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‘The Annals
OF
Scottish Natural History
A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED
“Che Scottish PNaturaltst”’
EDITED BY
J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.ZS.
MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION
JAMES W. H. TRAIL, ‘M.A., M.D., F.LS.
PROFESSOR’ OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
AND
WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., Mem. Brit. Orn. UNION
NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART, EDINBURGH
L$o2
nog IN
MATURAIR
—————
EDINBURGH
DAVID DOUGLAS, CASTLE STREET
LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES ST., CAVENDISH SQUARE
PREFACE
THE completion of the first year and volume of the ANNALS
OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HIsToRY affords the Editors the
opportunity of expressing their thanks to their Contributors
and Subscribers for the kind reception and support which
have been accorded to the Magazine. It is their earnest
wish to make the Annals worthily represent the Zoology
and Botany of Scotland, and they confidently appeal to all
interested in these sciences to continue to aid their efforts
by the contribution of Papers and Notes; and by bringing
the Magazine under the favourable notice of all Naturalists
who are not subscribers. They would remind their friends
that all profits will be employed in the direct interests of the
Annals.
It is hoped that the attention of the Editors will be
called to any omissions that may from time to time be
detected in the section devoted to Current Literature.
There has been some difficulty in obtaining skort Botanical
notes during the year; but it is believed that the mere
mention of the deficiency will bring about its remedy.
ise Oa - Pi Alas
Anarrhichas minor.
. Salmo fario from Islay.
. Salmo fario from Stirlingshire.
. Salmo fario from Loch Enoch.
. Lichomolgus aberdonensts, n. sp.
. Lichomolgus arenicolus.
. LVotops pygmaeus, n. sp.; Copeus ehrenbergit ;
terminalis.
. Forms of £chinus esculentus and Gontaster phrygianus.
Triarthra
| 1917
‘)
MAR
l IBRARY
NEW YORK
BOTANICAL
The Annals GARDRN
of '
Scottish Natural History
NO: 1 | 1892 [ JANUARY
EDITORIAL
IN this, the first number of “The Annals of Scottish Natural
History,’ a brief statement regarding the important part it is
hoped the new magazine will fulfil in furthering the progress
of Natural History in Scotland, may not be considered
inappropriate.
Limited as our pages must be to original matter relating
to the Biology of Scotland, Recent and Fossil, it is evident
that they cannot and should not be devoted to general ques-
tions relating to minute anatomy and physiology, for such
more fitly find a place in Journals and Transactions of less
restricted scope. Nor are monographs of a purely systematic
nature, dealing with subjects not strictly Scottish, suitable for
our Magazine. Yet, despite these restrictions, the field of
work is both wide and varied, and there should, indeed, be
no lack of Papers and Notes of value and interest to our
readers, and ample room for “The Annals” in the serial
literature of British Natural History.
In ZOOLOGY there is yet much—very much—to be‘ascer-
tained regarding the innumerable species of the various Classes
of the Invertebrata inhabiting Scotland, and their distribution.
I B
2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Among the Mammalia—generally supposed to be well-
known—we may remark that two species of Bats are
included in the Scottish fauna on the strength of single
specimens, and one of these was obtained as long ago as
1888. Some of the larger species of Carnivora are becoming
very rare, and their occurrence in many districts is well worth
placing on record. The visits of the less common Cetaceans
and Pinnipeds are also fit subjects for communications to our
pages. The life-history of several species of the Micro-
Mammalia is still more or less enshrouded in mystery.
Among the Birds and Fishes—classes possessed of remark-
able powers of locomotion—the occurrence of rare wanderers
always affords material for interesting records: while the
details of the migratory movements and distribution of many
species are desiderata. Much useful work remains to be
done towards the elucidation of the life-history of the Fishes.
In BOTANY it is scarcely needful to remind those who
have followed the records of the subject in Scotland during
the past twenty years, that much has been done in that time
towards filling up the many gaps in the census of distribution
of both flowering plants and cryptogams. The “Scottish
Naturalist,” the “ Journal of Botany,” and the Transactions of
the various scientific societies of Scotland, all afford most
valuable materials for the completion of a Yopfographical
Botany of Scotland. Yet even in this field much remains to
be done, especially among the Cryptogams; nor is there
reason to fear lest soon there will be no more regions in
Scotland to explore, or able botanists to pursue the work
with zeal and success.
Not less interesting to the worker, and often more so to
the reader, are certain branches of botanical study that have
in the past received less notice among us, but which we
trust will receive the attention in Scotland that they deserve,
and which is given to them on the continent of Europe.
The life-histories of even our commonest wild plants
have scarcely been studied here, with respect to their habits
EDITORIAL 3
and behaviour under changed conditions, either in the wild
state or when cultivated. That relations exist between
insects and flowers is familiar to every one as a statement,
and some may be more or less familiar with a part of the
extensive literature on this subject; but how few such
observations are on record from Scotland. A comparison
of these relations as observed in Scotland with the records
of naturalists in other countries could not fail to be interest-
ing and instructive. The diseases of plants have been
investigated by very few workers in Scotland, despite their
practical importance, and the light they are certain to shed
on the processes of disease in animals and in man. The
Galls of Scotland have not by any means been exhausted
even as regards their mere enumeration, and their distribution
is very imperfectly known: while there is very much to be
done in tracing their modes of formation and development.
The Cryptogams, especially the Thallophytes, will long
afford material for investigation sufficient to absorb the
powers and opportunities of many botanists. The life-
histories of the Fungi and their relations to their environments,
and to other living beings, can scarcely be said to be fully
understood with regard to a single species. The popular
names and folklore of plants in the various districts of
Scotland deserve to be recorded ; if this is not speedily done
the opportunity will be lost under the advancing wave of
elementary school education.
Communications on such subjects as the above will be
welcome ; and any information that we can give with regard
to subjects of investigation, books, etc., will be most willingly
supplied. Queries for information, or for discussion, will be
inserted when sent by our readers with that view. There
will be a space for brief notes of observations, methods of
preparing material for study, and for other topics likely to
prove of interest to Botanists.
Papers and notes by specialists will give information with
regard to groups or species of plants that should be looked
4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
for in Scotland as reputed to have occurred or as likely to
occur in the country.
Of the FOSSIL FORMS, in both Zoology and Botany, many
species remain to be discovered ; many to be better under-
stood through further investigation.
NEW BOOKS will be noticed or reviewed when they deal
with the Natural History of Scotland, or are fitted to facilitate
its study, or are necessary and useful to naturalists.
A short bibliography of CURRENT LITERATURE dealing
with the Zoology and Botany of Scotland will be given. To
render this as complete as possible the kind assistance of our
readers is requested.
There now only remains the agreeable duty of offering
hearty thanks for the kindly support and goodwill so freely
shown by the naturalists of Scotland and England. Such
a response is our best encouragement, and augurs well for
the undertaking.
THE GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
(PICUS MAJOR, L.) IN SCOTLAND.
By J. A. Harviz-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
A. TREATMENT of the phenomena connected with the dis-
appearance of this species seems to us naturally to be
divisible under several headings, viz. a consideration of the
old and young pine forests of Speyside; the decrease and
almost extinction of the squirrel, followed by its rapid
resuscitation and enormous increase; and the correlation
of these two sets of phenomena, and possibly of others in
a minor degree. ;
This is a subject to which we have given some attention
before.” But we are still of the opinion that each of the
1 «‘The History of the Squirrel in Great Britain” (Macfarlane and Erskine,
Edin., 1881). Reprint from Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. v. 1880. With
map of dispersal, etc. ‘‘On the Decrease of the Greater Spotted Woodpecker in
Scotland ” (Zoologist, 1880, pp. 85-89).
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER IN SCOTLAND 5
headings treated of is, and are, collectively, worthy of the
attention of Scottish Naturalists, with a view to greater
elaboration of details in each, and in all.
THE WOODPECKER.—Perhaps the oldest record of the
presence of Woodpeckers in Scotland referred to quite
another species, viz. the Green Woodpecker (Gecznus viridzs),
and at a period when oak forests flourished even to the north
of the mainland. It has thus been recorded—and the record
has become stale from frequent quotation, but must serve
its turn again—by Sir Robert Gordon in “ The History of the
Earldom of Sutherland,” 1630, and in which he speaks of
the “ lairigigh or knag (which is a foull lyk unto a paroket or
parret, and makes place for her nest, with her beck in the
oak trie.”)
Although specimens of the Green Woodpecker have not
lately been recorded and added to our list of Scottish birds
there is strong evidence to show that it does occasionally
occur in autumn. One bright morning in August 1887,
whilst standing at the front of Arden House, Dumbarton-
shire, I heard what could scarcely be aught else than the
cry of the Green Woodpecker. On another occasion the
cry was recognised by Mr. John Cordeaux, during a walk
to the Tor and old Castle of Torwood, Stirlingshire, on 29th
September 1889. The records given by Mr. Robert Gray
in his “Birds of the West of Scotland” (pp. 189, 190),
appear for the most part reliable.
Selby met with the Great Spotted Woodpecker on the
banks of the river Spey, and amid the wild scenery of the
Dee, in 1833, or at least recorded the fact in that year. And
MacGillivray described birds obtained north of Loch Ness
and from Braemar; but whilst speaking of the distribution,
does not make it distinctly clear whether he refers to it in
summer or winter or both, nor for that part does Selby.
MacGillivray wrote in 1840, and the birds he describes were
shot in January 1834 and October 1836. But he records
it as “resident in the woods [of Dee]”; it occurs but very
rarely in all parts of the district, from Banchory to Glen Lui.
In Mar Forest and the Invercauld woods, it is less frequent
than it was some years ago” (“The Nat. History of Deeside,”
1855, p. 395).
6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
The presence of the Woodpecker is spoken of in the
following terms by the authors of “The Lays of the Deer-
Forest” (vol. ii. p. 258), with special reference to the Forest
of Tarnaway—
“The Northern Woodpecker comes to breed in the spring, and
remains until the decline of summer. Many of the old dead firs
are pierced with its holes, of which it generally has two or three for
escape, so that it is very difficult to surprise it on its nest. This
beautiful bird is not, we believe, to be seen farther south than the
pine-woods of the Spey. It is about the size of a thrush; its wings
and body pied with black and white; the head a deep velvet sable,
with a snow-white line above and a scarlet mark behind the eyes ; the
breast of a light colour, turning into crimson towards the tail.”
Elsewhere, in the same volume, the authors speak of “the
strange mysterious tap of the Northern Woodpecker” (oc. czz.
p- 255).
The evidence given by Mr. Booth (“ Rough Notes,” vol. i.),
who spent much time amongst the great old pine woods of
Spey, and had the best opportunities of research when there,
are worth reproducing. He says—
“The remains of the old timber in the valley of the Spey, and
in many other parts of Inverness and the adjoining counties, indicate
that Woodpeckers were formerly numerous in those districts... .
On some of the largest and oldest trees I have counted from twenty
to thirty holes bored right into the centre of the stem. According
to the statements of my informants, it appears that these Wood-
peckers commenced to decrease in numbers about 1845 or 1850.
In many parts of the country only an occasional straggler was seen
for nearly 30 years. I discovered, however, in passing through
several of these localities in 1878 and 1879, that a few pairs had
lately taken up their quarters in their long-deserted haunts. ‘The
cause of their disappearance in the first instance was_ perfectly
unaccountable to all those with whom I conversed on the subject.
. In the Highlands (though few nests now occupied have come
under my observation) I noticed this bird breeding in Scotch fir and
birch. Elm and oak appear most frequently resorted to in the more
southern counties; but I have also met with broods in several
varieties of fruit-trees, as well as willow and fir. The last nest I
examined was in a remarkably high Scotch fir in one of the Sussex
forests.”
Mr. Booth then makes mention of the visitation by a large
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER IN SCOTLAND 7
flock extending from Dornoch to the south shore of the
Dornoch Firth in Sept. 1868."
It is evident, therefore, from Mr. Booth’s notes, and also
from what is well known to naturalists, that mixed forests
of oak and other hard woods and pine are at the present
time the chosen haunt of the Great Spotted Woodpecker in
England, and also in Continental countries. Nowhere have
we ourselves found the Great Spotted Woodpecker, and closely
allied forms P. medius and leuconotus, so abundant as in the
ancient oak-woods around Gorgény St. Imry, in Transylvania,
or so scarce as in the belt of pine at 3000 feet in the same
country, or in the great pine forests of north-eastern Russia
and Norway.
There still remain positive assertions of the presence of
the Great Spotted Woodpecker as a breeding species, but our
own personal opinion agrees with that of the majority, and
with the relations of the oldest inhabitant, that it has long
been extinct as a breeding species in the old pine woods.'
Consensus of opinion holds that at least 50 years have
elapsed since the bird became extinct as a resident in the
pine woods of Speyside and Dulnain. But there are now
(1891) many people living, who clearly and accurately
remember them as common in certain districts. There is
abundance of evidence, patent to the sense of sight, that
their former abundance is as undoubted now as it was then:
the numerous borings, nesting holes, or “bos” are visible in
Speyside forests, as well as in other parts of the north of
Scotland, such as Guisachan, in Inverness-shire, where, how-
ever, on account of the great fires, few are now to be seen.
Of late years there has been evidence of occasional
reappearance of the birds in their old haunts, and of their
lingering in them far on into their breeding season. Of their
occurrence in autumn and winter in droves, we have many
seasons’ records. Indeed, all our own records since we began
to pay attention to the Vertebrate Fauna of Moray, relate
to autumnal migrations of the bird, except one, viz—dOn
the 15th May 1884, the writer's mother, when driving
1 Confusion exists in the name and identity of the bird, the Creeper (Certhza
familiaris) getting the name ‘‘ Woodpecker ” applied to it, usually by the younger
generation. We have always been careful about this matter.
8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
between Aberlour and Carron in Strathspey, described to
us “a bird about the size of a blackbird which flew across
the road near Carron Bridge, and which alighted on the
bark of a tree, and began climbing up spirally.” She further
described it as “spotted with white,’ and as “having some
red about the head,” and as having been observed “not
more than half the breadth of the road distant.”
And it may be worth recording if only to show that
some uncertainty still exists as to whether it is really extinct
as a nesting species, that the Rev. W. Forsyth, Manse of
Abernethy, wrote to Dr. Gordon of Birnie under date of 8th
May 1885, as follows :—
‘Woodpeckers are rare now in this locality. I remember when it
was otherwise, and have watched them at work. The last that I
saw were killed in the Castle Grant woods some forty years ago.
But the Great Spotted Woodpecker is not yet extinct. They have
been seen occasionally in this neighbourhood, within the last few
years, and they have been known to build on the Nethy in the old
fir woods within the last two years. There is little doubt they are
to be found there still.”
Further investigation of this, however, has failed to elicit
more exact details, to “date. The specimens referred to as
occurring in the woods of Castle Grant are also alluded
to both by Dr. Gordon and by Mr. Robt. Gray.
The most noted haunts of the bird, and _ localities
always quoted by the natives of Strathspey, were Carna-
cruinch—once wooded to the summit with old pine—in
Rothiemurchus, and the old wood of The Crannich, in Duthil;
Castle Grant woods, near Grantown ; Tarnaway on the Find-
horn; and Abernethy generally ; but it must have been
widely spread over all the old wooded tracts of Spey and
Findhorn, as well as north of the Caledonian Canal. We are
not able to trace the complete area of its former distribution
in Scotland, but it appears doubtful if it occupied in historic
time the forests of Scotland south of “ Dee” and “ Moray.”
There is a current tradition or belief amongst persons
now living in Rothiemurchus and Strathspey, that this dis-
appearance of the Woodpecker was sudden ; and some of the
older people who recollect the birds will even go so far as
to fix the year at 1850 or 1851; whilst a few even say
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER IN SCOTLAND 9
“ disappeared in a single night.” The last statement we may
dismiss as natural exaggeration, caused by an appeal to
memory only, of a remarkable and sudden occurrence. Of
the more modified concurrence of opinion, stating their dis-
appearance to have taken place comparatively suddenly and
about the year 1850, or 1851, there are more witnesses, and
we do not feel inclined altogether to dismiss it summarily.
Regarding the more usual and wider statement that the
Woodpecker disappeared about forty to fifty years ago, we
can, I think, certainly accept it as fairly accurate, and say as
between 1841 and 1851: dates which prove of sufficient
significance, if compared with the dates of destruction of old
wood, at least in Inverness-shire, of which we say more later
on, and which also offer a very fair concurrence with the
popular opinions given above. We have a statement of a
much later date for the Woodpecker actually breeding, within
twenty years back, relating to the nesting in the bole of a
birch tree, but as yet we have no corroboration, and prefer
for the present to withhold details, except that we believe
that the statement emanated from the same source as that
upon which the Rev. A. Forsyth built his belief.
Of the trees usually occupied by the birds, these have for
the most part been found to be, if old, yet of moderate size,
the larger ones being too hopeless for the birds to attempt.
This coincides with Lord Tweedmouth’s experience, when
so many old “white” trees stood within a mile of Guisachan
House, previous to 1855: and we may add also, it is borne
out by our own observations on Speyside. Sometimes, how-
ever, even a horizontally attached branch or limb may be used,
as in the case of “The Burnt Firs,” at Plodda, near Guisa-
chan, represented in Kilgour’s sketch in a volume of original
sketches in the possession of Lord Tweedmouth.
Just as statements differ as to the exact dates of the dis-
appearance of the bird, so do opinions differ as to the causes
of their decrease and disappearance ; and the primary purpose
of this paper is to take into consideration the whole pros
and cons of the subject, and to endeavour to cast as much
light upon the matter as the materials at our disposal enable
us to do. The almost universal popular belief that the
squirrel is the primary cause, has however to be received
10 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
with caution, until others are sought for, as we presently shall
proceed to do.
THE FORESTS.—It is not necessary in this place to go
into full proof of the wide extent of pine and oak-woods which
at one time covered great portions of Scotland, as much has
already been recorded in numerous volumes. Suffice it to
say as regards Scotland generally, that even at the present
day evidence remains of pine and oak in almost all the old
peat mosses, and even beyond the limits of the present dry
land, submerged remains of forest ground still appear
within view, in many parts of Scotland, north, south, east, and
west, notably in the Moray Firth, in shallow water, between
Findhorn and Burghead in Elgin. Evidence still remains also,
high up the slopes of our mountains, here and there, notably
in Argyll and Moray: as for instance on Ben Cruachan,
and high up the haunches of Ben Muichdhu, Cairngorm,
and Glen Guisach; reachine far up. Glen Derry of Wee
and Tromie and Feshie of Moray. Evidence, we say, still
remains in living giant pines, which are still numerous in
the sheltered valleys of Moray, some measuring 16 feet in
sitth, five feet from the ground. Such -are “ Porters’ Fame.
in Abernethy, and “ The Queen of the Forest,” also in Aber-
nethy, and a pine by the roadside, of the same name as the
last, in the old Crannich Wood of Duthil; and many more.
The old wood still occupies literally thousands of acres along
Speyside, Dulnain, and Findhorn. Remains now are fewer
in Guisachan, Inverness-shire, and Glen Affaric, but at this
latter locality, it is believed, are the largest existing speci-
mens of individual trees in Scotland, some of which are still
in vigorous old age.!
Of the gradual decrease at times, and the rapid destruc-
tion at others, of the greater part of these extensive
forest-tracts, the history is well known, though no perfect
1 By the kindness of Lord Tweedmouth we have had the great pleasure of
inspecting a handsome folio volume of drawings, by Kilgour and Mr. Wilson, of
Guisachan, Glen Affaric, and the old pines of the forests there. We give the
measurements of two taken from Lord Tweedmouth’s notes.
The ‘‘ Mammoth,” blown down in February 1889, measured—
Girth at 1 foot from the ground 19 ft.
‘> 3 feet se 17 tt. 4: An:
” 6 29 ” oD 22 ft.
It stood near Plodda on the banks of Garvagh.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER IN SCOTLAND 11
chronological account of it has been drawn up—from
the decay and formation of our vast peat-mosses, visible
in its later stages in still hard roots and trunks. In his-
toric times, as we are informed in Menteith’s “ Forester’s
Guide,” p. li—
“For upwards of nineteen miles from beyond Tyndrum to
Tyanne on the King’s House, through the upper or eastern portion
of Glenorchy, where decayed roots of trees, many of them of large
size, appear on each side of the road . . . and in banks of the rivers
and spreading over all the valleys, hills) moors, and mosses of
Scotland. . . . Much of these extensive forests were cut down
from various views, chiefly to prevent their affording shelter and
rallying points to those who maintained the independence of the
country. Also, the pasturing of sheep and want of enclosures where
they formerly existed, prevented their reproduction.”
Large woods were also cut down and burned by the
Danes ; and, by the orders of King Robert the Bruce, near
Inveraray in later times; and on Speyside and elsewhere,
ruthless destruction went on by the York Building Com-
pany’s operations, until the failure of that undertaking put a
stop to it.’ Besides these causes, fire accidental or pre-
meditated undoubtedly had its share, as there is abundance
of evidence to show.
At Guisachan and Strath Affaric we have the direct
testimony of one Rory Macdonald, who was an old smuggler,
and who was alive in 1880, but is since deceased, that when
smuggling was so largely carried on between 1840 and
1860, the smugglers made free use of all the decayed and
bored trees, at which the proprietors winked, provided they
‘* Magog ”—Girth at ground 16 feet.
3 feet from ground 14 ft. g in.
6 = oe TA tte 7 Ws
9 ”? ” 15 ft. 3 in.
12 A + 16 ft. 8 in.
15 £7. ft.
>? +)
Cubic contents of the 15 ft. =210 ft. 11 in.
We have seen also in this collection drawings of ‘* The Burnt Firs,” near
Garvagh Bridge, in a limb of which are the borings of Woodpeckers ; and the
‘* Ospreys’ Fir,” with the nest on the top. The larger and finer specimens of pine
trees are found on the south side of the strath.
1 By far the best account in detail of the proceedings of the York Company,
we believe, will be found in ‘‘ The York Building Company ; a Chapter in Scotch
History,” by David Murray, M.A., F.S.A. Scot. Glasgow: James Maclehose
and Sons, 1883.
12 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
left the sound trees alone.’ In the first volume of the Ist
Series of the “ Prize Essays and Transactions of the Highland
Society,’ —p. 185, it is mentioned that, at. that date; ayom:
remains of the old forests were “not unfrequent in the upper
parts of Argyllshire, and also in the North Highlands, as at
Braemar and the head of the River Dee.” But on Deeside
80,000 trees are stated to have been swept down, in the
neighbourhood of the Linns of Dee. (“The Braemar High-
lands,” p. 15, by Elizabeth Taylor, Edin., 1873.) The Stuarts
give evidence ‘in their “Lays of the Deer Forest >
cit. p. 221) of vast stretches of forest growth of firs and oaks
in Lochaber and Glen Treig, and in Strathfarrar, “where
twelve miles of pine, birch, and oak were burned to zmprove
the sheep pasture,”’—-and in Tarnaway of “aboriginal pines
. oaks... and hollies .. . which latter were not exceedem
pethaps not equalled in Great Britain” (oc. at po 25m
But we must get on to more recent times. Even at the less
remote date of 1864, shortly after the present line of the
“Highland Railway” was opened, a large extent of the
central plain of the Rothiemurchus Forest underwent com-
plete denudation of its timber-growth, leaving to this day the
black and charred stumps of many goodly pines. These
were cut to supply demand, and the ground has since been
burned, to prepare it, it is hoped, for replanting. Some of
the other large areas have been more mercifully, and we
think more wisely treated, annual income being secured by
annual thinning out; thus at the same time preserving the
wooded appearance and beauty of the landscape, and pro-
viding for the future crop by native seed, shed by the
remaining trees. Such a system is followed throughout the
whole area still occupied by old pine-forest on the extensive
Speyside estates of the Countess of Seafield, and extending
through Glenmore belonging to the Duke of Richmond and
Gordon, and to the old wood of The Crannich at Carr-bridge,
not to speak of other areas on Findhorn, and others north
onthe line of the Great Glen:
Of the re-afforesting by younger growth, the history is
1 This proves ove cause—by fire alone,—just at a time when the disappearance
of the bird is said to have taken place. Thesaid Rory Macdonald gave evidence
also that the birds were common previous to 1851. (Compare the dates with
those already given.)
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER IN SCOTLAND 13
also fully known, if not fully told, and within the easy reach
of all who are specially interested, and it may be said to
have commenced on Speyside towards the end of the last
century, the example having been shown by the Duke of
Athole in the valley of the Garry, and followed by the pro-
prietors upon Speyside shortly afterwards ; and in the begin-
ning of the present century. At the present time the whole
valley and minor hill-slopes of Spey may be said to have
become re-habilitated in a mantle of pine-wood of various
ages. On the Countess of Seafield’s properties alone over
40,000,000 of trees have been planted quite in recent years ;
while, at the same time, many thousands of acres of the
older growths have been scientifically conserved ; and they
are now engaged as of old, in self-regeneration. And there
seems little fear at the present day, that any repetition of
the old wastefulness of our forests will be permitted.
We have very rapidly, very imperfectly, and without the
least attempt to go into detail, thus sketched the history of
our pine-woods. Those who are interested will find a great
store of unarranged materials in many of our old Chronicles,
in the works of Hector Boece, in the histories of the country,
in the records of the York Building Company, dating as far
back as history takes us, and tradition gives us any in-
dications.
Shortly then we wish to recapitulate, and to point out
that even down to the recent date of 1864, the old forests of
native pine underwent wholesale destruction ; and previous
to that date, the restoration of forests by younger wood
had commenced on other areas—beginning at the end of
the last century, about 1770, on Speyside, and continuing
down to the present time, until nearly the whole valley has
been: again reclothed. And, at the present time, we have
shown that whilst large areas of the old pines still exist,
especially in Speyside, in the forests of Glenfeshie, Rothie-
murchus, and Duthil, Abernethy and Glenmore, Darnaway,
Castle Grant, and Altyre, these are also for the most part
being conserved. To this we wish to add: old and decaying
pines are still being, year by year removed to make way for
light and air to the younger generations, and afford relief to
those still remaining in vigorous old age. This, it is needless
14 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
to point out, is annually reducing the amount of the oldest
growth, but the procedure is only consistent with good
forestry and the “survival of the fittest.” By burning also,
as already pointed out, nearly all the old decayed timber
around Guisachan was destroyed.
The main points brought out hitherto are first, that vast
and very general destruction, or burning of old trees, took
place between 1840 and 1860. Lord Tweedmouth relates
that “in 1855 there were hundreds and hundreds of white
trunks of firs burnt and drying within a mile of Guisachan
House” (see previous article of. czz.p. 86). Now, in 1891, he
tells us “there may be a dozen left between Plodda Fall and
Garvagh Bridge.” And second, that the Woodpecker, formerly
abundant, decreased about the same time, and even somewhat
suddenly disappeared from its previous summer haunts. We
have now to consider the most popularly believed cause of
the bird’s disappearance—most popularly entertained, by
those now living, who can remember the abundance of the
Woodpecker, and at the same time, the almost equally
phenomenal and sudden increase of the squirrel. This belief
is also entertained by foresters, and head wood-managers, a
class of men, who in Scotland generally are known to be
men of reading, education, and veracity.
THE SQUIRREL.—We cannot afford space here to do
more than simply point out in a very few words the ascertained
decline, resuscitation, and increase of this animal in the valley
of Spey alone; prevising that, as elsewhere treated of in
considerable detail,
“The Squirrel is found to have lingered longest where the forest
remained longest, and to have revived most rapidly, or spread most
rapidly after restoration where forest trees had been planted... .
Where trees have lingered amidst the Highland glens, they lingered
too ; and where trees have led them of late years they have reached
considerable altitudes,” wzde ‘The Squirrel in Scotland,” p. 165 of
reprint.
Nowhere in Scotland are the above remarks more applicable
than in the valley of the Spey. About the end of the 18th
century a succession of severe winters, culminating in that of
1795, contributed, almost undoubtedly, to the extinction of
the Squirrel in many parts of Scotland ; and that it did not
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER IN SCOTLAND 15
become extinct in Speyside seems, almost as certainly, to
have been because it was saved just in time by the planting
of young trees, affording fresh food and protection. Recent
storms—there is abundant evidence to show—had, and still
have, direct effect upon our Squirrels, causing them to migrate
to warmer or better-wooded areas, where it is possible for
them to do so.
Returning now to our old pine forests, which to a large
extent replaced another growth of oak and hazel, we can
realise with some degree of accuracy that hazel nuts and
acorns became rarer and rarer, and also that insect larve
diminished in the number of species, just as the various
species of timber became fewer, and were almost entirely
replaced by pine. And we can further realise also, that just
as these food-supplies became scarcer and scarcer both for
bird and mammal, so would the “struggle for existence”
become greater and greater. It must be remembered nearly
all the plantations are composed of pine trees only, or of
pine and larch. ‘Therefore the food of our Scottish Wood-
peckers was thus restricted—or nearly so—to the larve of
insects, and the insects abounding in pine woods, to the exclu-
sion of others whose food plants and foliage include many
hard woods, as well.
There are undoubtedly many who ascribe the disappearance
of the Woodpecker entirely to the Squirrel’s oophilous,
carnivorous, and, we may add, insectivorous propensities. So
universal is this belief in Strathspey, and elsewhere north of
the Great Caledonian Glen, that it cannot be passed over in
silence or treated as imaginary. It is beyond denial that the
Squirrel does eat eggs, and rob nests, because he has been
seen to do so often ; and we know also that he occasionally
regales himself upon the larve of ants—the food of the
Woodpecker—whose hills are so abundant in the pine-woods
of Spey. We are afraid there can be no doubt that he
occasionally, at all events, regales himself even upon a callow
brood of young. In fact, a bad character is now attached
to the Squirrel, and the causes of complaint are many. His
misdeeds are in every one’s mouth, and his name is a _ bye-
word in Strathspey. Foresters cry him down (and _ heca-
tombs of Squirrels’ bones strew the forest in consequence) and
16 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
gamekeepers add too well-founded grounds of complaint
against him. In fact, the Squirrel rapidly became an
agressive and progressive species, but the Woodpecker yielded
before the change of forest circumstances, and became retro-
grade and finally either died out as a nesting species, or
suddenly, as some affirm, disappeared ex masse and fled the
country about the year 1850, making however an endeavour
to return again in the summers of 1878 and 1879.
Now it has been stated and reiterated, times without
number, that Squirrels can and do enter into the holes made by
the Great Spotted Woodpecker ; and this, stated and adhered
to by many thoroughly respectable authorities, amongst whom
we may again mention those whom we before quoted in our
previous article,“ Zool.” Mar. 1880,pp.86 and 87. Mr. J. Grant
Thompson, the Countess of Seafield’s head wood-manager,
added, “the fact is perfectly certain,” and, with settled emphasis,
“ T have seen them do it myself.” On the other hand, such is by
some denied as possible, and they even stoutly doubt if
the hole made by a Green Woodpecker (G. vzvd7s) would
admit a Squirrel. At one time we were inclined to favour
this view, but facts are stubborn things, when merely opposed
to theories. Take a sharp wire, run it through a Squirrel’s
body and both shoulder-blades: press down the flesh thus
impaled upon the wire: measure the length of the wire
concealed in the flesh and bone, and compare with the
diameter of an ordinary Great Spotted Woodpecker’s nesting
hole, and observe the results.’
At the present day many of the old nesting holes of the
Woodpeckers in the pine trees are occupied by wasps and
bees. A specimen cut off a rotten decayed pine-branch
showing numerous “borings” and “tappings” of the birds,
was procured for me from the forest of Rothiemurchus in
the end of the summer of 1891.
1 That the firm belief exists—it has been suggested—‘‘ is possibly owing,” says
our correspondent, ‘‘ to a misreading, misidentification or confusion arising out of
a passage by Pennant in his ‘Caledonian Zoology.’” Pennant says :—‘‘ Pine
martin. This species is found in pine forests, and takes possession of the holes
made by the Woodpecker,” and he also says—‘‘ Squirrels scarce in Scotland, a
few in the woods of Strathspey.”” Confusion no doubt existed, even then, possibly,
in the minds of Pennant’s informants; but Pennant surely should have known
that martens could not enter and take possession of the holes made by Wood-
peckers.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER IN SCOTLAND 17
THE STARLING.—How much the former increase of the
Starling, subsequent decrease, and again vast increase, may
have affected the Woodpecker, directly or indirectly, is a
subject for further investigation. It certainly has been the
means of lessening the numbers of the Great Spotted Wood-
peckers in certain districts in England. An assertive species
like the Starling often may figure forth, when approaching
in successive waves of dispersal, as a power for good or evil ;
but at present I cannot say we have any reliable data to go
by ; indeed, at the present day, there are few Starlings at all
im the midst of the old Woodpecker tracts:. But these
successive waves of Starlings—about which there appears to
be little doubt—are of themselves worthy of tracing out, and
cannot fail to yield results.
At present, at all events, we stand at the following points
of our inquiry :—
The facts and dates (approximate) of the decrease and
disappearance of the Woodpecker from areas indubitably
occupied by them commonly previous to 1850.
The facts and dates of the decline, increase, and enormous
recuperation of the Squirrel, to a great extent coinciding
with the decline of the bird.
The facts and dates of the former abundance, decline,
destruction from various causes of old forests, principal
amongst which appears to have been fire; and these dates
coinciding on the one hand with the young planting, going
on down Speyside, and on the other with the decrease of the
Woodpecker.
The facts, figures, and dates connected with the young
plantations on Speyside, the attaining of the same to a
certain age, coincident with the resuscitation of the native
Squirrels of Speyside, not to say also with the introductions
of Squirrels in various parts of Scotland, from Dalkeith in
the south, to Beaufort Castle in the north (see “ The Squirrel
in Scotland ”).
18 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
ON THE OCCURRENCE OF WILSON’S PETREL
(OCEANITES OCEANICA, Kuut) IN JURA.
By Henry Evans, F.Z.S.
A SPECIMEN of Wilson’s Petrel was found alive by the
keeper’s children at Inner Jura, on the western side of the
Island, on the ist of October last. The bird had become
entangled in a net used to keep poultry out of a kitchen
garden, and was brought to me in a perfectly fresh condition.
Fortunately I was there at the time or it would have been
lost. There is no doubt as to the species; the colour of the
wings, the length of the tarsus (one and a half inches), and
the yellow patches on the webs of the feet, make the identity
of the bird certain. The net in which the Petrel was cap-
tured is about fifty yards from the sea. Unfortunately the
sex of the specimen was not noted, for I did not examine
the bird carefully until after it had been skinned by the
keeper. The weather was fine at the time of its capture,
but there can be little doubt its appearance is to be associated
with the heavy gale of the 26th of September.
JURA FOREST, 26th November 1891.
[In the North Atlantic this bird is very common on the
American side; but appears to be a more or less irregular
visitor to the shores of Europe. Although it has been noted
on several occasions for England, and once, at least, for
Ireland, yet this is the first known instance of the occurrence
of Wilson’s Petrel in Scotland.—W. E. C.]
FRESHWATER FISHES OF THE SOLWAY ili
By ROBERT SERVICE.
I HAVE been prompted to prepare the following outline
Catalogue of the Freshwater Fishes of the Solway Area by
a remark made in the course of a most interesting paper on
FRESHWATER FISHES OF THE SOLWAY AREA 19
tie“ Fishes. of Loch Lomond. and its Tributaries,” by
Mr. A. Brown, in the July issue of the Scottzsh Naturalist.
The remark to which I refer is that Mr. Brown “ believes
we may search Scotland in vain for a similar concourse of
species.” In one of the water systems of our area—the
River Annan, its loch-feeders and tributaries—the number
of species Mr. Brown gives for Loch Lomond and tributaries
ipeexcecacd, aiid. it. is equalled by the Nith and Dee
systems. Of Mr. Brown’s nineteen Loch Lomond species,
the River Annan system holds all except Coregonus
clupeoides, Tinca vulgaris, and Gastrosteus spinulosus. That
ieaves) 115 with sixteen. species;_but to these fall to. be
added Coregonus vandesius, the Vendace ; Leuciscus cephalus,
the Chub; Adbramis brama, the Bream; and TZhymallus
vulgaris, the Grayling. These species total up to twenty,
but there is no reason why credit should not be taken for
some few additional species which in their respective seasons
migrate to the fresh water, viz. Clufea alosa, the Shad ;
Osmerus eperlanus, the Smelt; MMugil septentrionalis, the
Lesser Gray Mullet ; and Acczpenser sturio, the Sturgeon.
The Solway Area is that division of the south-west
of Scotland stretching from the Esk to Lochryan, as defined
by Buchanan White (“Scot Nat.” 1.372, vol. 1p. 161).
As a definite faunistic area it is almost faultless, the only
objection I ever heard advanced being that the Esk water-
shed is altogether “too Tweed-like” in character. But it
would be difficult to exclude the Esk valley without making
other alterations that would only lead to further objections.
The principal river systems are the Esk, Annan, Nith, and
Urr, flowing into the Solway Firth ; and the Dee, Fleet, and
Cree flowing into the Irish Channel. It might be as well to
explain that local faunists here look on the Solway Firth as
all the water inside a line drawn from Balmae Head in
Rerrick to St. Bees in Cumberland. The Solway Area is
partitioned off from the rest of Scotland by an extremely
natural boundary, consisting of a range of hills which runs
right round from the head of Eskdale to the north of
Wigtonshire, where it terminates in the well-known Khinns.
The principal river systems take their rise on the southern
slopes of the hills that environ the area of “ Solway.”
20 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Politically the faunal area described includes the entire
county of Dumfries, and the two counties of Kirkcudbright
and Wigton—the two last named together forming the
modern Province of Galloway. With the exception of the
Esk and Nith, the river systems are connected with
numerous lochs, some of them of considerable size. There
are comparatively few places of high angling repute, but
many a capital spot is known only to a favoured few, while
others again are strictly preserved for private use.
As stated at the outset, the following Catalogue is
intended as a mere outline of the subject, and is only a
condensed compilation of what I have gleaned casually in
matters which hitherto I have not made a special study. But
enough is given to show that as compared with other Scottish
districts, “Solway” is peculiarly rich in species, and there
is little doubt there are one or two additional species to be
found yet.
Perea fluviatilis, Z7z2—Tur PrrcH.—Abundant throughout the
entire area in almost every loch and in all the rivers. Copland
of Collieston is said to have introduced Perch into Loch Ken
and adjacent waters in 1750 (‘‘Statistical Acc.” p. 193, 1845).
[Cottus gobio, Z.—TuHE MILLER’s THums.—Ought to occur,
and doubtless does so, but I have never seen it, nor do I
know of any reference to its occurrence here. |
Gobius minutus, Gw.—LirrLe Gopy.—I have found this species
in merse pools of clear fresh water, both on the coast and up
the river banks, but it probably requires to be reached by the
tide occasionally.
Mugil septentrionalis, Gzinth.mNoRTHERN GREY MULLET.—A
good many Grey Mullets are annually caught at the mouth of
the Dee. The species is also caught inside the entrance to
most of the other rivers. Those I have examined have all
belonged to this species, but Mr. J. J. Armistead, the well-
known pisciculturist, informs me he has seen specimens he
considers to be Mugil capito (Cuv.)
Gastrosteus aculeatus, Z772.—STICKLEBACK.— Everywhere com-
mon in suitable localities. In June 1888 I found specimens
of this fish spawning amongst seaweeds in a rock pool off the
Castle Point at the mouth of the Urr. ‘The pool was only a
short distance above low-water mark, and no fresh water
except rain could ever enter it. I have not gone into the
FRESHWATER $+ FISHES OF THE SOLWAY AREA ZI
question of the so-called varieties or sub-species of this
variable species, and have therefore nothing to say about
them.
Gastrosteus pungitius, Z7zz.—TEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK.—Quite
as widely distributed as the preceding species, but not nearly
so numerous in individuals.
[Gastrosteus spinachia, Z77v.—FIFTEEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK.—
Some years ago I saw a specimen of this fish taken from fresh
water in a Spirling net at the mouth of the Nith. It had
probably been left behind on the ebb of the tide. ]
Pleuronectes flesus, Zz7z2z.—THE FLOUNDER.—Very common in
all the tidal parts of the rivers, but going up also many miles
higher than the tide ever reaches.
Cyprinus carpio, Zzzz.—THE ,CArp.—In former times this
species was kept in the fish ponds attached to the great houses,
and it was still to be found in some of these ponds in recent
years, and may be so yet.
[Carassius auratus (Zzzv.)—GoLp Fisu.—It can scarcely be said
of this species that it is naturalised, nevertheless it breeds and
thrives amazingly in a pond of warm water at the Dumfries
Ironworks. ‘There are one or two other places, where, under
similar conditions, it has thriven well. Fishes taken from such
places and transferred to water of natural temperature rarely
live more than a month or two. |
[Leuciseus idus (Zzzz.)—TueE Ipr.—Is merely mentioned to state
that Dr. Walker’s supposed discovery of this species at the
mouth of the Nith (“Stewart’s Natural History,’ i. p. 382,
1817) has never been confirmed. |
Leuciseus rutilus (Z7zz.)—THE Roacu.—Occurs in the Annan
system, being especially common in the lochs near Lochmaben.
Also in the small river Lochar, and in a small loch in Colvend.
Leuciseus cephalus (Zzzz.)—TuHe Cuus (Locally “Skelly”).—A
well-known inhabitant of the Annan waters.
Leuciscus phoxinus (Zivz.)—Tue Minnow (Locally “ Bilter”).—
Universally distributed.
Tinea vulgaris, Cvzv.—TuHe Trencu.—I know this fish as a local
species from one spot only—a small loch in Upper Nithsdale.
The late Dr. Grierson of Thornhill once showed me skins in
his museum from some other locality here, but I unfortunately
omitted to take a note of the place at the time, and the
information cannot now be obtained.
Abramis brama, Z/7v.—THE BreamM.—Common in the Lochmaben
lochs and in some parts of the Annan.
22 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Nemachilus barbatulus (Zz77.)—Tuer Loacu (Locally “ Beardie ”).
—Common and generally distributed.
Clupea alosa, Zzmm.— THE ALLIS SHAD (Locally “ Rock
Herring ”).—Pretty common about the mouths of the rivers in
June.
Salmo salar, Ziuz.—'THE SaLMon.—In value and importance
Salmon far outweigh all our other fish interests put together.
But the constant flow of law cases arising out of disputes and
claims and law-breaking in the Salmon fisheries is a real public
scandal, and unsatisfactory to everybody except the lawyers.
The late Frank Buckland would have found a very large number
of people here to agree with him, if in his famous statement that
‘“‘more lies have been told about the pike than about any other
fish in the world” he had substituted “Salmon” for “ pike!”
Some of the modes of Salmon fishing practised in the
Solway, such as by the haaf net and shoulder net, are peculiar
to the district, and have been in use from time immemorial.
The old mode of pursuit on horseback as described in
‘“ Redgauntlet ” is obsolete, although a few old persons still
remember, and are fond of relating stories of, the time when
it was in daily operation. ‘‘ Burning the water ” still occurs, but
only as a rather rare and very lawless proceeding in some
lonely out-of-the-way place.
Solway fishermen always speak of Salmon as ‘‘ Fish,” and
almost invariably with a peculiar deferential tone of voice.
Thus I asked one on a certain occasion what luck he had this
morning? His answer was “ A’ had twae stanes o’ fleuks, a
skate, about a dizzen o’ herrin, some codlins, and ¢hree Fish /”
I must not omit to remark that Shaw’s almost classic
researches on the life-history of the Salmon, which threw so
much light on an obscure subject, were made in the upper
waters of the Nith.
Salmo fario, Zzzz.—Tue Trout.—It is most interesting to study
out the various types and varieties of Trout to be met with, but
the matter need not be entered into in the present connection.
Suffice it to say that almost every little stream has its own
peculiar variety. A very fine variety, distinguished by pink
flesh and large spots, is peculiar to Loch Skene, an isolated
mountain loch at an elevation of about rooo feet at the head
of Moffat dale. The Trout of the streams running into Loch
Ken are also distinguished by large spots and superior weight,
fish up to 10 and 12 lbs. being caught occasionally. The Trout
of Lochs Kindar and Lochinvar are extremely like (if they are
not identical with) true S. /evenensis. Trout of similar character
are found in Loch Skerrow and also in the small loch at
FRESHWATER FISHES OF THE SOLWAY AREA 23
Jordieland near Kirkcudbright. Tailless Trout are caught
occasionally in Loch Enock, and this curious aberration has
also occurred in the Nith.
Salmo levenensis, Wa/k.— LocH LEVEN TRoutT.—Has_ been
extensively introduced of late years, and specimens are now
caught in most of the rivers with tolerable frequency.
Salmo trutta, //em.—Sra TRout.—Abundant, coming up the
rivers in successive “runs,” which are supposed to be dependent
on the state of the weather. The great bulk of the ‘‘ Hirlings ”
which, beginning to run in July, continuing to come up in swarms
all the autumn months, form so large and fine a proportion of
the angler’s takes in the Solway rivers, are the young of the Sea
Trout. But “ Hirlings” are also the younger stages of other
races of Salmonidz, varying to a most wonderful extent in
character and types.
Salmo eriox, Zizz.—THE BuLL Trout.—Whether this is a distinct
species or hybrid, or sterile form, seems to be a vexed question
at present. “ Bull Trouts” of various types are captured
occasionally in the Nith and Annan and more plentifully in the
Dee.
[Salmo ferox, Jard. & Se/b.—GRreEAT LAKE TRouT.—Very large Trout
are now and again caught in Loch Ken and Loch Cree and in
some of the smaller lochs, the descriptions of which read very
like S. fevox. I have never personally examined any of these big
Trout. Whether we have the true /evox must be left to the
future for decision. |
Salmo alpinus, Zzz2.—TuHeE CHARR.—Found abundantly in Loch
Grannoch, and not quite so numerously in Loch Dungeon. My
friend Mr. T. R. Bruce, while resident at Slogarie, put a quantity
of Loch Grannoch Charr into Lochenbreck some years ago,
but it is believed the experiment was not successful. Charr of
a type which differs widely from the others are found in Loch
Doon, but as that loch belongs to the Ayrshire watershed, we
must be content with the mention of the fact. There is an
interesting notice of the Grannoch Charr in one of the appen-
dices to Symson’s ‘“ Galloway ” (1684) which runs as follows :—
“A Cuddin is a little fish as big as a large trout, short, but
thick-bodied ; its belly a pure red colour ; its taste very sweet ;
and is only found in a lake called Lake Grenoch, in a very wild
moorish place where they abound.”
Osmerus eperlanus, Z777.—THE SMELT.—(Locally ‘ Spirling ” and
sometimes ‘‘ Rash” or “ Rush-fish” in allusion to the rush-like
smell.) Abundant in the Firth, ascending the tidal parts of
the Nith, Annan, Urr, and Cree in the winter and _ spring
24
ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
months. ‘They are seldom captured nowadays in the rivers
proper, owing to the restrictions exacted by the salmon lessees
and others, but a tolerably regular fishing for them is carried
on in the estuaries. Small meshed nets are not in use in the
rivers, owing to the reason mentioned, hence the Spirlings are
only caught when the loops of the salmon nets are drawn tight
preparatory to the last portion of the nets being lifted from the
water. When the Spirlings are present their peculiar scent is
quickly detected on the salmon nets.
Coregonus vandesius, Azci.— THE VENDACE.—At one time this
species was thought to be confined solely to the Lochmaben
lochs, but it is now known to occur across the borders in
Windermere and Bassenthwaite. Of late years it was believed
to be getting scarce, but a few months ago a draught was taken
in the Castle Loch and the Vendace turned out in numbers
as of old. It has often been stated that this species is so
delicate that it will not bear transport, but this is a mistake, as
with care it has been transferred to other waters. But any
introductions of this sort have been ultimately quite unsuccess-
ful in naturalising the fish elsewhere. It is popularly supposed
that from some reason or other the Vendace breeds only in the
Mill Loch, whence the young fryjfind their way to the Broom-
hill and Castle Lochs. An odd fish now and then finds its
way down to the Annan, but they do not thrive there and
soon die. Formerly, two clubs known respectively as the
Vendace Club, and St. Magdalene’s Vendace Club held each
an annual meeting at the lochs, in July or August, when the
net was drawn for Vendace, and the fish taken were prepared
for the fish dinner which followed in the evening. The St.
Magdalene Club was on somewhat democratic lines, and
occasionally as many as 2000 people assembled at the annual
fishing, and various athletic sports were engaged in after the
netting was over for the day. Both clubs have been defunct
for many years, and the Vendace have been left to look after
their own interests.
Thymallus vulgaris, /Vz/ss—TuHrE GrayLinc.—The late Mr. Shaw
of Drumlanrig put 2000 Grayling ova into a stream in the
Drumlanrig policies leading into the Nith in the spring of 1857.
The following year breeding fish were introduced into the same
river by Lord John Scott. Now the species swarms in all suit-
able localities. A few have been taken in the upper waters of
the Annan, but none in the lower reaches. I am unaware when
or by whom they were introduced there.
Esox lucius, Z2772.—THE PIKE (Locally ‘‘Gedd”).—In most of the
rivers and in nearly every loch. The district has always been
FRESHWATER FISHES OF THE SOLWAY AREA 25
famous for big Pike, and I have a long list of large ones that
have been recorded from time to time. First and foremost is
the monster taken in Loch Ken towards the end of last century
by John Murray, gamekeeper to John, Viscount Kenmure.
It is said to have weighed 72 lbs., and, as the old sportsman
carried it along for presentation to his master, its head rested
on his shoulders, while the tail swept the ground. The skeleton
of the head is still preserved in a case in Kenmure Castle,
where I have seen it, along with another head of a pike which
is very small by comparison, and weighed only 27 lbs. Other
local records are-—One 322 lbs, taken 23d April 1813 in the
Castle Loch, Lochmaben, by one of the French prisoners of
war: one 45 lbs. April 1830, at Hightae; one, 43 lbs., 10
une 1335, Castle Loch; one, 35 Ibs., 1834, 1m Loch Ken, by
a boy named Kenna; one, 184 lbs., 12th May 1857, Loch-
rutton, by the late Mr. Boyd; one, 20 lbs., 24th August 1858,
Auchencrieff. Of late years the principal captures have been ;
one in Auchenstroan Loch, 32 lbs., got by breaking the ice,
January 1881; two in May 1887 in the Castle Loch, weighing
respectively 32 and 35 lbs.; one in Carlinwark Loch, 18th
June 1889, 20 lbs. ; one in Loch Ken, June 1890, 30 lbs. ; and
one of 30 lbs. out of a mere farm pond in Kirkpatrick Durham
in June 1891.
Anguilla vulgaris, /Zem.; A. latirostris, A7zsso.—ComMMoNn EEL.—
Whether these are distinct species or not may be doubted.
Both types are everywhere numerous.
Accipenser sturio, Zzzz.— THE SrurGEon.—Almost every year
one or more are captured in the estuaries. They are, how-
ever, very rare within the actual limits of the rivers. A small
one of three feet in length was seen at the Suspension Bridge
in the Nith in June 1890.
Petromyzon marinus, Z7z2.—TueE SEA LAMPREY (locally ‘‘ Ramper
Eel”).—Comes up the rivers to spawn, and is fairly common.
Petromyzon fluviatilis, Zzz.—Tue River Lamprey (locally
“Ramper Eel”).—Much more abundant than the last.
Note.—TuHE AMERICAN CHARR (Salmo fontinalts, Mitch.) has been
put into some of the Stewartry rivers, and also in Loch Doon. The
American Black Bass was introduced into the Upper Annan by Mr.
Smith of Craigielands. Specimens of both these species have been
caught since their introduction, but sufficient time has not elapsed
to pronounce their naturalisation a success.
26 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
“ON ANARRHICHAS MINOR, OLAFSEN, AND ITS
OCCURRENCE .ON THE ‘ABERDEENSHIE®
COAST,
By Morris Younc, F.E.S., Curator of the Free Museum, Paisley ;
and WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S.
PiAre 1.
THE specimen figured was captured in a trawl off Aberdeen
on or about the 17th of October last, and was sent to the
Glasgow market for sale. Here it came under the notice of
Mr. Robert Beith, who purchased and presented it to the
Paisley Museum, where it is now on exhibition as a mounted
specimen.
The fish was a female and contained about a cupful of
ova. It weighed 26 pounds and was 49 inches in length.
The fin-ray formula is as follows :—D. 74; C.16; A. 45;
P. 20. Canine teeth: five in the outer and inner’ fowsien
the upper jaw ; and seven in the outer and inner rows of the
under jaw. There are now eight, but have been ten, teeth on
the Vomer. The teeth generally are weaker than those in
other specimens of Anarrhichas lupus in the Paisley Museum.
When in the flesh the general colour of the fish was light
tan, and the spots black. The transverse bands characteristic
of A. lupus are absent, for the slightly darker shading here
and there on the sides can scarcely be considered to repre-
sent them. I have searched the works of Yarrell and Day,
and other books on Ichthyology, without finding any descrip-
tion of such a form of the British Wolf-fish ; and I think it
is a distinct species for the following reasons :—
1. The spots are so large, dark, and conspicuous, while in A.
lupus they are not at all so.
2. There are no signs of the distinct bands characteristic of A. lupus.
3. The teeth are generally weaker, and the canines do not project
nearly so much as in A. /upus.
4. The head is much more strongly formed than in the specimens
of A. /upus I have seen.
5. The head is connected to the body in a much more graceful
manner than in A. lupus. iN
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ON ANARRAICHAS MINOR, OLAFSEN 27
In the year 1875 Professor Steenstrup, who has made the
genus Anarrhichas a special study, contributed ! an important
and, it may be added, much-needed paper on the subject, in
which he recognises three species as inhabiting the Atlantic
Ocean, namely :—
A. lupus, Z. (=A. strigosus, Gm., and A. vomerinus, Agass.)\—
Thus diagnosed: dusky or ashy, with from nine to twelve
darker transverse bars, and small spots irregularly dispersed ;
teeth very strong, the vomerine series being much longer than
the palatine series; fin rays—D. 75, A. 45. Range—Shores
of the Atlantic Ocean, and Arctic Europe and Greenland.
A. minor, Olafs. (=A. pantherina, Zouiew ; A. maculatus, Bloch ;
A. eggertt, Stp.; American variety of A. lupus, Gunther, ‘ Cat.
Fishes,” ili. p. 209).—Dark ashy; the whole body,? especially
the back, covered with large round dark spots; transverse bars
are wanting; teeth not so strong as in A. /upus, the palatine
series and the vomerine series about the same length ; fin rays
—D. 77, A. 45. Range—Shores of Iceland, Western Green-
land, Finmark, North Russia.
A. latifrons, S¢eexstrup.—Not a well-known fish. Colours probably
uniform, and perhaps marked with ill-defined spots; teeth,
less strong and much smaller and more attenuated than in
either of the former species, the palatine series of teeth
narrower posteriorly and much longer than the vomerine; fin
rays—D. 79, A. 45. Range—Shores of Iceland and Western
Greenland.
In addition to the characters alluded to in the above
diagnoses, Professor Steenstrup bases his conclusions relating
to these species upon important cranial peculiarities
which he describes and figures.
It is not quite clear in what light Professor Steenstrup
regards A. denticulatus, Kroyer, from Western Greenland ;
of which there is a specimen in the British Museum
(“ Brit. Mus. Cat. Fishes,” iii. p. 211). Dr. Giinther, in his
useful “Study of Fishes” (1880), unfortunately does not
1 NOGET OM SLAGTEN S#uULV (Anarrhichas) OG DENS NORDISKE ARTER
AF, Professor Japetus Steenstrup. (Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra den natur-
historiske Forening i Kjéhenhavn, 1876, pp. 159-202, Tab. iii.)
2 Prof. Steenstrup (‘‘ Vid. Medd.” 1878, pp. 109-113) identifies 4. /eopardus,
Agass. (‘* Spix. Pisc. Bras.,” p. 92, 1829), with A. mznor, which implies an ex-
tension of the range of this species as far south as Brazil.
28 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
afford us any information regarding this evidently rare form.
It is important to note, however, that he recognises three
species of Aznarrhichas for the Atlantic, though he only
alludes to A. lupus by name.
Dr. Day in his “ British and Irish Fishes” (1880-1884,
i. pp. 195-197) evidently ignores this work of Professor
Steenstrup’s. He was certainly cognisant of it, because he
refers to it in his synonomy of A. /upus, but not otherwise.
This is both surprising and disappointing, because, even if
our author was not prepared to accept the conclusions
arrived at by Professor Steenstrup, he at least ought to have
described the forms or varieties of A. /upus covered by his
bibliographical references. But though he includes among
the synonyms of our common Wolf-fish such suggestive
appellations as A. pantherinus and A. maculatus, yet he
tells us absolutely nothing about the form to which these
names actually refer. |
Regarding the identity of the interesting Scottish speci-
men under consideration, it is to be noted that in all the
essential particulars furnished by Mr. Young’s description the
fish agrees in quite a marked manner with A. mznor. Thus
the large dark spots, the absence of transverse bars, and the
comparatively smaller teeth, all point unmistakably to that
species. But to these characters, which chiefly relate to
the external appearance of the specimen, I am able to add
others. Mr. Young has kindly sent me an excellent impress,
in gutta-percha, of the palatal series of teeth—which, along
with the cranial characters, furnish the most important
evidence of identity. This impress decides, it is thought,
the. specific identification of the -fish,~since it “eleagm
shows the palatine and vomerine series of teeth to be as
nearly as possible of equal length, agreeing with Professor
Steenstrup’s description and figure of the dentition of A.
minor. may also add that I counted the impress of ten and
eleven teeth in the respective palatine series. Mr. Young’s
remarks on the more massive appearance of the head,
as compared with that of the Common Wolf-fish, are also of
importance. Here, again, we have a characteristic feature of
A. minor, in which the cranium is broader than in A. lupus
by reason of the frontal bones being more expanded. I
ABNORMALLY DEVELOPED THORNBACK 29
ought to remark that Mr. Young has not, I believe, seen
Professor Steenstrup’s paper, and thus his critical remarks
upon the specimen under his charge are the more valuable.
In conclusion, I consider that only one deduction, as to
specific identity, can be drawn from the significant com-
bination of characters possessed by this Scottish Wolf-fish,
namely, that it is the Azarrhichas minor of Eggert Olafsen
(“Reise i Island,” 1772, p. 592)—-a new and interesting
addition to the British fauna.
The Plate is an accurate reproduction in lithography of
a photograph taken of the fish when in the flesh.
W, Eee,
NOTE ON AN ABNORMALLY DEVELOPED
THORNBACK (AAI CLAVATA, ED
By Reb PRAQUAIRE: MED; bLRSS:
Keeper of the Natural History Collections, Museum of Science and
Art, Edinburgh,
A FEW weeks ago Mr. Charles Muirhead presented to the
Museum of Science and Art a specimen of a Ray caught
thirty miles east of the Isle of May, which seemed to him to
be somewhat peculiar in its appearance. The form, colouring,
dermal armature, and dentition of this Ray (see Fig. 1) show
clearly that it is a Thornback (Raza clavata, L.), though the
large thorns are not so abundant on it as we often see them
on other and more especially on larger specimens, ‘The fish
isa female ; its entire length is 224 inches, its greatest width
15 inches. In front and on each side of the snout there is an
angular notch which is deeper on the left than on the right
side, and consequently the anterior aspect of the fish appears
as if divided into three points, one median and two lateral.
Of course it is evident at the first glance that this mal-
formation is conditioned by the non-adherence tothe sides of the
head of the anterior extremities of the pectoral fins, which con-
sequently project freely on either side of the snout, A
similar case, also in a Thornback, is figured by Day, “ British
30 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Fishes,” vol ii. Pl. CLXXI. Fig. 2; and the extraordinary mon-
strosity in the same species figured in the third edition of
Yarrell’s “ British Fishes,” vol. ii. p. 584, seems to be of the
same nature, though in addition the pectoral fins are deformed
in their shape. This condition in a Ray offers a certain
amount of analogy to those well-known instances of Turbots
and Flounders, in which the anterior extremity of the dorsal
SL® SO 6 ©2025 = er-DS] =
FIG, I.
fin also projects forward as a free pointed process instead of
being tied down to the top of the head. In these Pleuro-
nectids, however, this state of the dorsal fin is alwaysdetermined
by an arrestment, to a greater or lesser degree, of the move-
ment of the upper eye from the blind to the ocular side of
the head, but it is difficult to conceive of any cause which
might underly the non-adherence of the extremities of the
pectorals in these abnormal Thornbacks.
‘““POWRIE COLLECTION ” OF FOSSILS 31
moot OF THE TYPE AND FIGURED. SPECIMENS
Pb POW RIE COLLECTION” OF FOSSILS.
ibyvk. HL TRaguain, MJD), BuiX.s:,
Keeper of the Natural History Collections, Museum of Science and Art,
Edinburgh.
THOSE who are interested in Scottish Geology and Palzon-
tology will likewise be interested to learn that the important
collection of fossils formed by Mr. Powrie of Reswallie has
recently been acquired by the Edinburgh Museum of Science
and Art.
This collection, principally illustrative of the paleontology
of the Forfarshire Old Red Sandstone, may be termed a
historical one. At the time of completion of Agassiz’s great
works, very little was known about the fossils of Forfarshire,
and it was not till years afterwards that the researches of
local collectors, notably Mr. Powrie, Rev. H. Mitchell, Rev.
H. Brewster, and Mr. M‘Nicol, showed that the Old Red
of this county possessed a fauna of interest and importance
beyond what had been previously supposed.
The special importance of the Forfarshire collection brought
together by Mr. Powrie lies in its containing so many specimens
which have been described and figured in the works of Page,
Egerton, H. Woodward, Ray Lankester, and of Mr. Powrie
himself. For he has worked not merely with his hammer as
a collector, but also with his pen as an original contributor to
scientific knowledge. Mr. Powrie also, many years ago,
purchased a large portion of the collection of the late Mr.
Patrick Duff of Elgin, and thus added to his cabinet a series
of fossils from another region of Scotland, namely the
country lying along the southern shore of the Moray Firth.
Among these is a small but interesting selection of the
fragmentary fish-remains from the Upper Old Red of Scat
Craig, which contains many of the original specimens figured
by Mr. Duff in his “ Geology of Morayshire” (Elgin, 1842),
as well as by Agassiz in his “Poissons Fossiles du vieux
sres rouge.” Here we find, in addition, the original example
of Mantell’s TZelerpeton Elginense from the reptiliferous
sandstone of Lossiemouth. All geologists remember that
32 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
this was long considered as a reptile of the Old Red Sand-
stone period, though the affinities of the ever increasing series
of reptilian remains which have been since discovered in these
beds have in recent times determined their age to be, in all
probability, Triassic.
One carboniferous fossil, or rather pair of fossils, in the
Powrie collection is also worthy of notice, namely two of the
original specimens of Eurypterus Scoulerz, from Kirkton near
Bathgate, figured by Hibbert in 1835 in his celebrated
“ Memoir on the Burdiehouse Limestone.” Iam not aware of
any specimens of this remarkable creature having been found
since Hibbert’s time.
As all working Naturalists, whether they busy themselves
with things recent or fossil, are aware of the importance
of knowing the whereabouts of original specimens of which
descriptions or figures have been published, I have thought
that a list of those contained in the “ Powrie Collection,” all of
which are Scottish fossils, might form an appropriate con-
tribution to the first number of the “ Annals of Scottish
Natural History.”
In all cases the first name given is that which was applied
to the specimen in the work in which it was described or
figured. Corrections or rectifications of nomenclature come
afterwards.
I. SPECIMENS CONSTITUTING ORIGINAL TYPES UPON
WHICH SPECIES HAVE BEEN FOUNDED.
SILURIAN.
Merostomata—
Stylonurus Logani, “7. Woodward.—Imperfect specimen from
Logan Water, Lesmahagow. H. Woodward in “Geol. Mag.”
vol. i. (1864), p. 197, Platé-X. Fig. 1. The counterpart of
this specimen, belonging to the Museum of Practical Geology,
is figured in “‘ British Fossil Merostomata,” Plate XXIV, Fig. 1.
OLD RED SANDSTONE.
Merostomata—
Eurypterus Brewsteri, (7. [Voodward.—Carapace from Kelly Den,
near Arbroath, described and figured by H. Woodward,
“Geol. Mag.” vol. 1. (1864), p. 200, Plate X. Fig. 3, and am
** Brit, Foss. Merost.,” p. 151, Plate XXVIII. Fig. 4.
““POWRIE COLLECTION ” OF FOSSILS 3
Pterygotus minor, 4. Woodward.—Entire specimen from Farnell,
described and figured by H. Woodward, ‘“ Geol. Mag.” vol. i.
(1864), p. 199, Plate X. Fig. 2, and in “ Brit. Foss. Merost.”
oes erie Ty Fig. A.
Stylonurus Powriei, /age.—A nearly perfect specimen from
Pitscandly, first named and figured by D. Page in “ Advanced
Text-book of Geology,” 2d. Ed. 1859, p. 181, Fig. 3. De-
scribed and figured by H. Woodward in “Qu. Journ. Geol.
Soc.” vol. xxi. (1865), p. 482, Plate XIII. Fig. 1, and in ‘ Brit.
Foss. Merost.” p. 122, Plate XXI. Fig. 1.
Stylonurus ensiformis, 47. Woodward.—Detached tail spine, de-
scribed and figured by H. Woodward, “Geol. Mag.” vol. i.
(1864), pp. 198-199, woodcut, and in “ Brit. Foss. Merost.” p,
Ize, ride x1), Figs, “Turin: Hill
Stylonurus Secoticus, 7. Woodward.—A large and nearly entire speci-
men from Montroman Muir, described and figured by H. Wood-
ward in “ Qu. Journ. Geol. Soc.” vol. xxi. (1865), pp. 484-486,
Plate XIII. Fig. 2, and in “ Brit. Foss. Merost.” p. 126, Plate
XXIII.
Myriopoda—
Archidesmus M‘Nicoli, /each.—One of the two type specimens
described and figured by B. N. Peach, “ Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.
Edin.” vol. vii. (1882), p. 182, Plate II. Fig. 26.
Pisces—
Diplacanthus gracilis, Lgerton ( = Lschnacanthus gracilis, Powrie).—
Counterpart of original type specimen, a nearly entire fish,
figured and described by Egerton in “Dec. Geol. Surv.”
vol. x. (1861), p. 69, Plate IX. Farnell.
Climatius uncinatus, /ow7te—A complete fish, described and
figured by Powrie, ‘‘Qu. Journ. Geol. Soc.” vol. xx. (1864), p.
422; also in “Trans. Edin. Geol. Soc.” vol. 1. (1870), p. 296,
Blate ALY... Fig. x7,
Euthaeanthus Maenicoli, Pow7ze.—Entire specimen, described and
figured by Powrie, “Qu. Journ. Geol. Soc.” vol. xx. (1864), p.
425, Plate XX. Fig. 2. Also in “Trans. Edin. Geol. Soc.”
vol. i. (1870), Plate XI. Fig. 3. Turin Hill.
Euthacanthus gracilis, /owrie-——Imperfect specimen described
and figured by Powrie, of. ci¢. p. 291, Plate XI. Fig. 4.
Euthaecanthus elegans, Powrvie-—PBadly preserved specimen from
Farnell, described and figured by Powrie, zézd. p. 292, Plate
XII. Fig. 5.
Euthacanthus grandis, Pow7ie—Type specimens, an imperfect fish
and a detached tail, described by Powrie, “Trans. Edin. Geol.
I D
34 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Soc.” vol. i. (1870), p. 292. Enlarged scales figured, 702d.
Plate XII. Fig. 6. Turin Hill.
Euthacanthus ecurtus, owzie.—Imperfect fish, from Farnell,
described and figured by Powrie, zécd. p. 293, Plate XII. Fig. 7.
Notre.—Messrs. Smith Woodward and Sherborn, in their “‘ Catalogue
of British Fossil Vertebrata,” p. 65, have placed this species
in Diplacanthus with a query. A second specimen in the
collection from Turin Hill shows, however, that there were
more than one pair of intermediate ventral spines, so I have
kept it here for the present, although its general contour is
somewhat unlike that of the other members of the genus.
Parexus faleatus, Powrie.—Complete fish from Turin Hill, de-
scribed and figured by Powrie, zzd. p. 294, Plate XIII. Figs.
9; 92
Pteraspis Mitchelli, Powz7ze.—Cephalic shield from Bridge of
Allan, figured in restored outline by Mr. Powrie in the
“Geologist” for 1863, p. 68, woodcut, and named by him
Pteraspis Mitchel in the same journal for 1864, p. 172.
Figured and described also by Lankester, “ Brit. Cephalasp.”
Pal. Sec.p: 33, Plate VY. Bies.s6:and fro.
Eucephalaspis Powriei, Lankester (= Cephalaspis Powriet).—
Described by Lankester, of. czz. pp. 47-48.
A. Entire specimen, from Leysmill near Arbroath, beauti-
fully preserved, Lankester, of. cé/. Plate X. Fig. 1.
B. Detached cranial shield. Lankester, of. c#¢. Plate IX.
Hie se.
Eucephalaspis asper, Lamnkester (probably = adult form of Cephalaspis
Pagei).—Imperfect specimen from Turin Hill, described and
figured by Lankester, of. cf. p. 50, Plate X. Fig. 5.
Eucephalaspis Pagei, ZLazkester (= Cephalaspis Pagei).—Described
by Lankester, of. cit. pp. 49-50.
A. Nearly entire specimen, Lankester, of. cz. Plate X. Fig. 3.
B. do. do. Fig. 4.
Cc do. do. Plate Xi Wigwe
All are from Turin Hill Quarries.
Cephalopterus Pagei, Pow7te.—Original specimen, described and
figured by Powrie in “ Trans.-Geol. Soc. Edin.” vol. i. (1870),
p. 298, Plate XIV. Fig. 16. Turin Hill.
Placothorax paradoxus, Agassiz (= fragments of pectoral limbs of
Bothriolepis major, Ag. sp.)—The two type specimens described
and figured by Agassiz, “ Poiss. Foss. v. grés rouge,” p. 134,
tab. 30 a, Figs. 20-23. They were previously figured by P.
Duff, “Geol. Moray,” Plate VII. Figs. 3-4, as ‘‘fragments of
— 7.
““POWRIE COLLECTION ” OF FOSSILS 35
dorsal spines of a fish which has been referred to the genus
Cestracion.” From Scat Craig.
Holoptychius giganteus, Agassiz.—Two scales from Scat Craig
figured by Agassiz, ‘“‘ Poiss. Foss. v. gres rouge,” Atlas tab. 24,
Figs. 3 and 8. Duff’s figure ‘‘ Geol. Moray,” Plate VII. Fig. 10,
is probably taken from the same specimen as Agassiz’s Fig. 8.
Dendrodus latus, Duff (= D. biporcatus, Owen = Holoptychius gigan-
teus, Ag.)—Detached laniary tooth, with portion of internal
dentary bone attached, figured by P. Duff, of. cet, Plate VI.
Fig. 4; also by Agassiz, “ Poiss. Foss. v. gres rouge,” tab. 28,
Pies, 1, 2.
Dendrodus ineurvus, Duff ( = Holoptychius nobilissimus, Ag.)—A
mandibular internal dentary bone with laniary tooth attached,
figured by P. Duff in. “Geol. Moray,” Plate VI. Fig. 11.
Figured also by Agassiz under the name of Cvicodus tncurvus,
| Poiss: oss. v. gres fouge,” p. 68, tab. 28, Figs. 4 and -5-
Scat Craig.
Notre.—Agassiz’s genus Crvicodus has been referred to the Rhizodont-
ide by myself! and by Mr. Smith Woodward? on account of
Pander’s identification of it with his Polyplocodus, which
assuredly belongs to that family, and also because the
transverse section of a tooth figured by Agassiz as Cvzcodus
without specific name, ‘‘Poiss. Foss.” vol. i, part 1, tab.
H, Figs. 11, 12, is apparently of Rhizodont character.
But Agassiz in the text, 2d. p. 156, states that the
tooth from which this section was taken had its large pulp
cavity filled with a black matrix; likewise that it was a frag-
ment broken at both ends, which “provenait d’une dent
enorme car il avait la grosseur d’un doigt.” It is therefore
almost certain that this Rhizodont tooth, which he says is from
Scotland without naming any precise locality, is of carboniferous
age, especially seeing that a few pages further back (zdz@. p.
105), he states that Cvicodus occurs both in Devonian and in
carboniferous rocks. It is certainly very different from the
tooth figured by Duff as Dendrodus incurvus, which Agassiz
afterwards refigured in his ‘‘ Fossil Fishes of the Old Red Sand-
stone” as Cyricodus incurvus, and apparently adopted as the
type of the genus, seeing that he named no other species. For,
on examining this original specimen of zzcurvus, I found, some-
what to my surprise, that it was in reality a Dendrodont or
Holoptychian tooth, apparently belonging to Owen’s species D.
sigmoideus, and this I have long been convinced is synonymous
with Holoptychius nobilissimus of Agassiz. The name C7rtcodus
1 ** Geol. Mag.” (3) vol. v. 1888, p. 515.
2 «Catalogue of the Fossil Fishes in the British Museum,” part ii. 1890.
36 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
must therefore drop, as no genus can be founded on the
fragment of which a section is figured in Agassiz’s larger work.
Cosmacanthus Maleolmsoni, 4gassiz.—‘ Poiss. Foss. v. gres rouge,”
p. 121, tab. 33, Fig. 28. . Previously figured by P. Dutijgaeem
Plate VU. Fig. 5, as a“ dorsal'spine” “Seat (rai:
NotEe.—The nature of this fragment is still doubtful; it does not
seem to be a selachian spine as supposed by Duff and Agassiz.
By Pander it was interpreted as the outer penultimate marginal
plate of the lower part of the arm of an Asterolepid, but its
sculpture is different from that on the arms of Lothriolepis major,
the common Asterolepid of the Scat Craig deposit.
CARBONIFEROUS.
Merostomata—
Eurypterus Scouleri, //7bder7.—Two of the original specimens
from Kirkton near Bathgate, figured by Hibbert, ‘“‘ Trans. Roy.
Soc. Edin.” vol. xu. (1836), Plate XII. Figs, 1 and 2.
A. Carapace ;—Hibbert, of. ciz. Plate XII. Figs. 1 and 2
upper part. H. Woodward, “ Brit. Foss. Merost.” p. 136,
Plate XXV., and woodcut Fig. 41.
B, Eight most posterior body segments in apposition ;—
Hibbert, of. cz. Plate XII. Figs. 1 and 2, lower part.
H. Woodward, of. czz. p. 136, Plate XXVI.
TRIAS.
Reptilia—
Telerpeton Elginense, JZanze//.— ‘Qu. Journ. Geol. Soc.” vol. viii.
1852, pp. 100-105, Plate IV. An imperfect skeleton from
the neighbourhood of Lossiemouth.
RHAETIC.
Pisces—
Hybodus Lawsonii, uf—Three of the type specimens from
Linksfield, figured by P. Duff, of. cz¢. Plate IV.
A, Plate IV. Fig. 1, Dorsal-spme
B, Figs. 5 and.o, Veen.
II. SPECIMENS WHICH HAVE -BEEN FIGURED, BUT WHICH
ARE NOT THE ORIGINAL PYPES OF SPECIES:
OLD RED SANDSTONE.
Merostomata—
Pterygotus Anglicus, Agasszz.— Specimen showing the ventral
surface of the body and tail with the metastoma and part of
“* POWRIE COLLECTION ” OF FOSSILS 37
the left maxillipede ; described and figured by H. Woodward,
‘British Fossil Merostomata,” p. 34, Plate I. Fig. 1. From
‘Torin, Eat.
Pterygotus Anglicus, Agassiz.— Detached head showing the
position of the eyes, described and figured by H. Woodward,
weep 20,-Plate 1. Bis. 2. “Turin Hill:
Pterygotus Anglicus, Agass7z.—Small entire specimen from Turin
Hill. H. Woodward, of. ct. pp. 34, 35, Plate II. Fig. 1.
Pterygotus Anglicus, Agass7z.— Detached penultimate joint of
swimming foot. H. Woodward, of. cit. pp. 38, 39, Plate V.
Turin Hill.
Pterygotus Anglicus, Agass7z.—Large telson or terminal joint.
) H. Woodward, of. ci¢. p. 42, Plate VI.
Myriopoda—
Kampecaris Forfarensis, /age.-—Specimen figured by B. N. Peach,
Etoc. Roy. Phys, Soc. Edin.” vol: vil. (1882), Plate 1 Pig, xd.
Canterland, Kincardineshire.
Pisces—
‘Dorsal Spine of Onchus.”—P. Duff, of. ect. Plate VII. Fig. 7. This
is the base or inserted portion of an undetermined selachian
spine. Scat Craig.
Aecanthodes Mitchelli, Zgerton (= Mesacanthus Mitchelli, Traq.)—
Powrie, “Trans. Geol. Soc. Edin.” vol. i. (1870), Plate X.
Pies ts Eon Hill.
Diplacanthus gracilis, Zgerton ( = [schnacanthus gracilis, Powrie).—
Powrie; ““Trans.. Geol.-Soc. Edin.” vol. 1.. (2870), Plate X-
Be. Conn ull
“Apparently a Diploeanthus.”—P. Duff, of. az. Plate XI. Fig. 3.
This is a specimen of Diplacanthus striatus (Ag.), from Tynet
Burn.
Climatius reticulatus, Agass7z.—Specimen figured by Powrie,
‘Tvanse din. Geol. Sec’? vol: i..(1870), Plate XIIT= Kies re.
Parexus ineurvus (= /Parexus recurvus, Agassiz).—A beautifully
preserved fish from Turin Hill, figured by Powrie, ‘“ Trans.
Geol. Soc. Edin.” Plate XII. Fig. 8.
Notre.—The specific name given to this fish by Agassiz was vecurvus,
but a mistake has crept in of writing it zzcuwrvus, which is
participated in even by Mr. Smith Woodward in his “ Catalogue
of the Fossil Fishes in the British Museum,” part ii., 1891,
P- 34.
Seales of Pteraspis, from Bridge of Allan, figured by Lankester,
“ Brit. Cephalasp.” Plate V. Fig. 1.
38 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL* HISTORY
Pteraspis Mitehelli ?p—‘“ A very large but obscure specimen,” from
Bridge of Allan, figured by Lankester, of. c¢. Plate V. Fig. 11.
Cephalaspis sp.—Portion of a head showing the orbits as seen
from below, figured by Lankester, of. cz¢, Plate X. Fig. 2.
Caudal fin of Cephalaspis, from Turin Hill, figured by Lankester,
op. tit. Plate XI, Fig. 3.
“Plate on the head of Holoptychius nobilissimus.”—P. Duff, of. cez.
Plate VII. Fig. 1. This is the anterior median plate of the
head of Lothriolepis major (Ag.)
Pterichthys oblongus.—P. Duff, of. cz. Plate VIII. Fig. 2. The
subject of this figure is a specimen of Pterichthys Millert, Ag.,
and a considerable amount of ‘‘restoration” enters into the
representation of the carapace. From Tynet Burn.
Pterichthys cornutus.—P. Duff, of. ct. Plate X. Fig. 2. This is
a small specimen of SPterichthys productus, Ag. from Tynet
Burn.
‘‘Fragment of the lower jaw of a fish.” —P. Duff, of. cet. Plate VI.
Fig. 1. This is a portion of a Holoptychian mandible,
probably of 4. gzganteus, Ag. Scat Craig.
‘Lower jaw of a smaller individual.”—P. Duff, of. c¢. Plate VI.
Fig. 2. This is the greater part of a small Holoptychian
mandible. Scat Craig.
‘* Jaw of fish with teeth remaining in their places.”—P. Duff, of.
cit. Plate VI. Fig. 3. -WDetached internal dentary bone von
floloptychius of which Mr. Duff says: “In hazarding a
conjecture I would refer this jaw to the genus Glyp/olepis.”
Scat Craig.
Dendrodus biporeatus, Owen (= Holoptychius giganteus, Ag.)—De-
tached laniary tooth from Scat Craig, figured by P. Duff,
op. cit. Plate VI- Fig. 5:
Dendrodus compressus, Owen (= Dendrodus biporcatus, Owen =
Floloptychius giganteus, Ag.)—Detached laniary tooth from Scat
Craig, figured by P. Duff, of. c#. Plate VI. Fig. 7.
Dendrodus sigmoideus, Owen (= Holoptychius nobilissimus, Ag.).
—Two detached laniary teeth from Scat Craig figured by P.
Duff, op. cet. Plate VI. Figs. 8 and ro.
Dendrodus sigmoideus, Owen (= Holoptychius nobilissimus, Ag.)\—
Detached laniary tooth from Scat Craig figured by Agassiz,
““Poiss. Foss.-v. gres rouge,” Tab. 28, Fig, «3:
LIST OF THE MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA OF BALERNO 39
TRIAS.
Reptilia—
Stagonolepis.—Portion of the caudal region, figured by Huxley,
“ Crocodilian Remains of Elgin Sandstones,” Plate III.
RHAETIC.
Pisces—
**Fragment of dorsal spine destitute of fluting.”—P. Duff, of. ciz.
Plate IV. Fig. 4. An undetermined bone, not a selachian
spine, though it is referred by Duff to Hybodus Lawsoniz.
‘* Seale of fish not determined.”—P. Duff, of. ct. Plate IV. Fig. 7.
This does not seem to be a scale but an internal bone.
mist OF THE MACKO-LEPIDOPIERA OF
BALERNO, MIDLOTHIAN.
By E. W. Caruirr, M.D., B.Sc.
THE locality to which the following list refers may be
divided into three distinct portions :—
1. THE ROAD, leading from Balerno to the common, is
bordered by hedges of hawthorn and beech, with here and
there a stone wall; behind these are cultivated lands,
pastures, or small woods of common forest trees.
2. THE COMMON, now much reduced by drainage, for-
merly covered a large area; the few remaining acres consist
of peat bog, very damp and full of holes, but possessing a
varied vegetation. This bog, which is cut in two bya grassy
path running east and west, is bounded on the south by
Bavelaw Burn, on the east by the main road and Bavelaw
Wood, on the west by a broken hawthorn hedge, beyond which
is arable land, and on the north by a farm road bordered by
a belt of lime and beech trees.
3. BAVELAW WOOD, which is little more than a plantation
of Scotch firs and beech trees, with a sprinkling of young
mountain ash, situated to the east of the main road, is
raised a foot or two above the level of the common, which
does not prevent it from being very damp and boggy. It
40 ANNALS, OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HistoOR™
reaches to Bavelaw Burn on the south, is surrounded by
fields on the east and north, and overlooks the common
towards the setting sun.
The area is therefore by no means a large one, but
actually teems with many forms of insect life.
This list is compiled mainly from my own notes, which
extend over a period of nine years, and contains only those
species that I have been fortunate enough either to catch
myself or to see captured by my friends. It_is theretare
necessarily incomplete, but contains some few species which,
as far as I can ascertain, have not hitherto been recorded as
occurring in the locality. Unfortunately my visits have been
almost entirely confined to Saturday afternoon rambles, and
therefore those species which fly only by night will not be
found in any great number in it.
One night, and one only, was I able to devote to sugaring
in the wood. It did not prove a success, only yielding some
dozen Monoglypha; but by searching the trunks of trees
and beating up the undergrowth I have, however, managed
to take a few specimens of some night-flying species.
My friend _Mr. W. Evans, F.R.S.E., etc., to whom 1 jm
indebted for great assistance, has kindly consented to
supplement my list from his own notes, which are voluminous
and extend over a much longer period. The notes on
additional species supplied by Mr. Evans will appear as an
appendix at the end of my list, followed by others also
supplied by him from the diary of Mr. Andrew Wilson,
Dentist, Edinburgh. Some of Mr. Wilson’s captures, which
were made between 1852 and 1858, were probably taken
outside, though close to, my limits.
Dr. Northcote has also kindly supplied me with a list of
captures from the same locality which I have incorporated
with my own. I have also drawn attention to the species
mentioned by Lowe and Logan—marking them L. & L.—
both in their “List of the Lepidopterous Insects of Mid-
lothian,” and the additions thereto recorded in vol. i. pp. 3, 4,
and 259 of the “ Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society
of Edinburgh.”
The arrangement and nomenclature followed in this list is
that of Mr. Richard South, F.E.S.
LIST OF THE MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA OF BALERNO 4I
My thanks are due to Mr. Robert Crighton for his kind-
ness in allowing me to wander unmolested in Bavelaw Wood.
RHOPALOCERA
Pieris brassicze, Z.—Fairly abundant along the road, becoming less
numerous as the cottage gardens are left behind. I have only
taken one specimen in the wood on the tgth June 18o1.
Ee & L.
Pieris rapz, Z.—Common in the fields bordering the road from
May onwards. L. & L.
Pieris napi, Z.—Common near Balerno, especially on railway
embankments.
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FORMS OF ECHINUS ESCULENTUS, Lz.
AND GONIASTER PHRYGIANUS (/erelzzs)
NOTES ON SOME SCOTTISH ECHINODERMATA 49
NOTES ON SOME SCOTTISH ECHINODERMATA:
By Tuomas Scott, F.L.S.,
Naturalist to the Fishery Board for Scotland.
PLATE sit,
I. On a Depressed Form of Echinus esculentus, 22772.
A MORE than usually depressed form of Echinus esculentus
was obtained in the Firth of Forth in June last (1891), which
it may be of interest to notice. There is, as is well known
to students of the Echinodermata, considerable variation in
in the form of this species, but the variety now under con-
sideration is the most depressed of the numerous specimens
I have observed among the captures made during several years’
trawling on the east coast of Scotland. In form it approaches
very closely to Strongylocentrotus drobachiensts, Miiller,—a
species which we have obtained on one or two occasions in
the vicinity of Inchkeith, a little east of the south end of the
the island,'—but is to be distinguished at once by the posses-
sion of three pairs of pores in the row instead of four or five
pairs as in Strongylocentrotus. This variety is represented 2
the natural size on Plate IJ. Fig. 1, and measures 4.65 inches
in diameter, and 2.3 inches in height. Fig. 2 répresents
another variety of the same species with somewhat flattened
sides, which was obtained off Musselburgh at from five to
six fathoms. Fig. 3 gives us a specimen of the usual form,
both natural size. These latter figures show by comparison
more clearly the unusual form of the variety under con-
sideration: they, also, are represented # of their natural size.
*
II. On Goniaster phrygianus (/are/ivs) = Goniaster equestris,
Agassiz.
During the last few years I have obtained two specimens
of a Goniaster from the Firth of Forth which closely
resemble each other in form, but which differ’ considerably
from specimens of Goniaster phrygianus taken in the Moray
1 Strongylocentrotus drobachiensis is common in the Cromarty Firth, and we
almost invariably obtain a number of specimens of this species every time we
trawl between Cromarty and Invergordon.
I Lk
50 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Firth, where, in the deep water (30 to 50 fathoms) the species
is moderately common, being of frequent occurrence among
the refuse of the trawl net. Plate II. Fig. 4 represents one of
the Firth of Forth specimens, while Fig. 5 is one of the Moray
Firth specimens ; respectively + and ¢ their natural size. In
the Forth specimen, as shown by the figure, the space between
the arms is shallow, and the arms are very short. In the
Moray Firth specimen, on the other hand, the space between
the arms is deeply concave, and the arms comparatively long.
I have examined a considerable number of the Moray Firth
specimens and find that, though the length of the arms and
the concavity of the space between them varies to some extent,
none of those examined possessed the short arms, or the
shallow, and nearly straight, interspaces that distinguished
the two specimens from the Firth of Forth.
One of the Forth specimens was obtained a few miles
east of May Island by a trawler, and is the one represented
by Fig. 4. The other was obtained by myself from deep
water some distance west of the May Island, and is now in
the Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh.
III. On Brissopsis lyrifera (Z. Agassiz).
Ihave on several occasions during the last three years
obtained specimens of Lrzssopszs lyrtfera in the vicinity of May
Island, Firth of Forth. Though by no means a rare species
on some parts of the Scotch coasts it does not appear to have
been known to occur in the Forth estuary or its vicinity pre-
vious to my discovery of it in 1888. It was first obtained
about two miles north-westward of the May, and since then
further specimens have been captured both in the locality
referred to and also at Trawling Station ix., a few miles south-
eastward of that Island. The following records of this species
from the latter locality are from the “ Eighth and Ninth Annual
Reports of the Fishery Board for Scotland ”:—6th June 1889,
three specimens; 17th August 1889, one specimen; 13th May
1890, one specimen; 5th August 1890, one specimen. A few
others have been obtained this year (1891). In Mr. W. E.
Hoyle’s “Revised List of the British Echinoidea” in the.
“ Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh”
for 1889-90, “ Aberdeenshire and the Moray Firth” and
ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 5!
“ Off Montrose 42 fms.,” are the only localities for this species
on the east coast of Scotland.
This species does not appear to be common on our east
coast, but on the west it is sometimes obtained in great
abundance. In the early part of 1887 I was on board a
trawler working over 20 fathoms water off Craigmore, near
Rothesay, when the trawl net on being hauled up was found
to contain a large quantity of fine mud, amongst which
there were a great number of 4rzssopszs. I counted more
than sixty whole specimens, besides which there were many
others more or less damaged. This large capture of Arissopsis
has been however far exceeded by one recorded by Mr. W.
Anderson Smith in the Fishery Board’s “ Ninth Annual
Report” (1891), part ili, p. 298. I cannot do better than
quote Mr. Anderson Smith’s description of his interesting cap-
ture. He says,— Besides the ordinary echinoderms we had
a most remarkable haul of what we formerly considered a
rare form of heart urchin, 4vzssopsis lyrifera, completely
choking our net, which hung like a huge bag of potatoes and
could not be lifted. We calculated the quantity of these
urchins as representing not less than three tons weight.”
That it should occur in such enormous numbers on the
west coast and only one or a very few at a time on the east
coast, where the physical. conditions appear to be equally
favourable for its existence, is rather singular, and is not easily
explained. Beam-trawling has been more vigorously pro-
secuted on the east coast than on the west and may have
something to do with the difference alluded to, but the true
explanation will have, I think, to be sought for elsewhere.
ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND.
By WituraM H. BEesy, F.L.S.
. . —_ mia ie .
IN continuation of already recorded researches“ into the
Flora of this county, I paid my sixth visit to the Islands
last summer, spending there over three weeks, which included
1 « Scottish Naturalist,” 1887-1891.
52 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
the beginning of July and part of August. Ollaberry was
made the centre of operations, the intention being to work
some of the interesting parts of the Northmaven peninsula,
which I was unable to reach on my previous short visit to
the same place, owing to their distance from headquarters.
However, the exceptionally bad weather of last summer stood
in the way, and consequently some of the more distant
localities still remain untouched. A good deal of work was
done among the crags on the north side of Roeness Voe,
and although they afforded much likely ground, little of
special interest was gathered except among the Hawkweeds.
In this genus fzeractum farrense, Hanbury proved an
interesting addition to the Shetland list; while at North
Roe a second locality was found for H. zetlandicumt.
While dealing with these endemic species, it may not be
out of place to refer to the growing tendency, on the part of
some botanists, to make too much of the degree of difference
exhibited by plants, while practically ignoring the kzzd of
difference, which, it is maintained here, is really the important
factor. Thus, the most transient states of plants due to the
direct action of their environment are often far more distinct
in appearance from their normal forms than are some
varieties from their types ; but the first-named return at once
to their normal state on being removed from their special
surroundings, while the latter remain permanently distinct
from their types even when grown under circumstances most
disadvantageous to the continuation of the particular variation.
That these two kinds of variation exist in plants is certain ;
and the separation of them seems to be the very basis on
which all investigations of the Phanerogamia must be made,
if it is hoped that this branch of botany is to throw any
further light on Evolution. Since these two kinds of varia-
tion are now sometimes treated as one, and since theories
are based on, or illustrated by, this heterogeneous aggregate,
no apology is needed for these remarks. To give a varietal
name to a species of Latrachium when it produces its floating
leaves, or when a trilobed leaf becomes suborbicular in
floating, is but one step short of giving the plant another
varietal name when it flowers, and yet another when it
fruits! Each individual plant, in certain species, has inherent
ON THE FLORA OF SITETLAND 53
to it the capacity to produce two kinds of leaves; the par-
ticular environment merely determines which particular
one of the two kinds shall be produced. This capacity for
adaptability reaches its climax in Britain in some of our
amphibious plants, such as BLatrachium and Potamogeton.
In the Hzeracza, though present, it is developed to a com-
paratively small extent only.
In connection with the foregoing observations it may now
be pointed out that some of the more critical /zeracza, although
differing in comparatively slight ways from other known
types, are not the result of this last-named kind of variation.
Mr. F. J. Hanbury, for example, has cultivated these plants
for years, and has now, I believe, some two hundred British
forms growing in his garden. He finds, when transplanted to
this new environment, so different from their native sur-
roundings, that, although now growing under practically
identical conditions, they do not tend either to converge
towards each other, or to revert to other known types.
Hence their variation is of another order, and they (the
British endemic forms), only differ from some of the most
marked endemic forms of other islands in degree, and not in
kind, of variation, which is precisely what might be expected.
Whether they be classed as species or varieties is a question
chiefly of convenience ; no amount of lumping, however, will
make the groups in critical genera correspond to the isolated
“species” in genera which are now stationary, and in which
the tendency to vary is quiescent. No doubt a very distinct
endemic species from some distant island cuts a very im-
posing figure; but it may be questioned whether its value
does not decrease in a degree corresponding to the increase
in its distinctness. It may be here suggested that some
oceanic islands, with their strongly-marked endemic forms,
have perhaps, to a considerable extent, taught their lesson
already ; and that more is likely to be learnt from the
critical genera (the wild analogues of variable florists’ flowers)
of one’s own country, with their numerous intermediates and
almost certainly present endemic forms, than by describing
those more distinct ones which we cannot study in connection
with their nearest relations, partly because they may already
be too far evolved to have any, and also because they are
54 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
too far removed from us to enable us to study them closely
in that relation, even if it exist.
But to return to Shetland; unless some other island is
mentioned, the records below refer always to Northmaven,
the peninsula which constitutes the northern parish of Main-
land. The following abbreviation is used :—
+= Not recorded for the county in “Top. Bot.,” ed. 2, or in
Bennett’s ‘“‘ Additional Records,” unless with some form of
query.
(Lepidium sativum, Z.; and Maleolmia maritima, 7, 47.
on waste ground near the Knabb, Lerwick.)
Casuals
Polygala vulgaris, Z.—As the plant previously recorded was not
altogether satisfactory, I may mention that this species occurs,
fine and typical, on grassy banks by the Gluss Burn, near
Ollaberry.
+ Rubus Idzeus, Z.—In a sheltered hollow in the ravine of the
Eela-water Burn.
+ Matricaria maritima, Z.—On the stony shore at North Roe. J
am disposed to regard this plant as distinct from JZ. znodora,
at all events as a sub-species. It is so regarded in the last
edition of the “Catalogue of Scandinavian Plants,” while
Nyman classes it as a distinct species.
7 Lapsana communis, Z.—In some plenty on the undercliff on the
western shore of Sullom Voe, near Lunnister.
Hieracium.—I am indebted to Mr. F. J. Hanbury for examining
my series of Shetland Hawkweeds. I have not ventured to
record any species not named or passed by him.
H. Sehmidtii, Zauwsch.—Dr. Lindeberg refers the Bergs of Skelberry
plant to var. crinigerum (Fries.) He also refers the plant provi-
sionally alluded to as ‘‘ A. lastophyllum” (“Scot. Nat.,” Jan.
1890), to the same variety.
+ H. oreades, /7zes.—Rocks at the foot of Cliva Hill, near Brae,
Delting.
+ H. Farrense, HYaxd.—In two places on the north side of Roeness
Voe, opposite Heylor, among crags, alt. 4oo and 450 feet.
The occurrence in Shetland -of this local species is very in-
teresting.
+ H. zetlandicum, eeéy (in “Journ. Bot.,” August 1891). Banks
and low hills on the east side of Sand Voe; low hills east of
North Roe, towards the Ness of Burravoe. In plenty in both
localities, which are about a mile apart. Further observations
show that in my original description I have rather over-estimated
—t-
a
ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND 55
the small size of this species ; although much more commonly
found as described, it is rather larger and bears more flowers
when growing under the shelter of rocks. When in fruit it has
a very distinct appearance, somewhat calling to mind Serratula
tinctoria when in the same condition.
. protraetum, Zzzdeb.—Abundant about the east side and north
end of the Loch of Cliff, Unst (No. 610). Dall of Lumbister and
Mid Yell Voe, Yell (No. 611). Rocks north of Mavisgrind,
Northmaven. Rocks at the foot of Cliva Hill, near Brae,
Delting. The two first-mentioned gatherings have been sub-
mitted to Dr. Lindeberg, who confirms the name. This
Norwegian Hawkweed is the most widely diffused species in
Shetland, where it occurs in five distinct stations in three
different islands. It is not known to occur elsewhere in
Britain.
. Friesii, artm. (H. gothicum, 4ackh.)—About the north end
of the Loch of Cliff, Unst. Banks by the Gluss Burn, near
Ollaberry ; grassy places near the sea, Hamar Voe; ravine of
the Eela-water Burn; the last three stations in Northmaven.
. erocatum, /7zes.—Low hills at North Roe. In three places
on the north shore of Roeness Voe.
. auratum, /7zes.—In many places on the north shore of Roe-
ness Voe, among rocks. Sparingly on the south side of Roeness
Voe, with some curious shade-grown forms. Rocks near
Mavisgrind. Dr. Lindeberg confirms the naming of one of the
Roeness Voe gatherings.
dovrense, /7ies.—This record (“Scot. Nat.,” Jan. 1889),
must be withdrawn ; the plant proves to be a form of 47. /riesiz,
Hartm. )
. truneatum, Zzzdeb.—Rocks at the foot of Cliva Hill, near
Brae, Delting ; referred to this species by Mr. Hanbury, who
thinks, however, that possibly it may not be quite identical
with Lindeberg’s type. This plant has been previously found
on the mainland of Scotland.
+ Ruppia spiralis, Hartm—Pools just north of Fugla Ness, and
salt marshes at Haggrister Bight, Sullom Voe. In both stations
the plant was infested by the rare fungus Ze/ramyxa parasitica,
for the name of which I am indebted to Prof. Trail.
Scirpus multicaulis, S7¢i.—Punds Loch ; a second locality for the
county.
Deschampsia discolor, 2. G S.—Abundant by a small loch on the
north-east side of Roeness Hill.
56 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS A FLORA GE
PE OUTER HEBRIDES.
By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S.
A WISH to see the western isles of Scotland thoroughly
explored for their botanical productions has induced me
these five years past to endeavour to interest any one who
I knew was likely to help on the work; and by the kind-
ness of Messrs. Duncan, King, Somerville, and Cotton I
have been enabled to see a good series of plants from the
Outer Hebrides. From looking to their distribution else-
where I have been led to think that the number of species
that inhabit these islands would, and will, be largely added
to. The supposed falling off in species from east to
west in Scotland! I believe to be very much overstated.
When the Outer and Inner Hebrides are thoroughly searched,
I quite think the number of plants not yet found there will
be very much reduced.
These notes must be taken as expressing the wish that
others will endeavour to carefully search any of the islands,
as opportunity occurs. And we want these western floras
complete before we can judge of the past and present floras
on safe grounds.
For the use of future workers I give a list of such books
and papers as I have consulted.
J. H. Balfour and C. C. Babington.—‘ Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin.,”’
1844, pp. 133-154.
M‘Culloeh’s “‘ Western Islands”; a few species are mentioned in this.
T. Pennant’s “Tour in Scotland and Voyage to the Hebrides,”
1774-1776, with figures of plants.
W. Maegillivray in ‘‘ Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geographi-
cal Science,” 1830, p. 91; and in “‘ Edin. Phil. Journal,” 1842,
Pp. 47-
Dr. Stirton, in “Scot. Naturalist,” 1886, p. 182.
R. M. Barrington, ‘“‘ Notes on the Flora of St. Kilda,” in “ Journal of
Botany,” 1886, pp. 213-216.
Arthur Bennett, in “Scot. Naturalist,” 1887, pp. 56-66; 1888,
PPi24 7-201 522 O50, PP. Lii-142)
1 §. Grieve, ‘‘ Trans. Bot. Soc. of Edinburgh,” 1887, pp. 487-490.
FLORA OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES 57
Arthur Bennett, in “Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Glasgow,” 1889,
Pp. 37-41.
A. Somerville, in “Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Glasgow,” 1889, pp.
183-188.
Arthur Bennett, in “Scot. Naturalist,” 1890, p. 273; 1891, pp.
188-189.
Mr. A. H. Gibson at the July (1891) meeting of the Edinburgh Bot.
Soc., read a paper on “The Phanerogamic Flora of St. Kilda,”
published in October 1891.
What I here propose to do is to give those species added
to the flora of the islands since Messrs. Balfour and
Babington’s list ; and others, that have been only reputed.
Ranuneulus Drouetii, Godv.—East side of S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Ranunculus trichophyllus, Crazx.; var. demersus, VV. &. Brown.—
S. Uist, A. Somerville. Type in Barra, A. Somerville.
Ranuneulus Baudotii, Godr.—East side of S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Ranuneulus repens, Z.; forma alpina, Lostrup.—St. Kilda,
Barrington.
Ranuneulus bulbosus, Z.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Ranuneulus Ficaria, Z.—Mingulay, 7, /inlayson. St. Kilda,
Barrington.
Nuphar luteum, Sm.—Lakes in N. Uist, but extremely rare,
Macgillivray. Not yet confirmed.
Fumaria confusa, /ord.—s. Uist, A. Somerville. Scarp, W. S.
Duncan.
Fumaria officinalis, Z.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Nasturtium officinale, Z.—Barra, A. Somerville. Bernera, W. S.
~ Duncan.
Arabis sagittata, D. C. (Airsuta).—Harris, on Ben Capval, W. S.
Duncan. Bernera, W. S. Duncan.
Erophila vulgaris, D. C.—Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Cochlearia danica, Z.—Bernera, W. S. Duncan. Barra, A.
Somerville. St. Kilda, Barrington.
Cochlearia officinalis, Z.; var. alpina, Zad.—St. Kilda, Barrington.
Cochlearia anglica, Z.—Mingulay, /. /7n/ayson.
Subularia aquatica, Z.—Harris, W. S. Duncan, in Macgillivray’s
station.
Raphanus maritimus, Sw.— Abundant, J/acgildivray; not yet
confirmed.
58 ANNALS-OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Draba ineana, Z.—Upon the granitic vein of Capval, in Harris,
Macgillivray ; not yet confirmed.
Viola Curtisii, orster.—Barra. S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Polygala serpyllacea, Wehe.—Barra, A. Somerville. St. Kilda,
Barrington.
Polygala (eu-) vulgaris, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Cerastium alpinum, Z.—JAZagi//ivray ; not confirmed.
Cerastium tetrandrum, Curizs.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan. St. Kilda,
Barrington.
Sagina apetala, Z.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Spergula arvensis, Z.; sativa, Aoem.— Barra, S. Uist, A.
Somerville.
Lepigonum salinum, /7. (genuinum).—Barra, S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Hypericum elodes, /7zds.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Geranium disseectum, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Ilex aquifolium, Z.—Put in brackets by Watson; but Mr. Duncan
found it on steep rocks with Auéz, Lonicera, etc., undoubtedly
wild in Harris.
Trifolium medium, 7.—Barra, A. Somerville.
7 Trifolium hybridum, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somervzlle.
Trifolium procumbens, L.—JZacgi/livray ; not confirmed.
Trifolium dubium, S$7¢z.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Vicia sylvatica, Z.—Obbe in Harris, WS. Duncan. Recorded by
Macgillivray, from Glen of Rodell in Harris.
Vicia lathyroides, Z.—Recorded by Aacgillivray ; not confirmed.
Lathyrus montanus, 4ernh.—N. Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Rubus Ideeus, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Rubus ineurvatus, 4ab.—Obbe, Harris, W. S. Duncan ; determined
by Mr. J. G. Baker.
Rubus polyanthemos, Zzzdb.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Agrimonia Eupatoria, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Rosa spinosissima, Z.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Rosa Sabina, Voods.— Dr. Walker ; according to a note by Turner
in Herb., Kew.
Rosa mollis, S7.—Harris, W. S. Duncan. S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Rosa eanina, Z. (lutetiana, Zeman).—Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Rosa eanina, Z. (dumalis, Aechs/.)—Harris, W. S. Duncan; f.
glaucophylla, Barra, A. Somerville.
FLORA OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES 59
Saxifraga oppositifolia, Z.—St. Kilda, Barrington. Husival More,
Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Saxifraga nivalis, Z.—Aacgilliivray ; never confirmed.
Drosera obovata, JZ. et K.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Lythrum Saliearia, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Peplis Portula, 2.—Duzcan, cat.
Epilobium alpinum, Z.; var. ? anagallidifolium (Lam.)—Harris, W. 5S.
Duncan.
Epilobium obseurum, Schveb.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan. ? tetragonum,
S. Uist, A. Somerv7/le.
Eryngium maritimum, Z.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Sanicula europza, Z.—‘ Top. Botany.”
Apium nodiflorum, Aezch.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Apium inundatum, ezch.—S. Harris, Barra, VW. S. Duncan.
Cieuta virosa, Z.—Loch na Linna Moire, S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Cnanthe Croeata, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Cauealis Anthriseus, //zds.—“ Top. Botany,” ed. 2.
Hedera Helix, Z.—Doubted as native by Watson; but Mr. Somer-
ville, for Barra, says, ‘‘ wild on rocks on hillside.”
Sambucus nigra, Z.—St. Kilda, introduced, Gzdson,
Galium uliginosum, Z.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Galium Aparine, Z.—/ minima, two to three inches high, leaves
erect, + inch long, fine pointed. | Lochboisdale, S. Uist, A.
Somerville. A curious state of the plant.
Sherardia arvensis, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Barra, A. Somerville. Harris, W.S.
Valerianella olitoria, J/oench.
Duncan.
Gnaphalium uliginosum, Z.—Harris, VW. S. Duncan.
Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, Z.—Mingulay, /, /in/ayson.
Barra, A. Somerville.
Matricaria Chamomilla, Z.—JZacgil/ivray ; not confirmed.
Petasites vulgaris, Desf—Watson suggests that Zwss¢/ago was mis-
taken for this by Balfour and Babington. I have no con-
firmation of it.
Arctium minus, Sc24.—Barra, A. Somerville. Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Cnicus heterophyllus, W/77/¢d.—Harris, WV. S. Duncan.
Cnicus arvensis, //offm. ; var. argenteum ( Ves¢.)—S. Harris, VW. S.
Duncan.
Saussurea alpina, DY. C.—North and South Harris, WW. S. Duncan.
60 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Hieracium anglicum, /7.—Barra, 4. Somerville.
Hieracium argenteum, /7.—S. Uist, A. Somerville. Harris,
Backhouse, ‘Mon. Brit. Hier.” p. 49.
Hieracium seoticum, Hand.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Hieracium iricum, /7.—I suppose that by the A. Lawsoni of
Balfour and Babington’s list this is intended ; but I have seen
no specimen.
Hieracium crocatum, /7.—An immature specimen of what is prob-
ably this, Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Taraxacum palustre, D. C.—St. Kilda, Larrington.
Sonehus arvensis, Z.—Mingulay, 7. /iz/ayson.
Sonehus oleraceus, Z.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi, Spreng.—Macgillivray ; not confirmed.
Moneses grandiflora, Sa/7sb.—‘* Harris and Bernera about 1783 by
Mr. James Hoggan, 1/7. Gotobed.” Smith, in ‘Flor, Brit.”
(1800), li. p. 446; not confirmed by any recent author.
Lysimachia nemorum, Z.—Obbe, Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Anagallis arvensis, Z.—Mingulay, 7. Aznlayson.
Samolus Valerandi, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville. S. Harris, W% S.
Duncan.
Gentiana campestris, Z.—St. Kilda, JZacei/livray ; not confirmed.
Myosotis versicolor, ezchb.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
‘Calystegia Soldanella, A. Lrvown.—Eriskay, A. Somerville.
Veronica scutellata, Z.—Obbe, Harris, VW. S. Duncan.
Plantago maritima, Z.; var. pygmea, JZange.—St. Kilda,
Barrington.
Melampyrum sylvaticum, Z.—JZacgidlivray ; not confirmed.
Orobaneche rubra, Sm.—Refound in 1891 by W. S. Duncan in
Macgillivray’s station.
Utricularia intermedia, Yayxe.—Scarp, IV. S. Duncan.
Mentha hirsuta, Z.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Lycopus europzeus, Z.—Tarbert, Harris, VW. S. Duncan. S. Uist,
A. Somerville.
Thymus Chameedrys, /7.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Seutellaria minor, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville. Obbe, Harris,
W. S. Duncan.
Staechys arvensis, Z.—Mingulay, 7. /in/ayson.
Ajuga reptans, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Ajuga pyramidalis, Z.—Scarp, S. Harris, W. S. Duncan.
FLORA OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES 61
Atriplex Babingtonii, Woods.—St. Kilda, Barrington. Watson in
S Cycle prt... Vol. ifs 427:
Atriplex laeciniata, Z.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
Salsola Kali, Z.—St. Kilda, JZacgi/hvray ; not confirmed.
Polygonum aviculare, Z.; var. arenastrum.—Mingulay, /. 7in-
layson.
Polygonum (Roberti), Zoes/; Raii, Bab.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Polygonum Hydropiper, Z.—Obbe, Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Polygonum amphibium, Z.; terrestre, Zeevs.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Polygonum Bistorta, Z.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Polygonum viviparum, Z.—Scarp, almost at sea-level; frequent
from 50 to 150 feet above it. On Husival More (alt. 1603
feet) it grows but a short way above the base, and on summit
with Habenaria viridis, etc., W. S. Duncan. Abundant on
Oreval (2165 feet) and Ceartaval (1807 feet.)
Polygonum viviparum, Z.; var. alpinum, Wah/é.—Scarp, W. S.
Duncan.
Rumex eonglomeratus, Z.—St. Kilda, Barrington.
Myrica Gale, Z.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Malaxis paludosa, $7.—Harris, 7. A. Cotton.
Listera cordata, A. 4r.—Harris, Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Listera ovata, 2. &7.—Scarp, N. Harris, $. Harris, W. S. Duncan.
‘Orehis maseula, Z.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan. In chasms in the
steep rocky coast, south and south-west of Harris, Duncan.
Orchis inearnata, 2.—Barra, A. Somerville. Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Habenaria bifolia, 2. 47.—S. Harris, W. S. Duncan. North of
Bowe.
Habenaria chloroleuca, Azd/ey.—-Harris, W. S. Duncan. Abun-
dant on coast for # mile.
Allium ursinum, Z.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Seilla verna, Z.—Barra, A. Somerville. Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Juneus effusus, Z.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan. St. Kilda, Barrington.
Sparganium ramosum, Curfis.—‘ Top. Bot.” In his “‘ Geog. Dis-
trib.” Watson recorded under s¢mplex, “I have seen no speci-
mens of either species.”
Sparganium affine, Schwiz7—Scarp, W. S. Duncan. Barra, S.
Uist, A. Somerville.
Lemna minor, Z.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Potamogeton natans, Z. (verus).—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
62 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Potamogeton polygonifolius, Pouwr.—sSt. Kilda, Barrington.
Potamogeton lucens, Z.—A/acgillivray ; not confirmed.
Potamogeton Friesii, Aufr.—S. Vist, A. Somerville.
Potamogeton heterophyllus, Schreb.—Barra, A. Somerville,
Potamogeton pusillus, Z.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Potamogeton pectinatus, Z.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Potamogeton filiformis, /Vo/te.—Benbecula, Dr. Stirton.
Ruppia rostellata, Koch.—(?)
Eleocharis uniglumis, Z7~%.—Barvas, Island of Lewis, Badington,
“Manual Brit. Botany,” 1847.
Eleocharis multicaulis, S7z.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Eleocharis pauciflorus, Zzgi¢f/—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Seirpus Savii, Sed. e¢ Maur.—Barra, A. Somerville,
S. Tabernzemontani, Gme/.—S. Uist, A. Somerville.
S. maritimus, Z.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Carex pauciflora, Zzgh/f—N. and S. Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Carex ineurva, Lzghtf—Scarista, Harris, a patch of about 400
square yards, / C. King. Messrs. Balfour and Babington
gathered a single specimen “ of this or C. stenophylla.”
Carex limosa, 7.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Carex palleseens, Z.—S. Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Carex riparia, Curtis.—Macgillivray ; not confirmed.
Alopecurus pratensis, Z.—‘“ Top. Botany.”
Agrostis ecanina, Z.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Aira earyophyllea, Z.
Macgillivray ; not confirmed.
Trisetum flaveseens, eauv.—St. Kilda, Macgillivray; not con-
firmed.
Avena pubescens, /7uds.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Keleria cristata, Pers.—Scarp.
Poa compressa, Z.—Macgiliivray ; not confirmed.
Poa pratensis, Z.; var. ecerulea (Sm.)—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Festuca loliacea, /uds.—Named by Balfour and Babington, but not
admitted by Watson. Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Festuca seiuroides, oth.— Top. Botany.”
Bromus giganteus, Z.—? Very doubtful.
Brachypodium sylvatiecum, /. e¢ S.—Barra, A. Somerville.
Elymus arenarius, Z.—“Of very rare occurrence,” Macgillivray ;
not confirmed.
FLORA OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES 63
Seolopendrium vulgare, Syons.—Scarp, Harris, W. S. Duncan.
Lastrea emula, Lrackenbridge.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Phegopteris polypodioides, /¢e.—Harris and Scarp, W. .S. Duncan.
Ophioglossum vulgatum, Z.—North Rona, Larrington. Benbecula,
Dr. Stirton.
Ophioglossum vulgatum, Z.; var. polyphyllum, 4. 27.—St. Kilda,
Barrington.
Botryehium Lunaria, Sw.—St. Kilda, Barrington. Scarp, W. S.
Duncan.
Equisetum pratense, “Ari.—Obbe, Harris, W. SS. Duncan.
Equisetum arenarium, /Vewman.—Links of Scaristra, Harris, IV.
S. Duncan.
Lycopodium annotinum, Z.—Authority ?
Isoetes lacustris, 2.—Scarp, W. S. Duncan.
Pilularia globulifera, Z.—Frequent about Obbe in Harris, W. S.
Duncan.
Chara fragilis, Desv.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville. var. barbata (Ganz.)
—S. Uist, Somerville.
Chara hispida, Z.—S. Uist, 4. Somerville.
Nitella translucens, Agardh.—Harris, 1889, Mrs. W. S. Duncan.
Nitella opaca, Agardh.—Harris, Duncan.
Nitella batrachosperma, 4. 4r.—Loch near Obbe, Harris, WV. 5S.
Duncan. ‘This is the only station at present known in Great
Britain. It was discovered here by Mr. Duncan in July 1888,
and was‘sent to me by the finder, through Mr. F. C. King.
Balfour and Babington’s estimate of the Flora was 349
species and varieties (without Characeg). This present list
adds 143 species and varieties (without Charace@) making a
total of 492 at present known. To this I think it probable
that at least 50 or 60 species will be added and eventually
found to occur.
It would extend this paper too much to give the
additional localities for a large number of the species in
Balfour and Babington’s list, so I only give a few interesting
notes on some. But I wish it to be understood that I
consider I merely hold these materials “in trust” until some
Scottish botanist will undertake a Flora of the Islands, when
I shall be pleased to hand over all the material I possess.
Unless otherwise stated, the notes are by Mr. Duncan, who
64 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL, HISTORY
is a resident on the islands, and I hope will do good work in
the future.
Thalictrum alpinum, Z.—In S. Harris to within six or seven feet
of high-water mark.
Corylus Avellana, Z.—Mr. Watson remarks on this ‘In the
Hebrides the hazel has perhaps been introduced, after having
become extinct there.” Mr. Somerville considers it certainly
wild and native in S. Uist; and Mr. Duncan in Harris.
Populus tremula, Z.—With its stems twisted, out of rocks in Barra
and S. Uist, Somerville.
Ajuga pyramidalis, Z.—S. Harris, etc., not unfrequent in the O.
Hebrides, W. S. Duncan.
Until more searching has been done it is not advisable
to make any comparisons with adjacent counties, etc.
NOTES ON SCOTTISH WILLOWS.
By F. BucHanan Wuite, M.D., F.L.S., F.E.S.
ie
AMONGST several collections of willows, which have recently
been sent to me for examination, is a very interesting one
made in Dumfriesshire by Mr. James Fingland, of Thornhill.
In this collection, in addition to several noteworthy forms,
about which I may have something to say on another occasion,
there are some specimens of a willow which I have been
hoping would sooner or later be found, namely a hybrid
between Salix purpurea and S. phylicifolia.
In discussing—in the “ Revision of British Willows ”—
the nature and characteristics of Smith’s Sax Croweana,
I pointed out that it was probable that under that name two
plants had been confounded, one an abnormal condition of
S. phylicifolia, the other a hybrid of S. phyliczfolia and S.
purpurea. As, however, I had seen but two specimens, both
imperfect and not of certain British origin, of this supposed
hybrid, I could not well say much about it at that time.
It was therefore with much pleasure that I found in Mr.
Fingland’s collection the plants in question.
NOTES ON SCOTTISH WILLOWS 65
As I have shown in the “ Revision,” the name Croweand
Sm. properly belongs to the abnormal state of S. phylicifolia,
and since the hybrid seems to be undescribed, I propose for
it the title x Salzx secerneta (S. purpurea x S. phylicifolia).
Of S. secerneta there are in Mr. Fingland’s collection examples
from two different bushes; and as these are markedly different,
it is desirable to give a description of each of them.
No. 59.—Glenairly Bridge, Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire ;
Sept. 3d and May 30th.—Shoots and twigs like those of S.
plylictfolia, quite glabrous. Leaves long and narrow for their
size, the largest about 2 inches long by 4 inch wide, ovate-
lanceolate acuminate (often obliquely), paler green but scarcely
glaucous below ; margins finely serrate ; mature leaves quite
glabrous, some of the younger leaves sparingly hairy below
with long straight hairs. No stipules. Catkins (d) small
and narrow, the largest $ inch long, shortly peduncled, the
peduncle with about 3 small lanceolate leaves, which are some-
times hairy below. Scales spathulate, often concave, rounded
at the apex, base brown, upper half black, subcoriaceous and
often slightly shining, clothed with long white hairs. Nectary
short, broadly quadrate. Flowers monandrous, the filaments
of the stamens being connate for their whole length ; anthers
small, four-celled ; empty anthers not fuscous.
From the leaves alone this plant might be passed over as
merely a form of S. phyliczfolia, but in the flowers the pzr-
purea element is shown by the structure (but not the colour)
of the stamens and also of the scales. At the date (3d May)
when the flowering specimens were gathered the catkins were
rather passé, which suggests that the flowering period is inter-
mediate between those of the parents.
No. 60.—Same locality as No. 59.—Leaves and twigs of
S. phylicifolia. Catkins (¢) short and narrow, shortly
pedunculated, with about two small peduncular leaves. Scales
spathulate, acute, lower half brown, upper half very black, sub-
coriaceous, somewhat shining. Nectary quadrate. Filaments
either nearly or quite free, or connate for a short distance.
This form is very near S. phylicifolia, but the connation
of the filaments, and ina less degree the structure of the scales,
indicate its relationship with S. purpurea.
Mr. Fingland has found another very remarkable willow
I Ik
66 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
(No. 40) on the banks of the Nith below Sanquhar. Unfor-
tunately (in some respects) the flowers are hermaphrodite, the
upper part of the catkins being 6 and the lower ¢. Yet
although it is thus a monstrosity, of a kind which is not un-
common amongst willows, it deserves special notice, as it
seems to be a ternary hybrid, the result of the crossing of
S. purpurea, S. phylicifolia,and S. aurita. Whether the binary
hybrid (ze. the plant of the first hybridization) was the above
mentioned SS. secerneta (S. purpurea x S. phylicifolia), or S.
ludificans (S. aurita X S. phylictfolta) or S. adichroa (S. pur-
purea X S. aurita) it is of course impossible to say, although,
if I am correct in my assumption of the parentage of the plant,
it must have been one of them. It may be thus described—
x Salix sesquitertia nov. hybr. (S. purpurea x aurita x phylict-
folta). Twigs and shoots like those of S. phyliczfolia. Leaves
(largest 24 by about 1 inch) oblong obovate, very shortly
pointed or plicate-pointed ; margins crenate-serrate, slightly
incurved below; glaucous below with veins more or less
raised, the youngest leaves showing the rugosity more dis-
tinctly ; the younger leaves more or less subpubescent below,
the pubescence somewhat crisped but often shining, old leaves
nearly or quite glabrous. Stipules (rarely present) small,
reniform, Catkins moderate (} inch long), dense-flowered,
subsessile or very shortly peduncled, peduncles with 2 or 3
very small leaves; catkins mostly ?, but with a variable
number of 6 flowers at the apex. Scales spathulate, rounded
at the apex, clothed with numerous long white hairs, reddish
brown at the base, upper half black, those at the apex of the
catkins often somewhat subcoriaceous and concave; ovary
conical, subobtuse, densely clothed with white pubescence, as
is the pedicel, which is about twice as long as the nectary ;
style about as long as the moderate-sized stigma; stigma-
lobes erect-patent, rather broad, mostly undivided but some-
times notched or bifid; filaments of the stamens connate as
far as the anthers, which are four-celled ; empty anthers show-
ing a tendency to become subfuscous. Occasionally some of
the anthers at the point in the catkins where ¢d and ? flowers
intermingle are beginning to change into ovaries.
The purpurea element in this curious plant is indicated
by the monandrous 4d flowers, and in a less degree by the
NOTES ON SCOTTISH WILLOWS 67
structure of the stigmas and the length of the pedicel in the
¢ flowers. From leaf-specimens it might readily be considered
to be S. Zudificans, since the leaves combine the characters of
S. phylicifolia and S. aurita, their glabrosity, texture, and in
some degree their pubescence showing the former species, and
their shape, veining (especially of the young leaves), and
pubescence the latter. The catkins show some affinity also
to that species, but the evident style points to phylictfolia.
It is to be hoped that plants bearing unisexual catkins
will yet be discovered. Although I have, in the description
given above, mentioned the hermaphrodite nature of the
catkins, that is of course no characteristic of the hybrid,
being merely peculiar to the specimens seen by me.
In connection with this willow I should like to say a few
words about the nomenclature of hybrids, since there is much
divergence of opinion on the subject amongst botanists.
In the “Revision” I expressed my belief that “ whilst
there is a decided advantage in employing a compound
name—since it conveys distinct information—such can be
used in those cases only where no earlier name exists, and
where there is no doubt about the parentage.”
This opinion I am now inclined to modify. If only
binary hybrids existed the utility of adopting a name composed
of the designations of the parent species (when these are
certain) would admit of no doubt. Such a name conveys
information and is not too unwieldy. But when we have
to*deal with hybrids into whose parentage three or more
species enter, it is doubtful whether the inordinate length of
the. compound name would not altogether outweigh any
advantage it possesses. Names are not essential parts of
organisms, but are merely convenient symbols for indicating
the particular plant or animal under discussion. If such a
symbol is cumbrous—as it would be if the binomial system
of nomenclature were replaced by (say) a trinomial system
—its convenience would disappear.
It seems to me therefore that for ternary hybrids we
must adopt a single and not a compound name, and that-
whilst there is no imperative necessity ——it would be
advantageous to do the same in the case of binary hybrids
also.
68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL{HISTORY
LISTIOF FUNGI FOUND TAT STIRERE:
On 2642 and 27th October 1891.
By CHARLES B. PLowricut, M.D., H. G. Warp,
and Rev. J. ROBERTSON.
[Those species not recorded from the province of Forth
in “Mycologia Scotica” are indicated by *, and one not re-
corded from Scotland by **]
Agaricus (Amanita) muscarius Z.; rubescens, 47.
*(Lepiota) Carcharias, Fers.; *amianthinus, Scop.
(Armillaria) melleus, 77. Dan.
(Tricholoma) rutilans, Scheff; *imbricatus, #7; terreus, Scheff. ,
*carneus, Bud.
(Clitoeybe) laccatus, Scop.; infundibuliformis, Scief- ; metachrous,
F7,
(Collybia) maculatus, 4. and S.; butyraceus, Bu//.; dryophilus, F7. ;
confluens, Pers.; *ambustus, 7.
(Myeena) purus, /evs.; galericulatus, Scog.; polygrammus, Buw//. ;
*luteo-albus, Bolt; *ammoniacus, £7. ; galopus, Pers. ; epiptery-
gius, Scop.; vulgaris, Pers.
(Omphalia) fibula, Bu//.
(Clitopilus) *prunulus, Scop.
(Pholiota) *erebius, #7. ; *flammans, /”.
(Inoeybe) *calamistratus, 7; rimosus, Bu//.; *eutheles, B. and Br.;
geophyllus, Soz.
(Hebeloma) “fastibilis, #7”
(Flammula) “sapineus, #7. ; *inopus, Bolt.
(Galera) tener, Scheff. ; hypnorum, Batsch.
Stropharia) zruginosus, C7‘. ; semiglobatus, Batsch.
Hypholoma) sublateritius, Scheff; *capnoides, /7.; fascicularis,
Fluds.; *dispersus, £7.
(Psiloeybe) semi-lanceolatus, 77”,
(Panzeolus) fimiputris, Bw/7.
Coprinus plicatilis, 77.
Cortinarius **largus, 77. ; collinitus, Sozw.; *anomalus, 47. ; *ever-
nius, /v.; *armeniacus, /7. ; castaneus, /7.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 69
Hygrophorus hypothejus, 77; *letus, 27; coccineus, War
*miniatus, #7. ; conicus, /7.
Lactarius turpis, /7.; deliciosus, #7; vellereus, 77; var. exsuccus,
Smith ; rufus, #r.; serifluus, 7”.
Russula nigricans, /7.; foetens, #7; cyanoxantha, /7.; Queletii
fr.; *fellea, /v.; ochroleuca, 47. ; fragilis, Fr.
Cantharellus cibarius, 77. ; aurantiacus, 77”
Marasmius Oreades, /7.; peronatus, /7.; androsaceus, 27.
Boletus luteus, Z.; chrysenteron, 77; edulis, Bu//.
Polyporus amorphus, 47. ; annosus, /7”.
Stereum hirsutum, /7.
Thelephora palmata, 7.
Corticium sanguineum, /7.
Clavaria cinerea, Bull.; rugosa, Bull.; ineequalis, HZ, Dan. ; ver-
micularis, Scop.
Calocera viscosa, /7. ; cornea, /7.
Dacrymyees stillatus, 77.
Phallus impudicus, Z.
Lycoperdon gemmatum, /7 ; pyriforme, Scheff.
Mucor “*fusiger, Zzzh.
Sepedonium chrysospermum, Zz.
Helvella crispa, #7. ; lacunosa, Afz.
Diatrype disciformis, /7.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
Lesser Shrew (Sorex minutus, L.) in Fife. —On the 2d November
I noticed an extremely small shrew running among long heather on
the northern part of the Tents Muir, Fife. Having succeeded in
catching it, I found that it belonged to some species with which I
was not acquainted, and I accordingly sent it for identification to
Mr. Eagle Clarke, who informs me that it is a specimen of Sorex
minutus—a species which, though a very widely distributed one in
Scotland, has not hitherto, he believes, been recorded for Fife.
Under these circumstances the occurrence may be worth noting.—
WILLIAM Berry, Newport, Fife.
Poleeat (Justela putorius, L.) in Dumfriesshire.—Mr. George
Anderson, gamekeeper, informs me that in May last he captured a
70 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Polecat in one of his weasel traps on the lands of Glenlee. This is
the only occurrence on the estate for upwards of 25 years. Formerly
Polecats were numerous enough everywhere in this district, and it is
very remarkable how quickly they have been exterminated.— ROBERT
SERVICE, Maxwelltown.
The Blue-throated Warbler (Cyanecula suecica, L.) in Orkney.
—On the 15th August 1891 Mr. Gilmour, of the Pentland Skerries
Lighthouse, sent me a schedule with notes taken in May 1890,
which he intended sending to me at the time, but had laid it
aside, and it was only the other day he found it put away in a
drawer, and he remarks: ‘‘ My object in sending it now is to let you
see about a bird we saw here on the 12th of May (last year, of
course), and which you will see fully described in the schedule on
that date. There is little doubt but it was as stated, the Blue-throated
Warbler. I had many opportunities at the time of seeing it quite
near with the glass. I even shot at it but missed, owing, I believe,
to the shot being too large for such a small bird. The blue throat
and the nice colours on the breast made it very conspicuous. It
was, in fact, the prettiest bird I have seen here.” Description of the
bird as given in the schedule. “It resembles a Redstart on the back
and keeps its tail erect somewhat like a Redbreast. The throat is a
bright blue, and underneath the blue is a black border on the breast,
also a red band with a white stripe. The red and black is more distinct
on the breast than the white. Seen it very minutely with spy-glass.
This is undoubtedly the Blue-throated Warbler.” On referring again
to the schedule, we find under date 12th May that the wind was
moderate, the weather variable, with fog and haze. A Blackcap
and two male Redstarts were also seen, and at midday several
Swallows, all these birds being uncommon, the Blackcap especially
so,in Orkney. There can be no reasonable doubt that Mr. Gilmour
is right in his identification of this bird, and to him we are thus
greatly indebted for being enabled to place on record the appear-
ance of the Blue-Throated Warbler in Orkney for the first time.—
T. E. Buck ey, Inverness.
Jay (Garrulus glandarius, L.) in the Botanie Gardens, Edin-
burgh.—On the 11th of October 1889 I was greatly pleased to
observe a beautiful Jay in the Botanic Gardens, which was very wary,
and I again saw it on the 15th of November in the same year. As
this bird has become rare in the south of Scotland, the occurrence
of a specimen in the city of Edinburgh is worthy of record.—Wm.
SERLE, Leith.
Wrynecks (/ynx torguilla, L.) on the East Coast of Scotland.
—Though there is nothing particularly noteworthy in the occur-
rence of the Wryneck on our coasts during spring and autumn, the
simultaneous detection of four examples—pointing as it unmistakably
does to the passage of a migratory flight—is perhaps not unworthy
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 5G
of being placed on record. On zoth August last, one was picked
up in a dying condition on the burnside at Thorntonloch, a few
miles east of Dunbar, and taken to Mr. Durie, to whom (through
Mr. G. Pow) I am indebted for the particulars and the remains of
the bird itself’ On 24th August Mr. Small, George Street, Edinburgh,
received one for preservation from the Pentland Skerries, and at
the end of the same month another reached him from Kirkwall.
About the same time a fourth was sent to Mr. Lewis Dunbar,
Thurso, as I am informed by Mr. John Gunn, who saw it in Mr.
Dunbar’s hand.—WiIL11AM Evans, Edinburgh.
Snowy Owl (WVyctea scandiaca, L.) in Argyllshire.—My keepers
have seen a large Snowy Owl here for two or three days. Yesterday
it flew across in front of the Duchess, who, with a party, all stopped
to see the wonderful big white bird, which seemed to be as big as a
White Heron. This is not the first time the bird has been seen
here. The late Dr. Smith, minister, told me many years ago that
he had seen one hunting in Glen Aray in this parish ARGYLL,
Inveraray, 30th Sept. 1891.
Spotted Crake (Porzana maruetta, Leach.) in Shetland.—Saxby
does not mention the Spotted Crake as occurring in Shetland, in his
‘“‘ Birds of Shetland.” But Saunders, in the ‘‘ Manual of British Birds,”
says it has twice occurred in the Islands. On the 26th October last
(1891), whilst snipe-shooting in Shetland, I met with the species.
My spaniel “bunched” one in the marshes of Dunrossness, which
would not rise on wing, and the dog fetched it alive to me. I have
only once before met with an example in Scotland, viz. in a marsh
at Dunipace in Stirlingshire, which when flushed, flew three yards or
so and alighted, but was not seen again.—J. A. HARvIE-BRowny,
Dunipace, Larbert.
The reported occurrence of Grus leucogeranus, /a//as, in the
Outer Hebrides.—Mr. E. W. Marshall of Marlow, Buckinghamshire,
writes as follows to ‘The Field” of 14th November 1891, p. 758 :—
“In the report of a recent meeting of the Zoological Society, which
appeared in last week’s ‘ Field,’ I see that Dr. Hamilton made allusion
to the shooting of a white crane (Grus /eucogeranus) in the Outer
Hebrides in August last. I think I am justified in concluding that
this bird was one of a pair which belonged to me, and which made its
escape last August. These two birds only came into my possession
last summer. They were imported by Mr. W, Jamrach, and being full
winged, were turned out with one wing ‘brailed’ instead of being
cut. The bird in question must have broken its ‘ brail,’ or contrived
to get it off. My man happened to be on the spot at the time it
escaped, and saw it rise suddenly and fly away in a_ northerly
direction. I think it well to mention this fact, lest your readers
may imagine that this white crane is a rare visitor from Japan or
Northern India, upon whose skin probably a high price would be
72 . ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
set.” There can be no doubt, I think, that this is the bird which
was shot by Dr. MacRury on the Island of Barra, as recorded by me
in “ The Scottish Naturalist ” for October 1891, p. 145.—W™M. EAGLE
CLARKE, Edinburgh.
The Gray Phalarope (Pialaropus fulicarius, 1.) in Islay.—As
I was driving along the northern shore of Loch Indaal on the 13th
of October, I was startled and delighted to see a small flock of six
Gray Phalaropes swimming in a little pool of shallow water just
beyond the force of the waves. A continued storm of wind from the
south-west had blown for several days, and had only then begun to
calm down, and this no doubt had arrested the birds in their
migration to the south. To an _ ornithologist the little flock
presented a most enchanting sight. Elegant themselves, the birds
floated buoyantly on the water, which indeed they scarcely seemed to
touch. They were constantly in motion, every movement being
gracefully beautiful. Without intermission they pecked at the water
getting no doubt microscopic life on the surface. One of their num-
ber was on the shore, where it ran nimbly about among the drifted
sea-weed, at which it pecked as continually as its companions in the
water. The utter fearlessness of the birds, and their indifference to
the presence of man, was charming, as they allowed me to approach
within a few yards without taking the slightest notice. They remained
in the same spot for three days after I first saw them. One Phalarope
was observed a fortnight later swimming close to the same spot.
The Phalaropes chose the lee and not the windward side of the loch,
where at the same time many Storm Petrels (most unusual visitants
to Islay) had flown for shelter. During seventeen seasons I never
before saw a Phalarope in the island, but I may mention that about
the same date a fisherman killed two of these birds with an oar in
Loch Fyne near Tarbet. It is clear from published accounts that a
very large number of Phalaropes have this year been driven by storms
to the seaboard of England, the whole coast line having been alive
with the birds. The years 1866, 1867, 1886 were also remarkable
in this respect.—R. ScotT SkirviNnG, Edinburgh.
Gray Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius, L.) in Jura.—A Gray
Phalarope was killed, on the 12th of October, by a boy with a stone
whilst the bird was wading about on the beach at Ardfin, Jura. The
bird is now in my possession.—HENrRy Evans, Jura Forest.
Gray Phalarope (Pialaropus fulicarius, L.) in S.W. Seotland.—
The Gray Phalarope is a rare straggler to this district when blown off
its course by some gale during the autumnal migration. I have
received one from Mr. Webster, who shot it on 28th September at
Portrack. Early in October another was killed near Carsethorn
when swimming in a small pool left by the tide. A boy threw
a stone at it and knocked it over. Still another specimen of the
same bird was seen swimming in the tideway near the same locality.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 73
The last occurrence I know of was a pair shot by Mr. Irving Murray
at Priestside, in November 1887. Previous to that, many years ago,
one was shot on the margin of Lochrutton.—RoBERT SERVICE,
Maxwelltown.
The Nesting of the Woodeocek (Scolopax rusticula, L.) in North
Uist.—It may be of interest to record the breeding of the Woodcock
in the Outer Hebrides. My gamekeeper reports to me having found
two nests in the spring of 1891. Iam not aware that sucha fact
has been previously recorded from the ‘“ Long Island,” and, from the
entire absence of both plantations and natural wood, few would
expect such a district to be selected. My keeper sends me the
following particulars, which I give as nearly as possible in his own
words. He found the nests on the 15th of April. Both were
within one hundred yards of each other, and in the centre of the
best cock-shooting ground, on the south-east side of Eval. One of the
nests was on the side of a small moss knoll, and consisted of moss
and dry withered grass and contained four eggs. The second nest
was on the bank of a small stream, and was placed among withered
ferns close beside a boulder. In this case there was no attempt to
make a nest, it was simply a natural hollow in which there were two
eggs. When visiting the nests, after the young had been hatched, he
could easily make out by the pieces of shell found in this second nest
that the bird had only three eggs. There is good feeding ground
round about the nests. He then proceeds to say—‘“ Although
I did not find them, I am of opinion that there were more nests
than those, as I saw three other birds on that same date.”—J. W. P.
CAMPBELL-ORDE, Kilmory.
Ruff (Machetes pugnax, L.) in Orkney.—A Reeve was shot by
Mr. Watt of Skaill, at Tankerness, Orkney, on 7th September 1891.
It was one of three observed at same time and place. I have another
preserved specimen shot on 27th August 1890 by Mr. Alfred
Cowan of London, at Rennibister, Firth, Orkney. As I have heard
of several others having been got here during the fall migrations, the
Ruff can hardly be termed a very rare visitant in Orkney.—T. S.
PEACE, Kirkwall.
Buffon’s Skua (Stervcorarius parasiticus, 1.) in the Solway
District.—Following on the remarkable visitation of the Fork-tailed
Petrels to the Solway, particulars of which will be found in Mr. Evans's
note, there has been a much more remarkable immigration of Buf-
fon’s Skua. Indeed, more specimens of this handsome species
have been seen and shot on both sides of the Solway than have been
known to visit us during all the years of the past half a century.
There is little doubt that, as was clearly the case with the Petrels,
this unusual visit is attributable to the boisterous weather of the
early part of October. The first one I heard of was got on the
21st of October at Priestside of Cummertrees, and was received by
74 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
me the following morning. ‘The same day one was shot on the
moor at Lochanhead. Another bird was sent to Mr. Hastings from
Glen 4&. Mr. Robert M‘Call saw one off Carsethorn on the 24th.
Two others were sent from some one in Dumfries to a person in
Carlisle. Mr. R. Armstrong, Thornhill, tells me he saw a small Skua
sweeping along the troubled surface of the sea off Fairlie, in Ayrshire,
on the morning after the stormy night of the 18th-rgth. Coupling
this with the fact that Skuas were shot so far inland as Lochanhead
Moor and Glen &, it is highly probable that the Skuas may have
travelled over the well-known fly line betwixt the Ayrshire coast and
the Solway Firth.— ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown.
Buffon’s Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus, L.) in the Seottish
Solway area.—Although Buffon’s Skua has occasionally occurred in
Southern Scotland, its appearances within the faunal area embraced by
the Scottish Solway are sufficiently irregular to be worth chronicling.
I have examined two fine adults of this Skua, males in change, sent to
a bird-stuffer in Carlisle from the neighbourhood of Dumfries on or
about the 17th of October. Nine others were shot about the same
time on the north-west coast of England, and these Scottish birds
were no doubt travelling down the Irish Channel with the rest when
a strong gale on 16th October induced them to seek the shelter of
the Solway coast. One of the Dumfries birds retained the long
central rectrices. The other had moulted these feathers.—H. A.
MACPHERSON, Carlisle, 26th October 1891.
Great Shearwater (Pufinus major, Faber) in Tiree.—Mr. Peter
Anderson of Tiree sent me for identification the head of a Great
Shearwater, which he had found on the r4th or 15th of October
last “about 200 yards from the sea, and was all battered with rain
and eaten by gulls. General plumage brown above and white below.”
As this species has been much confounded in the past with the Sooty
Shearwater (P. griseus), satisfactory records of this bird for Scotland
are very few; indeed, the Tiree specimen is, perhaps, the third
Scotch one about whose identity there can be no doubt. Mr.
Anderson sent at the same time the head of a Fork-tailed Petrel
(Cymochorea leucorrhoa), also from Tiree.—J. A. Harvie-BRrown,
Dunipace, Larbert.
Unusual numbers of the Fork-Tailed Petrel (Cymochorea
leucorrhoa, Vieill) on the Seottish Coasts.—The latter part of
September 1891 will long be remembered on account of the
succession of severe gales which blew across our Islands from
the North Atlantic. The 26th and 28th were particularly stormy
days, the wind blowing with hurricane force from the west or
north-west. As a consequence many birds which make the wide
Atlantic their winter home, or use it as a highway during passage
from their summer to their winter haunts, were caught in the
tempests and driven upon our western shores—numbers being
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 75
carried to inland localities, a few even right across Britain. No
species seems to have suffered more than the Fork-tailed Petrel, as
the following records, which relate entirely to Scotland, clearly show,
The first I heard of was on Tuesday, 29th September, when Mr.
Small, taxidermist, Edinburgh, showed me three which he had that
day received for preservation. One was from Kelso, where it had
been killed the previous evening, the second came from Ayr, and
the third was sent from Ardrishaig. Thinking others would likely
have been sent to Mr. Hope, I at once called at his shop and found
he had received two, one the previous evening from Langholm, and
the other had been picked up that morning in the streets of
Edinburgh—in the division of George St. between Hanover St. and
Frederick St. On 2d October another was received by Small from
Kelso, and on the same day a specimen from Mull was taken to
Hope. Mr. Small tells me the Kelso birds when first noticed were
pursued by rooks, and with regard to the Mull example Mr. A. B.
Steele of the Edinburgh Museum writes me as follows, “On the 26th
September last a specimen of this bird in a weak condition was shot
by Campbell M‘Kechnie, Esq., younger of Tenga at the south-east
end of Loch Frisa, wind had been blowing a hurricane for days
before.” At the same time numbers appeared in the Solway, but
before proceeding to mention these it may be well to draw attention
to other Argyllshire records. In the “ Field” of 17th October, Mr.
A. D. Lawrie writes as follows from the yacht Rawn, Tayvallich Bay,
Loch Leven, under date 11th October; ‘‘ During the recent severe
weather we were driven for shelter into Kames Bay, Loch Melfort.
The gale was very stiff, and for several days we were surrounded
by a large number of Fork-tailed Petrels. Often a dozen at a time
would be flying close to us. During the lulls in the squalls I shot
five as specimens, and sent them to be stuffed; but although we
were anchored close under a weather shore, it was seldom safe for a
boat to leave the yacht. At last the storm moderated ; the petrels
had then become very tame. I touched one with a broom as he
flew over, another settled on the bowsprit ; after we were under way,
one of the crew caught another for a moment in his sou’-wester, but
it escaped. Another Fork-tailed Petrel was recently picked up dead
here on the shore of Loch Leven. I have never seen any of these
birds in Argyllshire before.” Mr. Scott Skirving, writing to Mr.
Eagle Clarke on 20th October, states that about the same time as
the birds were sheltering in Kames Bay, great numbers of Petrels
(in all probability likewise of this species) were seen in Loch Indaal,
Islay. The remains of one was sent to Mr. Harvie-Brown from
Tiree, and the Rey. A. H. Macpherson had another from Skye
(letter to Mr. Eagle Clarke, r1th November). ‘To Mr. R. Service
I am indebted for the following Notes from the Solway district, where
unprecedented numbers appeared. On the night of 27th September
76 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
one was killed by coming in contact with the telephone wires in the
High Street of Annan, and the following morning, Mr. Wannop shot
one (of a flock of six or eight) near the Solway viaduct. Shortly after-
wards the same gentleman saw another flock of four or five at Annan
Waterfoot and subsequently he saw a single bird at Milnfield Railway
bridge. Then Mr. Service examined a pair which were caught at
Newbie, and on 30th September Mr. Farish, yr. of Kirkland showed
him another which he had found a couple of days previously at
Gamerigg plantation some 20 miles from the sea. On 28th
September, one was picked up in an exhausted condition in the High
Street of Moffat, as recorded by Mr. F. G. Murray in the “ Field” of
24th October. The most easterly occurrence I have noted is that
of a specimen picked up dead in a bog on the banks of the South
Esk, eleven miles from Kirriemuir, Forfarshire (Mr. Sydney Peel,
“Field,” 3d October). All the examples I have examined were more
or less in the moult and in a very emaciated condition. The
Edinburgh bird had lost one of its legs. From the numbers that
have been driven upon the north-west coast of Ireland we may form
some idea of their whereabouts when overtaken by the storm.—
WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.
Occurrence of Triglops murrayi, Giinther, on the East Coast
of Scotland.—tThe first specimen of this fish for the east coast of
Scotland was caught fourteen miles off Aberdeen, on 1st October
1890. Four more were obtained off Montrose, on 7th February 1891;
and the sixth specimen was caught off the Kincardineshire coast,
on 3d September 1891. ‘These specimens were all caught in the
ordinary trawl net, and kindly preserved for me by Mr. Geo. King,
master of the trawl vessel “St. Oswin.” This fish was first captured
by Dr. John Murray while cruising in the ‘‘ Medusa” in 1887-88 off
the Mull of Cantyre and the Island of Sanda, and described as new
by Dr. Gunther, of the British Museum, from Dr. Murray’s specimen.
—Gero. Sim, Aberdeen.
[This species was described and figured, in 1889, by Dr. Giinther
in the ‘“ Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh,” xv. p. 209, Plate IV. Fig. A.
—W. E. C.]
Note on Zeugopterus unimaculatus, /A7zsso, and its Habitat.—
One of the most elegant of the flat-fishes is this little Top-Knot, that
has come to be very familiar tous. It differs from Rhombus punctatus
mainly in having a brilliant second spot on the lateral line an inch or
so above the tail. However markedly-different from the flounder or
the dab, it does not seem to have been noted until lately, or when
noted it was not looked up as specifically different from Rhombus
punctatus. This was the view taken of it when, having captured
and figured it in 1881, I showed the drawing to the late Dr. Day.
He was wisely opposed to species-mongering, and looked upon this
single external colouring mark as insufficient to constitute a species.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 77
But if not specific it is a distinct variety, never to our knowledge
reaching the size of its congener, and not being found in the West
Highlands along with it. At least we have never taken any other
Top-Knot in the Oban district, where this fish is comparatively
common, not only in such enclosed lochs as Creran, but outside
Mull. It is always taken on rocky tangle-covered ground, does not
take a bait, and has all the richness of colouring that commonly
pertains to fishes that frequent the tangle area. Iam not disposed
to look upon it as rare so much as frequenting ground whence it is
seldom taken. I have taken it now over a wide area in the West,
with the seine net, the dredge, and the trawl net, whenever these
latter infringed upon the rough ground in question. I believe it to
be an inshore fish, and consequently it has not such a quantity of
ova as more pelagic species. It is always fat and in good condition,
while it does not show great activity, so that I am disposed to look
upor. its Top-Knot as probably employed as a lure, like the angle of
the Fishing-Frog (Lophius piscatorius), the very large mouth and head
turned turbot-wise mark it from the ordinary flat-fishes. There is
no reason why it should not take bait, if frequenting the ordinary
fishing grounds, not having the very small gape that probably saves
the Sole from the hook. ‘The large brilliant spot that distinguishes
this fish is not sexual, and consequently cannot come under the
ordinary Darwinian explanation as if it had pertained only to the
male.—W. ANDERSON SmiTH, Ledaig, Oban.
The Three-Bearded Rockling (A/oze//a tricirrata, Bloch) in the
Solway Firth.—A specimen of the Three-Bearded Rockling, captured
at Carsethorn, was kindly given to me by Mr. Matthew Wood on the
2d of November last. I am not aware that this fish has ever been
captured locally before. Our shores are too shallow and sandy to
suit its tastes. In his well-known catalogue, prepared just about one
hundred years ago, Dr. Heysham, of Carlisle, included it amongst
Cumberland species, but without comment of any kind. The
specimen measures 16 inches in length, and when fresh weighed
14 lbs.— ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown.
Note on Rossia maecrosoma, J). Ci.—This interesting little Cepha-
lopod was formerly looked upon as being exceedingly rare, but within
the last ten years I have supplied the principal museums with speci-
mens. Mr. Alfred Brown took one specimen in the Clyde area, but
its locale seemed very circumscribed. Of late, however, while I have
not again taken full-grown specimens on the shore at low water as
they struggled amongst the tangle, I have become more fully aware
that they are neither very rare nor very local. At all depths, and
wherever the ground was other than mud, I have taken them, some-
times in considerable numbers, during a day’s operation. This
refers to the whole West of Scotland, outside the Mull of Cantyre
and up to the north of Skye. They appear possessed of considerable
78 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
intelligence, and the change of colour as apparently produced under
passional excitement is always remarkable. When trawling two
years ago in Loch Creran I came upon a small bunch of ova about
the size of peas and opalescent, that appeared to me to belong to
this species. Afterwards, outside Mull, a similar bunch came up
attached to the roots of tangle, or rather deposited carefully in the
interstices. These were so near maturity that we were able to hatch
them out, when their character was clearly proved, the little
Cephalopoda showing exact duplicates of their parents. I have not
satisfied myself as to their food, for although I have kept them in con-
finement they did not seem to accommodate themselves to a restricted
area. I should say that this is really the most common Cephalopod
on our Western shores, for although Zo/zgo may be more numerous at
times, one may fish, trawl, and dredge persistently without ever
obtaining a specimen ora sign of its presence. It is of course just
possible that, during the season when we procured the greater
number of /tossza, there may have been a special influx of this
species. It is really impossible to judge from single seasons, as
exceptionally favourable conditions occasionally produce remarkable
quantities of otherwise comparatively rare forms. But the extremely
widely dispersed habitats of the species would point to it as a really
common West Coast species.—W. ANDERSON SMITH, Ledaig, Oban.
Saperda eareharias, Z., in Elginshire.—On 3d September
last, while staying at Cromdale, near Grantown, Strathspey, my son
brought me a longicorn beetle which he had captured at rest on an
aspen. Being unable to name it satisfactorily, I sent it to Canon
Fowler, Lincoln, who has kindly informed me that it is a ‘small
gray male of Sagerda carcharias,” which he adds is “very variable ”
and ‘extremely rare in Scotland.” In Murray’s “Coleoptera of
Scotland,” published in 1853, the only locality given for the species
is Sutherlandshire. ‘To this Dr. Sharp, after characterising the insect
as “very rare,’ adds Moray (vzde ‘‘ Coleoptera of Scotland,” “ Scottish
Naturalist,” v. 375); and Canon Fowler in his recently completed
“Coleoptera of the British Islands,” merely copies Sharp.—WILL1AM
Evans, Edinburgh.
Monochammus sutor, Z., in Midlothian.—In September 1878,
I obtained a longicorn beetle in Colinton Dell, near Edinburgh,
which I could not find figured or described in any of the books on
British Coleoptera to which I then had access. Not being at the
time particularly interested in beetles, I took no further trouble in
the matter beyond attaching a label, with locality and date, to the
specimen, and placing it in my insect cabinet, where it remained
unnamed till October last, when, on Mr. Eagle Clarke’s suggestion,
I sent it to Mr. C. O. Waterhouse of the British Museum, London,
who kindly wrote me as follows: ‘‘ Your insect is JZonochammus sutor,
a reputed British species; probably the specimens found from time
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 79
~~ to time are imported, but there is no reason why it should not breed
in Britain.” Judging from the length of the antenne it is evidently
a male. On referring to Fowler’s “ British Coleoptera,” in which,
however, the insect is not figured, I find it described as “ very rare,
and probably an importation” (I presume from the Continent). Only
six localities are given, all of them in England.—WIL.LIaM Evans,
_ Edinburgh.
Sphinx eonvolvuli, Z., at Dumfries.—This handsome moth is
a scarce species in Scotland, yet hardly a season passes without one
or more being captured in this district. I was presented with a
specimen—unfortunately in a terribly battered condition—which had
been caught in St. Michael Street early on the 7th of September
last. It is somewhat remarkable that three-fourths of all the speci-
mens that I and others have known of here have been caught in
the immediate vicinity of the Dock Park. Many years ago Mr.
William Lennon took the species in the larval condition in Castle-
dykes grounds.—ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown.
[Mr. Wm. Evans has shown me a specimen of this moth, in his
possession, which was captured at Peebles about the same date as
the above.—W. E. C.]|
Sirex gigas, Z., in the neighbourhood of Dunbar.—On 16th
August last, a specimen of this large Sawfly was captured here by
Mr. T. Williams, and brought to me alive to name. ‘Three days
later, another was brought to me from Thurston, about five miles
from here, by Mr. A. Denholm. The Thurston specimen I have
shown to Mr. W. Evans, Edinburgh, who assures me it is an un-
doubted example of Szvex gigas.—G. Pow, Dunbar.
BOTANICAL NOTES
Cauliflower Disease of Strawberry at Aberdeen.—In the last
(fourteenth) of Miss Ormerod’s valuable reports on Injurious Insects
and Farm Pests a disease of strawberries is described and figured,
which a good deal resembles the cauliflower head on a small scale.
It is the work of eelworms or Anguzl/ule, nearly related to the gall
makers of this family already known, but of a distinct species, which
has recently received the name dfhelenchus Fragarie from Dr.
Ritzema Bos. ‘The malformation is composed of short flattened
distorted inflorescences or stems, with many abortive flower and
leaf buds. In the course of the past summer I observed in Old
Aberdeen a few examples of this disease, not previously recorded
from Scotland. They occurred on old plants only. Probably the
disease will be found in other gardens when attention is drawn to
their existence here. The best treatment in our present state of
80 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
ignorance appears to be the burning of all infested plants——JAMES
Wee TRAIL.
Searcity of Oak-galls in 1891.—In my experience the scarcity
of oak-galls in the vicinity of Aberdeen has been very marked this
year. The “Currant-gall” (Spath. baccarum) was especially scarce,
while its dimorphic condition—the common “Oak-spangle”
(Neuroterus lenticularis) was even more uncommon, not one being
observed on trees the leaves of which in former years were richly
bedecked with them. Has anything similar been observed else-
where ?—J. W. H. TRAIL.
Euphrasia officinalis, L., form ja/udosa, Townsend, is a new
form described and figured (/ourn. Bot. 1891, pp. 161, 162, pl.
305) by F. Townsenp, M.P., F.L.S., from marshy ground near
Castleton, Braemar. It approaches nearest to Z. gracilis, Fr. ; but
is rather larger and coarser, with broader and shorter calyx-segments,
shorter middle-lobe of lower lip of corolla, emarginate capsule narrow-
ing below only, and a dark green tinge (instead of dark purple) on
the upper surface of leaves, bracts, and exposed parts of capsules,
The Biographical Index of British and Irish Botanists, com-
piled by James BriTTEN, F.L.S., and G. S. Boutcrr, F.L.S., which
has been in course of publication in the “ Journal of Botany ” during
the past year or two, is approaching completion. It is to be reprinted
with such additional information as has been gained during its
publication, and will be issued in one volume. ‘The list is of very
great value for reference, and the opportunity of procuring it should
‘not be lost.
The ‘‘Key to the genera and species of British Mosses,” by
the Rev. H. G. Jameson, also published in the “ Journal of Botany ”
during 1881, and illustrated with a plate, has been issued as a
separate paper at the price of 1s. 6d.—It will prove useful as an
aid to students of this group of plants.
CURRENT LITERATURE
The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—October to December 1891.
[The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors have access to the
sources of information undermentioned. |
ZOOLOGY.
The Mammalian Fauna of the Edinburgh District. By
WILLIAM Evans, F.R.S.E. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Ed., xi. part 1.
CURRENT LITERATURE 81
(1890-1891), pp. 85-160.—Treats on the present and past history
and distribution of forty-eight species, with original notes on the
habits of some of them.
Some Further Notes on the Summer Birds of Shetland. By
HAROLD RaEBuURN. foc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Ed. xi. part i. (1890-
1891), pp. 67-73.—In addition to further notes on some of the
species in the author’s former paper (of. ci¢. ix. p. 542), Pernis
apivorus, Motacilla lugubris, Passer montanus (?), Corvus monedula,
Cotile riparia, Syrrhaptes paradoxus, Tadorna cornuta, Harelda
glacialis, Colymbus glacialis, and Ardetta minuta—most of them not
summer birds—are new to the list.
The Chief Fishing Grounds on the East Coast of Scotland,
with Charts showing their Position and Extent. By Dr. T.
Wemyss FULTON, F.R.S.E. Minth Ann. Rep. Fishery Board for
Scotland (1890), Part il. pp. 177-183 (Plates III. and IV.) [Issued
24th Sept. 1891.]—Contains much useful information on the Dis-
tribution of Food-Fishes.
Further Observations on the Life-Histories and Development
of Food and other Fishes. By Professor M‘InrosH, LL.D., F.R.S.
Ninth. Ann. Rep. Fishery Board for Scotland (1890), Part ii. pp.
317-342 (Plates X.-XIII.)—Pages 334-341 are devoted to a “ List
of some of the Pelagic Ova, Larvee, and Young Fishes obtained by
the ‘Garland’ in 1890-1891 in Scottish waters.”
West Coast Fauna of ‘Garland’ Expedition. By W. ANDERSON
SMITH. Vinth Ann. Rep. fishery Board for Scotland (1890), Part
ili. pp. 297-299.—Records the capture of Cepola_ rubescens
(between Jura and Colonsay), Zeugopterus unipunctatus (Lochs
Linnhe and Scridain), Rossia macrosoma, Brissopsis lyrifer, Balano-
glossus (new to Scotland), Isocardia cor (Loch Sunart), and other
species.
Notes on some Scottish Coleoptera. W. D. R. DouGtas.
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2) ii. (Nov. 1891), p. 305.—Timarcha tenebricosa,
Rhynchites cupreus, R. eneovirens, Corymbites holosericeus, Sub-
coccinella 24-punctata, Gyrophzena minima, and Phyllotreta nodi-
cornis, in Kirkcudbrightshire ; and Elater nigrinus, near Dumfries.
Coleoptera at Fort William. By ALFRED THORNLEY. £7x¢.
Mo. Mag. (2) ii. (December 1891), p. 332.—Aphodius con-
taminatus, Nebria gyllenhali, Patrobus septentrionalis, Miscodera
arctica, on Ben Nevis.
Melanism and Melanochroism in British Lepidoptera. By J.
W. Tutt, F.E.S. (London, October 1891).—Contains much in-
formation on the numerous melanic and melanochroic forms found
in Scotland, and their bearing upon the elucidation of the phenom-
enon.
I G
82 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Captures at Sugar in Argyllshire in September. T. M.
Curisty. Zhe Lntomologist, xxiv. (October 1891), p. 246.—
Epunda lichenea, Hydreecia micacea, Triphena orbona, Calocampa
vetusta, Anchocelis rufina, A. litura, Cerastis vaccinii, Orthosia
macilenta, O. lota, Calymnia trapezina, Calocampa solidaginis.
Notes on Lepidoptera from Various Localities. By Jouwn E.
Eastwoop. Zhe Entomologist, xxvi. (December 1891), p. 299.—
Aplecta occulta in Inverness.
Phibalapteryx lapidata, ete., in Stirlingshire. i es
EGGLETON. Zhe Entomologist, xxiv. (November 1891), p. 268.—
Abundant near Fintry in September. The other species recorded
are, Larentia cesiata, Chesias spartiata, Celaena haworthii, Hydreecia
nictitans, Charzeas graminis, Tapinostola fulva, Emmelesia ericetata,
Carsia imbutata, Agrotis lucernea, Plusia bractea, P. festucee.
Mieropteryx caledoniella: another new species, probably
from Birch. By A. F. GrirritH, M.A. £xt. Mo. Mag. (2) ii.
(November 1891), p. 300.—Described from specimens captured
in Sutherland in April 1885.
Drepanopteryx phalznoides, Z7zz7., in Seotland. KENNETH
J. Morton. ut. Mo. Mag. (2) ii. (November 1891), p. 308.—
Captured at Cleghorn, on 5th October 1891.
The Invertebrate Fauna of the Inland Waters of Scotland,
Part II. By Tuomas Scort, F.L.S. Minth Ann. Rep. Fishery Board
for Scotland (1890), Part ill. pp. 269-296 (Plates V., VI.)—Deals
with the Invertebrata of Loch Leven, Raith Lake, Lochs Camilla
and Gelly (Fifeshire); Loch Strathbeg (Aberdeenshire); Loch
Achnacloich (Ross-shire) ; Lochs Ness, Oich, and Lochy (Inverness-
shire) ; Lochs Balnagowan, Kilcheran, and Fiart (Lismore Island,
Argyllshire) ; Lochs Hempriggs and Wester (Caithness) ; and Lochs
Harray and Stennis (Orkney).
Additions to the Fauna of the Firth of Forth. Part III. By
Tuomas Scott, F.L.S. MMinth Ann. Rep. Fishery Board for Scot-
land (1890), Part il. pp. 300-310.—Records forty-two species of
Crustacea and one of Mollusca as new to the Firth.
Notes on a Collection of Echinoderms and Mollusean Shells
from the Moray Firth District. By THomas Scott, F.L.S. Proc.
hoy. Phys. Soc. Ed. xi. part i. (1890-1891), pp. 81-84.—The species
dealt with are: Asterias hispida, Hippasteria plana, Palmipes
membranaceus, Luidia savignyi, Echinocardium flavescens, Isocardia
cor, Scaphander lignarius, and Buccinum undatum var. paupercula.
The Land and Fresh-Water Crustacea of the District round
Edinburgh. By Tuomas Scott, F.L.S. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Ed.
Xl. part 1. (1890-1891), pp. 73-81.—Treats on the Amphipoda
CURRENT LITERATURE 83
and Isopoda, of which there are ten species, with synonyms and
descriptions when necessary.
Further Notes on the Medusz of St. Andrews Bay (August
1890-May 1891). By the Rev. J. H. Crawrorp, F.L.S., Dundee.
Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (6) viii. (October 1891), pp. 295-297.
—Deals with specimens of Anthomedusz, Leptomedusze, Tracho-
medusz, Narcomedusz, Acraspede, and Planule.
BOTANY.
The Cotyledonary Glands in some species of Rubiacez. By
Tuomas Berwick, Zvaus. Bot. Soc. Ed. (October 1891).—Describes
these structures in Galium Mollugo, in G. Aparine, and in several
exotic species.
On Temperature and Vegetation at the Royal Botanic Garden,
Edinburgh, in June 1891. By Rospert Linpsay, /.c.—The usual
monthly list of plants in flower in the rock garden, and of meteoro-
logical notes.
The Phanerogamie Flora of St. Kilda. By ALrex. H. Grsson,
/.c.—An enumeration of species observed in August 1889.
Varieties of Phanerogams exhibited at Bot. Soe. Ed., meeting
of gth July, 7¢e—Viz. hairy Silene maritima from near North
Berwick ; and two varieties of Matricaria inodora—a, with tubular
ray flowerets ; 4, with densely hirsute stem and leaves.
Some British Hawkweeds. By Ep. F. Linton, M.A., Journ.
Bot. (Sept. 1891).—Describes two new species, viz. Hieracium Mar-
shalli, from Unich Water, Forfarshire, and H. Pictorum, from several
localities in Aberdeenshire, Forfarshire, and Perthshire.
Armeria pubigera, var. scotica (Boissier) Mr. BriTreN, 2c.—
Queries if this is accepted as a varietal form of A. maritima in
Scotland. Boissier says, “in insula Staffa Scotiz .. . legit ch.
eC.”
The Algse of the Clyde Sea Area (continued), with a map, dc.
By E. A. L. Batrers, LL.B., F.L.S.—This valuable list is now to
be obtained in separate form.
Notes on Mycetozoa. By A. H. Lister, F.L.S., with 5 plates,
/.c.—Among numerous other forms two are described and figured
from examples gathered at Moffat by Prof. Balfour, viz. Physarum
Braunianum, De Bary, and Lamproderma echinulatum (Berk.), Rost.
British Tremellines. Revised by M. C. CooKE, Grevillea
(Sept.)—Gives short descriptions of all known British species, but
does not mention any localities.
84 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
REVIEWS
Melanism and Melanochroism in British Lepidoptera. By J.
W. Tutt, F.E.S. (London: Swan Sonnenschein, and Co. October
1891), pp. 66.
We have perused with much interest this contribution to an
important phenomenon, about which there is singularly little to be
found in the literature of British Natural History. This is nota
little remarkable because it is a subject that should especially
demand the attention of our naturalists, since our islands appear to
be the headquarters of melanic forms. This peculiarity is
considered, by the author, to be due to the great humidity of our
climate ; and it is interesting to note that where the humidity is at
its maximum with us—ze. in Ireland and certain districts in
Scotland, — melanism and melanochroism among the Lepidop-
terous insects are also at their maximum. As bearing upon this
subject we may remark that there are two important cases of
melanism among the mammalia which bear out these views. These
are :—(1) the black form of the Common Rat, the AZus Aibernicus of
Thompson, which is fairly abundant throughout Ireland, and not
unknown in the Hebrides, and yet practically absent from the
mainland of Britain. (2) The black variety of the Water Vole
(Arvicola amphibia), which is much commoner than, and, perhaps,
replaces the type in some of the northern districts of Scotland.
This animal is widely distributed in Britain—there are no voles
in Ireland—but melanic forms are of exceptional occurrence out of
Scotland. ‘Though the little volume under consideration treats of
the subject under the light afforded by the evidence relating to one
order of the Insecta, yet it is a valuable contribution to an interesting
subject, and it should be read not only by entomologists but by
all interested in the peculiarities of our insular fauna. To the
Scottish naturalist we have said enough to indicate that it is of
especial value and interest.
British Edible Fungi, how to distinguish and how to cook them,
by M. C. Cooxr, M.A., LL.D., deserves hearty commendation as
well fulfilling its aim of giving clear information regarding the
edible Fungi of our country in a manner that can be understood by
any one wishful to know how to recognise and how to make use of
them. The admirable figures on the twelve plates, illustrating forty-
three species, add much to the value of the book as a ready means
of identifying the Fungi.
The Annals
of
Scottish Natural History
No. 2] ESO? ; [ APRIL
fae OCCURRENCE OF THE HOODED SEAL
(EY STOPHOKA CRISTATA, ERXLEBEN): IN
BENBECULA.
By J. MacNaucut CampBELL, F.Z.S.
THAT this rare species may have occurred more frequently
than is recorded is very probable; the want of competent
observers and the habits of the whole tribe are such as to
prevent its appearance being noted more often than it has
been. Semi-migratory in its nature, it is possible that in our
outlying islands and skerries this well-marked species may
be a more frequent visitor than we are aware of.
_Although its appearance has been without doubt recorded
on three different occasions on the shores of the United
Kingdom, once in the Orwell in 1847 (“Zoologist” 1847),
once at Frodsham on the Mersey in 1873 (“ Proc. Zool. Soc.”
1873), and at St. Andrews on the 22d July 1872; the
latter record is the only one, so far as I am aware, relating
to Scotland, and is fully described in the “ Scottish Naturalist,”
vol. ii. pp. 1-8, by Mr. Robert Walker. In the Orkneys,
although it is “said to have been killed there,” no record is
given of such a fact in the recently published and valuable
contribution to our faunal literature the “Ifauna of the Orkney
Islands,” by Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Buckley, the authors
2 B
~
86 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
remarking “that had a specimen of such a striking beast
been procured, it is more than likely that some special notice
would have been taken of it.” The late Mr. Alston, in his
“Mammalia of the Fauna of Scotland,” published by the
Natural History Society of Glasgow in 1880, states on the
authority of Mr. Howard Saunders that the “ Bladder Nose”
is well known as a visitor to the Ve Skerries in Shetland.
Under these circumstances, it is perhaps interesting to place
another record of the occurrence on our Scottish shores of
this rare seal.
In the summer of last year one of my correspondents,
Mr. Ranald Macdonald, lately schoolmaster at Loch
Uiskevagh, Benbecula, and to whom I am indebted for
valuable assistance in other subjects, wrote me that he had
secured “a very beautiful seal-skin” for me, and judging from
the tone of his letter that it was not a common one, I wrote
him to send it on together with the skull and any other
bones which might be obtainable. The skin reached me in
due course together with the skull, which was all that had
been preserved of the animal, and on subsequent inquiry, I
learned that it had been killed by a man about the end of
May last, in Loch Uiskevagh. I was extremely sorry that
it had not been skinned in such a manner as to fit it for a
mounted specimen, the skin of the head and the flippers
having been cut off, but from an examination of the skull it
was evidently a young Hooded Seal. The skin as it stands
measures 3 ft. 4 in. in length and 2 ft. 3 in. in breadth, so
that the animal would probably be from 4 ft. 6 in. to 5 ft.
in total length. The hair above is rather long, silky in
texture, of a silvery-gray colour, and has a close underlying
fur of a light brown shade, the sides and underparts yellowish
white. The skull is 64 in. in length and 44 in. in greatest
breadth, flat in appearance, the height of the cranium (exclu-
sive of the lower jaw) being 34 inches. The dental formula
ae oa I—I
is inc. wean:
I—I I—I
and canines are slightly incurved, the surfaces of the former
srooved or plaited, the two upper and outer ones being about
one-third less than the canines, these latter having on their
inner surfaces two strong ridges or plaits. The first and
- suolars Dies 30. The incisors
)
THE GREAT SKUA IN SHETLAND DURING 1891 87
third molars in the upper jaw are the smallest (at least on
one side, as the last three are missing from the other), and
all the crowns of the molar teeth are strongly plaited. The
animal had evidently been clubbed, as the nasal bones and
the left mandible of the lower jaw are broken, and that may
also account for the missing molar teeth in the left side of
the upper jaw. The skull with the skin, which, as I have
stated above, were all that was preserved, are in my
possession. The sex was not ascertained, the man who
killed it having no idea of the rarity of his find, and having
done so solely for the sake of its hide and oil.
PerORLT ON THE GREAT SKUA (STERCORARIGS
CATARRAACTES, LINNAUS) ‘IN SHETEAND
DURING THE SEASON OF 1801.
By WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE.
THE attention which was called to the persecution of the
Great Skua, at the close of the disastrous breeding-season
of 1890, was undoubtedly the means of doing much good,
since it aroused and secured the interest and influence
of ornithologists and others on behalf of the bird’s future
welfare, and for its preservation as an indigenous British
species. Then followed the wise and generous act of the
Council of the Zoological Society of London in presenting
its much-prized silver medals to the representatives of the
families of Scott and Edmondston in recognition of their
valued services as protectors of the Skuas on their respective
domains in past years—a timely recognition which was well
calculated to secure for the bird even greater attention in the
future.
In the hope that the publication of the various particulars
relating to the Skua in its British breeding-stations during
the past year may be the means of furthering the much-
needed protection which has been so recently renewed, I have
been induced to prepare the following report. In addition
to the information indicated, the report gives some particulars
88 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
of interest to naturalists, and touches upon questions bearing
on the economy and life-history oo the species which are
worthy of elucidation.
For the facts and information afforded I am indebted to
Mrs. Traill, an Edinburgh lady, who spent two of the summer
months on Foula, and is well known for the kindly and prac-
tical interest she manifests in all that concerns the remote
island and its inhabitants; and to (Mr. G. E. Paterson
New Kilpatrick. This indebtedness it now affords me much
pleasure to fully acknowledge. For the information relating
to the Unst Colony the excellent and satisfactory letter of
Mr. Thomas Edmondston which appeared in “ The Times” of
Ist August I8QI is quoted.
FOULA.
Mrs. Traill reports as follows :—
Although we have not yet returned to the happy days when the
man who killed a Bonxie was fined sixteen shillings and eightpence,
there are indications that the kingly birds are not to be persecuted
as they have been, at all events not in Foula.
About one hundred pairs arrived on the 27th of March, a full
week earlier than is usual, and all had come by the 3d of April.
Of the first-laying all the eggs were taken except six, and these
hatched in due course. About forty nests of the second laying were
noted. Of these one half contained a pair of eggs, and the other
half a single egg each. From these sixty birds were reared. There
was no third laying, or at any rate, no more birds were hatched. As
no steamer came to the island this year, the number of strangers who
landed was very small; and no skuas’ eggs, so far as I could learn,
were sold on the island. A Scalloway man who would have bought
largely declined to give the price asked by the natives ; and a tourist
from Birmingham, who was inclined to be more liberal, was too late
in the season to get anything, but promised to return in good time
next year. A gentleman from Kent killed a full-grown Bonxie in
June.t' I give you his name and _ address, as well as that of the
Birmingham visitor, for publication or otherwise. A pair of young
birds were taken from the nest, kept for eight weeks, and taken
alive in August to an eminent ornithologist in England.
As a ground-officer has now been appointed, whose duty it is to
follow strangers wherever they go on the hills and to report those
natives who take eggs, it may be expected that each year the birds
will enjoy greater peace and safety and will multiply accordingly.
1 This was done with the written permission of the proprietor, or his agents,
who ought to know that the law cannot be set aside by them.
THE GREAT SKUA IN SHETLAND DURING 1891 89
This report of Mrs. Traill’s is a valuable and interest-
ing one, and if it did not disclose the existence of a
wholesale system of egg-taking by some of the natives it
might be considered satisfactory. There is, however, in it
much that is calculated to encourage us to hope for a_ better
state of things in the now approaching season. It also
throws important light upon the relative numbers of the
breeding and non-breeding birds. This goes to prove that
though we may fairly estimate the number of Skuas now
resorting to Foula annually during the summer at not less
than one hundred and twenty individuals—an estimate we
can endorse the correctness of from personal observation—
yet we must not conclude that all these visitors to the island
of their birth are breeding birds, but it would appear now
that two-thirds of them are to be reckoned as such. This
is an important fact, and one upon which we have not
hitherto, I believe, had any reliable data.
Mr. G. E. Paterson reports—
I received a letter from a Scalloway fisherman, whose name I
give you, dated 3d August 1891, in which he says he had been to
Foula, and that he had the chance of a lot of egg shells, and could
get them and send on the lot to me when I could select them and send
on the value at my own price, there being a lot of Bonxies among
them. I wrote him to send on the eggs, which were sent off from
Scalloway on 31st August. ‘They arrived upon 5th September, and I
found fifty-five Great Skua’s eggs in the box. ‘The following was
written upon a slip of paper—‘ 4 dozen and 7 bonxy egg shells, they
are separated from the others by this line.” I wrote in reply to this
that I was sorry to see so many Great Skua’s eggs, and that I did
not know what to do with them, and also asked him what was the
people’s idea of price, and on 14th September he wrote me to the
following effect.
“They came to me from Foula just as you got them, I was
away when the box came. I told my wife to send them on to you,
so I have never seen them. I am sorry if there are more than you
may require, for I had either to take them all or none. Also I told
them I would not price them as I knew nothing about them.
Mr. has not got many shells this year, for he has been
wondering to me what has come of all the shells this year.”
I wrote to Mr. , Scalloway, who deals in eggs and who
is alluded to by the Scalloway fisherman, to ask him if he had any
Great Skua’s eggs for sale. On 21st September he replied :—
fete) ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
“T did not receive many eggs this year, in fact scarcely any,
about a dozen Bonxies only, which are all gone.”
Mr. Paterson’s object in getting possession of these eggs
was to prove the statement made by him after a visit to
Shetland in 1890, viz. “The Great Skuas’ nests are pillaged
regularly and persistently by the inhabitants of Foula.”
The above communications bear out Mrs. Traill’s state-
ment that practically all the eggs of the first-laying were
taken. While this is greatly to be deplored, and it is hoped
may be prevented in the future, it suggests a_ sinister
question, namely——-What would have been the result if an
early and ready market for these first-eggs had been found ?
Would not the disasters of the season of 1890 have been
repeated, when it is said not a single chick was reared by
the whole of the Foula colony? The names of all con-
cerned in this little less than shameful business have been
placed in my hands, and I shall have to consider whether
it is not my duty to inform Mr. Scott, the proprietor of Foula,
what has been done against his expressed orders and desires,
and give to him the names of those who are implicated.
UNST.
Regarding the welfare of the Great Skua in Unst Mr.
Thomas Edmondston wrote as follows in “ The Times” (of
Ist August 1891).
At the beginning of May I engaged a special keeper to live for
three months on Hermanness, and keep watch and ward by night
and day over the Skua’s home. Notices were published and
extensively posted in the island, intimating that any person or
persons found trespassing within the enclosure of Hermanness during
the months of May, June, and July, would be prosecuted ; but I am
glad to say that no proceedings of this nature have been necessary.
Early in May nine pairs of Skuas returned to the neighbourhood of
their ancient nesting-place. One pair established themselves—an
interesting fact—upon the hill at Saxavord, a promontory opposite
Hermanness, and a former, but long-abandoned station of the Skua.
Another pair selected as a domicile the heights of Sneuga, some
distance to the south of Hermanness, and not on our land. Seven
pairs sought again asylum within the territory of their old protectors.
I grieve to say that both of the outlying nests were harried by egg-
stealers, and that neither of the pairs succeeded in hatching their
THE GREAT SKUA IN SHETLAND DURING 1891 91
young. The Hermanness birds had a different fate ; for thanks to
careful and zealous watching, the eggs in every one of the seven
nests were hatched out, and the young birds were safely on the
wing some weeks ago. ‘This gratifying result is greatly owing to the
personal supervision and unwearied care of my nephew, Mr. Laurence
Edmondston, of Halligarth, from whose report to me I take the
foregoing particulars.
“‘T may here repeat, what I had the honour of stating last April
before the Zoological Society, that in my opinion the Skuas on
Hermanness cannot be expected to increase much beyond the
number now attained. In years gone by, when the colony reached 30
or 40 pairs, the two species of gulls on which the’Skuas chiefly depend
for their piratical system of living, the Lesser Black-Back and the
Herring Gull, were far more numerous in and around Hermanness
than they are now. Protection for the Skuas implies some measure
of protection also for the gulls ; but unless the latter greatly increase,
the former cannot be expected to do so. In existing conditions, and
pending a possible large increase in the number of gulls, it is nearly
certain that the Skua colony can only be increased by enlarging the
area of ground protected.”
All naturalists will accord Mr. Edmondston their warmest
thanks for his great, and happily successful, efforts to protect
the birds upon his domain.
With regard to the views expressed by Mr. Laurence
Edmondston as to the numbers of the birds at Hermanness
being at about their maximum and the reasons he adduces
in support of that belief, I would venture to question their
correctness. Let us test the value of this theory by
the aid of the evidence afforded by the Island of Foula,
which, from the fact of its being ¢e headquarters of the
species, and also from its remarkably isolated position—
it is 15 miles from its nearest co-island of the Archi-
pelago — enables us to form conclusions of special value
upon such a question as this. Now, at Foula there are not
less than 120 Great Skuas to be provided for, and yet the
numbers of the Lesser Black-backed Gull and the Herring
Gull are, if anything, rather remarkable for their paucity, so
far as my experience goes, and also that of my friends who
have visited the island. Here it seems almost certain that
the Skua must either levy toll upon other species—if on
the Larinz, on the Kittiwake—or it must procure food by
other methods than by practising those characteristic piratical
92 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
propensities which render it and its congeners so remark-
able’ Thus I am led to consider that Foula bears most
important testimony against the soundness of Mr. Laurence
Edmondston’s views upon this subject ; and I sincerely hope
that the Skuas at Hermanness may multiply to such an
extent as to become themselves witnesses against that
gentleman ; and I believe, indeed, from the Unst report, that
they will soon not fail to do so.
The Great Skua would seem to be confined to the
immediate vicinity of its chosen haunts during the nesting
season, for during a month’s cruise among the Shetlands
in the season of 1890, when our attention was devoted
to birds, Mr. Harvie-Brown and the writer never observed
this species except in the proximity of its stations.
ON MALFORMED TROUT FROM SCOTMiag
WATERS. ~ No. 1.
By oo. TRaquair,: M.D. PUR.
Keeper of the Natural History Collections in the Museum of Science
and Art, Edinburgh.
Pears Til Tvs, NV;
IT is now twenty-one years ago since the late Mr. C. W.
Peach? drew attention to a peculiar malformation of the
caudal fin occurring abundantly in trout Salmo fario, L.,
from Loch-na-Maorachan, a small lake in Islay. In these
fish, which have since that time been popularly called
“Tailless Trout,” the caudal fin, instead of showing a large
broad triangular expansion of the usual form in this species,
is stiff, abortive in development, and rounded posteriorly, look-
ing indeed at first sight as if some one had with a pair of
1 Dr. Edmonston, of Unst, informed Macgillivray (‘‘ British Birds,” 1852, v. p.
483) that this bird ‘‘ does not possess the habit of his congener, the Arctic Gull,
that of making some other water-birds not only cater fish but cook it for his
table. He has a good beak and pinions of his own, and he disdains to sor
for the disgorgement of others.” This is an important statement by one who
had unusual opportunities for observation; but it would seem not to be the
experience of later authorities.
2 «Brit, Assoc, Rep.” Aug, 1871, Transactions of Sections, p, 133.
ON MALFORMED TROUT FROM SCOTTISH WATERS 93
scissors cut off a large portion of the. fin, and trimmed
it into the peculiar and abnormal shape which it now
presents.
In the following year (1872) Mr. James Thomson, F.G.S.,
published a paper? in which he minutely described the posi-
tion of the lake, both geographically and geologically, giving
also two woodcut figures of the trout themselves, in one of
which the tail-fin appears simply rounded, in the other
rounded-acuminate, as it shows a little point projecting from
the middle posteriorly. In this paper Mr. Thomson states
that he had not found any of the fins save the caudal affected
by this peculiar abnormality, and gives to the fish the dis-
tinct name of Salmo Islayensts.
About the same time I published a brief anatomical
description, with figures, of the “Tailless Trout of Islay,” ?
taken from two specimens given to me by Professor (now
Sir William) Turner and Mr. Peach. Here, besides giving
an account of the essential nature of the malformation of the
caudal fin, I demonstrated that a similar condition was also
present in the anal and pectoral fins of the larger specimen,
the dorsal and caudal remaining alone unaffected.
On the occasion of the “ Tailless Trout ” of Islay being first
exhibited to the British Association by Mr. C. W. Peach, the
late Dr. Grierson of Thornhill in Dumfriesshire mentioned
that he had heard of similar “docked” trout having been
taken near Wanlockhead, but I have never seen any speci-
mens from that locality, nor have I heard of any such having
been described or figured. It was not until the year 1882
that Mr. Harvie-Brown afforded me ocular proof of the
occurrence of this malformation in trout from a locality in
Scotland far distant from Islay, by presenting to the Museum
of Science and Art two specimens from Loch Enoch in
Kirkcudbrightshire, which he had obtained from Mr. Adam
Skirving of Croys. Of these I published a description in
the same year,’? in which I showed that not only was the
malformation of the caudal fin of precisely the same nature
as in the Loch-na-Maorachan fish, but that here also the anal
1 «¢ Science Gossip,” April 1872,
2 «Journ, Anat, & Physiology,” vol. vi. 1872, pp. 411-416, pl. xix.
3“ Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc, Edinburgh,” vol, vii. 1882, pp, 221-223.
94 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
and pectoral fins had not escaped participation in this
singular condition.
Mr. Harvie-Brown likewise informs me that he had
about the year 1856 or 1857 been in the habit of catching
similar trout in the Gonar Burn at Abington in Lanarkshire,
and I quote the following from a note with which he has
kindly supplied me,—“ As is well known, the trout of Gonar
Burn, as is remembered by me personally, were (or are, if
they are not now extinct) invariably deformed and had tails
as in the Islay specimens and those also from Loch Enoch,
and quite as pronounced. ‘These little trout were very fat
and otherwise in prime condition.” It is to be regretted that
none of these trout from Gonar Burn have been preserved, if
they are now extinct, as Mr. Harvie-Brown thinks is probable,
whether from poisoning by washings from lead-mines or
otherwise.
But from Mr. Harvie-Brown I have acquired the know-
ledge of yet another locality for trout with deformed tail-fins,
of which he had fortunately procured specimens, for the
possession of which the Museum is now indebted to his
generosity, as it has been in so many other instances. This
is the River Carron near Larbert in Stirlingshire, though it
will presently be seen that the condition of the caudal fin in
these specimens, though somewhat resembling that in the
Islay and Kirkcudbrightshire fish, is nevertheless not precisely
the same.
Mr. MHarvie-Brown having greatly interested himself in
these peculiarly malformed trout, for which the term “Docked-
tailed,” is altogether more appropriate than “ Tailless,” has
been at very great trouble not only to obtain specimens of
the fish themselves, but also to procure analyses of some of
the waters in which they existed, in order to put to test the
validity of a wide-spread notion that the quality of the water
may have something to do with the causation of the malfor-
mation in question. And in inviting me to return to the
subject once more, Mr. Harvie-Brown has not only presented
to the Museum all the specimens of deformed trout in his
possession, but has also placed at my disposal a quantity of
correspondence and other documents relating to the matter.
The following is a description of the specimens—
ON MALFORMED TROUT FROM SCOTTISH WATERS 95
i. Trout from Loeh-na-Maorachan.
The notion is widely spread that all the trout which occurred
in Loch-na-Maorachan, for I understand they have now altogether
disappeared from the lake, were docked-tailed, but this is not the
case, however abundant the malformed examples may have been.
I have now two specimens from this locality before me, which have
been given to the Museum by Mr. Harvie-Brown, in both of which
the caudal fin is perfectly normal. The larger of these measures
sixteen inches in length, and in general appearance resembles the
so-called Salmo ferox. All its fins are exceedingly well developed
and normal in their structure; the ray-formula is,—D. 14, A. 12, P.
13, V. 9. The smaller specimen, represented in Plate III, Fig. 1,
reduced to one-half, measures twelve inches in length, and in the
development and structure of its fins presents nothing in the least
abnormal, save that their rays are rather fewer than usual, and those
at the anterior margin of the left pectoral show a peculiar twist,
suggestive of some injury sustained at an earlier period of the life
of the fish. The fin-ray formula is here—D. 12, A.10, P. 11, V. 7.
In Plate III, Fig. 2, is represented, reduced to three-fifths, a
typical specimen of the Docked-tailed Trout from Loch-na-Maora-
chan, the same individual of which in 1872 I gave a small outline
figure. The specimen is now in the Museum of Science and Art.
The length of this specimen is ten inches. All the fins look
rather small, but the most striking feature is the conformation of
the caudal, which is very short, rounded off above and below, and
with the hinder border thick and stiff. In this specimen there is
also a slight angular projection or blunt point rather below the
middle of the posterior margin, as in the acuminate form figured by
Mr. Thomson. In Plate V, Fig. 3, a dissection of the left side of
the tail is shown, slightly enlarged, which renders the real nature of
the abnormal condition perfectly clear. The tail fin here is seen to
be composed in all of 42 rays, of which 13 above and 11 below
are as usual short, and except the hinder two in the upper, and
the hinder one in the lower series destitute of transverse articula-
tions. One of them, near the middle of the fin, is evidently
composed of two ordinary rays fused together at their proximal
ends. The 18 long middle rays, forming the mass of the caudal
expansion, proceed in the usual straight and diverging manner to
near the hinder border of the fin, when the extremities of the rays
above and below become suddenly bent downwards and upwards
respectively, thus converging towards the angular projection of the
posterior margin already noticed. Nor do these rays end in the
fine and slenderly dichotomising manner characteristic of the normal
fin, but their bent and somewhat contorted extremities are thick
and coarse, and their transverse articulations are much reduced in
number. In some cases one of the branches resulting from the
96 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
primary bifurcation of the normal portion of the ray stops altogether
short where the stunting of the fin commences; in other cases the
two branches unite once more at their abnormal extremities, and
still more remarkable is the fact that at three different portions of
the margin of the fin the extremities of several rays are actually seen
to became fused together into one piece.
The aza/ fin in this specimen is also seen to a rather stunted
in its dimensions, and, instead of presenting the normal somewhat
triangular figure, is rather rounded acuminate in shape. It is
composed of 13 rays as shown in Fig. 4, of which the third to the
ninth inclusive, counting from the front, are abnormal. ‘The apex
of the fin, directed downwards and backwards, is supported by the
extremity of the eighth ray, towards which the ends of the third, fourth,
fifth, sixth, and seventh rays converge backwards, and that of the
anterior division of the ninth converges forward. ‘The extremities
of these rays are thick and coarse, and those of the fifth and sixth
are fused together.
The pectoral of the right side is small for the size of the fish,
measuring only 14 inch in length, and being contained 23 times in
the distance between its origin and that of the ventral of the same
side, and 14 time in that between the posterior margin of the orbit
and the angle of the gill-cover. It is acuminate in form, and
contains only 13 rays, 14 being the usual number in normal trout.
The second ray is here the longest ; the third has a coarse extremity,
in which the branches originating from its primary bifurcation again
unite; the fourth and fifth rays have also abnormal extremities,
which bend in towards each other and nearly fuse. After the sixth
ray, which is also slightly affected, the rest are normal in structure
and aspect. The pectoral of the left side is also very similarly
affected, there being a strange convergence towards one point of
the abnormal extremities of the second, third, and fourth rays.
The ventral fins were in this specimen normal as regards the
nature of the rays, but showed a very remarkable want of symmetry
as to size. That of the right side was perfectly normal in size and
development, measuring 1} inch in length, and containing the usual
number of 9 rays. But the left measured only one inch in length,
and in it only 5 rays could be counted. |
The dorsal fin presented nothing unusual in its appearance, and
contained the very common number of 13 rays.
In Plate V., Fig. 2, is represented the caudal extremity of another
and smaller specimen from Loch-na-Maorachan, in which, as will
be seen, the maldevelopment of the extremities of the fin-rays has
not gone to so great an extent. In all the trout from Loch-na-
Maorachan with malformed tails which I have seen, the condition
of this fin is essentially the same. The rays are abnormally
shortened, are coarse at their terminations and deficient as to
ON MALFORMED TROUT FROM SCOTTISH WATERS 97
amount of dichotomisation: besides which they show also a
tendency to coalesce at their terminations, then by the convergence
downwards of the upper long rays, and upwards of the lower
ones, the fin comes to present a rounded instead of the usual
broad fanshaped form. I have examined one species in which all the
fins but the caudal are normal as regards the development of the
rays, but in others, as in the specimen described above, the pectoral
and anal fins are also more or less affected in the same way.
Nevertheless in no case have I seen any such affection of the rays
in either the dorsal or the ventral fins, though the latter indeed
sometimes appear smaller than usual.
ii. Trout from Loeh Enoch.
The three specimens from this lake which I have examined
resemble each other very closely in general appearance. They are
small, measuring respectively 53, 6, 64 inches ; they are dark-coloured
and closely spotted; the head is rather large in proportion to the
body. In Plate V, Fig. 1, is represented one of the original speci-
mens given to the Museum by Mr. Harvie-Brown in 1881. Here the
caudal fin presents an abnormal condition of exactly the same nature
as in the Loch-na-Maorachan specimens,—only the stunting of the
development of the fin seems to be carried to a still greater extent.
Of the other fins the anal is distinctly stunted in development and
abnormal in its shape, being low and rounded instead of triangular-
acuminate ; the pectorals and ventral are rather small, the dorsal is
normal.
In one specimen, not figured, the malformed caudal has assumed
a slightly oblique unsymmetrical contour, while the anal has become
most remarkably stunted in its development. None of the other
fins save the dorsal are normal in their development, and the princi-
pal rays of the right pectoral are coarse, stiff, and slightly contorted.
iii. Trout from the River Carron.
Two specimens of Trout with malformed tail fins from the River
Carron near Larbert have been given by Mr. Harvie-Brown to the
Museum of Science and Art, and are now before me.
The first (Plate IV. Fig. 1) measures 11 inches in length, and
resembles an ordinary river trout in everything save the condition
of the caudal fin, and to a small extent also of the anal. ‘The tail
fin is not broadly expanded, nor can it be expanded by pulling it
with the fingers ; its upper and lower margins are nearly parallel, the
greatest depth of the fin being 15’; inch. The posterior margin is
truncated, and slightly emarginate, so that the posterior inferior angle
projects a little further back than the posterior superior. The rays
which should form the upper and lower angles of the fin are abnorm-
ally short, and, along with the rays forming the middle of its expanse,
98 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
show a peculiar subparallel wavy contortion for a good part of their
length. Nevertheless as usual they dichotomise twice, the dicho-
misations being fine and closely jointed, and the posterior margin
of the fin thin and delicate, and in those points the condition of the
fin essentially differs from that in the Docked Trout already de-
scribed. The anterior rays of the anal are not quite so long as
is usually the case.
The second specimen (Plate IV. Fig. 2) is 12 inches in length,
and has a strikingly large head, the length of which from the point
of the snout to the posterior angle of the opercular flap is contained
only about 3# in the total. The caudal fin is oval, stiff, not expan-
sive ; the rays show a peculiar unparallel wavy contortion as in the
last specimen, but as the upper rays converge downwards and the
lower ones upwards a rounded contour is given resembling superfici-
ally that of the caudal fin of the docked fish from Loch-na-Maorachan
and Loch Enoch. But the condition here again differs by the fact
that the rays are finely dichotomised, while the posterior margin of
the fin, though reduced to being only half an inch in extent, remains
thin and delicate.
It is only necessary to compare the figures on Plates IV. and V.
to perceive the difference, and to observe that the rays of the caudal
fins of the Carron specimens have a peculiar “frizzled up” appear-
ance not present in the others.
Nevertheless it is interesting to find that in this malformed trout
(Fig. 2) from the Carron, the anal and pectoral fins are affected by
a condition resembling that in the Islay fish, while again the ventrals
and dorsal remain unaffected. In the anal the anterior rays are
stunted in growth, and deficient in dichotomisation, so that an
appearance is produced as if a large piece had been cut off from
the anterior part of the fin.
Summary of Facts.
t. Actual specimens are preserved, figured, and described, of
the Docked-tailed condition in trout (Sa/mo fario, L.) from Loch-na-
Maorachan in Islay, Loch Enoch in Kirkcudbrightshire, and the
River Carron in Stirlingshire.
2. ‘There is credible testimony as to trout showing the same or
a similar malformation having occurred in the Gonar Burn, Lanark-
shire, near Wanlockhead, and in the Water of Leith,! but no
specimens have been preserved or described.
' The following passage occurs in Stoddart’s ‘* Art of Angling ” 1836, p. 75.—
**On the Water of Leith we saw a friend capture three successively out of one
stream during spring, all of which wanted the tail: this defect was probably
occasioned in winter, the water from which they were taken happening to be
extremely shallow, and the frosts shortly before somewhat severe.” It is now of
course hardly possible to ascertain whether the defect in these fish was, or was
not, of a nature similar to the stunting of the fin-rays characteristic of the Docked
Trout of Islay.
ON MALFORMED TROUT FROM SCOTTISH WATERS 99
3. The Docked-tailed condition consists in a malformation of
the caudal fin-rays. The condition of these rays is not quite the
same in the Carron specimens as in those from Islay and Kirkcud-
brightshire, inasmuch as in the latter the minute dichotomisation of
the fin-rays is destroyed, whereas in the former it largely persists.
4. The caudal is not the only fin liable to be affected by this
condition. It is generally shared in by the anal fin, frequently also
by the pectorals, more rarely by the ventrals.
5. The dorsal fin is normal in every specimen I have seen.
Theories as to Causation.
The theories which have been hazarded regarding the cause of
the docked-tailed condition may be enumerated as follows :—
1. That it may be caused by impurities contained in the water
in which the fish live.
2. That it may be the result of mechanical injury ; either by the
fish nibbling each other’s tails, or by friction against rocks or stones.
As regards the first of these supposed causes, the late Mr. F.
Day in his “ Fishes of Great Britain and Ireland” (vol. ii. p. to2),
observes that the “tailless” condition “in some streams has been
traced to be due to the action of deleterious matter in the water
(see ‘ Angler’s Note Book,’ 1880, p. 66).”. Further, quoting from an
unpublished note by Mr. Harvie-Brown, he goes on to say that this
gentleman ‘observed about 1876, in the River Carron, that a
contraction of the rays of the tail fins of the trout commenced, due
it was universally believed to the action of deleterious matter in the
water, through the agency of paper mills.” I see from Mr. Harvie-
Brown’s notes, to which he has so kindly given me access, that he
was also at one time inclined at least to suspect that the docked
condition of the Gonar Burn trout was due to the stream having
been poisoned by washings from lead mines. As to the pollution
of the River Carron below Denny, there is unfortunately no room for
doubt, though, unless corroborated by numerous other similar
instances, it does not follow that this is the cause of the malforma-
tion of the trout-tails. Accordingly, with a view to testing the
Gonar Burn case, Mr. Harvie-Brown had an analysis of the water
made by Mr. J. Falconer King, Edinburgh City Analyst, the results
of which, expressed in grains per imperial gallon, are as follow :—
Carbonate of Lime . 2.06 Lead, etc. ; , . trace
Carbonate of Magnesia . 0.55 | Arsenic . : ; . none
Sulphate of Lime . . 0.68 | Zinc ; . , . none
Sulphate of Magnesia . 1.17 Phosphoric Acid . trace
Sulphate of Soda . Patein 1 silica. . : : . 0.80
Chloride of Sodium . 0.92 | Loss by Ignition. ‘ 39
Nitrate of Soda . trace | Saline Ammonia . . trace
Nitrites ‘ ‘ . none | Albumenoid Ammonia . 0.0016
Oxide of Iron : . none
100 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Commenting upon this analysis, Mr. Falconer King says in
a letter addressed to Mr. Harvie-Brown, and dated 23d June
1891,—
“T am perhaps not very competent to speak of the effect of
lead on fish, but I am inclined to think that the very small amount
in the sample sent to me could have very little influence one way or
another. ‘The quantity of impurity present was so little that it is
difficult to say whether it existed originally in the water in solution
or suspension.”
Even if we supposed that the “trace” of lead in the water of
the Gonar Burn were sufficient to affect the fish injuriously, corro-
boration would have to be forthcoming before we could accept the
theory that it was the cause of this special malformation of the fin-
rays. What then of the waters of the two lakes, Loch-na-Maorachan
and Loch Enoch, from which the most typical examples of Docked-
tailed Trout have been taken ?
Mr. Harvie-Brown having in 1888 sent a small quantity of
water from Loch-na-Maorachan to Mr. Falconer King for analysis,
the last mentioned gentleman reported as follows in a letter dated
15th November of that year :—
‘“‘T have examined the sample of water you sent me so far as
the quantity of material at my disposal would allow. As the result
I have to inform you that the water is chiefly remarkable for its
purity. I have not been able to detect anything which by its
presence would so far as I know affect fish in the way you
describe. A possible explanation, however, may be that as the
water is so very destitute of mineral matter (lime and other sub-
stances) containing only about one part in 60,000 parts of water,
the fish are suffering from something akin to rickets.”
A larger quantity of water having been subsequently forwarded
to Mr. King, the following is his detailed analysis, the results being
expressed in grains per imperial gallon :—
Carbonate of Lime . . traces | Chloride of Magnesium . 0.130
Carbonate of Magnesia . 0.045 | Chloride of Sodium. . ieee
Sulphate of Lime . 5; 10:080 | Silica," .. 2 : : 0.086
Sulphate of Magnesia . 0.478 | Loss by Ignition . .. 07320
Now as to Loch Enoch. Mr. Harvie-Brown having procured
a sufficient supply of the water of this lake and entrusted it to Mr.
Falconer King for analysis, it was found to contain per imperial
gallon the following substances expressed in grains :-—
Carbonate of Lime . . 0.04 | Nitrate of Soda ; . traces
Carbonate of Magnesia . 0.19 | Nitrites. : ; . none
Sulphate of Lime . . 0.08 | Phosphoric Acid . . trace
Sulphate of Magnesia 0:45 |) Iron oxide, ete, ‘ 5 “Oree
Sulphate of Soda : . 0.08 | Loss by Ignition . . O54
Chloride of Sodium . . acO
ON MALFORMED TROUT FROM SCOTTISH WATERS 101
I extract the following passage from a letter from Mr. King to
Mr. Harvie-Brown commenting on this analysis, and dated 29th
August 1890 :—
“The results you will notice come out very much as they did
before, showing the water to be one of great purity. It hardly con-
tains anything except a very small quantity of common salt.
There is a little Iron Oxide present, but this I am afraid has
arisen from the tin vessels in which unfortunately the sample was
sent.”
Again, three days later, Mr. Falconer King writes to Mr. Harvie-
Brown :—
““As to the comparison between this Galloway water and the
Islay one, the great point seems to be their similarity as regards
freedom from lime and magnesia compounds. ‘They both contain
a little common salt, but they are both exceptionally free from all
other salts. A man when he eats takes lime from his food, but
perhaps a fish is more dependent on lime in the water than in its
food.”
Here then we have the impure water theory refuted at once by the
fact that the waters best known for the production of Docked-tailed
Trout are, on the contrary, of most remarkable purity. And we have
the new theory suggested that it is this very purity which is the cause
of the malformation.
But in the first place, if zpurzty of the water will not account
for the presence of Docked-tailed Trout in Loch-na-Maorachan
and Loch Enoch, neither will exceptional purity account for the
occurrence of a similar malformation in the River Carron and in
Gonar Burn. This is the first hitch in the theory.
In the second place, I rather think that this paucity of lime will
be found more or less characteristic of all our lakes whose bed is
formed by ancient crystalline rock such as the quartzite and granite
in which Loch-na-Maorachan and Loch Enoch are respectively
embasined. The docked condition ought therefore to be character-
istic of the trout in very many more lakes in Scotland than these
two solitary tarns, but as yet we know of no others in which they
occur.
In the third place, these fish do not suffer from rickets or any
disease akin to rickets so far as I can see. The extremities of the
rays of certain fins are ma/formed, but the skeleton is as well ossified
as in any other trout which I have ever dissected. Lime of course
enters into the system of the fish in some way, and what can be more
natural than to suppose that.it exists in their food, just as it exists in
our own.
I venture therefore to submit that there is as yet no evidence
that the chemical composition of the water has anything to do with
the occurrence of the Docked-tailed condition in trout.
2 : C
102 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
We now turn to theories of mechanical injury. It has been
suggested that this abnormal condition may have been caused by the
fish nibbling each other’s tails, and I must own that I have once, in
the small aquarium attached to the Museum, seen a trout, which was
subjected to some persecution by his neighbours, succeed in getting
his caudal fin nibbled into a tolerably good imitation of that of a
Loch-na-Maorachan trout. But it is pretty certain that simple
nibbling would not produce the appearance of the extremities of the
rays as depicted in Pl. V. Fig. 3, and moreover, when we consider
that this abnormal condition is hable to attack every fin, even to the
pectorals, with the one strange exception of the dorsal, the “ nibbling ”
theory must fall utterly to the ground. A pugnacious trout would
much more easily get at his neighbour’s dorsal than his pectoral
fin !
Again, it has been suggested that mechanical friction by contact
with or rubbing against hard rocks or stones in the bottom of the
lake may have something to do with the production of the Docked-
tailed condition. It is pointed out that Loch-na-Maorachan is shallow
with a rocky bottom of hard quartzite ; while Loch Enoch, though
very deep, has a floor or at least shore of fine hard granite sand ;
and there is a certain attractiveness in the idea that the delicate
extremities of the fins may be injured or worn by coming roughly in
contact with such hard rocks, stones, or sand. It is indeed not
inconceivable that such friction might set up an inflammatory pro-
cess, which might result in the arrestment of the normal development
of the fin-rays and the distortion of their extremities. It is remark-
able that besides the caudal, the affected fins are those on the wnder
surface of the body, the dorsal remaining normal. But the upper
lobe or half of the caudal fin is affected in the same manner as the
lower, so that Mr. Adam Skirving remarks in a letter to Mr. Harvie-
Brown,—‘“ Had it been only the lower part of the tail that was
defective, I should have accused the fine white sand of wearing it.”
Moreover, one would suppose that the ventral fins were more exposed
to such friction than either the anal or the pectorals, and yet they are
comparatively rarely affected by this condition.
It has also been suggested by some of my friends that injury to
the fins originally inflicted in the way referred to above might become
hereditary, and this, if true, would be a most startling refutation of
the Weismannian doctrine of the non-transmissibility of acquired
characters! But I fear it has still to be proved, and that the
mystery of the phenomenon which has formed the subject of this
paper has not yet been penetrated.
One word in conclusion. Not having seen the Gonar Burn
specimens, I do not know the special nature of the affection of their
caudal fins. The Carron specimens are not quite the same as those
from Islay and Galloway, and in them the malformation may be
. tap Yprotgu 9 MMS
J
dur yet UW?
we ie SS Pe
‘; ‘Sa
ur’ yreto We UM
AT sivts
dut'yreTD He? U
ae Ray
Se Re det RS lato oe
pike SU
neces at
nt
7 A aLVT
—_——
FRESHWATER FISHES OF THE SOLWAY AREA 103
sporadic or accidental. But in the case of the trout now living in
Loch Enoch, and those which formerly lived in Loch-na-Maorachan,
the affection seems of a truly endemic nature, and is pretty sure to
be in some way connected with the environment, though not trace-
able either to the softness of the water or the roughness of the
bottom.
Explanation of the Plates.
Braap Ubi.
Fig. 1.— Normally developed trout from Loch-na-Maorachan.
Reduced to §. In this and in the other specimens the colour
is faded by light and preservation in spirit.
Fig. 2.—Docked-tailed example from the same lake. Reduced to 3.
FraAve. TV,
Fig. r.— Trout from River Carron with distorted caudal fin.
Reduced to 4.
Fig. 2.—Another specimen with the fins still more malformed.
Reduced to #.
PLATE V.
Fig. 1.—Docked-tailed trout from Loch Enoch. Natural size.
Fig. 2.—Outline of posterior extremity of body in a small specimen
from Loch-na-Maorachan.
Fig. 3.—Skeleton of caudal extremity of the specimen represented
in Plate III. Fig 2. Magnified.
Fig. 4.—Structure of anal fin in the same specimen.
NOTES ON THE FRESHWATER FISHES
OF THE SOLWAY AREA.
By Sir Herspert MaxweELt, Bart., F.L.S.
PERMIT me to add the following notes to Mr. Service's
interesting paper in your first number.
Cyprinus carpio.—Tue Carp.—lInhabits a small piece of water
called Laggan Loch, in Glasserton Parish, Wigtonshire, where it
grows to a large size. It was introduced to this lonely lake, far
from any house, by Admiral Stewart, early in the century.
104 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Leucisecus rutilus.—THE Roacu.—Is abundant in the White
Loch of Inch, near Stranraer.
Leuciseus phoxinus.— THE Minnow.—lIs not found in any
streams in Galloway, west of the Cree, except where it has recently
been introduced in Glasserton parish.
Salmo ferox.—Mr. Service follows other icthyologists in dis-
tinguishing Salmo ferox as a distinct species. Is there any true
specific difference between the Great Lake Trout and large Salmo
Jario? The largest trout I can remember being killed in Galloway
was one of 13 lbs. in Loch Dee, about the year 1870. There
is a plaster cast of it at Galloway House. In 1890, I killed five
trout in Loch Arkaig in the course of one afternoon. They weighed
174 lbs., 8 lbs., 5 lbs., 24 lbs., and 2 lbs. As they were all taken by
trolling they were all called fevox; but I doubt not had the smaller
ones been taken with the fly, they would have been regarded as
ordinary loch trout.
[Dr. Giinther (“Study of Fishes,” 1880, p. 633) remarks that a
‘““wide spread species, however, like S. favzo, when it inhabits
a small mountain pool with scanty food, may never exceed a
weight of eight ounces, whilst in a large lake or river, where it
finds an abundance and variety of food, it attains to a weight
of fourteen or sixteen pounds. Such large River-trout are
frequently named and described as Salmon-trout, Bull-trout, etc.”
Dr. Day (“British and Irish Salmonide,” 1887, p. 193) con-
siders Salmo ferox simply a large, probably an old, common
trout (.S. favto), and treats it as a variety of that species.
—Eps. ]
ADDITIONS TO THE AUTHENTICATED COthi
CENSUS OF THE LAND AND FRESHWAGias
MOLLUSGA-OF SCOTLAND:
Wn. DENISON RoEBucK, F.L.S.
SINCE the publication of my “Census of Scottish Land and
Freshwater Mollusca” in 1891 by the Royal Physical
Society of Edinburgh, and of a further paper by myself
in the Scotttsh Naturalist for July 1891, I have received
specimens from various friends, to whom, and particularly
to my indefatigable helper Mr. William Evans, F.R.S.E., of
Edinburgh, the Rev. George Gordon, LL.D., and Mr. Robert
Service, Iam much indebted for the material here incorporated.
LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND _ 105
I propose to continue my notes from time to time in The
Annals of Scottish Natural History, regularly if possible, at
all events as often as the kindness of Scottish naturalists will
keep the recorder and referees of the Conchological Society
supplied with material for authentication. It is to be
understood that these papers will not deal (unless in very
exceptional cases) with any records except such as have
been authenticated by the submission of the actual specimens
to the society’s referees.
The present instalment is mainly devoted to slugs. I
have some testaceous species to report in a future paper, but
at present their examination is not completed.
1. Limax flavus in Kirkecudbrightshire.—On the 2oth
July of 1891 I received from Mr. Robert Service a nearly
adult example of Lzmax flavus, which is an additional species
for the county and brings up its authenticated total to 54.
He also sent a small example of Lzmax maximus var. ferussaci.
Both were from a damp cellar in his house at Maxwelltown,
where the two species occur very commonly. JL. flavus is a
species which (although it occurs abundantly enough in cellars)
is very seldom sent me, and as yet I have seen it from but
five Scottish counties, viz., Kirkcudbright, Renfrew, Edinburgh,
Fife, and Elgin.
2. Limax cinereo-niger, etc. in Elginshire.—I am
indebted to Mr. William Evans for the sight of a couple of
examples of this rarity from Cromdale, Elginshire, on the
25th August of this year, One was about three-fourths
grown and with the trifasciated footsole which is one of the
distinguishing characters of the species. The other was a
small one, and had not the coloured side-bands of the keel,
but it was nevertheless unmistakably of the same species.
From the same locality Mr. Evans sent me Lzmax arborum,
several of the typical form and pale in colour, an adult Avzon
subfuscus,and A. ater, also adult, all of these being additions
to the authenticated county list, which now numbers 52
species. A fine adult A. ater from near the old heronry on
the Findhorn, was also sent me in verification of its existence
in the county by the Rev. Dr. Gordon, on the 7th September.
Mr. Evans’s Cromdale gatherings also included an adult
106 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Arion minimus, but this has already been recorded in my
census.
3. Banffshire Slugs.—I have to report four additional
species of slugs for Banffshire, making its total list amount to
23, a small figure as yet. These are Avion ater, represented
by a couple of immature examples; A. subfuscus, several
adult, some deeply and richly coloured ; A. mznzmus, in great
abundance and of all ages to adult; and several Lzmax
arborum, adult and young. Specimens of the already re-
corded Limax agrestis and Arion bourguignatt accompanied
the newly recorded species. All these were found by Mr.
Wm. Evans on the banks of the Avon, above Ballindalloch.
On the 11th September Mr. Evans sent me a consignment
of slugs from Tomintoul, a very out-of-the-way place, the
slugs of which it is well worth while to record. They were
a fine adult and a young specimen of Lzmax maximus, vat.
Jasciata, a half-grown Arion ater, several fine A. hortenszs,
and several not quite mature examples of A. bourguzgnatz.
On the 17th of July 1891 I had the pleasure of receiving
from the Rev. George Gordon an example of Limax cinereo-
niger, about three-quarters grown, with the keel-line dull ochre
and a pale stripe down each side, together with a small and
very dark L. arborum, var. alpestris, which he had found under
the decayed and loosened bark of an old fallen birch-tree,
some hundred yards south of the Duke of Richmond and
Gordon’s shooting lodge at Glenfiddich, Banffshire, and about
800 feet above sea-level. “This fine species, which is in these
islands a particularly northern and western form, is an im-
portant addition to the Banffshire list.
4. The Tree-slug in the Outer Hebrides.—lIt is to my
old friend, Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, F.L.S., that I am indebted
for the next record that I have to make, viz. that of a very
dark example of Lzmax arborum from the Shiant Islands, an
outlying group of the Outer Hebrides, which brings the
Hebridean authentications up to 16 species.
5. Faunal Status of Limneza stagnalis in Scotland.—
Since the publication of my paper on the introduction of this
species into Lanarkshire, I have had placed in my hands two
letters bearing on the topic addressed to Mr. Clarke. The
ADDITIONS TO SCOTTISH COLEOPTERA 107
first is from Mr. James Bennie, to whose vigilance it is that
we were indebted for showing that the Possil Marsh specimens
were introduced and thereby setting my census right on the
point. In justice to our Glasgow friends, it is but right to
say that in their West of Scotland list, which I had occasion
to consult since my paper was published, it is distinctly stated
that the species was “introduced.” Mr. Bennie mentions
that having found an old letter of date 4th January 1863,
for which he had been in search, he can give the date of
introduction as New Years day of 1863, and that the
specimens, some two hundred in number, were sent from
Liverpool for the purpose, and were scattered throughout the
Possil Marsh.
The other letter is from Mr. W. Grant Guthrie of Hawick
with reference to the occurrence of L. stagnalzs in that district.
He does not think there are any grounds for supposing it to
have been introduced there, as he took three specimens of it
in one of the neighbouring lochs on the 15th August this year,
quite a different locality from where he had taken it before.
SOME-ADDIVIONS TO SCOTTISH COLEOPTERA,
WITTE NOTES ON SPECIES NEW OR RARE
Ne tie SORWAY?; DISTRICT,
By W. Lennon; and W. D. R. Douctas, M.A., F.LS., F.E.S.
THE following notes on Coleoptera taken in the “Solway”
district in Scotland, may not, we think, be without some
interest appearing after the completion of Canon Fowler's
most recent work on British Coleoptera. We have included
those species taken by us, which seemed most worth recording,
either because they are new to Scotland or new to “Solway ”
(though some are common species), or because, though not
new, they are generally rare in Scotland. We have taken
Dr. Sharp’s Catalogue, “ The Coleoptera of Scotland,” as our
basis, since Canon Fowler has apparently made use of it for
most of his Scottish localities. A good deal of Dr, Sharp's
collecting in Scotland was done in this “ District” some time
108 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
ago, about Thornhill and Dumfries, and the Rev. W. Little,
of Kirkpatrick Juxta, also worked in days of yore very care-
fully and energetically within the limits of the “ District,”
about Moffat ; so that during a period of very many years it
has been comparatively well explored.
It only remains to add that the species to which the
initials (W. L.) are appended are chiefly from the immediate
neighbourhood of Dumfries, collected in one or two well
wooded spots, or by the banks of the River Nith: and that
those with initials (W. D. R. D) are, with very few exceptions,
from a limited area (which includes some high moorland,
low arable and rough ground, a considerable amount of wood,
and a seashore), lying on the Solway Firth: the two col-
lecting grounds being some twenty miles apart. We sub-
join three lists :—
A. Containing those which seem new to Scotland.
£4. Containing those which are additions to the “ Solway ”
list.
C. Containing those which, though not new, are rare,
and yet turn up in fresh localities from time to
time.
List A. Species New to Scotland.
Amara similata, Gy//.—Rare. Orchardton. W.D.R. D.
Hydroporus granularis, Z.—Not uncommon. Maxwelltown Loch,
Dumfries. W. L.
Berosus spinosus, Sfev.—Occasionally taken in small numbers in
brackish water on Caerlaverock salt-marshes. W. L.
Helephorus tubereulatus, G)//7—-Very rare. One specimen in
flood refuse from the Nith, near Kelton. W. L.
Falagria thoracieca, Cvz7—Rare. Orchardton. W. D. R. D.
Quedius tristis, Cvav.—This species, considered doubtfully Scottish
by Dr. Sharp, is common at Orchardton. W. D. R. D.
Oxyporus rufus, 7.—Very rare. One specimen in a fungus close
to the house. Orchardton. W. D. R. D.
Cercus rufilabris, Za/7.—Rare. Near Orchardton. W. D. R. D.
Meligethes difficilis, /7eey——On bracken, at Burnfoot, near Lang-
holm: -W> Dake b:
Rhizophagus: cribatus, Gy//.—Rather common (on fungi, or in
carrion) in one wood close to Orchardton. Once found (as
ADDITIONS TO SCOTTISH COLEOPTERA 109
recorded in “ Entom. Month. Mag.” vol. xxvi.) in abundance,
on a dead hedgehog. W. D. R. D.
Geotrupes Typhoeus, Z.—Onedin May 1890, near Orchardton.
Not strictly new to the Scottish list (see “Murray’s Cata-
logue”), but omitted in Dr. Sharp’s list. W. D. R. D.
Hoplia philanthus, /7iss/—Very rare. One specimen by sweeping
in Dalskairth Wood near Dumfries. W. L.
Elater elongatulus, /‘:—Very rare. —the rat will increase and spread its boundaries wider and
wider in spite of all the efforts made to extirpate it. Considering
these circumstances and its well-known fecundity and omnivorous
appetite, there are few situations in our islands that are free from
its ravages. One such, Ailsa Craig, in the Firth of Clyde, has quite
recently been conquered by the enemy. Up till the year 1889, rats
were unknown on the Craig, but in that year (the exact date is not
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 133
certain) one of the dogs belonging to the lighthouse keeper killed
one at the head of the jetty, which was the first seen or heard of on
the island. At the time there was a lighter lying there discharging
coal for the Light Station, and it was supposed the rat had come
from her. On 11th December 1889, Mr. Dawson, the second
keeper at the station, wrote me, saying, ‘‘It was said at one time
that rats would not live here, but we find that to be a mistake; for
of late 48 have been killed, and as yet there seems to be plenty
more about the place.” From this, it will be seen that at that date
they had obtained a firm footing on the island, which, being a
favourite breeding-place of sea-fowl, and with a fringe of rough
boulders and masses of rock round the base of its steep cliffs, had
all the essential requisites as a suitable home for the rat. In the
following year, Mr. Dawson (zz Zt. 3d March 1890) says, “The rats
are commencing to be a perfect nuisance here. Mr. Ross, the
keeper of the lighthouse station, killed one a few days ago which
weighed 18 ozs. ;” and again, a few months later, ‘‘it is not safe to
put your hand into a hole for a puffin, for the chances are that you
get a rat instead.” So serious were matters beginning to appear that,
on 17th November, Mr. Dawson wrote me, saying, “‘ Rats are on the
increase: last Sunday, 59 were killed by one dog at the west side
of the island. We are going to have a regular field day amongst
them, all hands are to turn out with their dogs.” From this time
on, constant warfare was waged against the vermin by the tenant who
rents the island, he being the chief sufferer, as the rabbits were eaten
in the traps and the strings cut by them. ‘The eggs and young of
the sea-fowl also paid large tribute to the omnivorous rodent, so much
so, that fewer young, I believe, were reared than has ever been the
case before. On 2d November last, Mr. Ross wrote, saying, ‘last
year from the rst October till the end of December [2.e. in 1890],
while the keeper was catching rabbits, he killed over goo, and I am
sure my dog killed over 100 about the doors; since then we have
not been keeping count of the numbers we have killed until the first
of last month, and since then there has been over 300 killed, and
yet they seem as plentiful as ever. They are all over the island,
from the very top down to the water’s edge. Meat is getting very
scarce for them now since the birds have left, so that they have
started to eat the ones that have been killed. ‘There is bound to be
a good number poisoned as well, as the tenant mixes up arsenic
with all the rabbit offal, and it all disappears. We thought last
year, seeing they were getting so much poison and eating one
another, that they would all disappear, but now they are thicker
than ever.” As this was the state of matters within three years
after the introduction, or rather the invasion of the rat, it is not
difficult to see that Ailsa Craig will, like Puffin Island, on the Welsh
Coast, and the Copeland Islands in Belfast Bay, be ruined as a
2 E
134 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
rabbit producing island, and the effect on the other fauna will also
be disastrous. It is difficult, if not impossible, to suggest a cure,
but if any such can be found there is no more favourable spot on
which to operate, for the Craig, lying as it does about eight miles
from the nearest point on the mainland, the vermin cannot, unless
by a chance similar to their introduction above noted, receive any
outside accession to their numbers. In the meantime, the vermin
are masters of the situation, against the united efforts of the in-
habitants and their canine assistants.—J. MAcNAUGHT CAMPBELL,
Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow.
Melanie Variety of the Rat (J/us decumanus, Pallas) in North
Uist.—I send you a Black Rat which was caught in the larder here,
Sponish House, Loch Maddy, on the 12th of November last. We
caught altogether five in about a week, so that a party of them must
have come in.—JAMES GRAY WEBSTER, Loch Maddy.
[We have examined the specimen and find it to be the melanic
form of the Common Rat described by Thompson (P.Z.S.
1837) as the Irish Rat (AZus hibernicus). This form is not
uncommon in Ireland, and was first recorded for the Outer
Hebrides from Benbecula in 1888. It appears to be extremely
rare on the mainland of Britain ——Ebs. |
Notes on the Vole Plague.—I do not blame the destruction of
vermin for the great and swdden increase of Voles (Arvicola agresits,
Schreber), otherwise they might have been as numerous as they
now are at any period, and all the time during the past thirty
years other micro-mammalia have not unduly increased. During
the period between early in 1889 and up till August 1891, the
weather throughout this district was much below the average in
rainfall, and wells, springs, burns, and rivers were getting abnormally
low. The hills hereabouts hold water like a sponge. The long
continued dry weather reduced this moisture so much as to permit
(on the hills only) quite a luxuriant crop of herbage in 1890 and
1891, which covered up the nests of young voles from the crows and
rooks—the latter are their most effective natural enemy. It is amaz-
ing how greedily they hunt up and devour the young ‘‘ blind mice.”
Then the dry weather in the earlier months of the summer allowed
the voles comfortable healthy nests. - So you have only to figure up
what can be done in the way of fecundity by one single pair of voles
and their offspring in one single breeding season to realise how
difficult it is for the bucolic mind to believe the voles did not drop
from the clouds. I have found nests of young blind voles at the
end of March, even in damp meadows, and again about the last week
in September, and they—the same pair—would have young number-
ing from six to eight or sometimes ten in each intervening month.
The voles are spreading westward—that is, were doing so at close
of last breeding season.— ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 135
The Squirrel (Saurus vulgaris, L.) in Wigtonshire.— The
Squirrel is the latest spontaneous addition to the fauna of Wigton-
shire. I heard of one or two being seen in the woods at Monreith
about ten years ago; but it was not till 1889 that I saw one myself.
They are now becoming pretty abundant—HERBERT MaAxwELL,
Monreith, Wigtonshire.
Occurrence of the Chiff-Chaff (PA)loscopus rufus, Bechst.) in
Banffshire.—On the 8th of October last, I heard the unmistakeable
note of the Chiff-chaff, and followed the bird for some time in the
birchwoods of Dell, Strathavon, about eight miles below Ballindalloch.
The strong southerly winds prevailing at the time—that of the
autumnal migration—probably account for the presence of this
bird in a part of Scotland where I believe it has rarely been
observed.—LIoNEL W. HiInxMaAN, Edinburgh.
Dipper (Cinclus aguaticus, Bechst.) in North Uist.— Sheriff
Webster informs me that he has seen a Dipper or Water Crow in
North Uist, but adds that the bird is not common. This is the
first time I have been able to record the Dipper in any of the
islands. of the Outer Hebrides, south of Harris.—J. A. HARvIE-
BROWN.
Great Grey Shrike (Lanzus excubitor, L.) in Solway Distriet.—
A specimen of this bird, shot on 25th February at Drumclyre,
Kirkcudbrightshire, by Mr. Smith, gamekeeper there, has been
presented to me. This is the only bird of the species I have heard
of this winter.— ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown.
Red-backed Shrike (Zamnius collurio, L.) at the Pentland
Skerries.—I saw two Red-backed Shrikes here on the 4th of
September 1891, and captured one of them, a female, so that there
is no mistake about the bird. I have since got it stuffed. This is
only the second time I have seen this bird here for the last ten
years.—J. GiLMour, Pentland Skerries.
Waxwing (Ampelis garrulus, L.) in Berwiekshire.— A fine
adult female Waxwing was found dead on 11th December 1891,
at Mordington, near Berwick-on-Tweed, and being in a perfectly
fresh condition, was forwarded to me for preservation.— ROBERT
SMALL, Edinburgh.
Waxwing (Ampelis garrulus, L.) in Caithness.—A female of
this very rare bird in Caithness was shot at Shurrery, on the estate
of Thomas Pilkington, Esq., Sandside, on the 3d of November 1891.
Lewis Dunpar, Thurso.
Rook (Corvus frugilegus, L.) singing. — This morning (25th
February 1892) as I was walking through the grounds of Loretto,
Musselburgh, my attention was attracted by a bird-note that was
136 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
entirely unknown to me. On looking about to ascertain what bird
it might be I saw a common rook (Corvus frugilegus) sitting on the
top of a large isolated lime-tree, and indulging in a most unmistakable
song, that resembled a bass or guttural reproduction of the varied
and spluttering song of the starling, and accompanied, like the
starling’s, by a fluttering of the wings, besides the usual bowing and
spreading of the tail and wings of the rook. ‘The most remarkable
part of the song was a peculiar deep single whistling note, repeated
three or four times in succession and coming every now and then
in the middle of the other notes, of which there were, so far as I
could tell—and I was standing within 25 yards of the tree—some
three or four different kinds, varying in both pitch and quality. The
song was continuous and lasted the whole time—about three minutes
or a little more—that I was watching the bird. ‘The song was only
brought to an end by the bird flying off and joining a flock of its
own species that passed over the tree. As to the nature of the song,
it is just possible, with the well-known imitative qualities of the
Corvide, that this bird may have actually copied the song of the
starling. -NORMAN MACLACHLAN, Loretto, Musselburgh.
Rollers (Coracias garrulus, L.) in Caithness.—On the 1st of
October 1891, a Roller, a male, was found dead near Mey. ‘Three
specimens of this bird have come under my notice for the county
during the past twenty-six years. One of these, also a male, was
killed at Watten on the 21st May 1890.—LeEwis Dunsar, Thurso.
Dichromatism in the Tawny Owl (Syrnzum aluco, L.)—I have
been engaged for the last eight months in making careful investigations
upon the subject of Dichromatism, and having arrived at a certain
stage in the work regarding the common Screech-Owl (J/egascops asto),
am desirous of obtaining information concerning the Tawny Owl in
various parts of Europe. I shall deem it a special favour if any one
will kindly furnish information in answer to the following. (1) How
many specimens have come under your notice, and what proportion
of them were in the gray? (2) Which is the prevailing colour in your
locality? (3) What forest trees are most uncommon in your locality
—deciduous or coniferous? (4) If you have observed a pair of old
birds with young, state the character of young as to plumage, and
also that of the parents ; whether both red, both gray, or one red and
the other gray. Any additional information will be very acceptable.
—E,. M. Harproucu, 1610 15th Street, Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
[We have pleasure in making the above known to our readers, and
shall look forward with interest to the conclusions to be
deduced from Scottish data.—EDs. | ;
Hen Harrier (C?rcus cyaneus, L.) in Caithness.—This species
is now becoming scarce in this county owing to the persecution to
which it is subjected by keepers. I received a very fine female
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 137
which had been killed at Dalnawillan, on the 24th of June; anda
male changing from the young to the adult plumage, and nearly
blue, was obtained at Westfield, near Thurso, on the 8th of January
1892.—LeEwis Dunsar, Thurso.
Rough-legged Buzzard (Archibuteo lagopus, Gmel.) near Kin-
gussie.—On the 18th of December a Rough-legged Buzzard was
trapped on a low part of the moors at Bellville. It had been
causing great annoyance for some considerable time by hunting the
ground most systematically and clearing whole beats of birds. My
keeper says that he generally sees birds of this species in September,
and that they remain until April—C. B. Macpuerson, Whitechurch,
Salop.
Albino Cormorant (Phadacrocorax carbo, L.) in Orkney.—An
Albino Cormorant was shot by Mr. Jas. M‘Lauchlan at Kettletoft
Pier, Sanday, Orkney, in February 1891, which I purchased, and
have now in my possession. It is full-grown, slightly flecked with
brownish feathers on neck, back, and thighs, elsewhere white.
Curiously enough the eyes, instead of being of the pinkish tint
generally found in albinos, were yellow, the feet, legs, and bill,
horn white. —R. Kipston and F. S. STIRLING.
Mr. James M‘Andrew has favoured us with reprints of papers
published recently by himself in the ‘‘ Transactions of the Dumfries-
shire and Galloway Nat. Hist. and Antiquarian Society,” on the
Mosses, Hepaticee, and Lichens of S.W. Scotland. Mr. M‘Andrew’s
researches have added largely to what was on record previously ;
and in these papers he sums up the results of his own labours and
of those of other botanists in the same district. Excluding varieties,
of which many are recorded in these lists, the species reach the
following numbers ;—From Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbright, —
Mosses 234, Hepaticze 102. (To these should be added Dicranum
spurtum, from Moffat, Barbula vinealis from Kenmure Castle,
Cephalozia multiflora, from Dumfries, Harpanthus Flotovianus, from
Glenlee and Glenkens, Scapania umbrosa from Dalry and Moffat,
Nardia densiflora from Black Craig, New Galloway, and Aneura
fatifrons from Bennan Hill, discovered in the district by Mr. M‘A.
since the publication of the above lists.) The Lichens collected
in the S.W. counties of Scotland (mostly by himself in the Glenkens),
including some from Rerrick collected by the Rev. G. M‘Conachie,
reach the number of 217 species, with very many varieties. The
papers will be found very helpful to all local students of the groups
treated of, and they should be consulted by all who interest them-
selves in the Cryptogamic Botany of Scotland.
In Grevillea, for March, is a paragraph which will be read with
regret by all British botanists, announcing that Dr. M. C. Cooke
has resolved, because of “fickle health, increasing years, and
diminished vigour,” to withdraw from the editorship after the issue
of the next number, which will complete the twentieth volume.
He adds “ Whether some more enterprising proprietor can be found
144 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
is yet uncertain; our only concern now is to make known our
determination to stand open to any proposal whereby our pecuniary
interest shall cease, so that we may rest from the periodical anxieties
of the past two decades.”
Dr. Cook’s volume on 4ritish Desmids, published in 1887, is
offered at the reduced price of £2, including postage, in order to
dispose of a small number of copies still in hand. Upwards of
1600 coloured figures are given on the 66 coloured plates. The
present opportunity should be taken advantage of by Natural History
Societies and libraries not already possessed of the work to procure
it at so low a price. Communications should be addressed to Dr.
M. C. Cooke, 146 Junction Road, London, N.
CURRENT LITERATURE
The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—January to March 1892.
[The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the
sources of information undermentioned. ]
ZOOLOGY.
Poleeat in Aberdeenshire. G. Mackay. Zhe Field, 5th March
1892, p. 313.—“ Recently killed” in the Forest of Glenmuick.
On the occurrence of Hybrids between the Red Grouse and
Ptarmigan. By WALTER CHAMBERLAIN, F.Z.S. Zhe Zoologist (3),
Vol. xvi. (February 1892), pp. 41-51.—No unimpeachable record of
such a hybrid, and only one probable example—a specimen shot at
Kintradwell, in Sutherland, on 1st September 1878, by Captain
Hauston, and now in the University Museum, Cambridge.
Hybrid Blackeoeck and Red Grouse. G. M. The Field, 2d
January 1892, p. 2.—Shot at Sandside, Caithness, in November
I8Ql.
Bernicle Goose at North Berwick. F. Copurn. Zhe Zoologist
(3), Vol. xvi. (Jan. 1892) p. 33.—Female shot on 8th Oct. 1891.
An Investigation into the Variations of the Viper in Great
Britain. By G.A. BouLENGER. The Zoologist (3), Vol. xvi. (March
1892), pp. 87-93.—-Several Scottish specimens are alluded to, and
their peculiarities described. Its distribution is also sketched.
Note on a New Species of Onychodus from the Lower Old Red
Sandstone of Forfar. E. T. Newton, F.G.S. Geol. Mag. (3),
Vol. ix. (February 1892), pp. 51-52.—Description and figures of the
CURRENT LITERATURE 145
teeth of a species of Onychodus, obtained from the Old Red Sand-
stone of Forfar. The author compares it with O. anglicus, and O.
arcticus, and regards it as a new species, Onychodus scoticus.
Butterfly Notes. C. W. Date. £7. Mo. Mag. (2), Vol. iii.
(February 1892), p. 49.— Pieris napi, female, at Lairg, on 14th June
1890, of a cream ground colour, resembling some examples of P.
rape.
Notes on Lepidoptera Bred or Captured in 1891. W. M.
Curisty. Zhe Entomologist, xxv. (January 1892), pp. 18-19.—
Sphinx convolvuli captured at Rannoch.
The British Noctuze and their Varieties. By J. W. Tutt,
F.E.S. Vol. i. (January 1892).—This volume, of 180 pages, deals
with the Family Noctuidz, and contains many descriptions of
Scottish specimens.
The Paisley “Pug” (Lufithecia castigata, var.) By W. H.
TuGWELL. Zhe Entomologist, Vol. xxv. (February 1892), pp. 41-
42.—This form, which has long puzzled entomologists, is determined
a melanism of E. castigata.
Notes on British Lepidoptera. By RicHarp SoutTH. TZte
Entomologist, Vol. xxv. (February 1892), pp. 29-36.—Scottish
varieties of Noctua brunnea and Noctua festiva are described.
Annotated List of British Tachiniide. By R. H. Meape.
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), Vol. iii. (March 1892).—At p. 77 Miltogramma
punctata, Mgn., is mentioned for Arran, fde Curtis.
Exorista apicalis. C. W. Date. L£nt. Mo. Mag. (2), Vol. iii.
(February 1892), p. 50.—Mr. Dale captured this rare fly at Vallay,
North Uist, on 18th June 1883.
The Hemiptera Heteroptera of the British Islands. By
EDWARD SAUNDERS. Part i. (January 1892); Part ii. (March
1892).—The Scottish species of the families Pentatomide and
Berytidze are treated of.
[ Cicadze eaptured near Edinburgh. | G. B. BucktTon, F.R.S.
Monograph of the British Cicada, Vol. i. Part vill, p. 194.—
Euacanthus interruptus, Eupteryx auritus, Bythoscopus flavicollis,
and Limotettix virescens. .
A List of Earthworms known to occur in the North of
England and South of Seotland, with habitats for each species.
By Rev. Hi_peric Frrenp, F.L.S. Zhe Naturalist (March 1892),
p. g0o.—Lumbricus purpureus, for Annan; Allolobophora celtica,
for Langholm, are the only species for which Scottish habitats are
given.
A Revision of the British species of Fresh water Cyelopids and
Calanidz. By GEORGE STEWARDSON Brapy, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S.
146 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Nat. Hist. Trans. Northumberland, Durham, and Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, Vol. xi. Part i. pp. 68-120. With fourteen plates.—Informa-
tlon concerning many species from various districts in Scotland has
been contributed by Mr. Thomas Scott, F.L.S.
[Reophax secottii (C/as¢er) in the Firth of Forth.| Mr. G. W.
Chaster in his Report upon the Foraminifera of Southport District
(1st Rep. Southport Soc. Nat. Sct. 1890-91), at p. 57 describes
Reophax scottiil, a new species, and mentions the Firth of Forth as
a habitat. The species is figured on Plate I. Fig 1.
BOTANY.
In 7yansactions of the Edinburgh Botanical Soczety, December 1891.
On Temperature and Vegetation in the Royal Botanie Garden
(Edinburgh), during July, August, September, and October, 1891.
By Ropert Lrinpsay. |
On Temperature and Vegetation in the Royal Botanie Garden,
Glasgow, during July, August, September, and October, 1891. By
ROBERT BULLEN.
The Roots of Grasses in relation to their upper growth. By
ANDREW P. AITKEN, D. Sc. (with plates II. and III.) ; illustrates the
root growth between June 1889 and June 1890, of 14 pasture-
grasses ; and gives a table of the weights of the hay and stubble and
of the roots, distinguishing the quantity produced in the upper 8
inches from that produced in the 16 inches below.
New Zealand Veronicas fit to be grown out-of-doors in
Seotland. (In the Presidential Address to the Botanical Society of
Edinburgh, November 1891, by RosBert LINpsay), enumerates
18 hardy species that can stand the climate of Edinburgh, and 11
half hardy, and gives hints with regard to their cultivation and value
as ornamental plants.
Exeursion of the Seottish Alpine Botanical Club to Tyndrum in
1891. By Wixtiiam Craic, M.D. The localities visited were Beinn
Laoigh on west, north, and east sides (very rich in Alpine plants) ;
Crom Allt on Beinn Odhar ; Lochan Bhe (in which a “ very remark-
able variety” of Scirpus fluitans was found growing entirely under
water at a considerable distance from the edge) ; and the Corrie in
Cruach Ardran.
(In Journal of Botany, January, February, and March 1892.)
First Records of British Flowering Plants. Compiled by
WituiaM A. CLARKE, F.L.S. “An attempt to extract from printed
botanical works published in Great Britain the earliest notice of
each distinct species of our native and naturalised flowering plants.
The following are noted from Scotland: &. vepzans, L., 1777, at the
REVIEWS 147
west end of Loch Leven. Caltha radicans, T. F. Forster, in Zznz.
Soc. Trans. 1807 ; recorded by G. Don, as found in 1790 by him-
self in a ditch near the farmhouse of Haltoun. Vuphar pumila,
Hoffm., discovered in 1809 by Mr. Borrer in a pool near the farm
of Corrie Chastel, at the foot of Ben Chonachan. /umarta densiflora,
D.C., 1843, near Edinburgh. Dyraba rupestris, Br., ‘‘found by
James Dickson in 1789 on Ben Lawers.” Lvophila inflata, Hook, f.
1830, on Ben Lawers, above the Lake.”
A new British Hieracium (4. anjfractiforme). By Rev. Epwarp
S. MarsHat., M.A., F.L:S. Description of a new species, found
beside ‘rocky subalpine streamlets of the Western Breadalbanes, on
granite and mica-slate, from 1400 to 1800 feet” (by Mr. Marshall
in Glen Etive and in Corrie Ardran near Crianlarich, by Dr.
Buchanan White on Ben Laoigh, and by Dr. W. A. Shoolbred
between Glen Lyon and Tyndrum). ‘‘ Occasionally . anfractiforme
has a certain look of A. argenfeum, Fr., from which, however, it
differs in many essential points.” “It has been well tested by two
or three seasons’ cultivation.” (/. &., January.)
Mierochete seruginea, sf. x By E. A. Batrers;—On
Rhodochorton Rothii, Nag., from Berwick-on-Tweed. It is “closely
allied to JZ ‘¢enera, but differing from it in the greater thickness of
the filaments, the shortness of the articulation, and the marine
habitat.” A diagnosis in Latin follows.
REVIEWS
British Fungi (Phycomycetes and Ustilaginee). By GEORGE
MassEE. (L. Reeve and Co. 1891. Cr. 8vo. 232 pp. 8 plates.)
Of making of many books there is no end; yet on various great
groups of British Fungi there is not only room, but very great need,
for monographs. But to justify their existence such works must
give proofs of care in execution and of full acquaintance with the
subject treated of. It is to be regretted that the work under review
is not such as might have been looked for from the author. The
inclusion of so widely different groups as the JAZucoracee, the
Peronosporee, and the Usélaginee in the same small volume is
scarcely convenient. There scarcely seemed need to include the
Ustilaginee at all, in view of the recent excellent monograph on
them by Dr. Plowright; and, in fact, there is little, if any, real
addition made in the new work to our knowledge of this group in
Britain,
There was room for a manual on the two other groups, had the
object of the book as stated in the preface “to bring up to date the
British species of Fungi included” been fulfilled. A pretty long
148 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
list of names of “literature quoted” gives promise of careful
research. But it requires no great labour to detect that the
references to that literature are most incomplete, and to prove that
the book as it stands is utterly misleading in its profession of being
up to date. Leaving it to others to indicate deficiencies for the
English flora proper, we shall instance in support of the above
criticism only the old genus /eronospora (now broken up into
several genera), as regards the species recorded in the “Scottish
Naturalist” some years since. As that journal appears among the
‘‘Literature quoted” we might have assumed that all records in it
of species new to Britain would have been noted, yet there is no
mention in the monograph of the following species recorded in the
journal :—P. odovata, Bon., P. Potentilla, De Bary, P. Chrysosplenit,
Fckl., P. leptosperma, De Bary, P. Radi, De Bary, P. Valeriane,
Trail, P. alta, Fckl., P. Rumicis, Corda. Nor is there any reference
to P. Alsinearum, Casp., and P. Sclerantht, Rabh., even to show
that they are sunk as synonyms. As the total number of species of
Peronospora, in the widest sense, mentioned in the book is twenty-
five, the above omissions are very noteworthy. The host plants
enumerated are also very defective.
Space will not permit of naming the omissions of records from
Scotland in the other groups of fungi included in the work.
Monographs are rendered considerably more useful when they give
references to earlier notices of the species treated of in them; but
this has been attempted only as regards a few writers (e.g. Berkeley)
in this work; nor has any attempt been made to _ indicate
distribution. The book also bears signs of want of care in the
numerous printer’s errors that disfigure its pages.
A Monograph of the Myxogastres. By GEORGE MASSEE.
(Methuen and Co. 1892. Ry. 8vo. 367 pp. 12 coloured plates.)
It is with great pleasure that we turn to this important and care-
ful monograph (just issued), in which the author does justice alike to
himself and to his subject. ‘There has for several years been much
need of a revision of the curious organisms included in the group
of Myxogastres, whether these be regarded as plants or as animals,
a question, indeed, rather of words than of vital significance so
far down in the scale of organised beings. Mr. Massee shows
evidence of having brought to the work much personal investigation,
and a thorough acquaintance with the work of others among these
plants, and with the extensive materials for study contained in the
Herbarium at Kew and obtained from his correspondents. The
numerous excellent coloured figures from Mr. Massee’s brush add to
the value of the book, which will be indispensable to every student
of the Myxogastres. A few Scottish localities are referred to under
certain species ; but we have not observed any new records among
these.
The Annals
of
Scottish Natural History
No. 3] 1892 [JuLy
ON NEW AND RARE CRUSTACEA FROM
THE: .EAST “COAST OF Cet Ea
By Tuomas Scott, F.L.S,, and ANDREW SCOTT.
PLATES VI. and VII.
Lichomolgus aberdonensis, n. sp. (Plate VI. Figs. 1-12).
LENGTH, exclusive of tail sete, 1.46 mm. (about ;; of an
inch). The cephalo-thorax is composed of five segments, the
first of which is longer than the combined length of the other
four, rounded in front, and not produced into a rostrum ; the
fifth segment is rather longer than, and little more than half
the breadth of, the preceding segment. Abdomen in both
sexes composed of five segments, the first segment nearly
twice the breadth of the next one, and as long as the second
and third together. In the male the lateral distal angles of
this segment are furnished with two small unequal spines
(Fig. 12). The fourth segment of the abdomen in both sexes
is shorter than either of the other segments. The whole
length of the abdomen (exclusive of the caudal stylets) is
scarcely half the length of the cephalo-thorax. Caudal
stylets about half as long again as the last abdominal seg-
ment and furnished with six seta, the fourth seta (counting
from the outside) is considerably longer than the entire
length of the abdomen and caudal stylets combined.
Anterior antennz seven-jointed, alike in both sexes, and
3 B
150 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HBiIsTony
provided with numerous sete; the proportional length of
the joints are nearly as shown by the annexed formula :-—
SPS 23 Oe enon
ee ee 7
Posterior antennz four-jointed ; the first and second joints are
elongate, the third and fourth very short (Fig. 3). Mandible
short and moderately stout, armed at the extremity with
two processes and two spiniform sete ; one of the processes
is conical and tooth-like, and serrate on the inner edge, the
other is somewhat cylindrical, and rounded at the end—the
margin that is opposed to the tooth-like process, and also
the end, being hispid (Fig. 4). Maxillze stout, broad, and
bearing a number of terminal spiniform seta. Anterior foot-
jaws stout, with a proportionally large marginal setiferous
lobe, and several terminal spines (ig. 5). Posterior foot-jaws
two-jointed, those of the male armed with a strong, uncinate,
and sinuous terminal claw, which is considerably longer than
the stout broad joint from the end of which it springs, and
with which it forms a powerful grasping organ. At the base
or the claw, on the inside, there is a stout, short, and blum
spine. The inner edge of the last joint of the foot-jaw is fur-
nished with a double (?or treble) row of elongate blunt-
pointed teeth. Two long stout plumose sete spring from the
inner margin, and near the distal end of the first joint. The
terminal claw probably passes down between these two sete,
and forms with them an interlocking apparatus (Fig. 7).
The posterior foot-jaws in the female, are also moderately
stout, but the terminal claw is feeble; the last joint is not so
broad, and its inner margin bears two setiferous spines instead
of the double row of teeth possessed by that of the male.
The first, second, third, and fourth pairs of swimming-feet
are nearly alike ; both branches are short (the outer being
rather shorter than the inner) and three-jointed. The outer
branch is armed exteriorly with a number of dagger-like
spines, as shown in the figures (Figs. 8 and 9g). The inner
distal angle of the first basal joint of all the four pairs bears
a spiniform seta. The inner distal angle of the second basal
joint of the first pair bears also an elongate dagger-like spine,
while a moderately long and stout seta springs from the
outer margin of the same joint. The fifth pair of feet are
CRUSTACEA FROM EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND 151
broad and foliaceous—more so in the female than the male,
as shown in the figures (Figs. 10 and I1).
Flabitat—Aberdeen Bay. Several specimens were
obtained in bottom-townet material collected in 1891, but
only a few of them were mature.
Lichomolgus aberdonensts resembles in general form and
structure the species described in the “ Tenth Annual Report
of the Fishery Board for Scotland” under the name of
Lichomolgus littoralzs, but differs from it in several important
points, as in the proportional length of the joints of the
anterior and posterior antenne, in the form of the posterior
foot-jaw and fifth pair of feet, and in the proportional length
of the segments of the abdomen.
Lichomolgus arenicolus, Brady (Plate VII. Figs. 1-10).
1872. Boeckia arenicola, Brady, “ Nat. Hist. Trans. of
Northumberland and Durham,” vol. iv. p. 430.
1880. Lechomolgus arenicolus, Brady, “ Mon. Brit. Copep.”
vol. iii. Plate LXX XVII. Figs. 1-7.
Female.—Length, exclusive of tail sete, 2°3 mm. An-
terior antennz not more than half the length of the first
body segment, and composed of six joints, which are all
more or less setiferous ; the proportional length of the joints
are nearly as in the formula :—
ES) WS 2.0) The Bax BY
er aoe ee Se eee
Posterior antennz stout, four-jointed; the first two joints
short, the third about twice the length of the second, and
the last about two-thirds the length of the preceding one.
The last joint is armed with three stout terminal clawed
spines, which are elongate, and distinctly articulated and
swollen near the middle—the distal half being strongly
curved and claw-like. There is a fourth terminal articulated
spine, but it is more slender and less curved than the other
three (Fig. 3). Mandibular stylets two, the upper one
provided with a row of marginal teeth, the first two of
which are large, while the others gradually decrease in size
towards the distal end. The lower stylet bears a number of
fine hairs on its upper margin (Fig. 4). The maxille
consist of a broad laminar plate rounded at the end, and
152 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
furnished with a moderately long terminal spine; there is
also a small marginal bifid process on the one side, while a
small seta springs from the margin on the other side (Fig. 5).
The last joint of the anterior foot-jaw terminates in four
moderately large subequal sub-marginal spines, and a small
lateral spine springs from near the proximal end of the joint
(Fig. 6). Posterior foot-jaw rudimentary, moderately broad
and stout, and having a very small subterminal tooth-like
process (Fig. 7). The first, second, third, and fourth pairs of
swimming-feet nearly alike; both branches short (the inner
rather longer than the outer one), and three-jointed (Figs. 8
and g). The armature of the inner branches differs to some
extent, especially in the following manner: the last joint
of the inner branches of the first pair is provided with one
submarginal short and stout dagger-shaped spine, and
round the distal end with five moderately .long sete, as
shown in Fig. 8. In the second pair the last joint bears one
terminal and two submarginal dagger-shaped spines, which
are rather longer than that of the first pair, and three sub-
marginal sete. In the third pair the last joint bears two
terminal and two submarginal spines, and two marginal
sete. In the fourth pair the last joint is armed with the
same number of spines as in the third pair, but with only
one marginal seta, as shown in Fig. 9. Fifth pair elongate,
foliaceous, furnished with one short seta on the external
margin and near the distal end; immediately anterior to the
seta is a number of small marginal teeth. The somewhat
truncate extremity of the foot bears three sete, the middle
one of which is very small, while the other two are moder-
ately long and stout, and nearly of equal length (Fig. 10).
Abdomen four-jointed, the first segment about twice the
length of the next, and somewhat dilated ; the other three
segments are subequal, the last being rather longer than either
of the other two. Caudal stylets rather longer than the last
abdominal segment, and about three times as long as broad ;
each stylet is furnished with several terminal plumose sete,
and with one seta near the middle of the exterior margin.
Habitat—Off St. Monans, Firth of Forth. One
specimen only (a female) of this interesting species was
obtained, and is recorded (but not described or figured) in
CRUSTACEA FROM EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND 153
tie * Tenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for
Scotland” (1892).
Lichomolgus arenicolus appears to be a rare species.
Some important details of structure not noticed in “ British
Copepoda” are here described and figured, as are also
several others, to illustrate the description of the species,
viz.: the posterior antennz with its remarkably articulated
and clawed terminal spines, the rudimentary female pos-
terior foot-jaw, and the fourth pair of swimming-feet, which,
like the other three pairs, has both branches three-jointed,
and which in this respect forms, with Lzchomolgus aberdon-
ensts, Lichomolgus littoralis, and Lichomologus sabelle, a
distinct group—the other species of Lzchomolgus being
distinguished from these three by having the inner
branches of the fourth pair of swimming- feet one- or
two-jointed. The one- or two-jointed inner branches of
the fourth pair of feet constitute one of the characters
of the genus Lichomolgus, while a second character is that
of the mandible, which has the form of “a slender stylet,
dilated at the base, but excessively slender and filiform
beyond the middle.” In Lichomolgus arenicolus there are
two mandibular stylets, and in Lzchomolgus aberdonensis and
fittoralis the mandible, which is moderately stout and broad,
has no stylets, but is armed at the extremity with one or
two tooth-like processes and a few seta. In consequence of
this divergence from some of the generic characters of
Lichomolgus, it may become necessary to institute one, or
possibly two, sub-genera for the reception of these aberrant
forms, or otherwise to alter the generic definition of
Lichomolgus so as to include them.
Should it be found desirable, for the reasons stated, to
remove Lichomolgus littoralis and aberdonensts into a different
genus or sub-genus, we would suggest P/atychetron as an
appropriate generic name,—being descriptive of the remark-
ably broad ultimate joint of the male posterior foot-jaws
of the two species referred to.
1 A species described by I. C. Thompson in ‘* Proc. Liverpool Biol. Soc.,” vol.
ii. p. 68. He also records Z. a/bens, Thorell, from Liverpool Bay, but we have not
as yet seen any description of this species. Another species (apparently new),
having the inner branches of the first four pairs of swimming-feet three-jointed,
has just been obtained by us, and will be described and figured later.
ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
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CRUSTACEA FROM EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND 155
Thysanoessa borealis (G. O. Sars).
1882. TZhysanoessa borealis, “Oversigt over Norges
Peustaccer, bd: |. pp. 52, 53.
This Schizopod has been obtained in various parts of
the Firth of Forth, but never in quantity—one, or at most
only a few specimens being taken at a time. TZ7hysanoessa
has the first pair of legs long, but not so long or so slender as
those of MVematocelts, which it somewhat resembles. It is
further distinguished from Vematocelis by the penultimate joint
of the first pair of legs being provided throughout its length
with stout ciliated setz, the last joint—-which is very small
—being also furnished with a number of hairs. On the other
hand, the first pair of legs in Vematocelzs have both the pen-
ultimate and antipenultimate joints (which are long and
slender) naked, but there is a bunch of spiniform setz at the
apex of the legs. The first legs are very easily broken, so
that in handling specimens, or in collecting them, great care
is required to keep the legs intact. We are indebted to the
Rev. A. M. Norman for the name of the 7ysanoessa here
recorded.
Among a few specimens of Forth Schizopoda forwarded
to Dr. Norman for identification, and which included the
Thysanoessa referred to above, he observed what he considers
to beaspecimen of Vematocelis megalops (G. O. Sars) ; but the
specimen he examined, and one or two others that seem to
belong to the same species, having lost their first legs, and
thus wanting the character which chiefly distinguishes them,
it is perhaps better for the present to leave the claim of
Nematocelis megalops for a place in the Forth fauna in abey-
ance till more satisfactory specimens turn up. Dr. Norman
informs us that Mematocelits megalops was sent to him from
Banff by Thomas Edward twenty or thirty years ago; from
Aberdeen by Mr. Sim in 1872; and that it has quite
recently been obtained at Redcar.
The eyes of 7hysanoessa and Nematocelis have a marked
constriction near the middle, which divides the eye into what
appears to be a lower and upper eye, and thus imparts to
them a peculiar and rather striking appearance, and which
156 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
serves to distinguish them at a glance from either Loreo-
phausia or Nyctiphanes.
Explanation of Plate VI.
Lichomolgus aberdonensis, n. sp.
Fig. 1. Adult female x “Zo
, 2. Anterior antenna x 95
»» 3- Posterior antenna . xX 125
» 4: Mandible; <2, maxilla a EN =
55 ha euiterior fon Jaw x 190
,, 6. Posterior foot-jaw (female) x 190
,, 7. Posterior foot-jaw (male) x 190
,, 8. Foot of first pair XID
5 9. Foot of fourth pair ules
5, 10. Foot of fifth pair (female) ae B=
,», 11. Foot of fifth pair (male) . kes
,, 12. Abdomen of male. x 40
Explanation of Plate VII.
Lichomolgus arenicolus, Brady.
Fig. 1. Adult Female i tie
,, 2. Anterior antenna . ; =) 20a
7 Qe Pesternor antenna . : ~ :—Well
marked ; in ditches near Tain.
Cardamine hirsuta, /.—Cliffs south of Balintore. ‘This is, I
think, rarer in the north than C. flexuosa, With.
Draba ineana, 7.—Very fine, upon the lower cliffs of Ben Chaisteil,
rocks of Stob Garbh, at the head of Inverlochlarig glen, and
facing Am Binnein (87).
Cochlearia officinalis, 7.—Salt-marsh, Tain; typical. *C. daniea,
£.—Plants growing in wet ground, near the top of Corrie Dubh
Ghalair, alt. 2700 feet, and on Meall Ghaordic, alt. 3000
feet (88), are so named by Dr. Lange. They are, if rightly
determined, off type in having the rosette-leaves entire, in this
respect recalling the figure of {6 7utegrifolia, Drejer, in “ FI.
Danica.” ‘They also differ somewhat in habit from the normal
coast plant, and have larger flowers.
C. alpina, /Vatson.—Very luxuriant upon the shingles of the Fillan,
about two miles above Crianlarich. I incline to consider this
specifically distinct from C. officinalis, and am growing them for
purposes of comparison. ‘The alpine forms of scurvy-grass
occurring in North Britain need to be thoroughly studied
afresh, especially under cultivation; but the task will require
much time and patience. I believe that we have at least
one plant which fits neither officinalis, danica, nor alpina, as
commonly understood. I formerly supposed this to be the
ON SOME SCOTTISH PLANTS OBSERVED JULY 1891 187
true C. grenlandica, from which, however, it greatly differs.
Brought from Ben Lawers in 1887, it has grown in my garden
ever since; doubtless it occurs also on other high mountains.
It does not agree at all well with the specimens of C. arctica,
Schlecht., which I have seen, nor with Fries’s description of
that plant. The very numerous and crowded leaves which are
produced in early spring under cultivation suggest C. conferta
as an appropriate name, should it eventually prove to be an
undescribed species.
*C. groenlandica, Z.—Sandy ground, west shore of Inver Bay,
near Tain (106) ; locally abundant. .—Plentiful at
Kildary (106).
Serophularia nodosa, Z.—By the river at Kildary there grows a
curious form, unusually tall and branching, and with the
staminodes entire, not notched or emarginate, as Hooker,
Babington, and Lange concur in describing them. Mr. Beeby
has found the same peculiarity in a Scandinavian specimen ;
and it seems to differ from the assumed type much as 5S. cénerea,
Dumort, does from the assumed type of .S. aguatica. Which
is Linné’s type cannot well be ascertained, the specimen in his
herbarium being in fruit only.
Bartsia alpina, Z.—Rather frequent on Ben Chaisteil, where I
understand that Professor Balfour found it many years ago.
Melampyrum pratense, Z., var. hians, Drwce.—In shade, near
Bonar Bridge.
Rhinanthus minor, /4%74.—The remarkable plant with narrow
leaves, and frequently with numerous long patent or ascending
branches, which Mr. Hanbury and myself reported last year
in “ Journal of Botany,” and which grows abundantly on heaths
near Tain, has been named var. angustifolia, Aoch, by Dr.
Lange.
*Utricularia neglecta, Ze/m. (?)—Very sparingly, in a small pool at
the west end of Loch Eye (106). A slender plant, with rather
large bladders, which is certainly neither mcnor nor vulgaris,
and must, I believe, be referred to this species, though the
leaves are shorter and less finely capillary than usual. It was
not in flower. I have seen what appears to be typical wegdecta,
collected near Melrose by Mr. W. B. Boyd.
Pinguicula vulgaris, Z.; var. bicolor, Vordstedt.— Perthshire,
cliffs of Ben Laoigh ; exactly like the Ben Nevis plant which
I published under this name in 1889. It has the corolla
much flattened, with very pale lilac or white lips, and appears
to shade off gradually into the type.
ON SOME SCOTTISH PLANTS OBSERVED JULY 1891 I9I
Lycopus europzeus, 7.—Mill-pond between Fearn and Balintore.
Stachys palustris x sylvatica (.S. ambigua, Sm.)—Shingles of the
Fillan river, growing close to .S. palustris; fairly intermediate.
Plantago maritima, Z.—A plant which occurs in wet ground on
Ben Laoigh, and which I suspected to be P. serfentina, Vill.,
was again examined zz sz/#z by Mr. Cosmo Melville and myself,
and we came to the conclusion that it was only one of the
alpine states of the common species.
Chenopodium album, Z., var. paganum, /e7ch>.—Balintore.
*Salsola Kali, Z.—Coast near Tain, Balintore, and Kildary (106).
Polygonum aviculare, Z., var. littorale, Zzzk.—On shingle near
Balintore. I notice that Lange retains this as a distinct
species.
“Salix phylicifolia, 7.—Banks of the Carron (106). §. Arbuseula
x herbacea (S. s¢ulatrix, B. White).—Ben Laoigh; a form
approaching ferbacea. Ben Chaisteil (*98); very near
Arbuscula indeed. S. einerea x phylicifolia (S. Vardiana,
Leefe).—By the Benmore burn, just below the railway-bridge,
two miles east of Crianlarich.
Orchis incarnata, Z.—A few plants were noticed on a heath near
Nigg.
Habenaria albida, ”. 47.—Ascends to 1800 feet on Ben Chaisteil.
*H. chloroleuea, Azdey.—Strathcarron (106).
*Typha angustifolia, 7.—Very abundant beside a loch, close to
the railway, about two miles south of Bonar Bridge Station
(106). Ihave noticed it there for two years in succession,
and feel quite sure about the species, though I have not
gathered it. Evidently wild.
Sparganium ramosum, Cwzrfis.—Mill-pond between Fearn and
Balintore. A sterile state found near Crianlarich much re-
sembles \S. neglectum in factes when growing; it seems to be
the var. mieroecarpum. S. minimum, /7.—In the Fillan,
between Crianlarich and Tyndrum.
Alisma Plantago, Z.—Mill-pond between Fearn and Balintore.
*Potamogeton prelongus, ///f—Loch Eye (106). P. peetinatus,
£.—With the last; queried in “Top. Bot.”
*Ruppia rostellata, Aoch.—Tain (106); infested with a globular
growth, probably the fungus lately mentioned by Mr. Beeby as
found by him in Shetland on R. spiralis.
Carex remota, 7.—Strathcarron and Kildary. I believe that this
192 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
is uncommon in the Northern Highlands. *C. pilulifera, Z.—
Heaths about Tain (106). *C€. distans, Z.—Base of the cliffs
south of Balintore (106); typical and fine. A very reduced
state, from one to four inches high, which I had not previously
met with, was found in a salt-marsh near Inver Bay. *C. ex-
tensa, Good., var. pumila, Axderss.—On the west side of
Inver Bay, abundant and very marked ; prostrate, with stems
only from one to three inches long. I could not find the type.
C. rostrata, S/okes.—An alpine state, plentiful in bogs on Meall
Ghaordie, above 2800 feet, is named by Mr. Bennett var.
brunnescens, Azderss.
Phalaris =arundinacea, Z., var. picta, Z.—Mill-pond between
Fearn and Balintore; native. JI have seen it wild also in
Caithness and at Braemar.
“Milium effusum, 7.—Very scarce indeed, on the wooded banks of
the Carron river; an unexpected find (106).
Deschampsia flexuosa, 77/7., var. montana, /Zuds.—Ben Chais-
teil; Stob Garbh. A marked form of this species, which I
gathered on Meall Garbh, Ben Lawers, in 1887, seems to me
exactly like authentic specimens of var. Voirlichensis, JZe/vz7/.
It was sent to Professor Hackel, who did not, however, separate
it from the type.
“Trisetum flavescens, Zeawv.—Tain (106).
Avena pratensis, Z., var. longifolia, Parn.—Frequent on the cliffs
of Ben Chaisteil.
“Catabrosa aquatica, Leauwv.—Tain (106).
Poa glauca, S.—Stob Garbh (87). *“P. nemoralis, Z.—Ben
Chaisteil (98); a glaucous alpine form, which may be var.
glaueantha, Pezché.
Glyeeria maritima, /Vaf/., var. hispida, Parn.— Muddy ground,
Tain, with the type.
“Bromus sterilis, Z.—Tain (106). B. commutatus, Schrad.—
Tain, Nigg, and near Bonar Bridge. Mixed with the type,
near Tain, grows a form with hairy flowers, which may be var.
pubescens of the London Catalogue.”
Hymenophyllum unilaterale, 40ry.—On the cliffs of Stob Garbh
(87), in small quantity.
“Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, Z.—Cliffs south of Balintore
(106).
“Athyrium Filix-foemina, ?o¢/i.—Strathcarron (106). A. alpestre,
Milde.—Stob Garbh (87).
THE DESMIDIEA OF EAST FIFE 193
Equisetum arvense. /.: var. alpestre, /Vah/—Ben Laoigh, and
near the top of Corrie Dubh Ghalair, Glen Lochay.
Lycopodium alpinum, Z.; var. decipiens, Syme (L. complanatum,
auct. angl., non L.)—-At the very low elevation of about 200
feet, fruiting freely, on a heathery bank above the Carron
river (106),
THE DESMIDIEAL OF EAST FIFE.
By Joun Roy, LL.D:
THE following short list has been made from material
gathered by Mrs. Farquharson, F.R.M.S., towards the close
of last year.
The district is evidently not rich in Desmids, for though
my valued friend collected indefatigably all about St.
Andrews, from Blackhills to Newport, and inland as far as
Cupar (Tent’s Moor proving by far the most productive),
yet the number seen is comparatively small. There are no
new species to record, but some of those noted are scarce
elsewhere. Cosmarium microsphinctum, Nord., forma parvula,
Wille, is believed to be new to Britain, and the following are
very rare: Cosmarium premorsum, Breb.; Cosmocladium
constrictum, Archer; Xanthidium Srebtssoniz, Ralfs., B
basidentatum, Borg.; and Docidium Fargquharsonit, Roy.
The interest of the list lies in the fact that it relates to a
district of which, from a Desmidian point of view, nothing
was previously known.
DESMIDIEA, Avirz.
Hyalotheea, A7i/s.
Flyalotheca dissiliens, Sm. ‘Tent’s Moor.
" * B bidentula, Nordst. ‘Yent’s Moor.
ss 3 y tridentula, Nordst. Peat End.
Desmidium, Ay.
Desmidium Aptogonum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Sphezerozosma, Corda.
Spherozosma excavatum, Ralfs. ‘Tent’s Moor.
194 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Mierasterias, Ag.
Micrasterias denticulata, Breb. Tent’s Moor.
rotata, Grev. ‘Tent’s Moor.
papillifera, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
truncata, Corda. ‘Tent’s Moor.
crenata, Ralfs. Tent’s Moor.
bb)
om)
9)
99
Euastrum, £77.
Euastrum verrucosum, Ehr. ‘Tent’s Moor.
3 oblongum, Grev. ‘Tent’s Moor.
ampullaceum, Ralfs. ‘Tent’s Moor.
ansatum, Ralfs. ‘Tent’s Moor.
pectinatum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
¥ rostratum, Ralfs. ‘Yent’s Moor.
ms elegans, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
- bidentatum, Nag. ‘Tent’s Moor.
declive, Reinsch. ‘Tent’s Moor.
denticulatum, Kirch. ‘Tent’s Moor.
mn binale, ‘Vurp.
(a) Forma minuta, Lund (Ralfs, “ Br. Des.,” t. xiv 8@
Tent’s Moor.
(6) Forma (Ralfs, Z.¢., 84). Peat End.
(c) Forma (Ralfs, /7.¢., 8c, d@). ‘Tent’s Moor.
(7) Forma (Ralfs, Zc., 8¢). Tent’s Moor.
Cosmarium, Corda.
Cosmarium margaritiferum, Turp. ‘Tent’s Moor; Scotscraig.
reniforme, Archer. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Turnert, Roy. ‘Tent’s Moor.
premorsum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
ochthodes, Nordst. ‘Tent’s Moor.
tetraophthalmum, Kutz. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Botrytis, Bory. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Brebissonit, Menegh. ‘Tent’s Moor.
gemmiferum, Breb. Kemback; Mount Melville.
gradatum, Roy. Mount Melville.
punctulatum, Breb. Peat End.
3 subpunctulatum, Nordst. ‘Tent’s Moor; Kemback
Peat End ; Scotscraig.
Blyttii, Wille. Peat End.
af Slewdrumense, Roy. ‘Tent’s Moor; Mount Melville.
a striatum, Boldt. ‘Tent’s Moor.
substriatum, Nordst. ‘Tent’s Moor.
THE DESMIDIE OF EAST FIFE 195
Cosmarium microsphinctum, Nordst.
Forma farvula, Wille. Kemback.
Pr crenatum, Ralfs. Peat End; Mount Melville.
mA Phaseolus, Breb. ‘Yent’s Moor.
zs pygmeum, Archer. ‘Tent’s Moor; Peat End.
Z Meneghinit, Breb.
(az) Forma (Ralfs, ‘‘ Br. Des.,” t. xv. 6). Tent’s Moor.
(6) Forma (De Bary, “Conjug.,” t. vi. 33-34). Kem-
back.
Fe granatum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor; Scotscraig.
B alatum, Jacobs. ‘Tent’s Moor.
polygonum, Nag. ‘Tent’s Moor; Kemback.
FS guadratum, Ralfs. ‘Tent’s Moor.
= cucurbita, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor; Peat End.
e parvulum, Breb. Peat End.
ss (Cosmocladium, Breb.), constrictum, Archer. ‘Yent’s Moor.
Arthrodesmus, £77.
Arthrodesmus convergens, Ehr. ‘Tent’s Moor.
- Incus, Breb.
B convergens, Archer. ‘Tent’s Moor, with zygospores.
Xanthidium, 7/77.
NXanthidium Brebissonit, Ralfs. Tent’s Moor.
B basidentatum, Borg. Tent’s Moor.
- antilopeum, Breb. ‘Yent’s Moor.
as fasciculatum, Ehr. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Staurastrum, JZeyev.
Staurastrum orbiculare, Ehr.
B depressum, Roy and Bisset. ‘Tent’s Moor.
rt . dejectum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
- apiculatum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
mucronatum, Ralfs. ‘Vent’s Moor.
Dickiet, Ralfs. ‘Tent’s Moor.
A hexacerum, Ehr.
B Ralfs. Tent’s Moor.
. alternans, Breb. ‘Yent’s Moor.
nh Kjellmani, Wille. ‘Tent’s Moor.
is punctulatum, Breb. Kemback ; Mount Melville.
- asperum, Breb. Kemback.
Ms scabrum, Breb. Mount Melville.
i margaritaceum, Ehr. Peat End.
= polymorphum, Breb. ‘Yent’s Moor.
196 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORM
Staurastrum inflexum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
proboscidium, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
gracile, Ralfs. Tent’s Moor.
cristatum, Nag. ‘Tent’s Moor.
mesoletum, Nordst. ‘Tent’s Moor.
hirsutum, EKhr. ‘Tent’s Moor.
pilosum, Nag. Kemback; Mount Melville.
Brebissonit, Archer. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Tetmemorus, Aa/f.
Tetmemorus granulatus, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Lrebissonit, Menegh.
BB. minor, De Bary. Peat End.
devis, Kiitz. Tent’s Moor; Peat End.
99
99
Penium, /7¢?.
Pentium lamellosum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Navicula, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
polymorphum, Perty. Peat End.
minutisstmum, Nordst. Peat End.
spinospermum, Joshua. Peat End.
bp)
Cylindroeystis, J/enegh.
Cylindrocystis Brebissonit, Menegh. Peat End.
‘ crassa, De Bary. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Mesotenium, Vig.
Mesotentum Braun, De Bary. Tent’s Moor; Peat End.
violascens, De Bary. ‘Tent’s Moor.
LEindlichertanum, Nag. ‘Tent’s Moor.
99
Gonatozygon, De Lary.
Gonatozygon Ralfsit, De Bary. Tent’s Moor. |
Docidium, Ared.
Docidium Farquharsont, Roy. ‘Vent’s Moor.
coronatum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
f. nodulosum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
Ehrenbergit, Ralfs. Tent’s Moor.
29
Closterium, JV7Zzsc/.
Clostertum Lunula, Miller. ‘ent’s Moor.
LEhrenbergit, Menegh. ‘Tent’s Moor.
moniliferum, Bory. Kemback; Mount Melville.
9)
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 197
Closterium Leibleinit, Kiitz. Kemback.
f. Ralfs. Tent’s Moor, with zygospores; Mount
Melville.
Liane, Ehr. ‘Tent’s Moor.
calosporum, Wittr. Tent’s Moor.
Venus, Kitz. Tent’s Moor.
tncurvum, Breb. Tent’s Moor.
parvulum, Nag. Mount Melville.
acerosum, Schrank. Tent’s Moor; Kemback; Mount
Melville.
costatum, Corda. Tent’s Moor.
striolatum, Ehr. Tent’s Moor.
arcuatum, Breb. ‘Tent’s Moor.
vrostratum, Ehr. Kemback.
Kutzingit, Breb. Tent’s Moor.
Cornu, Ehr. Tent’s Moor.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
Rockall and its Avifauna.—In ‘“Chambers’s Journal” for
March last there appeared at pages 161-163 an interesting, graphic,
and circumstantial account of ‘A Visit to Rockall’ made in the
summer of 1891 in the steam yacht “Norah.” According to this
narrative, a party landed and spent some time on the rock; the
writer of the account paying special attention to the bird-life, hitherto
practically unknown. ‘The Kittiwake was the commonest species.
Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Puffins, Razorbills,
Guillemots, were numerous ; and amongst them an occasional Little
Auk was observed. ‘Tiny Petrels had burrows in the guano-capped
summit of the rock. ‘Terns hovered among the Gulls, and a Skua
and a Fulmar were noted. We were extremely interested in these
records relating to the birds of this unique Atlantic rock, and
through the kindness of Messrs. Chambers were put into communi-
cation with the anonymous writer of the article. To our great
astonishment we received in due course the following reply to a
letter requesting further information: ‘‘I am sorry you should have
taken an imaginary description of a visit to Rockall—only meant
to amuse—for a contribution to science. I never was at Rockall.”
We can only say that such an explanation of the article never
occurred to us, and is irreconcilable with its whole tenor. We
accepted it as a useful, avd truthful contribution to the very scanty
knowledge of Rockall. Now, we can only regard it as a very repre-
hensible bit of writing, for which the proprietors of the journal,
it is hardly necessary to say, are in no way responsible.—Ebs,
3 E
198 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Notes on Birds in Barra.—The two following birds, which I
have not observed in the two Uists or Benbecula, nest and remain
during the whole year in Barra: ReEpBREaAstT (£7ithacus rubecula, L.)
There are about half a dozen pairs of these now over the island, in
gardens and young plantations, although three years ago I did not
see a single bird. Last year a pair nested in the the Northbay
garden, and this year I got two nests there, one on the 6th of May
with six eggs. During the past winter, which was more severe here
than usual, the birds were always seen about the garden and steading.
HEDGE SPARROW (Accentor modularis, L.)—'There are several
pairs of these throughout the island, and I have got two of their
nests this season. I never saw the bird in Uist.
TREE SPARROW (fasser montanus, 1..)—This species is now very
numerous on the island, especially in the garden at Eoligary, where
it has been for at least forty or fifty years. This, no doubt, is
the bird which Macgillivray mistook for the House Sparrow (P.
domesticus, L.), which he says he found at the ruins of Kilbar, which
are quite close to the Eoligary garden.
We have also a few pairs of the REED BuntinG (Z£mberiza sche-
niclus, L.) and the Stonecuat (Pratincola rubicola) all the year, and
the GREENFINCH (Ligurinus chloris, L.) as a migrant, but these occur
in Uist—J. MacRury, Barra.
Unusual Nesting Place for the Dipper (C2zclus aguaticus,
Bechst.)—Though the Dipper occasionally builds on the old moss-
covered roots of trees supporting the banks of a stream, seldom or
never does it do so on the tree itself; the following particulars may
therefore be interesting and worth recording. ‘The nest I allude to
was found by Mr. Wood, of Freeland, on the River May (Perthshire)
in the early summer of 1890. It was situated on the naked limb
of an ancient alder overhanging the stream. The end of the limb
had been formerly broken off, together with a considerable sized
branch, leaving a jagged stump. On this the nest was constructed
about four feet above the water at midstream, or about twelve feet
from either bank. It appears as if during the previous winter floods
some turfy matter had become firmly fixed and entangled on the
stump, owing to the long grass attached to it, so as to have induced
the birds to make use of it as a nesting place, possibly by way of
deception, artfully blending the materials into the nest with some of
the long grass hanging down so as to give the general effect to the
unsuspicious passer by of a clod of earth, the remnants of some high
spate, to which the May is very subject: the more especially would
this be so, the entrance to the nest being only visible from under-
neath. Mr. Wood kindly had the portion of the branch with the
nest on it undisturbed carefully sawn off so as to exhibit it in the
exact position in which it was found, and presented it to the Museum
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 199
of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science in Tay Street, Perth,
where it is now placed.—H. M. Drummonp Hay, Seggieden, Perth.
Whitethroat (Sy/via rufa, Bodd.) in Barra.—On the 13th of
this month (May 1892) I noticed a pair of Whitethroats in my
garden here. At first they were very shy and difficult to observe,
as they were continually moving about among the bushes, but after
a day or two they got bolder, and I was in hopes they might nest
in the garden. I have, however, missed them for the last few days ;
but as there is a small plantation near at hand, they may have gone
there. I have never seen these birds out here before, but the shelter
afforded by the trees that have been recently planted at several places
on the island will no doubt induce many strangers to pay us a
summer visit—J. MacRury, Barra.
White Wagtail (JZotacilla alba, L.) in Barra.—On the gth of
May 1891, I saw a pair of these birds on the west side of Barra,
and about the end of the following August I saw numbers of them
all over the island, but staying only for a few days. This year again,
on the 4th of May, I saw two pairs of them on the farm of Eoligary,
at the north end of the island ; and the tacksman, Mr. William Mac-
gillivray, told me he had noticed them a day or two before. To make
quite sure of the species, I shot one, which was in splendid plumage,
and which Mr. Macgillivray got preserved. During the following
week I saw one other bird on the east side of the island and three
on the west side.—JoHN MacRury, Barra.
Swift (Cypselus apus, L.) in Barra.—On the 29th of June, and
on the 27th of August, 1891, I saw a Swift in Barra, and on the
18th of July of the same year I saw another on the west side of
Benbecula—all solitary birds. I do not remember of seeing any
of them in these islands before, although swallows and sandmartins
are frequently seen.—JoHN MacRury, Barra.
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major, L.) in Stirling-
shire.—My attention being recently called to the! disappearance of
the Great Spotted Woodpecker, I may state that I saw what was
certainly one of these birds. On Sunday, 27th September 1890,
while on my way from Bonnybridge to Carron Glen, in Stirlingshire,
while on an old road lined with trees, I heard a loud tapping sound,
and immediately a large dark-coloured bird alighted on the body of
a tree within a short distance of me and began tapping and turning
bits of bark off, going upwards in a circle round the tree. I saw at
once it was a stranger, and followed it about from tree to tree for
fully ten minutes, having a good view of it, as it did not appear the
least timid. It was about the size of a Blackbird, but longer and
firmer-made. ‘The back and wings were black and all spotted over
with white, and white streaks appearing lengthwise above the eyes.
I could not get a look at the under parts, as it always stuck close to
200 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
the boll of the trees, but the breast appeared to be of a pale slate or
gray colour. It took flight in the direction of Carron Glen, but
although I always kept a lookout I never saw it again.—FRED.
Larrp, Bonnybridge.
Whimbrel (Mumenius pheopus, L.) wintering in Barra.—I have
again to record the wintering of this bird in Barra. I saw it and
heard its note on the 17th of September and on the 14th of October
1891, some distance to the south of the bay in which I used to see
it, and in this same bay I met with it on the 17th of March and on
the gth of May of this year. On the latter date there was a flock
of about a dozen of the same species in the bay, so that I could not
be so sure of my old friend; but I noticed that one bird kept more
with some oyster-catchers, and did not follow the flock about when
they took wing, and that it was also wilder than the passing migrants,
which are generally very tame on arrival.—J. MacRury, Barra.
Buzzard (Luteo vulgaris, Leach) in Forfarshire.—In January
last a keeper at Ethie, near Arbroath, observed a large bird of prey
struggling on the ground. Approaching nearer, he found that it had
a weasel (JZustela vulgaris) in its claws, and that the weasel had so
far freed itself as to be able to grasp the bird by the neck. When
the bird espied the keeper it relaxed its hold of the weasel, which
still held on and prevented the bird from making off. Just as the
keeper was about to seize hold, the bird gave a final struggle, shook
off its opponent, and made off. The keeper set a trap for the bird,
baiting it with a pigeon, and two days later found the bird caught
by a hind toe. He kept it in captivity for several weeks, giving it
a pigeon daily: a rabbit offered instead was left untouched for several
days. On examination, I found the captive to be a male specimen
of the Common Buzzard—a very rare species in this locality, only
one or two having been procured for many years.—THomas F.
Dewar, Arbroath.
Note on the Sheldrake (Zadorna cornuta, S. G. Gmelin).—
During the last eight or ten years, or more, this beautiful duck has
increased in Solway in a most surprising way. ‘This season they are
more plentiful than ever. Along the sandy shores of the Firth, more
especially from the mouth of the Nith round as far as Auchencairn
Bay, they are very abundant indeed. A few days ago I counted
close on 150 Sheldrakes scattered in pairs and singly over the sands.
On the right bank of the Southwick Burn, and going a little further
eastward towards Southerness Point, small parties of two or three
pairs to as many as a score of pairs would be passed all along the
beach. And perhaps as many more were away attending to the
duties of incubation. The general opinion seems to be that within
a very few years past the “‘Stockannets” have increased at least
tenfold. Absence of molestation in the breeding season, caused
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 201
mainly by the restraining influence of the Wild Birds Protection
Acts, and the restrictions imposed on certain classes by the necessity
of taking out a gun license, have been the principal causes leading
to a result so gratifying to all lovers of birds—ROBERT SERVICE,
Maxwelltown.
Nesting of the Water Rail (Aal/us aquaticus, L.) in Perthshire.
—In a corner of a quiet moorland loch in West Perthshire there is
a small patch of tall rushes, growing in a floating bog, which is
inaccessible except by means of a boat. ‘The place being seldom
disturbed, is consequently a favourite breeding haunt of many water-
fowl. Here the Pochard, Mallard, Coots, and Moorhens may all be
seen nesting within a few yards of one another. On the 11th May
1889, when landed there, I saw for a moment, a small brown bird
creeping through the sedge grass like a rat—I felt sure that it was a
Water Rail. We searched for the nest that day in vain, and looked
for it in each succeeding spring without success, till this year, when,
on the 3rd May, it was discovered. It was a neat nest, rather
smaller than the Moorhen’s, composed of the flat leaves of the sedge,
built up to a height of a foot above the oozy mud, and contained
seven eggs. One day, when visiting this spot, we came across two
Moorhen’s nests, one containing twenty-one and the other nineteen
eggs, which were lying three or four deep in the nests. Some of
the eggs were abnormally small. I was sorry to be unable to
return to the place the same year, as it would have been interesting
to have learnt the result of the incubation. —W. H. M. DUTHIE,
Row House, by Doune.
The Food of the Great Skua (Stercorarius catarrhactes, L.)—The
opinion of Mr. W. Eagle Clarke that the Great Skua seeks its food
in more ways than one is confirmed by the testimony of three
excellent ornithologists who had the best opportunities for studying
the subject. My father, Dr. Laurence Edmondston, always said
that the Great Skua should rank among birds of prey, for nothing
came amiss to his rapacious maw. He would swoop on a feeble
lamb if very hard pressed by hunger; young rabbits came not amiss
to him and leaping trout were not beneath his notice ; even carrion
he did not despise. The Rev. Biot Edmondston, who has a
marvellous faculty for taming wild creatures, kept a Great Skua for
some years, and he says: ‘“‘He had an excellent appetite, and was
quite omnivorous, anything and everything eatable being gratefully
received, from new-caught trout or herring and sheep’s liver to cold
potatoes and porridge. But I am afraid he did not always confine
himself strictly to the fare provided for him ; for it was pretty well
known amongst us that several newly hatched ducklings which had
disappeared mysteriously had passed into his greedy maw.” ‘The
reverend gentleman also says he caught mice for his pet Skua, and
presented them alive: ten or twelve formed a satisfactory breakfast.
202 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Dr. Saxby in his “ Birds of Shetland” says: “It is a fierce and
formidable bird: not only does it compel other birds to supply its
wants, by intercepting them when carrying fish and taking it from
them by force, but it will sometimes make a prey of the unfortunate
bird itself instead of its fish, killing even birds as large as a gull.
The strong curved claws and powerful bill, hooked at the point, are
weapons with which no bird that flies will care to have much to do,
wielded as they are with such consummate daring. Skuas often
procure food for themselves or their young by robbing the gulls’
nests of the fish which are carried there by the old birds. Round
one Skua’s nest I once found thirty-nine full grown herrings, all
headless.” It is obvious that those three careful observers, who
never took facts second-hand, did not regard the Great Skua as a
mere parasite-bird. In a land where owls are seldom seen, hawks
not numerous, magpies conspicuous by their absence, moles, stoats
‘‘and sich like” unknown, the Great Skua may be useful if he is
admitted to be a destroyer of vermin. Doubtless he has his part to
do in keeping nature’s balances nicely adjusted.—JEssiz M. E.
SaxBy, Edinburgh.
Eledone cirrosa, Zamarck, in the Solway Firth.—This species
is well known to me as a rather infrequent visitor to places on the
shores of more open waters than we have on our own coasts; and I
have not hitherto seen or heard of it in the restricted waters of the
Scottish Solway. It was therefore with pleasure that I received a
specimen from Mr. Hugh Kerr, Newabbey, on the 2oth of May last.
It had been caught near Burnfoot by a “haafer.” The specimen
measured about twenty-three inches across its outstretched tentacles.
This is an interesting addition to the list of Squids and Cuttles
already noted as visitors to the Firth. Roserr SERVICE, Maxwell-
town.
Diaptomus castor, /w7ine, in the Braid Ponds near Edin-
burgh.—During a visit to the Braid Ponds in August 1888, I
collected some Entomostraca, comprising Copepoda, Ostracoda, etc.,
and a few of the specimens were selected and put aside for after
examination. Attention to other matters caused them to be
forgotten, and it was only the other day, when I was looking over
some odd things, that they were observed. On examining them I
was able, with the help of Professor G. S. Brady’s excellent ‘‘ Revision
of the British Species of Fresh-water Cyclopide and Calanide,”
lately published, to identify Dzaptomus castor, Jurine, among the
organisms from the Braid Ponds. This Calanid was formerly
considered to be a moderately common species, and as a member of
our fauna its distribution was believed to be, and probably is, co-
extensive with the British Islands, but Professor Brady when
preparing his “ Revision” does not appear to have observed DP.
castor among any of the Scotch fresh-water Calanidz submitted to
BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 203
him, and therefore no reference is made in the “ Revision” to any
Scotch locality for this species. The specific characters of D. castor,
like those of most other Copepoda, can only be satisfactorily made
out by dissection, but when that is done, and the parts carefully
mounted, there is comparatively little difficulty in distinguishing this
from the other Diaptomids. In the “Revision” six species of
Diaptomus are recorded and there are Scotch records for four of
these, viz. Diaptomus gracilis (a moderately common species),
Diaptomus bacillifer, Diaptomus hircus, and Diaptomus serricornis.
Diaptomus castor, now recorded, makes the fifth. The sixth—the
species not yet represented in the Scotch fresh-water fauna—is
Diaptomus sanctt-patricit, Brady, a species which has only as yet
been obtained ‘‘in two small tarns in Connemara.”—THomas SCOTT,
Edinburgh.
BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.
Fasciation in Austrian Pine (/:nus austriaca).—Eight or nine
years ago I purchased two very healthy young Austrian Pines from a
nursery at the foot of Inverleith Row, in Edinburgh. They were
planted, one at each corner of the ground in front of my house at
Rahane in the parish of Roseneath, on the west side of the Gareloch.
The soil is rather poor, being of the mica-schist formation. The
two trees were freely exposed to sunshine from the east and south ;
but a ridge of hills to the west partially shut off sunshine in the
after part of the day. For a time they showed equal vigour,
sending out long and strong branches from within a foot of the
ground and upwards, so much so that want of space required the re-
moval of some branches. One of the trees, when about eight feet
high, began to develop strong fasciation in its top. A strong broad
band, about two inches thick, began at the top, about eight feet from
the ground. It grew to about eighteen inches long ; and next year
there shot out from its tip over a dozen shoots or false tops. These
also began to become fasciated, giving the whole top a very confused
and strange appearance. The broad fasciated band had a spiral
twist in the direction of the movement of the sun, ze. the same as
the hands of a watch. I regret much that I did not allow the tree
to remain; but, as it was getting somewhat too big for its position, I
cut it down last September. When cut down the rings in the stump
were nine or tenin number. Not having personally met with a case
of this kind before, I thought it might interest readers of the
‘** Annals.” ——W. Forcan, Edinburgh.
Linaria minor, Z.—In reply to Messrs. Kidston and Stirling’s
query as to the occurrence of the above species on railway banks,
204 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
my experience is that it is partial to them, or rather to the cindered
paths often found by railways. By the Epsom railway, near this
town, it often comes up in abundance, among the gravel between the
rails, and on the edge of the cindered path alongside the line, but
does not spread to the grassy bank on the opposite side of the path.
The finest specimens I ever gathered were picked from the joints of
the brickwork of a bridge over the railway near the village of Mers-
tham in Surrey. I have seen it in Middlesex and Norfolk in similar
situations. M. Alph. de Candolle, in his “ Géographie Botanique,”
considered this an “introduced” species to Britain. In the second
volume of the ‘‘Cybele,” Mr. Watson considered it a native ; but later
he called it a colonist. The above reference is quite apart from its
other habitats in this country, which are numerous.—ARTHUR
BENNETT.
Linaria minor, Z., on Railway Banks.—In the ‘Annals of
Scottish Natural History,” p. 143, the writer of a note on this plant
asks if it is not the case that in England it is very partial to railway
banks. J. mznor was recorded by Dr. Johnston, in his “ Flora of
Berwick ” sixty-three years ago in one locality, viz. above the Union
Bridge over the Tweed. In my younger days I have searched for it
there many a time, and always in vain. In 1885 it was found by a
young lady on the railway line, ze. among the ballast between and
beside the rails at Beal Station in Northumberland, nine miles to the
south of this place. I have seen it there every year since. In 1886 .
I found it in great profusion at Marshall Meadows on the North
British Line. Here it occurred not on the line at present in use, but
on a disused loop where the rails had been recently removed and the
ground thereby stirred up. Soon after I saw it at Velvet Hall on the
Kelso line, and in 1889 at Ayton, Berwickshire, again on the North
British. Neither I nor any of the local botanists have ever seen it
elsewhere.—P. W. MACLAGAN.
Plants new to Seotland recorded in Botanical Journals in
1892 (see Current Literature).
Phanerogams (by F. J. Hanbury, in “Journal of Botany,” May-
June)—
Liieractum nigrescens, Willd., var. commutatum, Lindeb., from
the eastern slopes of Cairntoul, and probably other mountains
in the Cairngorms; “7. xorvegicum, Fr., var. confertum,
Lindeb., from Glen Lyon and near Crianlarich; H. cesio-
murorum, Lindeb., from Linn of Quoich in Braemar, and
from several stations in Perthshire; A. protractum, Lindeb.,
from Shetland ; 4. muvorum, L., pt. var. sagittatum, Lindeb.,
from four Perthshire stations; 7. onosmotdes, Fr., from
Braemar, Uig in Skye, and from Tain in East Ross;
friesit, Htn., var. baszfolium, Lindeb., from Clova, from Kin-
BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 205
craig in Inverness, and from Speyside near Kingussie ; /.
reticulatum, Lindeb., from Reay in Caithness ; //. prelongum,
Lindeb., from Linn of Campsie in Perth, and from Kinloch-
ewe in West Ross ; 4. angustatum, Lindeb., from Ben Lawers,
from Kingshouse in Argyle, from Clova, and from Craig-na-
dala-beg in Braemar ; 1. cinerascens, Jord., from Strathpeffer,
and from beside the Almond in Perth; AZ. submurorum,
Lindeb., on mountains around Kingshouse in Argyle; 4.
orarium ff. lingulata and f. stylosa, from beside the Almond ;
ff. corymbosum f{. angustifolia, from Linn of Campsie. AZ.
nigrescens, Willd., var. gracilifolium, n. var., from Breadalbane
Hills ; 4. centripetale, n. sp., from Glen Derry in Braemar,
Glen More in Inverness, Moffat near Dumfries, and Glen
Sannox in Arran; AH. Marshal/i, Linton, var. cremnanthes, n.
var., from Meall Buidhe in Argyle, and Meall Ghaordie in
Perthshire ; “7. sizuans, n. sp., from Ben Laoigh and other
localities in Perth, and from Argyle, near Tyndrum; /.
callistophyllum, n. sp., from mountains of Argyle and West
Perth.
Algzee—
Ectocarpus minimus, Nag. in herb, (Sauvageau, in “ Morot’s Journ.
Bot.,” p. 125), on Aimanthalia lorea, Berwick (Batters).
All the subjoined list are from the Clyde Deep-sea Area,
recorded by E. A. L. Batters (see Current Literature) in
“Journal of Botany,” June: ‘* Chlorochytrium dermatocolax,
Protoderma marinum, Ulvella lens, Monostroma fuscum,
Acrochete repens, Chaetomorpha linum f. pulvinata, Ostreobtum
Queketat, Streblonema sphericum, Leptonema fasciculatum,
Ascocycdus fecundus, A. fecundus f{. seriata, A. balticus,
Ralfsia pusilla, Chorda tomentosa f. subfulva, Ascophylum
Mackau f. Robertsont, Erythrotrichia carnea f. tnvestiens,
Conchocelts rosea, Wildemania miniata f. tenutssima, Antitham-
nion boreale, Lithothamnion corallioides, L. colliculosum. .. .
Conchocelis rosea is the type of a genus new to science.”
Fungi— |
Agaricus (Psalliota) hemorrhoidalis, Kalchbr., near Roxburgh, by
Rev. D. Paul, and once near Forres by Rev. Dr. Keith.
Dedalea confragosa, Pers., near Roxburgh, Rey. D. Paul.
‘* Grevillea ” is to be continued without “any material alteration,
either in form or contents, and the sequence will remain unbroken.
The editing has been undertaken by G. Massie, with the promise of
assistance from well-known specialists. Mr. E. A. L. Batters will
take entire charge of the section devoted to Algz.”
Messrs. J. B. Ellis and B. M. Everhart have just published .an
important contribution to mycology, under the title “‘ orth American
Pyrenomycetes.” he L£rysiphee have been wrought out by Professor
206 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
T. J. Burrill, and the fungi of Greenland, enumerated by Professor
Rostrup, have been included. The authors have followed the
system of classification employed by Winter in ‘‘ Die Pilze” in
Rabenhorst’s “‘ Kryptogamen-Flora.” The book forms a handsome
8vo. volume of nearly 800 pages, with 41 plates of excellent figures.
There are so many species of fungi common to North America and
to Europe that this monograph will be found useful for frequent
reference by the mycologists of Scotland.
‘Notes on the Flora of Stirlingshire, with a short Geological
Sketch of the Ground,” by Col. StirLiInG and RoBERT KIDSTON
(a paper read before the Stirling Nat. Hist. and Archzol.
Society, and now published as a pamphlet), is an interesting con-
tribution to the flora of a county that till of late years was much
neglected. ‘The total number of species recorded for the county
is 712, to which must be added 43 varieties.” The county has
been divided into four districts, well characterised physically ; and
the distribution of each species is given in tabular form. The
southern and central area is by much the richest in number of
species. The absence of a seaboard necessarily reduces the number
of native species considerably.
CURRENT LITERATURE.
The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—April to June 1892.
[The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the
sources of information undermentioned. ]
ZOOLOGY.
Wild Cat in the West of Scotland. Wm. YELLowspy. Tze
Zoologist (3), xvi. p. 190 (May 1892).—Female trapped in “ Western
Highlands.”
Plague of Field Voles in the South of Scotland. Zhe Zoologist
(3), xvi. (May 1892), pp. 163-173.—A reproduction of the Report
issued by the Board of Agriculture in March 1892.
Thrush with White Wings. W. Dicpy-OweEen. The field,
4th June 1892, p. 838.—At Perth on the 29th of May 1892.
Wild Geese of Scotland and the Isles. R.Scor Skirvine. Zhe
Field, 30th April 1892, p. 626.—The Gray Geese of East Lothian
are said to have been Bean Geese until 1870, and then the birds
shot were observed to be Pink-footed Geese, and now appear to
be all that species. Some notes are also given on other species.
CURRENT LITERATURE 207
Notes on British Lepidoptera. By RicHARD SouTtH. Tze
Entomologist, xxv. pp. 86-90 (April 1892); pp. 111-114 (May 1892);
and pp. 134-138 (June 1892).—Some Scottish specimens and forms
of the genus Melanippe noted and described.
On some Macro-Lepidoptera collected at Rannoch in 1891.
By Ropert ApDKIN, F.E.S. Zhe L£xntomologist, Vol. xxv. (May
1892), pp. 105-110.—No new species for the district are enumer-
ated ; but some interesting remarks are made.
Collecting {in Aberdeenshire. Wm. Remp. Zhe Entomologist,
Vol. xxv. pp. 123-124.—Experiences with Lepidoptera during the
severe weather of the early spring.
Variation in Lepidoptera in Aberdeenshire. Wm. REID.
Entomologists Record, Vol. iii. No. 6 (June 1892), p. 125.—
Variation in Hadena adusta and Phigalia pedaria.
[Scottish Crambi.] Wm. Riep. L£xtomologist’s Record, Vol.
iii. No. 6 (June 1892), p. 141.—-Crambus pretellus, C. dumetellus,
C. ericellus, C. furcatellus, C. margaritellus, C. myellus, C. pine-
tellus, C. perlellus, C. tristellus, C. cumellus, and C. hortuellus,
with their haunts.
Annotated List of British Tachiniide. By R. H. MEape.
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), Vol. iii. (May 1892), p. 130.—Masicera rutila
recorded for Elgin.
British Schizopoda of the Families Lophogastridz and Euphan-
siidg. By the Rev. Cannon A. M. Norman, M.A, D.C.L., F.R.S.,
etc. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), Vol. ix. No. 54 (June 1892).
—Enumerates the habitats of the Scottish species.
BOTANY.
The Dispersion of Seeds and Spores. Part i. By ALEx.
Witson, M.A., B.Sc. (Zvans. Wat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, N. Ser. III.
Part 1. 1892.)
Additional Notes on the Flora of Wigtownshire, with Notes on
Moffat and Kirkeudbrightshire Plants. By JAMEs M‘ANDREW.—
Includes a number of additions to the county records of flowering
plants. (Zvans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, N. Ser. IIL, Part ii.
1892.)
Second Contribution to the Topographical Botany of the West
of Scotland (read zoth December 1889), and Third Contribution
to the same (read 29th April 1890). Both by P. Ewinc.—Addi-
tions are recorded to the county lists for Renfrew, Lanark, Argyle,
Dumbarton, Bute, Cantyre, Islay, and Mull. (Zvans. Nat. Hist.
Soc. Glasgow, N. Ser. III. Part il. 1892.)
208 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Notes on the Rarer Plants of the Parish of Old Kilpatrick.
By. L. Watr (read 25th. March 1890; Z7aus.. Vat. iis aoe
Glasgow, N. Ser. III. Part ii. 1892).
Notes on Perthshire Plants. By Epwarp F. Linton, F.L.S.,
and Wm. R. Linton, M.A.—Is chiefly a rather full list of the plants
observed in the lower part of Glen Lyon, and on the adjoining
mountains. ‘There are a few new vice-county records. (/ournal of
Botany, June.)
An Essay at a Key to the British Rubi. By the Rev. W.
Move Rocers, F.L.S.—This is a very valuable monograph of a
very perplexing genus. (Journal of Botany, April-June.)
Rubus ammobius, /ocke. By F. BUCHANAN WuiTE, M.D.—Is
a brief note of a plant found near Perth a few years ago, and
believed by Professor Babington to be “probably the ammobius of
Focke.” (Journal of Botany, June.)
Further Notes on Hieracia new to Britain. By FREDERICK
J. Hanspury, F.L.S.—In this paper there are numerous new records
for Scotland, chiefly of “species” already known from Scandinavia,
but also of new “species.” See p. 204-5 of this journal. (/ournal
of Botany, May and June.)
Hieracium anfractiforme. Rev. E. S. MarsHALtL proposes
for this the name of HZ. swbanfractum, the name anfractiforme being
already in use. (/ournal of Botany, June 1892.)
Juneus tenuis, W7//denow as a Seottish Plant. By P. Ewinc
(read zoth October 1889).—Contains records already published
elsewhere. (Zvans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, N. Ser. III. Part ii. 1892.)
Sur quelques Algues Phzosporées Parasites. By M. C.
SAUVAGEAU.— This is an important paper on certain parasitic
species of Lctocarpus, and of allied genera. In it several new
species are described. Among these is Ectocarpus minimus, Nag.
(in herb.), on ‘‘ Aimanthalia lorea ad littora Angliz (Dover, Nageli ;
Berwick, Batters).” (MJorofs Journal de Botanigue, V1. 1892, Nos.
1-7 ; Latin diagnosis of £. minimus on p. 125.)
Observations on British Marine Algz. By R. Harvey Gipson,
M.A., F.L.S.—Polysiphonia elongella Harvey noted as bearing
antheridia (not previously known), in August 1871, at Connel
Ferry, near Oban. ‘They are of the type characteristic of the genus.
(Journal of Botany, April.)
Additional Notes on the Marine Alge of the Clyde Sea-area.
By, E:. A; L. Barres BA... LL:8.,. F-1.S.—States the sess
of investigations carried on during the past year by a number of
workers, and forms a supplement to the “ Alge of the Clyde Sea-
area,” which was published in the /ournal of Botany in 1891
REVIEWS 209
Besides numerous new records for the local area, the list enumerates
“twenty species and varieties added to the British flora... .
Conchocelis rosea is the type of a genus new to science.” (/ournal
of Botany, June.)
List of Fungi, mostly Hymenomyeetes, found in the neigh-
bourhood of Roxburgh, and hitherto unrecorded from the
district of the (Berwickshire Field) Club. By Rev. Davip PAUvL,
M.A.—Fifteen species are enumerated, of which two appear not to
have been previously recorded from Scotland. (story of Berwick-
shire Naturalists Club, XIII. Part i. pp. 218-220.)
REVIEWS.
Supplement to Sowerby’s English Botany (3rd Edition). By
N. E. Brown, A.L.S., and ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S. (London:
George Bell and Bone)
British botanists will all welcome the appearance of a supple-
ment to the “English Botany.” Though undoubtedly the most
complete existing work on the flora of our islands, the investigations
of the years that have passed since the publication of the earlier
volumes have seen a considerable number of species added to our
lists ; and the nomenclature requires to be brought into accord with
the conclusions reached by the specialists in the various groups.
The Supplement under review aims at bringing the whole work up
to date as regards both additions to our flora and corrections of
nomenclature. As yet the first part only has been issued, though
two other parts are said to be nearly ready for issue. Mr. Brown
has prepared these three parts, but his duties elsewhere do not
allow him time to complete the work. Mr. A. Bennett (to whose
unwearied labours we in Scotland are so much indebted for his
published ‘‘ Additions to Topographical Botany”) has undertaken
to see to the remaining
excellent guarantee of the thoroughness of the work.
The Supplement will be found of great utility, though possibly
some of the changes of nomenclature will scarcely be followed very
willingly by some botanists.
The first part includes from Ranunculacee to Celastracee (Orders
I-XXII), and is illustrated with six plates, of which five represent
additions during recent years to the British list of flowering plants.
Unfortunately there appears to have been a considerable delay
in publishing Part I, after a great portion of it was printed off. It
is difficult on any other supposition to account for the length of the
Appendix of additional information at the end of the part, which
might have been more conveniently intercalated in the text. We
210 ANNALS. OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
hope that the whole of the Supplement will appear at short intervals,
and that the text throughout will be up to date, without requiring
in its turn to be supplemented even before its issue.
Outlines of Zoology. By J. ARTHUR THomson, M.A. (Edin-
burgh: Young Pentland, 1892.)
The announcement of a new textbook of Zoology is at the present
day perhaps scarcely an event of sufficient novelty to attract more
than passing notice, unless it bears the stamp of a master of the
subject. The work before us, however, is decidedly above the average,
and when its numerous excellent qualities become known, will
doubtless attain the rank it deserves. Perhaps the most conspicuous
feature of the book (one which will make it specially useful to
students of Biology) is the addition of a description of some well-
known type to the account of each group of animals—the types
selected being in most cases those included in the zoological
curriculum of the various universities. As everybody knows, the
“‘type system” of study has in recent years been carried to an excess
which is unfortunately resulting in the creation of an ever-increasing
number of worthless cram-books, which cannot be too strongly
condemned. Mr. Thomson, however, makes use of the “type”
merely as a supplement to the general account of the class to which
it belongs—a method of treatment which is to be highly commended,
for the type-system when thus employed must be approved of by
every one. ‘The first seven chapters constitute a general “ intro-
duction” and deal with a variety of subjects, such as the general
classification of the Animal Kingdom, the histology of tissues,
the functions of organs and tissues, development, the past history
of animals, geographical distribution and evolution. The re-
maining chapters—viz. vill. to xxv.—deal with the different classes of
animals ; the general characters in each case preceding the detailed
description of the type. There is something unusually attractive
about the style of the book throughout, and in almost every chapter
we meet with interesting and useful information of a kind not usually
met with in textbooks of this description. For example, we are
supplied with concise accounts of such subjects as the inter-relations
of animals and plants, the “courtship” of animals, the migration
of birds, parasitism, sexual selection, the protective devices of
animals, and a host of other facts concerning the habits of animals
of which the student is usually left in ignorance. Great care has
evidently been expended in bringing the book thoroughly “up to
date” in every department, and we are glad to see that the sources
of the more important recent “views” are given, for this is always
very acceptable information to advanced students, and too frequently
omitted. |
The illustrations are not so good (from an artistic point of view)
as we should like to see, and we think they might be multiplied with
REVIEWS 211
advantage. The work is an excellent one, and we wish it the
success which it merits. ASAD;
The Lepidoptera of the British Islands. By CHARLES G.
BarRreETT, F.E.S. (London: L. Reeve and Co., 1892.)
Mr. C. G. Barrett’s new work on ‘‘ The Lepidoptera of the British
Islands,” two numbers of which have appeared, is very disappointing.
The author has missed a magnificent opportunity of producing a
much-needed standard work on the subject. The letterpress is far
behind the scientific spirit of the age. With regard to the generic
names, he omits in most cases to give any authority for their use; while
in regard to the specific names he contents himself with stating the
name of the authority, without giving any reference to the original
description. In the text also he often refers to published papers
without mentioning references. For this there can be no excuse,
as he might, without trouble, have found exact references given in
many of the older English works. ‘The general arrangement of the
work also leaves much to be desired. There are no headings to
the paragraphs to indicate their nature, so that if any special piece of
information be sought it becomes necessary to read the whole
article. A very interesting subject that Mr. Barrett has only just
touched upon is the distribution of species in the Palzearctic area,
which, if properly detailed, would have been of the greatest service.
The author seems only to aim at producing a book for the mere
collector, and is very careful to give all the aberrations of colour
and marking, and the description of hermaphrodite specimens in
those collections he has had access to, calling them all varieties,
which is a misapplication of the term. They may be of deep
interest to collectors, but are of very little scientific value. The
plates are decidedly the best part of the work, though far from per-
fection. The imagines of plates 3 and 7 are especially good; on
the other hand, plates 4 and 8 are as bad as can be. Pilates 1, 2, 5,
and. 6, can only be said to be fairly good. With regard to the
figures of larvee and pupze, they seem to have been treated as odds
and ends, and are as a rule very poor. It seems a pity that the
author did not model his work on such treatises as those of Trimen
or Edwards, which leave little to be desired. It is greatly to be
hoped that Mr. Barrett may see his way to remedy in the succeeding
numbers some of the more glaring defects exhibited by the first two.
E. W. C.
The Mammalian Fauna of the Edinburgh Distriet: With Records
of the Occurrences of the Rarer Species throughout the South-east of
Scotland generally. By WitLiam Evans, F.R.S.E. (Edinburgh:
M‘Farlane and Erskine. 1892.) Pp. 123.
Weare much pleased to find that Mr. Evans has issued his most
excellent account of the Mammalia of the Edinburgh District in a
separate and enlarged form. In this important contribution to
212 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Scottish Natural History, Mr. Evans has brought together the results
of many years personal observation, as well of exhaustive researches
into the literature relating to the subject. Not only, however, are
the mammals now or formerly inhabiting the district—forty-eight in
number—and their past and present distribution treated of, but the
author has added much that is interesting and original concerning
the habits and life-history of many of the species that have come
under his observation.
The book is of considerable importance to British zoologists, and
it is with pleasure that we recommend this neat little volume to all
who are interested in the subject, on which it treats so pleasantly and
so well. The edition is limited to 200 copies.
Recent Additions to the Natural History Department of the
Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh.
THE more important gifts received by the Natural History Depart-
ment of the Museum during the past six months comprise :—A fine
collection of European Lepidoptera, numbering 3000 specimens,
presented by Mrs. Pearson, Glasgow. A number of mounted Birds
from the Pacific Region and New Zealand, among which is a fine
pair of the New Zealand Quail (Coturnix Nove Zealandia, Quoy
and Gaim.), now supposed to be extinct, presented by Mrs. James
Stracey, Edinburgh, who has also given a number of Shells from the
Pacific. A small collection of Corals presented by Miss Dalmahoy,
and a collection of Shells given by General Dalmahoy, Edinburgh.
Thirty Birds’ Skins, presented by Mr. H. E. Dresser, London. A
considerable number of British Birds and Mammals, presented by
Messrs. J. A. Harvie-Brown, T. G. and D. G. Laidlaw, H. Knight
Horsfield, P. Adair, W. Berry, T. Speedy, Bruce-Campbell, Wm.
Evans, and Lieut.-Col. Duthie. A unique specimen of the dentition
of a fossil Selachian (/azassa) from the Carboniferous Limestone
of East Kilbride presented by Mr. J. B. Wise, Glasgow. From
General Cadell, C.B., Cockenzie, the Museum has also received
a specimen of a Lizard (Lacerta Gadlotii) and of a Snail Shell (Helix)
embedded in volcanic tuff from Teneriffe.
Among the purchases are: A fine set of Fossil Fishes from the
Old Red Sandstone of Gamrie. A number of fossils from German
localities, among which is a very fine specimen of Wypsocormus from
Solenhofen. A number of skins of European Birds and Fishes—
sixty-eight specimens in all. Seven series of Embryological wax
models prepared by Dr. Ziegler of Freiburg, Baden. Fifty-six
exotic Bird-skins. Also the skull and several of the vertebree and
bones of a large Grampus (Ovca gladiator, Gray) recently found
embedded in the sands of the Firth of Forth near Grangemouth.
R. H. Traquair, Keeper of Natural History Department.
BOOKS ON NATURAL HISTORY
THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF SCOTLAND
FIFTH VOLUME
os A te Brows!
AND
= J roMas Ez Buckley
UPI Grok
EDLNDUREH - Bie
DAVID DOUGLAS. 1692.
Nearly Ready, in One Vol., small 4to, with Maps and Plates,
Price 21s. to Subscribers.
BOOKS ON NATURAL HISTORY
THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF SCOTLAND—Continued.
FIRST VOLUME—OvtT or PRINT
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF SUTHERLAND, CAITHNESS, AND
WEST CROMARTY. By J. A. Harviz-Brown and T. E. BucKLey.
One Volume. Small 4to. With Maps and Plates.
SECOND VOLUME—Ovt oF PRINT
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES. By J. A.
HarviE-Brown, and T. E. Buckiry. One Volume. Small 4to,
with Maps and Plates.
THIRD VOLUME
THE BIRDS OF IONA AND MULL, and other Natural History Notes,
1852-70. By the late Henry Davenport GRAHAM, and Edited
by J. A. Harvir-Brown. [llustrated from the Author’s Sketch-books.
One Volume. Small 4to. Price 21s, net.
“«There is a freshness and originality about them which makes them extremely pleasant read-
ing.”—Field.
“Tn the seclusion of the ‘sacred island,’ even now invaded by the tourist for only a brief season,
Graham had not merely ample opportunities for studying natural history, but also leisure for
thinking. Consequently, the book is full of original suggestions, derivations of words, scraps of
folk-lore, etc.” —Atheneum.
‘“‘Tf Captain Marryat, instead of devoting his time after leaving the service to writing novels,
had wandered off to a desolate island and turned wild-fowler and ornithologist, he might well have
written such a book as that which the literary executors of the late H. D. Graham have issued
under the sober title of ‘ The Birds of Iona and Mull.’ ”’—Spectator.
FOURTH VOLUME
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE ORKNEY ISLANDS. By
T. E. Bucxizy, B.A., F.Z.S., and J. A. Harvir-Brown, F.R.S.E.,
F.ZS. One Volume. Small 4to. Tlustrated with Photogravure
Plates from Drawings by J. G. Mixuats, as well as from Photographs
taken specially for the Book. Price 30s.
““We receive few books that are so grateful alike to the eye and senseas the sage-green octavos of Scot-
tish zoological geography which come to us, one after another, from Mr. Douglas. In welcoming this
delightful Vertebrate Fauna of the Orkney Islands, we feel but one regret, the worlds whichare left for
Messrs. Buckley and Harvie-Brown to conquer are growing very few. .. We know not howto approach
them. Are we tourge them on upon their splendid enterprise, or to hold them back, that our pleasure
may be drawn out the longer? The same plan is pursuéd asin the previous volumes of this admirable
series. A detailed physical geography of the islands precedes the catalogue raisonné of the species and
habitats. Even to those, therefore, who have little zoological curiosity or knowledge, this book must
be of unusual importance, if the reader has an interest in the provinces described.” —Saturday Review.
EDINBURGH: DAVID DOUGLAS.
The Annals
of
Scottish Natural History
No. 4] TSio9 [OCTOBER.
iS LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION 2EOUT-ED
FOR WILD BIRDS” EGGS:
By Rev. E. P. Knusiey, M.A., M.B.O.U.
IT may be well to state at the outset that at present certain
birds are protected by a close time in the nesting season,
during which it is illegal to kill them, but that this protection
does not extend to their eggs. The eggs, in fact, of every
kind of wild bird, whether common or uncommon, useful or
otherwise, are liable to be destroyed through thoughtless
carelessness, wanton mischief, or sordid greed.
At present there is nothing to prevent whole areas from
being systematically plundered of every egg of every bird—
and it is done. Again, certain of our British birds—for
instance, the Great Skua and some of the Terns—nest in
colonies in a few known localities ; and as the law now stands
there is nothing to hinder the taking of the eggs of these
birds to such an extent as to prevent the hatching of a single
young bird. It requires no prophet to foretell what will be
the result of this system of pillage, if it is allowed to proceed
unchecked.
The question has been asked, Has the time come when
legislative protection is required for wild birds’ eggs? A
committee of the British Association was appointed at the
Cardiff meeting, with a view to inquiring into this subject ;
4 B
214 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
but it has not yet felt itself in a position to make any recom-
mendations. The committee, which includes the names of
Professor Newton and Canon Tristram, was re-appointed at
the Edinburgh meeting ; and it is hoped that next year it
may feel in a position to offer suggestions on this extremely
difficult subject.
This important question was, however, brought before the
recent meeting of the British Association at the conference
of the delegates of the corresponding societies, and after a
most interesting discussion, in which the writer, Mr. E. B.
Poulton, Canon Tristram, and others took part, the following
resolution was carried unanimously :—‘“ The conference of
delegates having heard of the threatened extermination of
certain birds, as British breeding species, through the destruc-
tion of their eggs, deprecates the encouragement given to
dealers by collectors through their demands for British taken
eggs, and trusts that the corresponding societies will do all
that lies in their power to interest and influence naturalists,
landowners, and others in the preservation of such birds and
their eggs.”
All will agree that if legislative protection for wild birds’
eggs is asked for at all, it is not required for all species.
Indeed, sweeping legislation would do more harm than good.
There are certain groups—such, for instance, as the Passeres,
that are very well able to take care of themselves and need
no protection. Again, all will agree that it would be a mis-
take to pass laws which could not be enforced. Any general
law against egg collecting would be easily evaded, and every
one knows the demoralising effect of an unenforced rule.
Setting aside, then, all idea of a general prohibition of
egg-collecting as impracticable, if not mischievous, there are
still cases in which the maintenance of the present freedom
from restraint appears to be open to doubt. As we have
already stated, there are certain species which will shortly
become extinct as breeders in the British Isles if steps are
not taken by legislation or otherwise to protect them. What
can be done for these ?
It would perhaps be well to instance a few cases.
As the readers of the Aznals (No. 2, April 1892) already
know from Mr. W. Eagle Clarke’s article, the only breeding
LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION FOR WILD BIRDS’ EGGS 215
stations of the Great Skua (Stercorarius catarrhactes) in the
British Isles are in Shetland. Here the nests are pillaged so
regularly and persistently by the inhabitants that in 1890
not a single chick was reared by the whole Foula colony,
and in 1891 practically all the eggs of the first laying were
taken. Fortunately the owners of the islands on which the
Great Skua nests have taken steps to protect the eggs as far
as possible. This praiseworthy intervention has already met
with a certain measure of success, for though Mr. Frank Traill,
in speaking of the nesting season at Foula this year (1892),
states that “apparently all the first laying of Bonxies’ eggs
were taken, and part of the second,” and says that in Kirk-
wall he saw a dozen Bonxies’ eggs “ from Foula this season ” at
the modest price of half a sovereign apiece, he is able to add
that there were about sixty or seventy young ones this year.
One ought not to leave the Shetlands without mentioning
the persecution of other rare birds which nest on these islands.
It is stated on good authority that extremely few pairs of
the Red-throated Diver (Colymbus septentrionalis) have got
off their young during late years. The Whimbrel (Vumenzus
pheopus), too, whose few nesting stations in the British Isles
are chiefly confined to Shetland, exists there in very limited
numbers ; and there are grave fears of the disappearance of
the Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus hyperboreus) from its
stations in the Shetlands. It is probable also that the
Black-throated Diver (Colymbus arcticus) nesting sparsely in
circumscribed areas on the mainland of Scotland, and in the
Hebrides, will share the same fate. Who can wonder when
collectors and dealers offer large prices for each egg which is
sent to them?
Again, the Little Tern (Sterna minuta), nesting colonies of
which exist on the Fifeshire and Banffshire coasts, will shortly
disappear altogether. This is inevitable, at least so far as
the Fifeshire colony is concerned, unless something can be
done to prevent the constant plunder of their nests. Parallel
cases might also be cited from the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
coasts, where these birds are sadly persecuted, and where the
Arctic Tern (Sterna macrura), and the Oyster-catcher (//@ma-
topus ostralegus), have practically ceased to nest,and the Ringed
Plover (4fgialitis hiaticula), is much scarcer than formerly.
216 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL THSPORM
The Farne Islands show the value of protection. For there
is no doubt, that, if it were not for the exertions) of aime
Association of Ornithologists and others who lease the Farne
Islands, these interesting bird nurseries would have been
destroyed long ago.
Then again the Lapwing (Vanellus vulgaris) is fast
disappearing, nor is the reason far toseek. A correspondent
the “ Scotsman,” 19th August 1892, recently pointed out that
in East Forfarshire it is the custom in the nesting season to
pay boys 2s. per dozen for their eggs, for which 12s. 6d. is paid
to their employers by London dealers, and that no Jess than
fifty dozen are sent’ off at atime. And Mr. W.G; Ta Waee
of Skaill House, Stromness,—in moving at a County Council
meeting, held on the 11th of May, that a memorial be
prepared and sent to Lord Lothian asking him to introduce
a Bill empowering County Councils to make rules and
regulations for the protection of wild birds’ eggs,—said that
many would remember about twenty years ago how the sky
was frequently darkened by Lapwings, while now scarcely
one could be seen. The bird was most useful to farmers,
and grubs had increased immensely since the Lapwing got ©
scarce. He attributed its scarcity to the fact that the eggs
were gathered in thousands and tens of thousands and sent
to London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Whilst acknowledging
that some of the eggs came from Holland, he contended
that many were gathered in England and the Lowlands of
Scotland.
In addition to these individual species, the systematic
sweeping of every egg of every bird from certain parts of
Scotland should be instanced. The plan adopted is this.
A dealer from a distance employs a local man to send him
every egg he can procure. For these he gives half the prices
quoted in the published lists. The local man employs all
the “herdie” boys of the district to lay hands on every egg
which comes within reach, and for these they receive Is.
a dozen. In 1890 one man sent one hundred and fifty
dozen eggs collected in this manner from Stromness. By
such an organised system are whole districts depleted.
It is the opinion of several Scottish ornithologists that
if the Access to Mountains Bill is passed, it will greatly
LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION FOR WILD BIRDS’ EGGS ZE7
facilitate the raids of the collector. Under such a law, they
say, it will become impossible for proprietors to continue to
afford that protection under the beneficence of which some
of the rarest and most interesting of our British birds have
alone maintained their position in our Islands.
Egg collectors have much to answer for. The craze for
collecting clutches, and large numbers of eggs of the same
species, is responsible for much destruction. Fancy fifteen
clutches of the eggs of the Peregrine Falcon in the same
collection, and twenty of the Chough ; and what can we say
of one collector whose boast it is to possess over one
hundred Scottish taken eggs of the Golden Eagle (vide
“ Zoologist,’ 1889, p. 110). Would he take kindly to the
suggestion of one of the members of the British Association
that he should have the feathers of the birds presented to him,
with the addition of a little tar?
There are other birds which might be mentioned, such as
the Warblers and the insectivorous birds generally ; the
Bearded Reedling, the White-tailed Eagle, Osprey, Kite, and
the three Harriers; the Kentish Plover, Dotterel, Ruff,
and Black-tailed Godwit; and the Great Crested Grebe.
But enough has been said to show that certain birds are
persecuted, and that there are grave fears that some of them
will cease to exist as British breeding species unless steps
are taken to afford them protection.
Here the difficulties begin. What form of protection is
the best? and to what species should such protection be
extended? If it is eventually found necessary to have
recourse to legislation, the most practical plan would probably
be for the Imperial Legislature to grant powers to the County
Councils from time to time, and as the necessity arose, to
place certain portions of a district, such as mountains,
commons, waste places, lakes and meres, or portions of cliffs
or foreshores, under an Act for certain specified months in
the year, say from April 1st to June 30th. Such a plan
would be simple and it might be effective.
But very much more than any legislative protection, we
want the sympathy and co-operation of landowners and
occupiers in order to get them to protect the birds breeding
on their property or occupation. The whole matter of the
218 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
preservation both of birds and their eggs ought to be better
managed by those on whose property the various species
nest than by any legislative restrictions. If landowners and
occupiers, game-preservers and game-keepers, would only use
whatever brains and common sense Providence may have
endowed them with, and learn to discriminate between friends
and foes, we lovers of birds for their own sakes should not
have much to complain of. Farmers are beginning to know
at last that all birds are not their enemies, and ideas of the
same sort are working slowly into the brains of some few
gamekeepers, and into those of a good number of their
masters, so that the aspect of affairs is becoming more
hopeful. The question is too delicate and difficult a one to
be lightly thrown into the arena of party politics, and it is
earnestly to be hoped that means may be found for the
protection and preservation, when necessary, of our wild birds
and their eggs without having recourse to further legislation.
one FREATHEK-BILLED ROOK: IS ¥0 aes
CENTLY DEVELOPED VARIATION =e
HITHERTO; OVERLOOKED ?
By RosBert SERVICE, Maxwelltown.
IT is now fourteen years since I was told by the head game-
keeper on a Dumfriesshire estate that he had just been
exterminating a Rookery on his grounds. The reason given
was rather a startling one. It was that “the Rooks” had all
become crossed with carrion crows, and the resultant breed
were destroying eggs and every small living thing they came
across. Some of these alleged “crosses” were sent me, and
sure enough their bills were completely feathered, as in
carrion crows, but they were only Rooks, and not “ crosses,”
as a very cursory examination proved. Since then I have
paid a considerable amount of attention to our local Rooks,
and find a startling proportion of them—I estimate it at
about 20 °/——retain the feathered bill of juvenility till at least
their third year. Without going into any details, I find from
correspondence with Ornithologists that the same thing has
THE SHORT-EARED OWL IN VOLE PLAGUE DISTRICTS 219
already been noticed elsewhere, some being of opinion that
the peculiarity is of recent development, and others that it
has been simply overlooked. I am inclined to think that it
is in some way closely connected with the undoubted recent
adoption of carrion crow-like habits by the common Rook.
For over a dozen years back gamekeepers, and many others,
have been continually complaining of the injury done them
by Rooks in the destruction of eggs, young birds, and young
rabbits and hares. Farmers likewise state how frequently
their chickens and ducklings are taken now. And every
field Ornithologist will at once admit that his observations are
also to the same effect. Rooks destroyed by poisoned eggs
laid down in the usual way, are almost always those with
feathered bills. I exhibited a dozen feather-billed Rooks to
the members of the Vole Commission at their recent meeting
in this neighbourhood, and advanced views that it was an
outbreak of carrion crow-like habits amongst the Rooks that
had perhaps led to this curious variation. I also stated that
for years past the keepers had killed the Rooks wholesale
owing to their bad habits, and that to this great destruction
of Rooks might be attributed one of the minor causes of the
vole plague, for no bird or animal is fonder of young voles
than the Rook. It is curious how generally widespread is
the notion amongst those connected with game interests that
the feather-billed Rook is the produce of a mésalliance with
the carrion crow. I should be glad if our field Ornithologists
would give the readers of the Annals the benefit of their
experience on this very interesting feature in the history of
the Rook.
THE SHORT-EARED OWL (4S/O ACCIPITRINUS,
PALLAS) AND THE KESTREL (FALCO TIN-
NUNCULUS, Linn&us) IN THE VOLE
PLAGUE DISTRICTS.
sy PETER ADAIR,
EARLY this spring I learned that an Owl, strange to the
district, had spent last autumn and the winter on certain of
the vole-infested farms in Selkirkshire, where it was known
220 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
as the “new owl.” The bird’s advent was hailed with delight
by those affected by the vole plague; and possibly for the
first time in its long history every one, even the game-
keeper and the schoolboy, vied with each other in giving
protection to it and to its nest.
If the appearance of the bird has been advantageous to
the suffering farmer, it has been no less interesting to the
naturalist. While spending a few days in June at Tushie-
law, Ettrick, I found that the stranger was the Short-eared
Owl; that it was very plentiful on the farms on which it
had settled, and that there were still nests. I subsequently
ascertained that the bird was distributed over a considerable
portion of the vole-infested area of the counties of Rox-
burgh, Dumfries, Lanark, and Kirkcudbright, and it occurred
to me that if particulars and statistics could be obtained
bearing on its appearance, haunts, habits, and numbers,
valuable information might be gained. I accordingly sent
to proprietors, farmers, and shepherds in the infested area,
Lists of Questions for Replies; and I have been fortunate
in getting a great number of responses. The results are
embraced in the Appendix to this paper. Mr. W..Eagle
Clarke has been good enough to check for me the Schedule,
and the particulars stated may be taken as a correct sum-
mary of the information received. The total acreage of
the respective farms has been stated. The acreage has,
however, in some few instances, been only estimated, but the
estimate may be accepted as sufficiently correct for all
practical) purposes:, In a few cases the: acreage. hasmmee
been got, or I am not at liberty to make it public.
It is, of course, impossible to make a reliable estimate of
the number of birds in the vole-infested area. That area is so
extensive, the population is so small, the ground traversed
by the shepherds in their daily rounds is so uniformly in the
same line, except during the lambing season, and the birds
sit so closely, that a small proportion only of the numbers
on the ground has probably been seen. The idea of
estimating the number of birds by the number of nests
found on certain farms is also unsatisfactory, as, with the
exception of Ettrick, I have particulars from comparatively
a few farms on the vole-infested watersheds, and it would
THE SHORT-EARED OWL IN VOLE PLAGUE DISTRICTS ar
be necessary to get returns from the whole or at least the
creater part of the farms on these watersheds, as the birds
may not be distributed over all the ground. ‘This is the
case in Ettrick, in regard to which I have returns from most
of the infested farms from Kirkhope (seven or eight miles
south of Selkirk) to Potburn at the head of the river. The
result is that in the district between Kirkhope and Tushie-
law—an area, roughly speaking, seven or eight miles long
by three or four broad—-many nests have been seen, and the
bird is abundant, while in the district between Tushielaw
and Potburn—about ten or twelve miles long by three or
four miles in breadth—the Owl has up to the present month
(September) been scarce; thus seeming to imply that the
migratory flight had, last autumn, been arrested in its course,
farther down the river, by the abundance of food there.
There can be no question as to the abundance of the food
supply in the upper district, which has suffered terribly from
the ravages of the voles. Mr. M‘Clure, Over Kirkhope,
which is seven or eight miles above Tushielaw, has, however,
just informed me that a great many birds have appeared
on that farm within the last few weeks. As there is a very
marked diminution in the number of voles over much of
the infected area, this appearance of the bird on new ground
may be taken as indicating that food is getting scarce on
some of its late resorts.
Mr. R. Service, Maxwelltown, who has given much atten-
tion to the bird and to the plague, estimates that from 150
to 200 pairs remained to nest in Dumfriesshire and Kirkcud-
bright.
The following is a summary of the number of nests
actually seen on the farms from which specific information
has been, obtained, as stated in the Schedule.
No. of Nests.
I. In Teviot and Hawick district. ‘ 117
II. In Ettrick gI
III. In Eskdalemuir . , ; ‘ 30
IV. In Yarrow. ; : 7
V. In Moffat . 56
301
222 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
But numbers of nests were most undoubtedly not seen, in-
cluding many tenanted early and late in the season; and
keeping this in view, it would not, I think, be unfair to
double the number of nests on the farms in question for the
purpose of arriving at an approximation of the number of
young birds reared thereon during the present season. The
result is 602 nests with, say, seven young in each nest, equal
to 4214 young birds on these farms.
A few remarks bearing upon the haunts and habits of
the bird may not be uninteresting. These are taken from
the particulars which I have received, and, owing to their
originality, have a special value attached to them. Except
during the storms of winter, it frequents the vole ground,
preferring boggy land covered with coarse grass or rushes,
also bracken-patches, and high heather. In the severe
weather of winter it seeks the shelter of plantations. Mr.
Glendinning, Nether Cassock, informs me that forty to sixty
spent last winter on some low-lying ground in his farm
among willow-bushes ; and Mr. Mitchell, Newburgh, Ettrick,
notes that great numbers sought shelter in a young planta-
tion on the neighbouring farm of Gilman’s Cleuch, and that
during the snowstorms, numbers occupied the bare spots
beneath the overhanging banks of Scaur braes along the
river. They also frequented similar resorts in quarry holes
and on steep brae faces along hill burns.
The nests have been seen in all the usual haunts of the
bird ; and several, as the Schedule will show, contained an
extraordinary number of eggs. The average number may
safely be taken at eight to ten, and the number of young
reared at seven. Few unfertile eggs have been seen, and
the young are hardy. Nests have been found as early as
the end of February and as late as July; but the greater
number were found from the end of April till the end of
May, being the lambing season, when the shepherds were con-
stantly traversing the whole ground. I have been informed
of several instances in which the bird has exhibited great
boldness in the defence of its nest. On one occasion a bird
struck Mr. Mitchell, Newburgh, a smart blow on the head
while examining its nest. And in many instances dogs have
been struck in passing the nest or the young. The young,
THE SHORT-EARED OWL IN VOLE PLAGUE DISTRICTS 223
which are of different ages, leave the nest, or are expelled, as
soon as they are well feathered, but before they can main-
tain themselves, and sit among the best available cover near
the nest, where they are fed by the parent birds till they
are self-supporting. After the nesting season, it is of
common occurrence to flush the family parties. At present
the birds are seen singly, or in pairs. Farmers and shepherds
are unanimously of opinion that the birds have had two
broods this season. In the company of Mr. William Evans,
Edinburgh, and of Mr. John Scott, West Deloraine, I had
the pleasure of inspecting two nests with young on the gth
of July. They were placed on a heathery slope, on the east
side of Deloraine Burn, and were about half a mile apart.
No attempt at the construction of a nest was discernible,
simply a scrape under the shelter of the heather. One of the
nests contained two infertile eggs, and five young birds, two
of which were well grown and getting rudimentary feathers,
while the youngest was only a few days old. The other nest
(beside which lay two dead voles) also contained two infertile
eggs and four young birds in nearly the same stages of
srowth as those in the nest first referred to. The shepherd
informed us that three young of the first nest had already
left the nest, and that two of the eggs in the second nest had
been broken. In each nest the elder birds occupied the out-
sides, the youngest keeping to the centre, and being com-
pletely covered by its relatives. Both nests were occupied
by the parent birds when we approached. One of the
parent birds of the nest first referred to kept flying over
and past us at twenty to thirty yards distance, exhibiting
particular wrath at two dogs which accompanied us, and
repeatedly drawing away one of them from the immediate
neighbourhood of the nest by skilfully feigning lameness :
its mate flew round at a height varying from eighty to one
hundred and twenty yards. Only one of the parent birds of
the nest second referred to was visible. She allowed us to
approach within a few yards, then flew silently away and
did not return.
The birds do the greater part of their hunting towards
dusk. They appear in numbers in genial weather; but
during rain storms few are to be seen. During the nesting
224 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL, HISTORY
season, and in warm weather, and the “butterfly” days
which precede a change, they frequently make excursions
during the day, sometimes in numbers. I need scarcely
remind naturalists that the bird is not affected by light
to the same extent as our other indigenous species; and
distributed as they are, during the breeding season, up to
a high latitude (70° N.) their sight is adapted to the con-
tinuous day of an arctic summer. When viewed through a
good binocular they exhibit an alertness and _ vivacity
of expression which well indicates that light has little or
no effect on them. On the 21st‘ of; the. present) monem
(September), in a bright sun, two birds repeatedly quartered
a small meadow on East Buccleuch farm, west of Clearburn
Loch, paying particular attention to the sides of the surface
drains. At the same time three birds spent the afternoon
quartering and requartering a small area not exceeding an
acre on the east side of the loch near the Hawick road.
The birds were most diligent, seldom resting more than a
few minutes.
The birds seem to subsist principally on voles and mice ;
at all events, I have no information of their preying on birds.
No doubt this arises from the vast abundance of the voles,
great numbers of which are taken, particularly during nesting
time. | Tovsive three, instances':—Charles N. Dunlopyatsam
of Whitmuirhill, Selkirk, informs me that twenty-nine voles
were removed from a nest on Hislop, and that next day
twenty-seven voles were found in the same place. The
shepherd at Dumfedling counted thirty-seven voles at a
nest containing ten eggs found on that farm at the end of
February. And Mr. Glendinning, shepherd, Howpasley, tells
me that he counted twenty-seven at a nest on that farm con-
taining ten young birds. In flushing a bird at the present
time it is not uncommon to find a dead vole. or two At
the place where it rose.
It is pretty clear from the information received that the
bird has during past years nested regularly in small numbers
in the area embraced in Eskdalemuir and the top of Teviot
and of its tributary the Borthwick. I particularly refer to the
information specified in the Schedule obtained from Craich,
Falnash, Hislop, and Redfordgreen in the Hawick district ;
THE SHORT-EARED OWL IN VOLE PLAGUE DISTRICTS 225
Glenkerry and Gair in Ettrick ; and Castle O’er and Crurie,
Nether Cassock, Glendearg, and Fingland on Eskdalemuir.
Mr. D. Glendinning, Howpasley, states that specimens were
seen and nests found in Liddesdale-head in 1887, and on
the early afternoon of a day about the middle of June
1890 a bird spent half an hour quartering the rough grass in
West Deloraine, to the north-west of Clearburn Loch, in
close proximity to a fishing party of which I was a member.
That these birds should have mustered and bred in
such numbers in the wide area indicated is in itself a most
interesting fact, and one that goes far to prove the keenness
of the struggle for existence among the feathered races. We
all know that the homing instinct is almost paramount in all
migratory birds, and yet the abundance of food in the vole
counties has induced many mere winter visitors among these
owls to settle at least for a while among us and to render
services to the sheep farmer which cannot be over-estimated.
With reference to the Kestrel, I have given in the Schedule
a statement of the details of value which I have received, and
nothing requires to be added. In driving or walking over
any part of the vole-infested area the bird is constantly in
sight, sometimes several at once, and forms a most pleasing
feature of the landscape.
I cannot close without acknowledging the kindness and
courtesy of the gentlemen who were good enough to aid me
in obtaining the particulars required to enable me to compile
this article. I am particularly indebted to the follow-
ing gentlemen for the trouble which they have taken, viz. :—
Richard Bell, Esq., of Castle O’er ; T. Scott Anderson, Esq.,
of Shaws; Charles N. Dunlop, Esq., of Whitmuirhill ; Alex-
ander Sturrock, Esq., banker, Edinburgh ; R. Service, Esq,.,
Maxwelltown ; James Matheson, Esq., banker, Selkirk ;
Dr. Hamilton, Hawick; J. Scott, Esq., West Deloraine ;
Wm. G. Stewart, Esq., Barnhill, Moffat ; Charles S. Grieve,
Esq., Branxholm Park, Hawick; James Hobkirk, Esq.,
Broadhaugh, Hawick ; and John Mitchell, Esq., Newburgh.
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232 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
NEW SCOTTISH FOSSIL, REPIiissS
[AT the recent meeting of the British Association in Edin-
burgh, Mr. E. T. Newton, F.G.S., F.Z.S., communicated a
preliminary notice “On some Dicynodont and other Reptile
Remains from the Elgin Sandstone,” in which he described
some very remarkable forms new to science. The detailed
description of these specimens is nearly completed, and will,
it is hoped, be shortly published. The following is an
abstract of Mr. Newton’s communication to the Associa-
tion.— EDS. |
At the Aberdeen meeting of the British Association in
1885 Dr. Traquair called attention to the skull of a Dicyn-
odont which had been discovered in the Elgin Sandstone
of Cutties’ Hillock (= New Spynie). Since that time several
other specimens have been obtained from the same place,
some of which are the property of the Elgin Museum, while
others belong to the Geological Survey of the United King-
dom. These specimens are now being worked out by the
author, and this communication is a preliminary note on the
interesting results which have been obtained.
All the reptile remains obtained from Cutties’ Hillock
are in the condition of hollow casts, the bones themselves
having been dissolved away; this, it will be remembered,
was the case with some of the examples of Stagonolepis from
the Elgin Sandstone, described by Prof. Huxley, and the
method of taking casts from the hollow cavities, which was
adopted in that case, has been found of great advantage in
the present instance. The blocks when brought from the
quarry were more or less split open, exposing portions of the
specimens. In some cases these cavities were traced out
and developed with the chisel, while in others they were
farther split open, thus allowing casts to be taken. In many
cases these casts had to be made in several parts and after-
wards fitted together. The time and labour involved in this
task have been repaid by the restoration of the skulls and
parts of skeletons of several Dzcynodonts and one or two
other equally remarkable forms of reptiles.
In most of these specimens, including that noticed by
A NEW FOSSIL FISH FROM DURA DEN 233
Dr. Traquair, the skulls are similar in form, although differing
in minor details, and have a general resemblance to the
South African Dzicynodon and Oudenodon, some of them
having small tusks in the maxillary bones. With most of
these skulls parts of the skeleton have been found. Two or
three show the position of the vertebral column and ribs, but
up to the present no definite centra have been traced ; besides
this there is evidence of scapula, clavicle, humerus, radius,
and ulna, the humerus having the characteristic anomodont
expansion of the two extremities. In two specimens the ilia
are preserved. These forms appear to be distinct from Dicyn-
odon, and probably represent at least two or three species.
Another skull presents most of the characters of Ptycho-
gnathus, but has a short muzzle and no teeth. The last, and
by far the most remarkable skull of this series, is about six
inches in length, and has the outer surface completely covered
in by bony plates, the nostrils, eyes, and pineal fossa being
the only apertures. The chief feature of this skull is the
extreme development of horns upon the face and cheeks,
there being about thirty of these formidable defences, varying
from a fourth of an inch to nearly three inches in length,
besides some smaller bosses. The dentition is pleurodont,
and resembles very closely that of the living /ewana; the
palate is lacertilian, but with the pterygoids united in front
of the pterygoid vacuity. This skull reminds one very
strongly of the living Moloch and Phrynosoma, but it
probably finds its nearest ally in the Parezasaurus from the
South African Karoo Bed.
A NEW FOSSIL FISH FROM DURA DEN.
sy R. H. Traquair, M.D., ‘F.R.S.
Keeper of the Natural History Collections in the Museum of Science
and Art, Edinburgh.
SOME years ago, while looking over the magnificent collection
of Dura Den fishes in the Museum at St. Andrews, Professor
Heddle drew my attention to a specimen which, though
bearing some resemblance in form to a Glyptolemus, seemed
234 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
to him to differ essentially in the squamation, and was there-
fore probably new to science.
The form of the fish is long and narrow, and shows
posteriorly two dorsal fins, behind the second of which the
specimen is unfortunately broken off. Its measurements are,
From tip of snout to just behind origin of second dorsal, 104 inches.
e anterior margin of orbit 3S
ss mu anterior margin of clavicle . 2 3
i i origin of first dorsal fin rE
a origin of second dorsal fin . OF fe
Depth at shoulder and also at middle of body tS
So far as exhibited, the external cranial bones are finely
rugose-granulated on their surfaces ; the circular orbit is very
distinctly marked, and is ;°; inch in diameter. The gape is
wide but only a few small conical teeth are exhibited. The
opercular bones are wanting, a palatopterygoid bone of the
usual Rhizodont shape being brought into view. There is
also exhibited a clavicle of the same general form as in
Rhizodopsis, etc. There are some remains of pectoral rays,
but the ventral, anal, and caudal fins are not preserved.
The scales are unfortunately badly preserved ; only
enough is seen to show that they were thin and rounded,
and that they exhibited the usual fine, concentric, and
radiating markings of the scales in the Rhizodont family.
The head, the scales, the fins, all show that the fish
belongs to the family Rhizodontide, but its generic position
is not so clear owing to its deficient preservation. Un-
fortunately, with the single exception of the Canadian genus
Eusthenopteron, very \ittle is known of the Upper Devonian
Rhizodontidez in general, as their remains have hitherto
occurred only in the most fragmentary condition, like the
Russian remains named by Pander Polyflocodus,| and those
from Clashbennie in Scotland, named by Agassiz Bothriolepis
favosus, and now provisionally referred by Mr. A. Smith
Woodward to Newberry’s genus Sauripterus.’
There is, however, in the collection at St. Andrews,
1 Tt has been usually supposed that Pander’s Polyplocodus is synonymous with
Agassiz’s Cricodus, but I have already, in the first number of this Journal (p. 35),
shown that Cricodus was founded on a tooth of Dendrodont structure.
2 Cat. Foss. Fishes, British Museum, Pt. 2, p. 365.
LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND = 235
another specimen of a KRhizodont fish from Dura Den,
showing the hinder part of the body and tail; the caudal fin
being well preserved and rhombic-diphycercal in its contour,
which is thus conformed as it is in the Lower Old Red
Sandstone genus Gyroptychius of M‘Coy. There seems
every reason for believing that this specimen is both
senerically and specifically identical with the one described
above, as showing the head without the tail, though it may
be doubted if the form of the tail alone is sufficient, consider-
ing the bad condition of the scales, to justify the reference of
the species to the genus Gyroptychius. For the scales of
Gyroptychius have a peculiar long ridge on the under surface
which cannot be seen in the specimens under consideration.
The reference of this Dura Den Rhizodont to a genus
can therefore meanwhile only be provisional, but as it closely
resembles Gyroptychius, so far as its state of preservation
allows us to judge, I propose to include it in that genus
under the name of Gyroptychius Heddlet.
I have, in conclusion, to thank the Committee of the St.
Andrews Museum for facilities kindly allowed me _ for
€xamining and describing the fossil.
MUDEIONS/ TO THE AUTHENTICATED GOMITAL
CENSUS OF THE LAND AND FRESHWATER
MOLLUSC A -OF SCOTLAND.
Wm. DENISON ROEBUCK, F.L.S.,
Hon. Sec. and Recorder to the Conchological Society of Great Britain
and Ireland.
I HAVE some further notes to submit in continuation of my
paper in the “ Annals of Scottish Natural History ” for April
1892, pp. 104-107, mostly the result of the work of my
friends Mr. William Evans, F.R.S.E., and Rev. George
Gordon, LL.D.
6. Helix rufescens on Stirling Castle Roeck.—This is an addi-
tion to the Stirlingshire list, and an important extension to the
north-east of the Scottish range of the species. Mr. Evans collected
236 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
it on the 28th April last, in fair quantity, and sent them to me for
examination, along with numerous examples of C/lausilia rugosa, and
odd ones of Helix hispida, H. nemoralis var. libellula 1 (23) (45),
Ff. rotundata, Vitrina pellucida, Zontites cellarius, and Z. nitidulus.
7. Mollusea in South Perthshire.—Mr. Evans spent some little
time last April in the neighbourhood of Callander, and to very good
purpose. ‘The following is a list of species I received from him,
those marked * being additions to the records for the vice-county.
Arion ater.—Callander, one, small.
* A. subfuscus.—Callander, several.
* A. hortensts Callander, numerous.
A. circumscriptus (=A. bourguignatt of my former papers).—Cal-
lander, a few.
* A. minimus.—Callander, a few.
* LTimax arborum.—Callander, one, small.
Agriolimax agrestis —Callander, common.
* A. levis.—Port of Menteith, one.
Vitrina pellucida.—Callander, Bracklinn Falls, and Loch Lubnaig,
a few.
Zonites cellarius.—Callander and Loch Lubnaig, several.
Z. alliarius.—Callander, Loch Lubnaig, Bracklinn Falls, Banks of
the Keltie near Callander, and Callander Crags, numerous.
Z. nitidulus.—Port of Menteith, Loch Lubnaig, and Callander, not
uncommon.
Z. purus.—Bracklinn Falls and Loch Lubnaig, a few.
Z. radiatulus.—Bracklinn Falls and Callander, several.
Z. excavatus.—Callander Crags, two.
Z. crystallinus—Loch Lubnaig and banks of the Keltie near
Callander.
Z. fulvus.—Port of Menteith, Bracklinn Falls, banks of Keltie, and
Callander, common.
* Flelix lamellata.—Banks of the Keltie near Callander, a few.
* FT, nemoralis.—Var. rubella at the Pass of Leny, and vars. rubella
and Zibellula at Callander, several.
* Hf, fusca.—Callander, a few.
ff, rotundata.—Loch Lubnaig, Bracklinn Falls, and Callander,
common.
Pupa umbtiticata.—Callander, a few.
Vertigo edentuta.—Bracklinn Falls and Callander, a few.
Clausilia rugosa.—Callander, a few.
* Zua lubrica.—Loch Lubnaig, and an irrigated meadow at Callander,
a few.
Carychium minimum.—Pass of Leny, one.
* Planorbis albus.—Callander, one.
* Pl. contortus.—Callander, several.
LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND — 237
Limnea peregra.—Loch Lubnaig, one.
* L. palustris.—Irrigated meadow at Callander, several.
L. truncatula.—Irrigated meadow at Callander, a few.
* Ancylus fluviatilis—Burn near Callander, one, large.
* Pisidium fontinale.—Loch Lubnaig and Callander, numerous.
P. pusillum.—Callander, numerous.
These additions bring up the total number of species fully
authenticated for the vice-county to 39.
8. Mollusea in Mid Perthshire.—Another place to which Mr.
Evans devoted attention during April and May was the immediate
neighbourhood of Loch Tay, in the mid division of Perthshire, from
which he sent me the following species, those marked * being new
species-records for the vice-county :—
* Arion subfuscus.—Drummond Hill, common.
* A. minimus.—Between Fearnan and Kenmore.
* Limax cinereo-niger.—Drummond Hill, five obtained.
* Agriolimax levis——Fearnan and Lawers, both on Loch Tay side,
a few.
Vitrina pellucida.—Fearnan, several.
Zontites cellarius.—Fearnan, and Drummond Hill between Fearnan
and Kenmore, numerous.
Z. alliartus.—Fearnan, a few.
Z. nitidulus,—Fearnan, and Drummond Hill, numerous.
* Z, radiatulus.—Fearnan, a few.
* Z. excavatus.—Fearnan, one, juv.
Z. crystallinus.—Fearnan and Drummond Hill, a few.
Z. fulvus.—Fearnan, a few.
flelix lamellata.—Drummond Hill, several.
* FT, aculeata.—Drummond Hill.
f1, nemoralis.x—Drummond Hill, vars. rubella and Jibellula, a
few.
ff, hortensis—Drummond Hill, one.
Ff, arbustorum.—Lawers, a few. .
fT, hispida,—F¥earnan, numerous.
ff, rotundata.—F¥earnan, a few.
* Hf, pygmea.—Drummond Hill, a few.
Bulimus obscurus.—Pass of Lyon near Fearnan, several.
* Pupa ringens.—Drummond Hill, a few.
* P. umbilicata.—Fearnan, numerous.
* Vertigo edentula.—Drummond Hill.
Claustlia rugosa.—Drummond Hill, a few.
Zua lubyvicaa—Drummond Hill, a few.
* Carychium minimum.—Fearnan, and Drummond Hill, a few.
* Ancylus fluviatilis.—Fearnan, a few.
* Pisidium fontinale.—Curling-pond at Fearnan, a few.
238 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
These additions bring up the total number of species on authen.
ticated record for the vice-county to 44.1
9. Mollusea in Elginshire.—In August 1891 Mr. Evans sent
me the following species from Castle Roy, close to Nethy Bridge,
which is politically in Inverness-shire, but really in Elginshire
according to the Watsonian system of vice-counties which is followed
in botanical and conchological work.
Arion circumscriptus (= A. bourguignati of my former papers), A.
minimus, Limax arborum var. nemorosa, Agriolimax agrestis, Vitrina
pellucida, Zonttes alliarius, Helix pulchella, Vertigo pygmaa, and Zua
lubrica, none of them being additions to the list.
From Grantown, about the same time, Mr. Evans sent me Avion
circumscriptus, A. minimus, * Limax maximus var. fasciata, Agriolimax
agrestis var. sylvatica, Vitrina pellucida, Zonites alliarius, and Zua
lubrica, the one marked * being the only additional species for the
county, whose list now includes 53 species.
The Rev. Dr. Gordon has lately forwarded me examples of
Limnea peregra from Balnageith near Forres, Elginshire, and of
Asgriolimax agrestis from Clunymore, alt. 700 feet, in the neighbour-
ing county of Banff.
to. Helix caperata in North Aberdeenshire.—Rev. Dr.
Gordon sent me in May last three small examples of Helix caperata
from Inverugie, an addition to the very scanty list of species we
have seen from this vice-county, which is apparently one of the least
worked parts of Scotland.
EN FOMOLOGISING IN AYRSHIRE
By GeEorGcE W. Orb.
THE Girvan district of Ayrshire does not appear to have
been much worked by entomologists, so that the following
notes on insects, taken during a fortnight’s visit (27th June
to 11th July) last year, may not be without interest. The
weather was not of the best, as we had only three days of
decent sunshine, and on this account our list, especially as
regards butterflies, is perhaps smaller than it might other-
wise have been. Our total captures of Macro-Lepidoptera
numbered 83 species, of which 11 were Butterflies, 5 Bom-
! The occurrence of Limax cinereo-niger is of exceptional interest, as I
have never seen the species from a locality so far south in Scotland before, and
I have not seen it from the Lowlands or the western counties at all.
ENTOMOLOGISING IN AYRSHIRE 239
byces, 40 Geometrz, and 27 Noctuz. The most notable
butterflies were Satyrus Hyperanthus, L., Lycena Alsus, Fab.,
and L. Artaxerxes, Fab., the first being very abundant on
the damp ground along the Ballantrae Road. L. Adlsus, we
got plentifully on one small bank half a mile south of the town
of Girvan, but it was seen in no other locality, so its range
must be very restricted. Even on the spot mentioned it
appeared to be confined to a small plot some twelve yards
square, for within that radius three-fourths of our specimens
were taken. JL. Artaxerxes does not appear in the “ Fauna
and Flora of the West of Scotland” published by the Natural
History Society of Glasgow, but, previous to our visit, it had
been recorded for Ayrshire by Mr. Birchall (“ Newman’s
History of British Butterflies,’ p. 128). It appeared to be
common enough on the hills in the Girvan district. Satyrus
Semele, L., and Thanaos tages were the only other butterflies
taken which are worthy of mention.
Of the Bombyces the only species of any rarity was the
Cinnabar Moth, Euchela jacobee, L. Only one imago of
this insect was taken, but the eggs and young larve were
exceedingly abundant on Turnberry Sands. We brought a
number of these to Glasgow and obtained a fair series of
perfect insects from them.
The district appeared to be very rich in Geometre, and
to this family belong the bulk of our captures. Among the
less common species were, Venusia cambricaria, Curt., Cleora
lichenaria, W. V., Actdalia fumata, Steph., Abraxas ulmata,
Fab., Lomaspilis marginata, L., Emmelsia affiniata, Steph.,
E. alchemillata, L., £. decolorata, Hub., Hupethecia pygmeata,
Hub., Thera firmata, Hub. Coremia propugnata, W. V.,
Cidaria corylata, Thunb., Czdaria silaceata, W. V., Eudbolta
palumbaria, W. V., Tanagra cherophyllata, L., etc., many of
these being in great abundance. In Penwhapple Glen, for
instance, the most abundant insect was Adraras ulmata, a
very rare insect in most parts of Scotland. It is to be found
by day at rest on elm leaves, and is very conspicuous. It
does not appear to be so obnoxious to birds as its relative
the common Magpie Moth, Adéraxas grossulariata, L., as we
found the dry bed of the stream literally strewed with wings
and other relics of the departed.
240 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Our captures of Noctuze included Zhyatira bates, L.,
Cymatophora duplaris, L., Leucania pallens, L., Axylia putris,
L., Agrotzs erclamationts, L., Noctua umbrosa, Wub., Euclidia
mi, L., etc. Sugaring did not pay very well, few insects
ever approaching it. Many interesting insects belonging to
other orders were also obtained, the most local being a
female Glow-worm, Lampyrzs noctiluca, L.
ON CERTAIN NEW OR RARE KROTIPERS
FROM FORFARSHIRE.
By W. T. CaLtman, University College, Dundee.
PEATE VIII.
Notops pygmeus, n. sp.
A MINUTE rotifer, which appears to be new, has occurred
several times in the water supplied to Dundee from the
Monikie reservoirs. It is at once remarkable for its brilliant
colour. Through the thick but clear and transparent skin,
the body of the animal appears of a light red colour, in the
midst of which lies the stomach of a deep blue; and these
colours are perfectly constant in numerous specimens that I
have seen over a period of six years. The HEAD is completely
retractile within the lorica, and the oral edges of the latter
are curved inwards over it when it is withdrawn. The FRONT
possesses apparently a single ring of cilia, near the ventral
side of which the mouth opens. The foot may be retracted
within or protruded from a long tubular sheath which passes
obliquely backwards from its orifice. For some little distance
from the orifice this sheath is thickened, and this portion of
it survives with the rest of the lorical skin when the animal
is treated with caustic alkali. Close to the orifice, a short
rounded diverticulum is given off from the sheath. The FOOT
is soft and flexible, and I have not seen more than a single
pointed toe. The STOMACH is very large and studded with
large oil-globules. Its upper portion fills the space between
the great mastax and the sheath of the foot ; below it curves
round ventrally, and is succeeded by a narrower intestinal
NEW AND RARE ROTIFERS FROM FORFARSHIRE 241
portion of a lighter colour (devoid of the peculiar blue), lined
with cilia, which in all probability opens at the base or inner
extremity of the passage above described as the sheath of
the foot. Close to the same point appears to be the orifice
of the rather large contractile vesicle. Of the NEPHRIDIA,
four ciliated funnels (“ vibratile tags ”) on each side were seen,
but no “convoluted tubes” could be observed. The BRAIN
is large, oval, colourless, and transparent, though at the same
time minutely granular. The EYE, which is of moderate size
and brightly red, is situated (as for instance in Mastigocerca
carinata), on the internal lower edge of the brain. The
TROPHI are, compared with the animal’s size, very large, and
are peculiar both in shape and in position. The incus is
forcipate, and lies, when the animal is extended, almost
transversely to the length of the body, the fulcrum pointing
in the direction of the foot. Both fulcrum and rami are long ;
at their junction with one another two lateral alule present
themselves; they lie in the same plane with the rami, to
which plane the fulcrum on the other hand is somewhat
inclined in the direction of the foot. From the rami, a very
long curved object runs towards the mouth, and can be
protruded therefrom. That it has something to do with the
malleus or mallei cannot be doubted ; but there is no sign of
division into uncus and manubrium, and I am even unable
to say whether it be single or double. It may represent a
single malleus, the other (small and unsymmetrical in for
instance the Rattulidz) being here perhaps quite absent ;
and the existent single one showing as a protrusible style.
Just over the hinder part of the brain, but some distance to
the right of the middle line, is placed a very minute antenna
bearing apparently only a single bristle. On the sides of the
body are the lumbar sense organs, also very minute, consisting
of short rounded tubercles, probably setigerous, although this
could not be satisfactorily determined. That on the right side
is placed nearer the ventral and posterior edge of the body
than that on the left. This unsymmetrical arrangement of
the three setigerous sense organs is noteworthy. The total
length of the animal when fully expanded is about 54+, of
an inch, the breadth about »1>5.
The only known species which at all resembles this is
242 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL. HISTORY
a minute form recently described by Rousselet’ as JVofops
minor,n. sp. Of this species the details given are as yet
few. The two forms are similar in size, but the foot in
Mr. Rousselet’s species seems to be much nearer the posterior
extremity: the two toes are conspicuous: and the blue
colour of the stomach, so constant and characteristic a feature
of ours, is not observed.
Copeus Ehrenbergii, Gosse = Notommata Copeus,
Ehrenberg.
In Messrs. Hudson and Gosse’s * Rotifera” (vol. i. p. 28),
Mr. Gosse notes that this rotifer, the first and typical species
of his genus Cofeus, has apparently not been re-observed since
its description by its discoverer, though several other closely
allied but distinct species are now known: of these the
nearest ally appears to be Copeus labiatus, Gosse, which indeed
Mr. Gosse at first referred to the true Wotommata copeus of
Ehrenberg. I have found in the neighbourhood of Dundee
several specimens of a form which appears to be identical
with that figured by Ehrenberg, and removes accordingly any
doubt as to the validity of the original species.
According to Dr. Hudson (“ Rotifera,’ App. p. 19), Copeus
Ehrenbergiz is (from its description) so like C. dabzatus, when
its auricles are withdrawn, that it might easily be mistaken
for that animal: it differs from C. /adzatus in the shape of
the front, in the possession of large telegraph-like auricles, in
the much smaller size of its ciliated lip, and in its foot having
three joints instead of two.
Our species resembles C. /abzatus.-in’ size and) “ia
general shape. When swimming, it is about {, inch
long, narrow and cylindrical anteriorly, posteriorly broad
and ventricose. The face is covered (as for instance in
Notommata aurita) with short cilia, and runs downward
exactly as in C. /abiatus into a pointed, channeled lip, the
groove in which is lined by a continuation of the same cilia.
At certain times, when the animal is swimming freely in the
water, the great lateral, “telegraph-like” auricles are seen
1 << Journ. of the Quekett Microscopical Club,” (2). iv. p. 359, pl. xxiv. figs.
g-10, Jan. 1892.
NEW AND RARE ROTIFERS FROM FORFARSHIRE 243
expanded. They are broad ovate arms, somewhat expanded
at the ends, and, when fully extended, distinctly longer than
the breadth of the head. They are furnished with rather
long cilia, which cover their ends, and apparently their upper
surfaces to the base; but as the animal swims with great
rapidity when they are expanded, the exact distribution of
the cilia is difficult to see. How these auricles are projected
and retracted, and whether or not they are invaginated into
pouches, I have not been able to determine. In their re-
tracted state I have failed to see a trace of them. Sometimes
a single auricle is expanded alone. On the dorsal side of
the head is a short ANTENNA, broad below, then narrowing
suddenly to a blunt point, crowned with a tuft of rather long
sensory bristles. At the broadest part of the ventricose body
spring two lateral tufts of much longer sensory bristles, in
the position in which Gosse figures (oc. cit.) a pair of single
bristles only in C. /adiatus, but where a bunch of sete has
already been recognised in C. pachyurus (Hudson “ Rotifera,”
App. p. 20, footnote). The TAIL is well marked, short, and
transparent. It is narrower near the base than in the middle,
where there is formed an abrupt shoulder, succeeded by a
straight, blunt, apical portion. The FOOT is rather long, and
consists of two joints, carrying a pair of straight pointed toes.
A very fine covering of gelatinous mucus clothes the body
of the animal, so transparent in its nature as to be scarcely
detected save for the presence in it of minute adherent
particles.
From this description of the external view it results that
our species resembles the description and figure of Copeus
Ehrenbergii in its general form, the size and position of the
auricles, the size and shape of the tail, the position of the
lumbar processes, and the possession of a gelatinous covering.
It differs from the account of that species in not having the
tips only of the auricles ciliated (EKhrenberg’s figure suggests
an attempt to make the ends of these organs look like the
wheels of an ordinary Xot:fer), in having only two joints to
the foot, but in this matter, though Ehrenberg’s description
sives three, his figure only shows two; in the possession of
two bunches of fine sete in the lumbar region instead of a
pair of single stout bristles, a difficult matter to define with
244 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
an imperfect instrument. The balance of characters seems
to show that the two species are practically identical.
On the other hand, the general characters, and in
particular the lip, are extremely like C. labiatus, in which
species, however, Mr. Gosse, though he appears to have
studied it repeatedly, never detected any protrusible auricles,
nor any trace of gelatinous covering. At the same time, if
our species were studied in only a small quantity of water, it
might be examined over and over again and its auricles never
seen. Mr. Gosse figures the lumbar sense-organs as single
stout bristles, but he seems to have had some doubt on this
point, as in the description he calls them “apparently
single.”
Proceeding to the internal structure:—The BRAIN,
which is large and transparent, is formed apparently of three
lobes as described by Gosse in C. /abiatus. Two lobes are
lateral, short, and each containing a well-defined rounded
spot of dark pigment. The central lobe is long, dependent,
enlarged at the extremity, and free from granular or pigment-
ary deposit. The red EYE, which is stated by Gosse to be
situated in C. dabzatus and C. cerberus, on the narrow waist
of this central lobe, is here placed more anteriorly, in the
very front of the brain. The TROPHI, of which I have not
made a special examination, seem to correspond with the
figure of C. /abzatus. The ESOPHAGUS is very long, narrow,
and transparent. The STOMACH is wide and large, but has
never shown to me that peculiar appearance of being divided
up by constrictions into squares which, according to Gosse,
is in C. labzatus “not accidental but characteristic, being
seen in every example that has occurred to me, and dis-
tinguishing the species from all its congeners.” The two
ovate GASTRIC GLANDS are present, perched on the anterior
border of the stomach. The NEPHRIDIA (dvanchi@ of Gosse),
are in the usual form of convoluted tubes, on each side of
which I have seen at least four ciliated funnels (“ vibratile
tags.”) In several specimens the ovary appeared as a single
row of globular, nucleated, transparent cells.
PISTILLODY OF STAMENS IN “CHAMPION” POTATO 245
Triarthra terminalis, Plate.
A solitary specimen of this rotifer was found in sediment
of Dundee tap-water. It does not seem to have been hitherto
recorded in Britain, and, as Dr. Plate gives no figure, the
accompanying sketches may be of interest. I have unfortun-
ately no observations on its internal structure.
Explanation of Plate VIII.
Fig. I. Lotops pygmaeus, n. sp.
I. @ Dorsal view.
I. 4 Front view of trophi.
» Ll. Copeus Ehrenbergit, Gosse.
II. @ Head with expanded auricles.
II. 6 Head with outline of brain.
II. ¢ Head in lateral view, with retracted auricles.
» Ll. Zriarthra terminalis, Plate.
III. @ Outline of the same, in contracted state.
a Antenna. /s Lumbar sete.
br Brain. /t Left lumbar tentacle.
cv Contractile vesicle. @ (&ésophagus.
e Eye. ov Ovary.
Jt Foot. vt Right lumbar tentacle.
gg Gastric gland. aw Wee
FPISTILLODY “OF Tue ' STAMENS ‘IN’ FHE
“CHAMEION” POTATO
By James W. H. Trait, M.A., M.D., F.L.S.
FOR several years I have observed every season that pistil-
lody of the stamens has been of very frequent occurrence in
fields of potatoes near Aberdeen ; and this year it has been
extremely common and well marked in numerous fields
within a radius of several miles. On inquiry I find that it
seems in all cases to be the “Champion ” variety that shows
this curious sport in the flowers. Mr. Alexander Macdonald,
in reply to an inquiry whether he had observed this condi-
1 Dr, L. Plate, ‘‘ Beitrage zur Naturgeschichte der Rotatorien” Jenaische
Zeitsch. f. Nat. (Bd. xix. p. 19, 1885.)
246 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
tion in Durris on the south bank of the Dee, about twelve
miles from Aberdeen, tells me that in five fields of
“Champions” in his immediate neighbourhood he had found
it common. It seems to have become habitual in this variety
of potato in this vicinity. Has anything of the kind been
observed elsewhere ?
The flowers of the “Champion” potato vary much near
Aberdeen, the variation depending on the extent to which
pistillody has affected the stamens. Certain plants seem
more prone than others to the alteration ; but widely differ-
ent degrees of it may be observed in the same inflorescence.
The younger flowers in an inflorescence seem more liable to
be affected as regards both frequency and degree. All the
flowers show a marked tendency to fall off, either very soon
after they open or while still in bud. I have not observed
fully-developed fruits or “plums” on this variety of potato.
In any case their production must be rare. The “ Champion”
potato is largely cultivated in the neighbourhood of Aber-
deen ; where it has a high reputation as yielding large re-
turns, and resisting disease better than most other varieties.
Possibly the vigour and healthiness of the organs of vegeta-
tion may be connected with the tendency of the flowers to fall
off early.
Only a small proportion of the flowers are of the ordinary
structure. In considerably less than one-half are the petals
as large and well-formed as usual in potatoes; and in many
even of these the stamens, though to a comparatively slight
extent, show evident tendency towards pistillody. Even
where the filament and anther are distinct, and where the
anther is coloured as in the healthy stamen, and produces
pollen, one very often sees the connective prolonged into a
small style with a minute stigma; or the stigma may arise
from the inner surface of the connective, near the base.
More often one or more, or all, of the petals are dwarfed into
narrow segments, little longer than the sepals; in which
case they very often remain greenish white. The inner
organs of such flowers are often visible externally while in
the bud. The aspect of the inflorescence is changed so much
as to become recognisable from a distance of a good many
yards.
CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS A FLORA OF CAITHNESS = 247
In the more extreme cases the stamens are so greatly
metamorphosed as quite to assume the appearance of carpels,
each having a well-developed ovary, style, and stigma. On
making a cross section of the ovary one finds usually numer-
ous ovules crowded on a single placenta. Very seldom is
the placenta double as in the true pistil. Frequently the
inner surface of the connective bears near its base a placental
wart covered thickly with ovules. One finds at times one
side of the anther still producing pollen and the other meta-
morphosed, and bearing ovules on such a placenta as that
now described. The ovules produced on the modified
stamens vary from a rudimentary to a well-developed condi-
tion. In many of the flowers the true pistil differs from the
five or six staminal pistils around it in little save its rather
larger size and more regular form. All the pistils may
enlarge for a time; though even the true pistil seldom
reaches the size of a small pea before the young fruit falls
off. Occasionally one meets with flowers in which one or
more of the staminal pistils become lobed, each lobe bear-
ing an ill-formed style and stigma.
I am not aware of any record of so abnormal a condi-
tion as pistillody of the stamens becoming habitual on so
wide a scale in the potato or in any other species of plant.
The tendency to it certainly appears to be already habitual in
the “Champion” potato, and to become more marked in
the successive generations.
CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS A FLORA OF
CAITHNESS. No. II.
By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.LS.
IN the “Scottish Naturalist” for 1888 Mr. Grant and
myself published a list of Caithness plants, using as far as
then possible such materials as we had in our possession.
Since then I have tried to gather together any matter that
seemed to assist in building up the records for some future
Flora of the county.
4 D
248 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
In the first place, some apology is needed to Dr. R.
Brown of Campster; inasmuch that his two papers (after-
wards named) were not consulted.
When reading the life of Robert Dick of Thurso, it
seemed to me that if those who so persistently asked him
for the Holy-Grass had only been as keen in the advance-
ment of Botany as in the greed for specimens they might
have been the means of some use being made of Dick’s
knowledge of the Caithness Flora :—that he would communi-
cate with any one who he saw was really anxious was seen
by the hearty and laborious way in which he helped Hugh
Miller in geology. Since his death two more remarkable
men have made the Flora their part study :—-Mr. Henderson,
a shepherd (of whom a sympathetic notice appeared in “ The
Northern Ensign,” by my friend Mr. Grant), and Mr. Rosie,
a postman; to both of whom Mr. Grant and myself are
much indebted.
The flora is far from being exhausted, I feel sure. So
far as the Cryptogams are concerned little has yet been done.
Dick’s fine series of Mosses were sent to Liverpool 13 years
ago to be named, and have never been returned. To whom-
soever they went, it is a downright bit of dishonesty not to
return them, even if they could not be named.
The papers by Dr. R. Brown were published in “ The
Transactions of the Edinburgh Botanical Society,” 1860,
p. 328; and 1863, p. 8. Beyond these the principal paper is
one by Dr. Craig “On the Excursion of the Scottish Alpine
Club to Sutherland and Caithness in 1888,’ “Trans. Edin.
Bot. 506," 1550) p.-3 70.
I give such notes below as I have accumulated.
Thalictrum majus, Cran¢/z.—Dunnet, 7. Grant! Dick.
‘‘Thalictrum flavum.”—Sandside, Caithness, 7. /. Cowie, fide H.
C. Watson, in ‘‘ Outlines of the Geogr. Dist. of Brit. Plants,” p.
79 (1832), “ Probably a form of minus”; Watson in “ Geogr.
Distrib.,” p. 49 (1843).
T. maritimum.—Reiss, Murkle.
Ranunculus eonfusus.—?. Brown, in Catalogue sent to H. C.
Watson.
Ranuneulus aeris; var. tomophyllus (/ord.).—Sandy cliffs ; Sand-
side Bay, Reay.
CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS A FLORA OF CAITHNESS = 249
Caltha palustris ; var— Dr. Ward, sp.!
Papaver dubium.—Cornfields, Reay, W. & JZiller.
Fumaria officinalis.—Potato field, Dunnet, W. / Miller.
F. parviflora.—2. Brown, |.c. p. 8.
Subularia aquatiea.—Loch at Calam, Z: Henderson, 1889.
Cochlearia danica.—Z. Dick, in Brown’s Cat. to H. C. Watson.
7 Camelina sativa.—Ballast heap, Wick, R. Brown, l.c.
? Cardamine impatiens.—A. Brown, in Cat., l.c. p. 329.
Viola lutea, amena.—Dunnet Hill, 1889, W. & Miller.
Hypericum quadrangulum.—A. Lick, fide R. Brown, l.c. p. 329.
Tilia parvifolia.—/. Brown, in Cat., Le. p. 328.
Linum ecatharticum, Z.; var. condensatum, Zange.—Reay Links,
Messrs. Linton.
tj Acer Pseudo-platanus.— Fairly grown trees in seed; several
plantations about Thurso and Reay, W. & Miller.
Lathyrus sylvestris.—Cliffs near Berriedale, J/essrs. Linton, J. B.,
1889, p. 209.
Rubus hemistemon, ?. /. Jil/.—Dunbeath, J7/r. Linton, J. B.,
1889, p. 209.
Rosa eanina, Z.; var. Watsonii—Near Dunbeath, JZessrs. Linton,
J. Bs, 1880, pr 200.
Dryas octopetaia.—In his second communication Mr. R. Brown
remarks on this plant ‘‘ During the last two years I have searched
every likely locality, especially limestone rocks which it affects,
but have never seen a trace of it.” He goes on to say that
“‘through the kindness of Mr. Peter Anderson of Inverness, one
of the authors of the ‘“‘Guide” (where Dyvyas was reported),
and the Rev. Dr. Gordon of Birnie, who revised the list of
Highland plants, I have been favoured with a perusal of the
original M.S. and localities ; and I find no locality is given for
Dryas ; and the introduction of it into the Caithness list must
have arisen from oversight.” Yet the plant comes so near the
Caithness border, at Melvich, that it might be expected between
there and Downreay, where the Oxytrofis grows. Dick also
states he had many hunts for it.
Rosa eanina, Z., var. Andevagensis, Latard.—AViller, 1889.
R. canina, Z., var. glauea, V7//—Berriedale, IV. R. Linton, 20th
July 1888.
Pyrus Aria.—&. Lrown, l.c. p. 329.
P. Malus.— 2. Brown, l|.c. p. 328.
250 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Saxifraga aizoides.—R. Dick, fide J. Grant in Cat. at Kew.
S. oppositifolia—. Brown, in Dick’s Cat. at Kew.
+ Ribes alpinum.—A. 4rowzn, l.c. p. 328.
Seleranthus annuus.—For several years round Wick, C. W. Peach.
Cherophyllum temulentum.—. Zrowz, l.c. p. 329.
Valeriana dioica.—f. Brown, l.c. p. 329.
Solidago virgaurea, var. eambrica.—Cliffs at Dunnet, VW. £.
Milter.
Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum.—Rare 20 years before 1881.
Dick had found only three specimens. Grant, in Cat. to H.C.
Watson.
Anthemis nobilis.—. Brown, |1.c. Was formerly grown in the
“kail-yards” at the back of the cottages, so likely enough
escaped.
Matriearia maritima, Z.—Ackergill sandhills, Rev. £. Marshall.
Arctium majus.— 2. Lrown, l|.c.
Eupatorium eannabinum.—Cliffs between Dunbeath and Berriedale,
R. Roste.
Saussurea alpina, D.C. ; var. macrophylla (Gren. e¢ Godr. sp., non
Sauter !)—Near Thurso, 7. Grant /
Hieracium murorum, Z. ; var. basifolium, 4/7g.—
* ra var. erassiusculum, A/mg.—
<>
. anglicum, var. longibracteatum, //au).—Reay.
<>)
. proximum, Hand. (non Norrlin) (“= var. favinosum, Lindbg.,” in
‘Scot. Nat.”)—Isauld burn and Thurso river, WF Miller.
Mr. Hanbury published his name about six weeks before that
of Norrlin appeared.
. scoticum, Hanxd.—Thurso river, W. & Miller.
. ealedonicum, AYazd.—Scrabster, W. & Miller.
oreades, /7.—Strathsteven, 7. Grant/ Berriedaley W. R.
Linton.
. Friesii, Harm. ; var. vestitum, Zzzdeb.—Lybster, 7. Grant /
H. auratum, /7.—Reay, W. & Miller. Sandside, Isauld Burn,
bt et bt
ee
W. F. Miller.
Leontodon autumnalis, var. pratensis.—Loch Winless, Fox &
Hanbury.
+ Campanula rapunculoides.—Stirkoke !
€. rotundifolia, var. laneifolia, Aoch.—Dunnet Hill, W. & Willer.
CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS A FLORA OF CAITHNESS — 251
Polemonium cceruleum.—Near Thurso; Dzch’s herbarium. Ona
moor on the middle of Dunnet Head; see Report of Scot. Alp.
Club; by Dr. Craig, in. “Trans. Edin: Society,” 1830, p..370.
Convolvulus sepium.—?R. Lrown, l.c.
y+ Anchusa sempervirens.—/. Zrown, l.c.
Veronica Anagallis.—?. Browz, |.c.
var. anagalliformis, Aoreau.—Dunnet, W. & Miller.
Euphrasia Rostkoviana, var. borealis. ‘Townsend, W. /& Jiller !/
Along the coast.
Salsola Kali.—Sandy shore, Reay, W. & Miller / Freswick Bay,
Mr. Peach.
[Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus.—‘ Very common in some places
along the shore,” fide R. Brown, \.c.—Some error ?]
Rumex sanguineus.—?. Lrown, |.c.
Salix cinerea x aurita.—( x S. Zutescens, Kerner), Caithness, £. &.
Linton, fide Dr. B. White.
Salix repens, var. argentea.—Dunnet Hill, 4 W. A@iller /
[Hippophae rhamnoides.—Abundant at Reay, Dr. Davidson, in
litt, roth August 1887. Some mistake ?]
Typha latifolia.—Duran, 1863, 2. Dick.
Potamogeton nitens, var. latifolius. ‘Tisel.
P. natans, var. laneeolatus. Fieber. Thurso River, Grant,
Hanbury.
P. heterophyllus, Sciveb., var. graminifolius.—Thurso River,
Grant /
Luzula Forsteri,—. Brown, |.c. When Dr. Brown reported this to
the Edinburgh Society, naturally enough doubt was expressed
(January 12th, 1860). In November of the same year Dr.
Brown, in a second communication, remarked that he ‘‘ had in
company with Mr. Drummond very carefully examined speci-
mens of the plant from the locality, both by comparison with
English specimens and with published descriptions, and I believe
it to be the true plant.” May not the explanation be, that some
other species, neither Az/osa nor Forstert, was gathered. Un-
fortunately, I have failed to trace the specimens.
Potamogeton plantagineus.—This fails to reach mid-Scotland, fide
certain published records (Argyle?); but it reaches the pro-
vinces of Blekinge and Gotland in Sweden ; so that there is no
great improbability that it may be found in the north of Scotland.
Robert Dick’s specimens, seen by Mr. Grant, are said to be
polygontfolius ; I have not yet seen them myself.
252 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
P. pectinatus, Z.—Wick River, /. Grant.
Schoenus nigricans, var. nana, Lavge.—Loch Winless, pasture by
the sea, east of Reay, W. Aller /
Carex pauciflora.—Morven, &. Dick.
C. Goodenovii, var. juncella, 77. (sub. vz/gar7s)—Thurso river near
its mouth, W. FE. Miller /
C. salina, Wahl. var. Kattegatensis, 77. (Sp.)—Mr. Nicolson of
Wick writes me that this “‘was sent to Prof. Dickson at Edin-
burgh, but was not recognised by him.”
C. paludosa.—Isauld Burn, W% & Afiller, 18809.
Hierochloe borealis.—Once found in the Forss Water near the mill,
i. PreK.
Alopecurus fulvus,—Near the salmon pool, Thurso, &. Brown, l.c.
Not on record north of Chester; but reported from Fife and
Forfar, not confirmed. It is reported from many places in
Norway north to Varanger. But there is another plant it might
have been, lately described as a new sub-species by A. Blytt ;
ze. A. intermedius (= geniculatus—jfluitans Blytt, in “ Norges
Flora,” p. 68; az L?). But we have no specimens to decide
from.
Agrostis alba, var. subrepens, 4a.—Breakwater, Wick, /. Grant.
Deyeuxia strigosa.—olert Dick found this at Duran in 1863.
Specimens were sent to Prof. H. Balfour, and were named by
him ‘“ Calamagrosts stricta.” Dick, however, evidently did not
agree with this determination, as he calls it ‘“‘The Lapland
Rush.”
Poa trivialis, f. grandiflora, /Zacke/.—Westerseat, 7. Grant.
Athyrium Filix-foemina, var. rheticum.—Dunnet Head, 2. Dick.
Lastrea foeniseciiimDunnet Head, #. Dick. Would need to be
gathered again.
Polypodium caleareum.—Morven, #. Dick. Like the last species,
this would need to be again gathered before it could be safely
accepted.
Chara fragilis, var. deliecatula.n—Loch on Holborn Head, Reeves
and Ward.
There are still some 30 to 40 species that should occur
in the county, as they nearly all occur either in Sutherland-
shire, the Orkneys, or Shetlands.
NOTES ON “ ENGLISH BOTANY, SUPPLEMENT” 283
NOTES ON “ENGLISH BOTANY, SUPPLEMENT.”?!
PARTSILA AND TE
By G. CLARIDGE Drucz, M.A., F.L.S.
THIS the supplement to [Boswell] Syme’s English Botany
is to be prepared by Mr. N. E. Brown as far as Dipsacee.
Mr. Arthur Bennett is to complete the work, which it is ex-
pected will reach to eight or nine parts.
The first part gives coloured plates of Ranunculus flabel-
latus (R. cherophyllos), Arahis alpina, Polygala amara, Claytonia
stbirica (C. alsinotdes), and Lavatera cretica (L. silvestris). A
good plate of Lrassica Napus to replace the old one in
“FE. Bot.” is also supplied. Although dated on the title-page
1891, I do not think this part was issued till 1892; in fact
all along there has been great neglect in properly dating the
publications of the parts of “English Botany,’ which should
not occur in works of this importance.
The compiler apparently dates his citation of species
from the first edition of the “Systema Nature,” of 1735.
I have elsewhere? pointed out at length the objections which
exist to going back to that date, and have suggested that the
date taken should be 1753; when the binomial system was
first consistently applied in the first edition of the “ Species
Plantarum.” If the date chosen, 1735, had been rigorously
followed, very many generic names would have had to be
altered from those employed in “ English Botany.”
An innovation which (although followed by some
eminent foreign botanists) is not altogether pleasing is that
of commencing all specific names, except those derived from
persons, with a small letter. British custom has almost
been universal in writing names which have been used in a
generic or appellative sense with an initial capital.
The compiler must be congratulated, however, on the
much more complete and correct citation of authorities than
was to be found in Syme’s portion of the work; and it is to be
1 “English Botany,” Supplement to the Third Edition, Nos. 90 and 91.
By N. E. Brown, 1891-92. J. Bell and Co., No. go, § plates; No. 91, 1
plate.
2 «Pharm. Journal, Mar.” May 1892.
254 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
wished that it might be followed not only with the synonyms
but also with the botanical names of the plants and of their
-genera.
The species of Yhalictrum receive a complete revision ;
and the arrangement is certainly now more natural, and
nearer the facts than are the names given in the “ London
Catalogue.”
Anemone nemorosa, L., has two varieties now given, viz.
var. rubra and var. cerulea; but the authority given (Pritzel,
in “ Anem. Revis.”) is antedated by that of De Candolle in
“Fl, France,” v. p. 884, (1805), where they are desenbed
as var. cwrulea and var. purpurea. See “(Verhandlungen des
Bot, Verein der Prov: Brand.,’-xxxui. 1892). The latter
have seen in its most typical form from Staffordshire.
R. auricomus, L.—Surely the var. apfetalus of Wallroth
is scarcely worth including as a variety, since the same
plant may show the various stages.
The forms of &. acris have not received sufficient atten-
tion. The true 2. acvzs-I have seen in Berks and Hantse
but the common buttercup of the Highlands is &. vulgatus.
Jord. I still think the var. pumzlus, Wahl., worth varietal
distinction, as this plant still keeps true in cultivation ; while
montane vulgatus reverts to the type in cultivated ground.
Under Glauctum phaniceum, Crantz, and G. flavum,
Crantz, the respective synonyms of Chelidonium corniculatum,
L. (““Sp. Pl. 506) and C. Glaucium, L. (Z.c.) might have been
quoted.
Mr. Brown changes the generic name of Corydalis, D. C.,
to that of Meckerza, Scop.; but Adanson’s name of Capnoides
(adopted by Medikus, Gartner, and Monch), although a
faulty word, has the priority ; moreover, it has already had
two species of the De Candollean genus described under it.
If Neckerza be chosen some purists will be wanting to change
the name of the moss genus /Veckera.
Mr. Brown, however, leaves the invalid genus Vasturtium
of Robert Brown, notwithstanding the priority of Scopoli’s
genus Rorzpa.
Szsymbrium altessimum, L. (“Sp. Pl’ 659). Dr. G. R.
Beck in “Flora von Nieder-Osterreich,” p. 477, queries this
being equal to the plant we have been accustomed to call
NOTES ON “ ENGLISH BOTANY, SUPPLEMENT” 255
S. pannonicum, Jacq. He uses the name S. Sznapistrum,
Crantz, “ Stirp. Aust.,” Ed. ii. I. 52 (1769), and says it is not
the S. altisstmum of the Linn. Herb.
Erysimum perfoliatum, Crantz. If the “Gen. Plantarum ”
be followed, this should be called Coxringza, and should stand
as C. perfoliata, Link, “Enum. Hort. Berol.,” ii. 172 (1822),
= C. orientalis, Andrz., in De Candolle’s “ Systema,” ii. 138
(1827).
Cardamine bulbifera, R. Br., is still cited ; but the name
will be found in Crantz’s “ Crucif.,” p. 127, of a much earlier
date.
Cardamine pratensis, L. The variety should be Hay-
neana, Neilr., not Heyneana, as spelled here and in the last
edition of Bentham and Hooker’s “Flora.” Under C.
pratensis, it is stated that C. dentata, Schultes, is merely a
condition of the plant. No mention, however, is made of C.
palustris, Peterm., which is the common British plant, and
which is figured by Smith, and also in Syme’s “ English
Botany.” 1 True C. pratensis of Linn. Herb., and of “ Flora
Danica,” is a much rarer plant, which as yet I have seen only
in Berkshire.
Aralis petrea, Lamk., var. hispida, DC., will I think be
found to be an error. Kerner has identified this plant with
A. hispida, Mygind, which is equivalent to A. Crantziana,
Ehrh., and has longer pods than our British plant. So far I
have seen no British specimens of A. Azspzda, Mygind. Mr.
Brown, in “ Additions and Corrections,” p. iv., speaks of the
Ben Laoigh plant (var. grandifolia, Druce) as “merely a
state.” Had he seen it growing I do not think he would
have come to that conclusion. It is so different in appear-
ance from the Cairngorm plant as to lead one to doubt their
specific identity. It keeps quite true in cultivation. Nor,
although I have searched the Cairngorms with some degree
of thoroughness, have I ever seen any specimens from that
range which are identical with the Ben Laoigh plant. I
hope later on to give further particulars about Lamarck’s
Arabts petrea.
Draba verna, L., is still kept up as the name of the
Whitlow grass. Adanson’s name Gansbium is not alluded
1 See Kerner’s ‘* Schedw Fl. Exs. Aust.-Hung. (1884), 73.
256 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTGRY
to, although its priority is undoubted. Gansbzum is, how-
ever, rejected by the Berlin Committee in favour of the later
name Lyrophila, which should replace Draéa for this plant, if
the “Genera Plantarum” of Bentham and Hooker be
followed.
It would have been very interesting to learn the exact
reasons which induced Mr. Brown to say that VPolygala
amarella, Crantz, is doubtless the same plant as P. calcarea,
Schultz since Dra (Beck; imi “Sak I: Nieder-Osterreich,” uses it
for the Teesdale plant ; and he gives the reference to Crantz,
“St. Aust.” v. 438 (sum Theil nach der Beschreibung).
Neither Nyman nor Beck gives P. calcarea as a native of
Austria. Koch and Neilreich consider P. amarella, Crantz,
to be P. amara, L. (ze. the Kentish plant) ; but it does not
agree with the stations given by Crantz, who, it may be said,
describes his plant “caules ex multicipiti radice plures
suberecti.”. Mr. Brown also states “The specimens of P.
amara from locality 1 of Kerner’s ‘Flora Exsiccata,’ No.
512, |are] distributed under the erroneous: name sor:
amarella.’ This statement rests upon Mr. Brown’s identifica-
tion of P. amarella, Cr., with P. amara, L. I might also
point out that his statement that “ P. amara, Jacq., is
according to the figure given in Jacquin’s “ Flora Austriaca,”
vol. v. p. 412, identical with P. amarella, Cr. is one I cannot
accept. The figure, although the flowers are large, does not
convey the idea of P. calcarea to me; and the description
given by Jacquin that the stems are upright is opposed to
what’ Schultz in’““Bot. Zeit,’ 13:37, distinctly ‘says of mae
plant, that it is prostrate. J think we must wait further
evidence before we replace the well-known name of P.
calcarea by that of P. amarella, Crantz.
Respecting the caulescent state of Dyvosera intermedia,
noted in the “ Additions and Corrections,” p. v., it may be
well to call attention to the account of it which may be
found in Hull’s “ British Flora,”-1799, where it is described
as. “var. 3, caulescent. 7 This is in every ‘respect likesvanan,
except that there is a stem which, in some instances, is full
two inches in length, with numerous leaves. I have always
found it growing with Sphagnum in moist bogs or heaths ;
and at first thought that the plant pushed up to a greater
NOTES ON “ENGLISH BOTANY, SUPPLEMENT ” 257
height on account of the moss growing quickly around it,
and that this appearance of stem was rather to be considered as
an elongation of the root; but I have doubted of this since
I have found a stem leafy ; and that the other two species of
Drosera, though growing exactly in the same situation, and
within a few inches of the /ougzfolza, do not assume this
caulescent form.” Dr. Hind noticed this, which he thought
“a new variety if not a new species,” near Killarney, and
' reported on it in the “ Phytologist,” z.s., vol. ii. 1857-58, pp.
26, 27, where it is figured ; and later on he gave it the varietal
name caulescens, so that Dr. Hind, not Mr. Melvill, is the author
of the varietal name. Following recent examples D. longzfolza,
L., would seem to be the name we should use for the species.
Under the “Cheddar Pink” the synonym or name of D.
gratianopolitanus is mispelled grantianopolitanus.
The very weak varieties, if such they can be called, of
Silene gallica from the “London Catalogue” are not only
included, but add one more to our list of synonyms.
The large-flowered variety of Cerastzum vulgatum, L., is
called C. ¢reviale, Link., var. Serpentznz, Boswell (Syme). Mr.
Brown says “it is one of a series of forms that seem to com-
pletely connect these two species,” ze. C. alpinum and C.
vulgatum. Last year I noticed on the Spean hills how
numerous were the intermediate forms, and how difficult it
was to define the limitations of C. arcticum, C. alpinum,
and C. vulgatum. Respecting the statement made by Mr.
Brown that the var. alpznum of C. vulgatum has “the petals
not much longer than the sepals,” this is not according to my
idea of the plant. Dr. Boswell labelled as his var. a/pestre a
form of C. vulgatum from West Ross, with the flowers much
longer than the sepals, indeed nearly as large as ordinary C.
alpinum. A great many plants are called var. alpestre or
var. alpinum, with short petals; but I do not think they
represent the views of Dr. Boswell Syme.
No notice is taken of the fact that the suggested
mistake of Sherard in that he mistook Sfergula pentandra
for one of the winged Lefigonums is without foundation,
since all Sherard’s specimens of S. fextandra are correctly
named.
Corton, Mitchell, 1748, is substituted for Lepzgonum,
258 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Fries, 1818. If the rule I have suggested be acted upon,
Corton, as published before 1753, will be inadmissible.
In Allione’s “ Flora Pedemont.” the two forms of AZontza
Jontana are described as var. minor and major. The varietal
names will be also found in Roth’s “ Tent. Germ.,” 1788.
The name AH. guadratum, Stokes, is substituted for that
of H. tetrapterum, Fries; but an earlier name than either is
that of H. acutum, Monch., “ Meth.” (1794), p. 128.
Acer campestre. Mr. Brown has overlooked the note on
this plant in “ Journ. Bot.,” Dec. 1891, where I pointed out
that the type of the Linnzan Herbarium was the pubescent
form named febecarpa in the “London Catalogue,” and that
I had seen the glabrous form from Oxford and Berks.
The prostrate form of Sarothamnus scoparius is given as
a variety. But so many of our plants when growing by the
sea assume this habit that it makes one doubt if it be worth
characterising by a varietal name.
If it be considered worthy of such a name, then we
must so name Prunus spinosa, L., var. prostrata, which may
be seen on the shingle near Port William in Wigtownshire.
Of this I noticed a specimen in the British Museum Herbar-
ium, labelled as Sa/zx, nov. sp. (!), from the south-west of
Ireland.
Curiously enough, all notice relating to 77zfolium agra-
vyium, L., and to Lupinus perennzs is omitted. To Scotch
botanists this will be a surprise, since both are met with in
the north-east counties [ abundantly in many places.—Ed.]
Alchemilla vulgaris, L. Under this we have no notice of
the occurrence of the glabrous form in Britain. I have found
it in Glen Spean and elsewhere. It is the var. gladra, Wimm.
et. Grab. “ Fl. Sil,” 4.:p. 135. The Linnzan type is pubescens
It remains to be seen if we have the var. Aybrida, L. in
Britain.
With reference to the synonymy of Potentilla verna and
rubens it may be said that Zimmeter takes a very different
view. He contends that the plant in the Linnzan Her-
barium, labelled P. verna, is the plant we have been call-
ing P.-maculata, Pours’. . In: the first edit- of “Sp. Piptze
1 Prof. Aschenberg identifies the plant of the Linn. Herb. as P. vera; it has
the number referring to that species. It is what we have been erroneously calling
P. maculata.
NOTES ON “ ENGLISH BOTANY, SUPPLEMENT ” 259
verna, is, he says, “eine collectiv Species: In Europe
pascuis siccis frigidioribus.” The light thrown on it by the
Linnzan Herbarium, by the “ Flora Suecica,” and by the second
edit. of the “Sp. PL,’ shows that P. verna is the name to be
applied to P. maculata, Pourr., as Ruprecht long since pointed
out. Our PP. verna is, according to Zimmeter, P. opfaca, L.
Bop PL Acedia? 13,1762); > wermafauck i pluc,— 2
minor, Gilib. The P. opaca, which was one of the plants
recorded from Scotland, therefore becomes dispossessed in
turn of its name, which Zimmeter says should be P. rudens,
Crantz, “Stirp. Aust.,” fasc. ii, p. 75, 1769, non. Vill.
Hartmann also, in his account of the Scandinavian species
in the Linnean Herbarium (“ Acts of the Stockholm Acad.,”
1849-51), unhesitatingly pronounces two of the specimens
with the number of P. verna to be the plant named by
various authors P. sabauda, P. salisburgensis, P. alpestris,
et. P. maculata; but of the third specimen, which has the
name written under it, he says, “De cetero cum P. verna
sensu recentiorum convenit, pars vero caulis infilma minus et
patenter pilosa est, quasi immaculata.” Prof. Ascherson
considers the specimen also to be the Podentzlla which is here
termed P. verna.
The small pretty form of Potentilla Anserina, which is
just as much a variety as P. reptans, var. microphylla, is un-
noticed ; as is also the densely pubescent form of Potentilla
palustris, which appears to be quite worthy a varietal name ;
especially when we see such given to the shades of colour
of Oxalis and Anemone, and the varieties of Rubus [d@us,
etc.
The only plate given in the second part is one of an
introduced plant, Potentella norvegica. The mass of the text
in this part is made up of a compilation of the so-called
species of Rubus and the varieties, etc., of the genus Xosa, re-
garding which we may say that the distribution given of the
various forms mentioned is by no means exhaustive.
Among the omissions from these two parts may be
mentioned the Poppy gathered by Mr. Nicholson, which
appears to be intermediate between PP. Rh@as and P.
dubium. The fact of our Helleborus viridis, L. being indi-
genous in the chalk woods of Bucks and Oxford might have
260 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
been pointed out, as well as that it is the western plant,
the H. occidentalis of Reuter.
Brassica sinaptoides,,Roth., “Man.,” 11. 957 (1830), is an
older name than ZB. zigra, Koch., ed. ii. (1833), for the Black
Mustard.
Caltha radicans, Forst., has been found near Rescobie,
Forfar, where the writer has seen it, and also near Loch
Morlich, Easterness.
Chelidonium majus. The varietal name /acznzatum will
be found in Stoke’s edition of Withering, 1787.
As I have already said, the generic name Rorzfa, Scop.
(“FI. Carn.,” p. 520, 1760), antedates Brown's Wasturtzum.
Our plants will be
Roripa Nasturtium, Beck (“ FI. Nied.-Ost.,” p. 464).
var. mecrophylla, Beck, Le.
sitfolta (Reich).
Roripa silvestris, Bess., “Fl. Enum. Pl. Volhyn.,” 27.
R. palustris, Bess., Lc.
R. amphibia, Bess., Lc.
var. indivisa, Beck (“ Fl. Nied.-Ost.,” ii. 465).
varitfolia, Beck, Lc.
auriculata, Beck, Lc.
Sagina apetala, L., should be Harduznz.
Respecting Oxalis Acetosella, L., var. subpurpurascens,
DC., in the “ Flora of Shropshire” Mr. Leighton says that
it is constant in cultivation.
)
LIST OF THE HIERACIA OF- PERTHSETEe
By F. BucHANAN Wuitt, M.D., F.LS., F.E.S.
NoT since the period when the late Mr. James Backhouse
(the father of British hieraciology) established a scientific
basis for the study of the Hawkweeds of Great Britain have
these plants commanded so much attention as they have
during the past few years. Partly as the result of this
attention, and partly as producing it, we have Mr. F. J.
Hanbury’s beautiful Monograph of the genus. This fine
BIST OF -THE HIERACIA OF PERTHSHIRE 261
work is now appearing in parts (of which a few only have
as yet been published), and ought to be supported by every
botanist who can afford to do it. As its author has
remarked elsewhere, the British Hawkweed flora is a very
rich and interesting one; we may thus expect that, by the
time the Monograph is completed, we shall have a large
gallery of lifelike portraits of these beautiful but difficult
plants.
Till of late years the A/zeracia of Perthshire have been,
on the whole, neglected, or at least not been studied
as they deserve. Mr. Backhouse’s Scottish explorations
were chiefly amongst the mountains of Forfarshire and
Aberdeenshire, the granitic formation of some of which
seems to make them peculiarly grateful to certain species.
In north-east Perthshire there is a similar formation, and here
also some of the granite-loving species appear. When this
rather inaccessible portion of the county is more thoroughly
explored, it is probable that other species will also be found
to occur. In the meantime the schists and similar rocks of
highland Perthshire have proved to be by no means unpro-
ductive of the alpine species; whilst the mountain valleys,
and the banks of the Tay and other streams, both lowland
and highland, have afforded a rich harvest of those forms
which are not restricted to a high altitude.
I think that hitherto there has not been any attempt to
bring together in one list all the species of Wzeraczum which
have been observed in Perthshire. It has therefore occurred
to me that, considering the central position of the county and
its botanical importance, such a list may be of some interest
and value. It must not, however, be taken as a complete
and final list, for, apart from the species which will probably
yet be discovered, there are at least half a dozen which have
still to be “worked out,” amongst which there may be some
“nove species.” The distribution I have indicated merely
by the “Watsonian vice-counties.”’ A more detailed
account (with authorities for the localities) will be given
in the Flora of Perthshire, when that long-delayed work
1 As usual, there is occasionally some haziness in the records for that portion
of Perthshire draining into Loch Lomond which some botanists refer to Mid
Perth and some to West Perth, though it properly belongs to neither. In the
meantime I have put it into Mid Perth as is, I think, most frequently done.
262 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
appears. In the meanwhile those interested will find various
notes, which include mention of some of the rarer Perthshire
species, by Mr. Hanbury and other writers in the “ Journal
of Botany.” Personally I may say that I have seen most
of the species in a living condition, and can vouch for the
correctness of the distribution indicated—the determination
of the plants, in the majority of cases, being due to the
kindness of Mr. Hanbury.
The total number of species in the list is 54. Of these
West’ Perth has 16, Mid Perth 48, and East Pertimeag
Two are as yet restricted (in Perthshire) to West Perth, 24
to Mid Perth, and 3 to Hast Perth:
What relation the Perthshire list bears to the British
is as yet uncertain ; but it is probable that not less (and very
possibly more) than 75 per cent of the British species occur
in the county. In the latest (1886) edition of the “ London
Catalogue” the number of British /Yzeracza is given as 40,
(including 5 naturalised species). Of these 31 occur in
Perthshire. There has thus been in this short period an
addition of 23 species to the Perthshire list.
For convenience of reference I have placed the species
in the subjoined list in alphabetical order.
Hieracium—
aggregatum, Ackh., 88 Mid Perth.
amplexicaule, Z., 89 East Perth (naturalised on a wall).
anglicum, 77., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
var. longibracteatum, F. J. Hanb., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East
Perth.
angustum, Zinzdcb., 88 Mid Perth.
var. elatum, Lindeb., 88 Mid Perth.
argenteum, /r., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
aurantiacum, Z., 88 Mid Perth (naturalised in several places).
auratum, /7, 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
bifidum, Azz, 88 Mid Perth.
boreale, /7., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
Breadalbanense, / /. Hand., 88 Mid Perth.
buglossoides, 47v.-Zouv., 88 Mid Perth.
exsio-murorum, Zizdeb., 88 Mid Perth.
LIST OF THE HIERACIA OF PERTHSHIRE 263
Hieracium—
exsium, /7., 89 East Perth.
ealenduliflorum, 4ck/., 88 Mid Perth.
eallistophyllum, / /. Hand., 88 Mid Perth.
ehrysanthum, #cks., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
cinerascens, /Jord., 88 Mid Perth.
commutatum, Koch, 88 Mid Perth.
corymbosum, /7., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
f. angustifolia, Lindeb. (= 4. e@stivum, Fr.), 88 Mid Perth.
erocatum, /7., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
Dewari, Fosw., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth.
duriceps, / /. Hand., 88 Mid Perth.
euprepes, /: /. Hand., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth.
eximium, Ack/., 88 Mid Perth.
var. fenellum, Bckh., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
Farrense, /: /. Hand., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
flocculosum, Ack/., 88 Mid Perth.
globosum, Ackh., 89 East Perth.
gothicum, /~., 88 Mid Perth.
gracilentum, Ackh., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
hiberniecum, / 7. Hand., 89 East Perth.
holosericeum, Ackh., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East
Perth.
iricum, /7., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
lasiophyllum, Koch, 89 East Perth.
var. euryodon, F. J. Hanb., 88 Mid Perth.
lingulatum, 4ckh., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East
Perth.
Marshalli, Zzz7¢oz.
var. cremnanthes, F. J. Hanb., 88 Mid Perth.
murorum, Z., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
var. ctliatum, Almq., 88 Mid Perth.
var. micracladium, Dahlst., 88 Mid Perth.
var. sagittatum, Lindeb., 88 Mid Perth.
var. sarcophyllum, Stenstr., 88 Mid Perth.
var. stlvaticum, L.., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
nigrescens W., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
var. gracilifolium, ¥. J. Hanb., 88 Mid Perth.
4 E
264 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Hieracium—
norvegicum, /7.
var. confertum, Lindeb., 88 Mid Perth.
orarium, Zinzdeb., 88 Mid Perth.
pallidum, 4zv., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
Pictorum, Zzzfon, 88 Mid Perth.
Pilosella, Z., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
prealtum, V7//,, 87 West Perth (naturalised).
prelongum, Zzzdeb., 88 Mid Perth.
prenanthoides, V’7//7., 87West Perth,88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
reticulatum, Zznzdeb., 88 Mid Perth.
senescens, Ackh., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth.
sinuans, / /. Hand., 88 Mid Perth.
sparsifolium, Zzzd@eb., 88 Mid Perth.
strictum, /7., 88 Mid Perth.
subanfractum, JZarshall, 88 Mid Perth.
tridentatum, /7., 87 West Perth [88 Mid Perth ?].
vulgatum, /7., 87 West Perth, 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
var. nemorosum, Bckh., 88 Mid Perth.
var. zemorum, Fr., 88 Mid Perth.
umbellatum, Z., 88 Mid Perth, 89 East Perth.
[NotTE.—In a paper on ‘‘Strathearn Hieracia” in the
August number of the /ournal of Botany, Mr. J. C. Melvill,
M.A., F.L.S., enumerates several “species” as from localities
all in West Perth (87). As some of the plants have not
been recorded from West Perth this may give rise to
erroneous vice-county records, the localities named by
Mr. Melvill being all in Mid Perth (88).—ED.]
NEW SCOTTISH GALES:
By James W.. He Wran.. M.A. MOD. hes:
THE series of papers on Scottish Galls in former years
has apparently left but few forms unnoticed, if I may
judge by the small number that have been added since I
NEW SCOTTISH GALLS 265
last wrote on this subject, in January 1890. I have, how-
ever, four additions to record for the years 1891 and 1892.
It need scarcely be said that specimens of galls will be
welcomed from any part of the country, as helping to
extend our knowledge of their distribution. Information
with regard to the nature and the makers of the galls will
eladly be given, so far as is in my power, in response to
inquiries accompanied by specimens such as will permit
identification.
Thaliectrum dunense, Dumort. (= TZ: minus, L., var. maritimum,
Syme).—On the coast of Benholm, in Kincardineshire, among
shingle, the pseudo-galls of one of the gall-midges (? Ceczdomyza)
occurred not very plentifully in August. They consisted of
segments of the leaves, rendered somewhat fleshy, and so
folded or contorted as to furnish a retreat to the larve of the
gall-maker. Otherwise the segments showed little change in
aspect or in size. Occasionally two or three segments were
included in a single gall; or all the young leaves in the
terminal buds of the stem were affected. Unfortunately the
galls, when found, were already abandoned by their inmates ;
but in some of them were a few empty small white cocoons,—
evidently those of a gall-midge. The fruits were not affected
in any way; and the gall is evidently different from that
recorded by myself from Kinloch Rannoch (Scot. Nat., 1884,
p. 206) on Zh. flexuosum (T. minus, L., var. montanum,
Syme): I have not found any record of a gall-midge with
such habits having been reared or named from this food-plant.
Sambucus nigra, Z. (Common Elder, or Bourtree).—In July Dr.
Buchanan White sent to me from his garden, near Perth,
flowerbuds of the elder still closed, but swollen to twice or
thrice their usual bulk, and become somewhat fleshy. The
petals were white or, less often, greenish; and the stamens,
styles, and stigmas were fleshy and functionless, or were in
part abortive. A careful search showed only a single larva in
one gall of an orange colour, not quite like a gall-midge larva
in form, and larger than these usually are. Possibly it may
have been an inquiline or guest. There can be little doubt
that the galls were the work of a gall-midge. Not improbably
they belong to Dzéflosts lonicerearum, Fr. Low, which forms
galls of quite similar structure on S. #@gra and S. £éulus, as
well as on other species of the Caprifoliacee.
Campanula glomerata, Z.—In the months of August and September
1891 I found at St. Cyrus, near Montrose, several examples
of this plant in which the inflorescence had undergone, in
266 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
whole or in part, the change in structure known as virescence.
The flowers were replaced by dense clusters of ill-formed
green leafy structures covered with hairs, and contorted.
Similar galls have been described from Lorraine by Abbé
Kieffer as found on C. glomerata, and on several other species
of Campanula. They are the work of mites (Pytoptus).
The mites in the similar galls on C. rapunculoides have been
described and figured by Nalepa as Cectdophyes Schmarde.
Serophularia nodosa, Z.—In August 1891 I found, beside the
burn of Benholm in Kincardineshire, a plant of Figwort
several of the flowers of which were galled, evidently by gall-
midges (? Ceczdomyia). The galled flowers were swollen to
twice or thrice the size of healthy buds, and rendered some-
what fleshy; and among the abortive sexual organs lived a
few larve.
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BOOKS ON SPORT AND NATURAL HISTORY
AN IMPORTANT BOOK OF SPORT IN FLORIDA
THE CAMP FIRES OF THE EVERGLADES ; or, Wild Sports in the
South. By Caartes E, WHITEHEAD. 1 vol. Royal 8vo. Printed
on hand-made paper, with 16 Page Illustrations of Scenery and Animal
Life, drawn from Nature by English and American Artists, and many
Vignettes in the Text from the Pencil of the Author. 31s. 6d.
‘* Mr. Whitehead’s ‘Camp Fires in the Everglades’ is a remarkably beautiful ©
and fascinating volume. Author, artists, and publisher have spared no pains in
making it a pleasure to turn over the pages and to dip into them. Wherever one
chances to read he is sure to get entranced with the tale of hunting adventures in the
strange, dreamy, and beautiful region of Lower Florida, where Mr. Whitehead and
his friends pitched their camps. »_— Scotsman.
‘* It is a noble quarto, beautifully printed on fine paper, and profusely illustrated
by various hands.” —Glasgow Herald.
A TREATISE ON ANGLING
HOW TO CATCH TROUT. By Turez Ancters. Illustrated. Price ls, ;
by Post, 1s. 2d. The aim of this book is to give within the smallest
space possible such practical information and advice as will enable the
beginner without further instruction to attain moderate proficiency
in the use of every legitimate lure.
‘* A delightful little book, and one of great value to anglers.’””—Scotsman.
“The advice given . . . is always sound.” —Field.
‘* As perfect a compendium of the subject as can be compressed within eighty-
three pages of easily read matter.” —Scotch Waters.
‘A well written and thoroughly practical little work.” —Land and Wi ater.
‘‘The most practical and instructive work of its kind in the literature of
angling.” —Dundee Advertiser.
EDINBURGH: DAVID DOUGLAS
COOKS ON NATURAL HISTORY
THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF SCOTLAND
es FOURTH VOLUME
. VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE ORKNEY ISLANDS. By
_ TT. E. Buckxuzy, B.A., F.Z.S8. and J. A. Harvin-Browyn, F.R.S.E.,
_ FZS. One Volume. Small 4to. Illustrated with Photogravure
Plates from Drawings by J. G. Mrnuats, as well as from Photographs
es taken specially for the Book. Price 30s.
- “We receive few books that are so grateful alike to the eye and sense as the sage-green octavos of Scot-
_ tish zoological geography which come to us, one after another, from Mr. Douglas. In welcoming this
_ delightful Vertebrate Fauna of the Orkney Islands, we feel but one regret, the worlds which are left for
Messrs. Buckley and Harvie-Brown to conquer are growing very few. .. We know not howto approach
them. Are we to urge them on upon their splendid enterprise, or to hold them back, that our pleasure
_ may be drawn out the longer? The same plan is pursued asin the previous volumes of this admirable
_ series. A detailed physical geography of the islands precedes the catalogue raisonné of the species and
habitats. Even to those, therefore, who have little zoological curiosity or knowledge, this book must
__ beof unusual importance, if the reader has an interest in the provinces described.” —Saturday Review.
ay THIRD VOLUME
_ THE BIRDS OF IONA AND MULL, and other Natural History Notes,
3 1852-70. By the late Henry Davenport GRAHAM, and Edited
by J. A. Harviz-Brown. Illustrated from the Author’s Sketch-books.
One Volume. .Small 4to. Price 21s, net.
Cie ay a ia a freshness and originality about them which makes them extremely pleasant read-
ing.’—Field.
at “Tn the seclusion of the ‘ sacred island,’ even now invaded by the tourist for only a brief season,
Graham had not merely ample opportunities for studying natural history, but also leisure for
_ thinking. Consequently, the book is full of original suggestions, derivations of words, scraps of
_ folk-lore, etc.”— Atheneum.
ay ‘If Captain Marryat, instead of devoting his time after leaving the service to writing novels,
_ had wandered off to a desolate island and turned wild-fowler and ornithologist, he might well have
written such a book as that which the literary executors of the late H. D. Graham have issued
_ under the sober title of ‘ The Birds of Iona and Mull.’ ”—Spectator.
| SECOND VOLUME—Ovtt or PrInT
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES. By J. A.
HaRvig-Brown, and T. E. Bucktny. One Volume. Small 4to,
with Maps and Plates.
FIRST VOLUME—Oott or Print
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF SUTHERLAND, CAITHNESS, AND
f WEST CROMARTY. By J. A. Harviz-Brown and T. E. Bockiey.
One Volume, Small 4to, With Maps and Plates.
FIFTH VOLUME—IN THE PREss
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF ARGYLL. By J. A. Hanvir-Brown
My and T. E. Buckiey. Price to Subscribers, 21s,
: THE CAPERCAILLIE IN SCOTLAND. By J. A. Harvis-Browy.
With Etchings on Copper, and Map illustrating the extension of its range
since its Restoration at Taymouth in 1837 and 1838. Demy 8vo. 8s, 6d.
_ THE BIRDS OF BERWICKSHIRE. With Remarks on their Local Distribu-
| tion, Migration, and Habits, and also on the Folk-lore, Proverbs, Popular
Rhymes and Sayings connected with them. By Grorge MurrHeEap,
F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. Vol. I. Demy 8vo. Price 15s. Profusely Illustrated with
Etchings and Lithographs, Vol, II., completing the Work. In the Press,
A TOUR IN SUTHERLANDSHIRE. With Extracts from the Field
Books of a Sportsman and Naturalist. By CHarues Sr. Jonn,
_ Author of “Natural History and Sport in Moray.” Second Edition.
With an Appendix on the Fauna of Sutherland. By J. A. Harvis-
Brown and T. E. Buckiny. Two Vols. Crown 8vo. Illustrated. 21s,
EDINBURGH: DAVID DOUGLAS
EDITORIAL ;
The Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pics major: L.) in ‘Scotland- :
J. A. Harvie-Brown, F.R.S:E., F.Z.S. is
On the Occurrence of Wilson’s Petrel (Oceanttes oceanica, Kuhl) in :
Jura—Henry Evans, F.Z.S. 4 Bea 6
Freshwater Fishes of the Solway ee See Service: E ,
On Anarrhichas minor, O/afsem, and its Occurrence on the Aber- ath
deenshire Coast—Morris Young, F.E.S., and William Eagle ie
Clarke, FES Plate Ai 3". rae
Note on an Abnormally Developed Thornback (Raia clavate, L. )— Pine |
kh. H. Traquair, M.D., £.R.S.
List of the Type and F aed Specimens 1 in Oe # Panne Collection’ : : i‘
of Fossils—A. AH. Traquair, M.D., F.R.S. . ,
A List of the Macro-Lepidoptera of Baletno, Midlothian —Z. We
Carlier, M.D., B.Sc.
Notes on Some Banish ye athe ey HOUIAS Shae F L. re
Plate II.
On the Flora of Shetland—-Wilieam H. Beeby, £, L. S. ¥
Contributions towards a Flora of the Outer Hebrides— Arthur
Bennett, F.L.S. :
Notes on eral Willows—F. Buchel White, M. D. fe LSSif Fo E. ae
List of Fungi found at Stirling—Char/es B. Plowris he M.D.; fl, hee
Ward, and Rev. J. Robertson : ; BRD 8 a aa
Zoological Notes
Lesser Shrew in Fife— W. Ber TY, “B. A., ad Be: Polecat in Pumitieene!
—R. Service ; The Blue-throated Warbler in Orkney—T7. Z. Buckley,
Peves F.Z.S.: Jay in the Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh—W. Sere,
M.A.; Wrynecks on the East Coast of Scotland— W, Evans, F.R.S.E£. ;
Snowy Owl in Argyllshire—Azs Grace the Duke of Argyll, K.T., F.R.S.;
Spotted Crake in Shetland—/. A, Harvie- Brown; The reported
occurrence of Grus leucogeranus in the Outer Hebrides—W/, Zagle
Clarke; The Gray Phalarope in Islay—f. Scott Skisving; Gray
Phalarope in Jura—H. Evans, F.Z.S.; Gray Phalarope in S.W. Scot-
land—R. Service; The Nesting of the Woodcock in North Uist—Szr -
J. W. P. Campbell-Orde, Bart. ; Ruffin Orkney— 7. S, Peace; Buffon’s
Skua in the Solway District—A. Service ; Buffon’s Skua in the Scottish Baty Ne ee
Solway Areaa— Rev. H. A. Macpherson, M.A.; Great Shearwater in
Tiree—/. A. Harvie-Brown; Unusual Numbers of the Fork-tailed
‘ Petrel on the Scottish Coasts—W. ZAvans, F.R.S.£. ; Occurrence of
Triglops murrayi on the East Coast of Scotland—G. Sim, A.L.S. ;
Note on Zeugopterus unimaculatus and its Habitat— W. Anderson
Smith; The Three-Bearded Rockling in the Solway Firth—2R. Service ;
Note on Rossia macrosoma—lV. Anderson Smith ; Saperda carcharias
in Elginshire— W. Evans, F.R.S.E. ; Monochammus sutor in Mid- ar <7
lothiaa— W. Evans, F.R.S.E. ; Sphinx convolvuli._ at Dumfries—.
Service; Sirex gigas in the neighbourhood of Dunbar—G. Pow.
Botanical Notes . Cry:
Caulifiower Disease of Sia bee at Wieden: Ww. #7, Ti ia ugh Sharcity ye
of Oak-galls in 1891—/. W. H. Trai; Euphrasia officinalis—F. Towns-
600; MPa kL S154 Phe Biographical Index of British and Irish
Botanists—/ames Britten, F.L.S., and G. S. Boulger, F.L.S.; The —
*“‘ Key to the Genera and Species of British Mosses’’—ev. H. G. Jameson. Lr
Current Literature
Reviews
Melanism ney iaLsbbab ronan’ in British bpdeieeead: W, Tutt, F. ESPs te ‘Tet
British Edible Fungi, how to distinguish and how to cook them—JZ, C. Oe « f rid
Cooke, M.A., LL. D.
Printed by R. & R. CLarx, Edinburgh.
1892 : [ APRIL
The Annals
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PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
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NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART, EDINBURGH
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Lately Published. Fourth Edition. 8vo, 21s.
MODERN HORSEMANSHIP: Three Schools of Riding; an Original
Method of Teaching the Art, by means of Pictures from the Life. By
Epwarp L. ANDERSON, Author of “Vice in the Horse,” “The Gallop,” ete.
* * Re-written and re-arranged, and illustrated by forty instantaneous photo-
graphs, most of which have been taken specially for this edition.
‘Put shortly, Mr. Anderson’s method is a species of equine drill, calculated to do for the horse
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in every page.” —The Field.
THE ART OF GOLF. By Sir W.G. Srmeson, Bart. 1 vol. demy 8vo,
with 20 plates from Instantaneous Photographs of Professional Players,
chiefly by A. F. Macrig, Esq. Second Edition, Revised. {[/n the Press.
‘‘ He has devoted himself for years with exemplary zeal to the collecting of everything which a
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EDINBURGH: DAVID DOUGLAS.
NATURAL HISTORY PUBLICATIONS.
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BOOKS ON NATURAL HISTORY
THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF SCOTLAND
FOURTH VOLUME
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE ORKNEY ISLANDS. By
T. E, Buckugy, BA., F.Z.S. and J. A. Harvin-Brown, F.R.S.E.,
F.ZS. One Volume. Small 4to. Illustrated with Photogravure
Plates from Drawings by J. G. Miuais, as well as from Photographs
taken specially for the Book. Price 30s.
“‘ We receive few books that are so grateful alike to the eye and senseas the sage-green octavos of Scot-
tish zoological geography which come tous, one after another, from Mr. Douglas. In welcoming this
delightful Vertebrate Fauna of the Orkney Islands, we feel but one regret, the worlds which are left for
Messrs. Buckley and Harvie-Brown to conquer are growing very few... Weknow nothowtoapproach ~
them. Are we to urge them on upon their splendid enterprise, or to hold them back, that our pleasure
may be drawn out the longer? The same plan is pursued asin the previous volumes of this admirable
series. A detailed physical geography of the islands precedes the catalogue raisonné of the species and
habitats. Even to those, therefore, who have little zoological curiosity or knowledge, this book must
be of unusual importance, if the reader has an interest in the provinces described.” —Saturday Review.
THIRD VOLUME
THE BIRDS OF IONA AND MULL, and other Natural History Notes,
1852-70. By the late Henry Davenport GranHam, and Edited
by J. A. Harvise-Brown. Illustrated from the Author’s Sketch-books.
One Volume. Small 4to. Price 21s, net.
‘There is a freshness and originality about them which makes them extremely pleasant read-
ing.’—Field.
“Tf Captain Marryat, instead of devoting his time after leaving the service to writing novels,
had wandered off to a desolate island and turned wild-fowler and ornithologist, he might well have
written such a book as that which the literary executors of the late H. D. Graham have issued
under the sober title of ‘ The Birds of Iona and Mull.’ ”—Spectator.
SECOND VOLUME—Ovtr or Print
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES. By J. A.
Harvie-Brown, and TT. E. Bucerzy. One Volume. Small 4to,
with Maps and Plates.
FIRST VOLUME—Ovr or Print
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF SUTHERLAND, CAITHNESS, AND
WEST CROMARTY. By J. A. Harvie-Brown and T. E. Bucktey.
One Volume. Small 4to. With Maps and Plates.
FIFTH VOLUME—IN THE PREss
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF ARGYLL. By J. A. Harvis-Brown
and T, E. Buckuey. Price to Subscribers, 21s,
THE CAPERCAILLIE IN SCOTLAND. By J. A. Harvir-Brown.
With Etchings on Copper, and Map illustrating the extension of its range
since its Restoration at Taymouth in 1837 and 1838. Demy 8vo. 8s, 6d.
THE BIRDS OF BERWICKSHIRE. With Remarks on their Local Distribu-
tion, Migration, and Habits, and also on the Folk-lore, Proverbs, Popular
Rhymes and Sayings connected with them. By George Muirunap,
F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. Vol. I. Demy 8vo. Price 15s. Profusely Illustrated with
Etchings and Lithographs. Vol. II., completing the Work. In the Press.
A TOUR IN SUTHERLANDSHIRE. With Extracts from the Field
Books of a Sportsman and Naturalist. By CHartes Sr. Jonn,
Author of “Natural History and Sport in Moray.” Second Edition.
With an Appendix on the Fauna of Sutherland. By J. A. Haryre-
Brown and T. E. Buckiey. Two Vols. Crown 8vo. Illustrated. 21s.
A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF LAKELAND. By the Rev. H. A. Mac-
pHerson, M.A. 1 vol. Demy 8vo. 21s. to Subscribers. [Jn the Press.
EDINBURGH: DAVID DOUGLAS
al
in Benbecula—/. MacNaught Campbell, F.Z. wis :
Report on the Great Skua (Stercorarius catarrhactes, Loa eee a a i SR
Shetland during the season of 1891—William Eagle Clarke. 87 ati:
On Malformed Trout from Scottish Waters. No. I.—R. fT. Berra
Traquair, M.D., F-.R.S. Plates IIl., IV., V. : ; : 923g
Notes on the Freshwater Fishes of the Solway Area—Sir Herbert fs)
Maxwell, Bart., FL.S. y 0 ee
Additions to the Authenticated Comital Coins of ne ieee and ee
Freshwater Mollusca of Scotland—Wm. Denison Roebuck, = = = Lp!
pape BARS. : E TO4 he
- Some Additions to Scottish: Caines sich Notes on eW, Nees a, a
or Rare in the “ Solway” District—W. Lennon, and W. D. R. Phe:
Douglas, M.A., FOLS., f.ES. ; 2 DOT ae
Potamogeton Nii Wolfgang, in Stirlingshire Alfred ye Ilse Me
Records of Scottish Plants for 1891, additional to ‘“‘ Topographical Ret e
Botany,” Ed. 2—Arthur Bennett, F.L.S. . 3 - TI9Q be
Plants of Glen Spean, Westerness—G, Claridge Druce, M.A. ie LS, iT 29a
Zoological Notes . ; isnyey
Mole in the Island of Ulva—/. A. Leap ie: setae FidAbenas in Shetland
—J. A. Harvie-Brown ; Varieties of the Otter in Jura—H. Evans,
F.Z.S.; Wild Cat in Sutherland. T. Baldwin; On the appearance Rea
of the Brown Rat on Ailsa Craig—/. MacNaught Campbell, F.Z.S.; ©
Melanic Variety of the Rat in No 4 Uist—/. G. Webster; Notes on”
. the Vole Plague—R. Service ; The © ‘ irrel in Wigtonshire—Szr Herbert — DA Pe
Maxwell, Bart., F.L.S.; Occurreiice of the Chiff-Chaff in Banffshire— lay
L. W. Hinxman, B.A. ; Dipper in North Uist—/. A. Harvie-Brown; BG
Great Grey Shrike in Solway District—R. Service ; Red-backed Shrike ae 4
at the Pentland Skerries—/. Gilmour ; Waxwing in Berwickshire—R. ye
Small; Waxwing in Caithness—Z. Dunbar; Rook Singing—WV. Mac- ON
lachlan, M.A.; Rollers in Caithness—Z. Dunbar; Dichromatism in yy
the Tawny Owl—Z. M. Harbrouch; ;Hen Harrier in Caithness—Z. wh ge
Dunbar; Rough-legged Buzzard near Kingussie—C. B. Macpherson ; jad np Be
Albino Cormorant—7Z. S. Peace; The Bittern in Wigtonshire— Sir ite)?
Herbert Maxwell, Bart., F.L.S.; Bittern at Moffat—A. Fyfe; The By
Shoveller Nesting i in Sanday, Orkney— W. Harvey; Great Bustard in 7 toe
Orkney-—T7. S. Peace ; Oystercatcher Incubating under Difficulties—
Lieut. Co l. W. H. M. Duthie; The Gray Phalarope in Barra—Dr. /. .
MacRury; Ruff in the Outer Hebrides—Dr. J. MacRury ; Whimbrel é yi
Wintering in Barra—Dr. J. MacRury; Occurrences of the Iceland Gull ok
on the West and North Coasts of Scotland— Ais Grace the Duke paps 14)
of Argyll, K.T., F.R.S.; Col. Malcolm, M.P.; D. Mackenzie; L. 1
Dunbar; Glaucous Gull in the Solway—. Service; Great Crested Pit) f
Grebe in the Tay—W. A. Brown ; Occurrences of Labrus mixtus on Teh 3
the West Coast of Sutherlandshire—A. Beveridge, M.B.; Deilephila EY Ne
galii and Macroglossa bombyliformis in Jura—H. ZLvans, F.Z.S.; Is ae,
Amphithopsis latipes a Commensal ?-——7. Scott, F.L.S. ; Hzemobaphes wee i
cyclopterina in the Firth of Forth—T. Scott, F.L.S. ; The Food of Sagitta Be te,
—T. Scott, F.L.S. gh
Botanical Notes and News ts
Linaria minor in Stirlingshire—R. Ki ston F. R. S.£., rake F. S, SEH
Current Literature. A ; : : : ;
Reviews
British ian -Gaonse Afaster A Monograph of the Myxogastres—George
Massee.
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MODERN HORSEMANSHIP: Three Schools of Riding; an Original
The Annals of Scottish Natural History,
Method of Teaching the Art, by means of Pictures from the Life. By —
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** Re-written and re-arranged, and illustrated by forty instantaneous photo- —
graphs, most of which have been taken specially for this edition.
‘¢Put shortly, Mr. Anderson’s method is a species of equine drill, calculated to do for the horse :
what the gymnasium, the drill-master, the fencing-master, and the dancing-master effect in the case
of the human subject. When perusing his pages the reader may rest assured that he is dealing with
no mere theorist. No one can take up ‘Modern Horsemanship’ without seeing the practical man
in every page.” —The Field.
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NATURAL HISTORY AND SPORT IN MORAY. By the late
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Second Edition. - In 1 vol. royal 8vo, with 40 page Illustrations of
Scenery and Animal Life, engraved by A. DuRAND after sketches made
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‘This is a new edition of the work brought out by the friends of the late Mr. St. John in 1863 ;
but it is sohandsomely and nobly printed, and enriched with such charming illustrations, that we
may consider it a new book.”—St. James's Gazette.
‘‘Charles St. John was not an artist, but he had the habit of roughly sketching animals in
- positions which interested him, and the present reprint is adorned by a great number of these,
facsimilied from the author's original pen-and-ink. Some of these, as for instance the studies of
the golden eagle swooping on its prey, and that of the otter swimming with a salmon in its month,
are very interesting, and full of that charm that comes from the exact transcription of unusual
observation.” —Pall Mall Gazette.
A TOUR IN SUTHERLANDSHIRE, With Extracts from the Field
Books of a Sportsman and Naturalist. By CHarums Sr, Jony,
Author of “Natural History and Sport in Moray.” Second Edition.
With an Appendix on the Fauna of Sutherland. By J, A. Harvin-
Brown and T, E, Bucxtey. Two Vols, Crown 8vo, Illustrated. 21s,
THE CAPERCAILLIE IN SCOTLAND. By J. A. Harvir-Browy.
With Etchings on Copper, and Map illustrating the extension of its range
since its Restoration at Taymouth in 1837 and 1838. Demy 8vo. 8s, 6d.
EDINBURGH: DAVID DOUGLAS.
CONTENTS
On New and Rare Crustacea from the East Coast of Scotland—
Thomas Scott, F.L.S.,and Andrew Scott. Plates VI. and VII.
Contributions to the Vertebrate Fauna of Sutherland and Caithness
= 1 Be Ruckley; BD. Ais fof o, GUC. 4 : ; :
On the Former Abundance of the Quail (Coturnix communis,
Bonnaterre) in Wigtownshire—Peter Adatr . ; ; :
On the Supposed Breeding of the Sclavonian Grebe (Podicipes
auritus, L.) in Ross-shire—A. H. Evans, M.A., F.Z.S.
Lochinver as a Locality for Lepidoptera— Wilfrid W. 0.
Beveridge, M.B. (Edinburgh); with Note Py f. Buchanan
White, M.D., F.L.S., FES... : : ’
Plants of Glen Spean, Westerness NT aces Claridge a
M.A‘, £.L.S. : :
On some Scottish Plants observed Jed Bean cr E.'S,
Marshall, M.A.,FLS. . ‘ : ;
The Desmidiez of East Fife—/ohn Roy, LL.D. . : :
} Zoological Notes
Rockall and its Avifauna; Notes on Birds in Barra—Dyr, J. Mackury ;
Unusual Nesting Place for the Dipper—Lieut.-Col. H. M. Drummond
Hay ; Whitethroat in Barra—Dr. J. MacRury ; White Wagtail in Barra
—Dr. J. MacRury; Swift in Barra—Dr. J. MacRury; Great Spotted
Woodpecker in Stirlingshire—/ ved. Laird ; Whimbrel wintering in Barra
—Dr. J. MacRury; Buzzard in Forfarshire—Dr. Thomas F, Dewar ;
Note on the Sheldrake—Rodert Service; Nesting of the Water Rail in
Perthshire—Lzeut.-Col. W. H. M1. Duthie ; The Food of the Great Skua
—Jessie M. E. Saxby; Eledone cirrosa in the Solway Firth—/odert
Service; Diaptomus castor in the Braid Ponds near Edinburgh—
Thomas Scott, F.L.S.
Botanical Notes and News : i ; : } ;
Fasciation in Austrian Pine—W. Forgan ; Linaria minor—Arthur Bennett,
f.L.S.; Linaria minor on Railway Banks—P. W. Maclagan ; Plants
new to Scotland recorded in Botanical Journals in 1892; ‘‘ Notes on
the Flora of Stirlingshire’ —Co/. Stirling and Robert Kidston, F.R.S.E,
Current Literature . ; , 4 : , : ; ‘
Reviews . ; : : :
Supplement to voiy s eal a E. ie A.L.S., and
Arthur Bennett, F.L.S.; Outlines of Zoology—/. Arthur T. homson,
M.A.; The Lepidoptera of the British Islands—Chariles G. Barrett,
F.£.S.; The Mammalian Fauna of the Edinburgh District—W2z/iam
Evans, F.R.S.E.
Recent Additions to the Natural. History Department of the
Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh—f. A. Traguair,
DED) oF GA, ie teva bellies : ‘ : : ; .
Printed by R. & R. CiarK, Edinburgh.
168
171
172
178
185
193
197
203
1892 | [OCTOBER
The Annals
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WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED
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PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
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the golden eagle swooping on its prey, and that of the otter swimming with a salmon in its mouth,
are very interesting, and full of that charm that comes from the exact transcription of unusual
observation.”—Pall Mall Gazette.
A TOUR IN SUTHERLANDSHIRE. With Extracts from the Field
Books of a Sportsman and Naturalist. By CuHaries Sr. Joan,
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EDINBURGH: DAVID DOUGLAS.
Mee
mE
ae, ee
cep ;
baa et <2 >
CONTENTS
Is Legislative Protection required for Wild Birds’ Eggs *—Rev. £.
P. Knubley, M.A., M.B.O.U. . :
The Feather-Billed Rook: Is it a recently developed Variation or
hitherto overlooked—-Robert Service
The Short-eared Owl (Aszo accipitrinus, Pallas) and ‘the Kestrel
(Falco tinnunculus, Linneus) in the Vole Plague Districts—
Peter Adair : , : ; ; = : =
New Scottish Fossil Reptiles i
A New Fossil Fish from Dura Deniz. 7. ji ee M. D., e at os
Additions to the Authenticated Comital Census of the Gabe and
Freshwater Mollusca of Scotland—W#m. Denison Roebuck,
FL. S. . 7 . : ee .
Entomologising in Ayeshies G-o72e W. Ord P ; ;
On certain New or Rare Rotifers from Forfarshire—W. 7. Camas
Pistillody of the Stamens in the ‘“‘ Champion ” Potato—/ames W. H.
Tyan, M.A MD. FL. S.: : é - 5 ;
Contributions towards a Flora of Caithness. No. II.—Avrthur
Bennett, F.L.S. :
Notes on ‘English ‘Botany, Supplement pe "Claridge Drace
AS 2 BED ay IO alaeae
List of the Hieracia of Perthshive 2 F Buthavow White M. D.,
7.L.9;; FZ. S.
New Scattich Gals Jamies W, H. T; aed, M. A., M. D* es Be a
Zoological Notes ; : ‘
Daubenton’s Bat in Ranfishive—- 1, ‘Basle abee Water Shrew in ‘Aepyte
shire—C. Campbell; Habits of ‘the Mountain Hare—W. vans,
F.R.S. EZ. ; Black Rat in Orkney—T7: 2. Buckley, B.A., F.Z.S.; The
Occurrence of the Hooded Seal in Orkney—7Z. S. Peace; Whin Chat
in Barra—Dr. J. MacRury ; The Wood Wren in West Ross—Z. W.
Hinxman, B.A., and W. Eagle Clarke; Great Gray Shrike in the
Stewartry of Kirkcudbright—A. Skzrving ; Kingfisher in Barra—Dr. /.
MacRury ; Nesting of the Stock Dove in Banffshire—Z. W. Hinxman,
B.A.; Turtle Dove near Wick—Z. Dunéar; Turtle Dove in Suther-
land—TZ. £. Buckley, B.A., F.Z.S.; Occurrence of the Ruff in
Tiree—E£ds. ; Ruddy Sheld Ducks in the Moray Firth—/. Brown ;
Wild Swans in Tiree—/. A. Harvie-Brown ; The Introduction of Dace
into Linlithgow Loch, and of Grayling into Cobbinshaw Loch —
W. Evans, F.R.S.Z.; Supposed Cannibalism in the Slow-worm—
J. MacNaught Campbell, F. Z.S. ; Strangalia armata in Kirkcudbright-
shire—W. D. R. Douglas, M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S.; Warentia flavi-
cinctata as a Garden Insect—/. Buchanan White, M.D., F.L.S.,
F.E.S. ; Argissa (Syrrhoe) hamatipes in the Firth of Forth— TZ: Scott,
F.L.S.; Modiodicola insignis in the Firth of Forth—7Z. Scott, F.L.S. ;
Ilyocryptus sordidus in Lochend Loch, Edinburgh— 7. Scott, F.L.S.
Botanical Notes and News
Rediscovery of Sagina alpina in Scotland 7; es Pause’ : ‘Strbtiloiniyese
strobilaceus in Perthshire—1Z. Buchanan White; First Records of
Scottish Flowering Plants—W2/liam A. Clarke; Hieracia new to
Scotland— F. J. Hanbury; ‘‘ Grevillea”’ ; British Fungus Flora—George
Massee.
Current Literature
Reviews
A Vertebrate aa ae Argyll and the te Peery, A. Dives
and 7. £. Buckley; British Birds: Key List—Zieut.-Colonel L.
Howard Irby.
The Museum of the Perthshire Society of peter, Science .
Index
Printed dy R. & R. Ciark, Edinburgh.
219
233
235
245
247
253
260
264
266
273
The Annals
OF
Scottish Natural History
m QUARTERLY: MAGAZINE
WITH ‘WHICH IS INCORPORATED
“Che Scottish Naturalist”
EDITED BY
J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, E.R.S.E., E.Z.S.
MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION
JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.LS.
PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
AND
WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., Mem. Brit. ORN. UNION
NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART, EDINBURGH
cee
/
i ({BRARY
NEW YORK
NICAL
ey
Kh
EDINBURGH
DAVID DOUGLAS, CASTLE STREET
LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 18 PRINCES ST., CAVENDISH SQUARE
‘iSteOr PLATES
I. An Unusually Coloured Raza clavata, Linnzus.
Il. Pylatella varia, Kjellman, and £ctocarpus Landsburgit, Harvey.
III. Canuella perplexa, sp. nov., and Longipfedia coronata, Claus.
;
IV. Scottish Desmidiez. Plate I.
The Annals LIBRARY
NEW YORK
Petr Aac
of A ANIC AL
GARDEN
Scottish N atural History
Comma ke [J ANUARY.
BISSO'S -GRAMPUS (GRAMPUS | GRISEGS) IN
THE, SOLWAY. Bik EH,
By ROBERT SERVICE.
ON 28th of September last I read in our local newspaper,
the “ Dumfries Courier,’ a short paragraph to the effect that
on the 24th of that month a “ young bottle-nose whale” had
been captured near Annan. Knowing that the dimensions
given were very unlikely to apply to that species, I lost no
time in writing for further information to my obliging friend,
Mr. Wm. Wright, Annan, who in due course replied, giving
the following particulars :—The animal had been seen, when
the tide ebbed, floundering in a pool on the sands of the
Dumfriesshire Solway at a spot close to Battlehill, near
Annan, by Mr. Wm. Blake, fisherman, who with assistance,
and after a considerable struggle, killed it. Its dimensions
were, length 10 feet 3 inches; girth at thickest part 5 feet ;
flippers 7 or 8 inches wide, 16 or 17 inches long; it had
two bumps right on the nose, one on each side with hollow
between ; the bumps were like one’s fist and could be taken
hold of. The shape from the dorsal-to the tail “went away
to nothing.” Three teeth in each side of the front of lower
jaw, and no teeth whatever in upper jaw. Colour of upper
parts described as somewhat greenish in hue when alive and
5 B
2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
in the sea; after death the back was exactly the colour of
“dark blue Welsh slates.” Under parts white. The animal
was a female. On making subsequent inquiry about the
white stripes usually present as a distinguishing character of
Risso’s Grampus, I was informed that “it had little faint
gray streaky marks, } inch in width, and some were long,
and some were short,’ but as Mr. Wright had to prompt his
informant on this point, I conclude these marks must have
been inconspicuous. When requested by Mr. Wright, the
lower jaws were very kindly presented to me by Mr. Blake.
Before removing the mass of adherent flesh, I made a close
examination of the dentition. Taking the left mandible, I
found embedded in the flesh, at the point of the jaw in
front of the three mandibular teeth, a couple of very small
denticles, so soft as to be scarcely calcified, and quite easily
cut through with the knife. They appeared on the surface
as roughish points hardly to be seen, but easily felt with the
finger. Then behind the three mandibular teeth were at
regular intervals two small openings into the gum. These
were about the diameter of an ordinary knitting wire. On
shaving slices off the gum these openings were seen to widen
out into tooth sacs of the calibre of an ordinary lead-pencil,
and half an inch deep, and they were quite filled with a very
soft, white, pasty substance with no signs whatever of calci-
fication, except in the walls of these sacs, which were of
tolerably hard cartilaginous matter, harder than the sur-
rounding gums. The two front denticles had small, rough,
shallow sockets in the bone, but the tooth sacs described
had no visible sockets in the bone of the jaw, as was
ascertained when the flesh was all removed. The right jaw
had the couple of small denticles, the three mandibular
teeth, and the two tooth sacs in the same order and position
as on the left jaw. The mandibular teeth seemed remark-
ably loose in their sockets, and with the finger and thumb
could be moved quite easily in any direction, the great depth
and width of the sockets when compared with the size of
the teeth perhaps accounting for this. Each of them was
exactly half an inch above the gums; when removed from
their sockets and cleaned, the front one on each side
measured 12 inch in total length, the others were all alike
RISSO’S GRAMPUS IN THE SOLWAY FIRTH 3
in measurement—1I1+ inch. All of the six teeth had their
summits bent inwards, had apparently been tolerably sharp
at one time, but had become much worn and chipped. It
may be worth pointing out that the dentition of this animal
might be variously described as 9 9 or 2 2 or as 9 9 accord-
ing to the inclination of the observer.
Not trusting my own identification of this Cetacean as
Risso’s Grampus, I forwarded the jaw, after it had been
cleaned, to Mr. Eagle Clarke, who promptly informed me
that he had “compared it with the perfect remains of
Grampus griseus in the Anatomical Museum of the
University of Edinburgh, under Sir Wm. Turner’s charge.
The jaw belongs, undoubtedly, to a young specimen of that
species.” Before leaving this Annan specimen, it should be
added that the oldest and most experienced of the Annan
fishermen declared that none of them had ever seen a “ whale”
of the same kind in the Solway before.
On Monday, 17th October, I was told that a “small
whale” had been killed on the previous Saturday evening
at Carsethorn, a little fishing hamlet about fourteen miles
from Dumfries, but situated in the adjoining county, on the
shores of the Stewartry Solway, a little to the westwards of
the mouth of the Nith. Following on the recent occurrence
of the rarity at Annan, my interest in Cetaceans was now
thoroughly aroused, and within a few hours after the notice
reached me I was at Carsethorn. I had no anticipation
whatever that I was so soon to hear of another example
of the same species, and it was therefore with the most
pleasurable feelings that, after walking down the beach
from our gig, the friend who accompanied me and I saw,
when the old sail had been lifted off the animal we had
come to see, that we had before us another veritable Risso’s
Grampus. This one had been caught at the mouth of the
Kirkbean Pow, at a little distance above Carsethorn village.
It had: been seen stranded in the shallow water when the
tide receded, and was captured by Mr. Robert M‘Call,
fisherman, with the assistance of the villagers. One man
who was present described it as grunting very loudly,
another said it barked like a mastiff dog, and snapped
viciously at anything or anybody that came within its reach,
4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
while a third individual said it squealed! It had been
stabbed in the throat and bled in the same way as pigs
are slaughtered, and when I examined it, the body was
positively undamaged in any way, with the exception of the
cut under the throat. I made the following notes of its
appearance on the spot :—
Dimensions.—Total length, 8 feet.
Girth in front of dorsal, 54 inches.
midway betwixt snout and dorsal, 52 inches.
‘3 is , dorsal-and tail, 22°50
5, just before expansion of tail, 13:
Flipper.—Length, 164 inches.
2 Wa
Dorsal.— Length, 16 -
Height, 104 __,,
Bs Breadth in middle, 7 inches.
Tail fins from tip to tip, 18 inches.
Lower jaw from point to angle of mouth, 9? inches.
Upper 9 P) ” 10 ”
Sex.—Female.
Colours.—Eye, dark brown; pupil round and black. General
colour of upper parts of a dark slaty tinge, greenish in certain lights,
bluish in others. Colour of upper parts passing through the different
shades from slate colour to grayish at the median line, and gradually
passing to pure milky white from vent to flippers, but becoming
darker on the under side betwixt the flippers. Flippers deep black.
White on throat extending to gape, and then over the upper jaw,
covering all the nose and forehead except a deep black moustachial
patch of pretty regular outline, beginning over the upper part of the
nose and extending downwards on each side. Round each eye was
a large deep black patch of irregular outline shading off to gray at
the edges. The white lines usually assigned as a specific character
were altogether absent, with the exception of a silvery white line
lying obliquely across the back of the neck. It was about 8 inches
long and enclosed a deep black line along its centre half an inch in
width. There was one group of seven black spots on left side mid-
way between dorsal and belly. The largest of these spots was the
size of a half-crown, the smallest the size of a threepenny piece, and
they looked precisely as if some one had been throwing ink on the
skin. There was a large number of scattered white spots the size of
peas, just behind vent and a little to left side. Three white
spots outlined in deep black were situated just above middle of left
upper lip; several white spots were also to be seen along the edge
of left under lip. There were no other spots or lines anywhere on
the beast, and those described were anything but conspicuous.
7)
39
RISSO’S GRAMPUS IN THE SOLWAY FIRTH 5
Dentition, etc.—The sides and front of tongue were fringed by a
row of upright papillae of rather horny consistency. No teeth in
upper jaw. No teeth visible in lower jaws, but on feeling the left
under jaw very carefully with the fingers two hard spots were felt.
On cutting into them, these hard spots were found to conceal a
couple of small teeth, and behind them another tooth was also dis-
covered embedded in the gums. ‘The other under jaw was not cut
into.
Appearance of Head.—Lips very thick and fleshy, but no depres-
sion between the snout and lips such as has sometimes been described
as seen in other specimens of this Grampus. The great swelling
lumps on each upper cheek, continuing down to and including the
lips, was an extremely conspicuous feature, and gave one the strong
impression that the swollen appearance was the result of injury or
disease. Snout rounded in upper jaw; much pointed in lower jaw.
Skin.—The whole skin smooth and shining, transparent looking
in some lights. Very soft and velvety to the touch, the outermost
cuticle easily abraded or rubbed off. The skin was easily lifted in
little folds betwixt finger and thumb.
There is not much more to say about the Carsethorn
specimen of this rare Cetacean, except that I was glad to be
the medium of securing its skeleton for the Museum of
Science and Art, Edinburgh. A gentleman resident in the
village who was present when the bones were divested of
their flesh preparatory to being despatched to Edinburgh,
and who examined the stomach, informs me it was quite
empty. The same friend also had the curiosity, not to say
temerity, to cut off a suitable piece of the flesh and have it
cooked. He tells me “it was dark in colour and tasted not
unlike the flesh of a hare, or between that and _ beefsteak.
It was a little peculiar in flavour, but not unpleasant.” The
blubber produced a little over six gallons of good oil, which
is used in the same way, and for the same purposes, as the
fishermen and others in this neighbourhood use porpoise oil.
Whether the two specimens of Risso’s Grampus described
in the foregoing pages entered the Solway in company can
only be a matter of conjecture. I have been unable to hear
of any of our whammle-net men who noticed such animals
in the Firth before their capture, and the fishermen in
question are distributed over the comparatively narrow
limits of the Solway at every tide. One thing seems very
certain to me that any such Cetaceans once passing inside
6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Barnhourie Bank and the Robin Rigg would hardly escape
many hours from being stranded on one or other of the
numerous sandbanks that stretch for hundreds of thousands
of acres in every direction, when the surges that swell up with
the famous tidal flow of old Solway have once more ebbed
again with equal swiftness back into the Irish Channel.
DESTRUCTION OF WILD BIRDS’ EGGS, 2am
EGG-COLEECTING.
By Lieut.-Colonel W. H. M. Duruiz, R.A.
IT is gratifying to learn from Mr. Knubley’s interesting
paper in the “Annals” of last October, that some well
known members of the British Association have taken up
the subject of the destruction of wild birds’ eggs, and are
considering the question, whether legislative measures should
be recommended for their protection.
There is evidently no time to be lost if we wish to pre-
serve as breeders in the British Isles some of our fast dimin-
ishing species ; and it seems to be the duty of our Natural
History Societies and Field Clubs throughout the country to
use their utmost endeavours to educate and interest the
public within their several spheres of influence, and thus
co-operate with the British Association in its laudable efforts
to stem the tide of egg-destruction which has set in.
In seeking for the cause of the mischief complained of,
we naturally turn our attention, first of all, to the egg-
collectors, all of whom, in a greater or less degree, must be held
responsible; and we feel sure that if they could be reason-
ably controlled, there would be little left for the British
Association to do.
There are three kinds of collectors who require to be
specially dealt with, viz. the Aimless, the Greedy, and the
Mercenary Collector.
The Aimless Collector should be dzscouraged. He is
generally a person who knows little or nothing about birds
or their habits. His collection is an accumulation of un-
DESTRUCTION OF WILD BIRDS’ EGGS . 7
authenticated specimens stowed away in ill-arranged boxes,
totally regardless of order, species, or locality, and is useless
to himself and of no interest to science.
The Greedy Collector should be vestrazned. He should
be satisfied, as a rule, with one clutch of eggs of each bird,
with an occasional addition of an abnormal clutch or egg for
the sake of comparison.
The Mercenary Collector should be abolished. He it is
who is mainly responsible for the extermination of species
and waste of eggs. His collection is the result of gold,
changed into silver and copper as it filters through the hands
of dealers, gamekeepers, shepherds, herd-boys, and others,
who, often in direct disobedience of orders from their em-
ployers, have robbed many an important eyrie, and with
indiscriminating ignorance have swept some of our bird
nurseries bare. The size and value of this collector’s store
depends upon the length of his purse, and while proud to
tell the market value of a particular egg, he may be unable
to describe the bird that laid it, or the nest in which it was
found.
The True Collector should be a Naturalist, acquainting
himself with birds, their habits, flight, migration, language,
and breeding haunts ; his egg-collecting being only one of
the means of acquiring this knowledge. He should collect
for himself, and should never receive an egg into his cabinet
unless authenticated by an individual in whom he can im-
plicitly trust. To him, therefore, no dealer need apply, and
under these conditions egg-collecting has all the excitement
of sport, and the final acquisition of a rare egg, after perhaps
years of waiting and watching, is a triumph, and the egg
itself is a trophy of which the possessor is justly proud.
The collection, whether large or small, should be perfect as
far as it goes, all eggs being arranged according to order,
genus, and species. Every specimen should be marked
with a number and registered with a corresponding mark
in a book kept for the purpose, in which should also be
recorded the date, locality, and authority, and any note of
interest taken at the time. The chief aim should be accu-
racy ; and the journal, if properly kept, is a mine of useful
information. It and the cabinet are inseparable, and the
8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
two together may form a valuable addition to a museum.
Besides its ornithological value, the collection is deeply inter-
esting to the collector himself on account of its recorded
memories. That large white egg stained with brown, lying
on a piece of dry seaweed, recalls a day on the Bass Rock,
when eye and ear are bewildered by the constant movement
and sound of countless hosts of Gannets and other wild sea-
birds floating in the air and on the waves, or diving beneath
the surface of the water, their shrill cries making a strange
discord with the music of the sea, as it rolls its deep-toned
accompaniment along the base of the stupendous cliff.
Again, the clutch of Buzzards’ eggs speaks of the solitude
of the mountains, of a bulky nest set on a ledge of a steep
overhanging rock at the head of a Highland glen, with a
peat-stained burn below winding its way through a world of
heather and moss. And so on all through the cabinet, every
clutch has its. story, each ege its tale to tell, and fever,
drawer breathes its own separate associations: the shady
woods and breezy uplands, the swift-running brooks and
sluggish streams, the lake and mountain tarn, the misty glen,
the sandy shores and rocky coasts, the hedgerows, and shrub-
beries, and eaves, and every nook and corner where the birds
come, from far and near, to rear their offspring in the joyous
days of spring—all are represented here in the lovely and
varied relics which lie displayed in systematic order before
us. When once the eggs of a particular bird have been
obtained they are rarely required again; but the breeding
haunt being known, the return of the birds may be looked
for in each succeeding year, and their habits watched and
noted during the whole period of incubation.
If we could confine our Collectors to the true type,
which I have attempted to describe, the Egg Dealers would
cease to exist, and with them would also disappear the tribe
of hangers-on which they maintain, there being no need for
their services, and no demand for their supplies; and with
the attainment of this happy result, legislation for the pre-
servation of wild birds’ eggs would become unnecessary.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 9
CONTRIBUTIONS. FO-A-FAUNMY OF) THE
SHE TLAND TSEES:
AUTUMN NOTES.
By J. A. Harvige-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
Two visits paid to a far southerly portion of the Shetland
Isles convinced the writer of these notes that the district is
almost a ¢erra incognita to the working Field-Naturalist
during the autumn.
Dr. Saxby’s “ Birds of Shetland,’—excellent as in many
respects it is,—and his earlier first notes in the “ Zoologist,”
cannot be held as relating to Shetland generally, and indeed
as only referring to the much more restricted area of Unst.
Since Dr. Saxby wrote, we have scarcely a record from
Shetland, except of summer observations, of which latter,
however, there is no lack.
We spent several weeks, first in October and November
1891, and again in September and October 1892, at the
Southern extremity of the Shetland Isles, in the parish of
Dunrossness, to which portion of the main island the ac-
companying notes principally refer.
During the first of these visits we only met with 56
species of birds. During our second visit we added consider-
ably to this list, making a list of and notes upon 84 species.
In 1891, migration along our whole East Coasts—Scot-
tish and English—was at a minimum, on account of the
prevalence of westering winds throughout the season, culmi-
nating in a gale of great force and severity from S.S.W., which
ranged over our coasts for the space of seven days, begin-
ning moderately (in Shetland) on the night of the 8th October,
continuing strong over the 9th to 13th, and reaching its
maximum strength on the 14th. On the 15th, I find in my
journals that the united roar of surf and wind “had gone
down to a‘hum,’” and that it was windless on the 16th.
All the time previous to the latter date, the wind had been
westerly. In 1892, migration bulked much more heavily all
down our East Coasts, even as far north as North Ronaldshay
in Orkney, and at Girdleness in Aberdeenshire, whilst on the
IO ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
East English Coasts it was quite phenomenal. But Shetland
appears only to have been brushed, as it were, by the outer-
most primaries of the right wing of the flight, and only a few
“dropped feathers”—a few solitary migrants—helped us to
swell our list. The direction of the wind prior to the 4th
October was southerly, veering to S.S.E. and S.S.W., and
few migrants were observed. But on the 5th, and night of
5th and 6th, migration became more noticeable, both as
observed at the lighthouse, and by ourselves in the open.
This was the fringe of a vast migration, which will be found
duly recorded by other observers farther to the southward.
The wind had been northerly and strong, but during the
night a sudden shift took place to S.E., and increasing to a
gale, whipped up the migrants which had already started on
their passage of the North Sea, and drifted them on our
shores. But in Shetland we only got a slight waft of this
change, and it did not last long enough to flood the islands
with migrants. Such were the conditions of migration during
the two visits we made to Shetland in 1891 and 1892.
Of the place itself we must be very shortly descriptive.
The area we treat of contains the hill and cliffs and high
plateau of Fitful Head (928 feet), and the “scattald” or taxed
land which lies around it.
It also contains the links of Quendale, the sandhills, and
long washed sands of Quendale Bay, the rocky points of
Sumburgh Head and Garthness, and, out in the bay, the holms
of Quendale. It includes the more important lochs of Spiggie,
and Brow, and Hillwell, as well as a few other minor sheets
of water, with the marshes and marshy meadows, peat “cuts ”
and “banks,” which connect or surround them. ‘Then there
are the rocky, or sandy, or muddy voes of the South Coast,
and the rockier voes of the west side. Between the pastured
hills are glens and green-edged or marsh-edged burns. When
we add to the above description the stunted heather of the
high “ fields,’ the short grazing of the “scattalds,” the wind-
swept scalps, showing the disintegrating granitic rock in
rapidly recurring stripes or succeeding terraces, with the
‘‘plantie cruives ” or small enclosures in which young cabbage-
plants are protected from the storms, which are dotted over
the otherwise bare landscape, and the “ farm-toons” with the
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND II
agricultural land around them, and the long dividing walls
and fences, we have, sufficiently for our present purpose, indi-
cated the nature of the country in which we observed the
following birds and mammals.
HepcEuoe (Erinaceus europeus).—When staying at the manse of
Tingwall, three miles from Lerwick, I was informed, very much
to my surprise, that the Hedgehog exists along the shores of Loch
Tingwall (fresh water), and is perfectly well known to Mrs.
Bayne, who told me also that, “when we put them into the
garden they usually die.” These animals were introduced at
Veersgarth by the farmer there, and he planted whins for their
protection. ‘They are supposed to have been introduced into
the island of Burra by means of a cargo of empty casks, or in
the ballast of a vessel (v. “Annals S. N. H.” 1892, p. 132).
In 1892, whilst staying at Sumburgh House, we obtained further
account of the Hedgehog in Shetland from our friend Mr.
John Bruce, who first heard of the animal occurring around
Cunningsburg in the following manner. He had heard of
some mischievous boys tormenting an old woman by putting
a Hedgehog in her bed. Mr. Bruce had then asked the lads
to bring him the next one they found, which they did, and Mr.
Bruce obtained two, and had them alive in Sumburgh Garden ;
but they escaped, and have not been seen or heard of around
Sumburgh since. They are stated to be far from uncommon
around Cunningsburg, and to frequent the high “fields” and
driest ground among heather. As yet I am unable to trace any
reliable history of their original introduction, which, however, is
currently believed and spoken of as having been effected fifty
years ago.
THe Common Firtu SreaL (Phoca vitulina) is very abundant
about the Quendale Holms.
OrrTeER (Lutra vulgaris).—Many Sea Otters occur all over the district,
as is evinced by the fine skins which Mr. John Bruce obtains.
Stoat (Mustela vulgaris)—Not rare. We saw skins in the pos-
session of Mr. George Bruce of Sand Lodge. The actual dis-
tribution throughout the isles has not, to our knowledge, been
worked out. We are credibly informed, however, that it occurs
in some islands but not in others, and our friend Mr. Allan
Briggs tells me it does not occur on North Ronaldshay, the
nearest of the adjoining group of Orkney.
BLackBirD (Zurdus merula).—Not observed at all abundantly.
Only one seen in October (15th) in 1891, in a turnip-field up
the Mill Glen of Quendale—a favourite shelter ground of
migrants. In 1892 I shot a female up the burn which flows
12 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
into Garth Wick, 30th October, and saw another sheltering in
nettles near Garth Crofts on Sunday 6th October. One or
two others were observed around Sumburgh and Quendale, but
not prior to 5th October.
Sonc THRuSH (Zurdus musicus)—My cousin, who accompanied us
in 1892 to Quendale, Mr. Adrian Forrester, who is a keen
collector, saw several thrushes, and we observed two near
Garth on gth October.
REDWING (Zurdus iliacus).—One ; the only one seen up to date of
12th October 1891. I shot amongst the peat “cuts.” Only
single birds seen among the peat cuts, or in the “plantie
cruives,” up till 20th, when about a score were found sheltering
in a flock in the Mill Burn Glen, close to Quendale. In 1892
a few single birds seen on and after 5th October. One or two
seen nearly every day for a week or so.
FIELDFARE (Zurdus pilaris)—In 1891, only a few solitary birds
seen scattered among the more sheltered hollows. In 1892,
they did not arrive or show up with Redwings or Thrushes
during October; but early in November a flock was reported
to us by Captain M‘Farlane, as seen in the angle formed by ~
two walls, close to the Established Church—a favourite place
for newly arrived migrants.
WHEATEAR (Saxicola enanthe).—A few scattered birds, natives of the
district, remained into October, and until about the 14th, but
not later than this in 1891, except one—a passing bird, or a
lingerer—on the roth. In 1892, most of the Wheatears
disappeared earlier, or about the 6th October.
WHINCHAT (Pratincola rubetra).—We did did not meet with the
Whinchat in 1891; but in 1892, Mr. Adrian Forrester shot a
young male on Fitful Headland on 8th October.
Sronecuat (Pratincola rubicola).—We did not meet with the Stone-
chat in 1891; but a male was obtained on the Mill Burn, and
a young bird on Fitful, 6th October 1892.
Repstart (Ruiticilla phenicurus).—A single male seen in Mill Glen
Burn, and a female seen previously, between the sea and
Quendale Links, on the znd October 1892. Not observed in
autumn of 1891.
HEDGE ACCENTOR (Acentor modularis).—Not in our 1891 list.
Only one seen in nettles at Garth Banks, 9th October 1892.
BiackcaP (Sylvia atricapilla)—A female observed within a few
paces, skulking and sheltering amongst nettles, inside old croft
at Garth Banks, on Sunday, 9th October 1892.
WILLOW WaRBLER (Lhylloscopus trochilus).—Not noticed in 1891.
Several seen, one at Garth Banks, 6th October, 1892, on the
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 13
sea slope, and others about the same dates, but not before.
Again one in Sand Lodge garden, on 21st October.
GoLp-creEst (Regulus cristatus).—Gold-crests were reported to us
by Mr. Youngclause as appearing at the lantern of Sumburgh
Head Lighthouse previous to 29th October 1891. But there
are no returns during October 1892 in Mr. Youngclause’s
schedules, although they appeared so abundantly at more
southern stations.
Common WREN (Z7voglodytes parvulus).—Not very abundant. In
1891 only one seen in “plantie cruives” near Spiggie. Shot
one in Garthwick Burn, and saw a family party in Moussa,
one of which was shot, and is now in Edinburgh Museum.
The other, of which I have the skin, I took the following
measurements of: base of bill to end of tail, 423 inches;
wing from carpal joint 143 inches. These Shetland Wrens
appear to be large and large-footed, light-coloured, and much
vermiculated, both on back and under parts.
Meavow Pirir (Anthus pratensis)—Not very abundant. In 1891,
appeared to be almost confined to the limited marshy edging of
the Hillwell Burn, by the base of Fitful, and the valley behind
“The Cleap”; and there only singly or in pairs, up to about
3rd October. In 1891, we made the note on the date of 3rd
October, ‘‘ Meadow Pipits and Larks are now flocking,” and
‘‘ Meadow Pipits not common, and very local.” Most seen
about 3rd or 4th October.
Rock Prrir (Anthus obscurus).—Seen commonly, even abundantly,
in its usual haunts, especially around the fish-curing station at
Garth Banks; occurring also, however, inland, up the Eel Burn,
and on the shore of Loch Hillwell. Observed no increase of
numbers at any date, either in 1891 or in 1892.
SwaLLow (//irundo rustica).—A solitary bird seen at Loch Hillwell on
17th October 1891. In 1892, two seen flying over Loch
Brow, 8th October. The Swallow was reported to us by Mr.
George Bruce as unusually abundant in the summer of 1892,
along with Swifts.
SanD Martin (Cottle riparia).—One seen hawking over upper
Culsetter Marsh, near. Hillwell Burn, on 8th October 1892;
and another seen at Spiggie on 13th October.
Rosin (£rithacus rubecula).—In 1891, only one seen close to Garth
fishing-station. In 1892, five or six seen, one at Hillwell Farm
on 8th October.
House-Sparrow (/asser domesticus)—Common at Quendale Farm,
and indeed at most, if not all, the farm-towns from Sumburgh
House to Lerwick, yet scarcely to be called generally distributed,
14 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
and distribution somewhat broken, so far as we could observe.
We have quite failed as yet to record the Tree Sparrow from
Shetland.
CuaFFIncH (Fringilla clebs).—The Chaffinch stands in our autumn
lists as the first bird taken note of. When we visited Shetland
in October 1891, Chaffinches were by that time in large flocks
(gth October) in the corn-fields, and sheltering from the gale
under the “kail-blades.’ They were, however, all migrants.
In 1892, the first observed was shot amongst a flock of
Twites (5th October); and immense flocks afterwards of
hundreds and thousands were seen for the space of a few days.
Same day one Brambling seen amongst them; and on 8th at
least one sixth were Bramblings. From the association, we
think there is no doubt about the Scandinavian origin of these
flocks. All disappeared as suddenly as they arrived, and
stragglers only were met with after the roth October 1891.
BRAMBLING (/7ingilla montifringilla).—First seen in 1892—a single
bird amongst a lot of Chaffinches—on the 6th October. Then
on the 8th—wind north—close to Loch Spiggie, a large flock
of mixed Chaffinches and Bramblings, the latter composing
about one-sixth of the whole—several thousands in the flock.
Wind had been N. or N.N.E., veering and backing, but always
to the N. Suddenly shifted to S.E. and blew hard on night of
5th to 6th, but alas! only for too short a spell.
LINNET (Linota cannabina).—Not observed in 1891. But in 1892
one small flock was identified by us, 17th October, near
Scatness.
TwitE (Linota flavirostris).—Very abundant. In small flocks
seldom exceeding fifty individuals. Frequent the cabbage-
yards, feeding on seeding sorrel, especially in the unoccupied
‘‘plantie cruives,” and in numerous small flocks on the stubbles.
Not so often seen on the “scattald” or “ fields” at this season,
except where the ‘‘plantie cruives” exist. Observations the
same in 1891 and 1892.
Corn Buntinc (Emberiza miliaria).—Not at all abundant, and ex-
tremely local ; so far as our opportunities gave us of observation.
Rarely seen on the farm-lands at this season, but a consider-
able flock—probably all for many miles round—sheltered
during the day, and roosted at night among the reeds of Hill-
well Loch in 1891. In 1892—but why, we know not—their
numbers appeared to be not more than one-third of those in
1891, and besides they were not so persistent in their chosen
roosting-place.
ReeD Buntinc (Emdberiza scheniclus).—Not observed in 1891.
One single female bird was shot on 8th October 1892.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 15
About same date we received a wing of one killed by Mr.
Allan Briggs in North Ronaldshay.
Snow Buntine (Plectrophanes nivais).—In 1891, first a small flock
went “‘tinkling” overhead. Then flocks of hundreds and
thousands were seen along Loch Spiggie and upon Backasetter
Farm on the 23rd October, and many were heard overhead
all day, and they continued exceedingly abundant all the re-
maining time of my stay—z.e. up to 3rd of November. Captain
Macfarlane, however, afterwards reported that all, or nearly all,
had left by the 19th December of the same year. In 1892,
during October, Snow Buntings were much rarer than in 1891,
all the time I was there—z23rd September to 30th October.
The first heard of was a flock of twelve on the 6th October.
Then a flock of some hundreds same day, but they did not
alight, but flew steadily south. After this some considerable
flocks seen, but most passed on. ‘The people on certain farms
catch these birds with a sieve-trap—twenty to thirty at a
time—in snow-time. In Shetland, the skins are removed by
inserting a quill, or the barrel of a steel pen-holder, in a small
cut made on the forehead. The pen-holder is then used as a
blow-pipe. Of course shot birds cannot be skinned in this
way. This method is called “ blowing them.”
STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)—In 1891, observed in small flocks.
Nowhere did we observe them in large numbers, as compared
with more southern localities. But they are very abundant
notwithstanding. We might expect to find amongst migratory
Starlings, specimens of the so-called S. Fardensis. I did not
care to slay numbers of them to make the discovery ; but any
which I did examine did not appear to me to be worthy of
specific separation.
Jackpaw (Corvus monedula).—In 1891, two were seen distinctly by
us flying in company with Rooks close to Sumburgh Head on
27th October; and in 1892, two again were seen on 18th
October consorting with about a dozen Hooded Crows. As
will be noticed further on, it is curious how many species
observed in 1891 and 1892 appeared in exactly similar
numbers at approximate dates, and in adjacent localities. (See
Greylag Goose, Wood-pigeon, and several more.)
Since writing the above, we have heard from Mr. Young-
clause that ‘‘what he takes to be three Jackdaws were seen
near Grutness on the 28th October 1892.”
RAVEN (Corvus corax).—Perhaps nowhere more abundant in
Britain than in the Shetland Isles. Often seen in dozens and
half-dozens, and occasionally in much larger companies. Seem
to have, in common with many other species, regular beats
16
ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
over which they pass at certain hours, this varying with the
direction of the wind. ‘Thus some days the Garth Banks is a
‘sure find, if one wishes to procure specimens ; other days the
‘sandhills of Quendale close to Hillwell, and again Spiggie
and other places.
HoopEep Crow (Corvus cornix).—Abundant, fearless, undisturbed.
In flocks of scores or singly. Everywhere assertive and impudent.
A possible increase was observable after the roth October—
at least flocks were more commonly seen. Some were much
whiter in the mantle than others, and may have been of more
eastern origin.
Rook (Corvus frugilegus).—In 1891 several were seen: first three
on the roth October, then five reported. By all accounts rare
in Shetland, but Mr. Bruce of Sumburgh lately (September
1891) had quite a large flock close to his house. Many are
seen at odd times. Wind always southerly and westerly when
observed. Not observed in 1892.
SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis).—In 1891, Skylarks were literally in
thousands up to the middle of October, but after that, perhaps
only in hundreds, and later on still fewer; frequenting the
stubbles. By 22nd December, Larks had become still scarcer,
as we were informed by Captain Macfarlane. In 1892, Larks
were only seen rising out of the stubbles in September singly,
or in small scattered flights; but soon after, about the 4th
October, a great change appeared, and they were beginning to
flock and draw nearer to one another—a change observable
also amongst the Meadow Pipits. This was a day or two
before the general movement of birds on 5th and 6th October
1892.
Wryneck (Lynx torqguilla).—Mr. Thomas Marshall, The Store,
Stanley, Perthshire, informs us (77 “74 20th October 1892):
‘* Mr. Youngclause sent me the Wryneck on 21st August 1891.”
Mr. Youngclause wrote thanking Mr. Marshall for the identi-
fication, and said: ‘‘It was sent up to me by our local post-
master, Mr. Isbister, and had killed itself on the telegraph
wires. I, however,’—continues Mr. Youngclause,—“ saw
another one alive at Quendale this day week [letter is dated
29th August 1891]. So it seems a few of them have been
about.”
SHORT-EARED Owt (Asvo accipitrinus),—In 1891, one was shot by
us, as It rose out of the peat “cuts” below Loch Hillwell on the
17th October, and one—probably the same bird—was reported
by Mr. Youngclause as seen at Sumburgh Lighthouse two days
before. In 1892, one was seen about the same place by
Captain Macfarlane before my arrival at Quendale in September.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 17
SNowy Ow. (Surnia nyctea).—On the 28th October with S. and
S.W. wind and heavy rain, and a migration of Glaucous Gulls
passing S. to S.E., a magnificent Snowy Owl passed within a
hundred yards of our boat on Spiggie. It was almost within
range of the big eight bore, but we were all at first too much
taken up in watching him, in a very bad light, trying to make
him out. At first I thought it was an albino Sea Eagle. I felt
dubious, and then flashed across my miserable memory the
Snowy Owl’s flight in Russia ; the wings not so ‘‘ board-square”’
as the Eagle’s. He flew low over Backasetter, and winged his
way over the “fields” towards Fitful. When it dipped and its
back became visible, it appeared to be a bird about two to
three years old, from the mottling of the feathers on the back.
The wings showed “‘frilling” or “ fringing” on the edgings
against the sky, much as a Rook’s or an Eagle’s wings do. I
believe this bird would probably rest upon the flat plateau
which forms the summit of Fitful, and towards which it was
slowly winging its way, flying south witha S.W. wind. Perhaps
its next resting-place will be Butt of Lewis, possibly Orkney ;
less likely the mainland of Scotland.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE (Haliaetus albicilla).—Distinctly saw a White-
tailed Eagle wing its high way over Quendale Links and Sand-
hills towards Fitful, which, however, was enveloped in dark
thick mist. Mr. George Bruce, who was along with us, saw it
also, and said, “It is one of the Fitful eagles.” He tells me
these Fitful birds have often been killed, and he believes that
the reason the Fitful Eagles have continued to hold their eyrie
so long is to be found in this occasional destruction of one or
the other bird before its mate gets too old to wed again. In
this I perfectly acquiesce. Mr. George Bruce still believes there
are five pairs in Shetland, and Mr. John Bruce corroborates
the statement that there has been no break in the continuity of
their occupancy of Fitful. Little or no information can be ex-
tracted from the natives about this or almost any species of bird.
We are not ourselves perfectly satisfied of their occurrence there
as a nesting species now, but the above notes may elicit more
data and proofs.
PEREGRINE Fatcon (Falco peregrinus).—The Fitful falcons were
constantly seen both in 1891 and 1892. The female a very
large powerful bird, and the male a particularly small bird. I
saw them both often at short distances as they suddenly flashed
past along the hill-sides, intent on Blue Rock Doves, about the
outskirts of the cropped land.
MERLIN (falco e@salon).—Very common, and often seen hunting
singly, and at times in pairs. Usually appears on the track of
the Snow Buntings, Snipe, or flights of small birds. I have
5 &
18 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
several times nearly whistled them over with the plover call in
Shetland, and successfully practised the dodge elsewhere.
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo).—A pair regularly frequent Loch
Spiggie, and visit Loch Hillwell and fly across thence by the
“cuts” and Quendale to Quendale Bay. Common at the
Holms in Quendale Bay, but not to compare in numbers with
the smaller species or Shag.
SHac (Phalacrocorax graculus).—Very abundant, sitting in great
colonies upon the rocks all round Garthness, the Quendale
Holms, and indeed everywhere prominent in the sea-scape—as
many as 300 or 400 together.
Common HERON (Ardea cinerea).—Visits the district in autumn.
In 1891, five or six were observed early in October along the
side of Loch Brow, and in the marshy meadows (marked in
the 6” scale O. S. Map as “subject to flooding”). These
shortly disappeared, and only one or two were seen afterwards.
In 1892, the first observed was on 1st September, when
Captain Macfarlane saw two. Afterwards seen frequently at
Loch Brow ; and also on Mousa Island, on 20th October, six
or seven were seen together.
GREYLAG GoosE (Azser cinereus).—In 1891, one solitary bird was
seen, and put up at a distance of perhaps a hundred yards, by
the side of Loch Spiggie, on 26th October. Mr. Youngclause
also reported (cx Zz.) “Greylag Geese” flying S.W. at Sumburgh
Lighthouse on the same date. In 1892, curiously enough, again
a solitary bird was seen at the same loch side on roth October.
It rose and ‘‘ gabbled ” as it flew, showing the alar patches very
distinctly.
BERNICLE GoosE (Bernicla leucopsis).—Saxby says in July 1854 he
saw one of this species—making sure of it—and added: ‘‘No
other authentic record of its occurrence in Shetland has come
to my knowledge ;” and Howard Saunders, building upon this,
says: “To the Shetlands and Faroes, this species is only a
rare straggler.” On gth October one which we examined had
been shot, out of a flock of seven, among Quendale sandhills,
by the Quendale grieve’s son, who did not know the bird.
On 15th October, I saw three, and these were seen going about
the sides of Loch Spiggie for some time. The Bernicle Goose
is quite common here—Dunrossness—on migration in both
spring and autumn, but does not remain, we are assured, in
winter, as it does in the Hebrides. ‘Thirty-eight were frequent-
ing Spiggie Shore on the 21st October 1891 and many more
were seen. In 1892, quite a big lot were reported to us close
to Backasetter on 6th October, but we saw none till 9th October,
when a flock of seven passed south near Quendale House—wind
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 19
N.E.—at 2 p.m., and appeared to light on the larger of the
Quendale Holms. ‘This was the gth October, exactly the date
of the flock of seven of which the grieve’s son: killed one last
year, and the wind was in the same direction. Afterwards
flocks of seven, sixteen, and other numbers, were seen at Sum-
burgh and on Mousa.
WHOOPER (Cygnus musicus).—One which had been wounded now
does;duty on Loch Brow as sentinel for wild-fowl, and decoy
for other swans. It often gets on wing and flies a few hundred
yards, but seems little alarmed by the reports of fire-arms.
Another came in November 1891.
Witp Duck (Anas boscas).—Common, but not to be called abundant.
Seen early in the month, and shot in the marshes. Certainly
less common than many other species of Anatidae ; much rarer
than Wigeon or Teal, Scaup, etc., and never seen in large flocks.
A drake shot by W. Moir on 22nd October had not lost the
entire female plumage. It possessed the alar patch. The
head was only beginning to take back the glossy green. ‘The
wing-coverts were partly male and partly female. General
plumage, female predominating. No sign of curled feathers
of the tail of the male. Axillaries mostly female; very few
vermiculated male feathers. Back mostly female, very few male.
This appears to us a very late date at which to find this phase
of plumage. But on the 28th October 1892, another in pre-
cisely similar plumage was also obtained at Loch Spiggie. Now
the first of these birds was decidedly an old bird; but the
second, to our eye and examination, was a young male of the
year. We cannot get any satisfaction on this point from
Dresser’s ‘‘ Birds of Europe”; MacGillivray only quotes Waterton ;
and Howard Saunders (“Manual”) says nothing of the differences
of the plumage of old males reassuming the drake plumage
‘‘by the middle of October,” and of the young drake of the
year assuming first adult male plumage. MacGillivray only
touches the question at vol. v. p. 41, under “ Progress towards
maturity,” g.v. We regret that both these birds were not
preserved, but our remembrance of them is very distinct.
TEAL (Querquedula crecca).—About twelve seen upon Spiggie and
srow on 12th October 1891,—which appears to be about
their usual time of appearance,—and daily almost afterwards.
In 1892, seen at an earlier date, and numbers along with
Wigeon on the 8th at Spiggie and Brow.
WIGEON (MWareca penelope).—Very common. Many seen. Flocks of
twenty or more on Lochs Spiggie and Brow or in Backasetter
Marshes or Meadows; all during October 1891. In 1892,
during rough weather and south winds, over a hundred were in
20 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL. HISTORY
Brow, and when put up they broke up into six lots, and all chose
a fly-line up the Culsetter Marshes to Hillwell, where, standing
still, I shot one ; and had the line been observed sooner, I believe
six brace could have been got, as they all flew over the same
spot, and quite low, against the strong south wind. This was
on the 6th October, and many were also in on the roth.
PocHarD (/uligula ferina),—In 1891, five were identified clearly.
Many more were suspected, but glass was not powerful enough
to make sure whether Pochard or Scaup. In 1892, none
made certain of.
ScauP (Fuligula marila).—In 1891, numbers of Scaup were frequent-
ing Lochs Spiggie and Brow. Considerable uncertainty about
their identity existed until the 29th October, when I secured
one out of a lot by the side of Loch Spiggie. There remained
then ,no doubt as to their presence long before this date, and
afterwards.
TurteD Duck (fuligula cristata).—I find no record of them in r89r,
but four were identified in Quendale Bay, 25th September Rely
They certainly are not at present common here.
GOLDEN-EYE (Clangula glaucion).—Common on Lochs Spiggie and
Brow, and single old males at times on Loch Hillwell. Also
in 1892 equally common.
Lonc-TaILeD Duck (Harelda glacialis)—We do not, curiously
enough, find any records of Long-tailed Ducks in 1891. But
in 1892 their numbers were very great close in shore. The
first seen was a single male sitting on the east point of Loch
Spiggie. It is not usual to find this ocean duck on a fresh-
water loch. On 17th October, on Wildness Point, between
Virkie Voe and Grutness Voe, there were some hundreds,
coming pretty close in. Wind, which had been N.E., changed
round for a short space to E., and blew pretty strong. On
18th there were large lots also in West Voe, and in Quen-
dale Bay; and a pretty sight it was to watch them with the
glass, ranged in close phalanx; those packs on the east side
showing a preponderance of females, but the flocks in Quen-
dale Bay a preponderance of males. Wind by 18th back to
N.W., and bitterly cold. .
ComMMOoN EIDER (Somateria mollissima).—Not seen very abundantly,
though said to be seen very plentiful at times in the voes of
the west side. Always a few about the Quendale Holms and
Bay, and along the Scatness shore.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (JZergus serrator).—Five identified
flying overhead towards Quendale Bay from Spiggie, on the
28th October in 1891. In 1892, several times seen; five in
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 21
Garth Bay at the fishing-station, 9th October, two at same
place on 15th October, and four in West Voe on 18th.
RinG Dove (Columba palumbus).—In 1891, two were seen on the
Backasetter Farm, close to Loch Spiggie; and one was shot
on 26th October. It was in poor condition. Curiously, in
1892, two again were seen at Loch Spiggie on roth October,
and one shot by Captain Macfarlane.
Rock Dove (Columba fivia).—Abundant inland during the day,
and repairing to the caves at dusk. The old Broch of Mousa
is one vast pigeon-house, affording abundance of fine garden
manure, which is collected once or twice a year for Sand Lodge
garden—perhaps a ton annually.
SPOTTED CRAKE (forzana maruetta).—In 1891, my_ spaniel
‘“‘bunched ” a Spotted Crake in Culsetter Marsh, and fetched
it to me alive; otherwise, I would not probably have found
it. This was on the 26th October. Saxby says, ‘‘Not in
Shetland”; but Saunders’ (‘‘ Manual”) says, ‘‘ Twice in the Shet-
lands in October.” This one is only the second I have seen
alive in Scotland, the first having been flushed in a marsh in
Stirlingshire close to our own house some years ago. At the
Queen’s Hotel, Lerwick, we found another specimen stuffed,
which had been shot by Mr. Weber, the landlord, who assured
me they were not uncommon, and are usually seen between
September and November, and even in the latter month. Mr.
Weber added: “I could have shot one two days ago,” the
21st September 1892. Mr. Weber appeared to know the
Water Rail quite perfectly, though he also gave that name to
the Spotted Crake in his possession. Mr. G. H. Bruce of Sand
Lodge, writing to Captain Macfarlane, says, “‘We never find
these Rails unless we have a dog, and I was unaware of their
existence in Mousa until last year (1891), when we had
Furlonger’s dog and got three, one of which was different from
the other two.”
WaTER RAIL (Rallus aguaticus).—Saw none in 1891, but shot one
and saw another on Loch Hillwell, and obtained two in Mousa,
28th September and 2oth October 1892. Said to be quite
common, and believed to breed in Shetland.
Coor (/ulica atra).—Common : five or six pairs on Loch Hillwell,
and a few also between Lochs Spiggie and Brow. Young in
down, one shot at Loch Hillwell, 28th September.
WaTER HEN (Gadllinula chloropus).—Less common than the Coot.
None noticed in 1891, when the marshes were drier ; but seen
and obtained in 1892, when the marshes were much too wet to
hold Snipe. Commonest about Spiggie and Brow.
22 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH: NATURAL, HISTORY
GOLDEN PLovER (Charadrius pluvialis)—We saw none ourselves,
either in 1891 or 1892, but in September, William Moir shot
two in the ‘“scattald” between the two stone walls near the
churches —a favourite place for newly arrived migrants.
Golden Plover appear to be decidedly scarce in autumn in
Dunrossness.
RINGED PLOVER (gialitis /iaticula)—Abundant earlier in the
year, but in 1891 decidedly scarce as resident birds. Only
one seen in 1891 in autumn till the. 27th October aa
plentiful at Sumburgh and Virkie Voe on the 27th—doubtless
migrants. In 1892 they were again scarce up till late in October,
and again were very numerous at Virkie Voe on 17th, and at
Sandwick on 2oth.
Lapwinc (Vanellus vulgaris)—Decidedly a scarce bird around
Quendale on migration. Four or five seen at Loch Brow the
day before the gale culminated on the 14th October 1891, and.
an odd small flock afterwards. In 1892 a single bird seen
near Quendale House, and four at Loch Spiggie, 3rd and 6th
October.
TURNSTONE (S/repsilas interpres).—I have received a Turnstone in
its flesh, shot at Quendale by Captain Macfarlane. Of course
it is a species which, with many others, may be expected to
appear there. ‘This, however, is my first positive record from
Quendale.
OYSTER CATCHER (/ematopus ostralegus).—A few seen in 1892 on
the Quendale Holms, most likely resident and old birds in
pairs.
Woopcock (Scolopax rusticula).—Several were observed on Fitful
Head after my departure ; and W. Youngclause writes us, 31st
October 1892: “Since the rush of these Chaffinches” (viz.
5th and 6th October), “I have seen no new birds, except one
Woodcock, which I started on the 2oth inst. from the corner
of one of the parks close to the houses.
CoMMON SNIPE (Gadlinago celestis).—Local sportsmen distinguish
the dark-coloured home-bred Snipes from the lighter coloured
foreign birds. Abundant. ““A flight,” writes Captain Mac-
farlane, ‘‘came in at the latter end of September, amongst
which a number of very heavy [z.e. large ? ] birds were noticed.”
This occurred before my arrival, and my host (Captain Mac-
farlane) being at the time physically unfit for working the
marshes, no specimens were obtained. From what I heard
subsequently, there seems to be little reasonable doubt that
these were Great Snipe, and it would have been possible to have
killed two or three couple at that time, or even more. In 1891,
Snipe were fairly abundant; but in 1892, Snipe were quite
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A FAUNA OF SHETLAND 23
scarce as compared with the previous season, and all obtained
up to end of October—with the exception of Jacks and perhaps
two or three Full Snipe—were home-bred birds. We shot one
day on Mousa with Mr. George Bruce, but nine Snipe, two
Jacks, and two Water Rails composed our joint bag. Further
north, on Bressay and in Lerwick district, we heard, however, of
bags of ten anda half couple (W. Weber), and fifteen and a half
couple (Captain Furlonger) ; and Captain Furlonger in Fetlar
added in all ninety-six to his score in 1892 to date. It wasa
bad migration season. Snipe which are constantly talked of as
weighing seven and a half to eight ounces, and as “foreign
birds,” can hardly prove to be other than Great Snipe. During
our stay in Shetland in 1892, some three or four Snipe we shot
were of the vusse¢ variety ; and we brought home skins of both
varieties : the dark, boldly-marked birds, usually looked upon as
home-bred, and the russet, richly vermiculated variety, usually
considered to be of foreign origin.
JAcK SNIPE (Gallinago gallinula),—A sprinkling in the marshes in
1891, and quite a number in 1892—for a few days only—the
earliest seen on 28th September, and two shot next day. But
most seen about 6th October to roth: a few remained longer.
SANDERLING (Calidris arenaria).—Mr. A. Forrester shot one,—the
only one seen,—27th September 1892, on the shore of Quendale
Bay.
Dunuin (77inga alpina).—Four were seen and two shot on the
shore of Loch Hillwill on 6th October 1892 by Mr. A. Forrester ;
and three more were seen on Loch Spiggie a day or two after-
wards. None were observed in 1891.
PURPLE SANDPIPER (Z7inga striata).—Only two observed at Garth
Banks in 1891. One only shot by Mr. A. Forrester on
29th September 1892 at same place.
REDSHANK (Zo¢anus calidris)—Not observed very commonly in
1891. But many seen along the rocky shores of Quendale Bay
on both sides of the sand in 1892—probably all migrants.
Bar-TAILED Gopwit (Limosa lapponica).—First identified by loose
feathers picked up at Loch Hillwell. Saw several afterwards at
Virkie Voe in October 1891, and also at the same place in 1892 ;
but not by any means abundant.
CurLew (Mumenius aguata).—A flock of about fifteen to twenty
persistently frequented the Quendale Links and shore both in
r8gt and 1892; always most unapproachable. aS i
NY I) 14 SS ez
AWN 4, | LWAY j SVQ Megs
Qn | j y Yi Sin WEL
os TAA WAY i a} g { = ; y CE
~ 4 Wy /ib z = =
SS SN ! i N Wh LZ Se! | = BSS
SSS ? ) $< 4 > oe SSS
—7 1 i/ \ | ee ‘ eB =< @ SEs
Figs 1.- 1/f CANUELLA PERPLEXA Jpn, Figs [¥-VJ LONGIPEDIA CORONATA, Claws
NOTES ON COPEPODA FROM FIRTH OF FORTH 89
NOTES ON. COPEPODA FROM, THE FIRTH OF
BOR TE i-LONGIPEDIA \CORONAFA,: CLAUS;
AND A PRELIMINARY DESCRIPTION OF AN
APPARENTLY NEW GENUS AND SPECIES.
By Tuomas Scott, F.L.S.,
Naturalist to the Fishery Board for Scotland,
and ANDREW SCOTT.
PLATE II.
Longipedia coronata, Claus, is one of the most beautiful as
well as one of the most common of the Copepoda in the
British Seas, and has long been familiar to us.
It belongs to the Harpactictde, a family not only very
extensive, but which also includes many interesting and
curious species. As regards distribution, Longzpedia coronata
is to be obtained in a great variety of places, and at very
various depths ; it usually lives on or near the bottom, and is
thus much more frequently obtained in materials collected by
means of the dredge than in tow-net gatherings. Its favourite
habitat seems to be among the zoophytes and weeds of the
littoral and coralline zones.
Though many hundreds of specimens have passed through
our hands, especially during the last few years, so that its
appearance has become familiar to us, we have nevertheless
had our suspicions occasionally aroused as to whether there
were not really two species mixed up together under the
name Longipedia coronata as understood by British Carcin-
ologists. On several occasions during the past few years a
partial investigation has been made by us for the purpose of
ascertaining whether there were really two species or not ;
but from want of time, or from some other cause, no satisfactory
solution was arrived at. On referring to some of the litera-
ture dealing with the Copepoda, it was ascertained that a
certain amount of dissatisfaction had been expressed by
various authors with the diagnosis of Longzpedia coronata as
given in “ Die freilebenden Copepoden” and in the “ British
' This plate will be issued with the July number.
go ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Copepoda.” Geisbrecht! in 1882 pointed out some of the
doubtful characters in the description of this species in both
the works named, but he apparently failed to realise the
important significance of the characters he had called in
question. In a capital work by Dr. Eugene Canu lately
published, entitled “Les Copepodes du Boulonnais,” that
author again calls in question the accuracy of the description
of Longipedia coronata in these same two monographs, but
ascribes the error, in the one case to a young male having
been described for an adult, and in the other case to a
misunderstanding as to the sexes. The following are Dr.
Canu’s remarks: “ Formes jeunes tres fréquentes et peut-étre
plus nombreuses dans une méme péche que les adultes; ce
que pourrait expliquer les méprises faites par Claus (jeune ¢
décrit pour l’adulte) et Brady (confusion entre les deux sexes
? immatures) et relevées par Geisbrecht.”? Dr. Canu has
thus evidently missed the true explanation of the difference
between the so called “male” and “female” forms; at least
so far as regards the description of Longzpedza in “ British
Copepoda.”
A short time ago one of the writers of the present
remarks (Andrew Scott), while examining a quantity of
material dredged in Largo Bay, Firth of Forth, in 1891,
observed as usual both forms of Longzpedia coronata—z.e.
“males” and “females”; he also observed that some of the
“males” carried one ovisac! and one or two of the “ females ”
two ovisacs! This discovery naturally led to further inquiry
being made, with the result that two distinct species of
Copepoda were found to have been mixed up under the one
name, the so-called “male” being the true “female” of the
Longipedia, while the so-called “ female” was found to be the
female of a new and distinct species, for which we have had
to provisionally institute a new genus. Both males and
females of this new species have now been obtained. A pre-
liminary description of the true Longzpedia coronata and of the
new species is given below. Full descriptions (with drawings)
are being prepared for the Annual Report of the Fishery
Board for Scotland, to be published during the summer.
1 «Die freilebenden Copepoden der Kieler Fohrde.”
2 << Tes Copepodes du Boulonnais” (1892), p. 146.
NOTES ON COPEPODA FROM FIRTH OF FORTH gI
LONGIPEDIA, Claus.
Longipedia coronata, Claus, Plate II., Figs. 4-6.
1863. Longipedia coronata, Claus, “Die freilebenden
Copepoden,” p. 110, t. xiv.
1880. Longipedia coronata, Brady (in part), “Mon. Brit.
Copep.,” vol ii. p. 6, Plates XXXIV and XXXV.
Female-——Secondary branch of posterior antenne nearly
as long as the primary branch, six-jointed, all the joints
rather longer than broad. Inner branches of second pair of
swimming-feet in both sexes conspicuously elongate, being
much longer than the outer branches, or fully two and a half
times longer. Fifth pair of feet foliaceous: those of the
female consist of a moderately long inner segment, obovate
in outline, bearing three setae of moderate length and two
very small ones on the outer distal margin, and one long
and two short terminal sete ; a long stout and curved seta
with a minute hair, arising from its inner aspect and near
the proximal end, springs from the inner part of the basal
joint; this spine-like seta is distinctly articulated to the
basal joint. The rounded posterior dorsal margin of the last
abdominal segment bears three spiniform processes, the central
one large and easily observed, the lateral ones smaller. The
postero-lateral angles of the cephalo-thoracic and abdominal
segments acutely angular. Caudal stylets short, slightly
divaricate. Length, 1-5 mm. (,4th of an inch). One
ovisac.
One of the most prominent characters of this species, and
one by which it is readily distinguished, is the very long
inner branches of the second pair of swimming-feet.
Longipedia coronata is common all over the Forth, and
especially so off Musselburgh.
CANUELLA,' gen. nov., provisional name.
LONGIPEDIA, Brady (in part).
Anterior antennz less robust and less plumose than
those of Longipedia coronata, five-jointed, first and second
1 So named by us in compliment to Dr. Eugéne Canu, author of ‘ Les
Copepodes du Boulonnais.”’
92 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
joints large. Posterior antennz somewhat similar to those
of Longipedia, but the secondary branch is shorter, the width
of the joints being greater than the length. Mouth organs
similar to those of Longifedia. Both branches of each of
the first four pairs of swimming-feet of about equal length,
and, with the exception of the second pair, somewhat like
those of Longipedia ; the first joint of the inner branches of
the second pair very short, and armed with a stout conical
spine about equal in length to the second joint (Fig. 2).
Fifth, in both sexes rudimentary, consisting of a small basal
joint, bearing in the female four seta, one of which is rather
longer than the others, and densely plumose (Fig. 3). The
first and fourth segments of the abdomen without spinous
armature. Caudal stylets about equal in length to the two
last abdominal segments, and considerably divergent. The
animal is more slender than Longipedia coronata, and the
postero-lateral angles of the cephalo-thoracic and abdominal
segments are rounded (Fig. 1). Ovisacs two, large.
One of the most conspicuous differences between Canuella
and Longifedia is in the structure of the second pair of swim-
ming feet. In Longzpedia the inner branches of the second
pair are greatly elongated in both sexes, and form one of the
distinctive characters of the genus, the name of which has also
reference to this character. In Camnzella, on the other hand,
both branches are of about equal length in both male and
female, and the fifth feet are rudimentary. Therefore, not-
withstanding the number of important points in which the
two forms agree, the differences described clearly separate the
one from the other ; and, moreover, while Lougipedza has only
one, Canuella has two ovisacs.
Canuella perplexa, sp. n. (provisional name) Plate II.
Figs. I-3.
1880. Longipedia coronata, Brady (fem.), “ Brit. Copep.”
vol! ii. p. 6, Plate XXXIV. Figs. 3,9; Plate XXXV=> Pigs
Tees:
The characters of the genus are applicable to the species,
and therefore need not be repeated, this species being the
only one known. Length, 1°4 mm. (; th of an inch).
Additional Notes—(a) Males and females of a small (?)
NOTES ON COPEPODA FROM FIRTH OF FORTH 93
variety of Longzpedia were observed after the above Notes
had been prepared. This variety agrees in size and with the
detailed figures and description of Longzpedza coronata in Dr.
Geisbrecht’s work on the free-living Copepoda of Kiel
Fohrde, but differs from the description and figures of the
“male” in “ British Copepoda,” and from Longzpedia coronata,
partially described and figured in the present Notes, in the
following particulars, viz :
(1st) In the armature of the first pair of swimming-feet
being more slender ; (2nd) in the outer branches of the second
pair being proportionally longer. The two first joints of the
outer branch are about equal in length to the two first joints
of the inner one, and the large spiniform seta on the outer
edge of the long third joint of the inner branch has a position
nearly intermediate between the two smaller sete on the inner
edge; and (3rd) the middle lamellz of the fifth pair of feet in the
female are much narrower and more elongate. These differ-
ences, so far as we can make out, appear to be constant. For
the purpose of provisionally distinguishing this variety, we
propose to call it variety mznor. Length of variety, °85 mm.
(jth of an inch). On the other hand, the form partially
described here as Longzpedia coronata (type) agrees practic-
ally in size and in structure with the so-called “ male” of
Longipedia described in “British Copepoda” and in “ Die frei-
lebenden Copepoden,” while that described here as Canuella
perplexa agrees in structure with the so-called “female” of
Longipedia in “ British Copepoda.” We have not seen Boeck’s
description, and are unable to say which of the forms now
referred to agrees with that described by him.
(2) In 1867 M. Hesse recorded! a new Copepod (Szza-
ristes pagurt) living as a commensal in the same shell with
Pagurus (a kind of hermit-crab), and which in some respects
agrees with the form described by us here as Canuella perplexa,
but differs from it in the following important points. The
first abdominal segment in the female is “aussi long que les
quatre autres; il est séparé du thorax par un espace assez
écarté et arrondi qui facilite les mouvements du corps,” and
each of the two ovisacs “forment un ovale trés-allongé et
1 «Ann. Sc. Nat. (Zool.),” 5th series, vol. vii, p. 205, Plate IV. Figs. 11-
25; also of. cit. p. 211.
94 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
sont presque pointus des deux bouts. Ils sont attachés, par
leur extrémité supérieure et par un pédicule, au bord inférieur
du dernier anneau thoracique, et leur longueur égale celle de
abdomen.” There also appear to be important differences
in the structure of the mouth appendages and swimming-feet
in both sexes. Szaristes is also much longer than our species,
being “5 millimetres de long” (? including tail sete). The
habitat is quite different, for the Swzarzstes “sont les com-
pagnons intimes des Pagures, et c'est avec la plus grande
peine qu’on peut les en séparer, non qu'ils soient fixés sur eux
comme le sont leurs parasites, mais par leur adresse a se
cacher dans l’intérieur, ou en dessous des coquilles que ceux-
ci habitent.”
In 1884 Dr. Wilh. Miller described' a large Copepod
(Longipedina paguri) that he had discovered living with
Pagurus bernhardus. This is considered by Dr. Canu to be
the same as the Suzarzstes of M. Hesse; it also resembles,
even more closely than Swxaristes, the form now described
by us.
After a careful study of the descriptions and figures of
Sunaristes and Longipedina we find that, if both authors are
correct, the difference in their descriptions and figures are
scarcely reconcilable, and appear to refer to different species ;
and further, the difference both in respect of structure and
habitat between both of these and the species described by
us is apparently so considerable that we prefer for the present
to consider the Forth species as distinct from both. Canuella
perplexa is, so far as we know, a free-living Copepod, and is not
associated in any way whatever, as commensal or parasite, with
any other animal.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE.
Canuella perplexa, gen. et sp. n.
Fig. 1 “Adnlitenale : x 46°6
j;) oot of-second palit ~. x E265
io ee LOO Of Hith: pair : x 760
Longipedia coronata, Claus.
Fig. 4. Adult female. : ; x 46°6
5 Hac LO@OL Ol sccond pairs = : : ‘ x 84'0
», 6. Foot of fifth pair, female. : : x 190
1 «« Archiv fiir Naturgesch.” Jahrgang 50, Erste Band, p. 19, Plate III.
RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1892 95
RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1892,
ADDITIONAL TO “TOPOGRAPHICAL
BOTANY,” Ed. 2, 1883.
By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S.
WHEN these records were first undertaken in 1886, it was
thought that when those for 1883 to 1886 were taken up
and embodied (1849 records), the others that would have to
be placed on record might occasionally tell up to 200 or a
little more ; but, contrary to this, the numbers have been 323,
688, 583, 225, 371, 306, and in this present one, about 180.
At first it was intended that notes should accompany such
species as seemed of interest; but the space occupied has
quite forbidden such a wish being carried out, notwith-
standing a very patient editor. Perhaps hereafter this may
be done.
Personally, I should like to see these records carried on
until we get a new edition of “Top. Botany.” The number
of counties to be filled up with Watson’s “ British types” is
now very much reduced, and in the next year or so it may
be allowable to make some observations on the census of
these, and of some other of the more diffused types.
We do not progress much in the records of ascertained
higher or lower limits of species in Scotland. This is a
subject that should always be kept in mind, if we are to
‘keep ahead of some of our Continental neighbours. The
French botanists have been doing good work in this among
the Jura Mountains lately ; and the Irish botanists are also
doing good work.
I have to record one plant on this occasion new to Scot-
land, vzz. Orobanche cruenta, Bert. (O. gracilis, Sm.) For
some years I have had a specimen of an Ovrobanche, named
O. elatior, gathered in 1846, near Oban in Argyllshire; it
has been a puzzle to me, until, last autumn, my friend Mr.
Miller sent me some very interesting specimens of the genus
from the Channel Isles, but too far gone to be able to dissect
them. This made me resolve to try and clear up the
Argyll specimen, which was certainly not e/atzor. I carefully
96 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
dissected it, and, by comparing it with Reichenbach’s “ Icones ”
and the Kew herbarium, made it out to be O. cruenta; and
very troublesome they are, when dried, to make out. Other
particulars will be found elsewhere in this Journal.
The sequence of the counties and the abbreviations are
the same as before, vzz. “Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist” =“ Annalsaae
Scottish -Natural History,” “J. B.”’=“ Journal of Botany.”
Introduced species are marked with 7. It may be that
this sign is placed less frequently than it ought to be; but,
when general rules fail to guide, local observers must be
relied on.
72. DUMFRIES.
(Report for 1891. Transfer Hordeum pratense from 72 to 73,
Kirkcudbright. )
Tue following additions to the county list are included in the
‘‘Dumfries Flora,’ in the ‘Transactions of the Dumfries and
Galloway Natural History Society,’ on the authority of Messrs.
Scott-Elliott and J. T. Johnstone, as indicated by the initials after
each species.
Hypericum dubium, 7, 7: /.
Geranium pyrenaicum, 7, Shaw, in “‘ Dumfries Flora.”
Euonymus europzeus, 7. 47. Dzxon, in ‘‘ Dumfries Flora.”
Vicia Orobus (confirmed), 7. 7. /.
Veronica humifusa, 7, 7. 7.
Scutellaria minor, J/y. Thomson.
Salix stipularis, 7. Z. //.
Salix lapponum, 7. 7: //.
Cladium Mariscus, .S. £.
The two following are inserted as extending records of vertical
range :—
Cerastium glomeratum, at 2000 feet, 7, Z: J. (1050 feet is Watson’s
record).
Spergula arvensis, at 700 feet, S. Z. (600 feet is Watson’s record).
74. WIGTOWN.
All, except where specified, recorded by Mr. J. M‘Andrew.
Hypericum hirsutum, 7 47‘4., in Scott-Elliott’s “ Flora.”
Lavatera arborea.
Malva rotundifolia.
Geranium dissectum, ex. ewbould.
Anthriscus vulgaris.
RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1892 97
Carex remota.
Carex sylvatica.
[Ceterach officinarum.
Carex pendula.
Melica uniflora.
There is an earlier record for this, “‘ Near
Wigtown, fev. Baillie,” in ‘‘Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin.” 1863,
p: 207.
77. LANARK.
Hieracium gothicum, /. 7. Johnstone, lc.
79. SELKIRK.
(fide Mr. Boyd, ex. Rev. E. S. Marshall),
Berberis vulgaris.
Prunus Padus.
Rosa involuta.
Rosa mollis.
Rosa sepium, var.
Circzea intermedia.
Chrysosplenium alternifolium.
Cicuta virosa.
Symphytum tuberosum.
Utricularia “ neglecta ?”
Ulmus montana.
Orchis latifolia, seg.
Habenaria Conopsea.
Potamogeton pusillus.
Potamogeton Friesii? sf.
Potamogeton przlongus, sf.
Potamogeton natans.
Potamogeton polygonifolius.
Potamogeton plantagineus, sf.
Sparganium minimum.
Sparganium simplex.
Carex (chrysites) Céderi Auct.
angl.,
fide Rev. E. S. Marshall.
Ranunculus Drouettil.
Cardamine flexuosa.
Geum intermedium.
Rubus Radula.
Callitriche stagnalis.
Zannichellia palustris, agg.
Luzula multiflora.
Carex filiformis.
80. ROXBURGH.
(Rev. £. S. Marshall.)
Utricularia neglecta, sf.
86. STIRLING.
(Col. Stirling and R. Kidston.)
Ranunculus Lenormandi, s/.
Ononis spinosa.
Hieracium “pallidum,
Smithil, Tausch.”
Hieracium duriceps, Hanb., sf.
Veronica polita, sf.
Neottia Nidus-avis.
Convallaria majalis, s/.
Juncus Gerardi, sf.
7Sagittaria sagittifolia.
Vas
Potamogeton pusillus(Berchtoldii,
Fieber), sf.
Triticum caninum, s/.
+ Euonymus europzeus.
+ Melilotus officinalis.
} Dipsacus sylvestris.
+Centaurea scabiosa.
yAcorus Calamus.
+Apera Spica-venti.
(From record for 1891 delete Glyceria maritima, as on record
previously. )
98 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
$7. PERTH, W:
Hieracium Sommerfeltii, Lindeb., Rev. £. S. Marshall in “ Ann. Scot.
Natolust.” 18.92; p. 130:
88. PERTH, M.
Hieracium prelongum, Lindeb., Dr. 4. B. White.
Hieracium angustatum, Lindeb., Dr /. BL. White., ex. Hanbury,
i). lame:
Hieracium Sommerfeltii, Rev. &. S. Marshall in “ Ann. Scot.
Nat. Hist.”
89. PERTH, E.
(All reported by Rev. £. S. Marshall.)
Aquilegia vulgaris. Salix “ Smithiana.”
Polygala oxyptera. Glyceria plicata, “‘extinct” ? “J.
Rubus villicaulis. BY so 8450.2 poe
Hieracium flocculosum. Lastrea zemula.
go. FORFAR.
(All reported by Rev. Z£. S. Marshall, except Lep. neglectum.)
Ranunculus Drouettii, sf.
Polygala oxyptera.
Lepigonum neglectum, Z7az/ in “‘ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1893.
Hieracium angustatum, Lindeb., Hanbury, “J. B.”, 1892.
Utricularia neglecta, sf.
Orchis mascula, at 2900 feet. (Watson’s highest level is 1500
cet)
Lastrea spinulosa.
gt. KINCARDINE.
Oo
She eer i Trail in “Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1893, p.53-
92. ABERDEEN, S.
Stellaria nemorum, at 3000 feet, Rev. &. S. Marshall. (Watson’s
highest record was 1200 feet.)
Lepigonum neglectum, Z7az/ in “ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1893, p. 53.
Hieracium onosmoides, Fries, Hanbury in “J. B.” 1892, p. 131.
Polygonum minus, Z7vaz/ in ‘‘ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1893, p. 53.
[Potamogeton perfoliatus, at 2300 feet, in Loch Brotachan, Rev. £.
S. Marshall, ‘This is not new to vice-county, but extends the
vertical range, Watson’s highest record being 1200 feet. |
93. ABERDEEN, N.
Lepigonum neglectum, Z7az/in “ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.” 1893, p. 53.
RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 18092 99
96. EASTERNESS (E. INVERNESS).
[Drosera intermedia should be deleted from 1891 report, as Mr. S.
Grieve writes that the station “is just within V.C. 97,” for which
it was already on record. |
(The two at the head of subjoined list are recorded by A. Somerville,
the remainder all by Rev. Z. S. Marshall.
Viola canina. Carduus crispus.
Carex paniculata. 7 Veronica Buxbaumii.
Cochlearia anglica. Myosotis palustris, strigulosa.
Lepigonum salinum. Myosotis repens.
Rubus plicatus. Atriplex littoralis.
Rubus mucronatus. Rumex Hydrolapathum.
Rubus villicaulis. Humulus Lupulus.
Rubus corylifolius. Betula pubescens.
Myriophyllum alterniflorum. Orchis latifolia, seg.
CEnanthe crocata. Ruppia rostellata.
Lactuca muralis. Zostera nana.
Arctium nemorosum. Glyceria plicata.
[Vicia sepium at 1700 feet, A. Somerville. No maximum Scottish
height is given in “Compendium of Cyb. Britannica.” ]
97. WESTERNESS (W. INVERNESS).
Thalictrum maritimum, SS. JZ Macvicar, sp.
Ranunculus petiolaris, Z. S. AZarshall.
Ranunculus Steveni. S. JZ Macvicar, sp.
Callitriche polymorpha, Lonn. ?
7Plantago media, S. IZ, Macvicar, sp.
Hieracium holosericeum.
Thymus Serpyllum. G. C. Druce in “ Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.”
+ Populus alba. 1892, p. 178.
+ Populus canescens.
98. ARGYLL.
Hieracium Sommerfeltii, Lindeb. |
Hieracium angustatum, Lindeb. - Rev. £. S. Marshall.
Hieracium submurorum, Lindeb.
Vicia hirsuta, P. Lwing, sp.
Orobanche cruenta, Bert. (A/iss Harvey, 1846).
99. DUMBARTON.
Trientalis europza, Rev. Mr. Somerville, 14th July 1889.
100. CLYDE ISLES,
Rubus villicaulis (f M. Rogers), Z. Azng.
100 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
104. EBUDES.
Hieracium onosmoides, Fr., W. FR. Linton, ex Hanbury, “J. B.”
Voge), p:
Los. oss NV.
[Vicia hirsuta, delete “‘ Hawing” and substitute Druce in “ Record
Club,” 1880, p. 169.]
Hieracium prelongum, Lindeb., Druce.
rob; Ross, E.
[1891 Report. Delete Mzeracium anglicum and substitute /Z.
Langwellense, Hanb., fide Marshall in litt.
Under Rosa rubiginosa delete AZarshal/ and substitute Druce, “J. B.”
Pp. 350.
Delete Cerastium tetrandrum, Spergularia marginata, and Veronica
Buxbaumit, as already on record. |
(Fide Rev. E. S. Marshall, except where specified.)
Cochlearia groenlandica, sf. Petasites vulgaris.
Cochlearia anglica, sf. Arctium intermedium, £
+Senebiera didyma. Symphytum tuberosum.
Lepidium Smithii. Rumex viridis.
Polygala eu-vulgaris. Potamogeton pusillus, sf.
Cerastium semidecandrum. Potamogeton rufescens, s/.
Rubus Radula. Potamogeton nitens, sf.
Rubus diversifolius. Potamogeton crispus, s/.
Agrimonia Eupatorium. Typha angustifolia.
+ Pyrus torminalis, sf. Zostera nana, sp.
Hieracium flocculosum, 4az/y, Carex filiformis.
herb., 7de Hanbury. Aira uliginosa, sf.
Hieracium strictum. Glyceria plicata, f sf.
Hieracium boreale. Bromus giganteus.
Hieracium auratum, Fr. Bromus asper, s/.
Hieracium onosmoides, Fr.
107. SUTHERLAND, E.
(Last 8 records fide Mr. Henderson.)
Cherleria sedoides, M/arshal// in “J. B.” 1888.
Scirpus lacustris, Murray’s “‘ Northern Flora.”
Carex pauciflora, Graham, as spec. to H. C. Watson.
Carex rigida, Marshai/, in “J. B.” 1888.
Arabis petrezea. Potentilla alpestris.
Silene acaulis. Saussurea alpina.
Cerastium alpinum. Azalea procumbens.
Stellaria cerastoides. Polystichum Lonchitis.
Aww. Scot Nat Hist 1693.
i
CSoane
a aedac
/ wy
a,
/
FE Batters del R.&R.Clark imp
Figs I-[fl PYLAIELLA VARIA fjelin. Fig [VY ECTOCARPUS LANDSBURGII Hare J
OCCURRENCE OF PYLAIELLA VARIA IN.SCOTLAND IOI
108. SUTHERLAND, W.
Cochlearia groenlandica, L., &. S. Marshall in “ Ann. Scot. Nat.
Elst 2502, (hbo 7-
(In our old manuals C. grenlandica usually meant the C. alpina of
the present day.)
109. CAITHNESS.
Hieracium reticulatum, Lindeb., Hanbury, sf.
110. OUTER HEBRIDES.
[1891 Report. Delete the following as on record, viz.: Aradis,
Orobus, Lysimachia, Polygonum, Listera cordata, Habenaria (2),
Potamogeton pusillus, Carex paucifiora, and Pilularia. |
(Recorded by W. S. Duncan, sp.)
Raphanus maritimus. Juniperus communis.
Alchemilla arvensis. Ruppia rostellata.
Centunculus minimus. Carex distans, f
tik OCCURRENCE (OF PYLAIELIA (VARIA,
KJELLMAN, IN SCOTLAND.
By E. M. Houtmes, F.L.S.
PLATE ITE
UNDER this name Kjellman described in 1883, in his “ Algez
of the Arctic Sea” (p. 282), a plant which, although very
variable in its characters, he considered to be distinct from
P. ltoralts, Kjellm. His description of the plant is as
follows :
“ P. thallo racemoso-ramoso, ramis sub angulo fere recto egredien-
tibus duplicis generis, longioribus et brevissimis; his e singulis bis
denis cellulis constructis, omnibus, vel saltem nonnullis, vulgo
divisione vario modo peracta in zoosporangia vario modo disposita
mutatis. Tab. 27, Figs. 1-12.
“The alga forms loosely complicated mats of a dark olive-brown,
lying free on the bottom or hanging on larger alge. I have not
found attached specimens. The frond is repeatedly racemosely
102 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
branched, with distinct main axis, with branches of at least four
orders. The branches are of two kinds: long branches with many
cells, and short ones with from one to ten cells. The former are few
in number, and issue partly alone, partly in pairs opposite to each
other. The short branches are numerous; by these the present
species is easily recognised from P. “foralis. In long parts of the
frond such a branch issues from every cell. They are always isolated,
and issue at a right or nearly right angle. The long branches are
somewhat attenuated towards the tip, and generally end in some long
hair-cells. The short branches are cylindrical or slightly claviform,
with an apical cell rich in endochrome, which cell is finally trans-
formed into a zoosporangium.
“The cells of the frond are usually short, cylindrical, or slightly
tun-shaped, equally or even twice as long as thick. ‘The cells which
give rise to a long branch are commonly short. If a short branch
issues from a cell which is longer than thick, as is often the case, the
branch is almost always placed at the middle of the longer wall.
The thickness of the principal axis is about 8op. With the exception
of the hair-cells, all the cells are rich in granular, equally distributed
endochrome. The development of the zoosporangia, and their
arrangement thereupon, are subject to very great variations. The
zoosporangia are sometimes arranged as in P. /¢oralis. In a modi-
fication of this type all the cells, not only the ultimate ones, are
transformed into zoosporangia. Sometimes only the apical cell
becomes a zoosporangium, and the branch is composed of one or
more cells. It also often happens that a greater or less number of
cells are divided by longitudinal or oblique walls, and that it is the
secondary cells produced by this division that are developed into
zoosporangia. In this case the division of the cells and the develop-
ment of the zoosporangia sometimes take place in such a manner
that the zoosporangia become arranged in whorls.”
The above description applies exactly to a seaweed
which I detected in a parcel of specimens collected in
Cromarty Firth, and forwarded to me last year by Mrs. M.
Farquharson of Meigle. It formed dark brown, dense,
entangled rope-like tufts, and by reason of the short hori-
zontally patent ramuli, it was distinguishable at once from
the ordinary forms of Pylazella litoralis, Kjellm., which were
present in the same parcel. The latter could easily be
spread out naturally in sea water, but with P. varza it was
impossible to do so, owing to the felting of the ramuli. The
plants were abundantly fruited, having unilocular zoospor-
angia: sometimes in a short moniliform series of four or five,
formed at the expense of one of the short lateral ramuli, and
OCCURRENCE OF PYLA/JELLA VARIA IN SCOTLAND 103
sometimes only the terminal cell was developed into a zoospor-
angium. By this fruit it is at once distinguished from
Ectocarpus distortus, Harvey, which it so exactly resembles
in habit that by the naked eye it would be almost im-
possible to say to which species a plant might belong.
The occurrence of P. varia on the coast of Scotland is
interesting for three reasons :
1. It is one more addition to a numerous series of the
alge of Scandinavia that have been detected on the coast of
Scotland, in consequence of a definite search for Norwegian
species which I started some years since, and which has
resulted in the discovery in Scotland of a large number of
species new to the British Flora by several algologists, more
especially Mr. G. W. Traill of Edinburgh and Mr. E. A.
L. Batters.
2. It is one of the forms characteristic of species grow-
ing amongst Zostera roots, in water comparatively still and
less saline than ordinary sea water. Under such conditions
there appears to be a tendency to the horizontal development
of shorter branches, as in Ectocarpus distortus, E. Landsburgiz.
Sphacelaria cirrhosa, var. patentisstma, Halopteris filicina, f,
patens (S. Sertularia, “Phyc. Brit.”), and Laurencita obtusa,
Lamx,, f. crucefera, Hauck.
3. It is variously described by different algologists: by
some as a species, and by others as a variety.
Dr. Kjellman, who first published it as a distinct species,
still maintains its specific rank in the “ Handbok i Scandin-
aviens Hafsalgflora” (1890), p. 83.
Dr. Kuckuck, in an inaugural dissertation entitled “ Beitrage
zur Kenntniss einiger Ectocarpus Arten der Kieler Forde,”
degrades it to a sub-species; considering that Py/azella litoralts
consists of a series of forms (/formenkrezs), modified accord-
ing to the circumstances under which it grows. This species
he divides as follows:
Pylaiella litoralis, Kjellm.
Sub-species a, oppositus.
f. typeca, Kuck. (£. firmus f. vernales),
“ Aresch. Alg. Scand. Exs.” Fasc.
4, No. 173.
104 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
f. subverticillata, “ Kitz. Tab. Phyc.”
Bt. 77 anes de
f. rupincola, “ Kiitz. Tab: Phye jae
FO ie:
f. vectangularis.
Sub-species , firmus, Kuck.
f. typica, “ Wyatt, Alg. Danm.” No. 129.
f. subglomerata.
f. levida.
f. pachycarpa.
Sub-species y, divaricatus, Kuck.
f. ramellosa “ Kutz. Tab. Phyc.” 5, t. 78.
Sub-species 6, varius, Kuck.
f, typica, “ Kjellm. Ale. Arct Sea, oe
27. Nes; a-T 2.
f. contorta.
f. pumela.
Kjellman, on the other hand, divides P. /torals into
three varieties and several forms, as follows :
Var a, opposita, Kjellm.
f. rupincola, “ Aresch Alg. Scand. Exs.,”
Nic. 123:
f. elongata.
f. crassiuscula.
f. nebulosa.
Vass 6, it ma, eo
f. olevacea, Kjellm.
f. macrocarpa, Fosl. “Nye Hafsalg.”
Rit. 2, nes es Ite
f. parvula, Kjellm.
Var. y, divaricata, Kjellm.
f. pretorta, Kjellm.
f. egagropila, Kjellm.
f. subsalsa, Kjellm.
None of these, except f. vupzncola, are identified by
Kuckuck with the forms described by him.
The limit of a species doubtless forms a very vexed
OCCURRENCE OF PYLAIELLA VARIA IN SCOTLAND 105
question ; but it seems desirable, for the sake of convenience,
that when two plants differ in habit and mode of growth
and development so much as do P. “toralzs and P. varza, and
retain their characteristics in different countries, they should
be kept distinct, as, for example, is done in the Rudz, Salzces,
and AHzeracia, amongst Phanerogams. If Dr. Kuckuck’s plan
were followed, there would be little reason for holding Ecfo-
carpus distortus and FE. Landsburgi distinct from £. tomen-
tosus, Lyngb. The plurilocular fruits borne on specimens of
E.. Landsburgii sent me by Mr. D. Robertson of Cumbrae,
and those of £. distortus collected by myself at Fairlie in
Ayrshire, show so great a resemblance to those of £cfo-
carpus tomentosus that I see no reason why they should not
both be considered as sub-species of that plant, more especially
as the differences in ramification and in the size of the zoo-
sporangia are not greater than exist between P. /z¢oralis and
P. varia. A careful search on the west coast of Scotland
would doubtless reveal an intermediate series of forms con-
necting the three plants 4. ‘¢omentosus, E. distortus, and E.
Landsburgiz.
It may be noted in this relation that Dr. Kjellman
identifies the HL. Landsburgiz of Dickie, “Alg. Suth,”, i. p.
142, with Pylatella varia. But it has not been shown that
Dickie correctly referred this plant to 4. Landsburgi. Dr.
Kjellman says of the gametes of P. varza that they are un-
known ; but Dr Kuckuck describes both the unilocular and
plurilocular zoosporangia (gametes) of his P. “foralis, f.
varia.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE III.
Fig. 1. Pylaiella varia, Kjellm., from Cromarty Firth,
with unilocular sporangia. :
ty
The same more highly magnified.
With plurilocular sporangia.
ww
» 4. Ectocarpus Landsburgit from Cumbrae, with pluri-
locular sporangia.
106 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
ON SCOTTISH BESMIDIEA
By Joun Rov LEAD!
IN the following pages an attempt is made to bring the
knowledge of “Scottish Desmidiee” up to date, and to
indicate their distribution throughout the country. From
their very nature, both subjects must necessarily be imperfect.
The northern and midland counties have been fairly well
examined, some of them very well, but we have almost no
information from south of the Firths of Forth and Clyde,
except from Renfrew, Bute and Arran, and Kirkcudbright.
No attempt has been made to give the distribution of
species in altitude. This cause does not appear to exercise
any great influence on their distribution, most species seem-
ing to be found both at high and low altitudes. A very
few species seem to cling to marshes formed by melting
snow, where it lies late into the summer and autumn, from
3500 feet upwards. Cosmarium nasutum, Nord., and Staur-
astrum Kyellmanzt, Wille, may be cited as typical examples
of these.
Perhaps the most marked influence in determining the
number of species in a district is its geological formation.
Granite appears to be the most favourable, limestone less
so, and sandstone very poor. Hence the basin of the Dee,
in Aberdeen and Kincardine, which is almost wholly granite,
has turned out well, one marsh alone yielding about 300
species ; while in Strathmore, on sandstone, it is seldom
possible to get more than forty or fifty species in a gather-
ing, and usually not nearly so many. Sometimes, however,
in these scanty gatherings, a little patience reveals a rarity :
e.g. Cosmarium biretum, Breb., var. supernumeraria, Nord., at
Keithick, near Cupar Angus; and Cosmarizum subortogonum,
Raciborski, at Ballendoch, near Alyth. The direction of
the watershed of a country has also something to do with
distribution, though probably not so much as was at one time ©
supposed, and certainly not nearly so much as it has in the
case of flowering plants. In Scotland the chief watershed
runs from north to south, giving rise to an Atlantic and
Germanic slope. Almost the only species known at present
ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA 107
to be confined to the Atlantic slope are Euastrum divari-
catum, Lund., Staurastrum bedentatum, Wittr., St. setegerum,
Cleve, and S¢. dzfidum, Ehr.; but a little further investigation
may find these over the watershed, as it has found others.
It must not be forgotten, however, that the western slope
has not been searched with anything like the care bestowed
on the eastern. Indeed, it has only been tapped at a few
widely separated points: by myself in Sutherland, at Loch
Inver ; in Ross, at Poolewe, by Rev. D. Campbell ; in Inver-
ness, at Balmacarra, by Mr. Wills ; and by myself in different
localities in Skye; in Argyll, in Glen Coe, and about Oban,
by Mr. Wm. Archer; in Mull, by Dr. Buchanan White and
Mr. G. Ross; between Lochs Lomond.and Long, by Dr.
Watson ; near the Kyles of Bute, by Mr. Wm. Anderson ; in
Bute. and Arran, by Messrs. J. and J. P» Bisset; near
Greenock, by Mr. T. Fisher; and near New Galloway, in
Kirkcudbright, by -Mr. M‘Andrew. I have seen and
examined gatherings from all these localities, except those
made by Mr. Wills and Mr. M‘Andrew. * Mr. Wills
examined his gatherings himself, and gave the results to
Mr. W. Barwell Turner, Leeds, who kindly sent them to me.
Mr. M‘Andrew’s gatherings were sent to Mr. Wm. West,
Bradford, who very courteously placed the results, as well as
those of numerous gatherings of his own, from various parts
of the country, at my disposal. In “Eng. FI.” vol. v. pt.
i, Captain Carmichael records five species from Appin, in
the north of Argyll, and in Ralf’s “ Brit. Desmid.” Rev. D.
Landsborough records four species from Ayrshire; but in
both cases the species recorded are quite common all over
the country.
These few collections, though good in themselves, and
exceedingly useful, are quite insufficient as a basis on which
to found any reliable generalisations as to the frequency of
the occurrence of species on the Atlantic side of the water-
shed as compared with the Germanic, or vzce versa. A few
rather notable species, which hitherto have proved western
in other portions of our islands, have not as yet been
detected in Scotland. These are MWicrasterias apiculata,
khr., and J. brachyptera, Lund., from Westmoreland ; JZ.
furcata, Ag., Docidium nodosum, Bailey, Staurastrum Ophiura,
108 ANNALS ‘OF SCOTTISH NATURAL BISTORY
Lund., St. dvaszliense, Nord., forma, Lund., from North Wales,
and from Connemara in Ireland; and St verticzllatum,
Arch., from Connemara. The entire absence of these species
is somewhat remarkable; but no doubt there is a fine field
for the future investigator along our whole western slope.
In passing, though it does not come directly in my way, I
would remark on Sv. drastlense. WLundell’s form does not
accord well with Nordstedt’s Brazilian species bearing that
name; but it does agree exactly with Sz wmultzcorne,
Grunow, issued by Hilse in No. 2165 of Rabenhorst’s
“Algen Europas,”-in March~1870. . It seems to miejiien
Grunow’s name should be adopted.
Perhaps it may be thought that some explanation of
the terms expressing the distribution should be given. When
the. words “general” or “common” are. used, if iseconme
understood that the species has been found in suitable
localities in all the counties examined, though not occurring
in every gathering, or in every district of a county. “Not
common” implies that in many districts the species is
awanting, or occurs sparingly. In this case a list of the
counties from which it has been seen is given; and if it
occurs very sparingly the localities are also added. When
‘rate!’ “very rare,’ etc., occur, it is to be understood thas
though the species may occur in more than one county, it
may be in only one or two localities, and there very sparingly.
Single examples of a species have been occasionally found,
which no amount of searching has been able to detect
again. Onychonema leve, Nord., is a remarkable instance
of this. An unmistakable filament was once found in a
gathering from a spot near Aboyne; but though that spot
has been searched many times since, the Oxychonema has
not been seen again. Agricultural improvements, such as
drainage, etc., account for the loss of some species. Several
of our most productive localities on Deeside have been lost
from this cause.
Exception may perhaps be taken to the alphabetical
arrangement of species adopted in the following pages. I
admit at once that it has nothing to recommend it except
convenience. On this ground it was adopted when this
work was begun a good many years ago; and now I shrink
ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE 10g
from the labour involved in rewriting and rearranging the
whole.
“Suitable localities” have been spoken of. It may be
asked, What are suitable localities? They are of various
kinds. Amongst the best are comparatively small perman-
ent pools of clear water, a few square feet or yards in extent,
with floating Sphagnum round their margins. The Desmids
nestle among the Sphagnum leaves, and have to be squeezed
out. Such localities often yield large numbers of species.
In similar pools MWyriophyllum, Utricularia, Chara, and
Nitella will always be worth treating in the same way as
Sphagnum. Occasionally the Desmids form small, pale,
yellowish-green films on the mud at the bottom of pools, and
can be taken up with a little care. It requires a little more
care to strip the submerged stems of grasses, etc., between
one’s fingers, and to secure the stripped materials; but this
process often yields very interesting results. Another very
suitable locality is in tufts of moss growing on rocks and
stones which are kept constantly moist. Many of our rarest
and most beautiful species are found on such spots, from
cliffs by the sea to high up on our mountains.
And here I must be permitted to enter a protest against
a practice among writers on Desmids, more particularly in
recent years. I refer to the multiplication of so-called var-
ieties. Some species seem to have been specially fixed on
for the application of this process. Take the case of Cos-
marium Meneghinu, Breb., for instance. This tiny species
has been so covered over with these wavs. that it runs a risk
of being crushed out of existence altogether. And yet the
original form of Brebisson, as figured by Ralfs, and its zygo-
spore figured by Mrs. Thomas in the “ Quarterly Microscop-
ical Journal,” vol. iii., is surely a distinct enough species. But
so, it seems to me, is De Bary’s form, and so are several
others. Now, if these forms maintain their individuality,
and that they do so is undoubted, I fail to see the utility of
crowding them together as varzetics. Why not make species
of them at once? The time will no doubt come when
species will be largely reduced, but it has not come yet ;
neither will it be accelerated by the indiscriminate manu-
facture of varieties, and still less by what is worse, varieties
110 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
of varieties! Varieties are founded on slight differences of
shape, or size, or of the degree of roughness or smoothness
of the particular forms. But it is well known that many
species vary greatly in size and roughness. Take the case
of Gonatozygon Brebissoniz, De Bary. This varies in surface
from perfectly smooth without puncta to rough with gran-
ules, depending not a little, I believe, on the water in which
it is found, and in size from the tiniest thing to 300m long
or more; but it is distinctly G. Avrebzssonz in all these
variations. If there are no intermediate forms, I certainly
prefer to call the extremes separate species.
There is another subject on which a remark may be per-
mitted. It is in connection with the attempts—more or less
successful, generally less—to divide some of the old genera
into new. I confess to having a certain amount of sympathy
with this movement, for the genera Staurastrum and Cos-
marium are becoming very unwieldy. But however desir-
able a rearrangement would be, it seems to me that the
present state of our knowledge does not admit of an arrange-
ment on a strictly scientific basis being made. Any other
would simply add to the confusion already existing. Before
a scientific arrangement is possible, the Desmidiez of the
whole world must be much better known. Thanks to the
few hard workers in this field, this knowledge is rapidly being
gained.
In this paper I adhere mainly to Ralf’s divisions. I
decline to break up Doczdium into Docidium and Pleuro-
tenium. In dealing with species when the cells are empty,
as they usually are in material sent from other parts of the
world, how is the chlorophyll to help one? T7yzploceras is
a very natural division; and I do not agree with Wolle in
retaining it under Doczdzum.
Collections of material for examination are gratefully
acknowledged from the following: S/etland, Mr. John Sim,
who also sent many valuable gatherings from Aderdeen and
Kincardine; Orkney, Mr. Cowan; Cazthness, Mr. James
Mitchell ; Ross (West), Rev. D. Campbell; Ross (East), the
late Dr. D. M. Fraser ; Ross (from numerous localities about
Strathpeffer, the Black Isle, etc.), Mr. and Mrs. Farquharson
of Haughton ; /zverness (Glen Urquhart), Dr. A. M‘Gillivray;
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES III
Inverness (Brin, etc.), Mr. and Mrs. Farquharson ; /uverness
(Cairngorm), Mr. A. I. M‘Connochie ; Vazrn, Mr. and Mrs.
Farquharson ; Lanff, Rev. Dr. Gregor ; Aberdeen, Dr. Walker,
Nar Gey Sim, Mr. Wm. Anderson, Col) (Gio Leith-Hay, Mz:
and Mrs. Farquharson, Mr. J. P. Bisset, Mr. Alex. Kemlo,
Rev 2... Davidson, Mr.. J.. Roy, juny. Me fi skoy, Ce,
Miss H. J. Roy, and Mr. Wm. S. Duncan; Kincardine, Mr.
J. P. Bisset, Mr. Alex. Kemlo; Forfar, Rev. Dr. Anderson,
Rev. J. Fergusson, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Farquharson of Haughton,
and Miss Aglon; Perth, Mrs. Farquharson, Dr. F. B. White,
Sir Thos. Moncreiffe, Mr. Wm. Rutherford, Mr. Alex. Croall,
Messrs. J. P. and J. Bisset, Mr. Wm. Archer; Axrgyle, Mr.
Wm. Archer, Mr. G. Ross, Dr. F. B. White, Mr. Wm.
Anderson; /2zfe, Mrs. Farquharson; Stirling, Mr. Alex.
Croall ; Dumbarton, Dr. Watson ; Renfrew, Mr. Thos. Fisher ;
Bute and Arran, Messrs J. P. and J. Bisset. Besides these
I have notes of species found in /uverness by Mr. W. Wills ;
Breadalbane, by Mr. H. G. Stewart; in Kzuross, by Mr. G.
Lawson ; in Kzrkcudbright, by Mr. M‘Andrew ; and in various
parts of Scotland by Mr. W. West, Bradford ; also notes of
species found in Lanff, Aberdeen, and Kincardine by Dr.
Dickie and Mr. Peter Grant.
To Mr. J. P. Bisset my thanks are specially due for
most valuable assistance in every part of the work. The
drawings are wholly from his facile and accurate pencil.
Several matters which it has been found impossible to
introduce are reserved for a supplement, including several
species not seen by us. Any notes of species, distribution,
etc., which may be received while the present portion of the
work is being published will also be inserted there.
(Zo be continued.)
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
Water Shrew (C7vossopus fodiens) in the Isle of Kerrera.—
Having observed under the head of Crossopus fodiens in the “ Fauna
of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides” the statement that “as yet all
endeavours to trace this species in any of the islands have utterly
failed,” it struck me that it might interest you to know that in 1836
1B ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
I picked up, near Gylen Castle, in the Isle of Kerrera, two dead
specimens of the above species. ‘They were both males, and in-
very good condition, and were within a few yards of one another.—
Wm. Borrer, Horsham.
Variations in the Field Vole (4rvicola agrestis).—It has been
somewhat surprising, considering the untold myriads of Voles that
have overrun the sheep pastures for a year or two past, that so few
variations in colour have been reported. It is true that one observer
stated in a communication to the Highland and Agricultural Society’s
“ Transactions” that they were ‘‘of all colours,” but the statement
has been entirely uncorroborated, and I am afraid there was exceed-
ingly little foundation in fact for the remark. I have not seen any
noteworthy aberration amongst those I have seen in peregrinating
through their haunts, but the shepherds have reported an occasional
pied example. I have, however, a very strong impression that the
‘hill voles” are decidedly of a more smoky tint than those to be
found in the lower lands amongst the hedges and plantations. The
latter seem to develop a much ruddier colour on the fur along the
back, and the general tone of gray seems much brighter than that
of.the Voles that have ravaged the upland pastures. A short time
ago I received for examination a very fine variety of the Field Vole
from Blackaddie. It is not an albino, although the fur, on a cursory
examination, seems quite white from nose to tail. On blowing the
fur tips aside it is seen that only about one-fifth of the length of
each hair is white, the remainder being a very pale brown or fawn,
but the fur being so close set it really appears to be all white. The
eyes are not pink, as in every albino, but they are much paler than
the normal eyes. The whiskers and the hairs on the tail are entirely
white. This curious specimen is undoubtedly an example of the
variation usually termed ‘‘leucotism.” It would be interesting if
we could hear of any specimen of the other striking variations
known as ‘‘albinism” and “melanism.”—-ROBERT SERVICE, Max-
welltown.
[Mr. Wm. Evans presented to the Museum of Science and Art,
Edinburgh, a beautiful pale isabelline variety of this species, which
was obtained near Hawick in December 1891.—W. E. C.]
The Wild Cat (/e/?s catus) in Caithness.—The local newspapers
record the capture of a Wild Cat in the month of January 1893 by
a gamekeeper (Andrew Steenson) at Rangay, Forse, in the parish of
Latheron. It measured 3 feet 2 inches in length, and is described
as being very fat and in good condition.—JoHN Gunn, Edinburgh.
Common Dolphin (De/phinus delphis) dredged off Mull.—Mr.
Cecil H. Bisshopp of Oban forwarded to me for identification a
skull of this species, which had been obtained in Loch Scriden in the
middle of November last. ‘This Cetacean is perhaps an addition
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 113
to the fauna of ‘‘ The Isles,” for it is not recorded to have occurred
in the “Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides.”—WILLIam
EAGLE CLARKE, Edinburgh.
The Ring Ouzel (Zurdus torguatus) in winter in Perthshire.—
With regard to the appearance of this bird in winter in Galloway, as
mentioned in the last issue of the ‘‘ Annals” by Mr. Robert Service
I may state that it is not only “in the mild West of Scotland” that
the Ring Ouzel remains the winter, but that it has long been noticed
as an occasional resident in the colder East of Scotland, namely, in
Perthshire. Mr. P. D. Malloch says ‘‘ that it sometimes remains all
the year round in some of its habitats” (“ Report on the Ornith-
ology of the East of Scotland,” 1886, H. M. D. H.), and in
support of this I would mention that there is a 9 specimen in the
museum of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science in Perth,
bearing date of 5th February 1882, as shot on the Ochils. This
bird was sent in the flesh at the time for preservation to the museum
by Mr. James Dow, Balmano.—H. M. Drummonp Hay, Perth.
Wheatear (Saxicola enanthe) in the Forth District in January.
—On 2nd January, while sitting in a shelter on the south side of
Cramond Island, waiting for some duck that were drifting round
with the tide, I was surprised to see a Wheatear alight on a stone on
the rising ground behind me. It was within easy shot, but, trusting
to get a chance later on, I did not fire, and so missed the only
opportunity I had of securing it. In summer Cramond Island is a
favourite haunt of this bird.—CHARLES CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park.
Bluethroat (Cyanecula) in Moray.—On 15th September 1890,
I saw at Hopeman, on the coast near Elgin, a Bluethroat. I
followed the bird for some time, and with the aid of a strong
telescope identified it beyond a doubt, though it would be impos-
sible to say to which of the two forms it belonged.—H. BrINSLEY
BROOKE, Forres.
Bohemian Waxwing (Amfelis garrulus) in Seotland.—During
the months of January and February the Waxwing has occurred in
many districts in Britain. ‘The following ‘occurrences have been
recorded from Scottish localities so widely separated as Wick and
Golspie (Sutherland), Inverewe (West Ross), New Pitsligo (Dee),
Carse of Gowrie (Tay), Roxburgh (Tweed), and Mugdoch (Solway).
The ‘ Dundee Advertiser” of 9th January records a specimen
shot near Errol, in the Carse of Gowrie; and Mr. W. A. Brown,
2 Grosvenor Terrace, Dundee, writes that four more were seen and
two shot between Dundee and Errol, shortly after the date of this
paragraph. On goth January one was shot near New Pitsligo,
Aberdeenshire, by Mr. J. Burnett of Glasgow. The “Rod and
Gun” of 4th February mentions a specimen received from Mr.
George Lawson of Golspie by Messrs. W. A. Mackay and Sons,
6 E
114 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Inverness: the first received by them for ten years. Mr. George
E. Paterson, Ravenslea, New Kilpatrick, identified a bird seen on
the roadside hedge, eating haws, at Mugdoch on 5th February as
a Waxwing. On the 5th of February a female was captured alive
at Wick, as we are informed, by Mr. Lewis Dunbar. Mr. Osgood
H. Mackenzie of Inverewe, West Ross, writes under date 29th
February: ‘‘We have had a Bohemian Waxwing here lately. I
have been on the look out for rare birds here for over forty years,
but have never before seen a Chatterer.” Dr. Stewart of Chirnside
informs us that Mr. Aitchison of Duns has lately received for pre-
servation two specimens, one of which was obtained at Roxburgh.
Mr. George Sim sends the following records.—On the 2nd of
January an immature specimen was shot near New Pitsligo. On 7th
January, one, a female, flew into a house in the parish of ‘Tough,
and was caught there: its stomach contained some seeds. Another
female was killed near Rhynie, on 25th February, and its stomach
contained juniper berries. One was picked up dead on the shore
near Pennan. Lastly, an immature male was obtained in the Parish
of Arbuthnot in Kincardineshire, about the 15th of March.
Mr. Fred Box killed a good specimen of this rare visitant, in the
neighbourhood of Tongue, on the rith January last; and on the
27th of the same month Mr. G. R. Lawson obtained another in his
garden at Golspie.
Sparrow and Mouse.—On 3rd February 1893, while walking
along the road at the foot of the Calton Hill, opposite; the Gaol, I
saw a Sparrow swoop down several times at a Mouse, which was
running along a bare part of the hill, a little way up from the wall.
The Mouse eventually escaped into a hole.-—WILLIAM LouDon,
Edinburgh.
Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus) in Shetland.—By a
clerical error this species was described in my “ Autumn Notes”
from Shetland, in the last number of the ‘ Annals,” pp. 14 and 15,
as a Reed Bunting (Lmberiza scheniclus).—J. A. HARVIE-BRowN,
Dunipace.
Jaekdaw (Corvus monedula) in Tiree.—The only new bird I
have seen this winter was a Jackdaw. It was among a flock of
Rooks, and is the first Jackdaw I have seen in Tiree.—PETER
ANDERSON, Tiree.
Magpie (/ica rustica) in Orkney.—Towards the end of August
last the boatman on Loch Kirbister informed us that he had one
morning seen a curious black and white bird hopping about the
roof of the cottage, which from his description was obviously a
Magpie. ‘The Magpie appears to be very rarely seen in Orkney.—
A. NoEL SKELTON, Edinburgh.
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 115
Tufted Duck (/iudigula cristata) and Wigeon (MJareca penelope)
in Selkirkshire during the breeding season.—Mr. E. S. Marshall’s
note in the *‘ Annals” for January last (p. 46) reminds me that on
r4th June 1889 I observed six Tufted Ducks (two pairs and two
fine males swimming singly) on one of the lochs in the upland
district of Selkirkshire between Ettrick and Teviot. Though I
did not see a nest (I made in fact no search), there can be little
doubt some of the birds had nests among the broad beds of rushes
which extend all along one side of the loch; indeed the behaviour
of the two single drakes seemed clearly to indicate they had mates
sitting in the immediate neighbourhood. The Tufted Duck now
breeds so freely throughout the east of Scotland that I have for
some years ceased to be struck by its presence on any of our lochs
during the nesting season. Beginning at the Borders and proceed-
ing north to Aberdeenshire, I could name over twenty lochs on
which it has already been ascertained to breed. The species, as is
well known, is a late breeder. Particulars of over thirty Scotch
nests and young broods are now before me, and show that laying
seldom begins before the last week of May, and in many cases not
till June is well in.
But of much more interest to me than the Tufted Ducks on the
occasion above mentioned was the sight of three Wigeons, a male
and two females, resting on the glassy surface of the loch. As I
approached, they soon began to show signs of uneasiness, and in a
minute more were winging their way out of sight. From this loch
I walked over a bit of rough and rather spongy moor to a smaller
sheet of water a mile or so distant, on which a beautiful male
Wigeon in adult summer plumage was swimming all alone. As I
drew near, he exhibited considerable anxiety, and when put up flew
round the moor in a manner which made me feel sure he had a
mate sitting on eggs among the heather. I at once began a diligent
search for the nest, but all to no purpose. I may add that I have
since been assured that Wigeon have been killed on a loch in the
same neighbourhood during the month of August. Though actual
proof is still wanting, the facts here stated seem to me to render it
highly probable that a few pairs of this interesting duck now breed
annually in the south of Scotland.—WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.
Pintail Dueks (Anas acu/a) in the Forth Distriet.—Mr. James
Robertson, Ticket Office Clerk at Larbert Station, caught a male
Pintail upon the railway line, about 150 yards from the station, on
Friday, 8th December last. He still has the bird alive, and it has
become very tame. Another, a female, was shot on the estuary of
the Eden, in Fife, by Mr. J. Lonie. It was amongst Wigeon, and the
date of its capture was the 6th or 7th December. ‘This species is
gradually increasing in numbers—or at all events the records of them
are— within recent years upon our Scottish coasts. It certainly
116 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
appears to be one of the Anatidz which is extending its range ;
slowly at present, but which may perhaps be expected to do so more
rapidly within a few years.—J. A. HarviE-Brown, Dunipace.
Gray Plover (Sguatarola helvetica) in Barra.—This is a bird
that is now very rare in the Outer Hebrides, and I think therefore
its occurrence in Barra is worth recording. About the middle of
January 1892, one bird, which was with a flock of Bartailed God-
wits, was shot by Mr. Murdoch Macgillivray of Eoligary, the head
and feet of which he kept. He had never seen any of the species
in Barra before ; and the only one of them I ever saw in the Outer
Hebrides was one bird which I saw with a flock of Golden Plover
on the Valley Strand in North Uist some nine or ten years ago.—
Joun MacRury, Barra.
Variety of Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis) in Barra.—
Variations in this species are somewhat rare. It may be worth re-
cording that I shot one this winter with its wings and tail feathers
nearly all white, the rest of the plumage being of the usual colour.—
Joun MacRury, Barra.
Knot (Z7inga canutus) in Barra.—On the 31st of August
1892 I shot three birds out of a small flock of this species on
the big strand at Eoligary in this island. I have never met with
any of them in the Outer Hebrides before, although I have been
looking out for them. No doubt some of them may visit us now
and then, for a few days, on migration, without being noticed, but
they certainly do not remain any time. On the 26th January 1893
I saw a flock of about a dozen Knots in the same place where I
shot three of the species last autumn, but although I am frequently
in the locality I never saw any of them except on these two
occasions.
My old friend the VAzmbrel has spent another winter with us, as
I saw it lately at its usual station quite fresh and lively—JOoHN
MacRukry, Barra.
Ruff (Jachetes pugnax) in Benbecula.—On the goth October
1892 I saw a Ruff in reeds in a swamp in Benbecula. This
is now the third occasion, within the last three or four years, I
have seen birds of this species in Benbecula.—JoHN MacRury,
Barra.
Curlew Sandpiper (777xga subarguata) in Orkney.—I observe it
stated in “The Fauna of the Orkney Islands” (page 302) that it was
mentioned in ‘‘Rod and Gun” that a specimen of the Curlew
Sandpiper (Z7inga subarquata) had been shot at Renniebister, but Mr.
Ranken traced it to Mr. Small, the birdstuffer, in Edinburgh, and the
latter had told Mr. Ranken it was a Reeve. We had Swanbister and
the shooting this year, and towards the end of August one of our
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 117
party shot, out of a small flock of small wading birds, a bird like a
miniature Curlew, which on being sent to Mr. Small was pronounced
by him to be a Curlew Sandpiper.—A. Nor SKELTon, Edinburgh.
The Curlew Sandpiper (77inga subarquata) in summer plumage
in the Firth of Forth.—As an autumn migrant the Curlew Sand-
piper visits the Forth annually; but in the many flocks which I
have examined during the past ten years I could never detect a
single adult bird till last September, when I had the satisfaction of
seeing two in Aberlady Bay. On the 28th of August I noticed a
party of six, and on 3rd September a flock of about 100; and as
usual these were all young birds in first plumage. On the 4th
(Sunday) I counted 120 in the Bay, eighty of which were feeding
together in one group, and among them were the two adults. For
nearly half an hour I stood watching them, at times not more than
twenty to twenty-five yards off. The two old birds were conspicuous
even to the unaided eye, but when viewed through my binocular one
was seen to be nearly in full summer plumage, while the other had
lost something like half of it. Next morning I was early on the
sands, but could find only some fifty or sixty of the birds, and of
course the two old ones were not among them. Up to the 11th of
the month I daily observed this remainder of the flock feeding about
the same spot, but by the following day they too had nearly all gone off
ina body. ‘The last seen—two or three with a group of Dunlins—
was onthe 16th. Mr. Gray records (“Birds of the West of Scotland”)
p. 317) seeing a flock of Curlew Sandpipers at Dunbar on 9th May
1870, some of which would most likely be adult birds on their way
to their breeding grounds ; but, with this possible exception, I cannot
call to mind a record of the species having been previously noticed
in summer plumage on the Scottish coasts. —WILLIAM Evans,
Edinburgh.
The Protection of the Osprey.—Something more than a
rumour has reached us that the Council of the Zoological Society of
London has decided}to award its Silver Medal to the protectors of
one of our rarest British birds—the Osprey. It will be remembered
that the Council presented its medals in 1891 to the families of
Edmondston and Scott for the protection of the Great Skua on
their respective domains. ‘This well-deserved recognition was the
means of doing great good, as it stimulated an increase of vigilance
for the bird’s welfare ; and we trust that similar results will accrue to
the Ospreys.
Occurrence of the Ivory Gull (/agofhi/a eburnea) in Shetland.
—In December last I received from my friend Mr. Frank Traill, who
was sojourning in the island of Foula, a beautiful specimen, in the
flesh, of the Ivory Gull, which had been captured there on the
8th of that month. ‘This Gull was taken in the following curious
118 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
manner. After a gale from the north-west, the bird was observed in
the vicinity of the houses. A hooked line, attached to a rod, was
baited with fish and placed on the green. The would-be captor had
not long to wait. The bird took the bait and endeavoured to fly off,
but the rod proved too much for it, and it was easily secured.
This specimen is a male in immature plumage, but is not a very
young bird, for there are no black spots on the upper and under tail
coverts, or on the back; while the chin is only slightly barred with
gray, and the dark shaft stripes on the wing-coverts are very obscure.
—WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE.
Black Guillemot (U7za gryd/e) in black or breeding plumage in
winter.—In our books on Ornithology the plumage of this bird is
said to be grayish white in the winter, and black with a white patch
on the wing in the summer. Considerable numbers of them breed
in the rocks on the Barra coast, and during the breeding season
they all seem to be in the black plumage; at any rate, I never
saw any in the gray, although I carefully watched during the last
two or three seasons. The most of the birds leave us in the autumn,
but a few remain during the winter. On the 15th of February of
this year I saw one bird in the black or full breeding plumage, and a
day or two after that I came across three more, all in the same
plumage. Two of these were accompanied by companions in the
gray plumage, the third being a solitary bird. Now, I think
these birds must have retained the dark plumage during the
whole winter, as the date is too early for them to have acquired
the summer dress completely if they had lost it in the autumn.
I notice that Mr. Nicol, a lighthouse-keeper in Shetland, observed
in 1888 that the old birds retained the black plumage during the
whole year, and that it was only the young birds that were gray in
their first winter. I think he is right, but the matter is worthy of
further observation.—JoHN MacRury, Barra.
The Palmated Newt (J/olge palmipes) in West Ross-shire.—On
the 4th of June last we captured several specimens of this Newt in
Loch Coire nann Faradh, in the Applecross district. In 1848 Mr.
Wolley recorded (“Zoologist,” 1848, p. 2265) this species for the ex-
treme north of Sutherland. In 1880 Mr. E. R. Alston wrote (“ Proc.
Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow,” 1880, p. 149), Commenting thus upon this
Sutherlandshire record, ‘“‘We are not aware of this species having
been found in any other parts of the North Highlands.” —LionEL W.
HinxMaAn and W. EacLe CiarkeE, Edinburgh.
The Palmated Newt (J/olge palmipes) in Mid-Perth.—In May
last, while staying at Fearnan, on the north side of Loch Tay, I found
the Palmated Newt in abundance in a ditch by the road leading to
Kenmore under the shelter of Drummond Hill. For many weeks
previous to 18th May practically no rain had fallen in the district,
and the thick layer of dead leaves which well nigh filled the ditch
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 119
was perfectly dry for the greater part of its depth. On the 2oth,
which was a warm, sunny day, some two inches of water stood in a
section of the ditch about fifty yards in extent, and in this I counted
between sixty and seventy Newts, all of the present species. They
were nearly all in pairs, each female being accompanied by a single
male with tail invariably curved round towards his head and vibrat-
ing rapidly. In other respects they remained quite still, seldom
showing any desire to move from the spots on which they rested
unless an attempt was made to capture them. ‘Two or three small
ones, scarcely half grown, were observed, which struck me as rather
odd, looking to the season of the year. Some of the adults I sent
home laid eggs shortly afterwards.
The Palmated Newt is doubtless common and widely distributed
in Scotland, but records bearing on its actual distribution north of
the Tweed are extremely meagre, although it is now nearly fifty years
since it was first discovered by Wolley in the neighbourhood of Edin-
burgh, where it still exists. WILLIAM Evans, Edinburgh.
Coleoptera at Loch Awe in June 1892.—During the beginning
of June I spent four or five days at the Loch Awe Hotel, and while
there worked pretty hard for beetles. On the hill at the back of the
hotel I took the following species amongst others: Caradbus arvensis,
Pterostichus aethiops and vitreus, Patrobus septentrionis, Phyllopertha
horticola (including the black variety), Corymbites tmpressus (2)—one
under dead leaves, the other beaten from birch.
Corymbites cupreus, tesselatus, quercus, and the var. ochropterus ;
Telephorus palustris, figuratus (Scoticus), including a form with the
elytra entirely black and the legs, except knees, black. These speci-
mens I at first mistook for e/ongafus, and in fact recorded them as
such; they belong, however, to Ze/ephorus proper, and not to
Rhagonycha, and there can be little doubt they are a variety of figur-
atus: they occurred on sweeping coarse grass in a damp place.
Otiorhynchus maurus, Gontoctena pallida, Clythra 4-punctata,
Megacronus cingulatus, Luperus flavipes, Aphodius lapponum, Coccinella
16-guttata, and Anthophagus testaceus.
Crossing the loch and working round home again by the railway
bridge I found that beating flowers of the mountain ash, young oaks,
poplars, and sallows, produced numbers of beetles, including Zafer
nigrinus, Sericosomus brunneus, Rhynchites cupreus and e@neovtrens,
Elleschus bipunctatus, Orchestes avellane, Rhamphus flavicornis,
Erirhinus tortrix, and pectoralis ; also Coccinella 16-guttata in great
numbers. Both the common species of Ahagium were abundant
everywhere.
On the banks of the river above the loch I found Geodromicus
nigritus, and in the pools at and near the top of the hill at the back
of the hotel, which pools were full of water beetles, there were Agadus
arcticus, congener and nitidus, Hydroporus morto, etc.
120 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
The place is well worth working in fine spring weather. The
steep hill facing the south forms a sort of natural sun-trap, and this
being almost always damp, is very favourable to the production of
beetles, and probably other orders of insects. There were a large
number of Tenthredinidz about ; some of these I took, but I have
not yet worked out the species—ARTHUR F. CHITTY, Queen’s Gate
Gardens, London.
The Food of the Sagitta: Additional Note.—In ‘“ Annals of
Scottish Natural History,” Part 2, p. 142 (1892), I submitted a few
observations on the food of the Sagitta; and, as supplementary to
these observations, I desire in the following remarks to record an
interesting occurrence recently observed while examining some
tow-net material collected between Fidra and the Bass Rock, Firth
of Forth. Among this there were as usual a number of Sagitta,
large and small. While carefully overhauling the material and
taking note of the various organisms present, a peculiar wriggling
movement attracted my attention, and on clearing away some things
that were obstructing the view, I observed that a comparatively large
Sagitta had caught hold of another one about half its size; and it
was the wriggling of the smaller one to free itself from the grasp of
its big brother that had first attracted my attention. Being anxious
to ascertain how the two would get on, I continued watching them,
allowing nothing to interrupt me from observing what was taking
place, and this is what happened. Shortly after the small Sagitta
had been seized by the middle by the larger one, and after it had
wriggled a while in its efforts to escape, the two halves became
gradually folded together, and the wriggling also gradually ceased ;
every second or two a quick movement of the jaws of the large
Sagitta was distinctly visible, and all the while the doubled-up body
of the victim passed slowly into the mouth and down the gullet of
the devourer, and could be seen through its semi-transparent test.
In a short time, the head and tail of the captive disappeared
together from view within the jaws of the captor. The time
occupied from the capture of the small Sagitta till it vanished from
sight was a little over five minutes. It would appear from this
incident, and from what is stated in a previous note, that the Sagitta
is not over fastidious, provided the object is of a convenient size to
suit the capacity of its jaws.—THomas Scott, Leith.
Damage by the Water Vole (Arvicola amphibia) in Berwiek-
shire.—This amphibious animal has come into the pasture-fields
at Chirnside and burrowed exactly like a Mole, and is doing much
damage. Mr. Cockburn, the forester at Ninewells, has caught
twenty-five in the pastures around the mansion-house, and he in-
forms me that their burrows are all over the grounds. ‘The river
Whitadder is not a quarter of a mile from where it is working. I
spoke to a Mole-catcher to-day [13th March 1893], who told me he
BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS I2I
had caught two in his traps, some distance from water, on Maimes
farm last week ; and he said he had never caught any before. Last
autumn the artichokes and carrots in my garden were all eaten by
some rodent, and I begin to suspect these Water Voles. ‘There can
be no doubt that they are spreading to the fields—J. STUART,
Chirnside.
Niptus hololeucus, Fald., in Caithness.—On the 11th February
Mr. Donald Doull sent to the Museum, for identification, several
specimens of this beetle, taken in a house at Thurso. So far as I
can ascertain, this species has not hitherto been recorded further
north than the Moray area, being mentioned for that district by Dr.
Sharp in his paper on the Coleoptera of Scotland, ‘‘ Scottish Natural-
ist,” vol. iv. (1877-78), p. 322. Its occurrence in the Sutherland
area may therefore be of interest.—PERcy HALL GRIMSHAW,
Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh.
BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.
Orobanche ecruenta, Zerfo/., ‘Rar. it. pl.” Dec., i. 56. = 0.
gracilis, Smith, in “ Linnean Trans.,” iv. 672.
For some years I have had in my herbarium a specimen of
Orobanche named ‘“ O. e/atior” ; the plant, I expect, on which the
doubtful record of “Argyll” for O. elatior rests. I merely noted
on the sheet “certainly not edatéor” ; and so it has been left, until
last autumn my friend Mr. Miller kindly sent me specimens of many
gatherings of Orobanche from the Channel Isles. These evidently
contained one, or probably two species that had not been reported
from these isles, or from Britain proper; hence I was led to ex-
amine and dissect all my doubtful Orobanche material, with the
result that the Argyll one proved to be O. cruenta.
Until regathered it seems best to merely publish this note to
call attention to the plant, leaving for a future time a full account
of the species, and only giving such helps as will assist in refinding it.
It is localised from “near Oban”; and the date of collection is
“1845, Miss Harvey.”
It grows on Genista tinctoria, Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus cornicu-
latus, Lathyrus pratensis, Anthyllts Vulneraria, Ononis arvensis,
Fledera Flelix, etc.
The occurrence of this species in Scotland may seem somewhat
anomalous at first ; but the species of this genus are extremely un-
certain in appearing, one year occurring in abundance, the next scarce,
and sometimes hardly to be found.
O. rubra, Sm. (which Solms-Laubach in Herb. Kew makes a
variety of O. efithymum, DC., under the name of var. rudiginosa) is
122 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
equally a plant of Scotland and of the north-west of France (where
O. cruenta also occurs), so that too great stress must not be laid on
its distribution.
O. rubra certainly occurs near Oban, whence came specimens
now in Herb. Brit. Museum.
O. cruenta belongs to a section of the genus in which there are
no other British species ; and it seems to be an exceedingly variable
plant on the Continent.—ARTHUR BENNETT.
Alehemilla alpina, Z., and A. conjuneta, 4a.—Mr. Druce, in
the January number of the ‘ Annals,” quotes Mr. H. Boswell as
having produced in his garden A. conjuncta, Bab. from A. alpina,
L., from Ben Lawers.
My experience of the two plants is by no means the same. _ I
have had J, alpina, L. (also from Ben Lawers), for eight years, and
A. conjuncta for sixteen years, and in neither case is there the slight-
est reversion, one towards the other. A. conjuncta seeds much more
freely than a/gina,; but both produce seedlings, which I have watched
through to the flowering stage. A. alpina does not bear our dry
Surrey climate so well as conjuncta, which grows remarkably well
here. A. afvina from Shetland (but kept two years only) also
shows no sign of any approach to conjuncta.
And in none of the numerous specimens of a/pzza from Scotland,
the Faroes, Iceland, or elsewhere, have I seen any real approach to
conjuncta, such as would lead one to suppose that the one could be
produced from the other. None the less I do not mean to dispute
that conjuncta may only be a variety of a/fina; that is another
matter.—ARTHUR BENNETT.
[My experience with plants of A. al/fina and of A. conjuncta
during six years in my garden in Old Aberdeen agrees with Mr.
Bennett’s.—J. W. H. TRaiz.]
Plants of Glen A’an, Banffshire.—In August 1891, in company
with Mr. G. H. Robertson, a few hours were spent in examining
the precipices on the south and west sides of the glen which
encircles Loch A’an. We had crossed over by the east side of
Cairngorm, and found that side poor in plants. The precipices
near the head were richer; as also were the shelving rocks down
which a stream, fed by the snow on Ben Muic Dhu, falls inte the
loch.
Arabis petrea, Lamk., occurred on the south side, as did also
Cerastium arcticum, Lange, which is probably the C. lattfolium of.
“Top. Bot.” C. alpinum occurred on the north side of the glen, on
Cairngorm; as did Rhodiola rosea and Saussurea alpina, DC.
Trollius europaeus and Cerastium trigynum occurred on the south
side ; and towards the head of the glen Cryptogramme crispa, Athy-
rium flexile, Phleum alpinum, very rare, and Alopecurus alpinus, also
CURRENT LITERATURE 123
scarce. A form of V/olygala serpyllacea with very large leaves
occurred in the lower part of the glen, near the level of the lake.—
G. CLARIDGE DRUCE.
Notes on some Scottish Plants:
Ranuneulus petiolaris, J/arsha//, in Easterness.—The above
plant I gathered as a curious form of #. -Yammula on the stony
margin of Loch Morlich in Glen More, in August 1888. I have
sent a specimen to the Rey. E. S. Marshall, who thinks it is to be
referred to the above plant.
Hieracium Sehmidtii, Zausch, forma, in Elgin.—Mr. Hanbury
has thus named a curious hawkweed, gathered by the Findhorn in
August 1888.
Hieracium tridentatum, /7zes, in Easterness.—This hawkweed
was gathered by the Spey side, near Boat of Garten, in 1888, but
was omitted from my lists of Easterness plants which have been
published heretofore.
All the foregoing are, I believe, new county records. —G.
CLARIDGE DRUCE.
CURRENT LITERATURE.
The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—January-March 1893.
The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the
sources of information undermentioned. ]
ZOOLOGY.
ALPINE HARE IN THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND. D. A. M. The
field, 7th January 1893, p. 15; 21st January 1893, p. 102.—
Particulars of introduction about 1847, and its subsequent spread.
THE OCCURRENCE OF RiIsso’s DOLPHIN (Grampus griseus) IN
THE SHETLAND SEAS. By Professor Sir William Turner, F.R.S. Proc.
Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin, xi. part il. (1891-92), pp. 192-197.—Four
females and two males captured off Hillswick in September 1889.
OcCURRENCE OF THE CARRION CROW IN THE ISLAND OF COLL.
L. H. Irby. Zoologist (3), xvii. p. 73 (February 1893).—A single
bird on the 6th of December 1892.
NestinG oF Woopcock. J. J. Armistead. Ze Field, 25th Feb-
ruary 1893, p. 296.—Nesting in Dumfriesshire, where they are
increasing. Mr. Armistead considers that it is too late to shoot
these birds in February.
VaRIETY OF Woopcock. J. Whitaker. Zoologist (3), xvii. p. 109
(March 1893).—Shot at Invar, in Scotland, in November last.
124 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
LITTLE GREBE KILLED BY TELEGRAPH-WIRES. Robert Service.
Zoologist (3), Xvil. p. 29 (January 1893).—At Maxwelltown, in the
first week of December 1892.
JoTTincs FRoM My NoTE-Book. By David Robertson, F.LS.,
E.G.S. Proc. and Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. iii. (N. S.), part
lil, (1889-92), pp. 267-271.—Phycis blennioides, Zeugopterus
punctatus, Pleurobranchus plumula, P. membranaceus, and Uraster
glacialis, are recorded for the Clyde area.
ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF ASTEROLEPIDZ. By R. H.
Traquair, M.D:, F.R.S:. £7oc. Roy. Phys. Soc, Edin; saps
(1891-92), pp. 283-286.—Bothriolepis leptochirus, 7. sf., de-
scribed from specimens obtained from the Upper Old Red Sand-
stone of Heads of Ayr, Hugh Miller Collection, Edinburgh Museum
of Science and Art. A list of British Asterolepidz is also given,
with localities for the Scottish species.
List OF SHELLS, ETC., OBSERVED ON THE ARDEER AND IRVINE
BEACHES, AYRSHIRE. By John Smith. voc. and Trans. Nat. Aitst.
Soc. Glasgow, vol. iil. (N. S.), part li. (1889-92), pp. 243-248.—
More than eighty species are recorded.
THE RAISED SEA-BOTTOM OF FILLYSIDE,—-RESEARCHES IN
1869-70 and 1888,—by James Bennie, witH LISTS OF THE
Mo.uusca,—by Andrew Scott. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., xi.
part i. (1891-92), pp. 215-237, Plate VIII.—Fifty-six species of
Mollusca are recorded.
COLEOPTERA AT CRAIGELLACHIE, N.B., SEPTEMBER 1892. A. J.
Chitty. xt. Mo. Mag. (2), iv. p. 19 (January 1893).—Twelve
species are recorded.
COLEOPTERA AT LOCH AWE, JUNE 1892. A. J. Chitty. Zz.
Mo. Mag. (2), iv. p. 48 (February 1893).—Ten species are recorded.
COLEOPTERA IN ARRAN. T. R. Billups. fomologist, xxvi.
p. 54 (February 1893).—A list given of seventy-eight species taken
by Mr. A. B. Watson in August and September 1892.
COLEOPTERA IN MoraysHIRE. A. J. Chitty. Zz. do. Mag.
(2), Iv. pp. 68-71 (March 1893).—Notes taken during the autumn
of 1892, on the borders of the Culbin sandhills, about five miles
from Forres. A long list of species given, including Balaninus
cerasorum, new to Scotland, and Hydnobius punctatissimus, new to
the north of Scotland.
CoLIAS EDUSA IN ScoTLaNnD. J. A. Mackonochie and Rev.
A. B. Watson. xtomologist, xxvi. p. 17 (January 1893).—Male
taken and female seen near Wigtown on 22nd September. Speci-
men taken at Tarbert, Loch Fyne. Six males (and several more
seen) taken at Kilmorie, Arran, and another on the west coast of
the island.
CURRENT LITERATURE 125
CoLIAS EDUSA IN SCOTLAND. William Cowie. Zt. Rec., iv.
p- 40 (February 1893).—One specimen captured at Scotstown Moor,
Aberdeenshire, on the 29th August 1892.
COLLECTING IN ARRAN. A. B. Watson. L£xtomologist, xxvi.
p. 52 (February 1893).— Fifty-five species of Lepidoptera (larvee and
imagos) seen or taken in August and September 1892.
THE LARVA OF COCCYX NEMORIVAGA, WITH SOME NOTES RELAT-
ING TO THE PUPAL STRUCTURE. T. A. Chapman. Zt. Rec., iv.
p. 38 (February 1893).—The information is based on specimens
obtained in Sutherlandshire in September last.
Micro-LEPIDOPTERA IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND IN 18Q2.
Wm. Reid. £7. Rec. vol. iv. No. 3 (March 1893), pp. 80-85.—
A long list of species is given, including Aciptilia tetradactyla, which
is probably new to Scotland.
HYSTRICHOPSYLLA OBTUSICEPS, RITSEMA, IN SCOTLAND. A. J.
Chitty. Zt Mo. Mag. (2), iv. p. 20 (January 1893).—This
species, with Typhlopsylla musculi, Dugeés, found on a sick or dying
mouse near Forres.
ON SOME NEW OR RARE SCOTTISH ENTOoMosTRACA. By Thomas
Scott, F.L.S., and Andrew Scott. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., ser.
6, vol. xi. pp. 210-215, Plates VII. and VIII. (March 1893).—De-
scribes two new genera: (1) Parartotrogus, of which P. Richardi, sf. z.,
is the type, obtained near Fidra Island, Firth of Forth, and from the
“Fluke Hole” off St. Monans; and (2) Moraria, of which M. Anderson-
Smithi, sf. 7., is the type, from Loch Morar, Argyllshire [Inverness].
The other records are Lichomolgus concinnus from Granton, and
Cyclops Ewarti and Attheyella cryptorum from Loch Morar.
A SECOND CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A CATALOGUE OF THE
AMPHIPODA AND ISOPODA OF THE FIRTH OF CLYDE AND WEST OF
SCOTLAND. By David Robertson, F.L.S., F.G.S.. Proc. and Trans.
Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. iii. (N. S.), part ili. (1889-92), pp.
199-223.—Sixty species are added for the district, many of which
are new to Scotland, and some recently new to science. A new
genus (Pararistias) and a new species (Socarnes erythrophthalmus)
are also described.
NOTES ON CECROPS LATREILLI, LEACH, AND LAMARGUS MURI-
CATUS, Kroyer. By Andrew Scott. roc. and Trans. Nat. Hist.
Soc. Glasgow, vol. iii. (N. S.), part ili. (1889-92), p. 266.—Both
species were found on a specimen of the Short Sunfish, Orthagoriscus
mola, which was captured near Inchcolm, in the Firth of Forth, on
roth October 1890.
Nores ON RHINCALANUS GIGAS, BRADY, AND ECTINOSOMA
ATLANTICUM, BRADY AND RoBERTSON. By Thomas Scott, F.L.S.
Proc. and Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. iii. (N. S.), part iil.
126 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
(1889-92), pp. 264 and 265.—The first-mentioned species was
taken at Orkney in 1889, and near Montrose in 1890.
List OF FORAMINIFERA DREDGED IN PORTREE Bay, ISLAND OF
Skye. By David Robertson, F.LS., F.G.S. Proc. and Trans.
Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. ii. (N. S.), part ii. (1889-1892),
pp. 239-242.—-Over 100 species are recorded.
BOTANY.
Our Enpemic List. By William H. Beeby. /ourn. Bot.,
March.—Discusses the claims to be considered endemic of several
of the plants noted as such in the second edition of /sland Life,
by A. R. Wallace, and indicates a different conclusion in the case
of some, and grave doubts as to others.
First RrEcoRDS oF BRITISH FLOWERING -PLANTS (continued).
By William A. Clarke, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., March.—The only
Scottish records in this part are Saxifraga rivularis, L., “on Ben
Nevis, Dr. Townson, in 1800”; S. cernua, L., 1794, “amongst the
rocks on the summit of Ben Lawers, James Dickson”; Lpzlobéum
anagaliidifolium, Lam., 1856, “lofty mountains of Scotland, Morne
and Lochnagar, etc., Babington”; £. alpinum, L., 1777, “‘on Ben
Lomond, about two-thirds of the way up, Lightfoot.”
ENGLISH BOTANY, SUPPLEMENT TO THIRD EDITION. Part III.
By N. E. Brown.—This part brings the supplement to the end of
Dipsacacezee. The completion of the supplement has been under-
taken by Arthur Bennett, F.L.S., whose name guarantees the value
of the work.
NEw AND RARE FINDS IN 1891. By George F. Scott-Elliott,
B.Sc. Zrans. D. and G. N. H. and A. Soc., 1893.—Enumerates
a good many species from Dumfriesshire, several being noted as
introduced.
NOTES ON SOME SCOTCH PLANTS, ESPECIALLY WITH RELATION
TO DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY, AND THEIR RELATION TO
NaTIvE Species. By Arthur Bennett, F.L.S. 7Zzans. D. and G.
N. H. and A. Soc., 1893.—This is a valuable analysis of the
probabilities of occurrence in S.W. Scotland of several plants.
NOTES ON A HERBARIUM COLLECTED BY Miss E. G. ADAMS AND
Miss S. D. JOHNSTON aT COWHILL. By G. F. Scott-Elliott. . Zrans.
D. and G. N. Hf. and A. Soe., 1893.—The collection includes
about 300 species, of which five are recorded as new to Dumfries-
shire, viz. Papaver Argemone, Primula elatior, Jacq., Euphorbia
amygdaloides, Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus, and Galanthus nivalis,
the two last naturalised fully. Mr. Scott-Elliott has since informed
us that the Primula and Luphorbia are undoubtedly only intro-
duced plants.
CURRENT LITERATURE 127
NOTES ON THE FLORA OF MorrFaT DISTRICT FOR 1891. By
John T. Johnstone. Zzans. D. and G. N. H.. and A. Soc., 1893.
—Includes four species confirmed for the district and numerous
local species, many being new to Dumfriesshire.
A CONTRIBUTION TO THE CRYPTOGAMIC BOTANY OF THE MOFFAT
Disterm by James M*Andrew.. 7vams. 2s and -G.) JV. Ff:
and A. Soc., 1893.—Refers chiefly to Mosses and Hepatic, and
to some Lichens.
FLORA OF DUMFRIESSHIRE AND DuMFRIES District. Part II.
From Reseda luteola to end of Rhamnacee. Edited by G. F. Scott-
Elliott, assisted by various botanists and entomologists. Zrauns. D.
and G. IV. H. and A. Soc., 1893.—In this are included, in addition
to the localities for the several species, a record of the insects
observed visiting the flowers in the district.
An Essay aT A Key TO BritisH Rugi. By Rev. W. Moyle
Rogers, F.L.S. Is concluded in /ourn. Got., February, and a full
index is given to all the numerous names.—No forms are referred to
as Scottish in the two last instalments.
RUBUS AMMOBIUS, FocKE, IN East Ross. By Edward S.
Marshall. Journ. Bot., March.—A few bushes on shingle by the
Carron river.
FURTHER NOTES ON HIERACIA NEW TO Britain. By Frederick
J. Hanbury, F.L.S. Concluded /ourn. Bot., January.—Two doubt
ful forms from Scotland are described, but not named.
AJUGA PYRAMIDALIS IN SCOTLAND. By Arthur Bennett, F.L.S.
Journ. Bot., ¥ebruary.—Discusses localities and effects of cultivation.
“The Old,” in Caithness, is surely a misprint for ‘‘ The Ord.”
ALISMA RANUNCULOIDES, VAR. ZOSTERIFOLIUM, FRIES, IN
BRITAIN. By Rev. E. S. Marshall, M.A., F.L.S. /ourn. Bot.,
February. Found in small pits near Beauly, East Inverness. The
form is described and full synonymy given.
New BritisH Funct. By M. C. Cooke. Grevillea, March.—
This paper includes and describes, among others, two species from
Scotland, viz. Geopyxis mazalis, Fries, ‘on the ground, Scotland,”
and WVeottiella ovilla, Peck, var. flavodisca, Cooke and Massee, “‘on
the ground, among moss, Ben Lawers, 2500 feet.”
ALGoLocicaAL Notes. By T. H. Buffham, A.L.S. Gvevillea
March.—In this paper, and in the accompanying plate, are de
scribed and figured the plurilocular sporangia of Chorda Filum,
Giffordia Padine, sp. n., conjugation of zoogametes in Cladophora
/anosa, and antheridia and spores of Prasiola stipitata.
128 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
REVIEWS.
On THE FossiIL FISH REMAINS OF THE COAL MEASURES OF
THE BritTisH Istanps. Part I. Pleuracanthide. By James W.
Davis, F.G.S., F.L.S., etc. Zyans. Roy. Dublin: Soc., ser. i. volo iv
pp. 703-748, Plates LXV.-LXXIII.
This ambitious memoir, consisting of forty-six quarto pages and
nine plates, need only occupy us so far as the author’s references to
Scottish specimens are concerned ; such matters as the remarkable
conception of Selachian anatomy involved in the “restoration” of
the top of the head of Pleuracanthus being safely left to other
periodicals. Mr. Davis enumerates the following species of Pleu7-
acanthus as occurring in Scottish Upper Carboniferous rocks :
Pleuracanthus levissimus, Ag.—Shettlestone, near Glasgow.
alatus, Davis—Stonehouse,. Newarthill.
cylindricus, Ag.—Quarter, Hamilton.
Thomsoni, n. sp., Davis—Quarter, Kilmarnock.
Woodward, n. sp., Davis—Cowdenfoot, Dalkeith.
Taylori (Stock)—Airdrie.
We may refrain in the meanwhile from expressing any opinion
upon the validity of several of Mr. Davis’s new species, but we did
not expect the rehabilitation of Stock’s Zay/orz, which we had con-
sidered long ago safely relegated to the synonymy of 7. cylindricus,
Ag. Mr. Davis seeks to identify two Scottish Lower Carboniferous
spines with species occurring in the true Coal Measures; main-
taining that 7. elegans, Traq., from the Loanhead Ironstone, is
identical with the young stage of P/. /evissimus, Ag. ; while he also
identifies a small spine from the ‘ Better-bed” Coal, Clifton, York-
shire, with PZ. horridulus, ‘Traq., from the same bed as PV. elegans,
It certainly seems to us that Mr. Davis is not yet sufficiently
acquainted with the characters of these Scottish spines, else he would
not have committed himself to any such identifications.
Reference is made at the close of the paper to another Scottish
Lower Carboniferous spine—Azodontacanthus fastigiatus, Dayis—in
the following terms: “A single specimen, described as a third
species [of Anodontacanthus|, A. fastigiatus, from the Blackband Iron-
stone at Loanhead, is considered by Dr. Traquair, who has other
specimens, to belong to another genus, and awaits his further decision.”
Dr. Traquair has, however, so far back as five years ago (Geol. Mag.
1888, p. ror), expressed his opinion that the “species fastzgiazus falls
into Pleuracanthus, as that genus at present stands.”
A FauNA OF LAKELAND. £rvatum.—lIn our review of this book
in the January Annals, p. 61, by an oversight it was stated that the
Spotted Eagle and the Frigate Petrel were both washed up on Walney
Island in the year 1875. We should have said that the Petrel was
thus obtained in 1891.
The Annals
of
Scottish Natural History
No. 7] 1893 : [JULY
BELFORT ON THE PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES
IN SCOTLAND.
[IT is desirable that the official report on an event so
interesting from a natural history standpoint, though so
disastrous in its agricultural aspects, as a Plague of Field-
voles in Scotland, should find a permanent record in the
“Annals of Scottish Natural History.” This irruption, so
to speak, of vole life was of such magnitude, and so far-
reaching in its devastations, that it was deemed necessary by
the Board of Agriculture to appoint a Departmental Com-
mittee to inquire into its causes; to cope, if possible, with
its results; and to suggest means for the prevention of its
recurrence.
It was not to be expected, from the very nature of the
inquiry, that much, if any, new light would be thrown upon
the life-history of this vole; but a mass of interesting inform-
ation is afforded by the report, bearing upon the extent
and probable origin of the plague, and on other matters con-
nected therewith.
We reproduce the report of the Commission, omitting
such portions as do not bear upon the present outbreak,
and such as relate to matters which are purely agricultural
in their aspects.—EDs. |
7 B
130 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
To the President of the Board of Agriculture.
SiIrR—-The Committee appointed on 28th May 1892 to
inquire into and report upon the circumstances attending
the plague of voles in some of the southern counties of
Scotland, and to ascertain, either experimentally or otherwise
as they might determine, whether any, and, if so, what pre-
ventive and remedial measures could be adopted, having
conducted their inquiry to certain conclusions, beg to submit
to your Board the following Report.
Before proceeding to the infected district your Com-
mittee received evidence from Major Craigie, Director of the
Intelligence Department of your Board, who stated that the
attention of his office had not been, called to the existence of
the plague of voles until the winter 1891-92, when it had
been in existence for a considerable time. He laid before
us the reports of two of the local inspectors of your Board,
Mr. R. F. Dudgeon and Mr. J. I. Davidson, who, early in
1892, had been directed to inquire into the extent of the
outbreak in the counties affected. Your Committee also re-
ceived through the Office of Woods and Forests copies of
correspondence relating to former outbreaks of the kind in
England, and through the Foreign Office information of
similar plagues in other European countries.
7 Hereafter, your Committee proceeded to the infested
district and received evidence from farmers, shepherds, land-
agents, gamekeepers, naturalists, and others at Howpasley
on 20th June, at Hawick on 21st June, at Moffat on 22nd
June, and at Thornhill on 23rd June. They also inspected
the farm of Howpasley, about 12 miles from Hawick, which
was said to have suffered as severely as any from the ravages
of voles.
NATURE AND ORIGIN OF THE PLAGUE.
The animal which by excessive multiplication has caused
so much mischief on hill farms in the southern uplands of
Scotland is the short-tailed field-vole (Arvzcola agrestis).
Of this vole an excellent and exhaustive account was con-
tributed to the “ Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists’
Club,” in 1878, by the late Sir Walter Elliot, F.R.S. ...
REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 431
This field-vole is at all seasons a well-known inhabitant
of our pastures, and may be found at all heights from the
sea-level to near the summits of our highest hills. The
chairman of your Committee saw one in the autumn of 1891
at a height of 2000 feet on Ben Ejibhinn, in Strath Ossian.
The attention of farmers and shepherds is only attracted to
it when circumstances have combined to cause an abnormal
increase in its numbers. One shepherd stated that when
as a boy he used to find a nest of voles he would “hap”
(protect) it, because it was thought rare.
The field-vole usually produces three or four litters a
year, each consisting of from four to eight young, but in
some ‘seasons they are even more prolific,the breeding season
is prolonged, young voles being observed from February to
November, and the litter containing as many as ten young.
Mr. Service of Maxwelltown, a local naturalist and careful
observer, mentioned in his evidence that he had observed
females simultaneously suckling young and in a pregnant
state.
The present outbreak may be traced back to the year
1888, when the voles were observed to be increasing on the
farm of Glenkerry and others in Selkirkshire. In the
summer of 1889 the low-lying pastures near Closeburn, in
Dumfriesshire, were observed to be infested by enormous
numbers of voles, which remained there during 1890, and
disappeared in 1891, probably moving up to the hill pastures,
where at the time of your Committee’s visit they were
swarming.
On some of the hill farms this excessive increase was ob-
served as early as the autumn of 1890; elsewhere, however,
they attracted no attention till the spring of 1891.
The districts principally affected are the hill pastures in
the north-west of Roxburghshire, the south of the counties
of Selkirk, Peebles, and Lanark, and the northern part of
Dumfries from Eskdalemuir by Moffat to Thornhill. The
voles have also appeared in great numbers in the parishes of
Dalry and Carsphairn, in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright.
Your local inspector, Mr. R. IF. Dudgeon, has already in-
formed you that at the date of his report he estimated that
in Roxburghshire 30,000 to 40,000 acres had been affected,
132 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
of which he considered 12,000 to 15,000 acres had been
rendered useless ; in Dumfriesshire 40,000 to 50,000 acres,
and in the Stewartry of Kircudbright 10,000 to 12,000 acres
were described by him as infested by voles.
Your Committee received no estimate of the area affected
in the counties of Selkirk, Peebles, and Lanark, nor had they
the means of verifying Mr. Dudgeon’s calculation in respect
to the other counties affected ; but a reference to the map
accompanying this Report will show that an area not less
than 60 miles in length, and from 12 to 20 miles in breadth,
has been overrun.
CAUSES OF THE OUTBREAK.
The rapid increase in the number of voles to the dimen-
sions of a plague was attributed by all the witnesses examined
to one of two causes, or to a combination of both. The first
of these consists in the character of the seasons. Mr. Service
called attention to the occurrence of a series of dry springs in
1890, 1891, and 1892, adducing figures to show that the
rainfall in these seasons was very much below the average,
and therefore favourable, in his opinion, to the breeding of
small mammals. The autumn of 1890 was unusually wet,
producing great luxuriance of grass on the hill pastures, which
afforded abundant shelter for the voles. The winter which
followed, though very severe in England, was a mild one in
Scotland. It will be observed that Sir Walter Elliot has
traced the cause of the outbreak of voles which took place in
1876 to the unusual mildness of the four or five winters pre-
ceding that year.
The second cause assigned by witnesses is the destruc-
tion of hawks, buzzards, owls, stoats, and weazels by persons
interested in the preservation of game. Major Craigie had
previously stated to your Board that “a preponderance of
opinion amongst farmers is reported, tracing the cause of the
present outbreak to the scarcity of owls, kestrels, hawks,
weasels, and other vermin.” Of the prevalence of this opinion
your Committee were made fully aware, nearly every witness
who was examined giving it as his belief that the outbreak
was due to the destruction of the “natural enemies” of the
REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 133
voles. A similar view was expressed by the witnesses before
the committee of the “ Teviotdale Farmers’ Club” appointed
to inquire into the cause of the outbreak in 1876; but Sir
Walter Elliot states that much weight was not attached to
this “popular opinion . . . because no more hawks, owls,
weasels, etc., had been destroyed than usual.” They had in
fact (to use Sir Walter Elliot’s own words) “been well nigh
extirpated long before the outbreak took place.”
EFFECT UPON THE PASTURE.
Of the damage done to the hill pastures your Committee
had ocular demonstration during their visit to Howpasley
farm (3000 acres), and nothing short of personal inspection
could have given them an adequate idea of the extent of the
mischief. The voles had shown themselves there first in
what is called the “bog” land, ze. strong marshy land either
grazed or cut for hay. Having devoured the grass there,
they spread to the “bent,” “lea,” or dry hill pasture, and to
the heather, which they destroyed as effectually as they had
done the grass. The stem of the grass is eaten close to the
ground where it is white and tender, leaving the blade above
withered and useless. Plantations are sometimes attacked,
the young trees being peeled and killed, but this has not been
the case so much during the present outbreak as in former
years. The arable land, so far, has not been much affected ;
but there is no doubt from the experience of Mr. Oliver, who
had three acres of corn damaged by them, that, if unchecked,
they might swarm upon the cultivated ground with disastrous
effect. Indeed, your Committee have information to the
effect that in some districts they have recently appeared in
numbers in the harvest-fields.
In walking across the hill your Committee saw numbers
of voles darting about in every direction, and caught several
for examination. ‘The grass, which, at the end of June, should
have been in full flush of verdure, was lying in withered wisps
over a large extent of the farm, and the heather, which is
valuable for winter feeding of the stock, had suffered to a
similar extent.
134 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
EFFECT ON THE STOCK.
Numerous witnesses spoke to the injury to stock owing
to the damaged pasture. This injury was twofold, consisting
first in the low condition to which the ewes were reduced,
at and after lambing, from insufficiency of food, and the
consequent increase of death-rate among them, and secondly,
in a diminution in the crop of lambs, and deterioration in
their quality.
Admitting the serious injury done to the pasture by
voles, to which your Committee can testify from personal
inspection, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the
sheep dependent on that pasture must have suffered to a
considerable extent. To quote Sir Walter Elliot’s words,
“The importance of these early grasses to flocks emaciated
by previous scanty fare, at a time when the ewes, gravid with
young, require more than ordinary nourishment to enable
them to rear their lambs, explains how disastrous any
diminution in their still scanty food might prove, whether
from severity of weather, or other unusual cause, such as the
swarming of voles.” But it is not easy to estimate the
extent to which the death-rate of the ewes was increased, or
the crop of lambs diminished as the direct result of scarcity
of pasture caused by the voles.
REMEDIES.
No concerted or systematic attempts to stamp out the
plague in its earlier stages seems to have been undertaken
by the farmers of the district affected, and this is the more
remarkable because some of them, at all events, had the bitter
experience of the outbreak in 1875-76 to warn them of the
serious results of allowing the voles to get ahead. Isolated
efforts were made by some tenants to rid their land of voles
by burning the grass and heather, by killing them with men
and dogs, by turning out cats, and by poison ; but the effect of
such piecemeal endeavours seems to have been well nigh
inappreciable. Your Committee are not prepared to declare
that landowners and farmers could have arrested the plague,
REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 135
but they hold a very strong opinion that the best chance
of averting its disastrous effects would have been for all
interested in the ownership and occupation of land to have
combined for the destruction of the voles when they were first
observed to increase.
Burning bog-land, bent, and heather, seems to be effective
in driving the voles off the portions burnt. Mr. Carthew
Yorstoun, Commissioner on the Duke of Buccleuch’s Lang-
hoim estate, stated that he had written to every tenant of a
hill farm in 1892, asking if an extension of the time for
burning would be an advantage. Three-fourths of those
written to replied in the affirmative, and received permission
to burn from 14th April (the usual limit) to 28th. The
remaining fourth said they had already burned as much as
the ground would stand.
It is not profitable to burn all the rough pasture on a
farm, as the sheep depend on it for sustenance when snow is
on the ground.
Poison has been tried with partial success. Samples of
grain treated with strychnine, and coloured red to prevent
mistakes, were supplied from Germany and submitted. It is
stated that good results were obtained with this in limited
areas; for instance, the tenant of Middlegill, near Moffat,
holding a farm of 3000 acres, applied this poison to a
meadow of I0 acres, and thereby partly destroyed the voles.
Sir Walter Elliot quotes a letter from Sir Robert Menzies,
who describes how he got rid of the voles which infested
140 acres of Scots fir plantation, by laying down half a ton
of half-inch drain-pipes, in each of which was placed a tea-
spoonful of oatmeal mixed with phosphorus. But for
obvious reasons, the application of poisoned grain over hill
farms extending to many thousands of acres, even if practic-
able, would be attended with much risk to other forms of
life.
Pitfalls, ze. holes cut in the ground with precipitous
sides, are equally out of the question when a large tract of
country has to be dealt with. But they have proved effectual
when plantations of limited extent have been attacked.
The forester at Branxholm within a week exterminated the
voles infesting a plantation of six acres, by digging pits 12
136 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
inches wide at the mouth, 15 inches wide at the bottom, and
18 inches deep. These were placed at a distance of from
12 to 20 feet apart.
On the other hand the head-keeper at Drumlanrig said
that pitfalls had been tried without much success in the
extensive plantations at that place.
As a remedy on sheep-farms, pitfalls were graphically
appraised thus by Mr. Whittle: “How many holes...
would it take to cover my farm of 7600 acres, and what
would be the cost ?”
The same objection—namely, the nature and extent of
the ground affected—applies to the proposal of other
expedients which have been resorted to in various parts
of the Continent, viz. passing a heavy roller over the
eround, trampling it with cavalry, inundating it, injecting
water, steam, or noxious fumes into the runs. All of these
may be dismissed as wholly impracticable.
Large numbers of voles were destroyed on some farms
by men and dogs. The vole is extremely rapid in its
movements and difficult to hit with a stick. A more
effective weapon is a wooden implement shaped like a small
spade.
The tenant of West Buccleuch, in Selkirkshire, killed by
this means 13,000 in three months on 3000 acres; the
tenant of Glenkerry (3000 acres) employed a man who killed
15,000 in one month, or about 450 per diem. The tenant
of Langshawburn hired a man with 12 terriers, who killed
from 400 to 600 a day on 4260 acres. In addition he
turned out 100 cats, and by the end of June 1892 reported
that there was not one vole for every 100 that there had
been on his ground.
There can be little doubt that simultaneous and com-
bined action of this sort on the part of owners and occupiers,
aided by timely and judicious burning zz the carler stages
of the outbreak, is the most effective method of staying the
ravages of the plague. Unfortunately, not only have these
exertions been hitherto isolated and intermittent, but they
have been delayed until the voles were swarming over a
considerable extent of ground.
REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 137
NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE VOLE.
No phenomenon in connection with the present plague
of field-voles in Scotland has been more marked than the
presence of large numbers of the short-eared owl (Otus
brachyotus). This bird, which is distributed over almost
every part of the globe, is a normal winter migrant to these
islands, appearing simultaneously with the woodcock (whence
it is popularly known as the “ woodcock owl”) and usually
departing in spring. Nests in ordinary seasons are of com-
paratively rare occurrence in Great Britain, but in consequence
of the vast multiplication of their favourite food, the vole,
these owls have not only arrived in unusual numbers, but
have remained and bred freely all over the district affected,
laying from 8 to 13 eggs (though Professor Newton in his
edition of Yarrell’s “ British Birds” mentions seven as an
unusual number) and rearing more than one brood. The
shepherd on Crooked-stone, near Crauford, has counted 14
nests on his ground. The small wood behind the farm-
steading of Howpasly presented a remarkable appearance,
the ground being densely covered with the “pellets” or
“castings” of owls, composed of the fur and bones of voles.
Living specimens of both old and young short-eared owls
were produced for the inspection of your Committee at
Howpasly.
The short-eared owl differs from most other owls in that
he hunts in daylight, and his operations can be observed ;
but there is no doubt that the nocturnal species are equally
useful to the farmer in destroying small rodents, and it
would be difficult to condemn too severely the foolish and
cruel action of those who allow or encourage the destruction
of this useful and beautiful family of birds. It is with much
satisfaction that your Committee record that many land-
owners and game preservers seem to have become convinced
in late years that owls of all sorts are not only harmless to
game, but most beneficial to agriculturists, and have issued
orders for the preservation of these birds.
Next, and hardly second in merit, as a check upon voles
and mice, comes the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and it is to
be deplored that popular ignorance as to its food and habits
138 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
is even greater than that which prevails in regard to owls.
This bird, although possessing the long wings and dark eyes
characteristic of a true falcon, is known to gamekeepers as
a hawk—wnoscztur a socizs—its death warrant is a standing
order in most preserves, though here again there has been
some improvement, and the destruction of the kestrel is
forbidden on some estates. The food of this bird is known
to consist almost exclusively of mice, grasshoppers, coleop-
terous insects, and their larve; but the sort of evidence on
which it is condemned may be gathered from the following
answers made by a gamekeeper to questions put by your
Committee :—
Q. Why did you kill the kestrel ?—Well, it was an
enemy of the game, of course, and that is why I
killed it.
Q. How long have you been a gamekeeper ?—Six’ or
seven years.
Q. How often have you seen a kestrel take game ?—
Many a time.
Q. What kind of game ?—Young pheasants.
Q. Had you many young pheasants at West Buccleuch?
—No.
Q. Then why did you kill the kestrel >—Because they
will kill young grouse.
Q. Did you ever see them take young grouse >—No.
Q. Did anybody of your acquaintance ever see them
take young grouse ?>—No, but I have heard of
their taking young grouse.
Q. Would you believe a man if he said that he saw a
kestrel taking young grouse ?>—Yes, if he said it
I would.
Q. Any man ?—Yes, if he was not drunk.
It is true that one witness,.a tenant of shootings, stated
his belief that the kestrel is a “deadly enemy of game” ; that
one of this species took 70 young pheasants from the coops,
and was shot one evening in the act of carrying off a young
pheasant. But he was not speaking from observation, but
from the report of his keeper, and there is little doubt that
REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 139
kestrels are often attracted to pheasant-coops by the presence
of rats and mice drawn thither by the food prepared for the
young birds. Against this may be set the evidence of the
head-keeper at Drumlanrig (where kestrels are preserved by
order of the Duke of Buccleuch), who said that in his
experience of over thirty years he thought he could remember
twice seeing a kestrel taking a young pheasant.
It will, your Committee feel convinced, be a very
cratifying result of the present inquiry if it tends to
persuade persons interested in game-preserving that the
kestrel preys not so much on game as on the vermin of the
farm.
It may be observed in connection with this question of
the kestrel’s habits, that it is rare to find people able to
distinguish between one kind of hawk and another. Few of
the witnesses before your Committee were able to describe
hawks otherwise than as red, blue, brown, or yellow, and it
was often impossible to make out what species they intended
toindicate. Itis one of the peculiarities of the Halconzde@ that
their plumage varies according to age and sex. In the
southern counties of Scotland the sparrow-hawk (which
does not prey on mice) is generally known as the “blue
hawk,” and the kestrel as the “brown” or “red” hawk.
But an immature male sparrow-hawk has reddish-brown
plumage, and an adult male kestrel has a bluish-gray head
and back.
Several witnesses deponed to an increase in hawks “ since
the mice came,” but were unable to identify the species. No
doubt they were kestrels, for other species of hawks do not
commonly prey on mice, and your Committee, in driving back
from Howpasly, observed five kestrels together hovering over
the vole-haunted ground. ...
Buzzards probably destroy large numbers of voles and
mice, and are too heavy on the wing to do much injury to
winged game; but they have become very scarce in southern
Scotland owing to their destruction by gamekeepers.
Ravens and hooded crows have also become rare, but this
cannot be regretted in the farmer’s interest, as they attack
young lambs, and even pick the eyes out of the weakly ewes.
Moreover the rooks, which it is to be hoped no short-sighted
140 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
policy will greatly reduce in numbers, have done excellent
service in digging up the voles’ nests and devouring the young.
Mr. Service of Maxwelltown drew attention to a change
which had taken place in the habit of rooks in his neighbour-
hood during the last ten years, having “developed most
marked carnivorous habits, taking eggs, young birds, young
poultry, young hares and rabbits to an extent they never did
before.” Simultaneously with this manifestation of carrion
crow-like habits, Mr. Service had noted an increase in the
number of rooks with feathered faces like the carrion crow,
which he was inclined to connect with the change in their
diet. (See Stevenson’s Biyds of Norfolk, vol. 1. pp. a7a=
27 BN Tere es
This alleged modification in the habits of the rook, though
favourable to the farmer, has not unreasonably brought him
into evil repute with game-preservers.
Amongst other birds which have been observed to prey
on voles are certain species of sea-gull.
Stoats and weasels are among the deadliest and most
persevering enemies of small rodents. They kill far more
than they can devour, apparently out of sheer blood-thirstiness.
In woodlands and on low ground they undoubtedly do much
harm to game, especially the stoat, which may be easily
distinguished from the weasel (known in Scotland as the
“whittret”) by its greater size and by the black tuft at the
end of the tail, which is retained at all seasons of the year,
even in winter, when the rest of the body becomes wholly or
partially white.
Adders feed readily on voles, and in July 1892 the chair-
man of your Committee was present when one was killed
with a vole in its gullet. This was in Wigtownshire, where
no abnormal increase in the number of voles has been
observed. But a single adder would probably not kill more
than one animal of the size of a vole in a single day—so
there is no reason to extend protection to these venomous
reptiles.
Some naturalists aver that the mole preys upon voles, but
your Committee, though directing inquiries upon this point,
were unable to elicit any evidence tending to confirm this
belief.
REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 141
Your Committee deem it right to point out that the
popular opinion that the excessive multiplication of field-
voles is the direct result of the destruction of birds of prey,
stoats, and weasels, which has been admittedly great over
part of the affected area, does not appear generally to be the
outcome of personal accurate observation.
Your Committee are of opinion that birds and beasts
of prey, even had they been wholiy unmolested, would not
have prevailed to avert the vole plague, though they would
probably have greatly mitigated its severity; and they are
confirmed in this view by the circumstances attending similar
outbreaks in this country in the sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries, and in foreign countries of late years. Neither in
Essex previous to the outbreak reported by Holinshed, nor in
South America previous to the outbreak described by Mr.
Hudson in The Naturalist in La Plata, nor in Thessaly
previous to that prevalent there in 1891-92, was there any
check placed by man upon the multiplication of the natural
enemies of these rodents.
In reply to the question (zz¢er ala) whether “birds of
prey and other rapacious animals have assisted to any
material extent in the destruction of the voles (in Thessaly) ?”
Her Majesty’s Minister at Athens transmitted the following
reply: “Birds of prey and other rapacious animals would
never suffice to prevent the alarming multiplication of the
voles under favourable climatic conditions.”
This view has been amply confirmed by the observations
of the chairman and secretary of your Committee during
their recent visit to the infested plains of Thessaly. Birds
of prey—eagles, buzzards, kites, kestrels, and other hawks—
are exceedingly abundant there, and no one thinks of
molesting them. Indeed, the Turks (of whom there are
about 30,000 in the province) are exceedingly kind to wild
animals, and object to their being destroyed. In 1866, when
that country last suffered from a visitation of field-voles,
Thessaly was under Turkish dominion, and birds of prey
were protected. The change from Turkish to Greek rule
which took place in 1881 made no difference in this respect,
yet in favourable seasons the voles multiply in spite of the
presence of a very full stock of their natural enemies.
142 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
Your Committee have reluctantly been led to the con-
clusion that they are unable to recommend any specific method
of dealing with or putting an end to the present outbreak.
It appears to be an instance of the power which small
animals are well known to possess, of prodigiously rapid
multiplication under favourable climatic conditions and with
a plentiful supply of natural food.
Experience shows that a combination of such favourable
conditions will always tend to bring about a recurrence of
the plague. That being so, it ought to be the endeavour of
every farmer and shepherd to be on the alert, and report
without delay to the land-agent, and to the secretary of the
local farmers’ club, or agricultural society, the first signs of
the multiplication of vermin, so that palliative measures may
at once be adopted, not on isolated farms, but everywhere
throughout the district.
The most effective measures appear to be periodical and
timely burning of grass and heather, followed by active
pursuit of the vermin by rien using wooden spades, and dogs.
If this were promptly done in the earlier stages of the out-
break, it is quite possible that it might be averted altogether,
or greatly mitigated in severity.
It is hardly necessary to point out that the proprietor of
the land should be informed as soon as any one else, because
his keepers and others might be usefully employed in assist-
ing to prevent what amounts, if unchecked, to a common
calamity upon all classes connected with land.
Where plantations of limited extent are attacked, pitfalls
wider at the bottom than at the top, and about 18 inches
deep, should be dug. The voles fall into them and cannot
escape, and the ground is soon cleared of them in this way.
Your Committee cannot speak with approval of the use
of poisoned grain, except where the area affected is very
limited.
Nor have they been able to come to any conclusion
favourable to the adoption of Professor Loeffler’s method of
destroying voles by means of bread saturated in a preparation
REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 143
of the bacillus typht murium, or mouse typhus, The personal
investigations made by the chairman and secretary in Thessaly
(where in May 1892 Professor Loeffler was employed at the
expense of the Greek Government to combat the plague of
field-voles then prevailing in that country) convinced them
that the favourable reports circulated as to the complete
success of the experiments have not been justified by the
results, In certain parts of Thessaly the voles were reported
by landowners and others to be as numerous in January 1893
as ever they were.
Your Committee readily admit that when used in a fresh
state, the bacilliferous fluid is an effective though somewhat
dilatory poison for mice or voles, and has this advantage
over mineral poisons that, as has been proved, it is innocuous
to human and other forms of life.
It has also been reported by Professor Loeffler that the
Scottish voles sent to him alive by instructions from your
Committee have been found as susceptible of the mouse
typhus bacillus as their Greek congeners. But there are
three objections which in the opinion of your Committee
render this method almost worthless except for employment
in houses, gardens, enclosed fieldsj’or other limited areas :
I. It is very expensive ; the virus supplied to the Greek
Government was paid for at the rate of about 4s. a
tube, containing enough when dissolved to treat
about two imperial acres, a cost which in many
instances would exceed the rent of the Scottish hill
pasture. To this must be added the price of bread
used in distributing the virus, which would appreci-
ably raise the cost of the process. Thus to deal
effectually with a hill farm of say 6000 acres, would
entail an expenditure of from 4700 to 41000,
making the remedy more costly than the evil.
2. Mouse typhus is not contagious ; it can only be com-
municated to those animals that will swallow some
of the virus. The allegation that healthy voles
will become infected by devouring the bodies of the
dead has not been satisfactorily proved. That
Greek voles when in captivity had been observed
144 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
to feed upon the corpses of their fellows hardly
warrants the assumption that Scottish voles in a
state of liberty will do the same; and unless the
disease were communicable from one animal to the
other, it is not easy to see how the remedy could
prove effective on extensive hill pastures.
3. The fluid loses its value in about eight days after
preparation. Consequently much disappointment
might ensue if, after a supply had been obtained, a
fall of snow, or wet weather, were to interfere with
its distribution over the land.
The remedy which has been found most effectual in
Thessaly is an injection of the fumes of bi-sulphide of carbon
into the burrows. This, however, is a more expensive process
than the other, besides being injurious to the health of those
engaged in its application. It is, moreover, inapplicable to
the Scottish vole (Avvicola agrestis), which does not burrow
to a depth like the vole of Thessaly (Arwicola Giintheri), but
lives in shallow runs amongst the roots of herbage.
With the under-noted exceptions, the natural enemies of
the voles may be divided into two classes, viz. those which
destroy the voles, and are harmless to sheep, crops, and
game ; and those which, though preying on voles, are so hurt-
ful in other ways as to have no claim to preservation :
i. Vole-killers, harmless, or i. Vole-killers, hurtful tn other
nearly so to sheep, crops, WAYS.
and game. Hoses,
Owls of all sorts, Ravens,
Buzzards, Carrion and Hooded Crows,
Kestrels, and the Great Blackbacked Gulls, and
Smaller Seagulls. Adders.
Strict injunctions ought to be given by landowners that
the birds mentioned in the first class should not be destroyed.
Their presence in full numbers, though inadequate to avert
an outbreak, would undoubtedly tend to mitigate it, and, as
has been proved in the case of the short-eared owl, they have
the faculty of multiplying abnormally in presence of an
REPORT ON PLAGUE OF FIELD-VOLES IN SCOTLAND 145
unusual supply of food. They are at all events most useful
allies to man in combating attacks of ground vermin.
Your Committee further desire to deprecate in the
strongest manner possible the use of the pole-trap for the
capture of hawks. Besides the inhumanity of this device, it
is indiscriminate, and harmless owls, kestrels, and buzzards
are just as likely to be taken by it as are the most mischiev-
ous species.
Three animals, diligent vole-destroyers, have been omitted
from both these lists, because they are undoubtedly hurtful
to game. The first of these is the common rook (known to
the shepherds as the corn-crow), of which, however, the
services to agriculture are now generally recognised.
The other two animals referred to are the stoat and the
weasel. Of all the smaller beasts of prey these are perhaps
the most hateful to gamekeepers, and it is hardly reasonable
to expect that stoats should be allowed to multiply in game-
coverts, or in the vicinity of pheasant-coops. But your
Committee have no hesitation in recommending that weasels,
which are persistent mouse-hunters and do little damage to
game, should not be molested, at least on moorlands and
hill pastures, where they can do little harm and much good.
Your Committee cannot conclude their labours without
expressing gratitude for the consideration with which they
were everywhere received in the course of their inquiry, for
the hospitality shown to them, and for the exertions made
by various individuals to obtain witnesses and arrange their
evidence.
HERBERT EUSTACE MAXWELL (Chairman).
MINTO.
D’ARCY W. THOMPSON.
JOHN GILLESPIE.
WALTER ELLIOT.
‘J. E. HARTING (Secretary).
N
146 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
THE WHISKERED. BAT (VESPERTILIO Wises
CIN US, \Ickisi,) TN BAS EOWA ae
By WILLIAM Evans, F.R.S.E.
On 28th March last, Mr. George Pow, Dunbar, sent me a
Bat which I at once saw was worthy of more than the cursory
glance I was at the moment only able to give it. Accordingly
it was passed on the same day to Mr. Eagle Clarke to be
softened (the wing membranes were already too dry to be
stretched without tearing), and then compared with the spirit
specimens of British Bats in Mr.* Clarke’s collection. A
couple of days later we examined it together and found it to
be an example of the Whiskered Bat (Vespertzlio mystacinus,
Leisl.) I immediately wrote to Mr. Pow for full information
as to place and date of capture, and learned from him that
the little animal was knocked down on the links about a mile
east of Dunbar, on the evening of 20th March, by a fisher-boy,
from whom he received it alive.
I am thus enabled to add this interesting species to the
fauna of the Forth district; and I do so with real ‘satisfac-
tion, feeling sure that it is not a record of a mere stragegler
from distant lands, wafted hither by a combination of circum-
stances which in all probability would not occur again for
many years to come, but a genuine addition to the list of our
native vertebrates. The specimen, moreover, is but the second
that has been recorded for Scotland. The first, which is
preserved in the Owen’s College, Manchester, was captured
by Mr. J. Ray Hardy about four miles from Rannoch on the
Pitlochry Road, in-June 1374. When: referring tommams
specimen in my “Mammalian Fauna of the Edinburgh
District,” ‘(April 1892), p..23, I ventured: to. point tamtae
Species as a very probable addition to our list, and it is there-
fore gratifying to be able to add it so soon.
For several years past Mr. Pow has rendered me and
others invaluable aid in the investigation of various branches
of local Natural History, and I gladly avail myself of this
opportunity of publicly thanking him and commending his
disinterested zeal to the notice of others similarly situated.
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 147
REPORT ON . THE MOVEMENTS AND OCCUR-
RENCE, OF BIRDS IN- SCOTEAND DURING
1892.
By LionEL W. Hinxman, B.A.
The usual schedules for recording notes on the move-
ments and occurrence of birds during the past year were sent
by Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Eagle Clarke to all the sixty
light-stations on the Scottish coasts. Of these, twenty-two
have been returned. Schedules were also sent to others who
were thought likely to take an interest in the matter, with the
result that notes have been received from twenty-five observers
in different parts of the country, making a total of forty-three
schedules tabulated. To those who have so kindly aided
us in these inquiries, and to Mr. T. G. Laidlaw for other as-
sistance, our hearty thanks are accorded, coupled with the
hope that we may continue to be favoured with their valuable
co-operation in the future.
Further observations are much needed from the faunal
areas of Sutherland, West Ross, Moray, Dee, Tweed, Clyde,
and Solway—West Ross and Clyde being at present entirely
unrepresented ; and it is hoped that a larger number of
schedules will be available for next year’s report. It is also
a matter of regret that no returns have been made from the
Isle of May, one of the most important stations for migration
records.
The following list gives the names of observers from whom
schedules and notes have been received. ‘The localities are
arranged under the different faunal areas, proceeding from
north to south along the east and west coasts.
NORTHERN ISLES.
SHETLAND.
Locality. Name of Observer.
Burrafiord, N. Unst (Shore James Ferrier, Lightkeeper.
Station)
Sumburgh Head L.H. James Youngclause, __,,
Lunrossness J. A. Harvie-Brown.
Foula F. ‘Traill
148 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL. HISTORY
Locality.
N. Ronaldshay L.H:
N. Ronaldshay
Hoy Sound (High Light)
antick Head [ae
Pentland Skerries L. H.
Dunnet Head L.H.
Thurso
Lochinver
Helmsdale and Brora
Tarbat Ness L.H.
Glenlivet and Strathspey
Fyvie
Girdleness L.H.
Bell Rock L.H.
Arbroath and Montrose
Newport and Tayport
Callander and Loch Tay
Inchkeith L.H.
Doune
Linlithgow
Dalmeny
Edinburgh District
The Lothians
Hallmyre, Peebles
Chirnside
ORKNEY.
Name of Observer.
William Ross, Lightkeeper.
A. Briggs, Holland House.
Thomas Hughson, Lightkeeper.
J. C.. Lawrence, ue
Malcolm M‘Dougall, _,,
SUTHERLAND.
David Laidlaw and J. Carson, Light-
keepers.
Lewis Dunbar.
Arthur Beveridge, M.B.
MorAYy.
Hugh Miller, H.M. Geol. Survey.
Arch. M‘Eachern, Lightkeeper.
Lionel Hinxman, H.M. Geol. Survey.
DEE.
George Sim.
John Gilmour, Lightkeeper. '
AGAY:
James Cadger, Lightkeeper.
Del. FE: Dewar
W. Berry.
W. Evans.
FORTH.
Charles M‘Fadyen, Lightkeeper.
Lt.-Col. W..H. M. Duthie, Row.
P. C. Mackenzie, Longcroft.
Charles Campbell, Dalmeny Park.
T. G. Laidlaw.
Bruce Campbell.
TWEED.
David G. Laidlaw.
Charles Stuart, M.D.
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 149
OUTER HEBRIDES.
Locality. Name of Observer.
Butt of Lewis L.H. Alex. M‘Gow, Lightkeeper
Island Ghlais L.H., Harris “The Lightkeepers.”
Monach Isles L.H. Wm. A. Tulloch, Lightkeeper.
Barra Head L.H. James Edgar, 3
Mingalay, Barra John Finlayson.
Stornoway H. Mackenzie, Royal Hotel.
Rodel, 5S. Harris John Finlayson.
ARGYLL AND INNER HEBRIDES.
Tiree Peter Anderson, Kirkapol.
Skerryvore L.H. John Nicol, Lightkeeper.
Skervuile L.H., Jura Alex. J. Grant-and D. M‘Donald.
Kilfinichan, Mull C. A. M‘Vean.
Oban, Canna, Kerrera, etc. Cecil H. Bisshopp, Oban.
Inverary His Grace the Duke of Argyll.
Ben Nevis The Observatory Staff.
SOLWAY.
Loch Ryan L.H. Rodk. M‘Innes, Lightkeeper.
Portpatrick L.H. Jas. Biggs, 3
Little Ross L.H. Neil M‘Donald, *
GENERAL REMARKS.
Owing to the long continued northerly winds during the
latter half of April, the bulk of the summer migrants were
fully a week late in arrival at all localities, though a few
isolated early dates are recorded. Redstarts were again very
numerous on the West Coast, though perhaps not so much so
as in 1891. A noteworthy movement of Skylarks is recorded
from the Bell Rock Lighthouse during the last week of
February, beginning on 24th February with great numbers,
together with a few Blackbirds,—wind S.E.,and fog,—continu-
ing in fewer numbers during the 25th and 26th, and culmi-
nating in a rush of hundreds during the night of 27th
February, with light variable breezes and thick haze, when
many were killed at the lantern.
The first important movement in the autumn is recorded
from Pentland Skerries on 20th September, but does not
150 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
seem to have been observed at any other station. On that
date, with a S.E. gale and haze, a rush of Fieldfares, Red-
wings, and Redstarts took place, some of the birds remaining
for three or four days. At the same locality, on 4th October,
at noon, with a S.E. gale, a great rush of Snow Buntings,
Ring Ousels, Redwings, and Fieldfares. This was followed on
5th and 6th October by the greatest movement of the year,
and of which we have records from most of the East Coast
stations. At Dunrossness, a few stragglers came in on the
night of 4th October; but on the night of 5th and 6th October,
a sudden shift of wind from N. to S.E., rising to a gale,
brought in numbers of Twites, Chaffinches, and Bramblings,
with stragglers up to 10th October. At Sumburgh Head,
under similar conditions, a rush all night of 5th October, and
on 6th October during the day, of Chaffinches and Bramblings.
A similar record comes from North Ronaldshay for 5th
October, with stragglers up to 14th October. At Girdleness,
the migration on this date was very heavy ; and during the
afternoon of 6th October, with a southerly gale and haze,
there was an extraordinary influx of Thrushes, Redstarts,—
which seemed to be mostly females,—Redbreasts, Goldcrests,
Willow Wrens, Chaffinches, and Bramblings. Mr. John
Gilmour writes on this date: “A perfect rush of birds here
this afternoon, the turnip drills in gardens perfectly swarm-
ing with the species mentioned.”
During November, the chief movements recorded were on
the 5th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, and 24th, and included the usual
autumn immigrants, with nothing worthy of special remark.
The occurrence of the Great Gray Shrike (Lanzus excubitor),
a male,-—near Haddington, on 15th June, is an interesting
fact.
The Iceland Gull (Larus leucopterus) seems to have been
more than usually abundant on the North and West Coasts,
individuals being reported as seen or shot from eight several
localities.
NOTES UNDER SPECIES.
Turdus musicus (Song Thrush).
ORKNEY. . Hoy Sound, Oct. 9. N. Ronaldshay, ‘Ocivaz,
numbers about ; Nov. 3, large numbers.
DEE . . Girdleness, Oct. 5, numerous.
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 151
OuTER HEBRIDES
ARGYLL AND ISLES
ORKNEY
OUTER HEBRIDES
SHETLAND .
DEE .
Tay :
OUTER HEBRIDES
ARGYLL AND ISLES
ORKNEY
Moray
DEE .
FORTH
TWEED :
OuTER HEBRIDES
ARGYLL AND ISLES
Skerryvore, Nov. 18, in rush with Fieldfares ;
Nov. 23, 24, great rush all night, with Field-
fares, Blackbirds, etc. ; E. light, hazy.
Skervuile, Nov. 18-20, 23-24, in rushes.
Principal movements, Nov. 3, 18, 20, 23, 24.
Turdus tlacus (Redwing).
Pentland Skerries, Sept. 20, great rush; Oct. 4,
in great rush with Fieldfares and Snow
Buntings.
Last seen April 30, Monach I.
Principal movements, Sept. 20, Oct. 4.
Turdus merula (Blackbird).
Dunrossness, Oct. 30 ; Sumburgh Head, Nov. 5.
Girdleness, Nov. 3, 19, numerous.
Spring. Bell Rock, Feb. 25, March 3, 11.
Skerryvore, Sept. 19, Nov. 20; Nov. 23, 24, in
rush.
Skervuile, in rushes, Nov. 18, 20, 23.
Principal movements, Nov. 18-20, 23, 24.
Turdus pilaris (Fieldfare).
Pentland Skerries, great rush, Sept. 20; Oct. 4,
do. N. Ronaldshay, a few each night, Nov.
5.22%
Strathavon, first seen Oct. 15; Strath Brora,
Oct. 20.
Fyvie, Oct. 18; last seen April 22.
Edinburgh, Oct. 5.
Hallmyre, Nov. 5; last seen April 11.
Rodel, Nov. 1; Skerryvore, Nov. 18-20, 23,
24, in rushes; Monach I., “ Mid-May.”
Skervuile, Nov. 18-20, 23, 24, in rushes.
First seen Pentland Skerries, Sept. 20 ; last seen
Monach I., ‘‘ Mid-May.” Principal movements,
Sept. 20, Oct. 4, Nov. 18-20, 23, 24.
Turdus torquatus (Ring Ouze)).
ORKNEY
DEE .
SOLWAY
Pentland Skerries, in rush with Snow Buntings,
Fieldfares, etc., S.E. gale, Oct. 4.
Girdleness, Oct. 4.
A male, in poor condition, shot at Maxwelltown
Dec. 10.
152 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Saxicola enanthe (Wheatear).
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, last seen Oct. 15.
Moray . .\ , | Strathspey, April 3 ; Cromdale Hills, Oc.tae
DEE . . Kyvie, April 55 Girdleness ct 15:
AY. . ' Arbroath, March 22, and Oct .6:
FORTH , . ‘Doune, April 4; Edinburgh, April xe:
TWEED Chirnside, April 11.
OuTER HEBRIDES Mingulay, March 30; Monach I., April 1.
ARGYLL AND IsLEes Tiree, one, March 27; plentiful after April 8;
last seen Oct. 8.
First seen ‘Tiree, March 27; | last secayyae
Ronaldshay, Oct. 15.
Pratincola rubetra (Whin chat).
SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, last seen Oct. 8.
DEE. . Pywvie, April 22.
Ave, : . Glenlyon, May 8th; not numerous till a week later.
FORTH ; . Edinburgh, April 18.
TWEED ; . Hallmyre, Peebles, May 5.
First seen Edinburgh, April 18; last seen
Dunrossness, Oct. 8.
Pratincola rubicola (Stonechat).
SHETLAND . . Fitful Head, Oct. 8.
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, one shot, Oct. 15.—**The only
one I have noticed here.”
OuTER HEBRIDES Skerryvore, Sept. 11, 12.
Ruticilla phenicurus (Redstart).
SHETLAND . . Quendale, Dunrossness, last seen Oct. 2.
ORKNEY . . .N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 1, 2, and-one on Ocnwzae
Pentland Skerries, Sept. 20, in rush with
Turdide.
DEE . ; . Fyvie, May 1; Girdleness, Sept. 25 and Oct. 5,
in rush, mostly P.
ForTH . Dalmeny, April 26; Menteith, April 28.
TWEED ; Peeblesshire, May 1.
OUTER HEBRIDES Muingulay, Barra, May 31.
First seen Dalmeny, April 26; last seen N.
Ronaldshay, Oct. 25. Principal movements,
Sept. 20-25, Oct. 5.
Evrithacus rubecula (Redbreast).
SHETLAND . - WDwarossness, Oct.-3; ive or six seen:
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Oct. 4.—‘‘ Numbers in small
parties—a few remaining up to Jan. 7, 1893.”
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 153
jo ee
Tay p
OuTER HEBRIDES
ORKNEY
DEE.
FORTH
‘TWEED :
OUTER HEBRIDES
SOLWAY
Girdleness, Nov. 19 ; numerous, Oct. 5.
Bell Rock, Feb. 28.
Skerryvore, Oct. 4.
Principal movements, Oct. 4-8.
Sylvia rufa (Whitethroat).
N. Ronaldshay, July 10, one, which remained a
few days.
Fyvie, May 12.
Dalmeny, May 12; West Lothian, Sept. 19.
Peebles, May 24.
Barra, May 13.
Little Ross L.H., May 23.
First seen May 12; last seen W. Lothian, Sept. 19.
Sylvia curruca (Lesser Whitethroat).
TWEED
SHETLAND .
FORTH
OUTER HEBRIDES
Nesting at Allantore, Chirnside, June 20.
Sylvia atricapilla (Blackcap).
Garth, Dunrossness, Oct. 9; one P seen.
Linlithgow, May tro.
Mingalay, Barry, Oct. 5.
Sylvia salicaria (Garden Warbler).
TWEED
Chirnside, June 5.
Regulus cristatus (Golden-crested Wren).
ORKNEY
DEE .
N. Ronaldshay, Nov. 5.
Girdleness, Oct. 5, numbers in rush with other
small birds.
Phylloscopus collybita (Chiff-chaff).
TWEED
Chirnside, March 30.—“ Increased in numbers
5) re ]
of late years.”
Phylloscopus trochilus (Willow Wren).
SHETLAND .
ORKNEY
MorRAY
DEE .
‘TAY
FORTH
‘TWEED
Dunrossness, Oct. 6, 21.
N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 31, and first few days of
September ; large numbers about ; wind E.
Glenlivet, May 7.
Fyvie, April 22; Girdleness, Oct. 5.
Arbroath, May rt.
Edinburgh, April 18 ; Callander, April 23.
Chirnside, April 20 ; Hallmyre, Sept. 15.
First seen Edinburgh, April 18 ; last seen Dun-
rossness, Oct. 21. Principal movements, Aug.
31, Sept. 5, Oct. 5, 6.
154 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH: NATURAL THIS f0ORY
Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Wood Wren).
ay. . Kenmore, May 5, one pair; not numerous till a
week later.
FORTH . Dalmeny, May 8.
West Ross ; | och) Torridon, May 27.
Acrocephalus schenobenus (Sedge Warbler).
Moray . Helmsdale, May 17.
DEE: : ob yvies (Mayen, Sept. E32.
TWEED : Elallniyre, Peebles,, May 25:
Motacilla (Wagtail).
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 22,29, Pied Wagtails.—‘“In
family parties on shore ; not observed during ©
breeding season.”
OuTER Hesripes Monach L.H., April 27, 30, “ Wagtails” ; Barra,
May 4, White Wagtail; Skerryvore, Aug. 17,
two “ Wagtails.”
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, May 3, 6, W hite Wagtail, passing N.E.;
Sept. 1, White Wagtail.
Anthus trivialis (Tree Pipit).
FORTH ' . Callander, April 30; Lothians, May «a.
TWEED . Hallmyre, May 24. .
West Ross . Loch Torridon, May 26.
Lanius excubitor (Great Gray Shrike).
ORKNEY. . Pentland Skerries, one ¢ shot, Nov. 20.
SUTHERLAND 4 Whurse, “ene 4 Ushot; Dee" 16.
ATA: . Arbroath, one caught, sex doubtful, Dec. 7.
ForTH . One ¢ killed near Haddington, June 16.
TWEED . One seen near Hutton Village, (Chinmeide
Qe Fo.
Muscicapa grisola (Spotted Flycatcher).
FORTH ) . Edinburgh, May 7; Dalmeny, May 14.
TWEED 7 Peebles, Maye 1 4,
SOLWAY. * little Koss*iH-May 723:
Muscicapa atricapilla (Pied Flycatcher).
ORKNEY =4, +) N. Ronaldshay, July r,,0one > Sept..2, ones teas
14, two.—‘ Seems me occur ey regularly
nearly every autumn.’
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 155
SHETLAND .
ORKNEY
DEE .
Tay
FORTH
‘TWEED :
OUTER HEBRIDES
ARGYLL AND ISLES
SOLWAY
SHETLAND .
ORKNEY
Moray
Der
Tay
FORTH
‘TWEED :
OuTER HEBRIDES
fTirundo rustica (Swallow).
Dunrossness, last seen Oct. 8, reported as ‘un-
usually abundant in summer of 1892, along
with Swifts.”
N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 26, one seen flying W. ;
wind strong S.W.
Fyvie, last seen Nov. 16.
Tayfield, April 23; Arbroath, Oct. 6.
Callander, April 22; Edinburgh, Oct. 14.
Hallmyre, April 11, Oct. 18.
Butt of Lewis, May 17, Sept. 17.
Inveraray, April 8, one; Jura, April 16.
Loch Ryan, April 22.
First seen Inveraray, April 8; last seen Fyvie,
Nov. 16.
Cotile riparia (Sand Martin).
Dunrossness, Oct. 8, 13, one seen each day.
N. Ronaldshay, Sept. 25, one seen after gale
from S.W.
Fochabers, last seen Nov. 12.
Fyvie, May 2 to Oct 14.
Arbroath, April 29.
Doune, April 15 ; Edinburgh, Oct. ro.
Chirnside, April 30; Peebles, Oct. 6.
Monach I., May 25.
First seen Doune, April 16 ; last seen Fochabers,
Nov. 12.
Chelidon urbica (House Martin).
Moray
DEE .
Tay
FORTH
‘TWEED ;
OUTER HEBRIDES
SHETLAND .
Helmsdale, May 9.
Fyvie, May 2 to Oct ro.
Arbroath, April 28.
Edinburgh, last seen Oct. ro.
Hallmyre, May 13 to Oct. 14.
Monach I., May 25.
First seen Arbroath, April 28; last seen Hall-
myre, Peebles, Oct. 14.
Fringilline (Finches).
Dunrossness, Oct. 5, Chaffinches and Twites; on
succeeding few days Chaffinches in immense
flocks, on the 8th associated with Bramblings,
the latter forming one-sixth of the whole.
Stragglers seen only after Oct. 10, wind shifting
from N.-N.N.E. to hard S.E. on night of Oct. 5.
156 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL WISTORY.
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay. Large mixed flocks of Chaf-
finches and Bramblings on Oct. 5, and in
smaller lots till Oct. ro. Last Brambling
seen Oct. 14. The Chaffinches seemed to be
mostly females. Oct. 18, a few Redpoles.
Oct. 19, small flight of Linnets.
OnE «. . Grirdleness, Oct. 5, rush of -Chaffinehes amg
Bramblings.
TAY .. . Bell Rock, March 3, Chaffinches and Linnets ;
April «2, Linnets.
OUTER HEBRIDES Rodel, Harris, Nov. 17, several flocks of Chaf-
finches and Linnets. Mingalay, May 18, one
© Goldfinch; Oct. 5; Siskins; Noy. 25,2am
army of Greenfinches.
Principal movements, Oct. 5-10, Nov. 15-17.
Loxia curvirostra (Common Crossbill).
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, July 7; a female taken near the
Lighthouse.
Plectrophanes nivalis (Snow Bunting).
SHETLAND . . Sumburgh Head, Sept. 13; Dunrossness, Oct. 6
? and succeeding few days, considerable flocks
passing south. Sumburgh Head, Nov. 13, a
rush all night.
ORKNEY . . Pentland Skerries, Sept. 7 ; N.Ronaldshay, Sept.
19, 21, in small flights, and from Oct. 19
to Oct 24 in flocks of thousands.
SUTHERLAND . Dunnet Head, Sept. 18.
Moray : . sttath Brora, Oct. 21; Ben Aigan, Oct em
DEE, . (Pye Oct. 205 Girdleness, Oct we2:
SEA: oe Arbroath, Nov. 15.
OUTER HEBRIDES Butt of Lewis, large flocks, Sept. 17; Rodel,
Maris, Oct.17; Monacha:, Mays:
First seen Pentland Skerries, Sept. 7; last seen
Monach I., May 3.
Principal movements, Sept. 17-21, Oct. 6, 19-24.
Alauda arvensis (Skylark).
SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Skylarks observed drawing together
in flocks a day or two previous to the great
movement of Oct. 5, 6.
Dire: ‘ . Girdleness, Nov. ro, 23, 24, in rushes with
other birds ; wind N.E., light.
TAv®. i . Bell Rock, Feb. 24, in great numbers at light,
Io P.M. till dawn, wind E., fog; Feb. 25,
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892
OUTER HEBRIDES
ARGYLL AND ISLES
157
a few; Feb. 29, in hundreds, 9-12 P.M., hazy ;
March 3, a few.
Skerryvore, Sept. 19, three young birds; Dec. 4,
four, N.W. gale, snow.
Skervuile, Jura, Nov. 18-20, 23, 24, in rush with
Turdide ; wind strong E., haze.
Principal movements, Feb. 24-27, Nov. 18-24.
Sturnus vulgaris (Common Starling).
ORKNEY
ARGYLL AND ISLES
N. Ronaldshay L.H., Nov. 5-22, a few each
night, with Fieldfares. Large flights in N.
Ronaldshay in early autumn, a few only re-
maining for the winter.
Hoy Sound. Those wintering here leave about
May 1, flying W. .
Skervuile, Jura, Nov. 23, 24, in rush with
Turdide.
Cypselus apus (Common Swift).
SHETLAND .
ORKNEY
DEE .
Tay
FORTH
TWEED
OUTER HEBRIDES
OuTER HEBRIDES
MorAy
DEE .
FORTH
‘TWEED ; ;
OuTER HEBRIDES
ARGYLL AND ISLES
SOLWAY
Reported by Mr. John Bruce as occurring with
Swallows in Dunrossness during the summer.
N. Ronaldshay. ‘Three seen, one killed, Aug.
26, flying west ; wind S.W., very stormy.
Fyvie, May 20; Girdleness, Sept. 11.
Loch Tay, May 10; Broughty Ferry, Sept. 3.
Doune, May 9; Edinburgh, May 12; Hadding-
ton, Nov. 16 (‘‘ Annals,” Jan. 1893).
Hallmyre, May 11; Chirnside, May 13.
Monach I., May to.
First seen Doune, May 9; last seen Hadding-
ton, Nov. 16.
Alcedo ispida (Kingfisher).
Barra, July 25.
Cuculus canorus (Cuckoo).
Glenlivet, May 8; Helmsdale, May 9.
Fyvie, May 9.
Edinburgh, April 27 ; Callander, April 30.
Hallmyre, April 29.
Stornoway, May 11; Rodel, May 15; I. Ghlas,
Harris, Aug. 22, first time seen here.
Skervuile, Jura, May 1.
Loch Ryan, May 1.
First seen Edinburgh, April 27.
158 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Strigide (Owls).
SHETLAND . . Short-eared Owl (A. accipitrinus) seen flying at
Sumburgh Head in September.
Snowy Owl (Vycte@a scandiaca) seen flying south
over Loch Spiggie, Oct. 28.
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay. Long-eared Owl (Aso otus),
male, shot Nov. 24.
A. accipitrinus, Dec. 2, 3; one killed, one seen.
NVyctea scandiaca, seen Nov. 2.
Scops owl (Scops giz), one taken at the Light-
house, June 2 ; the first record of this owl for
Orkney.
Circus cyaneus (Hen Harrier).
ORKNEY. . Hen Harrier, a male seen July 16; generally
seen in September.
Ardea cinerea (Common Heron).
SHETLAND . . Visits Dunrossness in small parties in autumn.
First seen Sept. 1.
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, in small numbers every year,
generally appearing early in August.
Anatide.
Wild Geese.
SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Oct. t0, one Greylag on Loch
Spiggie.
Bernicle Geese (2. deucopsis) on migration, in
numbers Oct. 6 and succeeding few days ;
wind N.E.
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Oct. 7, three Greylag, N.W.
gale; Oct. 10, “Wild. Geese”; [algae
two Gray Geese. Brent Geese (L. édrenta)
fairly plentiful during winter of 1891-92.
6 ip ee . Pink-footed Geese (Aznser brachyrhynchus),
Newport, Fife, April 29. Flock of ten,
Sept. 19 ; ‘“‘earliest date I have known here.”
OUTER HEBRIDES Barra Head, Oct. 17, about 150 Bernicle
Geese flying south; wind N. I. Ghlas, May
3, flock of 29 “Wild Geese,” flying nesta
ARGYLL AND IsLes Tiree, “Wild Geese” left April 30, in flock of
150, going north, and returned Oct. 7, three
weeks earlier than usual; strong N. wind.
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 159
ORKNEY
SUTHERLAND
Swans.
N. Ronaldshay, Oct. 15, flock of 30 Whoopers
(Cygnus musicus) crossing the island to west.
Thurso, March 25, Whooper seen; April gth,
young male shot.
OUTER HEBRIDES Barra Head, Dec. 7, Swan shot, supposed to
SHETLAND .
ORKNEY
MorAYy
Tay
TWEED
be a young specimen of C. bewitck?.
Ducks.
Teal (Querguedula crecca), Dunrossness, in
numbers about Oct. 8, with Widgeon.
Tufted Duck (Fudligula cristata), Sept. 17, a few
in Quendale Bay.
Longtailed Duck (/farelda glacialis), Oct. 17
in hundreds off coast at-Quendale.
Pochard (Fuligula ferina), N. Ronaldshay, Nov.
T4.
Tufted Duck, Oct. 10.
Golden Eye (Clangula glaucion), Nov. 2.
Longtailed Duck, Noy. 2, in large numbers.
Ruddy Sheldrake (Zadorna casarca), Findhorn
estuary, Oct. 19, see ‘* Annals.”
Tufted Duck, Newport, Fife, Sept. 12.
Tufted Duck, nest with eggs in Selkirkshire,
July, see ‘* Annals.”
’
OuvER HEBRIDES Pochard, Rodel, June 5, a pair remaining to
SUTHERLAND
SHETLAND .
ORKNEY
SHETLAND .
ORKNEY
breed.
Pintail (Dajfila acuta), Rodel, Oct. 29.
Longtailed Duck, a pair seen daily in May, Min-
galay.
Turtur communis (Turtle Dove).
Male shot near Wick June 7.
Rallus aquaticus (Water Rail).
Loch Hiliwell, Sept. 28 ; Mousa, Oct. 20, “ be-
lieved to breed in Shetland.”
N. Ronaldshay, in large numbers during the
winter ; first seen Nov. 9; most of them dis-
appeared by Dec. 9.
orzana maruetta (Spotted Crake).
One seen near Lerwick, Sept. 21 ; said to be not
uncommon between Septemberand November.
One killed and another seen, N. Ronaldshay,
sept. 27.
160 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Crex pratensis (Land Rail).
ORKNEY . . Pentland Skerries, April 27, a pair, the male
bird killed at lantern; Hoy Sound, May 18;
last seen Oct. 16.
SIAR . Fearnan, Loch Tay, May 10; Arbroath, May 23.
FORTH ! . Duddingston, May 7; Doune, May ro.
TWEED ; Hallmyre, May 4.
OUTER HEBRIDES Stornoway, May 6; Island Ghlais, Aug. 23.
ARGYLL AND IszEs Tiree, May 16.
SOLWAY. . Loch Ryan, May 18.
First seen April 27, Pentland Skerries; last
seen Oct. 16, same locality,
Charadrius pluvialis (Golden Plover).
SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, two shot in September ; decidedly
scarce in autumn.
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, first seen July 4; in numbers
during first half of August, and again at end
of November.
OUTER HEBRIDES Monach I., May to.
Sguatarola helvetica (Gray Plover).
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay Sept. 3.
OUTER HEBRIDES I. Ghlais, Harris, May ro.
Vanellus vulgaris (Lapwing).
'SHETLAND=5 . Dunrossness, scarce on migration ; Oct. 3, one;
Oct>6, four.
ORKNEY . . Hoy Sound, first seen April 3 ; N. Ronaldshay,
mostly leave early in September.
dhe ga ; . Bell Rock, Feb. 26, one; March 3, twelve pass-
ing west, wind E.
OuTER HEBRIDES Barra Head, Nov. 10, two; Oct. 25, one. Butt
of Lewis, first seen April 15. Monach L.H.,
April 18.
ARGYLL AND IsLes Skervuile, Jura, Nov. 23, large flock in rush
with other birds, wind E.
Strepsilas interpres (Turnstone).
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, July 4, five; July 27, a score:
and numbers later. A few seem to remain
all the year.
OuTER HEBRIDES Monach I.—“ A good few always round here: a
pair about the same place every year.”
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, May 6.—‘ A few always stay here all
summer.”
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 161
Phalaropus hyperboreus (Red-necked Phalarope).
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, last seen August 4.
ARGYLL AND IsLes A specimen of P. fiulicarius (Gray Phalarope),
picked up in Oban Bay, Jan. 15.
Scolopax rusticula (Woodcock).
SHETLAND . . Sumburgh Head, one seen, Oct. 20.
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Nov. 3, 9.
SUTHERLAND . Dunnet Head, one killed at lantern, Nov. 17.
DEE . : . Girdleness, in rush with other birds, Nov. 19.
FORTH ; . Spring migration: Doune, March 4, eight birds,
new arrivals; March 11, a great many; all
passed by March 15.
OuTER HeEpRIDES' Barra Head, Oct. 20; Rodel, Harris, Oct. 17;
Skerryvore Nov. 23, 24, in rush with Zurdide,
wind E., hazy.
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, January 11.—‘‘ Very abundant: more
than I have ever seen here before.”
Principal movements, March 11-15, Nov. 19,
Ix. Af.
Gallinago major (Double Snipe).
SUTHERLAND . Thurso, Aug. 24, young male killed.
SHETLAND . . Among flights of Snipe visiting Dunrossness at
latter end of September were a number of
individuals which were doubtless specimens
of G. major. [1891, J. A. H.-B.]
Gallinago celestis (Common Snipe).
ORKNEY . . Arrived in N. Ronaldshay as early as August, but
most plentiful in latter half of November and
December.
Gallinago gallinula (Jack Snipe).
SHETLAND . . A number seen in Dunrossness: earliest Sept.
: 28; most between Oct. 6 and 10; a few
remained longer.
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, first seen Sept. 6.
Tringa minuta (Little Stint).
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 26, in flocks of from ten
to fifty, and numerous up to Sept. 2.
ARGYLL AND IsLes Tiree, Aug. 31, in large flocks.
Tringa striata (Purple Sandpiper).
SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Sept. 29.
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 23, five.
7 D
162 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Tringa canutus (Knot).
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 12, one; Aug. 17 to 23,
in flocks.
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, Aug. 12; May 28, flock of seven flying
north.
Machetes pugnax (Ruff).
ORKNEY. . N. Ronaldshay, Aug. 9, 26, Sept. 1; singly, or
not more than three together.
ARGYLL AND IstEs’ Miree; Sept. 6; 22, three.
Calidris arenaria (Sanderling).
SHETLAND . . Quendale, one shot, Sept. 7; the only one seen.
ORKNEY. . Wonderfully numerous in N. Ronaldshay ; first
seen Aug. 25, flock of fourteen with Ringed
Plover.
ARGYLL AND IsLEes Tiree, May 16, winter residents have left; May
31, several hundreds in summer plumage,
wind S.; Aug. 25, first seen passing south.
Totanus hypoleucus (Common Sandpiper).
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, last seen Sept. 1.
Moray : . Glenlivet, April 24.
Ay’, . Arbroath, April 25.
FORTH : . Edinburgh, April 18.
TWEED ; Peebles, April 24.
OUTER HEBRIDES Monach I., May 1.
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, May 16.
First seen, Edinburgh, April 18; last seen, N.
Ronaldshay, Sept. 1.
Totanus canescens (Greenshank).
ORKNEY . . Scarce on autumn migration ; one seen Oct. 25,
and two shot out of flock of six in same
month. N. Ronaldshay.
ARGYLL AND Istes Tiree, last seen May 7, returned Aug. 3.
Limosa (Godwit).
SHETLAND . . Small numbers of JZ. Jlapponica (Bar-tailed
Godwit) at Virkie Voe in October.
ORKNEY. . A specimen of LZ. /apgonica in full breeding
plumage seen in N. Ronaldshay, June 8.
AI ger : . Tay estuary, Sept. 10, Z2.. Zappomica > pameee
L. egocephala (Black-tailed godwit) shot in
Montrose basin, Sept. 19; and one near
Tayport, Sept. 3.
MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1892 163
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, Z. /apponica last seen April 1, passing Sept.
6. L. egocephala, May 29, one ; Junerg, two.
Numenius pheopus (Whimbrel).
SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, last seen Oct. 3.
Tay . . Tayport, Aug. 31.
OuTER HEBRIDES Barra, April 12; Rodel, Harris, April 11.
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Tiree, April 28; May 7, flocks passing north ;
Aug. 25, flocks passing south.
Sterna (Terns).
ORKNEY . . Pentland Skerries, S. Zuviatilis (Common Tern),
May Io.
Moray : . Glenlivet, S. fluviatilis, May 13.
AS. . Arbroath, S. fluviatilis, May 11, Oct. 1.
OuTER HEBRIDES Butt of Lewis, May 24, “Terns” come to breed ;
Rodel, June 7.
ARGYLL AND IsLes Tiree, S. minuta (Little Tern), May 11, one;
plentiful by May 15. Skervuile, Jura,
“Terns,” May 17; Arctic Tern, May 9.
Larus glaucus (Glaucous Gull).
SHETLAND . . Dunrossness, Oct. 9, one, flying north-west ; on
Oct. 26, seven, passing south, in single birds
and in pairs: wind N.W. by W. Sumburgh
Head, Nov. 8, two.
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Nov. 10, single birds in mature
plumage.
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Kerrara, March 3, one shot.
Larus leucopterus (Iceland Gull).
SHETLAND . . One in Grutness Bay, Oct. 13.
ORKNEY . . N. Ronaldshay, Jan. 3; Foula, Jan. 12.
SUTHERLAND . Sandside, Caithness, Jan. 23; ‘Thurso, Dec.
11, two shot.
OuTER HEBRIDES Stornoway, one shot in January, one May 20,
and one seen May 23; seen also from July to
September, and supposed to have remained all
summer. Monach L.H., one seen April 28.
ARGYLL AND IsLEs Inverary and Poltalloch, Feb. 4; the latter
specimen immature.
Stercorarius (Skua).
ORKNEY . . Single birds identified as S. fomatorhinus
(Pomatorhine Skua) seen at Stromness Point,
Nov. 5, Dec. 29; S. crepidatus, Richardson's
Skua, common in N. Ronaldshay after Aug. 3.
164 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
(if ame : . S. pomatorhinus shot near Comrie, third week
in September.
ARGYLL AND Istes Tiree, S. crepidatus, May 20.
Procellaria pelagica (Stormy Petrel).
Moray : . One captured in Strath Brora, 15 miles from sea,
Oct 20.
FORTH ; . Inchkeith, twelve seen, Aug. 12.
OUTER HEBRIDES Barra Head, Nov. 16.
SOLWAY = ts . Loch Ryan L.H., one at lantern, Nov. 25%
5. V2 sale.
Colymbus glacialis (Great Northern Diver).
SUTHERLAND . Adult male, with breeding plumage not quite
complete, caught in nets at Thurso, June 13.
ARGYLL AND Istes Skervuile, Jura, pair about the rock, April 17-28.
ADDITIONS TO THE AUTHENTICATED COMITAL
CENSUS OF THE LAND AND FRESHWATER
MOLILVSCA OF SCOTLAND.
Wa. DENISON ROEBUCK, F.L.S.
Hon. Secretary and Recorder to the Conchological Society of
Great Britain and Ireland.
THANKS to the kindness of several friends,—viz. Mrs. Janet
Carphin of Edinburgh, Mr. William Evans, F.R.S.E., of the
same city, Mr. Lionel W. Hinxman of the Geological Survey
of Scotland, Mr. W. Baillie of Brora, Sutherlandshire, and
Mr. W. Duncan of Montrose,—I am able to add a consider-
able number of new records in continuation of my paper in
the “ Annals of Scottish Natural History ” for October 1892,
pp. 235-238, and in former numbers. The paragraphs are
numbered in continuation from my last paper.
I1. SHELLS FROM LOCHMABEN, DUMFRIESSHIRE.—
This is a county from which in former times I have been
singularly unsuccessful in obtaining mollusca for authenti-
cation and record. I was therefore extremely pleased to
receive from Mrs. Carphin a few specimens of Spherzum
corneum (referable to the var. zucleus but not perfectly
LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND 165
characteristic of it), Puzszdium fontinale, P. pusillum, P.
milium (=roseum), Limnea palustris, L. peregra var. lacus-
tris, Planorbis fontanus (= nitidus), Pl. nautileus, Pl. albus,
Pl. spirorbis, Pl. umbilicatus (= marginatus), Pl. contortus,
Physa fontinalis, Valvata piscinalis, Succinea putris, and
Vertigo pygm@a var. quadridentata, sixteen species, from
Lochmaben. All of these are, with the exception of the Z.
peregra, additions to the list of Dumfriesshire shells which
have passed the scrutiny of the Conchological Society’s
referees ; the specimens have, with one exception, been
kindly presented to the Conchological Society’s cabinet.
Numerous further additions may be anticipated to the
Dumfriesshire list, which, so far, only amounts to a total
of 38 species.
12. HELIX PULCHELLA AND H. CAPERATA IN PEEBLES-
SHIRE.—It is to Mrs. Carphin also that we are indebted for
an example of H/. pulchella taken at Peebles, and one of /.
caperata at Innerleithen, both additional authentications for
this county, for which we have now 36 species on record.
As Mrs. Carphin points out, it is interesting to find the last-
named species so far inland, as in Scotland it is more usually
found in districts bordering on the sea.
I 3. ARION MINIMUS AND PISIDIUM PUSILLUM IN
SELKIRKSHIRE.—For these two additions to the county
list, which now numbers a total of but 29 species authenti-
cated, we are indebted to Mr. Wm. Evans, by whom they
were found at Tushielaw, roth July 1892. From this
place he also forwarded Cochlicopa lubrica and Hyalinia
crystallina, which have been already recorded for the county.
14. LIMNA:A GLABRA IN MIDLOTHIAN.—From Mr. Wm.
Evans we have a couple of specimens of this species, collected
at Bavelaw Moss, near Balerno, 17th April 1891: an import-
ant addition to the fauna of the county of Edinburgh.
15. HELIX HISPIDA (=CONCINNA) AND HYALINIA
PURA IN LINLITHGOWSHIRE.—A consignment of shells
from this county so far back as the 18th October 1890,
which has been mislaid and so escaped my attention, in-
cludes these two species, additional to my list. A number
of shells collected at Philpstoun on the date mentioned
166 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
included an example of 1. pura, one of H. cellaria, a few of
H. nitidula, some young Helix rotundata, a Cochlicopa lubrica,
and several Vitrina pellucida. Another box of shells collected
about Linlithgow on the same date included, in addition to
several specimens of the type and a few of the var. albida
of Helix hispida (the shell hitherto known as 4. concinna,
and so recorded in my former papers), a young /. asfersa,
several small Physa fontinals, several encrusted and blackened
examples of Spherium corneum, and numerous Lizmnea
peregra, also blackened and encrusted. For the sight of
these shells we are indebted to our indefatigable friend Mr.
Wm. Evans.
16. VERTIGO PYGMAA! AND OTHER SHELLS IN FIFE-
SHIRE.—I have one addition for the Fifeshire list in Vertzgo
pygmea, found by Mr. Wm. Evans at Elie, 20th June 1891,
along with Helix pulchella and Pupa cylindracea (= umbilt-
cata). From Mrs. Carphin we have a specimen of the var.
maritima of Limnea peregra, albeit not a very characteristic
one, which it is of interest to note, although the species
has, of course, been authenticated for the county long ago.
17. ADDITIONAL RECORDS FOR SOUTH PERTH WITH
CLACKMANNAN.—From Mrs. Carphin we have received two
species additional for this area,—viz. Planorbis nautileus var.
crista, and Ancylus lacustris—both from Bridge of Allan, a
locality which, although, as Mrs. Carphin points out, it is
included politically in Stirlingshire, is included in the vice-
county of South Perth in Mr. Watson’s comital scheme,
which we follow.
From Strathyre we have a couple of examples of Cochl-
copa lubrica, which Mrs. Carphin sent us. This, however,
has been added (since the census) by Mr. Evans, and is con-
sequently no longer an addition.
18. VERTIGO SUBSTRIATA IN SOUTH .PERTHSHIRE.—
Mr. Wm. Evans has been so fortunate as to meet with this
seldom-detected species on the banks of the Keltie, near
Callander, where he found it on the 25th April 1892, in
1 The Editors remind me that this species was recorded from Elie by Mr.
Thomas Scott, F.L.S., so long ago as 1891 (‘* Scot. Nat.,” April 1891, p. 50),
but as the specimen in question has not been seen by the Society’s referees,
it does not come within the scope of this paper.
LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND _ 167
company with a few examples of V. edentula. We have
had the opportunity of examining the specimens of both, V.
substriata being especially noteworthy as an addition to the
South Perthshire list.
I9. SHELLS IN NORTH PERTHSHIRE.—Mrs. Carphin
sent us single examples of Helzx granulata (= sericea), H.
arbustorum, and Unio margaritifera, from Dunkeld, and all
of them additional records for the vice-county, for which we
have now had 52 species placed on record.
20. THE WHITE VARIETY OF ARION ATER IN KINCAR-
DINESHIRE.—Although not a new county record, it will be
of interest to record that in 1891 I received from Mr. Wm.
Duncan, of Montrose, a fine living example of Avion ater
var. alba, which he had found on the banks of the North Esk
at Morphie.
21. UNIO MARGARITIFERAIN BANFFSHIRE.—The receipt
of an example of the pearl mussel from the river Spey at
Aberlour, sent by Mr. Lionel W. Hinxman, of the Geological
Survey of Scotland, enables us to add this fine species to our
list for Banffshire. Another addition for the same county
is Helix rotundata, of which we have specimens collected at
Dufftown in November 1892 by Mr. Hinxman. At the
same time and place he found the following, which, however,
have already been placed on record by himself and other
friends: Helix hortensis var. lutea 12345, H. arbustorum,
Pupa cylindracea (=umbilicata), Bulimus obscurus, Balea
perversa, Clausilia perversa (=rugosa), Cochlicopa lubrica,
Arion ater, A. minimus, A. circumscriptus, and Agriolimax
agrestis var. sylvatica.
22. ADDITIONAL RECORDS FOR EASTERNESS.—A collec-
tion of slugs and shells made by Mr. Wm. Evans at Dalwhinnie
and received by me on the 17th June 1892 includes three
species additional to the vice-county: namely, Avion subfuscus,
A, minimus, and Hyalinia fulva ; the other species sent with
them including Avzon ater (small), A. c¢rcumscriptus ( = bourg-
uzgnatt), A. hortensts, Agriolimax agrestis, Hyalinia. alliaria,
H. radtatula, and Cochlicopa lubrica (very young). The
elevation at which they were found was 1200 feet.
168 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
23. NEW RECORDS FOR EAST SUTHERLANDSHIRE.—
From our old friend Mr. W. Baillie of Brora, to whom at
various times we have been indebted for much assistance
willingly rendered, we received ‘a few specimens each of
Limnea peregra and its var. lineata, *Planorbis nautileus,
*Pl. spirorbis, *Pisidium fontinale, P. pusillum and _ var.
obtusale, all from Loch Brora, collected on 17th October
1892; and from Brora, the same date, the following land-
shells: Cochlicopa lubrica, Balea perversa, Vitrina pellucida,
Pupa cylindracea (=umbilicata), *P. marginata, Hyalinia
crystallina, 1. cellaria, H. pura, Helix arbustorum, H. caper-
ata,and H!. pygmea, the four species marked with the asterisk
(*) being additional records.
24. THE FAUNAL STATUS IN SCOTLAND OF NERITINA
FLUVIATILIS AND PLANORBIS CARINATUS.—I have been in
correspondence with Mrs. Carphin on this subject. She
informs me that the former lives in abundance in Loch
Stennis, Orkney, and that as to the latter the only Scottish
locality given for it is the pond in the Botanic Garden at
Edinburgh, which is full of imported plants. There can be
no doubt whatever that P/lanorbzs carinatus is certainly not
entitled to be ranked as a Scottish shell ; while with regard
to the JVerztzna, it would be a matter of considerable interest
to ascertain why it should be found in the Orkneys and
nowhere else in the kingdom of Scotland.
25. HELIX PYGMAZA AND VERTIGO EDENTULA ADDED
TO THE ELGINSHIRE LIST.—So much material has been
placed before our referees from the county of Elgin by the
kindness of the Rev. George Gordon, D.D., and Mr. William
Evans, F.R.S.E., that it is not now an easy matter to add
o the number of species that we have had the opportunity
of seeing from it. Nevertheless, an examination of a collec-
tion of specimens made by Mr. Evans so far back as August
1891 (and which has been mislaid and only just turned up)
adds a couple of molluscs to the list of authentications, which
now amounts to 55 species. One of these is Helzxr pygmea,
a few examples of which were collected at Ballindalloch
Castle, 15th August 1891, along with Hyalinia nitidula
(one), H. alltarta (a few, small), H. crystallina (several), H.
LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF SCOTLAND _ 169
pura var. margaritacea (a few), H. fulva (two), Vitrena pel-
lucida (one, small), and Carychium minimum (several). The
second addition is Vertigo edentula from Cromdale, near Gran-
town, a few of which were collected in August 1891 along with
Vitrina pellucida (several), Hyalinia cellaria (one), H, alliaria
(a few), H. radiatula (a few), Cochlicopa lubrica (several),
Limnea peregra (two), and Ancylus fluviatilis (one).
26. SIX ADDITIONS TO THE BANFFSHIRE LIst.—The ex-
amination of specimens collected by Mr. William Evans in
Banffshire so long ago as August 1891, which I have had the
misfortune to misplace, and which I have just found, brings
under the notice of our referees as many as six species which
they have not hitherto seen from Banff, and which bring its
total list of species up to 32. An example of Hyalinza
radiatula is among a gathering made at Ballindalloch on the
15th August 1891, which also includes an individual of
Vitrina pellucida and several of Helix rotundata and of
Cochlicopa lubrica. The other five additions are Hyalinza fulva,
H. glabra, H. pura var. margaritacea, Helix pygm@a, and
Carychium minimum, of which a few specimens each were
collected on the banks of the Avon above Ballindalloch,
Banffshire, on the 25th August 1891, along with several
Hyalinia crystallina, a few Vitrina pellucida, several Cochlicopa
lubrica (both type and var. /ubricozdes), and several Lzmne@a
truncatula var. ventricosa.
27. SHELLS FROM EASTERNESS.—I have to thank Mr.
William Evans for an interesting series of shells collected
during May of the present year at and near Aviemore, in the
vice-county of Easterness, which includesas many as I I species
which our referees have not hitherto seen from that vice-
county. These are Hyalinia nitidula (one), Helix lamellata
(one), 77. fusca (one, young), 47. rotundata (one), Vertego
edentula (one), Clausilia rugosa (one, small), Succtnea putris
(several, young), Lzmnea truncatula (one), Ancylus fluviatilts
(a few), and a number of P2sidium pusillum and P. fontinale
(these two from Loch Phitinlais). Other shells sent at the
same time were Cochlicopa lubrica (a few), Hyalinia fulva
(one), #7. crystallina (several), H. radiatula, H. pura var.
margaritacea (several), H/. alliaria (several), and Vitrina
pellucida (one); and they were accompanied by small
170 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
examples of three slugs: Arion subfuscus (one), A. minimus
(two), and Limax cinereo-niger (one, from Loch-an-Eilan).
While recording these, I take the opportunity of mentioning
several examples of Hyalinza alliaria and a few of Vztrina
pellucida collected on the 12th of September 1891 at Nairn,
which Mr. Evans has been good enough to allow us the sight
of. The eleven additions now brought forward raise the
total number of authentications for Easterness to 36 species.
ON’ SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA:
By Joun Roy, LL.D.
(Continued from p. 111.)
PLATE IV.
DESMIDIEZ (Ke.), DE Bary.
DESMTIDIUM (Ag.), De Bary.
1. D. Aptogonum, Breb,—Not common. Sutherland, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Fife.
B LEhrenbergii, Rab.—Rare. |Aberdeen—pools beside
Birsemore Loch; Kincardine—near Banchory.
2. D. cylindricum, Grevy.—General. With zygospores, at Slew-
drum in Birse.
On
. D. quadratum, Nordst.—Very rare. Aberdeen—at Slewdrum
in Birse.
4. D. Swartzit, Ag.—General. With zygospores, at Tomachar,
in Aberdeen.
B quadrangulatum, Ralfs.—Rare. Aberdeen—Scotston
Moss (Mr. P. Grant and Dr. Dickie), Heughhead
near Aboyne, Black Moss in Cromar, Braemar
(Mr. W. West).
HVALOTHECA, Kz.
1. A. dissiliens (Sm.), Breb.—General.
B bidentula, Nordst.—Common.
y tridentula, Nordst—Common. Zygospores are abundant.
2. H. mucosa (Dillw.), Ehr.—Not common. Inverness, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Perth, Argyle.
B minor, n. var.—Very tare. Only half the usual diameter,
g-12 p. Aberdeen—plentiful in a small pool at the
west end of Birsemore Loch.
~
Ann. Scor Nar Hist 1893.
PEATE Ee
ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEA 171
3. H. undulata, Nordst—vVery rare. Aberdeen—in two pools
immediately to the west and north of Loch Dawan.
This species was detected in Sweden by Dr. Nordstedt in
1878, and was published in No. 248 of Wittrock and
Nordstedt’s “ Algze Exsiccate.” It was first collected and
identified as a new species about 1870 by Mr. W. Archer,
F.R.S., in the west of Ireland ; and was sent to a few of his
friends under the MS. name of /. ¢enuzs, but was not other-
wise published, though a careful drawing was made at the
time. We found it in Aberdeenshire in 1874, and after-
wards in North Wales (Plate IV. fig. 1).
GYMNOZYGA, £Ehr.
G. moniliformis, Ehr. (= Bambusina Brebissonit, Kg. = Didymoprium
Borreri, Ralfs..—General. With zygospores, in Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Perth, and Argyle.
SPOND YLOSIUM, Breb.
S. pulchellum, Archer.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle.
This species has been found distinctly stipitate, attached
to species of Conferva. Mr. Archer drew my attention
to this.
SPHAROZOSMA, Corda.
1. SS. Archeri, Gutwinski (“ Flora Glonédw Okolic Lwowa,” Tab. I.
fig. 4, p. 29, 1891; Nordstedt in Witt. and Nord., “ Alg.
Exsic.,” No. 967, 1889, under Spherozosma vertebratum
(Breb.), Ralfs. Forma; and Nordstedt in “ Alg. Aq. Dulcis
Exsic.,” Fascic. 21, p. 34, 1889.—Very rare. Aberdeen—
pond at Tonley, near Alford, where it is abundant; and
near Castleton, Braemar, where we first found it, very
sparingly, in 1878.
Nordstedt and Gutwinski think that probably this is the
species Archer had in view as having a spiny zygospore.
I scarcely think so, for he makes no mention of the two
rows of granules on the semi-cell, which he was far too good
an observer to miss. Biene’s form (Rabenh. ‘‘ Alg. Europ.,”
No. 1769) is so completely shrunk, that no amount of coax-
ing will show the true form of the cells; but no trace of
granules can be seen on them. ‘The probability, therefore,
is that his form and Archer’s are the same.
Wye
Pie
3:
ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
. 8. excavatum, Ralfs.—General. Frequently conjugated, especi-
ally among stones in the margins of streams.
B Watllichit, Jacobs.—Probably not uncommon. _Inver-
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine.
y Wallichtt has been observed on Deeside, and is
probably common.
. S. granulatum, Roy and Bisset.—Widely distributed, but not
common. Sutherland, Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine,
Forfar, Perth, Argyle.
S. secedens, De Bary.—Very rare. Aberdeen—at Slewdrum in
Birse, Loch Dawan, and Mosston Moor in Cromar.
S. vertebratum (Breb.), Ralfs.—Not common. Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth.
ONYCHONEMA, Wallich.
. O. filiforme, Ehr. (Spherozosma, Aut.)—Not common. Ross—
near Strathpeffer ; Inverness—Lochs Ruthven, Aschie, and
Coire, etc., near Brin; Aberdeen and Kincardine have
numerous localities.
. O. leve, Nord.—Extremely rare. Found once. Aberdeen—
by the side of the old road from Aboyne to Kincardine
O’Neil, about a mile from Aboyne.
O. Nordstedtiana, Turner.—Not common. Probably occurs
more frequently than its near relative O. filiforme ; but its
separate distribution was not noted till recently.
MICRASTERIAS, Ag.
. MW. americana (Ehr.), Ag —Rare. Aberdeen—Scotston Moor,
Powlair, south of Birsemore, Slewdrum, Morven, Lochnagar,
corrie of Loch Ceanmhor; Kincardine—Glen Dye and
Clochnaben ; Forfar—Lundie Bog near Menmuir ; Perth—
Glen Shee and Glas Maol.
B Ralfs.—Very rare. Aberdeen— Corrie of Loch
Ceanmhor; Kincardine—Crathes, and about Cam-
mie in Strachan.
M. angulosa, Hantz.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver-
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle.
Conjugated at Slewdrum on Deeside. Zygospore large,
globose ; spines stout, bi-, tri, and quadri-furcate at their
apices, and not very numerous. Diameter, without spines,
114-116 2; length of spine, 32 » (Plate IV. fig. 2).
M. conferta, Lundell.—Rare. Inverness—Glen Urquhart ;
Aberdeen—Upper Powlair in Birse, Birsemore Loch and
Dalwhing near Aboyne, pool north of Loch Dawan, and
oO’
Io.
Li.
ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEAt 173
marshes between Loch Kinord and Cambus-o’-May; Kin-
cardine—Muiryhaugh and Dalbrake in Strachan; Argyle—
in Glen Coe; Arran—in North Glen Sannox.
M. crenata, Breb.—Pretty common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran, Fife.
M. Crux-Melitensis (Ehr.), Ralfs.—Rare. Aberdeen—Scotston
Moor, Brimmond, Den of Gowner near Old Meldrum,
Slewdrum, beside Birsemore Loch, Tomachar and Home-
head in Cromar ; Kincardine—somewhere near Cammie in
Strachan ; Forfar—Clova Tableland ; Perth—Durdie, near
Perth.
M. denticulata, Breb.—General.
£B notata, Nordst.—Not uncommon.
y angusto-sinuata, Gay.—Rare, or overlooked. Kirkcud-
bright (Mr. W. West). '
. M. fimbriata, Ralfs.—Rare. Aberdeen—Scotston Moor, near
Kintore, Presswhin, Loch Ullachie, near Ballater; Kincar-
dine—near Bridge of Feugh; Forfar—vTannadice Curling
Pond, marsh north-west from Menmuir Church.
B spinosa, Bisset, n. var.—Very rare.
Differs from the typical form in having a row of minute
spines along each side of the principal sinuses, three or four
close to the base of each semi-cell, and a row of about four
under the base of the end lobe. Length, 210 yw; breadth,
200; isthmus, 25 p (Plate IV. fig. 3). Aberdeen—Slew-
drum, Loch Ullachie and marsh west of it.
. M. Jennert, Ralfs.—Not uncommon. Sutherland, Ross, Inver-
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran.
. MW. mucronata (Dixon), Rab.—Not common. Ross, Inverness,
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran.
M. oscitans, Ralfs.
This species was reported from Aberdeen by the late Mr.
Peter Grant; but we have seen nothing in this country
agreeing exactly with Ralfs’s drawings of it. From two
localities—viz. the head of Glen Tannar, Aberdeen, and
3alquhadly Hill, in Fern, Forfar, examples were seen which
came near it, but they differed, essentially as I think, in the
toothing of the lobes.
M. papillifera, Breb.—General. Has been found with zygo-
spores in Aberdeen near Dinnet ; and in Perth near Fowlis
Wester.
. M. pinnatifida (Kg.), Ralfs.—General, but scarce. Forms simi-
lar to those noted by Wallich and Elfving have been observed,
particularly in a pool a little to the north of Loch Dawan.
174 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
13. MW. radiosa, Ag.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—Slewdrum,
Aboyne, and Birsemore Lochs.
B ornata, Nordst.—Extremely rare. Inverness—near
Brin; Aberdeen—Slewdrum, and near Craigendinnie
Farm ; Kincardine—Scolty Dam.
14. MZ. rotata (Grev.), Ralfs.—General. Conjugated examples with
zygospores have been found in Aberdeen at Slewdrum, in
Kincardine between Bishop’s Dam and Clochnaben, and in
Forfar on Monroman Moor.
15. MW. Thomastana, Archer.—Not very common. Ross, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Stirling, Dumbarton.
16. MZ. truncata, Corda.—General and abundant. A variable species,
of which several forms have been observed. One found in
Glen Dye, in Kincardine, strongly suggested Nordstedt’s JZ.
adscendens. Unfortunately only one example was seen,
several years ago.
17.° MZ verrucosa, Bisset.—Rare. Figured and partially described by
Wolle in the “ Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club,” pp.
127-128, Lab IL. fig: 10, December 1385:
Large, about one-fifth part longer than broad, with num-
erous lobed or subgranulated prominences scattered over its
surface, of which three at the base of the semi-cell close to
the isthmus are larger than the others, and distinctly lobed ;
usually there are four on each side of these, reaching close to
the margin—these are smaller, and sometimes indistinct; there
are usually about eighteen others,—four on the end lobe, five
on the upper side lobes, and two on each of the basal lobes,
—but these numbers are liable to vary; the margin of the
end lobe and upper side lobes resembles JZ. angulosa,
Hantz., while the margin of the basal lobes is nearer JZ
denticulata, Breb.; the end view, owing to the numerous
prominences, is very irregular. Cell very thin; membrane
brownish. :
This very interesting species is related to JZ angulosa,
Hantz., in much the same way as JZ. denticulata, Breb., is to
M. Thomasiana, Archer. It is not granulated in the ordinary
sense; the prominences seem flattened, and their margins
cut into rounded segments, similar to the stigma of a species
of Poppy, only more deeply cut. Length, 210; breadth,
r80p; isthmus, 29 (Plate IV. fig. 2). _Aberdeen—Collie-
ston, Bennachie, Powlair in Birse (where it was detected by
Mr. Bisset in 1877), Slewdrum, ‘“‘Old Road” Aboyne, beside
Birsemore Loch, Moss of Logie, Morven, Dalbagie ; Kincar-
dine—Crathes, pool north-west side of Kerloch.
IO.
1p &
by
ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE 175
EUASTRUM (Ehr.), Ralfs.
Aboense, Elfy.—Rare, or overlooked. Aberdeen—on Ben
Muich Dhui, above Loch Etchachan.
. affine, Ralfs.—General, not abundant.
ampullaceum, Ralfs—Not very common. Sutherland, Ross,
Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle,
Arran, Fife. Conjugated with zygospores in Aberdeenshire,
in moraine pools near Cambus-o’-May. ‘The zygospores
are globular, with numerous short, conical, acute spines.
Diameter without spines, 54-60; length of spine 6.4 p.
. ansatum, Ralfs.—General and abundant. Vars. sublobatum
and fyxtdatum, Delponte, are common, but scarcely deserve
special notice. Found conjugated with zygospores in
Aberdeenshire, near Turriff, by Mr. W. Anderson. ‘They are
globular, with numerous short, stout, abruptly sharp-pointed
spines. Diameter without spines, 38.4; length of
spine, 6.4 p.
. binale (Turpin.), Ralfs—General and abundant. Extremely
variable. The following forms from Ralfs are common,
and seem pretty constant. Their zygospores are much
wanted.
(a) Forma minuta, Lund. (Ralfs, “ Br. Des.,” t. xiv. 8a).
(4) Forma (Ralfs, Zc. 84).
(c) Forma (Ralfs, Zc. 82, 2).
(2) Forma (Ralfs, Zc. 8e), etc.
crassicolle, Lundell. Rare. Ross—Poolewe ; Aberdeen—
Presswhin and Bogwartle in Cromar, Colonel’s Bed in
Glen Ey; Forfar—Canlochan ; Perth—Rannoch, Craig-an-
Lochan ; Kirkcudbright—New Galloway.
. crassum (Breb.), Lund.—General.
cuneatum, Jenner.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver-
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Arran, Kirkcud-
bright.
declive, Reinsch.—Abundant. Zygospores are not uncom-
mon.
. denticulatum, Gay.—General.
. didelta, Ralfs.—General. With zygospores, at Dalwhing
near Aboyne. ‘They are globular, very thick-walled ; spines
not numerous, short, stout, and blunt. Diameter without
spines, 73.6%; length of spine, 12.8 p.
divaricatum, Lundell.—Very rare. Argyle—in Glen Coe.
176
12:
14.
15
10:
7
18.
19.
20.
Zale
22.
22)
24.
25:
26.
Ti,
ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
elegans, Breb.—General. With zygospores, at Slewdrum.
They are globular, with pretty numerous simple spines, taper-
ing to an acute point. Diameter with spines, 64; diameter
without spines, 51.2 p.
B. bdidentatum, Nag.—Common.
E. elobatum, Luandell.—Rare. Sutherland—Loch Inver; Ross—
ae = ie
nD
Poolewe ; Aberdeen—Tonley and Tough, near Alford ; Kin-
cardine—Cammie in Strachan; Perth—Glas Maol, Ben
Chroin, and Craig-na-Lochan (Mr. W. West).
. erosum, Lundell.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aber-
deen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran.
. gemmatum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver-
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth.
. Aumerosum, Ralfs.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aber-
deen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle.
. Inerme (Ralfs), Lundell—Not common. Sutherland, Ross,
Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle,
Arran.
. insigne, Hassall—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver-
ness, Banff, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle,
Arran,
insulare, Wittr—-Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver-
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle.
intermedium, Cleve.—Rare. Sutherland—tLoch Inver ;
Ross—Poolewe ; Aberdeen—South Birsemore ; Forfar—
Glen Clova ; Perth—Arnbathie Loch; Argyle—Glen Coe.
. Lobulatum, Breb.—General, but usually occurs very sparingly.
. oblongum (Grev.), Ralfs.—General. With zygospores, in
Aberdeen at Powlair in Birse.
. pectinatum, Breb.—Very common. With zygospores, in
Aberdeen at Slewdrum in Birse, and Dalbagie, near Ballater.
PB brachylobum, Wittr—Not so common.
pingue, Elfv. (£2. Armstrongianum, Archer’s MSS.)—Very
rare. Aberdeen—near Cambus-o’-May; Forfar—in Glen
Clova; Argyle—in Glen Coe.
This species was gathered by Mr. Archer in Connemara,
and shown as a new species at the meeting of the Dublin
Microscopical Club on 29th April 1870. A slight descrip-
tion, without a name, appears in the club’s transactions of
that date.
pinnatum, Ralfs.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Aber-
deen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle.
ae.
28.
29.
30.
ga;
33:
ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIE: yi
£. Pokornyanum, Grunow.—Extremely rare. Ross—Poolewe
(Rev. D. Campbell).
£. pulchellum, Breb.—Seems widely distributed, but occurs very
sparingly. Sutherland, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar,
Perth, Argyle.
£.. rostratum, Ralfs.—General, but scarce.
E, Sendtnerianum, Reinsch.
P latius, n. var.—Extremely rare.
Apices broader. Length, 43.2; breadth at base, 25.6y;
breadth at apex, 19.2 p.
Aberdeen, near Den of Maidencraig.
. £. sinuosum, Lenorm.—Rare. Aberdeen—near Kintore, Upper
Powlair, Birsemore Loch, South Birsemore, Dalbagie and
Castleton ; Kincardine—Cammie, Curran, and Dalbrake in
Strachan ; Perth—Glen Garry, Rannoch, and near Coilan-
togle Ford.
£. sublobatum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver-
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle.
EE. ventricosum, Lundell.—Not common. Sutherland, Inver-
ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Perth, Argyle, Arran.
. £. verrucosum, Ehr.—General.
STAURASTRUM (Meyen), Ralfs.
S. acarides, Nordst.—Rare. Aberdeen—Craig Phiobaidh near
Girnoc, corrie of Loch Ceanmhor; Forfar—Canlochan ;
Stirling—Alva Glen.
S. aculeatum, Ehr.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth.
S. acutum, Breb.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth.
S. alternans, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Inver-
-ness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Fife.
B. pulchrum, Wille.-—Seemingly very rare. Perth—Glen
Garry near Dalnacardoch.
S. amenum, Hilse.
Forma Spetsbergensis, Nordst.—Not common. Sutherland,
Ross, Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth,
Dumbarton, Bute.
. S. anatinum, Cooke and Wills.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Slew-
drum and Blair Glas, and between Loch Kinord and Cambus;
Kincardine—near Curran in Strachan; Argyle—Glen Coe.
This fine species was first detected in Connemara by
7 E
178
Io.
Tek.
12.
Te:
16.
Ss
iS
ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Mr. Archer, about the year 1866. He sent it to me with
beautiful drawings in 1874. In the following year he
gathered it in Argyle, and we found it in Aberdeen. It is
very local and rare in this country.
apiculatum, Breb.—General, but scarce. With zygospores, at
Slewdrum in Aberdeen.
. Arachne, Ralfs.—Distribution peculiar ; all but confined to
Deeside, where it is not uncommon. Aberdeen—Upper Pow-
lair, Slewdrum, Forest of Birse, near church of Birse, south
of Birsemore, Craigendinnie, Steps, Glen Tannar, Dalwhing,
Tomachar, Culblean, south of Loch Kinord, Dalbagie, Loch
Ullachie, Castleton in Braemar, and Glen Clunie; Kincardine,
—Nigg, Crathes, Curran; Argyle—Glen Coe.
. Arctiscon (Ehr.), Ralfs.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Birsemore
Loch and Dalbagie; Argyle—in Mull near Tobermory
(1878).
arcuatum, Nordst.— Very rare. Aberdeen—pool beside
Loch Dawan, Dalbagie, and in Glen Clunie.
aristiferum, Ralfs—Not common. Inverness, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Perth, Dumbarton.
S. armigerum, Breb. (“Liste,” 1856, S. pseudofurcigerum, Reinsch,
Ziad
S.
S.
“Acta Senckenb,” 1867, and “Die Algentloray” 16677
Not common. Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar,
Perth, Stirling, Arran.
With zygospores, at Heughhead, near Aboyne. ‘They are
globular, with numerous spines, which are broad at the base
and taper to a fine, slightly bifid apex. Diameter, exclusive
of spines, 41 »; length of spine, 12 p (Plate IV. Fig. 12).
|. Arnellit, Boldt.
B tnornatum, n. var.—Extremely rare. ‘The only difference
consists in the granules being scattered. Aberdeen
—near Alford (Mrs. Farquharson of Haughton).
asperum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross, Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Fife.
aversum, Lundell.—Very rare. Aberdeen—near Aboyne;
Kincardine—at Cammie.
Avicula, Breb.—General.
Zygospores have been seen in the Feugh, at Heughhead,
Kincardine. (Plate IV. fig. 11 is probably a form of this
species with zygospore. )
. bacillare, Breb.
B obesum, Lundell.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—in a
small pool at the south end of Loch Dawan.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
S.
S.
S.
:
aes
—y
ON SCOTTISH DESMIDIEZ 179
bicorne, Hauptfl_—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—north and
west margins of Birsemore Loch.
bidentatum, Wittr. (.S. longispinum, Lundell, not of Bailey).
—Very rare. Argyle—Glen Coe (1878).
Bieneanum, Rabenh.—Rare. Caithness—Loch Hempriggs ;
Kincardine—Kerloch and Blackhall ; Forfar—Balquhadly in
Fern.
Forma Sfetsbergense, Wille. — Very rare. Aberdeen—
Lochnagar near the summit.
bifidum (Ehr.), Breb.—Extremely rare. Ross—at Poolewe
(July 1889, Rev. D. Campbell).
. botrophilum, Wolle.—Extremely rare. Inverness—on Cairn-
gorm, at 3500 feet (Mr. A. I. M‘Connochie).
. »S. brachiatum (Ehr.), Breb.—Not uncommon. Ross, Inverness,
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Arran.
With zygospores, in Kincardine—at Curran and Cloch-
naben.
brachycerum (Ehr.), Breb.—Not common. Aberdeen, Kin-
cardine, Forfar, Perth.
Braunii, Reinsch.—Very rare. Aberdeen—near Aboyne on
the ‘Old Road.”
. Brebtssonii, Archer—Not common. Ross, Aberdeen, and
Kincardine, common; Forfar—Barrelwell near Brechin ;
Perth—Hill of Alyth, Loch Lundie, and Birnam Hill; Fife
—Tents Moor.
brevispinum, Breb.—Not common. Sutherland, Inverness,
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth.
Cerastes, Lundell.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—near Loch
Dawan.
. ». clepsydra, Nordst.—Extremely rare. Aberdeen—at Achnerran,
in Logie-Coldstone.
-Clevet (St. leve, Ralfs; B Clever, Wittr.)—Very rare. Inver-
ness—at Brin, and in Skye near Loch Coruisk ; Argyle—Glen
Coe.
. coarctatum, Breb.—Very rare. Kincardine—at Cammie in
Strachan.
. connatum (St. dejectum, y connatum, Lund.)—General.
. controversum, Breb.—General.
. cordatum, Gay.—Very rare. Inverness—near Brin (Mrs.
Farquharson).
. corniculatum, Lundell.—Very rare. Aberdeen—Bottomend
and Heughhead, Aboyne.
180 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAE- HISfORY
36. S. cornigesum, n. sp.—Extremely rare.
Small ; length and breadth equal ; semi-cells oval, diverging
widely from the isthmus, which is broad; sides with one
simple or deeply cleft stout spine; end with about six small
emarginate spines, and two rows of similar spines within the
margin; end view triangular, with a stout spine at each
angle, and about four small emarginate spines on the margin
of the straight sides, and one row of similar spines within
the margin.
Length and breadth, 27 p, without side spines; isthmus,
it 5 length ofspine,-9 (Plate LV. fig. <5):
The nearest ally of this pretty species is St AZaamense,
Archer ; but the stout spines sufficiently distinguish it. Mr.
Archer sent it from Connemara many years ago.
Aberdeen—Blairglas, Logie-Coldstone (1878); Argyle—
Glen Coe.
37. 8. cosmarioides, Nord.—Extremely rare. Perth—Ben Chuirn
(Mr. William West).
38. S. crenulatum (Nag.), Arch.—Pretty common.
39. S. cristatum (Nag.), Arch.—Not common. Sutherland, Ross,
Inverness, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle, Fife.
40. S. cuspidatum, Breb.—Not common. Ross, Inverness, Banff,
Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth, Argyle.
B adivergens, Nord.—Occurs in many localities, but its
distribution has not been noted. It is certainly
common on Deeside.
y coronulatum, Gutwinskii—Extremely rare. Aberdeen
—Birsemore Loch. This looks like a distinct species.
Al. S. cyrtocerum, Breb.—Not common. Shetland, Sutherland,
Ross, Inverness, Banff, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, Perth,
Argyle. With zygospores, in Aberdeen, at Scotston.
(To be continued.)
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.
The Gray Seal (Halicherus grypus) near Berwieck-on-Tweed.—
In the stake nets at Goswick Salmon Fishery, belonging to Sir
William Crossman of Cheswick, and situated upon the North-
umberland coast about six miles from the mouth of the Tweed, the
first catch of the season 1893 was a seal, which was found in the
nets on the evening of the 16th February. On the following day,
when, on the invitation of Sir William, I paid a visit to Goswick, in
company with Captain Norman, R.N., for the purpose of seeing a
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 181
large flock of Wild Swans (Cygnus musicus) which had taken up
their quarters there, we were shown the Seal at the fish-house, and
the following dimensions were taken: Length, from tip of nose to
end of hind flippers, 4 feet 5 inches; girth round chest in front of
fore flippers, 2 feet 5 inches; the greatest girth being just 5 inches
more, and that immediately behind the shoulders. The weight, we
were afterwards informed, was 74 stones of 14 lbs. ; and the seal was,
as is usual, very fat. Of fur, properly speaking, there was none ; the
only covering being a very short stiff hair, of rather scanty growth,
and not much exceeding a quarter of an inch in length on the upper
parts of the body, slightly longer and thicker below. The hair
presented a dirty white or washed-out appearance all over, and on
the upper part of the neck and body had been almost entirely rubbed
off, as was supposed, by the attempts of the animal to escape from
the net. The skin thus bared was of a dark brown or almost black
colour, with several apparently natural spots or rings of a lighter hue
about the neck. The whiskers and bristles on the face were very
strong and pretty numerous, but had also been much worn and
broken. Being rather uncertain as to the species, I had the head
cut off and forwarded to Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke a day or two later,
when, from the dentition, he was able without doubt to pronounce
the specimen to be a young example of 4. grypus. Although since
1841, when Selby recorded the Gray Seal as a not uncommon
inhabitant of the Farne Islands, the species has been well known
along the Northumberland coast, one is so rarely properly identified
that this notice may not be without interest, while the occurrence,
though in England, is so near the Borders that perhaps no excuse
is necessary for its insertion in the ‘‘ Annals.”,—-GEORGE BoLam,
Berwick-on-T weed.
Golden Oriole (Ovio/us galbula) in Orkney.—On the 2oth of
May, at 6 p.m., I observed a specimen of this beautiful species at
Lopness, Sanday. The bird was quite alone, and did not join the
starlings and other birds which were near by. ‘The wind was from
the south-east, a fresh breeze, with some fog occasionally, and had
blown from that quarter for about a week. As this species has no
place in Messrs. Buckley and Harvie-Brown’s Fauna of Orkney, it
is probably an addition to the avifauna of the islands—Wn. Harvey,
Sanday.
Nesting of the Snow Bunting (/lecfrophanes nivalis) in the
Eastern Cairngorms.—On znd June, while traversing the bare, stony
top overlooking a steep rocky corrie in one of the highest parts of
this range, we observed a male Snow Bunting in beautiful summer
plumage sitting on a stone a few feet from us and apparently quite
unconscious of our presence. On moving nearer, he flew off, and
the female was seen creeping amongst the stones close by. From the
motions of the birds, we felt certain that the nest was not far off ;
182 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
but two successive spells of ‘‘lying-up” failed to reveal its position,
nor indeed did we again see the female bird. The next day we
revisited the spot, but saw nothing of either of the birds, and spent
some time in fruitlessly tapping and turning over the loose stones in
the vicinity, with the hope of putting the female off the nest. On
returning in the evening, the male was seen on the point of a rock
a little way down the steep scree-face of the corrie, and just below
the point where he was first observed. He was singing beautifully,
and continued his song while under observation from a distance of a
few feet. ‘The female was still invisible, and our chances of finding the
nest, owing to the difficulty of driving her out from among such
a chaos of loose blocks, seemed almost hopeless. ‘The morning of
the 5th, however, saw us back again, accompanied by Captain and Mrs.
Savile Reid, Mr. St. Quintin, and Mr. Ogilvie Grant of the British
Museum. No sooner had we reached the edge of the corrie than
the female was seen a little distance below flitting amongst the
stones. Taking up our position in line along the face, we had only
to wait ten minutes before the bird was observed to slip in under
a rock by one of the writers ; the spot was marked, and we knew the
nest was ours. ‘Twenty feet or so below the brow of the corrie, and
at an elevation of 3700 feet above sea-level, the nest was placed
about 18 inches in amongst the loose granite blocks forming the
scree, in a position almost exactly similar to that of the nest taken
by one of us in Sutherland in 1886. The eggs, five in number,
were perfectly fresh, and the nest was composed chiefly of dry bents,
with a foundation of moss, and lined with innumerable hairs of the
red deer and a few white ptarmigan feathers.—LIoNEL W. H1nxman,
W. EAGLE CLARKE,
The Red-backed Shrike (Zamius collurio) nesting in Lanark-
shire.—In going over the collection of eggs of Mr. J. Harkness,
Cambuslang, a few months since, I was much pleased to have my
attention drawn to the eggs of the Red-backed Shrike, taken at Hall-
side, near Cambuslang, in the nesting season of 1892. Mr. Hark-
ness, while employed at the steel-works at Newton, had a message
sent to him on the afternoon of the 22nd of May by Mr. George
Jardine, son of the proprietor of Hallside, to the effect that he had
discovered a nest of the Red-backed Shrike, with eggs, there. Mr.
Harkness went to Hallside that evening, and found the nest placed
in a hawthorn hedge about five feet from the ground. It contained
six eggs, which were all taken. Two of these were exhibited at the
April meeting of the Andersonian Naturalists’ Society. Mr. Harkness
informs me that both birds were frequently seen by him and by Mr.
Jardine. So far, their return has been looked for this year without
result. I have been unable to learn of any previous record of this
species nesting in Scotland, although Gray mentions some circum-
stances which point to this having happened ; but perhaps the editors
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 183
of the “Annals” may be able to give some information on the
subject.—JOHN PATERSON, Govanhill.
[This species is said to have nested in the South-Eastern districts
of Scotland. On the West it is only to be regarded as very rare; and
we do not remember, at the moment, an authentic instance of its
having nested there.—Eps. |
Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) and Caterpillars.—It would be
interesting to know whether in other places a much larger number of
Cuckoos than usual have been noticed, or whether this place has been
specially favoured by a convocation of these birds. In ordinary years
we usually see a solitary Cuckoo several times in the season, and
hear them in the ordinary way; but this spring the walled garden
which adjoins the house, and the woods round the house, have for
above a week been absolutely alive with them. On the 22nd of
May, I noticed an extraordinary number of these birds, and was
surprised at the free way in which they showed themselves. As
many as three or four would fly up from among the fruit bushes in
the garden. One evening, between 8 and g p.m., we frightened as
many as six of these birds from the garden ; while the trees round the
house seemed full of others cuckooing loudly. The convocation
seems dispersing now. Whether the severe measures the gardener is
taking to get rid of a perfect plague of Caterpillars in the gooseberry
bushes has brought this about, I do not know, but certainly since
he gave the bushes a dressing of black-soap and water and paraffin
a few nights ago, our Cuckoos have not been so much in the garden.
—E. L. Macpowa.L, Lochwinnoch.
The Merlin (falco esalon) as an enemy of the Vole.—In his
evidence before the Commission on the Vole Plague, one of the
witnesses states that the Merlin did not prey on Voles. That it does
so, when it has the opportunity, is shown by the fact that two Voles
newly killed were found lying at the margin of a nest of this bird
on the Pentland Hills, which contained young.—T. G. LaIpDLaw,
Edinburgh.
Quail in Mid-Lothian (Co¢urnix communts).—I had the pleasure
of hearing two birds on the afternoon of Thursday, 18th May. The
first was in a rye-grass field on the farm of Loanhead, which lies to
the east of the village of Pathhead. The other, which was also in
rye-grass, was on the farm of Remote, which lies to the east of, and
adjoins the first-named farm. The birds were nearly half a mile
apart ; but I could hear both calling at intervals, while walking from
the one field to the other. I was close to both birds, but thought
it prudent not to disturb them. Mr. T. N. M‘Dowall, farmer,
Remote, who was accompanying me, informed me that he had, for
a time previously, heard birds on his own and adjoining farms.
Remote is near the East Lothian boundary.—P. Apatr, Edinburgh.
184 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
Fulmar Petrel (/wmarus glacialis) breeding in Papa Stour,
Shetland.—It may be interesting to place on record the fact that
thirty pairs of Fulmars had nests on the south-westerly face of the
Horn of Papa Stour in 1892. Hitherto, I believe, its only Shetland
nesting resort has been Foula——AbELAIDE L. TRraiLi, Edinburgh.
The Palmated Newt (J/olge palmata) in Inverness-shire.—
Following up my note on this species in the “ Annals” for April
last (p. 118), I have now to record it from Inverness-shire, where I
found it in May last in some abundance in a pool close to Aviemore,
and also at Loch Vaa, about three miles distant.—WIuLLIAmM EvANs,
Edinburgh.
Seottish Newts Wanted.—I shall be glad to receive specimens
of Newts, for examination, from all parts of Scotland, with the view
to working out the distribution of the species. All co-operation
will be duly acknowledged. ‘They travel well alive in a little damp
moss.—WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, Museum of Science and Art,
Edinburgh.
On Nezera cuspidata (Olivi) and Odostomia rufa (Philippi), var.
fulvo-cineta, in the Firth of Forth.—These two species have already
been recorded for the Forth Estuary, but are apparently rare; and
this report of their recent occurrence may therefore be of interest.
On the 14th of April last, we were trawling a few miles (6 to 8)
east of May Island, in 31 to 32 fathoms of water (ordinary spring
tides), when, owing to a slight accident, the bottom tow-net when
hauled up was found to contain a considerable quantity of muddy
sand ; this sand was casually examined when collected, but appeared
to include little of anything that was of special interest. It was
nevertheless carefully washed, and when afterwards an opportunity
occurred for looking over the material, several interesting things
were obtained, among which were /e/alomera declivis, G. O. Sars,
and Campylaspis rubicunda, Lilljeborg,—two Crustaceans that have
been only lately added to the British fauna, and the two species of
Mollusca now referred to.
Neera cuspidata is recorded in Leslie and Herdman’s useful
little work on the ‘Invertebrate Fauna of the Firth of Forth,” on
the authority of Thomas, as occurring off Port Seaton and Fidra, in
17 fathoms. In the same work reference is also made to Firth of
Forth records in Forbes and Hanley’s “ British Mollusca,” and in
Dr. M‘Bain’s Catalogue (in Wood’s “‘ East Neuk of Fife”); but there
appears to be no record of its occurrence in the Forth Estuary
within recent years. ‘Though apparently a widely distributed species,
there are comparatively few reports of its occurrence on the east of
Scotland. Macgillivray has reported it from the Aberdeenshire
coast, and I have it from the Moray Firth, The Moray Firth
specimen is smaller even than that from the mouth of the Forth
ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 185
Estuary. Both the Firth of Forth and the Moray Firth specimens
were alive when captured.
Odostomia rufa (Philippi), var. rufa-cincta, was first recorded
for the Forth by Professor Henderson in the “ Proceedings of the
Royal Physical Society, Edinburgh,” vol. viii. p. 313 (1884-85).
He obtained one living, and several dead specimens somewhere
west of May Island, in 20 fathoms. Our specimens occurred, as
already stated, in the same material with the Veera ; a few living
specimens were secured, all marked with the characteristic rufous
band.—THomas Scott, Leith.
The Water Spider (4rgyroneta aquatica) in Inverness-shire.—
On rgth May last I captured about a dozen examples of this fine Spider
among sphagnum, growing in pools by Loch Phitiulais, near Aviemore.
The fact is interesting, inasmuch as it carries the distribution of the
species much farther north in central Scotland than hitherto ascer-
tained ; the only Scotch habitats on record, so far as I know, being
Luffness and Balerno near Edinburgh, Possil Marsh, Glasgow, and
Scotston Moor, near Aberdeen. No doubt, when carefully looked
for in suitable localities, it will be found to have a much more general
distribution than we are at present aware of.—WILLIAM Evans,
Edinburgh.
Notes on Forth Annelida.—The Forth Annelids appear to have
received less attention than several of the other invertebrate groups.
This neglect is perhaps partly due to a certain feeling of repugnance
with which many people look upon these animals; yet when this
feeling can be overcome, the study of the Annelida is found to be
exceedingly interesting.
The curious Zinews marinus, Mont. = emertes borlasit, Cuv.,
though comparatively a common species, has not, so far as I can
ascertain, been recorded for the Forth. We occasionally obtain
specimens of this species measuring several yards in length; yet
these, though large, are but pigmies in comparison with the giant
described by Professor M‘Intosh in his valuable “ Monograph of the
British Annelides.” This specimen had been cast ashore at St.
Andrews during a severe storm in 1864; and when put into a jar 8
inches wide by 5 inches deep, it half filled the vessel. At page 183,
part 1, of the work referred to, Professor M‘Intosh thus describes the
length of the specimen: ‘Thirty yards,” he says, ‘‘ were measured
without rupture, and yet the mass was not half uncoiled.” We
usually obtain Lineus marinus about the roots of tangles, among
which it winds itself in apparently inextricable confusion.
Ammotrypane aulogaster, Rathke.—The only Forth record of
this species seems to be that contained in the report of the German
North Sea Expedition, where it is recorded by Professor Mobius from
the vicinity of the Bass Rock. We find Ammotrypane all over the
Forth where there is a muddy bottom, which seems to be the kind
186 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
of habitat it prefers. It is also sometimes obtained by us in the
stomachs of fishes, ze. haddocks, etc. (a specimen was obtained in
the stomach of a haddock captured in the Firth on the 3oth ult.)
We are indebted to Professor M‘Intosh for the name of this species.
=—tnomas. Scorr, Leith.
BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.
Alehemilla vulgaris, Z.—I have been much interested in the
translation from A. Kerner, and also in the remarks by Mr. Druce
himself on this plant and its forms. It is one to which I have
paid some heed, being struck with what appear to me to be two
low country forms, and two distinct alpine forms.
rst. We have A. vulgaris, ew., almost glabrous, common by the
moist waysides and in shady places. ‘This is a strong-growing plant,
with the largest leaves on the stem near the roots. The whole
plant is of light green colour.
2nd. We have a form, common in similar, but dry situations.
It is of a more recent state of growth, with long brown hairs; but
otherwise appears to be the same plant. I have always taken this
to be A. montana, Willd.
3rd. We have on moist rocky ledges at considerable elevations,
and beside mountain rivulets, a plant that seems to come very near
A. glabra of Wimmer and Grabowski. It has long, smooth, and
shining petioles, generally of a ruby colour. The leaves are much
thinner than in either of the preceding, and their colour is light
green when the plant grows at about 2500 feet. The parts of this
plant are often larger than are those of the other forms; and, as
a rule, the largest stem-leaves are about the middle of the stem.
I sent this form to Mr. Bennett some years ago, but he returned
it as A. vulgaris, L.; for my own part I have always pointed it out
on the hill as A. vulgaris, L., var. alsina? I have now got a name
that pleases me far better, viz. A. glabrata?
Ath. We have that small form, with short grayish pubescence,
which is common on mountain sides, and grows almost to the top
of our highest mountains.
It is possible that the difference in these forms is entirely due to
situation ; but, when extreme forms are compared, it is somewhat
difficult to admit this.
Should the opportunity occur I will collect these forms and send
out sets of them to one or two of my friends, as well as to Mr.
Druce.
The late Professor Balfour told me that a plant of A. alpina
had become A. conjuncta after a few years’ cultivation in the
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens. I put a plant from Ben Lawers into
BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 187
a rockery at home twenty-three years ago. It was in every way typical
alpina last year. I have had at Uddingston algina and vulgaris
growing side by side, and often intermixed with each other, for eight
years, in the hope of getting conjuncta by self cross-fertilisation. I
get many zvu/garis seedlings, but no a/f~ina seedlings, and nothing
approaching conjuncta.
Although this shows very clearly what decision I ought to come
to in the matter, I hear so often of this plant changing under
cultivation, that I am not perfectly sure if it does not under certain
conditions. I have a specimen of conjuncta in my herbarium that
was taken from Ben Lawers by Provost Smith of Kinghorn, many
years ago, as a souvenir of his first trip to that mountain. Now if
he took alpina, and no other person substituted conjuncta for it,
alpina in this case must have changed into conjuncta; but as
comguncta is such a common garden hardy herbaceous plant, it is
just possible that in this case also the change is very much due to
the gardener.
I will believe in the change when I see some of my own plants
changing.—P. EwInc.
Orchids and Rooks.—There is a piece of undulating moor about
three miles from Aberdeen, dear to the botanists of that city, under the
name of Scotston Moor. On this some years ago various species of
Orchids abounded, including Ovchis maculata, O. latifolia, Habenaria
Conopsea, and Habenaria bifolia, all plentiful. For a number of years
the Orchids showed no sign of diminishing; nor did they appear to
suffer from the attacks of any animal. But during a severe winter
eight or ten years since the rooks, much straitened for food, turned
to the Orchids and dug out and ate the tubers. On several days
during that winter, and in the succeeding spring, I observed the
rooks in large numbers scattered over the surface of the moor, hard
at work, and I was able to convince myself of the object of their
search. ‘The ground was full of holes made by them. Next summer
the Orchids named above had almost disappeared from their old
haunts, showing the damage done to them by the birds. The raid
has not been repeated, probably owing to the tubers being too few to
offer much inducement to seek them out; and the Orchids are
slowly regaining ground ; but it will apparently be some time before
the damage is wholly repaired.—JAmMEs W. H. TRAIL.
Sundews and Butterflies.—On the same moorland I was once
witness to a somewhat striking reversal of the usual law that animals
feed on plants. On a swamp not exceeding ten yards across, on
which Drosera anglica was growing rather freely, one summer day I
noticed upwards of a dozen of the Small Heath Butterfly (Cenxonympha
Pamphilus) on the leaves. Some were dead; others were still struggling
violently. All were caught by the head, thorax, and legs, and seemed
quite powerless to free themselves. I have only once or twice seen
188 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
these butterflies captured on other occasions by sundews. One
might well suppose they are too large to fall easy victims. On the
occasion referred to, I saw nothing that could explain the large
number captured ; nor were the insects at all more numerous than
usual on the moor, either at the spot or elsewhere.—ID.
New Scottish Hawkweeds.—In a paper on “ British Hawk-
weeds” by Messrs. E. F. and W. R. Linton, of which two instalments
have appeared in the Journal of Botany (May and June), several
new “species” and ‘“‘varieties” are named and described, and
numerous additions are made to previous county records. Almost
all the plants noticed in the paper are from Scotland. ‘The new
forms are: A. grantticolum, n. sp., from Corrie Etchachan, under
Ben Muic Dhui; covense, n. sp., fairly abundant in Clova from 500
to 2000 feet above the sea, also in Canness and at Cairnwell ;
FH. bifidum, Kit., var. nov. siénuatum, W. R. Linton, near the fall of
Unich Water, above Loch Lee in Forfarshire ; A. Pectorum, Linton,
var. nov. dasythrix, from Corrie Ardran, in Mid-Perth ; 4. Boswedliz,
n. sp., from near Kirkwall in Orkney, the Strath of Dunbeath in
Caithness, several localities in Skye, and Meall-nan-Tarmachan and
near Killin in Mid-Perth; A. cesium, Fr., var. nov. petrocharts, from
the Breadalbane Hills; A. ewprepes, Hanbury, var. nov. glabratum,
from Clova district, and from three localities in Mid-Perth; /.
stenophyes, n. sp., from Bettyhill in Sutherland, from Mid-Perth, from
Dumbarton, and from near Moffat.
Experimental researches on the Life-history of Uredineze.—
Dr. Plowright has published in “Grevillea” (June) the results of
experiments on certain forms of hetercecismal fungi, of some of
which a brief account has already appeared in the “ Gardener’s
Chronicle.” He finds that 4cidium Periclyment, Schum., on honey-
suckle produces a Puccinia on Festuca ovina and on ¥. duriuscula,
but not on other grasses, and that, conversely, the spores of this
Puccinia produce only “cidium Periclyment. He describes the
cycle under the name Puccinia Festuce. He has worked out similar
relations between cidium Aguilegie, Pers., and a Puccinia on
Agrostis alba and A. vulgaris, and describes the cycle under the
name Puccinia Agrostidis.
He has established a similar cycle between Uvomyces lineolatus,
Desmaz., on Scirpus maritimus and Azcidium Glaucits on Glaux
maritima.
Uredineze in Seotland.—In reference to Dr. Plowright’s results
as stated in the above paragraph, it may be of interest to mention
that £cidium Periclyment is common in many localities in Scotland,
and that 4c. Aguilegie has been found near Ballater. I have also
examples of Festuca ovina and of Agrostis alba, both bearing uredo
and teleutospores of Puccinia, found by myself in Aberdeenshire,
CURRENT LITERATURE 189
but not in either case in the vicinity of the respective “czdva.
Scirpus maritimus and Glaux maritima grow in close proximity on
the Links near Old Aberdeen; but I have not detected any fungus
of this group on either, despite frequent searches.—JAMmes W. H.
TRAIL.
CURRENT LITERATURE.
The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His-
tory which have appeared during the Quarter—April-June 1893.
The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as
possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and
will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the
sources of information undermentioned. ]
ZOOLOGY. ~
A CATALOGUE OF LocaAL LIsTs OF BRITISH MAMMALS, REPTILES,
AND FISHES, ARRANGED UNDER COUNTIES. By Miller Christy,
F.L.S. Zoologist (3), vol. xvii. pp. 209-216 (June 1893).—The
present instalment deals with the Mammals of Scotland.
THE PLAGUE OF FIELD VOLES IN SCOTLAND. REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Zoologist
(3), vol. xvii. pp. 121-138 (April 1893).
ORNITHOLOGICAL Notes. By George Bolam. voc. Berwick-
shire Nat. Club, vol. xili. pp. 345-368.—Notes on forty-eight species,
including Waxwing, Pied Flycatcher, Hawfinch, Hoopoe, Hen
Harrier, Honey Buzzard, Smew, Spotted Crake, Great Skua, Red-
necked Grebe.
WasTE GROUND AND SUBURBAN Birp Lire. By John Paterson.
Ann. Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 118-127.—Forty-nine species
of birds observed in a small area within the present boundaries of
the city of Glasgow.
WaxXwING IN CAITHNESS. Zoologist (3), vol. xvii. p. 148 (April
1893).—Specimen captured in February near Rosebank by Mr.
John Malcolm, Wick.
THE RETURN OF THE SWALLOW. By Hugh Boyd Watt. Ann.
Andersonian Nat. Soc., 1893, pp. 83-88.—-Includes an addendum
by Mr. John Maxwell, on p. 88, giving dates of arrival of Swallows
at Baillieston House, Lanarkshire, from 1855 to 1892 inclusive.
WoopcockK NESTING IN Marcu. E. J. W. Wood. Zhe Field,
1st April 1893, p. 470.—Nest with four eggs found 21st March in
Islay.
Rurr IN THE ISLAND OF Lewis. R. Walters. Zhe Field,
11th March 1893, p. 376.—Specimen shot in the first week of Sep-
tember 1892.
190 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH, NATURAL HISTORY
THE GADWALL IN SCOTLAND. H. A. Macpherson. Zoologist
(3), vol. xvii. p. 153 (April 1893).—Bird shot in December 1892, in
the neighbourhood of the Moray Firth.
ON SOME NEW REPTILES FROM THE ELGIN SANDSTONE. By
E. T. Newton, F.G.S. (From Proc. Roy. Soc., vol. 52).—Notice
given in Geol, Mag. N. S., Dec. III., vol. x. p. 173 (April 1893).
CAPTURE OF LARGE Cop. G.M. The Field, 1st April 1893,
p. 470.—Cod landed at Hopeman, in the Moray Firth, measuring
4 ft. 4 in., and weighing 72 lbs. ; and two others landed at Aberdeen,
weighing 52 lbs. and 58 lbs. respectively.
A Larce Hauisur. J. 5. M. Zhe Meld, 15th April 1803,
p. 572.—-Specimen landed on the 6th April at Stromness, Orkney,
measuring 6 ft. 1o ins, in length, and weighing 245 lbs.
E1cG SHELLS: ADDITIONAL NOTES ON THE LAND AND FRESH-
WATER MOLLUSCA OF THE ISLAND OF EIcc. By the Rev. John
M‘Murtrie, D.D. Journ. of Conchology, vol. vii. pp. 189-191 (April
1893).—Ten species and two or three varieties added to the record
for the island.
COLEOPTERA AT THURSO, 1892. Alfred Thornley. Zz. Mo.
Mag. (1), vol. iv. p. 142 (June 1893).—Numerous records given for
the shore between Thurso and Scrabster, tarns on Holborn Head
and Dunnet Head, and the sandhills at Castletown.
Wasps AND WASP-NEST BEETLES IN SCOTLAND. A, J. Chitty.
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. iv. p. 91 (April 1893).—Notes made last
autumn on the nests of Vespa norvegica (britannica), silvestris, and
rufa. Quedius puncticollis, Cryptophagus pubescens, Megacronus
analis, and Lathridius minutus taken in or near the nest of Vespa
vulgaris.
A NEW VARIETY OF TELEPHORUS FIGURATUS. A. J. Chitty.
Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. iv. p. 143 (June 1893).—Description given
of specimens from Ben Cruachan, previously recorded as T. elong-
atus, but now named var. cruachanus.
EARLY SWARMING OF BEEs. BB. B. Bantock. Zhe Field, ist
April 1893, p. 470.—A hive of bees threw off a swarm on 25th
March at New Galloway.
LEPIDOPTERA OF THE SHETLAND ISLANDS. By Richard South.
Entomologist, vol. xxvl. pp. 98-102 (April 1893).—Upwards of sixty
species are recorded.
List OF LEPIDOPTERA OF ABERDEENSHIRE AND KINCARDINE-
SHIRE. William Reid. Aritzsh Naturalist, part xxv. (January 1893),
pp. 8-10.—Tortrices.
NOTES ON COLLECTING, ETC.— ABERDEEN. 7G eo ase
Brussels. Ran avy ho. g. ‘Soa
Paris . oN Ot Ome oy: JO ss
St. Malo = Diy iene
Mt. Ducan, Bellunine Alps, 5300 feet, 4 80
39
Bedriaga records a female from the Tyrol 90 mm. long.
In both female specimens the ground colour, above and
beneath, is sulphur yellow. In the larger specimen, the
REMARKABLE SPECIMENS OF RANA TEMPORARIA 203
gsround colour of the upper part is obscured by brown and
mustard-coloured vermiculations ; the yellow appearing in the
form of dots. Six pretty regular longitudinal series of large,
deep black blotches, like ink-spots, extend along the body :
two series between the giandular folds, and two on each side.
The glandular folds are yellow, with a few brown dots, and
edged on the outer side with brown and with a series of more
or less confluent black spots ; the temporal spot dark brown,
edged below with yellow. Hind limbs with black spots; the
dark cross-bars traceable, though interrupted and irregular.
The throat, belly, and lower surface of thighs are clouded with
very pale brownish.
The other female is more remarkable: both for its very
warty skin, which gives it a quite toad-like appearance, and
for its coloration. The ink-black spots noticed in the
preceding specimen invade the upper parts in such a
manner as to cover them, including the glandular lateral folds
and the streak below the temporal spot ; the yellow appearing
merely here and there in the form of dots or fine vermicula-
tions. The exposed upper surface of the limbs show accord-
ingly no trace of cross-bands. On the sides the black is
abruptly limited by the bright yellow of the lower parts. The
belly is devoid of spots ; but the throat is a little obscured by
brownish mottlings.
The male is olive brown, more yellowish on the vertebral
area, with a few large, irregular, deep black blotches. No
cross-bands on the limbs, but small, deep black spots, which
are rather crowded on the tibia. Temporal spot not much
darker than the ground colour. The throat is pale lilac or
pearl grey, as normal in males in summer, and the belly of
a very pale yellow marbled all over with grey.
A black and yellow male specimen, somewhat similar to
the smaller female noticed above, was found in May 1892 at
Kinlochewe, Ross-shire, by my colleague Mr. Ogilvie-Grant,
and presented by him to the British Museum. Among some
specimens obtained by the same gentleman in June last at
Glen Avon, Banffshire, one is interesting in showing a pale,
black-edged vertebral stripe aS distinct as in the striated
variety of Rana arvalis: it is a female, measuring 75 mm.
from snout to vent.
204 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
SCORPAENA -DACTYLOPTERA, DELAROCHE
SCOTTISH WATERS:
By GrEorGE Sim, A.L.S.
THIs fish has been long known to the writer under the name
of Sebastes norwegicus. Soabundant is it some twelve miles off
Troup Head, that frequently from one to four hundredweight
have been brought in by one vessel ; while smaller quantities
are of much more frequent occurrence. This fish is caught
in comparatively deep water, varying from 40 to 110 fathoms.
It is an excellent article of food, and as it attains to a length
of 18 to 20 inches, it is of some economic importance.
As an inhabitant of the British North Sea Area, how-
ever, Scorpena dactyloptera was first placed on record by
Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, of the Science and Art Museum,
Edinburgh, who received a young specimen from the York-
shire coast. His remarks thereupon were embodied in a
paper on this species generally, read before the Royal
Physical Society of Edinburgh during the present year.
As already stated, Scorpena dactyloptera has been known
to the writer, on the east coast of Scotland, under the name
of Sebastes norwegicus ; and it might still have been looked
upon by him as that species, but for the recent occurrence
of another closely allied form, known as Sebastes viviparus,
Kroyer. When Sebastes viviparus first came under his
notice, the writer compared it with what he believed to be
Sebastes norwegicus, and found so many marked differences
that he reported his observations in the present volume of
the “ Annals of Scottish Natural History,” p. 47, with a view
to show that the two forms were specifically distinct : a point
that is still doubted by some. .
Subsequently he sent specimens of both forms to Dr.
Giinther of the British Museum, and that gentleman pro-
nounced the Sebastes norwegicus of the writer to be Scorpena
dactyloptera ; and since then this view has been supported
by Dr. Traquair, and Mr. Eagle Clarke of the Edinburgh
Museum. And to all three gentlemen the writer tenders
his thanks.
SCORPAENA DACTYVLOPTERA IN SCOTTISH WATERS 205
It is considered necessary to make these statements, so
that the writer may point out that his remarks in “ Annals,”
p. 47, are now of no value, otherwise than as a record of
the occurrence of Sebastes viviparus. The chief external
difference between Scorpena dactyloptera and Sebastes
norwegicus is, that the latter has fifteen spinous rays in the
first dorsal fin, while the former has but twelve in the same
organ. It appears, however, that far too much value is
placed upon spines and rays of fins as a specific distinction.
Organs that are subject to such variation in number cannot
surely be taken into account; and the species now under
notice is no exception to this. The most common number
of spines in the first dorsal fin of Scorpena dactyloptera is, as
already stated, twelve. However, on the 19th of May last,
nineteen examples of this form were brought into Aberdeen,
and three of these had each thirteen spines in the first dorsal.
Again, on 12th June, twelve more were brought in, one of
which possessed thirteen spines in its first dorsal. And
further, the writer is in possession of an example of Scorpena
dactyloptera, in which the rays of the second dorsal fin stand
clear of the connecting membrane for nearly half their
length ; and the line is so exactly drawn that it does not
seem to be the result of accident. These things considered,
he repeats that fin-ray numbers cannot have much value
placed upon them as a specific distinction."
As some excuse for the error into which the writer has
fallen, it may be pointed out that the names Sebastes and
Scorpena have been so mixed up together, and applied to
Sebastes norwegicus, that he for some time believed these
names were synonymous, and that there was no real
Scorpena dactyloptera. In speaking of the latter form,
Cuvier and Valenciennes say that “this species is so much
like Sebastes norwegicus in appearance that it is necessary to
place the two species side by side to distinguish them.” It
may be further pointed out that this Scorpena dactyloptera
has gone under the name of Sebastes dactylopterus (Giinther,
1 [Scorpena dactyloptera and Sebastes norwegicus, though much resembling
each other in general appearance, are perfectly distinct species belonging to
equally distinct genera, The characters by which they are defined are well
marked, and not by any means confined to the spine and ray formula of the dorsal
fin. —EDs. ]
206 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY
“Cat. Acanth. Fishes,” ii. p. 99); and Savage gives it the
name of Sebastes bibronz. On the other hand, Sebastes
norwegicus has figured under the name of Scorpena
norwegicus by Richardson (“ Faun. Bor. Amer.,” iii. p. 52),
Jenyns (“ British Vert.” p. 347), and Johnston (“ Trans. Berw.
Nat. Club,” 1838,i.p.170). Now this continual change and
substitution of names is an endless source of trouble and
perplexity that could, to a large extent, be easily obviated ;
and it is earnestly hoped that some mitigation of this growing
evil may be soon brought about.
ON THE DISCOVERY OF CEPAALASIPSS a
THE CAITHNESS FLAGS:
(Abstract of a paper read before Section C of the British Association at
Nottingham, September 1893.)
By Dr. &. GE. Traouair, FR,
Ir is remarkable that although Cephalaspzs is so character-
istic a genus of fossil fishes in the Lower Old Red Sand-
stone of Forfarshire and of the West of England, there has
been hitherto no record of its occurrence in the great
Orcadian area of Old Red Sandstone which lies to the north
of the Grampians. This autumn, however, a magnificent
specimen was discovered in the pavement quarry at Spital,
about ten miles from Thurso, and presented by the Caithness
Flagstone Company to the Edinburgh Museum of Science
and Art.
This unique specimen constitutes a new species, which is
the largest known, exceeding in this respect even C. Salweyz,
Fgert., and C. /exz, Traq. The length of the shield is 84
inches, and its breadth, were the right cornu entire, would
be 12 inches; but this excessive proportional breadth may
be so far accounted for by its having been crushed absolutely
flat. The snout is pointed, as in C. Campbelltownensts,
Whiteaves, though not quite so acutely; but the cornua,
instead of being long and curved, as in that species, are com-
paratively short and broad based,—the orbits are also pro-
portionally smaller and farther apart. The surface-ornament,
THE MARSH TITMOUSE IN STRATHSPEY 207
~
where seen, consists of an excessively minute and close tuber-
culation, which is, however, coarser and more prominent round
the margins of the orbits: the cornua are not provided with
denticles along their inner margins. The pseudo-tesselation
of the middle layer is proportionally minute.
The remains of the dody are scanty and badly preserved ;
but on its scales clear evidence is afforded of a tubercular
ornament similar to that of the cranial shield.
To this new species of Cephalaspis, which is so interesting
from its geological position and locality, I propose the name
of C. magnifica. |
The occurrence of Cephalaspzs in the Caithness Flags has
however, no important bearing on the question of the relative
ages of the Orcadian Old Red Sandstone and that of Forfar-
shire and the West of England; as a species of the same
cenus (C. /aticeps) has already been described by me from the
Upper Devonian of Canada.!
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Contributions to a Fauna of the Shetland isles, stad No
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An Unusually Coloured example of the Thomback (Raia clava
Linn.)\—A&. H. Traquair, M.D., F-R.S. Plate I.
Notes on ASirOny Lovent, Miller—W. Pad lifo pe
M.A. FL.S. |
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Peziza ammophila, D. and M.—/ames W. H. L rail, MM. A
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A TOUR IN SUTHERLANDSHIRE. With Extracts from the Field ie
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* * Re-written and re-arranged, and illustrated by forty instantaneous photo-
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- facsimilied from the author's original pen-and-ink. Some of these, as for instance the studies of
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are very interesting, and full of that charm that comes from the exact transcription of unusual
__ observation.”—Pall Mall Gazette.
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ct a
+ .
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—_—"
- o> hs
4 ue fh,
a
oe.
cola ee and on some of the Effects of the Visita
—Peter Adair . Peay Pang foe tape n ee Sere ae
On some Remarkable Specimens of Rana temporaria from Scotlanc
—G. A. Boulenger, F.Z.S.. pee : = 2: eae
Scorbena dactyloptera, Delaroche, in Scottish ‘Waters — George
YT, hae ie Se Pei : : j ay ae 1 aa Cae
On the Discovery of Cephalasfis in the Caithness Flags—Dr. Re
H., Traquair, ERS. . ; ies mea s ion Sa
= Marsh Titmouse in Strathspey —Wm. Evans, Pe e ae i .
A List of the Hemiptera Heteroptera and Homoptera occurring i in
Perthshire—7Z. M. M‘Gregor . : : : . aa
Some Nev Scotch Localities for Arachnids—Geo. H. Carpenter, B.S c. ee
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Pb Se tt % ; F : ie eae
eee. 3 On Scottish Desmidieze—/okn Roy, VAD: ‘ae
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Barra—Dr. John MacRury ; The Swordfish in the Firth’of Forth—
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Hardy, LL.D. ,; The Glasgow Catalogue of Native and Establishe
Plants —Peter Ewing; Naturalists’ Map of Scotland—/. A. Harvie &,
. Brown and J. G. Bartholomew.
INDEX . : : < 4 : 3 f
Printed by R. & R. CLiarK, Ediniurgh. —
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