The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated " The Annals of Scottish Natural Histor EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists'' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant- Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA I. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON. M.A., M.B.O.U. x9r3 EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row 1913 {Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) The Scottish Naturalist No. 13.] 1913 [January 3\\ flftemoriam Ramsay Heatley Traquair, M.D., LL.D.(Ehin.), F.R.S., V.P.R.S.E., F.G.S., ETC., late Keeper of the Natural History Collections in the Royal Scottish Museum. The writer made the acquaintance of young Ramsay H. Traquair as he sat — solitary and reserved — before the fire in the dissecting-room in the University of Edinburgh, on a raw day early in November 1857 ; and a friendship was then formed which lasted throughout life. Though born in 1840, in the parish of Rhynd, in Perthshire, he was practically an Edinburgh man, and had just entered on the study of medicine in the summer of that year — his first experience of university life. Slight in physique, but with a massive head covered with fair hair, and expressive blue eyes which kindled when he spoke, Traquair proved to be an earnest and talented student, as well as a valued and accomplished companion. His health probably did not permit him to join the eager band of students who entered every competition, and some of whom (endowed, as Traquair himself remarked, "with iron powers of work ") were capable of sitting most of the night for a week on the eve of a great competition, or who, spring- ing from the final examination in medicine in the Library Hall (and which they passed without an oral), a few minutes before the senior competition in botany, swept along the Bridges and the northern slopes at the "double," and, breathless, entered the botanical class-room in Inverleith Row (to the amazement of the esteemed Prof. J. H. Balfour), not too late to head the list. Thus, though conscientiously mastering his subjects, his name was not familiar in the 32496 2 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST University prize-lists. Yet his dexterity in dissection, his knowledge of the natural history of the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, and his steady bearing soon attracted the attention of Prof. Goodsir, and his demonstrators, William Turner and John Cleland. Moreover, continuing the excursions of his schooldays, he visited St Andrews in the autumn vacations with his sisters, gathered shells on the beach, or split ironstone nodules at the East Rocks, as well as made the acquaintance of a local zoologist, Robert Walker, then librarian and quaestor of the University, and of Charles Howie, the author of the Musci Fifcnscs and of The Notable Trees of Fife — both ever ready to encourage and aid a young naturalist. When resident in Edinburgh, many a pleasant excursion he made with a congenial companion into the surrounding country, his knowledge of the history of Scotland as well as of its fauna making such most enjoyable. Sometimes these extended as far as Colinton, which in after years was destined to be his last resting-place. His fifth year in the University gave him leisure, for he was not a rapid worker, to elaborate his original Thesis on the Asymmetry of the Pleuronectida?, for which he was awarded a gold medal on graduation day in August 1862. Not only was the University at this time conspicuous in the eminence of its professorial staff, but the fellow-students of Traquair included such talented men as Thomas Annandale (afterwards Professor of Clinical Surgery), Alexander Dickson (Professor of Botany), William Ruther- ford (Professor of Physiology), Thomas Fraser (Professor of Materia Medica), Alexander Crum-Brown (Professor of Chemistry), James B. Pettigrew (Professor of Medicine and Anatomy, St Andrews), William Stephenson (Professor of Midwifery, Aberdeen), besides John Anderson (Professor of Zoology, Calcutta) and Robert O. Cunningham (Professor of Natural History, Belfast) — a list it would be difficult to surpass in any given case. Though he may not have seriously thought of pursuing the practice of his profession, yet as a student he carried out dispensary practice with diligence and skill — occasionally taking over the cases of a friend during his absence at the Christmas recess. During the winter of 1861-62 Dr Traquair also acted as assistant to Professor Sir James Simpson, at IN MEMORIAM 3 the period of that religious awakening which made such an impression on his friends. Soon, however, Prof. Goodsir, who was ever ready to notice ability and earnestness in his students, selected Traquair for his prosectorship, and, by and by when a vacancy occurred, to a demonstratorship in human anatomy, an office he held for three years ; indeed, until he was appointed Professor of Natural History in the Royal Agricultural College, Ciren- cester. On leaving the University of Edinburgh, his students indicated their appreciation of his earnest labours by presenting him with a silver dissecting-case. Though not an enthusiastic botanist, he soon mastered the British grasses and the general knowledge of the subject, so that his brief period in office was worthy of him. Transferred to Dublin as the first Professor of Zoology, Dr Traquair was in a more congenial post, and it brought him into contact with new surroundings, so that his store of humorous stories was largely increased. Besides, there he met Miss Moss, a lady of refined artistic talents, who afterwards became his wife. His heart, however, was ever in Scotland, and his thoughts clung to the fossil fishes of his native land, which he regularly visited during his holidays. Nowhere was he happier than when he joined an excursion to the mountains and glens of Perthshire, to the coal-measures of Fife, or to the rocks of St Andrews. Moreover, since graduation in 1862, he visited Germany several times, staying in a house where no English was spoken, in order to perfect his knowledge of the language. Thus from many sides was his experience destined to be focussed on the study of fossil fishes — when in 1873 he was successful in obtaining the post of Keeper of the Natural History Collections in the Museum of Science and Art (afterwards the Royal Scottish Museum) in Edinburgh. Settled thus in what was really his native city, with many old friends around, with a rich collection of fossil fishes at his disposal, with the advantage of official visits to continental museums, and with the aid of Mrs Traquair's skilful artistic work at home, Dr Traquair set resolutely to work — especially on those fishes which were Palaeozoic and Scottish. Thus he produced a large series of memoirs and works which not only brought him great reputation, but added lustre to the Royal 4 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Scottish Museum. His trained anatomical skill, his know- ledge of the structure of the skeleton in living fishes, and his careful deductions, made his work in this department at once original and reliable, and there can be no question that he held a foremost position in palaeichthyology. Not for generations, perhaps, will be found one who so unselfishly gave up his life to advance our knowledge of this subject, and whose previous training and natural abilities so well fitted him to excel. Thus year by year he communicated the results of his researches either to the Royal Society of Edinburgh, to the Palaeontographical Society, to the Belgian Academy, or to the various journals. He took special interest in the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and was at his death one of its vice-presidents. The record of his work does him infinite credit, and betokens marvellous industry, unflagging zeal, and wide and accurate knowledge. With a few exceptions it is confined to fossil fishes, and these exceptions treat of recent fishes, such as Polypterus, the trout, the black fish, and the skate. Taken all in all, it is an honour to British science, and worthily upholds Scottish traditions. Heedless of promotion to a university Chair or of recognition from the State (often so lightly given), he laboured for the sake of the work itself — the only reward that has no alloy. When he retired from office a few years ago his health showed signs of failure, but he made no difference in his daily tasks, till increasing weakness prevented walking, and he calmly passed away on the 22nd November. Though somewhat reserved and studious, he yet was a most agreeable colleague and companion, whether indoors or out of doors. No one enjoyed more than he the wild scenery of hill and moor, of forest and rocky shore ; and he was equally at home with the grasses as with the insects and birds — ever ready to cap a remark with a quaint or humorous Scotch or Irish story, of which he had an inexhaustible collection. Again, many a quaint story he told at the Zoological Dinner of the British Association and elsewhere, at those of the Royal Societies' Club, and of the Royal Physical Society, Edinburgh. Though his physique did not fit him for excelling in the rougher games, yet in earl)' life both at Perth and Murthly he NOTES ON MIGRATORY BIRDS 5 could handle bow and arrow with aptitude. For golf he had neither the time nor the inclination ; but he was fond of music, and, as student and demonstrator he excelled especially in martial and old Scotch airs. From his early days he was an active and tenacious pedestrian, and he retained this power almost to his last year. As he was laid to rest in the romantic dell at Colinton, amidst a storm of wind and rain, the thought uppermost in the minds of all who knew him was that our departed friend leaves behind him an example worthy of the highest tradi- tions of the British school of Pala^ozoologists — whether as regards life-long devotion, or the brilliant record of original work with which his name will always be associated. W. C. M'lNTOSII. NOTES ON MIGRATORY BIRDS OBSERVED AT FAIR ISLE DURING THE YEAR 1912. By The Duchess of Bedford and Wm, Eagle Clarke. The following notes are based upon the daily records of our bird-watcher, Mr Wilson ; on personal observations made during the latter half of September and in October ; and on contributions by Mr George Stout, who spent an autumn holiday on his native island. The data amassed are very voluminous, and it is only possible here to mention some of the chief events in the bird-life of the year. The great mass of details will, we hope, prove useful to the Misses Baxter and Rintoul as a contribution towards their general Report on Scottish Ornithology for 191 2. At the end of the year 191 1 the total number of species known to have occurred at Fair Isle amounted to 209. Of these, 18 are residents, 10 summer visitors, 117 are regular birds of passage, 14 winter visitors, and 48 rare or more or less irregular visitors. During the year 191 2 two species were added to the avifauna, namely, the Black Chat {Saxicola leucur.a) and the Curlew Sandpiper {Tringa subarquatd). The former is new 6 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST to the Scottish avifauna, and the second known occurrence of this South-western European bird in the British Isles. The Curlew Sandpiper is probably not infrequent in autumn passage, but has hitherto escaped notice, owing, perhaps, to the inaccessibility, through their ruggedness, of the haunts resorted to by this class of migratory birds during their visits to the island. As the result of the year's work the various movements or visits of 134 species were chronicled. These include a number of uncommon visitors. Indeed, the ornithological resources of the island are as yet by no means exhausted. The spring of 191 2, however, was here, as elsewhere, a disappointing one in its general migration aspects, and was unusually unproductive as regards interesting visitors — a Hoopoe, several Temminck's Stints, an Ortolan Bunting, a Black Redstart, an Arctic Bluethroat, and a Wood Sandpiper being the only notable ones. The autumn records, however, include the visits of such rare or interesting species as the Black Chat, several Blyth's Reed-warblers, Icterine Warblers, Northern Bullfinch, Scarlet Grosbeaks, a number of Little Buntings, Richard's Pipit, Barred Warblers, Grey-headed Wagtails, Ortolan and Lapp Buntings, Wood Lark, Shore Lark, Temminck's Stint, Wood Sandpiper, and Great Snipe. Spring. Owing to the prevalence of westerly types of weather during most of the period covering the vernal migrations, there were very few pronounced movements, and no remark- able rushes were chronicled. It is during the latter phenomena that uncommon and totally unexpected visitors are most likely to occur. In 191 2 the birds passed gradually in small numbers — a monotonous procession when compared with the happenings of previous years. The initial movement of the year occurred on 22nd January, when many Guillemots came in from the sea to pay a first visit to their accustomed breeding haunts on the cliffs ; and many Fulmars were also observed. The next movements also related to the return of certain species which resort to the island for nesting purposes, after having passed the winter in localities probably not very far removed. Thus on 12th February a small parly of Ringed NOTES ON MIGRATORY BIRDS 7 Plovers arrived. These were followed on the 15th by the first Oyster-catchers of the season. The setting in of the departure movements northwards of winter visitors from the mainland of Great Britain also commenced. On 21st February several Rooks appeared; on the 22nd, 7 Lapwings; on the 26th, 30 Rooks; and on the 29th a Stonechat, an early date. On 1st March, 2 Pied Wagtails and a Yellow Bunting arrived; on the 5th the first Meadow-pipit was observed; on the 14th, 7 Stonechats ; on the 20th there was a decided movement, which included many Grey Crows, some Rooks, Jackdaws, Chaffinches, Yellow Buntings, a Coot, Snipe, Ringed Plovers, and 200 Lapwings. This was immediately followed by further arrivals of most of the species named, with the addition of some Bramblings, Linnets, Redbreasts, Meadow-pipits, and Goldcrests. On the 30th a pair of Pintail appeared. On 2nd April the first spring visit of the Stock-dove was recorded ; on the 4th the first Kestrel of the year was seen. The first spring visit of the Slavonian Grebe was detected on the 5th. On the 8th the first Lesser Black-backed Gulls returned to their nesting haunts. The vanguard of the great army of birds of passage from the south on its way northwards appeared on 12th April, namely, a small company of White Wagtails. This was followed on the 13th by a few Wheatears, probably native birds. A decided movement comprising Wheatears, Meadow-pipits, Ring-ouzels, Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Bramblings Redwings, Lapwings, Golden Plovers, Gadwalls, with several Merlins in attendance, occurred on the 19th. . The first Willow-warbler was seen on the 23rd, and the Lesser Whitethroat on the 25th. A Black Redstart was observed on the 25th, and Reed-buntings on the following day. On the 1st of May a few Swallows appeared; on the 2nd, Whimbrels ; on the 3rd, a Short-eared Owl ; on the 6th, Whinchats, 2 Yellow Wagtails, and Redstarts. Many Wheatears and Meadow- pipits, a few Willow-warblers, Whinchats, Redstarts, Blackcap, and Common Sandpiper were present on the 7th; a Hoopoe, Swallows, House-martins, Common Whitethroat, on the 9th ; a Bluethroat on the 10th; several Greater Wheatears, Spotted Flycatcher, Wood Sandpiper (the second known visit to the island), and others, on the 13th; Sedge-warblers, Whitethroats, etc., on the 14th; Cuckoo, Tree-pipit, Sand-martin, etc., on the 16th; Turtle Dove, Ortolan Bunting, other migrants, on the iSth ; a Garden Warbler on the 20th; a Scandinavian Rock-pipit on the 22nd; Corncrake on the 24th ; a Wood-warbler on the 27th. On the 3rd and 4th June there was a faint rush of northward- bound summer birds— Red-backed Shrikes on the 7th and 10th, 8 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST late dates ; a Long-eared Owl (an unusually late visitor) and Temminck's Stint on the 8th ; and single Temminck's Stints on the 14th and 15th. The visits of this little wader must be accounted the most interesting incident associated with the spring movements. There are only three previous records for Scotland, one of them for Fair Isle, in the autumn of 1908. Iceland Gulls were seen as late as 20th March, Glaucous Gulls to 16th April, Greenfinch to 22nd April, Long-tailed Ducks to 7th May, Purple Sandpipers to 17th May, and Snow-buntings to 28th May. {To be continued?) MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN THE ISLE OF SKYE. By Fred Booth. [The present is the first of a series embodying the results of observations made in Inverness-shire, Ross-shire, and Aber- deenshire, in August 191 o, aided by a grant from the Government Grant Fund, supplemented from private sources, with the view of ascertaining the conditions and the extent to which molluscan life thins out in the more northern counties of Scotland. The investigation is partly in connec- tion with the Conchological Society's census of authenticated distribution, and partly with Mr J. W. Taylor's monograph now appearing. The investigation is not yet completed, as it is necessary that Sutherland and Caithness should be explored — and it is to be hoped that another grant may be made for this. The specimens collected will all be deposited in the Royal Scottish Museum. The general observations will be printed after the lists for Ross West, Westerness, Aberdeen North, and Aberdeen South have appeared ; and the final papers will embody a brief sketch of the results achieved. — W. Denison Roebuck.] The chief physiographical feature of the portion of Skye visited (Portree and Broadford) is its mountainous character, and the nature of its geological formation — igneous rock with MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN THE ISLE OF SKYE 9 a little limestone — gives the locality a wild and rugged appearance. The higher parts of most of the hills are devoid of vegetation, but in some instances the summits are covered with a scant vegetation of Alpine Lady's- mantle, Sclaginella, Mosses, and Lichens. The streams that rise in and drain these mountains are in some cases shallow and rocky, with little or no vegetation, and in other cases are in deep and narrow ravines, rocky in character with here and there a wider part, with a small waterfall, the spray from which helps to keep a certain amount of plant life in a rank and vigorous growth. The lower parts of some of the larger ravines contain a few short scrubby trees, growing from the slopes or out of the fissures of the rocks. The main roads are mostly in good condition, and in most cases do not rise to 400 feet in altitude. They have no walls or hedges to divide them from the sloping hills on each side, except in rare instances. Sometimes, as in the Varragill valley, near Portree, a stream runs alongside the road for some distance. The road from Broadford to Torran runs between high hills, those on the left hand consisting of the Durness and Erriboll limestone series, a hard white rock or marble which is quarried on the slopes of Ben Suardal, about three or four miles above Broadford. In several places along the left-hand side of this valley are patches of shrubby trees, consisting of Hazel, Birch, and a little Ash. On Skye there is very little land under cultivation, and the parts that are cultivated are generally in the vicinity of some village or round the numerous cottages of the crofters. The grass which clothes some of the lower slopes of the hills — more especially near the sea — is of a benty nature — mostly Nardas stricta — and the rest of the hills and valleys are covered with heather, ling, and a little bracken. The shore is either shingle or rocky, and no sandy bays were observed. The oolitic limestone shows out on the face of the cliffs for a good way up the coast north of Portree, but I did not note any outcrop on the hills above. My observations as embodied in the list which fol- lows were made in August 1910 — about Portree on 13 B io THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST the I st and 2nd, and about Broadford on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Li max maximus var. fasciata. One, immature, ruins of old cottage on the coast, north of Broadford. Limax arborum. On Ben Dearg summit, 2400 feet alt. ; and in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford. Agriolimax agrestis, type and var. reticulata, was common in all likely places at and north of Portree. Agriolimax Icevis. Boggy ground near Bealach Cumhang, Portree ; and on similar ground on the Portree Road, Broadford. Arion ater, type and var. nigrescens. Everywhere sparingly dis- tributed about Portree and Broadford. Arion hortensis. A pale form in plantation on the Portree Road, Broadford. Arion circumscriptus. Immature and very pale forms were common north of Portree. About Broadford the species was well distributed in likely places, though not common. Arion intermedins. Sparingly in moist places on the coast near Portree, and with var. grisea in boggy ground on the Portree Road, Broadford. Vitrina pellucida. Common but immature in boggy ground between Portree and Bealach Cumhang, on coast north of Creag Mhor; also below waterfall in ravine Lon Chaorach, Varragill valley; at Broadford live shells were immature and scarce at foot of walls on the roadside to Torran. Hyalinia cellaria. Common among ruins of old church near Bealach Cumhang ; scarce by roadside by private plantation at Portree, on road to Varragill valley ; common, with var. compacta, amongst vegetation in ruined churchyard of Chriosd, on Torran Road, Broadford; scarce at foot of walls on roadside to Torran ; common, with var. compacta, amongst ruins of old cottage near coast, north of Broadford. Hyalinia alliaria. Scarce on boggy ground north of Creag Mhor, Portree ; scarce at foot of walls on roadside, also in ruined churchyard of Chriosd, on Torran Road, Broadford; scarce in boggy ground in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford. Dead shells of var. viridula amongst grass on ledges of cliffs near Bealach Cumhang, the type form not occurring here. Hyalinia nitidula. Lower end of Glen Chracaig, under stones, common but very local ; immature examples on front of cliffs, and adult ones scarce among ruins of cottage near the coast, north of Broadford. MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN THE ISLE OF SKYE n Hyalinia pura var nitidosa. Scarce in boggy ground north of Creag Mhor; also scarce in ravine Lon Chaorach, Glen Varragill; common in boggy ground in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford; scarce amongst Great Hairy Woodrush, front of cliffs on coast north of Broadford. Hyalinia radiatula. Scarce in boggy ground in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford ; and scarce, with var. viridescenti- alba, in boggy ground north of Creag Mhor. Hyalinia crystallina. Common in boggy ground in plantation of hazel on the Portree Road, Broadford; scarce on similar ground and old ruins near Bealach Cumhang. The small form, var. contracta, scarce below waterfall in ravine Lon Chaorach, Varragill valley. Hyalinia fulva. Scarce. Boggy ground north of Creag Mhor ; also below waterfall in ravine Lon Chaorach, Varragill valley ; boggy ground in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford ; and amongst Hairy Woodrush on front of cliffs on the coast north of Broadford. Var. mortoni in the last-named station. Punctum pygmceum. Scarce on Great Hairy Woodrush in ravine Lon Chaorach, Varragill Glen ; among moss, Great Hairy Woodrush, etc., probably common, front of cliffs on coast north of Broadford. Pyramidula rotundata. Very common in ruins of old church near Bealach Cumhang ; not so common amongst ruins of old cottage near coast, north of Broadford. Acanthinula la/nellata. Scarce on Great Hairy Woodrush in ravine Lon Chaorach, Glen Varragill, and in moist places in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford ; common amongst Great Hairy Woodrush on front of cliffs on coast north of Broadford. Helix hortensis. Immature examples of var. lutea common amongst nettles, Iris, etc., from north of Sgeir Mhor to north of Creag Mhor. Helicigona arbustorum. Immature examples common amongst nettles among ruins of old church near Bealach Cumhang, also on top of and below cliffs north of Sgeir Mhor to north of Creag Mhor. Type and var. flavescens common but immature amongst vegetation in ruined churchyard of Chriosd, Torran Road, Broadford; type with vzrs.flavescens and fusca fairly common amongst vegetation on front of cliffs near coast north of Broadford. Hygronria fusca. Common in boggy places on Iris, rushes, etc., at foot of cliffs on coast north of Creag Mhor; sparingly in 12 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST moist places in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford ; also amongst vegetation on front of cliffs on coast north of Broadford. Hygromia granulata. Common amongst nettles, ruins of old church near Bealach Cumhang ; dead shells fairly common at foot of walls by roadside and amongst nettles, etc., in old churchyard of Chriosd, on Torran Road, Broadford ; also amongst vegetation on front of cliffs near coast north of Broadford. The var. cornea also occurred, and Mr John W. Taylor remarks that the shells are much more depressed than in southern specimens, approaching in this respect H. hispida, which it replaces in Northern Scotland. Pupa cylindracea. Abundant on walls and headstones in ruined churchyard of Chriosd, Torran Road, Broadford ; not common on walls near coast north of Broadford, and on walls by roadside to Torran ; common in boggy ground on coast north of Creag Mhor, and among ruins of old church near Bealach Cumhang. Var. semprotrii occurred in the last- named locality. Pupa anglica. Common in boggy ground in plantation of hazel on Portree Road, Broadford ; fairly so on Great Hairy Wood- rush in ravine Lon Chaorach, Glen Varragill ; scarce and immature on boggy ground north of Sgeir Mhor. Vertigo substriata. Scarce. On Great Hairy Woodrush in ravine Lon Chaorach, Glen Varragill ; also amongst the same plant, moss, etc., on cliffs near the coast north of Broadford. Sphyradium edentulum. Fairly common on Great Hairy Woodrush in Lon Chaorach ravine, Glen Varragill; and common in boggy ground in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford. Balea perversa. Very common on walls near the coast north of Broadford to Rudh'an Eireannaich ; scarce on walls by the roadside to Torran from Broadford; not common on walls and on ruins of old church near Bealach Cumhang. Clausilia bidentata. Common. On walls, and on ruins of old church near Bealach Cumhang ; on walls and headstones in churchyard of Cill Chriosd, Torran Road, Broadford; on walls on roadside to Torran ; and amongst ruins of old cottage on coast north of Broadford. Cochlicopa lubrica. Scarce. Ruins of old church near Bealach Cumhang ; foot of walls by roadside to Torran from Broad- ford; and among ruins of old cottage near coast north of Broadford. Var. lubricoides in the last-named station. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 13 Carychium minimum. Common. Boggy ground on coast north of Creag Mhor ; Lon Chaorach ravine, Varragill Glen ; moist places in hazel coppice on Portree Road, Broadford ; and on front of cliffs near the coast north of Broadford. Limncea truncatula. Scarce. Boggy ground between Portree and Sgeir Mhor, and in ravine Lon Chaorach, Varragill Glen ; wet places at Broadford, on Portree Road ; and ditches on margin of Loch Cill Chriosd, on road to Torran. Limncea peregra. Scarce. Boggy ground between Portree and Sgeir Mhor ; wet places on the Portree Road, Broadford ; very scarce in ditches on margin of Loch Cill Chriosd, Torran Road, Broadford. Ancylus fiuviatilis. In a stream (A'an Inbhire) flowing into Loch Cill Chriosd, on the road to Torran, Broadford, very scarce, the bed of the stream having been recently disturbed by floods. Pisidium fontinak. Common in boggy ground between Portree and Creag Mhor; fairly common in boggy ground on the Portree Road, Broadford ; ditch on margin of Loch Cill Chriosd, on road to Torran, not common. Pisidium pusillum. With the last in all its stations, and equally common. Pisidium milium. Ditch on margin of Cill Chriosd, on road to Torran, Broadford ; not common. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS, WITH NOTES ON OTHER SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE NEIGHBOURING AREAS. By Colonel J. W. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. {Continued from page 275, December 191 2 ) 185. CI. (IT.) fontinalis, Hal., Loch Assynt, 9th and 12th June 191 1 ; Lochinver, 21st June 191 1; Golspie, 15th June 1904; Tongue, 18th June 1884 (Verrall). 186. CI. (Wiedemannia) rhyncops, Kow., Loch Assynt, 10th aa^ nth June and 21st July 191 1 ; Golspie, 22nd June 106$) '- > 14 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 187. Hemerodromia precatoria, Fall., Lochinver, 7th and nth July 191 1 ; Loch Assynt, 2nd, 3rd, nth, and 18th June 1911; The Mound, 20th June 1904. 188. H. melanocephala, Hal., Loch Assynt, iSth June and 19th July 1911; Golspie, 10th June 1904. 189. H. stigmatica?, Schin., Lochinver, 10th July 191 1. 190. H. oratorio,, Fall., Lochinver, 1st, 7th, and nth July 1911; Loch Assynt, 19th July 191 1. 191. H. sp. inc., Loch Assynt, 7th, nth, and 17th June 191 1. 192. H. sp. inc., Lochinver, 1st, 7th, and nth July 191 1. Mr Collin informs me that he finds good structural characters in the genitalia of this group. These characters will probably necessitate an entire remodelling of the genus. 193. Ardoptera guttata, Hal., $, Loch Assynt, 9th June 191 1. 194. Gloma ossicula, Becker (=/uscipennis, Mg.), Loch Assynt, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 9th June, and 19th July 1911. Not uncommon in long grass under Birch trees in damp, marshy ground. All the specimens taken were males, and were obtained by sweeping, but as no females were captured a careful search was made all round for this sex, but without success ; twice my hopes were raised high only to be shattered, as the specimens proved to be two $ $ of O. glabricula. I am indebted to Mr Grimshaw for the identi- fication of these specimens; like him I am doubtful of the validity of Becker's species, and this doubt seems to be shared by Mr Collin. 195. Lepidomyia melanocephala, F., Loch Assynt, 19th July 191 1; Lochinver, 21st and 23rd June, and 1st, 4th, 9th, and 13th Julyi9ii; Tongue, 18th June 1884 (Verrall). It does not appear clear why the high priests of the fetish Priority ignore the genus Chelipoda of Macq., but as the generic name Lepidomyia seems to be in general use, I am quite willing to accept it. 196. Tachypeza nubila, Mg., Loch Assynt, 2nd and 5th June 191 1; Lochinver, 26th June 1911; Golspie, 18th June 1904. 197. Tachista arrogans, L, Loch Assynt, 18th and 21st July 191 1. 198. T. connexa, Mg., $ , Loch Assynt, 18th June 191 1. 199. T. annulimana, Mg., Loch Assynt, 18th June and 18th and 21st July 1911 ; Lochinver, 27th and 28th June 1911. 200. Chersodromia hirta, Wlk., Brora, 20th August 1899. Will probably occur on the seashore at Lochinver and elsewhere. 201. Tachydromia lutea, Fall., Golspie, 14th and 16th June 1904. 202. T. ciliaris, Fall., Lochinver, 4th and 13th July 191 1. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 15 203. T. pedoralis, Fall., <$ , Lochinver, 10th July 1911. 204. T. cursitans, F., Lochinver, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd June 191 1; Loch Maree, 6th June 1884 (Verrall). 205. T. sp. inc. (?near cursitans), Loch Assynt, 2nd June 191 1. 206. T. Jlavicomis, Mg., Loch Assynt, 17th June 191 1; Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1. 207. T. agitis, Mg., Loch Assynt, 1st and 7th June 191 1. 208. T. mi/utta, Mg., Loch Assynt, 1st, 7th, and 10th June, and 23rd July 191 1 ; Golspie, 10th June 1904. 209. T. nigritarsis, Fall., Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 1; Golspie, 13th June 1904. 210. T. notata, Mg. ( = ?/ 'asripes, Mg.), Loch Assynt, 17th June 1911. 211. T. cakeata, Mg., Loch Assynt, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th June 191 1. 212. T. bico/or, F., Loch Assynt, 20th July 1911. 213. T. fulvipes, Mg. (?), Loch Assynt, 12th June and 21st July 1911; Lochinver, 22nd June 1911. DOLICHOPODID^E. 214. Psilopus platypterus, F., Golspie, 23rd July and 9th August 1900. 215. Dolichopus atratits, Mg., Loch Assynt, 12th and 16th June 1911; Lochinver, 21st June 1911. 216. D. picipes, Mg., Inveran, nth July 1886 (Verrall). 217. D. pla/iitarsis, Fall., Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1. 218. D. a tripes, Mg., Loch Assynt, iSth June 191 1; Lochinver, nth July 191 1. 219. D. vitripennis, Mg., Lochinver, 24th June and 3rd and 16th July 1911; The Mound, 20th June 1904; Golspie, 14th August 1900. 220. D. nubilus, Mg., <$ , Lochinver, 1st July 1911; Golspie, nth June 1904. 221. D. claviger, Stan., Golspie, 16th June 1904. 222. D. discifer, Stan., Loch Assynt, 5th June 191 1, 9th June 191 1 a pair in cot tit ; Lochinver, 22 nd June 191 1; Lairg (Verrall); Inveran, nth July 1886 (Verrall); Golspie, 15th June 1904. 223. D. phtmipes, Scop., Tongue, 18th June 1884 (Verrall); Golspie, 14th August 1900, and nth June 1904. 224. D.pennatus, Mg., Loch Assynt, 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 8th June 191 1 ; Lochinver, 24th June 1911; The Mound, 24th June 1904; Golspie, 14th June 1904. 16 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 225. D. popularis, W., Loch Assynt, 2nd and nth June 191 1; Lochinver, 21st June 191 x\ Tongue (Verrall); Golspie, xoth June 1904; The Mound, 24th June 1904. 226. D. signatus, Mg., Lairg (Verrall). 227. D. urbanus, Mg., Lochinver, 20th, 21st, and 26th June 1911; Inveran (Verrall). 228. D. grisripennis, Stan., £ , Lochinver, 27th June 191 1. 229. D. simplex, Mg., Lochinver, many dates, 20th June to 13th July 191 1 ; Golspie, 16th June 1904; The Mound, 20th June 1904; Tongue, 12th June 1S84 (Verrall). 230. D. trivia/is, Hal., £ > Loch Assynt, 22nd July 191 1. 231. D. brevipentiis, Mg., Golspie, 8th June 1904. 232. D. unguhitus, L., Golspie, 22nd June 1904. 233. D. clavipes, Hal., Golspie, nth June 1904; The Mound, 17th June 1904. 234. Tachytrechus notatus, Stan., Lochinver, 21st, 24th, and 30th June, and 12th July 1911, very common; The Mound, 17th June 1904. 235. Hercostomns nigripennis, Fall., Lochinver, 2nd and 22nd June 1911. 236. Hypophyllus obscurelhts, Fall., Inveran (Verrall). 237. Gymnopternus cupretes, Fall., Golspie, 12th June 1904; The Mound, 24th June 1904. 2 38. G. (erosus, Fall., and var. dahlbomi, Golspie, 16th June 1904; The Mound, 8th August 1900, and 24th June 1904; Loch- inver, 20th and 27th June, and 7th, 9th, and 13th July 191 1 ; Loch Assynt, 5th June 191 1. 239. Chrysotus neglechis, W., $ , Lochinver, 22nd June 191 1. 240. C. cilipes, Mg., Lochinver, 1st and 13th July 1911; Loch Assynt, 19th July 191 1. 241. C. femoratus, Zett, Lochinver, 22nd June and 1st and 12th July 191 1 ; The Mound (Verrall). 242. C. ampHcornis, Zett., Lochinver, 1st July 191 1. 243. C. gramineus, Fall., Lochinver, 1st, 8th, nth, and 13th July 1911. 244. Diaphorus sp. inc., 9 , The Mound, 17th June 1904. 245. Argyra argentina, Mg., Lochinver, 27th June and 12th and 13th July 1911; Loch Assynt, 19th and 20th July 1911; Golspie, 1st and 6th August 1900. 246. A. leucocephala, Mg., Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1. 247. Leucostola vestifa, W., Loch Assynt, 20th, 21st, and 26th July 1 911; ?The Aird Ross (Verrall); fairly common at the yellow flowers of a Mountain Saxifrage. NOTES I7 248. Rhaphium longicorne, Fall., Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 1. 249. Porphyrops crassipes, Mg., £ and $ , Loch Assynt, 5th June 1911; The Mound, 17th June 1904; Golspie, 10th June #i9°4- 250. P. riparia, Mg., Tongue (Verrall). 251. Sytitormon zelleri, Lw., Loch Assynt, 17th and 18th June 1911; Lochinver, 21st and 30th June 1911; Inveran, 12th July 18S6 (Verrall); Golspie, 22nd June 1904. Not uncommon sitting on boulders in the bed of the Tarragill River at Inchnadamph, but almost impossible to catch either by striking or by sweeping when in this situation, while if an attempt be made to put a tube over the insect, I know no fly more alive to the psychological moment at which to move off; however, the mickle made the muckle, and I gleaned fourteen specimens in all. {To be continued.) NOTES. Male Pied Flycatcher at a last year's nesting site. — I recorded in this magazine at the time, how a pair of Pied Flycatchers {Muscicapa atricapilld) had nested in East Lothian in May 191 1. Anxious to see if they would return to the same site, I visited the spot on 2nd May 1912, and to my surprise found the male already there — though judging by the fragmentary nature of his "song," I should say that he had very lately arrived. He was so tame that I risked setting up my camera, and I got two photographs of him as he perched on the edge of the nesting-hole, into which he thrice brought nesting material while I watched. But no female was to be seen, though I waited more than three hours. Before I left, I lowered an electric bulb into the cavity and saw that a fair beginning had been made with nest-building. (I removed all the old nest in 191 1 after the young had flown.) I returned on 10th May and found the male still alone. The nest had not been added to since my previous visit. I revisited the spot on 13th May and found the male in full song, and very anxiously driving away a pair of Blue Tits which often approached his nesting-hole ; while the sight of a Squirrel in 13 c 18 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST the tree gave the faithful bird evident anxiety. On 22nd May and 23rd May I found the little watcher still vigilant and still alone — but he had done no more nest-building. He spent most of the time perched on a high dead branch, calling incessantly, making occasional excursions to catch a fly. On 29th May I paid my last visit to him (I was going abroad the next week), and found that his song had become weaker and hoarser, but still he called for his mate, who never came. During the four weeks through which I watched him, I never saw him go as far as 100 yards away from his nesting-tree. Sometimes when I could not get him to come within range of my camera I used to climb the tree and then retire, when he would be pretty sure to come to his nest within five minutes. His mate had doubtless perished during migration, and no other female of his species was in the neighbourhood. On my return heme I visited the locality again on 24th June, but I saw no sign of any Pied Flycatcher, nor was the nest finished. — H. N. Bonar, Saltoun. Interesting variety of the Starling. — Mr Harry Duncan, of Glasgow, has presented to the Royal Scottish Museum a singularly pretty variety of the Starling. In general coloration it is light silvery grey, a little darker on the crown, mantle, and flanks, and having silvery white spots to the tips of the feathers of the nape, back, scapulars, breast, and flanks. The feathers of the lower back, wings, tail, and under tail-coverts are margined with silvery white. The bird is a male, and was captured at Gartshore, Dumbartonshire, on 1 2th September last.— Wm. Eagle Clarke, Edinburgh. Hoopoe in Forfarshire. — On 3rd or 4th September a Hoopoe {Up up a epops) was killed (shot?) at Newbarns, in Lunan Bay, Forfarshire. It was sent to my brother, Dr W. J. Dewar, Arbroath, who in turn sent it to Dundee. to be skinned. I have not yet heard the sex. — Thomas F. Dewar, Edinburgh. A Cuckoo incident. — The following incident, which occurred on the farm of Craigmailing, in the Parish of Linlithgow, may be of interest to readers of the Scottish Naturalist. On the morning of 26th June last I noticed a Cuckoo {Cuculus canorus) flying very fast, when all of a sudden it swooped to the ground. It remained there for a few seconds and then rose, being pursued by two Titlarks (Meadow-pipits), who were immediately joined by other two of their kind, who assisted in driving off the intruder to a distance of about 300 yards, when they all returned to the vicinity of the nest. Going forward to the spot, I found the hen NOTES i9 Titlark sitting on the nest in a trembling, excited state. She sat until I almost touched her with my finger. She then fluttered off, and I found the nest contained only one egg. Having an idea that the Cuckoo would return, I kept a watch, and in about fifteen minutes she again came, flying fast, and alighted close to the nest. I crawled forward and found the two Titlarks busily engaged fighting the Cuckoo, who was trying her utmost to get to the nest. They fought with great determination, and again succeeded in driving their enemy away. When they were chasing the Cuckoo through the air they were assisted by their former allies. Seeing the Titlark's safe return to her nest, I watched for a considerable time, but the Cuckoo did not come back. I visited the nest daily up to, and including 3rd July, and on each occasion the Titlark was sitting on her one egg. On my next visit, the 7th July, the egg had disappeared and had been replaced by the Cuckoo's. Unfortunately the Pipit had now forsaken the nest. — John Pagan, North Mains, Bathgate. The Hobby in Midlothian.— On 14th October (191 2) a Hobby (Falco subbuteo) was picked up dead outside a wired-in poultry-run at Goshen, near Musselburgh, and handed to me by Mrs Alexander Lauder. I think it was probably killed by flying after a small bird, and striking the wire netting. I took it to be a young male. — Richard Tomlinson, Inveresk. Scottish Heronries. — Two notes in your September number ^seem to call for brief remarks:— (1) Mr Donald MacDonald's information (p. 211) is welcome as showing the continued exiguous nesting of the Heron {Ardea ci/ierca) in the Lewis, but the first published report from the west side is by Mr Norman B. Kinnear, in the Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., January and April 1907, pp. 17 and 81. The two reports coincide in naming 1902 as the year of the first nest; (2) Mr H. W. Robinson (p. 214) will find six Orkney localities mentioned in my first list (I.e., 1908, p. 220), These are on the authority of Messrs Harvie-Brown and Buckley's Fauna of the Orkney Islands (1891), and it would be interesting now to have names of further places and to know that an increase in the number of nesting birds has actually occurred. May I say that I have material in hand for a further supple- mentary report on Scottish heronries, and any information from your readers would be appreciated and fully acknowledged.— Hugh Bovd Watt, London, 20 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Grey Lag-Goose in East Lothian. — On 8th November 191 2 an immature female of the Grey Lag-Goose (Anser cinereus) was obtained at Aberlady Bay, East Lothian. The bird was alone. Its weight was 5] lbs. — Oliver H. Wild, Edinburgh. Gadwall in Caithness. — Three Gadwalls {Anas strepera), a fine drake and two ducks, were shot on 7th November 191 2, by Mr Gilfrid W. Hartley's party at Stirkoke, near Wick. This constitutes, I believe, a first record for Caithness. The keepers, who are well acquainted with the local wildfowl, did not know the birds. — Chas. H. Alston, Letterawe, Loch Awe. The Pochard in East Stirling in the breeding season. — In June last I watched for some time an adult male Pochard (Fuligi/la ferind) on Carron Dam, near Larbert, East Stirlingshire. From his behaviour I formed the opinion that in all probability he had a mate on her nest among the reeds or other tall aquatic plants which grow in dense beds in the part of the dam to which he confined himself. Tufted Ducks, which for a number of years have been known to nest there, were also present. In "Forth," the Pochard is known to breed sparingly in the northern division of the area, but I am not aware of any record of its having bred in the southern division. — William Evans, Edinburgh. Sandwich Tern nesting in Clyde Area. — Early in June this year, a friend brought me an egg for identification. The egg was unblown, and was picked up by him in a " ternery " in the Clyde estuary. I concluded at once that the egg was that of the Sandwich Tern {Sterna cantiaca), in which opinion Mr Charles Kirk concurred. On 24th June I visited the ternery along with my friend. A careful search did not reveal any further nest, but five Sandwich Terns were observed flying around among the Common Terns. It must be close on thirty years since it was known to nest in " Clyde." — T. Thornton MacKeith, Kilmacolm. Herring Gull eating Redwing. — On 29th October 1912, I saw a Herring Gull {Lari/s argentatus) hovering about the dome of the lighthouse here, and then heard a scramble as if a bird had lighted on it. On looking up, there was the Gull flying away with a dead Redwing in its beak. It flew to a rock some little way off, laid the Redwing down, pecked it twice, then lifted it up and swallowed it bodily. — Sim Baigrie, Isle of May. NOTES 2I Rare Pishes in the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. The following paragraphs (sent us by Mr Chas. Kirk) from the Glasgow Herald oi ioth May and 12th June respectively may be of interest to readers of the Scottish Naturalist : — "Through the kindness of Messrs Sawers (Limited) another valuable addition to the British fish collection at Kelvingrove Museum was made yesterday. The specimen is a fine example of the deal fish, so called because of its thin form. In Iceland it is known as the vaagmaer. Its scientific name is Trachypterus arcticus. The fish, which was caught some 10 miles to the north- east of Rockall, in some 75 fathoms of water, has a geographical dis- tribution extending from Iceland to the Orkneys and shores of the British Isles. A remarkable feature of the fish is its long dorsal fin, which contains over 150 rays. The anal fin is absent, but the pectoral, ventral, and caudal fins are represented. The caudal fin is elevated above the central axis of the body, and on its inferior edge there is a short spine with three or four smaller ones behind it. The lateral line, which is almost straight, consists of a row of oval bony plates, which increase in size towards the tail. The fish has a silvery colour on the body, the dorsal and caudal fins being orange- red. They move something like a flat fish, with one side turned obliquely upwards, the other being towards the ground. In Iceland these fishes are considered to be venomous, but in Orkney they are occasionally used as food by the natives. The specimen is now being prepared, and when finished it will be shown in the Museum." (The specimen was a male.) "The recent valuable additions to the British fish collection at Kelvingrove Museum made by Messrs Sawers (Limited) has been further enriched by a specimen of Alepocepliahts Bairdii, a fish, so far as we are at present aware, new to British waters. . . . Alepocephalus Bairdii measures 35 in. in length by 6 in. in depth. It is a deep-sea fish, and has a structure similar to the herring and salmon. It has no adipose dorsal fin, and the rayed dorsal fin is situated far back on the body and opposite to the anal fin. The body of the fish is covered with large scales of oblong triangular format the free ends, 65 of these lying along the position of the lateral line. The teeth are but feebly developed, the eye is large and the bones are thin. The colour is of a uniform indigo blue which extends into the inside of the mouth and the gill membranes. The fin and opercula are black. The type of this species was obtained off the Grand Banks at a depth of 200 fathoms. All the fishes of this class live in the deep sea and have an almost cosmo- 22 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST politan distribution, some of them having been taken at a depth of over 2000 fathoms. The Kelvingrove specimen was captured about four miles to the south of Rockall on a halibut line at a depth of 400 fathoms, just on the edge of the great submarine plateau which here slopes down into the depths of the Atlantic." Basking Shark in Shetland Waters. — The Sandwick fishing-boat " Wave Crest " landed a magnificent specimen of the Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) on 18th September, which had got entangled in her nets. The Shark was rolled up in ten herring- nets and 160 fathoms of bush rope, the nets being completely destroyed. The Shark measured 30 ft. in length and 16 ft. in girth, the liver filling sixteen herring-baskets, equal to 4 crans, the value being estimated at £$. — John S. Tulloch, Lerwick. BOOK NOTICES. The Home-Life of the Terns or Sea-Swallows, photographed and described by W. Bickerton, F.Z.S., etc. With'32 mounted plates. London : Witherby & Co. 6s. net. This, the latest addition to the Home-Life series, is second to none of its predecessors in interest and excellence. The Terns stand pre-eminent among our British birds for elegance of form and the delicacy and beauty of their plumage ; and thanks to Mr Bickerton's skill, the fine series of pictures of the birds in their nesting-haunts do them full justice. The letterpress is in keeping with the artistic aspects of the book, and the whole forms a very interesting and attractive volume. — G. E. G.-M. Peeps at Nature : VI. The Romance of the Rocks, by Rev. Charles A. Hall, F.R.M.S. London : Adam and Charles Black, 1912. Price rs. 6d. net. In a series of seven chapters, occupying some 86 pages, the author of this attractive little work gives a readable and instructive account of the main features of geological history. The coloured and photographic plates, of which there are no fewer than eight of each, are excellent, and emphasise in a striking manner the lessons imparted in the text. The coloured views of Glencoe and Staffa, reproduced from paintings by William Smith, are of special merit, and are alone worth the cost of the book. We can cordially recommend this little volume. GLEANINGS 23 GLEANINGS. We regret to notice the death, on 20th November last, of William FORSELL Kirby, F.L.S., F.E.S., the well-known entomologist and authority on Orthoptera. During the thirty years in which he served on the staff of the Natural History Museum at South Kensington, Mr Kirby produced several useful catalogues and other works, and his Catalogue of Diurnal Lepidoptera, published during his connection with the Museum of the Royal Dublin Society, is still the standard work of its kind. By the death of PETER CAMERON, of Newmills, Derbyshire, which occurred on 1st December, Scotland loses one of its foremost workers in Entomology. Devoting himself mainly to the study of the more obscure and difficult groups of the Hymenoptera, Mr Cameron published a long series of important and useful memoirs. His chef cfceuvre was the Monograph of the British Phytophagous Hymenoptera, extending to four volumes, and published by the Ray Society between the years 1882 and 1892. Latterly he paid much attention to exotic forms, describing many new species from the Oriental region and elsewhere. One of the last papers written by him was that entitled " On some Scottish Species of Mymaridce? which appeared in our issue of June last (pp. 132-133). Harry Holmes records {Pield,2^rd Nov. 1912, p. 1071) the occurrence of a Waxwing {Ampelis garrulus) at Stornoway on 12th Nov. A strong north gale was blowing, with hail showers. In the Field for 16th Nov. (p. 1015) "Scotus " records the occurrence of the Great Snipe {Gallinago major) at Tyninghame, in Haddington- shire. The bird was seen on 26th October sheltering under the bank from the sea breeze. In the Zoologist for November (pp. 401-416) J. A. Harvie-Brown con- cludes his paper on " The Fulmar : its past and present distribution, etc." In this instalment we have an account of the general dispersal of the species, and a history of its occurrence in the Faroes. Two collotype plates, representing the Holm of Mygganaes, and Mygganaes, in the Faroes, respectively, embellish the paper. Russell E. James publishes in the Entomologist 's Record for November (pp. 253-259) a paper entitled " Supplementary Notes from Braemar." A visit was paid to Deeside from 29th June to 17th July, mainly in search of Anthrocera exulans. Of this interesting species over seventy specimens were taken, while of Parasemia (Nemophila) plantaginis, var. hospita, thirty-nine were taken, and " rather more " of the typical form. We are tempted to ask why collectors will persist in capturing such large numbers of rare insects. Surely a dozen of each would have been 24 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST sufficient ! Notes are giveru of many other species, showing their relative abundance or the reverse. At a meeting of the South London Entomological and Natural History Society held on 22nd August last, Mr Newman exhibited a long series of Pachnobia hyperborea from Rannoch, showing much variation, also a short uniform series of the same moth from Shetland, and a few Crymodes exulis, also from Shetland (see Entomologist, December 1912, p. 347). In the Entomologist for December (p. 343) C. Mellows records the capture of a worn female specimen of the Moth Agrotis {Pachnobia) hyfier- borea on a spur of Schiehallion, in Perthshire. The insect was taken on 5th August, and on the same day a few fresh females of the Fritillary Argynnis aglaia were seen on the wing within two or three hundred feet of the "crowberry line" on the same mountain. In a paper entitled "A Note on certain British species of the Cole- opterous genus Lathrobium, Grav." {Entomologists Record, November 1912, pp. 259-260), W. E. Sharp records the occurrence of L. quadratum, Payk., as far north as Glasgow ; L. terminatum, Grav., as far north as Inverness-shire, and its variety atripalpe, Scriba, from many localities in Scotland ; also L. punctatum, Zett., from Ben Lomond, and other Scottish localities (not specified). As a result of a collecting cruise in Hebridean Seas, Prof. W. A. Herdman exhibited at a December meeting of the Linnean Society specimens of the giant Sea Pen {Funiculina quadrangularis), and of the Tunicates Doliolum tritonis and Diazona violacea { = Syntethys hebridicus, Forbes and Goodsir). Two new flat-worm parasites (Trematodes) have been described by William Nicoll, from food-fishes-r-the Horse Mackerel and Sea Bream — obtained in Aberdeen fish market {Parasitology, vol. v., 28th September 1912). Miss D. L. Mackinnon describes {Parasitology, vol. v., 28th September 1912) two forms of Rhizopods and six species of Flagellates from the larva of a Crane-fly {Tipula) obtained in Aberdeenshire, a large addition to the previously known Protozoan parasites of the larva. {Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) jE^ i ■^.©',%- V\ LIBRARY The Scottish Naturalist No. 14.] 1913 [February NOTES ON MIGRATORY BIRDS OBSERVED AT FAIR ISLE DURING THE YEAR 1912. By The Duchess of Bedford and Wm, Eagle Clarke. {Concluded from page 8.) Autumn. The autumn movements were fully up to the standard of former years, and were often of a very pronounced nature. The observations made relate to the passage and appearance of 112 species of migratory birds, while the records present features of special interest, in addition to the visits of the rare species already mentioned. Thus the passage southwards of birds which had spent the summer in Northern Europe set in at an exceptionally early period, and records were, we believe, established for earliest autumn appearances of several species in the British Isles. Then, certain of the bird-voyagers were observed in unusual numbers. While, on the other hand, several which had occurred annually in somewhat small numbers in previous years were, for reasons not to be explained, absent or escaped detection ; though others belonging to the same category appeared in due course. Among the rarer visitors, several are of outstanding interest. In the following monthly summaries it is only possible, owing to the exceptionally voluminous nature of the 14 D 26 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST data, to indicate the times of the first appearance of the various migrants, and the dates of the occurrence of the more interesting species. August. — Throughout the month the volume of migration was considerably in excess of that of preceding seasons, and was probably due to continental climatic influences. On the ist of the month a Green Sandpiper appeared ; on the 3rd, several Turnstones; on the 5th, no less than 20 Green Sandpipers were seen, also 6 Greenshanks, many Common Sandpipers, and an Icterine Warbler, the last being a month earlier than any previous record for this bird's appearance in autumn in the British Isles. On the 7th, a Garden Warbler (earliest record for passage known to us), also Knots and more Green Sandpipers, Greenshanks, and Common Sandpipers; on the 8th, Temminck's Stint and Willow- warbler (early) ; on the 9th, White Wagtails (earliest date for passage) and several Willow-warblers; on the 10th, an Icterine Warbler and a number of Sanderlings; on the 13th, a Purple Sandpiper; on the 19th, several Whinchats (earliest record), and a Long-eared Owl (also earliest) ; on the 20th, a Wood Sandpiper ; on the 2 1 st, 2 Curlew Sandpipers (new to the avifauna of the island), and two more Icterine Warblers; on the 22nd, 2 Wrynecks (early), a Barred Warbler, and an early migrant Kestrel ; on the 24th, a Red-backed Shrike, a Lesser Whitethroat, and a Pintail ; on the 29th, Common Whitethroats (early); and on the 30th, a Pied Flycatcher. There were few White Wagtails after August, which is a departure from what has happened in other seasons, when September has been the main month for their passage. September. — Until the 20th, when the wind passed from north and west to south and east, little migration was observed. On the 2nd, the first Redstarts appeared, and were followed by Snow- buntings and Wigeon on the 7th. On the 14th, Greater Wheatears and Lapland Buntings were seen; on the 19th, the Jack Snipe; on the 20th, a Scarlet Grosbeak and a Barred Warbler; on the 21st, a Great Snipe, Redwings, Blackcaps, and Brent Goose; on the 22nd, a Turtle Dove; on the 24th, Blyth's Reed-warbler, Siskins, Slavonian Grebe, Greater Wheatears (many), Bramblings, and Hedge Accentors; on the 26th, Chaffinches, Grey-headed Wagtail, Fieldfares (2), and Song -thrushes; on the 27th, a Spotted Flycatcher; on the 28th, Tree-pipits, Ring-ouzels, Gold- crests, Redbreasts, Ring Doves, Little Bunting, Black Chat, and Barred Warbler; on the 29th, Chiff-chaff, Blackbirds, and Grey- r NOTES ON MIGRATORY BIRDS 27 headed Wagtail ; on the 30th, Reed-buntings, Woodcock, a Blyth's Reed-warbler, and the Black Chat. October. — The movements during October were frequently of great magnitude. From the 12th to the end of the month there were remarkable rushes, during favouring weather conditions, of migrants. During this period the island was invaded by thousands of Starlings, Fieldfares, Redwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds • considerable numbers of Woodcock, Snipe, Bramblings, Snow- buntings; and a lot of Duck, Wild Geese (Grey Lag and White- fronted), Ring-ouzels, Redbreasts, Reed-buntings, Short-eared Owls, Glaucous Gulls, etc. On the 1st, another Blyth's Reed-warbler Water-rail, and Chiff-chaff; on the 2nd, Richard's Pipit; on the 4th, Goldeneyes (8) ; on the 5th, Long-tailed Ducks ; on the 7th, Waterhen and Tufted Duck ; on the 9th, a Wood Lark ; on the nth, Glaucous Gull; on the 14th, a Jackdaw and Short-eared Owls; on the 17th, a Shore Lark; on the 19th, a Rook; on the 24th, Yellow Buntings and Iceland Gull; on the 26th, a Pochard; on the 29th, a female Northern Bullfinch. November. — No marked movements are chronicled for November. On the 4th, a Great Northern Diver (the second Fair Isle record) ; on the 6th, a female Blackcap (the latest date for the island) ; on the 29th, the first Little Auk for the season was observed. The species remarkable for the numbers in which they appeared are the following. The Blackcap, which was observed from 21st September to 6th November, and was exceptionally abundant in the crofts from 28th September to 2nd October, when many were seen in search of insects on the refuse at high-water mark. Seventy Green Sandpipers were observed between 1st and 26th August; very few having been seen in any season of previous years. Common Sandpipers, Greenshanks, Sanderlings, Goldeneyes, were also more numerous than usual. Among the species which have usually been observed in previous autumns, and were either absentees or escaped notice, are the Red-spotted Bluethroat, the Yellow-browed Warbler, and the Siberian Chiff-chaff. The Mistle - thrush, Goldcrest, Tree-pipit, Red-backed Shrike, Redstart, Kestrel, and a few others were not nearly so well represented in the autumn of 191 2 as in past years. The following are the Rarer Visitors observed during the year :— Black Chat.— An adult male of this South-western European species was present on the island from 28th to 30th September. It was several times distinctly seen, but always kept just beyond 28 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST gun-range. In addition , to being extremely wary, it frequented ground where cover was entirely absent. This is the second known instance of the bird's occurrence in the British Isles ; the first, a pair, having been obtained in Sussex in the autumn of 1909. Blyth's Reed-warbler. — The finding of four, perhaps five, examples of this extremely rare British bird was the premier ornithological event in Scottish ornithology for the year. No doubt more examples were present, for all those which came under notice were found in cover, where they were only discovered by diligent and systematic searching of the patches of potatoes and the long coarse grass. They all occurred during our visit to the island, and all but one came under our personal notice. They are plain little birds and might easily be overlooked, and were, moreover, skulking in their habits. The dates of their occurrence were 24th, 26th, 29th, and 30th September, and 1st October. Acrocephalus ditmetorum is a summer visitor to Russia and eastwards to Central Asia, and winters in India and Ceylon. It was first recorded as British from a Fair Isle specimen obtained in the autumn of 19 10. Icterine Warbler. — Examples of this tree-warbler occurred on 5th, 10th, 21st (2), and 22nd August. All these dates are earlier for this bird's appearance in Britain than any other autumn records known to us. They are also the only known autumn visits to Fair Isle. Scarlet Grosbeak. — A young female occurred on 20th September, and another young bird was found on the 28th. There are three, perhaps four, previous records of this bird's visits to the island ; all in the autumn. Northern Bullfinch. — A female occurred on 29th October. The previous visits to the island known to us were for the autumns of 1906 and 1910, when it appeared in some numbers. Richard's Pipit. — One was observed on the high ground on 2nd October. There are at least six previous records of the visits of this species, but for the autumn only. Temminck's Stint. — During the vernal passage, three of these birds — the first for spring — were observed on 8th, 14th, and 15th June, different birds on each occasion. One which appeared on 8th August is the second known autumn occurrence. Among the other uncommon birds were : — Little Bunting, 10 observed between 28th September and nth October. Ortolan Bunting, i seen on 18th May, and several on 1st October. Lapland Bunting, 13 came under notice between 14th September and 22nd October. Wood Lark, i on 9th October. Shore Lark, t on 17th October. Grey-headed ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 29 Wagtail, 3, namely, single birds on 26th and 29th September and on 1st October. Barred Warbler, 6 observed between 22nd August and 28th September. Black Redstart, i on 25th April. Red-spotted Bluethroat, i on 10th May. Hoopoe, i on 9th May. Great Snipe, i in standing corn on 21st September. Wood Sandpiper, 13th May and 21st and 22nd August, 1 each day. ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY: FIRST INTERIM REPORT (1909-12). By A. Landsborough Thomson, M.A., M.B.O.U. {Continued from page 248, November 1912.) House Sparrow {continued'). Case 41, male, ring A.U. 9327 : — 30/// May 1910: caught in trap, marked, and released at Braehead, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) [gfk June 1910.]1 Case 42, male, ring A.U. 7646 : — \0tl1 June 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at Braehead, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) [13//' June 1910.] Case 43, female, ring A.U. 9366 : — 28/// May 1910 : caught in trap, marked, and released, at Braehead, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) [13/// June 1910.] Case 49, male, ring A.U. 7528 : — 16th Feb. 191 o: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [14/// March 19 10.] Case 50, female, ring A.U. 7513 : — \\th Feb. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [14th March 1910.] 1 A date in square parentheses indicates that the bird was then recaught by marker in same place and released. 30 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 51, ring A.U. 7606 : — nth March 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [15M March 1910.] Case 63, female, ring A.U. 7154: — 26th Feb. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at Myres Castle, Auchtermuchty, Fifeshire, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) [29/// June 19 10.] Case 99, female, ring A.U. 7663 : — 19/// April 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [4/// Nov. 1910.] Case 100, female, ring A.U. 7667 : — 20th April 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [4th Nov. 1 9 10.] Case 179, male, ring A.U. 834H : — 22nd Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [6th March 191 1.] Case 180, male, ring A.U. 860H : — 22nd Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [6th March 1911.] Case 223, ring A.U. 79H :— 26th Dec. 1 910 : caught in net, marked, and released at Seton Lodge, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) 27M May 19 11: found dead in a garden at North Berwick. (Mr J. Baird.) Case 228, ring A.U. 919H : — i^th June 191 1 : caught in trap, marked, and released at Seton Lodge, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) 1st July 1911 (about): caught at Bonnington Farm, North Berwick. {Scotsman, 18 vii. 1911.) Case 258, male, ring A.U. 7189: — 25M Feb, 1910: caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [16/// Aug. 1911-] ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 31 Case 327, male, ring A.U. 118B : — 2-^rd Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [$rd Feb. 1912.] Case 330, female, ring A.U. 7670 : — loth April 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [26/h Jan. 1 91 2.] Case 340, ring A.U. 795H :— 24M Sept. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) 4th April 191 2 : found dead ("had been dead some time") at Albert Saw-mills, Aberdeen. (Mr B. Ross.) Case 341, male, ring A.U. 6583 : — ijt/i Feb. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \^th April 191 2 : found in a dying condition at the Chancelot Mills, Edinburgh. (Messrs W. Anderson and W. M'Donald.) Case 351, male, ring A.U. 333H :- \6th Aug. 1 911: caught in net as a young bird, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [njl/i March 19 12.] Great Titmouse (Paries major, L.). Case 109, ring A.U. 9725 : — 10th May 1 9 10 : caught in trap, marked, and released at Ascog, Rothesay, Bute, Scotland. (Mr J. Clarke.) [5/// Bee. 1 9 10.] Case 136, ring A.U. 108H :- 10th Feb. 1 911: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) \_\2tI1 Feb. 1911.] Case 166, ring A.U. 7176 : — 227id Feb. 1 9 10: caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [14H1 Feb. 1911.] 4th July 191 1 : found dead at same place. (Marker.) Case 203, ring A.U. 6349 :— 1th March 1911: caught, marked, and released at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 18th May 191 1 : found dead at same place. (Marker.) 32 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 264, ring A.U. 719H : — 22nd March 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [30/^ Sept. and 19/^ Nov. 191 1.] Case 286, ring A.U. 20H : — 4th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) \_\\th Nov. 1911.] Case 287, ring A.U. 21H : — 4th Feb. 1 911: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [21st Nov. 1911-] Case 288, ring A.U 716H :- 18 t/i March 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [igtn Nov. 1911.] Case 291, ring A.U. 7019: — 29/// Jan. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [19/^ Dec. 1911.] Case 293, ring A.U. 352 M :— 31JY Oct. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [8th Nov. 191 1.] Case 295, ring A.U. 355M:— 6th Nov. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released, at Old Aberdeen. (Mr. A. G. Davidson.) [njth and 22nd Nov., 7th Dec. 1911; 13/^ Jan. 1912.] Case 298, ring A.U. 116F: — ltjth Nov, 1 911: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [31st Dec. 1911.] Case 306, ring A.U. 638S : — 6th June 191 1 : marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 4th Feb. 191 2 : caught in crow trap(!) at Affloch, .Skene, Dunecht. (Mr J. Valentine, through Mr H. D. Welsh.) Cvse 316, ring A.U. 134F: — 26th Dec. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [$thjan. 191 2.] Case 317, ring A.U. 124F : — 26th Nov. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [28th Jan. 1912.] ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 33 Case 319, ring A.U. 82 2 H : — 28/// Jan. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [30//^ Jan. and $ta Feb. 1912.] Case 329, ring A.U. 7121 :— ird March 1910: caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \26th Jan. 1912.] Case 346, ring A.U. 278H :— loth Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) is t June 1 91 2 : caught at 12 Inverleith Gardens, Edinburgh: kept in aviary, and liberated on 8th June. (Mr J. Dobbie.) Note. — Most of the birds in the above cases might belong either to the British race {Parus major newtoni, Prazak) or to the continental winter immigrant race {Parus major major, L.) of the species ; but the bird in case 306, being definitely known to be British born, and those in cases 109, 166, 203, and 346 being recorded in the British Isles in summer, may be presumed to belong to the former race. Coal Titmouse {Parus ater, L.). Case 281, ring A.U. 6334 : — ijth Jan. 191 1 : caught in trap, marked, and released at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) [9/// March and *jth Dec. 191 1.] Blue Titmouse {Parus cceruleus, E.). Case 9, ring A.U. 7042 : — nth Jan. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr L. N. G. Ramsay.) 23rd March 1 9 10: found dead ("had been dead a week or two ") at same place. (Marker.) Case 24, ring A.U. 7677 : — 2 1 st March 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [15//-! April 1910.] Case 119, ring A.ET. 7368: — loth Jan. 191 1 : caught in trap, marked, and released, at Old Aberdeen. (Mr L. N. G. Ramsay.) [list Jan. 1911.] Case 134, ring A.U. 15H :- 1st Pel?. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [2nd and 19th Feb., \$th Oct. 1911.] 14 E 34 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 137, ring A.U. 25H: — $th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [17th Feb., 8th and 29//Z Oct. 191 1.] Case 138, ring A.U. 18H :— 3rd Feb. 191 1: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [gth and igth Feb., 20th March, 6th and 22nd Oct. 191 1.] Case 139, ring A.U. 702H ; — 17th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [igth Feb. 191 1.] Case 140, ring A.U. 22H : — 5/// Feb. 1 911: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) gth and igt/i Feb., 2ix/and 25M Nov. 191 1 ; \8th Feb. 1912.] Case 141, ring A.U. 703H : — 17th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [igth Feb. 191 1.] Case 142, ring A.U. 7033: — ■ 13th Jan. 191 1 : caught in trap, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [igth Feb. 191 1.] Case 146, ring A.U. 24H ; — 5/// Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [7th Feb. 191 1.] Case 147, ring A.U. 104H: — $th Feb. 1 911: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [6th Feb., 1st April, and $th Nov. 191 1; 7th Jan. and 7th March 1912.] Case 148, ring A.U. 17H: — 2nd Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [St/i Feb. 191 1.] Case 149, ring A.U. 109H : — jth Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [gth Feb., 2nd and 23rd Nov. 191 1.] Case 150, ring A.U. 105H : — 7th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [gth Feb. 191 1.] ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 35 Case 151, ring A.U. 23H: — 5/// Feb. 1 911: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) \\2th Feb. 191 1 ; ^\st Jan. and 13/// Feb. 191 2.] Case 152, ring A.U. 19H : — 4th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [12th Feb. and 12th March 1911.] Case 157, ring A.U. 709H : — 2nd March 1911: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [$th March 191 1.] Case 158, ring A.U. 701H :— 12th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G Davidson.) \jth March 191 1.] Case 159, ring A.U. 705H : — 19th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [nth March 1911.] Case t6i, ring A.U. 7r4H: — n/// March 1911: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G Davidson.) [18/// March 1911.] Case 164, ring A.U. 856H :— 2ii-/ Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \\oth Feb. 1911.] Case 175, ring A.U. 498H : — 14th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [2nd and 16th March 1911; 2$rdjan. 1912.] Case 198, ring A.U. 103H : — 1th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G Davidson.) [21st March, jt/i April, and 28/// Nov. 19113 2nd Feb. 1912.] Case 266, ring A.U. 790H:— 4th Oct. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G Davidson.) [Sth Oct., $th and 26th Nov. 191 1 ; 6th, 22nd, 28 th and 29th /an. 1912, and 21st Feb. 1912.] (To be continued?) 36 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST TWO FLIES OF THE GENUS TACHYDROMIA NEW TO THE BRITISH LIST. By A. E. J. Carter. The genus Tachydromia is a rather difficult group to study, containing as it does a large number of species, some of which are not well differentiated — all being small and somewhat obscure insects. About 140 species are known from the Palaearctic region alone. The two species now brought forward were taken by my friend the Rev. James Waterston, some years ago. They are easily identified from Schiner {Fauna A/tstriaca), and agree in all respects with the careful descriptions given by Lundbeck (Diptera Danica, 19 10). Tachydromia annuities, Mg. A male of this species occurred at Aberlady on 7th June 1904. So far as I can ascertain the species is not common in Europe, though it is widely distributed, occurring, according to Lundbeck, from Southern Sweden down to Italy. I do not think it can be confused with any British member of the genus, as the leg characters are decisive. Basal joints of antennae yellow. Thorax yellow dusted ; abdomen shining black. The legs are yellow, with the fore coxa? and femora (except the apex of the latter) deep shining black, and the fore tarsi are conspicuously annulated with broad black rings, which on the middle joints occupy the whole of the apical half: the mid and hind legs have much smaller and lighter tarsal rings. Size about 3 mm. The female is not known with certainty. Tachydromia major, Zett. A female of this fine species was taken at Loch Tay on 2nd July 1904. It is about the largest species in the genus, and appears to be somewhat more common than the preceding, and with a wider distribution. The antenna? are entirely yellow, with the arista dark. Thorax grey dusted, showing two faint lines on the dorsum. Abdomen black, with grey side-bands on the front segments. Legs pale NOTES ON SOME RARE TITRIPS FROM SCOTLAND 37 yellow, with mid femora much thicker than the fore femora. Wings yellow tinged, with veins 3 and 4 distinctly converging. Size 5 mm. I do not know ecalceata, Zett, which also has quite yellow- antenna; and tarsi, but major appears to be abundantly distinct, by reason of its larger size and different wins-venation. NOTES ON SOME RARE THRIPS {THYSAN- OPTERA) FROM SCOTLAND. By Richard S. BAGNALL F.L.S., F.E.S., Hope Department of Zoology, University Museum, Oxford. SINCE the publication of Haliday's Epitome in 1832 no attention whatever has been given by British entomologists to the study of these small but important insects until very recently. Of the species diagnosed by Haliday we recognise thirty-seven, but, since I first took up the group a few years ago numerous discoveries have been made, and the British list now stands at eighty-two species falling into thirty-four genera. I possess a good deal of material from the Clyde and Forth areas of Scotland, and smaller collections from the neighbourhood of Dundee, of Aberdeen, and of Nethy Bridge. I trust that this material will be largely increased so that an account of the Scottish species may be attempted in the near future. Thrips are easily collected and preserved, and I should much like to correspond with collectors from all parts of the British Isles. The following species, are, in the meantime, worthy of note : — Sub-order Xerebrantia. Family Thripid.e. Amblvthrips erica, Bagnall.1 — -Though the genus and species was diagnosed from material collected at Ravenscar, in Yorkshire, in the autumn of 1910, I have in my possession an example from Colintraive, in the Kyles of Bute, taken in July 1907. 1 Journ. Econ. Biology, vi., 191 1. 38 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST This autumn (191 2), when its chief food-plant, Erica tetralix, was almost over, I found an adult specimen at Portlethen, near Aberdeen, and its larvae on Bavelaw Moss, near Edinburgh. Owing to its larval-like form, Aniblythrips eriae is difficult to find, but is evidently of wide distribution ; I have found it in many localities in Northumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire, in the New Forest, in the neighbourhood of Oxford, and at Blackgang Chine, in the Isle of Wight. Oxythrips parviceps, Uzel. — Is not uncommon in various heaths in the Clyde Area. I have also taken it commonly at Portlethen, near Aberdeen, and on Bavelaw Moss, Midlothian, where Mr W. Evans, who recorded it from the Forth Area some years ago,1 has also taken it. [Euthrips (Anaphothrips) orcliidaceus, Bagnall.2 — On hothouse orchids I have taken it in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens (Dec. 1908), and the Rev. J. Waterston has sent me a lot of material from various orchids, Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.] Aptinothrips nitidulus, Hal. — Island of Arran (1907); near Arrochar, at the head of Loch Long, July 1908; Ettrick Bay, near Rothesay, Bute, June 191 1 ; at the head of Loch Goil, June 1912. On maritime plants. Thrips juniperina (L.), Bagn. — I redescribed this form, which had been lost to Entomology for over a hundred years, in the Journal of Economic Biology (iv., 1909) from numerous specimens taken on Juniper in the forest round Nethy Bridge, and on the slopes of the Cairngorm, July 1908. Tli rips albopilosi/s, Uzel. — Rests as British on the strength of a J and two $ ? taken with T. juniperina at Nethy Bridge, July 1908. Sub-order Tubulifera. Tricho th rips pedicularii/s, Hal. — Taken by Mr Evans and myself from under Corticii/m, on an old Beech tree near Colinton, Midlothian, this autumn (19 12). Trichothrips propinqiius, Bagnall.3 — I have only recorded four specimens of this recently described species, all from the Derwent Valley, Co. Durham, and it was therefore particularly pleasing to me to find several in company with the T. pedicularius above recorded. It struck me, therefore, that Corticiutn might be its proper 1 Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc, xvii., p. 55, IQ09. 2 Ent. Mo. Mag., 2nd ser., xx., p. 33, 1509. 3 Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Northumberland, Durham, and Newcastle, N.S. iii., Dec. 1910. TWO RARE WOODLICE FROM THE FORTH ARIA 39 habitat, and I recently searched both Poly st ictus and Cortirium in Gibside, taking two more examples of propinquus, both from under Gorticium. Hoodia bagnalli, Karny.1 — Mr Evans has sent me examples of this large and fine species from under Elm leaves, Dalmeny Park, Linlithgowshire, July 1909. My original specimens were taken in Teesdale and Derwent Valley, Co. Durham, and I have recently received specimens collected by Eather Longinos Navas, in Spain. The species agrees very well with Uzel's description of Liothrips hradice/isis, under which name I first recorded it. Prof. Karny of Vienna, however, has had the opportunity of examining Prof. Uzel's unique example in the Vienna Museum, and shows that my specimens differ structurally in the form of the mouth, and in the presence of certain bristles. The importance of the chaetotaxy in the Thysan- optera was not realised when Uzel's work was written in 1895. RECORDS OF TWO RARE WOODLICE FROM THE FORTH AREA. By Richard S. Bagnall, F.L.S. As the following Woodlice are not only regarded as some- what rare (though I have found them to be widely distri- buted), but have not apparently been recorded from the Forth Area, I think their occurrence within that area worthy of note : — Trichoniscidte. Trichoniscus pygnueus, G. O. Sars.— Some years ago I met with a single example in the gardens behind Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. This autumn (191 2) Mr W. Evans and I found it in a quarry near Swanston, at the foot of the Pentlands, where it ultimately proved to be plentiful. We also took a few examples on Arthur Seat whilst collecting Scolopendrellidce. Mr Evans informs me he obtained it in 1907 at the Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. Haplophthalmus mengii, Zadd. — This sluggish form, which generally harmonises wonderfully with the stone to which it clings, is probably often overlooked. 1 Trans. Ent. Soc, London, 1912. 4o THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST This autumn I met with single examples at South Queensferry, and in the quarry at the foot of the Pentlands ; whilst, a few days later, Mr Evans and I found several examples on Arthur Seat, and a specimen in the woods near Colinton. I might add that 1 have also recently taken both species at St Fort, near Dundee. NOTES. Zoological nomenclature. — In response to a circular recently issued by the German Zoological Society, no less than 635 zoologists have voted against the application of the law of strict priority in nomenclature as propounded by the International Zoological Congress. Taken in conjunction with the similar vote by the Scandinavian zoologists, the vote given by the British Associa- tion last year, and the action of the Entomological Congress at Oxford, it unmistakably indicates that this law will not be followed by a great and important body of naturalists— the majority we believe. It is only natural that the old names which have dominated zoological literature will not lightly be set aside in favour of older names which have hitherto remained in a still-born state. The transference of names long associated with certain genera and species to other genera and species is also repugnant, and must lead to endless confusion and error. The serious situation which has arisen through the introduction of this new code of nomen- clature calls for immediate action, and it is to be hoped that reasonable amendments by the International Commission will result in the attainment of that uniformity in nomenclature which the vast majority of naturalists so earnestly desire. The Scottish Bird -migration Inquiry. — We desire to call attention to the useful work that is being accomplished by the Aberdeen University Inquiry, and to express the hope that all interested in the subject in Scotland will support this investigation. Eull information and rings may be obtained from Mr A. Lands- borough Thomson, the University, Aberdeen, who has charge of the work. The season for work is now approaching, and we trust that this appeal will meet with a hearty response. Rissos Dolphin in the Moray Firth. — A full-grown female Grampus griseus was stranded near Eortrose about the middle of NOTES 4i December last. I saw a notice of "a strange fish," with description and measurements, and, after thinking over it, I came to the conclu- sion that in spite of its white colour it must be a Risso's Dolphin. I started for Ross-shire on 23rd December, and secured the head and one complete arm. The beast was 10A ft. long; pectoral fin, 26 in. long and 81. in. broad at its broadest part; dorsal fin, 18 in. high, and the tail flukes 2\ ft. across. It was creamy white all over; no trace of grey or slate colour. Teeth , somewhat 3—3 worn, but two pits behind the teeth covered with the gum showed that the teeth had formerly been -. I have cleaned the skull 4—4 of this specimen and find no trace of teeth in the upper jaw, and though deep pits appear in the gum for the reception of the lower teeth, there is hardly any impression made by them in the bones of the upper jaw. The upper lip projected nearly 2 in. over the under jaw, giving the snout a very pig-like appearance. The skull is heavy when compared with the White-beaked Dolphin and Tursiops. The basal length of skull is 20 in., greatest breadth, 14 A in., and greatest height, 10 in. The condyles of the skull moved freely on the atlas. There was no trace of ankylosis, as in the skull described by the late Dr Traquair some years ago. The tympanic bone is the same length, but broader than the one figured in Sir Wm. Turner's catalogue. The length of the arm and forearm is 8 in., and that of the manus with carpus, 18 in. This flipper is less curved than the one figured by Flower. There is nothing peculiar about the beast, except its entire yellowish-white colour. It would be rash to say that this means anything more than age or individual variation. I found no cuttlefish beaks in the stomach or bowels, only small pieces of fish bones and minute fragments of shells of crabs, urchins, etc. There was no embryo. This is the first Grampus that I have seen in the flesh, and I suppose it is the first recorded from the Moray Firth. - - William Taylor, Lhanbryde. Male Pied Flycatcher at last years nesting site. — I was very much interested in Mr Bonar's note on the above in the Scottish Naturalist, as I had a similar experience last spring. The Pied Flycatcher is rare in this district, and I had never seen one in life until 19th May 191 1; but I had no difficulty in identifying the bird I then saw as a cock of this species. I returned next day and saw the hen, and was convinced that the pair had a nest near. I soon noticed that they pursued all birds within a certain area, 14 F 42 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST and after waiting a little saw the hen disappear into a hole in a branch of an Ash tree about n ft. from the ground. As I did not wish to disturb her, I did not climb to the nest till the 25th, when there were seven eggs. The hole was about 9 in. or a foot deep. On the 29th, I was much struck by the behaviour of the cock. He was very restless and excited, and sang a very pretty song very often and with great passion, but in a pathetic and coaxing way I have never observed in any other bird. Every now and again he flew to the edge of the nesting-hole and sometimes entered for a moment, while at other times he merely looked in. He was evidently trying to coax the hen on to the eggs, but did not seem to know where she was. The nest seemed all right. On 3rd June the cock was still singing, but in a half-hearted and disconsolate way, and there was no sign of the hen. I climbed to the nest and found a mouse in possession, so I removed the seven eggs with great difficulty owing to the small size of the aperture. One egg was broken in the process and was quite fresh, so I set the rest next day under a Willow-warbler, choosing her because I thought she would manage the feeding of the young better than any other species whose nest I knew of at the time. She sat steadily for sixteen days ; but none of the eggs hatched, owing I think to a severe rainstorm which occurred a few days after they were set. In May 1912, I was on the lookout for the birds again, and on the 18th heard the cock high up among the trees at the old place. Next day I saw him and heard him sing, but only once or twice. No hen was visible either day. I thought I heard the call-note on one or two subsequent days, but never saw the bird. The cock did not exhibit any anxiety when I climbed to the old nest, but he was seldom more than 50 yards away from it. There was no sign of nest-building in the hole. . (Like Mr Bonar, I had removed the old nest.) In a few days a pair of Great Tits were in possession, and I neither saw nor heard the Flycatcher again. Mr Bonar's explanation that the mate of his bird doubtless perished on migration, raises two interesting questions which I will not pretend to answer, (i) Does this species pair for life? (2) If not,-does it do so before or after arriving in the nesting area? — William T. Blackwood, Peebles. The Scarlet Grosbeak in Moray Area. — A female Scarlet Grosbeak was caught in an exhausted condition on the balcony rail of Tarbatness Light by Mr Allan, lightkeeper, on the early morning of 8th September 1912. The wind was from the E.N.E., light, with some rain. Thanks to Mr Allan's powers of observation in perceiving this bird to be a stranger, and capturing it forthwith. NOTES 43 the occurrence of this species on the mainland of Scotland is estab- lished, while at the same time it forms an interesting addition to the bird-fauna of Moray. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Curious nesting site of the Tree Sparrow.— In the beginning of June 191 2, I located two nests of the Tree Sparrow in what I take to be a somewhat unusual site for this species. Both nests were built among the Larch twigs, which composed the goodly pile of a Heron's nest some 40 feet from the ground, from which the young had been hatched out a month previously. In feeding the young the birds disappeared from view, so that the nests must have been situated pretty well in the middle of the pile. Both parents fed, and two broods were reared in each case. In the adjoining Larch tree a Heron was brooding her eggs. This con- stitutes a first record of the species nesting in Ross-shire, though it has bred elsewhere in the Moray area. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Variety of the Starling at Liberton. — With reference to Mr Eagle Clarke's note on a variety of the Starling in the Scottish Naturalist, I have to say that there was one resembling his description about here all summer. It was much lighter than the typical bird, and many (indeed most) of its feathers were tipped with greyish- white. The beautiful metallic colouring which distinguishes the type- was absent or almost so, and I should describe the variety I saw as a washed-out looking bird. It was last seen about 14th September when I left home for three weeks, but I have seen nothing of it since I returned. — Janet E. Carphin, Liberton, Edinburgh. The Jay in Argyll. — A few days ago we had an unexpected visitor among the birds assembled at the usual feeding-place beneath my window. This was a Jay in beautiful plumage, who found the food provided much to his taste, taking each selected morsel to the adjoining shrubbery, returning for more until the supply was finished. It is noteworthy that the weather was mild and open and had been so for days; there was therefore nothing to suggest starvation or stress, the bird being evidently in perfect health. The spot where it thus intermittently spent an hour or so was only 12 yards from the ground-floor window at which I was seated. This instance of extraordinary tameness on the part of a notoriously shy and retiring bird seems worthy of record. The Jay is still to be found, if only sparsely and locally, in suitable localities in Argyll j and were it not for incessant persecution, would doubtless soon be noted as an increasing species here, as we learn from Mr Evans {Fauna of 44 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Tweed Area, 191 1) is the case in that district.— Chas. H. Alston, Letterawe, Loch Awe. Little Bittern in Fifeshire — A Little Bittern was shot by W. Ghimming, gamekeeper to F. B. Sharp, Esq., Hill of Tarvit, on the banks of the Eden, on 17th May 1912. I have seen the bird, which is in beautiful breeding plumage, but cannot say whether it is a male or a female. The specimen is now in Mr Sharp's possession. — -John Campbell, Cupar. Wild Geese in Aberlady Bay, East Lothian.— I was interested to read that a Grey Lag-Goose had occurred in Aberlady Bay, because I have never come across the species there, although I have seen all the other British Geese in the Bay at some time or other. I have shot the Pink-footed species, which is very common of course, and also the Brent, and have also seen one Bean Goose shot there. The White-fronted I have seen several times — usually single birds, but once a small gaggle of four — and the Bernacle I have seen occasionally, but never more than two together. With the exception of the Bean, which was killed out of one of the large skeins of Pink-foots, all the others were separate and not associated with these large skeins at all, as was the immature Grey Lag mentioned by your correspondent. I should like to mention an enormous gander of the Pink-footed species, the leader of the main skein, which my friend Mr Smalley killed there on 2nd December 1909, and which weighed 8f lbs. The heaviest previously shot there was one of 7.1, lbs. by my friend Mr Hunter, my own heaviest being just 7 lbs. A large number of semi-domesticated Canada Geese also frequent the Bay, and also a few Egyptian, all from neighbour- ing ornamental waters. — H. W. Robinson, Lancaster. [Aberlady Bay is a well-known autumn and winter haunt of Wild Geese, and all the species mentioned by Mr Robinson have been recorded from the locality. We have seen Bernacle Geese there to the number of eight, ten, and sixteen together, and have a reliable record of a flock of twenty-four. Certainly 8f lbs. is a remarkable weight for a Pink-footed Goose. In our experience 7 lbs. is about the maximum for males of this species, that of females being, of course, considerably less. — Eds.] Gadwall nesting in Caithness. — I had the good fortune to flush a pair of Gadwall from the margin of a certain loch in Caithness, in the beginning of July 19 12. From the agitation of both birds and their unwillingness to leave the spot, I concluded they had young in the reeds. By dint of wading up and down, NOTES 45 two half-grown young ones (there were doubtless more) were driven out and swam to join their parents. Apparently this is the fourth and most northern record of the nesting of this species in Scotland. (The previous records are once in Tweed area in 1906, and twice in Forth area in 1909-1910.) It is of course a first record for Sutherland area. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Common Redshank in unusual plumage. — An interesting female Common Redshank was obtained at Skinburness on 1st December last. In this bird there is hardly any trace of the ashy- grey colouring characteristic of normal specimens in winter plumage. It is much browner all over than the average Redshank in summer, and at first sight it gives one the impression of having retained its summer plumage; but this is not the case, as there are evident traces of its having moulted. I have handled many Redshanks, but have never seen one so uniformly brown or so densely spotted and barred as this bird. The upper parts are sandy brown in colour mixed with olive, the wing - coverts slightly paler, the whole very closely marked with spots and bars of blackish-brown. The throat is white and thickly spotted with ashy grey ; the breast pale buff, darker on the sides, and profusely streaked and spotted with dusky brown ; the under parts are white, closely barred and flecked with greyish-brown ; the head and neck dark brown with sandy coloured edges to the feathers ; the tail feathers are tinged with buff, the central pair darker, and narrowly barred with brownish-black. Bill, legs, and toes coloured as in ordinary specimens in winter. From the condition of the ovary I am inclined to think this bird is a very old female. — Hugh Mackav, Edinburgh. Cis festivus, Panz., Lathrobium multipunctum, Grav., and L. punctatum, Zett., in the Forth Area. — From a fungus (Stereum rugosuni) growing on a dead Beech near Kipps, Linlithgow- shire, I took on 4th January 1913 eight specimens of Cis festivus, Panz., which seems to be an addition to the list of Forth beetles. Another good addition is Lathrobium multipunctum, Grav., of which I have taken four examples on the Isle of May — two in July, one in August, and one in September 19 10. W. E. Sharp's note (Ent. Rec, 1912, p. 259)011 certain British species of this genus has caused me to re-examine some I obtained a number of years ago in flood refuse at Threipmuir and Harperrig Reservoirs, Pentland Hills, and I find that besides Z. terminatum, var. atripalpe, which was common, I have several examples of the true Z. punctatum, Zett.; they were taken at Threipmuir on 12th February and 10th April 1903. On the latter date, Prof. Hudson Beare was with me, 46 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST and he tells me both species are also represented among the specimens he collected then.— William Evans, Edinburgh. Two Anthomyidse new to the British List — During my short visit to Scotland in June and July 1912, I collected a number of specimens of Diptera and Hymenoptera for the United States National Museum, which are now incorporated in the collection here. Amongst the Anthomyidse taken at Dunoon, there are two specimens of Fannia Uneata, Stn., a species not included in my recent paper on the genus. In some respects this species resembles serena, Fin., but it may be known by its rather larger size. The pale-coloured calyptrae are unequal in size, and the posterior surface of the hind femur is long-haired to beyond the middle; other- wise very similar to serena. The other species is described as Steinomyia Steiui, Malloch, in the volume of the Proceedings of the United States National Museum for 1912 (vol. xliii., p. 656). It is very close to Fannia, except in the frontal bristling, the $ possessing two pairs of outer fronto-orbital bristles besides the normal inner rows present in Fannia. There are three males in the collection taken at Bonhill, Dumbartonshire, in June 1907 and 1908. — J. R. Malloch, Bureau of Entomology, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture; Washington, D.C., U.S.A. BOOK NOTICES. The British Warblers : A History with Problems of Their Lives. Part 7. By H. Eliot Howard, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., illustrated by Henrik Gronvold. London : R. H. Porter. The seventh part of the history of the British Warblers deals with the Marsh- warble 1, the Great Reed-warbler, and the Aquatic Warbler ; the bulk of the part being naturally devoted to the first-named native biid, it is sufficient to say that this part of Mr Howard's monograph is quite equal to the preceding instalments, and that his readers will once again realise they are reading the observations d a lifetime, with deductions founded on the same. There is no bird book which enters so fully either into the life-history of the birds under notice or into the problems connected with their lives ; and the author is again to be congratulated on the entirely original nature of his work— a work which reflects immense credit on his powers of patient and accurate observation. The illustrations which number six (two coloured plates and four photogravures) have as usual been entrusted to Mr Henrik Gronvold, whose plates for accuracy and artistic merit seem to reach the high- GLEANINGS 47 water mark of perfection. The artist also depicts the nests of the Marsh- warbler and Subalpine Warbler, the latter in colour. In addition there are two maps showing the approximate annual range of the Marsh- and Reed-warblers ; this is an idea which might well be copied in other books of a similar nature. — G. E. G.-M. Teratology of Fishes. By James F. Gemmill, M.A, M.D., D.Sc. 4to. Pp. 7?,, Plates 26, Text-figures 114. Glasgow: James Maclehose & Sons. 15s net. It is unfortunate in the case of abnormalities that in most groups of animals only the finished product can be observed, and that the origins which might link monstrosities with more normal variations can only be guessed at. Amongst fishes, however, the beginnings of abnormalities have been traced even to the egg, and in this important memoir Dr Gemmill brings together his own observations and those of other authors, tracing the development particularly of double and even triple embryos. Summary descriptions are also given of other types of abnormality in fishes, as well as an almost complete list of papers dealing with the subject. This brief indication of its contents is sufficient to show that Dr Gemmill's monograph is invaluable to the student of teratology ; but the angler will also find much to interest him regarding the structures of the bull-headed, hump-backed, and "tail-less" sports that occasionally fall to his lure.— J. R. GLEANINGS. J. H. Ashworth, in Nature of 19th December (pp. 447-45 1\ contributes an interesting and useful summary of the papers read before Section D of the British Association during the recent meeting at Dundee. The bulk of the article is subdivided under the following headings :— Fora- minifera, the Isle of Wight Disease of Bees, a Sessile Ctenophore, Papers on Helminthology, Papers on Polychasta, Papers on Echinoderms, a new Parasitic Copepod, the Luminous Cells of Pyrosoma and Cyclo- salpa, an Hermaphrodite Amphioxus, Scottish Sea Fisheries, 1 898-191 2, Reissner's Fibre and the Subcommissural Organ in the Vertebrate Brain, Papers on Birds, the Development of the Thymus, Fat-tailed Sheep, Survey of the Fresh-water Fauna of India, Zoological Results of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, Plankton of Lough Neagh, Biological Science, and the Pearling Industry. Melvin H. Rattray, in the Zoologist for December (p. 463), records the occurrence of two aduit and two young Little Terns on the Ayrshire coast, seven miles south of Girvan, in August last. The ornithological notes contributed to the November number of the Glasgow Naturalist include the following :— " Greenland Wheates " 0 L I B R 48 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST in Ayrshire," by Robert W. S. Wilson ; " Black Guillemot, Storm Petrel, and Manx Shearwater, off the Ayrshire coast " (unsigned) ; and " Great Skua in Bute," by Chas. Kirk. In a list of "Census Authentications" published by W. Denison Roebuck in the Journal of Conchology for ist January 1913 (pp. 13 and 14), the following species of Mollusca are recorded for Forfarshire : Planorbis fontanus and Pisidium nitidum, Balgavie Loch ; Pisidium subfruncatum, Rescobie Loch. [Mollusca] In the Glasgow Naturalist '(vol. v., No. i, November 1912, pp. 15-19) Anderson Fergusson publishes a paper on " Dytiscus lapponicus, Gyll., in Arran." Some doubt existed as to the occurrence of this species of Water Beetle in the Clyde area, and the author after visiting six lochs in the island in question, succeeded in finding eight specimens in one of them. We trust that some of these were afterwards liberated, since this small loch is apparently the only known locality in the Clyde area where the beetle occurs. [Coleoptera.] The Moth Hybernia aurantiaria is recorded from the Isle of Skye by the Rev. Arthur S. Hoole. Three examples were taken at Kyleakin in November last, one of which shows considerable variation from the typical coloration {Entomologist, January 1913, p. 19). [Lepidnptera.] A. E. J. Carter, in the January number of the Entomologists Monthly Magazine (p. 17), records the occurrence of Norellia spinigera, Ztt., in the Blairgowrie district. According to Colonel Yerbury, this species required confirmation as a British insect. In an appended editorial note the fly is also recorded from Nethy Bridge and three English localities. | Diptera.] Richard S. Bagnall, in a paper entitled "A Further Contribution towards a Knowledge of the British Thysanoptera (Terebrantia)," and published in the Journal of Economic Biology for December last (pp. 189-194), records the occurrence of Aptinothrips nitidulus, Hal., on maritime plants in Ettrick Bay, Bute, and at Lochgoilhead. [Thysanoptera.] In a further paper on British Symphyla, published in the Trails, of the Nat. Hist. Soc. of Northumberland, etc. (New Series, vol. iv., pp. 171- 176), R. S. Bagnall records seven species recently found in Scotland by himself and W. Evans. The localities in which they were collected are all in the Clyde and Forth areas. [Myriapoda.] In No. xxxiv. of the "Notes from the Gatty Marine Laboratory, St Andrews, published by Prof. M'Intosh in the Januaiy number of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History (pp. 83-130, plates ii. and iii.), a useful and interesting account of the British Maldanidce is given (No. 2, pp. 84-115). Students of our native marine Worms will find therein valuable notes and descriptions of all the species (seventeen in number) hitherto recorded from British waters. Numerous references to Scottish localities are also included. [Vermes.] (Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) The Scottish Naturali fi?A a»- No. 15.] 1913 [March BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY- SPRING AND AUTUMN 1912 By Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter We again spent a month in spring and another in autumn on the Isle of May, and we propose to deal briefly in this paper with the observations we made there, reserving the fuller particulars and the notes kindly supplied us by Mr Baigrie for the Report on Scottish Ornithology in 191 2. We arrived on the island on 29th April, and left, with much regret, on 31st May. During this time there were con- tinuous small passages of birds, and large movements on 6th and nth May. On our arrival we were given a Greater Wheatear, which had been killed at the lantern several nights before ; this is the earliest date for this race on the Isle of May. In the evening a great assemblage of Shags was swimming about under the west cliffs ; all appeared to be adult birds. On going out on 1st May we found that Wheatears, Greater Wheatears, Willow-warblers, Rock- pipits, Lapwings, and a Wren had arrived. A Whinchat had come in by evening, and there was some daylight passage, consisting of two flocks of Meadow-pipits, a Swallow, and a Crow. The first Redstart and Whitethroat arrived next day, and a Linnet flew over going W., calling as it flew. On the 5th there were some arrivals in the evening ; these comprised a good many Wheatears, two $ Whinchats, and a Redstart, while nine Dunlin were circling round the lantern that night. 6th May was a great day ; there were many arrivals and also 15 G So THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST a lot of passage. Throughout the forenoon and up to about 3 P.M. there were constant passages of small flocks of birds across the island ; they came from the S.E. and went over to the N. W. Many of the small flocks were composed of Green- finches, but there were also a lot of Pipits. Immigrant Starlings and Fieldfares had also arrived on the island, and we saw a flock of each leave and go off N. W. There was a large passage of Swifts going in the same direction, the majority passing in the morning. Besides this a good many Swallows and House-martins, and a Sand-martin flew over ; these were going due N. On the island were a lot of Wheatears, a good many Greater Wheatears, two Whinchats, a Redstart, a Whitethroat, three Lesser Whitethroats, several Willow-warblers, two Sedge-warblers, a few Tree-pipits, three Hoodies, a lot of Cuckoos, six Lapwings, a Corncrake, and a Common Sandpiper. On the 7th there were a few arrivals and many departures ; the Starlings which arrived on the 6th had all gone by the 8th. A few arrivals were noted every day till the nth; and on the 10th there was a large passage of Swallows and House-martins during the forenoon. All these came from the S.E., and went straight on N.W. A large arrival took place on the night of 10th May (when the wind was S.E. light), and there were a good many birds at the lantern ; on the 1 ith the island was covered with birds. The species seen in greatest numbers were Greater Wheatears (an enormous number, both sexes), Whinchats, Willow-warblers, and Sedge-warblers, as well as White- throats, Garden-warblers, and five immigrant Tree-sparrows, these last being in much finer plumage than those resident on the island. During the next few days most of these visitors left ; and there were daily passages of Swallows, House-martins, Sand-martins, and Swifts, all going N.W. A British Hedge-sparrow arrived on 15th May, and from that date till the 19th little came in. There was a large movement on the night of the 19th, when many flocks of Waders passed ; those recognisable by their notes being Knots, Redshanks, and Whimbrel, while Wheatears, Greater Wheatears, Sedge-warblers, and a White Wagtail came to BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY 51 the lantern. From this time to the end of our stay, few migrants were to be seen : they included a Turtle-dove on the 23rd, and a good many Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the 25th ; while on the 29th some Swallows, two Sand-martins, and three Swifts passed going due N. On the 30th a Corn Bunting (the second record for the island) paid us a visit, and next day we found a Redshank's nest with four eggs. Field- fares were seen till 1 ith May, Purple Sandpipers to the 24th, Hoodies to the 29th, and Turnstones to the 31st. We went back to the island on nth September in a north-easterly gale. Few birds were to be seen, the most interesting being a Pied Flycatcher. During the greater part of this visit the wind was westerly or variable ; consequently the conditions were not suitable for large passages of birds from over-seas. On 28th September, however, it steadied into the E. and S.E., and a great rush ensued. On 12th September two Barred Warblers had put in an appearance, as well as a few Wheatears, a Redbreast, and a Merlin. From the 13th till the 20th very small numbers of birds were on the move ; these were chiefly Skylarks, Goldcrests, and Thrushes. The birds procured of the last two species all belonged to the British races. A Tern movement was noticed on the 18th, the first Brambling of the season on the 19th, and a Lesser Whitethroat next day. A large passage of Waders was in evidence between midnight and 3 A.M. on 2 1st September. Flock after flock passed south, calling as they flew, and Knots and Dunlin were killed at the lantern ; a few passerine birds also struck. The next arrivals took place on the evening of the 24th ; they comprised about half a dozen Hedge-sparrows, one procured being of the Continental race, Prunella modularis modularis ; this is the first record of this sub-species for Forth, the only previous Scottish records being from Fair Isle. Two Snow Buntings, a Reed Bunting, a Chaffinch, etc., had also appeared. The movement was renewed on the 26th and 27th. The first Fieldfares arrived on the former date, and small numbers of migrants were on the island. From 28th to 30th September an enormous rush took place ; during this time the wind was S.E. to E. fresh, the barometer fell rapidly, and there was a 52 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST g-ood deal of rain. Vast numbers of Thrushes reached the o island ; the great majority were Turdus philomelos philomelos, but there were also some Turdus philomelos clarkei. Numerous Redwings and Ring Ouzels also appeared, and more Chaffinches than we have ever seen on the May before. There were large arrivals of Greater Wheatears, Redbreasts, Bramblings, Skylarks, and Blackbirds (on 30th), while smaller numbers of Willow-warblers, Lesser Whitethroat (1), Red- starts, Tree -pipits, White Wagtails, Goldcrests (several examined belonging to the Continental race), Pied Fly- catchers, Blackcaps, Siskins, Reed Buntings, a Missel-thrush, Woodcock, Golden Plover, and Lapwing were also present. A large flock of Hoodies came in about 4-30 P.M. on the 28th, circled over the west cliffs, and passed on. During this rush there were some rare visitors ; these comprised two or three Little Buntings, a Red-breasted Flycatcher, a Barred Warbler, and a Wood Lark. There was also an immigration of Chiff- chaffs, a good many of which belonged to the Northern form Phylloscopus collybita abietiuus, but there were some examples of the Common Chiff-chaff Phylloscopus collybita collybita ; the Northern Chiff-chaff had not before been recorded from Forth. After the rush was over we picked up several Red- breasts lying dead on the island ; they all proved to be the Continental race, Dandalus rubecula rubecula. In view of our former experiences on the May we expected Yellow- browed Warblers to appear in this rush, but none came under observation. On studying the meteorological conditions, however, this does not seem so unaccountable, as, previous to and during this time the weather conditions favourable for bringing this species to our shores did not extend sufficiently far east to influence its movements. From 1st October till we left on the 10th, there were always a lot of birds to be seen. They took their departure by degrees after the big rush ; and there were small arrivals on the 3rd and 9th. On the former date several Blackcaps of both sexes came in, and we saw two Sooty Shearwaters flying about off the S.E. of the island, and a southward movement of Alcid?e took place. A Glaucous Gull appeared on 4th October, a Black Redstart 6 and the first Long-tailed Duck of the season on the 5th, and two Scot. Nat., 191 3. Plate I. TUEDUS MUS1CUS HEBKIDENSIS. THE SONG-THRUSH OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES 53 Swallows passed on the 8th. On the 9th, our last day on the island, a good many Redwings arrived, as did a Continental Hedge-sparrow and a Greenfinch. It is again our very pleasant duty to tender our sincerest thanks to the Commissioners of Northern Lights for their kindness in allowing us to work on the Isle of May; we thoroughly appreciate the privilege granted us and gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to them. The kindnesses rendered us by our friends on the island are beyond descrip- tion, and we can only say that we thank them most cordially for all they have done for us. Special thanks are due to our kind hosts Mr and Mrs Baigrie, and our old friends Mr and Mrs Ross. We also wish to thank Dr Hartert for helping us by determining some of our racial forms. THE SONG-THRUSH OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES — TURD US MUSIC US HEBRIDENSIS—A NEW RACIAL FORM. By Wm. Eagle Clarke. (Plate I.) That the native Song-thrush of the Outer Hebrides differs in plumage from its cousin on the mainland of Great Britain has long been known to naturalists, yet no one has hitherto described in detail its peculiarities. I do not know who was the first to call attention to this fact, but the late Mr Robert Gray in his classical work on the Birds of the West of Scotland, published in 1871, tells us, regarding the Song-thrushes (p. 76), that when in North Uist in 1868 he "remarked particularly the unusually dark- colour of their plumage — the birds being very unlike those brought up in cultivated districts." 54 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST It is remarkable that MacGillivray, who was acquainted with the bird in the Outer Isles, and the author of a History of British Birds, which contains the most particular account of its plumage ever written, should make no mention of this variation in the dress of these island Song-thrushes ; though he tells us that the bird is associated in his memory with the Hebrides, where its song " is poured forth from the summit of some granite block, shaggy with gray lichens." Though I have examined numerous specimens from various parts of the Hebrides during recent years, and have compared them with large series of specimens from various parts of Great Britain and the Continent, and have long been impressed with the differences exhibited, yet I have hitherto hesitated to raise this island Song - thrush to the status of racial rank, and to endow it with a name. I had hoped that others more entitled to do so, from longer general knowledge of the bird, would, ere this, have undertaken this pleasing and necessary task ; however, it has not come to pass, so at last I have yielded to suggestions frequently made to me by a number of ornithologists, and now venture to describe the bird. The Hebridean Song-thrush, for which I propose the name Turdus musicus hebridensis, is decidedly darker in its plumage generally than any of the British or Continental representa- tives of the species. The mantle and wings are dark (clove) brown, the head slightly redder, and the rump and upper tail- coverts dark olive. Thus the upper plumage of the Hebridean bird more resembles that of the Continental race than that of its British cousin. The most striking feature of the under surface, and indeed of the plumage generally, is the multitude of intense black, ovate spots on the throat, chest, and abdomen (see Plate I.) ; while the buff, which is confined to the throat and chest, is very pale as compared with Song- thrushes from other areas. The flanks are pronouncedly streaked with greyish-brown, and show little of the buff which is much in evidence on the flanks and breast of other Song-thrushes. The buff of the under wing-coverts is richer (redder) than in other specimens with which I have compared them. The wing-measurements range from 116 to 120 mm. THE SONG-THRUSH OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES 55 (4-55 to 4-72 inches), so that it is a mistake to say that the birds are smaller than their mainland representatives, which has been maintained by some writers ; they are fully up to the average. The type specimens are a male and female in the Royal Scottish Museum, and were obtained in the Island of Barra on 24th April 191 2. Though the native Thrushes are permanently resident in, and abundantly and widely distributed over, the glens, moor- lands, mountains, and sea-cliffs of the Outer Hebridean Islands, it is possible that in certain districts all do not belong to the aboriginal race. Of late years extensive woods have sprung up in the grounds of Stornoway Castle, and some of the Song-thrushes resorting to them for nesting may be colonists from the Scottish mainland. Indeed, I have examined one such specimen obtained by Mr Kinnear in the Stornoway woods on I ith July 1906 (where two young birds were also obtained), which certainly belongs to the British race. Mr Kinnear also found the Mistle-thrush established in the same woods as a nesting species — another recent colonist in the Islands. It must also be remembered that Scottish and Continental Song-thrushes seek these Outer Isles as winter resorts, and that the Continental birds do not quit them until the nesting season of the native birds has well set in. Mr John MacGillivray, who visited St Kilda in July 1840, tells us that he often heard the loud clear song of the Thrush resounding along the hill-sides of the island ; and Mr (after- wards Sir William) Milner mentions the bird as among the species observed at St Kilda by him in June 1847. No other visitors have mentioned it as a summer bird, and it is now only a winter visitor to this, " the remotest of all the Hebrides." In conclusion, I have pleasure in acknowledging the assistance I have received during the investigations from the examination of specimens in the great collections in Mr Rothschild's museum at Tring, and also my indebtedness to Mr William MacGillivray, a nephew of the distinguished ornithologist. 56 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN WEST ROSS. By Fred Booth. [This is the second instalment of the account of the investigation of the northern range of land and freshwater mollusca in Scotland, under- taken by Mr Booth with the aid of a Government grant. — W. D. R.] In vice-county 105, Ross West, I visited Loch Alsh and Gairloch, but the whole of my collecting was done at the latter station. Loch Alsh appeared to be nothing more or less than a rocky promontory covered with ling and heather. There was no woodland until well up the railway on the higher parts of Loch Carron, where there were several new and old pine woods on the slopes of the hills, the railway in many instances running through or alongside them. They occurred at intervals along the line towards Achnasheen and Inverness. The country all along was wild and mountainous, with bleak heathery moorland, lochs, and mountain streams, and all very uninviting from a concho- logical point of view. The Gairloch country is also mountainous, and well wooded about the lower part of Kerrysdale, the lower part of Flowerdale, and the lower parts of some of the glens on the mountain sides. West and north of Gairloch the hills are low, and heather and ling continue down to the sea. The beach is shingle and rocks, with the exception of one little bay between the hotel and the pier, which has a sandy beach, the only one I noted on the west coast. The mountains are in most instances clothed with vegetation, though the higher parts are scantily covered with Erica cinerea, mosses, and lichens. The ravines down the mountain sides are rocky, precipitous, and very deep in places, with here and there rank vegetation growing on ledges very difficult — in some cases impossible — of approach. In the woodland the trees are oak, beech, elm, ash, birch, with a sprinkling of pine. These pine-trees are being cut down and sawn up at MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN WEST ROSS 57 a small mill in the wood, a work which has to all appearance been going on some time. Some of the woodland consists of pine and larch only, but of no great age. Some parts of the slopes higher up Kerrysdale have been planted in this manner. There are numerous marshy or boggy patches of ground, both in the woods and on the slopes of the shore, the predominating plants being iris, meadowsweet, several kinds of rushes, several umbellifers, nettles, bracken, etc. The investigation of this area was done on the 30th and 31st July 1910. Limax cinereo-niger, var. luctuosa. One adult under fallen tree in wood, Kerrysdale, 30th July. Limax arborum. Immature examples with the bands very black and distinct ; in wood on the way to Kerrysdale. Agriolimax agrestis. Abundant all round the coast-line, also in woods, Kerrysdale. One immature example of var. pallida . occurred. Agriolimax Icevis. One, immature ; boggy ground in wood on way to Kerrysdale. Milax gagates. A few immature examples of the typical form on the slopes of the coast near the hotel, also in the wood, Kerrysdale. Arion ater. Everywhere abundant — woods, roadsides, sea slopes — but displaying no variation from the usual black type. One very characteristic adult of the perfectly black-soled var. atevvima was found on the slopes of the coast near the hotel. Avion subfuscus. The varieties fuliginea and ritfofusca were both found on the slopes near the sea, also in the wood on the way to Kerrysdale. Avion hovtensis. In wood on way to Kerrysdale. Avion circumscviptus. Immature ; in boggy ground on way to Kerrysdale. Avion intermedins. Both the type and var. grisea occurred in boggy ground on the way to Kerrysdale, but were all small. One adult was very yellow. Vitvina pellucida. In woods, Kerrysdale ; also on old walls towards the mountain An Groban ; abundant, but all immature. Hyalinia cellavia. Under stones on the coast and in woods, Kerrysdale, the var. complanata also occurring. 15 H 58 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Hyalinia alliaria. Under stones round the coast and in woods, Kerrysdale ; also on the coast between Achtercairn and Port Erradale. One specimen of var. viridula in wood on way to Kerrysdale. Hyalinia nitidula. Under stones on coast near Gairloch Hotel; scarce. Hyalinia pura. Type and var. nitidosa in a boggy ground in wood on the way to Kerrysdale, the variety being not common. The variety also occurred under stones by roadside from Achtercairn to Port Erradale, but was scarce. Hyalinia radiatnla. Scarce ; in boggy ground in wood on the way to Kerrysdale. Hyalinia crystallina. Common in boggy ground in woods, Kerrys- dale. Hyalinia fulva. Boggy ground in wood on way to Kerrysdale ; also on sticks and old walls in wood on way to the Mount An Groban ; common. Zonitoides nitidus. Under fallen tree in wood on way to Kerrysdale ; scarce. Punctum pygmceum. Common in boggy ground in wood on way to Kerrysdale. Pyramidula rotundata. Scarce in rocky glen on slopes of An Groban ; common under stones by roadside, Achtercairn to Port Erradale. Acanthinula aculeata. On sticks and old wall on way to Mount An Groban ; probably common. Acanthinula lamellata. Scarce; amongst leaves in wood on way to Kerrysdale. Helix hortensis. In the same localities as H. arbustorum, but the specimens were nearly all immature examples, var. lutea 12345- Helicigona arbustorum. The type, with vars. fusca, flavescens, and fuscescens (mannorata), were common in Kerrysdale and on the slopes of the coast in small wet coves where nettles, meadowsweet, angelica, etc., grew, but very few were adult. Pupa cylindracea. Common on walls and under stones, Achtercairn to Port Erradale ; it occurred also on walls in wood on way to Kerrysdale, with var. sempronii. Vertigo substriata. Scarce; in boggy ground in wood on way to Kerrysdale. Sphyradium edentulum. Common in the same station as the last. THREE RARE SPECIES OF HYDRACARINA 59 Balea perversa. In woods on the coast, Achtercairn to Port Erradale. Clausilia bidentata. Common ; on walls in Kerrysdale, also on walls and amongst vegetation on the coast, Gairloch to Strath. Cochlicopa lubrica. Scarce ; Kerrysdale and on slopes of coast ; also on coast, Achtercairn to Port Erradale. chium minimum. Common in boggy ground in wood on way to Kerrysdale ; scarce in boggy ground at Strath. Succinea putris. Common in wet places on coast near the Gairloch Hotel. Succinea elegans. Common in the same station as last ; also on rushes, etc., in wet places on the coast near Strath and Achtercairn. Limnceaperegra. Common in all little streams and ditches ; also in wet places in Kerry Wood ; also in wet places near Strath and Gairloch Hotel. Limnaa truncatula. Scarce ; in boggy ground at Strath. Unio margaritifer. Abundant in the Kerry river. Pisidium fontinale. Abundant in small pools and ditches on road- side near Cam Dearg. Pisidium pusillum. Abundant with the last; also common in boggy ground on the Kerrysdale road and near Strath. THREE RARE SPECIES OF HYDRACARINA. By Wm. Williamson, F.R.S.E. Hydrarachna processifera, Koen. 1904. Hydrachna processifera $, Koenike.— Abh. Nat. Ver. Bremen, xviii. 39-42, figs. 42-44. 1908. H. processifera ? , Viets, ibid., xix. 458"46i, figs- 5' 6- Shortly after its capture, I received from Mr Frank Walhs a Hydracarid taken by him at Muiravonside, West Lothian, 18th June 19 10. This proved to be a male of Hydrarachna processifera, Koen., whose recorded occurrence has hitherto been limited to Germany. In its external characters two features stand out 6o THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Hydrarachna processifera £ , epimerasand genital area. Hydrarachna processifera g , capitulum and palpus. Hydrarachna processifera £ , mandible. THREE RARE SPECIES OF HYDRACARINA 61 pre-eminently, the absence of a dorsal plate and the nature of the papilla?. The gland pores are very small and inconspicuous, with the exception of a pair on the dorsal surface, distant from the frontal margin about one-third of the body length. This pair has a small portion of the surrounding area slightly chitinised, sug- gesting a rudimentary type of those small plates generally to be found when the antero-dorsal plate is wanting. The papilla? of the anterior, middle, and posterior areas differ in character; those of the anterior portion are low and rounded, those of the posterior are long and conical with the sharp apices directed posteriorly, while the middle area is occupied by an intermediate form. Koenike did not describe the capitulum or palpi of the male. Viets, however, later described but did not figure those of the female. The Scottish specimen measured about 3 mm. in length. The eye capsules are large and prominent, with an intraocular distance of '52 mm. Each capsule is about "15 mm. broad by *i8 mm. long. Of the existence of a median eye, neither Koenike nor Viets make any mention. My specimen was torn along the median line where the eye would probably be found, so that I also am unable to afford any information on the point. Viewed laterally, the capitulum measures 1*09 mm. in length, •22 mm. at its broadest part dorso-ventrally, and "19 mm. at the base of the rostrum. The latter curves moderately downwards. The mandibles follow the same curve and are 1-5 mm. in length from the minutely serrate tip to the club-shaped heel. The distal portion has a thin carina and measures there •105 mm. in breadth. The palpi are ro2 mm. in length. Viets' description of those of the female holds good for the male. A conspicuous feature is the constriction on the proximal flexor surface of the third segment. The first pair of epimera have their greatest width at the point where they approach nearest to one another, the distance there being -045 mm., increasing to "105 mm. The second pair are broadest at their outer extremity, and the posterior margin has a short subcutaneous process. The first two pairs have each their inner extremities rounded, so that they stand out more or less distinctly from one another. The third pair have the sides nearly equidistant, but the inner anterior corner which lies well forward in the female is truncate in the male, the thick margin being looped sub- cutaneously to appear again as a short spur extending to the genital shield. The fourth pair have the inner posterior corner expanded into a broad process— whence the specific name— with a subcutaneous edging and a spur extending from it. Koenike 62 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST and Viets have noted for the male and female respectively, a thorn-shaped process near the outer end of the posterior margin. In one of the plates of my specimen, this occupies what is apparently the normal position, while in the other it is half-way along the margin. The genital shield lies between the fourth pair of epimera, and extends beyond them posteriorly for about one-third of its length. It is cordate in outline, with an anterior \/-shaped c^1 extending in for about one-third of the length. The two anterior lobes are closely covered with small acetabula. The posterior portion is minutely porose and fringed with relatively coarse hairs. The posterior median portion of the shield forms a canal adapted to the branched chitinous structure (petiisgeriist) functioning as a sexual organ, which in my specimen has the anterior branches much larger than Koenike's figure would seem to indicate. The legs are long and strongly built, but the claws are small and simple. Swimming hairs are present and in addition to, and in some cases equalling them in length, are a number of stiff plumose bristles ranged along the middle segments of the legs. Hydrarachna levis 9 > epimera and genital area. Hydraraclina levis, nom. nov. 1908. Hydrachna levigata, Soar. — J. Quekett Club, Ser. 2, x. 276-7. In noting this species as an addition to our fauna under H. levigata, the recorder appears to have been misled by the entire absence of papillae, which up till now distinguished H. levigata from the other members of the genus. The specimen came into my hands at a later date for examination, and I then discovered we THREE RARE SPECIES OF HYDRACARINA 63 had a smooth-skinned species quite distinct from kvigata. following are the more striking points of difference : — The H. kvigata. Capitulum rather compressed, with its anterior end somewhat flattened. Between capitulum and rostrum a deep lateral constriction. Rostrum very slightly bent. Mandible with a small spur arising from its bulbous proximal end. Palpi with a strong ridge or infolding of skin, extending from inner proximal end of first segment towards distal outer end of second segment. H. levis. Capitulum stout, tapering from its base upwards. Lateral constriction wanting. Rostrum straight, inclined well downwards. Spur wanting. Surface of palpi without any ridge or infolding. Hydrarachna levis , rostrum, palpi, and mandibles. From the fact that the skin is devoid of papillae, although it exhibits one or two patches of a scale-like nature, I propose the name Hydrarachna levis, mihi, with the following description :— Body.— Length about 5 mm. Colour bright red with a paler dorsal patch. Skin smooth, exhibiting, but only under a considerable magnifica- tion, a fine scale-like surface in the area enclosed by the first three pairs of epimera and the genital shield, and patches of a similar nature near the eyes. Antero-dorsal plate wanting. On the inner side of each eye capsule, an elliptical porous ring. At a distance behind each eye capsule, equal to about one and a quarter times the 64 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST distance between the capsules themselves, a small thin plate with a thick outer edge like that of H. halberti {Joe. cit., pi. 21, fig. 21). Eyes. — Eye capsules large, about 75 mm. apart. Median eye lying midway between the eye capsules, surrounded by a thin chitinous ring, elliptical in outline, with a major axis of 75 p and a minor axis of 60 \x. Rostrum extending about as far as fifth segment of palpi ; slender, bent sharply downward from the stout tapering capitulum. Mandibles of normal form, proximal end slightly turned up. Length about 275 mm. Pa/J>i.— Length 2 mm. Second segment curved, tapering from the thick basal segment to the long and slender third segment. Fifth segment very small, opposed to a short process arising from the distal end of the small fourth segment, giving the tip of the palpi a cheliform appearance. Scarcely any hairs dis- cernible, except a row of very short ones along extensor surface of second segment. Epimera. — First and second pairs of normal form, with a small claw-shaped process projecting from the margin of the first pair beneath the second pair. Outer posterior portion of third pair inflated and overlapping fourth pair. Inner end of third pair broad, rather more of a rectilineal than the commonly rounded form, with a short subcutaneous spur extending to the genital shield. Inner margin of fourth pair lying nearly parallel to median line, and ending in a securiform subcutaneous process. Legs.-- First pair 2-62 mm.; second pair 2-92 mm.; third pair 3-30 mm. ; fourth pair 4-65 mm. Short stiff hairs on the extensor surface of proximal segments curved, becoming straighter towards distal extremity ; those of the flexor surface longer and quite straight. Swimming hairs on the fourth and fifth segments of last two pairs of legs. Hairs on the sixth segment of all legs, and on the fifth segment of the first two pairs very short and inconspicuous. Claws simple and relatively small. Genital Plate.— --85 mm. broad by 75 mm. long, lying well within the area between the third and fourth pairs of epimera of each side. Deeply cleft on the median line. Acetabular areas convex, with an approximately ovate outline. Distribution. — England : Norfolk Broads. THREE RARE SPECIES OF HYDRACARINA 65 A rrkenwus freemani, H albert. 1903. A. freema/ii, Halbert. — Zoo/. Anz. xxvi. 268-9, figs. 7, 8. The identification of this species rests on comparison with the type slide which Mr Halbert was good enough to lend me. A slight difference in the arrangement of hairs of the second segment of palpus is noticeable when com- pared with the brief type description ; but as to this, Mr Halbert observes (in lit.) that too much importance need not be attached to it. Female. Body. — Length 1*42 mm.; breadth 1-17 mm. Colour varying from a pale green to a yellowish tint, with darker patches ranging from reddish brown to dark brown. Epimera and capitulum pale orange, shading off to green along the outer edges. Palpi and legs pale green, terminal seg- ments of legs tinged with orange. Dorsum with a bright orange patch, having a pale green band extending palpus, from it to posterior body margin. Striations of the dorsal surface longitudinal, of the ventral surface, transverse. Outline of body oval, very slightly truncate in the frontal region, and with very weak lateral depressions behind the eyes and at the postero-lateral margin of each side. Lower pair of antenniform bristles moderately long and in- clining inward ; upper pair longer and more slender, inclining outward. Dermal pores large and rather prominent. Eyes lying well forward, close to body margin. Distance apart •39 mm. Colour, bright red. Capitulum of usual form, without any noteworthy feature. Length •24 mm. Mandible -27 mm. in length. Palpi.— -37 mm. in length. First segment with a long curved bristle on distal margin of extensor surface. Second segment with 4-5 minutely pectinate bristles, -07 mm. in length, grouped distally on extensor surface. On the distal portion of the inner surface, 3-4 shorter bristles. Third segment with a long bristle situated well back towards inner distal margin. Fourth segment with two fine hairs on distal flexor surface. Tactile process '04 mm. long. Epimera finely porose. First pair with their broad inner margins 15 l 66 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST incompletely anchylosed. Second pair small, their posterior margins with those of the first pair almost describing an arc. Third pair narrow, outer half of anterior margin with a hyaline subcutaneous edge. Fourth pair with the outer half broad, contracting in the inner half to about two-thirds of the width. Inner half of posterior margin with a hyaline subcutaneous edge passing round to part of the inner margin. Legs. — First pair -90 mm.; second pair 1-09 mm. ; third pair 1-14 mm.; fourth pair 1-48 mm. in length. Swimming hairs long and slender, relatively few in number. On flexor surface a considerable number of shorter and stouter hairs arranged 0 o a 998890: 9 0 © o fa °,o j 0 q o 0 Arrhenurus freemani °. i epimeia and genital area. along the segments, or grouped in small clusters, chiefly on proximal segments of longer limbs. On the extensor surface of all segments, except sixth of fourth pair of legs, a row of short hairs, curved in the proximal segments, straighter and more adpressed in the distal. Each double claw bifid. Genital area having a considerable resemblance to that of A. caudatus (Geer) $ . Chitinous outer ring of the genital labia thin, rounded; posterior portion rather flatter; attachment to the lateral plates narrow. Plates nearly twice as long as broad, slightly tapered to the outer end ; corners rounded. Acetabula small and numerous. Anus lying close up to posterior body margin. Distribution. — Ireland : Scotland : near Bangour, W. Lothian. NOTES 67 NOTES. Bottlenose and Lesser Pin-Whales in the Moray Firth. Three adult male Bottlenose Whales {Hyperoodon rostra/us) were stranded in the Moray Firth in July 191 1. Two had their heads badly battered by their rivals, and hundreds of cuttlefish beaks were in the stomach of one I examined. A Lesser Fin-Whale or Rorqual (Balcenoptera rostratd) was stranded two miles west of Lossiemouth last October. These two species of cetacean may now be considered common species on our coasts. — William Taylor, Lhanbryde. Barred "Warblers and other Birds in Shetland. — It may be of interest to place on record the occurrence of three examples of the Barred Warbler near Lerwick last autumn. They were all found among a few trees at Mountfield, a place on the west boundary of the town. They were very wild and exceedingly difficult to approach. The first, a bird of the year, appeared on 3rd September ; the second, an adult, on the 9th ; and the third, another bird of the year, on the 16th. During the same season I saw a Red-backed Shrike on 26th August ; a Lesser Whitethroat on 2nd October; a Black Redstart on 12th October, and another on 9th November ; and a Chiff-chaff on 6th November. Also numbers of Blackcaps, Goldcrests, Bramblings, etc. I saw two Pochards on Clickamin Loch on 9th February this year. — Theo. Kay, Lerwick. Tree Sparrows in East Ross. — With reference to Miss Jackson's note in the February number (p. 43), it may be of interest to give the following additional information: — In 1904 two birds, a male and a female, were sent to me by Mr C. Collier. They were caught in East Ross-shire on 24th December in a net along with House Sparrows. Along with the birds came the statement, " and probably hybrids are reported from the same place." It appears probable, therefore, that they may have bred at this locality at least since 1904, and perhaps longer. Such, at all events, was Mr Collier's impression in the correspondence I have previously received. — J. A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace, Larbert. Sparrows nesting in the Foundations of HeroDs' Nests. — Referring to Miss Jackson's note in the February number, the 68 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST following entry under Tree Sparrow in one of my notebooks may be worth mentioning :— " 1885, April 3; saw a few Sparrows, which I am inclined to think were this species, frequenting the founda- tions of Herons' nests in a high beech at Tyninghame. From their actions, it was evident they were nesting, or intending to nest there." — William Evans. Waxwing near Edinburgh. — On 16th November 19 12, a Waxwing was captured in a garden at Corstorphine, near Edinburgh. The bird is an adult male, and its plumage is in fine condition, but it had injured itself presumably against telephone wires. — Oliver H. Wild. Glossy Ibis in Skye. — Mr M'Leay informs me that a Glossy Ibis occurred at Glendrynoch, Skye, on 1st November 191 1. — T. A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace, Larbert. [A specimen was shot in South Uist exactly a year previous to this. Cf. The Field, 10th December 1910, p. 1094, and Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 191 1, p. 59.— Eds.] Shoveler in the Moray Pirth. — In a letter dated 22nd January 1913, Mr M'Leay informs me that a female Shoveler was killed in the Firth by a punter during the previous week. He adds that "they are not often got in the Inverness or Beauly Firths." — J. A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace, Larbert. Hybrid Capercaillie-Blackcock in Argyll. — A somewhat unusual hybrid Capercaillie-Blackcock was secured by Major J. H. P. Leschallas on the loch side, Glenfinart, Ardentinny, on 23rd November last. It differs from the common result of hybridism between these two species, in that it partakes mainly of the larger parent. The length is 29 in. ; the colour on the head, back, rump, flanks, and abdomen may be described as pure "capper"; the breast, however, is glossy, indigo-blue with slight purple reflections ; tail feathers black, two central ones slightly tipped with white, all are straight and of equal length. The upper tail coverts are somewhat irregular in length, and in places much overlap those below. The wings are chocolate-brown speckled with black, with the exception of a patch on either wing which is of a neutral brown speckled with ash-grey. Major Leschallas tells me he has seen hen Capercaillie in the district for two years, but no cock birds have been noticed ; and that a hybrid Capper-Blackcock was shot at Ardentinny last season, but this was of the common type with the NOTES 69 glossy, purple breast. The Capercaillie is undoubtedly extending its range in the west, and as the female is generally the first to appear on the new ground, hybrids between it and the Blackcock may be expected from these localities. — Charles Kirk, Glasgow. Smews in Moray Area. — On 16th January 1912, in a sheltered bay of the Beauly Firth, I had the pleasure of watching a fine adult o* Smew disporting itself unconcernedly, till it was moved .by the vicious swoops of a Herring Gull. This bird, or another, was pricked by a gunner, and remained in the Beauly Firth till 6th July. In the end of January it is interesting to note that a $ Smew was procured at Dava (see Scottish Naturalist, 19 1 2, p. 91). An immature Smew was seen by Mr W. Berry of Lentran, on Loch Spynie, on 14th December last. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Green Sandpiper in Dumbartonshire. — Mr Robert Neaves has sent us a Green Sandpiper which he secured on 9th January at Gartshore, near Kirkintilloch. The bird is a female, and from the dull yellowish white of the spots on the upper surface, is evidently a last year's bird. The outer tail feathers, too, show an unusual amount of dark, whereas on the adult these are entirely white. Mr Neaves is of opinion that he first saw this bird early in December, and later on, about 1st January. It frequented a certain disused old quarry, in which there was always to be found an amount of stagnant water and mud, and it was here that the bird was finally secured. — Geo. Stout and Harry Duncan, Glasgow. Manx Shearwater inland, in Ayrshire. — On 20th September 191 2, a Manx Shearwater was picked up behind one of the butts after a grouse drive on the Lanfine moor in Ayrshire. The bird was in good condition, and must have come over during the drive, as shot marks were found in it when skinned. The moor where it was killed is 22 miles "as the crow flies" from the sea. — M. Bedford, Woburn. Pox Shark off Barra. — Mr L. G. Esson has just sent me information of an unrecorded capture by an Aberdeen trawler of a Fox or Thresher Shark {Alopecias vulpes) off Barra. The fish was caught in 25 fathoms of water close to the east side of the island in November 191 1. It appears to have been an exceedingly large specimen, for the tail, which has been preserved, measures 6 ft. 10 in., and the backbone 4 ft. 7 in. — dimensions which would indicate that the shark must have had a total length of ah/tap ; LIS S Ar, _ \ N 70 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 14 ft. ; whereas the maximum length known, according to Day {British Fishes) and to Bridge {Camb. Nat. Hist.), is only a foot more — 15 ft. — James Ritchie, Royal Scottish Museum. Distribution of Norellia spinigera, Ztt., in the British Isles. — With reference to the paragraph in the February number of the Magazine under the head " Gleanings," I would draw attention to the following points regarding the occurrence of Norellia spinigera in the British Isles. That this species is by no means so uncommon as it was assumed to be in the year 1900 is proved by the following list of captures, viz. : Nethy Bridge, 28th July 1904 (apparently three specimens taken on this day), 2nd August 1904, and 13th July 1905; Aviemore, 20th and 26th May 1904; The Mound, 24th June 1904; Crickhowell, nth August 1910; and Church Stretton, 19th August 1901 (Beaumont) ; while in addition, Dr Wood has taken the insect on the Black Mountain, and Mr Collin has already recorded several other captures. The English localities recorded above are not without interest, as they are all situated on the Silurian formation of the Welsh Marches, and may give a clue to the distribution of the species in England ; as regards the Scottish localities, attention may be drawn to two of them as being likely to offer a fair chance of success should they be visited; they are — an alder swamp on the banks of the Spey near Aviemore, and a similar spot at Nethy Bridge on the bank of the stream towards Roy Castle, near the junction of this stream with the Spey. — J. W. Yerburv, London. Trichothrips pedicularius, Hal., in "Forth." — In his paper on "Some Rare Thysanoptera from Scotland,"' in the pre- vious number of this Magazine, Mr R. S. Bagnall records Trichothrips pedicularius from Midlothian. Having succeeded in finding the little insect in other counties within the Forth area during the past few weeks, I am able to give the following addi- tional localities for it, namely : — Kipps, Linlithgowshire, on Stereum rugosum growing on dead beech, January ; Binning Wood, Haddingtonshire, on Stereum hirsutum on old birch, January; and near Aberdour, Fife, on S. hirsutum on dead beech, February. On each occasion it occurred both adult and immature, but only in small numbers.— William Evans. GLEANINGS 71 GLEANINGS. George Bolam publishes a note in the February number of the Zoologist (p. 75), entitled, "The Hedgehog in the Highlands." The following occurrences of this species are of interest : one on the slope of Ben Cruachan, facing the Pass of Brander, in 1877 ; and a dead example, found lying on the roadside between Loch Maree Hotel and Kinlochewe, in Ross-shire, in April 1887. It is also stated that the Hedgehog used to be trapped in Glen Urquhart, Inverness-shire, in numbers, about twenty years ago. From The Field of 25th January 1913, p. 181, we learn (in a note signed "A. R. ") that two more Wild Cats have been trapped on the Invercannich sheep ground. They were a pair, the male weighing 1 \\ lbs. and the female 2 lbs. less. Scottish ornithologists will be interested in a paper by H. F. Witherby and Einar Lonnberg, on " The British Black Grouse," which appears in the February number of British Birds (pp. 270-271). After studying a series of skins, the authors have come to the conclusion that the British Grey Hen differs from the typical Scandinavian bird in the following particulars : — In general coloration it is more suffused with rufous-brown ; the white and greyish-white tips of the greater and median wing-coverts and longer scapulars are either wanting or scarcely noticeable ; the rump and upper tail-coverts are suffused with rufous-brown, not vermiculated with grey, and rarely glossed with blue ; breast little marked with grey ; belly barred with rufous-brown and black , under tail-coverts much more suffused with rufous above the white tips ; the black bars on the under tail-coverts narrow ; the white at the base of the secondaries usually less extensive ; and the wing slightly shorter. The authors cannot detect any constant character in the male to differentiate it from the Scandinavian form, though the wing is stated to be generally rather smaller. To the British race is given the name Lyrurus ietrix britan7ncus. In the February number of British Birds (p. 281) H. Wormald reports that his brother shot a Curlew Sandpiper at Cairness, in Aberdeen- shire, on 13th December 191 2. This appears to be only the second record of the occurrence of this species in December in the British Isles. The first record was from Ireland. The January number of the Entomologist's Record contains (pp. 19- 23) an interesting paper by W. E. Sharp, on "The Coleopterist in Tiree." Over 150 species are lecorded from the island, taken by Mr Donisthorpe between 26th April and 2nd May. This list will be exceedingly useful when other islands are similarly investigated, especially those which lie farther away from the mainland, for it will be interesting to trace the migration of many species and determine the limits of their distribution westward. [Coleoptera.] 72 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST "Field Notes on British Sawflies" is the title of a paper by Claude Morley which appears in the Entomologist for February (pp. 46-50). In this paper we note Rhogogaster viridis and Pachyprotasis rapes, recorded from Banchory (Elliott), while the single British species of Perineura is stated to occur at Cadder, in Lanarkshire. [Hymenoptera.] In the Entomologist's Record for January and February 19 13 (pp. 1-8 and 42-51) appears a valuable and extremely helpful paper by H. St J. K. Donisthorpe, entitled, " Some Notes on the Genus Myrmica, Latr.," and illustrated by one plate and several figures. After a general introduction dealing with habits the species are dealt with seriatim, and full details of county distribution are given for each. The most important distinguishing characters are also briefly described, as well as the distribution beyond Britain. [Hymenoptera.] A paper entitled "British Orthoptera in 1912," from the pen of W. J. Lucas, appears in the February issue of the Entomologist (pp. 42-46). We note the following Scottish records : Gomphocerus maculatus at Kirkcowan, Wigtownshire, and Craigton, Linlithgowshire ; Omocestus viridulus at Kirkcowan, Kirkliston, and the Linlithgow and Bathgate hills ; and Stauroderus bico lor near Kirkcowan station. All these records are from specimens captured by our valued contributor, S. E. Brock. [Orthoptera.] The first volume of the British Museum Catalogue of Bristle Worms, in which J. H. Ashworth describes the Arenicolidae, has just been published. Apart from its detailed and valuable general accounts of this family of worms, the volume contains much interesting information regarding the structure, habits, and distribution of the three species which have been recorded from Scottish coasts. These are the familiar Lob- or Lug-Worm, Are?iicola marina, common in the Firth of Forth, Berwick Bay, Shetland, Millport, and probably on most sandy or muddy beaches ; and the two tailless species A. ecaudata, from Cumbrae, Loch Maddy, and Loch Sween, and A. branchialis, from Millport, Loch Maddy, and Port Appin on Loch Linnhe. [Vermes.] In the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh (vol. xix., pp. 1-5, January 1913) James Ritchie publishes a "Note on the Type Specimens of Plumularia catharina, Johnston, and its so-called ' stemless variety.'" The author finds that the type specimens "have, in addition to the pair of supracalycine sarcothecae usually described and figured, a smaller supernumerary pair lying at the base of the former." He also comes to the conclusion that the reputed "stemless variety" is a distinct species, viz., Antenella secundaria (Cavol.). [Ccelenterata.] {Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) The Scottish Naturalist No. 1 6.] 1913 [April THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE. By Peter Anderson. WITH INTRODUCTORY REMARKS, By J. A. Harvie-Brown, LL.D., F.R.S.E, Introduction. ACQUAINTANCE which ornithologists have formed with the Island of Tiree dates back to 1870. Before that time we had in some measure been instructed in its capabilities from an ornithologist's and sportsman's point of view by the earliest tenants of Tiree shootings, Messrs J. Henderson and Boyd, and by the owner, the late Duke of Argyll. And since that time I have had continuous correspondence with Mr Peter Anderson, who was the first gamekeeper on the island in 1886, as well as information freely conveyed by a succession of shooting tenants, nearly all of whom were more or less interested in the fauna, apart from merely sporting matters. I visited the island also on several occasions, during the summer time, and became personally acquainted with the resident avifauna; and in 1897, with a sporting friend, by the kind invitation of the late Mr West, spent three weeks shooting snipe and wildfowl at the close of the season 1896-7. In 1892, along with the late Mr T. E. Buckley, I issued a volume of The Fauna of Scotland, relating to " Argyll and the Inner Hebrides," and therein utilised all the material we had then at our disposal relating to Tiree. Between the 16 K 74 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST years 1892 and 191 1 many additional notes were contributed by Mr Anderson to the Annals of Scottish Natural History. These and all previous facts, together with any subsequent records, will be found incorporated in the present contribu- tion from Mr Peter Anderson, with any added remarks. In concluding these prefatory sentences I would like to draw attention to the fact that Tiree lies directly in a branch track of both autumn and spring migrants ; and although the island has been well surveyed, both for its summer {i.e. nesting) species and as regards its autumn and winter sporting facilities, much, I believe, might yet be accomplished by a trained student of ornithology who may desire to investigate the subject of the biannual migrations. Evidences of this " line " of flight are abundant, and others at another place not altogether wide of it, may also be found in the most interesting article in the Annals of Scottish Natural History upon the Migration at the sea-rock Light- house of Skerryvore, by the late Mr Tomison, who was an experienced observer. A worker at Tiree would, I feel convinced, have good opportunities of adding to our records of migrational phenomena, apart from the great work accomplished along the margins of the 100- fathom line by Mr W. Eagle Clarke, and thus a new " link " be taken up. In going over Mr Anderson's notes and observations, I desire to compliment him on the general interest and accuracy of his records. There is one note, however, that I cannot pass by without remark, and that is, as regards his observations upon the "drumming" of the Common Snipe. Proof of his observations would be vastly interest- ing to ornithologists and to some of our enthusiastic bird- watchers armed with the camera. The " kep-ik," " kep-ik " note I have myself often heard, and have watched the birds uttering it when perched on the very top leading-shoot of a giant larch in Northern Russia, or on a fence or wall in this country ; and the other note mentioned by Mr Anderson is also familiar, as also of course the "scape" as it rises from the ground in front of the sportsman. What we would like to have distinctly proved is the statement that the "drumming" or ".bleating" sound issues from THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 75 the nostrils, whilst the birds are flying high in the air -[J. A. H.-B.] Mistle-thrush {Tu r du s viscivorus). — This bird is a frequent straggler to this island, and is only to be seen singly and always away from habitations. Some years it arrives as early as the beginning of November ; but the birds are very irregular in their coming and going. I have seen an odd one as late as the beginning of March. They are very shy while here, and always keep the open ground. Song-thrush {Tardus musicus). — Song-thrushes are very regular in arriving about the same time every year. They begin to come in the latter end of October in ones and twos, and gradually increase, until by the middle of November they have spread all over the island. They frequent ditches and old turf-walls, gardens and stackyards, and almost anywhere where they can obtain shelter from the wind. They feed principally on worms, but during hard frost they obtain food by scratching up the rotting seaweed on the sea-shore. This bird has nested twice on the island to my know- ledge, the first time in some rough herbage. However, some children found the nest and smashed the eggs. The next time I found a nest at the bottom of a whin bush. It contained four eggs, but a few days later, while on my way past, I looked in and found the nest was empty. The Song-thrush begins to leave here about the beginning of March. It gradually dribbles away, until by the middle of March there are very few to be seen. Redwing {Tardus iliacus). — Redwings usually arrive a little later than the Song-thrush, and are much more irregular in their coming and going. Some winters they are extraordinarily abundant — all over the place, in fact — and in others they are rather scarce. When Redwings are abundant during November it is always a good Snipe year in Tiree. They remain off and on, sometimes as late as the beginning of April. They leave the island altogether when a storm of snow and frost occurs, but always return when milder weather ensues. They feed somewhat the same as the Song-thrush, except that I seldom notice them feeding among the decaying seaweed on the sea-shore. Fieldfare {Tardus pilaris). — This bird is pretty regular in its time of passing, which is about the last days of October or the first days of November, but they are very irregular in their stay here. Some years a considerable number remain for a time, both in their passage south and their passage north in spring; while in other years they pass on without stopping, except for a day or so. They 76 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST pass in large flocks, and one can hear their chattering overhead when they are quite out of sight. These flocks are followed by Merlins, which seem to have a good time among them, judging by the plucked feathers I see scattered here and there after they have passed. Blackbird (Turdus merit la). — These birds come a little later than the Song-thrushes and leave a little earlier, and are not nearly so numerous. They are particularly fond of cabbage-plots. I can hear their "chack, chack " every day all winter among my cabbages. They do not flock, but are generally single or in twos or threes. They usually disappear by the beginning of March. Wheatear {Saxicola cenanthe). — Wheatears arrive pretty regu- larly about the end of March or the beginning of April, and remain to breed. They do not come in flocks, but arrive singly or in parties of two or three and gradually increase, until by the end of April they are all over the island. They breed in stone walls and also in holes in old turf walls, of which there are a great many on the island where old crofts were. They leave rather early. About August they begin to go, and are mostly gone by September. A somewhat larger form of Wheatear (Saxicola oenanthe leucorrhoa) calls here later — sometimes as late as October — and passes on to the south, occasionally in considerable numbers, but merely when migrating south. Whinchat (Pratincola rubetra). — It is strange that although I have been keeping a lookout for more than twenty years, I have only seen one Whinchat on the island (cf. Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1898, p. 153). Stonechat (Pratincola rubicohi). — The Stonechat is fairly common in particular localities on the island. The bird has bred here, as I saw the young newly fledged some years ago. They are, however, mostly winter visitors. When they arrive or depart I do not know, but I see them here from November to the beginning of April, and some odd birds later. Redbreast (Erithacus rubecula). — This bird is a regular winter visitor, but in small numbers. They are mostly single birds, and frequent stackyards ; but they are very shy, and are not nearly so confiding here as they are on the mainland in winter. Golden-crested Wren (Regulus cristatus). — I have seen a few on the spring migration of late years, but the)- arc only stragglers to this island and are far from common. Willow-wren. — (Phylloscopus trochilus). — The Willow-wren THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 77 is a regular visitor on passage about the end of April and during May, but I have seen very few on the return passage in autumn. They seem to take some other route on their way south. Chiff-chaff {Phylloscopus rufus).— The Chiff-chaff has occurred here, but only once or twice to my knowledge. Hedge-sparrow {Accentor /nodularis). — I have only seen one Hedge-sparrow here, and that was a good many years ago. The bird was disabled from some cause or other, and I tried to procure it, but failed. Wren {Troglodytes parvulus). — Among the first of the winter visitors to arrive, and fairly numerous all winter in suitable localities, where there are dykes and old walls. I have seen an odd Wren here in summer, but I do not think they breed here. They leave about March and beginning of April. Pied Wagtail {Motacilla lugubris). — This bird is very rare here, and I have only seen one. It was observed in my garden in the month of March 1897. White Wagtail {Motacilla alba). — Very regular visitors on migration, both on their way north in April and the beginning of May, and on their way south in the end of August and beginning of September. A great many pass here, but in very small parties of from three to six birds, seldom more together. When on their way north they frequent the fields, which are newly sown and harrowed at that time, and on their way south they keep along the sea-shore. Yellow Wagtail {Motacilla rait). — I see an odd Yellow Wagtail nearly every year, sometimes in spring and oftener during the autumn migration. They are rather rare, and only single birds occur, and these seem to have lost their way. Meadow-pipit {Anthus pratensis). — The Meadow-pipit is resident throughout the year, is very abundant, and breeds all over the island. In recent years I have observed a strong migration of these birds passing south in the month of October. They travel along in regular regiments of often more than a hundred birds, while others are coming on behind, all about the same distance from each other. I notice very few going north during the spring migration. Rock-pipit {Anthus obscurus). — This bird is resident, and breeds all round the coast of the island. It does not collect in flocks at any time of year, but is sparsely scattered all round the coast. Of course they must migrate to some extent, but I have never noticed any difference in their numbers here at any season of the year. 78 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST They are seldom to be seen any distance inland, but always stick close to the sea-coast. Swallow {Hirundo rustica). — The Swallow is only a passing visitor here in very small numbers. About the beginning of June a few are to be seen, but flies and moths are scarce here at that time, so they do not stay to breed. Sand-martin {Coti/e riparid). — Many years ago Sand-martins bred here on some precipitous sand-cliffs at Gott Bay. But the wind gradually wasted away the cliffs, and the birds seldom visit the island now. Greenfinch (Ligurinus chloris).— These birds arrive in con- siderable flocks, usually about the beginning of November. They frequent the turnip fields when they arrive, but later they visit the stackyards. They shift about a good deal, and often disappear by midwinter. House-sparrow {Passer domesticus). —The House-sparrows within recent years have become very abundant, and are becoming a nuisance. They build their nests in all sorts of places convenient to them, but generally very inconvenient to the inhabitants. Twenty-five years ago there were no House-sparrows on Tiree. Then two or three females came and bred with the Tree-sparrows, and at the present time (1912) nearly all the Sparrows on the island are House-sparrows. A few of the cross-breds from the Tree-sparrows can be picked out among them.1 Tree-sparrow {Passer morttanus), — Twenty-five years ago there were two very strong colonies of Tree-sparrows on the island ; one colony at the old ruined churches at Kirkapol, and another at the kelp works at Middleton, at the south-west end of the island. At the present time (1912) the Tree-sparrows have become very scarce, having been ousted by the House-sparrow. They did not breed under the eaves of houses, and other inconvenient places, but only in old ruins and old kelp-sheds. Chaffinch {Fringilla Calebs). — A very few come here every year about the beginning of November, and remain about the stackyards most of the winter. Brambling {Fringilla montifringilld). — A very rare visitor to the island, and only one or two have been observed. 1 No mention of the interbreeding of the House- and Tree-sparrows is made in the author's paper on the Birds of Tiree in the Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist, for 1S98. Statements to the effect that these two species have interbred in a wild state appear to us to stand in need of confirmation. — EDS. {To be continued^) ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 79 ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY: FIRST INTERIM REPORT (1909-12). By A. Landsdorouoh Thomson, M.A., M.B.O.U. (Co ft ti titled from page 35.) Blur Titmouse {continued). Case 2S5, ring A.U. 346M :— 14/// Oct. r 9 1 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [5///, 19///, 2377/, 24///, and 29//; Nov. 1911 ; 25/// and 28/// Dec. 1911.] Case 289, ring A.U. 704H : — 18/// Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [26/// Nov. 191 1.] Case 303, female, ring AA7. 42 3H :— 29/// March 1911: caught in net, marked, and released at Seton Dodge, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) 29/// Jan. 191 2: killed by a cat at the Coastguard Station, North Berwick. (Mr R. White.) Case 354, ring A.U. 763H:— 30/// Jan. 1912 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) ^st Jan. 1912.] Case 356, ring A.U. 766H : — 1st Feb. 1912: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [4/// Feb. 1912.] Case 357, ring A.U. 765H:— 1st Feb. 1912: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [17/// Feb. 1 91 2.] Case 358, ring A.U. 760H :— 2$rd Jan. 191 2: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [4/// and 21*/ Feb. 1912.] 80 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 359, ring A.U. 796H :— 16th Feb. 1912: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [18/// and 2\st Feb. 1912.] Cask 360, ring A.U. 77 iH: \2tJ1 Feb. 1912 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [2i;/M 1912.] Cask 361, ring A.U. 145F: — 14th Jan. 1912: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [30/// Jan. and 2\st Feb. 191 2.] Case 362, ring A.U. 144F: — T2/// Jan. 1912: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. (i. Davidson.) \\st and 2yd Feb. 1912.] Case 363, ring A.U. 137F:— 2nd Jan. t < ) r 2 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [2 ml Feb. 1912.] Case 364. ring A.U. 142F: — \2tJ1 fan. 19 1 2 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. O. Davidson.) [19/// Feb. 1912.] Note. — Most of the birds in the above cases might belong either to the British race (Pants cartdeus ob scums, Prazak), or to the Continental winter immigrant race (Pants cceruleus cm/kits, L.) of the species. Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes^ L.). Case 332, ring A.U. 20794: — yd Feb. 1912 : caught in greenhouse, marked, and released at Derncleugh, Holcombe, Dawlish. Devonshire, England. (Mr J. Foster.) 4M Feb. T912 : found dead in the garden of Sunnylands, Holcombe, Dawlish. (Mr G. H. Baillie.) Song-thrush {Turdus philomelus, Brehm). Case 58, ring A.U. 145 15 : — 27/// May 1 910 : marked as a nestling at Burgie Lodge, Forres, Moray, Scotland. (Mr A. Davidson.) 19/// July 1910: caught at Milton Brodie, Forres. (Mr J. N. Brodie Innes.) ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 81 Case 59, male, ring A.U. 15338: — 26th June 1910: marked as a nestling at Keithhall, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. (Mr W. S. Meston.) 2yd July 1910 : killed against wire-netting at Inverurie. (Mr A. S. Robertson : bird returned — sex ascertained on dis- section by Mr J. Ewing.) Case 62, ring A.U. 96E : — yd June 1910: marked as a nearly fledged nestling at Myres Castle, Auchtermuchty, Fifeshire, Scotland. (Mr R. Fairlie.) is t July 1910: caught by hand at Myres Castle, and released. (Mr A. Campbell.) 20th July 1910 (about) : caught in fruit nets at Auchtermuchty. (Mr A. Gardiner.) Case 65, ring A.U. 15349 ■— yd July 1910: marked as a young bird just out of the nest at Keithhall, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. (Mr W. S. Meston.) \\thjuly 1910: found in a dying condition at Inverurie. (Mr J. Emslie, through the Aberdeen Daily Journal.) Case 66, ring A.U. 14626: — 2nd June 1910: marked as a nestling at Crichie Bank, Inver- urie, Aberdeenshire. (Mr J. L. Tait.) 4/7/ Aug. 1910: found entangled in nets over turnips, Ruqu- horld, Kemnay, Aberdeenshire. (Mr T. Tait.) Case 72, ring A.U. 6593 : — 22nd June 1910: marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) [19/"// June 1 9 10.] Case 73, ring A.U. 6601 : — 24th June 1910: marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) [12/// July 1910.] Case 74, ring A.U. 6806 : — 25/// June 1910: marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire: same brood as case 75 below. (Miss D. Hamilton.) [2yd July 19 10.] Case 75, ring A.U. 6805 : — 25/// June 1910: marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire: same brood as case 74 above. (Miss D. Hamilton.) [24M July 1910.] 16 L 82 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 76, ring A.U. 6809: — 27/// June 1910: marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 2\th July 1910: caught in strawberry nets at the same place: slightly injured. (Marker.) Case 102, ring A.U. 14229: — Atth June 1910 : marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. (Miss I). Hamilton.) Gf/i Nov. 1910: shot "by a party of hunters" at Valle do Sunnos, Leiria, about 70 English miles N.N.E. of Lisbon, Portugal. (Cuttings from the newspaper Seatlo were sent by several people, and the ring was later obtained from Jose Carreira, who shot the bird, and sent to us by Mr Ruy Ferreira, Lisbon.) Case 124, ring A.LT. 112B: — 20th Nov. 19 10: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \23rd Nov. 1910.] Case 231, ring A.U. 236M: — 24M May ign: marked as a nestling at Monymusk House, Aberdeenshire. (Capt. A. Grant, D.S.O.) 20th July 191 1 (about): caught in fruit nets at the same place. (Marker.) Case 255, ring A.LT. 120E: — 24/// April 191 1 : marked as nestling at Dunnottar, near Stone- haven, Kincardineshire, Scotland. (Capt. \Y. H. Ritchie.) 22//('/ Aug. 1911 (about): found injured near Stonehaven. {Aberdeen Free Press, 14 ix. 191 1.) Case 312, ring A.LT. 623A : — 9/// March 191 1 : caught in trap, marked, and released at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) I'jth Feb. 1912: seen to drop dead (having probably struck a wire) at Dunecht. (Mr J. Coutts.) Note. — The birds in all the above cases, except cases 124 and 312, are definitely known to be British born birds, and therefore members of the British race (Tardus philomelus clarkei, Hart.) of the species ; it is especially important to note this in connection with the very interesting Portuguese record, case 102. The birds in cases 124 and 312 might belong either to the British race or to the Continental winter immigrant race {Turdus philomelus philomelus, Brehm). ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 83 Blackbird (Turdus merula, L.). Case 3, ring A.U. 4582 : — • 13/// July 1909: caught in strawberry nets at Lahill, Largo, Fifeshire, Scotland. (Miss E. Y. Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul.) 27 th July 1909: found dead in the same nets. (Markers: bird and ring returned.) Case t,^, male, ring A.U. 8607 : — 18/// Feb. 1910 : caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \2.\tl1 April 1910.] Case 40, ring A.U. 14462 :— wtli May 1910: marked as a nestling at Auchendarroch, Lochgilphead, Argyll, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) 20th May 1910: found dead at Bishopton, Lochgilphead. (Marker.) Case 44, male, ring A.U. 14901 : — 10I/1 June 1910 : caught in net, marked, and released at Braehead, Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, Scotland. (Mr A. Campbell.) \i$thjune 1910.] Case 70, male, ring A.U. 8S83: — 20th May 1910: marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 22nd July 1910: recaught in strawberry nets at the same place, and released. (Marker.) 14/7/ April 1 911: found dead at Cove, Kincardineshire, Scotland. (Mr Y. Thorning : bird and ring returned.) Case 80, ring A.U. 14208: — 28/// May 1910: marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss I). Hamilton.) 22/id July 1910: found dead in strawberry nets at the same place. (Marker.) Case 81, female, ring A.U. 8605 :— 1 St/i May 1 9 10 : caught, marked, and released at the Sutherland Technical School, Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland. (Mr E. W. Read.) [4/* Aug. 19 10.] Case 91, female, ring A.U. 8533 :— 10th Jan. 1 9 10: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr L. N. G. Ramsay.) [25/// Sept. 1910.] 84 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 107, male, ring A.U. 147S1 : — 2^th Sept. 1910: caught in net as a bird of the year, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Messrs L. N. G. Ramsay and A. G. Davidson.) 2\th Nov. 1910: found dead in Old Aberdeen (bird and ring brought to King's College by a boy). Case 115, ring A.U. i39s3-— \6t/i June 1910: marked as a nestling at Bootham School, York, England. (Mr H. R. Davidson.) iSt/i Dec. 1910 (about): shot near York. (Mr J. P. Pressly : ring returned.) Case 120, ring A.U. 16555 : — 30th Jan. 191 1 : caught in trap, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr L. N. G. Ramsay.) \$ist Jan. 19.11.] Case 160, ring A.U. 163 15 : — $t/i Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [ijt/i March 191 1.] Case 204, ring A.U. 4720: — \th May 1910: marked as a nestling at Bardsea, Ulverston, Lancashire, England. (Mr H. B. Turney.) 25//^ Dec. 1910 : found dead at the same place. (Marker: ring returned.) Case 209, female, ring A.U. 14003 : — \\tli Aug. 1910: caught in raspberry nets, marked, and released at Lahill, Largo, Fifeshire, Scotland. (Miss E. V. Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul.) \oth June 191 1 : recaught in strawberry nets at the same place, and released. (Markers.) 2%th June 191 1 : killed in strawberry nets at the same place. (Markers.) Case 211, male, ring A.U. 8608: — 23^ Feb. 1910: caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) 16th June 191 1: found dead at the Chancelot Roller Flour Mills, Edinburgh. (Manager.) {To be continued.) A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 8; A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS, WITH NOTES ON OTHER SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN Til*: M17ir,HRnTTRIMn A P 1? A Q *-sN " .'• 0 B h . x NEIGHBOURING AREAS. By Colonel J. W. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. {Continued from page 17.) 252. S. pit mi/as, Mg., Lochinver, 20th and 21st June and 1st July 1911; Loch Assynt, 18th June and 26th July 191 1; very common in the salt marsh at Loch Roe, 1st July 1911 ; The Mound, 17th June 1904. 253. S. tarsatus, Fall., Lochinver, 20th June and 1st July 191 1; Invershin, 13th July 1900; The Mound, 14th June 1904. 254. S. sit/cipes, Mg., The Mound, 20th June 1904. 255. S. mo/iilis, Wlk., Loch Assynt, nth and 18th June 1906, and 20th July 191 1; Lochinver, 1st July 1911; Golspie, 5th and 9th June 1904; an interesting variety with simpler front tarsi was taken at Loch Assynt, 26th July 1911, $. 256. 6". pallipes, F.j Lochinver, 21st June and 7th July 1911, apparently uncommon; Golspie, nth and 19th August 1900; The Mound, 4th August 1900, and 17th June 1904. 257. Xiphandrium fissum, Lw., Loch Assynt, 5th, 6th, and 18th June 1911; Lochinver, 7th July 191 1; Tongue, 18th June 18S4 (Verrall); Golspie, 22nd June 1904. 258. X. monotrichumy Lw., Loch Assynt, 1st, 12th, and 18th June 191 1 ; Lochinver, 20th June 1911; The Mound, 17th June 1904; Golspie, 9th and 16th June 1904: Lairg, 20th June r884 (Verrall). 259. X. lanceolatiim, Lw., Lochinver, 20th and 21st June 191 ij Loch Assynt, The Mound, 20th and 24th June 1904. 260. X. fasciatttm, Mg., Lochinver, 1st, 7th, 8th, 10th, and 13th, July 191 1, not uncommon; The Mound, Tongue, 18th June 1884 (Verrall). 261. Achalcus flavicollis, Mg., Lochinver. 7th and 8th July 191 1; Loch Assynt, 20th July 1911. This rare species was 86 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST recognised at the time uf capture, but un no occasion did careful search and sweeping produce a second specimen ; the Lochinver specimens were taken under the Alders in the ( rlencanisp Lodge enclosure— a spot which yielded up many rare insects. 262. Medeterus tristis, Zett., Loch Assynt, 25th June 191 1. 263. M. petrophilus, Kow., Golspie, 27th June 1904. 264. M. t ni neurit in, Mg., Golspie (Verrall). 265. Hydrophorus nebtilosus, Fall., 3 , Lochinver, 3rd July 1911, probably more common than this single specimen seems to indicate; The Mound, 21st June 1904; Lairg (Verrall). 266. // borealis, Lw., Lochinver, 21st June 1911; Golspie, 19th August 1900. 267. // bisetus, Lw., Golspie, nth June 1904; will probably occur at Lochinver and other coast localities. 26S. H. prcecox, Lehm., Golspie, 19th August 1900, and 8th June 1 904. 269. Liancalus virens, Scop., Golspie, 18th August 1900. 270. Campsicnemus cufavipes, Fall., Loch Assynt, 17th June and 26th July 191 1. 271. C. loripes, Hal., J, Loch Assynt, 2nd June 191 1; The Mound. 24th June 1904. 272. Ectomus alpinus, Hal., £ , Loch Assynt, 20th July 191 1. 273. Sympycnus cirrhipes, Wlk., Lochinver, 20th June and 3rd July 1911 ; Loch Assynt, iSth, 19th, and 20th July 1911. 274. S. annulipes, Mg., Golspie, 7th August 1900, and 27th June 1904; Tongue (Verrall). 275. S. ccneicoxa, Mg., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1; The Mound, 8th August 1900. 276 Xanthochlorus ornatus, Hal., The Mound, 27th June 1904. 277. Micromorphus albipes, Zett., Loch Assynt, 18th and 20th July 1 9 1 1 . Phorida. 2 78. Trineura velutina, Mg., Loch Assynt, 23rd July 19 1 1. 279. Phora (Aphiochicla) pulicaria, Fall., Loch Assynt, 7th June 1911. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IX WESTER ROSS 87 CYCLORRHAPHA PROBOSCIDEA. l'l ATYl'KXID.K. 280. Callimyia speaosa, Mg., Golspie, 15th June 1904. 28T. C. amcena, Mg., Golspie, 31st July 1900. 282. Platypeza atra, Mg., The Mound, 24th August 1900. 253. P.picta, Mg., $, The Mound, 15th August T900. The absence of broad-leaved trees possibly accounts for the non-appearance of this family at Lochinver and Inchnadamph. PlPUNCULIDJE. 254. Chalarus spurins, hall., ^ and ?, Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1 (probably in cottti). Verrall records the species from Loch Maree and Gauioeh. 285. Verrallia pilosa, Zett., and var. setosa, Verr., Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1, a pair taken on this day were probably in coitu ; var. setosa, Loch Assynt, 9th June 1911. 2S6. Pipunculus varipes, Mg., ?, Lochinver, 23rd June 1911; Golspie, 26th July 1900. 287. P. pratorum, Fall., Golspie (Verrall). 28S. P. strobli, Verr., $, Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 t. 2S9. P. ovifnsi/s, Verr., £ , Lochinver, 21st June T911. 290. P. littoralis, Beck., Golspie, 24th July T900. 291. P. syhutfia/s, Mg., Golspie, 26th July 7900. SVRPHID/K. 292. Pipizella virens, F., Golspie. 293. P. JIavifarsis, Mg., Loch Assynt, 10th to t6th June tqt 1, common ; The Mound, Tongue (Verrall). 294. Orthoneura nobilis, Fall., Golspie (Verrall). 295. Liogaster metalltna, F., Loch Assynt, 7th, 9th, and 10th June 191 1. 296. Ckrysogaster hirtella, L\v., Loch Assynt, Toth and 12th June 1911 ; Lochinver, 28th and 29th June 1911, common. 297. C. virescens, L\v., Loch Assynt, ist June 1911; Loch Maree (Verrall). 298. Chilosia antiqua, Mg., Sutherland (Verrall). 299. C, sparsa, L\v., Lairg, 21st June 1884 (Verrall); Tongue (Verrall). 88 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 300. C. longula, Zett, Inveran (Verrall), recorded both as C. longula, Zett., and C. plumulifera, Lw. 30 r. C. pukhripes, Lw., The Mound, 4th, 8th, and 24th August 1900. 302. C. honesta, Rnd., Inveran (Verrall). 303. C. a/bifarsh, Mg., Sutherland (Verrall). 304. C. fraterna, Mg., Lochinver, 21st and 30th June tqtt: Tongue (Verrall). 305. C. intonsa, Lw., ?, Loch Assynt, 12th June 191 1. 306. Platychirus manicatus, Mg., Tongue (Verrall). 307. P. melanopsis, Lw., $ , Loch Assynt, 5th June 1911. 30S. P. albimanus, F., 9, Lochinver, 24th June 191 1. 309. P. peltatus, Mg., Lochinver, 7th and 13th July 1911. 310. Platychirus scambus, Staeg., Lochinver, 20th June 19H ; Lairg (Verrall). 3 it. P. perpallidus, Verr., $ , Lochinver, 20th June 1911; a very small form. 312. P. (-/ypeati/s, Mg.. Loch Assynt, 22nd July 1911; Golspie. 22nd June 1904. 313. P. angustatus, Zett., Invershin, 15th July 1900. 314. P. sticticus, Mg., Golspie, 15th August 1900. 315. Melanostoma dubium, Zett., Loch Maree (Verrall). 316. J/, mellinum, L., Loch Assynt, 5th, 6th, and 9th June, and 23rd July 191 1 ; Lochinver, 2nd and 3rd July T9TT, a very small dark form. 317. AT. sea/are. F., $, Loch Assynt, 5th June 191 t. 318. Leucozona lucorum, L. I saw a specimen taken by Mr Esson at Inchnadamph, probably in May or early June 191 1; it occurred at Golspie in June 1904 in fair numbers. 319. Syrp/n/s venustus, Mg., Lairg (Verrall). 320. S. nigricornis, Verr., Inveran, 15th July 1886 (Verrall). 32 t. S. albostriatus, Fall, recorded by Verrall from Ross. 322. S. vittiger, Zett., The Mound, 8th August 1900; Golspie, 22nd August 1900; Tongue (Verrall). 323. S. annulatus, Zett., Lairg (Verrall). 324. ^S". ribesii, L., Tongue (Verrall). 325. .S1. arcttcus, Zett., Loch Maree (Verrall), Inveran (Verrall), Lairg (Verrall), Tongue (Verrall). 326. 5. compositarum, Verr., Loch Assynt, 26th July 1 9 t t ; Inveran (Verrall). 327. S. cindellus, Zett., Lairg (Verrall). 328. Sphcerophoria menthastri, L., Inchnadamph (Verrall) ; vax.picta, A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 89 Loch Assynt, nth and 12th June 191 1 ■ Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1. 329. Baccha obsatripennis, Mg., Loch Assynt, 17th June 191 1. 330. B. elongata, F., Golspie (Verrall). 33 t. Chamasyrphus scasvoides, Fall., The Mound, 4th and 8th August 1900. 332. Sphegtna clunipes, Fall., Golspie, nth June 1904. 333- Ascia podagrica, F., Loch Assynt, 2nd June 191 1; Tongue (Verrall). 334. Brachyopa Mcolor, Fall., Golspie, 7th and 15th June 1904. 335. Rhingia campestris, Mg., Golspie, common in June 1904. 336. Volucella bombylans, L, Lochinver, July 1911, common; var. htzmorrhoidalis, Lochinver, 4th July 191 t, this variety was decidedly uncommon. 337. Eristalis aneus, Scop., The Mound, 24th August 1900. ? Edinburgh Museum. 338. E. intricarius, L., Lochinver, common ; Loch Assynt, common ; Syre, 28th May 1896; Golspie (Verrall). 339. E. horticola, De G., Inveran (Verrall). 340. E. ruptum, F., The Mound, 8th August 1900. 341. E. tenax, L., Lochinver and Inchnadamph. 342. Helophilus pendulus, L, Lochinver, 20th June 191 1. 343. // lunulatus, Mg., Lochinver, 27th June and 9th July 79T1, uncommon; only met with in one locality. 344. Xylota tarda, Mg., Golspie (Verrall). 345. A', sy /varum, L., Golspie, 22nd June 1904. 346. X. nemorum, F., Golspie. 347. X. Jlorin/i, F.j Golspie, 1st and 2nd August 1900, and 7th June 1904; common round the stumps of felled Pirns, sitting on the chips, etc. It is almost impossible to dis- tinguish the females of X. tarda and X.florum apart, and the only safe guide seems to be the different habitat of the two species; X.florum affects Pine stumps, while X. tarda is generally found round the stumps of Aspen and Alder. 348. Chrysochlamys cuprea, Scop., Golspie, not uncommon in T900 and 1904. 349. Arctophila mussitans, F., Golspie, common. 350. Sericomyia borcalis, Fall., Lochinver, 1st July 191 1; Golspie (Verrall). 35 r. S. lappona, L, Loch Assynt, 8th June 191 1; Golspie (Verrall). The commoner of these two species at Lochinver and Inchnadamph. 352. Chrysotoxum arcuatum, L, Golspie, 7th June 1904. 16 M go THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Conopim:. 353- Physocephala nigra, I)c G., Loch Assynt, 6th to T6th June 191 t. About half a dozen specimens on the hank of the river Lonnen ; vide remarks on Gymnochata viridis. (Estrim:. 354. Cephenomyia rufibarbis, Mg., $, Loch Assynt, 3rd June 1911 ; °, Loch Assynt, 16th June 1911. These are unusually bright-coloured specimens, and may represent a local (Wester Ross) race; see remarks under head of Gymno- chata viridis. 355. Hypoderma diana, Brauer, Loch Assynt, 5th June 191 1. On the 28th June a puparium was found in a green mountain meadow on the Lochinver side of the Canisp Mountain, the ground round the spot where the puparium lay being much soiled with droppings of deer. The puparium is undoubtedly that of a Hypoderma sp., and this being admitted, it can only belong to the present species. Tachinid/e. 356. Gymnochceta viridis, Fall., Loch Assynt, 6th and 1 6th June 191 1. A very interesting form, distinguished by its dark colour, the presence of metallic lines on the dorsum of the thorax, the reduction in width of the metallic border to the frontal stripe, and the reduced metallic area on the occiput. Contrary to the usual habits of this species (probably due to the absence of trees round Loch Assynt), these two specimens were taken sitting on the grass close to the edge of the water, in a little bay on the west bank of the Lonnen River, almost opposite the spot where the Inchnadamph Hotel boats are moored. This bay is of some interest, as it yielded Cephenomyia rufibarbis and PJiysoaphala nigra, in addition to this species, and seemed to be on the route followed by the deer when passing from the high ground to the river. 357. Exorista sp. inc., near E. agnata, Rond., Loch Assynt, 7th June 191 1, 6" and $. Mr Austen notes on these specimens that they differ from Rondani's description of E. agnata in the abdominal chgetotaxy, and in the length of the penulti- mate joint of the arista. NOTES gt 35s- Eutachina larvanan, L., one (f, and two ? ?, Lochinver, 1895. These specimens were presented to the British Museum by Mr J. H. Leigh, and are labelled as bred from Lasiocampa rubi. 359. Tricholygagrandis, Zett, Lochinver, 7th July 1911. Specimens of this fly bred at Cromarty, from Saturnia pavonia, have been presented to the British Museum by Mr Ogilvic (Irani. 360. Pelatachina tibialis, Fall., Inchnadamph, 12th June 1911 — in some numbers on nettles near Ardbreck Castle ; it appeared to be parasitic on the larvae of Vanessa urtica, which was present in considerable numbers. 361. Monochceta leucophcea, Mg., Golspie, 7th June 1904. 362. Micropalpus vulpinus, Fall., Lochinver, 12th July 1911; common. 363. Erigone consobrina, Mg., Invershin, 13th August 1900. 364. E. tntneata, Zett., Golspie, 5th, nth, and 26th June 1904. (To be continued.) NOTES. Ornithological Notes from Dumfriesshire. — The following notes from Dumfriesshire may be of interest to your readers : — (1) An example of the British Willow -tit (Pants atricapillus kleinschmidti) was shot at Grennan (Penpont) in August 19 12. Another, a very typical specimen, was shot at the same place in January 1913. (2) Three Jays were seen near here on 3rd November 191 2, and for some time after. Latterly only a pair have been seen, but these remained up to the time of writing. I am, of course, unable to say whether these belonged to the British or Continental race, though I should expect the former. (3) Pintails are annually becoming more common at the estuary of the Nith. A fine male has been shot near Kingholm (Dumfries). (4) A female Long-tailed Duck was shot near Glencaple (Caerlaverock) on 14th December 1912. (5) A Golden Plover with white primaries and with a good many white feathers on its body, was shot near Byreholm (Keir), at the end of October. —Hugh S. Gladstone, Capenoch, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. 92 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Uncommon Birds on the Beauly Firth.— A Little Stint was obtained on the Beauly Firth on 23rd September 191 2 by Mr W. Berry of Lentran, who also observed a Red-necked Phalarope on the same Firth on 22nd October, and a Great Crested Grebe there on 26th October last.— Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Snowy Owl at Sule Skerry.— On 5th February, after a long series of westerly gales accompanied by severe weather, a fine male specimen of the Snowy Owl was shot on the island of Sule Skerry, Orkney. The stomach was found to contain a partly digested Purple Sandpiper, which had evidently been swallowed entire as the bird was quite complete. This specimen has been acquired for the British collection of birds in the Royal Scottish Museum. — Charles Kirk, Glasgow. Quail Nesting in Shetland. — In September last, 1 received some eggs from the island of Whalsay, which had been found in a cornfield. All the eggs, ten in number, were fresh. I sent one of them to Mr Eagle Clarke, who has confirmed my opinion as to their identity, and who has informed me that to his knowledge several previous nests have been found in the Shetlands, but that the bird only occasionally visits the islands for breeding purposes. — Samuel Bruce, Lerwick. White Variety of the Lapwing. — An interesting white variety of the Lapwing came into my possession through the kind- ness of Mr W. Berry of Lentran. It was shot on the Beauly Firth on 28th October last, and proved to be an adult female which had not yet undergone the autumn moult, the feathers of wings, scapulars, and back being very much worn. A few new white feathers are showing on the crown, otherwise there is no appearance of moult. All pigment has disappeared, except that which gives rise to the fawn or chestnut colouring of the bird. The bird is therefore white except for a semicircle of buffish feathers, extending from the eyes backwards round the crest, chestnut edges to the feathers of the scapulars, and chestnut upper and under tail-coverts, while there is also a tinge of buff where, in a normal bird, the bluish- black upper breast merges with the white underparts. Some of the feathers of the back show very well the so-called ''hunger markings" — a term employed by the ostrich farmer to denote the series of transverse ridges which appear in the feathers of a poorly nourished bird. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. NOTES 93 Green Sandpiper and Pork-tailed Petrel in Moray Area. — On ist November 1912, a Green Sandpiper was shot by the tide on the Cromarty Firth. A <$ Fork-tailed Petrel was obtained on the Bcauly Firth on nth November, by a punt gunner. This constitutes a second record for Moray, the first occurrence of the species having been reported by James brown of Forres, in the Annals of Scottish Natural History for 1890, p. 53. Thanks to Mr \Y. Berry of Lentran, I am able to give the above interesting data. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Bar-tailed Godwit in Ayrshire. -It may interest the readers of the Scottish Naturalist to learn that on the 17th December 1912 a line male specimen of the Bar-tailed Godwit was shot at Maidens, Ayrshire. The bird has the characteristic dull brick red plumage on the neck, breast, abdomen, and under tail - coverts. — Gib. Graham, Girvan. Roseate Terns in Moray Area. — It may be of interest to record that in the end of June 191 2, I observed some Roseate Terns amongst Common and Arctic Terns in a certain locality in Moray area. I believe this to be the only record of the occurrence of this species in the area since the year 1887, when Mr O. A. J. Lee discovered a small colony in Elginshire. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Moths from Pair Isle. — The following moths, captured at the lantern of the south lighthouse on Fair Isle in 1912, have been kindly given to me by Mr Eagle Clarke: — Tripluciia proiuiba, L., three specimens, one being of the dark purple-brown form, and two of the pale yellowish-grey variety ; Hadena Jc/iti/ia, Esp., one worn example; Plusia gamma, L., live specimens. Though the three species are already on the Shetland list, their occurrence on Fair Isle is nevertheless worth placing on record. — William Evans, Edinburgh. Calamia lutosa, Hub., in the Forth Area. — As the Large Wainscot (Calamia lutosa) is not a common moth in Scotland, and there does not appear to be any record of it from the Forth area, the fact that I possess a specimen which was caught at the Bass Rock lighthouse by one of the lightkeepers in 1908, is perhaps of sufficient interest to warrant this note. In the course of the past four or five years I have examined a large number of moths taken at the lanterns of the Firth of Forth lighthouses— at the Isle of 94 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST May I have been present when they were coming in hundreds to the light. I hope before long to publish a list of the moths thus obtained, with notes on their relative abundance and other details. — William Evans, Edinburgh. Chilosia maculata, Pin., and Platychirus fulviventris, Mcq., in Perthshire. — These two interesting flies occurred to me for the first time last summer. Both species are reputed to be rare in Britain, and 1 have no note of any Scottish record for either of them. Chilosia maculata is usually found in association with the wild Garlic (Alii///// ursinum), and with that plant the insect was discovered in some abundance at Blairgowrie on 25th May 191 2. It was found only in a limited area on the north bank of the river Ericht, although the Garlic grows commonly in the district. Platychirus fulviventris, according to Verrall {British Flics), is confined to marshy districts such as the Norfolk Broads, Wicken Fen, etc. While collecting in a marsh near one of the lochs in this district, P. fulviventris was found in some numbers during last June and July. From its bright colour the insect is very conspicuous on the wing, and when seen flying over the marshy ground in bright sunlight, I knew at once that it was a species I had not seen before. When I saw it first, on 25th June, some of the specimens taken were not quite mature.— A. E. J. Carter, Blairgowrie. BOOK NOTICE. The Dictionary of Entomology. By N. K. Jardine, F.E.S. London : West, Newman, & Co. 6s. net. In the two hundred and fifty odd pages of this little volume the author has contrived to convey a large amount of useful information. With the exception of one or two slips, the work appears to have been carefully prepared and accurately printed. The student of insect anatomy, the describer of species, the professional teacher, and the amateur collector, will each and all find the book useful, containing as it does some 3000 words with their meanings and derivations. We notice the following misprints : p. 56, 1. 15, Cum' form for Cunei- form ; p. 103. 1. 14, Cinipidcc for Cynipidcej p. 221, footnote, metatarus for metatarsus ; p. 224, 1. 15, muscles for margin; p. 258, 1. 33, I. and II. for III. and VIII. GLEANINGS 95 GLEANINGS. In the issue of Nature dated 6th March, appears (p. 10) a letter by James Ritchie on " Four-horned Sheep in Scotland." This communica- tion refers to a statement published in 1792 regarding the occurrence of the four-horned breed in Nithsdale, and drawing attention to the smaller body, finer wool, and greater difficulty and danger in lambing as compared with later breeds. These characteristics, or similar ones, are stated in the present communication to occur also in the Hebridean race, and it is suggested that "the four-horned breed of sheep, the last remnants of which in Scotland were isolated on the Hebridean and Western Islands, had at a comparatively recent date considerable outposts on the mainland.'"' J. A. Harvie-Brown publishes in the Zoologist (March 19 13, pp. 105- 107), a lengthy note on "The Hedgehog in the West of Scotland." A summary of actual records up to date is given, prefaced by remarks on the dispersal of the species and the advisability of continuous recording. At a meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club held on 8th January last the following Scottish varieties of Game-birds were exhibited: (1) a male Black Grouse shot by Mr R. Martin at Bogra Dunscore, Dumfriesshire ; (2) a female Pheasant caught at Springkell, Dumfries- shire ; and (3) an adult female Red Grouse killed at Kirkconnell, Kirkcudbrightshire. The first of these was in a peculiar state of plumage, due to the fact that at the time it was killed it was moulting, and had recovered from the loss or disturbance of pigment which had apparently caused the abnormal coloration. The Pheasant was a remarkable specimen, exhibiting a combination of albinism, melanism, and erythrism. With regard to the Red Grouse, it was suggested that the peculiar condition of its plumage was due to the bird having moulted late, and that during the course of the moult the pigment had changed to that producing the summer plumage. We note the following Scottish records in the March number of British Birds: on page 312 Hugh S. Gladstone records a Willow -tit from Grennan, Dumfriesshire (shot 25th January) ; a Green Sandpiper was shot at Kirbister, Orkney, on 19th August 191 2, and another seen on the same day ; also two male Bar-tailed Godwits shot on the island of Shapinsay, on 1st October 1912 (James R. Hale, p. 315). The latest issued part of the Transactions and Proceedings of the Perthshire Society 0/ Natural Science (vol. v., part iv., 191W2) contains three papers of much interest to Scottish entomologists. The first (pp. 1 14-123) is by W. Wylie, and is "A List of the Macro-Lepidopten of the Kinfauns District, with a General Description of some of the 96 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Rarer Forms/' The list includes 21 Rhopalocera and 243 Heterocera. Next follows a paper by James Waterston, entitled, " Notes on some Ectoparasites in the Museum, Perth." This is devoted entirely to Mallophaga, of which 17 species are recorded, with hosts and localities and critical observations regarding" structural characters and synonymy. The third paper is "A List of Perthshire Diptera (Family Syrphidae)," by A. E. J. Carter. This list comprises only the species captured by the author himself during the past ten years, and these number 94, of which 10 are new to the county. [Lepidoptera, Diptera, Mallophaga.] In the March number of the Entomologists Monthly Magazine (pp. 70-72), James Edwards publishes the first instalment of a useful paper entitled "A Contribution to a Knowledge of the British Notiophili." We note N. blacki recorded from Peebles and Sutherlandshire, and N. sfrigifrons from Braemar, Aviemore, Pitlochry, and Newtonmore. [Coleoptera.] An interesting paper from the pen of H. St J. K. Donisthorpe, appears in the March number of the Entomologists Record (pp. 61-68), under the title of " Myrmecophilous Notes for 1912." It is to be con- cluded in a future number, and in the present instalment we note the following Scottish records : Formicoxenus nitidiilus, Nyl., at Nethy Bridge (first record for Scotland) ; Myrmica ruginodis, Nyl, in the Isles of Mull and Tiree ; Leptotlwrax acervorum, F., at Coatbridge and Nethy Bridge ; Formica exsecta, Nyl., at Nethy Bridge ; F. fusca, L., in Mull and Tiree, and also at Rothes. [Hymenoptera.] An important advance in our knowledge of Sheep diseases has been made by J. P. M'Gowan and T Rettie, who have discovered that the muscles of Scottish sheep suffering from the apparently infectious disease of "scrapie" are riddled by a protozoon parasite, Sarcocysfis tenella. The itching which is characteristic of the disease is probably due to muscular irritation caused by the presence of the parasite. The same investigators have conducted experiments which seem to show that the obscure disease known in various districts as "loupin' ill," "braxy,,J "grass-sickness," or "trembles," is probably to be attributed to the bacillus of hemorrhagic septicaemia, which is well-known as causing great loss of sheep in France by pasteurellosis. {Proc. Path. Soc. Gt. Brit, and Ireland, Abstracts, January 1913.) [Protozoa.] That smaller fleas have lesser parasites, receives almost daily proof in these days of Protozoology. J. H. Ashworth and T. Rettie have just described a new Gregarine, the stages in the life-history of which they have successfully traced in the mid-gut of bird-fleas {Ceratopliyllus styx) obtained in Sand-martins' nests from the Scottish Lowlands. {Proc. Roy. Soc, B., vol. 86, 1912, p. 31, pi. 1.) [Protozoa.] (Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) ]. * LI BR AF The Scottish Naturalis1 No. 17.] 1913 [May LEMMING REMAINS IN SOUTH-EAST SCOTLAND. By William Evans, F.R.S.E. That Lemmings of more than one species inhabited Britain in Pleistocene times is now well known. There is, so far as I know, no published record, however, of Lemming remains from Scotland, with the exception of the brief statement in the footnote on page 401 of my second paper on the " Mammals of the Edinburgh (Forth) District," which appeared in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society for 1906 (vol. xvi., part 8). In the footnote referred to I mentioned that the late James Bennie (of the Geological Survey of Scotland) had told me, in a letter dated 17th April 1892,1 that in the Arctic plant-bed of the "ancient lake" at Corstorphine (immedi- ately to the west of Edinburgh) he had found a jawbone, with the teeth in it, which Mr E. T. Newton had said was that of a Lemming. Bennie died in January 1901. Though he published an account of this old lake deposit, and the plant-remains found in it {Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1894), he does not appear to have anywhere recorded the Lemming remains. It is, therefore, fortunate that his letter to me has been preserved. Before inserting the note in my 1906 paper, I tried to trace the specimen, but without success. A request by Major Barrett- Hamilton for fuller information about Bennie's discovery to incorporate in the forthcoming part of his work on British Mammals has caused me to take the 1 In the footnote the year is wrongly given as 1894. 17 N 93 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST matter up again, with the result that the jawbone in question, along with some other remains of small mammals, has been found in the Geological Survey's premises in Edinburgh, and by the officials there kindly placed in my hands to be recorded.1 As Mr Newton, in a memorandum accompanying the bones, only tentatively referred them to a Lemming, adding, " should be preserved for future examination," I have resub- mitted them to him, and have received the following in reply : " I am returning with this the small bones collected by James Bennie. I have examined them very carefully, but have been almost afraid to touch them, they are so very fragile. I do not think there can be any doubt as to the larger jaw belonging to a Lemming, and it is closely allied to the Arctic Lemming, which is now called Dicrostonyx torquatus ; but being imperfect, one cannot speak with certainty as to the species. The smaller jaw is probably that of Microtus agrestis [Field Vole]. The limb bones may belong to the same two forms " (in lit. 10. iii. 13). When the jawbone (lower jaw, right side) came into my hands, 1 made a sketch of it, which is here reproduced. Of the teeth, besides the incisor, only the enamel folds of the second molar were present. Owing to the conditions under which they have been preserved, the specimens are much darkened in colour and very fragile. In his letter Bennie narrated in his usual full and interest- ing manner " where and how " he found these bones. Shortly put, the facts are as follows : — Along the south side of Corstorphine Hill a hollow extends from Coltbridge to west of Corstorphine village, a distance of about three miles. In this hollow the lake, which is said to have existed up to near the middle of the eighteenth century, lay. Marsh and meadow succeeded the lake, and in order to drain the site, a broad deep ditch, known as the stank, was made through it to the Water of Leith, towards the middle of last century. Into this open ditch sewage from the village and the modern villas that had arisen in the vicinity was being run, and to remedy this the Commissioners 1 The specimens are being placed in the Survey Collections. LEMMING REMAINS IN SOUTH-EAST SCOTLAND 99 of the Water of Leith Purification Scheme, in the early nineties, placed a sewer alongside of the " stank." The cutting for this sewer was about twenty feet in depth, the various lake-deposits being thus exposed. Below the shell- marls, at depths varying from six or seven feet to the bottom of the cutting, was the Arctic plant drift-bed, in which the remains of Arctic willows and other plants, and of the highly interest- ing fresh-water crustacean Apus glacialis, were present in abundance. It was in material from this drift-bed that the bones of the small rodents were found by Bennie in the beginning of 1892, after much laborious washing and sifting. I may say that I visited the locality myself during the sewer operations and saw part of this interesting lake-deposit. The Arctic willows, etc., would, no doubt, grow on the adjoining knolls and hillside, and there, too, the Lemming would have its home. In England and Ireland, bones of Lemmings have been recorded from the following places : — Fissures near Ightham, Kent; caves in Somerset; Langwith Cave, Derbyshire; cave in the Wye Valley, Gloucester ; Dog Holes, Warton Crag, Lancashire ; the Doneraile Cave, Co. Clare ; etc. (cf. E. T. Newton, Quart. Journ. Geol. Soc, 1., p. 188, 1894; M. A. C. Hinton, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 8, vi., p. 34, 1910; J. W. Jackson, Lanes. Nat., February 1910, and March 1912 ; etc.). Until quite recently, Lemming remains in this country were looked upon as belonging to two existing species, the Norwegian Lemming (Lcmmus Icmmus) and the Arctic Lemming {Dicrostonyx torquatus). In the light, however, of recent specialisation in the study of Mammals, it appears that remains of true torquatus x— which now exists only in Russia east of the White Sea, and Siberia — have not been proved to occur here. Bones of so-called torquatus from Ightham, etc., examined by Hinton arc re- ferred by him to an extinct species to which he (Joe. cit.) has given the name Dicrostonyx henseli. To another extinct form, D. guliclmi (Sanford), belong, according to the same authority, bones from the Somerset and other caves. 1 This is the Siberian form as distinguished from D. grcrtihunlicus of Greenland, D. hudsonius and others of North America. ioo THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Although the Corstorphine bones have provided the first published record of the former existence of a species of Lemming in Scotland, they are not, I understand, the only examples that have been found. From Dr Home and Dr Peach I learn that bones of a Lemming have been found by them in Scotland, and that they are now preparing a paper in which these will be recorded. In view of Bennie's interesting discovery, it would be quite appropriate if, when the new Zoological Garden on Corstorphine Hill is opened this summer, a family of Lemmings were to be seen established there, in this ancient home of the race. ON THE MOULTING OF THE HERRING GULL {LARUS ARGENTATUS) AND OTHER SPECIES. By L. N. G. Ramsay, M.A., B.Sc. The moulting of birds is a subject to which ornithologists have given comparatively little attention, but which, never- theless, would probably well repay an extensive comparative study. It is in the hope that they may be of use to some future investigator that I set forth the following facts. Incomplete as they are, they seem nevertheless to point to certain con- clusions, and they may at least serve to turn the attention of other observers towards the matter. I have added a bibliography at the end, which it is hoped may be useful, if only to indicate how scanty is the literature of the subject. The data refer chiefly to the Herring Gull {Larus argen- tattis), but four others are also treated of, namely : — Great Black-backed Gull (L. marinus), Black-headed Gull (L. ridibnndus), Common Gull (L. canus), and Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyld). The observations were made in the neighbour- hood of Aberdeen, chiefly during the years 1907 and 1908. The)' may be treated under two heads, the first dealing with the ON THE MOULTING OF THE HERRING GULL IOI Seasonal Occurrence of Moulting. During the summer and autumn, a sandy beach, such as that which stretches for thirteen miles northwards from Aberdeen, is thickly strewn with moulted feathers of Gulls, which are daily swept away by wind and tide, or buried by the blown sand. These, then, should afford an indication of which Gulls are moulting at any particular time, and in the table given below are embodied the results of a number of representative collections made throughout the autumn moult of 1908. These collections were made along the ten miles of shore between the rivers Don and Ythan, but the majority did not cover the whole of this distance. They were mainly confined to the larger feathers, which could with more or less certainty be identified ; it is not pretended that they give more than a rough general indication of the progress of the moult. Table summarising Representative Collections of Moulted Gulls' Feathers during Season 1908 (Aberdeen Coast). 1908. Larns argentatus L, mar inns L. ridibundus L. canns . Rissa tridactyla I Adult (Immature /Adult . (Immature /Adult . (Immature /Adult . (Immature /"Adult . (Immature June 20. July 5. July2S. Aug. 17. Aug. 20. Sep. 4. Sep. 19. Oct. 8. X X X XXX x x x x X X X X X X X XXX XXX XXX X X X X XXX X X X X X X X X X X X X XXX X X X XXX X X X X X XXX X X ? X X ? X ? X ? X ? X ? X ? X X X ? X X X X The crosses are meant to give a rough indication of the relative preponderance of feathers of immature and adult birds, in each species : — x : few. x x : moderate. x x x : many. x x x x : very numerous. Before proceeding to review this table, we must add the data from a number of individual birds examined, when found dead on the shore from time to time. 102 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST I. Herring Gulls : — I have notes of nine birds examined during the process of moult, viz. : — 3 adults in full moult in late October and beginning of November. i assuming adult plumage for the first time, in full moult in mid-October, i bird assuming adult plumage for first time, moult nearly complete by end of September, i immature bird (final stage), moult completed before 3rd November. 3 immature birds (second year), with moult nearly complete in second half of August. II. KlTTIWAKES : — i immature, in earlier stages of moult on 7th July. 1 immature, in late stage of moult, 31st August. Both these were assuming mature plumage. The autumn moult of the Herring Gull as a species is thus seen to extend over a considerable part of the year (about four and a half months or more). Judging by the feathers on the beach, the moult began not long before 20th June ; by the beginning of October the numbers of feathers had grown very small, but individual birds were found in process of moult as late as 1st November. Much the same remarks apply to the Great Black-backed Gull and Black- headed Gull. Perhaps the most important conclusion that the observa- tions seem to point to is that, in the case of the Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull at least, the immature birds begin and complete their moult considerably earlier than the adults. As to the other species, such evidence as there is supports the same view. It seems also that among birds of the same age there is considerable variation in the season of moult. It must be mentioned that concurrently with the obser- vations on which the table is founded, notes were made of the proportional numbers of adults and immature birds present on the same stretch of coast. In the case of the Great Black-backed Gull, the adults were as numerous at ON THE MOULTING OF THE HERRING GULL 103 the end of June — though scarce in April and May — as they were at any time later on. The numbers of adult Herring Gulls diminished during May, and in June very few were present, but early in July they began to reappear in numbers. This seems to dispose of the objection that the apparent difference in season of the younger and older birds' moults might be due simply to the absence of the latter at their breeding-places during the earlier part of the period. It would be interesting to follow this up as having, possibly, some bearing on the evolution of the present-day larine type. An investigation of the moult of the Limicoke might possibly produce some facts of importance with regard to the hypothetical evolution of the two groups from a common stock. It may be suggested that among the Gulls, the adult birds moult later, because moulting would be inconvenient at the time of rearing young; but, then, why do not the immature stages moult at the later season also ? Which is the ancestral method ? Secondly, I have to record a few observations on the ORDER OF MOULTING of the feathers of different tracts of the body, in the Herring Gull and the Kittiwake. Little appears to be known as to the order of moulting of the body-feathers in any group of birds, and not much more as to that of the wing- and tail-feathers.1 The follow- ing notes, derived from the examination of wild birds found dead during the moulting season, may therefore be of value. The method employed was simply to note the condition of the feathers in the various parts of the body, and the relative numbers of old, and incomplete, or fully-developed new feathers. I. Herring Gull. — The primaries are moulted in pairs, the innermost first, each one dropping when the new feather to replace the next-previously dropped feather is beginning to sprout, so that only two pairs of primaries are unserviceable at a time. 1 W. P. Pycraft : A History of Birds, 1910, p. 282. 104 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Of the secondaries, the outermost is moulted first, and several adjacent places may be empty at once. They are moulted later than the primaries, but the two periods overlap considerably. The median pair of tail-feathers is the first to drop, but the others follow quickly. The rate of succession appears to vary ; as a rule it is rapid, and all twelve feathers may be incomplete at once. The dropping of the tail-feathers is nearly contemporaneous with that of the secondary quills. The above statements are based on half a dozen or more examples in the case of the primaries, and on three or four for the rest. Only one bird was examined completely for the body-feathers, an adult, freshly-expired on 29th October 1907. In it, the new secondaries had all appeared, the inner seven being still entirely within the sheath, while the new rectrices were complete except for the two outer pairs. Upper wing-coverts. — The whole of the greater series, and nearly all the rest except scattered ones still in the sheath, were fully developed. Under wing-coverts. — The row next the quills all in the sheath ; the remainder fully developed (new). Both wings were at the same stage. Scapulars. — The long ones were complete, except one or two still in the sheath. A number of new papilhe just appearing (smaller feathers ?). Back, head, and i/nderparts. — A few scattered feathers in the sheath, the rest completely renewed. Upper tail-coverts. — The new feathers all fully developed. Under tail-coverts. — Three or four long median ones still in the sheath, the rest complete. In another adult Herring Gull, in which the new rectrices were all present but incomplete, the upper and under tail-coverts had not been renewed, and the long median under-coverts projected i\ inches beyond the undeveloped tail. II. Kittiwake. — Two examples in moult were examined, one completely, the other as to quills and tail. The first was an immature bird found on 7th July : — Primaries. — The six outer ones unmoulted, the tip of the seventh just projecting from the sheath, the remaining three complete. The two wings were identical in condition. Secondaries, and upper and under 7ving-coverfs.—^or\e of these had been renewed. Similarly on the head (both above and below), back, and upper tail-coverts there were no new feathers ; but among ON THE &OULTING OF THE HERRING GULL 105 the feathers of the underparts, including the under tail-coverts^ there were scattered new ones. Of the twelve tail-feathers, only one, fifth from one side, had been moulted, and was replaced by a new almost fully-developed white feather (the rest had the black terminal band of the immature plumage). Bibliography of Moulting of Birds, from 1887. It is hoped that this bibliography will be found to be fairly complete. It has been compiled from the Zoological Record, with the addition of several other references. 1891. Al/IUM, E. — "Die Mauser des jungen Edelfasanen," Journ. fur Ornithol., 1891, pp. 92-104. 1893. NEWTON, A. — " Moult," in Dictionary of Birds, 1893-96, pp. 595-600. 1895. HEADLEY, F. W. — Structure and Life of Birds, pp. 156-160. 1896. STONE, W. — " The Moulting of Birds in Special Reference to the Plumages of the Smaller Land Birds of North America," Proc. of the Acad, of Nat. Sciences of Philadelphia, 1896, pp. 108-167. 1898. De WiNTON, W. E.— ''On the Moulting of the King Penguin," P.Z.S., 1898, pp. 900-902. 1899. DE WiNTON, W. E.—" Further Notes on the Moulting of the King Pen- guin," P.Z.S., 1899, pp. 980-981. 1902. DwiGHT, J. — "Plumage-cycles and the Relation between Plumages and Moults," Auk, xix., pp. 248-255. 1906. Campbell, A. G.— "The Moult of the Blue Wren (Malurus)" Emu (Melbourne), v., pp. 199-201. Beebe, C. W. — "The Spring Moult of Larus atricilla, L.," Auk, xxiii., pp. 454-456. 1907. DONNER, E. — "Die Mauser des Baumfalken {Falco subbuteo)" Journ. fur Ornithol., lv., pp. 583-591. DwiGHT, J. — " Sequence in Moults and Plumages, with an Explanation of Plumage-cycles," Ornis, xiv., pp. 5T3-51 8. 1907. WILSON, E. A. and Pyckaft, W. P. — "National Antarctic Expedition," Nat. Hist., Vol. II., on Moult of Penguins (pp. various). 1908. PONCY, R. W. — "A propos de la mue des Remiges de la Mouette Rieuse (Larus ridibundus, L.)," Bulletin de la Soc. Zoo/, de Geneve, i., pp. 144-145. 1909. ROBINSON, H. W. — "Note on the Moulting of the Great Northern Divers," Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1909, pp. 50-51. Bahr, P. H.— "On the Supposed 'Colour-change,' and the Spring Moult of the Black-headed Gull," British Birds, iii., pp. 105-111. 1910. PYCRAFT, W. P.— A History of Birds, pp. 278-285. 1910. OG1LVIE-GRANT, W. R.— "Moult and Seasonal Change of Tlumage in Lagopus scoiicus," Bull. British Ornithologists' Club, xxv., pp. 122-124. LITTLER, F. M.— "Moulting of Blue Wrens {Malurus gouhti)," Emu (Melbourne), ix., p. 244. 17 O Io6 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN WESTERNESS. By Fred Booth. [This is the third of the series of notes on investigation of the northern range of mollusca in Scotland, undertaken by aid of a Government grant.— W. D. R.] My investigation was continued in the district around Glenelg on 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th August 1910. The physical features of the Glenelg area are much the same as at Gairloch (see West Ross paper, Scot. Nat., March 191 3, p 56-57). The lower parts of the Glenmore and Glenbeg valleys are well wooded, especially the latter. In the higher parts the trees become short and stunted. The tops of the mountains are rugged and nearly devoid of vegetation, what little there is to be seen being chiefly Erica cinerea and lichens. The wooded portion of the lower end of the Glenbeg valley is densely covered with undergrowth of a varied character, and carefully fenced from the road with barbed wire. The streams from the mountains in this valley are very steep, coming down in a succession of waterfalls and cascades, those from Beinn a Chapuill being very pre- cipitous. The plant life inhabiting the boggy ground, both in the woods, on the slopes of the hills, and on the sea beach, is practically the same in character as at Skye and at Gair- loch. The shore is rock and shingle. There is one small pine-wood in the village, the rest of the woodland being of a mixed character similar to that of the Gairloch woods. On some of the mountain slopes new plantations of pine and larch had been planted. Limax maximus. One adult of var. fasa'ata, in larch plantation near the village, 9th August 19 10. Limax arborum. Two, immature, near Pictish Towers, Glenbeg valley, 7th August. Agriolimax agrestis. In several places. Common in gardens in the village. MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN WESTERNESS 107 Agriolimax Icevis. Two, immature, amongst moss etc., in moist slopes in Glenbeg valley. Avion ater. In several places, not common. Larch wood near village, and on roadside in Glenbeg valley. Avion civcu?nscviptus. Two small specimens in larch plantation near the village. Avion intevmedins. Adult specimens of the type and var. gvisea in moist places in the Glenbeg valley, and one small example of the variety in larch plantation near the village. Vitvina pellucida. Immature specimens common in the small larch plantation in Glenelg village, in a small gill near lower end of Glenbeg valley, and amongst moss, etc., on the moist slopes of the same valley. Hyalinia cellaria. Under stones among the ruins of Bernera Barracks, Glenelg; not common. Hyalinia alliavia. The type common under stones in the larch wood, Glenelg ; and scarce near the Pictish towers, Glenelg valley. The var. vividula scarce in a small gill near Glenelg village, and in another small gill at the lower end of Glenbeg valley, unaccompanied by type. Hyalinia nitidula. Under stones in larch wood at Glenelg, fairly common ; and near the Pictish towers, Glenbeg valley, scarce. Hyalinia puva. The var. mavgaritacea fairly common in small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley ; and scarce under stones in the larch wood, Glenelg. The var. nitidosa scarce in moist places on the cliffs near the coast, southwards to Rudha-na- h'Airde Beithe. Both varieties scarce in moss, etc., on the moist slopes of Glenbeg valley. Hyalinia vadiatnla. The type scarce in small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley; and scarce in moist places on the cliffs near the coast going south to Rudha-na-h'Airde Beithe. The var. vividescenti-alba and type together under stones in larch wood, Glenelg, but scarce; and both forms also scarce amongst moss, etc., on the moist slopes in Glenbeg valley. Hyalinia cvystallina. Scarce under stones in larch wood at Glenelg ; fairly common in small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley ; common in moss, etc., on the moist slopes of the same valley ; and common in moist places on the cliffs near the coast going southwards to Rudha-na-hAirde Beithe. I08 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Hyatinia fulva. Fairly common in moist places on the cliffs south to Rudha-na-h'Airde Beithe ; scarce amongst moss, etc., on moist slopes in Glenbeg valley; and scarce in small gill at lower end of Glenelg village. Zonitoides excavatus. Only one seen j amongst leaves under trees near the Pictish towers, Glenbeg valley, 7th August. Punctum pygmceum. Common in moist places on the cliffs south to Rudha-na-h'Airde Beithe; scarce amongst moss, etc., on moist hill slopes in Glenbeg valley; scarce in small gill at lower end of village of Glenelg ; also in a small gill at lower end of the Glenbeg valley. Pyramidula rotundata. Near the Pictish towers and near Balyvraid, Glenbeg valley, very local and not common. Acanthinula lamellata. Scarce, in small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley ; also amongst Great Hairy Woodrush on cliffs near the coast southwards to Rudha-na-h'Airde Beithe, but not common. Helix hortensis. Only one immature specimen seen; lower end of Glenbeg valley. Heticigona arbustorum. Common among nettles, meadowsweet, etc., lower end of Glenbeg valley, but nearly all immature ; also among nettles, ruins of Bernera Barracks, but scarce. Hygromia fusca. Common in small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley ; scarce on Iris, etc., in the same valley ; common on Iris, etc., in wet places near the cliffs on coast south to Rudha-na-h'Airde Beithe. Pupa cylindracea. Common under stones at the ruins of Bernera Barracks ; scarce in small gill near Glenelg village, and at lower end of the Glenbeg valley. Pupa anglica. Common in small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley ; scarce and immature in small gill near Glenelg village. Vertigo substriata. Scarce. In small gill near Glenelg village ; and amongst moss, etc., on moist slopes in Glenbeg valley. Sphyradium edeniulum. Small gill in larch wood in Glenelg village ; small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley ; amongst moss, etc., on moist slopes in the same valley; and in moist places on the cliffs south to Rudha-na-h'Airde Beithe; fairly common at each place. Balea perversa. Fairly common on walls near Pictish towers, Glenbeg valley. A LIST OF THE DITTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 109 Clausilia bidentata. Common in small gill at lower end of Glenelg village ; not common on walls near Pictish towers, Glenbeg valley; scarce under stones in larch wood near the village; and in several places at lower end of Glenbeg valley, not common. Cochllcopa lubrlca. Scarce under stones in larch wood in Glenelg village ; scarce in small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley ; scarce under stones at ruins of Bernera Barracks ; and common in moist places in Glenbeg valley. Cdrychlwn minimum. Not common in small gill at lower end of Glenbeg valley ; common in small gill and larch wood near Glenelg village; common amongst moss, etc., on moist slopes in Glenbeg valley ; common in moist places on cliffs near the coast south to Rudha-na-h'Airde Beithe. Llmncea truncatula, Limiuca peregra, Plsldium fontinaie, Plsldlum puslllum. — These water shells were found together, but all scarce, in ditches near the coast from Glenelg to Glenbeg river. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS, WITH NOTES ON OTHER SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE NEIGHBOURING AREAS. By Colonel J. W. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. {Continued from page 91.) 365. Echinomyia fern, L., Loch Assynt, 16th June 191 1; Loch- inver, 24th June 191 1, common. 366. Thryptocera plllpennls, Mg., Lochinver, 23rd June 1911, two $ $, one ?. Bezzi, in Kert. Kat. Pal. Dipt., vol. iii., places this species in the genus Actia. 367. T. bicolor, Mg., Invershin, 15th August 1900. 368. Siphona geniculata, De G., Lochinver, 24th June 191 1; Inch- nadamph, 1st June 1911. A pair taken in coltu on the last date do not agree well with the description, but must be assigned thereto. no THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 369. Oncsia sepulchralis, L., Loch Assynt, 7th June 191 1 ; common. 370. Cynomyia mortuorum, L., Syre, 28th May 1896; Invershin, 1 2th July 1905 (Grant). 371. Metopia campestris, Fall., Golspie, 8th June 1904. 372. Mxfocera carintfrons, Fall., Lochinver, 21st June to nth July 191 1 ; common. MUSCID^E. 373. Hcematobia stimulans, Mg., Lochinver, nth July 191 1 (only specimen) ; Gairloch (Verrall). The Stomoxinae appear to be uncommon in this district, it is therefore a question whether they can be the mysterious black flies reputed to drive the deer up into the high ground. Hydrotcea irritans is freely accused of this, though probably in error. 374. Pollenia vespillo, F., Lochinver, 30th June 1911; probably common. 375. Pyrellia cyanicolor, Zett., Loch Maree (Verrall). 376. Calliphora erythrocephala, Mg., Lochinver, 8th July 191 1; probably common. 377. Euphoria cornicing F., Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1; probably common. Anthomyid^e. It is with considerable diffidence that I attempt to tackle this family, for my knowledge of it is but meagre. I hope, however, that my identifications will prove to be in the main correct, though I am not disposed to flatter myself on the results in the genera Phorbia and Chortophila. I have not followed Stein {Kert. Kat. Pal. Dipt., vol. iii.) in his arrangement and nomenclature, for, bad as was the state of this family formerly, that work seems to have reduced it to "confusion worse confounded." 378. Hyetodesia marmorata, Zett., Loch Assynt, 18th July 191 1. 379. H. lucorum, Fall., Loch Assynt, 19th July 191 1. 380. H. halterata, Stein, Lochinver, 27th June 1911. 381. Alhvostylus diaphanus, W., Lochinver, 8th July 191 1. 3S2. Trichopticus variabilis, Fall., Inveran, 22nd July 1886 (Verrall). 383. T. semicinereus, W., Loch Assynt, 5th June 191 1. 384. Mydcsa sp. inc., near urbana, Mg., Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 1 ; also taken at Loch Maree by Mr Verrall. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS in 385. M. pagana, ?F., $ , Lochinver, 27th June 191 j. 386. Spilogastcr maculosa, Mg., Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 1. 387. S. quadram, F., N. Sutherland, 1873 (Vice), British Museum. 388. S. fratercula, Zett., Tongue, 18th June 1S84 (Verrall), British Museum. 389. S. trigonalis, Mg., Tongue (Verrall). 390. S. pertusa, Mg., Sutherland (Verrall). 391. Limnophora compuncta, W., Loch Assynt, 5th June 191 1. 392. Z. sp. inc., Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 1. 393. Z. solitaria, Zett., Loch Assynt, 3rd, 5th, 9th, and 18th June 191 1, and <$ and ? I2tn June 191 1 in coitu ; Lochinver, 2nd July 1911. 394. Z. triangula, Fall., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1. 395. Z. litorea, Fall., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1. 396. Z. sp. inc., Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 1. 397. Hydrotcca irritans, Fall., $, Loch Assynt, iSth July 1911; Lochinver, 7th July 191 1, in numbers. One of the greatest pests of the district. At Lochinver, on the above date, eight o* $ and eighty-two $ $ were caught in two sweeps of the butterfly net round my head, and on the banks of the Inver and Kirkaig this is one of the fisherman's curses. In company with these flocks of H. irritans a considerable number of Simuliu/n reptans also fly, and the two species appear to carry out a division of labour — H. irritans does the annoying, while 6". reptans does the biting! 398. Hydrotcea cinerea, Dsv., $ $ , Loch Assynt, 5th and 9th June 191 1. 399. ZZ dentipes, F., Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1. 400. H. /nilitaris, Mg., Golspie (Grimshaw). 401. H. similis, Mde., Golspie, 22nd July 1904; Lairg (Verrall). 402. H. albipuncta, Zett., Tongue (Verrall); apud Grimshaw. 403. Drymia ha/nata, Fall., Inveran, 15th July 1886 (Verrall). 404. Hydrophoria co/iica, W., Lochinver, 27th June 191 1. 405. H. linogrisea, Mg., Lochinver, 27th June 191 1. 406. H. sp. inc., Lochinver, 27th June 191 1. 407. Hylemyiavariata, Fall., Loch Assynt, 2nd and 10th June 191 1. 408. If. strigosa, F., Lochinver, 3rd July 191 1. 409. H. nigrimana, Mg., two 3 <$ , one ?, Lochinver, 3rd July 1911; and £ , nth July 1911. 410. Mycophaga fungorum, Ue G., Lochinver, 12th July 1911. 411. Prosalpia sylvestris, Fall, Loch Assynt, 8th June 191 1. 412. Chortophila sp. inc. (not bilbergi), Lochinver, 7th July 1911. 413. C. sp. (longuhi, Fall.?), Loch Assynt, 26th July 191 1. u2 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 414. C. arenosa, Zett, Brora, 20th August 1899; the absence of sand-dunes renders it improbable that this species will occur in the district. 415. Phorbia discreta, Mg., Tongue (Verrall). 416. Ph. sp. inc., Lochinver, 1st July 191 1. 417. Ph. sp. inc., Loch Assynt, 2nd June 191 1. 418. Ph. sp. inc., Loch Assynt, 1st June and 21st July 1911. 419. Ph. sp. inc., $, Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1. 420. Ph. sp. inc., Loch Assynt, 1st June 191 1. 421. Ph. sp. inc., $, Lochinver, 27th June 1911. 422. Pegomyia bicolor, W., Lochinver, 1st and 13th July 191 1 ; Golspie, 13th August 1900. 423. P. rufipes, Fall., Lochinver, 24th, 27th, and 30th June, and 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 13th July 191 1; common. 424. P. vittigera, Zett., Lochinver, 23rd June and 4th July 1911. 425. P. sp. inc. (near ruftnd), Fall, Lochinver, 20th and 27th June 191 1. 426. P.femorata, Stein, Loch Assynt, 2nd June 191 1. 427. Homalomyia manicata, Mg., The Mound, 20th June 1904; bred from pupaj found under carcase of a Greater Black- backed Gull. 428. H. serena, Fall., Lairg, 16th June 1884 (Verrall); Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1. 429. H. postica, Stein, Loch Assynt, 12th June 1911. 430. H. aerea, Zett., Loch Assynt, 2nd and 3rd June and 20th July 191 1. 431. H. incisurata, Lochinver, 1st July 191 1. 432. Azelia cilipes, Hal., Loch Assynt, 5th and 10th June 191 1. 433. Cczlomyia mollissima, Hal., Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1. 434. Chirosia albitarsis, Zett., Loch Maree, 7th June 1884 (Verrall); Tongue (Verrall). 435. Macrorchis intermedia, Fall, Lochinver, 12th July 1911. 436. M. means, Mg., Loch Assynt, 7th, 9th, and iSth June 1911 ; Lochinver, 29th June and 2th July 191 1. 437. Hoplogaster mollia/la, Fall., Lochinver, 26th June and 3rd and 7th July 191 1. 438. Ca-nosia pedella, Fall., Lochinver, 21st June and 2nd July 1911. Why Stein (Kert. Kat. Pal. Dipt., vol. iii.) uses the name C. decipiens, Mg., for this species is not evident; anyhow, C. pedella, Fall., is used by Verrall in his List of British Diptera, so I follow him. Apparently this is a case where priority is of practical utility, the name C. pedella being in general use A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 113 in England, while C. dedpiens appears to be in vogue in Germany. 439. C. piimila, Fall., Loch Assynt, 10th and nth June 1911 ; and $, Lochinver, 1st July 1911?. 440. C. Hneatipes, Zett., Lochinver, 27th June 1911. 441. C. sp. inc., Lochinver, 23rd June 1911. 442. C. tigrina, F., Lochinver, 22nd June 1911. 443. Calliophrys exuta, Kow., Loch Assynt, 10th June 1911. 444. Myopina reflexa, Dsv., Golspie, nth July 1904. 445. Fucellia maritima, Hal., Lochinver, 27th June 191 1. CORDYLURID/E. 446. Parallelomma albipes, Fall, Lochinver, 20th June 1911. 447. P. vittata, Mg., Lochinver, 23rd and 30th June, and 3rd, 7th, and 8th July 191 1; The Mound, 24th June 1904; Loch Maree, 7th June 1884; Tongue, 18th June 1S84 (Verrall). Apparently the commoner of these two species in this district. 448. Amaurosoma fasciata, Mg., Lochinver, 21st and 27th June and nth July. 191 1 ; Loch Assynt, 12th June 191 1. 449. Norellia spiiiimana, Fall., Brora, The Mound, etc. 450. Pogonota hircus, Zett., Lochinver, 23rd and 27th June and 19th July 191 1 ; common. 451. Spathiophora hydromyzina, Fall., Inchnadamph, 23rd July 191 1 ; swept from Carex at edge of Loch Awe; uncommon. 452. Trichopalpus punctipes, Mg., Loch Assynt, 9th June 1911; Inveran, 17th July 1886 (Verrall). 453. Scatophaga villipes, Zett., Lochinver, 16th and 27th June 191 1 ; not common. 454. Sc, litorea, Fall., Lochinver, 7th July 1911 ; probably common. 455. Sc. suilla, F., Lochinver, 13th July 1911. 456. Sc. In/aria, F., Lochinver, 3rd July 191 1 (only specimen). 457. Sc. ordinata, Beck., Loch Assynt, 19th July 191 1. 45S. Sc. ttcniopa, Rnd., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1. I am very doubtful about the distinctness of these last two species, neither the bristles on the middle femora nor the stripes on the femora are constant characters, but appear to vary even on the opposite sides of one individual. 459. Ceratittostoma ostiorum, Lochinver, 26th June 19113 seems to be uncommon. 460. Gymnomera farsea, Fall., Loch Assynt, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th June 1911, very common; Tongue, iSth June 1884 (Verrall). 17 P 114 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST BORBORID^E. 461. Borborus (Olina) geniculates, Macq., Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 1. 462. B. nitidus, Mg., Loch Assynt, 7th June 191 1. 463. B. nigrifemoratus, Macq., Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1. 464. Limosina vitripennis, Zett, Loch Assynt, 26th July 1911. {To be continued.) NOTES. White sided Dolphin in the Dornoch Firth. — At the beginning of September 19 11, Miss E. V. Baxter mentioned to me that she had seen the carcase of a small Cetacean on the south shore of the Dornoch Firth, about three miles east of Tain, Ross- shire. On the chance of its being one of the rarer species, I expressed a wish to see its head, and this I received a fortnight later from Miss A. C. Jackson, who, on being applied to, kindly took the trouble to secure it for me. When it reached me, the head was in an advanced state of decomposition; and after a very superficial examination it was deposited in a corner of the garden, there to skeletonise. I had little doubt the species was Delphi n us (Lage/io- rhynchus) acutus, Gray, known as the White-sided Dolphin, and careful comparison of the skull a few weeks ago with Sir William Turner's description and figure of that of a specimen from near Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland, in April 1906 {Proc. Roy. Soc. Edin., xxvi., pp. 310-319) bore out this identification. Sir William Turner has since kindly examined the Dornoch skull, and agrees with me in regarding it as Delphinus acutus. Unfortunately I am unable to give any details of the external features of the animal. It was described in general terms as "dark above, lighter below," and from the information given me, I conclude its length was roughly about 7 feet. The following are the principal measurements of the skull : — Length in a straight line from occipital condyle to tip of beak, 16J inches. Length of beak from notch in maxillary bone to tip of pre- maxillaries, Sh inches. Length of lower jaw, 13I inches. Greatest breadth of skull, 8f inches. Breadth of beak at base, 4 inches. These measurements have been checked by Mr E. J. Henderson, NOTES 115 Anatomical Museum, Edinburgh University, who gives me the 2 ^ 2 2 dental formula as -g - -|-. I had detected only 34 teeth on each side of the lower jaw, but some of the anterior ones were very small, and did not pierce the gum. This is but the second occasion on which the White-sided Dolphin has been positively identified on the Scottish mainland, though it has several times been recorded from Orkney. — William Evans. Ornithological Notes from Wigtownshire. — On 1st November 191 2 I watched a single Great Skua off Craignarget Bank, Luce Bay. When first sighted it was perhaps three-quarters of a mile out, but came close in shore in pursuit of a Herring Gull. This is the first record for the county that I know of. After the snowstorm on 2nd December 191 2, I got close up to three fine Mealy Redpolls, which were feeding on knapweed near the hen- house, Corsemalzie, in company with eleven Lesser Redpolls, thirty-seven Goldfinches, and some Linnets. From 13th to 17th December 19 12, while bird- watching in Loch Ryan, I saw Slavonian Grebes daily, no less than five being watched on the morning of the 17th near Kirkcolm, two Great Crested Grebes and three Dabchicks being also seen. On 21st February 1913 I had a female Smew under observation for some time on the Castle Loch (Mochrum). — J. G. Gordon, Corsemalzie. Bird-notes from Shetland.— A White-tailed Eagle was seen by Mr Robert Russell on 1st April over the town of Lerwick. On 30th March two Goldcrests were seen at Helmdale by Mr Davidson, and Mr Grierson also saw one. Davidson tells me he was quite close, within a few feet of them. This, I think, is exceptionally early. We have had an awful succession of gales, which has caused a big mortality among the sea birds, especially Shags. In some parts along the coast they are lying in great numbers. This is probably due to the severe weather and the absence of small fish, especially sillocks. I fancy no one will regret the loss of the birds, as they had become too numerous, and wrought havoc among the sea and loch trout.— John S. Tulloch. Hawfinch in East Lothian —On 31st March I received a dead Hawfinch which had been found in the churchyard at Pencait- land by R. Baillie, a builder. He tells me that the bird had been lying dead for a fortnight before he picked it up and sent it to me. It had been badly gnawed by mice when I got it.— H. N. Bonar, Saltoun. 116 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Greenland Falcons at Scottish Islands. — The Royal Scottish Museum has recently received two specimens of this, the most beautiful of the Falconidre, by presentation. The first of these, presented by Dr Edmonston Saxby, was obtained at the Island of Unst, Shetland, on 15th March, and is an adult male. The second, an adult female weighing 3^ lbs., was captured in a rabbit trap on the Island of Colonsay on 31st March, and was secured for the Museum through the good offices of Prof. Donald Mackinnon. — Wm. Eagle Clarke, Edinburgh. Hoopoe in Fife. — On 25th September last a Hoopoe was shot near Kirkcaldy by a keeper on Raith Estate. He saw the bird fly past his window and alight on a rubbish heap, near an old coal-pit, where it was secured without difficulty. It proved to be a male, and has been preserved. — D. J. Balfour Kirkk, Burntisland. Black-throated and Red-throated Divers in the Firth of Forth. — I beg to record a great rush of Black- and Red-throated Divers, which I observed on 13th April at Inchkeith. I never in all my experience have seen such numbers. I can safely say that there were from 150 to 200 passing with the ebb-tide, all busy feeding on sprats. I had an excellent view of them from the north end of the island. I would like to know if they have been noticed at any other place in the Firth of Forth. The birds were in various stages of plumage ; some very dark and others very beautiful. On 15th April I saw my first Swallow of the season, but we have had no Warblers yet, though several Wheat ears, Pied Wagtails, and Goldcrests have visited us. — William Begg, Inchkeith Lighthouse. Cornicularia vigilax (Bl.) in Scotland (Forth). — In 191 2 I took this rare spider in two localities in the Forth area, viz., at Wharry Glen, near Bridge of Allan, where a female was shaken out of ground moss on 17th February, and the Isle of May, where a male was got on 5th July. They have been identified for me respectively by the Rev. J. E. Hull and Dr A. R. Jackson. I am not aware of any previous record of this species for Scotland. A number of other small spiders, including Minyriolus pusillus, Troxochnis exilis {Tapinopa pal lots in previous Forth records), Walckena'era nudipalpis, etc., occurred along with the Bridge of Allan specimen.— William Evans. Tetramorium ceespitum (L.) — an Ant new to Scotland — in the Forth Area. — When returning from the Isle of May on 21st March this year (1913) I landed for a couple of hours on the Bass Rock, and devoted a considerable part of the time to searching NOTES 117 for insects and other invertebrates. I had not been lone at work when a nest of small black ants was discovered under a stone on the steep slope below the ruins. At the first glance I took them to be Lasii/s niger, a common ant on the adjacent coast ; but a closer inspection showed that I had come upon something much more interesting. Specimens were accordingly secured for determination at home. On comparing them with the description and figure of Tetramorium ccespitum in Saunders's " British Hymenoptera Aculeata," I had no doubt they belonged to that species, and Mr Donisthorpe has kindly confirmed my identification. Only workers were seen, but beyond lifting the stone, which was carefully replaced, I did not disturb the nest. This species is not only an addition to my list of Forth Ants, published in this magazine a year ago, but apparently to the Fauna of Scotland. In England it is common in the south, especially on sandy coasts, but Mr Donisthorpe tells me his most northern records are from Cambridgeshire and Denbigh. The Bass Rock is in Haddingtonshire, i.e., 82 of the Watsonian scheme of counties and vice-counties. — William Evans. Rare Scottish Plies (Syrphidse). — In reference to Mr Carter's note in the April number (ante, p. 94) I have to state that on 30th May 1908 I captured several specimens of Chilosia maculata on the banks of the Tweed at Kelso. Two other good Syrphids which I have taken in Scotland are : — Eristalis ceneus, several, on the shore, Glenmorven, Argyll, September 1909, and Callicera yerburyi, a female, Loch Rannoch, Perthshire, 5th August 1907. The Eristalis is, I understand, an addition to the Scottish list. — J. W. Bowhill, Edinburgh. [Mr Bowhill has shown us these specimens. Callicera yerburyi was described by the late Mr Verrall from four females taken at Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire, by Col. Yerbury in 1904 (Eut. Mo. Mag., 1904, p. 229). Mr Bowhill's seems to be the only other known specimen. — Eds.] The Burrowing of the Sand -Crab, Portumnus latipes.- An unusual specimen of Portumnus lalipes (Pennant) [ = P. varie- gatus, Leach], the small but beautiful Sand-Crab, was captured in February near Cramond, and brought alive to the Royal Scottish Museum by Mr T. Kirkpatrick. Instead of the uniform purplish- white mottled carapace of normal specimens this individual bore a large central blotch of white, shaped like a conventional fleur-de-lis. This blotch might possibly have had protective value, since it resembled empty shells of Mactra and Cardium whicli^wej^, plentiful in the vicinity. n8 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST The specimen during the fortnight it was kept alive, was often to be seen swimming with agility, but its flattened limbs were more frequently used as spades than as paddles. The mode of burrowing, of which I can find no satisfactory description, was as follows : The crab settled on the sand, then, tilting its body upwards in front, spread its walking legs and brought them together under its body, so collecting a median ridge of sand. This ridge was shovelled out in front and in rear by the first and last pairs of walking legs, which moved in a forwards and outwards and backwards and outwards direction respectively. Thus a shallow excavation was formed into which the crab sank, settling down and tucking its limbs underneath its body. A wriggling motion sufficed to embed the margins of the shell in the sand, and finally with the hind limbs a sprinkling of sand was jerked upon the carapace. In this position the crab merged almost indistinguishably with its surroundings ; the mottling of the carapace resembled sand-grains, the fleur-de-lis blotch a small shell, and all that was visible on close inspection was the front of the carapace bearing the antenna? and eyes. — James Ritchie, Edinburgh. BOOK NOTICES. The Marine Mammals in the Anatomical Museum of the Universitv of Edinburgh (Cetacea, Sirenia, Pinnipedia). By Sir William Turner, K.C.B., F.R.S., etc., etc. With 17 plates and over 100 text-figures. London : Macmillan & Co., 1912. The collection of marine vertebrate animals, that of the cetaceans in particular, in the anatomical museum of the Edinburgh University is one of first importance. Thanks to Sir William Turner's long association with the University, and to his equally long and keen interest in these groups, the material in the museum is surpassed by few indeed among European collections. Sir William has not only acquired a remarkable series of specimens, but he has made the best use of them, with the result that zoologists are deeply indebted to him for numerous masterly contributions to the anatomy and history of these groups, especially the cetacea. The results of these studies have been gathered together and presented to us in the volume under con- sideration. In addition, however, to being an important contribution to scientific knowledge, the book appeals strongly to those who are interested in the fauna of Scotland, since it is replete with records of the occurrence in Scottish seas of practically all the species of whales known to inhabit or visit European waters ; concerning these much information and valuable details are afforded. GLEANINGS u9 The Big Game of Centrai, and Western China. By II. F. Wallace, F.R.G.S., F.Z.S. London : John Murray, 1913. 15s. net. Naturalists are under a debt of gratitude to those travellers who furnish details of their wanderings in far-off lands. There is much literature to choose from if one seeks for information about the fauna of the African continent ; but books dealing with Northern Asiatic wild-life are comparatively few and far between, and therefore we are specially grateful to Mr Wallace, who possesses the qualifications of sportsman, naturalist, draughtsman, and writer, for the book under notice. The "Big Game of Central and Western China" is pleasant reading and full of observation. Perhaps the most interesting chapters to the naturalist will be those which deal with the Takin and White-maned Serow, of which animals the author has much to say. The whole book will, however, repay careful perusal, and it is utterly unmarred by any spirit of killing, Mr Wallace being foremost a naturalist. The drawings by the author are exceedingly pleasing, and a welcome change to the endless photographic illustrations of to-day ; and last but not least are two welcome maps and excellent type. G. G. M. GLEANINGS. Our readers, like ourselves, will be gratified to learn of the election of Colonel R. G. Wardlaw-Ramsay to the important office of President of the British Ornithologists' Union. This distinction is the highest that can be conferred by the ornithologists of Britain, and in selecting our worthy countryman for the post we feel that no better choice could have been made. The Union has only had two previous Presidents during the fifty odd years of its existence, and Colonel Wardlaw-Ramsay is a worthy successor to the two distinguished men who preceded him. His ornithological studies in the East, extending over a number of years spent in military service, resulted in a series of valuable papers contributed to the pages of the Ibis, while the bulk of his extensive collections, which included the monumental one formed by his uncle, the Marquis of Tweeddale, were presented to the Natural History Museum, South Kensington. It is interesting to add, however, that the Royal Scottish Museum also shared in this valuable gift to the extent of many hundreds of skins. We have received from the author, John W. Taylor, a copy of his Presidential Address to the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union, delivered at Hull on 14th December last. The title of the address is " Dominancy in Nature and its Correlation with Evolution, Phylogeny, and Geo- graphical Distribution." The subject is a fascinating one, and the author presents his ideas in an interesting and plausible fashion. The main idea of the paper is that all the dominant or progressive types of life originate in a central evolutionary area, whence they spread and 120 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST overcome the weaker forms in the surrounding areas. This area is placed by the author in North-Central Europe, and the peopling of the earth is supposed to have taken place by way of certain definable paths leading from the area in question. Other points of much interest are brought forth in this well-argued paper, which we strongly recommend our readers to peruse. An account of the common diseases which attack familiar food fishes of the North Sea — cancers and tumours, and diseases more clearly traceable to the active agency of parasitic protozoa and worms— is given by H. C. Williamson in the latest "Scientific Investigations" publication of the Fishery Board for Scotland (March 19 13). There is also interesting information regarding the structures and causes of such abnormalities as spinal-curvature and hump-back, found especially in cod and haddock from the North Sea. In the concluding part of the paper referred to last month, and entitled " Myrmecophilous Notes for 1912" {Entomologists Record, April I9I3i PP- 89-97), we note the following records for Scotland: Coleop- TERA — Drusilla canaliculata, F., Tiree ; Staphylinus stercorarius, 01., Rannoch and Forth Bridge ; Potosia (Cetonia) cuprea, var. floricola, auct., Nethy Bridge ; Diptera — P hy Homy za formica;, Collin, and Phora femorata, Mg\, Nethy Bridge ; Hymenoptera — Ceutcterus oprimator, Grav., and Baeus seminulum, Hal., at Nethy Bridge ; Araneina — Evansia merens, Camb., Tiree ; Crustacea — Platyarthrus hoffmanseggi, Brdt., Rannoch, "Banffshire," and Inverkeithing. J. T. Marshall, in the Journal of Conchology for April (pp. 33-35) continues his "Additions to 'British Conchology,'" and in the present instalment mentions several Scottish localities for the following species : PJiiline angulata, Jeff., and var. circamlustra, Marsh ; P. quadrata, S. Wood ; P. punctata, Clark, and var. cingulata, Marsh ; P. pruinosa, Clark ; P. nitida, Jeff. ; P. aperta, L., and var. patula, Jeff. [Mollusca.] A paper by John F. Musham, entitled "The Land and Freshwater Mollusca of Iona," appears in the April number of the Journal of Conchology (pp. 58-60). A score of species are recorded, resulting from the joint observations of the author and A. Somerville. [Mollusca.] James Edwards, in a paper having for its title "A Contribution to a Knowledge of the British NotiopJuli " (Entomologists Monthly Magazine, March and April 1913, pp. 70-75) records the following Scottish localities : N. pusillus, Wat., Dalwhinnie ; N. hypocrita, Spaeth., Ross and Braemar. [Coleoptera.] In the Entomologists Monthly Magazine for April (p. yy) Norman H. Joy records and describes Alheta magniccps, J. Sahib., a new British species, from examples taken in October 1909, and again in 1910, in flood rubbish from the river Truim at Dalwhinnie, Inverness-shire. The species was originally described from Finland, where it is reported to be a rare insect. [Coleoptera.] {Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) QZ? ■■jfr %»% LIBRA, The Scottish Natural No. 1 3.] 1913 [Junk ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY: FIRST INTERIM REPORT (1909-12). By A. Landsborough Thomson, M.A., M.B.O.U. {Concluded from page 84.) Blackbird {continued). Case 215, ring A.U. 1633S : — lot/i Nov. 1 910: caught in net, marked, and released at 46 Don Street, Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) 30th June 191 1 : caught in net at Balgownie House, near Aberdeen. (Mr J. Leggat.) Case 220, ring A.U. 16558 : — io//z May 191 1 : marked as a nestling at Old Aberdeen. (Mr L. N. G. Ramsay.) 24^/z May 191 1 : killed by a cat at the same place. (Marker : bird and ring returned.) Case 224, ring A.U. 17980: — 22nd May 1 911: marked as a nestling near Glencorse, Midlothian, Scotland. (Mr R. G. Thin.) 27th June 191 1 : killed in strawberry nets at Glencorse House. (Mr G. Mair : ring returned.) Case 230, ring A.U. 17081 : — 25M May 191 1 : marked as a nestling nearly ready to fly at Monymusk House, Aberdeenshire. (Capt. A. Grant, U.S.O.) 20th July 191 1 : caught in fruit nets at the same place. (Marker.) 18' Q 122 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 233, female, ring A.U. 620B : — 215/ May 191 1 : marked as a nestling at Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, Scotland. (Lieut. -Col. A. V. Anderson.) 27th July 191 1 : caught in strawberry net at Manse of Garvock, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire. (Rev. W. Stephen : ring returned.) Cask 234, female, ring A.U. 18236: — id>th May 1911: marked as a nestling at Diriebright Wood, Inverness, Scotland. (Mr A. Knowles.) 2nd Aug. 191 1 (about): caught in fruit net at Maryhill, Inverness, and released. (Inverness Courier, 4 viii. 1911.) Case 244, ring A.U. 19661 : — \$th June 191 1 : marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) [17//2 July 1 91 1.] Case 269, ring A.U. 8855 : — 13/// June 191 1 : marked as young bird just out of nest at Elgin, Moray, Scotland. (Mr P. Dow.) Aug. 191 1 : found dead in a garden at Elgin. (Mr H. Halliday, through Mr W. S. Meston.) Case 278, ring A.U. 19648 : — 12/// June 191 1 : marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 7th Nov. 191 1 (about): found dead ("had been dead for some days") at Ravensworth, Gateshead, Durham, England. (Mr W. Johnson.) Case 325, ring A.U. 14S51 : — 2377/ Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [22;^/ Jan. 1 912.] Ca.se 326, ring A.U. 14848: — 22nd Nov. 1 910 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [24M Feb. and 1st April 191 2.] Case 331, ring A.U. 16519:- 23rd July 191 1 : marked as a nestling at East Warriston, Edin- burgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [3rd Feb. 1912.] ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 123 Ca.SE 337, male, ring A.U. 8601 : — iSth July 1910: caught in strawberry net as a young bird at the Sutherland Technical School, (iolspie, Sutherland, Scotland. (Mr E. W. Read.) Aug. 191 1 : found dead in net at the same place. (Marker.) Case 366, ring A.U. 61 7E : — 1st March 191 1: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) 15M Feb. 1912 : found dead at the same place. (Marker.) Redbreast (Dandalus rubecula, L.). Case 7, ring A.U. 7054: — 6th Feb. 19 10: caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [18/// Feb. 1 9 10, and gth March 19 12.] Case 8, ring A.U. 7058 : — nth Feb. 1 9 10: caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [12//2 Feb., yd Nov. 1910; and 23^ Jan. 1911-] Case 16, ring A.U. 7060: — 12/// Feb. 1 9 10: caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [21st and 22nd March 1910.] Case 31, ring A.U. 7604 : — 10th March 19 10: caught, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [21st April 1910.] Case 117, ring A.U. 8868:— 1st June 1910: marked as a nestling at Crossroads, Durris, Kincardineshire, Scotland. (Mr A. Macdonald.) [21st Jan. 1 91 1.] Case 127, ring A.U. 7057 : — nth Feb. 1 9 10: caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [30/// Jan. and 25M Feb. 1911.] Case 135, ring A.U. 102H : — igth JVov. 191 o: caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [5/// and iot/1 Feb., 1st April 19 r 1.] 124 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 143, ring A.U. 737s ;— 18/// Sept. 1910: caught in house, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr L. N. G. Ramsay.) [4/// Feb. 191 1.] Case 168, ring A.U. 7120 : — 1st March 1910 : caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [24/// Feb. 1911.] Case 173, ring A.U. 121B: — 26th Nov. 1 9 10 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [1st March 1911.] Case 174, ring A.U. 120B : — 24th Nov. 1 9 10 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \_2/id March 191 1 ; yd Feb. and 9/// March 1912.] Case 17S, ring A.U. S30H : — 31 st Jan. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [6th and 20/// March 191 1.] Case 199, ring A.U. 718H : — 20/// March 19 n : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [28th March 191 1.] Case 236, ring A.U. 338K : — 16th May 191 1 : marked as a nestling at the vineyard of Curtlemead, Beaulieu, Hampshire, England. (Ur P. Gosse.) July 1 911: came down the chimney of a house a mile from the place of marking. (Sir J. K. Fowler, through marker.) Case 265, ring A.U. 71 7H : — \3sth March 1911 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [15/// and 23rd Oct. 1911.] Case 267, ring A.U. 792H : — 2nd Oct. 191 1 : caught in house, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [8th Oct., 2yd Arov., 2\st and 26/// Dec. 191 1 ; 4th and 7th Jan., and iSt/i Feb. 1912.] ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 125 Cask 268, ring A.U. 264E: — 16th Jan. 1911: caught, marked, and released at Broom- end, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. (Mr T. Tait.) [29/// Oct. 1911.] Case 280, ring A.U. 6324 :• — i$th Jan. 1911: caught in house, marked, and released at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss 1). Hamilton.) \i6tkjan., 6t/i and 26/// Dec. 191 1.] Case 296, ring A.U. 357M: — 14/// iVov. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) \26th Arov. 191 i.l Case 297, ring 120F: — ■ 22nd Nov. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [25/// and 28/// Dec. 191 1 ; 2\st Jan. 19 12.] Case 299, ring A.U. 7491 : — 22nd Jan. 1910: caught in trap, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. L. Thomson.) 4/7/ Dec. 191 1 : recaught in house at the same place, and released. (Mr I. S. Thomson.) Case 302, ring A.U. 647M : — 17/// Sept. 191 1 : caught, marked, and released at Monymusk House, Aberdeenshire. (Capt. A. Grant, D.S.O.) St/i June 1 91 2 : recaught at the same place. (Marker.) Case 315, ring A.U. 6331 :— i6t/ijan. 191 1 : caught in trap, marked, and released at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 2gt/i Feb. 1912 : found dead ("had been dead some time") at the same place. (Marker.) Case 328, ring A.U. 43F : — 4/// Sept. 1 911: caught by hand, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [215-/ and 31st Jan. 19 12.] Case 344, ring A.U. 764H : — 1st Feb. 1 912 : caught in net, marked, and released at 46 Don Street, Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) 26/// May 1912: caught at 14 Chanonry, Old Aberdeen, and released. (Brought to Professor J. Arthur Thomson before release at the same place.) 126 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 355, ring A.U. 762H:— 28/// Jan. 1 91 2 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) 4th Feb. 191 2 : found dead at the same place. (Marker.) Case 365, ring A.U. 39917: — yd March 19T2 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) [6t/i March 191 2.] Note. — Most of the birds in the above cases might belong either to the British race {Dandalus rubecula melophilas, Hart.) or to the Continental winter immigrant race {Dandalus rubecula rubecula, L.) of the species ; but those in cases 1 1 7 and 236, being known to be British born, and that in case 302 having been recorded in the British Isles in summer, may be presumed to belong to the former race. Whitethroat (Sylvia communis, Lath.). Case 88, ring A.U. 822A:— 9th Sept. 1 910: caught at the lighthouse lantern, marked, and released on the Isle of May, Firth of Forth, Scotland. (Miss E. V. Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul.) 12th Sept. 1910: killed at the same place. (Markers: ring returned.) Willow-warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus, L.). Case 78, ring A.U. 0365 : — 30M June 1910: marked as a nestling at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) [5/// July 1 910.] Hedge-sparrow (Prunella /nodularis, L.). Case 122, ring A.U. 849H : — 20th Nov. 1 9 10: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \_2\st Nov. and 6th Dec. 19 10; 18/// Feb. and 2nd March 191 1.] Case 123, ring A.U. 851M : — 2\st Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [22;/^ Nov. 1910; 2yd Feb. 1912.] Case 125, ring A.U. 114B : — 2$rd Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [26th Nov. 1910.] ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 127 Case 126, ring A.U. 8300: — %th July 1910; caught in trap, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [26th Nov. 1 9 10.] Case 162, ring A.U. 260H : — 2nd Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [4/// and i$th Feb. 191 1.] Case 163, ring A.U. 853H : — 2 1 st Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \jth and 19M Feb. 191 1.] Case 176, ring A.U. 279H : — 2nd Dec. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [6//1 March 1911.] Case 177, ring A.U. 45 7H : — 2nd March 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [6th, nth, and 16//2 March 191 1; yd, 24th Feb. and 15//Z March 1912.] Case 182, ring A.U. 439H : — 20th Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [nth and 16th March 191 1; yd, "jth, I'jth and 24//Z Feb., nth and 2 is t March, and 12th April 1912.] Case 187, ring A.U. 420H : — 20th March 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [21st March 1911.] Case 227, ring A.U. 26H: — yh Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) 1th July 191 1 : found dead at the same place. (Marker.) Case 259, ring A.U. 37 iH: — lyh Aug. 191 1 : caught in net as a young bird, marked, and released at. East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [18/// and 2yd Aug. 191 1.] 128 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 260, ring A.U. 339H : — \*\th Aug. 1 911: caught in net as a young bird, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [igf/i Aug. 191 t.] Case 261, ring A.U. 391H : — 23rd Aug. 191 1 : caught in net as a young bird, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [2nd Sept. 1 911; 27/// and ^xst Jan. 191 2, and i^th Feb. 1912.] Case 313, ring A.U. 166F: — 2377/ Dec. 191 1 : caught in trap, marked, and released at Beaulieu, Hampshire, England. (Dr P. Gosse.) 21st Feb. 1912: shot at the same place. (Marker.) Case 31S, male, ring A.U. 850H : — 21st Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [24//^ Jan. 1912.] Case 321, ring A.U. 855H :— 2\st Nov. 1910: caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) \$th Feb. 1912.] Case 322, ring A.U. 496H : — 141/1 Feb. 191 1 : caught in net, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [6/7/ and 24/V/ Feb. 19 1 2.] Case 342, ring A.U. 715H : — xSt/i March 191 1: caught in net, marked, and released at 46 Don Street, Old Aberdeen. (Mr A. G. Davidson.) \th May 191 2: killed by a cat at 81 High Street, Old Aberdeen. (Miss M. M. Trail, M.A. : ring returned.) Note. — Most of the birds in the above cases might belong either to the British race {Prunella modularis occidentalism Hart.) or to the Continental winter immigrant race {Prunella modularis modularis, L.) of the species ; but those in cases 126, 227, 259, 260, 261, and 342, having been recorded in the British Isles in summer, may be presumed to belong to former race. The reader should note that in regard to this and the other species so frequently recorded as " recaught at the same place" there is a natural tendency for most of such records to occur in those months when netting and trapping can be successfully carried on : an absence or scarcity of summer records, therefore, does not necessarily indicate a movement on the part of the birds. But, on the other hand, it is probable that a considerably smaller proportion of reappearances would be recorded from among birds leaving the district, than from among birds remaining in the district and having the chance of reappearing in the markers own nets or traps. ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRY 129 IV. — Appendix. This appendix contains details of reappearances of game birds imported from another district or country, hand-reared duck, and escaped cage birds — cases which, as already stated, do not come within the ordinary scope of our Inquiry. Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus, Lath.). [For other record, see 1912, page 218.] Case 345, male, ring A.U. 21233 : — Purchased bird turned down ; 2ist Oct. 191 1 : marked and released at Ardochy, Lochgarry, Inverness-shire, Scotland. (Capt. Ellice.) 1th May 1912 : found dead (fresh) above Glasdhoire Mhor, on the north side of Loch Lochy, Inverness-shire. (Cameron of Lochiel : ring returned.) Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus, L.). Case 348, ring A.U. 16656: — Brought from Logie Elphinstone, Aberdeenshire ; 6th March 1912 : marked and released at Monymusk, Aberdeen- shire. (Capt. A Grant, D.S.O.) \oth June 191 2 : caught in rabbit-trap at Gallowhill, Mony- musk. (Marker : ring returned.) Partridge {Perdix perdix, L.). Case 12, ring A.U. 5796: — Imported from Hungary ; 2nd March 1910: marked and released at Skene, Aberdeen- shire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) Early May 1910: found dead near a wire fence in the same district. (Mr J. Wyness, through marker.) Case 212, ring A.U. 3689: — Imported from Bohemia; 30/// Nov. 1 910: marked and released at Perrivale, Skene, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) Winter 1910-n : found dead at Blackchalmers, Kinellar, near Skene. (Marker: ring returned.) Case 213, ring A.U. 11304: — Imported from Bohemia ; $oth Nov. 1 9 10: marked and released at Perrivale, Skene, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) April 191 1 : found dead at the same place. (Marker.) 18 R 130 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Case 279, ring A.U. 11319: — Imported from Bohemia ; 30//Z Nov. 1 910: marked and released at Perrivale, Skene, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 28/// Sept. 191 1 : shot from a covey of about eight birds at Greystone, Skene. (Marker.) Mallard (Anas platyryueha, L.). [For other records, see 1912, page 218.] Case 86, ring A.U. 1607 1 : — 28/// June 1910: marked as hand-reared birds of two months at Pitcaple Castle, Aberdeenshire. (Mr G. Gray.) Sept. 1 910 : found dead in a ditch at Suttie, Fintray, Aberdeen- shire. (Mr G. Turnbull, through Mr W. S. Meston.) Cases 95, ring A.U. 11143 ; and 96, ring A.U. 15976 : — 28/// June 1 9 10: both marked as hand-reared birds of two months at Pitcaple Castle, Aberdeenshire. (Mr G. Gray.) 1st Sept. 1910 : both shot in a barley field at Wester Fintray, Aberdeenshire. (Mr C. Rennie : rings returned.) Cases 188, ring A.U. 15880; 1S9, ring A.U. 15887; 190, ring A.U. 15925; 191, ring A.U. 15947; !92> ring A.U. 16026; 193, ring A.U. 16079; and 194, ring A.U. 16098: — ■ 2%th June 1910: all marked as hand-reared birds of two months at Pitcaple Castle, Aberdeenshire. (Mr G. Gray.) Winter 1910-n : all shot (on various unnoted dates) at the same place. (Marker: rings returned.) Case 270, ring A.U. 19259: — Egg brought from Kincorth, Moray, Scotland ; 19th July 191 1 : marked as a young hand-reared bird on the lake at Dunecht House, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 15/// Nov. 191 1 : shot in front of Aboyne Castle, Aberdeenshire. (Mr R. Farquharson : ring returned.) Case 282, male, ring A.U. 19264: — Egg brought from Kincorth, Moray, Scotland ; 19th July 191 1 : marked as a young hand-reared bird on the lake at Dunecht House, Aberdeenshire. (Miss D. Hamilton.) 3rd Nov. 191 1 : shot on the Loch of Skene, Aberdeenshire. (Marker : ring returned.) ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY BIRD-MIGRATION INQUIRE ni Case 304, ring A.U. 19254 :— Egg brought from Kincorth, Moray, Scotland ; x^thjuly 191 1 : marked as a young hand-reared bird on the lake at Dunecht House, Aberdeenshire. (Miss 1 ). Hamilton.) \oth Jan. 1912 (about): shot on the river Urie, near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. (Mr W. M. Williamson.) Case 347, ring A.U. i593°:— 2%th June 1 9 10 : marked as a hand-reared bird of two months, at Pitcaple Castle, Aberdeenshire. (Mr G. Gray.) %th June 1912 (about) : found dead in a field near Inveramsay, Aberdeenshire. (Mr H. Anderson in Aberdeen Free Press, 1 1 vi. 1912.) Case 367, female, ring A.U. 16020 : — June 1910: marked as a hand-reared young bird at Pitcaple Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. (Mr G. Gray.) 18//1 July 191 1 : obtained on a marsh at Gjottriip, near Fjerritslev, prov. Aalborg, northern Denmark : described as a mother in charge of a brood of about fifteen ducklings. (Mr Lorentzen.) Yellow Hammer (E/nberiza cttrinella, L.). [For other records, see 1912, page 224.] Case 18, ring A.U. 7679: — The marker described this bird as "apparently escaped from captivity; two nails missing from right foot, the others very long ; tail cut across about an inch from the end : very dirty." 22nd March 1910: caught in net in the above-described condition, marked, and released at East Warriston, Edinburgh. (Mr A. Campbell.) [23/7/ March, 14/h and I'jf/i April 19 10.] This report includes details of all records from Cases 1-367, but it may be noted that, owing to cancellations for inaccuracies and similar causes, the following "Case numbers" are blank =—5, 6, 10, II, 13, 17, 36, 53, 64, 68, 69, 77, 90, 179, 210, 219, 221, 222, 225, 241, 243, 245, 247, 248, 294, 338, 353. Of the remaining cases 22 are in the Appendix and 318 fall within the ordinary scope of the Inquiry. Additional records for any of these cases, as well as details of cases from 368 onwards, will be given in future reports. 132 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN ABERDEEN- SHIRE NORTH. By Fred Booth. [This is the fourth of the series of notes on investigation of the northern range of mollusca in Scotland, undertaken by aid of a Government grant.— W. D. R.] The whole of the portions of Aberdeenshire visited by me, away from the shore, consists of low, undulating hill-country, all of which appears to be under cultivation, chiefly of an agricultural nature, grass-land occupying the greater part, with corn and other crops in the rest of it. The roads are of granite and in good condition, separated from the fields by the usual barbed-wire fences, there being no hedges and very little if any banking, and no loose stones lying about. Small patches of woodland occur in several places, chiefly near rivers or villages. The coast-line from Aberdeen northwards to Cruden is of two kinds — the portion from Aberdeen to Collieston con- sisting of sandhills overgrown by marram and other grasses along the margin near the coast, while further inland the grass is cut short by the several golf-clubs that occupy the sandhills from Aberdeen to Cruden Bay. In this part there are very few boggy or marshy places, except where a small stream running from the higher lands to the sea becomes choked up with masses of iris, reeds, rushes, etc., in which case it spreads out and forms a small marsh, and the water is lost in the sand of the beach. That part of the coast which extends from Collieston to the south end of Cruden Bay is composed of precipitous cliffs, with here and there a small cove whose slopes in some instances allow of a path being made down to the beach. There are also numerous clefts or rifts in the cliffs worn down by the stream from inland. On the slopes of the coves, and also in most of the rocky clefts, there occurred abundance MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN ABERDEENSHIRE NORTH 133 of vegetation, consisting of iris, meadowsweet, nettles, hairy woodrush, umbellifers, etc. The tops of the cliffs, allowing for a path, are fenced from the cultivated land by barbed wire, and covered with ling, heather, and benty grass. The Bay of Cruden has a sandy beach, with sandhills between it and the cultivated land. South of Aberdeen, to Muchalls in Kincardineshire, precipitous cliffs of the same kind flank the coast, having in every way the same characteristics as the coast between Collieston and Cruden Bay. The slopes in some instances are more generally covered with a mixed kind of vegetation perhaps than those north of Aberdeen. The tops of the cliffs are railed off from the farmed land, which is under similar cultivation to that in Aberdeenshire. There are numerous grassy slopes immediately south of the River Dee, which are used as grazing ground for sheep. In the neighbourhood of Peterhead similar physical features prevail as in South Aberdeenshire, with low, undulat- ing hill-country under similar cultivation, though much of the grass-land is rough and coarse, but evidently suited for sheep-farming. The coast south to Cruden Bay is rocky, and really a continuation of that already described between Collieston and the southern end of Cruden Bay, only broken by the sand- hills of the Bay itself. This portion of the coast is not so much broken up as the more southern portion, and there are fewer chances of getting down to the shore. Of beach there is very little, as the sea-water on most of this part of the coast is always up to the base of the cliffs. On the portion of the coast between Longhaven and near to Peterhead there are granite quarries, the cliffs being cut for the Peterhead granite. North of Peterhead town to Rattray Head the coast is all sandhills, similar to those immediately north of Aberdeen, the part near the sea overgrown with marram and other grasses, and the portion between this and the cultivated area is occupied by golf courses, and kept clear of long grass, as these links generally are. There are odd patches of woodland near St Fergus, and on the river side at and below Inverugie. 134- THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST My investigation of Aberdeenshire North was done on the 15th, 1 6th, and 17th of August 19 10. Limax maximus. Wood alongside river near Inverugie — one adult. L. arborum. An immature example on the coast between Cruden Bay and the Old Castle of Slains; also on slopes of cliffs between Slains New Castle and Boddam. Agriolimax agrestis. Abundant between Cruden Bay and Slains Old Castle, also on roadside from there to Pitlurg Station, and on the sandhills between the River Ugie and Rattray Head. Arion ater. The type on the coast between Cruden Bay and Old Slains Castle, and accompanied by var. nigrescens, its imma- ture form, between Slains New Castle and Boddam. Arion hortensis. On the coast between Cruden Bay and Old Slains Castle. Arion circitmscriptns. With the last ; also on the coast between Slains New Castle and Boddam, and on the sandhills from River Ugie to Rattray Head. Arion intermedins. In moist places on the coast, Cruden Bay to Slains Old Castle, Slains New Castle to Boddam, and on sandhills, River Ugie to Rattray Head. Vitrina pelhtcida. In several places along the coast ; Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains ; moist places from Slains New Castle to Boddam ; and amongst grass and moss on sandhills from River Ugie to Rattray. Common in all these stations, but always immature. Hyalinia cellaria. Several places on the coast between Cruden Bay and Old Slains Castle, but nearly all immature, and not common. Hyalinia alliaria. With the preceding, common ; also in moist places between Slains New Castle and Boddam ; and amongst moss on sandhills from River Ugie to Rattray Head ; scarce in these stations. Hyalinia nitidnla. Scarce amongst moss in the last-named station. Hyalinia pura. The var. nitidosa in moist places, Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains, and amongst moss on golf-links north of River Ugie ; scarce. MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN ABERDEENSHIRE NORTH 135 Hyalinia radiatula. Scarce, amongst moss on golf-links north of River Ugie. Hyalinia crystallina. Amongst moss on sandhills from River Ugie to Rattray Head, but living examples not common. Hyalinia fulva. Amongst Great Hairy Woodrush, Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains • scarce. Pyramidula rotundata. Very common in several places between Cruden Bay and the Old Castle of Slains. Helix hortensis. Common, but for the greater part immature, in several places along with H. arbustorum, on tops and slopes of cliffs from Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains, the colour- forms being lutca and olivacea, and the band-formulae includ- ing 12345, (i2)(345), (i23)(45), and 123(45). Not common and mostly immature, on the coast between New Castle of Slains and Boddam, only the typical {oxn\ = lutea 12345, being seen here. Abundant on the golf-links north of River Ugie, and scarce on St Fergus Links near Rattray Head ; in these localities the most prevalent band-formula was 123(45), the others noted being 12345, 10345, and 1(23) (45) Heliclgoua arbustorum. Abundant but nearly always immature, with a few odd examples of vax.fusca, on the tops and slopes of cliffs from Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains. Similarly common, with preponderance of immature examples and several of var. fusca, also immature, on the cliff-tops and slopes from the New Castle of Slains to Boddam. Vallonia pulchella. Amongst moss, etc., on the golf-links north of River Ugie, but living specimens scarce. Pupa cyliudracea. Common on ledges of cliffs and under stones from Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains ; also common under stones and amongst vegetation on cliffs between Slains New Castle and Boddam ; and in abundance amongst moss on the sandhills from River Ugie to Rattray Head. Sphyradium edenlulum. Scarce, amongst Great Hairy Woodrush from Slains New Castle to Boddam. Balea perversa. Scarce, amongst ruins of fishermen's cottages near Old Slains Castle. Clausilia bidentata. Common on cliff-ledges and under stones, Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains. 1 36 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Cochlicopa lubrica. Scarce in moist places from Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains ; and fairly common, with var. lubricoides, amongst moss on sandhills from River Ugie to Rattray Head. Succinea elegans. On iris, rushes, etc., in wet places from Cruden Bay to Old Castle of Slains, and from Slains New Castle to Boddam ; also on similar vegetation near streams on the sandhills from River Ugie to Rattray Head, and on banks of river to Inverugie ; common or abundant in all these stations. Limmca truncatula. Scarce in boggy ground between Cruden Bay and Old Castle of Slains ; and common in moist places between Slains New Castle and Boddam. Lim/nea peregra. Common in a small pond at Sandend, south end of Cruden Bay ; common also in small streams on the sandhills north of the Ugie River. Pisidium pusillum. Common in marshy ground near the River Ugie and near Inverugie. Pisidium milium. Small pond at Sandend, south end of Cruden Bay, but not common. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS, WITH NOTES ON OTHER SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE NEIGHBOURING AREAS. By Colonel J. W. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. {Continued from page 114.) Dryomyzid^e. 465. Dryomyza flaveola, F., Lochinver, 24th June and 10th July 191 1. 466. D. senilis, Zett., Loch Assynt, 2nd and 3rd June 1911; Lochinver, 8th July 191 1. 467. D. decrepita, Zett., Loch Assynt, 1st and 2nd June 191 1; Lochinver, 27th June and 13th July 191 1; Loch Maree, June 1884 (Verrall); in countless numbers sitting on the grass in the birchwood on the opposite side of the loch to the hotel at Inchnadamph. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 137 468. D. aiiilis, Fall., Lochinver, nth and 13th July 1911. 469. CEdoparea buccata, Fall., Lochinver, 6th July 1911. Heteroneurid^e. 470. Heteroneura albi/iiana, Mg., Golspie, Sth August 1900. 471. H. sp. inc., probably new, Golspie, 1st, 2nd, 14th, and 21st August 1900. 472. H. geomyzina, Fall, Lochinver, 24th June 1911. 473. Clasiaflava, Mg., Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1; Golspie, 22nd June 1904, and 1st August 1900 474. Acartopthalmus nigrinus, Zett., Loch Assynt, 5th June 191 1. Helojviyzid/e. 475. Helomyza sp. inc., near flavifrons, Zett., Lochinver, 21st and 23rd June 191 1 ; rare. 476. H. oxyphora, Mik., Lochinver, 3rd July 191 1 (only two specimens). 477. H. Ievifro/is, Lw., Lochinver, 20th June and nth and 13th July 1911 ; Loch Assynt, 9th July 191 1. 478. H. flava, Mg., Lochinver, 24th June and 13th July 1911; rare. 479. H. bicolor, Zett., Lochinver and Loch Assynt, many dates; very common. 480. II. sp. inc., near bicolor, Lochinver, 17th June and 13th July 191 1. These two specimens possibly belong to an undescribed species. 481. II. fuscicornis, Zett., Lochinver, 24th and 27th June, and 2nd, 7th, and nth July 191 1. 482. H. inornata, Lw., Lochinver, 23rd June and nth July 1911; rare. 453. H. hilaris, Zett., Loch Assynt, 19th July 1911; Lochinver, 3rd, 7th, and 13th July 191 1. 454. AUophyla atricornis, Mg., Lochinver, 24th June and 7th July 191 1 ; probably common. 485. Leria scrrata, L., Loch Assynt, 7th and 18th June 1911. 486. I. modesta, Mg., Loch Assynt, nth and iSth June 191 1. 487. L. flavotestacea, Zett., Lochinver, 27th June and 19th July 191 1 (two specimens only of this rare species). 488. L. ruficornis, Mg., Inveran, 15th July 1886 (Verrall). 489. L. inscripta, Mg., Lochinver and Loch Assynt, many dates ; very common. 490. L. sp. inc. (inscripta var. ?), Loch Assynt, 27th June 1911. 491. Heteromyza atricor/us, Mg., Golspie (Collin). 18 S 138 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST SCIOMYZID.E. 492. Dichrochira glabricula, Fall., Loch Assynt, nth June and 20th July 191 1. On the first of these two dates two specimens were taken running about on boulders in the bed of the Tarragii River, when their strange shape and quaint gait at once attracted attention ; while on the second occasion two specimens were swept off a yellow flower abounding on the limestone rocks (Mountain Saxifrage, sp. ? — flower like Stone- crop, but upright). 493. Ectinocera borealis, Zett., Lochinver, 30th June 1911. A single specimen swept off the unarmed thistle growing in abundance round the spring close to the boundary of the two fishing-beats on the river Inver — probably less than half a dozen specimens in all of this rare dipteron have been taken in the British Isles, and most if not all of these have occurred in Scotland. 494. Sciomyza (Ditanid) cinerella, F., Loch Assynt, iSth July 191 1 ; probably common. 495. Sc. (Ditcenia) brunnipes, Mg., Lochinver, 9th July 191 1. 496. Sc. griseola, Fall., Loch Assynt, 20th July 191 1. 497. Sc. pallidiventris, Fall., Lochinver, 7th July 191 1, a pair in coitu. 498. Sc. ventralis, Fall., Loch Assynt, iothjune 191 1; The Mound, 24th June 1904. 499. Sc. nana, Fall., Loch Assynt, June 191 1. This specimen was given to Mr Grimshaw, but I am under the impression that the species was more abundant than this single record seems to indicate. 500. Tetanocera robusta, Lw., Loch Assynt, 10th and 12th June 191 1 ; Lochinver, 9th July 191 1; common round Loch Assynt. 501. T. punctulata, Scop., Loch Assynt, 26th July 191 1; uncommon. 502. T. umbrarum, L., Loch Assynt, 12th June 191 1; far more abundant than the preceding species. 503. T. Icevifro/is, Lw., Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1. 504. T. unicolor, Lw., Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1 ; uncommon. 505. Limnia unguicornis, Scop., Loch Assynt, 20th July 191 1; uncommon. 506. Elgiva lineata, Fall., Lochinver, 24th June and 19th July 191 1 ; common. 507. E. dorsalis, F., Loch Assynt, 1st and 5th June and 26th July 1911 ; common. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 139 508. Renocera fuscinervis, Zett, Loch Assynt, 1 8th June 1911 (only specimen). 509. R. pallida, F., Lochinver, 20th and 23rd June 191 1; Loch Assynt, 3rd June 191 1, common; Lairg, 21st June 1884 (Verrall). Sapromyzid.k 510. Lauxania cenea, F., Lochinver, 22nd June and 7th July 191 1. 511. Sapromxza pallidiventris, Lochinver, 21st and 26th June 191T. 512. £. affi/iis, Zett., Lochinver, 21st June and 3rd July 191 1. 513. S. illota, Lw., Lochinver, 30th June and istand 7th July 191 1 ; Loch Assynt, 20th July 191 1 ; common. 514. S. decemfiunctata, Fall., Golspie, 17th August 1900. 515. S. prai/sfa, Fall, Lochinver, 23rd June 1911. 516. S. rorida, Fall., Lochinver, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 30th June, and 8th July 191 1 ; Loch Assynt, 2nd June 1911, very common. In numbers on the flowers of the Wild Garlic in Glencanisp, 23rd June 1911. 517. S. laeta, Zett., Loch Assynt, 2nd and 6th June 191 1; not in Verrall's list. 518. S. ^-notata, Zett., Lochinver, 7th July 191 1 ; not in Verrall. 519. 5. quadrivittata, Lw., Lochinver, 30th June and 7th and 13th July 191 1. I knew at the time of capture that I had taken something good, nevertheless a feeling of disappointment ran through me when I ran the insect down in Becker's mono- graph of the Sapromyzida ; these three specimens were all taken under the Alders in the enclosure of Glencanisp Lodge, a damp spot which yielded the bulk of the good flies taken at Lochinver. Lonch.eid.«. 520. Palloptera ustitlafa, Fall., Golspie, 12th, 17th, and 25th August 1900. 521. P. usta, Mg., The Mound, 24th August 1900; Golspie, 1st August 1900. 522. Palloptera saltuum, L., Lochinver, 7th July 1911; Golspie, 14th and 1 6th June 1904. 523. P. angelica, Ros., Lochinver, nth July 1911; The Mound, 8th, 1 6th, and 24th August 1900; Golspie, 18th August 1900. 524. P. umbellatarum, F., Lochinver, 13th July 1911. 525. P. arcuata, Fall., Golspie, iSth June 1904; Invershin, 17th August 1900. 140 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 526. Lonchaa viridana, Mg., Lochinver, 1st July 191 r. 527. Lonchaa sp. inc., Loch Assynt, 9th June 1911. I identified this specimen as L. hirficeps, but Mr Collin will not accept that identification, so for the present it stands unnamed. Ortalid.e. 528. Pteropcectria frondescentice, L., Loch Assynt, 6th and 9th June and 20th July 1911; common. Trypetid.e. 529. Spilographa hamifera, Lw., Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1 (only specimen). 530. Trypeta cylindrical Dsv. (pnotrophes, Lw.), Lochinver, 22nd June and 12th July 1911; fairly common on bracken in the valley of the Kirkaig. 531. Tephritis conura, Lw., Lochinver, 20th and 23rd June and 3rd July 191 1, common; Loch Assynt, 10th June 1911. 532. T. vespertitia, Lw., Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1. 533. T. leontodontis, De G., Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1; Loch Assynt, 12 th and 19th June 191 1; Ortalidce and Trypetidtz seem to be badly represented in this district. Sepsid^e. 534. Sepsis punctum, F., Lochinver, 1st July 1911; The Mound, 24th August 1900. 535. Themira putris, L., Lochinver, 1st July 191 1. 536. T. minor, Hal., Loch Maree (Verrall). 537. T. superba, Hal. (ciliata, Staeg.), Loch Assynt, 23rd July 191 t. 538. T. pusilla, Zett. (spinosa, Verrall), Loch Assynt, 19th July 1 911; Tongue (Verrall); Loch Maree, 19th June 1884 (Verrall). 539. Nemopoda cylindrica, F., Loch Assynt, 2nd and 7th June 191 1 ; Golspie, 30th June 1904: The Mound, 30th August 1900. 540. Piophila vulgaris, Fall., Loch Assynt, 10th and 17th June 191 1 ; Inchnadamph (Loch Awe), 4th June 191 1 ; Lochinver, 7th July 1911. 541. P. varipes, Mg., Loch Assynt, 2nd June 191 1. {To be continued.) NOTES I4I NOTES. The Continental Race of the Robin in Haddington- shire.— In October 191 2 there were quite a number of Robins on the Haddingtonshire coast south of Dunbar. One from Skateraw, on 26th October, agrees perfectly with specimens of the Continental form {Erithaais rubecula rubeculd), from Fair Isle, in the Royal Scottish Museum. On the same day I found a Continental Song- Thrush, along with several Redwings, Fieldfares, etc., lying dead at the base of Barnsness Lighthouse. I have already recorded {Scot. JVat., 191 2, p. 43), a Continental Song-Thrush from this locality. — William Evans, Edinburgh. Iceland and Greenland Falcons at Barra, Outer Hebrides. — On the evening of the 31st of March an Iceland Falcon was observed flying in a disabled state over Eoligary farm ; and in the afternoon of the following day was found dead near Eoligary House. It was quite warm when found, and had apparently just expired. One of its legs was injured, but Mr Kirk, who has mounted the bird, tells me that there were no marks of shot on the body. Mr Kirk thinks that it must have been trapped, and had escaped. It is the first record for the occurrence of this bird in the Outer Hebrides that I am aware of. It is a male in adult plumage, and I shall shortly present it to the Royal Scottish Museum. On the 21st of February I saw a Greenland Falcon fly past my house; and on the 24th of March my brother and I saw another bird of this species feeding on a rabbit well within shot of us, but we did not molest it. — Wm, L. Macgillivray, Eoligary, Barra. Further increase of the Fulmar Petrel.— Since my last contribution to the history of the Dispersal of the Fulmar Petrel in Scotland {Scot. JVat., May to June 1912, pp. 97-102 and 121-132), I am informed of a further increase at its farthest southern extension on our east coast. Mr Lewis Dunbar, who is at the present time engaged at work in His Grace the Duke of Portland's museum at Langwell Lodge, Caithness, writes that "The Fulmars have now occupied the whole range of the Berriedale Rocks." It may prove of future interest to our field-observers on the east coast to take note of, and duly record, any still further advances that may be made southward on that part of our Scottish shores. The next most prominent range of cliffs is around Troup Head, in the N.E. of Moray— in the counties of Aberdeen and Banff. V&tt£ Li L I B R A R Y 142 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Sutars of Cromarty, from their position, are perhaps less likely to attract them. — J. A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace House, Larbert. Mutilla europaea, Linn., at Braemar. — It is gratifying to be able to record the recent occurrence of this rare species of Hymenopteron in Aberdeenshire. Among a number of insects lately presented to the Royal Scottish Museum by Mr Arthur Home, the well-known Scottish lepidopterist, I found with delight a fine specimen which I at once recognised as a female Mutilla enropcea, and which Mr Home distinctly remembers taking on Little Craigendall, Braemar, either on the 7 th or 9th of July last year (191 2). I was not aware of any previous Scottish record of this interesting insect until Mr William Evans very kindly drew my attention to a paper by Professor Trail in the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Aberdeen for 1S78, where, on p. 46, an example is stated to have been " once taken in Strathdon." Mr Home's capture is, therefore, a most pleasing confirmation of the occurrence in the Highlands of an insect otherwise apparently confined (so far as Britain is concerned) to the south of England. — ■ Percy H. Grimshaw, Edinburgh. Recent captures of Callicera yerburyi, Verrall. — With reference to the editorial note (ante, p. 117) regarding the number of specimens taken of this rare fly, it may be of interest to record the fact that I went to Nethy Bridge in August 191 1 on purpose to look for it, and though I succeeded in my quest, still, searching for the insect entailed a considerable amount of labour with meagre results. I took a specimen on 9th August in a dead stump where a forest fire had cleared the ground out towards Forest Lodge, and on 1 2th August Mr J. J. F. X. King took another example on a stump of the year's felling between the Tulloch and Boat of Garten roads. Possibly three or four specimens in all were seen during the year, though only on the occasions referred to above could the fly be identified with certainty. The attraction for Callicera seems to be pine sleepers of the felling of the year, and the time of flight to be from the 5th to 21st August. — J. W. Yerbury, London. Ortheziola vejdovskyi, Sulc — a Coccid new to Scotland — in the Forth Area. — On iSth November 1905, when looking for false-scorpions in crevices of rocks facing the sea at Archerfield Links, near Dirleton, Haddingtonshire, I found several Ortheziines, which did not correspond to any species described in Newstead's British Coccidce. Foreign literature on the subject not being at the time accessible to me, the four specimens taken were put aside, and it GLEANINGS 143 was only the other day that they came to light again. I at once sent three of them to Mr E. Ernest Green, who tells me they are undoubtedly Sulc's Ortheziola vejdovskyi, described in 1894 from Bohemia. In the Ent. Mo. Mag. (191 1, p. 179), Mr Green has recorded four specimens — one of which is figured — taken by Mr Donisthorpe in April 191 1 from an ants' nest in Somerset. I cannot recall any circumstance tending to associate my specimens with ants; but these certainly occur in the locality. The above records would appear to exhaust our knowledge of the distribution of this curious little insect. — William Evans, Edinburgh. GLEANINGS. Zoological Nomenclature. — The discussion of this vexed question formed an important feature of the recent International Congress of Zoology at Monaco, and naturally so, since the adoption of its recent rules of nomenclature by a number, but not the majority, of zoologists is largely responsible for the present reign of chaos which it is most desirable should cease, in the best interests of the science. We are glad to know that a via media has been found, and that plenary power has been conferred upon the Commission on Nomen- clature to suspend the rules as applied to any given case where, in its judgment, the strict application of such rules is likely to result in greater confusion than uniformity. We note that the Hon. Walter Rothschild declared that he was willing to see, in cases where confusion was likely to arise, that names for a long time employed for one genus or species, and which under the rules must be transferred to another, should be dropped altogether. A paper, entitled "Wild Cats in Ireland," from the pen of Robert Warren, and appearing in the Irish Naturalist for May (pp. 94-96), is of interest to Scottish zoologists. Many reputed occurrences of this species have from time to time been referred to in literature, but in the author's opinion there has never been any reliable evidence that these animals were other than " wild-bred house cats, run wild." The shooting of an old male at Moyview, Co. Sligo, of the true Wild Cat colour and with a thick coat of coarse fur, astonished the author by its size and weight ; but even this was an undoubted descendant of the domestic species. In the February issue of the Glasgow Naturalist (vol. v., No. 2, pp. 49-65) appears a paper on "The Birds of Possil Marsh," by William Rennie. Notes are given on 111 species which occur in the marsh, and a photographic plate giving two views accompanies the paper, which should be of interest to Scottish lovers of bird-life. 144 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST A note by Robert W. S. Wilson, on " Bewick's Swan in Ayrshire," appears in the Glasgow Naturalist for February (pp. 79-80). Three examples were seen crossing Fairlie Roads on 26th December last. The birds came from the south end of the Little Cumbrae, and were flying in the teeth of a strong north-easterly breeze. In the May number of British Birds. Mr Tom Iredale informs us that the correct name for the British race of the Lesser Black-backed Gull is " Larus fuscus affinis, Reinhardt." Saunders, who was a leading authority on the Laridae, regarded the Larus affinis of Reinhardt, after an examination of the type specimen, as the representative of the Lesser Black-backed Gull occurring from the Dwina eastwards to the Yenesei. It seems strange, not to say inconceivable, that Saunders, a most criiical and accurate observer, should have failed to have recognised in this type specimen our familiar British bird. Richard Elmhirst records, in the Glasgow Naturalist for February (pp. 66-67), the stranding of a specimen of the Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) on the Little Cumbrae. No date is given for the record. The fish was a large female with tail cut off, the stranded portion measuring about 20 feet in length. Norman H. Joy and J. R. le B. Tomlin record in the May number of the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine (pp. 100-101) the occurrence of a new species of Beetle at the top of Creag Dhu, Kingussie, Inverness- shire. Four specimens were taken on 18th September 191 1, and these are described under the name of Pliilonthus scolicus, sp. nov [Coleoptera.] The number of species of Diptera known to occur in Britain is increasing rapidly. In the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine for May (pp. 104-106) we note the first instalment of a paper by J. E. Collin. entitled "Thirty Additions to the List of British Diptera." Twelve of these, all belonging to the Empidse, are included in this section of the paper, and eight of them are recorded from Scottish localities. [Diptera.] Two more Insect parasites are recorded from Shetland by James Waterston, in the May number of the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine (p 113). These are Echinophthirius phocce, Lucas, taken on a young, Common Seal in N. Mavine on 20th December last, and Docophorus megacephalus, Denny, taken on the Black Guillemot in several localities during the last three years. [Anoplura and Mallophaga.] (Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) '&>''% -^©-s* ^N LIBRARY v^ ^^ The Scottish Naturalis^C^J^ No. 19.] 1913 [July A LIST OF THE GAELIC NAMES OF BRITISH MAMMALS. By Charles H. Alston. This list was originally commenced for my own use. Friends in a position to speak with authority who have seen it, have asked me to publish it as supplying a want hitherto felt by those interested in the subject. In doing so I wish to state that, having myself only a limited and acquired knowledge of the language, I have been fortunate in securing the assistance and co-operation of several of our best Gaelic scholars, to whom I offer due acknowledgment. To the Rev. Farquhar MacRae of Glen Orchy I am indebted for much and valued assistance ; while to the Rev. Geo. Calder, Celtic Lecturer, Glasgow University, and the Rev. Chas. M. Robertson of Craighouse, Jura, my thanks are due for the full and interesting information received from them, especially as to the Irish nomenclature, modern and ancient. In the list it will be found, as was to be expected, that some of the smaller mammals are not distinguished. This will cause no surprise when we consider that some of these species have only comparatively recently been recognised by our best authorities. Bat ( Vespertilionid<2, spp.). Ialtag; Dialtag (McA.) ; Dealtag anmoch, late (MacB.); Dial- tag anmoch (Perths., C. M. R.); Ealtag leathraich, leather (Arran, C. M. R.). I9 T 146 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Irish. — Ialtog (MacB.) ; Ialtog leathair, Sciathan leathair, Mioltog leathair (Dineen) ; Eitleog, Leidhbin leathair, Diallog, Callach, Feascar-luch, evening mouse (C. M. R.). Hedgehog (Erinaeeus europceus, Linnaeus). Graineog ; Uircean-garaidh. Irish. — Graineog (G. C.) ; Griun (obs.); Rutha (C. M. R.). Mole (Tatfta eurofteea, Linnaeus). Famh; Famh-thalmhainn (MacB.); Fath ; Dubh-threobhaiche, black ploughman ; Uir-threobhaiche, plougher of the ground ; Dubh-threabha (Perths., G. C.) j Uir-fhamh (G. C.) Dallag, blind one (MacB.). Irish. — Dallog (G. C.) ; Criadh-luch, clay mouse ; Gar-luch, Mallan, Mullan (C. M. R.). Old Irish. — Caechan, Caechog (G. C.). Common Shrew {Sorex araneus, Linnaeus). Dallag, blind one ; Dallag-f heoir, of the grass ; Dallag-an- fhraoich, of the heather (G. C.) ; Talmag, "a long-nosed, mouse- like animal frequenting old walls — the shrew-mouse?" (Sutherl., C. M. R.). Lesser Shrew {Sorex minutus, Linnaeus). " Feoirneachan, fairy mouse, lesser shrew " (MacDonald's Gael. Did.). Water-Shrew (Neomys fodiens, Schreber). Dallag-uisge ; Famh-uisge, water-mole; Lamhallan ; Lamh-alan ; Famh-bhual, Famh-fhual, Lamh-fhual (A. C.). Lamhallan is ex- plained in Glossary of Poems of Rob Donn (1829 ed.), and in H. S. Gael. Diet., as "a shrew, water shrew, or water mouse, supposed noxious " (C. M. R.). " Lavellan, a kind of weasel, Caith., Pennant" is given in Jamieson's Seott. Diet. Badger (Me/es me/es, Linnaeus). Broc ; Srianach, bridled, streaked (F. MacR.) ; Tuitean, stinker (McA.); Stiallaire, striped; Stiall-chu. LIST OF GAELIC NAMES OF BRITISH MAMMALS i47 Otter (Lutra Intra, Linnaeus). Dobhran, dobhar (obs.), water; Dobhar-chu, water-dog; Beist- dubh, black beast ; Beist-donn, brown beast ; Madadh-donn, brown dog. Irish.— Dobhar-chu ; Madadh-donn; Madadh-uisce, Madra- uisce, "an otter or beaver" (Dineen's It: Diet. ; C. M. R.). Old Irish.— Confoirne, Coinfhodhairne (pi.), Coibhfearan- dobar (obs., C. M. R.) ; Cu dobrain (G. C). Weasel {Mi/stela nivalis, Linnaeus). Nios; Neas. Irish.— Neas (MacB.) ; Eas ; Easog (C. M. R.). Old Irish.— Ness (MacB.) ; Blathnait (G. C.). Stoat (Mustela erminea, Linnaeus). Nios; Neas; Nios-gheal, white, in winter coat. Irish. — See "Weasel" above. Ferret (Mustela furo, Linnaeus). Baineasg ; Coinneas, dog-weasel ; Baineasag, white weasel (C. M. R.) ; Baircin (Shaw's Gael. Diet.); Firead (Lev. xi. 30). Polecat {Mustela putorius, Linnaeus). Fe6cullan (MacB.) ; Focal (McA.) ; Focalan, young of (McA.) ; Focalan (Arm., Gael. Diet.). Marten (Martes martes, Linnaeus). Taghan. Irish. — Cat-crainn, marten or squirrel. Old Irish. — Catt-croinn ("Crann," a tree, tall tree, pine-tree). Wild Cat (Felis silveslris, Schreber). Cat-fiadhaich, wild; Cugar; Cugarbhad, male cat, male wild cat (Carm. Gad., ii. 255; C. M. R.). Irish.— Fiadh-chat (C. M. R.). Fox ( Vulpes vulpes, Linnaeus). Sionnach; Balgair; Madadh-ruadh, red-dog; Gille-martuinn 148 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST (Duncan Ban Maclntyre) ; Gille-boidhre (Shaw's Gael. Diet.); Fear-chu, dog-fox (H. S. Diet.); Cu-ruadh, red-dog (Rob. Donn's Gael. Songs). Irish.— Sionnach (MacB.) ; Loisi, obs. (C. M. R.). "The following are found in the Irish dictionaries : Bannach ; Cliabhach, Cliamhach, a wolf or fox; Criomhthan ; Fainche; Fuinche; Rod- muinn " (C. M. R.). Note. — "The old Irish Loam, a personal name whence the district of Lome was named, means " fox," and is cognate with Breton Louarn, Cornish Lowern, both meaning " fox," and with Llywernog, a place-name occurring several times in Wales " (C. M. R?). Seal. Ron; Beist-mhaol, bald (H. S. Diet.); Maolag, Maoileag, female of Common Seal; Moineis, female of Grey Seal (Car;//. Gad.). Irish. — Ron. Old Irish.— Ron (MacB.) Grey Seal (HalieJuvrus gryplws, Fabricius). This large seal is known as Tap-vaist; in Orkney it is called Haaf-fish. Macdonald's Gael. Diet, gives Tap-bheist. The Rev. Chas. M. Robertson explains that the first part of the name Tap-vaist comes from the Norse " Haf," ocean, borrowed into the Gaelic. In words so borrowed initial // regularly becomes / — " haf- bheist," " taf-bheist." Tap-bheist therefore means "oceanic" or "pelagic" beast; dis- tinguishing it well from the smaller species frequenting the shores and narrow waters. Walrus (Odobeenus rosmarus, Linnreus). Each-mara, sea-horse (H. S. Diet.) ; Each-uisge, water-horse (McA.); ("the latter usually applied to the Water-horse of super- stition," C. M. R.). Irish. — Capall-mara, sea-horse ; Capall-fairge, ocean-horse ; Capall-nimhe, venomous (C. M. R.). Old Irish. — Rosualt, walrus; later Rasmhaol, sea-calf; "these two forms of the same word are obviously borrowed from old Norse ' hross-hvalr,' a walrus, literally ' horse-whale ' ; the two terms being transposed in Walrus, 'whale-horse" (C. M. R.). LIST OF GAELIC NAMES OF BRITISH MAMMALS 149 There is a word often used in twelfth-century Gaelic : Colg det, Calg-det, a tusk-hilted sword ; the tusks would come from Narwal or Walrus (G. C). " Det," now " Deud," a tooth, also ivory (C. M. R.). Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris, Linnaeus). Feorag; Easag. Irish.— Feorog (MacB.); Iora; Ir (obs., C. M. R.). Note. — MacBain gives : " Easag, a pheasant, a squirrel ; Irish Eas6g, pheasant, weasel, squirrel ; for the squirrel force, see nios, neas. IE Common Mouse (Jlfus musculus, Linnaeus). (Cf. Baineasg, ferret.) XV) ^JX^ ( Yo° -on - r Luch. kl L I g k A }i ' Irish.— Luch. Y^; ~ »*^ Long-tailed Field- or Wood-Mouse {Apodemus sylvaticus^fv $ \Q Linnaeus). Luch-f he6ir ; Luch-an-f heoir, grass-mouse ; Fiolagan (Arran, MacB.). (Luch-fheoir is used for all mice and voles.) Black Rat (Epimys rattus, Linnaeus). Radan dubh. Brown Rat (Epimys norvegicus, Erxleben). Radan. Irish. — Francach, Frenchman; Luch fhrangach, French mouse; Galluch, foreign mouse (C. M. R.). Water- Vole (Arvicola amphibias, Linnaeus). Radan-uisge, water-rat ; Lamhalan (A. C, Fauna Out. Heb., P- 37)- Common Field Vole {Microtus agrestis, Linnaeus). Not distinguished. Red or Bank Vole (Evoto)nys glareolus, Schreber). Not distinguished ; see under Field- or Wood-Mouse. 150 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Common or Brown Hare {Lepus europceus, Pallas). Maigheach ; Gearr, " short one " ; Maigheach-ruadh, red ; Gearr- ruadh; Magan (F. MacR.), cf. Scottish " maukin :' ; Miol, Mial, beast (C. M. R.); Gearraiseach (Suthl., C. M. R.); Giorraiseach (Suthl., W. Ross, C. M. R.) ; Gearr-fhiadh. Blue or Mountain Hare {Lepus timidus, Linnaeus). Maigheach-bhan, white, from its winter coat ; Maigheach ; Gearr; Miol-bhuidhe (E. R. A.); Bocaire-fasaich (C. McD.). Irish Hare {Lepus hibemicus, Bell). Gearr-fhiadh, " short deer " (see also A. Macdonald's Scott. Gael. Poems); Girr-fhiadh (G C); Miol-bhuidhe, yellow (C. M. R.); Miol-moighe (C. M. R.); Sgibearnag (C. M. R.); Breog, leveret (C. M. R.). Old Irish. — Patu ; Patan ; Fiad-mil (G. C.) ; Fiadmuin, fia- muin (C. M. R.). Rabbit {Oryctolagus cuniculus, Linnaeus). Coinean ; Coineanach (provincial, MacB.). Irish. — Coinin (MacB.) ; Coibhfearan muirt (C. M. R.). Red Deer (Cervus elaplius, Linnaeus). Fiadh (general). Stag. — Damh; Lan damh, full, "hart of grease"; Udlaiche, an old hart (C. M. R.) ; Cabrach, antlered; Damh-na-croice ; Fear- na-croice, antlered ; Mac-na-h-eilde, son of the hind ; Damh-donn, dun; Bod-da-bhioran, with two spikes, yearling (MacR.); Stoba- nach-daimh, young stag with stumps (MacR.) ; Procach, yearling (Suthl., MacB.); Damh-maol, bald, hummel; Cabar-slat, switch- horn. Hind. — Agh ; Eilid ; Agh-seasg, dry, yeld hind. Young. — Mang, yearling ; Laogh, calf. Antlers. — Cabar ; Cabar-feidh, antlers ; Cuibhne, Cuibhne- mheur, brow-antler (MacR.) ; Croc, branch or point of antler (MacB., McA.) ; Meur, finger, point; Meoir (pi.), points. Irish. — Fiadh (general). Stag.— Damh; Cairfhiadh (C. M. R.). Hind.— Agh; Eilid. Young. — Mang. LIST OF GAELIC NAMES OF BRITISH MAMMALS 151 Old Irish. — Oss, deer; Braichem, stag (G. C.) ; Seg, deer (C. M. R.) ; Bru, hind (G. C). Fallow Deer {Dama da/na, Linnaeus). Dathas, Dathais ; Damhasg (MacB.). Irish. — Fiadh-ruadh (1 Kings iv. 23). Fiadh-fionn (Deut. xiv. 5). Roe Deer {Capreolus capreolus, Linnaeus). Earb ; Boc-earba, roe-buck; Ruadh-bhoc (1 Kings iv. 23); Lub (MacR.) ; Maoiseach, doe (MacB.) ; Maoisleach, doe (McA.) ; Meann, fawn ; (also kid of goat). Irish. — Earb; Fearbog (C. M. R.) ; Pocadh-fionna, pi. (1 Kings iv. 23) ; Pocriiadh, roebuck (Deut. xiv. 5). Whale. Muc-mhara, sea swine (sing, generic) ; Miol-mor, great beast (C. M. R.) ; Miol-mhara (C. MacD.) ; Muca-mara mora, "great whales" (Gen. i. 21); Cana, young whale (MacB.); (but see under " Porpoise"). Irish. — Falain; Ore ("whence Orkney," C. M. R.). Old Irish. — Bloach, Para, Magar, "are older and more obscure" (G. C.) ; Bled-mil, animalia maris, monsters (G. C.) Porpoise (Phocoena pkoccena, Linnaeus). Muc-bhiorach, beaked, pointed ; Muc-steallain, splasher (McA.) Peilig (MacB.); Puthag, blower (E. R. A.); Cana (MacB.); Canach. EXTINCT BRITISH MAMMALS. Bear {Ursus arctos, Linnaeus). Math-ghamhain, gamhain, ox ; Math-ghamhainn (McA.) ; Man- gan (MacB.); Mathan (E. R. A.). Irish. — Math-ghamhuin ; Beithir (Irish Bible, Is., xi. 7 ; Lam. iii. 10; Dan. vii. 5); Ursa; Ursan (masc), Ursog (fem.), from Latin, given in Irish dictionaries ; Rustog, by metathesis from Ursog (C. M. R.). Wolf (Cams lupus, Linnaeus). Madadh-allaidh, wild dog ; Madadh-galla, colloquial rendering 152 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST of above; Faol (obs.) ; Faol-chu; Lub (E. R. A.); Fiadh-r.hu (C. M. R.) ; Mac-tire, son of the earth (poetl.). Irish.- — Faol ; Faol-chu (MacB.). Old Irish. — Sigach ; Glaidemain (pi., C. M. R.) ; Cii-allaid ; Brech ; Cii (G. C). Beaver {Castor fiber, Linnaeus). Los-leathan; Dobhran los-leathan. These are given in Lays of the Deerforest, Shaw's Did., LL. S. Gael. Diet. ; but no reference or authority is anywhere given. Leas-leathan, broad-hipped (C. MacD.) ; this last is the sole trace that I have found in living Gaelic speech. No mention of the beaver has been found in song, story, or folk-lore. Dobhar-chu, in McAlpine's Diet., seems to hint at an ancient tradition of the beaver — "a kind of Otter which has no existence but in Donald's imagination ; the price of its skin, which can heal all diseases, is its full of pure gold when made into a bag — a chimera." This passage seems to point to a traditionary recollection of the Beaver, to the mediaeval belief in the medicinal virtues of the castoreum and the value of the skin ; but McAlpine dismisses it as a "chimera." Dobhar-chu to-day certainly refers to the Otter. Elk (Alees a/ees, Linnaeus). Lon ; Miol (E. R. A.) ; Damh-mointich, moorland (MacR.). Irish.— Boirche (O'R., Ir. Diet.). Wild Boar (Sus serofa, Linnaeus). Fiadh-thorc; Torc-fiadhaich ; Torc-nimhe, poison (E. R. A.); Fiadh-chullach. Irish. — Tore allaidh, wild ; Fiaclach-coille, tusker of the wood. Old Irish.— Triath (C. M. R.). Wild Swine. — Muc fhiadhaich; Fiadh-mhuc; Muc-allta (Book of Dean of Lis more, C. M. R.). Wild Cattle (Bos). Crodh-fiadhaich ; Damh-allaidh, wild ox (Book of Dean of Lis- more, C. M. R.). TWO BIRDS NEW TO THE SCOTTISH FAUNA 153 E. R. A. A. C. . G. C. . McA. . MacB. . C. MacD F. MacR. C. M. R. REFERENCES. Edward R. Alston, F.L.S. A. Carmichael. Rev. Geo. Calder, B.D., Celtic Lecturer, Glasgow University. McAlpine's Gaelic Dictionary. MacBain's Gaelic Dictionary. Chas. MacDonald, gamekeeper. Rev. Farquhar MacRae, M.A., Glen Orchy, Argyll. Rev. Chas. M. Robertson, Craighouse, Jura. TWO BIRDS NEW TO THE SCOTTISH FAUNA. I. On the Occurrence of Sykes's Blue-headed Wagtail at Fair Isle. By W. Eagle Clarke. On the 1 8th of May 1910 I obtained a fine adult male of this Wagtail, which is the eastern form of Blue-headed Wagtail, and is known to science as Motacilla flava beema. At the time it did not occur to me that it was anything more than a pale-headed example of the western bird ; but on working at the Fair Isle materials few weeks ago, I came to the conclusion that this was without doubt a very typical specimen of the bird described by Sykes, from an Indian example, in 1832 {P. Z. S., 1832, p. 90) — a decision which was afterwards confirmed by a comparison with specimens in the Tring M useum. This sub-species has occurred on one previous occasion only in the British Isles, namely, in Sussex on 20th April 1898 ; and the Fair Isle bird marks the northern- most limit to its known wandering. Sykes's Wagtail is a summer visitor to Western Siberia and Central Asia, and passes the winter in the plains of India from Sind to Bengal, and from the Himalayas south to the Bombay 19 u 154 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Presidency. In plumage the male differs from the typical Blue-headed Wagtail, M. flava, in having the head pearly grey, not ashy grey, and the face and ear-coverts white. The females and young are not to be distinguished from those of M. flava. II. On the Occurrence of the Gull-billed Tern in Orkney. By John Bain. The known visits of Sterna anglica to our shores have been few and far between, and confined to the south coast of England, but it has occurred as far north as the counties of Lancashire on the west, and Yorkshire on the east. Its appearance at the Pentland Skerries on 7th May is therefore an interesting event. The Orkney bird was probably storm driven to our shores, for it was found in the lighthouse garden in an exhausted state. It is a male, and is now in the collection of British birds in the Royal Scottish Museum. [This species is to be distinguished from other Terns visiting the British Isles by its short, stout, black bill, by its long black legs, and by its tail being less than half the length of the wing. There are some twenty-five known occurrences of this bird to England, all except one for the spring and summer. It breeds as near to our shores as the west coast of Denmark, also very locally in South-western Europe, the Mediterranean region, and on the Black and Caspian Seas. — Eds.] DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 155 SUPPLEMENT TO DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND." By Anderson Fergusson. Dr D. Sharp's " Coleoptera of Scotland " appeared in the Scottish Naturalist from 1871 to 1882 as part of Dr F. Buchanan White's Insecta Scotica, an essay to catalogue the insects inhabiting Scotland, which also included lists of some of the other groups of Scottish insects. The Catalogue of Coleoptera was compiled from all the available sources then existing, and Dr Sharp was assisted in his undertaking by information received from the small group of Scottish entomologists who took an interest in Coleoptera at that time, among whom he mentioned Mr R. Hislop, Rev. Dr Gordon, Dr F. B. White, and Mr J. Dunsmore. The previous list of Scottish Coleoptera was Mr Andrew Murray's Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Scotland (1853), and this catalogue was also drawn upon by Dr Sharp, who, in acknowledging his indebtedness to it, remarked that at the time of its publica- tion it was considerably in advance of other entomological works of the period. As was to be expected from the hands of such an eminent authority on the subject, the Catalogue of Coleoptera when completed was a most exhaustive one, and has proved an invaluable aid to the study of the group in Scotland, and indeed, in Britain, for it was adopted as the basis of the Scotch records in Canon Fowler's Coleoptera of the British Islands, the standard work on British Coleoptera. About thirty years have elapsed since the completion of the Coleoptera of Scotland, and in that time and also during the period it was appearing serially in the Scottish Naturalist, a considerable number of species have been added to it, as well as many doubtful records confirmed. The object of the present paper is to gather together these additional records in a form conveniently accessible for reference, as it has always been a matter of difficulty for students of the group to know exactly whether a species not noted in Dr Sharp's list has since been recorded for Scotland. 156 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST In Dr F. Buchanan White's Insecta Scotica, Scotland was divided into thirteen natural districts, according to the main river basins and islands, and it was on this method that the distribution of species was indicated in the Coleoptera of Scotland. In recent years, however, the tendency amongst biologists in Britain has been to indicate distribution according to the County and Vice-County divisions, as laid down by the late Hewet C. Watson in his Cybele Britannica (1859) ; and in particular several recent lists of Scottish insects have been compiled in this manner. In the present paper, while it has been thought advisable to adhere to the natural areas as defined by Dr F. B. White, and adopted in the Coleoptera of Scotland, the County or Vice-County in which the species has occurred has also been indicated after the name of the natural division. As Mr Wm. Evans points out in his paper on the Ants of the Forth District {Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 105), very often a County is partly in one natural division and partly in another, and it must therefore be understood in such cases that the part of the County which lies within the natural division is referred to. The order in which the natural divisions have been given is that contained in the Coleoptera of Scotland. The records mentioned in this supplement extend from the date of the commencement of the Coleoptera of Scotland in 1 87 1 down to the end of 191 2, and every effort has been made to avoid missing any additional record during that period. The literature on Scottish Coleoptera, however, is more voluminous than one would think, and is scattered throughout many scientific publications, so it is therefore quite possible that some records may have been overlooked. The name of the recorder only is given, and the number, if any, after the recorder's name has reference to the appended bibliography, which contains a full list of the papers and notes in which additional species have been mentioned. Records which for one reason or another are considered doubtful or requiring additional confirmation, are included in square brackets. In this connection I may say that it was considered more satisfactory to include all records and indicate any that seemed doubtful, rather than omit the DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 157 latter altogether, as it is quite within the bounds of possibility that some of the doubtful records at any rate may be confirmed in the future. If I have erred on the side of caution in not accepting certain records, there is the more reason for including these records in the body of the list. Wherever possible an effort has been made in the case of doubtful records to ascertain whether the occurrence of the insect in Scotland should be admitted or not. Since the appended list was completed Volume VI. of Fowler's Coleoptera of the British Islands has appeared, and in the first part of it all records of Scottish Coleoptera which were also new to the British fauna since the publication of Volume V., in 1891, are noted. The second part of the volume contains a list of additional localities, notes, etc., compiled by Mr H. St J. K. Donisthorpe. Many of the records which are contained in this supplement are also included in these notes, but the compiler does not appear to have had access to all the literature regarding Scottish Coleoptera, and the notes are somewhat incomplete in this respect For assistance and advice in the preparation of this paper I have gratefully to acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr Sharp, Commander Walker, and Messrs F. Balfour-Brovvne, Wm. Evans, Percy H. Grimshaw, Bertram M'Gowan, J. M. Whitehead, and W. E. Sharp. Dr Sharp has given me his views on the authenticity of certain of the late Wm. Lennon's Solvvay records ; and, in connection with these records, I am obliged to Mr Eagle Clarke and Mr Grimshaw for allowing me to consult Lennon's MS. list of the Coleoptera of Mid Solway. Commander Walker has been at considerable trouble to examine and give me his opinion on a number of Scottish beetles in the late A. J. Chitty's collection at Oxford, which Mr Chitty had recorded with doubt. In conclusion, I may state that no attempt has been made to note the extension in the distribution of species already contained in the Coleoptera of Scotland as disclosed in the published records. To do this thoroughly would have involved the expenditure of more time than I could afford, and in any event it seems to fall rather within 158 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST the province of the compiler of the next list of Scottish Coleoptera. List of Abbreviations used in the List and Bibliography. A. S. N. H. — The Annals of Scottish Natural History. E. M. M. — The Entomologist's Monthly Magazine. Ent. — The Entomologist. Ent. Rec. — The Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation. Glasg. Nat. — The Glasgow Naturalist. Proc. Ber. Nat. Club. — Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edinb. — Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. Scot. Nat.— The Scottish Naturalist. Trans. D. and G. N. H. S. — The Transactions and Journal of Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Scientific, Natural History, and Antiquarian Society. Trans. Ent. Soc. — The Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. Trans. N. H. S. Glasg. — Transactions and Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow. Trans. Perthsh. Soc. N. S. — Transactions and Proceedings of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science. Trans. Stirling N. H. S. — Transactions of the Stirling Natural History and A rchasological Society. CARABID^F. \Carabus cancellatus, 111. — Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Nilis. This species is also recorded from Cairnsmore-of-Fleet, Kirk- cudbright, by Lennon (Trans. D. and G. N. H. S., iii. (N. S.), 65). As the author's name is not given in either of the above records, it is possible that the insect meant to be referred to was the common C. gramtlatus, L.] C. monilis, F. — Clyde, Renfrew, one specimen near Paisley, Fergusson (4) ; [Clyde Jslands, Arran, several specimens, Billups.] Notiophilus blacki (Sharp, M. S.).1 — Tweed, Peebles, two examples at Peebles; Sutherlaiidshire, one, Black (5). N. aquatiais, L., var. strigifrons, Baudi.2 — Dee, S. Aberdeen, 1 One of the Peebles specimens was returned to Mr Black by Herr Reitter as bigeminus, Th.—fusillus, Wat., var. ; but Edwards (E. M. M., xlix., p. 72) states that this is evidently an error, because the insect has one and not two umbilicate punctures near the apex of the elytra, Edwards also considers it is doubtful whether blacki is to be regarded as a distinct species or as a mountain form of A'. aquaticus, L. 2 Edwards {loc. cit.) appears to treat this as a distinct species, and not as a variety of either aquaticus or pusillus. DR SHARPS "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND 159 Braemar, Champion (1) ; Moray, Easterness, Aviemore, Champion (15, 16). JV. hypocrita, Spaeth. — Dee, S. Aberdeen, Braemar. " A very dubious species and scarcely more than a variety of N. palustris." ' Champion (15). Leistus spinibarbis, F. — Clyde, Renfrew, rare under loose bark, near Paisley, Fergusson (6). Nebria gyllenhali, Sch., var. rufescens, Stroem. — Moray, Easterness, Cairn Gorm, Beare (3, 19); Clyde, Ayr, an example from Ayrshire in Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, Bagnall (1). N. gyllenhali, Sch., var. balbii, Bon. — Shetland, Shetlands, several specimens from Shetland, Poppius. XDyschirius obscurus, Gyll. — Mr G. C. Champion (9) states that specimens of this species were mixed with other Dyschirii in the late Dr Boswell Syme's collection, and that although there were no locality labels they were probably Scotch.] D. angustatus, Ahr. — Moray, Easterness, Nethy Bridge, under stones, Donisthorpe (9). D. aineus, Dj. — Forth, Fife, rather commonly, Kincardine-on-Forth, April 1901, Evans (7); Moray, East Ross, two in rejecta- menta on banks of Tain, Bold; [Solway, Kirkcudbright, Southwark Glen, Lennon (7)], but this species is not noted by M'Gowan in his List of the Coleoptera of the Solway District, so Lennon's record is perhaps to be considered doubtful. Badister sodalis, Duft. — Solway, Ayr, one in moss near Barr, April 1900, Fergusson (6). [Lia'nus depressus, Payk. — Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Nilis.] Harpalus rufibarbis, F. — Solway, Dumfries, Thornhill, one in Dr Sharp's collection, Fowler (6), one Thornhill, and two on banks of Nith, Nunholm, M'Gowan; Clyde, Lanark, Tollcross, Fergusson (n). \H. caspius, Stev. — Clyde, Clyde Islands, south end of Arran, Billups.] H. latus, L., var. erythrocephalus, F. — Dee, S. Aberdeen, Braemar, Donisthorpe (7) ; Argyle, Main Argyll, near Oban, Beare (7). H. quadripunctatus, Dj. — Dee, S. Aberdeen, Braemar, Blackburn (1), Donisthorpe (7); Moray, Easterness, Aviemore, Champion (3> 4) 5)> Newtonmore, Donisthorpe (3). H. brevicollis, Dj. — Solway, Dumfries, Dumfriesshire, D. Sharp (14). [Zabrus gibbus, F. — Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Nilis.] Pterostichus anthracinus, 111. — Solway, Wigtown, near Corsemalzie, Gordon (1); Grampians, Fowler (6). 1 But Edwards (Joe. cit., p. 73) appears to consider it a good species. 160 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST P. gracilis, Dj. — Forth, West Perth, Dollar, Fowler (6). Amara similata, Gyll.— Solway, Kirkcudbright, rare, Orchardton, Lennon and Douglas. A. continua, Th. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, Orchardton, M'Gowan. Lcemostenus complanatus, Dj. — Solway, Dumfries, common in outhouses, Ellangowan ; Wigtown, Corsemalzie, M'Gowan. [Auchomenus oblongus, F. — Solway, Dumfries, Durisdeer, rare, Lennon (6); "taken by Dr Sharp in the salt marshes towards the mouth of the Nith," M'Gowan; but Dr Sharp (E. M. M., iv., 1 08) appears to have referred to A. atratus, Duft., which was included in his Coleoptera of Scotland.] {To be continued?) NOTES. Large Litter of Pox Cubs. — On digging out a Fox-earth recently, the shepherd at Halmyre, Peeblesshire, secured eight well- grown cubs, which have been despatched to a hunting district. The legbones of several lambs, the remains of rabbits and grouse, and a large rat, recently killed, were found in the den. In several works I have consulted, litters are said to consist of from three to seven ; so it may be of interest to record an instance where the latter number has been exceeded. — T. G. Laidlaw, Duns. Hawfinch in Sutherland. — It may interest you to hear of a male Hawfinch being caught in the garden here. In the thirty years I have been here, it is the first I have seen. It was got about 8th May, and seems now quite at home in a cage. — Francis G. Gunnis, Brora. Grey-headed Wagtail in Forth. — During our spring visit to the Isle of May this year, we were fortunate enough to add the Grey-headed Wagtail (Motacilla flava thunbergi) to the Forth avi- fauna. A female of this sub-species appeared on the island on 16th May. We were on the May from 2nd to 19th May, during which time we saw eighty-eight species of birds. An account of our stay there will appear in a later number of this journal. — Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter. NOTES 161 Honey Buzzard in Shetland. — A male Honey Buzzard was seen at Lerwick, Unst, on 25th May, and on the 28th it was brought to me in the flesh, and I have presented it to the Royal Scottish Museum. The bird was in adult plumage, and a fine specimen. — J. Edmondston Saxby, Hilligarth, Baltasound. Osprey in Tay. — On the evening of 10th May, I saw an Osprey on the Firth of Tay. Our woods run right down to the Firth, and I put it up four times off various oak trees. The last time I saw the bird, it got up within twenty yards of me, and I refrained from shooting at two hooded crows that were bothering the osprey for fear of frightening it. I am quite certain of the bird, as I have shot them in British Columbia, and saw them daily at one place there where I lived for a year. — Charles S. Wedderburn, Birkhill, Cupar- Fife. An Unrecorded Heronry in "Dee." — I note with pleasure that Mr Hugh Boyd Watt {ante, p. 19) has in view a further article on Scottish heronries. I wish first to bring my local (" Dee ") list up to date, by recording a heronry omitted from all previous lists. This colony is at Culquoich, Strathdon. My informant was Mr A. G. G. Ellis, Glenkindie, who thought there were half a dozen or more nests in 191 2, but could not say whether the heronry was new or old. — A. Landsborough Thomson, Aberdeen. Geese struck by Lightning in Dumfriesshire. — On 19th March 19 13, nineteen Barnacle-Geese (Bernicla leucopsis) were struck by lightning and killed near the farm of Aldermanseat, which is about three miles north of the easternmost extremity of the Solway Firth. I was unable to visit the spot till 15th May, when I was supplied with the following facts by Mr Andrew Mackie, the neighbouring farmer of Aitchisonsbank. A severe thunderstorm, accompanied by hail, continued throughout the afternoon of Wednesday, 19th March, and about 5 p.m. it became so dark that two labourers, who were working in a field not far from the house, thought it high time to make for shelter. Just as they came to this decision, a vivid flash of lightning dazzled them, and they took to their heels and ran, hearing as they did so strange sounds as of heavy bodies falling to the ground. They were considerably alarmed, and early next morning visited the scene of their adventure. They then found several dead Barnacle-Geese lying about in the fields, and they concluded these had been struck by lightning while flying past the farm ; thus they were able to account for the sounds which had alarmed them the previous evening. Nineteen carcases in all 19 X 162 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST were picked up, more or less in an extended line of about five to six hundred yards to the west of Aldermanseat farmhouse, showing that some of the victims, which had been flying from west to east, had struggled on a short distance before falling. One had actually fallen within a few feet of the front door of the farmhouse, and this particular bird was kept by the tenant, Mrs Fergusson ; the others, however, all found their way to various cottage kitchens in the district. I was told that the bodies of a few appeared singed, but the only specimen preserved bears no external signs of injury, though the bird-stuffer, Mr William Cowen, to whom it was sent, writes to me "that the flesh was almost black." Within the next few days two, or possibly three, more bodies were reported to have been picked up, one being said to have been found so far off as Canonbie. An account of a similar occurrence, when fifteen Pink-footed and four White-fronted Geese were struck by lightning in Norfolk on 8th February 1906, has been described by Mr J. H. Gurney. — Hugh S. Gladstone, Capenoch, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. An Unclaimed Marked Woodcock. — Some time ago Mr J. S. Robertson, Cawdor Estate Office, Nairn, reported to us that a ringed Woodcock had been shot near Cawdor Castle on 25th November 1912. The inscription on the ring is " 1906. H. 46," and so far our inquiries as to its possible origin have been fruitless. It is to be hoped that publication of the facts will be more successful. —A. Landsborough Thomson, Aberdeen University Bird-Migration Inquiry. Nesting of the Dunlin in Berwickshire. — For many years there has been a strong suspicion that Dunlins made the Lammer- moor Hills one of their breeding-places. In The Birds of Berwick- shire, Mr Muirhead writes: — "Although there is no record of the nest of the Dunlin having been found in Berwickshire, yet the presumption is that the bird has bred on the moors about Longformacus, for Colonel Brown has informed me that on the 16th of July 1885, he shot a Dunlin on swampy, mossy ground, high up, near where the ' Grey Mare ' and the ' Grey Mare's Foal ' (two detached boulders) lie on the moor." Since then increasing evidence as to their nesting on the western reaches of the Lammer- moors, and further east as far as Spartleton heights on the Whitadder, has come to light. In the parish of Lauder there are at least two distinct small nesting colonies high up on the moors, where the ground in places is comparatively moist and overgrown with tufts of wiry natural grasses among the heather. Mr G. Hunter, Glenburnie, on nth June of this year, after watching the old birds NOTES 163 for some time, came upon a newly hatched chick and part of the shell of the egg of a Dunlin. Last year he found a nest, but without eggs, though the birds were several times seen near it. In June 191 2, during a search for the nest, part of the shell of another Dunlin egg was found by Mr Ian Jamieson, Lauder. — Wm, Macconochie, The Manse, Lauder. Bar-tailed God wit in Ayrshire.— Mr Gib. Graham writes us, to point out that the word "summer" (in relation to the plumage) was omitted from his record on p. 93. — Eds. Notes on Shags and Fulmars in Shetland. — Perhaps the outstanding feature of our winter bird life, if bird life it can be called, has been the heavy death-rate among the Shags, and, as far as I know, this applies to all Shetland. Similar reports come from both east and west sides, and the same state of matters is reported in Orkney. The sillocks all round our shores "steadied" in deep water for the winter — always an unfortunate occurrence for the "scarfs" — and when, with this misfortune there coincided a winter of practically continuous wet stormy weather, it is not wonderful that the Shags, which have been swelling in numbers for a good many years, have felt hard times. One interesting temporary change in their habits this state of starvation brought about. A number of drifters were running the winter herring fishing here, and these on occasions brought ashore quantities of mackerel for which there was only a limited demand, with the result that the market was glutted and quantities were dumped overboard. In ordinary times a Shag will not look at a dead fish, whether lying on the bottom or floating on the surface, though it will readily enough seize one at the end of a line or in mid-water. A Shag with an empty stomach, however, apparently cannot pass over a meal, and I saw several bringing up dead mackerel from the bottom. A live mackerel of any size is too big for a Shag to swallow, and when a fish had been brought to the surface, it required a considerable effort on the part of a Shag to get outside it. At times in winter we have Shags in the harbour by the thousand, so that I am speaking from an intimate knowledge of them. Regarding Fulmars, Mr Harvie-Brown's list of their breeding places was not quite exhaustive as regards this district. For instance, it may be noted that in Bressay, Fulmars nest not only along the southern cliffs, but also in two places in the cliffs at Aithsness on the north-east of the island. There have also been for a number of years colonies on Brindister, a matter of three or 164 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST four miles south and west of Lerwick, and in the Island of Mousa Birds have, for the last year or two, frequented the cliffs at the Ness of Sound, less than a couple of miles from the town ; but I don't know that they have yet nested there, and the other day they arrived at the Knab, which is actually within the burgh boundaries. The last mentioned place, however, they are not at all likely to colonise, as the only sea-birds which successfully rear young there are the Black Guillemots, who go so far into holes that they cannot be got at. — Geo. W. Russell, Lerwick. Fulmars in the Moray Firth. — Some weeks ago I received the head of a Fulmar Petrel which had been picked up on the sands of Fraserburgh Bay, and which no doubt had been wounded by a fisherman of Pennan shortly before. Since then I received from Mr Wm. Norrie a photograph of a Fulmar shot at, or near, Pennan Head, about $th May 1913. Mr Norrie writes: "Two Fulmars were shot by a fisherman, but he only got one of them. So the head sent you must likely belong to the one he did not get." Both Pennan Head and Troup Head are bold promontories of the North Aberdeenshire coast, and may prove to provide another nursery of the species before long. — J. A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace House, Larbert. Perch in Dumfriesshire and Galloway. — Recently when reading a manuscript by Robert Riddell of Glenriddell, written about 1792, I came across the following note which is valuable: — "The Perch brought by the late Mr [Alexander] Copland [of Collieston] to the Dee and the Ken [in 1750] were got from the Loch at Friars Carse in Dumfriesshire, from whence all the Perch that inhabit the different Lochs in Galloway and Dumfriesshire were taken. From Friars Carse Loch, Perches were carried to Lochrutton Loch, Loch Ken, Loch Kinder, and Kirkconnel Lochs in Newabbey Parish ; to Lochmaben Lochs in Annandale, and Closeburn Loch in Nithsdale. Tradition says they were brought to Friars Carse by the monks from the Continent, and transported from thence all over this part of Scotland." It would be interesting to know in which of these lochs Perch are now to be found. — Hugh S. Gladstone, Capenoch, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. Palaemonetes varians (Leach), a brackish-water Prawn, in the Forth Area. — Immediately above the ferry pier at Higginsneuk, on the Stirlingshire side of the Forth estuary, opposite Kincardine-on-Forth, there is a saltmarsh of considerable extent. On its extreme inland margin, some 200 yards back from NOTES 165 the shore, there are two or three narrow ditch-like pools, which, owing to their muddy beds, are probably seldom, if ever, quite dry. It would appear that only exceptionally high tides in spring and autumn reach them, and that for the greater part of the year they receive only rain water. Although doubtless always to some extent brackish, the salinity of these pools can never be otherwise than low. In one of these pools, on 8th March last (1913), I noticed numbers of prawns, which proved upon the examination of a few secured for identification to be the interesting Palamonetes varians (Leach). Revisiting the locality on 14th June, I found them still in abundance, and this time many of the females were carrying clusters of eggs. Of 40 captured by drawing a small net through the muddy water, 19 were egg-bearing females, the rest being males and immature females. Palcemonetes varians is an addition to the list of Forth Crustacea, as recently catalogued by Dr Thomas Scott {Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc, vol. xvi.) ; but it has been recorded from the north- east coast of Scotland by the late George Sim {Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Aberdeen, 1878, p. 86), and from the Clyde by Dr J. R. Henderson {Proc. N. H. Soc. Glasgow, 1886), and Dr Scott {Fauna, etc., of Clyde Area, 1901). Interest attaches to P. varians in several ways. While in the northern portion of its range it appears only to occur close to the sea in water that is, to some extent at least, brackish, in the Mediterranean region it is found almost exclusively in fresh water, being present even in lakes far inland; and the curious fact has been observed that its development is much abbreviated in the south, as compared with what takes place in this country and other parts of Northern Europe. The great variation in the number of teeth on the rostrum has also attracted the attention of naturalists. According to Bell {Brit. Stalk-eyed Crustacea, 185 1) the species is characterised by having the rostrum entire at the apex, and armed above with 4 to 6 teeth, beneath with 2. Weldon, however, in 1890, showed {fourn. Mar. Zool. Assn., i. N.S., p. 459) that at Plymouth, where he examined 915 individuals of both sexes, the apex is more often bifid than simple ; while the number of dorsal teeth ranged from 1 (in two cases) to 7 (in one case), and of the ventrals from o to 3 above and 2 beneath. Four above and 2 beneath were his most frequent numbers. Quite recently, Stanley Kemp {Fisheries, Ireland, Sci. Invest., 1908, i. [1910]), in a useful tabular statement of the characters of the British species of Palasmonidoe, describes the rostrum in P. varians as armed dorsally with 3 to 5 teeth, which do 166 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST not extend into the distal third ; ventrally with 2, less commonly with 1 (Weldon's exceptions are alluded to in a footnote), and with- out chromatophores. In 43 newly caught Stirlingshire specimens I found the number of teeth as follows : — Dorsal, 1 in 2 cases, 2 in 4, 3 in 1, 4 in 4, 5 in 18, 6 in 12, 7 in 1, and 8 in 1 ; ventral, 1 in 1 case, 2 in 25, 3 in 15, 4 in 1, and 6 in 1. The dorsal teeth in several instances extended into the distal third. In 20 cases the apex was simple, and in 23 bifid. In every instance, chromatophores were visible on the rostrum — a distinct series above and a less pronounced one below the middle. The lengths (tip of rostrum to end of tail) of the nineteen egg-carrying females were as under: — 1 measured 53 mm., 1 was 50, 2 were 47, 4 were 46, 1 was 45, 4 were 44, 1 was 43.5, 1 was 43, 2 were 42, 1 was 41.5, and 1 was 41. Males and immature females were considerably less, the two largest males being 36 mm., and the smallest example (a female) was only 22 mm. The largest Irish specimen measured by Kemp was 42 mm. In life all were clear and transparent, with numerous small dark brown chromatophores, arranged in more or less of a pattern, on the upper parts. In spirit they have turned red and opaque. The absence of any palp on the mandible serves at once to separate Paltzmonefes from the other free-living members (Genus Leander) of the family. The salinity of a sample of water from the Higginsneuk pool is, according to a determination- made by my son since the above was written, 1.15, or, roughly, a third of the salinity of the sea at the Isle of May. — William Evans, Edinburgh. BOOK NOTICES. A Dictionary of English and Folk-Names of British Birds, with their History, Meaning, and First Usage : and the Folk-lore, Weather-lore, Legends, etc., of the more familiar Species. By H. Kirke Swan. London : Witherby & Co., 1913. 10s. net. In addition to the features indicated by its title, this book affords much interesting information relating to the early history of many of our British birds. Though it is to be commended, yet its usefulness might have been considerably enhanced by a more judicious method of dealing with the numerous local names. To find the local name, or names of any species, one must search for them in the 260 pages which comprise the book, and when found, abstract them for each species. Surely these might have been referred to in small type under the accepted GLEANINGS ^ name for such species (Mavis, Throstle, etc., under Song Thrush), as well as having their place in the dictionary. In a work of this kind it is, of course, inevitable that many of the statements require to be modified, and others to be corrected in future editions. Thus, the name Great Auk was first bestowed by Pennant in the 1768 edition of the British Zoology, not in that of 1776. The Black-headed Wagtail is not a form of the Yellow Wagtail. The name Schinz's Sandpiper has been applied to a small race of the Dunlin as well as to Bonaparte's Sandpiper. Mavis is the commonest name for the Song Thrush in Scotland. The Nightingale is an annual summer visitor to Yorkshire. It is scarcely correct to say that Pallas's Sand Grouse has frequently visited the British Isles since 1863. The name Richardson's Skua is something more than an alternative name for the Arctic Skua ; the name Lestris richardsoni was bestowed upon the dark form of the Arctic Skua by Swainson in the belief that it was a new species. These are a few items among many that require emendation. Insects : Their Life Histories and Habits. By Harold Bastin. London and Edinburgh : T. C. & E. C. Jack, 1913. 7s. 6d. net. The author of this book is to be congratulated on having produced a popular account of insect life, which is much superior to many of the books lately published on the same subject. While admittedly a com- pilation, it is gratifying to be able to report, after a careful perusal, that the work has been well done, the subjects judiciously chosen, and the general treatment original and well up to date. In a little over 300 pages we have an eminently readable series of chapters dealing with the structure, classification, instincts, and habits of insects in general, giving the reader a great deal of information in the pleasantest style, while the beautifully clear type used in the volume considerably adds to the enjoyment of its perusal. Finally, the work, which deserves a wide circulation, is embellished with no fewer than forty-six photographic plates (six of them coloured), which are, on the whole, of much excellence. The proofs have been carefully read, for we have detected only three or four misprints. GLEANINGS. From British Birds (19 13, pp. 16-23) we extract the following notes : On 4th May at least five examples of the Northern Willow-warbler {Phylloscopus trochilus eversmanni) were seen by H. Witherby and J. G. Gordon at the Mull of Galloway. They had all left by next day, and a large number of Whitethroats had come in. Two adult male examples of Barrow's Goldeneye (Nyroca islandicd) were said to have been procured at Scalloway, Shetland; they were identified by 168 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Mr Ford Lindsay ; a Dotterel was seen in a field at the Mull of Galloway on 3rd May. In the Zoologist „( 1 9 1 3, p. 81) it is stated that a male specimen of Machetes pugnax was obtained in I slay on nth September 1912. In the June number of the Entomologists Monthly Magazine (pp. 136-137) an important note is published by A. Fergusson on Philanthus varius, Gyll., var. shetlandicus, Poppius. This variety, which appears to have only been recorded as yet from the Shetland Islands, and is apparently the only form found there, was described in a Finnish publication, and hence has not unnaturally escaped the notice of British entomologists. Var. shetlandicus is an extreme form of the species distinguished by the uniformly dark red colour of the elytra. [Coleoptera.] In the Entomologist for June (p. 196) J. Hamilton Leigh publishes a note to the effect that Cccnonympha tiphon and C. pamphilus occur on the same ground at Achnasheen, in Ross-shire. He remarks also that the former species only flies in bright sunshine. [Lepidoptera.] J. E. Collin, in the Entomologisfs Monthly Magazine for June (pp. 130-135) concludes his paper entitled "Thirty Additions to the List of British Diptera." The following species have occurred in Scotland : Tachydromia macula, Zett. (Spey Bridge) ; Calliophrys exuta, Kow. (Loch Assynt) ; Dexiopsis litoralis, Zett. (Golspie and Culbin Sandhills) ; Sapromyza lata, Zett. (Nethy Bridge and Loch Assynt) ; S. quadrinotata, Zett. (Lochinver) ; and Diplotoxa ruficeps, Zett. (Loch Assynt). Some of these have already been recorded in our pages. [Diptera.] The Rev. F. D. Mor'ce continues his useful " Help- Notes towards the Determination of British Tenthredinidce" in the June issue of the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine (pp. 140-144). This instalment (the 31st) gives the following Scottish record: Monoctenus jimiperi, L., Nethy Bridge. [Hymenoptera.] A short paper by C. F. George on "The Mites known as Rhagidia" appears in the Naturalist for May last (pp. 196-197). In it we note that Rhagidia pallida, Banks, was taken in the Forth district in January 1909 by W. Evans. [Acarina.] From a local evening paper we learn that a marked crab was caught during the last week of May off the coast at Catterline, near Stone- haven, Kincardineshire. Professor Meek, Cullercoats, said that the crab was liberated at Beadnell, Northumberland, on 9th October 1912. It had therefore travelled as the crow flies no less a distance than 120 miles. [Crustacea.] (Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) The Scottish Naturalist No. 20.] 1913 [August mM> r THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND O , LIB By Peter Anderson. (Continued from page 78.) Linnet (Linota cannabind).- — This bird is a pretty regular visitor in small numbers. It is usually to be seen singly ; one or two are often to be seen feeding among a flock of Twites. They usually arrive in autumn, and remain most of the winter if the weather remains open.1 Twite (Linota flavirostris). — Twites are abundant residents. They breed all over the island, but they are very fond of nesting in whin bushes, consequently there are a great number of their nests on the island. They also nest in tufts of heather and in long tufts of rough grass. They are gregarious, and feed on the stubbles in large flocks. Of course they must migrate, as there are enormous numbers bred here, but I have never noticed their migratory movements. Corn-bunting (Emberiza miliaria). — This bird is resident throughout the year, and breeds regularly. It is rather tame and confiding, and will sit on the fence beside the public road while people are passing within a few yards of it. It is not by any means abundant, and it does not seem to increase or diminish in numbers. Yellow-bunting (Emberiza citrinelld). — I see one or two every autumn, but they are never plentiful, and they do not remain long with us. When they do come they are mostly to be seen about the crofters' stackyards. 1 Lieut.-col. Irby seems to have been the first to record the Linnet from Tiree {Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1899, p. 206). — Eds. 20 Y 170 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Snow-bunting (Plectrophenax fiivalis). — Considerable flocks of Snow-buntings arrive from the north about the first half of November, and small parties of them appear occasionally through the winter. But their regular migration season is November for going south, and the beginning of April for going north. I once noticed two females at Kenna Vara Point in the month of July. Starling {Sturnus vulgaris). — Resident and superabundant. They breed all over the island, in holes, in old walls both of turf and stone, and often beside the public road. They fill the chimneys with their nests, and are a great nuisance in that way. However, the natives are now putting wire-netting on the chimneys not regularly used, to keep these pests out. Although plentiful in summer, they are very much more so in winter. They roost in myriads in the caves at Kenna Vara Head, and among gullies in the rocks at Vaul and Baugh, and several other places. They get any amount of feeding among the seaweed which the crofters spread on their fields for manure. I have been told by old people that the Starlings have increased enormously within the last forty years. I know that they have more than doubled in numbers since I came to the island, twenty-six years ago. Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus). — The Chough has occurred at Kenna Vara Head, but is rare. Jackdaw (Corvus monedula). — I have seen one, and sometimes two together, of these birds passing generally about the month of November, but they don't make any stay here. Raven {Corvus corax). — One pair of Ravens breed every year on the precipitous cliffs. They usually rear four young birds ; but their first nest is very often lost, as the crofters do all they can to smash the eggs. The Ravens, when rearing their brood, kill young lambs ; they also kill and carry away ducklings and chickens, and often kill old cocks and hens. They will also take the eggs and young of the Lapwing, Wild Duck, and other birds : nothing of that kind comes amiss to them. They are early breeders, and begin their nest in March, and if their first nest is destroyed — which often happens — they will make another nest under an overhanging cliff, where stones cast from the top cannot reach them. Ravens are expert tumblers. I have often watched them when they go off a high cliff: they can tumble flat on their back, recover, and tumble again, and so on. However, I don't notice them do any tumbling in winter, but only in the breeding season. After their young are THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 171 able to take care of themselves, they drive them away, and only the old pair remain. Carrion-Crow (Corvus coroni). — I now and again see a pair of these birds, but they don't breed here, and seldom make a long stay on the island. Hooded Crow (Corvus comix). — Very common, but are much more numerous in winter and spring than they are in summer. They breed on rocks on different parts of the coast. During winter, they feed mostly along the sea-shore on shell-fish and on dead fish, or any other carrion that is cast up by the storms. They are the worst of vermin, and during the summer they take the eggs and young of all other birds. They also steal the fowls' eggs from close beside the houses. The Hoodie is a 'cute bird. I have seen them carry shell-fish high up in the air and drop them on the rocks to try and break the shell, so that they could get at the mollusc inside. If it did not break the first time they would take it up higher, several times if necessary, until they fractured the shell. Rook {Corvus frugilegus). — Small flocks of Rooks come over from Mull nearly every year about the month of March, and sometimes stay a week or so. As there are no trees on the island for them to roost on, I daresay they feel rather uncomfortable while here. A few generally pass on migration about the beginning of November. Skylark (Alauda arvensis). — -This is an abundant and resident species, and breeds all over the island. They gather in enormous flocks in autumn and winter on the stubbles, and I notice that they are more partial to oat than they are to rye or barley stubble. They must be migratory, but I have never noticed the migration — the numbers here remaining always about the same. The Common Gulls destroy a lot of young Skylarks in summer. They quarter over the hayfields like setters, and when they observe a nest with young Larks they drop down, and swallow the fledglings whole. Swift {Cypselus apis). — The Swift is only an occasional visitor to the island, and I have only seen single birds, mostly about the cliffs at Kenna Vara. Cuckoo {Cuculus canorus).— This bird occurs sparingly every summer, generally about the month of June, but only makes a very short stay on the island. Probably there is not much suitable food for them here. The winds are strong, and there is no shelter in the shape of woods. 172 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Short-eared Owl {Asio accipitrinus). — This Owl is a regular visitor on migration, sometimes in considerable numbers. They are passing here usually from the latter end of October until the middle of November. They frequent marshy ground, and we flush them when snipe shooting, but they only flop along for a short distance. However, they seem to see all right in daylight, even when the sun is shining. They pass here again on their way north at the end of January and beginning of February. Peregrine Falcon {Falco peregrimis). — One pair of Peregrines breed on the cliffs every year, and a few are in evidence now and again all the year round. They feed mostly on Rock-Pigeons — of which there are plenty in the caves — and they also take Ducks while on the wing. They are partial to Teal and Wigeon, but I have seen one strike down a Merganser within ten yards of me. I also saw one strike a Wigeon, over the sea, and attempt to carry it ashore in his claws ; but the weight was too much for him and he had to drop it or be carried into the sea. When rearing their young, the crofters living near blame the birds for taking their chickens, but I have never seen them take any birds except those on the wing. Merlin {Falco cesalon). — The Merlin is common on the island, except perhaps a month or two in summer, but they are never entirely absent. I know of one pair having bred here in 1S97. It is a very cheeky bird, and I have often seen it pick up a Jack Snipe that had just been shot, and fly away with it. They some- times keep high up, over the Snipe shooters, and swoop after any wounded bird that goes away. I do not think they try to take any larger bird than a Golden Plover, and then only when they find a single bird. I have seen a Merlin dash in and take one out of a large flock of Fieldfares. However, the Merlin is a miniature Peregrine and preys only upon birds that he kills himself, or that have been newly killed. They seem to be fond of hunting in the twilight. When waiting for ducks flighting, I have often noticed them pass me like a flash, in chase of some small bird. Kestrel {Falco tinmtnculus). — This bird is not at all common, but occurs now and again. I once saw one tackle a half-grown rat, whose squealing drew my attention. The Kestrel held on for a time, but eventually let go. {To be continued.) A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 173 A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS, WITH NOTES ON OTHER SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE NEIGHBOURING AREAS. By Colonel J. W. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. {Concluded from page 140.) Sepsid^e (continued). 542. P. luteata, Hal., Lochinver, 7th July 191 1; Loch Assynt, 2nd and 3rd June 191 1. The absence of carrion probably accounts for the apparent scarcity of such genera as Leria, Sepsis, etc. MlCROPEZID^E. 543. Calobata petronella, L, Lochinver, 30th June, and 3rd, 7th, and 8th July 191 1 ; fairly common. PSILID/E. 544. Psila rufa, Mg., Lochinver, 24th and 30th June 191 1 ; rare. 545. P. nigromaculata, Strobl., Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1; Lochinver, 27th June and 7th September 191 1; uncommon, though met with in fair numbers on more than one occasion, e.g., Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1; five specimens swept from thistles near Ardbreck Castle. 546. P. humeralis, Zett., Loch Assynt, 7th June 191 1; Lochinver, 24th June, and 1st, 7th, and 10th July 191 1. 547. P. nigricomis, Mg., Lochinver, 22nd June, and 1st and 12th July 1911; Loch Assynt, 18th July 1911. 548. P. rosce, F., Loch Assynt, 7th June 191 1. 549. P. atra, Mg., Loch Assynt, 1st June 191 1; Lochinver, 22nd June and 12 th July 191 1. 550. Loxocera aristata, Panz., Loch Assynt, 9th and 12th June 191 1 ; Lochinver, 19th July 191 1; uncommon. Chloropim:. 551. Chlorops speciosa, Mg., Loch Assynt, 26th July 1911; Lochinver, 3rd July 191 1; Golspie, 15th July 1904. 552. C. meigenii, Lw., Loch Assynt, 9th June 191 1; Lochinver, 23rd June 191 1. 174 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 553. C. hypostigma, Mg. (minuta, Lw.), Loch Assynt, 20th July 1911. 554. Centor nudipes, Lw., Lochinver, nth and 12th July 191 1. 555. Diplotoxa messoria, Fall., Lochinver, 12th July 191 1. 556. D. ruficeps, Zett. {erythrocephala, Zett.), Loch Assynt, 20th July 191 1 ; not in Verrall's list. 557. Eutropha fulvifrons, Hal., Golspie, 26th August 1900. 558. Oscinis frit, L., Loch Assynt 20th July 191 1. 559. Elachiptera cornuta, Fall., Lochinver, 20th June 191 1. Ephydrim;. 560. Notiphila riparia, Mg., Lochinver, 9th July 191 1. 561. JV. cinerea, Fall., Lochinver, 1st July 1911; Golspie, 8th June 1904. 562. JV. uliginosa, Hal., Lochinver, 1st July 191 1; The Mound, 24th June 1904. 563. Discocerina obscurelta, Fall., Lochinver, 7th July 191 1. 564. D. calceata, Mg., Lochinver, 13th July 1911. 565. Hydrellia griseola, Fall., Loch Assynt, 26th July 191 1. 566. H. ?tigripes, Zett., $ , Lochinver, 1st July 191 1; $, Loch Assynt, 10th June 191 1. 567. H. sp. inc., Lochinver, 20th June 191 1. I identified this specimen as Hydrellia flavicornis, but Mr Collin will not pass that identification. 568. H. ranunculi, Hal., Golspie, 15th June 1904. 569. Pelina cenescens, Stenh., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1. 570. Ochthera mantis, De G., Lochinver, 27th June and 1st July 191 1 ; common. 571. Parhydra aquila, Fall, Golspie, 15th June 1904. 572. Ilythea spilota, Curt., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1. 573. Scatella quadrata, Fall., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1. I was inclined to put this specimen to Sc. stenhammeri, but my identification was not passed. 574. Sc. sibillans}, Hal., Lochinver, 6th July 191 1. 575. Sc. stagnalis, Fall., The Mound, 24th June 1904 Drosophilid/e. 576. Phortica alboguttata, Wahlbg., Lochinver, 3rd July 191 1. A single specimen swept in the enclosure of Glen Canisp Lodge. The only other British record is that of two specimens taken by myself in the New Forest in 1909, flying in company with a crowd of Phortica variegata round a CVs\™.f-infested Oak. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 175 577. Drosophila transversa, Fall., Golspie, 28th July 1900. 578. D. fenestrarum, Fall., Lochinver, 7th July 191 1; Loch Assynt, 7th June 191 1. 579. D. confusa, Staeg., Golspie, 31st July 1900. 580. D. obscura, Fall., Lochinver, 8th July 191 1. 581. D. phalerata, Mg., Golspie, 28th July 1900. 582. Scaptomyza tetrasticha, Beck., Loch Assynt, 2nd June 191 1; Lochinver, 1st July 191 1. 5S3. Sc. graminum, Fall., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1 ; Loch Assynt, 24th and 26th July 191 1. Geomyzid/e. 584. Diastata tmiptmctata, Zett., Lochinver, 30th June and 2nd July 191 1 ; The Mound, 14th August 1900. 585. D. uebu/osa, Fall., Loch Assynt, 6th June 191 1. 586. D. fuscula, Fall, (inornata, Lw.), Lochinver, 7th, 9th, and nth July 191 1 ; Loch Assynt, 19th and 29th July 191 1. 587. Balioptera tripunctata, Fall., Loch Assynt, 26th July 191 1; Golspie, 21st May 1904; The Mound, 14th August 1900, and 8th June 1904. 588. Anthomyza sordidella, Zett., Lochinver, 29th June, and 1st, 9th, and 13th July 191 1. 589. A. gracilis, Fall., The Mound, 22nd June 1904; Golspie, 14th June 1904. OCHTHIPHILIDyE. 590. Oclithiphila flavipalpis, Hal., Golspie, 24th July 1900. 591. O. polystigma, Mg., Loch Assynt, 3rd June and 23rd July 1 911; Golspie, 14th August 1900. Milichid.-e. 592. Phyllomyza securicornis, Fall., Lochinver, 22nd June and 7th July 191 1; Loch Assynt, 5th June 191 1, and 20th and 26th July 191 1. Agromyzid^e. 593. Agromyza capitata, Zett., Lochinver, 20th June 191 1. 594. A. reptans, Fall., Lochinver, 21st June 191 1. 595. A. scutellata, Fall, Loch Assynt, 20th and 26th July 1911. 596. A.flaveola, Fall., Loch Assynt, 20th July 191 1. 597. A. sp. inc. (near carbonaria), Zett., Loch Assynt, 3rd June 1911. 176 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 598. A. laterella, Zett, Loch Assynt, 21st July 191 1. 599. A. sp. inc., Lochinver, 13th July 191 1. 600. A. sp. inc., Lochinver, 10th and 13th July 191 1. 601. Cerodonta denticornis, Panz., Loch Assynt, 18th June 191 1 (the only specimen). Phytomyziml. 602. Napomyza lateralis, Fall, Lochinver, 13th June 1911. 603. Phytomyza affinis, Fall., Lochinver, 1st and 3rd July 191 1. 604. P. obscurella, Fall., Lochinver, 10th July 191 1. 605. P. nigripennis, Fall., Loch Assynt, 7th June 191 1. 606. P. zetterstedti, Schin. (maeulipes, Zett.), Lochinver, 13th July 1911. CYCLORRHAPHA EPROBOSCIDEA. HlPPOBOSCID/E. 607. Ornithomyia lagopodis, Sharp — Swordale, Evanton, Ross-shire. 608. Lipoptena cervi, L. — Strathconon Forest, Ross-shire. Alterations in the List of Mycetophilid/E. Mr Edwards having completed the arrangement of the British collection of Mycetophilidae, the following alterations have become necessary, owing to the increase in knowledge acquired while doing so. When the provisional list was compiled, the existence of the following important papers on the family was unknown ; indeed, two of them had not been published, (i.) Landrock, Wien. Ent. Zeit., 1912, p. 175, "New and little known fungus gnats"; (ii.) Lundstrom, Acta Soc. Fauna et Flora Fennica, 1906, vol. xxix., No. 1, p. 16; and 1912, vol. xxxvi., No. 1, p. 23. 5a. Insert M. formosa, Lundstrom, Inveran, 14th July 1S86 (Verrall). 6. For Trichonota sp., substitute Trichonta hamata (Kirk), Verh. Zoo. Pot. Gesellschaft, 1880, vol. xxx, p. 604. 7. For spinigera, Winn., substitute spinuligera, Lundstr. This species is spinigera, Lundstr. nee. Winn., and the name spinuligera, Lundstr. has been substituted by Lundstrom himself. A LIST OF THE DIPTERA MET WITH IN WESTER ROSS 177 8. A $ ; identification therefore doubtful. 1 1. To Rhymosia cristata, Staeg., add the locality Golspie, 23rd July 1900. 12. For Brachycampta sp. inc., substitute Brachycampta amoena, Winn. 13. For tenuis, Winn., substitute vitiosa, Winn. 14. P. signata, Winn. Delete 15. P. sp. inc., and transfer the record Loch Assynt, 18th June 191 1, to this number. Mr VerralFs Inveran specimen was taken on nth July 1886. 16. For sp. inc., substitute cinerascens, Winn. 19. Anadinia nemoralis. There seems to have been a mix up of this species, and the next {Boletina trivittatd) ; anyhow the specimen recorded under the latter name taken by Mr Verrall at Loch Maree on 9th June 1884, belongs here. 20. The specimen recorded as Lochinver, 30th June 191 1, does not belong to B. trivittata, but is apparently a sp. nov. and conspecific with 21. B. sciarina, Lochinver, 7th July 191 1. These two specimens should therefore stand as under : Sp. nov., Lochinver, 30th June 191 1 and 7th July 191 1. The specimen of B. trivittata taken by Verrall at Tongue is dated 18th June 1884, and the species has also been taken by Mr Ogilvie Grant at Kinlochewe on 23rd May 1892. 22. B.humeralis, Walk. This specimen agrees with some specimens labelled by Mr Verrall as " B. humeralis Walk.?" but no description of this species can be traced. The following synonymy appears probable, viz., humeralis, Walk? = reuteri, Lundstr., and the species should stand under the latter name. 23. For ana/is, Mg., substitute inermis, Lundstr. 25. For " Lasiosoma sp. inc. (near robustd)" substitute Lasiosoma nigrum, Landr. This species is described by Landrock in the Wei n. Ent. Zeit., 1912, p. 175. 27. For sp. inc., substitute exigua, Winn. 28. Delete this number and transfer Lochinver, 30th June 191 1, to the preceding species. 28 or 28a. Insert Bolitiphila cinerea,' Mg., Golspie, 7th August 1900. 28a or 2%b. Insert B. saundersii, Curt., Dingwall, 29th May 191 1. 29. To Macrocera lutea, add Golspie, 7th August 1900. 33. To M. stigma, add Dingwall, 29th May 1911. 20 z 178 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST SUPPLEMENT TO DR SHARP'S " COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND." By Anderson Fergusson. {Continued from page 160.) CARABID^L {continued). [Anchomenus sexpunctatus, L. — Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Nilis.] A. versutus, Gyll. — Forth, West Perth, Dollar, Fowler (6) ; Solway, Dumfries, Eccles, two specimens in Dr Sharp's collection, Fowler (6). A. scitulus, Dj. — Forth, Haddington, very rare, one specimen, Hepburn (i, 3). Bembidium affine, Steph. — Clyde, Renfreiv, Giffnock and Paisley ; Lanark, near Glasgow, Fergusson (6). [B. callosum, Kiist. — Shetland, S/iet/ands, Shetland, Nilis.] [B. quadripustulatum, Dj. — Solway, Dtimfries, Durisdeer, Lennon (6)-]/ \B. fluviatile, Dj. — Moray, Easterness, Aviemore, June 1905, Cruttwell (1).] B. virens, Gyll. — [Moray, Easterness, Beauly, Chitty (5)]; West Ross, West Boss, not uncommonly on shores of Loch Maree, Champion (10), ten specimens, August 1912, Beare (31). B. varium, 01. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, apparently very rare, three in cracks of dried up pool, Southerness, M'Gowan; [Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Nilis.] [Lebia cyanocephala, L. — Clyde, Clyde Islands, south end of Arran, Billups.] Dromius angustatus, Brulle. — Tay, Mid Perth, one beaten off fir tops ; Moray, Easterness, Nethy Bridge, Donisthorpe (9). \_D. fenestratus, F. — Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Nilis.] D. meridional's, Dj. — Solway, Wigtozvn, near Corsemalzie, Gordon (1); Clyde, Clyde Islands, one, Brodick, Arran, April 1895, Evans (5). HALIPLID/E. Hali p lu s p aliens, Fow. — Forth, Fife, two from Loch Leven in Dr Power's collection, Fowler (6). H. immaculatus, Gerh. — Clyde, Lanark, apparently not common in slowly moving almost stagnant water, Hogganfield, and Bishop Loch, Fergusson (n); Cantyre, Campbeltown, Edwards (2). DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 179 H. no max, Browne. — Scotland, Balfour-Browne (4) ; Clyde, Lanark, Lochend, Bishop Loch, Whiterigg; Clyde Islands, Loch Fad, Bute, Fergusson (11). In clear water. H. zvehnckei, Gerh. — Clyde, Ayr, Dunure, Barassie, R. Irvine ; Re?ifrew, Giffnock ; Lanark, Strathaven, Braidwood, Lochend, Whiterigg, Possil, Fergusson (11). dytiscim:. Bidessus minutissimus, Germ. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, R. Nith, R. Ken; Wigtown, Water of Luce, Balfour-Browne (1). Cce Iambus versicolor, Schal. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, R. Dee (Thrieve Bridge), Balfour-Browne (1). [C. decoratus, Gyll. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch (under Hydroporus decoratus), Wood (1).] Hydroporus granulans, L. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, not uncommon, Maxwelltown Loch, Lennon and Douglas, Rockcliffe, Balfour- Browne (1); Wigtown, near Kirkcowan, Balfour-Browne (1). \H. neglectus, Schaum. — Solway, Dumfries, near Dumfries, Lennon (10).] H. erythrocephalus, L., var. derehctus, Clark. — Inverness-shire, Orkney, Orkneys, Orkney, Fowler (6). [H. marginatus, Duft.— Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Beare (4).] Agabus1 uliginosus, L. — Solway, Dumfries, " Tinwald Downs, M'Nab, one specimen Dublin Museum Coll."; Kirkcudbright, in numbers, Preston Merse, Southwick, Balfour-Browne (1). Platambus maculatus, L., var. immaculatus, Donis. — Forth, West Perth, Loch Katrine, Donisthorpe (1); Dee, South Aberdeen, Braemar, Cruttwell (2), Donisthorpe (1); Solway, Kirkcudbright, R. Nith, R. Urr, Balfour-Browne (1); Clyde, Dumbarton, Loch Lomond at Luss, Fergusson (9). Ilybius fenestratus, F. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, Lotus Loch, one, Carlinwark Loch, fairly common, Balfour-Browne (1). Copelatus agilis, F— Solway, Dumfries, " Queensberry Hill (M'Nab), one specimen in Dublin Museum Coll.," Balfour- Browne (1). Rhantus pulverosus, Steph.— Solway, Kirkcudbright, one specimen, Preston Merse, Balfour-Browne (1). GYRINID^E. Gyrinus marinus, Gyll.— Clyde, Stirling, Balmaha, Loch Lomond, Fergusson (7) j Argyle, Mid Ebudes, Mull, Balfour-Browne (2). 1 Lennon (3) has a record of Agabus brunneus, F., from flood refuse at Kelton, Dumfries, but this is obviously an error of identification. i8o THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST hydrophilim;. Hydrobius fuscipes, L., var. picicrus, Th. — Forth, Edinburgh, Corstorphine Hills, Fowler (6) ; Solway, Dumfries, Kirk- cudbright, Wigtown, peat mosses, fairly common, Balfour- Browne (i); Clyde, Cantyre, Tarbert, Fergusson (7); Argyle, Mid Ebudes, Coll and Mull, Balfour-Browne (2); West Ross, North Ebudes, Skye, Balfour-Browne (3). \H. oblongus, Hbst. — Tweed, Selkirk or Roxburgh ? " not common, taken by Mr John Roxburgh," Whitehead.] Philhydrus maritimus, Th. — Solway, Wigtown, Corsemalzie, Gordon (1). Paracymus nigroaneus, F. — Argyle, Main Argyll, near Oban ; Mid Ebudes, Coll and Mull, Balfour-Browne (2) ; West Ross, North Ebudes, Eigg, Balfour-Browne (3). Laccobius ytenensis,1 Shp. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, Colvend, Rockcliffe, R. Ken, Kells, Balfour-Browne (1). L. nigriceps, Th.2 — Solway, Kirkcudbright, New Barean Loch, Colvend, R. Nith, R. Urr, Balfour-Browne (1); Clyde, Ayr, Knoweside, Fergusson (11). L. alutaceus, Th. — Forth, Edinburgh, Edinburgh ; Haddington, Aberlady, D. Sharp (2) ; Solway, Kirkcudbright, fairly common, Balfour-Browne (1); Clyde, Ayr, Beith and Lugton district; Renfreiv, Lochwinnoch, Giffnock; Lanark, Carluke, Busby; Clyde Islands, Loch Fad, Bute, Fergusson (9) ; Argyle, Mid Ebudes, Coll, Balfour-Browne (2). L. bipunctatus, F. — Forth, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, D. Sharp (2); Solway, Kirkcudbright, one in Maxwelltown Loch and one in pond in district, Balfour-Browne (1) ; Clyde, Renfreiv, in stagnant water, Bishopton, Port Glasgow, Fergusson (7). \Berosus spinosus, Stev. — Solway, Dumfries, in small numbers, Caerlaverock salt marshes, Lennon and Douglas ; but Balfour- Browne (A. S. N. H., 1909, p. 83) is doubtful of this record. Lennon (5) also recorded B. spinosus from Queensberry Hill, Dumfries^ B. signaticollis, Charp. — Solway, Dumfries, Caerlaverock salt marsh (Lennon), Balfour-Browne (1). 1 This name was applied by Dr Sharp (E. M. M., xlvi., p. 250) to the species which had been known in British collections as sinuatus. Mots. Sinuatus, Mots, was considered synonymous with nigriceps, Th., which was recorded by Dr Sharp in his Coleoptera of Scotland ; but the two species are distinct, so ytenensis, Shp. (sinuatus, Mots.) is an addition to the Scottish list. 2 In view of the separation of this species from ytenensis, Shp. (sinuatus, Mots.)> I have given the Scotch records since the separation was made. DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 181 Helophorus1 tuberculatus, Gyll. — Solway, Dumfries, in flood refuse near Dumfries, Lennon (4) ; Clyde, Lanark, on peaty ground near Coatbridge, Brown (2). H. porculns, Bedel. — Forth, Fife, Balmuto, Moss Morran, Newbery (2); Moray, Eastemess, Nethy Bridge, Beare (26); Solway, Dumfries, Kelton and Caerlaverock salt marshes, Balfour-Browne (1)/ H. aquations, L., var. cequahs, Th. — Solway, Dumfries, Kirk- cudbright. "A smaller form, presumably var. cequalis, Thorns., although I cannot definitely separate it from the type, is also common, especially on salt marshes," Balfour-Browne (1); Orkney, Orkneys, four specimens, Orkney, Poppius. H. viridicollis, Steph. (ceneipennis, Th.), var. planicollis Th. — Scotland, Blackburn (2) ; Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Fowler (6). H. viridicollis, Steph. (ceneipennis, Th.), var. strigifrons, Th. — Scotland, Blackburn (2) ; Clyde, Renfrew, Balfour-Browne (1); Lanark, one, Possil, Fergusson (9). H. viridicollis, Steph. (obscurus, Muls.), var. shetlandicus, Kuw. — Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland Islands, Edwards (1). Mr Edwards states that obscurus, Muls. is synonymous with viridicollis, Steph., and that Kuwert's name was given to specimens from the Shetlands with black metallic shining elytra. H. affinis, Marsh, (griseus, Th.). — [Clyde, Fergusson (o)]2; Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, St Kilda, Beare (25). \H. affinis, Marsh, (griseus, Th.), ab. brevipalpis, Kuw. — Shetland, Shetlands, described by Kuwert from examples from Shetlands, Donisthorpe (1); but this form is not included in Beare and Donisthorpe's Catalogue which was published subsequent to Donisthorpe's note, nor is it mentioned in the last European Catalogue.] H. affinis, var. griseus, Hbst.— Orkney, Orkneys; Shetland, Shetlands, taken in abundance in Orkney and Shetland, Poppius. Mr Balfour-Browne considers that H. affinis and H. griseus are varieties of a single species. See Coleoptera of the British L stands, vi., p. 2>Z- \H. brevicollis, Th. (granulans, L.).— The records in Dr Sharp's Coleoptera of Scotland (Scot. Nat., ii., p. 140), under granulans, 1 The synonymy in this genus is in a very confused condition, and it is difficult to state exactly what species are really additions to Dr Sharp's list. 2 Mr Balfour-Browne has seen the specimen on which this record was founded, and he is doubtful whether it is rightly referred to affinis. V &'* -•* Vg| w.j LI y r< AR VlsoJ \, ~~ }*j 182 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST L., refer to H. brevipalpis, Bedel, and not to this species. Fowler (i) states: "I have a Scotch specimen named as If. brevicollis for me by M. Brisout which appears to be very close to H. ceneipennis " (viridicollis, Steph.) ; but he does not repeat this record in his Coleoptera of the British Islands published subsequently. It appears best to consider brevicollis, Th. as doubtfully Scotch, until some additional evidence of its occurrence is obtained.] H. brevipalpis, Bed., var. bulbipalpis, Kuw. — Shetland, S/ietlands, described from examples from the Shetlands, Donisthorpe (i). Octhebius lejolisi, Muls. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, Douglas Hall, Balfour-Browne (i); Clyde, Ayr, rock pools, Knoweside, Fergusson (n); Argyle, Main Argyll, near Oban; Mid Ebudes, Coll, Balfour-Browne (2); West Ross, Westerness, one, Mallaig; North Ebudes, one imago and one larva, Eigg, Balfour-Browne (3). O. auriculatus, Rey. — Solway, Dumfries, Kelton, a few specimens; Kirkcudbright, Southwick, Balfour-Browne (1). Hydrcena britteni, Joy. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, Craigen burn, very common in March 1907 on flooded meadow-land; Wigtown, R. Cree, one only; Clyde, Ayr, Knoweside, Beith and Lugton district, Fergusson (9); Retifrew, Balfour-Browne (To be continued.) THE SCOTTISH SYMPHYLA. By Richard S. Bagnall, F.L.S., F.E.S. (Hope Department of Zoology, University Museum, Oxford). FOURTEEN species of Symphyla are now known as British, of which seven occur in Scotland ; but as the Scottish records are merely the results of a few short collecting hours mainly in the Clyde and Forth areas, more species may be expected to occur. The forms that have not yet been recognised from north of the borders are Scutigerella hanseni, Bagn. (Co. Durham) ; Scolopendrella notacantha, Gervais (Cheshire) ; S. isabella*, Grassi (Co. Durham) ; S. dunelmensis, Bagn. (Co. Durham) ; S. jacksoni, Bagn. THE SCOTTISH SYMPHYLA 183 (Cheshire) ; 5. horrida, Bagn. (Co. Durham) ; and 5. minutissima, Bagn. (Durham and Yorkshire) ; whilst two European species, Scutigerella nivea (Scopoli) and Scolopen- drella microcolpa, Muhr, have not as yet been met with in the British Isles. The 6\ immaculata recorded from the Forth area by Mr W. Evans1 is perhaps a compound species, though all the immaculata recorded from Ireland are referable to that species alone. I have, unfortunately, not had the opportunity of examining Mr Evans' old collection. In the following notes I have used the classification of Hansen ; but in a paper I hope to publish shortly, I propose dividing the two groups Scutigerella and Scolopendrella into certain well-defined genera. I am much indebted to my friend Mr Evans for the material he is now sending me from the Forth area, and shall always remember the pleasant hours I spent with him collecting these and other little-known creatures in a quarry at the foot of the Pentlands, and on Arthur Seat, Edinburgh, in October of last year (191 2). Scutigerella immaculata (Newp.). One immature example from the Isle of May, 19 10 (W. Evans) ; several, Rothesay, 191 1 (R. S. B.) ; numerous specimens, Avon- bridge, April, and one from Manuel, East Stirling, March 1912 (W. E.). In a quarry at the foot of the Pentlands, and on Arthur Seat, Edinburgh, Oct. 1912 (W. E. and R. S. B.); one, So. Queensferry, Oct. 191 2 (R. S. B.). In a quarry, St Fort, near Dundee, Nov. 191 2 (R. S. B.). Scutigerella spinipes, Bagnall. The first Scottish specimens were taken by Mr Evans at Avonbridge, Stirlingshire, 13th April 1912, and he has since sent me a specimen from the quarry at the foot of the Pentlands above referred to, Oct. 19 12. It also occurs in Durham (Wear and Tees Valleys), Northumberland (Tyne Valley), and Cheshire. Scutigerella biscutata, Bagnall. This is apparently a less rare and more widely distributed species than spinipes. 1 Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc, xvii., 109 (1907). 1 84 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST On the Clyde, near Bishopton, one example ; in a quarry at St Fort, near Dundee, Nov. 1912, one example (R. S. B.). One immature specimen from Avonbridge, April 1912, and a few from the foot of the Pentlands, near Edinburgh, Oct. 191 2 (W. E.). Occurs Northumberland (Cheviot and Tyne Valley), Durham (coast, Derwent, Wear and Tees Valleys), and Cheshire. Also in southern Germany (Verhoeff). Scutigerella caldaria, Hansen. In greenhouses. I have examined examples taken in the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow. Scolopendrella subnuda, Hansen. One example from under a stone, near Brodick, on the Isle of Arran, 191 r, and another from So. Queensferry, Oct. 1912 (R. S. B.). Several from the Isle of May, Nov. 191 2 (W. E.). In Oct. 191 2, Mr Evans and I met with this small form in fair numbers in the now almost historic quarry at the foot of the Pentlands, and on Arthur Seat, near Edinburgh. It is very widely distributed in England. Scolopendrella vulgaris, Hansen. A single example taken from under a stone, on the Clyde, near Bishopton ; several from a field near Rothesay, in Bute ; one from the head of Loch Lomond, near Ardlui ; one from St Fort, near Dundee, and one from Colinton, near Edinburgh, Oct. 191 2 (R. S. B.). One example, Isle of May, Nov. 1912 (W. E.). In fair numbers from the quarry at the foot of the Pentlands, and on Arthur Seat, near Edinburgh, Oct. 19 12 (W. E. and R. S. B.). Apparently widely distributed. Scolopendrella delicatula, Bagnall. A single example from the banks of Loch Lomond, near Ardlui, Spring 1912 (R. S. B.). Whilst collecting with me in the quarry at the foot of the Pentlands, near Edinburgh, Mr Evans took a pair of this rare form, and there are a few (mostly young) in the collection we made together on Arthur Seat, Edinburgh, Oct. 191 2. It is a distinctly rare species, but evidently rather widely distributed, being also known from Northumberland (Cheviot and Tynedale), Durham (coast, Derwent, and Wear Valleys), Yorkshire (coast), and Cheshire. THE RHIZOPODS OF SCOTLAND 185 References. 1903. Hansen, H. J. — " The Genera and Species of the Order Symphyla," Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, vol. xlvii., N.S., pp. I-IOI, plates i.-vii. 1910. Bagnall, R. S. — "A Contribution towards a Knowledge of the British Species of the Order Symphyla," Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Northumber- land, Durham, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, N.S., vol. iii., pp. 646-653, pi. xix., figs. 1-10. 191 1. BAGNALL, R. S. — "A Synopsis of the British Symphyla, with Descriptions of New Species," loc. cit., N.S., vol. iv., pp. 17-41, pi. i., and text figures. (Contains a key to the known European species.) 1912. Bagnall, R. S. — "Further Records of Some British Symphyla, with Description of a New Species," loc. cit., N.S., vol. iv., pp. 171-176, and text figures. A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO OUR KNOW- LEDGE OF THE RHIZOPODS OF SCOTLAND. By James Meikle Brown, B.Sc, F.L.S. In continuation of my investigations on the Freshwater Rhizopoda of Scotland, of which reports have already been published (see 1 and 3), large quantities of material were collected during July and August 191 2. The gatherings were taken principally from various localities in the counties of Argyll, Inverness, Perth, and Elgin, and consisted, as before, of bog mosses and ground mosses. On comparing the lists which follow, with those already published (1, 3, 12), it is remarkable what close similarity exists between the species obtained from similar situations ; but, as is to be expected, Mr Wailes' lists (12), dealing largely with lake and pond forms, contain some species absent from my material. This seems to indicate that while some species are naturally more plentiful than others, nearly all are widely distributed, while a few exceptional ones at present appear to be scarce or local, e.g., SpJienoderia macrolepis. 20 2 A 186 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST It is further to be noted that though a very large amount of material was carefully worked through, comparatively few species not previously recorded have been found, and no species nor varieties sufficiently distinctive to warrant regard- ing as new, were discovered. Several gatherings of interest were made on Ben Nevis : — i. Ground moss taken near the summit (approx. 4000 feet) yielded — Numerous Amcebulce ; Assulina muscorum, Greeff; Corythio?i dubium, Taranek ; Trinema lineare, Penard ; and a few individuals, probably Pseudodifflugia fulva, Archer. (Size 19 //..) 2. A second gathering, similar in character, made at about 3000 feet, yielded — Difflugia constricta, Ehrenb. Nebela tincta (Leidy), Awerintz. Arcella arenaria, Greeff. Assulina muscort/m, Greeff. Euglypha strigosa (Ehr.), Leidy. denticulata, Brown. (In conjugation.) Corythion dubium, Taranek. Trinema enckelys, Leidy. lineare, Penard ; and again, Pseudodifflugia fulva, Archer. 3. A sphagnum gathering made at 2000 feet (the highest point at which sphagnum was noticed) gave — Arcella catinus, Penard. Nebela collaris, Leidy. lubulosa, Penard. tubulala, Brown. dentistoma, Penard. Pontigulasia elisa (Pen.), Schoudt. Quadrula symmetrica (Wallich), Schiilze. Heleopera petricola, var. amethystea, Penard. THE RHIZOPODS OF SCOTLAND 187 Euglypha strigosa (Ehr.), Leidy. As sit Una muscorum, Greeff. Sphenoderia Jissirostris, Penard. Corythion dubium, Taranek. Trinema /ineare, Penard. Ditrema flava, Archer. Amphitrema stenostoma, Niisslin. Of these JV. tincta was fairly common and interesting in showing no signs of superficial discs to the test, which was clear yellow-brown, and plainly represented the Hyalosphenia tincta of Leidy. (Size 90-100 /x.) In tabulating the results, again the sphagnum gatherings are recorded separately from the drier moss gatherings, although, as will be seen from the species recorded, the distinction is not absolute, and material obtained from closely lying districts has been grouped. I have to thank Mr Wm. Evans for the gathering from Ridgehead Moss, near Avonbridge (E. Stirling), which he kindly sent me, and which is here included. As will be noticed, it furnished some interesting forms of Pontigulasia. The gathering of dry moss from the Culbin Sand Hills yielded more species and individuals than such an unpromising situation led one to expect. Comparison of the list given for the pinewoods near Forres, with that previously given for similar pinewoods near Blairgowrie (see 1, p. 228) brings out, again, the likeness between the faunas of similar situations in distant parts of the country. Plagiopyxis callida, Penard, is a species which had been over- looked by naturalists until Dr Penard drew attention to it in his description of its peculiarities (see 9, p. 936). It appears to be widely distributed. Hekopera sphagni, Leidy, does not seem to have been reported previously from Scotland. It is much less common than the other species of Ifeleopera, and appears to be local in its distribution. Sphenoderia macrolepis, Leidy, another very local and scarce form, occurred at Ford (L. Awe), together with Nebela tenel/a, Penard. Nebela scotica, Brown, described from Ben Ledi (see 2, p. 79, and 1) was present in typical form in Glen Ogle, a locality which furnished some rich material. 188 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Cryptodifflugia eboracensis, Wailes (see n, p. 24), is less common than C. oviformis, but frequently occurs in company with it. Corycia radiata, Brown (see 3, p. 109), is widely distributed, but does not seem to occur in large numbers. It is easily overlooked, however, and living specimens are less frequent than empty tests. In addition to the gatherings made on Ben Nevis, the following were made at considerable elevations, but it does not appear that the Rhizopods found on them differ essentially from those taken at lower elevations. Dalwhinnie . Black Mt. . Dalnaspidal . Bishop's Seat Dava 1 1 70 feet (approx.) 1400 feet ,, 1500 feet ,, 1500 feet ,, 980 feet ,, {To be continued.) NOTES. Continental Song-Thrush, Autumn Record for Moray. — Mr Allan, light-keeper, Tarbatness, informs me that there was a large Thrush migration during the night of 13th to 14th October, from 7.30 p.m. to daylight. Hundreds of birds were about the light all night, and the following species were picked up: — 150 Redwings, 12 Fieldfares, 5 Blackbirds, 7 Ring-ouzels, 3 Conti- nental Song-Thrushes, 1 Skylark, and a few Turnstones. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Black Redstart in Moray. — A Black Redstart was killed at Tarbatness lantern on the night of 6th November, a few Blackbirds, Ring-Ouzels, and Snow-Buntings also being picked up. Weather conditions were a west-south-west breeze, and some rain. — Annie C. Jackson, Swordale. Notes on a Carrion-Crow Roost. — Instances of Carrion- Crovvs roosting in company during winter have been occasionally described, but the following case has, perhaps, sufficient local NOTES 189 interest to deserve record. The locality of the roosting-place is in the vicinity of the Bathgate Hills, in a small plantation consisting largely of thinly planted Scots pines, but with a considerable pro- portion of deciduous trees — elms and sycamores — which, judging from the position of the droppings and pellets, are preferred to the pines by the birds. The roost was first located on 31st October 191 2, on which date I counted 76 birds coming into the wood; but on subsequent occasions this number was largely exceeded. On 18th November I estimated the total at 400; on 1 6th January of the present year, at 300; and on 18th March, at 500. On the latter date the wood was in process of being thinned, and partly felled, and the later disappearance of the birds was, no doubt, at least partly due to consequent disturbance. In the local circumstances, the numbers of the birds struck me as remarkable. Within a three-mile radius of the roost there exist ten to twelve pairs of nesting birds ; and in the 120 square miles which comprise the small county of West Lothian, there are prob- ably not more than sixty pairs at the most. If it is reckoned that two-thirds of these rear an average brood of four young — which is probably an outside estimate — we have an available total of 280, old and young, at the conclusion of the nesting season ; i.e., little more than half of the number resorting to the roost in winter. Unless there is in addition a very large local proportion of non- breeding birds, it seems therefore practically certain that the winter roost must drain an area considerably wider than West Lothian ; or else that the local residents are joined by wintering birds from a distance. (I might state that hitherto I have failed to detect any Hooded Crows in the assemblage.) In their behaviour these Crows show considerable similarity to that of Rooks. Throughout the afternoons there is a tendency for birds to collect into small parties at considerable distances from the roosting-place ; but at the latter there is frequently not a single bird visible prior to sunset. They then commence to drop in, some singly, many in pairs, and others in flocks of varying dimensions, those travelling at some altitude often " diving '' as they arrive, using, as they do so, the "k-r-r-r" note of the Rook in similar circum- stances. All collect at a short distance from the wood, usually in a pasture-field about a quarter of a mile away, where they gather into a dense pack. On the ground they are markedly silent, though restless and active. The final move into the roost takes place in a massed form, at a period of about thirty to fifty minutes after sunset, and on settling on the trees the birds grow noisy, emitting principally the ordinary "craa-craa," less frequently the igo THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST deep-toned " quood," the sharp reiterated "quirk, quirk, quirk," and the high-pitched, rather musical " quak, quak." — S. E. Brock, Kirkliston. Sea-Eagles in Argyll. — On the 12th of April, whilst rounding Ardnamurchan Point on one of the mail steamers, I observed a pair of Sea-Eagles {Halicctus albicilld). It would be interesting to know if these birds have again taken up their abode at this old resort for nesting purposes or not. In former years a pair did breed there regularly, till they were finally destroyed. — F. S. Beveridge, Lochmaddy. Pandarus bicolor, Leach, in " Forth." — As this species is not included in Dr Thomas Scott's Catalogue of Forth Crustacea, and no occurrence from the area' is given in the recently issued Ray Society vols, on " British Parasitic Copepoda " by Dr Scott and Mr Andrew Scott, the fact that I have a specimen — an adult female — which was taken from a dogfish captured off North Berwick in August 1912, seems worth placing on record. — William Evans. BOOK NOTICE. The Food of Some British Wild Birds : A Study in Economic Ornithology. By Walter E. Collinge, M.Sc, F.L.S., etc. London : Dulan & Co., 1913, pp. vi. and 109. Price 4s. This is a useful contribution to a subject of considerable interest to naturalists and importance to agriculturists, horticulturists, and fruit- growers. In addition to the original contributions on the part of the author, we have the results (published) of the researches of a number of other workers who have also made special studies in the subject. The book is divided into the following sections : Introduction, Historical Review, Methods of Examination, Economic Importance of Birds, List of Birds Examined (twenty-nine species), Birds as Destroyers and Distributors of Weed Seeds, Birds in Relation to Forestry, Legislation, Protective Measures, Summary and Conclusion, Bibliography. The results under the section of birds examined, form the main contribution. Here we have collected under each of the selected species the author's post-mortem records, the investigations of others, field observations, and the conclusions to which Mr Collinge has come to regarding the birds' utility or harmfulness. With these verdicts we do not always agree, and prefer in cases to fall back upon the excellent Scotch finding of "not proven." The book is to be commended, and will, we trust, be the fore- runner of future enlarged editions. GLEANINGS 191 GLEANINGS. It is with great regret that we record the death of Philip Lutley Sclater, M.A., D.Sc, F.R.S., which occurred at his residence at Odiham Priory, Hampshire, on the 27th of June, at the ripe age of 84 years. Dr Sclater was one of 'the greatest naturalists of modern times, and during his long and active life, made over 2000 contributions to scientific literature, many of them of outstanding importance. His career has been indeed a remarkable one He was Secretary of the Zoological Society of London for over forty years, during which he built up that important body and made it what it is — the leading one of its kind in the world. He was Editor of The Ibis, with a short respite, from 1859 down to the end of 191 2. He was the propounder, as long ago as 1858, of the first, and still accepted, scientific subdivision of the earth's surface into zoogeographical regions. He was the greatest authority on the ornithology of South America. An enumeration of his works forms a volume issued by the American Government as one of the publications of the United States National Museum. The death of such a master is to be regarded as more than a national loss. In the July number of British Birds, Miss Maud Haviland records a Gray Plover seen at Eilean Mor, Outer Hebrides, on 10th June, and one, or possibly two, Black Terns from the same place on 31st May. This is the first record of the Black Tern for the Outer Hebrides. H. W. Ford- Lindsay has three interesting records. He reports two adult male Red- throated Pipits which were obtained at Hooe, Sussex, on 22nd May, a male Spotted Sandpiper in full summer plumage shot at Pevensey Sluice, Sussex, on the same day, and a fine Caspian Tern obtained at Rye Bay on 4th June. Fulmars are recorded as nesting on the Great Skellig, Co. Kerry, a still further extension of their range ; as many as twelve pairs are reported as breeding in this new locality. (British Birds, 1 91 3, pp. 52-59). In the Glasgow Naturalist for May 191 3, pp. 81-89, is a " Report on the Return of Summer Birds to the Clyde Area," by John Paterson. So much on this subject has been published during the last thirty years, that it is not surprising that this report contains no records of importance. It again demonstrates, however, what has long been known, namely, that the climatic conditions of the West Coast favour an earlier return of the majority of our summer bird-visitors to those regions than to those of Eastern Britain, though our author would have us believe that it is in some measure due to another cause ; we think not. 192 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST In the Field for 14th June 1913, we notice an article by Hugh Boyd Watt on "The Heron in Scotland." After indicating that the bird is not so plentiful in Scotland as it used to be, the author gives a summary of the various nesting-places known to him, while the Scots pine, spruce, larch, silver fir, beech, ash, oak, and hawthorn are mentioned as trees chosen for the purposes of building. The largest heronry reported consisted of from eighty to one hundred nests, on a small island in a sea- loch in Inverness-shire. The first portion of a paper by Fred. V. Theobald on " The British Species of the Genus Macrosiphum, Passerini," appears in the Journal of Economic Biology, vol. viii., No. 2, pp. 47-94 (July 1913). Twenty-five species are very fully described and figured in this instalment, but among the localities mentioned we do not notice any Scottish ones. This is presumably due to the absence of workers in this particular group, and the paper will, no doubt, induce our northern entomologists to pay attention to the Aphides, of which Macrosiphum is an important genus. A list of fifty-five British species of the genus is given, and also a list of plant hosts, both of which will be found useful. [Hemiptera.] A paper on the " Life- History of Erebia epiphron" by F. W. Frohawk, appears in the Entomologist for July (pp. 209-213). All the stages from the egg to the end of pupal life are described in detail, and the particulars will be of interest to Scottish lepidopterists. The larva in its last stage is stated by the author to have not been previously described. From this interesting paper we learn that the egg state occupies 18 days, the larval 288, and the pupal 21. [Lepidoptera.] In a paper by Norman H. Joy, entitled "Descriptions of Three new Staphylinids" (Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, July 1913, pp. 154- 157), Thinobius longicornis, sp. nov., is described from a couple of specimens taken on 1st May in flood rubbish in the river Truim at Dalwhinnie, Inverness-shire. The antenna of this species is figured. [Coleoptera.] In the Glasgow Naturalist published in May last (vol. v., No. 3, pp. 89-92), Richard S. Bagnall contributes some " Notes towards a Knowledge of the Clyde Myriapoda." Thirty-four species are recorded, twenty-six of which are apparently new to the area in question. The material upon which this paper is based was obtained at Rothesay, Ormidale, Brodick, and Ardlui. [Myriapoda.] G. Stewardson Brady, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1913, part ii. (June 1913), pp. 231-234 (Plates xxxviii.-xl.), writes " On Two British Entomostraca belonging to the Orders Copepoda and Ostracoda." Both species are new to science, and are described in full, and well illustrated. The Copepod was obtained off Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, in 1885, and is described under the name of Diaptomus pusillus. [Crustacea.] A}1^/ & (Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) f^O '"^ ^'c LIBRARY : ** AS*' o The Scottish Naturalist No. 21.] 1913 [September THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE. By Peter Anderson. (Continued from page 172.) Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). — This bird is fairly common round the coast, but does not breed here that I know of. Of late years they have been frequenting the fresh-water lochs a good deal and poaching the Trout ; more especially Loch a Phuil, which is rather shallow, and has a clean sandy bottom ; consequently they can catch their prey easier than in a weedy loch. Shag {Phalacrocorax graculus). — Shags are abundant round the coast all the year round, and a few nest in the caves and gullies at Kenna Varra. They rest on outlying rocks, and stand there until they have digested their food. They are shot, and used as food by the natives. I have not noticed the Shag on the fresh-water lochs. Gannet (Sula bassana). — These birds are often to be seen fishing, just off the coast. Young birds, which are very dark coloured, are usually fishing along with the old ones in the late autumn. Common Heron (Ardea cinered). — Herons are present more or less throughout the year, but they are more numerous in winter than in summer. I see them occasionally fishing in shallow pools left by the tide, among the rocks about the sea-shore, but they seem to be fonder of fresh-water tarns and shallow pools, where they get small Eels and Sticklebacks. Although there are generally a good many Herons throughout the summer, they do not breed here. On very stormy days they crouch for shelter close behind old walls. They cannot stand extreme cold. 21 2 B i94 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Grey Lag-Goose (Anser cinereus). — This Goose occurs but sparingly, mostly on migration. But I see a few occasionally in winter. They never stay long on the island but pass further south. I have seldom seen many on their way north in spring, although they breed in the outer islands, which are not far away. White-fronted Goose {Anser albifrons). — The White-fronted Geese usually arrive about the latter end of October, and remain till the latter end of April. They arrive from the north-west : some flocks in V-formation, while others are in a long string. I have often seen them coming. They are very high up when they arrive over Tiree, and before they can plane down they are far past the island to the south-east. Then when they have got low enough they swing round, and come in to alight, so that if one had not seen them coming from the north-west, one would imagine they had come in from the south-east. There are usually between four and five hundred White-fronted Geese on Tiree every winter. They never go near the sea-shore, but feed on marshy ground. They also flight to shallow lochs at night, and pull up, and eat, a sort of grass that grows in the lochs. They are very difficult to stalk, as there are always one or two on the lookout while the others are feeding. The best way to get them is to wait for them flighting to the lochs in the gloaming. They vary very much in weight; some are only about four pounds, while others weigh up to and a little over seven pounds. They also vary much in colour [according to age and sex]. Some have a great deal of black on the breast, while others have none; but they all have the "White Front" on the head. They leave here entirely about the 28th of April and go off in a north- westerly direction. Canadian Goose {Anser canadensis). — I have seen one Canadian Goose shot here — a male. He was leading bird of a flock of about thirty Geese, and was shot when passing overhead in the late gloaming. It was then too dark to distinguish what the other Geese were, or whether there were more Canadian Geese among them. Barnacle Goose (Bemicla leucopsis). — Small flocks of these birds are common now and again, every winter. They do not as a rule go far inland, but remain and feed on grass near the sea-shore. They are not nearly such good birds for the table as the White- fronted Geese, and consequently are not so much sought after. Brent Goose {Bemicla brenta). — Occurs only during a spell of hard frost, and then but sparingly. I have seen a few passing here on the autumn migration, and an odd bird in spring. These THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 195 birds never go inland, but feed below high-water mark. A flock of about fourteen of them remained about ten days, during a spell of frost, in the beginning of February 191 2. Whooper Swan {Cygnus musicus). — Whoopers are regular winter visitors in considerable but varying numbers. They begin to arrive towards the latter end of October, and gradually increase up to the middle of November, when most of the Swan population have arrived. They begin to leave towards the end of February, but sometimes return again in considerable numbers if a change to very cold weather occurs. The first arrivals are usually to be seen on the Faodhal, a creek which runs nearly across the island. This creek is from thirty to forty yards broad and has a sandy bottom. The Swans feed greatly on small white molluscs which are abundant on this shallow bottom. In fact, these small molluscs are very abundant in all the fresh-water lochs, pools, and ditches, and one can see the holes made by the Swans when digging for them. They also feed on herbage. Loch a Phuil — a good-sized sheet of water — is a favourite resort of the Wild Swans. I have counted over two hundred there — the majority being AVhoopers during November and December, but during January and February Bewick's are in a majority. There are hardly any weeds or any other herbage growing in Loch a Phuil. The loch, which is shallow, has a clean sandy bottom, so that the Swans must feed almost entirely on the small molluscs. They also frequent other lochs to a limited extent. Loch Vasapol is deeper and very weedy, but neither Whoopers nor Bewick's seem to care so much about it. But it is a favourite resort of Mute Swans during summer. Bewick's Swan {Cygnus bewicki). — Bewick's Swans are numerous every winter, arriving usually rather later than the Whooper. They have increased very much in recent years, and there is always a good sprinkling of darker coloured young birds with them. They invariably travel in small flocks at no great height, and generally in a line, one after another. I have never seen them travel in the V-formation, the same as the Wild Geese do. This bird has not such a strong voice as the Whooper. But when a new lot arrive at a sheet of water where there are others, they make a great noise, which can be heard a mile away. They are com- paratively tame while here, and take little interest in people passing within less than a hundred yards of them. I may state that none of the Swans are shot at, or molested in any way on Tiree, as the proprietor, the Duke of Argyll, carefully preserves them. The Bewick's Swans feed much the same as the Whoopers, except that 1 96 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST they feed along the ditches where no water is to be seen. This is curious, as one always associates Swans with a sheet of water. These birds are smarter than the Whooper, and rise easily from either land or water. I think their principal food is a small fresh-water mollusc, but they also feed on a kind of short grass, which grows in the bottom of the lochs and pools. Mute Swan (Cygnus olor). — Mute Swans are summer visitors mostly, but some years one or two remain throughout the winter. The winter feed here does not seem congenial to their taste. Considerable and increasing numbers have been coming to Loch Vasapol every summer for the last few years. The great draw for them seems to be a weed that grows in great profusion there, and of which they seem to be very fond. The weed grows on a mud bottom and reaches the surface and produces a small flower. I have ascertained that the scientific name of this weed is Potamogeton pectinatus. I counted seventy-five Mute Swans all in a crowd last summer (191 1), feeding on this weed. The weed disappears from the surface of the water about the latter end of August, and the Mute Swans gradually leave the island. A pair of this species made a nest and laid two eggs, on a small islet on the Faodhal three summers ago, but this was destroyed by some boys. Common Sheld-Duck (Tadorna cornuta). — This species is common, but not abundant. They remain throughout the year, and breed sparingly round the sea-coast. They breed sometimes in holes which they burrow in the sandbanks, generally a forsaken rat's hole which they enlarge to suit themselves. They also nest under large boulders, and in holes in the rocks round the coast. I have seen the eggs hatched out under Hens here, but the young birds always returned to the sea when they got strong enough. Mallard (Anas boscas). — This Duck is abundant, and is the best Duck we have both for the table and for sport. They remain throughout the year, and nest all over the island wherever they fancy a suitable site for their nest. Sometimes they choose very curious places. I remember finding a nest of young birds, newly hatched, out on a small shelf, on the face of a cliff. The young birds tumbled down about six feet, and all got safely away. The cliff was sheer, and there was no other possible way. They begin to nest as early as the latter end of March, and at that time there is very little cover on the island; consequently they have great difficulty in finding suitable sites for their nests. They are cute birds. I once found a nest that had been flooded after heavy rain, but the Duck THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 197 had taken all the eggs, eight in number, out of the nest, and had sat on them on the bare ground. The eggs were still wet, but they were warm, and I found subsequently that she had hatched them all out. The eggs of this bird are greatly sought after by the natives for food. This Duck, while laying, covers her eggs with grass, but the natives lift the eggs and put a couple of round stones under the grass in their place. The bird will continue to lay to the stones until she has laid all her eggs. These birds are very fond of barley, and their numbers are greatly augmented about the latter end of August and September by others from Mull and other islands, which come to feed on the crofters' barley. On patches of barley that are laid by wind they do a lot of damage, and they also get on to the stooks and eat ravenously. It is quite common to see four or five Ducks on the top of a barley stook like so many Hens. Later, about the month of November, they feed throughout the day on the potato fields, and about the end of April they may be seen feeding on the fields where barley has been newly sown. Gadwall {Anas streperd). — These birds, although somewhat rare in other parts of Scotland, are common enough here during winter and spring. I rather think that some of them breed at no creat distance, as I have seen a small flock of about a dozen birds on the Faodhal as early as the latter end of August. Only two were adults, the others were all young birds. Some Gadwall remain here as late as April before leaving for their breeding-grounds. They are night-feeders, and frequent the fresh-water lochs more or less, but a great many of them shelter throughout the day on rocks and reefs well out at sea, and flight into the bogs and pools in the evening to feed. They are particularly fond of the lower end of the Faodhal, where the water is brackish. Shoveler {Spatula clypeata). — Shovelers have increased very much in late years as a breeding species, and a great many of them nest here now. They are somewhat later in nesting than the Mallard, consequently they can get more cover to nest in. They nest in patches of the yellow Iris, and in long grass and rough herbage, always near water. A few remain all winter, but not nearly so many as are bred here. They are entirely fresh-water ducks while here, and I have not noticed them at any time about the sea-shore. Pintail {Dafila acuta).— The Pintail is not uncommon, but only occurs in small numbers, and it is the exception to see more than 198 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST one or two of them together. They are extraordinarily shy birds and remain well out on Loch a Phuil, where it is quite impossible to get near them. I have never seen them got when flighting ducks in the evenings, so that I do not think they flight out to bogs to feed at night; nor have I seen them at sea nor about the creeks on the sea-shore. Teal (Nettion creccd). — This is a numerous and resident species, and nests all over the island. They are considerably later than the Mallard in nesting — usually about the end of April and beginning of May — and they choose tufts of rushes and rough grass for their nests, also patches of Iris, which have grown well up by that time. They are gregarious, and single birds or pairs are seldom to be seen except during the breeding season. They usually remain in small flocks throughout the day on small salt pools among the rocks all round the sea-shore, and flight inland to the bogs and pools in the evening to feed. Wounded Teals are difficult birds to gather, as they are excellent divers and can remain under water for a considerable time. All ducks use their wings in diving and travelling under water, and I have noticed that if the wing is broken close to the body this handicaps them greatly and they cannot dive far, or remain under water. The side with the broken wing always comes up ; but when the wing is only tipped or broken near the first joint, it is otherwise. Wigeon (Mareca penelope). — This species is abundant during autumn, winter, and spring. They begin to arrive some years as early as the beginning of September, and remain on the Island more or less until April. I have seen'an odd bird remain all summer ; but I expect they were wounded birds that had been unable to leave. Wigeon feed a good deal among the rotting seaweed in the creeks and nooks on the sea-shore. They also flight out to the bogs at night to feed. They are only fairly good for the table, some of them having rather a strong taste from feeding on the sea-shore. Pochard {Fuligulaferind). — The Pochards are fairly numerous on Loch Vasapol and Island Loch, which lochs are weedy and suit their taste. The bulk of them are winter visitors, but a few remain all summer on Loch Vasapol, where a pair or two nested some years ago on a small island. Unfortunately the native propensity for taking eggs has been too much for them and they do not nest there now. The birds themselves are not looked upon with a great amount of favour, as their flesh is not very good eating. They get their food by diving, and seem to live on some THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 199 aquatic weeds which they find on the bottom. On flight they are somewhat heavy, and rather lazy to rise off the water. Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristata). — This species is common although not numerous during winter and spring, and a very few sometimes remain on Loch Vasapol all summer, where they nested some years ago ; but like the Pochards, and from the same cause, they have discontinued doing so. They are often along with the Pochards, and feed in the same way. Scaup-Duck (Fuligula marild). — A regular winter visitor. I have an idea that some of them breed at no great distance, as I once saw a young bird on a pool here in the month of August. The bird was little better than a Flapper and could not fly far, so it could not have come a long distance. The time of their migration is from September to November, and they are to be seen on the sea and on the fresh-water lochs. They shift about a great deal, and their numbers vary from month to month. Sometimes they are abundant on the lochs, and other times very few are to be seen. Goldeneye (Clangula gluution). — Single birds of this species are common enough, both on the fresh-water lochs and on Gott Bay during winter and spring, immature birds predominating. They are rather late in arriving, and are most numerous during the months of January and February. They are entirely bottom feeders, and are expert divers and travel a considerable distance under water. Their flesh is not very good for eating. They leave the island towards the middle of March. Long-tailed Duck {Harelda glacialis). — Very common all round the coast of the island during autumn and winter, in small flocks of half a dozen or so. I have seen a few shot on Loch a Phuil, and one or two on the Faodhal. They disappear from here about the end of March. The male is a very pretty bird, and can ride out the roughest weather at sea. Common Eider (Somaferia mollissimd). — This species is abundant, and nests on a great many different places on the island, sometimes a considerable distance from the sea. Some fancy the rocks on the sea-shore for a site for the nest, some the sea bent, and some on bare rocks near the middle of the island. Their eggs are much appreciated by the natives, as they are large. Last year (191 1) a crofter put four Eider-Ducks: eggs under a Hen. Four birds were hatched and reared until they were fine big birds, 200 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST when they went off to sea and were never seen again. Previous to their going to sea, the young birds were as tame as the farmyard ducks. Although the first eggs be taken, they will make another nest and lay again. Common Scoter {CEdemia nigra). — This species is not at all numerous here, but it has bred on two occasions to my knowledge. I did not see the nests and eggs, but I saw the old birds with the young only a few days old. They kept close in shore, and I watched them on several occasions. Goosander (Mergus merganser). — I used to see Goosanders pretty regularly a number of years ago, but they have become scarce in recent years. However I saw a pair on March 1912 on the Faodhal. They did not remain long, and were probably only passing visitors. Like the next species, they are not desirable birds, being useless as food and doing a lot of harm where there are trout. Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator). — This species is abundant, and equally at home on both salt and fresh water. It is rather late in nesting, much later than the Mallard and Teal, and chooses different sites for its nest, often nesting among the crofters' crops and hatching out successfully about a dozen young ones. They keep to the fresh water until the young are nearly half grown. On the fresh water they chase and catch the young Trout, and on the sandy bays round the sea-coast they chase the Sand Eels, of which they are very fond. They can go at a great pace under water. Rock Dove (Columba livid). — Rock Doves are abundant, and breed in caves and gullies. Kennavarra is their principal habita- tion, where hundreds of them nest during summer and roost during winter. I have examined their crops in winter, and their principal food at that season seems to be the seed of the wild mustard, or " skellac." During April they feed on the newly sown fields, and eat up quite a lot of the newly sown barley and rye, and do a lot of damage. They also do a great deal of damage in har- vest time — hundreds of them alighting on the barley stooks and taking their fill. They are fat and in good condition at all seasons, and are very good eating. (To be continued?) MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN ABERDEENSHIRE 201 MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN ABERDEEN- SHIRE SOUTH, AND KINCARDINESHIRE. By Fred Booth. [This is the fourth of the series of notes on investigation of the northern range of mollusca in Scotland, undertaken by aid of a Government grant.— W. D. R.] The previous paper, on Aberdeenshire North, may be referred to for observations on the nature of the collecting ground. The collecting in South Aberdeenshire was done on the nth, 12th, 13th, and 14th of August 1910. (1) Aberdeenshire South. Agriolimax agrestis. Common in both its usual forms, var. pallida = type, and var. reticulata, on the sandhills at Belhelvie, and on the banks of the Don between the two bridges. Agriolimax Icevis. The Marsh Slug was found, 13th August, on the margin of a brick-pond near Bridge of Don. Mi lax sowerbyi. Found in a narrow lane at Old Aberdeen, on the way to the Cathedral, nth August. Arion ater. Found on the banks of the Don River between the two bridges, the type, and vars. castanea and marginata occurring. A. subfuscus. Var. rufofusca, with a single adult example of var. alba, which had a yellow tinge at both ends, occurred on the banks of the river Don between the two bridges, 12th August. Arion hortensis. An adult example in Persley Den, 14th August, and immature ones on the banks of the Don between the two bridges. Arion circumscriptus. In the last-named locality. Arion intermedins. A few small specimens, both of the type and 21 2 C ao2 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST var. grisea, in Persley Den ; both forms also on the banks of the Don between the two bridges, and in boggy ground on Belhelvie golf-links. Vitrina pellucida. Common, but living examples all immature, on the south bank of Don between Bridge of Don and Balgownie, amongst moss on the sandhills between Aberdeen and the Don, and in Persley Den. Hyalinia cellaria. Common, with its var. complanata, on the banks of the Don between the two bridges. Hyalinia helvetica. In the same station, but scarce. Hyalinia alliaria. In the same locality, fairly common ; also amongst moss on the sandhills between Aberdeen and the Don, and in Persley Den ; in these two places not common. Hyalinia nitidula. Scarce in Persley Den, and on the banks of the Don between the two bridges. Hyalinia pura. The vars. nitidosa and margaritacea in Persley Den, scarce ; and var. nitidosa on the banks of the Don between the two bridges, scarce. Hyalinia radiatula. Found in boggy ground on the Belhelvie golf-links ; on the banks of the Don between the two bridges ; and in Persley Den ; but scarce everywhere. One example of var. viridescenti-alba in the last-named locality. Hyalinia crystallina. Fairly common in Persley Den ; scarce on the banks of the Don between the two bridges. Hyalinia fulva. In both the stations for the last-named species, but scarce. Punctum pygmceiim. In Persley Den ; scarce. Pyramidula rotundata. Abundant on the banks of the Don between the two bridges. Acanthinula aculeata. Amongst Great Hairy Woodrush in Persley Den ; scarce. Helix aspersa. Common, with var. undulata, amongst nettles, etc., on the north bank of the Don between the two bridges ; mostly immature. Helix hortensis. One of the objects in view was the verification of William Macgillivray's record of his var. arenicola, on the MOLLUSCAN INVESTIGATION IN ABERDEENSHIRE 203 sandhills on Belhelvie golf-links, near the Black Dog Rock, the original locality. Here the species and the variety were found commonly as regards dead shells, but living ones were scarcer. The band-formulae observed were lutea (12)3(45) and (123)45. The species and the variety with band- formulae (12)3(45), 1(23)45, 123(45), 1(23X45), and (123X45) were also found commonly occurring on the banks of the Don between the two bridges. The allied species, H. nemoralis, was not found to occur in the district. Helicigona arbustorum. Common, but mostly immature, amongst nettles, meadowsweet, etc., on the banks of the Don between the two bridges, the vars. ftisca, marmorata, and conoidea being noted along with the typical form. Helicella caperata. Common on the sandhills on Belhelvie golf- links. Hygromia fusca. In Persley Den ; also on the banks of the Don between the two bridges ; not common. Vallonia pulchella and Vallonia costata. Dead shells of both species common amongst moss on the sandhills between Aberdeen and the river Don. Pupa cylindracea. Scarce on the banks of the Don between the two bridges ; common in Persley Den. Vertigo substriata. Common in boggy ground on Belhelvie golf- links. Cochlicopa hibrica. Common on the banks of the Don between the two bridges ; and very common on the sandhills between Aberdeen and the river Don, the slender var. lubricoides being here the prevalent form. Succinea putris. On the banks of the Don between the two bridges ; scarce and immature. Carychium minimum. Common in Persley Den. Limncea truncatula. Common on boggy ground, Belhelvie golf- links. Limncea peregra. Small pond in brick-yard near Bridge of Don ; common. Planorbis crista and var. imbricata. In the same station, along with Pisidiutn fontinale and Pisidium pusillum. LI B R A R 204 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST (2) Kincardineshire. The collecting here was a single day, 13th August, at Muchalls, on the coast. Limax arborum. Very abundant on rocks and face of cliffs ; typical, but dark in colour. Agriolimax agrestis. The typical form pallida, very common among vegetation on the cliff-slopes. Avion ater. Type and var. uigrescens, common with the last; one example with trifasciated foot-sole. Arion subfuscus. With the last. Arion intermedins and var. grisea. Common in wet places between the cliffs. Vitrina pellucida. Immature specimens abundant on slopes between the cliffs. Hyalinia cellaria. With the last ; not common. Hyalinia alliaria. With the last ; fairly common. Hyalinia nitidula. With the preceding ; not common. Hyalinia pura, var. nitidosa. Amongst Great Hairy Woodrush on cliff-slopes; scarce. Hyalinia radiatula. With the last ; scarce. Hyalinia crystallina. On slopes of cliffs amongst vegetation and under stones ; scarce. Hyalinia fulva. Amongst Great Hairy Woodrush, etc., on slopes of cliffs ; common. Pyramidula rotundata. Common under stones on the cliff-slopes. Helix hortensis. Abundant amongst vegetation on the tops and slopes of cliffs. Helicigona arbustorum and \ax.flavescens. Abundant but immature amongst meadowsweet, etc., on the tops and slopes of the cliffs. Pupa cylindracea. Common on ledges and face of cliffs, also under stones on cliff-slopes. Sphyradium edentulum. Common amongst Great Hairy Woodrush, etc., on slopes of cliffs. THE RHIZOPODS OF SCOTLAND 205 Clausilia bidentata. Common on ledges and face of cliffs, also under stones on cliff-slopes. Cochlicopa lubrica. In moist places on slopes of cliffs ; not common. Succinea elegans. Wet places in small coves between cliffs ; scarce and very small. Carychium minimum. Common amongst moss, etc., on slopes of cliffs. A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO OUR KNOW- LEDGE OF THE RHIZOPODS OF SCOTLAND. By James Meikle Brown, B.Sc, F.L.S. {Continued from page 188.) Literature. 1. BROWN, James M. — "A Contribution to our Knowledge of the Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa of Scotland," in Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 191 1. 2. Brown, James M. — "Observations on some New and Little-known British Rhizopods," mjourn. Linn, Soc. Zool, vol. xxxii., 191 1. 3. Brown, James M.—" Further Contributions to our Knowledge of the Rhizopoda and Heliozoa of Scotland," in Scot. Nat., 1912. 4. CASH, J. — " British Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa," vols. i. and ii., Ray Soc, 1995 and 1908. 5. EVANS, W. — " List of Non-marine Sarcodina from the Forth Area," in Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc, Edin., xvii., 1909. 6. Murray, J.—" Rhizopods and Heliozoa of Loch Ness," in Proc. Roy. Soc, Edin., xxv., 1905. 7. MURRAY, J.—" Rhizopods and Heliozoa of the Forth Area," in Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1907. 8. Penard, E. — " Sur les Sarcodines du Loch Ness, in Proc. Roy. Soc, Edin., xxv., 1905. 9. PENARD, E.— " Rhizopodes Nouveaux," in Revue Suisse de Zool, 1910. 10. PENARD, E. — " Notes sur quelques Sarcodines," in Revue Suisse de Zool, 1912. 11. WAILES, G. H.— "Clare Island Survey (Rhizopoda)," in Proc. Roy. Irish Acad., xxxi., 1911. 12. Wailes, G. H.—" Freshwater Rhizopoda from the Hebrides, etc," in Scot. Nat., 191 2. 13. West, G. S.— "Notes on some Scottish Freshwater Rhizopoda and Heliozoa," in Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1905. •oitnaixs •Nioia a « 2-. •ssoh pcaqaHpia o XXX XX XX X XXX •BAEQ i— 1 X •8l§0 n8[0 00 y X XX X X X X X •UBH0t'I9.ia U9XQ 1-- i— < X X •[fpuIssaiBQ X X X X '(llnM) AUouiiaqox H X X X •(uoouhq) ^«ag s.doqsig .—1 X XXX XX •80io naiQ CO I-H X XX X •iCcay uei£) CO v -1 X X X X •pjotf I-H i-H XX X X •!H'.nniBX 2x X X X X X X ■^ipao U8IO OJ X X •^H 2PBIS PUB 800 08IO 00 X XX X XXX •SIA8Js[ U8IQ 1^ X X X •nusdg U8IQ X X XX •8mniqAip3(X in X •snqo.inui8np)OH ■* X X X •iooh naponno CO X XX •%1W\TI'01[1 U8J£) CM •ougy uato W i — I o w CL, m u* O H m «q ■* O £h ^ 5* ** > o x S2 p 3 O Ed u s p •J S • . . B" p ^ • . . o -^ ~= "*» -K> a. s ? >B 6.? Cj o ^ - ojojd .C a — 12 "m -^ «3 in •- -fj P_ > bO O •2.5 o o ci ^ O -O •— •— ti O ui O QOCl,0< rt « rt ">< .1 & X C Cu,0 ^ 3J « ,<3 -cJ: - in > «1 C -S3 (LI W q o C S m rt •« -a 5, § 8 rt • c4 'So 3 ® 3 -> +J t— t 3 - — CU J o s D. 3- bfi o 3 c o "§ Is c/1 .2 ,2 <« c3 >. O ho-0 « ex o r3 >i Q. -3 p* c« > !V 3 <:■ Sf^' ^ "2 - ■? 5 « g on. 5 J3 3^-y u T1 U n *-> rr u- to p^ 0) j- -IO 3 H X! 3 _3 13 ess to' S o .. o tuoc g «s <" Xi Xi *-» T3 X k, ^ ^ E g S o O Xi X cq| o cd r- *^ tj C . o. O W CS " rt 2 2 °- -3 ° Gffl k^2 « b of : rs rt bfi o 3 CD tf ONI1HIIS •ssoh p^aqaSpia o x •nioih •■BA^a 2 XXXXX X XX xxxxxxx Perth. •9l§0 naiO « xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxx xxxx •u^qoBiaig U8IO r- x x xxxx •IBpidsBufBd «o * xxxxxx XXXXX hi > a K <1 '(llnK) Xioaugqox £ x x x xxx XX xxxx ■(uoonna) !>B9g s.doqsie 2 x x XX XXXXX •80JO neio K>xx X XXX X XXXX •A^iy nsio cmxx XXXX xxxxxxxx r-l •pI0>3 r-l x x xxx X XXX XXXX XX P4 ■(nmntoi 2xxx XXXX X X XXXXXXX X iH r-t ■a •Xqoio n9lO XXX X xxx xxxxxxxx 00 •*w no^ia PnB 8°o n8io «> XXX X XX xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx 03 is CD GO w PS H t> 7. •siAatf natO ^xxx xxxx x xxxxxxx -i •uBadg uaio xxxx x x xxxxxx ■aiuuiqMiBQ ^ XX XX xxxxxx O a. •snqomniatq^OH ^ XX XXXXXX XX XX e •iooj\[ napoqno M XX X XXX X XX X XXXX X od > •^iBqnbifl uaio xx x XX xxxxxxxx •oiigv naia XXXXX X xxx XXXXX "J — LIST OF SPECIES. 8 03 s a Euglypha alveolata, Duj. ciliata (Ehrenb.), Leidy strigosa (Ehrenb.), Leidy compressa, Carter filifera, Penard. cristata, Leidy . bryophila, Brown laevis, Perty rotunda, Wai/es denticulata, Broun Placocysta spinosa, Leidy . Assulina seminulum, Leidy var. scandinavica, / muscorum, Greeff Cyphoderia ampulla (Ehrenb.), Leidy1 Sphenoderia lenta (Ehrenb.), Leidy fissirostris, Penard . macrolepis, Leidy dentata, Penard Trinema enchelys (^Ehrenb.'), Leidy lineare, Penard . complanatum, Penard . Corythion dubium, Taranek pulchellum, Penard Ditrema flava, Archer Amphitrema stenostoma, Niisslin . wris;htianum, Archer ■ |rH X X xxxxx •(spooA etnd) S9jjo1 -1 xx xxxxxx «' m ■^fqoopjBnij ■ | ^ * XX xxxxx xx -1 x x x Argyll. •naio siSpsg [ °* X X x x x X X X X •^omieqox oo X x x x x v * X X X X XX uopireiajossM *- xxx xx C/3 o W •(S88.I1 q089q) jCtt.rej9AnT 50 x xx •A*eiv asTQ ujx x xxx O w CO O •A"qOJO U8IQ "* x xxx 03 M & OS > •no^suoinj8Ani M xx xxxxxx 1 i— i »— i "SJOnraiAy ^xxx XXX XX w pq << •sst'io ifttuis -1 x x x x XXX X H LIST OF SPECIES. Amceba limax, Dujardin verrucosa, Ehrenb. . Pseudochlamys patella, Clap, et Lach. Lorycia radiata, Brown Diplochlamys timida, Penard '. Arcella arenaria, Greeff discoides, Ehrenb. . Difflugia oblonga, Ehrenb. . \ lucida, Penard globulus, Ehrenb. constricta (Ehrenb.'), Leidy Cryptodifflugia oviformis, Pe7tard '. Plagiopyxis callida, Penard Nebela collaris (Ehrenb.'), Leidy . \ tincta (Leidy), Awerintz . tubulosa, Penard . militaris, Penard . lageniformis, Penard bigibbosa, Penard . Quadrula symmetrica ( Wallich ), Schiilze 21 2 D co O i— i Pi w H O CO CO O H-J 3 ■(snrqpnBs) mqrriQ H X XX X xxxxx XXX •(spooM onul) sajio^ 2 x X XX XXX X Perth. ■Xtpopjfni^i £ X X X X X X X XXX XX •praranx qoo^ -ift 1 o rl XX XX X XX X j o « <1 ■aotO stSfBg OS X X X XXX XX •iioinjaqox 00 XXX X X XXX xxxx lapuB.isi jo ssbj t^ XX XX XX X X (sagj"} qo8aq)^Bi'Ba8Aui CO x X X XXX •Auiy W9IO ,o X X X X X XXX XXX X •^qoiO naif) t*< XXX X X XXXX XX 73 CO W « 1— 1 •no^si.tomieAni CO XX X X XX XXX •aioraaiAy < X XXXXX X CO W 1— 1 O W Cu CO fa O H co I-) ->2 a; of Heleopera sylvatica, Penard petricola, var. amethyst Phryganella hemispherica, Penard Pseudodifflugia gracilis, Schlumb. Euglypha stiigosa (E/irenb.), Leidy ciliata (Ehrenb.'), Leidy compressa, Carter bryophila, Brown lsevis, Perty rotunda, Wailes . denticulata, Brown Assulina seminulum, Leidy muscorum, Greeff. Sphenoderia dentata, Penard Trinema enchelys (Ehrenb.). Leidy var. galeata, Pen lineare, Penard complanatum, Penard Coiythion dubium, Taranek pulchellum, Penard NOTES 21I NOTES. A bone of Rudolphi's Rorqual from the post-glacial sand of Elgin. — This bone was found by James Farquhar when working in the river Lossie, at Old Mills, Elgin. Though imperfect, water-worn, and slightly mineralised, I at once noticed that it was the first cervical vertebra of a Rorqual. On further examination, and with the help of Sir Wm. Turner's books, I identified it as the atlas of Rudolphi's Rorqual (Ba/mwptera borealis). The greatest height of the bone was about 9 inches, and the greatest breadth at the transverse process, about 14 inches. A thin, broken process on the lower edge projected backwards nearly half an inch behind the rim of the bone. This process has been observed by Flower and Turner in the atlas of this species. The transverse process is also turned backward and twisted, as described above by Turner. As Elgin is about 5 miles from the sea, and the river Lossie at this point 50 feet above sea-level, the bone must be very old. Probably it was washed out of the post-glacial sand which covers the valley at Old Mills. The only species of Rorqual common on our Moray Firth shores at present are the Common Rorqual and the Lesser Rorqual, and, as far as I know, this is the only record connecting Rudolphi's Rorqual with the Moray Firth area.— William Taylor, Lhanbryde, The Squacco Heron in the Outer Hebrides.— A Squacco Heron (Ardea ralloides), evidently a mature male, was seen by me on a loch near Butt of Lewis on 5th June last, where it remained for over a week, In colour creamy-buff, with white wings and under- parts, the bird had a very attractive appearance when in flight, at once arresting the attention of those who were fortunate in seeing it.— R. Clyne, Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. Scaup-Duck nesting in the Outer Hebrides.— You may be interested to know that a Scaup hatched off on one of the Outer Hebrides last June. A friend saw the female with her brood, he also sent me a rotten egg together with the down, and I have no hesitation in saying his identification was correct. The keeper assured him this was by no means the first time a Scaup had hatched on the property.— Heatley Noble, Henley-on-Thames. An Eider-Duck's unusual nesting-place.-While having a walk along the shore in the beginning of June, at the time the Eider was breeding, I was surprised to see a duck fly out of an old 212 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST basket and scramble over the stones into the sea. On going forward I found she had a nest and five eggs in the basket. The basket had been washed up by the sea and was reclining against a stone at an angle of about 75°, with the mouth of it to the north-east. It was about 18 inches high and 9 inches wide at the bottom, tapering to about 14 inches at the top. — S. Baigrie, Isle of May. Ringed Plovers nesting under stones in Orkney. — I notice an interesting thing regarding the Ring Plovers nesting here. This year I saw a Ring Plover come out from under a stone, and looking under the stone, I found a nest with four eggs quite 3 feet in. The stone is only raised about 4 inches from the ground. Searching along the beach, I got other three nests with eggs under stones, but not so far in as the first one. These four nests are all on the east side of the island ; on other parts of the beach they nest on the shingle as usual. I think the reason why they go under the stones on the east side is that there is a colony of Common Gulls there. — H. Laidlaw, Auskerry Lighthouse. Notes on Arctic Terns at the Pentland Skerries. — We have had rather a curious experience with the Arctic Terns. When they came here in May, and their numbers had increased to thousands, they commenced to make their nests, and on the 7th of June I saw three eggs and a few sucked shells. Then they suddenly left the island, and only a few were seen off and on until after the first week of July, when quite a lot were seen, fully a third of which were youngsters. Now (21st July) they are thick as ever they were ; and yesterday I saw about three dozen eggs and a great number of nests ready for eggs, which I think is very remarkable and cannot account for. — John Bain, Pentland Skerries. Somatochlora arctica, Zett., in Spey District. — On 9th July 19:3 I captured a male but somewhat teneral specimen of this Dragonfly at a small marsh about 2 miles from Aviemore. On referring to W. J. Lucas' British Dragonflies, and the same author's and W. Evans' papers in the Annals of Scottish Natural History for 19 10 and 191 1 respectively, I find that, outside the Rannoch area, where the insect appears to be not uncommon, there are only two localities recorded for Scotland — Strathglass, where the late Dr Buchanan White took a specimen in 1880; and Killin, where Mr Morton took a specimen in 1895, and where again in 1905 Mr Evans saw another but failed to capture. Mr Evans joined me about the middle of the month, and on the 17th he saw the insect again and at very close quarters, but it escaped, disappear- NOTES 213 ing about the very spot where I made my capture. Also in June 191 2 I attempted to capture a Dragonfly, which I felt sure then was a Somatochlora, and I have not the least doubt now that it was arctica. From these records it is obvious that the insect is quite established in the district, and though all the occurrences took place at the same spot, there are many more or less similar marshes in the forest, and it is probable that the Dragonfly is generally though thinly distributed over a considerable area. Associated with it in the marsh are at least eight other Dragonflies, including the boreal species Leucorrhinia dubia and Jgrion hastulatum, the latter being common at the place in June 1912. The marsh is without doubt a breeding-place for S. arctica, but it apparently leaves it to feed in the open parts of the forest. — G. G. Blackwood, Edinburgh. Chrysopa tenella, Schn., a Lacewing-Fly new to Scot- land, in the Forth Area. — On 8th August 1902, in Arniston grounds, Midlothian, I caught a Lacewing-Fly which was identified for me by Mr K. J. Morton as Chrysopa tenella, Schn., a species unrecorded for Scotland. On 21st June 1909 I took another near Tullibody, in the county of Clackmannan. Of the thirteen British Chrysopce, I have taken, besides the above, the following five in this area, viz. — C. vittata, Wesm., C. flava, Scop., C. alba, Linn., C. vulgaris, Schn., and C. phyllochroma, Wesm. — William Evans, Edinburgh. Clytus arietis, L., in Stirlingshire (Clyde). — At Rowar- dennan, east side of Loch Lomond, on 26th May 191 2, I was fortunate enough to secure a specimen of this fine Longicorn Beetle. It flew across the road and settled on a tree, where I captured it. — J. W. Bowhill, Edinburgh. The winged form of Pithanus maerkeli, Boh., on the Isle of May. — This plant-bug is dimorphous, the winged or fully developed form being, according to Saunders' Hemiptera- Heteroptera of British Isles, "very rare." It seems, therefore, worth while recording that I found it commonly on the Isle of May this summer. On 28th July, after a few sweeps among the grass in one of the lighthouse enclosures, I took from my net forty-nine examples (including both sexes) of P. maerkeli, of which fifteen (all females), or nearly one-third, were of the developed form. The species is common in the Forth area, but I have only once before taken the winged insect, namely, at Gullane Links, on 20th July 1898, three specimens among many of the undeveloped for"i^ri-A-->^ William Evans, Edinburgh. /v^-it^C/" ,4 ^*<* VY LIBRARY! 214 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST BOOK NOTICES. Report on Scottish Ornithology in 191 2, including Migra- tion. By Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter {Scottish Naturalist Extra Publication, No 2). Edinburgh : Oliver & Boyd. London : Gurney & Jackson. Price is. 6d. net. We have pleasure in calling attention to this most useful publication, which should be in the hands of all who are interested in Scottish, or for that matter in British Ornithology. For the second time the Report on this subject takes the form of a separate pamphlet, being No. 2 of the "Scottish Naturalist Extra Publications." The reason for the separate publication of the Report was explained in our pages last year, and we have to repeat that the Misses Rintoul and Baxter have not only drawn up the Report from the voluminous data received — a by no means light task — but have become financially responsible for it as well. We hope our readers will give their support by purchasing copies. 'The plan of this Report is the same as in the previous one ; the observations for the year being treated of under a dozen headings, e.g., Birds new to Scotland, Uncommon Visitors and Birds new to Faunal Areas, Extension of Breeding Range, Ringing, Migration [summarised under each month], and Notes on Movements of Birds in 191 2. The last section is arranged under species (distinguishing subspecies), and runs to 58 pages. The Report, which this time extends in all to 96 pages — 16 more than that for 191 1 — reflects in a worthy manner the ever-growing activity in the field of Scottish Ornithology. A Bibliography of the Tunicata. By John Hopkinson, F.L.S., etc. London : Ray Society, 1913, 8vo, pp. viii + 228. 15s. net. This bulky volume, in which the author brings together the titles of papers dealing with Sea Squirts published up to 1910, impresses one heavily with the enormous amount of work which has been expended on these lowest chordata. The titles are given under authors' names arranged alphabetically — a system which, if convenient to the librarian, is scarcely so useful to a worker in search of a particular branch of information. But a subject classification would have multiplied manyfold the labour involved. As it is, the author has devoted much time and endless pains to make his compilation perfect, and not the least valuable part of his research has been given to the elucidation of obscure and baffling dates of publication. To the student of the Tunicata the volume will prove of great service, and the general zoologist will find it a more complete guide to his text-book references than the indices of the books themselves. — J. R. GLEANINGS 215 GLEANINGS. We offer our hearty congratulations to our friend and contributor Prof. W. C. M'Intosh, F.R.S., LL.D., Professor of Natural History in the University of St Andrews, and Director of the Gatty Marine Laboratory, on his election to the presidency of the Ray Society, in succession to the late Lord Avebury. The question of the occurrence of the true Wild Cat in Ireland continues to be discussed in the pages of the Irish Naturalist. In the June number (p. 124) Richard M. Barrington publishes a note on the Irish Cave Cat found by Mr Ussher, and in reply to this, Dr R. F. Scharff writes a short article in the July issue (pp. 127-128) on "the Supposed Occurrence of the Wild Cat in Ireland." This is immediately preceded (pp. 125-126) by a paper on the same subject, giving the views of its author, Dr J. A. Harvie-Brown. In the Annals and Magazine of Natural History for August (pp. 1 53-181) Professor M'Intosh publishes No. xxxv. of his " Notes from the Gatty Marine Laboratory, St Andrews." This paper is divided into four sections, three of which will prove of interest to Scottish naturalists, viz., No. 1 on two killers (Orca gladiator) stranded at St Andrews ; No. 2 on the British Ammocharidce j and No. 4 on the British Hermellidce. [Mammalia, Vermes.] Mr Ogilvie Grant's remarks in British Birds for June on the pair of Capercaillies in the Pennant collection sound the knell of our hopes that we shall ever discover a specimen of the ancient British race of this fine bird. There are no data with the specimens, which were recently presented to the British Museum, but the birds we are told are undoubtedly those figured in the first edition of the British Zoology, which was published in 1766. At that date Pennant had never set foot in Scotland, and does not appear to have had any Scottish corre- spondents. In his Tours in Scotland 'in 1769 and 1772, he evinced great interest in this species, and obtained the latest reliable information we possess relating to the race, which was then on the verge of extinction. He tells us that he only saw one Scottish specimen, a male at Inverness, and had he possessed a pair of British examples, it is more than probable that he would have made known the fact in one or other of the editions of his British Zoology or of his Tours in Scotland. The following records appear in British Birds for July : A Wood- warbler frequented a birch wood by the side of Loch Hope in North Sutherland in June 19 13, where it was frequently heard singing. From 20th December 1912 till 10th January 1913 two Firecrests were seen near Tunbridge Wells. On 21st May a Ferruginous Duck {Nyroca nyroca) was seen on a "fleet" on Romney Marsh, while several Gull- billed Terns appeared at Pett, Sussex, in June, three of which were obtained at Winchelsea. J. T. Marshall continues, in the Journal of Conchology for July (pp. 65-77), his paper on " Additions to ' British Conchology.' " The following 216 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Scottish records are given in this instalment ; Pleurobranchus mem- branaceus, Mont. (offCumbrae and " in the Clyde "); Melampus bidentatus, Mont. (Shetlands to Jersey) ; M. myosotis, Drap. (Jersey to Shetland) ; Otina otis, Twit. (Cumbrae) ; Liniacina retroversa, Flem., var. macandrece, F. and H. (Flugga Light, N. Shetlands ; the Minch, West Orkneys, East Shetlands) ; Terebratula cranium, Mull, (off Fair Isle) ; id., var. oblonga, Jeff. (East Shetlands); T. septata, Phil. (Shetlands); Atretia gnomon, Jeff, (the Minch) ; Givynia capsula, Jeff. (Clyde) ; Platydia anomioides, Scacc. and Phil. (Butt of Lewis) ; Pecten islandicus, var. scotica, Simpson (40 N.E. of Flugga Light, Unst, Shetlands ; also between Orkneys and Shetlands). [Mollusca.] In the "Census Authentications" published by W. Denison Roebuck in the Journal of Conchology for July (pp. 81-82), we note the following forms recorded from Shetland: Limax maximus, var. fasciataj Planorbis glaber; P. contortus; P. crista. These were collected by Dr Thomas Scott. [Mollusca.] The fifth article on "Some Interesting British Insects" appears in the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine for August (pp. 171- 174). It is by F. W. L. Sladen, R. S. Bagnall, and J. E. Collin, and is accompanied by two excellent coloured plates. Of the species figured or referred to, Psithyrus distinctus, Perez, Trichothrips propinquus, Bagn., Hammer- schmidtia fefruginea, Fin., and Callicera yerburyi, Verrall, are mentioned as occurring in Scottish localities. [Insecta.] A. E. J. Carter publishes in the August number of the Entomologists Monthly Magazine (pp. 180-181) a paper on "Two Diptera (Limnobiidce) new to Britain." The species in question are Dicranomyia rufiventris, Strobl, and Acyphona areolata, Siebke, taken at Aberfoyle (Perthshire) and Musselburgh (Midlothian) respectively. In each case only a single specimen (a male) was captured. [Diptera.] In the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine for August (p. 182) the male of the flea Ceratophyllus borealis is described by the Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, the original describer of the species. Details are given on a plate (Plate IV.), and it is interesting to learn that while the hitherto unique specimen (a female) was obtained on St Kilda, a number of examples of both sexes have since been found in a nest of Anthus obscurus in the Shetland Islands by the Rev. J. Waterston. [Aphaniptera.] Richard Elmhirst, in the Zoologist for July (pp. 259-261) publishes a paper entitled " Notes from the Millport Marine Biological Station." The paper is devoted to records of meristic variation in Asteroids and Ophiuroids, and to an example of deformation in Echinus esculentus. [Echinodermata.] A continuation of the Rev. Hilderic Friend's paper on the " Distribu- tion of British Annelids" is published in the July number of the Zoologist (pp. 262-267). This instalment is entirely devoted to " Scottish Records," which are too numerous to quote in detail. It is interesting to note, however, that twenty-two species of Lumbricidcs are so far known to occur in Scotland. [Vermes.] ;OT>s {Authors are responsible for nomenclature, used.^ * ^«^ V LIBRARY The Scottish Naturalif * ^ Na 22-l 1913 [October THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE. By Peter Anderson. (Continued from page 200.) Pallas's Sand-Grouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus).— A good many small flocks of this species came to the island during the summer of 1S8S. They kept constantly flying about, and a good many of them were killed by the telegraph wires. They did not pair while here, but kept in small flocks of a dozen birds or so. They dis- appeared as winter approached. Partridge (Perdix cinerea). — Both English and Hungarian Partridges were introduced into the island about fifteen years ago. At first they nested among the sea-bent, and were getting on all right, but later they began to nest among the crops on the crofts, and hatched out large broods. The crofters' cats went for them, and they gradually dwindled away, until at the present time (19 1 2) there are no Partridges on the island. I have not a doubt but that the common rat helped the cats to exterminate them, as they have burrows along old turf-banks and the banks of ditches on all parts of the island. Quail (Coturnix communis). — Only one bird of this species has occurred here to my knowledge. This lay so close among some long grass that I tried to catch it. Of course they may have occurred many times without my seeing them. Land-Rail (Crex pratensis).— Land-Rails are abundant here every summer. When they arrive about the end of May the island is very bare, the iris not having grown tall enough or thick 22 2 E 218 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST enough to hide them. Later, when the fields of iris have grown, they are seldom to be seen, although their " crake-crake " can be heard everywhere. The bird is a bit of a ventriloquist. I have seen them calling quite near, and the call sounded now far, now near, and in different places. They nest among the fields of yellow iris, which grows luxuriantly over most parts of the island. They prefer hayfields to crops for nesting in. I have counted eighteen eggs in a nest. They leave about September. Sometimes a very few remain all winter. We often get an odd Land-Rail when snipe-shooting in winter, and they are always fat and in good condition. They are excellent birds for the table, but the natives will neither eat the birds nor their eggs, as they say they are " Evin Sith," or " Fairy Birds." There is an old superstition that they remain with the fairies underground all winter, and appear when the warm weather comes. Carolina Crake (Porzana Carolina). — A specimen of this Crake was got on the Runnach bog, near the west end of the island, in the autumn of 1901. The bird was identified by Dr Bowdler Sharpe, and was exhibited at a meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club. I remember that the bird travelled along under the grass like a mole, and it was only by the keen scent of the spaniel that it was brought to hand. Water-Rail (Ralli/s aquatints). — Water-Rails are fairly numer- ous during late autumn and winter, and are distributed all over the island where there are bogs and wet ditches. They are very shy, skulking birds, and are seldom seen by the passer-by. When flushed by a spaniel they often fly a short distance, and then run to the nearest cover they can find. A very few remain all summer, and I have found young birds in down — when after flappers in August. Moorhen {Gallinula chloropus). — This species is resident throughout the year, and nests on all the reedy marshes. At the Island Loch they are very tame, and in winter I often see them feeding with the barnyard fowls. Although they are not shot here, they do not seem to increase, nor do they decrease, remaining always about the same in numbers. When handling a wounded bird of this species one has to be careful, as they will scratch like a cat, and inflict severe wounds on the hands. [ Coot {Fulica atrd). — Coots are abundant throughout the year, but are rather more so during winter. They seem to feed on aquatic grasses and weeds. The natives are not fond of the flesh THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 219 of this bird, which has rather a bitter taste. Although slow and somewhat heavy of flight, they seem to migrate a good deal, as their numbers are always changing throughout the winter. Like the last species, they have to be handled carefully, as they scratch severely. Ringed Plover {/Egialitis hiaticuld).— -This is an abundant and resident species. They are to be seen winter and summer on all the sandy bays and reaches all round the coast of the island. They feed below high-water mark in ordinary weather, but during very stormy periods, and when there is a heavy sea running, I see them feeding on the pastures, and on crofts that have been manured with seaweed — along with Turnstones and Oyster- catchers. A good many of them nest on the reef pastures, where there are no small stones or shells to be got, and line their nests with dry sheeps' droppings. Ringed Plovers are sociable birds, and will flock with Dunlins, Sanderlings, Turnstones, and others. Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis). — This species is only entirely absent from Tiree during the months of June and July. They are present in ever-varying numbers during the other months of the year. They begin to return from their breeding-grounds towards the latter end of August, and gradually increase in numbers until by the middle of October, when there are enormous crowds of them on all the machar pastures and on the crofters' commons. Later their numbers become much less, but thousands remain all winter unless a protracted spell of frost and snow occurs, which drives them all away ; but they return again when thaw comes, and pass here in enormous crowds during March, April, and May, on their way north to their breeding-grounds. Some of them begin to get a few black feathers on the breast as early as the first week in February, and in March they are in full breeding plumage. I think they are the fastest birds on the wing that we have. I remember watching a flock of Rock Pigeons going home to the caves, when a flock of Golden Plover came in sight, flying in the same direction. Although far behind when I first "noticed them, the Golden Plover soon overhauled and passed the Pigeons — they were going at twice the pace of the latter. Grey Plover {Squatarola helvetica).— A sparse visitor round the sea-shore on the autumn and spring migrations— mostly single birds, which frequent salt and brackish pools. The bird never goes inland to feed, like the other Plovers. 220 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus). — This species is abundant during summer and autumn, and a limited number remain all winter. They begin to nest towards the end of March, and should their eggs be taken, they will lay again and again ; but if their eggs have been taken once or twice, there may then be only two in the clutch. They begin to flock in August, and by the month of October the bulk of them have taken their departure. I have noticed that they have become somewhat scarcer in recent years. Turnstone (Strepsilas interpret). — Turnstones are common in small flocks all round the coast of the island during autumn and winter. A good many remain all summer, but although they are in full breeding plumage, they do not pair or nest. During stormy weather when there is a heavy surf, they repair to the machars and the fields, where they turn up the cow-dung to get at the grubs, insects, etc. Oyster-catcher (Hcemafopus ostralegus). — Resident throughout the year, but more numerous in winter. They nest all round the coast, and their eggs being large, are much sought after by the natives for food. They feed mostly along the sea-shore, but I have often noticed them seeking food among the rotting sea-weed which has been put on the fields for manure. They can swim well when put to it. When skinned like a rabbit and well cooked, the flesh is fairly good eating. Grey Phalarope {Phalaropus fulicarius). — An immature bird of this species was shot on Runnach bog in September 18S6, and another was seen by me at Heanish in November 1890. These are the only occurrences so far as I know. Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus hyperboreus). — A few pairs of this species arrive regularly about the last week in May and the first week in June, and remain to breed. When they first arrive they remain for about a week on small moorland farms, where they swim about and feed on leeches, etc., which they find in the shallow water. They do not dive right under water, but only "dook" down with their tails up in the same manner as widgeon. They also snap up any flies they can find on the surface. They are very tame, and will allow one to approach within a few yards of them, and I have seen them photographed several times on the water. After a week or so they seek their nesting-places. As soon as the young birds are strong enough to travel, they leave the island. Woodcock (Scolopax rusticula). — A regular autumn and winter THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 221 visitor. There is always a migratory movement of Woodcocks more or less pronounced across this island about the latter end of October and beginning of November, and again a very few make their appearance in the month of February. Such is the case in ordinary seasons, but when a long spell of frost and snow occurs the Woodcocks are driven out from the mountains and woods on the mainland, and are then numerous on Tiree, and good sport is then got with them. Common Snipe {Gallinago coslestis). — Tiree is an island par excellence for snipe-shooting, and bags have been made that would be difficult to beat anywhere. The best bag in my experience was made on 29th October 1906, when two guns killed 249 Snipe in one day of rather under six hours' shooting. The same guns killed 1 1 08 Snipe in eight days, shooting not more, and sometimes less, than six hours each day. I may here relate a few curious incidents which I have noticed when attending gentlemen snipe- shooting. On one occasion when passing some rough bog grass a Snipe got up ; the shooter swung round on it, when another got up in a line, and just as he pulled the trigger, a third got up also in line, and he killed all three. What made it curious was that these were the only Snipe on wing at the time, and they all happened to be in line, although at intervals from one another. On another occasion we were passing a reedy pool with bunches of rough grass standing out of the water, when a Snipe got up and was shot, falling in the water, and on my wading out to retrieve it I found four Snipe which the shot had killed in a bunch of grass. No one knew the Snipe were there, but they just happened to be sitting in the bunch of grass in line with the shot. The snipe-shooting is not confined to the bogs and wet ground. Very good sport is got on quite dry ground, on the fields of yellow iris which grow luxuriantly on most parts of the island. By October the iris has begun to fall down, and it then makes excellent cover, and the birds usually sit well in it. It has been noticed that birds bred on the island have green legs, whereas the legs of the foreign Snipe are orange. It is certainly the case that there are no Snipe with orange-coloured legs here until after the month of August. Jack Snipe (Galli/iago galli>whi).—Th\s\ species arrives towards the end of September, and gradually increases until November. They are very erratic in their movements, for although they may be plentiful in a place one day, there may be none there the next. Jack Snipe have become much scarcer of late years ; formerly they 222 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST used to average from ten to twelve per cent, of the total bag, but last season did not average over three per cent. The bulk of them leave the island in March, but I have noticed an odd one in April and even in May. They seem to prefer mossy bogs to mud, and it is in the former that we find them most numerous. When flushed this bird makes no sound, and I have never heard it utter a note at any time. Dunlin {Tringa alpina). — Dunlins are resident throughout the year, but are more numerous during summer, when they nest over most parts of the island. The birds are very conscious about their eggs and their young, at one time flying close about the intruder, and at other times feigning to have a broken leg or a broken wing. This bird can drum like the Snipe, but not nearly so loud. After the breeding season they frequent the sandy bays on the sea-shore, and consort with Sanderlings and other small waders. Little Stint {Tringa minutd). — Occurs now and again in small flocks on the extensive sandy ebb at Gott Bay. I have not noticed them every year, but only at intervals of several years. Purple Sandpiper {Tringa maritime!). — Regular winter visitor and distributed all round the coast of the island, but only on the rocky parts, keeping low down where the sea is breaking. Few of them arrive before December, and they are most numerous during the spring months, and disappear quietly about the month of April. Knot {Tringa canutus). — Knots are regular autumn visitors in small flocks. I have' noticed small parties as early as the latter end of August, and large parties up to the end of September, also a few now and again in late spring on their way north. They frequent the sandy bays, but only make a short stay. Sanderling {Calidris arenaria). — This species is abundant on all the sandy bays round, and is only absent during the breeding season. They keep running up and down as the surf rises and recedes, boring their bills into the sand for food, and then running back as the surf rises. They are always fat like butter balls. Ruff {Machetes pitgnax). — An occasional autumn visitor. I have only seen single birds of this species now and again. They feed in shallow water on the margins of lochs, and tarns of fresh water, I have not noticed them frequent the shore. THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 223 Common Sandpiper {Totanus hypoleucus).— Regular summer visitor, nesting sparsely on different parts of the island. They arrive from the middle to the end of May, and depart as soon as the young are strong enough to undertake the journey. Redshank {Totanus calidris).— Redshanks are only absent from the island during the months of May, June, and July. I have noticed a pair now and again all summer, but I do not think they nested. They are numerous during winter, and are rather a nuisance to any- one trying to stalk wildfowl on the sea-shore, as they are always on the look out, and give notice to all the other birds by their calls when an intruder comes in sight. Greenshank {Totanus canesccns).— These birds are sparsely distributed over the island during autumn, winter, and spring. They are mostly to be seen singly or in pairs. One pair nested on the island some years ago. Unlike the Redshank, they are always in good condition, and their flesh is excellent eating. Bar-tailed Godwit {Limosa lapponica). — This species is common on all the sandy bays and creeks during autumn, winter, and spring. They seem to feed on marine worms, which they procure by boring in the sand with their bills. I remember when digging for lugworms for bait at Gott Bay, about half a dozen of them alighted within a few yards of me and immediately began boring. Although their bills were buried in the sand, they kept calling to one another. The call was very like the Snipe's drumming, but not so continuous. They are entirely shore-feeders, and never frequent fresh water while on the island. Black-tailed Godwit {Limosa belgica). — A very few of this species occur occasionally, sometimes single birds, and now and again two or three together. I have noticed them both in spring and autumn, but of late years more frequently in autumn. They do not stay more than a day or two. This is a bit of a ventriloquist, the wild eerie cry sounding very far away when the bird is fairly near. This species never goes to the sea-shore, but bores for food in muddy marshes and fresh-water shallows. Common Curlew {Numenius arquatd). — Curlew are only absent from the island during the months of May, June, and July. They begin to return about the middle of August, when they are in very poor condition, but they soon begin to improve, and by the month of October they are as fat and heavy as a duck, and are well worth shooting. When skinned like a rabbit the flesh is very good eating, but when only plucked, the skin gives it an unpleasant taste. Curlew 224 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST have favourite roosting-places, usually on some rocky point on the sea-shore, to which they flock in the evenings. Whimbrel {Numenius phceopus). — These birds begin to arrive, and pass north about the end of April, and continue passing in flocks of varying numbers during the whole of May. I have often wondered how these birds could keep the direction in all weathers. I remember being on the north side of the island on a very foggy day, and I watched for some time small flocks of Whimbrel passing out to sea. They all went due north, although they could not see two hundred yards ahead of them. Only a few scattered birds occur when on the passage south, towards the latter end of August and first half of September. Sandwich Tern {Sterna cantiacd). — This Tern is very rare. One was shot and identified, and I have noticed a few others at long intervals, always about the month of August. Common Tern {Sterna fluviatilis). — A numerous summer visitor. They begin to arrive usually about the middle of May, although a few odd birds may sometimes arrive earlier. They breed on rocks on the shore and inland, and on the shingle above high-water mark. They also breed on the reef pastures, where they make no nest, but just lay two eggs, and sometimes three, on the short grass. There are one or two places where they breed in colonies, such as the Island Loch, Loch a Phuil, etc. Within recent years they have become much more numerous than the Arctic Tern, which used formerly to be the more plentiful. Arctic Tern {Sterna macrura). — Arctic Terns have been decreasing of late years as a breeding species, and their place has been taken by an increase in the Common Tern. They still nest on small islets on Loch-a-Rioghan, and Soay, and a few other places. Their habits and mode of feeding are much the same as the Common Tern, with which species they associate a good deal. Little Tern {Sterna minutd). — This species usually arrives about a week later than the Common Tern. They breed in small colonies on different parts of the island. When the young are hatched, the old birds are very pugnacious, and will not hesitate to swoop down and strike the intruder with their beaks. All the Terns can protect eggs, and will attack with vigour, and drive away, Hoodie Crows and Common Gulls, both of which are great egg- stealers. {To be continued.) DR SHARPS "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 225 SUPPLEMENT TO DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND." By Anderson Fergusson. {Continued from page 182.) H lo/igior, Rey.— Forth, Stirling, Polmont (Power); Clyde, Lanark, Glasgow (Power), Newbery (1). Mr Newbery points out that it is doubtful whether H. angustata, Stm., occurs in Britain, and that the specimens from the above localities standing under that name in the Power Collection are referable to H. longior, Rey. H. angustata was recorded in Dr Sharp's "Coleoptera of Scotland" from Tweed and Solway. Cercyon littoralis, Gyll., var. binotatu/n, Steph. — Clyde, Ayr, three on the coast in 1894, Fergusson (7). C. depressus, Steph. — Forth, Haddington, Aberlady, Beare (14); Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland Islands, Blackburn and Lilley; Clyde, Ayr, Barassie, Fergusson (6); Clyde Islands, Millport, Island of Cumbrae, King and Russell. staph ylinim:. Aleochara succicola, Th. — It appears that all Dr Sharp's specimens of A. nuvsta, Gr. recorded from Forth, Dee and Solway are referable to this species, Champion (11); A. succicola, has also been recorded from Orkney, Orkneys, Kirkwall, two specimens, Poppius, Fair Isle, Beare (22); Solway, Wigtown, Corsemalzie, Gordon (1); while A. moista, Gr., has been recorded from Clyde, Lanark, Glasgow, Champion (1 1) ; and Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, St Kilda, Beare (25). A. spadicea, Er. — Tweed, Peebles, in mole's nest, Leadburn, Evans (10); Forth, Haddington, Gullane, Dirleton and Aberlady, Beare and Evans (1); Linlithgoiv, near Bathgate; Fife, near Largo, Beare and Evans (1); Moray, Elgin, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty 1 (3) ; Clyde, Lanark, mole's nest, Coatbridge, Fergusson (n). [A. algarum, Fauv. — Shetland, Shetlands, on seashore, Shetland 1 Chitty's record was "either spadicea or procera" but Commander Walker informs me that there is a very fine specimen of spadicea from Forres in his collection at Oxford, to which, no doubt, this record refers. 22 2 F 226 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Islands, Blackburn and Lilley. In this record the author's name is not given, so it may be that A. grisea, Kr., a common species in Scotland, was meant.] Oxypoda exigua, Er. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Fowler (6). Ocyusa hibernica, Rye. — Dee, South Aberdeen, Braemar, Fowler (6). [Ca/odera rubens, Er. — Forth, Haddington, four beaten off may, Hepburn (3).] Thamiarcza hospita, Mark. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Walker (3)- Homalota littorea, Shp. — Solway, Dumfries, one specimen only, on shore near Caerlaverock, Lennon (2). H. nitidula, Kr. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch ; Dee, South Aberdeen, Braemar ; Clyde, Clyde Islands, Arran, Fowler (6). H. occulta, Er. — Clyde, Lanark, one in fungus, Coatbridge, Fergusson (11). H. boletobia, Th. — Tweed, Berwick, one in fungus, Girrick, Hislop. H. deformis, Kr. — Clyde, Ayr, banks of Irvine; Lanark, in flood refuse, Coatbridge, Fergusson (n). H. scotica, Elliman. — Moray, Easterness, in flood refuse on banks of Spey, Nethy Bridge, Elliman. H. triangulum, Kr. — Orkney, Orkneys, Kirkwall, Stennis, and Stromness, in abundance, Poppius ; Clyde, Ayr, under sea- weed, Knoweside, Fergusson (11). H. cuspidata, Er. — Clyde, Lanark, under bark, Fergusson (9). H. inhabilis, Kr. — Tay, East Perth, two under pine bark, Blair Atholl, September 1909, Joy (4), further specimens at Pitlochry, 1910, Joy (10). H. scapularis, Sahl. — Moray, Easterness, Aviemore, Fowler (6) ; Clyde, Dumbarton, in moss, Garelochhead, Fergusson (11). H. testaceipes, Heer. — Dee, South Aberdeen, Fowler (6). H. hodierana, Shp.- — Scotland, Fowler (6). H. picipennis, Man. — -Moray, Easterness, one at Dalwhinnie, and a few at Aviemore in rotting fungus, September 19 10, Joy (6). Tachyusa umbratica, Er. — Moray, Elgin, in flood refuse, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty (3). Falagria thoracica, Curt. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, rare, Orchardton, Lennon and Douglas. Gyrophcena pulchella, Heer. — Moray, Elgin, Forres, Chitty (3, 6) ; Clyde, Stirling, in fungi near Drymen, Fergusson (6). Placusa co/npla/iata, Er. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch ; Dee, South Aberdeen, Braemar ; Clyde, Renfrew, Paisley, specimens from above localities in Rye's Collection, Fowler (6). DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 227 P. infima, Er.— Clyde, Lanark, under bark of felled trees Cadder King (2). Diglotta submarina, Fair. — Clyde, Dumbarton, one below high- tide mark, Bowling, Fergusson (11). [Oligota parva, Kr.— Forth, Edinburgh, doubtfully recorded from Edinburgh by Fowler (6).] O.ytenensis, Shp.— Forth, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, D. Sharp (13). Hypocyptus punctum, Mots.— Solway, Dumfries, Dabton Loch, Fowler (6). Tachyporus formosus, Mat.— Forth, Fife, Elie, one, August 1901, Evans (7); Clyde, Ayr, one, Ayr, Fergusson (6); Clyde Islands, one, Brodick, Arran, April 1895, Evans (6). Mycetoporus clavicornis, Steph., var. forticornis, Fauv.— Moray, Inverness-shire. " There is a specimen of what appears to be this variety in Dr Sharp's collection from Inverness-shire." Fowler (6). This variety is not included in Beare and Donisthorpe's Catalogue, but Donisthorpe (Ent. Rec, xxiii. 247), in recording a specimen from the Oxford district, states that both the last European Catalogue and Ganglbauer treat it as a good species, and that he sees no reason why it should not be regarded as such. Quedius brevicomis, Th.— Dee, South Aberdeen, Braemar, Cruttwell (2). Q. cruentus, 01.— Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Beare (4). Q. tristis, Grav. — Tweed, Selkirk, Galashiels district, Whitehead; Forth, Haddington, Aberlady, Dirleton ; Edinburgh, Arthur Seat, etc.; Linlithgow, Binny Craig; Fife, North Queensferry, Isle of May, Beare (1), Evans (4, 5), Forbes; Moray, Easterness, Kincraig, Evans (5) ; Orkney, Orkneys, Hoy, W. E. Sharp (2); Fair Isle, Beare (22); Shetland, Shetlands, Blackburn and Lilley; Clyde, Ayr, Renfreiv, Lanark, Stirling, Dumbarton, Fergusson (7); Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Stornoway, Walker (1). The occurrence of this species was doubted by Sharp, but it will be seen that it is distributed generally throughout Scotland. Q. riparius, Kell.— Moray, Easterness, one in flood refuse, River Beauly, Chitty (4). Q. attenuatus, Gyll., var. picipennis, Heer.— Scotland, Fowler (6) ; Moray, Easterness, Dalwhinnie; East Ross, Garve, Joy (11). Q. talparum,1 Deville {vexans, Brit. Cat.).— Tweed, Peebles, Lead- 1 It now appears that Q. othiniensis, Johansen, is a prior name for this species. 228 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST burn; Forth, Haddington, Gullane, Dirleton, Luffness Links; Edinburgh, Fullarton ; Linlithgow, Bathgate, Beare and Evans (i, 2); Moray, East Ross, Garve, Joy (5); Clyde, Lanark, Coatbridge, Fergusson (n). In moles' nests. Ocypus cyaneus, Pk. — -Moray, Elgin, one near Grantown-on-Spey, June 1907, Bishop; Eastemess, Nairn, Donisthorpe (4). O. compressus, Marsh. — Clyde, Clyde Ls lands, Arran, one in August 1879, Fowler (6). Philonthus varius, Gyll., var. shetlandicus, Poppius. — Shetland, Shet lands, Lerwick, 6th July 1S76, four specimens, Ting wall, 7th July 1876, one specimen, Poppius. This form, according to Poppius, has the elytra of a uniform dark red colour, and is closely allied to var. nitidicollis, Boisd. It was recorded as common in the Shetlands by Blackburn and Lilley, but it is not clear from their paper whether the type form also occurred. Dr Sharp, in his " Coleoptera of Scotland " (Scot. Nat., II., 380), stated that he had a specimen from Shetland with the elytra red instead of green. He referred it to var. nitidicollis, Boisd, which, however, appears to be distinct from shctlandicus. P. quisquiliarius, Gyll. — Forth, Fife, shores of Loch Leven, very abundant, Beare (10); [Moray, Elgin, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty (3)].i Gabrius pennatus, Shp. — Scotland, Sharp (11); T 'ay, East Perth, in flood rubbish, Blair Atholl ; Moray, Eastemess, flood rubbish, Dalwhinnie, Joy (9) ; Nethy Bridge, Donisthorpe (9) ; Clyde, Ayr, Ayr; Renfrav, Lochwinnoch, Fergusson (n). G. appendiculatus, Shp. — Scotland, Sharp (11); Clyde, Stirling, in debris of old straw, Rowardennan, Fergusson (12). G. bishopi, Shp. — Solway, Dumfries, Beattock and Thornhill, very rare, Sharp (11); Ayr, Barr; Clyde, Ayr, Ayr, Barassie, Shew- alton, Irvine, Stevenston ; Lanark, Coatbridge ; Dumbarton, Bowling, Fergusson (n). By the side of streams. G. velox, Shp. — -Clyde, Lanark, in flood refuse, Coatbridge, Fergusson (n). Cafius fucicola, Curt. — Forth, Haddington, common under seaweed, Hepburn (3) ; Linlithgow, Dalmeny, Logan (1) ; Fife, 1 Chitty stated that the insect to which this record referred was " either quisquiliaris or ventralisT Commander Walker has kindly examined the Chitty Collection at Oxford, and finds one ventralis labelled '' Forres," which, doubtless, is the specimen on which the record was founded. There is in the collection, how- ever, a small example of quisquiliaris, labelled " Beauly," which gives the insect a status in Eastemess. DR SHARPS "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 229 Aberdour, Evans (5); Clyde, Cantyre, Macrihanish, rare Walker (2). Xantholinus1 fulgidus, F— Clyde, Lanark, one at Tollcross, near Glasgow, Fergusson (5). Lathrobium dilutum, Er. — Tay, Easterness, two under stones at side of Loch Ericht, September 1909; Moray, Easter ness, one in flood refuse from R. Truim at Dalwhinnie, October 1909, Joy (4) ; R. Nethy at Nethy Bridge, under stones resting on damp sand in dry portions of the river bed, July to August 191 2, ■ Beare {1^). Sunius filiformis, Lat. — Forth, Hepburn (1). Stenus nigrittihts, GylL— Tweed, Berwick, one at side of dried- up pool, Hardy (1). S. subceneus, Er.— Tweed, Berwick, in decayed hay, Penmanshiel and Old Cambus, Hardy (1) ; Stirling Falkirk, Fowler (6). S. impressus, Germ. — Tweed, Berwick, in agarics and decaying hay, Hardy (1) ; Forth, Haddington, garden refuse, Hepburn (2); Edinburgh, Cobbinshaw ; Linlithgow, Dalmeny Park, Beare (12, 27) and Hepburn (1); Tay, East Perth, Kinnoul Hill, W. E. Sharp (3) ; Dunkeld, Beare (2 7) ; Moray, East Ross, Ben Wyvis in moss, Joy (3) ; Orkney, Orkneys, Kirkwall, Poppius ■ Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland Islands, Blackburn and Lilley, Tingwall, Poppius ; Solway, Wigtoivn, Corsemalzie, Gordon (2) ; Clyde, Renfrew, Lanark, Dumbarton, Fergusson (7) ; West Ross, West Ross, Moruisg, Joy (3). This species was probably omitted from Dr Sharp's list in error. -S1. erichsoni, Rye. — Forth, Stirling, Falkirk, Fowler (6). S. pallipes, Gr. — Forth, Haddington, not common, Smeaton, Hepburn (1, 3). Oxyporus rufus, L. — Solway, Kirkcudbright, one in fungus, Orchardton, Lennon and Douglas. [B/edius tricornis, Hbst. — Solway, Dumfries, not at all plentiful, Kelton Salt Marsh, Lennon (2).] Dr Sharp considers that this record refers to B. spectabilis, Kr. B. tricornis is not included in Lennon's MS. List of the Coleoptera of Mid Solway. It therefore seems advisable to treat the record as doubtful until it is further confirmed. B. arenarius, Payk., var. minor, Muls et Rey (var. fergussoni, Joy). 1 Donisthorpe, Ent. Rec, xxiii. 310, has the following note: " Xantholinus tricolor (?). Dr Nicholson and I each took a specimen of a form with a dark mark on the thorax, which Dr Sharp considers is a new species related to tricolor^!* Tp^ip^ This capture was made at Nethy Bridge. /C\j^ -^- L / ■ V 230 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST — Clyde, Ayr, Knoweside, on the sandy banks of small streams on the shore, just above high-water mark, in company with the type form of arenarius and terebrans, Joy (14) and New- bery (E.M.M., xlviii. p. 64). B. anna, Shp. — Tay, East or Mid Perth (?), one, September 1909, banks of Tummell, Joy (S) ; Moray, Easterness, R. Nethy, July 1907 ; Solway, Dumfries, banks of Nith near Thornhill, September 1867 and July 1910, D. Sharp (12). B. terebrans, Schiodte. — Forth, Edinburgh, Harburn ; Moray, Easterness, two in sand, borders of R. Truim, two miles above Newtonmore, D. Sharp (12); Clyde, Ayr, on banks of streams on shore, Knoweside, Fergusson (11). B. longulus, Er. — Moray, Elgin, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty (3) ; Easterness, Nethy Bridge, in damp sand on banks of river, Donisthorpe (9). B. denticollis, Fauv. — Moray, Easterness, Nethy Bridge, Fryer, abundant in same locality, June 191 1, Donisthorpe (9). B. erraticus, Er.— Moray, Elgin, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty (3).1 \_Platystethi/s nitens, Sahl. — Moray, East Ross, Tain; "but this may be in error," Fowler (6).] Thinobius bicolor, Joy. — Moray, Easterness, three specimens on banks of Truim, Dalwhinnie, May 1910, Joy (7). Deleaster dichrous, Gr., var. leachi, Curt. — Forth ; Solway very rare, Fowler (6) ; Clyde, Renfrew, one near Paisley, Fergusson (7). Lesteva longelytrata, Goez., var. maura, Er. — West Ross, North Ebudes, in moss in a waterfall, Eigg, Donisthorpe (10). L. laduosa, Fauv. — West Ross, North Ebudes, one in moss in waterfall on high ground near Beinn Tighe, September 191 1, Donisthorpe (8). Olophrum assimile, Payk. — Moray, Easterness, considerable numbers in flood refuse, banks of Spey near Nethy Bridge, in September 1908, Beare and Donisthorpe. O. nicholsoni, Donis. — Moray, Easterness, one in flood rubbish, Dalwhinnie (elev. 1100 ft.), a large dark form, Joy (13). Omalium casum, Gr., ab. subruficorne, Bagnall. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Bagnall (2), see also Wood (2). O. heeri, Heer. — Forth, Fife, Balmuto, Fowler (6) ; Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Fowler (6) ; Moray, Easterness, Aviemore, Champion (2); Clyde, Lanark, Fergusson (9). Dr Sharp 1 Chitty recorded this species with some doubt, but Commander Walker informs me that there is a specimen of erraticus from Forres in Chitty's Collection at Oxford. DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND 231 thinks that heeri must be considered a distinct species, although at present it stands as a variety of O. vile, Er. in the British Catalogue. O. gracilicome, Fair. — Forth, Fife, Balmuto, Fowler (6). O. brevicolle, Th.— Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, D. Sharp (5, 6) ; Moray, Easterness, Nethy Bridge in carrion, Donisthorpe (9). Solway, Dumfries, Thornhill, U. Sharp (5, 6). Proteinics crenulatus, Pand. — Moray, Easterness, Nethy Bridge, D. Sharp (8). Megarthrus affinis, Miill.— Clyde, Ayr, three in vegetable refuse, Shewalton, Fergusson (11); Dumbarton, Bonhill, King (4). Pseudopsis sulcata, New. — Forth, Edinburgh, one in haystack refuse, Torduff, Colinton, March 1900, Evans (6). silphim;. Agathidium badium, Er. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, several specimens on fungus on birch, Donisthorpe (9). A. seminulum, L. — Moray, Easterness, Nethy Bridge, at fungus on fir stumps, Donisthorpe (9). Amphicyllis globus, F. — Moray, Easterness, Nethy Bridge, Sharp (15). Liodes orbicularis, Hbst. — Tweed, Benvick, one sweeping in Langton Wood near Duns, Hislop, under L. orbiculatus. I think this record must refer to orbicularis, and as this species is recorded for Northumberland, it is not unlikely to occur in Berwick. Anisoto/na l oblonga, Er. — Solway, Dumfries, Dumfries, Fowler (6). A. dubia, Kug., var. obesa, Schm. — Forth, Fife, Moss Morran (Power), Fowler (6) ; Moray, Elgin, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty (i);2 but see Dr Joy's notes on dubia and its forms, E.M.M., xlvii. p. 177. A. clavicornis, Rye. — Solway, Dumfries, one from flood refuse, banks of Nith, Thornhill, Rye (3). A. litura, Steph. (punctulata, Gyll.), var. maculicollis, Rye.— The Scotch form of litura is said to be referable to this variety by Dr Joy (12), although Rye, who applied the varietal name to 1 A. sciia, Er., falls to be deleted from the Scottish List, as the specimens on which the record (Solway) in Dr Sharp's list was founded are A. dubia, Joy (EMM., xlvii. p. 168). 2 Chitty's record was " obesa or dubia or perhaps both," but Commander Walker kindly looked at the specimens in Chitty's Collection at Oxford and informs me that there is one obesa labelled Forres. 232 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST a specimen taken in Algeria, stated that the colour was more marked in that specimen than in any he had seen from Scotland. A. rugosa, Steph. — Moray, Elgin, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty (i). A. stenocoryphe, Joy. — Moray, Elgin, two at Forres, Joy (12). Hydnobius strigosus, Schm. — Recorded from Scotland with no locality by Hodgson. Necrophorus vestigator, Hers. — Forth, Haddington, " very rare, one specimen from a collection made at Smeaton thirty years ago," Hepburn (3); Solway, Wigtown, on moles, Gordon (1). N. ruspator, Er., var. microcephalics, Th. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, one in carrion, Donisthorpe (9). N. interruptus, Steph. — Forth, Hepburn (1). N. interruptus, Steph., var. gallicus, Duv. — Forth, Haddington, one male specimen by sweeping in the park at Smeaton, Hepburn (3). Probably this and the previous record of JV. interruptus refer to the same specimen. \_Silpha Icevigata, F. — Clyde, Clyde Islands, south end of Arran, Billups.] S. atrata, L., var. brunnea, Hbst. — Orkney, Orkneys, "reported from Orkney," W. E. Sharp (1). Choleva intermedia, Kr. — Moray, East Eoss, near Garve, Joy (5). C. fuliginosa, Er.— Orkney, Orkneys, one specimen, Kirkwall, Poppius. . Cat ops tristis, Pz., var. montivagus, Heer. — Moray, Eastemess, one under a dead squirrel, Nethy Bridge, Donisthorpe (it). Colon deutipes, Sahl. — Forth, Fife, Balmuto (Power), Fowler (6) ; Moray, Elgin, Culbin Sandhills, in flood rubbish, Chitty (1). C. deutipes, Sahl., var. zebei, Kr. — Forth, Fife, Balmuto (Power), Fowler (6). [C. calcaratum, Er. — Solway, Dumfries, a doubtful specimen in Dr Sharp's Collection from Eccles, Thornhill, Fowler (6).] SCYDM^NIDyE. Euconnus hirticollis, 111. — Forth, West Perth, one under stone lying in a mossy bog, Loch Ard, Aberfoyle, April 1896, Evans (5). Euthia schaumi, Kies. — Clyde, Lanark, near Glasgow, Fowler (6). Fowler also states that he has a specimen taken by Mr Beaumont in Scotland, without any locality attached. {To be continued.) NOTES 233 NOTES. An early reference to Hebridean Thrushes.— In a MS. of Mr William Laidlaw (who was secretary and factor to Sir Walter Scott), which is dated on first page of an 8vo notebook, " Mary- bank, 1835," but which notebook is carried on to end of August 1837, and which came into my possession in March 1896, I find the following note relating to Hebridean Thrushes: "I have intended to write Mag. Nat. Hist, that I have been disappointed in identifying the Thrush that inhabits the rocky banks of the west coast and the Lews, which feeds on whelks, with the small brown Thrush which I have seen passing in autumn and spring ; and [that I] distinctly saw several together on the rocky knolls at . . . on Loch Mareeat Christmas, 29th December 1834." It thus appears that Mr R. Gray was not the first to take note of a difference between the two subspecies, and it appears Mr Laidlaw "distinctly saw several together " {supra) at some locality (not given) on Loch Maree. I have myself observed the dark form a little to the north of the Laxford River, on rocky broken ground, on two occasions in two different years, when driving along the road to and from Durness. — J. A. Harvie-Brown, Dunipace, Larbert. Ring-Ouzel feeding young Cuckoo. — As instances of the Ring-Ouzel rearing young Cuckoos are uncommon, it may be interesting to record that I observed one feeding a fully fledged young Cuckoo at Kilchoan, Loch Melfort, on nth July at a height of about 500 feet above the sea-level. — Charles Kirk, Glasgow. Late breeding of the Crossbill in Speyside.— On 19th August I picked up dead on the playground here a young Cross- bill. It is only half grown, and evidently only just out of the nest, and would only be able to fly a very short distance at a time. I have always understood this bird to be an early breeder. I may mention that in the forenoon of 19th August my son and I were watch- ing some birds on an elm tree close by. These we found to be Cross- bills, and one, my son remarked, seemed to be feeding its young. I at first thought this to be extremely improbable so late in the season, but the finding of the young bird in the afternoon corroborates his observation. — Alexander Geddie, Schoolhouse, Balnacoul, Fochabers. [The bird is now in the Royal Scottish Museum. Its bill is quite straight, and shows no sign of the crossing of the mandibles. 22 2 G 234 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST In his paper on birds observed in the Spey Valley in the autumn of 1889, published in the Scottish Naturalist for 1S91, W. Evans records that on 4th September, he saw two young Crossbills being fed by their parents in the forest near Carrbridge. — Eds.] The Nightjar in Edinburgh. — On the evening of 2nd June, whilst walking through the King's Park from Duddingston, about 9.30 p.m., with my friend Mr David Hamilton, and just as we entered on the side path leading from near Samson's Ribs to St Leonard's gate, we were not a little surprised to see a Nightjar flitting about in the dusk, scarcely thirty yards in front of us. It landed several times on the path, and we saw it darting up from the ground at the moths which were flying about in considerable numbers. We only had it under observation for a minute or so, as, unfortunately, two people coming from the opposite direction disturbed it. It flew off, passing quite near between us and the boundary wall of the park, and enabling us to distinctly see its long-pointed wings. In its flight it continued darting about a few feet from the ground, but we soon lost sight of it in the growing darkness. I understand there are only a few records of this bird for Midlothian. — J. Kirke Nash, Edinburgh. Hoopoe off the coast of Caithness. — It may interest the readers of the Scottish Naturalist to know that a fine specimen of the Hoopoe was on 28th August presented to our Museum, the acquisi- tion of which was obtained under somewhat singular circumstances. While one of our herring fleet was homeward bound, and about 25 miles east of Wick, the attention of the crew was attracted to an unusual commotion among a large flock of flying Herring Gulls. The incomprehensible behaviour of the Gulls was soon solved, as the Hoopoe in question darted from their midst and flew into the boat for protection. Their beautiful visitor was woefully exhausted from its struggle to escape from its screaming enemies, and although the fishermen placed it in a box, and did their best for its recovery, it died shortly afterwards. The specimen has been sent to a taxidermist for setting up. — George Bain, Wick. Black Grouse on Inchkeith, Firth of Forth. — When taking a walk round the island on 4th May, I was much surprised to flush a Greyhen. The bird was in fine plumage, and remained for a whole month with us. I often saw it, but it appeared to be quite alone. — Wm. Begg, Inchkeith Lighthouse. Spotted Redshank in Solway. — A fine example of the NOTES 235 Spotted or Dusky Redshank was obtained by Mr William Nichol at Skinburness on 31st August last. It is just a year ago since he reported one as having been seen in the same locality. The specimen in question is an immature male, the general colouring of the under parts being light ashy-grey, streaked and barred with dusty brown, the back dull olive necked here and there with whity spots. — Hugh Mackay, Edinburgh. Black-tailed Godwit in the Outer Hebrides.— On 28th August I observed a Black-tailed Godwit by the side of a small pond on the island of Vallay. The bird was very ^wild, and on being disturbed flew straight away. I have only once before seen this species here, when a pair remained for some days (near the same place) in August 1910.— F. S. Beveridge, Lochmaddy, North Unst. Note on the Kittiwakes at the Plannan Islands. We are much astonished this season at the peculiarities of the Kittiwakes. On 7th June we had a severe gale here, and the sea was very high round the islands for several days. The Kittiwakes then were commencing to lay the foundations of their nests, but after the gale took off they showed no sign of continuing building, and up till now (31st July) not 25 per cent, of them laid eggs, and those that did lay scarcely made any attempt at making a nest— just a mere apology, nothing like the laborious structure they generally build; and in almost all cases only one egg was laid instead of the usual two per nest. We should like to know if the same peculiarity has been observed elsewhere. — John M'Lean and J. D. M'Gilvrav, Flannan Islands Lighthouse. Ailsa Craig deserted by Razorbills and Guillemots. — Naturalists throughout Scotland will learn with regret that Ailsa Craig has been completely deserted this season by the Razorbills and Guillemots that formerly nested on its rocky ledges in their thousands. A considerable diminution in their numbers has been observed for the past few years, particularly during the nesting seasons of 191 1 and 191 2 ; and some correspondence took place in the Glasgow Herald in the latter year, with a view to ensuring greater protection for the residue still breeding there, and as a result the taking of eggs was prohibited. Unfortunately other forces have been at work, and this year there is not a single Guillemot or Razorbill nesting on Ailsa ; Puffins are represented by about one-third their usual numbers, and the Kittiwakes although present are greatly reduced; Gannets are the only birds that retain 236 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST their numerical position ; in fact, I believe there is a slight increase. Visiting the Craig on 18th July, I learnt that very few young Razor- bills or Guillemots left the rock last summer, but that the adult birds arrived in considerable numbers this year in March, leaving and returning several times, till they finally settled down, with the apparent intention of nesting, early in May ; from the end of May to July the number of birds has gradually diminished, and latterly they only appeared in the sea in the early hours of the morning, disappearing again as the day advanced. While on the Craig I made a careful survey of all the well-known nesting sites, but on none of these could a single Razorbill or Guillemot be seen nesting. During the nesting season of 1912, and particularly throughout the present season, there has been continuous big gun practice on warships west of Ailsa, the concussions produced being sufficient to close open doors at the Lighthouse Station, while even in Girvan, 9 miles further distant, the shocks were severely felt, and local opinion is very strong that this is the cause of the birds deserting their usual haunts ; but as Mr A. G. Ferguson of St Kilda reports "very few Guillemots and Razorbills this year," one must seek for other reasons, and the one that most naturally occurs is that of food supply. I have been anxious to obtain reports from other nesting sites, but so far only two have reached me : Mr Theo Kay of Lerwick writing regarding the east side of Shetland, "As many Guillemots and Razorbills as in previous years " ; Mr John Gilmour, Noup Head, Westray, Orkney, writes, " I do not observe any diminution in the numbers of these birds this year, but there are fewer young ones to be seen." Notes from other quarters may throw some light on the extraordinary disappearance of these birds from their great nesting stronghold in the Firth of Clyde. — Charles Kirk, Glasgow. [As regards the breeding stations in the Firth of Forth where gun practice on warships has also been much in evidence, the numbers of the above species nesting this summer appeared to me to be quite up to those of former years; indeed, on the Isle of May cliffs, which were closely inspected on several occasions, I noted in the case of the Puffin a decided increase, as has also occurred I believe at the Bass Rock. — W. Evans.] ' The Fulmar and Common Guillemot in Lewis : exten- sion of breeding-range. — On a visit to the cliffs at Doone Tower, a few miles north from Cellar Head, on the east or Minch side of the Lewis, on 26th June last, several Fulmars were seen NOTES 237 "hard sitting." The eggs were placed among and behind fairly large broken-off stones on a ledge only about 9 feet from the top of the cliff, and a very good view of them was obtained. I am informed by the proprietor of the lonely dwelling at Doone Tower, that this is the third season these " new birds," which were said to come from North Rona, have bred there. There were not over six or eight pairs breeding at the Doone Tower cliffs, but very probably there are others at, or nearer, Cellar Head. One pair of Common Guillemots have bred at the Butt of Lewis this year, for the first time as far as is known. Their position is in close proximity to a colony of Kittiwakes, while Shags and Tysties (Black Guillemots) also breed near. — R. Clyne, Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. Storm Petrels in the Pirth of Forth in Summer.— I have seen this species feeding on surface-life close to the south end of Inchkeith at intervals since the 8th of June. Of late there have been two individuals, and I feel sure that they must be breeding on one of the islands in the Firth. I cannot think they are stragglers, as I have seen them so often all through the summer. — Wm. Begg, Inchkeith Lighthouse. Bimastus eiseni (Lev.) on the Isle of May, etc. — On 2nd June 1 9 13 I collected some Earthworms on the Isle of May. County of Fife, and among them was an example of this species, In his " Scottish Records " of Lumbricidre in the Zoologist for July last, the Rev. Hilderic Friend, who identified the above, cites only one record, namely, that for Midlothian given in my paper on " Forth Oligochaeta," published in the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society (vol. xviii., p. 109) ; but in the same paper there is also a record for Haddingtonshire ; and I may add that in March last I collected the species on the Bass Rock, in the latter county. There are other omissions and inaccuracies in Mr Friend's paper; for instance, the records in this Magazine of Lumbricus rubelhis from St Kilda have been overlooked. — William Evans. Spiny Crossfish {Asterias glacialis) in the Pentland Pirth. — An example of this large and handsome species has been forwarded to the Royal Scottish Museum by Mr D. D. Cairnie, Thurso, with the information that it was caught on a fisherman's line in the Pentland Firth in the beginning of August. Asterias glacialis is a widely distributed form which occurs most commonly on the west coast of the British Isles, but appears to be absent from our eastern shores, although it frequents the eastern portions of the North Sea. Bell errs in signifying in his Distributional List 238 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST (Catalogue of British Echinoderms, p. 184) that the species is absent from the Shetland area, for in his Report to the British Association, 1868 (1869, p. 314), Norman says that it is "often brought up on long lines from the Middle Haaf, Outer Skerries." Except for the present I know of no record from the northern shores of the Scottish mainland. — James Ritchie, Royal Scottish Museum. BOOK NOTICE Report on the Immigration of Summer Residents in the Spring of 191 i : also Notes on the Migratory Movements during the Autumn of 1910. Bull. Brit. Orn. Chib, vol. xxx. 6s. net. This Report is again of an elaborate and interesting character ; it is arranged in the same way as last year, but two sections have been added at the end of the spring and autumn records respectively, containing isolated notes on various interesting species ; many of these, however, have already been published elsewhere. The Scottish notes, with very few exceptions, are taken from the Scottish Naturalist and the Report on Scottish Ornithology, and are therefore probably already familiar to readers of this journal. One of the most striking movements noted is that of the Water-Rails in spring. Numbers of these birds are recorded in the end of March and beginning of April from the lanterns of Bardsey Light, St Catherine's Light, Portland Bill, and a few from the Outer Dowsing Light-vessel, and many again at the first- named station on the night of 30th April to 1st May. It is unusual to find Water-Rails moving in such numbers. In the autumn the large immigra- tions of northern and continental forms are notable, and altogether much may be learned from a careful study of the excellent material laid before us. We notice, however, that the dates given in the maps and those in the chronological summary of the records do not always agree, and we consider that many of the inferences drawn in this work are arrived at on too slight evidence, and may, in the future, have to be considerably modified. In spite of the defects noted, the Report is a valuable addition to the literature of this engrossing subject, and reflects much credit on the recorders and compilers who are responsible for its production. — L. J. R. and E. V. B. GLEANINGS 239 GLEANINGS. A paper entitled "On a Collection of Mammals from the Inner Hebrides," by G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton and Martin A. C. Hinton, appears in part iii. of the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1913 (pp. 821-839, Plate Ixxxiv., September 1913). The paper is based on collections made by R. W. Sheppard, who worked through the various islands from Bute to Coll. Two new species, Sorex grantii and Evotomys alstoni, and one new subspecies, Microtus agreslis macgillivraii, are described, and a large number of detailed measure- ments given of all the species and subspecies dealt with. The coloured plate depicts in an excellent manner Sorex grantii and S. araneus castaneus. A paper by Mary G. S. Best and Maud D. Haviland, entitled " Notes on the Breeding-Habits of the Common Eider as observed in the Outer Hebrides," appears in the September number of British Birds (pp. 101-104). In the same number a note on the "Green Sandpiper in Perthshire" (p. 120) is published by Clifford Borrer. An example was seen on the north shore of Loch Rannoch on 5th August. This is an interesting record of the species, of which we have reports each autumn in other parts of the Tay area. Talbot Clifton, in a note published in the Field of 13th September (p. 620), mentions having shot a Brent Goose on the seashore of North Uist on 28th August, an unusually early date. James Waterston, in the September number of the Entomologists Monthly Magazine (p. 214), mentions the occurrence of Pyrameis atalanta at Ollaberry in Shetland in June. Pyrameis cardui and Aglais ( Vanessa) urtica are also mentioned as having been seen in previous years, the former at Ollaberry and the latter 10 miles north of Lerwick. [Lepidoptera.] In the Entomologist for September, James N. Sloon records (p. 268) the capture of a specimen of Geometra vernaria at Blairmore, Argyllshire. No date is given. In the same number, C. N. Hughes mentions (p. 269) the occurrence of Selidosema ericetaria (plumaria) in several localities at the west end of Loch Shiel in Argyllshire, while on pp. 269-270 is a note by Roland G. Benton recording the capture of Cry modes exulis, var. assimilis, at Braemar in July. [Lepidoptera.] In the Shooting Supplement of The Field, published 16th August, Percy H. Grimshaw publishes an article on "The Heather Beetle : New Facts and a suggested Remedy." This paper gives an account of the early stages of this destructive insect, founded on observations made in Ayrshire. The beetle was found to breed among the patches of sphagnum moss surrounding the "frosted" areas of heather, and the 240 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST remedy suggested is the thorough draining of the ground so as to prevent the accumulation of the moss. The paper is illustrated by photo- graphs of the beetle and its eggs, a sprig of typically "frosted" heather and the tips of a healthy and a nibbled shoot, highly magnified. [Coleoptera.] A note entitled " Some Coleoptera from Sutherland," by Norman H. Joy, appears in the September number of the EntomologisFs Monthly Magazine (pp. 212-213). Records are given of twenty-two species taken during the month of July. In the same number (p. 213) T. Hudson Beare records the capture of a small series of Rabocerus bishopi, Sharp, near Grantown, in August. A single specimen of Magdalis carbonaria, L., was taken by him at the same time. [Coleoptera.] In part iii. of the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, 1913 (September 1913), appears (pp. 426-457) an important paper by S. F. Harmer on " The Polyzoa of Waterworks." The paper is illustrated by a couple of plates, and among the waterworks dealt with is that of Aberdeen, which yielded Paludicella articulata in tangled masses, composed of empty zocecia bearing numerous hibernacula. [Polyzoa.] In a letter to Nature, published 21st August (p. 636), W. A. Herdman alludes to a huge catch of Calanus (about 1000 cubic centimetres) made by means of a tow-net on 14th July, in the open sea off Ardnamurchan. A second similar haul was taken, and the product sampled as food by ten persons. On nth August a haul of the same yielded only a small catch, with very few specimens of the crustacean in question. [Crustacea.] {Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) The Scottish Naturalist No. 23.] 1913 [November 6 'o°os V * — «*< THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIRE&u LlBRAR By Peter Anderson. \Zfr {Continued from page 224.) >s^ Black-headed Gull {Larus ridibundus). — This species has been increasing of late years, and is now found breeding on different parts of the island. A good many of them remain throughout the year. This Gull feeds mostly on worms and snails, and they are fond of catching moths on summer evenings ; and when trout fishing I have noticed them hawking about and picking flies off the water. I have never known this species to take eggs or young birds. I think they do a lot of good to the farmer, and little harm to anyone. Common Gull {Larus canus). — Common Gulls are abundant all the year round. They breed on flat rocks on different parts of the island, but their nests are most numerous on the stretch of rough ground between Scarinish and Balephetrish, but never in a cliff. Common Gulls are useful in a way, as they are excellent scavengers. On the other hand, they are sad rascals for taking eggs and young birds. They will take the hens' eggs from the crofters' doors, and they will also steal the young ducklings and young chickens. I have often seen them quartering the fields like a setter, and pouncing down on a lark's nest and taking the fledglings, which they swallow whole. To illustrate this bird's propensity for stealing eggs, I may relate the following little incident which I witnessed on Heanish Golf-course. One of the players drove off the "tee," and as the ball landed a gull immediately secured it and carried it a short distance. It then dropped the ball, fully expecting it to be broken, and its look of surprise when it found that the supposed egg was still intact was amusing. 23 2 H 242 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and Lesser Black- backed Gull (Larus fuscus). — Both species are resident, but breed only sparingly. Their eggs are large, and are taken by the natives for food. The habits of both species are identical while on this island. They feed principally on fish, but they will eat carrion of any kind, however putrid. [We much doubt the Lesser Black-backed Gull being a resident. It is certainly a summer visitor and doubtless also occurs on passage. — Eds.] Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus). — Common enough throughout the year, but I have never noticed a nest of this species on the island. However, on the small islet of Gunna, in the Sound of Coll, half a mile from Tiree, I once found a nest. These Gulls are very destructive to young Wild Ducks, and also to eggs, young, and any weak birds they can get. They also eat carrion, fish or flesh. They have very strong bills. I remember catching a wounded one by the wing, when it seized my thumb and cut through my thumb-nail, and it would not let go its hold until I broke its neck. I was once greatly amused watching a pair of this species tackling a large Eel about 3 feet long. They found the Eel in a shallow pool which was fast drying up, owing to a spell of very dry weather. They pulled it up on the grass, well away from the water, but whenever they let it go, the Eel "warpled" back towards the pool, and they stood stupidly looking on until the fish had nearly regained its native element, when they rushed and pulled it up again. This occurred several times, and they had not succeeded in killing it when I left. This species does a great deal of damage to sheep farmers. They immediately attack sheep that have tumbled on their back and tear out their eyes, although the sheep are still alive. They begin this when young — immature birds in grey plumage being among the worst offenders. Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls are not innocent of this practice, but are not so deadly as the larger species. During the lambing season they attack weak ewes and newly born lambs in the same way. This Gull is difficult to approach within shot, but they are easily trapped with a putrid bait, either of fish or flesh. I think they should be destroyed entirely, as they do an incalculable amount of damage, and do no good to anyone. Glaucous Gull (Larus glaucus). — This is only a straggling visitor to the island, and only a few single birds occur every winter — generally after severe north-westerly gales. I once found one that THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OF TIREE 243 had a wing cut clean off by striking against the telegraph wire. This bird was so savage that the spaniel which went to retrieve it was punished badly by the gull's powerful beak, and the dog had to leave it. They do not make any lengthened stay at the island. Kittiwake Gull (jRissa tridactyld).— This is a pretty little Gull, and harmless to anything on land, so far as I know. They feed mostly at sea, and sometimes close inshore on Sand Eels, Herring fry, and other small fish. They nest on precipitous cliffs at Kennavara, and their nests are quite inaccessible. Kitti wakes can dive. I often see them go right under water after small fish, but they do not go very deep. The natives, when they go to fish for Cod, always make for where the Kittiwakes are congregated, as they know that when the birds are feeding on small fry above, the Cod will be feeding on them below. Richardson's Skua (Stercorarius crepidatus). — These Skuas are numerous round the coast of the island all summer and early autumn. They usually arrive about the beginning of June. They used to nest on rough ground at Loch Dhu, but as the natives take the Gulls' eggs, I don't know whether they nest there now. I once found a bird of this species dead on the shore, which had been choked in trying to swallow a Gurnard. It had tried to swallow the fish head first, but had got the fish so firmly jammed in its throat, that the spikes of the Gurnard were protruding through the skin of the neck. They leave about September, but an odd straggler may be seen now and again in winter. Razorbill (Alca tordd). — Abundant throughout the year off the coast of the island. They only come to land during the breeding season. They breed on the cliffs at Kennavara Head, the most south-westerly point of the island, and the only part where there are inaccessible cliffs. Some of the young birds must tumble from a considerable height to get to the water. Guillemot (Uria troile). — This species is hardly so numerous as the Razorbill. They breed at Kennavara in the cliffs, along with the Razorbill. They feed on Sand Eels and other small fish, which they chase and catch under water. They can travel much faster under water with their wings to help them than they can when swimming on the surface. The same remarks apply to the Razorbills. Little Auk (Mergulus alle).—l have never found a live bird of this species that I can remember, but I have often found a few dead 244 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST birds on the shore in winter that have been cast up after strong northerly gales, and some of the specimens were quite fresh. Black Guillemot {Uria grylle). — This species breeds sparingly all round the coast of the island : not in colonies, but a pair here and there. They nest in cracks in the rocks and under boulders, where they lay one or two eggs. After the breeding season the plumage changes so much that they do not look like the same birds. Puffin (Fratercula arctiai). — Puffins do not breed on the island, but more or less of them are to be seen round the coast all summer, and specimens are cast on shore dead during winter. Great Northern Diver {Colymbus gladalis). — Common round the coast during autumn, winter, and spring ; leaving for their breeding haunts about the beginning of May, and returning again towards the latter end of August. I remember that the neck of one shot in Scarinish harbour was abnormally thick, and on shaking it, expecting fish to be ejected, about a dozen small crabs came out of the bird's mouth. They were still alive, and crawled about. But I think fish is the bird's principal food. The natives are fond of this bird as an article of food. Black-throated Diver {Colymbus arcticus). — This Diver is of more rare occurrence than the previous species, but I notice a few round the coast in the early spring every year. The food and habits are the same as the Great Northern Diver. Red-throated Diver {Colymbus septentrionalis). — Common round the coast of the island during late autumn and winter, and occasionally one on Loch a Phuil. Great Crested Grebe {Podicipes cristatus). — Only a rare straggler to the island. I have noticed a few single birds at long intervals, and I once saw a pair as late as the month of April on Loch Vasapol. Slavonian Grebe {Podicipes auritus). — This Grebe is common during the winter and early spring months on all the fresh-water lochs, and a few of them now and again on the sea at Gott Bay. The birds, which are always single, keep constantly diving. I sometimes see them diving and feeding in tarns. They leave the island towards the latter end of March. Little Grebe {Podicipes fluviatilis). — The Dabchick is fairly common during winter and spring on the lochs, and the birds THE BIRDS OF THE ISLAND OK TIKI I 245 have no objection to salt water, as I have seen them diving on the sea at Gott Bay. A few pairs have remained to breed in recenl years among the reeds at Island Loch and at Loch Vasapol. Storm Petrel {Procellaria pelagica). — This Petrel is not uncommon off the coast of the island in summer. I have seen a few flitting about over the sea at Kennavara, and I think a few may probably breed in the gullies there. Last August I saw a young Storm Petrel get up from a ditch beside the public road at Barrapol. The bird rose quite close to me, and I noticed that it was quite a young bird. Barrapol is only a short distance from Kennavara. I have also noticed them in the late evenings flitting over the sea off Scarinish. Leach's Forked-tailed Petrel {Ocean odro/na leucorrhod). — I once found a bird of this species which had been killed by flying against the telegraph wire. I have not noticed any more, so that it must be of rare occurence here. Great Shearwater (Puffinus gravis). — This bird is very rare about here. I found one dead on the reef in October 1891, which was recorded in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, 1892, p. 74. Manx Shearwater (Puffinus anglorum). — These Shearwaters are occasionally abundant, especially in autumn. They come inshore in crowds at times when fish are plentiful, to feed on the same fry that their prey are feeding on. The natives call them " Fachachs," and consider it a good plan to fish where the " Fachachs " are flying about. They do not breed on the island, but their breeding haunts are at no great distance. Fulmar {Fulmarus g/acia/is). — Fulmars are not uncommon round the coast, but are never numerous. I have noticed an odd bird flying over land now and again, but they keep mostly out at sea. 246 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST GENERAL NOTES ON HABITATS AND OCCUR- RENCES OF LAND AND FRESH -WATER MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND. By Fred Booth. [This is the fifth of the series of notes on investigation of the northern range of mollusca in Scotland, undertaken by aid of a Government grant.— W. D. R.] A STRIKING feature in regard to local distribution in the parts of the north of Scotland which I visited in August 1910 is the character of the habitats ; and these habitats define strict areas for mollusca, with large intervening areas which to all intents and purposes appear to be devoid of molluscan life. Certain conditions and certain associations of plant-life appeared to be necessary to constitute a habitat of the desired nature to produce shell-life in any degree of commonness. Though to all appearance many other situa- tions appeared suitable, the most diligent search of them failed to produce a single specimen. This experience is totally different from what is met with in Yorkshire and Lancashire, where in most valleys there is a continuity of shell-life, though the habitats vary very considerably. In the disintegration or falling away of the rocks in northern Scotland, the particles do not appear to dissolve away into fine particles, like our Yorkshire rocks, whether limestone or grit, which settle down amongst the vegetation and quickly assume a soily nature, but are left in a gritty or rough granular state, which to all appearance is detrimental to crawling mollusca. The only habitats which appeared likely to yield specimens were those where a certain amount of moisture had given rise to rank vegetation, which from year to year in falling away had left a substratum of decaying matter consisting of dead leaves, mosses, etc. This kind of habitat MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND ,47 never failed to produce mollusca of a varied character These habitats occurred where small tricklets of water collected on their way to some stream, or down some slope to the sea. They were also met with in glens and ravines, and the spray from waterfalls in many instances caused this rank vegetation to flourish on the rocky ledges and slopes amongst which mollusca could be found. Whether the habitat was in a wood or on the slopes of the coast away from a wood, the species were in most instances the same. Beds of nettles which in general are associated with some forms of Hyalinice and Helicidce were here quite barren, though they along with other plants of a varied kind produced many species of mollusca. The character of this rank vegetation varied very little in all the localities investigated, and consisted mainly of Iris, Meadowsweet, nettles, Water Peppermint, Hairy Wood- rush, and rushes, mosses, etc., and in many cases umbelliferous plants, ferns, and bracken were present. The Hairy Woodrush was the most productive of any plant-life for mollusca, and only on rare occasions where it occurred did it fail to yield specimens. Whether in woods, glens, or on cliffs or on the coast, it invariably yielded Hyalinia fufaa, H. radiatula, and Sphyradium edentulum, in many cases Acanthinula lamellata, and in other instances A. aculeata, Pupa anglica, and Punctum pygmceum, in addition to more common species. These habitats on Skye were mostly on the coast, and as the island, or the portions which I visited, is nearly devoid of tree-life, with the exception of the odd plantations of a scrubby nature, they had not the shade which similar habitats enjoyed at Gairloch and Glenelg on the mainland. On the coast north of Portree, Skye, between the two Beila points, were several boggy patches where the streams come down the cliffs, in which Iris, bracken, and Meadowsweet were the predominant plants. Hygromia fusca was found here, climbing up the Iris-leaves along with Helicigona arbustorum. On the Varragill road, and a good way up one of the small streams that come down from the mountains, a habitat 248 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST of Hairy Woodrush, ferns, bracken, and mosses, sprayed by a waterfall, yielded Acanthinula laviellata, Pupa anglica, and several of the smaller Hyalinice. Boggy patches on the moorland produced no land shells, but in some instances the slugs Arion intermedius and A. hortensis were noted. On the road to Torran from Broadford, Skye, are several walls, and Balea perversa and Clausilia bidentata occurred sparingly under the loose stones that lay on the top. At Loch Chriosd this appeared to be an excellent locality for fresh-water shells. The loch was three-parts filled with reeds and water-lilies but no shell-life was found. On the road to Portree from Broadford, about two miles out, there is a long narrow scrubby plantation of hazel, birch, and ash, with numerous boggy patches, some of the nature previously alluded to, and others where the vegetation consisted of the common rushes and mosses only. This kind of habitat was usually barren, even though probably only a matter of a few yards from one with a greater variety of plant-life where mollusca occurred. North of Portree the oolitic limestone shows out in the face of the cliff, and crumbles away down on to the sloping parts between their base and the sea. This formation in certain districts is rich in molluscan life, yet here no material difference was noted between this part and other parts where the oolitic was absent. The same observation applies to the limestone formation near Broadford. There was no appreciable difference in quantity of species or specimens betwixt this and other rock-formations. In fact the lime- stone on the Torran road was very barren, and several likely-looking habitats failed to produce any shell-life. The peat and heather continue down to the coast on Skye at all the places visited, and only in a few instances were there any grassy slopes, and where these occurred they were closely cropped by sheep, which are all over in great numbers. In appearance many of these slopes looked ideal situations for Helicelhe, especially H. itala and H. caperata, but none were seen. On the mainland at Glenelg there are several fine valleys whose lower parts are clothed with trees and undergrowth, MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND with marshy patches of ground similar to those on Skye. These were the habitats that produced mollusca, and whether the locality was in the wooded part or on the coast away from it, the results and the species were the same. Pine woods of any age were scarce near the sea. A small one at Glenelg was investigated, but did not yield much with the exception of slugs. Old ruins proved to be good habitats for mollusca, especially those where lime had been used in building, and in most cases the specimens were large, and in the case of Hyalinia cellaria they were very fine. The ruins on Skye were decaying walls of old churches, and in one instance a cotter's dwelling. At Glenelg the ruins of the Barnera Barracks and old farm dwellings were the chief places. The stone fences along some of the roads at Gairloch, Glenelg, and on Skye in most cases produced Balea perversa, and in numerous instances Clausilia bidentata. The finest specimens of both these were collected on Skye, the Clausilia being from a wall near the ruins of the old church at Beila Point. On the east coast — Aberdeenshire — the most prolific habitats were the steep slopes that run down between the cliffs in several places. These appear to be always moist and keep the vegetation in vigorous growth. Amongst the plant- life on these slopes the Hairy Woodrush was the predominant form. That part of the Aberdeenshire coast where the sandhills occur only produced Helix hortensis very commonly. Any other species were comparatively scarce. The scarcity of moist or boggy ground may account for this. Inland the best habitats were those near rivers and streams only. The high sloping banks on the south side of the river Don, between the new Bridge of Don and the old Bridge of Balgownie, was the best habitat investigated. The banks were moist and covered with rank vegetation, comprising the plants before mentioned, with the addition of wild raspberry in great abundance. Higher up the river at Persley the banks were not so high, and were drier in character. Here the Hairy Woodrush occurred in isolated patches, which on investigation yielded the smaller species, though by no means commonly. The wooded part near the 23 21 2$o THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST riverside on Inverugie — to all appearances an excellent habitat — proved to be the most barren locality visited. Old ruins in Aberdeenshire were not so plentiful. In some cases there were no loose stones lying about either on the walls or on the ground, and in these cases very few species were observed. This applies to the old Castle of Slains, though the walls of decaying cottages once occupied by fishermen yielded Balea perversa — the only habitat noted for it on the east coast — and also Pupa cylindracea, commonly. Regarding the occurrence of species many which occurred commonly on the west coast were scarce on the east, and similarly, species common on the east were equally scarce on the west. Probably this may be accounted for by the difference in the physical features of the different coasts. Limax arborum was equally distributed on both coasts, and could be found crawling up the face of the cliffs, where at high tides it must catch the spray from the waves that break against the base of the cliffs. L. maximus was very rare though many apparently suitable habitats occurred, and this remark also applies to L. cinereotiiger. Agriolimax agrestis was the most abundant slug, especially on the east coast, and it was noted in every locality visited. It was least common on Skye. On the Aberdeenshire side it was in some localities an undoubted pest. Whilst walking from the old Castle of Slains to Pitlurg Station during a very wet day, the roads were so covered by the crawling multitudes of this species that one could not put foot down without treading on several every time. These roads were through an agricultural district, and the slugs had apparently crawled out of the wet fields. Agriolimax Icevis was not common, which may be accounted for by there being so few mature specimens. I noted it in an immature stage in every locality. The time to collect mature specimens of the Marsh Slug is early spring, or in very late autumn, as my own personal experi- ence of it in Yorkshire shows. The possible occurrence of Limax tenellus was not lost sight of, and a good deal of time was spent in searching for it in the few pine and other old woods that I could visit ; but in only one instance could I say that I thought I had found it — and in that I have no corroboration, from inability to send the example to a limacologist ; this was in the small pine wood at Glenelg. The remarks made on Agriolimax Levis practically apply MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND j5i to Vitrina pelludda also, which is not adult until laic autumn. Immature specimens turned up in every locality visited. The only mature ones seen were dead, the living specimens being only half grown. Hyalinia crystallina, H. alliaria, II cellaria, H. nitidula, and H. pura occurred in every place visited, and — with the exception of H. cellaria — were in no single instance common. H. cellaria was common on several occasions amongst old ruins, both on Skye and on Glenelg. H. radiatula occurred in most places in every district, sparingly along with H. fulva. Zonitoides excavatus I only noted once, occurring under fallen timber in the wood on the road to Kerrydale, Gairloch. Near Portree I obtained about three specimens of a Hyalinia, which seemed to me to be helvetica, but I have no corroboration as to the correctness or otherwise of this opinion. Avion ater was abundant at Gairloch, more so than at any other locality visited, and here the only variation observed was the black- footed one (var. aterrima). The species was sparingly distributed in the Portree district of Skye, but occurred more commonly near Broadford. In Aberdeenshire it was most common on the slopes of the cliffs, and on the sloping banks of the river Don between the two bridges. At this place were the only coloured forms I saw— var. castanea, but very dark colour. Art on intermedins occurred in every district in damp situations along with A. hortensis and A. circumscriptus. A. subfuscus was only seen in one or two localities, at Gairloch, and on the banks of the Don, near Aberdeen. Punctnm pygmceum is another species which my past experience has shown to be most common in early spring. I noted it, however, in most localities on the west coast and also in the Don Valley at Persley, and on the links at Belhelvie. Sphyradium edentulum may be said to be the most ubiquitous land shell observed during the investigation, occurring throughout every district visited. In practically every instance this species has turned up on investigating the Hairy Woodrush, both on the west and the east coasts. Pyramidula rupestris was not seen. Any walls or rocks in the carboniferous district round Broadford, Skye, were most diligently investigated in the hope of finding this shell, and other likely habitats in other districts were searched, especially old ruins, but without success. Pyramidula rotundata, probably the most abundant shell in 252 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Yorkshire, was here quite scarce, except perhaps in one locality, the slopes between the two bridges of Don, Aberdeen South. In every other locality it was found but sparingly, and in many cases it was much eroded. It was noted on both coasts. My experience with the genus Helicella was disappointing, and it was only once noted, when I collected H caperata on the golf- links at Belhelvie, Aberdeen South. Mr J. Simpson of Aberdeen told me that it occurs also on the sandhills at St Fergus, but I did not see it there. The genus Hygromia was also very sparingly distributed. H fusca is the most generally distributed species in the genus, and was generally found on the leaves of Iris both in woods on the cliffs and on the coast. In odd instances it occurred amongst other vegetation. It also occurred in some of the ravines. H. granulata was only noted on Skye, in both cases amongst old ruins, the ruins of the old churches at Beila Point, Portree, and on the Torran road near Broadford. H hispida I did not see, though in one instance immature dead shells were collected, which appeared very like this species. H rufescens was not observed at all, a strange experience to one accustomed to seeing this species so common in England. Acanthinula aculeata I only got in two localities ; on the ruins of an old wall in Kerrydale, Gairloch, and amongst Hairy Wood- rush at Persley by the river Don, Aberdeen South. A. lamellata was the commoner species of the two, and occurred in several localities at Gairloch, Glenelg, and Skye. Vallonia pulchella was the only one of the genus noted, collected on the sandhills north of Aberdeen. Helicigona arbustorum was found in every place visited, but varied very much in numbers, and was by no means so common on the west as on the east coast. Amongst the taller vegetation on the rocky part of the Aberdeenshire coast it occurred in abundance, but the greater number of shells were immature. Helix aspersa was only once noted, and that was amongst nettles alongside the river Don, where it was associated with Helix hortensis. The bed of nettles was at the foot of some allotment gardens on the north side of the river near the Bridge of Balgownie. Helix nemoralis was not seen, though Mr J. Simpson has collected it at St Cyrus (Kincardineshire), and he has not seen it anywhere north of that station. Helix hortensis was most sparingly distributed on the west coast, but on the east it was exceedingly MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND 253 common, especially on the sandhills north of Peterhead, also at Cruden Bay, Aberdeen North. The prevailing form of banding where it was so abundant north of Peterhead was 123(45) of the variety lutea. This formula would occur eight times out of ten. Eva obscura I looked for on the St Fergus Links, but did not find it. In the University Museum at Aberdeen there are five examples labelled as from this locality. Cochlicopa lubrica is another species which occurred throughout the districts visited, but in no instance was it common. Pupa anglica was a scarce species and only noted in two localities, both on Skye, once amongst Hairy Woodrush at the base of a waterfall in a glen or ravine in the Varragill Valley near Portree, and again on the Portree road about 2\ miles from Broadford, amongst Iris, moss, etc., in the scrubby plantation mentioned in my notes on habitats. P. cylindracea occurred throughout the district, and was most abundant behind grass, etc., at the base of the walls of the old church on the Torran road, Broadford. P. muscorum was not seen by me, though I spent a good time searching for it on the sandhills north of Aberdeen, where it is said to occur amongst moss, along with Vallonia pulchella. The latter species was found here by me. In the Aberdeen University Museum there are examples of this species {P. muscorum), but they are not labelled, and as there are numerous sets of shells from England, it cannot be said where these were collected. In regard to Vertigo the species are apparently very rare; V. substriata was collected in boggy ground at Gairloch and on the Belhelvie Links. There were numerous patches of boggy ground of the character that V. antivertigo is usually associated with, but I could not find the species. In regard to V. a/pestris, I did not observe any habitat either west or east likely to produce this species, judging from my previous experience of it in Yorkshire. Searching the tops of walls in woods and other situations that appeared in any degree to approach in character the stations it is usually found in failed to produce it. Balea perversa on the west coast was widely distributed, nearly all walls yielding it, in some cases fairly commonly, in others sporadically. It was never observed away from walls. On the east coast the only locality where it was found was on the ruins of an old fisherman's dwelling near the old Castle of Slains. (To be continued?) 254 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST SUPPLEMENT TO DR SHARP'S " COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND." By Anderson Fergusson. (Continued from page 232.) PSELAPHID/E. Tychus niger, Pk. — Forth, Haddington, one male in moss at Gifford, Evans (13); Clyde, Ayr, two males, Carrick Hill, near Ayr; Renfrew, four specimens in the Paisley district, Fergusson (1). [Bythinus glabratus, Rye. — Solway, Dumfries, two specimens in Dr Sharp's collection from Eccles doubtfully referred to this species, Fowler (6).] B. validus, Aub. — Forth, Edinburgh, Cramond, Corstorphine Hills ; Linlithgow, Dalmeny Park ; Solway, Dumfries, Dabton Loch, banks of Nith, specimens from all the above localities in Dr Sharp's collection, Fowler (4, 6). Bryaxis waterhousei, Rye. — Forth, Berwick, a pair from Penman- shiel, Hardy (1). B. helferi, Schm.— Forth, Fife, Rincardine-on-Forth, April 1901, a dozen under pieces of wood lying on the side of a muddy ditch, Evans (6). Euplectus piceus, Mots. — Tay, Mid Perth, one Comrie, 30th April 1899, Evans (7) ; Clyde, Clyde Islands, under fir bark in Glen Ashdale, Arran, Bagnall (3). trichopterygim:. Trichopteryx seminitens, Mat. — Tay, East Perth, in sheeps' droppings, Pitlochry, Beaumont. T. volans, Mots.— Tay, East Perth, in dry refuse in farmyard, Pitlochry, Beaumont; Moray, Eastemess, Aviemore, "three specimens were taken about 1876 or 1877 by Mr Champion," Fowler (6). T. longula, Mat.— Scotland (Champion), Fowler (6). T. intermedia, Gillm., var. thomsoni, I. B. Erichson. — Moray, Eastemess, in some numbers by beating fir tops, Newtonmore, and also two in Formica sanguinea nest at Nethy Bridge, Donisthorpe (5). DR SHARr's "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 255 Ptenidium atomaroidcs, Mots.— Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, St Kilda, from birds' nests, Joy (2). P. intermedium, Wank.— Forth, Stirling, Falkirk (Ilislop, ex. coll. Champion), Britten and Newbery. CORYLOPHID.F. Orthoperus mundus, Mat. — Moray, Easterness, one under baik of fir stump and another crawling over a similar stump, Nethy Bridge, August 1908, Bagnall (4). O. atomus, Gyll. — Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, St Kilda, from birds' nests, Joy (2). COCCINELLIM). Hippodamia variegata, Goez.— Shetland, Shetlands, exceedingly local but not uncommon (under Coccinella mutabilis), Blackburn and Tilley. Adalia bothnica, Pk., var. crucifera, Weise. — Forth, Fife, Moss Morran, one (Power), Fowler (6). Coccinella 1 i-punctata, L. — var. confluens, Donis. — Moray, Elgin, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty (1); Clyde, Clyde Islands, Machrie Bay, Arran, Fergusson (n); Cantyre, Macrihanish, Walker (2). See also Beare (n). [C. 14-pustulata, L. — Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Nilis.] Halyzia conglobata, L. — Forth, West Perth, Aberfoyle, one beat off oak, May 1896, another in same locality, September 1S97, Evans (5) ; Clyde, Dumbarton, Luss, two by sweeping, Fergusson (7). Scymnus redtenbacheri, Muls. — Forth, Haddington, four by sweeping grass, Luffness Marsh, June 1899, Evans (5) under mulsanti, Wat. S. pygmceus, Fourc. — Solway, Wigtown, by sweeping, Corsemalzie, Gordon (1). [S. frontalis, F. — Clyde, Clyde Islands, south end of Arran, Billups.] HISTERID.E. Bister merdarius, Hoff.— Forth, Edinburgh, one, Merchiston, Edinburgh, June 1894, Evans (6). Hypocaccus quadristriatus, Hoff.— Clyde, Renfrezv, Paisley, rare, Fowler (6). 256 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST nitidulid^e. Cercus rufilabris, Lat.— Solway, Kirkcudbright, rare, near Orchard- ton, Lennon and Douglas. Epunca parvula, Stm.— Tweed, Berwick, one, Langton Wood, near Duns, Hislop; Moray, Easterness, rare, Aviemore, Fowler (6) ; Clyde, Lanark, one about fungus on stump of tree, Fergusson (9). Meligethes difficilis, Heer.— Solway, Dumfries, on bracken near Langholm, Lennon and Douglas. M. pedicularis, Gyll. — ■" On Lamium album and Salvia pratensis, appears to be not uncommon in parts of Scotland," Rye (1). Rhizophagus cribratus, Gyll. — Forth, Edinburgh, one, Braid Hermitage, Edinburgh, Evans (7) ; Moray, Easterness, Kingussie, Bevins; Orkney, Orkneys, Mushalls, one specimen, Poppius ; Solway, Kircudbright, Orchardton, under fir bark, in fungi, and in carrion, Lennon and Douglas, and Fowler (6); Clyde, Ayr, one by sweeping, Ayr, August 1895; Lanark, two under bark, Cambuslang, 1S99, Fergusson (7). R. nitidulus, F.— Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Fowler (2), Walker (3), Beare (4) ; Moray, East Ross, near Garve, Joy (5). R. politus, Hell. — Moray, Easterness, Aviemore, a very small individual under bark, Champion (2). MONOTOMID^E. Monotonia quadrifoveolata, Aub. — Forth, West Perth, Dollar (Syme, Power), Fowler (6). LATHRIDIID.E. Anommatus 12-striatus, Mull. — Forth, Edinburgh, one at Morningside, Edinburgh, September 1897, on the under side of a board which had been lying for some months on damp earth, Evans (5). Enicmus fungicola, Th. — Moray, Easterness, Aviemore, Champion (2, 14). Corticaria fulva, Com.— Moray, Elgin, in flood rubbish, Culbin Sandhills, Chitty (1). C. fowleriana, Shp. — Dee, South Aberdeen, Braemar, one female, June 187 1, Sharp (10). Melanophthalma {Corticaria) similata, Gyll. — Moray, Easterness, beat from spruce fir, Nethy Bridge, D. Sharp (10); same locality, September 1908, Beare (23). DR SHARP'S "COLEOPTERA OF SCOTLAND" 357 CUCUJIJVE. L'cmophhvus pusillus, Sch. — Forth, Edinburgh, one female, Edin burgh ; Linlithgow, one male, Bo'ness, both in bread, Evans (7). BYTURID/E. [Byturus sambuci, Scop. — Solway, Dumfries, Lochmaben, Lennon (8).] CRYPTOPHAGID^E. Cryptophagus badius, Stm. — Clyde, Lanark, in fungus, Coatbridge, Fergusson (11). C. distinguendus, Stm.- — Clyde, Renfrew, one in flood refuse, Bishopton, March 1900, Fergusson (6). C. pubescens, Stm. — Tweed, Berwick, one near Girrick, Hislop ; Forth, Fife, Balmuto (Power) ; Moray, Easterness, Aviemore (Champion), Fowler (6). C. subdepressus, Gyll. — Moray, Easterness, Nethy Bridge, Loch Garten, and Colzium Bridge in Rothiemurchus Forest, on spruce firs, Beare (23), Aviemore, Champion (17); East Ross, two from young firs near Strathpeffer, August 1907, and near Garve, Joy (1, 5). Micrambe villosa, Heer. — Orkney, Orkneys, Stromness, Poppius (under Cryptophagus villosulus, Heer.). Atomaria nigripennis, Payk. — Clyde, Lanark, in a stable, Coat- bridge, Brown (1). A. munda, Er. — Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, St Kilda, from birds' nests, Joy (2). A. atra, Hbst.— Forth, Fife, Lochgelly (Power), Fowler (6). MYCETOPHAGID^E. My.eptophagus quadriguttatus, Mull.— Clyde, Lanark, in a stable, Coatbridge, Brown (1). PARNID/E. Limnius troglodytes, Gyll.— Clyde, Ayr, Knoweside; Clyde Islands, Loch Fad, Bute, Fergusson (n). In lochs. HETEROCERID^E. Heterocerus 1 britannicus, Kuw. — The species recorded in Ur 1 Lennon (2) recorded H. Icevigatus, Pz., and fusculus, Kies., from Dumfries, but neither of them appear in his MS. List of the Coleoptera of Mid Solway, and they are not at all likely to occur in Scotland. 21 2 K 258 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Sharp's " Coleoptera of Scotland " as sericans, Kies., was subse- quently found to be distinct, and was described as britannicus by Kuwert, Fowler (5). The record for sericans in Dr Sharp's list was Solway, Dumfries, "abundant in one spot near the mouth of the Nith." SCARAB^EID.'E. Aphodius subterraneus, L. — Tweed, Berzvick, one in horse-dung, Girrick, Hislop. [A. hrr.morrhoidalis, L. — Solway, Dumfries, Durisdeer, Lennon (6) ; Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Nilis.] [A. lapponum, Gyll., var. axillaris, Steph. — Shetland, Shetlands, Shetland, Tingwall, one specimen, Poppius. This variety is not included in the last European catalogue, and it is difficult to say from Stephens' description of axillaris whether it is a form of lapponum?^ A. nitidulus, F. — Clyde, Cantyre, in sheeps' dung, Macrihanish, July 1895, Walker (2). [A. tristis, Pz. — Solway, Dumfries, in flood refuse, Kelton, Lennon (2) ; but it is not included in his MS. List of the Coleoptera of Mid Solway.] A. sticticus, Pz. — Tweed, Roxburgh, one, Wooden, near Kelso, Hislop. [A. zenkeri, Germ. — Solway, Dumfries, very rare in flood refuse at Kelton, Lennon (2). This species is also omitted from the MS. List of the Coleoptera of Mid Solway.] A. depressus, Kug., var. nigripes, Steph. — Shetland, Shetlands, Lerwick, one specimen, Poppius ; West Ross, North Ebudes, in sheeps' dung, Eigg, Donisthorpe (10). Heptaulacus villosus, Gyll. — Forth, Haddington, one specimen, North Berwick, 15th July 1899, Jolly (1). Geotrupes typhoeus, L. — [Tweed, Selkirk, Galashiels district, " reported by Mr W. Pringle, but very doubtful," Whitehead] ; Tay, Forfar, Evans (3), an old record by Don in his account of the plants and animals of Forfarshire appended to Headrick's "Agriculture" of the County, published in 1813; Solway, Kirkcudbright, one male in May 1890, near Orchardton, Lennon and Douglas; Clyde, Ayr, two males and two females, Irvine Moor, Fergusson (2) ; Clyde Islands, Arran, two males and a female on heathery moor between Brodick and Lamlash, April 1895, Evans (2). NOTES 259 [G. mutator, Marsh.— Solway, Dumfries, Durisdeer, Lennon (6) ; Clyde, Clyde Islands, south end of Arran, Billups.] Hoplia philanthus, Fuss. — Sutherland ?, Sutherlandshire, June 1905, Cruttwell (1); Solway, Dumfries, one by sweeping near Dumfries, Lennon and Douglas; Clyde, Clyde Islands, three at Catacol, Arran, July 1855, Fergusson (7). ELATERID^. Cryptohypnus dermestoides, Hbst., var. 4-guttatus, Lap. — TWEED, Peebles, near Peebles, Black (2) ; Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Champion (6), Beare (4) ; Moray, Easterness, banks of Spey, Bevins, Newtonmore, Donisthorpe (3) ; Nethy Bridge, Donis- thorpe (9) ; Dee, South Aberdeen, Braemar, Champion (6) ; Solway, Ayr, Barr, Fergusson (7). Plater elongatulus, F. — Solway, Dumfries, one off birch, Dalskairth Wood, Dumfries, Lennon and Douglas. Melanotus castanipes, Pk. — Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Beare (18), Donisthorpe (9), Fowler (6), Wood (2) ; Moray, Easterness, Aviemore, Champion (4), Fowler (6) ; but Newbery (P.M.M., xliii., p. 123, and xlv., p. 32) is of opinion that castanipes, Pk., recorded from Scotland is rufipes, Hbst. On this point, see also Beare (Put. Pec, xxii., 5). Corymbites cupre?is, F., var. ceruginosus, F. — Tweed, Peebles, near Peebles, Black (1) ; Forth, not uncommon, Forth District, Jolly (2) ; Tay, Mid Perth, Rannoch, Beare (4), Donisthorpe (9) ; Moray, Easterness, Kingussie, Bevins ; Inverness-shire, Dunachton, Grimshaw (2) ; Sutherland, Caithness, Thurso, Thornley (2) ; Solway, Dumfries, Moffat, Thornley (2) ; Roxburgh, Newcastleton, Barton ; Clyde, Renfrew, Paisley, Kilbarchan ; Dumbarton, Luss ; Clyde Islands, Arran, Fergusson (7); Argyle, Westemess, Ben Nevis, Thornley (1). (To be continued.) NOTES. Quail in Forfarshire. — On 19th September, when shooting on Wedderburn, Forfarshire, I shot a male Quail. I sent the bird to W. E. Frost, Esq., Ardereck, Crieff, in whose collection it now is. I may add that the taxidermist who is setting up the Quail described it to me as an "immature male." The bird seemed 260 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST to me when shot to be in perfect plumage. — H. Scrymgeour- Wedderburn (Lieut.-Colonel), Kingennie, by Dundee. Scarcity of Razorbills and Guillemots. — I have read with much interest in the Scottish Naturalist for October the note by Mr Charles Kirk upon the scarcity of Razorbills and Guillemots on Ailsa Craig this year. Miss Maud Haviland and I have just lately been on Rathlin Island, not many miles to the westward of Ailsa, and there the people report the same thing, that on the cliffs, where the eggs lay so thick in years past that the birds could not move for stepping on them, this spring there were hardly any nesting there at all. This was attributed to the blasting of the limestone cliff on the southern side of the island, and also the building of the new lighthouse on the western end; but in neither case would this have affected birds nesting on the north- east cliffs. As your correspondent suggests, there must be some outside reason for this general departure of the birds from their natural haunts; one can hardly imagine that it is the food question, though that seems a possible solution. I shall be interested to see if any other of your readers report the same disappearance in other quarters. — Mary G. S. Best, Longparish, Hants. The Scandinavian race of the Lesser Black-backed Gull in Forth. — When at Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, on 15th September last, my attention was arrested by a particularly dark- mantled Lesser Black-backed Gull standing on some floating timber in the harbour. Binoculars in hand, I watched it for fully half an hour from a distance of only 30 to 40 yards, so that every detail of its coloration was perfectly seen. It had all the appearance of a fully adult bird. Compared with other Lesser Black-backs which were resting a few yards from it, the darker colour of the mantle was very evident ; indeed, it was as dark as a Great Black-back standing close by. In view of the recent separation of the Lesser Black-backs breeding in this country as a racial form distinct from the typical darker-backed Scandinavian bird (if. article by Dr Percy R. Lowe, British Birds, vi., 2), specimens of this species (Lams fu setts) secured in Scotland during autumn, winter or spring are much to be desired. Meantime I feel justified in recording the bird I saw at Grangemouth as an example of the dark-backed Scandinavian race. Lesser Black- backed Gulls were, I may add, unusually abundant in Mid and West Lothian during the spring and summer of this year, flocks of 300 to 400 having come under my observation several times.— William Evans. NOTES 26i Aplysia punctata, Cuv., in the Firth of Forth.— Seeing there appears to be but one published record of this somewhat remarkable Mollusc— the so-called " Sea-Hare " — as an inhabitant of the Firth of Forth, the following occurrences deserve to be made known. In January 1896 the late Mrs Rickards, North Berwick, gave me two examples which she obtained there and had kept alive for some time ; and now I have from Mr W. Ingles two which were taken alive in the end of July this year (191 3) among the rocks at low-water mark in the same locality. The length of the latter when fully extended was 5 to 6 inches. The name Aplysia kybrida, which is synonymous with A. punctata, occurs in Dr M 'Bain's list of Forth Mollusca, published in the 1862 edition of Wood's East Neuk of Fife ; no locality or authority is mentioned, and Leslie and Herdman were able to cite no other record in their Catalogue of the Invertebrates of the Firth. — William Evans. Supplement to Dr Sharp's " Coleoptera of Scotland." — In a note contained in the Entomologist 's Record for September (p. 238) it is stated that the Supplement to Dr Sharp's "Coleop- tera of Scotland," presently appearing in this magazine, is based largely on the recently published Volume VI. of the Coleoptera of the British Islands, by Canon Fowler and Mr H. St J. K. Donisthorpe. This statement is quite inaccurate. The list of species contained in the Supplement was completed before the publication of the additional volume of the Coleoptera of the British Islands, and this fact was clearly stated in the Introduction to the Supplement {Scottish Naturalist, 1913, p. 157).— Anderson Fergusson, Glasgow, W. Ripersia halophila (Hardy) on the Isle of May.— On Toth September last, while searching for Spiders on the Isle of May, I came upon a colony of this small Coccid or "Mealy Bug" underneath a tuft of grass growing on the side of a rock. Specimens were sent to, and kindly determined by, Mr Ernest Green. It is now about fifty years since this insect was discovered by the late James Hardy on the Berwickshire coast, near Fast Castle and Siccar Point, and recorded by him under the name of Coccus halophila in the Transactions of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club for 1864 (vol. v.). Since then it has been taken on the Welsh coast (Puffin Island) and West coast of Scotland, but not again, so far as I know, on the East coa^tq * ^#«* y. LIBRARY till now. — William Evans. 262 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Somatochlora arctica, Zett., in the Spey district, and at Guisachan, Strathglass. — In furtherance of Mr Blackwood's note in the September number of the Scottish Naturalist, I may mention that I captured a fine female of the above in a clearing above Nethy Bridge, on 3rd August 191 1. I kept a good look- out for the species this season, but was not fortunate enough to see it. On 31st July 1899 I caught a male of the species at Guisachan, near the locality which Dr Buchanan White indicated to me. — James J. F.-X. King, Glasgow. BOOK NOTICES Animal Geography : the Faunas of the Natural Regions of the GLOBE. By Marion I. Newbigin, D.Sc.(Lond.). Oxford : Clarendon Press, 1913. Price 4s. 6d. This useful and instructive volume treats the important subject of zoogeography in an interesting and novel fashion, for in its various chapters the faunas are treated from a more purely geographical point of view than has been the fashion of late. Out of ten chapters forming the work only one deals with the well-known zoogeographical regions first defined by P. L. Sclater and afterwards adopted by Alfred Russel Wallace. The other chapters are devoted to an account of the physical aspects and faunal features of the tundra, the taiga or coniferous forest, steppes, mountains, tropical forests, tropical savannas and deserts, islands, seas, lakes, and rivers. An appendix furnishes the non-zoological reader with an outline classification of animals which will prove of great service. The illustrations, of which there are about fifty, are good and carefully selected, and the typography excellent. We can cordially recommend this volume as an excellent summary of a fascinating subject. The Peregrine Falcon at the Eyrie. By Francis Heatherley, F.R.C.S. With photographs by the author and C. S. King. London: Country Life Offices, 1913. Price 10s. 6d. net. Mr Heatherley has written a monograph on the peregrine falcon which is a most interesting contribution to ornithological literature. The life of the peregrine is described from start to finish, and the reader of the book is left in full possession of every detail of the falcon's modus vivendi. Beginning from 7th April, when one egg was found in the GLEANINGS 263 eyrie, until the young were fledged and ready to fly, the author tells step by step of the progress and growth of these attractive birds, and one may safely say that this study of the peregrine is quite unique and full of the most valuable observations. The photographs deserve the highest praise, and have indeed touched the high- water maik of excel- lence. It is needless to point out the unfailing patience and skill which must have been required from both author and photographer before such a book could have been produced. We trust they will not think us ungrateful if we have one adverse criticism to make, namely, our dislike to the facetious headings of the pages ; such expressions as " You may hide, Sarah, but I'll see him farther" ; or, "Golly, I've left the lens at home," seem to us both irritating and out of place in a work which is really a valuable and most excellent contribution to the study of the life of the finest bird in our native fauna. There is an excellent appendix and index to this book, and the type is of the best. — G. E. G. M. GLEANINGS We regret to record the decease, on 2nd September last, of Pro- fessor Odo Morannal Reuter, the distinguished authority on Hemiptera- Heteroptera. Although a native of Finland, Professor Reuter published many important articles in the Journals of other countries, and in the seventies visited the Orkney and Shetland Islands, where he made extensive collections in all Orders of Insects. Some of the results were published in the pages of the Scottish Naturalist, and formed an im- portant contribution to our knowledge of the fauna of these northern islands. In the Annals and Magazine of Natural History for October 1913 appears, on pp. 361-368, an article by G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton and Martin A. C. Hinton, entitled "Three New Voles from the Inner Hebrides, Scotland." The new forms in question are Evotomys erica, a new species from Raasay, and two new subspecies of Microtus agrcstis from Eigg and Muck respectively. The subspecific names applied to these forms are mial and Inch. We should like to learn the etymology of these, to us, somewhat uncouth names ! In the October number of British Birds Mr Witherby has an elaborate paper on the sequence of plumages of the rook, with special reference to the moult of the "face," illustrated by eight plates. The result of his findings is shortly as follows :— Juvenile plumage— Acquired in the nest, the down-plumage being completely moulted. First winter plumage— Acquired by a complete moult, with the excep- tion of the flight feathers, bastard wing, primary coverts, the greater coverts (excepting the two innermost) and the tail feathers. First summer plumage— Acquired by abrasion and fading, excepting the nasal and 264 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST gape bristles, the feathers at base of the lower mandibles and on the lores, chin, and upper throat, which are moulted. Second winter plumage — Acquired by a complete moult. Second summer plumage — Acquired by abrasion. The down on the chin has been gradually worn away during the winter until by January this region is practically bare. Adult winter and summer plumage — Acquired in exactly the same way and at the same periods as the second winter and second summer plum- ages. The rook remains with its face fully feathered until January, when the first summer plumage is assumed. It then becomes clothed with down, and it is not until the second year that this region becomes practically bare. In the. Journal of Conchology for October 1913 (pp. 124-128), J. T. Marshall continues his paper on "Additions to 'British Conchology.'5' Scottish localities are given for the following species and varieties : — Pec ten sulcatus, Mull. ; P. varius, var. purpurea, Jeff. ; P. opercularis, van audouinii, Payr. ; P. pes-lutrcc, L. ; P. ligrinus, Mull. ; P. similis, Lask. ; Ammussium hoskynsi, Forb. ; Lima sarsii, Lov. ; L. subovata, Jeff. ; Modiolaria marmorata, Forb. ; M. discors, var. semilarvis, Jeff. ; M. nigra, Gray ; Nucula sulcata, Bronn ; N. tumidula, Malm ; N. corbuloides, Seg. ; Malletia obtusa, M. Sars ; Leda lucida, Lov. ; L. lenticula, Moll. ; L. frigida, Torell ; Limopsis aurita, Brocc. ; L. minuta, Phil. ; L. cristata, Jeff. ; Area obliqua, Phil. ; and A. nodulosa, Mull. [Mollusca.] In the Entomologists Record for October, T. Hudson Beare publishes (p. 258) an interesting note on Myrmica ruginodis. At Nethy Bridge, in August, a number of winged males and females were observed on the roadway, all the latter being paired with the males, while in each case three or four other males were struggling to displace the paired ones of the same sex. This "marriage-flight" was observed on a hot day at 2.30 in the afternoon. [Hymenoptera.] T. Hudson Beare records in the October number of the Entomolo- gisfs Record (p. 258) the discovery of two strong nests of the ant, Formica exsecta, at Boat of Garten, near Loch Vaa, on 12th August. He remarks that this is a new locality for the species. [Hymenoptera.] J. H. Ashworth describes four females of Daphnia pulex, in each of which one of the antennules showed male characters in more or less marked degree. The abnormal appendages, in two cases, resembled those of CeriodapJinia. The broods of two of the abnormal specimens were examined and found to be normal, notwithstanding that in one case as many as 383 close relatives, including 281 direct descendants, were known. (Proc. Roy. Soc, Edin., v., 33, iii., p. 307.) [Crustacea.] {Authors are responsible for nomenclature used.) The Scottish Naturalist No. 24.] 1913 [December A LIST OF BRITISH TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS. [Compiled from the Brit. Mus. "Catalogue of the Land-Mammals of Western Europe (Europe EXCLUSIVE OF RUSSIA)." By GERRIT S. MlLLER, 1912.] In no branch of systematic zoology have the researches of the modern specialist worked greater havoc with our time- honoured lists than in the case of the Mammals. This is brought forcibly before us by the perusal of the Catalogue of European Mammals recently issued by the British Museum. The preparation of this catalogue, in which some 70 genera and over 300 forms (species and subspecies) are diagnosed, to say nothing of the synonymy and information on distribu- tion, was entrusted to Mr Gerrit S. Miller, the well-known American mammalogist. The work, of course, has been done in Mr Miller's thoroughgoing way, and every page of the volume bears the impress of the highly trained specialist. For the benefit of those of our readers who are not familiar with the recent march of events in the study of this group of animals, we have compiled the following list of British Terrestrial Mammals from this new European Catalogue. The list speaks for itself. A noticeable feature is the large number of forms of Voles and Mice peculiar to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Some of these forms, it must be said, depend practically on nothing but cranial and dental characters not easily appreciated. Opinion necessarily fluctuates as to the status of forms based on such slight differences ; and already the investigation of a 24 2 L 266 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST collection of small Mammals, from the Inner Hebrides, by Major Barrett-Hamilton and Mr Martin A. C. Hinton,1 and of one from the Orkneys, by Mr Hinton,2 bespeaks con- siderable alterations on the list. INSECTIVORA. Talpa europ^ea, Linn. ; The Mole. No subspecies are recognised in the Catalogue. Sorex araneus castaneus, Jenyns ; British Common Shrew. Eight extra-British subspecies of S. araneus, L., are also recognised. Sorex minutus minutus, Linn. ; Pigmy or Lesser Shrew. Besides this — the typical form — there is another race on the Continent. Neomys fodiens bicolor, Shaw ; British Water-Shrew. Only the typical form {fodiens, Schreb.) is known on the Continent. Erinaceus europjEUS europ^eus, Linn. ; The Hedgehog. E. e. occidentalism Barr.-Ham. (based on a Haddingtonshire specimen), is included in the synonymy of this, the typical European form. Three extra-British subspecies are defined. CHIROPTERA. Rhinolophus ferrum-equinum insulanus, Barr.-Ham. ; British Greater Horse-shoe Bat. Two subspecies, the other being the typical or Continental form. This species does not occur in Scotland. Rhinolophus hipposideros minutus, Montagu ; British Lesser Horse-shoe Bat. May have occurred in Scotland, but no proof exists. Two extra-British subspecies are given. The rest of the Bats occurring in the British Isles are as yet unburdened with subspecific nomenclature. They are :■ — Myotis mystacinus, Kuhl ; Whiskered Bat. Myotis nattereri, Kuhl ; Natterer's Bat. Myotis bechsteinii, Kuhl; Bechstein's Bat. This docs not occur in Scotland. 1 Proc. Zool. Soc, London, Sept. 19 13, p. 821 ; and Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist, Oct. 1913, p. 361. 2 Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Nov. 1913, p. 452. A LIST OF BRITISH TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS 267 Myotis daubentoni, Kuhl ; Daubenton's Bat. PlPISTRELLUS PIPISTRELLUS, Sckreb. / PlPISTRELLE. Eptesicus serotinus, Schreb. ; Serotine. Does not occur in Scotland. Nyctalus noctula, Schreb. ; Noctule. Nyctalus leisleri, Kuhl; Leisler's Bat. Has not occurred in Scotland. Plecotus auritus, Linn. ; Long-eared Bat. Barbastella barbastellus, Schreb. ; Barbastelle. Not known from Scotland. CARNIVORA. Vulpes vulpes crucigera, Bechst. ; Fox. British form, occur- ring also in Central and Southern Europe. Two extra-British subspecies of V. vulpes, L., are given. Meles meles meles, Linn. ; The Badger. Two subspecies, of which we have only the typical form. Lutra lutra, Linn. ; The Otter. No subspecies given. Martes martes martes, Linn. ; The Marten. Two subspecies, the typical one only in Britain. Mustela erminea stabilis, Barr.-Ham. ; British Stoat. Con- fined to the mainland of Great Britain. Mustela erminea ricinve, Miller ; Islay Stoat. In Jura as well as Islay. M. erminea, L., is split into four subspecies, two of them extra-British. Mustela hibernica, Thomas and Barr.-Ham. ; Irish Stoat. Occurs also on Isle of Man. Mustela nivalis nivalis, Linn. ; The Weasel. Three subspecies recognised. Mustela putorius putorius, Linn. ; The Polecat. Two sub- species. As is indicated by the trinomial names in this and the previous case, these species are represented in Great Britain by the typical forms. Felis silvestris grampia, Miller ; British Wild Cat. Typical race, silvestris, Schreb., and another subspecies, both extra British. RODENTIA. Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus, Linn. ; The Rabbit. Besides this, there is a second subspecies on the Continent. Lepus europ^eus occidentalis, de Winton ; British Brown Hare. One of the seven subspecies into which L. europaus, Pallas, is divided. 268 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Lepus timidus scoticus, Hilzheimer ; Scottish Mountain Hare. One of the three races into which L. timidus, L., has been separated. Lepus hibernicus, Bell ; Irish Hare. This form, now ranked as a species, has been introduced into Carnarvonshire and the Island of Mull. Muscardinus avellanarius, Linn. ; Dormouse. No subspecies. Does not occur in Scotland. Evotomys glareolus britannicus, Miller; British Bank Vole. Nine subspecies of E. glareolus, Schr., are described in the Catalogue. Evotomys skomerensis, Barr.-Ham. ; Skomer Vole. Only known from Skomer Island, off the coast of Wales. Of the seven subspecies of Microtus agrestis, Linn. (Field Vole), differentiated in the Catalogue, we have the three following : — Microtus agrestis exsul, Miller. North and South Uist, Outer Hebrides. Microtus agrestis hirtus, Bellamy. Distribution given as " England and the lowlands of Southern Scotland." Among the localities given are Hawick and Crieff. Microtus agrestis neglectus, Jenyns. " Highlands of Scotland." Microtus orcadensis, Millais ; Orkney Vole. From Pomona and several of the adjacent islands of the Orkney group. Microtus sandayensis sandayensis, Millais. Known only from the island of Sanday, in the north of Orkney. Microtus sandayensis westr^e, Miller. Known only from the island of Westray, Orkney. The species Arvicola amphibius, L., is divided into the two following subspecies, both confined to Britain. A. terrestris, L., from Sweden is very closely related. Arvicola amphibius amphibius, Linn. ; The Water- Vole. " England and Southern Scotland : exact northern limits of range not known." Arvicola amphibius reta, Miller; Black , Water - Vole. " Scotland except southern portion ; " but limits of distribution require investigation. The name reta ( = ater reversed) has been substituted for ater, MacGillivray, which is precluded, it appears, by the rules of nomenclature. Under the specific name Apodemus sylvaticus, L., are embraced A LIST OF BRITISH TERRESTRIAL MAMMALS four subspecies, that inhabiting the British Islands being the typical form, viz. : — Apodemus sylvaticus sylvaticus, Linn.; Common Long-tailed or Wood Mouse. Barrett-Hamilton's Mus sylvaticus celticus, from Ireland, is included in synonymy of this race. The next three "species" and the succeeding subspecies were all regarded by their authors as races of Mus sylvaticus, L. Apodemus hibridensis, de Winton. In Outer Hebrides (Lewis and Barra). Apodemus hirtensis, Barr.-Ham. Confined to St Kilda. Apodemus fridariensis, Kinnear. From Fair Isle, the southern- most of the Shetlands. Apodemus flavicollis wintoni, Barr.-Ham. Confined so far as is known to England. The typical race {flavicollis, Melchior) does not occur in Britain. In the case of Mus (Micron/ys) minutus, Pallas, two subspecies are recognised, that to which British specimens are referred being the common Central European form, viz. : — Micromys minutus soricinus, Hermann. Though the Harvest- Mouse is recorded from Scotland, fresh captures are much to be desired. Epimys rattus rattus, Linn. ; The Black Rat. Millais's Mus rattus ater is included in the synonymy of this form. Epimys rattus alexandrinus, Geoffroy ; Alexandrine Rat. These are the only subspecies of rattus given. Epimys norvegicus, Erxl. ; The Brown Rat. Mus liibcrnicus, Thompson, is added to the synonymy, and no subspecies are erected. Erxleben's name is a year earlier than decumanus, Pallas. Mus musculus musculus, Linn. ; The House-Mouse. The only other subspecies given in the Catalogue is M. m. azoricus, Schinz. Mus muralis, Barr.-Ham. ; St Kilda House-Mouse. Sciurus vulgaris leucourus, Kerr; British Squirrel. The extra-British races of S. vulgaris, L., described, number no less than eleven. UNGULATA. Cervus elaphus scoticus, Lb'nnberg. This is the name given to our Red Deer. The following quotation from the Catalogue seems necessary: — "The status of the British form of Red 270 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Deer is not well understood. The cranial characters mentioned by Lonnberg as distinguishing the animal from atlanticus [of Western Norway] are inconstant, but there appears to be an appreciable difference in colour between the two races." Five other subspecies (all extra-British) of C. elaphus, L., are described. Dama dama, Linn. ; The Fallow-Deer. No subspecies. Capreolus capreolus thotti, Lonnb. ; British Roe-Deer. In all, four subspecies (three of them extra-British) of C. capreolus, L., are defined. Addendum. — The new forms recently described from the Inner Hebrides by Barrett-Hamilton and Hinton in the papers alluded to on page 266, are as follows: — Sorex grantii. From Islay. Evotoniys alstoni. From Mull. Evotomys erica. From Raasay. Microtus agrestis macgillivraii. From Islay. Microtus agrestis mial. From Eigg. Microtus agrestis Inch. From Muck. In the third paper, Mr Hinton arranges the Orcadian Voles as subspecies of Microtus orcadensis, Millais, in the following order, "beginning with the least modified": — M. orcadensis ronaldshaiensis, subsp. n. From South Ronald- shay. M. orcadensis orcadensis, Millais. From Pomona. M. orcadensis rousaiensis, subsp. n. From Rousay. M. orcadensis westrce, Miller. From Westray. M. orcadensis saudayeusis, Millais. From Sanday. A NEW BRITISH BIRD 271 ON THE OCCURRENCE OF PHYLLOSCOPUS FUSCATUS (BLYTH) IN THE ORKNEY ISLANDS: A NEW BRITISH BIRD. By Wm. Eagle Clarke. DURING the past autumn I spent nearly five weeks on the Orkney island of Auskerry, arriving there on 3rd September and leaving on 6th October. George Stout accompanied me as my assistant and taxidermist, and Dr C. B. Ticehurst joined me on 17th September. Auskerry is one of the most easterly islands of the Orcades ; is uninhabited, except that it boasts of a light- house ; is small, being only some 260 acres in area ; and lies some three miles south of the large island of Stronsay. Here on the morning of 3rd October many birds were present on their passage southwards, having arrived the previous night, and among them the bird under consideration — an Asiatic waif known to Indian ornithologists under the name of the Dusky Willow-warbler or Dusky Tree-warbler. This erratic wayfarer was found early in the day amid a patch of nettles, and was at once detected as a stranger, but, being very shy, escaped capture for some time. When secured, it was recognised as a species which had, as yet, no place in the British avifauna. I afterwards identified it as Phylloscopus fuscatus — a finding which was most obligingly confirmed by comparison with specimens in the Tring Museum. The Dusky Willow - warbler is a summer visitor to eastern and central Siberia, where its range extends from the Yenesay Valley to the shores of the Pacific Ocean ; and southwards to the Himalayas, where it has been found nesting in Sikkim, and has also been observed in the breeding season in Nepal. It occurs on its migrations in Mongolia, North China, and Japan ; and winters in India, where it is found in Bengal and the North-west Provinces to Assam, in Burma, Tenasserim, southern China, Hainan, and Formosa. It has not, so far as I have been able to 272 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST ascertain, hitherto been obtained in Europe ; but Herr Gatke relates ( Vogelwarte Helgoland, p. 294) the circumstances under which he believed he saw a bird of this species on Heligoland on 24th October 1876. The occurrence of this bird in Orkney so very far removed from the accustomed lines of flight traversed by its kind when en route for its oriental winter quarters, adds yet another to the many remarkable instances of the inexplicable wanderings of feathered travellers during the periods of their migrations. According to Dresser {Manual of Palcearctic Birds) this warbler frequents low bushes on the plains and at low elevations on the hills, especially in damp localities, and is not shy. Its song is simple but loud, and may be heard through the summer till the young are fledged. It breeds in June, and its nest, which is placed on the ground or in a low bush, is oven-shaped with an entrance hole at the side, and is constructed of dry grasses and moss, and well lined with feathers. The eggs, usually five in number, are pure white and average 16-6x12-5 mm. (0-65x0-49 ins.). The Cuckoo very frequently deposits its eggs in the nest of this bird. The Auskerry example is a female in the fresh plumage of autumn. The upper parts are olive brown, darker on the head ; wings and tail dusky, and their feathers edged externally with olive brown ; lores and feathers behind the eye dark brown ; a conspicuous buff stripe extends over the eye to the nape ; cheeks and ear-coverts mottled brown and buff; chin whitish ; throat and abdomen buffy white ; breast, axillaries, edge of wing, vent and under tail-coverts buff; flanks deep brownish buff. The fourth and fifth primaries are equal and longest ; the second primary is equal to the tenth ; and the first or bastard primary is long, being rather more than half the length of the second and extending beyond the primary coverts. Wing 55 mm. (2*18 ins.). Feet dull pale brown ; upper mandible blackish, pale at the tip and edges. Base and edges of under mandible yellow, rest dusky. The males are similar in plumage but are rather larger, their wings being from 60 to 66 mm. (2'^y to 27 ins.). Speaking generally, this warbler has not the appearance TWO NEW SCOTTISH BIRDS 273 of a Phylloscopine bird. It possesses, too, characters not shared by typical members of the genus, among others the comparatively long first primary, and these have led to its having been considered as belonging to other genera — Oreopneuste, Lusciniola, and Herbivocula. At Auskerry over one hundred species of birds were observed during my visit, a number of which are rare and interesting, several of them being new to the avifauna of Orkney. It is proposed to treat of some of these in a future contribution. TWO NEW SCOTTISH BIRDS. By Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul. The favourable climatic conditions which prevailed during September and the first half of October, brought many interesting visitors to the Isle of May. Chief among these were the two which are the subject of this paper, both being additions to the Scottish avifauna. On 27th September a Melodious Warbler (Hypolais polyglotta) appeared on the island ; it proved tc be a female, in abraded plumage and considerably off colour. This is a southern species, breeding in France, south of the Somme, South-western Europe, Italy, and North-west Africa, and wintering in Western Africa. It has been recorded several times from the south of England in spring, and once from Cork in autumn, and has been noted in Belgium, Heligoland, and Austria, but this wanderer to Scotland seems to have penetrated farther north than any hitherto recorded. On 10th October our attention was caught by a most unusual looking Stonechat ; in fact, at first sight the bird looked more like a small Whinchat than anything else. It was a bird of the year, but, as it was necessary to com- pare the specimen with a series of skins, it was submitted to Dr Hartert, who kindly examined it, and refers it to 24 2 M 274 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST the Indian Stonechat {Saxicola torquata indica). This form breeds in Western Siberia, Russian Turkestan to the Southern Urals, and Western Himalayas, wintering in India. It has once before been procured in Britain, near Cley, Norfolk, on 2nd September 1904, but both it and the Melodious Warbler are new to the Scottish list. GENERAL NOTES ON HABITATS AND OCCUR- RENCES OF LAND AND FRESH -WATER MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND. By Fred Booth. [This is the fifth of the series of notes on investigation of the northern range of mollusca in Scotland, undertaken by aid of a Government grant.— W. D. R.] {Concluded frcnn page 253.) Clausilia bideniata was about as equally distributed as Sphyradium, with the exception of the north side of Aberdeen on the sandhills. It could be found in all manner of habitats where mollusca occurred. It was most abundant along with Pupa cylindracea at the foot of the walls of the ruined church on the road to Torran from Broadford. In many cases it was associated with Balea under the stones on the tops of walls. On the east coast it occurred in the cracks up the cliffs, most commonly at Muchalls, Kincardineshire. In Aberdeenshire it was scarce. Clausilia laminata was not seen. There were several likely-looking places for it on the west coast, but it failed to put in an appearance. The scrubby patches of wood on Skye where ash was common appeared most likely, but it did not turn up. The occurrence of Succinea putris is very questionable, but S. elegans was found in wet places on the coast at Gairloch, and occurred abundantly in Aberdeenshire, on Iris, reeds, rushes, etc., in the small streams and boggy places, both on the sandhills and cliffs, also inland by the side of the river Don. Carychiu?n minimum, although occurring in all likely places both on the west and east coasts, was by no means common, in the sense that one generally associates with the species. MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OK SCOTLAND Reverting to the vagaries of distribution of mollusca in the parts of Scotland visited, the genus Hyalinia was commoner on the west than on the east side. Also Hygromia granulata, Acanthtnula lamellata, and Pupa anglica occurred on the west coast only. Admitting that the west coast had the more favourable conditions to offer, does not explain why Helicigona arbustorum and Helix hortensis were so abundant on the east and so sparingly found on the west coast. In the case of the last-named it may be said to be rare on the west side, where only odd specimens were found in numerous localities where it might have been expected to occur commonly. Helicella caperata inhabited the sandhills of Belhelvie, yet there were equally favourable grassy slopes on the west where one would expect to find it. It is a matter difficult to explain why Succinea elegans was so abundant on the Aberdeenshire coast but so sparingly distributed on the west and absent from Skye during the present investigation, as habitats similar to those which it inhabited on the east were more numerous on the west; and to me the observations add to the difficulty rather than to its elucidation. In regard to fresh-water species very little can be said. Though there are numerous lochs throughout the different areas .investigated, they are so situated that valuable time would be lost in going to them, as in most cases the ways leading to them are through parts of the country unsuitable for finding land species. The lochs that were investigated proved very barren, three small ones in the Gairloch district failing to produce anything, even the common Limncea peregra being absent. Loch Gill Chriosd on the Torran road, Broadford, was also devoid of shell-life, which seemed quite unaccountable, as it was three parts covered by reeds and water- lilies. Examination of the margin and of the debris washed up on it failed to produce evidence in the form of dead shells. In small streams that ran into the loch there occurred Limncea peregra and Ancylus flitviatilis, both very scarce, as to all appearance recent floods had greatly disturbed the bed of the streams. Limncea truncatula and some species of Pisidium inhabited the ditches near the loch. Most of the rivers and streams being in spate, it was a difficult matter to make a thorough examination of them for mollusca. Unto margaritifer appeared to be abundant in the Kerry River, near Gairloch, judging by the quantity of dead shells washed up along the margin, also in the river Ugie in Aberdeenshire ; but in each case the swollen state of the water made it impossible to find living examples. 276 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST A pond at the brick depot near the Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, yielded Planorbis crista, also Limncea peregra and Pisidia. Limna>a truncatula was nowhere common, though generally distributed in ditches and wet places, and was collected in every locality visited, along with Pisidia, which could be found in every pond, ditch, stream, or boggy ground. I did not see Physa fontinalis, which Mr Simpson says occurs commonly in most places on the sloping banks near the Bridge of lion. He also says that Physa acuta formerly occurred very commonly in a mill pool in connection with the Banner Mills, Aberdeen. I did not see any species of Sphicrium, which may easily be accounted for by my not happening to visit (in the very limited time at my disposal) suitable places in which species of this genus might occur. My use of the terms abundant, very common, common, etc., is only relative as regards the area of this investigation, and intended to convey the idea of differences in point of number of specimens in the various localities examined. It has no reference to any other part of the kingdom. A species alluded to in these notes as abundant might only be common in comparison with abundance as understood in England. It will be appropriate to supplement my own observations by notes which Mr James Simpson of Aberdeen has supplied me, in reference to the records made by William LMacgillivray and Robert Dawson, many years ago. He states that many of the habitats mentioned by these two writers are either obsolete, or greatly changed since their time. In regard to the sandhills so often mentioned north of Aberdeen their appearance has been completely changed. Though golf links in Macgillivray's day, they have in more recent years been kept in better golfing condition than previously. Formerly there existed dense patches of gorse, broom, and other vegetation which was very productive of mollusca in great variety ; but this has now all been cleared away and the grass kept short, and numerous ponds, ditches, and marshy ground which yielded numerous fresh-water species have been either drained away or filled up. These same remarks apply more or less to the succession of golf links throughout the sandhills up the coast-line of Aberdeenshire. MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND 277 The St Fergus Canal is now a thing of the past, and the Aberdeen Canal is now occupied by a single track of railway laid along the dried-up bed of the canal throughout its entire length. The Torry district is now all laid out in streets and built upon, and the Den of Rubislaw, which yielded Acanthinula lamcllata and other good shells to Macgillivray, is now a residential suburb of Aberdeen and all built upon. The hollows between Aberdeen and the Spittal are all either drained or filled up and used for building purposes, and there are no ponds or ditches now in existence there. Mr Simpson told me that Macgillivray's and Dawson's collections of mollusca are in the Museum of the University of?=y.ierdeen, to which I paid a visit. Unfortunately for me Profs. Thompson and Trail and all the staff were away on holiday. The curator in charge showed me all the land and fresh-water molluscan collections that he could find, and I understood him to say that a lady, Miss Arnott, was greatly interested in mollusca, and when she was in Aberdeen went through and rearranged the whole of the mollusca. I found very few examples of British species, and what I did see had been fastened down to new strips, and in a number of cases had no data, either as to locality or date of collection. If the specimens I saw are the only examples, then it may be said that the Macgillivray and the Dawson collections have ceased to exist; and if they had been carefully retained, they would have been of the utmost value for local record. I noted the following :— Helix nemoralis, St Cyrus, Kincardine, Th. North, 1844. Helix nemoralis, St Cyrus, Kincardine, Th. Keith, 1844. Helix nemoralis, vars. rubella and libel lula, without bands. No locality or date. H hortensis, sand-banks, Inverugie, no date. Hyalinia crystallina, Cruden, no date. Hyalinia nilidula, Cruden, no date. Hyalinia alliaria, Cruden, no date. These specimens are not that species, but some arc If cellaria, and others H niiidula, varnished. ><^\C>f^x Ena obscura, St Fergus Links, no date. A/^or^" <" ■m?\® 278 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Hygrumia hispida, Dunottar Castle, no date. This to me looked like a small form of H. rufescens, and as neither of these species ranges in Scotland, north of Perthshire, and Kincardineshire on the east, or Argyleshire on the west, it would be well to have this record authenticated. Planorbis nitidus (fontanus), Loch of Strathbeg, no date. PI. contortus, Loch of Strathbeg and St Fergus Canal, etc., no date. Anodonta cygnea, var. anatina, Crimond, Strathbeg, no date. Limncea peregra, var. lacustris, Cruden. Is not that variety, but in the cases there is a form like it without locality or date. Ltmncea palustris. Below Bridge of Dee, October 1843, Win. Keith, and Strathbeg, 20th September 1843. Limnica truncatula, Hilton Quarries, Stuart Park, Marian Mac- gillivray, 1841. Pupa muscoruin. No locality or date. P. cylindracea, Cruden, no date. There are in the cases other species, which have mostly been contributed from Lngland by a Mr Bell. REPORT ON THE INVESTIGATION OF LAND MOLLUSCA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND. By W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., and John W. Taylor. By the aid of a grant from the Government fund administered by the Royal and other societies, supplemented from private sources, an investigation of the Mollusca in certain areas in the northern counties of Scotland was made by Mr Fred Booth in 19 10. The object was to accumulate evidence with a view of ascertaining how far north certain dominant and invading species of land and to a lesser extent fresh-water Mollusca have attained, and conversely the southern and eastern limits of some of the older and more recessive species which are being displaced. As one of us has stated in addresses delivered to the International Entomological Congress at Oxford in 191 2, and to other bodies, these problems of distribution are of the REPORT ON INVESTIGATION OF LAND MOLLUSCA '79 highest importance. Indeed, as Dr R. F. Scharffhas pointed out, the careful detailed and precise study of geographical distribution in our islands tends to provide a key to the solution of the greatest life problems, and has thus far- reaching importance, and that the Mollusca as a group would more than others — as they are much better known as regards their fossil history, structure, and phylogeny — tend to display the probable routes of dispersal, was suggested and emphasised by the late Karl Semper, in which view other distinguished students cordially concur. What is already known also tends to show the unlikelihood of the multiple origin of the organisms of the British Islands which was at one time suggested by Edward Forbes, and points to the diffusion of life being based upon the dominance of the more recently developed species, which by multiplication and diffusion compel the migration or alternatively the extinction of the earlier and competing forms of life. The problem before us was the accumulation of evidence from the north of Scotland, a region which is so difficult of investigation, by reason of its extent, its wildness and desolation, and its being so devoid of population and means of access from place to place, and where there have been so few investigations, that a grant was asked for and acceded to, for which our thanks are hereby tendered. The investigation was placed in the capable hands of Mr Fred Booth, of Shipley, one of the keenest and ablest conchologists of our acquaintance — and he made a close and careful examination of various selected localities on the Isle of Skye, and in parts of the vice-counties of Westerness and Ross West, on the western side of Scotland ; and of Aberdeen North and South, and Kincardine, on the eastern side. At the same time Mr J. Williams Vaughan, J. P., communicated some results of a stay in Ross East. Mr Booth's account of his work in detail has appeared in six instalments in this Magazine for the present year. The results as far as they go are satisfactory, including the addition of 12 species to the known authenticated fauna of Ross West, 5 to that of Ebudes North (Isle of Skye), 17 to that of Westerness, 13 to that of Aberdeen North, 22 j8o THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST to that of Aberdeen South, 2 to that of Kincardineshire, and 13 to that of Ross East. Investigation has for the most part had to be on the coast-line, not merely because easier of access to the collector, but because they are the natural lines of advance of the Mollusca themselves ; for, as Mr Booth shows by implication in his printed observations on habitats, the hard palaeozoic rocks of the interior by the method of their weathering afford but few spots in which Mollusca can maintain even a precarious existence. Other material available for our study, previous to Mr Booth's work, include the papers published by William Macgillivray (1843 an^ 1855), Robert Dawson (1870), and Rev. Geo. Gordon (about 1853), these being for the counties of Aberdeen, Banff, and Elgin. It is a pity that Macgillivray's and Dawson's collections, left to Aberdeen University, seem to have practically ceased to exist, but we have seen some of Gordon's from the Elgin Museum. A list for Caithness was published in 1864 by Mr C. W. Peach. Other material has included various casual notes and observations by Messrs W. Evans, A. Somerville, Revs. J. E. Somerville, J. McMurtrie, and R. Godfrey. Also by Mr W. Baillie, of Brora, who was of late years perhaps the only resident collector in the extreme north. So far, our examination of the materials available — which are, however, insufficient by reason of the fact that we know very little as to the two most northern counties, Sutherland and Caithness — we are able to note the line of advance westward and northward of a few of what we may term dominant species, those which are gradually taking possession of the more desirable parts of these islands, and are extending their range to the detriment and the eventual expulsion of the older and more recessive species, the results of this being shown by the gradually diminishing number of the localities where the recessive species occur, and the lessening number of individuals therein. The greater advance along the coasts of Great Britain on the east side of the country, which is so striking a feature in the distribution of most life, is, as in these species, REPORT ON INVESTIGATION OF LAND MOLLUSCA 281 explained by their entry into these islands having been originally effected on the eastern coast, from whence their progress northward is more readily effected ; inasmuch as the western coast can only be reached by crossing the intervening country and overcoming the many physical obstacles to their progress, though the relative inferiority of the life of the western regions facilitates the advance of the invaders from the east when once the western slope has been attained. This is further demonstrated by the material at our command, which shows that the molluscs penetrate farther north along the eastern than the western side of Scotland. Helix aspersa, for instance, is one of the most recently evolved and dominant species of Mollusca, its superiority being displayed not only by its successful competition with all other species for possession of favourable areas, but by its remarkable power of colonisation, exercised to the detriment and destruction of the aboriginal species of those portions of the globe in which life is on a lower plane; and its superiority is further shown by the greater perfection of its organisation, and the more decided concentration of the various nervous elements which constitute in these creatures what represents the brain in the higher animals. This species is recorded on the east side as far north as Elgin and Banff, and on the west on the Isles of Iona, Eigg, and Lismore, and at the Castle of Ardtornish. Helix nemoralis on the east reaches only to St Cyrus, and the Isle of Lismore on the west. It also is a dominant and advancing species of a high type of organisation, with much greater biochemical power of obtaining sustenance from a limited amount of food than less advanced species. Its place further north is taken by its close ally and phylo- genetic predecessor, H hortensis, which is a form retreating slowly before its successor, H. nemoralis. Hygromia rufescens, H hispida, and Ena obscura have a similar range of distribution to that of H. nemoralis, though further research northward is necessary to enable us to establish their precise limits. All these examples are of large and conspicuous forms, 24 2 N 282 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST and to establish the northern range of the smaller and more inconspicuous ones more extended investigation is requisite. It appears worthy of remark that the present knowledge of the northern limits of these forms corresponds fairly closely with the existence of that outstanding physical feature of the Highlands, the immense rift or great glen, through which the Caledonian Canal runs in a perfectly straight line, obliquely from north-east to south-west, a feature which is of immense geological age, an arm of the sea in Jurassic and Liassic times, and still a depression in the Triassic age. This, if it be a barrier to the northern advance of the dominant species mentioned, has only been passed at one single point (Ardtornish) by one of these species, H. aspersa, thus opening the way to their colonisation of the northern Highlands, an extension of range which the inhospitable character of the country only can delay. A problem which needs close investigation is the reported occurrence of Pyramidula rupestris at Durness, in the extreme north-west of Sutherland, so far removed from its known range to Perth and Oban that it is very necessary for the locality to be closely examined. Of matters subsidiary to the main object in view, may be mentioned the possibility of finding such species as Acanthinula Jiarpa and Pyramidula rudcrata, which occur in regions in Europe which can only be paralleled in Britain by the Scottish Highlands ; but so far neither has been observed in these islands, except the latter in a fossil state. The continuance of the investigation in the country north of the great rift of the Caledonian Canal is urgently necessary for the completion of the task, and it is hoped that a further grant may be forthcoming for the exploration of the extreme north coasts of Sutherland and Caithness. NOTES 283 NOTES. Movements of Migratory Birds observed in Kirkcud- brightshire.—On the evening of 27th October there must have been a considerable migration of Starlings over this district. Numbers of them came into the house after dark, and some of them spent the night indoors and were released in the morning. The house stands by itself on the hill of Cairnsmore, and has on three occasions within the last few years attracted migrants in the same way. On the other occasions the visitors were Yellow-buntings on 23rd and 25th November. The night was very dark and wet, and the wind S.S.E., the conditions in fact were typical of those favour- able for observing birds on migration at a lighthouse. A very marked increase in the number of Wood-pigeons was noticed during the following days, and hundreds of the birds came to roost in the fir woods at dark. Though I have lived here for twenty-five years, I have never seen anything approaching the number. On the night of 2nd November we had a great rush of Green- finches between 9 and 9.30 p.m. Several of them came indoors. The weather conditions were the same as before, a typical "lantern" night. — M. Bedford, Cairnsmore, Palnure. Song of the Willow-tit. — In a recent number of British Birds (vol. vii., p. 116), Mr T. A. Ewart describes the song of the Willow-tit as "similar to, but softer than, that of the Marsh-tit." As this is at variance with the experience of Mr C. J. Alexander, who considers the songs of the two species to be essentially distinct (British Birds, iv., 146), it may perhaps be worth while to give my experience as regards the former species in West Lothian — the more as the song does not appear to be at all well known in Scotland. Although fairly widely distributed in the country, the bird is local, and its song appears to be somewhat infrequently uttered. I have, however, noted it in a few instances during the spring and early summer months. On the first occasion of hearing it, I noted it down on the spot as a single note, repeated in a loud, clear tone some five or six times in succession. It might be written " tew-tew-tew-tew-tew," and has, perhaps, some resemblance to a common song-note of the Wood-wren. This description is very near that of Mr Alexander's Marsh-tit — "a loud, clear note repeated about seven times," and is totally unlike the " rich Nightingale-like notes" ascribed by the same writer to the Willow- 24 2 N 2 284 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST tit. Amongst the other notes uttered by the bird, the plaintive far-carrying alarm " tzing-tzing-tzing " is the most prominent. I should add that hitherto I have not met with the Marsh-tit in the district, all the individuals closely seen having the dull unglossed head which would appear to be the best field-distinction of the Willow-tit. Tits are notably variable in their songs, and it may prove that the two species are not easily separable in this respect. — S. E. Brock, Kirkliston. Glossy Ibis in Argyll. — When spending a holiday on the island of Lismore, a boy killed a bird of this species with a stone in a ditch on some farm land on the 13th October 191 3. The specimen was brought to me, and has been identified as an immature example of the Glossy Ibis. This uncommon visitor to Scotland has, I believe, occurred once before in Argyll, namely, at Islay in the autumn of 1902, a season when four of these rarce aves were obtained in various parts of Scotland. — Charles Kerr Harris, Portobello. Iceland Gull in West Ross-shire. — It might interest the readers of the Scottish Naturalist to know that yesterday (3rd November) we got a specimen of the Iceland Gull (Larus leucopterus), which was blown in by a gale. It was a young bird, I think, the plumage being yellowish grey; bill flesh-colour, with dark horn colour towards tip ; feet pale flesh-colour. Only once before have we got one of these gulls, viz., in January 19 10. It, too, was blown in by a gale. — Constance M. Fowler, Inverbroom. Newts in Caithness. — In A Vertebrate Fauna of Sutherland, Caithness, and West Cromarty, by J. A. Harvie-Brown and J. E. Buckley, published in 1887, the following sentence appears on page 251, viz.: — " Mr Reid tells us he never met with or heard of any species of newt in Caithness." In a later volume, The County of Caithness, edited by John Home, and published in 1907, there is a section dealing with the fauna of Caithness written by David Bruce, but it contains no reference whatever to any species of newt having been found in the county. Now, strange to say, so far back as 1876, I have known the common newt to live and breed in an old quarry hole situated less than half a mile from the town of Thurso. And I was always under the impression till I read the volumes above mentioned, that the newt was quite common in Caithness. — John Anderson, Thurso. [The species referred to is probably the Palmated Newt {Molge palmata), which we have found in Sutherland up to an elevation of 1800 feet above sea-level. — Eds.] NOTES 285 w Aphanopus carbo in British seas.— From the Glasgo Herald of 17th September last we learn that Messrs Sawers, Ltd., have recently presented to the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, a fine specimen of the interesting deep-sea fish, Aphanopus carbo, which was captured in the Atlantic, about twenty-three miles to the north- east of Rockall, at a depth of 180 fathoms, just on the edge of the great submarine plateau. The present example measures 3 feet 10 inches in length and 4 inches in depth, while its greatest girth is 9§ inches. Its body is scaleless, elongated, and band-like, the head is long and pointed, and the jaws are furnished with a single row of strong lanceolate teeth. The eye is of large size, and adapted to the conditions which exist at great depths. This interesting fish belongs to the family Trichiuridre. — [Eds.] Additions to the list of Forth Spiders.— While collecting spiders in the Trossachs, on 6th June last, along with Dr Randell Jackson of Chester, I captured an adult male of Zora uemoralis, Bl., among withered oak leaves above the road on the north side of Loch Katrine. From heath in a rather marshy piece of ground adjoining the loch, Dr Jackson swept an adult male, Robertus artmdinetus, Camb. ; and among the specimens he took home for examination, there are, he informs me, examples of Wideria cucullafa, C.L.K., and Porrhomma pallidum, Jackson. These are first records of these four species for the Forth area, and elsewhere in Scotland they have only been found on one or two occasions. — William Evans. BOOK NOTICES The Gannet : A Bird with a Historv. By J. H. Gurney, F.Z.S., etc. Illustrated by numerous photographs, maps, and drawings, and a coloured plate by Joseph Wolf. London : Witherby & Co. 27s. 6d. net. This is a volume which appeals in a very direct manner to all who are interested in the natural history of Scotland, since it treats of a bird which is pre-eminently Scottish. The seas of northern Britain are its metropolis, and from a Scottish islet — the Bass Rock — it derives the specific name of bassana, by which it is known to scientists the world over. It is a singularly interesting species to ornithologists generally, for, as the title of the book indicates, it is a bird with a history— one which in Britain dates from as long ago as the year 1278. 286 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST It is also a bird remarkable among other things for the manner in which it captures its prey, and for some singular anatomical peculiarities associated therewith. There are only fourteen nesting stations or "gannetries," all of which are confined to North Atlantic islets. No less than eight are in British seas, and of these seven are Scotch, namely, the Bass Rock, Ailsa Craig, St Kilda (3), Sulisgeir, and Sule- stack. All are wild and romantic spots, which are rendered surpassing interesting to visitors by the presence of the " Solan Goose." At St Kilda alone these birds are estimated to number from 30,000 to 40,000, and Professor Newton has said that he was prepared to believe that there were more Gannets there than in all the rest of the world. Having thus briefly alluded to the Gannet's outstanding position among birds, let us turn to Mr Gurney's book. This, it is not too much to aver, is fully entitled to rank among the best books of its kind. Little or nothing appears to have escaped the author relating to the history of the bird, nor of its life-history, its distribution (including particular accounts of all its haunts at home and abroad), its anatomical peculiarities, its prehistoric remains, its parasites, and its congeners of several species that dwell in other seas ; all are treated of in a thoroughly comprehensive and masterly manner, thanks to Mr Gurney's long and patient researches. The result is a handsome volume which is a valuable and welcome addition to zoological litera- ture ; and one that will be greatly appreciated by all who are interested in British bird-life, which is here represented by one of the most remarkable species of our own or any other country. The British Parasitic Copepoda. By Thomas Scott, LL.D., F.L.S., and Andrew Scott, A.L.S. Vol. I. Text, Vol. II. Plates. Ray Society, 1913. Price 40s. Some twenty-five years ago the Ray Society published, in three volumes, that standard Monograph of the Free and Semiparasitic Cope- poda of the British Islands, by G. S. Brady. The truly parasitic forms, the Fish-lice, were expressly excluded from that work, and to enu- merate, describe, and figure these curious and highly interesting Crustaceans is the purpose of the present monograph. The authors' first-hand knowledge of the subject, and their reputation for sound work prepared one for a thoroughly good book, which its perusal serves but to confirm. Opening with a concise general account of the group, the bulk of Vol. I. is occupied by the systematic portion, in which one hundred and thirteen species — several of them new to science — are described. Under Habitat are given the host, position of parasite thereon, and localities from which specimens have been obtained. An ample bibliography is added. Excellent coloured figures of the various species, and numerous structural details are given in the seventy-two plates which make up Vol. II. An index to the hosts might, with advantage we think, have been provided ; but that is a small matter, and the book will undoubtedly take rank among the best of its kind. INDEX LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. Alston, Chas. II., 20, 43, 145 Anderson, John, 284 Anderson, Peter, 73, 169, 193, 217, 241 Bagnall, Richard S., F.L.S., F.E.S., 37, 39, 182 Baigrie, Sim, 20, 211 Bain, George, 234 Bain, John, 154, 212 Baxter, Evelyn V, H.M.B.O.U., 49, 160, 273 Bedford, Her Grace the Duchess of, H.M.B.O.U., 5, 25, 69, 283 Begg, William, 116, 234, 237 Best, Mary G. S., 260 Beveridge, F. S., 190, 235 Blackwood, G. G., 212 Blackwood, William T., 41 Bonar, Rev. H. N., F.Z.S., 17, 115 Booth, Fred, 8, 56, 106, 132, 201, 246, 274 Bowhill, J. W., B.A., 117, 213 Brock, S. E., 188, 283 Brown, James Meikle, B.Sc, F.L.S., 185, 205 Bruce, Samuel, 92 Camtbell, Colonel John, 44 Cakphin, Janet E., 43 Carter, A. E. J., 36, 94 Clarke, Wm. Eagle, F.R.S.E., F.L.s., 5) i$t 25, 53, 116, 153, 271 Clyne, R., 211, 236 Dewar, Thomas F., M.D., D.Sc, 18 Duncan, Harry, 69 Evans, William, F.R.S.E., 20, 45, 67, 70, 93, 97, 114, 116, 141, 142, 164, 190, 213, 236, 237, 260, 261, 285 Fergusson, Anderson, 135, 178, 225, 254, 261 Fowler, Constance M., 284 Geddie, Alexander, 233 Gladstone, Hugh S., M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.,91, 161, 164 Gordon, J. G., 115 Graham, Gib, 93 Grimshaw, Percy H., F.R.S.E., F.E.S., 142 287 Gunnis, Francis G., 160 Harris, Charles Kerr, 284 Harvie - Brown, J. A., LL.D., F.R.S.E., 67, 68, 73, 141, 164, 233 Jackson, Annie C, 42, 43, 44, 69, 92, 93, 188 Kay, Theo, 67 King, James J. F. X., F.E.S., 262 Kirk, Charles, 21, 68, 92, 233, 235 Kirke, D. J. Balfour, 116 Laidlaw, H., 212 Laidlaw, T. G , M.B.O.U., 160 Macconochie, Rev. Wm.. 163 M VCGILL1VRAY, Wm. L., 141 M'GlLVRAY, J. D., 235 M'Intosh, Prof. W. C, F.R.S., 1 Mackay, Hugh, 45, 234 Mackeith, T. Thornton, 20 M'Lean, John, 235 Malloch, J. R., 46 Nash, J. Kirke, L.D.S., 234 Noble, Heatley, 211 Pagan, John, 19 Ramsay, L. N. G., M.A., B.Sc, 100 Rintoiil, Leonora Jeffrey, H.M.B.O.U.,49, 160,273 Ritchie, James, MA., D.Sc, 69, 117, 237 Robinson, H. W., 44 Roebuck, W. Denison, F.L.S., 278 Russell, George W., 163 Saxby, J. Edmondston, 161 Scrymgeour-Wedderburn, Lieut.- Colonel H., 259 Stout, George, 69 Taylor, John W., 278 Taylor William, 40, 67, 211 Thomson, A. Landsborough, M.A., M.B.O.U., 29, 79, 121, 161, 162 Tomlinson, Richard, 19 Tulloch, John S., 22, 115 Watt, Hugh Boyd, M.B.O.U., 19 Wedderburn, Charles S., 161 Wild, Oliver H., 20, 68 Williamson, William, F.R.S.E., 59 Yerbury, Colonel J. W., R.A., F.Z.S., 13, 70, 85, 109, 136, 142, 173 288 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST OBITUARY NOTICE. Traquair, Ramsay Heatley, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S., i BOOK NOTICES. Animal Geography : The Faunas of the Natural Regions of the Globe, 262 Birds, Dictionary of English and Folk- Names of British, 166 Birds, Food of some British, 190 Copepoda, The British Parasite, 286 Entomology, The Dictionary of, 94 Falcon, The Peregrine, at the Eyrie, 262 Fishes, Teratology of, 47 Game, Big, of Central and Western China, 119 Gannet, The : A Bird with a History, 285 Insects: Their Life- Histories and Habits, 167 Mammals, Marine, in the Anatomical Museum of the University of Edinburgh, 118 Ornithology, Report on Scottish, in 1912, 214 Peeps at Nature : VI. The Romance of the Rocks, 22 Summer Residents, Report on Immi- gration, etc., 238 Terns, or Sea-Swallows, Home-Life of, 22 Tunicata, Bibliography of the, 214 Warblers, The British : A History, with Problems of their Lives, 46 MISCELLANEOUS. British Association at Dundee (Glean- ing), 47 Cameron, Peter, Death of (Gleaning), 23 Dominancy in Nature (Gleaning), 119 Kirby William Forsell, Death of (Gleaning), 23 M'Intosh, Prof. W. C, President of Ray Society (Gleaning), 215 Millport Marine Biological Station, Notes from (Gleaning), 216 Nomenclature, Zoological, 40 ; (Glean- ing), 143 Reuter, Prof. Odo Morannal, Death of (Gleaning), 263 Sclater, Philip Lutley, Death of (Gleaning), 191 Wardlaw- Ramsay, Colonel R. G., President of British Ornithologists' Union (Gleaning), 119 MAMMALS. British Terrestrial Mammals, A List of, 265 Cat, Wild, at Invercannich (Gleaning), 71 ; in Ireland (Gleanings), 143, 215 Dolphin, Risso's, in Moray Firth, 40 ; White-sided, in Dornoch Firth, 114 Fox Cubs, large litter, 160 Hebrides, Inner, Mammals from (Gleaning), 239 Hedgehog in Highlands (Gleaning), 71 ; in West of Scotland (Gleaning), 95 Killers (Orca gladiator} at St Andrews (Gleaning), 215 Lemming Remains in South-east Scot- land, 97 Mammals, Gaelic Names of British, 145 Rorqual, Rudolphi's, Bone from post- glacial sand of Elgin, 211 Sheep, Four-horned, in Scotland (Glean- ing), 95 Sheep-diseases of Scotland (Gleaning), 96 Voles, Three New, from Inner Hebrides (Gleaning), 263 Whale, Bottlenose, in Moray Firth, 67 ; Lesser Fin-, in Moray Firth, 67 BIRDS. Beauly Firth, Uucommon Birds, 92 Bird- Migration, Aberdeen University Inquiry, 29, 79, I2r ; the Scottish Inquiry, 40 Birds, Notes on British (Gleaning), I9I . Bittern, Little, in Fifeshire, 44 Buzzard, Honey, in Shetland, 161 INDEX 289 Capercaillie - Blackcock Hybrid in Argyll, 68 Capercaiilies in the Pennant Collection (Gleaning), 215 Clyde Area, Return of Summer Birds (Gleaning), 191 Crossbill, Late Breeding in Speyside, 233 Crow, Carrion, Notes on a Roost, 188 Cuckoo Incident, A, 18 Divers, Black - throated and Red- throited, in Firth of Forth, 1 1 6 Dotterel at Mull of Galloway (Glean- ing), 168 Duck, Ferruginous, on Romney Marsh (Gleaning), 215 Dumfriesshire, Ornithological Notes, Dunlin nesting in Berwickshire, 1 62 Eagles, Sea-, in Argyll, 190 Eider, Breeding Habits in Outer Hebrides (Gleaning), 239 Eider-Duck, Unusual nesting-place, 211 Fair Isle, Migratory Birds observed during the year 1912, 5, 25 Falcons, Greenland, at Scottish Islands, 116; Iceland and Greenland, at Barra, Outer Hebrides, 141 Firecrests near Tunbridge Wells (Gleaning), 215 Flycatcher, Male Pied, at a last year's nesting site, 17, 41 Fulmar Petrel, breeding in Lewis, 236; Further Increase, 14 1 ; in Moray Firth, 164; in Shetland, 163 ; its past and present distribu- tion (Gleaning), 23 Gadwall in Caithness, 20; nesting in Caithness, 44 Game-birds, Scottish varieties (Glean- ing), 95 Geese, Barnacle, struck by Lightning in Dumfriesshire, 1 6 1 ; Wild, in Aberlady Bay, 44 Godwit, Bar-tailed, in Ayrshire, 93, 163 ; on island of Shapinshay (Gleaning), 95 ; Black-tailed, in Outer Hebrides, 235 Goldeneye, Barrow's, in Shetland (Gleaning), 167 Goose, Brent, in North Uist (Glean- ing), 239", Grey Lag-, in East Lothian, 20 Grosbeak, Scarlet, in Moray Area, 42 Grouse, Black, Brit:sh race (Gleaning), 71 ; on Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, 234 Guillemot, Black, off Ayrshire coast (Gleaning), 48 Guillemot, Common, breeding in Lewis, 236 Guillemots deserting Ailsa Craig, 235 ; Scarcity of, 260 Gull, Herring, and other Species, Moulting of, 100 Gull, Herring, eating Redwing, 20 Gull, Iceland, in West Ross-shire, 284 Gull, Lesser Black-backed, British race (Gleaning), 144 ; Scandi- navian race in Forth, 260 Hawfinch in East Lothian, 115; in Sutherland, 160 Heron in Scotland (Gleaning), 192 Heron, Squacco, in Outer Hebrides, 211 Heronries, Scottish, 19 Heronry, An Unrecorded, in " Dee," 161 Hobby in Midlothian, 19 Hoopoe, in Fife, 116; in Forfarshire, 18 ; off coast of Caithness, 234 Ibis, Glossy, in Argyll, 284 ; in Skye, 68 Jay jn Argyll, 43 Kittiwakes at Flannan Islands, 235 Lapwing, White Variety, 92 May, Isle of, Bird Notes, 49 Migratoiy Birds in Kirkcudbrightshire, 283 Nightjar in Edinburgh, 234 Osprey in Tay, 161 Ouzel Ring-, feeding young Cuckoo, 233 Owl, Snowy, at Sule Skerry, 92 Petrel, Fork-tailed, in Moray Area, 93 Petrels, Storm, in Firth of Forth in summer, 237; off Ayrshire coast (Gleaning), 48 rhvlloscopus fuscatus (Blyth) in the Orkney Islands, 271 Plover, Gray, in Outer Hebrides (Gleaning), 191 Plovers, Ringed, nesting under stones in Orkney, 212 Pochard in East Stirling in the breed- ing season, 20 Possil Marsh, Birds of (Gleaning), H3 Quail in Forfarshire, 259 ; nesting in Shetland, 92 Razorbills deserting Ailsa Ciaig, 235 ; Scarcity of, 260 Redshank, Common, in unusual plumage, 45 Redshank, Spotted, in Solway, 234 Redstart, Black, in Moray, 188 Robin, Continental Race, in Hadding- tonshire, 141 Rook, Sequence of Plumages (Glean- ing) 263 Ruff in Islay (Gleaning), 168 Sandpiper, Curlew, in Aberdeenshire (Gleaning), 71 2go THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Sandpiper, Green, in Dumbartonshire, 69 ; in Moray Area, 93 ; in Orkney (Gleaning), 95 ; in Perth- shire (Gleaning), 239 Scaup Duck nesting in Outer Hebrides, 211 Scottish Birds, Two New, 273 Shags in Shetland, 163 Shearwater, Manx, Inland in Ayrshire, 69 ; off Ayrshire coast (Gleaning), 48 Shetland, Barred Warblers and other Birds, 67 ; Bird Notes, 115 Shoveler in Moray Firth, 68 Skua, Great, in Bute (Gleaning), 48 Smews in Moray Area, 69 Snipe, Great, in Haddingtonshire (Gleaning), 23 Sparrow, Tree, Curious nesting site, 43 ; in East Ross, 67 Sparrows nesting in Foundations of Herons' Nests, 67 Starling, Interesting Variety, 18, 43 Stonechat, Indian, on Isle of May, 273 Swan, Bewick's, in Ayrshire (Gleaning), 144 Tern, Arctic, at Pentland Skerries, 212 Tern, Black, in Outer Hebrides (Glean- ing), 191 Tern, Gull-billed, in Orkney, 154; in Sussex (Gleaning), 215 Tern, Little, on Ayrshire coast (Glean- ing), 47 Tern, Roseate, in Moray Area, 93 Tern, Sandwich, nesting in Clyde Area, 20 Thrush, Continental Song-, Autumn Record for Moray, 188 Thrush, Song-, of Outer Hebrides : a new racial form, 53 ; Early refer- ence to, 233 Tiree, Birds of the Island of, 73, 169, 193, 217, 241 Tit, Willow'-, in Dumfriesshire (Glean- ing), 95 ; Song of, 283 Wagtail, Grey-headed, in Forth, 1 60 Wagtail, Sykes's Blue-headed, at Fair Isle, 153 Warbler, Barred, in Shetland, 67 Warbler, Melodious, on Isle of May, 273 Warbler, Northern Willow-, at Mull of Galloway (Gleaning), 167 Warbler, Wood-, in North Sutherland (Gleaning), 215 Waxwingat Stornoway (Gleaning), 23 ; near Edinburgh 68 Wheatear, Greenland, in Ayrshire (Gleaning), 47 Wigtownshire, Ornithological Notes, ii5 Woodcock, An Unclaimed Marked, 162 AMPHIBIANS. Newts in Caithness, 284 FISHES. Aphanopus carbo in British seas, 285 Fishes, Food-, Diseases of (Gleaning), 120 Fishes, Rare, in Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, 21 Perch in Dumfriesshire and Gallowa)', 164 Shark, Basking, in Clyde (Gleaning), 144 ; in Shetland Waters, 22 Shark, Fox, off Barra, 69 MOLLUSCS. Aberdeenshire, North, Molluscan In- vestigation, 132 Aberdeenshire, South, Molluscan In- vestigation, 201 Aplysia punctata, Cuv., in Firth of Forth, 261 Conchology, Additions to British (Gleanings), 215, 264 Iona, Land and Fresh-Water Mollusca (Gleaning), 120 Kincardineshire, Molluscan Investiga- tion in, 20t Land and Fresh - Water Mollusca, General Notes on Habitats and Occurrences in the North of Scotland, 246, 274 Land Mollusca in North of Scotland, Report on Investigation of, 278 Li max maximus, var. fasciata, in Shet- land (Gleaning), 216 Mollusca, Scottish localities (Gleaning), 120 Pisidium nitidum and siibtrnncaitim in Forfarshire (Gleaning) 48 Planorhis fontanus in Forfarshire (Glean- ing), 48 ; P. glaber, contortus, and crista in Shetland (Gleaning), 216 Ross, West, Molluscan Investigation, 56 Skye, Isle of, Molluscan Investigation, 8 Westerness, Molluscan Investigation, 106 INDEX 291 INSECTS. Acyphona areolala, Siebke, at Mussel- burgh (Gleaning), 216 Aglais ( Vanessa) urticce in Shetland (Gleaning), 239 Anthomyiidoe, Two new to British List, 46 Ants, Scottish records (Gleaning), 96 Aptinothrips nitidulus, Hal., Scottish records of (Gleaning), 48 Argynnis aglaia on Schiehallion, in Perthshire (Gleaning), 24 Atheta magniceps, J. Sahib., at Dal- whinnie (Gleaning), 120 Calamia Ittlosa, Hub., in Forth Area, 93 Callicera yerburyi, Verrall, Recent Captures, 142 Cevatophylhis boreahs in Shetland (Gleaning), 216 Chilosia maculala, Fin., in Perthshire, 94 Chrysopa le/tella, Schn., in Forth Atea, 213 Cis/estivus, Panz., in Forth Area, 45 Clytus arietis, L., in Stirlingshire (Clyde), 213 Ccenonympha tip/ion and pamphilus on same ground in Ross-shire (Glean- ing), 168 " Coleoptera of Scotland," Supplement to Dr Sharp's, 155, 178, 225, 254, 261 Cry modes exults from Shetland (Glean- ing), 24 ; var. assimilis at Braemar (Gleaning), 239 Dicranomyia rufiventris, Strobl, at Aber- foyle (Gleaning), 216 Diptera of Perthshire (Gleaning), 96 Diptera, Thirty Additions to British List (Gleanings), 144, 168 Docophorus megacep/talus, Denny, in Shetland (Gleaning), 144 Dytiscus lapponicus, GylL, in Arran (Gleaning), 48 Echinophihirius p/toav, Lucas, in Shet- land (Gleaning), 144 Erebia epip/iron, Life-history of (Glean- ing), 192 Fair Isle, Moths from, 93 Flies (Syrphidae), Rare Scottish, 117 Formica exsecia, Nests at Boat of Garten (Gleaning), 264 Geometra vernaria in Argyllshire (Glean- ing), 239 Heather Beetle : New Facts and a suggested Remedy (Gleaning), 239 Hybernia aurantiaria in Isle of Skye (Gleaning), 48 Insects, Some Interesting British (Gleaning), 216 Lathrobium, British species of (Glean- ing), 24 Lathrobutm multipunctatum, Grav., and punctatum, Zett., in Forth Area, 45 Lepidoptera at Braemar (Gleaning), 23 Macro-Lepidoptera of Kinfauns district (Gleaning), 95 Jfacrosip/tum, British species of (Glean- ing), 192 Magdalis carbonaria, L., near Grantown (Gleaning), 240 Mallophaga in Perth Museum (Glean- ing), 96 Monoctenus juniperi, L., at Nethy Bridge (Gleaning), 168 Mutilla europcra, Linn, at Braemar, 142 Myrmecophilous Notes (Gleaning), 120 Myrmica, Notes on the Genus (Glean- ing), 72 Myrmica tuginodis, Note on Marriage flight (Gleaning), 264 Nor e Ilia spinigera, Ztt., in Blairgowrie district (Gleaning), 48 ; Distribu- tion in British Isles, 70 Noliop/iili, Scottish records (Gleanings), 96, 120 Ortheziola vejdovskyi, Sulc, in Forth Area, 142 Orthoptera Scottish records (Glean- ing), 72 Pachnobia /nperborea, series from Rannoch (Gleaning), 24 ; on Schiehallion, in Perthshire (Glean- ing), 24 Philonthus scoiicus, sp. nov., at Kingussie (Gleaning), 144; P. varius, GylL, var. shetlaiidicus, Poppius (Glean- ing), 168 Ptthanus maerkeli, Boh., Winged form on Isle of May, 213 Platyc/tirus fulvlventrls, Mcq., in Perth- shire, 94 Pyrantels atalania in Shetland (Glean- ing), 239 ; P. cardui in Shetland (Gleaning), 239 Rabocerus bishopl, Sharp, near Gran- town (Gleaning), 240 Riper sia halophila (Hardy), on Isle of May, 261 Ross, Wester, Diptera of, 13, 85, 109, 136, 173 Sawflies, Scottish (Gleaning), 72 Selidosema ericetaria (plumarla, in Argyllshire (Gleaning), 239 Somatochlora arctlca, Zett., in Spey district, 212 ; in the Spey district, and at Guisachan, Strathglass, 262 Sutherland, Coleoptera from (Gleaning), 240 292 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST Tachydromia, Two new species to the ! Thrips, Rare, from Scotland, 37 British List, 36 Tetramorium caspitum (L.) — an ant new to Scotland — in the Forth Area, 116 Thinobius longicornis, sp. now, in Inverness-shire (Gleaning), 192 Thysanoptera, Rare, from Scotland, Tiree, Coleoptera in (Gleaning), 71 Trie hothrips pedicular ins ^ Hal., in Forth, 70 LOWER INVERTEBRATES. Ammocharidse, British (Gleaning), 215 Anne. ids, Distribution of British (Gleaning), 216 Arenicolidse, British (Gleaning), 72 Asterias glacialis in Pentland Firth, 237 Bimastus eiseni (Lev.) on Isle of May, 237 Calanus, Huge catch off Ardnamurchan (Gleaning), 240 Cormcularia vigilax (Bl.) in Scotland (Forth), 116 Crab, Sand-, Burrowing of, 1 17 Crab travelling 120 miles (Gleaning), 168 Daphnia pulex, Females with male characters (Gleaning), 264 Diaptomus piisilhts, sp. no v., in Loch Ness (Gleaning), 192 Diazona violacea in Hebiidean seas (Gleaning), 24 Doliolum tritonis in Hebridean seas (Gleaning), 24 Flagellates from larva of Crane-fly (Gleaning), 24 Funiculina quadrangulai is in Hebridean seas (Gleaning), 24 Gregarine, new, in Bird-fleas (Gleaning), 96 Hermeliida;, British (Gleaning), 215 Hydracarina, Three rare species, 59 Maldanida:, British (Gleaning), 48 Myriapoda of CI} de Area (Gleaning), 192 Pdltrmonetes varians (Leach) in Forth Area, 164 Paludicella articulata at Aberdeen (Gleaning), 240 Pandarus dicolor, Leach, in Forth, 190 Plumu'ai ia catharina, Johnston, and its stemless variety (Gleaning), 72 Polyzoa of Waterworks (Gleaning), 240 Portumnus latipes, Burrowing of, 1 17 Rhagidia pallida Banks, in Forth district (Gleaning), 168 Rhizopods from larva of Crane-fly (Gleaning), 24 Rhizopods of Scotland, Further Con- tribution, 185, 205 Spiders, Additions to List of Forth, 285 Symphyla, Scottish records of (Glean- ing), 48 Symphyla, The Scottish, 182 Trematodes from food-fishes in Aber- deen fish market (Gleaning), 24 Wood-lice, Two rare, from the Forth Area, 39 PRINTED BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 13.] ^^ I January. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated "The Annals of Scottish Natural History" EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper , Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O.U EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance^ 6s 6d post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/- 16 7/6 8/6 -3/6 RECENTLY PUBLISHED. Price 1s. 6d. net SCOTTISH NATURALIST" EXTRA PUBLICATION Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1911 INCLUDING MIGRATION BY EVELYN V. BAXTER and LEONORA J. RINTOUL Hon. Members of the British Ornithologists' Union EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD, TWEEDDALE COURT LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. PUBLISHERS' NOTICE The Annual Subscription for 1913, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free, should be addressed to the Publishers, Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Covers for Binding "The Scottish Naturalist" Special Cloth Cases for Binding the 1912 Volume can be supplied at Is. each (by Post Is. 2d.), by Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds as Observed on the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Pinal Reports, lS'JG-1903, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES " There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write en the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems ol this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenceum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that ' vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. "This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks ' that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. " Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as we should expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These 'Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the 'last word ' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book which is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke's book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist." — British Birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C. 5 8 13 i7 CONTENTS In Memoriam-Ramsay Heatley Traquair, M.D., LL.D. (Edn,), RRSi} az.—Prof. W. C. M'Intosh Notes on Migratory Birds observed, at Fan ™**°*fj% i9i2.-Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford, H.M.B.U.U., and Wm. Eagle Clarke, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. . Molluscan Investigation in the Isle of Skye.-i^ Booth A List of the Diptera met with in Wester Ross, with Notes on ler Speeie's known to occur in the Neighbouring Areas (continue*).— Colonel J, W. Yerbury, R.A., F.L.S. Notes . • • * ' Male Pied Flycatcher at a last year's Nesting Sjte-^. H & Bonar F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.; Interesting Variety of the Starhng -wl Eagle Clarke, FR.S.E., F.L.S. ; Hoopoe m For- falue-Tho,nas F Dewar, M.D.; A Cuckoo incident- John Pagan; The Hobbyin Midlothian-^W T.nUn- L: Scottish Heronries-//*^ Boyd *#*£?'£>_ Grey Lag-Goose in East Lothian--0/«*r #. Wtld, ..Gad waHn Caithness-.^: H. Alston^ ****%$??. Stirling in the Breeding Season- Wilham Evans, F.R-S.E ouiiiu0 ° r,iAa Am T Thornton Mac- Sandwich Tern nesting in Clyde Area 1. J»o Keith; Herring Gull eating Red w.ng-S* m Batgr « Ra e Fishes in the KeWingrove Museum Glasgow , Basking Shark in Shetland Waters -John S. TullocH. Book Notices Gleanings SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to iqii in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. 22 PRINTED BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 14.] x9i3 [February. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated iO^' " The Annals of Scottish Natural Histoid EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O.U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw,. > Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 3/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/- 16 „ 7/6 3/6 13/6 RECENTLY PUBLISHED. Price 1s. 6d. net "SCOTTISH NATURALIST" EXTRA PUBLICATION Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1911 INCLUDING MIGRATION BY EVELYN V. BAXTER and LEONORA J. RINTOUL Hon. Members of the British Ornithologists' Union EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD, TWEEDDALE COURT LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. PUBLISHERS' NOTICE The Annual Subscription for 1913, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free, should be addressed to the Publishers, Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Covers for Binding "The Scottish Naturalist" Special Cloth Cases for Binding the 1912 Volume can be supplied at Is. each (by Post Is. 2d.), by Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds as Observed on the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 1896-1903, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES " There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write rn the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — 77ie Athenaum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that ' vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. "This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks ' that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. " Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as weshould expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These 'Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the 'last word ' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book which is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. ^ " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke's book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist."— British Birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONEON, E.C. CONTENTS PAGE Notes on Migratory Birds observed at Fair Isle during the year 1 9 12 [concluded). — Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford, H.M.B.O.U., and Wm. Eagle Clarke, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. . 25 Aberdeen University Bird - Migration Inquiry : First Interim Report (1909-12) (continued). — A. Landsborough Thomson, M.A., M.B.O.U. ...... 29 Two Flies of the Genus Tachydromia new to the British List. — A. E. J. Carter ...... 36 Notes on some Rare Thrips (Thysanoptera) from Scotland. — Richard S. Bagnall, F.L.S., F.E.S. . . '37 Records of Two Rare Woodlice from the Forth Area. — Richard S. Bagnall, F.L.S. , F.E.S. . . . . -39 Notes ........ 40 Zoological Nomenclature ; The Scottish Bird-Migration In- quiry ; Risso's Dolphin in the Moray Firth — William Taylor j Male Pied Flycatcher at last year's Nesting Site — William T. Blackwood ; The Scarlet Grosbeak in Moray Area — Annie C. Jackson; Curious Nesting Site of the Tree Sparrow — Annie C. Jackson; Variety of the Starling at Liberton — Janet E. Carphin; The Jay in Argyll — Charles H. Alston; Little Bittern in Fifeshire — John Campbell; Wild Geese in Aberlady Bay, East Lothian — H. W. Robin- son; Gadwall nesting in Caithness — Annie C. Jackson; Common Redshank in Unusual Plumage — Hugh Mackay ; Cis festivus, Panz , Lathrobium multipufictum, Grav., and L. punctatum, Zett., in the Forth Area — William Evans, F.R.S.E.; Two Anthomyidce new to the British List — J. R. Malloch. Book Notices ....... 46 Gleanings . . . ... . .47 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to iqii, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTED BY OL1VBR AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 15.] K^ [March. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology ;ds With which is incorporated 11 The Annals of Scottish Natural Histonte LI BR a r EDITED BY V*^- ^••^ WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S.Y^, *>*»& v^ Mi v N Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ^%V £ fv WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of' ike British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O.U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed lo the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- n/. 16 » 7/6 8/6 « 13/6 From Gurney £2? Jackson's List British Birds : An Illustrated Manual of By Howard Saunders, F.L.S., F.Z.S., etc. Second Edition. Demy 8vo, with 384 fine Woodcuts and 3 Maps. jQ\, Is. '' Excellent alike in style and matter, it ought to be in the hands of every lover of birds." — Annals of Natural History. " The whole work forms the most concise and at the same time trustworthy book on birds of a single region that has ever been written." — Science Gossip. Bird Life of the Borders By Abel Chapman, F.Z.S. New Edition, in great part re-written, making practically a New work, with additional Illustrations. Medium 8vo, 14s. net. BRITISH WILD FLOWERS. Illustrated by John E. Sowerby. Described, with an Introduction and a Key to the Natural Orders, by C. Pierpoint JOHNSON. Re-issue, to which is added a Supplement containing 180 figures, comprising later discovered Flowering Plants, and the Ferns, Horse-tails, and Club-Mosses. Super-royal 8vo, with 1780 coloured figures £? 3 0 This work gives in one large volume a characteristic figure, coloured by hand, of each specimen of indigenous plant, with a short description of its habit, habitat, height, and time of flowering. " One of the prettiest Natural History volumes now on sale."— Gardener's Chronicle. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.G Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds as Observed on the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 18961903, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES " There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenaeum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from i88o to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that ' vast' though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movemenis of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. " This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks ' that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we ventuie to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. " Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as we should expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These ' Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the 'last word' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book w;hich is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke s book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist."— British Birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, 1 PAGE 49 53 56 59 67 CONTENTS Bird Notes from the Isle of May — Spring and Autumn 19 12. — Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul, H.M.B.O.U., and Evelyn V. Baxter, H.M.B.O.U. . . ... The Song-Thrush of the Outer Hebrides — Turdus musicus. hebridensis — a new Racial Form. — Wm. Eagle Clarke. F.R.S.E., F.L.S. (Plate I.) .- Molluscan Investigation in West Ross. — Fred Booth Three Rare Species of Hydracarina. — Wm. Williamson F.R.S.E. ...... Notes ....... Bottlenose and Lesser Fin-Whales in the Moray Firth — William Taylor; Barred Warblers and other Birds in Shetland — Theo. Kay ; Tree Sparrows in East Ross — J. A. Harvie-Brown, LL.D., F.R.S.E.; Sparrows nesting in the Foundations of Herons' Nests — William Evans, F.R.S.E.; Waxwing near Edinburgh — Oliver H. Wild; Glossy Ibis in Skye— /. A. Harvie- Brown, LL.D., F.R.S.E.; Shoveler in the Moray Firth—/. A. Harvie-Brown, LL.D., F.R.S.E.; Hybrid Capercaillie - Blackcock in Argyll — Charles Kirk ; Smews in Moray Area — Annie C. Jackson ; Green Sandpiper in Dumbartonshire — Geo. Stout and Harry Duncan; Manx Shearwater inland in Ayrshire — The Duchess of Bedford, H.M.B.O.U.; Fox Shark off Barra— James Ritchie, M.A., D.Sc; Distribution of Norellia spinigera, Ztt., in the British Isles — J. W. Yerbury, F.Z.S.; Trichothrips fiedicularius, Hal., in " Forth "— William Evans, F.R.S.E. Gleanings . . . . . . .71 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to ion, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTED BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 16.] I91'3 Vi'Kii- The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology ^^XTrT>^ With which is incorporated /^. /at ^.^ <\ ials of Scottish Natural Historic LIBRARY EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GR I MS HAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E-. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed lo the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/- 16 „ .. 7/6 8/6 13/6 From Gurney £&P Jackson's List British Birds : An Illustrated Manual of By Howard Saunders, F.L.S., F.Z.S., etc. Second Edition. Demy Svo, with 384 fine Woodcuts and 3 Maps. -£l, Is. •' Excellent alike in style and matter, it ought to be in the hands of every lover of birds." — Annals of Natural History. "The whole work forms the most concise and at the same time trustworthy book on birds of a single region that lias ever been written." — St ience Gossip. Bird Life of the Borders By Abel Chapman, F.Z.S. New Edition, in great part re-written, making practically a New work, with additional Illustrations. Medium Svo, 14s. net. BRITISH WILD FLOWERS. Illustrated by John E. Sowerby. Described, with an Introduction and a Key to the Natural Orders, by C. Pierpoint Johnson. Re-issue, to which is added a Supplement containing 180 figures, comprising later discovered Flowering Plants, and the Ferns, Horse-tails, and Club-Mosses. Super-royal Svo, with 1780 coloured figures £3 3 o This work fives in one large volume a characteristic figure, coloured by band, of each specimen of indigenous plant, with a short description of its habit, habitat, height, and time of [lowering. " One of the prettiest Natural History volumes now on sale. " — Gardener's Chronicle. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Pike 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds a-; < >bser\ i the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 1896-190S, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES "There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenaum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that 'vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. " This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks ' that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. V Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as we should expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These 'Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not corny, deal „. he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- On this lprise the ' last word ' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but 1 solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when .. was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book which is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products ot an armchair ^0'ke,r. " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke s book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist.' —British Birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, I « CONTENTS PAGE The Birds of the Island of Tiree. — Peter Anderson . . 73 Aberdeen University Bird-Migration Inquiry : First Interim Report (1909-12 — continued). — A. Landsborough Thomson, M.A., M.B.O.U. ...... 79 A List of the Diptera met with in Wester Ross, with Notes on other Species known to occur in the Neighbouring Areas {continued). — Colonel J. W. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. . 85 Notes . . . . . . . .91 Ornithological Notes from Dumfriesshire — Hugh S. Gladstone ; Uncommon Birds on the Beauly Firth — Annie C. Jackson ; Snowy Owl at Sule Skerry — Charles Kirk ; Quail nesting in Shetland — Samuel Bruce ; White Variety of the Lapwing — Annie C.Jackson j Green Sandpiper and Fork-tailed Petrel in Moray Area — Annie C. Jackson; Bar-tailed Godwit in Ayrshire — Gib. Graham; Roseate Terns in Moray Area — Annie G. Jackson; Moths from Fair Isle — William Evans ; Calamia lutosa, Hub., in the Forth Area — William Evans; Chilosia maculata, Fin., and Platychirus/ulvivenlris, Mcq., in Perthshire — A. E. J. Carter. Book Notice ....... 94 Gleanings ....... 95 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to 1911, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTED BY OLlVJiB AND BOYD, KLHNBURQI1. No. 17.] I913 [M The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated "The Annals of Scottish Natural History" EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper , Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum 0 J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. ASSISTED BY H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. (yd. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed io the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ - 4/6 5/6 S/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/- 16 „ 7/6 8/6 13/6 British Birds : An Illustrated Manual of By Howard Saunders, F.L.S., F.Z.S., etc. Second Edition. Demy 8vo, with 384 fine Woodcuts and 3 Maps. £l, Is. " Excellent alike in style and matter, it ought to be in the hands of every lover of birds." — Annals of Natural History. " The whole work forms the most concise and at the same time trustworthy book on birds of a single region that has ever been written." — Science Gossip. Bird Life of the Borders By Abel Chapman, F.Z.S. New Edition, in great part re-written, making practically a New work, with additional Illustrations. Medium 8vo, 14s. net. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C FOR SALE CJKINS OF ALL KINDS of Arctic, Icelandic, and Green- landic Birds in Spring Plumage, and Eclipse and Downy Youngs are delivered to order. All the Skins are new, well prepared, and sold at very low prices. G. B. DINES EN, Bird Collector REYKJAVIK, ICELAND, via LEITH Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., E.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on tho Migration of Birds as Obsen the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 1896-1903, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES "There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athevatau. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that 'vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. '" This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks ' that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. "Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as weshould expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These ' Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the ' last word ' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, I ut deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a bcok which is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and free* from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. ( " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke s book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist."— British Birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONEON, E.C CONTENTS Lemming Remains in South-east Scotland. — William Evans, RIR.S.jE. ...... PAGE 97 On the Moulting of the Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and other Species. — L. N. G. Ramsay, M.A., JB.Sc. . . ioo Molluscan Investigation in Westerness. — Fred Booth . . 106 A List of the Diptera met with in Wester Ross, with Notes on other Species known to occur in the Neighbouring Areas {continued). — Colonel J. W. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. . 109 Notes . . . . . . . .114 White-sided Dolphin in the Dornoch Firth — William Evans j Ornithological Notes from Wigtownshire — J. G. Gordon; Bird-notes from Shetland — John S. Tulloch; Hawfinch in East Lothian — H. N. Bonar ; Greenland Falcons at Scot- tish Islands— Wm. Eagle Clarke; Hoopoe in Fife — D. J. Balfour Kirke ; Black-throated and Red-throated Divers in the Firth of Fo»th — William Begg ; Cornicularia vigilax (Bl.) in Scotland (Forth) — William Evans; Tetra- morium ctzspitum (L.) — an Ant new to Scotland — in the Forth Area — William Evans ; Rare Scottish Flies {Syrphida1) — J. W. Bowhill; The Burrowing of the Sand- Crab {Portumnus talipes) — James Ritchie. Book Notices . . . . . . .118 Gleanings . . . . . . .119 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to 1911, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTED BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 18.] ^l3 [Junk The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated V The Annals of Scottish Natural Histor^i? *• LI B R ^ WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum *as*- ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O U. EDINBURGH: OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed lo the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/. 16 „ 7/6 8/6 13/6 THE NATURALIST A Monthly Journal of Natural History for the North of England Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.G S. and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S. Museum, Hull. Technical College, Huddersfield With the assistance, as Referees in Special Departments, of J. Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S. ; Percy F. Kendall, F.G.S. ; T. H. Nelson, M.B.O.U. ; Geo. T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S. ; John W. Taylor ; William West, F.L.S. All Communications to be addressed to — THE EDITORS, "THE NATURALIST," MUSEUM, HULL Annual Subscription, 6s 6d. Single Numbers, 6d. ; by post, 7d. LONDON: A. BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5 Farringdon Avenue FOR SALE CJKINS OF ALL KINDS of Arctic, Icelandic, and Green- landic Birds in Spring Plumage, and Eclipse and Downy Youngs are delivered to order. All the Skins are new, well prepared, and sold at very low prices. G. B. DINES EN, Bird Collector REYKJAVIK, ICELAND, via LEITH Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds as Observed on the British arid Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 189G-1903, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES " There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenaum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work.- As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that 'vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. "This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks 'that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. "Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as we should expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These ' Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the ' last word ' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book whjch is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations, written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. ^ " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke s book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently th< product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gi\es much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist."— British birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C CONTENTS PAOE Aberdeen University Bird-Migration Inquiry : First Interim Report (1909-12) — concluded. — A. Landsborough Thomson, M.A., M.B.O.U. 121 Molluscan Investigation in Aberdeenshire North. — Fred Booth . 132 A List of the Diptera met with in Wester Ross, with Notes on other Species known to occur in the Neighbouring Areas {continued). — Colonel J. IV. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. . 136 Notes . . . . . . . .141 The Continental Race of the Robin in Haddingtonshire — William Evans; Iceland and Greenland Falcons at Barra, Outer Hebrides — Win. L. Macgillivray j Further increase of the Fulmar Petrel — J. A. Harvie- Brown; Mutilla curopcea, Linn., at Braemar — Percy H . Grimshaw ; Recent captures of Callicera yerbury i, Verrall — J. W. Yer- bury ; Ortheziola vejdovskyi, Sulc — a Coccid new to Scotland — in the Forth Area — William Evans. Gleanings ....... 143 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to 191 1, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTED BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 19.] !9i3 [July. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated "The Annals of Scottish Natural History' EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON. M.A., M.B.O U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshayv, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages s/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/- 16 „ 7/6 8/6 13/6 THE NATURALIST A Monthly Journal of Natural History for the North of England Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S. Museum, Hull. Technical College, Huddersfield With the assistance, as Referees in Special Departments, of J. Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S. ; Percy F. Kendall, F.G.S. ; T. H. Nelson, M.B.O.U. ; Geo. T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S. ; John W. Taylor ; William West, F.L.S. All Communications to be addressed to — THE EDITORS, "THE NATURALIST," MUSEUM, HULL Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d. Single Numbers, 6d. ; by post, 7d. LONDON: A. BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5 Farringdon Avenue British Birds, An Illustrated Manual of By Howard Saunders, F.L.S., F.Z.S., etc. Second Edition. Demy 8vo, with 384 fine Woodcuts and 3 Maps. jQ\, Is. •' Excellent alike in style and matter, it ought to be in the hands of every lover of birds." — A nnals of Natural History. " The whole work forms the most concise and at the same time trustworthy book on birds of a single region that has ever been written." — Science Gossip. Bird Life of the Borders By Abel Chapman, F.Z.S. New Edition, in great part re-written, making practically a New work, with additional Illustrations. Medium Svo, 14s. net. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C. Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Prk IS.s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds as Observed on the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 1S96-1!>03, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES " There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenczum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that 'vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, SfKilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. " This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks ' that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migiatory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon aie of a more varied nature; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. "Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as weshould expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These 'Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, .1.. not comprise the 'last word' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book which is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke s book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist."— British Birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, 1 CONTENTS PAGE A List of the Gaelic Names of British Mammals. — Charles H. Alston ....... 145 Two Birds New 'to the Scottish Fauna — I. On the Occurrence of Sykes's Blue-headed Wagtail at Fair Isle.— IV. Eagle Clarke; II. On the Occurrence of the Gull-billed Tern in Orkney.— John Bain . . . . 153 Supplement to Dr Sharp's " Coleoptera of Scotland." — Anderson Fergus son . . . . . . .155 Notes ........ 160 Large Litter of Fox Cubs — T. G. Laidlaw ; Hawfinch in Suther- land— Francis G. Gumiis; Grey-headed Wagtail in Forth — Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul and Evelyn V. Baxter; Honey Buzzard in Shetland — J. Edmondsto?i Saxby ; Osprey in Tay — Charles S. Wedderburn ; An Unrecorded Heronry in "Dee" — A. Landsborough Thomson; Geese struck by Lightning in Dumfriesshire — Hugh S. Gladstone; An Un- claimed Marked Woodcock — A. Landsborough Thomson; Nesting of the Dunlin in Berwickshire — IVm. Macconochie; Bar-tailed Godwit in Ayrshire — Eds. ; Notes on Shags and Fulmars in Shetland — Geo. IV. Russell; Fulmars in the Moray Firth — J. A. Harvie-Brown; Perch in Dumfries- shire and Galloway — Hugh S. Gladstone ; Palamonetes varians (Leach), a brackish-water Prawn, in the Forth Area — William Evans. Book Notices . . . . . . .166 Gleanings . . . . . . .167 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to 1911, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTBD BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 20.] i9!3 [August. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated " The Annals of Scottish Natural Histor EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. ASSISTED BY H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON. M.A., M.B.O U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post tree The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, T,weeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 6/- 7/- 11/- 12 16 7/6 8/6 13/6 JUST PUBLISHED. Price 1s. 6d. net SCOTTISH NATURALIST" EXTRA PUBLICATION Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1912 INCLUDING MIGRATION BY LEONORA J. RINTOUL and EVELYN V. BAXTER Hon. Members of the British Ornithologists' Union EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD, TWEEDDALE COURT LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, EX. THE NATURALIST A Monthly Journal of Natural History for the North of England Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. andT. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S. Museum, Hull. Technical College, Huddersfield With the assistance, as Referees in Special Departments^ of J. Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S. ; Percy F. Kendall, F.G.S. ; T. H. Nelson, M.B.O.U. ; Geo. T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S. ; John W. Taylor ; William West, F.L.S. All Communications to be addressed to — THE EDITORS, "THE NATURALIST," MUSEUM, HULL Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d. Single Numbers, 6d. ; by post, yd. LONDON: A. BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5 Farringdon Avenue, EX. Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on th- Migration of Birds as Observi the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 1896-1003, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES " There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athemcum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the lecords of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that ' vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. "This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks 'that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; ar.d none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. " Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as we should expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These 'Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the 'last word '. in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, \ tit deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a bcok which is ihe result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and- free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing tut praise for Mr Clarke's look, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist." — British Ends. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C. CONTENTS The Birds of the Island of Tiree (continued). — Peter Anderson . 169 A List of the Diptera met with in Wester Ross, with Notes on other Species known to occur in the Neighbouring Areas {concluded). — Colonel J. W. Yerbury, R.A., F.Z.S. . .-173 Supplement to Dr Sharp's " Coleoptera of Scotland " (continued). — Anderson Fergus son . . . . .178 The Scottish Symphyla. — Richard S. Bagnall, F.Z.S., F.E.S. . 182 A Further Contribution to our Knowledge of the Rhizopods of Scotland. — -James Meikle Brown, B.Sc, F.Z.S. . .185 Notes ........ 188 Continental Song-Thrush, Autumn Record for Moray — Annie C. Jackson; Black Redstart in Moray — Annie C. Jackson; Notes on a Carrion-Crow Roost — 5. E. Brock ; Sea-Eagles in Argyll — F. S. Beveridge ; Pandarus bicolor, Leach, in " Forth " — William Evans. Book Notice . . . . . . .190 Gleanings . ... . . . . 191 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to 1911, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTED BT OLIVSR AND BOYD, BDINBORQH. No. 21.] I913 [September. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated " The Annals of Scottish Natural History EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper , Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum /$££?? ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., K.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O.U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/- 16 „ 7/6 8/6 13/6 ' JUST PUBLISHED. Price 1s. 6d. net SCOTTISH NATURALIST" EXTRA PUBLICATION Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1912 INCLUDING MIGRATION BY LEONORA J. RINTOUL and EVELYN V. BAXTER Hon. Members of the British Ornithologists' Union EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD, TWEEDDALE COURT LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, EX. THE NATURALIST A Monthly Journal of Natural History for the North of England Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. andT.W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S. Museum, Hull. Technical College, Huddersfield With the assistance, as Referees in Special Departments, of J. Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S. ; Percy F. Kendall, F.G.S. ; T. H. Nelson, M.B.O.U. ; Geo. T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S. ; John W. Taylor ; William West, F.L.S. All Communications to be addressed to — THE EDITORS, "THE NATURALIST," MUSEUM, HULL Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d. Single Numbers, 6d. ; by post, 7d. LONDON : A. BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5 Farringdon Avenue, EX. Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds as Observed on the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Pinal Reports, 1896-1903, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES "There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenceum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that ' vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. "This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks 4 that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. " Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as we should expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These 'Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the ' last word ' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book which is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke's book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist."— British Btrds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C. CONTENTS PAGE The Birds of the Island of Tiree (continued).— Peter Anderson . 193 Molluscan Investigation in Aberdeenshire South, and Kincar- dineshire.— Fred Booth ..... 201 A Further Contribution to our Knowledge of the Rhizopods of Scotland (concluded).— James Meikle Brown, B.Sc, F.L.S. . 205 Notes . . . • • • • .211 A bone of Rudolphi's Rorqual from the Post-glacial Sand of Elgin — William Taylor; The Squacco Heron in the Outer Hebrides— R. Clyne; Scaup-Duck nesting in the Outer Hebrides — Heatley Noble j An Eider - Duck's unusual nesting-place — S. Baigrie; Ringed Plovers nesting under stones in Orkney — H. Laidlaw j Notes on Arctic Terns at the Pentland Skerries — John Bain; Somatochlora arctica, Zett., in Spey District — G. G. Blackwood j Chrysopa tenella, Schn., a Lacewing-Fly new to Scotland, in the Forth Area — Williatn Ev.a?isj Clytus arielis, L,, in Stir- lingshire (Clyde)—/. W. Bowhillj The winged form of Pithanus maerkeli, Boh., on the Isle of May — William Evans. Book Notices . . . . • • .214 Gleanings . . . . . . .215 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to 191 1, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTKD BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. NO. 22.] K^ [October. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology *>io oDS £ With which is incorporated " The Annals of Scottish Natural HistorjitJ^i? LIBRA EDITED BY \*^ > ^* "^ WILLIAM EAGLE. CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. \L> ***** Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists'1 Union PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant'Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O.U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post fret The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages s/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- n/- 16 „ 7/6 8/6 13/6 JUST PUBLISHED. Price Is. 6d. net SCOTTISH NATURALIST" EXTRA PUBLICATION Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1912 INCLUDING MIGRATION BY LEONORA J. RINTOUL and EVELYN V. BAXTER Hon. Members of the British Ornithologists' Union EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD, TWEEDDALE COURT LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. THE NATURALIST A Monthly Journal of Natural History for the North of England Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. and T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S. Museum, Hull. Technical College, Huddersfield With the assistance, as Referees in Special Departments, of J. Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S. ; Percy F. Kendall, F.G.S. ; T. H. Nelson, M.B.O.U. ; Geo. T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S. ; John W. Taylor ; William West, F.L.S. All Communications to be addressed to — THE EDITORS, "THE NATURALIST," MUSEUM, HULL Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d. Single Numbers, 6d. ; by post, yd. LONDON : A. BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5 Farringdon Avenue, E.C. Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price IS.s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds as Observ the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 1896-1903, etc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES " There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenaum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that ' vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. " This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks ' that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature, " Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as we should expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These ' Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the 'last word' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book which is the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke's book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist." — British Birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C CONTENTS PAGE The Birds of the Island of Tiree {continued).— Peter Anderson . 217 Supplement to Dr Sharp's " Coleoptera of Scotland " {continued). Anderson Fergusson . • • ■ -225 Notes ...••••• 233 An early reference to Hebridean Thrushes—/. A. Harvie- Brown; Ring-Ouzel feeding young Cuckoo— Charles Kirk; Late breeding of the Crossbill in Speyside— Alexander Geddie; The Nightjar in Edinburgh—/. Kirke Nash; Hoopoe off the Coast of Caithness— George Bain; Black Grouse on Inchkeith, Firth of Forth— Win. Begg; Spotted Redshank in Solway— Hugh Mackay ; Black-tailed Godwit in the Outer Hebrides—^. 5. Beveridge; Note on the Kittiwakes at the Flannan Islands—/?^ M'Lean and /. D. M'Gilvray; Ailsa Craig deserted by Razorbills and . Guillemots — Charles Kirk; The Fulmar and Common Guillemot in Lewis : Extension of Breeding - range— R. Clyne; Storm Petrels in the Firth of Forth in Summer— Win. Begg; Bimastus eiseni (Lev.) on the Isle of May, etCt — William Evans; Spiny Crossfish {Asterias glacialis) in the Pentland Firth— James Ritchie. Book Notice . . • • • • -238 Gleanings . . • • • • • 239 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to ion, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTKD BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 23.] I9I3 [November. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated " The Annals of Scottish Natural History >So EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GR I MS HAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant- Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., K.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON. M.A., M.B.O.U. EDINBURGH: OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale- Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, 6s 6d. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/- 16 „ 7/6 8/6 13/6 "SCOTTISH NATURALIST" EXTRA PUBLICATION Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1912 INCLUDING MIGRATION BY LEONORA J. RINTOUL and EVELYN V. BAXTER Hon. Members of the British Ornithologists' Union Price 1s. 6d. net EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD, TWEEDDALE COURT LONDON: GURNEY AND JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. THE NATURALIST A Monthly Journal of Natural History for the North of England Edited byT. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. andT. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S. Museum, Hull. Technical College, Huddersfield With the assistance, as Referees in Special Departments, of J. Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S. ; Percy F. Kendall, F.G.S. ; T. H. Nelson, M.B.O.U. ; Geo. T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S. ; John W. Taylor j William West, F.L.S. All Communications to be addressed to — THE EDITORS, "THE NATURALIST," MUSEUM, HULL Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d. Single Numbers, 6d. ; by post, 7d. LONDON : A. BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5 Farringdon Avenue, E.C. Recently Published, Two Volumes, sq. demy 8vo. Price 18s. net Studies in Bird Migration BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on tho Migration of Birds as Observed on the British and Irish Coasts, and Anther of its Pinal Reports, 1S9G-1903, otc. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND WEATHER CHARTS EXTRACTS FROM A FEW PRESS NOTICES " There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problemsof this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenaeum. "Mr Eagle Clarke's unique experience makes this study of bird migration a very interesting work. As editor of the records of observations collected from the lights on the British and Irish coasts by a British Association Committee from 1880 to 1887 he found, as he tells us, that ' vast though the data were, much desirable information was still lacking.' In order to fill these gaps he spent a month's holiday in the Eddystone Lighthouse, another month in even less agreeable quarters on board the Kentish Knock lightship in the North Sea, and further periods in Fair Isle, the Flannans, St Kilda, and other outlying islands. His investigations, especially those on Fair Isle, have added considerably to our knowledge of the occurrence of rare species in Britain ; but he has performed a more important service in reducing the great mass of migration observations to intelligible order and explaining the singularly complex movements of birds in and through our islands, where many routes converge." — The Times. "This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for. The author remarks ' that no country in the world is more favourably situated than our own for witnessing the movements of migratory birds ; that there is none in which the many phases of the phenomenon are of a more varied nature ; and none in which the subject has received greater attention.' To which we venture to add, that no one has made so much use of these opportunities as Mr Eagle Clarke has done, and that no contribution to the subject compares in importance with the work which is summarised in the book before us." — Nature. " Mr Eagle Clarke's long-looked-for work is now before us, and as we^ should expect from the pen of so able an authority, we find these two volumes crowded with interesting and reliable information. These 'Studies,' as the author is careful to point out, do not comprise the ' last word ' in the fascinating and intricate problems of bird migration, but deal solely with the author's own experiences, helped by the records accumulated when he was on the British Association Committee for the Study of Bird Migration, and con- sequently this work touches only on migrations which affect the British Isles. On this score we find the work all the more pleasing, as here we have a book whichjs the result of years of observation in many remote and eminently suitable 'migration stations,' written from first-hand knowledge, and free from the mass of wild speculations and theories which so frequently characterise the products of an armchair worker. " In conclusion, we may say that we have nothing but praise for Mr Clarke's book, and congratulate him on bringing it to such a successful conclusion. It is eminently the product of a worker ; to the beginner in the study of migration it will point out the right lines of investigation ; to the student it gives much interesting matter for consideration, and it will be read with great pleasure by every ornithologist." — British Birds. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C CONTENTS PAQB The Birds of the Island of Tiree {concluded). — Peter Anderson . 241 General Notes on Habitats and Occurrences of Land and Fresh- Water Mollusca in the North of Scotland.— Fred Booth . 246 Supplement to Dr Sharp's "Coleoptera of Scotland" {continued). Anderson Fergus son . . . . .254 Notes ........ 259 Quail in Forfarshire — H. Scrymgeour-Wedderbum (Lieut.- Colonel) ; Scarcity of Razorbills and Guillemots — Mary G. S. Best j The Scandinavian race of the Lesser Black- backed Gull in Forth — William Evans; Aplysia fiicnctata, Cuv., in the Firth of Forth — William Evans; Supplement to Dr Sharp's ''Coleoptera of Scotland" — Anderson Fergusson; Ripersia halophila (Hardy) on the Isle of May — William Evans; Somatochlora arctica, Zett., in the Spey district, and at Guisachan, Strathglass — James J. F.-X. King. Book Notices . . . . . . .262 Gleanings ....... 263 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT A few Complete Sets of "The Annals of Scottish Natural History," from its Commencement in 1892 to 191 1, in all Twenty Volumes, handsomely bound in cloth, gilt top, are still available, at the reduced price of £4, 4s. net. Many of the Back Numbers can still be supplied. PRINTED BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. No. 24.] 1913 [December. The Scottish Naturalist A Monthly 'Magazine devoted to Zoology With which is incorporated "The Annals of Scottish Natural History" EDITED BY WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E., F.L.S. Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E., Etc. Member of the British Ornithologists' Union PERCY H. GR I MS HAW, F.R.S.E., F.E.S. Assistant-Keeper, Natural History Department, Royal Scottish Museum ASSISTED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, LL.D., F.R.S.E. EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U. LEONORA J. RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U. H. S. GLADSTONE, M.A., F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., D.Sc. A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON, M.A., M.B.O.U. EDINBURGH : OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court LONDON : GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 Paternoster Row Price gd. Annual Subscription, payable in advance, bs. 6d. post free The Scottish Naturalist All Articles and Communications intended for publication, and all Books, etc., for notice should be sent to Mr Percy H. Grimshaw, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. Subscriptions and Advertisements should be addressed to the Publishers, Messrs Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Authors of General Articles will receive 25 Reprints (in covers) of their Contributions gratis. Additional Copies, in covers, may- be had from the Printers, at the undermentioned rates, provided such orders accompany the Manuscript. 25 Copies 50 Copies 100 Copies 4 pages 3/6 4/6 7/- 8 „ 4/6 5/6 8/6 12 „ 6/- 7/- 11/- 16 „ 7/6 8/6 13/6 "SCOTTISH NATURALIST" EXTRA PUBLICATION Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1912 INCLUDING MIGRATION BY LEONORA J. RINTOUL and EVELYN V. BAXTER Hon. M embers of the British Ornithologists' Union Price 1s. 6d. net EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD, TWEEDDALE COURT LONDON: QURNEY AND JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. THE NATURALIST A Monthly Journal of Natural History for the North of England Edited by T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S. and T. W. WOODHEAD, Ph.D., F.L.S. Museum, Hull. Technical College, Huddersfield With the assistance, as Referees in Special Departments, of J. Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S. ; Percy F. Kendall, F.G.S. ; T. H. Nelson, M.B.O.U. ; Geo. T. Porritt, F.L.S., F.E.S. ; John W. Taylor ; William West, F.L.S. All Communications to be addressed to — THE EDITORS, "THE NATURALIST," MUSEUM, HULL Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d. Single Numbers, 6d. ; by post, yd. LONDON : A. BROWN & SONS, Ltd., 5 Farringdon Avenue, E.C. From Gurney ££? Jackson's List STUDIES IN BIRD MIGRATION By WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.R.S.E, F.L.S. Member of the British Association Committee on the Migration of Birds as Observed on the British and Irish Coasts, and Author of its Final Reports, 1S96-1903, etc. With Numerous Illustrations, Maps, and Weather Charts. 2 Vols. Sq. Demy 8vo. 18s. net. "There is no other English ornithologist better qualified to write on the migration of birds than Mr Eagle Clarke, whose name has long been inseparably associated with the problems of this difficult but fascinating subject. It is certain that to the serious student of bird migration the volumes are indispensable." — The Athenaum. "This book has been long expected, and it is certainly one worth waiting for." — Nature. An Illustrated Manual of British Birds By Howard Saunders, F.L.S. , F.Z.S., etc. Second Edition. Demy 8vo, with 384 fine Woodcuts and 3 Maps. jQ\, Is. " Excellent alike in style and matter, it ought to be in the hands of every lover of birds." — A nnak of Natural History. "The whole book forms the most concise and at the same time trustworthy book on birds of a single region that has ever been written." — Science Gossip. The Birds of Ireland An Account of the Distribution, Migrations, and Habits of Birds, as observed in Ireland, with all additions to the Irish List, including an Introduction and Tables showing the Distribution of Birds in the Breeding Season. By Richard J. Ussher and Robert Warren. With a Coloured Plate, Maps, and other Illustrations. 450 pp. 8vo, cloth. £\, 10s. NEW AND CHEAPER EDITION Ready Aid to Distinguish the Commoner Wild Birds of Great Britain By David T. Price. Pocket Size, limp cloth. Is net. British Wild Flowers By John E. Sowerby, Author of The Ferns of Great Britain. Described, with an Introduction and a Key to the Natural Orders, by C. Pierpoint Johnson. Reissue, to which is added 'a Supple- ment containing 180 Figures, comprising later discovered Flowering Plants, and the Ferns, Horse-tails, and Club-Mosses. Super-royal 8vo, with 1780 Coloured Figures. ^3, 3s. GURNEY & JACKSON, 33 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C. CONTENTS PAGE A List of British Terrestrial Mammals. [Compiled from the Brit. Mus. " Catalogue of the Land-Mammals of Western Europe (Europe exclusive of Russia)," by Gerrit S. Miller, 1912.] ....... 265 On the Occurrence of Phylloscopus fuscatus (Blyth) in the Orkney Islands: A New British Bird. — Wm. Eagle Clarke 271 Two New Scottish Birds. — Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul . . . . . .273 General Notes on Habitats and Occurrences of Land and Fresh- Water Mollusca in the North of Scotland {concluded). — Fred Booth . . . . . . .274 Report on the Investigation of Land Mollusca in the North of Scotland. — W. ' Denison Roebuck and John W.Taylor . 278 Notes ........ 283 Movements of Migratory Birds observed in Kirkcudbright- shire— Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford; Song of the Willow-Tit — S. E. Brock ; Glossy Ibis in Argyll — Charles Kerr Harris; Iceland Gull in West Ross-shire — Constance M. Fowler j Newts in Caithness — John Anderson ; Aphano- pus carbo in British Seas ; Additions to the List of Forth Spiders — William Evans. Book Notices ....... 285 Index ........ 287 PUBLISHERS' NOTICE The Annual Subscription for 1914, payable in advance, 6s. 6d. post free, should be addressed to the Publishers, Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. Covers for Binding " The Scottish Naturalist ' Special Cloth Cases for Binding the 1913 Volume can be supplied at Is. each (by Post Is. 2d.), by Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh. PRINTED BY OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH. MH1. WMOI I IBHAKY UH IflTI J