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The Annals 

OF 

Scottish 

Natural History 

A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE 

\V1TH WHICH IS INCORPORATED 

CIjc 

Naturalist 

EDITED 

BY 

]. 

A. HARV IE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. 

MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION 

JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. 

PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN 

THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN 

AND 

WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., MEM. BRIT. ORN. UNION 

NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, Ml'SEUM OF SCIENCE AND ART, EDINBURGH 

IQOO 

EDINBURGH 

DAVID DOUGLAS, CASTLE STREET 

LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES ST., CAVENDISH SQUARE

The Annals 

of 

Scottish 


NO. 33] 1900 [JANUARY 

A FEW NOTES ON THE WORKING OF THE 

WILD BIRDS PROTECTION ACT (1894) 

By WILLIAM BERRY, B.A., LL.B. 

THE Wild Birds Protection Act of 1894 

has now been in 

operation within one district of Fifeshire for three complete 

seasons. Even after such a short period as this, though great 

results cannot yet be looked for, some distinct effect and 

and it may be interesting, 

improvement are already to be seen ; 

such as they are, to have them recorded in the ' Annals.' 

The district referred to lies in the north-east of the 

' 

county, and is known as the Tentsmuir 

; 

' 

about a third 

of it has been under the writer's pretty constant supervision 

since the autumn of I 890. For some time before that this 

moor, which is 

naturally very attractive to many species of 

wild birds, had not been sufficiently watched or protected, 

and in the absence of this had become a happy huntingground 

for egg-gatherers, who regularly searched it for eggs, 

and gathered every egg they could find. Most of the eggs 

were doubtless boiled for food if fairly fresh, or thrown away 

and destroyed 

if much incubated, though the egg-gatherers 

as a class are not very fastidious ; 

but boxes were also 

regularly despatched by 

rail to collectors and dealers in 

33 B

2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 

London and elsewhere. Of course the results of such 

practices as these could not but be injurious ; and, in fact, 

they were too easily seen. The Common Terns seemed to 

be able to hold their own in spite of any amount of persecution, 

and Sheldrakes were more numerous than was to have 

been expected, but all other species were distinctly scarce. 

There were a few Curlews and Golden Plovers struggling for 

existence, a certain number of Lapwings, and on the northern 

' 

third ' perhaps five or six pairs of Eiders but most of the 

; 

nests were plundered one by one, and of the Eiders in 

particular very few were ever able to hatch. 

Moreover, there was little that could then be done to 

remedy this state of matters, though whatever could be done 

was done but neither force nor ; 

argument are of much use 

where there is not legal support in reserve behind them. 

After a year or two of continual watching, some little improvement 

was indeed perceptible ; 

a certain percentage of Eider 

Ducks were now able to hatch out successfully, and the Terns 

perhaps increased in numbers ; 

but the improvement was too 

slight to permit of great hopes being entertained of anything 

like a satisfactory result being attainable. Such improvement 

as there was, was only secured at the cost of very much 

uphill work. 

Such was the state of matters in 1894, when at length 

an Act was passed which gave a little legal backing to those 

who were interested in the protection of nesting wild birds ; 

and Tentsmuir, which is an isolated and sparsely inhabited 

tract lying within a highly populous district, seemed an 

exceptionally suitable spot in which to test its efficacy. To 

bring the Act into operation there, it was necessary to secure 

the assistance of the County Council and there ensued a 

; 

lengthy correspondence with the County Authorities, firstly, 

to satisfy certain members of the Council that no valuable 

interest was in conflict with that of Wild Bird Protection, 

and thereafter, as to the form in which a Protecting Order 

should be drawn up, even such details as the Latinity of the 

scientific nomenclature to be adopted being fully discussed. 

However, in time all objectors were won over, the piloting of 

the matter through its various stages in the Council being 

kindly undertaken by Sir Ralph Anstruther, Bart, and an

THE WORKING OF THE WILD BIRDS PROTECTION ACT 3 

application to the Secretary for Scotland was in due time 

sent in. An Order was then issued, on the /th of January 

1897, placing Tentsmuir under the operation of the Act 

for five years from the following month of March. 

The writer, who had the advantage of the suggestions and 

advice of the editors of this magazine, drew up a list 

of birds 

to be protected under the Act, which list was that eventually 

adopted. His desire was to see included under the prohibition 

the eggs of all birds which bred, or which were likely to breed, 

on the moor, excepting only those of birds noxious to 

agriculture, or so common as to require no protection but 

; the eggs of one or two rather improbable breeders which 

happened to resemble those of more common birds were 

also included in the list, in order to obviate as far as possible 

the necessity for skilled evidence in the course of any legal 

proceedings which might have to be taken should any contraventions 

of the Order be reported. 

On the whole these efforts were well rewarded ; 

for at 

the close of the succeeding breeding season there was quite 

a different story to tell. Formerly neither force, argument, 

nor persuasion were of much avail ; 

but now, to all who did 

go to the moor for the purpose of gathering eggs, the appearance 

of a watcher or gamekeeper was the signal of general 

flight. 

There were, however, comparatively few who attempted 

to defy the law. Even up to the present time only one 

serious case has been reported, namely, on 2oth June 1898, 

when two labourers from Tayport were found with eighty-one 

Terns' eggs in their possession. These men were charged 

before the Sheriff at Cupar, and were fined i : 

43. each; 

but the other two or three trivial contraventions which have 

been discovered were all committed in ignorance, and in 

their case a verbal reminder of the existence of the Act was 

all 

that was called for. 

In 1898 the Secretary for Scotland proposed to all the 

County Councils in the country that the protection of wild 

birds and their nests and eggs should be undertaken, under 

their auspices, in something like a systematic and methodical 

manner ; 

and two short but sufficiently comprehensive lists 

of the birds which it was deemed advisable to favour with 

the protection afforded by the various Acts were at the same


time drawn up, one list being applicable 

to the North and 

the other to the South of Scotland. The disadvantages of 

having, perhaps, totally different groups of birds protected 

within adjacent counties having practically the same 

physical configuration were sufficiently conspicuous and the 

; 

County Council of Fife, among others, adopted Lord Balfour's 

scheme, with the relative schedule of birds applicable to the 

southern half of Scotland. The adoption of this plan involved 

the repeal of the Tentsmuir Order of the previous year, with 

its very much longer list of protected birds ; 

but the General 

Order does all that is required, as well for Tentsmuir as for 

the rest of the county ; though, as it may be hoped that our 

breeding lists will be extended as the universal system of 

egg-gathering hitherto in vogue is gradually checked, it 

might be well to add to the lists from time to time any new 

birds whose claims to protection may emerge. Already, in 

fact, the addition of the Pintail to our list is 

emphatically 

called for ; 

and the Arctic Tern, which the writer would 

have liked to see included in the original list, might be 

added at the same time. But if the lists are thus subject to 

from this 

occasional revision, great things may be hoped 

well-considered scheme. The Act, however, when it has been 

adopted, must be properly supported and enforced, and not 

permitted to become a dead letter in the district without 

; 

support and assistance from game preservers and landowners 

generally, its 

power for good will be much restricted. 

On the northern ' third ' of Tentsmuir, where the Act 

has been thus backed up, there has been an undoubted improvement. 

Several Eider Ducks' nests may now be found, 

without difficulty, where one was to be found before ; 

and of 

those found this year, all but two, which were destroyed by 

the heavy rainfall, were successfully hatched. Golden Plovers 

have been more numerous this summer than they have been 

for years ; moreover, they 

all left the moor soon after the 

middle of July, instead of lingering on into August as they 

would probably have done had even the earlier eggs been 

gathered. This year 

it was the early eggs that were hatched, 

and long before August both young and old had gone elsewhere. 

Ducks of two or three kinds nested in most unusual 

numbers, and among them was at least one pair of Shovellers


new as 

a bird, so far as the writer's experience goes, quite 

a breeder on Tentsmuir. 

While the Act of 1894 has thus proved 

itself to be of 

much value and efficacy, there are one or two points where, 

in scope or in working, it may be extended and improved. 

A little is yet wanted to enable those of us who have no 

sympathy with what sometimes passes for ' oology ' 

nowadays, 

to check its ill effects. Great sympathy may indeed 

be felt with egg-collecting where the collecting 

is done by 

the collector himself, and done, as it 

quite well may be done, 

so as to cause inappreciable harm to the birds themselves ; 

but with the taking of entire clutches of eggs, or, worse and 

worse, of several clutches of eggs of the same bird, the writer 

at least has absolutely no sympathy 

purpose would seem to be served ; 

at all. No scientific 

indeed, practically all that 

can be known about British oology is known already ; and 

for purposes of research large, if not complete, collections 

can be studied in the museums which exist in most of the 

chief towns in the kingdom. Certainly the pleasure of 

searching for and finding the nest of a new bird is great, 

and when the nest has been found it can do little or no 

harm if one or two of the eggs are taken taken, perhaps, 

more as a memento than as specimens of great scientific 

value ; 

but surely the rest of the clutch might be left alone 

to hatch in peace, so that the pleasure of searching for several 

nests of the same kind (and of leaving them undisturbed 

when found !) may be enjoyed during succeeding years. 

While, however, with personal egg-collecting 

it is 

perhaps 

unnecessary,as it would certainly be difficult, for the Legislature 

to interfere, there is another method of egg-collecting, carried 

on in another way altogether, of which it is hard to speak in 

measured terms. This system 

is as follows : 

A, a dealer in 

some large town, sends out circulars broadcast, offering to 

pay cash down for eggs of almost any kind, whether they 

' 

are protected ' under the Wild Birds Acts, or ' 

game 

' 

within the meaning of the Poaching Prevention Acts, or 

at all. There is much reason to 

unfortunately not protected 

fear that there is 

generally B, a malefactor ready to fulfil 

A's requirements to the letter. Presumably there is somewhere 

or other a C who considers himself a 'collector,' and


who is 

ready to pay A a still larger sum for his ill-gotten 

plunder. A clause in a new Wild Birds Act which would 

render it an offence for any one, either from within a protected 

area, or from outside it, to solicit the taking of eggs of 

protected birds there, might do something to check what is at 

present a serious and a growing evil, while over the interference 

with the nefarious system in all its branches it would 

only be possible to exult. It is earnestly to be hoped that 

when the whole matter comes to be reconsidered in the light 

of a few years' experience of the working of the present 

Act, this point may be taken up and dealt with. 

The expense entailed, under the terms of the present 

Act, on any community which takes steps to put 

it in 

operation is another matter which might be considered. 

The provisions of the Act itself are as follows : 

SECTION 4. (i) The Council of an administrative county shall 

in every year give public notice of any Order under this Act which 

is in force in any place within their county during the three weeks 

preceding the commencement of the period of the year during which 

the Order operates. 

(2) Public notice under this Section shall be given 

(a) As regards each place in which an Order operates, by 

advertising the order in two local newspapers circulating 

in or near that place ; 

(/>) By fixing notices of the Order in conspicuous spots 

within and near each place in which the Order operates ; 

and 

(c) In such other manner as the Secretary of State may 

direct, or as the Council may think expedient, with a 

view to making the Order known to the public. 

The result of these provisions 

is that the whole text of 

every Order issued by the Secretary for Scotland in terms of 

the Act, with all its lists and schedules, has not only to be 

inserted in extenso in the advertisement columns of two newspapers 

several times over ; 

it must also be printed on posters 

and exhibited on notice boards, 

' 

in conspicuous places within 

or near each place in which the Order operates,' during three 

whole weeks in each year. The cost of erecting the notice 

boards (and of replacing those of them which were defaced 

or broken up by presumably aggrieved egg-stealers) must


have amounted to quite a considerable sum in the case of 

the Tentsmuir Order alone 

; 

and undoubtedly this is an item 

of expense which many Councils may be glad 

to avoid incurring, 

by the simple expedient of leaving the Act severely 

alone. Might it not, therefore, be sufficient for the County 

Authorities to be directed merely to promulgate the Order by 

means of handbills displayed in the windows of police stations 

' 

within or near ' the protected area, or in some such simple 

way The ? saving in expense would be considerable, and 

would be all in favour of our cause. 

It is also to be hoped that the Legislature will at the 

same time increase the penalty as it may be, the ridiculously 

inadequate penalty which is all that can at present be imposed 

on an offender convicted of a contravention of any of 

the Wild Birds Acts. Under certain circumstances a very 

small fine may be all that is called for but if ; 

anything 

is to 

be done to curb the marauding instincts of professional eggdealers 

or of ignorant men with guns, both the transgressor 

himself, and also any person who has solicited, or being his 

employer has knowingly permitted him to do the wrongful 

act, must be liable to a penalty much heavier than the 

present maximum of i 

per egg taken or per bird destroyed ; 

and, as a matter of course, any eggs found in the possession 

of an accused person, or the skins of birds he has killed, 

should in every case be confiscated as a necessary consequence 

of the conviction. There 

are too many men whom 

it is scarcely possible to persuade not to shoot every unusual 

but interesting or beautiful bird they come across ; 

and there 

are gamekeepers who not only shoot down Owls and Buzzards, 

Woodpeckers and Jays, without a shadow of remorse, but who 

are encouraged by their employers to do so. One would 

fain hope such men are less numerous than they were ; but, 

be they many or few, may it soon be within one's power to 

bring to bear upon them a force more persuasive than 

argument.


THE FISHES OF THE FIRTH OF FORTH AND 

ITS TRIBUTARIES: SPECIES ADDED SINCE 

DR. PARNELL'S 'ESSAY' OF 1837. 

By WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, 

F.L.S. 

DR. PARNELL'S Prize Essay 

' 

On the Natural and Economical 

History of the Fishes, Marine, Fluviatile, and Lacustrine, 

of the River District of the Firth of Forth ' was contributed 

to the " " 

Memoirs of the Wernerian Natural History Society 

in the year 1837, and forms the bulk (pp. 161-520, and pis. 

xviii.-lxiv.) of vol. vii. of the series published in 1838. 

It remains to this day one of the most important contributions 

to British faunal Ichthyology. Even in other 

than its local aspects it still possesses considerable value, 

for Dr. Parnell's careful original descriptions of numerous 

species may yet be consulted with advantage. 

Since Parnell's day no one seems to have made a special 

study of the Fishes of the Forth. This is greatly to be 

regretted, for much remains to be accomplished. It is true 

that the Fishery Board for Scotland has conducted a series of 

most valuable and interesting investigations and experiments 

on the Forth and its Fishes ; 

but these have naturally been 

chiefly made in the furtherance of their economic aspects, 

though the purely faunal side has not been neglected, and 

that such is the case will be manifest in what follows. 

The object of this contribution is to gather together the 

widely-scattered records of the past sixty years which relate 

to such species as are additions to Dr. Parnell's List. In preparing 

this paper I have thought it best to give the details 

relating to the various occurrences as concisely as possible, 

and to give full references for all the published records. 

I have been fortunate enough to obtain privately some 

additional information of importance, and in 

this connection 

I have to tender my thanks and acknowledgments to my 

friends Mr. Thomas Scott, Naturalist to the Fishery Board 

for Scotland, and Mr. William Evans. No doubt some 

records have escaped me, and a notice of such would form 

a welcome contribution to this magazine. It was not my

FISHES OF THE FIRTH OF FORTH AND ITS TRIBUTARIES 9 

intention to have published on this subject at present, but 

Ichthyology is not well represented in our pages, and, 

of it. 

as an 

opportunity arose, I availed myself 

The Firth of Forth is here considered to be bounded on 

the east by a line drawn from St. Abb's Head (outside the 

Isle of May) to Fife Ness, and agrees with the area defined 

Dr. Parnell. 

by 

Dr. Parnell's List included i 1 2 species, as we now 

know them, and this contribution adds 28, making a grand 

total of 140 species 

to date. 

SEBASTES NORWEGICUS (Ascamus). 

TRAQUAIR, " Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. x. p. 509 (1891). 

There is no record for this northern deep-water form within the 

somewhat shallow waters of the Firth. The Bergylt is, however, 

occasionally captured outside the Isle of May, and a specimen 

obtained there was exhibited by Dr. Traquair at 

(I.e.} 

the meeting 

of the Royal Physical Society on the igth of March 1890. 

SCORPyENA DACTYLOPTERA, DelarOcllC. 

SCOTT, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1894, p. 181. 

In 1894 Mr. Thomas Scott submitted to me a specimen which 

had been captured by a Granton trawler to the south-east of the Isle 

of May on the 22nd of March of that year. Mr. Scott (I.e.} also 

records another example taken 1 7 miles north-east of Dunbar, on 

the 3oth of April 1894. Neither specimen was full grown. 

This fish is common in deep water in the Mediterranean and 

the North Atlantic as far north as Tromsoe. It was not added to the 

British fauna until the year 1889, when one was obtained off the 

south-west coast of Ireland ; 

but it was not detected in British waters 

proper until 1893, when a specimen was taken on the Yorkshire coast 

(see Eagle Clarke, " Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. xii. pp. 94-101, 

pi. xii., 1894). It has since proved to be not uncommon in certain 

deeps in the Moray Firth. 

TRIGLOPS MURRAYI, Giinther. 

EAGLE CLARKE, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1895, P- 2 3- 

Murray's Gurnard is one of the most interesting 

additions to 

the fauna of the Firth of Forth. A specimen, 5 inches in length, 

was submitted to me by Mr. Thomas Scott, which had been captured

io 

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 

by him to the west of the Isle of May on the 28th of November 

1890. 

It is a somewhat rare fish, and its distribution is peculiar, since 

it 

appears to be entirely confined to Scottish seas, wherein it was 

discovered by Sir John Murray in 1885. 

TRACHINUS DRACO, Linnceus. 

GRAY, "Zoologist," 1849, p. 2519; FULTON, "Rep. Fish. Board 

Scot," 1889, part iii. p. 356 (1890); SCOTT, "Ann. Scot. 

Nat. Hist," 1893, p. 253. 

It is rather remarkable that the Greater Weaver should be such 

an uncommon species in the Firth of Forth, for it is quite 

the reverse 

at St. Andrews, where it is described as frequent after storms ; 

and 

it is not rare on the Scandinavian coasts. 

It was first recorded for the Firth by the late Mr. Robert Gray 

(J.c.\ who obtained a specimen near to the Bass Rock on the i/jth 

of August 1848. 

It was next captured so far as we know at Largo Bay in May 

1889 by Mr. Scott, as mentioned by Dr. Wemyss Fulton (I.e.], 

Mr. Scott also took one, 

1 2 inches long, in a shrimp-trawl in the 

'Fluke Hole,' off St. Monance, on the 2gth of August 1895 

(Fulton, I.e.] 

Lastly, so far as the Firth proper is concerned, an example was 

reported to me as having been captured, on a hand-line baited with 

mussel, off Craigleith at the beginning of July 1899. 

It is also occasionally captured by the trawlers outside the May 

Island and off St. Abb's Head. 

ORCYNUS THYNNUS (Li/mams}. 

JAMESON, " Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. ii. p. 16 (1863); 

M'INTOSH, "Rep. Fish. Board Scot," 1885, App., pp. 206- 

207, pi. viii. (1886); MASTERMAN, op. tit., 1893, part iii. pp. 

273-283, pis. xi. and xii. (1894). 

A specimen of the Tunny, 8 feet long, which had been captured 

in Aberlady Bay, was exhibited by Professor Jameson at the meeting 

of the Royal Physical Society on the 28th of April 1842, and is 

the first Forth record known to me. 

A fine male, 9 feet long and weighing 6| cwts., was caught in 

a trawl in the 'Fraith,' off Pittenweem, in October 1885, as 

recorded by Professor M'Intosh (i.e.). 

The skeleton of this 

and its 

specimen was described in detail by Mr. Masterman (/.), 

characters and anatomy by Professor M'Intosh ("Ann. and Mag. 

Nat. Hist." (5), vol. xvii. pp. 236-337, pi. xi.).


CAPROS APER (Limmus). 

TRAQUAIR, "Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. x. p. 506 (1891). 

A specimen of the Boar-fish, recently captured near the Isle of 

May, was exhibited at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society, on 

the 2oth of February 1889, by Dr. Traquair. Another example 

was obtained in the following year, also taken off May Island. 

GOBIUS PAGANELLUS, Gllli'lill. 

GUNTHER, "Catalogue of Fishes," vol. iii. p. 53 (1861). 

Dr. Giinther tells us that there is a half-grown specimen in the 

collection of fishes in the British Museum from the Firth of Forth. 

It would be both interesting and useful to obtain some further 

information regarding this fish as a native of the Forth. 

APHIA PELLUCIDA (Nardo). 


Dr. Giinther (/.r.), 

under the name of Latruncnlns allnts, gives 

the Firth of Forth as a habitat of the Slender or White Goby, and 

mentions that there are three examples from the Firth in the national 

collection in the British Museum. 

My friend Mr. William Evans informs me that at the beginning 

of August 1896 he observed a number of small Gobies in deep 

pools at the east limit of Aberlady Bay, and that he believed them 

to belong to this species. 

This is another Goby about which it is highly desirable we should 

obtain further information as a Forth species. Dr. Day (" British 

and Irish Fishes," vol. i. p. 171) says that he obtained specimens 

at Aberdeen. 

LIPARIS MONTAGUI (Donovan). 

EVANS, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.,'' p. 255 (1897). 

In August 1897, Mr. William Evans found Montagu's Sucker 

on three occasions in rock -pools at North Berwick. Here they 

concealed themselves among the fronds of Laininaria digitalis 

growing round the margins of the pools, and could only be detected 

on the closest inspection. The specimens captured were from 2 to 

2.5 inches in length. 

This species is 

probably not uncommon in the littoral waters of 

the Firth. Professor M'Intosh (" Marine Fauna of St. Andrews," 

at St. Andrews. 

p. 175) says that it is abundant in the rock-pools


BLENNIUS GATTORUGINE, Block. 


According to Dr. Giinther there 

(/.c.), are five adult mounted 

examples of the Gattoruginous Blenny in the British Museum 

collection from the Firth of Forth. 

This is 

yet another species about which it is most desirable we 

should have further information. It is said to have been captured 

on two occasions at Banff by Edward. 

CARELOPHUS ASCANII ( Walbaum}. 

FULTON, "Rep. Fish. Board Scot.," 1889, part. iii. p. 357 (1890); 

EAGLE CLARKE, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1895,0. 24. 

Dr. Wemyss Fulton records an (I.e.] example of Yarrell's Blenny, 

5.5 inches long, which was caught on a baited line two miles off the 

mouth of the Tyne on the 131!! of September 1889. 

A specimen 7.5 inches long was brought to me on the gth of 

August 1894. It had just been captured off Craigleith on rocky 

ground in 10 fathoms, and had taken a hook baited with mussel. 

Mr. Evans tells me that he took one from a rock-pool at North 

Berwick in January 1896. 

Professor M'Intosh ("Marine Fauna of St. Andrews," p. 175) says 

it is not uncommon in deep water, and occasionally in the stomach 

of the Cod. 

LUMPENUS LAMPETRIFORMIS ( Walbaum). 

DAY, "Proc. Zool. Soc.," 1884, pp. 445-447, pi. xli., and "Rep. 

Fish. Board Scot.," 1883, App., p. 78, pi. 

x. 

(1884); SCOTT, op. cif. 

1888, part iii. p. 326 (1889); FULTON, op. at. 1889, part iii. p. 

357 (1890); M'INTOSH, op. at. 1893, part iii. pp. 225-227, pi. iii. 

fig. 2 (1894); EAGLE CLARKE, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1895, pp. 25, 

26. 

This Blenny was described as new to the British fauna by Dr. 

Day from a (I.e.], specimen captured 15 miles off St. Abb's Head 

in May 1884. It was taken in a trawl in 40 fathoms of water, 

and was sent to him by Professor MTntosh. 

In 1887 Mr. Scott (/.


TRACHYPTERUS ARCTICUS (BrunnicK). 

REID, "Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist." (2), vol. iii. 

pp. 456-477, 

pi. xvi. (1849). 

A specimen of this deep-sea form, known as the Deal-fish or 

Vaagmaer, was cast ashore dead, but in a perfectly fresh condition, 

at Elie, early in April 1848. It was received on the 7th of that 

month by Professor Reid of St. Andrews, to whom it was sent by 

Dr. John Berwick of Elie. The specimen measured 5 ft. 4 ins. ' from 

the point of nose to termination of the vertebral column,' extreme 

height of body 1 1 inches. This appears to be the only specimen that 

has ever been obtained in or near the Firth of Forth, and it afforded 

Professor Reid material for a long and exhaustive account of a very 

remarkable fish. He was wrong, however, in his surmise that this 

example was the first that had been found in the British seas, for it 

had previously been recorded from Orkney several times, first in 

1817, and from the Moray Firth in 1847. 

REGALECUS BANKSII (Cuv. and Val.}. 

Mr. James Marr, harbour-master, North Berwick, informs me 

that, some fifty-five or sixty years ago, a specimen of Banks's Oar-fish 

was found by his brother, awash among the waves, on the east shore 

at that town. Mr. Marr remembers the occurrence well, and 

described the fish and its 

long-produced first dorsal rays with 

accuracy. The specimen, which was about 15 feet in length, 

was, Mr. Marr informs me, sold by his brother for ,5 to Mr. 

Muirhead, fishmonger, Edinburgh. 

No account of the occurrence of this rare and interesting 

abyssal form on the shores of the Firth appears to have been 

contributed to the scientific press of the period, at least I have as 

yet been unable to find such a reference. As the fish was exhibited 

to the public, however, some account of it 

may have found its way 

into the newspapers. I should be glad to learn of any such 

references if known to any 

of our readers. 

GADUS MINUTUS, Linntzus. 

REP. MARINE ZOOL. COMM., " Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. ii. 

p. 443 (1863); EWART, ibid. vol. viii. p. 273 (1885); FULTON, 

"Rep. Fish. Board Scot.," 1890, part 

iii. 

p. 92 (1891); 

EAGLE CLARKE, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1895, p. 26. 

The Power Cod was added to the fauna of the Firth of Forth 

through the investigations of the Marine Zoology Committee of the 

Royal Physical Society in 1863, but without detailed particulars. 

On the igth of March 1884 Professor Ewart (I.e.] exhibited a

I 

4 


specimen at the meeting of the Royal Physical Society which had 

been recently taken off Eyemouth. 

One 7 inches long was captured by the ' Garland,' whilst trawling 

west of the Isle of May, on the lyth of December 1890, as recorded 

by Dr. Wemyss Fulton and 

(I.e.} ; another, 4.18 inches, was taken in 

the same station on the 2gth of April the same year (Eagle Clarke, 

I.e.}. My friend Mr. Miles Johnson showed me an example, 6.35 

inches long, which he had captured with rod and line, baiting with 

mussel, off the Bass Rock, in 12 fathoms of water, on the 2nd of 

August 1899. 

Mr. Scott informs me that it occurs above Queensferry, but it is 

not a common species in the Firth, and that it is confined to moderately 

deep water. 

Fertilised ova were obtained off the Bell Rock in June 1891, 

and it is said to be common at St. Andrews. 

PHYCIS BLENNOIDES (BrunnicJi), 

SCOTT, "Rep. Fish. Board. Scot.," 1888, part iii. p. 326 (1889). 

Mr. Scott (I.e.] 

records the capture of a Greater Forked Beard off 

St. Monance, remarking that there did not seem to be any previous 

record for the Firth of Forth. This specimen was taken with beamtrawl 

in February 1888. 

Mr. E. E. Prince, now Inspector of Fisheries, Dominion of 

Canada, however, writing in the "Scotsman" of 5th March 1887, 

says that this fish is ' 

not uncommon off the mouth of the Firth. 

Occasionally fine specimens are stranded at St. Andrews.' 

ARNOGLOSSUS MEGASTOMA (Donorcm), 

EWART and MAITLAND, "Rep. Fish. Board Scot.," 1886, App., p. 63 

(1887); SCOTT, op. 

cit. 1888, part. iii. 

pp. 325-326 (1889). 

In their account of the "Fish taken by the 'Garland,'" Messrs. 

Ewart and Maitland (I.e.) 

mention a Sail Fluke (A. megastoma) of 

medium size, trawled at Station VI. (off Pittenweem, 10-15 fathoms) 

on the i5th of September 1886. Mr. Scott (I.e.) 

records 'a few 

specimens inside May Island and near Fidra [in 1888]. This species 

is not recorded by Dr. Parnell in his " Fishes of the Firth of Forth," 

and is 

probably not very common in the estuary.' 

SOLEA LUTEA (RlSSo). 

REP. MARINE. ZOOL. COMM., " Proc. 

vol. 

ii. 

p. 240 (1863). 

Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," 

Under the name of Monochirus lingulatus, the Marine Zoological 

Committee of the Royal Physical Society records four Solenettes


dredged in the Firth on the 28th of September 1860, and describes 

them as new to the fauna of the Firth. 

There are, to my knowledge, no other records for this species 

in the area under consideration. Messrs. M'Intosh and Masterman, 

however, procured the eggs of this species in St. Andrews Bay in 

May and July 1890 ("British Marine Food Fishes," p. 396, 1897). 

THYMALLUS VULGARIS, Nilsson. 

EVANS, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1892, p 271. 

Mr. William Evans (Lc) tells us that the Grayling was introduced 

into Cobbinshaw Loch about fifteen years prior to 1892. 

LEUCISCUS VULGARIS (Linntzus}. 

EVANS, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1892, p. 270. 

Mr. Evans (/.


CARCHARIAS GLAUCUS (Linnceus). 

EVANS, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1898, p. 239. 

A Blue Shark, 10 feet long, was, according to the "Edinburgh 

Evening Dispatch," captured on Kinghorn beach on the 3oth of 

November 1894. 

One captured in the salmon - nets at Gullane Point, East 

Lothian, on the yth of July 1898, was examined and recorded by 

Mr. Wm. Evans (I.e.). 

This species is 

probably more frequent in its visits to the Forth 

than our present knowledge might warrant us to believe. 

It is mentioned as not uncommon at St. Andrews ; captured in 

the salmon-nets (M'Intosh). 

ALOPIAS VULPES (Gmelin). 

HAMILTON, "Nat. Lib. Brit. Fishes," vol. ii. p. 313 (1843). 

A fine specimen of the Fox-Shark was exhibited, at a meeting of 

Wernerian Society, which had been captured in Largo Bay in August 

1842 (Hamilton, /.r.). 

A second example of this rare visitor to the waters of the Forth 

is recorded by Mr. Stirton in the present number of the " Annals." 

It was strangled in a salmon-net in Roome Bay, Crail, on zgt\\ of 

August 1899, and measured 13 feet 10.5 inches in length. 

LiEMARGUS MICROCEPHALUS (BlocJl). 

BROWN, "Zoologist," 1860, p. 6861 ; 

REP. ZOOL. COMM., "Proc. 

Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. ii. p. 445 (1863); BROOK, "Rep. 

Fish. Board Soc.," 1885, App., p. 227 (1886). 

Dr. Robert Brown (I.e.) 

records the first Greenland Shark for the 

Firth of Forth an example 10 feet long, captured on the 5th of 

May 1859. 

This specimen, perhaps, is the one alluded to in the Report of 

the Marine Zoology Committee of the Royal Physical Society (I.e.), 

wherein it is stated that ' about three years since, in May, one was 

caught near Inchkeith, and is now in the University Museum.' 

Mr. George Brook (Lc.) recorded a young female, 5 feet in length, 

captured in the Firth on the 2nd of February 1886. 

Mr. William Evans informs me that a male, about 5 feet long, 

was exhibited in Mr. Anderson's (fishmonger) shop, Edinburgh, 

which had been taken off the Isle of May on the i6th of December 

1889 and that another was cast ; up west of the mouth of the Tyne 

on the i 

yth of February 1895.

OCCURRENCE OF THE FOX-SHARK IN FIRTH OF FORTH 17 

ECHINORHINUS SPINOSUS (Gme/in). 

DUNS, "Rep. Brit. Assoc.," 1871, p. 132; TURNER, "Journ. Anat. 

Phys.," 1875, P- 2 97 and figs. 

The Rev. Professor Duns communicated to the Edinburgh Meeting 

of the British Association, in August 1871, a "Notice of Two 

Specimens of Echinorhinus spinosus taken in the Firth of Forth." 

Unfortunately, the mere title of the paper is given in the Report. 

Sir William Turner (l.c.\ however, alludes to these specimens 

as having been captured at Bo'ness and off Elie respectively, and 

mentions that the specimens are preserved in the Museums of 

Science and Art and of the Free Church College, Edinburgh. Sir 

William further remarks that Professor Duns was the first naturalist 

to determine the presence of this species in Scottish seas. 

A third example, a female, 6 feet 6 inches in length, was 

captured on lines with a herring bait, near the Bass Rock, in June 

1874, and came into the possession of Sir William Turner, who 

figured and described it (I.e.} 

in detail. 

MYXINE GLUTINOSA, Linnceus. 

GUNTHER, "Catalogue of Fishes," vol. viii. pp. 510, 511 (1870). 

DAY, "British and Irish Fishes," vol. ii. p. 365. 

There is an adult specimen 

in the British Museum collection 

presented by - - Woodfall, Esq. (Giinther, I.e.}. 

Dr. Day informs 

(t.c.) us, on the authority of Goodsir, that 

the Glutinous Hag or Borer is found in the Firth of Forth. I have 

not yet been able to trace Goodsir's original record for this species as 

a Forth fish. Mr. C. W. Peach obtained a Forth specimen in March 

1877 and Mr. William Evans informs me that 

> 

the late Mr. F. M. 

Balfour obtained it at Dunbar. 

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF THE FOX-SHARK 

IN THE FIRTH OF FORTH. 

By JOHN STIRTON. 

ON the evening of the 2/th of August 1899, a Fox- 

Shark (Alopias vulpes] was found strangled in the salmonnets 

in Roome Bay, Crail, by Alexander Clark, salmon-fisher, 

and his crew. The fish had rolled the net round its 

gillopenings 

in such a manner as to suffocate itself, and this 

without damaging the net in any way. 

I saw it the next 

morning, and took the photograph of it now reproduced. I 

33 C

iS 


also measured the specimen, with the following results : 

Length from snout to tip of tail, in a straight line, i 3 feet 

iCHj inches; length of tail, 6 feet 11 inches; colour, light 

bluish slate ; sex, male ; pupil of eye elongated. 

[The only previous occurrence in the Firth of Forth known 

to us is that of a " fine specimen " captured in Largo Bay in 

August 1842 ("Nat. Lib. Brit. Fishes," ii. p. 313). EDS.] 

DIPTERA SCOTICA: II. INVERNESS-SHIRE. 

By PERCY H. GRIMSHAW, F.E.S. 

THE remarks made by me in the first two paragraphs of the 

first paper of this series ("Annals," 1899, pp. 84-85) will 

apply equally to the present contribution. In presenting 

this second instalment, I would again draw attention to the 

great paucity of information concerning the distribution of 

Diptera in Scotland, this being especially shown forth by the 

fact that I have been unable to find, after careful search,

DIPTERA SCOTICA : II. INVERNESS-SHIRE 19 

more than a single record referring to the present county, 

although I have examined the more important entomological 

and other magazines from the years 1831 to 1899 inclusive! 

The record in question is that referring to the Gall-midge, 

Hormomyia juniperina, L. Galls of this species on branches 

of the common juniper were exhibited by Professor Thomas 

King at a meeting of the Glasgow Natural History Society 

on the 3Oth September 1890, and were stated to have been 

obtained at Boat of Garten. 

For the present list of 173 species 

I am much indebted 

to my friends Mr. Wm. Evans, Mr. L. W. Hinxman, Mr. 

Wm. Eagle Clarke, the Rev. E. N. Bloomfield, and above 

all, Lieut.-Col. J. W. Yerbury, to all of whom I here tender 

my grateful thanks. The interesting and well-preserved collections 

formed by the last-named gentleman form indeed the 

"backbone" of the present contribution, and I am glad to have 

the present opportunity of publicly acknowledging the debt 

under which he has placed me through his great generosity. 

All the specimens mentioned in the present paper under 

his name have been presented by him to the Edinburgh 

Museum, and hence have been examined by me. Since the 

list was made up, a further consignment, containing many 

interesting additions, has been received from the same 

source, and these will form a valuable supplement 

published later. 

Family BIBIONID^. 

to be 

1. BIBIO POMONA, Fab. Rothiemurchus, September -October 

1894 (Hinxman); Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

Family 

CULICID^!. 

2. CULEX PIPIENS, L. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

Family 

PTYCHOPTERID^. 

3. PTYCHOPTERA SCUTELLARIS, Mg. 

-- Inverdruie, May 1895 

(Clarke). 

Family LIMNOBIDyE. 

4. PEDICIA RIVOSA, L. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

Family 

TIPULID^. 

5. TIPULA LUNATA, L. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke).


Family RHYPHIDÊ. 

6. RHYPHUS FENESTRALIS, Scop. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke), 

Family 

STRATIOMYIDÊ. 

7. MICROCHRYSA POLITA, Z. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans). 

Family 

TABANIDÊ. 

8. HÊMATOPOTA pLuviALis, L. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans). 

9. 

HÊMATOPOTA CRASSicoRNis, Whlbg. Aviemore, June 1893 

(Evans). 

10. THERIOPLECTES TROPICUS, L. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans) ; 

Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

11. THERIOPLECTES SOLSTITIALIS, Mg. Aviemore, June 1893 

(Evans); Rothiemurchus, June- July 1895 (Hinxman) ;. 

Aviemore, July 1898 (Yerbury). 

12. TABANUS SUDETICUS, Zeller. Kincraig, near Kingussie, August 

1889 (Evans). 

13. CHRYSOPS C/ECUTIENS, L. Kincraig, near Kingussie, August 

1889 (Evans). 

14. CHRYSOPS QUADRATUS, Mg. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

15. CHRYSOPS RELICTUS, Mg. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans); 

Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 (Hinxman) ; Aviemore, July 

1898 (Yerbury). 

Family 

LEPTID^. 

1 6. LEPTIS SCOLOPACEA, Z. Rothiemurchus, June- July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

17. LEPTIS NOTATA, Mg. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

1 8. LEPTIS TRINGARIA, Z. -- Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury); 

Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

19. LEPTIS LINEOLA, Fab. Rothiemurchus, June -July 1895 

(Hinxman); Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

20. ATHERIX IBIS, Fab. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans). 

Family 

ASILID/E. 

21. DIOCTRIA REINHARDI, Wied. Four specimens, Nethy Bridge, 

August 1898 (Yerbury). 

22. LAPHRIA FLAVA, Z. Rothiemurchus, June 1893 (Evans); 

Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 (Hinxman). 

23. DYSMACHUS TRIGONUS, Mg. One male, Kingussie, July 1898 

(Yerbury).


Family 

THEREVIDÊ. 

24. THEREVA ANNULATA, Fab. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans); 


Family 

EMPIDÊ. 

25. RHAMPHOMYIA SULCATA, Fin. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

26. RHAMPHOMYIA ALBOSEGMENTATA, Ztt. Inverdruie, May 1895 

(Clarke). 

27. RHAMPHOMYIA SPINIPES, Fin. - - Rothiemurchus, September- 

October 1894 (Hinxman). 

28. EMPIS TESSELLATA, Fab. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

29. EMPIS BOREALIS, L. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

30. TACHYDROMIA CURSITANS, Fab. Nethy Bridge, August 1898 

(Yerbury). 

Family 

DOLICHOPODID^. 

31. DOLICHOPUS CLAVIGER, Stan. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

32. ARGYRA ARGYRIA, Mg. Rothiemurchus, June- July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

33. LIANCALUS VIRENS, Scop. Rothiemurchus, September-October 

1894 (Hinxman). 

Family 

SYRPHID.-E. 

34. CHRYSOGASTER HIRTELLA, Lw. - - Kingussie, August 1898 

(Yerbury). 

35. CHILOSIA ANTIQUA, Mg. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

36. LEUCOZONA LUCORUM, Z. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

37. MELANOSTOMA MELLINUM, L. Rothiemurchus, June- July 

1895 (Hinxman); Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

38. PYROPH/ENA OCYMI, Fab. Aviemore, July 1899. 

39. PLATYCHIRUS ALBIMANUS, Fab. -- Inverdruie, May 1895 

(Clarke); Rothiemurchus, June-July, 1895 (Hinxman). 

40. PLATYCHIRUS PELTATUS, Mg. Aviemore, July 1898 (Yerbury); 


41. PLATYCHIRUS CLYPEATUS, Mg. Rothiemurchus, June- July 


42. DIDEA ALNETI, Fin. Female, Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman).


43. DIDEA FASCIATA, Mcq. Two females, Nethy Bridge, August 

1898 (Yerbury); two females, Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

44. SYRPHUS BARBIFRONS, Fin. Male, Inverdruie, May 1895 

(Clarke) ; 

two males on window of hotel, Nethy Bridge, 


45. SYRPHUS COMPOSITARUM, Verrall. Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury) 

; Aviemore, July -August 1898 (Yerbury); Nethy 

Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

46. SYRPHUS CINCTELLUS, Ztt. --Nethy Bridge, August 1898- 

(Yerbury). 

47. SYRPHUS CINCTUS, Fin. Through the kindness of the Rev. 

E. N. Bloomfield, I have seen a female of this species which 

was taken by Mr. G. H. Verrall at Inverness in June 1884. 

took a male of this 

48. SYRPHUS LAPPONICUS, Ztt. Col. Yerbury 

rare and interesting species at Aviemore in July of the past 

year (1899). The only other British record appears to be 

that given by Verrall in the " Ent. Mo. Mag.," vol. xxii, 

p. 230 (1886), which refers to a female caught at Pitlochrie 

in June 1870. 

49. SYRPHUS LUNIGER, Mg. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke); 


50. SYRPHUS VITTIGER, Ztt. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans); 

Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury); Nethy Bridge, August 

1898 (Yerbury); Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

51. SYRPHUS RIBESII, L. Aviemore, April 1893 (Evans); Rothiemurchus, 

September- October 1894 (Hinxman) ; Inverdruie, 

May 1895 (Clarke); Rothiemurchus, June- July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

52. SYRPHUS GROSSULARIÊ, Mg. --Rothiemurchus, September- 

October 1894 (Hinxman); Aviemore, July 1898 (Yerbury); 

Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury) ; Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

53. SYRPHUS TRICINCTUS, Fin. Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury); 

Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury) ; Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

54. SYRPHUS ANNULIPES, Ztt. Two males and one female, Nethy 


55. SYRPHUS ALBOSTRIATUS, Fin. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

56. SYRPHUS LATERNARIUS, Mi'tH. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

57. SPH.EROPHORIA PICTA, Mg. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman).


58. SPHEGINA CLUNIPES, Fin. A male of this taken species, by 

Verrall at Inverness in June 1884, was kindly sent for my 

inspection by the Rev. E. N. Bloomfield. 

59. VOLUCELLA PELLUCENS, L. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

60. SERICOMYIA LAPPONA, L. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman); 

Kincraig, August 1899 (Evans). 

6 1. ARCTOPHILA MUSSITANS, Fab. Male and female, Nethy 


62. ERISTALIS TENAX, L. Rothiemurchus, September-October 


63. ERISTALIS INTRICARIUS, L. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke); 


64. ERISTALIS ARBUSTORUM, L. Rothiemurchus, September- 

October 1894 (Hinxman); Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

65. ERISTALIS RUPIUM, Fab. Rothiemurchus, September-October 

1894, and June-July 1895 (Hinxman). 

66. ERISTALIS PERTINAX, Scop. Rothiemurchus, September- 

October 1894 ; 

(Hinxman) Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke); 

Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury); Nethy Bridge, August 


67. ERISTALIS NEMORUM, L. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

68. HELOPHILUS PENDULUS, L. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans); 

Aviemore, July 


69. HELOPHILUS LINEATUS, Fab. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

70. CRIORRHINA FALLAX, L. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

This is the species given in Verrall's " List of British Diptera" 

(1888) as Spilomyia fallax. 

71. XYLOTA SYLVARUM, Z. Kingussie, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

72. SYRITTA PIPIENS, L. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke) ; 

Rothiemurchus, 

June-July 1895 (Hinxman). 

73. CHRYSOTOXUM ARCUATUM, L. Aviemore, June 1893 (Evans) ; 

Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury) 

; Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

Family 

CONOPID^. 

74. CONOPS QUADRIFASCIATUS, Deg. Nethy Bridge, August 1898 

(Yerbury). 

Family 

OESTRID^:. 

75. CEPHENOMYIA AURIBARBIS, Afg. As recorded in the " Annals " 

for 1896 (p. 61), two males and one female of this interesting 

Bot-fly were captured by Mr. Hinxman on the slopes of


Cairngorm, Glenmore Forest, in June 1895. Hitherto this 

species has been referred to under the name of C. rufibarbis, 

Mg., but as Meigen's description of auribarbis was printed 

on an earlier page in his " Systematische Beschreibung " 

than that of rnfibarbis, both being now regarded as the same 

species, the name here used must in future serve as the 

correct designation. I am indebted to Mr. Ernest E. Austen, 

of the British Museum, for drawing my attention to this 

point. 

Family 

TACHINIDJE. 

76. HYALOMYIA PUSILLA, Mg. Male and female, Nethy Bridge, 


77. ECHINOMYIA GROSSA, L. Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

78. ECHINOMYIA FERA, L. Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury); 

Aviemore, July 1898 (Yerbury); Nethy Bridge, August 


79. MICROPALPUS VULPINUS, Fin. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman) ; Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury) ; Aviemore, July 

.1898 (Yerbury); Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury); 

Kingussie, July 1899 (Yerbury); Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

80. MICROPALPUS PUDICUS, Rond. Two males and two females, 

Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury); three males and three 

females, Aviemore, July 1898 (Yerbury); seven males and 

seven females, Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury); one 

male, Kingussie, July 1899 (Yerbury) seven males and two 

; 

females, Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). I have followed 

Austen ("Ent. Mo. Mag.," 1898, pp. 36-38) in referring this 

handsome species to pudicus, Rond. Whether Fallen's 

htzmorrhoidalis is the same species seems to be still 

open to 

doubt if it is, then Rondani's name must be sunk as a 

synonym. At present 

it seems safer to call the insect pudicus, 

always bearing in mind that even its generic position may 

be called in question. For further particulars the note by 

Austen (I.e.] 

should be consulted 

Si. SIPHONA GENICULATA, Deg. Nethy Bridge, August 1898 

(Yerbury); Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

82. SIPHONA CRISTATA, Fab. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

83. THRYPTOCERA CRASSICORNIS, Mg. 

-- Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

84. THRYPTOCERA BICOLOR, Mg. One specimen, Aviemore, July 

1899 (Yerbury).

DIPTERA SCOTICA 

: II. INVERNESS-SHIRE 25 

85. THRYPTOCERA MINUTISSIMA, Ztt. A single specimen of this 

rare species captured at Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

86. MACQUARTIA TENEBRICOSA, Mg. Female, Aviemore, July 


87. ERIGONE STRENUA, Mg. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

88. CHETOLYGA QUADRIPUSTULATA, Fab. Kingussie, July 1898 


89. OLIVIERIA RUFOMACULATA, Deg. - - Kingussie, July 1898 

(Yerbury); Aviemore, July 1898 (Yerbury); Nethy Bridge, 

August 1898 (Yerbury); Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

90. EXORISTA VULGARIS, Fin. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

91. SISYROPA LOTA, Mg. Three males and one female, Kingussie, 

July 1898 (Yerbury); four males and four females, Nethy 

Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury); seven males and two 

females, Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

92. MEIGENIA FLORALIS, Mg. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

93. MASICERA RUTILA, Mg. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

94. METOPIA LEUCOCEPHALA, Rossi. Eleven females, Aviemore, 

July 1899 (Yerbury). 

95. METOPIA ARGYROCEPHALA, Mg. Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

Family 

DEXID/E. 

96. MYIOCERA CARINIFRONS, Fin. Kingussie, July 1898 

(Yerbury); Aviemore, July 1898 (Yerbury); Nethy Bridge, 

August 1898 (Yerbury); Kingussie, July 1899 (Yerbury); 


97. DEXIA VACUA, Fin. Rothiemurchus, June and July 1895 

(Hinxman) ; Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury) ; Nethy Bridge, 

August 1898 (Yerbury); Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

Family 

SARCOPHAGID.E. 

98. SARCOPHAGA CARNARIA, L. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

99. SARCOPHAGA ALBICEPS, Mg. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

100. SARCOPHAGA ATROPOS, Mg. Nethy Bridge, August 1898 

(Yerbury). 

10 1. CYNOMYIA MORTUORUM, L. Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury); 


102. CYNOMYIA ALPINA, Ztt. One female, Nethy Bridge, August 

1898 (Yerbury) ; nine males and one female, Aviemore, July 

1899 (Yerbury). Evidently this species, only recently con-


firmed as British, is not uncommon in Scotland. 

The female 

is 

wonderfully like the common Bluebottle (Calliphora 

erythrocephala,) 

Mg.). 

103. ONESIA SEPULCHRALIS, Mg. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke); 

one male and a tiny female, Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury) ; 

two males, Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

[Two small specimens, both males, belonging to the present 

genus, but very different from sepulchralis, were captured by 

Col. Yerbury at Kingussie in July 1898. They are evidently 

new to Britain, if not to science.] 

Family 

MUSCID^. 

104. LUCILIA CORNICINA, Fab. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

105. LUCILIA CAESAR, L. Rothiemurchus, September-October 1894 

(Hinxman); Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

106. LUCILIA SERICATA, Mg. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke); 


107. CALLIPHORA ERYTHROCEPHALA, Mg. Rothiemurchus, June- 

July 1895 (Hinxman). 

1 08. CALLIPHORA VOMITORIA, L. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke); 


109. POLLENIA VESPILLO, Fab. Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury). 

no. POLLENIA RUDIS, Fab. Rothiemurchus, September- October 

1894 (Hinxman); Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury). 

in. PYRELLIA CYANICOLOR, Ztt. Three males and one female of 

this lovely species taken at Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

112. PYRELLIA LASIOPHTHALMA, Mcq. One male and two females, 

Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury); one female, Aviemore, 


113. MESEMBRINA MERIDIANA, L. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman); Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury). 

114. GRAPHOMYIA MACULATA, Scop. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

115. GRAPHOMYIA PICTA, Ztt. Three males, Kingussie, July 1898 

(Yerbury); three males, Nethy Bridge, August 1898 

(Yerbury); one male, Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). It 

is doubtful whether this form, of which I do not know the 

female, is entitled to specific rank. It may be only a variety 

of the preceding. 

116. MORELLIA SIMPLEX, Lw. Male, Kingussie, July 1898 

(Yerbury); male, Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury); 

three males, Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

117. MORELLIA HORTORUM, Fin. Female, Kingussie, July 1898 

(Yerbury); male, Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury).


Family ANTHOMYID^. 

1 1 8. POLIETES LARDARIA, Fab. Rothiemurchus, September-October 


119. HYETODESIA INCANA, Wied. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

120. HYETODESIA HIRSUTULA, Ztt. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

121. HYETODESIA BASALIS, Ztt. Rothiemurchus, September- 

October 1894 (Hinxman); Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

122. HYETODESIA SCUTELLARIS, Fin. Rothiemurchus, June-July 


123. HYETODESIA FLAVEOLA, Fin. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman). 

124. SPILOGASTER DUPLICATA, Mg. Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

125. HYDROTÊA DENTIPES, Fab. Male, Kingussie, July 1898 

(Yerbury). 

126. HYDROT/EA SIMILIS, Meade.- -Three males, Kingussie, July 

1898 (Yerbury); male and female in coitu, and two females, 


127. HYDROTÂ IRRITANS, Fin. One male and three females, 


128. HYDROT.EA METEORICA, L. (?) 

Three females, which I refer to 

this species, taken at Inverdruie, May 1895 (Clarke). 

129. DRYMEIA HAM ATA, Fin. Male, Rothiemurchus, September- 


130. HYDROPHORIA DIVISA, Mg. Male, Aviemore, June 1893 

(Evans). 

131. HYDROPHORIA LINOGRISEA, Mg. A male kindly sent for my 

inspection by the Rev. E. N. Bloomfield, taken by Verrall at 

Inverness in June 1884. 

132. HYLEMYIA STRIGOSA, Fab. Female, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

133. CHORTOPHILA SYLVESTRIS, Fin. Male, Rothiemurchus, June- 

July 1895 (Hinxman). For the identification of this specimen 

I am indebted to Dr. Meade, of Bradford. 

134. HOMALOMYIA AFRICA, Hal. A female, taken by 

Verrall at 

Inverness in June 1884, was kindly sent to me for inspection 

by the Rev. E. N. Bloomfield. 

135. CARICEA TIGRINA, Fab. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury).


136. MACRORCHIS MEANS, Mg. Three males, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

137. HOPLOGASTER MOLLicuLA, Fin. Male, Nethy Bridge, August 


Family SCATOMYZIDÊ. 

138. CORDYLURA PUDiCA, Mg. Four males, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

139. CORDYLURA RUFIMANA, Mg. Male, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

140. CORDYLURA PUBERA, Fab. Five males, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

141. NORELLIA STRIOLATA, Mg. Female, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

142. POGONOTA HIRCUS, Ztt. Two males and one female of this 

remarkable species taken at Kingussie, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

143. MICROPROSOPA PALLICAUDA, Ztt. Female, Aviemore, April 

1893 (Evans). 

144. TRICHOPALPUS PUNCTIPES, Mg. Female, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

145. SCATOPHAGA SUILLA, Fab. Two males and one female, 


146. SCATOPHAGA INQUINATA, Mg, Male, Rothiemurchus, September-October 


147. SCATOPHAGA STERCORARIA, L. Female, Aviemore, April 1893 

(Evans). 

Family 

HELOMYZID^. 

148. HELOMYZA OLENS, Mg. Male, Rothiemurchus, September- 


149. TEPHROCHLAMYS FLAVIPES, Ztt. Female, Rothiemurchus, 

September- October 1894 (Hinxman). The only other 

British locality hitherto recorded for this species appears 

to be Newmarket, where a couple of females were taken by 

Mr. Verrall in October 1889 (see " Ent. Mo. Mag.," 1894, 

p. 144). 

Family 

SCIOMYZID^. 

150. DRYOMYZA ANILIS, Fin. -- Nethy Bridge, August 1898 

(Yerbury); 

Kingussie, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

151. DRYOMYZA DECREPITA, Ztt. Eleven specimens, Aviemore, 


152. SCIOMYZA PALLIDA, Fin. Three males and one female, Aviemore, 

July 1899 (Yerbury).

DIPTERA SCOTICA : II. INVERNESS-SIIIRE 29 

153. PHÔMYIA FUSCIPENNIS, Mg. Male and female in coitu, and 

a second male, Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

154. TETANOCERA FERRUGINEA, Fin. Male, Kingussie, July 1898 

(Yerbury). 

155. TETANOCERA ROBUSTA, Lw. Female, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

156. TETANOCERA RETICULATA, L. -- Kingussie, August 1898 


157. TETANOCERA UMBRARUM, L. Two males and two females, 


158. TETANOCERA PUNCTULATA, Scop. Two males, Aviemore, July 


159. LIMNIA UNGUICORNIS, Scop. Male, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

1 60. ELGIVA ALBISETA, Scop. Male and female, Aviemore, July 


161. ELGIVA DORSALIS, Fab. Male and female, Aviemore, July 


162. ELGIVA LINEATA, Fin. --Two males and five females, Aviemore, 

July 


Family 

PSILIDÊ. 

163. LOXOCERA ARISTATA, Pz. Kingussie, July 1898 (Yerbury); 


Family 

MICROPEZID/E. 

164. CALOBATA PETRONELLA, L. Female, Nethy Bridge, August 


Family 

ORTALID.F,. 

165. CEROXYS CRASSIPENNIS, Fab. Six specimens, Aviemore, July 


Family 

TRYPETIDÊ. 

1 66. SPILOGRAPHA HAMIFERA, Lw. Female, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). This species is evidently very rare, as the only 

reference to it as a British insect that I can find is the 

following remark by Verrall (" Ent. Mo. Mag.," xxii., 1886, 

: 

p. 234) "I have a female of this from Scotland, given me 

by Dr. Algernon Chapman." 

167. TEPHRITIS MILIARIA, Schrk. Aviemore, July 1898 and July 

1899 (Yerbury).


Family 

LONCHLEIDÊ. 

1 68. PALLOPTERA SALTUUM, L. Female, Aviemore, July 1899 

(Yerbury). 

Family 

SAPROMYZID^. 

169. SAPROMYZA RORIDA, Fin. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

Family OPOMYZID^. 

170. OPOMYZA GERMINATIONIS, L. Rothiemurchus, June-July 1895 

(Hinxman) ; Nethy Bridge, August 1898 (Yerbury); Aviemore, 


Family 

EPHYDRIDjE. 

171. NOTIPHILA ANNULIPES, Stnh. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

172. OCHTHERA MANTIS, Deg. Aviemore, July 1899 (Yerbury). 

Family 

BORBORID^. 

173. BORBORUS GENICULATUS, Mcq. Rothiemurchus, June- July 


NOTES ON THE SCOTTISH SPECIES OF THE 

GENUS HEMEROBWS. 

By KENNETH J. 

MORTON, F.E.S. 

IN recent numbers of the " Entomologist's Monthly Magazine " 

(commencing with that for April 1899), Mr. M'Lachlan has 

published notes which will form, when completed, practically 

a revision of the Palaearctic species of the genus Hemerobius. 

A reference was made to two of the papers in the July 

(1899) number of the "Annals," but a further notice of the 

subject may be useful, because important changes have been 

made in the nomenclature. Several species have not been 

elucidated satisfactorily hitherto, and, in consequence, considerable 

confusion exists in 

the Scottish records. 

The members of the genus in question are widespread, 

and the greater number of the Palaearctic species are found 

in Scotland. Some of them extend to North America a 

fact that may yet prove a disturbing element as regards 

names.

THE SCOTTISH SPECIES OF THE GENUS HEMEROBIUS 31 

The following are the species known from Scotland : 

H. nervosus, F., is 

widely distributed in Scotland, and is usually 

rather common, especially where there is natural birch in quantity. 

It is 

probably the betulinus of Strom, an older name. 

H. subnebulosus, Steph., is very abundant near houses, and is the 

Hemerobius of Edinburgh gardens. 

H. mortoni, M'L., just described from a pair found at Rannoch 

in June 1898, is evidently not rare in the alpine and boreal regions 

of Europe. It is remarkable that it should have remained so long 

unnoticed, or at least undescribed, by Continental entomologists. 

H. marginatus, Steph., is locally common, probably over the 

whole of Scotland. Like H. nervosus, it is fond of birch trees. I 

have seen it in many localities from Wigtownshire to Inverness. 

H. liitescens, Fab., was at one time mixed with If. humuli, and 

afterwards confused with H. orotypus, Wallengren. All the published 

Scottish records under the last-mentioned name refer to lutescens. 

H. humuli, Linn. As indicated, two species were mixed under 

this name. I think recent records, at least, will refer to what is here 

called humuli. 

H. orotypus, Wall. This species is still little known, and is, no 

doubt, confused by Continental entomologists with some of the allied 

forms. Authentic Continental records are, however, confined to 

Scandinavia and the Pyrenees. In the British Isles it has been 

taken in Yorkshire, on Exmoor, and in Ireland, as well as in several 

Scottish localities. It 

may have been referred to previously without 

name, but no definite records of its occurrence in Scotland exist 

prior to those mentioned at page 189 ante. 

If. stigma, is Steph., common wherever there are conifers. The 

records are under the name of H. limbatus. 

H. pini, Steph. The distribution of this species is uncertain. 

I have taken it in Lanarkshire, and it 

may be general, but perhaps 

not common. 

H. atrifrons, M'L., has been recorded from Inverness-shire. It 

also occurs in the south, as I took a specimen from Juniperus near 

Cockburnspath in Berwickshire. 

The last-mentioned two species constitute, with H. limbatellus, 

Zett. (not yet known from Scotland), a very closely allied group. 

It 

may be that they are really forms of one protean species. 

H. nitidulus, Fab., and H. micans, Olivier, are rather common 

in many localities. 

The only Scottish species not yet dealt with by Mr. M'Lachlan 

are H. inconspicuus, M'L., and H. concinnus, Steph. 

H. inconspicuus has been found in Lanarkshire, Perthshire, and 

Inverness-shire, but is usually not common. 

H. concinnus is not rare in the pine forest districts of the North, 

where its striking variety quadrifasciatus, Reuter, is also found.

casually. J. W. H. T.] 

CYPERACEÊ. 


While in existing records reference is made to the variability of the 

species, no attempt, as far as I know, has been made to separate 

the two forms with regard to the localities where they have been 

found. Definite observations are much wanted as to whether the 

type form and the so-called variety occur separately or together in 

the particular localities. The variety is so very well marked that 

this should be attended to carefully with the view to settle the 

claims of quadrifasciatus to the more exalted rank of a species. 

TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY OF SCOTLAND. 

By JAMES W. H. TRAIL, A.M., M.D., F.R,S. 

(Continued from p. i 7 2.) 

[Names of plants in italics, except as synonyms within curved brackets, denote 

that the plants were certainly introduced into Scotland by man. f after a 

district -number denotes introduction by man into the district; "cas." 

denotes casual occurrence, and "esc." evident escape or outcast from cultivation, 

both being due to man's agency. Square brackets enclosing the 

name of a plant or a district-number denote that the record was made in 

error. ? after a district-number denotes, at least, need of confirmation ; 

after + it denotes doubt as to whether the plant owes its presence in the 

district to man. The SALICACE/E, accidentally omitted from their proper 

place in our last issue, will be included in the Supplement. Corrections 

and additions to the records now published will be gratefully received and 

acknowledged by the compiler, whose earnest wish it is to supply an accurate 

statement of our present knowledge of the distribution of the uncultivated 

plants of Scotland, whether native or introduced by man intentionally or 

Eleocharis acicularis, R. Br., 72-78, 83, 85-90, 96, 99-101, io5(?), 

108, in (??), 

112. 

E. palustris, R. Br., 

all. 

E. uniglumis, Reichb., 82, 84, 85, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94-97, 100-104, 

106, 109-112. 

var. b. Watsoni (Bab?), 98. 

var. pumila, Bcenn., no. 

E. multicaulis, Sm., except 78, 80, 82, 94, 107. 

Scirpus pauciflorus, Light/., except 78, 93, 94, 107. 

S. casspitosus, L., except 8.'. 

S. fluitans, Z., except 73, 78, 79, 80, 82, 84, 98, 99, 106, 107. 

S. cernuus, Vahl. ( = S. Savii, S. and Maur), 74, 75, 97, 98, 100-103, 

(105), 106, 1 10. 

S. setaceus, L., all. 

S. lacustris, L., except 78, 84, 94-

TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY OF SCOTLAND 33 

S. Tabernsemontani, GmeL, 73-76, 82, 85, 87-90, 93, 95-97, 99, 

102-104, 106, 109-111. 

S. maritimus, L., except 77, 7S, 79, SO, 94, 95, 107, 10S, 109, 111, 

112. 

var. cornpactus, Koch, 

no. 

S. sylvaticus, L., 72, 73, 75-81, 83, 85-94, 98, 99. 

S. Caricis, Retz. ( Blysmns compressns, Panz.), 72, 73, 75, 76, 79- 

83, [99 ? ]> 

I0 

[ I02 ?] 

S. rufus, Sckrad. ( 

= Blysmus rufus, Link.), except 78, 79, SO, S6, 

88, 89. 

var. b. bifolius, Walbr., no. 

Eriophorum alpinum, L., 88, 90 (extinct], 108 (?). 

E. vaginatum, L., except 78. 

E. angustifolium, Roth., all. 

E. latifolium, Hoppe, 72-74, 77, Si, 83, 87-90, 96-98, ioi(?), 105-108. 

\E. gracile, Koch, has been recorded from 88 and 90, almost 

certainly in error.] 

Rhynchospora fusca, Roem. and Schultz., 73, 97. 

R. alba, Vahl., except 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 89, 109, 111 

(doubtful in 91-95). 

Schcenus ferrugineus, L., 88. 

S. nigricans, L., 72-76, Si, 85, 89-92, 94-112. 

b. nanus, Lange, 105, 109, 112. 

Cladium jamaicense, Crantz, 72-75, Si, 90 (extinct), 97, 100, 102, 

103, 105, 108. 

Kobresia caricina, Willd., 88, 89, 98 

Carex dioica, L., except 78, 

' 


C. muricata, Z., except 78, S3, 90, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 

104, 105, 106, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112. 

[C. divulsa, Good., has been recorded, probably in error, from 76, 

33-] 

C. echinata, Murray (= C. stellulata, Good.), except 78. 

var. Grypus, Schk., has been recorded from Perthshire and 

from 98, but reverts in cultivation to the type. 

C. remota, Z., except 78, 82, 84, 85, 93, 104, 108, 109, 110, 111, 

112. 

C. axillaris, Good., 72, 73, 83, 88. All these records greatly need 

confirmation. 

C. Boenninghauseniana, Weihe, 75, 83, 88 (??), 94, 97. 

C. helvola, A. Blytt, 88, 90, 92. 

C. elongata, Z., 72, 73. 

C. approximata, Hoppe (= C. leporina of "Top. Bot."), 90, 92, 94, 

96. 

C. curta, Good. ( 

= C. canescens, L.), except 78, 103, 106, 107, 108, 

109, 110, 111, 112. 

var. b. alpicola (Wahlenb.}, 88 (?), 89, 90, 92, 96, 97, 106, 

1 08. 

C. ovalis, Good. ( 

C. leporina, L.), all. 

var. capitata, Sander, 108. 

C. alpina, Sw. ( 

= C. Vahlii, Schk.), 88, 90, 92. 

C. atrata, Z., 72, 86, 88-90, 92, 96-99. 

C. fusca, AH. ( 

C. Biixbaitmii, Wahlenb.), 97. 

C. Hudsonii, Ar. Benn. (= C. stricta, Good.), 73, 76, 77, 90, 92, 

100, [83, 84, 85, 95, 98, 99, require confirmation]. 

C. acuta, Z., 73-77, 80, Si, 86, 88, 89, 98, 100, 102. [It has also 

been recorded from 83, 84, 90-93, 95, 96, 99, 101, 109, in ; but 

there is reason to believe that C. aquatilis, var. elatlor, has been 

mistaken for C. acuta in most, if not all, of these counties.] 

var. gracilescens, Almq., 74, 86. 

C. rigida, Good., except 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 

91, 93, 95. 

var. hyperborea, Drejer, 90. Mr. A. Bennett believes that 

limula, Fr., also occurs in 90 (above Caenlochan). Herr 

Kiikenthal regards Hniula, Fr., as a hybrid between rigida 

and Goodenowii. A hybrid between these species has been 

recorded by Rev. E. S. Marshall from 98. 

C. aquatilis, IVahlenberg, aggregate, except 74, 82, S3 (?), 

91 (?), 100, 

101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 110, 111, 112. 

var. b. elatior, Bab. ( 

= Watsoni, Syme), 

is the most common 

form of this sedge in Scotland, at least in lower localities. 

It has been recorded by name from most of the vicecounties 

under aggr. 

var. c. 

cuspidata, Lcestad., 109.


var. d. epigejos, Lcestad., 88 (?), 92. 

var. e. 

virescens, Anderss., 73, 88, 89. 

var./ minor, Boott, 72, 88-90, 92, 93. 

aquatilis x rigida, 90, 98 (Rev. E. S. Marshall). 

[C. salina, Wahienberg.] 

var. b. kattegattensis, Juries, 96, 109. 

var. epigejos, fries (non Laestad.). Mr. Bennett refers to 

this form specimens sent him by Dr. White from 

Caenlochan. 

aquatilis x kattegattensis ( = C, Grantii, Ar. Benn.), 109. 

C. casspitosa, Z., 112 (Unst). 

C. Goodenowii, J. Gay (- C. vu/garis, Fries), all. 

var. b. juncella (T. M. Fries], 74, 86, 88, 90, 95, 96, 104, 

105, 108-110, 112. 

var. d. melasna, IVimmer, "Perthshire," 105 (G. C. Druce, 

who regards 

it as " simply a diseased state "). 

(C. spiculosa, Fr.}, forma hebridense, Ar. Benn., no, Harris. This 

is 

probably a hybrid between var. juncella and a form of 

C. salina. (See A. Bennett, in " Journ. Bot," July 1897.) 

C. flacca, Schreb. ( 

- C. g/ai/ca, Murray), 

all. 

var. b. Micheliana, Sin., 92. 

var. c. 

stictocarpa, Drnce, 72, 88, 90, 98. 

var. d. acuminata, Anderss., 110. 

C. limosa, aggregate, 72, 73, 75-77, 80, Si, 84-90, 92, 94, 96-99, 

101, 102, 104, 108-110. 

C. magellanica, Lam. (~ C. irrigna, Smith), 72, 73, 77, 83 (? Sonntag), 

85-88, go(?), 92, 98, 99, 1 10. 

C. limosa, Z., segregate, 72, 73, 75, 76, 80, Si, 84, 85, 87-90, 96- 

99, 101, 102, 104, 108-110. 

C. rariflora, Sm., 89, 90, 92, 94, 96 [108??]. 

C. pilulifera, L., except 8:2, 84. 

forma reptans, Lange, 112. 

var. b. longibracteata, Lange = ( Leesii, Ridley), 90, 92, 105, 

107. 

C. verna, Chaix ( 

= C. pracox, Jacq.), except 94, 97, 101, 103, 105, 

106, 107, 109, 110, 112(1). 

C. pallescens, Z, except 80, S3, 84, 93, 94, 111, 112. 

C. panicea, Z., all. 

var. b. intermedia (Mieg.), 97. 

var. tumidula, Lcestad., 96, 105, 108. 

C. pelia, O. F. Lang, 109. Kiikenthal considers this to be livida x 

panicea. 

C. vaginata, Tausch, 72, 86, 88-90, 92, 94, 96-99, 105, 108, 109. 

The form sparsiflora, Hartm., occurs in several places in 

Scotland, but it is scarcely more than a state of vaginata. 

C. atrofusca, Schk. ( 

= C. ustulata, Wahlenb.), 88.


C. capillaris, Z., 72, 87-90, 92, 94, 97, 98, 106, 108, 109, 112 (?). 

var. major, 89. 

C. pendula, Hiids., 72-77, 81-83, 86-88, 90 (?), 91, 92 (?), 93-95, 99. 

[C. strigosa, Hiids., has been recorded, in error, from 83 and 106.] 

[C. ventricosa, Curtis ( 

= C. depauperata, Good.), has been recorded 

from 90, in error.] 

C. sylvatica, ffuds., except 78, 84, 93, 94, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 

110, 111, 112. 

C. laevigata, Si., except 78, 80, 82, 84, 87, 89, 90(7), 93, 95, 106, 

107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112. 

C. binervis, Sin., except 84- 

Mr. Bennett considers that the mountain form of this (for which 

Mr. Druce has proposed the name nigrescens) is "(3 alpina* 

of Drejer. 

subsp. Sadleri, Linton ( 

= "frigida, All.," of " Lond. Cat."), 

9o(?), 92, no. 

C. distans, L., except 76 (?), 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 (?), 

S3 (?), 87, 88, 

89, 92, 93, 95, 96, 99, 104, 105, 107, 112 (?). 

var. littoralis, Anderss., 106 (near Tain). 

C. diluta, Bieb. ( 

= C. punctata, Gaud.), 73, 74. 

C. fulva, Good, (including Hornschuchiana, Bab.}, except 78, 82. 

C. extensa, Good., except 76, 77, 78, 79, SO, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 92, 

93, 96, 104, 108, 112. 

var. pumila, Anderss., 96, 100, 105, 107, 108. 

C. flava, L., aggregate, 

all. 

var. a. flava, segregate, 72-74, So, 83, 85-92, 94-96, 98, 

100, 103, 104, 106, 108, 109, in, 112. 

var. b. elatior, Schlecht (lepidocarpa, Tausch.), 79, 84-92, 96, 

IO2, IO3, 109, III, 112. 

var. c. 

(Ederi, Ehrh. (minor, Towns. , fide Mr. Bennett), 72, 

74, 78, 88, 92, 94-98. 101, 107-112. 

var. d. cyperoides, Marss. ((Ederi of " Eng. Rot," jide Mr. 

Bennett), except 76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 84, 93, 94. 

flava x fulva ( xanthocarpa, Degl.), 72, 88-90, 92, 96, 98- 

102, 104, 105, no, in. 

C. filiformis, L., 72-75, 79-81, 83, 88-90, 92, 95-98, 101-108. 

C. hirta, L., except 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112. 

C. Pseudo-cyperus, Z., 957, 102 ("by lake in Isla," Lightfoof). 

C. acutiformis, Ehrh. C. ( pahtdosa, Good.), except 84, 85, 87, 92, 

93, 94, 96, 97, 101, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 110, 111, 112. 

C. riparia, Curtis, 72-77, 81-83, 85-87, 90-94, 96, 99, 105 (?), 

106 (?), 

no(?). 

C. rostrata, Stokes (= C. ampuUacea, Good.) except 78. 

var. b. elatior (Blytf) is recorded in Ewing's " Catalogue " 

for 76, 86, 102, 1 10. 

var. brunnescens, Anderss., 96.


C. vesicaria, Z., except 78, S3, SJ (?), S4, 92 (?), 93, 94, 104, 107, 

108, 110, 111, 112. 

Tar. alpigena, Fries, 88. 

var. b. dichroa (Anderss.), found in 88, is referred by Prof. 

Bailey to C. rostrata. 

C. rostrata x vesicaria, 88, 92. 

C. pulla, Good., aggregate, 72, 86 (?), 87, 88, 90, 92, 96-99, 104, 

105, 108. 

var. b. Grahami (Bootf), 88, 90. 

GRAMINACE/E. 

Panicum glabrum, Gaud. ( 

= Digitaria humifnsa, Pers. ), casual, e.g. 

in 92. 

P. Cnis-galli, L., casual in 92. 

P. miliaceum, L., casual in 92. 

Setaria viridis, Beauv., casual, So, 92. 

S. verlicillata, Beauv., casual, 92. 

Phalaris canariensis, L., a frequent casual, 72-75, 86-89, 9 

r > 9 2 > 

99, 102, 112. 

P. ccerulescens, Desf., casual in 92. 

P. arundinacea, L., all. 

Anthoxanthum odoratum, Z., all. 

A. Puellii, Lecoq. and Lamotte, casual in 73, 80, 92 (var. nand). 

Hierochloe borealis, Roem. and Schult., 73, 109. Possibly also in 

89 (Glen Shee) and 90 (Glen Cally) ; 

but these records need 

confirmation. 

Alopecitrus myosuroides, Huds. = A. 

( agrestis, L.), cornfield weed or 

casual in 72, 75-78, 82, 85-87, 89-92, 96-98, 108, 109. 

[A.fulvus, Sm., recorded on doubtful authority from 85, 86, 90, 109.] 

A. geniculatus, Z., all, 

A. pratensis, Z., except 97. 

A. alpinus, Sm., 88 (?), 89, 90, 92, 94, 96, 97. 

var. b. Watsoni, Syme, 89, 90, 92. 

Milium effusum, Z., 72-77, 79-81, 83-93, 95> 9 6 

> 9 8 > 99> IOI > 

102, 106, 107, in (?). 

Phleum alpinum, Z., 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 97. 

P. pratense, Z., except no(?), 112 (?). 

Watson questions 

its claim 

to be native north of Caledonian Canal. 

var. b. nodosum (Z.) } Probably not uncommon, though 

var. c. stoloniferum, Bab. \ 

seldom specially recorded. 

P. arenarium, Z., 72, 73, 82, 83, 85, 86, 90-93, 94(?), 105. 

Mibora verna, Beauv. (= Chamagrostis minima, Borkh.), 827, 86f. 

Agrostis canina, Z., except 81. 

var. b. scotica, Hackel, 90, 104, 105. 

var. grandiflora, Hackel, 95, 96, 98, 105, 109. 

var. mutica, Gaud., 95, 96, 105, 112.


A. palustris, Hitds. ( 

= A. alba, L.), except 80. 

var. b. stolonifera (L.), 

common. Specially recorded from 

74, 86, 109, iii, 112. 

var. c, 

maritima, Mey., 75, 88, 95, 100, 103, 105, 108, 109, 

112. 

var. d. coarctata, Hoffm., 88, 96, 105, 109, 112. 

var. patula, Gaud., 105, 109. 

A. vulgaris, With., all. 

var. b. 

pumila (L.), common, 72, 74, 75, 86-98, 101, 102, 

104, 112. (The ovaries are infested with spores of a 

Tilletia.) 

var. c. 

nigra (With.), 87, 88, 91, 96, 97. 

A. scabra, Willd., 97. 

Stipa capillata, L., casual, e.g. at Grangemouth, in 86. 

Polypogon monspeliensis, Desf., casual, 80, 85, 86, 91. 

P. littoralis, Sm., casual, 80, 85. 

Calamagrostis epigeios, Roth., 74, 75, 80 (??), 85!, 86, 88, 89, 91, 

92, 103. 

C. lanceolata, Roth., 73 (83, probably in error). 

Gastridium australe, Beauv., casual in 80. 

Apera Spica-Venti, Beauv., casual or introduced, 76, 83, 86. 

A. interrupta, Beauv., casual in 82. 

Deyeuxia strigosa, Kunth., 109. 

D. neglecta, Kunth., 90 (extinct). 

var. c. borealis, Ar. Benn., 88. 

Ammophila arundinacea, Host ( 

= Psamma arenaria, L.), except 76, 

78, 79, 80, 84, 88, 89, 99 (from 77, 98, 103, 105 without 

localities). 

Lagurus ovatus, L., casual in 87. 

Aira caryophyllea, L., all. 

A. prsecox, L., all. 

Weingcsrtneria canescens, Bern., error or introduced in 75, 97. 

Deschampsia ctespitosa, Beauv., all. 

var. b. alpina, Gaud., 88, 92, 94, 96, 97-99, 102, 103, 105, 

108, 109 (102, 103 without localities), 

var. c. 

pseudo-alpina, Syme, 86, 94, 96, 97 (99 without 

locality), 105, 107, 108, no. 

D. alpina, Roem. and Schult., 86, 88-90, 92, 94, 96-99, 103, 108, 

no (?), 

1 1 1 (? error). 

D. discolor, Roem. and Schulf., 90 (?), 91, 92, 94-97, 102-104, 106- 

IO9, 112. 

D. flexuosa, Trin., except 82. 

var. b. montana, Hook, f., 86-90, 92, 94, 96-98, 100, 103- 

105, no, 112. 

var. c. 

Voirlichensis, Melmll, 88. 

Holcus mollis, L., all.


H. lanatus, Z., all. 

Trisetum pratense, Pers. ( 

= Avena flavescens, L.), except 93, 98, 102, 

103, 104, 105, 107, 109, 110, 112. Probably has been 

" " introduced into some vice-counties. 

Avena pubescens, Huds., except 78, 79, 82, 93. 

var. glaberrima, Borb., 105, 108. 

A. pratensis, Z., except 76, 77, 78, 82, 84, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 

108, 109, 110, 112. 

var b. alpina (Sm.), 72, Perthshire, 92-94. 

var. c. 

longifolia (Parn.}, 88, 89. 

A. strigosa, Schreb., a weed in fields, etc., 72-74, 87-89, 92, 94-96, 

107, no, iii. 

A.fatua, L., a weed in fields, and casual, 72, 74, 75, 77, 80-83, 

S5> 8 7-89 5 9 r > 9 2 > 94-9 6 5 i5> IIT > 

II2 - 

Arrhenatherum avenaceum, Beauv., all ; usually as var. b. nodosum, 

Reichb. 

Sieglingia decumbens, Bernh. ( 

= Triodia decumbens, P. B.), 

all. 

Phragmites communis, Trin., except 107 (?). 

var. b. nigricans, Gren. and Godr., 95, 96, 98, 105, 108. 

Sesleria cagrulea, Ard., 86, 88, 96, 105 (reported erroneously from 

92). 

Cynosurus cristatus, L., all. 

Kceleria cristata, Pers., except 76, 77 (?), 78, 84, 105, 108^, 

112. 

Molinia varia, Schranck ( 

= M. carulea, Moench), except 78. 

var. b. 

depauperata (Li/idl.}, 83, 85, Perthshire, 91, 92, 96, 

97, 105, 108. 

Catabrosa aquatica, Beauv., except 73, 76 (?), 78, 79, 80, 84, 98, 

105. 

var. b. littoralis, Parn., 75, 95, 100-102, no. 

Melica nutans, Z., except 74, 78, 79, 85, 93, 100, 101, 102, 103, 

104, 109, 110, 111, 11 >. 

M. uniflora, L., except 78, 82, 93, 94, 96, 97, 101, 102, 104, 105, 

106, 108, 109, 110, 111. 

Dactylis glomerata, L., all. 

Briza media, Z., except 76, 99, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 

no, nil (?), 

ns. 

Poa annua, Z., 

all. 

var. b. 

supina, Gaud., 88, 92, 105, 108. 

P. alpina, Z., 83 (Sonntag), 86-90, 92, 94, 96-99, 104, 108. 

P. stricta, Lindb., 90, 92, 97 ) 

The records of both are in need of 

P. laxa, Haenke, 90, 92, 97 (?) j being confirmed. 

P. cenisia, AIL, var. flexuosa, Wahlenb., 88. 

P. glauca (Sm.\ 87, 88, 90, 92, 94, 98, 99, 104. 

P. Balfouri (Parn.}, 72 (?), 88, 90, 96, 98, 105 (92 in " Eng. Bot," 

iii.).


P. nemoralis, Z., 72, 75-80, 83, 86-92, 94-101, 104-106, uof. 

var. c. Parnellii, Hk. and Am., 89, 92, 95, 96. 

var. d. divaricata, Syme, 88, 92, 98. 

var. e. coarctata (Gatid.}, 89. 

var. glaucantha, Reichb., recorded from 72, 88, 97, 104. 

P. compressa, Z., 76, 77, 80, 81, 83, 85 (?), 86, 88, 89, 90 (?), 

io6f(?) (in and 112 are errors). 

var. b. subcompressa (Parn.}, 89. 

P. Chaixii, Vill. ( 

= P. sudetica, Haenke), casual in 72, 80, 88, 89. 

P. pratensis, Z., except 107. 

var. b. subcaerulea (Sm.\ 72, 74, 84, 88, 89, 92, 105-110, 

112. 

var. c. 

angustifolia (Z.), 108. 

var. d. strigosa (Gaud.\ 88, 89. 

P. palustris, Z., 88, doubtfully indigenous. 

P. trivialis, Z., except 107. 

var. b. Koeleri (DC.}, 73, 88. 

var. d. glabra, Doell., 105, 109. 

Glyceria fluitans, Pv. Br., except 84- 

var. b. triticea, Fries, 108, no. 

G. plicata, Fries, 80-82, 84-86, 88, 89, 96, 98, 100, 101, 106, 

i i i (?). 

var. b. pedicellata (Townsenrf), 88, 89, 98. 

var. d. depauperata, Crepin, 96. 

G. aquatica, Sm., 72-77, 83-90, 92!, 95, 99, 103. 

G. maritima, Mert. and Koch, except 77, 78, 79, 80, 88. 

G. distans, Wahlenb., 73, 76(?), 83 (?), 85-87, 89, 90,92, 108, 109, 

III, 112. 

var. b. prostrata, Beeby, 112. 

Festuca procumbens, Kunth., 86f, and doubtfully in 75, Si, 83, 90. 

F. rigida, Kunth., 83, 85, 87, 90, 91 1(?), 92f(?), 106. 

F. rottboellioides, Kunth. ( 

Poa loliacea, Huds.), 73-75, 83, 85, 86, 

9o(?), 97, 101-103, IIO > m(?)- 

F. Myuros, Z. ( = F. Pseudo-myuros, Koch), casual, or introduced 

probably in 72, 73, 77, 81, 85, (90?). 

F. sciuroides, Roth., except 79, S3, 84, 104, H0\, 111\. 

F. ovina, Z., all. 

var. b. capillata, Hackel, 74, 97, 109. 

var. c. 

glauca (Lam.}, common, along coasts especially, 

though recorded by name from 97 and 104 only. 

F. duriuscula, Sm., aggregate, all. 

F. rubra, Z. 

var. b. arenaria (OsbecK), 72-77, 81, 83 (?), 85, 88, 90-96, 

100, 101, 104, 106, Sutherland, 109, no, in (?), 

112 (?). 

sub-vars. grandiflora, Hackel, 88, 89, 98, 106, 109, no, and 

juncea, Hackel, 109.


var. c. fallax, ThuilL ( 

- F. duriusaila, segr.). Probably 

common. 

var. d. pruinosa, Hackel, 104-107. 

sub-var. barbata, Hackel, on Am Teallach in 105. 

F. sylvatica, ViU., 72, 73, 75, 77(7), 83, 86-89, 9*> 9 2 

> 94~97> 99. 

101 (without locality), 105. 

F. elatior, Z., aggregate, except 107. 

var. b. pseudo-loliacea, Hackel, 72 ("Fl. Dumf." ), 109. 

var. c. 

pratensis, Ifuds., recorded from all except 74, 78, S4, 

93, 95, 97, 9S, 104, 105, 107, 110, 112. 

var. pratensis, Huds. x Lolium perenne ( 

= F. loliacea, Curt.), 

bracketed with pratensis, Huds., in " Top. Bot.," ed. 2, 

occurs occasionally in most vice-countries, though expressly 

recorded from few, e.g. 72, 92. 

F. arundinacea, Schreb., bracketed in "Top. Bot.," ed. 2, with 

F. elatior, probably occurs in a number of vice-countries ; 

but 

the records are in much need of revision, the forms having 

been often included under the same name by the recorders. 

It seems thus scarcely worth while to enumerate those from 

which " arundinacea " has been named. 

f. strictior, Hackel, 109. 

Bromus giganteus, ^ 

Z., except 78, 104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 

11%. 

var. b. triflorus, Syme, 88, 90, 106. 

B. ramosus, Huds. ( 

= B. asper, Murray), except 7S, 9G, 97, 104, 

108, 110, 111, 112. 

var. a. serotinus (enek.\ 97. 

B. erectus, 83, 85. (Also recorded for 72, 73, 82, but doubtfully 

native in Scotland.) 

JB. madritensis, L., has been recorded from 83 and 85, but as a 

casual. 

B. rubens, L., casual at Inverurie, in 93. 

B. sterilis, Z., except 96, 97, 101, 102, 104, 105, 107, 108, 110, 

113 ; perhaps not native in all. 

B. secalinus, Z., 72, 73, 75, 76, 83, 84, 86, 87, 90-92, 95, 97, 

105, in ; probably introduced in most districts, among grass 

seeds. 

var. I', velutinus (Schrad.} has been recorded from 74, 83, 

and in, but records need confirmation. 

B. racemosus, Z., 72-78, Si, 83, 87, 92, 96, 97, 99, 105, in. 

B. commutatus, Schrad., 72-75, 76]-, 777, 78, 79, 82, 83, 85-87, 

89-102, 105, 106, 108, in (?), ii2f. ("Top. Bot.," ed. 2, 

includes racemosus under commutatus. The records need 

revision.) 

B. mollis, Z., all. 

var. b. glabratus, DoelL, is recorded from 75, 88, 89, 105.


B. arvensis, L., introduced or casual in 74, 85, 86, 90, 92. (The 

records of this species are too much confused with some of the 

preceding, to permit of disentangling them.) 

Brachypodium gracile, Beauv. ( 

= B. sylvaticum, Roem. and Schult.), 

except 112. 

(B. pinnatum, Beauv. , 

recorded in error from 85 and 94.) 

Lolium perenne, Z., all. Some of the varieties are of frequent 

occurrence in fields and waste places, italicum (Braun) being 

especially common. 

L. temulentum, Z., 72, 82f, 87!, 88 cas., 89 cas., 92 cas., 95f(?). 

Of very uncertain occurrence, scarcely more than a casual. 

Var. b. arvense (IVit/i.} 

is commoner than type. 

Agropyrum caninum, Beauv. , except 82, 84, 98 t 99, 102, 104, 

107 (?), 109, 110, 11-.'. 

var. b. Donianum (F. B. White), 88. 

A. repens, Z., all. 

(Mr. G. C. Druce records vars. maritinmm, 

Druce, and ccesium, Doell., from 105, W. Ross.) 

var. Leersianum, Gray, 75, 78, 86, 88, 91, 92, 105, 107, 

109, 112. 

A. pungens(P), Roem. and Schult., 75 (?), 103, io6(?). 

var. b. littorale (Reichb.}, 83, 85, 99-101, 104, 107, in, 

I 12. 

A. acutum, Roem. and Schult., 73, 74, 83, 85, 95, 100, 105, 106, 

108, no, iii. 

A. junceum, Beauv., 72-75, 85, 87, 91-97, 100-112. 

Lepturus filiformis, Trin. (including var. b. incurvatus (Trin.\ 72, 

_73> 7S> 82, 83(?), 84, 85, 100, 102, io 3 (?). 

sEgilops triuncialis, L., and ;. caudata, L., casuals, 92. 

Nardus stricta, Z., all. 

Hordeum secalinum, Schreb. ( 

= H. pratense, Huds.), 73, 81 (in 

Berwick), 86, 87 (reported from 75, 83, 85). 

H. murinum, Z., 75, 80-86, 89, 90, 917, 927, 95!, 1097 (from 

1 1 1 in error). 

H. marinum, Huds. ( 

= H. maritimum, With.), 84, 87, 90 (? error); 

very doubtfully native. 

Elymus arenarius, Z., 72 (?), 75, 82, 85, 90-97, 100, 101, 104, 

105, 107-112 (extending its range and abundance). 

(Several cultivated cereals, e.g. 

Avena sativa, A. orientalis, Triticum 

sativum, and other " wheats," Hordeum distichum, H. hexastichum, 

Secale cereale, etc., occur frequently as casuals in many 

districts.) 

(To be continued."]

SEED DISPERSAL OF PINUS SYLVESTKIS & BETULA ALBA 43 

ON THE SEED DISPERSAL OF 

PINUS SYLVESTRIS AND BETULA ALBA. 

By ROBERT SMITH, B.Sc., University College, 

Dundee. 

ALTHOUGH much has been written on the subject of the 

adaptations of plants for the dispersal of their seeds, there 

is still a lack of precise information with regard to the 

distance to which the seeds of even common species may 

be carried by these means. Fliche, who may be regarded 

as the chief contributor to this subject, has given 

x 

a series 

of measurements which he made of the distances between 

certain seedlings and their parent trees. His figures are 

remarkably small ; 

thus the greatest distance to which the 

seeds of Pinus sylvestris were carried was only 115 metres, 

of Fagus sylvatica 500-600 metres, of Pyrus Aucuparia 

1400-2100 metres. 

The importance of such measurements, with regard 

to the determination of the time required for the migrations 

of plants across a region, or to the study of the 

comparative effectiveness of the various adaptations for 

dispersal, will be sufficiently evident to any student of 

these subjects. It is plain, however, that many more 

examples from different regions would require 

to be studied 

before the data could be safely utilised in forming any 

generalisations. The scarcity of recorded examples may 

probably be ascribed to the great difficulty experienced in 

finding cases where seedlings can be with certainty traced 

to their parent plants. 

A particularly favourable example has come under my 

notice in the north-eastern part of the county of Fife, on 

that stretch of fixed dunes known as Tentsmuir, between 

Tayport 

and the mouth of the river Eden. The moor is 

1 

Fliche, 'Un Reboisement' " 

( 

Annales de la science agronomique," i., 1888). 

Detailed accounts of the distances to which seeds may be expelled from those 

plants provided with mechanical devices for the purpose are given in works by 

Lubbock, Kerner, etc. ; but, so far as I am aware, very few besides Fliche 

have sought to ascertain the distances to which seeds are carried by other 

than mechanical devices. Clement Reid, in his recently published work on 

the " Origin of the British Flora" (1899), p. 28, describes an interesting case 

of the dispersal of acorns by means of rooks, where the seedlings were found 

more than a mile from the parent plants.


roughly oblong in shape, five miles from north to south, and 

one and a half miles from east to west. It is made up of 

heath, pasture, marsh, and loose sand dunes, according to 

the prevalent conditions of soil and moisture. On the 

landward side a series of woods runs from north to south. 

These are mainly composed of Scots Pine and Birch, and 

some of the trees are of considerable age, many bearing an 

abundance of seed. They are freely exposed to the full 

force of the prevailing south-west and west winds, which 

before encountering them have an uninterrupted sweep over 

a number of miles of low, rolling country. 

In the spring of 1899 a careful survey was made of the 

northern part of the moor on the eastern side of Fettersloch 

Wood. Although at first sight the moor appears to possess 

no higher vegetation than the uniform heather and heaths, 

Pine and 

a closer examination shows a number of young 

Birch trees a few feet in height. There is no record, so far 

as I am aware, that this part of the moor ever possessed 

mature trees, and the Ordnance Map of the year 1866 shows 

it to have been much the same as at present. There can 

be no reason for supposing that any one has planted these 

few and scattered young trees. Fettersloch Wood is the 

nearest possible source, and doubtless the true source, of the 

seeds which have given rise to them. The wind is the most 

likely agent of transportation, since both species are provided 

with seeds bearing winglike expansions. Since birds 

eat these seeds, they may aid in the dispersal ; 

but it is 

unlikely that this has happened in the present case, where 

all the conditions are in favour of wind transportation. 

The following observations were made at distances 

measured from the nearest point of the wood along a line 

running in a north-easterly direction. Although the measurements 

were made by pacing, they may be regarded as of 

sufficient accuracy for the present purpose : 

Yards. 

1-48. Cones of Pine, and dead branches (absent beyond this point). 

At 192. 2 Pines 

(1) Height 7 feet, circumference 14 inches, about 

seventeen years old, in good condition. 

(2) Broken across, circumference 8 inches, still living.

SEED DISPERSAL OF PINUS SYLVESTR1S & BETULA ALBA 45 

Yards. 

At 266. i Pine, top broken, circumference 8|- inches, still living. 

i Birch, height 10 feet, circumference 8 inches, in good 

condition, bearing staminate catkins. 

,,366. i Pine, height 3 feet, about ten years old. 

489. i Pine. 

3 Birches, all in good condition. 

,,746. i Pine, dead, about seven years old, in damp soil amongst 

Erica Tetralix. 

,,771. i Pine, dead, about seven years old, in damp soil amongst 

Erica Tetralix. 

,, 837. i Pine, fourteen years old at least. 

,,878. i Pine, height 5 feet, circumference 9^ inches, in good 

condition. 

,, 

886. i 

Pine, height 7 feet, circumference i6i inches, about 13 

years old, in good condition. 

5 Pines, in good condition ; 

these were not on the direct 

line of measurement, but near the last -mentioned 

example, and at much the same distance from the 

wood. 

Beyond this point no trees were observed, the ground 

being composed of loose dunes, and in other ways unsuitable 

for the growth of trees. 

These observations show that Pine seeds have been 

carried as far as 886 yards, and Birch seeds as far as 489 

yards. 

It will be observed that the trees occasionally occur in 

groups separated by long gaps. This is due to the nature 

of the ground, which is in the form of alternating ridge and 

hollow. The ridges are drier and more suitable for the 

growth of trees than the marshy hollows. The dominant 

vegetation on the ridges is usually Calluna vulgaris, while in 

the hollows Erica Tetralix is the most abundant. All the 

trees from i to 500 yards 

are associated with Callnna 

vulgaris. From 500 to 800 yards the ground is occupied 

by a broad marsh with Erica Tetralix^ and there only two 

trees were found ; 

both were dead, probably having succumbed 

to the damp nature of their habitat, which may 

lived. From 800 

perhaps have been drier while they 

to 886 yards the association is 

again 

that of Calluna 

vulgaris, although with some Erica Tetralix mixed and in 

; this part eight of the trees were found.

. 

Although 


The marshy nature of the ground is only one of the 

conditions which have prevented the moor from being naturally 

replanted in course of time by the abundant source of 

seeds in the old wood, with the prevalent westerly wind to 

transport them. The stunted growth of the trees one of 

which is seventeen years old and yet only 7 feet high and the 

frequency of broken tops and branches testify to the severity 

of climatic conditions. Sheep and rabbits nibble the young 

leaves ; 

and every few years the heather is burnt by the 

game-preserver. When all the causes tending towards extermination 

are considered, it is surprising that even a few 

examples have managed to survive. These favoured few 

are mostly in spots which have escaped burning for a 

number of years ; 

and the best grown specimens have been 

sheltered during their earliest years by the long heather 

around them. 

489 yards from the wood is the greatest distance 

at which any Birch trees were found, this is probably 

considerably under the distance to which the seeds may be 

carried. It might be suggested that a number expressing 

more accurately the maximum distance of transportation 

would be obtained by measuring the distances of seed-dispersal 

of those isolated young Birch trees which are common 

on some Highland moors. 

The distance of 886 yards (Sio metres) here determined 

as within the possible range for the dispersal of Pine 

seeds is 

very much greater than that of 1 1 5 metres given 

by Fliche. In his paper he contrasts the smallness of the 

distance to which Pine seeds are carried by the wind with 

the greater distances to which animals carry the seed of 

Beech (500-600 metres) and Rowan (1400-2100 metres); 

but if this new estimate for the Pine is accepted, this contrast 

can no longer be regarded as established. It is evident, 

from the disparity which exists between the few definite 

measurements yet published, that many more cases must 

be recorded before we can reach any degree of accuracy on 

the subject.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 47 

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES. 

Marten in Argyllshire. (Mustela martes). Two Martens, 

male and female, were sent to Inverness, for preservation, by Mr. 

Campbell, Glenfmnan, Argyllshire. They are in beautiful dark fur 

with orange-coloured throats. Mr. Campbell adds that he believes 

there are more of them in that neighbourhood. They were taken in 

the beginning of November. T. E. BUCKLEY, Inverness. 

Long-eared Bat in Elgin. In May 1898 a fine example of 

Plecotus auritus was caught in a hollow tree in the oak wood near 

the town of Elgin, and was carefully preserved by Mr. Gordon 

Taylor, Bishopmill. As this species has not been recorded for 

Elginshire in Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Buckley's "Vertebrate 

Fauna," nor in the "Annals," I thought the fact worthy of notice. 

WM. TAYLOR, Lhanbryde. 

Bird Notes from Tiree and Coll. 

In his notes on the Birds of 

Coll and Tiree, Colonel Irby gives the Partridge (Perdix rinerea) as 

nesting in Coll but not in Tiree. Partridges have nested in Tiree 

for the last six years, and there were several nests nine years ago. 

The Great Black-backed Gull is 

(Larus marinas} not mentioned as 

breeding in Coll. It breeds on Gunna, whence I have seen its eggs. 

A pair of Stonechats (Pratincola rnbicola) nested this year in Tiree. 

PETER ANDERSON, Tiree. 

Marked Starlings. On the chance of getting some information 

about the roading of the Starling (Stnrmts I vulgaris\ have commenced 

to mark Starlings here in Denmark, and this autumn I have 

marked 165 examples. The mark is a small ring with some letters 

and a number, placed on one foot of the bird. Possibly some of my 

Starlings will visit Britain, and therefore I take the liberty to ask you 

if 

you will take the trouble to interest yourself in my experiment (i) 

by publishing in the manner you think the most practical, and (2) 

by informing me of the capture of any of these marked Starlings, 

giving a description of the ring and its inscription, or, the bird being 

killed, by forwarding the marked foot with the ring to me. 

Eventual results will in due time be published. H. CHR. C. 

MORTENSEN, Adjunkt ved Katedralskolm, Viborg, Danmark. 

[We have pleasure in making known Herr Mortensen's experiment 

and his request. EDS.] 

Black Redstart in the Solway Area. An immature Black 

Redstart (Ruticilla titys) 

was shot upon the foreshore near Silloth, 

Cumberland, on iyth November, by a young lad in my service, 

whom I had directed to look along the shore with a gun. It was 

rather shy, and he spent about half an hour in trying to get a shot at 

it, before he secured it. It is 

only the second " Solway " specimen 

that I have examined in the flesh, and is the first that I have secured


for the collection of the Carlisle Museum. Perhaps I may be 

allowed to take this opportunity of reminding ornithological friends 

that I am leaving Cumberland at the end of the year. I hope to 

continue to study and record our Lakeland birds ; 

letters directed to 

the care of the Carlisle Museum will continue to find- me ; 

but our 

home address, after 3ist December, will be The Rectory, Pitlochry, 

Perthshire. 

H. A. MACPHERSON, Allonby. 

Grasshopper Warbler nesting- in Morayshire. The Grasshopper 

Warbler (Locustella ncevia) is not recorded in Messrs. 

Harvie-Brown and Buckley's " Fauna of the Moray Basin " as 

nesting in the district ; 

nevertheless it has done so for at least the 

last three or four years. In July 1896, and again in July 1897, I 

saw eggs in the possession of a schoolboy which he had got beside 

the river Lossie, near Elgin. I asked him to let me have the nest 

if he should find another, and in July 1898 he sent me a nest and 

an egg which he had obtained in the same locality. 

I had little 

doubt regarding them ; 

but they have now been submitted to Mr. 

Harvie-Brown, and he is quite satisfied as to their identity. ROBERT 

H. MACKESSACH. 

Yellow Wagtail at Beauly. On nth July I saw a single 

specimen of Motacilla rail in the marshy meadows near the mouth 

of the Beauly River. This occurrence of the Yellow Wagtail is 

perhaps worth recording, as the exact status of the species in the 

North of Scotland seems uncertain. Messrs. Harvie-Brown and 

Buckley (" Fauna of the Moray Basin") have not seen it north of the 

Great Glen ; 

Booth records it from Tain and Inverness ; 

and St. 

John speaks of it as of rare occurrence in the county of Moray. 

LIONEL W. HINXMAN, Edinburgh. 

Great Gray Shrike in the Solway District. A Great Gray 

Shrike (Lanius excubitor) was captured below Glencaple on i4th 

October. It was kept in a cage, but died in a few days. The bird 

afterwards came into my hands. It proved to be a female, and, 

from the vermiculated markings on the feathers of the breast, I conclude 

it is immature. This species is not nearly so frequently met 

with of late years as was formerly the case, when for a considerable 

period several were seen every winter. R. SERVICE, Maxwelltown. 

Kingfisher near the Beauly Firth. A Kingfisher (Alcedo ispida) 

was shot on a small burn close to the Firth, near Lentran, on nth 

November. When a Kingfisher does visit that neighbourhood, 

it is 

almost sure to be found about that burn, where I have myself seen 

it on one occasion in August of last year. T. E. BUCKLEY, 

Inverness. 

Bee-Eater in Shetland. For some days last week a strange bird 

was seen flying about at Symbister, and on Monday morning Mr.


Arthur Adie found the bird dead on the top of a wall there. It was 

sent to Lerwick, where it was identified as the Bee-Eater (Merops 

apiaster). The only specimen recorded as having been got in Scotland 

was one shot in the Mull of Galloway in October 1832. The 

bird is from ten to eleven inches long, and the plumage is exceedingly 

pretty. The Bee-Eater was sent down to Mr. John Irvine, who is 

having it stuffed. -"Shetland Times," loth June 1899. 

[This bird has been seen or captured on about six occasions in 

Scotland. EDS.] 

The Long-eared Owl in Islay.- As there is no later record of 

the occurrence of the Long-eared Owl (Asia otis] 

in Islay than 

that contained in Harvie-Brown and Buckley's " Fauna of Argyll," 

in which there is an allusion to one having been shot on the island 

in February 1853, it may be interesting to state that a young male 

of this species was brought to me by Peter Currie, crofter, on i4th 

October last, which he had found in a trap at Duich Lotts. The 

bird was alive when found, but dead and too much damaged to set 

up nicely when I got it. It was sent on to Mr. John Paterson, 

Glasgow, by whom the identification has been confirmed. It is 

noteworthy that the find occurred on bare, peaty moorland, miles 

away from any kind of plantation or cover, such as this species 

usually frequents. THOMAS F. GILMOUR, Port Ellen, Islay. 

Forth. An Old Record of the Kite in Fifeshire. My friend 

Colonel H. W. Feilden has lately placed in my hands an interesting 

old letter, which, amongst other items, contains a record of the Kite 

(MiZvits ictinus) in the county of Fife. The letter is dated from 

Cambo House, 22nd August 1844, and is from William Leyland 

Feilden the present Baronet who, at the time he wrote it, was 

nine years old. Colonel Feilden adds that " : There is no question 

about the correct identification of the bird, for it was stuffed and 

was for years after in my father's collection. The passage in the 

letter is a short " 

one, and as follows : 

James shot a very fine Kite 

the other : 

day he had set about a dozen traps for it, and at last he 

shot it." Colonel Feilden adds: "James, who shot the Kite, was 

James Forrester, the gamekeeper at Cambo House, Fifeshire." 

I consider this an interesting record, and I would be pleased if 

any of our readers could give any earlier or later data of " The Kite 

in Fifeshire " or " Forth."- -J. A. HARVIE-BROWN. 

Barnacle Goose in the Dornoeh Firth. A Barnacle Goose 

(Bernida leucopsis) 

was sent from Tarlogie, near Tain, to Mr. Mackay 

for preservation on gth November. As far as our present information 

goes, 

it is a rarity in that neighbourhood. T. E. BUCKLEY, 

Inverness. 

Long-tailed Duck in the Solway District. Again this season I 

have to record the occurrence of Harelda glacialis in the Solway. 

33 E


A fine female specimen came into my 

hands this autumn. In 

recent years the species, so abundant in north-western waters, has 

been finding its 

way round to our firth with increasing frequency. 

R. SERVICE, Maxwelltown. 

Smew and White-fronted Goose in Shetland. I received from 

Mr. T. Henderson, jun., of Dunrossness, an immature Smew (Mergus 

albellus) shot on Loch Spiggie on i5th December: in the letter 

accompanying the specimen, Mr. Henderson informs me that he also 

shot a White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) on the i3th. T. E. 

BUCKLEY, Inverness. 

Red-legged Partridge in Forfarshire. When shooting in 

Forfarshire on the 6th November, I saw a Red-legged Partridge 

(Caccabis rufa) shot it was a male in fine plumage. The : keeper 

said that he was aware of a pair being on the ground, and that he had 

seen a nest with eggs in the spring. W. H. M. DUTHIE, Row, Doune. 

Former presence of the Ptarmigan in Rum. It 

may interest 

those who are studying the historic aspect of the past and present 

distribution of our native Scottish animals to know of an old record 

which I do not remember having seen quoted of the presence 

of the Ptarmigan on the island of Rum, as related in a somewhat 

uncommon book which is now before me, and for which I am 

indebted to my friend Colonel H. W. Feilden, who also drew rny 

attention to the passage. The work " is The Life of Edward Daniel 

Clarke," by William Otter, and the preface to the second edition 

bears date of 3ist December 1824. This author is best known to 

general readers by his series of volumes entitled " Travels in various 

Countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa," n vols. 1816-1824. But I 

am not aware that it is 

generally known that he made a voyage to 

Scotland and the Western Isles, as related in his " Life," 

vol. i. 

chap. iv. p. 250. The passage referring to the Ptarmigan 

follows [I quote it fully, as I believe it possesses sufficient interest 

to Scottish naturalists 

is as 

generally]. Having described the great 

crater or corrie of Oreval a mountain in Rum and the ancient 

method of entrapping the Red Deer, Clarke goes on to " 

say Mr. 

: 

M. remaining in the crater with his gun to seek for game among the 

heath and morass, I continued my journey towards the summit. 

In my way up, among the loose stones near the top, those beautiful 

birds the Ptarmigans came so near me, and appeared so little 

alarmed at my intrusion, that I nearly took one of them with my 

hands. It appeared of a fine glossy dark colour, almost black, with a 

beautiful ring of the purest white round its neck." [This soundssays 

the reader uncommonly like a misidentification.] Clarke 

then goes on to say 

: 

" 

They change their colour with every season 

of the year, and are seen alternately brown, gray, and white. Its 

most usual appearance is that of a dusky brown, like moor/owls "


[the italics are ours]. 

As the autumn draws to a close it becomes 

gray, and in the winter it is perfectly white. It never appears in 

the lower region, but almost always inhabits the tops." I add no 

remarks to the quotations given, preferring that they should stand 

as given. J. A. HARVIE-BROWN. 

Capercailzie in Strathnairn. I 

may shortly state that, since 

the winter of 1894, I have introduced a considerable number of 

Capercailzie (Tetrao urogattus) from Norway and Austria. Thirtyone 

were turned down that year, and some every year since. A 

good many died on their first arrival, from insufficient pen room : but 

most of them have been turned out, and have remained in the 

woods round. I heard of three broods in 1897, and I knew of one 

in : 

1898 one, consisting of five young birds, was lately seen by a 

keeper near this house. A cock and a hen have this year strayed 

as far as Daviot. One of the broods (1897) was at Brin, where 

also a fine cock was shot by a keen young sportsman. Another, 

I believe, was killed at Aldourie, also a bird at Foyers. A hen, 

too, was unfortunately shot here last year by the subscriber. If the 

proprietors, shooting tenants, and keepers will kindly refrain from 

shooting them for some years to come, I feel sure that the large fir 

woods in this district will eventually form a most suitable home for 

them. W. DALZIEL MACKENZIE, Farr, Inverness. 

Spotted Crake in Inverness-shire. A Spotted Crake (Porzana 

maruetta) was shot near Culloden about 3oth September. Probably 

these birds are much commoner here than is generally supposed, 

but without a good dog they are not easily found. T. E. BUCKLEY, 

Inverness. 

Pratincole near Montrose. I received for identification a 

young Pratincole (Glareola pratincola), a bird of the year, which had 

been shot on the Mill Burn, Rocksands, Montrose, by Mr. Stormond, 

Henry Street, on the 4th of November 1899. It is a rare visitor 

to Britain, and has only been recorded for Scotland on one occasion, 

namely at Unst, Shetland, in August 1812. J. 

A. HARVIE-BROWN. 

Albino Lapwing in Inverness-shire. Considering the enormous 

numbers of these birds, albinisms are not very common amongst 

them. Mr. Mackay showed me one that he had received from 

Mr. J. Carver, Crubenmore, near Dalwhinnie, on the 3oth of 

September. T. E. BUCKLEY, Inverness. 

Spotted Redshank and Black-tailed Godwit in East Renfrewshire. 

As the Spotted Redshank (Totanus fuscus) has been recorded 

only once from " Clyde " (" Annals," 1899, p. 5 it 

1), will doubtless be 

worth while to record its 

reappearance at Balgray Dam, East 

Renfrewshire, in the present autumn (1899). On i6thand iyth 

September a pair of birds has come under our observation. In a 

small creek on the west side of the dam a Common Redshank, a


pair of Spotted Redshanks, a pair of Greenshanks, and a few Lapwings 

were together. These we watched for a long time in a 

favourable light at a distance of about twenty paces. The Spotted 

Redshanks were in spotted and dusky, but changing plumage, the 

white stripe from the bill to the eye being well defined. Their call 

note, though very distinct, seemed to resemble considerably that of 

the Common Partridge. Early in September M'Culloch and Son, 

Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, received a Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa 

belgicd) to preserve. On inquiry, this specimen was found to have 

been shot by Mr. Gilmour of Barrhead, near Caldwell, in Neilston 

parish, a little beyond our limits; but on 2ist September we had 

several good views of a second example at Balgray Dam. Both of 

these were birds of the year. The note of the Balgray bird was a 

"kip," occasionally uttered once, but usually repeated, similar to a 

note emitted by Black-headed Gulls when quarrelling among themselves. 

JOHN PATERSON and JOHN ROBERTSON, Glasgow. 

Black Tern in the Firth of Forth. On the yth of August last I 

saw a Black Tern (Hydrochelidon nigrd) near Aberlady. It hawked 

about for some time, keeping mainly to the course of the Peffer 

Burn, and then disappeared over the trees near the bridge. The 

bird was in adult plumage. T. G. LAIDLAW, Edinburgh. 

Sharks in the Moray Firth. On Saturday, yth October last, a 

large male Basking Shark (Selache maxima) was stranded at 

Kingston, and was said to have lived twenty hours after, as it lay 

on the beach near high-water mark. It was a full-grown animal, 

and probably an old one. It measured total length, 30 feet ; girth, 

14 feet; length of pectoral fin, 6 feet; breadth, nearly 4 feet. The 

first gill-cover was 6j feet long ; claspers, nearly 4 feet long and the 

; 

tail was 6-^ feet across. Hundreds of people went to see it. Mr. 

Muirhead of Fochabers and others took photographs of it. Several 

newspapers had it reported as a whale ! Another Shark, probably of 

the same species, was seen alive within three miles of the same 

place, and near the shore. The Porbeagle (Lamna connibica) has 

been common in the Moray Firth during the past year. Two were 

stranded at Nairn in September last, and one east of Lossiemouth 

last year. 

WM. TAYLOR, Lhanbryde. 

Larger Spotted Dog-fish in " Clyde." The "North British Daily 

Mail" of nth December contained a paragraph stating that the 

Girvan great line boats fishing off Lendal on the gth had caught seven 

some measured about five feet in length and 

Dog or Hound Sharks ; 

twenty-four inches in girth, and the females were full of well-developed 

eggs. The paper further stated that the species is known as hound 

dog-fish or rock-shark, S. catulus. On communicating this to Mr. 

Thomas Scott, F.L.S., he writes me: "This record is of special 

interest, because the species is a rare one in the Clyde ; 

so much so


that I was inclined to doubt whether I should admit it 

amongst my 

Clyde species." HUGH BOYD WATT, Glasgow. 

Carabus monilis, F., in "Clyde." Mr. John Dunsmore has 

shown me a specimen of this beetle which he captured near Paisley. 

I submitted the specimen to the Rev. Alfred Thornley, and he has 

stated that the identification is correct. Carabus monilis has 

hitherto had only an insecure position on the Scottish list. It is 

included in Wilson and Duncan's " Entomologia Edinensis " (1834), 

" 

with the following remark : Rather scarce ; 

it has been taken near 

Coates, immediately to the west of the New Town." In Murray's 

"Catalogue of Scottish Coleoptera" (1853) there are two records: 

"Near Edinburgh, Sir P. Walker," and "Granton, Mr. R. Logan." 

Dr. Sharp was evidently not sure about these records, as in his 

"Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Scotland," which is the standard 

list of Scottish Coleoptera, the species is bracketed as a doubtful 

one. ANDERSON FERGUSSON, Glasgow. 

Xantholinus fulgidus, F, in " Clyde." On 22nd April 1899 I 

took a specimen of Xantholinus fulgidus amongst rubbish in a sandpit 

at Tollcross, near Glasgow. This species does not appear to 

have been recorded for Scotland. It is not given a place in Dr. 

Sharp's " Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Scotland." I am indebted 

to the Rev. A. Thornley for confirming my identification of the 

beetle. ANDERSON FERGUSSON, Glasgow. 

Destruction of hibernating Tortoise-shell Butterflies by the 

Common Wren. For some years past a rather large number of 

hibernating Tortoise-shell Butterflies (Vanessa urtica:} 

have come 

into the house here in autumn for winter quarters, and I have 

always protected them. This year there was a larger number than 

usual, there being upwards of twenty specimens on the walls and 

ceiling of an inner passage, in what may be described as clusters of 

four or more together, and there were many others in rooms. In 

November I began to notice detached wings of urtictz lying about, 

and I saw that the butterflies were rapidly disappearing. I was not 

long in finding the cause of this destruction, for in going into a room 

where the window was raised for airing, a Common Wren (Troglodytes 

paruulus) flew on to the inner sill of the window with a butterfly in 

its mouth. On going forward, it left it, still alive, 

but with the head 

neatly decapitated. Since then it has found its 

way by open 

windows into every room in the house, until not a single Vanessa 

urtica remains. If this is a general habit of the Common Wren, it 

is not to be wondered at that the finer species of the Vanessidce are 

comparatively scarce. It would be interesting to hear if any of your 

readers have had a similar experience. A. ELLIOT, Caverton, 

Roxburgh.


Nyssia zonaria, Schiff. In Mr. Evans's note in the " Annals " 

for October last, on the occurrence of this moth in the Hebrides, in 

place of 1847 (twice) and 1849, read 1844 and 1845. 

The Death's-head Moth in the Solway District. Concerning 

the unique occurrence of numerous larvae of this great moth 

(Acherontia atropos), I have now to record several interesting 

captures. One was found beneath a lilac bush, from which it had 

evidently tumbled, at Cassalands, Maxwelltown, on 3oth August. 

Four days later another was found feeding on a lilac tree at Rotchell 

Park, not far away from the first-named locality. On 6th September 

I received a third larva from Meikle Cloak, near Dalbeattie. A 

particularly fine larva was next shown to me that had been found on 

lilac growing in the garden at Brannetrigg, in Kirkgunzeon. Finally, 

a fifth example came to me from Preston farm, in Kirkbean. This 

one was in the pupa stage, and had been turned up when digging 

potatoes. It had been injured in some way, and soon died. I hear 

that several of those first found at Rockcliffe safely reached the 

chrysalis stage. 

Whether they will get through to the final and 

perfect state is another question. Altogether the hitherto unrecorded 

finding in Scotland of such a long series of the insect in 

stages that show incontestably that they were born here is a fact of 

considerable scientific value in the history of an insect that is always 

regarded with great interest. R. SERVICE, Maxwelltown. 

Humming-bird Hawkmoth in Edinburgh District in 1899. 

With reference to my note ("Annals," July 1899) 

numbers of Macroglossa 

on the unusual 

stellatarum observed in this district last 

June, it may be worth while putting the following subsequent 

occurrences on record, namely 

: 

24th June, one seen at Aberlady ; 

3oth August, three at geraniums in a greenhouse, Newbattle Terrace, 

Edinburgh end of ; August, one at wallflowers, Stobo ; September, 

one, parish of Stenton, East Lothian; i8th September, one caught 

at fuchsia in a greenhouse, Restalrig Terrace, Leith ; 

and 28th 

October, one captured by my son as it hovered over a low wall in 

Morningside Place, Edinburgh. The last-mentioned example had 

all the appearance of an insect quite recently emerged from the pupa 

stage, and was no doubt bred in the neighbourhood. Those obtained 

by me in June were not so fresh looking (some, indeed, were considerably 

worn), and must, I am inclined to think, have been mainly 

immigrants. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh. 

Andrena fuseipes, Kirby, in Inverness-shire. Among my specimens 

of Hymenoptera Aculeata, there is one which Mr. Edward 

Saunders has named for me Andrena fuseipes, $ It was captured 

. 

at Kincraig, near Kingussie, Inverness-shire, in August 1893. I 

omitted to include this record, which would seem to be the first of 

the species for Scotland, in my notes on some Scottish Aculeates


in the July 1899 number of this journal. -- WILLIAM EVANS, 

Edinburgh. 

Sirex juveneus, Linn., in Moray. A female of this Saw-fly was 

picked up on i3th September last by a workman engaged near the 

harbour at Hopeman. A foreign ship was in the harbour, and the 

finder thought the insect had flown from the vessel. This seems 

likely, as Hopeman is not a well- wooded locality. HENRY H. 

BROWN, Elgin. 

Sirex juveneus in Dalmeny Woods. This wood-boring insect, 

which is evidently extending its range in Scotland, made its appearance 

in considerable numbers among some ripe Scotch fir in the 

Warrens plantation, Dalmeny Park, in the autumn of 1899. The 

borings were not noticed until the trees were felled, and the insect 

itself was not got until the wood was being cut up. Large numbers 

of this Sirex were then brought to light, 

in all stages of development. 

The female insect was much more common than the male, which is 

distinguished by its smaller size and red abdominal band. In eating 

its 

way out the insect makes a formidable curved tunnel in the wood, 

generally about 5 inches long, and of the diameter of a pencil. Sirex 

juveneus has not previously been recorded in Linlithgowshire. - 

CHARLES CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park. 

Sirex gigas in Forfarshire. I 

beg to inform you of an 

occurrence of Sirex gigas at Craigendowie, in the parish of Lethnot, 

Forfarshire, on nth August 

last. A schoolboy who had been 

loading fire-wood chiefly larch saw two specimens, which seemed 

to rise from the timber. One of these a female he brought me ; 

the other was permitted to escape. Not having seen the insect 

before, I sent it to Dr. T. F. Dewar, B.Sc., Arbroath, who was kind 

enough to identify it for me. I have since thought that as there 

were, about two years ago, extensive structural alterations on a farmsteading 

about a mile away, the insects may have been brought to 

the district in the larval state in the timber required then. T. GRAY 

PHILIP, Edinburgh. 

Boreus hiemalis (Z.), in Lanarkshire. On and December 

1899, while searching for spiders in Braidwood Glen, near Carluke, 

Lanarkshire, I found a female of this odd -looking Neuropterous 

insect. So far as I can discover, there is no previous record of the 

species for the Clyde area. In addition to the Scottish occurrences 

mentioned in my note in the "Annals" for 1897 (p. 49), a female 

was taken at Clova, Forfarshire, in April 1895 ("Ent. Mo. Mag." (2), 

vol. vi. p. 240). The first Scottish record of the insect appears to 

be that for Berwickshire, by the late James Hardy of Oldcambus, in 

"The Zoologist" (1848), p. 2175. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.


BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS. 

Stellaria nemorum, Z., and S. aquatiea, Scop. Although in 

Scotland the first-named species does not seem to be recorded 

farther north than 57 30', there seems no reason why 

it should not 

be found, and I think it 

probable that it was this plant that was 

found by Robert Dick (Smiles's "Life," p. 338) on the banks of the 

river Thurso. 

In Lapland it was found at K011e, 70 55' N. Lat., by Mr. P. 

Sewell ! it occurs in Finland and Russian ; 

Lapland up to 69 40'; 

"abundant in the birch region at Kongas and at Menikka, 69 26" 

(Wainio, in "Flora Lap. find.," 1891, p. 61). In Sweden, extending 

up to Nordland ; 

in Norway ; 

in South and North Norway up to 

71 7' (Mager0) ; 

and last, Finmark. 

In the " Compend. Cyb. Brit.," p. 122, 400 yards is given as 

its highest elevation in Britain (Humber) ; but the Rev. E. S. 

Marshall found it in 1892 at 3000 feet in Aberdeen 1 : so that its 

altitudinal range is considerable. 

Stellaria aguatica, Scop., entered by Lowe among the plants of 

Orkney, does not extend so far north as nemorum. I have seen 

specimens gathered by Messrs. Stirling and Kidston in Stirlingshire, 

and it is 

reported from Lanark, Roxburgh, and Forfar but I know 

; 

of no recent confirmations of these counties. In Finland this 

occupies a belt extending up to 62 N. Lat., and from about 20 

to 38 E. Long. In South Norway it extends only to 63 28'; and 

in Sweden north to Gefleborgs lau about 62. 

In Russia it extends north to the Government of St. Petersburg, 

while nemorum extends to the Kola peninsula (67 N. Lat.). 

Both occur in Denmark ; 

but neither is recorded from the 

Faroes or Iceland. 

Only nemorum appears in Sir J. D. Hooker's " Outline of the 

Distribution of Arctic Plants." Of this, written forty years ago, we 

much want a new edition. 

Thus aquatiea seems to bear out elsewhere its climatal distribution 

in 

Britain. 

I trust that any botanist going far north in Scotland will keep 

these two plants in his mind. A. BENNETT. 

Spergula arvensis, L., in Scotland. Mr. G. Nicholson drew 

attention in 1880, in the "Journal of Botany" (pp. 16-19), to the 

forms that occur in Britain, and stated that of the two (sativa and 

vulgaris), sativa alone was known to him from Scotland, where 

he had sought for vnlgaris in the shires of Edinburgh, Perth, and 

Aberdeen without success. Mr. G. C. Druce, in the "Journal of 

Botany "in 1889 (pp. 173-175), named a large number of counties of 

1 

"Journal of Botany," p. 229, 1893.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 57 

Scotland in which he had found sativa ; and stated that he had not 

seen an example of vulgaris from Scotland. In the "Flora of 

Dumfries," published a few years ago by Mr. Scott-Elliott, vulgaris 

is mentioned as having been gathered in Wigtownshire in 1872 by 

Mr. F. R. Coles ; 

and in the " Flora of Perthshire " Dr. F. Buchanan 

White (in 

MS. written probably about 1890) says 

it "has been 

noticed in several places, and is 

probably widely diffused." 

I have been on the watch for it since 1875 m tne north-east of 

Scotland; but unsuccessfully until 1894. In that year, in August, I 

found two or three plants growing on the filled-up bed of the river 

Dee, among the numerous strangers of which I have given some 

account several times in this journal in " A Florula of a Piece of 

Waste Ground." I next met with a few plants in a turnip-field in 

the parish of Nigg, a mile or two south of Aberdeen, in September 

1896, and one plant, a few days later, on the site of a road-metal 

heap at Persley, about two miles north-west of Aberdeen. I did 

not again find it until September 1899, when I came on one plant 

beside the river Dee, at Cults, about four miles west of Aberdeen, 

and two or three on rubbish thrown down to fill a sandpit close to 

Old Aberdeen. It will be observed that I have not seen vulgaris in 

Scotland earlier than the month of August and I have not found it 

; 

bearing ripe seeds in noticeable quantity until nearly the end of 

September or in October. It thus appears to be markedly later 

than sativa in ripening its seeds but that will ; scarcely account for 

the remarkable abundance of sativa and the scarcity of vulgaris in 

Scotland. Both are so completely weeds of cultivation in Scotland 

that one cannot doubt their introduction by human agency. If we 

look to their distribution beyond our islands, sativa is the more 

northern in its chief prevalence, though the two overlap so largely 

that it is scarcely warrantable to attribute the scarcity of vulgaris in 

Scotland to merely climatic conditions. May 

it not be that the 

prevalence of sativa indicates a northern source in Europe for the 

plants cultivated in Scotland in earlier times. Near Aberdeen, at 

any rate, vulgaris seems even now to be more a casual than a 

colonist. It would be interesting to know whether it has been 

observed elsewhere in Scotland than in the four counties noted 

above (Wigtown, Perth, Kincardine, S. Aberdeen), and, if so, 

under what conditions. The sticky gland hairs giving a gray tint to 

the green of sativa are in so marked contrast to the nearly hairless 

bright green of vulgaris, that the latter plant readily catches the eye 

as different from the former. If the seeds are ripe or nearly ripe, 

there can be no difficulty 

in arriving at certainty ; 

the black, merely 

rough seeds of sativa, ringed with a paler membranous wing, being 

very different from the wingless seeds of vulgaris covered with short 

clubbed hairs or papillas, the tips of which are at first pale (and then 

contrast with the dark seed), but become darker as the seed grows


older. Sativa appears to be an almost ubiquitous weed of agricultural 

ground in Scotland but 

; 

of the distribution of vulgaris in 

the country so much less is known that any information will be 

welcome. JAMES W. H. TRAIL. 

CURRENT LITERATURE. 

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural History 

which have appeared during the Quarter October-December 1899. 

[The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as 

possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and 

will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors will have access to the 

sources of information undermentioned.] 

ZOOLOGY. 

ON THE PROTECTION OF WILD BIRDS IN PERTHSHIRE. 

By Col. 

Campbell. Trans. Perthshire Soc. Nat. Science, vol. iii. 

part i. 

(1898-99), pp. 18-25. 

SOLITARY SNIPE IN KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE. A. E. W. The 

Field, 2ist October 1899, p. 667. Young bird killed near Castle- 

Douglas. 

A WHITE CURLEW. By C. Boyd. The Field, 2 ist October 1899, 

p. 667, and 28th October 1899. p. 708. Specimen said to have 

occurred on the shore of Dornoch Firth. 

OPAH (LAMPRIS LUNA) OFF SCOTLAND. By F. W. Frohawk. The 

Field, 2ist October 1899, p. 668. Particulars given of a specimen 

caught off Rockall on 7th September last. 

LEPIDOPTERA IN MORAY. By Henry H. Brown. Entomologist, 

vol. xxxii. p. 279 (November 1899). Refers to Pyrameis atalanta, 

Lycsena phlreas, Manduca (Acherontia) atropos, Phlegethontius 

(Sphinx) convolvuli, and Macroglossa stellatarum. 

ANERASTIA LOTELLA, HE., AND CRAMBUS LATISTRIUS, Hw., ETC., 

IN THE WEST OF SCOTLAND. By A. A. Dalglish. Entomologist, vol. 

xxxii. p. 306 (December 1899). 

LlTHOCOLLETIS CONCOMITELLA, SP. N., AND ITS NEAREST ALLIES. 

By Eustace R. Bankes, M.A., F.E.S. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), 

vol. x. 

pp. 241-255 and 284-288 (October-December 1899). Numerous 

references are given to Scottish localities. 

COLEOPTERA AT BOATOF GARTEN, STRATHSPEY, INVERNESS-SHIRE. 

By Professor T. Hudson Beare, B.Sc., F.R.S.E. Ent. Mo. Mag. 

(2), vol. x. pp. 267-268 (November 1899). 

QUEDIUS TRISTIS, GRAY., IN SCOTLAND. By William Evans. 

Ent. Record, vol. xi. p. 338 (December 1899). Refers to note by

CURRENT LITERATURE 59 

Professor Hudson Beare in the September number of the same 

magazine, and reports the capture of this beetle in a number of 

localities in the Edinburgh district during the past twelve years. 

HYPERA ELONGATA, PAYK., CONFIRMED AS BRITISH. By Professor 

T. Hudson Beare, B.Sc., F.E.S. Ent. Record, vol. xi. pp. 334-335 

(December 1899). A specimen captured near Edinburgh in July 

last. A history of this insect as regards its previous occurrence in 

Great Britain is given. 

SIREX JUVENCUS IN MORAY. Henry H. Brown. Entomologist, 

vol. xxxii. p. 283 (November 1899). Female taken on i3th September 

at Hopeman. 

Two SPECIES OF ACULEATE HYMENOPTERA NEW TO BRITAIN. 

By Edward Saunders, F.L.S. Ent. AIo. Mag. (2), vol. x. pp. 262-264 

(November 1899). One of the species referred to is Colletes 

montanus, Mor., of which three males and one female were taken on 

Irvine Moor, near Glasgow, on 8th July, by Mr. A. A. Dalglish. 

SOME REMARKS ON THE Two SPECIES OF DIGLOSSA, HALIDAY, 

OCCURRING IN BRITAIN. By T. C. Champion, F.Z.S. Ent. Mo. 

Mag. (2), vol. x. pp. 264-265 (November 1899). D. mersa stated 

to occur in the Forth and Clyde districts. 

NEUROPTERA AND TRICHOPTERA OBSERVED IN WIGTOWNSHIRE 

DURING JULY 1899, INCLUDING TWO SPECIES OF HYDROPTILID^ NEW 

TO THE BRITISH LIST. By Kenneth J. Morton, F.E.S. Ent. Mo. 

Mag. (2), vol. x. pp. 278-281 (December 1899). 

A GUIDE TO THE STUDY OF BRITISH WATER-BUGS (AQUATIC 

RHYNCHOTA) continued. By G. W. Kirkaldy. Entomologist, 

vol. xxxii. pp. 296-300 (December 1899). Numerous references are 

given to Scottish localities. 

LIST OF THE RHYNCHOTA OF PERTHSHIRE. By T. M. M'Gregor 

and G. W. Kirkaldy. Trans. Perthshire Soc. Nat. Science, vol. iii. 

part i. (1898-99), pp. 1-5. Fifty-two species are recorded. 

BOTANY. 

SOME PLANTS OF EAST SCOTLAND. By Rev. E. S. Marshall 

M.A., F.L.S., and W. A. Shoolbred, M.R.C.S. Journ. Bot., 1899, 

pp. 383-389. Relates to collections made in Elgin (95), "East 

Ness" (96), and East Ross (106), and includes several new vicecounty 

records. 

NOTES ON NORTH UIST PLANTS, ETC. By AV. A. Shoolbred, 

M.R.C.S. Journ. Bot., 1899, PP- 478-481. Among numerous 

notes on plants of North Uist, gives some new vice-county records, 

and a supplementary list of new records from Skye, West Ross, and 

Argyll.


REVIEWS. 

THE HISTORY OF THE EUROPEAN FAUNA. By R. F. Scharff. 

This is a reproduction in book form of a paper which appeared 

not 

" very long ago in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish 

Academy" (3rd Ser. vol. iv., 1897), and which has now been 

altered so as to suit its present more popular form. It is an 

example of modern methods of attacking the problems of the 

geographical distribution of life upon our globe methods which 

certainly compare very favourably with those which are to be found 

in some other recent but only professedly up-to-date publications. 

In the space at our disposal it is impossible to give the book anything 

like the review it deserves. We may, however, point out that 

the author's object is to split the members of the European fauna 

and flora into their various component groups, whose birthplaces he 

then traces to other parts of the world, and in addition indicates the 

probable paths by which they advanced to their present habitat. 

The British Isles are taken as a sort of convenient index area to 

Europe, so that no British naturalist, whether or no he agrees with 

Dr. Scharff, can afford to ignore his work. In fact, Dr. Scharff's 

book must prove a most valuable work of reference even to the 

bitterest opponents of his theories. Absolutely free from errors no 

one could expect 

it to be ; 

but it is, without doubt, a most straightforward 

and conscientious attempt to grapple with some of the most 

interesting problems which a naturalist has to face, and which will 

undoubtedly help the advance and influence the direction, in its 

of the study of the Geographical Distribution 

widest and best sense, 

of Animals. G. E. H. B. H. 

AN ILLUSTRATED MANUAL OF BRITISH BIRDS. By Howard 

Saunders, F.L.S., F.Z.S., etc. Second Edition, revised. : 

(London 

Gurney and Jackson, 1899.) 

The chief ornithological event of the year which has just closed 

has been the completion of the new edition of Saunders's " Manual." 

The first edition was issued in 1889, and by sheer excellence, 

coupled with utility, it 

deservedly took a first place among 

books on British birds ; 

and thus a very large edition (several 

thousands of copies) was sold in less than a decade very practical 

appreciation of an excellent book. However good the first edition 

of this work may have been, and was, this second edition is immeasurably 

superior in every respect. It has been revised with 

the most painstaking care, is 

up to date in all respects, and has 

been enriched with no less than twenty new and acceptable illustrations 

some of new British species, while others replace not very 

satisfactory portraits. Such a well-known and highly appreciated 

work needs no recommendation at our hands, but we desire to offer 

Mr. Saunders our most hearty congratulations on the completion of

REVIEWS 61 

his labours, and to express our admiration at the manner in which 

he has accomplished a most arduous and difficult task. 

We hope now that Mr. Saunders will turn his attention to the 

larger work which has become a desideratum for British ornithology, 

and our knowledge of British birds in all lands, grows apace - 

namely, a new edition of Yarrell's 

" British Birds," by the author who 

has proved himself to be on all occasions such an able exponent of 

the subject. 

A LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS BELONGING TO THE HUMBER 

DISTRICT (HAVING SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR MIGRATIONS), 

REVISED TO APRIL 1899. By John Cordeaux, J.P., F.R.G.S., 

M.B.O.U., etc. (London: R. H. Porter, 1899.) 

Since this valuable and acceptable List was issued, its author, 

one of the most excellent of men, has passed from among us. It is 

his last published work. The loss of John Cordeaux to British 

Natural History is a great one. Equally great is the loss sustained 

by a host of his friends, for he was no ordinary man to those who 

kneiv him. Possessed, beyond most, of those rare qualities which 

make a man lovable as well as honoured, he won our affectionate 

regard as well as our great respect and admiration. We desire to 

place on record this little tribute to the memory of our old and 

valued friend and able colleague one with whom we have been so 

intimately, so pleasurably, and so advantageously associated for so 

many years. 

The List, it is almost unnecessary to state, is an admirable one. 

It treats of one of the most interesting faunal areas in Britain, and is 

written by him who was associated with it through a lifelong connection 

as a naturalist one, too, who was unrivalled as an observer 

and as an authority on the subject of migration. Although 

it 

contains only 40 pages, it treats of no less than 322 species, and 

tells us all that is essential concerning their status and their migrations. 

It is a valuable contribution to British ornithology and to the 

phenomenon of bird-migration, as observed on our coasts, and is 

indispensable to all who are interested in these subjects and they 

are many. 

BIRD LIFE IN AN ARCTIC SPRING. The Diaries of Dan 

Meinertzhagen and R. P. : 

Hornby. (London R. H. Porter, 

1899.) 

A reviewer of this little tribute of parental affection has no easy 

task. Snatched away at the age of twenty-three, Mr Meinertzhagen 

had shown that he possessed the inborn genius of a naturalist, while 

his education and position gave promise of a brilliant career. It is 

not expressly so stated, but we may perhaps presume that his desire 

to see for himself the home of so many birds which rarely or 

never breed with us led him northward as it has led others ; 

for 

assuredly the incunabula of the species which yearly winter in these


islands must always have great interest for every British ornithologist. 

The diarists set out on this quest in a very practical fashion. Instead 

of travelling northward with the returning birds, they started early 

and anticipated the arrival of the subjects of their observation. 

Thus, reaching Tromso on the 6th April, they proceeded to 

Skibotten on the Lyngen Fjord, and crossed the watershed to 

Kilpisjarvi, whence flows the Muonio to the Baltic, arriving at 

Muoniovara on the i6th, just before the winter-ways became 

their steps to Tromso wherein lay, we think, a mistake, 

impassable. Making their headquarters at Muonioniska, the 

travellers stayed, "off and on," till the 24th June, then retracing 

for a fortnight 

longer would have largely increased their results. However, 

they were by no means idle, and Mr. Meinertzhagen alone pushed 

on to the north-east so far as Peldouoma, over as desolate and as 

rough a tract of country as any one would wish, passing, apparently 

without knowing it, close to the very spot where, more than forty years 

before, the first 

Waxwing's nest was found by Wolley's people. 

He seems to have been satisfied with the spoils he obtained, 

but most of the eggs collected appear to have been bought from the 

country-people, and at exorbitant prices. 

We wish we could add 

that he had increased our knowledge of the fauna of the district he 

visited ; 

but we are unfortunately unable to accept those species he 

names, which have not before been recorded as observed in it the 

Moor-hen, the Barn Owl, and the Middle-spotted Woodpecker. 

The last rested on the "authority" (save the mark of a man who 

!) 

brought him some eggs, and may at once be discarded but the 

; 

other two birds he says he himself saw. Both must have been 

familiar to him ; 

but in each case we fear he was mistaken even 

as young and ardent ornithologists sometimes are. Had he obtained 

a specimen of either, it would be a different matter but he was 

; 

evidently unaware of the fact that neither species, according 

to previous information, had ever approached the latitude of 

Muonioniska the Barn Owl not by a thousand miles. The same 

disregard of their geographical range made him also lend too credulous 

an ear to the stories told him of the Pigmy and the Ural Owl 

the last having been only once before observed in Lapland. The 

bird spoken of by his informant was evidently a Lapp Owl. The 

suggestion of the occurrence of Anthus cervinus and Phylloscopus 

borealis is 

very vague. Both, for what one knows to the contrary, 

may inhabit that part of Lapland, but the fact that they do so is 

undetermined. 

It is 

admittedly difficult to decide how a diary like that of Mr. 

Meinertzhagen's should be printed, for it was certainly not written 

for publication. In the preface we are told that this is intended to 

be "an exact copy of the manuscript"; but it 

surely has not been 

accurately copied, for we cannot bring ourselves to believe that the

REVIEWS 63 

lamented author ever wrote that he found in the oesophagus of a 

Greenshank "a pike over three inches ! 

long" (page 53) It is to 

of the most 

careless transcription, we are inclined to think, that many 

terrible misspellings in the names of things, places, and persons may 

be due that of Wolley among the A last. knowledge of the 

Finnish language is certainly not to be expected of all, but still 

there are good maps to be had, and from them the names of 

localities might have been correctly written down, instead of being 

given in such a way as to make it hard to follow the travellers' 

footsteps, to say nothing of the ridicule it will bring from foreigners, 

and the pain 

it causes to a conscientious reviewer, anxious to 

appreciate the toil (often excessive) voluntarily undergone by one 

whose untimely fate all true naturalists must deeply deplore. In 

justice to his memory, it is a great pity that the publication of his 

diary was not supervised by some one with a competent knowledge 

of Scandinavian ornithology. 

INSECTS, THEIR STRUCTURE AND LIFE. By George 

H. Carpenter, 

B.Sc. Lond. (London M. Dent and : J. Co., 1899.) 

A very few years ago the British student of Entomology could 

justly complain of the absence of any good general text-book of his 

subject at a reasonable price, or indeed at any price. Now, however, 

he is in a more fortunate position ; for, while the work of 

Dr. Sharp, noticed above, and the similarly got-up volume by 

Dr. Packard on Insect-Anatomy may serve the more advanced 

student (or the wealthier), the handy 

little text-book of Mr. 

Carpenter, just published, furnishes an excellent and a cheap 

introduction to the subject. For the very modest sum of 45. 6d. 

the youthful lover of insects can here obtain a thoroughly reliable 

account of all the Orders. The book is divided into six chapters, 

the first four of which are devoted to (i) the Form, (2) the Life- 

History, (3) the Classification, and (4) the Orders of Insects respectively, 

while the last two are occupied with a consideration of the 

relations of these creatures to their surroundings, and their 

pedigrees. At the end of the volume is 

appended a very useful 

classified list of papers on special branches of the subject. The 

book is well printed and amply illustrated, though some of the 

figures have suffered somewhat through the roughness of the paper. 

P. H. G. 

THE GLASGOW CATALOGUE OF NATIVE AND ESTABLISHED 

PLANTS : BEING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY 

OF THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL COUNTIES OF SCOTLAND. Second 

Edition. (Glasgow: Peter Ewing, F.L.S., The Frond, Uddingston, 

1899.) 

In an unpretentious form, Mr. Ewing has brought together the 

results of many years' observations by himself, and the contributions 

of botanical friends, in so far as relates to the counties of the West


of Scotland north of Wigtown. These are : 

Ayr (75), Renfrew (76), 

Lanark (77), Stirling (86), Westerness (97), Argyll (98), Dumbarton 

(99), Clyde Isles (100), Cantyre (101), South Ebudes (102), Mid 

Ebudes (103), North Ebudes (104), West Ross (105), Hebrides 

(no). He explains that "great care has been taken in recording 

and re-recording the plants for which local botanists are responsible." 

All plants forming new records have been seen by himself, and 

most of them have been seen by Mr. Arthur Bennett. "A free use 

of '?' has been made, though in most cases this does not mean 

much. Occasionally it is used to express a doubt as to the plant's 

occurrence in a certain county." This mode of using the query 

leaves the reader uncertain as to whether the occurrence in a county 

is, 

or is not, seriously questioned by the author. 

With respect to the vexed question of what plants should be 

admitted as " natives," Mr. Ewing explains in the introduction that : 

" I have come to the conclusion that, as all our vegetation seems to 

have developed subsequent to the Great Ice Age, the question 

simply is, how long must a plant be established before it can be 

regarded as a native? The words 'casual,' 'alien,' 'colonist,' and 

' 

native ' look well in books, but they do not seem to me to be of 

much practical value so long as this remains undetermined. ... I have 

tried to eliminate all plants recorded for places where they have not 

the power to establish themselves." It is certainly no easy matter 

to judge aright of the claims of many species to a place in our 

flora ; 

but the greater number of botanists would hesitate to include 

in a flora of Scotland, without note or indication of any kind, such 

plants as, e.g., Clematis Vitalba, Helleborus viridis, H. fcetidus, 

Aconitnm Napellus, Hesperis matronalis, Erysimum cheiranthoides, 

Camelina sativa, Brassica Napus, B. Rutabaga, B. Rapa, Lepidium 

sativuin, and many others. If some of these are to be admitted 

unquestioned, it is hard to see why others should be excluded from 

all mention, as mere casuals. 

No attempt has been made in the "Catalogue" to indicate the 

advancement in the knowledge of the West of Scotland flora, or to 

note which are new records and which are confirmations of records 

already extant. A recognition of the actual additions to previous 

published records that have been made in this work requires 

previous study of the topographical botany of Scotland. The 

amount of labour that has been devoted to the book, small though 

it is, and the large amount of information that it affords to those 

qualified to make use of it, will be gratefully recognised by 

all those 

interested in such studies. The exceedingly small price (23.) puts 

it within the reach of every one. 

We hope that it will meet with such a reception that a new 

edition will be soon called for, and that Mr. Ewing may thus have 

the opportunity of adding to its usefulness and of correcting 

occasional misprints in the scientific names.

The Annals 

of 

Scottish 


No. 34] 1900 [APRIL 

NOTES ON THE MARINE MAMMALS OF THE 

NORTH-EAST OF SCOTLAND. 

By WILLIAM 

TAYLOR. 

GETACEA. 

No whales of the genus Dahcna nor of the genus Megaptera 

(except one at Wick in 1871) have been captured or stranded 

in the north of Scotland for many years. 

Whales of the genus Balaznoptera are not so uncommon, 

but I fear one species has sometimes been mistaken for 

another. By far the commonest species stranded and 

captured on our coasts, of late years, is 

Balcznoptera rostrata, 

the Pike Whale, and not Balcenoptera niusculus, the Common 

Rorqual. 

I know of no recent records of Balcenoptera 

sibbaldii nor Balcenoptera borcalis, unless one or both of 

these species have been mistaken at times for the Common 

Rorqual. A maxillary bone sent from Burghead a few 

years ago was identified by Sir William Turner as belonging 

to Balcenoptera sibbaldii. 

BAL/ENOPTERA MUSCULUS (Common Rorqual). Several 

specimens of the Common Rorqual have been stranded near 

Nairn and Inverness within the past thirty years. There is 

a remarkable note in the Ward law Manuscript, written in 

34 B


1664, which may refer to this species. 

" 1660. The next 

September a formidable big whale came up the Frith, and 

struck upon the shores be-east Inverness a mile. It was 

seventy feet I long-; was present at the measuring of it. 

The debate began, whether it was upon Culloden's march or 

the Town's ; 

but the burgesses of Inverness seized the whale 

under appreciation, John Forbes of Culloden being then at 

the south. The English offered to buy her at a high rate, 

and they should have got her by right, for all men concluded 

the whale to be a presage of the garrison's expiration 

and translation from Inverness, which happened shortly 

after." 

PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS (Sperm Whale). 

No record 

of a Sperm Whale, except the Thurso one in 1863, 

is known 

to me. Sometimes the newspapers report a "Sperm Whale," 

but, when proper inquiry 

is made, it generally turns out some 

other species. 

HYPEROODON ROSTRATA (Bottlenose). This is one of 

the most abundant species, from the Moray 

Firth to Shetland. 

MESOPLODON BIDENS (Sowerby's Whale). 

has been found four times in the Moray 

This species 

Firth near Nairn. 

The first, in I 800, was the " type " of the species. 

I think 

the last two specimens found deserve more than a passingreference. 

I sent a notice to the " Annals " of a male 

Sowerby's Whale which was stranded near Nairn in September 

1896. 

I now have to record the stranding of other 

two in September 1899, both females, mother and young. 

The young one stranded about the spot where the male 

came to grief three years before, and the mother about a 

mile east of that place. 

It is 

very desirable that descriptions should be given of 

rare mammals, as these often show curious sexual and even 

individual variations, for by so doing we may be able to 

prevent the species-maker giving new names to animals 

which are not even well-marked varieties. A marked 

departure in the colour of the belly of a whale, or even of a 

mouse, has been considered by some as evidence of specific 

value, though it can be proved that such departures are, in 

most cases, only 

" individual variations." Sowerby's type

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-EAST OF SCOTLAND 67 

specimen had all the under parts white, and was black or 

blackish above ; 

not " white above and black beneath " as 

mentioned in Mr. Lydekker's book on British mammals. 

Both the adults, male and female, that I found were black 

all over ; 

but as proof that they are not even varietally 

distinct, my young female had a good deal of white on the 

sides and under parts. The male Mesoplodon had a good 

many " corduroy " markings on the shoulders and belly ; 

the adult female had none of these, but I think it would be 

rash to say that this is a sexual difference, as the young 

female had traces of these markings. 

The sternum of the male had six pairs of ribs attached 

to it. The sternum of the female had only five pairs, and 

was differently shaped from that of the male. I do not 

think, however, that this is a sexual difference, as another 

sternum of a male I examined more resembled that of the 

female sternum. Here, then, is another case of " individual 

variation." 

One marked sexual difference is 

always 

to be seen in 

this species. The male has two large functional teeth in 

the lower jaw, from which they project about 2 inches above 

the gum. The female has only rudimentary ones, and these 

are hidden half an inch below the surface of the gum, while 

the half-grown female had 50 additional small dolphin-like 

teeth present in both jaws. That is to say, there are, in 

this young specimen, in addition to the two rudimentary 

tusk-like teeth in the lower jaw, 17 small ones behind 

them on each side, and 8 on each side of the upper jaw. 

I believe a neiv genus was once founded on the presence of 

similar rudimentary teeth in Mesoplodon. 

It may be interesting to state that the dorsal fin of the 

male was placed nearly a foot farther back than that of the 

female. Is this another "individual variation"? 

I have come to the conclusion that the male stranded in 

1896, and the mother and young stranded in 1899, were all 

members of one family. It was reported to me in 1896 that 

the 

stranded whale was accompanied by another, and also a 

young one, both of which got away. Now as this species is 

over 5 feet long when born, one would expect 

it to grow 4 or 

4.5 feet more in three years, say 18 inches per annum. The


young female that came under my notice was over 9.5 feet 

long, while the mother was 1 

nearly 6 feet. There was no 

evidence that the mother had had another calf, as the 

mammae were shrunk, and the uterus was empty. It is thus 

possible that this young female was born near Nairn in 

September 1896, and stranded near Nairn in September 

I 

1899. may remark that all three had tails shaped like the 

one figured by Sir Wm. Turner (" Journ. Anat. Phys.," 1885). 

I think it unnecessary to give detailed measurements now. 

If the larger whales are often mistaken, the one for the 

other, no wonder that Porpoises and Dolphins are often 

neglected along our coasts. Globicephalus inelas and PJioccena 

communis are the only two species of Delphinidse that are 

plentiful. Tursiops tursio, DelpJiinus delpJiis, and Lagenorliynclius 

albirostris are scarce, and may at times pass unnoticed. 

LAGENORHYNCHUS ACUTUS (White-sided Dolphin). 

Has been recorded from a skull. This is a very rare animal 

in Scotland, as I will show when I 

speak of another species 

which must have been mistaken for it at times. 

I 

know of no specimens of Orca or Grampus having been 

stranded or captured in the Moray Firth. 

DELPHINAPTERUS LEUCAS (White Wrhale). Has been 

seen at long intervals. Some years ago, one was seen for 

several days off the coast of Banffshire. It was repeatedly 

shot at, but was not secured. One was caught at Little 

Ferry, Sutherland, in 1879. 

No mention is made of Prodelphinus in Mr. Lydekker's 

book on British mammals, although it is not a very rare 

genus on the coasts of Britain. Skulls of Prodelphinus are 

often to be seen in the large museums of Scotland. The 

Hunterian Museum in Glasgow has at least two skulls, 

supposed to be from west of Scotland, belonging to individuals 

of this genus. 

I think there are two in the 

Anatomical Museum in Edinburgh. There is a complete 

the museum of University College, Dundee, which 

skeleton in 

was prepared from a local specimen. There is also another 

skull in the same museum. I have a rather badly preserved

MARINE MAMMALS OF THE NORTH-EAST OF SCOTLAND 69 

skull of a species of this genus which may be from the Moray 

Firth. I believe that members of this genus have been often 

taken for Lagenorhynchus acntus, for the one animal is just as 

much a white-sided dolphin as the other. With the exception 

of a young skull in University College, Dundee, I know of 

no other skull of L. aaitus in any Scotch museum. 

It 

SEALS. 

is surprising that many educated people in the north of 

Scotland say there are only two species of seals found on our 

coasts ; yet five or six species have been recorded from the 

Scottish seas. Strange to say, Mr. Lydekker makes no 

mention of PJioca barbata in his book on British mammals. 

PJioca grcenlandica has been recorded from the coast of 

Abercleenshire. I do not know of any 

record of PJioca 

Jiispida in or near the Moray Firth. 

PHOCA VITULINA (Common Seal). 'Is often caught in 

salmon-nets on both sides of the Moray Firth, and sometimes 

dead ones are washed ashore. 

HALICII/ERUS GRYPUS (Gray Seal). Is also caught 

occasionally in salmon-nets. I have the skull of a male 

from Port-Gordon. 

A very large one was caught some years 

ago near Burghead, but probably it is more frequently found 

on the north side of the Moray Firth. 

Even the rare CystopJiora cristata may be looked for 

in the Moray Firth, as it has been recorded from Orkney 

within the past few years. 

As seals are sometimes cast ashore in a putrid state with 

part of the hair wanting, the species cannot be identified 

except by an examination of the skull. As I have the skulls 

of three or four species always at hand, I should like to 

receive notice of any dead specimens seen along the shores 

of the Moray Firth, or have the skulls sent to me, whole or 

broken, for the purpose of identification also of 

; any 

Whale or Porpoise over six feet long, for these should always 

be seen and identified. 

LHANBRYDE, ELGIN.


REPORT ON THE MOVEMENTS AND OCCUR- 

RENCE OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 

1899. 

By T. G. LAIDLAW, M.B.O.U. 

THE usual schedules for recording observations were supplied 

to the Light Stations which have furnished returns during the 

last few years, and reports have been sent in by twelve 

observers. Schedules and notes have also been received 

from twenty- three inland observers in different parts of the 

country, the total number of schedules returned being 

forty-two, a decrease of eleven compared with the returns 

for 1898. 

While the falling off in the number of schedules returned 

is unfortunate, we regret also to notice that the information 

supplied, in some cases, is not so full as usual, and would 

impress on our correspondents the importance of having the 

data as full and complete as possible. The returns from 

Skerryvore and Dhuheartach are, however, a notable 

exception. 

The need for additional observers may again 

be adverted 

to, several of the faunal areas being inadequately represented. 

It is much to be desired that those interested in the subject 

may be induced to send in their notes. Schedules may 

always be obtained from Mr. Eagle Clarke, Museum of 

Science and Art, Edinburgh. 

To all those who have aided us in these inquiries, we 

again accord our hearty thanks. 

The following list gives the names of the observers 

from whom schedules and notes have been received. The 

localities are arranged under the different faunal areas, proceeding 

from north to south, along 

Coasts. 

SHETLAND. 

the East and West 

Locality. 

North Unst L.H. 

Dunrossness 

Name of Observer. 

John M'Lean, Lightkeeper 

Thomas Henderson, jun.

MOVEMENTS OE BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1899 71 

ORKNEY. 

Locality. 

North Ronaldshay L.H. 

Noup Head L.H. 

Pentland Skerries L.H. 

Sule Skerry L.H. 

X


ARGYLL AND INNER HEBRIDES. 

Locality. 

Scarnish, Tiree 

Skerryvore L.H. 

Dhuheartach L.H. 

Name of Observer. 

Peter Anderson. 

J. Nicol and William Ross, Lightkeepers. 

William Begg, Lightkeeper. 

CLYDE. 

Lamlash L.H. 

Carmichael, Thankerton 

Various Localities 

James Edgar, Lightkeeper. 

Rev. J. D. W. Gibson, B.A. 

M. Barr, John Craig, C. Berry, John 

Paterson, John Robertson, H. B. 

Watt, and R. Wilson. 

SOLWAY. 

Dumfries 

Robert Service. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

The earlier months of 1899 were characterised by unusually 

mild weather, which continued, with the exception 

of a short spell of frost and snow early in February, 

till near 

the end of March, when a period of cold, rainy, unsettled 

weather, with a great deficiency of sunshine, set in. It 

was not until May had well-nigh run its course that genial 

spring weather was experienced. 

The unfavourable conditions prevailing during the period 

of the spring migration affected the movements of birds 

materially, especially on the East Coast. In the returns 

received there is scarcely any evidence of a marked movement 

having taken place ; indeed, at one or two of the 

stations it is stated that there was " no migration this 

spring." 

On the West Coast, at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach, on 

March I2th, a rush took place. Thrushes, Blackbirds, Redwings, 

Larks, and Pipits were in great abundance all night, 

the wind being S.E., with haze. At the latter station, on 

April 2nd and 3rd, another extensive movement was 

noted. At Tiree, White Wagtails and Whimbrels were very 

numerous from May 3rd to 5th.

MOVEMENTS OF BIRDS IN SCOTLAND DURING 1899 73 

The first 

important movement in the autumn occurred 

on the East Coast on Aug. 3


with Larks, etc. ; April 2nd- 3rd, rush of birds Redwing, Larks, Pipits, 

etc. ; 

Oct. 24th-25th, all night, great numbers, Turdidae, Larks, etc.; 

Nov. i7th-24th, with Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Larks; Dec. 6th, 

great numbers. Tiree, Oct. 4th. Clyde Lamlash, Oct. 2nd, many. 

Principal movements, Nov. 9th-uth, E. ; 

Oct. 25th, Nov. 141)1- 

24th, West Coast. 

TURDUS ILIACUS (Redwing). 

Orkney Sule Skerry, Nov. 3rd-ioth, numerous. Dee Aberdeen, 

April 29th, three; Oct. 23rd. Tay Auchinblae, Nov. 8th. 

Forth Edinburgh, April 6th, last seen; Oct. i5th, 2ist, and 22nd. 

Tweed Halmyre, Oct. 25th. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, April 

2nd and 3rd, with rush, striking hard; April 6th, with Vieldfares and 

Wheatears; Oct. 25th, rush of Turdidse. Uhuheartach, April 2nd 

and 3rd, rush of birds Thrushes, Larks, Pipits, etc. ; Oct. 23rd and 

24th, rush of Turdidas, Larks, etc., great numbers. Tiree, Oct. 5th. 

Clyde Beith, Oct. i5th ; Thankerton, Oct. lyth. 

Earliest, Tiree, Oct. 5th. Principal movements, April 2nd and 

3rd, Oct. 23rd-25th. 

TURDUS PILARIS (Fieldfare). 

Shetland North Unst, Oct. yth, flock. Orkney Noup Head, 

Dec. 6th, great numbers. Sule Skerry, Nov. 3rd-ioth, numerous. 

Sutherland Cape Wrath, May 1 5th- 1 yth, large numbers. Dee 

-Rattray Head, May ist, six large flocks; Dec. 6th, several flocks. 

Aberdeen, April 29th, last seen; Oct. 23rd, small flock. Tay 

Auchinblae, May 2oth. Forth Isle of May, May loth, large 

flock; Nov. 4th, large flock. Dreghorn, May i3th, flock of 180. 

Tweed Halmyre, May i2th, large flock passing N. Oct. 

; 25th, two 

flocks. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, April 6th, with Redwings and 

Wheatears at light; April 28th, with Thrushes and small birds, 

striking; Oct. yth, at light, with Thrushes, Pipits, and Larks; 

Oct. 25th, with rush of Turdidse, striking hard all night. Dhuheartach, 

May i6th, one on rock; Oct. 24111-25111, rush, Turdidae, 

Larks, etc., great numbers ; 

Nov. iyth, with other birds; Dec. 3rd 

and 6th, great numbers. Tiree, May iSth, small flock, "rare so 

late"; Nov. i4th, passing. Clyde Thankerton, May 13th, still 

here. Beith, May i4th, flock; 2ist, two. Lamlash L.H., Oct. 

2nd, rush of birds. Carnwath, Oct. 23rd, good many. 

Principal movements, Oct. yth, 24th-25th. 

TURDUS MERULA (Blackbird). 

Orkney North Ronaldshay, Nov. nth, all night with Thrushes, 

Woodcocks, and other birds. Sule Skerry, Nov. 3rd-ioth, 

numerous. Forth Isle of May, Feb. 23rd, all night with Thrushes


and Larks. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, March i2th, 

a rush with 

other birds, several killed; April 2nd and 3rd, strong rush of birds, 

striking hard ; 

Nov. 26th, at lantern ; 

Dec. 22nd, rush with Thrushes, 

etc., several killed. Dhuheartach, Oct. 23rd-25th, rush, great 

numbers of Turdidre ; 

Nov. yth, flocks, with many other birds; 

Dec. 6th, great numbers. Tiree, Oct. 3oth. 

TURDUS TORQUATUS (Ring Ousel). 

Dee Peterhead, April igth, a c?, "rare here." Aberdeen, 

Oct. 23rd, one shot, "rare here." Tay Balnagard, Sept. i2th. 

Forth Clubby Dean, March 3oth, one. Musselburgh, April 26th, 

?. Isle of May, Nov. 2 2nd, one. Clyde Greenock, April 3rd. 

Lendalfoot, April 4th. 

Earliest observed, Clubby Dean, March 3oth. 

SAXICOLA CENANTHE (Wheatear). 

* 

Shetland North Unst, May ist, one. Orkney North Ronaldshay, 

April 1 6th, many ; Aug. 3oth, all night at lantern, many killed. 

Noup Head, April ist, two; July 3ist, three on lantern. Pentland 

Skerries, May 6th, one. Sutherland Cape Wrath, April 23rd, two ; 

Aug. 4th, many young birds. Dee Rattray Head, a $ at lantern ; 

Sept. 4th, many with other birds. Aberdeen, April 3rd, six. Forth 

Isle of May, April 2nd, about two dozen. Comiston, April 4th, 

21 in field. Dalmeny, Oct. 7th. Tweed Halmyre, April 6th. 

Chirnside, March 3oth, Sept. ist. Outer Hebrides Island Ghlais 

L.H., April 5th, two; Aug. 3oth, many at light. Argyll and Isles 

Skerryvore, March 27th, first; April 2nd-3rd, rush; 6th and 7th, 

with Redwings and Fieldfares (leg 

and wings sent); i4th-i5th, 

many at lantern; May roth and i5th, killed at lantern ; Aug. 29th- 

3oth, with rush of small birds Whinchats, Redstarts, etc. ; Sept. 

2nd-3rd, many striking; i3th, at light. Dhuheartach, April 8th, 

midnight, at lantern; 23rd and 3oth, at light; May loth, killed at 

light; I3th-i5th, several flying about; Sept. 2nd and 3rd, at light 

with Pipits and Wagtails; I2th-i3th, several; Oct. icth, two 

killed. Tiree, April 7th, several. Clyde Lamlash L.H., April i5th, 

two; 1 6th, numerous. Lendalfoot, March iSth. So/wav -Dumfries, 

March 24th, one. 

Earliest, March iSth, Lendalfoot; latest, Oct. loth, Dhuheartach. 

Principal movements, April 2nd-3rd, Aug. 3oth, Sept. 2iid-3rd. 

PRATINCOLA RUBETRA (Whinchat). 

Orkney Noup Head, April i4th, one. Dee Aberdeen, May 

nth, two. Tay Fordoun, May yth. Ballinluig, Sept. i7th. 

Forth Comiston, May 4th. Isle of May, May iith (leg and wing 

sent). Tiveed Broughton, May 2nd. Chirnside, April nth,


Aug. 1 4th. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, Aug. zgthôth, rush of 

small birds; Sept. 2nd-3rd, all day. Dhuheartach, May loth, 

several; i3th and i4th, several on rock; Sept. iyth, one rested on 

lantern. Clyde Beith, April 3oth. Lendalfoot, May ist. 

Earliest, April nth, Chirnside. 

RUTICILI.A PHCENICURUS (Redstart). 

Dee Aberdeen, May 5th, one. Rattray Head, May loth, $. 

Tay Comrie, April 28th, $. Forth -Longniddry, May ist. 

Isle of May, May nth (leg 

and wing sent). 

Tweed Broughton, 

Halmyre and Chirnside, May 4th. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, 

at lantern with other 

Aug. 29th, in rush of birds ; Sept. 5th and 6th, 

small birds. Dhuheartach, May xyth, $ and $ on rock; Oct. 

nth, $ killed. Clyde Giffnock, April 23rd. Thankerton, April 

29th. Beith, Sept. 2nd. 

Earliest, April 23rd, Giffnock; latest, Oct. nth, Dhuheartach. 

SYLVIA CINEREA (Whitethroat). 

Tay Fordoun, May 6th. Glenfarg, Sept. 2 ist. Forth Braids 

and Comiston, May 8th. Isle of May, May nth (wings received). 

Tweed Halmyre, May 5th. Clyde Lamlash L.H., May loth, 

killed at lantern (leg and wing received). Beith and Thornliebank, 

May yth. Thankerton, May yth, one. Solway Dumfries, May 

1 3th, large numbers. 

Earliest, May 5th, Halmyre; latest, Sept. 2 ist, Glenfarg. 

SYLVIA ATRICAPILLA (Blackcap). 

Forth Kirknewton, April 22nd,


PHYLLOSCOPUS RUFUS (Chiftchaff). 

Tweed Chirnside, April 5th, Oct. ist. Clyde Lendallbot, 

April 6th. Outer Hebrides Barra. Nov. iSth, two. 

PHYLLOSCOPUS TROCHILUS (Willow Wren). 

Tay Comrie, April 25th (singing). 

Methven Boy, Sept. 23rd. 

Forth Hermitage, Blackford Hill, April 2 ist. Isle of May, May 

nth (wings and legs sent). Tweed Halmyre, April 22nd, several; 

Sept. 1 4th, last seen. Broughton, April 23rd. Outer Hebrides 

Barra, March 151!!, 

one in garden. Clyde Beith, April 8th. 

Lendalfoot, April lyth. Lamlash L.H., Aug. 25th, two. Pollokshaws 

and Queen's Park, Glasgow, Sept. i2th. Solway Dumfries, 

April 1 6th, one. 

Earliest, March i5th, Barra; latest, Sept. 23rd, Methven Boy. 

PHYLLOSCOPUS SIBILATRIX (Wood Wren). 

Forth Braid Hermitage, May 5th, one singing. Tweed Chirnside, 

May 20th, Sept. ist. Clyde Beith, May i/ith. 

Earliest, May 5th, Braid. 

ACROCEPHALUS PHRAGMiTis (Sedge Warbler). 

loth. Braid 

Tay Fordoun, May Qth. Forth Comiston, May 

Burn, May icth. Isle of May, May isth (leg and wing). Tweed 

Halmyre, May 5th. CHirnside, May ist, not plentiful. Clyde 

Thornliebank, April 3oth. 

Earliest, 

April 3oth, Thornliebank. 

LOCUSTELLA N/EViA (Grasshopper Warbler). 

Clyde, 

Beith, April 3oth. 

MOTACILLIN.B (Wagtails). 

Shetland North Unst, Wagtails, April 23rd, one. Orkney 

North Ronaldshay, Wagtails, Sept. yth, nine, seldom seen. Pentland 

Skerries, Wagtails, May 5th, several. Sutherland Cape Wrath, 

Wagtails, April 2 ist, one ; May 2nd, three ; May i5th, two ; Sept. ist, 

one. Moray M. rail (Yellow Wagtail), July i ith, one in meadows 

at mouth of Beauly River ("Annals," 1900, p. 48). 

Dee Rattray 

Head, M. melanope (Gray Wagtail), Aug. 3oth, at lantern with other 

birds. Forth Musselburgh, M. lugubris (Pied Wagtail), Sept. i2th, 

in some numbers. Tweed Chirnside, M. alba (White Wagtail), May 

Whiteadder. Outer Hebrides 

1 5th, Tweed. M. ran', May i5th, 

Island Ghlais, Wagtails, April yth, several. Argyll and Isles Tiree, 

Wagtail, March 2nd. M. alba, May 3rd, a few; May 5th, many;

yS ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY . 

Aug. 1 8th, returning south. Skerryvore, Aug. iSth, on rock. 

Dhuheartach, April 3oth, one; May nth, seven on rock, Wagtails; 

Sept. 2nd, with Wheatears, Pipits, etc.; Sept. i2th, several at 

lantern; Nov. 4th, flocks passing. Jlf. melanope, Oct. 22nd, one. 

Clyde Lamlash L.H., March igth, first, Wagtails ; April 8th, numerous 

all da)'. Dalbeth, M. alba, April 23rd. Beith, M. raii, April 

2 1 st. 

Carmyle, April 22nd. Aug. loth, on Clyde between Farme 

and Dalbeth, 200 to 250, mostly immature. Beith, Sept. i6th. 

Lamlash L.H., Wagtails, Sept. 22iid-3oth, passing. Queen's Park r 

Glasgow, M. lugiibris, Oct. i6th, last noted. 

ANTHUS PRATENSIS (Meadow Pipit). 

Sutherland Cape Wrath, Aug. 4th, many all day. Outer 

Hebrides Island Ghlais L.H., March i6th, at light (6 killed) with 

Snow Buntings and Goldcrests. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, 

March i2th, rush with Thrushes and Blackbirds ; April 2nd and 3rd, 

with rush of birds, many striking; April i4th and i5th, at lantern; 

May ioth-i5th, several killed; Sept. 5th-6th, at lantern with 

other small birds ; 

Oct. ;th, at light with Larks, Fieldfares, and 

Thrushes. Dhuheartach, April 2nd-3rd, round light with Larks, 

Thrushes, etc. ; Sept. 2nd, at light with Wheatears, Wagtails, etc. ;, 

Oct. ist, all night, Larks, etc. ; 

Oct. 8th, three killed. 

Principal movements, April 2nd-3rd, Sept. 2nd-6th, Oct. ist-yth. 

ANTHUS TRIVIALIS (Tree Pipit). 

Toy Comrie, April 25th. Forth Malleny and Balerno, April 

29th. Dalmeny, April 3oth. Tweed Halmyre, April 24th, several. 

Clyde Braid wood, Cathcart, and Beith, April 23rd. 

Earliest, April 23rd, Clyde. 

ORIOLUS GALBULA (Golden Oriole). 

Forth Menstrie, May igth, one picked up. Solway Newton- 

Stewart, April, end of, one shot ~ 

("Annals," 1899, p. 182).]] 

LANIUS EXCUBITOR (Great Gray Shrike). 

Solway Oct. i4th, one captured near Glencaple ("Annals,"' 

1900, p. 48). 

MUSCICAPA GRISOLA (Spotted Flycatcher). 

Dee Rattray Head L.H., May i4th, one picked up. Forth 

Dalmeny, May 4th. Isle of May, May nth (leg and wing sent). 

Tweed Halmyre, May 1 5th. Chirnside, Sept. loth, last. Clyde 

Lendalfoot, April i2th. Beith, April i3th. Queen's Park, Sept, 

22nd. 

Earliest, April i2th, Lendalfoot.


MUSCICAPA ATRICAPILLA (Pied Flycatcher). 

Dee Peterhead, early summer, two procured, others seen. 

Tay Fordoun, May 2ist. Forth Dunbar, May loth; May, second 

week of, unusually numerous about Dunbar ("Annals," 1899, p. 

181). Isle of May, May nth (leg 

and wing sent). 

Tweed Chirnside, 

May i5th. Whitecross, Coklingham, St. Abb's, and other 

places. Sohvay Dumfries, May 2ist, one. 

HIRUNDO RUSTICA (Swallow). 

Shetland North Unst, May i8th, one. Orkney North Ronaldshay, 

May yth, two. Noup Head, May 22nd, numbers. Pentland 

Skerries, May i6th, several, tired out. Sutherland Cape Wrath, 

May 1 4th, one. Dee Rattray Head, May yth, several. Tay 

Fordoun, March 28th. Tay field, April 2oth. Forth Buckstone 

Farm, April 2oth, one. Gogar House and Dalmeny, April 2ist. 

Musselburgh, Oct. roth. Tweed- - Broughton, March 3ist. 

Halmyre, April i6th, a pair; Oct. i6th, two flocks. Inrierleithen, 

Oct. 1 6th. Outer Hebrides Island Ghlais L.H., April ytb, one. 

Argyll and Isles Dhuheartach, May 25th, flying round tower. 

Skerry vore, Aug. iSth, flying about rock. Clyde Cambuslang, 

April i yth. Lamlash L.H., May 8th, numerous-. Thornliebank, 

Oct. yth. Sohvay Dumfries, April i4th, a few; April 26th, large 

flocks. 

Earliest, March 28th, Fordoun; latest, Oct. i6th, Halmyre 

and Innerleithen. 

CHELIDON URBICA (House Martin). 

Orkney North Ronaldshay, May 22nd (skin sent). Forth 

Aberlady, April 19111. Musselburgh, April 22nd, Oct. 4th. 

Tweed Chirnside, May ist, not numerous; Oct. ist. 

Halmyre, 

May 5th, plentiful; Oct. i2th, a small flock. Argyll and Isles 

Dhuheartach, June ist, flying about rock. Clyde Thornliebank, 

April 23rd. Lendalfoot, April 24th. Thankerton, Sept. 28th, 

many, last of season. 

Earliest, April igth, Aberlady; latest, Oct. i2th, Halmyre. 

COTILE RIPARIA (Sand Martin). 

Dee Aberdeen, Sept. 25111, last. Tay Fordoun, May 3rd. 

Forth Dalmeny, April 3rd. Loch Leven, April yth. Tweed 

Chirnside, April 4th, Sept. ist. 

Halmyre, April yth. Clyde 

Dalbeth, April gth. Lamlash L.H., May yth, one; 8th, many. 

Earliest, April 3rd, Dalmeny; latest, Sept. 25th, Aberdeen.

So 


FRINGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA (Brambling). 

Tay Fordoun, May 5th, 

last seen. Forth Fairmilehead, 

March 8th. Morton, Oct. 25th, one. Easter Bush, Nov. i5th, 

several. Tûced Halmyre, Oct. loth, several. Chirnside, Oct. 

loth, flock of 30. Clyde Thankerton, April lyth, still here; Oct. 

iyth, have arrived. LlNOTA FLAVIROSTRIS (Twite). 

Tay Fordoun, Feb. ist, about 200. Forth Comiston, Nov. 

2nd, flock of 40. Tweed Halmyre, Nov. 3rd, flock. 

PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS (Snow Bunting). 

Shetland North Unst, Sept. iyth, large flock. Orkney North 

Ronaldshay, Oct. 23rd, about 300. Noup Head, Jan. 3oth, twenty at 

lantern; Nov. 25th, all day, numerous. Sutherland Cape Wrath, 

March i4th, last flock seen ; April 2nd, one killed at lantern. Dee 

Aberdeen, Sept. 23rd, great numbers. Tay Fordoun, Nov. i3th, 

small flock. Forth Edinburgh, Nov. 9th, small flock top of 

Arthur's Seat. Outer Hebrides Island Ghlais, March i6th, at light 

with Pipits and Goldcrests ; 

March 3oth, at light. Argyll and 

Isles Dhuheartach, Sept. iyth, one rested; Oct. yth, captured at 

light. 

STURNUS VULGARIS (Starling). 

Orkney Noup Head, Sept. 4th, all day; Oct. 2oth, at light, 

numbers ; 

Dec. 1 6th, great numbers. Sutherland Cape Wrath, 

March i6th, ten at lantern. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, March 

2nd, at lantern; April 2nd, in rush, many striking; Nov. i6th and 

1 8th, several on rock. Dhuheartach, Oct. i6th, one flew into kitchen. 

Clyde From mid-February 

till first week in March, great movement 

over south Glasgow, east to west. Lamlash L.H., March loth and 

1 

9th, 

at lantern. 

PASTOR ROSEUS (Rose-coloured Starling). 

Forth North Berwick, July 26th, one seen ("Annals," 1899, 

p. 238). 

ALAUDA ARVENSIS (Skylark). 

Orkney Noup Head, March 8th and 9th, at lantern. Pentland 

Skerries, March yth, several. Sutherland Cape Wrath, Feb. 22nd, 

a few. Forth Isle of May, Feb. 23rd. all night with Thrushes and 

Blackbirds; Nov. 5th, flock. Outer Hebrides Island Ghlais, March 

24th, at light; March 3oth, flying round light with Snow Buntings, 

etc. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, March 131)1, a rush, with other


birds; April 2nd, in rush, several killed; April i4th and i5th, at 

lantern ; 

Oct. ;th, at light, with Pipits, Thrushes, and Fieldfares. 

Dhuheartach, March i3th, flying round light with Thrushes and 

Lapwings; April 2nd and 3rd, at light with Thrushes, Redwings, 

and Pipits; Sept. 2 ist, passing ; 

Oct. ist, all night; Oct. 8th, flocks 

passing all day ; Oct. 23rd and 24th, rush of birds. Clyde Thankerton, 

Sept. i4th, great migratory flight. 

Principal movements, March yth-gth and i3th, April 2nd-3rd, 

Oct. yth-Sth, 23rd and 24th. 

CYPSELUS APUS (Swift). 

Dee Aberdeen, May i5th, two ; Sept. 2nd, two. Rattray Head, 

August 3oth, caught on tower, other birds at lantern. Toy 

Fordoun, May loth. Forth Morningside, May 4th, one. 

loth. Tweed 

Linlithgow, May 6th. Musselburgh, May 1 3th, Aug. 

Halmyre, May loth, passing. Chirnside, May loth, Aug. 31. 

Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, May 6th, resting in window ; July 

1 

8th, one caught on tower. Dhuheartach, April 28th, one flying 

about rock; July i8th, three; Aug. 6th, two. Clyde Crookstone 

and Kilbirnie Loch, May 3rd. So/way Dumfries, May i8th. 

Earliest, April 28th, Dhuheartach; latest, Sept. 2nd, Aberdeen. 

CAPRIMULGUS EUROPÛS (Nightjar). 

Orkney Deerness, May igth. Dee Aberdeen, May 24th. 

Clyde Lamlash, April 23rd. Pollokshaws, May 2 ist. 

DENDROCOPUS MAJOR (Great Spotted Woodpecker). 

West Ross Braemore, March Qth ("Annals," 1899, p. no). 

forth Dalmeny Park, pair remained till first week in May. 

Dalkeith Park, March i6th, two. Tweed Chirnside, several in 

district. Two nests at Duns Castle, from which the young got off. 

Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, Oct. 28th, one caught on rock. 

CUCULUS CANORUS (Cuckoo). 

Sutherland Cape Wrath, May igth, one. Dee Aberdeen, 

May nth. Tay Comrie, April 29th. Forth Dalmeny, May 5th. 

Isle of May, May i5th. Tweed Halmyre, April 23rd ; Aug. iSth, 

adult. Broughton, April 26th. Chirnside, April 28th. Argyll 

and Isles Skerryvore, April 26th. Dhuheartach, April 26th. 

Tiree, May 8th. Clyde Milngavie, April 8th. Lendalfoot and 

Beith, April 26th. Lamlash L.H., May ist. Thankerton, May 

ist. Sohvay Dumfries, April i2th. 

Earliest, April 8th, Milngavie. 

34 C


MEROPS APIASTER (Bee-eater). 

Shetland 

Symbister, June 1899, seen for some days 

picked up dead ("Annals," 1900, pp. 48-49). 

and then 

STRIGID/E (Owls). 

Sutherland and Caithness Thurso, Asio accipitrinus (Shorteared 

Owl), Aug. loth, ? shot. Argyll and Isles Skerryvore, A. 

accipitrinus, Aug. i3th, on rock. Orkney North Ronaldshay, 

Nyctea scandiaca (Snowy Owl), Feb. ist, one ; 

Nov. gth, one. 

FALCONID.E (Falcons and Hawks). 

SutJierland and Caithness Archibuteo lagopus (Rough-legged 

Buzzard), March 22nd, $ trapped at Braemore. Forth Buteo 

vulgaris (Common Buzzard), Oct. i6th, two in keeper's larder at 

Kilmahog. 

ANSERINE (Geese). 

Shetland Dunrossness, A. albifrons (White-fronted Goose), 

Dec. 1 3th, shot on Loch Spiggie ("Annals," 1900, p. 50). Moray 

Bernicla leucopsis (Bernacle Goose), Nov. 9th, shot near Tain 

("Annals," 1900, p. 49). Dee B. brenta (Brent Goose), Oct. i4th, 

shot near Aberdeen. Tay Tayfield, A. brachyrhynchus (Pinkfooted 

Goose), April 28th, last seen; A. albifrons, April igth, one 

of three shot ("Annals," 1899, p. 182). Forth A. brachyrhynchus, 

April 1 8th, a small flock, Aberlady Bay Oct. 

; 4th, a flock, Aberlady. 

Argyll and Isles Tiree, A. albifrons, May 4th, left; Oct. i2th, 

returned. Clyde Thankerton, A. brachyrhynchus, Nov. 25th, two 

numerous this winter. 

shot, 

very 

CYGNIN.E (Swans). 

Caithness Thurso, C. musicus (Whooper), March 22nd, 24 

passing N.E. Watten, Oct. 25th, one shot. Argyll and Isles 

Tiree, C. musicus, Nov. 3rd ; 

C. bewicki (Bewick's Swan), March i2th, 

two flocks of 22 and 18 came in from E. ; 

March 25th, still here; 

Nov. 1 3th, arrived. ANATIDÊ (Ducks). 

Shetland Sandness, Somateria spectabilis (King Eider), Feb. 

24th, c? shot ("Annals," 1899, p. in). Dunrossness, Mergus 

albellus (Smew), Dec. isth, shot on Loch Spiggie ("Annals," 1900, 

p. 50). Sutherland and Caithness Fuligula marila (Scaup), nested 

this year in Sutherland ("Annals," 1899, pp. 215-216). Caithness, 

Clangula glaudon (Golden Eye), April nth, adult $ on Loch Eye; 

Spatula clypeata (Shoveller), Aug. igth, ? juv., Sandside, "rare." 

Dee Aberdeen, Anas streperus (Gadwall), Sept. 23rd, $ shot. 

Rattray Head, Fuligula ferina (Pochard), April 29th, have left;


Harelda glacialis (Long-tailed Duck), April 29th, none after this; 

Oct. 1 4th, eight, first; C. glaudon, Nov. igth, six; (E. nigra, April 

29th, none after this. Toy Fordoun, Mareca penelope (Wigeon), 

Aug. 28th, at Auchinblae Dam. St. Andrews Bay, S. spectabilis, 

June 6th, an adult $ shot ("Annals," 1899, p. 239). Argyll and 

Isles Tiree, A. streperus, April 2 yth, numbers, "very late"; S. 

clypeata, March 3 1 st, $ and ? 

. 

Dhuheartach, 

S. mollissiwa, Sept. 2 1 st, 

first; Skerryvore, Sept. 2ist, a flock, first. 

Clyde S. dypeata, April 

3rd, two pairs, Lochend Loch ; Dafila acuta (Pintail), Dec. i4th, one 

shot in Clyde above Greenock. Solway Long-tailed Duck, ? got in 

the autumn ("Annals," 1900, pp. 49-50). 

TURTUR COMMUNIS (Turtle Dove). 

Caithness June 23rd,


EUDROMIAS MORINELLUS (Dotterel). 

Forth May 5th, 

two shot at Gullane. 

Argyll a)id Isles Dhuheartach, 

CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS (Golden Plover). 

May loth, several at lantern, two 

killed; July iSth-igth, in numbers at light with many small birds, 

haze and rain. Tiree, March 3ist, very large flocks; Oct. 22nd, 

flocks. 

VANELLUS VULGARIS (Lapwing). 

Orkney Pentland Skerries, March 25th; April loth, ten. Argyll 

and Isles Dhuheartach, March 1 3th, flocks round light with Thrushes 

and Larks, haze. 

STREPSILAS INTERPRES (Turnstone). 

Dee Rattray Head, Sept. 4th, small flock. Forth Aberlady, 

Aug. 1 7th, two in summer plumage. Argyll and Isles Tiree, Sept. 

7th, have returned. Dhuheartach, Nov. 29th, a flock of twenty. 

Clyde Bute, May i8th, numerous at St. Ninian's Bay and Ardscalpsie, 

fourteen in summer plumage. Barassie (Ayrshire), May 

2ist, six. Whiting Bay, Sept. 5th, about twenty. Bute, Sept. 7th, 

numerous small parties. 

PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS (Gray Phalarope). 

Dee Aberdeen, Sept. 1 6th, " twelve, first time I have seen them 

here." Argyll and Isles Dhuheartach, Sept. 27th, two. 

SCOLOPAX RUSTICULA (Woodcock). 

Orkney North Ronaldshay, Nov. i st, killed at lantern ; 

Nov. 

nth, at lantern with other birds. Caithness Thurso, March 25th. 

Forth Isle of May, Nov. 2 2nd, three or four. Argyll and Isles 

Dhuheartach, Nov. i6th, one. Clyde Lamlash L.H., April i3th, 

three. 

GALLINAGO MAJOR (Great Snipe). 

Solway Young bird killed near Castle- Douglas ("Field," Oct. 

2ist, 1899, p. 667). 

8th. 

GALLINAGO GALLINULA (Jack Snipe). 

Dee Aberdeen, Sept. i6th, one. Argyll and Isles Tiree, Oct. 

Dee 

TRINGA MINUTA (Little Stint). 

Aberdeen, April aoth; Sept. i6th, three (leg and wing sent).


TRINGA SUBARQUATA (Curlew Sandpiper). 

Dee Aberdeen, Aug. i6th (wing sent). 

TRINGA CANUTUS (Knot). 

Dee Aberdeen, April 29th, five. Rattray Head, Sept. 4th, 

flock. Forth Aberlady Bay, July 23rd, five, three red. 

MACHETES PUGNAX (Ruff). 

Orkney Harray, Sept. 2ist, $. Caithness Latheron, Sept. 

nth, young ? ; Sept. i3th, &. Forth -- Aberlady, Aug. 26th, 

four. 

CALIDRIS ARENARIA (Sanderling). 

Dee Aberdeen, May 2oth, ten. Rattray Head, Nov. igth, 

one. Forth Aberlady, Aug. 7th, five; Aug. 26th, several. Argyll 

and Isles Dhuheartach, May 8th, one. Tiree, Sept. ist, returned. 

Clyde Barassie, May 2ist-22nd, 25th. 

TOTANUS HYPOLEUCUS (Common Sandpiper). 

Tay Fordoun, May 2nd. Forth Loch Lubnaig, April i6th. 

Gencorse Burn, April 2ist. Almond, April 2ist. Isle of May, May 

loth, one killed. Tweed Halmyre, April 22nd, several. Broughton, 

April 23rd. Argyll and Isles Tiree, May i6th. Clyde Dalbeth, 

Thornliebank, and Beith, April i6th. Lendalfoot, May iyth. Lamlash 

L.H., April i gth, a pair; April 2oth, numerous. Thankerton, 

April 24th, two. 

Beith, Sept. 8th. 

Earliest, April i6th, Loch Lubnaig, Dalbeth, etc. 

TOTANUS FUSCUS (Spotted Redshank). 

Clyde Balgray Dam, Sept. 

1 6th- 1 7th, two birds ("Annals," 

1900, pp. 51-52). Sohvay Feb. i3th, shot at Kirkbean Row 

("Annals," 1899, p. 112). 

TOTANUS CANESCENS (Greenshank). 

Forth Aberlady, Aug. 26th, one. Argyll and Isles Tiree, July 

1 3th, two, young birds ; Aug. 1 5th and 1 7th, several. Clyde Balgray 

Dam, 1 6th, two; one remained till Oct. i4th. 

LIMOSA LAPPONICA (Bar-tailed Godwit). 

Forth Musselburgh, April 4th, a flock of twenty. Aberlady Bay, 

July 8th, forty, two red. Argyll and Isles Tiree, Oct. 28th, flock. 

Clyde Bute, May i8th, two; Sept. 8th, one.

Bute, Sept. 8th, one. STERNINÊ (Terns). 


LIMOSA BELGICA (Black-tailed Godwit). 

Argyll and Isles Tiree, May i7th, a pair at Favie remained for 

ten days. Clyde Balgray Dam, Sept. 2ist, one; also one shot at 

Caldwell this month. 

NUMENIUS PHJEOPUS (Whinibrel). 

Orkney North Ronaldshay, May 1 3th, many. Dee Aberdeen, 

Oct. 1 4th, ten. Forth Bo'ness, July 3ist, one. Dunipace, Aug. 

6th, five, flying W. Aberlady, Aug. yth, many. Musselburgh, Aug. 

3oth-3ist, strong migration during these nights, with other birds. 

Argyll and Isles Tiree, April 3oth, have arrived ; May 4th, very 

numerous; May 5th, in shoals. Dhuheartach, May 23rd, one, on 

rock. Clyde Lendalfoot, April 24th. Mearns Moor, May 2oth, one. 

Caithness Thurso, May agth, S. macrura (Arctic Tern), 

numerous. Dee Rattray Head, S. minuta (Lesser Tern), April 

28th, two. Forth Dalmeny, S. fluviatilis (Common Tern), Oct. 7th, 

many in Forth; Oct. i4th, a few. S. minuta, Aug. 8th, three at 

Musselburgh. Aberlady, Hydrochelidon nigra (Black Tern), Aug. 7th, 

one adult (" Annals," 1900, p. 52). Argyll and Isles Dhuheartach, 

C. macrura, May aoth, several. Tiree, May 7th, several S. fluviatilis ; 

May 7th, several S. minuta. 

There are numerous other records of "Terns" which are unquotable, 

as the species are not specified. 

LARINÊ (Gulls). 

Shetland North Unst, L. leucopterus (Iceland Gull), Sept. 26th, 

two. Orkney Sule Skerry L.H., Nov. 23rd, one. Argyll and Isles 

Dhuheartach, Nov. 29th, one. Dee Aberdeen, L. glancus 

(Glaucous Gull), April 2nd, three killed. 

STERCORARIUS CATARRHACTES (Great Skua). 

Argyll and Isles Dhuheartach, July 28th-2gth, two, first time 

observed here. 

STERCORARIUS CREPIDATUS (Arctic Skua). 

Caithness Thurso, Aug. izth. Forth Oct. i4th, a good many 

near Inchkeith. Argyll and Isles Tiree, June 3rd, arrived. 

MERGULUS ALLE (Little Auk). 

Shetland North Unst, May 8th, one picked up. Forth Portobello, 

Nov. 20th, one found in quarry. Outer Hebrides Barra, April, 

one brought in by cat ("Annals," 1899, p. 183).

ANN. SCOT. NAT. HIST. 1900. PLATE I. 

Fyf 

Fy.? 

DEFORMED TROUT.

ICHTHYOLOGICAL NOTES 87 

FULMARUS GLACIALIS (Fulmar). 

Shetland 

North Unst, nesting numerously in the high cliffs. 

PUFFINUS MAJOR (Great Shearwater). 

Outer Hebrides June i ith, two seen near Barra ; July, last week, 

two birds killed at St. Kilda ("Annals," 1899, p. 239). 

Forth June i5th, 

PUFFINUS ANGLORUM (Manx Shearwater). 

two seen between North Berwick and Elie. 

Argyll and Isles Dhuheartach, March 22nd, all 

day in great 

numbers ; May 8th, great numbers. 

OCEANODROMA LEUCORRHOA (Forked-tailed Petrel). 

Caithness Scotscalder, Nov. i4th. Clyde Beith, Sept. 2oth. 

ICHTHYOLOGICAL NOTES. 

By Dr. R. H. TRAQUAIR, F.R.S. 

PLATE I. 

I. DEFORMED TROUT FROM A POND AT DUNIPACE. 

A LITTLE more than two years ago 

I received from Mr. 

Harvie-Brown a consignment of seven Trout {Salmo fario, L.) 

from the " Duck Pond " in his grounds at Dunipace. These 

Trout formed part of a lot which Mr. Harvie-Brown obtained 

from the breeding- ponds at Howieton as two-year-olds in 

1895 and the ; specimens which were caught and sent to me 

in the autumn of 1897 averaged about half a pound in 

weight, and measure, as they now lie before me, from eleven 

to thirteen inches in length. That several of them at least 

presented abnormalities in the conformation of the jaws was 

at once observed by Mr. Harvie-Brown, at whose desire I 

have made the following short report on them, illustrated by 

the figures on Plate I. 

In the appearance of four of these specimens 

there is 

nothing very striking in the fourth the anterior ; extremity 

of the mandible seems to extend perceptibly farther forward 

than is the case in the ordinary Trout. In the fifth and


sixth examples the mandible is abnormally short, so that 

the premaxillary part of the upper jaw projects beyond it 

in 

a striking manner, as represented in Figs. 

I and la on 

Plate I. It is not uncommon to find Trout, and other 

fishes too, with the snout imperfectly developed, so that the 

lower jaw projects conspicuously in front of the upper, but 

this is the first time that a case of the contrary condition 

has come under my notice. The head of the seventh 

specimen is represented in Figs. 2 and 20. of the same Plate. 

In the profile view shown in Fig. 2, it is at once seen that 

the mandible is, on the other hand, perceptibly abnormal in 

its length but still more remarkable is its want of lateral 

; 

symmetry, when the head is seen from below, as in Fig. 2a. 

Here it will be observed that the left ramus of the lower 

jaw is nearly straight, being hardly curved : 

11 towards its 

extremity, while that of the right side shows an easy, wellmarked 

curve along the whole of its length. 

Mr. Harvie-Brown informs me that these Trout, of which 

the above-mentioned seven were samples, were unfit to eat, 

and that he is not aware that any are now alive in the pond. 

It is difficult to assign any 

cause to these abnormal 

conditions in the jaws of the fish in question. Certainly it 

is not to be found in the nature of the food ; 

for the stomachs 

of the seven above-noted specimens, having been carefully 

examined by Mr. Grimshaw, were found to contain nothing 

but ordinary fresh -water insects and larvae, and in some 

cases shells of Limncea peregra. 

II. 

LONG-SPINED SEA-BULLHEAD CHOKED BY A 

VIVIPAROUS BLENNY. 

This specimen of Sea-Bullhead (Cottus bubalis) was found 

dead on the shore at Fraserburgh by Mr. Norrie, and sent to 

the Museum of Science and Art by 

Mr. Harvie-Brown. It 

is six inches in length, and at once strikes the attention by 

having the tail of a Viviparous Blenny (Z octrees viviparus) 

projecting to a length of four inches from its right branchial 

aperture. On looking into the wide-open mouth, the body 

of the Zoarces is seen to be bent sharply round, while its 

head is 

firmly impacted 

in the throat of the Cottus. It is

ICHTHYOLOGICAL NOTES 89 

therefore clear that the latter, in trying, to swallow a prey 

rather too big for its capacity, failed in the attempt, while 

the victim, in its struggles, passed its tail through the gill-slit 

of the would-be devourer the encounter resulting in the 

death of both. 

Cases of this kind do not seem to be very uncommon, and 

it is interesting to find that, in many of those of which I have 

heard, the tail of the captured fish bears a similar relation to 

the gill-opening of the equally unfortunate captor as in the 

instance described above. Professor M'Intosh, in his " Marine 

Invertebrates and Fishes of St. Andrews" (p. 182, pi. 

viii. 

Fig. i i), has recorded and figured a case in which a Broadnosed 

Eel, twenty inches in length, was in like manner " done 

for " in attempting to make a meal of one of its own species ; 

and here again the tail of the captured fish projects through 

the narrow branchial opening of the larger one, while its 

body, bent into a loop, projects from the mouth. Professor 

M'Intosh has also informed me of other instances which he 

has observed, in various species of fishes, since the publication 

of the work which I have quoted. 

III. 

A FLOUNDER WITH THE EYES ON THE LEFT SIDE. 

Every one knows that in the family of Pleuronectidae or 

Flat-fishes, both eyes are placed on one side of the head the 

right or left, as the case may be ; 

the dorsal fin, however, 

pursues its course in the middle line, and in many genera 

passes actually in front of the region of the eyes. The 

anatomical relations of the parts concerned, as well as the 

embryonic development, show that this is effected by a bending 

over of the mesial plane of the head in the ocular region, 

carrying the eye of the " blind " side along with it a torsion 

in which the dorsal fin, advancing from behind, does not take 

part. Young flat-fishes, on escaping from the egg, are quite 

symmetrical, but after the transference of the eye has taken 

place they swim on their side the blind side, which is 

now the lower one, remaining white or pale in colour ; 

while the ocular side, now the upper, becomes pigmented. 

Interesting malformations or arrestments of development 

are not uncommon, in which the turn of the eye has not


been completed, while the anterior extremity of the dorsal 

fin projects forward in the form of a pointed process. In 

such cases the fish is 

usually equally pigmented on both sides. 

It might be considered to be a matter of indifference as 

to which of the eyes should leave its own side and pass over 

to the other, but, as a matter of fact, different groups of 

flat-fishes are characterised by a pretty constant position of 

the eyes on one side or on the other. For example, 

in the 

Halibuts, the Flounders, and the Soles, the normal position 

of the eyes is on the right side, while in the Turbots and in 

the Plagusiae they are found on the left. 

Exceptions to the general rule of the group to which a 

flat-fish may belong are not unc .nmon. The appended cut 

shows a sketch of the head of a specimen of the Common 

Flounder (Pleuronectes flesus, Linn.) from the river Esk at 

Musselburgh, in which the eyes, instead of being on the 

right side, as is normal for the genus, are on the left, as in a 

Turbot. In every other respect, except the transposition of 

the blind and ocular sides, the specimen is normal. 

EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. 

Fig. I. Profile view of head of malformed Trout from Dunipace, showing the 

abnormally short lower jaw. Natural size. 

Fig. \a. The same head seen from below. 

Fig. 2. Profile view of the head of another specimen, showing the lower jaw, 

of more than the usual length. Slightly reduced. 

Fig. za. The same head seen from below, showing the want of symmetry in 

the right and left rami of the mandible.

RECORDS OF SCOTTISH COLEOPTERA AND HEMIPTERA 91 

SOME RECORDS OF SCOTTISH COLEOPTERA 

AND HEMIPTERA. 

By WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E. 

I. COLEOPTERA. 

IT is now no easy matter to add to the list of Scottish 

Coleoptera, so well has this group of insects been already 

investigated in several of our faunal areas. A great deal, 

however, still remains to be done in working out the distribution 

of the various species known to occur in the 

country. This fact was impressed upon me during the 

publication of Canon Fowler's " Coleoptera of the British 

Islands," 1887-91, and since then I have devoted a good 

deal of time to beetle-hunting with the object of supplementing 

the published records. The number of specimens 

collected to date is fully 16,000, obtained chiefly in the 

Forth Area ; 

but not a few are from the Strathspey district 

of " Moray," while Tweed, Clyde, and Argyll are each represented 

by some hundreds. 

The serious part of the work has, as usual, been the 

identification of the specimens, and in this connection I owe 

a very deep debt of gratitude to my friend the Rev. Alfred 

Thornley, F.L.S., South Leverton, Notts. Had he not been 

willing to help me, a large portion of the collection would 

probably have had to remain unnamed. When I mention 

that he has examined about two -thirds of my captures, 

checking and completing my rough and imperfect 

writing out original ones, it will be seen I am under no 

ordinary obligation to him. 

My best thanks are also due to Dr. D. Sharp of Cambridge, 

who has kindly given me his opinion regarding a 

number of the more difficult species, a favour I greatly 

lists or 

appreciate. 

The number of species already recognised in the collection 

is rather more than 800, and many 

of them are from 

faunal areas from which they have not yet been recorded, 

the additions to the Forth district alone being over 100.


I 

hope some day, with Mr. Thornley's co - operation as 

regards at least one area, to see all these records published 

in a connected form ; 

but there is still a great deal to do 

before that can be accomplished, and in the meantime it 

may be well to place on record a few of the more interesting 

occurrences. 

In the matter of nomenclature I have followed Sharp 

and Fowler's "Catalogue of British Coleoptera," 1893. 

a. Species not in Sharp's " " 

Coleoptera of Scotland 

("Scottish Naturalist," 1871-81), and of which I am not 

aware of any subsequent Scottish records : 

Dromins meridionalis, Dej. Brodick, Arran, April 1895, one 

example 

: 

identification confirmed by Mr. Thornley. 

Euconnus hirticollis, 111. One found under stone lying in a mossy 

bog near foot of Loch Ard, Aberfoyle, South-west Perthshire, 

April 1896. Specimen shown to Dr. Sharp. 

of this 

Halyzia conglobata, L. On May 1896 I beat an example 

" " 

Ladybird off an oak at Aberfoyle, Upper Forth and in 

; 

September 1897 another was obtained in the same locality : 

identification confirmed by Dr. Sharp. The species is not 

included in Sharp's "Coleoptera of Scotland," and Fowler 

uncommon in the 

("Brit. Coleop.," vol. iii. p. 167) says "Not : 

midland and southern districts of England and in Ireland, but 

I can find no locality farther north than Sherwood Forest." 

The name Coccinella conglobata occurs, however, in Don's list 

of Forfarshire animals published in 1813; but, having regard 

to the confusion which at that time existed respecting many of 

the Coccinellida, there is 

every reason to believe that some other 

form (probably one of the numerous varieties of the common 

C. variabilis) was intended. 

Scymnus mulsanti, Waterh. 

( ? S. redtenbacheri, Muls.).- -Four 

examples of a small, dark, reddish-legged Scymnus, which Dr. Sharp 

has named for me S. mulsanti, were obtained by sweeping grass 

on the edge of Luffness Marsh, East Lothian, on 3oth June 

last. 

Anommatus \2-striatus, Mull. - - In September 1897 a single 

example of this minute, eyeless beetle was detected on the 

under side of a board which had been lying for some months 

on damp earth, Morningside, Edinburgh. 

Monochammus sutor, L. A $ example of this reputed British Longicorn, 

which was found crawling on the trunk of a tree in


Colinton Dell, near Edinburgh, in September 1878, is in my 

collection. It was named for me a number of years ago by 

Mr. C. O. Waterhouse of the British Museum. In all 

probability it had been imported from the Continent at some 

1 

stage of its existence. 

Donacia thalassina, Germ. This pretty beetle was fairly common 

on Ekocharis and other water-plants in a pond at Drumshoreland, 

Linlithgowshire, on ist June 1895. The localities given 

for it in Fowler's " British Coleoptera " are all in the south of 

England, and its occurrence in the Edinburgh district is therefore 

of very considerable interest. Determined for me by 

Mr. Thornley and confirmed by Dr. Sharp. 

Haltica palustris, Weise. A Haltica taken at Aberfoyle, Upper 

Forth, in May 1896, is referred by Dr. Sharp to this form. 

The localities mentioned by Canon Fowler are Wimbledon, the 

south of England, and the Manchester district. 

Gnathocerus cornutiis, F. I have two $ specimens of this unmistakable 

form, both found in bread one at North Berwick in 

August 1897, and the other (for which I have to thank Mr. R. 

Godfrey) in Edinburgh in July last. Although there does not 

appear to be any previous record of the species from Scotland, 

I suspect it is not very uncommon among flour in bakehouses, 

etc. 

\Arceocerus fasciculatus, De Geer. In June 1895 a living example 

of this foreign Anthribid was found in the Herbarium at the 

Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, by Mr. J. F. Jeffrey, and kindly 

sent to me. Dr. Sharp, to whom I am indebted for the name 

of this beetle, tells me it is "a widely 

present ; 

frequently occurring in Herbaria."] 

b. Miscellaneous records of species already 

distributed form at 

on the 

Scottish list. The majority of these appear to fill up 

district blanks. Many others might have been given had 

space allowed : 

Carabus arve/isis, F. One taken on the Pentland Hills above 

Colinton, 6th May 1899. This is the only occasion on which 

I have seen the species in the south of Scotland. In the 

Highlands, where it is not rare, I have obtained specimens at 

Aberfoyle, Glen Tilt, and Dalwhinnie. According to Wilson 

and Duncan (" Entomologia Edinensis," p. 69) 

it occurred 

1 

This occurrence (together with the capture of another rare Longicorn, 

Saperda carchan'as, L. , 

at Cromdale, Strathspey, in August 1891) was recorded 

by me in this journal in 1892 (vol. i. p. 19).


sparingly on the Pentlands seventy years ago. C. nitens, L., 

is also still to be found on the Pentlands and adjoining moors, 

where I have met with it on several occasions (Bavelaw Moss, 

April 1885 and 3oth March 1896; Bonaly Hill, May 1896), 

and I once found pieces of the elytra in the Kestrel's " pellet " 

on Dalmahoy Crags. Mr. Eagle Clarke tells me he captured a 

specimen on the path between Bonaly and Glencorse on ist 

May 1892. 

Elaphrus uliginosus, F. One taken near Aviemore, Moray Area, 

May ^893. E. lapponicus, Gyll. Several from hill west of 

Fearnan, Loch Tay, 4th May 1892. 

Harpalus rubripes, Duft. Aberdour, Fife, April 1893, nine specimens. 

H. quadripunctatus, Dej. One from near foot of 

Ben-a-ghlo, September 1898. 

Anisodactylus binotatus, F. Aberfoyle, Upper Forth, May 1897, a 

single example. 

Pterostichus striola, F. Brodick, Arran, April 1895, several. 

Amara consularis, Duft. In July 1890 I took three examples in 

the neighbourhood of Peebles. It seems to be a rare species in 

Scotland. A. alpina, F. In last year's volume of this journal 

(p. 54, 1899) I recorded the capture of two c?s and a $ of this 

rare beetle on a hill 

up Glen Tilt, Perthshire, in September 1 898. 1 

Besides the Rannoch and Braemar localities to which I alluded, 

the species has also occurred near Aviemore (" Ent. Mo. Mag.," 

1874, p. 64, etc.). A. similata, Gyll. Mr. Thornley reports 

two examples of this form among my captures, both taken in 

Fife in 1893 one at Aberdour in April, the other near Leven 

in August. The only previous Scottish record seems to be that 

of Messrs. Lennon and Douglas for the Solway Area (" Annals," 

1892, p. 108). 

Bembidium continuum, Steph. Half a dozen along with Cillenus 

lateralis under stones at the mouth of the Esk, Musselburgh, 

October 1899. 

Dromius melanocephalus, Dej. A few examples from near Aberlady 

(May 1890 and September 1893), Mortonhall, March 1896, 

and Hillend, near Edinburgh, April 1896. Sir A. Buchan- 

Hepburn recorded it for " Forth " in " Scottish Naturalist," iv. 

p. 248. A. nigriventris, Thorns. Is not uncommon in the 

Edinburgh district. 

1 

In the same note I recorded a few other beetles got in the Glen Tilt district 

of Perthshire in September 1898, namely Carabits ai~vensis, Miscordera 

arctica, Harpalus qitadripimctatus, H. latits, Pterostichus Gthiops, Cymindis 

vaporariorum Aphodius fa'fidus, Otiorrkynckus maitnts, and 0. blandits , ; also 

Coccinella ^-punctata from banks of the Garry below Blair-Atholl.


Hydroporus mono, Dej. Bavelaw Moss, April 1893, one specimen ; 

Torduff Hill, Pentlands, March 1896, two. H. longulus, 

Muls. Dreghorn Glen, Pentlands, March 1897, one in wet 

moss by side of stream. H. discretus, Fairm. One from 

muddy hole beside Glencorse Reservoir, Pentlands, May 

1896. 

Agabus affinis, Payk. Mr. Thornley, who has taken great trouble 

in the determination of the obscure Hydropori and Agabi, 

comparing them with specimens in Canon Fowler's collection, 

reports two examples of this very local form among my captures 

one from Torduff Hill, Pentlands, March 1896, and one 

from near Dollar, April 1897. 

Dytisciis punctulatus, F. 

1890. 

Philipstoun Loch, Linlithgowshire, October 

ChcBtarthria seminidum, Herbst. Aberfoyle, April ; 

Luffness Links, 

September ; 

and Boghall Glen, Pentlands, November, all in 

1896. 

Hdophorus rugosus, Ol. St. Andrews, July 1890, one. 

Cercyoti flavipes, 

Lothians. 

F. Taken in a number of localities in the three 

Aleochara cuniculorum, Kr. Luffness Links, three on dead rat, 

September 1896; Kincraig, Speyside, August 1889. 

Myrmedonia humeralis, Grav. Loch Ard side, Upper Forth, April 

1896, one. 

Astilbus canaliculatus, F. Near Midcalder, February 1897. 

Westw. Taken in Midlothian on three 

Encephalus complicans, 

occasions: Glencorse, October 1896 ; Ratho, November 1896; 

and Kirknewton in May last. 

Quedius mesomelimts, Marsh. Roslin, October 1896, and Arniston, 

February 1897 a ; specimen shown to Dr. Sharp is referred by 

him to var. fageti. Thorns. According to Fowler, this species 

is widely distributed in Scotland, but it cannot be said to have 

a definite place in Sharp's "Coleoptera of Scotland." Its 

close ally, Qfulgidus, F., I have taken at Peebles, Aberdour, 

and Gullane. Q. tristis, Grav. Murray's statement (which 

has been questioned) that this species is common in Scotland 

is certainly true as regards the Edinburgh district. The 

following are my own records: Aberlady, September 1888; 

Arthur's Seat, February 1889, etc. ; Colinton, Ravelrig, Penicuik, 

October, and Rosythe Castle, near North Queensferry, 

November, 1896; Dirleton, January, Isle of May, July and 

September, 1897 ; Binny Craig, Linlithgowshire, March 1898 

; 

Mortonhall, March 1900. I have also taken it in Moray


(Kincraig), and it is on record from Lewes and Hoy. So far 

back as 1876 the late W. A. Forbes recorded it as common on 

Arthur's Seat ("Scot. Nat.," iii. p. 316). Q. fuliginosus, Grav., 

is 

equally common in " Forth." Q. auricomus, Kies. Innerleithen, 

January; Pentlands above Dreghorn, March 1897; 

Bonaly Glen, April 1898 among moss in running water. 

Philonthus splendens, F. Near Kingussie, August 1889; Longniddry, 

February 1896 ; Aberfoyle, September 1897. P. lucens, 

Er. Aberfoyle, two, May 1897. P. scymbalarius, Nord. 

(longicornis, Steph.). Dollar, April 1897, one. Recorded from 

East Lothian by Sir A. Buchan-Hepburn ("Proc. Berw. Nat. 

Club," vol. 

viii.). 

Cafius fucicola, Curt. Under rotting seaweed, Aberdour, Fife, 

March 1896, February 1899, and loth March 1900 (common). 

On the last occasion it and C. xantholoma, Grav., occurred 

together in about equal numbers ; 

one example of the latter 

species is var. variolosus, Sharp. Murray's record of fucicola 

from Dalmeny was doubted by Dr. Sharp (to whom I have 

shown one of my specimens), but afterwards confirmed by the 

late R. F. Logan ("Ent. Mo. Mag.," xxiii. p. 161). Recorded 

also from Tyne estuary, East Lothian, by Sir A. Buchan-Hepburn, 

and from Machrihanish ("E.M.M.," 1896, p. in). 

Xantholinns distans, Kr. A pale Xantholinus taken by me on Luffness 

Links, in August 1896, and named distans(^} by Mr. 

Thornley, who has recorded the form from Caithness, 

Dr. Sharp's opinion referable to that form. 

Stilicus affiniS) Er. Mortonhall, North Queensferry, and Lanark. 

is in 

Dianoiis ccerutescens, Gyll. Fairly common in dripping moss at side 

of a tiny waterfall, Bonaly ravine, Pentlands, April 1898. 

Stenus bimaculatus, Gyll. Old quarry near Longniddry, September 

1897. S. guynemeri, Duv. Ochils above Dollar, April 1897, 

and Bonaly ravine, Pentlands, April 1898, in moss on waterfalls. 

S. pusilhis, Er. Common in Edinburgh 

district in 

October and November. 1896. S. pubescens, Steph., and S. 

binotatus, Ljun. Both taken in Moray district (Kincraig), and 

likewise in Forth. 

Coprophilus striatulus, F. Fearnan, Loch Tay. 

Geodromicus ntgrita, Mull. Pool on Largo Links, June 1897, one. 

Coryphium angusticolle, Steph. Rosslyn, October 1896, one. 

Eusphalerum primula, Steph. Common in flowers of primrose, 

Arniston grounds, i2th May 1898. Recorded from Polmont 

by Dr. Sharp (Thesis in Edinburgh University). 

Pselaphus /lei'sei, Herbst. Aberfoyle, April 1896, one specimen.

RECORDS OF SCOTTISH COLEOPTERA A>, 7 D HEMIPTERA 97 

Agathidium variant, Beck.-- Dalmeny, January 1899, 

marginatum, Sturm. Luffness, August 1896, one. 

one. A. 

Necrodes litforalis, L. Brodick, Arran, April 1895. 

Silpha nigrita, Cr. Doune (Forth), May 1889; Kincraig and 

Cromdale (Moray) ; 

and Arran. S. dispur, Hbst. Kincraig, 

several. 

Sph&rites glabratus, F. 

Fearnan, Loch Tay, May 1892, one. 

Hister sitccicola, Thorns., and H. neglectus, Germ. Aberfoyle (Forth), 

April 1896. H. cadavcrimts, Hoff. Cromdale; Brodick. 

Onthophilus striatns, F. Fearnan (Tay) ; Callander, etc. 

Anatis ocellata, L. Leven (Forth), August 1893, one; Blair- 

Atholl. 

Halyzia i^-guttata, L. Aviemore, August 1893; fairly 

common in 

Forth. 

Nitidula bipustulata, L. Aberfoyle (Forth), May 1897. 

Omosila colon, L. Luffness (Forth), July 1898. O. discoidea, F. 

Aberdour, Fife, one under rotting seaweed, February 1899. 

Rhizophagns perforatus, Er. Rosslyn, October 1896; Morningside, 

July 1897. Recorded from East Lothian by Sir A. Buchan- 

Hepburn. 

Attegenus pellio, L. Leven (Fife), August 1893, one. 

Byrrhus dorsalis, F. Fearnan (Tay), May 1892 ; 

Hillend Hill, 

Pentlands, April 1896. 

Heterocenis feinoralis, Kies. Common in tiny burrows in firm 

muddy sand at the head of Aberlady Bay. In August 1896 I 

found them in all stages (larva, pupa, and imago) on the same 

day. The spot, which is covered more or less with a thin 

growth of green seaweed {Enteroinorpha compressa), and 

thousands of tiny molluscs (Hydrobia ulviz), 

is under water for 

some time twice a day during spring tides. Species determined 

for me by Dr. Sharp. 

Sinodendron cylindricum, L. In August 1889 

I took several 

examples of this fine beetle at Kincraig, Inverness-shire. 

Aphodius fossor, L. Fearnan, Loch Tay, May 1892, one $. A. 

cons tans, Duft. Aberfoyle, in cow-dung, April 1896 and May 

1897, a good many. Recorded from East Lothian by Sir A. 

Buchan- Hepburn. A. tessulatus, Payk. Inverkeithing, Fife, 

October 1896; Kirknewton, Midlothian: Kincraig (Moray), 

1889. A. conspurcatus, L. Bavelaw, Midlothian, March 1893, 

one ; Kincraig and Aviemore. 

34 D


Geotrupcs typhous, Latr. Three taken by me near Brodick, Arran, 

in April 1895 (see my note in "Annals," 1895, pp. 198 and 

254 

Serica brunnea, L. Luffness, Aberfoyle, etc. (Forth) ; 

Cromdale. 

Melolontha Tulgaris, F. Near Loanhead, Midlothian, May 1882, 

one. 

Trichiits fasciatits, L. Mr. L. W. Hinxman, who has given me a 

couple of Bee-beetles taken at Aviemore in July 1895, 

they were common there that year. I have only taken it at 

Rannoch. 

tells me 

Lacon murinus, Lap. Pettycur, Fife, June 1889, and again in 1897. 

Limonius minutus, L. 

Arniston and Hillend, near Edinburgh. 

Adrastus limbatits, F. From several localities in Edinburgh district. 

Campylus linearis, L. Kirknewton, June 1895; Fala (Forth), July 

1897. 

Dasdllus cervimts, L. Tushielaw (Tweed), 1889 ; Aberfoyle (Forth), 

1896. 

Cyphon pallidulus^ Boh. Luffness Marsh, July 1898, common. 

Eros aurora, Herbst. Aviemore (Moray), June 1893, common (see 

my note in "Annals," 1893, p. 249). 

Lampyris noctihica, L. I have taken the Glow-worm in Forth (Pass 

of Leny and Aberfoyle), Tweed (Tushielaw, in abundance), and 

Argyll (Oban). 

Podabrus alpinus, Payk. Kirknewton, Midlothian, June 1895 ; 

Heriot, etc. 

Telephorus paludosus, Fall. Heriot, June 1898, three: Aviemore. 

T. flavilabris. Fall. Bavelaw and Luffness (Forth). 

Rhagonycha unicolor, Curt. Rosslyn, July 1893, one specimen, 

identified by Mr. Thornley. 

J?. fulva 

is common in Forth. 

J\faltJwdes dispar, Germ. Near Rosslyn, July 1893, one, identified 

by Mr. Thornley. M. pellucidus, Kies. Arniston, July 1897. 

Necrobia rnficollis, 

. 

Dreghorn, near Edinburgh, July 1894, one. 

Ernobius inollis, L. Lame from which I reared this beetle were 

abundant on a rustic bridge, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, November 

1896; Aviemore. 

Cis punctulatus, Gyll. Morton, near Edinburgh, October 1896, 

common under bark of dead pine ; 

Swanston Wood, November. 

Asemum striatuni, L. Kincraig (Moray), two, August 1889. 

J\ichyta sexmaculata, L. Loch Morlich, near Aviemore, June 1893, 

one specimen (see my note, "Annals," 1893, p. 249).

RECORDS OF SCOTTISH COLEOITERA AND HEMIPTERA 99 

Saperda carcharias, L. Cromdale, Strathspey, one on aspen, August 

1891 ("Annals," 1892, p. 78). 

Donaria obscurci, Gyll. In June 1893 I took an example of this 

rare species near Aviemore, Inverness-shire identification con- 

; 

firmed by Dr. Sharp. D. sericea, L., and D. discolor, Panz. I 

have both from Forth and Moray, and the latter also from 

Clyde (Arran). 

Chrysomela marginata, L. Kincraig, August 1889. C. fuzmoptera, 

L. Aberlady, September 1893, one. C.fastuosa, Scop. One 

taken near Edinburgh, in 1884. C. polita, L., is not uncommon 

in Forth. 

Hydrothassa aucta, F., and H. marginella, L. Both from Moray ; 

the latter also from Forth (Glencorse Reservoir, Pentlands). 

Adinwnia tanaceti, L. Common in flood refuse, Loch Insch, Spey, 

August 1889. 

Longitarsus holsaticus, L. Aberfoyle, September 1897, three. I 

have submitted many specimens belonging to this difficult 

genus and its allies to Mr. Thornley, who will, I hope, send a 

report on them to the " Annals " by and by. What seems to 

be L. lurid-us, Scop., occurs on Luffness Links. Fowler says 

" not recorded from Scotland." Buchan-Hepburn, however, 

recorded it as " not uncommon " in East Lothian more than 

twenty years ago. 

Phyllotreta undulata, Kutz. (specimen shown to Dr. Sharp), is 

common in the Edinburgh district. I mention this in view of 

Fowler's remark in " Brit. Coleop." 

Mniophila imiscornm, Koch. Penicuik Woods, October 1896; 

Bridge of Allan, February 1897. 

Cassida flaveola, Thunb. Aberfoyle, September 1897. C. viridis, 

common F., is at Tyninghame and Luffness Links, and I have 

seen specimens from Peebles. 

Helops striatus, Fourc. Near Brodick, Arran, April 1895, two. 

Rhinosimus ruficollis, L. Forth (Mortonhall, Comiston, etc.). 

Anaspis rufilabris, Gyll. Forth (Arniston, Dalmahoy, Oakley). 

Notoxus monoceros, L. 

Dunbar and Luffness Links. 

Anthicns scoticus, Rye. Common on St. Serf's Island, Loch Leven, 

May 1898. 

Rhinomacer attelaboides, F. Rothiemurchus, May 1893. 

Rhynchites

ioo 

AXNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 

Apion cruentatum, Walt. Dunbar, September 1890. I have also 

taken in the Edinburgh district A. hcematodes, Kirby, ^4. striatiim, 

Kirby, A. violaccum, Kirby, etc., not given for Forth in Sharp's 

" Coleoptera of Scotland." 

Otiorrhynchus atroapterus, De G. St. Andrews (Tay) ; Pettycur 

and Aberlady. O. septentrionis, H. Aviemore. O. sidcatus, 

F. Edinburgh, Aberlady, St. Andrews, and Arran. O. ntgifrons, 

Gyll. Pettycur; Isle of May, July 1897, common. 

Trachyphlizus scaber, L. Hillend Hill, Pentlands, April 1896, one. 

Exomias amiicifonnis, Schr. Near Stirling, 1887, one; Broxburn, 

one, which I have shown to Dr. Sharp, taken by Mr. R. 

Godfrey in April 1899. Mr. Anderson Fergusson has recorded 

it from Clyde and Solway ("Annals," 1897, p. 48), so that 

Murray's " occasional " in Scotland has now been fully confirmed. 

Brachysomus echinatus> Bonsd. From Forth and Moray. 

Barypeithes sulcifrons, Boh. Blackford Hill, Mortonhall, etc. 

Liophloeus nubihis, F. Comiston, Aberlady, Dollar. 

Sitones cambricus, Steph. Aberfoyle, May 1897, one. Determined 

by Mr. Thornley. S. lincelhis, Gyll. Pettycur, May 1895, 

one; Glencorse, November 1896, one. . 

su/cifrons, Th., is 

common in Forth. 

Hypera pitnctata, F. Forth. H. plantaginis, De G. Forth and 

Moray. 

Cleonus sitlcirostris, L. Luffness, Tyninghame, and Largo Links. 

Liosoma oratiilum, Clairv. Forth (Mortonhall, Roslin, Aberfoyle, 

etc.). 

Pissodes fini, L. Elgin. P. notafus, F. Aviemore. 

Grypidius eqi/iseti, F. Luffness Marshes, August 1896 and July 

1898. 

Erirrhinus athiops, F. 

in flood refuse. 

Loch Insch (Moray), August 1899, common 

Ty chius venustus, F. Aviemore, May 1893, common on broom. 

Gymnetron labilis, Herbst. Aberfoyle, September 1897, three. 

Clonus 

scrophulariiz, 

L. Arniston, Thornton, Inverkeithing ; 

Kirkintilloch. C. pulchelhts, Herbst. Arniston, May and June 

1898, common. 

Acalles ptinoides, Marsh. Aberfoyle, September 1897, one. 

Ceuthorrhynchus chalybccus, Germ. -Mortonhall, October 1896, etc. 

C. rugulosus, Herbst. Luffness Marsh, August 1896, one. 

Identified by Thornley and confirmed by Sharp.


Ceuthorrhynchidius quercicola, Payk. Mortonhall, Glencorse, etc. 

Rhinoncus pericarpiits, L. Forth (Hillend near Edinburgh, and 

Aberfoyle). 

Litodactylus leucogaster, Marsh. Otterston Loch, Fife, April 1893; 

Longniddry quarry, July 1897. 

Limnobaris T-albuin, L. Forth (Luffness, Longniddry, Thornton). 

Magdalis phlegniatica, H. Kincraig (Moray), August 1889, one. 

Rhyncolus a/er, L. Kincraig, August 1889, common. 

Hylesinus crcnatits, F. Roslin, Colinton, and Dollar. 

Pityogenes bidentatus, Hbst. Luffness, September 1893 ; Rosslyn, 

October 1896. 

II. HEMIPTERA. 

Along with the Coleoptera 

I have also collected some 

thousands of Hemiptera (Bugs and Froghoppers) and, 

; 

thanks to Mr. Edward Saunders, F.L.S., whose ever ready 

and invaluable help it gives me sincere pleasure to acknowledge 

here, the majority of those belonging to the 

section Heteroptera have already been named. As yet, 

however, I have not been able to make much progress 

with the identification of the Homoptera, and only a few 

submitted to Mr. G. B. Buckton a number of years ago have 

been authoritatively determined. 

The following are' a few of the more interesting captures. 

In both sections there are several species that do not appear 

to have been previously recorded from Scotland at ; any 

rate they have no Scottish localities assigned to them in 

the recent works of Saunders, Buckton, and Edwards, or 

in the Perthshire lists of M'Gregor and Kirkcaldy (" Annals," 

1893-94, and "Trans. Perths. Soc. Nat. Sc.," ii. p. 6, and 

iii. p. i). 

a. HETEROPTERA. 

Pentatoma baccaru/n, L. Pettycur, Fife ; Burnmouth, Berwickshire. 

Piezodorus lituratus, F. Near Dunbar, September ; Oban, April. 

Zicrona ccentlea, L. Bridge of Allan, December 1893; Aberfoyle, 

September 1897 ; 

Glen Tilt ("Annals," 1899, p. 54). 

Berytus signoreti, Fieb. Luffness ; Edgelaw, Midlothian. 

Macrodema micropterum y 

Curt. Pentlands, March 1894.


Scolopostethus neglectus, Edw. Lothianburn, near Edinburgh, April 

1896, common, including an example of the very rare developed 

form. 

Notochilus contractus i 

H.S. Arthur's Seat, March 1898, several. 

Orthostira cervina, Germ. Rosslyn, October 1897; Blair- Atholl, 

September 1898. O. parvula, Fall. Morton and Braid Hills, 

Edinburgh. 

Hydrometra stagtwrum, L. Otterston, Fife, April 1893 Loch 

; Ard, 

Perthshire, April 1896, and again in 1897, common. Recorded 

by me in "Annals" for 1897, p. 49. Messrs. M'Gregor and 

Kirkcaldy's record ("Trans. P. N. S.," 1899), based on specimens 

from Loch Ard sent by me to the Perth Museum, was, 

therefore, not the first for Scotland ; 

but neither was mine, for 

as long ago as 1813, Don recorded " Cimex stagnant m " from 

Forfarshire (Headrick's "Agriculture of Angus," Appendix). 

Salda lateralis, Fall., and S. pallipes, Fab. Luffness salt marshes. 

S. riparia, Fall. -Roslin. S. cocksii, Curt. Aberfoyle. 

Lyctocoris campestris, Fab. Dreghorn, February 1898, common. 

Tetraphleps vittata, Fieb. Roslin ; Tyninghame. 

Microphysa pselaphiformis, Curt. 

Kirknewton. 

Pithanus mcerkeli, H.S. Developed form, Gullane, July 1898. 

Teratocoris antennatus, Boh. 

Luffness Links, July 1898, one. 

Phytocoris uhni, L. 

Tyninghame, Otterston, etc. 

Calocoris striatus, L. Corstorphine Hill, June 1895, one. 

Lygus viriJis, Fall. Rosslyn; Heriot. L. pastinaca, Fall. 

Tyninghame. 

Bothy notus pilosus, Boh. Falkland, August 1895, 6, very rare. 

Pilophonts clavatus, L. Aberfoyle, September 1897, one. 

Dicyphus constrictus, Boh. Yester, East Lothian, September 1896, 

two ; very rare in Britain. D. epilobii, Reut. Longniddry ; 

Luffness. D. annulatiis, Wolff. Tyninghame. 

Campylonenra virgitla, H.S. Tynefield and Luffness, East Lothian. 

Cyrtorrhinus caricis, Fall. Tyninghame, Blair-Atholl, etc. 

Phyllis palliceps, Fieb. Rosslyn, July 1893, one, among P. mclanoceplialus. 

Nepa cinerea, L. Braid ponds; Canal, Edinburgh; Oban. 

Corixa hieroglypliica, Duf. Luffness marshes.


b. ORTHOPTERA. 

Aphrophora alni, Fall. Rosslyn ; Aberfoyle ; Grantown, etc. 

Ulopa retiatlata, Fab. Pentlands ; Tynehead ; Aberfoyle, etc. 

Megophthalmus scanicus, Fall. Rosslyn ; Aberlady. 

Tettigonia riridis, L. This fine species was taken at Rosslyn in 

July 1893, and at Aberfoyle in 1897. 

Eupelix cuspidata, Fab. Leven and Falkland, Fife. 

Acocephalus albifrons, L. Rosslyn, Bavelaw ; Leven, etc. A. 

Jiistrioinciis, 

F. Luffness and North Berwick Links. 

Thamnotettix cnientata, Panz. Aberfoyle ; 

Cromdale ; 

on aspen 

(see Buckton's remarks on my specimens, "Brit. Cicadas," ii. 

p. 194). 

Eitpteryx aiirata, L. Braidburn, etc. E. vittata, L. Leven. E. 

concinna, Germ., E. urfiac, F., and E. notata, Curt. Aberlady. 

Typhlocyba tencrrima, H.S. Aberlady. 

TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY OF SCOTLAND. 

By JAMES W. H. TRAIL, A.M., M.D., F.R.S. 

(Continued from p. 42.) 

[Names of plants in italics, except as synonyms within curved brackets, denote 

that the plants were certainly introduced into Scotland by man. f after a 

district -number denotes introduction by man into the district; "cas." 

denotes casual occurrence, and "esc." evident escape or outcast from cultivation, 

both being due to man's agency. Square brackets enclosing the 

name of a plant or a district-number denote that the record was made in 

error. ? after a district-number denotes, at least, need of confirmation ; 

after t it denotes doubt as to whether the plant owes its presence in the 

district to man. Corrections and additions to the records now published 

will be gratefully received and acknowledged by the compiler, whose 

earnest wish it is to supply an accurate statement of our present knowledge 

of the distribution of the uncultivated plants of Scotland, whether native 

or introduced by man intentionally or casually. J. 

W. H. T.] 

GYMNOSPERMS. 

CONIFERS. 

Juniperus communis, Z., except 7' A', 70, 84, 8-~>. 

var. />. 

intermedia, Nyman, no. 

J. nana, Willd., 75, 76 (?), 87-90, 92, 94, 96-112. 

Taxus baccata, /,., has been recorded from 72-78, Si, 83, 85-88, 

90-92, 95-99, 101 but it has been so ; long a favourite for


planting near churchyards and houses that its claims to be 

reckoned indigenous in most of these vice-counties are very 

doubtful. 

Pinus sylvestris, L. Recorded from almost every vice-county except 

110, 111, 113 : but H. C. Watson, in "Top. Bot.," ed. 2, 

admits it as native only in 88, 89, 92, 95, 96, 97, 103, 105, 

1 08, and "possibly in a few others." 

Larix europcea, L., and Picea excelsa, Link., are met with often in 

places such as to make them appear like natives, and Abies 

pectinata, DC, is also very widely distributed. It seems useless 

to enumerate vice-counties for these, or to name the other 

conifers met with in so many plantations, but which are seldom 

if ever seen in Scotland except where planted. 

CRYPTOGAMS. 

FlLICES. 

Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, Sm., 72, 76-78, 86, 97-103, io5(?). 

112. 

H. unilaterale, Bory, 72-76, 78, 85-90, 92, 97-105, 108, 110-112. 

Trichomanes radicans, Sw., 98, 100. The claims to be reckoned 

native are not certain. 

[Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, Z., has been recorded, in error, from 

91 and ioo.] 

Pteris aquilina, Z., all. 

Cryptogamme crispa, R. Br., except -83, S3, SJ f , 

9J h 9o, 101, 10?,, 

107, 109j, 111, 112. (Moore gives it for Morayshire, 95.) 

Lomaria spicant, Desr. ( 

= Blechnum boreale, Sw.), all. 

Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, Z., except 7 A'. 

var. obtusum, K. and M., 105. 

A. marinum, Z., except 77, 78, 79, SO, 82, 83, 84, S6, 87, 88, 89, 

>.'(?), %'. (Moore gives this from "near Queensferry," in 83.) 

A. viride, Hitds., 72, 73, 75, 77, 83, 85-90, 92, 94-100, 104-106, 

1 08, 1 12 (103, "Ben More, Isle of Mull," Moore's " N. P. Brit. 

Ferns." Reported by S. Archibald from " Devol Glen " in 76.) 

A. Trichomanes, Z., except 107, 11..'. 

A. Ruta-muraria, Z., except 113. 

var. c. 

pseudo-germanicum, Milde, 105, 108. 

A. germanicum, Weiss, So, 83 (?), 85, 89, (90, "? near Airlie," 

Moore's "N.P.B.F.") 

A. septentrionale, Hull, So, 83, 89, 92 (105 ?). 

Athyrium Filix-fcemina, Roth, all. 

l>. 

erectum, Syme, 74. 

var. rhnsticum, Roth, 97, 109, 110. 

A. alpestre, Milde, 86-90, 92, 94, 96-98, 107, 108. 

A. flexile, Syme, 88, 90, 94, 96, 97, 108.


Ceterach officinarum, Willd., 72-76, 77 (?), 81 (?), 88, 89, 98, 99, 

("lona," in 103, Moore's "N.P.B.F."). 

Scolopendrium vulgare, Symons, except 78, 8:?, 84, 100, 107 (?), 

109 (t ?). 

Woodsia ilvensis, R. Br. , 7 2,88, 90(95, "Forres," Moore's "N.P.B.F.," 

probably an error). 

W. hyperborea, R. Br., 87 (Glen Falloch), 88, 90, 98, 104 (72, error). 

Cystopteris fragilis, Bernh., except 78, 101, 112. 

var. b. dentata, Hook, T. Moore, in 

" Nature -printed 

British Ferns," enumerates localities for this variety in 

72, 73, 84, 88, 90, 92, 96, 97, 109, in. It has been 

also recorded from 75, 86, 93, 98, 101, 105. 

C. alpina, Desv., b. Dickieana, Milde (89? near Dunkeld), 91. 

C. montana, Bernh., 86, 88, 90, 92, 98 (and, in error, 94). 

Polystichum Lonchitis, Roth, 72, 86-90, 92, 94-99, 103 ("Ben 

More, Isle of Mull," T. Moore, I.e.] 104-109, 1 1 1. (77, in error.) 

P. lobatum, Presl, except 84, 110, 112. 

var. b. aculeatum, Syme. This has not been kept clearly 

distinct from the type in the published records. T. 

Moore (I.e.) 

has largely supplied those given below 

72-74, 76, 77, Si, 83, 85, 86, 89-92, 97-102, 104, 105. 

Dr. Boswell-Syme says of it, 

in " English Botany," ed. 3, 

" probably not extending north to Scotland." 

P. angulare, Presl, 74-76, 80, Si (83, 98, T. Moore, I.e.), 100, 101. 

Lastrasa Thelypteris, Presl, SSf, 90, 112 (?). 

L. Oreopteris, Presl, except 8 .',

io6 


L. semula, Brackenridge, 75, 80 81 (?), (?), 89, 90 (?), 96-100, 102- 

105, 109 (?), 

1 10, in. 

Polypodium vulgare, L., all. 

var. b. serratum, Willd., 73 (T. Moore, I.e.}, 75, 86 (T. 

Moore, I.e.}. 

var. breve, Lange, 105, 112. 

Phegopteris Dryopteris, Fee, except 82, 110, 111. 

P. calcarea, Fee ( 

P. Robertiana, R. Br.), 88 (f ?), 92!, 93 (? error), 

P. polypodioides, Fee - ( Polypodium Phegopteris, L.), except 78, 

83 93. 

Osmunda regalis, L., except 78, 79, 80, 83, 89, 90 (?), 92, 93, 94, 

95, 96, 106, 107, 111. 

Ophioglossum vulgatum, L., except 78, 90 (?), 94, 96, 97, 99, 103, 

104, 105 (?), 106, 107, 108, 109. 

var. b. 

polyphyllum, Braun = O. 

( ambiguum, Coss. and 

Germ.), no, in, 112. 

Botrychium Lunaria, L., except 78. 

B. matricariaefolium, A. Br., 75. 

b. lanceolatum, Aiigstr., 90 (?). 

EQUISETACEÊ. 

Equisetum maximum. Lam., 73-77, Si, 83, 85 (?), 90 (?), 98-102, 

104, 105, in (?). 

var. b. serotinum, Braun, 74. 

E. arvense, L., all. 

var. b. alpestre, Wahlenb., 72, 88, 112. 

var. c. 

nemorosum, Braun, 107. 

E. pratense, Ehrh., 72, 77, 83-92, 94, 98, 109, no. 

E. sylvaticum, L., except 78. 

var. b. capillare (Hoffm.\ 88, 93, 95, 96, 98* IO 5> Io8 - 

E. palustre, L., all. 

var. b. 

polystachyum, Anct., 72, 75, 88, 91. 

var. c. nudum, Newman, 90, 109. Probably not uncommon. 

E. limosum, Sm., all. 

var. b. fluviatile (L.}, 72, 104, 112. 

E. hyemale, L., 72, 73, 75, 77, Si, 83, 87-91, 92 (?), 94-96, 106, 

108. 

E. variegatum, Schleich, 77, 82, 85, 86 (?), 88-92, 98, 100, 106. 

var. a. arenarium, Newman, 104, 108, no. 

var. b. 

majus, Syme, 91, no. 

LYCOPODIACEÊ. 

Lycopodium Selago, L., except 78, 84, So. 

var. b. recurvum, Desv., 90, 105. 

var. appressum, Desv., 105.


L. inundatum, Z., 75, 85, 87-92, 95, 96, 99, 105, 106, 108, 

in. 

L. annotinum, Z., 72, 88-92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 100, 103, 105, 107, 

109, in. 

L. clavatum, Z., except 83, 84, 101, 103, 107, 110. 

L. alpinum, Z., except 83, 84, 85, 103, 107. 

var. b. decipiens, Syme, 88, 90, 94, 96-98, 100, 102, 104, 105. 

SELAGINELLACE.E. 

Selaginella selaginoides, Gray, except 78, 84- 

Isoetes lacustris, Z., 72-75, 85-90, 92, 94, 96, 97, 99-101, 103, 

104(7), 105, 107, io9(?), in(?), 112. 

var. falcata, La age, 105, 112. 

I. 

echinospora. Dm:, 87, 91, 92, 99, 103-105, 108, no. 

MARSILEACEÊ. 

Pilularia globulifera, Z., 72-77, 83-85, 87-92, 95, 98, 99, 104, 107, 

I 10. 

CHARACE.E. 

Chara fragilis, Desv., except 73, 70, 78, 81, 84, 91, 93, 94, 1(>2. 

var. b. barbata, Gant., 73, 79, Si, 86, 92, 100, 105, 106, 

109-11 1. 

var. c. 

capillacea, Coss. and G., 72, 86, 88, 89, no. 

var. d. Hedwigii, Kiitz., 72, 80, 89, 90, 93. 

var. e. delicatula, A, Br., 73, 79, 80, 86-88, 92, 97, 98, 

101-104, 108-112. 

var./ Sturrockii, H. and/! Groves, 89. 

C. aspera, Willd., 79, 85, 87-90, 96, 103, 108-112. 

var. b. capillata, Braun, in. 

var. d. subinermis, Kiitz., 85, 89, 103, 111. 

C. polyacantha, Braun, 73, 74, 79, 80, 85. 

C. contraria, Kiitz., 74, 82, 85, 90, 100, 103, 104, 109. 

var. b. hispidula, Braun, 85. 

C. hispida, Z., Si, 89, 90, 95, 96, 101, 103, 108, no, in. 

var. b. macracantha, Braun, 90. 

var. d. rudis, Braun, So, 82, 89, 95, 96. 

C. vulgaris, Z., 73, 74, 79, So, 82, 83, 85-87, 89, 90, 95, 96, 98, 

103, IOS-I 12. 

var. b. 

longibracteata, Kiite., 89, 90, 98, 109, in. 

var. c. 

papillata, Wallr., 96, 98, 100, 103. 

var. d. atrovirens (Lowe), 89, 90, 111. 

var. e. 

melanopyrena, H. and/! Groves, 100, 109. 

Tolypella glomerata, Leonh., 90, 109. 

Nitella Nordstedtiana, H. and/. Groves, 

no.

io8 


N. translucens, Agardh., 72, 73, 86, 87, 89, 92, 97, 103, 107, 

no. 

N. flexilis, Z., 72, 73, 86, 87, 89, 96-99, in. 

var. I), crassa, Brauu, 87-89. 

var. c. nidifica, Wallm., 89. 

N. opaca, Agardh., except 76, 84, 93, 94, 95, 99, 100, 101. 

(To be continued.} 

CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A FLORA OF 

CAITHNESS. No. III. 

PLANTS OF 

STROMA ISLE, PENTLAND FIRTH. 

By ARTHUR BENNETT, 

F.L.S. 

THE island of Stroma is situated in the channel between the 

north coast of Caithness and the Orkney Isles. It lies about 

three miles from the coast of the mainland at Canisbay, about 

four miles south of Swona, and about seven miles from South 

Ronaldshay. 

Its name in the Old Norse was Straumsey, 

meaning "the island in the current." It is about two miles 

long and one broad, and has some 340 inhabitants. On the 

west and north-west coasts high 

cliffs occur. There are no 

trees existent. In an old topographical work on Scotland it 

is said that a dispute arose as to whether Stroma belonged to 

the Orkneys or to Caithness, and that it was decided in the 

following quaint manner. Some venomous animals (of what 

kind we are not told) lived in Stroma. Of these a certain 

number were shipped at the same time to colonise Orkney 

and Caithness. Those that were brought to Caithness took 

kindly to the soil, as to a congenial habitat while those that 

; 

were sent to Orkney, from the unfavourable effects of the 

climate, sickened and died. By this singular method Stroma 

was adjudged to belong to Caithness. 

The " Swelchie " of Stroma is a very dangerous whirlpool, 

and a romantic origin is given for it in the " Grotta-songr " 

from the "Younger Edda" 1 

by Mr. R. B. Anderson. 

For the material for this I 

paper am indebted to Miss A. 

M. Geldart of Norwich, who made a collection of plants during 

1 

"History of Caithness," pp. 16-347, 1887.

CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A FLORA OF CAITHNESS 109 

the time she was on the island, about five 

weeks in June and 

July 1899. 

She accompanied the Rev. W. Dundas and his wife. 

Mr. Dundas was a native of Stroma, and the first minister of 

its little church. He called Miss Geldart's attention to the 

fact that the vegetation in Stroma is 

nearly three weeks later 

than on the mainland coast opposite, though that coast slopes 

to the north (snow often lying there in winter when it does 

not at Stroma), and there is considerably more sunshine and 

less rain at Stroma than on the mainland. This seemed to 

agree with Miss Geldart's observation of Tliymus Serpyllum 

well in flower at Duncansby (just east of John o' Groat's) on 

July 6, whereas the first single flower did not open at 

Stroma till 

July 21. The few plants of Mertensia on 

Stroma did not seem so forward on July 1 5 as those at 

John o' Groat's on the 6th. Miss Geldart says : " I only 

visited the mainland twice, so had no opportunity of continuing 

the comparison, but kept a record, where possible, of 

the opening of ft\s first flower in Stroma." The dates after 

notices of species are from this record. 

She very kindly gave me a set of the specimens gathered. 

These are marked with ! after the name. The other species 

noted are given on her authority, and may be accepted as 

trustworthy. She is the daughter of an able botanist. 

At the end of this paper will be found a few additions, etc., 

to the Caithness flora that have come to hand since the last 

paper. 1 There are also a few " Notes " by Miss Geldart on 

the mainland species as observed by her. 

I have left the names nearly as Miss Geldart has them 

in her MS. 

The only species that has not been reported for Caithness 

seems to be Spergularia marginata, Syme. This is recorded 

for the Orkneys. 

C. stands for common ; 

V.C. for very common. 

RANUNCULUS HEDERACEUS, L. Where a little stream is dammed 

up ; 

and " I think also in a stream on the west side near cliff." 

R. FLAMMULA, Z., and var. PSEUDO-REPTANS, Syme. The \ 

common, but not so the type. 

variety is 

1 

No. I. " Scottish Naturalist," 1888, pp. 305-357 ; 1889, p. 77. 

No. 2. "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1892, p. 247.

and 

Among 

i io ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 

R. ACRIS, L. C. 

R. REPENS, L. Marsh behind Manse, July 5. 

CALTHA PALUSTRIS, L. 

V.C. in all ditches. 

FUMARIA OFFICINALIS, L. V.C. among crops, July 5. 

BRASSICA ARVENSIS, Boiss. 

V.C. in crops. 

CARDAMINE PRATENSIS, L. C., end of June. 

COCHLEARIA OFFICINALIS, L. Rocky ledge among Kittiwakes' nests, 

July 1 8, Rev. W. Dundas. 

CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS, L. Near Stroma Manse, July 8. Does 

not seem a common plant. 

POLYGALA VULGARIS, Z., and DEPRESSA, Wend. Both C. ; depressa 

very deep blue. 

VIOLA RIVINIANA, Reich. 

V. TRICOLOR, L. \ V.C. This is quite like the Orkney plant. 

LYCHNIS DIURNA, Sibth. Very luxuriant on perpendicular east cliffs ; 

two shades of pink. First flower, June 30. 

L. FLOS-CUCULI, L. Several places on east side. First flower, July 

20. On west cliff a dwarf-spreading form ! 

STELLARIA MEDIA, Cyr. C. 

S. ULIGINOSA, Murr. East cliff, June 30. 

ARENARIA PEPLOIDES, L. North-east coast, plentiful ; flowering 

July 15. (Mainland, Huna, flowering July 6.) 

SPERGULA ARVENSIS, L. 

V.C. in fields. 

SPERGULARIA MARGINATA, Syme.\ South-west, July u. Not 

recorded, I think, for Caithness. 

SAGINA PROCUMBENS, L. \ 

S. MARITIMA, Don. \ 

CERASTIUM TRIVIALE, Link. rar. SERPENTINI, Syme. Same as the 

\ 

Shetland plant so named see "Ex. Club 

; Rep.," 1876, p. 

n. 

MONTIA FONTANA, Z., a REPENS, PerS. \ 

HYPERICUM PULCHRUM, L. East cliff, July 20. (Mainland, Gills, 

July 24.) 

RADIOLA LINOIDES, Roth. \ 

stem, July 19. 

LINUM CATHARTICUM, L. 

moss, usually with a single 

Heath near Manse, fairly plentiful 

in isle. 

GERANIUM DISSECTUM, L. South-east cliff, only one plant seen, 

July 20. 

ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA, Z., var. OVATA, Bab. \ C. near cliffs, end 

of June. The same as the Shetland plant so named; see " Scot. 

Nat," 1888, p. 212.

V.C., 

CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A FLORA OF CAITHNESS 

in 

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE, L. C. 

T. REPENS, L. C. even on the Came or Comb, rocky ridge 3 to 4 

on the north-west 

feet wide, jutting out over the sea in a gully 

coast. 

T. MINUS, Relh. C. first week in July. 

LOTUS CORNICULATUS, Z. V.C., the country yellow with it, June 

28. 

VICIA CRACCA, L. C., June 30. 

fViciA SATIVA, L. Sown with the oats in the fields. 

V. SEPIUM, L. Fields, east side, July 15. (Mainland, at John 

o' Groats, July 6 ; 

at Gills, July 24.) 

LATHYRUS PRATENSIS, L. 

V.C. along ditches and roadsides. 

SPIR/EA ULMARIA, L. C. on east cliffs, in bud, June 20. 

POTENTILLA ToRMENTiLLA, Scheiick. Frequent, 

"with thick rootstocks." 

P. ANSERINA, L. \ and a small form which may be the sub-var. 

pusiUci) Coss. and Germ. 

RUBUS SAXATILIS, L. On sea-cliffs, with long runners ; 

fruits at 

only one place on the east cliff; in flower July 

i. One of the 

inhabitants who had watched it for several years told Miss 

Geldart that this little sheltered bay is the only place where 

the fruit ever turns red ; perhaps the fruit forms without 

ripening in other situations. 

The only wild rose in Stroma is a white dog-rose at the 

extreme edge of east cliff, among Salioc repens ; unfortunately 

no specimen was taken. 

MVRIOPHYLLUM ALTERNiFLORUM, DC. \ Marsh 

near Manse, July 5. 

CALLITRICHE was in flower west of Manse, July 23, 

was found. 

but no fruit 

on the 

(Sedum Rhodiola, DC. --Though this occurs plentifully 

opposite shore of the mainland on cliffs between Huna and 

John o' Groat's, I could not find a single specimen in Stroma. 

There is one plant in a garden which was brought from Dunnet 

Head thirty years ago, and was flowering this year 

for the first 

time.) 

PARNASSIA PALUSTRIS, L. \ 

Just beginning to flower, June 30 ; 

from i inch high. 

HYDROCOTYLE VULGARIS, L. 

V.C. 

HELIOSCIADIUM INUNDATUM, Koch \ Marsh 

LIGUSTICUM SCOTICUM, L. \ 

Top 

cliffs, very fine. 

north of Manse, July 5. 

of south-west and north-west


ANGELICA SYLVESTRIS, L. Slopes of east cliff and west cliff, July 1 7. 

HERACLEUM SPHONDYLIUM, L. 

Frequent. 

CHÊROPHYLLUM SYLVESTRE, Z. Frequent on north-west coast, 

July 15. (Mainland, cliff top, Huna, July 6.) 

(SAMBUCUS NIGRA, L. Only in cottage gardens, as a hedge or 

shelter.) 

GALIUM YERUM, L. East cliff, in bud, June 30. 

G. SAXATILE, L. Common among heather and turf, June 28. 

G. PALUSTRE, L. Marsh behind Manse, July 5. 

G. APARINE, Z. Sea-cliff base along shore, July i. 

SHERARDIA ARVENSIS, Z. South-west road, July 20. I only remember 

seeing one plant. 

SCABIOSA SUCCISA, Z. V.C., July 22. 

it 

CARDUUS ARVENSIS, Curt. With a white-flowered variety also. 

(Arctium Lappa 1 At John o' Groat's, close to the hotel, just 

above the shore. Perhaps this is the plant which formerly 

grew at Stroma, at the south-east corner, "with large leaves 

like Rhubarb," but which is now all 

ploughed up.) The 

Arctium at John o' Groat's is probably A. minus. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM SEGETUM, Z. V.C., July 6. 

MATRICARIA INODORA, Z. 

M. MARITIMA, Z. ! West 

Gull Rock, July 4. 

V.C., July. 

cliff, on shelves of perpendicular 

cliff. 

ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM, Z. On cliff, in bud, June 30. First flower, 

July 20. 

A. PTARMICA, Z. Frequent, not in flower till after July 20. 

ARTEMISIA VULGARIS, Z. Frequent, July 21. 

GNAPHALIUM DIOICUM, Z. ! 

Among heath west of Manse, June 

20 ; frequent about second week in July, but always among 

heather. 

SENECIO VULGARIS, Z. Weed in fields. (Common 

Huna, Mainland.) 

S. AQUATICUS, Huds. C, June 30. 

BELLIS PERENNIS, Z. 

V.C. 

ASTER TRIPOLIUM, Z. Frequent on perpendicular 

Gloup ; not in flower till end of July or August. 

on seashore at 

cliffs near the 

TUSSILAGO FARFARA, Z. On roadside banks of the north road ; 

leaves only. 

HYPOCHÊRIS RADICATA, Z. C, July 17.


LEONTODON AUTUMNALIS, L. \ 

Flowering from middle of July. A 

small one-flowered form with black hairs on the phyllaries ; 

not 

quite the same as the var. pratensis. Is not our name for this 

latter variety wrong ? I am unable to separate some of our 

specimens from the var. nigro-lanafa, Fr. I believe the 

following names all refer to the same plant, or forms of it : 

L. autumnalis, L., var. nigro-lanatus, Fr., "Flora Hallandica," 1817. 

L. autumnalis, L., var. alpinus, Meyer, " Ch. Hann.," p. 437, 1836. 

L. autumnalis, L., var. pratensis, Koch, " Syn. Fl. Germ, et Helv.," 

ed. 2, p. 480, 1844. 

TARAXACUM OFFICINALE, Wigg. Not common. 

SONCHUS OLERACEUS, L. South beach, in bud, July 4. 

S. ASPER, Hoffm. Frequent on top of east and south cliffs. 

ERICA TETRALIX, L. A few specimens on east side, mostly in bud, 

June 30. In flower on west side in July. 

E. CINEREA, L. Not frequent, having been used for fuel ; July 1 6 

in flower purple, rose-pink, and white. 

E. VULGARIS, L. Flowering in end of July. 

EUPHRASIA LATIFOLIA, Plirsk. \ 

VERONICA AGRESTIS, L. -July 20. I 

only remember seeing one 

plant. 

PEDICULARIS SYLVATICA, L, 

RHINANTHUS CRISTA-GALLI, L. ! 

Frequent. 

V.C., with small flowers. 

THYMUS SERPYLLUM, Fr. July 2 1. (Plentiful at Duncansbay Head, 

Mainland, in flower, July 6.) 

PRUNELLA VULGARIS, L. On heath on east side, with last year's 

seed-stalk; no flowers on June 30. Fairly common. 

GALEOPSIS TETRAHIT, L. 

Frequent. 

LAMIUM PURPUREUM, L. A weed in fields. 

MERTENSIA MARITIMA, Don. A few plants on north-east coast, 

July 15. (Plentiful in shell-sand along shore between Huna 

and John o' Groat's, on Mainland, July 6.) 

LYCOPSIS ARVENSIS, L. C., June 28. 

PINGUICULA VULGARIS, L. V.C. at east cliff; hundreds in flower 

June 29 one 

; patch of Primula scotica growing among it. 

PRIMULA VULGARIS, L. At east cliff, still in flower, June 29 ; 

called 

by the Stroma people " the May Flower." l 

P. SCOTICA, Hook. \ In two localities at east cliff; a few in seed on 

July i, and three specimens in flower. I afterwards discovered 

a third patch close to the path between the Manse and the 

1 

This name is given to it commonly in Orkney also. J. W. H. T. 

34 E

At 

ii4 


marsh to the north of it. I was told this patch was not there 

twenty years ago. It is 

decidedly increasing in the island, but 

is entirely confined to the three straggling patches ; 

not a 

single specimen anywhere else. Altogether I must have seen 

a thousand plants, but many were small, like young seedlings, 

and did not look like flowering this year. In full flower about 

the middle to end of July. 

1 

GLAUX MARITIMA, L. 

Scapes from if to 4^ inches. 

Plentiful at north and south-west of island. 

ARMERIA MARITIMA, Willd. V.C. near cliffs ; 

dark and pale pink 

and white flowers. 

MYOSOTIS CÊSPITOSA, Schultz \ 

East side. 

M. VERSICOLOR, Reich., var. ! South-west of the island. This is a 

variety of versicolor with much the aspect 

of the Continental 

M. stricta ; it seems an analogous form to the M. arvensis, var. 

stricta, of Holland. I can find no specimens or name that 

exactly fit it, and would call it f. stricta (ad int.). 

ATRIPLEX, sp. Is probably A. Balnngtonii, Woods, var. rirescens, 

Lange or possibly : it may be A. calotheca, Fr. but the 

; specimen 

is too young for certain determination. 

PLANTAGO MARITIMA, L. By sea, and inland in flower June 29. 

Var. MINOR, Hook? 

Var. HIRSUTA, Syme. 

P. MAJOR, L. Road weed. 

Frequent on cliffs. 

P. CORONOPUS, L. On cliffs west of Manse, June 28. 

LITTORELLA LACUSTRis, L. Frequent on damp heath near Manse, 

June 20 and in the 

; 

north-west. 

RUMEX ACETOSA, L. C. 

R. ACETOSELLA, L. V.C. 

POLYGONUM AVICULARE, L. In flower, July ii 

; 

no 

seed found. 

EMPETRUM NIGRUM, L. V.C. Flower, June 28. Fruit ripe fourth 

week in July. 

EUPHORBIA HELIOSCOPIA, L. East cliff, July 20. It was sent to 

me by a woman "as good for warts." 

URTICA DIOICA, L. In thick clumps, but not very common. 

SALIX REPENS, L. \ 

edge of south-east cliff, creeping in grass, 

and only appearing 3 inches high. Ground white with seed, 

June 30 not seen elsewhere. 

; 

POTAMOGETON NATANS, L. \ 

1 

See Mr. Grant on its flowering, "Science Gossip," iSSi, p. 20. 

2 

See "Exchange Club Report " for 1886, p. 157 (1887); "Scot. Nat.," 

1888, p. 214.

July 

June 

July 

One 


P. POLYGONIFOLIUS, Pour. ! Marsh behind Manse, July 5. 

Here we have the two species growing under the same conditions 

\ 

polygonifolius is in good fruit, and is typical of the smaller 

states of it ; 

natans is in flower the whole plant typical of the 

Linnean Herbarium specimen, except that the leaves are rather 

narrower in the Stroma plant. A. B. 

TRIGLOCHIN PALUSTRE, Z. ! 

V.C., thousands, from 4 to 6 inches 

high. 

T. MARITIMUM, L. Near the Little Gloup, July 4, 

but not common. 

ORCHIS MACULATA, L. \ 

V.C., white and purple. 

HABENARIA VIRIDIS, Brown. East cliff, July 10. Small, and very 

difficult to see, in grass near Manse, with Botrychium. At the 

end of July most of it was only beginning to come up, the 

flower heads only appearing half an inch from the ground (to 

top of spike) and leaves either not showing or hidden by the 

short grass. 

In ditch south-east, flowering June 30 and 

IRIS PSEUDACORUS, L. 

later ; 

frequent. 

SCILLA VERNA, Huds. ! Dozens 

of it in flower, June 28, near top 

of cliff west of Manse. Extremely common on cliffs at east 

and west sides. 

NARTHECIUM OSSIFRAGUM, Huds. July 22, east cliff. I only saw 

this one small patch in the island ; 

but perhaps 

I was rather 

too early for it I left Stroma on August 

2. 

LUZULA CAMPESTRIS ! 

JUNCUS BUFONIUS, L. 

J. SUPINUS, Ma'nch \ 

J. CONGLOMERATES, L. ! 

Frequent. 

West of Manse. 

J. GERARDI, Lois. \ North-east rocky shore, July 15. 

J. SQUARROSUS, L. \ C. in heather near Manse, bud June 30. 

SCHCENUS NIGRICANS, L. \ small patch in ditch, top of cliff 

north of Manse. 

SCIRPUS SETACEUS, L. A few strong clumps in ditch west of Manse, 

July 5- 

S. PAUCIFLORUS, Light. \ July 5. 

S. PALUSTRIS, L. \ 

S. UNIGLUMIS, Link. \ 

S. CCESPITOSUS, L. \ 

5. 

4. 

29. 

ERIOPHORUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM ? Rot/i. Common in 

damp places, 

June 29.

July 

July 

Large 

u6 


CAREX PULICARIS, L. ! 

Damp 

Primula scotica, east side. 

C. ECHINATA, Murr. \ 

Fruiting on July 5. 

heath with Erica Tetralix and near 

C. FLACCA, Schreb. In ! 

middle of July. 

large gray patches, frequent 

in flower from 

C. GOODENOVII, Gay, var. ! 

JUNCELLA In water in marsh, July 5. 

C. BINERVIS, Si. \ 

July i. 

C. FLAVA, L., var. MINOR, Towns. \ 

C. ! 

FLAVA, L., / 

C. PANICEA, L. \ 

June 29, 

in fruit. 

ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM, L. V.C. 

AGROSTIS PUMILA L. 

DIGRAPHIS ARUNDINACEA, Trin. On cliff slope, south-east, July 20. 

ALOPECURUS GENICULATUS, L. 

V.C. 

A. PRATENSIS, L. Slope of south-east cliff, among Iris, July i. 

AIRA C^SPITOSA, L. \ 

clumps at edge of east cliff, in flower, 

July 20. North of Manse, in flower, June 28 ; 

form approaching 

var. brevifolia. 

A. PRÊCOX, L. \ June 

20 ; f to 4 inches high. 

ARRHENATHERUM AVENACEUM, Beauv. East cliff, July 

i. Common 

along north-east, beginning to flower, July i 5. 

TRIODIA DECUMBENS, Beauv. East cliff, several plants, but 

generally solitary, July i. 

MOLINIA VARIA, Schrank, var. DEPAUPERATA, Bab. (sub M. ctzrulea, 

Mcench) 

! 

AVENA PUBESCENS, L. \ 

July 2. 

GLYCERIA FLUITANS, R. Br. 

POA PRATENSIS, L. \ 

2. 

In many ditches. 

(There 

is no note of/7 , annua being seen.) 

CYNOSURUS CRISTATUS, L. V.C. July. 

DACTYLIS GLOMERATA, L. At Beach Harbour, near graveyard, 

June 30. 

FESTUCA OVINA, L. June 30. I 

brought only one specimen, but I 

think it was fairly common. 

F. RUBRA, L. \ 

4. 

TRITICUM REPENS, L. \ North-east shore, July 15. 

LOLIUM PERENNE, L. Extremely common ; 

and sown for hay.


NARDUS STRICTA, L.- 

Plentiful near the Manse. 

PTERIS AQUILINA, L. Edge of cliff, south-east, 6 inches high, June 30. 

ASPLENIUM MARINUM, Z. East and north cliffs, but not very 

frequent. 

BOTRYCHIUM LUNARIA, Siv. ! Close to the Manse, in bud, July i. 

SELAGINELLA SELAGINOIDES, Gray\ Heath near east cliff, very 

small, July 3. 

EQUISETUM PALUSTRE, L. 

I did not notice it 

anywhere else. 

Of these, the only ones that I believe are not recorded 

for the Orkneys are Ranunculus : 

Flamiuula, var. pseudorep 

tans ; Euphrasia latifolia ; Atriplex Babingtonii, var. 

virescens ; Carex Goodenovii, var. juncella. 

The following species were gathered on the mainland (on the 

cliffs or shore) opposite Stroma, from John o' Groat's to Gills ; 

though of them Miss Geldart could not find a trace in Stroma : 

RANUNCULUS FICARIA, Z. By the mill-stream at John 

o' Groat's. 

GERANIUM MOLLE, Z. 

ULEX, sp. 

Not in flower. 

ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS. One plant at Gills, July 24. 

ROSA SPINOSISSIMA, Z. 

EPILOBIUM MONTANUM ? 

SEDUM RHODIOLA, DC, 

LONICERA PERICLYMENUM, Z. By mill-stream at John o' Groat's ; 

not yet in flower on July 6. 

SOLIDAGO VIRGA-AUREA, Z. 6 inches high, on Huna cliff, July 6. 

HIERACIUM PILOSELLA, Z. 

Huna cliff. 

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS, Z. By mill-stream, John 

VERONICA SERPYLLIFOLIA, Z. Shore at Huna. 

LUZULA SYLVATICA, Beck. Frequent at Huna. 

o' Groat's. 

ELYMUS ARENARIUS, Z. Planted or wild ? 

BLECHNUM SPICANT. 

ASPLENIUM FILIX-FCEMINA, Bernh. 

ASPIDIUM DILATATUM. 

POLYPODIUM VULGARE, Z.

n8 


Additions, etc., to No. 2 of Contributions towards a Flora of 

Caithness' ("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist," October 1892):- 

CAKILE MARITIMA, Scop. Formerly in Sinclair Bay, but in a great 

storm became deeply covered with sand. Grant, " Northern 

Ensign," 315! January 1884. 

COCHLEARIA GROZNLANDicA, L. South of Wick. Marshall, " Journal 

of Botany," 1894, p. 114. 

HYPERICUM QUADRANGULUM, L. Dirlot, R. Dick. 

\Stellaria aguatica, Scop., or S. nemorum, L. ? 

R. Dick.] 

By the Thurso River, 

ROSA CANINA, L., var. BISERRATA, Mcrat. Banks of the Isauld 

Burn, W. F. Miller ! 

R. CANINA, L., Tar. BAKERI, Deseg. Bank above the river near 

Thurso, W. A. Shoolbred ! 

1893. 

PYRUS MALUS, L. Westfield, R. Dick. 

HIERACIUM DISSIMILE, Lindeb.^ Tar. POLLIÊNUM, Dahlst. Strath 

Burn at Wick, W. W. Reeves; "Journal of Botany," 1894, 

P- 230. 

H. FRIESII, Hartm. Bank above river at Thurso, W. A. Shoolbred, 

specimen. 

H. OREADES, Fr. The Berriedale plant is referred by Mr. Hanbury 

to var. SUBGLABRATUM ; "Journal of Botany," 1894, p. 227. 

EUPHRASIA FOULENSIS, Towns. Cliffs at Downreay, July 1888, 

Fox and Hanbury 

! 

E. LATIFOLIA, Pursh. Thurso, Marshall, "Journal of Botany," 1898, 

p. 274! 

E. FOULENSIS x LATIFOLIA? Cliffs at Downreay, July 1888, Fox and 

Hanbury; "Journal of Botany," 1898, p. 150. 

\Melampyriim sylvaticum, L. Error of place, and doubtless of 

station too.] 

HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES, L. Reay. This was planted ; 

and Dr. 

Davidson was quite correct as to the plant. 

POTAMOGETON FiLiFORMis, Nolte. Ditch beside "Old Man of 

Wick," R. Kidston, specimen, 1893. 

ORCHIS MACULATA, L. A specimen, showing regular peloria of the 

perianth, was found by Miss Munro of Alness ; 

"Trans. Bot. 

Soc. Edin.," November 1894.


CAREX KATTEGATENSIS, Fr. Bank of the Thurso River, July 1875, 

G. Horn, in Herb. ! 

Syme. 

This has not been reported for the Thurso River ; only for the 

Wick River. Could Mr. Horn have mixed his specimens? 

C. AQUATILIS x KATTEGATENSIS, Fr. = C. Grant//, Ar. Benn. Wick 

River; F. J. Hanbury in Herb. Bennett; "Journal of Botany," 

1897, p. 250. 

C. CAPILLARIS, L. Moss, Holborn Head, Reeves and Ward, 

specimen. 

ATHYRIUM F.-FCEMINA, var. MOLLE, Roth. 

Dunnet Head, R. Dick. 

\tLycopodium inundatiim, L. By implication, Robert Dick would 

seem to have found this in the county; see Smiles, "Life of 

Robert Dick," p. 296.] 

CHARA VULGARIS, Z., var. MELANOPYRENA, H. and J. Groves. 

Mossy ditch, Ben Dorrery, August 1880, Dr. Davidson ! 


The Weasel in Jura. On 3oth October 1895 I noticed 

a Weasel (JMustehi vnlgaris) on the sill of a window near which I 

sat writing. I had a good view, within a few feet, of the little 

creature's deliberate retirement, tail towards me. On inquiry in 

Jura I found that a man 1 have known well for about twenty years, 

and employed as a yacht-hand, had taken a Jura Weasel in 1892 

while trapping rabbits. The year 

is 

impressed on his memory 

because it was the first winter he worked in Jura. He knows the 

Weasel well from experience on the mainland. 

He has been trapping rabbits in Jura each winter since 1892, 

and during the past season he saw two Weasels, and at once baited 

a trap on or about 24th December 1899. On ist January 1900 

Miss Isabella Campbell, for whom he was trapping, sent him up to 

me with a fresh-caught Weasel. He has not been :.ble, so far, to 

secure another or the other. The captured specimen 

is now in 

the Cambridge Museum of Zoology. The traps are set solely for 

rabbits, but Stoats have sometimes strayed into them, and in 1892 

a Weasel did so. My impression is that Weasels are pretty rare in 

Jura, though my man tells me that he saw two in 1897. . Stoats, on 

the other hand, are fairly 

common there. Mr. Martin of Dunlossit, 

Islay, has promised to keep a look-out for AVeasels in Islay he is 

; 

quite familiar with them, and his home gamekeeper knows them 

also. H. EVANS, Jura Forest. 

Badgers in the Lothians. In connection with the future 

distribution of Meles taxus in the Lothians, 

it may be interesting to


note that at the beginning of the present year, by order of the Earl 

of Rosebery, two badgers, male and female, were turned down on 

the Rosebery Estate, Gorebridge. The Badger colony in Dalmeny 

Park, which dates from 1889, 

still flourishes, and Badgers' earths 

are now to be found in Hopetoun and other estates to the westward. 

CHAS. CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park. 

Ornithological Notes from "Solway." In the last "Annals" 

(p. 48) I recorded the occurrence of a Great Gray Shrike (Lanius 

excubitor). Another specimen, making the second for the winter, 

was shot near Maxwelltown on iyth February during the big snowstorm. 

The former individual was one of the double-spotted form, 

while this one is a typical example of the single-spotted bird. There 

has been an extraordinary immigration of Wild Swans all over the 

area, no fewer than forty Whoopers (Cygnns mitsicus) having 

frequented the Blackshaw Bank at the head of the Solway in the 

early part of December. Smaller parties, some of them being undoubtedly 

Bewick's Swans (C. bewicki\ were seen then at other 

places, and during the rest of the winter. A herd of twenty-five was 

reported as seen on a loch in Wigtownshire in early February. I 

heard of a lot of six being seen at the mouth of the Nith on 2nd 

March. The Sheldrakes have remained on the Solway during the 

entire winter in larger numbers than have been noted before, so far 

hundreds of 

as my experience goes. On 4th January I saw many 

them along the shore to the west of Southerness. On the same 

date I fell in with Sanderlings (Calidris arenaria), and a friend 

shooting on same day at some miles distance shot a pair of these 

birds. I do not remember ever seeing these birds with us at midwinter 

before, but others have been more fortunate. A very 

interesting fact that has come under my notice has been the 

astonishingly large proportion of birds of the year amongst the ducks 

of several species frequenting fresh waters. The only rarity amongst 

the Anatidse I have met with is a Gadwall (Anas streperd) taken on 

the Solway on 3rd February. It is a fine female. I think this is 

the first record of the species in "Solway." A rather tragic incident 

in bird behaviour was witnessed by me during the hard weather in 

of Gulls of the Black-headed and Common 

February. Large parties 

species were sitting about the frozen surface of the Nith at 

A Dumfries. 

pair of Pied Wagtails (Motacilla litgubris) were tripping about 

amongst them at one particular spot. Suddenly a Black-headed 

Gull (Larus ridibundus), a bird of the year, darted at one of the 

W gtails, seized it in its bill, and proceeded to batter it to death. 

Some of the other gull-s tried to get the morsel from the captor, but 

without success. After a while it devoured it at leisure. This 

murder seemed to be the direct result of excessive hunger. A fine 

specimen of the Red-necked Grebe (Podicipes griseigena) was shot 

at Portmary on 2oth February, and has been added to the collection


in the Kirkcudbright Museum. This completes my notes of the 

winter, so far as they contain anything of importance. ROBERT 

SERVICE, Maxwelltown. 

Blaek Redstart at Aberdeen. On the 20th of March last a male 

specimen of the Black Redstart (Ruticilla titys) flew into, and was 

caught in, a house in Aberdeen, and is now in my possession. This 

is the first record for the species in Aberdeenshire, so far as I am 

aware. GEO. SIM, Aberdeen. 

Blackcap in Perthshire in December. I record what I 

believe to be the unusual appearance of the Blackcap (Sylvia 

atricapilla\ a female, during December last at the Manse of 

Kinfauns. The bird has been with us four days now (the 2ist), 

with other birds to be fed at our window. She is 

coming regularly 

very vigorous in fact, she drives off the other birds. We have the 

Blackcap here occasionally in summer, but I never heard of an 

instance of its occurrence so far north in winter. RODGER G. 

DAVIDSON, Kinfauns. 

Chiff-chaff in Barra. A specimen of the Chiff-chaff (Phylloscopus 

rufus) was shot on the island of Barra, Outer Hebrides, 

on the 1 8th of November 1899; and another example, which 

accompanied it, 

was secured two days afterwards, when at roost in a 

whin. This species is new to the avifauna of the island. Mr. Eagle 

Clarke has seen one of the specimens, which I have presented to 

the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art, and he has kindly confirmed 

my identification of the species. W. L. MACGILLIVRAY, Barra. 

[The Chiff-chaff has hitherto been very doubtfully recorded for 

the Outer Hebrides. EDS.] 

Long-eared Owl in Barra. A fine example of the Long-eared 

Owl (Asio otus) a bird new to the fauna of Barra visited us after 

a strong S.W. wind on the 28th of October last, and was observed 

in a willow plantation on the west side of the island. W. L. 

MACGILLIVRAY, Barra. 

[This species was only doubtfully included for the region in the 

"Fauna of the Outer Hebrides," 1888; but it was recorded for 

North Uist, where a specimen was obtained in January 1897, in the 

"Annals," 1898, p. 50. EDS.] 

lameness of Herons. For some winters past a Heron (Ardea 

cinerea) has come regularly close to the house here, to where some 

poultry are fed, often mixing with them, and taking scraps of meat, 

etc., when thrown to him a short distance away. This winter he 

has brought a second Heron with him, apparently a younger bird, 

which is tame, as he usually comes to the food when thrown to 

him without any fear. One day lately I noticed the old Heron 

taking a siesta on the topmost lump of a temporary coal-heap. 

They are rather omnivorous in their tastes, but have a distinct pre-


ference for cooked food to anything else, unless perhaps a dead 

mouse, which they take with avidity. I have not heard before of 

Herons so tame, but perhaps some of your readers may have had a 

like experience. The Common Moor or Water Hens (Gallimtla 

chloropits) have also been very tame this winter, mixing and feeding 

with the poultry, and taking kindly to oats, which perhaps may be 

an acquired taste. A. ELLIOT, Caverton, Roxburgh. 

Bitterns in Stirlingshire. During the severe weather towards 

the end of December last, several Bitterns (Botaunts stellaris) were 

seen, and one shot, on the Carron near Denny. J. A. HARVIE-BROWN. 

The Bittern in Ayrshire. Although Messrs. Gray and Anderson 

stated that the Bittern (Botaunts stellaris) was " of very rare and 

uncertain occurrence " in Ayrshire (" Proc. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow," 

i. 

p. 303), during the past decade I have learned of the occurrence 

of seven examples in that county, 

all so far unrecorded in scientific 

journals, I believe. Two were shot in 1890 at Dalmellington, and 

one at Doonfoot in 1891, as I was informed some years ago by 

Mr. W. C. S. Fergusson, Ayr. Another, which had been killed at 

Doonfoot " recently," was exhibited to the Andersonian Naturalists' 

Society on ist November 1893. Mr. Charles Berry has one in his 

collection, which he shot near Lendalfoot in January 1890 or 1891, 

I think. Mr. Matthew Barr has kindly sent me word of a pair ( ? 

and (?), shot near Ayr early in January this year, which had been 

sent for exhibition by a taxidermist in Kilmarnock to the meeting 

of the Glenfield Ramblers' Society, Kilmarnock, on 23rd January.- 

JOHN PATERSON, Glasgow. 

Bittern in Nairn. A Bittern was seen on loth January 1900, 

about four miles above the mouth of the river Nairn, by Mr. H. E. 

Pope. It was standing in the river bed, which at that point is 

rather broad, among some dead branches and rubbish. T. E. 

BUCKLEY, Inverness. 

Gray Geese on the Solway Firth. The Gray Lag and W hitefronted 

Geese (Anser ferns and A. albifrons) are comparatively rare 

visitors to the salt marshes of the Solway Firth but 

; only experts 

can be expected to identify young specimens of our Gray Geese. A 

specimen of Anser albifrons, which, being immature, was first reported 

to me as a Gray Lag, was shot on one of the marshes on 3oth 

January 1898. I do not think that I have recorded it 

previously. 

But on 22nd December 1899 two undoubted Gray Lag Geese, 

young birds, were shot near Silloth, out of a gaggle of five birds. 

They had the following soft parts upper mandible, pinky fleshcolour 

; unguis, white tinged with dusky ; legs and toes, orange 

: 

yellow, with white claws. I had one of them mounted for the 

Carlisle Museum, which previously possessed only one specimen, 

and that a fine adult. H. A. MACPHERSON, Pitlochry.


Pintails at Edenmouth. In the first week of January 1900 a 

poulterer in Morningside, Edinburgh, in whose shop I saw them, 

received no less than eight Pintails (Dafila acuta) from the estuary of 

the Eden near St. Andrews. They were all females and young males. 

I fear some of them at least would be Loch Leven birds, for there 

was much ice on the loch in the end of December. The number of 

pairs breeding on Loch Leven last year seems by 

all accounts to 

have been larger than when I discovered the colony there two years 

ago (" Annals," 1898, p. 162); but between indiscriminate egging 

which, there is reason to believe, was as great as ever last year and 

shore shooting, the rate of increase must be very slow. WILLIAM 

EVANS, Edinburgh. 

Iceland Gull in Bute. Through 

the kindness of Mr. 

M'Culloch, taxidermist, Glasgow, I had the pleasure of exhibiting, 

to the Andersonian Naturalists' Society, on i2th January, an Iceland 

Gull (Larus leucopterus, Faber) in the flesh, which had been received 

on that date from Port-Bannatyne, Bute.- JOHN PATERSON, Glasgow. 

of the 

Little Auk at Portobello. A young female specimen 

Little Auk (Mergulus alle) was captured in the clay-pits on the south 

side of the railway between Portobello and Piershill Stations, on 

2oth November 1899. W.M. S. BRUCE, Joppa. 

Little Auk at Corstorphine. A young female specimen of the 

Little Auk (Mergulus alle) 

was found on the railway to the west of 

Corstorphine Station on ist March 1900. It was seen to fly against 

the telegraph wires, and, thus injuring itself, was captured. T. N. 

JOHNSTON, Corstorphine. 

The Little Auk on Dalmeny Shores. For the first time since 

the memorable winter of 1894-95, the Little Auk (Mergulus alle) 

has made its 

appearance here. On the 22nd of February a living 

one was picked up some little distance inland, and the next day a 

dead one was found on the shore. The weather at this time was 

very stormy, with gales mostly from the north-east. CHAS. CAMPBELL, 

Dalmeny Park. 

[About the same time two were obtained at Portobello, as we 

are informed by Mr. W. A. Nicholson of that town, and since we 

went to press Mr. Campbell has informed us of six other specimens 

having been washed up at Dalmeny and Granton. EDS.] 

Little Auk on the Solway Firth. The only specimen of 

Mergulus alle that has, to my knowledge, been obtained on the Solway 

Firth this winter was shot near Silloth on 5th February. I purchased 

it for the Carlisle Museum. H. A. MACPHERSON, Pitlochry. 

The Dog-fishes of the " Clyde " Waters, and a Correction. As 

my name is mentioned in connection with the record of this fish 

for the Clyde, published in the January number of this magazine, it 

may be of interest to give the results of some inquiries I have made


concerning this capture. It is not necessary for me to explain why, 

at first, I accepted the record, which was based on a communication 

to the " North British Daily Mail," as genuine, nor why I afterwards 

was led to think that a mistake as to the species may have 

been made. It will suffice if I say that I now find that the name 

5. catulus has probably, through some inadvertence, been applied to 

another species than the Larger Spotted Dog-fish. 

Specimens of a Dog-fish known as the Tope or Toper (Galeus 

canis] have been occasionally landed at Girvan during the winter, 

and it is 

very likely that the name 6". catulus in the " Daily Mail " 

paragraph refers to specimens of this fish. At any rate, I have been 

unable so far to obtain any satisfactory information regarding the 

occurrence of the Larger Spotted Dog-fish, or Nurse-hound (Scyllium 

catulus), 

in the Clyde estuary. 

The Lesser Spotted Dog-fish, or Rough-hound (Scyllium canicitlus\ 

is occasionally taken in the Clyde in the trawl of the Fishery 

steamer " Garland," but the other has not yet been observed. Moreover, 

the Larger Spotted Dog-fish 

is also absent from the list of 

fishes captured by the SS. " Medusa," which belonged to Dr. (now 

Sir) John Murray, which was so successful in its investigations into 

the Fish and Invertebrate Fauna of the Clyde. 

It is possible, however, notwithstanding this negative evidence, 

that Scyllium catulus may be, though rare, a member of the Clyde 

fauna ; 

and as it bears a close resemblance to the more common 

species and might be mistaken for it, a reference to one of the more 

obvious differences between them may be of interest to those who 

are not so familiar with these fishes. 

There are three kinds of Dog-fishes in Scottish waters which 

have their skin ornamented with spots. First we have the Blackmouthed 

Dog-fish (Pristurus melanostomus), readily distinguished 

from the others by having the inside of the mouth of a black colour, 

hence its name. The other two, as I have said, are in some respects 

pretty much alike, but may be distinguished by observing the outline 

assumed by the posterior position of the ventral fins when they 

are pressed together. If the ventral fins of the Lesser Spotted Dogfish 

(Scyllium caniculus) be pressed together so that the inner edge 

of the one touches the inner edge of the other, their extremities will 

together form a moderately sharp angle, and the posterior part of the 

outer margins will slope away forwards and outwards. If the same 

thing is done with the ventral fins of the Larger Spotted Dog-fish 

(Scyllium catulus}, a very slight angle is to be observed, but the lower 

edges of the fins form a nearly straight line athwart the fish, and if they 

slope they do so only to a small extent. This difference is fairly 

constant and reliable, whereas the difference in the size of the 

spots, notwithstanding the names, is not always to be depended on. 

T. SCOTT, Aberdeen.


Sepiola rondeleti (Leach] in the Firth of Forth. Professor 

Duns, New College, Edinburgh, permits me to record a specimen of 

the above Cuttlefish in his museum. He himself captured the 

animal in a rock-pool at North Berwick a few years ago. ROBERT 

GODFREY, Edinburgh. 

Limnsea stag-nails in West Lothian. This conspicuous freshwater 

shell occurs somewhat abundantly in an artificial 

pond or tank 

near Bo'ness, where I first found it last autumn. I have shown 

specimens from the pond to Mr. William Evans. ROBERT GODFREY, 

Edinburgh. 

Carabus monilis, F., in Scotland. With reference to my note 

in the January "Annals" (p. 53) on the occurrence of this species 

in " Clyde," I find that it is included in a list of Coleoptera collected 

on the island of Arran in 1892 by Mr. A. B. Watson, published by 

Mr. T. R. Billups in the "Entomologist" (vol. xxvi., 1893, p. 54). 

To complete the Scottish record of the species, I add another which 

escaped my notice at the time of writing the first note, viz. " occasionally 

near Edinburgh," Stephen's "Manual" (1839). 

FERGUSSON, Glasgow. 

ANDERSON 

Death's-head Moth at Inverbroom, West Ross-shire. On 15111 

June 1899, a specimen of Acherontia atropos was sent to me in 

London, and it looked as if it was fresh out of the chrysalis. During 

my twenty years' residence at Loch Broom I have never before seen 

a specimen of this moth, though I have always been on the look-out 

for it, having been very familiar with its appearance in England in 

my youth. ALICE FOWLER, Inverbroom. 

Agrion puella (Z.) in Scotland. In his recently published book 

on the British Dragon-flies, Mr. W. J. 

Lucas writes as follows regarding 

the distribution of this form " 

: 

Undoubtedly A. puella is 

a very common species in most parts of England, but apparently it 

does not occur in Scotland, and perhaps not in the extreme north 

of England." I am able, however, to state that it does occur in 

Scotland, for I have an example taken by myself on 22nd June 

1896 at a small pond near Rosslyn in the county of Edinburgh. 

There were several flying about at the time. Mr. K. J. 

Morton has 

kindly examined the specimen, and confirms my identification. In 

Dr. Hagen's 'Synopsis of the British Dragon-flies' ("Entomologist's 

Annual" for 1857), the distribution of A. puella is set down as 

" England, Scotland, Ireland." The name Libellula pnella appears 

in Stewart's "List of Edinburgh Insects" (1809), and also in Don's 

Forfarshire list 

(1813); but these early records are practically of 

no value, as several forms among them our common Agrion 

(Enallagma) cyathigerum would at that time be covered by this 

name. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.


On the recurrence of Upogebia deltaura, Leach, in the Moray 

Firth. An apparently full-grown specimen of Upogebia deltaura was 

taken from the stomach of a Haddock captured at Station VII., 

Moray Firth, z'.r. a few miles south-eastward of Tarbetness. The 

j * 

specimen was obtained by Mr. F. G. Pearcey, naturalist on board the 

Fishery steamer "Garland," on the i2th of February last, and 

forwarded to the Laboratory at Bay of Nigg, Aberdeen. The 

specimen was considerably damaged from the treatment it had 

received through the teeth of its captor ; happily, however, some of 

the more important appendages of the Crustacean such as the 

claws (chelipeds), trunk-legs, uropods, and telson were more or 

less intact. As the Upogebitz are not, like the shore-crabs, found 

every day, they are necessarily scarcely so well known, and I 

was therefore at first somewhat at a loss what to make of the 

specimen. In his " British Stalk-eyed Crustacea," Professor Bell uses 

the name Gebia for the two British species, but Mr. Stebbing points 

out that Upogebia has priority. Those who wish for further information 

on this point should consult " A History of Recent Crustacea," 

by Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing (International Scientific Series, vol. 

xxiv.). Upogebia deltaura and Upogebia stellata were found for. the 

first time in Scottish waters by Thomas Edward of Banff, and I am 

not aware of either of them having been found since ; 

the present 

record is therefore the more interesting. There seems to be some 

doubt as to whether Upogebia deltaura and Upogebia stellata are 

really distinct. The most important difference between them is in 

the form of the inner uropods. In the former the inner uropods 

are "truncated and deltoid," or shaped somewhat like an equilateral 

triangle ; 

while in the latter they are " subacuminate," that 

is, the outer distal angle of these appendages is distinctly more 

produced than the inner angle. There appear to be other slight 

differences, but the two forms are apparently very closely related. 

The length of the specimen now recorded is 

approximately about 

2 inches. T. SCOTT, Aberdeen. 

On the occurrence of Maeropsis slabberi ( V. Hen.) in the 

Moray Firth. This somewhat remarkable Schizopod has been 

obtained in some tow-net gatherings recently collected in the 

Moray 

of the species considerably northward. Maeropsis slabberi is readily 

distinguished from all other British Schizopods by its remarkably 

elongated eyestalks and slender form. When living and swimming, 

this little Crustacean is almost transparent, and, but for its large, 

intensely black eyes, is nearly invisible to the unpractised eye of the 

onlooker. When killed by being immersed in spirit, the creature 

becomes whitish in colour, but the eyes 

still retain their intense 

blackness. I have obtained Maeropsis in the Firth of Forth, where 

Firth. Its occurrence there extends the British distribution 

it was first discovered as British by Dr. Henderson (now of Calcutta),


and where it is sometimes common. I have also found it in 

St. Andrews Bay, in the estuary of the Tay below Dundee, and also 

taken it in the Humber to the east of Grimsby. Mr. G. C. Bourne 

has recorded it from Falmouth. The specimens now recorded were 

obtained in the Cromarty Firth, between Invergordon and Cromarty, 

on iyth January, and again on 5th February, of the present year; 

and it was also captured off the Nairnshire coast on yth February. 

There is, 

so far as I know, no previous record of Macropsis from 

the Moray Firth. T. SCOTT, Aberdeen. 

Scottish Myriapoda. In the course of the last three or four 

years I have on many occasions observed the little white Myriapod 

Scolopcndrella immaculata, Newp., under stones in this district. The 

following are a few of the localities and : 

dates, namely Arthur's 

Seat, February 1896 and October 1899 ; Charlestown, Fife, February 

1896; Dreghorn, March 1896; and near Rosslyn, March 1899. 

It does not seem to be mentioned in Sir T. D. Gibson-Carmichael's 

list of Scottish Myriapoda published in the " Proceedings of the 

Royal Physical Society" for 1882 (vol. vii. p. 193). I have also 

specimens of the following species from this neighbourhood : 

Linotiznia crassipes, Koch. An example of this luminous centipede 

was captured in Dalmeny Park, Linlithgowshive, in October 

1895, by Mr. Charles Campbell, and kindly given to me. Mr. 

Campbell states that he got another in the same locality about 

10 P.M. on 24th January of the present year. Mr. R. I. Pocock, of 

the British Museum, writes me that this is 

probably the Scolioplanes 

acuminatits of the list above referred to. 

Craspedosoma rawlinsii, Leach. Two examples of this species, 

first described by Dr. Leach from the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, 

were found by me near The Bush, a few miles south of Edinburgh, 

on 23rd October 1893. 

An exotic Paradesnms but whether P. gracilis, Koch, or P. 

coarcfatus, Sauss., is uncertain, as the specimen is an immature $ - 

was obtained in a greenhouse at Morningside in December 1898. 

My best thanks are due to Mr. Pocock for having named these 

and some other Myriapods for me. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh. 


What is the Blue Lupine naturalised in Scotland? For a 

number of years a showy lupine has been known to botanists, both 

residents and visitors, as well established on the Dee, the Beauly, 

and the Tay ; 

and it was thought to be Lupinus perennis, L., and 

was recorded occasionally under that name without suspicion. It


was admitted as a naturalised plant under that name in the ninth 

edition of the " London Catalogue of British Plants." 

In January of 

this year Mr. James Groves asked me to compare our Scotch plant 

with authentic examples of L. perennis, L., in the herbarium of the 

British Museum, as he was not satisfied with the identification. On 

doing so, I agreed with him that our plant was not perennis ; and an 

examination of the Lupines in the Kew Herbarium a few days later 

proved that it was undoubtedly L. Nootkatensis, Donn (in Sims' 

" Botanical Magazine," pi. 1311). All the examples that I have seen 

either growing or collected in Scotland belong to the one species. 

I was interested to find in the Kew Herbarium two specimens contributed 

by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, (rather imperfect but easily 

recognisable,) the earliest from Scotland that I have seen. Of 

these one was labelled "Z. poly-phyllisst Naturalised on the banks 

of the Dee near Aboyne, Aug. 1862"; the other bore " Lupinus 

littoralis, Doug. Rocks in the river Dee, near Dinnet, Aberdeenshire 

; 

from seed raised by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, July 1871." 

It has thus been well established beside the Dee near Aboyne for 

nearly forty years at least. In January 1893, in a note in this 

journal, I called attention to its prevalence in Scotland, under the 

name L. perennis, L., as I then believed it to be. I am glad now 

to be able to correct this error. 

In that note some observations were recorded of the action of 

the lupine in changing the bed of the Dee and in diminishing the 

growth of alpine plants along the lower course of the stream. During 

the past eight years these results have been very evident but a 

; further change has followed. The- lupines raise the beds of shingle 

and water-borne sand and soil above the reach of all except the 

highest floods in winter ; 

but their success leads to their undoing. 

Grasses such as False Oatgrass, Couch Grass, etc., and other coarse 

native perennials, take a firmer hold year by year of the ground so 

gained, and the lupine tends to be crushed out. The great beds 

of it are no longer seen where they were so conspicuous about 

1890, and it is driven to new shingle beds and to the margins still 

liable to be covered every winter by a moderate rise of the water. 

JAMES W. H. TRAIL. 

" Mimulus luteus, Linn." of British Floras. This is another 

native of Western North America that must be known to us in 

future by a different name. Professor Edward L. Greene has made 

us aware of the confusion that long existed as to the identity of 

M. luteus, L., the name having been given by him to a plant 

brought from temperate South America, and figured by Pere Feuille'e 

as a new species of Gratlola in 1714. This plant was not introduced 

into European gardens until more than a century later. Soon 

after 1800 the Mimulus now so well known and widely naturalised 

with us was introduced into European cultivation from the N.W.


coast of North America. It was regarded by most botanists that 

had grown 

it as distinct from M. Inteus, L. ; 

but the earliest figure 

of it 

appeared in October 1812 in Sims' "Botanical Magazine," t. 

1501, under the name Miinulus litteus, Linn., with the information : 

" 

He [Langsdorff] brought it, 

we are informed, from Unashka, 

one of the Fox Islands, and seeds were transmitted to Mr. 

Hunnemann last spring, and through him to Mr. Bonn, Curator 

of the Botanic Garden at Cambridge, who kindly communicated 

to us in July hist the specimen from which our drawing was made, 

under the name of Mimitlits Langsdorffii, which we should have 

adopted, had it proved, as was supposed, a new discovery." In 

1813 De Candolle ("Cat. Monspel.," 127) described it under the 

name M. guttatns, and gave characters that in his judgment 

showed its distinct specific rank. Pursh, however, in his standard 

"Flora Amer. Sept.," 

ii. p. 426, in 1814, retained it under M. fattens, 

L. ; 

and he was followed by most later botanists, including Bentham 

and Asa Gray. For a fuller statement of the confusion in which 

the systematic rank of the yellow Mimuli of N.W. America long 

remained, reference must be made to Professor Greene's papers 

("Bull. Calif.," i. pp. 106-123, 1885, and " Journ. Bot," 1895, 

pp. 4-8), in which will be found the conclusions arrived at by him. 

Suffice it to say that he accepts Miinulus Langsdorffii\ Bonn, as 

the correct name of the species naturalised so plentifully 

in many 

parts of Britain. He describes and names five varieties of the 

species, from the west coast or western side of the Rocky 

Mountains. All our forms appear to belong to the type, though 

they show considerable differences in luxuriance and in colour 

and size of flowers. JAMES W. H. TRAIL. 

The Natural History Sub-Committee appointed to make preparations 

for the Meeting of the British Association in Glasgow in 1901 

has in view to prepare a list 

complete of the flora of "the natural 

drainage area of the Clyde, and of all the sea lochs which form 

extensions of its estuary." Information is specially desired as to 

(i) distribution of species; (2) papers in magazines, journals, and 

transactions of societies ; (3) names of workers in the different departments 

that will assist ; (4) local herbaria ; (5) collections of 

microscopic objects. All willing to assist are requested to communicate 

with Professor Scott Elliot at 204 George Street, Glasgow. 

34

-130 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 


The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural History 

which have appeared during the Quarter January-March 1900. 





ZOOLOGY. 

NOTE ON THE WEASEL, PUTOKIUS (lexis) NIVALIS, LINN., AND 

SOME OF ITS SUB-SPECIES. By G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton. Ann. 

and Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), 

vol. v. pp. 41-50 (January 1900). Dark 

specimen of the form vulgaris, Erxleben, from Elgin, alluded Co. 

SOME REMARKS ON THE BIRDS SEEN IN THE SOUTH-EAST PART 

OF THE MAINLAND OF ORKNEY IN OCTOBER 1899. By N. E. 

Ticehurst, M.A., E.Z.S., etc. '/.oologist (4), vol. iv. pp. 54-64 

(February 1900). Over 50 species dealt with. 

NOTES ON THE GENUS MELOE. By the Rev. Theodore Wood, 

F.E.S. Ent. Record, vol. xii. pp. 46-47 (February 1900). M. 

violaceus recorded as occurring on the highroad between Inversnaid 

and Loch Katrine. 

COLEOPTERA AND LEPIDOPTERA AT RANNOCH. By J. J. Walker, 

R.N., F.L.S. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. pp. 21-28 (January and 

February 1900). 

MACRO- LEPIDOPTERA OF THE GALASHIELS DISTRICT IN 1899. 

By James C. Haggart. Entomologist, vol. xxxiii. pp. 44-46 (February 

1900). 

COLLECTING IN THE ISLE OF LEWIS. By H. Stuart Fremlin, 

F.E.S. Entomologist, vol. xxxiii. pp. 37-39 (February 1900). This 

short paper refers entirely to Lepidoptera, of which 15 species are 

mentioned. 

SMERINTHUS POPULI IN WESTERN SCOTLAND, WITH SOME NOTES 

ON ITS HABITS. By H. C. Arbuthnott. Ent. Record, vol. xii. p. Si 

(March 1900). The Isle of Arran and Bridge-of-Weir (Renfrewshire) 

are given as localities for this species. 

DIPHTHERA (AGRIOPIS) APRILINA IN MORAY. By Henry H. 

Brown. Entomologist, vol. xxxiii. p. 14 (January 1900). A specimen 

found on 8th November at Darnaway Wood, Brodie. 

WINTER CAPTURE OF GONOPTERA LIUATRIX. By James C. 

Haggart. Ent. Record, vol. xii. p. 27 (January 1900). 

A specimen 

captured at Galashiels on the night of 25111 December, with the 

thermometer registering 20 degrees of frost. 

OPORABIA AUTUMNATA FROM RANNOCH, WITH REFERENCE TO 

SEVERAL OTHER RELATED FORMS. By LOUIS B. PrOUt, F.E.S.


Entomologist, vol. xxxiii. pp. 53-61, pis. and i. ii. (March 1900). 

This paper attempts to clear up some of the confusion which exists 

regarding this species and A its allies. number of interesting forms 

are figured, together with examples of O. filigrammaria, H. S., and 

dilutata, Bork., for comparison. 

NYSSIA ZONARIA IN THE HEBRIDES. By Arthur F. Griffith. 

Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. (February 1900). Reported as abundant 

on the ''machars" (sandy pastures) along the western coasts of the 

Outer Hebrides. 

RE-DISCOVERY OF NYSSIA ZONARIA IN THE HEBRIDES. By Chas. 

G. Barrett. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. pp. 9-10 (January 1900). 

This note refers to a male specimen captured in Tiree in April 1899, 

confirming a statement made 55 years ago as to its occurrence in 

these islands. 

A NEW SPECIES OF TORTRIX REPORTED FROM SHETLAND. By 

John Hartley Durrant, F.E.S., etc. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 

60 (March 1900). Refers to a strongly marked form named Tortrix 

(Lozotasnia) musculinana, considered by Prof. Kennel as a variety 

of T. musculana, Hb. 

THREE LITTLE- KNOWN BRITISH HYMENOPTERA, ETC. By 

Edward Saumlers, F.L.S. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), 

vol. xi. pp. 51-53 

(March 1900). Scottish specimens of Pompilus approximatus, 

Smith, and Osmia parietina, Curt., are referred to. 

SCOTTISH RHYNCHOTA. By G. W. Kirkaldy. Entomologist^ vol. 

xxxiii. p. 10 (January 1900). A note referring to the occurrence of 

three species in Cromarty and one in Perthshire. 

NOTES ON CERTAIN DlPTERA OBSERVED IN SCOTLAND DURING 

THE YEARS 1898-99. By Col. J. W. Yerbury, late R.A., F.Z.S., 

etc. Ent. Mi>. .}fag. (2), vol. xi. pp. 53-57 (March 1900). 

Particulars given of the distribution of l,aphria flava, L., Syrphus 

annulipes, Ztt, Criorrhina (Cynorhina) fallax, L., Xylota confinis, 

Ztt., Cynomyia alpina, Ztt., and Cephenomyia rufibarbis, Mg. 

BRITISH AMPHIPODA OF THE TRIBE HYPERIIDEA AND THE 

FAMILIES ORCHESTIID/E AND SOME LYSIANASSID/E. By Canon 

Norman, M.A., D.C.L., LL.D., F.R.S., etc. Ann. and Mag. Nat. 

Hist. (7), 

vol. v. pp. 126-144 and 196-214, pi. 

vi. 

(January and 

February 1900). A large number of Scottish localities are given for 

the various species. 

NOTES FROM THE GATTY MARINE LABORATORY, ST. ANDREWS. 

No. XX. By Prof. M'Intosh, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S., etc. Ann. and 

Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), vol. v. pp. 254-268, pis. vii. and viii., figs, 

i 

and 2 

(March 1900). Four notes on Marine Worms, partly based 

on the examination of Scottish material. 

ON BRITISH SPECIES OF SIPHONOSTOMA. By M. I. 

Newbigin, 

D.Sc. (Lond.). Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), vol. v. pp. 190-195,


pi. iv. Critical notes on two species, one of which (S. diplochai'tos, 

Otto) was obtained at the Millport Marine Station. 

BOTANY. 

NOTES ON THE FLORA OF WEST INVERNESS. By Symers M. 

M' Vicar. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., 1899, pp. 173-185. Valuable 

as discussing characteristics of the flora, distribution, shore-zones 

round lochs, altitudes, etc. 

SOME NOTES ON ANDROMEDA POLIFOLIA, LINN., WITH SPECIAL 

REFERENCE TO A NEW STATION IN THE LlDDESDALE DISTRICT OF 

ROXBURGHSHIRE. By Symington Grieve. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., 

\\i. pp. 144-150, read January 1899. 

NOTE ON THE DISCOVERY OF GKNTIANA NIVALIS, LINN., IN 

SUTHERLANDSHIRE. By John Lowe, M.D., F.R.S.E. Trans. Bot. 

Soc. Edin., 1899, xxi. p. 217. In considerable quantity on rocks 

down to sea-level near Ardvreck Castle, Assynt. 

NOTE ON ALISMA. By Arthur Bennett. Journ. Bot., 1900, 

p. 24. Refers in part to a variety of A. Plantago collected in water 

several feet deep at King's Myre, Perthshire, igth August 1885, 

and sent by Dr. F. B. White, labelled " var. gniniinifohum, Wahlenb." 

This determination Mr. Bennett confirms. 

ON THE FERNS, MOSSES, AND LICHENS OF RERRICK. By Rev. 

G. M'Connachie. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., 1899, xxi. pp. 168-173. 

Records the more interesting species in each of several localities in 

Kirkcudbrightshire. 

SPHAGNUM MEDIUM, LIMPR., IN BRITAIN. By Harold W. 

Monington, F.L.S. Jonni. Bot., 1900, pp. 1-3, pi. 405. --The 

species is described and figured and among the British localities 

; 

are Ben More (Dixon and Binstead, 1897) and Chapelton Moss, 

Hamilton (J. Murray, 1899), both Scotch. 

ON ABNORMAL CONJUGATION ix SPIROGVRA. By R. A. 

Robertson, M.A., B.Sc. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., 1899, xxi. pp. 185- 

191,2 folding plates. 

A careful contribution to the subject. 

NOTE ON THE OCCURRENCE OF ASCOIDEA RUBESCENS, BREF., IN 

SCOTLAND. By James A. Terras, B.Sc. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., 

1899, xxi. pp. 217-218. 

EXHIBITED AT MEETING OF i ITH MAY 1899 OF BOTANICAL 

SOCIETY, EDINBURGH. Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., xxi. p. 219. Several 

Hymcnomycctes from the West of Scotland, and specimens of Silver 

Fir attacked by Sirex gigas and S. fitniicus. 

OBITUARY NOTICES of the following are contained in Trans. Bot. 

Soc. Edin., 1899, xxi. Malcolm Dunn (pp. 220-222), Dr. George C. 

Wallich (pp. 222-224), and Dr. James E. T. Aitchison (pp. 224- 

229).

REVIEWS 133 

REVIEWS. 

THE GEOGRAPHY OF MAMMALS. By William Lutley Sclater, 

M.A., F.Z.S., and Philip Lutley Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S. 

: 

(London Kegan Paul, Trench, Triibner and Co., Ltd., 1899.) 

This volume affords, in a collected, convenient, and revised form, 

the valuable series of papers contributed by Mr. W.->L. Sclater to 

the "Geographical Magazine" between the years 1894 and 1897. 

To these have been added chapters dealing with the subject from 

the Zoological standpoint, and a chapter devoted to marine mammals 

and their distribution. The book is embellished by 50 illustrations 

giving excellent portraits of some typical mammals from each of the 

zoo-geographical regions, and 8 maps showing the regions and 

their division into sub-regions. The work is a valuable contribution 

to the important subject upon which it treats ; 

and the fact that 

Dr. Sclater, the founder of the modern system upon which the 

geographical distribution of animals is 

based, has revised and edited 

it, places the book in the forefront of works of its kind. The index, 

however, is very unsatisfactory, having many shortcomings, which is 

much to be regretted in a work treating of so many families and 

species. 

OUR RARER BRITISH BREEDING BIRDS : THEIR NESTS, EGGS, 

AND SUMMER HAUNTS. By Richard Kearton, F.Z.S. Illustrated 

by Photographs by C. Kearton. (Cassell and Co., Ltd., 1899.) 

The title of this book is a decided misnomer, for the Blackcap, 

the Corn Bunting, the Jay, and other species treated of are certainly 

not among the "rarer British breeding birds." The fact is, the 

book is a supplement to the author's volume on British Birds' 

Eggs (1895). It is practically the fourth book on the subject 

Mr. Kearton has issued in as many years. Like the others, its value 

lies in the beauty of its illustrations. 

We notice in the preface certain observations on the " Wild 

Bird Protection Laws," claiming that the only real good done in the 

United Kingdom in the way of bird preservation has been accomplished 

by private effort. This is not the case in Scotland. But 

what could private effort accomplish without the laws ? It is a very 

easy thing to criticise the Bird, or any other, Acts ; 

but Mr. Kearton 

fails to tell us what he would have us do unless, indeed, 

his extraordinary 

opinion that prosecutions are undesirable, because they 

advertise the locality from which the specimens were obtained, can 

be regarded as such. If so, he takes anything but a lofty view of 

our duty towards our feathered friends in adversity.


THE LATE WILLIAM 

LENNON. 

IN the death of Mr. William Lennon, of Brooke Street, 

Dumfries, which occurred on 3Oth December 1899, there has 

passed away an ardent student of nature and a most kindly 

and much respected man. He was one of a family of octogenarians, 

and had himself entered on his eighty-second 

year a few weeks ago. He was born in Dryfesdale, and 

brought up in the parish of Applegarth. There he served an 

apprenticeship as a shoemaker, and subsequently established 

himself in business in Annan 

; 

but was afterwards appointed 

head attendant at the Crichton Royal Institution, and finally 

became the personal attendant of the late Sir Edward 

Vavasour. 

His connection with the Crichton Royal Institution, 

which continued for over forty years, afforded him 

many facilities for those natural history pursuits 

a fascination for him from boyhood. 

which had 

William Lennon's was a busy life, for he devoted every 

minute of his leisure to the constant plodding 

after nature's 

secrets and ways. He was essentially a working-man naturalist, 

without more than an elementary education. Yet 

scientific men of fame cultivated his acquaintance and were 

in regular correspondence with him, while he was a welcome 

guest in circles far above his own in social position. His 

love of nature was pure and unselfish. 

Lepidoptera were his first study, and his collection of 

butterflies and moths is 

perhaps 

the best local one that has 

ever been brought together. For the better half of his days, 

however, Coleoptera engaged his attention almost entirely. 

As he said himself, in a paper published on this favourite 

" 

subject I have searched almost every field, moor, moss, 

glen, and stream in the district," and upwards of 1500 

species were collected in Dumfriesshire and Galloway alone, 

so that, thanks to his labours and to those of his predecessor

THE LATE WILLIAM LENNON 135 

in the same field, the late Rev. W. Little, of Kirkpatrick- 

Juxta, and others who are yet with us, we now know the 

beetle-fauna of the south-west of Scotland as well as any 

similar area in Great Britain. It fell to his lot to discover 

some half-dozen new beetles, some new to science, others 

new to Britain 

; 

but all of these were added to the lists in 

the name of other coleopterists, to whom Mr. Lennon, in 

most unselfish way, handed them over. It is within our knowledge 

that in the case of some of the species Mr. Lennon's 

name was never even mentioned ! One of his discoveries 

was Apion cerdo, a little weevil found on purple vetch on the 

railway 

Hydroporus 

banks below Collin. 

after summer freshets. 

Another was a water-beetle 

the 

obsoletns found in the flood refuse at Kelton 

Although Mr. Lennon's special hobby was beetles, yet 

he found time to devote odd days to other departments. A 

very rare, and at the time almost unique, capture of his was 

a specimen of Eromene ocellca, a crambite moth which came 

to his net in a rather curious manner. Passing a window in 

the Crichton Institution one night in September 1865, very 

late, he saw the moth on the outside of the glass, having 

probably been attracted by the light inside. Mr. Lennon 

tried to open the window, and found it was fixed. But he 

saw the moth was a rarity, and so without any further 

hesitation he at once broke the window with his fist and 

secured the insect ! He 

used to relate with glee that the 

authorities made him pay the damage, but he was more than 

pleased to do A so. capture of Mr. Lennon's that led to 

some little controversy was the finding of what might have 

turned out to be a new British butterfly. This was in June 

of 1868, and the butterfly was Mclitea didyma. One specimen 

only was found, but as its distinctness from other 

butterflies taken on the same day was not noticed till a 

considerable time afterwards, the new species 

has never been 

added to the list. At the same time, whether or not there


was some confusion about the origin of the specimen, those 

who knew Mr. Lennon never had any doubt as to his bonafides 

in 

the matter. 

The third order of the insects that Mr. Lennon paid 

attention to was the Hymenoptera. Although he did so in 

only a very casual way, yet so minute and painstaking was 

he in his collecting that he got one new species in this Order 

also. This was a little bee of the genus Sphecodes wild bees 

of black and red colours that are parasitic on some of their 

relations. 

print. 

Mr. Lennon seldom put his splendid experiences into 

The Transactions of the older Dumfries Natural History 

Society contain one or two of his papers. These are 

"A List of Lepidoptera taken near Dumfries," communicated 

in April 1863 ; 

"Notes 

on a few of the Rare Lepidoptera 

observed in the Vicinity of Dumfries," communicated in 

January 1864; "Notes on Lepidoptera," communicai xl in 

March 1871. To the present society he contributed in 

February 1878 "The Rarer Coleoptera of the Dumfries 

District," and in April 1880 "Notes on Rare Beetles." In 

1892 he contributed to this magazine ("Annals," 1892, pp. 

107-115), in conjunction with Mr. W. D. R. Douglas, a 

valuable article on " Some Additions to Scottish Coleoptera." 

To the " Entomologist's Monthly Magazine " he often sent 

short paragraphs dealing 

with his more 

interesting finds. 

ROBERT SERVICE.

The Annals 

of 

Scottish 


No. 35] 1900 [JULY 

NOTES ON THE LAND MAMMALS OF THE 

MORAY FIRTH AREA. 

By WILLIAM 

TAYLOR. 

SINCE the publication of Messrs. Harvie- Brown and 

Buckley's "Vertebrate Fauna of the Moray Basin" in 1895, 

I do not know of a single species having been added to the 

fauna, though exact localities for less common species have 

been noted. 

CHIROPTERA. 

The COMMON BAT ( Vesperugo pipistrellus] 

is still abundant 

and widely distributed. It varies in colour, for I 

sometimes find specimens rather light brown, and rarely 

nearly black. Though they infest houses less than they 

did thirty or forty years ago, they can often be found in 

clefts of rocks in wooded districts. DAUBENTON'S BAT 

( Vespertillio daubentoni) and the LONG-EARED BAT (Plecotus 

auritus] are both occasionally found. I have seen but few 

examples of them, and therefore cannot say whether they 

vary in colour in this part of Scotland. I think one or two 

more species of Bats may yet be found here. They should 

be searched for along the rocky banks of rivers falling into 

the Moray Firth, and sent for identification when the finder 

has any doubt about them. 

35 B


INSECTIVORA. 

All the British species are common throughout the Moray 

Firth Basin ; 

in fact, all the British varieties that I know of 

occur here. The HEDGEHOG (Erinaceus europceus) is plentiful 

in many districts. MOLES (Talpa europcea] abound : 

brown, gray, yellowish, and whitish ones are caught from 

time to time. 

The COMMON SHREW (Sorex vulgaris] in Elginshire 

appears to be generally much darker in colour in early 

spring than in summer. In July I have caught lightcoloured 

specimens nearly the colour of the withered grass 

on the hillocks where I found them. Had such examples 

been caught in Lewis or Shetland, they might have been 

made into a new sub-species. I do not think they 

represented a " variety " ; they had only a faded or sunburned 

coat during a dry summer. The LESSER SHREW (Sorex 

minutus] is much more common than is generally supposed. 

It lives, mostly, in woods and bogs, therefore is seldom seen 

on the road like the Common Shrew. It is so light 

in 

weight that it seldom springs the traps, and may thus often 

I 

escape capture. cannot say 

if this species varies much 

in colour, as I have not seen more than thirty specimens during 

the past seven years. 

The WATER SHREW (Crossopns 

fodiens), though not very abundant, is found through our 

area. It varies greatly in colour, being sometimes nearly 

white below and sometimes black. I find the teeth also 

vary in tint. CARNIVORA. 

The WILD CAT (Felis catus}. Does such a "species" 

exist in Scotland ? An authority once told me that he did 

not believe that any true examples 

to be found in 

Britain. 

of Felis catus were now 

Mr. Lydekker, in his book on " British Mammals," gives 

a picture of a Wild Cat's skull. I think no mammalogist in 

Britain can distinguish British Wild Cats' skulls from those 

of some varieties of the domestic race. 

The Rev. L. Shaw 

(historian of Moray) observed, about 150 years ago, that 

there were no Wild Cats in " Moray " except the descendants 

of cats that had escaped from domestication. The same

THE LAND MAMMALS OF THE MORAY FIRTH AREA 139 

might be said of " Moray " to-day. An expert in mammals 

examined a Wild Cat's skin and remarked that he 

recently 

" could not distinguish 

it from Fells catus." I think there 

was a little caution in that remark. 

The MARTEN (Mustela martes) 

is now a very rare animal. 

It is still found in Ross-shire and Inverness-shire at long 

intervals. In Elginshire 

I know of no record of it for more than 

thirty years ; 

but it would be rash to say that it is extinct here, 

as one or two have been captured in Aberdeenshire within 

the past few years. The POLECAT (Mustela putorius) 

is as 

rare now as the Marten in many districts. I have asked 

gamekeepers about it, 

and few of them have killed one for 

over twenty years. The STOAT (Mustela ermina] 

is still plentiful. 

Many gamekeepers kill twelve or more during the year. 

In some places they are as common as Weasels. They vary 

a little in the colour of their summer coat. Sometimes the 

line of demarkation between the brown and white is not 

a straight one, but I have seen none here yet with brown 

spots through the white, as in many specimens 

of the Irish 

" 

species." The WEASEL (Mustela vulgaris] 

is plentiful 

I 

everywhere. find it, too, varies in colour. Some are dark 

brown, and old ones are occasionally light yellowish red. I 

have seen one or two males with the line of demarkation 

between brown and white straight and distinct, as is usual in 

the Stoat. The males are sometimes of great size, the head 

and body measuring as much as ten inches. 

The BADGER (Melcs taxus] is now unknown in many 

localities. In my own district it was believed to be extinct 

twenty years ago, but a fine male was killed within i^ mile 

of Lhanbryde about ten years since. Some people believe 

that one or more still live in woods between Elgin and 

Fochabers. 

The Fox (Cants vulpes] still survives. During last year 

two or more were seen in Elginshire and Nairnshire within 

two or three miles of the sea. 

RODENTIA. 

The SQUIRREL (Sciurus vulgaris) is plentiful throughout 

the wooded districts. It varies in colour here as in other


I places. saw one last December that, at a distance, 

appeared to have the body black and the tail white. It 

disappeared in the branches, but I 

thought if I could get 

its skin and mark it "Utah" or "Colorado" it would (?) 

stand for a new species. Though the squirrel varies greatly 

in colour in this part of the country, it varies very little in 

real difference in size between the 

size. Nor is there any 

male and female, as I have proved by measuring many 

adult skulls and limb bones. The BLACK RAT (Mtis 

rattus] is believed to be extinct. The GRAY or BROWN 

RAT (Mus decumanus) 

is a pest nearly everywhere. The 

HOUSE MOUSE (Mus musculus] abounds in all parts of the 

country. It varies greatly in colour, being sometimes as 

dark below as above. The FIELD MOUSE (Mus sylvaticus) 

is common everywhere 

in woods and fields. It varies a 

good deal in size and colour. Full-grown ones here generally 

range between 4 and 4^ inches in length of the head 

and body. 

I think they change colour sometimes with the 

season, as a large race here has generally yellow or brown 

about the neck in summer ; 

while some of the same race 

have all the neck and belly pure white, without a trace of 

yellow or brown, during December and January. If this 

race represents the English Mus flavicollis in summer, it 

must sometimes become Mus albicollis in winter. I have 

no more faith in Mus flavicollis and Mus hirtenses as 

species, 

than I have in the black -bellied Water Shrew or 

brown-bellied House Mouse. Age and season has often to 

do with changes of colour. If such changes are not the 

" outcome " of a season, they may easily be the " outcome " 

of a century. The Harvest Mouse (Mus ininutus] is, I 

think, unknown in this part of Scotland. The late Rev. 

Dr. Gordon never found a trace of it after a search of more 

than seventy years. 

The WATER VOLE (Microtus amphibius) 

is 

very abundant 

on the banks of most of our streams. All the young ones 

I have seen are black, and many remain black throughout 

life, but old ones are often brown, and sometimes piebald. The 

FIELD VOLE {Microtus agrestes} is abundant in most localities, 

but has never been a plague in Elginshire in my time. The 

BANK VOLE (Microtus glareolus] 

is also abundant here. It

THE LAND MAMMALS OF THE MORAY FIRTH AREA 141 

varies a great deal in colour, having often a bright rufous 

back with whitish, sometimes dun, under parts. Very often 

they are dark coloured above, and may at first sight be 

taken for Field Voles. Writing to Mr. Wm. Evans about 

Edinburgh specimens of this species, Mr. Oldfield Thomas 

" 

said : I was quite doubtful as to whether they were agrestes 

or glareolus, as they are so much less rufous than the latter 

usually is." The same remark might be made about many 

Elginshire examples. 

The COMMON HARE (Lepus europceus} is now very 

scarce. In many districts there are only one or two where 

twenty could be seen thirty years ago. The MOUNTAIN 

HARE (Lepus timidus] 

is still found on all our higher hills, 

but sometimes it comes down to 5oo-feet level in winter, 

and to within a few miles of the sea. The RABBIT (Lepus 

cuniculus) is plentiful in most districts. Black and spotted 

ones are often seen among the wild ones. 

UNGULATA. 

The only real wild species now is the ROE (Capreolus 

caprcea), and it is getting very scarce in many places where 

it was common about the middle of the century. The RED 

DEER 1 (Cervus elaphus) and FALLOW DEER (Cervus dama) 

are kept in several parks and " forests." We have good 

evidence that in former times two species of Bos, also the 

Wild Boar, the Wolf, and Beaver, all existed in " Moray." 

I am sorry to trespass on the space of the " Annals," 

but I fear a good many young naturalists are being misled 

about the value of " species " in mammals. They must 

understand that many of our British species are anatomically 

perfectly distinct. For instance, the leg-bones of a 

Weasel are all we need to distinguish 

it from a Stoat. The 

Weasel has the humerus longer than the femur, while in all 

the other species of Mustelidae that I have examined the 

humerus is shorter than the femur. There is as much 

difference between the skeleton of a Pigmy Shrew and a 

Common Shrew as there is between the skeleton of a 

1 

We regard the Red Deer to be in most cases a wild species in the 

"Moray" area. 

EDS.

I 

4 2 


Common Shrew and a Water Shrew, which latter is 

placed 

in a different genus. The Field Mouse and the Harvest 

Mouse are equally distinct, and I think Darwinians will 

agree that all these species have been differentiated for the 

past ten thousand years or more. 

THE GREAT SHEARWATER IN SCOTTISH 

WATERS. 

By ALFRED NEWTON, M.A., F.R.S. 

SO little is known of the appearance of the Great Shear- 

on the seas and shores of 

water, Puffinus gravis (O'Reilly), 

Scotland and its isles, that I may perhaps be allowed to put 

on record certain facts concerning it which may be new to 

some readers of this journal, especially as one of them seems 

to be of rather general interest. In these pages 

it is unnecessary 

to refer particularly to prior occurrences of the 

species in Scottish waters. It is enough to remark that it 

was not included in the late Mr. Robert " Gray's Birds of 

the West of Scotland," published in 1871, and that all the 

known instances, not amounting to half a dozen, have been 

mentioned in one or other of the volumes of the well-known 

series of " Vertebrate Faunas " which we owe to Messrs. 

Harvie- Brown and Buckley. More than this, I 

may say 

that Mr. Henry Evans, whose opportunities of observing 

birds at sea on the west coast of Scotland have been immeasurably 

greater than those enjoyed by any other 

naturalist, while his habit of bringing a telescope to bear 

on almost every bird that comes within range ensures his 

having made the best use of those opportunities, has informed 

me that, until the occasion I am about to mention, 

he never set eye on a Great Shearwater. 

On the 2;th of June 1894 I had the good fortune to 

be on board Mr. Evans's yacht while steaming northward up 

the Great Minch making for North Rona. About noon we 

came up with the Butt of Lewis, from which we were not 

very far, and there was almost a dead calm. Soon after I 

happened to see a pair of birds sitting on the water near the

1 

Mr. Evans would put the number still higher, 120 birds, or sixty pairs ; 

THE GREAT SHEARWATER IN SCOTTISH WATERS 143 

ship, and as they rose on our approach it was plain that 

they were Shearwaters of more than the common size. I 

at once called to Mr. Evans, and he, with his glass immediately 

upon them, agreed with me. Hardly had we 

recovered from our surprise at the apparition before another 

pair presented themselves in like manner, and then another, 

and yet more. Nearly all were in pairs, dotted about the 

sea, and few took the trouble to rise from the surface unless 

we were very close to them. Fewer still were flying about 

of their own accord. If I remember right, a Manx Shearwater 

occasionally showed itself, and one was able to 

compare the two. Though the larger species seemed to 

have a heavier flight, there was little difference in that 

respect ; but in size and colour the two could not be confounded, 

and we could tell the one from the other nearly a 

mile off. The dingy blackish-brown of the larger bird's back, 

mottled when seen very near with smoke-colour, and the 

whitish upper tail-coverts, contrasted with the deep black of 

the same parts of the smaller bird, while the pure white of 

the latter's lower surface gleamed in comparison with the 

duller or even clouded look of the former's. Though I had 

never before seen the species alive, I felt certain that we had 

before us what was long known as Puffinus major. The 

notes I made at the time have unfortunately been lost, but 

to the best of my recollection we must have seen at least 

thirty or even forty pairs, nearly each pair sitting lovingly 

together. 1 This went on until we were within a few miles 

of North Rona, after which we saw no more of them. Two 

days later Mr. Hugh Popham 

fell in with these birds further 

to the northward, but of that presently. 

On the 24th of June 1895 I na cl again the pleasure of 

finding myself on Mr. Evans's yacht. Leaving Castle Bay 

in the morning, we rounded Barra Head, and our course was 

laid for St. Kilda. Again the sea was smooth, but a mist 

hung on the water. We had not got far away from the land 

when we met with some of our friends of the year before, 

sitting on the sea in pairs and acting exactly as they did on 

the former occasion. They seemed, however, to be more 

and I have no desire to contest his estimate.

I 

44 


numerous. I counted fifty pairs, and then stopped but 

; 

there must have been very many more, for the mist became 

a thick fog, so that one could only see a short way from the 

ship, and it was not until much delay on this account that 

we reached our destination. 

Arrived at St. Kilda, Mr. Evans made inquiry of the 

people, to all of whom, from his frequent visits, he is well 

known, as to this large kind of Shearwater. Most of them 

professed their ignorance of it, but some two or three thought 

they had seen such a bird when fishing at a distance from 

the land. He offered a suitable reward for a specimen if 

one could be procured, and so we came away ; 

but here I 

may remark that, in accordance with his usual practice of 

being an observing and not a collecting naturalist, on neither 

of these occasions was there a gun on board his yacht. On 

the 27th June, being the anniversary of the day on which 

we had seen the birds between Lewis and North Rona, we 

were passing along the very same course, but not a Great 

Shearwater showed itself. 

I am not sure whether it was later in this year, or in the 

autumn of the next, that two or three Great Shearwaters 

were seen by Mr. Evans to the southward of Skye. However, 

in 1897, Mr. Evans, on revisiting St. Kilda, had delivered to 

him the skin of an undoubted Great Shearwater, which had 

been killed with an oar by a fisherman at some distance 

from the islands on the 7th of August in that year. The 

promised reward was duly paid, and the specimen was most 

appropriately sent to Mr. W. Eagle Clarke to be placed in 

the Museum of Science and Art in Edinburgh. Two more, 

one to the 

killed by St. Kilda fishermen in the same way, 

south and the other to the north of the islands, in the fourth 

week of July 1899, were handed over to Mr. Evans on one 

of his visits last year, and these he has most kindly given to 

the Zoological Museum of his old 

University. 

Examining these specimens on their reaching Cambridge, 

I was at once struck by the state of their plumage. When 

the birds met their death they were in deep moult, and it 

was of such a kind that though 

I will not undertake to assert 

that they must have been wholly unable to fly, yet their 

power to do so must have been seriously impaired. 

Struck

THE GREAT SHEARWATER IN SCOTTISH WATERS 145 

by this fact, I inquired of Mr. Clarke as to the state of the 

specimen he had received, and he was good enough to inform 

me that " it too is 

practically without outer primaries, these 

feathers being only a quarter of their full-grown length or 

even less." Turning to O'Reilly (" Greenland," etc., London, 

1818, p. 140, pi. xii. fig. i), 

who happens to have been the 

first describer of the species, I find that his figure (which Mr. 

Saunders, with extreme good nature, has called "excellent") 

represents a bird which was obviously in the same condition 

the tip of its 

wings coming considerably short of that of 

the tail, which when full 

grown they should equal or surpass ; 

while Mr. Saunders stated (Yarrell, 

" British Birds," ed. 4, vol. 

iv. p. 1 

6) that a specimen labelled as from Greenland, 28th 

June I 876, in the late Mr. Hargitt's collection, had " the outer 

primaries in their sheaths and undeveloped." ^ 

Moreover, 

Messrs. Harvie-Brown and Barrington, in their report on the 

ornithology of Rockall as observed in the expeditions of 1896, 

state Trans. (" Roy. Irish Acad.," vol. xxxi. pt. iii. p. 72), on the 

authority of Mr. Popham, that of the Great Shearwaters seen 

by him, as before mentioned, soon after our meeting with 

them in June I 894, " there were no young birds amongst them, 

but the old birds could scarcely fly, having apparently moulted 

out their primaries." That gentleman doubtless obtained 

specimens 

which enabled him to make this remark. 

I must confess that I was completely deceived by the 

behaviour of the birds we saw, especially after finding them 

for the second time disposed in pairs, as they almost invariably 

were. They reminded me of the pairs of Turtle Doves 

that rise before or beside one in succession as one crosses a 

field in England just after their arrival in spring, and I fully 

believed that these Shearwaters must be on their way to some 

1 

I do not know on whose authority Mr. Saunders states (" Manual of British 

Birds," ed. 2, p. 738) that on alighting this species "strikes the water with great 

violence, in a manner quite different from that of a Gull, and then dives." I can 

only say that those we saw settle on the water did so just as other Shearwaters do, 

and that I did not see one dive, though they doubtless get much of their food in that 

way. That gentleman 

is mistaken when he declares that Faber " never handled 

a specimen." What Faber said was that he never saw the species in life, but that 

he obtained a stuffed skin from southern Iceland. He also saw a specimen from 

that island in the Berlin Museum, and mentions a third, which I suppose he had 

also seen, in the collection of Benicken, believed to have come from Greenland 


unknown and unsuspected breeding-place in our northern 

islands, though where such a place 

should be I could not 

suggest. 1 This pretty fancy has, of course, been quite 

dispelled by the abundant evidence that they are not in 

breeding condition 2 

but some 

; 

compensation 

is afforded 

by the interesting fact, now conclusively established, that 

members of a group like the Tubinares, which contains some 

of the birds best endowed with the power of flight, should 

so moult their wings as to become almost, if not quite, 

incapable of it, and I trust the matter will receive due 

attention from those who have the opportunity of further 

investigating From it. very ancient times it has been 

known that the Anatidce become flightless by the simultaneous 

shedding of their quills after the breeding season, 

and quite recently the same thing has been shown by Mr. 

Bonhote and others to occur in other groups, as the Rallidce 

and Colymbidce, but we could hardly have suspected such 

rovers of the sea as the Procellariidce to be subject to a 

disability of the like kind. 

I have compared the two specimens obtained off St. 

Kilda in the fourth week of July 1899 with two in the 

Strickland Collection (No. 3075 a and //) in our Museum 

that are apparently full winged, and the condition of the 

former may thus be briefly described : 

A. Wings 

all the primaries new, the first from the outside not 

exceeding one-third of the full growth ; 

second from the outside longer than the preceding, 

but shorter than the next ; 

third from the outside, though the longest in the 

wing, reaching only the proximal part of the 

whitish patch on the upper tail-coverts ; 

fourth and fifth, more advanced in proportion, but 

hardly full grown. 

Tail two middle rectrices new and about half grown, the 

outer pair also new, but all the rest old. 

I cannot help here acknowledging the superior intelligence of Faber, who 

1 

(nt supra, col. 7^6) so long ago rightly divined that the breeding-place of this 

species lay to the southward of that of the Manx Shearwater. 

2 

See also Dr. Gadow's testimony, cited by Messrs. Harvie-Brown and 

Barrington (/// supra, p. 74), in regard to the specimen shot at Rockall.

CONTRIBUTION TO ORNITHOLOGY OF KINCARDINESHIRE 147 

B. Wings all the primaries new, the first from the outside not 

exceeding one-fifth of the full growth ; 

second from the outside is 

longer than the preceding, 

but shorter than the next ; 

third from the outside, the longest in the wing, 

and reaching the middle of the whitish patch 

on the upper tail-covert ; 

fourth and fifth as in "A." 

Tail with three new rectrices, a fourth having been apparently 

lost through rough treatment, for the new 

feathers are very tender, and one came away as I was 

handling the specimen, all the others old, and two of 

them much worn and broken. 

The lowest tier of outer wing-coverts new in both specimens, and 

some (though not many) new feathers appearing among the old on 

various parts. 

MAGDALENE COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, 31 st March 1900. 

CONTRIBUTION TO THE ORNITHOLOGY OF 

KINCARDINESHIRE. 

By A. 

NICOL SIMPSON, F.Z.S. 

THE county of Kincardine, or the Mearns, is a maritime 

one on the eastern seaboard of Scotland. It is bounded on 

the north and north-west by Aberdeenshire, on the east by 

the German Ocean, and Forfarshire adjoins 

it on the southwest 

limit. It is an irregular triangle, according to the 

Ordnance Survey, with the north-east angle at the mouth 

of the river Dee, the south angle at the mouth of the river 

North Esk, and the west angle near Mount Battock. 

The east side is 

30^- miles, the south-west 1 8|- miles, 

and the north-west 29^ miles, measuring in a straight 

line. The distance of seaboard is 

something like 35 

miles. The greater portion of this coast -line is 

rocky 

and picturesque, and the cliffs in some places rise to a height 

of over 200 feet. The area is about 383.4 square miles, or 

248,195 acres, of which 1463 are inland sheets of water and 

1385 are put down as foreshore. There are about 6000


acres of permanent pasture, and the rest is rough 

heather, with a considereble portion of the latter given over 

hill or 

to grouse and deer. The mean summer temperature is 58, 

and the mean winter temperature 37. Rain or snow falls 

on an average on 190 days, and the mean depth 

is 

36înches 

annually. The Grampian range crosses the shire 

from the west, until the village of Muchals is reached. The 

valley (or Howe of the Mearns) is simply a continuation of 

the vale of Strathmore. 

Many of the birds recorded for Forfarshire on the 

western boundary may be justly claimed for Kincardineshire, 

as in the older records these finds are simply put down as 

being made " at the Montrose Basin." This may indicate 

either county, as the Basin at Montrose embraces the western 

limit of Kincardineshire as well as the eastern boundary of 

Angus. Scattered throughout the county there are a great 

number of private collections ; but, generally speaking, these 

are composed of birds which have been " set up " more for 

ornament than as an indication of the richness of the county 

in this special direction. Although the majority of these 

might be included, I have refrained in some measure from 

acknowledging the same, as neither date nor locality can 

now be ascertained. 

Where the letters H. and M. are used, the reader will 

understand H. stands for the late Colonel H. M. Drummond 

Hay of Seggieden, and M. for Mr. John Milne, Auchinblae, 

to whose researches I am indebted where these letters are 

inserted, and which I 

hereby acknowledge. 

MISSEL THRUSH. Resident and fairly distributed in inland parts. 

The nest may be found in many of the well-wooded portions 

of the county. 

SONG THRUSH. Breeds in every quarter of the shire. In winter the 

lowlands become the feeding-grounds, and if the weather continues 

severe, large numbers die. The bird appears to suffer 

where a Sparrow would thrive. 

REDWING. Seems to arrive singly towards the end of autumn, but 

is seldom seen unless the weather farther north is severe. 

Stray examples, however, are met now and again even in mild 

seasons. I have found more Redwings killed by the medium 

of the telegraph wires than any other species.


FIELDFARE. From October onwards this bird may be met in 

flocks. During February of the present year some hundreds 

lived for weeks about the trees at my house. 

BLACKBIRD. 

Very common, although much killed down bygardeners, 

etc. Although it is evident many leave in winter, still during 

the colder months of the year dozens may be seen about the 

villages and hamlets in the hardest of weather. 

RING OUZEL. Breeds on the high grounds. In 1894 (25th October) 

I came across an Ouzel feeding by the wayside on the lowlying 

portion of the county. This is the latest record I know 

of the bird's appearance. 

COMMON WHEATEAR. A summer visitor, and breeds regularly 

throughout the county. I have heard it 

spoken of as the 

" " Stonechat by those not acquainted with bird lore. The bird 

usually reaches the coast about the middle of March, daily increasing 

in numbers until well into April. It seems to prefer 

the sea coast to inland parts, being more abundant at the former 

place. 

WHINCHAT. Only sparingly 

and waste lands. 

distributed. Breeds about the hillsides 

STONECHAT. Resident, but by no means a common bird anywhere. 

A pair 

in a day's outing 

is a reward. 

REDSTART. H. mentions it as breeding, and it likely does so. I 

have only noticed it 

during its spring and autumn journeys. 

REDBREAST. Plentiful in the country all the year round. During 

early summer the young robins are in evidence everywhere. 

WHITETHROAT. A summer migrant, and breeds regularly over a 

wide area. I found four nests last year within a radius of eight 

yards. 

BLACKCAP. I picked up one of these birds one Sunday on the roadway 

after a snow blizzard early in this year. This seemed a 

singular occurrence. The bird breeds regularly 

in selected 

localities all over the Mearns. 

GARDEN WARBLER. A nest in my garden was robbed, and the birds 

built a fresh one and hatched out the eggs. Then one of the 

parents got under the strawberry-net and was hung, and the 

young died. This is the only pair I have seen nesting, but 

doubtless the bird will be in other localities. 

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. Fairly abundant in the woods along the 

hillsides. Often seen about gardens, and I remember one 

getting inside a greenhouse and the owner brought 

it to me in 

the belief it was an escape. 

CHIFF-CHAFF. According to M., this bird breeds in Fordoun 

parish.


WILLOW WREN. In favourite sites it is fairly common. In the fall 

I often see it about the gardens in town. 

WOOD WREN. Not by any means a common species, but will be met 

now and again in suitable localities. 

SEDGE WARBLER. Our Scottish Nightingale. Breeds in bushy banks. 

Near my house I used to visit a favourite brook side to listen 

to it. If the singer was silent I would drop a stone into the 

bush, and no sooner did so than the sweet notes would break 

forth on the evening stillness. 

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. Although I have not had the fortune to 

find a nest of this bird, still I am convinced I heard its notes 

one evening. The bird itself was hidden by the foliage, but 

seemed to me to be from the bird named. 

the trilling 

HEDGE SPARROW. The " Blue Jannet 

" of the schoolboy. Very 

common about all hedges and ditches. 

LONG-TAILED TIT. Nests in several woods along the Howe of the 

Mearns. 

GREAT TIT. Plentiful. Often seen about the trees bordering the 

turnpikes, where it 

evidently finds a change of food. 

COAL TIT. Nests in several localities. 

BLUE TIT. Very common about gardens in rural parts. Breeds 

regularly over the whole county. 

TREE CREEPER. Not by any way familiar. It only breeds in 

special districts, and that sparingly. 

WREN. This bird can be seen in every locality. A ditch side 

seems to be the most favourite site for its nest. 

PIED WAGTAIL. 

GRAY WAGTAIL. 

YELLOW WAGTAIL. 

distributed from sea-shore to hillside. 

Widely 

To be seen about the streams occasionally. 

Not uncommon, and breeds annually here and 

there. 

MEADOW PIPIT. Fairly distributed, but not common by any means. 

It appears to be more abundant towards the sea border than 

inland. 

TREE PIPIT. I give this 

the authority of M. 

as breeding in the parish of Fordoun, on 

ROCK PIPIT. Along the whole sea margin this species is fairly 

plentiful. 

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. A summer migrant to the county. It is 

more common, I think, than some suppose. 

SWALLOW. Comes in April and leaves in September. Very abundant. 

Have known stray birds to linger on to October and 

November.


MARTIN. Plentiful along coast, and about towns and villages, etc. 

SAND MARTIN. Usually arrives and departs 

earlier than the two 

last named. It is common where there are sand-pits. 

GOLDFINCH. Formerly this bird was scattered all over the county, 

but for it 

many years has been a rara avis. There are 

numerous stories of its 

having been found nesting within the 

county of recent years, but these reports seem to me to be 

without any strong foundation in fact. 

SISKIN. The same may be said of this bird as of the last ; only the 

Siskin is 

caught occasionally in severe winters. I know of no 

nest. 

GREENFINCH. Broadly speaking, this is a common bird, and yet 

one never sees it in abundance during summer. In winter its 

numbers are no doubt added to, when its 

presence 

is forced 

more upon one's notice. 

HOUSE SPARROW. Somewhat too common, if one may judge by 

reports circulated by farmers and land-tillers generally. 

TREE SPARROW. H. informed me he had found it 

breeding in this 

shire, but so far I have been unable to confirm this. 

CHAFFINCH. The most plentiful of all our finches. In my young 

days the bird was a cage pet, but this seems a thing of the 

past. 

BRAMBLING. Often caught in winter. Some it 

years is more abundant 

than in others. 

LINNET. A home bird in every sense, but its numbers have 

diminished since I was a youth. 

LESSER REDPOLE. Not plentiful, but nests, and is often caught in 

winter along with Linnets and the like. 

TWITE. Reported from Strathfindla Hill (M.\ but personally I 

have only seen it near the coast side. 

BULLFINCH. Breeds regularly in all the woods of any importance 

on the northern side of the shire. Large numbers are trapped 

annually about the villages. Have seen the birds repeatedly 

about Auchinblae and beside my house at times. 

COMMON CROSSBILL. Not rare, and not common. The species 

nests in Drumtochty Glen, and doubtless in other places. 

REED BUNTING. Breeds annually in certain districts, but not very 

common. Specimens are sometimes secured in autumn by 

bird-catchers. 

CORN BUNTING. A regular breeder, but I think it more abundant 

towards the sea-shore than in rural parts. 

YELLOW BUNTING. This is a very common bird in almost every 

locality.

1 


SNOW BUNTING. A nest is recorded about the year 1859 by M., 

who still has one of the eggs. Although a rara avis as a 

breeding species, it is by no means a stranger during winter 

time. This year I saw some hundreds of them on the sea 

coast several times, and more than a dozen one day on my 

garden lawn. 

SKYLARK. Widely distributed, but not so numerous as it was thirty 

years ago, or less. During severe winters thousands may be 

seen along the sea-coast, the poor birds being driven before 

the sleety showers. 

STARLING. The most daring bird about town or hamlet. In 

my egg-collecting days (1868-73) it was an unique prize to 

secure an example of the Starling, and many an exciting hunt 

I could record as illustrating the value of this bird's eggs. 

Nowadays the Starling is located in every hole and corner, 

and one cannot erect a dovecot without running the risk of its 

first tenants being Starlings. It is the bird's adaptability to 

situations that has given 

it such a firm grip in these shires. It 

is a lovely bird, and I should be sorry to see it absent, with 

its stirring song on the chimney-tops in the early summer 

mornings. 

MAGPIE. Extremely local, and far from plentiful. 

The last example 

of the species I came across was in the Glen of Dye 

in the late 

fall of 1898. The keepers shot these birds in season and out 

of season. 

JACKDAW. 

Abundant in the towns. Local in the country. Some 

breed in a rookery near my place, and often one or two are 

seen in the fields in company with the rooks. Now and again 

a white specimen turns up. 

CARRION CROW. This is a resident, breeding in the deeper woods. 

Towards autumn and throughout winter it is to be found at 

the coast side near St. Cyrus, Johnshaven, Bervie, and indeed 

along the whole margin of the county 

seawards. 

HOODED CROW. Far more common than the last named, although 

neither are to be classed as prevalent. 

RAVEN. Only known to tradition. Several items of interest might 

be' mentioned, 

all more or less of an interesting nature, but 

at best these are simply echoes of romance. 

ROOK. Very abundant. Farmers of late have been seriously considering 

the thinning of rookeries, and gunners have been 

active, but the Rook seems to thrive under it all. I have seen 

cream, brown, and white examples. These birds do not, as a 

rule, take kindly to fir trees, but about Fordoun they by no 

means object to place their domiciles on the branches of these 

trees.

ON COPEPODS LIVING IN THE NOSTRILS OF FISHES 153 

SWIFT. Universal. No summer is 

complete without this weird 

screamer. It is 

designated the "Swallow Hawk." 

NIGHT-JAR. Have observed this bird in June and July, and 

although not abundant it is a breeder annually about the glens 

of the county. 

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 

Dr. Howden recorded this bird as 

having been got at Craigo. [We much doubt the identity of 

this specimen. EDS.] 

GREEN WOODPECKER. If., in his notes on the ornithology of the 

east of : 

Scotland, says " There are several instances of this bird 

having been got in the eastern counties of the Union, from 

time to time." [This again requires confirmation. EDS.] 

WRYNECK. Like H., I am of opinion 

it should be recorded for the 

county, although no actual observation has been recorded. 

KINGFISHER. Breeds on the North Esk, and is seen occasionally 

about some of the other streams and waterways. In 1893 one 

was observed on the Luther Burn. 

CUCKOO. Every spring brings quite a number to the county. 

Have seen the birds en voyage several times, and hear them 

almost daily in the parish of Fordoun. Numerous instances 

are to hand of their eggs being got, and also of the birds themselves 

being kept under confined conditions. 


ON COPEPODS LIVING IN THE NOSTRILS 

OF FISHES. 

By THOMAS SCOTT, F.L.S., etc. 

IN the course of some recent researches on fishes and their 

parasites, I have on various occasions made an examination 

of the nostrils of fishes, and have frequently obtained freemoving 

Copepods within these organs, apparently living on 

the mucus that is 

usually present Where this mucus comes 

from that is, whether it is secreted by a special gland 

within the nostrils themselves, or enters into them from the 

outside skin of the fish is a question about which, in view 

of a paper lately published in the Journal of the Linnaean 

35 C


Society of London, 1 there seems still to be some diversity 

of opinion. This question, however, does not need to be 

discussed here. The point of interest in the following 

remarks is rather the fact that Copepods are found in the 

nostrils of fishes, living apparently on the mucus they contain. 

I have found free-moving (not fixed) Copepods in the 

nostrils of the following fishes : The Lumpsucker (Cyclopterns 

lumpus] Cod 

; (Gadus callarius) ; Whiting (Gadus 

merlangus) Pollack 

; (Gadus pollacJiius] Plaice 

; (Pleuronectes 

platessa) and Flounder (Pleuronectes flesus). All the Copepods 

that have hitherto been observed in the nostrils of these 

fishes belong to the genus Bomolochus\ which was ; instituted 

by Professor Alex, von Nordmann in 1832 for a Copepod 

found on the gills of a fish from the Red Sea, and which is 

now known as Boinolochus parvulus, Nordmann. 2 On the 

other hand, the specimens 

obtained in the nostrils of the 

fishes I have mentioned appear 

all to belong to a species 

described by Professor Claus under the name of Bomolochus 

solecE, from specimens which had been found on the Sole (Solea 

vulgaris). I am not sure as to what part of the Sole the 

specimens described by Professor Claus were taken from ; 

but I 

may state that several years ago one or two specimens 

of a Copepod supposed to belong to Claus' species were 

found adhering to the coloured side of a Sole captured in 

the Humber near Grimsby. It 

may 

also be stated that 

there is in part iii. of the " Eleventh Annual Report of the 

Fishery Board for Scotland " a description, with drawings, 

of a specimen of the same Copepod species which was 

found amongst some dredged material collected in the 

Fluke Hole off St. Monans, Firth of Forth, in 1892. 

The genus Bomolochus belongs to the Ergasilidae, a 

family which contains two other genera besides the one 

mentioned, viz. Ergasilus, Nordmann and 

; Thersites, Pagenstecher. 

Dr. Basset Smith has published an excellent paper 

in the " Proceedings of the " 

Zoological Society of London 

for April 1899, in which he gives a " Systematic Description 

of Parasitic Copepoda found on Fishes." The number of 

1 

"On the Presence of Nasal Secretory Sacs and a Naso-pharyngeal Communication 

in Teleostei," by H. M. Kyle, M.A. ("Journ. Linn. Soc.," Zool., 

vol. xxvii. p. 451 et seq., April 1900). 

2 " Mikrographische Beitrage," Zweites Heft, p. 135 (1832).

ON COPEPODS LIVING IN THE NOSTRILS OF FISHES 155 

species belonging to the Ergasilidae noticed in this paper is 

twenty -two, and thirteen of them belong to the genus 

Bomolochus. On referring to the habitats of the various 

species, not- only of Bomolochus but also of those belonging 

to the other two genera, we find that in no case are any of 

them described as occurring in fishes' nostrils. This is the 

more remarkable from the fact that Bomolochus does not 

seem to be at all rare, especially in the nostrils of the Cod. 

Moreover, the Copepods are not limited in their distribution 

to the Cod-fishes of the north-east of Scotland, for my son 

informs me that quite recently he has found them in the 

nostrils of Cod caught in the Irish Sea. As a matter of fact, 

they are found in the nostrils of most of the Cod-fishes I 

examine ; frequently several, and occasionally a considerable 

number of, specimens are found in the nostrils of a single 

fish. In the nostrils of a moderately large Cod from the 

Moray Firth I found as many as twenty-nine specimens of 

Bomoloclms. They included males, females (carrying ovisacs), 

and young. In the nostrils of another Cod caught in the 

salmon-nets in the Bay of Nigg, near Aberdeen, twenty-four 

specimens were obtained several of 

; these, when removed 

from the mucus with which they were surrounded and put 

into clean water, were very lively and very pretty. In 

seeking for them, the method I 

adopt is very simple. With 

the edge of my knife I press gently but steadily on the skin 

behind the nostrils till the mucus is forced out of the 

openings, when the Copeods, if they be present, usually appear 

as whitish specks amongst the mucus 

; 

but as some may be 

more transparent than others, it is better to transfer the 

mucus into some water in a shallow glass vessel placed on 

a sheet of black paper, or other dark -coloured substance. 

The mucus can then be spread out with a camel's-hair pencil, 

when the Copepods will come clearly into view, and especially 

if the eyes be assisted with a hand-lens. 

The fact that the same species of Bomolochus should be 

found in the nostrils of such distinctly different fishes as the 

Lumpsucker, the Cod, and the Plaice, is of interest as showing 

a greater adaptability than would seem to be the case with 

some other of our parasitic Copepods affecting fishes.


NOTES ON WIGTOWNSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA. 

By K. J. MORTON, F.E.S. 

DURING July of last year I was in Wigtownshire, and, 

although my undivided attention was not given to Lepidoptera, 

I collected 

that order. 

a very considerable number of representatives of 

Some of the species that the Messrs. Gordon of 

Corsemalzie have already recorded from the county show its 

Lepidopterous fauna to be an interesting one. Much, 

however, remains to be done, and the following notes about 

the species I met with, even if 

they do not include anything 

very much out of the common, may 

still add a little to our 

knowledge of the district 

The greater part of my collecting was done about 

Monreith, but I 

paid visits to other localities within a 

distance of ten or twelve miles. No late night-work was 

done worth speaking of, and nearly all the Noctuce were 

captured at or soon after dusk, either in flight or at flowers 

a large umbellifer growing in and about one of the burns 

(water hemlock ? ) attracting swarms of the commoner 

species of Agrotis, Noctua, etc. 

Butterflies abounded. Pieris brassicce was common, the 

different appearance of the individuals suggesting local origin 

and immigration ; 

some with gray tips to the forewings 

being in beautiful condition. The apparently complete 

absence of P. rap(Z was remarkable, surely showing an 

unusually sharp separation of the broods. (In my garden 

in Edinburgh I took of this species, on the I7th June, a 

series in good condition, ranging from the immaculate form 

of the $ to examples in which the gray tips were pretty dark. 

On my return home, I appear 

to have taken the first 

examples of the second brood on loth August, most of the 

males having very black forewing tips, but a few less so 

than in the extreme form of the early brood ; many of the 

females of the second brood seem to be more yellowish than 

usual, and all the examples of this brood are exceptionally 

large and fine.) P. napi was exceedingly abundant, almost all, 

I think, of the second brood the ; long series agrees, on the 

whole, in appearance with a series from Co. Monaghan, Ireland.

NOTES ON WIGTOWNSHIRE LEPIDOPTERA 157 

Argynnis selene was represented by a few females found 

in the grassy places on the worked-out margins of some of 

the peat-bogs. 

Vanessa urtic


A. aglaia 

I believe I saw ; 

and P. megtzra, which is found 

on this coast, I just missed, Mr. Gordon having informed me 

that it was common after I left. 

A single larva of Macroglossa stellatarum was found 

feeding on Galium vernm ; it 

pupated all right, but has not 

emerged. Nudaria mundana swarmed about stone walls on 

some evenings. Nemeophila plantaginis was seen in several 

localities, and odd examples of Spilosoma Inbricepeda, menthastri, 

and Hepialus velleda were picked up. Only one larva 

of Bombyx quercus, var. calluncs, was seen ; 

the $ imago was 

observed in several localities, but none was taken, and I am unable 

to say whether the specimens present any local peculiarities. 

A worn 9 was captured. The larvae of the Notodontidcs 

were still too small to take : one or two species were noticed. 

As already indicated, full justice was not done to the 

Noctuce, and I do little more than record the names of those 

taken. Acronycta rumicis, Lencania conigera, lithargyria, 

impura, pallens ; Xylophasia lithoxylea, monoglypha ; CJiarceas 

graminis ; Cerigo matura, one worn example Hama 

; furva, 

two examples ; 

Mamestra brassica, Apamea basilinca, gemina, 

didyma, the last most abundant and variable as usual ; 

Miana fasciunciila, furuncula, and arcuosa ; Caradrina morpheus 

and blanda, Agrotis segetum, exclamationis, tritici 

rather common at ragwort, and including some pretty forms ; 

strigula, common on the bogs lucernea, one small example, 

; 

very much darker than any other I possess Noctua plecta, 

; 

c-nigrum, baja, brunnea, /estiva, umbrosa, and xantJiograpJia ; 

Triphcena janthina, comes, and pronuba ; Hadena dentina and 

oleracea ; Euplexia lucipara, Habrostola triplasia, Plusia 

chrysitis ; Anarta myrtilli, rather common Qiariclea 

; umbra, 

Herminia and grisealis, Hype na probosridalis. 

Rumia luteolata ; Metrocampa margaritaria common 

in Monreith Park, where Cleora lichenaria also occurred 

frequently ; 

Boarmia repandata not common ; Gnophos 

obscuraria very common on the coast ; Pseudopterna pruniata 

frequent Acidalia dimidiata and bisetata both 

; very 

common 

; marginepunctata one example ; fmnata very 

common on the bogs aversata frequent ; ; 

Cabera pusaria ; 

Ematurga atomaria very common on the bogs, and having, 

especially on the under side, a yellowish 

tint little evident

RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1899 159 

in more northern examples Abraxas 

; grossulariata very 

common amongst sloe ; 

Larentia dtdymata, viridaria ; 

Emmclesia affinitata, alcheinillata, albulata, and decolorata ; 

Eupitliecia oblongata and constrictata were rather common 

on the coast ; 

nanata abundant on moors ; Hypsipetes elutata ; 

Melanthia ocellata common ; Mclanippe sociata, montanata ; 

galiata rare ; fiuctuata ; Coremia propugnata ; Camptogramnia 

bilineata ; Cidaria fulvata common; Eubolia plumbaria 

and limitata both common Anaitis 

; plagiata and 

Tanagra atrata both frequent. 

Of the smaller species 

I took only a very limited number 

of examples but as so little is known about the distribution 

; 

of these, it may be well to mention them. 

Aglossa pinguinalis, Scoparia anibigualis and dnbitalis, 

NomopJiila hybridalis, Herbula cespitalis, Eurryphara urticata 

very common, Scapula ferrugalis and lutealis, Hydrocampa 

nympJuzata, Crambus pascuellus, culmellus, liortuellus, 

perlellus, pratellus, tristellus, geniculeus, Anerestia lotella, 

Homceosoma nimbella, PJiycis adornatella (dilutella), Tortrix 

viburnana, Argyrotoxa comvayana, Sericoris urticana and 

lacunana, EucJiromia purpurana, Grapholitha sub-ocellana, 

trintaculana, and n&vana, Epliippiphora scutulana, DicrorampJia 

petiverana, Catoptria cana, fulvana, XantJwsetia 

zoegana and hamana, Conchylis straminea, Aphelia osseana, 

SymcetJiis oxyacanthclla, Tinea pellionella, Gelechia marmorea, 

terrella, Laverna atra, Plutella annulatella, and Coleophora 

nigricella. 

One or two of the minute forms remain undetermined. 

RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR 1899, 

ADDITIONAL TO WATSON'S " 

TOPO- 

GRAPHICAL BOTANY," 2nd Ed. (1883). 

By ARTHUR BENNETT, 

F.L.S. 

MANY of these records may 

be found in Professor Trail's 

" 

Topographical Botany of Scotland," but they were communicated 

to him by me in advance, and it seems best to 

keep up the continuity of these records.


viz. 

The abbreviations, etc., are the same as in former records, 

" Ann. S. N. H." = " Annals of Scottish Natural 

" 

History " ; J. B." = "Journal of Botany " ; sp. denotes that a 

specimen was sent me, and ! denotes that I have seen a 

specimen labelled as from the county. 

% 

73. KIRKCUDBRIGHT. 

Hierochloe borealis, Miss Mittelbach, sp., 

ex Rev. G. M'Conachie 

and J. 

M 'Andrew. 

74. WIGTOWN. 

Scirpus Tabernaemontani, J. 

MlAndrew, sp. 

The following, ex Druce, in "Ann. S. N. H.," 1899, p. 31 

Viola canina and V. Curtisii. Atriplex calotheca, ? Fr. 

jMelilotus officinalis. 

fRumex alpinus. 

fPyrus intermedia. 

Glyceria plicata. 

Galium erectum. 

fHordeum murinum. 

fChrysanthemum Parthenium. Agrostis pumila, I.e. 1898, p. 243. 

Gentiana baltica, Murb. 

77. LANARK. 

Rubus fissus I H 

corylifohus, var. 

hirtifolius, Muell. and Wirtg. J 

99, P- 22 5- 

83. EDINBURGH. 

Myriophyllum alternifolium ) /-. 

~ ,-. / ' 

J 

j / c. j\ 

> 

. A C. Lraiuford (confirms record). 

Carex curta ) 

Campanula latifolia, sp. \ 

Taxus baccata, sp. 

\ Renoid and Somervilh. 

' 

Juncus glaucus, sp. 

86. STIRLING. 

Rubus Rogersii, Linton, C. U. Waddell, "J. B.," 1899, p. 225. 

fStachys annua ) ~., , , ,. 7 . 

., , 

> Kidston and Stirling ! 

Lemna gibba J 

88. MID PERTH. 

Euphrasia foulaensis, Townsend. 

" 

Carex "helvola," Blytt, Druce, J. B.," 1898, p. 157. 

rostrata x U 

vesicaria, Marshall, J. B.," 1898, p. 73. 

Agrostis -nrmla, Druce, "J. B.," 1898, p. 243. 

Poa flexuosa, Wahl., Druce, "Ann. S. N. H.," 1898, p. 

122


90. FORFAR. 

Rosa involuta, Barclay, "Ann. S. N. H.," 1899, p. 118. 

Mentha sativa, paludosa 1 ... 

T> 11 - j i- 

bomervtlle. 

i sp. 

Ballota ruderalis 

J 

Carex aquatica 

x rigida, Marshall, " J. B.," 1898, p. 73. 

Euphrasia foulaensis, 

92. SOUTH ABERDEEN. 

Townsend. 

Carex rostrata x vesicaria, Druce, "Ann. S. N. H.," 1899, p. 58. 

94. BANFF. 

Hieracium chrysanthum 1 \ i\ r in A c? // 

Marshall and 

j 

Shoolbrea. 

senescens u T 

^ 

T o n _ _ _o e 

graniticolum, W. R. J R " 

' 

Linton.J 

95. ELGIN. 

Rosa dumetorum, Thuill. "I , A c XT TT 

.., .. 

\Druce, "Ann. S. N. H., 1898, p. 122. 

,, 

corn folia, Fr. J 

Viola canina and V. lutea ) Marshall and Shoolbred, "J. B.," 1899, 

Sagina ciliata / p. 383. 

Trifolium dubium. Gentiana baltica, Murbeck. 

Rubus Rogersii, Linton. 

Utricularia neglecta. 

villicaulis. 

Rumex conglomeratus. 

radula. 

,, ,, Hydrolapathum. 

,, melanoxylon, Muell. and Orchis latifolia. 

Wirtg. 

Carduus tenuiflorus. 

Hieracium saxifragum, var. 

Taraxacum erythrospermum. 

Typha latifolia. 

Sparganium affine. 

Scirpus uniglumis. 

Triticum junceum. 

96. EASTERNESS. 

" 

Ranunculus Drouetii, Marshall and Shoolbred, J. B.," 1899, p. 383. 

Caltha "radicans, var. zetlandica, Beeby." 

Sagina apetala. 

Rubus melanoxylon, Muell. and Wirtg. 

Hieracium graniticolum, W. R. Linton. 

,, 

truncatum. Rumex acutus, L. 

Dewari, Syme. 

reticulatum. 

Gentiana uliginosa ? 

Rumex propinquus, Aresch. 

Typha latifolia. 

Sparganium simplex. 

Scirpus uniglumis. 

Elymus arenarius.


97. WESTERNESS. 

Valeriana Mikani, M. 6". Macvicar, sp. 

" 

Hieracium truncatum, Lindeb., Marshall and Skoolbred^ J. B.," 

1899, p. 385. 

Gymnadenia conopsea x albida, Wolley Dod - in 

" 

J. B.," 1898, 

P- 35 2 - . 

Carex QEderi, var. cedocarpa, Anderss., Marshall, "J. B.," 1898, 

p. 72. 

98. ARGYLE. 

Rubus melanoxylon, Muell. and Wirtg., Marshall and Shoolbred, 

"J. B.," 1899, p. 385. 

Lithospermum officinale, S. M. Macincar, sp. 

Carex aquatica x rigida 

~i 

Marshall, "J. B.," 1898, p. 73. 

,, 

Goodenovii x rigida 

V- 

,, 

Hornschuchiana x CEderi ) 

Agrostis pumila, Druce, "Ann. S. N. H.," 1898, p. 243. 

99. DUMBARTON. 

(All L. 

Watt, sps.} 

Sibbaldia procumbens, P. Auth. fSolanum nigrum. 

Saussurea alpina (Syme herb. !), 

Lemna trisulca. 

P. Auth. Lycopodium alpinum. 

Vaccinium uliginosum. 

Equisetum sylvaticum, P. Auth. 

fHyoscyamus niger. 

100. CLYDE ISLES. 

Carex disticha, A. Somerville, sp. 

Carex limosa, seg., F. C. Crawford! 

1 01. CANTIRE. 

Spergula saliva! 

Agrimonia odorata Cephalanthera ! 

Galium erectum ! 

Valeriana Mikani. 

ensifolia W. ! 

Nicholson. 

,, boreale, C. Adeney. Zostera nana, sp. 

The above all ex C. E. Salmon. 

E. 

The following ex A. Somerville 

Silene Cucubalus 

~) jw'J? Myosotis repens, sp. 

Potentilla procumbens > e ' 

f Euphorbia Peplus, 

MiRae! 

Callitriche autumnalis ) 

*' Salix Caprea 

Slum erectum, sp. 

ambigua 

flnula Helenium, M'Xae, sp. laurina, Sm. if 

Vaccinium uliginosum, sp. rubra, Huds. j


Salix herbacea, sp. 

Carex xanthocarpa, sp. 

Orchis incarnata, sp. Festuca rubra, 

" 

arenaria," sp. 

Listera cordata, sp. 

Potamogeton nitens. > ~\ IWR 

pectinatus > 

Typha latifolia J 

Ophioglossum vulgatum, sp. 

Lycopodium alpinum, sp. 

102. SOUTH EBUDES. 

Prunus insititia, 

Dr. Gilmour, sp. 

104. NORTH EBUDES. 

Carex xanthocarpa, Druce, "Ann. S. N. H.," 1898, p. 243. 

Agrostis pumila, Druce, I.e. 105. 

WEST Ross. 

Drosera intermedia. A misprint in "Scot. Nat," 1891, p. 

186 ; 

but it may stand on authority of A. Evans, 1890. 

Geranium lucidum, P. Ewing, 1891. 

Hypericum perfoliatium, P. Ewing. 

Myriophyllum spicatum, P. Ewing! 

Callitriche autumnalis. 

" Druce ex Newbould " I have but Mr. 

; 

Druce does not notice it in " Edin. Bot. Soc. Trans." 

Epilobium alsinefolium, D. Russell! I have a 

" note, Druce, 7, 

1887"; but see Mr. Druce, 

I.e. 

p. 142. 

Galium uliginosum in 

" Top. Bot.," Druce. 

Hieracium argenteum, Druce, "Ann. S. N. H.," 1898, p. 122. 

Trientalis europsea, D. Russell, sp. 

fPlantago media, D. Russell.' 

Salix pentandra, " Druce ex Newbould." See Mr. Druce's remarks, 

I.e., 

a. mistake ? 

Juniperus communis, "Druce ex Newbould," a mistake? 

Carex limosa, Druce, "Ann. S. N. H.," 1898, p. 122. 

Lycopodium inundatum, D. Russell ! 

P. Auth. 

Asplenium obtusum, D. Russell! 

1 06. EAST Ross. 

Rubus villicaulis, Marshall and Shoolbred, "J. B.," 1899, p. 384. 

Carex Hornschuchiana x CEderi, Marshall, "J. B.," 1898, p. 73. 

107. EAST SUTHERLAND. 

Artemisia vulgaris, C. E. Salmon. 

Lobelia Dortmanna, C. E. Salmon.

1 


108. WEST SUTHERLAND. 

(All 

from C. E, 

Salmon, except G. nivalis.} 

Spergula sativa. 

Hieracium Marshall! ) 

vi, c Linton. act. 

sarcophyllum j 

Centaurea Cyanus. 

Rhinanthus major. 

Gentiana nivalis, Dr. J. Lowe, "Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin." 1899, xxi. 

" Loch Assynt." Dr. Lowe says he has now no specimen, 

p. 2 1 7, 

but had no doubt of the plant, knowing it in Norway. 

Euphrasia foulaensis. 

Isoetes lacustris. 

109. CAITHNESS. 

Spergularia marginata, Stroma Isle, Miss Geldart, sp. 

Euphrasia latifolia, Pursh., Marshall, " J. B.," 1898, p. 274. 

,, foulaensis, Townsend. 

1 10. OUTER HEBRIDES. 

(All from 

W. S. Duncan.') 

fFumaria pallidiflora, sp. Geranium Robertianum, sp. 

Viola canina, sp. Juncus trifidus, sp. 

Agropyron acutum, R. and S., teste Hackel. 

Polypodium Dryopteris, sp. 

in. ORKNEY. 

Fumaria confusa ) 

Epilobium parviflorum j 

Euphrasia foulaensis, Townsend. 

SmtmOU, sp. 

NOTES ON THE FLORA OF PERTHSHIRE. 

By G. CLARIDGE DRUCE, M.A., F.L.S. 

DURING the summers of 1897, 1898, and 1899 I visited 

several portions of the rich county of Perth, chiefly with a 

view to study some of the critical forms, and for the last 

two years have had the advantage of the company of the 

Rev. H. J. Riddelsdell. About ten days were spent on the 

Ben Lawers group, and all of these were good days for the 

mountains, while the drought of the two latter years has 

not been favourable to the growth of grasses or I 

sedges. 

was pleased to see that two of the rarities Gentiana nivalis

NOTES ON THE FLORA OF PERTHSHIRE 165 

and Saxifraga cernua were not less plentiful than they were 

twenty years ago but S. rivularis is so scarce that a 

; single 

collector might easily eradicate The it. 

rich rocks of Creagan-Lochain 

had one day allotted to them, when Hieracium 

insulare, vwc.petrockatis, was in especially fine flower. Another 

day was devoted to the Perthshire side of Beinn Laoigh. 

Mr. H. N. Dixon has already elsewhere given an account of 

the mosses he found on his expedition to Beinn Heisgarnich, 

which was first alluded to as a botanical hunting-ground in 

Lightfoot's "Flora Scotica " of 1774, where it is called Ben 

Teskerney. 

It took some considerable time, for a Southron 

unversed in Gaelic, to identify this with the mountain on the 

Ordnance Maps spelt Beinn Heisgarnich. This hill is 

situated about ten miles from Tyndrum, on the south-eastern 

side of Loch Lyon and the walk to it from 

; 

Tyndrum, which 

we shortened by taking a machine for three miles, is at the 

best a long and wearisome approach by the Allt Chonoglais, 

although Beinn Doireann rears its finely shaped mass boldly 

up to the north, and the south-eastern side is blocked by 

the bold cliffs of Beinn a Chaisteil. Afterwards there is 

little to interest one as one passes by the south of Beinn 

Vennoch to Loch Lyon, at the head of which there is considerable 

marshy ground worthy of systematic investigation. 

We made the ascent of the western shoulder of Ben 

Heasgarnich, on which, and in the corrie, there is a large 

deposit of peat and 

; eventually, after a rough climb, were 

rewarded by a sight of the magnificent cirque with a grand 

rocky coronet, which would require many visits to work with 

any degree of finality. 

The summit, 3530 feet high, 

is not 

particularly interesting, and the descent to Allt Foinn-a- 

Glinne is down a grassy slope of a very considerable degree 

of steepness. Although there is no loch in the corrie, a 

multitude of small watercourses offer some very interesting 

botanising. Another day was spent on Glas Thulachan, 

which we visited from the Spital of Glenshee, and this also 

necessitates a rather wearisome walk by the Allt Ghlinn 

Thoilneicht to its junction with the stream issuing from Glas 

Thulachan itself. The corrie is rather extensive, but the 

rocks are not very bold at any rate they 

did not seem so 

to ourselves, just fresh from the precipices of Lochnagar.


The height of the summit is 

3445 feet ; 

and there is a considerable 

quantity of white quartz in the cliffs, especially on 

the northern side. The moorland on the ascent afforded a 

very luxuriant growth of the Cloudberry, with more abundant 

and more perfectly ripe fruit than I had before observed. 

To me it is 

very agreeable, although my companion, the Rev. 

H. J. Riddelsdell, affected to it. 

despise But the ascent was 

made on the hottest day we experienced in Scotland of the 

hot year 1899; and the toilsome ascent over heather and 

have affected us in a 

Molinia, and the plague of flies, may 

different manner. One of the conspicuous features of the 

rocks was the abundance of Saxifraga oppositifolia ; and 

Sibbaldia was frequent and very luxuriant, notwithstanding 

the dry season which allowed us to cross the extensive peatbogs 

without difficulty. 

In the following notes, for the sake of convenience, I 

have practically followed the sequence adopted in the " Flora 

of Perthshire " ;- 

Thalictrum alpinum, .., ascends to 3250 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

I should be glad of information respecting its 

growth on dry 

rocks'. I think I have seen it on dry rock ledges with 

Woodsia. 

T. Kochii, Fries. The Rev. E. F. Linton sent plants so labelled 

from Fortingal, Mid Perth, to the Exchange Club in 1897; 

but the specimens were not sufficiently complete for Herr 

Freyn to report on them. I have collected material from the 

banks of Loch Tay this season which will, I trust, be sufficient 

for the purpose. The " Flora of Perthshire " does not assist 

us, as the Loch Tay plants are grouped under T. mi/ius, L., as 

var. montanum and var. majus. 

* Ranunculus Nathorstii, A. Berl. (R. acris, var. Nathorstii). I met 

with this plant many years ago on Ben Lawers ; 

but although I 

felt it was distinct from ordinary acris, it was not until 1897 

that Herr Freyn identified it with the above ; 

and on the 

specimens I collected then and in 1898 he remarks that they 

offer a considerable range of variation, some from Ben Lawers 

being fairly typical, others are bracteate, as in 7?. auricomus, 

while others are hairy and large-flowered forms. One, also 

from Ben Lawers, is a very remarkable form, with a somewhat 

elongated or else prsemorse rhizome covered with coarse hairs. 

As the beak of the fruit is of marked length, he considers it 

to belong to Nathorstii, although he had never seen specimens


with such large flowers as this, which was gathered at an altitude 

of 3500 feet. Taking the large flowers into consideration, one 

might suppose the plant of the Breadalbanes to be the high-alpine 

R. stipatus, Jordan ; but this has fruits which end in a somewhat 

oblique and very short, scarcely hooked beak. The long curved 

fruit-beak distinguishes R. Nathorstii, f. hirsuta, from R. tomophylhis, 

Jordan, also. Judging from the material which I sent 

him, Herr Freyn thinks R. Nathorstii to be the boreal form of 

R. vulgatus, Jord. Individual plants with shortened rhizome 

appear to be the transition to R. stipatus, Jord., and also to R. 

acris. In order to assist in clearing up these open questions I 

should be very grateful for specimens of R. acris from many 

localities, mountain and lowland, with rhizome, flowers, and welldeveloped 

fruit. Specimens from the Orkneys, Shetlands, and 

the Hebrides, as well as those from high altitudes, would be very 

much welcomed. I would forward them to Herr Freyn, and 

interesting results would most certainly be obtained. Herr 

Freyn thinks that some of the forms are geographically distinct, 

and that R. Nathorstii, which was first 

reported from Greenland, 

is excluded from the warmer localities. I also collected 

Nathorstii on Ben Heasgarnich, Creag-an-Lochain, and Ben 

Laoigh in Perthshire [and also on Aonach Mhor in Westerness, 

on Lochnagar, South Aberdeen ; 

and on Ben Doireann, etc., in 

It is 

Argyll]. 

new to Britain as a variety. 

var. Steveni (Andrz.} 

occurs in Glen Shee at 2000 feet, and 

as the forma humilis on Ben Lawers. 

var. vulgatus (Jord.}. On Ben Lawers. 

var. pumilus, Wahl. The plant 

from Braeriach alluded to 

recently by the Rev. E. S. Marshall is not, I think, 

identical with the plant I recorded as var. pumilus from 

Corrie Sneachda on the Cairngorms. It will probably be 

found to belong to Nathorstii. 

Caltha palustris, Z., var. minor, occurred at 2800 feet on Glas 

Thulachan. I saw a specimen rooting at the nodes, the \ax.procumbens, 

Beck. 

Papaver dubium, L. All the specimens from Perthshire seen by 

me are var. Lamottei. 

Corydalis claviculata, DC. ( Capnoides daviculata, Druce). 

on thatched roofs this year near Lawers. 

Luxuriant 

Cardamine pratensis, L. I saw the true plant with sessile leaflets 

on Glas Thulachan ; 

but C. palustris, Peterm., with stalked 

the common 

leaflets, and usually with lilac flowers, is certainly 

Perthshire form. I saw it at 3200 feet on Ben Heasgarnich, 

and at 2600 feet in Isla [and at 3300 feet in South Aberdeen].


Draba hirta, Z., var. rupestris (Br.), appears to have become less 

frequent on Ben Lawers. I have it named as above because 

I do not see that it can be more than a variety of the Linnean 

hirta, although kept as a distinct species in the " Index 

Kewensis." 

Erophila inflata, Hook, f., 

was found this year by my friend the Rev. 

W. O. Wait on the summit of Ben Lawers at 3990 feet. 

Cochlearia micacea, Marshall. On Ben Heasgarnich with C. 

alpina ; the latter also on Creag-an-Lochain and Ben Laoigh. 

Viola lutea, Huds. I was rather surprised to find more particular 

attention was not given in the " Perthshire Flora " to the 

beautiful pansy which adorns the high rocks of Ben Lawers. 

Herr Freyn identifies " this splendid blue violet " with the 

var. grandiftora, Koch (" Syn.," 3rd = ed., p. 76) V. hitea, Huds., 

a, unguiculata, var. violacea, Rouy. and Fouc., 

" Flore de France," 

vol. ii. p. 52. I have never seen specimens with quite such large 

flowers as the Lawers plant, some from Mickle Fell, Durham, 

being the nearest to them in size. 

Cerastium vulgatum, L. (C. triviale, Link.), ascends to 3000 feet on 

Glas Thulachan, where I saw a long-petalled form, the var. 

alpinum, Koch it also occurs on Ben 

; 

Heasgarnich and Ben 

Laoigh. 

C. alpinum, Z., var. lanatum (Lam.). Sparingly (this year) on the 

slopes of Glas Thulachan up to 3110 feet. On Ben Heasgarnich. 

Plentiful on Ben Lawers. 

var. piloso-pubescens, Benth. On the eastern side of Ben 

Lawers up to 3800 feet, and in the corrie of Ben Heasgarnich. 

C. trigynum, Vill. Watson gives this in the " Cybele " for Ben 

Lawers at 2700 feet, but I have never seen it there. 

Stellaria graminea, Z., ascends to 1500 

feet in Glen Shee. 

Sagina subulata, Presl. On the ascent of Ben Lawers, on nearly 

bare ground, at about 1500 feet. 

Sagina Linnaei, Presl. Abundant and luxuriant on Glas Thulachan 

up to 3000 feet. I have no notes of this occurring below 2000 

feet [and have seen it as high as 3300 feet in South Aberdeen]. 

It is abundant by 

rills on the Clova tableland. -S. nivalis and 

Arenaria sulcata were seen in their old stations on Ben 

Lawers. 

Montia fontana, Z., as the var. minor, All., ascends to 2500 feet on 

Glas Thulachan. 

(To be continued.}

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS 169 

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY RECORDS OF 

SCOTTISH PLANTS. 

Communicated by Professor I. B. BALFOUR, M.A., M.D., F.R.S. 

JOHN HOPE, W.S., of Moray Place, Edinburgh, who died in 

1895, bequeathed to the Royal Botanic Garden a number of 

botanical books, papers, and drawings which had belonged 

to his grandfather John Hope, who was Regius Keeper of 

the Garden from 1760-1781. The bequest, owing to the 

well-known litigation which Mr. Hope's will provoked, has 

only recently come into my care. 

Amongst the MS. I find a small note-book containing a 

number of records of date 1764 and 1765 of stations for 

plants about Edinburgh and in other parts of Scotland. A 

list such as this of eighteenth century records has many 

features of interest, not only botanical, but also topographical, 

and may find a fitting place of publication in the pages 

of the "Annals of Scottish Natural History." 

The writing of the MS. is not that of Dr. Hope, and I 

am not at present able to suggest who was the writer ; 

but 

Dr. Hope has interpolated additional stations or queries on 

places in 

the book. 

Upon the first page there is the heading, " A list of 

plants as they were collected and prepared during the 

year 1764, with ye place of growth." Dr. Hope has interpolated 

the words " in flower " " " 

after plants in the 

heading an expression we must accept in its widest signification 

as used by botanists in the eighteenth century, and as 

referring to the sporiferous condition of Thallophytes as 

well as to the flowers of Spermaphytes. The list continues 

in calendar form from March 1764 until January 1765, 

when a couple of pages are blank and the calendar recommences 

with the date I4th May, and goes on until 

; 

3Oth October 1765, under the new heading, "A calendar 

of plants as they were found and prepared in the year 

1765." The first portion of the list is emphatically one 

of plants in the vicinity of Edinburgh. There are in it but 

a few records of stations far afield. The second portion of 

35 D


the list 

has a much larger proportion of citations of localities 

distant from Edinburgh. 

On the fly-leaf at the beginning of the book there appears, 

in Dr. Hope's handwriting, the " 

following List of : plants 

growing in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, collected in 

flower, 1765, as a sketch of the Calendarium Florae of 

Edinburgh." We must assume that 1765 in this is a slip 

for 1764-1765. The internal evidence seems to show that 

Dr. Hope was not the compiler of the list ; 

but it is manifest 

that he had looked through it, 

made additions, and 

pointed out doubtful records. 

The list is here transcribed verbatim and without 

changes in the spelling which is not altogether uniform 

or the nomenclature. Some of the entries are surprising. 

I have, however, made no comment, beyond indicating 

where interpolations have been made in a writing other 

than that of the original. 

I. B. B. 

A LIST OF PLANTS IN FLOWER AS THEY WERE COLLECTED AND 

PREPARED DURING THE YEAR 1764, WITH YE PLACE OF 

GROWTH. 

March i. 

Aprile 6. 

Tussilago farfara. 

20. 

,, petasites. 

Fragaria sterilis. 

Ficaria verna. 

7. Alsine media. 

Ulex europaeus. 

Lamium rubrum. 

12. Cochlearia officinalis. 

Arenaria saxatilis. 

Cerastium semidecandrium. 

14. Leontodon taraxacum. 

1 6. Veronica hederifolia. 

By the water of Leeth down 

from the new well. 

By the water of Leeth up from 

the new well. 

Opposite to the new well on the 

further side of ye mill burn. 

In the west Church Yard and 

St. Anns Yards. 

On the west side of the Castle 

hill 

by the road side. 

A little below the new well. 

Below the new well by a hedge 

near a village. 

Upon the top of a wall at the 

back of the Cannongate. 

At Duddingstown Craigs. 

At Do. by the 

road side. 

By the sides of the hedges in the 

meadow and other places. 

Below the new well by a hedge 

near a village.


Caltha palustris. 

Thlaspi bursa-pastoris. 

20. Cheiranthus cheiri. 

26. Chrysosplenium oppositifolium. 

Geum rivale. 

Alchemilla vulgaris. 

28. Cardamine amara. 

30. 

hirsuta. 

Draba verna. 

Primula vulgaris. 

Mercurialis perennis. 

Primula veris. 

Ribes grosularia. 

Prunus spinosa. 

May 

i. 

Lychnis dioica. 

Lamium album. 

2. Cardamine petrea 

? l 

Cerastium vulgatum. 

Myosotis scorpioides. 

Valeriana locusta. 

4. Statice armeria. 

Stellaria holostea. 

6. Viola canina. 

Oxalis acetocella. 

7. Salix repens, fern. 

mas. 

Asperula odorata. 

8. Salix arenaria, fern. 

mas. 

Juncus campestris. 

pilosis. 

,, sylvaticus. 

Cherophyllum temulum. 

In the meadow and west end of 

the North Loch. 

In many places by road sides 

and tops of walls. 

On the Castle-hill Rocks. 

from the new well below the 

Up 

Brea. 

Up from the new well. 

Near the new well by the roadside. 

Below the new well plentifully. 

On Salisbury Craigs. 

On Do. 

In the Kings Park. 

In Do. 

At the foot of the rock of Salisbury 

Craigs. 

On Salisbury Craigs, Kings Park, 

and the Castle hill. 

Kings Park and Duddingstown 

Craigs. 

Above the new well. 

Below the new well by the roadside. 

Salisbury Craigs. 

On the top of walls and many 

other places. 

Duddingstown Craigs. 

At Do. and among 

corns. 

At the back of Musselburgh and 

in other places by the sea-side. 


Salisbury Craigs and Kings Park. 

At 

Do. 



In Achindenny wood. 

In Do. 

At the : 

hermitage frequent. 2 

1 

The mark of interrogation is an addition in different writing, which is like 

that of Dr. 

Hope. 

2 

This locality in Dr. Hope's writing.


9. Cardamine pratensis. 

Ranunculus hederaceus. 

10. Anemone nemorosa. 

Ranunculus auricomus 

Ajuga repens. 

11. Silene amoena (at last 

agreed upon) 

12. Ribes rubrum. 

14. Orchis mascula. 

Vaccinium myrtillis. 

Lysimachia nemorum. 

1 6. Viola tricolor. 

Lichen caninus. 

stellaris. 

candellarius. 

Polygala vulgaris. 

Anthemis Cotula. 

Genista Angelica. 

1 7. Glecoma hederacea. 

Orchis morio. 

Fragaria vesca. 

Adoxa moschatellina. 

Geranium moschatum. 

15. Geranium molle. 

Orobus tuberosus. 

Tormentilla reptans. 

Ranunculus Aquatilis. 

1 8. Pedicularis sylvatica. 

Sysymbrium Nasturtium. 

Prunus avium. 

Veronica chamedrys. 

,, serpylifolia. 

Spartium scoparum. 

Acer Pseudo Platanus. 

Fraxinus excelsior. 

Corylus avellana. 

In the Hunting-bog. 

In a marsh without St. Anns 

Yards at the Tirless. 

Achendinny wood. 

In Do. 

In Do. 

At the Petty cur by the roadside 

to Kinghorn. 

In the Loch rill of Micklour, 

Perthshire. 

Achendinny wood. 

At Do. 

At Do. 

Castle-hill. 

Arthurs Seat. 


Leeth Links. 

Among corns and by waysides. 



By way sides. 

At Essendis in the fir Park. 

On the south side of St. Anns- 

Yard wall betwixt it and ye 

marsh. 

Collintown wood. 

On the Dean Burn Brea above 

the lowest millns. 

On Breds hill. 

Hermitage. 1 

At Leeth-walk by the wall side 

near ye new Garden. 

In the marsh near Dudingstown 

Loch. 

In woods. 

By the way sides in many places. 

By 

Do. 

Collintown wood. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. past the 

flower. 

1 

This in Dr. Hope's writing.


Senecio vulgaris. 

Ranunculus auricomus. 

Crataegus 

Rumex acetosa. 

oxyacantha. 

,, acetosella. 

Menyanthes trifolia. 

Myrica gale. 

19. Narcissus pseudo-narcissus. 

Ranunculus acris. 

Plantago medea. 

Hyacinthus non-scriptus. 

Salix fusca, 

mas. 

fern. 

Salix purpurea mas. 

vaginatum. 

22. Scirpus palustris. 

Scleranthus annuis. 

Eriophorum polystachion. 

Lotus corniculatus. 

Ranunculus repens. 

Montia fontana. 

Bunium Bulbocastanum. 

Plantago lanceolata. 

23. Equisetum fluviatile. 

,, arvense. 

,, limosum. 

Lolium perenne. 

Chenopodium Bonus 

henricus. 

24. Sedum acre. 

Ranunculus bulbosus. 

Erysimum officinale. 

Sinapis alba. 

Conium maculatum. 

25. Equisetum sylvaticum. 

In Dr. 

Hope's writing. 

In many places. 

In Collingtown wood. 

On the water side below Roslin 

a little above Mavis bank. 

At Craig leeth Quarry. 

In the Hunting-bog. Lochend. 1 

In low grounds below the Kirktown 

of Lethendie. 

In a marsh west from the Kirktown. 

In the Gray Friars Church yard. 

At eas Houses near Dalkeeth. 

Kings park. The hermitage, 

abundant. 2 

In the hunting-bog. 

In a marsh coming from Achindenny. 

In Dudingstown Loch. 

On walls and other barren 

grounds. 

Kings Park. 

In the Gray Friars Church yard. 

At the sides of many marshes. 

On Bredfoord hill, particularly 

among Corns. 

Salisbury Craigs and other pastures. 

Dudingstown Loch. 

In pastures. 

In Roslin wood. 

In Pastures. 


Kings Park. 

Among corns. 

Castle hill. 

In a thicket up from Roslin. 

2 

In Dr. Hope's writing.


Pinguicula vulgaris. 

28. Veronica becabunga. 

Fumaria officinalis. 

Rumex digynus 

? an 

scutatus. 

Scrophularia vernalis. 

29. Lapsana communis. 

3 1 - 

June i. 

Hieracium pilosella. 

Arenaria rubra. 

Trifolium repens. 

Ornithopus 

perpusillus. 

* 

Veronica serpyllifolia. 

Hordeum murinum. 

Ranunculus sceleratus. 

Alium ursinum. 

Sanicula Europaea. 

Linum catharticum. 

Anthyllis vulneraria. 

Hieracium dubium. 

Turritis hirsuta. 

Reseda luteola. 

Vicia sativa. 

Geum urbanum. 

Sherardia arvensis. 

Nardus stricta. 

Pentland Hills. 

Among corns. 

At the Castle of Glamiss. 

At Kirkland, near St. Martin, 

Perthshire, into an old wall. 

the road side to the new- 

By 

well at Provt. Drummonds 

Park. 


In the Gallows Park. 

On the highway side a little beyond 

the Bridge of Earn. 

At Provt. Drummonds Park dyke 

by the road side. 

In the North Loch plentifully. 

Kings Park and below Roslin. 

Kings Park and in woods. 


Do. 

On St. Andrews Breas. 


On the top of old wall opposite 

to St. Anns Yards. 

At the new well. 

On the other side of the burn 

betwixt the Dean Bridge and 

lowest milns. 


Kings Park. 


NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH 

MOSSES. 

By Dr. JAMES STIRTON, F.L.S., etc. 

THE areolation of the leaves of mosses in a barren condition, 

as revealed by the microscope, has, more especially in later 

years, been extensively employed as an important factor in 

their determination. Even Wilson, author of the Bryologia

NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH MOSSES 175 

Britannica, a few years before his death now more than 

thirty years ago had set himself to determine mosses in a 

similar manner, and, as about a half of those so determined 

still hold their place, 

I am encouraged to persevere in the 

same direction. At any rate, in the interests of pure science, 

such work is now considered necessary, more especially as 

nearly a third of all the mosses in this country cannot, under 

ordinary circumstances, be secured in a fertile condition. 

In what follows, all figures indicating dimensions have 

as their unit the micro-millimetre or the millionth part of a 

metre. This unit is now indicated by the Greek letter p, 

which, however, is suppressed in this paper. 

MOLLIA LAXULA. Gregarious, dingy green, ultimately reddish ; 

stems generally simple from a quarter to a half of an inch long; leaves 

nearly linear lanceolate, from a thin, pellucid, scarcely widened, 

plane margined, slightly clasping base, widely spreading when moist, 

circinato-incurved when dry and somewhat spirally contorted in the 

upper half; margin entire, closely reflexed to near the apex, which 

is bluntish or rendered acute by several coloured, longish, pointed, 

smooth cells ; 

nerve yellow, ultimately reddish, tapering somewhat, 

prominent behind and papillose nearly throughout, traversed within 

y 3 to 5 largish, pellucid cellular tubes, ending just below apex or 

reaching it but not projecting beyond, breadth near base about 70 ; 

a thin section of the pagina shows a single row of pellucid cells, 7 

to 1 2 diameter, surrounded, back and front, by a dense, opaque 

layer giving origin to large papillae which cover both sides of the 

leaf, accordingly the general areolation is very obscure central 

; 

basal cells pellucid, rectangular, attached, dimensions 35 to 50 by 8 

to 13, ending transversely in an upward direction; capsule erect, 

reddish, at first turbinate, at length slightly oblique and oblong on 

a longish red seta; lid shortly rostrate, teeth 16, pale yellow, 

separate to the base, lanceolate, erect, not twisted but slightly 

incurved. Ben Lawers, 1864. 

This moss was detected extruded here and there through a 

layer of Brachythecium reflexum. I do not care to advance anything 

further as to the constitution of the peristome, as I have only one 

capsule with perfect teeth. 

MOLLIA SCAPHOIDEA. Depresso-caespitose, yellowish green; 

stems mostly simple, occasionally dichotomously divided, from oneeighth 

to a quarter of an inch in height ; leaves minutely papillose, 

circinato-incurved in a dry state, slightly spreading and straight 

when moist, broadly ovate, shortly lanceolate, length about three 

times the greatest breadth, apex often bluntish, margin entire,

1 


smooth, inflexed in the upper two -thirds, to the extent, in the 

middle of the leaf, of 35, deeply cucullate at the apex with frequently 

a thin horizontal band connecting the apical margins ; 

nerve pale yellow then reddish, breadth near base, 70 to 90, 

tapering, smooth on the back and prominent, slightly excurrent in 

a stiff mucro, but not always ; 

areolation at central base and 

considerably outwards pellucid with double thin walls, or presumably 

in two layers of cells, 18 to 32 by 10 to 16, smaller outwards, 

gradually lessening upwards and ending transversely, the slightly 

clasping portion occupying about one -fifth length of leaf; upper 

cells opaque but fairly distinct, 8 to 12 diameter. This moss can 

only be associated with M. crispula, but the differences are 

manifest. 

There is a slight doubt as to the habitat, but it was either picked 

up somewhere in the Clyde basin or on Ben Lawers more 

; probably 

on the latter. 

MOLLIA TERRENA. 

Rather loosely tufted, dingy yellowish-green 

above, brownish-black below ; 

stems from i to i 

\ inch long, simple, 

at times dichotomously branched ; 

leaves loosely set, somewhat 

longer near and at apex, fragile, crisped when dry, widely spreading, 

even recurved when moistened, from a clasping, somewhat broader, 

pellucid base, broadly oblongo-lanceolate, apex rather suddenly and 

convexly narrowing to a broad blunt apiculus (breadth about 65), 

which is often serrulate ; margin plane, but somewhat incurved near 

the apex ; coarsely crenated by projecting cells of a single marginal 

row, the longer diameter of which is set transversely, also distantly 

but distinctly serrate nearly throughout nerve 

; narrow, breadth 

near base about 65, tapering, plane in front, slightly convex behind, 

ending below the summit of the broad apiculus ; 

central basal cells 

pellucid, oblong, presumably in two layers, 35 to 50 by 10 to 14, 

smaller outwards as well as upwards where they end nearly transversely 

in the general areolation, which is composed of opaque, 

largish, bluntly quadrate cells, minutely papillose on both sides, 

8 to 13 long. 

On peaty earth, island of Harris, Outer Hebrides. This moss 

seems allied to M. recurvifolia (Tayl.), but the margins are not 

pellucid, etc. 

BARBULA FERRUGINASCENS. Densely tufted, of a lurid green, 

at length entirely of a rusty red colour stems 

; upright from a quarter 

to one-half of an inch long, sparingly branched ; 

leaves closely set, 

slightly contorted when dry, erecto-patent, straight and stiff when 

moist, rather broadly ovate lanceolate, slightly acuminate nerve 

; 

yellow, then red, flattish in front, rounded and prominent behind, 

thickness about 50, breadth near base 60, nearly cylindrical, scarcely 

tapering, perhaps a little broader near the middle, excurrent shortly 

in a straight, stiff, blunt apex, generally tipped with a tawny, smooth,


pointed cell, the length of which varies from 10 to 18 ; 

a thin section 

of nerve shows a transverse row of 3 to 6 pellucid cells, each 9 to 

1 8 across ; margin closely and narrowly recurved, so closely that 

under the microscope it is impossible, in the majority of instances, 

to detect any chink, and the whole appears merely thickened behind ; 

pagina below somewhat clasping, composed of pellucid oblong cells, 

22 to 32 by 8 to n, such cells ending gradually and transversely 

in dense opaque, obscure cells, rounded or bluntly quadrate, in 

longitudinal parallel series, 8 to 1 1 long, the whole surface in front 

and behind, as well as on the nerve, densely papillose. A thin 

section of the pagina shows a single row of small pellucid cells 

surrounded on either side by a dense layer, whence arise the 

papillae, which, however, are absent in the sheathing portion. On 

the ground, Orkney, 1887. 

I have described the structure of the leaf minutely because, 

with the exception of B. Brebissoni, I cannot recall another having 

such a margin which is practically thickened behind. Once seen, 

this moss has a peculiar fades, which would alone enable one to 

recognise it in the field. 

GRIMMIA HALOPHILA. Densely tufted, dark green above, dark 

brown or nearly black below, with rufous radicles sparingly interspersed; 

stems about i inch long, commonly fastigiato-ramose ; 

leaves rather 

dense, erecto- patent when moist, appressed when dry, and only 

slightly contorted near apex, broadly lanceolate or ovate lanceolate, 

slightly acuminate, pagina more or less indexed so as to render the 

leaf in front more or less acutely hollow, margin entire, broadly 

recurved nearly to apex ; 

cells near central base oblong, 20 to 30 by 

9 to 1 6, shorter outwards and upwards ; general areolation obtusely 

quadrate in parallel longitudinal rows, large, 8 to 14 diameter, in 

single layer, not papillose nerve 

; strong yellow, then reddish, ultimately 

reddish throughout, solid, projecting behind, flattish in front, 

breadth near base 70 to 90, tapering and extruded in a longish 

tapering coloured acumen which is often as much as 120 long. 

On the ground, " imbedded in sandy soil," seashore, island of 

Unst, Shetland, 1884. 

This is evidently allied to G. maritima, 

it 

although differs from 

it in several essentials, as in the much larger areolation, in the 

etc. From G. 

strongly reflexed margin, longly excurrent nerve, 

apocarpa and all its varieties it differs in the areolation not being 

sinuous in any part of the leaf, long coloured acumen, etc. 

GRIMMIA MARITIMA, var. TRACHYPHYLLA. This variety has been 

found in many places on the west coast of Scotland, and was first 

gathered in North Uist, an island of the Outer Hebrides. It is 

characterised by the large tufts as well as generally by their rusty-red 

colour in the lower two-thirds ; by the presence of large pellucid 

papillae on the margins of the upper leaves, especially on the upper-


most third as well as on the back of the nerve in the same region. 

The nerve is also excurrent, at times longly so. The central basal 

areolation is also much longer than in the ordinary form. The most 

characteristic specimens were found at Taynuilt at a considerable 

distance from the sea, as well as near Loch Killisport. 

BRYUM PARASEMUM. Closely tufted; stems short, simple or 

occasionally branched leaves rather 

; closely imbricated, slightly 

narrowed at the base, broadly obovate, very concave, obtuse and 

rounded at summit; almost cucullate nerve about ; 50 broad near 

base, tapering rapidly and not quite reaching the summit ; margin 

entire, not recurved but plain, and not formed of narrower cells ; 

very laxly areolated, cells not chlorophyllose so far as observed, 

with thin walls, oblong or bluntly rectangular, 30 to 50 by 15 to 22, 

of nearly the same size throughout, but a little smaller upwards, 

and rather more rhomboid. 

In sandy hollows near Stevenston, Ayrshire, 1863. Although 

there are several under this section of the Brya with broad, hollow 

leaves, I cannot identify this moss with any. Wilson pronounced 

in its favour, but I cannot recall whether or not he gave a name to 

it. I rather think he waited to see whether fruit might 

I have not been in the locality since. 

be found. 

ISOTHECIUM INTERLUDENS (n. sp.}. 

The other day I alighted 

on a small parcel of mosses which I had long reckoned as irretrievably 

lost. This parcel consists of five specimens of what the late 

Mr. Wilson, author of the Bry. Brit., persisted in identifying with 

Brachythedum gladale. As 1 dissented from this decision, I published, 

in 1865, a description of the moss under the name Isothecium 

intermedium, which I now change to /. interludens, owing to the 

former name having been previously given to a Hypnum, even 

although the moss referred to is now classified under the genus 

Bryum. As I have detected stolons in three of the specimens, such 

as are found in Isothecium, I have been induced to submit the 

leaves under the microscope, when additional corroboration of my 

former opinion has been obtained. The cells of the pagina are 

long, very narrow, nearly cylindrical, and quite distinct and detached 

from one another, while in the basal-alar spaces the cells are small, 

oval, yellow or reddish-brown and opaque, owing to the granular 

contents, both conditions exactly as in Isothecium. I may mention 

that the moss was found by the late Mr. A. M'Kinlay and myself 

on almost all our western mountains of any considerable elevation, 

as Ben Ledi, Ben Voirlich (by Loch Lomond), 

etc. : also on Ben 

Lawers. 

The following 

is a rather fuller description 

: 

Stems erect, strong, reddish, fastigiately branched, branches 

often slightly arched ; 

leaves straight, very seldom slightly secund, 

erecto-patent both in a dry and wet condition, concave, cordate


or broadly ovate rather suddenly, and longly as well as slenderly 

acuminate ; margin plane or, in the specimen from Ben Lawers, 

narrowly recurved at times near the base, serrulate for the most 

part nearly throughout, occasionally nearly entire; nerve slender, 

at times bifurcate, reaching the middle of the leaf or a little longer. 

This moss is much larger in every way than /. myosuroides, of a 

much larger habit, with larger leaves, equalling or even exceeding 

those of /. myierum, although of quite a different shape. It has also 

been found in Orkney. 

There is still another moss approaching more nearly /. myosuroides 

than the above, with narrower leaves, which are, however, rather 

suddenly and longly acuminate, and not narrowing towards a point 

in a straight line as in /. myosuroides. To this I gave the name 

/. subglaciale. 

The following is 

supplementary to the description given in 

1865: 

Stems slender, long and straggling, procumbent, yellow, then 

reddish, irregularly and distantly, but here and there, fasciculatoramose, 

branches straight or slightly incurved ; 

stem leaves smaller, 

scattered, spreading, broadly ovate lanceolate, longly acuminate, 

nearly entire, margin plane, nerves short, at times apparently 

double ; 

branch leaves narrower, ovate lanceolate, also acuminate, 

nerved half way, serrulate nearly throughout. Areolation as in /. interludens, 

viz. general areolation 25 to 40 by 4 to 5, separate and 

distinct. Slender flagelliform shoots, with small scattered leaves, 

are frequently seen. No fruit has ever been found on either moss. 

ISOTHECIUM SYMMICTUM. In depressed or ascending, yellowishgreen 

tufts, here and there stoloniferous ; 

stems nearly simple or 

fastigiately branched, branches mostly simple, often slightly curved ; 

leaves crowded or even imbricated when dry, slightly spreading 

when moist, concave, broadly ovate, rather longly acuminate, margin 

plane, often slightly incurved above, serrulate in upper third, at 

times nearly entire, striate or even sulcate, nerve yellow, at length 

orange-red, stout near base, rapidly tapering and reaching beyond 

the middle ; 

bases of leaves composed of two or three transverve 

rows of reddish-brown oval cells, 1 6 to 22 by 8 to 12, which extend 

right across with scarcely any alar cells, properly so called ; general 

areolation long, fusiform, sharply pointed, attached, 55 to So by 4.5 

to 6. The cells immediately above the coloured base are shorter 

than the others above them, and somewhat oval or bluntly fusiform. 

Ben Lawers, 1864. The areolation of the leaf differs widely from 

that of the other species of Isothedum, and resembles that of some 

Brachytheria, but the basal areolation and the presence of stolons 

determined in favour of association with Isothedttm, while the 

fastigiate branching, and the slightly curved branches themselves, 

strengthen this opinion.

i8o 


HYPNUM RECURVULUM. In small, prostrate, densely caespitose 

tufts ; 

stems irregularly, often fastigiately branched, branches incurved, 

radiculose leaves ; appressed when dry, erecto-patent when 

moist and somewhat recurved, broadly ovate, acute, apical somewhat 

acuminate ; 

nerve strong, continuing to the apex or ending just 

below it, 

breadth near base 65, scarcely tapering upwards, often 

somewhat broader in the middle of the leaf, margin broadly reflexed 

from base to near apex, where it is 

plane and often slightly serrulate, 

but entire elsewhere. The reflexed portion of margin in the middle 

is as much as 35 broad, and often shows on it a narrow deep 

sulcus. The ordinary leaf may be said to be about twice as long 

as the greatest breadth, or about i 

by \ mm. Areolation near 

central base, oblong, 

1 6 to 22 by n to 14, colourless, upwards and 

outwards smaller but still large, bluntly quadrate, TO to 16 by 8 to 

1 2, and fully chlorophyllose throughout. On boulders near the seashore, 

Largs, Ayrshire, 1869. 

This moss, at first sight, has much the size and appearance 

of H. catenulatum. I cannot associate it with any except perhaps 

H. fluviatile, but the differences are manifest. 

HYPNUM AMCENUM. Older stems prostrate, wiry, nearly leafless ; 

growing stems ascending, irregularly and sparsely branched, branches 

nearly erect, yellowish-green above, brown below; lower leaves 

small and very concave, enlarging upwards, disposed pretty thickly 

and equally around the stem, spreading slightly but often imbricated, 

especially when moistened, from a broad, almost cordate base, shortly 

and convexly ovate, shortly and sharply apiculate, concave, striated, 

and even sulcated, margin plane, finely serrated, especially in the 

upper third, serratures formed by the sharp prominent extremities of 

cells ; 

nerve with a breadth near base of 60, tapering quickly and 

reaching the middle alar ; spaces decurrent, large, well defined, 

composed of hexagonal cells with thickish walls, very variable in 

size, 20 to 50 by 10 to 25. These cells are at first colourless, but 

become reddish-brown, the nerve also becoming yellowish. General 

areolation composed of cells very large and long, fusiform, somewhat 

undulating, with acutely pointed extremities, and in close apposition, 

pellucid, 65 to 100 by 7 to 10. Only male inflorescence 

has been detected, enclosed in very compact, bluntish, oval buds, 

situated in the axils of the lower leaves leaves ; very blunt, with 

broader, opener areolation, often nerveless, especially those next the 

antheridia. Ben Lawers, 1864. 

I cannot reconcile myself to the identification of this moss with 

any of the forms of H. palustre, nor even with the variety Mackayi 

of H. eugyrium. The areolation is of a different construction, besides, 

the cells are twice as long as well as twice as broad. There 

are other differences. In this respect also it differs from H. molle

The 


(Dicks.), to the general appearance 

resemblance. 

of which it bears a considerable 

PTEROGONIUM GRACILE, var. PUNCTELLUM. In all, or nearly all, 

the numerous specimens of this moss that have been gathered, more 

especially in the West of Scotland, large pellucid papillae have been 

discovered on the back of the leaf, visible even in the field by the 

aid of a Coddington lens. These papillae are situated especially along 

the track of the nerve, but are also seen scattered over the rest of 

the leaf. They are pellucid, bluntish, incline somewhat forwards 

towards the apex of the leaf in the manner of serratures, and vary in 

height from 4 to 8. As I have not detected these papillae on the 

specimens I possess from Professor Schimper, nor on the single 

specimen from Cornwall, while works on the subject I have seen 

speak of the back as smooth and shining, I have determined to 

separate the Scottish moss from the rest. As I cannot, however, 

satisfy myself that there is sufficient evidence in other directions to 

warrant a separation of this as a species from the other, I have constituted 

it a variety as given above. 

Similarly, I have detected on nearly all Scottish specimens of 

Hypnum crassinervium a nodule on the back of the leaf corresponding 

to that seen in a similar situation in H. illecebrum ; and what is 

more, this nodule is seen much more frequently in the former than 

in the several specimens I possess of the latter. At times two such 

nodules may be detected in close proximity. 

It may be as well, meanwhile, to give expression 

to this 

peculiarity, not hitherto noticed, by calling this variety noduliferum. 

GLASGOW, \a,th April 1900. 


The Black Rat in Orkney. Mr. Angus Buchanan of Paisley, an 

Orcadian, has received a Black Rat (Mus rattits), or " Blue Rat " as 

is 

popularly known in the islands, from South Ronaldshay, and has 

it 

presented the specimen to the Paisley Museum. This example is a 

female, is 7.5 ins. in length and weighed 7 oz. 8 drs., and is thus 

above the average in size. The description of the colour of this 

species in Bell's " British Quadrupeds " appears to me to be based 

upon English specimens, while Scottish specimens have not been 

examined a very common thing in natural history works. The 

description of this Orkney specimen 

is as follows : fur long, 

shorter on the forehead ; 

the colour of the head and back slate 

black, on the back mixed with long white hairs the hairs 

; 

on the 

back darker at their tips, 

and leaden or slate coloured towards their


base ; 

on the under surface the fur is slate or light leaden colour. 

Two Renfrewshire specimens in the Museum, taken at the harbour 

on the White Cart, Paisley, are velvet black on their upper parts 

and light ash below. The hair on both these Rats is 

very fine, and 

contrasts with the long, rough appearance of the Orkney " Blue Rat." 

-J. M. B. TAYLOR, Free Museum, Paisley. 

1 

Remarkable Flocking of Starlings to Cramond Island. For 

several years past, in the autumn and winter months, large flocks of 

Starlings have been in the habit of roosting in a small plantation of 

dwarf Scotch firs on Cramond Island. Last year, however, their 

numbers exceeded anything previously seen, and the coming and 

going of the Starlings to their island home excited general attention 

and much interest in the neighbourhood. The birds seemed to 

have some gathering-place farther inland, and passed overhead at 

night generally in one large flock, and the noise of their wings was 

like the first 

sweeping blast of a storm of wind. No matter what 

the weather was, they made their nightly trip across the waters of 

the Firth ; 

and I have watched them battling against an easterly gale, 

when they had to fly so low as to nearly touch the water, and some 

weaker ones were driven back to shore. In the winter mornings 

they appeared to leave in separate bands, and each to make for 

different feeding-grounds. On Saturday, the 2yth January, I walked 

over to the island to watch the arrival of the birds. Mr. Peter 

Hogg, who resides on the island, accompanied me to the wood, and 

we got under cover at 4.30 P.M., about the time the first Starlings 

were due to arrive. The state of the branches of the trees and the 

droppings of the birds on the ground afforded unmistakable evidence 

of the immense numbers frequenting the spot. Soon after, the first 

batch of birds arrived and settled in the far end of the plantation 

as close as they could perch, and began their peculiar whistling 

chatter, making a din not easily described. Another large flock then 

appeared, and with a swoop they settled down near the others, until 

it seemed as if the trees could not hold any more. Every few minutes 

there was a succession of smaller flocks that swooped down in a 

similar manner until the whole plantation was one living mass of birds, 

some of which perched within touching distance of our hands. The 

birds all came from the south shore, and the large flocks which I 

had been in the habit of watching were only part of the colony. 

After the Starlings had all arrived we emerged into the open. It 

seemed a pity to disturb them, but a shot fired into the air raised 

such a cloud of birds that in trying to estimate their number I could 

not say Mr. Hogg's words seemed an exaggeration when he said 

there were " millions of them." 

Even more remarkable than the vast numbers of Starlings 

frequenting the island during the winter months, is the large 

numbers which have continued to flock there during the breeding

season. 


Up to the 315! of May I have watched them regularly, and 

a. few dates given show the times of their daily migration. 

8th March. Starlings crossed over at 6 P.M. 

yth April.- 7 P.M. 

1 7th April- 7.15 P.M. 

6th May. Between 8 and 9 P.M. the Starlings came over from 

the island, having evidently been disturbed, but went back again. 

yth May. Starlings in large number at 7.15 P.M. Mr. Hogg 

said they left the island that morning at 5 A.M. 

22nd and 23rd May. Crossed at 8 P.M. 

25th May. Starlings crossed at 9 P.M. (clear night). 

28th May. Between 8.10 and 8.45 nine different flocks passed 

overhead. 

29th May. Mr. Hogg told me he saw the Starlings leaving the 

island at 20 minutes past 3 in the morning. 

3oth May. Starlings seen crossing as late as 9.15. 

3ist May. Starlings were passing over to the island between 

8.30 and 9 P.M. 

In connection with the foregoing it may be interesting to state 

that my father remembers of the first pair of Starlings coming to 

this neighbourhood. They nested in the ruins of old Barnbougle 

Castle some forty years ago, and their appearance at that time 

created much interest. CHAS. CAMPBELL, Dalmeny Park. 

Goldfinch in Claekmannanshire. On the igth of May last 

(1900) I had the pleasure of watching a Goldfinch (Cardudis elegans) 

bathing, within a few yards of me, in a ditch in Claekmannanshire. 

It was apparently a male, and had, I have little doubt, a mate on 

her nest not far off. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh. 

Tree Sparrow in Midlothian. About the i4th or i5th of 

February last, while the second heavy fall of snow was still lying, 

Mr. Nisbit, the farmer at Kingsknowes, was shooting Sparrows, which 

with odd Finches and Starlings congregated at a potato-pit. Among 

the Sparrows he had obtained I noticed one which seemed to me to 

differ from the others, and on examining 

it I found it to be a Tree 

Sparrow (Passer montanus). 

EDWIN ALEXANDER, Slateford. 

Red-backed Shrike in East Lothian. I saw a fine male Redbacked 

Shrike (Lanius colhtrio) near Whitekirk Church on the 

afternoon of the gth May. He was very tame, and I watched him 

at close quarters for some time. He was mobbed for a short time 

by a couple of Chaffinches. CHRISTOPHER C. TUNNARD, Tyninghame. 

Chiffehaff near Edinburgh. On the evening of 3oth May, I 

twice heard the unmistakable notes of the Chiffehaff (Pkylloscopus 

nifus) at Dreghorn, a suburb of Edinburgh. I have never before 

detected this bird in the Edinburgh district, and Mr. William Evans

1 


informs me that his only records for Midlothian are : Polton, May 

1876; Colinton Dell, i3th July 1884; and Arniston, i2th May 

1898. W. EAGLE CLARKE. 

Owls in Islay. Dr. Gilmour mentions in the January number 

of the " Annals of Scottish Natural History 

" the capture of a Longeared 

Owl (Asia otits] 

in the south of Islay, and is under the impression 

that it is a rare bird in the island. While I am happy to 

say that I know of no instance of any Owl being procured in Islay, 

yet, having had a home there for twenty-three years, I am glad to 

be able to state that in the north, in the Forest of Kilchomon, the 

Long-eared Owl is of almost daily occurrence. It breeds annually 

close by where I reside, and I see the birds mousing on the lawn. 

I believe that but for these Owls we should be much troubled with 

the Short-tailed Field Mouse or Vole (Microtus agrestis). The 

Short-eared Owl (Asia accipitrinus) arrives about the end of October 

very regularly, and in considerable numbers. Of the remaining Owls 

which were once abundant in Scotland, but which folly and stupidity 

have now rendered almost rare, I have only seen in Islay one Brown 

Owl (Syrnium aluco] and one Barn Owl (Strix flammed), and, 

strange to say, the latter was an albino. Islay may claim at least 

one specimen of the magnificent Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca}, as 

a gamekeeper once told me that he had trapped an example many 

years ago in this parish. R. SCOTT SKIRVING, Foreland. 

Scops Owl in Shetland. On the i5th of May 

I received for 

identification a wing and a leg of a Scops Owl (Scops giu] which 

had been captured on the island of Foula. Mr. Francis Trail, who 

kindly sent the remains, informed me that the bird was first seen 

at the end of April, when a woman discovered it in her barn. Here 

it was eventually captured and kept in confinement, but soon died. 

The occurrence of this species in so remote an island is remarkable, 

and is of special interest because the Scops Owl has not hitherto 

been known to visit the Shetland Islands. The recorded instances 

of this Owl in Scotland are very few in number. It was obtained 

in Sutherland in May 1854 ; 

a pair were shot at Scone in May 1864 ; 

one was found dead near Kintore in September 1891 ; 

and one 

was captured alive at North Ronaldshay, Orkney, in June 1892, as 

recorded in this magazine ("Annals," 1893, p. 71). W. EAGLE 

CLARKE, Edinburgh. 

Iceland Falcon in Skye. A young Iceland Falcon (Falco 

islandus) was sent for preservation to Messrs. Macleay of Inverness 

on the 1 

5th of February, which had been obtained near Carbost, 

Skye. It was apparently a bird of last year. T. E. BUCKLEY, 

Inverness. 

Ruff in Orkney. On the 2nd of September last year, when 

staying at the Dounby Hotel, Orkney, I was handed a Ruff and


Reeve (Machetes pugnax) 

in the flesh by Mr. J. Allan Milne of Edinburgh, 

who had shot them a few minutes previously. The birds 

were first flushed on the shores of the Loch of Sabiston, but they 

rose out of range. On his way back to the inn the pair flew past 

Mr. Milne quite close, who then fired and dropped both birds. 

The occurrence is 

noteworthy, as I believe it constitutes the first 

satisfactory record of this bird being obtained in the Orkney Islands. 

-T. R. CANCH, St. Andrews. 

[A Ruff was obtained at Netherbrough, Harray, on the 2ist of 

September last, by Dr. C. Donald of Edinburgh. It has previously 

been recorded for Orkney, and is 

probably a regular visitor in small 

numbers during migration. EDS.] 

Little Auk at Bo'ness. On 3151 March a boy brought me a 

Little Auk (Mergulus alle) 

which he picked up on the shore near 

Bridgeness ; 

and later in the day I found a second specimen farther 

east. In 1895 I found one at Abercorn on 25th January, and again 

in 1897 I picked up three at the same place on 4th February. 

ROBERT GODFREY, Edinburgh. 

Common or Ringed Snake in Renfrewshire. On the 2ist 

April 1900 a fine specimen of the Common Snake, or Ringed Snake 

(Tropidonotus natrix), was killed in Newton Woods, Abbey, Renfrewshire. 

This specimen was presented to the Paisley Free Museum 

by Sergeant -Major M'Kimmond. The specimen measures 24] 

inches in length, and has been placed in the Museum among 

the British Reptiles. Can you or any of your readers say anything 

about the occurrence of the Ringed Snake in Scotland ? 

I have found no mention of it 

being got in Scotland in any natural 

history literature referring to Scotland. The Adder is general in 

Renfrewshire, and in the same wood the Blind -Worm has been 

taken, but this is the first authentic capture of the Ringed Snake. 

J. M. B. TAYLOR, Curator, Free Museum, Paisley. 

[The Ringed Snake is not indigenous in Scotland. It is 

quite 

a common pet, however, and many examples escape and live at 

large, and it is possible that the species may thus in time become 

established in Northern Britain. We have examined many such 

escapes obtained in or near Edinburgh. 

EDS.] 

Eleetrie Ray or " Torpedo " in the Moray Firth. In April last 

an Electric Ray (Torpedo nobiliana) weighing 14 Ibs. was captured 

in the Moray Firth. The man who first handled it received rather 

a severe shock. This fish is 

decidedly rare in Scottish waters, and 

we hope to obtain some further particulars of so interesting a capture. 

The specimen is now in the Museum attached to the Scottish Fishery 

Board's hatchery at Nigg. EDS. 

Eledone eirrosa in West Lothian. After a heavy gale at the 

beginning of October last year, I found on the 4th of that month a 

35 E

i86 


specimen of this large Octopus alive on the shore in the bay to the 

east of Blackness Castle. I had previously seen a dead individual 

of this same species in the same locality on 28th October 1898, also 

after a heavy gale. ROBERT GODFREY, Edinburgh. 

Platyarthrus hoffmanseg'g'ii, Brandt^ in Fife. On i4th June 

(1900) I had the good luck to find this rare terrestrial Isopod in 

some numbers in nests of the common ashy-black ant, Formica fit sea, 

under stones on a sunny bank between Inverkeithing and St. David's, 

Fife. Like a number of other creatures that live in ants' nests, it is 

white and blind. The only previously recorded locality for this 

little " Woodlouse " in Scotland seems to be Banffshire, where it 

was found by Thomas Edward. It forms an interesting addition to 

Mr. Thomas Scott's List of "The Land and Fresh- water Crustacea 

of the District around Edinburgh" ("Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.," 1890- 

91). WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh. 

On the Occurrence of Diphyllobothrium stemmacephalum, 

Cobbold, in the Intestines of a Porpoise. A Porpoise (Phoecena 

com/minis} was recently cast up on the beach at Bay of Nigg, near 

Aberdeen. On making an examination of the viscera of this 

Cetacean, several specimens of a Cestode were observed, but it is 

doubtful if 

any of them were perfect. The anterior ends of the 

specimens are extremely attenuated, and the head is 

very small. 

Only two or three, however, have the head intact. Though the 

anterior end is 

very attenuated, the rest of the animal is of the 

usual "tape "-like form a form which has given to these creatures 

the name of tapeworms. The two largest of the specimens, after 

having been for some time immersed in a saturated solution of 

corrosive sublimate, measured each eight feet in length, with an 

average width of nearly half an inch. The intestines of the Porpoise 

were in one or two places considerably distended by the crowding 

together of the Cestodes, and, one would fancy, must have caused 

more or less discomfort to their unfortunate host. Only the one 

kind of Entozoon was observed, and it 

agrees so well with Dr. 

Cobbold's description of DipJiyllobothrium stemmacephalum that 

there can be no doubt about it 

being that species. Sexually-mature 

tapeworms do not appear to be very plentiful in the Cetacea, at least 

as regards number of species, though individually they may be 

more common. Dr. Cobbold, in his " Treatise on the Entozoa of 

Man and Animals," published in 1879, mentions only two species 

the one referred to above, and Tetrabothrium triangulare, Diesing, 

found in Delphinus rostratus. 

Diphyllobothrium stemmacephalum was described by Dr. Cobbold 

in the "Transactions of the Linnean Society," vol. xvii. p. 167. He 

also gives a short description of the species with three figures 

in the 

text in the " Treatise " just referred to, and states that four of the


specimens obtained by him from the Common Porpoise " measured, 

respectively, from 7' to 10' in length;" our larger specimens would 

therefore, when compared with those of Dr. Cobbold, appear to be 

of a fairly average size. THOMAS SCOTT, Aberdeen. 


Euphrasias from the Isle of Stroma. The following are the 

names given by Professor Wettstein to specimens gathered in Stroma 

by Miss Geldart E.foulaensis, Townsend, from three localities : ; 

E. 

Rostkoviana, Hayne, " forma fere eglandulosa," from four localities ; 

and E. Rostkoviana, Hayne, from two localities. E. latifolia must 

be struck off, as the specimens prove not to belong to that form. 

ARTHUR BENNETT. 

Scottish Sphagna. In Mr. Horrell's "Monograph of the 

European Sphagnaceae," now appearing in the "Journal of Botany" 

(see Current Literature, p. 191), the following species and varieties 

are recorded from Scotland S, : 

fimbriatum, Wils., var. tenue, Grav., 

in the form submersum, Roell., from Islay ; 

6". 

Girgensohnii, Russ. ; 

S. Warnstorfii, Russ., var. purpurascens, Russ., Ben Lawers (Ewing); 

S. ritbdluni, Wils., Islay (Gilmour) ; S. fiiscum, Klinggr., Jura 

(Ewing) ; S. acutifolium, Russ. and Warnst, var. pal/escens, Warnst., 

Jura (Eiying), vars. versicolor, Warnst., and viride, Warnst., Islay 

(Ley). 


The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural 

History which have appeared during the Quarter April-June 1900. 





ZOOLOGY. 

WHITE CATTLE : AN 

INQUIRY INTO THEIR ORIGIN AND HIS- 

TORY. By R. Hedger Wallace. Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasg. t 

vol. v. (N.S.) part Hi., 1898-99, pp. 403-457 (March 1900). 

NOTE ON THE COMMON HEDGEHOG (ERINACEUS EUROPÛS, 

LINNAEUS) AND ITS SUB-SPECIES OR LOCAL VARIATIONS. By G. E. 

H. Barrett-Hamilton. Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), vol. v. pp. 

360-368 (April 1900). New sub-species (occidentalis) described 

from a specimen obtained at Innerwick, Haddingtonshire.

i88 


NARRATIVE OF A CRUISE IN LOCH FYNE, JUNE 1899. 

By John 

Paterson and John Renwick. Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasg., 

vol. v. (N.S.) part iii., 1898-99, pp. 366-378, pis. xi. and xii. (March 

1900). Notes on the Birds and Land-Shells are included. 

ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM SHETLAND. 

By T. Edmondston 

Saxby. Zoologist (4), vol. iv. p. 281 (June 1900). Notes on Buffon's 

Skua [the 

first authentic record for the Islands], Blackbird [resident, 

and breeding], and Starling in Unst. 

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF THE LESSER WHITETHROAT (SYLVIA 

CURRUCA) IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES, WITH REMARKS ON THE 

SPECIES AS A SCOTTISH BIRD. By Wm. Eagle Clarke, F.L.S., etc. 

Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xiv. part ii. pp. 158-162. 

HERONRIES, PAST AND PRESENT, IN THE CLYDE FAUNAL AREA. 

By Hugh Boyd Watt. Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. G/asg., vol. v. 

(N.S.) part iii., 1898-99, pp. 378-398 (March 1900). 

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF THE ASIATIC HOUBARA (HOUBARA 

MACQUEENII, GRAY AND HARDWICKE) IN SCOTLAND. By Wm. 

Eagle Clarke, F.L.S., etc. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xiv. part 

ii. 

pp. 162-163. 

NOTES FROM SOUTH-WEST SCOTLAND DURING 1899. By A. A. 

Dalglish, F.E.S. Ent. Record, vol. xii. pp. 104-106 (April 1900). 

These notes relate entirely to Lepidoptera. 

DISTRIBUTION OF AMORPHA POPULI IN WESTERN SCOTLAND. 

By A. A. Dalglish. Ent. Record, vol. xii. pp. 135-136 (May 1900). 

Localities given for the Clydesdale district. 

DISTRIBUTION OF TRICHIURA CRAIVEGI. By J. C. Haggart. 

Ent. Record, vol. xii. p. 166 (June 1900). Refers to a single record 

many years ago in 

the Galashiels district. 

NOTES ON THE FUMEIDS, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES 

AND VARIETIES. By T. A. Chapman, M.D., etc. Ent. Record, vol. 

xii. pp. 122-126 (May 1900). Fumea scotica, a new species (?), 

described from Rannoch and Sutherlandshire. 

OCCURRENCE OF XENOLECHIA ÊTHIOPS, WESTW., IN SCOTLAND 

IN APRIL. By Eustace R. Bankes. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. 

pp. 132-133 (June 1900). Three specimens taKen by Mr. J. R. 

Malloch, at Bonhill, Dumbartonshire, on 2ist April last. These 

specimens are supposed by the author of this note to be the first 

taken in Scotland, but he has evidently overlooked the record 

given by Mr. Wm. Evans in this magazine for the year 1897 (p. 

107 Lita athiops, "Common on burnt heather, Bonaly Hill, Pentlands, 

1 3th May 1895 ").


DlPLODOMA MARGINEPUNCTELLA, STPH., IN DUMBARTONSHIRE. 

By Eustace R. Bankes. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 132 (June 

1900). Specimen captured by Mr. J. R. Malloch at Bonhill, 

Dumbartonshire, in June 1898. 

DRAGON-FLY SEASON OF 1899. By W. J. Lucas, B.A., F.E.S. 

Entomologist^ vol. xxxiii. pp. 137-143, pi. 

iv. 

(May 1900). A 

number of Scottish records are given in this paper. 

SOME OLD RECORDS OF THE OCCURRENCE OF CERTAIN DRAGON- 

FLIES IN SCOTLAND. By Kenneth J. Morton, F.E.S. Ent. Mo. 

Mag. (2), vol. xi. pp. 108-110 (May 1900). 

/ESCHNA CCERULEA IN ROSS-SHIRE. James J. F. X. King. 

Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 136 (June 1900). Female taken at 

Loch Rosque, near Loch Maree, on 8th July 1890. Stated to be 

so far the most northerly record for the species in Britain. 

AN EXTRAORDINARY MELANIC VARIETY OR ABERRATION OF 

ENALLAGMA CYATHIGERUM, CHP. By Robert M'Lachlan, F.R.S., 

etc. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. pp. iio-iu (May 1900). On a 

male specimen taken by Mr. K. J. Morton in Glen Lochay in July 

1898. 

AGRION PUELLA, L., IN SCOTLAND. By William Evans. Ent. 

Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 88 (April 1900). Specimen taken near 

Roslin in June 1896. 

NOTES ON CERTAIN DlPTERA OBSERVED IN SCOTLAND DURING 

THE YEARS 1898-99. By Col. J. 

W. Yerbury, late R.A., F.Z.S., 

etc. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. pp. 84-87 (April 1900). Concludes 

a paper commenced in the March number, and gives notes 

on Cordylura rufimana, Mg., Pogonota hircus, Ztt., Spathiophora 

hydromyzina, Fin., Trichopalpus punctipes, Mg., CEdoparea buccata, 

Fin., Limnia lineata, Fin., and Calobata stylifera, Lw. 

A FEW LOCALITIES FOR CERTAIN PSYCHODIDÊ, ETC. By James 

J. F. X. King. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. pp. 135-136 (June 

1900). Refers to specimens captured at Aviemore and Guisachan, 

Inverness-shire. 

LAPHRIA FLAVA, L., IN INVERNESS-SHIRE. By William Evans. 

Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 87 (April 1900). Refers to a male 

captured close to Loch Gamhna, Rothiemurchus, on i7th June 

1893. 

LAPHRIA FLAVA, L., IN SCOTLAND. By E. N. Bloomfield. Ent. 

Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 87 (April 1900). Refers to a previous 

record of two examples from Kincardine. 

NOTES ON LOXOCERA. By W. Armston Vice. Ent. Mo. Mag. 

(2), vol. xi. pp. 115-116 (May 1900). Several Scottish records 

given.


NOTES ON SOME CRUSTACEA FROM FAIRLIE AND HUNTERSTON, 

FIRTH OF CLYDE. By Thomas Scott, F.L.S., etc. Trans. Nat. 

Hist. Soc. Glasg., vol. v. (N.S.) part iii., 1898-99, pp. 346-3 5 5 (March 

1900). 

BRITISH AMPHIPODA : FAMILIES PONTOPOREID^: TO AMPELIS- 

CID.E. By Canon Norman, M.A., etc. Ami. and Mag. Nat. Hist. 

(7), vol. v. pp. 326-346 (April 1900). A large number of Scottish 

localities are given for the various species here treated of. 

ADDITIONAL RECORDS OF SPIDERS AND OTHER ARACHNIDS FROM 

THE EDINBURGH DISTRICT. (Second Instalment.) By George H. 

Carpenter, B.Sc., and William Evans, F.R.S.E. Proc. Roy. Phys. 

Soc. Edin., vol. xiv. part ii. pp. 168-180. A list of twelve additional 

species of Araneidea, two of Phalangidea, and two of Chernotidea ; 

and additional localities for species already recorded. 

THE COLLEMBOLA AND THYSANURA OF THE EDINBURGH 

DISTRICT. By George H. Carpenter, B.Sc., and William Evans, 

F.R.S.E. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin., vol. xiv. part ii. pp. 221- 

266, pis. v.-viii.- Includes fifty-nine species of Collembola, of 

which seventeen are new to Great Britain, and four species of 

Thysanura. 

CONODONTS FROM THE CARBONIFEROUS LIMESTONE STRATA OF 

THE WEST OF SCOTLAND. By John Smith. (With notes on the 

Specimens, and Descriptions of Six New Species, by George Jennings 

Hinde, Ph.D., F.G.S.), Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. G/asg., vol. v. (N.S.) 

pi. iii., 1898-99, pp. 336-346, pis. ix. and x. (March 1900). 

BOTANY. 

POTAMOGETON RUTIDUS, WoLFG., IN BRITAIN. By Arthur 

Bennett, F.L.S. Joitrn. Bot., 1900, p. 65. Notes the first certain 

occurrence (from Staffordshire) of this in Britain, and refers to 

Mr. Bennett having what may be this from Orkney. 

SCHOZNUS FERRUGINEUS. By James Brebner. Joitrn. Bot., 

1900, p. 87. Records that the species has disappeared from beside 

Loch Tummel, where he discovered it, in plenty, in 1884 as an 

addition to the British flora. 

AMBLYSTEGIUM COMPACTUM IN BRITAIN. By H. N. Dixon, 

M.A., F.L.S. Jonrn. Bot., 1900, pp. 175-182. Treats fully of the 

discovery and true nomenclature of a moss found, new to Britain, in 

1899 by Mr. Dixon at Durness and near Inchnadamph, in Sutherland, 

and states that it has proved to be A. compactum, C. M. Aust, 

and identical with Brachythecium den stun, Juratz., of Europe.

REVIEWS 191 

THE EUROPEAN SPHAGNACEÊ (AFTER WARNSTORF). By E. 

Charles Horrell, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., 1900, pp. 110-122, 161-167, 

215-224. Is a monograph of the genus in Europe, as based on the 

work of Dr. Warnstorf. It is 

preceded by a good bibliography of 

the genus since 1880. REVIEWS. 

A TREATISE ON ZOOLOGY. Edited by E. Ray Lankester, M.A., 

LL.D., F.R.S. Part III. THE ECHINODERMA. By F. A. Bather, 

M.A. Assisted by J. W. Gregory, D.Sc., and E. S. Goodrich, M.A. 

(London: Adam and Charles Black, 1900.) 

Although the book under consideration forms the third part of 

the treatise, yet 

it is the first volume issued of what will undoubtedly 

prove to be one of the most important works on Zoology that 

has ever been published. It 

may be termed the " Oxford Natural 

History," for the distinguished editor and the various well-known 

authors of the series are graduates of that illustrious university. 

The general aim of the treatise is, we are told, "to give a 

systematic exposition of the characters of the classes and orders of 

the animal kingdom, with a citation in due place of the families and 

chief genera included in the groups discussed." And "the main 

purpose of the Editor has been that the work shall be an independent 

and trustworthy presentation, by means of the systematic 

survey or taxonomic method, of the main facts of Zoology, or, to 

speak more precisely, of Animal Morphography." 

In the volume before us, written chiefly by Mr. Bather, of the 

Natural History Museum, a recognised specialist on the Echinoderma, 

the Editor's ideal is fully realised. The volume presents us 

with a comprehensive and scientific account of the general features 

of the Phylum, and of the structure and classification of its various 

sub-divisions ; 

and the illustrations, which are numerous and excellent, 

are chiefly original. 

The treatise is to be completed in ten parts, and among the 

other authors concerned in their production are Professors Poulton, 

Weldon, Benham, and Minchin ; 

and Messrs. G. C. Bourne and 

G. H. Fowler. 

A BOOK OF WHALES. By F. E. Beddard, M.A., F.R.S. With 

forty illustrations by W. Sidney Berridge. (London 

: 

John Murray, 

1900.) 

Mr. Beddard's " Book of Whales " forms a new volume of Mr. 

Murray's Progressive Science Series a series which is to comprise 

works on every branch of science. 

The book presents us with a general work on the Cetacea, which


while being reasonably popular loses none of its scientific value. 

Much valuable work on this remarkable Order has been accomplished 

during recent years, thanks to the labours of Sir William Turner, 

Sir W. H. Flower, and others, and a general work on the group 

had become a recognised want. This desideratum is well supplied 

by Mr. Beddard's timely volume. 

The general scope of the work is indicated by the headings of 

its various chapters, which are devoted to External Form, Internal 

Structure, Comparison with other Aquatic Mammals, Position in 

the System and Classification, Hunting Whales, Right Whales, 

Rorquals, Toothed Whales, Beaked Whales, Dolphins, Anomalous 

Dolphins, Zeuglodonts, and other Allies. 

The book is well printed and illustrated, and is 

extremely 

reasonable in price. 

THE MYCETOZOA. 

By the Right Hon. Sir Edward Fry, D.C.L., 

F.R.S., etc., and Agnes Fry. (London: "Knowledge" Office, 

1899.) 

The authors of this little 

book are enthusiasts in the best sense, 

writing with the desire to communicate to others some conception 

of the great interest and importance of the questions suggested by 

the study of the very curious beings that form the subjects 

of it. 

The story of the Mycetozoa is admirably told, without attempting 

to describe the species. Numerous questions of far-reaching importance 

are suggested by the peculiar structure and modes of reproduction 

and of response to stimuli exhibited by Mycetozoa. 

These questions are discussed in the manner that was to be looked 

for from Sir E. Fry, though here and there slips occur, as on p. 35, 

where it is stated that " all plants with a square stalk and lipped 

flowers will be found to have a four-lobed ovary and four nuts on 

the bottom of the calyx, and these belong to the family of the 

Labiatae," and on p. 63, where the multinucleate Algse are said to 

"agree in possessing no cell walls." The book is well illustrated, 

and forms an excellent introduction to the study of a fascinating 

group on the borderland of plants and animals.

The Annals 

of 

Scottish 


NO. 36] 1900 [OCTOBER 

THE GREYLAGS OF BLAIR DRUMMOND. 

By Lieutenant-Colonel DUTHIE, 

Member of the British Ornithologists' Union. 

To dwellers in the lower parts of the Vale of Menteith, a 

in the autumn 

not uncommon sight 

is 

presented, especially 

after the crops are gathered, of a flock of geese flying overhead 

in 

their well-known V-shaped order, uttering their wild, 

gaggling notes as they proceed on their way. 

" Wise persons who don't know " prophesy a hard winter, 

for have not the wild geese already arrived from the north ! 

But to those who live in the district these birds are easily 

recognised as the wild geese of Blair Drummond. 

From information kindly supplied to me by Colonel 

Home-Drummond, from notes made by his keepers, and 

from observations of my own, am I able to give the following 

facts regarding these birds, which may be useful to compare 

with the observations of those who have the opportunity 

of studying the habits of other flocks of semi-domesticated 

water- fowl. The birds referred to are Greylag Geese (Anser 

cinereus}. The original pair came from North Uist, having 

been given by the late Sir John Campbell-Orde to the late 

Mr. Charles Drummond -Moray of Abercairney a little over 

twelve years ago. Both birds were pinioned, and they were 

36 B


handed over to the hen-wife, who fed them with the poultry, 

and they soon became very tame. After a short sojourn 

at Abercairney they were transferred to Blair Drummond 

and placed on a small loch near the house, where they 

nested on an island and produced a brood in the first spring 

after their change of quarters. 

They steadily increased, and 

at the end of six years they formed a flock of thirty birds. 

No particular record has been kept of their numbers, which 

varied according to circumstances. Some were doubtless shot 

in the neighbourhood some of the ; 

very young were taken by 

rooks and rats, etc. ; 

and many eggs were unfertile. After 

reaching a maximum of between forty-five and fifty birds, 

they 

have since decreased. 

The Blair Drummond loch and its vicinity 

is still the 

headquarters of the flock. After breaking up into pairs in the 

spring they scatter and nest on the island, on the shore 

of the loch, in the shrubberies near the house, and on neighbouring 

mosses and when the ; 

young are strong on the wing 

the various broods congregate. By the beginning of July 

the numbers contained in the flock for the year may be 

estimated. 

During incubation the gander is very fierce when guarding 

the nest, and shows fight when an intruder approaches too 

near. One of the keepers on one occasion received a severe 

blow on the leg from the bird's wing. When the young 

are hatched out, he still takes a prominent part till they are 

able to fly. 

During the summer and early autumn the geese feed 

chiefly in the grass parks round their sanctuary, gradually 

extending their flights as the season advances. Being exceedingly 

fond of grain, they sometimes travel long distances 

to a good stubble-field. 

Their time of feeding, as in their natural state, is in the 

daytime, but in the autumn it is regulated by harvesting 

operations, and as generally they cannot begin to feed till 

the evening is far advanced, they continue their repast late 

into the night. 

They do not always fly together in one flock, but sometimes 

break up into smaller parties. They fly round and 

round very warily for some time before settling, and then

THE GREYLAGS OF BLAIR DRUMMOND 195 

pitch right out in the middle of a field, and, with sentries 

posted, a near approach to them is 

impossible. 

They are sometimes seen feeding in the same field with 

wild birds, with which, however, they do not associate, and 

although they answer the calls of the wild geese which pass 

over in great numbers between the estuary of the Forth and 

Cardross Moss in the winter time, they do not join them. 

In severe frosts, when the ground 

is hard and their 

water frozen, they disappear, and remain away for a long 

time, probably frequenting tidal waters. In the exceptionally 

hard winter of 1894-95 they were absent from the middle 

of December till the middle of March. They went away in 

two flocks of sixteen and twelve birds respectively, and 

returned together on the same day without one of their 

number missing. 

With regard to the Blair Drummond Greylags not 

joining the wild birds, Mr. Macdonald of Balranald, North 

Uist, with whom I have been in correspondence, has a 

different experience. He has had a flock of semi-domesticated 

geese for some years, 

which cross with his tame ones. 

He tells me that unless they are pinioned there is a great 

risk of losing them during the winter and spring, as such 

large flocks of wild geese frequent the loch near his house 

where the tame ones feed, and the former often draw away 

some of the latter which fly best as a rule the older birds 

remain and hatch out on the moss away from the tame 

birds. 

Mr. Macdonald once pointed out to me a pair of Swans 

They have a brood 

which he has had for over thirty years. 

every spring, and unless the cygnets are pinioned they join 

the wild swans, and only come back at certain times. 

I was unable to obtain any information as to the successful 

hatching out of any eggs laid outside the Blair Drummond 

domains till this year, when news was received that a pair 

of wild geese had nested at Ardoch near Braco, and that a 

young bird had been secured and was in captivity. Having 

been asked to go there and investigate the affair, I was able 

to clear up what was a mystery to those who were unaware 

of the existence of the Blair Drummond birds. The distance 

between the two places 

is ten miles as the crow or goose 

'


flies, and I may add that in selecting this new nesting- place 

the stray pair do not lose the title which I have given them, 

for Ardoch is 

the property 

of Colonel Home-Drummond. 

I first saw the captive gosling, which was in the pheasantry, 

following the keeper about like a dog, and feeding out of his 

hand. We then visited the loch, which is an ideal place for 

which infest it. I 

water-fowl, except for the numbers of pike 

learnt that about five years ago Grey Geese were observed 

haunting this loch in the spring time, and that three years 

ago a pair nested there on an island, and five eggs were laid, 

all of which were unfertile last ; year again there was a nest 

on the same spot, and six addled eggs was the result ; 

this 

year was more propitious, for out of five eggs laid, two young 

birds were produced, one of which, above alluded to, was 

secured, and the other, which we saw on the loch, had hitherto 

escaped capture. 

I noticed that it was larger than the 

captured bird. 

Since this visit in June, I again went to Ardoch in 

August, and found that the second gosling had been caught 

and pinioned, and I saw both the young birds swimming 

about on one of the ponds near the house. The difference 

in size is most marked, showing either that the superiority 

of natural over artificial food has told (for the poultry-fed 

bird is the smaller of the two), or, what is 

hoped, that the 

larger bird is a gander his pugnacity towards other fowl 

rather points to this fact. 

Sir James Bell, who is at present living at Ardoch, is 

much interested in these birds, and both the young and the 

old pair, if they return to the loch to nest, are sure to receive 

every care and protection in 

their new sanctuary. 

It would be interesting to see the start of a new colony ; 

but the conditions are different, and the chances are against 

it. The old stock appears to be exhausted for want of new 

blood. No young birds are known to have been reared at 

Blair Drummond this year. One nest only was found ; 

it contained 

ten eggs, all of which were unfertile ; and, as has been 

stated, out of sixteen eggs laid in three years at Ardoch 

only two young birds have been produced. 

The only chance is new blood, which doubtless could be 

procured from the Hebrides without difficulty, 

if desired.


CONTRIBUTION TO THE ORNITHOLOGY OF 

KINCARDINESHIRE. 

By A. 

NICOL SIMPSON, F.Z.S. 

( Continued from p. 153.) 

BARN OWL. Mr. George Crabb, London, a keen ornithologist, 

informs me that he remembers in his youth of this bird breeding 

in Fordoun. He often saw the birds at the spinning mill 

at Auchinblae when he was a boy. Of recent years 

it is unknown, 

so far as my knowledge goes. 

LONG-EARED OWL. A resident, and breeding in the neighbourhood 

of Drumtochty Castle, and doubtless elsewhere in the county, 

but nevertheless it is not abundant. 

SHORT-EARED OWL. Far more common than the last named, and 

pretty widely distributed as a rule. 

TAWNY OWL. 

Fairly plentiful 

in the wooded districts. 

HEN HARRIER. I have seen a specimen said to have been got in 

the county. 

COMMON BUZZARD. An occasional visitor (H.\ 

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. A specimen in Drumtochty collection 

is said to have been shot in the district in 1889. 

GOLDEN EAGLE. Almost annually one or two visit the hills in 

the autumn and do some damage amongst the game of the 

hills. In 1895 the gamekeeper of Glensaugh shot one in the 

act of devouring a lamb. This bird was accompanied by a 

mate, which escaped (Af.}. Since then one or two have been 

noticed in the same locality. In September of the year named 

another specimen was observed. The latest date for this bird 

is 8th December 1897, when one was seen in the vicinity of 

Drumtochty (M.). 

SPARROW HAWK. To be found in almost all the larger forests. 

KITE. 

Said to have been secured from time to time within the last 

thirty odd years. There is no authenticated instance, however, 

so far as I have learned. 

HONEY BUZZARD. 

Same as the last named. 

PEREGRINE FALCON. Breeds at the sea cliff, and reported also as 

breeding in various inland parts. This is more than likely, 

seeing the bird is resident both in the counties of Forfar and 

Aberdeen.


HOBBY. One or two stuffed specimens exist, but no date or locality 

can be learned. The conjecture 

is that such specimens belong 

to the county, but at best it is only surmise. 

MERLIN. Not common. Observed one at St. Cyrus in summer of 

1899. Occasionally to be met with about the quieter portions 

of the uplands. 

KESTREL. Of all the lesser birds of prey this is the one I see most 

frequently. 

OSPREY. On 1 

5th May 1897 I watched one of these birds fishing 

in Glensaugh Loch. It was evidently a wanderer, and was 

closely watched by the Geese on the water, where their young 

were floating. When the Osprey dived to the water, the male 

Goose would rise from the loch, fly direct at the stranger, and 

drive it off for a time. 

CORMORANT. Resident (H.}. No doubt the bird breeds about the 

rocky coast, but personally I have not a note on it. 

SHAG. H. says 

" probably occurs in Kincardineshire " ; and, as I 

have seen it on other parts of the east coast, I do not question 

this. 

GANNET. A visitor only to the coast. 

HERON. Resident. There are three or four heronries within the 

county. Stray birds may be seen almost any day fishing in the 

burns. One day I noticed one catch a big gray rat, and make 

off to a neighbouring field with it. 

PURPLE HERON. One is said to be in Drumtochty Castle collection. 

This was shot in January 1895 (M.}. Although I have seen 

this collection, my memory does not confirm the identification 

of this special bird. 

BITTERN. "Occurring at long intervals" (H.}. 

I saw a stuffed 

specimen in a gamekeeper's house, some years ago, near Marykirk. 

This may be the bird mentioned by H. as having been 

shot in 1867 at Bogmuir, near Laurencekirk. 

GLOSSY IBIS. H. marks this " abnormal or irregular visitant." In 

his East of Scotland Report he also mentions one having been 

shot at Banchory in 1844. 

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. Some confusion exists here. Many of the 

so-called " Bean " and other species observed seem to me to be 

neither more nor less than the pink-footed species as mentioned 

by If. in his report printed at Perth some years ago. 

CANADIAN GOOSE. These can only be inserted as birds introduced 

to the ornamental waters. 

WHOOPER. Several said to have been shot in the county. One in 

the Drumtochty collection was secured in the neighbourhood, 

it is said.


COMMON SHELDRAKE. Breeds where suitable places occur, but not 

a common species. 

WILD DUCK. Fairly abundant, and breeds on all the waters more 

or less. Found about ditch sides often far from their breeding 

haunts, both singly and in pairs. 

I often flush them during a 

walk, and a pond within a few hundred yards of my windows 

is a favourite resort in winter. At a farm near by, a duck has 

settled on the mill-pond, and become quite friendly with the 

ordinary Pekins and Aylesburys of the farm. It accompanies 

the other ducks indoors, and is quite tame. I myself have a 

drake which has kept the company of the barndoor fowls for 

years, and never attempted to escape, which it might quite 

readily do, as its 

wings are as nature framed them. 

COMMON TEAL. Widely distributed, and not rare. 

PINTAIL. Usually caught about the sea coast. One or two are 

spoken of in rural parts, but the last recorded instance I have 

is of a male shot at Johnshaven on 2oth November 1897. 

WIGEON. Breeds in Fordoun (M.}. 

TUFTED DUCK. Bred in Drumtochty Glen in 1899 (M.). 

WOOD PIGEON. The county being a barley-producing one, vast 

flocks can be seen in the fields. Of late an attempt has been 

made to thin their ranks. 

ROCK PIGEON. Colonies exist more or less all along the rocky sea 

coast. Stray examples of dovecot Pigeons may occasionally be 

seen flying out from the rocks, along with the true Blue Rock. 

STOCK DOVE. Mr. Milne has got the nest and eggs in Fordoun 

parish. Otherwise I have heard of no record. 

PALLAS SAND GROUSE. "Irregular visitant," writes H. ; but in his 

extended notes he indicates that the county had its full share 

of the extraordinary irruption during the year 1863. There is 

every reason also to believe the county was favoured by the 

arrival of this rare bird during the summer of iSSS, when it 

was noted in the other eastern counties. 

PHEASANT. Abundant all over the county. Large numbers are 

annually hatched out under poultry. Kincardineshire is a 

sporting domain, and hence owns plenty of game birds. 

PARTRIDGE. Same as Pheasant, and many nests are also hatched 

out under barndoor fowls. The lower grounds of the Howe 

are famed for yielding heavy bags of Partridges annually. 

QUAIL. One was shot at Laurencekirk nearly twenty years ago. I 

saw the bird at the time. This is the only instance of its 

appearance I can submit.


PTARMIGAN. 

RED GROUSE. 

Resident, but confined to the higher hills. 

Breeds throughout the county, frequenting the hills. 

BLACK GROUSE. Same as preceding. I notice it increases rapidly 

in numbers where young plantations are formed. 

CAPERCAILLIE. 

Breeds in most of the higher woods. 

WATER RAIL. Not often met with, but breeds in various localities. 

It is a very shy bird, which accounts in some measure for its 

being unobserved. 

LAND RAIL. Reaches the shire about the first or second week in 

May. The bird seems to call more during a shower : at least 

it seems to me to do so. 

MOOR HEN. Common on all the burn sides and about the waterways. 

I have seen some quite tame, and at present know of 

several pairs that breed in gardens quite close to dwellinghouses. 

One severe winter lately a number fed daily with my 

poultry. This year I saw a nest fully eight feet from the 

ground. 

COOT. Not so common as the last named, but nests wherever 

suitable sites occur. 

GOLDEN PLOVER. On the moorland and higher ground this bird 

brings out its brood. During winter they are often seen in the 

fields, and numbers seek the seaside annually. 

RINGED PLOVER. Although I understand the bird breeds over a 

rather wide area, I have never seen it unless about the sea 

margin. 

LAPWING. Extremely common, when one considers the vast quantity 

of eggs collected by boys all over the shire. These eggs are 

bought by local shop-keepers and sent in to town merchants, 

who again dispatch them to London market. 

TURNSTONE. Sometimes observed inland, but more frequently 

about the sea-shore. Not very common even there. 

OYSTER-CATCHER. To be met occasionally amongst the rocks and 

at Stonehaven and elsewhere. Breeds on many of the 

shingle 

inland streams. 

WOODCOCK. I see numbers every fall, and learn of others being 

shot in various localities. It is a regular breeder in the shire, 

COMMON SNIPE. Very widely known, but still very sparingly distributed 

about the marshy banks and flats of the burns. It 

nests in most of the parishes. 

JACK SNIPE. H. writes it down as a winter visitor. M. secured a 

specimen last year at Auchinblae.


DUNLIN. 

villages. 

SANDERLING. 

Often shot by amateur gunners near the coast towns and 

Found towards autumn on the coast. 

COMMON SANDPIPER. Various burns harbour a pair or two of this 

interesting bird. 

SPOTTED SANDPIPER. In the Statistical Account of Craigo Parish, 

mention is made of this bird. 

[A mistake, no doubt about it. 

EDS.] 

REDSHANK. Breeds in the districts of Fettercairn, Garvock, etc., 

and is 

by no means a rarity. 

GREENSHANK. I question being able to claim it as a breeder 

within the county, but it is sometimes met towards the winter 

months. 

CURLEW. Breeds on the hill slopes, and is a very common bird 

about the coast in the fall and during winter. 

ESQUIMAUX CURLEW. Recorded 6th September 1866 (H., Report 

to E. S. N. Society). 

COMMON TERN. A summer migrant, according to H. 

LITTLE TERN. 

H. speaks of this in the same terms as the common 

species. 

BLACK TERN. I picked up a dead bird on the coast at St. Cyrus 

in the spring of last year (1899). 

BLACK-HEADED GULL. On 2yth March of this year I counted no 

fewer than seventeen birds in one field, and occasionally 

observe them singly during my walks. 

COMMON GULL. Termed resident and common by H. 

HERRING GULL. 

Fairly numerous at several places 

on the coast. 

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. During autumn visits the coast, but 

not common. 

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. Occasionally found about the tidal 

basins, especially in severe weather. 

KITTIWAKE. Breeds on the sea cliffs, and is sometimes seen inland. 

MANX SHEARWATER. Rare. One was shot at Johnshaven 

fall of 1899. 

in the 

RAZORBILL. Breeds on the coast. Have seen them lying dead 

about the salmon -nets on the sands repeatedly. Evidently 

these birds get caught in the net and are drowned. 

COMMON GUILLEMOT. Breeds at the cliffs about Dunottar. There 

is a portion known as the " Fowlsheugh," where various species 

nest ; 

and the " Marrot " of the fisherman nests about this


locality. 

At St. Cyrus 

I have counted no fewer than ten 

examples in a short walk on the sea border, all more or less 

in an advanced state of decomposition. 

BLACK GUILLEMOT. Found here and there on the rocky coast. 

Saw several in 1898 on the rocks at Muchalls, and I conjecture 

they breed at 

" Fowlsheugh." 

LITTLE AUK. Year after year there are specimens driven on our 

coast in stormy weather. Some years ago one was got at 

Auchinblae, and is now in the school collection. This year 

(iyth March) one was found dead near my garden. Many 

others are recorded. 

PUFFIN. Not very common, but I have seen solitary examples on 

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. Its name is 

given 

the coast at times. In 1898 one passed me within twenty 

yards on the beach at Bervie. 

in some old works 

on county lore, and being at times identified on the Forfarshire 

coast, doubtless the bird may be claimed for this county. 

LITTLE GREBE. Frequently found about the less disturbed inland 

lochs, where it breeds. 

THE FISHES OF THE FIRTH OF FORTH AND 

ITS TRIBUTARIES: No. II. FURTHER AD- 

DITIONS AND OCCURRENCES OF RARE 

SPECIES SINCE DR. PARNELL'S "ESSAY" OF 

1837- 

By WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S. 

IN a previous communication ("Annals," 1900, pp. 8-17), 

I 

enumerated the fishes which had been added to the fauna 

of the Forth waters since the publication of Dr. Parnell's 

" Essay," and gave the essential particulars relating to the 

occurrence of each species. 

In the present contribution I 

propose (i)to supplement 

my former paper by the addition of two species, and to give 

some further information concerning certain fishes treated of 

therein; 1 and (2) to give particulars of the occurrence of 

1 

That this should be necessary is due to the fact that the first contribution 

had to be produced at a few hours' notice, to supply the place of another paper 

which failed us at the last moment.


especially 

a number of Dr. Parnell's rarer species recorded since the 

year 1837, and thus to bring that author's account of them 

down to date. 

I have again to acknowledge my indebtedness to the 

Annual Reports of the Fishery Board for Scotland : 

have the systematic monthly trawling experiments made by 

the "Garland" during eleven years 1886-1897 added 

much valuable information relating to the fishes of the Forth 

and their distribution within the estuary at all seasons. 

For the purposes of these investigations the Fishery 

Board established a number of stations in the Firth, and 

these were visited monthly, and complete records kept of the 

fishes captured, by means of the trawl, at each of them. 

As frequent allusion will be made to these stations, 

it will be advantageous to particularise them here, giving 

their situation, depth, and the nature of the bottom of each. 

This will 

Station. 

obviate much repetition under the various species. 

1. East of Inchkeith: extending in a N.E. direction 4 miles. 

Depth: 10-1 8 fathoms. Bottom: chiefly mud. 

2. North Bay, off West Wemyss. Length: 3.5 miles. Depth: 

9-12 fathoms. Bottom: mud and stones; partly sand. 

3. East of Inchkeith. Length: 7 miles. Depth: 

8- 10 fathoms. 

Bottom : 

mostly mud ; 

also shells and stones. 

4. South Bay, off Fisherrow and Aberlady. Length: 7.5 miles. 

Depth: 5-7 fathoms. Bottom: sand and shells. 

5. 

West of Isle of May. Length: 5 miles. Depth: 20-30 

fathoms. Bottom : mud. 

6. Off St. Monance and Pittenweem ("Fluke Hole"). Length: 

1.75 miles. Depth: 13-14 fathoms. Bottom: sand and 

gravel. 

7. Between Bass Rock and Fidra. Length: 4.5 miles. Depth: 

11-14 fathoms. Bottom: sand, mud, and stones. 

8. South of Isle of May (east of Bass Rock in N.W. direction). 

Length: 5 miles. Depth: 20-30 fathoms. Bottom: sand 

and mud. 

9. South-east of Isle of May. Length: 5.5 miles. Depth: 

29-32 fathoms. Bottom: sand, mud, and stones. 

The classification 

and nomenclature followed are those of 

Day's "British and Irish Fishes" (1880-1884). 

I am aware 

that these important features require modification and 

correction ; 

but since this work remains our most recent


authority on the subject, considerations of convenience may 

be allowed to outweigh other exigencies. 

I 

have, however, 

indicated, in square brackets, a few necessary changes in 

nomenclature. 

a number of uncommon fishes which 

It is somewhat remarkable that we lack further information 

for quite 

came under the notice of Dr. Parnell or his predecessors. 

Thus we appear to have no additional records for the past 

half-century, or more, regarding the occurrence of the following 

species in the Firth : Pagellus oweni (P. came, Parnell), 

Maurolicus pennantii (Scopelns Jmmboltii, Parnell), Thynnns 

pelamyS) Gobius niger, Mugil capita, Atherina presbyter, 

Cetenolabrus rupestris (Crcnilabrus rupestris, Parnell), Brosmius 

brosme (B. vulgaris, Parnell), Clupea alosa (Alosa communis, 

Parnell), Nerophis ophidian (Syngnathus ophidian, Parnell), 

Selaclie maxima {SelacJius maxima, Parnell), RJiina squatina 

(Squatina angelus, Parnell), Raia fullonica (R. chagrina, 

Parnell), and Raia maculata. 

I. ADDITIONAL SPECIES. 

The following two additions bring the grand 

Forth fishes to 

142 species. 

total of 

CANTHARUS LINEATUS (Montagu] [CANTHARUS CANTHARUS (Gm.}~\. 

GUNTHER, "Catalogue of Fishes/ vol. i. p. 414, 1859. 

This species, known as the Black Sea-Bream and Old Wife, is 

an addition to Dr. Parnell's " Fishes of the Firth of Forth." It is 

an uncommon species in the North Sea, being an inhabitant of the 

Mediterranean, the North Atlantic to Madeira and the Canaries, but 

it reaches the south and west coasts of England. 

Though not included in Dr. Parnell's "Essay," yet his collection, 

now in the British Museum (Natural History), contains an adult 

stuffed example from the " Firth of Forth " 

(Giinther, I.e.}. 

There appears to be no further information regarding this fish as 

a Forth species. 

RAIA CIRCULARIS, Couch. 

"REP. FISH. BOARD SCOT.," 1893, part 

iii. p. 74; 

1894, part iii. p. 45. 

The Sandy Ray 

is also an addition to the fauna of the Firth of 

Forth, made since Dr. Parnell's researches. It appears to be very


scarce in the estuary, and the few examples which have been 

obtained were all immature fish. 

One was captured in the trawl of the " Garland," within the 

Forth, in February 1893 ; 

and another, 8 inches long, was taken 

at Station 6 on the 28th of July in the same year. 

On the 3oth of November 1894, an example, 12 inches in length, 

was again captured by the " Garland " at Station 6. 

I think it is 

probable that the Ray recorded by Mr. W. S. Young 

("Proc.Roy.Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol.ii. pp.4i7-4i9) as"fiaia M'Coyii" 

(a name I cannot find in the synonomy of any of the Raiidse) is 

referable to the Sandy Ray. M'Coy, in 1841, described ("Ann. 

Mag. Nat. Hist.," vol. vi. p. 405), without giving it a name, a Ray from 

the coast of Ireland, which afterwards proved to belong to this 

species and it is ; possible that Mr. Young considered his Forth 

specimen was referable to this form, and adopted for it the specific 

name of 

Mi 

Coyii. Mr. Young's example was 12 inches long and 

6.25 broad, and was captured in the " Fluke Hole," off Pittenweem, 

in May 1860. 

II. ADDITIONAL RECORDS OF RARE SPECIES. 

The following records supplement the information given 

either in 

Dr. Parnell's " Essay " or in my own previous con.tribution, 

as the case may be. 

PAGELLUS CENTRODONTUS, Delaroche. 

PARNELL, pp. 206-209. "I" tne Firth of Forth very little is 

known regarding this fish, as its 

appearance there is of rare 

occurrence. Two specimens, however, have been noticed in 

the Firth" (p. 208). 

We are not able to add much to the statements made by Dr. 

Parnell more than half a century ago. The common Sea-Bream 

must still be regarded as an infrequent visitor to, or rare in, the 

estuary, though, according to Professor M'Intosh (" Marine Fauna 

of St. Andrews," 

it 

p. is 172), "not uncommon" in St. Andrews 

Bay. 

The following are the only additional occurrences known to 

me : 

Dr. John Alexander Smith records ("Ann. Nat. Hist.," 1852, vol. 

ix. p. 154) the capture of an example, 18.5 inches in length, 

in a trawl-net off the Isle of May, near the mouth of the Firth, 

on the 29th of November 1851. Dr. Smith remarks that it 

appears to be a very rare fish, or at least to be very rarely caught 

in our neighbouring seas, as far as he has been able to ascertain.


In the Report of the Committee on Marine Zoology, presented to 

the Royal Physical Society on the yth of May 1862, it 

is stated 

that " in the month of February large numbers of the seabream 

were taken in the Firth" ("Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," 

vol. 

ii. 

During the eleven years (1886-1897) that the monthly trawling 

experiments were carried out in all parts of the Firth by the Scottish 

Fishery Board, and known as the " Garland " 

observations, only one 

example of this fish was obtained, namely, a mature specimen in 

September 1894. 

PAGELLUS ERYTHRINUS (Linn

pectoral fins. TRACHINUS DRACO, Linnaus. 


little doubt that this supposed flying-fish was a specimen of the 

Sapphirine Gurnard a species remarkable for the size of its 


Additional Records. The following specimens of the Greater 

Weever were captured by the " Garland " : 

9, 10 inches, Station i, 

i2th February 1888 ("Rep. Fish. 

Board Scot.," 1888, part 

iii. p. 212). 

One, 12 inches, Station 6, 2gth August 1895 (P- & l8 95> P art in ''> 

P- 43)- 

Professor M'Intosh, in his "Resources of the Sea," Table XII., 

indicates that ten examples were taken by the " Garland," 1886-1895 

: 

three in February 1889 ; 

six in March 1889; one in August 1889. 

TRACHINUS VIPERA, Cuv. and VaL 

PARNELL, pp. 172-174. "Very seldom seen in the Firth of Forth." 

Four occurrences are mentioned, three for Musselburgh and 

one for Queensferry (p. 173). 

The Lesser Weever is not at the present time to be regarded 

as an uncommon species in the Firth. The fish mien at North 

Berwick inform me that they frequently capture it when netting for 

Sand-Launces in June. 

The late Mr. Gray describes it as common in shallow water over 

the Tyne sands ("Zoologist," 1849, p. 2519); and other specimens 

have since, to my knowledge, been captured near D unbar. The 

Marine Zoology Committee of the Royal Physical Society record its 

abundance in the season of 1860 in spots where much ulvee and 

enteromorpha grew. 

On 1 8th October 1890, a young specimen, 15 mm., was taken 

by the " Garland," at Station i ("Rep. Fish. Board Scot.," 1890, 

part iii. p. 337). 

Tunny 

: 

ORCYNUS THYNNUS (Linnaus). 


The following are additional records of the occurrence of the 

One, 9 feet, 'captured near Queensferry in October 1868 

(Walker, "Scot. Nat.," vol. ii. p. 195). 

One, weighing 5 cwt., Firth of Forth, November 1868 (Day, 

"Brit. Fishes," vol. i. p. 97).


BRAMA RAII, Block. 

PARNELL, pp. 209-210. "In the Firth of Forth it has occurred 

frequently" (p. 210). 

In spite of Dr. Parnell's statement as to its 

frequence in the 

Firth, I can find very little subsequent information regarding the 

occurrence of Ray's Bream, and this refers to a single visitation 

only 

Ṫhe winter of 1850 witnessed a marked immigration of this 

fish to the shores of the east coast of Britain, during which 

several were cast ashore in the Firth, from the end of November 

onwards (R. F. Logan, "Zoologist," 1851, p. 3058). 

LAMPRIS LUNA (Gmelin). 

PARNELL, p. 224, indicates that the Opah has occurred on seven 

occasions in the Firth. 

During recent years, I have noted two occurrences, namely : 

a fine specimen captured at Aberdour on the nth of October 

1890; and one, 4 feet long and weighing 103 Ibs., caught off 

North Queensferry on or about the 26th of July 1898. 

XlPHIAS GLADIUS, LilinCRUS. 

" 

PARNELL, pp. 215-217. Specimens have occasionally been seen in 

the Firth of Forth at a considerable distance from the mouth 

of the estuary. In the year 1826, an individual that measured 

7 feet in length was found stranded on the 'banks between 

Stirling and Alloa" (p. 216). 

The only additional record that has come under my notice of 

the occurrence of the Swordfish in the Firth, is that of one taken in 

the salmon-nets at Bo'ness, on the i7th of July 1893. This specimen 

was 8 feet 2 inches in length, of which the " sword," measured 

from the tip to the front of the lower jaw, was 2 feet 5 inches. It is 

now in the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow (J. M'Naught Campbell, 

"Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1893, P- 

2 47)- 

SCUENA AQUILA, Laccpede. 

PARNELL, pp. 200-202. "A specimen about 3! feet in length was 

taken a short time since in the Firth of Forth" (p. 201). 

The only additional record of the Maigre, of which I am aware, 

refers to one 3 feet 2 inches in length, captured in the Firth in July 

1878, and exhibited at the meeting of the Royal Physical Society 

on the 1 

5th of January 1879 ("Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. 

v - 

P- 374).


LIPARIS MONTAGUI (Donovaii). 

EAGLE CLARKE, "Ann. Scot. Nat Hist.," 1900, p. n. 

Montagu's Sucker was, I believe, first recorded for the Firth of 

Forth in the year 1890, when several immature and post-larval 

specimens were captured by the " Garland " 

(MTntosh, " Rep. Fish. 

Board Scot.," 1889, part 

iii. 

pp. 288, 336, 337). 

Since 1890, a number of specimens, chiefly of similar age, were 

taken by the " Garland," both at the surface and on the bottom, at 

the various stations in the Firth. Four miles east of the Isle of 

May, a specimen, 3 mm., was taken in the 10 fathom tow -net, 

and one 9 mm. in the bottom net, on nth May 1891. 

LABRUS MIXTUS, Linnceus. 

Labrus carneus, PARNELL, pp. 255-259. 

" Dr. Neill has recorded it 

in the ' Wernerian Transactions ' [i. p. 538] as found in the Firth 

of Forth. In this locality it is 

undoubtedly a rare fish, as not 

a single specimen has occurred to me from that quarter " 

(P- 259). 

To this I can only add a single record one that I should like 

to see confirmed. 

The late Mr. Robert Gray ("Zoologist," 1849, P- 2 5 J S) says 

" that the ballan wrasse (Labrus maculatus), and the red or trima- 

" 

culated wrasse (L. carneus} are " common in some localities near 

the shore " at Dunbar. 

GADUS MINUTUS, Linncei/s. 

EAGLE CLARKE, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1900, pp. 13-14. 

Though not an abundant species in the Firth, yet the Power 

Cod cannot be considered a rarity. In his " Resources of the 

Sea," Professor M'Intosh indicates (Table XI.) that sixty-six mature 

examples were obtained by the " Garland," in the decade 1886-1895. 

MERLUCCIUS VULGARIS (Cuvier) [MERLUCCIUS MERLUCCIUS (Z.)]. 

PARNELL, pp. 350-352. "About two years ago, a single specimen 

was taken in a stake-net near Musselburgh, and sent to the 

Edinburgh market, where it 

appeared to be unknown " (p. 351). 

The Hake is evidently an uncommon fish in the Firth. During 

the eleven years' trawling experiments conducted on board the 

" Garland," thirty-two examples only were captured, seven of which 

were immature. They were captured in all parts of the Firth below 

Inchkeith, and at all seasons of the year. The largest of these 

was 40 inches in length, and was taken at Station 5, 

on the 3oth 

May 1893. 

36 C


MOTELLA CIMBRIA (Linnaeus) [ENCHELYOPUS CIMBRIUS (Z.)]. 

PARNELL, pp. 449-461. "I am not aware of the Motella cimbria 

(Gadus cimbriiis of Linnaeus) having previously been noticed as 

a British fish. It was found in June last, a little to the east of 

Inchkeith" (p. 450). 

A number of examples of this comparatively rare and local 

British fish the Four-bearded Rockling have been captured in the 

Firth since Dr. Parnell first discovered it in 1837. Indeed, it may 

be regarded as fairly common in deep water in the estuary and off 

the Isle of May. 

I know of the following records : 

Two, from the Firth were sent to Yarrell by 

("Brit. Fishes," 2nd ed. vol. ii. p. 275, 1841 ; 3rd 

Dr. Edward Clarke 

ed. vol. i. 

p. 53o). 

One, 7.5 inches, captured off the Firth, 8th February, 1886 (Brook, 

"Rep. Fish. Board Scot.," 1885, App., pp. 223-224). 

One, 9.5 inches, Station 9, i6th May 1889 (Fulton, op. cit. 1889, 

part iii. p. 357). 

Three, 6, 5, and 5.5 inches, near mouth of Firth, 22nd February 

1890 (id. I.e.}. 

One, 9.5 inches, Dunbar, 2ist May 1890 (op. cit. 1890, part iii. p. 259). 

Two, 9 inches, Station 9, i4th April 1891 (op. cit. 1891, part iii. p. 60). 

One, 10.5 inches, Station 9, i2th December 1892 (op. cit. 1892, part 

iii. 

p. 99). 

One, 11.05 inches, east of Inchkeith, 26th December 1893, sent me 

by Mr. Thomas Scott, F.L.S. 

One, 9 inches, Station 8, iSth April 1894 ("Rep. Fish. Board Scot," 

1894, part iii. p. 47). 

One, 13.6 inches, cast up between Portobello and Leith, 25th 

October 1898 (Godfrey, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1899, p. 53). 

MOTELLA TRICIRRATA (Block} [GAIDROPSAURUS TRICIRRATUS 

(Block}]. 

Motel/a vu/garis, PARNELL, pp. 354-355. "It is rare in the Firth of 

Forth, as well as along the whole of the eastern shores of Scotland 

"(p. 355)- 

Parnell gives no data regarding the occurrence of the Threebearded 

Rockling in the Firth. The following records have come 

under my notice : 

Male, 18.5 inches, 7th January 1886, between the Isle of May and 

the Bass Rock (Brook, "Rep. Fish. Board Scot.," 1885, App., 

p. 225).


Two, 

ches, Station 5, on the icth May 

Board 

One, 6 inches, Station 8, 9 th Scot.," 

May 1889, 

1889. 

lll> ' 

One, 15. 75 inches, Dunbar, 2nd P 357 '' 

June 1889. 

) 

One examined by me was captured five miles east of the Isle of 

May on the 9th of December 1892. 

One, 9 inches, Station 5, 24th February 1892 ("Rep. Fish. Board 

Scot.," part iii. p. 48). 

One, 9 inches, Station 9. igth February 1892 (t.c. p. 50). 

One, 8 inches, Station 9, 6th May 1892 (t.c. p. 61). 

One, 7 inches, Station 9, i2th September 1892 (t.c. p. 84). 

One, ii inches, Station 3, 26th December 1893 (fPc^- 

I 

&93, P art 

iii. p. 95). 

One, ii inches, Station 9, i2th September 1894 (op. at. 1894, part 

iii. p. 49). 

One, 5 inches, Station i, i7th April 1895 (op. cit. 1895, P art "i- P- 

35)- 

One, full-grown, end of November 1897, caught near the Isle of 

May. 

It was considered by the fishermen to be very rare (W. 

Evans). 

Mr. Thomas Scott informs me that on the 4th of December 

1897 he received a finely-coloured specimen which had been 

caught by a Granton trawler off the Carr Lightship on the 

previous day. It was 17! inches in length. 

HlPPOGLOSSOIDES LIMANDOIDES (Bhctl) [H. PLATESSOIDES 

(Fabricins}\ 

Platessa Hmandoidcs, PARNELL, pp. 368-370. First recorded as 

British from Forth specimens (" Edin. New Phil. Jour.," 1835, 

p. 210) captured in the summer of 1834. 

Parnell gives us no further particulars regarding the Long Rough 

Dab as a Forth fish. It is, however, an abundant species within 

and just outside the Firth. On the 6th of July 1895, when on a 

trawling expedition in the " Garland," we captured many specimens 

a little below Inchkeith. 

During ten years' (1886-1895) experimental trawling by the 

"Garland" in various stations in the Firth, about 6570 mature and 

over 9000 immature specimens of this Pleuronectid were obtained. 

ARNOGLOSSUS MEGASTOMA (Donovan\ 


In addition to the previous information afforded, I find that, during 

the trawling experiments of the " Garland," seventeen examples 

of the Sail Fluke were obtained in the Firth between 1889 and 1896.

species in the Firth. SOLEA LUTEA (J?isS0). 


One of these was captured in Station 3 ; 

four in Station 5 ; 

seven in Station 8 ; 

four in Station 9 ; 

and one at the " mouth of 

the Firth." 

Six of them were captured during the month of June, the others 

in February (2), March (i), May (i), July (i), August (i), September 

(2), October (i), 

and December (2). 

The few Sail Flukes captured during the eleven years of systematic 

trawling, conducted for experimental purposes by the 

that this fish is an uncommon 

Fishery Board, conclusively proves 


As additional information, it may be stated that single eggs of 

the Solenette have on three occasions been taken in the Firth. 

One was obtained in Largo Bay by the "Garland" on the i6th 

of March 1894 ("Rep. Fish. Board Scot.," 1893, part iii. p. 298); 

one at the surface, at Station 6, on the i8th of April 1894 (t.c. p. 

299) ; and one at the surface of the last-named station, on the 29th 

of August 1895 (pp. cit. 1895, part iii. p. 226). 

SCOMBRESOX SAURUS ( Walbaum\ 

PARNELL, pp. 276-277. "According to Dr. Neill, it is not an uncommon 

fish in the Firth of Forth, but of late years 

. . . 

not a single specimen has been observed in the Firth" (p. 277). 

This gregarious and migratory species appears, from the information 

available, to be an uncertain visitor to the Firth. 

Since Parnell wrote there have been several remarkable influxes 

of the Saury Pike to the waters of the estuary. 

Late in October and early in November 1855, vast numbers 

appeared in the Firth, ascending the river to Alloa, and it is said 

that millions of them were captured between that town and Kincardine. 

They were also obtained in great numbers by the fisher-folk 

at Musselburgh and Fisherrow, and on the igth of November a considerable 

number were taken in the herring -nets off Queensferry 

("Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. i. pp. 49-51). 

During the latter months of 1884 this fish was common in the 

Firth. During this immigration Mr. William Evans saw a number 

stranded at Kincardine on 23rd October, and received specimens 

from Aberlady. 

CLUPEA PILCHARDUS, Walbaum. 

PARNELL, pp. 320-322. "A few are taken occasionally in the 

summer months on the Berwick and Dunbar coasts, but since 

the year 1876, no appearance of a Pilchard has been observed 

in the Firth of Forth " (p. 321).


About the loth of March 1861, considerable numbers of young 

Pilchards were brought to the Edinburgh market, along with 

herrings and sprats, which had been taken in the Firth. They were 

only caught in large quantities for a few days in March, but they had 

occurred sparingly with herring during the previous winter months. 

Mr. G. Logan, who recorded these facts ("Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," 

vol. ii. 

pp. 289-290), examined several dozens, the largest of which 

were fully 

8 inches in length. 

Professor M'Intosh (" 

Brit. Marine Food Fishes," p. 423) says that 

" 

it is 

many a year since pilchards were found in any abundance 

off the east coast of Scotland ; 

in obedience to some natural laws, 

of which we know nothing, this fish has disappeared from our 

shores." 

NEROPHIS ^QUOREUS (Linnceus), 

" 

Syngnathus cequoreus, PARNELL, pp. 398-399. This fish was first 

recorded as British by Sir Robert Sibbald, who obtained a 

specimen in the Firth of Forth prior to the year 1685. No 

other instance of its occurrence in that locality has since been 

noticed. It is one of the rarest of our British fishes " (p. 399). 

The Snake Pipe-fish would still seem to be very rare in the Firth, 

though it is stated to be not uncommon along the east coast of 

Scotland. The following two records are all that have come under 

my notice : 

One, 20 inches long, was captured among long weed on the coast of 

the Isle of May early in January 1860, and was exhibited at a 

meeting of the Royal Physical Society by Dr. John Alexander 

Smith ("Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," vol. ii. p. 139). 

One, 21 inches in length, was taken in a lobster-net off Inchkeith on 

the iyth of April 1861 (Young, t.c. pp. 290-291). 

ORTHAGORISCUS MOLA (Linnceus) [MOLA MOLA (Z.)]. 

PARNELL, pp. 401-403. "Seven or eight examples have occurred 

in the Firth of Forth" (p. 402). 

Though a deep-sea form, the Short Sunfish is not very rare in 

the estuary, and is 

probably a much more frequent visitor than the 

data would lead us to suspect. 

One, 5 feet 2 inches, Firth of Forth, 1842 ("Proc. Roy. Phys. 

Soc. Edin.," vol. ii. p. 10). 

One, weighing about 500 Ibs., mouth of Firth, xyth October 

1855. Brought up by lead line of H.M. cutter " Woodlark " 

(op, cit. vol. i. p. 57). 

One, fully 4 feet and weighing betweeen 300 and 400 Ibs., off 

Pittenweem, November 1874 (Day, "Brit, and Irish Fishes," 

vol. ii. p. 275).


One, 4.5 feet, weighing over 4 cwt., Queensferry, 2Qth October 1887 

("Scotsman," ist November 1887). 

Three, 12 inches or less, on beach, North Berwick, 26th September 

1890 (W. Evans). 

One, 4 feet, Pettycur, nth October 1890 (W. Evans). 

I examined a specimen, weighing over 3 cwt., which had been 

stranded dead, but quite fresh, at Elie on the 5th October 1895. 

LAMNA CORNUBICA (Gmelin}. 

" 

PARNELL, pp. 413-414. Several examples have been taken in the 

Firth of Forth, principally in herring-nets" (p. 414). 

Although the Porbeagle occasionally visits the North Sea off the 

mouth of the Firth, it would appear that it 

only rarely enters the 

estuary. 

A specimen, 7 feet long, was exhibited by Professor Jameson at 

the meeting of the Royal Physical Society on the 28th of April 1842, 

which had been captured in the Firth (" Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," 

vol. ii. p. 10). 

One, 6 feet 1 1 inches long, was taken in a herring-net near 

Inchkeith on the i7th of November 1855 (]. A. Smith, op. 

rit. vol. i. 

P- 57)- 

Sir William Turner's paper, 

' 

On the Presence of Spiracles in the 

Porbeagle Shark' ("Jour. Anat. Phys.," vol. ix. pp. 301-302, 1875) 

was based upon a young female, measuring 3 feet 5.5 inches, which 

had been captured off the mouth of the Firth. 

One, 7 feet long, taken off the Forth on the 7th of October 

1885, had been abstracting hooked fishes from the long lines 

(M'Intosh, "Rep. Fish. Board Scot.," 1885, App., p. 210). 

L^MARGUS MICROCEPHALUS 

EAGLE CLARKE, "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist," 1900, p. 16. 

Sir William Turner has kindly drawn my 

attention to the 

following additional occurrence of the Greenland Shark : 

A young male, 6 feet i inch, caught off the Isle of May at the 

mouth of the Firth, in May 1874 (Turner, "Jour. Anat. Phys.," 

vol. viii. p. 285). 

RAIA MACRORHYNCHIUS, Rafincsque. 

Raia intermedia, PARNELL, pp. 429-431. "This fish, which was 

obtained in the Firth of Forth in the month of May, seems to 

be a new species. 

. . . I have met with two examples of a variety 

of this fish, which were taken in the salmon-nets at Queensferry 

(p. 

" 

430).

NOTES ON SCOTTISH CUMACEANS 215 

During the trawling experiments conducted on board the 

"Garland" for the years 1886 to 1895 inclusive, thirty-seven examples 

of the "Flapper Skate" are recorded as having been captured in 

1886 and 1887, and none afterwards. Of these twenty-one were 

mature and the rest immature fish. It is 

very remarkable that the 

only specimens obtained should have been taken during the very 

earliest years of the " Garland's " important observations. Is it possible 

that a mistake was made in the identification of the species ? 

RAIA ALBA, Laccpede. 

Raia oxyrhynchus, PARNELL, pp. 427-429. 

" Occasionally met with 

in the Firth of Forth " " 

(fide Neill), but no example has 

hitherto fallen under my own immediate notice. I cannot vouch 

for the accuracy of the statement." 

Three White Skate were captured in the Firth on the i2th of 

June 1888 : 

one, 24 inches, at Station 3 and 

; two, 21 inches, at 

Station 4 ("Rep. Fish. Board. Scot.," 1888, part iii. p. 38). 

TRYGON PASTINACA (Linnaeus). 

PARNELL, pp. 440-442. "The only example I have met with . . . 

was captured in the Firth of Forth in the salmon-nets above 

Queensferry in the month of August, and sent me as being the 

only fish of the sort the fishermen had ever seen" (p. 441). 

The Sting Ray appears to be an extremely rare fish in the waters 

of the estuary and their immediate vicinity. I only know of a single 

instance of its occurrence since Dr. Parnell's record. In December 

1897 I examined a specimen, 14.5 inches in extreme length and 6 

inches broad, which had been captured off the Isle of May. 

NOTES ON SCOTTISH CUMACEANS. 

By THOMAS SCOTT, F.L.S. 

THE new work on the Cumacea of Norway by Professor 

G. O. Sars, which is now in course of publication, will tend 

greatly to facilitate the study of this aberrant, but peculiarly 

interesting group of Crustaceans. This work, which forms 

volume iii. of Professor Sars' " Crustacea of Norway," will, 

like the two preceding volumes, be found indispensable to 

students of the British Crustacea, because the majority of 

the species hitherto observed in our seas are also 'represented

2i6 


in the fauna of Norway, which in these volumes is being so 

fully described and figured. 

With the assistance of the published parts of volume iii., 

I have been enabled to prepare the following notes on 

Scottish Cumacea, which may not be without interest to 

those who are devoting some attention to these curious 

animals. In these notes I have generally adopted the 

names and the arrangement of the species employed by 

Professor Sars, while among other books and papers which 

have been consulted are the following, viz. : Middlehavet's 

" " 

Invertebrate Fauna," part ii. ; Cumacea," by Professor 

' 

G. O. Sars ; 

Notice of Thirteen Cumacea from the Firth of 

Clyde,' by the late Dr. Robertson of Millport (published in 

part i. vol. iii. (N.S.) of the " Proceedings and Transactions 

of the Natural History Society of Glasgow," 1889); "A 

History of Crustacea," by the Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing, 

F.R.S. ; 

'On a Crangon, some Schizopoda and Cumacea 

new to or rare in the British Seas,' by the Rev. Canon 

A. M. Norman, M.A., etc. (published in the " Fourth Annual 

Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland," 1886); and 

various papers on Crustacea by the present writer, published 

in the Annual Reports of the Fishery Board for Scotland, 

in the " Annals of Scottish Natural History," and elsewhere. 

In a paper on the fauna of Loch Fyne, by the late 

George Brook and myself, published in the " Fourth Annual 

Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland" (1886), Heinilamprops 

uniplicata is recorded, but somewhat doubtfully, 

amongst a few Cumaceans observed in East Loch Tarbert. 

The specimens supposed to belong to Hemilamprops uniplicata 

were immature, and as no adult specimens, which could 

satisfactorily be ascribed to this species, have yet been 

observed in the Clyde or anywhere else around the Scottish 

coasts, I have excluded it from the present list. 

Professor Sars divides the Cumacea into nine families, 

eight of which are represented here, viz. the CUMID^, 

VAUNTHOMPSONIIDÊ, LAMPROPIDÊ, LEUCONID.E, DIASTY- 

PSEUDOCUMID/E, NANNASTACIDÊ, and CAMPY- 

The PLATYASPID/E the third family in Professor 

Sars' arrangement 

is not represented in the Scottish 

cumacean fauna.


Fam. I. 

Gen. CUM A, M. Edwards, 1828. 

(1) CUMA SCORPIOIDES (Monf.}. 

Firth of Forth (recorded by 

Goodsir under the name of Bodotria arenosa). 

Firth of Clyde 

" taken in surface-net after sunset ; depth 4-5 fathoms, Blackwaterfoot, 

Arran " (Robertson). I have not myself observed this species 

in any gatherings of Scottish Crustacea. In it the inner rarnus of 

the uropods is composed of a single piece. 

The form described 

and figured by Goodsir as Bodotria arenosa is evidently a male, as 

the abdominal segments are provided with what appear to be fully 

developed pleopods. 

(2) CUMA EDWARDSII, Goodsir. Firth of Forth (Goodsir 

; 

Leslie 

and Herdman). This species, which has the inner as well as the 

outer uropods two-jointed, appears to be generally distributed along 

the east coast of Scotland. I have records of its occurrence in 

the Firth of Forth, off Aberdeen, and in the Dornoch Firth. I 

have, however, no record from the west coast. 

(3) CUMA PULCHELLA, G. O. Sars. Appears to have a wide 

distribution, but being a small species, is easily overlooked. It was 

observed for the first time in Scotland in the Firth of Forth, where 

it was obtained in 1889-90. For several years this was the only 

Scottish locality in which it was known to occur ; recently, however, 

I have been enabled to record its occurrence in the Clyde, having 

obtained one or two specimens in a gathering of Crustacea collected 

in the vicinity of the island of Sanda. 1 

Gen. IPHINOE, Spence Bate, 1856. 

(4) IPHINOE TRISPINOSA (Goodsir). 

Firth of Forth (Goodsir). 

Firth of Clyde taken plentifully in Kames Bay, Millport (a little 

beyond low water, and in the surface - net), and Loch Ranza 

(Robertson). I have taken it in the Firth of Forth, where at times 

it is 

moderately frequent, especially in bottom tow-net gatherings ; 

and also occasionally in Loch Fyne, and in Kilbrennan Sound. 

Iphinoe ( Venilid) grad/is, Spence Bate, is the male of this 

species. 

(5) IPHINOE SERRATA, Norman. I obtained this species in 

moderately deep water in Port Bannatyne Bay, Firth of Clyde, in 

March 1887. Also in a tow -net gathering, from 40 fathoms, 

collected in the Moray Firth in June 1898; and in a gathering 

made off Ballantrae, Firth of Clyde, in July 1899. I have not 

observed this Iphinoe in the Firth of Forth. 

1 

"Seventeenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland," part iii. 

p. 267 (1899).


(6) IPHINOE TENELLA, G. O. Sars. Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing, 

F.R.S., in his useful work, entitled "A History of Crustacea" 

(published in 1893), states at page 303 that Iphinoe tenella, Sars, 

has recently been taken in the Clyde. This is a smaller species 

than either of the other two recorded here, being scarcely more 

than half the size of /. trispinosa. Like Cuma puhhella, 

it is a 

Mediterranean species, and I have not yet observed it ; perhaps 

its distribution is more local than some of the others. 

Gen. CUMOPSIS, G. O. Sars, 1879. 

(7) CUMOPSIS EDWARDSII (Spence Bate). This species has at 

various times been recorded under the name of Cumopsis goodsiri. 

It seems to prefer shallow bays where the bottom consists of fine 

sand, or of sand and mud ; 

and in such situations it does not 

appear to be very rare. I have records of its occurrence in the 

Firth of Forth and in the Firth of Clyde. It was moderately 

frequent in shore gathering from a sandy bay, in front of Millport, 

Cumbrae, collected in May 1899 ; 

and in July of the same year it 

was observed in a gathering collected near Ballantrae. Dr. Dohrn 

collected this species at Millport in 1869, as well as the species to 

be next referred to. 

(8) CUMOPSIS LONGIPES (Dohrn] (Cumopsis l&vis, G. O. Sars). 

This Cumacean was discovered by Dr. Dohrn mixed up with the 

more common form just referred to. In this species the cephalothoracic 

shield is devoid of the lateral folds or plica which adorn 

the shield of the other. I have obtained specimens near Millport, 

Cumbrae ; 

and the late Dr. Robertson also records it from the same 

place. 

Fam. II. 

VAUNTHOMPSONIIDÊ. 

Gen. VAUNTHOMPSONIA, Spence Bate, 1858. 

(9) VAUNTHOMPSONIA CRISTATA, Spence Bate. I obtained this 

species in East Loch Tarbert, Loch Fyne, in 1886; and 1 have 

also taken it in the vicinity of May Island, Firth of Forth. I have 

recently observed a single specimen a male in a gathering collected 

off Ballantrae, Firth of Clyde, on igth July 1899, in 15-20 

fathoms. V. cristata appears to be a somewhat rare species, but 

being small, it may easily be overlooked. It is apparently the only 

British representative of the family. 

Fam. III. 

PLATYASPID^T. 

[No Scottish representative of this family has yet been observed.]


Fam. IV. 

LAMPROPID^. 

Gen. LAM PROPS, G. O. Sars. 

(ro) LAMPROPS FASCIATA, G. O. Sars. This appears to be a 

moderately common species on various parts of the Scottish coast, 

especially in shallow sandy bays. The following are a few of the 

places where it has been obtained East Loch Tarbert, Loch Fyne ; 

shore at Hunterston and at Inverkip, Firth of Clyde ; 

near Invergordon, 

Cromarty Firth and at Muckle 

; Ferry, Dornoch Firth ; 

at 

various parts of the Firth of Forth. In this species the telson is 

furnished with five terminal spines, two of which are shorter than 

the others. Adult specimens appear to vary in size. 

Gen. HEMILAMPROPS, G. O. Sars, 1882. 

(n) HEMILAMPROPS ROSEA (Normati). I have seen this 

species on one or two occasions, and only in Clyde tow-net gatherings. 

It is readily distinguished from other Lampropida^, recorded 

from our shores, by the greater number of terminal spines on the 

telson. A single specimen was taken in the bottom tow-net between 

Inverae and Furnace, Upper Loch Fyne. In this specimen, the 

1 

telson was provided with eight terminal spines. Last year the 

species was obtained in Kilbrennan Sound.'2 

(12) HEMILAMPROPS CRISTATA, G. O. Sars. This species 

is 

stated to have been obtained in the Firth of Clyde in 1860, by the 

late Dr. Robertson, 3 but does not appear to have been observed 

since. The telson is furnished with three terminal spines. It must 

be remembered, however, that the number of terminal spines in 

this and other species is not a safe guide if the specimens be 

immature. 

Fam. V. 

LEUCONIDÊ. 

Gen. LEUCON, Kr^yer, 1846. 

(13) LEUCON NASICUS, KrVyer. I have found this moderately 

common in gatherings from the Firths of Forth and Clyde, as well as 

from other parts of the Scottish coasts. The gatherings in which 

specimens most frequently occurred were collected in comparatively 

deep water, i.e. from 20 to 40 fathoms and upwards. Those 

examined showed a tendency to vary in the size of the serratures of 

the lower margins of the dorsal shield and the front ; margins of 

the rostral projection were also, 

in some examples, distinctly serrate, 

1 

"Fifteenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland, " part iii. 

p. 134(1897). 

2 

"Seventeenth Annual Report," part 

iii. 

p. 267 (1899). 

3 

Norman, "Fourth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland," Appendix 

F, No. viii. p. 164(1886).


being similar in this respect to L. nasicoides, Lillj., a species, however, 

which is not only considerably smaller than L. nasicus, but has 

the rostral projection almost truncate, instead of being decidedly 

oblique. 

Gen. EUDORELLA, Spence Bate, 1867. 

(14) EUDORELLA EMARGINATA (Kryer). This is the largest 

of the two species of Eitdorella noticed here, adult female specimens 

measuring nearly half an inch in length. The late Dr. 

Robertson records it from Rothesay Bay, Bute, where it was dredged 

in 12 fathoms, and it has been obtained on several occasions in 

tow-net gatherings collected by the s.s. "Garland" in the deep water 

between Arran and the coast of Ayrshire, as well as in other parts 

of the Clyde district. This species has also been obtained in 

gatherings of Crustacea from the Firth of Forth. 

(15) EUDORELLA TRUNCATULA, Spence Bate. I have obtained 

this species in the Firth of Forth, in the Moray Firth, and in the 

estuary of the Clyde but it ; appears to be less frequent than 

Eudorella emarginata. It is also scarcely half the size of that 

species. 

Gen. EUDORELLOPSIS, G. O. Sars, 1882. 

(16) EUDORELLOPSIS DEFORMIS (Krq>yer). This curious little 

Cumacean was first observed in the Firth of Forth, during 1889-90, 

and is recorded in the " Eighth Annual Report of the Fishery Board 

for Scotland," part iii. p. 329 (1890). Since that time the species 

has been obtained in gatherings collected off Aberdeen, in the 

Moray Firth, and in the Firth of Clyde. Though apparently 

extensively distributed, it seems to be a rare species, as seldom more 

than one or two specimens are obtained in any single gathering. 

Fam. VI. 

DIASTYLID.*;. 

Gen. DIASTYLIS, Say., 1818. 

(17) DIASTYLIS RATHKEI (Krq>yer). This appears to be the 

largest of the British species of Diastylis, some of the specimens in 

my collection measuring about 15 millimetres in length. It has 

been obtained in the Firth of Forth, in the Moray Firth, and at 

Tarbert, Loch Fyne. 

(18) DIASTYLIS RUGOSA, G. O. Sars. This seems to be more 

widely distributed than the last. I obtained it in East Loch 

Tarbert in 1886. The late Dr. Robertson records it from Loch 

Ranza and Blackwaterfoot, Arran, and it has been captured in 

Loch Etive, the Firth of Forth, and one or two other places, but 

nowhere very plentifully.

NOTES OX SCOTTISH CUMACEANS 221 

(19) DIASTYLIS LUCIFERA (A>0jrr). I have notes of this 

species from the Clyde district, and also from the Firth of Forth. 

It was recorded for the Moray Firth district by the late T. Edward 

of Banff; and quite recently 

it was captured, along with some other 

interesting organisms, by Mr. H. C. Williamson, while tow-netting in 

the Bay of Nigg, near Aberdeen. 

(20) DIASTYLIS ROSTRATA (Good sir). According to Sars, the 

Alanna rostrata of Goodsir is identical with Diastylis Itzvis, Norman, 

and, being the older name, is adopted by him. This Cumacean was 

recorded for the Firth of Forth 1 

by Henderson in December ISS4. 

It was dredged at Blackwaterfoot, Arran, in 20 fathoms, by the late 

Dr. Robertson ; 

and it has been obtained in some gatherings 

collected by tow-net off Aberdeen by the Fishery steamer " Garland." 

(21) DIASTYLIS TUMIDA (Lilljeborg). This somewhat rare 

species was dredged at Blackwaterfoot, Arran, in 20 fathoms, 

by the late Dr. Robertson. A specimen from the Moray Firth, 

from 130 fathoms, measures fully 7 millemetres in length. This 

species has the basal portion of the telson cylindrical, and nearly as 

long as the tapering distal portion. 

is re- 

(22) DIASTYLIS ECHINATA, Spence Bate. This species 

corded for the Moray Firth 2 

by the late T. Edward of Banff. 

(23) DIASTYLIS SPINOSA, Norman. Taken at Blackwaterfoot, 

Arran, in 20 fathoms, and at low water on the west side of Helensburgh 

pier (Robertson). One or two specimens of a Diastylis which 

appear to belong to this species were dredged at the mouth of the 

Clyde, in 64 fathoms, between the Mull of Cantyre and Corsewall. 

I have D. spinosa also from the Firth of Forth, collected off North 

Berwick, 10- 15 fathoms, in March 1891, but it has only recently 

been identified. 

Gen. DIASTYLOIDES, G. O. Sars, 1900. 

(24) DIASTYLOIDES BIPLICATA, G. O. Sars. This appears to be 

a moderately frequent as well as generally distributed species around 

the Scottish coasts. The late Dr. Robertson records it from 

Blackwaterfoot, Arran, where it was dredged in 20 fathoms. I have 

obtained a number of specimens in the deep water (40 fathoms) 

between Arran and the Ayrshire coast in 

; 64 fathoms at the mouth 

of the Clyde estuary and it has also been 

; dredged near the head 

of Loch Fyne. On the east coast I have obtained it in moderate 

abundance in a gathering from 50 fathoms, collected about 7 miles 

east by south of Girdleness and in ; considerably over too fathoms 

in the Moray Forth, off Rosehearty. The Diastylis laineUata, 

Norman, is 

a synonym of this species. 

1 " Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.," vol. viii. p. 311 (1883-1885). 

- " Life of a Scotch Naturalist," by Samuel Smiles, p. 431 (1877).


Gen. LEPTOSTYLIS, G. O. Sars, 1869. 

(25) LEPTOSTYLIS VILLOSA, G. O.Sars. A number of specimens 

of this small Cumacean were obtained in a tow -net gathering 

collected in April 1896, in about 40 fathoms, between Arran and 

the coast of Ayrshire. There is no previous record of this species 

from the Firth of Clyde, and it is also an addition to the British 

fauna. The members of this genus have a much smaller telson than 

Diastylis, and the abdomen and uropods are proportionally more 

slender. In Leptostylis villosa the serration of the anterio-lateral 

margins of the carapace is peculiar ; 

the " teeth " are not like those 

of a saw, but are rather hatchet-shaped the ; margins here are 

perforated at slight intervals, and each j perforation widens inwardly 

and ends in a rounded base, and thus each "tooth" is wider at the 

outside edge than it is inside. Sars describes these serrations as 

lamellar. 

Fam. VII. 

PSEUDOCUMIDÊ. 

Gen. PSEUDOCUMA, G. O. Sars, 1865. 

(26) PSEUDOCUMA CERCARIA (van Benedeii). This is a generally 

distributed and moderately common species, and is generally 

more frequent in shallow sandy bays, but is also found in deep 

water. I have notes of its occurrence from almost every portion of 

the Scottish coast examined by me, i.e. the Firth of Forth, the 

Moray Firth, the Firth of Clyde, etc. 

(27) PSEUDOCUMA SIMILIS, G. O. Sars. I have obtained this 

species in a gathering of Crustacea from moderately deep water near 

the mouth of the Firth of Clyde, collected on ;th December 1899, 

but only recently examined, only a single specimen a female was 

observed. This species resembles Pseudocuma cercaria so closely, 

that it has only lately been recognised and described by Professor 

Sars. Now that its characters have been disclosed, its identification, 

when examined under the microscope with a ^ or \ inch objective, 

is 

comparatively easy. It may be distinguished from Pseudocitma 

cercaria by the following characters : (i) the rostrum (pseiidorostral 

projection] is less produced, and therefore its lateral margins are 

much less oblique, being nearly at right angles to the dorsal edge ; 

(2) at the anterio-lateral corners of the pseudorostral projection, 

where the oblique lateral plicae of the carapace terminate, there are 

three small but distinct teeth ; (3) the basal stem of the uropods 

is proportionally longer, being at least equal in length, if not fully 

longer than the branches. 

Gen. PETALOSARSIA, Stebbing, 1893. 

(28) PETALOSARSIA DECLIVIS (G. O. Sars). This small species 

was taken in the Firth of Forth (Largo Bay) in March 1891, in the


Moray Firth in 1893, ar>d about 6 to 7 miles east by south of 

Girdleness, in 50 fathoms, in May 1898. In this last gathering 

Petalosarsia was moderately frequent, and both males and females 

were obtained. This Cumacean was described in the earlier 

Scottish records under the name of Peialomera declivis, but Petalomera 

was found to be preoccupied, and Rev. Mr. Stebbing proposed 

Petalosarsia as a substitute. 

Fam. VIII. 

NANNASTACIDÊ. 

Gen. NANNASTACUS, Spence Bate, 1865. 

(29) NANNASTACUS UNGUICULATA, Spence Bate. The only 

records of this species are for the Clyde 

I have not 

; yet observed 

it on the east coast of Scotland, nor do I know of any record of it 

from the east side. The late Dr. Robertson describes it as 

" moderately common " about Cumbrae, and the investigations 

carried on by the Fishery Board for Scotland have shown it to 

be present in Loch Fyne, in Kilbrennan Sound, and other parts 

of the Clyde estuary. 

Gen. CUMELLA, G. O. Sars, 1865. 

(30) CUMELLA PYGM/EA, G. O. Sars. This diminutive species 

has apparently a wide distribution around our coasts. The late Dr. 

Robertson records having " taken it plentifully " at low water, 

Cumbrae. I have notes of its occurrence at Tarbert, Loch Fyne, in 

Kilbrennan Sound, and other places in the Firth of Clyde. It was 

obtained in the Moray Firth in November 1897; in the Firth of 

Forth in 1890, but only recently identified; and in a gathering of 

Crustacea, etc., collected by Mr. H. C. Williamson, in Aberdeen Bay, 

on the gth of August last (1900). 

Fam. IX. 

CAMPYLASPIDÊ. 

Gen. CAMPYLASPIS, G. O. Sars, 1864. 

(31) CAMPYLASPIS RUBICUNDA (Lilljeborg). This species, which 

forms the type of an interesting group of Cumaceans, was first 

noticed in the Firth of Forth, in the vicinity of the Bass Rock, in 

1889, and was recorded doubtfully as Cainpylaspis affinis, G. O. 

Sars. 1 Since that time this species has been observed in various 

other parts of Scotland. It was obtained in the Moray Firth in 

1 

"Eighth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland," part iii. 

P- 33 ( lS 9o).


1893, along with several other interesting Crustaceans; 1 and afterwards 

in various parts of the Clyde area, as near Lowburn (Upper 

Loch Fyne 

2 

), at Tarbert Bank (Lower Loch Fyne) in moderately 

deep water (40 fathoms), between Arran and the Coast of Ayrshire, 3 

off Ballantrae in 15-20 fathoms, and near the mouth of the 

Clyde estuary in 64 fathoms. This and the next species have 

usually been captured on a muddy bottom in moderately deep 

water, and never in shallow sandy bays. In this species the cephalic 

shield is smooth, and the colour of the whole animal when alive is 

bright reddish or purplish, which to the unaided eye appears to be 

uniform, but under the microscope it breaks up into numerous 

minute points of colour on a lighter background. 

(32) CAMPYLASPIS COSTATA, G. O. Sars. This appears to be a 

rarer species than the last. It was first observed in some material 

dredged at the mouth of Port Bannatyne Bay, Bute, in November 

1866, and, as far as I know, the only other places where it has 

been obtained are : 

(i) Tarbert Bank, Loch Fyne, in 17-20 fathoms, 

amongst some material dredged in December 1899 and March 

1900, and kindly forwarded to me by Mr. F. G. Pearcey of the 

Fishery steamer "Garland" and 

; (2) 

in Loch Aber (north-east end of 

Loch Linnhe), in material dredged in 82 fathoms by the "Garland," 

and sent to me for examination. The specimens were of a reddish 

colour. 

Thirty-two species 

of Cumacea are recorded in these 

notes, but this number would probably be considerably increased 

if a more thorough investigation were made of the 

Crustacea around our shores. Many of the Cumaceans are 

very small and easily overlooked and the characters which 

; 

distinguish the different species are correspondingly minute 

and not easily detected. A careful examination is therefore 

desirable, even of forms that have a close superficial resemblance 

to each other, in order to avoid mistaking the 

one species for the other. 

1 

"Annals of Scottish Natural History," 1893, p. 250. 

2 

"Fifteenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland," part iii. 

p. 135 (1897). 

3 

"Seventeenth Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland," part 

iii. 

p. 267 (1899).


NOTES 

4? 

ON THE FLORA OF PERTHSHIRE. 

By G. CLARIDGE DRUCE, M.A., F.L.S. 

( Continued from p. 1 6 8. ) 

Rubus Selmeri, Lind. Near Lawers, Killin, and Blairgowrie. 

Probably the R. villicaulis of the "Flora of Perthshire." 

R. danicus, Focke. Near Blairgowrie, East Perth. New to the 

vice-county flora. 

R. Lindebergii, P. F. MuelL Killin. 

R. saxatilis, Z. Ben Heasgarnich. 

Dryas octopetala, L. On Ben Heasgarnich, in fine flower. 

Geum rivale, Z. Ascends to 3100 feet in Isla. 

Potentilla Sibbaldi, Hall., 

f. Ascends to 3000 

Thulachan. 

feet on Glas 

Alchemilla vulgaris, Z., var. alpestris (Schmidt). At 3000 

Glas Thulachan. It also occurs on Ben Heasgarnich, Lawers, 

where it descends to 400 feet on Loch Tay, Ben Laoigh, etc. 

feet on 

var. filicaulis (Buser). On shingle by Loch Tay, near 

Tyndrum, etc. ; 

Blairgowrie, etc. 

A. alpina, Z., is mentioned as growing on Creag-na-Chaillach in 

Sibthorp MSS. of 1783. 

Rosa involuta, Sm., is recorded for Perth in the " Trans. Linn. 

Soc." (1816), p. 184. This appears to be R. spinosissima x 

tomentosa (mollissima, Willd.). No notice is taken in the 

"Flora of Perthshire" of the numerous references to Perthshire 

Roses made by Mr. Woods in the " Trans. Linn. Soc.," 

vol. xii., already referred to. 

Among these are R. heterophylla, 

Woods, there described from Finlarig ; 

R. scabriuscula, Sm., 

from the sides of Loch Tay, where I have seen it near Lawers 

it is now put as a variety of R. mollissima, Willd., which is 

synonymous with R. tomentosa, Smith. 

R. mollissima, Willd., var. resinoides (Crepin 

as a var. of R. 

tomentosa), I gathered near Lawers some years ago ; 

and it 

was named by M. Crepin. Mr. J. Cosmo Melvill's Rosa 

Borreri from Glen Artney 

is also referred by M. Crepin to 

this species. 

R. Eglanteria, Linn., 

" 

Sp. PI.," ed. i., 1753 (a name which supersedes 

R. rubiginosa of the " Mantissa " of 1771), appears to be 

scarcely native in Strath Tay, 

native in East Perth. 

36 D 

but I am inclined to think it


R. csesia, Sm., was first found by Mr. Borrer in Perthshire. This 

name antedates ./?. coriifolia, Fries, with which it 

appears to be 

synonymous. To this must be referred my own record of ^?. 

canina, L., var. pruinosa (Baker) and so too must the Rev. 

; 

E. F. Linton's record, teste M. Crepin. R. cczsia is a frequent 

plant of Strath Tay. 

Cratsegus Oxyacantha, L. I have come to the conclusion that it 

will be advantageous to make two species of our Hawthorns, 

as is done in many European floras. As I have already 

pointed out in the " Annals," the characters derived from the 

leaf venation appear to be the most dependable. The 

commoner British plant 

is the one with leaves having the 

lower lobes with veins curving outwards. It usually has one 

style only, rarely two the ; peduncles usually downy, rarely 

glabrous (var. leiocalyx), and the leaves usually much more 

divided. This, the common plant, is indeed the prevailing 

species in Scotland, so far as my observations and the study of 

the public herbaria go. Moreover, 

it is the C. Oxyacantha of 

the Linnean Herbarium, as we might have expected from its 

being the commoner form in northern latitudes. Therefore I 

propose to replace the name C. monogyna of Jacquin by that 

of C. Oxyacantha, L. The second species (which 

is not rare 

in the Midland counties, and I have seen specimens from as 

far north as Durham), is C. oxyacanthoides, Thuillier. The 

Rev. E. S. Marshall records this from East Ross ; but, according 

to my definition, his plant is rather C. Oxyacantha, var. 

leiocalyx, as it is, I believe, only one-styled, and the leaf 

characters agree with this species. 

Saxifraga quinquefida, Haivorth, appears under three headings in 

the "Flora of Perthshire." It ascends to 2800 feet in Glas 

Thulachan, and to 3200 feet on Ben Lawers. I have again 

gathered a Saxifrage which Herr Freyn refers to 6". caspitosa 

on Ben Lawers ; it is 

very near to the plant which Professor 

Engler called S. decipiens, Ehrh., var. grcenlandica (L.). 

Callitriche pedunculata, DC, Loch-na-Chait. 

Epilobium alsinefolium, Vill. Ben Heasgarnich, with a hybrid of 

which E. alpinum was the other parent. This hybrid has also 

been recorded by Rev. E. S. Marshall from Glen Shee 

("Journ. Bot," 1893, p. 231). I have recently had an opportunity 

of seeing the " Prospectus de PHistoire des plantes de 

Dauphine," and find that the spelling of the name is as given 

above, and not ahinifoliiim, as, quoting alas at second hand, 

I once suggested in these pages. 

E. alpinum, Z., ascends to 3200 feet in H. Isla.


E. palustre, Z., var. lavandulcefolium, 

(see "Journ. Bot," 1893, p. 231). 

Cornus suecica, L. 

Lee. and Lam. Glen Shee 

Abundant on the ascent of Glas Thulachan, in 

fruit. It descends in Isla to 1600 feet. 

Galium hercynicum, Weig. (G. saxatile, L.), ascends to 3000 feet 

on Glas Thulachan. 

G. sylvestre, Poll. Ben Laoigh, as the var. glabrum, Koch ("Syn.," 

p. 287). This forms a passage to the very compact G. 

A form occurred on Meall Garbh at about 

anisophyllum, Vill. 

2500 feet. 

G. palustre, Z., ascends to 1600 feet on the ascent to Glas 

Thulachan. 

Scabiosa Succisa, Z., ascends to 2500 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

Gnaphalium sylvaticum, Z., occurs at 2000 feet in Glen Shee. A 

form with very dark inflorescences and broader leaves has 

been noticed on rocks in Glen Shee. Similar ones to these 

were sent to the Record Club in 1882 as var. alpestre (see 

p. 43), and Mr. F. A. Lees reported it as being intermediate 

between sylvaticum and norvegicum. Another intermediate 

form from Glen Callater was referred by Professor Babington 

to norvegicum ; but I now should refer it to G. sylvaticum, of 

which it is an alpine form or variety. Another plant in a 

luxuriant condition, with long bracts, which occurs at the base 

of the rocks on Creag-na-Caillach, rather 

G. norvegicum. 

closely approaches to 

G. supinum, Z., with luxuriant specimens of the var. fuscum, 

Scop., ascends to 3100 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

Antennaria dioica, Gaertn., ascends to 2500 feet on Glas 

Thulachan. 

Achillea Ptarmica, Z., ascends to 

1600 feet in Glen Shee. 

Senecio Jacobsea, Z., ascends to 1600 feet in Isla. 

S. viscosus, Z. On railway near Crianlarich. 

Saussurea alpina, DC., ascends to 3000 feet on Glas Thulachan, 

where it was rather frequent, as also on Ben Heasgarnich. 

Aster longifolius, Lam. Abundant by the Tay at Perth (see 

"Journ. Bot," 1870, p. 261), "with A. puniceus, L., A. 

prenanthoides, Muhl, and A. bruinalis, Willd.," Boswell Syme. 

T. palustre, DC. Ben Heasgarnich, Glas Thulachan, Ben Laoigh, 

etc. 

Hieracium Pilosella, Z., for which two localities are given in the 

"Flora of Perthshire," ascends in H. Isla to 1600 feet.


*H. graniticolum, 

Linton. On Ben Lawers in 1897, "apparently 

this species," teste Hanbury. New to Perthshire. 

H. eximium, Backh. Glas Thulachan, 2800 feet. 

var. tenellum, Backh. Between Ben Lawers and Glen Lyon. 

H. sinuans, F. J. Hanb. Ben Lawers. Very fine specimens in 

1898. 

H. callistophyllum, F. J. Hanb., var. glandulosum, F. J. 

Hanb. 

Ben Lawers. 

H. pictorum, Linton, var. dasythrix, Linton. Ben Laoigh and 

Creag-an-Lochain. 

H. rivale, F. J. Hanb. Ben Lawers. 

H. atratum, Fr. f. Glen Falloch, 2800 feet, E. S. Marshall; 

Stuich-an-Lochain (Groves). 

H. insulare, F.J. Hanb., var. petrocharis, Linton. Ben Heasgarnich, 

Creag-an-Lochain. 

H. murorum, Z., var. rotundatum, Kit. Cairnwell ("Journ. Bot.," 

1893, p. 232). 

H. sparsifolium, Lindeb. Tyndrum. 

H. corymbosum, 

Fries. Killin. 

H. duriceps, F.J. Hanb. Stob Garbh, West Perth ("Journ. Bot.," 

1892, p. 260). 

Leontodon autumnalis, Z., var. Taraxaci (Hornem.) (pratensis, 

ascends to 3000 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

auct.), 

Campanula rotundifolia, Z., ascends to 3000 feet on Glas 

Thulachan and on Ben Lawers. Some of the alpine specimens 

have very large corollas, equalling in size specimens sent 

to the Exchange Club from North Uist in 1899 More. 

speciosa, 

Vaccinium uliginosum, Z., ascends to 2700 feet in H. Isla. 

as var. 

Loiseleuria procumbens, Desv., ascends to 3200 feet on Glas 

Thulachan and descends to 2100 feet. 

Pyrola rotundifolia, Z. A flowerless Pyrola on Ben Heasgarnich at 

about 2400 feet I think belongs to this species, but I took no 

specimens. I got it on the Argyll Cliffs of Ben Laoigh. 

Gentiana campestris, Z., ascends to 2300 feet in H. Isla; the 

white-flowered form is not rare by Loch Tay. 

Mimulus Langsdorfii, Donn (M. guttatus, DC.), in Glen Isla above 

Lunans. All the Scottish specimens which I have seen belong 

here. 

Digitalis purpurea, Z., ascends to 1800 feet in H. Isla.


Veronica alpina, L. Rather frequent on the cliffs at Glas Thulachan, 

ascending to 3100 feet. I have been unable to re-find it on 

Ben Lawers. 

V. officinalis, Z., ascends to 2500 feet in H. Isla. A nearly glabrous 

form occurred on Glas Thulachan. 

Euphrasia gracilis, Fr, Ben Lawers, etc. 

E. Rostkoviana, Hayne. Ben Laoigh and Lawers. 

E. brevipila, Burnat and Gremli. Lawers. 

Rhinanthus Crista-galli, Z., ascends to 2700 feet in Glas Thulachan. 

var. Drummond-Hayi, B. White, occurs there ; 

but a form 

which I could separate from it 

only by the hairs being 

confined to the nerves of the calyx also occurs. Typical 

var. Drummond-Hayi) also occurs on Ben Laoigh and 

Ben Heasgarnich, and I have seen it on Creag-na-dala- 

Bige and in Glen Callater, South Aberdeen. 

Pedicularis palustris, Z., ascends to 1500 feet in H. Isla. 

fMentha alopecuroides, Hull. 

Lawers ; 

but is 

always 

In several places by Loch Tay, near 

a relic of cultivation. 

M. rubra, Sm. Between Tyndrum and Crianlarich, an escape, E. S. 

Marshall in "Journ. Bot.," 1897, p. 69. 

*Thymus Chamaedrys, fries. 

gathered on Ben Lawers to this species. 

Herr Freyn refers some specimens I 

Pinguicula vulgaris, Z., ascends to 2600 feet in H. Isla. 

Statice Armeria, Z. (Armeria maritima, Willd.). Rather frequent on 

Glas Thulachan ; ascending to 3000 feet also on Ben Heasgarnich 

as the var. planifolia (Syme), but the three nerves are 

often seen at the base of the leaves only. 

Littorella juncea, Berg., 

Polygonum viviparum, Z., ascends to 3200 

P. aviculare, Z., ascends to 1300 

ascends to 2000 feet in Breadalbane. 

feet in H. Isla. 

feet in Glen Shee. 

Rumex acutus, Z. Glen Shee, E. S. Marshall in " Journ. Bot. " 

iS93> P- 2 33- 

|R. alpinus, Z. Glen Isla, and near the pier at Lawers. 

R. domesticus, Hartm., ascends to 1250 feet in Glen Shee. 

Oxyria digyna, If ill, 

ascends to 3200 


f Daphne Mezereum, Z. "In woods near Taymouth," Sibthorp 

MSS., 1783. 

Betula nana, Z. In the peaty portion 

Thulachan, at an elevation of 2300 feet. 

of the corrie of Glas


Salix aurita x 

Lapponum. Corrie Ardran, E. F. Linton, " Journ. 

Bot.," 1892, p. 147; Lochsie, E. S. Marshall, "Journ. Bot.," 

1894, p. 188. 

S. aurita x nigricans. Glen Lyon, E. F. Linton, "Journ. Bot.," 

1892, p. 147. 

S. aurita x phylicifolia. Glen Lochay, Glen Lyon, E. F. Linton, 

"Journ. Bot," 1892, p. 148. 

S. aurita x herbacea. Lochsie, E. S. Marshall, "Journ. Bot.," 1894, 

p. 185- 

S. caprea x Lapponum. Lochsie, E. S. Marshall, "Journ. Bot.," 

1894, p. 185. 

S. phylicifolia, L. At Finlarig, Breadalbane, Rev. Mr. Stuart Smith, 

in "Trans. Linn. Soc.," vi., 1802, p. 123. 

S. phylicifolia x repens. Lochsie, E. S. Marshall, "Journ. Bot," 

1894, p. 185. 

S. strepida, Schleicher. Glen Lyon, Glen Lochay, E. F. Linton, 

"Journ. Bot.," 1892, p. 359 = . cinerea x nigricans. 

S. Arbuscula x nigricans (S. Kraettliana, Briigg). 

Ben Lawers, E. F. 

Linton, "Journ. Bot." 1892, p. 148. 

S. Smithiana, Willd. Between Spital of Glen Shee and Persie Inn. 

S. stipularis, Sm. Near Killin, Glen Lochay, E. F. Linton. 

S. Myrsinites x aurita x nigricans. Glen Lyon, near Fortingal, low in 

the valley, E. F. and W. R. Linton, "Journ. Bot," 1892, p. 361. 

S. Myrsinites x phylicifolia (S. Normanni, Anders.). Ben Laoigh, 

E. S. Marshall, "Journ. Bot," 1894, p. 167; and Meall 

Ghaordie, E. F. Linton, I.e., 1892, p. 148. 

S. herbacea x nigricans. Meall-na-Saone, E. F. Linton, I.e. 

S. herbacea x reticulata (S. onychiophylla, Anders.). Meall-na-Saone, 

E. F. Linton, I.e., 1892, pp. 149, 365. 

S. herbacea x 

Lapponum (S. sobrina, B. White). Watershed north 

of Ben Lawers, E. F. Linton and W. R. Linton, I.e., p. 149. 

S. cinerea x aurita (S. lutescens, A. Kern.). Side of Loch Tay. 

S. Lapponum, Z., ascends to 3000 

Thulachan. 

feet on the rocks of Glas 

*S. Myrsinites, L. Ben Heasgarnich, Mid Perth, on the rocks of 

Glas Thulachan ; 

new to H. Isla (and E. Perth). The plant I 

found may have traces of S. herbacea in it. 

Habenaria viridis, Br., var. bracteata, A. Gray (Peristylis bracteata, 

Lindl.). 

Ben Lawers, Ben Laoigh, Ben Heasgarnich, Meall 

Garbh, Creag-an-Lochain, Glas Thulachan, etc. Herr Freyn 

agrees to my determination and I am unable to ; 

separate them 

from American specimens.


Allium carinatum, fries, was recorded as a Perthshire plant by 

J. 

Sim in "Rep. of Ex. Club for 1869," p. 14. 

Tofieldia palustris, Huds., ascends to 3000 feet on Glas Thulachan, 

and descends to 1400 feet. 

Juncus bulbosus, L. (J. snpinns, Mcench) ascends to 3000 feet on 

Glas Thulachan. For a note on this plant see " Trans. Linn. 

Soc.," xii., 1816, p. 318. 

*J. castaneus, Sin. At 2900 feet on Glas Thulachan, first noticed 

by my friend the Rev. H. J. Riddelsdell, afterwards seen there 

in several places (new to Isla); also on Ben Heasgarnich. 

J. biglumis, L. Ben Heasgarnich, with J. triglumis, L., var. 

biglumoides, Roy, MS. 

J. trifidus, L. At 3100 feet on Glas Thulachan; I think I have 

seen it 

higher on Ben Lawers. 

Juncoides spicatum (Luzula spicatd) was recorded from the very 

summit of Ben Lomond in Withering's " Bot. Arr.," 2nd ed., 

Stokes, p. 365, 1787. It ascends to 3000 

Thulachan. 

feet on Glas 

Scirpus setaceus, L. Not unfrequent in mountain paths on Ben 

Lawers. 

Eriophorum vaginatum, Z., ascends to 

2800 feet in H. Isla. 

E. angustifolium, Roth. A very small form (var. minus) occurred 

on Ben Heasgarnich. 

Carex leporina, L. At 1600 feet in H. Isla. The name C. ovalis, 

Good., is by some botantists chosen for this plant, because it is 

said that Linnaeus confused C. approximata (C. lagopind) with 

it ; 

but the synonyms and the habitat, 

" 

pratis udis," given in 

. . . 

longioribus," as (in the 

the "Species Plantarum," and the 

" description, Paleis . . . 

Gaudin griseis, seminibus 

" Agrostologia Helvetica," 

ii. p. 107) says, show that by 

C. leporina, Linneeus meant the plant which Goodenough 

subsequently named C. ovalis. 

C. canescens, L., var. robustior, Blytt, ascends to 3400 feet in 

Breadalbane. It occurs on Ben Lawers and Ben Heasgarnich. 

C. canescens, L., var. dubia, Bailey. On Ben Lawers and on Ben 

Heasgarnich, Mid Perth, and very abundantly on the tableland 

above Glen Callater in South Aberdeen, and Forfar. On 

the Clova specimens Pfarrer Kiikenthal remarks, 

" 

Strongly 

recalling C. helvola, with smaller dark-coloured spikelets and 

stiff stalk"; and he inquires if C. lagopina (C. approximated) 

occurs on this spot ; 

but the Lochnagar locality is some eight 

or ten miles to the north-east, and, as on Ben Heasgarnich,


this variety grows at upwards of 3000 feet, and far away from 

the influence of C. approximata. We must seek for some 

other explanation as to the cause of the variation than hybridity, 

at any rate so far as C. is 

approximata concerned. On Ben 

Lawers I gathered it away from C. helvola, in micaceous bogs, 

with C. 

echinata. 

C. canescens, L., var. robustior (Blytt). 

At about 2300 feet on 

Lochnagar and on the tableland above Glen Callater, South 

Aberdeen ; 

and on Ben Lawers at 300 feet, and at lower 

elevations. 

C. helvola, Blytt. Ben Lawers 1898, teste Pfarrer Kiikenthal. On 

some specimens of this year's gathering he remarks : 

" Probably 

C. canescens x echinata, but much nearer C. canescens than the 

specimens sent last year. The spikelets are almost quite sterile. 

The sacs are more elliptic than oval, and somewhat longer 

beaked than in C. canescens, otherwise the difference from C. 

The synonyms of C. echinata 

canescens, var. dubia, is very slight." 

and C. canescens are C. tetrastachya, Traunst, C. Cafiischii, 

Briigg., in " Jahrb. d. Nat. Ges. Graub.," p. 119, 1880, and C. 

biharica, Simk., " Enum.," p. 546, 1886. I may add that 

both the Rev. E. F. Linton and E. S. Marshall believe the 

Lawers plant to have the suggested combination. It is considered 

by many botanists, e.g., Christ and the younger Blytt, 

that C. helvola is a more or less stable hybrid of C. canescens with 

C. approximata (lagopina) see my paper in " Journ. Linn. Soc.," 

xxxiii. (1898), pp. 458-464, where these botanists agreed in 

identifying the Lawers plant with C. helvola. I pointed out that 

C. approximata in its nearest locality is some sixty or seventy 

miles away from Ben Lawers, unless indeed it has escaped observation, 

or has died out, neither suggestion being very probable ; 

whereas C. echinata is constantly associated with canescens in 

these mountain bogs. I still am unable to see conclusive proof 

of the presence of echinata in the Lawers helvola, although 

Kiikenthal tells me he considers the longer beak of the 

perigynium affords that evidence. I made a careful examination 

of the forms of C. canescens and C. echinata as they grew 

together ; 

but there was no difficulty in referring to one species 

or the other the various forms ; 

and the foliage appeared to 

afford a good character for this separation. In the young 

stage the spikes of many sedges are very perplexing. All the 

plants of helvola had the foliage of mountain canescens, while 

the darker and more rigid foliage of etAinafa-fatms appeared 

to be very constant. As Kiikenthal says, the differences 

between C. canescens, var. dubia, and C. helvola are very slight, 

and I see greater difference between C. Zahnii (an acknowledged 

hybrid of C. canescens, in a mountain form, and C. approximata']


and C. hclvola. It is somewhat remarkable that in our lowland 

bogs, as at Virginia Water, Berkshire, where canescens and 

echinata grow together, no intermediate has been found. 

C. echinata, Murray, var. grypos (Schkuhr). Ben Lawers, growing 

with C. helvola. On this Kiikenthal remarks " : The alpine 

form, with very dark spikelets and strong curved stalk." In 

the very young state there is considerable resemblance to 

helvola, even closer than I had before realised ; 

but as soon 

as seed had set or flowering was over the strong differentiation 

between the two species takes place. I collected some sterile 

or partly sterile forms ; 

but if a fruit or two appeared they had 

the characteristic shape and nervation of echinata, and the 

foliage showed no approach to C. canescens. Moreover, I 

collected the same sterile forms on parts of the Lawers range 

well out of the influence of C. canescens. The result of my 

observations leaves me still uncertain as to the presence of 

echinata in the Lawers C. helvola. 

C. Goodenovii, Gay, 

ascends to 2600 feet in H. Isla. Near 

Lochan-na-Lairige occurs the var. juncella, 

Fries. 

C. rigida, Good. "On top of Ben Lomond," J. E. Smith in " E. B.," 

t. 

1809 (1782). 

Carex atrata, L. Ben Heasgarnich. 

C. atrofusca, Schkuhr (C. nstulata, Wahl.). I saw over a hundred 

specimens on Ben Heasgarnich. 

C. vaginata, lausch. On Glas Thulachan, rare; new to H. Isla. 

On Ben Heasgarnich rather common. 

C. panicea, L. At 3000 

feet on Glas Thulachan. 

C. flacca, Schreb. (C. glauca, Scop.), ascends to 2500 feet in H. Isla. 

var. stictocarpa, Druce. Creag-an-Lochain. 

C. pilulifera, Z., ascends to 2800 feet on Glas Thulachan. A 

bracteate form is not uncommon on the higher hills. A small 

form, named var. adusta by F. A. Lees in " Report of Record 

Club," was gathered by me. 

C. flava, L., ascends to 3000 feet in Breadalbane. 

var. pumila, Anders. Ben Lawers, Ben Heasgarnich, Ben 

Laoigh. 

var. lepidocarpa (Tausch). Ben Lawers, tests Pfarrer 

Kiikenthal. 

C. flava x CEderi. Ben Laoigh. 

C. fulva, Good. (C. Hornschuchiana, Hoppe). Lochan-na-Lairige 

with C. xanthocarpa, Degl ; 

also on Ben Heasgarnich. 

C. binervis, Sm., ascends to 2700 feet on Glas Thulachan.


C. obtusangula, Ehrh., ascends to 1400 feet in H. Isla. 

C. vesicaria, Z., var. alpigena, 

Fries. On Ben Lawers. 

var. dichroa, Anders. Ben Lawers, Ben Laoigh. 

Anthoxanthum odoratum, Z., ascends to 3000 


Phleum alpinum, Z. Ben Heasgarnich. It ascends to 2500 feet 

in Breadalbane. 

Agrostis canina, Z., ascends to 2800 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

A. nigra, With. In cultivated fields, Lawers. 

A. alba, Z., var. mantima, is recorded by E. F. Linton from the 

river Dochart at Killin in "Journ. Bot," 1892, p. 150. 

A. alba, Z., var. coarctata (Hoffm.), forma aristulafa, Hackel, inlitt.^ 

with very short dorsal awn, occurred on Ben Lawers at about 

3000 feet. 

A. pumila, Z., occurred on Ben Lawers, Meall Garbh, 

at Lochan-na 

Lairige, and on Glas Thulachan in an undiseased condition, 

and was plentiful on Ben Laoigh, descending to 800 feet or 

less. 

Deyeuxia neglecta, Kunth, var. borealis, is, I am afraid, irreparably 

lost at Killin, as the marsh is now entirely filled up with sawdust. 

Deschampsia csespitosa, Beauv., var. alpina, Gaud. Ben Heasgarnich, 

Glas Thulachan, etc. 

var. brevifolia (sub. Aim}. Killin, Herb. Parnell, in the 

Linnean Society. 

var. longi-aristata (sub. Aira). Ben Lawers, Herb. Parnell, 

on Ben Lawers. 

D. alpina, Beauv. Ben Heasgarnich. In specimens from this 

mountain several gradations could be traced in the position of 

the awn on the flower-glume. In D. alpina they spring from 

above the middle of the pale. Glas Thulachan ? 

var. vivipara (sub. Aira). Ben Lawers, Herb. Parnell. 

D. flexuosa, Trin., ascends to 3100 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

var. voirZichensis, Melvill, Ben Heasgarnich. 

Arrhenatherum precatorium, Beauv. (A. avenaceum, var. bulbosum, 

Lindl.). In the " Flora of Perthshire " it is said to be common 

in cultivated ground. It is certainly also frequent in dry, rocky, 

and uncultivated ground, as at Lawers, etc. but the 

; point I 

wish to make is that the essential differences are not caused by 

as the statement in the "Flora" 

growing in cultivated ground, 

appears to suggest. 

Molinia varia, Schrank (M. ccerulea, Moench), var. breviramosa. 

Glas Thulachan.


Poa annua, Z., var. supina (Schrad.). On Glas Thulachan at 3000 

feet, and on Ben Lawers at 3500 feet, Ben Heasgarnich, and 

Ben Laoigh. 

P. alpina, L. On Ben Heasgarnich. Recorded by Mr. Stewart 

in Light. " Fl. Scotica" (1777), p. 96, on the side of Craig- 

Challeach above Finlarig. 

P. glauca, Sm., has now disappeared from the locality near Lawers, 

at a low elevation, to which it was carried down by water or 

wind. It is a characteristic plant of Ben Lawers, which is 

curiously omitted from the list of localities given in the " Flora 

of Perthshire." 

P. cenisia, AIL, var. fiexuosa (WahL). 

I think it will be safer to 

withdraw this name, notwithstanding it was passed by Mr. 

Fisher as well as by Professor Hackel. This Poa differs by its 

leaf characters from both P. pratensis and P. flexuosa, but 

until it has been more completely studied it will be well to 

defer naming. 

P. Balfouri, Parnell. Ben Lawers, Herb. Parnell, with var. rigida, 

Parnell. On Ben Laoigh a form approaching P. nemoralis also 

occurs. P. Balfouri is recorded from Ben Voirlich in " Ann. 

N. H. S.," 1842, p. 122. 

P. nemoralis, Z., var. Montana, Gaud. Ben Laoigh. and a form 

approaching it on Creag-an-Lochan. 

P. pratensis, Z., var. humilis (Ehrh.). On Ben Heasgarnich, Ben 

Laoigh, and Ben Lawers. A very interesting variety, which 

appears to be an alpine form of P. subccerulea, Smith. 

Panicularia fluitans, var. subspicata (Gfyceria fltdtans}. Under the 

name of Poa fluitans, var. subspicata, Parnell, from Perthshire, 

is contained in Herb. Parnell. 

Festuca elatior, Linn., var. intermedia, Hackel ("Monograph," p. 

151). On the shingle bordering Loch Tay, at Ardtalnaig, opposite 

Lawers, this variety, which is an approach to arundinacea, 

occurred. It has not been previously recorded as British. It 

is known from Northern Europe. 

Festuca sylvatica, Vill. Under the name Poa sylvatica, var. subari- 

from Perthshire in 

stata, Parn., there is a form of this plant 

Herb. Parnell. 

Festuca rubra, Z. From 3900 feet on Ben Lawers, 3200 feet in 

Isla, and 3200 feet on Ben Heasgarnich. 

var. barbata (Hackel), Ben Lawers, Ben Heasgarnich, and 


var. grandiflora (Hackel), Ben Lawers, Ben Laoigh.


is contained in Herb. Parnell. There is also a var. 

A form of F. rubra, labelled "F. duriuscnla, var. humilis, from Perthshire," 

ccesia in the same Herbarium. 

F. ovina, Z., var. vivipara, Parnell. Perthshire, Herb. Parnell. 

var. tenuifolia, Killin. Herb. Parnell. 

Cryptogramme crispa, R.Br., ascends to 2900 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

Lomaria spicant, Desv., ascends to 3000 feet in H. Isla. 

Asplenium viride, Huds., ascends to 2200 feet in H. Isla. 

Woodsia hyperborea, R. Br., still occurs on Ben Lavvers and Creagan-Lochain 

; 

and is recorded from Corrie Ardran by the Rev. 

E. F. and W. R. Linton. 

Aspidium Lonchitis, Sw. 

to 

2800 feet. 

Luxuriant on Glas Thulachan, ascending 

Lastrsea Oreopteris, Presl (Dryopteris montana, Kuntze), ascends to 

3000 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

L. semula, Brack. (Dryopteris amula). See "Journ. Bot.," 1893, 

p. 235, E. S. Marshall. 

L. dilatata, Presl (D. dilatata, A. Gray). A form approaching 

Moore's lepidota has been sent me from Aberfeldy by Mr. W. 

H. Forbes of Balliol College, Oxford. 

L. Filix-mas, Presl, Dryopteris Filix-mas, Schott, var. abbreviata. 


Pseudathyrium alpestre, Newm., ascends to 2900 feet on Glas Thulachan. 

New to H. Isla. Ben Heasgarnich. 

Equisetum sylvaticum, Z., var. capillare (Hoffm.). 

in Glen Shee, etc. 

In several places 

Lycopodium alpinum, Z., var. dedpiens (Syme). Glas Thulachan, 

Ben Laoigh, Ben Heasgarnich. Herr Freyn considers this to 

be distinct from alpinum. It is the Z. complanatum, vax.fallax, 

" 

Celak of Baenitz, Herb. Europ." 

L. Selago, Z., ascends to 2800 feet in H. Isla. 

Isoetes lacustris, Z. Fine specimens in Lochan-a-Chait, submerged 

in at least six feet of water this dry season. 

Nitella opaca, Ag. Luxuriant in the stream running into Loch 

Lyon. A depauperated form in Lochan-a-Chait, with Chara 

fragilis. 

Carex helvola. A specimen from Ben Lawers, collected by Robert 

Brown in 1794, is contained in the British Museum Herbarium. 

My further notes on Hieracia, Euphrasia, etc., are postponed 

for a time, until Mr. Hanbury and Professor Wettstein 

have examined my specimens.


EIGHTEENTH CENTURY RECORDS OF 

SCOTTISH PLANTS. 

Communicated by Professor I. 

B. BALFOUR, M.A., M.D., F.R.S. 

( Con tinued from p. 174.) 

June 

Lolium perenne. 

Lithospermum 

arvense. 

Galium aparine. 

Malva sylvestris. 

Valeriana locusta. 

Geranium robertianum. 

Cucubulus behen. 

Thlaspi arvense. 

Pastinaca sativa. 

Viola lutea, 

Hud. 

Lychnis viscaria. 

Aira cespitosa. 

Astragalus arenarius. 

Rosa arvensis. 

Geranium sanguineum. 

Cistus helianthemum. 

Asplenium adiantum 

nigrum. 

ruta mur- 

,, 

aria. 

Dactylis glomeratus. 

Aira cristata. 

Avena flavescens. 

Thymus serpyllum. 

Ervum soloniense. 

Trifolium pratense. 

Hieracium auricola. 

Sonchus oleraceus. 

Rumex crispus. 

Oenanthe crocata. 

var. y 

In every meadow. 

At Stock bridge as you cross the 

mill burn. 

Among corns by waysides. 

South side of the Castle hill. 

Salisbury Crags. 

Do. 

By the road side as you pass 

Provost Drummonds Park. 

A little below Stock bridge by 

the mill burn side. 

On the breas west from Crail in 

Fife. 

On Bredfoord hill east side 

thereof. 

On Duddingstown Craigs. 

At 

Do. 

At 

Do. 


On Do. 

On the rocks of Duddingstown 

Craigs. 

On 

Do. 

In woods. 

In meadows and by way sides. 


Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

By way sides and in corn fields. 


By way sides. 

By the road side along Duddingstown 

Craigs. 

By way sides, etc. 

In a dich near the road from 

Jocks lodge to Restalrig.


Potomageton crispum. 

Calitriche verna. 

4. Geranium lucidum. 

Festuca fluitans. 

Scandix anthriscus. 

Brassica orientalis. 

Scandix odorata. 

Polygonum aviculare. 

5. Vicia sylvatica. 

Hyoscyamus niger. 

Salvia verbenaca. 

Avena fatua. 

,, 

flavescens. 

Briza media. 

Aira cariophyllea. 

6. Lemna trisulca. 

Geranium disectum. 

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum. 

Bunias cakile. 

Arenaria peploides. 

Scandex pecten. 

Hieracleum sphondelium. 

Carex vesicaria. 

,, 

saxatilis. 

Rhinanthus crista galli. 

Medicago lupulina. 

Sedum villosum. 

Veronica montana. 

Geranium sylvaticum. 

Plantago lanceolata. 

Juniperus communis. 

Stellaria graminea, var. 

Duddingstown Loch. 

In a ditch at the north side of 

the Castle. 

Upon 

the Castle hill north side 

of the Castle. 

In the north loch. 

By Leeth walk. 

On the Castle hill north side. 

On the other side of the water opposite 

to Capt. Ranies house. 

Castle hill south side near the 

bottom at the road side. 


On the Cart road side that leads 

up Salisbury Craigs. 

On 

Do. 


On Do. 

On Do. 

On Do. 

In loch-end Loch. 

A little below Stock bridge by 

the mill burn side. 

In the Gallows Park in the sandy 

brea. 

By the sea side 

By 

Do. 

Among corns frequently. 

By the way side in many places. 

east from Leeth. 

In marshy places. 

In the Kings Park dry ground. 

At Duddingstown Craigs below 

the foot road. 

In a marsh at or rather near 

Cliverhall south of Edinburgh. 

In groves and moist places of 

Achendenny wood and elsewhere. 

In Achendenny wood and almost 

every other wood. 

In pastures almost every where. 

Below Achendenny wood by the 

water side. 

At the new well.


Trollius europaeus. In Achendenny wood scarce, but 

not so in the meadows at 

Whitburn. 

Eriophorum vaginat- In a marsh off the high road from 

um. 

Achendenny. 

Scirpus cespitosus. In a marsh near the Dams not 

far from the Roslin road. 

Betula alba. 

Spergula arvensis. 

Juncus conglomeratus. On the Links going to Musselburgh. 

In woods. 

bud corns on moist 

Among 

ground, and by the way sides. 

In a ditch at mire side. 

In many marshes. 

Veronica scutellata. 

Ranunculus flammula. 

Melampyrum sylvati- In almost all woods. 

cum. 

8. Veronica officinalis. 

Galium montanum. 

Aegopodium podagra- By way sides. 1 

ria. 

Aphanes arvensis. 

Digitalis purpurea. 

Sinapis nigra. 

,, 

arvensis. 

raphanis- 

Raphanus 

trum. 

Kings Park. 2 

On the south side of Bredfoordhill 

near the Hermitage. 

Among corns. 

Do. 

Do. 

9. Pedicularis palustris. 

Lychnis 

flos cuculi. 

Antirrhinum linaria. 

Urtica dioica. 

Plantago maritima. 

,, coronopus. 

10. Papaver argemone. 

Daucus carota. 

Papaver rhoeas. 

dubium. 

11. Cerastium viscosum. 

Poa annua. 

trivialis. 

aquatica. 

Phalaris arundinacea. 

At Dudingstown Craigs above 

the foot road. 

In the Kino;s Park. 

In a ditch below Dudingstown 

Craigs. 

I n a marsh hard by the Dukes walk. 

By the sea side east from Leeth. 

By 

Do. 

By road sides. J. H. 3 

Among corns. 

Do. 

By the sea side 

A little 

side. 

east from Leeth. 

above Leeth by the water 

1 

In Dr. Hope's writing. 

3 Idem. 3 Idem.


12. Scabiosa arvensis. 

13. 

Valeriana officinalis. 

Tragopogon pratense. 

Silene noctiflora. 

Avena elatior. 

sativa. 

Bromus sterilis. 

,, secalinus. 

hordeaceus. 

Phleum nodosum. 

pratense. 

Fucus nodosus. 

,, 

serratus. 

,, 

exissus. 

,, 

vesiculosus. 

,, 

filum. 

siliquosus. 

pinnatifidus. 

,, spinosus. 

,, saccaratus. 

Rosa villosa. 

Hipurus vulgaris. 

Triglochin palustre. 

Rubus caesius. 

Iris pseudacoris. 

Aquilegia vulgaris. 

Arenaria trinervia. 

Anchusa sempervirens. 

Carum carvi. 

Cerastium tomentosum. 

Erica cinerea. 

Salix pentandria. 

Carex hirta. 

At the water of Leeth by the 

Road side. 


By the water of Leeth up from 

the new well by ye road side. 

At Provost Drummonds Park 

wall by the road side. 

Among corns. 

Upon the stones and rocks on the 

On 

On 

sea shore. 

Do. 

Do. 

At the foot of Cramond water. 

In Pretycur harbour. 

In cavern of the rocks of the sea 

at Dunglass. 

On Leeth sands. 

On Do. 

Do. 

On 

At Stannis mills, Duddingstown 

Craigs and Lochend. 

In a marsh at Mire side. 

Do. 

By Musselburgh water above the 

bridge some way. 

In the marsh at Mire side. 

In Collingtown wood south side 

of the water. 

In Collingtown wood, marshy 

places. 

In Dunglass Den most plentifully. 

By Leeth walk. 

In Collingtown wood on a rock. 

In Collingtown wood. 

In Do. 

In a marsh south of Craig-lockhart.


Urtica urens. 

Alopecurus pratensis. 

geniculatus. 

Aira coerulea. 

,, aquatica. 

By 

a wall side on the Calton-hill. 

14. Epilobium montanum. At the well. 

Symphytum officinale. By a rivulet without the Kings 

Park, yt runs from a marsh at 

the Dukes road. 

Spiraea ulmaria. 

Scrophularia nodosa. 

Saxifraga punctata. 

Iris germanica. 

Athamanta meum. 

Erica tetralix. 

Melica nutans. 

15. Rosa canina. 

Lonicera caprifolium. 

Rum ex. 

Turritis hirsuta. 

Orchis latifolia. 

Rubus Idaeus. 

Poa rigida. 

,, pratensis. 

1 6. Alisma ranunculoides. 

Orchis mascula. 

,, 

morio. 

By the water of Leeth near the 

new well. 


In Collingtown wood north side 

of the water. 

At Red Hall Bridge upper and 

nearer side. 

At Do. 

In Collingtown wood, north 

of the water. 


In the hunting-bog. 


side 

In a ditch at a marsh near mire 

side. 

In meadows. 

Ceratophyllum demer- In a ditch by a marsh at mire 

sum. 

side. 

Juncus pilosus. 

In Achendenny wood. 

,, sylvaticus. In Do. 

Medicago falcata. 

Vicia cracca. 

Viburnum opulus. A very little below Achendenny 

bridge. 

Melampyrum sylvati- In Achendenny wood. 

cum. 

Empetrum nigrum. In Do. but more 

frequently in heathy grounds. 

Hieracium murorum. On Salisbury craigs. 

Prunus padus. 

In Achendenny wood. 

36 E


Ligustrum vulgare. 

Polytrichum vulgare. 

Stachys sylvatica. 

Polygonum bistorta. 

Achillea millefolium. 

17. Arenaria serpyllifolia. 

Plantago major. 

Iris siberica. 

Germanica. 

Erica vulgaris. 

Veronica arvensis. 

1 8. 

Pyrola rotundifolia. 

Anthemis nobilis. 

Festuca ovina. 

duriuscula. 

1 9. Potomageton serratum. 

Festuca elation 

,, 

loliacea. 

,, sylvatica. 

20. Alisma plantago. 

Trifolium arvense. 

Hypericum perforatum. 

,, quadrangulum. 

2 I 

Jungermannia Tamarisefolia. 

Lichen caninus. 

,, centrifugus. 

flavescens. 

,, palescens. 

,, piscidatus. 

22. Conferva gelatinosa. 

,, 

bulbosa. 

2 3 

Ulva umbilicalis. 

,, 

intestinalis. 

,, compressa. 

24. Lichen parietinus. 

,, 

farinacius. 

fraxineus. 

A little above Roslin in a thicket 

by the water side. 

On Pentland hills & Arthurs seat. 

By the water side a little 

up from 

Le-Swede in a meadow. 

Immediately 

Bridge. 

At 

above Red Hall 

Do. 

In Achdenny wood. 

In a field at the Mill-town near 

Achendenny and above the 

Bleach field near Mavis B. 

In the ditches of the Meadow. 

On Duddingstown Craigs. 

By the Water of Leeth near the 

new well. 

At 

Do. 

In the Kings Park & Castle Hill 

on moist rocks. 


In Do. on the stones. 

In Do. on Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

On stones within the sea mark. 

On Do. at Do. 

Do. 

On old walls and trunkis of 

trees. 

On Ash Trees.


On the rocks of the Castle Hill 

Lichen miniatus. 

Typha latifolia. In Lochend Loch. 

26. Chara vulgaris. 

as also of the Kings Park. 

In a ditch at a marsh near mire 

side. 

hispida. 

In and at Do. 

27. Fontinalis squamosa. With the two former. 

Polytrichum subrotundum. 

On stones in the Kings Park. 

July 

i. 

Polygonum persicaria. 

Achillea ptarmica. 

Tri folium medea. 

Epilobium hirsutum. 

Carduus acanthoides. 

3. Centaurea cyanus. Among corns. 

" 

Chrysanthemum segetum. 

With Do. 

Cardamine amara. At the Water of Leeth near the 

new well. 

Nymphaea alba. 

In Lochend Loch. 

lutea. In Do. 

Potomageton lucens In Do. 

Artemesia vulgaris. Among corns. 



Great Gray Seal at Cumbrae. On the forenoon of Saturday, 

8th September last, in company with Mr. W. Wallace, B.Sc., St. 

Andrews, and while dredging off the old castle, island of Little 

Cumbrae, I had the pleasure of seeing a magnificent specimen of 

the Great Grey Seal (Halichtzrus gryphus) rise to the surface within 

less than thirty yards of our boat. It remained on the surface for 

at least five minutes, watching all our movements just as closely 

as we watched it, 

and seemed to have no fear of us. We could 

distinctly see its eyes and the gray mottled fur of its head and neck 

as it leisurely turned its head from side to side, following our every 

turn, apparently quite oblivious of its own safety. It was probably 

a solitary animal, as we saw no companion but the same individual 

; 

appeared twice again, close inshore, within the next quarter of an 

hour. It was seen later on the same afternoon by another boating 

party, about two miles farther east on the opposite (Ayrshire) coast. 

The last local record I have of the animal is from the little island


of Sanda, off the south end of Kintyre, about forty years ago. If 

" 

the too eager sportsman of kind " could resist the temptation 

of shooting at such rare visitors when they do come our way, there 

might still be some chance of them taking up their abode in Clyde 

waters again. ALEXANDER GRAY, Curator, Marine Biological 

Station, 

Millport. 

The White-beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris, Gray) 

in Bute, with Remarks on the Dolphins of the Clyde Waters. 

In November last Mr. John Robertson found, cast up on the beach, 

about a mile north of St. Ninian's Bay, Bute, the carcase of a small 

cetacean, of which he wrote me at the time that " it was rather 

badly mangled, the tail and lower jaw being awanting. . . The 

. 

length as it lay was about 7 feet, but doubtless in life it would 

be another 18 inches or 2 feet longer." In June Mr. Robertson 

and other members of the Andersonian Naturalists' Society recovered 

the skull and sternum, well cleaned by nature, and sent 

them to me to be identified and shown at a meeting of the Society. 

I made the species to be the above named, an identification which 

has been very kindly confirmed by Professor Sir Wm. Turner, with 

whom the skull has been left to be placed in the Anatomical 

Museum, Edinburgh. This museum has already a skull of this 

Y. Buchanan 

species from the Clyde, from an animal shot by Mr. J. 

in Kilbrannan Sound in September 1879, as recorded by Sir Wm. 

Turner ("Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.," 1891, x. p. 14), who 

further states that he saw in these waters, in August 1887, what 

he believed to be a school of the White-beaked Dolphin. It may 

be repeated here that we claim this Clyde specimen (obtained by 

Mr. Buchanan) as the first authentic record of the species in Scottish 

waters, as it ante-dates by one year the example obtained near the 

Bell Rock ("Zoologist," iSSi, pp. 41-44), and which Messrs. Southwell 

("Seals and Cetaceans of the British Seas," 1881, p. 127) and 

Lydekker ("British Mammalia," 1896, p. 293) erroneously state 

to be the first from Scotland. In the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, 

were four examples of this species (a stuffed specimen and 

three skeletons, one being a fetus), 

all from Kilbrannan Sound, 

captured in 1894 and 1895 ("Zoologist," 1894, pp. 424-426, 

and "Glasgow Herald," 7th September 1895). These occurrences 

seem to indicate that the animal so well known in the waters of the 

Firth of Clyde as the " bucker," and in Loch Fyne as the "stinker," 

is identical with this species. Fishermen and yachtsmen clearly 

distinguish it from the Porpoise by its larger size and by 

its conspicuous 

habit of leaping out of the water ; by the Loch Fyne men 

this is said to be "the stinkers threshing." I have seen a school 

of about a dozen in the shallow waters of Whiting Bay, playing 

and gambolling round the ferry-boat, throwing themselves well clear 

of the water and falling back again with a resounding splash, a fine


sight in the bright sun of a summer day (August 1897). Dr. James 

Dunlop, who presented the specimens above named to the Kelvingrove 

Museum, states that White-beaked Dolphins are to be seen 

daily in Kilbrannan Sound, where several other species of Dolphin 

also occur ("Glasgow Herald," 7th September 1895). So far as 

I know, the following are the only statements with any specific 

value regarding our other Clyde Dolphins, (i) Lagenorhynchus 

acutus (White-sided Dolphin), an example captured at Ardrishaig, as 

recorded in the " Vertebrate Fauna of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides," 

1892, p. 29. (2) Mr. F. Gordon Pearcey, Naturalist to the 

Scottish Fishery Board, informs me that on i4th September 1898 

he saw a large school of Delphinus delphis (?) 

between Ardlamont 

and Skipness points ; 

and there is in Rothesay Museum a skull 

labelled " Porpoise from Mr. A. M'Kirdy," but which I believe to 

be this species, the Common Dolphin, as the skull is about 24 inches 

in length, and has about 190 teeth. (3) The "New Statistical 

Account" (vii., 1845, p. 439) states that the Great Dolphin 

{Delphimis tursid), from 12 to 15 feet in length, and with a pointed 

muzzle or beak, frequents the coast of Saddell and Skipness 

during the herring-fishing season ; and in the Anatomical Museum, 

Edinburgh, are the skull and ear-bones of an example of this species 

shot in August 1879 in Loch Long by Dr. D. Noel Paton. It 

will be seen that a satisfactory determination of at least one of the 

species is still awanting. Further information may also show that 

the name " bucker " is 

applied to more than one species, and it 

may be noted that the "Old Statistical Account" (v., 1793, p. 535), 

under Glasgow, mentions the Grampus or Bucker, Delpninus orca. 

I 

may further say that I have made inquiry regarding 

the skulls in 

the Hunterian Museum referred to by Mr. Wm. Taylor (ante, p. 68), 

and while I am told it is certain that they are from the Clyde area 

(obtained about thirty years ago), yet in the absence of any data 

(quite a characteristic of this museum) it is impossible to accept 

this statement, more particularly 

as there is no record of the 

occurrence of Prodelphiniis in British waters. One of the skulls, 

labelled Delphinus delphis, has a business card (E. Gerard . . . 

Pimlico) attached to it bearing the name Sterna (sic) compressus, 

and the same name is written on the skull itself. Sterno compressus, 

Gray, is apparently a synonym for S. restrains, Desmarest 

(Beddard's "Book of Whales," 1900, p. 273), and of this species 

there is also no British record. HUGH BOYD WATT, Glasgow. 

Ornithological Notes from Orkney. A pair of Whimbrels 

(Numenius phaopus) bred near Finstown on the Mainland this year, a 

new locality for that bird, as previously they have only been recorded 

from Hoy. 

A flock of quite one hundred Pochards (Fuligula ferina) 

appeared on the Loch of Skaill the second week in July ; previously,


only a few odd birds have been recorded from that locality in 

summer. 

Cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) appear to have been commoner than 

usual in the islands ; 

several were noted at Binscarth. 

At least two pairs of Red-necked Phalaropes (Phalaropus hyperboreus) 

bred this season on North Ronaldshay. 

On 1 

3th August Mr. C. H. Ackroyd saw a Barn Owl (Strix 

flammed) at Yesnabie near Skaill, the second time in which he has 

seen this bird in Orkney. T. E. BUCKLEY, Inverness. 

Chiffehaffin "Clyde." The editor's note in the "Annals" for 

July on the occurrence of the Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus rufus) in 

Midlothian and the paucity of records for that county recall to me 

that since I published an account of the distribution of this species 

in 

"Clyde" ("Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow," v. (N.S.), pp. 48- 

52) some additional information has come to hand which may be 

recorded. I had overlooked an interesting reference of Mr. Gray's 

in Bryce's "Geology of Arran," etc. (1872 ed.), where he says (p. 

299), "I have seen and shot the Chiffehaffin the Cumbrae Islands." 

Mr. Wm. Evans tells me regarding my reference to its occurrence 

at Dundonald in Ayrshire," that he heard it there in 1884. In 

the same county the following localities are new: Barr (April 1898, 

fide Mr. Hugh Boyd Watt) ; Lady Glen, Kilkerran (several, April 

1898); Ballochmyle (two heard, May 1898), and a little farther 

down the Water of Ayr, on the same occasion, one, at Barskimming ; 

in the village of Fairlie, one (June 1899); from Lendalfoot Mr. 

Chas. Berry reports them " very plentiful " in April 1900. 

Localities 

indicated by Dr. Fullarton, Lamlash, for Arran, in notes relating 

the arrival of summer birds, are Auchenhew, Kildonan (April 1898), 

Glenree (April 1899), and Moniemore (April 1900). Mr. John 

Robertson found it in two or three places about Mountstuart, Bute, 

in June 1899. In a list of birds of Queen's Park and Camphill 

(1893) by the late Mr. A. A. Thomson, for a copy of which I am 

indebted to Mr. J. 

it 

M'Naught Campbell, 

is entered with the letter 

" 

f," indicating a few. The most interesting occurrence of all is 

perhaps that of a pair of males calling in Cleghorn woods, near 

Lanark, on the i6th of June this year, the first time I have heard 

it 

anywhere in Lanarkshire. The country between Lanark and 

Hamilton is rich in sylvan bird-life, but the Chiffchaff has apparently 

not been known to occur there hitherto. In Dumbartonshire, 

Mr. Harold Raeburn heard it at Shandon (1894), as I learned 

from Mr. W. Evans ; 

and in the course of a walk in the first week in 

June this year, with Mr. John Robertson, from Balloch to Luss, we 

heard it at two or three places. JOHN PATERSON, Glasgow. 

Hybrid Capereailie and Blackcock. I saw in Mr. Mackay's 

shop a very fine specimen of this cross, a male bird, which had been 

to


sent in for preservation by Mr. J. 

N. H. Grant, Carron House, 

Carron, Strathspey. T. E. BUCKLEY, Inverness. 

Great Snipe in Stirlingshire. On the i5th of this month 

(September), when driving grouse on the Denny Hills, a Great Snipe 

(Scolopax major} flew past, but scarcely within range. The large 

size and the woodcock-like flight made it easily recognisable. This 

is the second time I have seen the Great Snipe upon this same 

ground ; 

but the previous observation I did not record, because I 

was not perfectly certain of its identity. It was too far off from me 

to make me feel sure of it. 

The question arises : Is the Great Snipe a regular migrant to 

parts of this country, or only occasional ? From what I have heard, 

though not seen, in Shetland, I am inclined to think that the Great 

Snipe comes with some amount of regularity to the south end of 

Shetland, but only remains a very short time before resuming its 

journey. 

I 

may mention, in case any one may feel inclined to doubt my 

ability to identify the Great Snipe on the wing, that I have had 

plenty of experience of them both in Norway and in Russia, and 

have seen them and shot them, plentifully, when they certainly 

belied their name of Solitary, as hundreds arrived en masse at their 

breeding-places, and scores were seen dropping down out of the main 

A. HARVIE BROWN. 

flight, amongst the willow scrub of the delta. J. 

The Protection of the Great Skua in Shetland. In June last 

the Society for the Protection of Birds received information that 

eleven clutches of the eggs of the Great Skua, taken in 1899, were 

to be sold by auction in London on the 2oth of that month. The 

only known breeding-places of this bird in the British Isles are on 

Foula and Unst, outer members of the Shetland group, and in 1891 

the then owners of both islands, Mr. Scott of Foula and Mrs. 

Edmondston of Unst, were awarded the Silver Medal of the 

Zoological Society for many years' protection of the breedinggrounds. 

As there was reason to believe that the eggs in question 

came from Foula, letters were immediately sent to the present 

owner, Mr. Ewing Gilmour, to Mrs. Traill, to the Scottish Office, 

to the Zetland County Council, and to a number of gentlemen 

likely to give information and assistance, the Society offering to 

bear the expense of a watcher if necessary. The replies received 

show that the present proprietor 

is 

equally anxious with his predecessor 

to preserve the birds. At the request of the Society, Mr. H. 

Nugent Colam also undertook to visit Foula and investigate the 

matter ; 

and leaving London on 25th June he reached that distant 

spot on the 29th. Mr. Colam, who carried out his part of the work 

with much energy and tact, reports that, so far as he could tell, 

there was no attempt being made to watch the nests at the time of 

his visit, but the egg season was then practically over and the young


birds hatched. Our representative's attempts to buy Great Skua 

eggs from the crofters altogether failed, as they were far too cautious 

to commit themselves with a stranger, even if concerned in the 

business ; 

and they stated that if 

caught taking eggs they would be 

turned out of their crofts, which would mean ruin. They are, 

however, extremely poor, so that the temptation to take eggs, if 

offered high prices by dealers and collectors, must be great. At a 

general merchant's shop on the Mainlaind Mr. Colam was able to 

buy an egg, one of three in the dealer's possession, said to be left 

from last year, being told at the same time that no more could now 

be got as they were protected. (The Shetland Order, under which 

the Great Skua and its 

eggs are scheduled, was issued in December 

1898.) This was very possibly one of the same batch with those 

offered for sale in London. As a result of the agitation, and the 

interest aroused by it, steps will be taken next year by Mr. Gilmour 

and Mrs. Traill to have the breeding- ground systematically and 

thoroughly watched and it is 

; satisfactory to add that a Branch of 

the S.P.B. has been started in the Shetlands, with Mrs. Bruce of 

Sunburgh as Honorary Secretary. In the course of the inquiry 

attention was drawn to the destruction of both Skuas and Gulls in 

the neighbouring waters by French fishermen, who use them as bait; 

and the Society has had pleasure in making an award to the skipper 

and crew of the Shetland vessel the " Catherine " for their humanity 

in releasing a Great Skua which had been tethered as a - decoy. 

Communicated by THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 

[We desire to bring under the notice of our readers this excellent 

Society. It is 

doing really good work, and is deserving of the 

support of all who are interested in birds. The Honorary Secretary 

is Mrs. Lemon, 3 Hanover Square, London, W. EDS.] 

Occurrence of the Long-tinned Tunny off the Orkney Islands. 

Mr. Thomas Scott has called our attention to a paragraph in the 

''North Western Daily Mail" of i6th June last, wherein it is recorded 

that a specimen of this fish, weighing 42 Ibs., was captured 

by one of the herring fleet off the Orkneys, and was acquired by the 

Hon. Walter Rothschild for his museum at Tring. Mr. Ernst 

Hartert, the Director of the Tring Museum, has kindly confirmed 

the correctness of this newspaper statement as to the fish being 

a specimen of the Long- finned Tunny (Thynnus alalunga), or 

Germon, or Albacore, as it is variously known. This species is a 

native of the Mediterranean and tropical Atlantic, and is a straggler 

to the British seas, being rare even on the south-western coast 

of England; while for Scotland, Day, in his "British and Irish 

Fishes," gives no record for Scottish waters. EDS. 

The occurrence of Labrax lupus at the Bay of Nig-g-, near 

Aberdeen. A specimen of the Basse (Labrax lupus] was obtained 

from salmon fishers at Bay of Nigg on 315! July. 

The specimen


measured 13.75 ins. in length, and is the only one observed here 

during the past season. It was caught in one of the salmon-nets in 

the Bay of Nigg. T. SCOTT, Aberdeen. 

The occurrence of Mugil ehelo in the Bay of Nigg, near 

Aberdeen. Four specimens of this Mullet have been obtained from 

salmon fishers at the Bay of Nigg during the present summer. 

Two of them were captured on 2oth June, one on i4th July, and 

the other on 3oth July. The specimens measured about 14 to 15 

ins. in length. The stomachs of three of the specimens contained 

scarcely anything in the way of food, and the little they did contain 

consisted of minute alga. The stomach of the fourth specimen 

was moderately full, and the food consisted of the same kind of 

alga, but the remains of no other organisms could be detected. 

T. SCOTT, Aberdeen. 

1 

The occurrence of Clupea alosa in the Bay of Nig-g , near 

Aberdeen. A specimen of the Allis Shad was obtained from salmon 

fishers at the Bay of Nigg, on lyth August. It had been captured 

in the salmon-nets. The specimen measured 20 ins. in length, 

and weighed 2 Ibs. 6.25 ozs. The stomach of the specimen was 

crammed with copepods, almost all of them belonging to the one 

species, Temora longicornis a species which at times is 

very common 

in the sea. The contents of the stomach filled a 4 oz. bottle, and 

appeared to consist entirely of copepods ; for, though carefully 

examined, nothing else could be detected. It may be noted that 

this specimen of C. alosa was ornamented on each side with a row 

of somewhat indistinct dark-coloured spots, each row of spots 

extending from the shoulder to the base of the caudal fin, and to 

the casual observer the specimen might have been taken for a 

Twaite Shad ; 

the spots, however, were too numerous for that 

species and besides the 

; 

number and character of the rakers on 

the outer gill-arches left no doubt as to the specimen being an 

Allis Shad. T. SCOTT, Aberdeen. 

Insect Notes from Solway. We have again had a visitation of 

the Death's-head Moth (Acherontia atropos) in the form of larvae 

and pupa. One fine caterpillar was found feeding on potatoes near 

Dumfries on 23rd August. Another came to me from Hightae 

Moss, near Lockerbie, on 2Sth August. A few days later a third 

larva was picked up at Kirkandrews in Borgue, Kirkcudbrightshire. 

On 2oth September I was called in to identify a fine pupa dug up 

at Kirkmahoe near Dumfries. These occurrences in the larval and 

pupal stages are of much interest, because it is 

only within the last 

few years that the species, so far as I am aware, has ever been seen 

in Solway otherwise than as an imago. Sphinx convolvuli was 

captured at Portpatrick on 2oth August. This autumn there has 

been a most brilliant display of Red Admiral Butterflies. More


especially has this been the case in the larger gardens, where 

extensive beds and borders of flowers in bloom were available on 

which to flaunt their splendid colours. In one such garden, a large 

walled enclosure not far from Southerness, I counted on a recent 

occasion over 200 of these beautiful creatures. The sight was a 

particularly gorgeous one, and of sufficient rarity in the northern 

regions to be worthy of record. Sirex juvencu's has again been much 

in evidence. A number of specimens were sent me from a place 

near Lockerbie, where they were emerging from the flooring of an 

outhouse. The timber had been cut from an adjoining estate. 

I got 

it from three or four other localities also. From near 

Mofifat Sirex gigas was sent. A number of larch posts erected as 

gateways on a sheep farm had been almost destroyed by its borings. 

This species also has been taken all over the area of Solway 

this season. A small Culex, familiar to me for a long time past as 

a not uncommon insect, has this autumn become most conspicuously 

abundant. Some of the evenings at the end of it 

August was 

in perfect clouds. Seen against the sunset glow the distinguishing 

frontal appendages on the two sexes were easily noted. But it was 

not always easy to keep a single individual in one's eye amidst the 

They are now very much scarcer 

gyrations of the dancing myriads. 

with the advent of colder weather. No doubt the unusual warmth 

and moisture of the past summer favoured an abnormal increase. 

I do not venture on to the thin ice of dipteric identification, and so 

forward a few living examples of this Culex for inspection. ROBERT 

SERVICE, Maxwelltown, Dumfries. 

[The specimens submitted are Culex nemorosus, Mg. P. H. G.] 

Aeherontia atropos, L., in Glasgow and Kilmarnoek. I had a 

specimen of this Hawk-moth handed to me on 2oth September, which 

was taken in York Street. Its capture was effected by our Bondkeeper, 

Mr. Allan Livingstone, whose attention was attracted by a 

gentleman probing at something on the street with his umbrella. 

of the rather 

It was still alive when I received it, and, irrespective 

rough usage it had received, is in fine condition. 

In a letter I received from Mr. George Rose of Kilmarnoek, he 

mentioned that a live specimen of this insect had been given to him, 

which was found beneath the outside cover of a bar-frame hive on 

the loth July last. ANDREW ADIE DALGLISH, Glasgow. 

Cleora glabraria in Roxburghshire. On the 25th and 2yth 

of July last I took eight specimens of Cleora glabraria, t\vo $ and 

six all , apparently freshly emerged. Mr. C. G. Barrett has seen 

all these, and he " says 

: There is not a shadow of a doubt about 

your Cleora glabraria : they are correct, and very beautiful and 

perfect specimens. The transverse lines upon their fore wings are 

unusually well defined and distinct." I took all the moths at rest 

on the trunks of Scotch fir trees. They are very lethargic in habit,


only one of them fluttering to the ground when approached, and 

was then quite easily secured ; 

another I had to gently move from 

the bark with a feather before securing 

it. It is curious to notice 

the different degrees of alertness in different species ; 

for while Cleora 

glabraria and Venusia cambrica almost invariably remained immovable, 

Larentia cccsiata and Ypsipetes elutata and other common 

species dashed wildly away on anything like a near approach. 

last. I saw 

A curious habit of Alucita polydactyla I noticed in May 

a specimen settle on a leaf, and on nearing it, 

it 

suddenly dropped 

to the ground as if feigning death. This species seems to be increasing, 

as I took four specimens one night lately three of them 

; 

of full normal size, one abnormally small, but quite perfect. Hydrocanipa 

nymphtzata is another species I have lately taken, but not 

formerly in Roxburghshire. A. ELLIOT, Caverton, Roxburgh. 

Rare Insects at Peebles. 

Last August on a bank covered with 

Scabiosa succisa, about two miles from Peebles, I had the great pleasure 

of taking the following uncommon Diptera 

: Didea alneti, Fin., 

one $ ; 

Didea fasciata, Mcq., $ and $ ; Syrphus annulipes, Ztt., 

five 9 ; 

and Sericomyia borealis, Fin., one $ 

. 

Beyond a couple 

of the common Syrphus ribesii, L., these were the only 

flies seen. 

Rubbed specimens of C/iar&as graminis, L., were not uncommon, and 

a single specimen of the very local beetle Chrysoincla iiiarginata, L., 

was taken on the wing by Mr. James Black. 

ALFRED THORNLEY. 

Syrphus annulipes, Ztt., and some other Diptera in the 

Edinburgh District. On 3oth May 

last I caught a female of this 

fly near Balerno in this county. I have shown it to Mr. P. H. 

Grimshaw, who says 

it is rightly determined. I have also a number 

of other good flies taken in the district, among them being the 

: 

following 

Merodon equestris, Fab. ;


a peat bog near Loch Glow on the Cleish Hills, Kinross-shire (Forth 

area) and I find another among some insects collected by Mr. R. 

; 

Godfrey at Loch Awe, Argyll, last June. Mr. E. Saunders has seen 

the specimens and confirms my identification. The species has 

been taken in some numbers near Ballinluig, by Mr. T. M'Gregor, 

as recorded in this magazine for 1895, and it seems also to have 

occurred at Aviemore and Rannoch and one or two other localities in 

the north of Scotland. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh. 

Rhyparoehromus dilatatus, H. Schf., in Perthshire. Among 

some insects which I collected in Glen Farg, Perthshire, in 

September 1899, there is a specimen (named for me by Mr. E. 

Saunders) of this plant-bug. It seems to be an addition to the list 

of Scottish Hemiptera-Heteroptera, and in England the recorded 

localities for it do not extend farther north than Norfolk. WILLIAM 

EVANS, Edinburgh. 

Bombus soroensis, Fab., in Lanarkshire. On iSth and 

September 

I observed a number of males and a few workers of a 

bee which seemed new to me, visiting marsh-thistle flowers in a 

ravine among the hills near Elvanfoot, Lanarkshire. I thought of 

B. soroensis, and Mr. E. Saunders, to whom I have submitted 

specimens, says they are referable to that form. I can find no 

previous record of it from Scotland. I may add that Bombus 

jonellus, Kby., was common at heather on the Elvanfoot hills during 

the greater part of the month. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh. 

Corduleg-aster annulatus on the summit of Beinn Mhor, Mull. 

On the 4th of June I made the ascent of Beinn Mhor, in the 

island of Mull, in company with Mr. A. H. Pawson, F.L.S. When at 

about Soo feet altitude we captured a large dragon-fly, which I sent 

to Mr. John Waddington of Leeds, who informs me that it is 

Cordulegaster annulatus. When at the actual summit of the 

mountain I noted insects flying round and above the cairn, of 

various orders, and at least a dozen or more species, including a 

large dragon-fly, apparently in fact almost certainly of the same 

species as the one I took on the slope. The day was fine and 

warm, of brilliant sunshine. W. DENISON ROEBUCK, Leeds. 


Rubus argentatus, P.J. Mueller, in Scotland. Both Dr. Focke 

and the Rev. W. Moyle Rogers agree in naming as above a Bramble 

I gathered near Stranraer in Wigtownshire in 1898. It is the first 

Scottish specimen that Mr. Rogers has seen. G. CLARIDGE DRUCE.


Matriearia discoidea, DC., in North Aberdeenshire. About 

twelve years ago I found this plant growing on the seashore beside 

the harbour of Rosehearty, on the Moray Firth coast of Aberdeenshire. 

Though rather common near the harbour, I did not observe 

it elsewhere ; and, regarding it as a "casual," I omitted to record it. 

During August of this year I have met with it again. At Boddam, 

a little 

way south of Peterhead, it occurs on flat low ground on to 

which boats are drawn up, much like the place where I first found 

it, 

but it has not yet spread far from this centre. Near Rosehearty 

and Pittulie it is now extremely abundant ; 

and it has spread along 

the roads inland to the old castles of Pittulie and Pitsligo, and at 

least nearly four miles westward, as far as Aberdour. It is especially 

plentiful near farm-buildings, sometimes quite covering the ground, 

almost to the exclusion of other vegetation. A native of eastern 

Asia and western North America, 

it has for a number of years been 

known as naturalised on the eastern coasts of the North Sea ; 

and 

it has probably been brought by fishing craft to the Aberdeenshire 

ports. It is now most thoroughly naturalised on the north coast of 

Aberdeenshire. I am not aware of any previous record for Scotland. 

I have seen it on waste ground and rubbish along the Thames at 

Kew near London; and it is recorded ("Journ. Bot," 1900, pp. 

354-355) as abundant around Falmouth Docks. JAMES W. H. 

TRAIL. 

Scottish Sphagna. In Mr. Horrell's paper on ' European 

Sphagnacese,' now appearing by instalments in the " Journal of 

Botany," the following are noted as from localities in Scotland, the 

name of the collector being added within brackets. Sphagnum 

sitbnitens, Russ. and Warnst., var. pallescens, Warnst., Gallows Hill, 

Cromarty (Ogih'ie- Grant); S. molle, Sulliv., var. tenermn, Braithw., 

Dalfroo Bog, Kincardine (Sim) S. ; squarrosum, Pers., var. spectabik, 

Russ., near Loch Garve, Ross-shire (Braithwaite) S. ; feres, Angstr., 

var. imbricatiim, Warnst., Strachan, Kincardine (Sim}; S. Lindebergii, 

Schimp., Ben Wyvis, Ross-shire 1- 

(M Kinky), Unst, Shetland (Siin] ; 

S. citspidatuin, Russ. and Warnst., var. phimosum, Nees and Hornsch., 

Scotstown Moor, near Aberdeen (Sim) S. 

; recurvum, Russ. and 

Warnst, Loch Knock, Islay (Gilmour); var. mucronatum, Warnst., 

Corriegills Head, Arran (Ley), Islay (Gilmour) S. balticum, 

; 

Russ. ( 

= S. cuspidatuin, var. brevifolium, Lindb., in Braithwaite's 

" Sphagnaceae," p. 84), Scotland, on high moors S. ; compaction, DC., 

var. imbricatum, Warnst., Dalfroo Bog, Kincardineshire (Sim), Glen 

Dole, Clova (Miss Barton\ Moidart, Westerness (Macvicar), Aviemore, 

Easterness (Macvicar). 

Scottish Desmids. In ' Notes on Freshwater Algae, II.,' by 

W. West and G. S. West ("Journ. Bot," 1900, pp. 289-299), the 

following changes are made in the1 nomenclature of certain species 

included in Roy and Bissett's papers which appeared in this Journal


in 1893-1894. Cosmarium Archeri, R. and B., is referred, as a 

variety, to C. cyniatopleunun, Nordst. ; 

Staurastrum rosteUum, R. and 

B., to ,5". cosmospinosum (Borges.), W. and G. S. West ; 

and S. Farqi(harsonii, 

R. and B., as a variety, to .S. hibernicum. West. 


The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural 

History which have appeared during the Quarter July-September 1900. 





ZOOLOGY. 

CUCKOO IN THE SHETLANDS. T. Edmondston Saxby. Zoologist 

(4), vol. iv. p. 426 (September 1900). Young bird caught on 8th 

August in Unst, and others seen and heard many times during 

the summer. 

OPAH AT THE SHETLANDS. T. Edmondston Saxby. Zoologist 

(4), vol. iv. p. 434 (September 1900). Specimen caught at West 

Voe, Dunrossness, on 2oth July. 

COLIAS EDUSA IN SCOTLAND. Percy C. Reid. The Field, yth 

July 1900, p. 41. Specimens taken at Rannoch and in Ayrshire. 

XENOLECHIA ÊTHIOPS, WESTW., IN SCOTLAND. William Evans. 

Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 159 (July 1900). Specimens taken 

on the Pentland Hills (see "Annals," 1897, pp. 89-110), and on 5th 

May this year near Midcalder. 

XENOLECHIA AITHIOPS, WESTW., AND ADELA CUPRELLA, THNB., 

IN SCOTLAND. K. J. 

Morton. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 159 

(July 1900). A specimen of X. aethiops taken near Carluke many 

years ago, and also in the Edinburgh district, near Bavelaw, in May 

1897; A. cuprella taken at Rowardennan, on Loch Lomond, in 

May. 

DlPLODOMA MARGINEPUNCTELLA, STPH., IN SCOTLAND. William 

Evans. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), 

.vol. xi. p. 188 (August 1900). Draws 

attention to a record of this species in the late Sir Thomas 

Moncrieffe's list of the Lepidoptera of Moncrieffe Hill, Perthshire 

("Scottish Naturalist," vol. v. p. 24). 

THE UPPER PORTION OF STRATH- 

NEUROPTERA COLLECTED IN 

GLASS IN 1899. By James J. F. X. King, F.E.S. -Ent. Mo. Mag. 

(2), vol. xi. pp. 181-185 (August 1900). One hundred and eight 

species are recorded in this paper, taken between i5th June and 

25th August of the year stated.


NEPA CINEREA, L., IN SCOTLAND. William Evans. Ent. Mo. 

Mag. (2), vol. xi. p. 1 88 (August 1900). Several records are given 

for this species. 

SOME NOTES ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF THE GENUS NORELLIA. 

By Col. J. 

W. Yerbury, late R.E., F.Z.S. Ent. Mo. Mag. (2), vol. 

xi. pp. 199-202 (September 1900). Scottish specimens are referred 

to 

in this paper. 

BRITISH AMPHIPODA. IV. FAMILIES STEGOCEPHALID/E TO (Eoi- 

CERID^: (part). By Canon Norman, M.A., D.C.L., etc. Ann. 

Nat. Hist. (7), 

vol. vi. pp. 32-51, plate iii. (July 1900). Numerous 

Scottish localities are given for the various species. 

BOTANY. 

PLANT NOTES FROM SUTHERLAND AND CANTIRE. By C. E. 

Salmon. Journ. Bot., 1900, pp. 299-303. Contains a good many 

new records for the districts of East Sutherland, West Sutherland, and 

Cantire. 

DRABA MURALIS IN EDINBURGHSHIRE. By A. Craig Christie. 

Journ. Bot., 1900, p. 279. Notes its occurrence in Glen Farg and 

south of Edinburgh. 

THE BOTANICAL EXCHANGE CLUB OF THE BRITISH ISLES : 

REPORT FOR 1898. By James Groves, F.L.S. Mr. W. H. Beeby 

records that Cerastium arcticum, var. Edmondstonii, Beeby, brought 

from Unst in 1886, and grown, in Surrey, in soil from Unst, 

retained the dark purplish-copper foliage, but that seeds and plants 

brought from Unst in 1897 and 1898, and grown in a mixture of 

Surrey soils, had become green, thus losing the distinctive mark of 

the variety. 

H. N. 

NEW AND RARE MOSSES FROM BEN LAWERS. By 

Dixon, M.A., F.L.S. JouT-n. Bot., 1900, pp. 330-335. Treats of 

occurrence and synonymy of several species. 

THE EUROPEAN SPHAGNACE/E (AFTER WARNSTORF). By E. 

Charles Horrell, F.L.S. Journ. Bot., 1900, pp. 252-258, 303-315, 

338-353. Continues the enumeration, with descriptions of the 

species and varieties, and gives localities in Britain for each. 

PELLIA NEESIANA, LIMPR., IN BRITAIN. By Symers M. 

Macvicar. Journ. Bot., 1900, pp. 275-276. Records the finding 

of this hepatic from three localities in Moidart, West Inverness ; 

and 

gives the characters that distinguish it from the previously known 

British species. 

NOTES ON FRESHWATER ALG/E, II. 

By W. West, F.L.S., and 

G. S. West, B.A. Journ. Bot., 1900, pp. 289-299, pi. 412. Is an 

important paper on synonymy, with descriptions and figures of some 

new forms.


REVIEWS. 

FLORA OF BOURNEMOUTH. By Edward F. Linton, M.A. Oxon. 

This is the latest addition to the local floras of Britain, and it 

worthily sustains the standard of excellence exhibited by several of the 

floras in recent years. A good introduction indicates the limits and 

divisions of the district, its botanical characteristics in contrast to 

those of the neighbouring districts, and the local conditions that have 

led to the richness in species despite the absence of any considerable 

range in altitudes. The bulk of the book is naturally occupied with 

indications of the local distribution of the several species, and bears 

evidence of the thorough acquaintance of the author with the area 

in question. Bournemouth is a favourite resort both for health and 

for pleasure, and those visitors that desire to know the plants around 

Bournemouth, and to have an additional pleasure in their excursions, 

will find this book of much value, all the more because of its lightness 

and of the admirably clear type and the arrangement of its 

contents. By all interested in British it 

botany will be welcomed. 

FIRST RECORDS OF BRITISH FLOWERING PLANTS. By William 

A. Clarke, F.L.S. (London: West, Newman, & Co., 1900.) 

The value of Mr. Clarke's compilation of the earliest records of 

British Flowering Plants was appreciated by students of the flora 

during its publication as a series of papers in the "Journal of 

Botany" from 1892 to 1896, and its re-issue as a book was 

welcomed as a source of much information on the history of 

botanical research in Britain. The issue of a second edition has 

enabled the author to make corrections that have been found 

desirable and have been brought to his notice ; 

and he has added 

throughout for the plants noted in the works of Ray and other early 

botanists the names (often phrases) by which they were known to 

these writers. These alterations add considerably to the value of 

the book, which we commend to our readers. 

HANDBOOK OF PLANT COLLECTING. By J. 

M. B. Taylor. 

(Paisley, 1899.) 

This pamphlet gives useful advice to those that wish to know 

how to collect, dry, mount, and preserve dried plants and such parts 

as fruits, seeds, stems, etc. ; 

but typographical errors (of which there 

are a good many) may tend to mislead beginners unfamiliar with 

the terms. Mr. Taylor's personal experience shows itself in the 

practical nature of his remarks on methods and difficulties.

I 

NDEX 

Adela citprelht 

in Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 

254 

sEscfuia cccnilea in Ross -shire (Curr. 

Lit.), 189 

Adrian pnella in Scotland, 125, (Curr. 

Lit.) 189 

Albacore off Orkney Islands, 248 

Albino Curlew (Curr. Lit.), 58 

Albino Lapwing in Inverness-shire, 51 

ALEXANDER, EDWIN, Tree Sparrrow 

in Midlothian, 183 

Alg:e, notes on Freshwater, 255 

Alisnia, note on (Curr. Lit.), 132 

Amblystegium coiupactitni in Sutherland 

(Curr. Lit.), 190 

Amorpka populi in W. Scotland (Curr. 

Lit.), 188 

Amphipoda, British (Curr. Lit.), 131, 

190 

ANDERSON, PETER, bird notes from 

Tiree and Coll, 47 

Andrena fuscipes in Inverness -shire. 

54 

Andromedapolifolia in Liddesdale (Curr. 

Lit.), 132 

Anerastia lotella in W. Scotland (Curr. 

Lit.), 58 

Arachnids of Edinburgh District (Curr. 

Lit.), 190 

Ascoidea rnbescens in Scotland (Curr. 

Lit.), 132 

Auk, Little, at Portobello, 123 ; at 

Corstorphine, 123 ; at Dalmeny, 

123 ; 

on Sol way Firth, 123 ; at 

Bo'ness 185 

Badgers in the Lothians, 119 

BALFOUR, Prof. I. B., M.A., M.D., 

F.R.S., eighteenth century records 

of Scottish plants, 169, 237 

Barnacle Goose in Dornoch Firth, 49 

Basse at the Bay of Nigg, 248 

Bat, Long-eared, in Elgin, 47 

Bee-eater in Shetland, 48 

BENNETT, ARTHUR, F. L.S., contribu- 

36 F 

tion towards a Flora of Caithness, 

No. III., 1 08 ; records of Scottish 

plants, 1899, additional to Watson's 

"Topographical Botany," 

2nd ed., 159; Euphrasias from 

Stroma, 187 

BICRRY, WILLIAM, B.A., LL.D. , 

notes 

on the working of the Wild Birds 

Protection Act (1894), 

i 

In'tula alba, seed dispersal of, 43 

Bird notes from Coll and Tiree, 47 

Minis, report on movements and occurrence 

of, in Scotland during 1899, 

70 

Birds seen in S. E. Orkney (Curr. Lit.), 

130 

Bittern in Stirlingshire, 122 ; in Ayrshire, 

122; in Nairn, 122 

Blackcap in Perthshire in December, 

121 

Blackcock and Capercailie hybrid, 246 

Black Rat in Orkney, 181 

Black Redstart in Solway area, 47 ; 

at 

Aberdeen, 121 

Black-tailed Godwit in East Renfrewshire, 

51 

Black Tern in Firth of Forth, 52 

Honibus sorocnsis in Lanarkshire, 252 

Boreus hiemalis in Lanarkshire, 55 

BROWN, HENRY II., Sirex jitvencus in 

Moray, 55 

BRUCE, WILLIAMS., M.B.O.U., Little 

Auk at Portobello, 123 

BUCKLEY, T. E., B.A,, F.Z.S., Marten 

in Argyllshire, 47 ; 

Kingfisher near 

Beauly Firth, 48 ; Barnacle Goose 

in Dornoch Firth, 49 ; 

Smew and 

White-fronted Goose in Shetland, 

50 ; Spotted Crake in Invernessshire, 

51 All ano Lapwing in 

; 

Inverness -shire, 51 ; Bittern in 

Nairn, 122 

; 

Iceland Falcon in 

Skye, 184 ; 

ornithological notes 

from Orkney, 245 

; 

hybrid Capercailie 

and Blackcock, 246


Caithness, contribution towards a Flora 

of, No. III., 1 08 

CAMPBELL, CHARLES, Sirex juvencus 

in Dalmeny Woods, 55 > Badgers 

in the Lothians, 119; Little Auk 

at Dalmeny, 123 ; remarkable 

flocking of Starlings to Cramond 

Island, 182 

CANCH, T.R., Ruff in Orkney, 184 

Capercailie in Strathnairn, 51 ; and 

Blackcock hybrid, 246 

Caralms monilis in Clyde, 53 ; in Scotland, 

125 

Chiffchaff in Barra, 121 near Edinburgh, 

183 ; 

; 

in " Clyde," 246 

CLARKE, WM. EAGLE, F.L. S., the 

fishes of the Firth of Forth and 

its tributaries, 8, 202 ; 

Chiffchaff 

near Edinburgh, 183 ; Scops Owl 

in Shetland, 184 

Cleora glabraria in Roxburghshire, 250 

Clnpea alosa in the Bay of Nigg, 249 

Coleoptera at Boat of Garten (Curr. 

Lit.), 58 some records of Scottish, 

; 

91 at 

; 

Rannoch (Curr. Lit.), 130 

Colias ednsa in Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 

254 

Collembola of Edinburgh District (Curr. 

Lit.) 190 

Conodonts of \V. Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 

190 

Copepods in nostrils of fishes, 153 

Cordulegaster anmilatus in Mull, 252 

Crake, Spotted, in Inverness-shire, 51 

Crambus latistriits in W. Scotland 

(Curr. Lit.), 58 

Crustacea from Fairlie and Hunterston, 

Clyde (Curr. Lit.), 190 

Cuckoo in Shetlands (Curr. Lit.), 254 

Cumaceans, notes on Scottish, 215 

DALGLISH, A. A., Acherontia atropos 

in Glasgow and Kilmarnock, 250 

DAVIDSON, Rev. R. G., Blackcap in 

Perthshire in December, 121 

Death's-head Moth in Sol way district, 

54 at 

; Inverbroom, West Rossshire, 

125 ; at Glasgow and Kilmarnock, 

250 

Desmids, Scottish, 253 

Diglossa, two species in Britain (Curr. 

Lit.), 59 

Diphthera aprilina in Moray (Curr. 

Lit.), 130 

Diphyllobothrium stemmacephalum in 

intestines of Porpoise, 186 

Diplodoma marginepunctella in Dumbartonshire 

(Curr. Lit.), 189 ; 

in 

Scotland (Curr. Litt.), 254 

Diptera in Scotland in 1898-99 (Curr. 

Lit), 131, 189 

Diptera Scotica : II., 18 

Dog-fish, Larger Spotted, in "Clyde," 52 

Dog-fishes of the " Clyde " waters, and 

a correction, 123 

Dolphin, White-beaked, in Bute, 244 

Dolphins of Clyde Waters, 244 

Draba mn rails in Edinburghshire (Curr. 

Lit.), 255 

Dragon-flies in 1899 (Curr. Lit.), 189 ; 

old records of, in Scotland (Curr. 

Lit.), 189 

DRUCE, G. CLARIDGE, M.A., F.L.S., 

notes on the flora of Perthshire, 

164, 225 Riibus argentatus in 

; 

Scotland, 252 

Duck, Long-tailed, in Solway District, 

49 

DUTHIE, Col. W. H. M., Red-legged 

Partridge in Forfarshire, 50 ; 

the 

Greylags of Blair Drummond, 193 

Eledone cirrosa in West Lothian, 185 

ELLIOT, A., destruction of hibernating 

Tortoise-shell Butterflies by the 

Common Wren, 53 > 

lameness of 

Herons, 121 ; 

Cleora glabraria in 

Roxburghshire, 250 

Enallagma cyathigeniin, melanic variety 

of (Curr. Lit.), 189 

Euphrasies from Stroma, 187 

EVANS, HENRY, F.Z.S., Weasel in 

Jura, 1 19 

EVANS, WILLIAM, F.R.S.E., Hummingbird 

Hawk -moth in Edinburgh 

district, 54 Andrena ! fitscipes 

in 

Inverness-shire, 54 Boreus hietnalis 

in Lanarkshire, 55 some 

; 

; 

records of Scottish Coleoptera and 

Hemiptera, 91 Pintails at Edenmouth, 

123 ; Agrion puclla in 

; 

Scotland, 125 ; 

Scottish Myriapoda, 

127 ; 

Goldfinch in Clackinannanshire, 

183 Platyartlints 

; 

hoffinanseggii in Fife, 186 ; Syrphiis 

anmilipes and other Diptera 

in Edinburgh district, 251 Salda 

; 

innelleri in Kinross -shire and 

Argyll, 251 ; Rhyparochromus 

dilatatits in Perthshire, 252 Botn- 

; 

bits soroensis in Lanarkshire, 252 

Falcon, Iceland, in Skye, 184 

FERGUSSON, ANDERSON, Caralnts 

monilis in "Clyde," 53; Xantholinits 

fulgidits in " Clyde," 53 ; 

C. 

monilis in Scotland, 125 

Ferns of Rerrick (Curr. Lit.), 132 

Fishes of the Firth of Forth, 8, 202 

Flora of Caithness, contribution towards, 

No. III., 1 08 

Flora of West Inverness (Curr. Lit.), 

132 

Flora of Perthshire, notes on, 164

INDEX 259 

FOWLER, Lady, Death's-head Moth at 

Inverbroom, 125 

Fox-Shark in the Firth of Forth, 17 

Fumeids, new species of (Curr. Lit.), 

1 88 

Geese, Gray, in the Sol way Firth, 122 

Gentiana nivalis in Sutherland (Curr. 

Lit), 132 

GILMOUR, T. F., M.D., Long-eared 

Owl in Islay, 49 

GODFREY, ROBERT, M.A., Sepiola 

rondeleti in the Firth of Forth, 

125 Lii/uitra stagnates in West 

; 

Lothian, 125 Little Auk at 

; 

Bo'ness, 185 Eledone cirrosa in 

West ; Lothian, 185 

Godwit, Black-tailed, in East Renfrewshire, 

51 

Goldfinch in Clackmannanshire, 183 

Gonoptera libatrix in winter (Curr. 

Lit), 130 

Goose, Barnacle, in Dornoch Firth, 

49 ; White-fronted, in Shetland, 

50 

Grasshopper Warbler nesting in Moray, 

48 

GRAY, ALEXANDER, Great Gray Seal 

at Cumbrae, 243 

Greylags of Blair Drummond, 193 

GRIMSHAW, PERCY II., F. E.S., 

Diptera Scotica : II., 18 

Gull, Iceland, in Bute, 123 

HARVIE- BROWN, J. A., F.R.S.E., 

F.Z.S., old record of Kite in Fife, 

49 ; Ptarmigan formerly in Rum, 

50 ; Pratincole near Montrose, 51 ; 

Bitterns in Stirlingshire, 122; Great 

Snipe in Stirlingshire, 247 

Hedgehog and its sub-species (Curr. 

Lit.); is 7 

Plcnicrol'iiis, notes on Scottish species, 

3 

Hemiptera, some Scottish records of, 

91 

Heron, lameness of, 121 

Heronries of Clyde area (Curr. Lit.), 

1 88 

HINXMAN, L. W., B. A., Yellow Wagtail 

at Beauly, 48 

Humming-bird Hawkmoth in Edinburgh 

district, 54 

Hybrid Capercailie and Blackcock, 246 

Hymenoplera, aculeate, new to Britain 

(Curr. Lit.), 59 three little-known 

; 

British (Curr. Lit.), 131 

Hypcra dongata as British (Curr. Lit.), 

59 

Iceland Falcon in Skye, 184 

Iceland Gull in Bute, 123 

Ichthyological notes, 87 

Insect notes from Solway, 249 

Insects, rare, at Peebles, 251 

JOHNSTON, T. N., M.B., Little Auk at 

Corstorphine, 123 

Kingfisher near Beauly Firth, 48 

Kite in Fife, old record of, 49 

Labrax lupus al the Bay of Nigg, 248 

LAIDLAW, T. G., M.B.O.U., Black 

Tern in Firth of Forth, 52 ; 

report 

on the movements and occurrence 

of birds in Scotland during 1899, 

70 

Laphria flava in Inverness-shire (Curr. 

Lit.), 189; in Scotland (Curr. 

Lit.), 189 

Lapwing, albino, in Inverness-shire, 51 

LENNON, the late WILLIAM, 134 

Lepidoptera in Moray (Curr. Lit.), 58 ; 

in Lewis (Curr. Lit.), 130 ; Macro-, 

of Galashiels district in 1899 (Curr. 

Lit.), 130; at Rannoch (Curr. 

Lit.), 130; Wigtownshire, notes 

on, 156 ; 

from South-West Scotland 

(Curr. Lit.), 188 

Lichens of Rerrick (Curr. Lit.), 132 

Linniiea stagnates in West Lothian, 125 

Lithocolletis concomitella and its allies 

(Curr. Lit), 58 

Little Auk at Portobello, 123 ; at 

Corstorphine, 123 ; at Dalmeny, 

123 ; on Solway Firth, 123 ; 

at 

Bo'ness, 185 

Long-eared Owl in Islay, 49, 184 

; in 

Barra, 121 

Long-tailed Duck in Solway district, 

49 

Loxocera, notes on (Curr. Lit.), 189 

Lupine, Blue, of Scotland, what is the? 

127 

MACGILLIVRAY, WM. L., Chiffchaff in 

Barra, 121 ; Long -eared Owl in 

Barra, 12 1 

MACKENZIE, W. D., Capercailzie in 

Strathnairn, 51 

MACKESSACH, R. II., Grasshopper 

Warbler nesting in Moray, 48 

MACPHERSON, H. A., M.A., F.Z.S., 

Black Redstart in Solway area, 

47 ; Gray Geese on the Solway 

Firth, 122 ; 

Little Auk on Solway 

Firth, 123 

ftlacropsis slabberi in Moray Firth, 126 

Mammals, land, of the Moray Firth 

area, 137 ; marine, of North-East 

Scotland, 65 

Marine worms, notes on (Curr. Lit.),


Marten in Argyllshire, 47 

Matricaria discoidea in North Aberdeenshire, 

253 

Meloe, notes on genus (Curr. Lit), 130 

" Mimuhis Inteiis, Linn.," of British 

floras, 128 

MORTON, KENNETH J., F. E.S., notes 

on Scottish species of genus 

Heitierobttis, 30 ; 

notes on Wigtownshire 

Lepidoptera, 156 

Mosses, new and rare Scottish, 174; 

of Rerrick (Curr. Lit.), 132 

Mugil chelo in the Bay of Nigg, 249 

Myriapoda, Scottish, 127 

Nepa cinerea in Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 

255 

Neuroptera in Wigtownshire (Curr. 

Lit.), 59 ; from Strathglass (Curr. 

Lit.), 254 

NEWTON, ALFRED, M.A., F.R.S., the 

Great Shearwater in Scottish 

waters, 142 

Norellici) notes on British (Curr. Lit.), 

255 

Nyssia zonana, a correction, 54 ; in the 

Hebrides (Curr. Lit.), 131 

Opah off Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 58; at 

Shetland (Curr. Lit.), 254 

Oporabia aittnmnata from Rannoch 

(Curr. Lit.), 130 

Ornithological notes from Solway, 

120; from Shetland (Curr. Lit.), 

1 88 ; 

from Oukney 245 

Ornithology of Kincardineshire, 147, 197 

Owl, Long-eared, in Islay, 49, 184 ; in 

Barra, 121 ; 

in Shetland, 184 

Owls in Islay, 184 

Partridge, Red-legged, in Forfarshire, 50 

PATERSON, JOHN, Spotted Redshank 

and Black -tailed Godwit in East 

Renfrewshire, 51 ; Bittern in Ayrshire, 

122 ; 

Iceland Gull in Bute, 

123 ; Chiffchaff in "Clyde," 246 

Pellia neesiana in Britain (Curr. Lit.), 

255 

PHILIP, T. G., Sirex gigas in Forfarshire, 

55 

Pintails at Edenmouth, 123 

Piiius sylvestris, seed dispersal of, 43 

Plants of East Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 59 ; 

of North Uist (Curr. Lit.), 59; 

records of Scottish for 1899, additional 

to Watson's "Top. Bot.," 

2nd eel., 159; eighteenth century 

records of Scottish, 169, 237 ; 

from 

Sutherland and Cantire (Curr. 

Lit.), 255 

ria'vartlirus hoffmanseggii 

in Fife, 

1 86 

Potamogelon rtttidus in Britain (Curr. 

Lit.), 190 

Pratincole near Montrose, 51 

Psychodidre, localities for (Curr. Lit.), 

189 

Ptarmigan formerly in Rum, 50 

Quedius tristis in Scotland (Curr. Lit.), 

58 

Rat, Black, in Orkney, 181 

Ray, Electric, in Moray Firth, 185 

Red-legged Partridge in Forfarshire, 

50 

Redshank, Spotted, in East Renfrewshire, 

51 

Redstart, Black, in Solway area, 47 ; 

at Aberdeen, 121 

Reviews 

The History of the British Fauna, 

by R. H. Scharff, 60 

An Illustrated Manual of British 

Birds, by Howard Sauriders, F.L.S., 

F.Z.S., 60 

Birds belonging to 

the Ilumber District, revised to 

A List of British 

April 1899, by John Cordeaux, 

T.P., F.R.G.S., M.B.O.U., etc., 

6 1 

Bird Life in an Arctic : 

Spring the 

Diaries of Dan Meinertzhagen and 

R. P. Hornby, 61 

Insects, their Structure and Life, 

by George H. Carpenter, B.Sc., 

63 

The Glasgow Catalogue of Native 

and Established Plants, being a 

contribution to the Topographical 

Botany of the Western and 

Central Counties of Scotland, 2nd 

ed., by Peter Ewing, F. L. S., 63 

The Geography of Mammals, by 

W. L. Sclater, M.A., F.Z.S., and 

P. L. Sclater, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., 

133 

Our Rarer British Breeding Birds : 

their Nests, Eggs, and Summer 

Haunts, by Richard K carton, 

F.Z. S., illustrated by photographs 

by C. Kearton, 133 

A Treatise on Zoology. Edited by 

E. Ray Lankester, M.A., LL.D., 

F.R.S. Part III. Echinoderma, 

by F. A. Bather and others, 

191 

A Book of W 7 hales, by F. E. Beddard, 

M.A., F.R.S., 191 

The Mycetozoa, by the Rt. Hon. Sir 

E. Fry, D.C.L., F.R.S., etc., and 

Agnes Fry, 192 

Flora of Bournemouth, by Edward 

F. Linton, M.A. , 256

INDEX 261 

Reviews- 

First Records of British Flowering 

Plants, by W. A. Clarke, F.L.S.. 

256 

Handbook of Plant Collecting, by 

J. M. B. Taylor, 256 

Rhynchota (aquatic), guide to study of 

(Curr. Lit.), 59; of Perthshire 

(Curr. Lit), 59 ; Scottish (Curr. 

Lit), 131 

Rhyparochromus dilatatus in Perthshire, 

252 

ROEBUCK, W. DENISON, F.L.S., Co; - 

(telegas te r annulalus in Mull, 252 

Rubns argentalus in Scotland, 252 

Ruff in Orkney, 184 

Salda innel/ei i in Kinross-shire and 

Argyll, 251 

Schcenus ferrugineus, disappearance of 

(Curr. Lit.), 190 

Scops Owl in Shetland, 184 

SCOTT, THOMAS, F.L.S., Dog-fishes of 

the " Clyde " waters, and a correction, 

123 Upogebia Jeltama in 

; 

Moray Firth, 126 ; 

Mac opsis 

slabberi in the Moray Firth, 126 ; 

Copepods living in the nostrils 

of fishes, 153; Diphyllobothrinin 

in intestines of 

stemmacephalum 

Porpoise, 186; notes on Scottish 

Cumaceans, 215 ; Basse at May of 

Nigg, 248 ; I\Ingil chelo at Bay of 

Nigg, 249 ; 

Allis Shad at Bay of 

Nigg, 249 

Seal, Great Gray, at Cumbrae, 243 

Seed dispersal of Finns syh'cslris and 

Betula alba, 43 

Sepiola rondelcli in the Firth of Forth, 

125 

SERVICE, ROBERT, M.B.O.U., Great 

Gray Shrike in Solway area, 48 ; 

Long-tailed Duck in Solway, 49 ; 

Death's-head Moth in Solway, 54 ; 

ornithological notes from Solway, 

120 ; 

the late William Lennon, 

154 ; 

insect notes from Solway, 

249 

Shad, Allis, in the Bay of Nigg, 249 

Sharks in Moray Firth, 52 

Shearwater, Great, in Scottish waters, 

142 

Shrike, Great Gray, in Solway area, 

48 ; Red-backed, in East Lothian, 

iS 3 

SIM, GEORGE, A.L.S., Black Redstart 

at Aberdeen, 121 

SIMPSON, A. NICOL, F.Z.S., contribution 

to the ornithology of Kincardineshire, 

147, 197 

Sipkonostoma, British (Curr. Lit.), 

Sirex gigas in Forfarshire, 55 

Sirex juvencus in Moray, 55, (Curr. 

Lit.) 59 in Dalmeny woods, 55 

; 

SKIRVING, R. SCOTT, Owls in Islay, 

184 

Skua, Great, protection of, in Shetland, 

247 

Smerinthus populi in Western Scotland 

(Curr. Lit.), 130 

Smew in Shetland, 50 

SMITH, JOHN, B.Sc., seed dispersal 

of Pinus syh'estris and Betula 

alba, 43 

Snake, Common or Ringed, in Renfrewshire, 

185 

Snipe, Great, in Kirkcudbright (Curr. 

Lit. ), 58 ; in Stirlingshire, 247 

Sparrow, Tree, in Midlothian, 183 

Sphagna, Scottish, 187 

Sphagnacece, European (Curr. Lit.), 

191 

Sphagnum medium in Britain (Curr. 

Lit.), 132 

Spiders of Edinburgh district (Curr. 

Lit.), 190 

Spirogvra, abnormal conjugation in 

(Curr. Lit.), 132 

Spotted Crake in Inverness-shire, 1 

5 

Spotted Redshank in East Renfrewshire, 

51 

Starlings, marked, 47 ; remarkable 

flocking of, to Cramond Island, 

182 

Stellaria nemonim and S. aqitatica, 

56 

STIRTON, JAMES, M.D., F.L.S., new 

and rare Scottish Mosses, 174 

STIRTON, JOHN, Fox - Shark in the 

Firth of Forth, 17 

Svi'phns annnlipcs and other Diptera in 

Edinburgh district, 251 

TAYLOR, J. 

M. B., Black Rat in 

Orkney, 181 ; Common Snake in 

Renfrewshire, 185 

TAYLOR, WM., Long- eared Bat in 

Elgin, 47 ; 

Sharks in Moray 

Firth, 52 marine mammals of 

; 

North - East Scotland, 65 land 

; 

mammals of the Moray Firth 

area, 137 

Tern, Black, in Firth of Forth, 52 

THORNLEY, Rev. ALFRED, M.A., 

F. L.S., rare insects at Peebles, 

251 

Thysanura of Edinburgh district (Curr. 

Lit.), 190 

Topographical botany of Scotland 32, 

103 

Torpedo in Moray Firth, 185 

Tortoise-shell Butterflies destroyed by 

Wren, 53


Tort rix, a new species from Shetland Wagtail, Yellow, at Beauly, 48 

(Curr. Lit.), 131 

Warbler, Grasshopper, nesting in 

TRAIL, Prof. J. 

W. II., M.A., M.D., Moray, 48 

F. R. S., topographical botany of WATT, HUGH BOYD, Larger Spotted 

Scotland, 32, 103 Stellaria nemonini 

and S. a/jitatica, 56 what beaked Dolphin in Bute, with 

; 

; Dog-fish in "Clyde," 53; White- 

is the Blue Lupine of Scotland ? remarks on 

" the Dolphins of the 

127 ; Minnthis litteus, Linn., "of "Clyde" waters, 246 

British floras, 128 ; 

Matricariadiscoidca 

in North Aberdeenshire, 253 

species (Curr. Lit.), 130 

Weasel in Jura, 119; and its sub- 

TKAQUAIR, R. H., M.D., F.R.S., White Cattle : an inquiry into their 

ichthyological notes, 87 

origin and history (Curr. Lit.), 187 

Tree Sparrow in Midlothian, 183 

White-fronted Goose in Shetland, 50 

Trichinra cratie*i, distribution of Whitethroat, Lesser, as Scottish bird 

(Curr. Lit.), 188 

(Curr. Lit.), iSS 

Trichoptera in Wigtownshire (Curr. Wild Birds Protection Act (1894), 

Lit), 59 

notes on the working of, i 

TUNNARD, CHRISTOPHER C., Redbacked 

Shrike in East Lothian, 

Xantholimts fulgidits in Clyde, 53 

183 

Xenokchia athiops 

Tunny Long-finned, off in Scotland (Curr. 

Orkney Islands, 

Lit.), 

248 

iSS 

Upogebia deltaura in Moray Firth, 126 Yellow Wagtail at Beauly, 48 

END OF VOL. 

IX. 

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