UBRAR G THE BIRDS OF BERWICKSHIRE VOL. II. Edinburgh : Printed by George Waterston & Sons FOR DAVID DOUGLAS. LONDON, . . SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT, AND CO., LIMITED. CAMBRIDGE, . MACMILLAN AND BOWES. GLASGOW, . . JAMES MACLEHOSE AND SONS. THE BIRDS OF BERWICKSHIRE WITH KEMAEKS ON THEIR LOCAL DISTRIBUTION MIGRATION, AND HABITS, AND ALSO ON THE FOLK-LORE, PROVERBS, POPULAR RHYMES AND SAYINGS CONNECTED WITH THKT^ \ \ / BY GEORGE MUIBHEAD, F.RS.K, F.Z.S. MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, MEMBER OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB, ETC. IN TWO VOLUMES No more the screaming bittern^ bellowing harsh. To its dark bottom shakes the shuddering marsh. VOL. II. EDINBURGH: DAVID DOUGLAS 1895 [All rights reserved.] Nature never did betray The heart that loved her; 'tis her privilege , Through all the years of this our life, to lead From joy to joy. WORDSWORTH. BIOLOGY LIBRARY 6 CONTENTS OF VOL. II. ACC1PITRBS. FALCON ID^:. Falco peregrinus. Falconry in Berwickshire, Falco subbuteo. ,, cesalon. ,, tinnunculus. Pandion haliivetus. PELECANID.E. Phalacrocorax carbo. ,, graeulus. Sttla bassana. Ardea cinerea. Nycticorax griseus. JBotaurus stdlaris. CICONIID^E. Ciconia alba. ANATID.E. turn. 3, brachyrhynchus. , , albifrons. Bernida brenta. ,, leucopsis. ,, canadensis. Cygnus musicim. Cygnus Bewicki. Tadorna cornuta. Anas boscas. Spatula clypeata. Dafila acuta. Querqned'ida crecca. circia. PAGE Peregrine Falcon, 1 . '. 10 Hobby, 20 Merlin, .... 21 Kestrel, .... 25 27 STEGANOPODES. Common Cormorant, 30 Shag or Green Cormorant, 33 Gannet or Solan Goose, 35 HERODIONES. Common Heron, 39 Night Heron, 52 Common Bittern, 53 White Stork, . 64 ANSERES. Bean Goose, 66 Pink-footed Goose, 66 White-fronted Goose, 90 91 Bernacle Goose, 93 Canada Goose, . 95 Whooper, .... 96 Bewick's Swan, . 99 Common Sheld-Duck, . 100 Mallard or Wild Duck, . . 101 Shoveller, . . . . . 107 Pintail Duck, . . 109 Teal, . 110 Garganey, .... . 112 746321 VI CONTENTS. ANATID^E — continued. Mareca penelope. Fidigula, ferina. ,, cristata. ,, marila. ,, dangula. Harelda glacialis. Somateria moUissima. (Edemia nigra. „ fusca. Mergus merganser. ,, albellns. ANSERES— continued. Wigeon, Pochard, . Tufted Duck, . Scaup Duck, Golden-Eye, Long-tailed Duck, Eider Duck, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, . Goosander, Smew, PAGE 113 115 118 119 120 122 123 126 127 128 130 COLUMBID.E. Golumba palumbus. ,, cenas. ,, livia. Tnrtur communis. Ectopistes migratorius. COLUMB^.. Ring Dove, Stock Dove, Rock Dove, Turtle Dove, Passenger Pigeon, 131 141 145 151 153 PTEROCLID.E. Syrrhaptes paradoxus. TETRAONID^E. Tetrao tetrix. Lagopus scoticus. PTEROCLETES. Pallas's Sand Grouse, GALLING. Black Grouse, . Red Grouse, 155 158 162 PHASIANID^E. Phasianus colchicus. Perdix cinerea. Coturnix communis. Pheasant, . Common Partridge, Common Quail, . 170 178 190 RALLID.E. Crex pratensis. Porzana maruetta. Radius aquaticus. Oallinula chloropus. Fidica atra. FULICARI&. Landrail, . Spotted Crake, Water Rail, Moor Hen, Common Coot, 194 198 200 202 204 CONTENTS. vii OTIDID^E. Otis tarda. ALECTORIDES. Great Bustard, . PAGE 207 CHARADKIID.E. Charadrius morinellus. , , pluvialis. ^Egialitis hiaticula. Vanellus vulgaris. Ho&matopm ostralegus. SCOLOPACID^S. Phalaropus fulicarius. Scolopax rusticula. Gallinago major. ,, ccelestis. ,, ycdlinula. Tringa cdpina. ,, striata. Machetes pugnax. Totanus hypoleucus. ,, ochropus. ,, calidris. ,, canescens. Linwsa cegocephala. Numenius arquata. ,, phceopus. LIMICOL^. Dotterel, . Golden Plover, . Ringed Plover, . Lapwing, . Oyster Catcher, Grey Phalarope, Woodcock, Great Snipe, Common Snipe, . Jacksnipe, Dunlin, Purple Sandpiper, Ruff, ... Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Curlew, Whimbrel, 210 221 224 225 231 232 233 240 241 244 246 247 248 250 252 254 256 257 258 263 Hydrochelidon nigra. Sterna fluviatilis. Lams minutus. ,, ridibundus. ,, canus. ,, argentatus. ,, fuscus. , , marinus. ,, glaucus. Rissa tridactyla. Stercorarius pomatorh parasit^cus. Black Tern, Common Tern, . Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, . Common Gull, . Herring Gull, . Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, . Glaucous Gull, . Kittiwake Gull, Pomatorhine Skua, . Arctic or Richardson's Skua, Long-tailed or Buffon's Skua, 264 265 266 268 275 279 285 286 287 288 292 293 294 Vlll CONTENTS. ALCID.E. Alca tor da. Una troile. ,, grylle. Mergulus alle. Fratercula arctica. Colymbus glacialis. ,, septentrioncdis. PODICIPEDID^E. Podiceps cristatus. „ griseigena. ,, nigricollis. ,, Jluviatilis. PYGOPODES. Razor- Bill, Common Guillemot, Black Guillemot, Little Auk, Puffin, Great Northern Diver, Red-throated Diver, . Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Eared Grebe, Little Grebe or Dabchick, PAGE 295 297 303 305 307 309 311 313 315 317 318 PROCELLARIID^E. Procellaria pelagica. TUBINARES. Storm Petrel, 321 324 MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN BERWICKSHIRE, TABLE OF ORNITHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS MADE IN BERWICKSHIRE from 1799 until 1887, 329 CALENDAR OF MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS IN BERWICK- SHIRE, 1799-1887, 335 TABLE showing the earliest, latest, and average dates of the arrivals and departures of the true migratory birds which visit Berwickshire annually, with approximate notes regarding the average temperatures, and the prevailing winds, during the periods when their migrations took place, 1799-1887, . 351 TABLE showing mean monthly temperatures at Milne Graden, Berwickshire, 1857-87, 356 APPENDIX. Hawfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 358 359 ILLUSTRATIONS IN VOL. II. PAGE BILLIE MIRE. By JOHN BLAIR, Title-page HAWKSHEUGH, NEAR FAST CASTLE. By JOHN BLAIR, from Photograph, 9 HAWK'S HOOD. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 19 KIMMERGHAME HOUSE. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph, . 20 MERLIN ON FALCONER'S GLOVE. By GEORGE E. LODGE, . . 24 OSPREY. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 29 COMMON CORMORANTS. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . . . 32 SEA SHELL. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 34 GANNET AND ITS YOUNG. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph by WM. GREEN, Berwick-on-Tweed, 38 MERTOUN. By the HON. R. H. SCOTT, .... facing page 48 HERON'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, ... 51 HIRSEL LOCH. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph, . . 52 PLAN OF BILLIE MIRE AS IT WAS IN 1759 AND 1816. By GEORGE MUIRHEAD, from Old Plans, .... facing page 58 HOME CASTLE. By JOHN BLAIR, from Photograph, ... 63 COLDINGHAM VILLAGE. By JOHN BLAIR, 65 THE HULE Moss, WITH DIRRINGTONS AND TWINLAW CAIRNS IN DISTANCE. By JOHN BLAIR, .... facing page 86 SHEPHERD'S HOUSE AT WEDDERLIE. By JOHN BLAIR, ... 89 COVE HARBOUR, NEAR COCKBURNSPATH. By JOHN BLAIR, . . 92 BATTY'S STANE, NEAR REMAINS OF ST. ABB'S KIRK. By JOHN BLAIR, 94 ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE HEAD OF CANADA GOOSE. By MBS. MUIRHEAD, .... 95 WILD SWANS. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, ... 98 HEAD OF BEWICK'S SWAN. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, .... 99 COMMON WILD DUCK'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, 106 DUNS CASTLE. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph by GEORGE FORTUNE, Duns, . . . . . . . 108 SALMON FISHING ON THE TWEED. By JOHN BLAIR, . . . 109 TEAL'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . .112 STAR FISH. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . . . . . . 114 OLD BRIDGE ON THE LEADER AT EARLSTON. By JOHN BLAIR, . 117 SEA SHELL. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 119 ABBEY ST. BATHANS. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph, . 121 EIDER DUCK'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . 125 TRAP FOR CATCHING CRABS. By JOHN BLAIR, . . . . 126 THE WHEAT STACK ROCK, NEAR FAST CASTLE. By JOHN BLAIR, from Photograph, ......... 127 LADYKIRK ON THE TWEED. By JOHN BLAIR, . . . . 129 THE HIRSEL. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph, . . . 130 WOOD PIGEON'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . 140 GALIUM APARINE. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 144 THE CLEAVER ROCK, ST. ABB'S HEAD. By JOHN BLAIR, facing page 146 DOOCOT AT MERTOUN. By JOHN BLAIR, 150 ROCKS ON WHITADDER AT EDRINGTON. By JOHN BLAIR, . . 152 MELLERSTAIN HOUSE. By JOHN BLAIR, from Photograph, . . 154 SPITAL HOUSE. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph, . . 157 BYRECLEUGH. By JOHN BLAIR, facing page 164 BLAEBERRIES. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 169 LEITHOLM VILLAGE. By JOHN BLAIR, 189 ILLUSTRATIONS. xi PAGE NISBET HOUSE. By JOHN BLAIR, 193 CORNCRAKE'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . 197 DOORWAY, GREENKNOWE TOWER. By JOHN BLAIR, . . . 199 COOT'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . . 206 REMAINS OF BUNCLE CASTLE. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph, 209 GOLDEN PLOVER'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MDIRHEAD, . 223 RINGED PLOVER. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 224 LAPWING'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . . 230 OYSTER CATCHER. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 231 NENTHORN HOUSE. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from a Sketch, . . 232 WOODCOCK'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . . 239 LONGFORMACUS BRIDGE. By JOHN BLAIR, 245 SEA WEED. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, ....... 247 COMMON SANDPIPER'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . 251 OLDCAMBUS DEAN. By JOHN BLAIR, 253 COMMON REDSHANK'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . 255 SEA SHELLS. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 257 COMMON CURLEW'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, . 262 SEA SHELL. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 263 CRAB. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 264 TERNS AND THEIR YOUNG. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, .... 265 COLDINGHAM LOCH. By JOHN BLAIR, 267 BLACK-HEADED GULL'S NEST. From Nature, by MRS. MUIRHEAD, 274 TOP OF FOUL CARR, FROM CLIFF NEAR REMAINS OF ST. ABB'S NUNNERY. By JOHN BLAIR, from Photograph, . . . 284 GULL'S FOOT. By JOHN BLAIR, 285 HERRING BOATS AT EYEMOUTH. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph, 287 xii ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE FLOT CARR AND SKELLY. By JOHN BLAIR, 291 ON THE BERWICKSHIRE COAST. By the HON. R. H. SCOTT, . . 292 STEEPLE ROCK, PETTICOWICK. By JOHN BLAIR, .... 294 EYEMOUTH, FROM NEAR THE FORT. By JOHN BLAIR, . facing page 294 WHITEHEUGH. By JOHN BLAIR, . . . . . facing page 298 PLAN OF ST. ABB'S HEAD, facing page 300 COMMON GUILLEMOTS. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph by WILLIAM GREEN, Berwick-on-Tweed, 302 HORSE CASTLE COVE. By JOHN BLAIR, 304 LITTLE AUK. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 306 FOUL CARR AND THE STACK. By JOHN BLAIR, from Photograph, . 308 SALMON FISHERS' SHIEL ON THE TWEED. By JOHN BLAIR, . . 310 COAST OF BERWICKSHIRE, FROM THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF COCK- BURNSPATH. By JOHN BLAIR, 312 HORNDEAN CHURCHYARD. By JOHN BLAIR, 314 WEDDERLIE HOUSE. By JOHN BLAIR, 316 FISHING ON THE DYE. By JOHN BLAIR, 320 ST. ABB'S HEAD : STORM ON THE 14TH OF OCTOBER 1881. By J. CAMPBELL NOBLE, R.S.A., 323 SWALLOWS. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, ...... 328 CUCKOO. By MRS. MUIRHEAD, 350 THE " RIDING TREE" AT S ALTON, EAST LOTHIAN. By Mrs. MUIRHEAD, from Photograph, 358 WHITSOME VILLAGE. By JOHN BLAIR, 359 PORCH OF AUTHOR'S HOUSE AT PAXTON. By JOHN BLAIR, . . 383 BEEHIVES. By JOHN BLAIR, 390 ACCIP1TRES. ( 1 ) FALCONIDAi.. THE PEREGRINE FALCON. BLUE HAWK, HUNTING HAWK, GOSHAWK, GAME HAWK, GREY HAWK, FALCON, COMMON FALCON. Falco peregrinus. Blue ^atofc, tatr Cormorant, <3p&e ^cart.1 Even as the matron at her nightly task, With pensive labour draws the flaxen thread, The wasted taper and the crackling flame Foretell the blast. But chief the plumy race, The tenants of the sky, its changes speak. Retiring from the downs, where all day long They picKd their scanty fare, a blackening train Of clamrous Rooks thick-urge their weary flight, And seek the closing shelter of the grove ; Assiduous, in his bower, the wailing Owl Plies his sad song. The Cormorant on high Wheels from the deep, and screams along the land. THOMSON, Winter. ALTHOUGH the Common Cormorant does not breed on the Berwickshire coast,2 it is found in numbers off the shore in the autumn, winter, and spring months. It appears to have certain favourite resorts, such as the Scart Rock,3 near Siccar Point, where it may be often seen resting and preening its feathers, a habit which is thus referred to by old Gawin Douglas : — 1 It is also called by the Firth of Forth fishermen " Letter o' Marque," from the white patch on its thigh.— Sporting Days, by J. Colquhoun, p. 16. 2 It, however, breeds at the Fame Islands, which are within a few miles of Berwickshire. — Birds of Northumberland and Durham, by J. Hancock, p. 131. 3 Mr. Hardy says that there is another Scart Rock near the Green Stane, famous amongst the fishermen for the great takes of herring near it in the olden time. The Green Staue is situate about a mile west from Dowlaw. THE COMMON COEMOEANT. 31 And in the calm or loune widdir is scne, Aboue the fludis hie, ane fare plane grene, Ane standying-place quhar Skartis with thare bekkis, For gane the son gladly thaym prunyeis and bekis. Mr. Hardy has noticed that when the assemblages of Cormorants on Craig Taw, a black rock off Siccar Point, are larger than usual, say from twenty to thirty birds, they betoken wet, stormy weather.1 The screaming of sea birds and their approach to the shore seem to have been looked upon from very ancient times as signs of a gathering storm, for we find Virgil in his Georgics alluding to these propensities in the following descriptive lines : — Jam sibi turn curvis male temperat unda carinis ; Quum medio celeres revolant ex lequore mergi, Clamoremque ferunt ad littora. In a recent and more prosaic age we have Bailie Jarvie saying nearly the same thing, but in other words : " Thae women at Aberfoil are like the scarts or sea-maws at the Cumries, there's aye foul weather follows their skirling." 2 The Cormorant is very wary and difficult to stalk. Its flight is generally low over the surface of the water, with rapid beats of the wings, and is often continued for a con- siderable distance in a straight line. It feeds almost wholly on fish, and swims with surprising speed, while it pursues its finny prey under water with great agility and pertinacity, displaying such skill in their capture that it has from time immemorial been tamed in China and Japan and trained to catch fish. Mr. J. E. Harting, in his Ornithology of Shakespeare, says that James I. kept trained Cormorants for many years, and was accustomed to travel about the country with them, fishing wherever he went. He mentions that on 1 " 1874, October 16th.— Twenty-three Cormorants at Siccar. I have noticed that these assemblages betoken bad weather." — Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 281. 2 Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy. 32 THE COMMON CORMORANT. the 7th of May 1610, the king was at Thetford, in Norfolk, hunting, hawking, and fishing with Cormorants ; also that James had a regular establishment for his Cormorants on the river at Westminster, and created a new office, " Master of the Eoyal Cormorants." 1 The voracity of this bird is proverbial. A specimen obtained near Paxton in January 1877 had in its stomach a bull trout (Salmo eriox) seventeen inches in length, along with the remains of other fish.2 It occasionally comes up the Tweed from the sea in the winter and spring months, an example in immature plumage having been shot while sitting on the top of a tall tree by the side of the river at Paxton in the winter of 1871. The Eev. Thomas Mills, who wrote the report on the parish of Ladykirk in the Old Statistical Account of Scotland, 1793, mentions that "Goos- anders, Wigeons, and Cormorants resort to the Tweed in severe winters, and sometimes Grebes and Speckled Divers." 3 It has apparently given its name to Scart Heugh on the Tweed, near the Old Camp at Milne Graden. There is no difference in the colour of the plumage of the adult male and female. In their nuptial dress they have a large white patch on each thigh. The tail consists of fourteen feathers. 1 The Ornithology of Shakespeare, by J. E. Harting, 1871, pp. 261, 262. 3 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 184. 3 The Statistical Account of Scotland, by Sir John Sinclair, Bart., 1793, vol. viii. p. 74. STEGANOPODES. ( 33 ) PELECANIDJE. THE SHAG OR GEEEN CORMORANT. CRESTED CORMORANT, SCART, SCARF, TUFTED SKART. Phalacrocorax graculus. Others there are that make their home IVhere the white billows roar and foam Around the derhanging rock ; Fearless they skim the angry wave, Or, sheltered in their sea-beat cave, The tempests fury mock. HEMANS, Birds. THE Green Cormorant is found on the coast of Berwickshire at all seasons of the year, and breeds at the Brander Cove, a lofty shelving ridge of rocks which runs out into the sea about a mile to the east of Fast Castle. Here my friend Mr. W. Evans saw a colony of ten Green Cormorants, and put one off a nest which contained three eggs on the 15th of May 1887. I visited the spot in a boat on the 30th of June following, when, in addition to an old bird sitting on a nest in a crevice of the rock about thirty feet above the water, I noticed another with two young on an adjoining ledge. They were not shy, but sat quietly and allowed me to examine them with my binocular from the boat, which was close to the bottom of the rock. The Brander Cove has been long known as a favourite nesting place of this species, Mr. Hardy having noted it as such in 1855, along with Caldron Cove, Harelaw Cove, and Byreloch Heugh. He adds that about the same time Mr. Wilson of Colding- ham informed him that he had seen the nest of the Shag on the shelves at the sides of Caldron Cove as well as VOL. II. C 34 THE SHAG. in the dark recesses at the top. It was breeding at the Brander Cove on the 16th of July 1880.1 The nest is generally a somewhat bulky structure, principally com- posed of sea-weeds and grass, a favourite site for it being a ledge at the side of a cave. The eggs, which are usually three or four in number, are pale blue, encrusted with chalky white. Selby, in his account of birds observed at St. Abb's Head on the 18th of July 1832, says: "As we returned seaward in the boat several Green Cormorants were seen perched upon the pinnacles of the smaller isolated rocks, surveying with keen and watchful eyes our progress, and always too much upon the alert to permit us to approach within gunshot."2 Mr. Archibald Hepburn, in his Notes on birds found at St. Abb's Head on the 20th of June 1850, mentions that "a few pairs of the Green Cormorant haunt the coast."3 In its habits the Shag resembles the Common Cormorant, and is more or less gregarious. About the neighbourhood of St. Abb's Head it may be often seen perched on some rocky point or shelf, resting and preening its feathers, or winging its way rapidly out to sea, keeping low over the surface of the water. It is fond of frequenting caves, to which it retreats during the wild storms of winter. The food con- sists almost entirely of fish. The Shag is considerably less than the Cormorant, while the plumage of the male and female is alike in colour. It has twelve feathers in the tail, whereas the Common Cormorant has fourteen. 1 Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 19. 3 Ibid. vol. iii. p. 74. STEGANOPODES. ( 35 ) PELECANID/E. THE GANNET, OR SOLAN GOOSE. GAN, HERRING GANT, BASS GOOSE, CHANNEL GOOSE, SPECTACLED GOOSE. Sula bassana. Wild around their rifled trows, -with frequent cry, As of lament, the Gulls and Gannetsjly. SIR WALTER SCOTT. ON account of the vicinity of the Bass, the Gannet is seen in considerable numbers on the coast of Berwickshire from April to September, and is generally observed winging its way to or from that well-known breeding station, or fishing off the shore. The earliest date in spring at which its appearance on the coast has been recorded by Mr. Hardy is the 30th of March 1881. It is occasionally found in the interior of the county after tempestuous weather. About the middle of January 187*7 a bird of this species was captured alive and in good condition at Duns Castle Lake,1 and Mr. Charles Watson, Duns, informed me that another was caught near Chapel in October 1882. Mr. W. Leckie states that three examples were observed in Spottiswoode bogs some years ago, having no doubt been driven there by severe weather at sea, and that one of them, which was wounded by Mr. W. Buckholm, shepherd to Lady John Scott- Spottiswoode of Spottiswoode, was put into a pond there, where it died. It was afterwards preserved by Mr. W. Eenton. i Hist. Ber. Nat, Club, vol. viii. p. 196, 36 THE GANNET. The Gannet leaves the Bass in autumn, and does not return until spring.1 Its flight is very powerful and long sustained, and it sometimes travels immense distances to feed. It is inter- esting to watch a party of Gannets fishing, for the birds descend headlong from various heights in the air, and plunge into the sea with such force as to leave the sur- face covered with foam at the spots where they disappear under the water. In a few moments they emerge, and, after sitting for some seconds on the water, mount on the wing again and renew their search. Their skill in captur- ing fish had been noticed by Holland, for he thus alludes to it in his Houlat : — And als in the advent, The Soland Stewart was sent ; For he could fra the firmament Fang2 the fische deid. The salmon-fishers on the coast say that when Gannets are observed frequently plunging into the sea for fish near the shore, a good take may be expected in the nets. Although at the present day the Solan Goose is by no means reckoned a dainty dish for the table, yet it appears to have been considered so by Berwickshire lairds long ago, for in The Men of the Merse we find Lord Crossrig inviting George Home of Kimmerghame " to a Solan Goose " in March 1699.3 It was esteemed as an article of food in the Middle Ages.4 The grease of this bird appears to have been very much valued in the olden times, for in the General Eegister House, 1 It returns to the Bass early in February, and lingers there till October, although most of the birds leave the rock when the young are taken in August. — Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 17. 2 Capture. — Jamieson, Scot. Diet. 3 The Men of the Merse, by Archibald Campbell-Swinton Esq. of Kimmer- ghame, 1858, p. 61. 4 Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, vol. i., 1473-98, Preface, ccv. THE GANNET. 37 Edinburgh, there is a " commission by Pope Alexander vi. to the Prior and Archdeacon of St. Andrews, to investigate a claim by the prioress of North Berwick against Kobert Lauder of the Bass, and rector of the parish of the Bass, for certain barrels of grease of geese, dated 10th May, 149 3." l The following interesting "Excerpts from the Books of John, Duke of Lauderdale, respecting the price of Solan Geese, from 1674 to 16*78," were communicated to the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists Club 2 by Mr. Eobert Romanes of Harryburn, Lauder : — "THE BASS.— John, Earl, afterwards Duke, of Lauderdale, was in 1671, March 3rd, Captain of the Bass. „ August 21st, Keeper of the Bass. , , September 7th, Governor of the Bass. 1674. " By pryce of Sollen-geese of the Bass, 1674. The accomptant charges himself with the pryce of 1118 Sollen-Geese, sold for 1 Ib. 8s. 4d. each score, p. contract accordinglie, dated 10th June, 1674, ..... £79 3s. lOd. sterling." *' To the climber of the Bass in full of his fee, waige, and allowance for the year and season 1674, and for some other small necessaries and charges that year, p. discharge upon the back of the contract accordinglie, . . . £11 12s. 2d. sterling." 1675. "By pryce of 1060 Sollen-Geese, as the product of the Bass the season 1675, sold for lib. 9s. 2d. sterling each score, p. contract accordinglie, dated llth May, 1675, . . £77 5s. lOd." " To Charles Maitland in the Bass for his expense when he went to London with Sollen-Geese, p. his Grs. Order and his Receipt, dated 19th October, 1675, ... £20 Os. Od." 1676. "By pryce of 1150 Sollen-Geese as the product of the Bass for 1676, sold as above, p. contract 24 May, 1676, . £83 17s. Id." 1677. " By pryce of 985 Sollen-Geese sold at 1 Ib. 9s. 2d. each score, for the season 1677, p. contract accordinglie, . £71 16s. 5£d." 1678. "For the Sollen-Geese in the Bass for year and season 1678, Charles Maitland is settled with, and here is the agreement made with him thereanent : — ' At Edinburgh, the 10th day of May, 1678, it is agreed upon and consented to betwixt Sr. William Sharp of Stonyhill on the ane part, and Charles Maitland, son to Robert Maitland, keeper of the Bass, on the other part, That is to say the said Sr. William Sharp setts and letts to the said Charles Maitland the whole Sollen-Geese of the Bass for the season 1678, for the sum of three score fifteen pounds sterl., to be payed to the said Sr. William 1 Hist. JBer. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 88. 2 j^r. vol. vii. pp. 90-92. 38 THE GANNET. Sharp, his heires, and exrs. free of all charges whatsomever incumbant to the delivery of the said Sollen-Geese, and the said Charles Maitland binds him and his heires and excrs. to content and pay to the said Sr. William Sharp and his foresaids, the said sum of seventy-fyve pound sterling, the one half at the date of their presents and the other half upon the twenty nynth day of September next to come in this instant year 1678, with the sum of ane hundred pounds Scots of failzie, to be payed by the partie failziear to the party willing to observe the premises. In witness yrof both parties have subscribed their presents with their hands tyme and place aforesaid before these witnesses, John Robertson, writer in Edr., and David Callender, writer hereof. 'Charles Maitland is also to give to me in this season two dozen good Sollen-Geese free.'" HERODIONES. ( 39 ) ARDEIDsE. THE COMMON HERON. GREY HERON, CRESTED HERON, HERONSHAW, HURON, FRANK, CRANE, CRAIGIE HERON, LANG-NECKIT HAARAN. Ardea cinerea. Mutant, H?uron, or Lo ! at his siege, the Hern Upon the bank of some small purling brook Observant stands to take his scaly prize, Himself another* s game ; for, mark, behind The -wily f ale ner creeps ; his grazing horse Conceals the treacKrousfoe, and on his fist TK unhooded Falcon sits ; -with eager eye She meditates her prey, and in her -wild Conceit already plumes the dying bird. SOMERVILLE. IN olden times this interesting and picturesque bird, which is frequently seen in every district of the county, was so much prized for the " marvellous and delectable " sport which it yielded to the falconer, that an Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 1493 for preserving Herons.1 Mr. Thomas ' Dickson, in his Accounts of the Lord High 1 James iv. Anno 1493. — " Anent the distroying of Heron sewis." — Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 235. This Act was renewed in 1567 against all such as shoot with " Culveringis, Crosbow, or Handbow ony time at Dae, Rae, Hart, Hynd, Hair, Cunning, Dow, Herron, or foule of river," the penalties being that they "sail foirfault and tyne their haill moveabil gudis," and "gif the committer of the cryme be ane vagabound not havand gudis, that the judge, quhom befoir he is convict, keip and hauld him in prison for the space of fourtie dayis. And that for the first fault. And the nixt fault, to cut of his richt hand." — The Laws and Acts of Parliament of Scotland, by Sir Thomas Murray of Glendook, 1681, pp. 186, 187. 40 THE COMMON HERON. Treasurer of Scotland, says that the Heron and the Bittern were the highest quarry at which Falcons were flown, and when struck by the Hawk, the former was " either released to furnish fresh sport, or kept to be used in perfecting the training of other Falcons. It was for this purpose — ' to mak tranis to the halkis ' — that ' quyk ' or live Herons were frequently brought to the king," 1 as shown by the following entries in the Accounts : — 1496. "Item, the last day of Julij, giffin to the man that brocht twa quyk herounis to the King to mak tranys to halkis, . ix s." 2 1497. "Item, that samyn day (the last day of May) gevin be the Kingis command to ane man of the Lard of Dawikkis, that brocht quyk herounis to the King, ...... xviij s. " 3 The kings and nobility of Scotland, like their compeers in England,4 appear to have followed the sport of Heron hawking with great ardour, and as an instance of this it may be mentioned that Archibald Douglas, 7th Earl of Angus, on seeing a Heron rise from a marsh at the beginning of the battle of Ancrum Moor,5 is said to have exclaimed, " Oh ! that I had my white Goshawk here, that we might all yoke at once."6 Ladies often went out with the falconers to the Heron hawking and took an active part in the sport.7 It must indeed have 1 Accounts of the Lord High, Treasurer of Scotland, 1473-1498, Preface, p. cclii. 2 Ibid. p. 287. 3 iud. p. 338. 4 Not only were Herons protected by Parliament in England, but penalties were incurred by taking their eggs. The fine was 8d. for every egg. See 3 and 4 Ed. vi. c. 7, and 25 Henry vin. c. 2. — The Ornithology of Shakespeare : Harting, pp. 222, 223. 5 This moor, which lies If miles north-west of the village of Ancrum, was the scene of one of the last great conflicts in the international war between Scotland and England. In 1554 an English army 5000 strong, under Sir Ralph Evers and Sir Bryan Latoun, overran and wasted the Scottish Border northward to Melrose. Returning with their booty, they were overtaken at Ancrum Moor and utterly routed by a Scottish force under the Earl of Angus and Scott of Buccleuch. — Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland, vol. i. p. 49. 6 Dryburgh Abbey : its Monks and its Lords, second edition, 1860, p. 24. 7 Strutt's Sports and Pastimes. THE COMMON HERON. 41 been a gallant sight when " the champion of the dames," accompanied by many of the nobility and ladies of his court and the falconers on horseback, went a-hawking; and we know from the Lord High Treasurer's Accounts that he sometimes visited Berwickshire for this purpose, one occasion being "on Monnunda, the iiij da Januar (1489), quhen he raide to Lauder to the halkin." 1 The Heron was formerly esteemed as an article of food 2 and held a high place at the tables of the great, where it appeared at the marriage and other principal feasts.3 An entry in the Northumberland Household Book in the time of Henry vin. reads that "it is thought in likewyse that hearonsewys be bought for my lorde's owne mees, so they be at xijd. a pece." Mr. James Smail, in his interesting paper on " Herons and Border Heronries," 4 says that even when plump and dressed and roasted to perfection, the flavour of the Heron is so fishy as to be quite unpalatable, " but the young birds taken from the nest and properly stewed are really good." Its beautiful plumes appear to have been used to ornament the caps of the highest in the land, and Sir Walter Scott, referring to this in his description of the meeting of Lord Marmion and Sir David Lindesay of the 1 Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, 1473-1498, p. 127. 2 Ibid. Preface, p. ccv. 3 The following directions for roasting the Heron appear in Le Vrai Cuisinier Francois, Brusselles, 1699, a copy of which is in the possession of Miss Dickenson of Norhani: — " Plumez-le, et le vuidez ; ensuite vous chercherez six cimeres qui sont sur son corps, et un autre faisant le septieme* qui est au- dedans ; troussez les jambs le long des cuisses, faites-les blanchir sur le feu, et le piques, envelopez le col avec du papier beurr6, puis le faites rotir, et etant cuit, servez." The Heron is mentioned in the book as being in season "depuis la S. Remy (1st October) iusques en Careme " (Lent). 4 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. x. p. 331. * Holland, in his Faune Populairc de la France, 1879, says, " Le peuple pretend que le Hdrou a sept vesicules de flel." 42 THE COMMON HEEON. Mount in " Saltoun's Wood," says of the " Lord Lion King at Arms," that His cap of maintenance was graced With the proud heron-plume. Folkard mentions that " among our ancient customs, was one of swearing an oath upon the dead body of a Heron, and whereby many a gallant knight has, in years long passed, plighted his troth to his cladye faire,' as the most solemn and honourable manner of assuring her of his sincerity."1 It is said in some parts of the county that when Herons are seen flying up the course of the Tweed in numbers it betokens stormy weather. This may be on account of the bird's habit of leaving discoloured waters and proceeding to smaller and clearer streams during floods. The association of the lofty flight of the Heron with approaching stormy weather is thus referred to by Virgil in his Georgics : — notasque paludes Deserit atque altam supra volat ardea nubem. And Thomson, in his description of an approaching storm in winter, says : — Loud shrieks the soaring Hern, and with wild wing The circling sea-fowl cleave the flaky clouds. The Heron generally builds on lofty trees in woods, and commonly in colonies after the manner of the Eook ; the nest, which is formed of sticks and lined with twigs and dry grass, being of a large size. It is an early breeder, and the eggs, which are three or four in number and of a uniform bluish-green colour, are usually laid towards the end of March.2 1 The Wild Fowler, Folkard, second edition, 1864, p. 194. 2 According to Mr. George Bolam's MS. Notes he found eggs in the nests of the Herons at the Pistol Plantation Heronry on the 1st of April 1881. Dr. Stuart records that Mr. A. H. Evans saw young birds in the nests at the above Heronry on the 21st of April 1879.— Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 135. THE COMMON HERON. 43 The following are lists of the Heronries which are found in Berwickshire at present (1887), as well as of those which existed in the county in former times, but are now abandoned ; and I take this opportunity of thanking my correspondents for the information regarding these which they have so kindly supplied : — HERONRIES EXISTING IN BERWICKSHIRE IN 1887. PARISH. SITUATION OF HERONRY AND APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF NESTS. NAME AND ADDRESS OF EEPORTER. Buncle. Duns. Lauder. Whitsome. Mertoun. Coldstream. Eccles. Buncle Wood. — 2 or 3 nests in old Scotch fir-trees. Castle Wood, on Duns Castle Estate.— About 40 nests in Scotch fir-trees. A Heronry has existed in this wood from time immemorial, but its exact locality has been changed to different parts of the wood at least three times, owing to the destruction of the trees by high winds. Glister Dub ; West Mains Brae ; Boiling Park ; and old trees be- tween Luggy and Wester Park — all in and about the Thirlestane Castle Policies. — From 2 to 5 nests in each. Pistol Plantation ; chiefly on tall Scotch fir-trees south from forester's house. — About 50 nests scattered through the plantation. (Mr. Hardy records the discovery of this Heronry by Dr. Stuart in 1875.— History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, vol. vii. p. 516.) Mertoun beech-trees.- Hirsel. House Policy ; -About 35 nests. high John Blackadder, East Blanerne, Chirnside. John Ferguson, Duns. Robert Romanes of Harry burn, Lauder. Charles Stuart, M.D., Chirn- side. John Thomson, Maxton, St. Boswells. Lithtillum Loch. 44 THE COMMON HERON. HERONRIES WHICH FORMERLY EXISTED IN BERWICKSHIRE, BUT ARE NOW ABANDONED. T> A TJTQTI SITUATION OF HERONRY AND NAME AND ADDRESS i AlvloJcl, APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF NESTS. OF REPORTER. Longformacus. At the bottom of the March Wood, Rev. George Cook, between Fellcleugh and Ellemford, The Manse, near the junction of the Dye and Longformacus, Whitadder. Duns. Polwarth. Twenty-three years ago there were Peter Loney, from 10 to 12 nests on the highest Marchmont, chestnut -trees at Marchmont, but Duns. during the making of the Berwick- shire railway the engines, which were constantly running along the line at night, apparently frightened the Herons away, for they left their nests at that time and have not returned. (Mr. Hardy, in his MS. Notes, says there used to be a Heronry at Marchmont, where the birds made a great noise. They were protected by Sir W. Purves Campbell. ) Westruther. A small Heronry, consisting of from 8 to 12 nests, formerly existed in the Circle Plantation, which Walter Lockie, Gateside School, Spottiswoode, stood about a hundred yards to the Westruther, east of Gateside School. About Lauder. twenty years ago a great gale blew down the high spruce firs upon which the nests were placed, and this destroyed the Heronry. For a few years afterwards a number of Herons built on the trees at Crumles Bridge, near Bruntaburn, but boys interfering with their nests caused them to abandon that situation. The Herons always chose trees having round tops, and made very large circular nests. Foulden. A few Herons took up their abode John Wilson of at Foulden about 1830, on trees a Welnage, Duns, short distance to the south of the May 4th, 1886. Mansion House, but did not con- tinue long there. THE COMMON HERON. 45 PARISH. SITUATION OP HERONRY AND APPROXIMATE NUMBER OP NESTS. NAME AND ADDRESS OF REPORTER. Edrom. In 1825, when I was a boy at John Wilson of school in Duns, there was a Heronry Welnage, Duns, of about 12 nests at Nesbit, all July 25th, 1884. clustered about one spot, and several nests on one tree — great nests they were, double the size of Rooks' nests. We used to see the Herons' legs sticking out over the edges of the nests when the old birds were hatch- ing. The trees on which the Herons built stood to the south and west of Nesbit House. Cockburnspath. In Dunglass Dean, besides the tall James Hardy, trees near the Belvidere on the East- Oldcambus, Lothian side, where the Herons Cockburnspath. built when I was a boy, it is re- — MS. Xotes, ported they afterwards built near dated August the Saltheugh, on the Berwickshire 8th, 1877. side. They have deserted both places long since. Three years ago, on a flat spot among dangerously steep rocks near Siccar Point, a Heron's nest was James Hardy, Oldcambus, Cockburnspath, found. The young ones had been in Hist. Ber. deserted after being nearly fully Nat. Club grown. The nest was made of large (1875), vol. iii. sticks, and had many fish - bones p. 516. about it. Hutton. There used to be 2 or 3 Herons' W. Compton- nests on some old trees having their Lundie of Spital, tops covered with ivy near Clarabad Spital House, Damhead about twenty -five years Berwick-on- since. The trees were blown down Tweed, May 3rd, some time ago. 1887- There is an old Heronry Wood at The Author. Paxton, which formerly consisted of lofty spruce and silver fir-trees, growing in a dean near the Tweed, immediately to the west of Paxton House. The most of the tall silver firs have been blown down, and only a few giants now remain, one of which is about 110 feet in height. It is said that Herons at one time nested on the tall silver firs — hence the name of the wood. About 1869 several young Herons were confined in a wire-netted enclosure below the trees for about a year and a half for the purpose of inducing them to stay and build their nests on the remaining high trees, but on getting their liberty they flew away and did not return. 46 THE COMMON HERON. The Heron frequents the Tweed, Whitadder, Blackadder, Leader, Eye, Dye, Eden, and other streams in the county, where it may be sometimes observed standing motionless in the water watching for its prey. As, however, it is very wary, it is more often noticed rising from the river with its slow, steady flight, and its long legs stretched out beyond its tail. It likewise visits the rocky sea-coasts of the county, includ- ing the neighbourhood of Oldcambus, at all seasons of the year, but chiefly from March to August, in search of food. " Here," writes Mr. Hardy, " the birds sleep when the tide does not suit for fishing, one by one, or by pairs, in the chinks and hollows of the great rocks at Rough-head and Swallow Craig. When they fly, their large grey wings are very conspicuous on the black winter shores. If the tide is going out, they each select their own rock, and are elegant and watchful, their shadows being reflected in the receding waters. They remain still as long as a person walks on the top of the sea banks, but fly off if a stand be made." 1 The scream of a Heron, which it often utters when rising from a river side or marsh, never fails to alarm all the wild-fowl within hearing : " the Herrons gaif an vyild skreech as the Kijl had bene in fyir,2 quhilk gart the quhaipis 3 for fleyitnes 4 fle far fra hame." 5 When Herons are passing singly or in small numbers high overhead in the air on a prolonged journey, their cry often attracts attention, and they may then be observed in the full grandeur of their flight. Rooks sometimes mob them on these occasions, and fly after them with much persistence. 1 Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes, dated the 13th of February 1872. 2 "To cry as if the Kill was on fire"— a common phrase to express making a great noise.— Jamieson, Scot. Diet. 3 Curlews. 4 Fear. * The Complaynt of Scotland, 1560, THE COMMON HERON. 47 The food of this voracious bird1 consists of fish (of which it consumes an immense amount), small animals, such as rats and mice, young water birds, frogs, newts, molluscs, crustaceans, worms, and insects. Mr. Brother ston, Kelso, mentions having examined one which had upwards of twenty newts in its stomach.2 Mr. Ferguson, Duns, informed me on the 25th of May 1887 that during the spring of that year the Herons nesting in the Heronry at Duns Castle carried off the greater number of the young Coots in the lake there to feed their young. The game- keeper repeatedly observed them swooping down close to the water and picking up the young with their bills. The first brood of Coots escaped, as they had grown up before the young Herons were hatched. It is well known that the Heron, when wounded, is a dangerous bird to approach, on account of its habit of striking at the eye with its long-pointed bill. An instance of this propensity is thus related in the Kelso Chronicle for August 1852 : " One day last week, as two little boys from the village of Dodmill, near Spottiswoode, were strolling over Blythe Moor, one of them caught a Heron, with which he eagerly ran to his companion to show him his prize. He had no sooner, however, placed the bird on the ground than it drove its bill into one of the other boy's eyes, which it put quite out. The surgeon who examined the wound said it was a matter of surprise that the bill of the bird did not pierce the poor little fellow's brain." Two pools in the Dye are named after this bird; — the Heron's Hole, a short distance above Longformacus at a sharp turn of the river ; and the Heron Scaur, on the north side of the same stream, about a mile above Byrecleugh. 1 Although the Heron is very ravenous, it is light for its size. An old male in full plumage which I shot on the Langton Burn, near Wedderburn Castle, on the 29th of December 1886, weighed only 5fc Ibs. 2 Hist, Ber, Nat, Club, vol, vii. p. 502, 48 THE COMMON HERON. Mr. John Thomson has favoured me with the following interesting account of the Heronry at Mertoun : — " Considering its size and habits, the Heron may be termed plentiful in the south-western district of Berwick- shire. At all hours of the day, and every day, it may be observed winging its heavy flight to or from its feeding places. Yet on some days the naturalist may walk mile after mile on Tweedside, even close past a Heronry, without seeing a single bird. This is especially the case when the Tweed is in high flood. On these occasions it seems to prefer the tributary streams, ditches, and pools, to the swift-running river and its discoloured waters. In the summer time it is nearly always on the look out for food. On several occasions, when fishing for trout at night, I have disturbed a Heron from his favourite stream, while it was so dark that, had it not been for his scream, I would have been unaware of his presence. The screaming of the bird on these occasions is rather odd, as it seldom screeches when disturbed in the day time. More than once I have seen Herons fishing by moonlight, and noticed that they sounded their alarm note. It is a remarkably sage-looking and silent bird, though when near the nest it is often heard giving warning of its approach to its mate. One of the largest Heronries on the Borders is at Mertoun. The nests are built on the high beeches on an eminence in the western part of the policies. The Heronry is situated on a peninsula, and on three sides is only about three hundred yards from the Tweed. The beeches are noble trees, large in the trunk and particularly fine in their foliage. The nests are placed in secure positions on the slender boughs, which in many cases seem to be too small to sustain them. Lord Polwarth is particularly careful that the Heronry shall not be molested in any way, and as the nests are perfectly inaccessible, the birds are always able to rear their young in peace. Yet the THE COMMON HERON. 49 number of nests never increases in any appreciable degree, generally remaining at about thirty-five. It is not now known how long the Herons have occupied this wood con- jointly with an extensive colony of Eooks. The beeches seem to be about two hundred years old, and it is probable that the Heronry has existed for at least a century. One year the Herons and Eooks had a tough battle. The Eooks apparently wished to take possession of the nests of the former, and fought hard to attain their object. In the end the Herons were able to maintain the status quo ante, and the surplus Eooks betook themselves to other trees in the parks. Only in one season during the memory of persons living have the Herons failed to nest at Mertoun. This was about 1840. In the spring foresters were busily engaged thinning, and the birds betook themselves to the old wood at Blue Houses, near Dryburgh, where they nested and reared their young. They showed their decided partiality for Mertoun by returning next year, where they have ever since remained. In early summer from twenty to thirty of these birds may be seen sunning themselves in the grass enclosure near their nests, forming a spectacle as beautiful as it is perhaps unique in this part of the country. From careful and continued observation I have come to the conclusion that in certain cases particular Herons take up and hold without challenge a favourite fishing stream. The right of the individual to his " private water " seems to be fully recognised by other birds of the same species, which I have never seen fishing upon it even in the regular owner's absence, though I have noticed them on the opposite margin, a hundred yards or so lower down. This privilege seems to be conceded to old male birds. In one case, at least, I have been able distinctly to identify the bird which exercised his liberty without challenge. My friend the Eev. Alex- ander Stewart, LL.D., F.S.A., Ballachulish, in one of his VOL. II, D 50 THE COMMON HERON. " Nether-Lochaber " papers, supports my experience (Inver- ness Courier, February 5th, 1886). Mr. Stewart says : " We have repeatedly seen instances of individual Herons enjoy- ing such a monopoly as Mr. Thomson describes, and have little to say about it, except that the Heron, in such a case, is always a male, and usually a fine specimen, large and full-crested, of his long-legged race. We know a Heron in the full and free enjoyment of such a monopoly in our own parish at the present moment." Since the above was written I have obtained abundant proof of the correctness of the fore- going observations. About twenty years ago an old Heron was every day to be seen fishing in the stream on the Tweed opposite Mertoun House. This patriarch, according to the old servants of the Mertoun family, had held that stream as his peculiar possession for about forty years. There could be no mistake regarding his identity, as he was known wherever he was seen. This favourite bird, which in his day was one of the recognised " lions " of Mertoun, is thus referred to by the Hon. and Kev. Eobert Liddell in his Lay of the Last Angler : 1 — " I'll venture to pourtray one feature more In sketching beauteous Mertoun's situation. Notice that lonely fisher near the shore (Below * Stile-foot ' he takes his usual station). " Don't be afraid that he will interfere With your day's sport, because he's not a caster, Though in his own peculiar way, 'tis clear That he's a finished and successful master. " See ! how he stalks along the pebbly strand, With keen eye watching each sub-aqueous motion, Wading knee-deep for hours he will stand, Yet as to taking cold, he scorns the notion. " He needs no rod, nor line, nor fishing-book, Although he makes his living on the water ; He catches all his fish without a hook, But when * he's getten haud ' he gives no quarter. i Kelso : J. & J. H, Eutlierfurd, 1884, pp. 74-76, THE COMMON HERON. 51 "It is an ancient Heron — I believe, Forty years old at least — a dear relation, Who's much at Mertoun, says he can perceive Of its identity much indication. " Its haunts and habits always are the same — What lots of fish ere this he has digested. And the old poacher's wonderfully tame, Because he never is at all molested. " Still, he's a wary bird, and thinks aright, ' The better part of valour is discretion ; ' So if you come too near, he takes to flight, With pompous gravity beyond expression." HERODIONES. ( 52 ) ARDEIDsE. THE NIGHT HERON. THE GREY NIGHT HERON, THE NIGHT RAVEN. Nycticorax griseus. The Heron came from the Witch-pule tree, The Houlet frae Deadwood-howe ; The au Id grey Corbie hoverit aboone, While tears dawne his cheeks didflowe. THE GLOAMYNE BUCHTE. A SPECIMEN of this very rare bird was shot while sitting on the top of a tall oak-tree at the Hirsel, by the Earl of Home, on the 25th of May 1822. It was a male, and was presented to the Museum of the University of Edinburgh by his Lordship. A female was wounded by Lord Home on the same day, but it fell amongst a bed of reeds and could not be found, though a very diligent search was made for it.1 The Night Heron appears to have occurred only seven times in Scotland.2 It is not so large as the common species, and breeds in several parts of Europe. 1 Newcastle Magazine for July 1822, and Dr. Johnston's MS. Notes. 2 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iv. (1884-85), p. 196. HERODIONES. ( 53 ) ARDEID&. THE COMMON BITTERN. BULL 0' THE BOG, BUTTER-BUMP, BITTER-BINN, BOG-BUMPER, BOG- BLUTTER, BOG-JUMPER, BOG-DRUM, MIRE-BUMPER, MIRE DRUM, MOSS-BUMMER, BUMPY-COSS, BUMBLE. Botaurus stellaris. i;ije Bull o* tlje Bog;, sr? -^^|» "I • "Vfl'T tel -ma -.^«V •-,- 4lb -v ix/.Xi1 iteiSritf r< Bit i!» ANSERES. ( 95 ) ANATID^E. THE CANADA GOOSE. THE CRAVAT GOOSE. Bernicla canadensis. They flock together in consent^ like so many Wild Geese, SHAKESPEARE, Henry IV. THIS large and handsome Goose has occasionally occurred in Berwickshire. Five specimens were shot at Dowlaw mill pond by Mr. William Cowe on the 14th of May 1867,1 and one or two have been killed on the Leader, near Lauder.2 Dr. Stuart of Chirnside records that Mr. Millican, Foulden New Mains, saw a flock feeding in his mill pond there on the 16th of July 1882. Supposing them to be tame birds, he incautiously approached them, when they took wing and flew over in the direction of Blackburn.3 As this species is kept on a large pond at Gosford, in East-Lothian, with other water-fowl, and it rears its young there, it is probable that the examples seen in this county have come thence. This bird is about forty-one inches in length, and may be known by its black head and neck, while a white patch extending from under the chin to behind the ears has given it the name of the Cravat Goose. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vi. p. 435. 2 Ibid. vol. vi. p. 18, and vol. viii. p. 147. 3 Ibid. vol. x. p. 573. ANSERES. ( 96 ) ANATID^E. THE WHOOPEK ELK, WHISTLING SWAN, WILD SWAN. Cygnus musicus. dfllilti &fcaru 'Twere sweet to mark the setting day On Bourhope's lonely top decay ; Thence view the lake, 1 with sullen roar, Heave her broad billows to the shore ; And mark the Wild Swans mount the gale , Spread wide through mist their snowy sail, And ever stoop again, to lave Their bosoms on the surging wave. SIR WALTER SCOTT, Marmion. THE earliest record of an appearance of the Wild Swan in the county occurs in a diary kept by Captain Bell, of the Berwickshire Militia, who, about the beginning of this century, resided at Linthill, near Eyemouth. The entry in the diary is as follows: — "October 23rd, 1800. — Saw three Wild Swans — not flying high. Got in the last of my corn crop — oats — weather fine." Writing in August 1834, the Rev. J. S. Goldie, minister of Coldstream, says that Wild Swans have been shot in that parish ; 2 and in January 1835 the Eev. John Turnbull, minister of Eyemouth, mentions that " a few months ago several Swans made their appearance in the bay of Eye- 1 St. Mary's Loch. 2 New Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ii. (Berwickshire), p. 206. THE WHOOPEE. 97 mouth, one of which was shot." 1 Mr. Hardy, Oldcambus, relates that about 1843 three were seen, one of which was captured at Heughhead, and another near Press. Mr. Wilson of Welnage has informed me that a specimen was killed on the Whitadder, near Cumledge, about thirty years ago. The late Mr. Wilson of Cumledge got the bird stuffed, and kept it for many years. During the very severe winter of 1879-80 several Wild Swans frequented the Tweed between Paxton and Berwick, some of which were obtained, one of them (a very large male) being in my collection. According to Mr. Millican, Foulden New Mains, four others visited his mill pond in winter a few years ago, and re- mained about six weeks. When disturbed, they rose, and after flying a mile or two round in a circle, returned to the pond. He saw them rise from the water one morning, and, after mounting high in the air by circling round and round, make straight off towards the sea at Lamberton, whence they did not return. The Wild Swan does not breed in any part of Scotland, but visits this country on the autumn and spring migrations, its numbers depending upon the severity of the season. It frequents the sea-coast of Berwickshire, but is sometimes seen on the rivers and inland ponds of the county. The whole length from the point of the bill to the end of the tail is five feet, and the weight about twenty-four pounds. The front of the bill is black, and the posterior part yellow. The general colour of the young birds is greyish brown. In the list of prices of game fixed by the Scottish Par- liament in the reign of Queen Mary (1551), the Swan is entered at five shillings. A curious old custom in connection with the Swan is i New Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ii. (Berwickshire), p. 322. VOL. II. G 98 THE WHOOPEE. alluded to by Dunbar in his " Prayer that the King war John Thomsoun's Man " : l — I wald gif all that ever I have To that conditioun, sa God me saif , That he had vowit to the Swan,2 Ane yeir to be Johne Thomsoun's man. 1 The phrase was proverbial for a person who was ruled by his wife. 2 " ' That ye had vowit to the Swan.' The stanza containing this line is quoted from the Mait. MS. by Mr. Tyrwhytt in his excellent Glossary to Chaucer, who there adduces a singular instance of this vow from Matthew of Westminster. When Edward I. was setting out on his last expedition to Scotland (1306), a festival was held at which 'allati sunt in pompatica gloria duo cygni, vel olores, ante regem, phalerati retibus aureis, vel fistulis deauratis, desiderabile spectaculum intuentibus. Quibus visis rex votum vovit Deo cceli et cygnis se proficisci in Scotiam.' In the days of chivalry it was customary for the knights to make vows to God over a roasted Swan, Peacock, Heron, or other bird, and these vows were held to be inviolable. The bird was afterwards carried to the table." — Sibbald's Chron. of Scot. Poetry, vol. i. p. 323. ANSERES. ( 99 ) ANATIDJE. BEWICK'S SWAN. Cygnus Bewicki. Sum swallis swan, some swallis duik, Andlstandfastand in a nuik. DUNBAR. BEWICK'S SWAN, which is about one-third smaller than the Whooper, and, like that bird, visits Scotland on migration, is occasionally seen off the coast of Berwickshire during the winter months. Mr. Hardy, Oldcambus, writing on the 12th of November 1886, mentions that a specimen of this Swan was brought to him from Eedheugh on that day, and adds that it had been cast ashore, probably by the storm which took place on the 5th and 6th of the same month.1 The length of Bewick's Swan is about four feet, and the base of the beak is orange yellow. In young birds the plumage is greyish brown. i Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes. ANSERES. ( 100 ) ANATIDM. THE COMMON SHELD-DUCK. SHIELDRAKE, SHELDRAKE, SKELGOOSE, SKEELING GOOSE, BURROW-DUCK, ST. GEORGE'S DUCK, SLY GOOSE, STOCK- ANNET, BARGANDER, BARDRAKE, BAY-DUCK. Tadorna cornuta. The sleeping Shell-Ducks at the sound arise, And utter loud their inharmonious cries ; Fluttering, they move their weedy beds among, Or instant diving hide their plumeless young. CRABBE. THIS beautiful bird, which is a permanent resident in Scot- land, is seldom seen in Berwickshire, as the coast is too precipitous for its habits. Small flocks, however, have been occasionally observed on the Tweed in the neighbourhood of Paxton during severe weather about the end of winter, when they were invariably very wild and shy. Mr. Charles Watson, Duns, has informed me that a specimen of this bird was shot at Chirnside on the 27th of April 1878; and Mr. Peter Cowe states that an example was killed on a pond at Loch ton in 1884. The Shell-Duck nests in burrows on sandy links by the sea-shore, one of its breeding places being between Holy Island and Bamborough on the Northumberland coast.1 It may be easily distinguished by a broad band of rich chestnut which extends from the lower part of the white breast over the back at the base of the neck. 1 Birds of Northumberland and Durham, by J. Hancock, p. 150, ANSERES. ( 101 ) ANATID^E. THE MALLARD,1 OR WILD DUCK. MIRE DUCK, MOSS DUCK, MUIR DUCK, GREY DUCK. Anas boscas. 2Ducfc. High o'er the restless deep, above the reach Of gunner's hope, vast flights of Wild Duck stretch Far as the eye can glance on either side, In a broad space and level line they glide, All in the -wedge-like figures from the North, Day after day flight after flight go forth. CRABBE. IN former times the Wild Duck was much more plentiful in Berwickshire than it is at present, for agricultural drainage 2 and improvements have removed nearly all the bogs and morasses which it loved to haunt, amongst which may be mentioned Billie Mire, where, until the early part of this century, it was seen in hundreds. As few people at the present day have any idea of the great alterations which have taken place over the surface of the county since the middle of last century, it is interesting to hear what Mr. John Wilson says of its state about that time : " As our grandfathers saw it," says that gentleman, " the whole country, with the most trifling exceptions, was unenclosed, 1 Both Mr. Howard Saunders, in vol. iv. of the revised and enlarged edition of Yarrell's British Birds, p. 358, and Mr. Seebohm, in his British Birds, vol. iii. p. 559, use Mallard as the English name of the Common Wild Duck. It is derived from the French word " Malart," which signifies the male of the Wild Duck. 2 Writing in 1842, under dates July 2nd and 9th, Mr. Hardy says: "On a visit to west of Berwickshire and Lauderdale, the Wild Duck is becoming rarer and rarer on account of drainage." — MS. Notes. 102 THE MALLARD. there was scarcely such a thing as a plantation of trees; there was no artificial drainage, and the hollow parts were till* of bogs, marshes, and stagnant pools." 1 The late Dr. Henderson of Chirnside, an ardent lover of nature,2 lament- ing the changes which were taking place in his day, remarks that " burnies, too, maun a' rin anither gate now frae what Nature intended ; lochs, too, are a' drained, Wild Ducks hae nae well-ees now to waddle in ; ane can hardly get a bit dub for a channel-stane rink." 3 Notwithstanding these changes, however, the Mallard is still seen, although in comparatively small numbers, in every district of the county, where it haunts the rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, many frequenting certain favourite retreats, such as Duns Castle Lake,4 the Hirsel Lake, and the lochs of Legerwood and Bemersyde. It is also found on the sea-coast from autumn until spring, as many as two hundred having been observed by Mr. Hardy in a flock at Greenhaugh on the 16th of November 18*75. He remarks that — " In the night-time they resorted to the inland ponds, burns, and marshes, but in the morning returned to the sea, on that part of the coast most beset with rocks and protected by high cliffs."5 Although many Wild Ducks breed in the county, there can be little doubt that the numbers of our native birds i See Report on the Agriculture of Scotland, 1878, p. 23. 2 I love the uncultured spot where Nature revels free, Some place left sacred to the flower and bee. DR. HENDERSON, Scenes of Boyhood. 3 Popular Rhymes of Berwickshire, p. 83. 4 This lake has been long known as a resort of wild-fowl. Writing in 1792, the Rev. Robert Bowmaker, minister of Duns, says : "On the north and west [of Duns Castle] are several hundred acres of thriving planting, much of it very old. In the bosom of this plantation is a fine basin of water called the Hen Pond ; it is above a mile in circumference, and in summer vast numbers of Wild Duck resort to it."— Old Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iv. p. 384. s Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 486. THE MALLAKD. 103 are augmented in autumn by migratory flocks from regions Where the Northern Ocean in vast whirls Boils round the naked, melancholy isles Of further Thule,i to which they return in spring. During severe weather in winter, when our lakes and ponds are frozen, Wild Ducks betake themselves to the Whitadder, Blackadder, Eye, Dye, Eden, and other streams, which keep comparatively free from ice, and also to the sea- coast. In ordinary weather at that season they are accus- tomed to rest on lakes, ponds, or the sea during the day- time ; and at the twilight of the evening, which is known to the wild fowler as " flight-time," they fly off" to the neigh- bouring marshes, small streams, and ditches to feed, returning in the early morning to their usual haunts for the day. In the evenings, towards the end of August and in September, great flocks often visit barley fields, where the corn is " laid," and devour large quantities of grain.2 The usual food of the Wild Duck consists of seeds of various kinds, aquatic plants, worms, slugs, and insects. An example killed near Gordon in the severe winter of 1878-79, besides the roots and leaves of aquatic plants and a large number of the shells of Pisidium pusillum, had a quantity of Sedum Acre in its stomach.3 The Mallard is an early breeder, and generally has eggs in April ; the nest, which is composed of dry grass and lined with down, is usually placed on the ground by the side of a 1 Thomson, Autumn. 2 Mr. Logan, late of Legerwood, informs me that they used to do considerable damage to his barley fields in the vicinity of the loch there, and that he has often shot numbers by waiting at the " darkening " near the " laid " spots. Mr. James Herriot says he has known large flocks visit the barley fields on Leetside Farm in the evenings, after the corn was cut. Mr. Black, Girrick, near Nenthorn, mentions that numbers frequent his barley fields and feed on the "laid" parts of the crops in the evenings just before harvest. 3 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 537. 104 THE MALLARD. pond, stream, or ditch, amongst rushes or other herbage, but it has been found in various abnormal situations, and even in a tree. One which I discovered by the side of the Whitadder on the 19th of April 1873 was on such a steep bank that the young would have considerable difficulty in reaching the water in safety. The eggs, which vary in number from eight to thirteen, are of a dull greenish-grey colour. The young are not able to fly for about two months after they are hatched, and when nearly fledged are called " flappers." Mr. Blackadder, Blanerne, has informed me that flapper shooting at Billie Mire was a favourite sport of the inhabitants of Chirnside long ago, who " used to go over with their guns to the Mire in bands about the month of August, when the young Ducks were nearly ready to fly, and bring back loads of them." The following entries with reference to flapper shooting appear in a diary kept by Captain Bell, of the Berwickshire Militia, in 1812-14 : — " 1814, July 12th. — Went to Blacks- mill Burn and up above Dirrington Law for young Ducks. Got two young ones and two old ones. The young ones were rather small, few feathers being on the wing. July 1*1 th. — Went to S win ton Mill and tried for Wild Ducks. Got four very fine ones and a Water Hen. Saw three or four more." At the end of the breeding season a great change takes place in the colour of the Drake; he then appears in a dress like that of the Duck, though a little darker, and the quills being cast simultaneously, he is rendered incapable of flight; but by the middle of October he has again acquired his full plumage. Wild Duck shooting is most enjoyable, and a fine old Drake in full plumage, besides being a very satisfactory mark, forms a desirable addition to the contents of a game THE MALLAKD. 105 bag, and makes a very savoury dish for the table. The sport is frequently followed in the evening, when the Ducks fly in from the sea or from lakes to their feeding grounds, the sportsman concealing himself behind a hedge or tree in their usual line of flight, and killing them on the wing as they fly overhead. I have found that one of the most successful ways of shooting Wild Ducks is to go to their feeding places — such as marshy grounds, the sides of small streams, ditches, and the like — very early in the morning l before it is quite light, for they are then generally not so wary as usual, and allow the gunner to approach within range before they fly up. When severe frost occurs in winter, and snow covers the ground, Ducks are found on those parts of our rivers and small streams which keep free from ice, and if the fowler be pro- vided with a suit of white linen to cover his clothes, and a white cap, they may be stalked with greater success than in ordinary shooting costume, for the white dress is not con- spicuous when seen against a background of snow. I have frequently sat in the snow at dawn by the side of Langton Burn, near Wedderburn Castle, and shot Ducks as they came flying close past me, my white dress concealing me from their view. On the morning of the 9th of January 1879 I killed eleven Mallards in this manner in half an hour. As day- light approaches, and the sun rises on such occasions, What pen or pencil shall presume to draw The glowing scene — the rosy hue that paints The glistening snow, the fiery gleams that flash From crystal icicles, the rocks which deck, Or hoary willow roots, and with a flood Of brightest splendour light the river up ! 1 Mr. John Black, Girrick, Nenthorn, informs me that Wild Ducks frequent the Eden (which forms the western boundary of his farm) in great numbers. The numerous bends in the course of the stream are very favourable for stalking the Ducks, and he has killed as many as eight in a morning by walking up the side of the river and shooting them as they rose from the water at the angles of the stream. He has killed seventy in a season. 106 THE MALLARD. Now wand'ring by the river's winding side Its mazy course we trace, explore each creek, Islet, or shelter'd cave, the Wild Fowl's haunts. REV. JOHN VINCENT, Fowling. Several places in Berwickshire appear to have derived their names from the Wild Duck, amongst which may be mentioned Drakestruther, in Lauder parish ; Drake Mire, a tract of marshy ground to the north of the Dog Bush Plan- tation, in Buncle parish ; Wild Duck Ha', the old name of a place in Swinton parish, which, Mr. Hardy says, lay by the side of a moss near the Leet, where boys of a generation back used to gather Wild Ducks' eggs ; and the Duck Ponds on the top of the moor at the highest point of the Black Hill above Dye Cottage, in Longformacus parish.1 A popular saying sometimes heard in the county is that " Ducks and Geese drown at the wing." 2 1 Colonel Brown of Longformacus gave me this information. 2 This has probably arisen from the fact that when a Duck or Goose is wounded in the wing while on the water, the feathers of the wounded wing get wet imme- diately, the bird having apparently lost the power of keeping them in such a position as to resist the action of the water. ANSERES. ( 107 ) THE SHOVELLER. SPOON-BILL DUCK, BROAD BILL, SHOVEL BILL, BLUE-WINGED SHOVELLER. Spatula clypeata. The Schooler who so shakes the air with saily wings, That even as he files you still would think he sings. DRAYTON, Polyolbion. THE Shoveller, which is so called from the broad expansion of its bill towards the tip, has not yet been shown to be more than a rare winter visitor to Berwickshire. Mr. Allan of Peelwalls has informed me that a specimen in his possession was killed on Billie Mains mill pond about thirty years ago, and a male and female are said to have been shot at Legerwood Loch in the winter of 1870.1 Mr. Hardy records that on the 25th of July 1872, Mr. Wilson, Coldingham, obtained an example from the mill pond at Fleurs near that village,2 and the Eev. William Stobbs mentions that a pair were got near Gordon Moss.3 On the 25th of May 1886 Mr. James Aitchison, slater, Duns, showed me a male in fine plumage which had been obtained at the Hule Moss in the beginning of that month out of a flock of about twenty. Five Shovellers were observed on Duns Castle Lake on the 1st of December 1887 by Mr. William Smith, gamekeeper, who states that they are now seen there in small numbers nearly every winter. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 147. 2 Ibid. vol. vi. p. 431. s Ibid. vol. ix. p. 230. 108 THE SHOVELLER. Although this beautiful Duck is generally only a winter visitor to Scotland, it has been found breeding in various Scottish counties, including East-Lothian,1 and also in Northumberland. It is an excellent bird for the table. When it flies, the wings, which are moved rapidly, cause a peculiar sound, that may be heard at some distance. 1 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iv. p. 376. ANSERES. ( 109) ANATIDAL. THE PINTAIL DUCK. PINTAIL TEAL, WINTER DUCK, SEA PHEASANT, CRACKER, LADY-BIRD, HARLAN. Dafila acuta. A flight of fowl Scatter' d by winds and high tempestuous gusts. SHAKESPEARE, Titus Andronicus. THIS elegant bird is occasionally seen as a winter visitor off the coast of Berwickshire, but it seldom ventures into the interior of the county. Mr. John Weddell, Long Birgham, informs me that a specimen was shot on the Tweed there a few years ago, and Mr. William Smith, gamekeeper, tells me that a Pintail Drake has been seen on the lake at Duns Castle during the winter months for some years past. He saw it there last on the 28th of November 1889. ANSEKES. ( 110 ) ANATID&. THE TEAL. COMMON TEAL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Querqaedula crecca. Mourn Sooty Coots and Speckled Teals : Ye Fisher Herons watching eels : Ye Duck and Drake wi' airy wheels Circling the lake. BURNS, Elegy on Captain Matthew Henderson. THIS pretty little Duck is seen during the autumn, winter, and early spring months on most of the inland waters of the county, including streams and ponds. It is, generally speaking, a winter visitor, coming from the north in early autumn and returning there in spring, but a few remain in Berwickshire and breed during the summer in suitable spots, amongst which may be mentioned the bog on Green- law Common. It frequents the Langton Burn, in the neighbourhood of Wedderburn Castle in winter, while the pond at Wedderburn North Lodge was a favourite haunt before it was removed, as many as fifty having been occa- sionally seen there in a flock. Mr. Lockie says that it is found at Legerwood Loch and on the lake at Spottiswoode, and he mentions that it is common in the Earlston district, and breeds amongst reeds by the side of the Leader. Mr. Johnston, Fellcleuch, near Ellemford, informs me that it resorts to the Whitadder there. According to Mr. Edington, it occurs in Lumsden Moss, and Mr. Hardy says it visits Townhead Mill Pond. When shooting with Mr. Clapham, THE TEAL. Ill Broomhouse, on the 26th of November 1886, I saw several Teal rise from the Whitadder near Blanerne, and have some- times observed them frequenting a small burn near Edrom Mains. This species is also occasionally noticed on the Tweed about Paxton and Milne Graden. The Teal is the smallest of our Wild Ducks, and besides affording good sport with the gun, not being so wary as the Mallard, is excellent for the table. When rising from a stream it generally flies straight up into the air and requires quick shooting, as it is rapid on the wing. In olden times it appears to have been a favourite quarry of the falconer, and we find it specially mentioned in an Act of the Scottish Parliament " against slaughter of Wild-fowles," 15th November 1600, James vi., 16, c. 23 — " Seing in tyme of peace in all tyme bygane, the saids pastymes of hunting and halking were the onely means and instruments to keepe the haill Leiges bodies fra not becom- ming altogether effeminat . . . they discharge any persons whatsomever, within this Kealme in any wyse to sell or buy any fastan reid or fallowe Deare, Daes, Eaes, Hares, Par- tridges, Moore-fowles, Black-cokes, Aith-hennes, Termigants, Wyld Dukes, Teilles, Atteilles, Goldings, Mortyms, Schid- derems, Skaildraik, Herron, Butter, or any sik kynde of fowlles, commonly used to be chased with Halkes, under the paine of ane hundreth pounds, to be incurred alswell by the buyer as the seller." The nest of the Teal is usually found amongst rushes or other herbage by the side of a loch or pond, or in a bog or marsh remote from cultivation, and is composed of dead grasses and other plants, with a lining of down and feathers. The eggs are of a greenish cream colour, and vary in number from eight to fifteen. The food consists of water plants, grasses, and insects. ANSERES. ( 112 ) ANATIDM. THE GAEGANEY. SUMMER TEAL, CRICKET TEAL, PIED WIGEON. Querquedula circia. Strange fowl light upon neighbouring ponds. SHAKESPEARE, Cymbeline. THE Garganey, which is a little larger than the Teal and somewhat like it in appearance, has apparently been obtained only once in Berwickshire, a beautiful male having been shot by Mr. H. Hewat Craw on the mill pond at Foulden West Mains, on the llth of March 1886. He has informed me that it was accompanied by another duck of the same kind, which may have been a female. This species is a rare visitor to Scotland, but has occurred on migration in several counties. It winters in the south of Europe, and its breeding quarters extend as far north as Denmark, Sweden, and Kussia. - -,,n i ANSERES. ( 113 ) ANATID&. THE WIGEON. WHEW DUCK, PANDLE WHEW, YELLOW POLL, WHISTLER, WHIM, BALD PATE, HALF DUCK, SMEE DUCK. Mareca penelope. Who can recount what transmigrations there Are annual made ? What nations come and go ? And how the living clouds on clouds arise ? Infinite wings ! till all the plume-dark air, And rude resounding shore are one wild cry. THOMSON, Autumn. THIS winter visitor is seen in flocks off the coast, and occasionally in small numbers on the ponds1 and rivers in the interior of the county. It generally arrives from the north in October and leaves in March or the begin- ning of April. Mr. Kelly records that a flock frequented an old water- run of the Leader, between New Mills ground and the haugh, from the beginning to the middle of October some years ago, and that the crop of one which was shot at New- bigging upper pond was full of the grass Poa annua? He also mentions that the bird generally associates in Lauder- dale with Mallard and Teal, from which it can easily be distinguished when flushed by the whiteness of its under parts and its more rapid flight.3 The Kev. W. Stobbs of Gordon, in some notes on the birds of that district, alludes 1 Mr. William Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle, informs me that he observed fourteen Wigeon on the lake there on the 3rd of December 1889, and thirty-nine on the llth of January 1890. He adds that considerable flocks frequent it in winter. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 523. 3 ma. vol. viii. p. 147. VOL. II. H 114 THE WIGEON. to a specimen which was killed in Gordon Bog.1 It has been occasionally observed on the Tweed at Paxton. Mr. Hardy relates that numbers have been obtained at the Cove Shore in winter. Small flocks of Wigeon sometimes visit the mill pond at Foulden New Mains, and Mr. Milli- can, the tenant of that farm, informed me on the 6th of November 1886 that some time previous to that date he had killed six out of a flock one morning. It has been occasionally observed on the Eden near Nenthorn during hard weather by Mr. Black, Girrick. Great numbers of Wigeon were formerly taken in decoy ponds, as many as 44,677 having been caught at the decoy of Steeple, in Canney Marsh, Essex, between 1714 and 1726,2 and it affords more sport than any other duck to the wild- fowl shooter on the coast. The food of this bird consists of grass, aquatic plants, and insects, and Mr. Waterton records that, unlike the Teal and Mallard, which obtain nearly the whole of their food during the night, it feeds in the day-time. It has a rapid flight and a whistling cry, and is a savoury dish for the table. A few Wigeon nest in the shires of Eoss, Sutherland, and Cromarty, and thence northwards.3 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 230. 2 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iv. p. 3 Seebohm, British Birds, vol. iii. p. 539. ANSERES. ( 115 ) ANATID&. THE POCHARD. DUN BIRD, DUNKER, POKER, RED-HEADED POKER, RED-EYED POKER, GREAT-HEADED POKER. Fuligula ferina. How silly the Wild Duck and Wigeon appear, To be lured in decoy by the pranks of an ape ! But crafty the Pochard, which cunningly dives, And beats under water a certain escape. FOLKARD. THE Pochard is a winter visitor to the sea-coast and inland waters of Berwickshire from October until March or April, when it leaves for its breeding quarters. It is seen in con- siderable numbers off the shore, but only occasionally fre- quents the lakes, ponds, and rivers of the county, and then singly, or only in small flocks. The first notice of the Pochard in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club is in the presidential address of the Eev. Andrew Baird, minister of Cockburnspath, delivered at Duns on the 18th of September 1833, in which he states that at a meeting of the club held at Cockburnspath, on the 16th of April of that year, "Dr. Johnston mentioned that he had lately received from the Eev. Mr. Campbell a specimen of the Pochard Duck (Anas ferina, Linn.), shot near Coldingham Loch.1 During severe winters the Pochard visits the Tweed and also the Whitadder, in the neighbourhood of Paxton. Several were killed on the former in the hard frost of i Hist. Eer. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 16, 116 THE POCHAED. 1870-71, and I shot a beautiful male on the latter, near the Old Bound Eoad, in the end of December 1874. Mr. Kelly records that there are some specimens in local collec- tions about Lauder which were procured in the vicinity of the Leader ; l and Mr. Hardy mentions one which was shot on the Whitadder, above Cockburn, in January 1877.2 Mr. Weddell, Long Birgham, writes to me that he has sometimes killed this duck on the Tweed in that neighbourhood ; and Mr. H. H. Craw states that he has occasionally shot it on the mill pond at Foulden West Mains. The lake at Duns Castle, where wild-fowl of all kinds are carefully protected by the proprietor, W. J. Hay, Esq., is sometimes visited by the Pochard, a flock of seven having been observed there by the gamekeeper, Mr. William Smith, on the 27th of January 1887, and from twenty to thirty on the 17th of October of the same year. Although the great majority of Pochards return to northern regions in spring, a few remain to breed in various parts of Britain, and Mr. Gray records that a nest has been found on the banks of a loch in Fifeshire.3 The subject of our notice is a wary bird, and when it enters the mouth of a decoy pipe with other wild-fowl it dives and escapes under water if any attempt be made to drive it further in along with them. For this reason it is taken on what is called a " flight pond," having nets at the sides so constructed that one of them can be raised by the fowler when the ducks are flushed, according to the direc- tion in which they fly. A few of the leading Pochards are allowed to pass over the place where the net is concealed, and then it is suddenly raised up so as to intercept the great bulk of the flock, which strike against the net in their flight, and flutter down into a number of small pens con- i Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 305. 2 Ibid. vol. viii. p. 196. 3 Ibid. vol. ix. p. 366. THE POCHARD. 117 structed at the bottom, out of which they cannot readily escape, several hundreds being sometimes taken at once in this manner.1 Pochards feed, when on fresh water, on aquatic plants, for which they dive, and they are then excellent for the table, being considered almost equal to the celebrated Can- vas-back Duck of America. When at sea they subsist on molluscs and other marine creatures, and are not then well flavoured. The head and upper neck of the male Pochard are rich chestnut. In the female these parts are buffish brown. i See The Wild Fowler, by Folkard, second edition, 1864, pp. 82-94. ANSERES. ( 118 ) ANATID&. THE TUFTED DUCK. BLACK DUCK, BLACK WIGEON, DOUCKER. Fuligula cristata. the feather* d tribes in close array O'er the wide fields of ocean wing their way W 'hen from the rage of winter they repair To warmer suns and more indulgent air. PITT. THIS duck is occasionally seen off the coast, and on some of the inland waters of the county, during autumn, winter, and spring. It has been observed on the Tweed at Paxton, a male in full plumage having been shot there during the snow-storm of 1870-71. Mr. John Aitchison, plasterer, Duns, informs me that a male was killed at Marchmont in the autumn of 1886. Mr. William Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle, informs me that he saw two on the lake there on the 3rd of November 1887, and four on the 10th of January 1890. Although the Tufted Duck is generally a winter visitor from northern regions and returns there in spring to breed, yet numbers remain and breed in various counties of England, including Northumberland. It has likewise been observed nesting in Perthshire,1 and at Yetholm Loch in Koxburghshire.2 It is a late breeder, incubation not taking place until May or the beginning of June. It is an expert diver, and feeds on various aquatic plants and insects, but is not considered a good bird for the table. 1 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iv. p. 431. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 521. ANSERES. ( 119 ) ANATIDJE. THE SCAUP DUCK.1 WHITE-FACED DUCK, SPOON-BILL DUCK, MUSSEL DUCK, BLACK-HEADED DIVER. Fuligula marila. It was the dreariest depth of -winter-tide, And on the ocean and its isles was felt The iron sway of the North. Yea, even the fowl, That through the polar summer months could see A beauty in Spitsbergen' s naked isles, Or on the drifting icebergs seek a home, Even they had fled, on southern wing, in search Of less inclement shores. DELTA, The Fowler. THE Scaup Duck is a winter visitor to the sea-coast, but is seldom seen on the inland waters of Berwickshire. When severe weather occurs, with snow and hard frost, it is occa- sionally seen on the Tweed near Paxton, where several were shot during the snow-storm of 18 70- "71, and again in December 1875. It is an expert diver, and feeds principally on shell-fish and marine plants, and is not therefore a very palatable bird for the table. The head, neck, and upper breast of the male are black, glossed with green, while the feathers round the base of the bill in the female are white. 1 So named from its feeding amongst broken mussel and oyster shells ; called in the north "Scaup." — Swainson, Provincial Names of British Birds, 1885, p. 159. ANSERES. ( 120 ) ANATID^. THE GOLDEN-EYE. GOLDEN -EYED GARROT, GOWDY DUCK, PIED WIGEON, WHITE- SIDE, GREY-HEADED DUCK, RATTLE - WINGS, WHISTLER, DIVING DUCK, DIVER OR DOUCKER, MORILLON. Fuligula clangula. Clanging Golden-eye. CRABBE, Peter Grimes. ALTHOUGH numbers of Golden-eyes frequent the coast of Berwickshire, and a few are found on the larger rivers and inland waters x in the autumn, winter, and spring months, the adult male, in his beautiful black and white dress, is comparatively seldom noticed.2 During the continuance of very severe weather in winter he may be occasionally observed on the Tweed, where females and immature males are then frequently seen swimming about the pools and diving in the streams.3 The Golden-eye is sometimes noticed on the Whitadder as far up as Abbey St. Bathans.4 Mr. Kelly says that he has not noticed it on the Leader.5 1 Mr. W. Smith, gamekeeper, informs me that this duck sometimes frequents the lake at Duns Castle in winter. He saw two there on the 8th of February 1890. 2 Mr. Hardy, writing on the 25th of February 1879, says: "About forty-two Golden-eyes seen in Siccar Bay — only two males in full plumage." 3 Mr. Cowe, Loehton, informed me on the 7th of August 1886 that an old male in full plumage was shot on the Tweed there in winter about 1872. 4 Mr. John Aitchison, plasterer, Duns, informs me that a female was shot at Ellemford on the 26th of November 1886. » Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 523. THE GOLDEN-EYE. 121 It arrives in the county from the north in autumn, and leaves in spring. It feeds on small fishes, shell-fish, and aquatic plants, which it obtains by diving, and is not an appetising dish for the table. ANSERES. ( 122 ) ANATID^E. THE LONG-TAILED DUCK. LONG-TAILED HARELD, NORTHERN HARELD, SHARP-TAILED DUCK, CALLOO, COAL-AND-CANDLE-LIGHT, COL- CANDLE WICK, COLDIE, MEALY-BIRD. Harelda glacialis. 2Ductu Fowls by winter forced forsake the floods, A nd wing their hasty flight to happier lands. DRAYTON. THE Long-tailed Duck, which is an autumn and winter visitor, is seen in small flocks off the coast of Berwickshire, and sometimes singly or in pairs on the inland waters of the county, including the Tweed and the lake at Duns Castle. Mr. Hardy records that two were killed in the Harbour Loch, Coldingham Shore, in January I860.1 I shot a female on the Tweed at Finchy, near Paxton, in the end of December 1874. Mr. W. Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle, informs me that he noticed a Long-tailed Duck on the lake there on the 13th of January 1886. Females and immature males are most frequently met with, the male in his beautiful adult plumage being com- paratively seldom seen. The food of this species consists chiefly of crustaceans, fish, and other marine creatures. Its flesh is coarse and unsavoury. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. iv. p. 211. ANSERES. ( 123 ) ANATIDJE. THE EIDER DUCK. ST. CUTHBERT'S DUCK,1 DUNTER GOOSE, GREAT BLACK AND WHITE DUCK, DUSKY DUCK, CUD-DOO, CULVER DUCK. Somateria mollissima. Culbert With instinctive love is drest The Eider's downy cradle, "where The mother bird her glossy breast Devotes ; and with maternal care And plumeless bosom stems the toiling seas That foam round the tempestuous Orcades. C. SMITH, Studies of the Sea. DURING the autumn, winter, and spring months the Eider Duck frequents the coast of Berwickshire, usually in small numbers, though occasionally considerable flocks are observed. Mr. Hardy, Oldcambus, who, in his papers on the local migra- tion of birds in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' CM, frequently notices the occurrence of this duck off the coast about Siccar Point from November to May, says : " They utter a noise like the cooing of a Pigeon, and the fishermen call them Cud-doos. They stay all the winter, but are seldom seen off here, and are said to breed in some of the rocks near Fast Castle. In earlier times they also nestled in a rough part of the bank near the Cove Har- bour."3 Amongst many MS. notes on birds with which he 1 So called from its nesting on the Fame Islands, once the abode of St. Cuthbert. 2 This, says Mr. Hardy, is one of the coast names of the bird. 3 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 277. 124 THE EIDER DUCK. has very kindly favoured me, the same gentleman mentions under date of the 25th of April 1885: "A male Eider brought by one of the salmon fishermen. It was a very fine specimen, and had been caught in one of the salmon nets. It seized everything that approached its bill, and watched its opportunity readily to inflict a wicked bite. A nest with young was found last year by the salmon- fishers on the west side of Fast Castle." On the 30th of June 1887, when passing "The Little Books," which are small rocky islets about half a mile to the west of Fast Castle, in a boat rowed by some of the salmon fisher- men, they informed me that in the summer of 1885 several pairs of Eider Ducks nested in the vicinity, and that they had often tried to catch the ducklings, but without success. They said that they had observed a few birds of this species about that part of the coast in the first week of June 1887. A male was seen by me on the Tweed, near Paxton, in the end of December 1874, and Mr. W. Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle, informs me that he noticed two on the lake there on the 25th of January 1886. The Eider Duck breeds at the Fame Islands, and elsewhere on the coast of Northumberland. Its nest is generally composed of sea-weeds and dry grass, and as incubation proceeds it receives a lining of down plucked by the bird from her body. Seebohm says that " Eider-down is a highly prized article of commerce, and in some places, especially in Norway, Iceland, and Greenland, the birds are strictly protected for the profit they yield. By judiciously remov- ing the eggs and down from the nests the birds are made to lay again, and furnish a fresh supply of the precious down. Each duck yields about four ounces of down, which, when cleaned, is worth about a sovereign a pound." 1 It requires * History of British Birds, vol. iii. p. 620. THE EIDER DUCK. 125 about a pound and a half to make a coverlet. The eggs vary in number from five to eight, and are greyish green in colour. The bird generally begins to lay about the middle of May. Its food consists chiefly of crustaceans and shell-fish. ANSERES. ( 126 ) THE COMMON SCOTER BLACK SCOTER, BLACK DUCK, SURF DUCK. (Edemia nigra. On dit d'un homme sur lequel on ne peut compter: "// ressemblea une macreuse; il n'est ni chair ni poisson" FRENCH PROVERB. THE Common Scoter is a winter visitor, which is seen in flocks off the coast of the county, but seldom on the inland waters. I have noticed it several times on the Tweed, at Paxton, during winter. Two specimens were observed on the lake at Duns Castle, by the gamekeeper there, on the llth of March 1887, and the same number on the 25th of October following. It feeds on shell-fish, which it obtains by diving, and its flesh has a strong fishy flavour ; hence the French proverb quoted above. The plumage of the male is wholly black. ANSERES. ( 127 ) ANATID^?. THE VELVET SCOTER WHITE- WINGED BLACK DUCK, GREAT BLACK DUCK, DOUBLE SCOTER. (Edemia fusca. I gaze upon the stormy, troubled ocean, I hear her crested waves, Waking, as they roll with restless motion, The echoes of her caves. WALTER CHISHOLM. THIS species, which can easily be distinguished from the Common Scoter, by its larger size and the white bar across its wing, is occasionally seen off the coast of Berwickshire in the autumn, winter, and spring months, but is rarely observed in the interior of the county. Mr. Peter Cowe, Lochton, has informed me that a specimen was shot on the sea near Dow- law, in the parish of Coldingham, in 1860. A flock of ten Velvet Scoters was observed by the gamekeeper at Duns Castle, on the lake there, on the 7th of January 1886 ; and Mr. Hay of Duns kindly wrote to me on the 18th of April following that two were to be seen on the lake at the date of his letter. ANSERES. ( 128 ) ANATID^E. THE GOOSANDER. SAW BILL, DUN DIVER, JACK LAW, GREATER GOOSANDER. Mergus merganser. The Gosander with them, my goodly fens do shew, His head as ebon black, the rest as -white as snow. DRAYTON. THE Goosander is a visitor from the north, which is fre- quently seen during the winter and early spring months on the inland waters of Berwickshire, including the Tweed, Whitadder, and Leader,1 when it is also observed on the sea- coast of the county. The adult male in full plumage, with his shining green head and rich pinkish cream-coloured breast, is one of the most beautiful of our water- fowl, but he is of much less frequent occurrence than immature birds of the same sex and females in their dull coloured coats. This species is very destructive to fish, which it catches readily with its serrated bill. Mr. Brotherston, bird-stuffer, Kelso, writing on the effects of the severe winter of 1878-V9, says : " Goosanders have been numerous and fat. Nearly every one I have dissected has been gorged with trout and parr in various stages of digestion, and measuring from three up to nine and a half inches in length." Although the Goosander generally departs towards the end of March for its breeding quarters in the north of 1 Mr. Kelly mentions St. Leonard's Cauld, on the Leader, as a well-known haunt of the Goosander.— Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 305. THE GOOSANDER. 129 Europe, a few remain and nest in some parts of the High- lands, including the counties of Perth, Eoss, Sutherland, Inverness, and Argyle. It usually makes its nest in the hollow of a tree, or under some kind of shelter. It subsists almost entirely upon fish, and its flesh is unpalatable. VOL. II. ANSERES. ( 130 ) ANATID&. THE SMEW. PIED SMEW, SMEE DUCK, WHITE NUN, WHITE-HEADED GOOSANDEK, PIED DIVER, LOUGH DIVER, VARE WIGEON. Mergus albellus. cautious water-fowl, from distant climes. WORDSWORTH. THE Smew is a rare winter visitor to the coast of Berwick- shire, and has been obtained only once in the interior of the county, a specimen in Kelso Museum having been killed at the Hirsel, near Colds tream.1 An adult male in full plumage was shot at Eyemouth a few years previous to 1880, and is now in my possession, having been kindly presented to me by Mr. Evan Sanderson, Berwick- on - Tweed. 1 Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes. COLUMBM* ( 131 ) COLUMBID^E. THE RING DOVE. WOOD PIGEON, CUSHAT, QUEST. Columba palumbus. Cugjjte, Cugljie 2Doo* ' Two. s summertide, the Cushat sang His am'rous roundelay, An' dews like clustered diamonds hung On flavor and leafy spray, The coverlet ofgloamin' grey On everything was seen, When lads and lasses took their way To Polwart on the Green. SONG, Polwart on the Green.1 The Cuschetts on the branches green, Full quietly they crowd. ,2 ALEXANDER HUME.S THE soft cooing of the Cushat is one of the many delightful sounds which are heard in our woods and groves in the spring and early summer months, and it falls soothingly on the ear whilst we listen to the rich and varied strains of the Blackbird and the Thrush. There is something peculiarly pleasing in the low melancholy note, which is suggestive of peace and rest. Nor is her changeless plaint Unmusical, when with the general quire Of woodland harmony it softly blends. GRAHAME. 1 Written by John Grieve. See Scottish Minstrel, vol. v. p. 4. 2 To coo like a dove. — Jamieson, Scot. Diet. "The kowsehot croudis and prykis on the ryse." — Gavin Douglas, 1513. 3 Alexander Hume, parson of Logie, was the second son of Patrick, 5th Baron of Polwarth, the lineal ancestor of the family of Marchmont. His poems were printed in 1599. He is supposed to have been born about 1550.— Sibbald's Chron. Scot. Poetry, iii. p. 367. 132 THE KING DOVE. In the beautiful woods which adorn the banks of the Whitadder " the Ring Dove's deep melodious moan " can be heard to great perfection, and there, on a fine calm evening in early summer, it intermingles with the songs of many birds and the gentle murmur of the neighbour- ing stream. Sa silent is the cessile air That everie cry and call, The hills and daills and forest fair, Againe repeats them all. ALEXANDER HUME. The Cushat, like the Starling, has greatly increased in num- bers within the memory of many people in the county.1 This has probably been the result of various causes, amongst which may be suggested the widely extended cultivation of turnips and clover2 since the end of last century, which supply it with food in winter and spring when little else is available, the planting of numerous fir woods for ornament and shelter throughout the county during the same period, which form a safe retreat where it can build its nest and rear its young in security, and the destruction of all kinds of birds of prey by game- keepers.3 Numerous flocks of migrating Cushats come to Berwick- 1 This had been observed by Mr. Hardy above forty years ago, for I find him writing under date the 12th of July 1844 : " Wood Pigeons are greatly increased of late years on account of the number of young fir plantations which shelter them."— Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes, 2 Lord Kaimes, about the year 1746, had turnip fields dressed and cattle fed with the produce at Kaimes, which were the first turnips sown in the county for the express purpose of feeding cattle. Clover and the artificial grasses were also sown in abundance at Kaimes, and at sundry other places about the year 1750. — General View of the Agriculture of the County of Berwick, by Alexander Low and Arthur Bruce, 1794, p. 106. 3 Although there are comparatively few Hawks to be seen in the county now, I often notice spots by the sides of woods and strips of plantation in autumn where they have plucked Cushats. The partiality of Hawks for Pigeons as a quarry seems to have attracted the notice of Horace, for in Book I. Ode xxxvii. , he says, " Accipiter velut molles columbas." THE KING DOVE. 133 shire in the autumn and early winter months 1 from the northern parts of Europe, and finding food and shelter here, doubtless remain in some cases, and help to swell the ranks of our native birds. As an instance of this I may mention that, whilst many came to feed on the beech nuts in the woods at Paxton in October and November 1873, these, about the middle of the latter month, were augmented by vast numbers which passed up the valley of the Tweed from the direction of the sea at Berwick, arriving in the mornings and not being observed to return eastwards in the evenings. For about a fortnight during the same autumn hundreds continued to fly daily from the east over the Well Mire Wood, on the southern bank of the Whitadder, near the village of Paxton, and although many of them were shot, the reports of the guns did not seem to alter the line of flight taken by their successors.2 Mr. John Wilson, late of Edington Mains, has informed me that thousands used to visit that farm in autumn, and that fishermen about Coldingham have occasionally seen immense numbers passing over the sea towards the Berwickshire coast. The Cushat is strong and rapid on the wing, and when on a long journey flies high in the air. If suddenly frightened when passing overhead it sometimes makes a peculiar whistling sound with its wings, and this appears to have the effect of communicating the alarm to any others which may be in the neighbourhood. During the 1 Between the 21st of October and the end of November 1884 there was an immense immigration of Cushats covering the East Coast between Berwick and Yarmouth. On the 29th of November 1885 a vast rush flying south-west in countless thousands was seen at the Isle of May. The noise they made was like a railway train. — Reports on the Migration of Birds, 1879-85. 2 Another great migration of Cushats was observed at Paxton in the autumn of 1887. On the 26th of November in that year Mr. Compton-Lundie of Spital and I shot fifty-seven Pigeons in the course of a few hours as they passed over our heads towards the west. We were concealed behind a screen of fir branches set up against the west wall of the Wester Park at Paxton House, and we placed the dead birds on the grass in front of our ambush to act as decoys. 134 THE RING DOVE. nesting season the gambols of the male as he rises and descends in his flight, or occasionally strikes the points of his wings together, is a pleasing sight, which is frequently witnessed on calm sunny evenings. About 1859-60 this bird had increased to such an extent in the neighbouring county of East-Lothian1 that it had to be constantly herded off the ripening wheat and barley fields by men or boys with guns. I have seen great numbers rise off patches of " laid " wheat in the vicinity of Salton, where the " Big Wood " 2 harboured thousands in its dark and unfrequented recesses. When feeding on growing grain the Pigeons usually come in pairs or in small flocks, and alight, in the first place, on some neighbouring hedgerow tree — such as an ash, willow, or plane — whence, after resting for a short time, they fly down to join any others which may be engaged in feeding on the adjacent parts of the field where the wheat or barley has been laid flat on the ground by heavy rain. A favourite way of shooting them used to be by making a small hut of green boughs underneath a tree frequented by the birds, and waiting in it with the gun ready to bring down the 1 Mr. Archibald Hepburn, Wliittingham Mains, East-Lothian, writing in 1847, draws attention to the fact that in the end of last century the Cushat was a com- paratively rare bird in that county. He says: "I am acquainted with a man, now sixty-five years of age, whose bird-nesting days were spent in the woods near Gifford, and he states that Wood Pigeons were then so rare that the discovery of a nest was looked upon as a great feat."— Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ii. p. 273. 2 Sir Walter Scott mentions this wood in his description of the meeting of Lord Marmion and Sir David Lindesay of the Mount, Lord Lion King at Arms :— The green sward way was smooth and good, Through Humbie's and through Saltoun's wood ; A forest glade, which, varying still, Here gave a view of dale and hill, There narrower closed, till overhead A vaulted screen the branches made. It appears from the Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, 1473-98, that the "Big Wood" supplied timber to make gun carriages in the time of King James IV. of Scotland: "Item, that samyn day (xxij. February 1496), gevin to Johne Mawar, zongare, to pas to Borthuik and Saltoun to vesy tymmyre for gun paraling, . . . . ix. §." THE EING DOVE. 135 Pigeons, which alighted amongst the branches overhead. It was advisable to allow the birds to settle for a short time before aim was taken, for they always looked well about them immediately after they perched, their sharp eyes quickly discovering any movement below, in which case they at once flew off in great alarm. They could also be shot on the wing as they approached or left the tree. I have sometimes killed twenty or thirty in the course of an hour or two in this manner; a quiet, sultry afternoon about the beginning of August being the most favourable time for success, as the Pigeons then came in extraordinary numbers to feed. They were obtained in the same manner in the spring months when they frequented the newly-sown fields to pick up the scattered grain, but as there were then no leaves on the trees or hedges to help to hide the shooter, his place of concealment had to be more closely constructed to screen his movements when taking aim. A few stuffed Cushats were used as decoys, and were placed on the " laid " wheat in the neighbourhood of the tree underneath which the shooter was hidden ; or, in the case of newly-sown fields, within range of his retreat; and the birds which were killed were set on the ground near them, with their heads supported by small forked sticks, to make them look as if they were alive. These attracted Pigeons passing overhead so powerfully that it generally happened that they came down and alighted as soon as they saw them. I often observed that after settling beside the decoys, the visitors stood looking about them for a short time before commencing to feed; sometimes they walked up to the lures to make a closer inspection of them, and when this did not prove satisfactory they took alarm and flew away. On several occasions I have seen male Cushats attempting to pair with the stuffed decoys. The destruction of crops by this voracious bird became 136 THE EING DOVE. so great in Haddingtonshire shortly after 1860 that, in 1862, the United East-Lothian Agricultural Society offered a premium of one penny for each Cushat's head produced to the collector appointed for the district in which the bird was killed. This scheme was so successful that between December 1862 and June 1870 the heads of 130,440 were presented for payment.1 An agricultural association was formed in the east of Berwickshire in 1875, and in January 1876 the members sent a memorial to the proprietors of land in the district to the effect that, considering the great damage done to the crops by the extraordinary and excessive numbers of Wood Pigeons in the county, they had resolved that means should be taken for their destruction, and for this purpose they invited the co-operation of the landowners. In 1877 the association offered a prize of £5 for the greatest number of Cushats killed, but there was no competition. In April 1878 the members decided to give a premium of one penny for each head, and one halfpenny for each egg produced to collectors appointed in various localities, with the result that during the year ending the 1st of April 1879, 2980 Wood Pigeons and 6 6 6 of their eggs were destroyed. Prizes for eggs were again offered by the association in 1885, but there was no response. In some instances men devoted their whole time, during certain seasons of the year, to the shooting of Cushats, travelling about the county from place to place, and taking up their quarters wherever they could make the heaviest bags. They sold the Pigeons which they killed at from fourpence to sixpence each, and thus made a livelihood. The Pistol Plantation, on Blackadder Estate, which con- sists principally of lofty old Scotch and spruce fir-trees, is a favourite roosting place of this bird in the autumn months. 1 Information kindly supplied by the Secretary to the Society. THE KING DOVE. 137 Advantage is taken of this by sportsmen, who, in the even- ings, stand with their guns under the trees in those parts of the wood which are most frequented by the Pigeons, and shoot them as they fly in to roost. A windy night is the most suitable for this kind of sport, when as many as seventy-two have been killed by one gun. Besides consuming large quantities of ripening and newly-sown grain, such as wheat, barley, and oats, as well as beans, peas, and tares,1 the Cushats likewise do much injury to young Swedish turnips in early summer by feeding on the leaves ; and they also eat the " shaws " 2 and roots of turnips in hard weather in winter. It is believed that they do not break open the roots, their bills not being strong enough to do so, but that they feed upon those which have been already broken by hares, or by Eooks, whose sharp beaks penetrate the tough skin of the turnip with ease. They also do great damage to young grass and clover fields. A singular instance of voracity in this respect is mentioned by Mr. Hardy, who records that Mr. "Wood, Foulden Bastle, shot a "Wood Pigeon on his farm on the *7th of February 1872, and found in its crop upwards of 4200 clover leaves; and that in the previous year he got 3800 leaves from one which he had killed.3 During long-continued snow-storms Cushats are often put to great straits for food, and are frequently driven to visit 1 Gray mentions, as an example of the extraordinary voracity of the Wood Pigeon, that Lord Haddington had forwarded to him the contents of the crops of four of these birds opened at different times. The first contained 144 field peas and 7 large beans ; the second, 231 beech nuts ; the third, 813 grains of barley ; and the fourth, 874 grains of oats and 55 of barley. He likewise adds that a bird shot at Alyth, in Forfarshire, was found to have no less than 1020 grains of corn in its crop.— Birds of the West of Scotland, pp. 216, 217. 2 Mr. Hardy, writing in 1860, says, under date January 27th: "The forester here (Penmanshiel), an Englishman, used to cook the turnip leaves found in Cushats' crops, and said they were tender and good to eat. This during snow- storms— snow a foot deep. Cushats very tame, going amongst turnips with raised- up backs and feathers dishevelled, picking out pieces of turnips. " — MS. Notes, s Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vi. p. 429. 138 THE RING DOVE. gardens, where they do great damage to cabbages, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and the like.1 In May, when the tender foliage of the beech appears, the woods at Paxton were a few years ago annually visited by great numbers of Cushats, which fed on the newly- developed leaves of this ornamental tree, so that, in addi- tion to the damage done by the Cushat to the crops of the farmer and the gardener, the forester has sometimes reason to complain of its misdeeds. As a further instance of this it may be mentioned that at a meeting of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, held at Marchmont on the 27th of August 1879, Mr. Loney called attention to the topmost shoots of many of the spruce and silver firs there which had been broken by the weight of Pigeons which had perched upon them, and it was found that there were hundreds of trees in this condition.2 Although the Cushat, when its numbers become too great, is exceedingly destructive to the crops of the farmer, yet it does a certain amount of good by devouring the young leaves, seed pods, and seeds of several noxious weeds in the fields. Amongst these may be mentioned the wild mus- tard (Sinapis arvensis), the mother of wheat or speedwell (Veronica hedercefolia), the chickweed (Stellaria media), and Cerastium viscosum.3 In autumn, after the corn is gathered into the stackyard, it assembles in great flocks, and feeds on the scattered grain left in the stubble fields. It is then very shy and wary. 1 Mr. Hardy, writing on the 27th of January 1860, mentions that Cushats have destroyed the broccoli in Dunglass garden. — MS. Notes. Dr. Stuart, Chiruside, in a paper on the effects of the winter of 1878-79, mentions, under date of the 16th of March 1879, that " Wood Pigeons came into the gardens in the middle of the village here, and, in front of the windows, ate the broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other greens which they could get near." — Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 134. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 48. 3 Mr. Hardy, writing under date of 26th July 1839, says : " I examined the crop of a young Cushat lying in Blackburnrig Wood, from which I had frightened a Hawk. It was crammed with the calices and capsules of Cerastium viscosum." — MS. Notes. THE KING DOVE. 139 The Cushat begins to build in April, and continues to breed the whole season through until September, or even the beginning of October, August being a favourite month on account of the plentiful supply of food in the shape of ripening grain. The well-known nest is constructed of small sticks and twigs, which are often so loosely put together that the eggs can be seen by a person looking up from below. In some instances, however, a new nest is constructed on the top of an old one, as in the illustration given below. Although the bird usually nests in fir woods and plantations at a distance from the habitations of men, yet it often throws aside its natural timidity and selects a situation close to a dwelling-house. Several pairs used to breed in the trees around my house at Paxton every year, and were then so tame that they allowed people to approach within a few yards of the branch upon which they were perched before they took to flight. It is thought that their motive in selecting a site for their nests near dwelling-houses is to avoid the danger of being robbed by Hooded Crows or Hawks. They likewise frequently rear their young in tall thorn hedges which surround corn-fields, a position in which I have often seen their nests in East-Lothian. The eggs are two in number, and pure white.1 Any variation in the plumage of the Cushat is rare, but the occurrence of a white specimen at Lintlaw during the winter of 1874 is mentioned by Mr. John Anderson, Preston, who also states that " there was another for two or three years among the woods on the Marygold Hills, where it was a very conspicuous object when sitting on the top of a lofty spruce fir; but, unfortunately, in the spring of 1869 it was shot by a crow-herd." 2 I have a pure white example in my 1 Boys suck Cushats' eggs, which they think make them long-winded. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 515. 140 THE KING DOVE. collection, which was killed near Kelso in March 1878,1 and was kindly presented to me by Mr. W. C. Caverhill, Berwick- on-Tweed. With regard to the local folk-lore of the Cushat, Mr. Hardy writes : " It is said that Cushie Doos once laid their eggs on the ground, and that cows destroyed the eggs. They afterwards had recourse to trees, and cry from their security, ' Kookety, coo, coo, ye'll no win at me noo.' " He likewise relates that it is said " there was once a man called Barney who went out to steal a cow, and the Cushie Doos saw him and called to him, ' Barney, take two, two.' For their knavery they have cried that ever since." 1 The young birds in their first plumage may easily be distinguished by their want of any white marks on the neck. The plumage of the Wood Pigeons which come on migration to the county from the north of Europe in the autumn and early winter months is in general darker and duller in hue than that of our home-bred birds. COLUMBUS. ( 341 ) COLUMBIDM. THE STOCK DOVE. WOOD DOVE, BLUE-BACKED DOVE. Columba cenas. The Stock Dave builds her nest Where the wild flower odours float. MACKAY, Angling. IMMEDIATELY to the west of Paxton House, which stands on elevated ground on the north bank of the Tweed, there is a deep, rocky, wooded dean,1 through which a small stream meanders ; and there may be seen the remains of the " Old Heronry Wood," consisting of a few gigantic silver firs towering to a height of upwards of a hundred feet. The opposing precipitous rocks almost meet at a narrow part of the defile, and, with the umbrageous trees above, form in summer a beautiful shady dell, whose sides are clothed with various kinds of ferns and wild flowers. At this season the little burn rippling over its stony bed is a favourite haunt of the Water Ouzel and the Grey Wagtail, whilst amongst the huge masses of fallen stone by its sides the Otter and the Fox find a secure retreat. Here in the summer of 1877 the Stock Dove made its appearance. It was very shy, and rushed from its retreat with sounding wings in the greatest alarm whenever the place which it frequented was approached. The bird was again noticed in the spring and summer of the two following i Here King Charles I. placed one of his outposts in May and June 1639, when he lay with an army of 16,000 men at the "Byrke Houses," a hamlet on the English side of the Tweed, opposite the village of Paxton, to overawe the Scottish Covenanters, who, under General Leslie, occupied the top of Duns Law. 142 THE STOCK DOVE. years flying out from the south side of the ravine, but the exact spot from which it came was not determined until the summer of 1879, when it was seen to leave a rabbit hole, the mouth of which was almost entirely concealed by a large overhanging tuft of wood grass (Luzula sylvatica). On the burrow being examined a nest was found within a short distance of the mouth containing two white eggs, which were not disturbed. It has since nested there annually, as well as in the dean below the Avenue Bridge. The late Mr. Kobert Gray records that Mr. Charles Watson, solicitor, Duns, in a letter to him dated the 18th of April 1878, stated that a few months before he was shown a specimen of this bird which was shot in the woods of Duns Castle, and that the gamekeeper there had informed him that Stock Doves had bred there for several years.1 Mr. Gray also mentions that a beautiful male of this species had been sent to him on the 12th of March 1879 by Mr. Watson, which had been shot on the previous day in the same woods.2 Mr. George Bolam, writing in the History of the Berwick- shire Naturalists' Club regarding the Stock Dove, says : " I have to record what is, so far as I am aware, the first authenticated instance of the breeding of this bird in Scot- land. On the 20th of April 1879, whilst walking on the steep banks on the north side of the Whitadder, a short way above Hutton Bridge, a Stock Dove flew out some little way below me, and on going down to the place I was agreeably surprised to find its nest, containing two eggs, a good deal incubated, placed a foot and a half down a rabbit hole. After watching the bird for some time, and satisfying myself that I had not mistaken the species, I removed the eggs, and they now form an interesting addition i Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 354. 2 /j^. voi. yin. p< 499, THE STOCK DOVE. 143 to my collection. On revisiting the place about six weeks later, namely, on the 3rd of June, in company with Mr. Muirhead of Paxton, we were not a little astonished to find that the nest contained two fine young ones almost fully feathered, and we again saw the old bird leave the hole." l Mr. Bolam states that, about the middle of April 1880, he discovered another nest with two eggs on the banks of the Whitadder, near Edrington, in a slight natural depres- sion of the ground at the bottom of a whin bush, and sheltered by long grass, which, growing from both above and below, completely concealed it from view.2 Mr. Harvie-Brown mentions that in 1881 a bushy lime- tree in the grounds of Duns Castle, where the nest of this bird had been found, was pointed out to him by Mr. Wait, bird-stuffer, Duns.3 Dr. Stuart, Chirnside, has informed me that a Stock Dove had its nest in a rabbit hole in a terrace below Black- adder House in the spring of 1884 ; and Mr. John Thomson, Maxton, has written to me that "the bird is now (1886) pretty frequently met with at Mertoun, Dryburgh, Cowden Knowes, and Drygrange." Mr. Eobert Campbell-Kenton, yr. of Mordington, told me on the 5th of May 1887 that a pair had their nest that year in a thick silver fir near the stables there, and that the bird was becoming so plentiful about Mordington that he had killed ten or twelve specimens while shooting Wood Pigeons during the previous winter. On the 12th of May 1887 I saw a Stock Dove fly from its nest at the Eaven's Craig, near Fellcleugh, on the Whitadder, thus showing that it has extended its breeding grounds towards the Lammermuir Hills. This bird does not appear to have been observed in Scotland before 1874 or 1875, when it was seen in Perth- i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. pp. 165, 166. 2 j^d. vol. ix. p. 166. s Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society, 1881-83, p. 252. 144 THE STOCK DOVE. shire.1 Since then it has been gradually spreading and increasing in various counties. In Berwickshire it seems to be partial to the banks of rivers and streams, where it breeds in rabbit holes or under overhanging bushes. In its habits this species bears considerable resemblance to the Wood Pigeon, feeding on the stubble fields in the autumn and the newly-sown fields in spring, like that well- known bird. It also eats the seeds of various weeds.2 The Stock Dove may be distinguished from the Cushat, even when on the wing, by its smaller size and the want of any white marks on the neck or wing coverts. It differs from the true Eock Dove in not having any white on the rump. Its note is not so sonorous or continuous as that of the Wood Pigeon. It nests in various situations, according to the locality, sometimes choosing a hollow tree, or the old nest of a Crow or Magpie, and frequently rabbit holes, or the ground under a whin or other thick bush. The eggs are two in number, and creamy white in colour. It was formerly thought that the Stock Dove was the ancestor of our common dovecot Pigeon, and that it derived its name from this circumstance. It is now, however, be- lieved that the Eock Dove is the progenitor of the domestic Pigeon, and that the Stock Dove got this name from building in the stocks of trees. 1 Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society, 1881-83, p. 251. 2 On the 14th of December 1887 as many as 1260 seeds of grub grass (Galium aparine) and two grains of barley were taken out of the crop of a specimen of this bird sent to me by Mr. Robert Campbell-Renton, yr. of Mordington, which he had shot there. COLUMB&. ( 145 ) COLUMBTD^E. THE ROCK DOVE. WILD PIGEON, ROCK PIGEON, WILD DOVE, DOO. Columba livid. The Dow, with whistling wings sa blew, The winds can fast collect ; Her purpour pennes turnes merry hew, Agains the sunne direct. ALEXANDER HUME, Thanks for a Summer Day, 1575-1590. THIS interesting bird is found in considerable numbers in the caves which occur in several parts of the precipitous rocks on the sea-coast of the county, from Lamberton to Cockburnspath, and appears to be most abundant in the neighbourhood of St. Abb's Head.1 Proceeding along the sea-coast from Lamberton, and passing Burnmouth, we find in the neighbourhood of Fair- neyside and Gunsgreen the " Dow Cave," so called on account of its having been long frequented by Pigeons Leaving Eyemouth and the little fishing village of Cold- ingham Shore behind, we next come to a cavern at Kirk- heugh,2 where, as well as at the Caulderon or Piper's Cove, a short distance to the north, dwells a colony of Rock Doves. The Lighthouse is now reached, and we have before us the 1 There are some Pigeons of various colours, such as sandy and white, which inhabit the caves frequented by the Rock Doves. The former are evidently either domestic Pigeons which have deserted their dovecot or have been bred from these. It may be conjectured that the majority of the blue Pigeons in the caverns are the descendants of the wild Rock Dove, which has inhabited the precipitous coast of Berwickshire from time immemorial. 2 So named from its proximity to the site of the ancient kirk of St. Abb's, of which very little now remains. VOL. II. K 146 THE EOCK DOVE. lofty and precipitous rocks of St. Abb's Head. " This magnificent promontory," says Dr. Johnston, "is a huge insulated mass of trap rocks, whose seaward sides form precipices of vast height, hollowed in many places with caverns, in which the wild Pigeons (Golumba livia) build their nests and nurture their young in safety amid the spray of waves that never sleep in rest. In some parts the caverns penetrate far and end in darkness ; in others they are pervious, and give a romantic passage by another open- ing equally superb." x A little distance to the west of the Lighthouse is the Cleaver Eock, immediately to the west of which another retreat occurs. Eounding the Head, and just before we reach Petticowick Harbour, we come to another great fissure inhabited by Pigeons, with Guillemots on the rocks above its entrance. Mr. Hardy writes to me that further along the coast towards the west there are several resorts of this bird about the Gull Eocks, in the neighbour- hood of Fast Castle, and again at the Eammel Cove, which is nearly opposite Dowlaw Mill Pond. He adds that it likewise nests at Windylaw Cove, which is towards the Eedheugh Shore, at Siccar, and in the cave mouth at Swallowcraig, and at Greenheugh, near Oldcambus. When the mouth of one of these deep and dark caverns, moist with the spray of the thundering surge, is entered by a boat, the Pigeons dash out in great alarm, bringing to our remembrance the following beautiful and descriptive lines in Dryden's translation of Virgil : — As when a Dove her rocky hold forsakes, Roused in a fright her sounding wings she shakes, The cavern rings with clattering, out she flies, And leaves her callow care and cleaves the skies ; At first she flutters, but at length she springs To smoother flight, and shoots upon her wings. i Address to the members of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club by George Johnston, M.D. (read at its first anniversary meeting held at Coldstream on the 19th of September 1832).— Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 5. r 1 • THE EOCK DOVE. 147 Sometimes sportsmen go round the coast in a boat to shoot the Pigeons as they fly out of the caves, frightening the birds off the rocky ledges inside by shouting, clapping the hands, or firing a shot at the entrance,1 whereupon they rush over the heads of the intruders, and are then very difficult to bring down. When thus disturbed they gener- ally pass close round the face of the precipitous rocks and make for some other neighbouring retreat. Their flight is strong and very rapid.2 This species commences to breed early in spring, and continues to do so at intervals until autumn. It makes a slight nest on the rocky ledges of the caves, and lays two white eggs. It often assembles in large flocks, which may be seen feeding in the fields near the sea ; and in snowy weather in winter it visits stackyards in the neighbourhood of the coast to pick up grain. In July it feeds on the lea fields in great numbers, and also on the ground from which hay has been cut. The food consists chiefly of grain and the seeds of various weeds. There can be little doubt that this bird formed the principal stock from which the common Pigeon of our dove- cots was originally derived, although the latter is modified in its habits and varies much in colour. Even yet the domestic bird sometimes reverts to the wild life of its original ancestors, and forsakes its home for a cavern on 1 When a gun is fired inside a Pigeon cave the reverberation is deafening. 2 Mr. Tegetraeier states that the average rate at which the fastest Homing Pigeons flew in eighteen races, which took place in 1883, and which extended to the aggregate distance of 3189 miles, was 17 '65 yards per second, 1059 yards per minute, or about 36 miles an hour. The greatest speed attained was 27 yards per second, 1620 yards per minute, or about 55 miles an hour for four hours in succes- sion.—See The Field of 22nd January 1887. Mr. Griffith found by experiments with the chronograph that the very best " Blue Kocks " supplied by Mr. Hammond of the Hurlingham Club flew through a forty-yard covered range at the average rate of 14 '3 yards per second, 858 yards per minute, or about 29 J miles per hour. In the open they flew at the rate of 13'15 yards per second, 789 yards per minute or about 27 miles an hour.— See The Field of 19th February 1887, 148 THE KOCK DOVE. the sea-coast, or a rocky hold on the banks of the Tweed or Whitadder. The dovecot Pigeon has from early times been under the protection of the law, and for the purpose of encourag- ing its increase in Scotland we find James IV., in his sixth parliament (llth March 1503), enacting that "everilk Lord and Laird, make them to have Parkes with Deare, stankes, cunningares, dowcattes, orchardes, hedges, and plants, at the least, ane aicker of Woode." l In a confirmation by the same king, given at Stirling the 20th of July 1510, of a husbandland in " Hirsell " to the Prioress of the Cistercian convent of Coldstream, " columbis " and " columbarijs " are mentioned,2 which shows that pigeon houses were then con- sidered valuable adjuncts to landed property. Thefts of " Dowes furth of Dowcates " were severely punished (James L, Parl. 2, c. 33; James IIL, Parl. 10, c. 60; James iv., Parl. 6, c. 69, &c.) A breaker of " dowcats " by Scots law was fined £10 Scots for the first fault, and £20 for the second, and it bears that for the third and obduracy "he may be hanged to death." When children were the culprits, the fathers or masters were to pay 13s. 4d. for " ilk time of trespas," or " else sail deliver the said childe to the Judge, to be leisched, scourged, and dung for his fault."3 It would seem that the enactment of James iv. with regard to the making of " dowcates " had been carried out too well, and that Pigeons became troublesome from their numbers in the reign of James VL, for he, "con- sidering the great inconvenients sustained by the Leiges of this realm through the frequent building of dowcats 1 Laws and Acts of Parliament 'made "by the Kings and Queen of Scotland. Collected by Sir Thomas Murray of Glendook, Bart., 1681. 2 Chartulary of the Cistercian Abbey of Coldstream, by Kev. C. Rodgers, LL.D., p. 56. 3 Regiam Majestatem, edition 1609. The Forest Laives, fol. 139, b., chap, iii., Nos. 5 and 7.— Mr, Hardy's MS. Notes. THE EOCK DOVE. 149 by all manner of persons," passed an Act in 1617 to the effect that no person shall build a "doucate" unless he shall be possessed of lands yielding ten chalders of victual, lying around the said "doucate/' or within two miles of it. There is a farm near Fast Castle called Dowlaw, which has no doubt derived this name from the great number of Rock Doves frequenting the ground, the old spelling of the word in the Coldingham Session Eecords being Dovelaw. Mr. Hardy informs me that a white Pigeon was sup- posed to be an emblem of innocence,1 and was sometimes sent up in the air at executions by friends of the culprit as a sign of guiltlessness. An example of this took place at the execution of Grace Griffins, who was hanged at Berwick on the 26th of July 1823 for the murder of her husband, a white Pigeon being liberated above the crowd at the moment when the fatal bolt was withdrawn. A popular saying sometimes heard in Berwickshire is that "a doo is the only bird without a ga',"2 which peculiarity is thus referred to by the poet Oldham : — As if thou hadst unlearned the power to hate, Or, like the Dove, were born without a gall. A piece of Lauderdale folk-lore is that " Pigeons never breed when the pea blooms." Probably this may have had its foundation in the fact that they do not produce many young when their food is scarce, which is the case 1 He mentions as instances of this that when St. Quentin was decapitated during the persecution of Domitian against the Christians, " a white Dove escaping from his neck ascended to the heavens" (Proprium Sanctorum, f. cxxxvi., ap. Brev. Alerd. t. ii.) ; also that it is related that a certain damsel, severely distem- pered, having been carried to the shrine of St. Ebba, at Coldingham, recovered after beholding a white Dove on the altar as a vision (Proprium Sanctorum, f. Ixxxviii., ap. Brev. Alerd. t. ii.) — Mr. Hardy in letter dated the 15th of December 1886. For further instances see Folk-Lore of British Birds, p. 168. 2 "The gall-bladder is wanting in Pigeons, in which, as in many other respects they differ from the gallinaceous birds." — Macgillivray, History of British Birds, vol. i. p. 65. 150 THE BOOK DOVE. about the end of June when the pea blooms, for then there is little grain in the stackyards or in the fields. In the neighbourhood of Paxton I have sometimes heard the country people describe a frosty morning in spring, when rime is seen lying thickly on the ground, by saying that "everything is as white as a doo this morning." In some districts it is a popular belief that the return of Pigeons to their dovecots later in the even- ing than usual is a prognostication of rain on the following day.1 Amongst some MS. Notes on Birds by the late Dr. Johnston of Berwick, kindly given to me by his daughter, Mrs. Barwell Carter, I find the following : — " A Pigeon or two is wont to stray occasionally from its dovecot and associate with the Eooks, and the boy who is sent to frighten away the latter from the newly-sown corn does his best to shoot the wanderer as a better prize and more worthy of his aim than the cawing crowd. Hence the saying common in the county when a young man has taken up with suspicious company, and is charged with an offence to which he pleads not guilty, 'An he hadna' taen up with the craws he wadna' been shot.'" 1 Information from Mr. John Thomson, Maxton, on the 3rd of May 1886. COLUMB&. ( 151 ) COLUMBID^E. THE TURTLE DOVE. Turtur communis. The Turtourfor hir maik, Mair dule may nocht indure ; Nor I do for hir saik, Evin hir quha hes in cure My hairt, quhilk sal be sure. DARNLEY'S Ballat, 1542-1567. THE Turtle Dove is rarely seen in Berwickshire. It, how- ever, sometimes occurs in the county in autumn, probably on migration southwards from Denmark or Scandinavia, which appear to form its northern European breeding range. An adult female, preserved in Berwick Museum, was shot near Edrington, on the Whitadder, on the 21st of October 1872,1 and a young male was killed not far from the same place on the 19th of November 1874.2 Another young male was obtained at Lamberton by Mr. James Mein on a very stormy day about the middle of September 1880. It was apparently much fatigued, and could not fly well.3 This species is a summer visitor to England and Wales, where it generally arrives about the beginning of May, departing southwards again in September. It is common in the midland and southern counties, but becomes rare in the north. I have seen numbers of Turtle Doves in the neighbour- hood of Kemorantin, Loir-et-Cher, France, where they fed in the rye-fields, and built their nests in the birch-trees which overhung the tributaries of the river Sauldre. Their flight was very rapid and tortuous. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vi. p. 434. 2 75^. vol. vii. p. 286. 3 Ibid. vol. ix. p. 402. 152 THE TURTLE DOVE. Seebohm says that the winter quarters of this species are absolutely unknown, but as it passes through Northern Africa, and has not been found in South Africa, they must be in some region in the centre of that continent.1 1 Seebohm, British Birds, vol. ii. p. 412. COLUMB^E. ( 153 ) COLUMBID&. THE PASSENGER PIGEON. Ectopistes migratorius. Now down through dismal swamps pursue your way, Where pine and hemlocks thick obscure the day ; Whose mingled tops an hundred feet in air, The clustering nests of swarming Pigeons bear, ALEXANDER WILSON. ACCORDING to Mr. Howard Saunders, in his continuation of Professor Newton's edition of Yarrell's British Birds,1 there are only five undoubted instances of the occurrence of the Passenger Pigeon in the British Islands. Of these a speci- men in the collection of the late Lord Haddington at Mellerstain, shot by himself in the immediate vicinity of that place, forms the fourth. Lord Binning, in communi- cating to Dr. Turnbull a note of its occurrence at Meller- stain, adds : " The bird is, however, somewhat deprived of the interest which would otherwise attach to it, from the fact of a gentleman in Berwickshire having ' turned out ' several Passenger Pigeons shortly before the Mellerstain specimen was shot. Presuming, however, that this was one of the birds ' turned out,' it is rather remarkable that, after their release, no other specimen was heard of as having been seen in our part of the country." 2 The date when the bird was shot is not given by Lord Binning, but in some MS. notes, kindly supplied to me by Mr. Hardy for use in this work, I find that the latter, writing under date 1857, says : " A Passenger Pigeon was killed at Mellerstain four years 1 Vol. iii., 1882-84, p. 28. 2 Turnbull's Birds of East-Lothian, 1867, p. 41. 154 THE PASSENGEK PIGEON. ago, and when opened by Mr. Heckford,1 who preserved it, the crop was full of beech nuts." Audubon and Wilson, in their works on American Birds, give graphic accounts of the extraordinary migrations of the Passenger Pigeon, over which in boyhood I have often pored with delight. Mr. Saunders says its food consists largely of the service berry (Amelanchier alnifolia), acorns, and beech mast, and that as soon as the supply becomes exhausted, the immense flocks suddenly disappear, and do not return for a long period. It may be distinguished from our other Pigeons by its long wedge-shaped tail. i Mr. G. S. Douglas of the Chronicle office, Kelso, writes to me under date 7th May 1887 : " Mr. Heckford was a native of Blandford, Dorsetshire, and began life as a hairdresser. Mr. Douglas of Cavers was in that neighbourhood and took a fancy to Heckford, who was attending him (these were the days of perukes, &c.) After twenty-three years' service at Cavers, Heckford came to Kelso in 1827, and settled there. When the museum was founded he was appointed conservator, and performed his duties gratuitously as well as efficiently. His knowledge of taxidermy and natural history generally had been gained at the University of Edinburgh, which he had the opportunity of attending when the Cavers family were resident in that city during winter. He died on the 28th of February 1877, aged ninety years." PTEROCLETES. ( 155 ) PTEROCLID&. PALLAS'S SAND GEOUSE. THREE-TOED SAND GROUSE. Syrrhaptes paradoxus. The loveliest bird in Franguestan ! BYRON, The Giaour. ON the morning of the 25th of May 1888 my friend Mr. William Evans telegraphed to me from Edinburgh that, as several pairs of Sand Grouse had been recently seen in the neighbourhood of Dunbar, the bird might be expected to make its appearance in Berwickshire. I mentioned this in Berwick Market to Mr. H. H. Craw, Foulden West Mains, on the afternoon of the same day, and asked him to be so good as to let me know if any specimens should be noticed in his neighbourhood. This he kindly undertook to do, and in the course of a few hours a messenger from him came to my house at Paxton with a cage containing a bird which had just been caught by a boy on his farm while engaged in rolling a field sown with barley. In the cage I found a beautiful live Sand Grouse in full plumage, and at once wrote to Mr. Craw suggesting that, to keep it alive, he should feed it on small seeds, and that he should present it to the Zoological Society of London. He accordingly for- warded the bird to Dr. Sclater, whose address I supplied, and I had the pleasure of seeing it in the gardens of the Society in a thriving condition in the month of December following. It was a female, and when captured by the boy was so exhausted that it could not fly. It was said to have been one of a flock of twelve which visited the farm on the day mentioned. 156 PALLAS'S SAND GEOUSE. The gamekeeper at Abbey St. Bathans informed me on the 17th of June 1888 that, in the previous week, several Sand Grouse were shot on Fannanside, near Godseroft, by Mr. John Moffat, Bankend ; and on the 1st of July follow- ing, Mr. Millican, Harelaw, near Chirnside, told me that two specimens had recently been got at Whitfield, near Ay ton. On the 9th of July 1888 the gamekeeper at Quix- wood killed a fine male out of a flock of nine which were feeding in a field near the Eetreat newly sown with rape and grass seeds. They were very wild, and rose at a dis- tance of a hundred and fifty yards, but the bird which he secured remained sitting on the ground until he approached within thirty yards of it.1 In the same month a specimen was procured from a flock of ten or twelve at Eaecleugh- head by Mr. Charles Marshall, Duns.2 Flocks of Sand Grouse are said to have been seen also in the parishes of Hutton,3 Foulden,4 Chirnside,5 Coldingham,6 Longformacus,7 Cockburnspath,8 and Abbey St. Bathans 9 in the months of June and July 188'8. This beautiful bird inhabits the sandy steppes of Asia in summer, from the eastern shore of the Caspian to Lake Baikal, migrating in winter to Mongolia and China.10 Its food in Scotland apparently consisted chiefly of the seeds of 1 Information from Mr. John Hogg of Quixwood, 19th July 1888. 2 Information from Mr. John Barrie, gamekeeper, Preston, 6th February 1892. 3 4 Mr. Compton-Lundie of Spital observed a flock of twelve Sand Grouse passing over Spital House from south-east to north-west, about ninety feet high in the air, on the morning of the 9th of June 1888. They uttered a cry like the words " turook, turook." 5 Dr. Stuart, Chirnside. 6 Mr. W. Evans, in Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society, vol. x. p. 109. Also Mr. Bertram, Heughhead, 28th July 1888. 7 Colonel Brown of Longformacus saw a flock on a grass park near Longfor- macus House on the 1st of June 1888. Information given to me by him on the 25th of July following. 8 J. Hardy, Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. xii. p. 188. 9 J. Shiels, gamekeeper, Abbey St. Bathans, 13th July 1888. 10 Saunders, Manual of British Birds, 1889. PALLAS'S SAND GEOUSE. 157 various plants, such as spurrey (Spergula arvensis), knot- grass (Arrhenatherum avenaceum), clover, chickweed (Stellaria media), dock (Eumex\ and the like. Its flight is rapid, and resembles that of the Golden Plover. Great numbers visited the British Islands in May 1863, when several flocks were observed in East-Lothian; but by the following winter and spring the bird had dis- appeared from England as well as from Scotland. Little further was heard of the Sand Grouse in this country until May 1888, when it was again seen in nearly every part of the kingdom. Professor Newton records that it bred on the Culbin Sands, Morayshire, in August 1889.1 An Act of Parliament was passed on the 24th of December 1888 for its protection from the 1st of February 1889 to the 1st of June 1892, with the view of the bird becoming acclimatised, but it has now (February 1892) quite disappeared from Great Britain. 1 Ibis sixth series, vol. ii. pp. 211-214. GALLING. ( 158 ) TETRAONIDJE. THE BLACK GROUSE. BLACK-GAME, BLACK-COCK - THE MALE; GEEY HEN - THE FEMALE. Tetrao tetrix. (Brep The livelong day Lord Marmion rode : The mountain path the Palmer show'd, By glen and streamlet winded still, Where stunted birches hid the rill. They might not choose the lowland road, For the Merse forayers were abroad, Who, fired with hate and thirst of prey, Had scarcely failed to bar their way. Oft on the trampling band, from crown Of some tall cliff, the deer looked down ; On wing of jet, from his repose In the deep heath, the Black- Cock rose. SCOTT, Marmion. ALTHOUGH the great extension of cultivation during the last hundred years and the enclosing and draining of many parts of the moors and boggy grounds of the county have considerably reduced the area suitable for Black Grouse, yet it is probable that, in certain localities, they are more plentiful than they were in the beginning of the present century, when shootings were not preserved, and birds of prey were unmolested by gamekeepers. In support of this conjecture I may state that in some extracts from a diary which was kept by Captain Bell of the Berwickshire Militia, from 1802 to 182 6, kindly supplied to me by Mr. Hardy, I find that, between 1803 and 1814, he frequently shot over the moors at Kettleshiel, Bedshiel, Scarlaw, Longfor- macus, Monynut, Barnside, Godscroft, Quixwood, and Whit- THE BLACK GROUSE. 159 Chester, and although he often makes mention of seeing and killing a few " Moor-fowl," he does not allude to any Black Grouse being observed or shot. In the neighbour- hood of Lauder this bird does not appear to have been known before the early part of the present century, for Mr. Scott, late gamekeeper of Thirlestane Castle, informs me that he was told by an old dyker named Chisholm that about the time mentioned it was first seen in that locality at a place called Langshaw, about six miles south of Lauder. A specimen was shot at Woodhead Hill on Lord Lauderdale's estate some time afterwards, and the man who killed it had not seen a bird of the kind be- fore. It was forwarded to the Earl, who was staying in London at the time, and who sent word that it was a Black-Cock. Mr Kelly, in his Account of some of the Birds of Lauderdale, says : " Of the Berwickshire precincts of Lauderdale the Black-game does not appear to have been an acknowledged occupant till 18 3 O."1 These state- ments would seem to suggest that it was by no means a plentiful bird in the county long ago. Unfortunately, very little is said about the game, or birds generally, by the writers of the reports on the various parishes in Berwick- shire, which are given in the Old Statistical Account of Scotland (1795), and not much more information on these subjects is supplied in the New Statistical Account (1835). This is to be regretted, for, if some notices of the wild animals and birds found in each parish had been given, they would now have been of great value for comparison with the fauna in the respective localities at the present time. One of the reporters in the New Statistical Account, who alludes to the various kinds of game in his parish, is the Kev. George Fulton Knight, minister of Mordington, who, writing in February 1835, states that the common varieties, 1 Hist. Ber. Nat, Clitb, vol. vii. p. 523. 160 THE BLACK GEOUSE. " as Hare, Partridge, Black-Cock, Dotterel, and Wood-Cock, are plentiful." The " Black-Cock " mentioned in Mr. Knight's list then frequented Lauiberton Moor, and continued to do so, as I have been informed by the proprietor of Mordington Estate, Major Campbell-Eenton, for many years after the above date; they became extinct about 1870, when a Grey Hen was shot near Mordington House. There were none seen for some years afterwards in the neighbourhood, until the winter of 1882, when a Black-Cock and three Grey Hens appeared ; but since then they have regularly bred every year on the moor in small numbers.1 If a line be drawn on a map of Berwickshire from Coldingham Village to Earlston, it will divide the county into two halves of nearly equal size. The northern half is the district in which the Black Grouse is at present found in greater or less numbers, and includes the follow- ing parishes : — Abbey St. Bathans, Buncle, Channelkirk, Cockburnspath, Coldingham, Cranshaws, Duns, Earlston, Gordon, Greenlaw,2 Langton, Polwarth, Legerwood, West- ruther, Lauder, and Longformacus. I have observed that this species is numerous in the neighbourhood of Cattle- shiel and Bedshiel, as many as eleven brace having been killed at the latter place in a day's shooting in August about the year 1882 by the late Mr. Hume-Purves of Purves Hall. The best bags of Black-game in the county are gener- ally made on Spottiswoode Estate, concerning which the following notes have been kindly supplied to me by Mr. John Young, gamekeeper to Lady John Scott Spottiswoode 1 The gamekeeper at Mordington informed me on 9th December 1887 that there were then fifteen Black Grouse on Lamberton Moor. 2 Mr. W. Smith, head gamekeeper, Haddo House, Aberdeenshire, informed me on the 4th December 1891 that he once found as many as seven nests of this bird in a day while searching for Pheasants' eggs in Foulshotlaw Wood, Berwickshire, in the end of April 1878, the nests being placed amongst dead Scotch fir branches. THE BLACK GEOUSE. 161 of Spottiswoode, 1881, 17 brace; 1882, 34| brace; 1883, 20| brace; 1884, 32 brace; 1885, 38 brace; 1886, 24 brace; 1887, 13 brace; 1888, 15^ brace; 1889, 22 brace; 1890, 6^ brace; 1891, 25^ brace; or in all, 248^ brace in eleven seasons. The heaviest bag in one day was made on Flass Farm, on the 15th of September 1887, when 7 brace were killed. On the 16th of October 1887, 6 brace were got on Cattleshiel Farm. The favourite haunts of this species are the lower slopes of the Lammermuirs, where fir plantations and thickets of birch, as well as stunted willow coverts, afford it shelter. In the early part of the shooting season the young birds are easily approached as they lie concealed in long heather, rushes, or ferns ; but later, in autumn and winter, Black Grouse are very wild and wary, and will not allow the sportsman to come near them. The principal food of this bird is heather; the seeds of rushes, and wild berries of various kinds are also eaten ; while in autumn it visits the stubble fields on the skirts of the moors in search of barley and other grain. In winter it feeds upon the buds of the Scotch fir.1 It is polygamous, and in spring, during the time of the " lek," severe fights take place between the rival males. The nest is generally placed on the ground under a low bush or tuft of heather, and contains from six to ten eggs of a yellowish white, speckled with reddish brown. Amongst the prices of the various kinds of game fixed by the Scottish Parliament in the reign of Queen Mary (1551), those of the Black-Cock and Grey Hen are stated to be " sex pennies " the " peece." 1 Mr. Smith, head gamekeeper, Hadclo House, Aberdeenshire, says he has seen numbers feeding on Scotch fir buds at Kyleshill, and Backlea Woods near Polwarth, Berwickshire. VOL. II. GALLINAL. ( 162 ) TETRAONID/E. THE BED GROUSE. MUIR-FOWL, MOOR-FOWL, MOOR-COCK, MOOR-HEN, GOR-COCK RED GAME, RED PTARMIGAN. Lag opus scoticus. With earliest spring the Gor-cock's call Is heard from out the mist, high on the hill; But not till when the tiny heather bud Appears, are struck the spring-time leagues of love. Remote from shepherd's hut, or trampled fold, The new joined pair their lowly mansion pitch, Perhaps beneath the juniper's rough shoots ; Or castled on some plat of tufted heath, Surrounded by a narrozv sable moat Of swampy moss. GRAHAME, Birds of Scotland. ALTHOUGH the Ked Grouse is indigenous to Berwickshire, the first notice of it which I can find with reference to this county is in Godscroft's MS. History of the Homes of Wedderburn, written in 1611, where that author, writing of his brother, Sir George Home of Wedderburn, who was born about 1550 and died in 1616, says: "He was very hand- some and well-proportioned, and of great strength and swift of foot. He was a keen hunter, and delighted in hawking. He was so much given to that sport that he built a hunting lodge, called Handaxe Wood,1 in the Lammermuir Hills, in which he often spent the night. He had Hawks called 1 A locality in the neighbourhood of Byrecleugh. THE RED GROUSE. 163 Merlins and Falcons, and afterwards another kind called Tercells, which he delighted in even in his old age. He caught both Partridges and Muir-foivl"1 Mr. Campbell- Swinton of Kimmerghame mentions, in the Men of the Merse,2 that in a diary commenced by George Home of Kimmerg- hame in 1694, he finds the following entry referring to a day in June about the above date : — "To the setting at Kettleshiel, where the dog sett several times; but it was either an old fowl who rose before the net was ready, or young fowls that were scattered ; so that there was none catched by the net but one old hen ; but a hawk of Cavers took severals, and some were marked down where they sat and were taken." 3 These references show that upwards of two hundred years ago the pursuit of Muir-fowl was, as now, considered to be excellent sport, and was enjoyed by gentlemen in the county. In the Old Statistical Account of Scotland, which was written in 1795, Muir-fowl are mentioned in two of the reports on the parishes in Berwickshire. Thus the reporter on Legerwood parish says : " The tracts covered with heath are frequented by Muir-fowl, and the cornfields are haunted by Partridges. During the long-continued and intense severity of the year 1794-95 many of these wild animals perished with cold and hunger, and many in the extreme weakness to which they were reduced became an easy prey to whatever chose to pursue them."4 In the account of Abbey St. Bathans parish the writer says : " On the lands are plenty of Muir-fowl, Partridges, and Plover." 5 In the early years of the present century, before the days of game preservation, Grouse seem to have been 1 MS. History of the Homes of Wedderburn, 1611. 2 Page 60. 3 The probability is that Red Grouse are here referred to, although the "old hen " may refer to Black Grouse. * Old Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xvi. p. 486. 5 Ibid. vol. xii. p. 66. 164 THE KED GKOUSE. very scarce on the Lammermuirs, for in a diary kept by Captain Bell of the Berwickshire Militia in 1812-14, I find the following entries: — "1812, Aug. 18th. — Went to the moors at Kettleshiel and Bedshiel from nine till after two o'clock. Saw only fourteen birds — did not get a shot. 1813, Aug. 12th. — From one to three o'clock tried the muirs of Scarlaw, and saw only a few birds, and they were very shy — got only one. Aug. 13th. — Tried the muirs at Longformacus — saw none ; then Barnside, Gods- croft, Monynut, Quickswood — saw very few, which were very shy. Got only one shot. 1814, Aug. %0th. — Tried the muirs of Kettleshiel and saw six birds, and did not get a shot. Sept. 10th. — Killed at Whitchester one muir- fowl ; a very long shot with No. *7." In the New Statistical Account (1835) only one writer mentions Eed Grouse as inhabiting his parish in Berwick- shire— the Eev. Andrew Baird, minister of the united parishes of Cockburnspath and Oldcambus, who says that " it is tolerably abundant ; " but this must be due to omis- sion. The following is a list of the various parishes in the county where this bird is now to be found : — Abbey St. Bathans, Channelkirk, Cockburnspath, Coldingham, Cran- shaws, Duns, Earlston, Gordon, Greenlaw, Langton, Lauder, Legerwood, Longformacus, Mordington, Oldhamstocks, Pol- warth, and Westruther. It is considered to be very plentiful in the neighbourhood of Byrecleugh, the Duke of Kox- burghe's shooting lodge, in the parish of Longformacus, and at Carfrae, in the parish of Channelkirk. As instances of the abundance of Grouse in these two localities, I may mention that Mr. James Smith, shepherd, Byre- cleugh, told me in July 1886 that the Duke, about 1871, killed on the 13th of August, between nine A.M. and six P.M., 69 brace of Grouse to his own gun; and at a Grouse drive in 1885 his Grace shot 35 birds from one ,\ l 1 « , I « w THE BED GROUSE. 165 " box." 1 Sir George Houston-Boswall, Bart, of Blackadder, informed me, on the 6th of September 1886, that when he was shooting with Lord Tweeddale near Carfrae Mill on the Lammermuirs on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of August in that year, the following bags of driven Grouse were got by a party of nine guns : — 12th August, 161 brace;2 13th August, 85 brace; 14th August, 122 brace; in all, 368 brace. The 85 brace were got between Lammerlaw and Carfrae Mill. Colonel Brown of Longformacus tells me that very large bags of Grouse were got during the shooting season of 1872 on the whole of the Lammermuirs, the greatest number being obtained on the Byrecleugh ground, where over 700 brace were shot in a fortnight by three guns. On the 12th of August 1882, Mr. George Turnbull of Abbey St. Bathans, Lord Low, and another gentleman, whilst shooting on Ellemford moors, bagged 27-J- brace of Grouse; on the 12th of August 1889, 20 brace; and on the 12th of August 1891, 20^ brace; all killed over dogs. On the 25th of November 1887, 21 brace were got there by Mr. George Turnbull, Mr. Hunter of Thurston, Mr. John Miller, Manderston, Mr. Brooks, Oxenden Tower, and Mr. George Muirhead, Paxton, the birds being driven over the guns. These moors have long been celebrated as a favourite resort of Grouse, and as early as 1639 we find David Hume in his Poemata Omnia3 thus referring to them : — 1 The following note appeared in the Berwickshire News of the 13th of September 1888: — "On the Byrecleugh moors a party consisting of the Duke of Roxburghe, the Marquis of Bowmont, Lord Kensington, and Lieutenant-Colonel Brown of Longformacus, have bagged 450 brace of Grouse. Birds reported to be strong and plentiful." 2 Colonel Brown says this is the largest bag of Grouse ever killed on the Lammermuirs in one day, and, with the exception of 1872, the season of 1886 was the best for Grouse on these hills in his experience. 3 Davidis Humii, Wedderburuensis, Poemata Omnia, Parisiis, 1639. 166 THE BED GEOUSE. Collis erat modico tollens fastigio clivo Miscet ubi Albenti * se Dius 2 hospes aquae Gleba uber : Cererisque coma f ormosus ; et umbra Arborea : et Florse numine amcenus ager. Fons saliens sole a medio declivis ad ortum Illimes leni murmure volvit aquas, Hinc densse circum salices, corylique, rubique Alitibus fidum perfugiumque f eris. Dives ager late ad dextram perdicibus illis, Quas humilis tenui nutrit Erica coma. Hie me seu casu, seu jam tibi arnica, Cupido, Clam tulit in casses flava Diana tuas Incautum, dum sector ; et in fruticeta paventes Specto agat ut penna praepete Nisus aves. ELEGIA III. A short distance to the north of Ellemford lies David Hume's patrimonial estate of Godscroft,3 in the parish of Abbey St. Bathans. Quixwood adjoins Godscroft, and here, on the 13th of August 1889, Mr. Hogg and party (five guns) got 28 brace, and two years later, on the 12th, 26 brace. On Spottiswoode estate 23 brace were killed on Flass moor on the 14th of August 1886 (two guns); 24 brace on the 15th of August 1888 (two guns); and 25^ brace on Cattleshiel ground on the 12th of August 1889 (two guns). The total bags of Grouse got on this property were — in 1881, 73^ brace; 1882, 91 brace; 1883, 96^ brace; 1884, 64^ brace; 1885, 124 brace; 1 Fluvius inter Lammyrios montes, vulgo Whytwater dictus. 2 Alius fluvius vulgo Daye dictus, In Albentum fluvium influens. [TRANSLATION.] There was a hill rising to a point with a moderate slope where the tributary, the Daye, mixes itself with the Whytwater— of fruitful soil— and beautiful with corn ; and a leafy shade : and a field pleasant to the Goddess of Flowers. A fountain bubbling from the middle of the earth rolls its clear waters with gentle murmur, sloping towards the east. Around this place are dense willows, hazel-trees, and brambles ; and a safe refuge for wild birds : a field stretching towards the right rich in those partridges which the dwarfish heather nourishes in her tender hair. Here golden-haired Diana secretly drove me unawares, either by chance, or already friendly to thee, 0 Cupid, into thy nets : while I follow : and I see how the sparrow-hawk with swift wing drives the frightened birds into the thicket. 3 While shooting over the small moor belonging to this ancient property on the 12th of August 1878, I bagged 10£ brace of Grouse. THE EED GROUSE. 167 1886, 162| brace; 1887, 30 brace (owing to disease); 1888, 159^ brace; 1889, 150 brace; 1890, 179 brace; 1891, 178 brace; or in all, 1238^ brace in eleven years, no attempt having been made to secure large bags.1 Since 1838, when the Grouse disease first attracted attention, the Lammermuirs have been repeatedly visited by this scourge, the most destruction being caused by the epidemics of 1867 and 1872. In the winter of the latter year the birds were nearly exterminated by the disease, which commenced in December, although they were exceedingly plentiful during the previous autumn. It appeared again in the spring of 1887 at Byrecleugh and other localities, when many dead birds were found on the moors. Like the salmon disease, which for a number of years past has destroyed thousands of fish in the Tweed and other rivers, the Grouse disease has been studied by many naturalists, scientific men, and sportsmen, who do not seem, however, to have arrived at any definite conclusion as to its cause or cure. The Ked Grouse is an early breeder, making its nest with a little dry grass and a few feathers amongst the heather, and laying from eight to twelve eggs of a whitish ground colour closely blotched with dark brown and red. The hen alone attends to the hatching of the eggs, and Sits, till, with redoubled joy, Around her she beholds an active brood Run to and fro, or through her covering wings Their downy heads look out ; and much she loves To pluck the heather crops, not for herself, But for their little bills. GBAHAME, Birds of Scotland. The chicks are generally seen running about the heather on the Lammermuirs for the first time in the season 1 Information kindly supplied by Mr. John Young, gamekeeper to Lady John Scott-Spottiswoode of Spottiswoode, 23rd December 1891. 168 THE KED GROUSE. about the end of May or beginning of June.1 The "Kok, kok, kok" of the male when he is alarmed, and his morning cry, as well as the sudden spring of the covey from the heather, are familiar sounds and sights in the Lammernmirs which attract the attention of visitors from the Merse. Besides the young shoots of the heather2 and the leaves and fruit of various wild plants, such as crowberries (ISmpctntm nigrum), and blaeberries (Vacci- nium myrtillus), the Eed Grouse visits oatfields in the neighbourhood of the moors to feed on the stocks, and to search the stubble for fallen grain. When heavy snow lies on the hills it often descends in numbers to the lower ground for food and shelter. During severe weather in winter many frequent the grass parks at Long- formacus.3 The plumage of this bird varies considerably, and an albino, or one variegated with white, is sometimes seen. A white Grouse was shot at Byrecleugh in 1885, 4 and two were seen on Wedderlie Farm in 1 8 8 V.5 The indiscriminate burning of heather is so very in- jurious to Eed Grouse that at various times Parliament has passed Acts on the subject. So long ago as 1401 the Scottish Parliament6 made a statute " to be observed through the whole realm that there should be no muir-burning or burning of heath, except in 1 Mr. Hardy in his MS. Notes, under date 29tli June 1844, says : " Moor-fowl led dog far away from her young by flying and alighting and fluttering, till, at a great distance, O'er the rough moss, and o'er the trackless waste, The heath hen flutters, pious fraud ! to lead The hot-pursuing spaniel far astray." THOMSON, Spring. 2 In the crop of a Grouse which was shot in a drive at Abbey St. Bathans on the 25th of November 1887, I found no fewer than 6000 pieces of the top shoots of heather, which, when dried, weighed 318 grains, and filled three ordinary sherry 3 4 Information from Colonel Brown. 5 Information from Mr. Clay, Kerchesters. 6 In the list of the prices of game fixed by the Scottish Parliament in the reign of Queen Mary (1551), "small mure fowle" stand at "four pennies." THE BED GROUSE. 169 the month of March, and that a penalty of 40 shillings should be imposed upon any one who dared to contravene this regulation, which should be given to the lord of the land where the burning had place." ] By the Act of George HI., which is at present in force, every person who shall set fire to any heath, from the llth of April to the 1st of November, shall forfeit £2 for the first offence, £5 for the second, and £10 for the third; or, in default of payment, six weeks', two months', or three months' imprisonment respectively. The annual burning of the heather on the Lammermuirs in spring is a sight which I remember seeing as a boy in East-Lothian, where the long straggling fires by night, and the clouds of smoke by day,2 reminded one of Leyden's graphic description : — How grand the scene yon russet down displays, While far the withering heaths with moor-burn blaze ! The pillar'd smoke ascends with ashen gleam ; Aloft in air the arching flashes stream ; With rushing, crackling noise the flames aspire, And roll one deluge of devouring fire ; The timid flocks shrink from the smoky heat, Their pasture leave, and in confusion bleat, With curious look the flaming billows scan, As whirling gales the red combustion fan. Mr. Hardy says : " It is a popular belief that when Moor-fowl call near houses in moorland places much rain may be expected, and that the cocks make an oft-repeated " Kick-dick, dick, dick," before rain." 3 1 Tytler's Scotland, vol. iii. p. 110. 2 In East-Lothian heather-burning was supposed to bring rain. According to Dr. Johnston of Berwick this belief was also prevalent in Berwickshire. — Bot. East. Borders, p. 137. » MS. Notes. GALLING. ( I7o ) PHASIANIDM. THE PHEASANT. COMMON PHEASANT, RING-NECKED PHEASANT, BOHEMIAN PHEASANT. Phasianus colchicus. jfaigatu See from the brake the whirring Pheasant springs, And mounts exulting on triumphant wings , Short is his joy ; he feels the fiery wound ', Flutters in blood, and, panting, beats the ground. POPE. THE earliest record of the occurrence of the Pheasant in Great Britain is in a bill of fare drawn up by Harold in 1059.1 It is first mentioned in Scottish Acts of Parlia- ment in 1594, when it was "ordained, that quwhat-sum- ever person or persones, at onie time heirafter, sail happen to slay deir, harts, phesants, fouls, partricks, or uther wild-foull quwhat- sum -ever, ather with gun, croce-bow, hand-bow, dogges, halkes, or girnes, or be uther ingine quhat-sum-ever," in the King's " haill Wooddes, Forrests, Parkes, Hanynges," without His Majesty's special permis- sion, " their haill guddes and gear sail be escheit and inbrocht to his Hienes use, and their persons punished at his Hienes will." Although, from the above Act of Parliament, it would appear that this bird was to be found in Scotland in 1594, it does not seem to have been introduced into Berwick- 1 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iii. pp. 94, 95. THE PHEASANT. 171 shire for more than two hundred years afterwards; and there is apparently no record of its occurrence in the county previous to 1810, in which year, according to an old game -book kept at the Hirsel, one Pheasant was killed there. The Hon. H. E. Scott, who has kindly furnished me with notes from the above game -book, adds that "in 1816 there is an entry by Lord Home that in shooting the covers on the Hirsel he saw only five or six Pheasants, where, the previous year, he had seen thirty brace." Writing in 1834, the Eev. George Cunningham, minister of Dunse parish, says : " Pheasants were intro- duced into the woods of Dunse Castle about twenty years ago, and abound there, and in the neighbouring planta- tions."1 Mr. Peter Scott, Lauder, whose father was for many years gamekeeper at Thirlestane Castle, has informed me that they were first turned out into the coverts there in the time of James, the 8th Earl of Lauderdale, who had taken into his employment a gamekeeper named Eobert Fortune, from Salton Hall, or Whittingham, in East-Lothian. Fortune visited Whittingham, or Lochend, where he pro- cured a supply of the eggs of this species, from which young birds were reared and set at liberty in the policy woods of Thirlestane Castle. Mr. Scott likewise told me that Pheasants were kept at Spottiswoode a year or two previous to their introduction to Lauderdale, but were confined in an enclosure. In 1821 they appear to have been still found in rather small numbers at the Hirsel, for in Captain Bell's diary I find an entry dated the 19th of October of that year : " Was at Hirsel shooting, and killed three Pheasants and three hares."2 The Eev. George Knight, minister of Mordington parish, mentions in 1835 that 1 New Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ii. (Berwickshire), p. 251. 2 Excerpt from diary kept by Captain Bell of the Berwickshire Militia, from 1802 to 1826. 172 THE PHEASANT. " brown and silver Pheasants are occasionally found in the woods of Edrington." ] Most of the landed proprietors in the county appear to have begun to preserve this beautiful game bird in their policy grounds and woods before the middle of the nine- teenth century; and on properties where there is much cover shooting great numbers of Pheasants are now arti- ficially reared every season, to form an addition to those which are hatched in the plantations and hedge-rows. In former times when the birds were scarce, setters or spaniels were used to find them, but now they are generally driven out of the covers by men and boys, and forced to fly as high as possible over the sportsmen, who are conveniently placed to intercept them. Some writers have decried Pheasant shooting as un- manly, owing to the alleged tameness of the birds ; but in November and December, when they have become wild, and strong on the wing, great skill is required to bring them down as they pass like rockets high overhead in the air.2 This they invariably do if the covers are pro- perly driven, and the guns are posted at a suitable distance from the side of the wood out of which the birds suddenly spring and mount rapidly in the air to escape from the beaters. The following records of some of the best bags of Pheasants got in various parts of Berwickshire have been kindly supplied to me by correspondents in the respective parishes mentioned ; and I take this opportunity of thank- ing them for their notes, which will doubtless be of interest to sportsmen in the county, not only now, but in years to come. 1 New Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ii. (Berwickshire), p. 340. 2 See sketch, "As high as ever you saw them," in Field and Covert Shooting. Badminton Library, second edition, 1887, p. 194. THE PHEASANT. 173 Pheas- Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Cover. Guns. Date. ants Correspondent. bagged Ayton. Ayton Castle. Alex. Harold Mitchell- Ayton Castle 1866. Nov. 22 182. Mr. Hugh Fraser, game- Innes, Esq. Woods. 1876. keeper, Kelloe, of Aytonanc Nov. 18 111. formerly head Whitehall. gamekeeper to Whitfleld 1875. the late Alex. Woods. Seven. Nov. 16 166. Mitchell-limes, Esq. of Ayton Ayton Regd. Pringle, and Whitehall. Castle Esq. ; John Woods. Miller, Esq. ; — Barclay, Esq. ; 1888. R. Campbell- Nov. 13 93. Renton, Esq. ; Major Brook ; G. Muirhead, Esq. Chirn- White- Alex. Harold Harelaw, Hon. Edward Mar- Mr. Thos. W. side. hall. Mitchell- West- joribanks, M.P. ; Walker, game- Innes, Esq. heads, Lord Curzon ; keeper to the of Ay ton and Whitehall. and Pear- H. Gladstone, Esq. ; Captain 1891. Nov. 6. 91. Hon. Edward Marjori banks, bank. Tippinge; M.P., at Guest, Esq. Edington Hill. Cold- Milne David Milne- Milne Hon. Henry Scott; stream. Graden. Home, Esq. Graden Col. Milne-Home ; of Milne Woods. Captain Forbes, Graden. R.N. ; Captain 1887. Ramsay; James Oct. 6. 54. Hunter, Esq. ; George Muirhead, Esq. Admiral Hotham ; Captain the Hon. Henry Baillie- 1888. Hamilton, R.N.; Capt. Forbes, R.N.; Oct. 10. 65. Jas. Hunter, Esq.; G. Muirhead, Esq. Duns. Manders- Sir James Manders- 1890. Mr. Jas. Smith, ton. Miller, Bart. ton Eight. Dec. 3. 103. gamekeeper, of Manders- Woods. Manderston. ton. Do. Do. Do. Eight. Dec. 4. 233. Do. 1891. Do. Do. Do. Seven. Dec. 8. 122. Do. Do. Do. Do. Eight. Dec. 9. 329. Do. Duns W. J. Hay, Duns Law 1887. Mr. W. Smith, Castle. Esq. and One. Oct. 17. 45. gamekeeper, Braid- Duns Castle. fern Woods. Wedder- Col. Milne- Policy 1882. Mr. R. Bruce, burn. Home. Woods. Six. Nov. 3. 66. late game- Five. Dec. 7. 33. keeper to E. F. Lautour, Esq. Do. iV. Compton- Lundie, Esq. ; 1887. S. Hull, Esq. ; Nov. 3. 14. G. Muirhead, Esq. 174 THE PHEASANT. Pheas- Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Cover. Guns. Date. ants Correspondent. bagged. Earlston. Meller- Earl of Meller- Four. 120. Mr. James stain. Haddington. stain M'Pherson, Woods. gamekeeper, Mellerstain. Eccles. Lees. G. F. Marjori- Ferneyrig Four. 1890. Mr. G. Landels, banks, Esq. Covers. Nov. 21. 101. gamekeeper, Ferneyrig. Edrom. Broom- house. Capt. Logan Home of Broom, house E. Clapham, Esq. ; W. Compton- 1 QQ*7 Broom- house. Woods. Lundie, Esq. ; S. Hull, Esq. ; Ioo7. Nov. 1. 75. G. Muirhead, Esq. Do. E. Clapham, Esq. ; W. Stone, Esq. ; G. Muirhead, Esq. 1886. Nov. 26. 46. Nisbet. Lord Sinclair Nisbet 1887. Mr. John Nisbet, of Herd- House Four. Nov. 5. 33. gamekeeper to manston. Covers. the late Mrs. 1890. Brown of Three. Nov. 15. 14. Longformacus, at Nisbet House. Black. Sir George Black- 1891. adder. Houston- adder Dec.— 210. Boswall, Woods. (one Bart. ' day's shoot- ing.) Fogo. Charter. Col. Trotter Fogo- 1889. Mr. Wm. Thom- hall. of Charter- moor Five. Nov. 16. 127. son, game- hall. Wood. keeper, BigWood. Five. Nov. 23. 52. Charterhall. Fogo- 1890. moor. Five. Nov. 19. 98. BigWood. Four. Dec. 3. 52. 1891. Do. Four. Jan. 3. 45. Fogo- moor. Four. Dec. 1. 94. BigWood. Four. Dec. 9. 82. Hutton. Paxton. Col. Milne- Home of Wedder- burn, &c. Paxton Covers. R. Pringle, Esq. ; George Turnbull, Esq.; W.Compton- Lundie, Esq. ; 1887. Oct. 24. 33. G. Muirhead, Esq.; E. Clapham, Esq. W. Compton- Lundie, Esq. ; 1887. Captain Godfrey ; Nov. 15. 22. G. Muirhead, Esq. Spital. W. Compton- Lundie, Esq. Spital Covers. Captain Richards ; G. Muirhead, Esq. 1881. Nov. 23. 25. of Spital. Captain Richards; G. Muirhead, Esq. 1883. Nov. 11. 31. THE PHEASANT. 175 Pheas- Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Cover. Guns. Date. ants bagged. Correspondent. Langton. Langton. Hon. Robert Baillie- Hamilton of Langton. Home Covers. Hon. Robt. Baillie- Hamilton; Earl of Haddington ; Lord Binning ; Mr. Geo. Mercer, gamekeeper, Langton. Hon. and Rev. A. 1883. Baillie-Hamilton ; Dec. 12. 156. Admiral Baillie ; Col. Milne-Home ; Capt. Hamilton; E. F. Lautour,Esq. Do. Earl of Haddington; Capt. Hamilton; Hon. H. Scott; 1 QQA Hon. G. Home; Hon. and Rev. A. lOo4. Dec. 10. 100. Baillie-Hamilton ; — Hamilton, Esq. 1885. Do. Six. Dec. 5. 1 CQA 114. Do. Five. looO* Dec. 15. 131. 1890. Do. Seven. Nov. 15. 131. Do. Sir Geo. Houston- Boswall, Bart. ; Capt. Hamilton ; 1891. Captain Forbes, Jan. 28. 138. R.N. ; George Dundas, Esq. Do. Earl of Hadding- ton ; Hon. and Rev. A. Baillie- Hamilton : Sir R. B. Harvey ; Colonel Trotter; Dec. 2. 228. --Trotter, Esq.; Colonel Brown ; Sir Harry Vernon ; George Dundas, Esq. Do. Same as on Dec. 2, 1891, but Captain Hunter instead of Dec. 3. 169. Colonel Brown. Mording- ton. Mording- ton. Major Charles Fred. Camp- bell- Renton of Hording- Mording- ton Covers. Seven. 1886. Dec. 31. 100. Robert C. Campbell- Renton, Esq. of Mordington. ton. 1887. Eight. Nov. 4. 126. 1888. Six. Nov. 9. 98. 1889. Six. Nov. 15. 115. 1890. Seven. Nov. 7. 105. Robert C. 1891. Campbell- Five. Nov. 6. 202. Renton, Esq. of Mordington. 176 THE PHEASANT. Pheas- Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Cover. Guns. Date. ants Correspondent. bagged. Polwarth. March- mont. Sir Hugh Hume-Camp- bell, Bart, of Fish Pond Cover, Saw Mill Sir Hugh Hume- Campbell, Bart. ; Sir George War- Marchmont. Cover, render, Bart, of Willie Lochend ; Sir Close, White Gate George Houston- Boswall, Bart, of Blackadder ; 1883. Nov. 287. Railway Banks. Colonel Trotter of Charterhall ; Charles Home (one day's shoot- Purves, Esq. of ing-) Purves Hall ; Hon. Robert Baillie-Hamilton. of Langton ; the Earl of Home. West- ruther. Spottis- woode. Lady John Scott-Spot- tiswoode of Home Covers. Two. 1885. Jan. 17. 1887. 40. Mr. JohnYoung, gamekeeper at Spottiswoode. Spottis- Two. Dec. 15. 43. woode. 1888. Two. Dec. 11. 1 SCO 53. Three. looy, Dec. 11. 75. 1891. Jan. 15. 65. Total Year. bags. Do. Do. 1887. 167. 1888. 203. 1889. 238. 1890. 250. 1891. 104. When fully on the wing the flight of this bird is very strong and rapid.1 As an instance of this, it may be men- tioned that about fifteen years ago, during a cover shooting at Marchmont House, a Pheasant, which had sprung out of an adjoining plantation, dashed through a pane of the drawing-room window, and struck its head so severely against a large mirror which was hanging on the opposite wall that it cracked the centre of the thick plate glass of the mirror and fell dead on the floor. Several ladies 1 Mr. Griffith found by experiment that the average flight of three Pheasants in the open, the time being carefully taken by a stop-watch, was at the rate of 16^ yards per second, 990 yards per minute, or 34f miles per hour. See The Fidel of 19th February 1887. THE PHEASANT. 177 were in the room at the time when this singular accident occurred. The reflection of the mirror had apparently deceived the bird and caused it to fly straight through the room. There can be no doubt that Phasianus colchicus is the original stock of our common Pheasant, the so-called Bohemian being only a buff-coloured variety. The intro- duction of the Chinese species (P. torquatus) to the coverts of this country has produced the beautiful ring-necked birds which we often see in our woods. The Pheasant is fond of thick bushy under-cover, where brambles and long grass abound. It seldom strays very far from plantations, but in the morning and evening it may be seen feeding on the adjoining stubble fields, where it picks up fallen grain, insects, and worms. It eats large num- bers of wire-worms.1 Acorns, beech-nuts, sloes, haws, and blackberries also form part of its food. It makes its slight nest on the ground amongst the herbage of woods and plantations, or in the bottom of a thick hedge-row, or sometimes amongst growing corn. The eggs, which are olive-brown in colour, are usually laid in April or May, and vary from ten to fourteen, although a larger number has been found, when more than one hen has laid in the same nest. Yarrell states that the well-known suppression of the scent of a sitting hen, so necessary for the safety of ground nesting species, is due to vicarious secretion — that is to say, the odoriferous particles which are usually exhaled from the skin are, during incubation, excreted from the intestinal canal.2 1 Yarrell mentions an instance of 1200 wire-worms being taken out of the crop of a single Pheasant. — British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iii. p. 99. 2 Ibid. p. 98. VOL. II. GALLINM. ( 178 ) PHASIANID&. THE COMMON PAETRIDGE. THE GKEY PARTRIDGE. Perdix cinerea. Stillness, heart soothing, reigns, Save, now and then, the Partridge's late call ; Featly athwart the ridge she runs, now seen, Now in the furrow hid ; then, screaming, springs, Joined by her mate, and to the grass field flies : There, 'neath the blade, rudely she forms Her shallow nest. GRAHAME, The Birds of Scotland. THE Partridge is plentiful in some of the lower parts of Berwickshire, but in other districts it is rather scarce, pro- bably owing to the clayey nature of the soil or to the ground being too heavily wooded. It appears to prefer well-cultivated, warm, and dry localities, where the fields are of moderate size and sur- rounded by thick hedge-rows, in the herbage at the bottom of which it can find a secure nesting place. In the higher districts of the county, however, and along the base of the Lammermuir Hills — in the vicinity of Abbey St. Bathans and Cockburn for instance — it is found in considerable numbers, though there it is generally much wilder than in the Merse, and takes longer flights in the shooting season ; it is then occasionally a difficult matter to get a second time within range of the same covey, for the birds often fly a mile before they again alight. Sometimes it is found far from cultivated ground, and, as an example of this, Colonel Brown of Longformacus has informed me that for several years past a covey has been THE COMMON PAETEIDGE. 179 seen frequenting the bare moor about three miles above Byrecleugh. Before fowling-pieces came into use Partridge hawk- ing seems to have been a favourite amusement of some of the proprietors in the county; for we find Godscroft, in his MS. History of the Homes of Wedderburn, relating that his brother, Sir George Home of Wedderburn, who was born about 1550 and died in 1616, " had Hawks called Merlins and Falcons, and afterwards another kind called Tercells, which he delighted in, even in his old age. He caught both Partridges and Muir-fowl." 1 In later times nets with setters were used for taking Partridges, the dog lying down on pointing a covey and the net being then drawn over the birds by the men who carried it. When milder Autumn Summer's heat succeeds, And in the new-shorn field the Partridge feeds, Before his lord the ready spaniel bounds, Panting with hope, he tries the furrow'd grounds ; But when the tainted gales the game betray, Couch'd close he lies and meditates the prey. Secure they trust the unfaithful field beset, Till hovering o'er 'em sweeps the swelling net. POPE. Shooting game while on the wing did not come into use until towards the middle of last century, after which period Partridges were killed with the gun over pointers and setters. This method was carried on so long as corn was cut with the sickle, and the stubble left rough enough to afford good cover for the birds, but with the advent of the reaping machine about I860 and the con- sequent closely shaven stubble, the system of driving the birds into the cover of turnips and then walking them up in line, without the use of pointers or setters, began to be i MS. History of the Homes of Wedderlurn, by David Home of Godscroft, 1611. 180 THE COMMON PARTBIDGE. practised. This plan is usually carried out in the follow- ing manner : — Early in the morning some men are sent to beat the stubbles and move the Partridges into the adjoining turnip fields, where, later in the day, the sports- men, gamekeepers, and beaters form into a straight line and walk across the turnip drills, the birds being shot as they rise by the guns which have been placed along the line at equal distances apart. Eetrievers only are used, and well-trained dogs are necessary, for without their aid many wounded birds are lost. " Driving " Partridges has of late years been practised in some parts of the county favourable for this system of shooting, which requires a large number of beaters and good management. The sportsmen stand behind a hedge or some other cover, and the beaters, walking in line through the turnip or other fields towards them, drive the birds over the guns, whilst assistants stationed in conspicuous positions with flags, which they wave when necessary, endeavour to prevent the birds from escaping at the flanks and to keep them flying in the required direction. This method has several advantages, as not only is great skill in shooting required to bring down the game,1 but a larger proportion of old birds is killed by this than by any other plan ; for they are generally the first to fly over the guns, whereas by the other systems they often escape.2 Good sport can also be had by " driving " late in the season, when the birds will not generally allow the sportsmen to approach within range, but fly off as soon as the field in which they are resting or feeding is entered. The largest bags of Partridges ever made in Berwickshire have been got by this means on 1 Mr. Griffiths, in his experiments with regard to the velocity of the flight of birds, found that in the open the Partridge flies at the rate of 14 '6 yards per second, 876 yards per minute, or 29'8 miles per hour.— The Field of 19th February 1887. 2 When there are too many old birds on the ground they drive off the young, which are the most productive breeders. THE COMMON PARTKIDGE. 181 Lord Tweedmouth's property of Edington and Foulden West Mains, where the Hon. Edward Marjoribanks, M.P., with three friends, on the 21st of October 1891, bagged 130 brace, and on the following day, at Whiterig and Prenderguest, 113^ brace. Eegarding the former won- derful bag, Mr. T. W. Walker, gamekeeper at Edington, writes to me : " The 260 Partridges which were killed at Edington on the 21st of October last, were got solely by ' driving,' and with only one set of beaters. We had a high cheek wind until lunch-time, which made it difficult to drive the birds up to the guns, as well as to bring them to the bag. Our total score of Partridges for the season (1891-92) is 1723." I am indebted to the correspondents whose names are given below for the following records of some of the best bags of Partridges which have been got in their respective districts of late years. Part- Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Farms. Guns. Date. ridges bagged. Correspondent. Abbey St. Bathans. Abbey St. Bathans. John Turn- bull, Esq. of Abbey St. Ellem- ford. G. G. Turnbull, Esq. 1883. Sept. 21. 34. Mr. James Shiel, gamekeeper, Abbey St. Bathans. Bathans. 1891. Do. Do. Oct. 12. 40, all killed over dogs. Quix- John Hogg, Quix- 1884. Mr. John wood. Esq. wood. Four. Oct. — 64. Punton, Four. 1889. Oct. 16. 26. gamekeeper, Quixwood. Ayton. Ayton. A. Mitchell- Whitfleld. 1875. Mr Hugh Innes, Esq. Seven. Nov. 16. 21. Fraser, late gamekeeper at Ayton Castle. Whiterig Lord Tweed- Whiterig 1891. Mr T. W. and mouth. and Four. Oct. 22. 227. Walker, Prender- Prender- gamekeeper, guest. guest. Edington. 182 THE COMMON PARTRIDGE. Part- Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Farms. Guns. Date. ridges Correspondent. bagged. Buncle. Bonkyl. 5arl of Home. Marygolcl. Five. Mr. John Barrie, Captain the Hon. C. D. Home and 1884. Nov. 3. 102. gamekeeper, Preston. party. Do. Do. Preston. 1887. Three. Sept. 9. 101. Billie. Col Milne- Billie 1885. Mr William Home of Wedder- burn, &c. Mains. Seven. Sept. 18. 111. Preston, late gamekeeper at Paxton. Chirnside and Edington. Lord Tweed- mouth. Edington and Lord Wimborne ; Hon. E. Marjori- Mr. T. W. Walker, Foulden. Foulden banks, M.P. ; 1891. gamekeeper, West — Hope, Esq. ; Oct. 21. 260. Edington. Mains. — Whitbread, Esq. Do. Duke of Rox- burghe ; Lord Curzon ; Hon. E. Marjoribanks, M.P. ; M. Guest, Nov. 4. 145. Esq. ; H. Glad- stone, Esq. ; Captain Tippinge. Whitehall. A.H.Mitchell- Harelaw Lord Wimborne ; Do. Innes, Esq. and Old- Hon. E. Marjori- of Aytonand Whitehall. castles. banks, M.P. ; — Whitbread, Oct. 20. 144. Esq. ; — Hope, Esq. Causeway- Do. Oct. 23. 142. bank, Harelaw and Old- castles. Harelaw A. Mitchell-Innes, 1869. Mr. Hugh and Cause- way- Esq. and party. Sept. 23 93. Fraser, late gamekeeper at Ayton Castle. bank. Harelaw Do. Sept. 10 66. and Nether- mains. Cock- burns- Dunglass Sir Basil Hall, Bart. Two. (One day's f)f> Mr. John Bolton, path. shoot- SOb gamekeeper, ing-) Dunglass. THE COMMON PAETEIDGE. 183 Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Farms. Guns. Date. Part- ridges bagged. Correspondent. Colding- hiini. Berry- bank. J. Mack, Esq. of Berry- bank. Berry- bank, 300 acres. A. S. Logan, Esq. ; J. Mack, Esq. 1891. Oct. 8. 30. J. Mack, Esq. Billie. Col. Milne- Home of Wedderburn. Auchen- crow Mains. Col. Milne-Home and party. 1887. Sept. 12. 52. East Reston. Do. Sept. 15. 57. Billie Mains. Do. Sept. 16. 55. Reston- hill. E. Clapham, Esq.; Capt. S. Richards ; G. Muirhead, Esq. 1883. Nov. 7. 27. Duns. Duns Castle. W. J. Hay, Esq. Crum- stane. One. 1888. Oct. 7. 47. Mr. W. Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle. Mander- ston. Sir J. Miller, Bart. Two. 1891. Sept. 17. 57. Mr. J. Smith, gamekeeper, Manderston. Wedder- burn. Col. Milne- Home of Wedderburn. Wedder- burn Mains and Cairn- hill. E. F. Latour, Esq.; Capt. Houstoun- Boswall ; Major Latour ; and another. 1890. Sept. 16. 55. Mr. R. Bruce, late game- keeper to E. F. Latour, Esq., at Wedderburn Castle. Wedder- burn Mains, &c. Five. D. Brown, Esq., and party. 1887. Sept. 20. 111. Mr. John Nisbet, late gamekeeper to Mrs. Brown, Nisbet House. Wedder. burn Mains andi Cairn- hill. A. T. Clay, Esq. ; C. Vane-Tempest, Esq. ; G. Muir- head, Esq. 1888. Nov. 19. 42. Earlston. Meller- stain. The Earl of Haddington. One. One day over dogs. 50. Mr. J. M'Pher- son, game- keeper, Mellerstain. Eccles. Lees. — Marjori- banks, Esq. of Lees. West Mains. Three. 1891. Nov. 37. 69. George Landles, gamekeeper, Ferneyrig. Eccles (and Green- law). March- mont. Sir Hugh Hume- Campbell, Bart. Eccles Tofts. Four. One day in Oct. about 1882. 168. 184 THE COMMON PARTEIDGE. Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Farms. Guns. Date. Part- ridges bagged. Correspondent. Edrom. Broom- house. Capt. Logau- Home of Broom- house. E. Claphatn, Esq. ; W. Stone, Esq. ; G. Muirhead, Esq. 1884. Nov. 3. 23. Blanerue. E. R. J. Sandys- Lumsdaine, Esq. Blanerne West Side. Five. 1889. Sept. 11. 56. Kelloe. G. C. Fordyce- Buchan, Esq. of Kelloe. Major Answell ; H. Ross, Esq. ; — Shakespeare, Esq. 1891. Sept. 29. 51. Mr. Hugh Fraser, gamekeeper, Major Answell ; Capt. Tippinge. Oct. 8. 42. Black- adder. Sir George Houstoun- Boswall, Bart, of Blackadder. 1891. (One day's shoot- ing.) 114. Nisbet. Lord Sinclair. Mungos- walls. Four. 1889. Sept. 21. 88. Mr. John Nisbet, game- keeper, Nisbet House, Duns. Fogo. Charter- hall. Caldra. Col. Trotter of Charter- hall. Col. Milne- Home of Wedderburn. Riselaw. Five. F. Shaw, Esq. ; G. Muirhead, Esq. 1891. Oct. 20. 1884. Sept. 4. 108. 15. Mr. William Thompson, gamekeeper, Charterhall. Button. Spital. W. Compton- Luiidie, Esq. Spital Mains, Clara- bad, &c. 1886. Oct. 7. 1887. Sept. 17. 32. 29. W. Compton- Lundie, Esq. of Spital. Langton. Langton. Hon. R. Baillie- Hamilton of Langton. Choicelee and Wood- end. Hon. R. Baillie- Hamilton ; Capt. Houstoun- Boswall ; — Hepburn, Esq. 1884. Oct. 4. 53. Mr. G. Mercer, gamekeeper, Langton. Middle- Held and Ladyflat. Seven. 1885. Nov. 5. 73. Mording- ton. Mording- ton. R. Campbell- Renton, Esq. of Mording- ton. Mording- ton Mains and Lam- berton. Best day over dogs. 50. R. Campbell- Renton, Esq. of Mordington. THE COMMON PARTRIDGE. 185 Parish. Estate. Proprietor. Farms. Guns. Date. Part- ridges bagged. Correspondent. Swiii ton. Swinton. Trustees of Mrs. Swinton of Swinton. Harcarse. &c. S. Hull, Esq. ; W. Compton- Lundie, Esq. ; G. Muirhead, Esq. 1887. Sept. 13. 33. West- ruther. Spottis- woode. Lady John Scott-Spottis- woode of Spottis- woode. Flass. Two. 1887. Sept. 15. 33. Mr. John Young, gamekeeper, Spottiswoode. Jordon- law. Two. Oct. 12. 40. Thorny- dykes. One. 1888. Oct. 23. 25. Howlet's Ha'. One. 1889. Nov. 8. 27. Some proprietors, in order to increase the stock of Partridges on their estates and improve the breed by the introduction of fresh blood, have purchased eggs from a distance and reared young birds from them. Neither this method, nor the turning down of old birds procured from other parts of the country, is, however, found to succeed so well as the simple plan of changing the eggs in the nests on a property every season, a few being taken from each nest discovered before incubation has begun, and replaced by those in the same state from another nest. It would appear that the birds in a brood pair with each other under ordinary circumstances, and the produce is then apt to be small in number and weak ; but when the eggs are changed in the manner indicated fresh blood is introduced and the stock is consequently greatly strengthened and increased. The Partridge sometimes suffers much in Berwickshire from the effects of heavy storms of rain and snow. The wet summer of 1877 destroyed great numbers all over 186 THE COMMON PAETEIDGE. the county, whole broods being found drowned in the hay-fields;1 and in the terrible winters of 1878-81 many perished of cold. It pairs very early in the season,2 as mentioned by Grahame in the following beautiful lines : — Bleak still, and winterly, o'er hill and dale, Is nature's aspect : yet some pleasing signs, Some heart-reviving preludes, faint and few, Of Spring's sweet season, meet the eye or ear. When calm the eve, I've heard the Partridge call, And seen the pairing couple as they tripped Athwart the wreaths that in the furrows lurk. The nest is generally placed amongst thick herbage at the bottom of a hedge, or in a hay or corn field, and often by the side of a road or footpath. It consists of a slight hollow scraped in the ground, with a little grass or a few dead leaves for lining, and in it, usually in May, are deposited from ten to fifteen eggs of a uniform olive-brown colour. Sometimes more than the number mentioned are found in the same nest, but it is thought that in this case they are the produce of more than one bird. Boys have always had the reputation of being very fond of searching for Partridges' nests. This is exemplified by the following anecdote, for which I am indebted to my friend Mr. Hardy. The Kev. Dr. Waugh of London, a native of Berwickshire, on coming down from the pulpit of a church in Duns where he had been preaching, was accosted by an old grey-headed man, who inquired regarding his welfare. " But, man," said the Doctor, " I dinna ken ye." " Do you no mind Tarn 1 Mr. Hardy mentions that a well-grown brood of young Partridges with the old birds covering them were found all drowned in the summer of that year in a field near Oldcambus. — MS. Notes. 2 The French have a proverb which says : — Quand la Chandeleur est arrivee La Perdrix grise est mariee. They apply the term "vin de couleur d'oeil de perdrix" to a fine pale wine of full body. THE COMMON PAETEIDGE. 187 Houliston ? " replied his grey-headed friend. " Aye, weel do I," added the Doctor. " Do you mind yon Sunday when we fand the Paitrick's nest and harried her ? " The young, which are hatched in twenty-one days, are attended to by both of the old birds, who show the greatest care for their safety, and often nutter away on being approached as if they could not fly, to draw the attention of the intruder from their offspring. The Partridge may be found on its feeding grounds in the morning and evening, but during the day it is generally concealed in cover of some kind, such as turnips, corn, or rough herbage. Its food consists of insects and seeds of weeds of various kinds, as well as fallen grain which it picks up on the stubbles. With regard to the means of distinguishing the sexes in this bird by the colours of the plumage, Mr. W. K. Ogilvie- Grant, of the British Museum, writes : — "The only reliable characters by which a male Par- tridge may always be distinguished from a female, except when very young, are two. • "(1) In the male the sides of the neck are brownish- grey, or nearly pure slate colour, with fine wavy lines of black, and none of the feathers have pale buff stripes down the shaft. " In the female these parts are olive-brown, and almost all the feathers have a pale buff stripe down the shaft, often somewhat dilated or club-shaped towards the extremity, finely margined with black. " (2) In the male the ground colour of the terminal half of the lesser and median wing coverts is pale olive- brown, with a chestnut patch on one or both webs, and each feather has a narrow pale buff shaft-stripe, and narrow wavy transverse black lines. "In the female the ground colour of these parts is 188 THE COMMON PAKTKIDGE. mostly black, shading into buff towards the extremity; each feather has a fairly wide buff shaft -stripe, and is also transversely and somewhat irregularly barred with buff, narrowly edged with black. " To put it more simply, for those who are not versed in the technical names given to the different parts of the plumage. Having looked at the sides of the neck, and seen whether they are grey or brown, with pale buff lines down the middle of each feather, turn the Partridge back uppermost and examine the smaller feathers which cover the upper parts of the wings. If they are sandy-brown, blotched with chestnut, and with small black lines across them, the bird is a cock; if they are mostly black, with conspicuous buff cross bars, the bird is a hen. The buff cross bars on the wing coverts are an unmistakable char- acter, and quite sufficient to distinguish the hen at a glance. The Partridge assumes the adult plumage of these parts of the body at the first moult ; and, consequently, the above differences are strongly marked before the commencement of the shooting season, except in late broods." ] This species does not vary much in its plumage, but occasionally white, pied, and light-coloured birds are ob- served. Mr. Kelly mentions that several pure white broods frequented the farms of Boon and East Mains, near Lauder, for many years ; 2 and Mr. Thomas W. Walker, gamekeeper at Edington, tells me that five very light or cream-coloured specimens were to be found on the farm of Whiterig, near Ayton, a few years ago, but have now disappeared.3 An example with the primary feathers of the wing nearly pure white was shot by Lord Binning at Mellerstain in October 1865; and another having a horse-shoe mark of the same 1 The Field of 21st November 1891, p. 795. 2 Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 146. s Letter dated 22nd February 1892. THE COMMON PAKTRIDGE. 189 colour on its breast was killed by that nobleman in the fol- lowing December. The subject of our notice is held in high estimation as a dish for the table, as the following couplet testifies : — If the Partridge had the Woodcock's thigh, It would be the best bird that ever did fly. It appears to have been considered a great delicacy by the monks of old, for in The Freirs of Berwick we find from Freyr Eobert's account of the interview between Dame Lauder and Freyr Johne, when the latter had " knokit at the yet," that He thankit hir : and said, " My awin luif deir, Thair is ane pair of bossis, glide and fyne, Thay hald ane galloun-full of Gaskon wyne, And als ane payr of pertrikis new slane ; And als ane creill full of breid of mane." 1 Mr. Hardy mentions " The Paitrick on the Pear Tree " as a rhyme which children in Berwickshire are sometimes heard repeating. 1 The Freirs of Berwick, a Tale, thought to have been written by Dunbar before 1539.— Sibbald, Chronicle of Scottish Poetry, vol. ii. p. 377. GALLING. ( 190 ) PHASIANIDJE. THE COMMON QUAIL. THE QUAIL. Coturnix communis. The corn-land loving Quayle, the daintiest of our bits. DRAYTON. THE Quail is an occasional summer visitor to the county, where it has been found in several localities. Mr. Peter Cowe, Lochton, has informed me that a specimen was shot in a turnip field on the farm of Dowlaw, in the parish of Coldingham, about 1863 ; and two young birds were killed at Butterdean, in the parish of Oldhamstocks, in 1872. Mr. John Wilson mentions that it used to visit the farm of Edington Mains at wide intervals, though only once has he known it remain there throughout the year.1 Mr. Scott, gamekeeper, Thirlestane Castle, tells me that during the Partridge shooting season — about 1861 — he shot two Quails in a stubble field on the farm of Bowerhouse, near Lauder, which he mistook for young Partridges when they first rose to the dog's point, and that they were very fat.2 Mr. Hardy records that in the second week of September 1874 an example was killed at Whitburn, in the parish of Cockburnspath, in the Lammermuirs, by one of the Dunglass gamekeepers.3 In November 1882 Mr. George Low mentioned to me that 1 Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. vi. p. 400. 2 Yarrell says that the Hebrew name selav, in Arabic salwa, from a root signifying "to be fat," is very descriptive of the round, plump form and fat flesh of the Quail.— JSnYM Birds, fourth edition, vol. iii. p. 128. 3 Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 515. THE COMMON QUAIL. 191 his brother, the Hon. Lord Low of Laws, had shot a Quail at Godscroft, in the parish of Abbey St. Bathans, a few years previous to the above date. The gamekeeper at Mordington states that a specimen was seen amongst turnips in Jock's Park on Mordington Mains farm about 1874 ; and, accord- ing to Mr. George Duns, architect, Duns, two were got in the Damhead Field on Mungoswalls farm, in the vicinity of Nisbet House, in August 1885, another pair having been obtained in the same locality about eleven years before that date. Mr. James Purves, gamekeeper, Foulden, writes to me that he shot a Quail on St. John's farm, Foulden Estate, on the 12th of October 1878, and another in the Stackyard Field, Foulden Bastle, on the 30th of September 1882. Two were bagged on Todhillrigg on the 15th of October 1892.1 It may be mentioned that Mr. Hardy records the breeding of this bird on Springfield farm, in Oldhamstocks parish, East-Lothian, on the western borders of Berwick- shire,2 and that Mr. George Bolam states that on more than one occasion he has heard its call within " Berwick Bounds," in the fields adjoining the roads leading to Paxton and Chirnside, on the eastern borders of the county. He says : " Like the Corn Crake, Quails are most vociferous at sundown, and it is when the twilight has pretty far advanced on a fine summer evening, and when most other birds are silent, that their ' Plup,' ' plup ' is most notice- able." He adds that the note, which is often repeated two or three times in succession, somewhat resembles one of the sounds made by a Turkey Hen.3 The Quail is fond of frequenting grass and corn fields, where, on summer evenings, the peculiar cry of the male may be heard as he " clamours for his running mate." 4 1 Information from James Hunter, Esq. of Antonshill. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 515. 3 n>id. vol. x. pp. 392, 393. 4 Thomson's Seasons — "Summer." 192 THE COMMON QUAIL. It is sometimes seen by Partridge shooters in Septem- ber, its flight being quick, and generally straight and low. While shooting at Kentonhall, near Haddington, in Septem- ber 1869, I found a Quail amongst some standing barley; and I have seen bevies in the rye fields near Orleans in France, where the cry of this bird is thought to resemble the words " paye tes dettes ! " M. Holland mentions that poachers in France employ an instrument made of the skin of a mole to imitate its cry. " On appelle courcaillet un instrument dont se servent les braconniers pour attirer les cailles. II est forme d'une peau de taupe cousue comme une outre et a laquelle est adaptee une sorte de sifflet. Cette peau etant gonflee au moyen de la bouche, on imite parfaitement, par une pression particuliere des doigts, le chant de la caille."1 The food of the Quail consists of seeds of various kinds, including those of the chickweed, dock, and plan- tain, as well as grain ; and it also eats many kinds of insects. It generally makes its nest in a corn or grass field, scraping a slight hollow in the ground, and lining it with a little dry grass. The eggs, which are from seven to twelve in number, are yellowish- white, blotched with dark- brown. It has long been esteemed an excellent bird for the table. Its price was fixed at " twa pennies " by the Scottish Parliament in 1551 ; and it is associated with "sum daintie fair" in the following advice by Macrell to the Madyn : — Than tak to stanche your morning drouth, Ane cup of mavesie for your mouth, For sume cast sucker in at south, Togidder with a toist : 1 Faune Populaire de la France, Eugene Holland, tome ii., "Les Oiseaux Sauvages," p. 340. THE COMMON QUAIL. 193 Thrie garden gowps tak of the air, And bid your page in haist prepair, For your disjone sum daintie fair, And cair not for na coist. Ane pair of plevaris pypping hait, Ane pertrick and ane quailyie get, Ane cup of sack, sweit and weill set, May for ane breckfast gaine. ROBERT, LORD SEMPLE, 1568. VOL. II. FULICARI^. ( 194 ) RALLIDJE. THE LANDEAIL. CORN CRAKE, CORN CRAKER, LAND HEN, DAKER HEN. Crex pratensis. Corn Crafee+ Poor bird, though harsh thy note, I love it well! It tells of summer eves, mild and serene, When through the grass, waist-deep, I wont to wade In fruitless chace of thee ; now here, now there, Thy desultory call. Oft does thy call The midnight silence break ; oft, ere the dawn, It wakes the slumbering Lark ; he upward wings His misty way, and, viewless, sings and soars. GRAHAME, Birds of Scotland. THE cry of the Corn Crake is generally heard in this county for the first time in the season from the begin- ning to the middle of May, when it arrives here from its southern winter quarters. The welcome note usually comes from some neighbouring grass field, but if the spring be late, as it was in 1887, and the grass and clover have not made sufficient growth to afford con- cealment, the bird hides amongst any rough herbage near its usual resorts, such as the long grass in young planta- tions and about boggy or waste places. As an instance of this, I may mention that on the afternoon of the 15th of May 1887, while walking along the side of the Tweed near the boat-house at Paxton, I was agreeably surprised to hear the loud " Crek, crek " of a Corn Crake amongst some bushes in an adjoining strip of tall ash and elm THE LANDRAIL. 195 trees, where it had taken shelter on its return from the south. Corn and hay fields are its favourite resorts, and its monotonous cry may be heard in the summer even- ings and mornings, as well as during the day. It is very difficult to make out the exact spot where the bird is crying, the hopelessness of any endeavour to get a sight of it being thus quaintly alluded to by Montgomery : — Go round the field, and round the field, and round, You'll find my voice for ever changing ground ; And while your ear pursues my creaking cry, You look as if you heard it with your eye. I have, however, sometimes forced it to take wing by hunt- ing it closely with a good terrier or spaniel ; and, when upraised, With feet suspended, awkwardly she flies ; Her flight a ridge-breadth : suddenly she drops, And, running, still eludes the following foot. GBAHAME, Birds of Scotland. Long ago the neighbourhood of Billy Mire, with its wide stretches of rushes and rough grassy meadows, would be a favourite resort of the Corn Crake ; and we find Dr. Henderson thus alluding to the bird in that locality : — On the Pyper knowes,1 where the lang broom grows, I sat me down in the gloamin' dim ; While lay the white mist on the reedy Mire's breast, And the Crake 'mang the corn sang his evening hymn. Its food consists chiefly of worms, snails, and insects. It makes a slight nest on the ground amongst long grass or corn, and the eggs, which vary from seven to ten in number, are pale reddish -white spotted with ash-grey and reddish - brown. A curious circumstance connected with the finding of a Corn Crake's nest in 1808 by some men while cutting grass with the scythe on a little island 1 A round hill at the east end of Billie Mire, said to have been a favourite haunt of the fairies in bygone times. 196 THE LANDRAIL. belonging to the Salmon Fishery of Low Bells, on the Tweed near Paxton, is related by Yarrell, who, quoting from Daniel's Rural Sports, says : " The men, while mowing, cut the head from a Corn Crake that was sitting upon eleven eggs; about twenty yards from this spot they had nearly destroyed a Partridge in a similar way, which was sitting upon eighteen eggs ; but, observing her, the mowers took the eggs from the nest of the Corn Crake and put them into that of the Partridge. Two days after, she brought out the whole brood, which were seen running about the island. The Partridge catered for them all, and was observed to gather her numerous family under her wings without any distinction." x This species generally leaves us about the beginning of the harvest, a period of the year thus happily described by Dr. Henderson : — The flowers now fade on hill and dale, And faintly bees are humming : The corn is rustling in the gale, And harvest days are coming : The harping Crake has left the land, The Swallow soon will follow, And many a merry harvest band Will meet in height and hollow. It is, however, seen later in the season. An example was shot at Mellerstain on the 1st of September 1880;2 and Colonel Brown of Longformacus informs me that he got two specimens at Cranshaws on the 8th of October 1884. Mr. Hardy relates that in the middle of the winter of 1835 a Corn Crake was caught in Blackburn Eigg Peat Moss, the site of which is now occupied by the railway. He gives the following as a popular rhyme of Berwick- shire, from which it would appear that this bird in former 1 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iii. p. 141. a Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 399. THE LANDEAIL. 197 times was believed to hide itself and sleep through the winter : — The bat, the bee, The butterflee, The cuckoo and the swallow, The kittiwake, And the corn crake, Sleep a' in a little hollie.1 It is highly esteemed as a dish for the table, and seems likewise to have had a reputation as a dainty in olden times, for we find Drayton in his Polyolbion alluding to it as — The rayle, which seldom comes but upon rich men's spits. It is referred to in the old Scottish poem entitled The Houlate, or the Danger of Pride, maid be Holland, 1453 : — He gart the Emproure trow, and trewlye behald, That the Corncraik, the pundare at hand, Had poyndit all his pris hors in a poynd fald, Becaus thai eite of the corn in the kirkland. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 218. Y FULICARI^E. ( 198 ) RALL1DM. THE SPOTTED CRAKE. SPOTTED RAIL, SPOTTED WATER RAIL, SPOTTED WATER HEN SKILTY. Porzana maruetta. Where creeping waters ooze, Where marshes stagnate, and where rivers wind. THOMSON. THE Spotted Crake is very rarely seen in Berwickshire, there being only two instances on record of it having been found in the county. An adult female was shot at Greenknowe, near Gordon, by Mr. John Scott-Dudgeon, on the 18th of October 1873;1 and Mr. John Aitchison, Duns, has informed me that a specimen of this bird, now in his collection, was found dead near Duns Railway Station on the 18th of April 1887, having been killed by flying against the telegraph wires. It is a summer visitor to this country, arriving in March and leaving towards the end of October, and is nowhere plentiful, but seems to be more frequently found in the fens and marshes of Norfolk than elsewhere. It frequents bogs, swamps, and the margins of rivers and lakes overgrown with rank herbage, where it breeds ; and, as the nest has been found in the adjoining county of Northumberland,2 and as far north as Elgin,3 it is probable that it may yet be discovered in some of the few remaining 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 134. 2 Birds of Narthuniberland and Durham, by J. Hancock, p. 125. 3 Birds of the West of Scotland, by R. Gray, p. 333. THE SPOTTED CRAKE. 199 bogs in Berwickshire, such as the Everett Moss at Leger- wood, or Eedpath Bog, near Cowdenknowes. Long ago, the great bog of Billie Mire, which extended for miles, and whose surface was covered with dense beds of reeds and rushes, would doubtless be a breeding place of the Spotted Kail. The food of this bird consists of worms, slugs, and insects. Hewitson, quoting from Hancock, says that the nest, which is usually difficult to find, is placed in marshy ground in a thick bed of reeds, and is composed of the long ribbon-like grass of the reeds, lined with a finer soft grass.1 The eggs, from seven to ten in number, are reddish- grey, spotted with reddish-brown. This species is smaller than the Corn Crake, darker in colour, and spotted over with small white specks on the neck, back, and wings. 1 Hewitson, Eggs of British Birds, vol. ii. p. 376. FULICARIsE. ( 200 ) RALLID^E. THE WATER BAIL. BILCOCK, RUNNER, SKIT, SKIDDY-COCK. Rallus aquaticus. lead on, where through the reedy bank The insinuating waters ', filter 'd, stray In many a winding maze. SOMERVILLE. THIS bird is occasionally seen in Berwickshire during the autumn and winter months. It is, however, by no means plentiful, and as yet there is no record of its breeding in the county. Owing to its skulking habits, and the difficulty of finding the nest amongst the rank herbage of the marshes which the bird frequents, it may, however, nest unobserved in some of the few remaining bogs, such as Eedpath Bog, in Earlston parish, or amongst some of the reedy pools and ditches between Greenlaw and "Westruther.1 The Water Eail inhabits swamps and marshes, and the sides of streams, lakes, and pools, as well as ditches over- grown with reeds and other rank herbage, where it skulks, and from which it can scarcely be forced to take wing. Mr. John Wilson, writing in 1872, mentions that he had seen the Water Kail on Edington Mains Farm four or five times during a residence there of sixty years.2 A specimen is recorded by Mr. John Ferguson, Duns, as having been shot amongst the reeds at the side of Duns 1 Mr. Smith, late gamekeeper at Duns Castle, tells me that a pair of Water Rails frequented the lake there throughout the seasons of 1887, 1888, and 1889, and probably nested amongst the reeds. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vi. p. 400. THE WATER BAIL. 201 Castle Lake in 18*73; and he adds that the bird is seen every year about the pools and ditches of Dogden Moss.1 According to Mr. Cowe, Lochton, four examples were obtained on that farm in 1874. Mr. Kelly says that it is sometimes found at the side of the Leader, and that it frequents Legerwood Loch.2 Specimens were killed in some old clay pits near Harcarse, and at Kimmerghame, in the winter of 1878, as recorded by Mr. Hardy.3 Dr. Stuart states that on the 5th of March 1879 a man brought to him a Water Eail which had been got at Billie Burn, in Chirnside parish ; 4 and Mr. John Aitchison, Duns, has informed me that about 1880 he sometimes found this bird in the ditches about Berrywell. Mr. Compton-Lundie of Spital shot a specimen in the bog near Spital House in October 1885, and another was caught in a ditch near the village of Whitsome in the first week of January 1886. It has been got several times during winter within the last fifteen years at Nab- dean mill pond, in the parish of Hutton. Mr. Alexander Harold Mitchell-Innes of Ayton shot a specimen at the curling pond there on the 27th of December 1887. When the Water Eail is forced to take wing it flies with its legs hanging down like the Corn Crake, and generally drops amongst the nearest herbage which will afford it sufficient concealment. Yarrell says that during the nesting season the birds are very noisy, uttering a loud and somewhat explosive cry. The nest, which is well concealed, is made of sedge, and is placed amongst the thickest aquatic plants, or some- times in willow beds. The eggs are of a creamy-white, with small specks or blotches of ash-grey and reddish-brown, and the usual number is seven. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 121. 2 Ibid. vol. vii. p. 305. 3 Ibid. vol. viii. p. 532. 4 Ibid. vol. viii. p. 529. FULICARI&. ( 202 ) RALLID&. THE MOOR HEN. WATER HEN, MARSH HEN, STANK HEN. Gallinula chloropus. (Lfllaur !&eiu At distance from the water's edge, On hanging sallow's farthest stretch, The moorhen 'gins her nest of sedge, Safe from destroying schoolboy's reach. CLARE, March. THIS well-known bird is plentiful all over the county wherever there are streams or pools, the lake at Duns Castle being one of its favourite resorts. Mill ponds and the parts of the Whitadder, Blackadder, Leader, and other streams, where the current moves slowly and where reeds, rushes, and other aquatic plants abound, are also much frequented by this species, and there it may often be seen swimming about on the surface of the water with a nodding motion of the head. Its usual haunts during the day are about the margins of pools, where it searches amongst the rank herbage for worms, insects, and water plants. When it is occupied in feeding at the edge of a mill pond I have often been amused at the precipitate manner in which it retreats to the other side on being approached, fluttering over the surface of the pool with its legs hanging down, and splashing up the water in its line of flight. On reaching the opposite side, however, it seems to consider itself safe, for then it walks about in a leisurely manner, flicking up its tail and thus show- THE MOOK HEN. 203 ing the white under coverts. In the morning and even- ing it often ventures out on the adjoining grass or meadow land to pick up worms and snails. During the terrible severity of the winters of 1878-81, Water Hens suffered greatly ; for all their usual resorts were frozen up, and in many cases the poor birds were reduced to such weakness for want of food that they allowed them- selves to be caught by the hand in the snow.1 When severe frost occurs in winter and ponds are frozen over, this species frequents running streams, and also occasionally comes about places where poultry are fed, to pick up what it can get. In some parts of the county, such as about Oldcambus, it leaves the ponds in winter, and does not return to them until March, or the early part of April, to breed.2 The nest of the Water Hen is usually placed amongst herbage by the side of the water, or about the roots or low branches of overhanging alders and other bushes. I have, however, occasionally seen it placed on a branch at some height above the ground ; also on the open shallow water of a pond, the foundation in this case being made with sticks.3 The nest is made of reeds, sedges, rushes, and other water plants, and the eggs — usually from five to ten in number — are of a cream-coloured white, spotted with reddish-brown. 1 On the 31st of December 1874 I found a Water Hen lying dead amongst the snow at Paxton, and several so weak that they allowed me to take them up in my hand. Writing on the llth of February 1881, Dr. Stuart, Chirnside, says : "Coming home one day when at Broadhaugh I observed a Water Hen fly and alight on the top of a wall opposite the window of a cottage, where it allowed me to put my hands upon it."— Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 390. 2 Mr. Hardy in his MS. Notes gives various dates between 24th of February and 7th of April, as the time when it returns to Oldcambus. 3 In the spring of 1886 a Water Hen built its nest in an open wooden spout used to flood the curling pond at Paxton. FULICARI&. ( 204 ) RALLIDAL. THE COMMON COOT. BALD COOT, CUTE, QUEET, BALD DUCK. Fulica atra. The Coot dives merry on the lake. SIR WALTER SCOTT. THE Coot is found in considerable numbers on Duns Castle Lake, Legerwood Loch, the Hirsel Lake, Coldingham Loch, and the lake at Spottiswoode. It also frequents pools and mosses about Greenlaw, and mill ponds in various districts, such as at Townhead farm in the parish of Cockburnspath, Dowlaw in the parish of Coldingham, Foulden West Mains, and Fairneyside near Burnmouth. Mr. Compton-Lundie of Spital has informed me that he has occasionally seen it at his boat pool on the Whitadder near Clarabad, in the parish of Hutton, and I have once or twice observed it at Kabdean mill pond in the same parish. Nowhere in the county can it be seen to greater advantage than on the lake at Duns Castle, which is a beautiful sheet of water sheltered on every side by rising ground and planta- tions, and having beds of bulrushes and other aquatic plants on its margin. These form favourite retreats and nesting places for the numerous water-fowl, including great numbers of Coots, which may be seen floating at ease on its surface, or diving in search of food. THE COMMON COOT. 205 Mr. John Ferguson informs me that this bird remains at Duns Castle Lake throughout the winter, a part of the water being always kept free from ice for the benefit of the Swans and Geese, which are fed regularly in hard weather when the lake is frozen. He adds that in Decem- ber 1886 and January 1887, when skating and curling were going on at the lake every day for several weeks in succession, the Coots were very tame, and that sometimes as many as fifty or sixty were seen feeding with the Swans at the edge of the ice. This bird leaves the smaller inland waters and betakes itself to the sea in the beginning of winter, returning again in March.1 The nest is large, and is strongly built of flags and other water plants, being often placed in a bed of reeds. The eggs, which are from seven to ten in number, are of a stone colour, spotted over with dark-brown. The food of this bird consists of water insects, worms, and slugs, with portions of various aquatic plants. In some parts of the country the Coot is used for the table. Yarrell, quoting from Colonel Hawker, says : " They are generally sold for eighteenpence a couple ; previously to that they are what is called cleaned. The recipe for this is, after picking them, to take off all the black down by means of powdered resin and boiling water, and then to let them soak all night in cold spring water; by which they are made to look as white and as delicate as a chicken, and to eat tolerably well ; but without this process, the skin in roasting produces a sort of oil with a fishy taste and smell, and if the skin be i Mr. Hardy, writing under date the 7th of March 1860, notes that "Coots returned to Townhead farm mill pond, where they breed and erect a high and half-floating nest made of rushes and equisetum. In the autumn a shepherd encountered a Coot migrating by the wood border at North Cleugh to the Pease Burn. He caught her, and she bit him severely."— MS. Notes. 206 THE COMMON COOT. taken off, the bird becomes dry and good for nothing. A Coot shot in the morning, just after roosting, is worth three killed in the day when full of grass, because it will then be whiter and milder in flavour." 1 1 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iii. pp. 176, 177. ALECTORIDES. ( 207 ) OTIDIDsE. THE GEEAT BUSTAED. Otis tarda. The big-boan'd Bustard then, whose body beares that size, That he against the wind must runne, e'er he can rise. DRAYTON, Polyolbion. ALTHOUGH there is no record of the Great Bustard having been found in Berwickshire since the early part of the sixteenth century, it may not be out of place to refer to it here, for the first British author who gave any account of the bird wrote of it in 1526 as then inhabiting the Merse. This was Hector Boece, who says : " Besides these, we have, moreover, another foule in Mers more strange and uncouth than all these aforementioned, called a Gustard, fully so great as a Swanne, but in colour of feathers and taste of flesh little differing from a Partriche ; howbeit these byrdes are not verie common, nayther to be seen in all places ; such also is their qualitie, that if they perceive their egges to have bene touched in theyr absence by man's hands (which lie commonly on the bare earth), they for- sake those nestes and lay in other places."1 Mr. Hardy gives the following Latin version of the above from the original Scotorum Historia of Boece : — " Prseter heec aves in Merchia nascuntur Gustardes vernaculo sermone dictse, colore plumse ac carne perdicibus non dissimiles, sed quse olores corporis mole exuperant. Kara est ea avis atque 1 The Description of Scotlande, in Hollinshed's Chronicles, first edition, vol. i. p. 10 (1577). 208 THE GREAT BUSTARD. humanum aspectum plurimum obhorrens ; nuda humo ova ponit ; quae si ab homine contrectata, aut ejus anhelitu et afflatu vel leviter imbuta senserit (quod facile naturae bene- ficio dignoscit) extemplo veluti inidonea ad pullos procre- andos relinquens, alio ad ova parienda se confer t." Although it is probable that during the time of the Britons and Saxons Berwickshire was a well-wooded district, yet it appears that a few centuries later, in the reign of William the Lion, its woods, which formerly had been widely spread over the surface of the country, were confined to the sheltered valleys and ravines,1 the general face of the country being comparatively bare of trees. The wide plain which lies between the Tweed on the south and the Lammermuir Hills on the north, extending to upwards of one hundred thousand acres,2 and now known as the Merse, would then be a vast waste of heather mingled with pasture, and inter- spersed with impenetrable bogs and morasses, the haunt of the wolf 3 and the wild boar,4 some traditions of which still linger in the county. Here and there on some preci- pice, or at the side of a marsh, but widely apart, would be seen the square fortlets of the landholders, surrounded by the rude villages which sprang up under their walls. Patches of the drier grounds only would be cultivated by the scanty inhabitants, whose cattle and sheep would browse in the vicinity of their dwellings.5 In this wild district the Great Bustard would roam along with the red 1 See Carr's History of Coldingham Priory, pp. 24, 25. 2 Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland, by Francis Groome, 1885. 3 History of the Wolf in Scotland, by James Hardy, Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. iv. p. 291. 4 See Old Statistical Account of Scotland, 1793, vol. vi. p. 322. 5 Mr. John Wilson, late of Edington Mains, in his report on The Farming in the East and North-Eastern Districts of Scotland, written in 1878, says at p. 23 : " As our grandfathers saw it, the whole country, with the most trifling exceptions, was unenclosed ; there was scarcely such a thing as a plantation of trees ; there was no artificial drainage, and what tillage existed was restricted to the naturally dry land ; the hollow parts were full of bogs, marshes, and stagnant pools." THE GREAT BUSTARD. 209 deer1 and the roe,2 until they finally succumbed to the increase of population in the sixteenth or seventeenth centuries. 1 A farm near Lander is called Hartside, and two high hills in that locality are called respectively "North" and "South Hart Law." A ravine in the Lammer- muirs, in the parish of Cranshaws, is known by the name of Hind's Cleugh. 2 There is a place called Raecleugh, in the parish of Westruther, and another in Langton parish which bears the name of Raecleugh Head. W VOL. II. LJMICOL^. ( 210 ) CHARADRIID&. THE DOTTEREL. Charadrius morinellus. The Dotterell, which we thinke a very daintie dish, Whose taking makes such sport, as man no more can wish ; For as you creepe, or cowre, or lye, or stoupe, or goe, So marking you (with care) the apish bird doth doe, And acting everything, doth never mark the net, Till he be in the snare, which men for him have set. DRAYTON, Polyolbion. THE first notice of this interesting bird as occurring in Berwickshire is in Sibbald's Scotia Illustrata, published in 1684, where the author states that it often comes to the Merse : " Morinellus in Mercia frequens. In cibum expe- titur, ob saporis prsestantiam." -1 About seventy years after the publication of the above-mentioned work, Bishop Gibson, in his translation of Camden's Britannia, states, with refer- ence to Berwickshire, that " about Bastenrig on the east hand, and the Moristons and Mellerstoun Downs to the west, they frequently take the Dotterel, a rare fowl, towards the latter end of April and beginning of May." 2 Several notices of this bird as being found in the county occur in the Old Statistical Account of Scotland. The Eev. Abraham Ker, who, in 1793, wrote the report on the parish of Nen- thorn, mentions that "Dotterels appear in a little flock on the muirs for a few weeks in June."3 Mr. John Eenton of Chesterbank, in his account of the parish of Coldingham in 1794, says: "There are only two kinds of birds of 1 Scotia Illustrata, sive Prodromus Ifistoria Natural-is, auctore Roberto Sibbaldo, M.A., Eq. Aur., Edinburgh, 1684, fol., p. 19. 2 Third edition, London, 1753, vol. ii. col. 1180. 3 The Statistical Account of Scotland, by Sir John Sinclair, Bart., vol. vi. p. 337. THE DOTTEEEL. 211 passage, the Wood-cock and the Dotterel, seen here ; the first frequents the woods, and are few in numbers ; the second appears in vast numbers on the heights."1 The minister of the parish of Mordington, the Eev. George Drummond, writes in 1 *7 9 5 : "In the higher grounds of this parish Dotterels are supposed to appear sooner than in any parts of the south of Scotland." 2 The Keports on Berwickshire in the New Statistical Account of Scotland were written in 1834-35, and in them this species is mentioned as occurring in two parishes in the county, Cockburnspath 3 and Mordington.4 The Dotterel is a bird of passage in Berwickshire, generally arriving from its southern winter quarters in Africa5 between the second week of April and the middle of May, and leaving the county for its northern haunts6 towards the end of the latter month, a few being known to nest in the Grampians and the English Lake District, while the principal breeding quarters are in the north of Europe. It has been occasionally observed in the county during the month of September on its return journey to the south. In former times it visited in great numbers the high- lying grounds in the parishes of Abbey St. Bathans, Ayton, Buncle, Cockburnspath, Coldingham, Cranshaws, Eaiiston, Eyemouth, Foulden, Greenlaw, Lauder, Legerwood, Long- formacus, Mordington, Nenthorn, and Westruther. It has 1 The Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. xii. p. 57. 2 Ibid. vol. xv. p. 182. 3 The New Statistical Account of Scotland (Berwickshire), vol. ii. p. 300. 4 Ibid. p. 340. 5 Seebohm says it winters in Africa north of the Equator, and that Canon Tristram saw numerous flocks during winter in the hill country of Southern Palestine.— British Birds, vol. iii. pp. 30-32. 6 Seebohm states that its favourite breeding grounds in the British Islands are in the wildest parts of Scotland on the lonely Grampians in North Perthshire, and on the confines of Inverness-shire ; also that it has been found nesting in Ross-shire and the Orkneys. — British Birds, vol. iii. p. 30. 212 THE DOTTEREL. of late years, however, been seen only on some of the heights in the parishes of Abbey St. Bathans, Cockburns- path, Coldingham, Cranshaws, Foulden, Greenlaw, Lander, Longformacus, and Mordington, and that only in small numbers. It does not come to all of these localities every year, but appears at irregular intervals, sometimes a year or two elapsing between its visits. The high grounds in the neighbourhood of Kedheugh in the parish of Cockburns- path, Dowlaw in the parish of Coldingham, and Lamberton in the parish of Mordington — all near the sea — are at present the usual resorts of the Dotterel in this county, and here it is generally seen in small flocks of from five to twelve birds. Its favourite haunts in these localities are old leas, newly broken up by the plough and sown with oats, where the numerous stones and turfy clods afford protection to the small beetles, grubs, and other insects upon which it feeds. On its first arrival it is very tame and unsuspicious, and can easily be approached within gunshot, but after a flock has been fired at several times the birds become much wilder. From thirty to fifty years ago it was in great request by sportsmen in the county and visitors from a distance, not only on account of it being " a very dainty dish," 1 as old Dray ton has it in his Polyolbion, but also because it came in at a time when game was out of season. Mr. Turnbull of Abbey St. Bathans informs me that he and Mr. Boyd of Cherry- 1 Folkard in his Wild Fowler says with regard to the Dotterel : " For centuries past it has been highly esteemed as one of the rarest delicacies of the table, conse- quently eagerly sought after by the fowler, and it appears by the Northumberland Household Book (temp. Hen. vm.) that whilst stints were purchased at twopence per dozen, Dotterels were bought at one penny each— a high price for so small a bird in those days." He thus describes the method of taking Dotterels by lamp or candle light on dark nights: "The fowler proceeds with a lanthorn to their most frequented haunts in the fens, when, by disturbing them, they run along the ground rather than attempt flying, and are thus easily taken with nets which are spread for them. They always run towards the light, so that the fowler fairly entices them to his net."— Second edition, 1864, pp. 307, 308. THE DOTTEEEL. 213 trees used to shoot numbers of Dotterels on Shannobank and Godscroft upwards of thirty years ago ; and Mr. John Wilson, late of Edington Mains, tells me that a Mr. Anderson, who lived at Cockburn, obtained them on Black- erston and Quixwood about the same time. According to Mr. Bertram, Eetreat, they were then frequently killed on Howpark by Mr. William Logan, Ayton ; and Mr. John Blackadder, East Blanerne, states that about fifty years ago numbers were shot on the farms of Brockholes and Horsely by Mr. Joseph Hume, Eetreat, and his friends. Mr. James Purves, gamekeeper at Foulden, says that about 1857 he sometimes bagged from ten to fifteen brace of Dotterels in a day on Lamberton farm towards the middle of May, when great flocks frequented the newly- sown fields on the skirts of the moor near the Pit Houses. They allowed him at first to go quite near to them when they were sitting in a flock, but after they had been shot at several times they turned very wild and would not let him approach within range, and he had to stalk them from behind dykes and the like to get a successful shot at them. He sometimes got as many as thirty brace during their stay. He had heard an old dyker say that sixty or seventy years ago Dotterels used to visit the high-lying lands on Foulden Estate adjoin- ing Lamberton Moor, and a man named Park, who lived in Horncliffe, was then employed to shoot them for the table of the proprietor, Mr. Wilkie of Foulden, to whom they were sometimes forwarded when he was living in London. Mr. Hardy, Oldcambus, states that when this species is flying its wings look like those of the Plover, and when a flock rises the birds wheel round and round aloft in the clear air, and then give a dart, circle round, and alight in nearly the same place whence they rose. In order to keep some record of the past and present haunts of the Dotterel in Berwickshire, the following notes 214 THE DOTTEREL. regarding its resorts in the various parishes of the county have been collected by me, and I take this opportunity of tendering my thanks to the correspondents and others who have so kindly supplied me with the information which they contain. Much of it was obtained in the shape of answers to circulars containing queries about the bird, sent by me to upwards of three hundred farmers in every part of Berwickshire; while I am indebted to my friend Mr. Hardy for a large proportion of the remainder. PARISH. Source of infor- mation, and date when obtained. NOTES. Abbey St. Bathans. Mr. George Cock- burn, White- burn, 4th Oct. 1886. John B. Boyd, Esq. of Cherry- trees, llth Oct. 1882. James Hardy, Esq., Oldcam- bus, 1886. J. Wilson, Esq. of Welnage, 4th May 1886. John Turnbull, Esq. of Abbey St. Bathans, 1886. Mr. James Shiel, gamekeeper at Abbey St. Bathans, 12th Oct. 1886. They come about the 15th of May, and do not stay later than the end of that month. Not more than ten in a flock. Used to shoot numbers at Abbey St. Bathans about thirty years ago. 1856. -A late tenant of Shannobank said they were formerly much more numerous about the place than now. People used to come from a distance to shoot them there. They were very foolish. If you shot one you might have the whole flock, as they wheeled round and round and alighted near where they lost their companion. A Mr. Anderson, who used to live at Cock- burn, was in the habit of shooting them either at Blackerston or Quixwood about thirty years ago. Used to shoot them on Shannobank and Godscroft many years ago. They were not known to cross the Whitadder, but kept always on the north side of that stream. None come to Abbey St. Bathans estate now. THE DOTTEREL. 215 PARISH. Source of infor- mation, and date when obtained. NOTES. Abbey St, Bathans- continued John Blackadder, Esq., East Blanerne, 30th Oct. 1886. Very common at Quixwood about fifty years ago. They were shot there by Mr. Joseph Hume, Retreat, and his friends. Ayton. Thomas Brodie, Esq., Chester- bank, 29th Sept. 1886. Dotterels used to come in large flocks to Chesterbank farm about thirty -five years ago. They appeared always at seed-time but did not remain long on the farm. Buncle. Charles Watson, Esq., Duns. 1878. W. Dunlop, Esq., Mayfield, 12th Oct. 1886. They were very common in the district about Buncle Wood over twenty years ago. I frequently got the wings for fly dressing from the gamekeeper at Preston. I believe they are now very rare, if not extinct, in the above locality. They do not visit this farm now. Small flocks were seen from thirty to fifty years ago. Cock- burns- path. J. Hardy, Esq., Oldcambus, 1886. 1836, 7th May. — Dotterels seen at Penman- shiel for first time this season. 9th May. — Dotterels peeping about Broad Bog new ground on Penmanshiel Moor. 10th May. — Dotterel shooter, who came from about Lamberton, visited us. He had shot four, and said they leave before Whitsunday. 6th June. — I saw three Dotterels on our lea. I have been told they have been there since the 30th of May. A pair re- mained long about Blackerston. 1837, 29^ April— Flock of Dotterels near Penmanshiel. Wheatear, said to be a forerunner of this bird, appeared on the 20th of April 1837. 1857, 16th M ay. —Dotterels on the Black Hill. 1st June. — Still here. A large por- tion of the Black Hill which was in crop after lea, where not drained and the soil clayey, had the oats completely eaten up by the grub of Tipula oleracea, scarcely any being left. Rooks were feeding on it yesterday and turning up the clods, and to-day I heard Dotterels on it. Long ago the Dotterels used to haunt a portion of this grub-frequented sod when in crop. They were usually found first there by 216 THE DOTTEREL. PARISH. Source of infor- mation, and date when obtained. NOTES. Cock- J. Hardy, Esq., the shooters, who came from great dis- burns- Oldcambus, tances to obtain them. There were no path — 1886. gamekeepers then in the vicinity. continued. 1875. — Dotterels, although in less numbers than formerly, still frequent the heights of most of the upland farms in the east of Berwickshire bordering the moors. Their favourite resort is old lea ploughed up, where there are clods and stones to pro- tect the glittering beetles that constitute their favourite food. They arrive about the 6th or 7th of May. The flocks are never large, and at first are easily ap- proached. They have now become less wary since they were not interfered with. They were once numerous at Penman- shiel, in the heights above Redheugh, Howpark, and Renton Bell. Again, in the west, they frequented Ecclaw Hill, Blackburn Mill, and some of the high farms round Abbey St. Bathans. About two years since a small returning party of six or seven birds appeared in autumn on Redheugh Hill, out of which two brace were shot. They appeared on Redheugh Hill on the 15th of May 1879. In a letter to me, dated Oldcambus, 19th October 1882, Mr. Hardy says : " The facts about the Dotterel visiting us this year are these : William M 'Queen, a mason, who originally came from Lauderdale, and knows the bird, has been building stone dykes for two or three springs on Red- heugh and Dowlaw farms near the moors, and I get the earliest intelligence from him. This year he both heard and saw a small flock near Dowlaw on the 12th of April. On the 21st of April John Hay, the rabbit-catcher and gamekeeper here, being in search of Lapwing eggs on a high- lying field near the moor edge, below what is called ' The Big Blake Law,' raised a large flock of Dotterels — between forty and fifty — but when he went back the next week they were gone. " The above information was received on the 25th of April. They were thus about a fortnight or three weeks earlier than usual. Last year they were heard near Dowlaw on the 27th of April. Seven birds were seen on 10th May, they still remained on 20th May, and one was seen on 23rd May. THE DOTTEREL. 217 PARISH. Source of infor- mation, and date when obtained. NOTES. Cock- burns- path — continued. J. Hardy, Esq., Oldcambus, 1886. Mr. John Bolton, gamekeeper, Dunglass, in letter dated 3rd Dec. 1884. Arthur Hardy, Esq., Penman - shiel, 1st Dec. 1886. Wm. Allan, Esq. Bowshiel, Nov. 1884. 1876, 15th April. — For some years back Dotterels came in the end of September to high fields between Headchester and Daurnae (otherwise Redheugh Hill). A flock of seven noticed last year. 1877, 15th May. — Heard about eight days ago on heights above Redheugh. 1879, 19th May. — A flock is at present feed- ing on the hill on Redheugh farm above Post Road, not far from Headchesters. They appeared there on the 15th inst. The Dotterels generally come here about the second week in May, but I have got them in the first week. I have very seldom got them on the moor, but always in the fields adjoining the moor, either in the old grass fields or on old grass ploughed up and sown. They fly in flocks, and have a peculiar sort of whistle. Many a time I have heard them before I saw them. They stay only a few days here. I got several in September 1869, which is the only time I have ever seen them here in the autumn. They used to come about middle of April, and remain about three weeks. Six to ten in a flock. I have not seen any for the last two seasons. They used to frequent the farm of Bowshiel about twenty years ago, and also visited the farm of Blackburn, where Mr. David- son killed numbers with his gun. Edmonsdean was another resort. Mr. Hay of Spott was in the habit of shooting them seventy years ago. Colding- ham. Robert Cowe, Esq., Old- castles, July 1885. James Hardy, Esq., Oldcam- bus, 1886. About thirty -six years ago Dotterels in flocks of fifteen or twenty came regularly to Dowlaw farm in spring, and the Dun- glass gamekeepers used to shoot them there. 1840, 1st May. — Was at Dowlaw Dean and heard the Dotterel had come to some of the places thereabouts. 1860, 21st and lUh M ay.— Dotterels at Dowlaw. The Stirling Fauld, near the Soldier's Dyke at Dowlaw, is a locality which this bird frequents. 218 THE DOTTEREL. Source of infor- PARISH. mation, and date NOTES. when obtained. Colding- James Hardy, 1881, 21th April— Dotterel heard in high ham — Esq., Oldcam- grounds at Dowlaw. 1th May. — Flock of continued. bus, 1886. seven seen. 20th May. — Still remained. 23rd May. — One seen. 1882.— Mr. Weatherly of Park used to shoot Dotterels at Howpark Hill. 12th April. — William M' Queen saw and heard a small flock on Dowlaw. 1884, 23rd April.— William M'Queen saw a pair at Dowlaw flying westward. 1886, 21th April— William M'Queen saw one Dotterel to-day on an oat field near the Outer Moor at Dowlaw. James Bertram, Esq., "Retreat, Up to twenty - five or thirty years ago Dotterels were seen in flocks of from Sept. 1883. fifteen to twenty on Howpark.1 They frequented the old grass land, and came about the end of April. They left before the term (26th May). Mr. W. Logan shot them at Howpark sometimes. John Blackadder, Esq., East Very common every spring about fifty years ago on Brockholes and Horseley farms. Blanerne, 30th Mr. Joseph Hume, Retreat, and his Sept. 1886. friends sometimes shot them there. Cran- H.H. Craw, Esq., The shepherds report that Dotterels are shaws. Rawburn, 5th seen in spring and autumn, but they are Oct. 1886. not plentiful, about fifteen being in a flock. Earlston. James Hardy, Mr. W. Brockie, in a notice of the rare Esq., Oldcam- birds of Berwickshire and East-Lothian bus, 1886. in the Border Treasury, pp. 587-580, says : ' ' That curious bird, the Dotterel, is a summer visitant. It may be seen in flocks in the month of May for about a fortnight in the upper parts of both counties (East -Lothian and Berwick- shire) on the skirts of the Lammermuir Hills from Innerwick, Oldhamstocks, and Abbey St. Bathans, to Earlston, Lauder, Channelkirk, and Fala. It loves to settle and feed on newly-ploughed moors. It is easily shot, and is excellent eating." i On llth October 1882 Mr. W. B. Boyd showed me at Faldonside a beautiful specimen of the male Dotterel in excellent preservation, which had been shot at Howpark by the late Nichol Milne, Esq. of Faldonside, on the 3rd of May 1831. THE DOTTEREL. 219 PARISH. Source of infor- mation, and date when obtained. NOTES. Eye- mouth. James Hardy, Esq., Oldcam- bus, 1886. Captain Bell, of the Berwickshire Militia, who lived at Linthill House, near Eye- mouth, in the beginning of this century, notes in his diary : — " 1802, 8th May. — Saw eight Dotterels this day on some ploughed land at Linthill." Foulden. H.H. Craw, Esq., Foulden West Mains, 5th Oct. 1886. I have occasionally seen Dotterels on this farm, but they are rarely observed, and do not stay with us. Green- law. Mr. W. Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle, Oct. 1886. Mr. Thos. Smith, gamekeeper, Marchmont, 15th Oct. 1886. A few Dotterels are seen in spring on Bed- shiel farm. A few are seen almost every spring on the farms of Greenlaw Dean and Hally- burton, from five to twelve birds being in a flock, Lauder. James Hardy, Esq., Oldcam- bus, 1886. George M'Dougal, Esq., Ely the, 30th Oct. 1886. Robert S. Bruce, Esq., Thirle- stane, 12th Oct. 1886. 1842, 29th July.— Dotterels come to the neighbourhood of Blythe Edge and the moors on the Blythe and Boundreigh waters every year about Whitsunday. Information got from Lauderdale for- ester. The shepherds say they have seen them in the spring, but not often. A few Dotterels sometimes seen. Leger- wood. Mr. John Jamie- son, steward, Rumbleton Law, 9th Oct. 1886. William Cairns, Gordon, says that Dotterels used to come to Boon about twenty years ago. Longfor- macus. Mr. Wm. Duns, Duns, 20th May 1886. Thomas Hill, gunsmith, Duns, used to shoot Dotterels about Dronshiel and that locality about the month of April fifty years ago. They were plentiful in those 220 THE DOTTEREL. PARISH. Source of infor- mation, and date when obtained. NOTES. Longfor- macus — continued. Mr. Wm. Duns, Duns, 20th May J886. John, Blackadder, Esq., East Blanerne, 30th June 1886, Mr. W. Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle, llth Oct. 1886. days, and it was a regular practice every year for some of the gunners about Duns to go to shoot them, much the same as people go to the " Crow shooting " at the present time. Very common at Blackerston about fifty years ago. A few Dotterels are seen on Kettleshiel in spring. Mording- ton. Jas. Mein, Esq., Lamberton, 28th Oct. 1886. Mr. Jas. Purves, gamekeeper, Foulden, llth Oct. 1886. Mr. Jas. Purves, gamekeeper, Mordington, llth Oct. 1886. Mr. John Nairn, dyker, Mor- dington, 7th Aug. 1884. The Dotterel is here nearly every spring. Five were seen on the 18th of May 1881. On the 26th of May 1858 ten brace of Dotterels were shot at Mordington. Dotterels visit the moor on Lamberton farm in April and May. The largest number which I have seen in a flock is seven. 1 find by the Game Book that seven were shot in a field on Lamberton, known by the name of Heathery Howes, on the 12th of May 1868; and again on the 9th of May 1872 seven were killed in the same field. On the 12th of April 1884 two were obtained at Lamberton. Saw Dotterels in the Camp Field on Lam- berton farm in April last. They fre- quented the rushy part of the field. West- ruther. Messrs Clark, Kirklandhill, East-Lothian, 20th Oct. 1884. Mr. John Young, tamekeeper, pottiswoode, llth Sept. 1886. Occasionally shot a dozen Dotterels in a season on the farm of Harelaw, near Westruther, about twenty -five years ago. The Spottiswoode gamekeeper used to shoot them on the same farm. No Dotterels visit any farm on the estate of Spottiswoode now ; but I believe about thirty years ago they were plentiful on Westruther Mains farm, near Houndslow. LIMICOL&. ( 221 ) CHARADRIIDM. THE GOLDEN PLOVER YELLOW PLOVER, WHISTLING PLOVER, GREY PLOVER,1 Gharadrius pluvialis. fitter, From the shore The Plovers . . . scatter o'er the heath, And sing their wild notes to the listening waste. THOMSON, Spring. THE Golden Plover is plentiful on the Lammermuirs in spring, summer, and the early part of autumn, when its plaintive note gives an additional charm to the wild scenery of the hills. In October and November great flocks2 may be seen associated with Peewits on the grass fields in certain parts of the Merse — the neighbourhood of Whitsomehill in the parish of Whitsome, and Whitelaw in the parish of Edrom, being two favourite localities. When the flocks take wing the Golden Plovers are generally mixed with their con- geners for a short while, but they soon use their long, curved, sharp-pointed wings in rapid flight, and, separating from their slow companions, mount high in the air, where they wheel round and round, occasionally uttering their well-known note, and again alight in the field from whence 1 The Golden Plover is sometimes called the Grey Plover, from its grey colour when at a distance. The true Grey Plover is Squatarola helvetica. 2 It is probable that our native Golden Plovers receive additions to their numbers in autumn in the shape of immigrants from the north of Europe ; for at that season great flocks are seen passing over Heligoland and the lighthouses on the coasts of this country. 222 THE GOLDEN PLOVEE. they arose. On the setting in of hard weather, this bird leaves the inland districts and frequents the neighbourhood of the sea-coast, where it generally remains more or less until spring, when it returns to the moors to breed, and may again be heard Wild-whistling o'er the hill. BURNS. Its nest is generally placed in a slight hollow of the ground amongst heather, and is lined with a little dry grass. The eggs, which are three or four in number, are of a yellowish- brown colour, spotted and blotched with brownish -black.1 The food of this species, when inland, consists of worms, slugs, and insects ; and on the sea-coast of small molluscs of various kinds. The Golden Plover has long been considered a great delicacy for the table, and we find in Dunbar's Dirige to the King bydand our lang in Stirling, that His Majesty is invited to return to Edinburgh — To eat cran, pertrick, swan, and pliver, And every fisch that swyms in river, To drink with us the new fresch wyne That grew upon the river Ryne, Fresch fragrant Clarits out of France, Of Angiers and of Orliance.3 The price of this bird was fixed by the Scottish Parliament in the reign of Queen Mary (1551) at "four pennies." The word Plover is derived from the French Pluvier,3 a name which Holland says this bird bears, because it arrives in flocks in the rainy season of the year.4 In some parts of Berwickshire its arrival in autumn is considered by 1 While walking over Harelaw Moor, near Westruther, on the 24th of April 1885, I found a nest of the Golden Plover with four eggs, which were neatly placed in it with their small ends together, thus enabling the bird to cover them con- veniently. a Sibbald, Chron. Scot. Poet., vol. i. p. 237. 3 Latin pluvialis, rainy. 4 Faune Popvlaire de la France, tome ii., "Les Oiseaux Sauvages," p. 346. THE GOLDEN PLOVER. 223 the country people to be the sign of approaching stormy weather.1 Its spring notes are said to be thought by the farm labourers in some parts of Scotland to resemble the words " pleugh weel, shave weel, harrow weel." 2 Plover's Cairn, which is situated about half a mile south- west of Twinlawford on the march between the parishes of Westruther and Lauder, and is 1230 feet above the level of the sea ; and Plovering Haugh, in the parish of Lauder, have apparently got their names from this bird. In summer the adult male and female have the throat, breast, and under parts of the body black. After the autumn moult the under parts are white, mottled with brown on the breast and flanks. 1 Note from Mr. Andrew Balsillie, Dykehead, 25th July 1887. 2 This is given (comme de M. Walter Gregor) by Holland, and it is explained by him that "shave" means "sow" ; but perhaps the word may be retained as it stands without being considered an unnecessary or superfluous advice. LIMICOL^. ( 224 ) CHARADRIID&. THE RINGED PLOVER RING DOTTEREL, SAND LARK, SANDY LAVEROCK, SANDY LOO, DULWILLY, STONEHATCH, STONE PLOVER. jjEgialitis hiaticula. the Plover fondly tries To lure the sportsman from her nest, A nd fluttering on with anxious cries, Too plainly shows her tortured breast ; Oh let him, conscious of her care, Pity her pains, and learn to spare. SHENSTONE. THE sea-coast of Berwickshire, which consists chiefly of precipitous rocks with very little sandy beach, is not suitable for the Einged Plover, which, on that account, is but rarely seen. It is, however, occasionally observed at the sea-side, and also, though very seldom, along the banks of our rivers. Two specimens are recorded as having been observed on the Tweed near Coldstream by the Presi- dent of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, when the Club met there on the 4th of May 1842 ;a and a Einged Plover is also mentioned as having been noticed on the Leader by Mr. Walter Simson, Lauder.2 This pretty bird is resident all the year in the neigh- bouring county of East-Lothian, where the sea beach is flat. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ii. p. 4. 2 Ibid. vol. vii. p. 305. LIMICOLsE. ( 225 ) CHARADRIID^. THE LAPWING. PEWIT, PEESEWEEP, TUCHIT, GREEN PLOVER. ,1 dje And here the lonely Lapwing whoops along, That piercing shrieks her still-repeated song, Flaps her blue wing, displays her pointed crest, And, cowering, lures the peasant from her nest. But if where all her dappled treasure lies He bend his steps, no more she round himfiies; Forlorn, despairing of a mothers skill, Silent^ and sad, she seeks the distant hill. LEYDEN, Scenes of Infancy. DURING the spring, summer, and autumn months the Peese- weep is numerous all over the county ; but on the approach of severe weather in winter it migrates southwards to milder 1 So named from its well-known cry. Mr. Hardy likens the call of the Peese- weep to " Pear- weep," the r being burred, more or less distinctly. 2 Teuchit — the Lapwing, probably so named from its crest: French "toquet," the cap of a child. It is termed " tuquheit " by Birrell in his " Passage of the Pil- grimer." Watson's Collection of Poems, part ii. p. 27. The Tuquheit and the Sterling than Togidder with the Pelican Flew in ane randell richt ; The Piot and the Papingo With Goldspink, I sa thame go, Syne laich thay down did licht. LEYDEN'S Complaynt of Scotland. The word "tuquheit" occurs in Holland's Houlat, written about 1445. The cry of the bird is said in the Complaynt of Scotland to be " theuis-nek : " "The teuchitis cryit theuis-nek, when the piettis clatterit." Dr. Henderson of Chirnside gives in his MS. the following verse of an old song which relates to localities in the neighbourhood of Chirnside : — O meet me by the Tuchit yetts, Or by the Kaeter Well, And we will sit amang the go wans Not bonnier than thysel. VOL. II. P 226 THE LAPWING. localities, and does not usually return to the lower grounds of Berwickshire until about the end of February or begin- ning of March, when its well-known note, heard for the first time in the season, is always welcome. The bird generally reappears among the hill farms on the Lammermuirs about the beginning of April ; and if bad weather sets in at that season, old people call it a " Teuchit storm," l on account of its occurring about the same time as the arrival of the Teuchit or Peeseweep. A similar term is said to be applied to a storm taking place about the period when the bird departs in autumn.2 In the nesting season it is seen scattered over the county in pairs. When the corn fields as well as the hedge-rows and woods are becoming green, and all nature is rejoicing at the approach of summer, the Peeseweep with its rounded wings, as it flies here and there over the land by the road-sides, now rising in the air and anon diving down almost to the ground, all the while uttering its peculiar cry, is a constant feature in the rural landscape, for at this delightful season The Lapwing lilteth o'er the lee With nimble wing she sporteth. Leader Haughs and Yarrow. On the approach of autumn it assembles in great flocks and frequents the grass and turnip fields, where it may be seen resting, or running about in search of worms, snails, and insects, its beautiful crest and graceful attitude being all the while displayed to advantage. The birds at this season are often very restless, and keep flying in broad, 1 Mr. Hardy says in his MS. Notes: "April 1, 1858.— Wind north, frosty, ground covered with snow. Old people say it is a 'Teuchit storm.' This occurs usually in April, about the time when the Peeseweep makes its appearance amongst the hill farms." 2 Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes. THE LAPWING. 227 scattered bands from field to field, or, congregating in a vast flock, they mount high in the air, and after circling round and round with the Golden Plover, Their front now deepening, now extending, Their flank inclining, wheeling, bending, Now drawing back, and now descending,! they by degrees alight at some favourite haunt in the neigh- bourhood. The nest of the Peeseweep is often found in spring when the farming operations of that busy season are in progress, and is frequently destroyed by the harrow or the roller before it is observed. It is generally a shallow depression in the ground, lined with a little dry grass or other suitable material. On the Lammermuirs a very bare spot is sometimes selected. In describing a nest found at the side of Moss Maw, near Penmanshiel and Harelawside march, Mr. Hardy says : " Not a blade of grass or tussock of carices waved around the exposed habitation. The young ones, clothed only with down, ' paddy hair ' as it is called, sat huddled together in pairs, one in each pair having its neck laid across that of the other. The parents screamed most piteously overhead as long as I was in search, making their flight and loudest cry in the direction where the nest did not lie. As I drew near, the cries redoubled and became more earnest, and the flight of the old birds approached closer to the ground." Sometimes Amid the marsh's rushy skirts, her nest Is slightly strewn ; four eggs, of olive hue, Spotted with black, she broods upon : She, if or dog, Or man, intrude upon her bleak domain, Skims, clamouring loud, close at their feet, with wing Stooping, as if impeded by a wound. GRAHAME, Birds of Scotland. i Sir Walter Scott, Marmion 228 THE LAPWING. The eggs are highly esteemed as luxuries for the table, and Mr. Howard Saunders, in the fourth edition of Yarrell, says that the earliest "fetch such fancy prices as 15s. a- piece, and a leading West End poulterer recently informed the editor that if he were assured of having the first ten eggs, he would not hesitate to give £5 for them. As the supply increases the value rapidly falls, until it reaches 4s. 6d. per dozen, which is the average London price in the season." 1 As the Peeseweep, when nesting, has a habit of flying and screaming round any intruder upon her domain, this, in Covenanting times, often led to the discovery of poor fugitive Presbyterians in the moors and mosses of the hills by the soldiers who were in search of them. On that account the bird acquired a bad name amongst the country people 2 which is thus alluded to by Grahame in his Birds of Scotland : — Ill-omened bird ! oft in the times When monarchs owned no sceptre but the sword, Thou, hovering o'er the panting fugitive, Through dreary moss and moor, hast screaming led The keen pursuer's eye ; oft hast thou hung, Like a death flag, above the assembled throng, Whose lips hymned praise. Some remnant of this ill-feeling towards the bird seems still to linger in parts of the county, as may be gathered from the following account of the Peeseweep given by a shepherd at Godscroft to Mr. Hardy : — " When near their nests they jouk down and rin away the contrair way ; they are very 1 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iii. p. 284. 2 See Tales of a Gfrandfather, second series, p. 238. Tannahill says in his Soldier's Return — The Peesweep's scraighin' owre the spunkie-cairn ! My heart bodes ill. The bird seems, however, to have borne a bad character long before Covenanting times, for Chaucer, in his Assembly of Foules (1561), calls it The false Lapwing ful of trecherye. THE LAPWING. 229 wily. They are nasty yelpin craturs and joost deave ye wi' their din. Ah ! they're ill-set craturs. They frighten a' the sheep. They're as guid's a doug ; whenever they see yin by itsel, they're on the tap on't. Whenever they see a hare they chase it through the middle o' the hirsel, and the sheep a' fear'd o' them-, rin as 'twere frae a doug. I've seen me kill them when I fand them, although it was'na richt,1 joost for the noise they make. A craw daurna come near them. They play the hero wi't a'thegither, for they fa' on't and buffet it, and the craw has naething for't but joost to make off." Another herd, when alluding to localities frequented by this bird, said : " About Aikenga, Peeseweeps are scarce. Gowkscraft's King o' the Peeseweeps." It used to be con- sidered a sign of bad weather in spring when the Peeseweep was observed flying about in flocks on the lower grounds, as may be seen from the following entries in Captain Bell's diary : — " 1813, April 4th. — Saw a flock of Green Plover near Eyemouth, and small birds sitting in trees at Linthill chirp- ing in afternoon — a sign of bad weather. April loth. — Flock of Green Plover yesterday morning flying high about 10 A.M. — a sign of bad weather at this season, as they should be paired before this." There are several popular rhymes and sayings in Ber- wickshire about the Peeseweep, of which Mr. Hardy has been good enough to furnish me with the following : — Peeseweep ! wallop away, Cauld feet in a frosty day. Another version is : — Peeseweep ! wallop away, Harries my nest in a rainy day. 1 Poor bird ! where'er the roaming swain intrudes On thy bleak heaths and desert solitudes, He curses still thy scream, thy clamorous tongue, And crushes with his foot thy moulting young. LEYDEN, Scenes of Infancy. 230 THE LAPWING. The word " Peeseweep " is sometimes heard in the county as descriptive of a weak, poor-looking creature. For instance, a weak calf has been heard to be described as "just a thin speeder of a thing, just a hungry peeseweep of a cratur." The Peeseweep grass is Luzula campestris.1 i Botany of the Eastern Borders, by Dr. Johnston, p. 200. LIMICOLsE. ( 231 ) CHARADRIID& THE OYSTER CATCHER. SEA PIE, SEA PIET, PIANET, MUSSEL PICKER. Hcematopus ostralegus. The seamew, seapye, gull, and curlew, here doe keepe, As searching every shole and watching every deepe, To find the floating fry , with their sharpe piercing sight, Which suddenly they take by stoupingfrom their height. DRAYTON, Polyolbion. THE coast of Berwickshire is so precipitous that it is not suited to the habits of the Oyster Catcher, and on that account the bird is not much seen on the shores of the county. Mr. Hardy records that it is sometimes noticed in the neighbourhood of Redheugh and Siccar Point in spring and autumn.1 It is fond of frequenting sandy bays, with banks of shingle, where it feeds on molluscs and marine insects. Mr. John Thomson has informed me that an Oyster Catcher was seen at Mertoun in December 1881. Sir William Jardine records that a specimen was killed at Dryburgh. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 110 ; also vol. ix. p. 404. LIMICOL&. ( 232 ) SCOLOPACID^E. THE GREY PHALAROPE. COOT-FOOT. Phalaropus fulicarius. Far away To either hand, the broad, curved beach stretch 'd on ; And I could see the slow-paced waves advance, One after one, and spread upon the sands, Making a slender edge of pearly foam Just as they broke. ATHERSTONE. THIS pretty bird, which is a little larger than a common Sandpiper, is a very rare visitor to Berwickshire. The only recorded instance of its having been found in the county is that of a male which was shot at Girrick Pond, near Nen thorn House, on the 19th of November 1875. It was alone, and had frequented the pond for several days when it was killed.1 This species breeds in the circumpolar regions, and its reddish plumage in summer presents a striking contrast to its delicate grey colour in winter. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 502. LIMICOL^E. ( 233 ) SCOLOPACID&. THE WOODCOCK. Scolopax rusticula. Oft at this season, near an oozy spring, O'erhung by alder boughs, the Woodcock haunts ; (Sure harbinger, -when thus so early come, Of early winter tedious and severe) ; There he imbibes his watery food ; till, scared By man and dog, upward, on pinion strong, He springs, and o'er the summits of the grove, Flies far, unless, flashing, the quick-aimed tube Arrest his flight, and bring him lifeless down, With his long bleeding bill sunk in the marsh. GRAHAME, British Georgics— "November." THE Woodcock is found in small numbers in most of the woods and plantations of Berwickshire during the late autumn, winter, and early spring months, and in some instances a few have been known to remain in the county through the summer to breed, the nest and eggs having been found in one or two localities. With the exception of those which stay to nest, the whole of the Woodcocks which are seen in our woods during the shooting season leave for their breeding quarters in the northern parts of Europe in March and April ; while it has been observed that those which breed in the county disappear towards autumn, having probably migrated southwards.1 The autumnal nights of this species from the north generally arrive in Berwickshire about Octo- ber and November. In some years the birds are much 1 Colonel Brown of Longforraacus has informed me that the Woodcocks which stay during summer in the woods about the Watch Water leave early in autumn. He says that in the neighbourhood of Longformacus the autumnal flights appear earliest on Craushaws Hill. 234 THE WOODCOCK. more plentiful than in others,1 which may depend on the severity or otherwise of the weather in the north of Europe, and also on the influence of the prevailing winds during the period of migration. Mr. Selby of Twizell House, North- umberland, the well-known ornithologist, says, with regard to the migration of the Woodcock : " I have found that these birds always come over in the greatest bodies in hazy weather with little wind, and that blowing from the north- east." He adds that " the first flights, which seldom remain longer than for a few days and then pass southwards, consist chiefly of females ; whilst, on the contrary, the subsequent and latest flights, which continue with us, are principally composed of males.2 Woodcocks generally make their first appearance in autumn in the neighbourhood of the sea-coast about Lam- berton,3 Fast Castle, and Eedheugh,4 where they sometimes drop into hedges and turnip fields on their arrival,5 being exhausted by their long flight ; but they soon spread inland and take up their quarters for the season in their usual haunts. Some woods, amongst which may be mentioned the Grange Wood in the parish of Coldingham ; Buncle Woods in the parish of Buncle ; Edington Hill Wood 6 in the 1 Dr. Johnston in his MS. Notes mentions 1852 as a year when Woodcocks were unusually plentiful in Berwickshire. Yarrell also refers to great numbers being found that year in Norfolk. 2 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iii. pp. 321, 322. 3 Woodcocks are often found in the early part of the season, poor, weak, and exhausted, probably from their long flight across the German Ocean. — Old Statistical Account of Scotland, Mordington Parish, vol. xv. p. 182. 4 The first cold, misty east wind used to bring the Woodcocks to Eedheugh, and amongst the turnips at Oldcambus East Mains. They were exhausted when they arrived. The gamekeeper usually finds them early on Dowlaw Braes. — Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes. 5 They are sometimes found in very unusual places on their first arrival. Mr. Alexander Leitch, Fairneyside, near Ayton, has informed me that about eight o'clock on the morning of the 13th of November 1884 he found a Woodcock in a lambing shed at Fairneyside, and it escaped through a hole in the roof. 6 Dr. Stuart records that the gamekeeper at Edington Hill informed him on the 18th January 1886 that 18| couple of Woodcocks were killed in Edington Hill Wood during the season 1885-86.— Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. xi. p1. 241. THE WOODCOCK. 235 parish of Chirnside ; and the Moor Plantation near Whit- chester in the parish of Longformacus, are favourite haunts of this bird, and in these it is usually found in greater numbers during the shooting season than elsewhere. One or two Woodcocks may be generally found during the winter months in the woods about Paxton, where they appear to have certain favourite retreats. I have seen them oftenest in the Well Mire Wood, the Crow Dean Wood, and the Old Heronry Wood ; but they also resort to the plantations on Nabdean Farm. During the severe snowstorm in the end of December 1874, Woodcocks in numbers frequented the woods at Paxton. They were generally found about the sides of the burns in the plant- ations, where the ground was comparatively free from frost, and where they searched under the fallen leaves and in the soft earth for worms and insect food. At the be- ginning of the severe weather the Cocks, on being flushed, flew off very rapidly, but after the storm had continued for a week or two they seemed to get weak and rise with reluctance from their haunts, flew slowly, and alighted at a short distance from the place where they rose.1 The burn which runs through the Well Mire Wood and falls into the Whitadder never freezes in the hardest frost ; and as the ground along its course is soft, it is easily penetrated by the bill of the Woodcock, and is one of their favourite resorts when snow lies on the ground and the frost is severe. The Old Heronry Wood is a romantic and beauti- ful dean through which a small stream meanders before it joins the Tweed a short distance to the west of Paxton i On the 17th December 1884 my friend, the Kev. Thomas Marjoribanks of Pres- toukirk, told me that during the severe frost of January 1881 Woodcocks were seen haunting all the small springs in the neighbourhood of East Linton, and the boys were throwing stones at them. When curling on the Tyne he noticed the birds continually flying over the rink on their way to and from the springs, and they were so weak in their flight that the curlers threw their brooms at them, and two were killed in this way. They flew just like bats. 236 THE WOODCOCK. House. The banks on each side of the rivulet appear to have been originally planted with silver, scotch, and spruce firs, but of these only a few giants now remain, towering above their neighbours of a younger generation to the height of upwards of one hundred feet. When a storm of snow occurs with continued frost, the winter sun melts the icy covering on spots exposed to his rays along the sheltered southern slopes of the dean, and here the Wood- cock may be occasionally found during the day, turning over the fallen leaves and dead herbage in search of food. In mild weather it sits concealed in the woods, and at night resorts to swampy places and marshes in the neigh- bourhood of its haunts to feed. No bird is more highly prized by the sportsman than the Woodcock, not only on account of its variable flight, which tries his skill with the gun, but also from its well- known reputation as a luxury for the table. The uncer- tainty when and where the bird will rise adds a further zest to the sport, as it is frequently flushed unexpectedly, and makes off amongst the trees with the speed of a Sparrow Hawk. Right up he darts amongst the mingling boughs ; But bare of leaves they hide not from my view His fated form, and ere he can attain Th' attempted height, with rapid flight to cleave The yielding air, arrested by the shot, With shatter'd wing revers'd and plumage fair Wide scatt'ring in the wind, headlong he falls. VINCENT, Fowling. When the covers in the neighbourhood of Legerwood and Chapel were young, excellent sport was sometimes got there with Cock, as many as twenty or thirty couple being occasionally killed in a day's shooting.1 In some years i Mr. Patterson, Ancrum Woodhead, informed me on the 27th October 1887 that, about forty years before that time, he, in one day's shooting at the end of a THE WOODCOCK. 237 heavy bags are made in the Dunglass Woods near Cock- burnspath, 1864 being remarkable in this respect, when forty-seven couple were got during the season. Only fifteen couple were obtained there in 1891-92.1 On the 16th of November 1875 seven couple were bagged in the Whitfield covers on Ayton Estate.2 Colonel Brown of Longformacus tells me that on the 8th of November 1876 eight couple were shot in Watch Cover.3 Seven couple were procured in the Harelaw Craigs Wood on Duns Castle Estate in a day's shooting in the winter of 1875. 4 In the Spottiswoode home covers four couple were brought down on the 1 5 th of December 1 8 8 7 ; 5 and as many were got on the 21st of November 1890 in the Ferneyrig covers, in the parish of Eccles.6 Five Cock were shot in the covers at Paxton, in the parish of Hutton, on the 15th of Novem- ber 1887; and Mr. Macbraire of Broadmeadows has in- formed me that one day about 1864 he killed six at Tweedhill over a steady old pointer. The Woodcock is an early breeder, generally making its nest, which consists of a slight hollow in the ground lined with dry grass and leaves, about the outskirts of the woods. The eggs, which are four in number, and are yellowish white, spotted with grey and reddish brown, are usually found in the month of April, but sometimes later. Writing under date the 31st of May 1885, Mr. Hardy says : " A pair of Woodcock are breeding this year in the Oak Wood above Nesbit Haugh, near Penmanshiel snow-storm, got to his own gun 21| couple of Cock in the young plantations on Legerwood Farm, chiefly round the Legerwood and Whitslaid marches. He has known as many as 30 couple killed in a day on Chapel. 1 Mr. John Bolton, gamekeeper, Dunglass, Cockburnspath, 8th February 1892. 2 Mr. Hugh Fraser, late gamekeeper at Ayton Castle, December 1891. 3 Information from Colonel Brown on 10th March 1887. 4 Mr. W. Smith, gamekeeper, Duns Castle. 5 Mr. J. Young, gamekeeper, Spottiswoode, 17th December 1891. 6 Mr. George Landles, gamekeeper, Ferneyrig, 22nd December 1891. 238 THE WOODCOCK. Tunnel.1 They had four eggs, but one was broken by the discoverer of the nest. June 4:th. — They have left their nest with an addled egg and some egg-shells in it, taking with them two hatched young." A paragraph in the Berwickshire News of the 21st of August 1884 states that " a few days ago a young Woodcock was found in Duns Castle Woods under circumstances which showed that it had been bred there. In the spring of 1886 a Wood- cock's nest with four eggs was got in these plantations ; and another containing the same number of eggs was dis- covered in the Peely Braes Wood, near Duns Castle, by Mr. William Smith, gamekeeper there, on the 3rd of April 1890, who informed me that from the appearance of the eggs at the time when they were found incubation had only recently begun, and that they were hatched in fifteen days. It is now well known that in the evening the Woodcock carries its young between its legs and pressed against its breast with its bill, from the dry places in the woods where they are hatched, to soft swampy spots in the neighbour- hood, where they can feed. Externally the female cannot be distinguished from the male bird. The peculiar markings on the first quill feathers are not constant, and are thought to be indicative of age rather than of sex.2 The average weight of a Woodcock is twelve ounces ; young birds are much lighter, being seven or eight ounces.3 A popular saying sometimes heard on the Borders is 1 Mr. Abraham Mack, Abbey St. Bathans, told me on the 5th of July 1886 that he found a Woodcock's nest near the side of Penmanshiel Wood in the summer of 1827. It had two eggs, and was on a dry knowe amongst some stumped heather near some birch bushes. He saw the old bird sitting on the nest several times. 2 See The Field, 9th January 1886. THE WOODCOCK. 239 that " one Swallow does not make a summer nor one Wood- cock a winter." l In the reign of Queen Mary the Scottish Parliament fixed the price of the " woodde-cokke " at " four pennies." 2 1 Borderer's Table Book, vol. vii. p. 215. 2 Laws and Acts of Parliament made by King James I. and his Royal Successors, by Sir Thomas Murray of Glendook, Kt. and Bt., 1681. UMICOLM. ( 240 ) SCOLOPACIDsE. THE GEEAT SNIPE. DOUBLE SNIPE, SOLITARY SNIPE, WOODCOCK SNIPE. Gallinago major. And long-bilfd Snipe, that kncnus approaching rains. WILSON, Loch Winnoch. THIS bird is rarely seen in Berwickshire. A specimen was shot by the Earl of Haddington in a dry grass park on the farm of Lightfield, near Mellerstain, in the autumn of 1 8 6 5 ; 1 and another was killed by Mr. Stow Compton- Lundie in a field at Spital House, in the parish of Hutton, about the same time.2 Mr. Kelly records that an example was got by Mr. Scott, gamekeeper, Thirlestane Castle, in 1870 ;3 and Mr. George Low told me in November 1882 that his brother, the Hon. Lord Low, saw a Great Snipe on Ellemford ground a few years previously. It is known to be a visitor to the British Islands while on its way to its southern winter quarters, its arrival gener- ally taking place between the middle of August and the middle of October. It may be distinguished from the Common Snipe by its greater size, and by the under parts being more pro- fusely and closely barred. Seebohm says that the chief distinction lies in the tail ; in the adult Great Snipe the terminal half of the four outside tail feathers on each side is pure unspotted white, whilst in the Common Snipe it is chestnut-buff, with a sub-terminal dark-brown bar. 1 Turnbull's Birds of East- Lothian, p. 43. 2 Information from W. Compton-Lundie, Esq. of Spital, 10th February 1886. s Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 523. LIMICOL^E. ( 241 ) SCOLOPACID&. THE COMMON SNIPE. MOOR OR MIRE SNIPE, HEATHER BLEATER, BLITER OR BLUTTER. Gallinago ccelestis. 'pe, dje l^eatfjer flutter. Amid these woodless wilds, a small round lake I've sometimes marked, girt by a spungy sward Of lively green, with here and there a flower Of deep-tinged purple, firmly stalked, of form Pyramidal — the shores bristling with reeds, That midway over wade, and, as they bend, Disclose the water lily dancing light On waves soft-rippled by the July gale, Hither the long and soft-billed Snipe resorts. GRAHAME, Birds of Scotland. IN former times when reedy pools, bogs, and mires abounded all over the county, the Snipe would be much more plenti- ful than it is now ; for agricultural improvements and drainage have left it very few swampy spots on which to rest the sole of its foot. It is, however, still found during the autumn in considerable numbers in suitable places, such as about Legerwood Loch, Lurgie Loch,1 and Eedpath Bog, and on the wet moors and mosses of the hills2 — Harelaw Moor, in the parish of Westruther, having been a favourite 1 Mr. Black, Girrick, says that this loch or bog, which is dry in summer, is much frequented by Snipe in autumn and winter, when he has seen as many as fifty or sixty upon it in a day. The site is covered with natural birch and rough hill grass.— Notes from Mr. Black, 12th January 1888. 2 Mr. Walter Elliot, Hollybush, informed me on the 16th of August 1887 that there is a bog on the march between Ellemford and Harehead Farms where Snipe are very plentiful in August and September. As many as fifty may be put up in walking over it. VOL. II. Q 242 THE COMMON SNIPE. resort until it was drained. Although a few Snipe breed in suitable localities throughout the county, yet it is probable that most of those which we see during the shooting season are visitors from the northern parts of Europe, which have joined our native birds ; for this species is occasionally seen on migration at the lighthouses on the Fame Islands and Isle of May in autumn, and again in spring when it returns northwards.1 There is no better sport with the gun than Snipe shoot- ing when the birds are fairly plentiful, but, unfortunately, this is seldom the case in Berwickshire. The " Scape, scape " of the game as it rises and makes rapidly off with its zig-zag flight is always a pleasing sound in the sportsman's ear, and the first Snipe which falls to the gun in youth, like the first Woodcock, is long remembered. In the Grouse shooting season it is occasionally killed in small numbers in the Lammermuirs, and sometimes rises before Partridge shooters in damp turnip fields in the Merse. On these occasions the " pallat-pleasing snite," as old Dray ton calls it in his Polyolbion, gives variety to the bag, and forms an agreeable addition to the table afterwards. During severe frost and snow in winter the bird is very often pressed for food, and may be seen frequenting the sides of brooks, ditches, and open drains by road sides, or even close to houses and villages. It is then much tamer than usual, and does not fly far when disturbed. It is like- wise found about the sea-side in autumn and winter. In March and April, according to the season, the Snipe begins to make a peculiar humming or bleating sound when on the wing.2 The bird soars high up in the air, and the humming 1 See Reports on the Migration of Birds, 1879-86. 2 Mr. Hardy in his MS. Notes writes: "1840, March IQth.— Snipe bleating this morning at Penmanshiel. This is an early year. 1836, April IQth. — Snipe piping to-day in the air. 1843, June 16th. — Snipe bleating to-day." THE COMMON SNIPE. 243 is heard when it is descending rapidly.1 There is consider- able difference of opinion amongst ornithologists regarding the origin of the sound, but the greatest weight appears to be attached to the theory that the sound is caused by the vibration of the feathers of the wings during the descent of the bird.2 Mr. Hardy says that people in the Lammermuirs call the bird the " Mire Drum," on account of the peculiar noise which it makes in the air : — Oh, how I love the moorland scene of spring Beneath the smile of morning's ruddy glow, The whir of heath-cock and the curving wing Of snipe high booming o'er the marshy flow. This species has often been found breeding in the neighbourhood of Penmanshiel. A nest discovered there by Mr. Hardy, in a bog, was made of withered sprits (Juncus articulatus) and a few grasses. It had four eggs, and their tips were placed inwards around the centre of the nest.3 It also rears its young occasionally amongst the herbage by the side of Dowlaw Mill Pond, and Colonel Brown has informed me that the nest is frequently found in the moors about Longformacus. .... here her house she forms, Here warms her fourfold offspring into life. GBAHAME, Birds of Scotland. The eggs are yellowish or greenish white, spotted towards the larger end with several shades of brown. The food of the Snipe consists of worms and insects, which it procures by boring in moist or swampy ground with its long bill. 1 Mr. Hardy in his MS. Notes writes: "1863, April 16th.— Two days ago at Penmanshiel Moss, Snipe were circling round the moor, now rising aloft, then descending humming." 2 Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iii. pp. 344, 345. 3 The nest was found very late in the season, namely, on the 17th of July 1845. —Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes. LIMICOL^. ( 244 ) SCOLOPACWM. THE JACKSNIPE. JUDCOCK, JID. Gallinago gallinula. For I mine awn gain'd knowledge should profane, If I would time expend with such a snipe, But for my sport. SHAKESPEARE, Othello, Act i. Sc. 3. .THE Jacksnipe is a much smaller bird than its common congener,1 and generally arrives in the county from its breeding grounds in the northern parts of Europe in small numbers towards the end of September or in October. It remains with us throughout the winter and early spring until March or the beginning of April, when it leaves for the arctic regions, where it spends the summer. In its general habits the Jacksnipe resembles the Common Snipe, and is fond of frequenting marshy places where the herbage is rough. Here it sits closely concealed when not feeding, and is often difficult to put up, even with the assistance of a good dog. When it rises from the ground its flight is slow, zig-zag, and wavering, and on this account it is sometimes missed by the sportsman who thinks it is sure to fall to his gun. I have occasionally seen five or six shots fired at a specimen which, with short flights, kept moving from one part of the bog to another, and rising each time close to the shooter's feet. The Jacksnipe does not utter any cry when it is flushed, and although it is a 1 From its small size as contrasted with the Whole, or Common Snipe, it is called the Half Snipe in Norfolk.— Swainson's Folk-Lore of British Birds , p. 169. THE JACKSNIPE. 245 very small bird, it is considered a delicate morsel for the table ; hence the old French quatrain : — Le be"casseau x est de fort bon manger, Duquel la chair resueille 1'appetet, 11 est oyseau passager et petit, Et par son goust fait des vins bien juger. During severe weather in winter, when its usual haunts are frozen and covered with snow, it may be seen frequenting the sides of open drains and ditches in search of its food, which consists of insects of various kinds. There is no reliable record of this species having bred in the British Islands. 1 It is so called by the game-dealers in Paris. — E. Holland, Faune Populaire de la France, tome ii. p. 358. LIMICOL&. ( 246 ) SCOLOPACID^. THE DUNLIN. PUREE, STINT, SEA SNIPE, PLOVER'S PAGE, SEA LARK, RED-BACKED SANDPIPER, OX BIRD, OX EYE. Tringa alpina. The puet, godwit, stint, the palate that allure, The miser and doe make a wastefule epicure. DRAYTON. THE precipitous coasts of Berwickshire are not suitable for the Dunlin, which loves sandy flats projecting into the sea and the mud banks found at low water in the estuaries of rivers, where it feeds in great flocks during autumn and winter. Although most of the birds which compose these flocks migrate in spring to the north of Europe to breed, many betake themselves at that season to wild moorlands in various parts of Scotland, where they rear their young. After the nesting season is over, the birds which have bred in this country are joined at the sea-shore by great flocks which have returned from colder regions. Although there is no record of the nest of the Dunlin having been found in Berwickshire, yet the presumption is that the bird has bred on the moors about Longformacus, for Colonel Brown has informed me that on the 16th of July 1885 he. shot a Dunlin on swampy, mossy ground, high up, near where the " Grey Mare " and the " Grey Mare's Foal" (two detached boulders) lie on the moor. The nest of this species is usually placed amongst short heather, or under a tuft of grass, and is sometimes difficult to find. The eggs, which are four in number, vary con- siderably in colour — from pale green to pale buff, spotted with two shades of reddish-brown. LI MI CO LM. ( 247 ) SCOLOPACW^B. THE PURPLE SANDPIPER Tringa striata. The Sandpipers, A tiny flock, innumerable, as round And round they flew ', bewailed their broken ranks. DELTA, The Fowler. THE Purple Sandpiper is occasionally seen during winter frequenting the low, tide-covered rocks on some parts of the coast of Berwickshire, including Greenheugh Point, near Oldcambus, where Mr. Hardy says he has observed a small flock popping up and down close to the edge of the sea, like so many mice at play. At ebb-tide it searches amongst the sea-weed on the rocks for small marine creatures of various kinds, and when the tide is flowing in it seems to be fond of feeding close to the edge amid the splashing spray. This species usually makes its appearance on the coast in October, and departs in May for its breeding grounds in the north of Europe. LIMICOLJE. ( 248 ) SCOLOPACIDsE. THE RUFF. Machetes pugnax. Of flesh of birds — roast, grilled ', or fried ; Of hare or rabbit, woodcock, snipe ; Of partridge, pheasant, plover, wipe?- Of larks for breakfast, or for supper, ( On. these I love to cram and stuff). There's nothing nicer than a fattened ruff. FOLKARD. THIS interesting bird was formerly plentiful in the eastern counties of England, where it bred in great numbers, but, owing to drainage and other causes, it is now rarely seen there in the nesting season. It is, however, observed in small flocks on spring and autumn migration. There are very few recorded instances of the occurrence of the Kuff in Berwickshire. Mr. Charles Watson, Duns, mentions that a female was shot near Burnmouth in October 1873,2 and Dr. Stuart of Chirnside, writing on the llth of September 1876, says : " Two rare birds made their appear- ance at Edington Mains Mill Pond the other day. Mr. Wilson's groom shot one, but the other escaped. Mr. Wilson sent the bird to Dr. Duns of the New College, Edinburgh, who made it out to be the Eeeve, the female of the Kuff. I should also mention that the bird which escaped was a young bird, much lighter in the plumage than the one shot. The Eeeve was observed to be feeding it with insects from the pond."3 Mr. Andrew Brotherston, bird-stuffer, Kelso, states that, on the 22nd of September 1 The ancient name of the Lapwing. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 127. 3 Ibid. vol. viii. p. 195. THE EUFF. 249 1881, he received two specimens in winter plumage from Lennel, near Coldstream.1 In these cases the birds appear to have been on autumn migration from their breeding grounds in the north of Europe to their winter quarters in the countries south of the Mediterranean. Mr. Eobert Gray remarks that the Kuff is found in small flocks on the shores of the Firth of Forth,2 and on the muddy parts of the estuary of the Tyne — chiefly in September — when its stay is short and its movements uncertain.3 During the breeding season the males have a singular addition to their usual plumage in the shape of long feathers on the neck and sides of the head, which form a frill or ruff — hence the name of the bird — and at this time their plumage varies greatly in colour. The Kuff is polygamous, and desperate fights occur in spring amongst the males. When so engaged they used to be caught with clap-nets in the fens in great numbers. It has been held in high estimation for the table, and Folkard, writing in 1864, says : " At the present day the price paid for fattened ruffs is often as much as four guineas per dozen, almost as expensive as ortolans, and they are con- sidered by some gastronomes as equally delicious. They are fattened for the table with bread and milk, hempseed, and sometimes boiled wheat, but if expedition is required sugar is added. This latter method of feeding makes them per- fectly fat in a fortnight."4 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 562. 2 zbid. vol. vii. p. 465. 3 Ib id. vol. viii. p. 52. 4 H. C. Folkard, The Wild Fowler, pp. 313, 314. ( 250 ) SCOLOPACID^.. THE COMMON SANDPIPER SANDY LAVEROCK, SAND LARK, WATER LAVEROCK, SAND SNIPE, SUMMER SNIPE, KILLIELEEPSIE, KITTIE-NEEDIE, WILLY- WICKET, WEET-WEET. Tetanus hypoleucus. Along the river' s stony marge The Sand-lark chants a joyous song. WORDSWORTH. ABOUT the end of April or beginning of May this pretty bird returns from its winter quarters in Africa to the sides of the Tweed, Whitadder, Blackadder, Leader, Eye, and other waters in the county, where it breeds in considerable num- bers throughout the summer, departing southwards again in September. Shortly after its arrival it may be seen in pairs haunting the gravelly edges of the streams, and flitting from stone to stone along their winding courses. The angler, as he wanders by the river side amongst the beautiful woods and wild flowers which border many of his favourite pools, loves to hear the joyous song of the Sandpiper, which, intermingled with the rippling sound of the water, falls pleasingly upon his ear. If his basket be well filled, contentment reigns in his breast as he rests upon some dry grassy turf for a few minutes whilst recalling to mind the delightful words of old Isaac : — " I'll tell you, scholar, when I last sat on this primrose THE COMMON SANDPIPER 251 bank, and looked down those meadows, I thought of them, as Charles the Emperor did of the city of Florence, ' that they were too pleasant to be looked on, but only on holidays/ as I then sat on this very grass I turned my present thoughts into verse, 'twas a wish, which I'll repeat to you : — I in these flowery meads would be : These crystal streams should solace me ; To whose harmonious bubbling noise I with my angle would rejoice." The " Sandy Laverock's " nest is looked upon by the boys of the county as " rare," being somewhat difficult to find. It is often placed amongst the herbage not far from the margin of the water, in a slight hollow scraped out by the bird and lined with a little dry grass. The eggs, which are four in number, are reddish-white, spotted with brown. LIMICOL&. ( 252 ) SCOLOPACID^E. THE GREEN SANDPIPER. Totanus ochropus. birds of passage piping up and down, TENNYSON. ONE morning about the middle of September 1877 the gamekeeper at Paxton House, while walking with his gun in the Wester Grass Park, near my house, heard a shrill whistle over his head, and, looking up, saw two birds like Snipes flying rapidly towards the Tweed at a considerable height in the air. He fired at them, when one fell, which he brought to me, and I found it to be a beautiful specimen of the Green Sandpiper. Mr. Hardy records a male shot near Chirnside on the 1st of May 1876 j1 and, writing under date the 22nd of August 1877, says: "After a continuation of wet weather several temporary pools were formed in the dean at Oldcambus, which were frequented by Wild Ducks ; and the restless Eedshanks, leaving the sea-side, circled round the margins. To one of the loneliest also a Green Sandpiper resorted for a few days. It appears to delight in quiet tarns and remote watercourses, where it can pick up worms undisturbed. This is the character of the situations in which hitherto I have surprised this occa- sional autumnal visitant." 2 It was observed at Oldcambus on the 17th of July 1879.3 Mr. George Bolam, in a letter to me dated the 25th of August 1884, writes: " It may interest you to know that yesterday Mr. Evan Sanderson i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 196. 2 Ibid. vol. viii. pp. 528, 529. 3 Ibid. vol. ix. p. 401. THE GREEN SANDPIPEE. 253 and I saw a Green Sandpiper on the Whitadder near Clarabad Mill." Mr. James Purves, gamekeeper at Mor- dington, has informed me that he has twice shot this species on that estate, the first instance being in a bog at the " Lang Belt " plantation, and the next in a ditch lead- ing to Mordington Mains upper damhead. Mr. Andrew Brotherston, bird-stuffier, Kelso, mentioned to me on the 19th of March 1885 that, about the middle of August 1884, three examples were shot on a pond on the march between the farms of Lochton, in the parish of Eccles and Harpertown. Mr. John Thomson, Maxton, tells me that a specimen was shot near Mnewells in the second week of January 1891.1 The Green Sandpiper is very erratic in its movements, and is a visitor to the British Islands on spring and autumn migration. i Letter dated the 29th of January 1891. LIMICOLsE. ( 254 ) SCOLOPACID/E. THE COMMON REDSHANK. SEA SNIPE, POOL SNIPE, SAND COCK, RED-LEGGED SNIPE. Totanus calidris. The rede-schank cryit myfut, myfut.1 COMPLAYNT OF SCOTLAND. THE Eedshank is found during the autumn, winter, and spring months on some parts of the coast of Berwickshire, such as the neighbourhood of Oldcambus, where Mr. Hardy occasionally sees small flocks about Greenheugh and Siccar Point from about the beginning of July until the end of April. Although the great majority of the Eedshanks are migratory, and leave our shores in spring for their breed- ing grounds in the northern parts of Europe, returning again in autumn, yet many remain in Great Britain throughout the summer and rear their young in suitable localities. Mr. Gray says that a few pairs breed in the Lammermuirs.2 Mr. Tweedie, Swinton Public School, kindly sent to me a note on the 8th of April 1889, saying that a pair of Eedshanks had again returned to a field of tussocky grass on the farm of Swinton Hill, lying immediately to the 1 Ley den, in his Glossary to The Complaynt of Scotland, makes out the "rede- schank " to be the Fieldfare ; but I cannot see how the Fieldfare can be the bird referred to, as its legs are dark -brown, and not red. The Eedshank was known by the same name as 'at present several hundred years ago, at the time when the Complaynt was written (1513-42), and is frequently mentioned* in the household books of the 5th Earl of Northumberland, circa 1512, and of the L'Estranges of Hunstanton circa 1527. 2 Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 51. THE COMMON REDSHANK. 255 south of the village, where it was supposed they had bred in the previous year ; and shortly afterwards he showed to my wife the nest containing four eggs, which she sketched on the spot. The Kedshank generally breeds in wild, marshy places, and the nest is but a slight depression in the ground, lined with a little dry grass. It lays four eggs, somewhat like those of the Lapwing in general appearance, though they have a lighter ground colour and redder spots. It is very noisy when the nest is approached.1 The food consists of worms and small aquatic creatures of various kinds. A rock called " Eedshank's Eock," on the coast, a little distance to the north of Coldingham Shore village, has apparently derived its name from this bird. 1 On approaching its nesting ground in the field on Swinton Hill Farm I observed that the birds became very noisy, and flew round about me uttering loud calls. Occasionally they alighted on the top of the hawthorn hedge and sat there for a short time. LIMICOL^E. ( 256 ) SCOLOPACIDJE. THE GREENSHANK. GREEN-LEGGED HORSEMAN, GREATER PLOVER, GREENSHANK SNIPE. Totanus canescens. The wandering flocks , expelled from northern shores, In varied forms pursue their trackless way, Courting the genial aspect of the south, Whilst iron winter holds his despot sway. T. HUGHES. As there are no suitable haunts for the Greenshank on the coast of Berwickshire, such as mud-flats, slakes, or marshes, it is very seldom seen, only two instances of its occurrence in the county being recorded. In March 1871 a specimen was shot by Mr. James Trotter, gamekeeper, Paxton House, as it rose from a large ditch which runs through Paxton North Mains Farm and joins the Whitadder at Clairvale Wood. Mr. Andrew Brotherston, bird-stuffer, Kelso, informed me that a female of this species was killed at Lochton, in the parish of Eccles, in August 1884. This bird is generally found on the coasts of the British Islands when it is passing to or from its principal breeding grounds in the northern parts of Europe, although a few nest in the north of Scotland. It is frequently seen on the shore about Holy Island from August to October, where it is shy and wary. It is larger than the Eedshank, and its legs are olive-green. The food consists of worms, insects, crustaceans, and other small marine animals. It is an excellent bird for the table. LIMICOL^E. ( 257 ) SCOLOPACIDJE. THE BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. Limosa cegocephala. The Godwits running by the water's edge. JEAN INGELOW. LIKE the Euff, the Black-tailed Godwit was in former times plentiful in the fen districts of England, where it bred ; but it is now known there only as a migrant in spring, while passing to its breeding grounds in the north of Europe, and in autumn on its return southwards. It is very rarely seen in Berwickshire, the only instance of its occurrence in the county known to me being that of a specimen which was shot at Dowlaw, near Fast Castle, by Mr. William Cowe about 1864, and which is preserved in the collection of Mr. Peter Cowe, Lochton. The Godwit was accounted a great dainty for the table, and birds fattened on bread and milk were, in the time of Pennant, sold for 5s. each. It is classed along with the Ortolan by Cowley in the following lines : — Nor Ortolans, nor Godwits, nor the rest Of costly names that glorifie a feast. VOL. II. LIMICOL&. ( 258 ) SCOLOPACID^. THE COMMON CURLEW. WHAUP, WHAAP, STOCK WHAAP, WHITTERICK. Numenius arquata. Wild as the scream of the Curlew, From crag to crag the signal flew. SCOTT, Lady of the Lake. Ye Curlews calling thro' a clud. BURNS, Elegy on Captain Matthew Henderson. THE Curlew is usually associated in our minds with the heaths and mosses of the Lammermuirs,1 where from spring to autumn it may be seen flying in wide circles round the moors uttering its well-known call. Although the peculiar cry from which the bird derives its English name has an eerie and melancholy sound to some ears, yet to others it is very pleasing.2 The late Mr. Hewitson says : " I have never traversed the lone wild heath, deserted, except by the feathered race, and at a moment in which I have felt the 1 It is plentiful on Coldingham Moor.— J. Bowhill, 1st April 1886. It abounds on the moors and mosses aroimd Spottiswoode and in the Earlston district. It also frequents the east end of the moss at Legerwood Loch, and Corsbie Bog, near the Tower.— W. Lockie, 28th July 1886. 2 The Rev. John Sheppard, minister of the Parish of Muirkirk, in Ayrshire, relates that: " A country gentleman from the West of Scotland, who lived in a parish very similar to Muirkirk, both in soil and climate, being occasionally in England for a few weeks, was one delightful summer evening asked out to hear the Nightingale, his friend informing him at the same time that this bird was a native of England, and never to be heard in his own country. After lie had listened with attention for some time, upon being asked if he was not much delighted with the Nightingale, ' It's a' very gude,' he replied in the dialect of his own country, ' but I wadna' gie the wheeple of a Whaup for a' the Nightingales that ever sang.' " — Old Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. vii. p. 601. THE COMMON CURLEW. 259 solitary dreariness of the scene, that the wild cry of the Curlew, so much in accordance with all around me, has not come like the voice of a companion to my ear, and produced a delightful feeling of gratitude to that Being who has thus adorned with life and beauty the most sterile and least interesting of His works ; and I have thought how great would be the void in the creation were we deprived of this one branch of His glorious productions." 1 In the solitudes of the Lammermuirs the cries of the various birds which are found there — the oft-repeated " Peese-weep " of the Lapwing, the " Cok, cok, cok " of the Grouse, and the plaintive whistle of the Golden Plover — are drowned by the clamour of the Whaup when the wanderer intrudes upon its domain, reminding one of the lines of Leyden : — How wild and harsh the moorland music floats, When clamorous Curlew scream with long-drawn notes. Mr. Hardy in his MS. Notes says : " At Penmanshiel Curlews call about six o'clock in the evening and carry on much later. Their first note is like " Powit, powit," quickly pronounced — usually twice. When sailing or rising up and down it is " Powit," slowly repeated, or the repetition of " Pooit-po-oit, po-oit." In Berwickshire and in other counties of Scotland this bird is called the " Whaap." This seems to be an ancient name, for we find the Scottish Parliament in the time of Queen Mary (1551) enacting "that the wylde-meit and tame meit underwritten, be said in all tymes cumming of the prices following : — the Quhaip, vl. d." Jamieson in his Scottish Dictionary gives " Quhaip, Quhaup, Whaap," as sig- nifying a Curlew, and he also gives " Quhaip, Quhaup," as i Eggs of British Birds, vol. ii. p. 322. 260 THE COMMON CURLEW. the name of " a goblin or evil spirit, supposed to go under the eaves of houses after the fall of night, having a long beak resembling a pair of tongs, for the purpose of carrying off evil doers ; " and he adds, " This goblin appears to have borrowed its name from the Curlew." The habit which this species has of flying about in the grey dark of evening, uttering its somewhat eerie cry, has doubtless associated the bird with goblins, witches, and the like. Sir Walter Scott in his Black Dwarf makes Hobbie Elliot say : " What needs I care for the Mucklestane-Moor ony mair than ye do yoursell, Earnscliff ? To be sure, they say there's a sort of worricows and lang-nebbit things about the land, but what need I care for them ? " An amusing anecdote in connection with the Curlew is related by a gentleman in Berwickshire who had employed a village carpenter to fit up a glass case for a collection of stuffed birds in a room of his house. Going one morning to see how the work was proceeding, the carpenter, pointing to a number of birds which were standing on the floor at the opposite side of the room, said : " They're some funny- looking birds owre there. Now what d'ye ca' that yin wi the lang neb ? " " Oh," said the gentleman, " that is a Curlew." " Oh aye," remarked the carpenter, " I mind when I was at the schule learnin, 'The Curlew tolls the knell of parting day.' " Dr. Henderson in his Popular Rhymes of Berwickshire^- says that the people on the Lammermuirs are called " Lammermoor Whaups," as dis- tinguishing them from the inhabitants of the lower dis- tricts. The Curlew is found on the shores of Berwickshire about Oldcambus during autumn, winter, and early spring. It generally leaves the coast about the middle of March for 1 Popular Rhymes of Berwickshire, p. 29. THE COMMON CUELEW. 261 the Lammermuirs, where it breeds, and towards the end of July it begins to return to the sea-side. As numbers of this species are seen passing the lighthouses1 on the coasts of England and Scotland during spring and autumn on migra- tion, it is probable that our Berwickshire birds receive additions to their numbers from these in spring, and that some of those which are bred in this county leave us in autumn for more southern regions, their places being filled up by the autumn migrants from the Highlands of Scotland or more northern climes. The nest of the Curlew commonly consists of a slight hollow amongst short grass, heather, or rushes, lined with some dry bents or other similar material. The eggs, which are large and pear-shaped, are three or four in number, olive green, blotched and spotted with olive brown, and are gener- ally placed in the nest with their small ends together. The food of this bird when on the moors in summer consists of worms and insects,2 while on the coast in winter it picks up sandworms and other small marine creatures. On the ground the Curlew generally walks about in a stately manner, and as it is very wary and difficult to approach, I have seldom succeeded in stalking it. When in a flock the birds sometimes fly in the shape of an arrow- head, with a few of them straggling behind. It is an excellent dish for the table when young and feeding on the moors. In the Eclogues of Alexander Barclay,3 which were written a few years after the battle of Flodden, the poet, referring to the dainty meats at that date, says a shepherd at court must not think to get " swanne nor heron, 1 They frequently strike the lanterns of the lighthouses at night. 2 Mr/Hardy in his MS. Notes, dated the 9th of July 1842, says : "Lauder- dale forester's opinion was that Whaups were no nice in their feeding, and eat snails and worms and they kind o' things." s Sibbald's Charon. Scot. Poet., vol. ii. p. 426. 262 THE COMMON CUELEW. curlew nor crane," and he again includes it in the following list of delicacies : — The crane, the fesaunt, the pecocke and curlewe, The partriche, plover, bittern, and heronsewe, Seasoned so well in licour redolent, That the hall is full of pleasant smell and sent. LIMICOLM. ( 263 ) SCOLOPACIDJK. THE WHIMBEEL. LITTLE WHAUP, LITTLE CURLEW, TANG WHAUP, MAY FOWL, HALF CURLEW, CURLEW JACK. Numenius phceopus. A bird of passage ! gone as soon, as found. POPE. THIS bird is very rarely seen in Berwickshire, there being only one instance recorded of its occurrence in the county. This was in the neighbourhood of Lambden, in the parish of Greenlaw, a fine specimen of a male having been shot there in the beginning of September 1874.1 The Whimbrel much resembles the Curlew in its general appearance and habits, but it is considerably smaller in size, as its East-Lothian popular name of Little Whaup indicates. Mr. Eobert Gray says it is a well-known bird on the Dunbar coast in autumn when on migration southwards.2 Seebohm says that, so far as is known, the only breeding places of the Whimbrel in the British Islands are in the Orkneys and Shetlands and the north of Sutherlandshire.3 i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 287 2 Ibid. vol. viii. p. 51. 3 Seebohm, British Birds, vol. ii. p. 100. ( 264 ) LARIDM. THE BLACK TERN. STERN, SCARE CROW, BLUE DARR, CAR SWALLOW, CLOVER-FOOTED GULL. Hydrochelidon nigra. We hold our course o'er the deep, or the land, O'er the swelling tide or weed-grown strand. ELIZA COOK, Song of the Seagulls. THE only precise record of the occurrence of this bird in the county is by the late Dr. George Johnston, who, in his MS. Notes, kindly placed at my disposal by his daughter Mrs. Barwell Carter of The Anchorage, Berwick-on-Tweed, states that a Black Tern was taken at Springhill, near Cold- stream, on the 9th of May 1851, the information regarding its capture having been communicated to him by Miss Anne Hunter. This species formerly bred in great numbers in the eastern counties of England, but is now only a visitor to the British Islands on spring and autumn migrations.1 Mr. Eobert Gray says that it is rare on the Dunbar coast, only one or two examples having been shot there.2 1 Yarrell's British Birds, vol. iii. p. 517. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 55. GAVIsE. ( 265 ) LARIDM. THE COMMON TEEN. PICTARNIE, TARNEY, TARRET, PICKET, SPURRE, SCRAYE, KIRMSU. Sterna fluviatilis. We are safe and joyous •when mad waves roll, We sport o'er the whirlpool, the rock, and the shoal ; Away on the winds we plume our wings, And soar the freest of all free things. ELIZA COOK, Song of the Seagulls. THE Common Tern, which is a summer visitor to the shores of Scotland, is occasionally seen on the Berwickshire coast from May to September, where it may be easily distinguished from the Gulls by its smaller size and forked tail. I have sometimes observed it near St. Abb's Head, whither it probably came from the Fame Islands, where it breeds in considerable numbers. The food of this species consists chiefly of the fry of fishes, sand eels, and crustaceans. GAVI&. ( 266 ) LARID&. THE LITTLE GULL. PIGMY GULL, LITTLE MEW. Larus minutus. Not down the breeze more blithely flew. Skimming the wave, the light sea-mew. SCOTT, Lord of the Isles. THERE are only two instances on record of the occurrence of the Little Gull in Berwickshire, and both of these were at Coldingham Loch. Mr. Hardy, in some notes on this bird, which are given in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Clul, says: "Mr. Andrew Wilson writes to me that a specimen of this rare occasional winter visitant was pro- cured at Coldingham during the stormy weather in the end of December 1869, and is now in his collection."1 In the same publication Mr. Andrew Brotherston, bird-stuffer, Kelso, writes : " I saw an immature specimen of this beautiful little Gull on the 16th of August 1877 at Coldingham Loch. All the time I was at the loch — about an hour — it was flying gracefully about, busy catching insects, frequently lifting them from the surface of the water, and only occa- sionally alighting for a few seconds. In its manner of flight it resembled the Sea Swallow, especially at a distance ; indeed, the first sight I got of it I thought it was one of those birds. But on a nearer approach — and it came very near, not being in the least shy or afraid — the square tail showed the difference at once. The Little Gull in the collec- i Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. vi. p. 84. THE LITTLE GULL. 267 tion of the late Mr. Wilson of Coldingham, and which was in similar plumage, was obtained at the same place."1 This species is an irregular visitor to the shores of the British Islands on migration and in winter. In summer it feeds chiefly on insects, which it catches on the wing, and in winter it picks up small marine creatures of various kinds by the sea-shore. Like our own well-known Black-headed Gull, the Little Gull nests in large colonies on lakes and marshes, its best- known breeding quarters being near Lake Ladoga, in Eussia. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club., vol. viii. p. 522. --»• -- ' ~ GAVI^E. ( 268 ) LARID^E. THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. PICMAN, PICTAENIE, PICKMIRE, PEWIT GULL, LAUGHING GULL, BLACK-CAP GULL, BLACK-CAP, HOODED MAW, RED- LEGGED GULL, MIRE-CROW, SEA-CROW. Larus ridibundus. ie, dje }9icfuemato, dje $ictarnfe, Perfytelie thir Pikmawis, as for priowris, With, thar party habitis, present tham thar. HOLLAND'S Houlat, circa 1453. " Wkat do you see extraordinary about that bird, Hector f If s but a seamaw" "It's a Pictarnie, Sir" said Edie. SCOTT, Antiquary. OWING to the drainage of many of the pools and marshes which formerly abounded in Berwickshire, the breeding quarters of the Black-headed Gull in the county have been considerably reduced in numbers since the beginning of this century, but several nesting stations still remain. Of these the most important are the Everett Moss, in the parish of Legerwood, and Bemersyde Loch, in the parish of Merton. The Everett Moss, which is also known as the Pickie Moss, Dowie Den Moss Loch, or Legerwood Loch, is situated about a mile to the north of Legerwood, where, on looking eastwards from the rising ground near the road, it may be seen lying in a hollow in the fore- ground, with the top of old Corsbie Tower peering above the trees a mile further in the same direction, and Home Castle in the distance keeping watch over the Merse. The THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. 269 loch, which extends to about twelve acres, is surrounded by flat marshy ground on the north and west; whilst a fir wood of considerable size forms its southern boundary. In summer the surface is almost completely covered with sedges, rushes, and other aquatic plants, through which broad lines of open water appear winding about. Here the Black-headed Gull finds a congenial breeding place, and on approaching the loch during the nesting season it may be seen on the wing in immense numbers1 wheeling round and round in circles over the swamp, while little can be heard but its incessant cackling screams. The nests, which are placed amongst the rough herbage of the loch, are so numerous that it is said that upon one occasion as many as sixty dozen of eggs were taken in a night by people from the neighbouring farms, who sold them to the district carrier for 4d. per dozen. The eggs vary in number from two to three, and are greenish olive-brown, blotched with dark umber. The Gulls generally begin to return to the loch from the sea-side,2 where they have spent the autumn and winter months, about the end of February or beginning of March, and nesting operations commence in May. The young, which are distinguished by grey marks on their plumage, may be seen on the wing with their parents in July, and towards the end of that month, or in the beginning of August, the loch is deserted by the Gulls, which then leave their breeding quarters and fre- quent the sea-shore until the following spring. I have been favoured by Mr. John Thomson with the following account of Bemersyde Loch, which, as already mentioned, is another breeding station of the Black-headed Gull in 1 Mr. James Small, referring to the Gulls at Legerwood Loch, says: "When startled from their nests they are so numerous that they rise on the wing like a white cloud."— Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 105. 2 Mr. Hardy says that about Olclcambus the Black-headed Gull leaves the coast in March and begins to return about the middle of July. — MS. Notes. 270 THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. Berwickshire : — " From time immemorial water-fowl have found a congenial haunt in Bemersyde Loch. In the summer time this stretch of swampy ground at the present day hardly merits the name of loch, for by drainage its dimensions have been gradually reduced until it has become a boggy hollow, the greater portion of which is covered by a luxuriant growth of sedges, reeds, rushes, and many other water-loving plants. The spaces of open water are very insignificant. In winter it attains greater proportions, and, rising to a considerable height, forms a pretty sheet of water. It lies in the northern portion of the parish of Mertoun and close to the Third, where, in former days, stood a peel tower in which members of the ancient family of Haig were wont to reside, Not far off were the towers of Brotherstone, Whitrig, and Sandyknowe, the last only remaining. The loch lies in a hollow where the properties of Mertoun and Bemersyde join, and on more than one occa- sion it had been the cause of strife and bitter feeling be- tween the proprietors of the two estates until 1678, when it was divided between Dryburgh and Bemersyde. This division continued for two hundred years, but in 18*79, by an amicable arrangement between Mr. Erskine and Colonel Haig, the latter purchased the half of the loch severed in 1678; thus the entire loch, as it now exists, belongs to Bemersyde. Judging from the conformation of the ground the loch must have been formerly of very considerable extent and depth. The first drainage opera- tions were most probably carried out during the lifetime of Anthony Haig, the 18th laird of Bemersyde. Drain- age has in more modem times greatly reduced its level and contracted its boundaries ; still there are yet over fifty-five acres partially covered with water or liable to complete submersion. It is a favourite breeding haunt of the Black-headed Gull, and about fifteen hundred pairs THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. 271 annually resort thither to rear their young. They are seldom disturbed. Large numbers of Wild Ducks, Water Hens, Coots, Snipes, and Lapwings nest there ; Herons are frequent visitors, and the Bittern is a tradition. In winter the loch is the haunt of immense flocks of wild-fowl, includ- ing the Wigeon, Teal, Wild Duck, Pochard, Golden-Eye, and Goosander ; Wild Geese visit it, and Swans have been occasionally seen and oftener heard. Whitrig Bog, on Lord Polwarth's estate, is close at hand, and with the exception of the Gulls it has always a share of the birds above noted." During spring, when ploughing and sowing operations are in progress, the Black-headed Gull is frequently seen in the neighbourhood of its haunts, following the ploughmen in large flocks to pick up any grubs and worms which may be turned up. An' whan the year smiles, an' Lav'rocks sing, My man Jock an' me shall be doin' o't ; He'll thrash, an' I'll toil on the fields in the spring, An' turn up the soil at the plowin' o't. An' whan the wee flow'rets begin then to blaw, The Lav'rock, the Peasweep, an' skirling Pickmaw, Shall hiss the bleak winter to Lapland awa, Then we'll ply the blythe hours at the sawin' o't.1 In the summer months the Black-headed Gull is often seen frequenting the Tweed in small flocks, and it is also observed on the Leader. Mr. Hardy, in his interesting account of a meeting of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, which was held at Ednam on the 30th of May 1883, says with refer- ence to Birgham : " The celebrated historical haugh stretches away in a spacious open plain bounded and encircled by the broad Tweed, whose waters, flashing in the sunlight, are skimmed by the Black-headed Gulls, engaged in the pursuit of minnows or water insects, their lively forms finely relieved 1 Poems, chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, by Andrew Scott, Bowden, 1811. 272 THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. against the brightness." l It may also be observed haunting the streams immediately below Coldstream Bridge in search of prey, where its sprightly and graceful motions lend addi- tional beauty and interest to the lovely scenery. Mr. Lockie remarks that it frequents the Leader about Earlston. This species appears to be omnivorous, but its chief food consists of earthworms, grubs, wire-worms, insects, crusta- ceans, molluscs, and small fish. During the winter the head of this Gull is white, streaked with grey, and there is a patch of grey before the eye and behind the auricles. In March the head and upper part of the neck become dark-brown, making the bird look as if it had a black cap on its head ; hence several of its local names. Both Yarrell and Seebohm state that the feathers of the head actually change colour in spring, and do not moult. Mr. Andrew Brotherston, bird-stuffer, Kelso, says : " That it is the result of moulting, in some cases at least, I am thoroughly satisfied. On the 15th of March 1876 I ex- amined the head of an adult male, in which the change was nearly completed, only a few scattered white feathers were left, all of which were old and easily detached, so much so that, excepting a few at the base of the bill, they came off when I was skinning the bird. The black feathers, on the contrary, were all young, new, and in various stages of growth, some fully developed, others just appearing. I examined several examples of the same species in March 1877, all of which showed unmistakable signs of moulting on the head, and also on the rest of the body, excepting the large feathers."2 The late Dr. Colville Brown of Berwick writes on the 9th of April 1879 : " For the last three years I have closely watched the change of colour in the Black-headed Gull, and I am now quite convinced this proceeds from moulting and i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. x. p. 253. 2 Ibid. vol. viii. p. 187. THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. 273 not from the feathers altering in hue. This happens earlier or later, just as the spring is early or late. In 1877 I observed many Gulls with the brown tinge quite as distinct in the end of January as I did this year at the end of February, and precisely in the same way does the weather affect their departure from the sea-side to their inland haunts. In warm springs they go away early ; in cold they remain three or four weeks later with us. Some individuals put on their dark head-dress earlier than others, and these are the first to take their departure. The moult itself begins on the occiput, and spreads over the top and sides of the head ; and the slaty-black feathers behind the eye are also shed, and replaced by the sooty-black feathers common to the whole head." 1 Mr. Eobert Gray mentions that an albino Black-headed Gull of pure spotless white was shot near Cockburnspath in 1874.2 Amongst former breeding quarters of the Black- headed Gull in the county, which are now deserted, the following may be mentioned : Billie Mire,3 the " Hen Poo " 4 i Hist. Ber. Nat Club, vol. viii. p. 531. 2 Ibid. vol. vii. p. 466. 3 Mr. Alexander Nisbet, rabbit-catcher, Chirnside, informed me on the 22nd of May 1886 that he was born at Blanerne in 1819, and that Mr. John Allan, Billie Mains (father of Mr. John Allan of Peelwalls), had frequently told him that when he (Mr. John Allan, sen. ) was a boy he iised sometimes to wade into the water at Billie Mire for Picmaws' or Pickies' eggs. This would be about the beginning of this century. 4 Mr. William Duns, Duns, told me on the 20th of May 1886 that, down to about 1835, thousands of Pictarnies used to frequent the "Hen Poo" in the breeding season ; and that about 1825, when St. Mary's Cottage at the north end of the lake was being built, the workmen engaged at the cottage used to place a long ladder between the edge of the water and the islands on which the Gulls had their nests for the purpose of procuring the eggs, which they ate. The islands were completely covered with the nests, and great baskets of eggs were collected and brought to Duns. Some years after this the late Mr. Hay caused fires to be kept burning on the islands during the nesting time of the Gulls, and this had the effect of completely driving the birds away. Mr. Hay did this because he disliked the great noise which they made by their screams when they were flying in clouds over the lake. It must have been subsequent to 1842 when the Gulls were banished, for I find Mr. Hardy in his MS. Notes writing in June of that year as follows: "At this period the Pickies or Pictarnies built in abundance on one island in the ' Hen Poo ' at Duns Castle, and that the eggs were taken by using a boat to reach the island." VOL. II. S 274 THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. at Duns Castle ; Dogden Moss,1 in the parish of Greenlaw ; Corsbie Bog,2 on the borders of the parishes of Legerwood and Gordon ; and Eedpath Bog, in the parish of Earlston.3 There is a field on Shannobank Farm, near Abbey St. Bathans, called the " Gull Mire," and as it has the appear- ance of having been a swamp at one time, it was probably a breeding place of the Black-headed Gull formerly before it was drained. 1 On the 24th of April 1885 the farm steward at Harelaw, near Westruther, mentioned to me that before the Dogden Moss was drained great numbers of Black -headed Gulls used to breed there every year. He had seen them twenty years ago. This Moss is mentioned by the late Dr. Henderson in his Popular Rhymes of Berwickshire, p. 68 : — Lift one, lift a', Baith at back and fore wa' ; Up and away wi' Langton House, And set it down in Dogden Moss. 2 "Corsbie Moss was once the haunt of the Black-headed Gull, but has been deserted since it was drained." — Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 236. 3 Mr. Brownlie, Haugh Head, Earlston, wrote to me on 27th October 1887 : "An old man named Sandy Boyd, who lives at Eeclpath, says that when he was a boy the bog there used to be white with Pickiemaws. This would apply to fifty years ago." ( 275 ) LARIDsE. THE COMMON GULL. SEA-MAW, MEW OR MALL, SEED BIRD, GREEN-BILLED GULL. Larus canus. d5ull Moor, moor the barge, ye gallant crew ! And, gentle ladye, deign to stay ! Rest thee in Castle Ravensheuch, Nor tempt the stormy firth to-day. , The blackening wave is edged with white : To inch and rock the sea-mews fly ; The fishers have heard the Water-Sprite, Whose screams forebode that wreck is nigh. SCOTT, Lay of the Last Minstrel. DURING the autumn, winter, and spring months the Common Gull occasionally comes in flocks from the sea-coast to the interior of the county, where it frequents land which is being ploughed, and grass fields, feeding upon worms and grubs. Its sudden appearance inland in large flocks is, however, looked upon by the country people as a sure sign of an approaching storm of wind and rain, and this has given rise to the following rhyme which is sometimes repeated by children in Berwickshire, as well as other parts of Scotland : — Sea Gull, Sea Gull, sit on the sand, It's never good weather when you're on the land. Dr. Henderson of Chirnside, in his Popular Rhymes of Berwickshire, mentions the following curious superstition : Maggie Shaw's Crockie is a broad, flat stone, about a mile to the north of Eyemouth. This stone was placed over the 276 THE COMMON GULL. remains of an old woman who hanged herself, and who, in the shape of a white Sea-Maw, is said to be frequently seen at night — sitting on the "glitty stane, Green wi' the dew o' the jaupin' main." " Cold blows the stormy wind, The waves are rushing loud ; The moon is in the wane — No star looks through the cloud ; High on yon bare, cold rock, Old Maggie sits alane ; Ilk night at twal o'clock, She sits upon the stane." The Common Gull does riot breed upon any part of the Berwickshire coast at the present time. The well-known ornithologist, P. J. Selby, mentions in a " Notice of the Birds observed in the neighbourhood of St. Abb's Head on 18th July 1832," which was read to the members of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club on the 19th of September in the same year, that " this bold headland is also the great breeding station of Larus Canus, or the Common Sea-Maw ; it affects the upper ledges and recesses of the precipices, and was observed in great numbers, but so shy as not to be approached within gunshot. The Larus rissa, or Kittiwake, is also numerous, but does not breed in com- pany with the other, selecting in preference the small pro- jecting angles, which barely admit of room for the reception of their eggs and young." * In a paper on " Observations on the Birds observed in the neighbourhood of Cockburns- path in April and those at St. Abb's Head in June 1833," read to the same Club on the 17th of July 1833, Selby again repeats the statement that the Common Gull then bred at St. Abb's Head, for he says : " This species [the Herring Gull — Larus argentatus] had not been observed during our i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 19 THE COMMON GULL. 277 excursion in July 1832, having taken its departure from those haunts previous to our visit, the Common Gull (Larus Canus), which breeds in great numbers on the rock to the south of the Head, being the only species then visible." 3 Mr. Archibald Hepburn, in his " Notes on some of the Mammalia and Birds found at St. Abb's Head," writes : " On the 20th of June last [1851], accompanied by my friend, Mr. Eobert H. Broughton, I hired a boat at Coldingham Shore to visit St. Abb's, for the purpose of procuring speci- mens of birds and making observations on their habits and distribution along the coast. No Common Gulls (Larus Canus) breed about the Head, but there is a most extensive colony on the Ernesheugh, about two miles to the westward ; their nests are placed on the grassy ledges ; and although these birds abound on the eastern shores of East-Lothian and Berwickshire throughout the year, yet this is the only breeding place known to me in the south-east of Scotland." 2 Mr. Howard Saunders, in vol. iii. of the revisal of Yarrell's British Birds, 1882-84, pp. 613, 614, says with reference to the breeding of the Common Gull (Larus Canus) on the coasts of England: " During the summer the 'common' species are either the Herring Gull or the Kittiwake ; and, without making any dogmatic assertions, the editor can safely say that during the past twenty years in which his attention has been given to the question, he has failed to obtain any proof whatever of the nesting of Larus Canus on any part of the English coast. Nor is the evidence satis- factory as to the asserted nesting of this species in the cliffs of St. Abb's Head, or, indeed, in any precipitous cliffs what- ever, in the ordinary acceptation of the words. The Common Gull selects, as a rule, the comparatively low shores of small islands, either on the sea-coast or up the arms of the sea ; and it is also partial to grassy islands in lochs ; but although i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 21. 2 Ibid. vol. iii. p. 75. 278 THE COMMON GULL. its nests may be found on broken ground, or even on small crags, yet flat surfaces are far more to its taste." Mr Seebohm, in his British Birds, vol. iii. p. 317, states that " the Common Gull (Larus canus) is intermediate in its habits between the inland and marine species; it breeds indifferently on an island off the coast or on the cliffs of the mainland, and is equally satisfied with an island on an inland lake, or the banks of a mountain tarn." The fact that the Common Gull (Lanes canus) is not found breeding on any part of the Berwickshire coast at the present day does not prove that Mr. Selby and Mr. Hepburn— two well- known and experienced ornithologists — were wrong in their statements as to its breeding about St. Abb's Head in 1832 and 1851, for, like the Kittiwake, which formerly nested there in large numbers, and is not now found breeding on any part of the Berwickshire coast, it may have deserted that locality as a breeding station. Mr. Hepburn states distinctly that, when he visited St. Abb's Head on the 20th of June 1851, there was "a most extensive colony of Larus Canus on the Earnsheugh, about two miles to the westward," and that " their nests are placed on the grassy ledges." l On the 27th of September 1887 I wrote to Mr. Hep- burn on the subject, and on the 4th of October following he replied : "I beg to assure you that I adhere to the accuracy of the statements contained in the article on ' Some of the Mammalia and Birds found at St. Abb's Head,' Hist. Ber. Nat. Chib, vol. iii. p. 75, and I may add that I always found Dr. Johnston a faithful and attentive editor of the papers submitted to the Club ; also, that the Common Gull was a frequent visitor to my native fields in the interior of East- Lothian ; that the Herring Gull was common along the sea-shore, and several pairs bred on the Bass Eock, and I had in my early days three pets of this species." i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. iii. p. 75. GAVI^E. ( 279 ) LARID^Z. THE HERRING GULL. GULL MAW, WILLIE GOW, CAT GULL, SILVERY GULL. Larus argentatus. (Bull $&ato ^Se Common d5ulU Bold-winged sea-bird! why so lonely straying Far from thy rocky home, Round which the wild sea-breezes still are playing Above the ocean foam ? Say ! dost thou hail from yonder cliffs so hoary — From yon rude caverned halls, Where strong Fast Castle, famed in olden story, Still lifts its ruined walls ? WALTER CHISHOLM.! THIS Gull is more plentiful on the sea-coast of Berwickshire than any other kind, and is found there at all seasons of the year. It is, however, to be seen in the greatest numbers about St. Abb's Head, where its harsh, cackling cries fill the air during the breeding season.2 Proceeding round the sea- coast from Lamberton on the eastern boundary of the county to the Cove, towards Cock- burnspath on the western limit, the first breeding station of the 1 Mr. Walter Chisholm in his boyhood resided for some years at the upland farm of Dowlaw, near Fast Castle, and here, at the early age of twenty-one, he died on the 1st of October 1877. His poems, edited by Mr. William Cairns, formerly of Oldcambus, are published by Mr. Thin, Edinburgh. 2 Mr. Archibald Hepburn, in his " Notes on Birds found at St. Abb's Head," Hist. Ber. Nat. Club., vol. iii. pp. 74, 75, says, with regard to the cries of the Herring Gull: "their hoarse guttural cackle resembling Kaak-ka-kaak, varied only by a sharp loud scream like ' Pee-ul,' filled the air." Mr. Hardy, in his MS. Notes, compares the cries of some Gulls of this kind, which he heard at Fast Castle on the 12th of June 1877, to those of a cat. 280 THE HERRING GULL. Herring Gull which we reach is a high rock on the shore, about a mile north of Burnmouth village, called the " Gull Bock." Here a considerable number breed, and a few nests are found at Bleak Heugh, a rocky precipice about half a mile further north. There are no colonies of this Gull between Bleak Heugh and the Lighthouse on St. Abb's Head, but on the rocks below the Lighthouse there are a few scattered nests, and we next find it rearing its young on the Cleaver Eock. A short distance further west is Foul Carr, a great precipitous rock standing out in the sea near the part of the Head called the Eampart, and here we find the principal breeding quarters of the Herring Gull on the Berwickshire coast. A fine view of the western slope of the top of this rock with its turfy ledges, where the gulls have their nests, and where they are seen sitting in numbers during the breeding season, may be had from the edge of the cliff immediately to the north-east of the ruins of St. Abb's Nunnery. From this point I have frequently watched them with a binocular as they sat on their nests or tended their young, and from it the vignette at the end of this article was taken on the 20th of July 1887. About a hundred yards westwards the Little Channeler Kock juts out into the sea, and there another colony of this species is found breeding. Immediately to the north-west of the Little Channeler stands the lofty rocky island of Skelly, forming the most northern point of Berwickshire, with Flot Carr adjoining it. On the northern precipices of both of these rocks the Herring Gull nests. Passing the pretty little harbour of Petticowick and Broadhaven Bay we reach West in Thirle Bay, where on the grassy ledges of the Kavensheugh and Thrummie Carr a few more nests of this bird are observed. Further to the west on the rocks below the Uilystrand Brae and at Snuffiehole Stells more occur, also at Maw Carr. Before reaching the Brander Cliffs, where THE HEEEING GULL. 281 there are some more nests, we pass the Moor Baits l and Dowlaw Burn Foot, where a few nests are seen on the rocks between the Standing Man and the Big Byrips. We now reach the ruins of Fast Castle,2 where on looking west- ward on a clear day the view is magnificent, embracing the Bass, North Berwick Law, and the adjoining coast of East- Lothian. The situation of the castle is very lonely, and around its decaying walls the only sounds now to be heard are the constant beating of the waves on the rocky coast, Mix'd with the seafowl's shrilly moans. SCOTT. Bounding the point at Fast Castle we see the Black Mask Rock with a number of Herring Gulls' nests upon it, and still keeping westwards we pass Geddes' Haven and the Little Rooks, and then we reach the Gull Rock and Maw Craig, near the mouth of the Wolden Lee Burn, the most westerly breeding places of the Herring Gull on the Ber- wickshire coast.3 This point is about three-quarters of a mile to the west of Fast Castle. The nest of the Herring Gull is formed of grass and moss, and the eggs, which are generally three in number, are light olive-brown or greenish, blotched and spotted with dark umber. Many years ago the eggs of this and other Gulls 1 Mr. Kobert Darrie, fisherman, Coldingham Shore, informed me, on the 29th of June 1887, that this was such a favourite spot for fishing for codlings that the following rhyme is sometimes heard amongst the fishermen : — Come ye soon, or come ye late, Ye'll a codlin get at Moor's Bait. 2 Here the Princess Margaret, daughter of Henry vn. of England, slept on the night of the 1st of August 1502, when on her way to Edinburgh from Lamberton Kirk, where she had been betrothed to James IV. of Scotland. About a hundred years later the gloomy fortress was the scene of dark plots in connection with the Gowrie Conspiracy, for here Logan of Restalrig resided. Fast Castle is the " Wolf's Crag" of The Bride of Lammermuir. 3 This Gull is, however, occasionally found breeding further westwards. Mr. Hardy notes, under date 30th June 1886: "A Herring Gull's nest was found yesterday by Professor Lebour's pupils on rocks near Siccar — between it and Redheugh." 282 THE HEREING GULL. were eagerly sought after by some of the fishermen on the Berwickshire coast, but now they do not appear to go often on egging expeditions. Mr. Hardy notes that about forty years ago " the fishers at Burnmouth went twice a week in * Gull time ' round the rocks which the Gulls frequent to get their eggs. They sometimes got as many as eighty or ninety in a morning, and found them quite as edible as hen eggs. About the above-mentioned time a very adventure- some boy named Kerr — son of William Kerr, fisherman, Burnmouth — was killed by falling from a steep yellow- coloured rock called Dunkirk, on Fairneyside Farm. He was hung round with eggs in handkerchiefs, and had a bonnetful also, when the portion of the rock he held by proved treacherous and down he fell on the black rocks below and was killed. The only expression his three com- panions heard was ' ae Johnnie.' Some time before this two boys were killed at St. Abb's Head by falling over the rocks when in search of Gulls' eggs. The first notice which the mother of one of them got of the accident was from the children who had gone with him to the Head coming home crying." The food of the Herring Gull consists of fish, crusta- ceans, star-fishes, and other marine creatures.1 It likewise feeds upon dead fish and other garbage cast ashore by the waves, and also eats eggs. Mr. Hardy has known it to feed upon the fragments of a bottle-nosed whale which had been carted to the fields at Oldcambus for manure ; also under date 1st September 1868, he writes : " At present when the sea is rough the Herring Gulls are sitting on the oat stubble, and sometimes I see them seated on the stooks. At Siccar 1 Mr. Eobert Gray writes : "I have repeatedly observed that on the Berwick- shire coasts and elsewhere Herring Gulls, and especially young birds, feed to a great extent upon star-fishes. One of which I shot on the llth of September vomited, when it fell, ten specimens of Asterias rubens, two of which measured nearly three inches across the rings." — Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 466. THE HERRING GULL. 283 Point, where they sit on the rocks, amongst their droppings are large quantities of oat husks, mixed here and there with mussels and limpets and shells of Purpura lapellus ; they seem to feed much upon limpets, and hence frequent the rocks where these are found." This Gull derives its common name from its habit of following shoals of herrings, whose presence off shore is indicated by its hovering over them in nocks, and every now and then dropping to the water and capturing a fish, reminding us of the following lines of Charlotte Smith : — And hosts of sea-birds, clamouring loud, Scent with wild wing the welcome shoal, Swift o'er the animated current sweep, And bear their silver captives from the deep. Captain Norman, B.N., of Cheviot House, Berwick-on- Tweed, has favoured me with the following interesting note : " While walking along the cliff edge between Burnmouth and Eyemouth on the 16th of August 1887 my attention was arrested by the large number of Gulls which were clustered at intervals along the coast. I suspected that these birds marked the position of the fixed nets for salmon, and that they were waiting for the appearance of an inshore shoal of herring, which turned out to be the case. Taking my station, binocular in hand, above the site of one of the nets, I awaited the course of events. I had not long to wait, for in a few minutes the water seemed quite alive with silvery herrings, whose passage along shore had been inter- rupted by the curtain of the net, or that part of it with which the salmon first come into contact, and which turns their course. The Gulls became very much excited, and were soon in the midst of the shoal by hundreds." In winter and spring this species is occasionally seen in the interior of the county, where it frequents the grass fields and ploughed land to search for worms and grubs. Its 284 THE HERKING GULL. appearance in numbers in the inland parts is considered to be an indication of the approach of tempestuous weather, as mentioned by Grahame in his British Georgics : — No sign of gathering storm, both wind and rain, Is surer than the sea-fowl's inland flight. Sir David Lindsay, in his Gomplaynt of Scotland, also alludes to this Gull foretelling stormy weather, for he says : " The Swannis murnit because the gray goul mau pronosticat ane storme." The Herring Gull is sometimes kept as a pet in gardens, and Mr. Hardy relates that " one which belonged to Mr. William Calder, Gunsgreen, used to go down to the water Eye to wash itself and then returned. A boy in Ayton kept one for a long time, and it used to fly daily to the Eye to wash itself, returning on buoyant wing to the heart of the village. Boys about Oldcambus sometimes catch Gulls by placing a worm on a fishing-hook with a long string attached to the hook." GAVINS. ( 285 ) THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. YELLOW-FOOTED GULL. Larus fuscus. (Bull As wave meets wave within some rocky bay, When varying currents hold their whiten' d way ; When the shrill sea-mew with unwearied cries, Skimming the sea with restless pinion, Jlies ; When deep'ning clouds foretell the wintry gale, And the gaunt mariner clews up the sail. SCAPE'S King CoaTs Levee, p. 35. THIS species is seen in small numbers on the coast of Ber- wickshire at all seasons of the year, and a few pairs breed on the Cleaver Eock, Foul Carr, and other precipices about St. Abb's Head in company with the Herring Gull. It occasionally visits the Tweed and the Whitadder * in winter and spring. It feeds chiefly upon small fishes and dead animals thrown on shore by the tide. The nest is made of dry grass, and contains two or three eggs, which vary in colour from yellowish-grey to olive- brown, with spots of purplish-grey and dark-brown. The feet of this Gull are yellow ; hence the proverb : " As yellow as a gull's fit." 1 On the 4th of April 1887 1 observed a pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls sitting on the gravel at the junction of the Dye and the Whitadder. GA VIM. ( 286 ) LARIDM. THE GBEAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. BLACK-BACK, CARRION GULL, GULL MAW. Larus marinus. d5ull The sea-birds shriek above the prey, O'er which their hungry beaks delay. BYRON. THIS large Gull is occasionally seen on the Berwickshire seaboard, chiefly in the neighbourhood of St. Abb's Head, but it is not found breeding on any part of the coast of the county at the present time. Mr. Archibald Hepburn, in his " Notes on some of the Birds found at St. Abb's Head in June 1851," says : " The boatman informed me that a single pair of the Great Black-backed Gull (Lanes marinus) breeds annually on the Flood Carr,1 adjoining the Skelly Eock. The Bass can likewise boast of one or two pairs of these noble birds."2 About 1855 Mr. Wilson of Coldingham gave Mr. Hardy a list of birds which were then found at St. Abb's Head, and in it this species is mentioned as frequenting that locality, but seldom nesting there. The large size, black back, and loud harsh cry of this Gull easily distinguish it from any of its congeners. Its flight is very powerful, and it seldom allows itself to be approached within gunshot, being very wary. It feeds on fish, carrion, and garbage thrown on shore by the tide ; it is also very destructive to eggs, and robs the nests of Guille- mots and other birds. i Called also Flot Carr. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. iii. p. 74. GA VIM. ( 287 ) THE GLAUCOUS GULL. BURGOMASTER, GOLDEN MAW. Larus glaucus. Not swiftly — but as fly The sea-gulls^ with a steady, sober flight. BYRON, Don Juan. DURING winter this large Gull is frequently seen on the coast of Berwickshire, but generally in immature mottled plumage, in which stage, Mr. George Bolam remarks, that, even at a distance, it may be distinguished from the young of the Great Black-backed and other Gulls by its steady, soaring flight.1 A young bird was shot at Eyemouth on the 19th of December 1882.2 The Glaucous Gull breeds in the arctic regions, and is only a winter visitor to the British Islands. It is a greedy and voracious bird, and feeds largely upon carrion and gar- bage of all kinds, It frequently robs other Gulls of their prey. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 170. 2 Ibid. vol. x. p. 200. GAVI&. ( 288 ) LARIDsE. THE KITTIWAKE GULL. BLACK-FOOTED KITTIWAKE, ANNET, TARROCK. Rissa tridactyla. Above, around, in cloudy circles wheel 'd, Or sailing level, on the polar gale That cool with evening rose, a thousand wings, The summer nations of these pregnant cliffs, Played sportive round, and to the sun outspread Their various plumage, or in wild notes hail'd His parent-beam. MALLET, Amyntor. THIS beautiful Gull formerly bred in great numbers on the high precipitous rocks at St. Abb's Head, but does not now nest on any part of the Berwickshire coast. Mr. John Eenton of Chesterbank, who in 1794 wrote the report on the parish of Coldingham for the Old Statistical Account of Scotland, says, with regard to the sea-fowl which were then found in that parish : " There is also a prodigious number of sea-fowls known by the name of Scouts and Kittiwakes, with a mixture of Sea Gulls, that arrive in the spring yearly upon the high and inaccessible rocks on the south side of St. Abb's Head. They breed incredible numbers of young, and when the young are ripe, but before they can fly, the gentlemen in the neighbourhood find excellent sport by going out in boats and shooting great numbers of them ; when they are killed or wounded they fall from the rocks into the sea, and the rowers haul them into their boats. Their eggs are pretty good, but their flesh is very bad, yet the poor people THE KITTIWAKE GULL. 289 eat them. They leave the rocks about harvest, and none of them are ever seen here before the next spring.1 Selby, in his " Account of the Birds observed at St. Abb's Head on the 18th of July 1832," which appears in the first volume of the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, remarks that : " The Larus rissa or Kittiwake is also numerous, but does not breed in company with the other [Larus canus], select- ing in preference the small projecting angles, which barely admit of room for the reception of their eggs and young.2 " The next notice of the Kittiwake on the Berwickshire coast is by Mr. Archibald Hepburn, who, in his " Notes on some of the Mammalia and Birds found at St. Abb's Head on the 20th of June 1851," says : "Next to the foolish Guillemot, the Kittiwake (Larus tridactylus) is by far the most numerous bird about the Head. Unlike the other species of gull found here, they showed no preference for the tufts of grass grow- ing on the precipices, but built their nests in crevices or ledges of rock, sometimes solitary or in small colonies, which again were occasionally distinct from, and at other times intermingled with, the nests of the Guillemot. This gull derives its name from its well-marked cry, ' Kitty- week,' sharp stress being laid upon the last syllable when the bird is angry or alarmed."3 Macgillivray, writing in 1852, mentions St. Abb's Head as one of the principal breeding stations of the Kittiwake in Scotland.4 About 1855 or 1856 the late Mr. Andrew Wilson of Coldingham gave to Mr. Hardy, Oldcambus, a list of the birds which were then found breeding at St. Abb's Head, and in it this species is mentioned as nesting at Skelly, Foul Carr Eib, and the Eampart. About 1857 Mr. Hardy submitted the list to Mr. Francis Purves, who was well acquainted with the birds at 1 The Statistical Account of Scotland, by Sir John Sinclair, Bart., vol. xii. p. 57. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 19. 3 /j^. voi. yj. p> 74. 4 History of British Birds, vol. v. p. 518. VOL. II. T 290 THE KITTIWAKE GULL. St. Abb's Head, and in commenting upon it Mr. Purves noted that " the Kittiwake has deserted the Skelly and Foul Carr Cove or Eib, and now chiefly resorts to the Eamparts. This is since they were so much tormented by the large Newcastle steamboats calling in and firing at them. They are also fewer in number." Under date August 1857, Mr. Hardy writes in his MS. Notes : " Kittiwake dwindling away at St. Abb's Head ; this is supposed to be on account of their being so much shot at by the London and Leith steamers." On the llth of August 1886, when I was on a visit to St. Abb's Head for the purpose of marking on the twenty-five inch Ordnance Survey Map of the coast the breeding stations of the various birds which are found there, Mr. Kobert Thorburn, fisherman, Coldingham Shore,1 in- formed me that the Kittiwake reared its young numerously on the perpendicular precipices of the Cleaver Eock long ago, but that none had bred about St. Abb's Head for the last twenty years. It would thus appear that between 1857 and 1866 the Kittiwake gave up nesting there. This species is now found in small numbers on the coast of Berwickshire during the winter and early spring months,2 and is occasionally seen on the Tweed, but it is not observed in the inland districts of the county frequent- ing the grass fields or ploughed land, like the Common and the Herring Gulls. Its great breeding stations in the vicinity are the Bass Eock and the Fame Islands, where it arrives in vast numbers in spring. After the nesting 1 Mr. Thorburn told me that he was seventy-seven years old, and had fished about the Coldingham coast all his life ; also that he had accompanied the "Sappers and Miners," when they surveyed the coast at St. Abb's Head about 1857, to tell them the names of the rocks. He appeared to be well acquainted with the breeding places of the birds about the Head. 2 Mr. Hardy notes under date 25th March 1874 : " A number of Kitti wakes associated in a party with Common Gulls on the Pease Sands." — Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 279. Also on 21st December 1874 : " Kittiwake seen passing on the sea banks."— Ibid. vol. vii. p. 282. THE KITTIWAKE GULL. 291 season most of the birds proceed southwards, only a few remaining to spend the winter, but it is supposed that the latter are supplemented by others migrating from the north. The food of this Gull consists chiefly of small fishes and other soft marine animals. ( 292 ) LARID&. THE POMATOEHINE SKUA. Stercorarius pomatorhinus. From the frozen north, where Winter's hand With sway despotic and untam'd locks up The shrinking world ; o'er the wide ocean borne On vigorous wing, pour forth the feat her' d tribes Diverse and strange. REV. JOHN VINCENT, Fowling. IN the autumn months this visitor from the arctic regions is occasionally seen on the coast of Berwickshire, where, in the middle of October 1879, great numbers were observed, as well as on the shores of Northumberland, many of them being shot for preservation as specimens. The Pomatorhine Skua has a rapid flight, is bold and rapacious, and fre- quently robs Gulls of their prey. It breeds in the polar regions. GAVI&. ( 293 ) LARID^E. THE ARCTIC, OR RICHARDSON'S SKUA. TEASER, SKAIT BIRD, DIRT BIRD, DIRTY ALLAN. Stercorarius crepidatus. Ignorant elf, ape, owl yrregular, Skaldit skaitbird, and common skandelair ; Wansukkitfunlin, that Nature made ane Yrlet Baith John the Ross and thow sail squeil and skirle, Gifeir I heir ocht of your making mair. THE FLYTING OF DUNBAR AND KENNEDY, circa 1508. THE Arctic, or Eichardson's Skua is sometimes seen on the coasts of the county during the autumn and winter months, being a visitor from the north. A mature male was shot by Mr. Cotesworth on the farm of Whitefield, near Cowden Knowes, on the 12th of November 1874,1 this being the only instance of the bird having been found in any inland district of Berwickshire. This Skua occurred in unusual numbers from Coldingham to Cramond in the winter of 1874-75, 2 when, as recorded by Mr. Hardy, a male and a female were shot at Coldingham Shore.3 Eichardson's Skua may be distinguished from the Poma- torhine Skua by its smaller size, and narrow, pointed, central tail feathers. Like that bird, it has a powerful and rapid flight, resembling that of a Hawk, and is a great robber of Gulls and Terns, which it chases until they drop their prey. It likewise feeds upon the eggs and young of other birds, and garbage thrown up by the tide. Its principal breeding quarters are in the arctic regions. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 288. 2 Zbid. vol. vii. p. 261. 3 Ibid. vol. vii. p. 517. GA VI ;E. ( 294 ) LARID&. THE LONG-TAILED, OE BUFFON'S SKUA. Stercorarius parasiticus. When the ocean rolls the proudest, Through the foam the sea-bird glides. SCOTT. DURING the storms of the autumn of 1879 great flocks of Skuas visited the coasts of England and Scotland, amongst which were considerable numbers of this species, an example being shot at Eyemouth in November of that year. It was a mature bird, and had the central feathers seven inches longer than the other plumage of the tail.1 The Long-tailed Skua resembles Richardson's Skua in its general habits, and may be distinguished from the latter by its smaller size and longer central tail feathers. It breeds in Lapland and other northern regions. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 169. PYGOPODES. ( 295 ) ALCIDJE. THE KAZOR-BILL. COMMON AUK, MARROT, SCOUT, SEA CROW. Alca tor da. Coulter The billows burst, in ceaseless flow, Upon the precipice below, The steepy rock, and frantic tide, Approach of human step denied. SIR WALTER SCOTT. SELBY, writing on the birds observed at St. Abb's Head on the 18th of July 1832, says: "Upon the ledges of the rocks the Guillemots (Uria troile) and Eazor-bills (Alca torda) were seen in great numbers, ranged in order, tier above tier, and looking at a distance like armies of pigmies ; these upon the least alarm utter their peculiar curring kind of note, which, when mixed with the screams of the Sea Gull and Kittiwake, and heard from a distance, or softened by the murmurs of the waves, produces a wild though not disagreeable species of concert well according with the nature of the scenery which surrounds them." ] Mr. Archibald Hepburn, in his "Account of the Birds found at St. Abb's Head on the 20th of June 1851," remarks that : " The Eazor-bill (Alca torda) is pretty common, but not nearly so abundant as I had anticipated from the numbers found on the Bass ; indeed, they did not appear to be so numerous as the Herring Gulls. They generally frequented i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 19. 296 THE RAZOR-BILL. loftier ledges than the Guillemot cared to occupy, and that in little parties, separately, or mixed with other species, and occasionally a solitary bird might be seen tenanting a snug cranny."1 In a list of birds which frequent St. Abb's Head, given to Mr. Hardy in 1855 or 1856 by the late Andrew Wilson of Coldingham, it is stated that the "Coulter Neb " (Alca torda) then nested at the Eampart, Skelly, and Foul Carr Cove ; and comments on this list in 1 8 5 7 by the late Mr. Francis Purves show that it was then found on all parts of the Head. From the above statement it would appear that the subject of our notice was formerly much more plentiful at St. Abb's Head than it is at the present time, when it is found breed- ing in small numbers only, along with colonies of Guillemots, on the ledges of the high precipitous rocks which run into the sea near the ruins of the ancient nunnery. When I visited this haunt in the end of June 1886, very few Kazor-bills were to be seen, whilst the ledges were covered with hundreds of Guillemots. In size, colour, and habits, this species resembles these birds, and it returns to its nesting places in spring about the same time. Its single egg, which is usually deposited on the bare rock, is smaller and more oval than that of the Guillemot, and is white, blotched, and spotted with reddish-brown. During autumn and winter the Eazor-bill is found off the coast of the county, where it feeds on small fishes and crustaceans. It swims with great ease, and is an expert diver. Mr. Hardy, writing on the effects of the severe winter of 1878-79, mentions that in February 1879 numbers of dead Kazor-bills were found washed ashore near Oldcambus.2 Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. iii. p. 73. 2 j^id. vol. ix. pp. 126-389. PYGOPODES. ( 297 ) ALCIDM. THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. FOOLISH GUILLEMOT, WILLOCK, MURRE, MARROT, SCOUT, SKIDDAW, SCUTTOCK, SEA HEN. Una troile. fecoot,1 The baron hath the landward park ; the fisher hath the sea ; But the rocky haunts of the sea-fowl belong alone to me. MARY HOWITT, Song of the Sea-Fowler. THE magnificent promontory of St. Abb's Head, where the dark sea-girt rocks tower to a vast height above the restless waves below, is the favourite haunt of the Common Guillemot in Berwickshire. Here it may be seen during the breeding season in closely-packed colonies on the rocky ledges of the gloomy precipices, which are whitened by the mutings of countless generations of sea-fowl. When a boat approaches the bottom of the cliffs, and the birds are alarmed, vast numbers dash headlong from their eggs towards the sea, their harsh chattering screams, mingled with the clamorous cries of Gulls and other sea-fowl, reminding us of the fol- lowing quaint description by old Dunbar :— The air was dirkit with the fowlis That come with yawmeris, and with yowlis, With skryking, skryming, and with scowlis, To tak him in the tyde. 1 Scout's Croft, near Coldingham ; Scout Cave, on the coast south, from Eye- mouth ; and Scout Point, near Gunsgreen, have evidently derived their names from this bird. 2 So called by the Cove fishermen. — J. Hardy. 298 THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. Proceeding round the coast from Lamberton on the east to Cockburnspath on the west, the first colony of Guillemots which we reach is at Whiteheugh, immediately to the north of the village of Coldingham Shore. Here multitudes of birds are seen on the whitened ledges of the overhanging cliff, sitting erect in rows, and so closely wedged together that every available space seems to be occupied by them. As we draw near, their loud, hoarse, curring notes, which they appear to utter in concert from time to time, have a peculiar but not unpleasing effect upon the ear, and are in keeping with the wild nature of the surrounding scenery. When heard on a calm summer night, as the shades of darkness are beginning to creep over the rocky coast, the discordant screams of the innumerable sea- fowl, now swell- ing loudly along the face of the cliff and again dying away in the distance, produce a weird and fearful sound which clings to the memory, and reminds the listener of the stories of the gibbering hobgoblins, witches, and warlocks of the past, who, wi' monie an eldrich screech and hollow, frightened the ancient inhabitants of the county. On passing from the Whiteheugh towards St. Abb's Head a small breeding station of this species is seen on the cliffs immediately to the east of the Lighthouse, and after rounding the Head considerable colonies are found on the Cleaver Rock, Foul Carr, the precipices at the Ramparts, Skelly, and Flot Carr. There is also a nesting place on the face of the steep cliff which looks towards the west, between West Hurker and Petticowick Harbour.1 When we reach 1 James Melville in his Autobiography mentions the spring of delicious water which still exists at Petticowick. Describing his flight in an open boat towards Berwick in June 1584, to escape from his persecutor Arran, he says : " It fell dead calm about the sun drawing laigh. Coming under the Craig, we rowed in within a pretty little howe betwixt the Main and the Head, where, easily going a-land, we refreshed us with cold water and wine, and, returning to our boat, sleeped the dead THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. 299 Broadhaven Bay a small colony is seen on the rocks there, and another at the Raven's Heugh ; further on at Thrummie Carr we find another occupying the most westerly breeding place of the Guillemot on the coast of Berwickshire. Dr. Johnston of Berwick, in his address to the Berwick- shire Naturalists' Club on its first anniversary meeting held at Coldstream, 19th September 1832, referring to a visit of the Club to St. Abb's Head in July of that year, remarks that : " Many of the rocks are insulated, of a pyramidal form, and soar to a great height. The bases of most are solid, but in some pierced through and arched. They are covered with the dung of innumerable flocks of birds which resort here annually to breed, and fill every little projec- tion, every hole which will give them leave to rest. Multi- tudes were swimming about, others swarmed in the air and stunned us with the variety of their croaks and screams. Kittiwakes, Sea-mews, and Black-headed Gulls, Guillemots, Auks, and Corvorants are among the species which resort hither." l In his " Notes on some of the Birds found at St. Abb's Head on the 20th of June 1851," Mr. Archibald Hepburn states that : " The Guillemot ( Uria troile) breeds in count- less thousands ; ledge above ledge was crowded with birds sitting on their solitary egg laid on the bare rock, and at the report of a gun the birds would waddle to the edge : springing downwards with outstretched legs to break their fall, they sped away on rapid pinion to the open sea. On approaching the base of one of the stupendous cliffs a large flock of these birds, which were reposing on a rocky shelf a foot or two above the water, dashed into the sea ; some of the night, but needed nane to wake us, for soon be the daylight appeared there was sic a noise of fowls on the craig and about us, because of their young anes, that we were almost pressed to launch out." — Melville's Autobiography, pp. 169, 170. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. pp. 5, 6. 300 THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. fluttered along the surface ere they acquired an impetus for flight; others swam about the boat in the most confiding manner, and delighted us all with their graceful move- ments."1 He likewise refers to the Guillemot as being more numerous than any other kind of bird at the Head, and the Kittiwake Gull standing next to it in numbers.2 An interesting paper on " St. Abb's Head and its Bird Life " was read to the Natural History Society of Glasgow by Mr. Harvie-Brown on the 26th of April 1881, who, in alluding to his own observations on the occasion of a visit to the Head on the 25th of July 1880, remarks that "The Guillemot must be much scarcer now than in Hepburn's time/' 3 Judging from the above records, and from what I have noticed during the last few years when occasionally visiting St. Abb's Head in the breeding season, as well as from in- formation obtained from old fishermen who have frequented the Head all their lives, it would appear that the Guillemot has greatly diminished in numbers within the last thirty or forty years. It is difficult to account for this decrease satisfactorily, but probably it may have proceeded from various causes, amongst which may be mentioned the vast quantities of Guillemots' eggs which were formerly taken by the fishermen,4 and also the marked increase of the Herring Gull, whose nest-robbing propensities are well known. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. iii. p. 73. 2 ibid. vol. iii. p. 74. s Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, 26th April 1881. 4 Mr. Kobert Thorburn, fisherman, Coldingham Shore, who is seventy-eight years old, and has fished in the neighbourhood of St. Abb's Head all his life, told me on the llth of August 1886, when he accompanied me to the Head, that, about forty years ago, he took as many as 180 Guillemots' eggs off Foul Can* in one day, and that he sold the eggs for Id. each. The eggs of the Guillemots, which occupy the ledges of the precipitous cliffs at the Ramparts, appear to be taken at present by men or boys descending with ropes to the nests, for I have frequently observed strong wooden stakes firmly driven into the ground on the top of precipices to which ropes had evidently been hitched. Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes bear that about 1837 Guillemots' eggs were sold at 4d. per dozen. V vi ,• I i fciW i THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. 301 This species lays a single egg on .the bare rock, and incubation lasts about a month ; the eggs vary greatly in colour, scarcely two being exactly alike, but they are gener- ally either bluish-green, blotched or streaked with dark reddish-brown or black, or white with similar markings. The eggs are very good for the table, and also are said to be used for clarifying wine, and for the preparation of patent leather.1 After the breeding season is over — about the beginning of August — the birds leave the cliffs at St. Abb's Head with their young for the open sea, where they are seen dispersed during autumn and winter. They return to the rocks in March, and begin to lay in May. The Guillemot flies with a rapid motion of the wings and at great speed, and, when it returns from the sea to the nesting ledges, curves upwards in its flight as it approaches the rock, and thus alights gently. Its flight is straight, and it is a very expert diver. Mr. Seebohm gives the following interesting account of its aquatic gambols in the salt-water tanks at the Brighton Aquarium : " Using their wings much after the manner that a fish does its fins, they progress through the water, darting hither and thither with great rapidity. In swimming the Guillemot uses its legs as a motor, but in diving the wings alone are used The whole body of the bird is covered with a mass of air-bubbles, and it leaves a train of these bubbles behind it, glistening like silver and pearls, which adds much to the beauty of the performance. Sometimes the descent of the bird is perpen- dicular, sometimes in an oblique direction, and its progress under the water is made apparently as easily as through the air; even more so, turning and gliding about with ever graceful movements, and sometimes hovering over a morsel i Yarrell's British Birds, fourth edition, vol. iv. p. 71. 302 THE COMMON GUILLEMOT. of food like a tern. . The Guillemots at the Aquarium rarely stay under the surface more than half a minute, but in the open sea I have known them remain down for a much longer time." 1 The Einged Guillemot which is found at St. Abb's Head is distinguished from the Common Guillemot by having a white ring round the eye. Formerly it was considered to be a distinct species, but ornithologists now look upon it as only a variety of the common bird. i History of British Birds, 1883-85, vol. iii. p. 392. PYGOPODES. ( 303 ) A LCI DM. THE BLACK GUILLEMOT. GREENLAND DOVE, DOVEKY, SEA TURTLE, LITTLE GUILLEMOT, SPOTTED GUILLEMOT, TYSTIE. Uria grylle. turtle 2Dobe> / gaze upon the stormy, troubled ocean, I hear her crested waves Waking, as in they roll with restless motion, The echoes of her caves. Like armed hosts, impatient for the battle, They swell with deafening roar ; Then hurl their force, with thunder, crash and rattle, Upon the sounding shore. WALTER CHISHOLM. ON the 19th of June 1839 the Berwickshire Naturalists Club met at Coldingham under the presidency of the Eev. Thomas Knight, Vicar of Ford, who, in his address to the members delivered at the anniversary meeting held at Mil- field on the 18th of September of that year, records that there was exhibited at the Coldingham meeting above men- tioned "a living specimen of the Uria grylle or Black Guillemot, which had been shot two days previously at St. Abb's Head." x Although this species is not now found breeding at St. Abb's Head, it appears from Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes that in 1857 two or three pairs frequented the rocky precipices there, and that it formerly nested at Tookey and Horsecastle Coves, which are situated to the south of the Head. He also mentions " that some time before the above i Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 182. 304 THE BLACK GUILLEMOT. date a Mr. Pratt, son of a lawyer in Berwick, shot two ' Turtle Doves ' 1 at St. Abb's Head, and there have not been any seen there since." The Black Guillemot is now seldom seen off the coast of Berwickshire. Mr. Gray, writing in 1883, says : " A few pairs still linger in the vicinity of the Isle of May, in the Firth of Forth, where an occasional nest may yet be taken." 5 It is much smaller than the Common Guillemot, which it resembles in its habits, being about the size of a Puffin. In summer the plumage is wholly black, with the exception of a white patch on the wing, and in winter it is more or less mottled with white. Black Guillemots. 2 Hist, Ber. Nat. Club, vol. x. p. 199. PYGOPODES. ( 305 ) ALCID^E. THE LITTLE AUK. COMMON ROTCHE, LITTLE ROTCHE, LITTLE GUILLEMOT, SEA DOVE. Meryulus alle. The time and sessoun bitter, cauld and pale Thay schort dayis, that clerkis clepe Brumale : Quhen brym blastis of the northyn art Ouerquhelmyt had Neptiinus in his cart, And all to schaik the levis of the treis, The rageand stormes ouerwelterand wally seis. Ryveris ran rede on spate with wattir broun, And burnis harlis all thare bankis doun. GAWIN DOUGLAS, Description of Winter, 1512. AFTER severe storms this winter visitor to our coasts is occasionally found far inland in a wasted condition, being driven there by the violence of the wind. Writing under date the 27th of January 1860, Mr. Hardy mentions in his MS. Notes that one of the Penmanshiel foresters had brought to him a Little Auk which he had found on the railway, wounded below the wing. Probably it had struck against a telegraph wire in its flight. Mr. Kelly relates that a specimen was caught at Harryburn House, near Lauder,1 which is about twenty-five miles from the sea ; and Mr. Wood, lately farmer at Foulden Bastle, informs me that on the 29th of December 1876 he shot a specimen of this bird which flew out of a plantation on Foulden Estate, near " The Camps," the weather having been very stormy for a week or two before that time. Mr. Hardy records that an i Hist. Ser. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 306. VOL. II. U 306 THE LITTLE AUK. example was caught near Duns in November 1875 j1 and the gardener at Abbey St. Bathans lately showed me a specimen which he had picked up dead near the Saw-Mill there in winter, about 1881. This bird was more than usually numerous on the coast in the autumn and winter of 1878.2 The Little Auk measures only about eight inches in length. It breeds within the Arctic Circle.3 i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 517. 2 Ibid. vol. viii. p. 502. 3 It is stated in Turnbull's Birds of East-Lothian, p. 32, that the Little Auk breeds at St. Abb's Head, but this is a mistake. PYGOPODES. ( 307 ) ALCID&. THE PUFFIN. SEA PARROT, COULTER NEB, POPE, GULDER HEAD, TAMMY NORIE,1 MULLET, BOTTLE NOSE. Fratercula arctica. Yonder peopled rocks, To whose wild solitude, from worlds unknown, The birds of passage transmigrating come. MALLET. MR. EGBERT GRAY says that the Puffin is a migratory bird, and all those bred on the Bass disappear early in September, by which time, however, or very soon afterwards, they are replaced by other flocks from arctic waters.2 Although this species is found off the coast of Berwick- shire at all seasons of the year, it does not appear to breed at St. Abb's Head now ; but in former times a few pairs nested there. Mr. Selby, in his " Notice of Birds observed in the neighbourhood of St. Abb's Head on the 1 8th of July 1832," remarks that the Puffin " also finds appropriate holes wherein to deposit its eggs. It does not appear, however, to be very numerous, as only two or three individuals were 1 "Norwegian noere signifies puellus, homuncio — the boy, or mannikin." — Jamieson, Scot. Diet. Chambers, in his Popular Rhymes of Scotland, says that the following couplet is repeated jocularly when a young man refuses to salute a rustic coquette : — Tammie Norie o' the Bass Canna kiss a young lass. He adds that it is also customary to call a stupid-looking man a Tammie Norie. — Popular Rhymes of Scotland, new edition, p. 190. 2 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol viii. p. 54. 308 THE PUFFIN. seen during the excursion." ] Writing of a visit to St. Abb's Head on the 20th of June 1851, Mr. Archibald Hepburn says regarding this bird that " only about a dozen pairs annually build in crevices in the Foul Carr."s In 1855 and 1857 Mr. Hardy noted from local information that three or four pairs then nested at St. Abb's Head. In an interesting paper on " St. Abb's Head and its Bird-Life," 3 Mr. Harvie-Brown includes the Puffin in a list of species at the end of the paper, but he does not say that he saw it breeding when he visited that well-known haunt of sea-fowl on the 25th of July 1880. This bird flies very swiftly and is an expert diver, using its wings when under water in the same way as in the air. Its food consists of small fishes, molluscs, and other marine animals. 1 Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 19. 2 Ibid. vol. iii. p. 74. 3 Head to the Natural History Society of Glasgow, 26th April 1881. PYGOPODES. ( 309 ) COLYMBID&. THE GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. RING-NECKED LOON, GREATEST SPECKLED DIVER, IMMER OR EMBER GOOSE, GUNNER, NAAK, COBBLE, SEA HERDSMAN. Colynibus glacialis. The Divers were many, and various in hue; Of the Northern, the Imber, Black-throated a few. By tribes hyperborean their pelts often sought, Into robes warm and flexile are frequently wrought. JENNINGS. THE Great Northern Diver is an autumn and winter visitor to the coasts of Berwickshire, where it is occasionally seen, and where its weird and melancholy cry is sometimes heard amidst the booming of the waves when storms have lashed the sea into fury and the rocky shores are whitened with spray. Mr. Hardy says that a specimen of this bird was found by the Cove fishermen in the nets on the 23rd of September 1856, and that it is considered rare on that part of the coast.1 He records that an immature bird was found dead on the shore near Oldcambus on the 1st of April 1875.2 Mr. William Patterson, late farmer at North Berwick Abbey, has informed me that his father, who was tenant at Edington Mill, on the Whitadder, about the beginning of this century, shot a Great Northern Diver on the mill cauld there when it was all frozen over except a small part in the centre. He had observed the bird frequently diving, and got his gun to try to shoot it, but it was not easy to get within gunshot, i Mr. Hardy's MS. Notes. a Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 484. 310 THE GKEAT NOETHEKN DIVER as the sides of the cauld were bare and afforded little or no concealment. He, however, waited until the bird dived, and then ran forward within range of the hole in the ice. When the Diver came up it had a large trout in its bill, and he shot it quite dead. A new difficulty then presented itself to him, namely, how he should get the bird which he had killed, for he was afraid to venture on the ice lest it should break, the water being very deep. His anxiety to secure the specimen was so great, however, that it overcame his fear, and he went cautiously towards the hole, trying the strength of the ice as he proceeded with the butt of his gun, and by this means he succeeded in securing the specimen, The Eev. Thomas S. Goldie, minister of Coldstream, writing in 1834, records that "a gentleman some years ago suc- ceeded in killing a Great Northern Diver " in that parish.1 In August 1884, Mrs. Greet of Birch Hill, Norham, kindly showed me a stuffed specimen of this bird which had been shot on the Tweed there in February 1865. Its food consists of fish and crustaceans. 1 New Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. ii. (Berwickshire), p. 206. PYGOPODES. ( 311 ) COLYMBID&. THE BED-THROATED DIVER RAIN GOOSE, SPECKLED DIVER, RED -THROATED LOON, SPRAT LOON. Golymbus septentrionalis. They carol not, but wail from off the deep In piteous accents of impatient grief , And some, like spirits hardened by despair, Joy in the savage tempest. FABER, Sir Launcelot. THE Red-throated Diver, which is seen off the coast of Ber- wickshire in the autumn, winter, and early spring months, is called the Rain Goose in the north of Scotland, where its wailing cry is thought to prognosticate wet and stormy weather, during which it is frequently heard.1 It is some- times found on the Tweed and the Whitadder. So long ago as 1*793 we find the Rev. Thomas Mill, minister of Lady- kirk, recording in the Old Statistical Account of Scotland that Speckled Divers sometimes resort to the Tweed in severe winters ; 2 and I have known two instances of its occur- rence on that river near Paxton within the last seven- teen years. Mr. William Patterson has informed me that he obtained for his collection a fine specimen of this bird killed on the Whitadder near Preston about thirty years ago. An example was caught near the village of Hutton in Goose — the Red-throated Diver (Colymbus septentrionalis, Linn.), thus denominated because its crying is thought to prognosticate rain." Shet. Caith. — Jamieson, Scot. Diet. Folkard in his Wild Fowler says the cry sounds like " Kakeerah ! kakeerah ! " 2 Old Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. viii. p. 74. 312 THE BED-THROATED DIVER. November 1876. It was unable to fly, and had apparently been driven inland by the stormy weather. The Eed-throated Diver in breeding plumage has a patch of reddish chestnut on the throat, which disappears in winter. It feeds on fish, molluscs, and crustaceans, and in diving uses its wings under the water in the same way as when flying. It breeds as far south as Jura, and in Iceland, and other northern parts of Europe. Although the Black-throated Diver (Colymlus arcticus) has been procured at the mouth of the Tweed,1 I have no record of its occurrence in Berwickshire. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. i. p. 255. 6'wallowCNLic PYGOPODES. ( 313 ) PODICIPEDID&. THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE. CRESTED DOUKER, TIPPET OR SATIN GREBE,1 GAUNT, CAR GOOSE, GREATER LOON, GREY OR ASH-COLOURED LOON. Podiceps cristatus. Thou cream-faced Loon ! Where got' st thou that goose look ? SHAKESPEARE, Macbeth, Act v. Sc. 3. DURING the autumn, winter, and spring months the Great Crested Grebe is occasionally found off the shores of the county in small numbers. Mr. Hardy mentions that of late years it has been noted as an annual winter visitor, and that it was very numerous in 1879, when some were seen lingering on the coast as late as the 3rd of May.2 He adds that in the spring of 1880 it was observed for the last time in the season on the 22nd of March, and reappeared on the 20th of December following.3 In 1881 it left the coast on the 29th of April, and was not noticed in the autumn of that year ; only two or three examples were seen in the spring of 1882.4 The smooth, silky breast of this Grebe is used for making ladies' muffs, and on this account the bird is frequently pursued by men with guns in a boat, when it dives with such rapidity that it can be shot only after a long chase. 1 "From the glossy, silky white skin of the breast being used by furriers for cape trimmings and tippets."— Swainson's Folk-Lore of British Birds, p. 215. 2 Mr. G. Bolam records that he saw a specimen in 1881 as late as 30th May on the Tweed near Berwick Bridge.— Hist. B&r. Nat. Club, vol. x. p. 395. s Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 391. •* Ibid. vol. ix. p. 552. 314 THE GKEAT CRESTED GREBE. Seebohm says that it has not hitherto been known to breed in Scotland, but that it nests in some parts of England and Ireland.1 It feeds generally on fish, frogs, and aquatic insects, and numbers of its feathers are usually found mixed with the food in its stomach on dissection. 1 Seebohm, British Birds, vol. iii. p. 455. PYGOPODES. ( 315 ) PODICIPEDID&. THE EED-NECKED GEEBE. GREY- CHEEKED GREBE. Podiceps griseigena. Now up, now downe againe, that hard it is to prove, Whether under water most it liveth, or above. DRAYTON. THE Ked-necked Grebe is sometimes seen on the coast of Berwickshire during the winter months, and occasionally in the inland parts of the county, generally in severe weather. Mr. Hardy mentions that a specimen which was shot at the Harbour Pier, Coldingham Shore, on the 10th of December, 1875, in winter plumage, was added to Mr. "Wilson's collec- tion ; 1 and Mr. Gray records that a beautifully marked bird was killed at Coldingham on the 14th of February 1879.2 Mr. J. Logan Mack, Coveyheugh House, has informed me that Mr. Andrew Caverhill, Crichness, sent to him a Ked-necked Grebe on the 2nd of February 1881, which was killed on the Lammermuirs during a snowstorm by a shepherd, who knocked it down with a stick. Mr. Compton-Lundie of Spital kindly presented to me a fine specimen of a male in immature plumage, which was shot on the Whitadder at Clarabad mill cauld on the 2nd of February 1888. This species is considerably less than the Great Crested Grebe, while, like that bird, it dives with great facility. It feeds on fish and aquatic insects. i Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 517. 2 Ibid. vol. viii. p. 502. 316 THE RED-NECKED GREBE. Although the Sclavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus) is doubtless a frequenter of our shores from autumn to spring I have no record of any example of this bird having been obtained in Berwickshire. PYGOPODES. ( 317 ) PODICIPEDID&. THE EAKED GREBE. THE BLACK-NECKED GREBE. Podiceps nigricollis. Birds, small and great, of endless shapes and colours, Here flew and perch' d, there swam and dived at pleasure ; \Vatchful and agile, uttering voices wild And harsh, yet in accordance with the waves Upon the beach. MONTGOMERY. ALTHOUGH this is the rarest of the five species of Grebes found in the British Islands, Mr. Robert Gray states that it seems to occur regularly every winter in suitable locali- ties alongshore between Berwick-on-Tweed and Belhaven,1 which includes the whole of the Berwickshire coast. Mr. Andrew Brotherston, bird-stuffer, Kelso, informed me on the 19th of March 1885 that, some time previous to this date, a specimen was shot on Lithtillum Loch, which is situated on the march between the parishes of Coldstream and Eccles. This is the only instance with which I am acquainted of the bird having been got in the county, but an example killed on the Tweed near Berwick in March 1881 is in my collection. The Eared Grebe may be distinguished from the Sclavonian by the former having the bill slightly recurved, while in the latter it is straight. In its habits and food this bird resembles its congeners. * Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. p. 465. PYGOPODES. ( 318 ) PODICIPEDID&. THE LITTLE GREBE OR DABCHICK. DIPPER, DIVER, DIEDAPPER, DIVEDAPPER, DOUCKER, LITTLE DOUCKER, BOMETIE, HITHER 0' THE HAWKINS. Podiceps fluviatilis. SDipper.1 Upon this promise did he raise his chin, Like a dive-dapper peering through a wave, Who, being looKd on, ducks as quickly in. SHAKESPEARE, Venus and Adonis. THE Little Grebe is a permanent resident in the county, being found in spring, summer, and autumn on the lakes and ponds where it breeds; and in winter on rivers and along the sea -coast when its other haunts are covered with ice. It is a very expert diver,2 and its habits are lively and engaging, especially during the nesting season, when the young may be seen floating about on the surface of the water, their parents coming up from beneath at short inter- vals to feed them. Mr. Hardy notes that it arrived at Townhead Pond, where it breeds, on the 8th of April 1882,3 and that it leaves that resort in the autumn. Mr. John Thomson wrote to me on the 3rd of May 1886 that it nests regularly at Mertoun, and at Hullidean Mill Pond, 1 Hr. W. Lockie, Spottiswoode, gives this as the local name of the bird in that locality. 2 Hr. Black, farmer at Girrick, in the parish of Nenthorn, tells me that he has frequently shot at this Grebe on the Eden, but without success, as the bird always dived before the charge reached it. 3 Hr. W. Evans, Edinburgh, has informed me that he saw the Little Grebe on Townhead Pond on the 22nd of April 1886. THE LITTLE GREBE OR DABCHICK. 319 Bemersyde. Mr. W. Lockie says it is met with in con- siderable numbers on Legerwood Loch, and that in winter it frequents the bogs about Westruther and Spottiswoode. The Mill Pond at Foulden New Mains, according to Mr. Millican, is also a favourite resort. I have sometimes observed it on Nabdean Mill Pond, and on the Tweed at Paxton in the winter and early spring months. Mr. A. Kelly, Lauder, relates that " Mr. Scott shot a pair of Little .Grebes in January 1875 in St. Leonard's Cauld. When he first came in sight of them they were standing on a broad hemming of ice enclosing the water, but this was only momentary, as both plunged into the water and reappeared in the same place, and this action was repeated over and over again. They were feeding, he thought, on the spawn of trout.1 He crept nearer them under cover of the branches to get within shot. Perceiving that they were watched, they instinctively kept in the water, only occasionally putting up their beaks for air in the current — the ice preventing them from getting under shelter of the willows and other strong herbage at the sides. Many years before that date Mr. Simson, Lauder, obtained a specimen from the same place." 2 Mr. Kelly adds that this bird is very uncommon in his neighbourhood. The Eev. George Cook of Longfor- macus has informed me that Mr. Smith of Whitchester shot two examples on the Dye in 1879. Dr. Stuart relates that a specimen was found dead at the side of the Whit- adder, near Blanerne, after the ice broke up in December 1879.3 1 Mr. Brotherston, bird-stuffer, Kelso, writing on the effects of the severe winter of 1878-79, says that the Little Grebes were found to be in good condition, and that, in addition to the remains of aquatic insects and their larvae, one had a quantity of salmon roe in its stomach. — Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. viii. p. 538. 2 Mr. A. Kelly, "On some of the Birds of Lauderdale."— Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. vii. pp. 305, 306. s Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. ix. p. 407. 320 THE LITTLE GEEBE OK DABCHICK. The Little Grebe is seldom seen on the wing, and its awkward gait on land is thus alluded to by Pope : — As when a dab-chick waddles through the copse On feet and wings, and flies, and wades, and hops. The nest, which is rather large and flat, is composed of aquatic plants, and is generally placed amongst reeds, rushes, or other coarse herbage with little attempt at concealment ; the eggs, which are from four to six in number, are white when first laid. They soon, however, become stained, and of a dirty yellow colour, for the bird generally covers the eggs with decaying water weeds on leaving the nest. The food of this species, which it mostly obtains under the surface of the water, consists of small fishes and aquatic insects of various kinds. Quantities of feathers are fre- quently found in its stomach. TUB1NARES. ( 321 ) PROCELLARIID&. THE STORM PETREL. MOTHER CAREY'S CHICKEN, STORMY PETREL, LITTLE PETREL, STORM FINCH, WITCH OR WATER WITCH, MITTY, SPENEY, SEA SWALLOW. Procellaria pelagica. < 1 If Earliest Date. Latest Date. Average Date. || II GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON BIRDS— continued. LIMICOL^l. CHARADRIID&. GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis) Spring notes heard First seen in spring Flocks 1823 1800 1836 1884 1886 1856 11 13 3 3rd Jan. 1857 9th Jan. 1864 14th Aug. 1856 28th April 1836 28th April 1836 20th Sept. 1836 24th Feb. 10th Mar. 29th Aug. SCOWPACID&. COMMON CURLEW (Numenius arquata) Returns to moors Spring notes heard Returns to sea-shore 1837 1836 1836 1887 1886 1886 16 11 12 24th Jan. 1880 31st Jan. 1879 16th June 1875 26th April 1872 30th May 1863 30th Sept. 1836 12th Mar. 14th Mar. 6th Aug. GAVI^J. LARWM. BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus) Leaves sea-coast in spring 1813 1886 9 3rd Jan. 1882 9th April 1877 10th Mar. Returns to sea-coast 1868 1884 14 22nd June 1878 7th Aug. 1872 15th July. PYGOPODES. PODICIPEDIDJE. LITTLE GREBE (Podiceps fluvi- atilis) Returns to pond in spring 1886 1 22nd April 1886 Leaves pond in autumn 1876 1 1st Nov. 1876 CALENDAR OF MIGRATIONS & OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS IN BERWICKSHIRE. 1799—1887. Jan. 1. GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla sulphurea) seen 1883. (Earliest of twenty-one observations, 1849-86.) ,, 3. GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis) spring notes heard 1857. (Earliest of eleven observations, 1823-84.) BLACK- HEADED G ULL (Larus ridibundus) left coast 1882. (Earliest of nine observations, 1813-86. ) LAPWING ( Vandlus vulgaris) seen inland 1885. (Earliest of twenty-four observations, 1837-87.) ,, 4. BRAMBLING (Fringilla montifringilla) arrives. (Average date of three observations, 1857-81. ) „ 8. COMMON CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) seen at coast 1875. (Earliest of seventeen observations, 1862-86. ) 336 MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. Jan. 9. GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis) seen 1864. (Earliest of thirteen observations, 1800-86. ) WILD GEESE (Anser segetum and Anser brachyrhynchus) last seen 1864. (Earliest of twenty-three observations, 1801-86.) „ 10. MISSEL THRUSH ( Turdus viscivorus) began to sing 1884. (Earliest of ten observations, 1843-84.) ,, 11. STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) spring notes heard 1877. (Earliest of five observations, 1872-78.) ,, 15. PARTRIDGE (Perdix cinerea) began to pair 1882. (Earliest of four observations, 1849-82.) BRAMBLING (Fringilla montifringilla) arrived 1881. (Latest of three observations, 1857-81.) ,, 17. HEDGE SPARROW (Accentor modularis) began to sing 1864. (Earliest of ten observations, 1838-87.) PIED WAGTAIL (Motadlla lugubris) appeared 1868. (Earliest of twenty-four observations, 1836-87.) ROCK PIPIT (Anthus obscurus) seen on sea-shore 1868. (Earliest of six observations, 1868-84.) ,, 19. SONG THRUSH (Turdus musicus) began to sing 1882. (Earliest of twenty observations, 1801-87.) BLACKBIRD ( Turdus merula] commenced to whistle 1882. (Earliest of sixteen observations, 1801-83.) ,, 20. SNOW-BUNTING ( Plectrophanes nivalis) came 1884. (Latest of sixteen observations, 1812-86.) ,, 24. CURLEW (Numenius arquata) returned to moors 1880. (Earliest of sixteen observations, 1837-87.) ,, 26. STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) whistles. (Average date of five observations, 1872-78.) ,, 30 REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) singing 1876. (Earliest of ten observations, 1838-82.) CHAFFINCH (Fringilla ccslebs) in song 1887. (Earliest of fifteen observations, 1840-87.) RING DOVE (Columba palumbus) cooing 1887. (Earliest of four observations, 1884-87.) ,, 31. CURLEW (Numenius arquata) first spring notes heard 1879. (Earliest of eleven observations, 1836-86.) Feb. 2. SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) singing 1801. (Earliest of seventeen observations, 1801-87.) „ 4. WREN (Troglodytes parvulus) in song 1849. (Earliest of six observations, 1849-82.) GREAT TITMOUSE (Parus major) spring notes heard 1849. (Earliest of five observations, 1849-82.) ,, 6. YELLOW BUNTING (Emberiza citrinella) singing 1874. (Earliest of seven observations, 1837-75.) LINNET (Linota cannabina) began to sing 1874. (Earliest of four observations, 1836-79.) FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris) left 1864. (Earliest of fourteen observations, 1813-87.) „ 8. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola) observed 1864. (Earliest of fifteen observations, 1837-86.) MIGEATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. 337 Feb. 8. WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) left sea 1873. (Earliest of thirteen observations, 1857-86.) ,, 9. MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus) sings. (Average date of ten observations, 1843-84.) GOLDEN-EYE (Fuligula clangula) appears on coast. (Average date of six observations, 1879-86.) ,, 12. REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) sings. (Average date of ten observations, 1838-82.) PARTRIDGE (Perdix cintred) pairs. (Average date of four observations, 1849-82.) ,, 15. RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) seen 1872. (Earliest of thirteen observations, 1860-86.) ,, 16. CHAFFINCH (Fringilla ccelebs) sings. (Average date of fifteen observations, 1840-87.) LAPWING ( Vanellus vulgaris) appears inland. (Average date of twenty-four observations, 1837-87.) ,, 17. SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) sings. (Average date of seventeen observations, 1801-87.) ,, 19. YELLOW BUNTING (Emberiza citrinella) sings. (Average date of seven observations, 1837-75. ) ,, 20. SONG THRUSH ( Turdus musicus) sings. (Average date of twenty observations, 1801-87.) ,, 21. HEDGE SPARROW (A ccentor modularis) sings. (Average date of ten observations, 1838-87.) ,, 22. STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) first spring notes heard 1872. (Latest of five observations, 1872-78.) ROOK (Corvus frugilegus) began to nest 1884. (Earliest of four observations, 1884-87.) ,, 24. GOLDEN PLOVER (Oharadrius pluvialis) calls. (Average date of eleven observations, 1823-84. ) MOOR HEN (Gallinula chloropus) returned to ponds 1883. (Earliest of twelve observations, 1837-86. ) ,, 25. REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) began to sing 1838. (Latest of ten observations, 1838-82.) RING DOVE (Oolumba palumbus) coos. (Average date of four observations, 1884-87. ) ,, 26. BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) whistles. (Average date of six- teen observations, 1801-83.) COMMON CORMORANT (Pkalacrocorax carbo) appears at sea-coast. (Average date of seventeen observations, 1862-86. ) ,, 28. WHEATEAR (Saxicola cenanthe) arrived 1876. (Earliest of twenty -three observations, 1836-86.) CORN BUNTING (Emberiza miliaria) sings. (Average date of four observations, 1849-84.) ROOK (Corvus frugilegus) begins to nest. (Average date of four observations, 1884-87.) Mar. 2. BLUE TITMOUSE (Parus cceruleus) spring note heard 1860. „ 3. STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) nested 1883. (Earliest of six observations, 1872-83.) VOL. II. Y 338 MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. Mar. 4. MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis) seen 1856. (Earliest of twelve observations, 1856-83.) PARTRIDGE (Perdix cinerea) began to pair 1856. (Latest of four observations, 1849-82.) ROOK (Corvus frugilegus) began to nest 1886. (Latest of four observations, 1884-87. ) ,, 5. GREAT TITMOUSE (Parus major] calls. (Average date of five observations, 1849-82.) ,, 7. COOT (Fulica atra) returned to ponds, 1881. (Earliest of four observations, 1881-86.) ,, 10. MISSEL THRUSH ( Turdus vistivorus] began to sing 1881. (Latest of ten observations, 1843-84.) SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) began to sing 1881. (Latest of seventeen observations, 1801-87.) GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla sulphured) arrives at Oldcambus. (Average date of twenty-one observations, 1849-86.) GOLDEN PLOVER (Gkaradrius pluvialis) appears in neighbourhood of coast. (Average date of thirteen observations, 1800-86.) BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus) leaves sea-coast. (Average date of nine observations, 1813-86.) ,, 12. SONG THRUSH (Turdus musicus) commenced to sing 1875. (Latest of twenty observations, 1801-87.) RING DOVE (Columba palumbus) began to coo 1884. (Latest of four observations, 1884-87.) CURLEW (Numenius arquata) returns to moors. (Average date of sixteen observations, 1837-87. ) ,, 13. LINNET (Linota cannabina) sings. (Average date of four observ- ations, 1836-79.) ,, 14. CORN BUNTING (Emberiza miliaria) arrives at Oldcambus. (Average date of nine observations, 1856-84.) CURLEW (Numenius arquata) calls. (Average date of eleven observations, 1836-86.) ,, 15. HEDGE SPARROW (Accentor modularis) began to sing 1881. (Latest of ten observations, 1838-87.) PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla lugubris) appears. (Average date of twenty-four observations, 1836-87.) ,, 16. SNIPE (Gallinago ccelestis) "drummed" 1840. (Earliest of six observations, 1837-79.) ,, 18. MOOR HEN (Gallinula chloropus) returns to ponds. (Average date of twelve observations, 1837-86. ) ,, 20. GOLDEN-EYE (Fuligula dangula) returned to sea-coast 1886. (Latest of six observations, 1879-86.) ,, 21. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola) appears in neighbourhood of coast. (Average date of fifteen observations, 1837-86.) ROCK PIPIT (Anthus obscurus) on sea-shore. (Average date of six observations, 1868-84.) ,, 22. RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) began to sing 1875. (Earliest of three observations, 1875-84. ) „ 23. CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collyUta) arrived 1882. (Earliest of six observations, 1874-87.) MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. 339 Mar. 23. WILD GEESE (Anser segetum and Anser brackyrhynchus) leave. (Average date of twenty-three observations, 1801-86.) ,, 24. SAND MARTIN (Cotile riparia) arrived 1884. (Earliest of four- teen observations, 1840-87.) WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticula) left 1883. (Earliest of ten observations, 1836-86.) WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) leaves sea-coast in spring. (Average date of thirteen observations, 1857-86.) ,, 25. LAPWING (Vanellus vulgaris) seen inland 1877. (Latest of twenty-four observations, 1837-87.) ,, 28. SNOW-BUNTING (Pleclroplmnes nivalis) left 1881. ,, 30. SOLAN GEESE (Sula bassana) seen off coast 1881. (Earliest of seven observations, 1873-83.) Apr. 1. MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis) arrives. (Average date of twelve observations, 1856-83.) ,, 4. WREN (Troglodytes parvulus) sings. (Average date of six observations, 1849-82.) WILLOW WREN (Phylloscopus trochilus) arrived 1882. (Earliest of twenty-six observations, 1836-87.) CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) arrived 1833. (Earliest of twenty- nine observations, 1821-87.) , , 6. REDWING ( Turdus iliacus) left 1877. (Earliest of two observa- tions, 1877 and 1879.) ,, 7. FIELDFARE ( Turdus pilaris) leaves. (Average date of fourteen observations, 1813-87.) RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) arrives. (Average date of thirteen observations, 1860-86.) WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra) came 1872. (Earliest of ten observations, 1837-87.) WHEATEAR (Saxicola wnanthe) nested 1877. MOOR HEN (Gallinula chloropus) returned to ponds 1886. (Latest of twelve observations, 1837-86.) ,, 8. RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) sings. (Average date of three observations, 1875-84.) ,, 9. WHEATEAR (Saxicola cenanthe) arrives. (Average date of twenty- three observations, 1836-86.) CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita) comes. (Average date of six observations, 1874-87.) COOT (Fulica atra) returns to ponds. (Average date of four observations, 1881-86.) BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus) left coast 1877. (Latest of nine observations, 1813-86.) ,, 10. SNIPE (Gallinago coslestis) had eggs 1883. (Earliest of three observations, 1843-83.) ,, 11. SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) arrived 1803. (Earliest of forty- three observations, 1800-87.) GOLDEN-EYE (Fuligula clangula) left coast 1881. ,, 12. DOTTEREL (Charadrius morinellus) arrived 1882. (Earliest of thirteen observations, 1836-86.) 340 MIGKATIONS AND OBSEEVATIONS OF BIRDS. Apr. 12. BLACKBIRD ( Turdus merula) began to whistle 1881. (Latest of sixteen observations, 1801-83.) RING DOVE (Columba pahimbus) had eggs 1887. ,, 13. CHAFFINCH (Fringilla ccelebs) commenced to sing 1886. (Latest of fifteen observations, 1840-87.) GREAT TITMOUSE (Parus major) spring note heard for first time in season 1881. (Latest of five observations, 1849-82.) ,, 14. WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticula) leaves. (Average date of ten observations, 1836-86.) ,, 15. MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus) nested 1860. (Earliest of three observations, 1837-77.) SNIPE (Gallinago ccelestis) "drums." (Average date of six observations, 1837-79.) SOLAN GOOSE (Sula bassana) appears off coast. (Average date of seven observations, 1873-83.) ,, 16. RING OUZEL ( Turdus torquatus) had young 1882. (Earliest of three observations, 1877-83.) ,, 17. REDWING (Turdus iliacus) leaves. (Average date of two observ- ations, 1877 and 1879.) ,, 18. BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) arrived 1875. (Earliest of ten observations, 1849-87.) HOODED CROW (Corvus comix] left 1884. COMMON CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) seen on coast 1872. (Latest of seventeen observations in spring, 1862-86.) ,, 21. WREN (Troglodytes parvulus) began to sing 1879. (Latest of six observations, 1849-82.) MARTIN (Chelidon urbica) arrived 1874. (Earliest of twenty observations, 1836-86.) ,, 22. WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) left sea-coast 1857. (Latest of thirteen observations, 1857-86. ) LITTLE GREBE (Podiceps fluviatilis) returned to ponds 1886. ,, 23. BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) began to sing 1874. (Earliest of two observations, 1874 and 1881.) CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita) arrived 1874. (Latest of six observations, 1874-87.) WILLOW WREN (Phylloscopus trochilus) arrives. (Average date of twenty-six observations, 1836-87.) ,, 24. MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus) nests. (Average date of three observations, 1837-77.) WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) returned 1874. (Earliest of eleven observations, 1874-87.) REDSTART (Phcenicura ruticilla) arrived 1872. (Earliest of seven- teen observations, 1850-87.) ,, 25. ROCK PIPIT (Anthus obscurus) seen on sea-shore 1879. (Latest of six observations, 1868-84.) STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) nests. (Average date of six observ- ations, 1872-83.) SAND MARTIN (Cotile riparia) arrives. (Average date of four- teen observations, 1840-87.) MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. 341 Apr. 25. DOTTEREL (Charadrius morinellus) left 1882. (Earliest of six observations, 1836-83.) ,, 26. PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla lugubris) appeared 1847. (Latest of twenty-four observations, 1836-87. ) SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) arrives. (Average date of forty- three observations, 1800-87.) PHEASANT (Phasianu* colchicus) had young 1887. (Earliest of six observations, 1839-87.) CURLEW (Numenius arquata) returned to moors 1872. (Latest of sixteen observations, 1837-87.) ,, 27. SONG THRUSH (Turdus musicus) had young 1887. (Earliest of ten observations, 1836-87.) ,, 28. GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis) first spring notes heard 1836. (Latest of eleven observations, 1823-84.) GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis) seen for first time in spring 1836. (Latest of thirteen observations, 1800-86.) COMMON SANDPIPER ( Totanus kypoleucus) arrived 1887. ,, 29. REDWING (Turdus iliacus) left 1879. (Latest of two observa- tions, 1877 and 1879.) YELLOW BUNTING (Emberiza dtrinelld) in song 1837. (Latest of seven observations, 1837-75.) ROOK (Corvus frugilegus) young appeared outside of nest 1887. ,, 30. BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) began to sing 1881. (Latest of two observations, 1874 and 1881.) TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis) arrived 1887. (Earliest of five observations, 1879-87.) LINNET (Linota cannabina) in song 1836. (Latest of four observ- ations, 1836-79.) WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) had young 1887. (Earliest of three observations, 1877-87.) May 1. BLACKBIRD ( Turdus merula) nested 1837. WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa) arrived 1874. (Earliest of sixteen observations, 1857-87.) CORN BUNTING (Emberiza miliaria) singing 1884. (Latest of four observations, 1849-84.) LAPWING ( Vanellus vulgaris) had young 1874. (Earliest of five observations, 1836-81.) LANDRAIL (Crex pratensis) arrived 1880. (Earliest of twelve observations, 1800-87.) WILD GEESE (Anser segetum and Anser brachyrhynchus) seen 1884. (Latest of twenty-two observations, 1800-86. ) „ 2. CHAFFINCH (Fringilla Calebs) nested 1857. (Earliest of three observations, 1850-76.) REDSTART (Phoenicura ruticilla) arrives. (Average date of seventeen observations, 1850-87.) CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) arrives. (Average date of twenty- nine observations, 1821-87.) „ 3. WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) singing 1875. (Earliest of four observations, 1875-87.) 342 MIGEATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIEDS. May 3. MARTIN (Chelidon urbica) returns. (Average date of twenty observations, 1836-86.) WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticula) left 1881. (Latest of ten observ- ations, 1836-86.) SOLAN GOOSE (Sula bassana) seen off coast 1877. (Latest of seven observations, 1873-83.) DOTTEREL (Oharadrius morinellus) arrives. (Average date of thirteen observations, 1836-86.) „ 4. WHEATEAR (Saxicola cenanthe) arrived 1885. (Latest of twenty- three observations, 1836-86.) BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) comes. (Average date of ten observations, 1849-87.) MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis) appeared 1880. (Latest of twelve observations, 1856-83.) ,, 5. REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) had young 1879. (Earliest of five observations, 1860-81.) WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa) in song 1875. (Earliest of two observations, 1875 and 1881.) ,, 6. MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus) nested 1877. (Latest of three observations, 1837-77.) CHAFFINCH (Fringilla ccelebs) nests. (Average date of three observations, 1850-76.) ,, 7. RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) has young. (Average date of three observations, 1877-83.) RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) singing 1884. (Latest of three observations, 1875-84.) ,, 8. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola) appeared 1886. (Latest of fifteen observations, 1837-86.) TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis) returns. (Average date of five observations, 1879-87.) NIGHTJAR (Oaprimulgus europceus) arrived 1848. (Earliest of eight observations, 1837-86.) ,, 9. SEDGE WARBLER (Acrocephalus schoenobcenu-s) came 1881. (Earliest of nine observations, 1842-84.) WILLOW WREN (Phylloscopus trochilus) arrived 1885. (Latest of twenty-six observations of date of arrival, 1836-87.) PIED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa atricapilla) seen 1885. ,, 10. CHAFFINCH (Fringilla codebs) nested 1850. (Latest of three observations, 1850-76.) BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) had young 1850. (Earliest of two observations, 1843 and 1850. ) WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) arrives. (Average date of eleven observations, 1874-87.) „ 11. WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa) arrives. (Average date of sixteen observations, 1857-87.) SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) returned 1850. (Latest of forty- three observations, 1800-87.) SWIFT (Cypselus apus) arrived 1883. (Earliest of thirteen observ- ations, 1849-85.) MIGEATIONS AND OBSEEVATIONS OF BIRDS. 343 May 11. LANDRAIL (Crex pratensis) comes. (Average date of twelve observations, 1800-87.) ,, 12. SNIPE (Gallinago ccdestis) "drummed" 1837. (Latest of six observations, 1837-79.) PIED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa atricapilla) seen 1877. ,, 13. WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa) is heard singing. (Average date of two observations, 1875 and 1881.) ,, 14. MARTIN (Chelidon urbica) arrived 1877. (Latest of twenty observations, 1836-86.) ,, 15. FIELDFARE ( Turdus pilaris) left 1887. (Latest of fourteen observ- ations, 1813-87.) WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra) came 1884. (Latest of ten observ- ations, 1837-87.) SAND MARTIN (Cotile riparia) returned 1877. (Latest of four- teen observations, 1840-87.) SWIFT (Cypselus apus) arrives. (Average date of thirteen observ- ations, 1849-85.) WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) has young. (Average date of three observations, 1877-87.) ,, 17. SONG THRUSH (Turdus musicus) has young. (Average date of ten observations, 1836-87.) REDSTART (Phwnicura ruticilla} arrived 1883. (Latest of seven- teen observations, 1850-87.) NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus europceus) comes. (Average date of eight observations, 1837-86. ) WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) sings. (Average date of four observations, 1875-87.) ,, 18. GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla sidplmrea] appeared 1881. (Latest of twenty-one observations, 1849-86.) TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis) arrived 1885. (Latest of five observations, 1879-87. ) ,, 19. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa grisola) came 1881. (Earliest of five observations, 1881-86.) REDSTART (Phcenicura ruticilla) nested 1850. DOTTEREL (Charadrius morinellus) arrived 1840. (Latest of thirteen observations, 1836-86.) ,, 20. DOTTEREL (Charadrius morinellus) leaves. (Average date of six observations, 1836-83.) ,, 21. WHINCHAT (Saxicola mbetra) comes. (Average date of ten observations, 1837-87.) WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa) singing 1881. (Latest of two observations, 1875 and 1881.) ,, 22. REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) has young. (Average date of five observations, 1860-1881.) GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia salicaria) arrived 1884. (Earliest of two observations, 1879-84. ) SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa grisola) arrives. (Average date of five observations, 1881-86.) RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) came 1884. (Latest of thirteen observations, 1860-86.) 344 MIGRATIONS AND OBSEEVATIONS OF BIRDS. May 22. BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) arrived 1880. (Latest of ten observations, 1849-87.) WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa) returned 1885. (Latest of sixteen observations, 1857-87.) WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) arrived 1880. (Latest of eleven observations, 1874-87.) ,, 23. GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia salicaria) comes. (Average date of two observations, 1879-84. ) ,, 24. COOT (Fulica atra) returned to ponds 1882. (Latest of four observations, 1881-86.) ,, 25. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa grisola) arrived 1883. (Latest of five observations, 1881-86.) LAPWING ( Vanellus vulgaris) has young. (Average date of five observations, 1836-81.) GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia salicaria} arrived 1879. (Latest of two observations. ) ,, 26. SEDGE WARBLER (A crocephalus schcenobcenus) arrives. (Average date of nine observations, 1842-84.) ,, 27. CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) arrived 1872. (Latest of twenty-nine observations, 1821-87.) NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus europceus} heard 1837. (Earliest of two observations, 1837 and 1843.) ,, 28. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Acrocephalus ncevius) heard 1888. (Earliest of two observations, 1876-88.) ,, 29. LANDRAIL (Crex pratensis) arrived 1812. (Latest of twelve observations, 1800-87.) ,, 30. SWIFT (Gypselus apus) arrived 1863. (Latest of thirteen observ- ations, 1849-85.) CURLEW (Numenius arquata} spring note heard 1863. (Latest of eleven observations, 1836-86. ) WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) singing 1883. (Latest of four observations, 1875-87.) June 4. SNIPE (Oallinago ccelestis) has eggs. (Average date of three observations, 1843-83.) „ 5. NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus europceus) arrived 1886. (Latest of eight observations, 1837-86.) ,, 6. DOTTEREL (Charadrius morinellus) left 1836. (Latest of six observations, 1836-83.) 7. STARLING (Sturnus vidgaris} nested 1880. (Latest of six observ- ations, 1872-83.) 9. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Acrocephalus ncevius} heard 1876. (Latest of two observations, 1876-88.) ,, 10. LAPWING (Vanellus vidgaris} had young 1838. (Latest of five observations, 1836-81.) 13. CORN BUNTING (Emberizia miliaria} arrived at Oldcambus 1884. (Latest of nine observations, 1856-84.) PARTRIDGE (Perdix cinerea} had eggs 1872. „ 14. NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus europceus} is heard. (Average date of two observations, 1837 and 1843.) MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. 345 June 14. PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus) has young. (Average date of six observations, 1839-87.) ,, 15. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola) had young 1874. (Earliest of three observations, 1874-84.) LAPWING ( Vandlus mdgaris) began to flock 1842. (Earliest of twelve observations, 1842-83.) ,, 16. RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) had young 1877. (Latest of three observations, 1877-83. ) CURLEW (Numenius arquata) returned to shore 1875. (Earliest of twelve observations, 1836-86.) WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) had young 1877. (Latest of three observations, 1877-87.) ,, 18. CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) last heard 1837. (Earliest of six observations, 1837-81.) „ 19. BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) had young 1843. (Latest of two observations, 1843 and 1850.) WHEATEAR (Saxicola cenanthe) had young 1882. PARTRIDGE (Perdix cinerea) had young 1872. (Earliest of four observations, 1837-85.) ,, 21. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola) has young. (Average date of three observations, 1874-84.) ,, 22. REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) had young 1881. (Latest of five observations, 1860-81.) BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus) returned to coast 1878. (Earliest of fourteen observations, 1868-84.) ,, 23. SEDGE WARBLER (Acrocephalus schoenobamus} arrived 1842. (Latest of nine observations, 1842-84.) CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) last heard. (Average date of six observations, 1837-81.) ,, 25. PARTRIDGE (Perdix cinerea) has young. (Average date of four observations, 1837-85.) ,, 28. REDSTART (Phcenicura ruticilla) had young 1874. ,, 30. PARTRIDGE (Perdix cinerea) had young 1885. (Latest of four observations, 1837-85.) July 1. SONG THRUSH ( Turdus musicus) had young 1839. (La test of ten observations, 1836-87. ) CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) last heard 1838. (Latest of six observations, 1837-81.) ,, 3. NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus europceus} first heard 1843. (Latest of two observations, 1837 and 1843.) ,, 4. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola} had young 1884. (Latest of three observations, 1874-84.) 6. COMMON CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) seen on sea-shore 1872. (Earliest of twelve observations, 1863-86.) ,, 10. ROCK PIPIT (Anthus obscurus) had eggs 1868. ,, 15. BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus} returns to sea-coast. (Average date of fourteen observations, 1868-84.) CUCKOO (Gucidus canorus} young were seen flying 1842. 346 MIGEATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. July 17. SNIPE (Gallinago codestis) had eggs 1845. (Latest of three observations, 1843-83.) ,, 19. PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus) had young 1877. (Latest of six observations, 1839-87. ) ,, 27. NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus europceus) nested 1839. Aug. 3. WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) left 1882. (Earliest of two observations, 1882 and 1883.) ,, 5. SWIFT (Cypselus apus) left 1881. (Earliest of seven observations, 1873-85.) ,, 6. WHEATEAR (Saxicola cenanthe) left 1873. (Earliest of ten observ- ations, 1863-85.) CURLEW (Numenius arquala) returns to sea-shore. (Average date of twelve observations, 1836-86.) ,, 7. BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus) returned to coast 1872. (Latest of fourteen observations, 1868-84.) ,, 10. SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) flocked 1857. (Earliest of four observations, 1857-85.) ,, 14. GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis) flocked on moors 1856. (Earliest of three observations, 1836-56.) ,, 15. WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa) left 1873. (Earliest of ten observa- tions, 1873-85.) WILLOW WREN (Phylloscopus trochilus) left 1879. (Earliest of nine observations, 1857-84.) ,, 16. REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) in song 1868. (Earliest of eight autumnal observations, 1814-82.) ,, 17. COMMON CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) first seen on sea- coast. (Average date of twelve observations, 1863-86.) ,, 20. LAPWING ( Vanellus vulgaris) flocks. (Average date of twelve observations, 1842-83.) ,, 21. WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) leaves. (Average date of two observations, 1882 and 1883.) MARTIN (Chelidon urbica) flocked 1860. (Earliest of four observations, 1857-80.) ,, 22. SWIFT (Cypselus apus) leaves. (Average date of seven observa- tions, 1873-85.) „ 25. STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) flocked 1881. (Earliest of nine observations, 1857-85. ) CQCKOO (Cuculus canorus) left 1881. ,, 27. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa grisola) left 1881. ,, 29. GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis) flocks on moors. (Aver- age date of three observations, 1836-56.) ,, 30. SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) flocks. (Average date of four observations, 1857-85.) Sept. 1. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa grisola) left 1884. WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra) left 1884. SEDGE WARBLER (Acrocephalus schcenobcenus) left 1884. MIGRATIONS AND OBSEEVATIONS OF BIRDS. 347 Sept. 2. LINNET (Linota cannabina) flocked 1874. (Earliest of six observations, 1836-80. ) „ 4. MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis] left 1883. (Earliest of five observations, 1880-85.) MARTIN (Chelidon urbica) flocks. (Average date of four observ- ations, 1857-80.) ,, 6. REDSTART (Phosnicura ruticilla) left 1878. (Earliest of four observations, 1872-83.) WILLOW WREN (Phylloscopus trochilm) leaves. (Average date of nine observations, 1857-84.) ,, 7. WHEATEAR (Saxicola cenanthe) leaves. (Average date of ten observations, 1863-85.) ,, 8. WHITKTHROAT (Sylvia rufa) leaves. (Average date of ten observations, 1873-85.) ,, 10. WOOD WREN (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) left 1883. (Latest of two observations, 1882-83). ,, 11. SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) left 1881. (Earliest of twenty- three observations, 1822-85.) MARTIN (Chelidon urbica) left 1881. (Earliest of thirteen observations, 1836-85. ) SAND MARTIN (Ootile riparia) left 1881. (Earliest of nine observations, 1836-85.) ,, 12. SWIFT (Gypsdus apus) left 1879. (Latest of seven observations. 1873-85.) ,, 13. SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) singing 1875. (Earliest of four autumnal observations, 1833-75.) ,, 14. REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) sings. (Average date of eight observations, 1814-82.) ,, 15. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola) left neighbourhood of sea-coast 1849. (Earliest of thirteen observations, 1837-84.) SAND MARTIN (Cotile riparia) flocked 1880. (Earliest of two observations, 1876 and 1880.) ,, 17. BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) left 1884. (Earliest of two observ- ations, 1883 and 1884.) GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia salicaria) left 1883 and 1884. ,, 18. WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) returned to sea 1879. (Earliest of eleven observations, 1873-84.) ,, 19. MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus) flocked 1822. (Earliest of eight observations, 1822-81.) ,, 20. GOLDEN PLOVER (Oharadrius pluvialis) flocked on moors 1836. (Latest of three observations, 1836-56.) „ 21. SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) flocked 1884. (Latest of four observations, 1857-85.) ,, 22. SAND MARTIN (Cotile riparia) leaves. (Average date of nine observations, 1836-85.) LANDRAIL (Crex pratensis) left 1881. ,, 24. SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) sings. (Average date of four autumnal observations, 1833-75.) 348 MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. Sept. 24. CHAFFINCH (Fringitta codebs) flocked 1850. YELLOW-BUNTING (Emberiza citrinella) in flocks 1850. MARTIN (Chelidon urbica) leaves. (Average date of thirteen observations, 1836-85.) ,, 25. SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) leaves. (Average date of twenty- three observations, 1822-85.) ,, 26. DOTTEREL (Charadrius morinelhis) seen 1837. (Earliest of five autumnal observations, 1837-75. ) „ 27. BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) left 1883. PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla lugubris) disappeared 1883. (Earliest of five observations, 1873-83.) MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis) leaves neighbourhood of Old- cambus. (Average date of five observations, 1880-85.) ,, 28. REDSTART (Phcenicura ruticilla) leaves. (Average date of four observations, 1872-83.) DOTTEREL (Charadrius pluvialis) is seen on migration south- wards. (Average date of five autumnal observations, 1837-75. ) „ 29. WILLOW WREN (Phylloscopus trochilus) left 1881. (Latest of nine observations, 1857-84. ) MARTIN (Chelidon iirbica) flocked 1876. (Latest of four observ- ations, 1857-80.) SAND MARTIN (Cotile riparia) flocked 1876. (Latest of two observations, 1876 and 1880.) ,, 30. DOTTEREL (Charadrius morinellus) seen on migration southwards 1875. (Latest of five autumnal observations, 1837-75.) CURLEW (Numenius arquata) returned to shore 1836. (Latest of twelve observations, 1836-86.) Oct. 1. SNOW-BUNTING (Plectrophanes nivalis) arrived 1851. (Earliest of sixteen observations, 1812-86.) WILD GEESE (Anser segetum and Anser brachyrhynchus) seen 1884. (Earliest of twenty-two observations, 1800-86.) ,, 2. SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) singing 1837. (Latest of four autumnal observations, 1833-75.) GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla sulphurea) left neighbourhood of Old- cambus 1879. (Earliest of two observations, 1878 and 1879.) ,, 4. PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla lugubris) disappears. (Average date of five observations, 1873-83.) ,, 5. ROCK PIPIT (Anthus obscurus) seen on sea-shore 1878. WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticula) arrived 1882. (Earliest of twelve observations, 1835-83.) ,, 6. STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) flocks. (Average date of nine observations, 1857-85.) ,, 9. SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) left 1874. (Latest of twenty-three observations, 1822-85.) MARTIN (Chelidon urbica) left 1874. (Latest of thirteen observ- ations, 1836-85.) SAND MARTIN (Cotile riparia) left 1874. (Latest of nine observ- ations, 1836-85.) MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS. 349 Oct. 11. LINNET (Linota cannabina) flocks. (Average date of six observ- ations, 1836-80.) ,, 12. WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra) left 1883. (Latest of two observ- ations, 1883 and 1884.) WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) returns to sea. (Average date of eleven observations, 1873-84.) FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris) arrived 1874. (Earliest of twenty- two observations, 1799-1886.) ,, 13. WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa) left 1884. (Latest of ten observ- ations, 1873-85.) ,, 14. WHEATEAR (Saxicola oenanthe) left 1879. (Latest of ten observ- ations. 1863-85.) ,, 16. REDBREAST (Erithaca rubecula) singing 1836. (Latest of eight autumnal observations, 1814-82.) ,, 18. WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticula) arrives. (Average date of twelve observations, 1835-83. ) ,, 20. RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus] left 1883. (Earliest of four observations, 1857-83.) ,, 21. PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla lugubris] disappeared 1874. (Latest of five observations, 1873-83.) ,, 23. LAPWING (Vanellus vulgaris) flocked 1860. (Latest of twelve observations, 1842-83.) ,, 24. WREN (Troglodytes parvulus) singing 1863. ,, 26. MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus) flocks. (Average date of eight observations, 1822-81.) SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) flocked 1857. (Earliest of three observations, 1857-80.) WILD GEESE (Anser segetum and Anser brachyrhynchus) are first seen. (Average date of twenty -two autumnal observations, 1800-86.) COMMON CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) first seen on sea- coast 1877. (Latest of twelve observations, 1863-86.) ,, 27. REDWING (Turdus iliacus) arrived 1879. (Earliest of five observations, 1860-84.) TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis) left 1837. ,, 29. COOT (Fulica atra) left ponds 1881. ,, 31. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola) leaves neighbourhood of sea-coast. (Average date of thirteen observations, 1837-84.) Nov. 1. LITTLE GREBE (Podiceps fluviatilis) left ponds 1876. ,, 3. WILD DUCK (Anas boscas) returned to sea 1873. (Latest of eleven observations, 1873-84.) 7. FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris) arrives. (Average date of twenty- two observations, 1799-1886.) ,, 8. REDSTART (Phcenicura ruticitta) left 1872. (Latest of four observations, 1872-83.) ,, 9. SNOW BUNTING (Plectrophanes nivalis] arrives. (Average date of sixteen observations, 1812-86.) WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticula} arrived 1884. (Latest of twelve observations, 1835-83.) 350 MIGRATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS, Nov. 11. RING OUZEL ( Turdus torquatus} leaves. (Average date of four observations, 1857-83.) ,, 12. MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis) left 1880. (Latest of five observations, 1880-85.) ,, 16. REDWING (Turdus iliacus) arrives. (Average date of five observations, 1860-84.) ,, 18. GREY WAGTAIL (Motacilla sulplmrea) disappeared 1878. (Latest of two observations, 1878 and 1879.) ,, 21. SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) flocks. (Average date of three observations, 1857-80.) ,, 22. RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) left 1857. (Latest of four observations, 1857-83.) Dec. 14. REDWING (Turdus iliacus) arrived 1878. (Latest of five observ- ations, 1860-84.) LINNET (Linota cannabina) left Oldcambus 1878. ,, 15. WILD GEESE (Anser segetiim and Anser brachyrhynchus) first seen 1881. (Latest of twenty-two observations, 1800-86.) ,, 16. SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis) flocked 1880. (Latest of three observations, 1857-80.) ,, 17. STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola) disappeared 1882. (Latest of thirteen observations, 1837-84.) ,, 19. MISSEL THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus) flocked 1871. (Latest of eight observations, 1822-81.) FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris) arrived 1871. (Latest of twenty- two observations, 1799-1886.) STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) flocked 1871. (Latest of nine observations, 1857-85.) ,, 23. BRAMBLING (Fringilla montifringilla) arrived 1874. (Earliest of three observations, 1857-81.) ,, 26. CORN BUNTING (Emberiza miliaria) arrived at Oldcambus 1863. (Earliest of nine observations, 1856-84.) ,, 31. CORN BUNTING (Emberiza miliaria) singing 1863. (Earliest of four observations, 1849-84.) LINNET (Linota cannabina) flocked 1880. (Latest of six observ- ations, 1836-80.) §§•12 S. 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( 358 ) FRINGILLID^E. APPENDIX. THE HAWFINCH. GROSBEAK, CHERRY FINCH. Coccothraustes vulgaris. Miss GEORGINA MILNE -HOME, Milne Graden, has kindly informed me that a female Hawfinch was caught in a fruit net in the garden at Lady kirk on the 2nd of September 1892. It was kept in a cage for a few days, when it was identified by Mr. John Brotherston, gardener at Milne Graden, who had frequently seen this species in the south of England. The Hawfinch has seldom been observed in Scotland. Mr. Eagle Clarke, F.L.S., records in the Annals of Scottish Natural History? that on the 3rd of August 1894 a speci- men of this bird in immature plumage was captured in a net placed over a strawberry bed in the garden of Mr. Dundas of Arniston, Mid-Lothian. i The Annals of Scottish Natural History, 1894, pp. 195, 196. PICARI&. ( 359 ) THE GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER PIED WOODPECKER, WITWALL, WOOD PIE, FRENCH PIE. Dendrocopus major. MY friend Dr. Charles Stuart of Chirnside has been so good as to let me know that this species was found by Mr. John Ferguson, Duns, nesting in a hole in an ash tree in the woods of Duns Castle, in the summer of 1894.1 Mr. William Smith, late gamekeeper at Duns Castle, has informed me that on the 12th of July 1887 he shot a young Great Spotted Woodpecker in Duns Castle woods, which, by its appearance, had only recently left the nest ; and that a few days afterwards he noticed three others sitting on the top of a tall larch tree in the same plant- ations near St. Mary's Cottage. i Mr. William Evans, F.R.S.E., records that he found the Great Spotted Woodpecker rearing its young in the same tree in Duns Castle Woods on the 29th of May 1895.— Annals of Scottish Natural History, July 1895. ( 360 ) I.— INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS IN VOL. II. LATIN NAMES. Accipitres, PAGE 1 Dendrocopus major, PAGE . 352 Ardeidce, 39 Ardea cinerea, 39 Ectopistes migratori'iix, . . 153 Anseres, 66 Falconidw, 1 Anatidcc, Anser segetum, 66 66 Falco peregrinua, . Falco subbuteo, 1 20 „ brachyrhynchus, . 66 y, cesalon, 21 ,, albifrons, . 90 ,, tinnunculiLs, . 25 Anas boscas, . Alectorides, . . 101 . 207 Fuligula ferina, ,, cristata, . . 115 118 ^Egialitis hiaticula, . 224 ,, marila, . . 119 Alcidce, Alca torda, . 295 . 295 , , dangula, Fulicarite, . 120 . 194 Botaurus stellaris, Bernida brenta, . 53 91 Fulica atra, . Fratercula arctica, . 204 . 307 ,, leucopsis, 93 Galliuce, . 158 , , canadensis, 95 Gallinula chloropus, . 202 Gallinayo major . . 240 CiconiidcK, 64 , , codestis. . 241 Ciconia alba, 64 ,, gallinula, . 244 Cygnus musicus, . 96 Gavice, .... . 264 ,, JBewicki, . 99 Columbce, . 131 Herodiones, . 39 ColumbidcK, . . 131 Harelda glacialis, . . 122 Columba palumbus, . 131 Haimatopus ostralegus, . . 231 „ cenas, . 141 Hydrochdidon nigra, . . 264 ,, livia, 145 Coturnix communis, . 190 Lagopus scoticus, . . 162 Crex pratensis, Charadriidce, . 194 . 210 Limicokv, Limosa cvgocephala, . 210 . 257 SY1 J * "77 Ol A 264 u fiaracirius i)noTiiituuti) . ,, pluvialis, . Z1U . 221 Larus minutus, . 266 Colymbidcv, . . 309 , , ridibundus, . 268 Colymbus glacialis, . 309 ,, canus, 275 „ septentrionalis, . 311 ,, argentatus, . 279 Coccothraustes vulgaris, . 351 ,, fuscus, 285 ,, marinus, 286 Dqfila acuta, . 109 ,, glaucus, . 287 INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS. 361 Mareca jjenelope, . Mergus merganser, ,, albdlus, . Machetes pugnax, . Mergidm alle, Nycticorax griseus, Numenius arquaia, ,, phceopus, (Edemia nigra, „ fiisca, Otidida', Otis tarda, . Pandion haliwetus, Pelecanidcv, . Phalacrocorax carbo, . ,, graculus, Pterodetes, . Pteroclidce, . Phasianidw . Phasianus colchicux, Perdix cinerea, Porzana maruetta, Phalaropus fulicarius, . Pygopodes, . Podicipedidaj, Podiceps cristatus, , , griseigena, , , nigricoltiy, , , fluviatilis, Procellariidte, Procellaria pelagica, Arctic, or Richardson's Skua, Auk, Little, Bittern, Common, Bean Goose, . Brent Goose, Bernacle Goose, . Bewick's Swan, Black Grouse, Bustard, Great, . Black-tailed Godwit, Black Tern, . Black-headed Gull, PAGE PAGE . 113 Querquedula crecca, 110 . 128 ,, circia, 112 130 248 Rallid Common Heron, 43. Lumsden Moss, Teal, 110. Lumsden Rocks, Peregrine Falcon's nest, 5. Lurgie Loch, Common Snipe, 241. Magdalen Fields, Falcons at High- land and Agricultural Society's Show in 1841, 3. Maggie Shaw's Crockie, 275. M anderston, Pheasant shooting, 173 ; Partridge shooting, 183. MarchmoiU, Common Heron, 44, 86 ; Wild Geese shot at the Hule Moss, 87; Tufted Duck killed, 118; 131; Wood Pigeon breaking topmost shoots of fir trees, 138 ; Pheasant shooting, 176; Partridge shooting, 184 ; 219. March Wood, Common Heron, 44. Marygold, 54 ; white WTood Pigeon, 139. Marygold Burn, 56. Maw Carr, nest of Herring Gull, 280. Ma if Craig, near mouth ofWoldenLee liiini, one of the most westerly breeding places of the Herring Gull on the Berwickshire coast, 281. Maxton, 253. Maufidd, Merlin, 21 ; 54 ; Wild Geese, 73 ; Dotterel, 215. Meik/e Law, Merlin, 24. ^/(•//erstain, last Common Bittern, 61 ; Passenger Pigeon shot, 153 ; Pheasant shooting, 174 ; Partridge shooting, 183 ; peculiarly marked Partridge, 189 ; late Landrail, 196. Mellerstain Downs, Dotterel, 210. Melrose, falconry, 11. M< rim Grain, a ravine near Meikle Law, Merlin, 24. M( /'.se, falconry, visit of King James iv., 14 ; formerly covered with bogs and morass, Common Bittern, 62. Mertoun, heronry, 48, 49 ; Stock Dove, 143 ; Oyster Catcher, 231 ; nesting of Little Grebe, 318. Mertoun House, Common Heron, 43, 50, 51. Mertoun Parish, Common Heron, 43 ; Black-headed Gull, 268. Middlethird, Wild Geese, 79. Milljield, 303. Milne Graden, Teal on the Tweed, 111 ; Pheasant shooting, 173 ; Meteorological Notes, 351 -57; 358. Milne Graden West Mains, Wild Geese, 76. Minchie Moss, Common Bittern, 61. Mont Albane, Wild Geese, 75. Monynut, Black Grouse, 158 ; Red Grouse shooting in 1813, 164. Moor Baits, nest of Herring Gull, 281. Moor Plantation, Whitchester, a favourite resort of Woodcock, 235. Mordington, Stock Dove, 143; Black Grouse, 159, 160 ; Pheasant shoot- ing, 175; Partridge shooting, 185; ten brace of Dotterel shot, 220 ; 253. Mordington Mains, Wild Geese, 83 ; Common Quail, 191 ; Green Sand- piper observed, 253. Mordington Parish, report on Wild Geese, 83 ; Red Grouse, 164 ; Dotterel, 210 ; Dotterel in former times, 211 ; Dotterel in recent years, 212 ; Woodcock, 234. Moristons, Dotterel, 210. Moss Maw, Lapwing's nest, 227. Mucklestane Moor, Hobbie Elliot's "lang-nebbit things," 260. Muirkirk, Ayrshire, story about the " wheeple of a whaap," 258. Murraylawrig, Merlin, 22. Nabdean, Woodcock frequenting plantation, 235. Nabdean Mill Pond, Water Rail, 201 ; Little Grebe, 319. Nenthorn, Wigeon on the Eden, 113; Dotterel, 210. Nenthorn Parish, Dotterel in former times, 211. Nesbit House, Common Heron, 45. Netherbyres Mill, Osprey, 28. Neivbigging, Lander, Wigeon in pond, 113. Newbyth, Peregrine Falcons got from Burnmouth by Sir David Baird, Bart. , 2 ; Falcons kept there, 19. Newmills, Lander, Wigeon on Leader, 113. Ninewdls, Green Sandpiper shot, 253. Ninewdls Old Bridge, Osprey, 27. Nisbet, Pheasant shooting, 174; Partridge shooting, 184. Nisbet House, Common Quail, 191. North Berwick, Gannet, 37. 376 TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX. North Berwick Law, 281. North Cleugh, Coot, 205. North Falaknowe, Wild Geese, 76. Northiimberland, Shoveller breed- ing, 108 ; Tufted Duck breeding, 118; migration, 327. Northumberland Coast, 100. Oak Wood near Petimanshiel, Wood- cock nesting, 237. Old Bound Road near Pax ton, Poch- ard shot on Whitadder, 116. Oldcambus, Peregrine Falcon, 2 ; Kestrel, 25 ; Common Heron, 46 ; Rock Dove, 146 ; effects of wet summer on Partridges, 186 ; Moor Hen, 203 ; 213 ; 218 ; Green Sandpiper frequenting Dean, 252 ; Common Redshank on coast, 254 ; Curlew on shore, 260 ; Black- headed Gull leaving coast in spring, 269; 279; Herring Gull feeding on fragments of bottle - nosed whale, 282 ; ways of catch- ing Gulls with hooks, 284 ; 289 ; Razor Bills washed ashore in severe winter of 1878-79, 296; Great Northern Diver found on shore, 309 ; ornithological observ- ations, 329. Oldcambus and Cockburnspath Parish, Red Grouse in 1835, 164. Oldcambus East Mains, arrival of Woodcock, 234. Old Camp at Milne Graden, Common Corncrake, 31. Oldcastles, 54 ; Billie Mire, 60, 61. Old Craw Ha', Osprey, 28. Old Greenlaw, Wild Geese, 80. Oldhamstocks, Dotterel, 218. Oldhamstocks Parish (detached) re- port 011 Wild Geese, 84; Red Grouse, 164 ; Common Quail, 190 ; Common Quail nesting 011 Spring- field Farm, East Lothian, 191. Old Heronry Wood, Paxton, Com- mon Heron, 45 ; Stock Dove's nest, 141 ; Woodcock, 235. Olister Dub, Common Heron, 43. Orkney, Falconry, 13; Dotterel nesting, 211 ; Whimbrel, 263. Orleans, France, Common Quail, 192. Overhowden, Wild Geese, 73. Oxton, occurrence of Storm Petrel, 321. Park, 218. " Patie's Pat," pool onthe Whitadder, Peregrine Falcon's nest, 5. Paxton, Crow Dean Wood, Merlin, 21 ; Fiiichy, Merlin, 21 ; Common Cormorant, 31 ; Common Heron, 35 ; WTild Swans on the Tweed,97 ; Sheldrake on the Tweed, 100 ; Teal on the Tweed, 111 ; Wigeoii on Tweed, 113; Pochard on Tweed, 115 ; Tufted Duck on Tweed, 118; Scaup Duck on Tweed, 119; Long- tailed Duck on Tweed, 122 ; Eider Duck on Tweed, 124 ; Common Scoter on Tweed, 126 ; Ring Dove feeding 011 beechnuts, 133 ; migra- tion of Cushats, 133 ; Shooting Cushats in Wester Park, 133; Wood Pigeon feeding on young leaves of beech tree, 138 ; Pigeon nesting near house, 139 ; popular saying comparing frost-rime to White Pigeon, 150; 155: Pheasant shooting, 174 ; Common Quail, 191 ; Landrail, 194 ; Moor Hen's nest in wooden spout, 203 ; fav- ourite retreats of Woodcock, 235 ; Woodcock shooting, 237 ; Red- throated Diver on Tweed, 311 ; Little Grebe, 319. Paxton House, Peregrine Falcon seen, 7; Stock Dove's nest, 141, 142, 143 ; Green Sandpiper shot, 252 ; Greenshank shot, 256. Paxton North Mains, Greenshank shot, 256. Paxton South Mains, Wild Geese, 81. Pease Burn, Coot, 205. Pease Sands, Kittiwake Gull, 290. Pech Stane, 55. Peelwalls, 273. Peely Braes Wood, Duns Castle, Woodcock's nest discovered, 238. Penmanshiel, Kestrel, 25 ; Wild Geese, 71 ; Wild Goose trapped, 71 ; Wild Geese, 74, 75 ; Wood Pigeon, 137; Dotterel, 215, 216; Golden Plover, 221 ; Lapwing, 227; Woodcock's nest, 238; Common Snipe bleating, 242, 243; Curlew's cry, 259; Little Auk found, 305. Perthshire, Tufted Duck feeding, 118. Petticoioick Cove, Peregrine Falcon's eyrie, 2. Petticowick Harbour, 146 ; 280 ; Common Guillemot, 298. Pickie Mosst Dowie Den Moss, Everett Moss or Legerioood Loch, TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX. 377 nesting station of the Black - headed Gull, 268. Piper's Cove, Rock Dove, 145. Piper's Knoive, 54. Pixtol Plantation, Common Heron, 43 ; Blackadder, a favourite roost- ing place of Wood Pigeons, 133. Plover's Cairn, 223. Plovering Hauyh, 223. Polwaarth, 131. Polwarth Parish, Common Heron, 44; Black Grouse, 160; Red Grouse, 164. Prtnderyuest, 56 ; Partridge shoot- ing, 181, 182. Press, Wild Swan captured, 97. Preston, Wild Geese, 72; Dotterels' wing feathers used for fly dress- ing, 215. Preston Cleugh, 56. l^rtstoukirk, 93 ; 235. Printonian, Wild Geese, 77, 78. Pyper Knowes, Landrail, 195. Quixivood, Peregrine Falcon trapped, 7 ; Merlin, 22 ; Wild Geese, 72 ; Pallas's Sand Grouse, 156 ; Black Grouse, 158 ; Red Grouse shoot- ing in 1813, 164 ; bags of Red Grouse got in 1889 and 1891, 166 ; Partridge shooting, 181 ; Dot- terel, 213, 214, 215. Raedeuyh, derivation of name, 208. Raedeuyh Farm, Peregrine Falcon's nest, 6. Raedeuyh Head, Pallas's Sand Grouse shot, 156 ; derivation of name, 208. Rammel Cove, Peregrine Falcon breeding, 2 ; Rock Dove's resorts, 146. Rampart, St. Abb's Head, 280; nest- ing of Kittiwake Gull in former times, 289, 290 ; Razor Bill nest- ing in 1885, 296 ; colonies of Common Guillemots, 298 ; taking of Guillemot's eggs, 300. Raven's Craiy, FeUdeugh, Stock Dove's nest, 143. Ravensheuyh, St. Abb's Head, nest of Herring Gulls, 280 ; colony of Common Guillemots, 299. Raven's Knoive, near Tibbie Fowler's Glen, Kestrel, 26. Rawburn, Wild Geese, 77 ; Dotterel, 218. Redheugh, Peregrine Falcon, 2 ; Common Bittern, 61; Wild Geese, 74 ; Bewick's Swan cast ashore, 99; high grounds in neighbour- hood a favourite haunt of Dotterel, 212; Dotterel in autumn, 216, 217; Oyster Catcher, 231; Wood- cock's arrival in autumn, 234 ; arrival of Woodcock, 234 ; Her- ring Gull's nest, 281. Redheugh Shore, 146. Redpath Boy, 199, 200; Common Snipe, 241 ; a breeding station of the Black-headed Gull in former times, 274. Redpath, near Earlston, 274. Redshank's Rock, Coldingham Shore, 255. Rentonbarns, Wild Geese, 75. Renton Bell, Dotterel, 216. Renton Hall, Haddinyton, Common Quail, 192. Restalrig, 281. Retreat, Osprey, 28 ; Wild Geese, 83 ; Pallas's Sand Grouse shot, 156 ; Dotterel, 213, 215, 218. Romorantin, Loir-et-Cher, France, Turtle Doves plentiful, 151. Ross-shire, Dotterel nesting, 211. Rough Head, Common Heron, 45. Roxburghshire, Tufted Duck breed- ing, Il8. RiLinbleton, Wild Geese, 79. Rumbleton Laiv, Wild Geese, 79; 219. Ryselaw, Wild Geese, 78. St. Abb's Head, Peregrine Falcon's eyrie, 1, 2, 3; Green Cormorant, 34; Rock Dove, 145, 146; Com- mon Tern, 265 ; Common Gull, 276, 277, 278 ; Herring Gull in great numbers, 279 ; cry of Her- ring Gull, 279 ; boys killed while searching for Gulls' eggs, 282 ; Great Black-backed Gull occa- sionally seen, 286 ; breeding of Kittiwake Gull in former times, 288, 289, 290 ; Razor Bills plenti- ful in 1832 and 1851, 295 ; Razor Bills now scarce, 296 ; a favourite haunt of the Common Guillemot, 297 ; notes on Guillemots by Mr. Archibald Hepburn in 1851, 299 ; Guillemots not so plentiful as formerly, 300; Guillemots leav- ing cliff after breeding season, 301 ; Ringed Guillemot, 302 ; Black Guillemot shot, 303, 304 ; Puffin, 307, 308 ; incident in con- nection with Storm Petrel iu 378 TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX. great storm of 14th October 1881, 322 ; migration, 328, 351-355. St. Abb's Nunnery, 280. St John's Farm, Foidden, Common Quail, 191. St. Leonard's Cauld, on Leader, Goosander, 128; Little Grebe shot, 319. St. Mary's Cottage, Duns, 273. Saltheugh, Common Heron, 45. Salton, Wild Geese, 87 ; Cushats on wheatfield, 134; "Big Wood," 134; Pheasant, 171. Saltoun's Wood, Common Heron, 42. Sandy Knowe Tower, 270. Sauldre River, Loir -el -Cher, France, Turtle Dove's nest, 151. Scarlaw, Black Grouse, 158 ; Red Grouse shooting in 1813, 164. Scartheugh, Milne Graden, Common Cormorant, 31. Scart l^ock, Common Cormorant, 30. Scout Cave, near Eyemouth, 297. Scouts' Croft, near Coldingham, 297. Scouts' Point, near Gunsgreen, 297- Shannobank, Wild Geese, 72 ; num- ber of Dotterel shot, 213, 214. Shannobank Farm, field called the Gull Mire, a breeding station of Black - headed Gull in former times, 274. Shetlands, Whimbrel, 263. Shillum Dikes, 55. Siccar, 146 ; Herring Gull's nest, 281. Siccar Bay, Golden- Eye, 120. Siccar Point, Kestrel, 26 ; Common Cormorant, 30, 31 ; Heron's nest, 45 ; Oyster Catcher, 231 ; Herring Gull on rocks, 283 ; Common Red- shank in small flocks, 254. Simprim Mains, Earl of Wemyss stalking Wild Geese, 69; Wild Geese, 84. Sisterpath, Wild Geese, 78. Skaithmuir, Wild Geese, 76. Skelly, Razor Bill nesting in 1855, 296 ; colonies of Common Guille- mots, 298. Skelly, St. Abb's Head, Herring Gull's nest, 280. Skelly Rock, St. Abb's Head, Great Black-backed Gull breeding in 1851, 286; nesting of Kittiwake Gull in former times, 289, 290. Sliyhouses, 54 ; source of Draeden Burn, 55, 56. Snuffiehole Stells, nests of Herring Gulls, 280. Soldier's Dyke, Dowlaw, locality frequented by Dotterel, 217. Spott, 217. Spottiswoode, Hawking at, 19; Gan- nets, 35 ; Common Heron, 47 ; Teal, 110; Black Grouse, 161; introduction of Pheasants, 171 ; Pheasant shooting, 176; Partridge shooting, 185 ; Coot, 204 ; 220 ; Woodcock shooting, 237 ; Curlew abundant, 258 ; Little Grebe, 319. Spottiswoode Estate, bags of Red Grouse got, 166. Spital, Pheasant shooting, 174 ; Partridge shooting, 184 ; 315. Spital House, Pallas's Sand Grouse, 156 ; Water Rail, 201 ; Great Snipe shot, 240. Spital Mains, Wild Geese, 81. Sprinyhill, near Coldstream, Black Tern captured, 264. Standing Man or Souter .Rock, Pere- grine Falcon's eyrie, 4 ; nest of Herring Gulls, 281. Stoneshiel, 54, 55. Stirling Fauld, Dowlaw, locality frequented by Dotterel, 217. Sunny side, 55, 60. Sunwick, Wild Geese, 81. Sutherlandshire, Whimbrel, 263. Swallow Craig, Common Heron, 45 ; Rock Dove's cave, 146. Swinton, Partridge shooting, 185 ; Common Redshank, 255. Swinton Hill, Wild Geese, 84 ; Com- mon Redshank nesting, 255. Swinton Mill, Wild Duck shooting, 104. Swinton Parish, report on Wild Geese, 84 ; Mallard, 106. Tantallon Castle, falconry, Mary of Lorraine and Earl of Angus, 11. The Anchorage, Berwick-on- Tweed, 264. The Camp, near Foidden, 305. The Isles, falconry, 13. Thirlestane, Wild Geese, 82; Dot- terel, 219. Thirlestane Castle, Hobby, 20 ; Com- mon Heron, 43 ; Black Game, 159 ; introduction of Pheasants to coverts, 171 ; Common Quail, 190 ; Great Snipe got, 240. Thirlestane Castle Sawmill, Kestrel, 26. Thrummie Carr, nest of Herring Gull, 280; the most westerly TOPOGRAPHICAL INDEX. 370 breeding station of Common Guillemot in Berwickshire, 299. Tookey Cove, St. Abb's Head, Black Guillemot, 303. Towuhead, Cockburnsjjath, Coot, 204, 205. Townhtad Mill Pond, Teal, 110. Towuhead Pond, near Cocld>urnspatJi, Little Grebe nesting, 318. Tweed, Osprey, 27 ; Common Cor- morant, 31 ; Common Heron, 42, 45, 48, 49 ; Wild Swans in severe winter of 1879-80, 97; Sheld- Duck near Paxton, 100 ; Pintail Duck shot, 109 ; Teal near Paxton, 111 ; Wigeon at Paxton, 113 ; Pochard at Paxton, 115 ; Pochard at Birgham, 116; Tufted Duck at Paxton, 118 ; Scaup Duck at Paxton, 119; Golden-Eye, 120; Golden-Eye at Lochton, 120; Long-tailed Duck, 122 ; Eider Duck seen at Paxton, 126 ; Goos- ander, 128 ; Stock Dove's nest near Paxton, 141 ; Rock Dove, 148 ; Landrail, 194, 196 ; Ringed Plover, 224 ; Woodcock shooting, 237 ; Common Sandpiper, 250 ; Green Sandpiper, 252 ; Black - headed Gull in small flocks, 271 ; Lesser Black-backed Gull, 285 ; Kittiwake Gull occasionally seen in spring, 290 ; Great Northern Diver shot, 310 ; Red-throated Diver sometimes seen on river, 311; Black-throated Diver, 312; Great Crested Grebe, 313 ; Eared Grebe, 317 ; Little Grebe at Pax- ton, 319. Tuchit Yetts, 225. Tirinlawford, 223. Tiriitfaw Cairns, 87. Twizell House, 234. Tyue, East Lothian, Common Sand- piper, 251. Tyne Estuary, Ruff, 249. Vily strand Brae, nests of Herring Gull, 280. Warlawbank, 54 ; source of Foster- land Burn, 55. Watch Cover, WToodcock shooting, 237. Watch Water, Woodcock, 233. Waulkmill (Cumledge) Common Bit- tern, 61. Wedderburn, falconry, 17, 18; Sir George Home's Hawks called Mer- lins, 22 ; Red Grouse hawking in olden time, 162 ; Pheasant shoot- ing, 173 ; Sir George Home hawk- ing Partridges, 179; Partridge shooting, 183. Wedderburn Castle, Common Heron, 47; Wild Duck shooting, 105; Teal, 110. Wedderburn North Lodge, former haunt of Teal, 110. Wedderlie, late stay of Wild Geese, 71 ; Wild Geese, 85, 87. Wedderlie Farm, White Grouse seen, 168. Wellmire Wood, Paxton, migration of Ring Dove, 133 ; Woodcock, 235. W tlnage, notes by Mr John Wilson on Billie Mire, 57 ; 60 ; 214. West Fishwick, Wild Geese, 87. West Hurker, Common Guillemot, 298. West Mains Brae, Common Heron, 43. West in Thirfe Bay, nests of Herring Gull, 280. Westruther, 200; Golden Plover, 222, 223 ; 274 ; Little Grebe, 319. Westruther Mains, Wild Geese, 85 ; Dotterel, 220. Westruther Parish, Common Heron, 44 ; report on Wild Geese, 85 ; Black Grouse, 160; 209; Dotterel in former times, 21 1, 220 ; Common Snipe, 241. Whitadder, Peregrine Falcon's nest in former times, 5, 6 ; Kestrel, 26 ; Osprey, 27, 28 ; Common Heron, 45; 54, 56, 57 ; Wild Swan killed, 97 ; frequented by the Mallard, 103 ; Wild Duck's nest, 104 ; Teal near Ellemford, 110; Teal near Blanerne, 111; Pochard shot near Old Bound Road, 116; Pochard killed above Cockburn, 1 16 ; Gold- en-Eye at Abbey St. Bathans, 120 ; Goosander, 128 ; Ring Dove, 132, 133 ; near Hutton Bridge, Stock Dove's nest, 142; Stock Dove's nest near Edrington, 143 ; Stock Dove's nest near Fellcleugh, 143 ; Rock Dove, 148; Turtle Dove shot near Edrington, 151 ; Moor Hen, 202; Coot, 204; Dotterel, 214 ; 235 ; Common Sandpiper, 250 ; Green Sandpiper seen, 253 ; Greenshank, 256 ; Lesser Black- backed Gull, 285 ; Great Northern Diver at Edrington Mill Cauld, 380 MIGRATION AND OBSEEVATION INDEX 309 ; Red-throated Diver some- times found on river, 311 ; Red- throated Diver killed near Preston, 311; Red-necked Grebe shot at Clarabad Mill Cauld, 315 ; Little Grebe found at Blanerne, 319. Whit burn, Common Quail, 190. Whitchexter, Black Game, 159 ; Red Grouse shooting in 1814, 164 ; Little Grebe shot on Dye, 319. Whiteburn, Wild Geese, 72; Dot- terel, 214. Whit efield near Cowdenknoives, Arctic or Richardson's Skua shot, 293. Whitehall, 59 ; Pheasant shooting, 173 ; Partridge shooting, 182. Whiteheugh, Peregrine Falcon's eyrie in 1857, 2. Whiteheugh, near Coldingham Shore, colony of Common Guillemots, 298. Whitelaw, a favourite haunt of Golden Plover, 221. Whiterig, Partridge shooting, 181, 182. Whitexomehill, Wild Geese, 86. Whitfield near Ayton, 156 ; Wood- cock shooting, 237. Whitrig Bog, Mr. John Thomson's account of Wildfowl found there, 271. Whitrig Tower, 270. Whitdaid, Woodcock shooting, 237. Whitaomehilt, a favourite haunt of Golden Plover, 221. Whitsomelaw, Wild Geese, 86. Whit some Parish, Common Heron, 43; report on Wild Geese, 86; Golden Plover, 221. Whitsome Village, Water Rail, 201. Whittingham, Pheasant, 171. Why t water, 166. Wild Duck Ha\ derivation of name, 106. Winden Cairn, Golden Plover's nest, 222. Windylaw Cove, Rock Dove's nest, 146. Winfteld, Wild Geese, 86. Wolf's Crag, 281. Woodend, Wild Geese, 81. Woodhead Hill, Lander, Black Grouse first seen, 159. Yarrow, 226. Yetholm Loch, Tufted Duck breed- ing, 118. IV.— MIGRATION AND OBSERVATION INDEX TO VOL. I. AND VOL. II. Auk, Little (Meryulus alle), ii. 305. Bean Goose (Anser segetum). See Goose, Bean. Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), i. 60, 61 ; ii. 329, 340, 341, 342, 344, 347, 348, 352. Blackbird (Turdus merula), i. 27, 30; ii. 332, 336, 337, 340, 341, 342, 344, 345. Brambling (Frinyilla montifringilla), i. 166, 167 ; ii. 331, 335, 336, 350, 354. Bullfinch (Pyrrhula europcea), i. 176. Bunting, Corn (Emberiza miliaria), i. 181 ; ii. 333, 337, 338, 341, 344, 350. Bunting, Reed (Emberiza schceniclus), i. 187. Bunting, Snow (Plectrophanes nivalis), i. 189, 190; ii. 331, 336, 339, 348, 349, 355. Bunting, Yellow (Emberiza citrin- ella], i. 183; ii. 334, 336, 337, 341 , 347. Buzzard (Buteo vulgaris), i. 302. Buzzard, Rough-legged (Buteo lago- pnx], i. 305. Chaffinch (Fringilla caleb.y), i. 163, 164; ii. 333, 336, 337, 340, 341, 342, 347. Chiffchaff (Phylloscopns collybita), i. 69, 70 ; ii. 330, 338, 339, 340, 352. Coot, Common (Fulica atra), ii. 334, 338, 339, 344, 349. Cormorant, Common (Phalacrocorax TO VOL. I. AND VOL. II. 381 carbo), ii. 334, 335, 337, 340, 345, 346, 349. Crake, Spotted (Porzana martietta), ii. 198. Crow, Carrion (Corrm corone), i. 210, 211. Crow, Hooded (Corvus cor nix), i. 214 ; ii. 340. Cuckoo (Cumlus canorus), i. 274 ; ii. 331, 339, 342, 344, 345, 346, 354. Curlew, Common (Numenius arquata), ii. 260, 261, 335, 336, 338, 341, 344, 345, 346, 348. Diver, Great Northern (Colymbus ylacMi*), ii. 309. Diver, Red - throated (Colymbns septentrional is), ii. 311. Dotterel (Charadrius morinettw), ii. 210-220, 324, 331, 339, 341, 342, 343, 344, 348, 355. Dove, Ring (Columba palnmbm), ii. 132, 133, 334, 336, 337, 338, 340. Dove, Turtle ( Turtur communis), ii. 151. Duck, Long- tailed (Harelda glaci- alis), ii. 122. Duck, Pintail (Dafila acuta), ii. 109. Duck, Tufted (Fuligula cristata), ii. 118. Duck, Scaup (Fuligula marila), ii. 119. Duck, Wild (Anas boscas). See Mallard. Dunlin ( Tringa alpina), ii. 246. Fieldfare (Tnrdus pilaris), i. 18; ii. 331, 336, 339, 343, 349, 350, 354. Flycatcher, Pied (Muscicapa atri- capilla), i. 133; ii. 333, 342, 343. Flycatcher, Spotted (Muscicapa fjrinola), i. 131 ; ii. 330, 343, 344, 346, 353. Gannet or Solan Goose (Sula bfi**ana), ii. 35, 36, 334, 339, 340, 342. Garganey (Qnerquedula circia), ii. 112. Godwit, Black - tailed (Limosa cegocephala), ii. 257. Golden-Eye (Fuligula clangula), ii. 120, 337, 338, 339. Goosander (Mergus merganser), ii. 128. Goose, Bean (Anser segetum) and Goose, Pink-footed (Anser brachy- rhynchuv), ii. 66-89, 324, 331, 336, 338, 341, 348, 349, 350, 355. Goose, Bernacle (Berniclaleuco2>sis), ii. 93. Goose, Brent (Bernida brenta), ii. 91. Goose, Solan (Sula bassana). See Gannet. Goose, White -fronted (Anser albi- from), ii. 90. Grebe, Eared (Podiceps nigricollis), ii. 317. Grebe, Great Crested (Podiceps cristatus), ii. 313. Grebe, Little (Podiceps fluviatilix), ii. 335, 340, 349. Grebe, Red-necked (Podiceps grisei- gena), ii. 315. Greenfinch (Coccothraustes chlw^is), i. 154. Greenshank (Totanus canescens), ii. 256. Gull, Black-headed (Larus ridi- bundus), ii. 335, 338, 339, 345. Gull, Glaucous (Larus glaucus), ii. 287. Gull, Little (Larus minutus), ii. 267. Hen, Moor (Gallinula chloropus), ii. 334, 337, 338, 339. Hobby (Falco subbuteo), ii. 20. Jacksiiipe (Gallinago gallinula), ii. 244. Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), ii. 25. Landrail, (Crex pratensis), ii. 194, 196, 331, 341, 343, 344, 347, 354. Lapwing ( Vanellus mdgaris), ii. 225, 226, 333, 335, 337, 339, 341, 344, 345, 346, 349. Linnet (Linota cannabina), i. 170; ii. 333, 336, 338, 341, 346, 349, 350. Mallard or Wild Duck (Anas boscas), ii. 334, 336, 339, 340, 341, 343, 345, 347, 349. Martin (Chelidon urbica), i. 141, 143; ii. 330, 340, 342, 343, 346, 347, 348, 353. Martin, Sand (Gotile riparia), i. 144, 145; ii. 330, 339, 340, 343, 347, 348, 353. Nightjar (Caprimidgus europceus), i. 258 ; ii. 330, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 353. 382 MIGRATION AND OBSERVATION INDEX Osprey (Pandion haliceettu), ii. 27. Ouzel, Ring (Turdus torquatux), i. 32, 34 ; ii. 329, 337, 338, 339, 340, 342, 344, 345, 349, 350, 351. Owl, Long-eared ( Asio otus), i. 287. Owl, Short-eared (^.4 sio accipitrinus), i. 289. Partridge, Common (Perdix cinerea), ii. 334, 336, 337, 338, 344, 345. Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), ii. 341, 344, 345. Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachy- rhynchus). See Goose, Bean. Pipit, Meadow (Anthus pratensia), i. 114, 115; ii. 332,337,339,342, 347, 348, 350. Pipit, Rock (Anthus ofaetcrtM), i. 118; ii. 332, 336, 338, 340, 345, 348. Pipit, Tree (Anthus trii-ialis), i. 110; ii. 330, 341, 342, 343, 349, 353. Plover, Golden (Charadrius pluvi- alis), ii. 221, 335, 336, 337, 338, 341, 346, 347. Pochard (Fuligula ferina), ii. 115, 116. Puffin (Fratercula arctica), ii. 307. Quail, Common (Coturnix com- munis)) ii. 190. Rail, Water (Rallus aquaticus), ii. 200. Redbreast (Erithaca rubecula), i. 50, 51 ; ii. 324, 332, 336, 337, 342, 343, 345, 346, 347, 349. Redpoll, Lesser (Linota rufescens), i. 172. Redshank, Common (Totanus cal- idris), ii. 254. Redstart (Phcenicura ruticilla), i. 47; ii. 329, 340, 341, 343, 345, 347, 348, 349, 351. Redwing (Turdus iliacus), i. 14, 15 ; ii. 331, 339, 340, 341, 349, 350, 354. Rook (Gorvus frugilegus), ii. 334, 337, 338, 341. Ruff (Machetes pugnax), ii. 248. Sandpiper, Common ( Totanus hypo- leucus), ii. 250, 331, 341, 354. Sandpiper, Green (Totanus ochro- pus), ii. 252, 253. Sandpiper, Purple ( Tringa striata), ii. 247. Scoter, Common ((Edemia nigra), ii. 126. Scoter, Velvet ((Edemia fiixra), ii 127. Shoveller (Spatula clypeata), ii. 107. Siskin (Cardnelis spinas), i. 152. Skua, Arctic, or Richardson's (Ster- corarius crepidattis), ii. 293. Skua, Long-tailed, or Buffoii's (Ster- corariiiK paraxiticus), ii. 294. Skua, Pomatorhine (Stercorariiis pomatorhinus), ii. 292. Skylark (Alauda arvensis), i. 251, 252 ; ii. 333, 336, 337, 338, 347, 348, 349, 350. Snipe, Common (Gallinago cwlestis), ii. 242, 333, 338, 339, 340, 343, 344, 345. Snipe, Great (Gallinago major), ii. 240. Smew (Mergus albeltus), ii. 130. Sparrow, Hedge (Accentor modu- laris), ii. 333, 336, 337, 338. Sparrow, House (Passer domesticus), i. 158, 159. Sparrow, Tree (Passer montanus), i. 160. Starling (Sturnm vulgaris), i. 194, 195; ii. 334, 336, 337, 340, 344, 346, 348, 350. Stonechat (fiaxicola rubicola), i. 44, 45; ii. 332, 336, 338, 342, 344, 345, 347, 349, 350. Swallow (Hirundo rustica), i. 135, 136, 138; ii. 324, 330, 339, 341, 343, 346, 347, 348, 353. Swan, Bewick's (Cyynus Beivicki), ii. 99. Swift (Cypselus apus), i. 256; ii. 330, 343, 344, 346, 347, 353. Teal (Querquedula crecca), ii. 110. Tern, Common (Sterna fluviatilis), ii. 265. Thrush, Missel (Turdus viscivor us), i. 9, 10, 11, 12 ; ii. 332, 336, 337, 338, 340, 342, 347, 349, 350. Thrush, Song ( Turdu* muxicux}, i. 3, 4, 5 ; ii. 324, 332, 336, 337, 338, 341, 343, 345. Titmouse, Blue (Parus ccerulens), i. 98 ; ii. 333, 337. Titmouse, Cole (Parus ater), i. 93. Titmouse, Great (Parus major), i. 91 ; ii. 333, 336, 338, 340. Titmouse, Long-tailed (Acredula caudata), i. 89. Wagtail, Grey(MotaciHa sulphurea), i. Ill, 112 ; ii. 332, 335, 338, 343, 348, 350. TO VOL. I. AND VOL. II. 383 Wagtail, Pied (Motacilla luyubri*s), i. 108, 109; ii. 332, 336,338,341, 348, 349. Warbler, Garden (Sylvia xali- caria), i. 63, 64; ii. 329, 343, 344, 347, 352. Warbler, Grasshopper (Acroce- phalus ncevius), i. 79 ; ii. 330, 344, 353. Warbler, Sedge ( A crocephalns srhff- nolxmm], i. 75 ; ii. 330, 342, 344, 345, 346, 353. Wheatear (Saxicola cenanthe), i. 3(5, 37; ii. 329, 337, 339, 342, 345, 346, 347, 349, 351. Whimbrel (Numenius phoeopus), ii. 2G3. Whinchat (Saxicola rnbetra), i. 41, 42; ii. 329, 339, 343, 34G, 349, 351. Whitethroat (Sylvia rnfa), i. 57, 58; ii. 329, 341, 342, 343, 344, 346, 347, 349, 352. Whooper(Cygnu*muvicux),u. 96, 97. Wigeon ( Mareca penelope), ii. 113. Wild Goose. See Goose, Bean, and Pink-footed. Woodcock (Scolopax rmticn/a), ii. 233, 234, 333, 339, 340, 342, 348, 349. Woodpecker, Great Spotted (Den- drocopii* major), i. 263. Vfren (Troglodyte* parvttliix), i. 102; ii. 332, 336, 339, 340, 349. Wren, Golden - crested (Reyulnx crivtatux), i. 65, 66. Wren, Willow (PhylloscopUA troch- ilns), i. 71, 72; ii. 330, 339, 340, 342, 346, 347, 348, 352. Wren, Wood (Phylloscopus sibila- trix), i. 73, 74 ; ii. 330, 340, 342, 343, 344, 346, 347, 352. ( 384 ) V.— INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS IN VOL. I. AND VOL. II. LATIN NAMES. Accipitres, , Ardeidfc, . Ardea cinerea, . Anseres, . Anatidce, . Anser segetum, . , , brachyrhynchus, Acrocephalus schcenobainus, ,, ncKvius, . Accentor modularis, . Acredula caudata, Anser albifrons, , Anas boscas, Anthus pratensis, ,, trivialis, . ,, obscurus, Ampelidce, . Ampelis garndus, Alectorides, jEgialitis hiaticula, . Alaudidce, . . . . Alauda arvensis, AlcedinidcK, Alcedo ispida, Aluco flammeus, . Asio otuSy . . . . Asio accipitrinus, Alcidce, . Alca torda, Accipitres, . . . . Accipiter nisus, . Botaurus stellaris, Bernicla brenta, . ,, leucopsis, ,, canadensis, . VOL. AND PAGE ii. 1 ii. 39 ii. 39 ii. 66 ii. 66 ii. 66 ii. 66 i. 75 i. 79 i. 83 i. 89 ii. 90 ii. 101 i. 113 i. 116 i. 118 i. 129 i. 129 ii. 207 ii. 224 i. 250 i. 250 i. 267 i. 267 i. 280 i. 287 i. 289 ii. 295 ii. 295 i. 296 i. 311 ii. 53 ii. 91 ii. 93 ii. 95 i. 302 Buteo lucjopus, Ciconiidd', . Ciconia cdba, Cindidce, . Ci net us aquaticus, Cygnus musicus, . ,, Bewicki, . Columbce Columbidc?, Columba palumbus, Chelidon urbica, Columba wnas, . Cot it e rijmria, . . . Columba Uina, . CerthiidcK, . Certhia familiaris, Carduelis elegans, , , syrinus, Coccothraustes chloris, Cotumix communis, . Crex pratensis, . Corvidce, Corvus monedula, ,, corone, . Charadriidce, Charadrius morinellus, Corvus comix, . „ frugilegus, Charadrius pluvialis, . Corvus corax, Cypselidce, . CaprimulgidcK, . Caprimulgus europcvus, Cuculidcet . Cuculus canorus, \'OL. AND PAGE i. 305 ii. 64 ii. 64 i. 85 i. 85 ii. 96 ii. 99 ii. 131 ii. 131 ii. 131 i. 141 ii. 141 i. 144 ii. 145 i. 146 i. 146 i. 148 i. 152 i. 154 ii. 190 ii. 194 i. 197 i. 207 i. 210 ii. 210 ii. 210 i. 214 i. 216 ii. 221 i. 240 i. 256 i. 256 i. 258 i. 258 i. 273 i. 273 INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS IN VOL. I. AND VOL. II. 385 VOL. AND PAGE VOL. AND PAGE Circus cyaneus, . i. 296 lynx torquilla, . i. 265 ColymUdcK, ii. 309 Colymbus glacialis, ii. 309 Laniidce, .... . 123 „ septentrionalis, . ii. 311 Lanius excubitor, . 123 Coccothraustes vulgaris, ii. 351 ,, collurio, . . 127 Lagopus scoticus, i. 162 Dafila acuta, ii. 109 Linota cannabina, . 168 Dendrocopus major, i. 261 ; ii. 352 ,, rufescens, . 172 ,, flavirostris, . 174 Erithaca rubecnla, i. 50 Loxia curvirostra, . 179 Ectopistes migratorim, ii. 153 Limicolce, .... ii. 210 Emberizidw, i. 180 Limosa cegocephala, . ii. 257 Emberiza miliaria, i. 180 Laridce, .... ii. 264 ,, citrinella, . i. 183 Larus minutus, . ii. 266 ,, schcenidus, . i. 186 ,, ridibundus, ii. 268 ,, canus, ii. 275 Falconidce, . ii. 1 ,, argentatus, ii. 279 Fcdco peregrinus, ii. 1 ,, fuscus, ii. 285 ,, subbitteo, . ii. 20 ,, marinus, . ii. 286 ,, cesalon, ii. 21 ,, glaucus, . ii. 287 ,, tinnunculus, ii. 25 Motacillidce, i. 108 Fuligida ferina, . ii. 115 Motacilla lugubris, i. 108 ,, cristata, ii. 118 ,, sulphurea, . i. Ill ,, marila, ii. 119 Mareca penelope, ii. 113 „ dangula, ii. 120 Mergus merganser, ii. 128 Fringillidce, i. 148 ,, albellus, . ii. 130 Fringilla codebs, . i. 162 Muscicapidce, i. 131 , , montifringilla, i. 166 Muscicapa grisola, i. 131 Fulicariw, . ii. 194 , , atricapilla, i. 133 Fidica atra, ii. 204 Machetes pugnax, ii. 248 FaJ.conidcK, . i. 296 Mergidus alle, . ii. 305 Fratercida arctica, ii. 307 Nycticorax griseus, ii. 52 Gallince, . . . . ii 158 Numenius arquata, ii. 258 Garndus glandularius, i. 200 ,, phceopus, . ii. 263 Gcdlinula chloropus, . ii. 202 Gallinago major, ii. 240 Oriolidce, .... i. 120 ,, codestis, ii. 241 Oriolus galbula, . i. 120 ,, gallinula, . ii. 244 (Edemia nigra, . ii. 126 ii. 264 fusca ii. 127 )> J tvOt/W/j ... Otididce, .... ii 207 fferodiones, ii 39 Otistarda, .... ii. 207 Harelda glacialis, ii. 122 Hirundinidce, i 135 Passeres, .... i. 1 Hirundo rustica, i. 135 Pandion haliceetus, ii. 27 Hcematopus ostraiegus, ii. 231 PelecanidcBy ii 30 Hydrochelidon nigra, . ii. 264 Phalacrocorax carbo, . ii. 30 Haliceetus albicilla, , , i. 307 „ graculuSy ii. 33 VOL. II. 2B 386 INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS IN VOL. I. AND VOL. II. VOL. AND PAGE VOL. AND PAGE Phwnicura ruticilla, . . i. 47 Sylvia atricapilla, i. 60 Phylloscopus collybita, . i. 68 ,, saficaria, i. 63 ,, trochilus, i. 71 Sittidie, .... i. 100 , , sibilatrix, . i. 73 Sitta cwsia. i. 100 Paridce, i. 89 Spatula clypeata, ii. 107 Parus major, i. 91 Somateria mollissima, ii. 123 ,, ater, . i. 93 Syrrhaptes paradoxus, ii. 155 , , palustris, . i. 95 Sturnidce, .... i. 192 ,, cceruleuSj . . i. 97 Stiirmis vulgaris, i. 192 Pterocletes, . ii. 155 ii 232 Pteroclidce, . . ii. 155 Scolopax misticula, ii. 233 Passer domesticus, . i. 156 Sterna fluviatilis, ii. 265 ,, montanns, . i. 160 Striges, .... i 280 Phasianidce, . ii. 170 Strigidce, .... i. 280 Phasianus colchicus, . . ii. 170 Slrix aluco, . . i. 292 Pyrrhula europcea, . i. 176 Stercorarins pomatorhinus, . ii. 292 ,, emicleator, . . i. 178 ,, crepidatus, ii. 293 Perdix cinerea, . . ii. 178 , , parasiticus, ii. 294 Plectrophanes nivalis, . i. 189 Pyrrhocorax graculus, . i. 197 Turdidce, .... i. 1 Porzana maruetta, . ii. 198 Turdus musicus, . i. 1 Pica rustica, . i. 202 ,, viscivorus, i. 8 Phalaropus fitHcarius, . ii. 232 ., iliacus, . i. 14 Picidce, . i. 261 •/ • ID Pygopodes, . . ii. 295 ,, pilaris, . ,, varitis, . l. lo i. 22 Podicipedidce, . ii. 313 ,, merula, i. 25 Podiceps cristatus, . ii. 313 ,, torquatus, i. 32 ,, griseigena, . . ii. 315 Tadorna cornuta, ii. 100 ,, nigricollis, . ii. 317 Troglodytidce, i. 102 „ JfavfatUis, . ii. 318 Troglodytes parvulns, i. 102 Procellariidce, . ii. 321 Turtur communis, ii. 151 Procellaria pelagica, . . ii. 321 Tetraonidce, ii. 158 Tetrao tetrix, ii. 158 Querquedula crecca, . ii. 110 Tringa alpina, . ii. 246 ,, circia, . ii. 112 ,, striata, . ii. 247 Totanus hypoleucus, . ii. 250 Regulus cristatus, i. 65 ,, ochropus, ii. 252 Rallidce, . ii. 194 ,, calidris, ii. 254 Rallus aquaticus, . ii. 200 ,, canescens, ii. 256 Rissa tridactyla, . ii. 288 Tubinares, . ii. 321 Steganopodes, Sula bassana, . ii. 30 . ii. 35 Upupidce, . i. 271 Sylviidce, Saxicola cenanthe, . i. 36 . i. 36 Upupa epops, Uria troile, i. 271 ii. 297 it i ii 303 ,, rubetra, . 41 Saxicola rubicola, i. 44 Sylvia rufa, . i. 57 Vanelhis vulgaris, ii. 225 INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS IN VOL. I. AND VOL. II. 387 ENGLISH NAMES. PAGE V\JL,, AiNiJ PAGE Arctic or Richardson's Skua, ii. 293 Common Quail, . . ii. 190 Auk, Little, ii. 305 Chough, . . i. 197 Crake, Spotted, . ii. 198 Blackbird, .... i. 25 Common Coot, . . ii. 204 Bittern, Common, ii. 53 Coot, Common, . . ii. 204 Blackcap, .... i. 60 Carrion Crow, . . i. 210 ii 66 Crow, Carrion, . . i. 210 Brent Goose, ii. 91 ,, Hooded, . . i. 214 Bernacle Goose, ii. 93 Catcher, Oyster, . ii. 231 Blue Titmouse, . i. 97 Common Snipe, . . ii. 241 Bewick's Swan, . ii. 99 Sandpiper, . . ii. 250 Black Grouse, . ii. 158 ,, Redshank, . . ii. 254 Brambling, i 166 ,, Curlew, . ii. 258 Bullfinch, .... i. 176 Curlew, Common, . ii. 258 Bunting, Corn, . i. 180 Common Tern, . . ii. 265 ,, Yellow, i. 183 Cuckoo, . i. 273 ,, Reed, . i. 186 Common Gull, . . ii. 275 ,, Snow, i. 189 Common Guillemot, . . ii. 297 Bustard, Great, . ii. 207 Crested Grebe, Great, . ii. 313 Black-tailed Godwit, ii. 257 Black Tern, ii. 264 Dipper, i. 85 Black-headed Gull, . ii. 268 Duck, Wild, . ii. 101 Barn Owl, .... i. 280 ,, Pintail, . . ii. 109 Black -backed Gull, Lesser, ii. 285 „ Tufted, . . ii. 118 ,, „ Great, ii. 286 ,, Scaup, . ii. 119 Buffon's Skua, . ii. 294 ,, Long-tailed, . ii. 122 Buzzard, .... i. 302 „ Eider, . ii. 123 Black Guillemot, ii. 303 Dove, Ring, . ii. 131 Buzzard, Rough-legged, . i. 305 „ Stock, . . ii. 141 Honey, i. 315 ,, Rock, . . ii. 145 ,, Turtle, . . ii. 151 Common Cormorant, . ii. 30 Dotterel, . . ii. 210 Cormorant, Common, ii. 30 Dunlin, . ii. 246 ,, Green, . ii. 33 Diver, Great Northern, . ii. 309 Common Heron, ii. 39 ,, Red-throated, . ii. 311 ,, Bittern, ii. 53 Dabchick, . . ii. 318 Chiffchaff i 68 Cole Titmouse, . Canada Goose, . Common Sheld-Duck, „ Scoter, i. 93 ii. 95 ii. 100 ii. 126 Eider Duck, Eagle, Sea, Eared Grebe, . . ii. 123 . i. 307 . ii. 317 Creeper, Tree, . i. 146 Chaffinch, .... i 162 Falcon, Peregrine, ii. 1 Common Partridge, . ii. 178 Fieldfare, . i. 18 i 179 Flycatcher, Spotted, . . i. 131 Corn Bunting, . i. 180 Pied, . . i. 133 388 INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS IN VOL. I. AND VOL. II. VOL. AND PAGE VOL. AND PAGE Green Cormorant, ii. 33 Great Crested Grebe, ii. 313 ii 35 Grebe, Great Crested, ii. 313 Goose, Solan, ii. 35 ,, Red-necked, . ii. 315 Garden Warbler, i. 63 ,, Eared, . ii. 317 Golden-crested Wren, i. 65 ,, Little, . ii. 318 Goose, Bean, ii. 66 ,, Pink-footed, . ii. 66 Hobby, .... ii. 20 Grasshopper Warbler, i. 79 Heron, Common, ii. 39 Goose, White-fronted, ii. 90 „ Night, . ii. 52 Great Titmouse, i. 91 Hedge Sparrow, i. 83 Goose, Brent, ii. 91 House ,, . . i. 156 Bernacle, . • ii. 93 ii 202 ,, Canada, . ii. 95 Hooded Crow, . i. 214 Grey Wagtail, . i. Ill Hoopoe, .... i. 271 ii 112 Herring Gull, ii. 279 Golden Oriole, . i. 120 Hen-Harrier, i. 296 ii 120 Harrier, Hen, . i. 296 Great Grey Shrike, . i. 123 Hawfinch, .... ii. 351 Grey Shrike, Great, . i. 123 Goosander, • . . ii. 128 Ja\% . i 200 Goldfinch, .... i 148 Jackdaw, .... i. 207 Greenfinch, i. 154 Jacksnipe, .... ii. 244 Grouse, Pallas's Sand, ii. 155 „ Black, . ii. 158 Kestrel ii. 25 „ Red, . ii. 162 Kingfisher, i. 267 Grosbeak, Pine, i. 178 Kittiwake Gull, ii. 288 Great Bustard, . ii. 207 Golden Plover, . ii. 221 Long- tailed Titmouse, i. 89 Grey Phalarope, ii. 232 Duck, . ii. 122 Great Snipe, ii. 240 Linnet, .... i 168 Green Sandpiper, ii. 252 Lesser Redpoll, . i. 172 Greenshank, ii. 256 Landrail, . ii. 194 Godwit, Black-tailed, ii. 257 Lapwing, .... ii. 225 Great Spotted Woodpecker P Little Gull, ii. 266 i. 261 ; ii. 352 Lesser Black-backed Gull, ii. 285 Gull, Little, ii. 266 Long-eared Owl, i. 287 ,, Black-headed, . ii. 268 Long-tailed Skua, ii. 294 ,, Common, . ii. 275 Little Auk, ii. 305 ,, Herring, . ii. 279 „ Grebe, . ii. 318 ,, Lesser Black-backed, ii. 285 ,, Great „ ,, ii. 286 Missel Thrush, . i. 8 Great Black-backed Gull, . ii. 286 Merlin, . ii. 21 Glaucous Gull, . ii. 287 Marsh Titmouse, i. 95 Gull, Glaucous, . ii. 287 Mallard, . ii. 101 ,, Kittiwake, ii. 288 Meadow Pipit, . i. 113 Guillemot, Common, . ii. 297 Martin, . i. 141 Black, . . ii. 303 Martin, Sand, . i. 144 Great Northern Diver, ii. 309 Magpie, . i. 202 INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS IN VOL. I. AND VOL. II. 389 VOL. AND PAGE Moor Hen, . ii. 202 Night Heron, ii. 52 Nuthatch, . . i. 100 Nightjar, . . i. 258 Northern Diver, Great, . ii. 309 Osprey, . ii. 27 Ouzel, Ring, i. 32 Oriole, Golden, . . i. 120 Oyster Catcher, . ii. 231 Owl, Barn, . i. 280 ,, Long-eared, . i. 287 ,, Short-eared, . i. 289 ,, Tawny, . i. 293 Peregrine Falcon, ii. 1 Pink-footed Goose, . . ii. 66 Pied Wagtail, . . i. 108 Pintail Duck, . . ii. 109 Pipit, Meadow, . . i. 113 Pochard, . . ii. 115 Pipit, Tree, . i. 116 ,, Rock, . i. 118 Pied Flycatcher, . i. 133 Passenger Pigeon, . ii. 153 Pigeon, Passenger, . ii. 153 Pallas's Sand Grouse, . ii. 155 Pheasant, . . ii. 170 Pine, Grosbeak, . i. 178 Partridge, Common, . . ii. 178 Plover, Golden, . ii. 221 ,, Ringed, . ii. 224 Phalarope, Grey, . ii. 232 Purple Sandpiper, . ii. 247 Pomatorhine Skua, . . ii. 292 Puffin, . ii. 307 Petrel, Storm, . . ii. 321 Quail, Common, . ii. 190 Redwing, . i. 14 Ring Ouzel, i. 32 Redstart, . i. 47 Redbreast, i. 50 Rock Pipit, . i. 118 Red-backed Shrike, . . i. 127 Ring Dove, . ii. 131 Rock ,, . ii. 145 VOL. AND PAGE Red Grouse, . . . ii. 162 Redpoll, Lesser, . . i. 172 Reed-Bunting, i. 186 Rail, Water, . . . ii. 200 Rook, . . . . i. 216 Ringed Plover, . . . ii. 224 Raven, i. 240 Ruff, ii. 248 Redshank, Common, . . ii. 254 Richardson's Skua, . . ii. 293 Razor-Bill, . . . ii. 295 Rough-legged Buzzard, . i. 305 Red-throated Diver, . . ii. 311 Red-necked Grebe, . . ii. 315 Song Thrush, ... i. 1 Shag, . ii. 33 Solan Goose, . . . ii. 35 Stonechat, . . . i. 44 Stork, White, . . . ii. 64 Sedge Warbler, . . . i. 75 Sparrow, Hedge, . . i. 83 Swan, Bewick's, . . ii. 99 Sheld-Duck, Common, . ii. 100 Shoveller, . . . . ii. 107 Scaup Duck, . . . ii. 119 Shrike, Great Grey, . . i. 123 Scoter, Common, . . ii. 126 „ Velvet, . . . ii. 127 Shrike, Red-backed, . . i. 127 Smew, . . . . ii. 130 Spotted Flycatcher, . . i. 131 Swallow, . . . . i. 135 Stock Dove, . . . ii. 141 Sand Martin, . . . i. 144 Siskin, . . . . i. 152 Sand Grouse, Pallas's, . ii. 155 Sparrow, House, . . i. 156 Tree, . . i. 160 Snow-Bunting, . . . i. 189 Starling, . . . . i. 192 Spotted Crake, . . . ii. 198 Snipe, Great, . . . ii. 240 ,, Common, . . ii. 241 Sandpiper, Purple, . . ii. 247 ,, Common, . ii. 250 Skylark, . . . . i. 250 Sandpiper, Green, . . ii. 252 390 INDEX TO NAMES OF BIRDS IN VOL. I. AND VOL. II. VOL. AND PAGE VOL. AND PAGE Swift, .... i 256 White's Thrush, i. 22 Short-eared Owl, i. 289 Wheatear, .... i. 36 Skua, Pomatorhine, . ii. 292 Whinchat,. i. 41 , , Richardson's, or Arctic ii. 293 Whitethroat, i. 57 , , Buffon's, or Long-tailed ,ii. 294 Warbler, Garden, i. 63 Sea Eagle, .... i 307 White Stork, ii. 64 Sparrow-Hawk, i. 311 Wren, Golden-crested, i. 65 Storm Petrel, . ii. 321 ,, Willow, . i. 71 Willow Wren, . i. 71 Thrush, Song, . i. 1 Wren, Wood, . i. 73 ,, Missel, . i. 8 Wood Wren, . i. 73 White's, i. 22 Warbler, Sedge, i. 75 Titmouse, Long- tailed, i. 89 „ Grasshopper, i. 79 „ Great, i. 91 White-fronted Goose, ii. 90 Cole, i. 93 Whooper, .... ii. 96 ,, Marsh, i. 95 Wild Duck, ii. 101 Blue, i. 97 Wren, .... i. 102 Teal, ii. 110 Wagtail, Pied, . i. 108 Tree Pipit, i. 116 ,, Grey, . i. 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