mr. Campbell gave a detailed description of the character
and habits of this vulture, which builds its nest on the peaks of
the Andes at an altitude of from 10,000 to 15,000 feet. They
measure in length from 3 to -4 feet, with an expanse of wing of
from 8 to 10 feet. They feed principally on dead carcasses, but
will sometimes unite in attacking living animals, such as the
Guanaco, Llama, Puma, etc. The Chilians destroy numbers of
them, as they frequently attack young goats and lambs. There is
said to be another species of Condor than the above, which Sharpe
names S. aequatorialis, and of a smaller size. An apparently adult
individual of this species was living in the Zoological Gardens,
Amsterdam, in the spring of 1873. Darwin, in his "Voyage of
the Beagle," gives an interesting account of the Condor,

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 193

PAPERS READ.

I. — Apiarian Notes in Argyllshire for 1879.
By Mr. B. J. Bennett.

In January and February the severe frost made it impossible to
open the hives. Later on I discovered two of my best stocks
were nearly lost, as the intense cold had caused them to eat all
the honey around the cluster — thus dispelling the popular delusion
that bees during frosty weather lie dormant and consume no
stores. In preparing for winter, passages should be made through
all combs, so that the bees may easily get at their food. I again
pay a high tribute to the use of the Quilt, as last year it carried
off all damp vapours from the atmospheric influences, and this year
any that may have arisen from the compact clustering of the bees,
passed into the quilt and were quickly dispersed.

On March 5th I examined stocks, and was amply rewarded for
the trouble, finding all in a very fair condition, with the exception
of the two above-noted. After the four months of protracted
frost and snow (any variation being only sleet or rain), I dusted
liberally with pea-meal as a substitute for pollen, and began
stimulative feeding. It was well that I did so, as from this date
till the close of the month there was hardly a day that hives could
have been opened. Never do I remember seeing the country so
far behind. Crocuses, primroses, wallflowers, and similar flowers,
which are generally abundant by this time in our gardens, had not
yet made their appearance.

In April flowers began to show, and the willows, which had
almost stood stationary for the past two months, made a fresh start.
With the ingathering of pollen and artificial feeding, breeding
began, and hopes were raised that all our cares and troubles for
another season were over.

On May 7th I examined stocks, and found stores nearly
consumed in every hive, in two cases almost beyond hope of
recovery, clearly showing that, up to this date, the bees had not
procured any honey from outside sources. On the 24th inst.
I attended a sale of bees at Dairy, and bought nine stocks, two
of which were pure Ligurians. This, I may mention, was the best
sale of bees I have ever seen or heard of in Scotland, about
eighty persons being present, which shows a growing interest in
Apiculture,

194 PROCEEDINGS OF THK

June is usually a busy month with hiving and increasing stocks.
On the 5th I examined hives, and was perfectly amazed at their
poverty. In only two cases were they in a fit condition for
swarming, and in one of them five queen cells had been torn
open, and, no doubt, the princesses destroyed. From the 9th till
11th there were storms of thunder, lightning, and rain enough
to deluge all the bees in Argyllshire. On the 20th I removed
eleven stocks two miles from my apiary close to a dover field,
in the hope, if weather at all favourable did come, they would
easily secure a rich harvest, but alas ! up till the end of the month
they scarcely found a bare existence, and out of the whole stock
there was not a single swarm.

July, like June, proved cold, bleak, and wet, and it was pitiable
to see the bees darting out and in, and after weary labour returning
to their hives with empty sacs. Here I had recourse to the same
treatment as in 1877, and during the month fed liberally every
hive in the apiary. At the end of the month I had the pleasure
of meeting Mr. Thomas A. Newman, Chairman of the North
American Bee-keepers' Association, who had come at his own
expense to Europe to report progress in the science of Apicul-
ture— and here I may state what our friends on the other side
of the Atlantic are doing. Professor A. J. Cook has regular
classes for teaching theoretical and practical Apiculture; and,
notwithstanding that many of his students have been engaged for
years in the study, there are hundreds of things yet to be
discovered in connection with the mysteries of the hive, and
the lives of its inmates. There are over 70,000 people engaged
in Apiculture in America, and why should the people of Great
Britain lose a million pounds sterling a year for the want of a
little knowledge how to keep bees to collect the fragrant sweets?

August opened well, and again hopes were raised, as in the
first three days more honey was stored than during any month of
the year. Having purchased some Italian queens at Perth Show,
three of them were at once introduced into the apiary, the wisdom
of which step was apparent later on. On the 16th I again exam-
ined the hives and found plenty of workers in all, but not two
pounds of sealed honey in any one of them. But when August
closed, our hopes of reaping any harvest went with it, rain taking
the place of sunshine. Though it began with promise, it ended in
disappointment.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 195

September, as a rule the great heather-honey harvest month,
was this year like its predecessors, bleak, cold, and wet. The
heather never burst into bloom at all, and the hills around
the Holy Loch, generally clad at this season with brilliant purple,
presented a gloomy brown appearance. On the 20th I examined
the apiary, and decided to bring home the eleven stocks taken
away in June with the view of reaping a rich harvest of clover
and heather honey, for, in the quaint words of the gardener,
" with the exception of thae Italian boys, the rest have naething
ava but the skeps and the brods." On the 23rd I sent 280 lbs.
of sugar to be made into syrup for winter feeding.

On the 4th of October I weighed all the hives, and found the
gross weights range from 57 lbs. to 27 lbs., the two Italian ones,
formerly mentioned, being respectively 57 lbs. and 53 J lbs. The
best black stock was 45 lbs., and I at once decided to Italianize
my whole apiary, and sent off for a dozen Ligurian queens, six of
which duly arrived on the 20th. I found, on the 22nd, they were
not a moment too soon, as in two cases princesses were reigning
in the hives; and as they were, from too late hatching, not in a
condition to reproduce their kind, not having been impregnated,
nothing but destruction to the hives could have been the out-
come. Unless the practical bee-keeper makes a minute exami-
nation of his hives, some such calamity as this may from time
to time happen. Having satisfied myself of the fertility of the
remaining queens, I weighed all hives, leaving nothing to chance.
Although, no doubt, this has been an exceptionally bad season for
bees, let us take courage and hope for better times to come.

November 25th, 1879.

Professor John Young, M.D., F.G.S., President, in the chair.
Mr. James Eggleton, jun., was elected an ordinary member.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Messrs. Thomas King and Peter Ewing exhibited a variety of
mounted specimens of Fungi, which had been collected in the
neighbourhood on the previous Saturday. This department of
botany has of recent years been receiving more attention than
formerly, and the number of species known and described has been

VOL. IV. o

196 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

largely increased. Sir Win. Hooker, in his "Flora Scotica,"
published in 1821, records about 200 species; while in the Rev.
John Stevenson's " Mycologia Scotica," recently issued, over 2100
are enumerated. Our local botanists have taken up the study of
the Fungi in earnest, with a view to the meeting of the Cryptogamic
Society of Scotland in Glasgow during the ensuing autumn, when
an exhibition of the lower forms of plant life will take place.

Professor Young: exhibited a number of Tortoise remains from
Rodriguez, on which he made some interesting remarks.

Mr. Robert Hill, corresponding member, showed remains of
Fishes from Berbice, British Guiana; and the President gave a
description of the various specimens, and announced that Mr. Hill
had presented them to the Hunterian Museum.

Mr. John Kirsop exhibited a collection of mounted specimens
of Ferns, Grasses, and other plants, from the interior of South
Australia, sent by Mr. Alexander Murdoch; also Seaweeds from
Kangaroo Island, sent by Mr. Duncan Brown, Port- Adelaide.
, Mr. George A. Burns brought forward a number of bones of the
Moa (Dinomis gigantea), which he had received from Mr. George
Dennistoun, of Row, who had lived for many years in New
Zealand. They were found by that gentleman on the banks of the
Waitaki River, which divides the provinces of Otago and Canter-
bury, and were lying exposed in a deep gully on the Canterbury
side, which had been cut into by very heavy rains. He says that
these specimens are very small ones, and that when put together
the largest of these remains stands about 15 feet high. It is
generally supposed that the Moa has not been seen alive since 1850.
They are represented by the natives to have been fat, stupid,
indolent birds, which lived upon vegetable food. They belong to
the order Grallatores, which includes the Ostrich, Cassowary, Emu,
and Dodo; they are also called the Brevipennes, or short- winged,
and were unable to fly, although they used their stumpy wings
to assist them in running. Moas were very unwieldy birds, and
the bones, especially those of the leg, are very massive and solid.
The toe-bones almost rival those of an elephant, while the thighs
are double those of an ostrich, and of such great strength that they
could hit out behind with much force, and could kill a man or a
dog with a single kick. Mr. Burns also showed a bundle of assegais
from South Africa, which he thought might be interesting to those
who had not seen these deadly weapons, of which so much had

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 197

been heard lately in connection with the Zulu war. They were
picked up in the bush by Mr. Noble, clerk to the Assembly, and
they had, no doubt, been used in warfare, as it was just after a
battle between two native tribes.

Mr. Peter Cameron exhibited some new British Hymenoptera.
He enumerated and described 15 species, all new to the British
Fauna, and regarding a few of them he made some interesting
remarks.

The President then spoke at some length on the composition of
the heads of Crustacea, illustrating his remarks by a number of
specimens.

December 23rd, 1879.

Mr. John Young, F.G.S., Vice-President, in the chair.

Messrs. William Watson, George F. Bell, and William B.
Robinson were elected ordinary members.

Mr. John M. Campbell exhibited a live specimen of the rare
Smooth Snake (Coronella laevis), from Hampshire, and made the
following remarks: —

The Smooth Snake (Coronella laevis, Boie; C. austriaca, Laurenti)
is the rarest of all our British reptiles, and although so long ago as
March, 1863, Mr. E. R. Alston exhibited a specimen before the
Society, and made some remarks on the species, it may possibly
be new to many of the present members. Mr. Alston then stated
that the first recorded specimen taken in this country was
captured by a Mr. Fenton, in Hampshire, in September, 1862,
and was presented to the Zoological Gardens, London. It was there
seen and identified by Dr. Gunther, of the British Museum. But
in the volume of Hardwicke's Science Gossip for 1872, a corres-
pondent, while recording the capture of one in Dorsetshire, mentions
that the first authenticated specimen was captured in June, 1854,
where, he does not state. It has also been taken near Christchurch,
and J. R. Wise, in a book entitled " The New Forest," gives
Dorsetshire, the New Forest, and Kent, as localities for the
Smooth Snake. The specimen I have brought here to-night was
taken on a moor near Bournemouth, Hampshire, which is, as far
as I know, the most productive locality for the species in this
country, though there is good reason for believing that it has a
wider range. Bell, in his "British Reptiles," second edition, 1849,

198 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

p. 60, states, under the heading Coluber dumfrisiensis, Sow.: —
" Many years since a small Snake, having the characters of one of
the Colubridae, was taken by Mr. J. W. Simmons, near Dumfries.
It was published as a new species by Mr. Sowerby in his British
Miscellany, and figured in the third plate of that work. It was
there named Coluber dumfrisiensis. The specimen remained until
within the last few years in the possession of Mr. Sowerby's
family; but having come into my hands, it was unfortunately lost
or mislaid, and I have never since been able to recover it. There
is, I think, great reason to believe that it was a very young Natrix
torquata, but differing certainly in many respects from the usual
appearance and characters of that species. It was about three or
four inches in length, "of a pale brown colour, with pairs of reddish
brown stripes from side to side, over the back, somewhat zigzag,
with intervening spots on the sides." The most remarkable
peculiarity mentioned, however, is that the "scales are extremely
simple, not carinated." The abdominal plates were one hundred
and sixty-two; those under the tail about eighty. This is all the
information at present possessed respecting the species, if it be
indeed a species. Mr. Jenyns, in his excellent Manual, expresses
the opinion which I have given above, that it is " probably an
immature variety of the common species."

From the above description, I have strong reasons for believing
the Snake referred to to have been a Smooth Snake (C. laevis), and
if such was the case, it proves it to have a much wider range than
generally supposed. In this species the scales are rhomboidal,
perfectly smooth, and in long rows (Gimther gives 21), the ventral
plates 160 to 164, the anal plates bifid. Its colour is brown or
greenish brown, with two parallel rows of black markings. Very
probably it may often be mistaken for the Adder, but the entire
absence of the dark zigzag line of black markings, which is a
specific character of the Adder, would at once distinguish it from
that species, while the yellow collar and the carinated scales of the
Kinged Snake form a sufficient distinction in the case of that
species.

I have not had sufficient opportunities of observing the habits
of the Smooth Snake, but in the volume of the Zoologist for 1865,
there are (pp. 9505 and 9734) two interesting papers by Drs.
Opel and Blackmore, more especially on the habits of this species
in confinement. Its food seems to be principally Lizards, but these

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 199

observers state that it also takes Slowwornis, killing them by
constriction, like the larger tropical snakes. It is said to be ovo-
viviparous; but one in the possession of Mr. Bucklancl gave birth
to six live young ones. Mr. Alston is of the opinion that "the
animal is oviparous, but has the power of retaining her eggs up to
the hatching point when in adverse circumstances."

Mr. Campbell also showed specimens of the Bandurria (Geronticus
melanosis, Gmelin) and eggs, from Patagonia and Chili, and gave
some interesting notices of the habits of this bird from personal
observation in South America.

Mr. James Eggleton exhibited a fine specimen of the Golden
Eagle (Aquila chrysa'etus, Lin.), shot on the estate of Ballimore,
Lochfyne, Argyllshire, on 28th October last.

Mr. Arthur Pratt brought forward a fine series of skins of birds
from the Island of Borneo. The collection, which consisted of
upwards of 70 specimens, embraced a variety of species, such as
Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Birds of Paradise, &c, and was much
admired on account of the fine plumage of the specimens and the
excellent state in which the skins had been preserved.

Mr. John Farquhar exhibited a specimen of Aporrhais pes-
peliccmi, which he had found in the glacial clay-beds at Garvel
Park, Cartsdyke, and which had not formerly been recorded from
that locality, although it has been obtained in several other post-
glacial deposits.

PAPERS READ.

I. — OrnithologicalJottingsfrom the neighbourhood of Loch Lomond.
December, 1879. By Mr. James Lumsdex, F.Z.S., M.B.O.TL*

At the meeting in February, 1878, 1 had the pleasure of reading to
this Society a rough list of the Birds of Loch Lomond and its
neighbourhood. Since that time I have continued to keep notes
from all parts of Dumbartonshire and Stirlingshire — of which
counties Loch Lomond forms the connecting link — and the follow-
ing jottings, referring only to the Loch Lomond district, although
not of much value taken by themselves, may not be without
interest as supplementary to the list already mentioned.

* Although this paper was read in December, 1S79, it has been brought
up to date of going to press, October, 1880.

200 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

During the winter of 1878-79 many species of small birds — and
indeed some of the larger ones also — suffered most severely from
the long- continued hard frost and snow, one result of this being a
great reduction in the numbers of Blackbirds and Thrushes.
Never do I remember seeing so few of those birds on the banks of
Loch Lomond as during the past summer, and in some gardens
gooseberries were allowed to hang on the bushes quite unprotected
by nets, which have in most seasons to be used long before the
fruit is ripe. Starlings also suffered, but are not mourned for, as
their numbers had of late years increased to such an extent that
they are now by many people included in the list of pests.
Perhaps one cause of this is their most objectionable habit of
building their nests in the chimneys of houses. For it is disagree-
able to find, on the first cold day of early winter, when fires are
resumed, that there is not a vent in the house that will draiv, all
being filled with Starlings' nests. Nor would any one who has
not seen nests of these active little birds easily believe the large
amount of materials — hay, straw, feathers, and other odds and
ends — which a pair will stuff into a chimney.

Black Game and Partridges were also scarce this year, as in
other parts of Scotland. The cold, late spring, however, must be
blamed for this rather than the severe winter months.

BOUGH-LEGGED BUZZABD.

BUTEO LAGOPUS (Gmelin).
Since my former list, three specimens of this species have been
got in the neighbourhood. One was taken in a trap set for Hooded
Crows at Arden, 31st March, 1876, and is a fine bird in perfect
plumage. One shot at Bowardennan, 20th November, 1876. One
taken 17th February, 1880, within a few yards of the same place
as the one caught at Arden in March, 1876. In this case also
the trap was set for Crows. The bird was a male, and its stomach
contained nothing but some digested vegetable matter.

GBEAT GBEY SHBIKE.

LANIUS EXCUBITOR, Linnaeus.

A bird of this species was shot at Bossdhu, Luss, in December,
1878. On being examined its stomach was found to contain the
leg and feathers of a Bobin. The bird is now in the collection of
Mr. John Colquhoun, Edinburgh.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 201

The Shrike is very rare in the Loch Lomond district, not more
than four or live specimens having ever occurred.

Mr. William Colquhoun informs me that he once got one at
Rossdhu in a snare set for small birds — the Shrike being caught
when darting at a bird in the noose.

CAPERCAILLIE.

TETRAO UROGALLUS, Lin.

Tins species has, since 1876, taken a firm footing in the district,
specimens having been obtained on one or two occasions. It may
now be classed with the residents, as a pair bred in the Buchanan
Woods (Stirlingshire) in 1878. It is worthy of remark that all
the birds shot have been females.

RED GROUSE.

LAGOPUS SCO TIC US (Latham).

An albino of this species was shot by Mr. R. D. Mackenzie
of Caldarran, on Dumbarton Moor, on the 14th of August, 1879.
The bird was pure white, with the exception of one or two dark
feathers on the back. It was a bird of the year, and all the rest
of the covey were of the usual colour.*

WOOD SANDPIPER.

TO TAN US GL AREOLA (Lin.).

This species may now almost be considered as a regular autumn
visitant, a second specimen having been obtained at Ross Priory
on 4th October, 1878. Although this is only the second record
of the Wood Sandpiper, yet there is every reason to believe that
the bird is more common than is usually supposed, its likeness to
many of the other Sandpipers causing it to escape notice.

RUFF.

MACHETES PUGNAX (Lin.).

I am informed by Sir George H. Leith Buchanan that a Ruff
was shot by the Duke of Montrose, in September last (1879), on
the shore of the Loch near the mouth of the Endrick, on the

* Four albinos were seen several times by Mr. Mackenzie on the same
moor in the following season, August, 1880.

202 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Stirlingshire side. This bird has been preserved, and is now at
Buchanan Castle.

This is the first specimen of this species which has occurred
within our district, and it is far from common in any part of the
West.

WILD SWAN OR WHOOPEE,

CYGNUS MUSIC US, Bechstein.

Eight adult Wild Swans and one young one frequented Loch End,
Caldarvan, for several weeks during February and March, 1880.
Birds of this species were also seen on Loch Lomond about the
same time.

Obs. Lieutenant-Colonel James Colquhoun informs me that he
saw two Black Swans on Loch Lomond, in June or July, 1879.

LONG-TAILED DUCK.

HARELDA G LAC I A LIS (Lin,).

Many years ago a female of this lovely species was shot near
Ross Priory, and is now in Sir George Leith Buchanan's collection
there. With this exception it has never been recorded from our
district.

The male bird now exhibited was shot two or three winters ago
(I have been unable to get the exact date) by one of the Cameron
gamekeepers. It was got at the lower end of the Loch, near
Cameron House. Although not a rare bird on the sea coasts of
Scotland, especially on the north and east, it is very seldom found
on any of our fresh- water lochs.

SHIELDRAKE.

TADORNA VULPANSER, Fleming.

This is the only new species I have to add to the former list.

A young bird was shot in the summer of 1877 by Sir George
Leith Buchanan. He thinks the bird must have been bred in the
neighbourhood. Some time previous to his obtaining the specimen,
he had observed an old bird and two young ones sailing about the
Loch, which he thought belonged to this species, but he failed to
get near enough to identify them with certainty.

If the species has bred on the banks or on one of the islands of
the Loch, it is worthy of note, as it is unusual to find it nesting
so far from the sea.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 203

SCLAVONIAN GREBE OP, HORNED GREBE.

PODICEPS CORNUTUS (Gmelin).
By the kindness of Mr. Clark, Alexandria, I am able to exhibit
a specimen of this species shot on Loch Lomond about three years
ago. A pair were obtained, and the one now exhibited is the male.
In my list I put down this bird as having been obtained on the
Loch, on the authority of a friend who knows birds well, but this
is the first specimen I have ever seen or that I have any definite
information about. I do not, however, doubt that the Horned
Grebe is a more common species than is supposed in many places
— the " Hell Diver," as the Americans call it, being hard to catch.

II. — Vegetable Parasites and Saprophytes.
By Mr. Robert Turner.

Of plants that depend on organic matter for their nutrition,
Parasites are those that attach themselves to other living organisms
and prey on their juices, Saprophytes those which obtain their
nourishment from dead and decaying substances. Plants that are
entirely destitute of chlorophyll belong, without exception, to one
or other of these two groups; but there are many in which
chlorophyll is both present and effective, that are, nevertheless,
largely dependent for their nutrition on the absorption of organic
matter.

In the fungi the extreme degree of dependence on other
organisms is reached, this extensive order being wholly composed
of parasites and saprophytes, which are not only destitute of
chlorophyll but also of starch. Their mycelium is only capable of
growth where it finds organic matter to absorb, which it can
convert into its own substance. This is the case in regard to the
so-called " Yeast Plant," for instance, which multiplies indefinitely
in a fermentable liquid at a moderate temperature, but which in a
solution of pure sugar cannot grow, since that does not contain the
nitrogenous materials which go to form protoplasm. Besides these
materials the plant requires oxygen. When, as in the process of
fermentation, it cannot obtain atmospheric oxygen, it is able to
decompose the saccharine matter, absorbing the oxygen and setting
alcohol and carbonic acid free. If, however, it be exposed in a
fermentable liquid to the atmosphere, it will flourish and produce
plenty of carbonic acid, consuming the oxygen of the air; but there

204 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

will be hardly any traces of alcohol in the liquid. On the other
hand, if there is sufficient nitrogenous matter, the fermentation goes
on, accompanied by the production of a more highly-developed form
of the mycelium, consisting of elongated filaments known as the
"Vinegar Plant." This organism, and of course the "Yeast
Plant" as well, seem to be but imperfectly developed forms of
several fungi which are usually regarded as specifically distinct.

This affords one of the few instances in which the lower fungi
prove of any economic importance; but it is not difficult to find
many of these plants that cause much mischief and devastation.
One of them (Peronospora infestans) occasions the potato blight,
and as illustrative of parasitic action in general, it is worthy of
consideration, especially as so much is now known of its modes of
reproduction. Its mycelium possesses the power of destroying the
starch and other substances in the tissue of the potato, and of
absorbing part of the products; but its adaptations for reproduction
are especially noteworthy. Branches of the mycelium break from
the interior of the leaf into the air usually through the stomata.
These threads ramify, and at the tips of the branches bear two
kinds of fruit — 1st, simple spores or conidia; and 2nd, vesicles
containing zoospores. A simple spore falling on a suitable nidus
sends mycelial filaments through the stomata into the interior of
the plant, and thus germinates. The vesicle, on the other hand,
on the application of moisture, sets free a swarm of zoospores,
varying in number from half-a-dozen to upwards of a dozen, each of
which is furnished with two lash-like tails. These zoospores move
rapidly about like animalcules for about half-an-hour after emerging
from the vesicle, when they enter the stomata of the potato leaf
(on which it is assumed that they are moving about), and there
germinate. One square line of the surface of such a leaf is
calculated to be capable of producing 3,270 acrospores, each
yielding at least 6 zoospores, so that we have thus 19,620 repro-
ductive bodies from that small space. When they cease to move,
their lash-like tails disappear, and the mycelium proceeding from
them commonly penetrates the cellular tissue in twelve hours at
farthest. The fruit-bearing thread bursts out, usually through the
stomata, and perfects its fruit in from fifteen to eighteen hours.
Hence it is clear that countless myriads may be produced in a few
days from a single germ. Dr. de Bary traced the development of
the zoospores from the earliest stages, and found that the brown

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 205

spots on the potato haulm and leaf are the result of their action.
If we consider that it is only when the zoospores act on the leaf
that these brown spots are produced, it seems evident that the
fungus is not the result of a diseased state of the potato, but really
causes that disease. Both modes of reproduction — by conidia and
by zoospores — are asexual, and both bodies are used up in the
production of the mycelium, while its delicate filaments can but
rarely survive the cold and wet of winter, and must usually
perish with the leaves and haulm of the foster plant. In other
species of Peronospora bodies called oospores had been known
for many years as the products of the contact of two sexual,
spore-like bodies — the antheridium m and oogonium • but it was
not till 1875 that anything similar was discovered in P. infestans,
the credit of this important accession to our knowledge being
whollv due to Mr. Worthinojton Smith. The antheridium not
only comes into contact with the oogonium, but fixes a small
fecundating tube — a pollinodium — into its wall, discharging through
it part of its protoplasm and producing fertilisation. The oogonium
then matures into the oospore in the same way as the ovary of
phanerogams becomes the perfect fruit. When this " resting spore"
is mature, the mycelial threads disappear and it lies free among the
cells of the tissue of the potato plant. These oospores are not
delicate and unenduring like the conidia and zoospores, but become
at length dense, dark bodies, covered with reticulated warts. The
potato plant decays during winter, but they survive and are
washed by the rains into the soil, where they rest for a variable
period, when they germinate in the damp earth, either fixing
themselves on potato plants, if these are near, or producing
zoospores, which act similarly to those previously described,
germinating in the same way, If potato plants are not available
to which they can attach themselves, in process of time they perish.
Farmers have often unwittingly done everything possible to
facilitate the attachment of these germinating oospores to their
host, the potato. Some of them, laudably desirous of utilizing
everything, have the haulms, decaying tubers, and other refuse of
their potato crop removed to their manure heaps, where they rot
and become manure. But the little oospores do not rot. They
lie with their vitality shut up in them till next spring, and when
the farmer has his manure spread thick over his potato fields, he
is sowing at the same time myriads of these little germs, which

206 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

will yet grow up in a mischievous crop. On the other hand, if he
allows these decaying haulms to lie about his fields, the oospores
will be washed into the soil and into ditches and drains, and
moisture is especially favourable to the preservation and germina-
tion of the fungus. Destruction by fire seems to be the proper
course to pursue with potato refuse, but it remains a question how
much effect that might have after all on the disease.

The modes of reproduction in the fungi are very intricate and
varied, but, so far as the question of their parasitism or saprophytism
is concerned, it is unnecessary to enter further into details. It
will be sufficient to indicate wherein these plants are especially
adapted in their reproduction and growth for a parasitical or
saprophytical way of life.

(1) The minuteness of the spores renders them easily carried
about in the atmosphere, &c. The size of these spores varies
considerably from a microscopic point of view; but all are
exceedingly minute in the ordinary acceptation of the term . The
spores of common "corn-smut" (Ustilago segetum) for instance, are
so very minute that 49 of them would be contained in the
T6-o"^oootn Part °f a scluare inch, or nearly 8,000,000 to the square
inch. It would take millions of the spores of moulds to form a
body the size of a pin-head.

(2) The myriads of spores produced are an important element in
ensuring extensive di fusion, so that they may find a suitable nidus.
To give some idea of the number of spores produced in an in-
dividual fungus, it has been calculated that in a specimen of
Boletus subtomentosus five inches in diameter, there were produced
no less than 5,000,000,000 spores.

(3) The exceeding rapidity of their growth, which is largely
dependent on their modes of nutrition on organic matter, is evidently
of advantage in connection with their parasitism and saprophytism.
The Great Puff ball will grow to the size of a child's head in a few
hours, and Dr. Lindley computed that its cells multiply at the rate
of 60,000,000 in a minute. Dr. Carpenter gives an instance of
the rapid growth of Toadstools, as indicated by their expansive
power in lifting some of the heaviest stones of a pavement com-
pletely out of their beds, one of these stones weighing 83 lbs.,
and the resistance offered by the mortar having also to be taken
into consideration. The rapid development of Peronospora
infestans has already been referred to.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 207

(4) The fact that fungi can usually flourish as toell in darkness
as in sunlight gives them a further advantage in regard to their
nefarious habits. The absence of light seems in many cases to be
rather conducive to their development, as they are generally most
abundant in dark cellars, hollow trees, under logs, or in the
obscurity of woods, while some are subterranean. Not a few of
them seem, however, to require light for particular processes in
their growth and reproduction.

(5) The varied modes of reproduction and the alternation of
generations, so common in the loiver forms, give them a further
advantage in the struggle for life. If Peronosj)ora infestans, for
example, were limited to the production of "resting spores," it is
evident that the havoc it occasions would be much reduced; but by
the ready production of conidia and zoospores it propagates its
kind with great rapidity and success. The alternation of genera-
tions in which, for instance, the forms known as Aecidium, Uredo,
Puccinia, and again Aecidium, are successively produced, seems to
serve the same purpose.

There are, without doubt, other points in connection with the
reproduction of fungi which may yet be found to be of importance
in relation to their extensive diffusion and modes of nutrition; but
considerable obscurity still rests on many of these processes. For
instance, little of a satisfactory nature is known as to the function
of the spermogoues and their sperm atia, which are found in not a
few of the Coniomycetes.

In proceeding to consider shortly the phanerogamic parasites
and saprophytes, my remarks will be chiefly confined to the plants
found in Britain. Probably all plants with viscid hairs or
glutinous excretions retain and absorb the nitrogenous organic
matter floating in the air, and in some cases living insects as well.
That glandular hairs have the power of absorbing ammonia, both
in solution and in the gaseous state, has been clearly proved by
the experiments of Dr. Darwin. As there is an appreciable
quantity of ammonia both in the atmosphere and in rain-water, and
as many plants bear individually an immense number of glandular
hairs, this mode of nutrition may not be so unimportant as we
might at first be inclined to suppose. Darwin states that a plant
of Primula sinensis was found to bear upwards of 2,500,000 of
these glandular hairs. He is further of opinion that such plants
obtain animal matter from the insects entangled by the viscid

208 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

secretions. The plants known as decidedly insectivorous are
evidently closely related in respect of nutrition to this class, and
so far as such plants are concerned, they are either rootless or are
never found to possess large or highly-developed roots, and never
grow in rich soils in which plentiful absorbable organic matter
exists. Examples are afforded by our Drosera, Pinguicula, and
Utricularia, and by the exotics Dionaea mus^nda and Aldrovanda,
all of which are either aquatic, or grow in swamps and marshes;
by Drosophyllum lusitanicum, which is found on dry barren hill-
sides in Portugal and Morocco. It would thus seem that the
adaptations for capturing insects are only or mainly developed in
plants that have little chance of obtaining nitrogenous nutriment
from the soils in which they grow. Probably most of the higher
plants can live and flourish without absorbing any organic matter;
but, however that may be, it is an undoubted fact that a very
large proportion of them do usually derive a part of their nourish-
ment from this source. This is markedly the case in many
cultivated plants, which absorb organic manures largely, and are
thereby stimulated to increased growth and development, and to
greater activity in assimilating. In this latter respect these
cultivated plants differ widely from typical saprophytes and
parasites, which have come to depend wholly on supplies of
organic matter, and have given up assimilating for themselves.

If we regard exclusively the amount of nutrition derived by
vegetable parasites from foster plants, those which are, after
attachment, wholly dependent on their hosts will be held to be
completely parasitic, as Lathraea, Cuscuta, Orobanche; while those
which supplement their drafts on their hosts by assimilating for
themselves will only rank as sub-parasitic, as Viscum. If we
regard, however, the mode of attachment to the foster plant, the
class of complete parasites will include Viscum, which in one
respect — that of germinating on its host — is more distinctively
parasitic than any other British species, all the others germinating
in the soil and subsequently attaching themselves. There is a
group of plants, including Euphrasia, Mela/nvpyrwm, and the like,
which, like Lathraea, turn black when dried, and are usually
regarded as partial parasites. These plants, however, not only
assimilate for themselves, but their attachment to other plants is,
at the most, a very superficial one. The glandular pubescence of
many of them would, besides, seem to indicate the atmosphere as

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 209

another source available to them for the supply of nitrogenous
nutrition.

The Mistletoe (Viscum album) is the only woody parasite
indigenous in Britain. Loranthus europaeus, another representative
of the same order, is found on the Continent, while many allied
species are indigenous in the hotter parts of Asia and America ;
and all of them are parasitic. They possess no medullary sheath
of spiral vessels, but the wood contains scalariform tubes. Their
nearest allies are the Santalaceae, and to this order the British
plant, Thesium linophyllum, which is recognised as a partial
parasite, belongs. The seed of the Mistletoe clings to its host by
means of a viscid pulp, and when the radicle sprouts it drives its
way through the bark till it reaches the cambium layer, where it
connects itself organically. This natural process is in fact similar
to the artificial one of grafting, and no further development of
root-structure occurs, the full grown plant appearing rootless, like
a graft or branch on its host. The Mistletoe is found on a great
variety of trees — usually in England, however, on the apple,
poplar, or thorn, while its occurrence on the oak is very uncommon.

The order Orobanchaceae is represented in Britain by various
species of Orobanche, and by Lathraea squamaria. These all
germinate in the soil, and afterwards attach themselves to the roots
of certain plants. The order is probably a parasitical branch of
the Scrophidariaceae, in which there are many of the so-called
partial parasites formerly referred to, while its exotic genus Striga
is distinctly parasitic, and Buchnera hydrabadensis has, like
Orobanche, scales instead of true leaves.

Twining or trailing herbs are, more or less, on the way towards
becoming parasitic, and it is not therefore surprising that the
Convohidaceae present, as in Cuscuta, instances in which the twin-
ing habit has become connected with parasitism. All the species of
Cuscuta are leafless; they germinate in the ground, and then coil
round other plants, at the same time developing sucker-like bodies,
known as haustoria, which in this instance penetrate the tissues
of their hosts. These parasites subsequently nourish themselves
entirely through the haustoria, their lower parts connected with
the soil dying away. They have wire-like stems, with minute
scales at the nodes, and tufts of small convolvulaceous flowers.
In some parts of England they are very destructive in clover and
flax fields.

210 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Among the Orchidaceae, Neottia nidus-avis is a brownish, leafless
saprophyte. Its true root is exceedingly minute, though what is
popularly considered the root is a mass of succulent, thick root-
fibres, from the extremities of which young plants are produced.
It is found in the rich vegetable soils of dark, damp woods, and
seems to nourish itself by rendering soluble the organic matter in
the soil, absorbing it and converting it into its own substance.
Corallorhiza and Epipogium in the same order, and Monotropa
belonging to the Pyrolaceae, are plants of a similar character. All
of them contain traces of chlorophyll, which is not to any extent,
however, effective for assimilating. They possess, further, abundance
of starch, the materials of which are evidently absorbed in a soluble
form, and then converted into it in a manner similar to what fifoes
on in the roots, bulbs, tubers, &c, of ordinary green plants. This
general resemblance to organs in which stores of reserve material
are laid up is further evidenced in the case of Lathraea squamaria.
In the interior of the nucleus of quickly-growing cells in that
plant, those protoplasmic bodies to which Nageli gave the name of
crystalloids are observed in great numbers. They are usually only
found in cells where there are large quantities of reserve material
(as potato tubers, oily seeds, &c. ), and they seem especially adapted
for a dormant condition, the case of L. squamaria being the only
known instance of their existence in quickly-growing cells.

In phanerogamic parasites the embryo not uncommonly remains
rudimentary. In Cuscitta, Orobanche, and Lathraea, for instance,
the cotyledons are not discernible. In the Mistletoe, too, the
nucleus of the ovule is naked, no coats being formed, and the seed
frequently contains two or even three embryos. The parasitical
habit thus seems to affect the embryo and its development.

To groups of organisms that cannot obtain their nutriment from
inorganic sources, it is hopeless to turn for any insight into the
primordial forms of life. The very fact of parasitism and
saprophytism presupposes the existence of other organic life; and
it would seem probable that the primordial protoplasm must either
have been in the form of a chlorophyll body or one possessing
similar powers of nutrition. Nevertheless, vegetable parasites
existed at a very remote geological epoch. The great botanist,
Robert Brown, long ago discovered the mycelia of a fossil fungus.
Some years ago Mr. Carruthers, of the British Museum, recognised
mycelial threads in the tissue of a fossil fern from the Eocene beds

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 211

of Heme Bay; and in 1877, while preparing a slide to show the
vascular structure of the axis of Lepidodendron, he observed both
the mycelium and oogonia of a fungus, which Mr. Worthington
Smith subsequently described, naming it Peronosporites antiquarius.
A Mucor had been previously described from the Coal Measures,
and other fungi had occasionally been observed, though no definite
descriptions had been given. According to Mr. Smith, the
mycelium of this Peronosporites is clearly septate, and certain of
the oogonia show the contained zoospores "with a clearness" — to
use his own words — "not to be exceeded by any living specimen at
the present time." The oogonium is exactly the same in size and
character with that of our Peronospora infestans — the contained
zoospores are of the same form and dimensions, while the average
number of zoospores in each oogonium is the same. In tin's lowly
organism we have probably a simple primordial fungus. Perono-
spora is very closely related to the algae, the Saprolegnieae — which
unite the parasitic habit of moulds with the fructification of algae
— being the connecting link. Now Sachs and others place the
lower algae among the primeval plants from which fungi and
other cellular cryptogams have branched, and the extreme antiquity
of this closely-allied form — Peronosporites — lends much support to
their views. Were algae once to branch out in this way, we can
so far understand — if we accept the theory of evolution — how all
the variety and complexity that characterise the fungi arose
during the millions of years that have elapsed since, at the least,
the time when this Peronosporites lived. The lowly cellular
structure of these fungi would in itself probably indicate their
appearance at an early period in geological time, but this important
discovery has set the matter at rest.

Nor is this Peronosporites by any means the oldest known
instance of vegetable parasitism, which has, besides, been observed
in fossils of both the Silurian and Devonian systems. Professor
P. M. Duncan describes an alga (Palaeachlya) found on Silurian
corals, wrhich agrees in shape and size with the form parasitic on
corals of the present time, known as Achhja, resembling Saprolecjnia
ferax in its habit; and he further considers Empusa, Saprolegnia ,
and AcJdya to be the same organisms living under different
physical conditions. If such be the case, the wonderful persistence
of form in this lowly organism is deserving of attention. As

further testimony to the intimate relationship between the alga-
VOL. iv. p

212 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

fruited Saprolegnieae and the lower fungi, our greatest English
authority on this subject, Dr. Berkeley, has expressed his opinion
that Achlya may be an aquatic form of Botrytis bassiana, the
fungus that attacks the silkworm.

To sum uj3, it would appear that the fungi have been developed
from the lower algae, while the phanerogamic parasites and
saprophytes have branched out from various classes of ordinary
green plants — Cuscuta from twining species of the Convolvulaceae;
Orobanche from the Scrophulariaceae, from which in Buchnera and
Striga it is only separated by its parietal placentas; and the
Loranthaceae probably from the Santalaceae. The British sapro-
phytic orchids belong to an order which in warmer climes
possesses many epiphytic species, and this epiphytism may be
regarded as somewhat allied to parasitism and saprophytism.
Monotropa is connected, in its mode of nutrition, with Pyrola by
an exotic species — Pyrola aphylla — which is devoid of effective
chlorophyll and has scales in place of true leaves.

I trust I have succeeded in bringing before you a few salient
points in connection with this subject; and I think we cannot help
admitting that the adaptations of plant parasites for pilfering from
their neighbours, and of saprophytes for investing dead matter
with life in a new form, are as admirable as any others in nature,
and that the same elaboration and finish have been given to all
their organs as have been bestowed on other living beings.

The Chairman, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Turner for
the able manner in which he had treated this important subject,
referred especially to the instances given in the paper of parasites
on the Lepidodendrons of the Coal Measures, &c, and stated that
there were records of the finding in many cases of parasitical algae
on fossils of the Silurian period.

January 27th, 1880.

Mr. W. J. Milligan, Vice-President, in the chair.
Messrs. William Holbrook and James Steel were elected
ordinary members.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. A. F. Fergus exhibited several specimens of Moss-cup,
Peziza coccinia, and stated that he had been induced to bring this

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 213

fungus before the Society, as he thought it was not so well known
to a number of botanists as it ought to be. It is one of the most
beautiful of the British fungi, and nothing can be more lovely than
its crimson cup embedded in moss. It is often figured on Christ-
mas cards; but, excepting at Cove, on Loch Long, Mr. Fergus had
never seen it in nature. The form is somewhat infundibular, but
is often more or less flattened or spread out. It grows to about
the size of 1 inch, sometimes reaching lh inches. It grows in
moist places, and there is a popular tradition that it is only to be
found on the hazel or oak; and, so far in corroboration of this, Mr.
Fergus said he had not found it on any other wood. If a trans-
verse section be cut out of the rim and put under the microscope,
it will be found to consist of three layers, externally a cuticle
covered with hairs on its outer surface, in the middle a somewhat
granular layer, and internally the pigmented layer, which also
contains the spores, as usual, eight to a sac, each individual spore
being about ^io"th part of an inch — i.e., between 4 and 5 times the
size of the red blood corpuscle of the human subject.

Mr. Fergus also showed an abnormal variety of the Dandelion,
Taraxacum officinale, found at the Kyles of Bute in July, 1879,
and growing in a cottage garden. The specimen, in its essential
features, did not differ from the typical form, but in addition there
was developed rather more than half-way up the stem what was to all
appearance a true leaf; and in its axil was developed a stem, 2
inches long, bearing another floral capitulum — in fact, practically a
branch. When the specimen was plucked, the hollow stem and
usual lactiferous discharge were observed, and in digging up the
root there was noticed on the stem a good-sized bud, probably the
embryo of another similar development. As to the cause of this
abnormality, Mr. Fergus did not feel justified in giving an opinion,
probably it was caused by some division of the growing point
taking place as it forced its way through the soil. As a matter of
fact he had often observed the capitula of Dandelions split up into
two, three, or even four divisions, each subdivision resembling to
some extent the perfect capitulum, but he had never seen the
development of a leaf almost like a bract with a floral axis in its
axil.

Mr. James Eggleton exhibited a specimen of the Little Auk,
Mer gains alle (Lin.), got last year in the neighbourhood of Loch
Lomond, and a fine specimen of the female Capercaillie, Tetrao

214 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

uroyallus (Lin.), obtained recently near Milngavie, and remarks
on them were made by several of the members.

Mr. James Allan exhibited a collection of mosses from Bogota,
New Grenada. The specimens were all named, and numbered
98 species, and 56 genera, many being indigenous in Britain.

PAPERS READ.

I. — Meteorological Notes and Remarks on the State of Vegetation
during 1879. By Mr. Duncan M'Lellan, Superintendent
of Parks.

This year has been exceptionally unpropitious, both for the
animal and vegetable kingdom, owing to the long and severe
winter season. It is only upon the latter that I purpose to make
a few remarks. The year was ushered in with frost, and snow
4 inches deep, which continued more or less during the first four
months. Beginning with January, the thermometer, as registered
at the Queen's Park, was below the freezing point on 28 mornings,
and only on 10 days did it rise above 32°. 249° of frost were
registered during the month, and only 102° of heat. There were
25 dry days. The average depth of snow was 6 inches, and it
remained upon the ground for 26 days. The average temperature
was 34° "24. In February the thermometer was below 32° on 19
mornings, and registered 98° of frost, and 120° of heat. The dry
days were 17. Snow and sleet fell on 11 days. The average
temperature was 3 2° -24. During March rain and sleet fell on 10
days, and snow on 5 days. The heaviest fall of the season took
place on the 17th, when about 12 inches lay on the ground, but
partially disappeared the following day. The thermometer fell
below 32° on 12 mornings. The average temperature was 46 '32°.
The dry days were 16. April was a very cold month, the pre-
vailing winds being north by east. Snow fell on the 13th, and
during the month there were 20 days on which we had no rain.
The average temperature was 45*34°. In the beginning of May
the weather continued remarkably cold, 12° of frost being registered
between the 5th and the 9th. The dry days numbered 22, and the
rainfall was 1-34 inches. The average temperature was 54-38°.
June is to be noted as the wettest month of the year. Rain fell
on 21 days, giving 5*91 inches, and there were heavy thunder-
showers of rain and hail on the 8th, 11th, and 21st. July was also

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 215

a dripping month, there being 3 37 inches of rain, and only 15 dry
days. The average temperature was G 1 •49°. During August we
had 4-58 inches of rain, and 13 fine days. The maximum
temperature was 64° and the minimum 49". There was nothing
special to note in temperature, <fec, for September, October, and
November. Fortunately these months proved the most favourable
of the year, which enabled farmers to secure their crops, and
promoted the maturing of wood and flower-buds upon trees and
shrubs. December commenced with severe frost. The thermo-
meter registered 20° on the 4th, but towards the close of the
month the weather became dry and mild. On the 22nd there
were in flower in the Parks Christmas Roses, Violas of sorts, the
Daisy, the Buttercup, and Poa annua. The two last-mentioned
were also observed in George Square. There were in all 22 dry
days, and the average temperature was 36 "29°.

The coldest day of the year was December 4th, when the
thermometer registered 20° of frost; and the warmest dav Julv
28th, on which we had 78° in the shade. The average temperature
for the year was 48*37°, as compared with 53*39° in 1878. The
total rainfall was 30*93 inches, as against 26*18 inches in the
previous year.

In summing up with a few general remarks upon the state of
vegetation during the past year, I may notice that, consequent
upon the severe spring, crops of all kinds were from four to six
weeks later than usual. The Christmas Rose, which should have
been in flower in December, 1878, only bloomed at the Queen's
Park on February 24th; the Snowdrop appeared on March 1st, and
the Crocus on the 20th of same month. The Lilac flowered on June
Tih, the Laburnum on June 11th, and the Hawthorn on June 16th.
Summer, or bedding-out plants, were almost a complete failure,
with the exception of Violas; but this remark does not apply to
those in the carpet beds, which proved fairly successful. Trees
and shrubs made weak and sickly growths, and neither the wood
nor flower-buds have been thoroimhlv matured to withstand the
severe winter which we are now experiencing.

Referring to the injury sustained by trees and shrubs during the
winter and spring, 1878-79, 1 am glad to observe that they have
not suffered materially in the neighbourhood of Glasgow. The
covering of snow which remained upon the ground during the
hardest frost afforded partial protection; nevertheless, at Kelvin-

216

PROCEEDINGS OP THE

grove Park, Bay Laurels were all killed, except Laurus
colchicum and rotundifolium. Several Rhododendron ponticum
suffered severely, while the hybrid varieties escaped. Aucuba
japonica was not injured either in spring', or on the 4th December,
when, in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, they were frosted to
the ground. The following plants were more or less affected by
the frost at Queen's Park, viz.: — Pemettija mucronata, Bay and
Portugal Laurels, Ribes sanguineum, Cryptomeria elegans, Escallonia
macrantha, Double-flowering Whin, Spanish Broom, &o. A number
of Japanese Coniferae, planted out, have been found to be perfectly

Meteorological Record kept at Queen's Park, Glasgow,

for the last Three Years.

MONTH.

1879.

1878.

1877.

• i

hermemeter.

Dry
Days.

c3

Ihermometer.

Dry
Days.

14

<— <

K

l'liermometer.

Dry
Days.

Average.

Average

Average.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

31

Max.

Min.

January,

100

34

24

25

4-65

41

9'39

41

31

4

February,

•94

36

29

17

1-41

44

35

17

4-45

48

33

5

March, .

275

40

32

16

1-85

49

32

21

2 33

45

30

12

April,

1-49

45

34

21

2-25

53

38

19

2 26

47

34

18

May, . .

1-44

54

38

22

2-73

60

42

14

1-57

54

37

22

June, . .

5-91

60

45

9

2 30

68

45

18

2 86

68

47

14

July, . .

o.o"7

61

49

15

•39

71

48

27

3 07

64

49

4

August, .

4-58

64

49

13

2 53

67

50

13

6 20

63

48

9

September,

3-37

57

44

10

4-61

63

47

10

1-50

60

41

22

October, .

2-08

52

38

21

1*26

65

43

20

471

54

39

11

November,

1-52

44

33

24

1-30

41

30

23

5 22

52

40

2

December,

2-48

36

29

22

'90

33

28

29

4-47

44

33

8

30 93

48

37

215

26-18

53

39

225

48-03

53

38

131

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 217

hardy. At Messrs. Austin & M 'Asian's Titwood Nursery, which
is considerably lower than the Queen's Park, Portugal and Bay
Laurels, Sweet Bays, Aucuba japonica, and Laurestinas were con-
siderably cut up. From several newspaper reports it appears that,
in the south and east of Scotland, during January, the thermometer,
on several occasions, registered a few degrees below zero. Con-
sequently Cech'us deodara, and many valuable Coniferae, were
killed outright; and, in various instances, hares and rabbits, in a
famished state, stripped the bark off every green twig within their
reach. Even the Monkey Puzzle, Araucaria imbricata, did not
escape their ravages. In the north and west apparently little
damage has been occasioned by frost ; but in not a few instances
the snow, especially during .March, deprived many a noble silver
spruce and Scotch fir of its branches, which means slow death.
The pecuniary loss sustained throughout Scotland from the effects
of wind and weather upon trees is estimated at several hundred
thousand pounds.

II. — On Tubers, Bidbs, and Tap Roots, their Functions in the
Vegetable Economy. By Mr. Alexander S. Wilson, M.A., B.Sc.

Every part of an organism is so intimately related to the
conditions under which it lives, that only by the study of such
relationships are we enabled to disentangle those complex forces,
by the balancing and counteracting of which the stability of any
organic form is in nature determined. Formerly, naturalists were
too much given to the habit of looking on vegetable structures
(and animal ones too, for that matter) solely in their relation to
man's wants and necessities. Thus the beauty and fragrance of
flowers were conceived to be merely for human enjoyment; fruits
were not regarded as means whereby the species of plants were to
be disseminated and propagated, but as food for man and beast.
Now, however, the truth of the doctrine that no animal or plant
ever possesses any structure or habit solely for the benefit of
another, is beginning to be recognized, and the further recognition
of this truth is, we venture to think, destined to give rise to many
interesting investigations.

In the case of no structures, perhaps, has their primary object
been more lost sight of than in the case of tubers, bulbs, and tap-
roots. From the high economic value possessed by many of these,
they seem hitherto to have been considered only in the light of

218 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

their utility — such as their susceptibility of great succulent
development under the influence of external stimuli. In the
present paper it is proposed to inquire what services they perform
to the plant possessing them — what in short is their role in the
vegetable system, irrespective of the uses made of them by man.
Most people doubtless believe that Potatoes and Carrots were
made to be eaten; for the present we must proceed upon the
assumption that they were not. The present paper is but an
extension of a former subject; the considerations here brought
forward having forced themselves on me while trying to solve some
of the questions which I then mooted, but could not satisfactorily
clear up.* Some of you will, I dare say, remember that in trying
to account for the predilection shown by certain plants for the
abodes of man, from the fact that the majority of this class of
plants bore the impress of a desert flora, I was led to infer that this
peculiarity was due to the indirect effects of man's operations on
the soil and climate, tending to render these drier.

I pointed out, further, that plants of a succulent habit were
characteristic of regions which were subject to frequent drought,
and illustrated the superiority of this class of vegetation over
grasses for resisting excessive aridity by a reference to Dr. Living-
stone's account of the displacement of the grass by ice-plants or
succulent-leaved Mesembryanthemums and Crassulas on the Kala-
hari Desert during a succession of severe droughts. From this
consideration we were led to infer that the peculiar liking of the
House-leek for thatched roofs might be due to its inability to
withstand a damp climate, and to its finding on a roof the needful
dryness and sun exposure. There were one or two well-marked
instances, however, which I found difficult to trace satisfactorily
to this class, but I ventured to suggest that they might be
originally shore-plants. One of these was the Dock (Rumex). The
tap-root of this plant, however, I have since come to regard as a
true index of its history, unmistakably proving it to be a desert or
shore-plant; so that the Dock undoubtedly agrees with those other
plants that grow near human habitations in this respect — that it
is highly qualified to withstand drought.

On the authority of Mr. Darwin, many succulent-leaved plants
succumb to a damp climate; and this is probably due to the fact
that they have on the surface of their leaves comparatively few
Trans. Glasgow Soc. Field Naturalists, 1878.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 219

stomata for the exhalation of watery vapour, which seem to be
necessary to plants in damp situations. On the other hand,
Mesembryanthemum edule has the additional contrivance of oblong-
tubers buried deep beneath the soil for complete protection from
the scorching sun, which serve as reservoirs of sap and nutriment
during those rainless periods which recur perpetually in even the
most favoured parts of Africa. Dr. Livingstone, speaking of the
region north of the Orange River, where the soil was light-coloured
soft sand, nearly pure silica, writh beds of ancient rivers containing
much alluvial soil, baked hard by the burning sun, says: — "The
quantity of grass which grows on this remarkable region is
astonishing even to those who are familiar with India. It usually
rises in tufts, with bare spaces between, or the intervals are
occupied by creeping plants which, having their roots buried far
beneath the soil, feel little the effects of the scorching sun. The
number of those which have tuberous roots is very great; and
their structure is intended to supply nutriment and moisture
when, during the long droughts, they can be obtained nowhere
else. Here we have an example of a plant not generally tuber-
bearing, becoming so under circumstances where that appendage is
necessary for preserving its life; and the same thing occurs in
Angola to a species of grape-bearing vine, which is so furnished
for the same purpose. The plant to which I at present refer is
one of the Cucurbitaceae, which bears a small scarlet-coloured
eatable cucumber. Another plant, named ' Leroshiia,' is a
blessing to the inhabitants of the desert. We see a small plant
with linear leaves and a stalk not thicker than a crow's quill; on
digging down a foot or 18 inches beneath, we come to a tuber,
often as large as the head of a young child; when the rind is
removed we find a mass of cellular tissue tilled with fluid much
like that in a young turnip. Owing to the depth beneath
the soil at which it is found, it is generally deliciously
cool and refreshing. Another kind, named ' Mokuro,' is
seen in other parts of the country -where long-continued heat
parches the soil. This plant is a herbaceous creeper, and deposits
underground a number of tubers, some as large as a man's head, at
spots in a circle a yard or more horizontally from the stem. The
natives strike the ground on the circumference of the circle with
stones, till, by hearing a difference of sound, they know the water-
bearing tuber to be beneath. They then dig down a foot or so and

220 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

find it." So much does Dr. Livingstone seem to have been struck
with this peculiar tuber-bearing character of the vegetation, that he
suggests elsewhere to the Cape. farmers the possibility of growing
grapes in the more arid parts of Cape Colony by means of the
Angola tuber- bearing variety of vine. Another African traveller,
who devoted much attention to the botany of the regions through
which he passed, has carefully recorded similar features observed
by him in the vegetation of Central Africa, in the district around
the river Gazelle (a tributary of the Nile). Dr. Schweinfurth, in
his work on the " Heart of Africa," describes this land of Bongo,
which lies between latitudes 6° and 8° N., where the soil is allu-
vial, as being decidedly less varied than even the most uniform dis-
tricts of Germany, although subject to periodic rainy seasons. A
characteristic feature of the region is its steppes, which are subject
to annual conflagrations. There are, too, as he mentions, pasture
lands, interrupted here and there with impenetrable thickets, while
in the shade of certain trees are found the splendid bulbs of the
Eaemanthus gloriosa and Chlorophytum, together with ground
orchids and the wonderful " Kosaria," which is a tuber-bearing
plant. Upon the drier spots, where the clay soil happens to be
mixed with sand, weeds and herbaceous plants are found, which
recall the flora of the northern steppes. Many species of Cappari-
daceae, e.g., Gynandroj^sis, were abundant — an order which, while
resembling our own Cruciferae in the arrangement of its floral
envelopes and pungent juices, appears to bear the same relation to
other tropical vegetation that many of our common Cruciferae with
with acrid juices bear to the flora of our temperate clime. Dr.
Schweinfurth mentions also two leguminous plants cultivated at
Bongo, which fructify below the soil — the speckled pea-shaped
Voandzeia and the Arachis, or earth-nut, now dispersed every-
where over the tropics, but whose proper home is in Africa.
Plants having similar hypocarpogeal fruits are alluded to in the
course of Livingstone's writings. Of the tuberous vegetables
cultivated by African tribes, there are various kinds of yams
( Dioscorea alata and Helmia bulbifera), by some tribes, whilst
the Niain-Niain and Monbutto, who devote more attention to the
growth of tubers than of cereals, prefer the sweet potato (Batatas
edulis), the " Manioc" (Euphorbiaceae),the "Colocasia" (Aroideae),
and other bulbs. All the yams in these parts are seen to exhibit
the same form, which is reckoned the most perfect in this produc-

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 221

tion, lavished by bountiful nature on man with so little labour on
his part. The tubers of Central Africa are very long, and at their
lower extremity have a number of thick protuberances resembling
in size and shape the foot of an elephant (one of them hence called
Testudinaria eleplmntipes. Of these, specimens weighing from 50
to 80 lbs. were seen by Dr. Schweinfurth, and the substance of
these tubers, according to him, was mealy, somewhat granular,
and easily cooked, being of a looser texture than our tenderest
potatoes, and decidedly preferable to them in flavour. The tubers
of the " Nyitti," or Helmia bulbifera, are similar to those of the
potato, but occur in the axils of leaves. In Bongo, Cucumbers,
Gourds, and a plant with a succulent calyx (Hebiscus esculentus)
are abundant, so that though the people cultivate but few vege-
tables, they find a variety of substitutes in these succulent-leaved
and tuber-bearing plants which grow wild. It is a remarkable
peculiarity of the flora of this region that all the species which
are not essentially shrubby or arborescent strive for a perennial
existence, and, as evidence of this, it may be observed that the
roots and portions of the stem beneath the soil either
develop into bulbs and tubers, or exhibit a determination
to become woody. Annuals occupy a very insignificant place,
and all vegetation seems to be provided with a means of with-
standing the annual steppe-burning, and of preserving the germs
of life until the next period of vitality recurs. When their corn
provision is exhausted, or when there is a failure in the harvest,
the Bongo find a welcome resource in these tubers. They subsist
on them for days in succession, and find in them the staple of
their nourishment, whenever they go upon their marches in the
wilderness. Many of their bulbs and tubers are extremely bitter;
and it is not until they have been thoroughly steeped in boiling
water, or have had the pungent matter roasted out, that they can
be eaten. Amongst these bitter bulbs are two belonging to the
Cucurbitaceae which claim notice, which are abundant everywhere.
" Impregnated with like bitterness are the rape-like roots of the
Asclepias,th.e huge tubers of the Entada ivalbergii and Pachyrrhizas,
as well as the various kinds of Vernoniae and Flemingiae, which are
dug up from a foot below the surface of the soil." Notable among
these numerous tuber plants is the diminutive Drimia, which lifts
its pretty red blossoms about a couple of inches above the rocky
ground, and possesses a bulb which becomes edible after prolonged

090

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

boiling. " Whenever a halt is made upon the marches across the
wilderness, the bearers, as soon as they are liberated from their
burdens, set very vigorously to work and grub up all sorts of roots
from the nearest thickets." "I can myself," continues the same
traveller, " vouch for a fact, which might fairly be deemed in-
credible, that thirty Bongo, who accompanied me on my return
to Sably at a time when I had scarcely enough to keep me from
starvation, subsisted for six consecutive days entirely on these
roots, and, although we were hurrying on forced marches, lost
neither their strength nor their spirits. Their constitutions were
radically sound, and they seemed formed to defy the treatment of
their inhospitable home." " Incalculable in its effect," says the same
observer, "must be the influence of the annual steppe-burning on
the vegetation of Central Africa, this being favoured bv the
dryness of the seasons, the ground being covered with a blackened
ash, from which the alkalies are washed into the soil by the first
rain, while trees have not the same chance of attaining great size
that they have in temperate regions where such fires do not occur."
In the steppes of Europe and Asia, where the soil generally
consists of a coating of vegetable mould over clay, no plants with
deep roots thrive ; hence steppes are destitute of trees, and even
bushes are rare, except in ravines. The grass is thin, but
nourishing ; while Hyacinths and other bulbs, together with
Asparagus and Liquorice, grow abundantly. Bulbous Amarylli-
daceae abound in the meadows of Eastern Siberia, and the
vegetation bears a great analogy to that of North-west America —
several genera and species being common to both. On the North
American prairies, among other Compositae, occur Dahlias (Helian-
thus corco2)sis), &c. Again, the Llanos of Venezuela and Guiana
are covered with tall grass, mixed with Lilies and other bulbous
llowers. In these regions fires are of frequent occurrence. The
same is also the case in Chili, the home of the Potato. Here this
plant has a tendency to become woody and bristly. It is a native
of the sea strand, and is never found naturallv more than 400 feet
above it. In the wiid state the tubers of the Potato are small,
and, like those African tubers already referred to, bitter. Indeed,
the most of the order Solanacese, to which it belongs, possess bitter,
poisonous principles. The fibrous character of the rootlets of the
Potato, as well as the fact that it prospers best in dry, sandy soils,
together with those crop failures in very wet seasons, unmistakably

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 223

prove its character. The same thing may be said of Turnips and
Carrots, which grow wild on our shores, and attain their highest
perfection in light, sandy soils. The Cabbage presents an interest-
ing case. The wild equivalent is a shore plant, but under cultivation
the leaves, rather than the root-stock, tend to become succulent.
In the Kohl-rabi, however, there is a fleshy bulb (Sprengel).
The Jerusalem Artichoke {Helianthus tuberosus) grows to
greatest perfection where there is a dry, hot summer.
Plants of our native flora possessing tuberous structures too,
usually grow in dry situations — e.g., Ranunculus Jicaria — whose
fasciculate roots, partly fibrous, partly tuberous, are adventitious,
the plant being perennial. It is instructive to compare the roots
of this plant with those of its near ally the Marsh Marigold (Caltha
palustris), which, growing in streams, has no tubers. An enlarged
or succulent rhizome is frequently found in plants growing in dry
situations, thus Spiraea Jilipendula, with a short root-stock and
fibres interruptedly tuberous, according to Hooker, grows in dry
pastures, while S. ulmaria, frequenting meadows and watersides,
is not so provided. In England, Bryony possesses tubers, and
grows in such situations ; the rootstock of various species of
Plantago, growing on sandy and gravelly soils {P. coro^nojms),
Corydalis bulbosa, together with some members of the orders
Convolvulaceae, Compositae, Cruciferae, Leguminoseae, and
Umbelliferae (Daucus), exhibit a like tendency. There are,
however, marked exceptions — e.g., the Cow Parsnip, with
many Orchids, Lilies, Iridaceae {Iris, Gladiolus, Crocus), and
Amaryllklaceae [Galantines), are found in moist, shady situa-
tions While, therefore, there can be little doubt in the case
of tap-roots and tubers that they are directly related to a light
soil and arid climate, it is by no means so clear in the case of such
bulbs as those of the Lily, Onion, Hyacinth, Crocus, and rhizomes
like that of Solomon's Seal, that they are directly related to with-
standing droughts. It is not impossible that some of these bulb-
bearing plants may be at an advantage as regards capability of
withstanding cold (protected under ground under snow), as opposed
to annuals grown from seed germination. As a matter of fact many
of our earliest flowers are of this class, Snowdrop, Lily of the
Valley, ISTarcissus, and Crocus. This much, however, appears,
that such plants are most characteristic of prairies and steppes —
tracts subject at one period of the year to floods, and to another

'224: PROCEEDINGS OF THE

for long periods of no rain and great heat, when fires are frequent,
which will greatly impair the chances of re-sowing from seed.
Hence, annuals will be at a disadvantage in such situations, and
biennials and perennials will be much more favourably placed.
Hence we find that the annuals are few, or, as Schweinfurth
observes, plants strive to become perennial. It is a well-known
fact that many plants which are in our climate annuals, become
biennial or perennial in the tropics, and vice versa. Those having
hypocarpogeal or underground fruits will also be at an advantage
in the case of fire, for their seeds and seed-vessels would not be
exposed to the flames. Hence, too, the necessity of each plant
being able to continue its existence by vegetative reproduction
from a tuber or bulb instead of from seed !

This brings us to consider shortly the function of these
structures in relation to growth. This is different in different
cases. In biennials with tap-roots, the root serves as a depot of
nutriment, which is to be utilized in the second year during the
flowering of the plant — i.e., is ultimately destined to be trans-
formed into seed. In the case of the Potato, on the other hand,
from the eye of each tuber a new plant proceeds, which is
nourished on the starch of the tubers, until, by its own leaves,
it is enabled to produce new tubers and flowers. Bulbs, again,
may be compared to resting buds, which in reality they are.
These are more characteristic of Monocotyledons, and, probably,
their nearest analogue is the cotyledons or albumen of the embryo,
bearing in mind that in the former case we deal with vegetative
repetition and in the latter with sexual reproduction. The amount
of water contained in these structures is remarkable. Thus,
Potatoes contain 75 or 76 per cent., Turnips, 91 per cent., Carrots,
86-i- per cent., Beet Hoot, 83|- per cent., &c, under cultivation.
These, of course, are unnatural, but they serve to indicate the
capacity of the plants in the way of storing up moisture for future
growth, and, consequently, of withstanding drought, which appears
to be the office fulfilled by them to the plants provided with tubers,
bulbs, or tap-roots.

III. — On the Use of Coloration and Markings of Caterpillars, and
on the Development of the Insect. By Mr. Peter Cameron.

Mr. Peter Cameron in his paper gave an account of some
observations he had made on the use of coloration and markings

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 225

of caterpillars, and on the development of the insects. Referring
to the brown marks on the larvae of Smerinthus, he showed that
they simulated the leaf fungi and the mite galls so common on
food plants, and thus had an additional means of concealment
besides the green colour, in imitation of that of the leaves. He
then discussed the striking change in coloration which many larvae
of Tenthredinidae underwent at the last moult and immediately
before pupation. This change he showed, by referring to Cladius
viminalis, Nematis viminalis, &c, was of a protecting nature,
either in rendering the larva less or more conspicuous, according to
the habits of the creature. N viminalis, for example, living in
galls, has no need for coloration; but before pupation, and when it
leaves the galls, it becomes slate coloured, which assimilates it
with the sand on the river-bank on which it lives, and up which
it crawls to a place where it will not be so much exposed to in-
undation. Cladius viminalis, on the other hand, assumes a more
gaudy coloration at the last moult, so that it may be more readily
seen — the reason of this being that the larvae live several on a
leaf, and thus they are conspicuous enough; but when they reach
maturity they separate, in order to reach a safe resting-place —
generally up trees. Thus a more gaudy coloration is of advantage
to them during this transition period, as the orange colour renders
them visible at a distance of several yards, and when seen they are
avoided by insectivorous animals. •

The second part of the paper was taken up with the subject of
Parthenogenesis in the Tenthredinidae. Mr. Cameron stated that
this phenomenon exists under two phases — first, with species which
have males and females, tolerably common, the parthenogetic brood
in this case being always male; and second, with species having no
known males — the result in this case being females. Details were
given of the experiments of the author with various species, as
well as of observations communicated to him by Mr. J. E. Fletcher
on Nematis jxdliatus and N. gallicola, all proving the very general
occurrence of Parthenogenesis in this family. In conclusion, the
author stated that, from observations he had made on one or two
maleless species, he was inclined to believe that the number of
perfect insects which reached maturity bore a small proportion to
the number of larvae — in other words, the larvae have less vitality
than those of bi-sexual insects, and thus the species was enabled to
flourish only by the great number of eggs it laid. Still the difn-

'226 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

culty of getting precise information on the comparative number of
perfect insects produced from a like number of eggs of partheno-
genetic and bi-sexual insects was so great that he only threw out
the suggestion in order to direct inquiry to the subject.

February 24th, 1880.

Mr. John A. Harvie Brown, F.Z.S., M.B.O.TL, Vice-President,
in the Chair.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. William Stewart exhibited a fine series of mounted speci-
mens of Native Ferns. The collection, which embraced nearly all
the British species, with a number of interesting varieties, was
much admired from the perfect way in which the specimens had
been preserved and mounted. Mr. Stewart pointed out any
peculiarities connected with them, and stated the localities where
they had been gathered. Several of the members made remarks
on the collection.

PAPERS READ.

I. — Notes, chiefly Botanical, of a Visit to the Island of Coll.

By Mr. Thomas Scott.

Not long before the Greenock Fair Holidays last year, as I was
casting about for a place where I could conveniently spend a day
or two, and perhaps have an opportunity of adding some specimens
to my herbarium, a Greenock friend, who has a good deal of busi-
ness intercourse with the Island of Coll, offered to procure for me
a free passage there and back. Knowing that it lies rather out of
the usual line of migration of botanists, while at the same time it
formed a sort of Ultima Thule to myself, I gladly accepted the
offer, and thus it was that I came to spend my holidays in Coll.
I trust you will accord me your forbearance while I note a few
particulars of my observations, chiefly as to its flora.

The Island of Coll. which lies a few miles to the north-west of
Mull, is about 14 miles long, by about an average breadth of 2.1,
miles, and is comparatively low-lying, its highest elevation not
reaching 300 feet. Though forming one of the Inner Hebrides,
it is, from its position, exposed to the full fury of the Atlantic

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 227

gales, and, as a consequence, few trees have been able to obtain a
foothold, and even these few owe their scraggy existence to their
being sheltered by walls or other artificial protection. The
phanerogamic flora of the island consists nearly altogether of
dwarfed shrubs and herbaceous plants, such as — Vaccinium Vitis-
Idaea, Arctostajihylos Uva-ursi, Juniperus nana, Ranunculi,
orchids, grasses, etc. The hills, or knolls rather, also present a
bare and rugged, uninviting appearance, so you will thus under-
stand that to the inexperienced botanist, the island presents a
very unpromising look when first sighted; but, as the sequel will
show, appearances here, as elsewhere, are sometimes deceptive.

The rocks of which almost the whole of the island is composed
are gneiss, nearly, if not all, metamorphic conditions of hornblende,
&c, belonging, I believe, to the Upper Laurentian system.
In section they present generally a series of light and dark bands,
rather coarse-grained, which are so constantly varying in thickness
and structure that no two specimens are exactly alike. Sometimes
beds or veins of a different and, occasionally, more homogeneous
structure occur, as serpentine, felspar, hornblende, and quartz. At
Acha Mill there is an extensive ridge of almost pure quartz, which
has such a tempting look that it was quarried, and an endeavour
made to prepare it for monumental purposes, but, as might have
been anticipated from its structure, the attempt failed, and so the
ridge is still left to adorn the landscape. I noticed the veins of
hornblende on the west coast, not very far from the school-house.
The sea had not long left off the work of hewing down its rocky
barrier, the wind was pleasantly refreshing as it came from the
Atlantic, and the air was flooded with sunlight when I first saw
them, and as they glittered in the noon-day sun one could easily
imagine each crystal a gem, and the spot a veritable El Dorado!
The rocky knolls, with which the north end of the island is covered,
have that peculiar rounded and polished appearance said to be due
to the abradina; action of moving ice.

Somewhat extensive accumulations of blown sand occur,
principally along the west coast, and in the hollows which have been
scooped out by the wind great quantities of land and marine
shells are found indiscriminately mixed up. The land shells consist
mainly of Helix nemoralis and Bulimics acutus, and the marine
shells, of Patella and Littorina. As the shells become decomposed,
the calcareous matter gets mixed up with the sand, and being of a

VOL. IV. Q

228 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

binding nature, forms a coarse-grained calcareous sandstone — of
which considerable quantities are carted to a lime-kiln, near
Aranagour, and burned as lime for building and agricultural
purposes.

As the surface of the island is broken up by numerous small
lochs and peat-mosses, and by many small streams, and as there
are numerous sheltered bays and inlets, it is evident that
there is a great variety of soil and situation favourable to many
different plants. So that the more one extends his researches the
more is ho surprised at the comparative richness and variety of
the flora.

I will now proceed to enumerate a few of the more interest-
ing species.

Thalictvum minus is plentiful along the sandy shore of the west
coast. Nymphaea alba grows in a small loch not far from the over-
seer's new house, near Aranagour. Palaver (sp.?) I noticed in a
corn-field near the Free Church. Arabis hirsuta was found in a
meadow, not far from the school-house. Geranium sanguineum, in
most beautiful profusion, was found growing on the banks of a
stream, not very far from Major Stewart's house, and I felt fain to
linger beside this lovely spot. Geranium sanguineum is one of
our finest wild flowers, and is also one of those that are never so
beautiful as when growing in the wild freedom of their native
habitat. Long-leaved Sundew was very plentiful beside a small
loch about a mile-and-a-half from Aranagour. I did not get it 'in
flower, but from the lengthened petioles I have marked it Drosera
anglicc Veronica anagallis was found completely filling the bed
of a stream flowing west, not very far from the school-house, and
I never saw finer plants; they were just beginning to flower, and
at that time would be fully two feet in height. Ajuga pyramidalis
I found in a few places, and it seemed to favour i^ocky situations.
This plant seems to be very restricted in its distribution as far as
the British Islands are concerned, being confined to the North of
Scotland and West of Ireland. The number of counties set down
for it in the London Catalogue is 9, while some of our commonest
plants reach as high as 103.

The next I have to notice is one of the interesting insectiverous
plants, Utricularia (sp. ?), which was frequent in ditches having an
outlet into the small loch already mentioned as situated behind the
overseer's new house. The plants were very attenuated, and

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 229

whether this was owing to the great number of confervae which
were attached to them I cannot say, but, one circumstance I noticed
was, that a specimen brought home in a bottle continued to grow
for a time, but latterly vanished, while some of the confervae, which
could not be disengaged from the plant when collected, continued
to grow with increasing vigour till the whole space was filled.
When the water was examined about this time, a number of animal-
cules were seen disporting themselves, and appeared as if feeding
on the algae; whether that was the case or not, the quantity of
confervae began to show signs of diminution, and continued to do so
till scarcely a fragment remained; but the animalcules increased in
numbers and now have usurped the place formerly held by the two
vegetable organisms. May we call this a practical example of
evolution? I have not been able to make out the species, the plants
not being in very good condition — could they have been specimens
of Utricularia minor? Besides the above-named station, I also
noticed some plants of the same genus in a pool by the side of the
road between Aranagour and Acha, but they seemed to be different
from the last-mentioned, having the utricles on separate branches,
while the latter had them on the leaves. They seem therefore to
partake more of the character of Utricularia intermedia, but, mean-
while, not having sufficient knowledge of the genus to enable me to
determine their species without the aid of the flowers, I leave them
without particularizing the species till I know more about them.
Anagallis tenella was common by ditch sides, &c. Alisma ranun-
culoides was also of frequent occurrence. Another plant, some-
what rare in Scotland, which I found in the small loch behind
the overseer's new house, was Cladium mariscus. Hooker
says of this plant: — ''found in Sutherland, Wigtown, Berwick,
only, in Scotland," but its number (35), in the London Catalogue,
would indicate a wider range in the other divisions of the British
Islands. Its long-pointed, rigid, and saw-edged leaves, form a very
good distinctive character. Koeleria cristata was common in many
places.

The next plant to which I wish to draw your attention I
was rather surprised to find on the island, though that might be
accounted for because of my imperfect knowledge. I refer
to Scleroclrfoa loliacea. Hooker speaks of its distribution
"from Fife southwards, and in Ireland," thus indicating that, so far
as Great Britain is concerned, it is decidedly an east country plant.

230 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Besides, it is not mentioned in " Clydesdale Flora," and it is also
absent from the list of " Casuals" in the " Fauna and Flora of the
West of Scotland." I found it plentiful on the walls of the old
castle of the MacLeans of Coll. We have thus an extreme
westerly station for an east country plant — a point which those
having some knowledge of the causes of the distribution of plants
may be able to explain.

I will conclude my notes by referring to a few ferns, many
of the commoner species of which were observed on the island.
Some fine plants of Asplenium marinum were found on rocks a
little to the south of Major Stewart's house, and this fern is likely
to occur on other parts of the coast. Osmunda regalis — the Royal
fern — was frequent on the side of the loch, behind the overseer's
house, and also on a small island in a loch about midway between
Aranagour and Acha. I heard also of its occurrence in other parts
of Coll. Botrychium lunaria I found on some grassy banks a little
west of the school-house. One very rare plant said to be found in Coll
— but of whose existence there I did not learn till I came home,
which caused me not a little regret — was Eriocaulon septangulare.
There are only two counties given for it in the " London Catalogue,"
and in " Withering's British Flora " Coll and Skye are given as
stations. However, it is perhaps best that something worth
looking for is left, in case I should be able to renew my visit.

I have now gone over a few of the more interesting plants found
during a two day's ramble over the Island of Coll, and there is no
doubt, I think, that the list could be largely increased by a more
extended search. I may add, that Maj or Stewart, the proprietor of the
greater part of the island, and his overseer, were most obliging, both
as to affording the fullest liberty to ramble over the island, or in giv-
ing what information they possessed regarding its history, &c. The
old castle I have spoken of might alone form an interesting subject
for a paper, but perhaps what I have said may induce some
member with more leisure and ability to visit Coll, and to
place before the Society a more thorough record of its natural
history and antiquities than I have been able to do.

II. — Notes on Spiricdis retroversus from Gairloch, Ross-shire.

By John Grieve, M.A., M.D.

Mr. Duncan's yacht "Varina" anchored in Gairloch, Ross-shire,
on the evening of July 16th, 1879. It was rather dull and grey,

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 231

with high cloudy; the sea outside was calm and had been so for
some days; the air from the north was keen, but within the loch it
was much milder. Nothing special was noticed in the water that
evening. Next morning, July 17th, the sea was swarming with
Medusae. It was a gray, hazy morning; mild, with no sun, and
quite calm. Large Medusa aurita were progressing in all direc-
tions; Cydippe pileus, and Alcynoes were in immense numbers;
with Thaumantias and Sarzia pretty abundant also.

We use a small towing-net, with a bottle attached, as a dipping-
net to pick up passing Medusae, and also allow it to hang below the
surface for the chance of any animal going into it. This morning
it was put down between half-past seven and eight o'clock, and on
drawing it up a number of little blackish creatures were observed
swimming merrily in the bottle, like a lot of small water -beetles.
When we got it on board, we saw at once that they were Pteropods.
The net was soon below the surface again, and this was repeated
with the same result again and again. In fact, the sea was
swarming with these Pteropods, so much so that the surface, as
they came up and touched it, was covered with little rings, like
those produced by gently-falling rain- drops, or as if some incipient
ebullition was taking place. They were quite visible to the naked
eye (especially against the light-coloured paint of the side of the
yacht), as they approached the surface, and then dropped down
again — for they appeared to be perpetually rising and falling,
swimming up and dropping down, but not swimming along the
surface. If the net was allowed to hang down a little while, the
bottle, when taken up, contained a deposit of Pteropods at the
bottom, and a number of them swimming among the Cydipp>es,
which were nearly as plentiful. The species was Spiricdis retro-
versus, Fleming.

A few were transferred to a large bottle, where they had plenty
of free room and oxygen, and they survived till next day. The
others were speedily suffocated from their own numbers, perhaps
assisted by the Cydipp>es among them. A good many Chetochilus
septentrionalis were among them, and a few Zoeas of the shore crab
{Carcinus moeaas)hi the second or megalopa stage, in which the tail is
still free. We examined the Pteropods repeatedly daring the day —
the little creatures swam rapidly to the surface, rising with a peculiar
fluttering motion, perpendicularly or at an angle, and having reached
it, they raised the wings, as it were, above their heads, and holding

232 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

them motionless, and slightly bent at the angle in the middle of
the wing, dropped gently to the bottom, the stiff expanded wing act-
ing as a parachute. They reminded us of the sea-gulls dropping
down to pick up food thrown overboard. Some of them would stop
half-way in their descent, and resume paddling or winging their
way to the surface ; again to drop quietly down to the bottom,
along which they would flutter on their side, and then rise again,
but as if with some difficulty to get under weigh at first; or they
would remain at rest till we lifted the bottle, when they started
anew. They rose by a succession of rapid strokes, using the wings
simultaneously, and it was a pretty sight to see them dropping slowly
down again. They were not observed to use the wings as feet to
walk or crawl along the bottom, as Mr. Jeffreys says (Mollusca,
vol. v., page 117) A. Agassiz did. They only fluttered along and
came to rest, or got under way like a solan goose, and sped upward
to the surface. Perhaps if a flat stone had been put into the bottle
they would have got a better hold than on the smooth glass. It
would have been interesting to have seen whether they moved
about like Gasteropods, or were able to use their wing-feet, right
and left, like more rational beings. They were such joyous, merry
creatures when swimming that they looked particularly miserable
and helpless as they lay at the bottom. No exertion, apparently,
being required in the act of descending, it may be a state of rest,
and all that is necessary in deep water. This habit of dropping
down would soon have filled the towing-net bottle, if we had had
patience to leave it down long enough in the water. As it was we
got a layer of them as often as it was put down and brought up.
We went ashore after breakfast, towing the net after us to the
quay, and found them all round about, and they were quite as
numerous when the yacht left the loch at 1040 a.m. to go round
the north point of Skye. All day it continued dull and hazy, and
almost sunless till five o'clock, tbe Skye mountain tops being quite
invisible. At noon the sun peeped out for a little, about which
time we stopped to have a dredge over a patch of shell sand marked
on the chart near the north of Skye. While the dredge was down
in 37 fathoms, the towing net was put over, but we had got beyond
the Pteropods, and not one was visible — Cydippesuml Chetochili alone
being found in the bottle. The dredge brought up little — a couple
of urchins, Echinus sphaera, Amjrfiidotus roseus, and a Tritonia
hombergi. It also contained a large stone with a mass of Fluatra

XATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 233

foliacea growing on it. The fine scent of this species has been
noticed before. Dr. Johnston (Zoophytes, i. 343) says — " When
recent it exhales a pleasant scent, which Pallas compares to that of
the orange, Dr. Grant to that of violets, and which a friend tells me
smells to him like a mixture of the odour of roses and geranium.
On the contrary, Mr. Patterson tells me that the smell is strong,
peculiar, and disagreeable. It probably varies, and is often not to
be perceived at all." Dr. Landsborough (Zoophytes, p. 346) says,
" It is like bergamot, or rather like Verbena triphylla." Our living-
specimen reminded us of the Verbena, and had a strong scent of
lemon • when chewed it was somewhat pungent, and rather
pleasant, with a strong taste of lemon.* A few days later,
in Kilbrannan Sound, the dredge brought up a specimen of Flustra
truncata. This species has not been credited with fragrance, but it
is not devoid of taste, for on being chewed it was found to be
intensely bitter and to have a persistent bitter taste like that of
quinine. The difference between the two species in this respect is
somewhat remarkable.

After Dr. Grieve's paper, Mr. David Ilobertson, F.L.S., F.G.S.,
said — We are much indebted to Dr. Grieve for his excellent paper.
He has told us what he himself saw, and under what conditions, and
how these molluscs behaved both in freedom and in confinement.
This, in a great measure, is the object that our Natural History
Societies should aim at — to search for and to supply new facts, or
to clear up obscurely known ones. In this pursuit, over the broad
field of nature, there is ample scope for all our energies. There
are so many aspects in both living and dead matter, that we need
not sigh the sigh of Alexander the Great, that there are no more
worlds to conquer. Each fact, however small, may be a component
part of a whole, which without it may be difficult or impossible
to comprehend. Regarding this little mollusc, Spirialis retroversus,
Dr. Jeffreys tells us that it is known to be of wide distribution
everywhere along our coasts in drifted and dredged sand. Among
other places, it has been met with in the North Atlantic from
170 to 500 fathoms, on the Scandinavian coasts, in the Mid
Atlantic, in the Gulf of Naples, and Dr. Brady and I dredged it
off Sunderland in 30 fathoms. It has been met with in the post-

Flmtra foliacea cast ashore at Bournemouth, December, 1879. Ave found
to have the same scent and taste of lemon,

234 I'UOCEEDINGS OP THE

glacial deposits of Norway by M. Sars, where also the Rev. Mr.
Crosskey and I found it. It has not often been taken alive in our
seas. Prof. E. Forbes observed it on the north-west coast of Skye
in 1850. The Rev. A. M. Norman, in 1861 and 1867, caught
great numbers in Shetland, of different ages, from the fry to the
adult, in the towing net as well as the hand net, close to the
shore. Mr. A. Agassiz says that it can creep about by means of
its wing-like appendages — a circumstance which Dr. Grieve says
he did not observe, and further inquiry may perhaps ascertain
whether it behaves similarly under similar circumstances, or dif-
ferently under different conditions. Such questions as those raised
by Dr. Grieve have again and again resulted in valuable additions
to our knowledge.

III. — Collected Notes on the Birds of Buchan.

By Mr. William Horn.

The district of Buchan, which occupies the north-eastern corner
of Aberdeenshire, was formerly supposed to consist of the thirteen
parishes of Aberdour, Crimond, New Deer, Old Deer, Fraserburgh,
Longside, Lonmay, Peterhead, Pitsligo, Rathen, St. Fergus, Slains,
and Strichen, but now the name is applied indiscriminately to the
whole country between the rivers Ythan and Deveron, including
several small bits of Banffshire. Looking at this district from any
but an ornithological or sporting point of view, it is the reverse of
interesting. The scenery is poor in the extreme, and there is
scarcely any wood except some young fir plantations surrounding
some of the larger mansion houses, such as Philorth, Pitfour, Aden,
and Brucklay. The country is gently undulating, and the only
hill or rising ground of any importance is Mormond Hill, 810 feet
above the sea, on the estate of Strichen, while the only rivers
worthy of the name are : — the Ythan, flowing into the sea at Ellon,
and forming the southern boundary of the district ; the Ugie,
which flows through the centre, and reaches the sea at Peterhead ;
and the Deveron, flowing into the Moray Firth at Banff, which
forms the western boundary. As the country is very thickly
populated, the holdings are small, and the fields — consisting for the
most part of small patches of corn and turnip, interspersed here
and there with small bits of moss — are admirably adapted for par-
tridge shooting, and there is no other district in Scotland where

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OP GLASGOW. 235

larger bags may be made, in a favourable season, than here. Only a
few years ago the mosses covered a considerable extent of ground,
but now they are being rapidly drained and turned into arable land.
The only natural feature which excites the admiration of any
chance visitor to Buchan is the coast line, which consists of lofty
and rugged cliffs, worn into the most extraordinary and picturesque
shapes by the combined action of wind and wave, with, here and
there, a low-lying piece of ground, consisting of sand-hills covered
with bent grass, and which offers a temporary resting-place to
Woodcock and numerous other birds when they first land on the
coast. There is no finer coast scenery in Scotland than the Bullers
of Buchan, the rocks at Slains Castle, Pennon Rocks (352 feet
above the sea), Troup Head (309 feet), Gamrie More (403 feet),
tfcc. On these cliffs numerous species of sea-birds, such as the
Razor-bill, Kittiwake, Guillemot, and Puffin, take up their abode.
Several fresh-water lochs offer great attractions to almost every
variety of wild-fowl, chiefly on account of their shallow and
marshy character, and in the case of Strathbeg, where more rare
wild-fowl have been obtained than anywhere else in Scotland,
perhaps on account of its being the most easterly fresh-water loch
in the country. The Loch of Strathbeg possesses no natural beauty,
and is as dreary a spot as can well be imagined. It is about 3^
miles long by h mile broad at the widest part, and is situated about
halfway between Peterhead and Fraserburgh, on the estate of Mr.
Gordon of Cairness. In severe winters, when all the smaller lochs
are covered with ice, wild-fowl flock here in countless numbers,
while in spring it is the resort of numerous species of gulls,
waders, and ducks, for breeding purposes. Along its banks, and
among the rushes, which extend for a considerable distance into
the lake, nestle many varieties of small birds.

Many species are increasing in number annually, while others
are rapidly becoming extinct. Among the former may be noted : —
the Missel Thrush; Great, Blue, and Coal Titmice; Bullfinch;
Starling; Rook; Jackdaw; Tree Creeper; Wood Pigeon; Pheasant;
and Lapwing; and we have not far to go to find a cause for this
increase. It is without doubt the annually increasing acreage
under wood. On the other hand, nearly all the raptorial bird.--,
the Goldfinch, Rock Dove, Black Grouse, and Common Snipe are
becoming scarcer. All kinds of Hawks are shot down and trapped
by gamekeepers, without reference to species, or the damage done

236 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

by them, and it is only a marvel that so many varieties are still to
be procured. The Rock Dove, which formerly was common in
caverns on the cliffs of this rocky coast, has been driven away by
being constantly fired at, and now but a few pairs breed in the dis-
trict. The Black Grouse and Common Snipe, though still tolerably
common, are not nearly so numerous as they once were, chiefly on
account of the ground which is suitable for them becoming
annually more contracted in its area, through agricultural improve-
ments. I must not omit to mention that since the passing of the
Wild-Fowl Preservation Act, Seagulls have increased to an
enormous extent, and that during autumn and winter they are to
be met with in very large flocks on the coast.

Altogether I have included in the following list 199 species,
besides 19 others which have occurred just outside the district
I have attempted to describe, and which may very possibly
have occurred in Buchan. In making this list, I have made use of
Mr. Gray's "Birds of the West of Scotland," and Mr. Edward's
paper on the " Birds of Strathbeg," published in the Naturalist*
Mr. George Sim, of Aberdeen, has given me every assistance in
his power; and I am also much indebted to Mr. T. Ferguson, of
Alton, Kimnundy, and to Mr. Duncan, for many years gamekeeper
at Brucklay Castle, as well as to Mr. Henderson, formerly keeper
at Brucklay Castle, but now with Mrs. Gordon of Cluny, in
South Uist.

The nomenclature is according to Sundevall's method, revised by
Henry Thornton Wharton.

OSCINES.

Obs. Bluethroat. — Cyanecula suecica (Linnaeus). On the 16th
May, 1872, a fine male specimen of this species flew on board a
fisherman's boat off the coast of Aberdeenshire in company with a
common Redstart, and was taken into Aberdeen, where it was
examined by Mr. George Sim, who has it in his possession. This
is the first recorded occurrence of the species in Scotland.!

Redstart. — Ruticilla phoenicurus (Lin.). Tolerably common,
and breeds in the district.

Redbreast. — Frithacus rubecula (Lin.). Common.

* Nat., vol. iv., p. 239-247 and 263-2/1.
t Scottish Naturalist, vol. i., p. 226.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OP GLASGOW. 237

Stonechat. — Pratincola rubicola (Lin.). Rare.

Whinchat. — Pratincola rubetra (Lin.). Very rare.

Wheatear. — Saxicola aenanthe (Lin.). Common.

Missel Thrush. — Turdus viscivorus, Lin. Rare, but increasing
in numbers annually.

Song Thrush. — Turdus musicus, Lin. Common in all the
wooded parts of the district.

Redwing. — Turdus iliacus, Lin. Common in autumn and
winter. Has been observed to remain all summer in this neigh-
bourhood.*

Fieldfare. — Turdus pilaris, Lin. An autumn and winter
visitant like the last-named species.

Blackbird. — Turdus memda, Lin. Very common.

Ring Ouzel. — Turdus torquatus, Lin. Not common, but is
sometimes seen on the moors at Aberdour and on Mormond Hill.

Dipper. — Cinclus aquaticus, Bechstein. Breeds on all the
burns and rivers, and at the Loch of Strathbeg.

Wren. — Troglodytes parvidus, Koch. Very generally dis-
tributed.

Gold-crest. — Regidus cristatus, Koch. Rare.

Willow Wren, — Phylloscopus trochilus (Lin.). Common in
summer.

Wood Wren. — Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechst.). A specimen
was procured by Mr. W. Craibe Angus, at Fyvie Castle, in 1862,
when he took the nest and eggs.f Two others were seen and one
shot at Gourdas, Fyvie, in the beginning of May, 18724

Whitethroat. — Sylvia rufa (Boddaert). Occasionally seen
during the summer months.

Blackcap. — Sylvia atricapilla (Lin.). Mr. G. Sim, Gourdas,
Fyvie, shot one on 27th April, 1872, which was the second
specimen of this species seen in the locality. §

Reed Warbler. — Acroceplmlus streperus (Vieillot). Breeds in
suitable localities round the Loch of Strathbeg. || Probably the
Sedge Warbler, Galamodus schoenobanus, is meant here.

Great Titmouse. — Parus major, Lin. Numerous where there
are large woods, and increasing every year.

* Yarrell's British Birds, 3rd edition, vol. i., p. 218.

+ Gray's "Birds of West of Scotland," p. 97.

% Scot. Nat., vol. i., p. 226. § Scot. Nat., vol. i., p. 226.

Ii Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247 and 263-271.

238 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Blue Titmouse. — Parus coerideus, Lin. Also common in the
wooded parts of the district, and is seen in greater numbers every
year.

Coal Titmouse. — Parus ater, Lin. Commoner than either of
the two last-named species.

Long-tailed Titmouse. — Acredula caudata (Lin.). Rare. I have
seen it only in one place, near Aberdour, among some birch trees
close to the Brucklay Castle keeper's house.

Obs. Great Gray Shrike. — Lanius excubitor, Lin. A speci-
men was caught in the rigging of a ship about sixty miles off the
coast of Aberdeenshire, and it was brought into the harbour of
Fraserburgh alive. This was on the 8th October, I860.*

Red-backed Shrike. — Lanius collurio, Lin. Mentioned in a
list of the birds of Peterhead prepared by Mr. Adam Arbuthnot,
which is published in the New Statistical Account of Scotland,
vol. xii., p. 351. The specimen is a male, and was obtained
about the year 1833. It is still in the museum at Peterhead.

Waxwing. — Ampelis garrulus, Lin. Regular winter visitant.
In severe winters tolerably common. One was killed in the gar-
den at Kinmundy, near Peterhead, about the beginning of April,
1851.f Many others have been seen and killed at Brucklay,
Loch of Strathbeg, &c.

Pied Flycatcher. — Muscicapa atricapilla, Lin. In May, 1849,
one was killed in a plantation at Brucklay Castle. $ Another was
killed at Peterhead in May, 1872, on the authority of Mr. G. Sim,
naturalist, Aberdeen. § Mr. Henderson, gamekeeper to Mrs.
Gordon of Cluny, tells me that two were killed, near Pitfour, by
Mr. Grant, keeper to Col. Ferguson, of Pitfour, about the ^same
time as the Brucklay one.

Spotted Flycatcher. — Muscicapa yrisola, Lin. An occasional
visitor.

Pied Wagtail. — Motacilla lugubris, Temminck. Common, and
breeds at the Loch of Strathbeg.

Gray Wagtail. — Motacilla sulphur ea, Bechst. Rare, but a
few pairs are to be seen every year on or near the shore.

Yellow Wagtail. — Motacilla rail (Bonaparte). This graceful
bird is to be found on the sandy hillocks covered with bent grass

* Zoologist, vol. xviii., p. 12'So. t Nat., vol. i., p. 147.

X Zool, vol. viii., p. 2651. § Scot. Nat., vol. i., p. ±iG.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 239

on the shore near St. Fergus, between Strathbeg and the sea, where
it breeds.

Meadow Pipit. — Anthus pratemis (Lin.). Very common. Breeds
among the bent grass on the seashore, and on the inland moors.

Rock Pipit. — Anthus obscurus (Latham). Very common along
the coast.

Hedge Sparrow. — Accentor modidaris (Lin.). Pretty numerous.

Bullfinch. — Pyrrhula europaea, Vieill. Increasing rapidly
in numbers. In the woods at Brucklay Castle, consisting chiefly
of spruce and birch, I have seen a good many lately.

Greenfinch. — Ligurinus chloris (Lin.). Very common.

Goldfinch. — Carduelis elegans, Stephens. Not so common as it
used to be ; still a few are to be seen occasionally.

Siskin. — Carduelis spinus (Lin.). Rare. This species is men-
tioned by Edwards as being a rare visitor in the neighbourhood of
Strathbeg.*

Lesser Redpoll. — Linota rufescens (Vieill.). Breeds numerously
in the higher parts of this district, but is rare near the coast, and
is not known to breed there. t One flew against the lighthouse at
Fraserburgh on 11th October, 1854. Mr. Thomas Ferguson, of
Alton, Mintlaw, writes me that he found a specimen of this bird
dead in the snow outside his window last winter (1879), and that
he never saw it before in this part of Buchan.

Linnet. — Linota cannabina (Lin.). Breeds plentifully on the
sandy mounds covered with bent grass along this coast.

Twite. — Linota Jiavirostris (Lin). Rarer than the last-men-
tioned species. Breeds on the same ground. Localities on east
coast scarcer than in the west.

Chaffinch. — FringiUa coelebs, Lin. Very common.

Brambling. — FringiUa montifringiUa, Lin. Often seen in
winter, especially in severe winters, in company with the Yellow
and Snow Buntings.

House Sparrow. — Passer domesticus (Lin.). Common.

Crossbill. — Loxia curvirostra, Lin. Rare. Six specimens (3
males and 3 females) were killed at Craigston, near Turriff", by Mr.
Pollock Urquhart's gamekeeper, i It is included in Mr. Adam
Arbuthnot's list of the birds of Peterhead, and is mentioned in the

* Nat., vol. iv., p. 263-271. + Nat, vol. iv., p. 225.

X Nat., vol. iv., p. 42,

240 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Old Stat. Acct. of Scotland as being obtained in the parish of
Lonmay.*

Obs. White-winged Crossbill. — Loxia leucoptera, Gmelin. Mr.
Thomas Edward has recorded that a large flock of this bird ap-
peared near the town of Banff in 1859.t

Bunting — Ember iza miliaria, Lin. To be seen in large flocks
in severe winters.

Yellow Hammer. — Emberiza citrinella, Lin. Very common.
Like the common Bunting, the Yellow Hammer is frequently seen
in large flocks during winter, and is often accompanied by some
Bramblings and Snow Buntings.

Black-headed Bunting. — Emberiza melanocephala, Scopoli.
Rare, but has been killed several times at Brucklay Castle, Kin-
mundy, and in the neighbourhood of Strathbeg.

Snow Bunting. — Plectrophanes nivalis (Lin.). Pretty common
along the coast and on the higher grounds during the winter
months, sometimes appearing in large flocks.

Starling. — Sturnus vulgaris, Lin. There is nothing more re-
markable in the ornithology of this district than the immense in-
crease of this species within the last few years. But a few years
ago it was scarcely to be seen, and now it is in countless flocks
everywhere. |

Obs. Rose-coloured Pastor. — Pastor roseus (Lin.). Mr. Angus
was informed by Mr. John Wilson of Methlick that there was a
nest of this species in a burrow in a sandbank near Methlick in
the summer of 1840. The birds removed to another place about a
mile off, but Mr. Wilson did not think they succeeded in rearing a
brood. §

Obs. Nutcracker. — Nucifraga caryocatactes (Lin.). There is a
specimen of this bird in the museum of Mr. Arbuthnot at Peter-
head, but whether it was shot in the district or not I cannot say.||

Magpie. — Pica rustica (Scopoli). Rare.

Jackdaw. — Corvus monedula, Lin. Formerly an uncommon
bird, but is increasing every year.

Rook. — Corvus frugilegus, Lin. Not very numerous. The

* New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351; Old Stat. Acct., vol. xvi.

| Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 156.

X New Stat, xicct., vol. xii., p. 706.

§ Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 161.

j| Yarrell, vol. ii., p. 132.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 241

only rookeries I know of in Buchan are those of Aden, Philorth,
Artamford, Lunderton, and Tronp. Formerly there was a very
large one at Pitfour, but being constantly persecuted there, the
birds took refuge at Artamford on the Brucklay estates and
Lunderton, in the parish of St. Fergus. The rookery at Troup is
a very large one, and all the people in the neighbourhood are
allowed one day's shooting there. Notwithstanding this, however,
there is no falling off to be observed in the number of birds.

Haven. — Corvus cor ax, Lin. Rare. Has been seen by the
keepers at Brucklay Castle. Many years ago the Raven was seen
regularly about the higher parts of the district at Aberdour and
Mormond Hill, and used to breed in the cliffs near Pennan and
Troup Head.

Carrion Crow. — Corvus cor one, Lin. Not common. A few
are shot every year by the keepers in the district.

Hooded Crow. — Corvus comix, Lin. Very plentiful on the
coast. During the breeding season they rob the nests of the
numerous Gulls and other sea-fowl frequenting the shore.

Tree Creeper. — Certhia familial 'is, Lin. Very common among
the young fir woods at Brucklay. A large flock of them was seen
there on 1st October. 1879.

Swallow. — Hirnndo rustica, Lin. Abundant. Breeds in large
numbers near the Loch of Strathbeg, where they can get plenty of
food. My friend, Rev. Walker Gregor, of Pitsligo, informs me
that he has observed that they arrive here about the first Sunday
in May.

Martin. — Chelido.n urbica (Lin.). Common.

Sand Martin. — Cotyle riparia (Lin.). Also common. A sand-
bank on the south side of Strathbeg is mentioned by Mr. Edwrard
as a favourite nesting-place of this species.*

Sky Lark. — Alauda arvensis, Lin. Common.

Hoopoe. — Upupa epops, Lin. Several specimens of this very
handsome bird have been killed in the Buchan district ; a fine male
at Crimonmogate between March and April, 1852,f and one at
Turriff on 29th September 1868, which was sent to Mr. Sim for
preservation,! while Mr. Edward says that this bird has been ob-
tained on more than one occasion in the neighbourhood of Stratli-

* Nat., vol. iv., pp. 263-271. t Nat, vol. iv., p. 226.

+ Gray's "Birds of West of Scotland," p. 199.

242 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

beg, and it is included by Mr. Arbutlmot among the birds of
Peterhead.*

VOLUCBES.

Greater Spotted Woodpecker. — Picus major, Lin. Has been
obtained on many occasions in Buchan. Mr. Edward, in a note
to the Zoologist^ mentions its occurrence at Troup and Cullen,
while it has been killed at Aberdour on the Brucklay estates, and
is included in Mr. Arbutlmot's list of the birds of Peterhead. Mr.
T. Ferguson, lately of Alton, Kinmundy, tells me that he once saw
a bird of this genus, but not near enough to determine the species.

Wryneck. — Jynx torquilla, Lin. This bird has been observed
at the Braes of Gight. 1

Cuckoo. — Cuculus canorus, Lin. Common in spring and
summer.

Boiler. — Coracias garrula, Lin. A specimen of this species
was killed at the Loch of Strathbeg many years ago.§

Obs. American Boiler. — Two specimens of what was considered
to be the "American Boiler" were shot in the parish of Crimond
some years ago.|| It is impossible now to identify these birds.
I need hardly say that there is no "American Boiler."

Nightjar. — Caprimulgus europaeus, Lin. I have shot this
bird at Aberdour while grouse shooting. It is mentioned in the
New Statistical Account among the birds of Peterhead.

Swift. — Cypselus ajms (Lin.). Common in spring and summer.

Bee-eater. — Merops apiaster, Lin. A beautiful specimen of this
rare bird was procured by the gardener at Kinmundy, near Peter-
head, and I am told by Mr. Thomas Ferguson that he had it in
his hands and made a sketch of it. There is a note upon this
occurrence of the Bee-eater in Nat., vol. ii., p. 204. It is
mentioned as having occurred on more than one occasion at
Strathbeg by Mr. T. Edward.

Kingfisher. — Alcedo ispida, Lin. I learn from Mr. George
Sim that the only instance he knows of the Kingfisher having
occurred in the Buchan district is one shot at Lower Smicldyseat,
Turriff, on August 5th, 1878.

* New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351. + ZooL, vol. xvii., p. 6670.

X Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 193.

§ ZooL, vol. vi., p. 2302. || New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 706.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 243

Ring Dove. — Columba pahtmbus, Lin. Very common, and
getting more so every year, with the increase of woods.

Stock Dove. — Columba oenas, Lin. An occasional visitor. It
is included in Mr. Arbutlmot's list of the birds of Peterhead.*

Rock Dove. — Columba livia, Brisson. Not so common as it
used to be. Formerly it was plentifully distributed all along the
rocky parts of the Aberdeenshire coast, but now the only place
where a few pairs still breed is in the neighbourhood of Slains
Castle, the seat of the Earl of Errol.

Turtle Dove. — Turtur auritus, Gray. Mr. J. Henderson,
formerly gamekeeper at Brucklay Castle, tells me that when
walking in a wood near the avenue there, without his gun, he
twice put up a Turtle Dove, and from its being so unwilling to
leave the place, he conjectured that it was a young bird, and that
it had been hatched and reared in the wood. He adds that he is
quite convinced it was a wild bird and not one escaped from
confinement.

ACCIPITRES.

Barn Owl. — Aluco flammeus (Lin.). Rare.

Long-eared Owl. — Asio otus (Lin.). Tolerably common.

Short-eared Owl. — Asio accipitrinus (Pallas). A winter visitor,
but by no means common.

Tawny Owl. — Strix stridula, Lin. The commonest of all this
genus in the district.

Snowy Owl. — Nyctea scandiaca (Lin.). A specimen of this
noble bird was picked up dead upon the Loch of Strathbeg about
1824.

Obs. Eagle Owl. — Bubo ignavus, Forster. Mr. W. C. Angus
gives a very interesting account of a bird of this species being seeD
in the neighbourhood of Methlick.f

Sparrow Hawk. — Accipiter nisus (Lin.). Very common some
years ago, but not so now.

Gos-Hawk. — Astur palumbarius (Lin.). Rare. Has been
trapped and shot several times in the neighbourhood of Strathbeg. 1

Hen Harrier. — Circus cyaneus (Lin.). Rather rare. Mr.
George Sim tells me that one was killed at Slains Castle on 16th

Lcr

' New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351.
t Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 55.

X Nat., vol. iv., pp. 263-271.
VOL. IV. R

244 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

October, 1865. It has also been killed at Brucklay and near
Strathbeg.

Buzzard. — Buteo vulgaris, Leach. Has been seen at Brucklay
Castle by Mr. J. Henderson, lately keeper there, and is pretty
common along the coast. Many are trapped and shot by keepers
every year.

Bough-legged Buzzard. — Buteo lag opus (Gm.). Usually
rather a rare bird, but Mr. G. Sim tells me that during the last
two seasons they have been more than usually abundant all along
the east coast. Two specimens were killed at Troup Head in
December, 1865; one at Aden in the same month; and another
at Troup in 1867.

Peregrine Falcon. — Falco peregrinus, Tunstall. Has been seen
at Brucklay frequently, and killed at Aberdour. Not an uncom-
mon bird by any means, though rarer than it used to be.

Merlin. — Falco aesalon, Tun. Common.

Obs. Hobby. — Falco subbuteo, Lin. I have no doubt that
this species has been obtained in the district, but I have only heard
of one killed near the town of Banff — but whether on the east or
west side of the Deveron I cannot say — and an immature
specimen picked up at sea, off the coast of Aberdeenshire, and sold
to Mr. George Sim.*

Obs. Bed-footed Falcon. — Falco vespertinus, Lin. Mr. Sim
informs me that a specimen of this rare British bird was killed on
the Hill of Fiddes, near Foveran, at mouth of Ythan, 29th
May, 1866.

Kestrel. — Falco tinnunculus, Lin. Common.

Golden Eagle. — Aquila chrysa'etus (Lin.). This noble bird was
formerly comparatively common along the cliffs from Slains to
Troup Head. " At one period a pair of Eagles regularly nestled
and brought forth their young in the rocks of Pennan, but
according to the tradition of the country, when the late Earl of
Aberdeen purchased the estate of Auchmedden from the Bairds,
the former proprietors, the Eagles disappeared, in fulfilment of a
prophecy by Thomas the Rhymer that there should be an Eagle in
the crags while there was a Baird in Auchmedden. But the most
remarkable circumstance, and what certainly appears incredible, is,
that when Lord Haddo, eldest son of Lord Aberdeen, married

* Gray's "Birds of West of Scotland," p. 30.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 245

Miss Christian Baircl of New Byth, the Eagles returned to the
rocks, and remained until the estate passed into the hands of the
Honourable Win. Gordon, when they again fled, and have never
been seen again in the country. These facts, marvellous as they
may appear, are attested by a cloud of living witnesses."*

Mr. G. Sim tells me that a specimen of the Golden Eagle was
killed at Pitfour on the 26th November, 1869. An immature
specimen was killed at Cairness about 1829. f

White-tailed Eagle. — Haliaetus albicilla (Lin.). Included in
Mr. Arbuthnot's list of birds of Peterhead. \

Kite. — Milims ictinus (Savigny). Formerly pretty plentiful
along the coast line, but now exceedingly rare. One has been
killed at Aberdour by Mr. Duncan, the Brucklay Castle keeper.

Honey Buzzard. — Pernis apivorus (Lin.). Mr. Hyatt shot a
Honey Buzzard in the pleasure grounds of Crimonmogate, in Sep-
tember, 1864.§

Osprey. — Pandion haliaetus (Lin.). There is a beautiful speci-
men of this bird in the collection at Brucklay Castle. Mr.
Edward once saw one fishing in the Loch of Strathbeg.

GALLINAE.

Pallas' Sand-Grouse. — Syrrhaptes paradoxus (Pall.). I am in-
formed by Mr. G. Sim that two of this species were shot at New
Deer, near Brucklay Castle, in 1863, and were sold by him to the
Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow.

Bed Grouse. — Lagopus scoticus (Lath.). The country best
suited for this bird is becoming more contracted in its area every
year. Formerly there were numerous large pieces of moss
scattered all over the district, but now these are few and far
between. At Mormond Hill and at Aberdour, as well as a few
other places, the Red Grouse is still very plentiful.

Black Grouse. — Tetrao tetrix, Lin. Not nearly so numerous
as formerly. It is still to be found, however, on the hills of
Mormond and Aberdour. Late in the season they go down in
flocks to wherever there is a small bit of moss, and feed on the
surrounding stooks. It is wonderful how far from a moor of any
size they are sometimes to be found.

*New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 261. t Nat., vol. iv., p. 263-271.

X New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351. %ZooL, 2nd ser., vol. ii., p. 55o.

246 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Pheasant. — Phasianus colchicus, Lin. In the New Statistical
Account it is mentioned that a few years before the publication of
that work (1845), Pheasants were introduced into this quarter by
Captain Ferguson of Pitfour, and that, being protected, they pros-
pered and spread.*

Partridge. — Perdix cinerea, Charleton. Very common indeed.
The whole district is admirably adapted for partridge shooting.
Being a thickly populated country, the holdings are for the most
part small and broken up into small patches of corn and turnips,
which enables the sportsman to find his birds much more easily,
and to mark them down with certainty when once raised.

Quail. — Coturnix communis, Bonnaterre. Not by any means a
rare bird. I have shot one myself near Brucklay Castle, and I
know a farm on the estate where there is a nest almost every
season. Mention is made of this fact in a note to the Zoologist by
Rev. Mr. Smith, of Monquhitter. f

GRALLATORES.

Heron. — Ardea cinerea, Lin. Common along the coast.
Breeds at Brucklay, Pitfour, Hatton Castle, near Turriff, &c.

Purple Heron. — Ardea purpurea, Lin. On the authority
of Rev. Jas. Smith, a specimen of this bird was killed in the
parish of Monquhitter in the beginning of March, 1847. J

Great White Heron. — Herodias alba (Lin.). A specimen of this
noble bird was obtained at Strathbeg in 1854.§

Obs. Buff-backed Egret. — Bubulcus ibis (Lin.). Mr. Thomas
Edward, in his list of the birds of Strathbeg, mentions that a
bird supposed to be an Egret was observed on the west side of the
loch in 1816.H

Bittern. — Botaurus stellaris (Lin.). Mentioned in New Statisti-
cal Account as occurring in the parish of Crimond,H while Mr. T.
Edward states that one was shot bv one of Mr. Gordon of Cair-
ness' keepers in the autumn of 1824, and that others have been
seen.**

Obs. Night Heron. — Nycticorax grisea (Lin.). A specimen in

*New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 146.

t Zool, vol. vi., p. 2302. % Zool, vol. vii., p. 2497.

§ Nat., 1854, p. 243, and Zool, 1860, p. 6847.

|| Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247 and 263-271.

IT New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 705. ** Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 247

immature plumage was shot on 6th January, 1866, at Menie, not
far from the mouth of the Ythan.*

Spoonbill. — Platalea leucorodia, Lin. A very rare visitant,
but has been seen once or twice at Strathbeg.f

White Stork. — Ciconia alba, Briss. Dr. Macgillivray mentions
that this bird was killed in Aberdeenshire, on the authority of Rev.
Jas. Smith, of Monquhitter. f

Glossy Ibis. — Falcinellus igneus (Gin.). Seen once at Strathbeg ;§
while Mr. G. Sim tells me that a male specimen, in beautiful
plumage, was shot on the sand-flats at the mouth of the Ythan,
at Newburgh, on 4th October, 1880.

Curlew. — Numenius ar quota (Lin.). Very common in winter.

Whimbrel. — Numenius phaeopus (Lin.). Frequently seen dur-
ing summer.

Esquimaux Curlew. — Numenius borealis (Forst.). This great
rarity was obtained on the estate of Slains Castle on 28th Sept.,
1878, and was preserved by Mr. George Sim, of Aberdeen, to
whom I am indebted for this note. Exhibited to Glasgow Natural
History Society. (See Proc, vol. iv., p. 12.)

Bar-tailed Godwit. — Limosa lapponica (Lin.). Common at the
end of summer and autumn at Strathbeg, and on some parts of the
coast.

Black-tailed Godwit. — Limosa aegocephala (Lin.). Twice ob-
tained by Mr. Thomas Edward at Strathbeg. || Not nearly so
common as the Bar-tailed Godwit.

Greenshank. — Totanus glottis (Pall.). Bare. Has been ob-
tained at Brucklay and Strathbeg.

Wood Sandpiper. — Totanus glareola (Lin.). Mr. Sim, of Aber-
deen, tells me that a specimen of this species was obtained at the
Loch of Strathbeg on the 18th May, 1868, and that it is still in
his possession.

Redshank. — Totanus calidris (Lin.). Very numerous all along
the coast of this part of Aberdeenshire. Breeds on the islands in
the Loch of Strathbeg.

Green Sandpiper. — Helodromas ochropus (Lin.). Mentioned
along with the Ruff and Avocet as rare visitors to the Loch of
Strathbeg.il

■'&•

' Gray's Birds of West of Scotland," p. 282. + Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247.
Gray's Birds of West of Scotland," p. 285. § Nat., vol. iv., pp. 2.39-247.
Nat., vol. iv., pp. 263-271. ^ Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247.

+ a
+

248 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Ruff. — Machetes pugnax (Lin.). As above mentioned, a rave
visitor to Strathbeg. There is a female specimen of this species in
the collection at Brucklay Castle, which was killed at Aberdour.
Rev. Jas. Smith, of Monquhitter, mentions one having been shot
on a moss in that parish.*

Common Sandpiper. — Actitis hypoleucus (Lin.). Common along
the banks of the Ythan, Ugie, and Deveron in summer.

Sanderling. — Galidris arenaria (Lin.). A regular winter visitor,
and is occasionally seen during the summer months.

Little Stint. — Tringa minuta, Leisler. A regular winter visi-
tant. Twice obtained by Mr. Thomas Edward at Strathbeg. t

Dunlin. — Tringa alpina, Lin. Common. Breeds, or, at all
events, used to breed on the islands on the Loch of Strathbeg. J
Formerly no one could land on the islands without the permission
of the proprietor, but now anyone who can obtain a boat may go
there, provided he does not take a gun. The eggs are, conse-
quently, taken away and sold in Peterhead. Mr. W. C. Angus,
in writing to Mr. Gray, says that a correspondent sent him eigh-
teen specimens, the result of a right-and-left into a flock at
Charlie's Pot near the mouth of the Ythan.§ Mr. J. A. Harvie-
Brown tells me that this is no uncommon number to kill at one
time, for he once killed sixty-four with a right-and-left at Grange-
mouth.

Curlew Sandpiper. — Tringa subarquata (Giildenstadt). Once
obtained at Strathbeg by Mr. Edward. ||

Knot. — Tringa canutus, Lin. An annual winter visitant.
About as common as the Sanderling.

Woodcock. — Scolopax ruslicola, Lin. Very common in autumn
along the sandy hillocks covered with bent grass at St. Fergus, on
the Pitfour estates, and between the Loch of Strathbeg and the
shore. In some seasons very large bags of Woodcock are to be
got here, just after they have arrived in the country and before
they have moved inland. They breed now in some of the dens
above Aberdour and at Auchmedden.

Great Snipe. — Gallinago major (Gin.). Several specimens of this
bird have been killed in the district of Buchan. One by Mr.
Duncan at Aberdour, on the estate of Brucklay, and one at Strath-

* ZooL, vol. vi., p. 2302. f Nat., vol. iv., pp. 263-271.

X Nat., vol. iv., pp. 263-271. § "Gray's Birds of West of Scotland," p. 320.

\\Nat., vol. iv., p. 239-247.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 249

beg about 1839 or 1840.* This species is also included among the
birds of Peterhead. +

Common Snipe. — Gallinago gallinaria (0. F. Miiller). There
are many peat-hags and marshy places still left in this district,
though they are being gradually improved away, where the Snipe
abounds both in summer and winter.

Jack Snipe. — Limnocryptes gallinula (Lin.). Common in
autumn, and I am convinced sometimes stays all the year round
here.

Red-necked Phalarope. — Phalaropus hyperhoreus (Lin.). One
was killed at Fraserburgh on 27th October, 1853, and a fine
female specimen was killed by Mr. John Gatherer, of H.M. Cus-
toms, at the same place, near the lighthouse, on 11th October,
1854. Mr. Edward gives another instance of this rare bird being
obtained near Fraserburgh on 26th September, 1855 — it feeding
with a flock of Dunlins and Rins: Dotterels, t

Gray Phalarope. — Phalaropus fulicarius (Lin.). Rare visitor.
Mentioned in Mr. T. Edward's list of the birds of Strathbeg. §

Avocet. — Eecicrvirostra avocetta, Lin. Also a rare visitor.
Has only been seen at Strathbeg, as far as I am aware. ||

Turnstone. — Strepsilas inter pres, Lin. A regular winter visitor,
and has been occasionally met with during summer.

Lapwing. — Vanellus cristatus, Meyer. Breeds in large num-
bers everywhere, and the eggs are eagerly sought after by people
from Fraserburgh and Peterhead, who find a ready market for
them there.

Gray Plover. — Squaterola helvetica (Lin.). A winter visitant,
making its appearance at about the same time as the Knot,
Sanderling, Turnstone, &c.

Golden Plover. — Charadrius pluvialis, Lin. Very common
in winter, and occasionally seen on the higher grounds in summer.

Dotterel. — Eudromias morinellus (Lin.). Included in Mr.
Arbuthnot's list of the birds of Peterhead.H Mr Edward also
mentions it, and says that four of this species were killed on the
links near the Loch of Strathbeg in 1852, two of which are in his
own collection.**

* Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247. t New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351.

X Nat., vol. v., p. 47. § Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247.

|| Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-249. 1 New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351.
** Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247.

250 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Ringed Plover. — Aegialitis hiaticula (Lin.). Common along the
sea-shore, and breeds on the sandy hillocks covered with bent
grass.

Oyster Catcher. — Haematojms ostralegus, Lin. The Oyster
Catcher, or Sea-pyet, as he is frequently called, is to be seen along
the coast all the year round, and breeds there.

Obs. Little Bustard. — Otis tetrax, Lin. Mr. Sim informs me
that one was killed near Old Meldrum on 13th Nov., 1873,
and that he still has it in his possession.

Water Rail. — Rallus aquations, Lin. An occasional visitor.
Has been obtained at Brucklay, Pitfour, Strathbeg, near Peter-
head, &c.

Corn Crake. — Grex pratensis, Bechst. Common.

Spotted Crake. — Porzana maruetta (Leach). Twice obtained at
Strathbeg,* while Mr. Sim tells me that one was shot at Newburgh,
at the mouth of the Ythan, in Sept., 1875.

Moor-hen. — Gallinula cliloroims (Lin.). Very common. Breeds
plentifully all over the district.

Coot. — -Fidica atra, Lin. Common. Breeds in same places as
the Moor-hen.

NATATORES.

Obs. Black Tern. — Uydrochelidon nigra (Lin.). Mr. Sim writes
me that a specimen of this species of Tern was killed at Newburgh
in October, 1866.

Common Tern. — Sterna Jiumatilis, Naumann. Both the
Common and Little Tern (Sterna minuta, Lin.), breed on this coast.
They lay their eggs on the sand. Mr. Arbuthnot includes both
these species among the birds of Peterhead, and Mr. Edward
mentions them among the birds of Strathbeg.

Arctic Tern. — Sterna 7nacrura, Naum. Occasionally seen on
the coast. Used to breed on the larger island on the Loch of
Strathbeg. t

Roseate Tern. — Sterna dougalli, Montagu. One was shot at
Strathbeg in 1849 by Mr. Thomas Edward. t

Sandwich Tern. — Sterna cantiaca, Cm. Rare. A pair were
seen bv Mr. Edward at Strathbecr in the summer of 1854, and

* Nat., vol. iv., pp. 263-271. t Nat,, vol. iv., pp. 263-271.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 251

one was shot by him on the sands near .Banff, 7th July, 1854,
when feeding in company with the Arctic Tern.*

Little Tern. — Sterna minuta, Lin. Breeds on this coast. See
note upon Common Tern.

Ivory Gull. — Pagophila eburitea (Phipps). Has been obtained
upon several occasions. Rev. Jas. Smith, of Monquhitter, in
a note to the Zoologist, mentions one killed by Mr. Thomas
Edward on the rocks about four miles to the eastward of Banff,
on 29th January, 1847,t another, which is preserved in the Banff
Museum, was shot by the same gentleman near Gardenstown in
the end of December, 1860.

Kittiwake. — Rissa tridactyla (Lin. ). Common all along the coast.
Inhabits the cliffs, such as Troup Head, Pennan Head, &c, in com-
pany with the Razor-bill, Guillemot, and Puffin.

Black-headed Gull. — Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Lin.). Com-
mon. Breed on the islands of Stratkbeg.

Little Gull. — Chroicocephalus minutus (Pall.). There is a very
perfect adult specimen of this bird in the Elgin Museum, which
was killed near Fraserburgh on 28th June, 1854.1

Iceland Gull. — Larus leucopterus (Faber). An occasional
winter visitant.

Great Black-backed Gull. — Larus marinus, Lin. Pretty
common. This bird used to breed on the larger island on
the Loch of Strathbeg.^

Lesser Black-backed Gull. — Larus fuscus, Lin. A common
species.

Herring Gull. — Larus argentatus, Gm. Common. Often seen
feeding along the coast in company with Kittfwakes and Black-
headed Gulls.

Glaucous Gull. — Larus glaucus, Lin. Always to be seen on
this coast in winter.

Common Gull. — Larus canus, Lin. By no means so common
on this coast as the Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Great Skua. — Stercorariics cataractes (Lin.). To be seen every
winter on this coast.

Richardson's Skua. — Stercorarius crepidatus (Gm.). A rare

* Nat., vol. iv., pp. 226, 239-247, and 263-277.
t ZooL, vol. v., p. 1700, and vol. xix., p. 7387.
X Gray's " Birds of the West of Scotland," p. 474.
§ Nat,, vol. iv., pp. 263-271.

252 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

visitor. One was killed in the neighbourhood of Strathbeg on
15th June, 1850, and is now in Mr. Thomas Edward's collection.*

Buffon's Skua. — Stercorarius parasiticus (Lin.). Occasionally-
seen on the coast.

Razor-bill. — Alca tor da, Lin. Common. Lives on the cliffs
with the Kittiwake, Guillemot, and Puffin.

Common Guillemot. — Alca troile (Lin.). Pretty numerous all
along the coast.

Kinged Guillemot. — Uria lacrimals (Gould). Not as numerous
as the common Guillemot, I believe, although the late Rev. Jas.
Smith, of Monquhitter, writing to the Zoologist, on 16th Septem-
ber, 1850, mentions one killed at Gamrie Rocks as the first
obtained in the neighbourhood.

Black Guillemot. — Uria grylle (Lin.). The late Rev. Jas. Smith
says of this species that it inhabits or did inhabit the caverns on
the shore.f A specimen was killed at Fraserburgh, in 1851 4

Little Auk. — Mergulus alle (Lin.). Frequently appears on the
coast in large flocks during severe weather, and numbers are
picked up dead along the shore. In 1846 they appeared in
unusual numbers. §

Puffin. — Fratercula arctica (Lin.). Met with in considerable
numbers along the cliffs, where it finds a home along with the
Razor-bill, Kittiwake, etc.

Great Northern Diver. — Colymbus glacialis, Lin. An annual
visitor to this coast, and is sometimes seen inland as well. The
late Rev. Jas. Smith, of Monquhitter, writing to the Zoologist,
on the 2nd October, 1848, mentions the fact of one being caught
in the salmon nets on the coast. ||

Black-throated Diver. — Colymbus arcticus, Lin. A regular
visitor to the coast of Buchan.

Reel-throated Diver. — Colymbus septentrionalis, Lath. Common.

Crested Grebe. — Podiceps cristatus (Lin.). An occasional
visitor.

Red-necked Grebe. — Podiceps rubricollis, Lath. Has been seen
at Strathbeg, but is not common. One was shot on an artificial
Loch in the parish of Monquhitter, in the spring of 1848.11

Little Grebe. — Podiceps minor (Gm.). A few always to be met

* Nat., vol. iv., p. 263-271. t Zool, vol. viii., p. 2913.

% Nat., vol. i., p. 147. § Zool, vol. v., p. 1642.

i| Zool, vol. vi., p. 2294. IT Zool, vol. vi.. p. 2302.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW

253

with on inland sheets of water, where it breeds. I shot a male
and female on the artificial loch at Brucklay Castle, in the begin-
ning of October, 1879.

Gannet. — Sula bassana (Lin.). Tolerably common both along
the coast and at Strathbeg. There is one small rocky bay near
Aberdour, which they frequent in winter in considerable numbers.

Great Cormorant. — Phalacrocorax carbo (Lin.). Pretty common
on the coast, and is sometimes seen a considerable distance inland.

Stormy Petrel. — Proeellaria pelagica, Lin. Specimens of this
bird have often been obtained after severe gales from the sea, but
have generally been picked up dead. One was killed some years
ago on the moor at Aberdour by Mr. Duncan, the keeper there.
It is included in the lists of both Messrs. Arbuthnot and Edward.

Northern Fulmar. — Fulmarus glacialis (Lin.). Bather rare.

Dusky Shearwater. — Puffinus obscurus, Gm. Mentioned by
Mr. Edward as a rare species at the Loch of Strathbeg.

Obs. Spur-winged Goose. — Plectropterus gambensis (Lin.). Mr.
Gray says that the only Scottish specimen of this rare bird which
he has seen recorded was shot in the neighbourhood of Banff in
February, 1855, and was preserved by Mr. Thomas Edward.*

Bean Goose. — Anser segetum (Gm.). Some of this species are
seen every year, and in very severe winters they often visit the
Loch of Strathbeg in considerable numbers.

Obs. Pink-footed Goose. — Anser brachyrhyncus, Baillon. A
somewhat small specimen of this genus was shot at Strathbeg in
spring of 1843, and was supposed to be a Pink-footed Goose. I
have no doubt that this species does visit Strathbeg frequently in
winter, but they are so extremely wary that they can seldom be
approached within shooting distance.

White-fronted Goose. — Anser albifrons (Gm.). Has been ob-
tained on the Loch of Strathbeg. f

Brent Goose. — Bernicla brenta (Pallas). By far the commonest
species of this genus frequenting Strathbeg and the coast. They
are to be seen in large numbers in some of the rocky bays near
Aberdour.

Bernicle Goose. — Bernicla leucopsis (Bechst.). Specimens have
been obtained at Strathbeg. %

* Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 355.

t Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247. X Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247,

254 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Obs. Canada Goose. — Bemicla canadensis (Lin.). Mr. Edward
mentions in the paper above quoted that a bird resembling this
species was obtained at Strathbeg in 1879. When first observed
it was surrounded and beset by a host of other wild-fowl, which were
teasing it.

Red-breasted Goose. — Bemicla ruficollis (Pall.). Once seen at
Strathbeg. *

Mute Swelii.— -Cygnus olor (Gm.). Common.

Whooper. — Cygnus musicus, Bechst. Swans are frequently
seen and shot on the Loch of Strathbeg and the coast between
Fraserburgh and Banff. In the New Stat. Acct. of Scotland, under
the heading of Crimond Parish, it says that " many are shot on the
Loch of Strathbeg, and that the skins often fetch as much as 10s.
or 12s. for the sake of the down."f

Polish Swan. — Cygnus immutabilis, Yarrell. Only two speci-
mens of this bird are mentioned by Mr. Edward as having occurred
at Strathbeg, one in 1814, and the other in 1826. On 16th April,
1860, a flock of thirty wild Swans visited the Loch of Strathbeg.
The resident Swans {Cygnus olor), although not half so numerous,
would not allow them to rest, but drove them off.

Egyptian Goose. — Chenalopex aegyptiaca (Gm.). One was seen
in a pond attached to the manse at Crimond by the Rev. A. Boyd
in the winter of 1854. J

Sheldrake. — Tadorna comuta (S. G. Gmelin). Rare. Some-
times obtained at Strathbeg. It is included among the birds of
Peterhead. §

Widgeon. — Mareca penelope (Lin.). Common.

Garganey. — Querquedula circia (Lin.). Three were seen by Mr.
Thomas Edward in the summer of 1850 on the Loch of Strathbeg. II

Teal. — Nettium crecca (Lin.). Very common all over the
district.

Pintail. — Dajila acuta (Lin.). Rare, but is occasionally got at
Strathbeg and other inland lochs. It was once seen on the
Deveron by the Rev. Jas. Smith, of Monquhitter.U It is included
in Mr. Arbuthnot's list of the birds of Peterhead. A pair of
Pintails were seen by Mr. W. C. Angus on the Loch of Slains on

* Macgillivray's " History of British Birds," vol. iv., p. 636.

t New Stat. Acct., 1845, vol. xii., p. 705.

X Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247. § New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351.

|| Nat,, vol. iv., pp. 239-247. 1 Zool, vol. vi., p. 2292.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 255

4th May, 1866, and a pair — probably the same birds — were shot
by him as they flew up the Ythan, nearly opposite Waterside.*
Mr. Angus has also examined an immature male in the collection
of Mr. J. Wilson, of Methlick, which had been shot by that gentle-
man on the loch at Haddo House on March 10th, 1867.

Wild Duck. — Anas boschas, Lin. Very common.

Gadwall. — Chaulelasmus streperus (Lin.). A Gadwall was killed
on the Deveron by Dr. Leslie in the winter of 1 837-38. t

Shoveller. — Spatula clypeata (Lin.). Has been obtained on loch
at Haddo House by Mr. J. Wilson,^ and at Strathbeg by Mr. T.
Edward.

Pochard. — Fuligula ferina (Lin.). Decidedly a rare bird in this
neighbourhood. One was killed on a loch in Monquhitter parish
some years ago.§ It is in the list of the birds of Peterhead,
already so often quoted. ||

Ferruginous Duck. — Fuligula nyroca (Giildenst'adt). Occasion-
ally met with at Strathbeg.

Tufted Duck. — Fuligula cristata (Leach). Has occurred
several times in this district. One was shot on the coast not far
from the mouth of the Deveron,H and one was seen on the Deveron
by the late Rev. Jas. Smith, of Monquhitter.** Specimens have
been procured several times at Strathbeg.

Scaup. — Fuligula marila (Lin.). The late Rev. Jas. Smith has
observed flocks of ten or twelve Scaups in the estuary of the
Deveron, ft and Mr. Edward says that this bird has been shot at
Strathbeg. t I

Black Scoter. — Oedemia nigra (Lin.). Occasionally met with
on the coast.

Velvet Scoter. — Oedemia fusca (Lin.). Commoner than the last-
named species.

Obs. Surf Scoter. — Oedemia perspicillata (Lin.). One instance
of this rare bird having occurred on the coast of Aberdeenshire is
given in Harting's " Handbook of British Birds," but it does not
state the precise locality. §§

* Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 368. t Zool, vol. xviii., p. 6969.
+ Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 366. § Zool, vol. vi., p. 2302.
|| New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351. IF Nat., vol. iv., p. 226.

** Zool, vol. vi., p. 2292. ft Zool, vol. vi., p. 2292.

tt Nat., vol. iv., pp. 239-247.
§§ Harting's " Handbook of British Birds," p. 162.

256 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Harlequin Duck. — Cosmonetta histrionica (Lin.). One specimen
of this beautiful and rare bird was obtained at Strathbeg a good
many years ago.*

Golden Eye. — C languid, glaucion (Lin.). A regular winter visit-
ant.

Buffel-headed Duck. — Glangula albeola (Lin.). There is a male
of this species in the Banff Museum, which was shot many years
ago at Strathbeg. It was presented to the Museum by the late
Rev. Jas. Smith, of Monquhitter. Another specimen of this
species was shot at the Loch of Loriston in January, 1865. f

Long-tailed Duck. — Harelda glacialis (Lin.). Large flocks of
this duck frequent the estuary of the Deveron in severe winters. £

Eider Duck. — Somateria mollissima (Lin.). Is generally seen on
the coast near Aberdour in severe winters, and is occasionally met
with at Strathbeg. § It is also included in the list of birds of
Peterhead. 1 1

Obs. Smew. — Mergus albellus, Lin. Mr. Thomas Edward
has no doubt that, from the description of a bird killed at Strath-
beg, it must have been a Smew. It was, unfortunately, destroyed
by a dog.

Goosander. — Mergus merganser, Lin. Pretty common in
severe winters, and a few are to be seen every year.

Bed-breasted Merganser. — Mergus serrator, Lin. A regular
visitor, but in small numbers. Several have been shot at Brucklay
Castle and at Aberdour. They are frequently seen on the coast
and at Strathbeg.

IV. — Entomological Notes bearing on Evolution.

By Mr. Peter Cameron.

In continuation of his paper read at last meeting, Mr. Cameron
made some additional observations on the coloration of caterpillars.
He remarked that the pale hairs over the legs or over the entire
body of those larvae which feed on the flat surface of the leaf, or
rest during the day on bark or lichen, was to prevent a sharp
shadow being thrown by the body, and so lead to the detection

* Nat., 1854, p. 242. t Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 396.

+ Zool, vol. vi., p. 2292. § Nat., vol iv., p. 239-247.

|| New Stat. Acct., vol. xii., p. 351.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 257

of the larvae. He showed, too, that greenish-coloured larvae, by
acquiring bad odour and secretions, and by congregating together,
made their presence known by the fetid atmosphere with which
they surrounded themselves as effectually as if they were gaudily
coloured.

March 30th, 1880.
Mr. John Young, F.G.S., Vice-President, in the chair,

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. Peter Cameron exhibited a large and fine collection of galls,
chiefly Hymenopterous, remarking at some length on their varied
character, and giving descriptive notes regarding the insects which
emerge from them.

PAPERS READ.

I. — Notes on a Carboniferous Sjiecies of Glauconome.

By Mr. John Young, F.G.S., V.P.

The group of Carboniferous polyzoons at present arranged under
the genus Glauconome seems to be more abundantly represented in
the limestone strata of Western Scotland than in other localities
where similar strata prevail. In the Society's Proceedings, vol. ii.,
p. 325, and vol. iii., p. 353, Dr. Young and I figure and describe
what we believe to be eight new species, and I have now to bring
under your notice another species or variety, which I am inclined
to regard as new, and which I provisionally name Glauconome
recticarinata. This form is moderately common in the shale that
lies between the two beds of limestone so long worked in the
parishes of Blantyre and East Kilbride for various industrial
purposes, and from which so many interesting species of Polyzoa
and other Carboniferous fossils have been obtained. The species
of Glauconome under notice is found in bipinnate branching fronds,
in fragments varying from one to two inches in length — nearly all
the specimens being found with their celluliferous faces adhering
to the stone. I have been fortunate, however, in lifting from the
shale by the asphalte process a few well-preserved fronds, which
show the character of the celluliferous face in a state of excellent
preservation.

258 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

The following are the characters noted : — Main stems and pin-
nules strongly carinated ; keel straight ; cells oval, rather more
than their length apart ; one at the base of each pinnule and one
in the space between ; cells on main stems and pinnules alternate ;
pinnules rather more than a line in length, opposite, or slightly
sub-alternate ; keel and opening of cell mouths ornamented by a
row of small close-set tubercules; other portions of the face strongly
granulated between the cells ; reverse face of stem flat or slightly
rounded, and ornamented with from three to four rows of granu-
lated striae.

In the number and form of the cells, and in the ornamentation
of the stem, this species approaches very closely to our Glauconome
Jlexicarinata, of which I think it may be only a straight-keeled
variety. The more especially do I think so, as I find that
some specimens show a tendency to become slightly flexuous on
portions of the stem. As the typical specimens, however, of each
variety, should they be considered the same, present very distinct
differences, I would suggest that the distinctive names of G. jlexi-
carinata and G. recticarinata be retained for these respective forms,
in order to mark the distinguishing characters of the keel in each
species.

There remains one other important character to be noted in
the form named G. recticarinata. Recently, while examining some
fragments of the stem from the shales of Capelrig Quarry, East
Kilbride, I found that the cell mouths in one well-preserved speci-
men were fringed with a series of delicate hair-like spines or
denticles, some fourteen in number, which curved inwards over
the opening of the cells, like that seen in some species of recent
Flustra. In this character G. recticarinata somewhat resembles
our G. stellipora, only in this species the cells are round, and the
regular number of spines fringing the cells is eight, and there is
a small secondary pore. In the specimen here noted, it appears
that the preservation of the hair-like spines is due to their having
been crushed down a little way into the hollow of the cell mouths,
and thus saved from abrasion. I am inclined to think that the
whole celluliferous surface of this species was closely beset with
hair-like spines, and that what we now see in the row of tubercules
on the keel, and those around the cell mouths, as well as the
smaller granulations on other portions of the face, are all due to a
series of spines which have been abraded or destroyed, either before

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 259

or during fossilization, and of which only the tubercules or bases of
the spines now remain to tell of their former existence. We seem
to have much yet to learn regarding the perfect condition of many
of our Carboniferous Polyzoa, and it is only by the occasional
discovery of specimens which have not lost their appendages, or
other external characters by which their surfaces were adorned,
that any light can be thrown upon the perfect condition of some
of the forms.

I find that the existence of tubercules on the surface of the
Polyzoa corresponds very much with the evidence now obtained
from similar appearances on many species of our Carboniferous
Brachiopoda, viz. — that these tubercules were in most cases the
bases of spines, varying in length and diameter, which have been
denuded away. Mr. Thomas Davidson, F.R.S., has been able to
illustrate in his Monograph of the Carboniferous Brachiopoda, the
more perfect condition of the spiny exterior of several species
found in the strata of Western Scotland, and which formerly were
only known by their tuberculated character. This being the case,
we are encouraged to continue the examination of all our tuber-
culated polyzoa, in the hope that specimens will yet turn up which
will help to throw light on the more perfect character of some of
the other forms. It is also probable that the discovery of these
new characters will necessitate a revision of the genera of polyzoa
amongst which they are now placed.

II. — On Fungi. By Mr. Thomas King.

In the course of his paper the author said that he wished to draw
attention to this branch of botany, as hitherto it had not received
much notice from the members of the Society. The subject is one
not only of scientific but also of economic interest, many species
being valuable articles of food, although quite neglected in this
country. The study of the Fungi is at present of special interest
for Glasgow naturalists, as the Cryptogamic Society of Scotland
holds its annual conference in this city next September.

Mr. Kincr in elucidation of his introductorv remarks, save a

history of the common mushroom, Agaricus camjiestris, from the

germination of the spores to the production of spores again, and

illustrated the paper by drawings and specimens.
vol. iv, S

260 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

III. — On the Occurrence of the genus Pentremites (Say.) in the
Carboniferous Limestone Series of the East of Scotland. By
Mr. R. Etheridge, Jun., F.G.S., Pres. Boy. Physical Soc,
Edinburgh. Plate V., figs. 7-12.

In the Geological Magazine for March, 1878,* I called atten-
tion to the probable occurrence of the genus Pentremites in Scot-
tish carboniferous rocks — an opinion based on the finding of a
small and separate ambulacrum by Mr. James Bennie, which
clearly belonged to some member of the Blastoidea and distinct
from the curious little Astrocrinites Benniei (mini).

Shortly after this announcement, thanks to Mr. Bennie's per-
severing efforts, a few crushed specimens of a small Pentremite
were actually found at Kidlaw in Haddingtonshire.

Unfortunately, as is often the case in specimens of great and
unusual interest, these precious examples were either so frag-
mentary or greatly crushed, that I was afraid little beyond
satisfactorily proving the identity of the genus could be made of
them. However, further examination gave a more hopeful view
of the case, and believing that so important a discovery should not
remain unchronicled, I beg to offer the following description of the
fossils.

My thanks are due to Prof. A. Geikie, LL.D., F.R.S., etc., for
permission to make use of the specimens for descriptions, and to
Mr. James Bennie for the cordial manner in which he endeavoured
to obtain further and better material.

One of the two entire specimens is crushed from above down-
wards. On one side it exhibits traces of the ambulacra, and
the position of the radial and oral plates, but beyond these
points the matrix hides everything from view. On the other side
the plates of the calyx have become crushed together, and all that
is distinct is the ornamentation of the surface, which will be
described further on.

The second and best specimen (Pi. V., fig. 7) has been crushed
from side to side, but in such a manner as to leave the leading-
features of the fossil apparent, especially on one side. The supple-
mentary basal plates first detected in the calyx of Pentremites by
Mr. S. S. Lyont are not visible at all, and the basals themselves are

:: Vol. v., dec. 2, p. 118.

t D. D. Owen's Third Report Geol. Survey of Kentucky, 1856-57, p. 469.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 201

a good deal crushed, and do not appear to have anything especially
remarkable about them.

The radial plates, on the other hand, judging from one very well
preserved piece, are peculiar and characteristic. The plate in
question is narrowed below, along its line of junction with one of
the basals, and expands rapidly upwards, the lateral margins
parallel with one another (and those of contiguous plates placed in
deep grooves), forming a broadly hexagonal figure, the fore part of
winch forms a re-entering angle or fork, for the reception of the
ambulacrum. The bifurcation is wide, and extends for nearlv
three-fifths of the length of the plate, has elevated rim-like mar-
gins, and is bevelled inwards towards the ambulacrum. The apex
of the bifurcation, into which fits the tip of the ambulacrum, is
lip-like and projecting. The two foremost extremities of the fork
are obliquely truncated, meeting against the interradial plates.
From the apical projection of the fork to the base of the plate the
surface is obtusely angulated in the middle line, having on each
side an oblique radiating ridge, passing to the angles formed by
the union of the parallel sides with the two shorter basal edges of
the plate. The surface of this and the other radial plates is orna-
mented by a series of finely-executed lines parallel to the margins
of the plate, and which make, in their more or less concentric
course, five distinct angles, thus : — First, following the line of
junction of the radials and interradials at the fore part of the plate
on each side (2 angles); second, in crossing the two lateral
radiating ridges (2 angles); and third, in crossing the central
obtuse ridge (1 angle) = 5 angles.

The oral plates are small, obtusely lanceolate, and do not
extend above the truncated summit of the calyx. They occupy
the angles between the halves of every two radial plates.

The ambulacra are narrow, moderately elongated, and pointed,
rather deeply inserted in the radial forks, and each divided by a
well marked, deep, median ambulacra! groove, giving off distinct
branches right and left. Beyond this the component plates of the
ambulacra are not discernible. The central hiatus, the four
spiracles, and the fifth compound aperture (commonly called the
ovarian apertures) are quite obliterated, and the summit presents
no further features of interest.

So far as the limited material at my disposal, and the state of pre-
servation of the same, will allow of an opinion being formed, this

262 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PerUremite does not appear to be nearly allied to any hitherto recog-
nised British form, and is probably an imdescribed species.

Similarly formed radial plates occur in P. obesus (Lyon)* with
ornamentation of a like character, but certain other features of the
calyx do not correspond

Locality and Horizon. — Kidlaw Quarry, near Gifford, Hadding-
tonshire, from shale above the No. 2 limestone, Lower Carb. lime-
stone group. Collection of the Geological Survey of Scotland.
Collected by Mr. James Bennie.

In pursuance of this subject, it may not be out of place to give
an illustration of the ambulacra originally found by Mr. Bennie,
and which in all probability is one of those of the above species.

In form elongately petaloid, tapering towards the outer ex-
tremity, traversed by a median flexuous ambulacral furrow (PI. V.,
fig. 8). The component plates are not distinguishable, being
apparently all anchylosed together, but the sides of the lancet
plate bounding the ambulacral furrow are on each side crenulated.
The groove in the ambulacral furrow gives off short alternate,
equidistant, lateral branches on each side, which communicate
with depressions in the pore plates close against their crenulated
margins, which in no way perforated the plates, and are, therefore,
of the nature of sockets,* and not pores. From the true pores
(PL V., figs. 96-126) along the external margins of the pore plates
run in other and somewhat longer grooves, which terminate in
similar but larger sockets to those just described, and set alter-
nately with them (PL V., fig. 8b).

The under surface of the ambulacrum is flattened (PL V., figs. 9,
11, and 12), the lateral portions showing the divisions of the plates
running from the pores (PL V., figs. 11 and 12). The central
part, which, is marked by four longitudinal ridges (Fig. 9c), repre-
sents the lancet plate of the larger Pentremites. In cross section
the respective parts just described are clearly distinguishable :
the central furrow, the arched pore plates on each side terminating
laterally in flange-like projecting margins, and the flat base.

The small slits or nicks in the margins of the ambulacra (PL
V., figs. 96-126) probably represent the pores as previously de-
scribed, but no separation into pore plates and supplementary pore
plates is visible, the whole being apparently anchylosed together,
and the sutures obliterated.

*D. D. Owen's Third Kentucky Report, Atlas, t. 11, f. \b.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 263

Of the four ridges visible on the reverse (PI. V., fig. 9) the
two lateral ones appear to represent the boundaries of the pore
plates. The two inner probably form a portion of the lancet
plate, but, at times, in place of these four ridges, the two lateral
ones only are marked ; at others, the central ones are alone visible,
and represented by a groove (PI. V., fig. 11/), or open gutter,
extending the whole length of the ambulacrum. This mav answer
to the lancet canal of Mr. Rofe and other writers.

Explanation of Plate V. (figs. 7-12).

Fig. 7. — Pentremites, sp. — The best example yet found, showing-
portions of the basal plates ; portions of two of the radial plates ;
an entire radial or forked plate ; and one of the ambulacra.
Kidlaw, near Gilford, Haddingtonshire, from the Lower Carboni-
ferous limestone group.

Fig. 8. — Front view of the best preserved ambulacrum — with the
ambulacral furrrow ; the pores leading to the inner depressions or
sockets (6) ; the outer sockets at the terminations of the branch
ambulacral grooves (c).

Fig. 9. — Reverse of an ambulacrum, presumed to be that of the
foregoing species. Pores at the edges of the pore plates (6) ;
divisions of the plates (a) ; the four ridges (e).

Fig. 10. — Side-view of another similar specimen, showing the
pores at the sides of the pore plates (6), and the outer depressions
or sockets in the same pieces (a).

Figs. 11 and 12.— -Views of the reverse, in which the grooves
or gutters in the lancet plates (?) are visible (/).

Figs. 9-12 are taken from specimens obtained at Carlops Quarry,
Carlops, Peeblesshire, from the shale above the Carlops limestone,
Lower Carboniferous limestone group.

N.B. — The natural size of the specimens is shown by the indi-
cators. The originals of Plate V., figs. 7-12, are in the collection
of the Geological Survey of Scotland.

IV. — Notes on Carboniferous Brachiopoda. By Mr. Robert
Etheridge, Jun., F.G.S., Pres. Royal Phys. Soc, Edinburgh.
Plates V. (figs. 1 to 6) and VI.

1. On the colour markings in Lingula mytiloides (Sowerby),
Plate V., fig. 3. — The remains of colour bands have been noticed
in a few Carboniferous shells by De Koninck, Davidson, Young,

264 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

De Ryckholt, and others, but, so far as I am aware, those of Lingula
mytiloides (Sow.) have not been described. Mr. John Young
appears to have noticed'1" the remains of colour in more forms than
perhaps any other author. In a paper entitled " On the occur-
rence of shells showing Colour Marking in the Carboniferous
limestone strata of the West of Scotland," he cites the following
genera as so preserved, viz. : — Orthoceras, Naticopsis, Aviculopecten,
Myalina, Mactra, Terehratula, and Lingula, but unfortunately no
species are mentioned. My friend Mr. James Bennie has been
fortunate enough, during his duties in connection with the
Geological Survey of Scotland, to meet with specimens of Lingula
mytiloides in the Bo'ness coal-field retaining traces of colour bands.
From these it appears that in this species the markings in question
are arranged in longitudinal, more or less wavy, and sometimes
irregular thin bands of a colour darker than the general surface of
the shell. The number of these bands varies, the smallest I have
observed being two, and, so far as my memory serves me, the
largest four. In some cases the lines become broken, when the
colour assumes more the condition which may be described under
the term " flashes of colour."

Locality and Horizon. — Chance Pit, Kinneil, Bo'ness coal-field,
in shale forming the roof of the "Smithy" coal, associated with
Lingula sqiiamiformis, Pliili. (Mr. James Bennie).

2. On the occurrence of Syringothyris cuspidata (Martin) in
Scottish Carboniferous strata. — Syringothyris ( Spirifera) cuspidata
(Martin) has not been met with hitherto, according to the most
authentic catalogues of fossils, in the Carboniferous strata of Scot-
land. During explorations carried on in Roxburgh shire in 1878,
Mr. A. Macconochie met with this species in moderate abundance in
the shales of the Cement-stone group of that county. Mr. Thomas
Davidson, F.R.S., to whom examples were submitted, considered
them to be a variety of S. cuspidata, with a moderately -developed
area.

Locality and Horizon. — Staneshill burn and Thorlieshope burn,
Liddel Water, near New Castleton ; Cement-stone group of the
Lower Carboniferous series (Mr. A. Macconochie).

3. Note on Spiriferina E titer idgei (Davidson), PI. VI., fig. 1. —
This interesting little shell was described by myself in 1876f, but

: Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. , Glasgow, 1868, Vol. i., pt. 1, p. 185.
t Quart. Jour. Geol. Soc, Vol. xxxii , p. 463.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OP GLASGOW. 265

without assigning to it any specific name, only one specimen being
known to me. Since then additional material has been obtained,
and Mr. Davidson has done me the honour, in the lately published
Supplement to his " Monograph of British Carboniferous Brachio-
poda," to connect my name with it. The additional specimens
have been obtained chiefly by Mr. Bennie in the East of Scotland :
but some time ago I was shown examples collected in the West
by Mr. John Smith of Kilwinning. Those gathered by Mr.
Bennie prove that in some an additional rib occurs on each
side of the fold of the dorsal valve, and that in fact the ribs are
mere rounded undulations of the surface of the valves, rather
than true ribs in the sense in which the term is usually applied in
the Brachiopoda. The surface of the type specimen was smooth,
but in one or two there are traces of papillae, as in other forms of
Spiriferina.

Locality and Horizon. — Bruntsfield Colliery, near Penicuick, in
shale above the No. 2 Limestone of the Lower Carboniferous Lime-
stone group (Mr J. Bennie).

4. Notes on Chonetes polita (M'Coy), PI. VI., figs. 2 and 3. —
In the Geological Magazine for March, 1878, I briefly referred
to the occasional ornamentation of this shell with faint radiating
ribs, a peculiarity not mentioned in the original description by
Professor M'Coy, nor in Mr. T. Davidson's later remarks. Some
examples of C. polita appear to be quite smooth, others, on the
contrary, have unquestionable traces of close rounded faint and
direct radiating striae, covering the whole of the ventral valve,
and usually more apparent from the visceral region forwards,
leaving the latter more or less smooth.

Locality and Horizon. — Catcraig Quarry, near Dunbar, in shale
above the Catcraig limestone ; Ladedda Quarry, near Ceres, Fife,
in shale above the limestone ; both horizons in the Lower Car-
boniferous limestone group (Mr. J. Bennie).

5. On the punctate structure of the shell in Orthotetes cre-
nistria (Phill.), PI. VI., figs. G-8. — Some time ago very fine
examples of Orthotetes crenistria, var. senilis (Phill.), were forwarded
to me by Mr. E. L. Jack, F.G.S., from the Permo-Carboniferous
beds of Northern Queensland for description, and certain of them
for presentation to the Geological collection of the British Museum.
The Queensland specimens have, in common with British examples,
the semi-conical ventral valve, with step-like interruptions pro-

26 G PROCEEDINGS OF THE

duced by two or three very large and irregular concentric undula-
ations, the elevated but not incurved beak, and the wide area,
with its convex deltidium. Similarly the dorsal valves of these
specimens exhibit the straight hinge line, and evenly convex
surface. The situation of the valves likewise appears to be iden-
tical, and there also appears to be the same concentric lamination
of the area and deltidium as seen in some British specimens.
The most interesting point, however, is the structure of the shell
itself. This is seen to be distinctly punctate, and when the surface
is at all worn the punctae are everywhere visible, more especially
on the area. I believe this feature in Orthotetes ( = Strepto-
rhynchus) has not been generally recognised, for in the generic
description given by the best authorities the shell is said to be
impunctate. Professor William King, however, has not omitted
to notice this peculiarity in a Permian species, 0. pelargonatus
(Schlotheim). On mentioning the existence of these perforations
to Mr. T. Davidson, he informed me that he had recently seen the
same structure in some British Orthotetes. The punctae on the
exterior of the shells appear as small rugosities scattered at random
over the surface of the ribs or striae and intervening valleys, but
when the surface is to any extent worn, their perforate character
at once becomes apparent.

Locality and Horizon. — Havilah-Byerwin Road, one mile south
of Rosella Creek Crossing, Bowen River coal-field, N. Queensland ;
a marine band intercalated in the " fresh- water " or upper series
of the Permo-Carboniferous formation (Mr. R. L. Jack, F.G.S.).

6. On a small, distorted, and probably young form of Chonetes,
from the Carboniferous beds of the East of Scotland, PL V., figs. 1
and 2; PI. VI., figs. 4 and 5.— Only one valve of this shell is known
to me — the ventral. When the normal form is preserved the shell
is convex, markedly so in the middle line, giving rise to a rather
prominent fold of greater or less dimensions. The specimens
undergo curious contortions of outline, due perhaps, to a certain
extent, to accidental crushing ; in some there is a pinching up of
the mesial fold or visceral region, in others a puckering in of one
of the lateral margins, giving to the valve that irregular appearance
assumed by Mollusca which live in crevices and cracks of rocks.
One individual is of a very peculiar form — much elongated laterally,
and correspondingly narrowed across tne valve from the dorsal to
the front margin, and somewhat obliquely twisted. The hinge

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 267

line is as wide as the valve, and is bordered by a row of hinge
spines, rather strong for the relative size of the shells. The alar
expansions are small and the angles rounded. When not distorted
the valve acuminates or narrows towards the front, and the form
is, speaking in a general way, roughly triangular. The beak is
much incurved, overhanging the umbonal region of the shell.
There is a small, although well-marked and distinct area (PI. Y.,
fig. 2), which appears to be longitudinally striated, and perforated
by a small foramen or deltidial aperture, elongately triangular in
shape. The surface is covered with coarse, strong, radiating ribs,
which are simple, as a rule, but occasionally bifurcate, and are
separated from one another by valleys about their own thickness
in width. The ribs vary from sixteen to eighteen in number.
The internal characters cannot be distinguished, except that the
radiating ribs are as plainly visible as on the exterior. It is
difficult to express an opinion as to the specific identity of these
little fossils. The question arises, Is the irregular form an accidental
peculiarity, or a specific character 1 If the former, which it pro-
bably is, we are dealing with an abnormal variety of Chonetes
Buchiana (De Koninck). My friend, Mr. T. Davidson, was kind
enough to examine the whole of the specimens, and wrote me as
follows :■ — " I have seen young shells of Chonetes Laguessiana, or
even G. Buchiana, very like your specimens. When G Laguessiana
is very young the ribs are simple, and it is only when the shell
gets older that the ribs appear to become more numerous by inter-
polation I would have put them down for young

specimens of C. Laguessiana. It is always very difficult to deter-
mine young shells of closely-allied species, for they rarely show
the characters of the adult.'"' If these specimens are to be regarded
as the young of either of the above species, I think the decision
must rest in favour of G. Buchiana, to which they appear to bear a
closer resemblance than to G. Laguessiana.

Locality and Horizon. — Skateraw Quarry, near Dunbar, in shale
over the Skateraw limestone ; Kidlaw Quarry, near Gifford, Had-
dingtonshire ; East Salton old Quarry, ditto, in shale above the No.
2 limestone; Inverteil Quarry, near Kirkcaldy, in shale over the
main or No. 1 limestone; Cowdens Quarry, near Dunfermline, a
shale over the Linn limestone ; all horizons in the Lower Car-
boniferous limestone group (Mr. J. Beanie).

7. On a small specimen of Or this perforated by a Crinoid stem,

268 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

PI. V., tigs. 4-6. — The shell in question possesses to a great
extent the characters of Orthis Michelini (Leveille), having the
outline of this species, and the surface of both valves entirely
covered with small, straight, short spines. The valves are in
apposition, but have been pressed quite flat, or nearly so.

The chief point of interest lies in the presence of a Crinoid stem,
which has passed through one corner of both valves, projecting
beyond. It is difficult to determine the manner in which this
has been accomplished. Had accident forced the encrinite stem
through the valves, we should have expected to find the shell
fractured to a greater or less extent — but this is certainly not the
case — and a disarrangement of the surface. On the other hand,
we cannot suppose there is, in this case, an attempt at attachment
such as we now know took place in some Brachiopoda, otherwise
the stem of the Crinoid would have been united to the Orthis
either by some portion of the hinge, or the general surface of one
of the valves.

Presuming this to be only an accidental occurrence, it is worthy
of illustration as showing one of the many facts which have to
be taken into account in dealing with the peculiarities of sup-
posed adherent Brachipods.

Locality and Horizon. — Skateraw Quarry, near Dunbar, in shale
above the Skateraw limestone (Mr. J. Bennie).

Explanation of Plate V. (tigs. 1 to 7).

Fig. 1. — Chonetes, sp. — Another example of the shell represented
in Plate VI., figs, 4 and 5, exhibiting one of the forms of distor-
tion. Kidlaw Quarry, near Clifford, Haddingtonshire.

F1G. 2. — Interior of another specimen, with the area preserved.
Skateraw Quarry, near Dunbar; Lower Carb. limestone group.

Fig. 3. — Lingula mytiloides (Sow.) — A group of four indi-
viduals, with the remains of radiating colour bands. Roof-shale
of "Smithy" coal, Chance Pit, Bo'ness coal-field.

Figs. 4-6. — Three views of a small Orthis (near 0. Michelini,
Lev.), perforated by a small Crinoid stem. Skateraw Quarry,
near Dunbar.

N.B. — The natural size of the fossils is shown by the indicators.
The originals of Plate V., figs. 1-6, and Plate VI., figs. 1-5, are in
the collection of the Geological Society of Scotland. Those of
Plate VI., figs. 6-8, are in the British Museum.

Proc.~Nat.Hist.Soc. Glasgow. 1880.

Vol. IV, PI. V.

¥

V-.

CL -.

C.Berjeai

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Proc.Kat.Hist. Soc. Glasgow. 1880.

Vol. IY. PI VI.

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Waterston k Sons, Lift.!? Yimr

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 269

Plate VI.

Fig. 1. — Spiriferina Etheridgei (Davidson). — The dorsal valve
of an example in which the roughened papillose surface is pre-
served. Brunston Colliery, near Penicuick, in shale above the
No. 2 Limestone.

Fig. 2. — Chonetes polita (M'Coy). — As usually described and
figured; a well grown example. Catcraig Quarry, near Dunbar;
Lower Carb. limestone group.

Fig. 3. — The same, with the indistinct striae of the surface
preserved. Same locality.

Fig. 4. — Chonetes, sp. — A view of the ventral valve, showing
the probable normal form. Kicllaw Quarry, near Giffbrd, Hadding-
tonshire; Lower Carb. limestone group.

Fig. 5. — Interior of the same specimen, showing the beak and
portions of the area.

Fig. 6. — Orthotetes crenistria, var. senilis (Phill.) — View of the
ventral valve, nat. size. Bowen Elver coal-field, N. Queensland.

Fig. 7. — View of a portion of the dorsal valve, and area of the
same, nat. size.

Fig. 8. — Portion of the surface of the same, highly magnified,
showing the perf orations of the shell substance.

April 27th, 1880.
Professor John Young, M.D., F.G.S., President, in the chair.

SPECIMENS EXHIBITED.

Mr. Thomas King exhibited a growing specimen of the common
Primrose {Primula vulgaris), in which the points of the calyx had
been metamorphosed into true leaves.

Mr. Peter Ewing showed specimens of Petasites alba from the
neighbourhood of Barrhead. This plant, which differs not only
in the colour of its flower but in other respects from the common
Butterbur, is not indigenous, but may be considered as an escape
from shrubberies, although found in many different localities.

Mr. John M. Campbell exhibited : —

1. A specimen of the Collared Peccary {Dicotyles tajacu, Lin.).
He said the Peccaries, of which there are two distinct species, are
natives of the forest region of South America. They are by nature

270 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

shy and timid creatures, but when attacked or menaced by an
enemy exhibit a courage not to be despised, and often their two
great enemies, man and the jaguar, have good reason to remember
their dental arrangements. They are remarkable as being the only
representatives of the porcine group indigenous to America, the
number of hogs which here and there wander in a wild state
having been, like the horse, introduced in early times by man. In
general appearance the Collared Peccary resembles the common pig,
but differs in its dentition and some other points of structure.

The species of which this is an example was included by
Linnaeus in his genus Sus, from which it was separated by Cuvier,
who included it in his genus Dicoti/les, which the late Dr. Gray
restricted to the allied species D. labiatus, the White-lipped
Peccary. The Collared Peccary is the smaller of the two, being
about three feet in length, and has a strip of yellowish white
passing down each shoulder and meeting on the throat, its general
colour being a grizzly black, the hairs being alternately ringed
with grey, yellowish, and black. The tail is very short — in fact,
a mere tubercle. Above the loins there is a glandular apparatus,
which contains a secretion of a disgusting odour. Its flesh is said
to be good, and is eaten by the natives, who hunt it with dogs.
In its habits it resembles the hog, and is sometimes domesticated,
but, unlike its congener, does not breed so readily in confinement.
It has been bred in the Zoological Gardens in London, and a
hybrid between the species and a male D. labiatus was born in
the Gardens in 1864.

The individual now exhibited — a female — was brought alive to
this country, and after its death was presented to the Kelvingrove
Museum. In a letter, which I received a few days ago, its former
owner says, " When it left Surinam it had its mate shipped with
it, but, unfortunately, the male died on the voyage. When it
came here in the month of May last it was rather low in condi-
tion, but soon picked up. It was very tame, and fond of being-
caressed or scratched, followed those that looked after it ; but it
was not often allowed to walk about in the yard, as it sometimes
attacked the fowls, and sometimes succeeded, which made the
dairy- woman declare ' it had a blood-thirsty nature.' After it had
been a month with me, I had a Berkshire young boar placed
beside it, but it never got in season, although in general they
seemed very friendly. At first it ate the food before allowing the

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 271

Berkshire to taste, but as the latter got stronger than it, this was
reversed, and it had to be fed separately. It knew strangers
readily, and did not care for them being near it, and, if they
offered to touch it, raised its bristles and snorted, and, if they
persisted, it ejected a most offensive matter. After the severe frost
it began to fall off in condition, though it took its food, and never
seemed to be ill till a few hours before it died."

2. The Kiwi (Apteryx australis, Shaw), and its egg. Early
in 1869 Mr. Gray, at that time Secretary of this Society, exhibited
a specimen of A. oweni, and made some remarks on the species;
and in November, 1878, Mr. Harvie-Brown exhibited another of
the same species with its egg. Although the specimen I have
brought here to-night is the species which was first described and
figured, it is still sufficiently rare to be of interest to the members.

The Kiwi {A. australis) wTas first brought to this country from
the South Coast of New Zealand by Captain Barclay, of the ship
Providence, about 1812, and by him presented to Dr. Shaw, who
described and figured it in the 24th volume of the Naturalists'
Miscellany, under the name of the "Ferruginous-grey Apteryx."
The notices of subsequent writers are mostly all derived from this
description, although many doubted its existence. After Dr.
Shaw's death his specimen was bought at the sale of his effects by
Lord Stanley, who, to settle all doubts as to the genuineness of the
species, sent it to the Zoological Society, and at one of the meet-
ings it was submitted to a careful examination, and all doubts set
at rest.

Since that time specimens have from time to time come to this
country, and no less than four, or probably five, species have been
described. Like the Dodo, Dinornis, and other wingless birds, the
Kiwis are doomed to become an extinct race, and only their com-
paratively smaller size and nocturnal habits have till now preserved
them from extinction. They are much esteemed by the natives
for food, and are hunted at night by torch-light, their skins being
dressed for robes, which are highly valued. The food of the Kiwi
consists of worms, grubs, and insects, which their long and slender
beaks and powerful claws are well fitted to obtain. The whole
length of the Kiwi, as described by Dr. Shaw, is about 32 inches.
In this specimen the length is about 24 inches, of which the
beak, measuring from the eye, is 5 inches. The feet are large and
powerful, with long sharp claws. The feathers, brownish with

272 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

blackish margins, are soft and broad at the base, and taper rapidly
to the points, which are harder and more wiry, making the surface
appear harsh to the touch. The head and neck is lighter in colour.
Round the base of the bill are a number of long bristle-like feathers.
Dr. Shaw states that at the base of the upper mandible the
"aperture of the nostrils is covered by a valve-like membrane that
would render it impervious. A bristle introduced into the nostril
under this passes up the whole length of the beak." In this dried
specimen the nostril is not so apparent, but at each side of the
point of the beak is a small opening, down which a fine wire or
bristle can be easily passed. The egg, which I also exhibit, belongs
to this individual, and is, like those of the other species, of a large
size in comparison to the bird, measuring 5 inches in length by 3
inches in width.

On 9th June, 1859, a Mantell's Apteryx (A. mantelli), which
had been living in the Zoological Gardens, London, from 1851,
deposited an egg which weighed 14i- oz., the contents weighing
13J oz. The shell was smooth and of a dirty-white colour: the
form an elongated oval, slightly tapering towards the small end,
4 -75 inches in long, and 2*9 inches in short diameter. The weight
of the living bird was ascertained to be 60 oz., so that the egg was
nearly equal to one-fourth of the weight of the bird. As many
absurd stories have been told regarding the reproduction of the
Apteryx, I may be permitted to read the following short note on
the incubation of the bird, whose egg I have already referred to —
read to the Zoological Society on 28th May, 1868, by Mr. A. D.
Bartlett, Superintendent of the Society's Gardens.

" In 1851 Lieut. -Governor Eyre presented to the Society an
Apteryx. This bird proved to be a female of Apteryx mantelli.
In the year 1859 she laid her first egg, and has continued to lay
one or two eggs every year since that time. In 1865 a male bird
was presented by Mr. Henry Slade. During the last year these
birds showed symptoms of a desire to pair. This was known by
the loud calling of the male, which was answered by the female in
a much lower and shorter note. They were particularly noisy
during the night, but altogether silent in the daytime. On the
2nd of January the first egg was laid, and for a day or more the
female remained on the egg; but as soon as she quitted the nest
the male bird took to it, and remained constantly sitting. On the
7th of February the second egg was laid, the female leaving the

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 273

nest as soon as the egg was deposited. The two birds now occupied
the two opposite corners of the room in which they were kept, the
male on the two eggs in the nest under the straw, the female con-
cealed in her corner, also under a bundle of straw placed against
the wall. During the time of incubation they ceased to call at
night — in fact were perfectly silent, and kept apart. I found the
eggs in a hollow formed on the ground in the earth and straw, and
placed lengthwise side by side. The male bird lay across them,
his narrow body appearing not sufficiently broad to cover them in
any other way. The ends of the eggs could be seen projecting
from the side of the bird. The male continued to sit in the most
persevering manner until the 25th of April, at which time he was
much exhausted and left the nest. On examining the eggs I found
no traces of young birds.

" Notwithstanding the failure of reproducing the Apteryx, I
think sufficient has been witnessed to show that this bird's mode
of reproduction does not differ essentially from that of the allied
Struthious birds — in all cases of which that have come under my
observation the male bird only sits. I have witnessed the breed-
ing of the Mooruk, the Cassowary, the Emu, and the Rhea ; and
the mode of procedure of the Apteryx fully justifies me in believ-
ing the habits of this bird to be in no way materially different
from those of its allies."

3. Alpine Newt (Triton alpestris, Laur.). This Newt, although
not a native of this country, might at first be readily mistaken
for our common Warty Newt, but a glance at the ventral aspect
of this species is sufficient to show that it differs from our largest
Newt. T. alpestris is of a blackish lead colour above, marked
with brown, sides and lower part of the tail spotted with black,
with which colour the toes are also ringed. All the lower parts
are of a bright orange colour, without spots. The tail is com-
pressed, with the edges acute. It is common in Switzerland, and
is found in Belgium, Austria, Italy, Gallicia, France, and other
parts of the south of Europe. The individuals exhibited are from
the neighbourhood of Paris. In habits it does not* differ from
the common Newts with which all are familiar.

Mr. Peter Cameron exhibited specimens of Microgaster sericeus,
a parasite on Thera juniperata, from Milngavie. When it leaves
the caterpillar on which it has fed, this insect in its turn spins a
cocoon attached to the spines, where it is attacked by other ichneu-

274 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

moiis. He also exhibited two species bred from the galls of Lasiop-
tera juniperina — viz., Torymus juniperi (Lin.) — a species new
to Britain, and an undescribed species of Lygocerus, which it was
proposed to name L. juniperi. Mr. Cameron also showed a gall
of Aphilothrix clementinae, a species new to Britain, from Cadder.

PAPERS READ.

I. — On the Skuas, particularly with reference to the recent occurrence
of the Pomatorhine Skua (Stercorarius pomatorhinus ), on the
Coasts of Scotland in unusual numbers. By Mr. J. J.
Dalgleisii, M.B.O.U.

Dr. Elliott Coues, the eminent American ornithologist, in his
"Birds of the North-west, " published in 1874, divides the sub-
family of the Laridae known as the Stercorariinae or Skuas, into
two sub-genera, Buphagus (Moehring, 1752), for the heavy short-
tailed Great Skua and its antarctic rejoresentatives, and Stercorarius
for the three longer tailed species. Our latest and best recognised
British authority, however, on the Laridae (Mr. Howard Saunders),
following more strictly the British Association rules for nomen-
clature, rejects the former as being anterior to the 12th edition
of Linnaeus' Sy sterna Naturae (1766), and recognises one genus
only, that of Stercorarius. Of this he enumerates six species as
follows: —

S. catarrhactes. S. pomatorhinus.

S. antarcticus. S. crepidatus.

S. chilensis. S. parasiticus.

Of these, S. antarcticus and S. chilensis are confined to the
southern hemisphere. The former, which is widely distributed in
the Atlantic, to the south of latitude 29° south, was found breeding
at Kerguelen's Island, in 1874, by Dr. Kidder, the naturalist
attached to the American expedition sent to observe the transit of
Venus. He records that its habits partake of those of a buzzard,
feeding as it does nearly upon flesh, and that when shooting parties
were out, they had some difficulty in securing the ducks, etc., which
they shot, from being carried off. S. chilensis is seemingly
confined to the Pacific Coast of South America, and the Straits of
Magellan, probably breeding on the islands and shores of the
hitter.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 275

The remaining four species are better known to British
ornithologists; S. catarrhactes, the Common or Great Skua, and S.
crepidatus, Richardson's Skua, being still found breeding, although,
especially the former, in greatly decreasing numbers, on some of
our Scottish islands; and the other two, S. piarasiticns, Buffon's
Skua, and S. pomatorhinus, the Pomatorhine Skua, being found
as regular stragglers to our shores. I shall, therefore, confine my
remarks on the present occasion more particularly to the last men-
tioned species, whose recent appearance on our coasts forms the
subject of the present paper. I may, however, draw the attention
of those interested in the distribution of the genus to an exhaustive
monograph on the subject by Mr. Howard Saunders, in the Pro-
ceedings of the Zoological Society of London for the year 1876,
p. 320, and to which I am indebted for valuable assistance on the
present occasion.

Stercorarius pomatorhinus, the Pomatorhine Skua (sometimes
spelt Pomarine, but as Mr. Sclater has shown in the Ibis for 1867,
the former is more classical, being derived from Trw/xa, operculum,
and ptv, nasus), is a native of the arctic seas, where it has been
observed as far north as lat. 82° N. It is found on the coasts of
Spitzbergen, Novaya Zemlya, and along the northern coasts of
Ptussia and Siberia. Middendorf found it breeding in the "barrens"
of the latter. Newton also records it as breeding in Greenland.
Besides these, Mr. Saunders considers there must be many other
breeding places, for it is numerous in the north, and on our own
shores it is not very uncommon in the autumn. It extends in
winter all along the western coasts of Europe and Africa, ascending
the Mediterranean as far as Sicily and Malta.* It has been
obtained on the Burmese coast and at Cape York, North Australia.
It occurs on the North American shore of the Atlantic as far
south as New York, and has been seen at the Prybilov islands on
the west coast of that continent, while an adult specimen was
obtained off the Japanese coast in May, 1875, by the Challenger
Expedition (Saunders, P.Z.S., 1877, p. 794). It is only in small
numbers that it usually visits our shores, but it is quite well known
in the Frith of Forth and other places along the eastern coasts of
Great Britain. Although, like the other species, it is more frequently

* I observed in the spring of the present year, 1880, several specimens,
both adult and young, in the Museum of Marseilles, all of which were
obtained in that neighbourhood.

VOL. IV. T

276 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

seen on the east than the west coast of the island, Mr. R. Warren
informs me that it is a regular visitor every autumn to the west
coast of Ireland, where he resides. Nowhere, however, can it be
called plentiful, and the late great flight is thus the more remarkable
and worthy of notice. They seem as usual to have struck the east
coast, where the first recorded specimen of the year was observed
on the first of October, 1879, at Portobello, on the Frith of Forth.
Within a few days thereafter they appeared simultaneously in
large numbers at various points, such as Berwick, Dunbar, North
Berwick, Portobello, Queen sferry, Kincardine, and elsewhere on
the east coast of Scotland; also, at Lochmaddy, in the Hebrides,
and in the river and estuary of the Clyde. Large numbers also
were seen, and many obtained, at various points on the east and
south coasts of England, as recorded in the Field newspaper,
Zoologist, and elsewhere.* Confining the present observations,
however, to Scotland, I shall give, as far as I have been able to
ascertain, an approximate list of those which were obtained or
observed at various points, chiefly on or near the coast, giving the
dates of capture where I have found it possible to obtain them.

Beginning in the north, and coming down the east coast, I find
recorded as follows : —

Caithness : Wick : One, early in October.

Sutherland : Brora : Two seen flying south, by Mr. T. E. Buckley,
on 13th October, when grouse-shooting at Kintradwell.

Banff: The Rev. G. Gordon of Birnie records a Skua having
been found dead by one of the Duke of Richmond's keepers at
Glenfiddich, in the south of the county; but this may not have
been S. £>omato?'hinus.

Forfar and Fife : Frith of Tay : None are again recorded until
reaching this estuary, where they seem to have appeared in con-
siderable numbers, in company with Richardson's Skua. The Rev.
J. E. Somerville, of Broiighty Ferry, writes that a friend of his,
who knows the birds well, saw more Pomatorhine Skuas in one
day last autumn than he had ever seen previously during all his
life, though a keen observer. They were seen flying above the Tay
Bridge, and numbers were to be found sitting on the Abertay

For full papers on these occurrences ou the English coasts vide Stevenson,
Trans. Norfolk and Norivich Nat. Soc, 1880, p. 99; also, Dr. C. Brown,
Proc. Berwick Nat. Club, 1879, pp. 54 and 169, and various writers in the
Zoologist, 1880, pp. 18-23, 90-97, 108-109.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 277

sands, on the Fife shore. The following are recorded as having
been obtained in this district : —

Oct. 17. — Two were shot by Mr. P. Henderson,
naturalist, Dundee.

Oct. 23. — One shot, and sent to Messrs. Hope, Edin-
burgh, for preservation.

Oct. 26. — Seven were shot, adult and young, and
taken to Mr. Henderson for preservation.

East Lothian : 1. Dunbar : Many hundreds were observed in
the neighbourhood of this place, numbers of them sitting on the
pier, apparently much exhausted; and Mr. R. Gray states that he has
examined upwards of 40 specimens which were obtained here
during the early part of October. 2. Aberlady : Two, a male and
female, were shot here, on 23rd October. 3. North Berwick: Dr.
J. L. Crombie writes that large flights of Skuas were seen here
during the month of October, the first being on the 14th of that
month. Many of them were in fine plumage, with the tail feathers
complete. I find the following recorded as obtained here, all of
which were sent to Messrs. Small, Edinburgh, for preservation —

Oct. 16.— Five.

„ 20.— Six.

„ 24. — Two, both males.

„ 27.— Six.

„ 31.— Five.

Two of these birds were of the uniform and very dark plumage
afterwards referred to. 4. Prestonpans: Five were obtained in
October, two of which were preserved by Mr. Hay, naturalist,
there.

Midlothian : 1. Portobello : Several were seen here, and the
following recorded as obtained —

Oct. 1. — One, a male, preserved by Messrs. Small.
„ 14. — Four, one male, and three females, all
preserved by Messrs. Hope, Edinburgh.
]STov. 3. — One found dead by Mr. Caldwell.
2. Leith : One, a male, was shot here on 23rd October.

Westlothian : Queensferry : The following were shot:—

Oct, 14. — One, a male, very fine specimen.
,. 24. — One, a female.

278 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

Stirling and Perth : Kincardine on Forth : A flock of about
twenty were observed here, for some days, about the beginning of
October. They were very tame. One was shot, and preserved by
Mr. M'Culloch, of Glasgow: this bird had remained some days
after the others left, having been probably previously wounded.
Several Skuas of other species were also observed here about the
same time.

Berwickshire : Berwick : Great numbers were observed here,
and upwards of thirty were shot at Spittal point, immediately
across the border. One was also shot at Newton, in the county,
as recorded by Dr. Traquair in Proc. R. Phys. Soc, Edin., 1879-80.

On the West Coast of Scotland I have only notices from one or
two districts.

Inverness, insular : North Uist Island : One was shot here,
about 26th October, by Mr. Macdonald, factor to Sir J. W. P.
Campbell Orde.

Bute : Mr. A. M'Cunn, shipbuilder, Greenock, obtained five, and
saw other three, in Kilchattan Bay, in this island, in October.

Renfrew, Argyll, and Dumbarton: Considerable numbers
appeared in the course of the autumn in the Clyde estuary. Mr.
Clunie, naturalist, Greenock, passed about 14 through his hands,
which had been killed at various points between Cardross, on the
Clyde, and Dunoon. Numbers were seen in Gourock Bay, Dr.
Leitch of that place having observed upwards of 20. These were in
two flocks, one of eight and the other of twelve. They were
accompanied by some common Skuas, which, however, kept a little
apart from them. One of the Pomatorhine species was captured
in a somewhat curious manner; the person who fired at it having
missed, it rose and flew a couple of yards only, and then allowed
itself to be taken by hand, having apparently been paralysed by
fear. A few were observed even as late as 14th February.

Dumfries : This is the only other western county from which I
have any information, one having been shot, early in October, in
Hensol meadow, near the town of Dumfries.

Keeping, as usual, principally to the east coast, it is worthy of
remark that fewer than usual were observed in Ireland, none
having been seen by Mr. R. Warren on the north-west of that
island during last season, where, as above observed, it is a usual
autumn visitant. Doubtless this fact, as well as its appearance in
so great numbers, is to be attributed to the same cause — namely,

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OP GLASGOW. 279

the prevalence in October of severe and continued gales from the
north-west, coupled with the occurrence, as noted by Mr. Stevenson,
of large shoals of herrings and sprats at that period on the east
coast.

Their line of flight seems to indicate that migration takes place
across the narrow neck of land between the Friths of Forth and
Clyde, and, indeed, this is borne out by observations, at various
times, of other species. The central counties of Scotland appear
to form no barrier to the annual autumn migration of birds, which,
striking our east coast, at localities north of the Frith of Forth,
frequently find their way across to the Frith of Clyde.

It may be remarked as a curious fact, that the central tail
feathers, which form one of the most characteristic features of the
species, were, in the case of nearly all the specimens obtained in
Scotland, much abraded and worn — a circumstance which seems
difficult of explanation. This seems to have been previously
observed by French naturalists, one of whom, M. Hardy, of Dieppe,
affirms that the Pomatorhine Skua assumes in winter a plumage
more or less resembling that of the young, that they then lose the
central rectrices, which, if the moult is delayed, become a source
of irritation to the bird, and in that case it breaks them over to
obtain relief. Messrs. Degland and Gerbe, on the other hand,
attribute the frequent occurrence of the feathers in a broken state,
at this season, to abrasion by the ice before leaving their breeding
haunts, or to the action of the gales, which drive the birds on the
coast. Such great flights as the one under notice have, according
to the last-mentioned authors, occasionally occurred on the northern
coasts of France — notably in the month of October, 1834, when a
great storm prevailed for several days in succession.

Before concluding this brief and imperfect record, one more fact
in connection with the recent Skua flight may be mentioned, viz.,
the detection, for the first time, of several cases of melanism
among the specimens, which were obtained, both in England and
Scotland, two of which in the latter were shot at North Berwick
on 31st October. This form, although known to occur in the
allied species S. crejridatus, had not been previously well authenti-
cated in that now under review. A notice of this, from the pen
of Mr. Howard Saunders, appeared in the Field of January 1 7th,
1880.*

* Reprinted in the Zooloyist, 1880, pp. 90-97.

280 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

I may here add that since the reading of this paper, it has been
stated in the Field of October 16th, 1880, by Mr. E. T. Booth of
Brighton, into whose possession one of these dark-coloured birds
fell, that it lived in confinement for upwards of five months, or
until early in April last, when it had to be destroyed owing to
swellings on its feet which caused it great apparent pain ; and he
further states the curious fact that by that time it had quite
assumed a different plumage, the dark colour of the throat, breast,
and under parts having changed to almost white, and light-coloured
feathers were also showing themselves round the neck.

During the late autumn (1880) only one specimen, so far as I
can learn, was obtained in Scotland, and that, so early as August 10,
at North Berwick. Mr. T. H. Nelson, in the Zoologist (1880, p.
oil), however, records the occurrence of a flight of several hundreds
at Redcar, in Yorkshire, on 28th October, during the prevalence
of a heavy gale from the north-east. They were flying in a
westerly and north-westerly direction, but from the severity of the
storm, no specimens were obtained, shooting being impossible.
They were principally mature birds of the white-breasted variety,
only three or four dark-plumaged specimens being amongst them.

Attention has been called by several writers in the Field during
last autumn to the fact of the Pomatorhine Skua carrying its tail
shut up like a fan when flying straight forward, swimming, or
standing on the ground, so much so, that only one single feather
was to be seen; and Mr. T. H. Nelson remarks further in the same
journal that he had observed, in several instances, when he " had
" shot a Skua, others came to the dead or wounded bird, and in
" their twistings and turnings while swooping round, continually
" opened and shut their tails much in the way which Terns do
" when fishing over a shoal of Sprats."

II. — BarraHead and its Bird-Life. By Mr. George Maclachlan,
formerly Lighthouse-keeper there; with Notes by Mr. John A.
Harvie-Brown, F.R.S.E.

Introduction.

Barra or Barray, according to one reading, means — the island of the
point or extremity, from bar, a head or point, and ay or i, an island
[v. Robertson's "Gaelic Topography," p. 211, and "New Stat.
Acct.," vol. xiv., p. 198], and this appears to be the one usually
accepted. But other authors, as early as the days of Martin,

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 281

assigned the name as in honour of a tutelar saint. P-t Barr, which
has been contradicted, and again reasserted since that time, by-
different writers, some stating that no such saint existed or
appeared in the Roman calendar, but others referring to " St.
Barr, Bishop of Cork, in the 6th century, whose commemoration
day, as Martin correctly states, is the 25th September." Those
who uphold the latter derivation in conjunction with the Norse
termination ay (oe of the Northmen), would appear to have at
least an equal share of the argument.

Although not admitted in the Boman calendar, many names of
saints, Irish, Scottish, and English, to which that honour has not
been accorded, are to be fmmd in native calendars, and the more
prominent of these are now generally embodied in the calendars
published in this country, which are often prefixed to books of
Catholic devotion.

If the first derivation be accepted, it admirably describes the
geographical position of the island; if the second be taken, we
find much to support it in what is stated: — that the 25th September
was kept as the commemoration day of the tutelar saint by the
natives, and that the practice is only now dying out, while it is still
further supported by the fact that churches on the islands are also
called after the saint, e.g., Killbar. In "The Story of Greltir the
Strong," translated from the Icelandic by Magnusson (1869),
" Barra " is several times mentioned, and, in the index, the name
is bracketed " (Barre?/) one of the Hebrides," an evident recogni-
tion of the Norse origin of the name.

Barra is also called Bernera or Berneray. This name Mr.
James Macpherson* considers "has a suspiciously foreign appear-
ance, but Gaelic writers appear to have assimilated it, and write
it, Bearnairidh. Beam means a gap or notch, and airidh (as they
spell it) hill-pasturage, or a level green among hills," which
describes the features of the interior of Barra Island, north of
Castle Bay, though scarcely of the island upon which the light-
house is erected.

The following observations on the Bird-life of Barra Head are
principally based upon the results of a long acquaintance with the
locality and the species mentioned, and of intelligent and careful

* I am obliged to Mr. Jas. Macpherson, of Edinburgh, for assisting me in
the above notes on the derivation of the name, as well as for much kind
help in similar directions elsewhere.

282 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

examination into their habits and economy, by one who is not only
a good cragsman, but is also a good observer. Mr. George
Maclachlan spent over four years as lighthouse-keeper on Barra
Head. He left it in 1870, owing to bad health, and Captain H. W.
Feilden and myself met him on board the s.s. " Dun vegan Castle,"
on his way to consult Dr. Sir Robert Christison, in Edinburgh.
This was on the 25th May, 1870, when we were on our way to
Barra Head. I am glad to say that Mr. Maclachlan's health is
now quite restored, and he is lighthouse-keeper at another of the
Scottish stations. I am indebted to him for a careful return from
one of the north coast lighthouses in connection with the
Migration of Birds in 1879.*

Such notes as Mr. Maclachlan's are particularly valuable, being
the result of observations made at the same locality in four con-
secutive breeding seasons by one well able to observe correctly,
and few of our naturalists have had as good opportunities of
becoming intimately acquainted with any single rock-bird station,
or have spent so much time, day after day, all through four seasons,
in watching the habits of the residents. Mr. Maclachlan's notes
cannot be looked upon as written for writing's sake, but as the
real outcome of patient and correct observation, in the field, and
in one of nature's grandest observatories.

I have supplemented them under the several species spoken
of by a few additional observations made by Capt. H. W. Feilden
and myself during our visit to Barra Head, of two nights and a
day, in Lne end of May, 1870; and I have also alluded to the
remarks of other observers on the rock-birds of this nursery.

Scattered notices of Barra Head occur in the works of our
earlier authors. Martin only shortly refers to it; Macgillivray
gives a good description of it in his "British Birds" [vol. v., p.
351] ;t Captain Elwes describes it faithfully [Ibis, 1869]; and Mr.
Theo. Walker goes somewhat minutely into a description of it
["Zoologist." May 1870, p. 2117]. Incidental accounts occur
throughout the literature connected with the Hebrides and
Highlands and Islands of Scotland, but a list of these would
occupy too much space. Muir's " Barra Head," however, may be
instanced as one giving illustrations of the scenery.

* V. "Zoologist," May, 1880.

t This is evidently rewritten and somewhat compressed from his earlier
"Account," in 1830 [Edin, Journ. of Nat. and Geog. Science, vol. ii., p. 331].

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 283

When Captain Feilden and I visited Barra Head in 1870, we
were not greatly impressed by the numbers of sea-fowl. Our first
and last impression was that Barra Head, as a breeding station,
has been lauded far beyond its merits, and we have, since that
time, as well as prior to it, satisfied ourselves that there are many
rock-bird stations holding a larger population of birds than Barra
Head. The birds are much scattered upon small ledges all over
the face of the cliffs, leaving great spaces quite untenanted and
untenantable, owing to the irregular nature of the rock-strata.
Very different is the cliff of Mingalay, with its regular and
parallel ledges closely packed with birds ; but of Mingalay we may
take another occasion to speak more fully.

Perhaps the finest view of the rock-birds' haunts on Barra is
from the old ruinous keep behind the lighthouse, where a deep
gully in the rock runs inland about 100 yards, almost to the base
of the lighthouse itself. From the southern side of this gully the
whole face of the opposite cliff is seen. There, in 1869, the
Peregrine Falcon had its eyrie, and Mr. Theo. Walker, with the
assistance of Mr. Maclachlan, procured the young. Captain Elwes,
in his able paper on " The Bird Stations of the Outer Hebrides,"
[Ibis, 1869, p. 26], gives a somewhat full account of Barra Head,
referring also to the previous accounts by Macgillivray [" British
Birds," vol. v., p. 351*]. Capt. Elwes, amongst other matter,
describes the method adopted by cragsmen on Barra for killing
the birds as they fly past, by an upward stroke of a long pole
" resting, end downwards, across the thigh." A similar method
is adopted at Ailsa Craig, as noted by Mr. B. Gray [" Birds of
West of Scotland," p. 43 6 j.

u

GUILLEMOT. Alca troile (Lin.).

" The Guillemot, Razorbill, and Puffin keep their time to a
day in arriving at their place of hatching, which is upon the 5th
u of April. If the weather is stormy they remain upon the water
" awaiting the first favourable opportunity of landing. They all
" land at the same time, and make a great noise, quarrelling and

* Rewritten, as before mentioned, from his own earlier notes, in 1830.
T For the purpose of distinguishing them, Mr. Maclachlan's notes,
placed within quotation marks, " ", while the additional remet£k^Xgf'£, /4 /

distinguished by square brackets, [ ]. /•O^'rt©®

(library

284 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

' fighting for the places on which they were successful in bringing
' out their young formerly. There is every proof that they return
' to the same ledge of rock year after year. I observed one
' female Guillemot browner in colour than hundreds of her
' fellows, who hatched her egg along with other six of the same
* species on a small cliff where no person could get to them, but
' where they could easily be seen from a ledge above. This brown
' bird hatched her egg not only on the same rock, but on the
' same place of that rock for three years in succession. At
' another place I saw a Guillemot which had lost a claw. She
' had hatched three years in succession on the same place, and
' when I left in 1870 she was back at the old spot."

[The regularity in the time of arrival of sea-birds at their
breeding stations has been constantly remarked upon by authors,
from Martin downwards in chronological sequence, and various
references will be found under the different localities in the works
treating of them. For the dates of arrival of the various species
and of their departure from St. Kilda, see Martin's " St. Kilda,"
and for the same in more convenient form — and tabulated — see
Seton's "St. Kilda," 1879, page 171. The accuracy of Mr.
Maclachlan's observations cannot but prove useful to others who
may wish to study rock -birds in their haunts, and the time devoted
by him to his study of them is sufficient guarantee for their truth-
fulness. Few professed naturalists can boast of having lived
amongst them for four years.

Varieties amongst sea-birds are not so frequently met with as
among land birds. Still, albinos and other varieties occur not
uncommonly. From the Faroe Islands we possess in our collec-
tion a fine series of the Puffin — from the typical black-and-white
to the albino — speckled, brown-winged, and others, being inter-
mediate. The Guillemot and Razorbill also are occasionally
obtained of a light brown colour on the back, and also albino and
other varieties. Mr. Maclachlan expresses the opinion that the
dun varieties are the direct produce of the same stock, or, in other
words, that the colour is hereditary; and I think this is fully borne
out by our experience of varieties in other species. Mr. Maclachlan
thinks that there may be one dun-coloured bird in, perhaps, 400.

The variety called the Bridled Guillemot is abundant at Barra
Head, and in 1870 Captain Feilden and myself were at considerable
pains to arrive at an estimate of their numbers in proportion to

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 285

the unbridled examples. After minutely observing and counting
the occupants of a number of ledges, we came to the conclusion
that there were live common Guillemots to every bridled bird.
The particulars of our observations on this point will be found in
our Journal for that year.* We also satisfied ourselves of the
identity of the two forms, finding a bridled and an unbridled bird
most unmistakably paired on several occasions. Captain Elwes,
when seated in the cliff-face, by counting the birds flying past,
arrived at the conclusion that the bridled birds were in the pro-
portion of one to ten or twelve [Ibis, 1869, p. 27]. Mr. Walker
could only make out one in twenty [Zool., 1870, p. 2168]; whereas
Mr. Maclachlan, in a subsequent note to me, states his opinion that
"fully half of the Guillemots are bridled birds." J. A. H.-B.]

" They only hatch one egg in the season. No nest is formed,
." and the egg is laid upon the bare rock. But if by any means
"that egg is lost, she will lay another in seven or eight days.
" Should a female bird be killed early in the season, from six to ten
" ova are usually found in the ovary. If the first egg be taken
" away, the bird will not lay the second on the same place that
" season. I have sprinkled a lot of birds with red paint, by
" dipping a piece of heather into the paint, and shaking it over
" them. I have then gone down and taken their eggs. Other
" birds came there next day, and I found my marked birds, or the
" greater part of them, on the place which the others left. Another
" time I sprinkled some on one side of a point of rock with red,
" and those on the other side with blue paint, and found that the
" birds exactly changed places. Both companies were much
" wilder in their new abodes.

" Usually they sit until a person is within a few yards of them.
" In fact, when they are ' sitting hard ' they will hardly leave the
" eggs. I have often walked among them when the young birds
" were coming out, and had to be careful that I did not tramp upon
" them. The parent birds make a low cooing sound, keeping the
" head moving up and down; every time they put down the head
" they touch the egg, placing it well in front of their feet. They
" know their own eggs perfectly well. I have several times gone
" on to a ledge and changed their eggs, and watched the birds
" return, and shift their eggs to their own respective positions

* See also Mr. R. Gray's " Birds of West of Scotland," p. 426.

286 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

" again. I have never known an instance of the male bird hatch-
" ing out an egg if the female has been shot. The egg is in-
" variably left to rot, or is carried off by crows or gulls. But if
" the female is killed after the egg is hatched, the male bird will
" bring up the young one. The male always assists in feeding
" the young whilst the female is alive, but I never observed him
" feed the female while sitting. I do not think he feeds her, for
" she is absent a while every day. The rock is so hot that the
" eews are never cold.

so

" The young birds do not fly down to the water from the cliffs
" they are hatched upon. One of the old birds takes hold of a
" wing, at the shoulder, and flies to the water with the young bird.
" They do not alight upon the water immediately when they come
" to it, but fly for a few yards along the surface, and alight, after
" recovering their balance, which is lost by the change in the
" direction of their flight. The young one swims round the
" parent bird for about ten minutes, and the old one then takes it by
" the back of the neck and dives with it for a few seconds. She
" repeats this lesson several times, stopping longer under the water
" each time. Then she dives and takes up some food for the
" poor little one. Within an hour it is diving and following
" her, but is seen on the surface long before the old bird appears.
" The young are not fully fledged when taken to the water. The
" old birds take from 21 to 24 days to hatch the eggs, and the
" young are about the same length of time before they are fit to go
" down to the water. The young are often driven on shore in
" coarse weather and killed. On a fine day upwards of 100 may
" be seen taken down from the cliffs in the above manner. I have
" never seen them taking the young birds down on their backs,
" although the natives of Berneray have told me that they did so."

" In 1869 I selected four ledges and marked on each ledge
" twelve young birds on the web of the foot with a pair of scissors,
" in the same way as many mark the domestic goose, in order to
" ascertain if they came back to the same ledges on which they
" were hatched. But I was in bad health when the birds came in
" 1870, and I was not able to go down amongst them. I wrote
" to a native to try and pick out the marked ones, and to tell me
" where they were found, and what mark they had on the foot.
" He did not reply, and so my experiment was lost.

" I have omitted to mention that, when the rock-birds come

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 287

" on the 5th of April, they only stay two clays, and then disappear
" as suddenly as they came. Some of them return in the first
'•' week of May, and they gather together up to the 20th. They
" are about a week on the rock before they lay. I got thirteen
" eggs on the 12th May, 1867, which is unusually early. By the
" 1st June, they have all laid."

[In the same year mentioned by Mr. Maclachlan as an unusually
early breeding season at Barra, viz., 18G7, Mr. Robert Gray tells
us, on the authority of Mr. Alexander Carmichael, that "great
numbers died on the ledges in the breeding season." Mr. Gray
goes on to say, " Incubation had been delayed till the middle
of August, on account of the severity of the weather, which seems
to have caused the mortality." After the late and severe winter
and spring of 1878-79, I did not find that the incubation of rock-
birds was delayed, all my inquiries going to prove that such was
not the case, and that they were in no way affected by the late
summer. J. A. H.-B.]

" I have never attempted to count the number of these birds, as
" it seems not possible to do so. Captain Elwes stayed with me
" ten days or so, and, with the assistance of his servant, he used to
" try to come to some sort of calculation, but had to give it up.
" Suppose those on the rocks could be nearly counted, it was hard
" to say how many were flying in circles, and fishing at sea."

[ It seems to me that a tolerably fair estimate might be arrived
at, if, for a few days, all which could be seen on the rocks were
counted every clay for a week at the height of the season, and the
average doubled to include the birds away at sea fishing. This
plan of course could only be applied at certain stations, as the
nature of the ledge-formations of the cliffs of some other localities
would, from their irregularity, render such an attempt almost
vain. J. A. H-B.]

RAZORBILL. Alca torda, Lin.

" There is little to be said regarding the Razorbill, as its habits
" are much the same as those of the Guillemot, only that the
" Razorbill hatches on the ledges highest up from the water, and
" it is a smarter bird on the wing."

PUFFIN. Fratercula arctica, Lin.

" Of Puffins there is a goodly number. They frequent the
" grassy slopes and burrow into holes. They lay two white eggs,

288 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

" with faint dark spots scarcely discernible. They feed the young
" until they are nearly fledged, and the young follow their parents
"as near to the water as they can, and generally have only one
" range of cliff to fly over into the sea.

" The information given in Chambers' ' Information for the
" People,' that the Puffin perches itself on the rocks overhanging
" the sea, and pounces down on the fish that chance to come that
" way, is erroneous, and quite foreign to the habits of the bird.
" It neither perches itself on overhanging cliffs, nor does it
" pounce on its prey in that manner. It will go fifty miles for its
" food. I often saw them and other rock-birds leave the island
" in large flocks, going straight for Skerry vore lighthouse, about
" the time in the morning when we were extinguishing the lights.
" I have been told by several old men, that when there were
" no merchants' shops in Barra and Uist, sixty years ago, the
" natives made their markets in Tobermory. They took fish and
" fat sheep, home-made cloth, or anything they had to dispose of,
" as well as boxes of birds' eggs, and sold or exchanged them for
" other necessaries.

" When fog came on, as is often the case in summer, their only
" compass was the direction of the birds' flight, by which they were
" sure to be piloted to Barra Head, or Mingalay. I have been
" told also that when the saithe fishing did not do well with the
" Islay fishermen they would leave, and go to fish at the Mull of
" Kintyre. These fishermen told rne that the birds came there
" every morning and left about 4 p.m. This is possible, but I
'; think it likely that the birds they saw came from the coast of
" Ireland.

" The Puffins come home with from 16 to 20 herring-soil, about
" an inch in length, in their bills. The only hold they take
" is between the mouth and the eye of each fish. It astonishes
" me how they can kill fish and keep hold of those they already
" have."

[The Puffin lays only one egg, but at Barra Head, as well as
upon other stations, I have frequently found two eggs in the same
nesting-hole, side by side. These however, are laid by two
different birds. The slightly spotted eggs of the Puffin are
typical, but a few occur with quite bold and large distinct true *
colour markings. We possess such specimens from Faroe, Shiant
Isles, and other British localities.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 289

Tt may prove interesting to compare these remarks of Mr.
Maclachlan with somewhat similar observations made by myself
at the Shiant Islands in 1879,* and those by some of the lighthouse
keepers on the west coast of Scotland, such as Stoir Head, Cape
Wrath, Butt of Lewis, and Island Glass, f In course of time by
doing so we may hope to arrive at interesting conclusions regard-
ing the directions of their flights at feeding time, and on migration.
Martin also alludes to the fact of birds serving instead of a compass
whilst on his passage to St. Kilda. The Puffins of the Shiant
Islands fly away for many miles south-westward to their feeding
grounds in the Minch and Sound of Harris. Rock-birds are seen
also passing Stoir Head lighthouse in large numbers in June,
flying in a south-westerly direction. J. A. H.-B.] •

KITTIWAKE. Bissa tridactyla (Lin.).

" The habits of the Gulls are so well known that I have nothing
" to remark regarding them. The Kittiwake is the most plentiful.
" I have seen their nests so close together that I lifted 38 eggs
" without moving my feet. They lay three eggs — tbe same num-
" ber as the Black-backed and Herring Gulls."

[As Mr. W. Macgillivray informs us [" Account of the Outer
Hebrides," Edin. Journ. of Natural and Geographical Science,
vol. ii., p. 328], the Kittiwake in Barray is called Seathag, but
elsewhere in the Hebrides, Ruideag. — J. A. H.-B.]

BLACK GUILLEMOT. Uria gnjlle (Lin.).

" The Black Marrot is a scarce bird at Barra Head. A few
11 hatch in the fissures of the rocks on the low end of the island.
" They hatch two eggs in a dry fissure of the rock which is
" accessible by the sea. The young follow the parents to the
" water without assistance."

[The nesting crevices are not always accessible by the sea, but,
as far as I have been able to observe, the young can easily gain
access to the water from the crevices without assistance by the
old birds. Males of the Black Guillemot assist in the duties of
incubation, as I have already shown elsewhere, the hatching spot
on the breasts of male birds taken upon the eggs, and the sex

* V. " Trans. Norfolk and Norwich Nat. Soc," vol. hi., p. 47-60, "The
Shiant Islands and their Bird- Life," by J. A. Harvie-Brown.
t V. " Report on Migration of 1379 " [Zool., May, 1880, p. 40].

290 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

proved by dissection, distinctly showing this to be the case.
Further, birds not yet having completely lost their immature or
their winter plumage have been found sitting on eggs, on islands
off the west coast of Sutherlandshire. — J. A. H.-B.]

HOODED CROW. Corvus comix, Lin.

" The late Duncan Sinclair told me that one day as he was
" taking eggs from the birds, he observed a solitary bird on a
" small cliff by itself — a Guillemot. He saw a Crow alight near
" the bird, always eyeing the egg. The Guillemot defended it for
" a while, till at last the Crow pounced in upon her. A struggle
" ensued, and both took a firm grip of each other. The Guillemot
" got the Crow off the ledge, and fled to the sea with him, and
" diving beneath the surface, reappeared and returned to her ledge,
" leaving the black enemy to perish.

PEREGRINE FALCON. Falco peregrinus, Tunstall.

" There is a pair of fine Falcons that hatch near the lighthouse
" every year. It appears that these birds are much prized
" Peregrines. I saw in Martin's Book on the Western Isles that
" the brood of this pair was all that was asked from the natives
" as yearly rent for the whole island."

[Martin says [Western Islands, p. 100], " He holds his lands
in vassalage of Sir Donald Macdonald of Slate, to whom he pays
£40 per annum and a Hawk, if required." J. A. H.-B.j

" There are no Falcons on Mingalay, nor others upon Berneray,
" except the pair which breed near the lighthouse. I have seen a
" visitor sometimes, but it was soon beat off by the hereditary
" occupants."

[Captain Feilden and I saw one at the back of Mingalay, but
pretty far out at sea. This was probably one of the pair above
spoken of. J. A. H.-B.]

BERNICLE GOOSE. Bernicla leucopsis (Bechstein).

" A great many Bernicle Geese frequent the island of Berneray
" in winter, but not many Greylag Geese."

PURPLE SANDPIPER. Tringa striata, Lin.

[In 1870, on the day we left Barra Head, Captain Feilden and I
observed specimens of the Purple Sandpiper, and Captain F. shot

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 291

two on the shore which were in company. We also saw two the
previous day, 26th May, nearly a mile from this place, and up on
the hill-side. When shot they were trimming each other's feathers,
and had every appearance of being paired birds, though upon
dissection they proved to be both females, with ovaries much dis-
tended, but no appearance of eggs ready for extrusion. Shortly
afterwards, just before landing on Mingalay, Captain F. shot two
more, also females, though observed in pretty close proximity, and
seeming like paired birds. These four birds were in full summer
plumage. It seemed probable to us at the time that they had
already laid their eggs, and, leaving the duty of incubation partly,
or wholly, to the males, had descended to the shore to feed and
bathe. If breeding on these islands, they are certainly scarce, as
these four female birds were all we observed on Barra Head and
Mingalay. Mr. Maclachlan, in a subsequent communication, says
— " I knoAv the Purple Sandpiper. There are two pairs on Berneray,
which hatched on the hill-side. I had the eo-o-s." Positive evidence
of their breeding is still required, however. J. A. H.-B.]

III. — Second Report on Scottish Ornitholoy y — October 1st, 1879, to
September 30th, 1880* Compiled by Mr. John A. Harvie-
Brown, F.R.S.E., &c.

The present Report on Ornithology in Scotland for 1879-80 is
not so long nor so minute as the last one. Had the First Report
been circulated earlier, however, I believe many additional facts
would have been forthcoming to swell this one, as some of my
correspondents would probably have had more to communicate, if
they had been guided by it.

* This is a continuation of the First Report, antea, p. 123. As printing
was delayed, it was thought advisable to bring it up to 30th Sept., 1SS0.

The following general report on Shetland for 1878-79 reached me too late
for insertion in the First Eeport: — " In Shetland the contrast between the
twro seasons — 1878 and 1879 — as to the birds of all species was so marked that
it was at once acknowledged by every inhabitant, when asked an opinion.
Comparatively speaking, in August, 1879, the marshes were destitute of
Snipe, and the dry hills of the Plover (Charadrius pluvialis, Lin.)," Rev.
Geo. Gordon, in lit., 30th July, 18S0.

Since my First Report was issued, a very full and able Report " On the
Effects of the Winter of 1878-79 on Animal and Vegetable Life on the
Borders," has appeared from the able pen of Mr. James Hardy [vide Proc.
Bene. Nat. Club, 1879-80, pp. 122-157].

VOL. IV. U

292 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

As my last Report said would be the case, the immigration of
birds upon our coasts in the autumn of 1879 has received special
attention, and a report founded upon the schedules returned from
the various lighthouses upon the Scottish coasts, and east coast of
England, has been prepared by Mr. John Cordeaux and myself,
and has appeared in extenso in the May number of the
Zoologist. It should be read by those who are interested in the
results of our first year's observations in conjunction with this
Report. I may mention, however, that an unusual scarcity of
wading birds upon the estuaries of the east coast has been very
generally commented upon by my correspondents, and the returned
reports of the Lighthouse-keepers fully bear out this scarcity of im-
migrants— both Waders and other birds — on our Scottish coasts,
whilst unusual abundance has been observed upon the English east
coast, south of the Humber, passing the lightships or crowding the
shores. The prevalence of N.W. winds at the time of migration is
probably the first cause in this scarcity, assisted to no inconsider-
able extent by the disastrous loss of bird-life in the severe winter
of 1878-79 ; and also the late spring, which retarded the vernal
migration in 1879. Two other somewhat unusual phenomena
were, the irruption of Skua-gulls upon our coasts,* and the large
numbers of Whimbrels on the east coast, where these birds are
usually very scarce.

Journal of the Winter of 1879-80.

On October 4th, 1879, my friend, Mr. W. Horn, saw a little
snow in Aberdeenshire. On 14th October he and I walked over
from Glen Queich to Remony, on Loch Tay, through a snow-storm.
This snow lay all the 15th and 16th on the higher Perthshire hills.
On the 15th there was \ inch of ice on the small pools on the

* Mr. J. J. Dalgleish has, since the above was first written, communicated
to this Society a paper " On the Skuas, particularly with reference to the
recent occurrence of the Pomatorhine Skua (Stercorarius pomatorhinus) on the
coasts of Scotland in unusual numbers," read 27th April, 1SS0 [ci7itea, p. 274] :
aud Mr. H. Stevenson has contributed a paper ' ' On the abundance of Poma-
torhine and smaller Skuas on the Norfolk Coast, in October and November,
1879" {Trans. Norfolk and Norwich Nat. Soc, vol. iii., part 1, p. 99), both of
which should be read carefully by those specially interested. Eeferences
to numerous other notices of the occurrences of Skuas on our coasts will be
found in these papers, as well as to the more complete treatment of the
subject by Mr. Howard Saunders {P.Z.S., 1876, p. 320). {Field, Jan. 17th,
18S0, and Zoologist, March, 1880.)

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 293

moor above Easter Shian ; and about this date there was curling
in Peeblesshire. From the latter end of October till the middle of
December was fine in Islay, and, indeed, in most parts. In Islay,
in December there was stormy weather, which culminated in the
storm of the 28th. Since then the weather remained fine up to
end of January.

Nov. 1st. — Up to this time the weather continued generally
fine, with an occasional wet day, and crops were well garnered.
Local falls of snow whitened the hills in parts of the west coast —
Ardnamurchan, Morven, &c. ; and frosts occurred at nights about
this time, but did not continue.

Nov. 11th and 12th. — A strong gale from the N.W. affected the
N.W. and W. coasts, and part of the east coast. Very large
hailstones fell in Ardnamurchan on the 11th.*

This cleared off to frost on the 13th and 14th, on which day
there was fully J inch of ice on still water on Larbert Pond,
Stirlingshire, and f inch of ice upon the puddles on the road.
Frost continued all day, and there was curling in places on the
14th. On the 15th, however, the frost lifted, and was followed
on the 1 7th by heavy rain and gale of wind, succeeded by milder
weather until the 27th, when keen frost set in at night, and lasted
till the morning of the 9th December. During this time the
frost was more intense than any we had in the previous winter.
The Clyde was covered with ice from side to side on the 3rd
December, and on the morning of the 2nd the thermometer
registered 11° of frost. Labour was suspended in neighbourhood
of Jedburgh by 8 inches of snow, and sledges were in use, instead
of tramway cars, in Aberdeen. Hard frost in central Scotland,
without snow. Snow general over N. and S. of Scotland.

This was the same date that ushered in the severe winter of
1878-79 with a snow-storm [see First Report, supra, p. 130],

Dense fogs on Clyde, Glasgow, and other parts of central
Scotland. Navigation in the Clyde an "utter impossibility."
Fog in the Gareloch. The weather in the Channel Islands intensely
cold. Thermometer in central Scotland registered from 19° to
22° of frost. The following is an extract from report issued by

* For account of this gals see daily papers of Thursday, November 13th,
1S79, Scotsman, &c. — trees torn up, shipping damaged, &c, &c. — on which
day I crossed over from Glenborrodale, in Ardnamurchan, to Tobermory,
in Mull, and was glad to get on solid ground again at the latter locality.

294 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Meteorological Office at 6 p.m., on the 3rd December: — "The
weather over the United Kingdom to-day may be divided into two
distinct portions — namely, fine, quiet, and very cold weather pre-
vailing over all the northern, eastern, and central districts, with
light variable breezes and local fogs ; and, on the other hand, the
less cold weather of our south-west coasts, where the wind has
been strong from the eastward, blowing even a gale at the mouth
of the Channel, and the weather less foggy, though more cloudy, than
in the east. The conditions first named have prevailed in the area
of relatively high pressure lying between some slight depression —
systems which were found over the North Sea this morning — and a
much larger depression which has been advancing in an easterly
direction over the Bay of Biscay. To-day it is this latter depression
which is likely to produce the most decided effects on our weather,
for as it moves eastwards the easterly wind seems likely to increase
in force over our southern and eastern districts, accompanied by
showers of snow and soft hail ; while in Scotland the weather will
be fair and very cold. There are at present no signs of any per-
manent change from the cold weather."

By the 6th December, 15 inches of snow had fallen in the
Jedburgh district, and Dr. F. Douglas, of Woodside, Kelso,
registered 11° below zero, and 13° below zero, with two different
thermometers by Adie and Lennie, Edinburgh. Somewhat nearer
the river, - 14° was registered, and at Springwood Park, close to the
river, - 16° was registered, while at Ormiston, four miles from Kelso
and close to the river, no less than - 18° was registered. The
following record was kept carefully by Mr. Boyd of Ormiston's
gardener, who was up all night attending to a valuable orchid
house : —

3rd December, at 7 p m., minus 10°.

„ „ 10 p.m., „ 12°.

„ Midnight, „ 14°.

4th December, at 3 a.m., ,, 16c.

, , , , o a. m . , , , io .

Weather very calm and clear: wind, if any, S.W. ; baroni. 29° '80.
T am indebted to Dr. F. Douglas for the above data.

The Tay and Tweed and tributaries are frozen over to a con-
siderable thickness. Gartmorn Dam and other ponds near Alloa
are frozen over. Frost and snow general over Scotland. The

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 295

weather on the Continent equally severe, or more so. But up to
the 4th December labour had not been suspended in Berwickshire,
and no snow lay there, being near the sea.

Writing on 8th December, a correspondent in S. Uist reports
that, since the 29th November, the ground there has been covered
with snow about 1 inch deep on the low ground. " Now, all the
fresh-water lochs are frozen over. Weather beautiful and bright.
Ice strong enough to bear the weight of a man ; and ducks all at
sea."

On the 9th December a rapid thaw took place, with S.W. wind,
and cleared off a great deal of the snow in some districts ; but
keen frost — 10c to 13° — set in again on 10th, and continued. A
good deal of loose ice came down the Forth, but inland the thaw
did not carry away much ice from the rivers, and none from the
ponds. The Forth bore traffic across its surface opposite Carubus-
kenneth Abbey three days previous to the thaw. This was
interrupted by the thaw, but resumed again the following day.
Frost up to 13th, when thaw, with S.W. wind, carried away a
good deal of ice from the rivers, rising to half a gale of wind on
the night of the 14th December, during which day the thaw
continued.

Winter continued, however, on the Continent with unabated
rigour, and, even in Spain, the Castile Canal was reported as
frozen over on the 13th December. The following from the
papers of 26th December shows the state of the winter in
France, &c. : —

"The thermometer on Tuesday night went down to 2° F. in
Paris and to 1 ° below zero at Charleville. Numbers of persons have
been walking across the Seine, and on Tuesday night a torchlight
party crossed it, but the ice is much too uneven for skating. The
Western Railway Company has stopped running a number of its
passenger trains owing to the effects of the cold on its staff, and the
increase in goods traffic consequent on the difficulties of other
means of transport. The canals round Lille have by great efforts
been cleared of ice. Wolves have appeared near Charleville, Laval,
Bar-le-Duc, and Amiens. At Mayence the ice is so thick that
blacksmiths, publicans, &c, are beginning to do business on it."

And this may be compared with the following from the Times
of about the same date : —

" The singular phenomenon has been frequently observed in the

296 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

mountainous parts of Switzerland, Baden, Bavaria, and elsewhere
on the Continent in the course of the current winter, that it has
been generally warmer in the elevated districts, on the hills and
mountains, than in the plains and valleys. A Berne paper prints
a correspondence from Flerden, in the Grisons, dated the 28th ult.,
in which the writer says : — ' For a month past we have had only
two days of cloudy weather ; otherwise it has been always a cloud-
less sky, with the most beautiful prospect. I have been able to
write at the open window, as the sun shines from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.
into my room. At 9 a.m. we have had the thermometer standing
at 15° Beaumur (66° Fahrenheit), and at one o'clock 17° Beaurnur
(or 70° Fahrenheit). It is'only in the night that the mercury sinks
a little under freezing point.' Similar reports come from the Black
Forest. At Triberg, 2268 feet above sea level, it is stated that
the inhabitants have enjoyed the most beautiful winter known
there for a generation past."

The thaw continued general over Scotland till the 22nd
December, with alternating frosts, but ice did not clear off the
stagnant pools till 24th December. As high as 11° of frost were
frequently registered in central Scotland during the night. Dur-
ing this time much fog prevailed, and dark gloomy weather.

Gales of wind succeeded from S.W., accompanied by dark
gloomy weather and much rain, culminating in the terrific hurri-
cane of the 28th December, between 7 and 8 p.m., which resulted
in the appalling accident to the Tay Bridge, besides much other
damage throughout the country. The force of the wind reached
that of a hurricane — force from 9, 10, to 11 being registered — and
reaching a velocity in some places of 96 miles an hour, and even
110 miles an hour, or nearly double the speed of an express
train.*

Great was the destruction to trees all over the track of the
storm. On Athole estates, 80,000 trees, said to be worth £30,000,
were blown downt [v. Journal of Forestry, vol. iii., p. 826]. Viewed
from the railway at Blair- Athole, the hill-sides appear to be half

* For a full, interesting, and scientific account of this great gale see the
Journal of the Scottish Meteorological Society, New Series, vol. v., nos.
xlix.-lxiii., pp. 355-3G0.

t For a general account of destruction to forests in Scotland, see Journal
of Forestry, vol. iii., p. 670, et seq., and of the effects at Blair-Drummond,
op. cit., p. 103.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 297

denuded of trees. On Lanrick Castle grounds, near Doune, 4561
trees, mostly, however, of small size, were blown down.

At Dunipace, a very large beech succumbed, and almost the
entire flat roof of the house was stripped of the lead — some 18 cwt.
One piece of 34 cwt. was carried outwards from the house 32 feet,
and the remainder was wrapped round the north chimney like a
huge Ulster coat or Highland cloak — one great mass lying over the
top and projecting like a hood [ojx cit., p. 730].

On the 30th December snow fell in considerable quantities in
various parts of Scotland.

In the gale of 28th December many sea-birds are reported to
have perished among the Hebrides, and southwards, towards the
Mull of Kintyre, scores of dead ones having been seen floating.
At Dougalston, Stirlingshire, 89 trees, mostly spruce, were blown
down in an area about 70 by 20 yards.

The following letter from Professor Grant appeared in the
Glasgow Herald on December 30th : —

" (To the Editor of the Glasgow Herald.)

"The Observatory, December 29, 1879.

" Sir, — The storm with which Scotland was visited on Sunday,
the 28th inst., and which, alas ! will be hereafter associated with
an event that may be justly said to have brought sorrow to every
hearth of our country, was one of the most violent that has
occurred for many years. Nothing approaching to it has passed over
Glasgow since the memorable storm of January 24, 1868. The
system of self-recording instruments which has been established
here, in connection with the Meteorological Office in London,
enables us to obtain a complete pictorial representation of the
various meteorological circumstances which occur from the com-
mencement to the final termination of every storm which passes
over the Observatory. It may, therefore, not be uninteresting to
place before the readers of the Herald some of the results which
have been obtained in connection with the late storm.

The aspect of things on Saturday, which was the day preceding
the storm, was ominous of a change for the worse in the state of
the weather. The barometer continued to fall steadily during the
day, resulting finally in torrents of rain, which fell without inter-
mission during the whole night. On Sunday morning, however,
the heavens wore a more favourable aspect. The barometer was

298

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

found to be rising, the minimum depression having occurred at
1 a.m. ; the wind also, which blew with considerable force during the
night, had almost entirely died away. Soon, however, the atmos-
phere assumed more gloomy indications. At 10 a.m. the
barometer again began to fall, and continued to do so till 5 p.m.
At the same time the wind, which was blowing from the south-
west, began to veer towards the south, and thence to south-east.
A little before 3 p.m. the wind suddenly returned to the south,
and commenced to blow violently and with increasing intensity.
At 3 p.m. the hourly velocity of the wind was 24 miles, at 3.30 it
was 42 miles, at 4 it was 42 miles, and 4.20 it was 60 miles. At
6 p.m. the velocity was also 60 miles, but at 7.10 it reached 72
miles, and again at 8 p.m. there occurred a gust which brought the
velocity up to 72 miles. This was the highest velocity attained,
so far as could be indicated by our measures. I do not entertain
the least doubt, however, but there occurred from time to time
sudden gusts of wind which attained a velocity of 90 miles an hour.
This is equivalent to a pressure of 40 lbs. on the square foot. On
the occasion of the great storm of January, 1868, the maximum
pressure, as indicated by Osier's anemometer, amounted to 42 lbs.
on the square foot. The conclusion at which I have arrived is that
the storm of last Sunday was somewhat less intense than the great
storm of 1868, but that it almost equalled it in this respect.

" I subjoin some of the numerical results obtained from the
records of the anemograph, the barograph, and thermograph : —

Anemograph.

6

a

Hourly
Velocity.

o

• 1— t

o

CD

« t— t
Q

•

o

2

Hourly

Velocity.

o

• r- 1

o
u

"I— t

ft

. 28. 11.0 a.m.

15 M.

s.s.w.

Dec. 28. 4.30 p.m.

48 m.

s.

Noon

17

s.

4.40

42

s.

1.0 P.M.

10

s.

4.50

36

s.

2.0

20

S.S.E.

5.0

42

s.s.w

3.0

24

s.

5.10

48

s.s.w

3.10

24

S.S.E.

5.20

48

S.S. \\

3.20

36

S.S.E.

5.30

54

s.s.w

3.30

42

S.S.E.

5.40

30

s.s.w

3.40

30

S.S.E.

5.50

60

s.s.w

3.50

42

S.S.E.

0.0

60

s.w.

4.0

42

S.

6.10

60

s.w.

4.10

36

s.

6.20

66

s.w.

4.20

60

s.

6.30

48

s.w.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW.

299

Anemograph — Continued.

s

H

r-H

o

Velocity.
Direction.

6
S
H

Hourly
Velocity.

o

• fH

o

ft

Dec. 28

6.40 p.m.

60

M. S.W.

Dec. 28

. 8.50 p.m.

48 m.

w.s.w.

6.50

66

S.W.

9.0

42

w.

7.0

60

w.s.w.

9.10

48

w.

7.10

72

W.S.W.

9.20

42

w.

7.20

54

w.s.w.

9.30

48

w.

7.30

54

w.s.w.

-

9.40

30

w.

7.40

66

w.s.w.

9.50

30

w.

7.50

48

w.s.w.

10.0

38

w.

8.0

72

w.s.w.

11.0

31

w.s.w.

8.10

24

w.s.w.

Midnight

28

w.s.w.

8.20

60

w.s.w.

1.0 A.M.

24

s.w.

8.30

48

w.s.w.

2.0

23

s.w.

S.40

54

w.s.w.

3.0

24

s.w.

Baeogeap

H.

Theemogeaph.

Time. ]

]

EEeight.
inches.

Dry

Bulb.

Wet
Bulb.

December 2<S

Noon
12.30 p.m.

29-426
29-39S

44-8
44-7

42-8

»»

42-5

1.0

1.30
2.0

29-3S4
29-350
29 285

44-4
43 -S
45 9

42-1

5 5

42-3

5 5

55

42-8

55

2.30

29-220

445

43 3

55

3.0

3.30

4.0

4.30

5.0

5.30

6.0

6.30

7.0

7.30

8.0

S.30

29-150
29-078
29-030
28-990
2S-957
28-958
28-960
28-965
28-980
28-999
29 035
29-064

• •

44-6
48-3
49-3
50-7
52-9
52-8
51-9
50 S
47-9
46-7
44-S
45-4

43-9
47*4

J J

42-8

J J

49-3

55

50-9

55

50-5

5 5

48-9

5 5

45-0

55

43-0

55

42-3

5 5

42-3

55
55

■•••*••

42 0

55

9.0

29-103

45-1

41-7

9.30
10.0
10.30
11.0

11.30

Midnight

0.30 A.M.

"lam,

29-150
29-190
29-206
29-226
29-259
29-270
29*296
&c,

• •

44-0
43-8
43-3
43-9
43-0
43-9
41-9

"R. I

41-2

5 5

41-0

55

40-8

55

40-9

55

40-3

5 5

40-5

5 5

39-7

5 5

GrEANT."

300 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Numerous are the reports on the continued general scarcity of
birds from many parts of the country, partly the effect of the
severe winter of 1878-79, but also partly owing to a much smaller
migration for the reasons above given — viz., the deflection caused
by the prevalence of N. W. winds in October and November, 1879.
Mr. J. CraAvford, writing from Tongue in January, 1880, says : — ■
"Bird-life in this quarter is on a diminished scale this year. The
severity of last winter, and especially during the spring months of
1879, must have destroyed many of our feathered tribes. No
doubt many left the district and have not returned, but there has
been great mortality. Blackbirds, Thrushes, Titmice, Yellow
Hammers, and Linnets are all much less numerous, &c. ;" and many
similar reports have reached me from both east and west coasts.

And that this scarcity has continued in many localities, even up
to the last days of summer of 1880, is equally certain, as the
following notes supplied to me by Mr. Robt. Warren, of Ballina,
Ireland, will clearly show. His letter is dated 25th July, 1880: —

" I am sorry to say that no Golden-crested Wrens have visited
this place yet, but the Thrushes and Blackbirds are perceptibly
increasing, but only from the broods of the survivors — there having
been no addition to their numbers by any migrants that I can
make out up to this time. Still, Thrushes are very scarce, but the
Blackbirds are just beginning to make an impression on our red
currants, and on a neighbour's strawberries. They were not
touched last year. Our Robins and Wrens are also increasing
fast, especially the latter. As one of your correspondents remarks,*
the Robins died from cold, as well as from starvation, for several
that we fed quite regularly disappeared before the end of the frost.
The Wood Pigeons of this neighbourhood were kept alive by a large
field of rape, upon which they fed when the ground was covered by
frozen snow. Whenever we have the ground covered by snow and
hard frost, the Blackbirds, Thrushes, Skylarks, and Starlings always
take to the sea-shore, feeding amongst the sea-weed ; but, strange
to say, the northern birds, Redwings and Fieldfares, are the first
to die off, then the Starlings, and the latter seem to suffer most
from cold of any of our birds of similar size and strength."

Light frosts at nights succeeded from about the 10th January,
varying in different parts of Scotland, with gloomy, hazy, or misty
weather during the day. On 12th and 13th, 9° frost registered

* Vide First Report, antea, p. 152.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 301

at Dunipace. Keen frost set in on the 16th January, and continued
till the 26th. 16° of frost registered during the nights of 17th and
18th at Dunipace. Frost continued till evening of 26th January,
succeeded by slow thaw till evening of 28th, when high S.W. wind
and rapid thaw set in.

Lovely weather succeeded, and February was very fine through-
out Scotland ; but March " came in like a lion," with gales from
S.S.W., and snow and rain.

Birds appeared on the increase, Chaffinches, Thrushes, and
Blackbirds singing plentifully in Stirlingshire, and Tits having
distinctly increased in numbers.

The gales at the beginning of March were succeeded by fine genial
spring weather, and birds apparently daily increasing in number.

Occasional snow showers up to 15th March in certain parts, but
the weather noted as generally fine and spring-like.

The close of March was fine but cold, with east winds and night
frosts, the ground being white with hoar-frost on several mornings,
notably that of 18th March. All April was bright but cold, with
east winds ; and beautiful weather succeeded in May, but still with
occasional night frosts. On the 10th May a refreshing rain fell
after long-continued drought, but lasted only a short quarter of an
hour. On the whole, birds appear to have recovered greatly in
numbers, appearing almost as plentiful as formerly, but in many
localities this cannot be said yet to be the case. Thus, at Garrel
Glen, Kilsyth, a weaver informed Mr. J. B. Murdoch that there
is still a very noticeable difference. The nests this year are very
much fewer than before the winter of 1878-79.

Some of the migratory species appear to be unusually abundant,
especially the Leaf Warblers, and of these notably the common
Willow Warbler. I have various accounts confirmatory of this,
besides my own observations in Stirlingshire and elsewhere. From
Islay Mr. Chisholm reports great scarcity, or almost total absence
of Finches and Yellow Hammers in February, but Sparrows as
abundant ; Fieldfare and Redwing scarce ; Chough not to be seen.*
In former years the King Ouzel came in considerable numbers at

* In the Courant, however, it is recorded that Mr. Roderick Colquhoim
sent to Mr. Small, birdstuffer, Edinburgh, a fine specimen of the Cornish
Chough, which he shot on the 11th May, at Ballinaby, Islay. This shows
that, if they were completely absent in February, they had returned by
May.

302 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the same time as the Woodcock, but none have been seen this
season. The Lapwing takes up its winter abode regularly in
Islay, or has done so for several years past.

May continued dry and sunny, but with cold east winds until
the 22nd, when we had a change, and some rain fell with S.W.
wind on the 23rd. Grass and vegetation were beginning to suffer
by this time, and rivers were reduced to mere silver threads.

In Aberdeenshire heavy rain fell, raising slightly the river Don,
between the 6th and 10th June, and freshening the corn-fields.
Great drought continued, however, generally in Scotland, and east
winds still prevailed. Occasional and severe night frosts occurred
through May, and even in June, doing considerable damage to
budded fruit-trees, &c.

July was more moist, yet little rain fell to swell the rivers in
central Scotland, and rains which did occur were very local.
Sufficient fell, however, to give an impetus to growth of turnips
and other crops. In Perthshire much thundery weather and
heavy rains between the 5th and 13th July, and levels of lochs
raised two feet. East winds still prevailed, often cold and with
mist in the mornings. Heat great on some days towards the end
of the month, and weather thundery, with heavy falls of rain and
local flooding of rivers ; other days cold, with fresh breezes.

August was excessively hot, and many will remember the
scorching heat of the opening days of the grouse shooting.

Little rain fell, and rivers remained unflooded till September,
when the weather shortly changed, and became colder, with more
frequent rains ; but dry fine weather again succeeded and continued
to far into October, in the central districts of Scotland — the east
wind being, indeed, most marked through the whole autumn, and,
as subsequent statistics show, having a powerful effect upon the
Migration of 1880.* ~

MAMMALS.

RABBIT AND HARE.

Leporidae.
Rabbits are scarcer in Islay, and generally in Scotland. Hares
also scarce in Islay and elsewhere. One or two more such winters

* See forthcoming "Report on the Migration of Birds in 1880," being
now prepared for the British Association by Mr. Cordeaux and myself.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 303

as that of 1878-79 would do away with the necessity of any Hares
and Rabbits Bill legislation.

RED DEER AND ROE.*

Ceryidae.
Are generally reported in a forward condition. Roes' heads,
sent to Mr. Snowie in beginning of August, had the horns clear of
velvet (Inverness-shire) fully a month before last year. Red
Deer are stated by Mr. Horatio Ross to be quite three weeks in
advance of any former year in his experience [Scotsman, 6, viii.,
80]. Stags generally reported to have finely developed heads.

BAT.

Vespertilionidae.

Vespevtilio daubentoni, Leisler, occurred in large numbers in the
Stewartry, as I am informed by Mr. Robt. Service, who forwarded
a specimen for identification, t During July and August large
numbers were seen hawking for Trichoptera over the waters of
Lake Arthur, near Maxwelltown. From 8.30 p.m. till about 3.30
a.m., numbers were seen and easily recognised by their large size
and swift gliding flight. Mr. R. Gray informs me that V. nattereri,
supposed to be new to Scotland, was this year discovered " in
dozens in the hole of a tree," and is " in plenty near Dalkeith."

The Common Bat, V. pipistrettus, Geoffroy, is said to have all but
disappeared from the county of Elgin. Capt. Dunbar Brander
writes me that formerly he might have seen a dozen or so in a
week ; now, perhaps one in the same time. He thinks that the
disappearance of old houses, roofed with slabs of freestone, may
have something to do with the scarcity of the Bat. They cannot
so easily get in under the thin slates now used.

BIKDS.

WHITE TAILED EAGLE.

Haliaetus albicilla (Lin. J.
Mr. Dewar, Remony, writes, " Every winter for this long time
back, when we get a strong east wind in Nov., Eagles and Rough-
legged Buzzards appear. In Nov. this year I saw four Eagles

There is abundant room for a special annual report upon the deer-forests,
if any one would take it up.

+ Identified by Mr. E. R. Alston.

304 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

together — all White-tailed — and three Rough-legged Buzzards along
with them."

PEREGRINE FALCON.

Falco peregrinus, Tunstall.
On 1st Oct., 1879, a very fine Peregrine Falcon was brought to
Dr. Crombie, having been shot that day near North Berwick.

RED-LEGGED FALCON.

Falco vespertinus, Lin.
One was killed in Fife on the 20th Sept., 1880, and sent for
preservation to Mr. Robt. Small, naturalist, Edinburgh. It after-
wards came into the possession of the Industrial Museum, Edin-
burgh, and was exhibited by Dr. Traquair at a meeting of the
Royal Phys. Soc, in Dec, 1880.

HOBBY.

Falco subbuteo, Lin.
There appears to have been an immigration of the Hobby to the
Island of Lewis. Mr. H. Greenwood of Cam House, Stornoway,
writes me that he "first noticed the Hobby in Sept., 1879, having
killed one flying overhead while grouse shooting, about 9 miles
inland, on the treeless moor. I subsequently shot another in
Oct., which was in the act of taking a wounded snipe. These
were both young birds. From time to time, up to the middle of
Nov., I saw other specimens, but was unable to approach them.
It was their general habit to perch on the peat stacks on the moss,
there being no trees, or even bushes in the island, except in the
Castle grounds, and a few furze hedges in the cultivated land on
the Eye peninsula." Mr. Greenwood sends me also a list of the
birds of Lewis, in which are included Merlin, Sparrow Hawk, and
Kestrel. Dr. Crowfoot, of Beccles, had previously informed me of
this unusual appearance of the Hobby in the Lews. Further
information on these birds will be found in the Third Report (for
1880-81), now nearly ready for printing.

CHIMNEY SWALLOW.

HlRUXDO rustica, Lin.
Last seen in Berwickshire by Mr. Hardy, on the 30th Sept.,
1879. Last seen on banks of Loch Lomond, on 14th Nov., 1879.
When at Kinross, on the 3rd Aug., 1880, I saw immense gather-

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 305

ings of Swallows on the telegraph wires, and was told that they
collect at the same points year after year. I should say there
must have been thousands of them closely packed together.

SWIFT.

Cypselus apus (Lin.).

Mr. Robt. Service writes me that Swifts are unusually abundant
this year (May) around Dumfries, while last year there were very
few.

MARTIN.
Chelidon urbica (Lin.).

Last seen in Berwickshire by Mr. Hardy, 3rd Oct., 1879. Mr.
R« Service considers that the Martin is becoming yearly scarcer
around Dumfries; he writes, " I scarcely ever see one now." At
Dalwhinnie, on Loch Errochd side, Martins used to breed
commonly under the wooden eaves of the hotel. I have had
opportunities of observing a steady decrease during the past 20
years. This year — 1880 — only two or three nests are to be seen.
On the coast lines of Stonehaven and St. Abbs Head, I observed
considerable numbers resting in the cliffs this summer. Can any
inclemency in our weather and seasons have driven them back to
the warm sea-cliffs from more inland localities ?

KINGFISHER.

Alcedo ispida, Lin.
Did not take its departure from Stirlingshire during the severe
frost of 27th Nov. to 9th Dec. — on which latter date I saw two on
the Carron River — and did not appear to leave at all during the
remainder of the winter.

WREN.

Troglodytes parvulus, Koch.
Wrens, along with other species of small birds, are reported as
"still very scarce" in July, 1880, by Mr. Jas. Hardy, Berwick-
shire, but to be increasing rapidly again in certain other localities
[R. Warren, Co. Sligo, Ireland].

WILLOW WARBLER,

PhYLLOSCOPUS TE.OCHILUS ( Lill. ).

The small Warblers are reported by Mr. Service as being
unusually abundant this year in Dumfriesshire, especially the

306 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

Willow Warbler. He says, "I never saw them so abundant;" and
the same is very generally observed elsewhere.

MEADOW PIPIT.

Anthus pratensis (Lin.).
A few were still lingering in sheltered localities amongst the
hills of Perthshire as late as the 16th Oct., 1879.

LARK.

Alauda arvensis, Lin.
Reported as unusually abundant in Berwickshire, while Starlings
are scarcer. To those apt to jump to conclusions, this would
appear to be direct evidence of the Starlings' misdeeds, as ex-
pounded in the Scotsman of June and July, 1880 ; but the increase
of Larks must not be thus summarily accounted for. Unusual
abundance of some particular kind of food brought into existence
by the dry season is more probably the reason of the increase of
the Larks this spring and summer in Berwickshire, while the
decrease of Starlings is probably owing to a somewhat similar cause
— local scarcity of suitable food.

THRUSH.

Turdus musicus, Lin.

As many as 700 Mavises have been caught in one night at the
Skerryvore Lighthouse, off Tyree, but not this year. Mr. Maloch
still notes the scarcity of Thrushes, and has not seen this season
one for fifty of Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, or Missel Thrushes.
The absence of the foreign Thrushes [Turdus pilaris, and T. iliacus]
may result from other causes connected with migration. The
absence or scarcity, however, of T. musicus, it is believed, is still
the effect of the hard winter of 1878-79 [see First Report, p. 156].
Mr. Chisholm, Bowmore, Islay, reports that the Mavis has not
been seen there for the past twelve months. Scarcity is reported
up to the close of the summer months of 1880.

I observed small flocks in the birch woods of Ardnamurchan on
28th Oct., 1879. Reported as still very scarce in Berwickshire
by Mr. Hardy (in lit., 19, vii., 80).

BLACKBIRD.

Turdus merula, Lin.
Mr. Chisholm reports it much scarcer in Islay, but not quite
absent. Mr. Lumsden reports them as very scarce all last autumn

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 307

on Loch Lomond side. In July, 1880, they were still scarce in
Berwickshire. In Stirlingshire I observe no deficiency, and they
seem to have recovered to a great extent; but Mr. Warren considers
that any increase in Sligo, Ireland, is only from broods of the
survivors.

FIELDFARE.

TURDUS PILARIS, Llll.

A scarcity of Fieldfares is reported from several localities where
they usually appear. Great mortality took place amongst them
last year, but other causes connected with migration, independ-
ent of the effects of last winter, have carried them past our
shores. A large flock was observed by me at Quarter, Stirlingshire,
on New Year's Day, 1880, after the fierce gale of the 28th Dec.

REDWING.

T URDUS iliacus, Lin.

Redwings were reported on the 22nd Oct., 1879, in Blair Athole
neighbourhood, and also were seen by me in W. Argyll about the
same time. Reported scarcer from several localities [see Thrush,
supra].

CARRION CROW.
Corvus corone, Lin.

Reported as "conspicuously" abundant in March, 1880, on the
Solway Firth and in the Stewartry, by Mr. Service.

This species appears to be gaining ground in a northerly direction,
and now frequents the Tongue district of Sutherlandshire in late
summer. They are stated to breed in a wood near Melvich in
considerable numbers. Mr. T. E. Buckley knew of a Hooded and
Carrion Crow breeding together in 1878, on Dunrobin ground.
Both parents and young were shot from the nest.

ROOK.

Corvus frutgilegus, Lin.

As repeatedly noted, Rooks always stay at home on the slightest
indication of a thaw. On the 15th Dec. they stayed about all
day, except a short interval for feeding.

Up to 26th Jan., 1880, only one Rook had been seen in S. Uist

by my correspondent there, whereas he could have counted from

30 to 60 in one flock last winter.
VOL. iv. x

308 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Iii my First Report I relate the occurrence of a Rook remaining
buried a long time under the snow without food. I heard, in
June, 1880, in Aberdeenshire, that a similar thing happened at a
farm on Donside to a common domestic fowl, which was stated
to have been six weeks under the snow in the winter of 1879-80.

Tn July, 1880, writing to me regarding the carnivorous propen-
sities of the Rook, developed by the unusual severity of the winter
of 1878-79, Mr. Robt. Warren says — " An old friend of mine told
me that he saw two (Rooks) attack a Woodcock under a bush
close to his sitting room window, and before he could get out to
rescue it, they had it killed and torn. Another acquaintance told
me that two Rooks attacked a weakly companion, and killed and
ate it in a short time."

STARLING.
Sturnus vulgaris, Lin.

Starlings appeared in Oct. and Nov. in undiminished flocks
in the Vale of Menteith and Carse of Falkirk. I observed them
numerous also in Oct., near Grigadale Farm, not far from the
lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point. They were still present in
the carse-lands of Stirlingshire on 10th Dec, 1879, and a few still
seen further inland up to the 23rd Dec. During the hard frost
they temporarily migrated to the lower carses in large numbers,
but returned immediatelv after the frost "lifted."

In Stirlingshire and elsewhere, the breeding season of 1880 was
early, and the young were in flocks early in June. An unusual
scarcity of Starlings in Berwickshire is noted by Mr. Hardy, two
well-frequented spots in former years being this year deserted.
On the coast of St. Abbs Head, in June, I observed a good many
among the cliffs. Mr. R. Warren, as already noted (antea, p. 300),
states that Starlings seem to suffer " most from cold of any of our
birds of similar size and strength." May not their disappearance
from certain localities be partly, if not wholly, owing to scarcity
of some particular food from the unusually dry season of 1880?
With Starlings, as with other species, it proved an early breeding
season in most Scottish districts, and they were noticed to go in
flocks much earlier than usual.

REDPOLE.

LlNOTA LINAEIA (TAn.j.

In my First Report I alluded to the fact, as related by Mr. R.
Service, that the nests of Redpoles around Dumfries in the spring

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 309

and early summer of 1879 were warmly lined with feathers, as I
have almost invariably found them to be in more northern countries.
This was attributed to the unusually backward cold spring, and
late advent of summer in that year. It is interesting, therefore,
to quote again Mr. Service's report on the nests of this season.
He writes as follows : — " I have found a few nests this month
(May) near to where they were last year, and I find that the nests
are either without feathers altogether or with one or two only."

This autumn Redpoles appeared among the alders in the central
districts of Scotland quite a month earlier than usual, along with
Siskins.

TWITE.

LlNOTA FLAVIROSTRIS (Lin. J.

Twites were going in flocks in Ardnamurchan, Argyllshire, by
!24th Oct., 1879. I saw them at the west end of Loch Errochd
on 11th July this year, where I also saw a few Grey Linnets.
The somewhat local distribution of this species at inland localities
is curious and worth some attention.

GREEN LINNET.

LlGUKENUS CHLORIS (Lin.).

In the unusually dry spring of 1880, up to end of May, seedsmen
in Gallow^ay were suffering much loss from large flocks of Green
Linnets. " They are destroying," writes Mr. Service, " quantities
of seedling firs just as the seed leaf appears above ground, pulling
out the plant for the sake of the part of the seed adhering. Their
beaks become round masses of soil and dirt, owing to the resinous
matter of the seeds adhering to them."

SNOW BUNTING.

Plectrophanes nivalis (Lin. J.

Flocks were driven down lower than usual in the first hard frost
of Nov. and Dec, 1879, coming close to the houses near Eemony,
Loch Tayside [D. Dewar, in lit.].

I have received further evidence of the Snow Bunting breeding
in Scotland this year, birds in full summer plumage having been
asain observed on the summits of the Aberdeenshire hills.

In autumn an unusually early migration of this species was
noted, as also of Siskins and Redpoles.

310 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

CUCKOO.

CUCULUS CANORUS, Lin.

On the 10th of Oct., 1879, Mr. W. Horn again observed the
Cuckoo near Aberfeldy. It appears to remain longer in this
neighbourhood than elsewhere in Scotland. Cuckoos were scarcer
in many places, and are reported scarce from Islay.

TURTLE DOVE.

Turtur auritus, Gray.
One was sent in to Mr. R. Small, Edinburgh, on the 21st Sept.,
in the flesh, obtained at Stonehaven.

QUAIL.

Ooturnix communis, Bonnaterre.
Mr. Geo. Sim had a Quail brought in on the 17th Nov., 1879,
killed in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen [in lit., 22, xi., 79],

BLACK GROUSE.

Tetrao tetrix, Lin.
Black game are late this autumn of moving into the birch
woods in any numbers. Up to 11th Nov. no great show of Black
game was found in the birch woods of Ardnamurchan, from whence
many migrate to Mull, and vice versa, annually — a flight of con-
siderable extent. A scarcity in many localities may be directly
owing to the wet weather in summer of 1S79, or to the large num-
bers killed in patches of grain, as related in the First Report [antea,
p. 167].

RED GROUSE.

Lagopus scoticus (Latham).

It seems desirable that some more permanent record of the
state of the game crop should be kept than that of the annual
reports in daily papers.* I have not laid any plans as yet with
this end in view, and this year I have thought it advisable to
quote freely from the newspapers. Accordingly, the following
extracts have been collected from different papers: —

u Disease is only local and not extensive at this date." — Scotsman,
6, viii., 80.

* A summary of the extracts might he sufficient, or it might be made the
subject of a separate Report, if some one of our members would take it up
for another year.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 311

" Caithness-shire. — The reports from the moors in this county
are somewhat conflicting, but there is no doubt that disease pre-
vails to a considerable extent upon some of the most extensive
shootings. The disease appears to be continecl almost exclusively
to the old birds, as many coveys of young ones maybe seen without
parents. What is considered a somewhat extraordinary circum-
stance by keepers is the fact that in some cases there were full
nests as early as the 17th April, and that second broods were
hatched, so that the earlier birds and coveys of young cheepers can
be seen with the same pair of old ones. The disease appears to be
confined to the inland moors, those nearest the sea being reported
in excellent order; and it may be added that all the shootings
north of a straight line from Wick to Thurso have this year, as
hitherto, without exception, escaped the disease. Unless things
get worse than appears at present there will be fair sport through-
out the county; but on some moors where very heavy bags were
made last year sportsmen must be contented with smaller returns.

" Wigtownshire and Kirkcudbrightshire. — Passing from the ex-
treme north to the extreme south, it is somewhat remarkable to
find that the counties of Wigtown and Kirkcudbright differ, like
Caithness, from the greater part of the country. In these counties
appearances are, indeed, even worse than in the north, for owing,
it is thought, to the severe frosts of May, the breeding season was
very much interfered with, and coveys do not average more than
six, including the old birds, while on some moors the broods are
so weak that it is not intended to lift guns till the 20th. If the
weather prove favourable, the Twelfth this year wiH, to all appear-
ance, be one of the most successful enjoyed by sportsmen for a
good many years. Black, game have done equally well, and a fort-
night ago coveys were seen in as forward a condition as on the
opening day last year. The weather during the spring and sum-
mer was very favourable for the nesting, hatching, and rearing of
the young broods of Grouse, and the coveys are large.

" Dumfriesshire. — Seldom have sportsman had such a prospect
of good sport on the Twelfth as they have this season.

" Fifeshire. — Last autumn, in consequence of the unpropitious
character of the season and the scarcity of birds, sportsmen left off
shooting on the moors much earlier than is usually the case, and
now the sparing of the game has shown most favourable results.
The present season has been one of the best on record.

312 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

" Forfarshire. — Disease amongst the Grouse did at one time
appear, but the birds are now in perfect health. It is impressing
itself on gamekeepers that there is a want of uniformity in the
numbers of Grouse, and that consequently there will be more light
bags than was expected a few weeks ago. All other kinds of game
are a full average.

" A Glenesk correspondent states that there is every indication
that there will this season be splendid sport on the extensive shoot-
ings belonging to Lord Dalhousie in this glen. On the lower grounds
the Grouse are fully an average of former years, while on the higher
parts they are more plentiful than they have been since 1872.

" Inverness-shire. — Last year was one of the best Grouse years
lately known, and from all that can be learned, there is reason to
believe that the coming season will, on the whole, considerably
surpass that of 1879. The Grouse disease has been reported in
several quarters — notably at Kingussie, Glen Mazeran, Cawdor,
and one or two other places. But, among those who have made
the breeding of Grouse a special study, there can be no surprise at
these traces of disease existing, and reported in a year such as the
present. There is apparently no reason to doubt that 1880 will
be a red-letter one in the annals of the Grouse shooter.

" Lanarkshire. — -The reports coming from the various moors in
the Carluke district are of a very favourable nature, and promise
good sport on the Twelfth. The birds entered on the pairing
season in excellent condition, there having been plenty of food
for them throughout the winter, and incubation was carried
through very successfully.

" Orkney. — Sport in the Orkney Islands will be much better
than usual. The dry spring and summer have been favourable for
hatching, and the young birds are numerous, strong, and healthy
— in fact, by the first day of the shooting season they will be too
strong and wild. There are no symptoms of disease.

" Peeblesshire. — The sportsmen in the neighbourhood of Biggar
have good prospects for the Twelfth. Grouse are reported
' plentiful, strong, and wild.'

" Per tli shire. — The prospects of sport on the moors of Perthshire
are better this season than they have been for a good many years
past. On the Rannoch moors the sport will be good, except upon
a few moors where, curiously enough, the breeding was later than
usual, such as Remony.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 313

" Ross-shire. — All reports are very favourable."
The above favourable prognostications have for the most part
been fulfilled, but disease had begun to appear in not a few
localities by the date of the closing of this Report — the end of
September, 1880.

GOLDEN PLOVER.

Charadrius pluvialis, Lin.

Golden Plover remained unusually, late, in the autumn of 1879,
upon the elevated moors. On the 15th October I saw three Golden
Plovers on the hills around Glen Queich, Perthshire ; and on the
16th two small flocks passed over my head during a small grouse-
drive. On the 15th there was J inch of ice on the moor-puddles and
moss-holes, which remained unmelted all day; and on the 14th
was a snowfall, which sprinkled the higher Perthshire hills, and
which lay unmelted all the 15 th and 16th.

Golden Plover were scarcer than usual on the Stirlingshire
coast in winter, and are reported as having been fully a month
late of arriving in flocks this autumn near North Berwick [Dr. J.
L. Crombie, in lit, 12, xii., 79]. There are usually large flocks of
Plover and Curlew in the fields round North Berwick, but it was
well on in November before they came [see " Curlew "]. They
continued scarce all winter at North Berwick, the flocks being
fewer and smaller than usual. A decrease is also quite evident in
Sutherland, not only during the present winter, but all through
the summer of 1879 also. The present winter has been remark-
ably mild at Tongue, which, however, generally registers a higher
temperature than at other localities around. Plover are decidedly
scarcer in Islay; and, as recorded by Capt. Clarke Kennedy, * their
almost total absence from Dumfriesshire and the south of Scotland,
where usually they are found in vast flocks, is most remarkable.

Plover began to appear on the moors of Stirlingshire on or
about the 6th March, 1880.

NIGHT HERON.

Nycticorax grisea (Lin.).
In the First Report, under this species, I committed the error of
saying that " there is no record of any having been seen since
1823" until the specimen was obtained at Alloa, having neglected

* Zoologist,'' Feb., 1880, p. 66.

314 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

to refer to those mentioned by Mr. Gray in his " Birds of the
West of Scotland." This is really the fifth specimen recorded
during a period of sixty years.

CURLEW.

NUMENIUS ARQUATA (Lill.).

The Curlew is a regular frequenter of all the sea-lochs on the
west of Scotland during the autumn and winter months. On the
east coast they usually appear in October in flocks, but in the
autumn of 1879 they were fully a month late of arriving in the
neighbourhood of the sea [Dr. J. L. Crombie, in lit., 12, xii., 79],
and the flocks were fewer, and the individuals in the flocks not so
numerous as usual.

On 6th March I saw the Curlews arrive at breeding places in
Stirlingshire, and Mr. Service reports from the Stewartry that
the Curlews are just taking up their spring quarters, "and some
immense flocks have been passing and repassing here morning and
evening to and from the Solway, as they usually do in spring be-
fore finally quitting the shore." This was about the 6th or 8th
March. Curlews had returned to the shore in Berwick by the
middle of July ; but in Stirlingshire many still frequented the
breeding haunts at that and a later date.

ESQUIMAUX CURLEW.

NUMENIUS BOREALIS ( FoTStev).

Mr Geo. Sim writes to report the capture of another Esquimaux
Curlew. "It was shot on the 21st September, on a hill in the
forrest of Birse, Kincardineshire, by Mr. H. C. Haclden, and was
sent to Mr. Sim as a ' queer-looking plover.' Like the one men-
tioned last year, this is a male. The measurements are J inch
shorter and h inch less in extent of wings. The stomach contained
crow-berries, the same as the specimen last year."

It is not unworthy of remark that the following rare birds should

all have reached our shores about the same time and during

easterly gales, viz. : — Great Snipe, Turtle Dove, Red-legged Hobby,

and Esquimaux Curlew [see forthcoming Report on Migration for

18801.

SNIPE.

Gallinago gallinaria (0. F. Midler).
Some improvement in the numbers of Snipe took place after
September [see First Report, antea, p. 174], but still there were not

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 315

nearly so many this November in our central Stirlingshire marshes
as there were in November, 1878. In Ardnamurchan I found
Snipe plentiful at several localities in end of October. They were
reported to be in about the usual numbers in S. Uist in December.
Entirely disappeared from inland marshes when the frost set in,
nor did they reappear in any numbers after the frost and ice dis-
appeared at the end of December. Similar reports from Islay.
'; Plentiful at the beginning of winter, but not so for some time
past" [Mr. Chisholm, in lit, 27, i., 80.] Very scarce in Dum-
bartonshire all this season [Jas. Lumsden].

JACK SNIPE.

LlMNOCRYPTES GALLINULA ( Litl. ).

Jack Snipe appear to be a little more plentiful than last year,
but still far from as common as usual in Oct., Nov., and Dec.

GREAT SNIPE.

Galli^ago major (Gmelin).
Several specimens of this rare British bird have been observed
or obtained in England this Sept. I have the record of one shot
at Darmore Castle, Northumberland, on 21st Sept., and on the
27th Sept. I saw two near Dunipace, in Stirlingshire, which I
felt convinced were of this species. Being well acquainted with
the species, I was not likely to be mistaken in their identification.
They were not seen afterwards.

WOODCOCK.

SCOLOPAX RUSTICOLA, Lill.

The first seen by me in 1879 was in Ardnamurchan, on the
28th Oct, By the 10th Nov. they were well " in " there, though,
owing to open weather, much scattered. At Boquhan, Stirling-
shire, a good many " cock " were seen on the 15th, after two days'
frost. In Tor wood, Stirlingshire, 18 were shot on 22nd Nov.
As many as 86 have been killed in 3 days, by one gun, in the
Island of Coll [but this was probably last winter]. In certain
districts of the west of Scotland there appears to be a great and
unusual dearth of Woodcock. Thus, I have the following report
from Ardnamurchan : — The keeper, in beginning of Dec, says
he " cannot understand where the Woodcocks have all gone to,
because the weather is such that they should be abundant;

316 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

while on the contrary, not only have no more come, but those
that were there have gone." The lowest temperature in Ardna-
murchan during the hard frost was on the night of the 3rd Dec,
when 12° F. were registered.

Numbers of Woodcock have, on the other hand, been obtained
south of Edinburgh.

An equal scarcity is recorded from S. Uist by Mr. J. Henderson
up to 8th Dec, only two having been shot by him up to that date.
In Islay, plentiful in beginning of winter, but rare afterwards.
Later — in Jan., 1880 — they are, however, Reported as "more
numerous than last year."

WATER RAIL.

Rallus aquaticus, Lin.

Much scarcer this season, but has been added to the recorded
fauna of Ardnamurchan by Mr. J. J. Dalgleish [J. J. D., in lit.,
19, xii., 79.] I have only heard of one obtained in E. Stirling-
shire this season.

They appeared more numerously in Jan., and Mr. Small, Edin.,
received a good many before the loth Jan.

CORNCRAKE.

Crex pratensis, Bechsteln.

A Corncrake some years ago frequented the bare rock on which
Skerryvore Lighthouse is built, as reported to me by Mr. Mac-
quharie, of Tyree.

WILD GEESE.
Anseridae.

Wild Geese wrere unusually plentiful in Tyree, and farmers there
were grumbling at the unusual damage. The first flight of Wild
Geese seen at N. Berwick arrived on 4th Nov., and they have
been coming in large numbers since [Dr. J. L. Crombie, in lit.,
12, xii, 79]; but later he says, "There has been a great falling
off this season in the numbers of Geese" [in lit., 27, i., 80].

Mr. Maloch, Perth, says there are unusual numbers along the
Tay. He writes — " I am sure we saw over two thousand" [on
23, xii., 79]. These were in all probability nearly all Pink-
footed and Grey Lag Geese [see P. S., ^>ostea, page 326].

Wild Geese reported scarcer in Islay this winter.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 317

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE.

Ansbe albifrons (Gmel.J.

White-fronted Geese are common in Islay — are, indeed, the
common Wild Goose of Islay. They are, this year, also common
in S. Uist, where Mr. J. Henderson, on the 5th Dec, was
successful in shooting four out of two lots, one of which consisted
of about twenty.

GREY LAG GOOSE.
Anser cinbrbus, Meyer.

This is not by any means a common species on our east coast in
winter. A party of three, however, flew far inland in Stirling-
shire on the 3rd of January, 1880, and a friend and myself heard
them high in air. They had passed close over the village of
Larbert, and alighted in a mill -lead about half-a-mile further west,
where one was shot soon afterwards, and came into my possession.
A day or two later a second was killed at Larbert House pond.
The remaining bird continued to frequent Larbert pond, and also
the marsh called "The Volley." On a former occasion I saw, in
the same neighbourhood, a flock of about sixteen, which I believe
to have been Grey Lag Geese. A flock of a dozen on one occasion
passed over Larbert Station in a fog, within shot ; but these, though
probably Grey Lags, were not identified.

WILD SWAN.
Cygnus musicus, BecJist.

Two are reported from S. Uist as seen about the first week of
Dec. A number frequented the Kyle of Tongue, in Sutherland,
in the early part of Dec. Mr. Crawford writes also — " It is not
unusual for Swans to visit some of the lochs here on their way
northward." Mr. Chisholm reports that " a goodly number of
Swans take up their winter residence on Loch Gurim, a fresh- water
lake in front of Ballinaby House, Islay. There is no decrease in
the flock this year." Wild Swans are reported as more than
ordinarily abundant this winter in the Long Island. A flock of
26 was seen in December last, near Loch Boisdale, and about 100
have taken up their quarters on a fresh-water loch near Bornish,
S. Uist. My informant has himself seen numerous parties and
flocks of from two to eight together. Mr. Service reports Wild
Swans as unusually plentiful this winter. Mr. M'Lellan saw a

318 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

flock of twenty in Wigtown Bay, and small parties were constantly
seen all over the Stewartry — particularly at the end of Dec. and
in Jan. And Capt. M'Donald, of Stein, Skye, writes — " I believe
that there were more Swans seen along the coast than for many
years before. Those who saw them could not tell any difference
between them and those of previous years."*

BEWICK'S SWAN.
Cygnus bewicki, Yarrell.

Great numbers of this species have occurred on our coasts.
Several which came into the hands of Edinburgh naturalists were
at first supposed to be Cygnus americanus. One received by Mr.
Robt. Small, Edinburgh, shot on 29th Dec, 1879, out of a flock of
1 young and 26 adult birds, in Islay, was got by Mr. M'Neil. It
was reported as "the largest of the flock."

Five Wild Swans were sent to the Edinburgh market, three
being shot at Tain by Mr. Jennings,! and two in Argyllshire.
Four of them, purchased by Mr. Hope, naturalist, Edinburgh,
were all supposed to be of this species. I saw all the above in
Jan. The identifications were based upon the original description
of one by Macgillivray, but subsequent inquiry has made it
doubtful if these birds really belonged to this species. From a
scarcity of both old and young specimens of G. americanus and
of G. bewicki in British collections, it still remains doubtful if
they were correctly diagnosed.

From our knowledge, however, of the laws which appear to
govern migration in autumn, I am of opinion that the original
starting point of the Swans which visit our shores is not west of
Iceland, but probably from Iceland and from the N.E., or from
more N. localities across the pole. It seems to me a transpolar
migration theory is always open to probability, but a migration
from west to east highly improbable in the N. portions of our
northern hemisphere.

Prof. Newton, in lit., to Mr. J. J. Dalgleish, 9th March, 1880,
says — " I herewith enclose sketches, showing the bill of an adult
G. bewicki, and that of an immature G. americanus, as I judge it

This is in reference to the unusual numbers of Bewick's Swan which
visited our coasts this year.

t A fourth, shot by Mr. Jennings at the same time, was used at table,
and proved excellent food.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW.

319

to be. The former I compared with your bird'-1 when it was here,
and the two seemed to agree perfectly. The latter, you see, differs
a good deal in the form of the base of the bill, and most markedly

in the outline of the bare space It is unfortunate

that we have not a young C. bewicki. nor an old C. americanus ;
but I can hardly think that the differences shown in the sketches
depend entirely on age. The upshot is that I am inclined to
consider C. americanus as a distinct species, but that your bird is
not an example of it, nor can I see any difference whatever between
your bird and C. bewicki."

The following are rough copies taken from Prof. Newton's
sketches above referred to : —

G. beivkki, ad.
Goodacre.

C. americanus, juv.
Hepburn.
Copied from Sketch by A. N. — 8, ii. , 80.

* One shot in Ardnamurchan.

320

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Mr. Dresser informs me the differences, as stated by Schlegel, are
as follows : —

C. bewicki.

Bill yellow at base, to, or nearly
to nostril.

Wine, 17| to 182 inches.
Tail, 5— inches.
Tarsus, 36 to 37 lines.
Beak, 39-40 lines.

C. americanus.

Bill black, with a very small
yellow spot on each side,
which is scarcely seen in
stuffed specimens.

Wing, 197, to 20 inches.
Tail, 7T4y to 7jlr inches.
Tarsus, 42 lines.
Beak, 44-45 lines.

More specimens have occurred in British seas since — in 1880-81.
There seems a probability that Bewick's Swan is really the rarer
species, i.e., if they can be separated [see Third Report].

DUCKS.

*

Anatidae.

Most of the Duck tribe appeared on Loch Tay earlier than usual
by a month [see Widgeon, Pochard, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Golden
Eye, Goosander, and Velvet Scoter], and continued in unusual
numbers all winter.

WIDGEON.

Maeeca PENELOPE (Lin, J.

Usually appear in numbers on the rocky coasts of the west of
Scotland in Nov., and earlier frequent the fresh- water lochs.
Widgeon seldom come up our Carron river in Stirlingshire, though
they have been killed at times. Two were seen on 8th Dec, 1879.
Amongst other Ducks, they came to Loch Tay about a month
sooner than usual.

PINTAIL.

Dafila acuta (Lin.).

On the 1st October, 1879, a male Pintail was killed by a punts-
man at Culross amongst other wild fowl, and another was brought
in to Mr. Hastings, Dumfries, for preservation. Another was

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 321

obtained in Uist, and exhibited at a meeting of the Royal Phys.
Soc, by Mr. R. Gray, the Secretary.

WILD DUCK.

Anas boschas, Lin.

Wild Duck, though plentiful during summer at most localities,
owing to overcrowding on our latitudes by the late spring of 1879,
were unusually scarce in several districts of central Scotland and
elsewhere in autumn, which no doubt proves further, that the
more northern latitudes were not so productive in the breeding
v season as usual [see First Report, p. 180]. I hardly remember
seeing them so scarce in Nov. along the Carron as in 1879,
whereas Teal were plentiful [v. Teal]. As early as 18th Sept.
Wild Duck appeared in salt water off the Berwickshire coast
[J. H., in lit.~\. When the frost became more intense, in December,
a few, but not so many as usual, appeared upon our streams.
These were, no doubt, birds driven off the moors. Five again
appeared on the 30th Sept. , in salt water, at Berwick ; and on
7th Oct., 13 or 14 at the same place. On 16th Oct. numerous
Wild Ducks appeared in separate bodies, at sea, and continued till
10th Nov., when there were great numbers [J. H., in lit.]. They
were much scarcer than usual at inland localities up to 11th Dec,
but were plentiful in the Firth of Forth. About the 11th a slight
accession to their numbers was observed on the Carron and Bonny,
in Stirlingshire, but Teal scarcer. Rather more open water, owing
to thaw of 9th, and to this cause Wild Duck continued more
plentiful. Large quantities of Mallard (with Widgeon) reported
also from North Berwick. Since then only a pair or two
frequented our marsh and river up to end of January. Thereafter
scarce, and so generally reported inland up to 12th Feb., when they
began to return for breeding. Wild Ducks of all kinds scarcer in
Islay this winter.

TEAL.

Nettium crecca (Lin. J.

Teal at the beginning of winter have been abundant, a striking
contrast to last year at the same season,* when they were unusually
scarce. On the other hand, Wild Ducks up to 10th Dec. have
been unusually scarce, at least in our marshes [see Wild Duck].

"See Report, 1878-9, page 181.

322 PROCEEDINGS OP THE

Teal continued more than usually plentiful on our inland streams
in central Scotland all through the severe frost of 27th Nov. to
9th Dec. At the same date they are reported " more numerous this
year than last year " in S. Uist, where the weather is also severe.
From 10th to 13th Dec. only one or two were seen on the Carron,
and none after that date until they returned in spring.

SHOVELLER.

Spatula clypeata (Lin.).

Capt. Clarke Kennedy met with the Shoveller breeding on
Cally property in the Stewartry in June, 1878, and Mr. Hastings,
of Dumfries, received a young female Shoveller in August, 1879,
from Kirkmahoe, where doubtless it was bred. Col. Gordon
Maitland, of Kenmure, shot two young male Shovellers on Loch
Ken on 2nd Aug., 1880. There were three or four more of them —
evidently a brood hatched somewhere in the vicinity. This locality is
only some three or four miles from that where the two young males
above-mentioned were shot \y. Dumfries and Galloway Courier,
17th Aug., 1880]. At Keith, in Banffshire, I did not again meet
with any Shovellers, but there, this season, Ducks of all kinds were
scarcer than usual in August. Two were killed at Slains, and sent
to Mr. Geo. Sim, Aberdeen, for preservation. One was an old
female, and the other a young bird unable to fly. Mr. Sim adds
that they were known to have bred there.

TUFTED DUCK.

FULIGULA CRISTATA (Leach).

[See Ducks, antea, p. 320.]

POCHARD.

FULIGULA FERINA (Lin.).

[See Ducks, antea, p. 320].

SCAUP DUCK.

FULIGULA MARILA (Lin.)

Winter Ducks began to put in an appearance early in October.
Amongst others, a Scaup was brought in to Mr. Brotherston's
shop in Kelso, and one killed on Loch Tay in November, where
they arrived a month earlier than usual [see Ducks, antea,

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 323

p. 320]. Scaup have been in extraordinary numbers in the Sol way
Firth, where usually they are scarce. Mr. Service writes me that,
since the ice melted, they have been numerous on the lochs.
Several persons living near Southerness told him that " a flock
extending along the shore from Southerness to the Borron point
(nearly two miles) came in at high tide, and, during the frosty
weather at the end of Dec. they were in such poor condition that
the local dealers would not take them at any price."

GOLDEN EYE.

Clangula glaucion (Lin. ).
[See Ducks, antea, p. 320].

VELVET SCOTER.

Oedemia fusca (Lin. J.
Four appeared on Loch Tay in Nov. [D. Dewar, in lit.].

GOOSANDER.

Mergus merganser, Lin.

Reported as unusually abundant in very many localities — every
little stream around Perth holding a few. Mr. Maloch has been
receiving a few almost every day for some time before the 23rd
Dec, for preservation.

I now know of Goosanders having bred regularly in a locality
in Perthshire since about 1864. I saw the old female there again
in Aug. this year, and the young were reported as having been
seen and chased. They are well known to the natives under
another name [see Ducks, antea, p. 320].

SMEW.

Mergus albellus, Lin.

Mr. Hastings records one sent him for preservation, killed in
Dumfriesshire. This is probably the same bird — a male — which
I saw in Mr. Small's shop in Edinburgh, in Jan., and which was
sent to him by Mr. Erskine, gunmaker, Newton-Stewart.

LONG-TAILED DUCK.

Harelda glacialis (Lin. ).

Mr. Hastings records one sent in to him in Dumfries, in his
paper quoted above, and adds that it is an extremely rare species

VOL. IV. Y

324 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

on that part of the coast, only one having previously come into his
hands for preservation.

LITTLE AUK.

Mergulus alle (Lin.).
One from Loch Lomond was exhibited at the Society's meeting
on 23rd Jan., 1880 [see page 213].

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER.

COLYMBUS GLACIALIS, Lill.

A Great Northern Diver was shot on the Tay on 27th Nov.
Mr. Maloch believes this is the only one that has been shot on the
Tay for the last 10 years.

LITTLE GREBE.

Podiceps minor (Gmel.J.
Common in all the sea lochs of the west coast in Oct. Inland,
during the intense frost of 27th Nov. to 9th Dec, I did not observe
any [see First Report, p. 185], although there was an equal propor-
tion of open water to that at the corresponding period of last
year.

SCLAVONIAN GREBE.
Podiceps cornutus (Gmel.J.
One obtained in S. Uist on 14th Nov. is in the collection of
Mr. Caldwell.

RAZORBILL.
Alga torda, Lin.
Seen on Loch Tay, by Mr. Dewar, in Nov. [see also Mr. W.
Horn's paper on "Birds of N.W. of Perthshire," Proc, vol. iv.,
part i., ]>. 67].

FULMAR PETREL.

FULMARUS GLACIALIS (Lin. J.

An adult Fulmar Petrel was obtained at N. Berwick on 27th
Nov., and is now in Mr. Caldwell's collection.

GULLS.

Laridae.
Mr. D. Dewar saw a very small Gull (Chroicocephalus rninutus?)
on Loch Tay on 7th Dec, and says, "I know it is a rare bird.
No Gull is usually seen at this time of year on the Loch."

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 325

A great many Sea Gulls were starved or frozen to death on
Loch Tay this winter, and many were found dead on the beach.
They are usually absent from Loch Tay in winter, but were nume-
rous this winter.

SKUAS.
Stercorariixae.
[See paper by Mr. J. J. Dalgleish on the Skuas, antea, p. 274].

COMMON GULL.

Larus canus, Lin.
[See Black-headed Gull, infra.]

HERRING GULL.

Larus argentatus, Gmel.

Mr. Maloch, of Perth, informs me that a Herring Gull in the
possession of a gentleman in Perth has lived for over 29 years.
It is now quite blind, and has to be fed by hand. A decrease
also in its size has been perceptible within the last few years.

BLACK-HEADED GULL.

Chroicocephalus ridibuxdus (Lin.).

This species appeared in unusual numbers at various localities
in autumn — end of Oct, and Nov. — no doubt following the vast
shoals of sprats and other small fish. Mr. Service reports them at
that time in " extraordinary numbers," along with the Common
Gull, in the estuary of the Nith. In a thaw, Black-headed Gulls
travel inland, usually following a river. In very dry summers,
such as that of 1880, they frequent our streams, hunting for
minnows and small fish. In June we had several pairs upon
one stretch of the river Carron. Their nearest breeding- station
is some six miles off. Numbers, during the summer drought,
frequented the shallows of our rivers, feeding on trout-fry and
minnows. On the Carron — in which some 60,000 trout-fry were
put in the spring of 1880 — this species was unusually plentiful.

In conclusion, I desire to draw attention to the comparison
of the data under each species obtained in each year. These, when
compared — after a number of years' observations are recorded —
with general phenomena of meteorology of the different seasons,

326 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

will possibly enable us to arrive at some conclusions as to the
causes of scarcity or abundance, peculiarities of migration, and
other points of interest in the life-history of species from year to
year. Once more, allow me to solicit the support and assistance
of our members, as well as of Scottish ornithologists generally ;
and let me, also, again urge upon our members and others the
desirability of keeping regular journals, either zoological or
botanical, in connection with meteorological phenomena. I have
here to acknowledge intelligent and obliging assistance, especially
for my Third Report — now progressing (March, 1881) — from our
worthy Assistant-Secretary, Mr. J. M. Campbell, of Kelvingrove
Museum.

P.S. Vide supra, p. 316. — At the last moment I received a copy
of Col. Drummond Hay's interesting paper, read to the Dundee
Naturalists' Society on 16th February, 1881.* At page 16,
speaking of the decrease in the numbers of Geese in the Tay
estuary, he says, " A few occupy the same haunts, but in very
greatly reduced numbers, and these are now confined almost
entirely to the Grey and Pink-footed kinds — the latter being the
more common of the two — the Bean and White-fronted being now •
scarcely or ever seen."

On the Firth of Forth our commonest species is the Pink-footed,
and the Grey Lag is very rare.

* ( ( i

; The Grallatores and Natatores of the Estuary of the Tay : the great
Decrease in their Numbers of late years : the Causes, with Suggestions for
its Mitigation." Dundee: John Leng & Co., Bank Street. 1881.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 327

ADDITIONS TO THE LIBftAKY.

SESSION 1879-80.

DONATIONS.

Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown. — The Capercaillie in Scotland.

Mr. R. Etheridge. — Palaeontology of the Coasts of the Arctic Lands.

FROM SOCIETIES.

Amsterdam. Royal Academy of Sciences. Verhandelingen

(Afdeeling Natuurkunde). 2nd Series, XVIII. and XIX.

1879.
Barron;. Naturalists' Field Club. Transactions. Vols. I. to III.
Belfast. Naturalists' Field Club. Proceedings. Ser. II., Vol. I.,

Parts V. and VI.
Berwickshire Naturalists' Club. Proceedings. Vol. IX., No. I.
Bonn. Naturhistorischer Verein der Preussischen Rheinlande

und Westphalens. Verhandlungen. 4th Series, V. and VI.

Jahrgange. 1878-9.
Bremen. Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein. Abhandlungen. Band

VI., Hefte II. and III., 1879-80 ; and Beilage No. VII.
Brussels. Societe Entomologique de Belgique. Annales. Tome

XXIII.
Brussels. Societe Royale de Botanique. Bulletin. Tomes XVII,

and XVIII. 1879-80.
Cambridge (U.S.A. ). Entomological Club. Psyche. Monthly.
Cambridge (U.S.A.). Nuttall Ornithological Club. Bulletin.

Vol. V., Nos. I. and II. for 1880.
Cherbourg. Societe Nationale des Sciences Naturelles et Mathe-

matiques. Meinoires. Tomes XVII., XVIII., and XXI.
Danzig. Naturforschende Gesellschaft. Schriften. Neue Folge,

Band IV., Heft IV. 1880.
Edinburgh. Geological Society. Transactions. Vol. III., Parts

II. and III. 1879-80.

328 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Florence. Societa Entomologica Italiana. Bulletino. Anno XL.

trim. 4, 1879; Anno XII., trim. 1 and 2, 1880.
Frankfort. Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellscbaft.

Abhandlungen. Band XL, Heft IV. 1879, 4to. Bericht

for 1878-9.
Glasgow. Philosophical Society. Proceedings. Vol. XL, No. II.

1879.
Hague. De Nederlandsche Entomologische Vereeniging.

Tijdschrift. Deel XXII. 1879.
Liege. Societe Royale des Sciences. Menioires. 2mc Serie,

Tomes VII. and VIII. 1878.
London. Royal Geographical Society. Journal, Vol. XLVIII.

Proceedings, Monthly.
London. Quekett Microscopical Club. Journal. Nos. 41-44.
London. Entomological Society. Transactions for 1878 and

1879.
London. Geologists' Association. Proceedings. Vol. V., Nos.

5-8; VL, Nos. 1-6.
London (Ontario). Canadian Entomologist, Monthly. Annual

Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario for 1879.
Lyon. Societe d'Etudes Scientifiques. Bulletin. Tome IV.

Annee 1878.
Madrid. Sociedad Espaiiola de Historia Natural. Anales.

Tomo VIIL, Cuadernos 1 and 3. 1879.
Manchester. Geological Society. Transactions. Vol. XV,,

Parts 7-9 and 12-18; Vol. XVI., Part 1.
Manchester. Field Naturalists' and Archaeologists' Society. Report

and Proceedings for 1879.
Moscow. Societe Imperiale des Naturalistes. Bulletin. Annee

1879, Nos. 3 and 4. Annee 1880, Nos. 1 and 2.
Neuchatel. Societe des Sciences Naturelles. Bulletin. Tome

XL, Cahier 3; Tome XII., Lr Cahier.
Newhaven (Conn.). Academy of Arts and Sciences. Transac-
tions. Vol. V., Part I. 1880.
Norwich. Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society. Transac-
tions. Vol. III., Part I. Session 1879-80.
Padua. Societa Veneto-Trentina di Scienzc Naturali. Bullettino

No. 3. 1880. Atti Vol. VL, Fasc. 2. 1880.
Paris. Societe Zoologique de France. Bulletin for 1878, Parts

V. and VL; and 1879, Parts I.-IV.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 329

Philadelphia. Academy of Natural Sciences. Proceedings for 1878

and 1879.
Salem. Essex Institute. Bulletin. Yol. X. 1878.
Schaffhausen. Die Schweizerische Entomologische Gesellschaft.

Mittlieilungen. Vol. VI, Hefte 1 and 2. 1880.
Stettin. Entomologischer Verein. Entomologische Zeitung.

Jahrgang 39. 1878.
Stuttgart. "Wurttembergische Naturwissenschaftliche Jahreshefte,

31-35 Jahrgange. 1875-9.
Trieste. Societa Adriatica di Scienze Naturali. Bollettino.

Yol. V, No. 1. 1879.
Truro. Boyal Institution of Cornwall. Journal. No. 21. 1879.
Watford. Natural History Society. Transactions. Yol. II.,

Parts 4-6.
Vienna. K. K. Zoologiscli-botanische Gesellschaft. Yerhandlungen.

29 Band. Jahrgang 1879.

BY PURCHASE.

Annals and Magazine of Natural History.
Entomologists' Monthly Magazine.
Scottish Naturalist.
Zoological Becord.
Mycologia Scotica.

330 PROCEEDINGS OF THE

LIST OF SOCIETIES, &c, TO WHICH THE
PEOCEEDINGS AEE SENT.

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.
Bath Natural History and Antiquarian Society.
Belfast Naturalists' Field Club.
Berwickshire Naturalists' Club.
Bristol Naturalists' Society.
British Museum.

Chester Society of Natural Science.
Edinburgh Botanical Society.
Geological Society.
Entomologists' Monthly Magazine.
Glasgow Geological Society.
Mitchell Library.
Philosophical Society.
London Geologists' Association.

Quekett Microscopical Club.
Royal Geographical Society.
Royal Microscopical Society.
Entomological Society.
Manchester Field Naturalists' Society.

Geological Society.
Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society.
Paisley Free Library.
Plymouth Institution and Devon and Cornwall Natural History

Society.
Scottish Naturalist.

Truro. — Royal Institution of Cornwall.
Watford Natural History Society.

CONTINENT OF EUROPE.
Amsterdam. — Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen,
Basel. — Naturforschende Gesellschaf t.
Bremen. — Naturwissenschaf tlicher Verein .
Brussels. — Societe Entomologique de Belgique.

Societe Malacologique de Belgique.

Societe Royale de Botanique.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 331

Briinn. — Naturf orschender Vereiii.

Cherbourg. — Societe Nationale des Sciences Naturelles et Mathe-

matiques.
Danzig. — Naturforschende Gesellschaf t.
Florence. — Societa Entomolosnca Italiana.

O

Frankfort. — Senckenbergisclie Naturforschende Gesellschaft.

Giirlitz. — Naturforschende Gesellschaft.

Graz. — Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein ftir Steiermark.

Hague, — Nederlandsche Entomologische Vereeniging.

Hamburg. — Naturwissenschaftlicher Verein fur Hamburg- Altona.

Heidelberg, — Naturhistorisch-medicinischer Verein.

Helsingfors.— Societas pro Fauna et Flora Fennica.

Koenigsberg. — Physikalisch-okonomische Gesellschaft.

Liege. — Societe Royale des Sciences.

Madrid. — Sociedad Espaiiola de Historia Natural.

Metz. — Societe d'Histoire Naturelle.

Moscow. — Societe Imperiale des Naturalistes.

Neuchatel. — Societe des Sciences Naturelles.

Padua. — Societa Veneto-Trentino cli Scienze Naturali.

Prague. — Kon-bohmische Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften.

Paris. — Societe Zoologique de France.

Stettin. — Entomologischer Verein.

Schaffhausen. — Schweizerische Entomolos-ische Gesellschaft.

o

Stuttgart. — Wurttembergische Naturwissenschaf tliche Jalireshefte.
Trieste. — Societa Adriatica di Scienze Naturali.
Vienna. — K. K. Zoologisch-botanische Gesellschaft.

AMERICA.
Boston. — Natural History Society.
Cambridge. — Entomological Club.

Nuttall Ornithological Club.
Cincinnati. — Society of Natural History.
Davenport. — Academy of Natural Sciences.

London, Ontario. — Entomological Society of Province of Ontario.
Newhaven, Conn. — Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Philadelphia. — Academy of Natural Sciences.
Poughkeepsie. — Society of Natural Science.
St. Louis. — Academy of Science.
Salem. — Essex Institute.
Washington. — Smithsonian Institution.

U. S. Survey of the Territories.

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ERRATUM.

Vol. IV., Part I., Page 17—

For " Sesia apiformis" read " Sesia bembeciformis."

THE

FAUNA OF SCOTLAND;

WITH SPBCIAL KKKKUKNTK T<>

CLYDESDALE

AND THK

WESTERN DISTRICT.

MAMMALIA.

HT

EDWARD R. ALSTON. F.L.S.. F.G.S.

GLASGOW :

PUBLISHED BY THK NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW,
AT THEIK ROOMS IN ANDERSONS COLLEGE.

1880.

Lj L I B R A R Y

THE FAUNA OF SCOTLAND,

WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CLYDESDALE AND

THE WESTERN DISTRICT.

MAMMALIA.

Introduction.

The following Catalogue of Scottish Mammals has been drawn up
at the request of the Council of the Natural History Society of
Glasgow. In its preparation I have been careful to confine my
notes strictly to the department of geographical distribution, and
have not entered into any details of description or economy. In the
nomenclature I have endeavoured to reconcile the spirit and the
letter of the British Association rules, to select the first " clearly
defined'' name for each species, and at the same time to avoid
all unnecessary changes of well-known and generally accepted names.
The numerous scattered memoirs of previous writers have been
collated — notably those of Walker, Low, Fleming, Selby and
Jardine, the two Macgillivrays, J. Wilson, Baikie and Heddle,
&c, ifcc. — and their observations have been compared with my own
field notes and with those of many kind friends and correspondents.
Amongst those to whom I am indebted for help are Professors A.
Leith Adams, W. Boyd Dawkins, W. H. Flower, and A. Newton,
the Rev. G. Gordon, Dr. J. Murie, and Messrs. J. M. Campbell,
A. Heneage Cocks, J. G. Gordon, R. Gray, J. E. Harting, J. Kirsop,
H. Saunders, and J. R. Tudor. More especially are my thanks
due to Professor Turner, of Edinburgh, for many valuable notes on
the Seals and Cetaceans, and to Dr. John Alexander Smith, of the
same city, for corrections and additions to the account of the
extinct forms. Also to Mr. Lumsden, of Arden, who obtained for
me lists of the species found in Tslay from Mr. M'Kenzie, and of
those of Mull from Mr. Cameron; and to Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown,
of Dunipace, who, besides supplying observations from the Outer
Hebrides, and rendering much other kind assistance, has procured in-
formation as to the Gaelic names from the Rev. Dr. T. M'Lauchlan,
of Edinburgh, from Mr. D. Campbell, of Callander, and from other
sources.

A

Fauna of Scot.— Mammalia 1.

The number of well-ascertained recent Scottish Mammals re-
cognized in the following pages is fifty-one, the proportions of the
different orders, as compared with the faunas of England and Ireland,
being shown in the following Table : — *

DISTRIBUTION OF BRITISH MAMMALS.

England. Scotland.

Ireland.

I. — Chiroptera, ...

II. — Insectivora,

III. — Carnivora,

IV. — Cetacea,

V. — Ungulata,

VI. — Glires,

12

5
13

17

2

12

3

5

13

16

2

12

7

2

9

11

1

7

61

51

37

The fifteen English species not hitherto recorded as having

occurred north of the Tweed are the followinor: —

1. Rhinolophus hipposideros.

2. Rh. ferrum-equinum.

3. Vesper iif jo serotinus.

4. V. noctula.

5. V. lelslerl.

6. Vespertilio nattereri.

7. V. bechsteini.

8. V. mystacinus.

9. Synotus barbastettus.

10. Phoca hispida.

11. Balaenoptera tat/reps.

12. Grampus griseus.

13. Delphinus delphis.

14. D. albirostris.

15. Muscardinus avellanarius.

The six Scottish species not yet included in the English fauna

are-

1. Trichechu8 rosmarus.

2. Ziphius cavlrostris.

3. Mesoplodon bidens.

4. Delphinapterns leucas.

5. Delphinus acutus.

6. Lepus variabilis.

The, four species found in Ireland, but not in Scotland, are all
Bats, namely —

1. Rhinolophus hipposideros.

2. Vesperurjo leisleri.

3. Vespertilio nattereri.

4. V. myslacinus.

* Tn these Tables I have rejected several species of so-called British Bats and Cetaceans as
not being well ascertained. Cf. Bell's British Quadrupeds, 2nd ed. (1874).

3

Whereas no less than nineteen Mammals are on the Scottish
list, whose presence is not yet authenticated in the sister isle : — *

1.

Sorex tetragonimis.

11.

Ziph ins cavirostris.

2.

Crossop usfodien 8 .

12.

Monodon monoceros.

3.

Talpa europaea.

13.

Delphinapterus leucas

4.

Fells catus.

14.

Capreolus capraea.

5.

Mustela vulgaris.

15.

Mits minutus.

6.

M. 2)ittorius.

16.

Arvicola agrestis.

7.

Trichechus rosmaru*.

17.

A. glareolus.

8.

Megaptera longimana.

18.

A. amphibia*.

9.

Balaenoptera sibbaldi.

19.

Lepus europaeus.

10.

Hyperoodon laticeps.

From the above Tables it is clear that the principal distinctions
between the Mammal-faunas of England and Scotland are to be
found in the aerial order of Chiroptera and among the marine
Fissipedes and Cetaceans, while that of Ireland differs in the
absence of no less than twelve species of land animals. My friend
Professor A. Leith Adams has recently shownt that both the
recent and the extinct Hibernian Mammals agree with those of
Scotland rather than of England, and has given strong reasons for
believing that Ireland received this part of its fauna from the
south of Scotland, after its separation from Wales and western
England. It therefore becomes a point of some interest to com-
pare the fauna of the Scottish Islands with those of the mainland
and of Ireland. In such an investigation it is most convenient to
restrict our attention to the indigenous terrestrial Mammals, dis-
missing entirely the Bats, Seals, and Cetaceans, and also the intro-
duced and cosmopolitan Rats and House-Mouse, which may almost
be regarded as domestic animals. Taking the Scottish Islands in
four principal groups — (I.) the Inner Islands (Skye, Mull, Islay,
&c.)j (II.) the Outer Hebrides (the Lews, Harris, the Uists, Ben-
becula, &c); (HI.) Orkney; and (IV.) Shetland — we find the
distribution of Mammals, as far as I have been able to ascertain
the facts, to be as shown in the following Table, which represents
the known range of twenty-four species of land quadrupeds: —

* On the somewhat vexed subject of Irish Mammals I have followed the list given by Pro-
fessor Leith Adams, on the authority of Mr. A. G. More. Proe. R. Dublin Society, 1878,
pp. 40, 41, The complete absence from Ireland of some species, as the Common Shrew
Weasel, Harvest Mouse, &c, has been disputed by some writers.

t Proc. R. Irish Academy, 2nd Ser., in., pp. 99-100; Proc. R. Dublin Soc, 1878, p. 42,

Scotland.

Distribution of Scottish
Mammals.

Ireland.
1

•^ 10

»— t

Orkney.

o
53

1. Erinaceus europaeus, ...

+

1

+

2. Sorex tetragonurus, . . .

+

?

?

3. S. minutus,

+

9

+

+

4. Crossopus fodiens,

+

+

+

5. Talpa europaea,

+

C). Felis catus,

+

7. Canis vulpes, ...

+

V

+

8. Maries sylvestris,

+

9

+

+

9. Mustela vulgaris,

+

10. M. erminea, ...

~T~

+

intro.

+

11. j\[. putorius, ...

+

12. Meles taxus, ...

+

+

13. Lutra vulgaris,

+

+

+

+

+

+

14. Cervus elaphus,

+

+

+

+
(ext.)

+

15. Capreolus capraea,

+

intro.

1 G. Scinrus vulgaris,

+

+

17. Mus sylvaticus,

+

+

9

?

+

18. ilf. minutus,

+

10. Arvicola agrestris,

+

+

+

+

20. A glareolus,

+

21. -4. amplribius, ..:

+

?

+

22. Lepus europaeus,

+

intro.

intro.

intro.

23. L. variabilis, ...

+

intro.

intro.

+
(ext)

+

24. Z/. cuniculus, ...

+

+

+

+

+

24

7

6

7

1

12

The facts indicated by the above Table are, at first sight, some-
what contradictory. As Ireland possesses the greatest number of
species in common with the mainland of Scotland, it might well be
supposed to have been in connection with it up to a later date than
even the Inner Islands. On the other hand we have the presence

J

of other forms, as of the Field Vole in the Hebrides, and of
the same species with the Water Shrew and Water Vole in
Orkney, which are conspicuous by their absence from the Irish
fauna. It appears to me, however, that this apparent contradic-
tion may be explained, if we remember the more northern position
of the Scottish Islands and the nature of the country lying between
them and the south-western source from which our Mammalian
fauna was undoubtedly derived.

A consideration of the relative depths of the channels which
respectively divide Ireland and the Islands from the mainland of
Scotland would lead us to the conclusion that the severance
of the former took place first, and that the Orkneys remained
longest uninsulated. An upheaval of about 240-270 feet would bring
the latter again into communication with Caithness, while it would
require a rise of about 300-320 feet to reunite the Hebrides with
Skj^e, and of from 700 to 900 feet to restore land communication
between the various parts of south-western Scotland and north-
eastern Ireland. Nor does the distribution of Mammal life seem
to me to contradict such a hypothesis. The absence from the
known fossil fauna of Scotland and Ireland of most of the
characteristic postpliocene English animals shows that the north-
ward migration of these forms was slow, gradually advancing as
the glacial conditions of the northern parts of our islands decreased
in intensity. Thus it is not difficult to suppose that the Hedge-
hog, Ermine, Badger, Squirrel, and Mountain Hare, may have
found their way through southern Scotland into Ireland long
before they were able to penetrate into the still sub-arctic regions
of the Highlands. Subsequently, when the continued depression
of the land had isolated Ireland, and the improvement of the
climate had continued, the Shrews and Voles may well have found
their way northwards along the comparatively genial coasts, before
the larger beasts of prey could find a sufficient stock of game.
When they reached Orkney, however, they appear to have found
it a veritable Ultima Thule, for the absence from Shetland of any
land animal (except the half-aquatic Otter) seems to indicate that

6

those islands were already separated before the arrival of any form
of Mammalian life.

Such a hypothesis of the dispersal of English Mammals through
Scotland and Ireland appears to me to be the only one which ex-
plains the peculiarities of their present distribution, and is likewise
in accord with the facts of physical geography. Should it be
accepted, the recent and extinct Mammals of Scotland may be
arranged in five categories, in the order of the dates of their im-
migration. This I have attempted to show in the following list,
in which the extinct species are marked with an asterisk: —

List of Extinct and Recent Scottish Mammals, arranged in the
probable order of their arrival prom the southward.

I. — Before deposit of boulder-clay : —
*1. Elephas primigenim.

II. — Before separation of Ireland : —

3. Erinaceus turopaeus.

4. Sorex minutus.
*5. Cants lupus.

6. G. vulpes.
*( Ursus fossilis. )*

7. Maries sylvestris.

8. Mustela erminea.

9. Meles taxus.
10. Lutra vulgaris.

III. — Before separation of Hebrides: —

19. Sorex tetragonurus (?)

20. Arvicola agrestis.

IV. — Before separation of the Orkneys: —

*2. Rangif&r tarandus.

*11. Equns cabullus.

*12. tins scrofa.

*13. Megactros giganteus.

14. Cervus elapkus.

15. Sciurus vulgaris.

16. Mux sylvestris.
Lepus variabilis.
L. euniculus.

17

18

*21. Bos longifrons.

22. Crossopusfodiens.
*23. Bos primigenius.

V. — Since separation of Orkneys: —
25. Talpa europaea.
20. Felts catus.
*27. Ursus arctos.

28. Mustela vulgaris.

29. M. putorius.
*30. Alces machlis.

24. Arvicola amphibius.

Capreolus capraea.
Castor Jiber.
Mus minutus.
Arvicola glareolus.

31.

*32.
33.
34.
35. Lepus europaeus.

I now proceed to the consideration of the details of the distribu-
tion of the species, taking first the recent, and second the fossil
and extinct forms.

London, 1880.

* Remains of the Cave Bear have not yet been found in Scotland, but its former existence is
rendered probable by theii presence in Irish deposits. — Cf. A, Leith Adams, loc. cit.

I. RECENT SPECIES.

Order I.: CHIROPTERA.
Family: VESPERTILIONIDAE.

1. Plecotus auritus (Linnaeus).

Long-eared Bat.

Not uncommon in the southern and central counties, but rarer
in the north. It occurs in Arran, Islay, Mull, and probably in
the other Inner Hebrides, but has not been recorded from the
Outer Islands, nor from Orkney or Shetland.

[Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein). — The Lesser Horse-
shoe Bat is stated by Dr. A. R. Young to have occurred, along with
the last species, at Crookston Castle, Renfrewshire (New Stat. Ace.
Renfr., p. 162). All inquiries as to the fate of the specimen have
been in vain, and I greatly suspect a mistake in identification.]

2. Vesperugo pipistrellus (Schreber).

Common Bat.

Scot., Bak, Bakie, Backie-bird (Swed., Natt-baka, a bat; Old
Norse, blaka, to flap) ; Gael., Ialtag, Dialtag.

Much the commonest species of Bat in Scotland, extending
quite to the north of the mainland, but rare in some localities, as
in the west of Sutherlandshire, where I have only once seen a
specimen. It is common in Arran, Islay, and Mull, but appears
to be scarce in the Outer Islands. The late Capt. M 'Donald, of
Rodil, told Mr. Harvie-Brown that he had only once seen a Bat
in Harris, and Baikie and Heddle mention a few instances of
their occurrence in Orkney (Hint. Nat. Ore, p. 14).

[Vesperugo xoctula (Schreber). — Fleming identified the Vesper-
tilio auriculatus of Walker's "Fauna Scotica" (Essays Nat. Hist.,
p. 472) with this species (Brit. An., p. 6), but the description agrees
much better with V. daubentoni. The Great Bat is also stated bv
the late Sir William Jardine to have been seen near the River
Annan, in Dumfriesshire (New Stat. Ace. Dumfr., p. 175), but its
occurrence in Scotland has not been confirmed. The most northern
English locality which has been recorded is Northallerton, in York-
shire (BelVs Brit. Quad., 2nd ed., p. 23).]

8

[Atalapha cinerea (Beauvois). Under the name of Ves-
pertilio pruinosus, Say, the late Mr. Wolley recorded the capture
of a specimen of this American species in South Ronaldsha, Orkney,
in 1847 (Zoologist, 1849, p. 2343; op. rib, 1850, pp. 2695, 2813).
As he himself suggested, there can be little doubt that it was
accidentally brought over in a ship. As far as I am aware this is
the only known instance of an exclusively American bat having
been taken in Europe.]

3. Yespertilio daubentoni, Leisler.

Daubenton's Bat.

Appears to be pretty widely distributed on the mainland, but
to be local. It was first correctly identified as a Scottish species
by William Macgillivray, who took it in Aberdeen Cathedral, in
1840 (Eclin* N. Phil. Joum.,xxxi.,-p. 205), and John Macgillivray
captured eighty individuals in two clusters in the same building
(Ami. and Mag. Nat. Hist., viii., p. 230). Fleming had already
recorded its occurrence in Fifeshire under the name of V. emar-
ginatus (Brit. An., p. 6); Macgillivray found it in Dumfriesshire
(Nat. Libr., xxu., p. 95); Mr. B. Gray tells me he has met with
it in Kirkcudbright; a specimen captured in Glasgow Green, is
preserved in the University Museum (Alston, P. N. H. S. Glasg., i.,
p. 203); and another, caught in the West-end Park, has been
lately submitted to me by Mr. J. M. Campbell. As above
remarked, this probably may be the V. auriculatus of Walker,
but his description is quite insufficient for certain identification,
otherwise his name would take priority of Leisler's.

Order II.: INSECTIVORA.
Family: ERIN AC EI DAE.

4. Erinaceus europaeus, Linnaeus.

Hedgehog.

Scot., Hurchin, Hyrchoune (Barbour). (From Old French,
Ericon, a hedgehog, or from Low Germ., hurken, to crouch or
curl?)

Gael., Crainaig.

Very common in the Lowlands, and rapidly spreading to the
northward, but has not yet been met with in Sutherlandshire.

The Rev. G. Gordon informs me that it is increasing in numbers
in Morayshire, where it was formerly rare. Mr. Colquhoun says
that it is common in Bute (Sporting Days, p. 101), but it is un-
known in Arran, Mull, Islay, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.
The history of the increase of range of this and the next species
in Scotland would well repay careful investigation.

Family; T ALP I DAE.

5. Talpa europaea, Linnaeus.

Mole.

Scot, Moudie, Moudiewart (Old English, Mouldioarp, a mole ;
Angl. Sax., molde, soil, weorpan, to throw); Earth-hound (Aberdeen).

Gael., Famh, Uir-reathaldh, Uireabh {lit., earth-plougher).

Like the last species, the Mole has greatly extended its range of
late years, and is now well known throughout the mainland to
Sutherlandshire and Caithness. Thirty-six years ago itwas recorded
as spreading rapidly in west Argyllshire (New Stat. Ace. Argyl.,
pp. 380, 439). In Mull it is said to have been accidentally
introduced in a boat-load of earth from Morven early in the last
century, but it appears to be unknown in the rest of the Scottish
Islands.

Family: SOPdCIDAE.

6. Sorex TETRAGONURUS, Herman.

Common Shrew.

Scot., Shrew-mouse; Ore, Sheer-mouse.

Gael.. Daltag, Daltag-fheior (from Gael., dall, blind, and fheoir,
grass).

Common in all the mainland counties, as it is said to be in
Arran, Islay, and Mull; "not very numerous" in Orkney (Hist. Nat.
Ore., p. 14), but some doubt remains as to whether it is not the next
species that is found there. According to W. Macgillivray, the
Common Shrew is found in the Outer Hebrides on sandy pastures,
where it is termed Luch-fheior (Edinb. Journ. Nat. and Geogr. Sc,
II., p. 162), a name properly belonging to the Field Yole {infra, p.
28); but, as will be seen directly, the Hebridean Shrew is Sorex
minutus.

LO

7. Sorex MINUTUS, Linnaeus.

Lesser Shrew.

Has been generally confounded with the last species, and
appears to be generally less numerous. J. Macgillivray, who first
recorded it as a Scottish animal under Jenyns' name of S. rusticus,
considered it to be as abundant as the Common Shrew near
Aberdeen (Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., viii., p. 23), and the Rev.
G. Gordon tells me that specimens which he sent to Mr. Jenyns
from Morayshire were identified by that gentleman with the same
species. In the south-west it is not rare in the Upper Ward of
Lanarkshire (Alston, Fauna W. Scotl., p. v.). Mr. Harvie-Brown
has recently sent me an example of the Shrew of the Outer
Hebrides, caught by him this summer in South Uist, and I was
much interested in finding that it belonged to this species, the only
one yet positively known to occur in Ireland.

8. Ckossopus fodiens (Pallas).

Water Shrew.

Gael., Famh-uisge (lit., water-mole).

Both the white-throated form and the dark race, formerly
separated as C. remifer (Geoffroy), are widely but locally distributed
throughout the mainland, and intermediate varieties constantly
occur. The species was first added to the Scottish fauna by the
late Dr. Scoular, who took specimens near Glasgow (Mag. Nat.
Hist., vi., p. 512), and it has since been found as far north as
Sutherlandshire, where it is not uncommon. Baikie and Heddle
state that one was killed in Waas, Orkney (Hist. Nat. Ore,
p. 14), and it is not rare in Arran, but I have been unable to
ascertain its existence in any of the other Islands.

Order III.: CARNIVORA.
Family: FELIDAE.

9. Felis catus, Linnaeus.

Wild Cat.

Gael., Cat-fhiadhaich (lit., wild cat), Braiene.

Once generally distributed over the mainland, the Wild Cat has
been totally extirpated in the Lowlands and in many parts of the
Highlands. It is still to be found, however, in the wilder districts
of most of the northern counties, especially in the deer-forests,

11

where it is left comparatively undisturbed. Till of late years its
southern outpost was the mountainous country around Loch
Lomond, whence there are specimens in the Glasgow University
Museum; but it is now extinct in that neighbourhood (Lamsden,
P. N. H. S. Glasgow, in., p. 189), and I believe that none
now exist south of the northern districts of Argyll and Perth-
shire. There appears to be no evidence that the Wild Cat was
ever found in any of the Islands, Pennant's statement that it
was a native of Arran being probably erroneous.

Family: CAN I DAE.

10. Caxis vulpes, Linnaeus.

Fox.

Scot., Tod (Old Islandic, toa, a fox).

Gael., Sionnach, Balgair, Madadh-ruadh (lit., red hound).

Universally distributed on the mainland, both in the Lowlands
and Highlands, but absent from the Islands, except Skye (Duns).
In Mull there is a tradition that Foxes were formerly found, but
were exterminated about the middle of the last century.

Family; MUSTELIDAE.

11. Martes sylvestris, Nilsson.

Yellow-breasted Marten.

Scot., Mertrick (Aug. Sax., inearth, a marten).

Gael., Taghan (from Gael., taghanach, surly, sulky?).

Like the Wild Cat, the Marten has been exterminated in most
parts of the Lowlands, but a few still linger in some parts of the
south-west. Macgillivray mentions a Lanarkshire specimen (Nat.
Libr., xxn., p. 168), and one was killed in Ayrshire, near Maybole,
in 1876 (Alston, Fauna W. Scott., p. vi.). In the Highlands also it
is much reduced in numbers, and in many places is already quite
extinct, but still finds a refuge in the wilds of most of the counties
north of Perth and Argyll, especially in the deer-forests. It does
not appear to be a native of any of the Inner Islands, but, curiously
enough, is well known in the Outer Hebrides, where it was noted
as far back as 1715 by Martin (West. Isles, p. 36). When Mac-
gillivray wrote (1838) it was "abundant" in Harris, but Mr.
Harvie-Brown informs me that it is now almost exterminated
there.

12

[Martes foin a [Linnaeus). — The White-breasted Marten has been
constantly included in lists of Scottish Mammals, but there appears
to be no evidence of its ever having been found in any part of
Britain. The older writers trusted entirely to coloration, and
consequently confused any pale-breasted specimens with the com-
mon continental species. The two forms may be readily distin-
guished, however, by the colour of the under-fur, and by several
cranial and dental characters, of which the most striking are these : —
In M. foina the under-fur is greyish-white, and the last upper
molar is notched externally, whereas in M. sylvatica the under-fur
is reddish-grey, and the last upper molar is simply rounded ex-
ternally (cf. Alston, P. Z. S., 1879, pp. 468-474; Zoologist, 1879,
pp. 441-448).]

12. Mustela vulgaris, Erxleben,

Common Weasel.

Scot., Whitrit, Quhittrit (from Scot., quhid, to move swiftly1?)
Common to the next species.

Gael., Neas, Nios (from Gael., nimli, poison?) Common to the
next species.

Found throughout the mainland, although hardly so common in
most places as the next species. It is not a native, however, of
any of the islands, except Bute, where Mr. Colquhoun says it is
rare (S]Jort. Bays, p. 100). As will be seen presently, the state-
ments of Low and of Baikie and Heddle, as to the Common
Weasel having been introduced into Shetland, are erroneous.

13. Mustela erminea, Linnaeus.

Stoat or Ermine.

Scot, and Gael. (See last species.)

Generally a more plentiful species than the last in Scotland, and
found in most of the Inner Islands, being extremely common in
Skye, Mull, Bute, and Islay, but it is not found in Arran, the
Outer Hebrides or Orkney. From information supplied to me
by Mr. J. B. Tudor and Mr. Howard Saunders, it appears that
the "Weasels" of the Mainland of Shetland are really Stoats.
According to Low [Faun. Ore, p. 29) they were introduced
through malice, and the assertion of Baikie and Heddle (Hist. Nat.
Ore, p. 11), that they became extinct, is incorrect — they are still
over-abundant.

13

14. Mustela putorius, Linnaeus.

Polecat.

Scot, Foumart (also Old and local English).

Gael, Fochlan (from Gael., fochal, dirt?).

Now rare or extinct in many of the southern counties, and
locally rather than generally distributed in the Highlands. It is
not found in any of the Islands.

15. Meles taxus (Schreber).

Badger.

Scot, Brock (from the Gaelic? or from Scot., broakit; Danish,
broged, spotted, striped. Also Old and local English 1)
Gael, Brochd (from Gael., broc, mottled grey])-
The Badger, now, like the Polecat, a very scarce animal in the
south, has been recorded of late years from Lanarkshire (Alston,
Fauna W. Scotl, p. vi.) and Kirkcudbright (i?. Service, Zoologist,
1878, p. 427), and Mr. Harvie-Brown informs me that it appears
not to be very rare near Yetholm. It is still far from uncommon
in suitable localities in the Highlands, but is unknown in the
Islands.

16. Lutra vulgaris, Erxleben.
Otter.

Shetl, Tyke.

Gael, Dobhran, Dorchie (from dobhar, water?); Beast-dhu,
Madadh-donn (lit, brown hound); Balgar in the Hebrides (which
is properly the fox).

Although reduced in numbers by persecution, the Otter is uni-
versally distributed along river-courses and around lakes, and on
the northern and western shores it is found wherever a rocky
coast provides it with a suitable dwelling-place. It is also a native
of all the principal Scottish Islands.

Family: PHOCIDAE.

17. Phoca vitulina, Linnaeus.
Common Seal.

Scot., Selch, Selcht, Selchie (Old German, Seluch).

Gael, Bon.

Found round the coasts in all localities where it is comparatively
free from intrusion, especially on the north and west shores, and
amono- the Islands.

u

[Phoca hispida, Schreber. — The Ringed or Marbled Seal may
perhaps be the " Bodach " (lit., old man) of the Hebrideans, a small
and rare species reported by M'Neil of Colonsay to the late Mr. J.
Wilson (May. Zool. and Bot., I., p. 541-544). No recent Scottish
specimens have, however, been yet recorded, although fossil remains
in brick-clays of various localities have been identified by Prof.
Turner (P. U.S. Edin., 1869-70, pp. 105-114, and Jour. Anat. and
Phys., iv., pp. 260-270). One specimen has been taken on the
coast of Norfolk (Bell's Br. Quad., 2nd ed., p. 249), and the supposed
existence of the species in the Hebrides is worthy of further in-
vestigation.]

18. Phoca groenlandica, Fabricius.

Greenland or Harp Seal.

There can be little doubt that this large Seal occasionally visits
the coasts of Scotland, although the existing records are far from
satisfactory. Macgillivray doubtfully referred a young Seal taken
in the Firth of Forth to the present species, and mentions a second
specimen in the University Museum of Edinburgh (Nat. Libr.,
XXII., p. 210), but Prof. Turner informs me that the latter cannot
now be identified. The late Mr. H. D. Graham believed that he
saw three examples in Jura, and thought that the species was con-
fused by the islanders with the Gray Seal under the name of
•'Tapvaist" (P.N.H.S. Ghcsg., i., pp. 53-54); and Mr. Harvie-
Brown saw what he fully believes to have been four examples of
Phoca groenlandica in the Sound of Harris in 1870. The late Dr.
Saxby says that the Greenland Seal is not very rare in Shetland
during bad weather (Zoologist, 1864, p. 9090); but the only thoroughly
well-authenticated British-killed specimen yet recorded is one in
the Kendal Museum, which was taken on the coast of Lancashire
in 1868, and identified by Mr. Thos. Gough and Prof. Turner
(Jonr. Anat. and Phys., IX., pp. 163-165).

19. Cystophora cristata (Erxleben).

Hooded Seal.

A rare straggler. Baikie and Heddle state that specimens are
" said to have been killed at Rousay and at Papa Westra," and
give the Orcadian name of " Bladder-nosed Seal," by which the
species is well known to the northern whalers (Hist. Nat. Ore, pp.
13, 98), and Mr. Howard Saunders was this year assured that the

15

"Bladder-nose" is well known as a visitor to the Vae Skerries,
Shetland. A young example was killed near St. Andrews on the
22nd July, 1872, as recorded by Mr. R. Walker (Scot. Xat., n., p. 1),
and two others have been obtained on the English coasts. As far
back as 1577 mention is made in Hollinshed's " Cronicle " of
" sundry fishes of monstrous shape, with cowls over their heads like
unto Monks and in the rest resembling the body of Man," whose
appearance in the Firth of Forth was followed by pestilence and
murrain. These may not improbably have been Hooded Seals.

20. Halichoerus gryphus (Fabricius).

Gray Seal.

Ore, Haaf-fish.

Gael., Tapvaist (in the Hebrides).

Very abundant on the rocky shores of the Outer Hebrides, where
the great breeding-place at Haskeir, off North Uist, has often been
described, and among the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Com-
paratively rare on the coasts of the mainland, especially on the east;
but Prof. Turner has recorded it from near Montrose and St.
Andrews, and believes it to be more common than is usually sup-
posed on the east coast, where the Tay fishermen call it the " Black
Seal" {J out. Anat. and Phys., IV., pp. 270-271). The Gray Seal
was formerly confused with the Arctic Phoca barbata, but there is
no good evidence that the latter has ever visited the British coasts
(cf. Bell's Br. Quad,, 2nd ed., pp. 238, 263).

Family: TEICHECIIIDAE.
21. Trichechus rosmarus, Linnaeus.

Walrus.

Now a very rare straggler, though it was probably a more fre-
quent visitor to our coasts in old times. Sir B. Sibbald mentions
it on the authority of Boethius, and its remains have been found
in peat-bogs in England. One was killed at Caolas Stocnis, on
the east coast of Harris, in December, 1817, and was examined by
Macgillivray (Xat. Libr., xxn., p. 223). A second, shot in June,
1825, on Edday, Orkney, was recorded by Mr. B. Scarth (Edin.
Phil. Mag., xiil, p. 383), and its head is preserved in the University
Museum at Edinburgh. A third is reported by Baikie and Heddle
to have been seen in Hoy Sound in 1827 {Hist. Xat, Ore, p. 14),
and a fourth was killed in April, 1841, on the East Heiskar, near

16

Harris, as recorded by Dr. B. Brown {Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist.,
4th Ser., vn., p. 65), who has been further informed of two being
seen about Orkney and Shetland in 1857 (P. Z. S., 1868, p. 433).

Order IV.: CETACEA.

[Family: BALAENIDAE.]
[Balaena mysticetus, Linnaeus. — The Greenland Bight- Whale
has generally been included in Scottish lists, but the Bight- Whale
which certainly visited the British seas in old times was probably
the more southern species, B. biscayensis, Eschricht, which appears
to be now almost extinct on the European side of the Atlantic.
There is, however, no authentic evidence of the occurrence of any
Bight-Whale on our coasts in modern times, most of the records
being referable to one or other of the Borquals (cf. Bell's Br.
Quad,, 2nd ed., pp. 381-391).]

Family: BALAENOPTERIDAE.
22. Megaptera longimana (Rudotyhi).

Hump-backed Whale.

Only one authenticated specimen of this large Cetacean has been
captured in the Scottish seas, an adult measuring in length 48 feet,
which was towed into Wick Bay in March, 1871; its pectoral
limbs each measured 14 feet. A description of this specimen was
published by Mr. W. Beid, in " Land and Water" (1st April,
1871); the skeleton was not preserved, but Prof. Turner obtained
some of the baleen for the Anatomical Museum of the University
of Edinburgh. The species has also occurred at least twice on
the English coasts (cf. Bell's Brit. Quad., 2nd ed., p. 394).

23. Balaenopteka musculus (Linnaeus).

Common Rorqual, or Bazor-back.

Ore, Firmer. (Common to next two species.)

Appears not to be uncommon off the Orkney and Shetland Isles;
three, taken there in 1856, were described by Dr. Duguid (P. Z. S.,
1856, p. 187), and distinguished as a new species, Physalus duguidii,
by Gray (Cat. Seals and Whales, p. 158; cf. Bell's Br. Quad,, 2nd
ed., p. 399). A number of other large Borquals have been re-
corded as occurring on the shores of the mainland and in the

17

Hebrides. Thus Prof. Turner tells me that one was stranded in
1848 near Kingask, Fife, and another was brought into Stornoway
in 1871, specimens of the baleen of both of which animals are in
his possession. Again, one was stranded at Wick in 1869, and
another towed into Peterhead in 1871, portions of the skeletons
of both of which are in the Museum of the University of Aberdeen,
and have been described by Dr. Struthers {Jour. Anat. and
Phys., vi., pp. 107, 125). But in most cases the descriptions have
not been sufficiently exact to enable zoologists to determine
whether they belonged to this or the next species. In future it is
to be hoped that the number of the ribs and vertebrae of such
visitors will be noted, and specimens of their baleen (or whale-bone)
retained, even when it is not practicable to preserve the whole skull.

24. Balaenoptera sibbaldi (Gray).

SibbalcVs Rorqual.

Ore. (See last species.)

This very large Rorqual has repeatedly occurred on the eastern
coasts of Scotland. The specimen stranded near Abercorn in 1692,
and described by Sir Robert Sibbald, was probably of this species.
One about 80 ft. long was found dead in October 1831 near North
Berwick, and its skeleton, prepared by Dr. Robert Knox and Mr.
Frederick Knox, is now in the Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh.
In November 1869 a gravid female of 78 ft. in length was stranded
in the Firth of Forth, near Longniddry, and was carefully described
in the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (xxvi., pp.
197-251, pis. v.-viii.), by Prof. Turner, who also states that one
about 90 ft. long came ashore with its sucker at Hamna Voe, Shet-
land, in October of the same year. The Longniddry skeleton is
now in the Anatomical Museum of the University of Edinburgh.
Prof. Turner has also obtained the skeleton of a specimen stranded
at Wick in 1871, and the ear-bones and nasals of one stranded at
Aberdour, Fife, in 1858.

25. Balaenoptera rostrata (Fobricius).

Lesser Rorqual.

This comparatively small species is a not unfrequent visitor to
the northern and eastern coasts, more rarely to the western. One
was taken near Largo in 1832 ; and in the Anatomical Museum of
the University of Edinburgh is preserved the skeleton of a young

)■ auna of Scot.— Mammalia 2, B

18

one caj)tured near Queensferry in February 1834, and prepared by
Dr. Robert Knox. Prof. Turner tells me that in the same Museum
is the skull and baleen of a specimen stranded at Burntisland in
1870, the skull and baleen of one taken at Dunbar in 1871, and
some baleen-plates of one caught in the herring nets off Anstruther
in 1872. Another specimen was caught in the Firth of Forth in
1858. The Lesser Rorqual has also been recorded from Shetland,
and the skull of one which was cast ashore on Islay in 18G6 is now
in the Museum of the University of Cambridge. In the Museum
of Anderson's College, Glasgow, there is a sub-fossil skull of a small
Whale, which was found in brick-clay near Stirling, which is pro-
bably referable to this species.

[Balaenoptera laticeps (Gray). — Rudolphi's Rorqual has been
supposed to visit our shores, the Islay Rorqual mentioned above
having been referred to this rare species by MM. Gervais and
Van Beneden (Osteogr. des Cetaces, i., p. 200). Mr. J. W. Clark,
however, informs me that a more careful examination of the skull
at Cambridge shows that it belonged to the last species.]

Family: PHYSETERIDAE.

26. Physeter macrocephalus, Linnaeus.

Sperm-Whale, or Cachalot.

Stray individuals, usually old bulls, occasionally wander from
the semi-tropical seas, and Prof. Turner has collected evidence of
at least eight authentic occurrences on the coasts of Scotland. A
tooth was found by Mr. G. Petrie in a structure at Hoxay,
Orkney, which probably dates from the 9th or 10th century
(Turner, P. A\ S. Edin,, 1871-2, p. 638). A male, 52 feet long,
came ashore at Limekilns, on the Forth, in February 1689, as
recorded by Sir Robert Sibbald, in his " Phalainologia Nova,"
and another, about the same size, at Cramond in 1701 (Turner, op.
cit., 1870-1, ]). 367). One of 57 feet in length was taken at
Moniheth in February 1703 (op. cit., p. 368), and one of 63 feet
on the west coast of Ross-shire in 1756 (Hamilton, Nat. Libr.,
xvi., p. 179). A second example ran ashore at Cramond in
December 1769. It was also a male, measuring 54 feet, and
was described by Robertson in the Philosophical Transactions of
1770. Low mentions two taken in Hoy Sound about 1800, and
says that the species " is often drove ashore about the Orkneys "
(Fauii.O?'c., p. 161). One, said to have been about 60 feet long, was

19

killed near Oban, in May 1829 (Tamer, P. B. S. Edin., 1870-1,
p. 365), and a large male was washed ashore near Thurso in July
1863. The skeleton of the latter is now in the British Museum,
and is described in Prof. Flower's admirable monograph (Tr. Z.
S., vi., pp. 309-372). Lastly a male, said to be nearly 60 feet
long, was stranded in Loch Scavaig in Skye, in July 1871 (Turner,
P. R. S. Edin., 1871-2, p. 632). Several others have occurred
from time to time on the English coasts.

27. Hyperoodox rostratus (Chemnitz).

Common Beaked- Whale.

A much more frequent visitor to our shores than any of the
preceding species, specimens being killed almost every autumn
on some parts of the coast. Fishermen usually confound it with
the other smaller Whales under the names of " Bottle-nose,"
" Grampus," and " Muc-inkara." Two crania of this Whale are
in the Anatomical Museum of the University of Edinburgh, one
from a specimen caught at Queensferry and the other from one
killed in Hanma Voe, Shetland.

28. Hyperoodox latifroxs, Gray.

Broad-fronted Beaked-Whale.

This Whale has only been distinguished from the last by its
skull, its external characters remaining still undescribed. The
skull on which Gray founded the species was sent from Orkney,
and passed through Warwick's collection to the British Museum
(Zool " Erebus'' and " Terror" i., p. 27). A female, 28 feet in
length, was taken in the Firth of Forth in October 1839, and its
skeleton is preserved in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and
Art (Gray, Cat. Seals and Whales, p. 339). As far as is at present
known, the Broad-fronted Beaked-Whale would appear to be
everywhere a rare animal.

29. Ziphius cavirostris, Cuvier.

Cuvier's Whale.

The only recorded British specimen of this little known Cetacean
was taken off Hamna Yoe, Mainland of Shetland, in 1870, and
its skull, now in the Anatomical Museum of the University, was
described and figured by Prof. Turner in the Transactions of the
Royal Society of Edinburgh (xxvi., pp. 759-778, pi. xxix-xxx)
Only a few specimens of the species are known to zoologists.

20

30. Mesoplodon bidens (Sowerby).

Sowerby's Whale.

This interesting Whale was first described by Sowerby, from a
male, 16 feet in length, which was cast ashore in 1800 at Brodie,
Morayshire {Brit. Miscell., pi. i.). ; its imperfect skull is now in the
Oxford Museum. There is also a skull in the Edinburgh Museum
of Science and Art, which Prof. Turner thinks was probably that
of a second Scottish example (TV. R. S. Edin,, xxvi., p. 773). Three
specimens are known to have occurred on the coasts of Ireland, and
a few on those of the Continent (cf. BeWs Br. Quad., 2nd ed., pp.
431-434).

Family: DELFHINIDAE.

31. Monodon MONOCEiios, Linnaeus.

Narwhal.

Only two occurrences of the Narwhal on our shores are on record.
One was taken in the Firth of Forth, in June 1648, as mentioned
by Tulpius (Obs. Med., p. 376), and a second entangled itself among
rocks in the Sound of Weesdale, Shetland, in September 1808.
This example was carefully described by Fleming (Mem. Wern. S.,
i., pp. 131-148). The Narwhal has only once been taken on the
coast of England.

*SJ

32. Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas).

White Whale, or Beluga.

Another rare straggler from the Arctic seas. Two young males
wereoast ashore from the Pentland Firth, near Thurso, in 1793,
and were examined by Col. Imrie (quoted by Barclay and Neill).
An adult male, 13 feet in length, was killed in the Firth of Forth
in June 1815, and described by Barclay and Neill (Mem. Wern. S.,
in., pp. 371-395, pt. xvii.-xviii.); its stuffed skin is still preserved
in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art. In Orkney, Baikie
and lleddle record that a dead White Whale was stranded on
Auskerry, in October 1845 (Hist. Nat. Ore, p. 22). My friend
Mr. J. G. Gordon tells me that he saw a large white Cetacean,
presumably an individual of this species, in Loch Etive in June
1878; and Prof. Flower has recently recorded the capture of a
Beluga on the east coast of Sutherlandshire, near Dunrobin, in
June 1879 (P. Z. S., 1879, p. 667). No English examples have
hitherto been met with.

21

33. Orca gladiator (Lacepede).

Killer, or Grampus.

Shet., Pict- Whale, Fleckit- Whale (lit., spotted- whale), Lupster,
(leapster 1)

Mr. G. Gatherer informed Prof. Turner that small herds of this
species are sometimes observed about Shetland, and that individuals
are occasionally seen in the schools of Pilot-Whales. Eighteen were
driven ashore in Bressay Sound in February 1871, and the skull
of one was identified by Prof. Turner, and preserved in the Ana-
tomical Museum of the University of Edinburgh (Tr. R. S. Edin.,
xxvi., pp. 469-470). Baikie and Heddle speak of the "Grampus"
as being abundant about the Orkneys during the herring fishing
[Hist. Nat. Ore, p. 21), and Fleming says that it frequents the
Firth of Tay in pursuit of salmon (Brit. An., p. 34); but it must be
remembered that fishermen and sailors apply the names "Grampus"
and "Bottle-nose" indiscriminately to all the smaller Cetaceans.
A Killer, 21 feet long, was captured at Granton, in the Firth of
Forth, in March 1876, and the skeleton was obtained for the Edin-
burgh Museum of Science and Art.

34. Globicephalus melas (Trail).

Pilot- Whale.

Shell, Caa'ing Whale (lit. driving- whale) ; Ore, Bottle-nose.

Gael, Muc-mhara (lit, sea-sow.) (The latter names common to
most smaller Cetaceans).

Herds or " schools " of this interesting species appear about the
Shetlands almost every year, and great numbers are often driven
ashore by the islanders. In 1834 a shoal of 780 was thus captured
at Sumburgh (Bell's Br. Quad., 1st ed., p. 485); in September
1845 no less than 1,540 are said to have been taken in Quendall
Bay (Zoologist, 1846, p. 1207); and, in 1852 about 1,100 were seen
near Scalloway, but escaped (Martin's Life of Aytoun). In
Orkney they are not so often seen, and are said to be rarer of late years
(torn. cit.). Baikie and Heddle say that they appear there in herds of
from 50 to upwards of 500 (Hist. Nat. Ore, p. 21). Among the
Hebrides the occurrence of the Pilot- Whale is only occasional,
but several large shoals have been recorded. In 1805 a herd of
about 500 appeared, and more than 300 were taken, and in 1832

99

92 were captured at Stornoway (Nat. Libr., XVI., pp. 214-215).
In July 1869 about 200 visited the same place, and were almost
all secured. Tlie coasts of the mainland of Scotland are more
rarely visited, but in April 1867 a school, estimated at 200, entered
the Firth of Forth, between 20 and 30 of them being secured
(Alston, Zoologist, 1867, pp. 801-803). These specimens were well
utilized in the cause of science; one of them afforded the material
for Dr. Murie's excellent monograph of the anatomy of the
species (Tr. Z. >$., vin., pp. 235-301); the structure of another was
described by Prof. Turner (Jour. Anat. and Phys., n., pp. 66-79);
the skeleton of a third is in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and
Art; and that of a fourth in the Museum of the University of
Glasgow. A single Pilot-Whale was cast up on the Berwickshire
coast in 1856 (Hardy, Zoologist, 1856, p. 5095), and stragglers
have occurred on the shores of England, and even in the Channel
(Bell's Br. Quad., 2nd ed., p. 454).

35. Phocoena communis, F. Guvier.

Porpoise.

Shetl, Nisack (from- Norse, Xisse, a hobgoblin?).

Scot., Pelloch (from the Gaelic'?)

Gael, Puthag (lit., the blower).

By far the commonest Scottish Cetacean, and especially abundant
among the Islands. Both Low and Baikie and Heddle observe that
they appear to be migratory in Orkney, none being seen in winter
(Faun. Ore, p. 163; Hist. Nat. Ore, p. 21), and the same obser-
vation has been made in the north of Europe and in Greenland.

36. Delphinus tursio, Fabricius.

Bottle-nosed Dolphin.

The only Scottish specimens of which I have been able to learn
are two, the skeletons of which are preserved in the Museum of
Science and Art and the Museum of Surgeons' Hall, Edinburgh,
and which are stated to have been captured many years ago in the
Firth of Forth (cf. Bell's Br. Quad., 2nd ed., p. 468). Dr. Murie
informs me that herds of this species sometimes appear off the
west coast.

37. Delphinus acutus, Gray.

White-sided Dolphin.

This beautiful Dolphin appears not to be very rare in the

23

Orcadian seas. It was first described by Gray from an Orkney
skull (Spic. Zool., No. 2), which is now in the Museum of Leyden.
An adult female from the same locality was described by Knox,
under the name of D. tursio {Cat. Prep. Whales, 1838), and its
skeleton is now in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art. In
August 1858 about 20 were captured in Scalpa Bay, as recorded
by Dr. Duguid, who states that the species is often seen about the
Orkneys (Ann. and Mag. N. H., 3rd ser., xiv., pp. 133-136). It
has also been taken off the Faroes, and on the coasts of Norway
and of Ireland (Ogilby, Zoologist, 1876, p. 5077).

[Delphinus delphis, Linnaeus. — The Common Dolphin, although
a more southern species than the preceding, probably occasionally
visits the coasts of Scotland as it does those of Norway;
but I have been unable to find a single trustworthy account of its
capture. Oft1 the south coast of England it appears not to be rare.

Delphinus albirostris, G ray. —The White-beaked Dolphin is
another species whose appearance in Scottish waters is to be ex-
pected, as it seems frequently to visit the Faroes and the east coast
of England (Cunningham, P. Z. S., 1876, p. 6SQ), but as yet its
actual occurrence does not seem to have been recorded.]

Order V.: ARTIOD AC T YL A.
Family: CEBYIDAE.

38. Cervus elaphus, Linnaeus.

Red-Deer.

Gael., Fiadh (general); Damh, Cabrach (lit., the antlered),
Croichdeach (stag); Eilid, Mavlag, Maviseach. Adh, Grighagh
(hind); Mang (young deer); Laogh (calf).

Formerly generally distributed over the mainland and Islands
(excepting apparently Shetland), the Red-Deer has long been extinct
in the Lowlands and in Orkney, where antlers are found in the
" Picts' houses " or " Brochs," as well as in the peat. Mr. Harvie-
Brown informs me that Red-Deer have also been long extinct in
the Outer Hebrides south of Benbecula, although their remains
are found in peat as far south as Barra. They are still preserved,
however, in North Uist and the Lews, in most of the Inner Islands,
and in parts of the mainland counties of Caithness, Sutherland, Ross
and Cromarty, Inverness, Banff. Aberdeen, Forfar, Perth, Stirling,

24

Dumbarton, and Argyll — in all of which large tracts of land have
been set aside as deer-forests. The most southern station of the
Red-Deer in Scotland is the Island of Arran, where it appears to
be indigenous.

[Cervus dama, Linnaeus.— The Fallow-Deer (Gael, Dathais)
thrives in parks as far north as Sutherlandshire ( Harvie-Broivn,
P. N. H. Glasg., in., p. 229), and exists in a semi-wild state in some
places, as in Islay and Mull. Although the species existed in
Britain in prehistoric times, it appears to have become extinct
before the Roman period, and modern "wild" Fal low-Deer are
probably all descended from escaped specimens (cf. Brooke and
Boyd Dawlcins, Nature, xi., pp. 210, 226). Fallow-Deer were kept
at Stirling by the Scottish Kings as far back as 1283, as is
shown by the royal accounts dnnes' " Scotland, in Middle Ages," p.
125).]

[Cariacus virginianus (Gmelin). — The Virginian Deer was
introduced into Arran about 1832, and still thrives there, although
their numbers have been reduced of late years (Alston, in Bryce's
"Arran," 4th ed., 1872, p. 313).]

39. Capreolus capraea, Gray.

Roe-Deer.

Scot, Ra, Rae.

Gael, Earba, Earb; Boc-earb (Roe-buck.)

The very interesting history of the distribution of the Roe-Deer
in Britain is at present being investigated by Mr. J. E. Harting.
It was formerly found all over Scotland and England, as is proved,
not only by remains found in peat, lake-bottoms, &c, but by
numerous allusions in history and tradition. The advance of
civilization and the general destruction of forests gradually drove
it back, till, at the end of the last century, it appears to have been
strictly confined to the Highland counties. Pennant said that
the first which were to be met with in his time (going north-
wards) were in the woods on the south side of Loch Rannoch. In
1792, the minister of the parish of Dingwall had only once seen a
Roe (Old Stat. Ace, in., p. 5), and the species is stated to have
reappeared at Little Dunkeld about 178G (op. cit., vi., p. 302).
Walker in his " Mammalia Scotica " gives only Ross, Inverness,
Argyll, and Perthshire as localities (Essays Nat. Hist., 1812, p.
506). Protection and the great increase of plantations have

25

worked a wonderful change, and Roe-Deer are again found in all
suitable places from Sutherlandshire to Wigtownshire. They do
not appear to be indigenous to any of the Scottish Islands, and
are still unknown in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland,
but they were long ago introduced into Islay, and more recently
into Mull and Jura.

[Bovidae.]

[Bos taurus, Linnaeus. — The White Bull of Cadzow and Chil-
lingham has usually been enumerated among our existing native
quadrupeds, and has been held by many zoologists to be the direct
descendant of the fossil Urus or Bos -primigenius (cf. infra, p. 37).
The known facts of the history of the breed have lately been well
collected in the Rev. J. Storer's work on the "Wild White Cattle
of Great Britain" (London, 1879), but that gentleman has given far
too much credence to statements of Boethius and his copyists. To
me the evidence appears overwhelmingly to prove that the modern
Park Cattle are not wild survivors of the Urus, but are the
descendants of a race which had escaped from domestication, and
had lived a feral life until they were enclosed in the parks and
chases of the mediaeval magnates. The original Scotch herds of
whose former existence we are acquainted were seven in number,
namely —

I. Blair Aihole (Perthshire). Broken up in 1834 (Stover, p. 345).

II. Kincardine ("' Kincarnia," Perthshire), mentioned, in 1578,
by Leslie (Stover, p. 137).

III. Stirling (Stirlingshire). In the Royal Park, also recorded
by Leslie (Storer, p. 137).

IV. Cumbernauld (Dumbartonshire). Destroyed by the Earl of
Lennox in 1570, according to Dalzell, but stated by tradition to
have survived till the last century (Storer, p. 322).

V. Cadzow (Lanarkshire). The only existing herd, now number-
ing over forty head (Storer, p. 338).

VI. Auchencruive (Ayrshire). Destroyed late in the last century
(Stover, p. 329).

VII. Dvumlanrig (Dumfriesshire). Also exterminated towards
the end of the last century (Stover, p. 328).

26

Besides these ancient herds, attempts have at various times been
made to establish White Cattle in other parks, as at Taymouth,
Dalkeith, Ardrossan, and Kilmoiy, but, according to Mr. Storer,
they now only survive at the last-named place, and are considered
to be in a semi-domesticated state.]

Order VI.: GLIRES.
SCIURTDAE.

40. Sciurus vulgaris, Linnaeus.

Squirrel.

Old Scot., Conn (Sir D. Lindsay); (Sw., ikorn, ehorre, a squirrel).

Gael., Fheorag (lit., the alert).

The history of the distribution of the Squirrel in Scotland is
similar to that of the Roe-Deer, and is being fully worked out by
Mr. Harvie-Brown, so that a mere sketch will be here sufficient.
In the middle ages it appears to have been widely spread, being
found in 1630 even in Sutherlandshire (Sir R. Gordon), but,
owing doubtless to the same causes which banished the Roe-Deer, it
became very rare, if not extinct. Subsequently it was re-introduced
by several landowners in the last and present centuries, and from
these centres it has gradually spread once more over the mainland,
reaching Sutherlandshire about 1869 (Alston and Harvie-Brown,
P. N. II S. Glasg., u., p. 1-44), and South Ayrshire, where it was
long absent, in 1877. It is not found in any of the Scottish Islands.

[Myoxidae.]

[Muscardinus avellanarius (Linnaeus). — The Dormouse is in-
cluded in "Walker's " Mammalia Scotica" (Essays Nat. Hist., p. 499),
but without any special locality, and is stated by Fleming to be
"rare in Scotland" {Brit. An., p. 22). It was "reported" to
Macgillivray " to occur near Gifford, in East Lothian" (Nat. Libr.,
xxii., p. 236), and is included in a list of the animals of Careston,
in Forfarshire (New Stat. Ace. For/., p. 523), but I have been
quite unsuccessful in seeking for any confirmation of these vague
statements.]

27

MURIDAE.

41. Mus rattus, Linnaeus.

Black Rat.

Scot, Ratton, Rotten (common to next species). Ore, Blue Rat.

Gael., Radan (common to next species).

Appears to be almost extinct as a native species, although ex-
amples sometimes occur near sea-ports; thus Mr. J. M. Campbell
lately showed me a fine specimen which was killed on a wharf at
Glasgow in 1874. The Rev. G. Gordon, who recorded the existence
of the Black Rat in Morayshire in 1844 (Zoologist, 1844, p. 424),
informs me that it is now quite extinct there; but it is stated by
Mr. H. Stewart to be still found in Wigtownshire (Field, 23rd Aug. ,
1879). In 1848 the Black Rat was confined in Orkney to South
Ronaldshay, as recorded both by Baikie and Heddle (Hist. Nat.
Ore, p. 15), and by Wolley (Zoologist, 1849, p. 2344); and it
appears to have been owing to this that a belief became prevalent
that the Hamster (Cricetus frumentarius, Pallas) had become
naturalised in that island (Hist. Nat. Ore, p. 16). In investigat-
ing the rano-e of the Black Rat it must be remembered that the
black variety of the Water Yole is very often confused with Mus
rattus.

42. Mus decumanus, P alias.

Brown Rat.

Scot, and Gael, (see last species).

Seems to have invaded the south of Scotland from England
about the middle of the last century, first appearing in Selkirk-
shire between 1770 and 1777 (Xew Stat. Ace. Peeblessh., p. 136).
In Morayshire the Rev. G. Gordon says that Brown Rats arrived
at the sea-ports about 1814 (Zoologist, 1844, p. 424). In Orkney,
Baikie and Heddle state that they have become very numerous,
but in Rousay they suddenly died out about 1836, and there were
none in 1848 in Enhallow or in Damsay (Hist. Nat. Ore., p. 15).
They were introduced into Mull from a wrecked vessel, and were
at first treated as pets by the inhabitants. The species is now uni-
versally distributed both on the mainland and in the Islands,
beino1 found even on uninhabited islets in the Sound of Harris,
where they feed principally on molluscs.

•26

43. Mus musculus, Linnaeus.

House-Mouse.

Gael., Luch.

Universally distributed wherever tliere are human habitations.
Baikie and Heddle state, however, that, like the last species, Mice
are absent from the islands of Enhallow and Damsay (Hist. Nat.
Ore., p. 15). They are abundant in the Outer Hebrides.

• 44. Mus sylvaticus, Linnaeus.

Wood-Mouse, Long-tailed Field-Mouse.

A common species throughout the whole of the mainland, in
Orkney (Hist. Nat. Ore, p. 14), and in most, if not all, of the Inner
Islands; but I have not been able to obtain any positive evidence
of its existence in the Outer Hebrides or in Shetland.

45. Mus minutus, Pallas.

Harvest Mouse.

Appears to be generally but locally distributed in the eastern
Lowland counties, but to be absent in the west, although it is not
rare in the north-west of England. W. Macgillivray has recorded it
from Midlothian, Fifeshire, and Aberdeenshire (Nat. Libr., xxn.,
p. 257), it is included in a list of the animals of Alloa, and its size
and weight correctly noted (Neiv Stat. Ace. Clackmannansh., p. 9),
and Mr. B,. Gray informs me that he caught one in Kincardineshire
in 1869. This eastern distribution in Scotland of a comparatively
southern form is interesting as analogous to the range of certain
birds, as commented on by Messrs. Gray and Anderson in their
" Birds of Ayr and Wigtown " (p. 4).

[What is the " Button-Mouse," reported to Baikie and Heddle
to exist in Orkney, only two inches long, and " frequently found
asleep, rolled up in the shape of a ball" (Hist. Nat. Ore., p. 15,
foot-note)]]

40. Akvicola agrestis, l)e Selys.

Common Field-Vole, Short-tailed Field-Mouse.

Scot., Water-Mouse.

Gael., Luch-fheior (lit., grass-mouse.)

Common throughout the mainland, in the Inner Islands, and in
Orkney (Hist. Nat. Ore., p. 16), but not found in Shetland. In the
Outer Hebrides it was not met with by W. Macgillivray, but was

29

reported to Mr. Harvie-Brown by the late Capt. M 'Donald of
Rodil, and by Mr. Henderson, Loch Boisdale; and in 1879 Mr.
Harvie-Brown captured a specimen, now in the British Museum,
at Newton, North Uist. Occasionally appears in vastly increased
numbers, and is then extremely destructive. This took place to a
great extent in the south-eastern counties in the spring and summer
of 1876.

47. Arvicola glareolus (Schreber).

Red Field- Vole, Bank-Yole.

First noticed in Scotland by W. Macgillivray {Nat. Libr., xxn.,
p. 257), and appears to be widely but locally distributed. It has
not yet been recorded, however, from further north than Moray-
shire, where the Rev. G. Gordon informs me that it is extremely
common, nor from any of the Islands.

48. Arvicola amphibius (Linnaeus).

Water- Vole or Water-Rat.

Gael., Radan-uisge (lit., water-rat).

Very generally distributed on the mainland, and is found,
though apparently not plentifully, in Orkney (Hist. Nat. Ore,
Addenda). I have no satisfactory evidence of its existence in
the Inner Islands, though it is said to be found in Islay and Mull,
and it is certainly absent from the Outer Hebrides. The black
variety, which W. Macgillivray described as distinct under the name
of Arvicola ater (Mem. Wem. S., vi., p. 424), is local rather than
rare, and has been met with in Sutherland (Alston and Harvie-
Brown, P. N. H. S. Glasg., n., p. 145), Banff", Aberdeen
(Macgillivray, loc. cit.), Midlothian, Stirling, Dumbarton, and
Lanarkshire.

Family; LEPORIDAE.

49. Lepus eiropaeus, Pallas.

Common Hare.

Scot., Maukin, Bawd (Aberdeensh., also Old English. These
names appear to be forms of malkin and baivdrons, old English and
Scottish names for the Cat, and to have been transferred to the Hare,
just as the name puss often is in popular language).

Gael., Gearr (lit., short-tailed), Maidheach (from Gael., magh, a
plain), Miol baidhe (lit., yellow-beast.)

30

Generally distributed in the Lowlands, local in the Highlands;
in west Sutherlandshire rare, and confined to the limestone district
of Assynt [Alston and Ilarvie- Brown, P. N. II. S. Glasg., n.,
p. 146). The species does not appear to be indigenous in any of
the Islands, but has been very generally introduced. It was first
brought to the LewTs by Seaforth, shortly before 1797 (Old Stat.
Ace, xix., p. 272), and became numerous, but is said now to
be decreasing; was introduced into Coll about 1787 (op. cit., x.,
p. 401), into Mull in 1814 or 1815, and into Orkney in 1832,
where, in 1848, Hares were abundant in the Mainland and in Hoy
(Hist, Nat. Ore, p. 16).

50. Lepus variabilis, Pallas.

Mountain Hare.

Scot, Blue Hare, White Hare.

Gael., Maidheach-geal (lit., white hare).

Very numerous throughout the Highlands, but does not appear
to be indigenous in the Outer Hebrides, where Mr. Harvie-Brown
was informed that it was first turned out about 1850; it is also
stated to have been only recently introduced into Mull. In
Orkney they are said to have been formerly found, as is shown
by a passage in Sibbald's " Scotia Illustrata," and by a 17th century
manuscript, quoted by Baikie and Heddle (Hist. Nat. Ore, p. 17),
but they have long been extinct. About twenty years ago the
Mountain Hare was introduced into the south-western hill-country,
and it is now not rare in many of the upland districts of Peebles-
shire, Ayrshire, and Lanarkshire (Alston, Fauna W. Scotl,, p. viii).

51. Lepus cuniculus, Linnaeus.

Babbit.

Gael. Coinein, Coineanach (from old English coney?).

Old Scot, and Ore, Cuning.

A rapidly-spreading species in Scotland, and may now be said
to be universally distributed, although local in the Highlands
owing to the character of the country ; but forty or fifty years ago
Babbits were unknown in many parts even of the Lowlands where
they now abound. They appear to have been introduced into the
Islands, and must have been long established in Orkney, for
Martin states that their skins were an article of export in 1715
West. Isles, p. 357), and in 1795 no fewer than 36,000 skins were

31

sold at Stronmess (Old Stat. Ace, xvi., p. -i-tS). At the end of the
last century they abounded in Colonsay (o}). cit., XII., p. 329), and
early in the present they were introduced into Midi, where they
are now very plentiful. Professor Duns says that they have not
thriven in the Lews, but the contrary is the case in almost all
the other Western Islands.

II. FOSSIL AND EXTINCT SPECIES.

Order I.: CARNIVORA.
Family: CANIDAE.

1, Canis lupus, Linnaeus.

Wolf.

Gael., Faol, Mhadadh-alluidh {lit., savage hound), Lub, A 11a-
madadh, Mactire (lit. earth's son).

Of extinct Scottish Mammals the Wolf comes first in systematic
order, but last in date of extirpation. My friend, Mr. J. E.
Harting, has recently discussed the history of "The Extinct
British Wolf" (Pop. Science Review, 1878, pp. 53-61, 141-154, 251-
266, 396-406), and I must here confine myself to the most
important records of its existence in Scotland. The oldest evidence
is afforded by the semi-fossil skulls which have been found in marl
in Forfarshire (Lyell, Princ. of Geol., II., p. 536) and elsewhere,
and the roll is carried on by popular tradition and by allusions in
the older chronicles and charters. In 1427 James I. passed an
act which contained a chapter "of Wolf-birdis," whereby the
Barons of the realm were ordered to " chaise and seik the quhelpis
of the wolfis and gar slay thame." " Ilk man not rysand with
the Barrone " was fined a wedder, but the nobles appear to have
wished to keep the sport to themselves, for it was further ordained
" that na man seik the wolf with schot, bot allanerlie in the tymes
of hunting of thame." Twenty years later, an Act of James II.
removed this latter restriction, placing the affair in the hands of
" the Scherif or the Baillies " of each county, and directing that
" he that slayeis ane wolf in ony time " is to receive a penny from
each householder in the parish. Wolves were included in the
game lists of the great hunting parties at which the successive

32

Earls of A thole entertained James V. in 1528, and Queen Mary
in 1563, and there is abundant proof of their existence in the next
century. Sir Ewan Cameron of Lochiel is traditionally said to
have slain the last in Lochaber in 1680, and this has till recently
been always quoted as the last Scottish Wolf; but there is good
traditional evidence that the brutes lingered much later in other
parts of the Highlands. The last in Morayshire, and probably in
Scotland, is said to have been slain by M'Queen of Pall-a-chrocain
in 1743, and as that celebrated sportsman lived till 1797 the
tradition was still fresh when two versions of it were indepen-
dently recorded by the brothers Stuart, in the notes to their " Lays
of the Deer Forest," and by Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, in his well-
known "Account of the Moray Floods of 1829." For further
details on this interesting subject I must refer the reader to
Mr. Harting's excellent papers quoted above, and to Mr. J. Hardy's
observations, published in the " History of the Berwickshire
Naturalists' Club" (iv., pp. 268-292, vi., pp. 129-130).

Family: URSIDAE.

2. Ursus arctos, Linnaeus.

Brown Bear.

Old Scot, Bar.

Gael., Math-ghamhainn, Math an.

A skull and rib of the Brown Bear, found in a semi-fossil
condition in peat moss in Dumfriesshire, was identified by the late
Sir Win. Jardine, and recorded by Dr. J. A. Smith (P. S. Antiq.
Scotland, vin., p. 216). This skull, Dr. Smith informs me, was pur-
chased by him at the sale of the Applegarth collection, and presented
to the Museum of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
The species probably was exterminated at a comparatively early
period, for although British Bears are mentioned by several classical
writers (as Martial, Claudian, etc.), and once or twice in Saxon
chronicles, there is no satisfactory record of their existence later
than the ninth or tenth century. In Gaelic tradition the Bear
appears in some mythical tales (Campbell, Tales o/W. Highlands, I.,
pp. 164-175), and is said to have given their name to the
Mc Mhathains or Mathisons (Notes and Queries, 6th ser., xi., p. 105),
but there appear to be now only vague traditions of its existence
as a Scottish beast of chase.

33
Order II.: PROBOSCIDEA.

Family: ELEPHANTIDAE.
3. Elephas primigenius, Blumenbach.

Fossil Elephant or Mammoth.

Remains of the Mammoth have been found in Scotland, both
under and in the boulder-clay, the Rein-Deer being the only other
Scottish Mammal whose bones have yet been found in deposits of
such antiquity. A tusk was found between Edinburgh and Falkirk,
and bones near Kilmaurs (Bald., Mem. Wern. Soc, IV., pp. 58-64),
near Airdrie (Craig, P. Geol. S. Glasg., in., p. 415), and at Clifton-
hall (Cat. Western Scott. Fossils, p. 152), and a molar tooth, now in
the Hunterian Museum of the University of Glasgow, near Bishop-
briggs (Bryce, Geol. Arran and Clydesd.). Besides these, Professor
W. Boyd Dawkins informs me that there are remains from
Caithness-shire in the Kelvingrove Museum at Glasgow, and Mr.
J. Kirsop tells me that he has a well preserved molar found at
Baillieston, near Glasgow.

Order III.: PERISSOD ACT YL A.

Family: E QUI DAE.
4. Equus caballus, Linnaeus.

Fossil Horse.

Bones of a small Horse, not distinguishable from the recent

species, have been found in marl in Forfarshire (LyeV, Princ. Geol.

ii., p. 336), and in peat in Renfrewshire (Craig, Tr. Geol S. Glasg.,

iv., p. 18). The latter specimeus are preserved in the Hunterian

Museum of the University of Glasgow. There is no reason to

believe that the Horse survived in Scotland in a reallv wild state

iii historical times, although Boethius mentions Equi feri in the

sixteenth century (Reg. So. Descr., fol. ix.), and John Taylor, in his

"Pennyles Pilgrimage," speaks of having seen "wild horses" in

Braemar in 1618, for in both cases ordinary hill-ponies are probably

meant.

c

Fauna of Scot. -Mammalia 3.

34

[Family: RHIXOCERONTIDAE.]

[Rhinoceros, sp. 1 — Horns of a Rhinoceros are stated to have
been found in marl-pits in Forfarshire, and in Blair-Drummond
Moss (Fleming, New Phil. Joum., xi., p. 297), but it seems probably
that the specimens in question were the horn-sheaths of one of
the Fossil Oxen (cf. Smith, P. S. Antiq. Scotland, ix., pp. 636-638).]

Order IV.: ARTIOD ACT YL A.

Family: SUIDAE.

5. Sus scrofa, Linnaeus.

Wild Boar.

Old Scot., Baar (Aug.-Sax., bar, a boar).

Gael, Tore, Torc-neimh {lit., fierce boar), Cullach, Fiadh-chullach
(lit., wild swine).

Scottish Wild Boars have not only left their remains in marl-pits

and peat-bogs (Lyell, Princ. Geol., n., p. 356), but have had their

memory preserved both in tradition and in history. In Gaelic

they are mentioned as beasts of chase in the Fionnean fragments

of poetry, and they play an important part in such mythical legends

as that of "Diarmid and the Magic Boar" (cf. Campbell, Tales of the

West Highlands, I., p. xci., in., pp. 36-90, iv., p. 168). When the

Baron of Avenel granted certain rights in Eskdale to the monks of

Melrose in the reign of Malcolm IV. (1153-1165) he specially

reserved the right of hunting the Wild Boar (Morton, Ami.

Teviotdale, p. 273), but in the next century Boars appear to have

required special protection, for in 1263 there is an item in the

accounts of the Sheriff of Forfar for corn for the Porci sylvestris

(Inues, Scotl. in Middle Ages, p. 123). How much later they

existed in Scotland, I have been unable to ascertain.

Family: GERVIDAE.

6. Alces machlis, Ogilby.
Elk.

Gael, Lon (lit., food, a beast fit for food), Miol (lit., the wild
beast).

The palaeontological evidence that the true Elk was formerly a
native of Scotland has been fully discussed in Dr. J. A. Smith's

35

excellent memoir (P. S. Antiq. Scotland, ix., pp. 297-345), where will
be found full details of the discovery of its remains in Sutherland,
Perth, Forfar, East and Mid Lothian, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peebles,
and Berwickshire. In England its antlers have been found
associated with Romano-British remains, but historic evidence of
its date of extinction in Britain is wanting. Aldrovandus quotes
Julius Capitolinus as to certain Cervi palmati which were brought
from Britain, and exhibited in the games of the Emperor
Gordian (in the 4th century), but there can be no certainty as to
the species meant (cf. Scoular, J. Geol. Soc. Dublin, l, pp. 197-
209). Whittaker, in his " History of Manchester," suggests, that
the traditional animal named Segh by the Welsh may have been
the Elk, and the Highlanders still preserve stories of a gigantic
extinct Deer, which they term either Miol (Scrope, Days of Deer-
stalking, p. 344, foot-note) or Lon. In the older fragments of Gaelic
poetry it is described as the chief object of the chase of Fionn
and his followers, and several descriptive epithets are applied to
it, as luath, swift, dubh, black or dark, and spagach, shambling
(Campbell, Tales of W. Highlands, n., p. 102, iv., pp. 163, 255).
An ancient poem, quoted by the brothers Stuart in their "Lays
of the Deer Forest" (n., p. 9), alludes to the Lon as a woodland
animal —

" 'Us gorm mheall-aild nam mile guibhas,
Nan lub, nan earba, 's nan lon."
which they translate —

"The bine height of a thousand pines,
Of Wolves and Roes and of Elks."
It does not appear improbable that the Elk may have survived
in the great northern forests to a comparatively late period, and
corroborative evidence is afforded by the fresh condition of a shed
antler, discovered in Strath Halladale, Sutherlandshire, which is
stated by Dr. Smith to have "apparently lost nothing of its animal
or mineral constituents."

7. Rangifer tarandus (Linnaeus).

Rein-Deer.

As in the case of the Elk, we are indebted to Dr. J. A. Smith for a
careful study of the history of the Rein-Deer as a Scottish species
(P. Soc. Antiq. Scotland, viii., pp. 186-222), and I must refer the
reader to his excellent paper for full details of the discovery of
its remains in Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross, West Lothian,

36

Lanark, Dumbarton, Ayr, and Dumfriesshire. These have been
found both under the boulder-clay and in comparatively recent
deposits, and in Caithness and Sutherland they are associated
with human remains in the ruined "Brochs." Attention was long-
ago directed by Fleming (Brit. An., p. 27) to a passage in Torfaeus
in which he states that the Jarls of Orkney of the 1 2th century
were in the habit of passing over to Caithness to chase the Roe
and Rein-Deer (Rer. Oread. Hist., lib. i., cap. xxxvi.). The source
from which Torfaeus copied was undoubtedly the " Orkney inga
Saga," and the original passage in Jonas Jonaeus' editio princeps
(Hafniae, 1780, p. 384) is as follows: —

"Thar var sithr Jaiia naer hvert sumar at far? yfer a Katanes oc tliar
upp a merkr at vekla rauddyri edr hreina."
This Jonaeus renders —

" Solebant Comites qua vis fere aestate ill Katenesum transire ibique in
desertis feras rubras & rangileros venari."

In the English edition of Jon A. Hjaltalin and G. Goudie
(Edinburgh, 1873, p. 182) the words are translated —

" Every summer the Earls were wont to go over to Caithness and up into
the forests to hunt the red-deer or the rein-deer."

Through the kindness of Professor Newton I have obtained the
opinion of the celebrated Icelandic scholar Mr. Eirikr Magnusson,
of Cambridge, who informs me that neither version is quite correct
as regards the latter words. The literal translation is —

"It was the custom for the Earls (Rognvald and Harald) nearly every
summer to go over into Caithness and then up into the woods to hunt red-
deer or reins."

Mr. Magnusson further observes that the word edr has two
meanings, equivalent to the Latin sive and vel, and he therefore
considers it uncertain whether the proper reading is that they went
to hunt either Red-Deer or Rein-Deer, or whether, as appears to him
more likely, the Sagaman was under the impression that rauddyr
and hreiii were synonymous terms.

It will thus be seen that the evidence of the " Orkneyinga Saga"
as to the survival of Rein-Deer in Scotland till the 12th century is
much less positive than has been generally represented. On the
other hand, it receives a certain amount of confirmation from the
fact already noticed, that remains of the animals have been found
in the ruined " Brochs " of the northern counties, and also from a
rude figure on a sculptured stone, copied by Dr. Smith, which
certainly appears to be intended to represent a Rein-Deer. This

37

stone, which was found near Grantown, Inverness-shire, is now in
the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries at Edinburgh, and both
the general pose and the development of the antlers seem to
preclude the possibility of its being intended to represent a Stag.

8. Megaceros giganteus (Blumenbach).

Gigantic Irish Deer.

Remains of the true Elk appear to have been frequently mis-
taken for those of this species, and Dr. J. A. Smith has only been
able to find two authenticated instances of the occurrence of remains
of the Gigantic Deer in Scotland — namely, a skull, found atMaybole,
Ayrshire, in marl, and two portions of antlers at Crofthead, Ren-
frewshire, in laminated clay, which probably date from the glacial
epoch. In both cases the remains were associated with those
of Bos primiyenius, and in the latter (which are preserved in the
Hunterian Museum of the University of Glasgow) with Equus
caballus (P. S. Antiq. Scotland, ix., pp. 345-350). The evidence
which has been brought forward as to the survival of the Gigantic
Deer in historical times appears to be quite untrustworthy (cf.
Scoidar, J. Geol. Soc. Dublin, i., 197-209).

Family: BOVIDAE.
9. Bos primigenius, Bojanus.

Gigantic Fossil Ox, or Urus.

As in the case of the Deer, the history of the discovery in Scot-
land of remains of Fossil Oxen has been carefully reviewed by
Dr. J. A. Smith (P. S. Antiq. Scotland, ix. pp. 587-674), who has
collected records of the occurrence of bones of the present species
in Orkney, Caithness, Sutherland, Aberdeen, Perth, Fife, Lanark,
Renfrew, Ayr, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries, Berwick, Roxburgh, and
Selkirkshire. Almost all these remains have been found in de-
posits of comparatively recent date, those in Orkney and Caithness-
shire being discovered in the ruins of early human habitations,
while skulls found in marl-beds in Selkirkshire were associated
with bronze weapons. There is no authentic evidence, however,
that, the Urus survived in these islands to historical times, for the
records of Boethius and other mediaeval chroniclers of gigantic
Wild Oxen existing in Scotland up to the 16th century appear to
be quite untrustworthy, and the claim that has been set up for the

38

park breed of White Cattle as being their direct descendants is
quite unsupported by what little we know of their history (cf. supra,
p. 25).

10. Bos longifrons, Owen.

Smaller Fossil Ox.

In the paper referred to under the last species, Dr. J. A. Smith
has shown that remains of the Smaller Fossil Ox have been found in
the Hebrides and Orkney, as well as in Caithness, Sutherland, Ross,
Forfar, Kincardine, Stirling, Lanark, East, West, and Mid Lothian,
Wigtown, Kirkcudbright, and Roxburghshire. They are often
associated with remains of human industry, and may in some cases
have belonged to domesticated animals. In geological age there
appears to be now no doubt that this species is even more recent
than the last, and all the evidence seems to point to its being the
ancestor of the short-horned races of our domestic Cattle.

Order V.: GLIRES.
Family: CASTORIDAE.

11. Castor fiber, Linnaeus.

Beaver.

Gael, Losleathan, Dobhran-losleathan (lit., broad-tail, broad-
tailed otter; cf. Welsh Llosdlydan; Irish, Davaran-loisleathan);
Beathodach (from Old Gael, beathra, water).

The palaeontological and traditionary evidence of the existence of
the Beaver in Scotland has been investigated by Neill (Edin. Phil.
Journ,, i., pp. 177-187), and by Dr. C. Wilson (New Phil. Journ,,
2nd Ser., vin., pp. 1-40). The first recorded sub-fossil skull was
one from Perthshire, presented by Dr. Farquharson to the Scottish
Society of Antiquaries in 1788; others have been since found in
Roxburghshire and Berwickshire. Of its range into the historical
period the evidence is not very satisfactory. In the 1 2th century,
Giraldus de Barri, who met with Beavers in Wales, was informed
that they still existed in one river in Scotland, but were rare
(Itiner. Cambr., lib. ii., cap. 3). In a capitular of export duties of
David I. (1124-1153), skins of Beveris are included (Acts Pari.
Scotl., i., p. 303); but they are not mentioned in a similar act of

39

1424. The late Prof. Cosmo Innes, however, pointed out to me
that too much trust must not be given to these documents, as
the lists of commodities appear in some cases to have been adopted
from similar English or foreign enactments. Boethius includes
Fibri among the wild animals which were found round Loch Ness
" incomparabile numero" {llegn. Sc. Desc, 1527, fol. ix.), and
Bellenden follows him, but, as usual, little or no reliance can be
placed in his testimony, which was probably founded on hearsay.
Traditions of the " Broad-tailed Otter " survive in many parts of
the Highlands, and the animal is said once to have been plentiful
in Lochaber (Neill, I.e.); but it was probably extinct long before
the time of Boethius.

CONCLUSION

In bringing this article to an end, I would wish to point out to
Scottish field-naturalists that the distribution of Mammalian life
requires revision, especially in the Islands. The Shrews, Mice,
and Yoles especially deserve attention, as does the supposed
occurrence of the Greenland and Ringed Seals in Scottish waters.
More accurate records of the visits of the rarer Cetaceans are
much to be desired, and the gradual extension of range of some of
the terrestrial Mammals, as the Hedgehog, Mole, Squirrel, and
Roe-Deer, deserve careful investigation. Till further information
has been collected on these points our knowledge of our native
Mammals cannot be considered satisfactory.

Finally, I desire to express my special thanks to my friend, Mr.
J. B. Murdoch, of Langside, for his kind assistance in seeing the
foregoing pages through the press.

1 H E

FAUNA OF SCOTLAND;

WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO

CLYDESDALE

AVT> THE

WESTEEN DISTRICT

FRESH AND BRACKISH-WATER OSTRACODA .

BT

DAVID ROBERTSON, F.L.S., F.G.S.,

Member of the Zool.-Botan. Societt of Vienna,

GLASGOW :

PUBLISHED BY THE NATURAL HISTOPvY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW.
AT THEIR ROOMS IN ANDERSON'S COLLEGE.

1880.

THE FAUNA OF SCOTLAND,

WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CLYDESDALE AND

THE WESTERN DISTRICT.

FRESH AND BRACKISH- WATER OSTRACODA.

Introduction.

In undertaking the preparation of a Catalogue of the Fresh and
Brackish-water Ostracoda, chiefly of the West of Scotland, I have
had great misgivings whether at the present time it could be
brought to a satisfactory issue. I have to express my thanks to
Dr. G. S. Brady for his valuable assistance in all cases of doubtful
species. I may mention that the new species in this Catalogue
will be described and figured in a joint Paper by Dr. G. S. Brady
and myself.

To approach exhaustiveness, even in the most distant way, the
various localities would not only have to be visited once, but several
times in the year, as different species appear at different seasons.
My opportunities have not allowed rne to visit as many localities,
nor these so frequently, as I could have wished, in the West of
Scotland, and still fewer in the East ; the list can therefore only be
regarded as a record chiefly of characteristic species of the localities
which have come under my observation.

The Fresh and Brackish- water Ostracoda, it is to be remembered,
form but a small section of the Entomostraca, and the species will
necessarily be fewer when confined to a limited area. The catalogue
was at first intended to comprise gatherings only from the West of
Scotland, but, on further consideration, it was thought advisable
not to limit the boundary strictly to any one part of the country,
as the more widely apart they are, the better will the districts show
the various aspects of distribution.

One point in regard to distribution may be noticed, viz., there
appears to be a greater dissimilarity of species between the east and
west coasts of Scotland than between England and Scotland, In

A

Fauna of Scot. — Crustacea I.. Ostrac-uda.

the neighbourhood of Edinburgh Cypris gibba is plentiful, some-
times gregarious almost to the exclusion of all others, whereas, on
the west coast, it has been my experience to find that species but
sparingly distributed.

Goniocypris mitra and Cypris punctillata are common to the east
of Scotland and the fen districts of England, but are not yet
recorded in the West of Scotland. Still, it is true that, on a com-
parison of localities one with another, so far as the results have
been brought out, there is less difference existing between stations
widely apart than might have been expected. The means of dis-
tribution do not seem to depend so much on the facilities of
transport as on the conditions of locality. Ostracoda may be
abundant in ditches and absent in the lochs and tarns that receive
their waters. Examples of this are so common that they must be
familiar to every one who has paid any attention to the subject.

The Ostracoda in this list, which may be considered to belong
exclusively to brackish water, but never by choice to be purely
marine, are Cypris salina, Gypridopsis aculeata, Cytheridea torosa,
and its variety teres. The latter species and variety, although more
estuarine, may be placed in the same category. Cypris incongruens
and Cypridopsis obesa are frequently found in brackish water, but
as frequently in purely fresh water. Many other species are occa-
sionally met with in water more or less brackish, as in ponds a little
above high-water mark, subject to the spray of the sea during high
tides and storms, but chiefly in fresh water quite beyond the reach
of marine influences. A group of small ponds lying close together
along the south-west shore of the island of Cumbrae, and apparently
subject to an equal amount of spray, may here be referred to.
These ponds are mostly within a few yards of each other, and seem
to be exposed to similar conditions, yet their microscopic fauna are
found, when compared, to differ widely. A list of Ostracoda found
in ten of these sub-brackish patches of water will best show the
great number of reputed fresh- water species associated with those
which constantly affect brackish water, and also the diversity in the
numbers and grouping of species existing between one pond and
another. This mixture of fresh and brackish-water species is all the
more remarkable, as none of these ponds communicate with the
others, nor with any fresh-water stream. All of them, as stated,
are within a short distance of each other, only a little above high-
water mark, and subject to the spray of the sea. The effect of this

spray in transporting saline matter is well known, to the discomfort
of the inhabitants of the cottages along the shore, the salt obscuring
their windows after every storm.

All the gatherings were purposely taken for comparison on the
same day, 15th October, 1878, so that they should all be alike so
far as regards weather conditions and season of the year. Seeing
that the same species are often found widely apart, there can be no
doubt that there are ample means of transport to distant localities
afforded to these minute organisms — much more, we should think,
to those of closer proximity. It appears that some other condi-
tion than the saline element is necessary for the presence of one
of our most characteristic brackish-water species — viz., Cypridop)sis
aeuleata — as only in three of these ponds do we find it. Cypris
salina, another characteristic brackish-water species, has not been
found here, but is met with in other similarly situated ponds on the
island. Among the above-mentioned sub-brackish pools we find the
following undoubted fresh-water species : —

Cypris compressa, in 9 of the
„ granulosa, sp. nov, in 1

55

tesselata,

in 5 of the

55

lewis,

in all

55

and

in 1

5 5

55

ovum,

in i

55

55

gibba,

in 1

55

55

incongruens,

in 2

55

55

ohliqua,

in 5

55

C ' ypridopsis villosa,

in 2

55

Oondona albicans,

in 3

55

55

detecta,

in 5

55

55

Candida,

in 3

55

55

Kingsleil,

in 3

55

ffiotodfi

omas monachus,

in 3

55

Limnic

ythere inopinata

; in 1

55

ponds, more or less common.

of the ponds, moderately common.

the ponds, more or less common.

more or less common.

exceedingly abundant.

moderately common.

rare.

moderately rare.

more or less common.

moderately rare.

moderately rare.

moderately common.

moderately common.

moderately rare.

moderately common.

rare.

Others might be added from other brackish localities — amongst them
Cypridopsis vidua, Cypris fusca, and Cypris reptans. From the
circumstance that these species are uniformly inhabitants of inland
fresh water, although occasionally found in brackish water, we
cannot call them "brackish" species, and scarcely even "sub-

brackish" species; but that they can accommodate themselves to
either habitat there can be no doubt.

We thus see that, independently of the saline element, some
ponds are more favourable to certain species of Ostracoda than
others, and we may reasonably assume that different species are
in some degree influenced by the different growths of the vegetation
of the ponds during the season. This holds true in regard to other
orders of the Microzoa. And it is a fact, howsoever we may explain
it, that scarcely any two of these ponds are alike in the vegetation
which they support, so that the causes of difference between them,
whatever it may be, influences the plant as well as the animal life.
These observations require to be followed out over a more
extended area, and a larger accumulation of facts obtained before
any satisfactory conclusions can be arrived at. Hitherto there
has been but little done in this department of Natural History in
Scotland, and few to lead or assist. For these reasons it has been
in a great measure overlooked, and other branches of a more
popular kind preferred.

It may be useful to refer to a few of the places which have
yielded the best results both in variety and abundance of species
of Ostracoda, as it frequently happens, when information is
derived only from maps, or from persons unacquainted with this
class of organisms, that the collector is left wholly uncertain as to
the suitability of a locality for his pursuit. Many fine sheets of
water are quite barren of Ostracoda, or nearly so, while, on the
other hand, they are often abundant in places where such organisms
might be least expected.

Govan Colliery Dam, a short distance east of Crosshill, Glasgow,
may almost be mentioned as a thing of the past. There can be
no doubt that, considering the demand for suburban ground for
building purposes, this small patch of water, so accessible from
the city, and which has yielded for years many fine gatherings of
various species of Ostracoda, will shortly be filled up and dis-
appear. It has yielded the following species: —

Cypris gibba, - Ramdohr.

Icavis, - Muller.

compressa, - - Baird.

virens, - Jurine.

reptans, - - Baird.

Cypridopsis obesa,
Canclona Candida,

nitens, -

compressa,

detecta, -

albicans,

similis, -

Limnicythere inopinata,

Brady & Robertson.

MiUler.

Sp. nov.

Koch.

Miiller.

Brady.

Baird.

Baird.

Hairmyres, two miles west of East Kilbride, is an old limestone
quarry, in disuse for upwards of twenty years, and mostly grown
over with moss and varied species of pondweed. Ajnongst this
pondweed Ostracoda are moderately plentiful. Some parts are
very ochreous, yet there the Ostracoda are not uncommon and in
fine condition. The following species are generally met with : —

Cypris fusca,

compressa,

striolata, -

granulosa,

Icevis,

tessellata, -

Gandona compressa,

albicans,

Candida,

diaphana,

hyalina,

Kingsleii (male),

Straus.
Baird.
Brady.
Sp. nov.
Miiller.
Fischer.
Koch.
Brady.
Miiller.
B. & R,
B. & R,
B. & R.

Fossil Marsh, or Loch, about three miles north of Glasgow, is of
considerable extent, with both hard and swampy margins, and
mostly well grown up with vegetation, though at the same time
there is a large portion of clear water. At the north end a number
of weedy, stagnant ditches are connected with the loch, and far
exceed it in richness and variety of Ostracoda. This is one of
those places where, when judging from appearance, we expect
much but get little. The following species are from the marsh
and ditches: —

Cypris fusca, - Straus.

tessellata, - - - Fischer.

Icevis, - - - Miiller.

Cypris striolata, -

compressa,

reptans, - . -

C ypridopsis vidua,

obesa,

Notodromas monachus,
Gandona Candida,

detecta,

similis,

diaphana,

Kingsleii,

Brady.

Baird.

Baird.

Miiller.

B. &R.

Miiller.

Miiller.

Miiller.

Baird.

B. &R.

B. & R.

Frankjield Loch, about four and a half miles east of Glasgow.
No place could have a more promising appearance for Ostracoda.
It covers about seven or eight acres, nowhere deep, and in most
places it can be waded in. There is an abundance of marsh
plants growing all over it, and the margins are grassy, with many
ditches filled with vegetation, which harbour a fair proportion of
Ostracoda and other Microzoa.

Cypris fusca,

reptans,

vireriSf

tessellata,

Icevis,

compressa,

granidosa,

CypridjOpsis vidua,

villosa,

Candoua detecta,

Candida,

nitens, -

1 — compressa,

Kingsleii,

albicans,

Straus.

Baird.

Jurine.

Fischer.

Miiller.

Baird.

Sp. now

Miiller.

Jurine.

Miiller.

Miiller.

Sp. nov.

Koch.

B. & R.

Brady.

Woodend Loch, about three-quarters of a mile to the south of
Gartcosh Station, on the Caledonian Railway, and seven miles east
of Glasgow. This loch is nearly half a mile long, and about a
quarter of a mile broad; the margins on the north-western side are
flat and shallow, and overgrown with vegetation, chiefly grass; and
this is, perhaps, the best side for the capture of Ostracoda.

The following species were taken, 5th June, 1878:

Cijpris fusca,

striolata, -

compressa,-

ovum,

Icevis,

tumefacta,

reptans,

Cypridopsis vidua,
Gandona albicans,

detecta,

nitens, -

compressa,

Kingsleii,

similis,

Straus.

Brady.

Baird.

Jurine.

Jurine.

B. & R.

Baird.

Muller.

Brady.

Muller.

Sp. nov.

Koch.

B. &R.

Baird.

Johnston Loch, about 7 miles east of Glasgow, and a little to the
north of Gartcosh Railway Station, is of a quadrangular form, and
about a quarter of a mile each way. The greater part of the mar-
gin is covered with weed, and not very deep, and the bottom is
hard for a considerable distance from the shore, affording good
footiug. No place could be more convenient for collecting Microzoa.
Daphniadce are in great abundance; Hydrachna and Lynceidm are
common. The species taken 3rd June, 1878, were —

Cypris fusca,

tessellata,

compressa,

striolata, -

kbvis,

reptans,

Cypridopsis vidua,
Notodromas monachus,
Gandona Candida.

nitens, -

detecta,

Kingsleii,

Limnicyth ere inopinata,

Straus.

Fischer.

Baird.

Brady.

Muller.

Baird.

Muller.

Muller.

Muller.

Sp. nov.

Muller.

B. & R.

Baird.

Bishop Loch is about 7 miles east of Glasgow, near Gartcosh
Station, and is nearly a mile in length by a quarter of a mile in

8

breadth. A great part of the margin is covered with tall grass and
other aquatic vegetation. The Ostracoda found in it are —

Cypris fusca, - - - Straus.

tumefacta, - - - B. & R.

kevis, - - - Muller.

compressa, - Baird.

striolata, - - Brady.

Cypridopsis vidua, - Muller.

Candona Candida, - - Muller.

detecta, - Muller.

nitens, - - - Sp. nov.

— compressa, - - Koch.

Kingsleii, - - B. & R.

diaphana, - - B. & K.

Limnicythere inopinata, Baird.

— Sancti-Patricii, - B. & It.

The last two were got in a ditch close by the Loch.

Antermony Loch is 10 miles north-east of Glasgow, about a
mile east of Miltown Station. It covers about 33 acres, and at its
greatest depth is 20 feet. It shallows towards the sides, which are
mostly hard and gravelly, but a large portion is swampy and
grown over with tall grass. At different times of the year there
are different crops of vegetation.

A day or two before my visit, heavy rains having fallen, the
loch was much above its usual height, and, as it had been extremely
dry some weeks before, it seemed very unfavourable for a successful
take of Ostracoda, and so it turned out. One species only was
very abundant — Cypris tessellata — but almost all young, and at
this stage they were all coarsely marked. Although this gathering
was rather poor, I have no doubt, from the appearance of the place,
that if trials were made at favourable times good gatherings would
be obtained. 4th November, 1878 —

Cypris reptans, - - - Baird.

tessellata, - - - Fischer.

kevis, - Muller.

— C07ii2)ressa, - - Baird.

Cypridopsis vidua, Muller.

Candona albicans, - - Brady.

Candona deiecta, -
Candida,

Miiller.
Miiller.
Baird.

Limnicythere inopinata,

Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh. — This loch is an irregular oval
about three-quarters of a mile in length and about half as broad.
The greater part of the margins are well covered with vegetation,
and although soft and swampy at both ends, there is ample extent
of hard borders both on the north and south sides to work from
without inconvenience. The Ostracoda are rather above the
average in number of species, including a few of rare occurrence.
This abundance is all the more remarkable as the loch is well
stocked with fish and frequented by swans, neither of which are
considered favourable to the increase of Ostracoda. The species
obtained are —

Cypris wrens,

Icevis and var. ,

compressa, -

ovum,

punctillata, -

gibba, -

reptans,

Cypridopsis obesa, -

vidua, -

villosa, -

Candona Candida, -

lactea,

detecta,

compressa,

albicans, -

similis,

diaphana,

Kingsleii,

Jurine.

Miiller.

Baird.

Jurine.

Norman.

Ramdohr.

Baird.

B. & B.

Miiller.

Jurine.

Miiller.

Baird.

Miiller.

Koch.

Brady.

Baird.

B. & R.

B. & R

Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire. — There are a number of lochs in this
neighbourhood of easy access, and during a day's stay I had a few
hauls in six of them. Mill Loch is close to the burgh, and is of
considerable depth. It contains the far-famed " Yendace," which
Sir William Jardine considered to be closely allied to the Sahno
albida of Linne. The west end of the Loch is the most favourable
for Ostracoda collecting, being shallow and weedy. The Year

10

Loch is a little to the west, and has a good flat weedy margin on
the south side, rich in Microzoa. Still a little further westward
is what is called the " Blind " or " Spectacle Loch." It is rather
deep round the edges, and overgrown with water-lilies; and I am
much inclined to support Dr. Brady's opinion, that where lilies
are plentiful Ostracoda are scarce. On the eastern side, close to
the village, we have " Kirk Loch," said to cover 50 acres. It did
not seem to promise well on the side we were on, and only a few
trials were made, which did not yield much. A little to the east
is "Castle Loch," which is of considerable extent, being said to
be three miles in circumference, and to cover above 150 acres.
Like other large lochs, the margins are too much dashed by
the waves to favour the growth of weed suitable to harbour
Ostracoda. At some little distance to the north east is " Broom-
hill Loch," or, as it is called by some, "Loch Broom," This is also
a large loch, but, unlike some of the others, has a great extent of
low weedy margin favourable to the growth of Ostracoda.
Amongst the gatherings from this loch were Cypris cinerea and
Darvnnella Stevoistoni, new to Scotland. The following were
obtained from the six lochs on 16th July, 1879: —

Cypris fusca,

virens,

tumifacta,

kevis,

striolata,

ovum,

com'pressa,

granulosa,

■ cinerea, -

reptans, -

Gypridopsis vidua,

villosa,

Notodromas monachus,
Potamocypris fulva,
Candona Candida,

detecta,

albicans,

comp>ressa, -

Kingsleii,

Straus.

Jurine.

B. &R.

Midler.

Brady,

Jurine.

Baird.

Sp. now

Brady.

Baird.

Muller.

Jurine.

Muller.

Brady.

Muller.

Muller.

Brady.

Koch.

B. & R.

11

Candona euplectelle,
Darwinella Stevensoni.
Cijtheridea laciostris,

Sp. now
B. & R.
G. 0. Sars.

Callum's Tarn. — This is on the south-east end of Bute, about a
quarter of a mile northward of Callum's Bay, on the eastern side of
Callum Glen, 380 feet or so above the sea-level. The tarn is
about 200 yards long, and 50 broad, and is well filled with
vegetation. The greater part of the eastern side is firm turf, the
two ends and western side are softer, but can be worked with little
difficulty, and are the richest in Ostracoda. There are three other
smaller tarns on the same ridge towards the south, and another, a
short distance from the first, towards the north. These I have
found of little consequence — still they are worth a trial, for different
seasons gave different results, as below: —

9th August, 1879. -2nd November. 187S.

Cypris Icevis, - - - Midler.

compressa, - Baird.

striolata, - - Brady.

obliqua, - - Brady.

tessellata, - - Fischer.

reptans, - - Baird.

Cypridopsis v'rflosa, - Jurine.
Notodromas monachus, Midler.
Candona Candida, - Midler.

detecta, - - Midler.

euplectella, - Sp. riov.

Limnicytherc inopinata, Baird.

Cypris lozvis, - -

granulosa,

striolata,, -

obliqua,

tessellata, -

■ gibber, - -

virens, - -

Cypridopsis villosa,
Candona Candida,

detecta, -

euplectella,

albicans,

compressa,

Kingslc'ti,

diaphana,

Midler.

Sp. nov.

Brady.

Brady.

Fischer.

Ramdohr.

Jurine.

Jurine.

Midler.

Midler.

Sp. nov.

Brady.

Baird.

B. & R.

B. &R.

Craigengower Tarn, on the hill-side, south of Craigengower
farm, Cumbrae. This patch of water may be about 30 yards long,
by about 15 broad. It is well covered with vegetation. The tarn
is tolerably firm round the margins, and may be 2 or 3 feet deep
towards the middle. Spiders and beetles are in abundance, and
at all times it may be calculated upon to yield a gathering of
Ostracoda of more or less interest, such as — y^C^ V A /

Cypris striolata, - - - Brady. /£\/?<Jos"7/£

Icevis, ----- Muller./$>. ,0 ^ &^

Miqua> Etc **'

<-~.

reptans, -

*" 'At'

ft

L2

Cypridopsis villosa,
Notodromas monachus,
Candona Candida,

detecta,

hyalina,

Kingsleii,

similis,

Jurine.

Miiller.

Miiller.

Miiller.

B. &R.

B. & R,

Baird.

Lewis and Skye. — These islands, so far as can be judged from a
brief excursion, are far from being good hunting ground for fresh-
water Ostracoda. Although lochs and tarns are in abundance
they are mostly in peat, which, from its acidulous properties, does
not favour the development of those animals possessing a cal-
careous covering. Besides, there is a great sameness in the
character of the lochs, the product of one being nearly like that
of a dozen others, and it is only now and again that we happen to
find one of a different mineral character. It is chiefly to the flat
ochreous marshes and roadside ditches that we owe our best results.

LEWIS.

Cypris Icevis, - - -

compressa,

granulosa,

virens, - - -

salina, - - -

Cypridopsis villosa, -

Potamocypris fulva, -

Candona Candida, -

detecta, - -

■ Kingsleii, -

Cytheridea torosa,

Miiller.

Baird.

Sp. nov.

Jurine.

Brady.

Jurine.

Brady.

Miiller.

Miiller.

B. &R.

Jones.

SKYE.

Cypris ornata, - -

reptans, - -

laivis, - - -

compressa,

gibba, - - -

obliqua, - -

Cypridopsis villosa, -

acideata,

Potamocypris fulva,
Candona sp. ?

detecta, - -

Candida, -

Kingsleii, -

Miiller.

Baird.

Miiller.

Baird.

Ramdohr.

Brady.

Jurine.

Lilljeborg.

Brady.

Miiller.
Miiller.
B. & R.

LIST OF SPECIES.

Potamocypris fulva, Brady.

Bardia fulva, Brady. Monog. Recent Brit. Ost., p. 474, pi. xxviii., fig. 21.

Brady & Robertson. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. iv.,

vol. iii., p. 365, pi. xviii., figs. 1-4.
Potamocypris fulva, Brady. Nat. Hist. Trans. Northumberland and

Durham, vol. iii., p. 365, pi. xiv., fig. 4.
Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Monog, Post-ter.

Entom., p. 130, pi. 1, figs. 20-24.

13

Rather rare — Garnock old water-course, Kilwinning (J. Smith);
Montrose Basin; Scarpa Floe, Orkney (D. O. Drewit); Hillerhurst
Old Quarry, Kilwinning; side of Glasgow and Paisley Canal;
the islands of Lewis and Skye.

Cypris fusca, Straus.

Cypris fusca, Straus-Durckheim. Mem. du Mus. d'Hist. Nat., vol. vii., p. 59.

pilosa, (?) Miiller. Entomostraca, p. 59, tab. vi. , figs. 5-6.

oblonga, Brady. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (1864), vol. xiii., p. 59,

pi. iii., figs. 1-4; and Trans. Tyneside Nat. Field Club,

vol. vi., p. 104, pi. ii., figs. 1-4.
Candona hispida, Baird, Brit. Entom., p. 161, tab. xix., fig. 4.
Cypris fusca, Brady, Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 362, pi. xxiii., tigs. 10-15.

Not uncommon in ponds, lochs, and shallow ditches, all the year
round. Common in Frankfield Loch, near Glasgow, and in
brackish ponds in Curnbrae. In a ditch in a plantation about a
mile from Bothwell, on the Bellshill Road, the species was
found in great abundance, together with a few of a long variety.
Common in the lochs of Lochmaben.

In confinement they are occasionally very active, swimming
about, and sometimes coming up and resting on the side of the
vessel. At other times, although plentiful in the gathering,
scarcely one is seen till they have been a day or two in confine-
ment.

Cypris incongruens, Ramdohr.

Cypris incongruens, Ramdohr, Ueber die Gattung Cypris; der naturforsch.

Freunde zu Berlin Magazin, 2 Jahrg., 1808,
p. 86. Lillj., De Crust, exord. trib., p. 119.
Brady, Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 362.

Cypris aurantia, Jurine. Brit. Entom., p. 159, tab. xiv., fig. 13.

Monoculus aurantius, Jurine. Hist, des Monocles, p. 173.

— ■ ruter, Jurine. Op. cit., p. 172.

Found not unfrequently on bottom mud of lochs and ponds;
common in Lochend Loch and Gartcosh Loch, east of Glasgow;
very abundant in a brackish lagoon on Hunterston shore, Ayrshire ;
moderately common in a greenhouse tank, Cumbrae; also in the
bottom mud of a mill cooling pond, Paisley. Where the water
issued into the pond, the temperature was 90° Fahr. and the
surface water 80° Fahr., and they were found in the mud furthest
from the heat. The only other Ostracod seen was Cypridopsis vidua,
which was abundant at a grassy margin where the heat was 85°

u •

Fahr., none being found in the cooler mud. On the other hand,
none of C. incongruens were found at the margins in the greater
heat with C. vidua. C. incongruens swims briskly through the
water in confinement. When brought to the side with the brush,
it shuts its valves and ceases to move, making no attempt to
escape, and seldom resuming action for some time.

Cypris virens, Jurine.

Qypris virens, Lillj. De Crust, ex ord. trib., p. 117.

Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 364.

Brady, Crosskey, andBobertson. Mon. Post-ter. Ent., p. 124.

Monocidus virens, Jurine. Hist, de Monocles, p. 174.
Cypris tristriata, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 152.

A common species in ponds and ditches, sometimes in ponds more
or less brackish, above high- water mark. In confinement it swims
with great briskness, yet it is easily brought to the side with a
camel-hair pencil, and lies motionless for a time before resuming
its activity. When left on the surface of the water it seems to
have little power to go down again. When attempting to swim
on the surface, it goes round and round in a very circumscribed
circle, appearing at times as if turning on a pivot; yet when under
water it makes frequent curves and deflections. It can swim in
straight lines, but apparently not with the same speed. When
swimming, all the feet, as well as the antennae, appear to be in
motion. The colour is generally green, but subject to much varia-
tion from that colour to greenish drab — in some cases banded or
mottled with greenish black.

Cypris obliqua, Brady.
Cypris obliqua, Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 364.

Common in tarns and ponds. In great abundance in a tarn on
the hill above Calium's Bay, south-east end of Bute; abundant and
dark in colour in an old quarry hole, subject to the spray of the
sea, Cumbrae; but when the gathering was taken, the water was
nearly dried up, and the weed all in a state of decay. Common in
a tarn on a hillside on Craigengower farm, and all bright green.
In a gathering at Glen Helen, Isle of Man, the colour being a
fine brown; Isle of Skye moderately common.

15

Cypris ornata, Midler.

Cypris omata, Mailer. Zool. Dan. Prodrom., 2391. Entom., p. 51. Lillj.,
De Crust, tab. x., figs. 19-22. Brady, Nat. Hist. Trans.
Northumberland and Durham, vol. iii., p. 364.

Monoculus omatus, Jurine. Hist, des Monocles, p. 120.

Locally common. Abundant in a very small, shallow ditch,
C umbrae, in line condition, all of a cream colour, with dashes
of green and orange, March 18. Plentiful in a small patch of
water at Thorntonhall, near Busby, April 12. In a ditch in a
plantation near Bothwell, May 24. Little Loch, Ayrshire (J.
Smith). In this loch the specimens were small, not young-like, but
stunted, and unusually dark in colour. Isle of Skye, moderately
common, Aug. 18. Burnside Loch, about a mile south-east of
Rutherglen, common and in good condition, Nov. 22. The ground
colour of this species varies considerably.

Cypris tume facta, Brady and Robertson.

Cypris tumefacta, Brady and Robertson. Ann. ami Mag. Nat. Hist., s. 4.,

vol. vi., pi. iv.

Moderately common, but rather local. Loch Goin and the
Garnock old water-course, Eglinton Iron-works (J. Smith);
Bishop and TVoodend Lochs, moderately common; Blue Loch on
ferruginous grassy margin, rare; common in ferruginous ditches
beside Eddleston Water, at Railway Station, Peebles, 6th June;
Mill Loch and Castle Loch, Lochmaben, more or less common,
16th July.

Cypris punctillata, Norman.

Cypris punctillata, Norman. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Jan., 1862, p. 43.

Brady. Mon. Rec. Brit. Ost., p. 365.
cuneata, Baird. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1850, p. 255.

Found in Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh (Dr. Baird); since on
several occasions in the same loch (D. R.); Linlithgow Loch in the
month of September. Rather rare in Scotland, and smaller than
the English specimens I have seen.

Cypris tesselata, Fischer.

Cypris tessellata, Fischer. Mem. des Sar. Etrangers, St. Petersburg, vol.
vii., p. 159; Brady, Mon. Rec. Brit. Ost., p. 366.

affinis, Lillj. De Crust, ex ord. trib., p. 46; Brady, Ann. and Mag.

Nat. Hist., 1864, vol. xiii., p. 60.

16

Not uncommon. Moderately common in old sand quarry sub-
ject to the spray of the sea, Cumbrae. Common in Johnston Loch
(June), and Mugdock Loch (October); Antermony Loch (October),
very common, but all immature. Dr. Brady says that it is his
experience to find this species haunting small grassy pools where
the water is considerably impregnated with organic matter.* This
appears also to be the case, to some extent, on our side of the
border ; yet it is frequently met with in lochs of considerable
extent.

Cypris salina, Brady.

Cypris saUna, Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 368.

Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 124.
strlgata, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 157.

Not uncommon in brackish water. Common in a pond on the
Hunterston shore, opposite Millport, subject to the spray of the
sea. Moderately common in a pond at Ferry House, Cumbrae,
now filled up, where the conferva} of the pond were washed up a
foot or more by the waves of the sea during a storm at high tides.
Yet, after the subsidence of the storm, this species, together with
Cypris aculeaia, was found to have kept its place, being still
plentiful. This pond was very small, not covering more than two
superficial poles, and must have been quite salt when covered by
the sea; yet in the dry season of the year, being supplied by a
drain, it must have been comparatively fresh. In brackish water,
Lewis.

Cypris gibba, Ramdohr.

Cypris gibba, Ramdohr. Mag. und Gesellch. naturforscli. Freundezu Berlin, ii.,
p. 91.

Jones. Mon. Ent. Ter. Form., p. 15.

Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 369.

Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom., p. 127.

? Cytherina expansa, Reur. Haidinger 's Abhandl. Band hi., p. 60.

Not uncommon in fresh-water gatherings. Although a Cypris,
its true habitat appears to be in the mud at the bottom. A
gathering from a clay hole at Portobello, near Edinburgh, sent
me by Mr. James Bennie, was crowded with this species. It is
also common in Dunsapie Loch, Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh. This

* Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 366.

17

species is of a cream-colour or a dirty white. In a ditch at Rowan
Bridge, on the side of Glasgow and Paisley Canal, the greater
number were greenish. In Govan Colliery Old Dam they had all
a fine reddish tinge, as was also the case at Craiglockhart Curling
Pond, near Edinburgh.

Cypris striolata, Brady.

Cypris striolata, Brady. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1864, vol. xiii. , p. 60;
and Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p, 372.

Moderately common amongst muddy roots of vegetation and
bottom mud. In Loch Libo and Johnstone Loch, rather common,
but in poor condition. Common in an old ferruginous limestone
quarry, Hairmyres. Abundant in an upper reach of a mill-dam
at Cadder Wilderness, where the water does not all draw off; the
bottom was all soft black mud with a little weed and conferva?, and
many decaying leaves from overhanging trees; the water did little
more than cover the mud, all having a very unclean aspect.
Common on Upper Braid Farm Loch, near Edinburgh. In this
patch of water the shells of many were so soft and flexible that
they were more or less corrugated or dimpled. Very fine and well
marked in Pendreich Dam, Bridge of Allan.

This species is closely allied to Cypris compressa, but rather
larger, and generally of a darker purplish colour, and less shining.
It is readily distinguished by the fine striae on the shell, yet in
some cases this is only seen under a good microscope. It comes
still more closely to Cypris granulata, sjj. nov., which is smaller
and paler in colour,

Cypris compressa, Bawd.

Cypris compressa, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 154. Lillj. de Crust., ex. ord. trib.,

p. 112. Brady, Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 372. Brady,
Crosskey, and Robertson, Mon. Post-ter. Ent., p. 123.

punctata, Zenker. Anat.-Sys. Stud, fiber die Krebsthiere, p. 77.

Frequent in ponds and ditches, and occasionally in brackish
water; chiefly in the mud at the bottom, and sometimes under
varied circumstances. Generally in pure water, but also where it
is quite otherwise. In a gathering at the Port-Eglinton Terminus,
of the Glasgow and Paisley Canal, they were common where the
water was covered with floating oil from the refuse of neighbouring
factories, and the mud from which they were dredged was of the

B

Fauna of Scot. — Crustacea I., Ostracoda.

18

most offensive character. At Oban, moderately common in brack-
ish water in company with CypHdopsis aculeata. In Johnstone
Loch. In an old limestone quarry where the water was very shallow.
In an old dried-np dam, with only as mnch water as formed a
soft mud. In Craigengower tarn, Cumbrae. In Blae Loch, near
Lugton Station, and at Hairmyres old limestone quarry. When
in confinement they swim through the water with great alertness.
Like many of the same family, when touched with a hair pencil
they withdraw within their shells, but not so readily as some of
their allies do, for they make some attempt to escape. When left
undisturbed they soon again resume their activity. This species,
together with other smooth-shelled Ostracoda, when stirred up
to the surface, float seemingly with little power to go down
into the water again. Dr. Baird,* speaking of the Cypridte,
states that they seem to be " endued externally with a sj)ecies
of varnish to protect them from the action of the water, as
whenever they rise to the surface the shell becomes perfectly dry,
and floats there in spite of the animal's struggles to again immerse
itself." This is true to a great extent when they are confined in a
glass or earthenware vessel, A dozen of Gypris compressa were put
on the surface in a wine glass on 8th March, and on 28th May,
they were still on the surface and alive, although they had a
weakly appearance. None had got to the side of the glass,
although clustered together in small groups ; when brought to the
side of the vessel they were repelled from it, whereas inanimate
chips of matter were drawn to it. On the other hand, they could
readily take hold of any plant met with in the water, and in this
way could readily regain immersion. They did not seem to come
to the surface of their own accord, but apparently only when
brought there under accidental circumstances.

Cypris granulata, gp. nov.

Found in an old Limestone Quarry, Hairmyres, one and a half
miles west of East Kilbride. April 15th.

In Frankfield Loch. May 1.

In Duddingston Loch. June 15.

An old furrow in pasture ground, Stobs, near Kilwinning,
June 22.

*Nat. Hist. Brit. Entom,, p. 144.

19

In Mugdock Loch, near Milngavie. Oct. 1 .

In a brackish pond, No. 4, Cumbrae.

Iu Blae Loch. May 30.

In Lewis and Skye. July 31.

Cypris lmvib, Mutter.

Cypris Ice vis, Miiller. Entom., p. 52. Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 374.

Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-Ur. Ent., p. 126.

pantherina, Fisher. Ueber das genus Cypris, p. 163.

ovum, Lillj. De Crust., p. 113.

Jones. Hon. Ter. Ent., p. 14.

Cjipria ovum, Zenker. Anat.-Sys. Stud., p. 70.

Common everywhere in summer and winter. Some years ago
it was in great abundance in a hothouse tank containing the
Victoria Lily in the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow. The creatures
had perforated the broad leaves of the plant like a sieve, and
had laid their eggs to the number of 3 to 4 in each perforation.
The eggs were of a transparent greyish colour, and in their advanced
stage showed the shell well formed. The heat of the water in the
tank ranged about TO3 Fahr. Also abundant in a gathering taken
under the ice in a tarn on Craigengower Farm, Cumbrae, in the
month of January.

No other species that I know of in this country is occasionally
found in such numbers. In a roadside pond thickly matted with
weeds, at Glen-Helen, Isle of Man, in a few minutes' gathering I
had more than filled a half-ounce phial of this species alone,
and a similar crathering was obtained in a tarn on the south-east
end of Bute. Although these creatures may be found abundantly
at one time, yet at another they may be comparatively rare in the
same pond.

Cypris ovum, Jurine.

Cypris ovum, Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 373.

Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom., p. 155.

Monoculus ovum. Jurine. Hist, des Monocles, p. 179.

This species appears to be more common in England than in the
west of Scotland. It is apt to be mistaken for C. he vis, but when
looked at from above is seen to be more elliptical and less tumid.
It is met with in lochs, ponds, and canals, moderately common; in
a group of marsh ponds on the west side of Houston (Crosslees)
Railway Station; and in Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh.

20

Cypris cinerea, Brady.

Cypris cinerea, Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 374.

Broomhill Loch, Lochniaben, moderately common, July 16 (D .P.).
Mickle Fell, Yorkshire, at an elevation of 2000 feet (Dr. Brady).
Lewis, at an elevation of 600 feet (D. P.).

Cypris reptans, Bawd.

Cypris reptans, Lillj. De Crust., p. 123.

Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 370.

Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 123.
Candona reptans, Baird. Trans. Beriv. Nat. Club, i., p. 99; and. Brit. Entom.,

p. 167.
Jones. Mon. Ter. Entom., p. 16.

Moderately common amongst the roots of vegetation, and
occasionally in the mud at the bottom, but apparently at no great
depth. Excessively abundant in the month of May in the old
dam that supplies the engine of the Govan Colliery. They were
rather thin, and of a bright green colour, with very little of the
usual clouding. The pond was covered at the time with old matted
green confervce.

Cypridopsis vidua, Mutter.

Cypridojms vidua. Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost,, p. 375.
Cypris vidua, Mull. Entom., p. 55.

— Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 152.

Lillj. De Crust, ex ord. trib., p. 111.

sella, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 158.

Monoculus vidua, Jurine. Hist, de Monocles, p. 175.

This well-marked species is common in lochs, tarns, and canals,
but is rather local. It is not in any of my gatherings from either
Lewis or Skye. Common in Glasgow and Paisley Canal ; Loch Fad,
Bute; Dudclingston Loch, Edinburgh; Mill Loch, Lochmaben.
In great abundance in a cooling pond at Mr. Barr's turning works,
Paisley, the temperature of the water being 85° Fahr. In a
jar that I had kept for ten days the water had acquired a strong
offensive smell from plant and animal decomposition, yet this
species seemed to all appearance in good health ; the only other
Entomostracan that had survived with it was Cyclops quadricornis.
In confinement it makes little or no effort to escape when pursued,

21

allowing itself unresistingly to be pushed to the side with a hair
pencil. The young, when viewed from above, are more compressed
posteriorly than the adult; at this stage the dark bands are absent
or nearly so.

Cypridopsis villosa, Jurine.

Cypridopsis villosa, Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 377.

Monoculus , Jurine. Hist, des Monocles, p. 178.

Cypris Westwoodii, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 156.
? Cypris clongata, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 156.

Found in a small creek of Lochlomond at Luss; in a small
pond near Banff; in Frankfield Loch, near Glasgow; in Loch Libo,
near Dairy ; in Full wood, Hairlaw, and Craiglaw Dams ; in all
moderately rare. Also in a number of the ponds along the shores
of Cumbrae, subject to the spray of the sea. Moderately common
in the Isles of Skye and Lewis. Common in lochs of Lochmaben.
This species appears to be more a mud than a plant dweller. The
young have few or no hairs on the carapace, and are much
smaller, posteriorly, than the adult.

Cypridopsis aculeata, Lillj.

Cypridopsis aculeata, Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 376.

Cypris aculeata, Lillj. De Crust, ex ord. trib., p. 117.

Norman. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 1862, vol. ix., p. 44.

Frequents water more or less brackish. It was abundant in a
pool at Ferry House, Cumbrae, now filled up. This pond was
just at the edge of high- water mark, and subject to the overflow of
the sea during storms and high tides. Also in brackish pools
along the shores of the south-west end of Cumbrae. Isle of Skye.
When confined they cluster together on bits of floating alga?,
appearing like batches of small mussels.

Cypridopsis obesa, Brady and Robertson.

Cypridopsis obesa, Brady and Robertson. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser.

iv., vol. iii., pi. xviii.; and vol. vi., p. 19.
Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 128.

Rather sparingly distributed in Scotch localities. Moderately
rare in Lochend and Duddingston Lochs, Edinburgh; Lochlomond,

22

rare; moderately common in the old dam that supplied the water
to the Go van Colliery, Glasgow; Loch Libo, rare.

Cypridopsis Newtoni, Brady and Robertson.

Cypridopsis Newtoni, Brady and Robertson. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser.

iv., vol. iv., p. 14.
Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 129.

Moderately common in Fullwood Dam.

Little Loch, and Pilmuir Dam. In a small pond a little above
high water, Cumbrae, and in Hayton Dam, Peebles.

Goniocypris mitra, Brady and Robertson.

Goniocypris mitra, Brady and Robertson. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser.

iv., vol. vi., July, 1870, pi. xii.

So far as yet known this species has only been found in Scotland
in Lochend Loch, Edinburgh. A parcel of mud which was sent
me by Mr. James Bennie, contained some single valves of it. In
hopes to procure living examples I made a further search, but
failed to find any but dead shells. The loch at this time was
being drained and filled up with rubbish from the town, which
gives reason to suspect that the species had been killed by the
poisonous nature of the refuse. The process of filling up has been
abandoned, and the loch has been full of water for some time. I
have tried for the same species since, but without finding a trace of
it. That may arise, however, not from its extinction in the loch,
but because the former gatherings were from mud in very low
water, when the loch was partially drained, and the latter from
the high margins when the loch was in flood. A boat and dredge
may now be required to obtain it.

NOTODROMAS MONACHUS, MiilUr.

Nolodromas monachus, Lillj. De Crust, ex ord. trib., p. 95.

Brady. Mon. Red. Brit. Ost., p. 379.

Cypris monocha, Mull. Entom. (1785), p. 60.

Baird. Brit. Entom., p, 153.

Monoculus monachus, Jurine. Hist, des Monocles, p. 173.

Not uncommon in grassy ponds and tarns. On Great Cumbrae
in ponds along the shore subject to the spray of the sea. Loch
Libo, rather rare and small. Lochs of Lochmaben, moderately

23

common. This species is rather local in its distribution in Scot-
land, besides being inconstant in its haunts. Many years ago it
was in great abundance in a tarn on Little Cumbrae. Although
the same tarn has recently been searched over and over again, this
species has been met with only sparingly on one or two occasions.
In some of the brackish ponds along the shores of Great Cumbrae
it has been met with plentifully in autumn, and in the same ponds
on the following spring not one was to be seen — not even a vestige
of their dead shells. This is the case occasionally with other
species of Ostracoda, but not so markedly as has been noticed
with Notodromas monachus.

Candona albicans, Brady.

Candona albicans, Brady. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist, vol. xiii., p. 61, pi.

iv. , figs. 6-10; Trans. Tyneside Nat. F.C., vol. vi.,
p. 107, pi. iii., figs. 6-10; Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost.,
p. 381, pi. xxv., figs. 20-25; and pi. xxxvi., fig. 12.

Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson, Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 133, pi. i., figs. 10-13.

Moderately common in Paisley Canal and Duddingston and
Lochend Lochs, Edinburgh; common in Baron Loch, Mannor,
Peeblesshire ; very fine in Frankfield Loch; large and in beautiful
condition in a wet furrow of old pasture land, Kilwinning ; com-
mon in lochs of Lochmaben ; one only in gatherings from Skye.

Candona lactea, Baird,

Candona lactea, Baird. Proc. Zool. Soc. Loud., p. 255, pi. xviii., figs. 25-27.

Brady. Mon. Pec. Brit. Ost., p. 382, pi. xxiv. , figs. 55-58.

Crosskey, Brady, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 134, pi. i., figs. 14-16.

Found in Duddingston Loch, and Paisley Canal. This species
appears to be rather rare in Scotland.

Candona euplectella, sp. nov.

Found in Callum's Tarn, Bute. In tarn on Little Cumbrae.
In Year Loch, Blind Loch, and Broomhill Loch, Lochmaben.

Candona compressa, Koch.

Cypris compressa, Koch. Deutschlands Crustaceen, H. 21, pi. xvii,
Candona compressa, Lillj. De Crust, ex ord. trib., p. 129, tab. xxvi,, figs. 1-3.

24

Cijpris setigera, Joues. Mon. of Tart. Entom., p. 12, pi. 1., figs. 6a. -6d.
Candona compressa, Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 382, pi. xxvi., figs.

22-26.

Not uncommon in Glasgow and Paisley Canal, Govan Colliery
Dam, Hairmyres old quarry, Frankfield and Bishop Lochs,
Duddingston and Lochend Lochs, Edinburgh; Mill and Year
Lochs, Lochmaben ; both Cumbraes and Bute.

Candona Candida, Midler.

Gypris Candida, Miiller. Entom., p. 62, tab. vi., figs. 7-9.

Monoculus candidus, Jurine. Hist, de Monocles, p. 176, pi. xix., figs. 7-8.

Candona lucens, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 160, tab. xix., fig. 1.

Candida, Lillj. De Crustaceis.

Jones. Ter. Entom., p. 19, pi. i., figs. 8a, 8f, 5a, 5p.

Brady, Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 383, pi. xxv., figs. 1-9; pi. xxxvi. ,

fig. 13; and pi. xxvii., fig. 1.
Crosskey, Brady, and Robertson, Mon. Post-ter. Entom., p. 135,

pi. ii., figs. 29-30.

Common nearly everywhere in lochs, ponds, and ditches. Not
being a swimmer it is chiefly found in mud, yet it is by no means
sluggish, as it may be seen scampering over and burrowing in and
out of it. Met with both in deep and shallow wrater, and not
unf requently in water more or less brackish. In Lochlomond it has
1 ieen found at a depth of 40 fathoms. Like some of its congeners, it
is occasionally met with in water of very questionable quality. In
a creek of the Leven, at Dumbarton, which is used as a kind of dock
for timber, and apparently also as a receptacle for refuse of the
neighbourhood, the black mud at the bottom, which had a most
offensive odour, contained this species plentifully, and without the
least appearance of sickliness.

Candona detecta, Miiller.

Cypris detecta, Miiller. Entomostraca, p. 49, tab. iii., figs. 1-3.

Candona Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 161.

Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 384, pi. xxiv., figs. 35-38;

and pi. xxxvii., fig. 2.
Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 134, pi. 1., figs. 7-9.

In ponds, lakes, and ditches everywhere. Common in Glasgow
and Paisley Canal and Frankfield Loch. In Loch Urie, Arran (J.

25

Campbell), 1250 feet above sea level. Common in a small pool in
the little islet, the site of the vitrified fort in the Kyles of Bute; no
other Ostracocl being found in the same gathering. This pool is only
a few feet above high-water mark, and a few yards in diameter, and
must be subject to a considerable amount of spray. Also in great
abundance in a newly dried-up pool, a little above high-water, on
Hunterston shore, Ayrshire, on the damp mud, under a thick coat
of dry moss. The only other species found with it were two
examples of Candona Candida, and three of Cypridopsis aculeata.

Candona similis, Baird.

Candona similis, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 162, pi. 19, figs. 2-2a.

Brady and Robertson, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. iv.,

vol. vi.. p. 52, pi. 1, fig. 62.

Has been more generally met with in lochs than in smaller
patches of water. Moderately common in "Woodend and Lochend
Lochs, near Glasgow, and in Burnbath Loch and Houston Dam,
Bridge of Weir. Common in Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh.

Candona nitens, sp. nov.

Found in Mugdock Loch, near Milngavie, moderately rare.
Oct. 1st.

Johnstone Loch, moderately common. June 3rd.

Frankiield Loch, rare. May 1st.

Crosslee, moderately common. May 17th.

Bishop Loch, moderately common. May 30th.

Pilmuir Dam, Burnside Loch, Go van Colliery Dam, Hairlaw
Loch — common.

Candona Kingsleii, Brady and Robertson.

Candona Kingsleii, Brady and Robertson, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser.

iv., vol. vi., p. 17., pi. ix., figs. 9-12.

Not mrfrequently in both deep and shallow water. In Loch-
lomond in 12 to 20 fathoms. Baron Loch, Peebleshire ; Frank-
field Loch; Eaglesham Dam; Long Loch (J. Smith). Common in
both Skye and Lewis. Lochearnhead (P, Cameron).

Candona diaphana, Brady and Robertson.

Candona diaphana, Brady and Robertson. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser.

iv., vol. vi. , p. 18, plate v., figs. 1-3.

Tn Hairmyres and Lambriden old limestone quarries, moderately

26

common • Mugdock Loch, near Milngavie ; brackish pond,
Millport.

Candona hyalina, Brady and Robertson.

Candona hyalina, Brady and Kobertsou. Ann. and Man. Nat. Hist., ser.

iv., p. 18, pi. ix., figs. 5-8; plate v., figs. 4-11.

In Frankfield Loch, St. German Loch, and Little Loch ; Craigton
Dam, and Possil Marsh; Hairmyres old limestone quarry,
Dumfries.

Darwinella Stevensoni, Brady and Robertson.

Polycheles Stevensoni, Brady and Robertson. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., vol.

vi., p. 25, pi. vii., figs 1-7; and pi. x., figs. 4-14.

Darwinella Brady and Robertson, ib., vol. ix., p. 50.

Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter.

Entom., p. 141, pi. ii., figs. 13-17.

At Loch Broomhill, Dumfriesshire, the only Scotch locality yet
recorded.

LlMNICYTHERE INOPINATA, Baird,

Cythere inoplnata, Baird. Brit. Entom., p. 172, pi. xx., figs. 1, la-e.
Limnicy there , Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 419, pi. xxix., figs. 15-18;

pi. xxxviii., fig. 9; pi. xxxix., fig. 1.
Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 173, pi. x., figs. 8-11.

Not unfrequently found amongst the mud in lochs, ponds, and
canals. In Duddingston and Lochend Lochs, Edinburgh, St.
German and Mugdock Lochs near Glasgow, Glasgow and Paisley
Canal, moderately common.

The species is not rare, although not generally met with in con-
sequence of being chiefly confined to the mud.

LlMNICYTHERE SaNCTI-PaTRICII.

Limnicythere Sancti-Patrku, Brady and Robertson, Ann. and Mag. Nat.

Hist., ser. iv., vol. iii.,p.l7, pi. xviii., figs. 8-11;
and pi. xxi. , fig. 4.

In Loch Libo, rare; in a ditch at the side of Bishop Loch but
not communicating with it.

Cytheridea lacustris, G. 0. Sars.

Cythere lacustris, G. 0. Sars. Zool. Eeise i Sommeren, 1863, p. 30.
Cyprideis torosa, Jones (in part). Ter. Entom., p. 21, pi. ii., figs. la-Id;

and v/oodcut, p. 16, fig. 2.

27

Cytheridea lacustris, Brady. Mon. Bee. Brit. Ost., p. 427, pi. xxvi., figs.

18-21; and pi. xl., fig. 2.

Not uncommon in Glasgow and Paisley Canal, west of Pollok-
shields, and sparingly in the Clyde, near Langbank. This species
is rather sluggish, mostly stationary on the mud, or partly embedded
in it, with the valves partially open, apparently satisfying itself
with what the movement of the water may bring in its way.

Cytheridea torosa, Jones.

Gandona torosa, Joues. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. ii., vol. vi., p. 27,

pi. hi., fig. 6.
Cyprideis torosa, Jones. Mon. Ter. Ent., p. 21, pi. ii., figs, la-li. ; and

woodcut, fig. 2, p. 16.
Cytheridea torosa, Brady and Robertson. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser.

iv., vol. vi., p. 21, pi. viii., rigs. 6-7.

Brady, Crosskey, and Robertson. Mon. Post-ter. Entom.,

p. 178, pi. xv., figs. 11-12. Var. teres, pi. vii., figs. 1-2.

In brackish water, chiefly estuarine. In great abundance on
the banks of the Garnock on Misk Farm, near Kilwinning, in small
holes, a few feet wide, formed in the turf, the bottom being soft
mud covered by a few inches of water, and overflowed by high
tides. The margins of those pools are excavated for many inches
all round. Small eels, from three to four inches long, are common
in the bottom mud.

Var. teres. — Generally in company with the above.

The following remarks may help beginners, who generally work
at great disadvantage and loss of time from not knowing properly
when or how to collect, or how to preserve what they may have
collected. The latter is perhaps the greatest source of discourage-
ment to many, who find, after a few years' enthusiastic labour,
that they have only accumulated a vast amount of ill-arranged and
often cumbersome material, neither pleasant to look upon nor
useful to consult.

In this, as in all other branches of Natural History, it is
absolutely necessary (1) to have the locality affixed to every
specimen intended for preservation. To do this is within the
reach of every one who collects for himself. If it is neglected to be
done at the time of collection, it may be impossible to do it with
any certainty afterwards. (2) The next important point is to

28

have the name attached to the specimen upon the first opportunity,
and not left merely to memory, and it then becomes a useful
assistant in other determinations. (3) Every specimen which it is
desirable to keep should be carefully laid past and arranged with
others in the most convenient way for reference.
I shall indicate briefly —

(1) Where the Ostracoda are principally to be found.

(2) What season of the year is most favourable for procuring
them.

(3) By what means they may best be secured.

(4) How to preserve them most conveniently for inspection and
reference.

I. Places where to be found. — They are to be found in lakes,
tarns, ponds, lagoons, canals, ditches, and often in very small
patches of water, and in slow-running streams ; but in the latter
by no means commonly, except in weedy recesses protected from
the currents, or where clumps of thickly-growing plants abound.

Nowhere, throughout Scotland, is there any want of such places
either in number or variety, whether we regard the depth of water,
varying from the thinnest covering to the deepest lakes, or their
situations, ranging from the sea level to high mountain tarns ; or
the character of the basin in which they lie, rock, peat, clay, &c;
or, lastly, the impregnated mineral contents. Ostracoda are
generally more abundant in the smaller tarns or ponds, overgrown
with weeds, than in deep and large sheets of water, where the
surging of the waves is unfavourable to marginal vegetation ; yet
I often find, that places greatly overgrown with plants are not
always the richest in Ostracoda, but sometimes the reverse — probably
in such cases by affording more suitable conditions to a greater
host of enemies. Ostracoda are occasionally obtained in small tarns
and ponds where the water has been nearly dried up, leaving only
a little at some central depression ; and even in the damp mud,
whence the water has disappeared, good gatherings are met with,
as well as in the scanty water of furrows in old pasture land, and
which are dry during the greater part of the summer. It is indeed
surprising, as regards many of these patches of water, how speedily
after rain they are found swarming with Ostracoda and other
Microzoa. In some instances it has been observed that, after the
rains certain species are absent which had been present before the

29

ponds dried up, while by next season they again become abundant.
Whatever means of distribution there may be, it is very probable
that this renewed life proceeds in a great measure from ova. That
the ova retain vitality for a long time is certain. The late Dr.
Baird, of the British Museum, showed Dr. G. S. Brady and myself
a jar containing numerous forms of animal life winch had made their
appearance from mud taken from a dried-up canal in India during
the hot season, and kept in the dry state for a considerable time
after reaching this country before being subjected to water. Shortly
after water was supplied, many living forms made their
appearance. Where the pools are small and subject to be dried up
during summer they seldom contain many species, although in
such cases one species may prevail greatly. Limestone districts
are favourable to Ostracoda, but all rock or clay surfaces are better
than peat. Where there is nothing but pure peat, or peaty ponds
fringed with Sphagnum, few or no Ostracoda may be expected.
They are seldom searched for successfully where the lakes or pools
have risen much by heavy rain-falls, nor in mill-dams, where the
water is drained off rapidly, leaving broad, bare margins. It is
otherwise where the water in the pools is decreasing gradually by
evaporation. Then these animals appear to have time to follow
the water, and may be taken abundantly when thus brought closer
together in the small shallow pools left here and there. Moorland
roadside ditches are more promising than those at some distance
from the road. This may arise from a supply of material from the
drainage of the road, which may be requisite to build up the shells
of these minute crustaceans. Ostracoda are seldom absent in ditches
or marshes which contain a little ochreous deposit with a metallic
bluish scum on the surface of the water ; they are more common in
broad shallow ditches than in those more narrow and deep, and
are rarely met with in springs or in ponds abounding with fish.
Neither do they thrive where amphipods prevail. These little
bivalve crustaceans are not always fastidious in their choice of
habitat, sometimes disporting in pure fresh water, at other times
revelling in water of very questionable character, while others
affect brackish water, although they live in very different degrees
of the saline element.

The Govan Colliery Dam, which is close to the terminus of a
railway, is subjected to the dust from loading and unloading of the
waggons, and to the deleterious fumes of a range of brick kilns

30

within a dozen of yards or so, and is generally covered with a
sprinkling of soot from the neighbouring factories. It is further
the play pond for the children of the vicinity to sail their small
boats upon. In spite of all these apparent disadvantages against
the Ostracoda, I seldom fail to obtain a fair gathering of them in
this small patch of water, whether in summer or winter. Their
survival under all these circumstances may be that what is harm-
less and healthful to them may be death to their enemies. The
Gypridce proper are seldom if ever found in very deep water, but
mostly amongst the vegetation, while the Gandonce are met with
at greater depths. In Lochlomond I have found them at a depth
of 40 fathoms. Although these small crustaceans appear to be
greatly more abundant on the plains than on the mountains, Dr.
Gr. S. Brady records Gypris cinerea, G. compressa, G. striolata, &c.,
from a pool near the summit of Mickle Fell in Yorkshire, at an
elevation of 2000 feet.

From the foregoing it is evident that the abundance of these
organisms in one place cannot alwaj^s be taken as an index of their
profusion in another, although the two may be of quite similar
appearance. In the one, these forms of life may be swarming ;
in the other, absent or nearly so. So little can we depend upon
apparent similarity in this respect that, in collecting, it is well to
make trial of even the most unlikely spots, and, although we
may meet with frequent disappointments, we shall, on the other
hand, often find what we will deem prizes where they are least
expected.

2, Time for Collecting. — The best time for collecting these
organisms is in summer, as they are then met with in the greatest
abundance. There can be little doubt that heat is conducive to
their increase and development. In a hot-house tank, where the
heat was kept up to about 65° Fahr., one species of Ostracoda
{Gy-pris incongruens) was abundant. In another tank outside of
the building, where the water was supplied from the same source, but
to which artificial heat was not imparted, the same species was
present, but comparatively few in numbers. How far an increase
of temperature may contribute to their increase of numbers or
improvement of condition, or how far it may be borne with impunity,
does not seem to be accurately known. Dr. G. S. Brady states
that he has found them in the water of mill cooling ponds at a
temperature of 100° Fahr., and the water might at times be even

31

hotter.* At Messrs. Barr & Oo.'s cooling pond, Paisley, I have
found them at a temperature of 85° Fahr.; the species was
Cypridopsis vidua. I may mention, in passing, that the species
which have come under my own observation as having been
subject to high temperature — viz., Cypris Icevis, Cypris incongricens,
and Cypridopsis vidua — were all unusually light in colour. For
some time I kept a gathering of Ostracoda in a broad shallow
vessel placed near my window. In the cold mornings of March
not one of them was to be seen; but further on in the day, when
the sun was hotter, the different species of Cypris came from their
hiding places in the mud to swarm about actively up the sides of
the vessel, more particularly on the side next the light; and the
non-swimmers (Candoncu) came more to the surface of the mud.
This I have often repeated with the same result — hence the better
prospect of collecting "when the sun shines." Yet good gatherings
may occasionally be made during the colder seasons of the year,
and I have even had some excellent hauls in the month of January,
when I had to break the ice and w^ork underneath it. These
gatherings were not only fair in numbers and variety, but con-
tained species not found as a rule in the same tarns during the
months of summer. It is by no means of rare occurrence to find
a species abundant at one season and entirely absent in the same
place at another. On returning to search the same lake or pool
after an interval of two or three months at any period of the year, all
the same species will seldom if ever be met with, or grouped in the
same proportions. As one instance amongst many I may state
that a gathering was taken on May 21, 1878, in the old dam which
supplied the Go van Colliery. It was about 70 yards in circum-
ference and a foot or two deep ; the whole was covered with
green confervce, rather ropy but not slimy, and a little grass round
the sides. The number of Ostracoda obtained was twelve species.
This gathering presented a remarkable feature in the excessive
abundance of Cypris reptans, far exceeding anything I had ever
seen before of this species. Another gathering was taken from the
same dam, November 20, 1878. There were little or no confervce
this time — nothing except a little grass round the sides and some
thin growths out from the margins towards the middle. Cypris
reptans was now only represented by a few examples, which were

* Brady, Monograph Rec. Brit. Ostrac, p. 368.

32

all that were seen remaining of a species so numerous on a
former occasion. It was, however, plentifully replaced by Cypris
virens, which, on the other hand, had been wholly absent in the
first gathering.

On March 9, 1879, after the severe frost, the dam was again
visited. It showed little new growth of vegetation, further than some
straggling blades of grass, the sides still fringed with the old
autumnal weeds. There was no great variety found this time.
Cypris reptans was wholly absent, so was Cypris virens. The pre-
vailing Ostracod now was Cypris compressa.

Another gathering was taken on May 21, 1879, just a year after
the first trial was made. On this occasion there were no confervas
nor Cypris reptans, both so abundant on the same date last year,
showing that we cannot be certain of finding even the same species
where they had been abundant in the same month of the previous
year. This probably depends on the time of reproduction, or to
some extent on the different varieties of animal and vegetable life
that abound at the various seasons, and are more or less favourable
in respect of food, shelter, etc., to the different species of Ostracoda.

3. Mode of Collection. — Unlike the marine, the fresh and
brackish- water Ostracoda are within the reach of everyone, and
the mode of capture is so easy that it can offer no obstacle to the
pursuit. They are generally collected with a hand net; but when
it is desirable to examine the ooze from the bottom of deep lakes,
a boat and dredge are necessary. The size of the net usually
employed has the ring of the mouth about 10 inches in diameter,
and the net about 20 inches deep. Such nets are to be had ready-
made, which screw from the handle and fold into 3 segments, so as
to be more portable. In my own experience, I find one of much
smaller size very efficient, one without the folding joints, having
the ring only 6 inches in diameter, and the muslin bag not less
than 24 inches deep, and rounded at the bottom. The greater the
proportion the bag is to the ring the more freely the water will pass.
The mesh of the net may be about 100 threads to the inch. The
ring is made of ^-inch brass wire, which is strong enough to bear
the pressure amongst pond weeds, or in raking the mud from the
bottom. A socket or screw projects from the ring for the reception
of the handle, whether a walking-stick or other rod more or less
long.

A rod from 6 to 9 feet long has a great advantage over a

33

walking-stick, both in reaching to a greater distance and affording
a greater leverage. The rod may be made to screw off in two or
three lengths of 3 feet each, and can be conveniently carried in a
sheath. This smaller size of net has the great advantage of admitt-
ing conveniently a brass wire sieve, with a hoop about an inch deep
to fit into the ring of the muslin net, preventing weeds and other
coarse material from getting into the bag, but sufficiently open to
allow all the Microzoa to pass through. I find a sieve with a
^-inch mesh very suitable. This protecting sieve requires to be
fitted tight into the mouth of the muslin net, so as not to fall out
when working, but sufficiently easy to be taken off when the contents
of the bag are turned out. For security, it is better to have the
sieve slung to the neck of the handle by a short cord. The size
of net is large enough to take in abundance of water with the
Microzoa, and is exceedingly well fitted to sweep and probe amongst
the vegetation, or to rake up the mud from the bottom, being at
the same time quite conveniently portable. The common Dutch
hoe has been used for the frame of the net, by piercing the inner
edge of the front plate with holes to sew the bag to. The remaining
part of the mouth of the bag is attached to the fork and back part
of the hoe, but is not so well adapted for working advantageously
amongst the vegetation. To work the net, simply sweep it through
the vegetation along the margin of the pond ; this done, remove
the sieve, invert the bag, and convey the contents into a white
saucer with water or wide-mouthed bottle, which wTill, in most cases,
indicate whether there is anything worth further trial, though it
often happens that repeated trials afford good results in the same
place where they had failed to be seen by the first inspection.
The Ostracoda generally withdraw within their shells and become
motionless when alarmed, and are difficult to be seen in this state
among the debris of the gathering, but, where they do exist, more
or less of tbem come to the surface, and are readily detected in an
open vessel, but equally as well and more easily by examining the
contents of the net when the water is well pressed out.

To have the full benefit of the gathering for Ostracoda. it is
necessary to take some of the mud, which in most cases can be
readily procured by scraping the sides or bottom of the pool with
the ring of the net. In order to reduce the bulk as much as possible,
all the impalpable mud should be washed thoroughly away till the

water runs off clear. This can be done either in the working net, or

c

Fauna of Scot.— Crustacea I., Ostracoda.

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The Fauna of ScotlInd, with special reference to Clydesdale and the
Western District.

Hymenoptera— Part T. By .Mr. P. Cameron. Price 10.

Mammalia. By Edward JL Alston, F.L.S., P.O. S. ,, 1 0.

( 'rustacea— Part I.. Ostracoila. By David Robertson,

F.L.S., F.C.s. ,i 1 *;-

Vitrioii* other Lists are nearly ready for -publication.

A Catalogue of the British Tenthredinidae (printed on one side of the leaf
for collectors). By Mr. Peter Cameron Price 1 .

Notes on the Faiaaanu Pi oka of the West of. Scotland, with Lists;

~» Small 8vo. Compiled 'for the Meeting of the British Association, held

in Clasgow, September, 187(5 Price 2,.

< 'opies of any of the above may be had from the Society's Librarian, Mr.
Henry C. Xoung, Forth Street, Port-Dundas, Glasgow.

■■■'■■ i

B

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

OF GLASGOW,

VOL. IV.— PART II.

1879-80.

GLASGOW: PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY,
AT THEIR ROOMS, l'07 BATH .STREET.

18 81.

T H E

Jlatoral Histnrg j^tftktg cf (StesgnhL

FOUNDED 1851.

SESSION 1880-81,

Prof. JOHN YOUNG, M.D., F.G.S.

tyitz-'jfSxzsi'bzixts.

J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, RR.S.E.
W. J. MILLIGAX. | JOHN KIRSOP.

^mdarjr.
ROBERT MASON, C Albion Crescent, Dowanhill.

Assistant- ^ftr£targ.
JOHN M. CAMPBELL, Kelvixgrove Museum, West-end Park.

feasttrtr.
ROBERT J. BENNETT, 50 Gordon Street.

^ibxmmvt.
FRANCIS G. BINNIE, 124 Bath Street.

The Society has for its aim the encouragement of the pursuit of Natural
History in all its branches. It holds meetings at which specimens are
exhibited, and papers and other communications read. These take place
from September to April, on the last Tuesday of each month, in the
Society's Rooms, 207 Bath Street.

A series of Excursions are arranged to accessible localities of interest
during spring and summer.

Annual Subscription, 5s. ; Entry-money, 10s.

P U J] L I C A T I O N S

"1 Till

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW.

Vol. I. Parti. 228 pp. 3 Plates. 1859-08.

,, 2. 15b" pp. 4 ,, 1S6S-69.

Vol. II. Parti. 164 pp. 1 ,, 1809-71.

„ 2. 192 pp. 3 ,, 1871-75.

(This Part contains Titles and Contents for Vols. I.

Vol. III. Parti. 100pp. 1875-70.

., 2. 128 pp. 2 Plates. 1870-77.

,, 3. 192 pp. 1 Plate. 1877-78.
(This Part contains Title and Contents for Vol.

Vol. IV. Parti. 190 pp. 4 Plates. 1878-79.

2. 218 pp.

1879-80.

Price 4/0
„ 4
„ 3/0

„ 4,0

and II. )

III.)

„ 2/j

., -

,, 30

m 4/

„ 4/6

(This Part contains Title and Contents for Vol. IV.)

The Fauna of Scotland, with special reference to Clydesdale and the
Western District.

Hymenoptera — Part I. By Mr. P. Cameron. Price 1 6

Mammalia. By Mr. E. R. Alston, F.Z.S., F.L.S., F.G.S. ,, 1/6

Crustacea — Part I. , Ostracoda. By Mr. David Bobertson,

F.L.S., F.C.S. ,, ]/{y

Various other Lists are preparimj for publication .

A Catalogue of the British Tenthredinidae. By Mr. 1*.

Cameron. ...........

(Printed on one side of the paper only, for the use of collectors. )

Notes on the Fauna and Floe a of the West of Scotland,
with Lists. Compiled for the meeting of the British
Association held in Glasgow in September, 1870. Small Svo.

1/

9/
>> -I

( 'opies of any of the above may be had from the Librarian,
Mr. F. (i. Bin Nik. 124 Bath Street.

MBL WHOI LIBRARY

H lflT2 3