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THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA
OF “DEE.”

PRINTED AT

THE OFFICE OF THE ‘‘ ABERDEEN DAILY JOURNAL,”

18-22 BROAD STREET, ABERDEEN.

THE

VERTEBRATE FAUNA

OF

“DEF.

By GEORGE SIM, A.L.s.,

EEN ENS

Author of a ‘* History of the Herring,” Prize Essay, Edinburgh Fisheries’ Exhibition, 1882 ;
** Food of Fishes,” Prize Essay, London Fisheries’ Exhibition, 1883 ;
** Pallas’s Sand Grouse in Aberdeenshire, 1888,” etc.

The Ichthyological portion rncludes the

FISHES OF THE EAST COAST

FROM

WICK TO FIRTH OF FORTH.

Fberdcen:

D. WYLLIE & SON, Union STREET.
1903.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE, .

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, .
WORKS REFERRED TO,
INTRODUCTION, .
MAMMALIA,

BIRDS,

REPTILIA, .

FISHES,

INDEX,

PAGE

195

208

285

PREFACE.

~ Many changes have occurred in “Dee” since 1855,
the date of issue of the Natural History of Deeside
and Braemar, written by the late highly-talented
Dr. MacGillivray. The following pages are the
result of observations made during the past forty
years, which, it is hoped, will bring those changes

into view, and the state of our Fauna up to date.

Neither time nor trouble has been spared to make
sure of the matter recorded, and, so far as is possible,

every statement has been verified by personal enquiry.

Much assistance has been given by willing
correspondents. Especially do I desire to record
the kindly help received from Miss D. Hamilton,
of Skene, who takes an enthusiastic interest in
Ornithology, and most obligingly placed her notes
at my disposal. ‘To the following gentlemen my
thanks are due for the assistance they have given :—
John A. Harvie-Brown, Esq. of Dunipace ; Mr. Alex.
Inkson M‘Connochie, Aberdeen; Prof. J. Arthur
Thomson, Aberdeen University ; Dr. Albert Gunther
and Mr. G. A. Boulenger, of the British Museum ;
Dr. R. H. Traquair, and Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, of
the Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh; Dr.

8 PREFACE.

W. Tait, Inverurie, and his son, Mr. Thomas Tait ;
Mr. James Mackie, Burnharvie; Mr. James
Elphinstone, M.A., King-Edward; and Mr. W.
Pirie, Aberdeen. Throughout the body of the work
the names of other gentlemen appear to whom the
author is indebted.

The services of the following gentlemen, now no
more, are gratefully recorded:—Dr. Francis Day, of
Cheltenham, author of the History of the Fishes of
Great Britain and Ireland; Stewart Burnett, Esq.,
Kemnay, than whom no one knew the Fauna of our
district better ; and Mr. Thomas S. Tait, Inverurie.

In the arrangement and nomenclature the authors
followed have been—as to Mammalia, Bell’s 1st
Edition; as to Ornithology, the List of the British —
Ornithologists’ Union ; and as to Fishes, Dr. Day.

GEORGE SIM.

ABERDEEN, October, 1903.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

FOWLS-HEUGH, KINCARDINESHIRE, . facing 18
| BIsHOP LOCH, . : : : ect)
MALFORMED ROE HORNS, ; : : _facng 64°
HYBRID BETWEEN CAPERCAILLIE AND PHEASANT, ,, 163°
GULLERY AT UPPERMILL, KINTORE, . ay LOO
WATER-OUZEL’S NEST, . i O4
NEWT-CATCHERS, ; : : : : : . 200

MENDING THE NETS, : : . facing 202

i SANG obits eos

7

WORKS REFERRED TO.

The Statistical Account of Scotland (abridged to

O. S. A. in text), : : : : : : 1791-99
General View of Kincardineshire—Robertson, . 2 1 S07.
General View of the Agriculture of Aberdeenshire

—Skene Keith, , : : 2 LOdt
British Foley Pennant, ; : ©1812
Historical Account of Perertoud Nbaennet, ; sl Slo
British Animals—Fleming, . . 1828
British Fishes—Yarrell, . ; ; ; : ; 1836
British Birds— do. . : : : : : 1871-74
British Quadrupeds—Bell, . ; : : . 1837
British Birds—MacGillivray, . : : 1837-52
History of Deeside and Braemar—MacGillivray, . . 1855
Fishes of the Firth of Forth—Parnell, : : . 1889
New Statistical Account of Aberdeenshire (abridged

tOv oS. A. in text), . : : . 1848
The Naturalist—Conducted by B. R. Morris, : 1851-58
Fishes of the Moray Firth—Gordon, . : . 1852
Birds of Strathbeg—EKdward, in The Naturalist, . 1854-55
Fishes of Banffshire— do. ue: : 1854-55
The Reptiles of Banffshire—Edward, 4 SS
Contributions to Ichthology—W., in The een . 1855
Birds of Banchory-Ternan—Adams, . . . 1859
Braemar—Crombie, A ! : ; . 1861
Fishes of the British Telands “Cone 1864-65
Birds of the West of Scotland—Gray, . : 5 keira
Marine Invertebrates and Fishes of St. Andrews

—M‘Intosh, : : ; ; . » L8KS
New History of ge ecachine “Secth, F : a alGino

Life of a Scottish Naturalist—Smiles, . : : lene

12 WORKS REFERRED TO.

Capercaillie in Scotland—Harvie-Brown, 1879
Rarer Animals of Scotland— _ do. 1882
Birds of Buchan—Horn, 1880
Mammalia of Buchan—Horn, : : ._—
Fishes of Great Britain and ieee 1880-84
Olsen’s Piscatorial Atlas, ‘ : : 1883
Essays in Romance and Studies from Life—Skelton, E tealltesko)
British Ornithologists’ Union List, . 1888
Ornithology, East of Scotland Unio “Dae Hay, 1886
List of Fishes, East of Scotland Union—Howden, 1887
Fauna of Sutherland, Caithness, and West Cromarty
—Harvie-Brown and Buckley, . é 1887
Vertebrate Fauna of the Orkney Islands“ Hee
Brown and Buckley, . : 5 » 1891
Fauna of the Moray Basin — Harvie- Brown and
Buckley, 1895
Cairngorm Club Journal——Rdited By Alex. ieee
M‘Connochie, 1894
Avi-Fauna of Buchan—Serle, 1895

“ybangsasvsy ‘alddon ‘Al | '
JHIHSANIGUVONIM “HONAH-SIMOS
[02044

S SSS

RX SS

INTRODUCTION.

THE natural division of Scotland to which the following
observations refer is known as “ Dee,’ and comprises the
greater part of the counties of Aberdeen and Kincardine.
It is bounded by “Moray” on the north and west, and on
the south by “Tay.” These areas meet on Carn an Fhidhleir
(Cairn Ealar) (8276), where three counties—Aberdeen, Inver-
ness, and Perth—join, about 85 miles from the North Sea.

The coast line of “Dee,” 2z.¢., from Fowls-heugh, in
Kincardineshire, to Troup Head, in Banffshire, is about 80
miles in length. The whole district comprises an area
of about 23,000 square miles, and is truly the

“Land of brown heath and shaggy wood,
Land of the mountain and the flood.”

The coast line of our area is a most interesting one,
both from a zoological and geological point of view.

Let us suppose ourselves at the southern limit of the
coast, that is, at Fowls-heugh, some three or four miles
south of Stonehaven. Here we find high beetling cliffs
composed of Sandstone Conglomerate, pierced in many places
by dykes and beds of Greenstone. The sea washes with
deep rolling waves against the foot of the rocks, and has
excavated in many places long dark caverns, some of which
can only be approached by boat; others can be reached on
foot when the tide is low, and one can enter many sub-
terranean galleries, torch in hand, and explore their dark
recesses, from which the Rock-dove darts in hurried flight
at the intrusion. We also meet with numerous colonies of
Martins, which fly out regardless of our presence, and

whose nests can be seen in the chinks of the rock. On
B

14 INTRODUCTION.

the face of the cliffs are many holes and narrow terraces,
formed by the powerful agency of frost, rain, and wind.
Here thousands of Kittiwakes, Herring Gulls, Razorbills,
Guillemots, and Puffins, a few Black Guillemots, a pair of
Peregrins, and the Kestrel resort to rear their young. At
such times the scene is a most animated and interesting
one, and few places are better adapted for studying the
habits of the various species mentioned. We have pitched
our little tent upon the ‘“‘Heugh Heads,” and watched the
birds so long as light remained, and listened to their
midnight cries.

The coast line continues much the same until the
ruins of Dunnottar Castle are reached. High cliffs of
fied Sandstone occur at Stonehaven, but the older part of
the town is only a few feet above high-water level.
The depression extends landwards for some miles, bifur-
cating near the town; one arm runs north-west-by-north,
while the other takes a westerly course. The latter is
traversed by the Water of Carron, the former by the
Water of Cowie, both small streams discharging into the
sea at Stonehaven. At the village of Cowie Sandstone
again appears, and in turn is succeeded by Gneiss and other
crystalline formations. These rise in places to great heights,
and have been much disturbed by intrusive dykes of Green-
stone, resulting in the formation of many narrow creeks,
into which the sea rushes with great force. |

At the village of Skateraw, Gneiss forms the coast line,
and here, as elsewhere, the land is cut into by deep creeks
known as Murray’s Heugh, Batbridge Bay, White May, May
Craig, and Skateraw Harbour. On the north side of this is
the Doo’s Cave, a beautiful cavern, in the floor of which are
several pools, full of exquisitely coloured anemones, and many
other no less lovely marine forms. Near to this les what -
is known as the Needle’s H’e, a gallery piercing a rock
about 800 feet high. THere, too, there are deep creeks known

INTRODUCTION. 15

as Granger’s Tail, White Wife, White May, Craig Stirling,
Rams Haa, Hail Globe, and Kame-o-coble-beard.

Proceeding northwards, we find that the coast is much
the same as that already described: high headlands and
long sinuous creeks, one of which, known as the Erne
Heugh, would seem to indicate that at one time the Sea
Kagle had been in the habit of frequenting, perhaps of
nesting, there, the Erne being the name by which that bird
was known in former times. Near the Bay of Nigg the
coast becomes less elevated, and affords excellent facilities
for the study of bird life, and is generally of a varied and
most interesting character. Passing the low sandy and
pebbly shore of the Bay of Nigg, we reach Girdleness—a
rocky promontory—and enter the valley of the Dee.

Before continuing our course northward, it is necessary
to give some indication of the appearance of the country
lying inland and adjacent to the stretch of coast line already
traversed, and which presents great differences to that
which remains to be described. Generally speaking, the
land along the coast from Fowls-heugh northwards is
under cultivation, with here and there small patches still
in their natural state. The land is of a clayey nature, and
produces fairly good crops; but the general aspect of the
district is bare, bleak, and entirely without wood (except a
small patch near Newton) until Stonehaven is reached.
Here, on the estates of Dunnottar and Fetteresso, there is
a considerable amount of woodland and plantations, as is
also the case upon the estate of Urie and in the Den
of Cowie.

From this onwards the country, though now well under
cultivation, has still some tracts of peat, moss, and marsh,
with little appearance of wood; and altogether it is an
uninviting, cold, late, and cheerless region, until the Loch
of Loirston is reached. On the south-east side of this loch

are plantations of stunted, starving firs. Beyond the loch,
B2

16 INTRODUCTION.

stretching to the north-east, lie the wooded hills of Kincorth
and Tullos, and to the westward the wooded Den of Leggart
and the fine woods of Banchory, which reach the south
bank of the Dee. Repellent as the region over which we
have passed even now is, it is a garden in comparison
with what it was in times not yet long past, as may
be seen from the following extracts. Franck, in his
Northern Memotrs, 1656, speaking of the country between
Aberdeen and Stonehaven, says: “But what have we here?
Cawses uncartable, and pavements unpracticable, pointed
with rocky stumpy stones, and dawb’d all over with dingy
dirt, that makes it unpassible; and the fields, as I con-
ceive, are ten times worse, because o’erspread with miry
clay, and incumbred with bogs that will bury a horse.”
George Colman, in his Random Records, 1781, remarks:
“Hor many a weary mile from Hdinburgh to my seat of
banishment, the country grows more sterile in appearance,
till from Stinehive to Aberdeen, it becomes naked desolation,
a waste of peat, varied only by huge masses of stone sticking
up here and there in the bogs and even in the middle of
the road.” Douglas, in his Hast Coast of Scotland, 1782, on
passing Stonehaven describes it thus: ‘ About a mile further
on we pass a wretched barren moor, almost one continuous
stone, which, with little interruption, is the case of all the
country till we reach the Bridge of Dee. The enclosures
are generally small, and a great part of their contents covered
with heath and bog. . . . . Yo explain this I must
observe that the country for some distance from the sea
is populous. You see everywhere numbers of poor huts and
starved cattle.” Newte, in his Tour in England and Scotland,
1791, thus expresses himself: “From this hill, the road
runs near the sea all the way to Stonehaven, and is
very dreary; no trees to be seen except now and then a
small plantation of firs; some few spots are converted into
cornland and grass, but marshes prevail.”

INTRODUCTION. 17

The coast between the rivers Dee and Don, and
northwards to the river Ythan, is one continuous sheet
of sand, which in many parts is blown into high mounds
and overgrown with bents, grass, and whin. Although
this section is sterile it is nevertheless of considerable
interest. Amid the benty hillocks, the Common Tern
scrapes its shallow nest and rears its young, and the
Ring Plover runs nimbly round the sandy heaps to entice
intruders from its treasures. Here, too, for a time, the
beautiful Sand Grouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus) took up its
residence in 1888, and remained and flourished until the
end of the season. Among the bents are several stoney
‘“scaups ’’ on which lie heaps of flint chippings which mark
the resting-places of primitive man. Among these chippings
have occasionally been found fine examples of his art in
the shape of barbed and leaf-shaped flint arrows (fairy
darts), chisels, and cores, and also the “anvils” of water-
worn stones on which he fashioned them. In places the
ground is marshy, forming a haunt for the Snipe and Wild
Duck. At others the hummocks of sand are perforated
by rabbits, in whose disused burrows the Stock Doves have
of late years made their nests. At others again, we can
either wander into tracks where nothing but high hills of
sand surround us, with not a bush or blade of green to
relieve the dismal prospect; or into a wilderness of stones
and damp sandy clay, with here and there an outcrop of
gneiss or granite. On the sands, well within tide-mark
and some miles north of the river Don, lies the huge
“ Black-dog Stane,” around which is a favourite resting-
place of the Sea Gulls.

Such is the appearance of the coast line until the
Ythan is reached. No wood or tree of any sort exists
until we pass some way beyond the eastern edge of culti-
vation; and even there, only small clumps of plantations
are seen. Crossing the Ythan, we are again met by ground

18 INTRODUCTION.

of a similar nature. Near the mouth of this river the
Common and Little Terns breed, but are subject to much
persecution, with the result that their numbers are yearly
becoming fewer. Between this point and the Burn of
Forvie lies a vast tract extending to many thousands of
acres, composed of bent-hillocks, heath, and whin-covered
ground, with a considerable extent of marsh, on which may
be seen Green Plover, Redshank, Tern, Lark, Pipit, Starling,
Grouse, and Hooded Crow, with Ring Plover and Dunlin
on the dry hillocks. The “Dunter Duck” (Somateria molls-
suma) builds her nest among the bents, and the ‘“Annet”’
(Tadorna cornuta) creeps into the rabbits’ burrows and _ suc-
cessfully disputes possession with the rightful owners, and
makes her beautiful nest. Here stand the low ruined walls
of the old Church of Forvie, the only object that now remains
to mark the site of the sand-smothered hamlet of that name.
Now there is nothing but one expanse of bent and sandy
desolation, over which may be heard the melancholy wail
of the Golden Plover and the eerie cry of the wary Curlew.

Near the old Church of Forvie Hornblende Slate and
Gneiss appear, and form the coast line, which rises to a con-
siderable height at Hackley Bay; and after passing Port
Thuddan we arrive at the village of Collieston, a curious
assemblage of huts, thrown down, as it were, along the face
of the slopes surrounding the bay. On the landward side
of the village lies the Sand Loch of Slains, a sheet of
water four or five acres in extent; and a little further
north lies the Meikle Loch of Slains, extending to some
80 or 100 acres. Around this loch there are high ridges
of gravel known as the Kippet Hills, “consisting of sand,
gravel, and waterworn pebbles, showing no regular arrange-
ment, but abounding in rolled stones of all sizes.” Along
with these are fragments of marine shells and pieces of
limestone. This deposit, however, is not im situ. Dr.
Jamieson, in a paper to the Quarterly Journal of the

INTRODUCTION. 19

Geological Society, in 1860, speaking of fhis deposit, says:
“T infer the age to be probably that of either the red or
mammaliferous crag of England.”

North of Collieston the coast line is formed of steep
grassy braes, composed of fine soft clayey loam, 20 to 40 feet
deep, without stones of any size, and covered with a luxurious
vegetation, which, in the season, is studded with beautiful,
rich, golden tufts of Cowslips (Primula veris). About a mile
north of the Church, and upon an outstanding rock, are
the ruins of the old Castle of Slains, which “belonged
originally to the Earls of Buchan, and became afterwards
for many generations the seat of the noble family of
Erroll” (Pratt). This building was destroyed by James VI.
in 1594. Here there are some low points of rock which
run far out to sea. The coast is cut into numerous creeks,
chief amongst which is St. Catherine’s Dub, at Collieston,
said to be the last resting-place of the St. Catherine, one of
the Spanish Armada, wrecked in 1588. Colour is given to
this story from the fact that guns of considerable size and
of fine quality have at various times been recovered from
the bottom of the “Dub.” There are also many caves,
known as Hell’s Lum, the Drooping Cave of Slains, Cave
Arthur, etc.

As we proceed, the rocks attain a greater elevation and
present many beautiful forms, such as detached stalks
rising ‘from the sea, high beetling cliffs that hang frown-
ingly over the surging billows, and in one place a fine
circular bay, around which the rocks stand perpendicularly.
Upon these the Kittiwake, Guillemot, Jackdaw, and Starling
breed in thousands. Here, also, Herring Gulls annually
congregate; and until 1885, when they were shot, a pair of
Peregrine Falcons bred upon a point known as the Rock
of Ogstone. From this the fishing village of Whinnyfold,
locally known as Finnyfauld, near the south end of the
Bay of Cruden, is soon reached. The Bay of Cruden

20 INTRODUCTION.

stretches northward for about two miles, forming a fine
sandy shore, backed by a broad belt of sandy knolls clothed
with bent and whin. At the north end stands the fishing
village of Cruden, or Ward of Cruden, now better known
as Port Erroll. In front of the village the Water of
Cruden falls into the ocean. The country adjacent to our
course for some miles inland is flattish and bare, little
or no wood existing. The Castle of Slains, a fine building,
the residence of the Earl of Erroll, stands upon a tongue
of red granite, and surrounded on three sides by the sea.
With the exception of a few patches of cultivated land
near the castle, and a small clump of stunted trees about
a mile to the west, there is nothing to beautify the scene
—all is barren moory land.

The district westward takes the form of a large basin,
its rim being formed by the coast line and high ground
inland. This is nearly all under cultivation, but, like the
most of Buchan, has little to recommend it in the way of
scenery, though it is interesting historically, and its annals
have been graphically given to us in Buchan, by the late
Rev. Dr. Pratt. The coast line, however, presents many
points of grandeur—bold rocky heights with outstanding
pillars, some of which present quaint likenesses to human
and other forms of living creatures. The Rock of Dunbuy
attracts special attention. It is a magnificent mass of
granite, surrounded by the sea, and forms a grand rugged
arch, the resort in summer of numerous Puffins, Guille-
mots, Razorbills, Herring Gulls, and Rock Pigeons; indeed,
it is one of the chief breeding places of the species named
to be found on the east coast. Here, many deep narrow
creeks run far inland, flanked with dark, heavy, frowning
masses of overhanging rocks.

Such is the character of the coast until the Bullers of
Buchan are reached. This is a wide semicircular cauldron
surrounded by high perpendicular cliffs, and can only be

INTRODUCTION. 21

entered by boat through a narrow opening on the seaward
side. Through this opening, which is of no great height,
the sea, during storms, rushes with terrific force, sending
its spray streaming upwards, far beyond the rocky heights.
Seen under such conditions, the Bullers present a scene
of extreme grandeur. Beside the Bullers is another series
of rocks, also of great beauty, known as Hell’s Lum.
Beyond this, the coast is composed of high granite rocks,
bordered by a belt of moory wind-swept ground, which
extends landward for some distance, and coastwise until
the village of Boddam is reached. Near this village is
Stirling Hill, a high mass of red granite, from which fine
monuments and material for many a stately mansion and
public building have been cut. This is the famous Peter-
head Granite, now known over much of the civilised world.
The country around is of a hummocky nature, and nearly
all under cultivation.

Within the South Bay of Peterhead is an extensive
deposit of clay, which is dug for brick-making. In this
Clay shells are frequently found; and once, many feet
below the surface, the skeleton of a duck was obtained.
The Statistical Account adds: “About two years ago (1793) on
digging for a well for the accommodation of the family at
the manse, at the depth of about eight or ten feet, a com-
plete skeleton of a deer was found.” The bay, from the
brickworks round to Peterhead, is formed of ‘sand, shingle,
and a low reef of rock known as Salties Point. The rocks
rise high beside the town, forming a rugged fringe between
it and the sea.

The coast line from Peterhead to the mouth of the river
Ugie is a high rocky one. Beyond the Ugie, on to Rattray
Head, the land is low and sandy, backed by immense tracks
of sand dunes covered with bent, etc. This is called the
Links of St. Fergus. Rattray Head is formed by a low
reef of rock which runs far out to sea. Beyond this, the

22, INTRODUCTION.

coast is again low and sandy, with wide tracks of links
and sandy hillocks. The general aspect is again one of
bleak desolation, with neither tree nor shrub, other than
whin, to break the monotony of the scene; and those only
of an ornithological turn of mind will find anything to
recommend it. The entire district between Ugie and
Rattray, west of the coast line, is under cultivation, and
the soil is generally good—some of it very good—but even
in summer there is something chilly and repellent about
it, and this feeling is heightened by the appearance of the
hedgerows, all of which have their tops and branches
bent landwards, as if anxious to escape the strong cold
northern winds that are almost continually playing upon
them. The country is flattish, with nothing approach-
ing the name of hill; yet there are many inequalities,
which give the land a rolling water-worn appearance, as
if it had at one time formed the sea-bottom. Around
Rattray House are a good many trees that extend in a
narrow belt of about a mile in length. Beyond this lies
the Loch of Strathbeg, which will be again alluded to.
At the south-west end of the loch stands Crimonmogate
House, surrounded by its extensive and beautifully wooded
grounds, within which have been obtained numerous ornitho-
logical rarities.

Proceeding from this fascinating place, we hold along
the coast, which, for some distance, continues of a sandy
nature; while on the higher grounds adjacent to it are
seen the woods around Cairness House and those of Philorth.
Passing the villages of St. Combs, Inverallochy, and Cairn-
bulg, the shore is low and rocky, formed of Gnezss.

We now reach Fraserburgh Bay, along the south side
of which hes an expanse of sandy alluvium, bounded by
sand hills. On the west side of the bay stands the town
of Fraserburgh, between which and the village of Broadsea
is situated Kinnaird’s Head. Here the rocks are of

INTRODUCTION. 23

considerable height, but soon diminish to little above sea
level, and continue so past the fishing villages of Sandhaven
and Pitullie, and onwards to the burgh of Rosehearty.
From the latter, westwards, the coast still continues low,
with a sandy beach, until near Aberdour Bay, where the
rocks, composed of Old Red Sandstone and Conglomerate,
Pebbly Quartzite, and Andulusite Schist, again attain a con-
siderable altitude, and on which stand the ruins of Dundarg
Castle. These rocks attain at Strangles Point, sometimes
called Clenteray Point, a height of 300 feet. Between the
latter Point and Pennan Head the rocks continue high,
and are of Conglomerate, with occasional sandy beds. In the
high rock face near Pennan Head the Peregrine Falcon
finds convenient, but not always secure, nesting places.
At the attractive little village of Pennan a deep glen runs
inland, known as the Tore of Troup, through which the
Tore Burn flows to the sea. This glen is for some
distance closely wooded, and forms a pleasant and striking
contrast to the surrounding country. At Pennan the upper-
most fifty feet of the rocks consists of a breccia formed
of clay-slate and sand resting on the conglomerate, which
forms the coast line. The cliffs continue to rise in height
and grandeur as we proceed, until at Troup Head they
attain their greatest elevation, about 400 feet.

This brings us to the north-west point of our area, and
like the southern point, it forms the summer resort of
thousands of Herring Gulls, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razor-
bills, and Puffins, and a few Black Guillemots. The land
bordering the sea recently passed is flattish, on the whole;
but there are many deep hollows excavated by the small
streams that flow over the softish rocks, and many exten-
sive rounded mounds have been formed. At other points
lie many acres of peat moss and sterile moor; and here and
there the land is under cultivation, but is not of a highly
productive nature. Although the district, as already stated,

24 INTRODUCTION.

has a bare, woodless, and cold appearance, such has not
always been the case, for these peat mosses contain evidence
that it was once otherwise. In these we find huge trees
of oak, hazel, birch, mountain ash, and fir. . This last,
because of its resinous nature, was dug up, split into long
thin portions, and formed the ancient “fir candle,” the only
light the people in old times possessed. These trees
formed extensive forests that existed, to some extent at
least, down to the time of the wars between the EHarl of
Buchan and the Bruce. In these mosses have also been
found many flint arrows and spear heads, bronze celtis, pots,
and swords, oak canoes, spades, and portions of crossbows.
Those who wish to learn more about the past of this
district would do well to peruse an excellent paper by the
late Rev. James Peter, entitled, The Peat Mosses of
Buchan.

Through these forests once roamed herds of Bos
prinugemus, whose skulls and teeth have been found in
numbers generally lying on the surface of the boulder
clay, covered by many feet of overlying moss. These woods
also formed a congenial home for the stately Red Deer.
All is changed—the mighty monarchs of the forest have
gone, and our largest wild quadrupeds are the Roe and
Hare. Foxes can scarcely be said to exist, and within
the past thirty years the pe and Pole-cat have been
exterminated.

Leaving the coast at Troup Head, the northern lhmit of
our district, passing Protston and Protston Hill, Cross-
slacks to Darfash, the line holds eastward and _ strikes
the south end of the Tore of Troup. On emerging
from the Tore, we find ourselves on the border of an
extensive track of moorland, small portions of which are
under cultivation. After this, moss and heath are
traversed, and we soon reach the Loch of Monwig, which
lies on the moss of Fishrie (679 feet above sea level).

INTRODUCTION. 25

Leaving this on our right, we strike the source of the
middle branch of the Gonar Burn, while on our left,
beside Cowbog and the farm of Todholes, hes the source
of the south branch; the third and most northern at
Windyheads Hill is known as the Greenspeck. These three
branches unite at Skelmanae, after which the stream is
known as the Water of Strichen, and ultimately by the
name of the North Ugie. From Northside we skirt the
southern border of Corthie Moss to reach the hill of Bonny
Kelly, where le enormous beds of peat, many acres in
extent. This marks the line between “Moray” and “Dee.”
Passing the villages of Newbyth, Garmond, and Cumines-
town, on our right, our line runs by the east side of
Hillhead of Cairncake (446), and thence to Borderside,
where it turns westward to Parkhill and Muirtack to near
the Wagglehill (406), beside which is the Howe of Teuchar.
Here the boundary turns south-west, passing the west side
of Deer’s Hill (585), and over Brown Hill to near Rosebrae,
where it descends into the Ythan valley at Auchterless
railway station.

So far, the country forms a somewhat high tableland,
much of it being under the plough, but there is no wood
except on the Hill of Lendrum (558), near Rosebrae, which
is now covered with trees. From the old Castle of Towie,
close to Auchterless railway station, the line extends north-
ward to the crest of Birkenhills, where it again bends to
the west to Loch of Braefoot, a shallow and weedy sheet
of water some five or six acres in extent, in the centre of
which is an island covered with willow scrub, the haunt of
the Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, Willow Wren, Snipe, and
Water Hen.

From this point the limit of our area now runs past
the farms of Glaslaw and Cleftbog. About half-a-mile
west-north-west of the latter, and on higher ground, les

a sheet of water known as the Loch of Pitglassie, but

26 INTRODUCTION.

locally called the “Geese Peel.’ This loch lies upon the
southern point of the Hill of Carlincraig, a moor of many
acres’ extent, covered with whin, broom, and heath, chiefly
the two former, and its southern side is within our watershed.
From this loch our line runs along the low hills that form
the north side of the Howe of Pitglassie, a valley which
runs parallel with the depression along which the river
Ythan flows, about one-and-three-quarter miles to the
southward. The Howe of Pitglassie being under the
hands of the husbandman, the district has little attraction
for the ornithologist. Passing on from Pitglassie, the Old
Yock, locally ‘“Auldyock,” a fine agricultural district, is
reached. Forty years ago this was a wild dreary waste,
with here and there a moorland croft of the meanest des-
cription; the people poor and overworked, the ground wet
and boggy; a region where the Mallard and Snipe found a
congenial home, and where the cry of the Curlew and Plover
could be heard on the heathery uplands. In 1895 the
writer revisited this place, and so altered had it become
since his early recollections of it that it was altogether
unrecognisable. Heath and bogs had given place to
well-cultivated farms, comfortable homesteads, and good
roads.

From Old Yock the watershed still holds to the west-
ward, past Lenshie on to Gariochsford, which is situated
near the top of the glen through which the burn of that
name flows. One branch of this streamlet has its rise in
a& copious spring, deep and dark, that lies near the village
or “clachan” of Balgaveny, and, like most such springs
throughout Scotland, has its legend in which buried treasure
forms the chief feature. Another streamlet rises at Den-
head, and the two join near Balgaveny to form a tributary
to the Ythan. Along these narrow glens there is some
cultivated land, but there is yet much in its natural
state, and from its nature likely to remain so. There is

INTRODUCTION. 27

little wood, consequently it has no attraction for the
feathered tribes, nor for quadrupeds, except a few hares.
Leaving Denhead, the course of the watershed runs past
Lochmoss to near the Wells of Ythan, where it sweeps
abruptly north-west to Cranloch. At the Wells of Ythan
the valley broadens out, and is surrounded by cultivated land,
except to the south and south-west, where the low heath-
clad hills of Cranloch’ and Auchentender are seen. From
Cranloch the boundary line turns sharply and follows a
south-south-west course across the southern shoulder of the
Hill of Auchentender, passing Bisset Woods (939) and the
Saddle Hill (964) on the left; and then to Wind’s Eye
(1029), where the line turns to the south-west by south,
by Melshack Moss to the top of Knockandy Hill (1426),
which forms part of the estate of Wardhouse. Around
the mansion house of Wardhouse there is much wood,
otherwise the country traversed affords nothing but heath,
low hills, and cultivated land. From Wardhouse we descend

into the low marshy ground lying in the northern corner

of the Garioch district. We pass Haremire and Braefolds,
with the woods of Leith Hall lying to the east, and cross
the Great North of Scotland Railway to the west of Kenneth-
mont station, and proceed to Seggieden, Towie, and then
strike the head-waters of the Gady Burn, near Druminnor
House, and, proceeding by Stonedyke, reach the Hill of
Clova, leaving the Mire of Midgates (1586) on the east.
Thence we make our way to Badingair Hill (1556), from
which rises Blacklatch Burn. Here we are almost in the
centre of the group of heights known as the Correen Hills,
whose flat heath-covered tops are suitable only for Grouse,
White Hares, and Sheep. From their summits can be seen
the most of the Garioch and the Vale of Alford. This
extensive district is a purely agricultural one, with many
fair-sized woods interspersed; but it is not in any way
remarkable zoologically. The resident quadrupeds and birds

28 INTRODUCTION.

are few and of the most common kinds. From this high
plateau are to be seen many thousands of acres of heath-
covered hilly ground, with extensive plantations on the
hill known as Manabattock, on the estate of Castle
Forbes, which afford excellent cover for Black Game and
Roe Deer, and many of our summer songsters.

The eastern side of the Glen of Terpersie is closed in
by the hill of Dumbarton (1269), which has a consider-
able extent of flat ground on its top. This glen runs
almost north and south, and is divided into two narrow
ravines towards its northern end, but broadens out at
its upper end. The two narrow glens are covered with
low birch, willow, mountain ash, broom, and heather. Along
the eastern ravine flows the Burn of Clistie, while the
western one is watered by Cot-burn; both join Blacklatch
Burn, and their united waters are known as the KEsset,
which is a tributary of the Don. Leaving the Correen Hills,
our way leads on to Brux Hill (1558), and thence strikes
west by south into the valley at Birkenbrewl, which is
crossed to reach the Hill of Clova (1611). This hill is.
clothed around its base with wood, amongst which stands
Clova House. From the top of this eminence is seen,
at a short distance to the north-north-west, the Buck of
the Cabrach (2368). The valley is a long and rather wide
one, extending from Kearn in the north to near Kildrummy
Castle in the south, and is flanked by heath-covered hills
with lttle wood except at Mossat, Ardhuncart, Wester
Clova, and Kildrummy Castle. From Clova Hill the
watershed runs west-by-south, passing mid-way between
Dun Mount and Craig an Innean, onward to Creag an
Sgor, thence it bends north to Allt Sughain Hill (1862).
A little to the north of this it again turns to the
south-west towards Geal Charn (2241), thus rounding
the top of Glen Bucket, and passing on to the head-
waters of lLittleglen Burn, which stream _ ultimately

INTRODUCTION. 29

becomes the Water of Nochty, and thence again on to
Dun Muir (2475), Carn Mor (2686), and Carn Liath (2598).
Here, for a good many miles, our course leads us over a
wild and extensive wilderness of hills and mountains, deep
corries, and high rugged cliffs, among which snow les
almost all the year round. Seen under favourable condi-
tions of light, as when the sun has just risen, this view
is one of the most sublimely grand that can be obtained ;
perhaps, an hour later, the whole may be shrouded in mist,
when some of the mightier Bens, towering high above, look
like so many islands surrounded by a deep and troubled
sea. To the lover of the picturesque this is a grand
district, and to the geologist it has also many attractions.
Around are granites of many varieties, and other rocks, some
of which contain rich lodes of iron. To the zoologist,
however, there is little life visible: Grouse are of course
plentiful, with Plover and a few Dotterel in the summer ;
while sailing leisurely around or above the dizzy heights,
the Golden Eagle may occasionally be seen to suddenly
; swoop upon some hapless mountain hare, but beyond this
all is still and lifeless.

From Carn Liath we proceed along the ridge to the
Liath road, the communication between Cock Bridge, in
upper Strathdon, and Tomintoul, thence along the road
in a south-south-east direction until opposite Beinn a
Chruinnach (25386), where we again strike to the south-
‘south-west on to Carn Ealasaid (2600). From this top
we turn abruptly to the west, holding along the county
march, past Tolm Buirich on to Creag Mheann (2828), until
we take a long sweep to the south-east-by-south, passing
the head-waters of the Don, near Inchrory; thence
along the top of Meikle Geal Charn (2683), with the
Brown Cow Hill (2721) on our left, to Carn Ulie, where
Wester Shenalt, a tributary of the Gairn, takes its rise. Here
our route turns to the south-west-by-west, passing Loch

C

30 INTRODUCTION.

Builg on our right. This loch hes on the watershed between
the Gairn and the Avon, its apparent outlet being to
the latter; but there is a subterranean flow from the
south end to the Gairn. Loch Builg is well stocked with
Char, and it may be that in its younger stages this fish
finds its way to the Gairn, thence to the Dee, from which
river examples are occasionally obtained. From Loch
Builg our way lies along Ben Avon (38843), from which
several streamlets flow to join the Gairn in the glen of
that name. Around us extend many heath-covered hills
and mountains, with immense areas of peat moss; alto-
gether it is a region of sterility whose deathlike stillness
is occasionally broken by the wail of the Golden Plover or
the chatter of the Wheat-ear as it flits from bank to bank
in evident wonderment at our presence. From Ben Avon
our line holds to the south-west, passing the sources of the
Quoich Water. Crossing Beinn a’ Bhuird (3924), on the east
slope of which lies Dubh Lochan which sends its waters
to the Quoich, we, after several short bends, touch on our
way the head-waters of Allt an Dubh-ghlinne, a tributary
of the Quoich, to Beinn a’ Chaoruinn (8553), where Glas
Allt, which joins Derry Burn, takes it rise. Thence onward
to Loch Etchachan (8100), which lies on the eastern side of
Ben Muich Dhui (4296). This loch, like others so highly
situated, has no trees with which to adorn its banks, and
is therefore dull and uninviting. We now proceed along
the side of Ben Muich Dhui in a south-west direction,
rounding its southern shoulder, with Lochan Uaine on our
left, then north-west to the Pools of Dee, whence we strike
south-west-by-west to Braeriach (4248), where we find the
Wells of Dee, the main source of that river. Here the
scenery is grand in the extreme.

From the main source of the Dee our line strikes almost
due south, passing Cairn Toul (4241) on the left, onwards
along the west edge of Lochan Suarach (2840) to Monadh

INTRODUCTION. 31

Mor (8651), beyond which we pass Beinn Bhrotain (3795) on
the left, and keep the course of Allt Dhaidh Mor—a feeder
of the Geldie—from its source for some distance. Leaving
this streamlet, our way leads along the highest ground to
the source of another tributary of the same burn, and then
holds slightly westward along the watershed between Glen
Feshie and Glen Geldie, and, after skirting the head-waters
of the latter, we continue in an almost straight course to
Carn an Fhidhleir (Cairn Halar) (8276). Glen Geldie is a
long, rather wide valley, flanked by heath-covered hills.
It has, however, neither tree nor bush, and it is a solitary
wilderness with scarcely a sign of life and without one
redeeming feature to recommend it.

From Cairn Ealar we turn sharply to the east to
the summit of An Sgarsoch (8300), from whose north
side rise Allt a’ Chaorruinn and Allt Coire an _ t-Seilich,
tributaries of the Geldie. From Sgarsoch we proceed
south-east-by-south to the top of Braigh Coire Caochan
nan laogh, at the north base of which rises. the
Bynack Burn; and from this hill our line turns to the
north-north-east over Coire an Loch (2457), thence east to
Sron a’ Bhoididh (2131), where rises Allt an t-Seilich,
which joins Bynack Burn, near Bynack Lodge, and onward
in the same direction to Carn Bhac (8014). ‘To the north-
ward of this, Glen Ey Forest lies between us and the Dee,
a wide expanse of mountain, moor, and glen—a wild, heathy,
almost trackless region. Here the watershed turns to the
south-south-east and the south, to the top of Beinn Iutharn
Mhor (3424), and then to the east, passing the north end
of Loch nan Eun (whose waters form Allt Hasgaidh, and
find their way into the Tay), with Beinn Iutharn Bheag
(8011) on our left or north side. Still steering mainly
eastward, we reach Carn Geoidh (8194) and Cairnwell
(8059). By the way, on our left, lies Loch Brothachan, a

mountain lochlet whose waters join Baddoch Burn, a
C2

32 INTRODUCTION.

tributary of the Clunie. From Cairnwell we pass on to Glas
Meal (8483), where many small streams forming the head-
waters of the Clunie rise. At this point our route turns
to the north-east-by-east, passing Cairn na Glasha (8484)
to Tolmount (8148), thence north to Knaps of Fafernie
(3059), and onward until we reach Cairn Bannoch (8314).
Here the way again turns to the east, with Dubh Loch
and Loch Muick on our left. Thus far, and still onward
for several miles, the ground is high and sterile in the
extreme, and the rocks chiefly granite; but the scenery at
many points has a grandeur that scarcely admits of descrip-
tion. Thus our march continues until we pass Dog Hillock
(2400); and a little eastward of this the line bends
to south-east-by-south, rounding the head-waters of Allt
Darrarie, a tributary of the Muick. This bend takes our
line again to the north, and we pass along the Black Hill
of Mark (2497), Round Hill of Mark (2257), and on to
Fasheilach (2362). From the point now reached, Glen
Muick is seen north-east-by-east, and the eye rests with
pleasure on its waters, fine woods, birch thickets, and
bracken-covered banks—a great relief after the monotonous
heath and granite we have passed over for so many miles.

Resuming our journey eastward, a few miles bring us to
“Hare Cairn (22038), and thence (crossing the Fir Mount
road) Mount Keen (8077), passing on our way the head-
waters of several tributaries to Tanner Water. From the
top of Mount Keen an extensive view is to be obtained, and
along its base, on the north side, lies the finely - wooded
forest of Glen Tanner, with Cairn Leughan, Red Craig, and
Clochan Yell looming large, and with numerous narrow glens
converging to the main depression; on our right is the deep,
dark, gloomy Glen Mark; while all around us lie mountains,
moors, glens, and straths, making one of the many grand
and imposing pictures in which Scotland is so rich. Here
may be seen the Ptarmigan in its lovely variegated plumage,

INTRODUCTION. 33

and its nest might be found did time allow us to make the
search. Braid Cairn, however, invites us onward, and we
cross its brow (2907) and pass to Cock Cairn (2387), thence
to the Hill of Cat (2485). Crossing Gannoch (2396), we
proceed to Mudlee Bracks (2259), and still going eastward
to the Hill of Cammie (2028), passing Loch Tennet, whose
waters form the source of the Water of Aven. Here our
route turns south-east to Mount Battock (2555), and viewing
our district from the mountain top, the immediate fore-
ground is filled in by the two Cock Hills (1960 and 1780),
Peter’s Hill (2023), Luther Moss, and the deep valley along
which the Aven flows. Not a tree is to be seen in these
solitudes, which are mostly clothed in heather, through
which here and there granite ribs crop out. Nothing
seems to thrive except the ‘“Averen” (Rubus chamemorus),
whose fine white flowers are seen in profusion as_ they
struggle through and overtop the heath.

From Mount Battock the line turns to south-east-by-
south over the Hill of Saughs (2142) onward to the Hill of
Fingaray (1560), which stands at the top of Glen Dye, and
at whose base the Water of Dye takes its rise. Still holding
the same course, Murmannoch (1557) is soon reached. From
the north side of this hill rises Kettock Burn, which
flows through the glen formed by Bonnyfleeces (1482) and
Rough Bank (1516). Here the route turns _ south-by-
west, crossing Craigangowan on to Sturdy Hill (1784),
where rises the Water of Charr, which, like Kettock
Burn, is a tributary of the Dye. At this point the line
turns sharply to the east, holding along the high ground,
and then bends north-east to Hound Hillock (1698), onward
to Whitelaws (1664) and Cairn o’ Mount (1488), where
Stag Burn takes its rise and joins the Dye near Spital-
burn. From Cairn o’ Mount our way leads to Goyle
Hill (1527), whence, after a varied course, Tipperweir
(1440) and South Dennetys are reached; near the latter

34 INTRODUCTION.

Builg Burn takes its rise—the last tributary to the Dye
we have to pass. Right to the north of this, Kerloch
(1747) is seen in the immediate foreground. . From the
point now reached the line strikes east-by-south, passing
Mid Hill, Leachie Hill, Bogjorgan, Muir of Germany, Jacks-
bank, Foord, Fallside, Briggs of Criggie, and Picts Kiln.
For the last eight or ten miles our journey has been
through a cultivated country, with but little wood, except
about Glenbervie; and from the granite hills we have
entered the region of Sandstone Conglomerate. Passing the
south end of the Loch of Lumgair, the district around
is clayey, and produces poor crops. There are numerous
small clumps and belts of trees, but nothing that can claim
the name of wood or forest. This remark applies to the
whole district, as far as we can see it, lying north and
south of Stonehaven. From the Loch of Lumgair we are
but two miles from the sea at Fowls-heugh, whence we
started.

The country within the line drawn is of a very varied
character, alternating in mountain chains (which in general
run from west to east), long valleys, and broad level
plains. The chief streams are the Dee, which, counting its
windings, is 85 miles long; the Don, 80 miles; the Ythan,
37 miles; and the Ugie, 23 miles. These rivers run in
the same direction as the mountain: chains, and each has
tributaries that flow along the lateral valleys and debouch
into the main streams on both sides of their courses.
These rivers and their tributaries are all good trout
streams, and some of them are famous for salmon, the
Dee taking chief place in this respect.

Lochs are not numerous, nor are any of them of great
extent. There are Loch Muick, Dubh Loch, Loch Kander
(named in the Ordinance Survey Maps Ceann-mor), Loch
Brothachan, Loch Callater, Loch Phadraig, Lochan an Hoin,
Loch Dubh, and Lochnagar. ‘These are all situated near

INTRODUCTION. 35

the base of our southern watershed. Also there are Loch
Kinord, Loch Davan, Loch of Braeroddach, and the Lochs
of Skene and Park. These latter are to the north of the Dee,
and discharge their waters into that river. Then we have
the Loch of Lumgair, which may now more fitly be called
the “Marsh of lLumgair,” and the Loch of Loirston.
These two lochs are both in Kincardineshire—the former
a little south of Stonehaven, the latter near Aberdeen.
The Loch of Loirston is ugly in the extreme. It is
surrounded by mounds of boulder drift, while the bottom
is strewn with innumerable blocks of coarse granite and
eneiss. This loch, uninviting as it is to man, is a great
resort of Sea Gulls, Ducks, etc., and on its borders have been
obtained the now rare Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus). Along
the coast of Aberdeenshire there are the Bishop and Corby
Lochs, Sand Loch, Cotehill Loch, and the Meikle Loch
of Slains, the Loch of Lochills, Loch of Kininmonth, Loch
of Pitglassie, and Loch of Strathbeg.

None of our lakes, with the exception of Loch Callater,
is accessible to salmon; and with the exception of Strath-
beg, Skene, Park, Braeroddach, Pitglassie, and Lumgair,
none of them is of much zoological importance. These,
however, are largely frequented by birds. This is especially
the case with regard to Strathbeg, a half-moon shaped
sheet of water which covers about 550 acres; indeed, it
is one of the finest places for the study of the feathered
tribes along the east coast of Scotland, and about it
many rarities have been obtained that are seldom seen in
other parts of “Dee.” Between the loch and the sea
lies a broad belt of sand, blown in some places into
rounded mounds, overgrown with bents and many other
plants. This is known as Back Bar. At the western end
of the Bar, and along the side of the loch, is a broad flat of
marshy ground. Upon this and along Back Bar breed
the Dunlin, Redshank, Stock-dove, Ringed Plover, Common

36 INTRODUCTION.

and Lesser Terns, Eider, and the Sheldrake; and among these
hillocks, in 1888, Sand Grouse congregated in numbers. The
loch was formerly connected with the sea at the eastern
end, but the communication is now cut off. It is said to
have been blown full of sand in one night. Some recent
writers state that the loch has now no communication
with the sea, but near the western end is a wide stream
flowing from the loch, up which come Sea Trout and
Flounders, affording good sport for anglers. Generally speak-
ing, the loch is shallow, being about 34 feet deep, and this
induced a Mr. Sellar, about the end of the eighteenth century,
to attempt to drain it. Fortunately he failed, and thus was
preserved the finest water resort of wild fowl that exists
on the east coast of Scotland.

Besides the sheets of water named, several have disap-
peared within historic times, viz., the Black Loch of Tilly-
desk, which existed about four centuries ago, and afterwards
became a moss; the Loch of Old Aberdeen (a sheet of water
some acres in extent), which was situated near to where
the Botanic Garden now is, and existed until about 1730;
while the Loch of New Aberdeen, an extensive sheet that
lay on the north-west side of the city, remained till
about 1710, when it was acquired by the Tontine Com-
pany for building purposes. Of the last loch, more will
be said when we have the Black-headed Gull under
consideration. Further, within the past fifty years, the
Loch of Leys, near Banchory, the Loch of Pottertown, to the
north of Aberdeen, and the Loch of Auchlossan, near Aboyne,
have also vanished. The two latter, in their time, were
extensive breeding places of the Black-headed Gull, Ducks,
and other water fowl.

The Valley of the Dee is about seventy miles in length,
and around the infant waters of the river stand the highest
- mountains within our district, those of greatest altitude
being Ben Muich Dhui, Braeriach, and Cairn Toul. Viewed

INTRODUCTION. 37

from the summit of any of these, the country around
presents, as far as the eye can reach, an unbroken array
of mountains, bold frowning rocky heights, and deep glens,
and wide flats of moor and moss, with practically no
ground under cultivation or capable of being so. Little or
no wood now exists, although in former times it had been
otherwise. This elevated ground is the abode of the Eagle,
Ptarmigan, and Mountain Hare, while the lower hills and
moors are tenanted by Red Deer and Grouse. In the
depressions along which the rivers Dee, Don, and Ythan
flow, after the first few miles of their course, there is much
wood, which, in some quarters, extends into large forests—
notably, Mar, Invercauld, Balmoral, Ballochbuie, Glen Muick,
and Glen Tanner (which are all retained as Deer Forests),
and the valley of the Feugh; and the forests round about
Monymusk, Castle Forbes, and Castle Newe on the Don.
On the Ythan there are the extensive woods of Haddo
House, Braes of Gight, and Fyvie.
| Around the head-waters of the Don there is no wood.
The valley is formed by long hill slopes suited to sheep-
grazing and grouse, while along both sides of the stream
le peat and marshy ground. Nor is there any wood about
the source of the Ythan, cultivation having extended to its
upper waters. Of peat moss and marsh land there is abun-
dance, the most extensive stretches being about New Pitsligo,
Strichen, Tillydesk, and Rora; on Bennachie, and the plateau
of the west side of the Hill of Fare; Monaltrie Moss, Moine
Bhealaidh (the Yellow Moss), near the head of Glen Derry,
and that at the lower end of Glen Geldie. There is also a
series of “Moss hags” three miles in extent between Mount
Battock and Clochnaben, and from Fir Mount to near Broad
Cairn; the Red Moss near Cookney, known also as Netherley
Moss; and Charleston Moss or Hare Moss, a few miles south
of Aberdeen, and many others of less extent. These are
mentioned because they are frequented by birds of various

38 INTRODUCTION.

kinds, and constitute resting-places for our annual migrants,
and among them are obtained such of the lower vertebrates
as our district affords. As we advance from the western
end of Dee, the ground generally becomes of less elevation,
as also do the hill ranges, consequently there is more ground
under tillage, and along the whole east end cultivation has
been carried to a high degree of perfection.

At one time it would seem that the lower parts of Buchan
and Formartine, which form a considerable portion of our
coast line, had been a continuous peat moss, prior to which
the country had been closely covered with oaks, the roots
of which trees are still “firmly fixed in the clay which seems
to have been to them a congenial soil.” In the eastern and
more particularly in the middle portion of our area, there
are numerous woods and birch thickets, very favourable to
Black Game and resorts of our feathered summer visitors.
Large portions of “Dee” are well suited to the wants of
our wild quadrupeds; but these, owing to the belief that
they were inimical to the interests of game preservers, and
owing to the general use of fire-arms, have almost dis-
appeared. |

There are few districts in Scotland where the lover of
the picturesque can find finer scenery than in “Dee.” In
many places the towering mountains, and the deep, dark,
corries — often snow-patched throughout summer—have a
stern grandeur that can only be properly understood by
those who visit them. In other localities throughout our
district nature has decked the lower glens with graceful
birch, flowers, ferns, and many coloured mosses. These,
combined with beautiful waterfalls, compose pictures that
are truly delightful; and yet again there are solitary moors
of vast extent, far from the ordinary haunts of men, where —
the visitor may wander for days without meeting a fellow-
creature, and where little or no life is visible. Still,
such scenes are calculated to foster contemplation in the

INTRODUCTION. 39

thoughtful mind, and arouse us to think of the many
evolutions that have taken place in nature, and the
numerous creatures that have lived and disappeared from
the country around us, and to speculate on their descendants
that are now present—what they are, and what they in turn
may become.

BISHOP LOCH.

1s)
th

Uae

hi
in
;

Cte
veel

ct

THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA

OF “DEKE.”

ae

aati
ie

ee Ss

ie

Class L—MAMMALIA.

Order CHIROPTERA.—Bats.

Family VESPERTILIONIDA.

Of this family, the only one of the order represented, we
have but a very limited number of species. After searching
and visiting many places likely to be frequented by Bats, I
have only been able to find the following :—

Genus VESPERTILIO.

Vespertilio daubentoni, Leister.

This is by far the most common and abundant Bat we
have. In company with two friends—Mr. R. Gibb, Aberdeen,
and Mr. Geo. Sim, Gourdas, Fyvie—I paid a visit in 1890
to the old Castle of Gight, and between the joints of the
stone roof of one of the vaults we found hundreds of them.
In August, 1891, I visited Manar, on the Don, and in an
attic in the keeper’s house, saw immense numbers hanging
in clusters from the roof of the apartment.

MacGillivray says: “I have not met with so much as a
single Bat of any species in the district, but several persons
have informed me that they have seen Bats repeatedly.”

Bats are, however, now quite common all along the Valley
of the Dee, and I saw them flying about the Castleton of
Braemar abundantly in July, 1893.

In the Edin. New Phil. Journal (1844), vol. xxxvii., p. 392,
there is a paper on “ The Mammalia of the Counties of
Aberdeen and Kincardine” by MacGillivray, in which
he says that V. daubentont is ‘very abundant about Old
Aberdeen, and in great numbers about Old Machar
Cathedral.” Subsequent to this, however, he made a search
for Bats within the roof of Old Machar Cathedral, and took
some hundreds, all of which were of this species. Since the

44 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

date of this visit, the Cathedral has been altered and a
new roof put on.

On July 6th, 1891, I explored, along with Messrs. Gibb
and Simpson, both towers of the Cathedral and the whole
roof, but saw neither Bats nor any trace of them, and it
is evident they have never returned since the roof was
renewed.

Vespertilio pipistrellus, Geoffroy. Common Bat.

Although named ‘‘ Common,” this does not appear to be
an abundant species in “Dee.” It has been several times
found at Waterton Paper Works by Mr. A. Macpherson,
and sent to me. I have also obtained several specimens
within the city of Aberdeen.

In the paper by MacGillivray already referred to, he says:
“Of the habits of this species as observed in Aberdeenshire,
I have nothing to say, it being impossible to distinguish it
on the wing from V. daubentom. In July, 1819, I found a
specimen in Corby Den, Maryculter. Mr. Leslie has in his
collection a specimen said to have been found in Aberdeen-
shire.”

Genus PLECOTUS, Geoff.
Plecotus auritus, Geof. Long-eared Bat.

Common all over the district.

Order INSECTIVORA.
Family ERINACEADA.
Genus ERINACHUS, Linn.

Erinaceus europoeus, Zinn. Hedgehog.

Again referring to MacGillivray’s paper, we find regarding
this animal that “although twenty years ago of very rare
occurrence, or confined to particular tracts, the Hedgehog is
now generally dispersed over the district, being found in all
the lower parts, from the coast to the higher valleys in the
interior—in many places in great abundance. It is specially
plentiful along the Dee, as at Ballater, Banchory, and about

MAMMALIA. 45

Aberdeen, as well as in the parishes on the Don. In some
parts of Formartine it is also abundant, and of late years
has extended more or less over the greater part of Buchan.”

In the account of the parish of St. Fergus given in the
N.S. A. of Aberdeenshire, 1848, p. 189, it is said: “ About three
years ago, the Hedgehog, which was not before known to
have been a locum tenens in the district, was discovered in
St. Fergus on the farm of Nether-hill.” In the same publi-
cation, under the parish of Alford, it is said that the
Hedgehog appeared “about fifteen years ago.” It is also
noted for the parish of Chapel of Garioch, and for those of
Logie-Buchan, Lumphanan, and Leochel-Cushnie.

This inoffensive animal is generally distributed all over
“Dee,” but is doomed to early extinction, for a war of exter-
mination is being waged against it by game preservers.

Family TALPIDA.
Genus TALPA, Linn.

Talpa europea, Zinn. Mole.
Abundant all over the district.

Family SORICIDAS.
Genus SOREX.

Sorex araneus, Zinn. Common Shrew. ‘* Thraw Mouse.”

Common everywhere, and often found dead upon the
paths, heaths, and waysides. This species is subject to con-
siderable variation in size; in many localities it is above the
average, with the feet white, while in others it is small and
of an almost uniform dark grey all over. Others are dark
above, with the under parts hght grey; and I have in my
possession a specimen having large patches of white over the
sides and back. Formerly it was subjected to much perse-
cution by the rural inhabitants, owing to the belief that if a
“Thraw Mouse” was allowed to run round the feet or hands
the limbs would lose their power for ever afterwards. It was
also supposed to cause death to cattle, should it come in

contact with them.
D

46 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

The Shrew is to be found on the low ground bordering the
sea coast, and upon the summits of our highest mountains.
Mr. Alexander Inkson McConnochie saw one run under a
small patch of snow at the cairn on the top of Ben Muich
Dhui in September, 1896.

Sorex fodiens, Pallas. Water Shrew.

This and S. renifer, the Oared Shrew of Bell, are now
believed to be varieties of the same species. Both forms are
equally abundant in suitable localities throughout “ Dee.”

MacGillivray, speaking of Sorex tetragonurus, Square-tailed
Shrew, and Sorex rusticus, Field Shrew, remarks: ‘Being dis-
tinguishable only by careful observation and comparison, I am
unable to specify localities for them.’ Of the latter he says:
“Apparently not uncommon; I have found it at Ballater.”
The Water Shrew, which he calls the ‘“‘ White-breasted Water ~
Shrew” (Hydrosorex jones ), 18, , he observes, “seen only in the
lower parts of Birss.”’

Order CARNIVORA.
Family FELIDA.
Genus FELIS.

Felis catus, Zinn. Wild Cat.

“The Association for the Destruction of Foxes and other
Ravenous Beasts and Birds, and for the Preservation of
Sheep, Game, and Poultry, within the Parishes of Braemar,
Crathie, Glenmuick, Tullich, and Glengarden,” existed,
according to the O. S. A., vol. xiv., pp. 848-9, for ten years
from 15th January, 1776. During that period we find that
forty-four Wild Cats were killed.

In the O. S. A. there are but two notices of this animal
within the bounds of “Dee,” one from the united parishes
of Glenmuick, Tullich, and Glengairn, the other from Crathie
and Braemar.

In the N.S. A. of Aberdeenshire the species is again recorded
from two localities, viz., the parish of Turriff and the parish
of Leochel-Cushnie. The mention of the Wild Cat in these

MAMMALIA. 47

places may or may not be quite satisfactory, and must be
taken with caution, for at the present time Wild Cats are
often reported as having been observed or killed, which,
when the evidence is carefully sifted, or the specimens
examined, have, in the great majority of cases, turned out
to be mere domestic cats that had taken to the woods.
There is every reason to believe, however, that the meagre
notices given in the Statistical Accounts, referring as they
do to a period when the Wild Cat was far more abundant
than at present, may be accepted as fairly satisfactory,
although, perhaps, in a _ less degree as regards the
publication of 1843. Turriff, however, is not within, but
beyond, the northern margin of “Dee;”’ still there are few
districts within the county of Aberdeen where the Wild Cat
is less likely to have held out to such a comparatively late
date; therefore, the statement ought to be taken with a
considerable amount of reserve.

In Robertson’s General View of the Agriculture of Kin-
cardineshire, which was “brought down only to 1807,” under
‘Game, sect. 1, Wild Animals,” p. 395, it is stated that “‘ Wild
Cats are found in several of the woods.”

In Braemar, its Topography and Natural History (1861), by the
Rev. James M. Crombie, p. 71, we are told that the “ Wild
Cat is, however, far from being common, thanks to the
exertions of the gamekeepers who contrive to keep them
down, and in all probability will soon succeed in extirpating
them altogether.” Few real lovers of nature will, we think,
join in the “ thanks ” of this reverend gentleman.

In Dr. George Skene Keith’s General View of the Agriculture
of Aberdeenshire (1811), a list of the wild animals is given at
p. 509, but no notice is taken of the Wild Cat.

MacGillivray says that it was “generally distributed ; at
one time very common, but now extremely rare.”

Smith, in his New History of Aberdeenshire (1875), vol. 1.,
p. 686, gives a long list of animals for the parishes of Glen-
muick, Tullich, and Glengairn; and again in vol. i1., p. 12387,
under parish of Strathdon, wherein the Wild Cat finds a
place. These lists are, however, unreliable.

Turning to Harvie-Brown’s “ Rarer Animals of Scotland,”
Zoologist, 1882, pp. 11-12, we tread upon solid ground, and
learn that “Two Wild Cats were killed by a gamekeeper

D 2

48 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEER.”

named Clark in Glendye in 1850; one in the Invercauld
district, 1862, Feb. 11th, by James Lundie; one about 1850
near Old Mar Lodge by Mr. M‘Donald, head keeper. Two
young were obtained at the same period, and were kept for
some time by the Duke of Leeds. One was killed by Mr. John
Robb above Bridge of Alford on the Don in 1862.”

On 17th June, 1875, a male Wild Cat killed in Glen Tanner
passed through my hands, and was in the possession of the
late Sir W. C. Brooks. One was killed at Old Mar Lodge in
1890, and another in Glenmuick in December, 1891. In the
Aberdeen Evening Gazette of Feb. 24th, 1892, a Wild Cat was
reported to have been killed by Mr. A. Grant, gamekeeper,
Glenmuick. Upon enquiry, however, I learned that this was
not a Wild Cat, but merely a tame cat that had taken to
the woods.

“What are said to be Wild Cats are occasionally found in
solitary places, but there is no reason to doubt whether they
are not merely such as have escaped from a state of domesti-
cation.’ —N. S. A., p. 217, parish of Dunnottar.

“The Wild Cat is rare, if not now extinct.” —N. S. A., p. 234,
parish of Strachan.

It may, therefore, be said that this species has now
scarcely a footing within “Dee,” unless in some of the wild
solitary glens in the west of our district ; but even this seems
doubtful, considering the extraordinary desolation of these
glens, and the fact that they are covered for such a length
of time with deep winter snows, rendering food extremely
difficult, if not impossible, to obtain during a great part of
the year. We fear that Felis catus has now to be numbered
with the Wild Boar, Wolf, and others of byegone days, so far
as our area 1s concerned.

Family CANIDAL.
Genus VULPES.

Canis vulpes, Zinn. Fox. ‘' Tod.”

Still in fair abundance, but yearly decreasing. Referring
to the Kemnay MS., already mentioned, we find that
between January, 1776, and September, 1779, 226 Foxes were

MAMMALIA. 49

killed within the small district covered by that list. This
shows how very numerous they were then as compared with
the present time. It is just possible that an increase may
take place, as many proprietors of deer forests preserve the
Fox in order to keep down grouse which are not wanted there.

Family MUSTELIDA.
Genus MARTES, Ray.

Martes abietum, Ray. Pine Marten.

In the O. S. A. this anima] is only thrice mentioned, vi z.
in vol, ix., p. 108, for the parish of Birse; vol. xii, p. 228,
for the united parishes of Glenmuick, Tullich, and Glengairn ;
and vol. xiv., p. 339, for the parish of Crathie and Braemar,
but nothing is said of them beyond the mere fact of
their existence.

In the N.S. A. of Aberdeenshire (18438), p. 496, parish of
Alford, it is said: “Three species have lately come into it—the
Pine Marten and the Hedgehog about fifteen years ago,
and the Grey Warren Rabbit more recently;” and again,
_ p. 585, parish of Strathdon: “Five Martens (Martes fagorum)
were killed some years ago in one season in Glenernan.”

In 1864 “a pair were killed at Littlewood, near Alford.
Two were seen and hunted at Craigievar, but not taken, about
1868. Six have been killed during the last ten years (1870-80)
in Glen Tanner. They are still pretty numerous in parts of
Braemar. Two were killed in Glen Derry two winters ago
(1878-79).” (Harvie-Brown’s ‘Rarer Animals of Scotland,”
Zoologist, 1882).

One was killed in the woods of Ellon, 1st June, 1874.
Another, a male, was sent to me on 25th February, 1874, but
the locality was not noted. I have also received several from
the neighbourhood of Lochnagar, the last on April 10th, 1880.
One was killed at the “ Lion’s Face,” Braemar, in 1883, and
two others since. On August 28th, 1888, one was killed at
Urie, near Stonehaven, and sent to me; it is now in Urie
House.

One was caught near Gourdas, Fyvie, November 19th,
1894, as recorded by Mr. Geo. Sim, Gourdas, in Ann. Scot. Nat.

50 - THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

Hist., for April, 1895, p. 120, and the Editor adds a note to say
that he had ‘‘ examined a female obtained near Fyvie during
the second week of November last.’ I am informed by the
proprietor of Lesmurdie, Deveronside, that a Pine Marten
was killed on his estate in the second week of April, 1899, but
he only saw it some weeks after the keeper had nailed it up
among other vermin. Lesmurdie is, however, on the northern
border of our area, and within “ Moray.”

Genus MUSTELA.

Mustela vulgaris, Zinn. Common Weasel. ‘ Whitret.”
‘‘Futret.”
Abundant in suitable localities, and this seems to have
been so for a very long time.

Mustela erminea, Zinn. Stoat. Ermine.

Although this animal, like the Weasel, is slaughtered in
great numbers every year, it is still able to maintain its
ground against all its foes, and occurs in fair abundance all
over “ Dee.”

Mustela putorius, Zinn. Polecat. ‘*Foumart.”
“ Fulmart.”

In the Upper Deeside list just referred to, only seventeen
Polecats had been entered as killed from 21st August, 1777,
to 25th September, 1779. It is obvious that this list does
not indicate very clearly the numbers of Polecats that really
existed in those regions at the time specified. They must
have been far more numerous than such would lead us to
suppose.

In the O. S. A. there are eight notices given of the
occurrence of the Polecat within the confines of “Dee”:
from the parishes of Drumblade, Birse, the united parish
of Glenmuick-Tullich-Glengairn, Crathie- Braemar, Rayne,
Deer, and Lonmay ; but beyond the mere name, no particulars
are given. The same remark applies to the N. S. A. of
Aberdeenshire in which the animal is mentioned, viz., for
the parishes of Strathdon, Chapel of Garioch, Drumoak,
Methlick, Lumphanan, and Leochel-Cushnie.

In Robertson's General View of the Agriculture of Kincardine-
shire, chap. 15, it is stated that the.“ Polecat or Fumart is

MAMMALIA. 51

sometimes met with, but the race is not numerous, being
proscribed on account of its depredations on the poultry.”

In Smith’s New History of Aberdeenshire, the Polecat is
only twice mentioned.

Turning to Harvie-Brown’s “Rarer Animals of Scotland,”
Zoologist, 1882, we find that “three Polecats were killed by
Mr. Mowat, keeper at Urie, Kincardineshire, in 1848, and
another between 1849 and 18538. . . . . In 1851, one of
these animals attacked a Ferret belonging to Mr. Mowat.
About 1832, one was killed in a moss near Pitsligo, Aberdeen-
shire, and another at Know-head of Pitullie in 1834.”

In 1850, one was obtained on the estate of Scobbach
(now Ardmiddle) by a brother of the present writer; about
18538, another was killed in an old lime kiln on the farm of
Boghead, both in the parish of Turriff. In two years’
trapping, Mr. Mackie, keeper, Littlewood, Alford, killed
upwards of thirty. Twenty years ago, Polecats were
numerous at Crathie. In 1858, one was killed on the estate
of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, by Mr. M‘Donald, keeper there.
From 1865 to 1870, six were sent to me from Yockieshill,
Mintlaw. One was killed at Edinglassie, Strathdon, in 1872,
and another at Kinnaird’s Head, near Fraserburgh, in 1879
~ or 1880. In 1882, one was killed at the ‘“ Back of the Lion’s
- Face,” Braemar, and two others near Invercauld boat-house.
In 1890, one was shot in Ballochbuie Forest.

In Horn’s Mammalha of Buchan, the Polecat is given as
“formerly very common”? [‘‘and still occasionally killed among
the cliffs on the rock-bound coast.’’|

_ Mr. Nicol, gamekeeper, Skene House, informs me that, up
to 1875, Polecats were “fairly abundant” there, but they
have now completely disappeared. 3

If this fine animal is not already extinct within “ Dee,” it
cannot fail to be so in a very short time, for the hand of
every keeper, sportsman, landowner, farmer, and _ rabbit
trapper is raised against it.

Genus LUTRA.
Lutra vulgaris, Zrxi. Otter.

Although the Otter is generally becoming scarcer within
“ Dee,’ there are still a few. to be seen along the main

52 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

streams, and even in some of the smaller rivulets, where food
is abundant and a safe retreat within easy reach. The Otter
is also occasionally killed along the rocky parts of the coast of
Aberdeen and Kincardine shires, in which localities its food
consists of marine fishes.

This animal is not exclusively a fish-feeder, however, for I
have frequently found in its stomach the remains of the
Water Vole; and, as it often makes considerable journeys
across country, there is little doubt that any small fur-
bearing animal it is capable of capturing would also be
devoured. Mr. Harvie-Brown informs me that he has found
bits of lobster shell amongst its rejectamenta.

Bell says that ‘the Otter goes with young nine weeks, and
produces from three to five young ones in March or April.”
On February 9th, 1897, a female was trapped at Hlchies, on
the Spey, and while in the trap she gave birth to a young one,
evidently the last of her litter, as, when examined, she con-
tained no others. The young one was fully formed and ready
for birth, and had a good coat of hair. Its eyes were closely
sealed, showing that, like many other animals, the Otter is
born blind.

Genus MELES, Cew.

Meles taxus, Bodd. Badger. ‘ Brock.”

None of our native animals is less deserving of perse-
cution than the Badger, and yet none has been more
subjected to it, with the result that it is fast approaching
extinction. Several circumstances have contributed to bring
about its present reduction in numbers, chief amongst which
was the cruel and barbarous sport of Badger-drawing, which,
not many years byegone, was indulged in by all classes of
society. Another cause is the fact that the officers and non-
commissioned officers of some of our Highland regiments
require the skin of the Badger to make their sporrans; but
now this cannot be supplied from native specimens. Indeed,
the “Brock” has now become so rare that the fact of one
being killed or seen is heralded in the public prints.

During the past forty years a goodly number of Badgers
have passed through my hands, and never in a single instance
have I found anything in their stomachs in the shape of

MAMMALIA. 59

“game,” although most keepers maintain that they are very
destructive to such. Frequently the stomach has been found
to contain large numbers of young wasps, bees, and vegetable
matter.

Within the confines of “Dee” the Badger is now very rare
indeed; and in many places where, thirty to forty years ago,
it was fairly abundant, it is now completely extirpated. In
the O. S. A. it is only mentioned from five parishes, viz.,
Drumblade, Birse, Glenmuick - Tullich - Glengairn, Crathie-
Braemar, and Old Deer; but, as in the case of the Polecat,
the name only is given. In the N.S. A. it is mentioned for
five parishes in Aberdeenshire, viz., Strathdon, Chapel of
Garioch, Longside, Drumoak, and Leochel-Cushnie, but
without particulars.

In Robertson’s General View of the Agriculture of Kincardine-
shore (1807), chap. 15, p. 395, under the heading “ Wild Animals,”
he speaks of the Badger as “a native and a very harmless
animal.”’

In Smith’s New History of Aberdeenshire it is mentioned as
“occurring in the parishes of Chapel of Garioch, Glenmuick,
Tullich, and Glengairn.” One was killed by Mr. Duncan,
keeper, Brucklay Castle, in the Den of Glasslaw, in 1860.
(Horn’s Mammalia of Buchan.) Ten Badgers were trapped in
Glen Tanner between 1870 and 1880. (Harvie-Brown’s “ Rarer
Animals of Scotland,” Zoologist, 1882.)

Prior to 1874, Badgers were to be seen, and frequently
were killed, in the woods of Hazelhead, which lie about two
miles west of Aberdeen. The last two got in that locality, of
which the writer has knowledge, were drowned in a water-
lade, in which they had taken refuge. They held out in the
woods of Parkhill until 1870, in which year a young one was
taken alive, but none has been seen there since. In the
woods of Glenkindie, Strathdon, the Badger was killed out
about fifty-three years ago, but reappeared in 1880, as I was
informed by the proprietor, the late Mr. Leith, who gave
strict orders that they should be preserved.

This animal was fairly abundant on the estate of Pitfour
up to about 1864, and was last observed there in 1870. One
was seen at Old Mar Lodge in 1875. One was killed on the
estate of Philorth in 1877, and another at Castle Fraser in
1879. A specimen was killed at Wardhouse in 1880, which

54 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

was sent to me. One was taken by Mr. Thow, keeper,
Crathes, in 1881. In 1885, one was got in the parish of Birse.
In 1889, one was obtained in the neighbourhood of Aboyne,
and another in 1891. One was killed in Glenmuick in 1890,
which was forwarded to me. One was killed at Cragievar in
1892; and a young one was sent to me from Braemar in 1894.
In the same year a Badger was seen lying dead upon the
Murcar Links by Mr. James Fraser. A’ mature female was
sent to the writer from Braemar, May 3rd, 1895, and another
in 1897. One was killed on the Bin Hill, Huntly, in the
autumn of 1898, as [ am informed by Dr. Wilson, Huntly.

Sub-Order PINNIPEDIA.
Family PHOCIDA.
Genus PHOCA.

Phoca vitulina, Zinn. Common Seal. ‘ Selch.”

In the N. S. A. of Kincardineshire (1848), p. 217, it is
said: ‘‘In the recollection of persons not yet very old,
Seals were numerous on the coast of Dunnottar. They
were then to be seen in herds basking on the rocks or
sporting in the bays; and the hunting of them in the caves
was practised both for amusement and profit. Now they
have nearly abandoned the caves to which they resorted as
their breeding places, and only a solitary one is to be seen
occasionally skulking for prey at the foot of the rocks.”

Going back to 1804, we find Colonel Thornton, in his
Sporting Tour through the Northern Parts of England and
Greater Part of the Highlands of Scotland, while speaking of
the Hast Coast of Scotland, saying: “In the month of
November numbers of Seals are taken in the vast caverns
that open into the sea and run some hundred yards under the
ground. Their entrance is narrow, their inside lofty and
spacious. The Seal hunters enter these in small boats with
torches, which they light as soon as they land, and these, with
loud shouts, alarm the animals, which they kill with clubs as
they attempt to pass. This is a hazardous employment, for,
should the wind blow hard from the sea, these adventurers
are inevitably lost.” From the foregoing we must infer that

MAMMALIA. B15)

Seals were then much more abundant than they are now; but
nothing is said by the writer as to what the eEpeles was, or
whether there were more than one.

In Horn’s Notes on the Mammalia of Buchan (1882) it said
that “several species of Seals have been found at different
times on this coast.” This does not help us much. In the
Black Book of Kincardineshire (1879), p. 117, it is stated
that “Seals are now becoming scarce, owing, apparently, to
the bag nets which destroy them.”

It seems strange, indeed, that for the sea-coast parishes of
“Dee” there is no mention of Seals in the O.S. A., except
for that of Peterhead; and in it the animal is merely
mentioned by name. In the WN. S. A. it is recorded for
the parish of Crimond; but, again, the exact species
is not given. Further, in Arbuthnot’s Account of Peter-
head a list of fishes is given, which includes Whale, Porpoise,
and Grampus! In such a medley one would expect the Seal
to find a place, especially since there is no doubt that
Seals were common along the coast at the time he wrote.

Although Seals have diminished much in numbers of late
years, P. vitulina is every now and again met with, and
several have passed through my hands. A small one, about
27 inches long, was cast on Aberdeen sands in December,
1893. Another, some three feet long, was taken at the
entrance to Aberdeen Harbour about the same time; while a
third, three feet three inches long, was seen within the
“Tiocks” of Aberdeen Harbour, where it played about for
some ten days; but at last it was noticed lying asleep on one
of the buoys, and was cautiously approached by boat, and
its skull smashed to pieces as it lay.

Phoca hispida, Schreber. Ringed Seal.

This pretty little animal has been twice obtained on the
coast of Aberdeenshire—one killed at Collieston in August,
1897, and the -other in Aberdeen Bay in 1901. Both were
caught in salmon nets, and passed through my hands. When
obtained, I was doubtful to what species they should be
referred; but on showing the skulls to Professor D’Arcy
Thomson, of Dundee, that gentleman at once pronounced
them to be those of P. hispida. The skull and dentition
of this species are so characteristic, and differ so widely from

56 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

other British species, that there can be no difficulty in
identification.

This is the Seal so often seen by Greenland seal-fishers
floating on drift-ice far out from land, and is known by them
as the “ Flaw Rat.”

Phoca greenlandica, Miller. Harpo Seal.

A specimen of this species was sent to me from Cruden in
August, 1897, and its skull is still in my possession. It is
not quite full-grown, and is the first record, so far as I know,
of the occurrence of the species within “ Dee.”

On March 7th, 1908, a female, six feet three inches long,
was caught in the salmon nets at Stonehaven. It was brought
to Aberdeen Fish Market, where I bought it; and on the 31st
a male, six feet nine inches long, was caught by the same
means at Don-mouth.

Genus HALICHAIRUS, Nilsson.
Halichzrus gryphus, Wis. Grey Seal.

Although this species can be spoken of without hesitation
as one that frequents the east coast of Scotland, it cannot
as yet be claimed as a species frequenting ‘‘ Dee.” Still, the
late Mr. James Smith, keeper of Dunnottar Castle, had a
number of skins of Seals which he had killed among the rocks
at Dunnottar and neighbourhood, and amongst these were
some which I believe were gryphus; but from the skin alone
it is difficult to speak definitely.

Order CETACEA.
Family BALAUNIDAL.
Genus NEGAPTERA.

Megaptera longimana, Rudolphi. Hump-backed Whale.

A specimen of this huge animal was towed into Stonehaven
Harbour in 1884. It was at first seen disporting itself about
the mouth of the Tay, near Dundee, from which place
some men went in pursuit of it; but although they “got fast”
and stuck to it for several hours, it ultimately succeeded in

MAMMALIA. 57

escaping them, and was afterwards found dead by some
Stonehaven fishermen. Its skeleton is now in Dundee
Museum.

Genus BALAXANOPTERA.
Balzenoptera musculus. Zinn. Great Fin Whale.

A specimen of this Whale got entangled in the salmon
nets in Aberdeen Bay on 20th June, 1870. Another, measuring
64 feet long, was brought into Peterhead in June, 1871, and
was dissected by Dr. Struthers, Professor of Anatomy at
Aberdeen University. Parts of the skeleton now adorn the
Anatomical Museum there. There is perhaps no museum in
the Kingdom where the Cetacea are so fully represented as in
that of Aberdeen University. This is due to the enlightened
and unceasing labours of the gentleman above named, in
which he was ably seconded by his assistant, Mr. Robert Gibb.

This is the commonest form of Cetacea on the east coast
of Scotland, specimens, old and young, being not infrequently
cast on the beach or found dead at sea. Two were brought
into Aberdeen during 1898.

Balzenoptera rostrata, Fabricius, Lesser Fin Whale.

A female, 144 feet long, was stranded on Aberdeen Beach
in July, 1870. It was dissected by Dr. Struthers, and its
skeleton added to the Anatomical Museum of Aberdeen
University.

Another, also a female, 14 feet long, was brought into
Catterline, Kincardineshire, in 1882.

Genus HYPEROODON.
Hyperoodon bidens, Miller. Bottle-nosed Whale.

One was brought into Fraserburgh on August 17th, 1871,
and parts of its skeleton were secured by Dr. Struthers.

Family DELPHINIDAL.
Genus MONODON.

[Monodon monoceros, Zinn. Narwhal.

‘‘Last summer, I was informed by the Fishery or Coast
Guard Officer at Pennan, a White Whale was seen disporting

58 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

itself in the Bay of Pennan, and that Col. Garden Campbell
of Troup fired several shots at it. It disappeared however,
and was seen about an hour afterwards by the salmon fishers
at Aberdour, making in the direction of Fraserburgh. ‘This
is the only White Whale known to have been seen on the
coast.” So says Horn in his Mammala of Buchan (1882). Two
very different species have here been confounded, viz., the
Narwhal and the White Whale; creatures so utterly unlike
that it is difficult to understand how the mistake could have
arisen. Neither has been recorded as having occurred on
the Buchan coasts, unless the animal fired at by Col. Garden
Campbell was a White Whale.]

Genus ORCA.
[Orca gladiator, Bonnaterre. The Killer.

Again we are informed by Horn that this animal is
“very common on the coast during the herring fishing.
Several have come ashore at Pennan Head of late years.
One, measuring twelve feet in length, came ashore at Nether-
mill about twelve years ago, and one at Gamrie three years
ago.” Here, again, there has been a confusing of species.
Orca gladiator has not been known to occur on the Buchan
coast, much less is it common there. What has been
mistaken for it was, no doubt, the Fox Shark, Alopias vulpes.|

Genus GLOBICEPHALUS.
Globicephalus melas, 77ail/. Pilot Whale.

A female of this species was found at Cove, Kincardine-
shire, in 1871. Its skeleton is now in the Anatomical
Museum, Aberdeen University.

Genus PHOCAINA.

Phoczena communis, Lesson. Porpoise. ‘‘Louper Dog.”

Abundant. At times it is seen in great numbers rolling
and tumbling about close to the shore.

MAMMALIA. 59

Genus DELPHINUS.

Delphinus delphis, Zinn. Common Dolphin.

This animal is of rare occurrence on the east coast of
Scotland, and has not hitherto been recorded for “Dee.” On
24th August, 1895, one, eight feet long, was caught in a
herring net off Aberdeen, and brought into the Fish Market
there, where I had the opportunity of examining it.

Genus LAGENORHYNCHUS.

Lagenorhynchus albirostris, Gray. White-beaked
Dolphin.

In the proceedings of the ‘“ Royal Physical Society of
Edinburgh,” vol. x., p. 14, it is reported that “an adult female
and a young male were taken together off Stonehaven, Kin-
cardineshire, in July, 1888.”

Order RUMINANTIA.
Family CEROID.
Genus CERVUS, Linn.

Cervus elaphus, Zinn. Red Deer.

This, one of the oldest quadrupeds (for it dates back to
the time of the Irish Elk, Hyzena, Rhinoceros, and Mammoth),
is now the most important wild animal in Britain, and one
to which large tracts of country are exclusively devoted.

Within “ Dee,” the chief strongholds of the Red Deer are
in the upper parts of Deeside, viz., Glen Tanner, Glen Muick,
Balmoral, Invercauld, and Mar Forests, where they are to
be seen in large herds; and no finer sight can be wished
for than to witness these nimble creatures bounding over
some craggy steep when alarmed by the solitary wanderer.

A great change has taken place in these animals within
the past forty years, although not greater than that which
had been in progress before that date. Irefer chiefly to the
decrease in the size of the antlers of the Red Deer of to-day,
as compared with those of former times. Nowadays the

60 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

horns of these animals are, in the majority of cases, short
and small, whereas, prior to the time above stated, large well-
formed ‘royal heads” were quite common. KEven these,
however, were small in comparison to the antlers of the
same race that are now and again dug up in peat mosses.
In the Peterhead Museum there is a series of deer’s horns
obtained from the peat mosses of Buchan and the river
Ythan, that for length and thickness are, in the latter par-
ticular at least, double that which obtained forty years ago,
and these again were of far greater bulk than those of to-day.

It is plain that the Red Deer of Britain has been on the
down grade for many generations back, and long before there
could have been any serious interference on the part of man.
In support of this, we may quote from the N. S. A. of Kin-
cardineslure, p. 155, the following: ‘‘ In the deepest part of
a small peat bog called the Hog’s Hole, lying between the
estate of Kair and the farm of Old-cake, the skeletons of
two Red Deers were found a few years ago in cutting a
deep ditch through it. The horns are of extraordinary
size, and are now in the vestibule of Arbuthnot House.
The extreme breadth between the horns of one is four
feet, the length of the horns 3 feet 11 inches. The left
horn has eight antlers, the longest of which measures 18
inches; and the right seven antlers, the longest of which
measures 17 inches. The extreme breadth between the horns
of the other is 8 feet 11 inches, the length of the longest horn
3 feet 6 inches. There are seven antlers on each horn, the
longest of, which measures 15 inches.” It would appear that
wherever such horns are found, they are much larger than
those of the present day.

In Munro’s Prehistoric Scotland, p. 108, in speaking of the
Red Deer, he says: “I will only further remark that the horns
disenterred from mar] pits and the older turbaries, appear to
indicate animals decidedly larger than those of the present
day. At anyrate, nowhere throughout Hurope could we
find at the present time a Stag’s head to match with
two,’ one of which was “found in the Meadows, Hdin-
burgh, and the other in a moss at Ashkirk, Roxburghshire.”
The Edinburgh one has 17 points, and the Ashkirk one
23 points. There are to be seen in Aberdeen Art Gallery a
pair of Stag’s horns which far surpass in size any of the

MAMMALIA. 61

present day. Hach horn has seven points. This fine head
was found at Dee Viilage in April, 1901, while excavations
were being made in blue clay, fifteen feet from the surface.

It is unquestionable, however, that in the immediate past
man has played no insignificant part in the change that has
taken place. This may be explained by the fact that many
of our Deer forests are annually let to strangers, whose sole
wish is to obtain the finest Stags, the perpetuation of good
stock being to them a matter of littl moment. The con-
sequence of this is that the breed has to be maintained by
immature animals. Another fact which may tend in the
same direction is that Deer were enclosed within particular
areas, which, in many instances, compelled them to subsist
upon a poor or short supply of food, and this had a marked
effect on the growth of their antlers. To this may be added
overstocking and interbreeding.

In 1884 a number of Stags were brought from England to
Mar Lodge, and placed in an enclosure “specially prepared for
their reception, and where they were supplied with turnips
and other wholesome provender.’” To these were assigned a
number of females from the neighbouring forest, with the
result that the male descendants of this stock maintained to
the full the “fine heads” of their ancestors, so long as they
were kept within the enclosure, but gradually deteriorated
when turned into the forest.

It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that if Deer were
allowed to roam at will as of yore, they would find food
for themselves sufficient to sustain health and strength
during winter; whereas, in many instances, numbers die of
absolute want, and those that survive their winter and
spring trials do not—cannot—produce the full formed body
and fine heads of former days. It would thus seem that
their diminution in size is, to a considerable extent, due to
the short-sighted policy of man. MHappily, the idea of
confining Deer within particular areas is seen by most
present-day proprietors to be fallacious. They are, therefore,
now allowed to roam in greater freedom, and it is to be
hoped that this will tend to improvement.

Our acquaintance with the Red Deer has been chiefly
obtained in the forests of Deeside, but more particularly in
the forest of Glen Tanner. By the kind permission of the

E

62 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

proprietor, the late Sir W. Cunliffe Brooks, we have visited
that wild domain at all seasons. We have wandered on the
mountain tops, and heard the familiar cry of the Snow
Bunting, and watched the sun descend behind the mighty
bens to the west; when the evening mists -have circled
round the mountain brow, and when the day shaded into
night; when all was still, save that there came every now
and again, echoing through the forest, the deep bellow of the
rutting Stag, to be instantly answered from some distant
point. There is something in this that is eerie, yet pleasant.
To hear the deep-toned roar near at hand, and listen to its
being echoed and re-echoed from glen to glen, decreasing in
volume as it distances the point at which we stand, is
calculated to make one think of the endless methods adopted
by nature in her arrangements of the amours of her various
creatures; and to ask why those Stags should be caused at
such times to fight, often to the death, and by the end of the
season to be reduced to mere skin and bone, with voices
almost inaudible.

Cervus dama, Zinn. Fallow Deer.

In Watt’s History of Kintore, p. 180, is given the song of
“The King and the Tinker,” where the author says: “At the
time of the incident referred to in the song the whole land
between Kemnay and Kintore was covered with wood; and
the King and his nobles had been out hunting, when the
Royal party met with the mender of kettles, as mentioned in
the song which follows :—

‘We sing of King James of the Scottish throne,

A pleasant young monarch as ever was known;
The King was a-hunting his fair Fallow Deer,
And dropt all his nobles—of them he got clear.’”

The allusion to the Fallow Deer is of great interest, for
according to the above, it appears that they were running
wild in the woods. Can such have been the case? Is this
species indigenous to Britain, or was it ever known to be
common in Scotland? Bell says (British Quadrupeds, p. 408) :
‘‘ Whether it may be considered indigenous to this country
or whether introduced at some remote period, appears to be

MAMMALIA. 63

a question which the lapse of time and the absence of
sufficient historical testimony render difficult, if not im-
possible of solution.” He believes “that it must have been
originally transplanted from a more genial climate.” Further
on he says: “ It is found indeed in a more severe climate than
our own, but it is only the dark-brown variety, which is far
more hardy than the usual one, and is well known to have
been imported on account of this quality by James the First,
from Norway.” This would’ be James the First of England,
we presume. If so, and supposing the writer of the song
is correct in the identity of the species, it seems strange
that King James should have sent to Norway for a more
hardy variety than that already to be found in England,
when such could have been obtained more easily from
the wilds of Scotland, if the song is true. I am inclined,
however, to doubt the existence of this Deer on Donside
at the date referred to, and disposed to think that this
is merely one of many tricks in “Small Poets’ splay-foot
Rhimes,” where feet for their doggerel are of more importance
to them than regard for truth.

Fallow Deer are still kept at Haddo House, the residence
of Lord Aberdeen. There also used to be some in the Park at
Pitfour, but these were turned loose many years ago, and
some of the descendants are still found in the neighbouring
woods.

In Dinnie’s History of Birse, p. 118, in speaking of the
estate of Finzean, it is said “during the time of the late
Archibald Farquharson, the park was well stocked with deer,”
but what species of deer is not stated; probably it was the
Fallow. ;

In the N. S. A. of Kincardineshire, p. 838, parish of
Banchory-Ternan, is the following: “The Cervus dama or
Fallow Deer, is now found wild in the neighbourhood of
Blackhall, but it is understood to have been introduced by
a late proprietor.” This may have been the late Archibald
Farquharson mentioned above.

A lively account of a great Highland gathering for the
chase, in the reign of Queen Mary, is preserved in William
Barclay’s Contra Monarchomachos, pp. 80-81. He was a native
of Aberdeenshire, and says: “I had a sight of a very

extraordinary sport. In 1563 the Earl of Athol, a prince of
E 2

64 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

the blood royal, had with much trouble and vast expense
provided a hunting match for the entertainment of our Most
Illustrious and Most Gracious Queen. I was a young man
then, and was present on that occasion. Two thousand
Highlanders were employed to drive to the hunting ground
all the deer from the woods and hills of Athol, Badenoch,
Marr, Murray, and the countries about. As these Highlanders
use a light dress, and are very swift of foot, they went up
and down so nimbly that in less than two months time they
brought together two thousand Red Deer, besides Roes and
Fallow Deer.”

But although some have interpreted Barclay’s saying,
“duo millia ceruorum cum dames and capreis,” to include Fallow
Deer, others think that danus may mean dama, an old Latin
name for Roe Deer. ‘This being so, little information is
obtained from Barclay either for or against Fallow Deer being
in the area in which this “ Royal hunt” took place.

In an article in the Jbis for 1869, p. 358, Professor Boyd
Dawkins holds that it was the ‘Roman Conquerors who
naturalised the Fallow Deer in Britain,’ and in his Cave
Hunting, p. 78, in referring to Fallow Deer, he says: “It
was introduced into Britain B.C. circa 55.”

Mr. Bateman, in his Ten Years’ Digging, p. 298, says he
“has found the remains of Fallow Deer in British Barrows.”

Cervus capreolus, Zinn. Roe Deer.

This elegant little animal is abundant over the whole
extent of ‘‘ Dee,’ wherever there are woods and plantations.
A noticeable feature in this creature is that its horns are
subject to much malformation. In cases where only one of
them is affected, it is generally the left one, as may be seen
in the illustration.

Order RODENTIA.
Family SCIURIDA.
Genus SCIURUS.
Sciurus vulgaris, Zinn. Squirrel.

MacGillivray remarks: “It having been stated that the
Squirrel occurs in Braemar, I not only looked for it, but

Photo. | MALFORMED ROE HORNS. (Mr. Mearns,

MAMMALIA. 65

made enquiries respecting it of persons qualified to give
correct information. Mr. Cumming had neither seen nor
heard of it, nor had any other individual of whom I asked.”

In 1859 I made my first acquaintance with the Squirrel
in the Valley of Cromar, Deeside. At that time it was very
scarce; but during the two subsequent years it became
much more abundant, since then it poured in and increased
enormously, extending its range year by year, until now,
1908, there is no plantation over the whole extent of ‘‘ Dee”
in which the Squirrel may not be seen.

Dr. Alex. Cruickshank informed me that he saw Squirrels
in the woods of Dunnottar in 1847. This was in answer to
the question often asked, “Where did the Squirrels come
from that made so sudden an appearance on Deeside?”
Evidently they come from Dunnottar, say, to Glen Dye, thence
their march was easy into Deeside; or they may have kept
up the south side of the Dee until Glen Tanner was
reached, and this is the more likely, seeing they were known
about Cromar, Ballater, and Braemar before they were
known further down the Dee about Banchory. Still the
Squirrel was common about Beauly, north-west of Inverness,
and in the woods on the Lovat estates in 1855, at which
time I saw them daily.

MacGillivray’s not having heard of the Squirrel at
Braemar may be accounted for in this way. By the country
people it was known by the name of Ferret, Futteret, and
Fumart, and any enquiry regarding it under its proper name
would not be understood. :

Family MURIDA.
Genus MUS.

Mus minutus, Pallas. Harvest Mouse.

The late Mr. Stewart Burnett informed me that he found
in the avenue at Kemnay House, in 1889, a specimen of the
Harvest Mouse, the only one he had ever seen in Aberdeen-
shire. There is one in the Banff Museum, which is said
to have been taken at Greenskares, Gardenstown (northern
edge of “Dee’’),

MacGillivray, in his History of British Quadrupeds, p. 257,

66 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEER.”

1838, mentions having had one sent to him from Aberdeen-
shire. These are the only recorded instances known to me of
this little animal’s appearance within the confines of our
district, except that in the list of the Mammalia for the
parish of Banchory-Ternan, the name of the Harvest Mouse
is found on p. 833 of the N. S. A. of Kincardineshire. As
this list is manifestly incorrect in many other particulars,
however, this statement requires confirmation.

Mus sylvaticus, Linn. Long-tailed Field Mouse.
Wood Mouse.

Common in every locality over the whole district of
“Dee.”

Mus musculus, Zinn. House Mouse.

Abundant everywhere.

Mus rattus, Zinn. Black Rat. “Rottin.”

“Not uncommon; in and about houses, even the most
remote.” (MacGillivray.) The late Mr. Stewart Burnett in-
formed me that there was a colony of Black Rats at Cairnton
of Kemnay in 1855, some of which he obtained. In a letter
I received from the above-named gentleman, dated January
81st, 1891, he says: “I am now able to give you all information
in my power as to the Black Rat from Journals of different
dates. As far as my recollection goes (back to 1830), the rats
at Kemnay House were then all black. I saw many about the
out-houses and ash-pits, including one. pied, and also saw
them in the clutches of our cat who ate them eagerly, which
is rather exceptional in the case of the Brown Rat. That the
present Brown Rats were then common in Aberdeen, I knew
about that time. A country servant who had never seen
these brown ones, on going to my grandmother’s in Old Town
from Kemnay House, took to putting out crumbs as done at
Kemnay then in behoof of the small birds in winter, and
horrified her fellow-servants by shewing the crowd of ‘ bonnie
brown beasties’ she had assembled as crumb pensioners. In
East Lothian, where I was for more than three years, I found
Brown Rats common enough from 1845 to 1848, but the

MAMMALIA. 67

existence of the Black Rat only traditional. On a visit to
Kemnay in 1847, I found, near a cottage, a dead Black Rat
which I examined and took description of in my Journal at
that date. 3

“On June 26th, 1848, I find record in Journal of one
seen running into the machinery of Cluny threshing mill, and
on March 380th, 1849, it is recorded that they were running
about the rafters of a thatched cow-house where I had some
cows, whose backs they had nearly bared of their hair, doubt-
less to line their nests with for their young. About this time
they were very much supplanted by the Brown Rat, but I
often saw them about the rafters of these out-houses, which,
it is to be noted, they frequented more than Brown Rats are
used to do. This is illustrated by my next notice in my
Journal of May 17th, 1849. I put it down as there written.
‘To West Mains, Castle Fraser, barns (thatched) swarming
with Black Rats, seen creeping along the rafters, very long
tails, more so than Brown species; as much at home on
horizontal or perpendicular timber as a Squirrel on trees;
tails often protruding from crannies. Vermiform animal seen
running among rafters with brush on tail; supposed Stoat
but not certain (could it be small Ferret or Polecat?); found
one rat killed by it. Mustilline animal then on floor when
first seen, at which time it was eating back part of the head
of a Black Rat, the body of which it was unwilling to quit;
back of rat’s skull bitten away. Mustilline animal (I at that
time was not very clear as to the distinction of different
species of the tribe), on running up the rafters, soon got hold
of another Black Rat whom I heard squeaking most dismally
species must have become very scarce,
~f one killed on Manar in 1868, but did

vas really a Black Water Rat.’ ”’
rlen Tanner, in a letter dated March
been extinct for twenty years there.”
scasionally be seen in the neighbour-
(Braemar, Its Topography and Natural

nes M. Crombie, p. 72, 1861.)
gust for June, 1893, p. 19, on the “Old
Bristol,’ Charles Garnett says: “I
ago seeing a colony of them in a
\ ‘eenshire.” This is evidently a case

68 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEER.”

of mistaken identity; it no doubt was the Water Vole that
had been seen.

Bellenden says: “‘ Nae rattonis ar sene in this countre, and
als sone as they ar brocht thair they de.’ Thus he speaks of
“Buchan.” No doubt the inhabitants of that district would
be highly pleased if the rats were all to “‘de” there now.

Mus decumanus, Pallas. Brown Rat.

This destructive little animal is far too numerous every-
where, and seems able to defy every means employed to keep
it under.

Family ARVICOLIDA.
Genus ARVICOLA, Lacép.
Arvicola amphibius, Zinn. ‘Water Vole.” “Water Rat.”

Abundant in most of the streams throughout “Dee.” It
was long thought that two species of Water Rat existed—a
black form and a brown; but both are now known to be
identical, and the two varieties are found in about equal
numbers over “ Dee.”

This species has been brought to me under the name of
“ Karth Hound,’ a mythical animal supposed by the rural
population of Aberdeen and Banff shires to frequent grave-
yards, making its way through coffins and devouring the dead.
Of course, no proof was ever forthcoming that these ravages
had taken place, and how such ideas should arise it is
impossible to explain.

Arvicola agrestis, “lem. “Short-tailed Field Mouse.” —
“Meadow Mouse.” ‘Field Vole.”

Common in all suitable localities over the whole extent
of “ Dee.”

Family LEPORIDAL.
Genus LEPUS, Ray.

Lepus timidus, Zinn. Common Hare. “Maukin.”
“Bawd.” Brown Hare.

Of this animal there are no data by which we can come to
any very accurate conclusion as to the numbers in former

MAMMALIA, 69

days. In the O. S. A. are such expressions as ‘“ Hares,”
“»lenty of Hares,” ‘abound with Hares,” “Common Hare,”
“Brown Hare,” “Hares are very common;” and in the
N. S. A. it is said Hares are “numerous and destructive.”
It is only when we refer to Robertson’s Agricultural Survey
of Kincardineshire, p. 395, that anything approaching a
definite opinion as to the numbers is given. ‘ Hares: These
are incredibly numerous, abounding in many parts in dozens
in every field. JI am fully persuaded that there are many
more Hares than Sheep in this country, only they have
changed places. The great body of Sheep are sent to
pick up a scanty subsistence on the barren hills; but the
Hares, left to the freedom of their own will, prefer to live at
their ease in the low and rich parts of the country. Without
having seen it, one could hardly conceive the quantity of
turnips that they destroy.”

This species, although still common, has decreased very
considerably within the past thirty years, but more par-
ticularly since the passing of the Act which gave farmers the
right to shoot ground game upon their own land. Immedi-
ately on this concession being granted there was a rush to
arms, and in the space of a few years the Hare was reduced in
numbers by at least one-half.

No definite statement is made by British authors as to the
number of times the Hare breeds during the season. Bell, in
his History of Britssh Quadrupeds, p. 838, says: “The Hare
breeds when a year old, and the female, after thirty days’
gestation, brings from two to five young.” Pennant, in his
British Zoology, vol. i., p. 126, says: “The Hare never pairs,
but in the rutting season, which begins in February, the male
pursues and discovers the female.’ I am not in a position
to say how often the Hare brings forth young during the
season; yet if the rutting season begins in February it must
be held that broods are produced during spring, summer, and
autumn, for young are to be found in females on to the month
of October. On September 19th, 1895, four young were taken
from a female which had been killed on the estate of Drum,
and their size showed that they could not have been born for
at least ten days. Again, on September 28th, 1895, three
young were seen by me taken from a female, and these were
even smaller than those noted on the 19th September; so

70 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

that it would have been October before they could have “seen
the light.” This then would indicate that the Hare is much
more prolific than is generally supposed.

Lepus variabillis, Pallas. “Alpine Hare.” ‘Mountain
Hare.” “White Hare.” “Blue Hare.”

This animal is common on all the high ranges within
“Dee,” from the interior of the district right down to the
Hill of Mormond, near the most easterly point of Scotland.

While confining itself to the high grounds during summer,
the White Hare is often compelled by the winter storms to
seek shelter and food in the low grounds.

In summer, when in its dark dress, this Hare is often the
only sign of life the wanderer may see on the mountain tops.
In such situations, I have often startled it from its “ form,”
when it would run for a few yards, and then sit bolt upright
and gaze wonderingly at the intruder; bound off for a few
yards more and again sit up; look around it for a little,
and then “hirple” away at leisure. As an article of food,
the White Hare cannot be compared with the Brown one;
and, as to numbers, this “ child of the mountain wild’’ seems
to be stationary, for no change either of increase or decrease
has been observable during the past forty years.

Lepus coniculus, Zinn. Rabbit. “Coney.” “Mappy.”
“ Cunning.”

The Rabbit is not mentioned in the O. S. A. as being in the
counties of Aberdeen and Kincardine.

Skene Keith, in his General View of the Agriculture of
Aberdeenshire, p. 506, 1811, remarks, ‘There are no Rabbits
raised for sale and only a few for amusement—not a hundred
in the whole county.”

In the N. S. A. of Aberdeenshire, it is stated that the
Rabbit appeared at Alford about 1833. At page 777, speaking
of the parish of Glenmuick, Tullich, and Glengairn, the
remark is made: ‘One species of animal, that of Rabbits,
which formerly was never seen here except in warrens, has
now overspread the country, and is more destructive to
turnips and other vegetables than even Hares.” Again at

MAMMALIA. V1

p. 986 under Turriff parish, we are informed that there are
“rabbits in very great abundance,” and for the parishes of
Lumphanan and Leochel-Cushnie, the Rabbit is mentioned
as existing, but without further comment.

MacGillivray says: ‘There were no Rabbits in Braemar
until very recently, and they have increased there as else-
where in the country so as to be a nuisance. Besides eating
a great quantity of herbage, they burrow in the corn-fields.
In Glen Callater, great numbers live on a steep, rocky, and
stony hill, bearing a profusion of heather, and there burrow
among the stones. They are also extremely abundant on
Craig Choinnach, and along the north side of the river

towards Alan-a-cuaich. . . . . There probably is not
now a parish in Aberdeenshire in which wild Rabbits are not
plentiful.”

“Rabbits, not very many years ago unknown in the
locality, have now so increased and multiplied, in spite of
traps and guns, as to become in some places a perfect
nuisance to the farmer.” (Braemar, its Topography and Natural
Mistory, p. 72, 1861.)

Perhaps no creature that has found its way into Scotland
has caused more ill-will, loss of crops (to the extent in some
cases of actual ruin), squandering of money in law suits and
political wrangling, than the Rabbit. The number of
thousands of pounds worth of human food that have been
destroyed by this vermin, it is impossible to determine; but
the sum must be a large one. Indeed, wherever this animal
secures a footing, heavy financial loss is the inevitable result
to the agriculturist and stock raiser ; and the Scottish farmer,
until within recent years, had to submit to whatever numbers
of this pest his landlord chose to feed upon his crops; but
this cannot now be done with impunity, consequently
proprietors have taken to preserving Rabbits in warrens.
Some of these have been fairly successful, while others have
been utter failures. In many cases it has been found that
if Rabbits are confined to particular tracts disease overtakes
them. In some instances I have visited the warrens where
disease existed, while from others I have had the dead
animals sent to me for examination; and in most cases the
ailment was the same, viz., some defect in the digestive
action of the stomach and small intestine. The food seems

72 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

to pass on undigested, and diverging into the cecal
appendage, accumulates there, and swells out that organ to
ten times its natural size, the ultimate result being death.
From this cause alone, some warrens have been almost
depleted, and the only chance of saving the remainder has
been to remove them to fresh ground where abundance of
good food could be obtained.

Notwithstanding the large numbers of this animal in
Scotland, and the favourable opportunities thus afforded of
studying their life history, it would seem that this is not yet
properly understood. The immense fecundity of the Rabbit
has long been known, but its fruitfulness seems to be far
greater than most people imagine. My friend, Mr. John
M‘Bain, who was for many years head keeper to Lord
Aberdeen, informed me that he had taken fourteen young
from one Rabbit, and in other instances he has found two
distinct litters within the same female, one lot being no
larger than mice, while the others were ready for birth. This
statement has been substantiated by many keepers with
whom I have conversed, and I have seen the same myself.

In the N. S. A. of Kincardineshire (1843), parish of Fordoun,
it is said: “ Rabbits were introduced into the county about
twenty years ago, and now cause more destruction to the
crops than all other descriptions of game in the county.
To extinguish them seems hopeless, and the cails for com-
pensation by the tenantry for the injury caused by them are
neither infrequent nor unjust.”

Of the parish of Banchory-Ternan, N. S. A., p. 833, we are
told that “ Rabbits are said to have been almost unknown till
a few from a distance were placed on the islands of Dee about
thirty years ago. They passed over the ice in winter, and
have now become everywhere so numerous as to render their
destruction necessary.”

It would thus seem that the animal has been a source of
loss and annoyance since its first appearance in this country,
as it is proving itself to be in others.

Notwithstanding the many foregoing references to the
recent introduction of the Rabbit into ‘“ Dee,” it is evident
that it has existed in some districts within our limits for a
very long time; for in the Udny Charter Chest is a letter
from “Schir Robert Egew, Chaiplan to My Lord Sinclair”

MAMMALIA. 73

(A.D. 1511), in which he says: ‘“ Item thar wilbe of tendit woll
this yeir of your schipe Fyve stane. It will gif ilk stane, vij
schillings and that is ane gud price for Buchane woll con-
sidering the ter that is in it. Item the Mussilsyle and the
Linkis ar kepit richt weill. Ther wilbe our mony Cunningis
with twa yeie thai have riddillit all the erdis of the Linkis
richt weille.”

This letter is given in full in vol. 1ii, pp. 106-108, Aberdeen
Spalding Club, 1857, and serves to show that Rabbits,
Cunmngs, as Sir Robert calls them, have existed in Aberdeen-
shire for a far greater period than is generally known. It is
also evident that they have been in other parts of Scotland
before the above date, for in the Accounts of the Lord High
Treasurer of Scotland, vol. i1., p. 96 (A.D. 1500), there occurs
the following: ‘Item, the Samyn day (VII. Feb.), to ane man
be the Kingis command that brocht quyk cunnings fra
Cumbra VI. sh.;” and a similar entry of ‘“‘ X. sh. on 23rd Feb.
Account of Scottish Parlement, 1424. Item. it is ordanyt
that na man haif mertrik skynnis out of the realme and gif
he dois that he pay to the King 6d. for the custum of ilk
skyne, and for Fulmarts skynnis, callyt fethoks 8/-. Item of
100 Cunyng skynnis 1/-. Item of ilk 10 Otter skynnis and
Tode skynnis 6d. Item for ilk 10 of Hert and Hynd skynnis
1/-. Item of ilk Dais and Rais skynnis 4d.”

Thus it will be seen that Rabbits were common in the
fifteenth century, indeed before that time, for according to
the Hachequer Rolls, vol. i., a duty of one shilling per hundred
was charged on rabbit skins during the fourteenth century.

99

74 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF ‘* DEE.

Class IT.—BIRDS.

Order 1.—PASSERES.

Family TURDIDAL.
Genus TURDUS, Linn.

Turdus viscivorus, Linn. Missel-Thrush. “Highland
Pyot.” “Storm Cock.”

A common and interesting species. It is resident and
finds suitable nesting accommodation in the numerous woods
and plantations that exist over the greater part of the
district, selecting for the purpose of nidification the forked
branches of the larch or Scotch fir, often at no great distance
from the ground, nor with much attempt at concealment.
When the young have left the nest they become semi-
eregarious, and are then seen in scattered flocks searching for
food in the grass fields, from which they fly on the appearance
of danger.

Along the valleys of Dee and Don I have often seen this
species feeding on the lone hill-sides in company with the
Ring-Ouzel, at which time its food consists of various wild
berries. None of the wild fruits of our country seems to come
amiss to the Missel-Thrush, as it feeds indiscriminately upon
wild cherries, hawthorn, rowan, holly, juniper, and seeds of
many kinds, to which are added worms and snails. Yet,
notwithstanding this large bill of fare, when the storms of
winter cover the greater part of the country, and frost holds a
firm grip on those portions not snow-clad, the “Storm Cocks”
betake themselves to the coast in hope of picking up some-
thing to keep life in them, at which time we have seen them
along our eastern shores lying dead and dying in dozens.

No mention of this bird is made in the O. S. A., in so far as
the parishes within “Dee” are concerned; and it would seem
that even at the time when MacGillivray’s History of British

BIRDS. 75

Birds appeared the Missel-Thrush was not numerous, for he
says, in vol. il, p. 121: “I have not met with it in the
Hebrides, or even in the northern divisions of Scotland. In
the middle division of that country it is very rare, although I
have seen it there, even among the Grampians.’ In the
N.S. A. of Aberdeenshire the Missel-Thrush is only mentioned
three times, viz., for the parishes of Strathdon, Methlick, and
Lumphanan, so that it would appear that the bird was rare or
not well known; but when we come down to 1855, when
MacGillivray’s Natural History of Deeside and Braemar was
published, he says, at page 400: “It occurs in all the lower
tracts and wooded parts of valleys, and is not uncommon
about Ballater and all the way up to Mar Lodge.”

Turdus musicus, Linn. Song-Thrush. ‘“ Mavis.”
‘“ Throstle.”

Common and resident, but in autumn it makes consider-
able journeys from one part of the country to another, and in
doing so it is often found to strike against lighthouses in its
flight along the coast. In these migrations the Thrush
frequently becomes exhausted, and takes refuge on any
passing vessel; but if such is not near, it is drowned, and
subsequently may be found cast upon the beach. This fine
songster frequents woods and plantations, where, in low trees
and bushes, it builds its nest and rears its young, and cheers
the thoughtful with its charming song. It feeds on worms
and slugs, seeds and berries, and gives the fruit-grower
considerable trouble in preserving strawberries and wall-fruit
from its depredations.

Turdus iliacus, Linn. Redwing.

?

This handsome bird visits ‘‘ Dee” in considerable numbers
in autumn, but it is not regular in its appearance; some
seasons few are to be seen, while in others it is abundant.
During its stay it feeds upon the various wild fruits it
can find, while in open fields and meadows it makes careful
search for worms, snails, slugs, and insects. As the winter
approaches and the weather becomes more severe, it passes
further to the south.

76 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

Turdus pilaris, Zinn. Fieldfare. ‘Highland Pyot.”

Unlike the Redwing, this is a more regular and more
abundant autumnal visitor to ‘“ Dee,’ where it may be seen in
flocks of thousands searching for food in the pasture lands.

[In the Naturalist for 1853, pp. 189 and 140, under the
heading, ‘Occurrence of Rare Birds in Aberdeenshire,’ by
James Taylor, he says: ‘“Turdus pilaris (Fieldfare), Mr. C.
Black showed me the nest of a pair that bred at Raeden in
1847.” ‘Rare in the woods during summer; numerous flocks
come in autumn and remain through the winter. Every year
a few nests are found in the woods of Blackhall and
Inchmarlo.” (Adams.) ‘“Fieldfare resident all summer in a
particular wood in Aberdeenshire, as recorded by a friend, on
the accuracy of whose observation I place strict reliance.”
So wrote Edward Blyth in Charlesworth’s Mag. of Nat. Hist.,
vol. i., p. 440, July 10th, 1837.]

Turdus merula, Zinn. Blackbird. ‘‘ Merle.”

Abundant and resident, frequenting woods, plantations,
and gardens. Its numbers are greatly increased in autumn
by migrants from more northern lands, at which season many
become exhausted in their flight and are drowned at sea.
Many are then cast upon the beach along the coast of Aber-
deenshire.

“Blackbirds . . . which used to come only in winter
. remain now and build their nests.” (0.8. A., parish of
Strichen, vol. vii., p. 419.)

Turdus torquatus, Zinn. Ring-Ouzel. ‘‘ Hill Merle.”

This summer visitant is to be seen on every wild and
lonely waste and on the hill-sides where whin, broom,
birch, or juniper grow. Along the course of the Dee and Don,
and in the glens through which their tributary streams
rush wildly on, the Ring-Ouzel is to be seen perched upon
some bush or jutting rock, anon uttering his pleasant cry,
while near by the female may be sitting in her nest under the
shelter of some mossy, bank or tangled tuft of heather. After
the period of nidification, old and young betake themselves to
the strips of cultivated land, and there diligently search for

BIRDS. 17

food. When the season of departure draws near, the birds
congregate in small flocks, and are to be seen in gardens
feeding on the late fruits, finally leaving about October.

In the O. S. A., p. 419, under the parish of Strichen, is the
following: ‘“ Blackbirds, Ring-Ouzel, and Dobchick, which used
to come only in winter with great flocks of snow-birds and
Fieldfares, remain now and build their nests; the snow-birds
and Fieldfares leave the country in May.’ Was this coming
of the Ring-Ouzel “only in winter” merely the bird returning
from the hills to the coast in its autumnal migration ?

Genus SAXICOLA, Bechstevn.

Saxicola cenanthe, Zinn. Wheatear. “Stane Chackert.”
“White Rump.”

One of our most common and regular summer visitors; to
be seen alike about cultivated fields, moorland pastures, and
heath-clad hills, where it breeds freely, making its nest in
stone or turf dykes and cairns of stones. Indeed, in and
around old hill forts, where once rang the clash of arms and
the loud rough voice of ancient warriors, the only sign of life
now seen by the curious visitor or antiquary is the lively form
of the “ White Rump” jerking its tail, flitting from stone to
stone, uttering the while its sharp “ chick-chack.”

Genus PRATINCOLA, Koch.

Pratincola rubetra, Zinn. Whinchat. “Fun Chackert.”
“Fun (Whin) Lintie.”

Common, and, to some extent, resident; but the numbers
are considerably added to in spring. ‘This bird is to be
seen over the greater part of “ Dee,” chiefly on moors where
broom and whin grow.

Pratincola rubicola, Zinn. Stone-Chat.

Like the preceding, the Stone-Chat is to be seen on the
furze-covered moors of ‘ Dee,’ where a few remain all the
year round; but it is not generally distributed, for in some
localities which seem suitable it is not to be found. The
district in which the Stone-Chat has been observed in

F

78 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

greatest abundance is the moor of Kinnellar. There, on
the numerous ancient tumuli where whin and broom grow
luxuriantly, this bird lives and rears its young.

A letter from the late Stewart Burnett, Esq., dated
Balbithan House, May 13th, 1887, contains the following
note: “I find, on consulting my records, that Stone-Chats
in this neighbourhood have grown very scarce from about
1875. Before that time I knew of about a dozen localities
in a radius around this of about twelve miles where one
could always find pairs of these birds throughout spring and
summer. There were several pairs in different parts of
Thom’s Forest, near Kintore, as also on the whin covert along
the coast north of the mouth of Don. All these localities
since 1882 have been visited at different times, and not a
single individual seen in any of them. The last Stone-Chats
I saw in these parts were a family, old and young, on August
12th, 1882. Late nests bear the dates of 1876, 1877.” <A few
are still to be seen in the same locality.

Sub-Family SYLVIINA.
Genus RUTICILLA, Behn.

Ruticilla phoenicurus, Lenn. Redstart.

A summer visitor that is distributed pretty generally all
over “Dee.” It is to be found breeding on ivy-clad walls
along the east coast; in the gardens and grounds of land-
owners; and right away through the pine forests of the
interior. In July, 1893, I found them plentiful in the woods
along the Dee valley above Castleton of Braemar. Their
single call-note, which is somewhat like the cry of the
Chaffinch, and is the same in male and female, was to be
heard every here and there. Their movements, with the
continual jerking of the tail and occasional flutter of the
wings, as these little creatures perch upon a branch, uttering
their cry, and darting to another twig, are peculiar and most
interesting.

Ruticilla titys, Scopol. Black Redstart.

The only record of this species for “Dee,” so far as I
am aware, is that of a male which flew into, and was caught

ee ae Sa

BIRDS. 79

in, a house in Aberdeen on March 20th, 1900. The bird is
now in my possession.

Genus SYLVIA, Scopoli.
Sylvia suecica, Zinn. Red-spotted Blue-throat.

This species is represented by a single specimen that flew
on board a fisherman’s boat in company with a Redstart in
Aberdeen Bay, 16th May, 1872, and was purchased by me in
the flesh from the captor.

Sylvia rubecula, Zinn. Redbreast. “Robin.”
“Robin-Redbreast.”

Resident and abundant all over “ Dee.”’

Sylvia cinerea, Bechstein. Whitethroat.

Plentiful in all suitable localities during summer through-
out “ Dee.”

Sylvia curruca, Zinn. Lesser Whitethroat.

“One reported by George Sim to have been shot by him
at Gourdas, Fyvie, November 4th, 1880.” (Scottish Naturalist,
VO a. p..13.)

Sylvia atricapilla, Zenn. Blackcap.

“In the neighbourhood of Banchory and about Ballater.
On the third Septr., 1850, I found in a bush of Prunus padus
by Braichley Burn, a nest with four eggs which had long
been deserted.” (MacGillivray.) A Blackcap was found
at Don-mouth by the late John Proctor in 1866. That
gentleman presented it to the writer, in whose possession it
still is. ‘One seen near Fyvie Castle, 27th April, 1872;
one at Mill of Tifty, October, 1872.” (MS. list, George Sim,
Fyvie.) ‘Once seen by me near Scultie Farm, and has been
found near Turriff.’ (S. Burnett’s MS.)

In the N. S. A., p. 537, list of birds for the parish of
yo

80 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

Strathdon, is mentioned: “ The Black-cap (Sylvia atricapilla)
very rare.” “A pair seen near Bucksburn House, sitting on
a low dyke, August 1st, 1875.” (Mr. A. M‘Pherson’s MS.)

Sylvia hortensis, Bechstein. Garden Warbler.

A specimen of this species, so rare in the north, was shot
by W. Davidson, keeper, within the grounds of Seaton House,
in 1865, and brought by him to me upon the same day. The
bird had frequented the bushes along the edge of the Don
and near Davidson’s house for several days before he shot it,
its song having attracted his notice. The specimen is still
in my possession. ‘ Bred at Drum, and seen at Cherryvale,
Aberdeen, by the late Dr. Dickie.” (J. Taylor's MS.) Mr.
Waters, naturalist, Aboyne, informed me that he ‘stood
within four yards of a Garden Warbler beside Aboyne
Castle.”

This species can only be looked upon as an accidental and
irregular visitor to “Dee.” It is said by Selby to “ occur
throughout the greater part of Scotland.” Subsequent
observation has not substantiated this assertion.

Genus REGULUS, Cuwvrer.

Regulus cristatus, Koch. Goldcrest.

Resident; breeding freely in most woods throughout
“Dee.” Although this beautiful little bird is able to with-
stand the winter blasts of our rather exposed eastern coast,
yet, in its autumnal migration from more northern regions,
the mortality in its ranks is very great indeed. Along the
coast of ‘“ Dee,’ Goldcrests are in some seasons seen flying
in almost continuous flight for many hours together. On
such occasions, when the wind blows strongly from the
north-east, many are driven from their course and are often
found in the streets and by-lanes of Aberdeen in numbers.
At other times, when the wind is adverse, they are compelled
to rest on passing vessels and open boats, on which they
alight often never to rise again. They also frequently fly
against lighthouses, and are killed.

BIRDS. 81

Genus PHYLLOSCOPUS, Boie.
[Phylloscopus rufa, Bechstein. Chiff Chaff.

‘Nearly allied to the last two genera (Whitethroat and
Willow Wren), but less common. Though he has not got
a dead specimen of it for some years past, Dr. Adams cannot
doubt of its being found in the district.” (Adams’s Birds of
Banchory-Ternan, p. 18.) ‘Mr. Brown states that it occurs
along the Dee in his neighbourhood (Abergeldie and Micras),
but is very rare. I saw one individual at Corrymulzie.”
(MacGillivray.) ‘Mr. Angus states that on the 8th of May,
1865, he received a Chiff Chaff, very much destroyed by shot,
from Birse, Deeside, and that in May of the year following,
he observed this species near Aboyne Castle. He noticed it
again in June, 1867, at Wardhouse.” (Gray’s Birds, p. 98.)

All things considered, a considerable amount of more
direct light requires to be thrown upon this species. Cor-
roboratory records are necessary before it can be included,
without doubt, among the birds that frequent “ Dee.’’]

Phylloscopus trochilus, Zinn. Willow Warbler. Willow
Wren. ‘“Muffite.” “ Birrity.”

One of the most common summer visitors to be seen
wherever plantations or natural thickets exist. Its nest is
usually placed upon the ground, and it is often found that
there existed a run of two or three feet under the grass and
foggage before the nest is reached. Whether this run is
formed by the bird or the disused tunnelling of a mouse
appropriated, it would be difficult to determine.

Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Bechstein. Wood Warbler.

(““Mr. Angus informs me that in Aberdeenshire it is so
rare that he has never seen it in any local collection. He has,
however, procured several specimens himself in that county:
one at Fyvie Castle in 1862, where he took the nest and eggs,
and a pair which he shot on the 19th May, 1866, in the
pleasure-grounds at Warthill (Wartle). He has also observed
it at Fetteresso, in Glentana Forest, in the Den of Leggert

82 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

at Banchory-Ternan (we presume the Den of Leggert in
Banchory-Devenick is meant), and at Parkhouse.” (Gray’s
Birds, p. 97).]

“Of rare occurrence in any part of the county; but I have
several times met with it, or it may be a regular, though rare,
visitant. I once found a disturbed nest with eggs in July.”
(S. Burnett’s MS.) ‘Two specimens of this bird were seen
here, and one of them shot, in the beginning of May.”
(George Sim, Fyvie, 1872, Scottish Naturalist, p. 226.)

Genus ACROCKPHALUS, Naum.
Acrocephalus phragmitis, Bechstein. Sedge Warbler.

MacGillivray says: “The Sedge Warbler is nowhere
common in Scotland, although in the southern and middle
divisions it is here and there to be met with.” (British Birds,
vol. ii., p. 892.) He makes no mention of it in his Natural
History of Deeside and Braemar.

Of late years this species has become quite plentiful
throughout “ Dee,” and its fine song may be heard in the calm
summer evenings and far into the night. Indeed, many
reports have reached me that the Nightingale has been heard
in various parts of Aberdeenshire; but on investigation
it has always been found that the “Sedge Bird” had been
mistaken for ‘Sweet Philomel.” I have found the nest of the
Sedge Warbler among the reeds along the banks of the river
Ythan, where it flows through the Braes of Gight, as also in
other localities.

Genus LOCUSTELLA, Kaup.
Locustella nzevia, Boddaert. Grasshopper Warbler.

“‘T never but once met with this species. It occurred in a
cover of small stunted Scots-firs, rank heath, and whins
mixed, in Thom’s Forest, near Kintore. I got the most
transient glimpse of the bird while it was alive; but my
- attention was directed to it by its strange call—like that of a
Shrew Mouse, but much louder. As it was killed with No. 6
shot, it was too much battered to be of any use as a specimen,

BIRDS. 83

but it exactly answered to the description in Mr. Mac-
Gillivray’s Manual, as also to a drawing I had of Sibilatrix
locustella.” (S. Burnett, Scottish Naturalist, 1871, p. 84.)

‘“‘T have twice met with this species in the end of May and
June; but it must be of extreme rarity in this district, as its -
most remarkable note would always indicate its presence.”
(S. Burnett’s MS.)

Sub-Family ACCENTORINAL.
Genus ACCENTOR, Bechstein.

Accentor modularis, Zenn. Hedge-Sparrow. “ Dannock.”
“ Dannack.”

Resident and common throughout the whole district.
Nowhere in my wanderings, except on high mountain ranges,
have I failed to see the Hedge-Sparrow common, alike in
scrubby waste land and about garden and field hedgerows.

Family CINCLIDA.
Genus CINCLUS, Bechstein.

Cinclus aquaticus, Bechstein. Dipper. ‘Water Crow.”
‘“Ess-Cock.”

This pretty and much persecuted bird is common on the
banks of most of the streams throughout “ Dee,” especially
on some of the unfrequented reaches of the Don, where they
may be in numbers and where their movements may be
watched for hours together. From such observations, and
from the examination of the contents of the stomachs of a
very large number of Dippers, it may be asserted that the
charge brought against these inoffensive creatures, namely,
that of eating the spawn of fish, is quite unfounded. Indeed,
it may with perfect confidence be said that, but for the
labours of the Dipper, the fishes of our streams would be less
abundant than they are; for, unquestionably, its food consists
to no inconsiderable extent of insects that prey upon the ova
and young both of salmon and trout.

84 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”
Family PANURIDAL.
Genus PANURUS, Koch.

Panurus biarmicus, Linn. Bearded Titmouse.

[It is recorded in the Zoologist, 3rd Ser., p. 1255, that a
bearded Tit was shot in Aberdeenshire by T. Kdward.]

An individual of this species was killed in the garden at
Rothienorman by the gamekeeper there in 1865, and was
given to Dr. Davidson of Wartle, who informs me by letter
that he gave it to a gentleman “some time ago.”

Family PARIDAK. |
Genus ACREDULA, Koch.
Acredula caudata, Linn. Long-tailed Titmouse.

Resident ; not generally abundant, though it breeds. This
species is rather erratic in its habits. In some seasons it is
fairly abundant; while in others it may be almost entirely
absent from the same locality.

Genus PARUS, Linn.
Parus major, Linn. Great Titmouse.

Common throughout ‘ Dee,” often frequenting gardens,
where it is credited with doing much mischief to fruit trees.
That it does commit considerable havoc to the opening buds
cannot be denied; but we suspect it is to reach a foe of the
gardener’s, which he himself is powerless to resist, and which,
but for the bird, might destroy the whole crop. | ;

Parus britannicus, Sharp and Dresser, Coal Titmouse.

Abundant; and breeds throughout the district, producing
several families in the season. A question regarding the
habit of this bird has for long presented itself to my mind,
viz., Does the Coal Tit cause its first young of the season to
hatch its second clutch of eggs? The question arose in this
way. I found in a bank a nest that contained four well-grown
young which the parent was busily feeding, and under the
young ones were four newly-laid eggs. To make sure that this

BIRDS. 85

was so, the eggs were taken and blown, and they were quite
fresh. This would point to their being eggs for a second
brood. Can such be really the case ?

Parus palustris, Zinn. Marsh Titmouse.

It is affirmed by Mr. A. G. More, in his paper in the
Ibis, that this species breeds in Aberdeenshire. Mr. Murray,
Town and County Bank, Newburgh, informed me that on
22nd October, 1871, he saw in his garden a specimen of this
bird. It was so close to him that shooting was out of the
question, but being so near, he had every opportunity of
satisfying himself of the bird’s identity. Again, on 17th
February, 1896, I received a letter from Mr. George Sim,
Fyvie, in which he says: “I am glad to inform. you that I had
the pleasure of seeing the Marsh Tit on the 2nd of February.

I only saw one bird, and it kept feeding by itself,
although a great number of other Tits were busy feeding
round about.”

Parus ceruleus, Zinn. Blue Titmouse. “ Blue Bonnet.”

This pretty and sprightly lttle bird is abundant, fre-
quenting woods, plantations, orchards, and gardens, selecting
for its nesting-place any hole it may find in tree or bush.
Like its larger relative, P. major, the Blue Bonnet is looked
upon by gardeners as one of their worst enemies, but as in
the case of the former, the charge is unfounded, or at least
exaggerated.

Family TROGLODYTIDA.
Genus TROGLODYTES, Viezllot.

Troglodytes parvulus, och, Common Wren.
“Jenny Wren.”

This familar little bird is to be seen almost everywhere—
amongst the brake in the sombre solitary glen, among the
whins on the open trackless moor, in the hedges around
the cottage garden, and away far up the hill-sides among
the loose stones that lie scattered there. ‘Jenny Wren” is
to be seen when few other forms of bird-life are visible.

86 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Family MOTACILLIDA.
Genus MOTACILLA, Linn.

Motacilla lugubris, Zemm. Pied Wagtail.
“Watery Wagtail.”

Abundant ; resident ; and breeds throughout “ Dee.”

Motacilla melanope, Pallas. Grey Wagiail.
““Yellow-seed Lady.”

This species is common, and is to be found along the banks
of our principal streams near which it breeds. A few are
to be seen during winter, but by far the greater numbers
leave us in autumn. By many people this species is called
the “Yellow Wagtail,”’ which frequently causes confusion.

Motacilla raii, Bonaparte. Yellow Wagtail.

“This species properly so-called— Budytes rayi—I have
not met with.” (MacGillivray.) ‘‘They breed plentifully among
the hillocks which stretch along the line of coast between
the Don and Newburgh; then again, from. Peterhead to
Fraserburgh.” (Smiles’s Lzfe of a Scottish Naturalist, p. 400.)

It is pleasant to be able to corroborate the latter state-
ments. The birds have been found by Mr. Wm. M‘Boyle, of
Peterhead, from whom I received specimens killed by him
on the links of St. Fergus. This species has also been seen
at Forvie Links, and a nest containing five eggs at Mennie, in
1893, by Mr. A. Kelly, Aberdeen. Again, in 1895, the same
gentleman saw a pair by the side of a small burn that crosses
the links about five miles north of Aberdeen. This evidence
covers the whole ground mentioned by Edward.

Genus ANTHUS, Bech.
Anthus pratensis, Zin. Meadow-Pipit.
Resident and breeds throughout the district.

Anthus trivialis, Zinn. Tree-Pipit.

Local; fairly abundant in some places, and altogether
absent from others; tolerably common about the woods of

BIRDS. 87

Fintray, which lie along the banks of the Don, where
Mr. S. Burnett obtained the nest. One was shot by
W. H. Ritchie, Esq., at Dunnottar House, May 12th, 1899,
who forwarded it to me.

Anthus obscurus, Latham. Rock-Pipit.

Resident along the rocky parts of the coast, forming its
nest under ledges of rock or tufts of grass, and finding its food
among the “wrack”’ cast up by the sea, and on such insects
as frequent the cliffs and herbage that grow thereon.

Family ORIOLIDA.
Genus ORIOLUS, Linn.

Oriolus galbula, Zinn. Golden Oriole.

“One was shot at Aberdeen by A. Mitchell in 1886.”
(Mr. J. Taylor’s MS.) Another was shot at Glack, Aberdeen-
shire, and preserved by Mr. Reid, Pitcaple.

Family LANIIDA.
Genus LANIUS, Lan.

Lanius excubitor, Linn. Great Grey Shrike.
“Butcher Bird.”

This is a frequent though irregular visitor to “ Dee.” In
1865, one was shot at Ballogie; on March 17th, 1866, another
was shot at Parkhill; and a third at Corse, Lumphanan,
February 7th, 1889. A male was caught on Old Aberdeen
Links by a man who was snaring larks and linnets, and it
was brought alive to me. Its stomach contained the remains
of a bird. On 2nd May following, a male flew on board an
Aberdeen line-boat while at sea. On February 8th, 1890, a
Great Grey Shrike was shot on the estate of Aden and
sent to me. It was a male, and had the remains of a
mouse in its stomach. On February 20th, of the same year,
a male was shot on the estate of Newton by Mr. Gordon, the
proprietor. It had the remains of a bird in its stomach.
On the same day I also received a female whose stomach

88 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

likewise contained parts of a bird. On March 12th, 1890, a
female was shot at Aden which contained the remains of a
mouse. .

On May 2nd, 1890, a male was caught at sea off Aber-
deen. One lived in the shrubbery around Skene House from
12th December, 1889, till the 28th March following. It
was seen daily by the proprietor, who was my informant, and
also by Miss D. Hamilton, who is a close and accurate
observer.

Adams says: “This bold and handsome bird was shot in
1844 near the house of Durris. In the following year one was
killed near Banchory, and another this year (1859). One
was killed at Inchmarlo.” ‘“ Very rare; I have seen only two,
one in the winter of 1887, and another in the winter of 1859.”
(J. Wilson’s MS.) A pair had built a nest in a spruce in the
garden at Fyvie Castle. The nest contained an egg, and the
female was found lying dead at the foot of the tree.

One frequented the same garden from November, 1889, to
February, 1890, and was often seen capturing Tits and Gold
Crests.” (Serle, Avi-fauna of Buchan, p. 10.)

Lanius collurio, Zinn. Red-backed Shrike.

This species is included in the list of birds for the parish
of Peterhead as it appears in the N. S. A., in which it is
said that all the species mentioned had been “found in the
vicinity during the last ten years.’ This list was prepared
by the late Adam Arbuthnot. This would show that the
Red-backed Shrike had been got at Peterhead between 1833
and 1848. Horn, in his Birds of Buchan, says this specimen,
a male, ‘is still in the Museum at Peterhead.” Gray, in his
Birds of the West of Scotland, says that he had seen this
specimen, and states that it is a male, and that it was
obtained “about the year 1833.” Now, that there is a
specimen of this species in the Peterhead Museum is quite
true, but there is not a particle of evidence or information
regarding when or where it was obtained, and besides 2 1s
unquestionably a female.

In the month of May, 1891, a male and female of this
species were shot by Mr. West at Aden Cottage, Peterhead,
and were preserved by Mr. W. M‘Boyle of that town. In the

BIRDS. 89

following July, along with Mr. M‘Boyle, I visited Mr. West
and saw the birds.

In 1892, Mr. W. Reid, F.E.S., the well-known lepidopterist
of Pitcaple, informed me that he had observed this bird for
six or seven years, and always about the same place, viz., the
south-east shoulder of Bennachie, and always about the
nesting season. He believed it to be a Shrike, and he
ultimately found its nest. His description of the bird was
exactly that of the Red-backed Shrike, and the egg, which he
showed, was unquestionably one of that species.

Miss Gordon informed me that she and others observed a
pair of birds “among the shrubbery and in the garden at
Midmar Castle. They were about the size of Starlings, but
had longer tails and were chestnut on the back. They killed
large numbers of her hive bees, and also took humble bees,
which they transfixed upon thorns.” Many of the dead bees,
which were killed in 1895 and 1896, I received from Miss
Gordon. Evidently these birds were a pair of Red-backed
Shrikes.

[Lanius excubitorides, Swainson and Richardson. American
Grey Shrike.

In the Naturalist, vol. ii., p. 289 (1852), it is reported by
John Longmuir, jun., that a specimen of the “Great North
American Shrike (Lanius borealis) was shot (the only one, I
believe, as yet obtained in Britain) by Mr. Thomas M‘Kenzie,
in the month of April, 1848.” Whether this Aberdeenshire
specimen was a genuine American Shrike, it is now impossible
to say. There is no record as to what became of the bird.]

Family AMPELIDA.
Genus AMPELIS, Linn.

Ampelis garrulus, Zinn. Waxwing. “Bohemian Waxwing,”
“Bohemian Chatterer.”

Under the name of Carolina Chatterer, this bird is
recorded in the O. S. A. as having occurred in the parish of
Strichen; and in vol. v., p. 279, of the same publication,
under the name of Bohemian Chatterer, it is mentioned as

90 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

having ‘“‘made its appearance in the parish of Slains in the
year 1788.”

“Occurs with us almost every winter. In 1850 as many
as ten were got.’ (J. Taylor, in Naturalist, vol. ii1., p. 140.)
“This interesting visitor has been repeatedly seen in the
district, generally in spring. One was shot in the woods of
Blackhall in April, 1851.” (Adams.) “One was shot at
Kinmundy, near Peterhead, April, 1851.” (W. Ferguson, in
the Naturalist, vol. i., p. 94.) “Mr. Stewart states that one
has been once shot at Glen Gairn.” (MacGillivray.)

The following specimens have all been seen by me. One
was killed in the parish of Auchindoir, and another in the
parish of Birse in 1866; and on December 4th, of the same
year, one was killed near Aberdeen. About the same date,
one was sent for preservation to the late A. Mitchell, Castle
Street, Aberdeen, and he also at the same period shot one in
a nursery in town. -One was killed at the Old Moss of Gight,
October, 1871, and another at Woodhead, November 27th.
Two were found dead in the Den of Rothie, December,
1872. One was killed at Meldrum House, January 12th, 1882.
In 1893 one was obtained on January 2nd; another, on the
7th, flew into a house in the parish of Tough. A fine female,
whose stomach was full of juniper berries, was killed near
Rhynie; and another was killed at Arbuthnot House,
Kincardineshire.

In 1897 one was killed at Methlick on November 4th; and,
on December 4th, two others at Parkstile, Strathdon, and five
more at Rhynie.

Family MUSCICAPIDAL.
Genus MUSCICAPA, Lunn.

Muscicapa grisola, Linn. Spotted Flycatcher.
This is one of our most common visitors, and is to be
found breeding in all suitable localities.
Muscicapa atricapilla, Zinn. Pied Flycatcher.

‘“‘A bird of this species was shot in the woods of Hazelhead,
near Aberdeen, by Mr. Robert Dickie, about the month of
July, 1845." (Naturalist, vol. i1., p. 289.) “Two were killed at

BIRDS. 91

Pitfour, 1849.” (Horn’s Birds of Buchan, p. 288.) The Rev.
J. Smith, in the Zoologist, p. 2651, January, 1850, reports that
one was shot on the edge of a plantation near Brucklay
Castle, in May, 1849, and says it had not been previously
known in Scotland.

Three were shot on Aberdeen Links by the late A.
Mitchell. One was shot at Manar, Donside, and two at
Peterhead on May 14th, 1872, all of which were sent to me.
On May 14th, 1890, I received a male from Mr. Muirhead,
Haddo House. Its stomach was full of small beetles
(weevils). This bird was very fat, and its generative organs
very large. It was altogether in its full breeding state. The
nest, however, of this species has not been found in “ Dee.”
Two of these birds were seen at Inverugie by Mr. Crighton
in May, 1890.

This species is included in a list of birds in the N.S. A.
for the parish of Peterhead. Referring to this lst in his
Birds of the West of Scotland, p. 70, Gray states: “I may add
the occurrence of a pair—male and female—near Peterhead
previous to 1835, in which year Mr. Arbuthnot, the founder of
the Peterhead Museum, where the specimens are still pre-
served, furnished a list of local birds for publication by the
compiler of the ‘ Statistical Account of the Parish’;”’ but how
he arrives at the statement “previous to 1835” he does not
inform us. One was killed at Pitfour, and another at Dun-
nottar on April 18th, 1898, and both forwarded to me. On
May 19th, 1899, one was shot by James Gerrard, Greenmire,
Oldmeldrum, who also sent it to the writer; while various
other specimens have been reported to him from several parts
of Aberdeenshire.

Section OSCINES LATIROSTRES.
Family HIRUNDINIDAS.
Genus HIRUNDO, Linn.

Hirundo rustica, Zinn. Swallow.

One of our most regular summer visitors, arriving about
the end of April, if the summer is fine, but generally in the
beginning of May, and dispersing all over the country.

92 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

Shortly after it commences the work of nest-building. These
structures are often placed within cow-houses and barns.

Hirundo urbica, Zinn. House Martin.

This species, ike the preceding, is a regular and constant
visitor to ‘Dee,’ but within the memory of the present
writer, it has changed its habits very much, in so far at least
as the building of its nest is concerned. Thirty to forty
years ago the Martin could be seen building its nest in the
villages and outlying hamlets throughout the country; but
now it has betaken itself in great measure to the sea-coast.
There it is to be seen entering the dark, damp caverns, in the
roofs of which its nest is built. There is one cavern on the
Kincardineshire coast, the entrance to which is little more
than sufficient to admit a man, although when once within
the opening there is a wide and roomy dark gallery. Into this
sunless retreat the Martin flies without hesitation, builds its
nest in the crevices of the stony roof, and rears its young
ones in almost total darkness.

Mr. John Wilson, of Methlick, writes in his MS. Journal
for 1860, that “‘a swallow’s nest was accidently knocked down
from under the eaves of a house in our village and the young
ones cast to the ground. They were collected and placed in a
boy’s cap, and the cap was nailed up where the nest had been;
shortly after the parent birds returned, but being suspicious
of the appearance of the nest, they flew away. Returning
again with a number of their fellows, they took counsel over
the matter, when it appeared to be found that, although the
nest had been tampered with, the one substituted would do,
and there seemed to be no danger. Those brought for con-
sultation thereupon took their departure, and the parents
commenced to feed their young as if nothing had happened.
This brood was reared in safety. In 1861, and again in 1862,
a brood was reared within the bonnet, after which it fell to
the ground through decay.”

Hirundo riparia, Zinn. Sand Martin.

Abundant, and breeds in every suitable locality; the
superficial drift along the sea margin, the river’s bank, the
brawling burn, or noisy railway cutting, all are alike suited to

BIRDS. 93

its wants; and in such situations it excavates holes fit for its
purpose, and breeds in comparative peace, its only enemy
being “enlightened man!”

Section OSCINES CURVIROSTRES.
Family CERTHIIDA.
Genus CERTHIS, Linn.

Certhia familiaris, Zinn. Tree Creeper.

Common and resident; occurring in all the plantations
and forests throughout “ Dee.” Owing to the solitary habits
of this species, it is generally supposed that it is not
abundant ; but those familiar with the bird and who frequent
its haunts can see that its numbers are far from being
inconsiderable, and that this useful little bird is ever busy
in its labour of hunting for food, which consists of larve,
flies, and beetles that lurk in the bark and young shoots of
trees.

Section OSCINES CONIROSTRES.
Family FRINGILLIDA.
Sub-Family FRINGILIINAL.
Genus CARDUELIS, Brisson.

Carduelis elegans, Stephen. Goldfinch. ‘“ Goldie.”

This elegant bird has for many years back been on the
march towards extinction. In the O. S. A. its name appears
in the list of birds for the parishes of Birse and Strichen.
In the latter it is said: “Of late years the Goldfinches have
quite disappeared.” “Of singing birds, the Thrush, the
Blackbird, and the Goldfinch are more numerous than I have
anywhere else seen.” (Robertson, Agricultural Survey of
Kincardineshire, p. 397.) In the N. S. A. the Goldfinch is
mentioned as still to be seen in the parishes of Chapel of
Garioch, Birse, and Drumoak, where it is said “it must be
regarded as uncommon.”

‘Seldom seen in summer, when it is no doubt spread over

G

94 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

the woods and employed in rearing its young. In winter and
spring, not uncommon.’ (Adams’s Birds of Banchory-Ternan,
p. 20.) “Mr. Brown has found it but rarely in Crathie.”
(MacGillivray.) One was seen by Mr. A. M‘Pherson in the
Grove at Greenburn. (MS. Journal.) ‘“ Not so common as it
used to be, still a few are to be seen occasionally.” (Horn,
Birds of Buchan, 1880, p. 239.) Mr. Mutch, gamekeeper,
Pitfour, saw the Goldfinch and found its nest at Breda, near
Alford, in 1884, and again in 1885. Since going to Pitfour,
he informs me that he saw two Goldfinches within a few
feet of him in the last week of December, 1897; and that,
for the past three or four years, he has seen a few each
spring, but has not known them to breed. Mr. Mutch has a
thorough knowledge of our woodland songsters, and can
detect the call of each with accuracy, as I have had
opportunities of observing. Mr. Ramsay, banker, Peterhead,
informed me that a pair of Goldfinches nested and brought
out their young near Peterhead, in 1885, and again in 1887.
In 1889, a pair built their nest in a tree in the garden at
Ravenscraig, near Peterhead. The farmer, Mr. Brand, very
kindly showed me where the nest was situated, portions
of which remained at the time. A pair bred at Inverugie in
1896. The nest was in a tree near ‘The Cottage.” Old and
young were frequently seen, as I am informed, by Mr.
Brand, jun. Mr. West saw five Goldfinches in his garden,
near Peterhead, in August, 1890. In October, 1889, I found
one dead upon the sands, north of Don-mouth. Two nested
near Rubislaw Quarries, Aberdeen, in 1894, but were both
taken by bird-catchers.

As has been said, this fine bird is on the verge of
extinction within “‘ Dee.” Why this should be so is difficult
to explain; some hold that owing to the improvements that
have taken place in agriculture, the food of this species is
not now permitted to grow, hence the bird has to go else-
where. Anyone knowing “Dee” and the “improvements ”’
referred to will not readily admit that thistles have been
improved off the face of the land, for even within the farm
enclosures, and among the farmers’ corn, thousands of
“thistle taps”? can yet be seen flourishing year after year,
producing their seeds, but not a “Goldie” to fatten upon
them. This, however, cannot explain the matter, for although

BIRDS. 95

thistle seeds are still plentiful, this is only for a short period
yearly; other plants, upon whose seeds the Goldfinch fed,
may have been extirpated, so that the bird may have had to
shift to where a constant supply of food can be obtained.
Be this as it may, it is to be feared that the voracious
bird-catcher, whose only aim is cash, has a good deal to
answer for in the disappearance of C. elegans.

Genus CHRYSOMITRIS, Bove.
Chrysomitris spinus, Gould. Siskin.

Like the Goldfinch, the Siskin is becoming yearly less
numerous with us. It still breeds in various localities along
the course of the rivers Dee, Feugh, and Don, where it
is pretty safe from the wiles of the fowler; but now,
around all our towns and villages, where these “ ravenous
wolves” could reach them, the beautiful Siskin has been
exterminated; and it would seem that, at no distant date,
should the craze continue amongst thoughtless men and
women to have those innocent little birds pent up in gilded
prisons, to drag out a short and dreary life, and droop and die
to make room for another victim, the Siskin will soon have to
be numbered “amongst the things that were.”

Genus LIGURINUS, Koch.

Ligurinus chloris, Geuld. Greenfinch. ‘‘Green Linnet.”
“Green Lintie.”

This strong and handsome bird is common and resident
throughout “ Dee,’ building its nest in woods, plantations,
and in ivy-covered walls. It collects in flocks in autumn, when
it may be seen in the farmers’ stackyards; while in severe
weather it betakes itself to the open grounds along the sea
coast. There it is often seen in company with Chaffinches,
Bramblings, Linnets, etc.

Genus COCCOTHRAUSTES, Brisson.

[Coccothraustes vulgaris, Hewitson. Hawfinch.

Gray says: “In the southern and eastern counties, it has

been traced from Dumfriesshire to Kast Lothian, and thence
G 2

96 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

to Aberdeenshire, Banffshire, and Caithness, in all of which
counties several specimens have been obtained;” but he gives
no authorities for those findings, without which the state-
ment is of little value. It is not within my knowledge that a
specimen has ever been found within “ Dee.’

Genus PASSER, Brisson.

Passer domesticus, Zinn. House-Sparrow.

Abundant throughout our area.

Passer montanus, Zinn. Tree Sparrow.

This is a scarce and extremely local species. One was |
shot in 1847, in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen, by Mr.
Thomas MacKenzie, latterly Sheriff of Sutherland, and was
presented by him to the late Dr. MacGillivray. “Found
breeding near Stonehaven by myself.” (Colonel Drummond
Hay, in “ Report on the Ornithology of the East of Scotland,”
1884.) I examined one that was killed near Stonehaven,
December 10th, 1885. Mr. George Sim, Fyvie, informs me
that one was shot at Darnabo, Fyvie, November 3rd, 1894.
“Seen occasionally all over the Grampian ranges.’ (Adams’s
Birds of Banchory-Ternan.)

The Tree Sparrow has often been reported to the author
as breeding around Aberdeen; but on every occasion where he
has had an opportunity of seeing these “tree sparrows ’”’ they
have proved to be Passer domesticus that had taken to building
its nest in trees, in which cases the nest was a dogmed one.

One was caught near Portlethen in August, 1897, and was
exhibited in a bird show in Aberdeen as a common sparrow.
Its true character was there recognised by Dr. Galloway,
Aberdeen, who bought it and kept it alive for a considerable
time. In his hands I had an opportunity of examining it.
Again, on 25th October, 1889, a specimen was shot by
W. H. Ritchie, Esq., Dunnottar, who sent it to me. Ina MS.
by the late Mr. Stewart Burnett, the heads of a lecture
delivered by him in Port-Elphinstone School in 1875 on
“Birds occurring in the district,’ and lately shown to me
by Dr. W. Tait, Inverurie, he mentions having found a dead
Tree Sparrow at Conglass.

BIRDS. 97
Genus FRINGILLA, Linn.

Fringilla ceelebs, Zinn. Chaffinch. ‘ Chaffy.” ‘ Shelly.”
“ Shellfowl.” |

Abundant and resident, and one of the most beautiful of
our smaller songsters.

Fringilla montifringilla, Zinn. Brambling. “Mountain
Finch”

A winter visitor to “ Dee,” at which season it is to be seen
about farm stack-yards. When the weather is severe, it
comes to the coast, feeding familiarly along with Chaffinches,
Snow Buntings, etc.

Genus LINOTA, Bonaparte.

Linota cannabina, Zinn. Rose Linnet.

Abundant; resident, and breeds throughout “Dee,” con-
eregating in flocks of considerable size early in autumn, and
continues so until spring, when the flocks break up, and, in
pairs, betake themselves to the work of incubation.

[Linota linaria, Linn. Mealy Redpoll.

“Common in the wooded parts of the district, especially
Blackhall.” (Adams.) ‘Has occasionally been observed in
Aberdeenshire.” (Yarrell’s British Birds, fourth ed., vol. i1.,
p. 1385.) No authority is given for these statements. |

Linota rufescens, Viedl/ot. Lesser Redpoll.

‘“‘Common in the wooded parts of the district, especially
Blackhall.” (Adams’s Birds of Banchory-Ternan, p. 21.) “Mr,
Thomas Jamieson says he saw at anyrate one Redpoll near
Castletown.” (MacGillivray.)

“Breeds in the higher districts of the country rather
numerously.” (Hdward, The Natwralist, vol. iv., p. 225.)

This species is resident and breeds in fair numbers in most
suitable places throughout “ Dee;” still, it is a species that is
not generally well known here. A specimen was picked up
dead beside the Loch of Drum by Mr. D. C. MacDonald,

98 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

solicitor, who brought it to me. Another was sent to me by
W. H. Ritchie, Esq., Dunnottar House, January 29th, 1897.
The nest on several occasions was found in Thom’s Forest
by the late Mr. Stewart Burnett.

Linota flavirostris, Zinn. Twite. Mountain Linnet.
“ Heather Lintie.”

The Twite is fairly abundant. In many of the wild
woodless tracks of moor and marsh throughout “ Dee” this
species is to be seen during its breeding season. When the
young are able to take wing with their parents, the family
may be flushed from amongst the heather and gorse; and
as autumn advances several families join, and thus they
continue throughout the winter. Frequently, however, such
flocks are to be seen in company with the Common Linnet,
and in severe weather the Twites betake themselves to the
coast, where they associate with Linnets, Bramblings, Snow-
flakes, and Chaffinches; or to the stack-yards and barns,
where they run the risk of capture under the ‘riddle trap”
of the farmer boys.

Genus PYRRHULA, Brisson.

Pyrrhula europe, Veeillot. Bullfinch. “Bullie.”

“In the lower wooded tracts, but very uncommon.”
(MacGillivray.)

This fine bird has of late years very much decreased in
numbers. Forty years ago I knew them as common where
now none are to be seen. At that time they were abundant
in the Turriff district, and even in the gardens of that town
they were of no uncommon occurrence. In the Den of
Maiden Craig, near Aberdeen, where they were common
thirty years ago, I have also seen them; but now a “ Bullie”’
is rarely seen there.

In the upper wooded reaches of the Don valley, as also
in that of the Dee and Feugh, the Bullfinch is, however, still
fairly abundant; and being there beyond the reach of urban
bird-destroyers, it will be able to hold out for many years to
come.

BIRDS. 99

Genus PINICOLA, Viezlilot.

[Pinicola enucleator, Zinn. Pine-Grosbeak.

“T have seen them flying above the great pine forests of
Invercauld, in Aberdeenshire ; and I imagine they breed there,
for | saw them on the 5th of August.’ (Pennant’s British
Zoology, 1812, vol. i., p. 423.) “I and my son saw a bird
at Corrymulzie which attracted our notice by the red
colour of its breast, and which, I think, was this species.”
(MacGillivray.) Has been seen “once or twice at a distance
by myself near the Bridge of Dee.” (Crombie, Braemar,
1861, p. 74.)

If the above notes are sufficient to establish the fact of
the Grosbeak being an inhabitant of “Dee,” the bird must
be of rare occurrence. I have never seen a specimen, and,
as Crombie says, “it has never apparently been killed in
the district,” it would seem wise to suspend a decision until
such time as a local example falls into the hands of someone
capable of setting the matter at rest.]

Genus LOXIA, Linn.
Loxia curvirostra, Zinn. Crossbill.

It is to be seen in vast numbers in some seasons, while
others may pass without one Crossbill being observed. The
chief time of their appearance in “ Dee”’ is autumn, at which
season large flocks scour the pine woods. In the early spring
of 1865, a number were observed in the woods beside the Loch
of Skene by Mr. Robert Cameron, then teaching in the parish
school there; eventually he found two busily building a nest.
Of this he acquainted me, and I took the earliest oppor-
tunity of going to see it. The nest was placed in the fork
of a fir sapling, about twelve feet from the ground; it was
composed of fir twigs, but incomplete at that time. Some
days later two eggs were deposited in the nest, but immediately
after a snowstorm came on and the birds left the eggs and
the locality. Mr. Cameron secured the eggs, one of which
he kindly gave to me. In 1866, a nest and eggs were found
by Mr. Wilson at Methlick.

On June 11th, 1867, a Crossbill was shot from among a

100 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

number at Pitfodels, near Aberdeen, by Mr. Smith of the
North of Scotland Bank, who showed it to me. On the
beginning of April, 1893, a Crossbill’s nest was found in the
woods of Haddo House, by Mr. George Muirhead, factor to
Lord Aberdeen; four eggs were laid, two of which are now
in the Haddo Estates Museum. In the O. S. A., vol. xvi.,
p. 684, 1795, the Crossbill is included in the list of birds
for the parish of Lonmay.

In the Aberdeen Journal for July 21st, 1810, is the
following: ‘‘ Within the last few days past a flock of birds
have made their appearance here of a species rarely seen in
this country. They are of the ‘Genus Loxia’ order, commonly
called Crossbill or ‘German Parrot.’ They are inhabitants
of Sweden, Germany, and the southern parts of Russia, and
migrate periodically to this country. The last flock seen here
was about seventeen years ago. They generally fix their
residence in the neighbourhood of pine woods. Numbers of
them have been shot at this time. The male is of a red-lead
colour, mixed with deep brown, and has black legs. The
colour of the female inclines to green, streaked with brown.”

At page 351 of the N. S. A., the Crossbill finds a place in
the list of birds given for the parish of Peterhead.

Sub-Family HMBERIZINA.
Genus HMBERIZA, Linn.

[Emberiza melanocephala, Scopoli. Black-headed Bunting.

“Rare, but has been killed several times at Brucklay
Castle, Kinmundy, and in the neighbourhood of Strathbeg.”
(Horn’s Birds of Buchan, p. 240.) It is evident that Horn
confounded this species with the Reed Bunting.] |

Emberiza miliaria, Linn. Corn Bunting.

“Frequent in open fields.” (Adams.) ‘To be seen in
large flocks in severe winters.’ (Horn.) “Generally distri-
buted in the cultivated tracts . . . and generally departs
in autumn.’ (MacGillivray.) “In the east of Scotland,
where this Bunting cannot be called an abundant species in

BIRDS. 101

summer, very large flocks sometimes appear in the winter
season.” (Gray.)

The Corn Bunting or Common Bunting is one of our most
plentiful birds to be seen during summer in all cultivated
tracts throughout “ Dee.” Its nest is usually placed upon the
ground among standing corn or long grass, and its favourite
perch is on telegraph wires, the top of dykes, or wooden
fences along the sides of the public highways. There its
presence is ever made known by its strange and monotonous
cry ; and from such positions it may be seen to drop in heavy
flight and dangling legs to alight amongst the grass or corn
where its nest is situated. In autumn it collects in flocks and
thus it continues until spring. This species is subject to
considerable variation of colour; cream colour, sometimes
with a few brown feathers intermixed, is not infrequent, but
pure white is more uncommon. On December 29th, 1894, I
had a cream-coloured variety whose stomach was filled with
cleanly husked oats.

Emberiza citrinella, Zinn. Yellow Hammer. “Yellow Yite.”
“Yellow Yorling.” ‘“Skite.” “Yellow Yarlin.”

This pretty bird is abundant and resident, forming
considerable flocks in winter, and betaking themselves in
spring to the margins of woods and whin coverts, where
the nest is formed.

[Emberiza cirlus, Zinn. Cirl Bunting.

In Gray’s Birds of the West of Scotland, there occurs the
following: ‘“‘A specimen of the Cirl Bunting was shot near
Edinburgh, and exhibited by Mr. James Wilson at a meeting
of that society (Wernerian), held on 38rd February, 1816.
This instance of the species having been found so far north in
Britain remained for nearly fifty years the only representative
for Scotland until a second was obtained in Aberdeenshire by
Mr. Angus, who has kindly sent me the following communi-
cation regarding its occurrence: ‘In December, 1868, a friend
sent me some small birds which he had kindly taken the
trouble to kill for two Kestrels which I then kept alive in
confinement. He had procured the birds while Woodcock

102 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

shooting near Banchory, and on examining the lot, I found a
beautiful male Cirl Bunting.’ ”]

[Emberiza hortulana, Zinn. Ortolan Bunting.

Two are reported by Gray in his Birds of the West of
Scotland as having been obtained in Aberdeenshire in 1863. ]

Emberiza schceniclus, Zinn. Reed Bunting. ‘‘Ring Fowl.”
‘‘Black-headed Bunting.”

Common, and breeds in all suitable localities throughout
“ Dee.”

Genus PLECTROPHANHS, Meyer.

Plectrophanes nivalis, Zinn. Snow Flake.
Snow Bunting.

This species visits us regularly every autumn and remains
far into spring. It was long supposed thas none of them
remained with us during summer, but ample evidence has
now been recorded of their doing so. MacGillivray says:
“JT have met with this species early in August in the Corry
and on the summit of Lochnagar ; on the Glas-mheal; in the
western Corry of Cairn Toul; on the summit of Ben-namuic-
dhui, and in several other localities.”

In Good Words for May, 1887, appears a paper by Mr.
David Bruce, on “A nest hunt among the Grampians,” the
nest after which he sought being the Bunting, and his
hunting-ground was ‘a dreary spot called the ‘ Barren
Hollow,’ near the summit of one of the highest hills in the
western corner of Aberdeenshire.’ This is a charmingly
written paper, brimful of zoological information, and written
in a highly poetical strain, by one who sees and can depict
nature in whatever aspect she may present herself to him.
Mr. Bruce failed to find the nest, but saw the birds, and
was in no doubt that their nest was near. It was not,
indeed, until 1886, that the nest of this bird was proved
to be built on Scottish grounds. In that year Messrs. Peach
and Gray found the nest and young, the report of which is
recorded in the Fauna of Sutherland, p. 188; and in the

BIRDS. 108

Zoologist for August, 1886, the nest is reported as having been
found by Mr. Hinxman; and in June, 1893, he found a nest
containing eggs on Ben Avon. In Sutherlandshire it was
found by Mr. John Young in 1888.

Along the flat portions of the coast of “Dee,” the
Snowflake is to be seen in large flocks throughout the
winter ; but I have observed that those flocks are composed
of what would appear to be immature birds, very few of
them with the clean white secondaries and hight underparts
being seen among them; whereas on the hill-tops and
snow-clad sides of the uplands, nearly the whole of each flock
have the above-mentioned parts pure, clean, and white—
appearing when the birds take wing as if the creatures were
nearly all of that colour. In October 31st, 1891, while on
the hills at the head of Glen Tanner, I heard the cry of this
species but did not see the birds.

Genus ZONOTRICHIA, Swainson.

[Zonotrichia albicollis, Gem. White-throated Sparrow.

A specimen of this American species is reported in the
Proc. of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, 1870, as
having been shot on Aberdeen Links by the late A. Mitchell,
on August 17th, 1867. |]

Section OSCINES CULTRIROSTRES.
Family STURNIDA.
Genus STURNUS, Linn.

Sturnus vulgaris, Zinn. Starling.

The history of the Starling in “ Dee” is an interesting one,
and much has been written for and against its appearance
there. In the O. S. A., vol. ix., p. 108, the Starling is claimed
as a resident, an evident mistake. It is also included in the
same work, vol. xvi., p. 634, among the birds of the parish
of Lonmay. In the N.S. A. it is included among the birds
of the parishes of Peterhead, Crimond, Longside, and
Methlick, but only as an occasional visitor. Thus the
matter stood, the birds only appearing as migrants, until

104 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

“in the spring of 1850, a pair of Starlings took up their
abode near the Manse of Crimond, and eventually built
amongst the thatch of a low house close by; and, at the
request of the Rev. Mr. Boyd, they were left unmolested,
and succeeded in rearing two broods that season; next
summer several pairs came, and protection being given
them, a still larger number appeared the year following.”
(Edward, “The Birds of Strathbeg,” Naturalist, vol. iv.,
pp. 269, 270.) In the same year, a pair of Starlings built
their nest between two chimneys in Peterhead; so I am
informed by Mr. David Scott, late editor, Peterhead Sentinel.

“ Starling—although common in the Outer Hebrides and
other parts of Scotland, it is rather scarce with us; I only
remember seeing a pair in 1845, which I shot.” (J. Taylor,
The Naturalist, vol. ii1., p. 140, 1853.)

In the same vol., p. 220, is the following by J. Longmuir,
jun.: “ From the statement with regard to the occurrence of
this bird in our county, one would be led to suppose that the
Starling is a rare visitor in Aberdeenshire. This, however,
is not the case; at certain seasons of the year it is very
common in the neighbourhood of this city (Aberdeen). ;
It breeds in great numbers in various parts of our county,
choosing sometimes (as at Keith Hall) high trees, in which
it excavates a deep hole [the italics are ours], from which it is |
difficult to obtain the eggs in safety.” In view of what has
been recorded by others, and what I have myself seen of
the Starling, the above statement—“‘ breeding in great numbers”
at the district indicated —is more than can be accepted;
nor is “excavating of holes in trees” a habit known to the
Starling.

“Small flocks of Starlings have occasionally been seen in
Braemar, Crathie, and Glen Tanner, by Mr. Cumming and
Mr. Stewart, but it does not appear that this species is
permanently resident or breeds in any part of the district.”
(MacGillivray.)

“Occasionally a flock of Starlings appears in autumn either
alone or in company with Jackdaws and Rooks. It was never
ascertained that they bred here until the summer of 1856,
when a Starling’s nest, filled with young, was found in the
woods of Raemoir. Another nest was found in the woods
of Inchmarlo more recently.” (Adams.)

BIRDS. 105

From personal observation, I am enabled to say that, prior
to 1860, the Starling was a regular spring visitor in the
district I then resided in, viz., the valley of Cromar, which
embraces the parishes of Logie-Coldstone, Tarland, and
Coull. Being then in the habit of going out with the gun
in company with a gamekeeper, I had the opportunity of
seeing the Starlings passing northward each spring; but none
remained to breed until the above date. Since that time they
have year by year increased, until now no district throughout
“ Dee” is without Starlings in abundance, and they remain all
the year round. This bird is by no means fastidious as to
choice of a situation for the purpose of nidification: holes
in trees, in turf dykes, amongst ivy, in ruined castles, under
the eaves of churches and dwelling-houses, stables and cow-
houses, dovecots, among the sticks forming Rooks’ and
Herons’ nests—all are alike suited to its wants. In 1894,
I saw several pairs of Starlings building their nests behind
some advertising boards within the Ellon railway station,
busily flying out and in without giving heed to the people
who were within a few feet of them.

Charges of egg-stealing have been brought against this
useful bird, but it may be asserted that every such case,
when sifted thoroughly, has proved to be merely the silly
imaginings of those who knew not the habits of the bird.

Genus PASTOR, Temnunck.

Pastor roseus, Linn. Rose-coloured Pastor.
“Rosy Cow-bird.”

A rare and irregular visitor. In 1867 one was shot at
Micras, Crathie, by J. Brown, farmer, there, who was also a
taxidermist, and made a collection of birds. In his hands I
saw the specimen. In the same year the late Mr. A. Mitchell
shot one near Aberdeen; and in 1879 one was shot at Manar,
Donside, and sent to me for preservation. It is still in
Manar House.

[In Gray’s Birds of the West of Scotland, p. 161, the author
says: “Mr. John Wilson has informed me, through Mr. Angus,
that in the summer of 1840 the nest of this species was
obtained in a burrow in a sand-bank near Methlick, in Aber-

106 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”
oat

deenshire. On the nest being destroyed by some boys, the
birds removed to another sand-hole about a mile distant; but
Mr. Wilson does not think they succeeded in rearing a brood.”
The substance of this tale is repeated by Horn in his Birds
of Buchan. Now, I have had correspondence and conver-
sations with Mr. Wilson on this and kindred subjects, also
the use of his “Journal of Zoological Observations,” and in a
letter of November 8th, 1895, he says: ‘I am sorry I did not
have the chance to kill it. It did stop about the place a
considerable time, and might have been long enough to bring
out a young brood. It was in the policies, about half-a-mile
from Haddo House, where there is a sand-bank. Latterly it
(the bird) shifted half-a-mile further west. I did not see it
there, but the labouring men, who had seen it at the first,
told me they saw it there; and there, too, there is a sand-
bank;” so that all Mr. Wilson says is that “the bird was
there a considerable time, and might have been long enough
to bring out a young brood.” There is no word of boys having
destroyed the nest, as told by Angus and reported by Gray ;
and Wilson assures me that no such tale was ever given to
Angus by him. ]

Family CORVIDA.
Genus NUCIFRAGA, Brisson.
Nucifraga caryocatactes, Linn. Nutcracker.

In the N. S. A. it is mentioned that “the rare Nutcracker”
had been found in the parish of Alford, and had been
identified as such by Major Thomas Youngson. There seems
no reason to doubt the above statement. Major Youngson
was evidently a good naturalist, and he has left behind him a
large and beautifully-illustrated volume of MS. upon birds,
which remains in the possession of his son, Thomas Young-
son, Hsq., advocate.

[Gray’s Birds of the West of Scotland, p. 188, in reference to
the Nutcracker, has the following note: “An example is
referred to in the Statistical Account of the Parish of Peter-
head, the writer of which states that a specimen of the
Nutcracker, killed near that town, was in the collection of
Mr. Arbuthnot there in 1833.”] After careful examination I

BIRDS. 107

can find no such observation made by the author of the
Statistical Account of Peterhead.

Genus GARRULUS, Brisson.

Garrulus glandarius, Linn. Jay.

It seems strange that although this species is compara-
tively common about Perth, and extends northwards as far as
Laurencekirk, within a few miles of the southern boundary of
“Dee,” I have not been able to find more than three records of
its ever having crossed that line. It is fortunate that one
of these occurrences was recorded by such a careful and
painstaking observer as the late Mr. Alex. M‘Pherson,
Woodside, who, leaving nothing to memory, took notes of
each observation as it occurred, and thus we have the
following: “On Sunday, November 28th, 1875, I saw a Jay
at the Fir Hill of Waterton. A pair of Blackbirds were
teasing it and drew my attention to it. This is the only one
I have seen in Aberdeenshire. It was a blue-winged Jay,
Garrulus glandarvus.” (MS. notes.)

I was informed by Mr. Gordon of Manar that he and his
son saw one in front of his house in May, 1872.

I was also informed by the late T. 8S. Tait, Esq., Ardinnan,
Inverurie, in January, 1896, that he heard a Jay had been
caught in a trap on the estate of Fetternear, and was being
preserved by a person in the neighbourhood. In a letter to
me, Mr. James Mackie, Burnhervie, speaking of this bird,
says: “There can be no mistake that the bird is right enough
named or I would have sent it to you as I promised.” Since
then I have seen the specimen referred to, and there is no
doubt of its identity. |

Genus PICA, Prisson.
Pica rustica, Scopoli. Magpie. ‘“Pyet.”

Owing to superstitious notions, the Magpie is one of the
most abused and highly persecuted birds we have. Forty
years ago this pretty bird was fairly abundant in most parts
of “Dee,” but from that time onwards till near the present
day it was being steadily exterminated in many quarters.

108 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

For the past few years, however, a decided increase has taken
place, and for several years back I have, in my wanderings
through various districts of ‘‘ Dee,” met with the Pyet in
places where it might have been least expected. All along
the valleys of the Dee and Don it is fairly frequent, and —
among the wooded districts of Braemar I was pleased to see
it was not uncommon. Around Aberdeen it may be said to be
plentiful, and in the neighbouring parish of Nigg, on the
south side of the Dee, six to eight magpies may be seen
flying overhead or resting upon the dykes at one time.

That the Magpie occasionally takes an egg or young bird
need not be denied, but what of that? It has a right to its
share as well as the highest in the land. If every creature is
to be persecuted to the verge of extinction for some slight
action that may appear to man as inimical to his interest,
where is such action to end, and what creature is safe ?

Genus CORVUS, Linn.
Corvus monedula, Zinn. Jackdaw. “Daw.” “Kae.”

This bird is abundant in most parts of “Dee,” rearing its
young in the rocky caverns along the coast, or among the
crumbling walls of ancient Dunnottar; in church towers, or
the ivy-covered walls of modern gardens; the roofless towers
of baronial halls, or the more lowly pigeon-house; the old
banqueting halis and ball-rooms of the ancient Gordons of
Gight, the Cheynes of Inverugie, and the Keiths of Ravens-
craig; the historical and ivy-covered ruins of Kildrummy
Castle, and the old and ugly Castle of Corgarf—all these
and many others of the ancient strongholds of the departed
lords of the land the Jackdaw now claims as his own, and
successfully holds possession against all assailants. It is
common on the rocky faces of the mountains of Mar, and

even in the disused chimney-pots of the older portions of
the city of Aberdeen.

Corvus corone, Zinn. Carrion-Crow. Hooded Crow.

It is with considerable diffidence that I approach the
subject of the Carrion-Crow. It has been looked upon for
so long as a good species, that to express a different opinion

BIRDS. 109

is to go against the findings of many naturalists of high
repute. It may be that I have not had a sufficiently wide
field of observation; but I am driven to the conclusion that
the Carrion-Crow and the Hooded Crow are one and the
same. At anyrate, in so far as the birds frequenting ‘“ Dee”
are concerned, there certainly are not two species. For
over thirty years attention has been given to this problem,
in so far as it can be studied locally, and the more closely
these two varieties of Crow have been watched, the more
convincing is the fact that they are not distinct species.
Along the rock-bound coast these birds nest in numbers,
and a black, 2.e., Carrion-Crow, mated with the grey, 1.e.,
Hooded Crow, is quite as common an occurrence as two
blacks or two greys nesting together. Moreover, the progeny
of this black and grey combination are to be seen, one half
of them grey, the other black. These two varieties have
been repeatedly observed along the coast line and in the
wooded inland district. These considerations, joined with
the fact that the habits as to feeding and mode of life are
identical in both forms, compel me to say that in so far
as “Dee” and the north-east of Scotland are concerned, the
two varieties form but one species, and any description of
the one is quite as applicable to the other, except in so far

~ as colour is concerned.

Corvus frugilegus, Zinn. Rook. “Craw.”

Resident throughout the year, breeding in immense
colonies over a large extent of “Dee.” Perhaps few of our
local birds have been subjected to more cruel persecution
than the Rook. Societies have been formed whose sole object
was the destruction of this bird, and the numbers slaughtered
under the guidance of such associations at the annual breed-
ing season have been heralded through the public prints, and
as graphically described as if some mighty battle had been
won, the vanquished having offered a stubborn and valiant
resistance, and only having been overpowered through the
immense numbers of their opponents! Even local doggerel
rhymesters have raised their voices in commendation of the
deeds of these rook-destroying associations, which were chiefly

composed of farmers who believed that their crops were
H

110 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

injuriously affected by the rooks. But while thousands of old
rooks were killed, and their young in greater numbers allowed
to perish of hunger in the nests, the farmers found that their
crops still went wrong, and that insect pests became even
more abundant; so many of these associations have sunk out
of sight, and no wonder. What more interesting sight is there
than to watch a number of rooks walking sedately over a field
in spring, and turning over each clod and stone in search of
various forms of insect life which it is impossible for the
farmer to check, and whose ravages often frustrate the agri-
culturist’s best endeavours. The rook is, therefore, one of his
most useful allies, and is worth a few potatoes or stalks of
corn at times when grubs are not so abundant as to meet
their needs.

We cannot omit repeating what is said of the rook by the
writer of the report for the parish of Drumoak as it appears
in the N. S. A., pp. 877-8. “The myriads of birds which
belong to this rookery and inhabit it throughout the year,
except for a few weeks in summer when many of them are
supposed to migrate in quest of mountain berries, are not
only of great benefit to the country for many miles around,
but from the commencement of incubation to the time at
which their young become capable of providing for themselves,
they are particularly so to the farmers in their immediate
neighbourhood, for, being unable at that period to go far from
their nests in search of food, they are daily seen actively
employed in turning clods and clearing of vermin the newly
sown fields, so that few complaints are heard in this parish of
the destructive ravages of grubs.” Although the use of the
rook was thus clearly pointed out in 1843, is it not sad to find,
even in this new century, people still so blind to their own
interest that they will wantonly shoot down one of their
best friends ?

Corvus corax, Zinn. Raven. “Corbie.”

This fine bird is on the verge of extinction in “ Dee,”
where in former times it was abundant. “This bird was
very common about sixty or seventy years ago.” (George
Sim, MS. list of the Birds of Fyvie.) Mr. John M‘Bain,
late head keeper to Lord Aberdeen, informs me that some

BIRDS. \ 111

fifty years ago, when he lived at Stonehaven, the Raven was
common there. Ravens built at ‘“Earn’s Heugh,” “ Maitland’s
Hole,” and “ Kye’s Hole,” on the estate of Findon; as also at
Craigstirling, on the estate of Cammockmore, till 1848 or 1849,
or, as the writer’s informant puts it, “up to the time when
the railway was made between Stonehaven and Aberdeen.”

In the report on the parish of Strathdon, as given in the
N. S. A. of Aberdeenshire, pp. 5384 to 538, 1848, an excellent
zoological list is given, in which it is said that the ‘Raven
(C. corax) breeds annually in the Slocks of Glencarvy.”’
“Seldom seen except about the tops of the Grampians and
on the Hill of Fare.” (Adams.) “Many years ago the Raven
was seen regularly about the higher parts of the district at
Aberdour and Mormond Hill, and used to breed on the cliffs
near Pennan and Troup Head.” (Horn’s Birds of Buchan,
p. 241, 1880.)

As some indication of the numbers of Ravens that existed
in “Dee” in the end of the eighteenth century, we may quote
from the association’s report for the destruction of ravenous
beasts and birds, as mentioned in the O. S. A., vol. xiv., pp.
348-9, that ‘forty-two Ravens had been destroyed and their
destruction paid for.”

Mr. Ramsay, keeper, Slains, informs me that, in 1855 or
1856, he killed three Ravens upon the Links of Collieston,
where they had been hunting for a week before. These were
the last seen in that quarter. In the Aberdeen free Press of
October 27th, 1868, a Raven is reported as having been shot
in the parish of Lonmay. Two are recorded as having been
seen by Edward at Gamrie Head on 31st December, 1850,
vide Smiles’s Life of a Scottish Naturalist, p. 218. It was
reported in the Aberdeen Weekly Free Press that a Raven was
trapped on Morven by Mr. Cameron, January, 1884,

Mr. James Kidd says that while he was keeper at Troup,
he, in 1885, killed four Ravens there. They were the young
of that year, and had been hatched about Knock Head,
Whitehills, to the west of Banff. One was received from
Braemar in 1892. Mr. Thomson, late keeper, who lived at
Dachlash, near Castleton of Braemar, told me in 1893 that
the Raven is to be seen almost daily around his dwelling
during winter.

In June, 1898, I saw several Ravens on the top of

H 2

112 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

Cairnwell, Glen Clunie. They came flying leisurely within
easy distance, thus affording excellent opportunity for identi-
fication.

Section. OSCINES SCUTELLIPLANTARHS.
Family ALAUDIDA.
Genus ALAUDA, Linn.

Alauda arvensis, Zinn. Sky-Lark. Lark. ‘‘Liverock.”

Abundant, and distributed over the whole extent of “Dee.”
Let the student of nature go where he will, except on our
highest mountains or forest-covered tracts, the Lark is ever to
be seen. It sings in early spring, and long after most other
songsters have ceased their charming strains, the Lark’s
joyous melody is to be heard overhead.

When the leaves of autumn assume their various tints,
the Larks collect in flocks to wind their way to more
favoured districts, often never to return, as they are waited
for by the fowlers who take them by thousands and sell them
to the idle gourmands of London and other large centres of
population. Still, although many leave in autumn, a few
remain during winter, and they may be seen in scattered
flocks feeding on the cultivated fields; but when “ Boreas wi’
his blast sae bauld’”’ has laid the fields under a sheet of snow,
the “liverock” betakes itself to the coast line or open
meadows, there to pick a scanty fare until the return of
spring. Then do they betake themselves to their wonted
haunts, and while the female broods over her speckled store
by the side of some sheltering clod or grassy tuft, the male
soars on high and pours forth his flood of music as blithely
as if he had passed through no trials during the severe
and hoary months of winter.

[Alauda arborea, Linn. Wood-Lark.

“Tn the last week of March, 18638, I shot a male Wood-
Lark in the enclosure at Scotston House, near Aberdeen.”
(Note by Angus in Gray’s Birds of the West of Scotland.) |

BIRDS. 1138

[Alauda alpestris, Zinn. Shore-Lark.

‘“T have no doubt that this species is a frequent, if not an
annual, visitant to the eastern shores of Scotland, ranging
from the Ythan to the Tweed.” (Gray’s Birds of the West of
Scotland, p. 118.) “Others were seen at various localities,
reaching from Aberdeen in the north to Weymouth in the
south, between the middle of November and the month of
March following” (1869-70). (Yarrell’s British Bords, 4th Hd.,
p. 607.) ‘An irregular winter visitant to the coasts of Great
Britain, from Aberdeen in the north to Tor Bay in the south.”
(British Ormthologists’ Union's List, p. 73.) |

Notwithstanding the above, it appears to me that some-
thing more precise is wanted before the Shore-Lark can be
admitted to the list of birds that frequent “Dee.” The two
latter statements seem to be made on the strength of Gray’s
supposition; but as that author gives no particulars, nor even
says that a single specimen was to his knowledge obtained
in Aberdeenshire, we must wait till someone can show a
“Dee”’-killed specimen before the Shore-Lark can with
certainty be placed in the list, for suppositions cannot be
accepted as facts, whoever may express them.

Order PICA RIA.

Sub-Order CYPSELI.
Family CYPSELIDA.
Genus CYPSELUS, Illiger.
Cypselus apus, Linn. Swift. “Black Swift.”

Common, and breeds, appropriating for the purpose of
nidification such holes as it can find under the eaves of
houses, towers, etc., and is evidently on the increase. It
arrives in “Dee” about the end of April, and generally leaves
by the middle or end of August; but some remain later.
On September 11th, 1902, I had one whose wings and tail
feathers were not fully grown, therefore it could not have
departed until well into October.

114 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

Family CAPRIMULGIDAI.
Genus CAPRIMULGUS, Lam.

Caprimulgus europzeus, Zinn. Nightjar. “Goatsucker.”
“Fern-Owl.” ‘“ Churn-Owl.”

This interesting bird is more common throughout “ Dee”
than is generally supposed; but before it can be seen
and its habits studied one has to visit the solitary wooded
glen or coppice-covered knoll when the evening shadows
are gliding into night. At such time and place the pleasing
churl of the Fern-Owl may be heard. Again, along some
hill-side at dawn of day, squatted on a moss-covered
boulder or old tree-stump, the Goatsucker may be seen,
usually in pairs, sitting side by side, but generally ‘“‘head and
tail.” Thus placed, I have frequently come upon them in
early morning; the colour of their plumage and the dull and
dreamy light preventing their presence from being seen until
close upon them, so like are they to the surroundings. On
rising, the male, who generally is the first to take wing, utters
a soft whistling cry of two notes, then both betake themselves
to where they consider they are beyond danger. The eggs of
the Nightjar are one of the “collector's” most beautiful
treasures.

Sub-Order PICI.
Family PICIDA.
Genus PICUS, Linn.
Picus major, Zinn. Great Spotted Woodpecker.

This fine bird is a usual, although irregular, visitor to
“ Dee,” generally in autumn. It is not known to breed within
the district, although at one time not very far back it seems
to have been regular in its nidification in the pine woods of
Scotland, notably in the forest of Rothiemurchus, where even
yet the old trees are to be seen with the Woodpeckers’ “ nest-
holes.” We are indebted to Mr. Harvie-Brown of Dunipace
for bringing to light these facts, and for many other interest-
ing particulars regarding this species.

BIRDS. 115

I have searched some of the old pine forests in “Dee”
with a view to finding whether the Woodpecker had at any
time bred in the district. By the kind permission of the
late Sir William Brooks, Bart., the forest of Glen Tanner was
carefully searched, under the guidance of Duncan MacKenzie,
who knows where the oldest trees are, but no trace of the bird
ever having been there now remains, if ever such existed ;
nor are there any traditions among the people of any such
bird being known there.

In the Account of the Parish of Birse, as it appears in
the O. S. A., vol. ix., p. 108, among the resident birds are
mentioned “ Woodpeckers of the larger and lesser kinds ;’’ but
this statement cannot be taken as evidence of the bird’s
presence, for it is quite plain the compiler of the list was not
acquainted with zoological matters.

Gray says: “ This Woodpecker is known to breed in limited
numbers in Banffshire, Aberdeenshire, and a portion of Inver-
ness-shire. I have examined specimens that were shot in
these counties during the breeding season of 1867-68.” It is
unfortunate that Mr. Gray did not think fit to be more
precise in this matter, stating where these specimens were
shot and who shot them, and what evidence was brought
forward as to their having been bred within the counties
named.

Mr. George Sim, Fyvie, informs me that “the Spotted
Woodpecker used to breed beside the Old Castle of Gight.
The female was caught on the nest, which was within an old
tree,” and was seen by him while yet in the flesh.

During the winter of 1889 over a dozen were sent to me
from various parts of “ Dee.”

[Picus viridis, Zinn. Green Woodpecker.

“Was seen in 1847 at Nellfield; and in 1850, one was
procured at Arthur’s Seat.” (J. Taylor, Naturalist, vol. 1i1.,
p. 140.) The above-named places are within the city of
Aberdeen.

Gray, in his Birds of the West of Scotland, p. 189, says:
“In 1868, Mr. Hunter of Tillery had seen a single bird in the
woods near his residence.” ‘Tillery is in the county of
Aberdeen. |

116 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”
Sub-Family IYNGINA.
Genus ITYNX, Linn.
lynx torquilla, Zinn. Wryneck.

Rare; has been observed several seasons in succession
at Aboyne by Mr. Watters, naturalist, and at least once
killed there by him. Gray reports one as having been killed
near Birse, in July, 1864. (Birds of the West of Scotland,
p- 193.) Mr. Wilson, Methlick, reports the birds having
been “observed” at the Braes of Gight.

Sub-Order ANISODACTYLAE.
Family ALCEDINIDAE.
Genus ALCEDO, Linn.
Alcedo ispida, Zinn. Kingfisher.

An irregular visitor and not known to breed until 1901,
although they have been observed at times when their nesting
might have been expected. From 1863 to 1890, fourteen
specimens have come under my notice, and these have been
obtained in various parts of ‘Dee,’ from the sea coast to
Braemar.

J. Wilson, in his MS., says: “Very rare; I saw two indi-
viduals, one in September, 1850, and another in September,
1858.” A female was shot near the Bridge of Dee at
Aberdeen, January 29th, 1897, by Master A. Hall who brought
it to me, and one which also passed through my hands was
shot at Durris, July 22nd, 1897. One was seen during the
month of March, 1898, at Druminnor, by P. A. H. Grant, Esq.,
the proprietor, who notified me of the fact, and in November,
1898, one was seen on the Don by the Messrs. Tait, Inverurie.
Another was killed at Culter, on the Dee, December, 1898;
and in January, 1899, the Messrs. Tait again saw one on the
Don at Inverurie. Mr. C. Rainnie, Tertowie, saw one there
on February 16th, 1899. Mr. J. Mutch, late head gamekeeper
at Pitfour, has since informed me that a pair of Kingfishers
built their nest and brought out their young beside his house,
at Stuartfield, in 1901.

BIRDS. 117

Family CORACIIDA.
Genus CORACIAS, Linn.
Coracias garrula, Linn. Roller.

This is a rare and very irregular visitor to “Dee.” In the
Zoologist for November, 1848, p. 2802, the late Rev. James
Smith, minister of Monquhitter, in speaking of a Roller that
had been shot near Banff, says: “With the exception of one
which was obtained many years ago near the Loch of
Strathbeg, I am not aware of any specimen having been
previously seen or heard of in this part of the country.”

In 1856 or 1857, one was shot on the estate of Parkhill
by the gamekeeper there, who gave it to Mr. William
Davidson, keeper at Seaton House. He preserved the speci-
men, and in his possession I saw it. Ultimately he gave
the bird te a friend, from whom I bought it, and it is now
in the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow. This is the specimen
mentioned at p. 203, in Gray’s Birds of the West of Scotland ;
but the story given in that work is altogether wrong.

Family MEROPIDAS.
Genus MEROPS, Linn.
Merops apiaster, Zinn. Bee-eater.

Very rare. In 1850, three were seen by Mr. Brand in his
garden, Ravenscraig Farm, near Peterhead. One of these he
killed, and I saw this specimen in Mr. Brand’s house in
June, 1890. One was shot by the late Mr. Wallace, gardener,
Kinmundy, June 4th, 1852. <A beautiful water-colour sketch
of this specimen was made by Mr. Thomas Ferguson, for
a sight of which I am indebted to W. Ferguson, Esq., LL.D.,
of Kinmundy.

Family UPUPIDA.
Genus UPUPA, Linn.
Upupa epops, Linn. Hoopoe.

This straggler has occurred in “ Dee” more frequently
perhaps than in any other district in the northern portion
of Scotland. ‘One was shot by Thomas Ligertwood on
Belhelvie Links, in 1826; another at Tillyhows by James

118 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEER.”

Duncan, in 1848” (Gray); and in 1852, two were killed at
Kintore and sent to Mr. Henderson for preservation. In the
same year one was seen at Haddo House. One was shot at
Nether Banchory by G. Leith, gamekeeper, in 1856. One was
killed near Girdleness Lighthouse, April 28rd, 1868, and sent
to me, and one was obtained by the gamekeeper at Tillery, |
April 25th, 1868. On September 29th, of the same year,
another at Muiresk, near Turriff. One was shot in the parish
of Cruden, August 16th, 1886; and in 1887, one in the parish
of Fyvie. On October 11th, 1888, a bird of the year was
found dead at Blairs, Deeside. On August 26th, 1891, one
was shot in the parish of Fyvie, and preserved by Mr. George
Sim, Gourdas.

On September 7th, 1891, one was seen by Miss D.
Hamilton at Skene House, where it remained for a week,
“hopping about the shrubberies, and was not shy.” On May
19th, 1893, one was seen at Gourdas, Fyvie, by Mr. George
Sim. On September 13th, 18938, one was killed at the farm
of Nittinshead, Bonnykelly, near New Pitsligo. On October
12th, 1894, an immature one was shot near the mouth of the
Don and brought to me for identification. On September
25th, 1895, an immature bird was shot by Mr. Murray,
Newlands, near Aberdeen. Its stomach contained a number
of large white caterpillars. On August 22nd, 1896, one was
killed near Rhynie; and on September 7th following, another
near the same place. Both were preserved by Mr. George
Sim, Fyvie. In October, 1898, one was killed at Ardo,
Banchory-Devenick.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this species has
been observed in various months over a considerable portion
of the year. Its food, while with us, so far as I have seen,
is made up of caterpillars, beetles, worms, flies, and earwigs.

Sub-Order COCCYGES.
Family CUCULIDA.
Genus CUCULUS, Linn.

Cuculus canorus, Zinn. Cuckoo. “ Gowk.”

The pleasant cry of this summer visitor is to be heard in
every quarter throughout “Dee;” yet how few there are who

BIRDS. 119

know the bird by sight; and as a consequence how many poor
Cuckoos come by their death each season on account of their
supposed hawk-like appearance and man’s ignorance, it is
impossible to say; yet the number must be considerable, for
any bird having the least resemblance to a Hawk is merci-
lessly shot down. Even when busily engaged in gathering
the caterpillars from the gardener’s gooseberry bushes, the
Cuckoo’s life is not spared, for they are believed to be eating
the berries instead of the grubs, and belief is enough. The
idea of examining the stomach of the victim is never dreamt
of; enough has been done when the “ brute” has been killed.

Young Cuckoos are subject to considerable persecution by
other birds. While I was on an excursion in June, 1891,
among the dreary waste of sand that stretches from Ythan-
mouth northwards, a number of Terns were observed chasing
a young Cuckoo for a long time, swooping down upon it while
it “dodged” around the benty hillocks, every now and then
emitting a wild frightened scream as the Terns dashed upon
it. So intent were pursuers and pursued in their movements
that they took no notice of my presence, often coming within
a few feet of me, and the chase was kept up as long at least
as the birds were in sight.

Order STRIGES.
Family STRIGIDA.

Up to this point the author has held pretty strictly to the
arrangement as given in the list of the British Ornithologists’
Union; but here he feels bound to make a stand, as he can see
no good reason for dividing and sub-dividing the various Owls
into a number of what appears to him unnecessary genera.
Hitherto most writers seem to have been a law unto them-
selves in these matters; therefore, in the absence of any
consensus of opinion, I have included all the Owls under the
genus Strix, as being much more convenient and far less
confusing.

Genus STRIX, Linn.
Strix flammea, Zinn. Barn Owi.

Comparatively rare. During a period of over forty years I
have only known of the following as being found within

120 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF ‘“ DEE.”

“Dee.” In 1859 a pair bred in an old dove-cot at Haddo,
parish of Forgue. March 12th, 1890, a female was killed at
Tillyfourie, Vale of Alford. August 29th, 1891, one was killed
at Dyce. October 14th, of the same year, one was killed by
Mr. George Walker, Woodside, Scoltie, Banchory. On January
15th, 1892, one was killed at Rattray; and on February 15th,
1895, one was caught alive on a corn-stack at Portlethen.
The day following one was shot near Don-mouth.

The above-mentioned all passed through my hands. The
Barn Owl has also bred for several years under a railway
bridge near Drumlithie. In recording occurrences of this
species, care has to be taken to find out if the informant is
acquainted with what he speaks of, because I have often had
reports given me of the Barn Owl having been seen and
killed, which turned out to be the Tawny Owl instead, the
name “ Barn Owl” being often given to the Tawny.

A specimen of the Danish form of this species was killed
near New Deer on 6th November, 1886, and was sent to
Mr. William Mathers, Aberdeen, in whose possession I saw it;
and on November 28rd, 1897, a female was killed at Port-
lethen, and brought to me.

Strix otus, Linn. Long-eared Owl.

One of the most abundant Owls we have in “ Dee.”
Resident; and breeds over the whole district where it can
find a suitable habitat, and there are many. It is pitiful to
think of the treatment that is meted out to this most useful
bird. Dozens of them are brought to me every season, many
of which have done little more than leave the nest, and whose
stomachs in every case contain the remains of mice. Still,
keepers and farmers—indeed, every person in possession of a
gun—shoot down every one they see.

Strix brachyotus, Yorster. Short-eared Owl.

A regular autumn visitor to ‘“ Dee,” at which time it is to
be found in turnip fields and marshy ground, and in which
places it is often killed.

Gray records a nest with three eggs of this species having
been found in Aberdeenshire on the 8th of April, 1868.

BIRDS. 121

“One was shot at Lumphanan in the first week of June,
1893.” (Note from Mr. McBoyle, Peterhead.)

Strix aluco, Zinn. Tawny Owl.

This, like the long-eared species, is one of our resident and
most abundant Owls. Indeed, it is difficult to say which of
these two are the more numerous. The food of both is alike,
and the observations made in reference to the usage to which
the Long-eared Ow! is subjected are equally applicable to this
species.

Strix scandiaca, Zinn. Snowy Owl.

A rare and accidental visitant to ‘Dee.’ Horn, in his
Birds of Buchan, p. 248, says: “ A specimen of this noble bird
was picked up dead upon the Loch of Strathbeg about 1824,”
but gives no indication as to where he obtained his infor-
mation, who found the bird, or what became of it. <A
specimen, which measured six feet in extent of wings, was
shot in Glennochty, in 1851, by Mr. John Lawson, now of
Huntly. In the year 1864 one was shot at Rora, parish of
Longside, and was bought from its captor by Mr. A. Baxter,
_ police constable, Strichen, who preserved it, and ultimately
gave it to a friend in the neighbourhood, who, in turn, gave
it to an English gentleman, who took it to London. One
was shot on the estate of Glenbervie, the property of the
late J. Badenoch Nicholson, Esq., and is still in Glenbervie
House. It is a splendid adult specimen, and evidently a
female. In November, 1867, one was seen on the Hill of
Cruden by the late Mr. Dawson, schoolmaster there, who
informed me of the occurrence at the time.

Strix tengmalmi, Gmelin. Tengmalm’s Owl.

Only a single instance of the occurrence of this species
is recorded for ‘“ Dee,’ a specimen having been killed near
Peterhead on 3rd February, 1886, and reported in the Scottish
Naturalist, vol. viui., p. 808, by Mr. George Sim, Fyvie.

Strix scops, Linn. Scops Owl.

A fine female specimen of this rare little Owl was picked
up dead, but in a perfectly fresh condition, near Kintore, on

122 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEER.”

September 2nd, 1891. Extent of wings, 18 inches; from beak
to end of tail, 64 inches; weight, 24 ounces. Its stomach
was crammed with earwigs and beetles, the former in far the
larger number. It is now in the possession of Mr. J. Simpson,
Aberdeen.

[Strix bubo, Naum. Eagle Owl.

Gray, in his Birds of the West of Scotland, pp. 55 and 56,
records the occurrence of this species in Aberdeenshire. ‘It
had been seen by Mr. John Wilson at Methlick on the
2nd of February, 1866, and followed by him for a considerable
distance, and he got near enough to be sure of what was
before him. Mr. Wilson has been long a keen and careful
ornithologist, so that there can be no doubt he saw what is
reported.” Gray further adds that in the last week of
the same month “an adult Hagle Owl found its way to
Aberdeen from Mr. Wilson’s neighbourhood.” The above,
Gray adds, had been “kindly forwarded to me by my corres-
pondent, Mr. Angus.” Having had conversation with Mr.
Wilson regarding ornithological matters, he informed me
that the above story is defective. Mr. Wilson says he never
asserted or wished anyone to believe he was sure of the
identity of the bird, which was seen in the early morning
while the light was yet indifferent; and in addition to this,
the date 1866 is wrong. His journal shows the real time
to have been 1862, from which he argues that the one
said to have been seen by Mr. Angus from the Methlick
district can have little relation to the bird which he (Mr.
Wilson) saw.|]

Strix noctua, Scopoli, Little Owl.

A female was shot at Blairs College, Deeside, on February
1st, 1902, and sent to me for preservation. It was killed
while flying about in daylight. Its stomach contained the
beak and some other portions of a starling.

Genus SURNIA, Duméril.
Surnia ulula, Zinn. European Hawk-Owl.

An adult female of this rare species was shot at Gight,
November 21st, 1898, by Mr. William Smith, factor on the

BIRDS. 123

Haddo House estates, and it is the only example known to me
as having been obtained in Scotland, except the occurrence of
one in Unst—(Vertebrate Fauna of Shetland, p. 110). The
Gight specimen weighed 114 ounces; expanse of wings,
284 inches; length from beak to end of tail, 144 inches.
The stomach was filled with the bones and hair of mice.
The chief external differences in this species from that of
our native Owls are its long rounded tail and short wings;
and the principal internal difference lies in the fact that the
furcula is not complete, that is, it does not form the usual
V- or U-shaped bone common to most other birds, but takes
the form of two long bony processes which are united to the
anterior point of the sternal crest by strong ligaments, each
three-fourths of an inch long.

This species has a wide distribution, being common in
‘Northern Europe, Siberia, and Kamtschatka, migrating into
Central Europe accidently, and in winter.” (British Orm-
thologists' Umon’s List.)

Family FALCONIDA.
Genus CIRCUS, Lacépéde.
Circus aeruginosus, Linn. Marsh-Harrier.

The only instance of the occurrence of this species in
“Dee” is that of a male which was shot on May 12th, 1881,
by Mr. J. Coutts, at Loch-head, Dinnet, who sent it to me.
Mr. A. G. More reports that it breeds regularly in Aberdeen-
shire, but I am unable to corroborate that statement. Mr.

T. Kdward was Mr. More’s authority for Aberdeen and Banff.

Circus cyaneus, Zinn. Hen-Harrier.

If ever this species was common in “ Dee,” it is certainly
not so now. One was killed at Slains Castle, October 16th,
1865, which was forwarded to me; and a male was killed at
Dunecht, in April, 1894, and was preserved by Mr. Benzie,
Aberdeen, in whose hands I saw it. These are all the
instances I am aware of during the past forty years.

“Some thirty years ago we used to recognise it pretty
frequently in the Glen of Dye and among the woods of

124 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

Crathes; now it has become a rara avis.” (Adams.) ‘This is
a doubtful record. The Glen of Dye and woods of Crathes are
not localities which the Hen-Harrier would be at all likely to
frequent.

Genus BUTEHO, Lacépéde.

Buteo vulgaris, Zeack. Common Buzzard.

Although this bird is called the “Common Buzzard”’ it
cannot be said that it is numerous within “Dee.” It is not
resident nor is it known to breed, and is therefore seen only
during its autumnal movemenis, at which season a few are
killed, chiefly along the coast.

Buteo lagopus, Gmelin. Rough-Legged Buzzard,

Like the preceding, this bird is merely an irregular autumn
visitor to “Dee.” In some seasons a good many are killed,
while others may pass and no Buzzards be seen. Those
that have come to my hands have been, with few exceptions,
mature birds, and the differences in colour and intensity
of markings are very remarkable.

Genus AQUILA, Brisson.

[Aquila clanga, Pallas. Spotted Eagle.

“Spotted Eagle, A. nevia, shot in Aberdeenshire, Sep-
tember 20th, 1861.” (Annual report for 1880-81 of the
Leeds Phil. and Lit. Society.)]

Aquila chrysaetus, Zinn. Golden Eagle.

This noble bird still lingers with us although its numbers
are sorely reduced as compared with what they were in times
gone by, and its nesting- places within “Dee” are now few
indeed. For the past fifty years or more, a war of extermi-
nation has been going on against it, and there is no doubt but
that the Hagle would, in a few years, have been numbered
amongst the birds that were; but better thoughts concerning
it have prevailed, and of late years, in some quarters through-
out the district, protection has been extended to it during the
breeding season, by which means some slight increase in the

BIRDS. 125

numbers is noticeable. Still this favourable turn of events
will require to be extended very considerably in the same
direction before any permanent increase can be maintained.
Several of our landed proprietors have issued orders that the
Kagles are in no way to be molested, and the result is that in
those places the birds build new or repair their old nests year
after year in security and peace. Owing to this happy state
of affairs, I had the opportunity, through the kindness of the
late Sir W. Cunliffe Brooks, Bart., of visiting the Forest of
Glen Tanner and of inspecting the Eagles’ nest there, and
also received from the same generous hand a photograph of
the tree on which the nest has been for several years back.

The photograph was taken while the Kaglets occupied the
nest, and shows both of them looking over its edge. Previous
to the nest being in its present site, it was situated on a low
dwarfed fir tree in another part of the glen, where the nest
was easily reached, and from which the eggs were sometimes
taken. ‘This species bred in the forest of Birse; an egg
was taken from the nest in 1851 by Mr. Ewan.” (Taylor,
Naturalist, vol. iii., p. 189.) The egg in question Mr. Ewan
subsequently placed in the Museum of the Aberdeen United
Free Church College.

A pair of Golden Eagles had their nest upon a rock at
Clash Mor, and another pair at Tronabruich, beside the
Bridge of Dee, at Invercauld (1888-89)—so the late Mr.
Thomson, Dachlash, Braemar, informed me. A pair breeds in
Glen Dee on a rock near the Devil’s Point, and another pair
in a fir tree in Glen Quoich. In Glen Derry a pair bred in a
fir tree; but a few years ago the tree fell, and the birds have
not been known to nest there since. A pair also bred on the
northern shoulder of Socach Mor, near the head of Glen Hy.
A pair bred in Glen Beg. They were seen there by Mr. Clark,
secretary to Aberdeen Natural History Society, in 1899.

After the breeding season the birds wander far from their
nesting-places, and too frequently fall a prey to the thought-
less keeper and prowling poacher. At such periods they are
often seen singly, or in pairs, about the mountainous région
which forms the watershed between ‘ Moray” and “ Dee,”
especially so about the hills at the head of Glenbucket, where
Mr. Fletcher, steward upon the Glenbucket estate, sees them

frequently; as also away towards Ben Avon, from which
I

126 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

regions the birds make excursions into the eastern parts of
the country, where, as already said, they fall to the gun of the
wandering marksman, or end their days in the cruel traps
that are set for “vermin.” It is singular how many Eagles
get caught in traps, and after several days’ struggling manage
to effect their escape, with the loss of a toe. The writer has
observed that in about every six birds four have lost a toe,
and the “stump” had healed before the bird finally came by
its death.

‘A very large bird of prey was trapped at Cairness about
twenty-five years ago; it was of a tawny colour, feathered to
the toes, and was supposed to be an immature specimen of the
Golden Eagle.” (Edward, “Birds of Strathbeg,’ Naturalist,
vol. iv., p. 270, 1854.) ‘One was killed at Birse in 1844.
About twelve years ago a very fine male Eagle of this
species was caught in a trap set for a fox near the foot of
the Grampians, in Strachan. It carried the trap over the
mountain range, a distance of at least ten miles, and got
entangled in a hedge near Fettercairn. It was bought by a
gentleman and kept for several years.” (Adams.)

An immature specimen was shot at Pitfour, November
26th, 1869, and another in Strathdon about the same time.
On February 11th, 1884, a fine female was shot at Haddo
House. In the same year two were killed at Glenbucket. All
these, with the exception of the last two mentioned, passed
through my hands. One was shot in Strathdon, October,
1898; and on 12th November following one was caught in a
pole-trap at Auchinblae, both being sent to me.

From January, 1776, to 1786, as stated in the associa-
tion’s list for the destruction of ravenous beasts and birds
(O. S. A., vol. xiv., pp. 348-9), seventy Eagles were killed in
the parishes of “ Braemar, Crathie, Glenmuick, Tullich, and
Glengarden.”’

Genus HALIAETUS, Savigny.

Haliaétus albicilla, Zonn. White-tailed Eagle.
“Sea Eagle.” “Erne.”
It is said by authors that this species is more abundant in

Scotland than the Golden Eagle; and no doubt at one time
this statement was correct, but it does not apply to “Dee” at

BIRDS. 127

the present day. That the Sea HKagle was resident and bred
within our confines is indisputable, for along our coast line
many rocks still retain the name of ‘‘ Erne Heugh ” or “ Erne
Craig’’—places where the birds at one time reared their
young.

Adams says (Birds of Banchory-Ternan, p. 10): “ Certainly
not so rare as the former (Golden Eagle), and yet we
are not aware that a specimen has been procured in the
district for some time past. An Hrne, however, a few years
ago, was taken somewhere in the Grampians and exhibited
in Aberdeen.” This he wrote in 1859. In our day, however,
it is certainly the less abundant of the two; and as far as I
know not a single pair of Sea EHagles breeds within the
bounds of “Dee,” and even the bird itself must now be looked
upon as a rare straggler.

In 1861 a Sea Eagle passed within twenty yards of the
writer near the village of Tarland. It flew in a slow
deliberate manner, thus affording an excellent view, its course
being in a north-easterly direction. Three days afterwards a
bird of the same kind was caught in a trap among the hills
lying between Cromar and Strathdon, and brought to me
alive. This was in all probability the one seen passing over
Tarland, as the line of flight when observed by me would
carry it to where the capture was effected.

“One in his first winter’s plumage struck against the
Girdleness Lighthouse during the night a few years ago.”
(Taylor, Naturalist, vol. ii., p. 189.) It was preserved by the
late A. Mitchell, Castle Street, Aberdeen; but what became
of it I have not learned.

In the N.S. A. for the parish of Aberdour, pp. 261 and
262, under the heading “ Zoology,” is the following: “ At one
period there was a pair of Hagles that regularly nested and
brought forth their young in the rocks of Pennan; but accord-
ing to the tradition of the country, when the late Earl of
Aberdeen purchased the estate from the Bairds, the former
proprietors, the Eagles disappeared in fulfilment of a prophecy
by Thomas the Rhymer that there should be an Eagle in
the Crags while there was a Baird in Auchmedden; but the
most remarkable circumstance, and what certainly appears
incredible, is that when Lord Haddo, eldest son of the Earl
of Aberdeen, married Miss Christian Baird of New Byth, the

12

128 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

Eagles returned to the rocks, and remained until the estate
passed into the hands of the Hon. William Gordon, when they
again fled, and have never since been seen in the country.
These facts, marvellous as they may appear, are attested by a
crowd of living witnesses.” We are sorry to cast doubt on
such a prettily told tale, more especially so because it is
believed in so faithfully in the district. As to whether or not
Eagles bred on this rocky headland we will not presume to
say; but we know that the birds seen to return by the many
witnesses were merely Peregrine Falcons, and not Hagles;
and the former have often to do duty for the “ King of Birds”
when superstitious notions require support.

Genus ASTUR, Lacépéde.
Astur palumbarius, Zinn. Gos-Hawk.

“Very rare, and for a good many years not ascertained to
have been seen at all. One was killed in the woods at
Crathes in 1837.” (Adams.) Hdward mentions this species
as having been shot and trapped near the Loch of Strathbeg
—(Natwralist, vol. iv., p. 270). A female was killed at Forglen,
the estate of Sir George Abercrombie, Bart., on December
23rd, 1875, and passed through my hands. On January 22nd,
1876, one was killed at Hazelhead, near Aberdeen, and is now
in Aberdeen University Museum.

“In the more island parts of the middle division of
Scotland, especially among the Grampians of Aberdeenshire,
it may now and then be observed.’ (MacGillivray.) The
same author, however, says in his Natural History of Deeside,
p. 898: “I have no evidence of the occurrence of the Gos-
Hawk, Astur palumbarws, in any part of Braemar of late
years.’ Still we are told in A Treatise upon Falconry, published
at Berwick-on-Tweed, in 1841, that the Gos-Hawk | ‘“ breeds
upon the wooded banks of Dee” |]; accordingly I think
brackets are very necessary for the statement.

In Cassell’s Natural History, vol. iii., p. 271, it is said:
“The author was introduced to an old gamekeeper on the
Marquis of Huntly’s estate at Aboyne, who perfectly re-
members the Gos-Hawk breeding regularly at Glen Tanner.”
This is an entire error. It must have been the Kite (Milvus
ectinus) to which the keeper referred.

BIRDS. 129

Genus ACCIPITER, Brisson.
Accipiter nisus, Zinn. Sparrow-Hawk.

Abundant and resident, and, with the exception of the
Kestrel, it is the most common of all the raptores we
possess.

Genus MILVUS, Cuvier.

Milvus ictinus, Savigny. Kite. ‘“Glead.” “Glen Tanner
Glead.” “Red Glead.” ‘“Salmon-tailed Glead.”
‘¢Fork-tailed Glead.”

Referring to the association’s list for the destruction of
ravenous beasts and birds (O. S. A., vol. xiv., pp. 848-9), we
find it recorded that two thousand five hundred and twenty
small Hawks and Kites were killed.

“Not very uncommon in the upper tracts. It nestles
there in trees. Extremely rare to the east of Glen Muick.”
(MacGillivray). “One has been killed at Aberdour by Mr.
Duncan, the Brucklay Castle keeper.” (Horn.) ‘Very rare;
I am not sure of having seen it more than once.” (Mr. J.
Wilson’s MS. Journal.)

Within the past thirty-five years the Kite has become
extremely scarce within “ Dee,” and it is now very doubtful if
a single pair is to be found breeding within the district. In
1865, six were seen by Mr. A. Gill nailed to a door at
Monaltrie, Ballater; and in 1867, I saw five with Mr. Brown,
Micras, near Crathie, all locally- killed specimens. In the
Aberdeen Free Press of December 18th, 1872, it is reported
that a Kite was killed at Balmoral in July, 1871. About
Braemar this bird has been occasionally observed by Mr.
Thomson, keeper, Dachlash, up to 1890.

The tail feathers of the Kite were much in repute for the
dressing of artificial flles; indeed few flies were considered
equal to that made from the tail of the ‘ Glen Tanner Glead ”
by Dee anglers, and to this fact, we presume, the extinction of
the bird is in a great measure due; for that it is on the verge
of extinction, if not actually so, is beyond question.

130 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

Milvus migrans, Boddaert. Black Kite.

One was shot by Mr. Jackson, Cornhill, within Aberdeen
city boundary, on April 18th, 1901, and is now in that gentle-
man’s possession.

Genus PERNIS, Cuvier.
Pernis apivorus, Zinn. Honey-Buzzard. ‘“Bee-Hawk.”

“The Rev. J. M. Brown informs me that he once found a

nest of the Honey-Buzzard in the woods of Abergeldie. It
was built on a tree and resembled that of the Common
Buzzard. There were three eggs of a whitish colour, spotted
with light and dark brown. The male was shot.
I am aware of two having been shot near Aberdeen.” (Mac-
Gillivray.) ‘One was shot by Mr. Hyatt in the pleasure-
grounds of Crimonmogate in September, 1864.” (Horn.)
One was shot on Deeside and sent for preservation to the late
A. Mitchell, Aberdeen, September, 1865—(P’ree Press, January
8th, 1867).

At Ballogie, in 1867, a male and female were killed at their
nest, which contained two eggs. These eggs were broken by
the person who took them while he was carrying them home,
and were cast away. ‘The birds were sent to me. Their
stomachs contained wasps and their larve, as also portions of
the combs of the ‘“‘ wasps’ nests.”

In 1868, another of the same species was shot in the same
wood. In the latter end of July, 1869, “one was seen every
day for a fortnight” by George Sim, Fyvie, and again, in
1874, the same gentleman reports, in the Scottish Naturalist,
vol. i., p. 277, that “a specimen of this rare Falcon was
frequently seen in this locality in February last.”

In 1875, one was killed at Culter House by Mr. James
- Mutch, keeper. This was a young very dark coloured bird,
and is still in Mr. Mutch’s possession. On September 24th,
1890, a female was shot at Crimonmogate. The stomach
contained dragon-flies, bees, and beetles; and one was
trapped at Pitfour, where it was seen tearing up a bees’ nest,
in 1892. On July 8rd, 1893, a male was shot at Haddo
House. Its stomach contained the remains of wasps. On
September 21st, 1896, one was killed at Durris, and another

BIRDS. 131

—a male—at Urie, on the 24th; all three were sent to the
writer. One was shot by Mr. J. Mutch at Pitfour, 17th
July, 1897, and is now in that gentleman’s collection. <A bird
of the year was killed near the Home Farm of Kinmundy,
September 15th, 1898, and sent for preservation to Mr.
M‘Boyle, Peterhead, in whose hands I saw it. One was shot
at Port-HErroll, September 28rd; and another at Ardlethen,
September 80th, 1901; and one was killed by Lord Carnegie at
Crimonmogate, September 25th, 1902; all being sent to me.
Another was killed at Fyvie, June 21st, 1902, and was pre-
served by Mr. George Sim, Fyvie.

Although nothing positive can be stated ae the
frequency of this species breeding in Scotland, it would seem
from the foregoing that possibly it does so more often than
is generally supposed. Yet there seems no doubt that the
bird is most frequently seen and obtained during autumnal
migration.

Genus HIEROFALCO, Cuvier.
Hierofalco islandus, Gmelin. Iceland Falcon.

Pennant states, in his British Zoology, vol. i., p. 218: “It
inhabits the north of Scotland—our specimen was shot near
Aberdeen.” One was shot near Fraserburgh in March, 1871,
by A. M. Ross, Hsq., G.N.S. Rly. These are the only records
within the confines of “ Dee.”

Genus FALCO, Linn.

Falco peregrinus, Zunstall. “Peregrine Falcon.” “Hunting
Hawk.” “Blue Hawk.” ‘“Blue-sleeves.”

This fine bird is doomed to early extinction, for wherever
there is a keeper armed with a gun or capable of setting the
barbarous pole-trap, there the Hunting Hawk is sure to meet
with an untimely end; and indeed it is not the keeper alone
whose hand is raised against it. Kvery “gunner” has his
eye upon it, and no opportunity is allowed to slip where the
sportsman (?) can bag a hawk, and thereby add additional
lustre to his hunting achievements. Not a thought seems
ever to rise in the minds of those people that there may after
all be some use in these birds and that they ought to be

1382 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

allowed to live, z.e., that the “balance of nature” should not
be overturned by man. No lesson, however severe, seems
enough to cause such people to reflect upon their actions in
this matter. The wide, prolonged, and irrepressible (in so far
as man is concerned) ravages of field mice upon pasture lands,
the equally destructive habits of the smaller song birds when
allowed to multiply unduly, and the now almost chronic
‘“‘srouse disease” does not appeal to those of Nimrodian
proclivities. Seeing that rapacious birds can at least keep
such scourges at the minimum, surely they ought to be
allowed to fulfil their mission in nature. But no; “ Hawks
kill game”’ we are told, and that being so, ‘“‘ we shall continue
to kill Hawks whatever is said to the contrary.”

The Peregrine, although thus persecuted, still continues in
“Dee.” <A few pairs breed along the sea cliffs and on some
of the inaccessible “rock faces” amongst the mountains,
and considering the struggle for existence which the bird
has to uphold, it is no wonder that few of the sites that
used to be tenanted by the Peregrine are any longer occupied ;
too soon, alas, the bird will have to be numbered amongst
those that were.

Falco subbuteo, Zinn. The Hobby.

This bird is very rarely seen along the Scottish east
coast. Within “Dee” it was obtained first in 1868,
when an immature specimen was brought to me. It had
been caught by a fisherman while prosecuting his calling
a few miles off Aberdeen. In the autumn of 1868, another
was found dead near Kittybrewster railway station, Aber-
deen. It was brought to the writer, and the same
season one was shot on the Broad Hill, Aberdeen, by the
late A. Mitchell, Castle Street, Aberdeen. In May, 1870,
one was killed at Fraserburgh, and was in the possession of
the same gentleman. Both these examples, along with
many other ornithological rarities, got scattered before Mr.
Mitchell’s death, and now no one seems to know what
became of them. On July Sth, 1870, one was shot near
Fraserburgh, and sent to me; also one killed by Mr. J. Mutch,
keeper, at Pitfour, July 15th, 1897, who very kindly presented
it to me. One was killed at Aden, June 1st, 1898, and is now

BIRDS. . 488

in Mr. Mutch’s possession, with whom I saw it. The state-
ment made by Mr. Gray, that in “Glen Dye, county of
Kincardine . . . . the Hobby has for some years been
known to breed” requires confirmation.

Falco zsalon, Tunstall. Merlin.

“In spite of the active hostility of gamekeepers and
sportsmen, it is still not very rarely to be seen, especially in
the neighbourhood of woods.” (Adams.) ‘Not many years
back, far from scarce throughout spring and summer in hilly
districts where I have found its nest, or rather eggs, on the
ground. Now rare in spring and summer in almost every
part of the county, but in autumn and winter there seems a
considerable influx, as they are then about as numerous as
any bird of prey, especially in the low open districts.”
(Mr. S. Burnett’s MS.) I can fully bear out Mr. Burnett’s
remarks, but this autumnal influx is made up of immature
birds—mature well-plumaged birds are by no means abundant.

It is generally understood that the Merlin forms its nest
upon the ground, and this is usually the case; still it
occasionally breeds in trees. Mr. John M‘Bain, for many
years head keeper to Lord Aberdeen, informed me that he
shot a Merlin while on its nest in a tall tree. On 20th of
May, 1898, a pair appropriated a Hooded Crow’s old nest
near the top of a tree at Pitfour, and the keeper, J. Mutch,
shot the hen on the nest, as also the male as he came to
where the nest was. I saw both birds with Mr. Mutch.

Falco vespertinus, Linn. Red-footed Falcon.

An extremely rare visitant. One was shot by Mr. Andrew
Gill at Hill of Fiddes, parish of Foveran, in May, 1866.
Mr. Gill brought the bird to me for preservation and identifi-
cation, which, I stated at the time (Aberdeen Herald), was the
first, so far as I was aware, that had been obtained in
Scotland.

The specimen in question was a female, weighing 4}
ounces; length, 114 inches; and expanse of wings, 26? inches.
Its stomach contained a mouse and two beetles. Thus the
Foveran specimen stood the only one for Scotland until 1875,
when one was shot in Ross-shire, and another in Caithness-

134 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

shire. Both were preserved by Mr. M‘Leay, Inverness, in
whose hands I saw them. On May 7th, 1897, a fine specimen
was shot at Crimonmogate. Its stomach was filled with
shrew mice.

Falco tinnunculus, Zinn. Kestrel. Windhover.

Notwithstanding the persecution to which this species, in
common with the other members of the Falconide, is sub-
jected, it is the most common and abundant of all the Hawk
tribe, and is at the same time the most useful. It is one of
the farmer’s best friends, for its food consists, in a very large
measure, of mice, supplemented by beetles and moths. It is
pretty evenly distributed over the whole district; but it is,
perhaps, most abundant, at least at the breeding season, along
the rock-bound coast of Kincardineshire. There it selects
some of the many projections in the face of the perpendicular
cliffs, upon which it constructs its rude nest, and brings forth
its young in comparative security. While thus occupied, it is
interesting to watch, especially at early dawn, the movements
of the male as he drops noiselessly from the jutting rock and
betakes himself to the adjoining fields, and to see him there
hovering on almost motionless wings diligently searching the
ground and suddenly swooping down on some hapless mouse,
which is straightway conveyed to where the female sits. It
is also interesting and instructive to see how frequently he
returns to the nest, laden with spoil suited to the tender
young.

Were those actions studied as they ought to be by the
persecutors of this beautiful bird, it is surely not too much to
expect that they would see the grievous mistake of their
doings, and henceforth grant the Kestrel quiet and protection
to carry out its beneficent purpose in the arrangement of
nature.

Falco cenchris, Naum. Lesser Kestrel.

A female specimen of this pretty little Falcon was shot on
the estate of Boyndlie, parish of Crimond, by the Rev. Elton
Lee, on October 25th, 1897. Its stomach contained beetles,
grubs, and insects’ eggs. This, to my knowledge, is the first
instance of the bird having been obtained in Scotland.

BIRDS. 135

Genus PANDION, Savigny.
Pandion haliaetus, Zinn. Osprey.

A rare species of uncertain appearance within “ Dee.”
One—a male—was sent to the writer by the late Sir Thomas
Gladstone of Fasque, May ist, 1867; another from Mony-
musk, June 21st; and a third—a female—from Peterhead,
September 27th; all three in the same year. In May, 1881, a
specimen was killed near Fraserburgh; and two during the
same year were killed at Dunecht. In 1886, August 80th, one
was forwarded to me by the late Sir Francis Grant, Bart., of
Monymusk. On June 12th, 1889, a female was killed near
Aberdeen, and also passed through my hands. On June 18th,
1890, one was killed at Haddo House; and one is in the
collection at Brucklay Castle. One was shot by the game-
keeper at Knockespock, parish of Tullynessle, May 22nd, 1899.

Although fish is the usual food of the Osprey, it does not
disdain such fare as the humble beetle and similar “ creeping
things,’ as the contents of the stomachs of the above-
mentioned examples testify. This species has not been
_known to breed within “ Dee,” although it does so sparingly
in the adjoining district of ‘ Moray.”

A male was shot at the Loch of Strathbeg, September 15th,
1902, and is in the possession of Mr. J. Hay, Aberdeen.

Order STEGANOPODES.

Family PELECANIDA.
Genus PHALACROCORAX, Brisson.
Phalacrocorax carbo, Zinn. Cormorant.

This species, a common one all along the coast of -
‘“‘ Dee,” breeds sparingly on the rocks there, and finds ample
food amongst the shoals of fish that swim through the
adjoining sea. At times this voracious feeder seems to want
a change of scene and food, and betakes itself to the rivers

136 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEER.”

and inland lochs, where the savoury trout forms its chief
aliment. But on such expeditions it not infrequently leaves
its native marine habitat never to return, for in the rivers
and lochs it is looked upon as a poacher, and pays the penalty
with its life at the hands of some sportsman or keeper.

Phalacrocorax graculus, Zinn. Shag. Green Shag.

The Shag cannot be accounted a common bird along the
coasts of “Dee,” and, strangely enough, in the list of the
“Birds of Strathbeg,” by the late Thomas Edward, the Shag
does not appear, and the same observation applies to the
Birds of Buchan, by Mr. W. Horn. Coming to 1895, it is
stated by the Rev. W. Serle, in his Avi-Fawna of Buchan, p. 18,
that the bird is “common, and breeds about Pennan and the
Cruden coast.” The present writer has traversed the coasts
of “Dee” time after time, but he has not been able to verify
the above statement; indeed, he has not seen a Shag there
during the breeding season.

Genus SULA, Brisson.
Sula bassana, Zinn. Gannett. ‘‘ Solan Goose.”

The nearest breeding station of the Gannet to “ Dee”’ is
the Bass Rock, in the Firth of Forth, where the bird con-
gregates in many hundreds. Thence it spreads out along
the north-east coast in pursuit of the herring, which
constitute its chief article of food. Thus it not infrequently
happens that the bird gets entangled in the meshes of the
herring-fisher’s net, and is by that worthy “made fast with a
piece of tarry rope,” and brought to land as a “ queer beast ;”
and certainly by the time it flops about amongst herring
scales, tar, and other dirt, it does look somewhat queer,
although of not much value to the ornithologist.

When the breeding season is over, the Gannet may be seen
for some weeks along the coast of “ Dee,” sailing aloft in airy
circles, and ever and anon descending with fearless plunge
into the surging sea, generally securing some hapless fish.

BIRDS. 137

Order HERODIONES.

Family ARDEIDAA.
Genus ARDEA, Brisson.
Ardea cinerea, Zinn. Common Heron.

Although still abundant throughout “Dee,” it is yearly
becoming less so; many places where the Heron used to
breed have been deserted, while in those it still frequents the
number of nests continues to diminish. The cause of this in
some cases is not apparent; in others, however, there is no
difficulty in the matter. In Aberdeen there is a band of egg-
gatherers who range over the country, and the eggs of no
bird, wild or domestic, are safe from them. Thus within the
past few years the Heron has built in small numbers in the
woods of Parkhill, but not a single egg was allowed to be
hatched; and now that bicycles are in the hands of most
people, the country is scoured far and wide by those “egg-
collectors,” who find a ready market for their ill-gotten spoil
with dealers in the south.

Ardea purpurea, Zinn. Purple Heron.

A specimen of this species is reported in the Zoologist,
p. 2497 (1849), by the Rev. J. Smith, as having been shot in
the parish of Monquhitter in 1847. I am informed by Mr. W.
M‘Boyle, of Peterhead, that “the bird was shot by Mr. George
Clark, farmer’s son, Forvie. The bird was sent to James
Forsyth, policeman, Pitsligo, for preservation. He allowed it
to go to decay, and Mr. Smith identified the bird from its
feathers. The bird was killed in autumn.”

It will be seen that the foregoing differs considerably
from what is said concerning the capture in MacGillivray’s
British Birds, vol. iv., p. 457, wherein it is stated that the
bird was killed in March, 1847; but as Mr. M‘Boyle was
acquainted with the young man who shot the bird, and knew
all the circumstances at the time, and is himself a keen and
accurate ornithologist, I am inclined to accept his statement
as the more reliable.

138 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

One was shot near Don-mouth, October 29th, 1872, and
is now in Aberdeen University Museum.

[Ardea alba, Linn. Great White Heron.

“A White Heron, supposed to be an Heret, was observed
on the west side of the Loch of Strathbeg in the spring of
1816. It was seen for several days to frequent the same
spot, but on being fired at once or twice it left and did not
return.” (Edward, Naturalist, vol. iv., p. 243.)]

Genus NYCTICORAX, Stephens.

Nycticorax griseus, Zinn. Night Heron.

“One was shot at Mennie, eight miles from Aberdeen,
January, 1865, and was in the possession of the late James
Buchan, Esq. of Auchmacoy.” (Taylor’s MS.)

Genus BOTAURUS, Stephens.

Botaurus minuta, Zinn. Little Bittern.

On October 21st, 1866, a specimen of this rare bird flew
on board the vessel ‘ Hllen of Dysart” in company with a
Water-Rail while the vessel was entering the port of Aber-
deen, and was presented to me by Mr. Thomson, the master
and owner of the ship. The stomach of the bird contained
fragments of beetles.

Mr. Gray records one as having been shot by Mr. A. Bowie
on the 28th May, 1868, “at the junction of the Don and the
Ury below Keith-hall.” The same writer also mentions that
‘“‘an immature male was shot on a marsh near Fintray House
on 23rd September, 1868.”

Botaurus stellaris, Zinn. Common Bittern.
“Mire Drum.”

Although this bird has got the name of “Common
Bittern,’ it has now become one of our most uncommon
birds. Considering the number of inland lochs, fringed as
most of them were with broad belts of marsh, covered with
rank vegetation such as the Bittern loves, there can be no

BIRDS. 139

doubt but that this bird was in the past abundant and
resident; still although most of the old Aberdeenshire lochs
that do not now exist are spoken of in the O. S. A., no
mention is made by the various writers of that work of the
Bittern being a frequenter or even of its having been seen
about such places. This, however, does not prove that the
bird was not there, nor even that it was uncommon, for
although each writer professes to give the “ Zoology”’ of his
parish, it is generally done in such a slip-shod fashion that it
is evident he neither knew nor cared much about the matter,
and would pass it over thus: “The fowls are Eagles, Hawks
of different kinds, Kites, Black Cock, Grouse or Moorfowl,
and Ptarmigan, besides every other species common wm _ the
Highlands of Scotland,” but the unfortunate thing is that none
of them gives a reliable list of what was “common in the
Highlands;” and, indeed, the “ Zoology” of the N. S. A. is
equally fragmentary and unsatisfactory, for throughout the
whole of that portion of the work relative to Aberdeenshire
it is only mentioned for the parish of Crimond that “the
Bittern has been occasionally seen;” while for the parish of
Longside we are told that “ Bitterns and other birds of
passage visit us in their season.”

This paucity of information notwithstanding, we are
justified in saying that the Bittern is much less common
throughout “Dee” at the present time than it had been
when there was double the amount of ground suitable to its
wants than there is now; to which may be added the fact
that to those of the last generation the name of the “ Mire
Drum” was well known and perfectly understood.

‘A very nice specimen of the Bittern or Mire Drum
(A. stellaris) was shot in the autumn of 1824 by one of
Mr. Gordon’s of Cairness gamekeepers.” (Edward, Naturalist,
vol. iv., p. 243.) ‘Rarely seen in the district, but one was
shot six or eight years ago [about 1852 or 1853] on the estate
of Leys.” (Adams.) A male was killed by James Allan, Esq.
of Templand, Auchterless, on 20th December, 1867, who sent
it to me. It weighed 21 lbs., and the stomach contained a
number of water beetles, 2.c., D. marginalis. One is reported
in the Banffshire Journal, January 11th, 1871, by T. Edward,
as having been killed at Cuminestown, parish of Monquhitter.
One was taken alive beside Pitfour on 6th April, 1888. It was

140 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

a female in a very weak condition, and is said to have vomited
a frog when caught. ‘The bird was preserved by Mr. M‘Boyle,
Peterhead, from whom I received my information. On
September 83rd, 1889, an immature female was shot at the
Loch of Strathbeg, and is now in the possession of Mr. Gordon
of Cairness. Its weight was 2 lbs. 44 ounces, and its stomach
contained the vertebrae of a fish and several balls of hair.
One was shot near New Deer in 1896, as I am informed by
Mr. J. Campbell, Bonnykelly Lodge. Another was caught by
Mr. Alexander Gordon, Waulkmill, Cuminestown, who sent it
for preservation to Mr. Lemon, Banff. One was killed on
Scotston Moor in 1899, and is now in Aberdeen University
Museum.

[Botaurus lentiginosus, Montague. The American Bittern.

“A specimen of this species was shot by Col. William
Fraser in November, 1854, near the Toll-bar at the Bridge
of Don.” (Gray.)]

Family CICONIIDAH.
Genus CICONIA, Brisson.

Ciconia alba, Bechstein. White Stork.

“The Rev. Mr. Smith, Monquhitter, informs me that during
the unusually severe winter of 1837-38, a specimen of this
rare bird was shot in a moss in the upper part of the parish
of Lonmay. It was nailed to a barn-door where it speedily
went to decay. The people who obtained it compared its
red legs to Turkey leather.” (MacGillivray.)

Family PLATALEIDA.
Genus PLATALEA, Linn.

Platalea leucorodia, Linn. Spoonbill.

The first notice of this bird having occurred in “ Dee,”
and that a very feeble one, is a statement by T. Edward in
the Naturalist, vol., iv., p. 243, wherein he says: ‘Has twice or
thrice been observed;’’ but gives no information who the
observer was nor how he (Edward) came by the information.

BIRDS. 141

The late A. Mitchell informed me that he shot a
Spoonbill upon Aberdeen Links, but he could not give the
precise year.

Genus PLEGADIS, Kaup.
Plegadis falcinellus, Zinn. Glossy Ibis.

“About fifteen years ago one was shot on the moors of
Crathes.” (Adams.) This would place the occurrence about
1844. Thus the matter stood until 1880, when, on the 4th
of October, a male in fine condition was shot on the mud flats
at Ythan-mouth by Mr. Moir of Tarty, in whose possession it
still is. On October 22nd, 1902, one was reported in the
Aberdeen Weekly Journal as having been shot at the Loch of
Strathbeg by Mr. Fraser, gamekeeper, Cairness, who sent it
to Mr. Watters, Aboyne, for preservation.

Order ANSERES.
Family ANATIDA.
Genus CHENALOPEX, Stephens.
Chenalopex zgyptiacus, Zinn. Egyptian Goose.

A female was shot at Garvock, Laurencekirk, on December
14th, 1898. It was in fine condition, and had no marks of
having been at any time in confinement; still, as this species
is often kept in ornamental waters, there is the possibility of
the specimen here referred to having wandered from some
private reserve. Hdward, in his “Birds of Strathbeg,”
Naturalist, vol. iv., p. 241, mentions a bird of this species
as having taken up its abode in the pond belonging to the
Rev. Mr. Boyd of Crimond, in 1853, and continuing there
for about two months.

Genus ANSER, Brisson.
Anser cinereus, JJeyer. Gray Lag Goose.
There is much uncertainty regarding this species, and it is

to be feared that when the Gray Lag is spoken of, it is really
K

142 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

the Bean Goose that is referred to. That the Gray Lag is
very uncommon I am inclined to think, for in the course of
forty years only one has come to hand. Still this species
may have occurred within “ Dee,’ for MacGillivray says:
‘“‘In the end of September, 1843, I inspected three specimens
from Deeside in the Aberdeen Market.” (British Birds, vol.
iv., p. 593.) This statement cannot, however, be taken as
altogether conclusive. The mere fact of seeing them in
Aberdeen Market does not prove that they had been killed on
Deeside.

Anser segetum, Gmelin. Bean Goose.

This species is a regular visitor to the Loch of Strathbeg
and other sheets of water within ‘“‘Dee;” but, owing to
their extreme watchfulness, very few are obtained. When
the period of migration comes round, the cry of the Geese
is to be heard as they soar above in flocks, their time
of flight being generally in the evening, at which period the
deep guttural notes of the leading gander, as the flock wings
its flight in ever-changing figures, is always recognisable, even
when the light has given place to the darkening gloaming and
the birds can be no longer seen. During the months of
September and October, such flocks are to be seen or heard
as they pass southwards over Aberdeen, and again, less
frequently, in the spring. This species is not known to breed
with us.

Anser brachyrhynchus, Zaillon. Pink-footed Goose.

Edward, in his “ Birds of Strathbeg,”’ Natwralist, vol. iv.,
p. 240, reports a fine bird as having been killed there in the
spring of 1848, “which was supposed to be the Pink-footed
Goose.” |

The Rev. W. Serle says it is reported that the bird under
consideration “has been shot at Peterhead quite recently.”
“Tt occurs in winter in suitable localities along the eastern
side of Scotland.” (Yarrell.)

In the last week of March, 1896, a male was killed at Udny,
and sent to me, and a few days later three others were
obtained at the same place; the latter, however, I did not
see, and the sex was not ascertained. For a short time

BIRDS. 1438

previously small flocks of Geese had been observed passing
Aberdeen to the northward. As those obtained formed part
of several hundreds that haunted a particular field at Udny
for some days, it may be inferred that they were all of one
species. The male above alluded to is now at Udny Castle.

Anser albifrons, Scopoli. White-fronted Goose.

This is by no means a common species in “ Dee.” Edward
records it from Strathbeg, and, during the autumnal migration,
it has on several occasions come into my hands.

Genus BERNICLA, Bove.
Bernicla brenta, Pallas. Brent Goose.

Occasionally obtained throughout “Dee,” but is not
common. On January 21st, 1892, an immature bird was
caught on Aberdeen Beach, and brought to me.

Edward, in his “ Birds of Strathbeg,” says: “ This is, I
believe, the most abundant of all this genus which visit
_ the Loch.” (?)

Bernicla leucopsis, Bechstein. Barnacle Goose.

This graceful bird occurs pretty frequently throughout
“Dee,” especially along the coast. I have had them on
several occasions from the river Don, always in autumn, and
invariably killed near the mouth of the river. They are also
occasionally to be seen in our gamedealers’ shops. Hdward
records it from Strathbeg. ‘On the east of Scotland, I have
seen a few individuals shot at Peterhead and Aberdeen.”
(MacGillivray.)

Bernicla canadensis, Zinn. Canada Goose.

On August 24th, 1883, two were shot from a flock of seven,
near the Loch of Strathbeg, by James H. Crichton, Esq. of
Inverugie, and sent to me. Edward records, in the paper
already frequently quoted, what was supposed to be a Canada
Goose having been killed at Strathbeg ‘‘in the winter of 1819.”

K 2

144 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”
Genus CYGNUS, Bech.
Cygnus olor, Gmelin. Mute Swan.

This bird is kept on many ornamental waters throughout
“Dee,” and is in a semi-wild state on the Loch of Strathbeg,
upon the islands of which it builds its nest and brings forth
its young.

[Cygnus immutabilis, Yarrell. Polish Swan.

There is no record, so far as I know, of this species having
been identified as a visitor to ‘Dee,’ except the somewhat
misty statement of Edward. Speaking of the Loch of
Strathbeg, he says: “Only two species have as yet been dis-
tinguished, namely, the beautiful White Hooper (Cygnus ferus)
and the no less fair and elegant Polish Swan (C. wmmutadilis),
the latter, however, said to be of rare occurrence. I am only
aware of two specimens which have been obtained—the one
in 1814, and the other in 1826.” (Naturalist, vol. iv., p. 240.) ]

Cygnus musicus, Bechstein. Whooping or Whistling Swan.

The Whooper is occasionally found over various parts of
“Dee.” I have seen it upon the lochs of Kinord, Davan, and
Drum, and more frequently upon the Loch of Strathbeg, where
over a dozen have been observed at one time, and from which
place the bird has been sent to me. The late Mr. Gordon of
Cairness informed me that fourteen wild Swans had been on
Strathbeg most of the month of July, 1866; and in the spring
of 1889 Mr. Crighton of Inverugie saw over one hundred and
thirty Swans upon the same sheet of water. In 1865 one
was killed upon the Corby Loch, a few miles to the north of
Aberdeen, and two in 1900, by Mr. Robb. Another was shot
at Black-dog, in 1901, by Mr. A. Duncan. A flock of nine was
seen flying towards the Loch of Skene by Mr. Charles Rannie,
Tertowie, in February, 1899. “One hundred and seventy
have been counted all at once on Strathbeg Loch.” (Serle.)

Although a regular visitor to “Dee,” it is so chiefly in
winter, and has not been known to breed there; still, they
sometimes remain pretty late in spring with us. On 26th
May, 18938, I saw three upon the river Ythan; but they would

BIRDS. 145°

not allow a near approach, and in rising from the water they
winged their way northward.

Genus TADORNA, Fleming.

Tadorna cornuta, Gmelin. Common Sheldrake.
“ Annet.”

This is a regular visitor, remaining to breed with us,
which it does on the sandy links that abound along the
coast between the river Don and the bay of Collieston,
their chief station being the links of Forvie. This is a
desolate tract of many hundred acres in extent, in many
places covered with sand without a blade of vegetation;
the sand is blown into high circular hummocks, subject to
be shifted at every change of wind. At other points, these
sand dunes are covered with bent, whin, and heath, and again
the ground widens out into flat marshy patches of consider-
able extent. In the heath-covered dunes, rabbits make their
burrows; and in such of those as are disused by the conies,
the Sheldrakes make their nests, which are wholly composed

of down plucked from their own bodies. These nests are

found to be placed in the burrows some ten feet from the
entrance, but never at the extreme end.

When the infant day has just awakened, and the sun has
not yet shown his form in the glowing east, no more pleasant
or beautiful sight can be wished for when one wanders
through this solitary region, than to see these birds wing
their bold flight in flocks of a score or more as they come
from the muddy shores of the adjacent Ythan where they
have been feeding, and break off in pairs to their various
nesting-places. Under such circumstances, should their
suspicions be aroused, they keep in flocks and wheel in wide
circles for a time, and then alight; after which they will
walk in sedate and stately step towards their nests in hopes
of reaching them without being observed. Should they fail
in this, they again unite in bands and fly many miles away,
returning to alight on some of the marshy ground where they
can watch the enemy without his having the chance of
coming within gunshot.

When the young are hatched, they are guided to the river

146 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

and its broad mud flats; there they remain until their
plumage is sufficiently developed for flight, after which they
depart with their parents and remain mostly at sea during
winter. |

“Sometimes to be seen upon the Dee during severe
weather.” (Adams.) “This pretty bird is only a winter
visitor with us.” (Smiles’s Life of a Scottish Naturalist, p. 412.)
In the O. S. A. this species is claimed as being one of the
birds common to the parish of Birse, an evident mistake, for
there are few places less suited to its wants.

Tadorna casarca, Zinn. Ruddy Sheldrake.

One was shot at Haddo House in 1898. It is now in the
Estates Museum there. A second specimen was shot about
the same time and place by Mr. J. Wilson, Methlick, and is
now in his collection.

Genus MAREHCA, Stephens.
Mareca penelope, Zinn. Wigeon.

This is one of the most common winter ducks we have,
and is to be seen in the estuaries of all our streams, as well
as in the inland lochs. It is not known to breed within
‘ Dee.” :

Genus DAFILA, Stephens.
Dafila acuta, Linn. Pintail.

Rare. ‘One was shot by A. Mitchell at Aberdeen.”
(Taylor’s MS.) Occasionally seen on the lakes at Haddo
House, as I am informed by Mr. J. Wilson, in whose posses-
sion is one he obtained there.

An immature male was shot by Mr. Findlay, gamekeeper
to Lord Carnegie, Crimonmogate, September, 1896, and is now
in his lordship’s possession. A male was shot by Mr. Tait,
Inverurie, at Uppermill, Kintore, in the second week of
August, 1899. On December 20th, 1899, another—an im-
mature male—was shot by Mr. M‘Lean of Littlewood on the
Don. All three passed through my hands.

BIRDS. 147
Genus ANAS, Brisson.

Anas boscas, Zinn. Wild Duck. “ Mallard.”
“Moss Duck.”

A common resident species; to be seen in numbers on all
our lochs and streams. Around these, and indeed in every
marsh or peat moss where rushes grow, the wild duck may be
observed or its nest found. The nesting habits of this bird
are curious. It may build on a tuft of rushes near the side of a
stream or loch, in a tree, or in the face of a rocky cliff, or high
up on some hill-side where no water is near. A favourite
place for the Wild Duck’s nest at one time was Craig Horror
on the Ythan, near the Old Castle of Gight. This is a bold
rock of considerable height, but now so much changed that
the ‘“ Moss Duck” would not now have the security she once
had in this secluded spot.

Genus CHAULELASMUS, Gray.
Chaulelasmus streperus, Linn. Gadwall.

This species I have never had the pleasure of seeing in
“ Dee.” Gray says it has been killed “in Aberdeenshire,” but
mentions no authority nor in what district of that county the
occurrence took place, nor when. Mention is made in the
Zoologist of one having been killed “on the Deveron by Dr.
Leslie in the winter of 1837-38,” and to this statement it is
possible Gray refers. Four were killed at the lakes of Pitfour,
October 22nd, 1898, as I am informed by Mr. J. Mutch,
gamekeeper. |

Genus QUERQUEDULA, Stephens.
Querquedula circia, Zinn. Garganey.

_ To my knowledge, there is but one record of this species
having ever been seen in “ Dee,” except what is said by
Edward in the Naturalist, vol. iv., p. 242, where he remarks:
“On a boating excursion in the summer of 1850 (Loch of
Strathbeg) . . . . we met with a party of three, which
we pursued,” but they would ‘not allow us to approach near
within gunshot.” Seeing that he was not ‘near within

148 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

gunshot”’ of them, it does not seem quite clear that the
identification could have been very accurately made. Under
these circumstances, it is necessary to take such statements
with a considerable amount of reserve.

Mr. Mutch informed me that seven of this species were
shot at Pitfour, October 22nd, 1898.

Querquedula crecca, Linn. Common Teal.

This beautiful little Duck is common and resident with us,
and is to be found in most of the places frequented by the
Mallard. It breeds about all our lochs, and in many of the
peat bogs throughout the district.

Genus SPATULA, Bore.
Spatula clypeata, Linn. - Shoveller.

“In Scotland no authentic instance of its occurrence at
any season has come to my knowledge.” (MacGillivray.)
Subsequent to MacGillivray’s observations, the Shoveller has
made its appearance in “ Dee.”

Not a common species with us, but is increasing. One
was shot by Mr. Davidson, Seaton House, in the dam near the
Bridge of Don in 1856, and four more are reported in Gray’s
Birds of the West of Scotland as having been seen by Mr.
Angus at the same place, two of which he shot. One was
shot in the lake at Haddo House, in 1866, by Mr. John Wilson,
and one was shot at Uppermill by A. Tait, Esq., Inverurie.

‘This species bred in the Loch of Slains for several seasons, —
at which place they have been seen by Mr. Ramsay, keeper
there, all the year round. At the same place, an old one and
two young were shot by the late Mr. P. Chalmers, advocate,
Aberdeen, who sent them to me. Edward, in his article
“ Birds of Strathbeg,” Natwralist, vol. iv., p. 242, says it ‘“ has
occurred” there. ‘One was shot at Gourdas in July, 1880,”
and ‘has been taken at Fraserburgh and Pitsligo.” (Serle.)

I saw an immature specimen in the shop of Mr. Brown,
gamedealer, Aberdeen, which was shot at Strathbeg, Sep-
tember 9th, 1896. Two young were shot at Castle Forbes,
August 2nd, 1897; and one, also young, at Uppermill, near

BIRDS. 149

Inverurie, about the same date. A male was shot by Mr.
Hills at the Loch of Strathbeg, March 2nd, 1898. The two
last were seen by me.

Genus FULIGULA, Stephens.
Fuligula cristata, Leach. Tufted Duck.

‘‘ When the fresh waters are frozen, it betakes itself to the
sea, like all the other species, and subsists chiefly on bivalve
mollusca. Even during open weather it is often seen in the
shallow bays, and especially in estuaries. Montagu states
that it is often shot on Slapton Ley, in South Devon, a large
piece of water close to the sea. From thence northwards, on
both sides of the island, it is not uncommon until beyond the
Firths of Clyde and Tay, when it becomes of less frequent
occurrence.” (MacGillivray.)

“The Scaup, the Tufted, Red-headed Pochard, as also the
Golden-eyed Garrot, are all met with.” (Hdward, Naturalist,
vol. iv., p. 242.) This statement would seem to indicate that
all the above-mentioned Ducks were not uncommon; but
- coming down to 1876, referring to Smiles’s Life of Edward, at
p. 414, we are informed that the Tufted Duck is “ very rare.”
“Occasionally seen on the Ythan and Fyvie Loch; one was
shot at the Reservoir, Peterhead, last January.” (Serle.)

Within the past twenty years the Tufted Duck has in-
creased very much in “ Dee,” and is now a resident. It was
first observed to be a breeding species within our area by
William Evans, Esq., who found its nest at the Loch of Drum
in 1887. Since then it has become quite a common breeding
species, and may be seen in numbers in the Lochs of Drum
and Skene. On the latter it has bred since 1884. By the
kind invitation of the late Mr. Hamilton of Skene, I spent
a day or two at his hospitable mansion, in August, 1890. On
this occasion, we sailed over and over the Loch of Skene, and
saw numbers of Tufted Ducks, with their tiny black young,
floating buoyantly upon the water. Each female had a brood
of from three to six, and all seemed quite at ease, allowing us
to approach within a few yards of them before the young
dived, to reappear some yards distant, where they again
came together to skim over the water, picking up organisms

150 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

so small that only keen eyes such as theirs could see. When
the breeding season is over, and the young able to take care
of themselves, most of the birds leave the lochs for a time and
take to the sea, estuaries, and rivers, where they remain
during winter. |

This species has been observed by Mr. George Muirhead on
the lakes at Haddo House, and was known by him to have
bred there in 1894 and 1895, as recorded by Mr. Harvie-Brown
in the Annals of Scottish Natural History for January, 1896,
p. 18. “A pair built their nest by the pond at Pitfour in 1897,
and a male was killed there in 1898.” (J. Mutch.) They also
bred at the Corby Loch, near Aberdeen, in 1897 and 1898;
the nest was found in both seasons by Mr. Alex. Kelly,
Aberdeen, and the birds were seen there by Mr. James
Simpson, also of Aberdeen.

Fuligula marila, Zinn. Scaup.

A common winter visitor, some seasons appearing in large
numbers; none, however, are known to remain through the
summer.

Fuligula ferina, Zinn. Pochard. ‘‘Red-headed
Pochard.” ‘“Dun-bird.”

An abundant species, arriving early in autumn and re-
maining during winter. I have seen it in hundreds in the
Lochs of Skene and Strathbeg, but it is not known ever to
have bred within “ Dee.”

Genus NYROCA, Fleming.

[Nyroca ferruginea, Gmelin. White-eyed Duck.

With his usual ambiguity, Edward says this species has
“occurred” at the Loch of Strathbeg — (Naturalist, vol. iv.,
_ p. 242). |

Genus CLANGULA, Bore.

Clangula glaucion, Linn. Goldeneye.

One of our most common winter ducks, frequenting lochs,
rivers, and estuaries in great numbers.

BIRDS. 151
[Clangula albeola, Zinn. Buffel-headed Duck.

Gray says: ‘The late Mr. Yarrell, in his History of British
Birds, mentions that Mr. Mumery, curator of the Museum of
Natural History at Margate, sent him word of a specimen of
this Duck having been obtained in Orkney by himself in 1841.
T had long looked upon this record as the only instance of the
bird’s occurrence north of the Tweed, until Mr. Angus showed
me a beautiful male which was shot on the Loch of Loirston,
Aberdeenshire, in January, 1865. <A few days later Mr.
Edward, of Banff, showed me a specimen—also a male—which
had been shot many years ago in the Loch of Strathbeg, and
placed in the Banff Museum by the late Mr. Smith, minister
of Monquhitter.”’]

It seems strange that Kdward makes no mention of this
bird in his list of the “ Birds of Strathbeg;” nor does it find a
place in the list supplied by him in Smiles’s Life of a
Scottish Naturalist. It may just be as well to say here that
the Loch of Loirston, where the above-mentioned specimen is’
said to have been killed, is in Kincardineshire.

Genus COSMONETTA, Kaup.
Cosmonetta histrionica, Zinn. Harlequin Duck.

The late Col. W. Ross King frequently told me that he
shot a Harlequin in Aberdeenshire. He also records the fact
in his handsome volume The Sportsman and Naturalist im
Canada, p. 231. This occurred in Buchan in 1858, and when
we take into account Col. King’s extensive and accurate
acquaintance with our feathered tribes, there can be no
doubt that what he stated is in exact accordance with fact.
It is unfortunate that the same cannot be said regarding
Kdward’s observations relative to this bird. In his paper
on the “Birds of Strathbeg,” already frequently quoted, he
says: “It is only a few winters since a most beautiful speci-
men of the Harlequin was shot there by a rabbit-catcher, who,
I believe, for the sake of a very paltry sum more than he was
offered on the spot, sent it . .» . . away south.”

In the month of April, 1890, Mr. Mutch, gamekeeper, saw,
on the lake at Pitfour, a specimen of the Harlequin.

152 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

Genus HARELDA, Stephens.

Harelda glacialis, Zinn. Long-tailed Duck. ‘‘Hareld
Duck.” “Northern Hareld.” “Caloo Duck.” ‘Coal-
and-Candle-light.”

This beautiful bird is a regular winter visitor, frequenting
most of the river estuaries and fresh water lochs along our
line of coast, and occasionally making excursions to more
inland waters. It is frequently seen upon the lakes around
Haddo House, and has been several times shot on the Don at
Inverurie by the late T.S. Tait, who sent specimens to me. One
was also shot by Mr. J. Milne, jun., on the Don at Kinaldie,
on November, 1880, and another was seen by Dr. Tait on the
Don at Inverurie, in November, 1887. The bird has also been
observed by the late Mr. T. E. Buckley on the Ness, near the
islands at Inverness; so the statement that this species does
not go inland is untenable.

Genus SOMATERIA, Bore.

Somateria mollissima, Zinn. Eider Duck.: “St. Cuthbert’s
Duck.” “Annet.” “Dunter Duck.”

Common, especially about the mouth of the Ythan, where,
among the bent-covered sand dunes on the north side of that
stream, it breeds abundantly. It also breeds upon the Links
of Mennie, a few miles to the south of the Ythan, and on
June 6th, 1891, Prof. J. W. Trail found a nest of this species,
containing six eggs, near Garron Point, Kincardineshire.
When the period of nidification is past, young and old may
be seen feeding in the Ythan or resting upon its muddy banks;
but they soon take to sea and generally remain there during
winter. It is not known to visit other parts of “ Dee,” except
that it is “sometimes common off the mouth of the Ugie,
and a few breed about Longhaven.” (Serle.)

Genus CADEMIA, Fleming.
CEdemia nigra, Zinn. Common Scoter.

A fairly common species along the whole coast line of
“Dee,” where it confines itself to sea, rarely coming into

BIRDS. 153

river mouths. It is not known to breed within the confines
of our district.

CEdemia fusca, Zinn. Velvet Scoter.

Like the foregoing, this is a purely oceanic form that does
not visit us in great numbers, and only does so in winter.

Genus MERGUS, Linn.
Mergus merganser, Linn. Goosander. “Saw-bill.”

This is a regular winter visitor, and is to be seen about the
lochs and rivers throughout “ Dee.” It has not been known
to breed within the district, although it has done so a little
beyond our northern boundary.

Mergus serrator, Zinn. Red-breasted Merganser.

Like the preceding, a winter visitor with us, but in much
smaller numbers.

[Mergus cucullatus, Zinn. Hooded Merganser.

In the list of birds given in Smiles’s Life of a Scottish
Naturalist, p. 414, Edward says: “I was told by an old gunner
and bird-stuffer that he had shot a specimen of this species,
but I cannot vouch for its accuracy.”

“Very rare visitant; one in Banff Museum, shot at Strath-
beg.” (Serle.) It seems strange that if the specimen here
referred to was killed at Strathbeg, Edward takes no notice
of it, seeing he was for so many years caretaker of Banff
Museum. Beyond the above, there is no evidence, so far as I
know, of the Hooded Merganser ever having occurred in
“ Dee.’ |

Mergus albellus, Zinn. Smew.

This beautiful bird is not common with us, and has to be
recorded as a winter straggler. Hdward says: [A specimen,
either of the Smew or White-headed Duck (Mergus albellus) or
Hooded Merganser (M. cucullatus), was killed in the winter of
1821; but, unfortunately, it was destroyed by a dog. From
the description given, I have no doubt it was a Smew.”’]

154 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

In 1864 one was killed upon the Ythan, and was in the
collection of the late James Forsyth, police constable there.
In 1877 a female was killed on the Don, beside Waterton, by
Mr. F. Logie Pirie’s keeper. On January 19th, 1890, a male
of the first year was killed on the lake at Brucklay Castle;
and on February 20th, 1892, a female was shot by Lord
Carnegie on the Loch of Strathbeg. Again, on January 16th,
1894, a female was shot on the Don, near Fintray. This and
the three foregoing specimens were sent to me. Their
stomachs contained water insects, mollusca, sticklebacks, and
bits of quartz. Mr. John Wilson, Methlick, has a fine male
specimen in his collection, which was killed in his neigh-
bourhood.

Order COLUMB4.
Family COLUMBIDA.
Genus COLUMBA, Linn.

Columba palumbus, Zinn. ‘Wood Pigeon.” ‘Ring-Dove.”
“Cushat.” ‘Cushie Doo.”

Generally distributed, and in great abundance. Go where
one may throughout ‘“ Dee,’ where forest or birch scrubs
exist, one is sure to hear and see the Cushat. Away in the
lonely glen, where but few, if any, habitations exist, the writer
has, at the close of some happily spent day, rolled in his plaid,
laid himself amongst scented birch and waving bracken,
where he was lulled into sleep and pleasant slumber by the
soft cooing of the Cushat, mingled with the plaintive wail of
the Plover, and the wildly-weird summer cry of the wary
‘““Whaup,”’ to be awakened at early morn by the first coo-roo-
coo-coo of his favourite bird and the distant grouse-cock’s
‘morning call.

Only those who have undergone such experiences can
imagine half the pleasure that attends such rambles; and
now, in the evening of his days, the writer can look back upon
the drama of his humble life and see every here and there,
standing out in bold relief, the Ring-Dove arrayed in nuptial
raiment, ever and anon uttering his soft and soothing call.
Away in the wooded banks of the sluggish Don, in the dark

BIRDS. 155

pine woods of Mar, near the “infant rills of Highland Dee,”
the wide expanse of Ballochbuie Forest, the “birken shaws”’
of lone Glen Muick, the wild wooded slopes of deep Glen
Tanner, or the less wild, but not less fair, banks of Cowie
Water—on all these, and many others, has he made acquain-
tance with the Cushat under happy circumstances. Long may
this gem of our woods and wilds be allowed to live in health
and peace. Yet, somehow, it seems as if such a wish were
not to be realised, for in some seasons we have seen the Ring-
Dove lying in hundreds throughout the woods, the victims of
some epidemic—many dead, others in the last stages of the
fell disease. This is caused by a fungoid-like growth in the
throat, by which the poor birds are ultimately choked. What
is the real nature of the disease, or what its cause, I am
unable to say.

Columba cenas, Linn. Stock-Dove.

Until within the past twelve years this bird was not
known in “ Dee.” About that time it was observed on the
Links of St. Fergus, where it has since continued to breed,
its nesting-quarters being in disused rabbit-holes. It is
yearly increasing, and has now extended its range to the
Links of Mennie and to the ‘back bar,’ a stretch of sand
dunes that hes between the Loch of Strathbeg and the sea.
Although now a regular breeding species, it does not remain
with us during winter. After the duties of incubation are
over, it spreads over the country, feeding upon the stubble
fields, and in autumn departs to be seen no more until the
following spring.

Columba livia, Bonnaterre. Rock-Dove.

The Rock-Dove is a regular and constant resident in the
rocky caverns along the coast of Kincardine and Aberdeen
shires, on the ledges of which it builds its nest and brings
forth its young. It has, especially along the Kincardine
coast, freely interbred with the domestic pigeon, with the
result that many of the specimens there are not the usual
colour, but are splashed in many parts of the body and wings
with white. Still, many of the real livia are to be seen there,
and of late years they are increasing. It is only along the
coast line that this species can be seen with us.

156 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

In 1886, Mr. William Wilson, jun., Hillock, Terpersie, Tully-
nessle, reported to Colonel H. M. Drummond Hay that the
Rock-Dove “is permanently resident on the rocks along the
sides of the rivulets on the Coreen Hills, Central Aberdeen-
shire ;” and at the meeting of the East of Scotland Union of
Naturalists’ Societies, held at Perth, 1887, Mr. Wilson gave a
paper on the same subject (pp. 23 and 24 of the “ Proceed-
ings”), repeating that the bird “nested beside the rivulets
of the Coreen Hills.” Being anxious to make sure of the
correctness of this statement, I made a journey to Terpersie
and Coreen Hills in June, 1890, and there met Mr. Wilson, in
company with whom both the glens in which the Rock-Dove
had been reported to breed were visited, but no such bird was
to be seen, although some Wood-Pigeons were observed, and
several nests were found, which were evidently those belong-
ing to the latter species. Some of these nests were in low
stunted mountain ashes, others on the ledges of rocks.

Again, in August, 1893, I made a second journey to those
glens, as it had, since my first visit, been suggested that
the bird might be the Stock-Dove. Being determined that
the search should be thorough, not a bush of any sort—
mountain ash, willow, birch, broom, or heath—was passed
without being closely scrutinised. At the foot of a birch
bush a nest built of heather twigs was found, and, while
examining it, two Wood-Pigeons came within ten yards of
where the nest was, evidently with the intention of taking
possession of the structure, but shied off as soon as the
intruder was observed. Another nest, placed in the lower
branches of a willow bush and built of the same material as
the first-mentioned, represented all the nests within the glen,
which is a short one and easily seen from end to end. After
watching for several hours and seeing nothing but the
common “Cushat,”’ I left this glen, through which the
Clistie Burn flows, and took to the glen through which the
Cot Burn “ wimples” leisurely along, and searched from head
to foot, with the same result as in the first instance.

It is therefore perfectly clear to me that neither Rock-
Dove nor Stock-Dove frequents these glens; and the whole
trouble has been raised through the “ Cushat”’ placing its nest
in some instances upon rocky ledges, and thus “ bringing upon
itself” the name of Rock-Dove.

BIRDS. 157

Genus TURTUR, Selby.
Turtur communis, Seby. Turtle Dove.

‘“T have only heard of two specimens of this bird being
shot in the neighbourhood. The one in August, 1849, near
Old Aberdeen, and the other in September, 1851.” (J.
Longmuir, Naturalist, vol. il., p. 238.)

This is by no means a common bird with us. It may
therefore be looked upon as an accidental straggler, and its
recorded occurrences within “ Dee” are not numerous. ‘On
April 380th, 1870, one was seen in the grounds at Keith-hall
by the late Mr. S. Burnett.” (Scottish Naturalist, vol. i., p. 85.)
‘“‘A pair was seen frequenting a field of newly sown turnips at
Bridgend, Fyvie, and was shot on May 27th, 1875.” (George
Sim, Fyvie, Scottish Naturalist, vol. iii., p. 112.) One was shot
at Tarland in 1891, and was preserved by Mr. Benzie, Char-
lotte Street, Aberdeen, with whom I saw it. ‘‘One was seen
by Mr. J. Henderson, keeper, at Brucklay Castle.” (Horn.)
“One has been seen at Inverugie.” (Serle.)

On November 8th, 1895, Mr. J. Wilson, Methlick, writes

_ that “a party of five Turtle Doves in a wild state went close

past me. I saw them a quarter-of-a-mile distant, and might
have had time to get my gun, but did not think they would
pass so close. However, a Sparrow-Hawk was not so neglect-
ful for he attacked them, causing one to pass through a pane
of glass, and so it was made a prisoner.”

Gray says: “I have myself seen this bird in a wild state
in Aberdeenshire.” One was shot at Balmedie, near Aber-
deen, September 4th, 1902, and was sent to me.

Order PTEROCLETES.
Family PTEROCLIDA.
Genus SYRRHAPTES, Illger.

Syrrhaptes paradoxus, Pallas. Pallas’s Sand-Grouse.

This interesting stranger, a native of the Steppes of

Central Asia, made its first appearance in “Dee” in 1863,
L

158 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF ‘ DEE.”

when a number of fine specimens were obtained. Hopes were
at that time entertained that the bird might remain with us
and become permanently resident, but this hope was not
realised, for by the end of the summer of that year none of
the birds was to be seen; those of them that had escaped
being shot had again taken their departure. Not again until
1888 did the bird appear in Britain, in the spring of which
year vast numbers landed along the eastern coast of
Scotland—the county of Aberdeen being specially favoured—
many of the birds having taken up their quarters upon the
sandy ground that lies between Mennie on the south, right on
to the sands of Forvie on the north, and, again, upon the
“back bar,” beside the Loch of Strathbeg. On these places
I have had opportunities of seeing the birds and of studying
their habits.

Regarding the food of this species while here, the follow-
ing list includes all the kinds that have been yet satisfactorily
identified: Yare or spurrey, Spergula arvensis; knot grass,
Polygonum aviculare; clover, probably Trifolewm pratense ;
orache, Atriplex babington; flowers and seed of the small
yellow clover, Trifolewm minus; mouse-eared chickweed,
Cerastium vulgare; eyebright, Huphrasia officinalis ; leaves and
seeds of sorrel, Rumex acetosella; chickweed, Stellaria media ;
dock, Rumex crispus ; rye-grass, Loliwm perenne; broom, Spartium
scopurium; Molina cerulea; bent, Triticum gunceum; all the
vetches common to the district, and, indeed, this may be said
of the Legununose generally; barley, wheat, and oats; large
seeds, which can be referred to nothing but that of the apple;
and, Jastly, the chrysalis of some small moth. The seeds
partaken of most freely were those of the ‘“‘yare;”’ frequently
I have taken as much as three-quarters of an ounce of it from
a single crop.

Besides the localities already mentioned, the birds were
seen, and many obtained, through the whole eastern side of
“Dee;” but this took place chiefly on their arrival. As the
season wore on, the birds collected in packs upon such ground
as that mentioned above. By the end of autumn all the birds
had left us; but not so in other favoured localities, for in
1889 a young one was found at Binsness, near Forres, an
account of which appears in Professor Newton’s paper in the
Ibis for April, 1890.

BIRDS. 159

Order GA LLIN 4.
Family PHASIANIDA.
Genus PHASIANUS, Linn.
Phasianus colchicus, Zinn. Pheasant.

_ Although this species has been a resident in Britain for
the last six hundred years— perhaps much longer (see Pro-
fessor Boyd Dawkins’s note in Yarrell’s British Birds, 4th Ed.,
vol. iil., p. 94)—it does not seem to have found its way to
“Dee” earlier than considerably after the beginning of the
last century. It is stated in the N.S. A. that in the parish
of Monymusk, Pheasants in “considerable numbers, which
had been lately introduced by the proprietor, are now thriving
at large.” In the same publication, the Pheasant is men-
tioned in the list of birds for the parish of Chapel of Garioch.
It is now abundant over most of the district, but this is due
to the care devoted to it by man. It is doubtful if it could
“hold its own” if not reared under foster-mothers and care-
fully cooped and fed for the first few months of its life.

Genus CACCIBIS, Kaup.
Caccibis rufa, Zinn. Red-legged Partridge.

A specimen of this bird was shot by the gamekeeper on
the estate of Scotstown, near Aberdeen, on December 21st,
1866, and sent to me. This is the specimen mentioned by
Gray, who says it was shot “in the last week of January,
1867.” Mr. Gray concludes that “this Aberdeenshire speci-
men therefore must have been a migratory visitor from the
south.” ,

There are many reasons why we cannot concur in such
an opinion, one of which may be mentioned. For some
years back there has been a strong desire manifested on the
part of many landed proprietors and keepers to have
“new blood” and varieties of colour introduced amongst
their Pheasants, and in their dealings with London egg-
vendors, they have, on many occasions known to me, had

sent to them eggs of the Red-legged Partridge, as well as
L 2

160 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

other varieties, instead of what they ordered; the result being:
that Red-legged and other forms of Partridge have been
hatched out in various parts of the country. Hence it is
just as likely that this “Aberdeenshire specimen” had been
hatched in the district as that it was a migratory visitor.

Genus PERDIX, Brisson.

Perdix cinerea, Latham. Partridge.

Common on all suitable ground throughout “Dee.” The
Partridge, like most other birds, is subject to considerable
variation in colour. A not uncommon variation is that of a
light drab, with faintly-traced tints of the ordinary markings.
In others the colours are almost pure white, but in each of
these the specimens were all birds of the year with ill-
developed feathers. Another variation, not so common, is
that of birds that agree with that figured by Sir William
Jardine as Perdix montana, Nat. Lib., vol. iv., p. 79. Others
again are of a dark chestnut colour, one of which is in the
possession of the Hon. Captain Forbes, Glasgoego Cottage,
Blackburn.

Genus COTURNIX, Bonnaterre.

Coturnix communis, Bonn. Quail.

The Quail is not a common species in “Dee,” still it is
one that is occasionally found, and its nest and eggs have
been seen in the district. A Quail’s nest with twelve eggs
was found in the parish of New Deer by the Rev. J. Smith,
Monquhitter, in 1848. A nest, also containing twelve eggs, was
found on the estate of Craigmile, Aberdeenshire, July, 1865,
three of which came into my hands. It is reported in
the Aberdeen Herald, November 4th, 1865, that a Quail was
shot near Grandholm. One was killed at Kintore, September
5th, 1870, and another at Craigmile on the 16th of the same
month. A pair bred at Craigdam, parish of Tarves, in the
summer of 1870. In 1876 a pair bred at Tarland. For the
information respecting the last the writer is indebted to
Mr. John M‘Bain, head keeper to Lord Aberdeen. A pair,
male and female, were killed by Lindsay Pirie, Hsq., near
Inverurie, October 12th and 19th, 1885. One, a female, was

BIRDS. 161

killed at Glenbervie, September 23rd, 1893. In the same
year, Mr. George Sim, Fyvie, informed me that a Quail
was heard by him from 20th May till 12th June; and on
9th September of the same year, one was killed at Wartle by
Mr. W. Leslie. Again, in the same year, a nest containing
thirteen eggs was found near Newburgh, on the Ythan, by
Mr. Murray, who brought one of the eggs to me for identifica-
tion. On October 29th, 1895, a female was shot upon the
links a little to the north of the Don, and was brought by
its captor to the writer. The above-mentioned species were
all extremely fat, and their stomachs filled with various seeds
and small beetles.

“T have heard of its occurrence in Morayshire; but the
most northern locality known to me with certainty is the
parish of Towie in Aberdeenshire, whence my friend Mr.
Craigie sent me twelve eggs that were found in a grass field
by a mower.” (MacGillivray.)

“T have eggs said to have been found near Banchory-
Ternan in Kincardineshire. A party or brood for some time
haunted a cornfield not far from Kintore, in September, 1869.”
(Stewart Burnett, Scottish Naturalist, vol. i., p. 85.)

In the O. S. A. for the parish of Lonmay, Quails find a
place in the list of birds given.

' Family TETRAONIDA.
Genus LAGOPUS, Brisson.
Lagopus cinereus, MacG. Ptarmigan.

To this beautiful bird the name of Lagopus mutus has been
given; but such an appellation seems to me to be misapplied.
Often on the summits of some of our high mountain ranges,
where little life is visible, I have been startled by the snorting
cry of the Ptarmigan as it arose from some lichen-covered
cairn; and where the bird is fairly numerous the cry can be
heard repeated on all sides, evidence surely that mutuws cannot
be applied to it. In such localities I have watched the bird
while it was yet in its winter dress, when it had assumed its
mottled spring garb, and when in its beautiful blueish-grey
summer robes. Again, I have seen it month by month
gradually returning to its cold-like wintry white; and
although it has been asserted that each of these changes

162 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

means a change of colour only in the feathers, there is
nothing to warrant such a contention. Feathers in every
case are developed suited to the wants of the species and
the changes of the season.

The Ptarmigan is a common species that generally keeps
to the summits of our highest mountains, but it is not strictly
confined to such situations. It has been seen on Bennachie
(1733 feet), and one was killed there by the late Sir James
Elphinstone, who sent it to me. Four were seen on the low
Culsalmond Hills, August, 1885, as I was informed by Mr.
Walker, keeper; and it has been shot upon the Hill of
Mormond (769 feet), by Mr. Corbet, of Cortes, on Christmas
Day, 1877.

Lagopus scoticus, Latham. Red Grouse. Muir or
Moor Fowl. Muir Cock. “ Gor-cock.”

This plentifully-distributed native is one that brings back
pleasant recollections to me. Living in a district surrounded
by grouse moors in the years 1858, 1859, and 1860, there were
many opportunities afforded of studying the habits of the
‘‘ Gor-cock,” which were not altogether neglected. Often in
company with our old friend, ‘Charlie’”’ Riddle, the keeper,
who was ever ready to help, have we found ourselves upon the
hill-side before even a ‘‘ streak of grey’’ was visible. At such
a time we have found ourselves stepping cautiously, lest by
some untoward movement we might break in upon the solemn
holy stillness of the hour; and in contemplation of such
silent, yet eloquent, surroundings, how often have fallen into
a reverie from which we were hastily aroused by the first call
of the Grouse-cock, who announced that day had come, and
now was the time to be up and doing.

The Red Grouse is an abundant species in “ Dee,” and its
range extends from the highest mountains in the interior to
the flats and moors along the coast line, where heather grows
plentifully.

Genus THTRAO, Linn.

Tetrao tetrix, Zinn. Black Grouse. “Black-game.”

Like the foregoing, this is an abundant species, frequent-
ing plantations, birch-scrub, and the bare hill-sides. ‘There

Photo. | HYBRID BETWEEN CAPERCAILLIE AND PHEASANT. [Mr. Middleton.

BIRDS. 1638

are few more strange or interesting sights to be witnessed by
the field naturalist than what is to be seen at early morn
when the Black Cocks meet to prove their power in battle.
Then they congregate in numbers on some knoll, and there
fight with such determination that some are scarcely able to
quit the field, their loud cries the while being easily heard a
mile distant. Thus they begin the season of love.

Tetrao urogallus, Zinn. Capercaillie.

The Capercaillie, once a common species throughout Scot-
land, became extinct about 1762. An attempt was made to
reinstate the bird at Mar Lodge in 1827, and at Inverernan in
1870, both of which resulted in failure; but in 1887 a number
of birds were brought from Sweden to Taymouth, which
throve, and from them our present stock has come. Year by
year they have extended their ground northward, and are now
resident and breeding freely in “ Dee.”

It is rather a curious fact that in the “extension of
territory’ of this species, it is the female that takes the lead.
This has been particularly evident in the approach to and
march through “Dee.” In every case where the Capercaillie
has appeared, the female takes up the ground several years
before a cock is to be seen; and one result of that is that,
upon ground thus occupied by the female only, a number of
crosses between her and the Black Cock are obtained. Nor
does she confine herself to the Black Cock alone, Pheasants
also she will mate with. A very curious cross of this sort was
shot by Sir Arthur Grant, Bart., at Monymusk, in the autumn
of 1895. Sir Arthur sent it to the writer, who, after having
preserved the bird, had it photographed, a reproduction of
which is here given. This frequency of hybridism on the
outskirts of Capercaillie territory has been observed in other
countries.

The first appearance of the Capercaillie near Aberdeen was
that of a female, which was shot in the wood of Kincorth in
1879. This specimen is in my hands. In 1896 a nest with
six eggs was found at Hazelhead Moor, and in 1897 another
with three eggs.

164 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Order FULICARI 2.
Family RALLIDA.
Genus RALLUS, Linn.

Rallus aquaticus, Zinn. Water-Rail.

This retiring little bird is not well known with us, never-
theless it is fairly abundant where suitable haunts exist.
There it lives and brings forth its young, and, in its autumnal
migration, it frequently falls to the sportsman’s gun.

Genus CREX, Bechstein.

Crex porzana, Zinn. Spotted Crake.

“T have .. . . seen many specimens obtained in
Forfarshire, in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen, and in various
parts of that county. Dr. Farquharson mentions its breeding
in Alford.” (MacGillivray.)

Edward, in his Birds of Strathbeg, says, “twice found;” but
gives no clue as to who found them, or when or where they
were found.

This cannot be regarded as a common species in “ Dee.”
In the course of forty years I have only seen or heard of the
following: In 18638, two were shot on the estate of Haughton,
Alford, one of which was preserved and was in the possession
of the proprietor, from whom I received the information. The
second specimen was too much injured and was cast aside.
On 15th September, 1866, one was shot upon the estate of
Fasque, and was sent to me by the proprietor, the late
Sir Thomas Gladstone. On the same date, one was shot on
the Aberdeen Links by the late Mr. J. Proctor, and in Sep-
tember, 1875, one was killed at Newburgh by Mr. C. Pope.
This was an immature bird. In the same month and year,
one was shot by Col. Simpson, Cobairdy, near Huntly, while
about the same time another was killed on Old Aberdeen
Links, and is in the possession of Mr. Campbell, Hutcheon
Street, Aberdeen.

BIRDS. 165

Crex pratensis, Bechstein. Corn-Crake. Land-Rail.

This is a regular annual visitor, arriving in May. It is
to be heard uttering its rough cry as it moves along the
pasture field, which, at that early season, has not grass
sufficient to shade the timorous crake from observation. It
is plentifully distributed throughout our district, forming its
nest in the hay, corn, grass, and even in uncultivated lands.
It generally brings out two broods, and then departs about
September, although we have often seen it as late as the
month of November.

Genus GALLINULA, Brisson.
Gallinula chloropus, Zinn. Moor-Hen. ‘Water-Hen.”

Resident and common, frequenting lochs, streams, and
mill-ponds.

Genus FULICA, Brisson.
Fulica atra, Linn. Common Coot. Bald Coot.

Like the last-named species, the Coot is abundant through-
out ‘Dee,’ occupying the same localities and in company
with the Water-Hen.

Order ALECTORIDES.
Family GRUIDA.
Genus GRUS, Bechstein.
Grus communis, Bech. Crane.

“This ‘occasional and very rare visitor,’ as Yarrell entitles
it, has lately occurred in this neighbourhood. It was first
seen about the end of May in a field about eight miles up the
river Dee, and remained some days in the vicinity before
being shot. It was a young male, and is now in the
possession of Mr. Alex. Mitchell.” (J. Longmuir, Naturalist,
vol. i1., p. 288, 1852.)

Gray, in speaking of this same specimen of the Crane,
says: “It was killed by Mr. Francis Anderson, and is still in

166 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

that gentleman’s possession. The specimen was preserved by
Mr. Mitchell, and shown by him to the late Professor Mac-
Gillivray shortly before his death. It was the only example
of the species ever seen in the flesh by that excellent
ornithologist, and is now invested with a somewhat melan-
choly interest, as being the very last bird he examined.”

Smith, in his New History of Aberdeenshire, published in
1875, in speaking of “‘ water birds which are common either on
the sea-shore, or visitants to the Loch of Strathbeg,” includes
in the list “the Common Crane (Grus cinerea);” but the
zoological portions of this “ History” are utterly unreliable.
“One seen on 21st November, 1868; it was pursued and
teased by a great number of rooks and jackdaws.” (George
Sim, Fyvie, MS. list.)

Family OTIDIDA.
Genus OTIS, Lan.

Otis macqueeni, Gray. Macqueen’s Bustard.

A male was shot near St. Fergus, Pitfour Estates, by
J. G. Walker, October 24th, 1898—(recorded in the Annals of
Scottish Natural History, 1899, p. 73).

Otis tetrax, Zinn. Little Bustard.

This rare and accidental straggler is represented in ‘“ Dee”’
by two examples, the first of which, a female, was shot by
Mr. J. B. Manson on the estate of Fingask, Oldmeldrum,
November 18th, 1873. It was sent to me. The bird was in
fair condition; its stomach was filled with turnip-tops, and
its weight was 1 lb. 74 ounces. The second specimen was
killed at Culter, December 10th, 1889; sex and weight not
noted. It was preserved by Mr. Benzie, Aberdeen.

Family CHARADRIIDA.
Genus CHARADRIUS, Linn.

Charadrius pluvialis, Zinn. Golden Plover.

There is no suitable hill within “Dee” that I have
visited during the summer without seeing this bird. Upon

BIRDS. 167

the tops of the ranges of middle height the plaintive wail
of the Plover is always to be heard. On some of the
Strathdon hills—the Coreen range, for example—the Plover,
in the breeding season, is very abundant. On these hill-
tops I have heard the birds calling around me by the dozen,
and if one but remains stationary for a little, the inquisitive
creatures come up quite close to where, to them, the strange
figure stands motionless.

When the duties of incubation have been performed, and
the young able to take wing with their parents, the Plovers
gather in flocks and betake themselves to the sea coast,
where they are to be seen during autumn. Some remain in
favourable localities all the winter, but most of the birds
leave us for a time, making their appearance again early
in spring.

Charadrius helvetica, Zinn. Grey Plover.

This species is fairly abundant along the coast for a short
time during its autumnal migration. Although it is claimed
as a common ‘“ Dee” bird by several of the writers of the
O. S. A. there is no question that they were mistaken.
Indeed, I find that in many cases the “Golden” Plover is
called the “Grey” by people from whom something more
- might be expected.

Charadrius curonicus, Gmelin. Little Ringed Plover.

This little bird has only on one occasion been obtained in
“ Dee,” an adult male specimen having been caught alive in
Aberdeen Fish Market, May 17th, 1894. It was given to me
by Mr. Smith, the late superintendent of the market, and is
still in my possession.

Charadrius hiaticula, Zinn. Ringed Plover.

A common summer visitor, and breeds extensively among
the sand dunes that lie along the Aberdeenshire coast, as also
along the river-sides where suitable ground occurs.

Charadrius morinellus, Zinn. Dotterel.

Hveryone who has written about birds within the past
forty years has had to state that the Dotterel continues

168 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

to decrease in numbers, and the statement must now be
repeated. It may, however, be well, before recording the
latest occurrences of this interesting species in “ Dee,” to
bring together every bit of information we have been able
to “lay hands upon” regarding it.

In the O. S. A. of the parish of Tarland; we are told
that “the mountains abound with Moor-fowl, Plover, and
Dotterel.”” In vol. ix., p. 107, of the same work, the Dotterel
is included in the list of birds given for the parish of Birse,
and in vol. xv., p. 475, for the parish of Alford.

“In the parish of Towie, in Aberdeenshire, I met with a
very large flock on the low hill, on the 10th September, 1821,
and was assured by a gentleman residing at its foot that they
bred on the elevated moors every year.’ The author, con-
tinuing, says: “ Dr. Irving, Old Aberdeen, informs me that he
has shot several specimens in August and September on the
moors near Tarland. The Rev. Mr. Smith says: ‘The Dotterel
is seen almost yearly, in its progress towards the north, on the
links—as they are called—which adjoin the Loch of Strath-
beg. In May, 1847, I accidentally fell in with a flock upon a
piece of ploughed land, near the old castle of Fedderat, in
New Deer. On the 8th of August, 1851, being on the
celebrated mountain of Lochnagar, in the upper part of
Aberdeenshire, I came upon a Dotterel, which flew from
among some stones, pretending lameness, and hovered around,
manifesting great anxiety. Although it was evident the bird
had a nest or young ones, as it fluttered and limped when
chased, we failed in discovering its charge. They are known
to breed in other parts of Aberdeenshire, especially in the
Strathdon district.” (MacGillivray.)

“Three were shot at Strathbeg, in the spring of 1852,
by Mr. Crawford Noble, who sent me this information.”
(Edward.)

In the N. S. A. of Aberdeenshire, the Dotterel is included in
the “Zoology” of Glenbucket; and for the parish of Strathdon
it is said, ‘and the Dotterel’s (C. morimellus) nest is found in
the more sequestered hills.”

“Very rare; I have only seen one, which was killed at
Belnagouk in May, 1858. It was so covered with oily fat that,
before the skin was taken off, the feathers were completely
run over.” (J. Wilson, Methlick, MS.)

BIRDS. - 169

Mr. William M‘Boyle informs me that, prior to 1860,
“ Dotterel were seen every year, for a few days, about Craig-
ston, near Turriff, some of which I shot.”

About 1872, Mr. Watters saw a flock of eight or nine on the
hill beside Aboyne Castle. He had observed several on the
same ground for some years.

On the 28th of May, 1878, three Dotterels were killed near
the Loch of Loirston, Kincardineshire. These were sent to
me; and on the same date one got killed by striking the
telegraph wires at Cove, and was sent to the late Mr.
Mitchell, Aberdeen. As these two places are near to one
another, there seems little doubt that those birds had formed
part of the same flock.

Mr. Fletcher, manager of Glenbucket Estate, informs me
that Dotterel used to breed on the top of the hills to the
north of the Glen, and that the former keeper had shot them
there. I accordingly interviewed this man (Mr. Clark), and
he said that “twelve years ago” he saw a female with one
young one on the top of the Gellacharn. This would have
been about 1879.

On the 25th of June, 1886, I received two from James
Allan, Esq. of Templand, Auchterless, which had been killed
in the parish of Fyvie. Two were killed at New Deer in
1887, and also forwarded to me.

Genus VANELLUS, Brisson.

Vanellus vulgaris, Bechsteen. Lapwing. ‘‘ Peewit.”
“Tuchit.” “Green Plover.”

This familiar and still common bird is year by year
decreasing in numbers, and must continue to do so if the
treatment it has been subjected to for many years past is
allowed to continue. Few birds there be that are so essen-
tially the farmer’s friend, and none exist that do him more real
good and require from him nothing in the shape of a share in
his produce for their service. The ‘Tuchit’s” sole requirement
is to be allowed to pick up the insects, many of which are
injurious to the farmer’s interests and peace, and a quiet
place to bring out its young. This being so, we should
naturally expect that farmers would see that their servants

170 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

and families did not take, as they have been doing, thousands
of dozens of Lapwings’ eggs every year, for no other purpose
than that the depraved taste of the idle gourmands that fill the
highest places in society may be gratified. But farmers are
thoughtless, indeed ignorant of the mischief that is being
done, and so long as a high price is offered for Plovers’ eggs,
unless those immediately interested become alive to what the
ultimate result must be, the evil will continue until the
pleasant cry of the “ Peewit”’ will be heard no more in the
land.

Genus STREPSILAS, Illiger.

Strepsilas interpres, Zinn. Turnstone.

To be seen in flocks along the coast during spring
migration, where they sometimes remain till the middle or
end of June.

On the 14th of June, 1890, I, in company with Messrs.
M‘Boyle, late of Peterhead, saw a number of Turnstones at
Scotston Head, a little to the north of the river Ugie, two of
which—a male and female—we obtained. Both were well
advanced in their summer dress, but this species is not known
to breed in Britain. Again, in autumn, they appear in
numbers, some of them remaining until the end of the year.

In December, 1896, one was brought to me that was shot
from a small flock at the mouth of the Don.

Genus HAXMATOPUS, Linn.

Hzematopus ostralegus, Zinn. Oyster-Catcher.
“Sea-Pie.” ‘“Crocket.”

A common resident species, living in flocks about the
estuaries during winter, and betaking itself to the rivers in
summer for the purpose of incubation. Then it may be found
right at the head-waters in the interior of the country.
Its nest, formed among the shingle by the river-sides, is
merely a slight hollow amongst the stones, and there three or
four eggs are deposited. Some places seem to have an
attraction for this bird during the breeding season which
other localities, apparently equally favourable, do not possess.

BIRDS. 171

Such a place is upon the Dee, opposite Castleton of Braemar,
and upon the Clunie Water, not far distant. In July, 1892,
I saw the birds near the head-waters of the Don.

Family SCOLOPACIDA.
Genus RECURVIROSTRA, Linn.

Recurvirostra avocetta, Zinn. Avocet.

Very rare; the only specimen known to have occurred in
“Dee” is one that was shot on Old Aberdeen Links by the late
Mr. A. Mitchell in 1841. Edward says, in his list of the
Birds of Strathbeg, that the Avocet “has been obtained,” but
the statement is too vague to be of any value.

[Genus HIMANTOPUS, Brisson.
Himantopus candidus, Bonnaterre, Black-winged Stilt.

The only notice of this species having been seen in
“Dee” is that given by Gray, who says: “The first infor-
mation I received was from my indefatigable correspondent,
Mr. Angus, of Aberdeen, in the following note: ‘15th Sep-
tember, 1867—I1 observed a bird in the Tile Burn, near
Don-mouth, which, on close inspection, I recognised as the
Stilt Plover, . . . . viewed with a binocular glass, under
a clear sun, at a distance of 130 yards, the legs orange, iris
beautiful red.’” This is charmingly exact. The Stilt’s eye
is under a quarter-of-an-inch in diameter. Let anyone view
an eye four times that size placed at the same distance, and
see if he can say if it is “ beautiful red” or any other colour,
especially under a clear sun! |

Genus PHALAROPUS, Brisson.

Phalaropus hyperboreus, Zinn. Red-necked
Phalarope.

Like the preceding, this is a very uncommon species in
“Dee.” One was obtained at Aberdeen in 1846; but I am
unable to say who obtained it, or by whom it was identified.

172 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

‘A female specimen was shot at Fraserburgh on 27th
October, 1853, by Mr. John Gatherer of H.M. Customs there.”
(Kdward.) The bird was given by its captor to Edward.

‘On the 15th and 18th of September, 1870, two were shot
by Mr. A. Mitchell on Old Aberdeen Links.” (Taylor’s MS.)

Phalaropus fulicarius, Lenn. Grey Phalarope.

On November ist, 1866, one was killed in the Tile Burn,
near Don-mouth, by the late Mr. A. Mitchell.

“During the gales of 23rd and 24th December, 1876, one
was killed on the Oldtown Links, Aberdeen.” (Taylor’s MS.)
There was one in the possession of the late Mr. A. Mitchell,
and was seen while in his hands by Mr. A. M‘Pherson, as he
has it recorded in his MS. Natural History Journal.

Edward includes this species in his Birds of Strathbeg.

Genus SCOLOPAX, Brisson.
Scolopax rusticula, Zinn. Woodcock.

A common species throughout our district, where it
breeds in considerable and increasing numbers. It is now
admitted, although long looked upon as mythical, that the
Woodcock can, and does, carry its young from place to place
by its feet.

Of course in addition to those resident, there is a large
influx each autumn; consequently we have a much larger
number throughout the winter than at any other season of
the year.

Genus GALLINAGO, Leach.
Gallinago major, Gmelin. Great Snipe.

An occasional visitor to “Dee.” HKdward mentions “one
having been sent from Strathbeg along with some other birds,”
to the Rev. Mr. Smith, rector of Banff Academy, about 1839
or 1840.

“One was shot by Mr. Duncan, at Aberdour, on the estate
of Brucklay.” (Horn.)

One was obtained on the estate of Durris, in October, 1871,
by the late Major Keen, who sent it to me.

_ BIRDS. 178

Gallinago ceelestis, Frenzel. Common Snipe.

Abundant, and breeds freely in all suitable grounds.

Galliinago gallinula, Zinn. Jack Snipe.

“Generally reported a winter visitor as perhaps most are
here. In autumn seldom observed till the end of October.
In their favourite localities a few are certainly found
far on in spring. I have seen them even late in June, and
once found in June, 1848, a nest of four eggs.” (S. Burnett's
MS.)
Although common in winter, the above is the only record
of nesting of this species in “ Dee” of which I am aware.

Genus TRINGA, Linn.

[Tringa maculata, Veillot. Pectoral Sandpiper.

“An immature bird was shot by Mr. A. Mitchell, at Don-
mouth, on the 2nd October, 1867.” (Gray.) |

Tringa alpina, Zinn. Dunlin.

Abundant during spring and autumn migrations, especially
the latter. A few remain with us during summer and breed
about the links of St. Fergus, Loch of Strathbeg, and other
suitable localities.

Tringa minuta, Zeisler. Little Stint.

Abundant for a short time during autumn, at which period
it may be seen feeding about the mud flats of the Don and
Ythan, where I have frequently obtained it. ;

In its autumnal southern flight, the Little Stint sometimes
strikes lighthouses, and is found dead or dying by the keepers.

Tringa temmincki, Zeisler. Temminck’s Stint.

“A specimen of this rare bird was obtained on Old
Aberdeen Links, by Mr. A. Mitchell, in August, 1871, and
in the same place, second week of June, 1872, a second
specimen.” (Taylor’s MS.)

M

174 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

Mr. Gray, in his Appendix to the Burds of the West of
Scotland, p. 514, says: ‘‘ Mr. Mitchell has since informed me
that he shot a second specimen on 4th September,” but no
year is mentioned, so that Mr. Mitchell must have forgotten
the 1872 specimen as being his second, or there may be some
mistake in the 1872 record. |

One was shot at the Colly Burn, near Peterhead, by
Mr. John M‘Boyle, 5th September, 1891.

Tringa subarquata, Giildenstédt. Curlew Sandpiper.

This species is known to occur sparingly in most suitable
places along the coast of “Dee.” The late Mr. Mitchell
obtained it at Don-mouth, and it has been got several times
by Mr. M‘Boyle at Peterhead, with whom I have seen it.
Mr. Stewart Burnett claims to have seen it in the parish of
Kinellar on 30th May, 1852, when, from its behaviour, he
thought it might have young. He also records having seen it
‘“‘in wet localities near Kintore and Echt.”

Tringa striata, Zinn. Purple Sandpiper.

This hardy little bird may be seen in small flocks on the
rocky portions of the coast of “ Dee,’ and few more beautiful
and interesting sights may be witnessed than that of a
number of these birds crowding on a rocky ledge upon which
every now and again the sea comes washing. How nimbly
the little things spring on wing as if fearful lest their feet
get wet with the coming of the laving tide, and how quickly
they return when the waves recede, to feed upon the small
crustaceans to be found amongst the short sea-weed. There
they run, turn, leap over, and “ dodge”’ each other as they
pass, in the most curious manner, and however small the
ledge may be, while each individual is eager to make the most
of its time, there never appears to be any quarrelling amongst
them.

Tringa canutus, Zinn. Knot.

A regular autumn visitor, some continuing through the
greater part of winter. I have seen specimens killed in
September still in possession of a great part of their breeding
dress.

BIRDS. 175

This bird is often called the Silver Plover, and is fre-
quently confused with the Grey Plover.

Genus MACHETES, Cuvier.
Machetes pugnax, Zinn. Ruff.

This species passes along the coast in March, on their way
to their breeding haunts, at which times they can be heard
uttering their cry as they fly and wheel around Aberdeen after
nightfall. They are to be seen and heard, however, in greater
numbers in their autumnal flight, at which season I have
observed them in large flocks upon the marshy ground near
Don-mouth. From these flocks considerable numbers are
obtained, but they are nearly all immature birds.

Genus CALIDRIS, Cwvier.
Calidris arenaria, Linn. Sanderling.

A common autumn visitor, to be seen in considerable
numbers upon the sandy shores of “‘ Dee,” some few specimens
remaining well through the winter.

[It is said by Horn and by Serle that “a few remain all
summer. ’ |

Genus TRYNGITES, Cabins.
Tryngites rufescens, Viedllot. Buff-breasted Sandpiper.

This species is represented by a single specimen in the
possession of Mr. J. Wilson, Methlick, who informs me by
letter: ‘I killed it myself, second week of August, 1862, near
the mouth of the Ythan.”

Genus TRINGOIDES, Bonaparte.

Tringoides hypoleucus, Zinn. Common Sandpiper.
“Kitty Needy.” ‘“Tibby Thiefie.”

A regular summer visitor, betaking itself to our streams
and mountain lochs, along the sides of which it forms its nest
and brings out its young. Often have I visited out-of-the-way

M 2

176 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

mountain tarns, to find no sign of life around its solitary
shores except the “Kitty Needy,’ which would skim along
near the surface of the glassy pool, uttering its cry the while.
I have found its nest amongst tufts of grass, heath, and whin
bushes.

[Tringoides macularius, Harting. Spotted Sandpiper.

Two specimens are recorded by Mr. Gray, his informant
being Mr. Angus, Aberdeen, who states that “two specimens
—a male and a female—were left at the Aberdeen Museum in
August, 1867, in the absence of Mr. Mitchell, who, up to the
present moment, does not know by whom the birds were
presented, or where they were shot.”

A specimen of this species was sent me by Mr. George Sim,
Fyvie, who states that he shot it beside a disused mill-dam on
August 23rd, 1872.]|

Genus HELODROMAS, Kaup.

Helodromas ochropus, Zinn. Green Sandpiper.

“On 17th September, 1867, a specimen was shot by a lad
on Old Aberdeen Links, and sold to the late A. Mitchell,
Aberdeen. A male and female were killed by the side of a
hill- burn in June, 1865, and were preserved by Mr. W.
Beveridge, Craigh, parish of Tough.” (Taylor’s MS.)

It has been alleged that the Green Sandpiper breeds in
Aberdeenshire; but the statement stands much in need of
confirmation.

A specimen of this species is in the possession of Mr. J.
Wilson, Methlick, who says, in a letter to me, that “the Green
Sandpiper was killed on the lands of Gight nearly thirty years
ago.” That brings the time to about 1865.

“A pair shot at Gourdas in August, 1876.” (Serle.)

Genus TOTANUS, Bechstein.
Totanus glareola, Gmelin. Wood Sandpiper.

One was shot by me at the Loch of Strathbeg, May 8th,
1868, and is still in my possession. By a slip, Mr. Gray puts
the date of this occurrence as the 8th of July, 1867.

BIRDS. 177

On the 13th of August, 1895, a male was shot at Udny by
George Muirhead, Esq., late factor on the Haddo House
Hstates, who sent the bird to me. Its stomach contained
fragments of beetles, which it had been picking up around the
small moorland pool where it was killed. The specimen is
now in the possession of J. H. Udny, Esq. of Udny.

Totanus calidris, Zinn. Redshank. ‘ Pileel.”

A common resident species, frequenting the muddy estu-
aries along the coast line, betaking themselves inland in
spring, during which season, and through the summer, they
can be seen in numbers about most of the marshy ground
of the district.

Totanus fuscus, Zinn. Spotted Redshank.

This species is represented by a single female specimen,
which was shot by Mr. Bouck, in the Ythan estuary, Sep-
tember 13th, 1902. It is rare in all parts of Britain. “It
inhabits Kurope, Asia, and Africa generally.”

Totanus canescens, Gmelin. Greenshank.

Not a common species; a few are to be seen upon the
sands and mud-flats at Don and Ythan during the autumnal
migration. It is not known to breed with us.

Genus LIMOSA, S47isson.
Limosa lapponica, Zinn. Bar-tailed Godwit.

The Godwit visits the district along the coast of ‘ Dee”’
for a short time during autumn, at which season it may be
seen in considerable numbers. It is said to breed in the Moss
of St. Fergus. A young one was killed there in August, 1897,
and is in the possession of Mr. J. Mutch, Pitfour, with whom
I saw it; as also young and old that were killed in the same
place in 1898.

Limosa egocephala, Linn. Black-tailed Godwit.

Like the foregoing, this species is an autumn visitor to
“Dee,” but in much smaller numbers. I was the first to

178 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

obtain a specimen of this species at Aberdeen. This was in
September, 1866; the bird was feeding in early morning near
the mouth of the Tile Burn.

Two immature birds were shot by Mr. Angus “near Aber-
deen,” 2nd September, 1867; while one was killed by Mr.
Gordon of Cairness, at the Loch of Strathbeg, in the middle
of September, 1868. ‘Two were shot at Slains, 2nd September,
1886, but by whom I have omitted to note.

Hdward records having found two specimens at Strathbeg
—(see Naturalist, vol. iv., p. 268).

Genus NUMENIUS, Brisson.
Numenius borealis, Forster. Esquimaux Curlew.

This rare bird has been several times obtained in “ Dee;”
first on September 6th, 1855, when one was shot on the estate
of Durris. On September 23rd, 1878, one was shot at Slains
by Mr. Ramsay, gamekeeper there, who sent it to me. Again
on September 21st, 1880, one was shot in the Forest of Birse
by H. C. Hadden, Esq., who sent it to me; and in the same
year and month one was shot on the Hill of Craigston,
parish of King-Edward, and was preserved by Mr. M‘Boyle,
Peterhead.

Numenius phzopus, Lian. Whimbrel.

Not an abundant species. A few only are seen during
the autumn migration, at which season the coast sportsmen
manage to secure some specimens.

Horn says: [‘ Frequently seen during summer.’’|

Numenius arquata, Zinn. Curlew. “Whaup.”

A resident species, frequenting the coast and river
estuaries during winter, betaking itself to the inland moor
and low hills during summer, on which places it forms its
nest, bringing out three or four young. At this season its
food differs very widely from its winter fare. Through the
latter period it feeds largely upon worms and other lowly
forms of animal life to be obtained in the soft oozy ground
then frequented; whereas, in summer, it eats largely of the

BIRDS. 179

various wild berries that grow upon the hills, from which
fact its flesh has a very pleasant flavour and forms a very
toothsome table dainty.

“The Curlew or Whaup, so frequent in Lothian, has not
found its way here.’ (Robertson, A General View of the Agri-
culture of Kincardineshire, p. 896.)

Order GA VIAE.
Family LARIDA.
Sub-Family STERNINA.
Genus STERNA, Brisson.
[Sterna macrura, Vaum. Arctic Tern.

“A summer visitant, breeding on St. Fergus beach.”
(Serle.)

Edward claims to have found this species breeding on
one of the islands in the Loch of Strathbeg. This may be
correct, but additional confirmation is required in the matter. |

Sterna fluviatilis, YVawm. Common Tern. “Sea Swallow.”
“ Pictarny.”

A summer visitant, abundant, and breeds upon the sand-
flats and among the sand dunes along the coast of Aberdeen-
shire. There is great danger, however, that before many
years have passed, this fine species will visit our coasts no
more. Thirty years ago their nests could be seen in dozens
where now there is not one, and year by year the birds are
becoming less numerous. This is caused by the continual
robbing of the nests, and egg-collectors have much to answer
for in this matter. A senseless fad has sprung up among
“oologists”’ (?) that nothing short of a clutch of eggs will
suit them, and if great variation is observed among the eggs
of any particular species of bird, several ‘clutches’’ must be
had, besides ‘‘any number”’ of single varieties. Thus the poor
Terns and many others birds are robbed by fellows whose only
object is “how many clutches and what amount of cash can
we make out of them in the season ?”

180 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

Sterna dougalli, Montague. Roseate Tern.

Edward records having shot a specimen of this species at
Strathbeg in May, 1849, but the observation in reference to
the Arctic Tern applies in the present case with equal force.

Sterna minuta, Linn. Little Tern.

This pretty and delicate little bird is a summer visitor
and breeds regularly with us, and from the same cause is
fast decreasing in numbers.

Sterna cantiaca, Gmelin. Sandwich Tern.

An irregular visitor to “Dee.” In 1864, numbers appeared
in the end of July and beginning of August about the mouth
of the Don, when twelve specimens were obtained, mostly
young birds. Again, in 1866, from the 15th July onwards, for
about ten days, a number appeared about the same place, since
which time I have not seen or heard of any others.

Kdward records that he ‘observed a pair this summer,
1854.”

Sterna nigra, Linn. Black Tern.

In October, 1866, Mr. J. Giles, artist, shot a specimen
upon the Ythan, near the village of Newburgh, and sent it
to me.

One “in summer plumage” (!) was shot by Mr. Angus at
Don-mouth on 30th April, 1867—(Gray).

Sub-Family LARINA.
Genus LARUS, Linn.
Larus eburneus, Phipps. Ivory Gull.

A rare straggler in ‘‘ Dee.” On November 17th, 1874,
I saw two feeding along with other Gulls at the entrance
to Aberdeen harbour, and next morning, along with my friend
Mr. W. Robb, went and secured both. They were immature
birds. :

BIRDS. 181

On 9th November, 18938, an immature specimen was shot
at Rosehearty and sent to me.

“A mature bird was caught at Fraserburgh, January 13th,
1895.” (Serle, Annals of Scottish Natural History, April, 1895,
p. 125.)

From information received from Mr. J. Fraser, Boddam,
I am able to state that four specimens were killed at the
mouth of the Ythan during December, 1894.

In January, 1896, an immature bird, killed at Pennan, was
brought to me.

Larus tridactyla, Zinn. Kittiwake.

The Kittiwake is an abundant species with us, and breeds
in vast numbers in many places along the rocky coast, both
in Kincardineshire and Aberdeenshire, and since the Sea
Birds’ Protection Act came into operation, this, and the whole
family of Gulls that breed with us, have increased very
considerably.

Formerly this species was a regular article of “fou, but
now they are not used. Pennant, while on his tour in
Scotland in 1771, in speaking of the multitudes of Kitti-
wakes to be seen on the coast of Aberdeenshire, says:
“The young are a favourite dish in north Britain, being
served up a little before dinner as a whet for the appetite;
but from the rank smell and taste, seem as they were more
likely to have a contrary effect. I was told by an honest
gentleman who sat down for the first time to this kind of
whet, as he supposed, but after demolishing half-a-dozen with
much impatience, declared that he had eaten sax and did not
find himself a bit more hungry than before he began.”

_ Notwithstanding the above opinion, the Kittiwake when
properly cooked is a very good and pleasant article of food, and
has none of the “rank smell and taste” attributed to it. As
it 1s wnfashionable, however, at present to eat Sea Gulls, many
a poor wretch would almost as soon starve as think of par-
taking of such a dish.

“Along the rocky shores of this country, myriads of
migratory birds take up their abode for a few months in
the spring and summer. . . . . These consist of many
distinct kinds, such as Kittiwakes, Coots, Tommie-nories or

182 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Greenland Parrots, and several others.’ (Robertson, General
View of Kincardineshire, p. 397.)

Larus glaucus, Fabricius. Glaucous Gull.

This fine and easily-recognised species is a winter visitor
to “Dee.” I, as well as most other sea-coast gunners, have
killed both old and young upon Aberdeen beach, where the
bird is to be seen in greater or lesser numbers almost every
season.

Larus leucopterus, Faber. Iceland Gull.

An immature specimen was shot at Collieston, in 1892, by
the late Dr. Pressley, who presented it to me. It is now in
the collection of Mr. James Simpson, Aberdeen.

“An occasional winter visitant.” (Horn.)

On December 25th, 1898, I saw an Iceland Gull flying
about amongst a number of Herring Gulls, most of whom
were immature. The birds were feeding upon fish livers that
were being thrown to them at Aberdeen Fish Market, thus
affording an excellent opportunity of identifying the stranger.

In reply to some enquiries regarding this species, Mr.
M‘Boyle has kindly favoured me with the following: “ Peter-
head, March 6th, 1896. They are far from rare. I generally
see one or two whenever I care to look for them, but they
are usually immature. Through the present winter there has
not been so many as during the two or three previous seasons.
During part of March and April last year I was working near
the harbour, and during that time one up to three could be
seen every day coursing along the shore, sometimes taking a
survey of the harbour close beside us, so that there was no
mistake as to their identity.”

Larus argentatus, Gmelin. Herring Gull. “Willy-Goo.”

Abundant, and breeds in many places in large colonies
along the coasts of “Dee.” When the period of nidification
is over, old and young often betake themselves inland, feeding
~ among the ploughed fields or about dung heaps where fish
refuse or other garbage has been laid down.

BIRDS. 183

Of late years, this species has become somewhat trouble-
some to the farmer, it having developed a strong liking for
his turnips; by digging holes in the side of the bulbs, water
accumulates therein, resulting in the early destruction of each
root so acted upon. So eager are the birds in this work that
they soon gorge themselves, after which they move off to their
favourite resting-places—often by the side of small pools—
where they rest until the turnips are digested, when the
refuse portion is cast up in the shape of dry chalky-like
pellets, which may be seen in immense quantities at such
resting-resorts.

Nothing comes amiss to this bird in the shape of food. It
eats corn and almost any sort of carrion. I have seen them
tearing their dead brethren, and eating them with much
apparent satisfaction.

In the “Ornithology of the Coast,” given at p. 116 of the
Black-book of Kincardineshire, the Herring Gull occupies the
first place.

Larus canus, Zinn. Common Gull.

A fairly plentiful species that remains with us throughout
the year, and forms its nest upon the tops of some of our
hills.

In company with Mr. William Wilson, Hillocks, Terpersie,
T, in June, 1890, visited the Hill of Drumbarton, a high,
rounded, flat-topped eminence, that forms the east side of
Terpersie Glen. Here, after a little search, we found a nest
containing three eggs, all of which had been newly sucked,
evidently by Carrion Crows, which were frightened away by
our approach. Many of the body and scapular feathers of the
Gulls were lying about the nest, which was made of heather
twigs and moss, very shallow, and placed beside large flat
stones. Other two nests were seen built in the same way,
and with the same surroundings, but no eggs. It is doubtful
if any young are hatched, for the crows are continually
prowling around, and it seems impossible for their eggs, so
much exposed as they are, to escape this keen-sighted
plunderer; nor would the young, if they were hatched, have
any better a chance of escape, seeing they have to be left so
long unprotected, the parent birds having some miles to fly

184 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

before they can obtain water. The matter of feeding the
young would also be one of great difficulty. This pbrervanlon
applies only to the ground before mentioned.

Larus marinus, Linn. Greater Black-backed Gull.

This species is to be seen in small numbers along the
coast of “Dee” at most seasons of the year, their favourite
~ Mesting-places being the sandy point north of Don-mouth and
beside the Black-dog Rock. In winter, when the bird is in
greatest numbers, it may be observed there — when the sea
rolls high, with the wind blowing in strong and fitful blasts,
while rain or snow falls thick around—flying and wheeling
in airy circles through the storm. Indeed, I have often
watched it under such conditions; and the fact of those bold
birds circling around, regardless of the “elemental wars,”
caused me to forget the storm, and to look back now with the
utmost pleasure to “days upon the coast,’ when the wind
blew, the rain poured, with no living creature to be seen
abroad, save the Black-backs that flew around and screamed
in apparent enjoyment of the tempest.

This species does not breed with us, but Hdward says
that “eggs of the Great Black-backed Gull have been found
on the larger island” in the Loch of Strathbeg.

Larus fuscus, Zinn. Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Fairly common, but not resident, nor does it breed within
“Dee.” ‘A common species.” (Horn.)

On June 29th, 1873, I saw a specimen of this bird flying
about beside a breeding-place of the Herring Gull about two
miles south of Whinnyfold, Cruden, but could not make out
if it was nesting, and did not see it alight upon the rocks.

Larus ridibundus, Zinn. Black-headed Gull.
“Pottertown Hen.”

Abundant, and breeds in many of our inland lochs. For
long it bred in numbers upon the estate of Pottertown,
hence the above local name; and it was generally believed
by the people living there that the birds were brought from

‘homojjo9 *4q| “AYOLNIM “THINHAddN LV AYSTING [07044

BIRDS. 185

abroad by one of the owners of the estate. How such
an idea could have arisen I have not been able to discover.
When this sheet of water was reduced by drainage, the birds
left it and attempted to establish a colony in Corby Loch,
but owing to the fact of the nests being easily reached by
pilfering boys and egg-collectors, the birds have been driven
from the place, although a few still persist in the attempt. In
1861 two pairs bred in the pond at Uppermill, near Kintore, and
each succeeding year they increased, until in 1902 the number
was estimated at seven thousand. In June of that year, I had
the pleasure of visiting the pond through the kind permission
and in the company of Mr. Tait, within whose shooting it lies,
and the number of birds stated above did not seem to be too
high. Mr. Tait takes every means to protect the birds during
the breeding season, hence the great increase. The pond is
used as a mill-dam, and is in extent about ten acres. This
includes a large piece of marshy ground at the north end.
The chief breeding-grounds are on the muddy islands, which
can be reached by boat only. There the nests are placed so
close together that in walking one has to be careful not to
trample upon the eggs. It is a most interesting sight to see
those birds sitting upon their nests, looking like so many balls
of snow resting upon the black mud, and no less interesting
and instructive is it while they are hovering on wing, scream-
ing loudly the while.

Before the drying of the Loch of Auchlossan, which was
effected about 1859, there was a very large colony of Black-
headed Gulls there, and since then they have taken up their
quarters at the Loch of Braeroddach, a few miles westward.

After the breeding season these birds disperse over the
country, chiefly along the coast line, and as winter approaches
most of them leave our district, a few only being visible
through the winter months.

Spalding, in his History of the Troubles im Scotland, p. 256,
1641, says: “It is here to be noted that no maws were seen
in the Lochs of New or Old Aberdeen since the beginning of
their troubles and coming of soldiers to Aberdeen, who flocked
and clocked in so great abundance that it was a pleasure to
behold them flying above our heads, yea, and some made use
of their eggs and birds ; in like manner few or no corbies were
seen in either Aberdeens, at the water-side of Dee or Don, or

186 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

the shore, where they wont to flock abundantly for salmon
gouries.”’

The lochs referred to have long since disappeared, and in
‘““New’”’ Aberdeen, at least, the ground where the loch lay is
now covered with numerous buildings; and although we may
still have abundance of “salmon gouries,” the “ corbies’’ have
gone never to return.

Larus minutus, Pallas. Little Gull.

An occasional and irregular visitor.

‘“‘ A beautiful male specimen of the Little Gull or Maw was
shot on the sands, Fraserburgh, 28th June, 1854.” (Hdward.)
This specimen is now in the Elgin Museum.

A specimen was shot at Aberdeen in 1861, by A. Mitchell,
and another in 1864 (Taylor’s MS.); and on 29th March, 1869,
Mr. Mitchell killed one at Don-mouth, which he presented
to the late Mr. Robert Gray.

On December 12th, 1874, Mr. Arthur Robb killed one of a
party of four at the mouth of the Dee, and on October 26th,
1888, Mr. Andrew Milne obtained an immature specimen at
Don-mouth, which he brought to me for identification.

Sub-Family STERCORARIINA.
Genus STERCORARIUS, Brisson.
[Stercorarius catarrhactes, Linn. Common Skua.

“To be seen every winter upon this coast.’ (Horn.)
Notwithstanding this assertion, I have never seen a
‘“Dee”- killed specimen. |

Stercorarius pomatorhinus, Zinn. Pomatorhine Skua.

One was shot at Fraserburgh, and another at Dinnet, in
1881, both being sent to me; while a third was obtained at
Fyvie, in 1890, by Mr. George Sim.

Stercorarius parasiticus, Zinn. Buffon’s Skua.

A rare straggler. One was shot on Bennachie in 1880, by
Captain Brooke, and in 1881 another at Netherdale on the
Deveron. Both were forwarded to me.

BIRDS. 187

George Sim, Fyvie, informs me one was shot on October
2nd, 1890, at Blackpool, Millbrex.

Stercorarius crepidatus Gmelin, Richardson’s Skua.

“A rare visitor.” (Horn.) “A few always to be seen
about the coast in autumn.” (Serle.)

This, without doubt, is the most common Skua upon our
coasts, but the majority of them are immature birds. Often
have I watched it as it pursued the Gulls, and many a deter-
mined attack and equally bold attempt to escape have been
witnessed, resulting generally in success for the Skua.

This bird is subject to great variation in colour, some being
of a uniform dark greyish-brown over the whole body, while
others are light-brown above and whitish beneath. One
which was killed at Mennie, in the autumn of 1895, was of the
dark form, with the toes and upper-part of the legs black, and
tibia and webs a light-blue.

Order TUBINARES.
Family PROCELLARIIDA.
Genus PROCELLARIA, Linn.

Procellaria pelagica, Zinn. Storm Petrel.
“Mother Carey’s Chicken.”

This delicate little bird is frequently cast upon the coast
of ‘Dee,’ and during storms conveyed far inland, where it is
often picked up dead or in a dying condition. It is also in
numerous instances caught on board vessels, but it has no
residence on our coast and does not breed with us.

Porcellaria leucorrhoa, Viedlot. Leach’s Petrel.

‘In December, 1876, one was found dead at Milltimber,
and sent to Mr. A. Mitchell, Castle Street, Aberdeen.”
(Taylor’s MS.)

On August 19th, 1884, a female was caught at Girdleness
Lighthouse, and brought alive to me. It weighed slightly
over 13 ounces. Its stomach contained many fragments of
Copepodée as also some whole ones—all of which were Timora

188 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

longicornus, arms of several stalk-eyed Crustaceans, along with
small fragments of gneiss and quartz.

I am informed by Mr. George Sim, Fyvie, that one was
picked up dead at Rothienorman in 1884.

Genus PUFFINUS, Brisson.
Puffinus anglorum, Zinn. Manx Shearwater.

Rare. In 1876 one was taken by a fisherman in Aberdeen
Bay, and was purchased by Mr. E. Stoddart Willis, in whose
collection it remained until his death.

One was killed at Boddam in 1879, and is still in my
possession.

[Puffinus major, Faber. Greater Shearwater.

Mentioned as “rare” by Edward.
I have neither seen it nor heard of its occurrence in
“Dee.” |

Genus FULMARUS, Stephens.
Fulmarus glacialis, Lenn. Fulmar.

A straggler that is by no means of common occurrence on
the coasts of “Dee.” One was found dead upon the lawn in
front of Seaton House by W. Davidson, gamekeeper, in 1860;
and in 1890 one was found among the rocks at Muchalls by
Mr. L. Esson, who brought the head of the bird to me for
identification. Still, although the Fulmar is so rare along the
coast line, it seems fairly abundant, and is often brought in by
trawl vessels that have been working upon the fishing banks
that lhe well off the shore throughout the North Sea.

Order PYGOPODES.
Family COLYMBIDA.
Genus COLYMBUS, Linn.

Colymbus glacialis, Zinn. Great Northern Diver.
“Ember Goose.”

This beautiful species is rather irregular in its visits to
the shores of “ Dee,’ and those that do appear are generally

BIRDS. 189

immature birds. Still, full-grown specimens in fine plumage
are occasionally obtained. One such got entangled among
the salmon nets in the Bay of Nigg, and was bought from
the fishermen by me.

“A most splendid specimen of this bird, in full breeding
dress, was found on the sands of Rattray this summer” (1854).
(Edward.)

Colymbus arcticus, Zinn. Black-throated Diver.

During a period of forty years I have never seen but one
specimen of this species from the coast of “Dee.” This was
an immature bird which was shot at Collieston in March,
1891, and was sent to me by Mr. W. A. Clark, teacher,
Slains Public School.

(«A regular visitor to the coast of Buchan.” (Horn.)
Kdward says it is a “yearly visitor” to the Loch of Strath-
beg.

In a paper, entitled “Two Days in Glen Muick,” which
appeared in the Cawngorm Club Journal, January, 1894, p. 67,
we are told that ‘in the evening a large flock of wild geese
visited the loch (Loch Muick), causing quite a flutter among
the collies; and also of the doings of a Black-throated Diver
that day, while we were absent on the mountain tops.’’|!!

Colymbus septentrionalis, Zinn. Red-throated Diver.

Fairly abundant during winter and spring, and is fre-
quently killed by becoming entangled in the salmon nets..
Thus it is not infrequently found lying upon the beach. It
does not breed within “ Dee,” removing further northwards
for that purpose; yet I have obtained it in full breeding
plumage on the Aberdeenshire coast.

Family PODICIPIDA.
Genus PODICEPS, Latham.
Podiceps cristatus, Zinn. Great Crested Grebe.

Rare. A female in beautiful condition was found upon the
shore, near Peterhead, and was sent to me by the Rev. Dr.

Stewart. It is now in the Peterhead Museum.
N

190 - THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Podiceps griseigena, Boddaert. Red-necked Grebe.

Not so uncommon as the preceding; several have been
obtained within our district.

“Mr. Angus states that he shot a specimen in breeding
dress on the 2nd of May, 1867, in Aberdeenshire.” (Gray.)

One was shot by Mr. R. Meff at Stonehaven in 1892. One
was also killed at the mouth of the Dee in January, 18938,
' which is still in the possession of Mr. D. Mitchell, Aberdeen.

Podiceps auritus, Zinn. Sclavonian Grebe.

Rare. One was shot on the lake at Brucklay Castle, and
was sent to me. It proved a female. Its stomach contained
flies, beetles, grubs, and sticklebacks.

Podiceps nigricollis, Brehm. . Eared Grebe.
Black-necked Grebe.

A specimen of this rare species was shot at Strathbeg on
March 2nd, 1898, by R. 8. Hills, Esq., who sent it to me for
preservation. It is now in the possession of the above-named
gentleman. Its stomach was well filled with feathers,
amongst which were numbers of the stalk-eyed Crustacean
(Mysis vulgaris), showing that, although killed on the loch,
it had shortly before been feeding in the sea.

This is the only occurrence of the species within ‘“‘ Dee” to
my knowledge.

Podiceps minor, Naum. Little Grebe. “ Dabchick.”

Common, and breeds around most of the lochs throughout
the district, a favourite breeding resort being the Bishop
Loch.

Family ALCIDA.
Genus ALCA, Linn.

Alca torda, Linn. Razorbill. “Marrot.”

Common, and breeds in large numbers at various points

BIRDS. Lot

along the coast, the chief stations being Fowls-heugh,
the Rock of Dunbuy, and Troup Head.

[Alca impennis, Zinn. Great Auk. Gare-fowl.

In the New History of Aberdeenshire, speaking of the
parish of Foveran, and under the heading “ Zoology,” the
author says: “From the abundance of food on the sleeks
in the estuary, the Ythan attracts at all seasons a greater
variety of water-birds and sea-fowl than any other river on
the east coast of Scotland. The following is a list of those
best known and most abundant,’ and in the list the Alca
empennis, Blackbilled Auk (Gare-fowl), appears. It is almost
unnecessary to say that the statement is incorrect]

Genus LOMVIA, Brandt.

Lomvia troile, Zinn. Common Guillemot. “ Quit.”
“Foolish Guillemot.”

Very common, and breeds in immense numbers in the
rocky cliffs usually in the same localities as those mentioned
for the Razorbill.

The variety, held as a distinct species by Yarrell and
MacGillivray, under the name of Uma lacrymans, is also to
be seen in small numbers.

I, in company with Mr. Harvie-Brown, visited Fowls-
heugh in June, 1880, on which occasion only one specimen
of lacrymans could be detected, while there were thousands
of the common form. Since then, however, several have
come into my hands.

Lomvia bruennichi, Sabine. Brunnick’s Guillemot.

The only occurrence of this rare Arctic straggler is one
obtained by Mr. James Fraser, Aberdeen, a collector of
natural history specimens. He found it in June, 1893,
amongst a number of Common Guillemots that had got
caught and were drowned in the salmon nets at Belhelvie.
Mr. Fraser brought the bird to me for identification, and it is
now in my possession.

N 2

192 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

Genus URIA, Brisson.

Uria grylle, Zinn. Black Quillemot. “Tyste.”

Considerable diversity of opinion exists as to whether
this species breeds on the coast of “Dee.” Some are
in doubt, others give a distinct negative, and a third group
as strongly assert that it does, in limited numbers. I must
place myself among the last. In the end of July or
beginning of August, 1858, I shot a young one at Troup Head,
and am informed by Mr. Davie, keeper on the estate of Troup,
that he accompanied a Mr. Hepburn, who was, in 1858 or.
1859, on a visit to Troup, to Gamrie Head, and that they shot
several Black Guillemots ‘“‘ while they flew from their nests.”
Here, however, it must be said that, according to the divisions
of Scotland made in accordance with the “ watershed ” theory,
Troup Head and Gamrie Head are not within “Dee.” They
are, however, on its immediate northern border, and for that
reason, and the additional one that, in my opinion, they ought
to be held as within the district, I mention the fact of the
birds being at these two points.

Coming within our own undisputed borders, let us see how
the matter stands. Referring to Skelton’s Hssays 1 Romance
and Studies from Life (1878)—not, I admit, a very good source
for reliable ornithological information — speaking of Long-
haven, the author says, at p. 120: “ Peter’s friend, the Sutor,
is anxious to add the eggs of the Black Guillemot to his
collection, and Peter knows where the single paw, which
frequent Longhaven, have this year established their nest.”
The excellent description the author gives of what he,
perhaps, wilfully misnames the “Scart Rock,” is evidently
intended for the Rock of Dunbuy; and if the author is correct
in making Peter and his friend, the Sutor, take the nest of the
Black Guillemot there, such a fact would bear out my own
impression that it does breed there; but I cannot yet say so
with certainty.

Who was ‘“Peter’s friend, the Sutor’”? Most likely T.
Edward, of Banff, as no other ‘“Sutor’”’ has been known to
collect eggs in the quarter. And what does Edward say on
the subject? In his list of birds that appears at the end of
Smiles’s Life of a Scottish Naturalist, in speaking of the Guille-

BIRDS. 193

mot, etc., he says: ‘All these species breed with us, but the
Black Guillemot only rarely.”

In vol. i. of the Natwralist, p. 147 (1851), Edward records
having received at Banff a specimen of this bird “in complete
winter dress,’ and, about the same time, one from Fraser-
burgh “in summer or nuptial dress.”

In the N.S. A. for Aberdeenshire this species is included in
the list given for Ythan and district.

Colonel H. M. Drummond Hay, in his “Report on the
Ornithology of the East of Scotland, from Fife to Aberdeen-
shire inclusive,” as it appears in the Scottish Naturalist, vol.
Vill., p. 878 (1886), says: ‘“‘ Black Guillemots used to be common
outside Aberdeen Harbour; but I do not know of its breeding
in Aberdeenshire. When stationed in Aberdeen, many years
ago, I had frequent opportunities of observing these birds
during the breeding season on the Kincardine coast, along by
Cove and Muchalls, and though I never looked for their nests,
I always supposed them to breed among the rocks at the foot
of the cliffs, as they were there the whole of the season, and I
obtained them in all stages of plumage.”

In a letter to Mr. Harvie-Brown, the Colonel states that
the above observation refers to 1834, and that the birds were
“abundant during the whole summer.” It will be seen that
the Colonel does not positively say that the birds bred, but
merely supposed they did; and if they were abundant, they
must have bred in considerable numbers. If that were so,
matters have been sadly changed, for I can say most assuredly
that this species has not bred in the above-mentioned localities
these forty years past.

On the 14th of June, 1890, I found the wing of a Black
Guillemot, in a fresh condition, by the sea-side, a little to the
north of Peterhead. On August 28rd, 1895, an English
gentleman shot a young Black Guillemot beside Dunnottar
Castle, and two days later he brought it to me for confirma-
tion of the opinion he had formed regarding its identity.

Genus MERGULUS, Viezllot.

Mergulus alle, Zinn. Little Auk. ‘ Rotchie.”

A common winter visitant; in some seasons in great
numbers, especially in 1895, in which year many thousands

194 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

were driven by strong winds right into the interior of the
country, and were picked up dead and dying all along the
east of Scotland. In some bays they lay dead in hundreds.

Genus FRATERCULA, Brisson.
Fratercula arctica, Zinn. Puffin. ‘Tammie Checkie.”

Abundant, and breeds sparingly among the rocks along the
Kincardineshire coast, and in great numbers about Slains and
the Rock of Dunbuy.

When the breeding season is over, the Puffin betakes itself
to sea, where, during winter, small parties are generally to
be met with.

Photo. | WATER-OUZEL’S NEST. [F. B. Kelly.

(The position of the nest is marked with an X.)

Ay.

ia

REPTILES. 195

Class [I]. —REPTILIA.

Order OPHIDIA.
Family VIPERIDA.
Genus PELIAS.
Vipera berus, Zinn. Viper or Adder.

Quite plentiful in most of the inland parts of the district.
Along the Dee valley it is numerous.

This, our only venomous species, is looked upon by the
inhabitants as very dangerous, and certain death to those who
have the misfortune to be bitten by it; and many tales are
told of people having met their death from its attack.
Although this is so, no thoroughly reliable case has come
under notice in so far as man is concerned. It is, however, a
fact that in the case of dogs bitten by the Adder, death over-
takes them usually on the third or fourth day afterwards.
A case in point is that of a dog belonging to the late James
Thomson, keeper to the Marquis of Huntly. In the month of
August, 1888, this dog got bitten in the throat, and by the
second day the neck and head of the animal were swollen to
double their normal size, and on the fourth day he died.

In the N.S. A. of Kincardineshire, under parish of Banchory-
Ternan, p. 335, we are told that “specimens of a Serpent,
upwards of four feet long, have several times been found; but
whether it be the Adder at an advanced stage of its growth,
cr whether it is a distinct species, is unknown.” Needless to
point out, we have no authentic record of any other species of
Viperidee in Scotland.

Family COLUBRID.
Genus CORONELLA.
[Coronella lcevis, Boie. Smooth Snake.

“here is another species said to have been found with us
called the Smooth Snake (Coluber levis). I have never seen
one met with here. I once heard of one, said to be of this
kind, which was killed near Tomintoul. On making applica-

196 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEER.”

tion, I got a sight of the skin, but found it to be that of the
common Adder, though a rather strangely-marked one. But
it does not follow from this that the Smooth Viper is not an
inhabitant of the county. I am sore mistaken if it has not
been got in Aberdeenshire, and why not in Banffshire?” This
is a loose haphazard statement of Mr. Edward on which no
reliance can be placed. |

Genus TROPIDONOTUS.

| Tropidonotus natrix, Dum. and Bibr. “Common Snake.”
“Ringed Snake.”

Several specimens of this species have been killed in and
around Aberdeen, but in most cases they have been proved to
be individuals that have escaped from confinement and which
had originally been brought from England.

Although we have not the ‘“‘temerity to deny its occurrence
in Scotland,” it may with safety be said that a properly
authenticated instance of the occurrence of the Ringed Snake
in a truly wild state within “Dee” has yet to be found. |

Order LACERTILIA.

Family LACKRTIDAL.
Genus LACERTA.

Lacerta vivipara, Dum. and Bibr. Common Lizard.
‘Heather Ask.”

Common everywhere, from the sea coast to the interior of
the country. This inoffensive creature is held in great dread
by the rural population, and at one time, not long gone by,
was credited with the character of being able to cause the
death of their cattle. This it was believed to do by entering
their mouth while the cattle were feeding, and afterwards
causing great pain in the stomach, resulting in death, if
incantations of some “canny” man or woman were not
successful in inducing the “ Ask” to take its departure.

[Lacerta viridis, Zinn. Green Lizard.

The statement that the Green Lizard is a native of
Scotland is one still requiring confirmation. Although it is

REPTILES. 197

said that “a professor of the University of Edinburgh had
dissected a Green Lizard brought by a botanical party from
the Clova Mountains,” yet, even with this before us, the
matter remains under some degree of uncertainty. Still, I am
in the belief that I have seen the Green Lizard in “ Dee.”
In 1850, while wandering in the wood of Arnhead, parish of
Auchterless, a newly-killed Lizard was found lying upon the
stump of a tree that had been cut down the previous day.
This Lizard was different from others I had seen and caught
the same day, the difference being that the dorsal surface was
studded with patches of bright shining green, the under
surface being orange yellow, showing a striking contrast to
the more numerous common variety. As the specimen was
not preserved, however, nothing is proved by this, and it is
merely mentioned with the view of causing observers to be on
the outlook for any form of Lizard showing similar markings.

It may here be mentioned that around Aberdeen various
species of lizards may yet be found, as has already
happened, several of which have come under my notice.
These, however, have in every case been obtained about
Aberdeen Harbour, where esparto grass had been imported,
and about Waterton Works, where this material is used in
the manufacture of paper.

In Edward’s Reptiles of Banffshire, p. 10, is the following:

“We now come to our Heath Lizards. . . . Of these we
have two kinds, the Green (Lacerta vivipara) and the Sand
Lizard (L. agilis). I have come across both. . . . The

Green Lizard is the more plentiful of the two with us.”

CATAPHRACTA.
Order CHELONIA.
Family CHELONIDAL.
Genus CHELONIA.
Chelonia imbricata, Schw. Hawks-bill Turtle.

“A specimen of this species was caught in a salmon net at
Pennan, August 1st, 1861, and was sent to Mr. Anderson,
1 Trinity Quay, Aberdeen, and that gentleman presented it to

198 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEER.”

the University Museum, Aberdeen, where it is still preserved. |
Another specimen was caught also in a salmon net, and about
the same time, at Greenside, a few miles east of Macduff,
and was presented by the Earl of Fife to Banff Museum.”
(Edward.)

Family ANGUIDG.
Genus ANGUIS.
Anguis fragilis, Zinn. Blind-worm. Slow-worm.

Fairly common along the Dee valley, especially in the
neighbourhood of Ballater, where I have found it amongst
heaps of stones and rubbish. The present state of knowledge
does not warrant its being said that the Slow-worm is
generally distributed over “Dee.” It has, however, been
caught on various occasions in the parish of Fyvie.

Class AMPHIBIA.
Order BATRACHIA,

Family BUFONIDA.
Genus RANA.

Rana temporaria, Zinn. Common Frog. “Paddock.”
“Podduck.” “ Puddock.”

Common in every suitable locality, but is decreasing in
numbers on account of the improvements that have been
effected over the district on grounds where the Frog formerly
abounded. As is said by authors, Frogs begin to deposit their
spawn ‘about the beginning of March.” This, however,
depends upon the nature of the season, 2.e., cold or warm;
but, speaking generally, the beginning of that month is the
usual time, and by the end of July the spawn has passed
through its various transformations and become “little
Frogs,” having all the appearance of their parents, except
bulk. This, in a general way, is also true; but we find that,
by some cause which cannot be explained, some remain in the
tadpole state during winter. On January 19th, 1896, my

REPTILES. 199

friend, Mr. John Mearns, found in a pool in the moss of
Whitestripes a tadpole alive and in good condition, it still
having the tail, and only the hind feet developed. In this
state he very kindly showed it to me.

MacGillivray mentions a Frog to which he gives the name
Riana ericetorwum (Heath Frog). This form, he says, is found
“in the glens and on the hills up to the height of three
thousand feet above the sea.’ Then follow particulars as
to the differences between Lf. temporaria and “this species.”’
The present writer has not seen the latter form, although he
has caught Frogs in some of the glens that run up to fully
three thousand feet above the sea-level. In any case, it does
not seem likely that the Heath Frog can be admitted to
specific rank.

Rana esculenta, Gesn. The Edible Frog.

In the list of reptiles given for the parish of Banchory-
Ternan in the N.S. A. of Kincardineshire, the Edible Frog finds
a place; and Edward, in his Reptiles of Banffshire, p. 19, refers
to what he believes was the Edible Frog, “which differed
materially in size and colour from the common one, and never
was, so far as I can recollect, now associated with them.”

It need scarcely be said that even now it is an unsettled
point as to whether this species is indigenous to Britain or
not.

Genus BUFO.
Bufo vulgaris, Laur. Common Toad. “Taid.” “ Tade.”

Abundant all over the district, but suffering diminution
from the same cause as that referred to in the case of the
Common Frog.

Family SALAMANDRIDA.
Genus LOPHINUS.

Lophinus palmatus, Dum. and Bibr. Palmated Newt.
“Water Ask” or “Esk.”

This species is most abundant and widely distributed
throughout “ Dee.” It is found in ponds in disused quarries,

200 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

as also in pools high up our hill-sides, and in black stagnant
peaty holes, and, at other times, under stones at considerable
distances from water.

[Lophinus punctatus, Gray. Smooth Newt.. “Water
Ask” or “ Esk.”

Under the heading “ Zoology,” as given for the parish of
Banchory-Ternan, in the N. S. A. of Kincardineshire, it is said
that “there are the Triton aquaticus and the T. palustris, the
Water and the Warty Eft;” but as 7’. aquaticus and T. palustris
are both names by which the great Water Newt (Triton
cristatus) was at one time known, and as it has yet to be
shown that the “Water and Warty Eft” exist in “ Dee,” the
statement is valueless, for, after five years’ close and careful
search over our district, including the parish named, as also
Scotston Moor, where, more recently, T. aquaticus is reported
to exist (History of Scotston Moor, p. 23), no species of Newt
have been found by me other than Z. palmatus.|

Photo.) NEWT-CATCHERS. [Mearns.

FISHES OF THE EAST COAST
OF SCOTLAND,

FROM WICK TO EDINBURGH.

‘YBANgsasnsy ‘Al44ON AW] ‘'SLAN JHL ONIGNAW [o204g

Se os
2 cA

FISHES OF THE EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND,
FROM WICK TO HDINBURGH.

THE following list has been compiled by the author from
the lists of those who have preceded him, and from his
own observations; and he has preserved, and now possesses,
nearly every species that has come under his notice.

As already mentioned, the arrangement followed is pretty
much the same as that of the late Dr. Day in his work
on the Fishes of Great Britain and Ireland, although in some
eases the writer has struck out in a way that to himself
seems best. In the case of the Salmonide, it has been
deemed necessary to take this course, for, although more
attention has been given to this group of fishes than to
any other of our indigenous species, there is at the present
moment, perhaps, less real knowledge available concerning
it than any other form of fishes we possess. Volumes
have been written, each professing to give the true state
of affairs, and each almost in direct opposition to all
that had preceded it. Year after year we have -been
flooded with literature upon the various forms of trout,
some building up the species from external form and
colour, while others have as confidently proclaimed that
they can show from external examination what numbers of
species exist in our waters. The number of vertebre has
been held as an unfailing rule by which species can be
determined; while yet another class of writers take the
number of cecal appendages as the true specific distinc-
tion, each writer never failing to give names to his several
“species,” so that now the names and synonyms are of
such magnitude as to stagger the most determined student

204 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

anxious to reach some definite point in this labyrinth of
confusion. I have, however, been forced to conclude that
none of these methods can be taken as an unfailing guide
to species, because external form and colour depend upon the
amount of food and the nature of the water and ground in,
and upon which, the fish has lived. It is a well-known fact
that trout living in a stream or loch, where food is scanty,
are long and lanky, having usually a large unshapely head ;
and if, in addition to this, the water and ground are of a
dark colour, the fish will be correspondingly black. As an |
example, I caught some trout in a small mossy burn at the
foot of Lochnagar that were almost black. Had it not been
that the edge of each fin had a thin line of chalky white,
it would have been almost impossible to have seen the
fishes, so near were they in colour to the surrounding mossy
matter. Yet, farther down this stream, after it had been
joined by others of a less peaty character, and consequently
of much clearer water and lighter bottom, the fishes there
were correspondingly lghter in colour. Regarding the
number of cecal appendages: I procured for special exami-
nation fifty-five trout, taken in various burns and rivers
throughout the counties of Kincardine, Aberdeen, and Banff.
The fishes ranged from three-quarters of an ounce to ten
and three-quarter ounces, and the cecal appendages ranged
from thirty-eight to sixty-nine, the two extremes being
found in the same stream. It will thus be seen that the
number of ceca cannot be taken as an index to species.
The number of vertebre, however, seems to be more con-
stant, ranging from fifty-eight to sixty. All things
considered, it seems safe to conclude that our trout, one
and all, are merely varieties one of another. This is
confirmed in no small degree from the facts pointed out
by Professor Rasch “that the ova of the sea and river
trout are developed regularly, whichever form were the
parent ones, and that the offspring were fertile. That the

FISHES. 205

ova of the char, fertilised by the milt of the trout, thirty
to forty per cent. were developed. . . . Salmon ova,
fertilised with trout milt, yielded thirty to forty per cent. of
young fish; but more, if the milt of the char were employed.”
It is therefore considered unnecessary to enumerate the
long list of names given to trout in the various districts
throughout “Dee.” Again, in the case of the Gasterosteide :
This is a most perplexing genus, and one that has been
divided and subdivided into an endless number of species.
In 1880, Dr. Giinther held that “about ten species are satis-
factorily known.” Dr. Day, in his Fishes of Great Britain
and Ireland, vol. i., p. 237, says: “It appears remarkable how
many species have been named of sticklebacks outnumbering
even those of the Salmonide of the fresh waters.

It appears to me that our British Gasteroster consist of
merely three species, which are subject to an almost
endless variation in colour and form.” This seems to me
to be about the true state of the matter. The Syngnathide
is another subject of perplexity, to which, unfortunately,
Day has added his stone to the already huge cairn of
confusion. What is gained by the names Siphonostoma and
Nerophis, introduced by this author over Syngnathus, the
name by which the genus was previously known? Until a
good and sufficient reason be given for their adoption, I
will keep to the old appellation.

The question has been asked, Why this continued chang-
ing of names? Nothing appears to be gained by it; and
the only result I can see is that the various writers on
British Ichthyology are less clearly understood, and, in some
cases, utterly incomprehensible. ‘That being so, the words
of Professor Sir W. H. Flower are here most appropriate:
‘“Jll-considered attempts at precision of nomenclature are
often sources of confusion and future difficulty. As Huxley
has truly said, ‘It is better for science to accept a faulty

name, which has the merit of existence, than to burden
O

206 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

it with a faultless newly-invented one.” (Zhe Horse,
a Study im Natural History, p. 56.) Again, at p. 71 of
the same excellent work, he says: “Every change in the
limit of a genus involves some of those endless changes in
names which are among the greatest causes of embarrass-
ment in the study of Zoology in modern times, and do much
to repel beginners from entering upon it.” This is most
true, and not less applicable is it in the case of the Rade,
for there is, perhaps, no group of fishes that has undergone
more changes of nomenclature than the one just named,
except, perhaps, the Salmonide; and the confusion that still
exists is almost sufficient to deter anyone from undertaking
the labour of attempting to bring the matter into anything
like understandable form.

In this, as in other Ichthyological difficulties, external
form and colour have been looked upon as sufficient to
determine specifically every form of ray known to British
waters; but this is an entire fallacy. It would be quite as
reasonable to say that a white horse and a black one are
different species. If colour, with the absence or presence
of spines, in the case of Raia clavata, would make species,
at least a dozen more might be added to the list from this
one species alone, so greatly does it vary. On such points
no reliance can be placed. To me, structural differences
are of more importance in determining species, but this
entails an amount of labour which no British author seems
to have undertaken or even thought necessary; and the
consequence has been that whenever a fish has been found
that wanted some spine, or had an additional one, or whose
colour was somewhat different from that given by previous
authors, the finder at once rushed to the conclusion that
here is a new British species—till now quite overlooked—
‘the result being that a new name is applied, perhaps a
new genus created, thus making chaos more chaotic.

FISHES. 207 -

Class IV.—FISHES.
Sub-Class THLEOSTET.
Order ACANTHOPTERYGII.

Family PERCIDA.
Genus PERCA, Artedz.
Perca fluviatilis, Rondeletius. Perch.

In the O. S. A. for the parish of Spynie (1794), we find
that in the Loch of Spynie “there are also Perch and Trout.”
Skene Keith, in his Agriculture of Aberdeenshire, p. 78, says:
“ Perch were in the ponds at Pitfour prior to 1811.”

According to the N. S. A., Aberdeenshire, ‘‘ Perch were
first introduced to the Loch of Strathbeg by the present
proprietor, from the late Mr. Ferguson of Pitfour’s pond.”
“A few have been caught in the River Ugie, which have
escaped from the ponds of Mr. Ferguson of Pitfour.”
(Arbuthnot’s Account of Peterhead, p. 19, 1815.)

In the Glasgow Geography, vol. i., p. 824 (1819), it is said
that along the east of Scotland “every lake affords Pike and
Perch.”

Notwithstanding the above, a writer in Charlesworth’s
Magazine, vol. i., new series, p. 118 (1837), signed “ W. L.,”
says: “There are no Perch north of Perth.”

This species is now widely distributed—in lochs, rivers,
and small streams—throughout the north-east of Scotland.

Genus LABRAX, Cwwv.
Labrax lupus, Cu». Bass.

Edward, in his “Banffshire Fauna,” p. 417, in Smiles’s Lzfe
of a Scottish Naturalist, says: “This is a rare species with us,
only three having come under my notice.” ‘Now and then
makes its appearance in the Firth of Forth.” (Parnell.)

0 2

208 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

There is a locally-caught specimen in the Montrose
Museum. One was caught in the salmon nets in Aberdeen
Bay in May, 1881, and another by the same means, in the
same locality, on May 21st, 1883. The latter was a female,
laden with spawn, ten pounds in weight, and measured thirty
inches in length. Both are in my possession.

“One was caught by trawl on Aberdeen Bank,” and
brought to our Market, October 29th, 1898—(Aberdeen Evening
Express).

Genus ACERINA, Cwrer.
[Acerina vulgaris, Cur The Ruffe or Pope.

“One is said to have been obtained off Troup Head about
forty-two years ago.” (KEdward.) Who said so is not stated.
Any fish obtained at the time mentioned is more likely to
have been Sebastes norvegicus or Scorpena dactyloptera than
Acerina vulgaris. The latter being a fresh-water species, off
Troup Head is not a likely situation to find it in.]|

Genus DENTEX, Cw.
Dentex vulgaris, Cuv. Four-toothed Sparus.

Arbuthnot, in his Account of Peterhead, p. 19, gives the
name “ Sparus raw rigg, Toothed Gilt Head. A few specimens
of this fish have been driven on shore upon our coast for two
or three years. They are a most beautiful fish, and their
taste more delicate than the finest herring.”

“T am only aware of one specimen, which was taken off
Troup Head.” (Edward.)

Family MULLIDA, Swainson.
Genus MULLUS, Linn.
Mullus barbatus, Zinn. Red Mullet.

Occasionally brought in by trawlers, as also Mullus sur-
mvuletus, which is now considered merely a variety of barbatus.

FISHES. 209

Family SPARIDA, Cuwv.
Genus CANTHARUS, Cwv.

[Cantharus lineatus, Thomson. “Black Bream.”
“Old Wife.”

“A few of these are generally procured every autumn or
about the beginning of winter.” (Edward.)|

Genus PAGRUS, Cuvier.

Pagrus auratus, Steind. Gilthead.

Edward observes: ‘I have only seen two specimens of this
fish which have been procured with us. The one was taken
off Buckie in 1841, and the other was brought on shore at
Portsoy in 18389.”

One under the name of Sparus auratus is in Dr. Fleming’s
collection, Arbroath Museum, which, he says, was caught in
the estuary of the Tay in August. The state of the specimen
was such as to make identification very difficult when seen by
me. Day, in his British Fishes, says that ‘“Fleming’s specimen
is more likely to be Pagellus centrodontus.”

Genus PAGELLUS, Cuvier.

Pagellus centrodontus, Cuv. and Val. The Sea Bream.
“Perch.”

In Parnell’s Fishes of the Firth of Forth (1839), p. 208, it is
said: “In the Firth of Forth very little is known regarding
this fish, as its appearance there is of rare occurrence. Two
specimens, however, have been noticed in the Forth: the one
was taken with a line bated for cod, near Inchcolm, in the
month of July; and the other was found in a salmon net
above Queensferry.”

In Couch’s History of the Fishes of the British Islands, vol. i.,
p. 238, he remarks: “It is known from one extremity of the

210 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

United Kingdom to the other.’ Hdward says: ‘“‘ Numbers
appearing annually.’’ Day observes: ‘In Great Britain this
fish has a range from one extremity to the other, abounding
especially along the southern and western copnsts. but decreas-
ing in numbers as we go north.”

This species is abundant along the east coast, and is taken
in numbers by line-fishermen during the summer months, and
known by them as Perch or Sea Perch. It is also caught
by trawl throughout the year. It is inferior as an article
of food.

Pagellus bogaraveo, Cuv. and Val. Spanish Bream.

One was caught by trawl six miles off Tod Head, Kincar-
dineshire, December 8rd, 1901, and brought into Aberdeen
Market, where I found it.

Another was obtained twelve to fourteen miles off Aber-
deen, January 31st, 1903, and kindly presented to me by Mr.
Thomas Davidson, fish-salesman. It may be noted that in
Day’s figure the ventral fins look as if they had been cut
straight across, whereas the outer CREE is pointed and
longer than the inner.

Pagellus owenii, Giinther. Axillary Bream.

“A specimen caught in the Firth of Forth, in a salmon
net, near Musselburgh, in the early part of July. A few
days after a second specimen was taken from the same place.
It appears to be an addition to the British Fauna, since no
instance has hitherto been recorded of its occurrence on the
coast of Britain.” (Parnell.) Thus the matter rests till the
present day.

Pagellus erythrinus, Cuv. Pandora. King of the Breams.

“Tn the Firth of Forth I have seen it once, where a fine
specimen, nineteen inches in length, was captured in a salmon
net near Musselburgh.” (Parnell.)

=

FISHES. 211

Family SCORPAANIDA.
Genus SEBASTES, Cwvier.

Sebastes viviparus, Avoyer. ‘Norway Haddock.
“Bergylt.” “Jerusalem Haddock.” ‘“Runkie.”

Four examples of this species were brought into Aberdeen
Market, October 24th, 1892; though, since the advent of
trawling in Aberdeen, this is by no means an uncommon
species, it being frequently brought in by the hundredweight.

A considerable amount of doubt hangs around this fish.
Collett holds that it is merely a variety of S. norvegicus, and
Day follows him. Kroyer and Lutken take the opposite view,
believing it to be a distinct species; but from the numbers I
have examined—of both forms—I have no doubt that they are
identical.

Day says: ‘It has been asserted that the young come forth
alive.’ Couch remarks of the young: “It is even supposed,
on good evidence, that they proceed from the mother alive.”
I am in a position to state that the young are brought
forth alive, having in my possession a female in which the
young are ready for expulsion, and were all alive when the
fish was obtained, each young one being about one-fourth of
an inch long. This specimen was caught on April 18th, 1887.
Again, on June 26th, 1901, I had eight others in the same
condition.

Scorpzena dactyloptera, Giinther.

This is an abundant species on the east coast of Scotland,
but local. It is caught in numbers off Fraserburgh; one
hundredweight was caught there by line in 1889, some of
them being from eighteen to twenty inches long. Thirty-nine
were taken by trawl, off Troup Head, May 19th, 1890; and on
June 23rd following two hundredweights were caught by
trawl off Kinnaird Head. Again, on July 9th, four and one-
half hundredweights were got by trawl off Troup Head; and
in the same locality, by the same means, on 22nd July, one
hundredweight. On March 26th, 1891, two hundredweights
were caught by trawl off Buchan Ness, and two hundred-
weights from same locality, May 13th, 1892. This was

212 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEER.”

followed on November 5th, 1892, by four hundredweights,
also off Buchan Ness. Besides these, many small lots have
been brought to land, and all from the same localities. This
fish seems to keep beyond the forty-fathom line. As an
article of food, it is excellent.

This species has a striking resemblance to sSepautes but
may be readily distinguished from it by its deep blue mouth,
that of the Sebastes being white.

Family COTTIDA.
Genus COTTUS.

Cottus scorpius, Zinn. Short-spined Cottus.
‘“¢Gunplucker.”

Occasionally cast on Aberdeen beach after storms, and also
brought in by trawlers.

Cottus bubalis, Euph, ‘Father Lasher.” “Long-spined
Cottus.” “Goudie.” ‘“Cuntack.” “ Gunplucker.”
‘““Cumper.”

An abundant species; found in every rock pool, and often
cast upon the beach after storms.

Cottus groenlandicus, Cuv. “Greenland Father Lasher.”

This is a doubtful species; some contend that it is only
a variety of C. bubalis, while others hold it to be a distinct
species. Among the latter was the late Mr. Couch, to
whom I sent specimens, which he pronounced to be genuine
C. grenlandicus. The distinguishing character between C.
bubals and this form are sharp papille above the lateral
line, spinous processes on the inner surfaces of the pectoral
fins, and round white spots along the abdominal surface.
As these features are not, however, always all present, I
am inclined to the former belief. Examples have been found
in which only the papille above the lateral line and the
spinous processes on the pectoral fins were present; while in
others, the white spots along the belly were the only variation
from the type.

FISHES. 213

Cottus quadricornis, Zinn. Four-horned Cottus.

Edward says: ‘“‘ I have never found this species but in the
stomach of other fish, which leads me to conclude that they
generally inhabit deep water.”

I have never had the fortune to obtain C. quadricornis from
the east coast, but have one from the Pentland Firth.

Genus TRIGLA, Artedi.
Trigla lineata, Gmel. Streaked Gurnard.

Up to the publication of Dr. Day’s work on British fishes,
only two specimens of the Streaked Gurnard had been
recorded for Scotland—‘ One at Ayr, and a second, in October,
1844, at Glasgow.” I am enabled to place this pretty and
interesting fish amongst the east coast Marine Fauna, one
having been found by Mr. Herbert Howell, in a trawl net,
eight or nine miles off Stonehaven, on January 13th, 1896.
Mr. Howell presented it in a fresh condition to me, and it is
still in my possession.

Trigla cuculus, Zinn. Red Gurnard. ‘“ Gowdie.”

Not uncommon; caught both by line and trawl. As an
article of food, it is not held in great esteem.

Trigla hirundo, Zinn. Sapphirine Gurnard. ‘ Gowdie.”

Not uncommon; caught throughout the year by trawl, and
by lines during summer.

Trigla gurnardus, Zinn. Grey Gurnard. “Gowdie.”
‘“‘ Crooner.”

Abundant; caught by line-fishers during summer, but the
largest numbers are obtained by trawl, when frequently a ton-
weight is brought to market by one vessel, and this at all
seasons of the year. Not esteemed as food by the people
along our coasts. The form named Trigla blochu is now
believed to be nearly a variety of the above.

214 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”
[Trigla poeciloptera, Cur. The Little Gurnard.

Edward says: “Somewhat rare. I remember once taking
one from the stomach of a Great Northern Diver, which was
shot between Findochty and Speymouth.” Couch describes
this fish as a distinct species, but Day puts it down as the
young of Trigla herundo.|

[Trigla obscura, Linn. “Long-finned Captain.”

In Dr. Howden’s list this fish is marked as local, and a
specimen is in Montrose Museum, but neither date nor
locality is given. Information on this point is very desirable,
as the species is not yet recorded for Scottish waters. |

Family CATAPHRACTI.
Genus AGONUS, Bloch.

Agonus cataphractus, Ginther. Armed Bull-head.
“Miller's Thumb.”

Abundant; often brought in by trawl, and very frequently
cast upon the beach after storms.
Genus PERISTETHUS, Kawup.
[Peristethus cataphractum, Kaup. Armed Gurnard.

Like the preceding, this species is included as local by Dr.
Howden, but like it there is yet no Scottish record of its
occurrence along our coast. |

Genus TRIGLOPS.
Triglops murrayi, Gunther.

This fish was first made known as British by Sir John
Murray, who caught it off the Mull of Cantyre and the Island
of Sanda in 1887-88, and was described and figured in the
Proc. Roy. Soc., Hdinburgh (1889), by Dr. Gunther.

The first specimen for the east coast of Scotland was

FISHES. 215

caught by trawl, fourteen miles off Aberdeen, on October Ist,
1890, since which time many others have been obtained by
the same means off the coast of Kincardine and off Montrose,
the majority of which have come into my hands. Indeed,
since the foregoing was written, at least a dozen specimens
have reached me, all caught off Aberdeenshire.

The creature frequents hard and sandy ground, and is
caught always where Hchina are abundant. Six specimens
came to hand on January 7th, 1898; five of these were females,
three of which were laden with spawn so ripe that it would
have been shed in a few days. This spawn was of a very light
transparent yellow, and each egg considerably larger than that
of the herring. In the other two fishes the spawn was not so
far advanced. From these facts, the time of spawning is the
months of January and February. ‘The stomachs of the
females, having the ripe spawn as well as the others well
advanced, were filled with crustacea, viz., Hippolyte spinus,
Crangon vulgaris, and Pandulus annulicorms. It is thus evident
that the statement often made that fish do not feed when full
of spawn is erroneous.

Family PEDICULATI, Cuvier.
Genus LOPHIUS, Artedz.

Lophius piscatorius, Zinn. ‘Fishing Frog.” ‘‘ Cathie.”
“Angler.” ‘“Sea-devil.” ‘“Monk-fish.” “Wide-gab.”
“Kethrie.” ‘Kethek.”

“In the Firth of Forth the Angler is frequently taken both
by hook and net, and is common in almost every part of the
estuary.” (Parnell.) “Is frequently met with, but is not
used as an article of food.” (Edward.)

This is one of the most common fishes along our coast,
but seldom, if ever, caught by line. It is frequently cast upon
the beach during storms, and is caught in immense quantities
by trawl-fishers. Many tons are brought into Aberdeen
Market yearly. It is never used as food along the north-east
coast; still, when properly cooked, it makes a very good
article of diet.

216 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Family TRACHINIDA, Risso.
Genus TRACHINUS, Cuvier.

Trachinus draco, Zinn. The Great Weiver.
“Muckle Stanger.”

Not included in Parnell’s list for the Firth of Forth, nor
by Arbuthnot for Peterhead.

“A single specimen of this fish has been recorded.” (W.,
“Contributions to the Ichthyology of Banffshire,” in the
Naturalist, vol. v., p. 207, 1855.)

“This species is of rare occurrence with us.” (HEdward.)

This is, however, a fairly common species all along the
east coast, frequenting deep water, from which it is brought
both by line and trawl.

Trachinus vipera, Cuv. Lesser Weiver. “Stanger.”

Not noticed by Arbuthnot at Peterhead.

“Not abundant; one was procured a few years ago
entangled in the salmon nets near Banff.’ (‘Contributions
to the Ichthyology of Banffshire,” by W., The Naturalist, p.
230, 1854.) ‘It has been met with in the mouth of the Tay,
but very seldom seen in the Firth of Forth.” (Parnell.)
“Specimens of the Little Weiver are not infrequently met
with.” (Edward.). “Found along the sandy shores of the
east coast; taken by the seine-net at Little Ferry.” (Fauna
of Sutherland, 1887.)

This is an abundant species, frequenting sandy bays, where
it is a source of fear and trouble to fisherwomen while fishing
for sand-eels. While thus occupied, they frequently trample
upon the Weiver, and consequently get wounded by its sharp
dorsal spines, causing great swelling, inflammation, and pain.
The fisherfolk generally have the opinion that if stung with
the Weiver when the tide is at its height, the pain will not
abate until the tide is again at its lowest; or if stung when
the tide is low, they will have to suffer until high-water is
reached; but whenever wounded, six hours must elapse before
they can hope for relief. The Weiver is often cast upon the
beach after winter storms.

FISHES. 217

Family SCOMBRIDAL, Cuvier.
Genus SCOMBRER, Artedt.
Scomber scomber, Zinn. The Mackerel.

Fairly abundant all along the east coast, and is caught by
line and artificial fly during summer and autumn; in recent
years many. have been landed by trawlers.

Genus ORCYNUS (Cwrer), Lutken.
Orcynus thynnus, Zinn. The Tunny.

‘Several specimens of this fish have from time to time
been taken with us. A very large one was captured in a
salmon net at Portsoy. It measured over nine feet in length.”

Edward.

In the late Dr. Gordon’s “Fauna of Moray,” Zoologist, 1852,
pp. 34-55, he mentions the above under the name of Thynnus
vulgaris, and says: ‘In the summer of 1850 several individuals
of the shoal or herd which seemed to have approached Britain
that year were met with in the Moray Firth; first one, killed
at Portsoy in a salmon net, measured nine feet in length;
another, at Clachnahary, near Inverness, measured five feet.”

One was caught at Newtonhill, Kincardineshire, in a
salmon net, August 18th, 1876, and is now in my possession.
The skull of this species is occasionally brought in by trawl
and line-fishers, and I found it on one occasion cast on the
beach at Aberdeen.

Genus THYNNUS (Cuvier), Lutken.
Thynnus pelamys, Cuv. Bonito.

In the Elem. Nat. Hist., vol. i., p. 363, and on the authority
of Mr. C. Stewart, this fish is recorded as having occurred in
the Firth of Forth.

One was caught at Kirkside, 1859, and is now in Montrose
Museum.

218 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”
Genus PELAMYS, Cwvier.
Pelamys sarda, Cuv. Belted Bonito.

One was caught at Buddon, near Montrose, in 1885, and
is now in the Museum there.

Genus AUXIS, Cuwv.
Auxis rochei, Ginther. Plain Bonito.

“Several of these have now come under my notice. One,
taken in a herring net, off Cullen, measured over twenty
inches in length, and twelve inches in circumference behind
the first dorsal.” (Hdward.)

Family STROMATEKIDA, Swainson.
Genus CENTROLOPHUS, Lacepede.
Centrolophus pompilus, Cuv. Black Fish.

“A specimen of this very rare fish was caught in a net at
Lossiemouth in 1841.” (Gordon.)

On August 31st, 1887, one was caught by trawl twenty
miles off Aberdeen—length, twenty-three and one-half inches
—and is now in my possession. Dr. Howden, in his list,
includes this fish as “local,” but when or where caught, or
where now to be seen, he does not state.

Family CORYPGINIDAI, Swainson.
Genus BRAMA, Risso.
Brama raii, Schn. Ray’s Bream.

According to Parnell, this species has “occurred in the
Firth of Forth frequently.”

One was caught in Peterhead Bay and placed in the
Museum there by the late C. W. Peach, December 30th, 1850.
One was taken in Gamrie Harbour, October 24th, 1851—(G.
Harris, Zoologist, p. 83801.) One was caught in Aberdeen Bay,
1857, and is now in the collection, Marischal College Museum,
Aberdeen.

FISHES. 219

Kdward merely makes the remark “rare,” but does not say
that he has ever seen a specimen. There is a specimen in
Montrose Museum that was caught at Kirkside in 1850.
There is an example under the name of Brama marina, from
the Firth of Forth, in Dr. Fleming’s collection, now in the
Arbroath Museum.

“A specimen occurs in the University Museum,’ St.
Andrews. i(M‘Intosh.) Donovan mentions one as having
been “found on the shore near St. Andrews in 1782.”

Genus LAMPRIS, Retzius.
Lampris luna, Asso. Opah. King Fish.

This fish has long been known in British waters. The
first notice of it was that by Sibbald of one got in the Firth of
Forth in 1664. Specimens exist in the Museums of Hdin-
burgh, St. Andrews, Montrose, and Peterhead. Many have
been brought into Aberdeen Market within recent years, but
the majority were caught on the west coast. ‘It has been
found at Boddam, Troup Head, Blackpotts, Portsoy, Buckie ”
—(Edward); “ Portgordon and Nairn ’’—(Gordon).

Family CARANGIDA, Giinther.
Genus CARANX, Lacepede.

Caranx trachurus, Zacep. Horse Mackerel. ‘Scad.”
‘‘Buck Mackerel.”

“We Baye seen a few specimens of these fishes, but they
are rare.” (Arbuthnot.)

“Ts not very numerous, and is seldom used as an article of
food.” (HKdward. ae

This species is well known all along the east coast.
During summer it is frequently caught by hook and line; and
in some years it is caught in numbers by trawl. It is,
however, irregular in its appearance. During the summer of
1883 large numbers were caught and brought into Aberdeen,
since which time they have been rather scarce.

As these fishes are looked upon as valueless as an article
of food, I had every opportunity afforded me of examining

220 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

them while they were in such abundance in the year above
referred to. At this time some were examined every day, the
aggregate amounting to several hundreds, in every one of
which the same appearance presented itself, viz., the stomach
and intestines were embedded in a thick gritty mass, which
lay along the abdomen, almost filling the whole cavity. This
mass, on examination, was found to be an accumulation of
parasites in all stages of development—life, death, and decay ;
for here we have the egg with the embryo just making its
appearance within; others where the worm is seen coiled in
several circles upon itself; while again the empty shells are
in abundance, and the large fibrous mass is made up of the
skins of those that have run life’s course. Through the whole
of these “memorials of the dead” are seen the perfect
creatures wriggling in full vigour of life. Still, the fishes
were in good condition and apparently in perfect health.

Genus NAUCRATES, Cwer.

Naucrates ductor, Cuv. The Pilot Fish.

“A very fine specimen of this rare and rather peculiar fish
was taken in our bay about forty years ago.” (Hdward.)

[In showing some fishermen Yarrell’s British Fishes, they
identified the Sword-fish, and remarked that they had fre-
quently seen it in the Firth. (W., “Contributions to the
Ichthyology of Banffshire,’ Naturalist, vol. v., p. 207.) |

Genus CAPROS, Lacepede.

Capros aper, Zacep. Boar-fish.

Howden includes this fish as local, but gives neither
locality nor date.

“‘One obtained at Lossiemouth in 1839, and sent to Elgin
Museum.” (Gordon.) ‘One taken in bag-net, near Crovie,
in August, 1862.” (Kdward.)

Two were caught in the Firth of Forth, 1892, and are now
in the Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh. ‘There is one
in Peterhead Museum, without locality or date given, but said
to be local.

FISHES. 221
Family CYTTIDA, Kaup.
Genus ZHKUS, Cuvier.
Zeus faber, Zinn. Doree, or John Dory.

“Of these fishes we have only seen two specimens upon
our coast.” (Arbuthnot.)

“In the Firth of Forth seldom more than one or two are
seen in the course of the year.” (Parnell.) “I have now
ascertained that many of these fish have been taken here
chiefly in salmon nets.” (HEdward.) ‘Two were obtained off
Morayshire.” (Gordon.) ‘Occurring about Tongue, and
there is a specimen in the Dunrobin Museum.” (Harvie-
Brown and Buckley.)

This species is frequently caught by trawl and brought
into Aberdeen.

Family XIPHIIDAH, Agassiz.
Genus XIPHIAS.
Xiphias gladius, Linn. The Sword Fish.

““A small specimen of this fish—rare on this part of the
coast—was caught in our harbour in 1841.” (Hdward.) “One
was. caught at Bo’ness, Firth of Forth, July 17th, 1893; it
measured eight feet two inches in length.” (Ann. of Scot. Nat.
Hist.) One, six feet long, was caught two hundred miles east
of Aberdeen, and brought into the Market of that city,
November 14th, 1893, and was bought by me. 3

This species is included in the list of fishes for the parish
of Fraserburgh, given in Smith’s New History of Aberdeenshire,
vol. i., p. 589; but no value can be attached to the statement.
Sir Robert Sibbald describes one that was caught in the Firth
of Forth and exhibited in Edinburgh.

Family SCIAANIDA, Cuvier.
Genus SCLAINA, Arted.

Scizena aquila, Risso. Maigre.

‘A specimen, about three feet and a half in length, was
P

222 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

taken a short time since in the Firth of Forth, and is now in
the College Museum of Edinburgh.” (Parnell.)

One was cast dead upon the sands of Aberdeen Bay, 8th
December, 1870—length, five feet. It is now in Marischal
College Museum. ee

Family TRICHIURIDA, Giinther.
Genus TRICHIURUS, Linneus.

Trichiurus lepturus, Zinn. “Silver Hair-tail.”
“ Blade Fish.”

“Two specimens of this fish have been found dead and
cast ashore in the Moray Firth, and examined by Mr. James
Hoy. The first, on the 2nd November, 1810, after a high
wind from the north, was found at Portgordon. . . :
Upon the 12th November, 1821, another individual was found
upon the beach, nearly at the same place.” (Fleming.)

From Hoy’s description, quoted by Fleming, it seems
doubtful if the fishes described were really Trichiwrus ; and,
indeed, Dr. Day, in his work, while referring to MHoy’s
example, says: ““One appears to have been Regalecus banksi,
while it is doubtful to what genus the other, taken in 1810,
is to be referred, unless to Lepidopus, as a caudal fin is
alluded to.”

In the New History of Aberdeenshire, vol. i., p. 186, while
speaking of the parish of Aberdour and the fishes along its
coast, Trichiurus lepturus finds a place in the list, but no
authority is given.

“A very fine specimen of this fish, which is rare in the
British seas, and especially on the east coast of Scotland, was
found in the Firth here in April, 1876. Although the head
and tail were a good deal injured, it measured over twelve
feet in length.” (Kdward.)

Here, again, there is room for considerable doubt as to the
identity of the specimen referred to, and it would seem that
no appearance along the east coast of Scotland has yet been
made by 1’, lepturus.

FISHES. 223

Genus LEPIDOPUS, Gouan. :
Lepidopus caudatus, White. Scabbard Fish.

One found on the “Cullen Sands,” January, 1896, and sent
by Dr. Cramond to Professor Nicholson, Aberdeen—(Aberdeen
Evening Express, January 31st, 1896). A few have recently
been brought to Aberdeen Market, but their place of capture
was not ascertained.

Family GOBIIDA, Cwvier.
Genus GOBIUS, Artedi.
Gobius niger, Ronde. Black Goby.

[These inhabiting the rocky part of the coast become at
times the prey of the haddock, etc. Though they do not seem
to be numerous in this arm of the sea, I meet with them
occasionally in the stomachs of fishes.” (Hdward.) ]

“In the Firth of Forth I find this fish rather scarce,
having seen but three specimens.” (Parnell.) ‘Mr. Robert
Walker states that he has found this species. It has not
occurred in my collection.” (M‘Intosh.) ‘One has been pro-
cured by Mr. T. Edward.” (‘Contributions to the Ichthyology
of Banffshire,” by W.)

Gobius ruthensparri, Euphr. Two-spotted Goby.

Edward considered this species the rarest of all the Gobies
to be met with off Banff. ‘I have repeatedly taken it in the
mouth of the Firth of Forth.” (Parnell.)

I have taken this fish in the rock-pools along the Kincar-
dineshire coast. It does not, however, appear to be an
abundant species.

Gobius minutus, Gmel. Speckled Goby. Spotted Goby.
“Donlie.”

‘‘Seems to be a common fish in sandy bays throughout the
British coasts.” (Parnell.) “I meet with them occasionally
in the stomachs of fishes.” (Hdward.)

This is a common species in Aberdeen Bay, being often
cast upon the beach, and caught by women with drag-net

while fishing for sand-eels.
1D

224 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

Gobius parnelli, Day. ‘Little Goby.” “Speckled Goby.”
“One-spotted Goby.” |

“This well-marked species of Goby is occasionally found in
the Firth of Forth, but is not common.” (Parnell.) “Fre-
quent” (at Banff). (Edward.) 7

This species I find sparingly in the rock-pools about
Aberdeen.

Gobius quadrimaculatus, Cw.
This species is represented by a single specimen which I

found on board a steam trawler that had been fishing sixteen
miles east of Aberdeen, April 23rd, 1895.

Genus APHIA, Risso.

Aphia pellucida, Nardo, White Goby.

Described as a “‘new species of British Goby,” by Parnell,
in Proceedings of the Royal Society of Hdinburgh (18387).
“Reported by Edward as plentiful in the rock and sand-pools
of the Banffshire coast.” (Harvie-Brown and Buckley.)

I can find no report of this in any of Edward’s writings
with which I am acquainted. Occasionally cast upon the
beach at Aberdeen.

Genus CRYSTALLOGOBIUS, Gull.
Crystallogobius nilssonii, Did. and Kor.
One was obtained from a rock-pool at Banff in May, 1868,
by Edward, and was figured by Day.
Family CALLIONYMIDA, Richardson.
Genus CALLIONYMUS, Linn.

Callionymus lyra, Zinn. “Dragonet.” “Sculpin.” “Bal-
leerie.” ‘“‘Lerrie.” “Messenger.” “The Bridegreem.”
“ Gemmous Dragonet.”

This species is fairly abundant all along the east coast,
and is frequently brought to land both by line and trawl. —

FISHES. 225
Family DISCOBOLI, Cuvier.
Genus CYCLOPTERUS, Linneus.

Cyclopterus lumpus, Zinn. Lumpsucker. ‘Paddle Cock.”
“Parl Hen.” “Runker.” 7

Common all along the east coast. Seldom used as food,
but by some it is considered good, after having been skinned
and hung in peat-smoke for several days.

According to Day, this fish ‘“‘comes in-shore,” for the
purpose of spawning, “from March until May.” I have had
the spawn brought in from deep water, upon the 1st of
February, with some of the young already hatched and the
rest all alive and ready to emerge from the eggs. The spawn
is, however, often to be seen in rock-pools along the east coast
in the months mentioned by the writer just quoted.

Genus LIPARIS, Artedt.
Liparis vulgaris, “lem. Unctuous Sucker. “Sea Snail.”

Rare. ‘Has been found in the Firth of Forth” (Parnell),
St. Andrews (M‘Intosh), Montrose (Howden), Banff (Edward),
Sutherland (Houstoun), and on the Kincardineshire coast by
the writer. |

Liparis montagui, Cur Montagu’s Sucker.

-“ Abundant in rock-pools.” (M‘Intosh.) “Once met with.”
(Edward.) ‘Wick Bay.” (Peach.) Fairly common in rock-
pools south of Aberdeen, where they are generally found
attached to the under side of stones and weed. |

Family GOBIESOCIDA, Bleeker.
, Genus LEPADOGASTER, Gowan.
Lepadogaster gouanii, Lacep. Cornish Sucker.

This species does not seem to be common. It is repre-
sented in the Montrose Museum, and several examples have
been found on Aberdeen Beach by me.

226 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”
Lepadogaster bimaculatus, Mem. Double-spotted Sucker.

“A specimen was lately discovered by the Rev. James
Weir, of Lossiemouth.” (Gordon.) ‘Included in Howden’s
catalogue, but no locality given. Brought on shore now and
then.” (Edward.) ‘Occasionally in the laminarine region
and in the stomachs of cod and haddock.” (M‘Intosh.)
Occasionally brought in by trawlers at Aberdeen.

Family BLENNIIDAL, Swainson.
Genus ANARRHICHAS, Artedi.
Anarrhichas lupus, Zinn. Wolf Fish. Cat Fish.

One of the commonest of the fishes along the north-east
coast; caught in large numbers by trawl. Its colour and
general appearance are such as cause most people to look upon
it with dislike and even loathing; indeed, till recently, it was
consigned to the manure manufacturer. I can, however, assert
that there are few fish that can compare with the Cat Fish
as an article of food; I find it really excellent.

An excellent figure and description of the so-called
Anarrlichas minor are given in The Annals of Scottish Natural
History, vol. 1., pp. 26, 27. The specimen from which the
figure, etc., were drawn is said to have been caught “by trawl
off Aberdeen on or about the 17th October last”’ (1891); but
as matter of fact, this and other spotted specimens were
brought from Iceland. On October 19th, 1899, sixty speci-
mens were landed at Aberdeen Market, all caught round
Iceland.

The chief points of difference between this form and 4.
lupus are a number of dark conispicuous spots profusely spread
over the body, the absence of the transverse bands character-
istic of A. lupus, and a supposed general lessening of the teeth
as compared with the latter. Whether this be a good species
or merely a variety of A. lupus has still to be determined,
although it is looked upon by various authors as distinct. If
such be so, it seems to me that several others may be looked
upon as good species and with equally good reason. As an
example, there is Anarrhichas lupus-non-maculatus of Muller, a
specimen of which I obtained at Aberdeen. This variety is

FISHES. 227

destitute of the transverse bands, and is of a uniform
greenish-brown colour. The dorsal fin does not reach the
base of the caudal, besides which it ends in several low rays,
thus leaving a wide space between the tail and the end of the
dorsal. The general height of the dorsal fin is less, and it
does not rise so abruptly anteriorly as in the ordinary form of
lupus. I have had several specimens of A. minor, and with the
exception of external colouration, I am unable to see anything
to warrant its being considered a good species; and the same
observation applies to A. lupus-non-maculatus.

Genus BLENNIUS, Artedi.
Blennius gattorugine, Bloch,

“T have met with this species only on two occasions.”’
(Edward.) This fish, however, and the following one are not
represented in Banff Museum.

I have on several occasions found it on trawl vessels,
and it may be noted that Day, in his description, says
there is “a well-developed fringed tentacle above the orbit,’
and that there is “a black spot beneath the eye;” but in his
figure (plate 59) this black spot does not appear, and the eye
tentacles are shown of a short blunt oval form; whereas, in
Yavrell’s figures, vol. i., p. 226, lst ed., the eye tentacles are
shown long and bifurcated at their extremities, but without
any fringing.

As Day makes no mention of a Blenny with bifurcated eye
tentacles, it would seem that he has figured and described a
different form, under the name of gattorugine, from that
referred to by Yarrell.

Blennius montagui, Flem. Montagu’s Blenny.

“One specimen taken from the stomach of a haddock.”
(Edward.)

[Blennius occellaris, Zinn. “Butterfly Blenny.”

Recorded by Dr. Howden as local, and as being represented
in Montrose Museum. It is not recorded by Dr. Day as
having been obtained in Scottish waters. |

228 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”
Blennius pholis, Zinn. “Shanny.” “Smooth Blenny.”

“Met with amongst the low-lying rocks along our line of
shore.” (Edward.) “Common in the Firth of Forth.” |
(Parnell.) “Abundant between tide-marks.” (M‘Intosh.)

The Shanny is of very common occurrence along the rocky
Kincardineshire coast. When first taken from the water, the
fish. presents a beautiful arrangement of colours, many of

which vanish almost before the creature is dead.

Genus CARELOPHUS, Kroyer.
Carelophus ascanii, Waldbaum. Yarrell’s Blenny.

“T have a splendid specimen in my collection, which was
found cast on shore between Gardenstown and Crovie.
Rarely met with.” (Edward.)

Peach records it from Wick and Peterhead. Day mentions
“one from the Moray Firth, 1839.” ‘One at Peterhead, 1853.”
(Harris.) “Not uncommon in deep water, and occasionally in
the stomach of cod.” (M‘Intosh.)

I have found this species on several occasions upon
trawlers that had been fishing off the Aberdeen and Kincar-
dineshire coasts. It does not seem to be abundant.

Genus CENTRONOTUS, Bloch.

Centronotus gunnellus, Gunther. “Butter Fish.”
‘“Nine-eyed Eel.” “Spotted Gunnel.”

‘“‘Tt is common in every part of the estuary of the Firth of
Forth.” (Parnell.) “To be met with among the low-lying
rocks along our line of shore.” (HEdward.) ‘ Abundant
between tide-marks, and on the west sands after storms.”
(M‘Intosh.) Included in the list of fishes at Peterhead,
N. S.A.,.and also by Arbuthnot. |

This fish is abundant all along the east coast.

Lumpenus lampetreformis, Codlett.

‘This fish was first discovered as British by Professor
M‘Intosh of St. Andrews, in May, 1884, and obtained by him
fifteen miles off St. Abb’s Head. The second recorded

FISHES. 229

specimen I found upon a trawl-boat that had been fishing
in the Moray Firth, April 14th, 1885, since which time several
hundreds have been obtained from the same locality.

Genus ZOARCES, Cwvrer.

Zoarces viviparus, Cuv. Viviparus Blenny. “Guffer Eel.”
“ Dornicle.”

“Found in great numbers during the months of July,
August, and September.” (Arbuthnot.) “In the Firth of
Forth it exists in great plenty, hiding under sea-weed in rocky
situations.” (Parnell.) ‘Not uncommon between tide-marks,
and on the west sands after storms.” (M‘Intosh.)

This species is common all along the north-east coast, and
is to be found under stones and weed. Those, however,
caught off-shore are always of greater size than those to be
found along the coast. On April 22nd, 1886, I had a large
female brought from deep water. She contained 30 young,
ready for expulsion, and in addition to this there were thirty-
one more, evidently the young of a former season, which had
never been born. They were all firmly fixed together, and in
a hard wasted condition. The cause of their not having
been shed was not apparent.

Family CEPOLIDA, Bleeker.
Genus CKPOLA, Linneus.
~Cepola rubescens, Linn. Red Band Fish.

A specimen is in Montrose Museum, and marked as local in
Dr. Howden’s list, but no authority given. I am not aware of
any other record for the east coast of Scotland.

Family TRACHYPTERIDA, Swainson.
Genus TRACHYPTERUS, Gowan.
Trachypterus arcticus, Nilss, “Vaagmar.” “Deal Fish.”

A specimen of this fish was “ caught in the Dee, near
Aberdeen, 28th January, 1818, and exhibited by the Marquis

230 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEER.”

of Huntly’s fishwoman. It measured three feet in length,
nine inches in breadth, and one inch thick in the middle.”
(MS. note, with water-colour drawing of the fish, leaving
no doubt as to the identity.) The note and drawing are in my
possession.

““One obtained at Burghead in 1847, three feet long.”
(Gordon, who, in the Zoologist, p. 3460, mentions two others.)
“One at Findhorn.” (St. John.) “One in the Firth of Forth,
1849.” (Day.)

In the Presentation Book of Montrose Museum for 1849 is
the following: ‘‘ Vaagmeer or Deal Fish—This rare fish was so
much damaged as to be unfit for preservation ; eight feet two
inches long, eleven inches broad, and two and one-half inches
thick; sent to Mr. Yarrell.” It is doubtful, however, if the fish
referred to was a Vaagmar.

‘“ April, 1872, one, five feet ten and one-half inches long,
was captured in the stake-nets at Montrose, and is now in
the Museum.” (Day.) Since allowed to go to decay.

In August, 1888, one was found cast upon the beach by the
salmon-fishers at Mennie, Aberdeenshire. It was about four
feet long and nine inches broad. Being somewhat decom-
posed when found, it was allowed to decay. Gordon, in his
Fauna of Moray, mentions one as having “been obtained at
Burghead in 1847, three feet long—(Mr. Martin)—and one at
Findhorn —(Mr. St. John).” One was reported by Edward
in the Aberdeen Evening Express, on April 10th, 1879, as having
been caught at Buckie that month.

Genus REGALECUS, Ascanius.

Regalecus banksii, Yarrell. Banks’ Oar Fish.

A specimen of this species was cast ashore near Port-
gordon, and examined by Mr. James Hoy, November 12th,
1821, as reported by Fleming, British Animals, p. 205. Drs.
Gordon and Day put the date as November, 1812.

“March, 1844, an example, twelve feet long, was cast
ashore at the village of Crovie, near Macduff.” (Martin and
Gordon.) The occurrence of an Oar Fish was reported by Mr.
Peach to Mr. Couch. It was obtained at Keiss, a few miles
from Wick.” It “measured fifteen feet and about one-half in

FISHES. 231

length . . . and the weight, one hundred and eighty-two
pounds!”

An imperfect specimen, seven feet two inches long,
occurred among the West Rocks.” (M‘Intosh.) ‘ August
21st, 1880, one, twelve feet 9 inches long, was found dead, at
the mouth of the Eden, on the sands at St. Andrews.” (Day.)

An example, eleven feet four inches long, was caught at
Fraserburgh, February 8th, 1884; one, seventeen feet one inch
long, ‘was got in a stake-net by the salmon-fishers near
Buckie the other day ’’—(Aberdeen Daily Free Press, April 28rd,
1884)—and was sent to Aberdeen University, but was not
preserved. ‘One was washed into Sandhaven WHarbour,
January 25th, 1891; it measured about twelve feet long.’’
(Aberdeen Evening Express, January 27th, 1891.)

‘“‘One, sixteen feet three inches long, was ‘captured’ in
the estuary of the Findhorn ‘one day last week,’ and was
sent to the British Museum.” (Aberdeen Free Press, May
1st, 1896.)

Family ATHERINIDA, Giinther.
Genus ATHERINA, Artedt.
Atherina presbyter, Jenyns.

[“‘ September, 1848, one caught off Peterhead along with
herrings; length of fish, to root of tail, seven and one-half
inches; to end of tail, nine and one-quarter inches; colour of
fish, generally orange red; below lateral line, deeper red.” (Dr.
Dyce, MS.) This specimen does not appear among the collec-
tion of fishes that belonged to Dr. Dyce, now in Marischal
College Museum. |

Day, in his history of British Fishes, vol. 1., p. 226, gives the
writer the credit of recording this species at Aberdeen. This
is scarcely correct, as he only mentioned it on the strength of
Dr. Dyce’s note given above.

‘Dr. Neill states, in vol.i. of the Wernerian Transactions,
that ‘he has frequently found the Atherine washed ashore
about Figget Whins, in the Firth of Forth, after easterly
winds. . ’ Two instances only have occurred to me in
which the Atherine were found in the Firth of Forth.”
(Parnell’s Fishes of the Firth of Forth, p. 282.)

232 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

- “A specimen in the University Museum; rare.’ (M‘Intosh,
St. Andrews.)

Family MUGILIDAS, Cuvier. .
Genus MUGIL, Artedt.
[Mugil capito, Cu. The Grey Mullet.

“JT am only aware of two specimens of this Mullet which
have been procured within our limits—the one at Gardens-
town, the other at Cullen.” (Kdward.)

- Parnell says: “This fish, on the authority of Dr, Neill, is
occasionally found in the Firth of Forth, as recorded in the
Wernerian Transactions, vol. i., p. 544, under the name of Mugil
cephalus,” and adds: “It is a singular fact . . . that nota
single specimen has fallen under my notice; those which I
have examined being the M. chelo, of Cuvier (the next fish to
be described), and not M. capito, which, according to my
observation, is far the rarer fish of the two.” This is in exact
accord with the experience of the present writer. |

Mugil chelo, Cuv. Thick-lipped Grey Mullet.

Arbuthnot, in his Account of Peterhead, p. 20, in speaking of
“the Mullet,” which he calls Mugli ophalus, says: “‘These have
frequented our coasts for several years; they have never been
caught upon lines, and appear to live upon the fucil. A
number of them were caught in a seine-net. . . . The
main body leapt over the bolt-ropes of the net and made their
escape.” Le : |

“‘Scarcely a summer passes but that a few are found at the
different fishing stations in the Firth of Forth, and occasion-
ally of large size.’ (Parnell, Fishes of the Firth of forth, p.
230.) Edward does not mention this species in his list for
Banffshire. ‘“‘Common along the east coast of Sutherland in
suitable places,” and “pretty plentiful in Wick Harbour and
in the mouth of the river in winter.” (Peach, quoted by
Harvie-Brown and Buckley, Fauna of Sutherland, p. 270.)

- This species is frequently caught in the nets set for
salmon along the east coast, and at times it is obtained in
numbers in salmon drag-nets in the mouths of our rivers.

FISHES. 233

Family GASTEROSTEIDA.
Genus GASTEROSTEUS, Artedi.
Gasterosteus aculeatus, Zinn. Stickleback.

After a few years’ collecting of this family, and the
examination of several hundred individuals, I am driven to
the conclusion that there is but one species in our district,
and also that the number, presence, or absence of lateral
plates is of no value in the determination of species; for I
find that in some of our lochs and streams these creatures are
pretty constant in the appearance and number of their
armature, whilst in others, by one sweep of a hand-net, a
batch can be taken with a number of plates varying so that
they represent every so-called species that has been recorded
as British. Nor does the number of plates indicate age, for I
have often found individuals not over one inch in length
possessed of nine to twelve such plates; whilst others of full
size have not more than three or four. It is also noticeable
that the number of plates on each side is not the same,
there frequently being one to four more on one side than upon
the other.

Day, British Fishes, vol. i., p. 287, says: “It is in the ocean,
more than in fresh waters, that we must seek the spiny-rayed
fishes; and, similarly, it is on the sea-boards, or skirts of the
ocean, that we must look for Sticklebacks in which the
armature of the side is most developed, as in the variety
trachurus ; while such as have the free portion of the tail
unarmed are furthest inland or on elevated plateaus.”

It is quite true that the development is greatest and most
constant along the sea-board, the only variation I find in
these being the want of one of the dorsal spines. But I
occasionally meet with specimens from pools in the interior of
our district with an equally great development of lateral
plates, and the keel upon the tail quite as well marked. This
keel, again, in inland water specimens, is subject to consider-
able variation; sometimes it is formed by an elevation of the
skin only—in others, it is composed of one continuous horny
plate; while, again, it may be formed by a series of obtuse
spines; and, lastly, of a number of small plates with a high
ridge along the centre of each. All things considered, it

THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

seems evident that we have but one species of Stickleback
(apart from the fifteen-spined one), which is subject to
immense variation in the number of its lateral plates, and
that is capable of living in sea, brakish, or fresh waters.
These variations, however, do not seem sufficient to warrant
the adoption of specific or even variety names.

This species is subject to a disease similar, if not identical,
to that of the salmon.

Gasterosteus spinachia, Linn. Fifteen-spined Stickleback.

Pretty common all along our coast, where its nest may
be found in the quiet pools.

Family LABRIDA, Cuvier.

Genus LABRUS, Artedi.
Labrus maculatus, B/. Ballan Wrasse. Sea Swine.

“The Ballan Wrasse is a rare fish in the Firth of Forth.”
(Parnell.)

Under the names “Labrus tinca, Wrasse, vulgarly called
Sea Swine,” this fish is spoken of by Arbuthnot, in his list of
Peterhead fishes, as ‘the most beautiful of all the finny tribe
which inhabit our shores.”

“Pretty frequent during summer.” (Hdward.)

This species has been recorded from various places along
the Moray Firth. It is occasionally brought into Aberdeen
both by line and trawl.

Labrus mixtus, Zinn. Blue-striped Wrasse.

“Rare. A very pretty specimen was taken off Macduff.”
(Eidward.) Under the name JL. trimaculatus, P. Neill, in his
list of fishes for the Firth of Forth (Memoirs of Wern. Nat.
Hist. Soc., vol. i., p. 538), says: ‘ Several of this elegant species
were taken every summer in the Firth of Forth.”

Parnell remarks: ‘The Wrasses greatly resemble each
other in their external form, and, their colours being liable to
great variation, have created much confusion in the identifi-
cation of species.”

Several specimens of this species have been brought into
Aberdeen by trawl-fishers.

FISHES. 25

bi |

Genus CRENILABRUS, Cuvier.
Crenilabrus melops, Cwv.

Under the name ‘“Crenilabrus tinca, the Conner,” Parnell
says: “On the rocky parts of Prestonpans, North Berwick,
Largo, and Burntisland they are not infrequently met with.”

Gordon, in his Fauna of Moray, mentions the “ Gilt-head,
Cremlabrus melops, found at Stotfield, 1838, often met with in
the Firth—(Mr. Martin).”

Edward, in the Naturalist, vol. v., p. 59, and also in his
“Life” by Smiles, simply uses the word “rare” in reference
to this species.

Genus CTENOLABRUS, Cuwvver.
Ctenolabrus rupestris, Cuz.

“Specimens are occasionally found in the Firth of Forth
washed ashore after strong easterly gales.” (Parnell.) “I
have only seen one of these species in the neighbourhood.”
(Edward.)

Genus CENTROLABRUS, Giinther.
[Centrolabrus exoletus, Giinther.

Under the name Acantholabrus exoletus, Small-mouthed
Wrasse, Edward says: “Only one specimen of this fish as
yet came under my notice, and that one was captured off
Troup Head.’’|

Order ANACANTHINTI.
Family GADIDA, Cuvier.
Genus GADUS, Cwvrer.

Gadus morhua, Linn. Cod. ‘“Pullach.” “Keelin’.” “Codlin’.”
“ Dole-fish.” “Haberdine.”

Abundant all along the east coast of Scotland, and one
of the most valued food fishes. This species is subject to
hermaphroditism. I have a specimen in which the milt and
roe are well developed.

236 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

Turton’s ‘Speckled Cod” has been occasionally found
along the Aberdeenshire coast, specimens of which are in my
possession. This, however—as is now well known—is merely
the young of the common Cod in which the speckling is pro-
duced by the presence of parasites in the skin, each of which
produces a small black speck. ‘Green Cod” are also the
common form whose colour is produced by the food it eats
and the locality it frequents, usually where sea-weed is
abundant.

“ Ascellus wslandicus, Haberdine. It is an island Cod, some-
what bigger than ours, and of the same nature.” (The New
London Dispensatory, p. 255, 1676.)

Gadus eglefinus, Zinn. Haddock. “Hathock” ‘“Haddie.”
After spawning, “Gamrels” or “Camerls.” Young,
above five inches long, ‘“‘Nockies.” When rock-dried,
“Speldin.” ‘“Harrowster.”

Extremely abundant, and caught in vast numbers; used
in fresh state or smoked. The small village of Findon,
Kincardineshire, was long famous for its “Yallow Haddies,”
and these were known and highly appreciated over a wide
district. Now, however, its good name is gone, and with it
the trade. ‘Finnan Haddies”’ are now made in Aberdeen and
the various villages along the coast, but they have the name
only; they are not the ‘“ Finnans”’ of thirty years ago. The
object now aimed at is the “taking appearance”’ of the fish,
and this is only attained at the expense of quality. The real
“Finnan’’ was cleaned and smoked on the day it was caught,
and the smoking was done with peat fuel; now they are
made from fish that may often have been from three, four, to
six days in ice, by which time the substance and flavour are
sucked out of them, and the smoking is done with pine saw-
dust, after which the fishes are washed to give them a “fine
look,” with the result above stated. :

Of late, a great outcry has been raised by line fishermen
about a scarcity of Haddocks, the cause of which they attri-
bute to trawling, and they assert that never before was such
a scarcity known. But on such points the fisher mind is
little to be relied upon, for such times of scarcity of fish were
frequently known long before trawling began along the east

FISHES. 237

coast. In the O.S.<A., vol. xiil., p. 8, under Bervie, it is said :
“The fishing business seems to be much on the decline on
this coast, owing to the great scarcity of fishes, particularly of
the species called Haddocks. Within these ten or twelve
years the Haddocks have left this coast entirely. In the year
1782, a prodigious storm happened on the coast; the wind,
blowing with an uncommon violence, raised the sea in such
mountainous billows as to produce effects almost like an
earthquake, and since that storm the Haddocks have every
year become scarcer. The cause attributed for their depar-
ture being that the mussels on which they fed had been
covered up with sand.” On the other hand, “ Dr. Blagden
ascribes the scarcity of the Haddocks to the effects of
electricity.”

The Haddock is subject to great variation in colour; one
was brought into Aberdeen Market on 19th February, 1896,
the colour above the lateral line and the line itself being a
pale yellow; under the line, silvery white. There was no
trace of the ordinary black shoulder mark. The fish was
caught by trawl about midway between the main-land and
Soulis Skerry, 7.e., about thirty-three miles off each. The
fish measured twenty-five inches long, and was in fine
condition.

Fishes similar to this are described by Thomson and others
from the Irish seas. Couch claims them to be specimens of
what he describes as the “ Dorse,” but in this there is great
room for doubt. In his description of the Dorse, he says:
‘‘ Behind the head on the back a deep chink almost lke that
on the nape of the Rockling, but without a ciliated membrane
as in that fish.” Now the fish in my hands has not that
‘‘chink,” but has instead the low blunt crest of the common
Haddock, and if it could be shown that the Irish examples did
not possess this “chink,” then Couch’s claim to have them
“Dorse”’ cannot hold good.

Gadus luscus, Zinn. Bib. Whiting Pout. “Silver Fish.”
“Jackie-downie.” ‘Brassie.” “Bargain.”

Common all along the east coast of Scotland. Frequently

used as bait. As an article of food it is very good.
Q

238 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Gadus minutus, Zinn. Poor or Power Cod. Shelchie.
Shelack.

Abundant ; caught in fair numbers by line during summer,
and by trawl all over the year. Although small it is very
good eating, but seldom used.

Gadus merlangus, Zinn. Whiting. ‘“Fittin.” Young taken
in the months of June and July (when in quantity)
are called “Dargs.” ‘ Cuitschack.”

Caught in large quantities all around the east coast, and —
esteemed the most delicate of all our food fishes, for which
reason it is often called “the chicken of the sea.”

Gadus poutassou, Gunther. Couch’s Whiting.

Included in Dr. Howden’s list as local, but no information
given as to where caught or where to be seen.

Gadus virens, Zinn. Coal Fish. ‘“Colmies.” ‘“Saithe.”
“Coal Saithe.” “Piltock.” “Cuddy.” “Baggot.”
“Mar Seith.” In the young stages, the names of

“ Prinkle,” “Gerrick,” “Poodlie,” are given.

This species is caught in great numbers, but is not con-
sidered of high quality. They are usually split, salted, and
dried.

Gadus pollachius, Zinn. Pollack. “Lythe.” “Skeet.”
“Sythe.”

‘‘ A rare visitant in the Firth of Forth, where seldom more
than half-a-dozen are taken during the season, and those
generally of large size.” (Parnell.) ‘These frequent our
coasts during the summer months. . . . The taste is
similar to the common whiting, but much firmer and more
delicious.” (Arbuthnot.) “Occasionally from deep water.”
M‘Intosh.) ‘“ Frequent.” (Kdward.)

Along the coast of Aberdeen and Kincardine shires ane
species is caught sparingly.

FISHES, 239

Genus GADICULUS.
Gadiculus argenteus.

This species is represented by a single specimen that was
found upon Aberdeen Sands by me on April 18th, 1885.

Genus MERLUCCIUS, Cuvier.
Merluccius vulgaris, Cuv. Hake. ‘Herring Hake.”

“ Rare in Scotland.” (Fleming.) “Seldom met with on
the east coast of Scotland.” (Parnell.) ‘“ Found occasionally.”
(Edwavrd.)

This fish is caught abundantly off the coasts of Kincardine,
Aberdeen, and Banff both by line and trawl, and is, when
properly cooked, an excellent article for the table.

Genus PHYCIS, Bloch.
Phycis blennoides, 27. Great Forked Beard.

This fish was practically unknown along the east coast
until the advent of trawling, by which mode of fishing it is
shown to be fairly abundant. It is never used as food, still I
find it to be excellent as such. A variety of this fish is some-
times brought to our market in this form—the first ray of the
first dorsal fin extends from one and one-half to two inches
beyond the others, in the form of a long thin spine. From
this, Couch has given it a place as a distinct species under the
name Blennoid Fork-beard, but beyond this difference in the

fish, I have seen nothing to warrant such distinction being
given.

Genus MOLVA, Nilsson.

Molva vulgaris, Flem. Ling. “Stake,” when young.
‘When salted and dried, they are called Kealing.”
(Edward.)

This is a very common species along the east coast, and is
caught in large numbers, and either eaten fresh, or split,
salted, and dried. It is held in high esteem as an article of

Q 2

240 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

food. like the cod, the ling is a voracious feeder, nothing
seems to come amiss—knives, steel drills, belaying pins, and
bottles of both glass and pewter. In one, which was opened
at Aberdeen, was found a pint-bottle, and within this vessel
was found part of a note-book with the following, written in
pencil: “The schooner ‘ Anna,’ of Bangor, in a sinking state;
my men ’as given up; all hopes abandoned. Writing this,
dear wife, if this should reach shore, know what ’as become of
your darling Willie. God bless you. January 24th, 1886,
dreadful storm; both masts gone; ship water-logged. Good-
bye, dear wife, for ever.—From your loving husband, Willie
Jenson.”

Genus LOTA, Cuvier.
[Lota vulgaris, Cur. Burbot.

“Two specimens found in Market to-day, June, 1861;
never met with this fish before—one, thirteen and one-half
inches; the other, twelve and one-half inches long, along
with sea fish; upper jaw longest; teeth very sharp.”

The above is a MS. note by the late Dr. Dyce, on whose
authority I included the Burbot in my list of the Fishes of the
North-east Coast of Scotland, which was issued by the Aberdeen
Natural History Society many years ago. Having examined
one of Dr. Dyce’s original specimens, there is no doubt that
he was labouring under a mistake. The fish he named the
Burbot is merely a young specimen of the common ling.]

Genus MOTELLA, Cuvier.

Motella mustela, Ni/ss. Five-bearded Rockling.
“ Miller’s Thumb.”

To be found in almost every pool along our rocky coasts.
The young of this species are to be seen in small pools left by
the tide during the months of September and October. At
that period they are from one and one-half to one and three-
quarters inches long—dark, almost black, along the body above
the lateral line, silvery below. In this stage they have been
looked upon for long as a distinct species under the name of
“‘ Motella glauca, Mackerel Midge.” In a similar position, it is

FISHES. 241

suspected, must Couchia thompsoni and Couchia edwardw be
placed, both of which are described as distinct species by
Couch, from specimens sent to him from Banff by Edward;
only that C. edward appears to be the young of Motella
cumbria.

In this connection, the Seven-bearded Rockling found by
me must of necessity be looked upon as a mere accidental
variety of the Five-bearded Rockling. In the notice of Motella
tricirrata it is mentioned that the barbels have been observed
to be bifid. This bifurcation, by being extended to the base of
the barbels next to the eye, would give the exact appearance
of the seven-bearded form referred to, and indeed some affirm
that the three, four, and five-bearded Rocklings are merely
varieties of one form.

Dr. Howden, in his list of fishes, in referring to the
seven-barbeled form alluded to above, gives it the name of
M. septemciviata. It is surely a mistake to multiply names
in this way, and with so little ground for doing so.

Motella cimbria, Vi/ss. Four-bearded Rockling.

| In describing this form from a specimen fourteen inches

long, Parnell says: “I am not aware of the Motella cimbria
having previously been noticed as a British fish.” Although
mostly all previous writers have mentioned this fish, all agree
in accounting it “rare.” Ihave found it at Aberdeen.

Motella tricirrata, Ness. Three-bearded Rockling.
“Miller's Thumb.”

Under the name Motella vulgaris, Parnell says: “It is rare
in the Firth of Forth as well as along the whole of the
eastern shores of Scotland.”

This species is not mentioned by Edward in his “ Fishes of
Banffshire,” as given in the Naturalist for 1855, nor in the
list at the end of his “ Life,” as given by Smiles, 1876.

It is recorded from the Moray Firth by Harris in Zoologist,
ix., for 1851. M‘Intosh does not mention it in his “ Fishes of
St. Andrews.”

This species is frequently brought into Aberdeen by trawl]

242 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

fishers, and always from deep water; I have obtained as
many as a dozen in one morning. By these fishers it is
caught all the year round.

I have seen the barbels in this species bifurcated. This
fish is never eaten, being looked upon with great dislike; still
it is an excellent article of food.

Genus RANICEHPS, Cwver.

Raniceps raninus, Zinn. Lesser Forked-beard.
“Tadpole Fish.”

Not an abundant species. Has been found in the Firth
of Forth, St. Andrews Bay, and Edward says: ‘Several of
these are now known to have been found in this part of the
Firth.” I have frequently found this species cast upon the
beach at Aberdeen, always after storms.

Genus BROSMIUS, Cuvier.
Brosmius brosme, White. Torsk. Tusk. “ Brismak.”

“Tt is said to be occasionally taken in the Firth of Forth.”
(Parnell.) ‘There are few of these fishes to be found in our
neighbourhood. . . . . Some are caught in the mouth of
the Murray Firth about the termination of the Long-Forties
Bank.” (Arbuthnot.)

A few are brought into Aberdeen by line fishermen, but
the species is not abundant on the east coast. It is, however,
very common about Shetland, where large numbers are caught

by trawlers and brought to Aberdeen Market.

Family OPHIDIIDA, Muller.
Genus FIERASFER, Cuvier.
Fierasfer dentatus, Cuv. Drummond’s Echiodon.

This species was first made known as an inhabitant of our
coast by Edward of Banff, who found one in March, 1863.
I found one at Aberdeen, March 18th, 1888, since which
time several others have been got by me.

FISHES, 245

Genus AMMODYTES, Artedtz.
Ammodytes lanceolatus, Lesawvage. Sand-lance. ‘“‘Ornals.”

This species is often caught by line-fishers, and is also
cast upon the beach after storms.

Ammodytes tobianus, Zinn. Sand-eel. “San’ils.”

Abundant, and caught in large numbers to be used as bait
for haddock and whiting. A delicious article of food, but
from their small size are seldom used as such.

“There is a place in Southerland, besyd Spainzidell, wher
the inhabitants doe tak a kynd of fish (called Sandeels) efter
this manner. At high streams and springs in summer, when
the sea is at low eb, their doth appeir in the Firth of Port-
Necouter some banks or bedds of sand; at these tymes the
common sort of the inhabitants doe conveen on horsbak to
the number of six or seven hundred people, and so doe swim
towards these sands; and when they doe aryve upon these
bedds of sand, incontonent they run their horses at full speed,
stryveing who can first aryve at the fishing place, when they
doe endevoar with all dilligence to tak these Sandeels (not
unlike unto sprats) whereof they tak such abundance dureing
some few dayss that it sufficeth them for provision of that
kynd of fish dureing lent and the most of the yeir following.”
(Lhe Genealogy of the Earls of Sutherland, p. 5.)

Family MACRURIDAS, Richardson.
Genus CORYPHAANOIDES, Giinner.
[Coryphzenoides rupestris, Collett.

Specimens of this species were dredged by the “Porcupine”
off Shetland. It is included by Dr. Howden in his list as
local, but where caught or where to be seen is not stated. |

Family PLEURONECTIDA, fisso.
Genus HIPPOGLOSSUS, Cuvier.

Hippoglossus vulgaris, Ylem. Halibut. When young,
‘“ Birdies.” ‘Turbot.” ‘ Blacksmiths,” when old and
biack.

Abundant, and caught both by line and trawl.

244 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Genus HIPPOGLOSSOIDES, Gottsche.

Hippoglossoides limandoides, Ginther. Long Rough Dab.
“Rochie.” “Bastard Sattie.” ‘‘Rough-back Fluke.”

“This fish I first recorded as British in the Hdinburgh New
Philosophical Journal for July, 1835, from specimens taken in |
the Firth of Forth.” (Parnell.) ‘These are found in great
numbers off our coast.” (Arbuthnot.) “Of rare occurrence.”
(Edward.)

Along the coast of Kincardine, Aberdeen, and Banff shires,
this is quite a common species, and is caught both by line and
trawl, but is not looked upon with much favour as an article
of food. It is, however, a fish of fine flavour.

Genus RHOMBUS, Cuvier.

Rhombus maximus, Cuv. Turbot. “Roden Fluke.”
“Gunner Fluke.” “Bonnet Fluke.” ‘Roan Fluke.”

“These are caught in considerable quantities off our
coasts; they sell from threepence to one shilling and two-
pence each. They are a fish of no reputation amongst the
poor, but they begin to be liked by the higher classes of
society.” (Arbuthnot, 1815.)

“Along the east coast of Scotland, in the bays of the
Moray and Dornoch Firth, they are occasionally taken, but of
small size, and do not appear in numbers until we approach
the English coast. At the mouth of the Firth of Forth they
are found more plentiful, and specimens, weighing from twenty
to thirty pounds, are not infrequently taken.” (Parnell.)

“Met with . . . and always commands a ready sale
and a high price.” (Edward.)

“In the abnormal examples which swim on their edges,
both the dextral and sinistral surfaces are coloured, and each
has an eye.” (M‘Intosh.)

This is an abundant species, and is caught in great
numbers both by line and trawl, particularly the latter.
Specimens coloured on both sides often occur; but it does
not follow that because they are so they swim edgeways.
Those referred to have in every case the eyes on one side.

- FISHES. 245

Such examples as are completely coloured on both sides have
tubercles on both surfaces. If, however, any of the ordinary
white colour is still in evidence, the tubercles are not present
on such white patches. Another peculiarity in this species,
which I have not observed mentioned by any author whose
works J am acquainted with, is that sometimes when the fish
are normally coloured, they are as thickly studded with
tubercles on the under surface as they always are upon the
upper, and in such cases these tubercles stand much higher
and sharper, assuming the form of spines.

The Turbot is also subject to a peculiar form of malfor-
mation, 7.e., the anterior end of the dorsal fin being free from
the head, thus making a deep notch immediately above the
eyes. It is also a general belief that this malformation is
only to be seen in specimens of the fish that are coloured on
_ both sides, but this is a mistake. After years of observation,
I find that this cleft between the head and the dorsal fin
occurs as frequently in specimens having a white and coloured
side as in those coloured on both sides; but I have noticed
that the cleft is often more pronounced in the latter than in
the former.

Rhombus levis, Rondel. Brill. ‘“ Silver Fluke.” “Pearl
Turbet.” “Bastard Turbot.”

Taken by trawl in considerable numbers upon the “ Aber-
deen Bank” and upon “Smith’s Bank,” in the Moray Firth,
and other places along the east coast. As many as five
hundred and twenty have been landed by one vessel at
Aberdeen Market, and from one to four hundred have often
been brought in.

Genus ZEUGOPTERUS, Gottsche.
Zeugopterus unimaculatus, Day. Eckstrom’s Topknot.

“In Montrose Museum.” (Howden.) ‘Rare in Caithness.”
(Peach.)

Zeugopterus punctatus, Collett. Muller's Topknot.
“Black Hairy Fluke.”

“Rarely seen, except during stormy weather.” (Parnell.)

246 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

‘Occurs at intervals along our whole line of coast.” (Hdward.)
“Not common.” (M‘Intosh.)

This species is occasionally cast upon the beach at Aber-
deen after storms, and is not infrequently brought in by
trawlers.

Genus ARNOGLOSSUS, Bleeker.

Arnoglossus megastoma, Donovan. “Sail Fluke.” “Whiff.”
“Megrim.” ‘Merry Sole.”

“Several of these have been caught in the harbour at
Peterhead, but they are by no means a fish that is plentiful
upon our coast.” (Arbuthnot.) “This species seems to be
rather rare with us.” (Edward.) Not mentioned by Parnell
for the Firth of Forth. “Occasionally.” (M‘Intosh.) “Not
uncommon off Wick.” (Peach.)

This is a species that does not readily take a bait, hence
the supposition that it is rare. It is, however, taken in
considerable abundance by trawl, being fairly numerous all
along the east coast, and may be seen every day in
Aberdeen Market.

[Arnoglossus laterna, Giinther. Scald Fish.

“This would appear to be another very scarce species with
us. I have never met with one but in fish stomachs, and very
seldom there.” So says Edward, and he is the only authority
we have for the occurrence of this species upon the east coast.
Unfortunately, no specimens exist in the Banff Museum of
Edward’s many rarities, so that now there is no chance of
verifying his statements. I am, however, inclined to think
that Edward has been labouring under a mistake in this
instance, and that what he took for the Scald Fish is merely
the young of the Craig Fluke (Pleuronectes cynoglossus). Again
the question arises, Is the Scald Fish a good species? Is it
not merely the young of the one just mentioned? If not,
certainly this young form might easily be mistaken for the
Scald Fish.

Genus PLEURONECTEHS, Arted.
Pleuronectes platessa, Zinn. Plaice. ‘“ Plash Fluke.”

In great abundance in all suitable localities along the east
coast ; caught chiefly by trawl.

FISHES. 247

Pleuronectes microcephalus, Donovan. “Smear Dab.”
‘Lemon Dab.” Lemon Sole. “Sand Fluke.” “Mary
Sole.” “Town Dab.”

“The Smooth Dab is not by any means a common fish in
the Firth of Forth. . . . Two or three seasons sometimes
pass when not half-a-dozen of these fish are seen in the
Edinburgh Market.” (Parnell.) “Not often met with at
Banff.” (Edward.) ‘“‘Common at St. Andrews.” (M‘Intosh.)

Since the trawl fishing began along the east coast, the
Lemon Sole, as it is called, is found to be an abundant species,
and large numbers are brought into Aberdeen Market.

Pleuronectes cynoglossus, Zinn. “Pole.” “Craig Fluke.”
“Witch Sole.” “Pole Dab.” Long Flounder.

“This fish was first recorded as new to the British Fauna

in the Hdinburgh New Philosophical Journal for 1885. The only
locality then known for it was the Firth of Forth.
Since the time I first discovered it, I have obtained fifteen
specimens.” (Parnell.) ‘ Under the name Plewronectes Buchan-
havenensis, Arbuthnot gives notice of a fish which may be
Cynoglossus. Not often met with.” (Hdward.)

For twenty years prior to the commencement of trawling
along the east coast of Scotland, I had only seen three speci-
mens of this species; but since trawling became a common
mode of fishing it has proved that the “ Witch Sole” is quite
an abundant species—so much so, that a trough that runs
from near Rosehearty to opposite Tarbet Ness is now
known as the “Witch Ground.” This hollow runs about
parallel with the Moray Firth coast, from which it is distant
from six to ten miles.

When this fish was first brought to market it was difficult
to find buyers for it, being, as it looks, a thin fleshless-like
animal. It was, however, soon found to be a fish of excellent
quality, and now finds a ready sale. This species very rarely
takes a bait.

Pleuronectes limanda, Zinn. ‘‘Sattie.” ‘‘ Dab.”

Abundant, and caught in large numbers by line and trawl.

248 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Pleuronectes flesus, Zinn. Flounder. ‘“ Beggar Fluke.”
“Freshwater Fluke.” “Biggar Fluke.”

Common both along the coast and in our rivers, up which
it ascends for many miles.

Genus SOLEA, Cuvier.

Solea vulgaris, Quensel. “Common Sole.” “Rock Sole.”
“English Sole.” ‘Black Sole.” “Tongue Sole.”
“Sole Fluke.”

Not an abundant species. A few are caught by trawl, and
more rarely by line.

Solea lascaris, Giinther. Lemon Sole.

“Rare.” (Edward.) I have never seen this species on
the east coast, nor even heard of it.

Solea variegata, Flem.

Under the names “ Pleuronectes variegatus, Variegated Soal,
or Spotted Soal,” Arbuthnot says: ‘These are to be met with
occasionally, but they are a rare fish.”

Although no notice is taken by Edward of this species in
the Moray Firth, either in the Appendix to his “Life” by
Smiles or in the Fishes of Banffshire as given in the
Naturalist, he is made to say by Day, in his Fishes of Britain,
that it is “met with occasionally off Banff.” The writer can
find no record of its occurrence, nor has he ever seen it
himself.

Solea lutea, Bonap. ‘“Solonette.” ‘Little Sole.”

“T have found it in the stomachs of cod and haddock.”
(Edward.) “Common at St. Andrews.” (M/‘Intosh.)

I have on several occasions taken this species by trawl
in Aberdeen Bay.

FISHES. 249

Order PHYSOSTOMI, Muller.
Family STERNOPTYCHIDA.
Genus MAUROLICUS, Cocco.

Maurolicus pennantii, Day. Sheppy argentine, Pennani,
Low. Scopelus humbolti, Yarrel/. Scopelus borealis,
Nilsson. Scopelus pennantii, Cur. Argentina hebridica,
Giinther. Argentine, Couch.

This little fish is cast upon the beach at Aberdeen
in great numbers during the months of January, February,
and March, but I have found it as early in winter as
November 27th. “Common at Banff” (Kdward); and Peach
has recorded it from Wick. The distribution is wide; it has
been found in the Greenland seas, on the coast of Scandinavia,
all around the British islands, and through the Mediterranean,
where it has been found by me cast upon the shore at Cannes
in the month of November.

It may be observed, in passing, that the habits of this little
fish are entirely unknown. It has been said that “they are
thrown on our shores in varying numbers, and in proportion
to the violence of the weather’’—a statement quite at
variance with fact, that is if the statement is meant to
show that the fish is only to be found when violent weather
sets in, which the present writer understands it to mean.
TI have for many years watched the movements of this fish,
and have observed that during violent weather it is never
cast upon the beach, and not until the storm has passed and
the sea again become calm is there the least hope of seeing
Pennantw thrown up, and then in a living or perfectly fresh
condition, showing clearly that the storm has nothing to do
with the fact of the fish being so cast up. How they manage
to escape the storm is a trait in their habits yet to be
accounted for. All I can in the meantime say is that such
is the case as shown from many years’ observation, and that
if the weather continues boisterous, Pennanti need not be
expected during the season indicated above.

250 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

[Paralepis coregonoides, isso.

In Dr. Howden’s list this species is marked local, but
without note or comment. On the other hand, the only
specimen known to have been found in British waters at
the publication of Dr. Day’s History of British Fishes, and
which Dr. Howden professes to follow, is one in the British
Museum, which was found alive on the coast of Cornwall
in 1869.]

Family SALMONIDA, Muller.
Genus SALMO, Arted.
SALMO SALAR, Zinn.

Salmon.

“The Dee abounds with excellent Salmon, grilse, sea-trout,
sterlings (here called dowbreeks), trout, and parr, with some
pikes and fresh-water flounders and finnicks. . . . . The
spawning season is thought to be from the middle of October
to the end of November, during which time fishing, which, by
the bye, is always with rod or spear, is prohibited. We have,
however, a species of Salmon called by the country people
Candavaigs that frequently do not spawn before the months
of April or May; these, therefore, are in perfection when the
others are not. They are grosser of their length than the
common Salmon, and often (of a large size) upwards of 20 or
30 lbs. weight. They are said to come from the coasts of
Norway.” (0. S. A.)

Salmon are abundant in all our rivers, and enter such
lochs as are reachable. |

As stated in our introductory remarks, the history of the
salmon is a subject upon which great divergence of opinion
exists. The parr, which is now admitted by all who have gone
into the subject to be the young of the salmon, was long
held, even positively asserted, to be a distinct species, and
was found in numbers where salmon were never seen. This
idea still lingers in the minds of many, and those who admit

FISHES. 251

the parentage of the parr now maintain that at the end of
twelve months it takes to the sea in the condition of smolt,
returning to its native stream a few months later—some say
a few weeks—in the form of grilse, of from two to six pounds
weight; but they will admit of no stages between smolt and
grilse. The latter, they maintain, after a short time in the
river, descend to the sea, and, in the following season, return
as salmon. In short, it is affirmed that a smolt of from five to
six inches long, and which, according to them, is not more
than twelve months old, leaps into a grilse in the short space
of two or three months, and in a similarly short time becomes
a salmon.

It is, however, well known now that many parr remain in
fresh water for two years before they assume the smolt
dress, and then only do they make way to the sea. It has,
over and over again, been observed by those having charge of
salmon hatcheries—indeed, by all who have gone into the
subject experimentally—that of the fry produced from the roe
of one salmon, one half of the number assume the smolt dress
when twelve months old, and make efforts to escape seawards,
leaping on to the banks that confine them, and readily rush
out when egress is afforded them; while the other half will not
avail themselves of the liberty offered until twelve months
afterwards, so that smolt when caught may be from one to
two years old, or even more. This accounts for the fact that
parr may be found in streams at all seasons of the year, while
smolts are not—a fact that has been brought forward as
proof that parr and smolt are not the same species.

Now, before making any observations on this rapid
transformation from smolt to grilse, it is necessary to note
that there are a number of small fishes of the salmon kind,
and all anadromous forms, that in various parts of Britain
receive different names. Thus in some quarters there are
Whitings and Salmon-peal, Skerlings, Lastsprings, Smouls
and Pink, Sprints, Herlings, Yellowfins, Blacktails, Silver-
white, and Finnocks. All these have long been, and still are,
held by many as distinct species. They are, however, nothing
more than local varieties of what is generally known in the
north as the Finnock, a form which many say does not ascend
our streams beyond the influence of the tide, but which I
have myself seen caught in the upper reaches of our rivers.

252 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

The finnock is the young of the sea trout, and the sea trout
becomes a grilse, and grilse eventually a salmon. We have
thus salmon fry, parr, smolt, finnock, sea trout, grilse, salmon,
giving all the steps from birth to maturity.

Another point that has long been held to prove that
sea trout, etc., have no connection with salmon, is the
great difference in the shape of the tail of the various forms.
This, however, cannot be taken into account, for I find that
in its younger stages the tail of the parr is totally different
from that of its parents, which is deeply forked. Although the
parr’s tail is generally represented as forked, it is in reality
not so. Photographic illustrations taken from the fish show
that at three up to six months old the tail is almost straight
across, becoming more cut into as the creature advances;
besides, for the first few months they have no scales upon
the body. Thus it will be seen that the salmon in its younger
stages is somewhat slow of growth—reversing the process
seen in some other forms of life—and it continues so through
, the whole course up to the adult, showing unmistakably that
there can be no leap, as is generally affirmed, from smolt to
grilse.

Another feature in the habits of the salmon is one over
which contention still continues; that is, does the salmon
feed in fresh water? It was only in 1898 that an extensive
series of experiments were conducted under the auspices of
the Scottish Fishery Board, and published as a Blue Book.
In that series the conclusion was arrived at that the
digestive organs of the salmon while in the river are function-
less. These experiments, the report of which extends to
176 pages, seems to me to have been carried on in a way
that proves but little. I cannot see that to take the stomach
and intestines of salmon and place them in strong spirits and
solutions of perchloride of mercury, and afterwards examine
them under a microscope, can prove what the original
condition of such preparations had been. Treatment of
animal tissues in such a way produces changes that alter
their condition materially.

Again, we are told on pp. 170-171: ‘That salmon take
the fly, minnow, or other shining object in the mouth
is no argument as to their feeding in this sense. That
they may, and occasionally do, take and swallow worms

FISHES. 2538

and other wriggling objects is well known. But the swallow-
ing of a few worms can do but little to make good the
enormous changes going in the fish, even if, when swallowed,
they are digested and used.’ If, then, worms, etc., are not
digested, what object has the fish in swallowing them ?
Would it not be dangerous for the fish to do so? In the
course of the time salmon are in the river, they would
accumulate a quantity of worms, etc., that would, of necessity,
become putrid if not digested, and would thereby endanger the
life of the fish.

But so long as we know that the remains of fish have been
found in the stomachs of salmon that were caught in the
upper reaches of our rivers, and that they are taken with
minnow, both natural and artificial, and that they rush
greedily at a bait formed of salmon roe, the fact cannot be
ignored that they are ready to feed whenever opportunity
occurs. Besides that, it is now known that our lochs and
streams swarm with myriads of copepoda and other minute
crustaceans—these of themselves are sufficient to form a fair
supply of food for salmon, as the same group of creatures do
to the herrings in the sea.

Regarding the disease to which salmon are subject, it has
been a question whether those of them that succeed, while
in that state, in reaching the sea get cured of the ailment. It
has been said they do not. I, however, obtained a salmon
that was caught by trawl 40 miles off shore, whose body
showed the usual marks left by the disease, while on other
patches the fungus was still adhering, and when this was
examined under the microscope it proved unmistakably to be
Saprolegnia ferax of the river, and it was evident that the
disease was disappearing, and the sores healed since it had
reached the sea; while the appearance of the fish gave
evidence that it had not been long since it had left the
fresh water.

Taking it all and all, much has yet to be done before the
life history of the salmon can be fully elucidated.

Salmo fario, Zinn. Gommon Trout.

“There are none in Loch-an-ean, Loch-na-gar, or Duloch.
Mr, Richard M‘Queen is answerable for these facts.’ (Mac-
R

954 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF ‘“ DEE.”

Gillivray.) How long trout have existed in Lochnagar
I do not know, but I have taken them there.

Common in every stream and loch, assuming endless
variation in form and colour, and receiving an equally
endless list of names.

Salmo umbla, Zinn. Northern Char. Alpine Char.
Red Wame.

— Salmo salvelinus, MacGillivray’s Natural History of Deeside,
in which it is stated, “Dr. Adams says he believes this fish
to have been introduced into the Loch of Dunn and other
lakes on Deeside.” I assume that it is the Loch of Drum
that is meant.

Char exists in Loch Builg, in Banffshire, about fourteen
miles from Ballater. On June 12th, 1890, one of 24 to 3 Ibs.
was caught in a salmon net below the Bridge of Dee, and I
had one similarly caught, but under 1 lb. weight, near the
same locality, but it is not plentiful in the streams of Kin-
cardine, Aberdeen, Banff, or Moray shires. |

Occurs in Loch Knockie, Inverness-shire, but “common in
some of the lochs throughout the county of Sutherland.”
(Fauna of Sutherlandshire, p. 290.) This form, however, is now
held to be merely a variety of the common trout.

Of late years, it has become a habit to introduce varieties
of trout to our northern rivers that are not indigenous to the
country. This may be beneficial from a food point of view,
but from a natural history one it is calculated to cause
confusion, especially when such have been introduced without
the fact having been made public. Thus, in 1898, over a
thousand rainbow trout were brought from Lancashire and put
into the river Bucket, a tributary of the Don.

Genus OSMERUS, Artedz.
Osmerus eperlanus, Lacép. Smelt. Sparling. Sperling.

Common in the Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay, where
it is taken in great quantities during the autumnal months
and onward more sparingly till the end of March. Not known
along the coasts of Kincardine and Aberdeen shires. For
Banffshire, Edward says “rare with us.”

FISHES. 255

At page 291, Fawna of Sutherland, the authors say: ‘“ Mr.
Peach informs us he has caught the Smelt when fishing for
sillocks,’ but the locality is not stated, although no doubt
it is somewhere within the area covered by their work.

In Olsen’s Piscatorial Atlas, the Moray Firth is given as
a spawning ground of the Smelt. On June 5th, 1893, two
specimens were caught by trawl off the Pentland Skerries,
and were brought into Aberdeen Market.

Genus THYMALLUS, Cuvier.
[Thymallus vulgaris, Vi/ss, Grayling.

Recorded as local by Howden, but he gives no indication
as to where caught or seen.|

Genus ARGENTINA, Artedz.
Argentina sphyreena, Lenn.

In the Banffshire Journal for December 9th, 1879, Edward
gave a long and very minute description of this species,
under the heading ‘A strange fish—What is it ?” Subse-
quently there appeared in the same journal a paragraph with
this heading, ‘‘A Rare Piscis.” ‘We some time ago noticed
the capture of a strange fish at Cullen, with the query ‘ What
is it?’ The problem, we are glad to say, is now solved. Dr.
Giinther, of the British Museum, from the description,
suggested that it was a specimen of the Argentina silus, a
fish entirely new to Britain. This has now, through the
kindness of Professors Trail and Ewart, of Aberdeen, been
confirmed.”

Edward eventually described the specimen in the Journal
of the Linnean Society, vol. xv., p. 334 (1881), as Argentina
silus. Dr. Day, however, in his History of British Fishes,
vol. ii. p. 186, in speaking of Argentina sphyrena includes
Edward’s silus, and does not admit it to be different from
Sphyrena parva of Rondelet, the Argentine ow wpeis-argent of
Duhamel, the Argentina sphyrena of Linneas, the Osmerus
hebridicus of Yarrell, and the Hebridal smelt of Couch—all
of which are the same fish under different names.

R 2

256 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

This species is occasionally caught by trawl off Aberdeen,
but it is far more plentiful in deep water off Wick, from
which locality sometimes a hundredweight of them is brought
to Aberdeen Market.

As in many other cases, the number of cecal appendages
found in this fish has been taken to demonstrate a dis-
tinction of species. Nilsson found fourteen to twenty such in
A. hebridica, and twelve has been recorded for A. sphyrena,
and Dr. Day says he “ only found five in the example figured.”

I, however, on April 3rd, 1895, found in one that was 16
inches long, twenty-five cecal appendages. ‘The roe in this
example was four inches long and well nigh maturity. This
organ was of a peculiar form, being made up of a number
of semicircular plates that are fastened by one edge to a
ligamentous membrane, each disk being quite free from
its neighbours. Subsequently I examined two, both
184 inches long; the one, a male, had eleven cecal appen-
dages, and the other, a female, twenty-three of the same
organs. Another female, 14 inches long, had twenty-three
ceeca, and one 10 inches long had only four. It is therefore
apparent that the number of ceca is in this, as in other
members of the fish tribe, of no value in the determination
of species.

Family ESOCIDA.
Genus HSOX, Cuvier.
Esox lucius, Zinn. Pike. “Gade.”

Common in the Dee, Don, Ury, Ythan, but is not known
to exist in the Deveron. Plentiful in the Lochs of Kinord,
Davan, Callater, Park, Skene, Slains, Strathbeg, and Bishop’s
Loch. Has been introduced into many of the lochs and
streams in the counties of Banff, Moray, Nairn, Inverness,
Ross, and Sutherland.

It is held that the Pike is not a native of Britain, but
when introduced and by whom is not known. In Pennant’s
British Zoology, vol. iii., p. 424, is the following: ‘“ According
to the common saying, these fish were introduced into

FISHES. 257

England in the reign of Henry VIII.,in 1537. . . . . How
far this may be depended upon I cannot say, for this fish is
mentioned in the Boke of St. Albons, printed in the year
1496 . . . . great numbers of Pike were dressed in the
year 1466, at the great feast given by George Nevil, Arch-
bishop of York.’’ This was in the reign of Edward IV. “Pikes
are mentioned in an act in the sixth year of the reign of
Richard IT.”

No record exists, so far as I know, of the introduction of the
Pike into Scotland, yet, seeing that the fish was held in such
high estimation, it seems reasonable to suppose that it had
been brought hither by some of the clergy during the time
the great religious houses held almost absolute sway, fish-
ponds being usually an adjunct to monasteries, priories, and
the religious institutions, where, whatever else, gastronomy
was never neglected.

Much has been said and written regarding the longevity
of the fish and vitality of its ova. In Cox’s Gentleman’s
Recreation, published in 1697, under the “Noble and Delightful
Art of Angling,” p. 44, it is said: ‘“ The Pike is a very long-
lived creature, and, if we may credit Sir Francis Bacon, or
- Gesner, that famous Brutologist, he outlives all other fish,
which is a pity, he being as absolute a tyrant of the fresh
waters as the salmon is the king thereof.”

Regarding the ova, in the report of the British Association
for 1845, Bishop Stanley “relates several facts which went
to show that the grains of the roe of Pikes were deposited in
the thatch of a cottage, where they remained for some years,
and then when the thatch had been thrown into a dry ditch
that afterwards was filled with rain, young Pikes were seen
to be produced” !!

Formerly many virtues were attributed to the Pike in the
healing art. In Salmon’s New London Dispensatory, published
1676, p. 241, “they are said to live about two hundred years.”

Notwithstanding the encomiums that have been bestowed
upon the Pike as an article of food, it is, in my opinion, about
the vilest of all the fish in our waters.

In 1839, eleven Pike were put into the Moriston river,
and, in 1848, four or five Pike were put into Loch Tongue
(head of the Moriston river) by Daniel Lank and Donald
Gillies. |

958 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

Family SCOMBRESOCIDA.
Genus BELONE, Cwvier.

Belone vulgaris, Flem. ‘“Gar-fish.” “Greenbone.”
‘“Greenben.” “Faap Mackerel.” “Faap Whaup.”

Fairly common all along the east coast.

Genus SCOMBRESOX, Lacepede.
Scombresox saurus, lem. Saury-pike.

“Great numbers of these fish were thrown ashore on the
sands of Leith, near Edinburgh, after a great storm in
November, 1768. The Saury-pike enters the Firth of Forth
almost every autumn in considerable shoals, and, being stupid
inactive fishes, are found by hundreds on the shallows when
the tide retires, with their long noses embedded in the mud.”
(British Zoology, vol. iii., p. 431, 1812.)

“ According to Dr. Neill it is not an uncommon fish in the
Firth of Forth, where it is found as high up as Kincardine,
but of late years, not a single specimen has been observed
in the Firth.” (Parnell.)

Rare on Kincardine, Aberdeen, and Banffshire coasts,
an occasional one being cast upon the beach at Aberdeen.

Family CYPRINIDAS.
Genus CYPRINUS, Artedi.
Cyprinus carpio, Linn. Carp.

“These are found in great abundance in the ponds of
Pitfour.” (Arbuthnot.) Of course they were introduced.

Genus GOBIO, Cwvier.
Gobio fluviatilis, Flem. Gudgeon.

In October, 1892, eleven of these fishes escaped from
confinement where they were kept by James Allan, Esq. of
Templand, Auchterless, from whose mill-dam they got into
the Ythan, which is close by. Perhaps at some future time

FISHES. 259

some of these or their descendants may be got in the Ythan.
It seems therefore right to note the above occurrence.

Genus LEUCISCUS, Cuv. and Val.
Leuciscus phoxinus, Flem. Minnow. Minnin.

In Charlesworth’s Magazine for 1887, vol. i., p. 337, a writer
giving the initials W.L. says: ‘There are no Minnows north
of Perth, but plenty of Sticklebacks.” Further he says: “I
believe Minnows were introduced into the Don as I know they
were into the Ness a few years ago.”

“These are found in great numbers in the rivulets of the
neighbourhood.” (Arbuthnot.)

“In the north of Scotland the Minnow does not seem to
exist, as not a single specimen was observed by a party of
ichthyologists who lately visited the different lakes and rivers
in the county of Sutherland. It is, however, found in some of
the tributaries of the Dee, appearing more plentiful as we
advance south.” (Parnell, 1839.)

“This pretty active little fish is to be found in most of
our streams. It is curious to see it stated in works on
Ichthyology that this species is not to be met with north of
the Dee, Aberdeenshire.” (Edward.)

“In twenty years we have never once met with the
Minnow anywhere in Sutherlandshire,” and ‘we are not
aware ourselves of the occurrence of this species in any river
north of the Deveron, in Banffshire, except the Spey, where it
was introduced to a limited extent about the year 1883.”
(Harvie-Brown and Buckley.)

Day, in speaking of this species, says: “ Throughout most
of the north of Scotland.” (British Fishes, vol. ii., p. 186.)

It will thus be seen that great diversity of opinion has
been expressed by various authors regarding the distribution
of this abundant and beautiful fish. This being so, I have
gone to considerable trouble to find out the real state of
matters. Besides making personal visits to some of the rivers
north of Elgin, I have been in communication with various
correspondents in Inverness-shire, Ross-shire, Sutherlandshire,
and Orkney, and one and all say that there are no Minnows
in the streams there. One correspondent from Forres sent

260 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DER.”

what he believed to be Minnows, but the specimens were
common Sticklebacks; another from Inverness sent what is
usually called Minnows in that quarter, but these were Parr.

With reference to Minnows having been introduced into the
Spey about the year 1883, I do not doubt that such took place,
but Iam aware that Minnows existed in the Spey long prior to
that date, and that they were common there I am assured
by gentlemen who are natives of the quarter and who used to
use these fishes as bait long prior to the above date. That
they are abundant in the Spey is testified by the fact that the
fish have been sent from that stream to me, where they were
taken from among “scores” of others. That these fish exist
in the Lossie, near Elgin, is proved by the fact that, in 1889,
the late Rev. Dr. Gordon sent some of them that were caught
in that stream to me for identification. This is the most
northern stream to which I have as yet been able to trace
the Minnow. In Banff, Aberdeen, and Kincardine shires, it
is common in all suitable waters.

This species is subject to the existence of tape-worm, those
caught in the Don being especially so. This was first pointed
out to me by Andrew Murray, Esq., advocate, who is a keen
and most successful angler, and knows the fishes of our rivers
well. Those tape-worms increase to such an extent that the
Minnows so affected appear about twice their natural size,
and as if at the point of bursting. When opened, the
abdominal cavity is found to be crammed full of tape. How
the poor fishes exist under such circumstances is a marvel.

Genus TINCA, Cuvier.
Tinca vulgaris, Cuvier. Tench.

‘These are found in the ponds of Pitfour, where they seem
to thrive and breed.” (Arbuthnot.) [‘One specimen taken
in our Bay in 1864 is the only example I have seen. It is
now in our Museum.” (Edward.) |

In Day’s British Fishes, vol. i1., p. 191, is the following:
“A beautiful specimen was captured in the Moray Firth in
the middle of June, 18638. From whence it came and how
it fared is a mystery.” Can this be the same fish as the
1864 one ?

FISHES. 261

The Tench was introduced at Pitfour. In the Perth
Natural History Museum there are specimens of Tench from
the Tay.

Genus NEMACHEILUS, Van Hass.
Nemacheilus barbatula, Giinther. Loach.

‘“‘In many streams in the north of Scotland, and in all the
rivers entering the Firth of Forth.” (Parnell.) He, however,
mentions no particular stream “in the north of Scotland” in
which the Loach is to be found. Included as “local” in
Dr. Howden’s list, without particulars being given.

I have never seen a specimen nor heard of one having been
obtained, and all other writers are silent on the point.

Family CLUPEIDAH, Cuvier.
Genus ENGRAULIS, Cuwv.
Engraulis encrasicholus, Cuv. Anchovy.

Professor J. C. Ewart, in an article in the Scotsman of

January 20th, 1890, says: ‘‘ Anchovies were abundant in the
Moray Firth, especially off Troup Head, where considerable
numbers were caught in the ordinary herring nets by the
Buckie fishermen. So abundant were the small fish that the
fishermen believe immense numbers might have been taken
had they been provided with small-meshed nets.
The question at once suggests itself, do we owe this Ga
of the Anchovies to the extreme mildness of the season, or
perhaps one ought rather to say to the prevalence of westerly
and south-westerly winds? The Anchovies that have reached
the Moray Firth have probably come from the Atlantic, borne
along with the powerful currents which, during south-westerly
winds, strike the Orkney and Shetland islands and with
great force rush into the North Sea through the Pentland
Firth. . . . .” The above irruption took place in 1889.

Dr. Day records the fact of Peach having taken Anchovies
from the herring nets off Wick. [Olsen gives the Moray
Firth as a spawning locality of the Anchovy.] In Howden’s
list it is marked “local.”

262 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

J. Embleton Smith, in his article on the occurrence of
Peach’s death in the Newcastle Chromcle, 1886, states that
Peach found the Anchovy at Peterhead.

Clupea harengus, Linn. Herring.

This is perhaps the most important, as it is one of the
most abundant, fish in the British seas, supplying as it does
an immense amount of food to man, besides which it is the
prey and almost the regular food of many other fishes. There
is no period of its existence in which the Herring is not
devoured by some of its many enemies. Immediately on the
spawn being deposited it is eaten in immense quantities by
flat fish and haddocks, and such of the young as escape their
enemies and attain a length of one to one and a half inches,
full-grown herrings themselves feed upon eagerly. While
in the same stage, it is often eaten under the name of
Whitebait. In its adult stages, the Herring is being
continually preyed upon by dog-fish, cod-fish, shark and
fishing frogs, the gannet, and other fish-eating birds, while
man, in addition to his wants as a food, uses Herring as a
bait for the capture of other fishes.

The Herring is of a wandering disposition, but is with us
at all seasons, spawning in the latter end of August and
through September, and again in February. Those caught in
winter are often large, dry, and devoid of flavour. Herma-
phrodism sometimes occurs in this species. I possess such a
one in which both milt and roe are unmistakably seen to
be present.

Clupea pilchardus, Walb. Pilchard.

(‘These are found in our Bay during the whole year, but
they are by no means a plentiful fish.” | (Arbuthnot.).

If Pilchards were found all the year round in Peterhead
Bay prior to 1815, they are not so now, for during a period
of forty years I have only seen one specimen that was taken
in the Moray Firth along with herrings, November 9th, 1881,
and no mention is made of it by any observer with whom
IT am acquainted.

“Mr. Reid says, very rare; I have only seen two or
three specimens.” (Harvie-Brown and Buckley.)

FISHES. 263

“The Pilchard is become of late a rare fish in the Firth of
Forth, as well as along the whole eastern line of the Scottish
shores, yet about thirty years ago it was found in equal
abundance in certain localities as the common herring.”
(Parnell.) This was prior to 1889.

Notwithstanding all this negative evidence, in Olsen’s
Piscatorial Atlas (1883), it is made to appear that the Firths of
Tay and Moray are spawning ground for the Pilchard—an
evident mistake.

Clupea sprattus, Zinn. Sprat. Garvie. Garvock.

Abundant. Taken in quantities in the Firths of Forth, Tay,
and Moray. Like its near relative the herring, it is the prey
of many other fishes and of marine birds. Many a stiff battle
has been fought over the question, ‘Is the Sprat a distinct
species?” and although the question is settled in the affirma-
tive by those best able to give an opinion, there are few
fishermen that will admit the fact, or even allow that there
are any so well qualified to settle the matter as them-
selves.

This is the species, along with young herrings, which is
cured, tinned, and sold as sardines.

Clupea finta, Cuvier. Twit-shad. Rock-herring.

‘We observe this fish enter the Firth of Forth in tolerable
abundance towards the end of July, and dozens are then taken
in the salmon nets.” (Parnell.) Although this cannot be said
to be an abundant species along the coasts of Kincardine,
Aberdeen, Banff, and Moray shires, it is frequently taken
during summer both by line and trawl.

Cupea alosa, Zinn. Allis-shad.

Although this form has been looked upon as a distinct
species from the preceding, there seems little difference
between the two, and that only in the number or absence of
the dark marks along the sides. I merely record the name,
hoping that opportunity may be presented whereby proof
may be given, either yea or nay.

264 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DER.”

Family MURAINIDA, Muller.
Genus ANGUILLA.

Anguilla vulgaris, Zurton. “ Sharp-nosed-eel.”
“ Broad-nosed-eel.”

An abundant species in all our streams and lochs, attaining
in size from two to two and a half feet. The young ascend
the rivers in vast numbers in the months of May and June,
always keeping close to the banks in an unbroken stream for
several days, at which time they are about three to three
and a half inches long.

On July 6th, 1895, I saw a large number in the river
Muick, from six to ten inches long. All were making up
stream. In their march they are often accompanied by
minnows, who usually keep at the outside of the advancing
host, and generally at the side next the stream. A good
description of this “procession” is given by the Rev. Mr.
George Mark, late minister of Peterculter, Aberdeenshire, in
the O. S. A., vol. xvi., p. 388.

In the eastern parts of Scotland, Eels are not now used
as food; indeed, the people would as soon think of eating
snakes. Such does not seem however to have always been
the case, for we are told by the writer above quoted that
“tenants who live on the banks of a burn sometimes build a
fish-garth or dam with an opening to receive a kind of osier
basket, or what they call a hose-net for catching fish. They
catch some trout and some pike, but Eels in great abundance
at the season of their returning to the sea, and sometimes
cure them in large earthen jars or small casks for winter
provision.” It is now understood that the Hel spawns in the
sea, and it is asserted that, having once performed that
operation, it dies.

Genus CONGHR, Cuvier.

Conger vulgaris, Cuv. Conger. “ Haivel.” ‘Haivel Eel.”
“Evil Eel.”

Common all along the coast. Edward says: “This large
species is often met with, but is not used as food.” <A different

FISHES. 265

idea now prevails in regard to this fish. It is found to be an
excellent article of diet, and always finds a ready sale. The
form formerly known as Leptocephalus morrisw is now known
to be the young of the Conger. In this condition it is often
cast upon the sandy beach at Aberdeen, where I have picked
up over a dozen within the space of a mile, and few seasons
pass without some specimens being so cast ashore.

Order LOPHOBRANCHII, Cuvier.
Family SYNGNATHIDAL.
Genus SYNAGTHUS, Arted:.
Syngnathus typhle, Zinn. Deep-nosed Pipe-fish.

“Rather rare in the Firth of Forth.” (Parnell.)

“Met with at Banff.” (Hdward.)

A specimen which belonged to the late Dr. MacGillivray
is in my possession, said to have been got at Aberdeen, but
I have never seen one in a fresh state.

Syngathus acus, Linn. Great Pipe-fish.

Fairly common along the east coast, from the Firth of
Forth to Wick. It is often cast up after storms, and caught
by sand-eel fishers.

Sygnathus eequoreus, Zinn. AEquoreal Pipe-fish.

‘Not uncommon on the west sands after storms.”
(M‘Intosh.) Along the coasts of Kincardine and Aberdeen
shires this cannot be called an uncommon species. It is cast
up after storms, and caught in rock-pools.

Sygnathus ophidion, Zinn. Snake Pipe-fish.

“The only examples of this fish I have seen were taken
in the Firth of Forth at North Berwick.” (Parnell.) Harris
records it from Banffshire, and Peach from Wick. This does
not appear to be an abundant species along the east coast.
I have three specimens in my possession,

266 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Sygnathus lumbriciformis, Yarrell. Worm Pipe-fish.

“Often caught by the hand-net amongst the sea-weeds
bordering the pools and rocks as the tide enters.” (M‘Intosh.)
(“Is met with, and I should suppose is not so rare as one
might expect.” (Hdward.)|] ‘Observed by Mr. Peach at
Wick.” (Fauna of Sutherland.)

Genus HIPPOCAMPUS, Leach.
Hippocampus antiquorum, Leach.

“wo were found cast on shore at a place called the Sands
of Boyndie, near the town of Banff, about twenty-seven years
ago, after a very severe sea storm.’ (Hdward.) Marked
“local” by Howden. I have not seen this fish on the east
coast.

Order PLECTOGNATHI.
Family GYMNODONTES.
Genus TETRODON, Linn.
Tetrodon lagocephalus, Zinn. Globe-fish.

In Day’s History of British Fishes, vol. i., p. 271, is the
following: ‘A stuffed one, 14 inches in length, was in the
Aberdeen University Museum in May, 1881.” If there was a
stuffed specimen of that length there at that date it has now
disappeared; yet amongst the local fishes in the Aberdeen
University Museum there is a Globe-fish, 154 inches long,
and named Tetrodon stellatus, but without date or locality
indicated, and to all appearance it is not a local specimen.

This species is marked “local’’ by Howden.

Genus ORTHAGORISCUS, Bl. Schn.

Orthagoriscus mola, Bl. Schn. “Sun-fish.” “Short
Sun-fish.”

Occasionally met with all along the east coast of Scotland.
They are usually found floating near the surface, generally

FISHES. 267

dead or in a dying condition. This species is often preyed
upon by Lernea pennatula. On July 20th, 1896, from one I
took six specimens of this parasite, which measured from five
to six and a half inches long. They had to be cut from
the flesh of the fish into which they had eaten their way
for several inches.

Orthagoriscus truncatus, Flem. Oblong Sun-fish,

“ Several have been brought on shore by the fishermen of
Gardenstown, Crovie, and other places.” (Edward.) ‘One
obtained at Burghead.” (Gordon.) ‘In August, 1846, and
October, 1850, examples were taken in the Moray Firth and
at Elgin.” (Day.)

Order GANIODEI.
Family ACIPENSERIDA.
Genus ACIPENSER, Artedz.
Acipenser sturio, Zinn. Sturgeon.

This species has been long known along the east coast
of Scotland, although it has never appeared in large numbers.
Parnell mentions it as being found in the Forth, St. Andrews
(M‘Intosh), Montrose (Howden), Banff (Edward), Elgin (Gor-
don), Inverness (Fraser), Sutherlandshire (Harvie-Brown and
Buckley), Caithness (Peach and Reid).

Along the Aberdeen and Kincardineshire coasts the
Sturgeon is caught occasionally by line fishermen. Some-
times it is found in stake-nets set for salmon, but most
frequently it is caught by trawl-fishers who bring it into
Aberdeen Market, where I have often had the opportunity of
examining them. Specimens of six to seven feet are not
infrequent.

The form that for long went under the name of Acipenser
latirostris, and believed by Parnell and others to be a distinct
species, is now considered to be merely a variety of A. Sturto.

268 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Order ELASMOBRANCHII.
Family CHIMARIDA.
Genus CHIMA(RA, Linn.

Chimera monstrosa, Linn. “Arctic Chimeera.”
“King of the Herrings.” ‘“Rabbit-fish.”

‘“A specimen of this deep-sea and rather rare species was
brought into our harbour in 1859.” (Hdward.)

Four females were brought into Aberdeen Market in 1891,
two of which are in my possession. These were caught by
trawl 160 miles N.EH. of Aberdeen, in sixty fathoms water ;
since which time, however, considerable numbers have been
landed by trawlers.

Sub-Order PLAGIOSTOMATA.
Family CARCHARIIDA.
Genus CARCHARIAS, Mull. and Henle.
Carcharias glaucus, Cuv. Blue Shark. ©

At St. Andrews, ‘not uncommon in the Bay. Captured
by the fishermen in the salmon nets.” (M‘Intosh.) ‘In
Montrose Museum.” (Howden.) He, however, neither gives
locality nor date. “One killed at Helmsdale, November,
1834.” (Gordon, Trans. Wern. Soc.)

‘“‘Rare, cast ashore near Kintradwell after a storm. <A
specimen in Dunrobin Museum is dated Kintradwell,
November, 1871.” (Harvie-Brown and Buckley.)

A female specimen of this Shark, five feet four inches
long, was brought into Aberdeen Market, September 24th,
1895. It was caught by line 180 miles S.EH. of Aberdeen,
which would indicate close proximity to the Dogger Bank.
The specimen was bought by me from its captors. Its
stomach contained fragments of fish. Having cooked a
portion of it, the record must be made that, as an article
of food, the Blue Shark is very good indeed. Since the
above date several, said to have been caught within our
limits, have been landed at Aberdeen Market.

FISHES. 269

Genus GALEUS, Cuvier.

Galeus vulgaris, Mlem. The Tope. ‘Sheer-dog.”
“ Penny-dog.”

“Frequently taken in the Firth of Forth.” (Parnell.)
“ Frequent at St. Andrews.” (M‘Intosh.) ‘I am only aware
of two instances in which this fish has been found within
our limits.” (Hdward.)

It is strange that a fish of such abundance along the east
coast should have been so little noticed. That it is our most
common Shark there is no room for doubt, it being taken
during autumn by great-line fishers in large numbers. It is
no uncommon thing to see from one to two tons of them
brought into Aberdeen Market in one day, whilst several
hundredweights are of daily occurrence. The fish, when
skinned and allowed to lie in salt for a few hours and then
boiled, is good eating, but inferior to young Porbeagle.

Genus ZYGAINA, Cwrer.
Zygzna malleus, Shaw. Hammer-headed Shark.

‘““One found dead on the shore near Whitehills in 1861.”
_ (Edward.) i

Included in Howden’s list as a fish of his district, but
neither date nor locality given, nor where to be seen.

Genus MUSTELUS, Cwer.
Mustelus vulgaris, J€uill. and Henle. Smooth Hound.

Under the name Squalus mustelus, Neill says, “this is
occasionally found along with piked. dog-fish ’—(Memo. of
the Wern. Nat. Hist. Soc., vol. i., p. 549.) “The most common
size of this species of Shark that I have met with in the
Firth of Forth is from 20 to 25 inches in length.” (Parnell.)
“Noticed by Peach at Wick, Orkney, and Shetland.”
“St. Andrews, not uncommon.” (M‘Intosh.) ‘Specimen in
Montrose Museum” (no date or locality). (Howden.)
“Caught by us on long lines off Stiorhead.” (Harvie-

Brown and Buckley.)
S

270 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “ DEE.”

One was caught by trawl twenty miles off Kinnaird Head,
March 13th, 1899. It is a female, 24 inches long, and I am
indebted for it to Mr. Howell.

Family LAMNIDA.
Genus LAMNA, Cwvier.

Lamna cornubica, Cuv. Porbeagle. “Portugal Shark.”
“‘ Sheer-dog.” 3

“We occasionally meet with a few of these upon our coast.”
(Arbuthnot.) “Several specimens have been taken in the Firth
of Forth, principally in the herring nets.” (Parnell.) ‘One
caught at Lossiemouth in a salmon net, August 25th, 1845.”
(Gordon.) ‘It is now well known that the Porbeagle finds
its way here occasionally, and usually about the herring
season.’ (Edward.) ‘A specimen in the Dunrobin Museum,
caught in Loch Inver, 1875. Another caught in the same
loch, 1881. Pretty often at Wick.” (Harvie-Brown and
Buckley.)

I have often seen this species brought on shore in mid-
winter, and upon the 18th of January, 1887, I opened a female
in which there were four fully-formed young. From this I
am disposed to think that the Porbeagle is a regular and
constant inhabitant of British waters, and also that it cannot
be called rare. This species is more frequently caught by
trawl than by any other mode of fishing. As an article of
food, the young is excellent.

Genus ALOPIAS, Rajinesque.

Alopias vulpes, Bonap. “Thrasher.” “ Thrasher Shark.”
‘“ Fox Shark.”

‘A specimen was taken off Fortrose, Moray Firth, 1846.”
(Martin.) “So far as I have been able to learn, this Shark
appears to be very rarely met with here.’ (Hdward.)

A specimen was caught at Dunninald in 1880, and is now
in Montrose Museum. One was taken at Fraserburgh,
August 30th, 1884, extreme length 14 feet 8 inches, the tail
measuring half the length. It was offered for sale in

FISHES. 271

Aberdeen, but as no buyer came forward, it was sent south,
but what was its ultimate fate I do not know. Another was
caught off Fraserburgh, November, 1884, and on September
10th, 1895, a male, 15 feet long, was caught in a herring net
twenty miles off Aberdeen and brought to the port.

Genus SELACHE, Cuvier.

Selache maxima, Cuvier. Basking Shark.

“We have occasionally seen specimens of these fishes
upon our coasts.” (Arbuthnot.)

“Dr. Neill states in the Wern. Trans., vol. i., that it is
common in the Scottish seas, occasionally, though seldom,
entering the Firth of Forth.” (Parnell.)

One, now in Montrose Museum, is said to have been found
near the Bell Rock; another, now in the University College
Museum, Dundee, was caught off that port in 1890.

One was reported in the Aberdeen Evening Express as
having been cast ashore at Portgordon, 13th October, 1899.
I went to see it, and found that it was a male, measuring
27 feet 9 inches in length; the tail measured from point
to point 6 feet, and the claspers 3 feet 6 inches. From
the condition of the fish, it was evidently the same specimen
as was reported to have been cast up at Garmouth a few
days before.

Family NOTIDANIDA.
Genus NOTIDANUS, Cuvier.

Notidanus griseus, Cuv. Brown or Mediterranean Shark.
Six-gilled Shark.

“A large specimen of this Shark was taken in the Firth
here, and brought on shore at Whitehills in December,
1857. . . . It was bought for Banff Museum.” (Edward.)

Entered as “local” in Howden’s list, with no indication
of locality. Many specimens of this species have been brought
into Aberdeen Market of recent years, but none of them
was caught within our area. |

8 2

272 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Family SCYLLIIDA.
Genus SCYLLIUM, Cuwvier.

Scyllium canicula, Linn. Small-spotted Dog-fish.
“Blin’ E’e.” “Sweetwilliam.” |

Frequently caught by trawl, and often by that means
brought to Aberdeen Market.

Scyllium catulus, Cuv. Large-spotted Dog-fish.

“In the Firth of Forth examples are occasionally found
in the salmon nets at. Queensferry ’’ (Parnell); who also
states that it has been caught at Wick.

Included in Howden’s list, but no locality given. Not
mentioned by Gordon or Edward. :

In a former list of mine this species was included on the
authority of the late Dr. Dyce, but as the fish is not in
the collection of that gentleman, now in the University
Museum, Aberdeen, there is some doubt as to whether it
had been taken at Aberdeen. I have never seen a specimen
caught there. There is a specimen in the Industrial Museum,
Edinburgh, which was caught in the Firth of Forth.

Genus PRISTIURUS, Bonaparte.

Pristiurus melanostomus, Bonap. Black-mouthed
Dog-fish.

“‘T am led to believe that this species does occasionally
occur with us.” (Edward.) Marked “local” by Howden.

One was caught by trawl four miles off Aberdeen,
November 15th, 1898, and is now in my possession. Since
the above date two others have come to my hand.

Family SPENACIDA.
Genus ACANTHIAS, Risso.
Acanthias vulgaris, Risso. Picked Dog-fish.

Abundant all along the east coast, and very destructive
both to nets and lines. Were this species used as it ought

FISHES. 273

to be, there would be less to grumble about regarding its
destructive propensity, for few of our fishes afford a better
meal when properly cooked—either boiled when fresh and
served with a sauce made of milk with a little corn-flour, a
little mustard, and plenty of parsley or onions cut fine;
or if smoked in the same way as haddock, and then boiled
for ten or fifteen minutes, and afterwards fried, it will
compare favourably with the best of those usually called
“food fishes.”

Genus LAAMARGUS, Muller and Henle.
Leemargus borealis, Bonap. Greenland Shark.

Of the Sharks that attain to large size, this is the most
abundant along the east coast. From 1883 to March, 1893,
one hundred and twenty were brought into Aberdeen. Of the
above number eighty-nine were females, and these attain a
length of 154 feet, while the longest male yet observed at
Aberdeen was only 11 feet 3 inches.

‘Nothing seems to come amiss in the way of food to this
animal. On one occasion I took from the stomach of one
three salmon which were each 24 feet long, three whitings,
lot of Buccanum undatum, Fusus antiqus, and Pagurus bern-
hardus; from another, twenty-six lumps of whale blubber,
each the size of a man’s head; while cod, haddock, coal-fish,
all the flat-fish that occur along the coast, dog-fish and
porpoise have been found in the stomachs, besides which, on
several occasions, lines with many hooks attached have also
been got. Some of these seem to have been swallowed by the
fish along other shores than those of Britain, because attached
to the lines, as floats, were many pieces of wood of peculiar
form, a method not pursued by fishermen on Scottish shores
in E regard to floating their lines.

Genus ECHINORHINUS, Blainville.
Echinorhinus spinosus, Blainville. Spinous Shark.

Not common. Edward records having seen one near
Gamrie Head on 31st December, 1850. Another is reported
by Smith in the Zoologist, p. 8057, as having been cast ashore

274 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

at Gamrie in 1851. This may have reference to the ofie
spoken of by Edward. One was caught off the Ythan, July;
1875, and is now in Aberdeen University Museum. Two
specimens, both caught by trawl, were brought to Aberdeen
Market, where I obtained them: one on August 31st, 1888,
off Slains; the other, 54 feet long, twenty- four miles off
Buchanness, August, 1899. :

Family RHINIDA.
Genus RHINA, Klein.

Rhina squatina, Raf. ‘‘Angel-fish.” “ Cattie.”
“ Sea-devil.” FL ig

a Sometimes found on our coasts, but they are a rare fish. e
(Arbuthnot.) ‘Noticed by Dr. Neill as occurring occasionally
in the Firth of Forth, and I myself have met with two
examples taken with the hook in the month of June from
the same quarter.” (Parnell.) “A large specimen was cast
into our harbour during the winter of 1851.” (Edward.)

Several specimens have been brought into Aberdeen by
trawl-fishers, but this species seems rare along the Scottish
east coast. As an article of food it is extremely poor.

Family TORPEDINIDA.
Genus TORPEDO, Dumeril.

Wet ete nobiliana, Bonap. ‘“Cramp-fish.” “ Namb-fish.”
“Electric Ray.”

‘A specimen of this fish is said to have been taken about
six miles off Loggie-head, near Cullen, in 1817. Others are
stated to have been caught.’ (Edward.) The above said to
have been taken of Edward is, by Day, British Fishes, vol. i.,
p. 382, turned into was taken. This species is marked in
Howden’s list as “local.”

One was caught in herring nets in Wick Bay in 1884, and
sent to the Fishery Board, Edinburgh. One was caught by
trawl] sixteen miles off Wick, December 27th, 1894, and brought

FISHES. : 215.

into Aberdeen Market; length, 3 feet 9 inches; breadth,
2 feet 8 inches. Another, caught in the Moray Firth in April,
1900, was given to Dr. Fulton of the Scientific Investigation
Department of the Scottish Fishery Board, Bay of Nigg.

Family RAITDA.
Genus RAIA, Artedt.

Raia batis, Zinn. “Blue Skate.” “Grey Skate.”
‘‘Blunt-nosed Dinnan.”

The most abundant of all the Rays, and taken in large
numbers. This Ray is the largest species obtained along the
east coast of Scotland. Females of from 54 to 6 feet across
are frequently brought into Aberdeen Market; the males
measure from 5 to 54 feet across.

Raia alba, Zacep. Sharp-nosed Skate. “Doctor.” -
“White Skate.”

This is the Burton Skate of Couch, vol.i., p. 97, but it is not,
as Day says, the Bordered Ray of Couch; it is the Sharp-nosed
Ray of Yarrell, 1st.edition, vol. i, p. 424; and the Raa
oxyrhynchus of Parnell, as also of Edward, who says, “large
individuals of this species are sometimes taken.” It seems
evident, however, that the last two writers mix up the
Long-nosed and Sharp-nosed Skates. Raja lintea of Harvie-
Brown and Buckley. The Sharp-nosed Skate never attains
to large proportions; three feet over all is about the
maximum length, whereas the Long-nosed Skate attains a
length of six feet. :

R. alba is an abundant species on the east coast, and is
caught in great numbers. It is subject to a peculiar mal-
formation in the form of a large fin in the centre of the back.
This fin is sometimes accompanied by one or more appendages.
I possess three such examples.

Day’s statement that this species is the largest. British
form of Skate is, we think, an error.

276 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Raia oxyrhynchus, Zinn. “ Long-nosed Skate.”
“Lang-nosed Dinnan.”

This is the Shagreen Ray of Yarrell, 1st edition, vol. ii.,
p. 414; the Raia intermedia of Parnell; the Sharp-nosed Skate
of Edward; the Long-nosed Skate of Couch, vol. 1., p. 93;
and the Long-nosed Skate, Raja vomer, of Harvie-Brown and
Buckley.

This is not an abundant species along the east coast,
until Caithness is reached.

Raia clavata, Linn. “Thorny.” “Thornback.”

_ Neill, in the Wern. Memoirs, vol. i., p. 554, mentions a form
he obtained that had a “dorsal fin in the middle of the back.”
A similar one had been described by Lacepede, and named by
him R. cuwvieri, but it is now understood to be a monstrosity
of Clavata.

Abundant along our whole coast line. This species is
subject to great variation in colour. As an article of food,
it is not held in great esteem.

Raia maculata, Jontagu. Spotted Ray, Couch.

“One of the rarest of the species met with in the Firth of
Forth.” (Parnell.) Dr. Day, in vol. i, p. 346 of his History
of British Fishes, quotes Edward as saying that this species
is “occasionally met with” at Banff. He also quotes from a
list by the present writer to the same effect, but the Maculata
referred to in both cases is the Homelyn Ray, as given by
Yarrell in his Ist edition of the History of British Fishes
(see vol. i1., p. 429), and not the species under consideration.

The Spotted Ray, although not abundant, cannot be called
rare; frequently a dozen can be seen of a morning in Aberdeen
Market. Although this is so, I searched in vain for several
years before I succeeded in finding females of this species
with eggs ready for expulsion. However, on the 11th of May,
1892, I found one female with eggs in the desired condition,
v.€., With the horny capsules (purses) fully formed and situated
near the ventral opening, while in a second these purses were
only half grown.

FISHES. 277

[Raia microcellata, Montagu. Painted Ray.

Marked as local by Howden, but, as usual, with no
information as to where or when caught, or where to be
seen. | |

Raia circularis, Couch. “ Eel-pot.” “Cuckoo Ray.”

This is one of our most abundant Rays, and is caught in
large numbers both by line and trawl. It never attains a
large size, two to two and one-half feet over all being the
maximum of length, but it is generally under that size.

Raia radula, Delar. Sandy Ray.

This form is one over which much difference of opinion
has existed, but after many years’ study of this particular
fish, during which time I have obtained it in all stages
of its existence, I am fully satisfied that it is a genuine
species.

No Scottish author, in so far as I am aware, seems to have
observed this fish, except, perhaps, Edward, who _ speaks
of Raia spinosa, the Sandy Ray, which he says “is well
known to the fishermen, but they do not often take it.” —

In the Naturalist, vol. vii., p. 150 “ W,” 2.e., Walter Grigor,
reports the Sandy Ray, Raia spinosa, as having been caught
in the Moray Firth, January 12th, 1857. The description
given shows, however, that the fish was not the Sandy Ray but
Raia circularis.

To the form under consideration no fewer than fourteen
different names have been given, many of the earlier writers
holding it to be a distinct species, while latterly it has been
bandied about from variety to species, and back again, until
one can scarcely say how the matter at present stands.

Couch, Thomson, and Yarrell hold it to be a distinct
species; while Drs. Ginther and Day, in their respective
works, consider Rata radula as merely the adult form of faa
circularis, the latter author assuming that his KR. circularis and
the Cuckoo and Sandy Rays of Couch are one and the same.
Before, however, going farther, it is necessary to point out
that #. circularis of Day is the Homelyn Ray—Home, Sandy,

278 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

and Spotted Rays of Yarrell; while it is the Cuckoo Ray of
Couch, with the scientific name-vof miraletus. Nor are the
figures given of the species to be regarded as more satisfactory.
No two of them are alike, nor are they in form like the fish
they are intended to represent. Day’s figure of RB. circularis
would pass for f. radula, but it is in no way like the true
circularis. Couch’s uncoloured figure of circularis, which he
names the Cuckoo Ray, is good so far as form goes; but the
spinulation is not correct. Besides, he describes the figure as
being that of a male; if it is so, he has omitted to show the
claspers. The coloured figure of his Cuckoo Ray is not the
proper shape, as may be seen by comparing it with the
uncoloured one at p. 114, vol. 1.

Yarrell’s figure of ctrcularis, which he designates the
Homelyn Ray, is, so far as form goes, the most correct of
the lot; but he shows nothing of the spinulation on the
“wings.” His figure and description of . radula, as
given in his supplement to British Fishes, published in 1889,
p. 19, is merely a reproduction of that given by Couch in
the Magazine of Nat. Hist., New Series, vol. xi., and is intended
for a female, but is in outline more nearly that of a male,
the anterior edges of the female being rounded instead of
being hollowed out as his figure represents it.

Beneath the figure Mr. Yarrell has appended the falloav inte
names :—

haia radula, Delar, ‘“‘Mém. Possi. Ivic.” in “An. Must. Hist. Nat.” t. xiii.
p. 321.
55 Raie ripe, Risso, “ Hist.” t. iii. p. 151, sp. 38.
i » ratissoire, Blainv., ‘Faun. Franc.” p. 25.
4 Hi Razza scuffina, C. L. Bonap, “ Faun. Ital.” pt. xiii.
A - The Sandy Ray, Couch, “ Mag. Nat. Hist.” vol. xi. p. 71.

Yarrell further remarks: “The close accordance of the
figure and description of this fish by Mr. Couch to the figure
and descriptions of Raia radula of the authors here quoted
leaves little room to doubt but that they refer to the same
species, and I include the fish, therefore, as here given, on
Mr. Couch’s authority.” |

As will be seen from the above, Day puts the Cuckoo
Ray and Sandy Ray of Couch as the same species. This
he was certainly not warranted in doing, for the following
reasons. First, R. radula is an abyssal form, while R&. corcularis

FISHES. ER: 279

is not. Second, radula attains a much larger size than
circularis, and before radula is mature it is longer and broader
than mature circularis. What I mean by mature is, that in
radula the claspers of the male are not developed beyond two
inches long when the fish itself has attained a size consider-
ably beyond czrcularis, in which these organs are of full size,
and the fish producing young. In confirmation of this I
have taken many eggs from circularis, and have had them
hatched out. Third, in vadula the male is always much
smaller than the female, while in circularis the sexes are of
the same size. Fourth, the claspers in radula differ in form
from those of circularis, the former having a sharp spine on
the edge which the latter never has. Fifth, the teeth of both
species, though similar in form, are not identical. Sixth, the
form of the two fishes is very different, the anterior edges
of radula being very much straighter than those of circularis,
z.e., the anterior edges of circularis are more hollowed out, and
the head is more marked off from the body than in radula.
Seventh, the colour and marking in the two species are
different. In radula the ground-colour of the dorsal surface
is of a light cinnamon brown, with regularly-placed whitish
spots upon it ; while circulars is usually of a yellowish colour,
with only the central circular mark on each “wing.” In
addition to this, it has sometimes white markings similar
to those on radula, and it is from this fact, perhaps, that some
ichthyologists believe it to be merely the young of radula,
and that the large circular spots disappear with age. This,
however, seems to me untenable, for it is mature, and pro-
duces its kind while the large marks are still upon it. Again,
these same white markings, similarly arranged, are to be
seen as frequently upon Raa radiata, a form which no one
would think of confounding with either of the species under
consideration. Eighth, the proportion of females over males
in radula is extraordinary. From 7th May, 1892, until 5th
July, 1895, I kept a daily record of all the examples of
radula that were brought into Aberdeen Market, and within
that period 2865 females stood against only 123 males;
whereas in the case of circularis, from 15th August, 1894, until
12th July, 1895, the numbers were 2237 females and 2381
males, showing an excess of 144 males over females.

Now, the question arises (and has to be answered by

280 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

those that hold the two forms to be the same): What becomes
of the excess of males in what some writers are pleased to
call its immature state? It may also be asked: Why is there
such a paucity of males when the fish is in what they term
its adult state? And further: At what stage of their exis-
tence does the change take place in the form, external colour,
and markings of the two forms? Besides this, circularis is
quite abundant, and breeds freely in Aberdeen Bay and along
the coast both north and south, while radula is entirely absent
from that ground, and is not to be found until we reach deep
water to the north of Wick. Again, if circularis is the young
of radula, how is it that not a single example of it is caught
in company with radula ? One would naturally expect that
the immature stage would occasionally be found with the
adult. ;

The nature and distribution of the spines of the two
forms differ, radula having a few strong irregularly-placed
spines upon the nose, and three rows of from seventeen to
eighteen spines on each “ wing,’ and the anterior end of
these rows does not come nearer the edge of the fin than 14
inches. On the other hand, circularis has no strong spines
upon the nose, and those on the ‘‘ wings” come right up to,
and extend along, the anterior edge, the spines becoming
less as they advance towards the front. There are sometimes
four rows of these spines, and they form a triangular patch,
the long end of which points posteriorly.

In reference to the spinulation of the Rays, Dr. Giinther,
in his Introduction to the Study of Fishes, says: “The males
of all are armed with patches of claw-like spines, retractile
in grooves of the integument, and serially arranged, occupying
a space on the upper side of the pectoral fin near the angle
of the disc, and frequently also the sides of the head.’
These spines are certainly not retractile in the British forms.
They are firmly set by broad bases into the skin, and are
immovable. | ets

Taking all things into consideration, there seems to be
no doubt but that Raia radula must stand as a distinct
species. This opinion I have held from the first, but refrained
from expressing it until such time as a series of each in
all their stages could be obtained. This has, within the
past two years, come to hand, and I have now an unbroken

FISHES. 281

series of each species, and I consider that I am warranted
in saying that no further doubt need exist that the idea of
eircularis being the immature form of radula is erroneous.

As an article of food, Raia radula is excellent.

Raia radiata, Donovan. Starry Ray.

This, the smallest of our British Rays, was first described .
by Donovan, and until recent years has been considered
rather rare. Parnell says: “It has been found by Dr.
Johnston in Berwick Bay, and by myself several times in the
Firth of Forth, but in no other localities has it yet been
discovered. . . . . From two to three specimens can be
obtained nearly every week in the Edinburgh Market during
the months of April and May.”

“The only three examples of it I have seen have been
received, one from Berwick and two from the Firth of Forth.”
(Yarrell.) ‘This small species is picked up now and then.”
(Edward.) Couch never saw a fresh specimen, and had to
copy Donovan's plate.

This small deep-sea form is abundant along the coasts of
Kincardine, Aberdeen, and Banff; but, until trawling became
common, was only taken by line during the months of May,
June, and July. The trawl has revealed the fact that the
Starry Ray is in great numbers, and is brought by that means
to Aberdeen Market all the year round. That being so, I have
been enabled to learn that this fish sheds its eggs at all
seasons of the year.

Family TRYGONIDAN. ©
Genus TRYGON, Adamson.
_ Trygon pastinaca, Cuvier. Sting Ray.

One “captured in the Firth of Forth, in the salmon nets
above Queensferry, in the middle of August.” (Parnell.)
Mentioned by Howden as having been observed in his district,
but neither locality nor date given. -

On November 28th, 1887, a specimen was caught by trawl
twenty-eight miles off Montrose, and prone into Spereeot:
and is now -in my possession:

282 THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF “DEE.”

Family MYLIOBATIDAL.
Genus MYLIOBATIS.
Myliobatis aquila, Cuxer. Eagle Ray.

A specimen of this rare species is in Banff Museum. It
was caught off Banff some years ago. On November 11th,
1887, a specimen was caught by trawl twenty-eight miles off
Aberdeen, and is now in my collection. On November 25th,
1899, one was caught by trawl in Aberdeen Bay, and brought
to Aberdeen Market alive; on November 2nd, 1901, another
was caught eight miles off Aberdeen ; while a third was taken
on January 16th, 1902, twenty-five miles off Buchanness; all
of which were females, and came to my hands.

Sub-Class CYCLOSTOMATA.
Family PETROMYZONTIDA.
Genus PETROMYZON, Artedz.

Petromyzon marinus, Zinn. The Lamprey. “Lamper.”
“Lamper Eel.”

Fairly common all along the east coast of Scotland, and
caught at all seasons of the year. Not used as food.

Petromyzon fluviatilis, Zinn. The Lampren.
“ Nine-e’ed Eel.”

Found in most of the rivers and streams along the coast.

Petromyzon branchialis, Zacep. ‘‘The Pride.”
“Planer’s Lamprey.”

Fairly common in many of the streams of Aberdeen and
Banff shires, and indeed from Forth northwards.

FISHES. 283

Family MYXINIDA.
Genus MYXINE, Linn.

Myxine glutinosa, Zinn. “Glutinous Hag.” “Heelack.”
‘* Eelat.”

Common all along the coast. This fish is often found
within the bodies of haddock, cod, and coal-fish. It is said
that instances of its taking a baited hook “ must be extremely
rare.’ This is not so. I have taken it from the fishermen’s
lines (sometimes over a dozen from one line), with the hook
and bait deep in the gullet quite out of sight. They there-
fore give the fishermen much trouble in removing them from
the lines, because when thus caught the fish wriggle so that
they run the lines into knots difficult to unravel.

Order LEPTOCARDII.
Family CIRROSTOMI.
Genus BRANCHIOSTOMA, Costa.
Branchiostoma lanceolatum, Gray. The Lancelet.

“Two specimens occurred in the stomach of a cod.”
(M‘Intosh.) Day, in his History of British Fishes, vol. ii,
p. 366, gives the Moray Firth as the habitat of this species,
but quotes no authority for this statement. Iam in possession
of two specimens which were said to have been obtained
twelve miles off Aberdeen, but the story wants confirmation.

Arvicola amphibius, .
— agrestis,
Badger, :
Balenoptera musculus,
— rostrata,

Bat, Common, .
— Dabenton’s,
Long-eared,
Canis vulpes,

Cat, Wild,

Cervus capreolus,
—— dama,

elaphus,

Deer, Fallow,

—— Red,.

— Ree,.
Delphinus delphis,
Dolphin, Common,
White-beaked, .
Erinaceus ewropeus, .
Felis catus,

) Hox.” : : :
Globicephalus melas, .
Halicherus gryphus, .
Hare, Brown,

— White,
Hedgehog,
Hyperoodon bidens,
Killer, ; ; :

Lagenorhynchus albirostris,

Lepus coniculus,

—- timardus,

— variabilis, .
Lutra vulgaris, .
Marten, Pine,

Martes abietum,
Megaptera longimana,
Meles taxus,

Mole, ;
Monodon monoceros, .
Mouse, Harvest,
—— House,

—— Long-tailed,
Mus decumanus,

INDEX.

MAMMALIA.
PAGE
68 | Mus minutus,
68 | —— musculus, .
54 | —— rattus,
57 | —— sylvaticus, .
57 | Mustela erminea,
44 | —— putorius,
43 vulgaris,
44 | Narwhal, .
48 | Orca gladiator, .
46 | Otter, : :
64 | Phoca grenlandica, .
62 | —— hispida,
59 vitulina,
62 | Phocena communis, .
59 | Pine Marten,
64 | Plecotus auritus,
59 | Polecat,
59 | Porpoise, .
59 | Rabbit,
44 | Rat, Black,
46 | —— Brown,
48 | Sciurus vulgaris,
58 | Seal, Common, .
56 | —— Grey,
68 | —— Harp,
70 | —— Ringed,
44 | Shrew, Common,
57 Water,
58 | Sorex araneus, .
59 | —— fodiens,
70 | Squirrel,
68 | Stoat,
70 | Talpa europea, .
51 | Vespertilio daubenton,
49 prprstrellus,
49 | Vole, Field,
56 | —— Water,
52 | Weasel, : :
45 | Whale, Bottle-nosed,
57 | —— Great-fin, .
65 | —— Hump-backed, .
66 | —— Lesser-fin,
66 | —— Pilot,
68

286 INDEX.

BIRDS.
PAGE

Accentor modularis, . 83 | Bustard, Macqueen’s,
Accipiter nisus, . 129 | Buteo lagopus,
Acredula caudata, 84 | —-- vulgaris,
Acrocephalus phragmitis, §2 | Buzzard, Common,
Alauda alpestris, 113 | —— Honey,
— arborea, . 112 | —— Rough- leeeed
—__ arvensis, 112 | Caccibis rufa,
Alca impennis, . 190 | Calidris arenaria,
— torda, : 191 | Capercaillie,
Alcedo ispida, 116 | Caprimulgus europeus,
Ampelis garrulus, . 89 | Carduelis elegans,
Anas boscas, . : 147 | Certhia familiaris,
Anser albifrons, 6 143 | Chaffinch, .
— br ee ; 142 | Charadrius curonicus,
—— cinereus, 141 | —— helvetica,
— segetum, 142 | —— hiaticula, .
Anthus obscurus, 87 | —— morinelleus,
— pratensis, . 86 | —— pluvialis, .

trovialis, 86 | Chaulelasmus streperus,
Aquila chrysaétus. 124 | Chenalopex wgyptiacus,

clanga, . 5 124 | Chiff Chaff,
Ardea alba, 138 | Chrysomitris spinus, .
—— cinered, 137 | Cicoma alba,

purpurea, . 137 | Cinclus aquaticus,
Astur palumbarwus, 128 | Circus aeruginosus,
Auk, Great, 191 | —— cyaneus,

Little, 193 | Clangula albeola,
Avocet, 171 | —— glaucion,
Barnacle, Goose, 143 | Coccothraustes vulgaris,
Bee-eater, . 117 | Columba livia, .
Bernicla brenta, 143 | —— enas,

— canadensis, 143 | —— palumbus, .
— leucopsis, 143 | Colymbus arcticus,
Bittern, American, 140 | —— glacialis,

—— Common, . 138 | —— septentrionalis, .
—— Little, 138 | Coot, .

Blackbird, 76 | Coracias garrula,
Blackeap, . 5 79 | Cormorant,
Blue-throat, Red- spotted 79 | Corvus corax,
Botaurus lentigunosus, 140 | —— corone,

—— minuta, 138 | —— frugilegus, .
stellaris, 138 | —— monedula, .
Brambling, 5 97 | Cosmonetta histrionica,
Bullfinch, : ¢ 98 | Coturnix communis, .

Bunting, blag Hendon: 100 | Crake, Corn,
—— Cirl, . 101 | —— Spotted,
—— Corn, 100 | Crane,

—— Ortolan, 102 | Creeper, Tree, .
—— Reed, 102 | Crex porzana,
—— Snow, ; 102 pratensis, .
Bustard, Little, ; 166 | Crossbill,

Crow, Hooded,.
Cuckoo,

Cuculus canorus,
Curlew, Common,
—— Esquimaux,
Cygnus immutabilis, .
—— musicus,

—— olor, .
Cypselus apus, .
Dafila acuta,
Dipper, .

Diver, Black- thronted,
—— Great Northern,
—— Red-throated,
Dotterel,

Dove, Ring,

—— Rock,

—— Stock,

—— Turtle,

Duck, Buffel- ended,
—— Eider,

—— Golden-eye,
—— Harlequin,
— Long-tailed,
—— Scaup,

—— Teal,

—— Tufted,

—— White-eyed,
—— Wild,

Dunlin, 5
Eagle, Golden, .
—— Spotted,

—— White-tailed,
Emberiza cirlus,
—— citrinella, .
—— hortulana,
—— melunocephala, .
—— miliaria,
—— scheniclus,
falco wsalon,

—— cenchrrs,

—— peregrinus,
—— sublbuteo,

—— tinnunculus,
—— vespertinus,
Falcon, Iceland,
--— Peregrine,
Red-footed,
Fieldfare, .
Flycatcher, Pied,
—-- Spotted,
Fratercula arctica,
Fringilla celebs,

INDEX.

PAGE

108 | Fringilla montifringilla, .
118 | Fulica atra, ;
118 | Fuligula cristata,

178 ferina,

178 | —— marila,

144 | Fulmar,

144 | Fulmarus (insane:
144 | Gadwall,

113 Gali ccelestis,
146 gallinula, .

83 | —— major, ;
189 | Gallinula chloropus, .
188 | Gannet,

189 | Garganey,.

167 | Garrulus glandarius,
154 | Goatsucker,

155 | Godwit, Bar-tailed,
155 | —— Black-tailed,
157 | Goldcrest, .

151 | Goldfinch, .

152 | Goosander,

150 | Goose, Barnacle,

151 | —— Bean,

152 | —— Brent, -

150 | —— Canada,

148 | —— Egyptian,

149 | —— Gray-lag, .

150 | —— Pink-footed,
147 | —— White-fronted, .
173 | Gos-Hawk,

124 | Grebe, Eared,

124 | —— Great Crested,
126 | —— Little,

101 | —— Red-necked,
101 | —— Sclavonian,

102 | Greenshank,

100 | Grosbeak, .

100 | Grouse, Black,

102 | —— Pallas’s Sand,
133 | --—— Red, .

134 | Grus communis,

131 | Guillemot, Black,
1382 | —— Brunnich’s,

1384 |— — Common, . :
133 | Gull, Black-headed, .
131 | —— Black-backed, Greater,
131 | —— a Lesser,
133 | —— Common, .

76 | —— Glaucous, .

$0 | —— Herring, .

90 | —— Iceland,

194 | ——- Ivory,
97 | —— Kittiwake,

Te

288

Gull, Little,
Hematopus ostr alegus,
Haliaétus albicilla
Harelda glacialis,
Harrier, Hen, .
—— Marsh,
Hawfinch, .

Hawk, Gos-

—— Sparrow,
Helodromas ochropus,
Heron, Common,
—— Great White, .
—— Night,
—— Purple,
Mierofalco islandus, .
Himantopus candidus,
‘Hirundo riparia,
— rustica,

— urbica,

‘Hobby,

‘Hoopoe,

Ibis, Glossy,

Iynx torquilla, .
Jackdaw, .

Jay,

Kestrel, _

—— Lesser,
Kingfisher,

Kite,

Black,
Kittiwake,

Knot,
Lagopus cinereus,
-—— scoticus,
Lanws collurio,
— excubitor,
—— excubitorides,
Lapwing, .
Lark, Shore,

a aS Sky,

Wood,
Larus argentatus,
—— canus,
eburneus, .
—— fuscus,

—— glaucus,
—— leucopterus,
—— marinus,
—— minutus,
—— ridibundus,
—— tridactyla,
Ligurinus chloris,
Limosa cegocephala,

INDEX.

PAGE

186 | Limosa lapponica,
170 | Linnet, Green, .
126 | —— Rose,

152 | Linota cannabdina,
123 flavirostris,
123 | —— linaria,

95 | —— rufescens, .
128 | Locustella nevia,
129 | Lomma bruennichi,
176 | —— troile,

137 | Lovxia curvirostra,
138 | Machetes pugnax,
138 | Magpie,

137 | Mallard,

131 | Mareca penelope,
171 | Martin, House,

92 Sand,

91 | Merganser, Hooded

92 | —— Red-breasted,
132 | Mergulus alle, .
117 | Mergus albellus,
141 | —— cucullatus,
116 | —— merganser,
108 | —— serrator,

107 | Merlin,

134 | Merops apiaster,
134 | Milvus cctinus, .
116 | —— migrans,

129 | Moor Hen,

130 | Motacilla lugubris,
181 | —— melanope, .
174 | —— rai, .

161 | Muscicapa ata mille
162 | —— grisolu,

_ 88 | Nightjar,

87 | Nucifraga car siocatictes

89 | Numenius arquata,
169 | —— borealis,

113 | —— pheopus,
112 | Nutcracker, .,
112 | Nycticorax griseus,
182 | Nyroca ferruginea,
183 | Gidemia fusca, .
180 | -—— nigra,

184 | Oriole, Golden,
182 | Oriolus galbula,

162 | Osprey,

184 | Ottis macqueent, .
186 tetra,

184 | Owl, Barn,

181 | —— Eagle,
95 | —— European Hawk,
177 | —— Little,

122
122, 295

Owl, Long-eared,
—— Scops,

—— Short-eared,
—— Snowy,

—— Tawny,

—— Tengmalm’s
Oyster-catcher, .
Pandion haliaétus,
Panurus biarmieus,
Partridge, Common,
—— Red-legged,
Parus britannicus,
—— curuleus,

—— major,

—— palustris, .
Passer domesticus,
—— montanus,
Pastor, Rose-coloured,
Pastor roseus,

Perdiz cinerea, .
Pernis apivorus,
Petrel, Leach’s,
—— Storm,
Phalacrocorax carbo,
—— graculus,
Phalarope, Grey,
—— Red-necked,
Phalaropus fulicarius,
—— hyperboreus,
Phasianus colchicus,
Pheasant,

Phy loscomus ae
—— stbilatria, .
—— trochilus, .
Pyrrhula europea,
Pica rustica,

Picus mgor,

—— viridis,

Pigeon, Wood,

Pine, Grosbeak,
Pinicola enucleator,
Pintail, :
Pipit, Meadow,
Rock,

—— Tree, :
Platatea leucorodia, .
Plectrophanes nivalis,
Plegadis faleinellus, .
Plover, Golden,
—— Grey,

—— Little Ringed,
—— Ringed,
Pochard,

INDEX.
PAGE
120 | Podiceps auritus,
121 | —— cristatus,
120 | —— griseiyena,
121 | —— minor,
121 | —— nigricollis,
121 | Pratincola rubetra,
170 rubicola,
135 | Procellaria leucorrhoa,
84 | —-— pelagica,
160 | Ptarmigan,
159°| Puffin,
84 | Puffinus anglorum,
85 | —— major,
84 | Quail,
85 | Querquedula circia,
96 | —— crecca,
96 | Rail, Land,
105 | —— Water,
105 | Rallus aquaticus,
160 | Raven,
130 | Razorbill, :
187 | Recurvirostra avocetta,
187 | Redpole, Lesser,
135 | —— Mealy,
136 | Redshank,
172 | —— Spotted,
171 | Redstart,
172 | —— Black,
171 | Redwing, .
159 | Regulus cristatus,
159 | Ring-ouzel,
81 | Robin,
81 | Roller,
81 | Rook,
98 | Ruff, : ;
107 | Rutecclla eae.
114 titys, .
115 | Sand Grouse, Palles’s s,
154 | Sanderling,
99 | Sandpiper, Buff- eed
99
146 | —— Curlew,
86 | —— Green,
87 | —— Pectoral,
86 | —— Purple,
140 | —— Spotted,
102 | —— Wood,
141 | Saxicola cenanthe,
166 | Scolopax rusticula,
167 | Scoter, Common,
167 | —— Velvet,
167 | Shag, : Z
150 | Shearwater, Greater,

290

Shearwater, Manx,
Sheldrake, Common,
—— Ruddy,
Shoveller,

Shrike, American Gree,
—— Great Grey,
Red-backed,
Siskin, :
Skua, Buffon’s, .
—— Common, .
—— Pomatorhine,
—— Richardson’s,
Smew, :
Snipe, Common,
—— Great,

—— Jack,
Somateria mollissima,
Sparrow, Hedge,
—— House,

— Tree,

—— White- ineented!
Spatula clypeata,
Spoonbill, .

Starling,

Slurnus vulgaris,
Stercorarvus catarrhactes,
—— crepridatus,
-——— parasiticus,
—— pomatorhinus,
Sterna cantiaca,

—— dougalli,

—— fluviatilis, .
—— macrura,
minuta,

—— nigra,

Stilt, Black- tna
Stint, Little,

—— Temminck’s,
Stone-chat,

Stork, White,
Strepsilas inter pres,
Strix aluco,

-———- brachyotus,
—— bubo,

—— flammea,

—— noctua,

—— otus, .

—— scanduaca, .
—— scops,

—— tengmalmi,
Sula bassana,
Surnia ulula,
Swallow,

122,

INDEX.
PAGE PAGE
188 | Swan, Mute, . : < : . 144
145 | —— Polish, . : : : . 144
146 | —— Whooping, : : ' . 144
148 | Swift, 5 F ; 5 : seen:
89 | Sylvia atricapilla, . ; : aa ae)
87 | —— cineria, . 5 : é Se Te)
88 | —— curruca, . 3 . : eects)
55 | —— hortensis, . - : wnOU
186 | —— rubecula, . ; : : Lae
186 | —— suecica, . ; : i ee he.
186 | Syrrhaptes paradoxus, . : a lay
187 | Tadorna casarca, 5 5 : . 146
153 | —— cornuta, . : ; ; . 145
173 | Teal, Common, ; j , . 148
2a) Bern, Arctic; a. : ‘ : ellis)
173 | —— Black, . : ° ; 80
152 | ~— Common, . : : ; pale)
83 | —— Little, ‘ : é ; . 180
96 | —— Roseate, . ‘ , ; also
96 | —— Sandwich, ; : ‘ . 180
103 | -Tetrao tetrix, . : , : 5 Koy?
148 | —— uwrogailus, . : 3 5 . 168
140 | Thrush, Missel, : : ‘ Bese Hh
103 Song, ; ; § é sD
103 | Titmouse, Bearded, . : : . = 84
186 | —— Blue, : : 3 : SU Rite
187 | —— Coal, F “ ; ‘ Od
186 | —— Great, : : ; : 84
186 | —— Long-tailed, . : ; . 84
180 | —— Marsh, . : 5 eae e jee oD
180 | Totanus calidris, : : ; Se
179 | —— canescens, . : 4 : Ay
179 | —— fuscus, 3 : : ; eng,
180 | —— glareola, . : F : « 176
180 | Tringa alpina, . ‘ 5 : . 173
171 canutus, . ‘ : : » 174
173 | —— maculata, . : ; : < £73
173 | —— minuta, . ; : : meee 7/3)
(i) ——- striata, . ; , : . al
140 | —— subarquata, 5 : : a alla
170 temminckt, : ' ; 54/8
121 | Tringoides hypoleucus, ; ; ZS
120 | —— macularius, : j : elie
122 | Troglodytes parvulus, : 5 EAE 210D
119 | Tryngites rufescens, . 5 : . 175
295 | Turdus rliacus, . : : ‘ by aD
120 | —-- merula, . : : : ¢<280
121 | —— musicus, . A : ; ee
121 | —— pilaris, . 3 : : « val
121 | —— torquatus, . : . . 3 ew
1386 | —— viscivorus, . ‘ ; ‘ 5 eel
122 | Turnstone, Ee ar : ; 7-170
91 | Zurtur communis, . : ‘ » aoe

Twite,

Upupa epops,
Uria grylle,
Vanellus vulgaris,
Wagtail, Grey, .
aoa Lied,
Yellow,
Warbler, Garden,
—— Grasshopper,
—— Sedge,

—— Willow,
— Wood,
Water Hen,
Waxwing, .
Wheatear,

Adder, :
Anguis fragilis,
Blind Worm,
Bufo vulgaris,
Chelonia imbricata,
Coronella levis, .
Frog, Common,
—— Edible,
Lacerta viridis, .
—— wwipara,
Lizard, Common,
—— Green,

Acanthias vulgarrs,
Acertna vulgaris,
Acipenser sturro,
Agonus cataphractus, .
AAlopias vulpes, .
Ammodytes lanceolatus,
—— tolianus,
Anarrhichas lupus,
Anchovy, .

Angel Fish,
Anguilla vulgaris,
Aphia pellucida,
Argentina sphyrena, .
Argentine, :
Arnoglossus laterna, .
megastoma,
Athervna presbyter,
Auxis rocher,

INDEX.
PAGE
98 | Whimbrel,
117 | Whinchat, .
192 | Whitethroat,
169 Lesser,
86 | Wigeon,
86 | Wild Duck,

Woodcock, : :

86
80 | Woodpecker, Great Spotted,
82 | —— Green, ; ;
82 | Wood Pigeon, .
81 | Wren, Common,
81 | Wryneck, .

165 | Yellow Hammer,
89 | Zonotrichia albicollis,
rh ae

REPTILIA.

PAGE

195 | Lophinus palmatus,
198 | —— punctatus, .

198 | Newt, Palmated,
199 | —— Smooth,

197 | Rana esculenta, .

195 | —— temporaria,

198 | Snake, Ringed,

199 | —— Smooth,

196 | Toad,

196 | Tropidonotus natiix, .
196 | Turtle, Hawks-bill, .
196 | Vipera berus, .

FISHHS.

PAGE

272 | Band Fish,

208 | Banks’ Oar Fish,
267 | Bass, . ,

214 | Belone vulgarvs,

270 | Bergylt,

243 | Bib, . ;

243 | Black Fish,

226 | Blade Fish,

261 | Blennius gattorugine,
274 | —— montagui, .

264 | —— occellaris, .

224 pholis,

255 | Blenny, Butterfly,
249 | —— Montagu’s,

246 | —— Viviparus,

246 | —— Yarrell’s, .

231 | Boar Fish,

218 | Bonito,

PAGE
199
200
199
200
199
198
196
195
199
196
197
195

PAGE

292 INDEX.

PAGE
Bonito, Belted, Sens ‘ as
—— Plain, : : . E 5 Allis!
Brama rata, : : eas
Branchiostoma Tacoolations é . 288
Bream; Axillary, . : 2 GPA)
as Black i : ; 3 5° AU

—— King of the, . : : . 210
—— Ray’s, .. j : : 5 Zaks)
—— Sea, . : ; : 3 e209
—— §panish, . ‘ 5 : = 210
Brill, . . : : 5 . - 245
Bresmius brosme, ; 5 : . 242
Bull-head, Armed, . : 5 . 214
Burbot, . : ; 5 : . 240
Butter Mishs ; : 5 228
Callionymus lyra, . : : op eee
Cantharus lineatus, . : ‘ 5) ACY)
Capros aper, . : 5 : . 220
Caranx trachurus, . ‘ : a 219
Carcharias glaucus, . : é -- 268
Carelophus ascanti, . : : . 228
Carp, ; : 0 : . 258
Centrolabrus oraletus. : ; 5 YS)
Centiolophus pompilus, . : 5 AMS
Centronotus gunnellus, . ; . 228
Cepola rubescens, : : . = 229
Char, Northern, : 5 f . 254
Chimera, . 3 A ; : . 208
Chimera monstrosa, . : : 5 AitS)
Clupea alosa, . : : 5 . 263

finta, ‘ 5 : 5 . 263
—— harengus, . : : é 5 PAY
—— pilchardus, 3 ; : . 262
—— sprattus, . : . ; . 263
Coal Fish, : A : ; . 208
Cod, . ‘ ; : . ‘ . 235

Cod, Poor or Power, : : . 238
Conger, . ; , ‘ é . 264
Conger vulgaris, ; : 5 . 264
Coryphenoides rupestris, . , . 243

Cottus bubalis, . : : . eZ
Four-horned, . : ‘ . 218
—— Greenland, ; : 5 5h

—— grenlandicus, . 5 ; . 2138
—— Long-spined, . : : all
—— quadricornis, . : 5 . 213
—— scorpius, . : ‘ ; 5 ZAI
—— Short-spined, . : § . 212
Craig Fluke, . s : ; . 247
Crenilabrus melops, . : : o) OD
Crystallogobius nilssonii, . : . 224
Ctenolabrus rupestris, 6 ; 5 28H)

Cyclopterus lumpus, . ; ; » 22d

Cyprinus carpio,

Dab, Common, .

—— Long-rough,

—— Pole,

—— Smear,

Deal Fish,

Dentex vulgaris,

Dog Fish, Black- mouthed
—-—— Large-spotted,
—— Picked,

— — Small-spotted,
Doree, .
Dragonet, .
Lichinorhinus spinosus,
Echiodon, Drummond’s,
Kel, Conger,

—— Sharp-nosed,
ungraulis encrasicholus,
Esox lucius,

Fierasfer dentatus,
Fishing Frog,
Flounder, .
Forked-beard, Grent
—— Lesser,

Gadiculus argenteus, . F

Gadus eglefinus,
—— luscus,
—— merlangus,
—— minutus,
—— morhua,
—— pollachius, .
—— poutassou .
—— wrens,
Galeus vulgaris,
Gar Fish, .
Gasterosteus aculeatus,
spinachia, .
Gilt-head, .
Globe Fish,
Glutinous Hag,
Gobio fluviatilis,
Gobius minutus,

—— niger, : 5
—— parnelli,

—— quadrimaculatus,
—— ruthensparr,
Goby, Black,

—— Little, ;

—— Speckled, .
—-— Two-spotted,
—— White,
Grayling, .
Gudgeon,

5

PAGE _
258
247
244
247
247
299
208
272
272

272
221
224
273
242
264
264
261
256
242
215
248
239
242
239
236
237
238
238
235
238
238
238
269
258
233
234
209
206
282
258
228
223
224
224
228
223
224
223
223
224
255
258

Gunnel, Spotted,
-Gurnard, Armed,
—— Grey, ;

'— Little,
—— Long-finned,
— Red, oe
—— Sapphirine,
—— Streaked,.
Haddock, .
—— Norway,
Hag, Glutinous,
Hake, |
Halibut, .
Herring, . _.

Hippocampus antiquorum,
Hippoglossoides limandoides,

Hippoglossus vulgaris,

King Fish,
Labrax lupus,
Latrus maculatus,
mixtus,

Lemargus_ borealis, -

Lamna cornubica,
Lampren, .
Lamprey, .
Lampris luna,
Lancelet,

gounoni, .

Lepadogaster bimaculatus,

Lepidopus caudatus, .

Leuciscus phoxinus, .

Liparis montagut,
vulgaris,

Loach, = :

Lophius piscatoris,

Lota culgaris, .

Lumpenus lampetreformis,

Lumpsucker,
Mackerel, .
Z Horse,

Maigre,

2

Maurolicus pennantit,
Merluccius vulgaris, .

Minnow, . -
Molva culgaris, .
-Motella cimbira,
mustela,
tricurata, .
Mugil capito, .
chelo, 2
Mallet, Grey,
— Red,

282

INDEX.

PAGE

228
214
213
-214
214
213
213
213
236
211

283 | Orthagoriscus mola,

239
242
262
266
244
243

Mullet, Thick-lipped,

Mullus bartatus,
Mustelus vulgaris,
Myliobatis aquila,
Myzine glutinosa,
Naucrates ductor,

Notidanus griseus,
Opah, ;

| Orcynus thynnus,

219 |

207
234
234

273 | Perca fluviatilis,

70

282
219
282
226
225
223
259
239
225

225 —— Great, :

261
215
240

228 |

225
217
219
221
249

259
239
241
240
241
232
232
232
208

TTURCOTUS, .
Osmerus eperlanus,
Pagellus bogaraveo,
centrodontus,
—— erythrinus,

Owenit,
Pagrus auratus,
Pandora,

_ Pedamys sarda, .

| Peristethus cataphractum,
Petromyzon branchalis,

Perch,

jluciatilis, »

marinus,
Phiucis blennoides,
Pike,

| Pilchard,

Pilot Fish,
— Deep-nosed,
—- Snake,

—— Worm,
Plaice,

Pleuronectes cynoglossits,

f :

— limanda,

microcephalus,

Nemacheilus barbatula,

.

Paralepis coregonodes,

.

Pipe-Fish, quoreal, -

—— platessa, . :
Pollack, .- . .

Poor, or Power Cod,

Pride. : ‘ ;

Pristiurus melanostom4us,

Raia alba,
batis,
— circularis, .
—— clavata,

—— maculata, .

microcellata,
oxyrhynchus,

294 INDEX.

PAGE

Raia radiata, . ; : C 5 Pasi
radula, . 2 : s Se PAE
Raniceps raniius, . 5 : . 242
Ray, Cuckoo, . : : ; 5 el
—— Eagle, 6 ; : . a 282
—— Electric, . : : ‘ . 204
—— Painted, . : é 5 5 SHUG
—— Sandy, . : : ; 5 Ziel

—— Spotted, . d : : = 12/0
—— Starry, . : ; 3 Feil
—— Sting, ‘ 5 : 5 2» Zell
Red Band Fish, : ‘ : . 229
Regalecus banks, . 5 ; . 230
Rhina squatina, 3 6 . 5 Dies
Rhombus levis, . : : 5 , 245
—— maximus, . a ‘ ; . 244
Rockling, Five-bearded, . : . 240
—— Four-bearded, . ‘ : EA
—— Three-bearded, ; ‘ . 241

Ruffe, : : : : . 208
Salmo fario, . 5 : : . 205
—— salar, ‘ ; : ; oO
—— umobla, : ; : : . 254
Salmon, . ; : . : e200
Sand-eel, . é : : : . 243
Sand-lance, ; 5 5; : . 243
Saury-pike, : 5 ; : = 208
Scabbard-fish, . ; , F . 223
Scald-fish, : 5 ‘ 5 . 246
Sciena aquila, . ; ‘ 5 5 Pal
Scomber scomber, : : ; 5. Dl
Scomberesox saurus, . ‘ : 5 Ze!
Scorpena dactyloptera, : 5 5 mali
Scyllium canicula, . : é 5
—— catulus, . j . : A Pe
Sebastes viviparus, . : : sol
Selache maxima, : } : a Aid
Shad, Alis, : . ; 5 = 203
—— Twit, : ; 6 : . 263
Shanny, . : 5 5 . 228
Shark, iSecy a , : : of a
—— Blue, A : : 5 5 Abe!
—-— Greenland. : 5 5 oe
—— Hammer-headed, . 2 x AG!)
—— Mediterranean, ‘ : afi
—— Porbeagle, 5 5 : wai
—— Spinous, . . : ‘ - 273
—— Thrasher, . ; ; : 5 Ay)
Silver Hair-tail, : 5 ; eee
Skate, Grey, . 5 5 : eo
—— Long-nosed, . : : 200
—— Sharp-nosed, . : : . 275
—— Thorny, . ; ; 6 . 276

Smelt, ;
Smooth Hound,
Sole, Common, .

——- Lemon,

—— Little, :

Solea lascaris, .
lutea,

—— variegata, .

—— vulgaris,

Sparus, Fourtoothed:
Sprat, A : .
Stickleback, i i
—— Fifteen-spined, .
Sturgeon, . :
Sucker, Cornish, :
--— Double-spotted,
—— Montagu’s, .

—— Uncutous, °
Sunfish, Oblong, :
—— Short,

Sword Fish, . :
Syngnathus acus, .
—— wquoreus, . :
—— lumbriciformis, .
—— ophidion, .
—— typhle,

Tench, : : 5
Tetrodon lagocephalus,
Thrasher Shark, :
Thymallus vulgaris, .
Thynnus pelamys,

Zinca vulgaris, . :
Tope, .

Topknot, Eelstrom? S,
—— Muller's,

Torpedo nobiliana,
Torsk, Tusk, .
Trachinus draco,
vipera, :
Trachypterus arcticus,
Trichiurus lepturus, .
Trigla cuculus, .
—— gurnardus,

—— hirundo, . ;
—— lineata,

—— obscura,

—— peciloptera, .
Triglops murray,
Trout, Common, :
Trygon pastinaca,
Tunny,

Turbot,

Vaagmar, .

PAGE

269
248

Weiver, Great, .
Lesser,
Whiff,
Whiting,

—— Couch’s,
Wolf Fish,
Wrasse, Ballan,

INDEX.

PAGE

216 | Wrasse, Blue-striped,
216 | Xiphias gladius,

246 | Zeus faber, :
238 | Zeugopterus punctatus,

238

unimaculatus,

226 | Zoarces viviparus, :
234 | Zygena malleus, : °

ERRATA.

Page 56, for Negaptera read Megaptera.

98, , europe

191, ,, Brunnick’s
258, ,, Scombresox
265, , Syngathus
» » Sygnathus
» 9 Sygnathus

Strix noctua, Scopoli.

he}

9)

99

99

”

9

europea.
Brunnich’s.
Scomberesox.
Syngnathus.
Syngnathus.
Syngnathus.

Little Owl.

295

PAGE
234
221
221
245
245
229
269

With reference to this specimen, p. 122, I have now reason
for believing that it had escaped from confinement.

wang

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