The Annals

OF

Scottish Natural History

A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED

lj Naturalist

"

K1HTKI) BY

]. A. HARVIE-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.LS.

PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
AND

WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., F.R.S.E.

KEEPER OF THE NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, THE ROYAL SCOTTISH MUSEUM, EDINBURGH

IQII

EDINBURGH

DAVID DOUGLAS, CASTLE STREET
LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES ST., CAVENDISH SQUARE

-
^<s,

The Annals

of

Scottish Natural History

NO. 77] 1911 [JANUARY

BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY
AUTUMN 1910.

By EVELYN V. BAXTER and LEONORA JEFFREY RINTOUL.

WE again visited the Isle of May this autumn and worked
there from the 2nd September till the iSth October.
During this time we were able to record 99 species, three
of which were new to Forth, and after we left two other
Forth novelties were sent off to us. With its usual sweet
reasonableness the wind, after having been in the east
almost all summer, veered round and blew off the west for
all but the last few days of our visit. Occasionally there
were easterly airs below, but the upper currents were still off
the west ; the weather throughout was very fine and mild.
These conditions militated against rushes of migrants, and
it was not till the last few days of our stay, when an honest
east wind set in, that any great numbers of birds appeared.
It being impossible, in the space at our disposal, to enter into
detailed accounts of the movements of each species, we pro-
pose to deal briefly with some of our more outstanding records.
Among the Turdinas, Missel Thrushes ( Turdus viscivorus)
appeared more plentifully than in other seasons, though
never in any great numbers, and there were Song Thrushes
(Turdus philoinelos 1 } on the island almost every day.

1 The nomenclature adopted is mainly that of Dr. Hartert's " Die Vogel der
palaarktischen Fauna."

77 B

r\

2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Rushes of this species occurred on iith, i6th, 25th, and
3<Dth September, and ist, /th, and loth October, and a very
pronounced one on the I ith ; we procured Thrushes out of
each rush, but they all proved to be of the British racial
form T. philomelos darkei. It may be worth recording here,
that among the SongThrushes procured in the autumn of 1 909
on the Isle of May, there were several belonging to the foreign
race T. philomelos philomelos. The first Redwing ( Turdus
musicus} appeared on 2 7th September, on /th October a
good many arrived, from the I2th to the i$th there were
numbers present, and on i6th October (S.E. wind, very light,
hazy) a great rush occurred. The birds came in from the
north during the whole day, most plentifully in the morning,
and in addition to those that alighted on the island, we saw
and heard countless numbers passing overhead. A Fieldfare
(Turdus pilaris) was seen on 25th September, an unusually
early date ; we saw no more till I ith October, after which
they occurred daily. From I4th to i/th October, with an
easterly wind, great rushes of Blackbirds (Turdus merula)
took place, the dome of the lighthouse being thronged with
them in the early mornings, and the island covered with
them ; almost all were young males with black bills. No
Thrushes arrived during these Blackbird rushes. Ring
Ouzels (Turdus torquatus) occurred in small numbers between
25th September and i/th October. One of the features of
this season was the number of Greater Wheatears {Saxicola
cenantlie leucorJwd] ; they occurred almost daily from 6th
September till 1 2th October, and we noted that they very
often arrived during the day, usually about 4 p.m. These
birds were very fond of hiding under stones, and would often
crouch down in the rubble underneath some big block, and
refuse to move till we were within about two feet of them.
Once a Greater Wheatear perched on one of the chimneys
of the lighthouse. Saxicola oenanthe cenanthe was not at all
plentiful on the island this season. A good many Whinchats
(Pratincola rnbetra) were present on i ith September, and
we saw a few on other dates between the 2nd and 26th ;
four Stonechats {Pratincola torquata) were also seen.

Redstarts (Pkcenicurus phcenicurus) were remarkably
scarce, and we only saw one Red-spotted Bluethroat

BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY AUTUMN 1910 3

(Luscinia svecicd] : it appeared on i oth September and was
as wild as a hawk. On the other hand, Redbreasts (Erithacus
rubecula) were more plentiful than usual throughout our stay,
and occurred in numbers during the last fortnight of October
after we had left the island. Four procured and submitted
to Dr. Hartert were pronounced by him to be of the British
race Erithacus rubecula melophilus.

Most of the Warblers were uncommonly scarce ; we saw a
few Whitethroats (Sylvia communis) between 6th and 2 oth
September, only one Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) on
1 3th September, a male Blackcap {Sylvia atricapilld) on
2nd October, and a female on the I7th, and Willow-warblers
(Phylloscopus trochilus) between 4th and 26th September ;
there were a good many on the 6th and I 5th, otherwise only
one or two. The only new Warbler that occurred was the
Siberian Chiff-chaff {Pliylloscopus collybita tristis), a single
bird appearing on l6th October (S.E. wind, very light,
hazy). We managed to procure it, and it constitutes the first
record for Forth, the only others known to occur in Britain
being at Sule Skerry, Fair Isle, and Kirkwall. In contra-
distinction to last year we were not able to record a single
Yellow-browed Warbler, while Chiff-chaffs and Garden-
warblers were also conspicuous by their absence.

There were more Goldcrests (Regulus regulus] on the
May this season than we have ever seen there before ; the
largest arrival took place on I4th October, when the island
was swarming with these attractive little birds. We procured
eight on various dates between loth September and i/th
October, and all proved to be the continental Regulus regulus
regulus except one, a British example, Regulus regulus
augloruiu, secured on I5th September. Hedge Accentors
(Pnmella modularis), too, were unusually plentiful, a
good many being present on /th and pth October. Those
sent to Dr. Hartert proved to be the British race, Prunella
modularis occidentalis, excepting one procured on 6th October,
which Dr. Hartert pronounces to be a " puzzling specimen, too
pale for occidentalis, probably P. m. modularis" A con-
tinental specimen of the Great Titmouse (Parus major major')
arrived i$th October; it is an addition to the list of birds
seen by us on the May. As usual, White Wagtails (Motacilla

4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

alba alba) and Tree-pipits (Antlius trivialis trivialis) passed
in small numbers,but Pied and Spotted Flycatchers (Mttscicapa
atricapilla and striatd) were very uncommon, the former only
appearing on 4th and 24th September. We saw more
Swallows (Chelidon rustica] than in any previous season, hun-
dreds passing on 6th and 1 6th September and smaller numbers
being often seen ; in almost every case these birds left the
island before mid-day.

Siskins (AcantJiis spinus) were first seen on I4th October ;
a month later this species was still present on the island.
Many Mealy Redpolls (Acanthis linaria linaria} occurred ; on
1 4th October two came in, and another on the i6th. During
the fortnight after we left there was an immigration of this
species and several were sent to us, all procured being
linaria linaria. Holboll's Redpoll (A. linaria holbcelli)
was procured, and sent, on 23rd October. Chaffinches
(Fringilla ccelebs ccelebs) in small numbers might be seen
most days after 3rd October, and Bramblings {Fringilla
montifringilld) were fairly plentiful ; one or two arrived on
25th September, and from 2nd October till we left they
occurred in varying numbers ; on the I ith they were arriving
in flocks all day. We are indebted to Mr. Ross and Mr.
Baigrie for having procured and sent off to us several
Northern Bullfinches {Pyrrhula pyrrJiula pyrrhuld) ; on 22nd
October we received a beautiful male, and the wings and
tail of another, which from the description sent with it was
evidently a female ; on the 26th we received two more, a
male and a female, and on 2nd November yet another male.
This is the first time that the Northern Bullfinch has been
recorded in Forth. The only Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus
erythina) seen appeared on 7th September. We procured it,
though, it was much wilder than we have found this species
on other occasions ; it was in the green type of plumage.

Buntings were fairly well represented this year and were
dreadfully wild. Two Yellow-hammers (Emberiza citrinella\
one being a male in splendid plumage, appeared on iith
October, and this species (uncommon on the May) was seen
again on i$th and 1 7th October. Twice we saw Ortolan
Buntings (Emberiza hortulana\ but they were so very wild
that we never managed to get within reach of them ; this

BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY AUTUMN 1910 5

species is not new to the island, having been procured there
by Mr. Agnew in May 1885. Reed Buntings (Emberiza
schceniclns] appeared on i6th and I7th October, and a
Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicd) on 4th October (W.
wind, strong). We secured this bird, which proved to be a
young female, and is the first authenticated record for Forth.
We saw one on the island in 1907, but as we failed to pro-
cure it the record was not confirmed. Great numbers of
Starlings {Sturnus vulgaris) appeared along with the Black-
bird rush from I4th to iyth October ; and on the latter date
we saw two Jackdaws (Coloeus monedula} ; one was the usual
type of bird seen here, but the other had a broad white collar,
it may have been the east European form Colceus monedula
collariS) but unfortunately we were not able to secure it.

Skylarks {Aland a arvensis) passed fairly constantly, but
there was no big rush, and a Wood-lark (Lullula arbor ea)
appeared on i6th October, and next day we secured it.
It is new to the fauna of Forth. We had no difficulty in
distinguishing it from a Skylark by the noticeably shorter
tail, and also by the note, which it uttered constantly and so
attracted our attention. A Swift (Cypselus apus) on 3rd
September was an addition to the list of birds seen by us on
the island. On 1st October, a very hot day, we were just
going into the lighthouse to lunch when a Hoopoe {Upupa
epops) flew over our heads ; needless to say we immediately
gave chase. In Saunders's " Manual" this bird is referred to
as " tame and confiding," but our Hoopoe was most
uncommonly well able to take care of itself. It never let us
get within a hundred yards of it, but with our glasses we
were able to see it very well as it strutted about on the grass
probing the ground with its bill, its crest half-erected and
the bold black and white banding on the wings showing most
distinctly. When flying it was constantly chivied by the
Pipits and other small birds. Next morning it wa's seen about
six o'clock, after which it no doubt proceeded towards its
winter quarters, and, we hope, reached them safely. There
is one previous record of a Hoopoe for the island, a female
having been procured there on 3Oth April 1898.

Several Short-eared Owls (Asia flammeus) were seen,
both during our stay and after we left, while Peregrines

6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

(Falco peregrinus), Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus\ and Merlins
(Falco cesalon) were observed, doubtless preying on the
smaller migrants.

There is nothing new or strange to record among the
Anatidae, but a Stock-dove (Columba cenas], seen on iSth
September, is an addition to our island list, as is a Bar-tailed
Godwit (Limosa lapponica), seen on 24th September. On
the whole, Waders were scarce, with the exception of
Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) and Curlew (Numenius
arquatd), of which we saw a good many. Several Lesser
Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus} appeared in September, an
immature Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus] on i 3th October,
and an adult bird next day. Towards the end of our stay
we saw enormous flocks of Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyld). A
Great Skua (Megalestris skua) appeared on 3rd October,
and towards the end of our visit there were vast numbers of
Razorbills (Alca tordd) and Guillemots (Uria troille) in the
sea close to the island ; they, as well as the Kittiwakes, were no
doubt feeding on the shoals of small silvery fish with which
the sea swarmed, many being cast up in the harbour. A
little Grebe (Podidpes fluviatilis) was seen on i6th and I7th
October, and a Storm Petrel (Thalassidroma pelagica) was
killed at the lantern late in the month, while on the morning
of 1 6th October we watched a Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus
griseus} for some time flying about close to the island.

We must again express our indebtedness to the Com-
missioners of Northern Lights for their kindness in giving us
permission to live and work on the Isle of May. Our time
there was full of interest and pleasure, and we greatly
appreciate the privilege which has been accorded us. It is
impossible adequately to thank our friends on the May for
all their kindness to us, but we wish to express our gratitude
as well as we can to Mr. and Mrs. Ross, Mr. and Mrs.
Baigrie, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, for all they did for us while we
were on the island, and for birds sent since we left, and for
this last we have also to thank Mr. and Mrs. Macleod. We
hereby tender our warmest thanks to Dr. Hartert, who most
kindly examined our skins and determined some of the racial
forms for us, and to Mr. Eagle Clarke for all his help and
kindness.

HERONRIES IN DEE, ETC. 7

HERONRIES IN DEE, ETC.
By A. LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON.

MR. BOYD WATT'S interesting supplementary list of Scottish
Heronries in the April issue of the "Annals" (1910, pp. 68-
70) has drawn my attention to his original list (" Ann. Scot.
Nat. Hist," 1908, pp. 218-223), and I have noticed some
omissions from the " Dee " section which the second list has
riot made good. As a result of further inquiries I have
discovered several other omissions ; but I am not surprised
that Mr. Watt's information was incomplete, for many of the
facts, although they relate to my own district, are quite new
to myself, and some of them were only ascertained with
difficulty, although I am well placed for making inquiries
as regards the area. And I am, moreover, by no means
satisfied that the following amended list is exhaustive, more
especially as regards the north-eastern portion of " Dee " :

QUEEN'S HILL, ABOYNE. According to my friend Mr. A. M. Wilson,
M.A., there were 14 nests in 1907, and I believe there were
about the same number in 1908. The heronry is doubtless
still flourishing. It is one of the most important omissions
from Mr. Watt's lists.

BLACKBALL, BANCHORY. In Mr. Watt's first list.

EDINGLASSIE, STRATHDON. Also in Mr. Watt's list. My friend
Mr. Ian G. Innes tells me that there were between 6 and 9
nests in 1908.

MONYMUSK. This is apparently a new heronry. Captain Arthur
Grant writes that it was first known of in 1908, comprised 4
nests in 1909, and 5 nests this year. The nests are in larches.

LEITHHALL, KENNETHMONT. An old-established heronry not men-
tioned in either of Mr. Watt's lists. There are at present about
a dozen nests. According to Mr. Leith Hay, the birds shifted
to their present wood about ten years ago. Curiously enough
it was the season before the old wood was destroyed by a wind
storm.

KEITHHALL, INVERURIE. There are at present about 14 nests
divided between two places. A third spot close at hand was
tenanted by a few pairs up till about nine years ago. The nests
are in silver firs.

8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

PITMEDDEN. A small heronry not mentioned in Mr. Watt's lists.
It was formerly larger, but has apparently not prospered since
as Mr. Alexander Reid tells me, a wind storm several years ago
blew down many of the trees.

HADDO HOUSE. In Mr. Watt's first list.

PITFOUR. Mentioned in the supplementary list as having been
tenanted by a few pairs about ten years ago. I am glad to say
that the colony still exists : this season there were 14 nests, but
apparently only between 8 and 10 pairs of birds. The strength
of the colony is believed to have remained very much the same
for several years. The present nests are all in high beech
trees, but formerly there were some " in shrubs on the island."

*PARKHILL. In Mr. Watt's original list, but now, I regret to say,
extinct. It is the only heronry which the late Mr. George Sim
mentioned in his "Vertebrate Fauna of 'Dee'" (1903), and
that only to say that it was on the verge of extinction at the
hands of local egg-collectors.

*SCOLTIE HILL, BANCHORY, and *GIGHT. Are former sites, men-
tioned as such in Mr. Watt's first list.

*Near HUNTLY. Traditional site referred to in the supplementary
list. The following three traditional sites are not given in
either list.

*BALMUIR, DUNECHT. A few pairs nested in old spruce trees there

for a few years until the trees were blown down " in the gale

of 1 860." '
*LociE ELPHINSTONE. According to the present keeper, there was

a heronry at this place many years ago.
*CASTLE ERASER. A former heronry in Scots pines there has been

extinct for at least thirty years, although a pair is occasionally

known to nest in the district.

We have thus in " Dee " at present 9 tenanted
heronries and a heron population of about 80 breeding pairs.
I owe much of the above information to the generous help
of Miss D. Hamilton of Skene and Mr. Wm. Seton Meston,
Inverurie. I must also express indebtedness to all the
informants mentioned and to the gamekeepers of several of
the estates.

While collecting the above data it has struck me that the
Heron would lend itself most admirably to a statistical study
which might possibly prove of great interest I therefore
venture to suggest to Mr. Boyd Watt and others interested

HERONRIES IN DEE, ETC. 9

in our heron population, that a census of Scottish heronries
might well be extended into a census of the birds them-
selves. A census made at an early date might, I believe, be
profitably taken and published for comparison with similar
censuses to be taken later at intervals of several years. An
annual census would probably prove neither practicable nor
repaying, but a census taken for two or three years in
succession, followed by a long gap, would give very reliable
average figures. The suggested work might be made
practicable by dividing it, according to faunal areas or other
divisions, among any who were interested in the scheme.
These might begin by making sure that their lists of
heronries were exhaustive, by collecting further details as to
the past histories of the colonies, and by arranging with
local observers who would be willing to report the desired
figures in the season or seasons fixed for the census. I beg
to leave this suggestion in the hands of those interested, but
expressing my readiness to assist in any such scheme.

OLD ABERDEEN.

[Mr. Thomson's recommendation regarding a census of
Heronries and Herons is of interest and may well be of
value. If gone into say by Mr. Boyd Watt, or other
gentlemen having intimate personal acquaintance with the
whole of Scotland such might prove most useful. We may
suggest a good starting-point for future comparison, e.g. the
"Vertebrate Fauna of Scotland," eleven vols. (Douglas and
Foulis), where the Heronries of such areas as have been treated
of, between 1888 and 1906, are pretty accurately and, we
believe, fully detailed. We have no desire to blow our own
whistle too shrilly, but as Mr. Thomson makes no allusion
to these volumes it appears that he must be unacquainted
w-ith them. There is also an older article upon " The
Heronries of Great Britain " by Mr. J. E. Harting, which
appeared in the " Zoologist " when Mr. Harting was editor
of that old and well-known journal, and which should be
consulted.

With regard to heronries in Dee, that mentioned
under Blackhall, Banchory, originally " migrated " suddenly
from Scoltie Hill, Banchory, after the occasion of the cutting

io ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

down of the pine trees on the latter estate. The two estates
adjoined at the time we speak of, and the Scoltie Hill
heronry was placed close up to the march which separates
the two properties. This would be about the years 1863 to
1865, when the writer of this note and a friend took eggs
there. It would be, I think, about three years later, say
1866 to 1869, when the wood was cut, and the birds
decamped across the march and took up their new abode in
Blackball.

I remember hearing of the " traditionary site " near
Huntly, and others.

There is one quite flourishing heronry about five miles
up the river Deveron, above Turriff, placed in very dense-
growing spruce fir trees, on the Netherdale property. A
peculiarity about this heronry is the very diminutive size of
the eggs of the birds. I forget whether I have actual
measurements, but when a young friend of mine took eggs
on more than one occasion, both his father and myself
were greatly struck with their very small size. The birds
old and young were constantly to be seen wading in the
shallows of the river Deveron, especially at the time of the
descent of the sea-trout " finnochs " and smolts, and the
ascent of the Elvers or young eels. This occurred with great
regularity every year during the six years we fished that part
of the river Deveron, and was most noticeable after the I2th
and 1 4th May. J. A. H.-B.]

THE GIANT PIKE OF LOCH KEN.
By C. TATE REGAN, M.A.

THE size attained by any species of fresh-water fish varies
greatly according to locality, the factors of chief importance
being probably the quality and amount of the food and the
number of fish. When circumstances are favourable, that
is, when food of the best sort is abundant and the fish
which require it are not too numerous, a size may frequently
be reached which may be called the normal maximum for
the species, when it seems probable that growth ceases

THE GIANT PIKE OF LOCH KEN n

because the annual loss of weight entailed by spawning can
only just be made good during the period of active feeding.

I take it that 2\ Ibs. for Roach, 4 Ibs. for Perch, and
40 Ibs. for Pike, are weights not far from the normal
maxima ; in the best waters they are frequently reached,
but rarely passed. Nevertheless, under exceptionally
favourable conditions, or in fish of remarkably vigorous
constitution, these weights may occasionally be greatly
exceeded, and there is good reason to believe that Roach
may grow to nearly 4 Ibs. and Perch to twice that weight.

If it be the case that in recent years there is no
properly authenticated instance of the capture of a Pike of
more than 45 Ibs. in the rivers or lakes of the British Isles,
still the well - established records of Pike of from 35 to
45 Ibs. are so numerous that one can only think it probable
that a much greater size may occasionally be attained.

Thus tales of Pike of from 50 to 100 Ibs. weight from
British waters are not to be dismissed on a priori grounds ;
on the other hand, they need not be accepted unless there
is some evidence of their truth.

Ireland has always been held in repute as the home of
monster Pike ; one of more than 90 Ibs. was said to have
been taken in the Shannon nearly a century ago.
Thompson, in his " Natural History of Ireland," wrote :
"The Rev. C. Mayne, writing from Killaloe in 1838, gave
me the names of two gentlemen who killed pikes of 49 and
5 i Ibs. weight in that locality, and also informed me that, in
August 1830, Mr. O'Flanagan (then aged 70) killed with a
single rod and bait, in a lake in the County Clare, a pike of
78 Ibs."

In the second volume of the Rev. W. B. Daniel's
"Rural Sports" (1801-1813) are details of several large
like, and the measurements of one of these (from eye to
fork, 4 feet I inch ; extreme length, 4 feet 9 inches ; depth
1 i|-) agree so well with the weight, said to have been
2 ounces short of 50 Ibs., that both may be believed to be
accurate ; this fish was taken by trolling in Loch Petuliche
in 1784, the angler being Colonel Thornton. The same
book gives what I believe to be the first notice of the
celebrated Kenmure Pike, which reads as follows : " Another

12 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

way of taking the Pike is with an artificial fly ; many have
asserted that they are not to be caught at all with a fly, but,
as a convincing proof to the contrary, the engraving of the
skeleton of the Jiead of a Pike is given, which is the biggest
taken by a line, or perhaps ever known in this country, and
which was caught in Lock Ken, near New Galloway, in
Scotland, with a common fly, made of the Peacock's feather ;
it weighed seventy-two pounds ; the skeleton of the head is
at Kemnore Castle ; the jaw at the top is that of a Pike,
weighing tiventy-five pounds ; a scale is annexed, by which
the respective proportions of the two may be ascertained
and which will convey some idea of the largest Pike ever
seen in Great Britain."

Most authors have given the weight of this Pike as
72 Ibs., but it is as well to point out that one early writer
differs from them, viz., Dr. Grierson, who published some
' Mineralogical Observations in Galloway ' in the " Annals of
Philosophy" for 1814, with the following in a footnote: "I
have very often killed in Loch Ken perch weighing four
pounds, and at one time a pike of seven ; but this is
nothing in comparison of one that was caught about forty
years ago in this lake, by John Murray, gamekeeper to the
Hon. John Gordon of Kenmore. It weighed 61 Ibs. and
the head of it is still preserved in Mr. Gordon's library at
Kenmore Castle."

This Pike from Loch Ken differs from other immense
Pike which have been recorded from time to time, in that a
part of the fish is still extant to bear witness to its size, and
one of the objects of a recent visit to Galloway was to look
at these remains and to try and form an opinion as to
whether the fish had actually weighed sixty or seventy
pounds when caught. I was permitted to examine the
incomplete skeleton of the head in Kenmure Castle, and I
took several measurements ; I was also allowed to do the
same with some heads of large Pike from Loch Ken, the
property of Sir Arthur Henniker- Hughan, Bart., in his
house at Parton.

Before giving details of these measurements I must call
attention to the fact that the size of the head is a very
uncertain indication of the weight of the fish. The head is

THE GIANT PIKE OF LOCH KEN 13

proportionately larger in males than in females, and Pike
from lakes or rivers where food is abundant and a large size
is often reached are smaller in the head than the occasional
big fish taken in ponds of no great extent. Moreover, the
relation of weight to length varies enormously according to
the season and the condition of the fish. This is strikingly
exemplified by three casts of Pike in the Buckland collec-
tion ; one, a spent fish of 20^ Ibs. caught on 1 2th May
1879, is very similar in all its proportions except depth and
girth to a ripe female of 32 Ibs. taken in Norfolk on 25th
March 1870; whilst between them is a fish only slightly
longer, but with a notably larger head ; it is very thin and
can scarcely have weighed more than 20 Ibs. ; it was found
dead in a pond at Claremont.

In this connection the following extract from the Rev.
Richard Lubbock's " Fauna of Norfolk " is of interest :
" The largest-framed fish I ever beheld, was found in the
reeds on the verge of a broad in the summer of 1822 ; the
water had receded so as to make him prisoner in a place so
shallow as not to cover his back fin. Emaciated as he was
for his head was far the largest part about him he
weighed twenty - one pounds, and would in very high
condition, I am certain, have reached thirty-five. He was
accurately measured before being turned loose, and was
forty-three inches in length."

I may now give the principal measurements in inches of
the heads of three large Pike from Loch Ken :

A. B. C.
Total length (from level of end of snout to

extremity of operculum) . . . .11 12
Length on upper surface from anterior edge of

vomer to posterior edge of frontals . 7-*- 8| 8|

Greatest width across frontal bones . 2 t 3 3

Length of maxillary ..... 4 5 5

Lower jaw (measured in a straight line from

symphysis to angle) . . . 8^ 8| 8f

Under (A") are given the measurements of the head of a
Pike caught in June 1898 which weighed 37 Ibs., and
would no doubt have weighed a good deal more if it had
been taken three or four months earlier or later. This and

I 4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

the next are the property of Sir Arthur Henniker-Hughan,
Bart., to whom I am greatly indebted for information con-
cerning the second fish (7>). It was taken in the summer of
1904, when a porter at Parton station saw it stranded near
the edge of Loch Ken, either dead or dying, and took it out
of the water ; the fish was in an emaciated condition and
weighed only 39 Ibs.

The circumstances of the capture of this fish resemble
those related by Lubbock for his 2 1 Ib. Pike, 1 and if his
estimate of the probable weight of that fish in good condition
is approximately accurate, then we must admit the possibility
that the Loch Ken fish of nearly twice the size might
perhaps have weighed about 70 Ibs. before it deteriorated.
Now the measurements of the head of this fish (B) are
precisely the same as those of the Kenmure specimen (C\
and we may take it that the latter may possibly, if it were
a female fish captured during the winter months, have
weighed as much as 72 Ibs. and that in all probability,
unless it was out of condition, it did weigh 61 Ibs.

BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY).

SCOTTISH DRAGONFLIES; SOME FURTHER
RECORDS AND TABLE OF DISTRIBUTION.

By WILLIAM EVANS, F.R.S.E.

THE perusal of Mr. W. J. Lucas's *' Scottish Dragonfly
Records ' in the " Annals " for July last led me to look
through my specimens and notes for records outside of
"Forth," or subsequent to the publication, in 1905, of my
list for that Area in the " Proceedings of the Royal Physical
Society of Edinburgh" (xvi. 87-96). This done, it
occurred to me that in other private collections and in our
public museums there were doubtless many unpublished
records to be had for the asking. Inquiries were accordingly

1 Except that Lubbock's fish appears to have been starved, whilst the Loch
Ken one does not seem to have been cut off from the deeper water, and the cause
of its deterioration and death are unknown ; possibly it may have perished
simply from senile decay.

SCOTTISH DRAGONFLIES 15

made in a number of likely quarters, the result being a large
augmentation of data.

The records thus obtained are given below, arranged
under species, and the county or vice-county (Watsonian
scheme) to which they respectively refer.

My best thanks are due to those friends and corre-
spondents who have been good enough to send me specimens
or otherwise supply me with records. In doing so they have
not merely obliged me, but they have the satisfaction of
knowing that they have been instrumental in helping to
remove the reproach contained in Mr. Lucas's remark in his
paper that our knowledge of the distribution of this
interesting order of insects in the northern part of the
United Kingdom "is meagre in the extreme." In most
cases one or more specimens have been examined by me
in support of the record, and in all the name of the collector
is given. Of course, in the case of records supplied by
experts in the group, such as Mr. Morton and Mr. King,
further authentication was unnecessary. For the records
from the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, I have to
thank Mr. P. H. Grimshaw, who has also kindly shown me
the dragonflies he collected in the Outer Hebrides last
summer. As regards the specimens in the Perth Museum I
am likewise much indebted to Mr. A. M. Rodger, Curator,
for a list of those preserved in that institution, and for
granting me every facility for their inspection.

On hearing from Mr. Rodger in August last that Dr.
Buchanan White's dragonflies from Colvend, Kirkcudbright-
shire, were still to the fore in the Perth Museum, I at once
went there and made a personal examination of them.
Specimens of the following ten species are labelled in Dr.
White's own writing, " C. 70," which stands for Colvend
1870: Sympetruui striolatum, S, scoticum, Libcllula
qnadrimaculata, Orthetrum ccerulescens (three, I $ 2 ? ),
^Esc/ma juncea, Calopteryx virgo, Lestes sponsa (ten ; named
L. nympha), Pyrrhosoma nympJiula, Ischnura elegans, and
Enallagma cyathigerum. There is also along with these an
sEschna grandis $, which Mr. Rodger concludes is also a
Colvend specimen, though it wants the C. 70 label, since it
completes the list contributed by Dr. White in 1873 to

16 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

M'Diarmid's " Handbook of Colvend and Southwick." On
the pin beneath it is a label bearing the name grandis
apparently in the late R. M'Lachlan's writing. But quite
apart from this specimen there are, I think, good grounds for
admitting the record. 1 The ten specimens over the name
Lestes nympha are clearly all referable to L. sponsa
(Hansemann), and not to L. dryas, Kirby, so that the doubt
previously attaching to this record is now removed, and with
it the only claim of the latter insect to a place on the
Scottish list. 2 The substantiation of Dr. White's record of
Orthetrum c&rulescens is especially gratifying. 3

Mr. King's records of Agrion pulchellum, here published
for the first time, are particularly interesting as affording
confirmation of De Selys's statement that he had observed
this species in Scotland in 1845.

LEUCORRHINIA DUBIA (Lind.}. Mid Perth: Tyndrum, 1895, ?
(T. M. M'Gregor; in Perth Museum). East Ross : Kindace
Moor, 26th June 1908, ^ and $ (sent to me by Miss A. C.
Jackson, Swordale).

SYMPETRUM STRIOLATUM (Charp.). Westerness, i.e. West Inverness :
Invermoidart, 1900, $ (received from S. M. Macvicar). Main
Argyll: Oban District, July 1874 (W. E.) ; Loch Aline,
Morven, July 1895, $ (from C. Campbell). Mid Ebudes :
Glen Aros, Mull, 6th August 1906, <$ and J (from J. W.
Bowhill). West Xoss : Kinlochewe (J. J. F. X. King).

S. SCOTICUM (Don.}.* Kirkcudbright: Kirkcudbright (King).
Berwick: near Ayton, September 1895, $ (W. E.) ; Moor near
Earlston (W. Pringle). 5 Stirling: two from the western
section of the county (from D. Gourlay). Mid Perth : Aulich,
Rannoch, August 1881 (W. E.) ; near Ballinluig, 1895 and

1 De Selys states ('Ann. Mag. N.H. ,' 1846) that he saw ^. grandis from
Scotland in Dr. Greville's collection.

2 I have been enabled to submit one of the specimens to Mr. Morton and he
also identifies it as L. sponsa. For remarks on Buchanan White's Colvend list,
cf. Morton, 'E.M.M.,' 1900, p. 108.

3 Besides the Colvend specimens there are examples of the following species
in Dr. White's collection, labelled " F. 69," i.e. Glen Farrar (Strathglass,
Inverness-shire), 1869: Libellula quadriinaculata, Somatochlora mefallica,
Lestes sponsa (named nympha], and Pyrrhosoma nyinphula.

4 Mr. K. J. Morton has drawn my attention to Dr. Ris's adoption of S.
danae (Sulz. ) as a prior name for this species (see " Die Susswasserfauna Deutsch-
lands," Heft 9, ' Odonata,' 1909.

6 This record may belong to Roxburgh, the county boundary passing near
Earlston.

SCOTTISH DRAGONFLIES i?

1898 (T. M. M'Gregor and A. M. Rodger ; in Perth Museum) ;
Loch Whirr, east of Glenfarg, September 1899, Common
(W. E.) ; near Tummel Bridge, 25th July 1905 (K. J. Morton);
Methven Moss, 1905 (W. Wylie ; in Perth Museum). N.E.
Perth: Glen Fender, near Blair Atholl, 25th Sept. 1898,
$ (W. E.); near Blairgowrie, Sept. 1910, $ (from
A. E. J. Carter). Forfar : two " Forfarshire " specimens, <$
and $ , have been shown to me by Mr. W. Duncan, Montrose
Museum (VV. E.). 6". Aberdeen: Lumphanan, July 1910
(K. J. Morton). Elgin: Cromdale, August 1891 (W. E.).
Easterness, i.e. East Inverness : Kincraig, near Kingussie,
August 1889 (W. E.). Westerness: Invermoidart, i4th
Sept. 1900, two $ $ (from S. M. Macvicar). Main
Argyll: Ben Doran (J. J. F. X. King); Glenmorven,
Sept. 1909, $ and $ (from J. W. Bowhill). Clyde Isles:
near Millport, Cumbrae, 1904, two (from D. Gourlay). 6".
Ebudes, i.e. South Inner Hebrides : Machrie, Islay, August 1904,
several (from Miss Ethel Evans); Jura, Sept. 1907 (Rev. J.
Waterston, fide Morton). Mid Ebudes : Tobermory, Mull
(King); Loch Freisa, Mull, August 1905, common (from J.
W. Bowhill). E. Ross: Swordale, July, <j> , and September
1907, $ (from Miss Jackson). Caithness: Watten, 26th Sept.
1910, $ (from Rev. D. Lillie).

LIBELLULA QUADRIMACULATA, L. Renfrew: Kilmalcolm, 1910 (in
Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow). Mid Perth: Tyndrum, 1895
(T. M. M'Gregor; in Perth Mus.). Easterness: Loch Alvie,
near Aviemore, gth of May 1893, five (W. E.) ; Glenferness,
Nairn, July 1901 (from C. Campbell). Westerness: Inver-
moidart, 28th June 1902, three (from S. M. Macvicar). Loch
Aline, Morven, July 1895, $ (from C. Campbell). S. Ebudes:
Colonsay, June 1882, two caught and others seen (W. E.).
Mid Ebudes: Tiree, June 1900 (from J. Baxter). W. Ross:
Melvaig, Gairloch, 1897 (J. M'Lellan ; in Edinburgh Museum) ;
Strathcarron, June 1902, <$ , wings strongly suffused with
saffron (from S. M. Macvicar). E. Ross : Kindace Moor, 26th
June 1908, (J and $ (from Miss A. C. Jackson). Outer
Hebrides: near Stornoway, Lewis, July 1874 (W. E.); Loch
Boisdale, S. Uist, June 1910, Common (P. H. Grimshaw).

SOMATOCHLORA ARCTiCA (Zett.}. Mid Perth: on 8th July 1905 I
saw, but failed to capture an example of this species a few
miles from Killin and practically in the same locality where
Mr. Morton took a specimen some years before.

CORDULEGASTER ANNULATUS (Latr.). S.W. Perth : head of
Loch Lubnaig, 23rd June 1906, $ (from W. Edgar Evans).
Mid Perth: near Ballinluig, 1895 (T. M. M'Gregor; in Perth

77 c

i8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Mus.); near Tummel Bridge, July 1905, common (K. J.
Morton); Glen Lochay, Killin, 8th July 1905, 6 and $
(W. E.). Easterness: near top of Craigellachie, Aviemore,
June 1893, ^ an d 9 (W. E.). Westerness: Invermoidart,
2ist May 1901, $, and 27th July 1902, c? (from S. M.
Macvicar). Main Argyll: Ardkinglas (J. J. F. X. King);
Morvern, July 1894 and 1895, several (from C. Campbell);
Loch Awe, 3rd July 1900, $ and $ (from R. Godfrey);
Bridge of Awe, July 1903, $ (from J. W. Bowhill). Dum-
barton: between Arrochar and Ardlui, end of July 1909,
$ (from J. H. Ashworth) ; Waterworks, near Coulport, Loch
Long, 29th June 1910, ? (W. E.). N. Etudes: Skye (T. C.
Tyrie, fide P. H. Grimshaw) ; Camasunnarie Lodge, Broadford,
Skye, 1 5th July 1908, $ (from Miss A. C. Jackson); Rum,
loth June 1910, $ (from Misses Baxter and Rintoul). W.
Ross: Kinlochewe (King); Coulin, 1910, ? (from Misses
Baxter and Rintoul). E. Ross: Swordale, i3th July 1908,
c? (from Miss Jackson). W. Sutherland: Assynt, June 1904,
$ (W. Eagle Clarke ; in Edin. Mus.).

^ESCHNA CJERULEA, Strom. Mid Perth : Glen Lochay, 8th July
I 95 ) <? captured and another seen (W. E.). I owe the
knowledge of this habitat to Mr. Morton, who gave me a
specimen he took there in July 1898.

vE. JUNCEA (Z.). Dumfries: Kelhead Moss, 1900, $ (D. W.
Campbell; in Edin. Mus.); Lockerbie, Sept. 1908 (R. J.
Ritchie ; in Edin. Mus.) ; Dumfries district, common in suitable
localities (B. M'Gowan, in Hit., 8. ix. 1910). Kirkcudbright:
on the summit of Criffel (1900 ft.), in July 1909, Mr. G. A.
Dunlop took several dead specimens floating in the pools, and
saw one alive (in litt., 12. xii. 1910). Lanark: Elvanfoot,
Sept. 1900 (W. E.). Peebles: between West Linton and
Dolphinton, 3rd Sept. 1910, two (Miss Ethel Evans).
Selkirk: near Selkirk, August 1903 (W. E.) ; Galashiels, one
caught in the town two or three years ago (in coll. W.
Pringle, where I have seen it). Roxburgh : near Hawick,
August 1901, $ (W. E.) ; several specimens taken a number
of years ago in Elwyn Glen, etc., near Melrose, have been
shown to me by W. Pringle and T. Tait. Berwick : Ale
Water, near Eyemouth, one, Sept. 1895 (W. E.) ; Coldingham
Moor, several records 1883, etc. (W. E.). Haddington:
Johnscleuch on the Lammermuirs, i2th August 1910, two
(W. Thomson). Edinburgh : $ taken in George Street,
Edinburgh, i3th August 1909 (A. Morrison). Stirling: Touch
and Leckie (J. Sword). Mid Perth : Aulich, Rannoch, August
1881 (W. E.); Methven, 1894 (J. M. M'Gregor; in Perth
Mus.); Buchanty, Glenalmond, 1898 (A. M. Rodger; in Perth

SCOTTISH DRAGONFLIES 19

Mus.); Glenfarg, 2ist Sept. 1899, <$ caught, two others seen
(W. E.); Killin district, 8th July 1905, $ caught common in
August (W. E.). N.E. Perth : Falls of Bruar, near Blair
Atholl, Sept. i898(W. E.). Forfar: Curling pond, Montrose,
1899, c?, and Rossie Muir, Sept. 1910, $ (from W. Duncan,
Montrose Mus.). S. Aberdeen : Newton Dee, near Aberdeen,
2ist August 1907, ? (D. MacRitchie; in Edin. Mus.).
Elgin: Cromdale, August 1891 (W. E.). Easterness : Kin-
craig, near Kingussie, August 1889 (W. E.) ; Glen Moriston,
August 1907 (from J. W. Bowhill). Westerness : Invermoidart,
1 5th October 1910, <$ (from S. M. Macvicar). Dumbarton:
Ardpeaton, i2th Sept. 1910, 6" (from G. L. Deuchar). Clyde
Isles : near Millport, Cumbrae, 1 904, two (from D. Gourlay).

5. Ebudes: Mull of Oa, Islay, 2gth August 1904, two (from
Miss Ethel Evans). Mid Ebudes : Loch Freisa, Mull, August
1905, 6* (from J. W. Bowhill). E. Ross: Swordale Moor,
7th July 1908, 6% 24th July, $ (from Miss A. C. Jackson).
Outer Hebrides : Butt of Lewis, 24th July 1909, one taken on
seashore (R. dyne, fide P. H. Grimshaw). Orkney: Berridale
Valley, Hoy, one obtained in July 1910 (G. Ellison, in litt.,

6. xii. 1910).

CALOPTERYX VIRGO (Z.). Mid Perth: Tyndrum, 1895 (John
M'Gregor ; in Perth Mus.). Westerness : Hill Loch (alt.
300 ft.), Moidart, 2nd July 1902, <$ (from S. M. Macvicar).
Main Argyll: Loch Aline, Morvern, July 1894 and 1895,
4 $ $ and 2 ? $ (from C. Campbell); Taynuilt, June 1903,
6 (J. Waterston ; in Edin. Mus.); Bridge of Awe, July 1903,
2 <? c? (from J. W. Bowhill). Kintyre : between Ardrishaig
and Tayvallich, July 1910, 3 (from Prof. Graham Kerr).
Mid Ebudes: Lussa River, Loch Spelve, Mull, early July 1910,
common (E. B. Bailey).

LESTES SPONSA (Hans.}. Kirkcudbright : Kirkcudbright (J. J. F. X.
King). Mid Perth : between the Tay and the Tummel, near
Ballinluig, 1898 (A. M. Rodger; in Perth Mus.); Dalreoch,
near Tummel Bridge, 2ist July 1905 (K. J. Morton). S.
Aberdeen: Lumphanan, July 1910 (K. J. Morton). Elgin:
Forres (J. J. F. X. King). Easterness: Aviemore, June 1893,
several (W. E.); Guisachan (King). Westerness: Inver-
moidart, 1 4th Sept. 1900, 2 <J c? (from S. M. Macvicar).
Main Argyll: near Oban, i7th July 1901, 6* (from R.
Godfrey); Loch Feochan, August 1904, common (from J. W.
Bowhill). E. Ross: Strathpeffer, July 1907, 3 $ $ and
i ? (from Misses Baxter and Rintoul). W. Sutherland:
Strath Naver, 1883, very common in one place (J. J. F. X
King, in litt., 13. ix. 1910).

20 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

PYRRHOSOMA NYMPHULA (Sttlz.}. Peebles : West Linton district,
1872 (W. E.). Selkirk: Tushielaw, Ettrick, 1 6th June 1889,
c? (W. E.); Cauldshiels Loch, south-east of Galashiels, summer
of 1904, $ and $ $ (T. Tait, in whose collection I have
seen them). Berwick: Mr. J. Ferguson (in lift., 9. ix. 1910)
reports " the small crimson species " from the Duns district.
Fife and Kinross: Loch Leven (east end), June 1908, etc.,
several $ c? and ? $ (W. E.). Stirling: Reddings Moor,
near Falkirk, April 1910, nymph (W. E.). Mid Perth: west
of the Tummel, near Ballinluig, 1895 (T. M. M'Gregor ; in
Perth Mus.) ; Methven Moss, 1908 (W. Wylie ; in Perth Mus.).
N.E. Perth: Muir of Durdie, 1908 (W. Wylie; in Perth
Mus.). Elgin: Cromdale, 1891 (W. E.). Easterness: Avie-
more, June 1893, Common (W. E.) ; Glenferness, Nairn,
June 1901 (from C. Campbell). Westerness : Kinlochailort,
June 1884 (W. E.) ; Invermoidart, June 1902, common (from
S. M. Macvicar). Main Argyll: Loch Aline, Morven, July
1894 (from C. Campbell); Loch Awe, c? (from Miss E. V.
Baxter). Clyde Isles : D. Gourlay tells me he has seen " the
small red dragonfly " near Millport, but the evidence of a
specimen is needed. N. Eludes: Broadford, Skye, June 1902
(from S. M. Macvicar).. W. Ross : Kinlochewe (J. J. F. X.
King); Melvaig, Gairloch, 1897, two (J. M'Lennan ; in Edin.
Mus.); Strathcarron, June 1902 (from S. M. Macvicar). E.
Ross: Kindace Moor, June 1908, ? (from Miss Jackson).
W. Sutherland: Assynt, June 1904, seven (W. Eagle Clarke;
in Edin. Mus.). Outer Hebrides : near Stornoway, July 1874
(W. E.) ; Barra, 2nd June 1910, $ (from Misses Baxter and
Rintoul) ; Loch Boisdale, South Uist, June 1910, very common
(P. H. Grimshaw). Orkney : Grassy stream at Kringleford
Hill, Kirbister, near Stromness, summer of 1910, a number
(G. Ellison, in litt., 6. xii. 1910).

ISCHNURA ELEGANS (Lind.}. Mid Perth : Methven Moss, 1894
(T. M. M'Gregor ; in Perth Mus.). N.E. Perth : between
Blairgowrie and Dunkeld, July 1890, $ (W. E.) ; Muirton
Pond, near Blairgowrie, June 1908 (A. E. J. Carter; named
by Morton). Easterness: Aviemore, June 1893, common
(W. E.). Westerness: Moidart, June 1902, seven (from S. M.
Macvicar); Main Argyll: Loch Feochan, August 1904, common
(from J. W. Bowhill). Dumbarton : Helensburgh Moor (King).
Mid Ebudes: Tiree, June 1900 (from J. Baxter). W. Ross:
Loch Alsh (King). Outer Hebrides : Loch Boisdale, S. Uist,
June 1910, common (P. H. Grimshaw). Orkney: Kringleford,
near Stromness, 1910 (from G. Ellison).

AGRION PULCHELLUM (Lind.}. Renfrew : Mr. J. J. F. X. King
informs me (in litt., 9. x. 1910) that he has specimens of this

SCOTTISH DRAGONFLIES 21

and the next species which were given to him by Mr W. Watson,
"and were said to be captured at Houston, Renfrewshire."
Elgin : Mr. King also writes me that he has a female Ag. pul-
chelluin, which he took on i5th July 1904, near the Ferry
Wood, Forres.

A. PUELLA (Linn.}. Renfrew : Houston (W. Watson ; in Mr.
King's collection as mentioned above).

ENALLAGMA CYATHIGERUM (Charp.}. Kirkcudbright: Kirkcudbright
(King). Peebles: Macbiehill, 1872 (W.E.); Glen Pond, July
1901 (from R. S. Anderson). Selkirk: Tushielaw, July 1892
(W. E.) ; Cauldshiels Loch, south-east of Galashiels, about
1886 and 1904, several c? <J (Messrs. Pringle and Tait, in
whose collections I have examined them). Roxburgh : Kelso,
29th June 1902, $ (from J. W. Bowhill). Berwick: Colding-
ham Loch, June 1887 (W. E.). 1 Haddington; coast south of
Dunbar where Broxmouth Burn enters the sea, 27th June 1908,
(W. E.). Fife and Kinross : Gilston, near Colinsburgh,
two <$ $ without date (from Miss Baxter). Stirling: Duni-
pace, June 1910, four $ $ (from J. M'Naughton). Mid Perth:
Methven Moss, 1894 (T. M. M'Gregor; in Perth Mus.) ; west
of the Tummel, near Ballinluig, 1895 and 1898 (Messrs.
M'Gregor and Rodger; in Perth Mus.); near Killin, 8th July
1905, several (W. E.). N.E. Perth : between Blairgowrie and
Dunkeld, July 1890 (W. E.); near Blairgowrie, 23rd June 1910,
9 (from A. E. J. Carter). Easterness: Kincraig, August 1889,
and Aviemore, June 1893, common (W. E.); Glenferness,
Nairn, July 1901 (from C. Campbell). Westerness : Moidart,
2nd July 1902, a number of both sexes (from S. M. Macvicar).
Clyde Isles: near Millport, June 1904, five (from D. Gourlay);
three nymph skins sent from Millport by Mr. R. Elmhirst are,
I believe, of this species. Mid Ebudes: Tiree, June 1900
(from J. Baxter). E. Ross: Strathpeffer, July 1907, two $ 6*
(from Misses Baxter and Rintoul) ; Kindace Moor, June 1908,
$ and ? (from Miss Jackson). W. Sutherland : Assynt, June
1904, a number of both sexes (W. E. Clarke; in Edin. Mus.).
Orkney: Loons, and Kringleford Hill, Kirbister, near Stromness,
a number (G. Ellison, Liverpool, who has sent a 6* from the
former locality, dated August 1909, for identification).

Some clear statement showing the extent of our present
knowledge of the distribution of the Scottish Odonata seems
desirable. I have therefore drawn up the following Table,

1 The small blue dragonflies recorded from Coldingham Loch in June 1895,
by Dr. Hardy, under the name of Agrion pztella (Proc. Berw. N.C. xv. p. 221)
were no doubt the present species.

22 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

presenting the recorded distribution of each species by means
of the Watsonian scheme of counties and vice-counties.
In its preparation no very exhaustive search for records has
been made, but it is believed that none of any importance
are likely to have escaped notice. Besides Lucas's book on
"British Dragonflies (Odonata)," published in 1900, his
'Scottish Dragonfly Records' in the July 1910 number of
this Magazine, Buchanan White's Colvend list previously
mentioned, my ' Odonata (Dragonflies) of the Forth Area '
in the " Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society " for 1905,
and the records in the foregoing pages, the following papers
and notes have been laid under contribution : l

' List of Lepidoptera and other Insects of "Dee"': by Prof.
J. W. H. Trail ("Trans. N. H. Soc., Aberdeen, 1878 "). Records (p.
45) seven Dragonflies from localities in N. Aberdeen, S. Aberdeen,
and Kincardine. A Calopteryx from Fyvie is recorded as C. splendens,
but I cannot help thinking it must have been virgo? which in Scot-
land has a tendency to be more or less hyaline at the base and tip
of the wings in the male. Unfortunately Prof. Trail has not
preserved a specimen. In answer to my inquiries he writes : " I am
fairly confident I saw the Calopteryx, but it is now many years ago,
and I would not venture to regard the entry as certain, though I
have always acted on the rule of excluding when in doubt " (in lift.,
ii. viii. 1910). We must, I fear, await further evidence of the
occurrence of C. splendens in Scotland before admitting it to our
list.

' SEschna ccerulea, Strom., a Boreal Dragonfly ' : by K. J. Morton
("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1899, p. 26).

' Neuroptera and Trichoptera observed in Wigtownshire during
July 1899': by K. J. Morton (" Ent. Mo. Mag.," xxxv. 278-281,
1899). Eight Dragonflies enumerated from Monreith, including
the form pranubila of Libellula quadriniaculata, and a very red
Sympetrum which Mr. Morton tells me he has now no doubt was
*S. striolatitm.

'Dragonflies in Inverness-shire and Sutherlandshire ' : by R.
M'Lachlan ("E.M. M.," xxxvi. 241, 1900). Enumerates eight
species including Agrion hastnlatum from Aviemore, collected by
Col. Yerbury during the summer of 1900.

1 Papers mentioned by Mr. Lucas are not here cited. In his paper of July
last, Tayrallich should be Tayvallich, in Kintyre.

- In MacGillivray's "Nat. Hist, of Deeside," 1855, C. virgo is included in
a list of the insects of the north-east of Scotland.

SCOTTISH DRAGONFLIES 23

' An Extraordinary Melanic Variety or Aberration of Enallagma
cyathigerum, Chp., ' : by R. M'Lachlan (ibid. p. 110). Describes
and figures a specimen taken by Morton in Glen Lochay, Mid Perth,
July 1898.

' Order Odonata ' of the Clyde Area : by J. J. F. X. King
(" British Association Handbook of the Nat. Hist, of the District,"
1901, p. 313). Eight species recorded, including Sympetrum
sanguineum. Seeing that Mr. King, as he informs me, did not see
the Sympetrum specimen, but merely accepted the record from a
local correspondent, I do not think it can be admitted. Probably
the insect was only a very red striolatum.

' A Contribution to the Entomology of Aberdeen ' : by J. Mearns
("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist," 1901, Odonata, 213). Records nine
species, determined by M'Lachlan, from localities in S. Aberdeen
and Kincardine (Banchory and Invercannie Moor).

'Dragonflies in Argyll,' 1900 and 1901 : by R. Godfrey (ibid.
p. 240). Records eight species, all but one identified by W. E., from
Main Argyll (Loch Awe and Oban district).

'Butterflies and Dragonflies in Banffshire,' July 1903: by H.
H. Brown (ibid., 1903, p. 247). Recordsfour Dragonflies, determined
by Grimshaw.

'Neuroptera and Trichoptera from Colvend,' Aug. 1902 : by
K. J. Morton (" E.M.M.," xxxix. 100, 1903). Three Dragonflies
are mentioned.

' Neuroptera from North Uist ' : by K. J. Morton (ibid, xlii
162, 1906). Records three species of Odonata collected by J.
Waterston in June 1905.

'Butterflies and Neuroptera in Perthshire' in July 1907: by
K. J. Morton (ibid. xliv. 150, 1908). Records three Odonata
from the Blair Atholl district (east of the Garry, Mr. Morton tells me,
and therefore in v.c. 89), and six from Rannoch (v.c. 88).

' Methven Moss as a Collecting Ground for Entomology ' : by
W. Wylie ("Trans. Perthsh. Soc. N. Sc.," v. pt. i, 1909).
Mentions (p. 5) five Dragonflies; one is Orthetrum carulescens, which
may have been correctly determined, but unfortunately Mr. Wylie,
as he informs me, has not preserved a specimen.

G. Don's old list in Headrick's " Agriculture of Angus or Forfar-
shire," 1813, has also been consulted, and Harcourt Bath's little
"Handbook of British Dragonflies," 1890, has not been
looked.

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

spircpaqg

311

x

SASU^JQ

III

x

X

x

x

sapuqapj Ja;nQ

on

X

X

x

X

X

x

ssauqiiEQ

601

X

pUBjjaqmg - M

goi

X

X

X

X

piiE^aqing - a

ioi

X

XXX

X

X

sso^j -3

901

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

ssotf -A\.

Soi

X

X

X

X

X

N sapnqa

boi

X

X

sapnqa p , w

oi

X

X

X

X X

X

X

X

X

g (sapuqajj aauui) sapnq 3

eoi

X

X

X

sjA3u;>[

101

X

X

X

x x

X

x

'S3[SJ 9pA[Q

ooi

X

X

X

X X

r^.

x

uojaEqiunQ

66

X

X X

X

X

X

[[ASiy UIBJ^

86

X

X

X

X X

x x

X

X <"*-

X

SS3Ua3JS3^

Z6

X

X

X

X X

X X

X

X

X

'SS3LU3JSE'J

96

X X

X

X XX

XXX

x

X

X

X

X

"! 3 ia

56

X

X

x

X

X

jjuEg

fr6

X

X

X

X

X

uaapjsqy -^

6

X

X

rx.

X

uaapjaqy -g

z6

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

x

3U !P JEDUI X

16

X

X

X

X X

X

X

Hi

06

X

d

X

O

rv..

qi-isj '3'^

68

X

X

X X

X

X

X

qjja^ pij\[

'88

X

X

x <>- x

XXX

X X

X

X

X

*UEUUEUJ>JOE(Q pUE qjJOJ *A\'g

;^8

X

X

X

X X

X X

X

X

X

Suijjqg

'98

X

X

X

X

SSDJUI^J puE Sjij

SB

X

X

X

X

X

MoSqiqui'j

t-8

X

X

X

X

X

X

qS.inquip3

*8

X

d

X

d

X

X

X

X

uoiSuippEjj

38

X

X

X

X

jpiAuag

i8

X

X

X

n..

X

qSjnqxo^j

03

X

X

VPIPS

6i

X

X

X

ssjqsaj

si

X

X

X

X

JJJEUE'J

LL

X

X

X

X

X

X

A\3JJU3>J

9 i

X

X

X

<<- x

X

X

X X

X

X

aXy

Si

X

A

X

n..

UMojS !A v

VL

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

jq3uqpno^ji3

i

X

X

X X

X

.<

X X

y,

X

X

saiajuinQ

zi

X

X

X

x

X

X

X

u

"u

&

y,

lt_

I

C3

Lencorrhinia diibia .
Sympetrum striolatiun

S. scoticum

Libellula qttadrimacnlata
Orthetrum caritlescens
Somatochlora inetallica
S. arctica

M

S

ju

O/)
V4

<;

-^
<3
5

1

<3
1?

Cordulegaster annul
sEschna carulea
AL, juncea

!< -I

., 8

^3 H S

^ b-tJ

s 5 ^5

*>!$?

. ^Si t*, m

tl 3 .?K

^os 1 ^

S ~

jM

^~s

A. pue I la
A. hastulatnni.

TJ

rt

-=
u

A

d

8.

a
rt

o

c

rt J.-
u.*"" t.
O o a>

*- G f

o.S S

.,

u K-

o o^

t! S S
o cs ~

a- 2
^<" k

111

u _ c

S

SCOTTISH DRAGONFLIES 25

It will be seen that I recognise the claims of nineteen
species to be included in the Scottish fauna. The least
satisfactory is ALscJma grandis. The announcement in Mr.
Lucas's recent paper that it had been taken at Ellangowan,
Dumfries, by Mr. B. M'Gowan was, unfortunately, an error,
owing, it appears, to Mr. M'Gowan having inadvertently
written grandis for juncea in a letter to Mr. Lucas. Mr.
M'Gowan assures me he has never seen grandis in Scotland.

There is no need to go over the Table in detail ; it speaks
for itself, and shows at a glance how many counties each
species has been recorded from, and how many species have
been recorded from each county. In the former enumeration,
sEsckna juncea heads the list, appearing in 35 of the 41
counties, the next in order being Enallagina cyatliigerum,
Pyrrhosoma nymphula, and Sympetrnm scoticum, with 32, 31,
and 30 respectively to their credit. The most productive
counties, taken as a whole, are Inverness with 15 of the 19
species, and Perth with 13 or 14, both yielding the two
boreal species, SomatocJdora arctica and sEschna carulea.
Six species are recorded from the Outer Hebrides, four from
Orkney, but only one so far the common E. cyathigeruin
from Shetland. The poorest section of the mainland of
Scotland, as regards Odonata, is that which lies to the south-
east of the " Highland line " ; in the south-west corner,
adjoining the Solway, there is an improvement. Dragonflies
are naturally more at home in a natural country well supplied
with suitable aquatic habitats, such as one finds in the High-
lands and along the West Coast.

In conclusion, I would point to the blanks in the Table,
and solicit the help of readers of the " Annals " in an
endeavour to fill them up, as far as possible, in the coming
summer.

NOTE ON VARIATION IN THE JELLY-FISH

A U RE LI A AURITA.

By D. C. M'INTOSH, M.A., B.Sc., F.R.S.E.

WHILE variation has for some time been recognised as a fact
of fundamental importance in evolution, it is only within

26 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

recent years that it has come to be looked upon as a
" measurable " quantity. Scientists, no longer content with
vague statements as to certain variations being occasionally
or frequently met with in a species, now demand a definite
assertion as to the extent of the variation in a particular
character as well as the exact percentage of cases in which
it occurs. Although it may very readily be admitted that
at present it is not possible either to explain the causes or
to interpret fully the facts of variation, it is believed that a
record of the extent of variation in certain organs of an
individual is an aid to biological study. The field to be
examined is inexhaustible, for it is the world of organised
life. What is required in the meantime is an ample collection
of data bearing on variation ; interpretation would not then
be long delayed.

The following is a very brief account of some variations
observed in the common jelly-fish, Aurelia aurita (Linn.).
This animal is familiar to all visitors to the sea-side during
the summer and autumn months, owing to the frequency
with which it is found stranded on the shore. In the quiet
bays round our coasts, shoals of this jelly-fish are often seen
swimming near the surface of the water or drifting gently
with the tide. There is nothing fish-like either in the
saucer-shaped appearance of a jelly-fish or in the character-
istic pulsating movements by means of which it propels itself
through the water. In the months of August and September
1908, Mr. R. Elmhirst of the Millport Marine Station
collected for me 281 specimens of Aurelia aurita, partly from
Loch Ridden and partly from Kilchattan Bay, in the Firth
of Clyde. They were placed as soon as captured in a 5 per
cent formalin solution, and so successfully were they pre-
served that, though not examined for many months, only a
few specimens were so damaged that they had to be rejected.
As the time of year of capture indicates, these examples
were all well-grown mature adults. They were examined
for the purpose of comparing such variation as they showed
in certain organs with the variation I had already found a in

1 D. C. M'Intosh, 'Variation in Aurelia auri/a,' " Proc. Roy. Phy. Soc.
Edinburgh, 1910," vol. xviii. pp. 125-143.

VARIATION IN THE JELLY-FISH AURELIA AURITA 27

1000 small adults (just past the ephyra stage) taken from
the Clyde some years previously.

( i ) On the number of Branched Radial Canals and

Tentaculocysts.

A normal example of Aurelia aurita has eight branched
canals stretching from the central stomach to the ring canal
round the margin of the umbrella. Four of these, the
perradial canals, lie between the gonads, and the other four,
the interradial canals, are placed opposite to the gonads.
At the outer end of each of the branched canals there is a
single tentaculocyst or sense-organ. As there is perfect
correlation between the number of branched radial canals
and the number of tentaculocysts, except in the case of
twin-tentaculocysts, in the following table the figures which
stand for the number of canals represent at the same time
the number of tentaculocysts.

Number of Branched radial I Number of Branched radial

specimens. canals.

2 with 6

i 7

238 ,, 8 (normal)

10 ,, 9

13 I0

4 ii

specimens. canals.

8 with 1 2

i 13

3 14

o 15

T 16

Examination of these figures shows 43 or 15.3 per cent
of these 281 specimens of Aurelia aurita had either more
or less than the normal eight branched canals and eight
tentaculocysts. This percentage, while less than what
Browne 1 found among Aurelias from near Plymouth, is quite
in accordance with the percentage of abnormal forms I had
previously observed among small adults from the Clyde
(I.e. p. 131). It will be noted that the range of variation is
from 6 to 1 6 tentaculocysts and branched radial canals, and
that where departure from the normal occurs the numbers
tend to be higher. What is especially worthy of remark. is
that there is not, as might be expected, a regularly decreas-

1 E. T. Browne, 'Variation in Aurelia aurita,'' " Biometrika," vol. i. pp.
90-108.

28 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ing series of abnormal forms. We find, instead, two
regularly decreasing series, one for individuals with 10, 12,
14, 1 6, and another for individuals with 9, 1 1, 13, 15
branched radial canals and tentaculocysts. The table given
also shows that there are 25 individuals with 284 branched
radial canals and tentaculocysts in the former series, against
15 individuals with 147 branched radial canals and ten-
taculocysts in the latter. Looking at these facts in another
way we observe that the abnormal examples have an average
of 10.5 branched radial canals. Though the details of the
branched canal system are not given here, they show that it
is in the " perradial " system (i.e. between the gonads) that
the increase in the number of canals is greatest.

Occasionally there are found individuals with twin-
tentaculocysts, covered by a small marginal hood, at the end
of a single canal. In this collection there were found two
examples with this abnormality, and in both cases the twin-
tentaculocysts were situated perradially. In one of the
individuals this " twinning " was the only abnormality noted ;
in the other there were five gonads, ten branched canals, and
eleven tentaculocysts.

(2) On the number of Gonads and Oral Lobes.

A normal A. aurita has four symmetrically situated
genital sacs each with a horse-shoe-shaped gonad, and four
oral lobes. The gonads, becoming highly coloured as they
ripen, are very characteristic and conspicuous organs. In all
the examples I have examined there is perfect correlation
between the number of gonads and the number of oral lobes.
The following is a summary of the observations made :

2 specimens had 3 gonads and 3 oral lobes.
269 4 >5 4

4 )) )) 5 11 " 5 " "

3 )' 11 ^ 11 11 u ,, ,,

2 55 55 1 11 11 7 11 ))

T R ^

5) 55 55 55 11 11

From this it is seen that the range of variation for
gonads and for oral lobes is from 3 to 8. The solitary
individual with 8 gonads measured only 7 centimetres in

VARIATION IN THE JELLY-FISH AURELIA AURITA 29

diameter. It had 16 tentaculocysts, 8 perradial and 8 inter-
radial canals. It will be observed that 12 individuals or
4.3 per cent had an abnormal number of gonads, and that
where departure from the normal occurs the numbers tend to
be higher. This percentage is high when compared with
percentages which I have previously noted (I.e. p. 133), and
by way of explanation it is suggested (i) that too few
individuals are considered in this case, and (2) that there is
great difficulty in collecting nearly three hundred individuals
as they drift past a small boat without selecting, it may be
unconsciously, the very specimens whose gonads are seen
to be abnormal in number.

Other details were noted, but since in connection with
them there is more likelihood that errror may arise from
insufficiency of specimens and unconscious selection in
collecting, it is not proposed to discuss them. The main
purpose I have is rather to direct the attention of readers of
the " Annals " to an aspect of biology in which some of them,
having peculiar facilities, might be able to supply useful
statistics.

ZOOLOGICAL LABORATORY,

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH.

CONTRIBUTION TO OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE
HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOT-
LAND.

BEING AN ACCOUNT OF COLLECTIONS MADE
BY SIR JOHN MURRAY, K.C.B., ON S.Y. "MEDUSA."

By JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., B.Sc.,

The Royal Scottish Museum.
(Continued from p. 225, No. 76, October 1910.)

CALYPTOBLASTEA.

Family HALECID^E.
15. HALECIUM BEANII, Johnston.

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN (M.) 20-40 fms. ; E. side,
5-10 fms., r. BARRIER PLATEAU Sanda to Achinhoan, 22 fms.,

30 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

r. ; Sound of Sanda, 22 fms., on Thuiaria lonchitis ; between
Sanda Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.
MULL OF CANTYRE, 50 fms.

1 6. HALECIUM HALECINUM (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. LOCH GOIL (M.) head to Stuckbeg, r. ; E.
side from below Pier, 30-35 fms., r. DUNOON BASIN (M.)
E. side, 42 fms., r. LOCH STRIVEN, (M.) W. side, 20-35 fans.,
r. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, 10-15 fms.; off
Pladda, 30-35 fms., r, (M.). BARRIER PLATEAU Sanda to
Achinhoan, 19-22 fms., m.c. (M.) j between Sanda Is. and
Ailsa Craig, 24 fins.

SANDA Is., 35 fms., on Thuiaria lonchitis.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 70-80 fms. (M.).

17. HALECIUM LABROSUM, Alder.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49-50 fms.
FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-110 fms.

1 8. HALECIUM MURICATUM (Ell. and Sol).

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). UPPER LOCH FYNE Minard Narrows,
15-20 fms., r.r. BARRIER PLATEAU Sanda to Achinhoan,
19-22 fms., r.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 50 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 70-80 fms.

19. HALECIUM TENELLUM, Hincks.

In two cases a gonangium was observed to arise from within
instead of from below a hydrotheca. The perisarc of many of the
specimens was much wrinkled.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 50 fms., on Halecium muricatum.
FIRTH OF LORNE, four records at depths between 30-110 fms., on
Halecium labrosum and Diphasia pinaster.

Family CAMPANULARID^E.

20. CLYTIA JOHNSTONI (Alder).

CLYDE SEA AREA. BARRIER PLATEAU between Sanda Is. and
Ailsa Craig, 24 fms., with rounded teeth, on Halecium beanii
and seaweed.

SANDA Is., 35 fms., on Thuiaria lonchitis.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 50-110 fms., not c. on Schizotricha frutescens ;
70-80 fms., great variation in depth of cups.

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 31

LOCH ETIVE, 70 fms.., on Hydrallmania falcata.
LOCH BUY, 9-15 fms., on Sertularella gayi.

21. THAUMANTIAS INCONSPICUA, Forbes.
(CAMPANULARIA RARIDENTATA, Alder.)

The specimens from all the localities, except the last mentioned,
differed from Hincks's examples in having their stems wholly
ornamented with rings which varied in definiteness in different
specimens.

CLYDE SEA AREA. SOUND OF SANDA, 22 fms., r.r., on Thuiaria

lonchitis.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-110 fms., on Spider-crab; 50-70 fms.
LOCH BUY, 9-15 fms., on Sertularella gayi.
BETWEEN CANNA AND RUM, on Diphasia pinaster.

22. OBELIA DICHOTOMA (Linn.).
CLYDE SEA AREA off Cumbrae Is., 15 fms. (M.).

23. OBELIA GENICULATA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. LOCH LONG, low water (M.). LOCH STRIVEN,
low water (M.). ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, 10-15
fms., on Thecocarpus myriophyllum.

24. OBELIA LONGISSIMA (Pallas).

CLYDE SEA AREA. BARRIER PLATEAU between Sanda Is. and

Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.
FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms.

25. GONOTHYR^EA GRACILIS (Sars).

FIRTH OF LORNE, 60-80 fms., 4 rings below hydrotheca, instead

Of 2.

26. GONOTHYR^EA HYALINA, Hincks.

Nutting observed on clumps of G. hyalina and G. loveni, obtained
near Plymouth, specimens which showed complete intergradation
between what he regarded as almost typical forms of the two species ;
and he has recorded his opinion that " there is a strong probability
that these two so-called species are but varieties of one form, which
should bear the name of G. loveni, Allman." * I have kept the two
forms separate, however, awaiting further evidence of their specific
identity.

1 Nutting, "Nat. Hist. Bull." S.U.I., vol. iv., 1896, p. 3. Reprinted from
"Journ. Mar. Biol. Ass." vol. iv., 1896, pp. 146-154.

32 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN (M.), 20-40 fms. ; W. side, 15

fms.
FIRTH OF LORNE, two records from between 30 and no fms.,

on Tubularia indivisa.

27. GONOTHYR^A LOVENi, Allman.

CLYDE SEA AREA. GARELOCH (M.) near Narrows, 14 fms., c. ;
E. side above Narrows, 14 fms., on Laminaria.

28. CAMPANULARIA ANGULATA, Hincks.

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). LOCH GOIL head to Stuckbeg, r. ; E.
side from below Pier, 30-35 fms., r. DUNOON BASIN centre,
20 fms., r. LOCH STRIVEN W. side, 15-20 fms., r.

- 29. CAMPANULARIA FLEXUOSA, Hincks.

CLYDE SEA AREA. BARRIER PLATEAU Sound of Sanda, 22 fms. ;

between Sanda Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms., r.
FIRTH OF LORNE, 50 fms. ; 60-70 fms. on Diphasia alata.

30. CAMPANULARIA HINCKSII, Alder.

CLYDE SEA AREA. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, 10-15
fms., on Lafoea dumosa. BARRIER PLATEAU Sound of Sanda,
22 fms., on Thuiaria lonchitis ; between Sanda Is. and Ailsa
Craig, 24 fms., on Hydrallmania falcata.

SANDA Is., 35 fms., on Thuiaria lonchitis.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 64 fms.

SOUND OF JURA, 17-25 fms., on Campanularia vertirillata.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms., on Antennularia ramosa ; 30-110
fms., on Aglaophenia tubulifera ; 70-80 fms., on Thuiaria
eupressina.

31. AMPANULARIA VERTICILLATA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. UPPER LOCH FYNE (M.). AFRAN BASIN (M.)
-Kilbrennan Sound, 28 fms. ; Farland Pt., Cumbrae, 20 fms.,

c.c. BARRIER PLATEAU off Achinhoan Head, 22 fms. (M.) ;

Sound of Sanda, 2 2 fms.
SOUND OF JURA, 17-25 fms.

32. CAMPANULARIA VOLUBILIS (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. LOCH GOIL (M.) head to Stuckbeg, m.c. ;
E. side from below Pier, 30-35 fms., m.c. BARRIER PLATEAU,
between Sanda Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms., r.

BETWEEN CANNA AND RUM, 60-100 fms. (M.).

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 33

33. HEBELLA POCILLUM (Hincks) ( = Lafoca pocillum of
Hincks's " History ").

CLYDE SEA AREA. GARELOCH, 20 fms., on Abietinaria abietina (M.).

34. HEBELLA PYGM^A (Hincks) ( = Lafoea pygmcea of
Hincks's " History "). "

CLYDE SEA AREA. GARELOCH head to Stroul, on Thuiaria
argentea (M.).

Family LAFOEIDyE.
35. LAFOEA DUMOSA (Fleming).

CLYDE SEA AREA. LOCH GOIL (M.) head to Stuckbeg ; E. side
from below Pier, 30-35 fms.; above Barrier, 2 5 fms. ; across
Barrier, 7-12 fms., m.r. DUNOON BASIN (M.), 20-40 fms.;
E. side, 16-20 fms., m.c. ; centre, 10-50 fms., m.c. LOCH
STRIVEN (M.), centre from head of loch, 15-20 fms., r. ; \V.
side, 20-30 fms., on Tubularia indivisa, r. KYLES OF BUTE
off Tighnabruaich. UPPER LOCH FYNE (M.) Minnard
Narrows, 12-20 fms., r. ; E. side, 15-20 fms., r. ARRAN
BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, 10-15 f ms - > below Isle of Ross,
12-14 fms., stones, r. ; Otterard to Carradale, 18-20 fms., r. ;
centre, off Saddell, 47 fms., r. ; off Pladda, 30-35 fms., r. ;
Farland Point, Cumbrae, 20 fms., c. BARRIER PLATEAU
between Achinhoan Head and Davarr Is., 17-20 fms., sand, on
Antennularia ramosa (M.) ; between Sanda Is. and Ailsa
Craig, 24 fms., r., on Halecium beanii.

SANDA ISLAND, 35 fms., c., on Thuiaria lonchitis.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms., on Plumularia pinnata and Hakciuin
labrosuni.

FIRTH OF LORNE the creeping form was found at 50-110 fms.,
not c., on Schizotricha jrutescens ; 70-80 fms., on Halecium
muricatuin and Diphasia pinaster. The form robusta^ at 30-
110 fms., on Spider-crab and Aglaophenia tubulifera; 30-
50 fms., on Diphasia pinaster; 50 fms., on Schizotricha
frutescens ; 60-70 fms., on Diphasia alata, etc.

SOUND OF SLEAT between Loch Arisaig and Plockton, 8-24 fms.

36. LAFOEA GRACILLIMA (Alder) ( = L. fru tico sa of
Hincks's " History ").

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). GARELOCH Narrows, 3 fms., c. LOCH
GOIL shore, low water, r. ; head of Loch to Stuckbeg, m.c. ;
E. side below Pier, 30-35 fms., m.c. DUNOON BASIN, 20-40
fms. ; E. side, 42 fms., r. ; W. side, 6-8 fms., r. ; centre, 10-40
fms., m.c. LOCH STRIVEN E. side, 15 fms., r. ; centre 15-20
fms., r.r. UPPER LOCH FYNE Minard Narrows, 12-20 fms.,

77 D

34 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

r. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, off Uavarr Is., 20 fms.,
r.r. ; Otterard to Carradale, 18-20 fms., m.c. ; off Saddell, 47
fms., m.r.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 50 fms.

SOUND OF SLEAT between Loch Arisaig and Plockton, 8-24 fms.

37. FlLELLUM SERPENS (HaSSall).

CLYDE SEA AREA. BARRIER PLATEAU between Sanda Is. and
Ailsa Craig, 24 fms., on Hydrallmania falcata.

SANDA ISLAND, 35 fms., on Thuiaria lonchitis.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms., on Antennularia ramosa and

Abielinaria abietina; 50-110 fms., not c. on Schizotricha

frutescens ; 60-70 fms., on Abietinaria abietina and Diphasia

alata; 70-80 fms., on Sertularella tenella and Tnbularia

indivisa.

SOUND OF MULL, 70 fms., on Abietinaria abietina.

(To be continued.}

SOME ARGYLL AND PERTHSHIRE FUNGI.
By HAROLD J. WHELDON.

TOWARDS the end of July last, Messrs. Albert Wilson, F.L.S.,
and J. A. Wheldon, F.L.S., paid a short visit to Rannoch
Moor and the neighbouring districts, with the object of
investigating the lichen flora. At my request they collected
some fungi, a list of which appears below.

It will be evident that this list does not by any means
adequately represent the fungi which occur in the rich
districts visited, even at this early date, and probably it
would have been much more exhaustive if the weather
conditions had been better, and if the attention of the
collectors had been devoted solely to this group of plants.

The extensive woods on the shore of Loch Rannoch
were explored scarcely at all, owing to lack of time and
incessant rain ; and for the same reasons minute fungi and
Myxomycetes were not searched for.

Additional interest is added to the records as the
collectors took careful observations of the altitudes at which
many of the specimens were gathered, and these are quoted.
The numbers placed before the localities refer to the

SOME ARGYLL AND PERTHSHIRE FUNGI 35

Watsonian vice-comital divisions, viz. Mid Perth (V.C.
88), in the East Highlands Province, and Argyll (V.C. 98),

in the West Highlands Province.

AGARICINE^E.

ARMILLARIA MELLEA ( Vahl.}, Fr. 88, stump near Loch Rannoch.
COLLYBIA CLAVUS (Linn.}, Fr. 98, on branches, Ben-an-Dothaidh.
C. DRYOPHILA (Bull.}, Fr. 88, south side of Loch Rannoch.
MYCENA RUGOSA, Fr. 98, Ben Douran, on old stumps at noo ft.
M. POLYGRAMMA (Bull.}, Fr. 88, near Loch Rannoch.
M. GALOPODA (Pers.}, Fr. 98, Ben Douran.

OMPHALIA SPHAGNICOLA, Berk. 88, Crianlarich, and on Ben
Chalum, at 2300 ft. among Sphagnum.

O. FIBULA (Bull.}, Fr. 88, Ben Chalum among moss, at 2000 ft. ;
98, Ben-an-Dothaidh at 3000 ft.

O. UMBELLIFERA (Linn.}, Fr. 88, Ben Chalum, 2900 ft. ; 98, Ben-
an-Dothaidh at 2800 ft.

LACTARIUS RUFUS (Scop.), Fr. 88, pine wood near Loch Rannoch.

L. TURPIS (Weinm.}, Fr. 88, woods south of Loch Rannoch.

L. GLYCIOSMUS, Fr. 88, with the preceding.

L. QUIETUS, Fr. 88, Kinloch Woods, north of Loch Rannoch.

RUSSULA DECOLORANS, Fr. 88, woods south of Loch Rannoch.

R. OCHRACEA (Pers.}, Fr. 88, Kinloch Woods.

R. EMETICA, Fr. 88, woods south of Loch Rannoch.

R. HETEROPHYLLA, Fr. 88, with the preceding.

CANTHARELLUS CIBARIUS, Fr. 88, pine woods, Loch Rannoch.

MARASMIUS OREADES (Bolton), Fr. 88, Kinloch.

M. ANDROSACEUS (Linn.}, Fr. 88, Ben Chalum at 2900 ft. ; on
dead stems of heather, etc.

M. RAMEALIS (Bull.}, Fr. 88, Kinloch Woods, on twigs.

PLUTEUS CERVINUS (Schaeff.}, Fr. 98, Ben Douran, at noo ft.

PHOLIOTA EREBIA, Fr. 98, Ben-an-Dothaidh, at 2100 ft.

P. TOGULARIS (Bull.}, Fr. 88, near Loch Rannoch.

P. MYCENOIDES, Fr. 88, Ben Chalum, at 2900 ft.

HEBELOMA MESOPH^UM, Fr. 88, pine wood, Loch Rannoch.

H. CRUSTULINIFORME (Bull.}, Fr., with the preceding.

GALERA HYPNORUM (Batsch.}, Fr. 88, Crianlarich, at 500 ft., among
moss.

PAXILLUS INVOLUTUS (Bafsch.}, Fr. 88, pine wood, Loch Rannoch.

STROPHARIA MERDARIA, Fr. 88, Crianlarich, at 500 ft.

36 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

S. SEMIGLOBATA. 88, Crianlarich, and on Ben Chalum ; 98, Ben
Douran.

HYPHOLOMA FASCICULARE (Hudson.), Fr. 88, Kinloch Woods ; 98,
Ben-an-Dothaidh, on stumps.

PSILOCYBE SEMILANCEATA, Fr. 88, Crianlarich, at 600 ft.

PSATHYRA CONOPILEA, Fr. 88, Crianlarich, at 600 ft.

P. SEMIVESTITA, B. and Br. 88, Ben Chalum.

COPRINUS MICACEUS (Bull.), Fr. 88, Kinloch.

C. PLICATILIS (Curt.), Fr. 88, Crianlarich, at 600 ft.

C. RADIATUS (Boltoii), Pers. 88, Crianlarich, on cow-dung.

PAISLEOLUS PHAL^NARUM (Bull.), Fr. 88, near Crianlarich, at
600 ft. ; 98, Ben-an-Dothaidh, at 2100 ft.

P. PAPILIONACEUS (Bull.), Fr. 88, with the preceding; 98, Ben-an-
Dothaidh, at 2000 ft.

POLYPORE^.

BOLETUS SCABER (Bull.). 88, south side of Loch Rannoch.
B. DURIUSCULUS (Schultz). 88, Kinloch Woods.
B. SUBTOMENTOSUS (Linn.}. 88, with the preceding.
POLYPORUS SCHWEINITZII, Fr. 88, plentiful in the pine wood south
of Loch Rannoch.

POLYSTICTUS VERSICOLOR (Linn.), Fr. 88, Allt Inverhaggernie,
near Crianlarich.

HYDNE^E.

GRANDINIA GRANULOSA (Pers.), Fr. 88, Allt Inverhaggernie ; 98,
Ben-an-Dothaidh and Ben Douran, noo ft.

THELEPHORE^:.

STEREUM PURPUREUM (Pers.). 88, pine wood, Loch Rannoch.
S. HIRSUTUM ( Willd.), Fr. 88, Kinloch.

CLAVARIE^:.

CLAVARIA VERMICULARIS (Scop.). 88, Kinloch.

CALOCERA VISCOSA (Pers.), Fr. 88, pine wood south of Loch
Rannoch.

TREMELLINE^.

DACRYOMYCES STILLATUS (Nees). 98, on stumps of birch and
pine, exposed in the bog on Ben Douran at noo ft.

SOME ARGYLL AND PERTHSHIRE FUNGI 37

UREDINACE^E.

MELAMPSORA ARCTICA, Rost. 98, on leaves of Salix herbacea, Ben-
an-Dothaidh, at 3100 ft.

Specimens of the Salix were brought home for cultivation
at Walton, near Liverpool, and it was observed to be infected
by a Lecythea, on the under sides of the leaves only. After
the fall of the leaves, they were left on the soil to see if the
teleutospores would develop. Two only of the rufus-black
sori were obtained. As the two species of Melampsora
commonly found on the larger willows do not appear to have
been recorded as occurring on S. herbacea, it was thought that
our specimens might prove to be one of the more boreal
species, M. arctica, Rost, and M. alpina, Juel. Through the
kindness of Professor Warming, F.L.S., of Copenhagen Uni-
versity, we obtained from Mr. Jens Lind information regarding
these two species, which enabled us to determine our plant to
be M. arctica. We are not aware that this alpine fungus has
been previously recorded as British, but it occurs in Green-
land on Salix groenlandica, S. glauca, S. herbacea, and S.
arctica, in Norway on 6". glauca, S. nigricans, and S. herbacea,
and in the Tyrol on S. retusa.

M. alpina should be sought for in Scotland, as two of its
hosts, Saxifraga oppositifolia and Salix herbacea, not in-
frequently grow in propinquity. In this species the uredo-
spores are usually epiphyllous and the teleutospores amphi-
genous. Both stages are hypophyllous in M. arctica.

PYRENOMYCETES.

HYPOMYCES CHRYSOSPERMUS (Fckl.}. 88, Wood near Loch Rannoch
in the conidial condition, Sepedonium chrysospennuni}.

XYLARIA HYPOXYLON, L. 88, north side of Loch Rannoch.

LINOSPORA CAPRE.E (D.C.\ Fck. 98, on leaves of Salix herbacea,
on Ben-an-Dothaidh, at 3100 ft. This fungus developed in
November on the fallen leaves of the Salix under cultivation,
referred to under Melampsora. As the Salix was grown
under glass and no other species of the genus was grown in
the house, it is presumed that these plants were already
infected when gathered. L. arctica is said to occur on the
leaves of Salix retiadata ; and as S. herbacea is a similar small
boreal species it was thought that the Linospora would be L.
arctica rather than L. Caprece, which usually occurs on the
more arboreal Salices of less alpine localities. The spores,
however, agree with those of L. Caprea, being smaller and much
narrower (125 juby 2 //,) than those of L. arctica, which are 165-

38 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

1 80 jj, by 6 jj,. In the " Icones Fungorum" of A. N. Berlese
Britain is not cited as one of the countries in which L. Caprece
occurs ; but it is stated to be widely distributed in Europe.
EPICYMATIA THALLOPHILA (Cke.} Sacc., (Sphceria thal/ophila,
Cooke). 88, on Lecanora subfitsca, on alders on the south
side of Loch Rannoch.

Dr. M. C. Cooke states 1 that the original specimens on
which this species was founded were collected by Dr. L. Lind-
say in Glenshee, August 1856, and adds the following remarks
upon it : " It is not improbable that this is a naked Sphceria
springing from the wood beneath, and perforating the thin
lichen thallus. A single small specimen is all we have seen,
and that was insufficient to satisfy us on this point." This is
evidently not the case, as we have found the perithecia
occurring both on the thallus and on the apothecia of the
lichen ; and from one to fourteen perithecia have been ob-
served on a single apothecium of the Loch Rannoch
specimens.

DISCOMYCETES.

RHYTISMA SALICINUM (Pers.}. 88, on living leaves of Salix herbaeea,

Ben Chalum, at 3000 ft.
NESOLECHIA CLADONIARIA (Nyl.\ 88, on Cladina untialis, var.

turgescens, Ben Chalum, at 3200 ft. According to Nylander

the spores are io//. by 3.5 p, either hyaline or fuscous. The

spores of the present specimen are fuscous, oblong, continuous,

and measure 13 //, by 3.5 /x.
ASCOBOLUS FURFURACEUS (Pers.}. 88, Ben Chalum at 800 ft., on

co \v-dung.
DASYSCYPHA BICOLOR, Fckl. 98, Ben Douran at noo ft., on

sticks and dead branches.
D. CALYCINA Fck. 88, on branches in the pine wood south of

Loch Rannoch.
HUMARIA GRANULATA, Sacc. 88, near Crianlarich at 800 ft., on

cow-dune.

&

THE ALPINE CERASTIA OF BRITAIN.
By G. CLARIDGE DRUCE, M.A., F.L.S.

OMITTING for the time any mention of Cerastiuw
cerastioides, to use the name imposed on us by the Vienna
Rules, I propose to bring before British Botanists some

1 " Handbook of British Fungi," page 872.

THE ALPINE CERASTIA OF BRITAIN 39

suggestions on the two other species, which I trust may
be of interest. No one can have explored the upper alpine
zone of our British montane area without feeling that C.
alpinum and C. arcticum (as it has been called) have
many intermediate forms. Indeed, from time to time
varieties of one or the other species have been made.
Conspicuous among these is the var. pubescens^ Syme, which
is somewhat laconically described in "Eng. Bot," $rd ed.,vol. ii.
85, as "Plant with short hairs," but which receives no
mention in Babington's " Manual " or Hooker's " Students'
Flora." In 1891 I worked the great mountains which lie to
the south of Glen Spean and then saw plants in the Corrie of
Aonach Mor which I had no doubt in my own mind were
hybrids of C, alpinum with C.vulgatum, = C. triviale X alpinnm,
as I recorded it in the "Ann. of Scot. Nat. Hist.," 129,
1892. One of our critical botanists thought it was " C.
triviale, var. alpestre " ; another, " C. alpinum, L., \zx.pubescens,
Syme," and I have no doubt in one sense he was right, for I
think it will be found that Syme's plant is made up of the
hybrid above named, along with C. vulgatum x nigrescens, and
possibly C. alpinum x nigrescens ; and I have the large-flowered
alpine form of C. vulgatum so labelled by a good botanist.
Recently Dr. C. H. Ostenfeld, to whom I sent my alpine
Chickweeds, says : " I have examined your rich material of
large-flowered Cerastia from the British Isles with much
interest. ... It seems to me that you have in Great Britain
only the strongly-haired form of C. alpinum [in Britain
named lanatum, but not the true C. lanatum of Lamarck],
then C. Edmonstonii [C. nigrescens], and lastly, C. ccsspitosum
[C. vulgatum\ with its large-flowered variety alpestre
[alpimtmy The Aonach Mor plant referred to, he says, is
probably the hybrid I named. To the same parentage I
should also refer plants (which Ostenfeld names hybrids)
gathered on Ben Lawers and the Cairngorms, in each case C,
alpinum, var. pubescens, had been a suggested name. From C.
vulgatum, var. alpimim, Hartm., this hybrid may be dis-
tinguished by the more shaggy hairs, and usually by the
broader and more obtuse leaves, and when in ripe fruit by
the seed. But the difficulties of discriminating these large-
flowered forms increase when we are investigating localities

40 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

where C. alpinum, C. nigrescens, and C. vulgatum, var. a
occur together ; as on Ben Lawers, Ben Heasgarnich, Aonach
Mor, Braeriach, etc.

From Ben Lawers and Ben Heasgarnich I have plants
which Ostenfeld names as almost certainly C. alpinum x
nigrescens ; and the same combination is probably also
present in a plant gathered on the Cairngorms. These also
have been named var. pubescens, Syme. Still a third hybrid
occurs, which I have gathered on the cliffs of Clogwyn y
Garnedd, Snowdon. This has much narrower and much less
hairy leaves, with quite large flowers. It is C. vulgatum X
nigrescens. It grew with C. vulgatum, var. alpinum, and C.
nigrescens, and had been named var. pubescens, Syme, by an
English expert.

It will be noticed that I have used the name C. nigrescens
for the plant called C. latifolium by Smith, who mistook it
for the continental Linnean species, and more recently
described by Lange (Flora Danica, 1880, fasc. 50, p. 7)
under the name C. arcticum. According to Ostenfeld, 1
Lange's descriptions and drawings are based partly upon a
condensed form of C. alpinum from Greenland, and partly on
East-Iceland plants of Smith's (not Linnaeus) latifolium, to
which Ostenfeld applies the name C. Edmonstonii (Wats.),
Murbeck and Ostenfeld, which is based on C. latifolium, var.
Edmonstonii, Watson, " Lond. Bot. Soc. Cat. of British
Plants," 1844, surely a nomen nud2nn.

There is no rule in the ' Vienna Acts ' which makes it com-
pulsory to retain a varietal name when raising it to a species.
There appears, however, good reason for using the name
C. nigrescens, Edmonston. That acute botanist describes and
figures the Balta Sound plant (" Phyt." 497-500, 1843)
under the name C. latifolium, L., and gives figures of its
allies to contrast or compare with it. Subsequently (" Phyt."
96, 1845) Edmonston sent specimens to the Botanical
Society of London, labelled C. nigrescens, Edmonston, " Fl.
Shetl." ined. ; but it may be argued that the printing of this
in " Phyt." I.e. 96, is not a valid publication. In the " Rep.
of the Botanical Society of London," Feb. 7, 1845, p. 95, the

1 Mr. N. E. Brown, " E.B. Suppl." 41, says "the figure t. 2693 B. is
inaccurate."

THE ALPINE CERASTIA OF BRITAIN 41

Secretary states Mr. Edmonston presented specimens of the
Shetland Cerastium which occasioned some discussion among
British Botanists in the year 1843 ; Mr. E. then described
the plant as "a new British Cerastium" (" Phyt." i, 497)
identical with the Linnean C. latifolium, but distinct from
the Welsh and Highland species, described under that name
in the works of Smith and other English authors. Although
differences of opinion were then stated respecting the High-
land species, it seemed generally agreed that the Shetland
plant was properly referred to the C. latifolium of Linnaeus.
The specimens now presented to the Society, however, are
labelled Cerastium nigrescent, Edmond., in " Shetland Fl." ined.
It would thus seem that Mr. Edmonston has changed his
opinion regarding its specific identity with the Linnean
species. In the " London Catalogue " the plant is given as
a variety Edmonstonii of C. latifolium, L. ; but it may be
doubted whether Mr. Edmonston's specimens can be dis-
tinguished from the Highland and Linnean C, latifolium,
even as a variety merely ; there is certainly nothing in the
form of the leaves to keep them distinct. . . . G.E.D.

In the preface to the " Shetland Flora," p. xv, 1845, the
author alludes to it under the name C. nigrescens, which is, I
think, a valid publication ; but in the text, p. 29, under the
name C. latifolium, var. nigrescens, Edmonston says : " Mr.
Watson, after an investigation of numerous specimens still
considers this plant as not truly distinct from C. latifolium, and
from deference to his authority I give up the point." But the
fact remains that Edmonston first described it as a species
(C. latifolium}, that in the preface to his Flora he writes C.
nigrescens, that in the meantime he had distributed specimens
under the name C. nigrescens to the " Bot. Soc.," and that the
name C. nigrescens had been printed in the "Phyt." 95,
1845.

Just a word as to the distinctness of the Shetland from
the British Alpine form ; Mr. Beeby in " Rep. of Exchange
Club " 1898, p. 568, says, when he first gathered the plant in
1886: "I brought home roots . . . and also a bag of its native
soil. Under these conditions it maintained the dark purplish-
copper colour of its foliage fairly well. ... In 1897 and
1898, I brought home seeds and roots " which were grown in

42 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

a mixture of Surrey soils. " These plants have entirely lost
their original colour and have become completely green, so
that it appears that the only character which separates this
variety from the type, is merely temporary and due to habitat.
The serpentine gravels of Unst contain a number of minerals,
notably chromate of iron, and the colour of the leaves may
probably be due to the influence of one of them." Ostenfeld,
also in Hit., says the Unst plant " has no systematic value "
apart from the mountain plant. Therefore there is no need
to keep up a name to distinguish the alpine from the Balta
Sound plant

In "Journ. Bot." 386, 1898, Mr. F. N. Williams stated
from an examination of authentic specimens, I believe this
to be a hybrid between two forms of alpinum. This cannot
be the case since nigrescens is found where C. alpinum is
absent as at Unst, and in other places in Scotland. While
Mr. N, E. Brown, in " Suppl. to 3rd ed. of E.B. 42, 1891,"
says, " On comparing the seeds of typical C. latifolium with
those of the British plant arcticum, including var. Edmonstoni,
I do not find any difference of kind, but only a difference of
degree, the seeds of the British plant are smaller than those
of typical C. latifolium, although considerably larger than those
of C. alpinum, but the testa of thoroughly ripe seeds is loose,
although nothing like so inflated as in C. latifolium ... so
that I think our plant is really C. latifolium, but a form with
smaller seeds, for which the varietal name SmitJiii, Syme,
may be retained. Mr. F. N. Williams, " Journ. Bot." p. 493,
1898, says, "I have examined the material indicated by
Mr. N. E. Brown, and am disposed to concur with him in
adding C. latifolium to the British Flora. I do not, however,
agree with him in identifying C. arcticum with C. latifolium,
var. Edmonstoni, though there may be some difficulty in
distinguishing them in the dried state. All the more reason
is there against according to C. arcticum specific rank."

I think, however, we may safely separate as a species C.
nigrescens, Edmonston, from the continental C. latifolium, as,
in addition to the seed characters alluded to there are other
differences which are sufficient to give it specific value, and
as Syme ("E.B." ii. 88) says, " it is very doubtful if [this
is] the C, latifoliiim of Linnaeus."

THE ALPINE CERASTIA OF BRITAIN 43

Syme's C. alpinum, var. pnbescens, is described tersely
and inadequately as " Plant with short hairs," and is queried
as being the C. alpinmn, var. hirsutum of Gren. and Godr.,
" Fl. Fr." i. 271. Mr. Hanbury tells me there is no type in
Mr. Boswell Syme's herbarium, nor have I been able to find
any specimen labelled by him in the national herbaria.
We may therefore safely delete it from our flora.

Our British Alpine Cerastia therefore appear to be :

CERASTIUM ALPINUM, L. Plant prostrate, woolly ; leaves usually
broadly oval-obovate or elliptical, densely covered with long
shaggy articulated hairs, with some shorter glandular ones, first
pair of bracts smaller than stem leaves, with usually a narrow
membranous border ; secondary bracts sub-membranous or with
a distinct membranous border ; sepals broadly lanceolate, seeds
-^ in. across, acutely tubercled (in C. vulgatum they are about
-Jg- in. across and more pear-shaped). Helvellyn, 69 !, 70 ; Ben
Lawers, 88 ! ; Thulachan, 89 ! ; Canlochan, Loch Brandy, 90 ! ;
Lochnagar, 92 ! ; Braeriach, 96! ; Glen A'an, 94! ; Ben Laiogh,
98 ! ; Aonach Mor, 97 ! ; Inverlael, 105 ! ; Ben Dearg, 106.

VULGATUM ( = C. SYMEI = C. ALPINUM, L., var. PUBESCENS, Syme,
p.p.). Plant less csespitose, usually more erect, with narrower
leaves, which are less hairy, the hairs shorter and nearly
eglandular. Ben Lawers, 88 ! ; Ben Laoigh, 98 ; Aonach Mor,
97 ; Braeriach, 96 ; Glen A'an, 94. C. alpinum ascends to
3700 on Cairngorm, 3100 on Ben Dearg.

NIGRESCENS ( = C. BLYTTII, Baenitz). Plant less woolly, leaves
more acute and greener, with shorter pubescence ; upper bracts
with distinct membranous margin ; seeds often (? always)
abortive. Scotch mountains Ben Heasgarnich, Ben Lawers,
88!.

C. NIGRESCENS, Edmonston, = C. LATIFOLIUM, Sm. (not L.) = C.

LATIFOLIUM, Var. GLACIALE, "Bab. Man. "56, 1847, C. LATI-
FOLIUM, var. Edmonstoni, Wats., " Lond. Cat." 2, 1844, nomen
nuduiji, "Bab. Man." 3rd ed., 52, 1851, = C. ARCTICUM,
Lange, " Fl. Dan." 1880, fasc. 50, p. 7 pro parte ; -var.
EDMONSTONII, Bee by, "Scot. Nat." 24, 1887; = C. ALPINUM,
var. EDMONSTONII, Hook., "St. Fl.," 3rd ed., 60, 1864; = C.
EDMONSTONII, Murbeck and Ostenfeld, " Bot. Notiser," 246,
1898. Plant ascending, pale green, in the Shetland plant often
brownish-purple ; leaves pale green, with short gland-tipped
hairs and longer yellowish, stiff, articulated hairs ; first pair of
bracts not much smaller than leaves, herbaceous ; secondary
bracts, when present, with a very narrow membranous border ;

44 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

sepals ovate-lanceolate or oval-obtuse, seeds -^ in. across,
rugose, without sharp tubercles. Snowdon, 49 ! ; Ben Lawers,
etc. 89 !; Little Craigindal, 92 !; Glen A'an, 94; Cairngorms,
etc. 96 ! ; Aonach Mor, etc. 97 ! ; Cuchullins, 104 ; Ben More,
107 ; Unst, 112.

VULGATUM ( = C. ALPINUM, Z., var. PUBESCENS, Syme, p.p.}. Plant
prostrate, ascending ; leaves narrow, acute, pubescence, sparse,
sparingly glandular; flowers large. Snowdon, Clogwyn, 49 !.

C. NIGRESCENS ascends to 3800 feet on Ben Lawers, to 3500 feet
on Aonach Mor, and to nearly 4000 feet on Braeriach, and
descends to near the sea-level on Unst.

April 1910.

CONTRIBUTION TO A FLORA OF CAITHNESS.

No. V.

By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S.
{Continued from p. 229, No. 76, October 1910.)

HYPOCH^RIS RADICATA, L. A small one-flowered form from
Yarrows, R. Bain, sp.

TRAGOPOGON MINUS, Mill. The Reay plant found by Mr. Miller
belongs here, and not to H. pratense, L.

VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS, L. Gardiner, in his "Flora of Forfarshire,"
says this is known as Blaeberry in Forfar, and Scotland
generally ; but Dr. Prior x restricts this name to V. uliginosum
in which he seems to be wrong, according to Scottish authors.
In an old document dated 1634,2 relating to the disposing of
some holding in the parish of Canisby, the name Blaeberry-
quoy's (Blaeberriequayes in the original Latin) occurs. Mr.
J. Mowat of Glasgow wrote me that " Blaeerryquoys was the
name of a small farm or croft at Freswick, now merged into
the large farm. Most likely the name is derived from the
berries found in the neighbourhood." Doubtless this would
refer to the Blaeberry. Mr. A. Somerville told me that
undoubtedly Blaeberry is the old Scottish spelling and
pronunciation of Blue-berry. A very interesting article on the
popular names of Vaccinium in Europe, by Dr. von Kupffer,
will be found in " Korresp. d. naturf. Vereins zu Riga," 1906,
pp. 141-154.

1 " Pop. Names of British Plants," 1870, pp. 24, 288. [ V. Myrtillus is cer-
tainly the " Blaeberry," as generally understood in Scotland. ED. " A.S.N.H."]

2 " History of Caithness," ed. 2, 1887, p. 337.

CONTRIBUTION TO A FLORA OF CAITHNESS 45

ARCTOSTAPHYLOS ALPINA, Spreng. Mr. Nicolson names Ben
Dorrery as a station for this. This will be, I suppose, about
500 ft. alt., as there is a B.M. about f mile away given as 387',
and the contour of 500 is within the same distance. In
"Scot. Nat," 1889, p. 42, Mr. Grant and I give "Ben
Shurrery, 1852," from Dick's Herbarium. Is this the same
station ? As Lake Shurrery is within a mile and a half it may
be so. It is much more abundant in Sutherland.

AZALEA PROCUMBENS, L. Mr. Nicolson, I.e., says he gathered this,
on 5th June 1884, "on the top of Morven, on the east side,
near a ' well ' or natural spring."

ERICA TETRALIX, L. Robert Dick observes : " I have watched
Calluna vulgaris and Erica cinerea, and never yet among
thousands of thousands found a notable variety. But with E.
Tetralix the case is very different. It is subject to strange
shiftings and changings, and I have some delightful varieties of
it" (Smiles' "Life of R. Dick," p. 294).

PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA, L. I find Mrs. Wahab gathered this
within a \ mile of the Caithness border, i.e. between the Ord
Point and Dun Glas, where the altitude " 652 " is marked on
the Ordnance Map.

P. MEDIA, Su, Lybster Burn, J. Grant, sp.; Scorrieclett, A.
Sutherland, sp.

*VlNCA MINOR, L.

PRIMULA SCOTICA, Hooker. " Prof. Balfour showed a piece of turf
with several specimens of P. scotica from near Thurso, sent by
Mr. R. Heddle, showing the flowering from May to September,
and that the later flowers had the limb of the corolla much
thrown back" ("Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin.," 1847). Mr. Nicolson
says (I.e.} the local name for this is " Dusty Miller." 1 I cannot
help thinking I have heard this name applied to some other
British plant, but cannot remember to what, if so applied.

SYMPHYTUM TUBEROSUM, L. Just above water-level on the Wick
river, i mile above Wick, R. Bain, sp.

*S. ASPERRIMUM, Bieb. Thurso, Druce ("Ann. S.N.H.," 1904,

i7i).
MYOSOTIS PALUSTRIS, Hill, var. NEMOROSA (Besser}. On the

Reay sands, by a small rivulet, Druce, I.e. Besser ("Enum.

Vol., Pod.," etc., 1822, p. 52) gives this as a species; it is a

plant of Lithuania, Volhynia, and Siberia.

1 [The name " Dusty Miller" is applied in some parts of Scotland to Primula
Auricula, because of the dusty coating of wax on the leaves, and may probably
be used for other species that show a similar covering. ED. " A.S.N.H."]

46 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

MERTENSIA MARITIMA, Gray. Edge of sand, seashore at Ackergill,

Sinclair Bay, R. Bain, sp.
*ANCHUSA SEMPERVIRENS, L.
*ANTIRRHINUM MAJUS, L.
SCROPHULARIA NODOSA, L. Wick river where sheltered by whin

bushes, A. Sutherland, sp.
MIMULUS LANGSDORFFII, Don. Near Watten.

var. GUTTATUS (DC.). Newton, Nicolson, I.e.
VERONICA CHAM^EDRYS, L. Braes above Wick river near Wick, R.

Bain, sp.

var. INCISA, G. Froel. Watten, A. Sutherland, sp. ; cf.

Williams' "Prod. Fl. Brit." p. 6, (1909) p. 295, as to this

variety.
V. HEDERIFOLIA, Z., / TRiLOBA (Opiz), ( = V. triloba, Opiz,

"Naturalientausch.," 1824, p. 1 08). The Glebe, Wick, J.

Grant, sp.
V. OFFICINALIS, Z., var. MULTICAULIS, Wallr., "Sch. crit.," 1822,

p. 22.

Is var. PROCERA, Wilk., the same? Above the river near
Wick, R. Bain, sp.

EUPHRASIA FOULAENSIS, Towns. Scrabster, Druce, I.e.
E. ROSTKOVIANA, Haytie. Reay, E. S. Marshall.

E. CURTA, Fr., var. GLABRESCENS, Wettst. Grassy headland, Down-
reay, H. E. Fox, 1885.

E. BREVIPILA, B. et G., var. SUBEGLANDULOSA, Towns. Claridon,
Druce, Lc.

ODONTITES SIMPLEX, Krok, ex Hartm. "Hand. Sk. Fl." ed. i, 1820
(O. litoralis, Fries, " Sum. Veg. Scand.," 1846, p. 19 ; Euphrasia
Odontites, var. litoralis, Fries, " Fl. Scanica," 1835, 40 ; Bartsia
Odontites, ft litoralis, Reich., t. 1727, f. 2; Odontites verna,
Reich., subsp. litoralis, Fr., Nyman, " Consp. Fl. Europ.," 1881,
551). Shore near Wick, R. Bain, sp.; Yarrows, A. Sutherland,
sp. '

Dr. Williams ("Prod. Fl. Brit.," 1909, p. 216) gives this as
of " Nyman, 'Syll. Fl. Europ.,' 127 (1854)," and says all other
references are wrong. This surely is too sweeping. It is true
that Fries, at p. 196 of the " Summa," calls it "Euphrasia
litoralis^ but at p. 19 he names it as Nyman does, and Nyman
no more describes it than Fries does under O. litoralis. But the
proper name seems to be what I have given it. Hartmann
down to his 1879 e d-, p. i55 s retains Krok's name from the
Botaniska Notiser.

RHINANTHUS STENOPHYLLUS, Schur. Thurso, and near John
O'Groat's, Druce, I.e.

CONTRIBUTION TO A FLORA OF CAITHNESS 47

R. BOREALIS, Druce. Sea-cliffs, Freswick, Thurso, J. Grant, sp.

MELAMPYRUM PRATENSE, Z., var. ERICETORUM, Oliver. Dunbeath,
W. R. Linton, 25.7.1888.

UTRICULARIA VULGARIS,* L. Marked with doubt by Mr. Nicolson
of Wick. Considering that the surrounding counties have
records of two or more species, it seems strange there are no
Caithness localities on record. U, vitlgaris occurs in Skye,
W. Ross, O. Hebrides (?),- Orkneys, and Shetland. In a triangle
between Watten, Wick, and Lybster there is very similar ground
to that where the genus occurs in Sutherland.

STACHYS AMBIGUA, S>/i. Sandside, Messrs. W. Borrer and Hooker,
Sept. 1808 ("Eng. Bot.," t. 2089, Nov. i, 1809).

PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA, Z., var. MINOR, Rapin. Dunnet Links,
E. S. Marshall, 1900, teste Williams, "Prod. Fl. Brit.," 1909,

P- 353.

P. MARITIMA, Z., var. PYGM^EA, Lange., and var. DENTATA, Weitz.
Downreay, Druce, I.e.

P. MARITIMA, Z., var. HIRSUTA, Gilib. (sub alpina, teste Williams,
I.e.] Stroma Isle, Miss Geldart, sp.

ATRIPLEX BABINGTONII, Woods, var. CANESCENS, Hartm., " Hand.
Sk. FL," ed. 2 (1879), 348. Proudfoot, J. Grant, sp. ;
Duncansby, Miss Geldart.

POLYGONUM VIVIPARUM, Z. Braes near Buchollie Castle, Fres-
wick, 1908, Mr. G. Stalker, sp., new record for the county.
Small specimens tending towards the var. alpina. Occurs in
E. and W. Sutherland, O. Hebrides (!), Orkney, and Shetland
(var. alpina}, Beeby, sp.

* DAPHNE LAUREOLA, Z.

* EUPHORBIA EXIGUA, Z.
*HUMULUS LUPULUS, Z.

MYRICA GALE, Z. Moss of Kilminster, D. Doull, sp.

BETULA PUBESCENS, Ehrh., var. PARVIFOLIA, Wimm. " Add. Rec.

Scot. Plants for 1889"; " Sc. Nat.," 1890, p. 272.
*CARPINUS BETULUS, Z.

*TAXUS BACCATA, Z.

ORCHIS ERICETORUM, Linton. Holborn Head ; near Castleton and

John O'Groat's, Druce, I.e.
HABENARIA VIRIDIS, Br. Scrabster cliffs, with broadly oval leaves,

Druce, I.e.

1 For this genus see "Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin." xx. (1894), no; " Proc.
Dorset. N.H.F. Club," xv. (1894), 51 ; " Ann. Scot. N. Hist.," 1903, pp. 123,
250, and for 1910.

2 See "Ann.," 1910, p. 170.

48 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

*CROCUS VERNUS, All. ; ^NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS, L. ;
*GALANTHUS NIVALIS, L. ; *FRITILLARIA MELEAGRIS, L. ; and

*COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE, L.

JUNCUS GLAUCUS, Leers. Banks of Thurso river, A. Davidson,
("Journ. Bot.," 1886, p. 24).

J. ALPINUS, Vill. Marsh, Forse, 5th Aug. 1908, Miss Helen
Lillie, daughter of the Rev. D. Lillie of Watten Manse, a
student of the Caithness mosses. An addition to the Flora.
It seems odd that alpinus has not been recorded from the
Orkneys or Shetland. Yet, on a specimen gathered by Dr.
Boswell Syme, in Orkney, 1887, Dr. Buchenau remarked
(11.12.1898): "An^. anceps x lamprocarpus, vel alpinus *
lamprocarpusl capita ut m J. lamprocarpo, sed perigoniumy.
ancipitis vel alpini." It should be sought in Orkney and the
O. Hebrides, as Dr. Buchenau suggests.

LUZULA MULTIFLORA, " DC.," var. *SUDETICA (-DC.), (L. sudetica,
DC., " Fl. fran9aise" (1815), iv. p. 306); London Catalogue
gives DC. as the author of multiflora ; but Lejeune in
his " Fl. of Spa" (1811), i. p. 169, was the author, according
to Dr. Buchenau in " Kr. Zns. europ. Juncaceen "). Near
Thurso, J. Galloway, sp. ; Loch Duran, E. S. Marshall, sp. ;
remarked on a specimen thence, " likely J. anceps x lampro-
carpus."

SPARGANIUM SIMPLEX. Watten, J. Grant, sp.

POTAMOGETON ALPINUS. " Dr. Tyacke brought two specimens of
Potamogeton rufescens from Caithness " (Dr. G. Johnson in
Watson's "New Botanists' Guide," 1837, p. 517)- In
Watson's " Outlines Geogr. Dist," 1832, p. 288, no mention
is made of this as a Caithness plant, so that 1837 is its first
record from the county.

P. NITENS, Weber, var. PR^ELONGIFOLIA, Tis., = " var. latifolius,
Fieb." = var. maxima, A. Benn. olim.

P. FILIFORMIS, Pers., small form between type and var. FASCICULATUS
( Wolfg.). Loch Watten, Dr. Davidson, sp.

SCIRPUS C^ESPITOSUS, L. Stroma Isle, Miss Geldart, sp. Growing
in dense clumps with arcuate stems, in some to f of a circle.
It is difficult to account for this, as the normal form was
growing near, and there is no sign of insect or fungus injury.
The same thing occurs with Schcenus nigricans in Cornwall.

CAREX KATTEGATENSIS, Fries. Mr. G. Nicolson, I.e., remarks that
this plant was so abundant " that it used to be mown for bog-
hay for farm-purposes ; but probably the recent river-improve-
ments, the banking and deepening of the sandbank on which
the Carex grows, must have worked havoc among its ranks."

CONTRIBUTION TO A FLORA OF CAITHNESS 49

But even if so, there is plenty more farther up the river
towards Sibster. See "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1904, p. 179.

C. INCURVA, Light. Mr. Nicolson, I.e., records this from "Shinval,
a place in the S.W. of Caithness, and several miles inland."

C. GOODENOVII, Gay, var. FULIGINOSA, A. Br. (sub easpitosd], 1843
( = C. meltena, Wimmer, 1849). Caithness Moors, J. Grant, sp.
var. STENOCARPA, Kiik. Thurso, Druce, I.e.
var. CHLOROSTACHYA (Reich., sub vulgaris], Asch. Loch
Duran, Druce, I.e.

C. FLAVA, L., var. CYPEROIDES, Marss. (sub CEdert), Wick river,
Dr. Davidson, sp.

C. FLAVA, L., var. MINOR, Towns. Loch Winless, E. S. Marshall,
sp. ; Scouthall, J. Grant, sp.

C. HORNSCHUCHIANA x FLAVA, var. LEPiDOCARPA. Three miles up
the Wick river with the parents, E. S. Marshall (1900), sp.

C. XANTHOCARPA, Degl. Dunnet Links, E. S. Marshall, sp.

C. BINERVIS, Smith, var. ALPINA, Drejer ( = C. Sadleri, Linton, teste
Kiikenthal). Yarehouse, J. Grant, sp. ; near Wick, J.
Grant, sp.

C. ROSTRATA, Stokes (ampullaced), var. ANGUSTIFOLIA, Druce, I.e.
Watten. Mr. Druce does not say whether Herr Kiikenthal
notices this.

C. CATTEYENSIS, mihi. 1 Marsh, Winless, 4.9.1908, Miss H. Lillie.
(C. rostrata, Stokes x binervis, Sm. ? C. inflata, Huds. x biner-
vis, Sin. ? C. ampullaeea, Good, x binervis, Sin. ?)

Typical rostrata occurs with this ; in fact, a specimen is
mixed with these doubtful specimens. The whole are ab-
solutely sterile ; I cannot find a perfected nut in any.

The male spikes are those of rostrata, the female more like
fine binervis, with mostly obtuse glumes with the midrib very
conspicuous. The fruits vary from almost bineruis-$& to
rostrata-\\\iQ ; glumes from obtuse to apiculate. I cannot find
that such a hybrid is on record. Richter gives none such,
neither do the latest Norwegian or Swedish Floras. The
station is low, 20-60 ft. above O.D. I have not seen binervis
from this parish, but have it from the next.

HIEROCHLOE ODORATA, Wahl. (H. borealis, Roem. et Schult). In
Mr. Nicolson's paper (I.e.} he writes: "It has also been
reported from the Clova Hills in Forfarshire. In Dick's Herb,
at Thurso Museum specimens are so marked."

No mention is made of any specimens extant from Glen
Cally or Kella in " Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden,

1 I.e. " Cattey," the Gaeliclname for Caithness.

77 E

50 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Edinburgh," 1904, p. 121 ; neither is any specimen mentioned
in "The Scottish Naturalist," 1884, P- 268. It is a matter
for regret that no botanist has examined Dick's Herbarium
and recorded the result.

DESCHAMPSIA SETACEA, Richter (Aira uliginosa). Was found at
Watten by Mr. Grant, sp.

D. C^ESPITOSA, Beauv., var. AUREA, Wimm. et Grab, (sub Aira).
Ackergill Links, in wet places, W. W. Reeves, sp. ; by a rivulet
a mile or so south of Wick, E. S. Marshall, sp.

CATABROSA AQUATICA, Beauv., var. GRANDIFLORA, Hackel}- Named
by Prof. Hackel in 1889, the specimens sent to him from
Dunnet sand by F. J. Hanbury.

FESTUCA PRATENSIS, Huds. "Top. Botany," ed. 2, 1883.
*BROMUS ARVENSIS, L.

KCELERIA BRITANNICA, Domin. Wet places near river, Westerseat,
J. Grant, sp.

f. MAJOR, Domin. E. S. Marshall, "Journ. Bot.," 1906,
p. 103.

POA PRATENSIS, Z., var. STRIGOSA, Gaud. By the river near
Thurso, W. Galloway, sp.

P. PRATENSIS, Z., var. SUBCCERULEA (Sw.). Border of the site of
Loch Duran, J. Grant, sp.

P. TRIVIALIS, Z., var. GLABRA, Doell. Freswick, by the sea, J. Grant,
sp.

AGROPYRON REPENS, Beauv., var. BARBATUM, D.-Jouve, Freswick,
by the sea, Dr. Ward, sp.; near Lighthouse, Wick, J. Grant,
sp.

PHEGOPTERIS POLYPODIOIDES, Fee. Dick remarks : " On one
sloping brae grew P. Phegopteris, and I sat down beside it. I
remarked, though of all sizes from one inch to twelve, every one
was true to the type. Passing on to a rocky ledge I saw a
cluster of the fern I had been in quest of. That, said I, is the
P. Dryopteris of learned men. More than fifty of the fern
were growing before me, not one of them agreeing in any
particular with the Dryopteris of the books."

LYCOPODIUM SELAGO, L. Moss of Kilminster, D. Doull, sp.; East
Watten Moss, A. Sutherland, sp.

EQUISETUM PALUSTRE, Z., var. ARENARIUM, Fr. Dunnet Links,
E. S. Marshall, sp.

NITELLA OPACA, Ag. Scarnclett, Druce, I.e.

1 "Scot. Nat.," 1889, p. 91.

2 Smiles' " Life," 1878, p. 299.

CONTRIBUTION TO A FLORA OF CAITHNESS 51

Species that should probably occur in Caithness :

Ranunculus peltatus, Schrank. Si vice-counties.

Sisymbrium Alliarta, Scop. 99 ,,

Potentilla reptans, L. . 99

Erythrcea Centaurium, Pers. 102 ,,

Lycopus europceus, L. . 95 ,,

Scutellaria galericulata, L. . 103

Salix nigricans, Sm. . 20 ,,

Eriophorum latifolium, Hoppe, 60 ,,

Carex hirta, L. . . 98 ,,

Melica uniflora, Retz. . 96 ,,

Bromus giganteus, L. . 105 ,,

Isoetes lacustris, L. (?) . 25 ,, (reported from

Caithness).

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

Lesser Shrew in Perthshire. On igth November 1910, a
Lesser Shrew (Sorex minutus] was found lying dead on a path in a
larch wood, on the estate of Baledmund, near Pitlochry. We sent
it to the Royal Scottish Museum, where our identification of it was
confirmed. As there are only two direct records of this species in
Mr. Harvie-Brown's " Fauna of the Tay Area and Strathmore," we
think this occurrence may be worthy of a note. LEONORA JEFFREY
RINTOUL and EVELYN V. BAXTER, Largo, Fife.

Melanie Variety of the Orkney Vole. During my last visit to
Orkney, I saw several black specimens of the Orkney Vole, a pair
of which are now to be seen in the Stromness Museum. There
appears to be only one very small colony, or even family, known, and
known only to one man, who procured these specimens, but who will
not divulge their locality, except that it is on the mainland of Orkney
and not far removed from Stromness. H. W. ROBINSON, Lancaster.

[I have captured what appeared to be partially melanic examples
of this Vole near Stromness, but these on examination proved to
be merely in moult. I do not wish, however, to suggest that the
specimens to which Mr. Robinson refers were not in full fur and
are not melanisms. The under fur of this species is black, and
when the longer hairs are moulted this under coating becomes very
evident. I have moulting specimens which approach being entirely
black. W. E. C.]

The Birds of St. Kilda. In order to carry the investigations on
the migrations of birds, in which I have been for some years en-
gaged, to the outermost fringe of the British Area, I visited St. Kilda
during the past autumn. Here I remained, with George Stout as my

52 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

assistant, from ist September to 8th October, and met with quite
unlooked-for success. I was quite prepared to obtain negative
evidence, or very little more, of the visits of migratory birds at
such a far-western and remote station remotest of all in the
British seas. Fortunately the reverse happened, and no less than
54 species of birds on passage came under my notice. Of these 35
were new to the avifauna of the island, or an addition of 50 per cent
to the species that had been previously known to occur there.
Among the birds observed were a number of surprises species
which had not previously been recorded for Western Scotland, while
the American Pipit (Anthus pensylvanicus] is new to the British
fauna, and the Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris} to that of
Scotland. A full account of the result of these investigations is in
preparation, and will be published in due course. WM. EAGLE
CLARKE.

Bird Notes from Tiree. The larger race of Wheatear (Saxuola
cenanthe) may now have Tiree added to the localities frequented
by it on autumn migration. On 8th October 1910, Mr. Peter
Anderson shot two specimens and sent them to me at Dunipace.
Mr. Anderson writes : " The Common Wheatears left here some
time ago, and a crowd of this variety have come along within the
last 10 days. They have been all along over the rocky, heathery,
barren ground. Their antics on the ground are the same as the
Common Wheatear, but the alarm note is different from the ' chuk,
chuk,' of that bird. But," adds Mr. Anderson, " perhaps the season
of the year may account for that. I have seen more than a hundred
of them within the last week, and they are all the same as these two."

Mr. Anderson on iyth October sent me a White Wagtail in full
winter garb not a common phase of plumage to find them in in
localities usually frequented by migrants. Along with Mr. Gladstone
and Mr. R. Service (" Birds of Dumfriesshire ") one may wonder
whether new lines of migration (or lest objection be taken to that
expression, let us say new haunts discovered] have been followed by
the species in their natural increase in numbers ; or if the species
had been overlooked by earlier writers and present-day observers.
So far as Tiree is concerned, I cannot believe that Mr. Anderson
has overlooked its distinctive points, as he has been acquainted
with those migrants across Tiree as long ago as 1871.

The usual migration along portions of the West Coast has been
in some measure watched and reported on by Mr. Anderson.
Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, all arrived last week (i.e. the week
previous to iyth October, the date of his last communication, to date
of 22nd October). This migration is the same swing of the wave
which strikes at Monach Isles, and along the west coast of the
Long Island between Butt of Lewis and Monach, and which throws
out stragglers, on a still more extended wing, as far as the lone isle

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 53

of St. Kilda, and the borders of the loo-fathom line. Long ago,
we were informed that Monach Isles exhibited little migration at all,
until late in the season and usually little before the October
" rush."- -J. A. HARVIE-BROWN.

Birds observed at Fair Isle during the year 1910. The
observations on the movements of birds at this famous station have
been systematically and successfully prosecuted throughout the past
year by Mr. Jerome Wilson. Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford
visited the island during both the spring and autumn passage
periods, and contributed very materially to the results obtained.
Thanks to facilities afforded by Her Grace, I was enabled to visit
Fair Isle during May, and saw much migration. As the result of
these investigations, the movements of 129 species were chronicled :
of these 95 were observed in spring and 105 during the autumn, while
75 were common to both seasons. As a full account of the various
bird visitors to Fair Isle, now 198 in number, with particulars of
their times of appearance, and other information, is in an advanced
stage and will be shortly published, it is not proposed to do more here
than mention the new species which came under notice in 1910.
These were the Hoary Redpoll (Acanthis exilipes), HolbolPs Red-
poll (A. linaria holboelli), the Great Titmouse (Pants major), Bewick's
Swan (Cygnus bewicki}, the King Eider (Somateria spectabilis), the
Red-necked Phalarope (Phala ropus fulicarius), and the Yellowshank
( Totanus flavipes). The two first and the last are new to the fauna
of Scotland. A considerable number of rare and interesting visitors
also occurred. WM. EAGLE CLARKE.

Lauderdale Bird Notes. During the past summer we became
aware of the presence of Hawfinches {Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
in the garden by the very visible signs of destruction among the
peas, different entirely from those caused by Tits or Sparrows. For
three years these birds have almost ruined the pea-rows. This
summer, as fast as each row ripened, Hawfinches came to them.
We could explain it only on the hypothesis that the birds were
constantly in the vicinity, though but once was a hurried glimpse of
one got. A nest of the Hawfinch, however, was found lately, when
the gardener was pruning, in one of the standard apple trees, nine
feet or thereby from the ground. Apart from the fact that Mr.
Eagle Clarke identified it, there was no mistaking the loose, rather
flat structure of moss and spruce-fir twigs outside, and the lining of
fibres and twigs within. The nest was quite close to a frequented
path, and the presence of both Blackcap and Garden Warblers in
the garden during the earlier fruit season made us watch the bushes
and trees more closely than usual. Withal, but for the nest, the
destruction of the peas, and the suspected glimpse of one, we
should have been quite unconscious of the interesting fact that
these rare and very secretive birds lived so much in the vicinity.

54 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The Tree Sparrow (Passer montanns) is another rather un-
common bird in the Border district. Here, however, it has come,
at least, for several years, usually in January. Last January, on a
bright sunny morning, one might have been heard singing his
comparatively sweet, lilting song in a bush close to the avenue.
Before the bird was seen, the notes were thought to be the low
broken warblings of a very early Thrush. During the nesting
season a pair successfully reared two broods in bird boxes set up on
trees quite near the house. The birds, through the perfect security
they enjoy, have grown a good deal tamer. At first, the slightest
alarm was enough to send them high into the air, and they evidently
flew some distance away. Now they feed freely in a food-box
among the trees with the other Common Sparrows. This October
Tree-Sparrows have been seen constantly.

Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) are said to nest near Melrose.
Here they come occasionally in winter, and have been seen by
myself as well as others among the seeds by the roadside. A local
roadman who is interested in them as cage birds saw a flock of
twenty last winter close to the road where he wrought. WM.
M'CONACHIE, The Manse, Lauder.

Bullfinches, Mealy Redpolls, and Crossbills in Scotland.
Among the chief incidents of interest to ornithologists in Scotland,
during the past autumn, were the visits of numbers of the large Con-
tinental race of the Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) and the hordes of
Mealy Redpolls (Acanthis linaria). The Bullfinches were reported
from Unst (Dr. Edmonston Saxby), Lerwick (Mr. J. S. Tulloch), and
Fair Isle, in Shetland ; and the Misses Baxter and Rintoul record them
from the Isle of May. They seem to have first been noticed on 24th
October, and in some localities as many as ten were seen on single days.
The Redpolls were even more widely distributed, and were in vast
numbers ; indeed so many were taken by bird-catchers that no sale
for them could be effected. These birds were first reported on
1 6th October, and afterwards in abundance. Among them were
some numbers of Holboll's Redpoll (A. linaria holboelli). The
Shetlands were again visited by Crossbills (Loxia curvirostrd) in
some numbers. They were first detected on 2oth June, and were
under notice until i Qth September. Several were seen by me, all of
which belonged to the Continental race. WM. EAGLE CLARKE.

The Waxwing in Haddingtonshire. On 25th November a
Waxwing (Ampelis garrulus) was taken alive near the village of
Tranent. When first observed it was feeding on a wild rose-bush,
when a well-directed stone partially stunned the bird, and enabled a
boy to secure it. The bird was given to me the following day, and
is now (November 2Qth) alive and fairly healthy. It is in all
probability an old bird, if one may judge by the deep black throat
and the gloss on the plumage. The wax-like tips to the secondaries

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 55

are only four in number on each wing. Since the bird came into
my possession it has eaten doghips, haws, rice, grapes, and apple,
but its favourite food seems at present to be currants. R. L.
RITCHIE, Dunloe, Tranent.

Persistency in nesting- of Song 1 Thrush. - - Mr. Wm.

MacGillivray of Barra sends me the following note upon the per-
sistency of a Thrush in nesting this season in Eoligary garden. He
says : A Mavis nested in an ivy tree in Eoligary garden and
laid five eggs on the 28th April 1910. These eggs were destroyed
by rats. In the third week in May it nested a second time in
a rhubarb plant and had four eggs. These also were destroyed by
rats. In the second week in June, it nested a third time in a pear
tree and had one egg. This also was again destroyed by rats. In the
first week of July it nested a fourth time in the St. Barr Churchyard,
Eoligary, and hatched four birds, which were on the wing the last
week of the month. J. A. HARVIE-BROWN.

Albino Wood-Warbler in Dumfriesshire. A perfectly pure white
specimen of the Wood- Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix] was obtained
near Drumlanrig, Thornhill, at the end of July 1910. It only
lived some four hours after its capture, when it was stuffed by Mr.
Lockerbie, Chemist, Dumfries. The specimen, which I have seen,
is now in the possession of Mr. Jas. Graham, Carronbridge. HUGH
S. GLADSTONE, Capenoch.

Hen Harriers in Peeblesshire. About the beginning of
November two Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus) were seen hunting the
moors in the West Linton district, and on the ryth one of the birds,
an adult female, was shot on the " White Moss," at Medwyn. Its
crop contained the flesh of a grouse. The Hen Harrier is now a
very rare visitor to the district. T. G. LAIDLAW, Halmyre.

Migration of Whooper Swans. The passage of Whooper
Swans northwards over the Orkneys commenced this year (1910) on
25th March with a herd of eleven, which, coming from the south,
alighted on the Loch of Harray, to be joined later in the morning
by other herds of five and eleven. After washing themselves in the
fresh water, they all departed in the middle of the afternoon in one
herd. The main migration over Orkney of this species takes
place during the second week of April, when thousands may be seen
heading N.N.W. and flying comparatively low, very few breaking
their journey then, as they are possibly in a hurry to reach their
breeding grounds. H. W. ROBINSON, Lancaster.

Wigeon nesting 1 in Forth. In the October number of the
" Annals " there appeared an interesting note from Mr. Evans on
the nesting of the Gadwall and the Wigeon in " Forth." It seems
evident from what he says that the first identified Gadwall's nest,
found at the loch referred to, was that recorded by Misses Rintoul

56 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

and Baxter, but it may interest your readers to know that the first
identified Wigeon's nest was found by myself and Mr. David
Hamilton on the 8th June 1907. J. KIRKE NASH, Edinburgh.

[The fact that the Wigeon bred in the Forth area, at Loch Leven,
was first made known to us in 1901 by Mr. J. G. Millais in his
" Wildfowler in Scotland." Here, at p. 40, he tells that he had
the first reliable information of its breeding in 1880. EDS.]

White Grouse near Alyth. I am informed by my friend, Mr.
H. S. Holt, that a white Grouse (Lagopus scoticus) was shot on i3th
August 1910 at Bamff, Alyth, by the Hon. D. O'Brien. It was sent to
Messrs. Rowland Ward for preservation, who write me that it is a
female and a very fine bird ; but I have not personally seen the
specimen. HUGH S. GLADSTONE, Capenoch.

Blue Shark in the Firth of Forth. As we were walking along
the shore in Largo Bay on 8th December we found a Blue Shark
(Carcharias glaucus) lying dead, cast up by the sea. It looked in
perfect condition, but Mr. Kirk, Taxidermist, Glasgow, to whom it
was sent, tells us that there was a bruise at the base of the skull,
which may have been caused by a blow from the propeller of a
boat. A half-digested haddock and other fish remains were found in
the stomach. The Shark was 7 ft. in length and will find a resting-
place in the Royal Scottish Museum. The only previous records, we
believe, for the occurrence of this species in the Forth are, a note
from the " Edinburgh Evening Dispatch " of a Blue Shark 10 ft. long
captured on Kinghorn beach on 3oth November 1894 (see
"A.S.N.H.," 1900, p. 1 6), and a record by Mr. Evans of one
captured in the salmon nets, at Gullane Point, East Lothian, on
7th July 1898 ("A.S.N.H.," 1898, p. 239). LEONORA JEFFREY
RINTOUL and EVELYN V. BAXTER, Largo.

Oligoehseta from the Isle of May (Forth). On 23rd September
last, I found a number of Enchytrseid worms among earth at the
roots of a large tuft of sea-pink (Armeria maritima) on the rocks
at the south end of the Isle of May. One had all the external
appearance of Enchytnms albidus, Henle, and so it turned out to be,
but the others seemed quite different. On submitting specimens to
Mr. R. Southern, he reported, besides E. albidtts, Henlea hzbernica,
Southern, and Fridericia bulbosa (Rosa) a few of each, and both
recorded by him from Ireland, but not from Great Britain, and
therefore additions to my " Forth " list (" Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc."
xviii. 109). WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Rhinanthus Perrieri. In the "Annals," p. 178, 1909, the Rev.
E. S. Marshall says he 'thinks " Mr. Druce's contention ["Annals,"

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 57

p. 103] is quite arbitrary, and that the original specific name under
this genus holds good ; though Sterneck, under Alectorolophus, was
free to choose." I am afraid my friend must have penned this in
a furry and without carefully reading Sterneck's Monograph, p. 109.
Af- I said, when Sterneck was monographing the genus, which I
think he wrongly called Alectorolophus, and had to decide upon
the specific name for the above plant, he deliberately rejected the
specific name under Rhinanthus Perrieri, " since," he says, " Chabert
founded it upon a character common to several if not all the members
of the genus Rhinanthus."

The Vienna Actes (art. 26, sect. xiv. b) say, "avoid names
which express a character common to all or nearly all the species of
a genus." Surely, then, if such a name as Carex triangularis is
inadmissible because it is founded on a character common to most
Sedges, the establishment of a species of Rhinanthus upon a
character of the corolla which is possessed by many if not all
Rhinanthi is equally prohibited. Chabert himself established
Rhinanthus minor, var. rusticulus, and this had characters which
Sterneck thought sufficiently marked to be worth specific rank. It
is true in synonymy Sterneck quotes Rhinanthus Perrieri under A.
rusticulus, but he carefully explains why he does not use that name
for his species. Moreover, Rouy and Foucaud ("Fl. de Fr.") keep
them separate. Mr. Marshall says, " Sterneck had a right to
choose " the name he might adopt for a plant when removing it from
Rhinanthus to Alectorolophus. But the Vienna Actes expressly say
(art. 48) "the first specific epithet must be retained," if this is
removed from one genus to another, assuming there is no similar
name extant.

I have recently shown ("Journ. Bot." p. 78, 1910) that botanists
are correct in retaining the well-known generic name Rhinanthus
for the Yellow Rattles. This was founded by Linnseus in the
" Species Plantarum," in 1753, was clearly described by Hill (" British
Herbal," 1756), and strictly limited by Hudson ("Flora Anglica,"
1762), thus distinctly antedating Haller ("Stirpes Helv." p. 137,
1768), who revived Alectorolophus, which had been, unjustly, it is
true, ignored by Linnaeus. G. CLARIDGE DRUCE.

Pheeotharanion eonfervieolum, Lagerh. New to Britain.

Among some Algae collected from the Elf Loch on the Braid
Hills, Edinburgh, in August 1910, I found some specimens of a
brown algae growing on Lemna minor and other aquatic phanero-
gams. After examination I concluded that this must be Phceotham-
nion eonfervieolum^ Lagerh., first found and described by G. Lagerheim
in " Bihang till K. Svenska Vet.-Akad. Handlingar," Bd. 9, No. 19, in
1884, and again in Hansgirg's " Prodromus der Algenflora von
Boehmen," 1886, and in De Toni's " Sylloge Algarum," vol. 3
('Fuco-idea3'), 1895.

V
LIBRARY

58 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

In order to avoid any doubt, I sent specimens to Prof. G. S.
West of Birmingham, and he has kindly confirmed the identification.
This alga is of special interest to algologists, as it is one of the
few Phseophycese (or brown algae) occurring in fresh water. F. L.

McKEEVER.

Moray Plants. On 8th June, while examining a rough, boggy
patch of ground between the larger sandhills of Culbin and the sea,
I noticed several spikes of one of the Orchidacecz. I had not
previously seen the plant, but I at once identified it (as Corallorhiza
innatd) from the appearance of the root. Although it is mentioned
in Sowerby's " Botany," and also in Watson's " Cybele Britannica,"
vol. ii., as occurring in Moray, no definite locality is stated, but I
presume the term Moray is meant to embrace a much wider
stretch of country than to-day falls within the bounds of Moray-
shire. No mention of the Coral Root is made in Dr. Gordon's
" Flora of Moray," and I learned from the Rev. George Birnie of
Speymouth that, as I anticipated, it had never been recorded either
by Dr. Keith or Dr. Gordon as occurring near Forres.

On gth July I discovered a new locality for Pyrola uniflora in
a fir-wood on the hill above Glenburgie Distillery, about three miles
east of Forres. The plants, which were very large and handsome,
especially in sunken mossy hollows of the wood-floor, were
abundant within an area of about half an acre or thereby. ALEX.
MACGREGOR, Forres.

Correction, p. 254, 1909. Instead of, "and not to Carex
divulsa, which is under C. canescens in the Linnaeus her-
barium," read, " and not to Carex dhmlsa, which is under
C. loliacea in the Linnaeus Herbarium."

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural
History which have appeared during the Quarter October-December 1910.

[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 under mentioned.]

ZOOLOGY.

NOTES ON BIRDS. The Glasgow Naturalist, vol. iii. No. i,
Nov. 1910, pp. 32-37. Notes on the Ruff, Jay, Common
Guillemot, Storm Petrel, Mealy Redpoll, and Flamingo, and on the
Arrival of Summer Visitors in Scotland and the North of England.

WAXWINGS AND BRAMBLINGS IN BERWICKSHIRE. K. Logan
Home, The field, igth Nov. 1910, p. 955. A flock of nearly 200

CURRENT LITERATURE 59

Bramblings and a single male Waxwing observed at Edrom on i2th
Nov.

THE WILLOW-WRENS OF A LOTHIAN WOOD. S. E. Brock,
Zoologist, Nov. 1910, pp. 401-417, and map. A voluminous
account of the habits of the birds and distribution of their nests, etc.

GLOSSY IBIS SHOT IN UIST. H. Newton, The Field, loth Dec.
1910, p. 1094. Specimen shot in South Uist in November.

ALBINO RINGED PLOVER IN ORKNEY. J. Gwyn Jeffreys, The
field, i yth Sept. 1910, p. 551. A white example obtained at
Kirk wall on 2oth Aug.

NOTES ON SOME RARE MOLLUSCA FROM THE NORTH SEA AND
SHETLAND-FAEROE CHANNEL. James Simpson, Journ. Conch., Oct.
1910, pp. 109-115. One hundred and twelve species recorded.

LAMPRONIA (INCURVARIA) TENUICORNIS, STN., IN INVERNESS-
SHIRE. Eustace R. Bankes, Ent. Mo. Mag., Oct. 1910, p. 239.
Male taken near Aviemore on i5th June 1909. Reported to be
new to Scotland.

ATHETA (HOMALOTA) PICIPENNIS, MANNH., A NEW BRITISH
BEETLE. Norman H. Joy, M.R.C.S., F.E.S., Ent. Mo. Mag., Nov.
1910, p. 252. Recorded from Dalwhinnie (one, Sept. 1909) and
Aviemore (a few, xoth Sept. 1910).

CRYPTAMORPHA DESJARDINSI, GUER., IN GLASGOW. Anderson
Fergusson, Ent. Mo. Mag., Oct. 1910, p. 238. Specimen found in
house, probably introduced with bananas.

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF GALERUCELLA. Rev. W.
W. Fowler, D.Sc., M.A., F.L.S. Ent. Mo. Mag., Oct. 1910, pp. 228-
229. Galerucella fergussoni, sp. nov., described from specimens
taken at Fossil and Frankfield Loch, near Glasgow, by Mr. Anderson
Fergusson. [See also Glasgow Naturalist, 1910, iii. 36.]

FURTHER CAPTURES OF GALERUCELLA FERGUSSONI, FOWLER.
Andrew Adie Dalglish. Ent. Mo. Mag., Nov. 1910, pp. 262-263.
Taken at Fossil Marsh in 1900 (three specimens) and at
Milngavie.

FIELD NOTES ON BRITISH SAWFLIES (continued). Claude Morley.
F.Z.S., Entomologist, October 1910, pp. 281-285. The following
Scotch records are given : Emphytus braccatus, Taynuilt (Beaumont);
Taxones equiseti, Clunie (Elliott).

Two DIPTERA NEW TO BRITAIN. D. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S., Ent.
Mo. Mag., Dec. 1910, pp. 274-275. Microdon eggeri Mik, taken at
Rannoch, June 1910; Ernoneura argus, Ztt, captured on the shores
of Loch Garten, near Nethy Bridge, June or July, and by Col.
Yerbury in the Thurso district (near Scrabster).

60 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF PHORA. John H. Wood, Ent. Mo.
Mag., Oct. and Nov. 1910, pp. 243-249. Phora hirsiita recorded
from Bonhill on p. 249.

BOTANY.

REPORT OF THE BOTANICAL EXCHANGE CLUB FOR 1909. By
the Editor and Distributor, S. H. Bickham, F.L.S., 1910. Several
Scotch plants are recorded.

NOTES ON SCOTTISH PLANTS. By C. E. Salmon, F.L.S. (Journ.
Hot., 1910, pp. 205-206). A list of plants found, in Sept. 1909, by
A. Wallis in Westerness (97), Skye (104), and West Ross (105).
Chiefly from Skye, for which there are several new records, also a
few for Westerness.

COCHLEARIA MiCACEA IN PEEBLESSHiRE. By M'Taggart Cowan,
jun. (Journ. Bot., 1910, p. 334), at 1000 feet, in a mossy spring,
on N.E. border.

SPIRAEA ULMARIA, L., VAR. DENUDATA, BCENN. By G. Claridge
Druce (Journ. Bot., 1910, pp. 281-283). Discusses the value of
this as a variety.

ROSA PIMPINELLIFOLIA, L. x RUBiGiNOSA, L. By William
Barclay (Journ. Bot., 1910, p. 260). Numerous clumps of this
rare hybrid grow along half a mile of coast near Port Seton, some
to a height of 8 feet. They bore a fair crop of fruit.

A NEW VARIETY OF ROSA HIBERNICA. By William Barclay
(Journ. Bot., 1910, pp. 332-333). Found in Haddington, near
Port Seton ; referred to coriifolia x pimpinellifolia, a more or less
hairy form.

ARMERIA ALPINA, WILLD., IN BRITAIN?. By H. Stuart
Thompson, F.L.S. (Journ. Bot., 1910, pp. 278-279). Questions
occurrence of true A. alpina in Britain.

JUNCUS TENUIS, WILLD. By C. E. Salmon (Journ. Bot., 1910,
p. 259). Enumerates several vice-counties in Scotland. The
record " 98 Easterness, J. W. H. Traill, 'Ann. S.N.H.,' 1907, p. 251,"
is erroneous, the species there recorded being J. balticus.

RUPPIA ROSTELLATA IN v.c. 74. By C. E. Salmon (Journ. Bot.,
1910, p. 334). Notes a specimen labelled "Stranraer, Dr. Greville"
(already recorded from Stranraer).

COLLODERMA, A NEW GENUS OF MvcETOZOA. By G. Lister,
F.R.S. (Journ. Bot., 1910, pp. 310-312). C. oculatum (Lippert),
G. Lister, found by Rev. W. Cran, in Sept. 1910, on moss and
hepatics in two localities in Skene, Aberdeenshire.

BOOK NOTICES 61

BOOK NOTICES.

#

A HISTORY OF BRITISH MAMMALS. By Gerald E. H. Barrett-
Hamilton, B.A., M.R.I.A., F.Z.S. With twenty-seven full-page
plates in colour, fifty-four in black and white, and upwards of two
hundred and fifty smaller illustrations, drawn by Edward A. Wilson,
B.A., M.B. London : Gurney and Jackson, 1910.

By those who are interested in our British mammals, the name
of Mr. Barrett - Hamilton has been long regarded, through his
numerous and valuable contributions to their study, as the leading
authority on their histories. Fortunately he has been induced to
write a book giving us the benefit of his great knowledge. We have
now the pleasure of noticing the two parts already issued, and these,
from their many and outstanding excellences, will assuredly secure for
the work the highest place in the estimation of readers, both scientific
and general. The author's treatment of his subject is, as we should
expect, masterly. Each of the great Orders, under which the various
families naturally belong in the modern scheme of classification, are
very fully discussed from all standpoints. Then the smaller
groups of families and genera, the members of which are more nearly
related, are likewise treated of; and the characters of the latter, both
morphological and anatomical, are fully described. Then follow the
all-important species. Here we have sections devoted to synonymy ;
local names ; distribution, both at home and abroad ; distribution
in time ; period of gestation ; number of young ; breeding season ;
description (fur, colour, seasonal changes, skull, teeth, etc.); indi-
vidual and geographical variation ; dimensions ; weight ; and dis-
tinguishing characteristics all these sections being indicated by the
use of heavy type, so that reference can be instantly made to any
class of information desired. This we may describe as the scientific
side of the histories, and it is followed by a full and readable
general account, including habits, life-histories, food, etc. Taking
the common Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) as an example, some idea
of the thorough and exhaustive manner in which each species is
treated will be made manifest when we say that twenty-four pages
are allocated to its consideration. All the species are treated of in the
same philosophic and scientific manner. The work, too, is abund-
antly illustrated by high-class plates, both coloured and plain, and
also by numerous useful figures in the text. A word of praise
must be bestowed upon the publishers and printers for their
contributions towards the excellence of this valuable book the
best ever written on the engaging histories of our British Mammals.
The work is to form three volumes, and is being issued in monthly
parts at 25. 6d. net.

62 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

THE EGGS OF THE BIRDS OF EUROPE, INCLUDING ALL THE
SPECIES INHABITING THE WESTERN PAL^EARCTIC AREA. By
H. E. Dresser, F.L.S., F.Z.S., etc. London: 1905-1910. Issued
in 24 parts. ^12 : 123. net.

By the completion of this, the finest and most beautiful work
ever published on the subject, ornithologists are once more in-
debted to Mr. Dresser for a great contribution to their favourite
science. These handsome volumes form companions to the same
author's great work on the " Birds of Europe." It has been our
pleasure from time to time to notice the book during its progress
through the press. It is now our greater pleasure to congratulate
the veteran author on the completion of his labours. As we have
already pointed out, this work possesses one very special and highly
important feature, and possesses it alone among the great works
devoted to birds' eggs. It has hitherto been the custom to employ
an artist to paint the portraits of the eggs to be figured. Now it
may seem a strange fact, yet to ornithologists it is a well-known one,
that eggs are extremely difficult subjects to successfully portray, and
hence most of the plates that have been devoted to them are more
or less unsatisfactory, the exceptions being those cases where the
author was his own draughtsman. Mr. Dresser has boldly and
successfully overcome this difficulty. He has interposed no artist
between his subjects and their portraits, but has had all his figures,
and they amount to several thousands, reproduced by the three-
colour process, i.e. direct from the specimens themselves. At first
we were not a little sceptical that success could be achieved by such
mechanical treatment, but we were mistaken, for the result is really
wonderful. The eggs stand out in all their natural rotundity, and
are beautiful and faithful in their colour-markings. In all there are
1 06 plates, and on these the eggs of over 700 species, usually several
of each, are admirably depicted, and are masterpieces of the colour-
printer's art. The letterpress is suitable and adequate, and affords
full information on the breeding range of each species, the situation
and structure of the nest, and the number, description, and measure-
ments of the eggs. The volume devoted to the letterpress is
admirably illustrated by text-figures reproductions of photographs
of nests in situ of many species. We sincerely trust that Mr.
Dresser, who has passed the Biblical limit of life, may be spared to
lay ornithologists under further obligations from his stores of know-
ledge. The excellence of his latest work is the best evidence that
his days of usefulness have not yet run their course.

THE BIRDS OF DUMFRIESSHIRE : A CONTRIBUTION TO THE
FAUNA OF THE SOLWAY AREA. By H. S. Gladstone, M.A., F.Z.S.,
F.R.S.E., M.B.O.U. With illustrations from photographs. London:
Witherby and Co., 1910. 253. net.

A book which fills a gap in the ornithic survey of Scotland is

BOOK NOTICES 63

always acceptable. Mr. Gladstone's work, however, does more than
this, since it is the only one devoted to any portion of the Scottish
Solway area, nay more, we have no other book treating on the
avifauna of south-western Scotland. Such a contribution is thus
of exceptional value. The author has been very thorough in his
investigations into the voluminous literature relating to his subject,
and with this rich material, supplemented by his own observations,
has produced an excellent, readable, and handsome volume
of no less than 482 pages. That the avifauna of this part of the
Scottish Solway area is a rich one, and includes many rarities,
was to be expected, since it has received the attention of such a
distinguished resident and indefatigable naturalist as Sir William
Jardine in former times, and latterly of our friend and valued
contributor Mr. Robert Service. Many others, whose names
will be found in the chapter devoted to bibliography, have also
contributed materially to the subject. As the result we find that no
less than 218 species are natives, annual visitors, or have casually
occurred in the county, while 37 others have been doubtfully
recorded. These are all treated from the faunistic point of view ;
but, in addition, much other information of interest is afforded
which is likely to be fully appreciated by the many local subscribers
to the book. There are excellent chapters devoted to the physical
features of the county, migration, local names of species, etc. That
the book was a desideratum has been more than indicated, and
the author has discharged his self-imposed task in a manner that is
creditable in the highest degree, and renders the book a valuable
contribution to the great series of Scottish faunal works, among
which it is in every way worthy of a high place. It is well illustrated,
having twenty -four plates of topographical interest, and is also
supplied with a good map of the county.

THE BRITISH BIRD-BOOK : AN ACCOUNT OF ALL THE BIRDS,
NESTS, AND EGGS FOUND IN THE BRITISH ISLES. Edited by F. B.
Kirkman, B.A. (Oxon.). Illustrated by 200 coloured drawings and
numerous photographs. London and Edinburgh : T. C. and E. C.
Jack, 1910. In 12 sections at IDS. 6d. net.

We have here the beginnings (two sections) of yet another
expensive work devoted to British birds : one by an Editor who is
assisted by several well - known ornithologists, including Messrs.
Bonhote, Jourdain, Pycraft, and Selous. In an elaborate and
business-like prospectus, abounding in promises, we are given to
understand that practically all the literature, British and Continental,
is to be ransacked and laid under contribution ; and that in one
respect, at least, namely the accounts devoted to habits, the new
work is to surpass anything that has hitherto appeared in a British
bird-book. The performance, however, is not remarkable when com-
pared with what we were led to anticipate. In a work which is

64 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

to cost six guineas, and is the result of so much labour, we should
naturally expect that all sections of the subject would receive adequate
treatment ; yet except the one on habits, the information afforded is
not in advance of that to be found in a Manual or a Handbook, though
it is sound so far as it goes. This inadequacy is markedly manifest
in the portion which deals with the British distribution of the various
species an important subject, and one that has been extremely
popular since the day when Gilbert White declared that the natural
history of every kingdom and province should have its own mono-
grapher. Though so much is claimed for the accounts of habits,
we cannot say that we are enamoured with most of them. A few
are decidedly good, others smack too much of the artistic writing
of the modern journalist, while those of the chief contributor are
sadly marred by eccentricities. The plan of the work is unhappy,
inasmuch as the accounts of habits are divorced from those treating
of the species generally, and are given of the species under groups,
such as Finches, etc. We say unhappy, because these descriptions
are long (that of the Finches extending to 73 pages), and, as no
rubric is used, it entails much loss of time to find the portions relat-
ing to any particular species. As regards the coloured pictures,
only a few of them, so far, come up to the required modern standard
of excellence, and some of them are exceedingly poor. The figures
of nests in the text and the general get-up of the book (apart from
its awkward size) are all that could be desired.

THE HOME-LIFE OF THE SPOONBILL, THE STORK, AND SOME
HERONS. Photographed and described by Bentley Beetham, F.Z.S.
London : Witherby and Co. Price 53.

Last year Mr. Witherby published a charming little book on
the Golden Eagle, and this year he has issued a no less delightful
companion volume dealing with the home -life of the Spoonbill,
White Stork, Common Heron, and Purple Heron. As the letter-
press only amounts to 47 pages the chapters are decidedly short,
but they are nevertheless full of observations and notes which bring
great credit to the author and show him to be a most careful
observer of bird life, and one gifted with an endless stock
of patience and energy. In order to study the Spoonbill, White
Stork, and Purple Heron, Mr. Bentley Beetham visited Holland,
and his trips there proved singularly successful, as in each chapter an
interesting and graphic account is given of the home-life of these
birds. The author is also an expert photographer, and his 32
photographs of the birds in different attitudes and various stages of
life are excellent, and have attained to the high-water mark of
perfection among bird photographs. The whole get-up of this little
volume is most pleasing, and it is to be hoped that it may not be
the last of the series. G. G. M.

The Annals

of

Scottish Natural History

NO. 78] 1911 [APRIL

OBSERVATIONS ON THE ROCK-BREEDING
BIRDS OF THE BUTT OF LEWIS, 1910.

By ROBERT CLYNE.

THE sea- board for a couple of miles on the east and west
of the extreme Butt is, for the most part, rocky and much
indented, but there are small sandy bays on both sides, the
resort of shoals of sand-eels and fry, and consequently good
feeding ground for birds. The rocks they can hardly be
termed cliffs range from 60 to 90 feet in height ; are very
much fissured and cleft, with fallen portions overlapping each
other. There are also several detached skerries, a few
yards from the mainland, which cannot be reached without
a boat. There is therefore no lack of convenient corners for
the different birds which come to breed. These are Shags,
Herring and Lesser Blackbacked Gulls, Kittiwakes, Terns,
Black Guillemots, Rock-Pigeons, Grey Crows, Starlings, and
Common Sparrows. To these may be added a few pairs of
Eiders, Sheldrakes, and Oyster-catchers, which are frequently
seen though their nests have not been found ; Ring- Plover,
which breed in the vicinity of the rocks, and Shearwaters and
Petrels, which are seen every year at breeding time.

Hundreds of Shags nest in our given area, many in caves
out of view of observers. Early in April they were
occasionally observed hobbling about in unusual quarters
78 B

66 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

picking up material for their nests. This year several birds
added long rushes which had been found floating in the
vicinity of the seaweed of which their nests were composed.
Birds were seen apparently sitting on i/th April, but the
first squabs of the season were not seen until 7th June.
These, three in number, were in an old-established habita-
tion, an overhung ledge in the inner corner of a large gully.
There is a nest here every year quite open to observation,
and the parent Shags are not afraid to visit their abode
though one is near.

The young Shags left the nest on i/th July. Of several
later broods which were under observation, the last left the
nest about the 2Oth August.

The Herring Gulls breed in colonies on the outlying
rocks, but singly, or only a few pairs together. In other
parts there are not over a dozen pairs of the Lesser Black-
backed species breeding in our area, and they keep to the
outlying rocks. The first Gull eggs were seen on 22nd May,
and the first young chicks on loth June. Unlike the
Shags the parent Gulls would not visit their nests when any
one was near, but flew, screaming menacingly overhead, the
swoop of their wings being felt fanning the face as they
passed. Where the young have room to move about they
do not remain over a week in the nest. When approached
the chicks endeavour to get out of sight by backing one on
top of the other in a crevice of the rock, or creeping under
stones, and, if handled, eject the fishy food recently
swallowed. When older they scream and are ready to
defend themselves to the best of their ability. Many of
the young seem very reluctant to take to the air or the water,
and were often seen partly flying or exercising their pinions
before venturing forth. These no doubt had been well
provided with food, and were not forced out to forage for
themselves. Most of the young " Scories " 1 were, however, on
the wing by the middle of August, but several have experi-
enced hard times, and have been seen in the adjoining
pasture land persistently following the old birds, and even

1 [Local name, very generally given to the young Herring Gulls so soon as
they are able to fly. Coasts of Scotland but recently local to the eastern sea-
board. J. A. H.-B.]

THE ROCK-BREEDING BIRDS OF THE BUTT OF LEWIS 67

hungrily claiming parentage of the white Wyandotte pullets
in the poultry-runs.

In my opinion there are no British birds so elegantly
plumaged, so cleanly spick and span, as are the Kittiwake
Gulls, and they may well be chosen as emblems of purity.
They were first seen at their breeding cliffs on i/th April,
and began nest-building about the middle of May. Here
they land in two colonies not far apart. The first young
were seen on 2nd July; a few were on wing on 8th August;
on 28th there were still some late ones in the nests. Before
flying they also are seen violently exercising their wings, but
on their narrow nesting ledges they have comparatively little
room for the operation. In a convenient niche in the centre
of the largest colony, a brood of three Shags has been reared.
One unlucky pair of Kittiwakes had their nest on the same
ledge, only a foot or so from the recess of the Shags. One
day I observed a Shag attack one of the parent Kittiwakes,
and hold it (struggling, over the ledge) by one wing. As
there was only one chick, instead of the usual three, one
feels suspicious that Mr. Shag had at some evil moment
pushed the other eggs or chicks out of his way, though
latterly the young Shags and single Kitty have fraternised
and fledged together.

Terns were first seen on I9th May. About forty pairs
bred on an outlying rock, and were unmolested this year.
Young were seen on 3rd July, and they all left their breeding
rock on /th August, and frequented the adjoining sandy
beaches. In rain and haze on the morning of I2th August,
five were flying in the rays of the light; and on I5th a
% young one was picked up in a dying condition, a quill
feather about seven inches long being fixed in its throat.

Black Guillemots or Tysties returned to the rocks in
early March, and gradually increased in numbers as the
weather improved, and the sea got smoother, for they do not
care to remain near the rocks when a surf is breaking.
They seemed more numerous than in previous years, and
bred all along the rocks, even where they were not over
twenty feet in height. The Tysties are late breeders here,
and young were not seen until loth July, and one grey
chick was still in the nesting cleft on 25th August. It is

68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

stated that the Tystie unlike the Common Guillemot-
deposits two or three eggs. In a cleft of the rock I could
see five single eggs, and later single chicks, and conclude
they were the offspring of ten different parents. As soon as
the young are able to reach the sea they and the parents
leave the vicinity of the rocks. Where a few weeks earlier
it was common to see twenty or thirty old birds, by the end
of August only a single one was seen. On the water
Black Guillemots have a peculiar trait of " lining up " * in
straight lines, and are never (for any length of time)
scattered singly here and there. Their rapid flight, and beat
of the white-banded wings as they fly from rock to rock, very
much resembles that of a large butterfly, while, if alarmed,
they will sit at their nesting-hole mewing like a young
kitten.

Rock-Pigeons inhabit the caves in hundreds all the year
round. There are several very large white birds seen among
them, probably tame birds which have associated with the
blues, though there are no dovecots in the neighbourhood.

o o

In April they may be seen plucking and carrying the
succulent green shoots of rock plants, which one would
think are more of an edible than a nest-building material.
A young nearly full-fledged bird, with downy feathers still
attached, was seen early in August. This, I presume, had
been a bird of the second or third brood of the year.

One pair of Hooded Crows has nested on the most
inaccessible peak for the last three years, and have always
managed to rear a brood, though, on account of their
depredations among lambs and poultry, the population have
been up in arms against these grey marauders.

Several scores of Starlings begin to nest in March, and
as late broods took wing in September, some of them at
least must rear two broods in the season. They nest in,
and occupy at night for shelter, the same clefts of rock as
do Tysties, with which they seem to live on the best of
terms. A few common Sparrows also breed on rocks near
the dwelling-houses. These were feeding a fledged brood in

1 [A trait in their behaviour curiously enough not remembered by me. I have
rarely if ever (?) seen them except singly, in pairs, or perhaps triplets. Though
I have seen quite a colony of 100 pairs. T-A.H.-B.]

THE ROCK-BREEDING BIRDS OF THE BUTT OF LEWIS 69

May, and at the same time collecting feathers for a second
nest.

Ring-Plovers breed at several places in our area. One
nest was found on pasture land about 400 yards from the
shore on 24th May. It then contained three eggs, another
was deposited later, and the first chick was seen partly out
of the egg on the evening of the iQth June, and by next
forenoon they had all scuttled out of sight. We knew from
the excited proceedings of the parent birds that the young
were safe in the vicinity, but a search among the pebbles
where they were hiding was unsuccessful. Nests of the Eiders,
Sheldrakes, and Oyster-catchers I have not found, but as a
few pairs frequent the fringe of low-lying rocks at the extreme
S.W. of our area, 1 and are usually seen with a following in
the autumn, we may safely include them among our shore
breeders.

Petrels are caught every year on the lantern during the
breeding season. On the morning of I2th August a Manx
Shearwater struck the lantern heavily and was killed.
Searchings in likely places, and frequent watching in the
gloamings have, as yet, failed to locate a nesting place,
though I am convinced this species breeds somewhere
near.

Common Guillemots and Puffins were seen resting on the
rocks this summer. Flocks of them, and also Razorbills, are
often seen passing, but none of them breed. I have not
observed Cormorants breeding here though a few are seen
during the winter.

Gannets never rest here. They pass in thousands from
March to October. One can understand the passing S.W.
in spring of continuous flocks when they are probably
resorting to their usual breeding haunts, but why the majority
should pass daily in a S.W. direction during the summer is
a puzzling question, which I would like more particularly
to study another yeatv Evidently they must make a
circular tour, when coming to the Minch to fish, going empty
through the Sounds and coming up the Minch replete.

1 ["Area" not defined, I think. J. A. H. -11]

- [Following the herrings, and then the mackerel "schools." Gannets
return W. to E. through the Pentland Firth and follow the herring, or go to
meet the herrings in Shetland. See earlier Migration Reports. J.A.H.-B.]

70 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Rarely a few are seen cutting the point and sailing overland,
but a channel between an outlying rock and the mainland at
the extreme Butt is their favourite highway, and probably
has been from time immemorial.

THE LIGHTHOUSE, BUTT OF LEWIS.

BLYTH'S REED - WARBLER (ACROCEPHALUS
DUMETORUM) AT FAIR ISLE: AN AD-
DITION TO THE BRITISH AVIFAUNA.

By WM. EAGLE CLARKE.

IN September last, a small plain-coloured bird resembling a
Garden- Warbler in colour was observed by Her Grace the
Duchess of Bedford in a small plot of turnips at Fair Isle.
It was very shy, and only afforded a momentary view ere it
sought fresh cover. It was found by my observer in the
same place on the following day, and after some trouble was
secured, and believed by its captor to be a Reed-Warbler.

On receiving the skin I found that it was not a speci-
men of the common Reed-Warbler, and on further examina-
tion along with Dr. C. B. Ticehurst we made it out to be
AcrocepJialus dumetorum. Not having any specimens of this
species with which to compare it, I sent the bird to Dr.
Hartert, who kindly confirmed the identification.

Blyth's Reed -Warbler is not only an addition to the
British avifauna, but is a new bird for Western Europe, for it
has not, I believe, been found farther west than Russia. It
is a summer visitor to regions from the Governments of St.
Petersburg and Archangel eastwards to the valley of the
Yenesei, and southwards to Transcaspia, the Himalayas,
Altai, and Turkestan. The winter is passed in the plains of
India from the foot of the great mountains of the north to
Ceylon, and from Sind to Assam. Its habits are said to be
less aquatic than those of its allies, since it frequents low
jungle where rushes flourish, as well as reeds and trees over-
hanging water, and occurs at altitudes of 6000 feet or more.

BLYTH'S REED-WARBLER AT FAIR ISLE 71

In colour it more resembles the Marsh-Warbler (A.
palustris) than the Reed-Warbler (A. streperus\ but is a little
duller in colour and usually smaller in size, though the
smallest Marsh- Warbler and the largest dumetorum over-
lap. The wing formula of Blyth's bird differs from both
the British species just mentioned in having the second
primary shorter than the fifth.

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF TEMMINCK'S
GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER IN ORKNEY.

By WM. EAGLE CLARKE.

I RECEIVED a specimen of this interesting bird from the
Pentland Skerries, where it was captured on 26th October
1910. The bird rose, on being disturbed, and darted into
an old rabbit's burrow, from which it was taken and sent to
me in the flesh for identification, and proved to be Locustella
lanceolata of Temminck. It is a new bird to Scotland, and
has only twice previously been recorded for Western
Europe, namely at North Cotes in Lincolnshire on 1 8th
November 1909; and at Heligoland on 1 3th October
1909. I am now convinced, however, that a bird I shot at
Fair Isle on 9th September 1908 is a young bird of this
species a view that is also shared by my friend Dr. C. B.
Ticehurst, who has seen the specimen and compared it with
other members of the genus.

This species is a summer visitor to the whole of Siberia
and the northern Isles of Japan, but is of very rare occur-
rence in European Russia. Its winter quarters are in
Burmah, India, South China, and Borneo. This eastern bird
resembles our Grasshopper- Warbler, but, as a rule, it is a
little smaller, and has the dark spots on the centre of the
feathers of the upper plumage more clearly defined. The
Orkney specimen, which is a bird of the year, has the under
parts greyish yellow with dark brown streaks on the centre
of the feathers of the throat and breast.

72 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SCOTTISH HERONRIES AND A CENSUS

OF HERONS.

By HUGH BOYD WATT, M.B.O.U.

THE full and careful account of Heronries in the " Dee "
area by Mr. A. Landsborough Thomson in the last
number of the " Annals " (pp. 7-9), enables another extensive
district to be added to those which have been reported upon,
in detail, within recent years. Those districts, and the
works containing statistical and other information on the
Heronries within their bounds, are as follows (in chrono-
logical order) :

1. BERWICKSHIRE AND THE BORDERS. See 'Herons and Border

Heronries,' by James Smail (" Hist. Ber. Nat. Club," vol. x.
PP- 33-4. I 8S5); and the "Birds of Berwickshire," vol. ii.
1895, by George Muirhead.

2. " CLYDE " AREA. See ' Heronries, Past and Present, in the Clyde

Faunal Area,' by Hugh Boyd Watt ("Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc.,
Glas.," vol. v. (new series, 1900), pp. 378-90.

3. "FORTH" AREA. See 'Heronries in Forth,' by William

Evans' ("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1909, p. 116). A brief note
only.

4. DUMFRIESSHIRE. See the "Birds of Dumfriesshire," 1910, pp.

228-30, by Hugh S. Gladstone (ut infra}.

5. " DEE " AREA. See ' Heronries in Dee, etc.,' by A. Lands-

borough Thomson ("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1911, pp. 7-9).

For additional information see under "Clyde," "Forth," and
" Dee " below.

If a bibliography of Scottish Heronries was being attempted
many other items would be included ; but it may be remarked here
that the principal works of a more general scope were mentioned in
the introduction to iny first list ("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist." 1908, p.
219), not omitting the important publications named in the editorial
comments in the current " Annals " (p. 9). It seems incredible that
Mr. Harvie-Brown's works can be unknown to any one interested
in the history of Scottish birds.

Since my last communication ("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1910,
pp. 68-70) further information has been gathered, which is now
appended in the form of a

SCOTTISH HERONRIES AND A CENSUS OF HERONS 73

SECOND SUPPLEMENTARY LIST OF HERONRIES.
(* = Extinct.)

MORAY.

Castle Stuart, Inverness, scattered nests in the woods.

*Darnaway, should have been marked as extinct. Abandoned

about 1873.
Munlochy, Black Isle, but no information as to numbers.

DEE.

*Crathes, about 1902, not more than one nest. Mr. A. M'Donald,

Durris.

For list of other places, see Mr. A. Landsborough

Thomson's article cited above ; but note that
Leithhall, Kennethmont, should < not be included under " Dee."

It is in " Moray," and is correctly entered in my first list

("Annals," 1908, p. 220).
Netherdale (River Deveron). To prevent any confusion it might

have been well had Mr. Harvie-Brown added to his remarks

that this is in " Moray," not " Dee." It is named in my

first list (loc. tit.}.

TAY.

*(?) Ardoch (on the Knaick), several nests ; may be there yet, but
my informant has not seen the place for about forty years.
Dr. Geo. Hunter.

FORTH.

Saltoun Wood, 6 or 7 pairs ; 2 or 3 pairs came from Tyninghame
12 or 15 years ago and then nested at the waterside (Tyne) ;
later on they moved up to their present position. Mr. John
Laidlaw.

TWEED.

Carolside (on the Leader), a large Heronry. " Hist. Ber. Nat.
Club," vol. xx. p. 319 (1910).

Dawyck, ought not to be marked * as extinct ; 12 or 15 nests
are tenanted in the breeding season. It is gratifying to know
of the continued existence of this old and historical Heronry.
"Dawik" or " Dawikkis " supplied " quyk herounis " to the
King so far back as 1497, according to the "Accounts of the
Lord Hi;h Treasurer." For the above and other information

o

my thanks are due to Mr. W. Balfour Gourlay.

ARGYLL AND THE INNER HEBRIDES.

Ardgour House, small, in 1887-8, "and may be used still."- -W. I.
Beaumont ("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1910, p. 183).

74 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

CLYDE.

Doonside House, marked * in original list. Added again to nesting

sites ("Annals Kilmarnock Glenfield Ramblers' Soc." No. 6,

1907-10).
'^Garelochhead, occasional nests, but not since 1905. W. R.

Baxter ("Glasgow Nat.," 1910, p. 76).
Loch Long, several single nests at various places on both sides,

between Portincaple and Arrochar. W. R. Baxter, ut supra.
Loudoun Woods, added to nesting sites ("Annals Kilmarnock,"

ut supra).
Martnaham Loch, a strong colony now and last year. Mr. John

Smith, Dairy, Ayrshire.
Muirkirk (near), pair nested and reared young in 1908 ("Annals

Kilmarnock," ut supra).

SOLWAY.

From Mr. Hugh S. Gladstone's work cited above, the under-
named should be marked as extinct, in my first list :

*Brunt Fir Wood. *Jardine Hall. *Sha\v, Dryffe Water.

*Castle Milk. *Monaive, Dalwhat Water.

On the same authority additional places have to be included in
the list as follows :
*Arkleton, Ewes, at one time 20 nests (abandoned).

Auchanhessnane, Tynron, 3 to 6 nests.

*Auchenaight, Penpont, one or two pairs used to nest (abandoned).
*Barbuie, Glencairn, one nest some years ago (abandoned).
*Beardie's Howe, Closeburn, left when trees cut down in 1890 or

1892 (abandoned).

. Crurie, Eskdalemuir, 12 nests in 1908.
''Dabton, Morton, a tree regularly resorted to (abandoned).
*Dean Bank, Ewes, formerly two nests (abandoned).
*Dormont, Dalton, seen 1865 (abandoned).
*Drumlanrig, Durisdeer, at one time 6 nests (abandoned).

Duncow, Kirkmahoe, only a few.
*Elicck, Sanquhar, till about 1888 (abandoned).

Flaskwood, Langholm, 12 nests in 1908.

Glenmaddie, Sanquhar, 2 nests; came about 1903.

Hillhouse Plantation, Kirkpatrick-Juxta, never more than two nests.

Hollee Wood, Kirkpatrick-Fleming, usually two nests ; since about
1900.

Kirkwood, Dalton, 4 nests in 1908.

Libry Moor Plantation, Kirkconnel, usually 4 or 5 nests.

Mount Annan, Annan, since the memory of man. Sometimes 3

nests, usually one.

*Murtha, Kirkpatrick-Juxta, nested for at least 80 years, left in 1907
(abandoned).

SCOTTISH HERONRIES AND A CENSUS OF HERONS 75

Nether Lochar Woods, Ruthwell, 3 pairs since 1905.
*Nithbank, Morton, 7 or 8 nests in 1883; trees blown down 1884

(abandoned).

Shaw Wood, Glencairn, 2 or 3 nests for many years.
Woodcockair, Annan, 4 nests in 1907 ; usually one or two.

All the information gathered points to the continued abandon-
ment of the habit of nesting in large colonies or to their break-up
in Scotland, very few places now having more than twelve nests
together. The number of single nests occurring may also be remarked
on. Mr. Dresser ("Birds of Europe," vol. iv.) says "now and then
a solitary nest is to be found," but in Scotland at the present day
such nests are not infrequent.

A CENSUS OF HERONS.

From the foregoing it will be seen that already the Heronries of
a considerable portion of Scotland are well and accurately determined,
and a sound basis laid for attempting a census of the species, if the
suggestions made in the last number of the "Annals" (pp. S-io),
are thought to be practicable and useful. The sedentary habits of
the bird and its large size are considerations in favour of the project.
In the Reports on Scottish Ornithology published in the " Annals "
(1893-1910), Herons are very seldom mentioned, only seven of the
years having any entries and these quite brief. The difficulty, how-
ever, of anything approaching a definite and simultaneous census
of the whole of Scotland, or indeed of any one of the faunal areas,
seems to be considerable. To test the matter, I would suggest that
the observers and recorders who make returns for the annual Reports
should have a supplementary schedule sent them with directions for
a census of Herons in their districts. The schedules could also be
sent to others likely to be able to make returns, including the
subscribers to the " Annals," with a request for their assistance.
Directions might be given fixing a day or days for taking the census,
which should be simultaneous or as nearly so as possible. Three
enumerations at different periods of the year (say the first Saturday
in the months of March, June, and October or November) might be
aimed at, and a mean of the returns worked out, thus reducing
errors. The supplementary schedule should also have columns for
statistics of present nesting places.

The conduct of the census and subsequent report might, I
venture to suggest, be placed with confidence in the hands of the
writers of the last Report on Scottish Ornithology who are already
in touch with observers and recorders throughout the country. If
Miss Evelyn V. Baxter and Miss Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul will under-
take this, Scottish ornithologists will look forward to obtaining as
satisfactory a result as is possible.

76 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SOLAMOSSE GEESE.
By J. H. GURNEY, F.L.S., F.Z.S., etc.

THE Household Books of Lord William Howard of Naworth
Castle in Cumberland, known in Border traditions as " Belted
Will," having been submitted to the Surtees Society, a liberal
selection from them was published in 1877 (68), under the
editorship of the Rev. George Ornsby, in which there are
several entries about birds.

Under date of I4th August 1623 we read of the following
payment :

To the Lord Crainston's man bringing iiij Solamosse geese, iij s , iiij s .

and a month later,

1 8th Sept. To Mr. Albanye Fetherstone's man bringing iiij live
partriges, xij d .

And again, on 23rd August 1633,

To 2 boyes bringinge 10 Sollemgeese from my Lord Cranston, x s .

To the first of these passages the editor, Mr. Ornsby,
appends a note saying that the Gannet or Solan Goose is
the bird meant ; but this appears doubtful, from what Mr.
H. S. Gladstone has recently told me.

Mr. Gladstone finds the Solway Firth spelled in some
old MSS. thus " Sollan Moss," and in another place
" Solon Moss ; " and also " Sollan " in an old map of
Cumberland. This naturally leads to the conclusion that
the Geese brought into Naworth Castle were not Gannets

o

but Grey Geese of some sort from the Solway. Solway
Moss, which lies at the mouth of the river Esk, is only five
miles from Naworth Castle, but as to whether Geese are still
found there, I have no information.

As they were sent by Lord Crainston in August, they
may have been domestic Geese, which is all the more
possible, as " willd gesse " and " wilde gouse " are elsewhere
particularised in the Naworth accounts ; Wild Geese would
hardly have been obtainable so early in the autumn as August.

In the second passage the word is different, the spelling

SOLAMOSSE GEESE 77

being " Sollemgeese," which is practically the same word used
for the Gannet by Sir William Brereton in 1635 ; J accordingly,
it is not unlikely that real Gannets are intended, and the date,
23rd August, would be about the time for taking them at
the Bass Rock, distant from Naworth, as the crow flies, about
sixty miles, and not a great deal longer by road. At the
Bass the young Gannets were harvested every year, and
looked upon as a delicacy. To so great an extent was this
carried on, that Brereton tells us in his time the fowl taken
on the Bass were worth ^200 a year.

KESWICK HALL, NORWICH.

ON SOME AMBICOLOURED FLAT-FISH FROM

THE CLYDE.

By RICHARD ELMHIRST, F.L.S.

Superintendent of the Marine Biological Station, Millport.

IN October 1908 Mr. J. N. Goudie, of Strone, sent to the
Millport Marine Station an ambicoloured Dab which he had
caught on a hand-line, in about 4 fathoms, in the Holy Loch.
I heartily thank him for sending this interesting specimen to
this station. I have found the blind side partly coloured in
a few other fishes.

PLAICE (Plcuronectes platessa, L.). One specimen, 143 mm. long,
from Fairlie Sands had the posterior half pigmented and spotted,
followed by three round patches of pigment in a transverse row,
and one patch still further forward. The orange marks on the
left side were exactly opposite the normal marks on the right,
as in the case of symmetrical colour variation mentioned by
Bateson in "Materials for the Study of Variation," p. 467,
except for a little extra coloration about the lateral line on the
left side. The anterior termination of the dorsal fin is normal,
not ending behind the eyes, as in a specimen mentioned by
Cunningham and M'Munn in "Trans. Roy. Soc." vol. 184,
p. 802.

1 "Travels in Holland, the United Provinces, England, Scotland, and
Ireland," MDCXXXiv-MDCxxxv. By Sir William Brereton, Bart. Edited by
Edward Hawkins (1844).

7 8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

In Rothesay Museum there is a cast of a specimen caught
locally in which the posterior quarter of the body was almost
white on the right side. The anterior f was normal in colour
as also was the tail ; on the blind side the distribution of the
pigment, including the red spots, was similar to and symmetrical
with the right, only much darker. The dorsal fin in the cast
ends over the origin of the pectoral, not reaching near the head,
which is 4^ in the length (normal 4^).

WITCH (P. cynoglosstts, L.). The presence of chromatophores
scattered over the left side about 50 per sq. cm. seems to
be a normal condition.

DAB (P. limanda, L.). (i) The specimen caught by Mr. Goudie is
171 mm. long, completely pigmented on both sides, and in
general appearance rather short and stumpy, particularly about
the head.

The head is distinctly short, 5.3 in the length, instead of 4f
to 5, as given by Day in " British Fishes," vol. ii. p. 32. The
dorsal fin ends anteriorly in a hook, as is common in ambicoloured
flat-fish. The end of the hook, instead of projecting above
the eyes, is bent down close to the edge of the left eye, which it
touches. This makes it look from the right as though the
dorsal fin ended behind the left eye without a notch ; the
notch only shows distinctly from the left side. The left eye is
placed almost on the top of the head. On the left side there is
a depression in the operculum, the region of the preopercular
bone being distinctly concave. The fin formula is D. 75, P.
10, V. 6, A. 55, C. 15, i.e. one extra ray in the caudal fin.

(2) 200 mm. long, slightly coloured on the left pectoral and
ventral, the angle between the ventral margin, from the chin to
ventrals, and the gill cleft being fully pigmented.

(3) 1 60 mm. long, has a slight patch on the left operculum
and a few chromatophores scattered over the body.

(4) 112 mm. long, has a patch on the operculum and a streak
3 mm. wide crossing half-way from the middle of the dorsal fin
to the middle of the anal fin. Also a few chromatophores
near the base of the dorsal fin posteriorly.

FLOUNDER (P.fasus, L.). There is a fully ambicoloured specimen
which has been in the station for some years, 310 mm., head
rather longer than normal, 3.8 instead of 4 in the length. The
anterior end of dorsal fin ends in a free hook which hardly
reaches to the posterior edge of the left eye as in that figured by
Cunningham and M'Munn, I.e. pi. 54, fig. 2, where it overlaps
the left eye. Left eye is on the top of the head.

In October Messrs. M'Neil, Millport, took a flounder on
Fairlie Sands which was ambicoloured and had the head to the

ON SOME AMBICOLOURED FLAT-FISH FROM THE CLYDE 79

left. Mr. J. Thorburn tells me about one in fifteen are left-
handed.

Locally the Flounder is called a " Mole," and Plaice called
Flounder.

TURBOT (Bothus maximus, L.). In May 1908 Mr. T. Thorburn
caught and presented to Rothesay Museum an ambicoloured
Turbot, i Si ins. long, of which there are three casts exhibited.
The head is 3! in the length (normal 3^). There is a deep
notch over the eyes, which are above each other (cf. J. Ritchie,
"A.S.N.H." No. 67, p. 146); the free end of the dorsal fin
reaches to about half-way between the eyes and the anterior
extremity. The right eye is practically on the top of the head.
The long tubercles are present on both sides of the body.

I am indebted to the courtesy of Mr. Herd for the
privilege of examining these casts, the originals of which
have unfortunately not been kept. Since writing the above
notes I have met with several cases of partial ambicolora-
tion in Plaice and Dabs.

A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED AT FORRES
("MORAY") IN AUGUST 1910.

By the Rev. J. E. HULL, M.A.

\_Note by W. EVANS. The following list of Spiders from the
neighbourhood of Forres has been sent to me by the Rev.
J. E. Hull, Ninebanks Vicarage, Northumberland, to use as
I please. There are none too many records of Spiders
from Scotland, and I think the list ought certainly to be
published in full in our " Annals of Scottish Natural History."
The pages of the magazine already contain several lists of
Spiders from various parts of Scotland, including one in the
volume for 1 894 based on a collection made by me in
the Aviemore district of " Moray." Six of the species
recorded by Mr. Hull from Forres are, so far as I am aware,
new to the Scottish list (they are marked by an asterisk),
while a number of others have not previously been reported
from the North of Scotland.]

So ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Having received Bolyphantes cxpunctus, Cb., from the
neighbourhood of Forres in 1908, I spent four days in that
district in August 1910, for the express purpose of extend-
ing my acquaintance with that Spider. Though August is
comparatively a dead month for Spiders, the number of
species taken was unexpectedly large. With the assistance
of Mr. J. VV. H. Harrison of Middlesborough, I collected in
that brief time the species enumerated below.

Of these the most notable capture was a new Lycosa
taken by Mr. Harrison in the pine woods of Altyre. This
I am describing in the forthcoming Trans, of the " North-
umberland and Durham Nat. Hist. Soc.," under the name
of Lycosa harrisonii. Next in importance was CnepJialocotes
ainbiguus, Cb., which was plentiful on the mud-flats on
the southern shore of Findhorn Bay. Of this the only
previously known example was the type male from the
Firth of Clyde j 1 the female was therefore new. I have
handed it over to Mr. Pickard Cambridge, who will de-
scribe it in a forthcoming paper. Agyneta mystica, Cb.,
until the present year (1910) was represented only by the
type female from Balmoral. In the spring I was fortunate
enough to take both sexes in Allendale, Northumberland.
The present, therefore, is the third record, and the second
for Scotland. CnepJialocotes incurvatus, Cb., is in much the
same position. For many years the type male from near
Aberdeen remained unique. Two years ago I took two
more examples of the same sex, on the Northumbrian
coast, but in July 1910, a female was sent to me from the
same locality which I take to be the missing female of that
species. This is the spider which turned up at the Findhorn
sandhills and is recorded below as Cnephalocotes incwvatns, Cb.

Another interesting find was Lycosa postmna, Cb. Hither-
to the type female from Balmoral was unique. It was in
bad condition and was recorded by Mr. Pickard Cambridge
as a Trochosa. It is, however, certainly a Lycosa closely
allied to L. anientata, Sund. Mr. Pickard Cambridge, to
whom I have sent the example taken on the Culbin Sands,
will publish presently a supplementary description.

1 [It was taken by me in Arran not Bute as stated by the describer in
April 1895. W.E.]

A LIST OF SPIDERS COLLECTED AT FORRES

81

LIST OF SPECIES.

A. = Altyre Woods. C. = Culbin Sands and W. side of Find-
horn River. F. = Findhorn Sandhills and E. bank of Findhorn
River. D. = Lochan Dorb. Species common to all four, without
letters. Species not previously recorded from Scotland, marked with
an asterisk.

Oonops pulcher, Temp., 6" 9 , A.
Drassus lapidosus, Walck., 9 .
D. troglodytes, Koch, immature.
Micaria pulicaria, Sund., 9 ,

C.F.

Clubiona reclusa, Cb., 9 , C.
C. negkcta, Cb., 9 , C.
C. grisea, L.K., 9 , C.
C. trivialis, L.K., ^ 9 .
C. diversa, Cb., $ 9 , A.

C. comta, Koch, 9 > A.
Zora nemoralis, BL, $ $ , C.
Scotina gracilipes, BL, 9 > C.
Dictyna arundinacea, L., imm.

D. arenicola, Cb., F., imm.
Amaurobius.fenestralis t Stt., 9-
Cryphceca silvicola, Koch, 9 >

A.D.

Tegenaria derhamii, Scop.,Forres.
Antistea elegans, Koch, o $ , C.
Hahnia monfa/ia, BL, $ 9, A.D.
Theridion sisyphium, Clk., 9 > C.
Th. denticulatum, Wk., 9, A.
Th. bimaculatum, L., 9 , C.
Phokomma gibbum, Westr., $

9, A.D.
Phyllonethis lineata, Clk., 9 )

C.F. A.

Robert us livid us, BL, 9
^?. arundincti, Cb., <?, C.
Agyneta mystica, Cb., 9 > C.
A. canta, Cb., 9 , C.
Centromerus bicolor, BL, imm.
C concinmis, Thor., imm.
C prudens, Cb., 9 > D.
Bathvphantes nigrinus, BL, c? , C.
78

B. grarilis, BL, 9 , C.A.
Porrhomma pygmcp.um, Bl. 9 > A.
*Lephthyphantes mengii, Kulcz.,

$ 9 , A.

/,. erica? us, BL, < 9
Z. cristatus, Menge, 9 , A.
Z. blackivallii, Kulcz., $ 9 > A.
Z. rt/^m, BL, (J 9 , A.D.
Z. mi mi tits, BL, 6* 9 , A.
Labnlla thorarica, Wid., c? 9 j

A.D.
Stemonyphantes lineatus, L., 9 ,

A.
Bolyphantes alticeps, BL, $ 9,

A.D.

Z?. hiteolus, BL, imm.
ZA expunctits, Cb., c? 9 , A.
Linvphia triangularis, Clk., cJ

9-

Z. peltata, Wid., 9 , C.A.
Z. hortensis, Sund., 9 > C.
Helophora insignis, BL, ^ 9 ? D.
Tapinopa longidens, Wid., 9
Drapetisca soda Us, Sund., 6* 9

A.
Pceciloneta variegata, BL, 9 >

F.D.

Mengia scopigera, Grube, c^ 9 > C.
*Oreonetides firmus, Cb., 9 > C.
Hilaira frigida, Thor. ( = mon-

tigena, Cb., nee L. Koch),

9,D.
Leptothrix hardii, BL, imm.,

C.F.

Macrargus rufiis, Wid., 9 ? D.
Sin tn la cornigera, BL, 9 > C.

C

82

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

(Edothorax fusca, BL, 9 , C.
CE. retusa, Westr., 9 , C.
Gongylidium rufipes, Sund., c?, C.
Erigone longipalpis, Sund., o 9 ,

F.

E. dentipalpis, Wid., c? 9 , C.
.. afra, Bl. var. lantosquensis*

Sim., < 9 , C.
Gonatium rubens, Bl., cJ $ .
<9. rubelhtm, BL, <J , D.
Neriene bititberculata, Wid., 9 ,

C.F.

7zV6> vagans^ BL, $ , F.
Savignia frontata, BL, 9, F.
* Go fig} 'li die I I n in vivitin, Cb., $ ,

F.

Troxochnis hiema/is, BL, $ , C.
T. scabriculus, Westr., c^ 9 , F.
* Diplocephahis castaneipes, Sim.,

9, D-
Tapinocyba exilis, BL ( =/ 'aliens

Cb.), 9, A.
Peponocranium ludicrum, BL,

?, C.F.

Pocadicnemis pitmila, BL, 9, C.
Minyriolus pusilluS) Wid., c? 9
Cnephalocotes obscurus, BL, c? ? ,

C.

C. incurvatus, Cb., 9 > F.
C". airtits, Sim., 9 > F.
C". ambigmts, Cb., c $ , F.
Ceratinella brevis, Wid., < 9
Wideria antica, BL, (J 9 , C.F.
Walckenaeria acuminata, BL, 9 ;

A.

W. nudipalpis, Westr., 9 , D.
Era furcata, VilL, 9, C.
Pachygnatha degeerii, Sund., 9 ?

A.

P. clerckii, Sund., 9 , C.
Meta segmentata, Clk., $> 9

M. meriana", Scop., ^ 9

Zilla atrica, Koch, 3 9

Cyclosa cofiica, Pall., imm.

Epeira diademata, Clk., 3 9

E. quadrata, Clk., o 9 , C.F. A.

E. cor?ntta, Clk., 9 C.

*E. patagiata, Koch, 9 , C.

^. cucurbitina, Clk., 9 , C.

Xysticus cristaf//s, Clk., 9

A', sabu/osits, Hahn, 9 , C.

Philodromns aurco/i/s, Clk., 9
C.

Tibelhts oblongus, Walck., C.F. r
imm.

Pisaitra mirabi/is, Clk., 9 > C.A.

Pirata piratic its, Clk., 9 > C.

Trochosa terricola, Thor., C-,.
imm.

T.picta, Hahn., $ ?, C.F.

Tarentula barbipes, Sund. ( =
andrenivora, auctt. Britt),
C.F., imm.

T. pitlverulenta, Clk., imm.

Lycosa amentata, Clk., 9 C.F.

L. posti/nia, Cb., 9) C-

Z. pit/fata, Clk., c? 9 , C.

*Z. j/. ;w., 9 , A.

Z. herbigrada, BL, 9, C.

Z. pains tris, L., 9 > C.

Z. agricola, Thor. 9 , C.

Z. arenicola, Cb., 9 5 C.F.

Heliophanus flavipes, Koch, 9 >
F.

Neon n'ticnlatiis, BL, 9 > A.

An immature ProstJiesima (C.F.)
was almost certainly nigrita,
Fab. (=pi/sil!a, BL), and a
young Epeira (A.), in all
probability E. agalena, BL,
but I have not ventured to.
include these.

December 1910.

ON SOME NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH DIPTERA 83

ON SOME NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH

DIPTERA.

BY A. E. J. CARTER.

As our knowledge of Scottish Diptera is but of a scanty
nature I make no apology for publishing the following notes
on species I have recently identified. Some of those here
noticed may be found afterwards to be common and
generally distributed, but this can only be determined by
further work ; meanwhile, and as a help towards that end,
the publication of such records as we possess seems desirable.
The specimens taken by my friend, the Rev. James
Waterston, B.D., B.Sc., as afterwards mentioned, as well as
the whole of his large and valuable collection of Scottish
Diptera, have been given to me by him ; and when the
material which he has brought together from many different
localities is worked out, the result will be, without doubt, a
very great accession to our knowledge of the Dipterous
Fauna of Scotland.

1. MYCETOBIA PALLIPES, Mg. A 3 taken by Mr. Waterston on

Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, 6th August 1906. I have no note
of any British records. The species, I think, must be rare, as
I have never taken it myself nor seen it in other collections.

2. ORPHNEPHILA TESTACEA, Ruthe. A species of the very greatest

interest to students of Diptera, requiring not only a genus but
a family to itself. Mr. Waterston captured a $ at Whiting
Bay, Arran, in September 1906. I have only one other
Scottish locality Bonhill, where it has been taken by Mr.
Malloch ("E.M.M.," 1907, p. 87).

3. RHAMPHOMYIA CULICINA, Fin. (new to Britain). I have had

this species in my collection for some years as doubtful cuh'dna,
and am now able to record it, as my specimens agree in every
respect with the careful description given by Dr. Lundbeck in
the recently published Part III. of his valuable "Diptera
'Danica." The ? is very like the ? of variabilis, Fin., but is
easily separated by the thorax having two stripes (Lundbeck
says "slightly visible," but quite distinct in my specimen), and
by the presence of a row of acrostichal bristles which are want-
ing in variabilis. The <$ is quite distinct, being larger than
variabilis (4^-5 i- mm.). The thorax and abdomen are velvet
black above, the latter yellow below and at the sides. Wings

84 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

brown, halteres light brown. Pilosity of thorax and abdomen
weaker. The species is very rare in Denmark, only one 6
having been taken ; and it must be rare here, as I have taken
it only in single examples, although in widely separated
localities. I found it first at Aberlady <$, 5th September
1903 ; then at Aberfoyle 9, 8th September 1905 ; Polton
c?, 1 9th September 1907 ; and Clunie, near Blairgowrie cT ,
aist September 1910. I have also a 6 taken by Mr. Waterston
at Arniston, igth August 1905.

4. EMPIS HYALIPENNIS, Fin. First recorded as British by Mr.

Malloch who took 4 9 ? in Murroch Glen, near Bonhill,
25th August 1906 ("E.M.M.," 1906, p. 257). It has not
been recorded since ; I found a 9 at Kirkmichael (Perth-
shire) on 1 8th August 1910.

5. CLINOCERA STAGNALIS, Hal. Apparently unrecorded from

Scotland; Mr. Waterston captured a o at Prestwick, i5th
September 1904.

6. SYRPHUS LAPPONICUS, Ztt. In a lot of Diptera collected by

Mr. W. Wylie, Jun., and presented by him to the Perth Museum,
which Mr. Rodger sent me recently for examination, I found a
c of this rare species, taken at Kinnoul Hill in May 1910.
This makes the third recorded British specimen. Previous
captures are : a 9 taken at Pitlochry by Mr. Verrall in June
1870 ("E.M.M." 1886, p. 230), and a $ taken at Aviemore by
Col. Yerbury in July 1899 (" A.S.N.H.," 1900, p. 22).
. ONCOMYIA ATRA, F. Mr. Waterston found a $ at Whiting Bay,
Arran, in September 1906. The species of this genus are all
rare, and the only Scottish reference I can find for the present
one, is Duncan's old record : " neighbourhood of Edinburgh "
(1838), as given by Mr. Grimshaw in "A.S.N.H.," 1903, p. 218.

8. POLIETES HIRTICRURA, Meade. Mr. Wylie captured a <$ at

Kinfauns in August 1910, which makes the first record for
Perthshire. This sex has been recorded from Kilmarnock,
Balerno, and The Mound (Sutherlandshire). The only 9
known was taken by Mr. Waterston in Arran, and described by
him in " E.M.M. ," 1906, p. 269.

9. PEGOMYIA TRANSVERSA, Fin. A 9 taken by Mr. Waterston in

September 1906 in Arran. It is the finest species of the genus
and appears to be rare, as among many examples of British
Pegomyia examined I have seen it from only the New Forest
(F. C. Adams). I believe this to be the first Scottish record,
as my record of P. transversa from Aberfoyle ("E.M.M.,"
1905, p. 163) refers to P, winthemi, Mg., = latitarsis, Ztt.

10. PEGOMYIA ESURIENS, Mg. First recorded as British by myself
from Comrie ("E.M.M.," 1908, p. 128), and since taken by

ON SOME NEW AND RARE SCOTTISH DIPTERA 85

Mr. Malloch in Murroch Glen ("E.M.M.," 1909, p. 41). Mr.
Waterston took 2 <? 6 on Blackford Hill, iSth July 1904.

ii. FANNIA (HOMALOMYIA) SIMILIS, Stein. I have a pair taken in
cop. at Musselburgh, 2yth June 1907. Meade says "Very
rare. I do not know the ? ." So far as I know these are the
only Scottish specimens ; Mr. Malloch, who has worked out our
British species, had not seen this one, although he had taken
most of the others. He confirmed my identification.

i 2. FANNIA MUTICA, Ztt. This is another species of which Meade
did not know the $ . I bred several d $ and 2 ? ? in
June 1906 from Fungi, gathered near Musselburgh, and Mr.
Waterston caught a c? in Arran, 3rd September 1903. Not
previously recorded from Scotland. I am indebted to Mr.
Malloch for the identification.

13. PALLOPTERA PARALLELA, Lw. I can find no records for this

species. It is very like umbellatarum^ F., but is easily separated
by the characters given by Becker (" Berliner ent. Zeit," Jahrg.
1895). I have taken it only in the Blairgowrie district of
Perthshire, but Mr. Waterston has found it at Lochgelly, 27th
August 1904; Bute, 1 2th September 1904; and Arniston,
i 7th July 1906.

14. ACIURA ROTUNDIVENTRIS, Fin. A <$ taken by Mr. Waterston

at Polton, 6th August 1906. Mr. Malloch records it from
Bonhill ("E.M.M.," 1909, p. 41). I have no other Scottish
record.

15. APHIOCH/ETA ALTICOLELLA, \\~ood. Described by Dr. Wood in

"E.M.M.," 1909, p. 114. Mr. Malloch ("A.S.N.H.," 1910,
p. 91) gives Bonhill as the only Scottish locality. I have 4
$ $ from Aberfoyle taken in August 1906, and named for
me as this species by Mr. Malloch.

BLAIRGOWRIE.

ON THE SCOTTISH SPECIES OF OXYURA
(PROCTOTRYPID^PART VI. 1

By P. CAMERON.

PLATVGASTERIN/E

INOSTEMMINI.
INOSTEMMA, Hal.

i. piricola, Kief., var. Carmyle, in garden. This is probably the
/. Boeii of British authors. On the Continent it is a parasite

1 Part v. aiitea, N'o. 76 (1910), p. 217.

86 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

of Contarinia pirivora, Ril., which lives on the pear. Cf.
Kieffer, " Ann. de la Societe scientifique de Bruxelles," xxx.
123-125.

PLATYGASTERINI.

This group contains some insects of great economic importance,
if of very minute size. Ceddomyia tritid, Kirby, the destructive
wheat midge, is preyed upon in England by Platygaster tipida, and
Kieffer describes two species of Platygaster (P. longicaudatus and
P. brevicaudatus} besides Trichatis remains, Walk., as parasites of
Mayetiola (plim Ceddomyia] destructor, Say, in France.

PLATYGASTER, Latr., sec. Foer.

1. enneatomus, K., Bishopton ; Bonar Bridge.

2. parallelus, K., Banks of Clyde at Newton.

ISOCYBUS, Foer.

1. ascetidens, K., Fossil Marsh; Gadder Wilderness, near Glasgow.

2. compressus, K., Bishopton ; Dumfries ; Colvend.

3. trochanteratns, K., Loch Awe ; Glenelg, Inverness-shire ;

Gadder ; Colvend.

4. pyramidalis, K., Kenmuir, on the Clyde ; Clober Moor,

Dumbartonshire ; Dumfries.

5. horizontalis, K., Gadder; Ballantrae ; Bishopton: Claddich,

Loch Awe ; Rannoch ; Glenelg ; Bonar Bridge.

6. Cameroni, K., Clyde at Newton.

AMBLYASPIS, Foer.

1. rufiventris, K., Island of Mull.

2. rufistilus, K., Galloway ; Bonar Bridge.

3. vitillinipes, K., Manuel.

- f 4. tritid, Hal., Bishopton. This is the parasite of the destructive

wheat midge.
5. tripartitus, K., Dumfries.

POLYCTNOTUS, Foer.

1. convcrgens, K., Cadder.

2. tuberous, Thorns., Kingussie.

3. rufimanus, K., Mugdock, from galls of Hormomyia juni peri net,

L.

4. scoticus, K., Bonar Bridge, Clydesdale ; Dumfries.

SYNOPEAS, Foer.
i. xanthopus, K., Dumfries.

ON THE SCOTTISH SPECIES OF OXYURA 87

The above list of 19 species appears very poor compared with
the in species enumerated in Marshall's Catalogue of the British
Species. That list includes 67 species of Platygaster and 16 of
Synopeas. My impression is that an examination of Walker's types,
the author who has described the majority of these species, would
lead to a very large reduction in the number of valid species ; and
I have no doubt also that if Entomologists would collect them, the
number of actual British species would be largely increased. In my
list only one species (Amblyaspis tritici} has hitherto been recorded
as British.

The species of Platygasterini, so far as is known with certainty,
are parasitic on gall-making or free-living Diptera, chiefly Cecidomyice.
It is true that some species have been recorded as having been
reared from other insects, e.g. Haltica and Apion, but the presump-
tion is that they have been so recorded in error. It is certain that
species of Synopeas, P/atygaster, and Amblyaspis have been reared
from the nests of Formica rufa, F. pratensis, Lasius fitliginosus, and
Solenopsis (cf. Kieffer, "Bull, de la Soc. d'Hist. nat. de Metz," xi. 2),
but they may have been parasites of the dipterous inquilines living
in the Ant's nests, and not on the Ants themselves. Mr. H. J.
Donnisthorpe, who has made a special study of the inquilines of
Ants, tells me that a Platygaster has been found in a nest of
Formica rufa, by him at Rannoch.

As the above concludes my Catalogue of the Oxyura
which I collected in Scotland it may be useful to give an
abstract of the Scotch species known to me. In this list I
do not include the Myinaridce, a family of minute, almost
microscopic insects, parasitic in the eggs of other insects, for
the reason that, with Haliday and Ashmead, I consider them
to belong to the Chalcididce, rather than to the Proctotrypidcs.
I purpose, however, giving a Catalogue of the Mymarida

later.

ABSTRACT.

Species Species

Bethylida 3

DryinincR 49

Scelioninff . . 1 8

Proctotrypincc . . 1 1

Ceraphronince . . 49

Belytince . . .52
Diapriince. . . 46
PlatygasterincK . . 19

247

Owing to their minute, if not microscopic, size, it is not
very easy to make a collection of Oxyura. They may be
caught in the ordinary way by the use of the sweeping net
and beating umbrella, by examining the refuse at the bottom

88 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

of haystalks, shifting moss, etc., and by examining windows
in country houses. 1 The latter is profitable for Oxyura,
Chalddidce, and other minute Hymenoptera. They may be
picked up by a moistened finger or by a camel-hair brush.
When my friendly correspondent Mr. John Hewitt, B.A.,
was Curator of the Sarawak Museum, Borneo, I asked him
why he did not send me any micro-Hymenoptera. His
reply was that the sweeping net could not be used owing to
the nature of the ground, and more particularly, owing to
the presence of spiny plants which tore the net. Mr. Hewitt
then took to examining the windows, and in that way made
a most interesting collection of Cynipida, Oxyura, and
Chalcididce, all the species being undescribed, and many of
them belonging to new genera.

SCOTTISH TARDIGRADA. A REVIEW OF
OUR PRESENT KNOWLEDGE.

By JAMES MURRAY, F.R.S.E.
PLATE I.

IN 1907 (8)," when summarising the knowledge of
Scottish Tardigrada, in connection with the work of the
Lake Survey, I gave a list of 4 1 admitted species.

With extended knowledge it is now found necessary to
delete several species from the list, several have changed
their names, and a number of new records are to be added.
In consequence of these changes it seems desirable to take
another review of the Scottish species.

The observations leading to these changes were made

1 A hymenopterous insect which is to be found in windows is the Chalcid,
Ccrocephala cornigera, West, (formiciformis, West.). As I have said, it is to he
found in windows, also in barns and in old dwelling-houses, particularly in those
of which the wood-work is well holed by Anobium, the "Death-watch beetle,''
on which it is a parasite. I have found it at Strath Glass, Rannoch, and Clydes-
dale, in barns ; also in Derbyshire in an old house in which Anobium was common,
crawling on paper. In size it varies from I to 3 mm., the latter being the length
given by Thomson in his "Hymen Scand." iv. 213. The smaller specimens
may be entirely black. I have found it in December.

' Figures in brackets, in heavy type, refer to the Bibliographical List at the
end.

SCOTTISH TARDIGRADA

89

long ago, but I was unable to decide on the values of
certain forms, which increased acquaintance with Tardigrada
in general enables me now to do.

There are 50 species recorded in this paper, being an
increase of 9 since 1907. As 2 species have been
deleted, there have been really I i names added. Two
of these are new species, i has been already recorded as a
variety, and 8 are new Scottish records. The identifica-
tion of 5 of the species is still open to doubt, owing to
incomplete information on certain points.

LlST OF ALL ADMITTED SCOTTISH SPECIES.

[An asterisk * indicates additions to the list of 1907 (8).]

Echiniscits suillus, Ehr.

E. islandicus, Richters.
*E. kerguelensis, Richters.

E. ivendti, Richters.
*E. viridis, Murray.

E, reticulatus, Murray.

E. gladiator, Murray.

E. spitsbergensis, Scour field.
*-". spinuloides, sp.n.

E. i/uadrispinosns, Richters.

E. oihonna, Richters.
"E. tympanista, sp.n.

E. granidatits, Doy.
"'E. blumi, Richters.

E. musdiola, Plate ?.

Milnesiiini tardigradiun, I )oy.

Macrobiotus hufelandii, Sch.

M. orcadensis, Murray.

M. echinogenitus, Richters.

M. coronifer, Richters.

M. crenu/afus, Richters.

M. harmsworthi, Murray.
*M. inontanns, Murray ?.

M. intermedhts, Plate.

M. pitllari, Murray.

"' M. areolains, Murray.

M. dispar, Murray.

M. ambiguiis, Murray.

M. oberhauseri, Doy.

M. hastafus, Murray.
* M. arcticus, Murray.
*J/. schaitdinni, Richters.
' :: 'M. /aciistris, Duj ?.

M. zetlandicus, Murray.
*M. tetradactylus, Greeff ? .

M. angusti, Murra)-.

M. macronyx, Uuj.

M. d i/ bins, Murray.

M. annitlatus, Murray.

M. htberailatus, Plate.

M. sat fieri, Richters.

M. papiUifer, Murra)-.

M. ornatus, Richten-.

Diphascon chileneitse, Plate.

D. bnllatum. Murray.

1). oculatuin, Murray.

D. alpinuni) Murray.

D. scoticum, Murray.

D. spitzbergense, Richters ?.

D. angiistatum, Murray.

REJECTED SPECIES.

The following species, recorded in previous papers, are now
rejected, for the reasons given :

90 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

E. arctomys, Ehr. (4), was recorded in error, in consequence of
Prof. Richters identifying as arctomys an animal which has v.
and vi. separate (E. mutabilis, E. suillus).

E. mutabilis, Murray (6), is now considered by Prof. Richters as a
variety of E. suillus, Ehr.

M. islandicus, Richters (14). This erroneous record is due to
carelessness. Had sufficient attention been given to the char-
acters of the claws the mistake would not have been made.
The animal thus recorded had claws of the Diphascon type, and
may have been M. lacustris or M. arcticus, the true islandiats
has claws sufficiently like those of M. hufelandii.

ARCTIC SPECIES IN SCOTLAND.

An important feature in the Scottish Tardigrade-fauna is the
strong Arctic element. Three-fifths of the Scottish species (30
species) occur also in the Arctic. It is still more important that
7 of the species are only known in Scotland and the Arctic (in one
instance also in the intervening Faroes).

An affinity, geographical rather than climatic, is suggested by the
fact that 4 of the Arctic species are not found south of the Orkneys
and Shetlands. A climatic relation is, on the other hand, suggested
by the greater frequency of many of the Arctic species on mountain
tops in Scotland.

ARCTIC SPECIES. E. s/iil/us, islandicus, wendti, spitsbergensis,
spimtloides, oihonnce, blumi, muscicola ; Milnesium ; Macrobiotus
hufelandii, echinogenitus, coronifer, crenulatus, harmsivorthi, inter-
medius, areolatus, dispar, anibiguns, schaudinni, arcticus, zetlandicus,
angusti, annulatus, macronyx, tuberculatus, ornatus ; D. chilenense,
alpinum, scoticum, spitzbergense, angustatum.

CONFINED TO ARCTIC AND SCOTLAND (AND ? FAROES). E.
islandicus, spinuloides ; M. crenulatus, zetlandiats, schaudinni,
D. spitzbergense, D. angiistatinn.

COMMON TO ARCTIC AND SHETLAND (not yet known elsewhere
in Scotland). E. islandicus ; M. coronifer, crenulatus, harmsworthi.

SCOTTISH ALPINE SPECIES.

Almost any of the Scottish species may occur on mountain
tops, but there are a number which have only been found
in such situations, and others which are much commoner there
than elsewhere. These peculiarly alpine species are E. islandicus,
wendti, kerguelensis, gladiator (var. exarmatus, only on mountains),
oihonncR ; M. coronifer, crenulatus, harmsworthi, zetiandicus,
areolatus, montanus, orcadensis, D. alpinum.

It will be observed that the majority of these (9 species) are

SCOTTISH TARDIGRADA 91

also in the Arctic list. Four of the same species (E. wendti,
E. oihonnce, M. coronifer, M. areolatus), with many other Arctic
species, have recently been found by Heinis in the Alps.

NOTES ON THE SPECIES.

Echiniscus suillus, Ehr. (4). Hitherto recorded generally as E.
mutabilis, Murray (6), occasionally as E. arctomys, Ehr. (4).
The records as E. arctomys originated simply in an error
in quoting a reference to a figure in Ehrenberg's " Mikro-
geologie " (5), whereby Prof. Richters came to regard arctomys
as a species having v. and vi. separate. This is admittedly
not so, and there are no British records of the true arctomys.

Richters now recognises E. suillus as having v. and vi.
separate, and if this is admitted E. mutabilis must be united
with it, as the differences are very slight. I follow Prof.
Richters' authority in this identification, although doubtful of
the advisability of trying to establish suillus, since its recogni-
tion depends solely on the figure, which is a side view, and
can therefore tell us nothing as to which plates are paired.

E. kerguelensis, Richters (15). Loch Morar ; summit of Ben
Lawers ; Kerguelen, and Australia (10). Very near E.
arctomys and E. wendti, distinguished from arctomys by the
" fringe," the inner barbs, and the weaker granulation ; from
wendti by the shorter seta a, and the smaller barbs.

E. ivendti (\\\ Summit of Ben Lawers. Recently found (1910)
on the summit of Snowdon. It is interesting to find this
Arctic species occurring on mountain tops in Britain.

E. viridis, Murray (10). Discovered in Loch Morar, and after-
wards found in Loch Ness. Only dead skins were found, and
the species was not described, as I did not know what value
to put on the colour, till it turned up alive in Hawaii in 1909.
The green colour is confined to the plates, and the proximal
part of the 4th legs, as far as the fringe. Internally the
animal is of the usual Echiniscus red. Seta a is very short,
and the claws are very large (25/^1).

E. blitmi Richters (11). Broughton, in the County of Peebles,
among tree moss, abundant, 1906. Larvae from Broughton
measured iio/v., and had all the processes as in the adult, and
proportionately as long.

A larva from Maxwelltown, Kirkcudbrightshire, was
similar in every respect except that it lacked seta b, and
was considerably larger (150^).

Echiniscus spinuloides, sp.n. (Plate I., Figs. \a to ic.) Synonym :
E. spitsbergensis, Scour., var. spinuloides, Murray (9).

92 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Specific characters. Large and broad, red. Plates 9 2 pairs,
2 median, v. and vi. fused ; pattern of large hexagonal marks,
which do not appear to stand above the general sarface, and
enclose each an obscure round dot. Lateral processes 5 a, a
short seta, b, c, and d very long setse, e, a spicule, over b, c,
and d sublateral spicules. Dorsal processes over c a very
long seta, over d a large curved process with very broad base,
tapering to a fine hair. Fringe of few large triangular
processes, separated at their bases. Inner claws with barbs
far from their bases. Blunt palp at base of 4th leg.

Length up to 300^, exclusive of the 4th legs, breadth iSo/z,
seta a 50^, b and c about 200^, d up to 250^; seta over r
175/4, over d 125^; claws 32/4. Eggs up to 5 in the skin,
about go/* by 7o/x.

Originally described in 1907 (9) as a variety of E. spits-
bergensis, Scourfield (18), I am now satisfied that the differences
are too great to allow the two forms to be united. They differ
in the following points : the longer lateral setae of E. spiint-
loides ; the longer dorsal seta over c and the replacing of the
triangular process over d by a long seta ; the sublateral spicules
at b, c; and e ; the separated spines of the fringe, and the
higher position of the barb on the inner claw. E. spitsbergensis
has only one sublateral spicule, over d ; the spines of the fringe
are close together at their bases ; the barb is nearer the base
of the claw.

The sublatere, spicules at b, c, and d are readily overlooked,
but that at e is, from its position, more conspicuous, and I
consider this one of the more important characters of E.
spinitloides.

Very few species have these spicules. E. oilionnce alone
has them at b, c, d, and e, along with the longer lateral processes.
E. spinulosus, Doy (1), has only spicules. E. pulcher, Murray
(10), has them at />, c, and d, and E. novaezeelandice sometimes
has them in the same positions. E. tympanista, described in
this paper, has the spicules over b, c, d, and e.

Habitat. Scotland, Loch Earn, etc. ; Franz Josef Land ;
Novaya Zemlya.

Echiniscits tympanista, sp.n. (Plate I., Fig. 4.)

Specific characters. Size moderate, colour red. Plates 9

2 pairs, 2 median, v. and vi. fused, vi. trefoliate. Lateral

processes 5 a, a normal seta, />, c, d, and e, subequal thick
processes ending in knobs, sublateral spicules over b, c, d, and e.
Dorsal processes over c and d short spines. Dots small, uni-
form, and closely set, of two kinds, the majority pellucid, a
few regularly scattered, dark, and looking like perforations.
Fringe on 4th legs, and barbs on inner claws.

SCOTTISH TARDIGRADA 93

Length 240^. Lateral processes nearly equal, from 35 to
45/y, in length; dorsal spine over i; 3o/x, over d, 20^.

Related to E. oihonna, Richters (11), which has the same
number of lateral processes, and the same sub-lateral spicules,
it differs in the following points. R. oihonna has the lateral
processes of very long seta and moderate spines or setae, alter-
nating, c and e are very long, and the process over c is a hair
of moderate length. E. tympanista has the lateral processes (>,
f, d, and e, and the dorsal process over L \ all similar, short
thick processes ending in knobs, like drumsticks, hence the
name.

Habitat. Loch Morar.

Mcicrobiotus orcadensis, Murray (8). Hitherto only known in one
spot, the top of Ward Hill in Hoy, its range has been extended
by its recent discovery (19 10) on the summit of Snowdon.

M. coronifer, Richters (11).- The record of the egg of this species
for Ben Lawers (7) being made in error, the only British record
of the animal is that for Shetland (Ronas Hill).

M. montanus, Murray (10). The identification being made from
the egg only, there is a certain doubt about it. Ben Lawers,
1906. The species was described from New Zealand specimens
in 1910, but the egg was known long before, both in Scotland
and Novaya Zemlya.

M. areolatus, Murray (9) (10). This was described as an arctic
variety of M. echinogenitus, Richters (11), in 1907, and was
recorded for Scotland as var. areolatus in the same year. It
was first recognised as of specific rank in 1910, and described
in a paper on Canadian Tardigrada (10). India, Africa,
Australia, New Zealand, Ascension, Comoro, etc.

M. oberhauseri, Doy (1). The record for Scottish lochs, 1905 (6),
is doubtful, that of 1907 (8) is wrong. The animal figured in
the latter paper is almost certainly a form of M. arcticus. The
true oberhauseri occurs at Fort Augustus.

M. arcticus, Murray (9). After experience of this species in the
Antarctic, I believe that the animal figured in 1907 (8) as M.
oberhauseri is simply M. arcticus with its thinner-shelled
summer eggs (10). Loch Ness.

M. schaudinni, Richters (16) (Plate I. Figs. 3^, 3^). Elf Loch,
near Edinburgh (W. Evans), Nov. 1905 ; near Glasgow; Wig-
tonshire ; Loch Morar. This Arctic species was not described
for some years after the drawings were made, on which these
Scottish records are based. Spitsbergen.

M. lacustris, Duj. ? (3). Loch Ness, 1906. I consider that M.

94 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

lacustris should not be accepted as a valid species, because
Dujardin, in 1838, figures the animal which he afterwards
called M. lacustris with two different types of claws (the dispar
and diphascon types), which are not known to occur together
on any animal. Prof. Richters, however, accepts it, and ascribes
to it only diphascon claws (16). Very similar to M. lacustris
(Richters) are Richters' own two species, M, murrayi (15), and
M. breckneri (17). After reading the descriptions and studying
the figures, I find it difficult to grasp any important distinctions
between these three species, except in size. Richters makes
lacustris SOQ/Z, murrayi 6oo/z, and breckneri 240/4. But
Dujardin in naming his animal lacustris (1851) gives the sizes
as between 220 and 250^, just about the size of breckneri.
The larger measurement is near enough that of murrayi. All
have claws of the same (diphascoti) type, and two rods in the
pharynx, which may perhaps differ somewhat in their relative
proportions.

The Scottish examples here recorded as M. lacustris
measured about 3oo//,.

Most of the Macrobioti^ which lay smooth eggs, are
deficient in good distinctive marks apart from the claws and
pharynx.

M. macronyx, Duj. (3). Most of the Scottish records under this
name doubtless refer to M. dispar, or some related species, as
also I believe most other records. The only authentic Scottish
marconyx (if we accept the continental identification of it as an
animal laying smooth eggs in the skin) is one collected by
Mr. Evans near Edinburgh in 1905.

Unfortunately the pharynx has not been seen, but there is
no other species asserted to have dispar claws and smooth
eggs. The Edinburgh skin measured 550^, and contained
15 eggs of about 6o/j, in long diameter.

Macrobiotics^ sp. (Plate I., Figs. 2a-zc\ An egg figured in "Scot.
Alp. Tard." (7), has since been found in Shetland with the
well-grown young. The claws and pharynx are like those of
M. crenulatus, Richters (13). Richters, unfortunately, gives
no figure of the pharynx of crenulatus, but says it is sufficiently
like that of hnfelandii. Scottish examples with the claws of
crenulatus have the pharynx shorter and rounder than that of
hufclandii, and the gullet narrower. The young squeezed from
the egg here figured has such a gullet and pharynx, and the
crescent in front of the claws of the fourth leg is already
slightly wrinkled. The processes of the egg are like those of
hufelandii, but abbreviated, so that the small apical disc is
almost sessile on the hemispherical basal portion, which has a

ANN. SCOT. NAT. HIST. 1911.

PLATE I.

/. Murray dt'l. ud N,it.

SCOTTISH TAKDIGRAnA.

SCOTTISH TARDIGRADA 95

circlet of dots as in Intfelandii. The larger rod in the pharynx
is constricted in the middle, its component parts being equal
(unequal in hufelandii\ The end of the gullet in the pharynx
has a very prominent rim. Probably this is the hitherto
unknown egg of cremdatits.

LITERATURE.

(1) DOYERE, ' Memoire sur les Tardigrades,' "Ann. Sci. nat." ser. 2, t. 14,

Zool., p. 269, 1840.

(2) DUJARDIN, 'Sur le Tardigrade,' "Ann. Sci. nat." ser. 2, t. 10, Zool.,

p. 175, 1838.

(3) DUJARDIN, 'Sur les Tardigrades,' "Ann. Sci. nat.'' ser. 3, t. 15, Zool.,

p. 160, 1851.

(4) EHRENBERG, 'Diagnoses novarum formarum,' "Verb. K. Ak. Berl.,"

P- 530, 1853.

(5) EHRENBERG, " Mikrogeologie," Plate 35 B, 1854.

(6) MURRAY, ' Tardigrada of the Scottish Lochs,' "Trans. Roy. Soc. Edin.,"

xli. p. 677, 1905.

(7) MURRAY, 'Scottish Alpine Tardigrada,' " Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist." p. 25,

1906.

(8) MURRAY, 'Scottish Tardigrada,' collected by the Lake Survey, "Trans.

Roy. Soc. Edin.," xlv. , 1907.

(9) MURRAY, 'Arctic Tardigrada,' collected by Win. S. Bruce,' "Trans. Roy.

Soc. Edin.," xlv., 1907.

(10) MURRAY, 'Tardigrada,' "Brit. Antarct. Expcd.,'' 1907-9, Sci. Rep., i.,

1910.

(11) RICHTERS, 'Nordische Tardigraden,' "Zool. Anzeig.," xxvii. p. 168,

1903.

(12) RICHTERS, 'Antarktische Moosfauna,' "Verk. deutsch. Zool. Ges.,'' p. 236,

1904.

(13) RICHTERS. 'Arktische Tardigraden,' " Fauna Arctica," iii. p. 15, 1904.

(14) RICHTERS, ' Islandische Tardigraden,' "Zool. Anzeig.," xxviii. p. 373,.

1904.

(15) RICHTERS, 'Fauna der Moosrasen des Gaussbergs,' "Deutsch. Suclpol.

Exped.," 1901-3, I. Zool., p. 261, 1907.

(16) RICHTERS, 'Tardigraden Studien,' " Ber. Senckbg. Natf. Ges. Frankfurt,"

p. 28, 1909.

(17) RICHTERS, 'Tardigraden aus den Karpathen,' "Zool. Anzeig.," xxxvi.

p. 7, 1910.

(18) SCOURFIELD, 'Non-Marine Fauna of Spitsbergen,' " Proc. Zool. Soc.

Lond.," 1897.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE.

Fig. la. Echiniscus spinnloides, sp.n.
,, \b. The same, claw.
,, ic. The same, part of surface

pattern.
,, 2a. Macrobiotus cremilatus ? teeth

and pharynx.
,, zb. The same, claws, showing

crescent.

Fig. 2c. The same, three processes oi

the egg.
,, 3. ./)/. schaiidinni, teeth and

pharynx.

,, 3$. The same, claws.
,, 3<\ The same, egg.
,, 4. Echiniscus tympanista, sp.n.

96 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SCOTTISH PLANTS, CHIEFLY FROM SKYE,
PEEBLES, SELKIRK, AND KIRKCUDBRIGHT.

G. CLARIDGE DRUCE, M.A., F.L.S.

THE following notes have accrued chiefly from my three
visits in 1910 to Scotland, the first undertaken to see the
Holy Grass growing in its most southern station, the second
to gather Arabis alpina in Skye, whence it was gathered in a
fruiting condition by Mr. H. C. Hart, the author of the
" Flora of Donegal," in 1887. We spent four days in Skye,
and were rewarded on the last, a most beautiful day, not
only so far as the weather was concerned, but in most
romantic surroundings, my godson, Mr. T. H. Leach, being
the first to actually gather this great rarity in beautiful
flower, and in a situation which is probably a different one
from that where Mr. Hart gathered his examples, as it is at a
slightly lower altitude than the lowest height mentioned by
him. It is rather curious that it should not also have been
found on the stony cliffs of Sutherland or W. Ross. We
then stayed at Fort William in order to make notes on the
elevations to which plants ascend ; but the highest mountain
is by no means the best for this purpose, as the chaos of
rocks near the summit have very little vegetation ; and in
this inclement, year, with its great quantity of snow, few
results were obtained. The most interesting plant observed
after leaving Skye was Chcsrophyllum aureum, " one of Don's
reputed discoveries," growing in immense quantities at
Callander, and bearing evidence to the acumen of Poe, who,
in one of his romantic stories, tells how a letter of vital
importance to the owner, which was being searched for by
the most sleuth-hound kind of detectives, was put in a
conspicuous position on the mantlepiece, and thus evaded
the minute search in the most unlikely places made by
those in quest. The name aitreum given to the plant
perhaps has helped in concealing it, since the flowers are
pure white, in somewhat larger and more convex umbels
than those of sylvestre ; but the fruits have a yellowish-green
colour, while the leaves too have a greenish-yellow tint.

My third visit, in September, was to Forfar and Arbroath.

SCOTTISH PLANTS 97

Among the plants mentioned in the following pages is
Utricularia ochroleuca, R. Hartm., which was gathered by
me in Loch Mallachie in 1887, and recorded by me as
U. intermedia, in "Journ. Bot" 1888, p. 22. Recently
Professor Hugo Gliick of Heidelberg, the author of the
important work on aquatic species Biologischc und morpJw-
logisclie UntersucJiungcn uber Wasser- und SumpfgewacJise,
has been staying with me, and he identified this flowerless
example confidently with the above species, for he contends
that Neuman's suggestion that ochroleuca is a hybrid of
U. minor and U. intermedia is groundless, since he has
gathered ochroleuca abundantly in Bavaria in areas from
which intermedia is absent. He directed me to a character
which enables one to distinguish ochroleuca from intermedia
in the flowerless condition, namely the presence of a few
utricles on the so-called barren branches, while in intermedia
there are none.

I have added a few notes from Skye, which are contained
in Professor Lawson's MS. It was his list of plants
(published in "Journ. Bot." vii.) which Watson quotes in "Top.
Bot." They were made by himself and the Rev. H. G. Fox.

An asterisk denotes a supposed addition to " Top. Bot.,"
a dagger that the plant is not native.

I have to thank Major Wolley-Dod and the Rev. A. Ley
for naming the Roses ; Professor E. Hackel, the Pfarrer
Kiikenthal, Dr. Ostenfeld, Wm. Gregory, and the Rev. E. S.
Marshall, for kind assistance.

RANUNCULUS SCOTICUS, Marshall. Sligachan, Skye. Prof. Gliick
does not think it worthy of specific rank. I have similar but
less fleshy plants from marshy meadows in Oxford and Bucks.

R. STEVENI, Andrz. *St. Mary's Isle, Kirkcudbright, 73.

R. BULBOSUS, L. *Near the Hotel, Sligachan, very rare. N.C.R.

104.
CASTALIA ALBA, Wood. Sligachan, 104; Lawson MS.

FUMARIA BASTARDI, Boreau (confusa, Jord.). *At Galashiels, with
Miss Ida Hayward, 79.

CAPNOIDES CLAVICULATA, Druce. Kyle Akin^Skye, 104; Lawson
MS.
78 D

98 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

PAPAVER RHCEAS, L. *On rubbish at Innerleithen, Peebles, 78 ;

but I failed to see it in corn crops in the county. *Near

Galashiels, 79.
CHEIRANTHUS CHEIRI, L. Well naturalised on the walls of

Dundrennan Abbey, 73, Kirkcudbright, 73.
ARABIS ALPINA, L. At 2150-2300 feet on one of the Cuchullins ;

but probably not in the locality where Mr. Hart originally

discovered it. It was in beautiful flower in June.
A. PETRAEA, Lam. Very frequent on Sgur Alastair, etc., Skye,

chiefly as the glabrous form.
BRASSICA ALBA, Boiss. Uig, 104; Lawson MS.
LEPIDIUM SMITHII, Hook., var. LEIOCARPUM (TheH.}. *Near

Thornielee, [ on the Peebles side of the river, 78. It is more

correctly L. heterophyllum, Benth., var. leiocarpum (ThelL).

L. CAMPESTRE, Br. Galashiels, with Miss Ida Hayward, probably

adventitious, Selkirk, 79.

DRABA INCANA, L. Quiraing, Storr, 104; Lawson MS.
RESEDA LUTEOLA, L. Near Innerleithen, Peebles, 78.

HELIANTHEMUM CHAM^ECISTUS, Mill., forma or var. PARVIFLORUM.
With flowers about half the size of the normal plant which
grew near it at Elibank, Selkirk. I have the same form
from Wychwood, Oxon, and am told it maintains its character
in cultivation.

VIOLA RIVINIANA. Ascends to 3300 feet on Stuich-an-Lochan, 88.

V. CANINA x RIVINIANA. *Sgur Alastair, Skye, a puzzling inter-
mediate, somewhat nearer V. canina, teste Mrs. Gregory. I
saw no eu-canina there, 104.

V. SEGETALIS, Jord. *Selkirk, 79; Melrose, 1905, 80.

V. ARVENSIS, Murr., forma SUBLILACINA, Watts. *Coldisham, Si ;
* Melrose, 80.

V. LEPIDA, Jord. Dalnaspidal. 96; Glen Spean, 97 ; *Dundonnell
W. Ross, 1888, 105.

V. LLOYDII, Jord. Forfar, 90; Braemar, 92; Thurso, 109.

POLYGALA OXYPTERA, Reichb. *On a grassy bank, Traquair,
Peebles, 78. Near Lawers in some quantity, 88. *Near
Sligachan, Skye, 104. I think a distinct species, it has quite a
different habit from vulgaris.

P. SERPYLLACEA, WeUie. Sligachan, etc., 104. Ascends to 3300
feet in Mid Perth, var. vincoides, Chodat. To this variety
perhaps may be referred plants gathered in Glen A'an,
Banff, 94, in 1891 ; hitherto only known from Cornwall, but the
Scottish specimens have the leaves more widely separated, and
the inflorescence not so condensed.

SCOTTISH PLANTS 99

SILENE MARITIMA, With. Rather frequent on the Cuchullins, 104.
On Corrie Ardran, Mid Perth.

S. ACAULIS, L. At about 1000 feet by the Allt Dearg Mor, Skye,
104. Descends to 600 feet in Sutherland. Quiraing, Storr;
Lavvson MS.

LYCHNIS DIOICA, L. Ascends to 3400 feet on Stuich-an-Lochan, 88.

CERASTIUM TETRANDRUM, Curt. Cliffs near Port Mary, abundant,

Kirkcudbright.
C. VULGATUM, Z., *var. HIRSUTUM (Fries). Sligachan, 104.

var. ALPINUM, Koch, ascends to 3300 feet on Corrie

Ardran, 88.
C. NIGRESCENS, Editionston (arcticum, Lange, p.p.). Ascends to over

3500 feet on Ben Nevis. Cuchullins, 104 (recorded in error as

C. alpinum from the Cuchullins mountains, by Prof. Lawson in

" Top. Bot.").
C. ALPINUM, L. This should be deleted from 104, "Top. Bot.,"

see above.

ARENARIA TRINERVIA, L. * Flora Craig, Peebles, 78.
A. SEDOIDES, Druce. Ben Lawers at 3600 feet. Abundant on the

mountain range between Quiraing and Storr, 104; Lawson

MS.

(To be continued.}

ALIEN PLANTS.
By JAMES FRASER.

THE following Alien Plants were gathered by Mr. M'Andrew
and myself mainly during 1910 (those found in any previous
year being only now determined), and this list brings the
number seen by us, chiefly in the neighbourhood of Edin-
burgh, up to about 9/0.

The locality " Murieston " is the Edinburgh Distress
Committee's Labour Colony at Nevvpark, West Lothian-
farms on which much of the city refuse is utilised.

A star in front of a name indicates a new British record.

CRUCIFER.E.

Brassica monensis, Huds. One plant at Leith in 1907, and one at
Slateford in 1910. On the East Coast of Scotland this plant is
merely casual.

roo ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

*Cochlearia glastifolia, L. Several fine plants near Musselburgh.
*Erysimum canescens, Rotfi. Several near Musselburgh, by Mr.
M 'Andrew.

CARYOPHYLLACEyE.

Gypsophila viscosa, Murr. Several at Portobello and at Murieston.
Spergularia marginata, Kittel. One or two at Murieston, which is
nearly ten miles from sea.

GERANIACE/E.

Erodium Botrys, Bertol. Several at Galafoot and Melrose in 1908.
Geranium Endressi, Gay. A fine colony by the roadside between

Innellan and Dunoon.
G. pratense, L., with white flowers. A couple of clumps on railway

bank, Trinity.

LEGUMINOS.*:.

*Glycine Soja, Sieb. and Zucc. Several plants up to fifteen inches in
height in several places at Leith Docks, but did not flower.

Lathyrus latifolius, L. One colony on St. Mary's Isle, Kirkcudbright-
shire.

Lupinus luteus, L. Several, at Portobello.

Melilotus Petitpierreana, Willd. One fine plant at Leith. Under
this name I am placing the white-flowered variety of M. arvensis,
Wallr., following the example of L'abbe Coste, in his " Flore
de la France."

*Phaseolus multiflorus, Willd. Some scores of this plant in fine
flower, in a disused clay-pit at Portobello.

ROSACES.

*Acsena adscendens, Vahl. Several seedlings at Galafoot in 1908;

one, transferred to a garden, flowered this year.
A. Sanguisorbae, Vahl. A firmly established colony on the bank of

the Tweed below Leaderfoot. For this plant I am indebted

to Mr. J. Roseburgh, Galashiels, who found it in August last.

Late in September I found it bearing several fresh flower

clusters, and the remains of several others.

CRASSULACE/E.
*Tillaea pharnaceoides, Hochst. One, at Galafoot, in 1908.

LYTHRACE^E.

Lythrum Salicaria, Z., var. rosea. A clump, on shore, east side of
St. Mary's Isle, Kirkcudbrightshire.

ALIEN PLANTS 101

UMBELLIFER^.

Chaerophyllum aureum, L. Plentiful on the bank of the Teith

below Callander.
Daucus brachiatus, Sieb. One or two plants at Galafoot in 1908;

first found in Britain, by Miss Hayward, F.L.S., Galashiels.

RUBIACE.^.

Galium anglicum, Huds. Several at Leith and Portobello.

DIPSACE.E.

Morina longifolia, Wall. Several (outcasts) near Musselburgh.

COMPOSITE.

Aster Linosyris, Bernh. A clump, at Barnton Gate Goods Station,

by Mr. M 'Andrew.

A. Novi-Belgii, L. Several in disused quarries around Edinburgh.
Helipterum hyalospermum, F. von Muell. Several at Galafoot.

First found in Britain by Miss Hayward, F.L.S., Galashiels.
Hieracium pratense, Tausch. Several large patches at Leith Docks

along with
H. vulgatum, Fr., var. subfasciculare, W.R.L., also in large patches,

and along with hundreds of square yards of an unnamed variety of
H. umbellatum, L. A fine colony of the last-named species

flourishes on Hound's Point, Dalmeny, West Lothian.
Lactuca saligna, L. One at Leith.

Matricaria inodora, Z., var. discoidea, Celak. Plentiful at Portobello.
Millotia, sp. not det. Two plants of what appears to belong to this

Australian genus, at Galafoot in 1908.
Senecio squalidus, L., forma. One at Galafoot in 1908.

CAMPANULACE.E.

Campanula macrantha, Fisch. One in Craigmillar Quarry.
C. Trachelium, L. Several near Musselburgh.
* Lobelia Erinus, L. Several at Murieston.

PRIMULACE.E.

Steironema ciliatum, Rafin. Several near Peebles.

HYDROPHYLLACE^E.

Nemophila insignis, Benth. Several on rubbish heaps at Murieston.

BORAGINACE/E.

Amsinckia intermedia, Fisch. and Mey. Several at Slateford.

102 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SCROP HU L ARI ACE^.

Linaria bipartita, Willd. Several near Slateford.
Veronica longifolia, Z. One clump at Leith.

LABIATE.
Salvia yEthiopis, L. One at Leith.

PLANTAGINACE^:.

*Plantago notata, Lagasca. Several at Leith.
P. virginica, L. One or two at Portobello.

POLYGONACE^:.

Polygonum alpinum, AH. A large clump on the shingle between
Innellan and Dunoon.

URTICACE^E.

Urtica dioica, Z., var. microphylla, Haussmann. One, near Slate-
ford, by Mr. M 'Andrew.

GRAMINE.^.

*Agrostis nebulosa, Boiss. and Rent. Several near Slateford.

*Avena bromoides, Z. Several near Musselburgh. I am indebted
to Professor Hackel for the name.

" Bromus hordeaceus typicus, Beck, "forma. One clump at Leith.
The number of flowers in the spikelets is smaller and the
panicle is very contracted, but Professor Hackel says that these
may be only casual differences from the type.

*Dactylis glomerata, Z., sitb.-sp. hispanica(D. hispanica, Roth.} forma
angustifolia. Two or three plants at Leith in 1903, and many
near Musselburgh in 1910. Professor Hackel, to whom I am
indebted for the name, says that its leaves being somewhat
narrower than usual may justify its being named "forma
angustifolia?

Festuca heterophylla, Lam. Plentiful among planted shrubs by the
Tweed below Peebles.

Hordeum nodosum, Z. One plant at Leith in 1906, and one at
Galafoot in 1908. It is abundant and thoroughly established
on the margin of a field at the Quay, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbright-
shire, where it was first observed by Mr. M'Andrew in 1883.

*Koeleria setacea, DC. Several near Musselburgh.

Panicum Crus-Galli, Z., var. submuticum. Two or three at Leith.

LEITH, December 1910.

SCOTTISH HIERACIA 103

SCOTTISH HIERACIA.
G. CLARIDGE DRUCE, M.A., F.L.S.

A CONSIDERABLE quantity of Hawkweeds which had been
gathered by me has recently been kindly examined by the
Rev. A. Ley. Doubtless some of these have been already
recorded for the various counties, but several are " new
records." Skye proved rather rich ; doubtless the warm dry
June of 1910 stimulated them to flower.

HIERACIUM PILOSELLA, Z., var. PSEUDOPiLOSELLA (Ten.}, forma
ATRICHIDIUM ( Williams}. Sligachan, Skye, 1 04.

H. ANGLICUM, Fries, var. LONGIBRACTEATUM, F. J. H. Sligachan,
104. A form with nearly glabrous leaves at Inchnadamph, 108.

*H. LANGWELLENSE, F. J. H. Glen Brittle, Skye, 104.

H. ALPINUM, Z. At 3200 feet on Corrie Ardran, M. Perth, 88.

H. CURVATUM, Elfostr. Glen Avon, Banff, 94, 1882.

H. NIGRESCENS, Willd., var. GRACILIFOLIUM, F. J. H. Tyndrum, 88.

H. SUBMURORUM, Lindeb. Glen Clova, Forfar, 90.

H. LEYI, F. J. H. Clova, 90 ; with H. SEXESCENS, Backh., West
Ross, 105.

H. ARGENTEUM, Fr. Corrie Ardran, 88; Sligachan, Skye, 104.
H. CLOVENSE, Linton. Corrie Ardran, 88.

H. SANGUINEUM, W. R. Linton. Corrie Creach, Sgur Alastair,
Glen Brittle, Sligachan, Skye, 104; Dalnaspidal, 88; Strath
Voich, 1 06 ! .

H. MURORUM, L. var. ASYMMETRICUM {Ley}. Sligachan, 104;
Inchnadamph, 108.

var. MICRACLADIUM, Dahlst. Sligachan, 1 04 ; var. SUB-
TENUE, {W. R. Z.), Corrie Ardran, 88; Glen Brittle, 104;
Inchnadamph, 108.

*var. PROLIXUM (Dahlst.} Sligachan, 104.

H. CANDELABRAE, W. R. L. A variety of this with less purple
leaves, which are more obtuse, with the basal portion of the
leaf narrowed, and without the retrorse teeth of the type,
occurred at Inchnadamph, 108; it may be provisionally called
var. DAVII, after a lady who has done very good work at that
interesting locality.

H. CILIATUM, Almq. Near Applecross, 105 ; Ben Hope, 108.

104 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

H. SERRATIFRONS, Alrnq., var. MORULUM, Dahlst. Glen Thulachan,
89, 1899; Ben Hope, 108.

H. SUBULATIDENS, F. J. H. Lochnagar, 92.

H. RIVALE, F.J. H. Ben More, Betty Hill, 108.

H. CREBRIDENS, Dahlst. E. Ross, 1 06.

H. SAGITTATUM, Lindeb., var. SUBHIRTUM, F.J. H. Clova, 90.

H. SARCOPHYLLUM, var. EXPALLiDiFORME. Ben Heasgarnich, 88.

H. CAESIUM, Fr., var. ALPESTRE, Lindeb. Dalnaspidal, 88;
Sligachan, 104.

var. RHOMBOIDES (Ste?istr.}. St. Mary's Loch, Selkirk, 79;
Dalnaspidal, 88; Inchnadamph, 108.

H. DECOLOR, Ley. Dalnaspidal, 88.

H. DUPLICATUM, Almq. To this Mr. Ley refers my Corrie Ardran
plant, which I thought was ANFRACTIFORME ; and he also
queries another specimen as the var. STENOPHYES, W. R. L.

*H. EUSTALES, Linton. Sligachan, 104.

H. VULGATUM, Fr. Type, Betty Hill, 108; Lunan, 90.

var. SEJUNCTUM, W. R. L. Selkirk, 79; Lawers, 88;
Tyndrum, 88; and in Argyll, 97; Betty Hill, 108.
var. SUBFASCICULARE, W. R. L. Lawers, 88.

H. ACROLEUCUM, Stenstr. Rodona, 79; Melrose, 80; Corrie
Ardran, 88.

var. D^DALOLEPIUM (Dahlst.}. Sligachan, 104; Betty Hill,
108.

H. SEPTENTRIONALE, Arv. Touv. Glen Spean, 97, 1891.
H. STRICTUM, Fries. Elgin, 95, teste, Hanbury.

H. UMBELLATUM, Z., var. FILIFOLIUM, Fries, teste. Backhouse,
Strathspey, 96.

VICIA OROBUS, DC.
By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S.

Vicia Orobus, DC, " Fl. France," v. (1815), 577.
Orobus sylvattcus, L., Cent, i., pi. 1755.

A remarkable form or variety of this species occurs at
Dalmeny, West Lothian (Robert Turner, sp., Aug. iSSi),
this recedes from the typical plant towards V. cassubica, L.,
in the peduncles and flowers being shorter than the leaves,
the stipules entire (or here and there very slightly toothed),

VICIA OROBUS, DC. 105

the habit slender and much more rigid, and in being sub-
glabrous, and altogether having quite a different aspect from
the ordinary plant. It may be called f. gracilis. Other
specimens from the Island of Canna, V.C. 104, from S. M.
Macvicar, have stipules two-thirds the usual length and with
many deeply cut teeth.

" The why and wherefore " of the distribution of this
species both in Britain and in Europe has always been a
puzzle to me ; and I should be glad if anyone can point out
why it is so peculiar.

In Europe it is known only in S. Norway (Sansand, 61
20' N. lat.), Denmark, Jutland, Schleswig-Holstein, N.
Bavaria, very rare ; Spain, Picos de Europa, France,
Pyrenees, Auvergne, Herault, Mont Pilate. Reported from
Translyvania, but the plant was O. vernns}

In Great Britain all its localities lie west of Long, i 40'
W. In south-central Scotland it occurs in 14 counties, in
Wales 9 counties, in England i i counties, and in Ireland 4
counties.

Its eastern limit in England is Hampshire, in Scotland
Longformacus in Berwickshire (Rev. A. Baird) at about
2 W. long.

In most floras the species is called " sparingly hairy";
but in the young flowering state (May 28) the stems are
densely silky hairy with pale brown hairs, the leaf-stalks,
underside of leaves, less so the upperside, and the young
flower-heads are enveloped in a dense hairy growth. By
July (in Radnor), when the pods are fully formed but far
from ripe, the stems become semi-glabrous, the leaves
mostly so. Seedlings have the first and second leaves
glabrous.

Mr. Watson 2 says " Low grounds," but it occurs at 686
feet in Edinburgh, 700 feet in Perth, 800 ft. in Dumfries, and
1310 feet in Hereford, Rev. Mr. Ley in litt.

Dr. Prior 3 gives as its names, " Bitter Vetch, Kippen-nut,
and Cormeille," but the latter applies to Lathyrus montanus,
Berch., as he himself says at p. 52. Under Kippen or

1 Neilrech, Nach. z. Maly's " Enum. pi. imp. Austria." (1861),
- "Consp. Cyb. Brit." 1868 (1870), 149.
3 "Pop. Names. Brit. Plants" (1870), 289.

LIBRARY

106 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Kippen-nut, he remarks : " Called in Scotland ' Knapperts,'
from knap or knob, and urt, wort, the heath-pea, Vicia
Orobus" But has Orobus these enlarged tubers or knobs ?
Bentham says, " root somewhat creeping," the allied European
V. cassubica, L, has long creeping stolons. Not any of my
numerous specimens of Orobus has roots attached.

It is also called " wood bitter vetch," but certainly is
not confined to woods ; in Cornwall it grows in " Moors in
rough furzy ground " : and in Ireland on " basaltic rocks " 2
(Stewart, sp.) in Antrim. In Bishop Nicolson's M.S., i69<D, 3
he calls it "nostrotibus, Horse-pease," the plant is still
existent at Blencairn where he recorded it.

The first record for the species in Great Britain is
" Orobus sylvaticus nostras. At Bigglesly (Gainbledy) in
the way to Pereth (Penrith) in Cumberland." Ray, " Cat. PI.
Angl." (1670), 339, Clarke, " First Rec. Brit. PI." (1900), p.
42.

PYROLA SECUNDA, LINN.
("SP. PL," 1753, 396.)

By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S.

Rauieschia secundiflora, Opiz., " Seznam," 1852.

R. scainda, Garcke, " Fl. N. and M. Deutsch." (i 858),

222.

Actinocyclns secundus, Klotzsch. " Monatsb. Akad. Berlin "

(1857), 14-

Alsoganum (section of Pyrola), Gray, " Nat. Arr. Brit.
PI." (i 82 i), 403.

P. secunda tenerior, " Ger. em." (1633), 408.

P. tenerior, Parkinson, " Theat Bot." (1640), 509.

P. folio uiucronato serrato, Ray, " Syn." (1690), 176.

The first certain record for Great Britain was " In
shady birch woods among the moss . . . near Little Loch
Broom in Ross-shire," Lightfoot, " Fl. Scot," i. 219, 1777.

1 Davey, " Fl. Cornwall" (1909), 132.

2 Stewart and Corry, " Fl. N.E. of Ireland " (1888), 39.

3 Hodgson, "Fl. Cumberland" (1898), 89.

PYROLA SECUNDA, LINN. 107

Ray, I.e., is supposed to have recorded it from Yorkshire,
at Haslevvood ; but Dr. Lees 1 considers that his record
applied to P. minor, L., which (at present anyhow) alone
occurs there.

The records of distribution of this species have been con-
siderably extended of late years, and in a direction not
looked for. Mr. Bentham in his "Flora" of 1858 remarks:
" Generally more northern or more alpine, being rarely
found in central or southern Europe out of the higher
mountain-ranges." And Watson - places it in his " High-
land type " ; but later 3 he refers it to his " Scottish type."
Up to the year 1878 its most southern station in England
was Cautley Crags on Howgill Fells, near Sedburgh, in
N.-W. Yorkshire; but in June, 1876, it was found by the
Rev. A. Ley (sp.\ on limestone, in woods on the Wynd-
cliff, Monmouth, growing with P. minor, Convallaria niajalis,
Polygonatiun officinalc, Sednni rupestre, Pyrus Aria, and
P. rotnndifolia, Cornus sanguinca, etc.

In 1892 Dr. Trow (.r/.) gathered it on Craig-y-Llyn,
above Llyn Faur, Glamorgan ; and it was found in another
place above Llyn Fach, in 1905, by Messrs. Salter and
Trow.

In April and July, 1906, it was found by Mr. H. H.
Knight (.$/>.) on Fan Nedd, about 1750 ft. alt. in Brecon.
In Glamorgan it occurred at about 1600 ft. alt.

These three stations bring the species some 200 miles
south of the Yorkshire one, the Glamorgan and Monmouth
stations being nearly on the same parallel.

There is a station at High-Cup-Nick, 4 near Appleby, in
Westmoreland, not recorded for that county either in " Top.
Bot." or its Supplement.

In Yorkshire it occurs at 2000-2200 ft. alt. (Lees, l.c.} ;
in Scotland, from " sea level in Moray," Dr. G. Gordon, up
to 2000 ft. in Atholl, Perth. 5 Its most northern station in
Scotland is " Beinn-a-Bhragie, 1256 ft. alt., in V.C. 107,
E. Sutherland (J. Grant, sp.\ about 57 43' N. lat. In

1 "Fl. M.W. Yorkshire" (1888), 322.

a "Cyb. Brit." ii. (1849), 161.
3 "Comp. Cyb. Brit." (1870), 244.
4 Baker, " Fl. N. Yorkshire," ed. 2 (1892), 337.
5 "Fl. Perth." (1898), 216.

io8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Arctic Norway 1 up to 70 50'. Norman describes a var.
dispersiflora, seemingly only differing in the raceme being
"dispersed, not secund." It there flowers from July 29 to
September S. 2

Moncses uniflora, A. Gray, has its northern limit in
Scotland about one mile north of P. secunda, where it grows
and flowers freely, in company with Linncea borealis (Dr.
Joass, JT/.).

In Ireland, P. secunda is rare ; there is a specimen in
the Belfast Museum, labelled " Derry, Mr. Brown." Robert
Brown lived in Derry about 1801. It was found by Dr.
Moore in Derry about 1836, but remained unrecorded till
found by Mr. Fetley on June 26, ipoi. 3 Mr. L. Praeger
found it in Co. Fermanagh in 1904, on "Upper carbonifer-
ous limestone, capped by Yoredale sandstone, at an alt.
of 1135 ft. ; here it occurred in abundance with P. minor,
P. inedia, Sesleria, Asplenium viride, etc., growing not only
among the stunted heather and in the Sesleria patches on
the cliff, but even covering bare slopes of orange sand formed
by the disintegration of the rock, and on a mossy boss under
a low sandstone scarp." 4 In the " Flora of Dumfries "
(1896), 114, Mr. Scott-Elliot describes its localities: "On
dry whinstone rocks, with very little soil, in sun, but partly
wind-sheltered, in narrow corries, under the influence of the
humid atmosphere from the burns."

In the fourth volume of the " Cyb. Brit.," 175-233, under
" Zones of altitude," secunda is given from 3, 4, 5 ; 3 no
doubt applying to the Moray 5 coast station.

To show the boreal-alpine tendency contrast the follow-
ing, found in Wales :

Dryas octopetala Carnarvon to Orkney.
Potentilla alpestris Montgomery to W. Sutherland.
Carex pauciflora Carnarvon to Orkney.
Lycopodium annotinum Carnarvon to Orkney.
Epilobium alsinifolium Carnarvon to Shetland.

1 "Index Supp. Soc. S. Arct. Norway" (1864), 26.
2 Norman, " Norges Arct. Fl." (1895), 441.

3 "Irish Naturalist" (1901), 171.

4 "Irish Naturalist," xiii. (1904), 236.

5 "Coll. Fl. Moray" (1839), 15.

\PYROLA SECUNDA, LINN. 109

and these, not found in Wales :

Cornus suecica Yorkshire to Shetland.
Arbutus Uva-ursi Derby to Shetland ! .
Kobresia caricina N.W. York, to Argyll and Perth.
Carex capillaris M.W. York, to Shetland.
Tofieldia palustris N.W. York, to Caithness.
Salix Lapponum Westmoreland to Orkney ? .

All these are given the same zones as P. seciinda. Of
course, there may be later examples, but these suffice.

Cornus suecica was found last year on " moorland, near
Darwin, in South Lancashire. 1 Mr. Travis in litt.

To show the tendency of P. secunda in Europe, take
France, for instance. It occurs in " La region des sapins
dans les Vosges, le Jura, 1'Auvergne, les Alps, et les
Pyrenees."

The distribution in England now is :

Co. 35!, 41 !,42!, 65, 68, 70!.

In Scotland 72 !, 73, 80, 83?, 85, 88!, 89, 90!,
91 ! > 92 !, 93> 94 to 99!, 102 !, 104, 105, 106, 107 !.

Ireland Antrim, Londonderry, Fermanagh.

It has also been reported for Sussex, in error for P.
media.

64. York, error for 6 5.

67. Northumberland. Not really an error, as Yevering
Bell Hill is really in Northumberland, though quoted as
Cheviotland.

75. Ayr.

76. Renfrew.

77. Lanark, near Busby. Dr. Ross, not confirmed.
In the "N.B. Guide" (1837), 530, Yevering Bell, is

placed to 8 i, Berwick. Of the others

80. Roxburgh, J. Knapp, 1837.

83 ? Slateford, August, R. P(arnell). This may be in
Ayr, or it may be Edzell (Aigle or Eagle) in Forfar?

85. Kinross (Fife), Herbert Walker-Arnott, 1837. I
owe these three records to Mr. M'Taggert Cowan, from the
Edinburgh Herbarium.

1 "Lancashire Naturalist," August 1910, 161-164.
- Gren. et Godr., " Fl. Fr.," ii. (1850), 1439.

I io ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Elsewhere P. secunda is recorded from the major part of
Europe.

Asia Corea, Davuria, Siberia.

N. America Canada to the River Mackenzie, Greenland.

United States Nebraska, along the Rocky Mountains,
to Mexico and California.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

An Old-time Vermin List. I am indebted to Mr. W. J.
Herries Maxwell of Munches for his permission to publish the
following " List of Vermin destroyed and Premiums paid for the same,
on the Duchess Countess of Sutherland's Estates in the County of
Sutherland, from March 1831 to March 1834."

This list was sent to Sir William Jardine, the celebrated
naturalist, by Mr. John Baigrie in a letter dated " Scowrie, i5th
September 1834," and with other correspondence is now in the
possession of Mr. Maxwell, Sir William's grandson.

I have not been able to ascertain exactly who Mr. Baigrie was,
but from the opening sentence of the letter referred to we may take
it that he was employed on the Sutherland estates. This letter
begins : " I regret very much that I have been prevented from
sending you sooner the list of the vermin, which has been occasioned
by my having been much engaged since the Duchess came to the
country." 1

The list, which, as far as I know, has not been previously
published, itself calls for very little remark, being but a plain
statement of painful facts.

The "548 King's Fishers " enumerated as having been destroyed
at 6d., or at a total cost of ^13 : 145., were probably Dippers
(Cinclus cinclus brittanicus).

LIST OF VERMIN DESTROYED AND PREMIUMS PAID FOR THE SAME,
on the Duchess Countess of Sutherland's Estates in the County
of Sutherland, from March 1831 to March 1834.

s. d. s. d.

71 Old Bitch Foxes . . . at 42 o 149 2 o

49 Young 20 o 49 o o

73 Old Dog Foxes 15 o 54 15 o

46 Young ,,761750

901 Wild Cats, Martins, and Polecats ,, 26 11212 6

418 Weasels . . . . . ,, io 20180

1 [Mr. John Baigrie was local Factor on the Estates of the Duke of Sutherland
in Assynt and Edderachyllis prior to that post being occupied by the late Mr.
Evander M'lver. J.A.H.-B.]

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES in

s. </' s. d.

263 Otters . . . . . at 5 o 65 15 o

171 Full Grown Eagles . . . ,,210 179 n o

53 Young Eagles and Eagles' Eggs ,,ioo 2610 o

936 Ravens . . . . . ,,20 93 1 2 o

1055 Hawks . . . . . ,, 10 52150

1739 Carrion-Crows and Magpies . ,, o 6 43 9 6

548 King's Fishers . . . . ,, 06 13140

^878

10

HUGH S. GLADSTONE, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.

Whaling- in Shetland 1910. Whaling in Shetland was very
late in beginning this year. At the Alexandra Company's station,
with the exception of a Bottle-nose Whale, no whale was got before
the 1 4th of May. For the rest of the year the whales were remark-
able for the fatness of the blubber; excluding the Bottle-nose 99
whales were killed against 101 in 1909, but over 700 more barrels
of oil were got. The result worked out :

B. musculus, Finners, Bulls, 33, Average length 57.4 feet.

,, Cows, 37, ,, 60.0

B. borealis (Seihval) Bulls, 13, ,, ,, 44.0 ,,

Cows, 10, ,, 47.3

Megaptera, Humpbacks, Bulls, 2, ,, ,, 32.2 ,,

Cows, 2, 45.5

B, biscayensis, Nordcapers, Bull, i, ,, ,,51 ,,

>j v^o>\ , i, ,, ,, 5 1

This is the first year that the Alexandra station has got a
Nordcaper, but I was told the Olna station had got two also.
These whales are valuable on account of the length and value of
the baleen. It is also worthy of notice that four Humpbacks were
got ; these whales give a large quantity of oil for their size. The
two stations at Ronas Voe were not very successful, but the Olna
station did well. I did not see much of the station as I was un-
well most of the summer, and cannot tell if there was much of
interest to be recorded. R. C. HALDANE, Ollaberry, Shetland.

White - beaked Dolphins in the Upper Estuary of the
Forth. At Blackness on the Linlithgowshire side of the Estuary
of the Forth, I examined on 7th February last (1911) two adult
White-beaked Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) which had been
stranded on the mudflats immediately to the east of the castle on
the 3rd and 4th of the month respectively. After being on view
on the beach in front of the village for a couple of days, they had
been removed by the sanitary inspector's orders to a point about
half a mile farther west to be buried, and I arrived just in time to
see the last of them. As it was I had only a few moments in the
case of one of them to make a general note of its appearance and

112 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

take its length, 8 feet 3 inches, by a hasty application of the foot
rule. Of the other, that stranded on the 3rd, I was able to make
a more thorough examination, and I took the following measure-
ments : Length in a straight line from tip of beak to fork of tail
8 feet 8 inches, depth in front of dorsal fin rather more than 2 feet,
height of dorsal fin i foot i inch, length along the anterior margin
of same 2 feet, length of anterior margin of flipper i foot 7 inches,
length of beak beyond facial groove 2\ inches, from tip of beak
to eye io| inches, mandible projecting perceptibly beyond
beak, width across tail approximately 2 feet 4 inches, the points
having been cut off. General scheme of coloration dark slaty
black above, white beneath and over the beak. The distribution
of these colours and their modifications was almost exactly as
described by Sir William Turner in his account of the adult female
taken off Stonehaven in July 1888 ("Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.,"x. 14).
I especially noticed the greyish white ridge behind the dorsal fin.
Unfortunately many of the teeth had been removed, so that I
cannot state their original number, but I estimated it at about 48
in each jaw. This was a female, and so also, I believe, was the
other, which was very similar to it in every respect.

Several of these cetaceans were stated to have been frequenting
the estuary about the time these two were stranded. This is but
the second occasion on which the white-beaked dolphin has been
recorded from the Firth of Forth. The first record is that by
Mr. Bruce Campbell ("Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 1907, p. 65) of a
male captured off Cramond in March 1907. WILLIAM EVANS,
Edinburgh.

Albino Weasel near Loeh Awe. Colonel E. S. Evans, C.B.,
writes me that he shot an Albino Weasel (Mi/stela -vulgaris) on
"3rd December 1901, close to the junction of the Oban and Ford
cross roads." This specimen, which was a genuine Albino having
" brilliant pink eyes," was unfortunately lost owing to the stuffer to
whom it was sent being away from home. RICHARD ELMHIRST,
Marine Station, Millport.

A Friendly Stoat. A Stoat (Mustela erminea) in its winter
dress, save only a brown patch on the nape, has been a constant
and welcome visitor here since the end of last November. Ex-
tremely tame and confiding it came daily for a time in mid-winter
to the food put out for the birds within a few feet of the windows,
never attempting to molest the birds, which paid but little attention
to it beyond fluttering a few yards away. On one occasion it was
seen climbing nimbly in a hazel-bush, some 10 or 12 feet from the
ground ; and still frequents the immediate vicinity of the house.
Formerly there were always rats about, but since the advent of the
Stoat not one has been seen ; some moles, too, that were trouble-
some have also disappeared. With a plague of rats throughout the

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 113

country there seems to be a lesson here as to the folly of undue
interference with the balance of Nature. CHAS. H. ALSTON,
Letterawe, Loch Awe.

White Common Hare in Dumfriesshire. Mr. Cecil Laurie
informs me that on 2yth December 1910 he shot a white brown-
hare in Beuchan Wood. He is certain that it was L. europtxus
and not L. timidus (the Mountain Hare), on account of its size
and also its legs and pads, which were brown. He is, moreover,
well acquainted with both species of hares ; but it is unfortunate
that the skin was not kept. I have in my collection a white hare
which was found dead near Byreholm, on 2oth December 1903.
This specimen is completely white, with only a suspicion of a
brown hair here and there. On 2oth November 1907 a hare
with a white face and white forefeet was shot at Carron Water.
All the above-mentioned places are within a radius of five miles
of Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. HUGH S. GLADSTONE, Thornhill,
Dumfriesshire.

Winter Visitors to Wigtownshire. On 25th November 1910,
nineteen VVhoopers alighted on the White Loch of Myrton, a sheet
of water some 60 or 70 acres in extent within the park at Monreith.
I watched them through the glass for a long time at a distance of
not more than 250 yards. They were all in adult plumage except
three cygnets. They were joined in the night by two other adults
and two cygnets, and took their departure about 9 A.M. The loch
has been treated as a sanctuary for wild fowl for more than seventy
years. The Mute Swans on the loch did not pay the slightest
attention to the strangers. On 7th January 1911, when Viscount
Dalrymple, M.P., Captain Aymer Maxwell, and the Hon. Gerald
Legge were shooting wild fowl on Cults Loch near Castle Kennedy,
they flushed a Bittern several times. It is agreeable to record that,
although the bird might easily have been shot, none of the three
sportsmen dreamt of firing at it. O si sic f lures ! The bird was
flushed three times to put its identity beyond doubt. HERBERT
MAXWELL, Monreith.

The Northern Bullfinch, Holboll's Redpoll, etc., in the Lothians.
With reference to the records from Fair Isle and the Isle of May
in the January "Annals," I have a Northern Bullfinch which was
caught on agth October 1910 at the nursery gardens, Archerfield,
East Lothian, by Mr. Logan, forester, from whom I subsequently
obtained it. Having heard that an unusually fine bullfinch had
been got at Archerfield I went to see the bird, and was pleased to
find it to be a typical Pyrrhula pyrrhula (Linn.) ; a large brightly-
coloured male with a wing measurement of fully 94 mm., and a bill
of about ii mm. along the ridge. On 3ist October, a bullfinch,
probably also of this race, rested for some time at Barnsness light-
house, near Dunbar, as I was informed by Mr. Budge, the light-
78 E

ii 4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

keeper ; and Mr. Devvar, bird-dealer, Edinburgh, tells me he saw
at the bird-show in Berwick-on-Tweed in the end of November
a " Russian " bullfinch which had been recently caught in that
neighbourhood. This is not the first occasion, however, on which
this large race has occurred on the coast of East Lothian. One
which I have a note of and used often to see, was captured at
Ferneyness on the coast near Longniddry, about the end of October
1884 by a mason named James Chirnside, who was very proud of
it and kept it alive for several years. Chirnside's " big bully " was
well-known in the neighbourhood.

Among the many Mealy Redpolls that visited the Lothians in
the latter part of October and beginning of November there were
numbers of those large birds to which the trinomial A. I. holboelli
has been given. One which I obtained at Skateraw, near Dunbar,
on 29th October is, Dr. Hartert considers, correctly referred to this
form, and I have seen others from Tranent, Prestonpans, Leith, etc.
It is doubtful, however, if holboelli merits even subspecific rank ;
but, in whatever light it may be regarded, it is clear the Mealy
Redpoll from near Edinburgh, figured by Selby in 1825, was this
large form.

Besides the Waxwings already reported in the " Annals " one
was killed near Gilmerton, Midlothian, in December, and another,
which I saw in the flesh on the 8th of that month, was shot near
Kirriemuir, Forfarshire. On iith November a Great Grey Shrike,
was shot at Tyne Estuary, near Dunbar.

Little Auks were fairly plentiful in the Firth of Forth throughout
the winter. The first I have a note of was a disabled one which
I very nearly captured on the beach at Skateraw on iyth October.
Altogether I handled about a dozen examples that were shot or
cast on the beach, mostly near North Berwick, during December
and January, though one was from as far up the Firth as Cramond.
On 1 4th January I found a dead Fulmar at North Berwick, the
third got there since autumn. Not far off Elie on 8th September,
I saw from the steamer what I am sure was a Sooty Shearwater,
and about a week later the Kellys, North Berwick, who know the
bird well, told me they saw one, quite close to their boat, near
Fidra on gth September. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.

Mealy Redpoll and Siskin in Mull. On 2ist October last I
identified for the first time in Mull the Mealy Redpoll (Acanthis
linaria) feeding along with Twites on the seeds of Centaurea nigra.
On 2nd and 3rd November, fully twenty Siskins (Chrysomitris
spinns) were seen feeding also on the seeds of above. Only once
before have I noticed the latter species here. D. MACDONALD,
Tobermory.

Supposed Cirl Bunting- in Sutherland : a Mistake in Identi
flcation. Having recently had occasion to look into the Scottish

t>

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 115

records of the Girl Bunting (Emberiza rirlus\ I have, through the
kindness of the Rev. Dr. Joass of Golspie, seen the supposed
example reported in the "Annals" for 1909, p. 205, and find it to
be an ordinary male Yellow-hammer (. citrinella}. There is no
doubt about it, as Mr. Eagle Clarke and others to whom I have
shown it can testify. Dr. Joass tells me that the bird was killed by
a cat at the Manse, Golspie, on 9th January 1905, and sent to
Thurso to be stuffed. He also informs me it is the "Girl Bunting '
referred to by Miss Lennie in the " Scottish Geographical Magazine
for March 1911, p. 140, as having been got at Golspie last summer.
WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.

Notes on a Nest of the Snow Bunting. As a most interesting
case illustrating the nesting habits of the Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax
nivalis) has recently been placed in the Royal Scottish Museum
Edinburgh, it may be as well to put on record the history of the
particular nest in question. Some years ago my brother, Mr. W.
T. Blackwood, located several pairs of Snow Buntings on various
" screes " in the Cairngorms, but, prior to last year, both he and I
failed to find a nest, though we made repeated attempts to do so.
However on i8th June 1910, when searching a scree in Aberdeen-
shire he noticed a hen Bunting carrying nesting material, and he
then had little difficulty in locating the nest, or rather, its founda-
tions, for the bird had only commenced building. Two days later
the nest, completed and lined with ptarmigan feathers, contained
one egg and four more were eventually laid. I was taken to the
place on 241)1 June and received a few photographs of the hen and
of the nest. Some of these were used as an aid in the setting up
of the case, and I cannot praise too highly the manner in which
this has been done. Everything looks so natural that it would serve
no purpose if I gave a detailed account of the situation, etc., of the
nest. One glance at the case conveys a much more realistic
impression of the appearance of a Snow Bunting's nest than mere
words can do. G. G. BLACKWOOD, Edinburgh.

Siberian Chiff Chaff and Holbbll's Redpoll in Shetland. -
Between the 2ist and 315! of October last, there was a considerable
arrival of migratory birds, consisting of Blackcaps, Bramblings,
Goldcrests, Thrushes, Siskins, Northern Bullfinches, Chiff Chaffs
and Redpolls. On the 28th Mr. Andrew Leslie, Jun., of Seafield,
near Lerwick, shot two Holboll's Redpolls and a Chiff Chaff among
the shrubs. I submitted these birds to Mr. Eagle Clarke for his
opinion and he informs me that my suspicions as to their identifica-
tion are correct, and that I am right in believing that the Siberian
Chiff Chaff is new to the known avifauna of the mainland of
Shetland. During the latter half of January 1911, a number of
Redpolls and Greenfinches were seen here. JOHN S. TULLOCH,
Lerwick.

ii6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The Greater Wheatear in Clyde. Whilst taking a walk near
Carmunnock on i oth May of last year, on the look out for migratory
birds, I noticed a number of Wheatears which looked larger than
the usual variety, and obtained one for the purpose of identification.
This I sent to the Royal Scottish Museum, where upon examination
it turned out to be ,5". leucorrhoa, a male, with a wing measurement
of 101 mm. This is, I believe, the first record for the occurrence
of this large northern race in the Clyde valley. It is noticeable
that Wheatears, though plentiful in the locality on the spring
migration are singularly scarce on the journey south in the fall of
the year. HARRY DUNCAN, Glasgow.

[Supposed Occurrence of the Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella
ncevia) in "Dee."- On the evening of 2oth May 1910, while
making our way homeward beside the river Dee, a few miles from
Aberdeen, we were surprised by hearing a loud " reeling " bird-song,
proceeding from a conifer plantation with much undergrowth among
the young trees. We listened to the song for a few minutes (it was
about 9 P.M.), and although neither of us had previous acquaintance
with the Grasshopper Warbler, we at once recognised the well-
known song from descriptions, and we record the occurrence for
what it is worth. L. N. G. RAMSAY, A. G. DAVIDSON, Aberdeen.]

Continental form of Willow Warbler and Gt. Spotted Wood-
pecker on the Isle of May. In May 1909 a Willow Warbler was
sent off to us which had struck the lantern on the Isle of May and so
killed itself. It proves to belong to the Eastern race, Phylloscopus
trochihts eversmanni, which, according to Dr. Hartert breeds in
Northern Russia and Siberia.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker recorded by us in the "Annals
of Scottish Natural History," 1910, p. 5, as occurring on the Isle of
May on the i6th of September 1909, is of the continental form,
Dendrocopus major major. We are indebted to Dr. C. B. Ticehurst
for determining these racial forms for us. LEONORA JEFFREY
RINTOUL and EVELYN V. BAXTER.

Great Spotted Woodpecker in Solway Area. Mr. Archd.
Goldie-Scot writes me that last spring he saw a Great Spotted Wood-
pecker near Craigmuie in Balmaclellan parish, Kirkcudbrightshire.
In Dumfriesshire, besides those already recorded as nesting in 1910
('Birds of Dumfriesshire," p. 160) I heard of one being seen near
Carnsalloch (Kirkmahoe) in November 1910, and I myself saw one
in Auchangibbet wood (Tynron) on 2 oth December 1910, not 100
yards from its nesting site of the preceding spring. HUGH S.
GLADSTONE, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.

Short-eared Owls at Tiree. During the early part of February
1911, when the sportsmen were here shooting Snipe and Wild-fowl,
many Short-eared Owls (Asio accipitrimis) were seen. These, I

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 117

believe, were on their way north, and I have not observed any other
migrants, as yet, to date (2yth February). PETER ANDERSON,
Tiree.

Hobby and other Birds of Prey in Moray. A Hobby (F.
subbiiteo) was killed by one of the keepers at Innes, Elgin, in
the end of June last year. It was thought to be a Merlin,
but was stuffed, and it was only by chance that I happened
to see it, and recognised it. On enquiry I find it was shot
about 6 in the evening when flying close to the ground across
the pheasant rearing field. There were two keepers present at
the time, and they think it was just going to lift a bird. It has a
wing almost exactly 10 inches, and consequently I would put it
down as a male. The keeper, however, writes it had a bare spot on
the breast, and he considered that it had been sitting on eggs at the
time. Innes is very well wooded and it is quite possible it was
breeding there. I was away in Norway at the time, or would have
seen it in the flesh, and probably would have been able to find out
if there were more about. I think a good many birds of prey
pass over the south side of the Moray Frith. One spring about
live years ago, there was an Osprey at Lochnabo. I did not see it,
but was told it stayed for a day or two. I have repeatedly seen
Peregrines ; indeed, I saw one almost secure a Partridge about a
month ago. I also saw in 1906, about the end of October what I
have no doubt was a Goshawk. It was feeding on a Water-hen, and
rose within half a score of yards from me. It left its bird behind,
but returned later and took it away. As this was only a couple of
fields from the house, the bird could no doubt easily have been
either trapped or poisoned, and perhaps if it had killed either a
Partridge or a Pheasant it might have been sacrificed. As it was it
was not interfered with. This year we have had a great many
Merlins about, and of course with the large woods of Gordon Castle,
and Lochnabo so near, there are many Sparrow-hawks. In 1907
or 1908, although the keepers thought all nests on the place had
been destroyed, in the fortnight beginning the iith August they
killed 33 round places the young Pheasants were turned down with-
in three weeks, and not without the loss of a good many birds.
J. DAVIDSON, Innes, Elgin.

Wigeon Breeding- at Loch Leven : a Correction. In our foot-
note to the communication which appeared in the " Annals " for
January we inadvertently quoted as our authority, for the earliest
breeding of this species at Loch Leven, Mr. Millais's " Wildfowler
in Scotland " ; it should have been the same author's " Surface-
Feeding Ducks," published in 1902. EDS.

Wigeon Breeding in Roxburghshire. The Wigeon (Mareca
penelope), undoubtedly, now breeds regularly in Roxburghshire, but

n8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

I cannot remember having seen an authentic record of the finding
of a nest. It may therefore be useful to report that on )th May,
1910, I put a duck wigeon off her nest within the bounds of the
county. The nest, which was in long heather, was about two hundred
yards from a small loch situated in the higher moorlands of the
county. There were eight eggs and a fair quantity of down in the
nest, and incubation was probably just commencing. In the course
of the day I saw three or four drake wigeon, so there were almost
certainly several more nests in the vicinity. G. G. BLACKWOOD,
Edinburgh.

Capture of Marked Wigeon. In June 1909, I marked five
Wigeon (Mareca pemlope) at Gordonbush, East Sutherlandshire, one
of these was got in Holland on 3rd September 1909, and a second
has turned up about the middle of January 1911, on the Trent near
Retford. It is very remarkable that out of five birds marked two
should have been reported. FRANCIS G. GUNNIS, London, S.W.

Whimbrels nesting in Sutherland. The following is not a
Record but a Negative: At a sale at Stevens (2ist Feb. 1911)
the eggs sold were from a dealer, and bought and paid for cash-
by an unknown purchaser. Item : " Whimbrels, 0/3 fine green type,
Sutherlandshire," or words to that effect. All I can say about
nesting of this species in Sutherlandshire I have said before, but
desire to repeat, " I have never been able to authenticate any such
extension to the southward of the species " ; and I have utterly failed
to secure a single authentication of similar statements, during forty-
five years' personal knowledge of the avi-fauna of that county or
area. I think the negative is worth repetition. J. A. HARVIE-
BROWN.

Opah or King -fish in Mull Waters. I am indebted to
Mr. Bryce Allan Yr. of Aros for drawing my attention to the
occurrence, on 8th June 1910, of a specimen of Lampris lima in
Mull. Some whelk gatherers found one stranded in shallow water
at Ardnacross, midway between Salen and Tobermory. It proved
to be a female with spawn in a pretty forward state of develop-
ment. Unfortunately the beautiful fish was mutilated before I could
take the weight and accurate measurements. D. MACDONALD,
Tobermory.

Labia minor in Haddingtonshire. On i6th June 1910, when
passing the farm steading of " Deuchrie " at the foot of the Lammer-
muirs, Haddingtonshire, I caught a specimen of this small Earwig
flying in the sunshine. The few previous " Forth " records are from
Edinburgh and Fife. It may also be of interest to add that m
August 1909, I found the common Earwig (Forficula auriculana]
in abundance in Gannets' nests on the Bass Rock. It is also
plentiful on the Isle of May. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 119

Acherontia atropos in Caithness. A Death's-head moth was
captured in a bee-hive at Watten, Caithness, on or about the loth
of September last by Mr. Francis Doull, postmaster there, who
kindly sent it to me through the Rev. David Lillie. WILLIAM
EVANS, Edinburgh.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Rhinanthus Perrieri (pp. 56-7). This name does not "express
a character common to all, or nearly all, the species of a genus."
Even if it did, I would remind Mr. Druce that those words of the
Vienna " Actes " occur in a Recommendation, not in a Rule; they
are a guide for the future, rather than a restriction on the past. Dr.
J. von Sterneck's contention in his " Monograph of Alectorolophus,"
p. 109, is that R. Perrieri, Chabert, cannot be distinguished from
R. minor, var. rnsticulits, Chabert ; the supposed difference being
" inapplicable for scientific purposes," and indeed non-existent in
the original specimens of R. Perrieri seen by him. As he states on
p. 1 08, R. Perrieri and R. minor, var. rusticulus, are synonymous ;
the specific must therefore supersede the varietal name. I agree
that Sterneck was not " free to choose " ; he ought to have written
Alectorolophus Perrieri, instead of A. rusiictilus. EDWARD S.
MARSHALL.

Cerastium nigrescens, Edmonston (pp. 40-2). Mr. Druce has
given us an excellent sketch of the plant's history ; but I do not
think that he has proved the above name to be valid. Edmonston
first described it as C. latifoliuin, L., and subsequently as C. lati-
foliuin, var. nigrescens ; rejecting in the text the name C. nigrescens,
under which it had been mentioned in the preface to his "Shetland
Flora." In my opinion this remains a nomen nudum, and must be
discarded on technical grounds, though his opinion of its distinct-
ness from C. latifoliuin, L., of the Alps was correct. Even if, as is
alleged by Ostenfeld, Lange included a Greenland form of C. alpinum,
under his C. arcticum, that name should I think, be retained in a
restricted sense for our British species, which Lange endorsed as true
as C. arcticum ; the later C. Edmonstonii, Murbeck and Ostenfeld,
appears to be superfluous.

Mr. Druce's account of the supposed hybrids is most interesting ;
and I have little doubt that his conclusions are correct. Syme's un-
localised C. alpinum, var. pubescens, is too briefly described for satis-
factory identification ; I suspect that it was C. alpinum x arcticum,
though it may have included one or more other hybrids. EDWARD
S. MARSHALL.

Corallorhiza innata. Mr. A. Macgregor's query respecting this
species as a Moray plant seems not easy to answer. In Watson's "Out-
lines," 1832, p. 279, no mention is made of Moray ; Ross is given.

120 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

In the : 'New Botanists' Guide," 1837, p. 498, Mr. Watson says
of the "Rev. G. Gordon's 'Cat. of Plants found in Moray,' a tract
of country including the present county (Elgin) along with that of
Nairn, and likewise parts of Ross, Inverness, and Banffshire." It is
not given for Elgin here. In the " Comp. Cybele Brit., 1869, p. 323,
Moray is still unnamed. In the ist ed. of "Top. Botany," 1874,
p. 374, no Elgin or Moray is named ; neither are they in the 2nd ed.,
1883, p. 387. The only locality at all near Moray seems to be
' Contin, 8 miles from Dingwall," and Coull on the Conan river.
In the " Supplement to the Compendium," 1872, p. 85, Wilson gives
it for the sub-province 31, i.e. " Banff, Elgin, Nairn, East Inverness."
Whether the records " Mr. Lawson " or " Miller " of " Top. Botany "
were of stations under Moray I do not know. I have seen speci-
mens only from Co. 68, Si, 85, 87, 90, and 92. ARTHUR BENNETT.

Vieia sylvatiea, L., var. eondensata, Druce.^ In the " Annals "
for 1910, p. 40, Mr. Druce records this from shingle north of Drum-
more, V.C. 74.

The late Mr. A. Somerville sent me a series of specimens from
the shore-rubble north of Johnshaven, Kincardine (9. 8. 1905),
which are even more condensed (especially in the non-flowering
shoots) than Mr. Druce's original examples. In these Kincardine
specimens the leaves are oblong, rotund, closely compacted and the
edges revolute, and looking much like a small contracted form of
V. sepiii/n, L. Many of the leaflets are nearly as broad as long,
while in typical examples they are nearly three times as long.
ARTHUR BENNETT.

Poa palustris, Linn, in Scotland. Another locality has recently
been added, by Mr. James M 'Andrew, to the two already known for
this plant in Scotland, by his discovery near Kenmure Castle, New
Galloway, of a grass which both Dr. Stapf and Professor Hackel
agree in placing under this name. I have lately seen several sheets
of a grass gathered by Dr. Knapp and labelled by him " Poa
nemoralis, a variety found by me at Linn na Grach, Perthshire,
1835," which, it seems to me, might well be placed under Poa
palustris, Linn. I am anxious to find out the whereabouts of
"Linn, na Grach," "Linn, ma Gray," or "Linn, ma Grag " (as
Knapp variously writes it) in order that fresh specimens of Knapp's
plant may be got and submitted to present-day experts for identifica-
tion. Can any reader of the " Annals " throw light on the position
of that locality ? JAMES ERASER.

Poa palustris, Z., near Aberdeen. In October, 1910, I found
this grass growing sparingly by a farm road at Ruthrieston, just
beyond the city's limits on the west side of Aberdeen. I am not
aware of its having been observed in this neighbourhood before.
There can be little, if any, doubt that the seeds had been thrown by

1 "Naturalist" (1884), p. 85, and " Ex Club Report for 1883 (1884), p. 85.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 121

the roadside, though the habitat did not seem a likely one for it even
as a casual. In 1909, I found P. Cliaixii in a neglected field ot
grass at Old Aberdeen, like P. palitstris no doubt an alien.
JAMES W. H. TRAIL.

A remarkable form of Carex aquatilis, Wahl. Mr. George
West has lately sent me a series of very nice specimens of Carex
from Scotland, acquired mostly while exploring the series of lakes he
has been engaged in. 1 Among these is a most extraordinary form
of C. aquatilis. He describes it as forming dense tufts here and
there in Inchnacardoch Bay, Loch Ness, and " immediately behind
the large tussocks on ground that is very wet but firm. It grows in
a spreading mass, carpeting the ground with a tangle of rhizomes
and roots, so dense that it is scarcely possible to get the fingers
through them in order to extract a specimen. As the water is
approached, and the ground becomes mere mud, this carpeting habit
gives way, and the rhizomes of many plants combine together and take
a vertical direction instead of a horizontal. They forsake the diageo-
tropic habit, assume negative geotropism and become casspitose.
The combined rhizomes form a sort of trunk, which is very hard and
heavy, something like a tree-fern trunk. They are thus able to
elevate their leaves and inflorescences above the surface of the sur-
rounding water" (Notes on the specimens sent me by Mr. West).
One of these tussocks extracted by Mr. West weighed 70 Ibs. when
wet. That aquatilis grows in considerable masses, Mr. West shows
in his papers, but anything like the above I have vainly sought for.

Of the described forms in books so far as the inflorescence goes,
these specimens come nearest the var. rirescens, Anderson, Cyp.
Scandinavicce (1849), P- 4-6-

In another note Mr. West remarks, " These grow in large
casspitose clumps forming a dense head of foliage : with the
rhizome the whole clump will be 3 feet high or more. They stand
out of the water, and when isolated look like miniature palms.
When sufficiently abundant to be close together they form numerous
little islands with mud or water between."

Has any Scottish botanist observed anything like this with
aquatilis^ It is aquatilis assuming the habit of C. Hudsonii,
Ar. Benn. (C. stricta, Good.}. ARTHUR BENNETT, Croydon.

Notes on Callitriehe. Among the many good aquatic plants
gathered by Mr. G. West in his examination of the Scottish Lakes,
was a fine series of Callitriehe autumnalis, L.

The normal form was represented by many gatherings, but in
others from Loch Gelly and Loch Kilconquhar, Fife (20. 9. 09), the

1 ' Comp. Study of Dominant Flora of Aquatic Habit, etc.,' with 53 plates.
" Proc. Roy. Soc. Ed." (1905), p. 967.

' Further Contributions to above, etc.,' with 62 plates. ' % I'roc. Roy. Soc.
Ed.' 1 (1910), pp. 63-182.

122 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

leaves are shorter and much the shape of those of C. truncata, Guss.,
the internodes shorter, and the fruit much larger, in these respects
answering to the var. htnulifera, Norman. 1 The only fruits on other
specimens approaching these are from the Loch of Watlee, Unst,
Shetland ; Beeby, leg.

A specimen from "Town-foot, Dumfries, 1887, leg. J. Fingland,''
named as autumnalis has much the habit of C. truncata, Gussone ;
but there is no fruit unfortunately. Truncata is not a northern
species. In England it occurs north to Notts. In the herbarium
at University College, Nottingham, are specimens gathered by
Mr. Fisher in 1892.

In Europe truncata is not on record north of Belgium.

In some extraordinary specimens of C. intermedia, Hoffm., (Jianni-
lata, Kiitz) from Ednam Bay, Loch Tay, 1905, from J. M 'Andrew,
the leaves are \\ to 2 inches long, with the apex separated into a
complete claw-like end twice the width of the leaf. C. polymorpha,
Lonnroth, " Obser. crit. pi. suec. illustrantes " (1854), p. 19.

I have seen no Scottish specimens of this other than Mr. Beeby's
Shetland ones, but it should occur. In England it occurs in Surrey ;
Cambridge, Eyer, sp. ; and Mr. Beeby saw it in a globe in Seven
Dials, London, bought some, and sent me specimens. The dealer
said the specimens came from Epping Forest, Essex.

C. obtusangnla, Le Gall., " Fl. Morbihan " (1852) p. 202.

This may occur in Southern, Scotland, in Ayr, Dumfries, or
Kirkcudbright, although in England its most northern stations are
S. E. Yorkshire (Co. 61), and Cheshire (Co. 58). In this the fruit
is longer than broad, there are no wings, and the four edges of the
fruit are rounded, not angled.

There is a sub-sp. of this, C. alpina, Nyman = C. transsilvanica
Schur. (no/neti], that occurs in Transylvania, which may be more
likely to occur in Scotland.

C. obtusangnla is not recorded north of Belgium in Europe.
ARTHUR BENNETT, Croydon.

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural
History which have appeared during the Quarter January-March 1911.

[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 under mentioned.]

ZOOLOGY.

LARGE SEAL KILLED IN BEAULY RIVER. A. R., The Field, Jan.
14, 1911, p. 84. Records the killing of a Seal 6 ft. 6 in. in length

- " Ind. Suppl. Loc. Nat. Species" (1864), p. 16.

CURRENT LITERATURE 123

and 55 in. in girth. This example afterwards proved to be an
adult male Harp Seal (Phoca grcenlandica) (see The Field, Feb.
18, 1911, p. 329, where a photograph of the animal is reproduced).

RARE SEALS IN SCOTLAND. J G. Millais, The Field, Feb. i S,
1911, p. 329. Records the capture of a female grey Seal 8 ft. in
length and 4 ft. 8 in. in circumference, near Herda Head, Shetland.

THE BIRDS OF EAST RENFREWSHIRE. John Robertson, The
Glasgow Naturalist, Feb. 1911, pp. 41-59-

FLAMINGO (PHCENICOPTERUS ROSEUS) IN CLYDE ESTUARY.
John Paterson, The Glasgow Naturalist, Feb. 1911, p. 71. Bird
reported to have been killed off Port-Glasgow.

LANDRAIL IN SCOTLAND IN MARCH. A. R., The Field, March
ii, 1911, p. 490. Bird seen on 3rd March at Bogroy, near
Inverness.

LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSCA OF ROSS-SHIRE, WITH SOMK
NEW COUNTY RECORDS. J. W. Vaughan, fourn. of Conchology,
Jan. 1911, pp. 147-148. A list of 19 species given, 11 of which
are new to the county.

LIMAX TENELLUS, MULL., IN PERTH EAST. Chas. Oldham,
fourn. of Conchology, Jan. 1911, p. 148. Found on Oct. 6, 1910,
in abundance at Pitlochry.

VlTREA RADIATULA (ALDER) IN DUMBARTONSHIRE. J. R. le B.

Tomlin, Journ. of Conchology, Jan. 1911, p. 148. Specimen
collected by the late Dr. Boog Watson at Cardross.

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF UNIO SINUATUS, LAM., IN THE BRITISH
ISLES. f. Wilfrid Jackson, F.G.S., Jo urn. of Conchology^ Jan. 1911,
pp. 142-143. Specimen from river Clouden in South-west Dumfries-
shire, taken in 1865, was discovered by the author in an old
collection and found to be the true sinuatits of Lamarck. Specimens
previously recorded under this name should in future be known as
elongata, Lam., and referred to the genus Margaritana.

Two SPECIES OF COLEOPTERA NEW TO SCIENCE. Norman H.
Joy, M.R.C.S., F.E.S., Ent. Mo. Mag., Jan. 1911, pp. 10-12.
Thinobius bicolor, sp.n. described from three specimens taken at
Dahvhinnie, Inverness-shire, on May i, 1910.

HELOPHORUS TUBERCULATUS, GYLL., NEAR COATBRIDGE, N.B.
George A. Brown, Ent. Mo. Mag., March 1911, p. 68. Two
specimens taken last July.

BLEDIUS PALLIPES AND ITS ALLIES IN BRITAIN. D. Sharp.
M.A., F.R.S., Ent. Mo. Mag., Feb. 1911, pp. 31-34. Several
Scottish records are given in this paper.

FURTHER RECORDS OF BLEDIUS ANN,*:, ETC. Norman H. Joy,
Ent. Mo. Mag., March 1911, p. 65. B. annos taken at Pitlochry,
Sept. 1909 ; and B. pallipes on the banks of the river Tummel.

i2 4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

MVCETOPHAGUS QUADRIGUTTATUS, MULL., IN SCOTLAND. George

A. Brown, Ent. Mo. Mag., March 1911, p. 68. Found in a stable
at Coatbridge. Several other species of Coleoptera, whose names
are given, were taken with it.

A LIST OF UIPTERA COLLECTED IN PERTHSHIRE. A. E. J.
Carter, Trans, and Proc. PerthsJiire Soc. Nat. Sci., vol. v. part ii.
(1909-10), pp. 51-54. A list of 79 species, of which 21 are new to
the county.

DIPTERA IN PERTHSHIRE. A. E. J. Carter, Ent. Mo. Mag.,
March 191 1, pp. 69-70. A long list of species taken at Blairgowrie,
Kirkmichffil, etc.

NOTE ON HALESUS GUTTATIPENNIS, M'L. K. J. Morton, Ent.
Mo. Mag., Jan. 1911, p. 19. A number seen near Ormiston, East
Lothian, Nov. 4, 1910. Chaetopteryx villosa, Leuctra klapaleki,
and Elipsocus abietis are also recorded from the same locality.

HALESUS GUTTATIPENNIS IN SCOTLAND IN OCTOBER. William
Evans, Ent. Mo. Mag., Feb. 1911, p. 43. Specimen taken at
East Linton on 151!! October, 1910.

NOTES ON SOME ECTOPARASITES IN THE MUSEUM, PERTH.
James Waterston, B D., B.Sc., Trans, and Proc. Perthshire Soc. Nat.
Sci., vol. v. part ii. (1909-10), pp. 48-50. Ten species are dealt
with, and all the records are Scottish.

NOTES FROM THE GATTY MARINE LABORATORY, ST. ANDREWS.
No. XXXII. Prof. M'Intosh, M.D., LL.D., F.R.S., Ann. and Mag.
Nat. Hist., Feb. 1911, pp. 145-173, pis. v.-vii. In Section 3, on
" The British Cirratulidae," several Scottish species are recorded and
described.

BOTANY.

DAVID DOUGLAS, SCONE, BOTANIST AND PIONEER OF ARBORI-
CULTURE. By R. Dow (Trans. P.S.N.S., 1910, v. 55-65, Pis. 6-7).

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES TO PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL
SCIENCE. By W. Barclay. In Nov. 1909 (Proc. P.S.N.S., 1909,
Ixi-lxix). The excursions of the Society in 1909 are described (to
Glen Tarken, Killiecrankie, Ben Chonzie, etc.), with mention of
rarer plants. In March 1910 (I.e. Ixxiii-lxxvii), on Our Alpine Flora
a discussion of the conditions that may explain its distribution.

THE PRESENT POSITION OF BOTANICAL SURVEY IN BRITAIN.
By Wm. G. Smith, B.Sc., Ph.D. (Trans. Bot. Soc. Ed., 1909, xxiv.

53-59).

THE FLORA OF BUCHAN. By J. W. H. Trail (The Book of
Buchan, 1910, pp. 44-47). A statement of work requiring to be
done in Buchan.

PERTHSHIRE ROSES. By William Barclay (Trans. P.S.N.S.,
1910, v. 66-74). A list of all Perthshire forms known to him.

CURRENT LITERATURE 125

FUNGI FROM PERTHSHIRE. Exhibited (Proc. P.S.N.S., 1909,
lix.).

CH^ROPHYLLUM AUREUM, L., FROM BANK OF TEITH, CALLANDEK,
in 1907. Exhibited by James Eraser (Proc. fiot. Sac. Ed., 1910,
xxxi.).

NOTES ON THE BRITISH SPECIES OF UTRICULARIA. By Arthur
Bennett (Trans. Bot. Soc. Ed., 1910, \.\iv. 59-63).

THE GENUS CAREX IN BRITAIN. By Arthur Bennett (Trans.
Bot. Soc. Ed., xxiv. 77-84). Critical remarks on many of the
species and varieties.

CAREX AQUATILIS, WAHLB., AND ITS SCOTTISH FORMS. By
Arthur Bennett (Trans. Bot. Soc. Ed., xxiv. 86-90). A very full
account.

SOME FURTHER MOSSES AND HEPATICS FROM THE ISLE OF MAY.
By William Evans, F.R.S.E. (Trans. Bot. Soc. Ed., ;xiv. 91-93).
Adds 1 7 Mosses and 2 Hepatics.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF HEPATIC/E IN SCOTLAND. By Symers
M. Macvicar (Trans. Bot. Soc. Ed., xxv. 1-336).

SCOTTISH PEAT-MOSSES. A CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE
OF THE LATE QUATERNARY VEGETATION AND CLIMATE OF NORTH-
WESTERN EUROPE. By G. Samuelson (Bull. Geol. Instit. of Upsala,

1910, x. 197-260, i map).

NEW LICHENS. By A. Lorrain Smith (Journ. Bot., 1911, 4 I -44)-
Descriptions of several species and varieties new to science, of which
one, named Arthopyrenia Cronibiei, sp.n., was found by J. M.
Crombie on bark by the Garry at Blair Atholl, Perthshire (V.C. 89).

FOUR SPECIES OF GEASTER COLLECTED IN EAST LOTHIAN IN
OCTOBER 1909. Exhibited by Wm. Evans (Proc. Bot. Soc. Ed.,
1909, xxiii.).

Two NEW SPECIES OF MYCETOZOA. By G. Lister (Journ. Bot.,

1911, 61-62). Licea castanea, n.sp., on bark of Pyrus Aucuparia
and moss on the bark, Lesmoir, Aberdeenshire (V.C. 93), found by
Rev. W. Cran described.

BOOK NOTICES.

THE WORKS OF ARISTOTLE, translated into English. . . .
Vol. IV. Historia Animalium. By D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson.
(Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1910.)

Professor D'Arcy Thompson's translation of Aristotle's History
of Animals will be welcomed by all who know his valuable " Glossary
of Greek Bird Names," published in 1895. Naturalists and classical
scholars alike are in debt to the Professor for his "Glossary": the
present work will prove of special value to those who are interested

126 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

in tracing the steps by which the attitude of mankind towards nature
has been transformed from one of childlike wonder, expressing itself
largely in myth and fable, to one of mature admiration and pro-
gressive comprehension, expressing itself in accurate description,
scientific classification and reasoned theory. Apart from the element
of myth which has not yet wholly vanished from the " popular
science " of our own day the special interest of Aristotle's work
lies in such broad and illuminating general statements as that the
habits of animals are all related to the securing of progeny and the
securing of food, or that " there is enmity between such creations
as dwell in the same localities or subsist on the same food " : in such
vivid descriptions as that of the Wryneck, which " is somewhat bigger
than the Chaffinch, and is mottled in appearance ... is peculiar in
the arrangement of its toes, and resembles the snake in the structure
of its tongue . . . can protrude its tongue to the extent of four
finger-breadths and then draw it back again . . . and can twist its
head backwards while keeping all the rest of its body still like the
serpent " . . . ; and in the anatomical details to be found, most
notably, in the accounts of Cetaceans and Cephalopods. The
Professor has been very successful in giving a clear rendering of
Aristotle's Greek, and his notes both on text and matter are of great
value in elucidating obscure and often corrupt passages ; the table of
contents and the index will be found very useful. It is doubtful
whether anyone else living could have performed precisely the service
for English-reading men of science which Professor Thompson has
so efficiently rendered in the work under review. H. J.

A MONOGRAPH OF THE BRITISH NUDIBRANCHIATE MOLLUSCA.
Part VIII. (Supplementary). Figures by the late Joshua Alder and
the late Albany Hancock, and others. Text by Sir Charles Eliot,
M.A., D.C.L., etc. Folio, pp. 198, with 8 coloured plates. Ray
Society, 1910.

This is an important work, and supplies a real want long felt by
all interested in that section of our marine fauna to which it relates.
Alder and Hancock, it appears, contemplated the publication of a
supplement to their celebrated Monograph, but did not live to carry
out their purpose. They left, however, a number of drawings and
some notes, the former of which have formed the basis of the present
Part. The text is entirely from the pen of Sir Charles Eliot, who is
a recognised authority on the Nudibranchiata.

Besides the systematic portion, which includes descriptions of
species added to the fauna of the British Isles since the issue of
Part VII. (1855), and a fresh Synopsis of families, genera, and
species, there are valuable chapters on Variation and Distribution,
Nomenclature, Bionomics, Embryology and Larval Stages, Anatomy,
Classification, and Affinities and Relationships. In the matter of
nomenclature, Sir Charles Eliot is not one of those extremists who

BOOK NOTICES 127

insist on applying the priority rule in every case, regardless of
prospective inconvenience and confusion. " I confess," he writes,
"that I sympathise with those zoologists who wish to be as
conservative as possible in applying the rule of priority. It is a mere
means for conveniently deciding disputed cases, not a moral law
which must be enforced whether convenient or not. ... I cannot see
that anything is gained, whereas much is obviously lost, by dis-
carding a well-known name in favour of an obscure and forgotten
one, when there is practically no competition between them."
Neither is he a " splitter," being inclined, rather, to consider that the
creation of genera and species is at times carried too far. An
extensive Bibliography for the period since 1855 follows the
Synopsis. From the long list of citations we miss, however, the
following Scottish faunal works in which Nudibranchiates are
included ; Leslie and Herdman's " Invertebrate Fauna of the Firth
of Forth," 1881, and the British Association "Handbook of the
Fauna, Flora, and Geology of the Clyde Area," 1901. W. E.

REPORT ON THE IMMIGRATION OF SUMMER RESIDENTS IN THE
SPRING OF 1909; ALSO ON MIGRATORY MOVEMENTS DURING THE
AUTUMN OF 1908. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club. Vol. xxv. 6s. net.

This is the fifth annual report of the Committee of the British
Ornithological Club on this subject which has been noticed in our
pages. It is based upon the same lines as those previously dealt
with, and hence does not call for more than a few words. We must
remark, however, that it is a much more bulky volume than any of
its forerunners, and extends to no less than 347 pages. It bears
evidence of having been carefully prepared, and should certainly be
studied bv all interested in bird-migration as observed in the British

^ o

Isles.

THE BRITISH WARDLERS. By H. Eliot Howard. Illustrated
by Henrick Gronvold. Part V. London: R. H. Porter. 2 is. net.

This, the initial instalment of Volume II. of this very beautiful
book, like its predecessors, commands most favourable notice. In
it the high standard of the text for originality and interest, and of
the plates for their beauty is fully maintained. The text consists
chiefly of an exhaustive account of the habits of the Reed Warbler,
to which no less than sixty-one pages are devoted. There are five
coloured portraits, an equal number of photogravure plates depicting
habits, and six maps illustrating seasonal distribution. G. G.-M.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF HEPATICVE IN SCOTLAND. By Symers
M. Macvicar. (Transactions of Edinburgh Botanical Society, 1910.
vol. xxv. 336 pp.)

Though issued as a volume of " Transactions," this is really an
independent work, and is one of the most important that has
appeared for some time on any branch of the flora of Scotland.

Its value is much increased by its being in every part based

128 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

on personal knowledge, all except a few of the gatherings on which
the results are based having been examined by the author. The
labour involved in this must have been very great, as the entries
under the vice-counties are often numerous.

A short history of the progress in the study of the Hepaticse in
Scotland is followed by consideration of the effects of rainfall and
climate on their distribution, and on the expression of this in the
numerous "Atlantic species" in our flora, while a few prefer the
eastern side of the country. The preferences for certain habitats
(rocks, trees, peat-mosses, etc.) are discussed, and the altitudes
attained are stated, lists being furnished of those that pass 4000 ft.,
and of those that reach heights between 4000 and 3000 ft. and
between 3000 and 2000 ft., about half our species passing 2000 ft.

A comparison of the Hepatic flora of Scotland with those of
other countries is of much interest. It is followed by a sketch of
the flora of the Watsonian Provinces of Scotland, a definition of the
sub-provinces and vice-counties, and an indication of the collections
and other sources of information used by the author. The greater
part of the work (pp. 51-330) is devoted to a detailed account of
the distribution of the species, with mention under each species of
the localities in which it has been found and the name of the dis-
coverer in each locality from which Mr. Macvicar has seen specimens.
Often the altitudes attained are noted under the several localities.
For each species there is a short statement of the general type of its
distribution, its preferences as to habitats, soils, altitudes, and any
other features of cecological importance. An index to the species
and synonyms completes an excellent piece of work, for which the
author well deserves the thanks of all who are interested in the flora
of Scotland.

THE LIVERWORTS BRITISH AND FOREIGN. By Sir Edward Fry,
G.C.B., and Agnes Fry. (London : Witherby & Co., 326 High
Holborn, W.C., 1911.)

This little book will be found an excellent introduction to the
study of a most interesting group of plants, in which important
questions are raised on the relations between the lower and higher
forms of plant life. Selected examples afford occasion to discuss the
leading types of structure met with among Liverworts and the
provision for securing a due supply of water. The outlines of
classification and of distribution over the earth's surface are briefly
but clearly given ; and the book closes with a short notice of the
most helpful works on the Liverworts.

Incidental references to the flowering plants lead to statements
that may be revised in a future edition, such as the comparison of
the antheridia of Liverworts with the stamens of flowering plants
(p. 6). But such matters do not affect the value of the work, which
is excellently fitted to serve its end.

LIBRARY
W

The Annals

of

Scottish Natural History

No. 79] 1911 [JULY

IN MEMORIAM : ROBERT SERVICE.

BY the death of Robert Service, the " Annals of Scottish
Natural History " loses one of its most valued contributors.
It will always be regretted that he did not live long enough
to publish a Fauna of the Solway Area, a district with
which he was so intimately acquainted. His published notes
on the subject testify to his knowledge, not only of its
Ornithology, but of its Zoology generally, gained by personal
observations in the field. He was rightly regarded as the
local authority on Natural History and Botanical matters,
and as such was the friend and correspondent of authorities
like Professor Alfred Newton, William Lennon, Rev. H. A.
Macpherson, Howard Saunders, Major Barrett Hamilton,
Professor G. F. Scott-Elliot, W. Eagle-Clarke, J. A. Harvie-
Brown, W. Evans, and many others. His generosity in giving
specimens to those who would appreciate them was wide-
spread, and the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, contains
many of his donations ; of which, perhaps, the Whiskered
Tern, shot near Dumfries in 1894, is the most prized.

Robert Service was born on 23rd May 1854, at
Netherplace near Mauchline, Ayrshire. His father, four
years after his birth, set up as a nurseryman at Greenbrae,
near Dumfries, and Robert received his education at the Old
Free Kirk School, Maxwelltown. After completing his
education there, he joined his father in the business which he
79 B

130 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

was to follow all his days. From his childhood his
inclinations led him to study Nature, and any moments that
he could spare from his work were devoted to this pursuit.
His note-book was ever ready to jot down any observations
he might be able to record during the day, and when night
came he was often to be found studying the stars at the
Maxwelltown Observatory. He did much to reorganise the
Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian
Society when in 1876 it had fallen into abeyance; and at
this period he was appointed Secretary. In 1879 he married
a daughter of Mrs. Glendinning of Glasgow Street, Maxwell-
town, and three years later he was called upon to make a
decision which must have indeed been difficult. Joseph
Thomson, the African traveller, had been commissioned to
undertake an exploration of Eastern Africa for the Royal
Geographical Society, and invited him to act as Naturalist to
the expedition ; his sense of duty overcame his desire, and
Robert Service stayed at home.

His knowledge of Natural History was utilised in 1892
when he gave evidence before the Commission appointed to
investigate the Plague of Field Voles in Scotland, and also
in 1895 when he appeared as a witness before the Sol way
Fisheries Commission. On 23rd February 1901 his astro-
nomical studies were all but rewarded by the discovery of
a new star, which, however, had been observed by Dr.
Anderson of Edinburgh a few hours earlier. At his father's
death in October, his business became even more engrossing,
though in 1903 he was persuaded to undertake the honorary
duties of Secretary and Curator to the Dumfries and
Maxwelltown Observatory Museum, and held these posts for
seven years. He took a keen interest in politics, being a
staunch Conservative ; and more than once he served on the
Town and Parish Councils. He was in constant request at
Horticultural Shows, and he judged the roses at the Royal
Caledonian Horticultural Society's Exhibition only the
summer before his death. Overwork was undoubtedly the
cause of the attack of paralysis which eventually proved
fatal to him on 8th May 1911. Three days later he was
laid to his rest in Troqueer Kirkyard, being survived by his
wife, two sons, and three daughters.

IN MEMORIAM : ROBERT SERVICE 131

I have already had to perform the melancholy task of
writing my friend's obituary for " British Birds " magazine,
and I have there referred to the example which Robert
Service has left us " of generosity, of a stern sense of duty,
of an untiring energy, of patient and loving study of the
beauties of Nature."

Besides being a constant contributor to the Transactions
of many Societies, Robert Service's papers often appeared in
the " Scottish Naturalist," the " Annals of Scottish Natural
History," and the " Zoologist" To give a complete list of
his papers is here impracticable ; but the following are
perhaps some of the most valuable :

1885. Disappearance of the Chough (Pyrrhocorax graodus, L.)
from the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. (Read 28th
April 1885.) "Proceedings and Transactions of the
Natural History Society of Glasgow," N.S. vol. i.
(1883-1886), pp. 117-122.

1887. On the Former Existence of Ptarmigan in South- West
Scotland. "Zoologist," 1887, pp. 81-89.

Wild White Cattle in South-Western Scotland. Op. tit.
1887, pp. 448-457-

1891. The Old Fur Market of Dumfries. "Scottish Naturalist,"

vol. xi. 1891, pp. 97-102.

1892. Freshwater Fishes of the Solway Area. " Annals of Scottish

Natural History," 1892, pp. 18-25.

1893. Distribution of the Alpine Hare in South-West Scotland.

"Zoologist," 1893, pp. 265-266.

1894. Occurrence of Whiskered Tern in Solway. "Annals of

Scottish Natural History," 1894, pp. 179-181.

Charaas graminis in Southern Scotland. " Entomologist,"
xxvii. pp. 278-282.

1895. The Starling in Solway. "Annals of Scottish Natural

History," 1895, pp. 92-96.

1896. Mammals of Solway. Op. at. 1896, pp. 201-210.

,, The Aculeate Hymenoptera of Mid-Solway, in the " Flora
of Dumfriesshire" by G. F. Scott-Elliot, 1896, pp. xiv-
xxii.

1901. The Vertebrates of Solway : A century's changes. (Printed
for private circulation.) i2mo. 23 pp. [A reprint (with
introduction added) of his paper read on i6th Nov.

132 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

1900, published in the "Transactions of the Dumfries-
shire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian
Society," 1906. N.S. vol. xvii. pp. 15-31.]

1902. The Adder in Solway. "Annals of Scottish Natural

History," 1902, pp. 153-162.

The Vertebrate Zoology of Kirkcudbrightshire [revised] in
Maxwell's " Guide Book to the Stewartry of Kirkcud-
bright," 7th edition, 1902, pp. 193-215.

1 903. Colour Variations in Solway Mammals. " Annals of Scottish

Natural History," 1903, pp. 65-69.

Bird Migration in Solway. Op. cit. 1903, pp. 193-204.

1905. The Sylviidse of Solway. (Read 23rd Feb. 1904.) "Transac-

tions of the Natural History Society of Glasgow," 1905.
N.S. vol. vii. pp. 137-147.

The Rarer Birds of the Solway Area, 1905. 8vo. pp. 1-15.
(A reprint of his paper read before the Dumfriesshire
and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society,
2oth April 1905.) See also "Transactions of the
Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and
Antiquarian Society," 1906, pp. 423-435.

1906. The Waders of Solway. (Read 28th Nov. 1905.) "Trans-

actions of the Natural History Society of Glasgow,"
1905-1906. N.S. vol. viii. pp. 46-60.

,, Diurnal and Nocturnal Raptorial Birds of the Solway Area.
(Read iSth Dec. 1903.) "Transactions of the
Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Anti-
quarian Society," 1906. N.S. vol. xvii. pp. 327-339.
1911. Notes on the British Starling. (Read 28th Jan. 1910.)
Op. cit. 1911. N.S. vol. xxii. pp. 100-103.

H. S. G.

ON THE OCCURRENCE OF THE NIGHTINGALE
(LUSCINIA MEGARHYNCHOS MEGARHYN-
CEOS'] ON THE ISLE OF MAY: AN ADDI-
TION TO THE AVI-FAUNA OF SCOTLAND.

By EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U., and LEONORA JEFFREY

RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U.

ON the morning of the Qth May 1911 from one o'clock till
daybreak there was a rush of Warblers and other birds to
the lantern on the Isle of May, and on going round the

NIGHTINGALE ON THE ISLE OF MAY 133

island later in the day we found that many migrants had
arrived. While beating one of the patches of rhubarb a bird
was flushed ; we succeeded in securing it with some difficulty,
and to our delight saw that we had got a Nightingale. On
comparing it with the description in Dr. Hartert's invaluable
book on Palsearctic birds we decided that it was the Southern
Nightingale (Lnscinia megarhynchos megarhynchos = Daulias
luscinia of Saunders and other authors), which, though it
breeds in many parts of England, has not hitherto been proved
to occur in Scotland. This identification was confirmed by
Mr. Eagle Clarke to whom we submitted the specimen,
which we have presented to the Royal Scottish Museum.
We were interested to find that the weather conditions in
which the Nightingale arrived, were exactly those in which
Gatke noted the arrival of this species on Heligoland.
He writes : " Solitary examples of the Nightingale arrive in
Heligoland from about the middle of April to the middle of
May, with light southerly or south-easterly winds, especially
if these are accompanied in the early hours by a fine light

rain."

Our bird appeared in precisely similar weather ; it was in
good plumage and proved to be a male in breeding condition
and quite fat. About 4 A.M. on the Qth we heard a bird
singing which at the time we said sounded like a Nightingale,
and as many of the other migrants sang when on the island
it is probable that the song really was that of this bird.

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY

IN 1910.

Compiled by LEONORA JEFFREY RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U., and
EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U.

IT is very gratifying to be able to record a considerable
increase in the number of observers, who have been kind
enough to send schedules and notes for the Report this
year. Much credit is due to all those who have, so
ungrudgingly, given time and trouble to supply information,
and we thank them most heartily and hope they will all

134 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

continue to render their valuable assistance. We have, of
course, included our own notes from the Isle of May and
elsewhere. Our thanks are due in the northern group of
localities to William Crowe, North Unst ; Dr. Edmonston
Saxby, Baltasound ; James F. Combe, Whalsay Skerries ;
John S. Tulloch, Lerwick ; George W. Russell, Lerwick ;
Rev. J. Waterston, Ollaberry ; Her Grace the Duchess of
Bedford, Fair Isle, etc. ; William Eagle Clarke, Fair Isle ;
William Wards, North Ronaldshay ; Thomas Budge, South
Ronaldshay ; M. Spence, Deerness ; The Lightkeepers, Sule
Skerry ; John Bain, Pentland Skerries ; Lewis Dunbar,
Thurso ; and William A. Tulloch, Cape Wrath. In the
Eastern group to W. Mackenzie, Dalmore ; Thomas Allan,
Tarbetness ; Annie C. Jackson, E. Ross ; J. Davidson, Elgin ;
A. Landsborough Thomson, Aberdeen ; L. N. G. Ramsay,
Aberdeen ; Arthur G. Davidson, Aberdeen ; R. M. Anderson,
Girdleness and Flannans ; D. Macdonald and J. Macpherson,
Montroseness ; Hon. G. Graham Murray, Perthshire ; M.
Sanderson, Bell Rock ; William Berry, Tayfield ; J. H.
Gaskell, E. Fife ; Charles Cook, Windygates ; Andrew
Harley, Kirkcaldy ; Norman Johnston, Sinclairton ; J. A.
Harvie-Brown, Dunipace ; William Evans, Edinburgh ; Hugh
Mackay, Edinburgh ; Dr. Thomas Dewar, Edinburgh ;
Reginald Page, Edinburgh ; G. G. Blackwood, Edinburgh ;
John Campbell, and Messrs. M'Lellan, Braid, and Stevenson,
Bass Rock ; S. E. Brock, Kirkliston ; William F. Little,
West Calder ; Rev. H. N. Bonar, Saltoun ; R. L. Ritchie,
Tranent ; and John Dishon, Barnsness. In the Western
group- to Robert Clyne, Butt of Lewis ; T. E. Arthur,
Tiumpanhead and North Ronaldshay ; Thomas S. Campbell
and J. D. Macgilvray, Flannans ; Malcolm Macdonald,
Barrahead ; Lady Fowler, W. Ross, D. Macdonald, Tober-
mory ; Peter Anderson, Tiree ; John Muir, Skerryvore ;
C. H. Alston, Loch Awe ; B. S. Macmichael, Craignish ;
George Stout, Glasgow ; H. Duncan, Glasgow and Mull ;
James Bartholomew, Beattock ; and John Craig, Beith. In
the Southern group to Hugh S. Gladstone, Capenoch ;
J. Murray, Dumfriesshire ; J. G. Gordon, Wigtownshire ;
James M'Culloch, Little Ross Lighthouse, and Barrahead ;
John Macleod, Little Ross Lighthouse ; John B. Henderson,

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 135

Mull of Galloway ; and also to George H. Smith, S.S.
" Goldseeker."

We have to thank Mr. John Paterson for reprints of
papers from the " Glasgow Naturalist."

The following references will be used throughout this
Report i = " Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist.," 2 = " Glasgow
Naturalist." 3 = " British Birds " (magazine).

SPECIES AND SUB-SPECIES NEW TO SCOTLAND.

The year 1910 was an eventful one for Scottish
Ornithology as, thanks mainly to the splendid work done
on Fair Isle and St. Kilda, no fewer than eleven species
and sub-species have been added to the list of Scottish
birds. The first Scottish specimen of the Rock-thrush
(Monticola saxatilis) is recorded from the Pentland Skerries
(Orkney), where a beautiful adult male was captured on
i /th May, another bird of this species being seen there the
same day (1.1910.148). This is the second authenticated
instance of the occurrence of this bird in Britain. A very
interesting visitor from the East recorded this year in
Scotland is Blyth's Reed-Warbler (Acrocepkalus dumetoruni)
which occurred on Fair Isle in September. It is the first
time this bird has been found in Britain, or, in fact, in
Western Europe (1.1911.70).

The lonely islet of St. Kilda was visited in the autumn
of 1910 by a Marsh Warbler (Acrocepkalus palustris).
This bird breeds in southern England (though very locally)
as well as in many parts of the Continent, but this is the
first time it has been recorded in Scotland (1.1911.52).
The Pentland Skerries are again to the fore in the case of
Temminck's Grasshopper or the Lanceolated Warbler
(Locustella lanceolata). This Eastern Warbler was procured
on 26th October, and is the first recorded for Scotland and
second for Britain (1.1911.71).

Another bird new to Britain falls to be recorded this
year, viz. the American Pipit (Anthus spinoletta pensilvanica],
which occurred on St. Kilda in autumn (1.1911.52). The
only previous authenticated instances of the occurrence of
this Pipit in Europe are two procured by Gatke on

136 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Heligoland. According to Dr. Hartert it breeds in sub-
arctic North America, from Greenland to Alaska, wintering
in the Gulf States, Mexico, and Central America.

Two Redpolls were added to the Scottish list this
year ; they came to our shores with the great rush of
Mealy Redpolls which took place this autumn. Thus the
Hoary Redpoll (Acanthis hornemannii exilipes] was procured
on Fair Isle (1.1911.53), while Holboll's Redpoll (Acanthis
linaria Jiolboellii] occurred in some numbers in Scotland.
Specimens of the last-named race were procured in October
at the Isle of May, Tranent, near Lerwick, near Skateraw,
at Musselburgh, Leith Docks, Bo'ness, the Braid Hills, at
Fair Isle. Neither the Hoary nor Holboll's Redpoll had
been recorded for Scotland till 1910, though a specimen of
the latter bird was procured near Edinburgh, and figured by
Selby in 1825 as a Mealy Redpoll (Evans, " Proc. Roy.
Phys. Soc." xviii. 203). Both breed in the north of the
Nearctic and Palaearctic regions. Another American bird
was added to the Scottish list this year, namely the
Yellowshank (Tot anus flavipcs], a specimen of which was
procured on Fair Isle (1.1911.53). This species is widely
distributed in America and has rarely occurred in Eng-
land, and this is the first time it has been recorded for
Scotland.

During 1910 three continental forms of birds of which
we have British sub-species, have been recorded in Scotland
for the first time. A Redbreast sent from the Isle of May
on 22nd October proved to be Erithacus rubecula nibecula :
this was a later arrival than those pronounced by Dr.
Hartert to be E. r. melophilus. Seven Goldcrests procured
on the Isle of May between loth September and i/th
October were the continental Regulus regulns regulns
(1.1911.3). A continental Great Tit (Partis major major}
was procured on the Isle of May on I5th October
(1.1911.3), and another was secured on Fair Isle on I7th
November (1.1911.53). A Great Tit that appeared on
North Unst (Shetland) on 25th October probably also
belonged to this race. For the sake of completeness we
will mention here the first Scottish records of the continental
Song - Thrush ( Turdus philomelos philomelos) and the

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 137

northern Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilns eversmanni),
both from the Isle of May in 1909 (1.1911.2 and I I 6).

BIRDS NEW TO FAUNAL AREAS, AND UNCOMMON

VISITORS.

A goodly number of uncommon visitors are recorded in
1910. The first Greater Wheatear (Saxicola cenantJie
leucorJwa) recorded for " Clyde " was procured near
Carmunnock on loth May (1.1911.116), and the first
record of this bird for Argyll and the Inner Hebrides comes
from Tiree on 8th October (1.1911.52). The Black Red-
start (Phcenicurus ochruros gibraltariensis) occurred on two
separate days in spring on Fair Isle while one is reported as
having been seen at Scarnish, Tiree, on the 4th November.
It has not been recorded before from this faunal area. At
Fair Isle the Red-spotted Blue-throat (Luscinia svecica)
appeared in some numbers in spring, both males and females
being recorded. On the I4th May one occurred near
Carmyle in the Clyde Valley, this being the second Scottish
mainland record for spring and the first record for " Clyde "
(1.1910.182). Only one is noted in autumn, on the Isle of
May on loth September (1.1911.2). The White-spotted
Blue-throat {Luscinia svecica cyanecula) visited Fair Isle ;
this is the second record of this bird for Scotland, the first
having been procured on Fair Isle in 1909.

The only Warblers to come under this heading are an
Icterine Warbler {Hippolais icterind) got near Lerwick
on 1 5th May, and the Siberian Chiff-chaff {Phylloscopus
collybita tristis}. The first record of this bird for " Forth "
comes from the Isle of May on i6th October (1.1911.3),
several are recorded from Fair Isle in autumn, one was
shot at Seafield near Lerwick on the 28th of October
(1.1911.115), and other Chiff-chaffs seen there about the
same date were probably tristis. Not a single Barred nor
Yellow-browed Warbler is recorded this year, a very
different state of matters from what obtained in 1909. It
may possibly be accounted for by the great difference
in the weather conditions during September and early
October in the years under notice.

138 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The Blue-headed Wagtail ( Motacilla flavaflava) and the
Grey-headed Wagtail {Motacilla flava borealis) appeared
at Fair Isle. Only one Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus
oriolns) is reported this year, a fine adult male being
found dead, but quite fresh, in an old wooded quarry near
Dhuloch House, Inverkeithing (W. Fife), on the i6th May
(1.1910.182). There are several records of Waxwings
(Bombycilla garrnlus garrulus] in 1910 ; a male was observed
at Edrom (Berwickshire) on the I 2th November (" Field," I9th
Nov.). A Waxwing was captured at Tranent (Haddington-
shire) on 25th November (1.1911.54), while another was
seen at the same place on I 7th December. A male was
found dead at Kinloch Lodge (Sutherland) on the 7th
December, and during this month one was killed near
Gilmerton (Mid-Lothian) (1.1911.114) and another shot
near Kirriemuir (Forfarshire) (1.191 I.I 14).

One of the features of the year was a great immigration
of the Northern Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula pyrrhuld}. On
22nd October a beautiful male and the wings and tail of a
female were sent from the Isle of May (1.191 1.4) ; these are
the first recorded for " Forth." On the 23rd three males were
seen in a garden at Leog, Lerwick (3.iv.2i i), two males and
a female at Helensdale, near Lerwick (3.iv.2i i), and another
at Hayfield in the same vicinity. On the 24th and 25th
single birds are recorded on Fair Isle, and next day a male
and female were sent from the Isle of May (1.191 1.4). On
the 27th two were seen on Fair Isle, others on the 29th,
on which day Mr. Evans records a fine male caught at
Archerfield (E. Lothian) (1.1911.113). A Bullfinch which
rested some time at Barnsness Lighthouse on 3ist October
probably belonged to the Northern race (1.1911.113). On
the 2nd of November a number were seen on Fair Isle and
another male was received from the Isle of May (1.191 1.4).
On 7th November one is recorded from Baltasound (N.
Unst) and on the loth one from Fair Isle. No more come
under notice till the 2Oth when one was shot at Lerwick, and
on the 2 ist a female was procured at the Burn of Grenisla,
near that place, while a " Russian " Bullfinch was caught near
Berwick-on-Tweed in the end of the month (1.1911.114).
Late in autumn a male and female were procured near Ceres

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 139

(Fife), this being the first record for " Tay," and others of this
race were caught near Kirkcaldy. On 1 8th December two
males were seen at Lerwick.

The only record of the Scarlet Grosbeak (Carpodacus
erythina) comes from the Isle of May, a young male in green
plumage being procured there on the 7th September
(1.1911.4). The second record of the Two-barred Crossbill
(Loxia leucoptera bifasciata) for the Outer Hebrides comes
from the Flannans, one having been procured there on the
1 4th of August.

There are several spring records of the Ortolan Bunting
(Emberiza hortulana} on Fair Isle ; one was seen there in
autumn, while one was seen on the Isle of May on
2oth September, and three on i6th October (1.1911.4).
A young female Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicd) was
secured there on 5th October ; it had been seen on the island
the previous day and is the first authenticated record of this
species for the Forth area (1.1911.5). Two were seen at
Baltasound (N. Unst) on 3Oth October. A Wood-lark
(Lullula arborea) arrived on the Isle of May on 1 6th October,
and is an addition to the Forth fauna (i.i 91 1.5). Single
birds are twice reported late in autumn on Fair Isle, and
from the same station comes the only record of a Shore-lark
(Eremophila alpestris}.

At Auchanbrac, seven miles north of Thornhill,
Dumfriesshire, a Roller (Coracias garrulus] was procured on
23rd June, after having been seen there for three or four days.
It proved to be a female, but not in breeding condition ; the
stomach contained the remains of flies and beetles' wings
("Birds of Dumfriesshire," p. 166). Quite a number of
Hoopoes (Upupa cpops] are recorded this year. One
frequented Fair Isle for two consecutive days in spring,
while in autumn this species is reported from Baltasound
(N. Unst) on 1 2th, I9th, and 24th September, and from
Kingsdale House (Fife) and the Isle of May (1.1911.5)
simultaneously on 1st October ; in the two last cases the
birds stayed a day or two. A male was caught at
Pitlochry on I9th October ("Scotsman"), and single birds
are again reported from Fair Isle. One of the Hoopoes
which was procured had its crop full of the larvae of the

140 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Pill-beetle (Byrrhus pilula} ; all were decapitated, but the
heads were there too.

It will be remembered that in December 1909 a number
of Greenland Falcons (Falco candicans] were recorded : the
visitation of these birds lasted well into 1910. On 4th
January a female was shot near Pitlochry (1.1910.1 19), and
an adult male near Blairgowrie on the 23rd of that month
(1.1910.119). On the Flannans one occurred on 25th
January (1.1910.1 19), another was shot on Schiehallion early
in the year (1.1910.119), and a Greenland Falcon was
present on South Uist during most of January (1.1910.1 19).
A male was shot at Rogart (Sutherland) on 8th March
(1.1910.246), and a young female was trapped on Ardross
Moor (Ross) next day (1.1910.246). Finally one was seen
on the Flannans on i/th March. A Hobby {Falco subbuted]
is recorded near Innes (Elgin) in the end of June
(1.1911.117). On iith January a male Bittern {Botaurus
stellaris] in good plumage was shot at Tarvit, Cupar (Fife)
(1.1910,119); and a Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) was
procured in South Uist in November ("Field," loth Dec.), this
being the first record for the Outer Hebrides. A Flamingo
(Phcenicopterus roseus\ probably an escaped bird, was seen
at Cardross, on the Clyde estuary, on 9th and 23rd October ;
it had been noticed for some time before. It was finally
reported as killed off Port-Glasgow (2.iii.35 and 71).

Bewick's Swan (Cygnus bewicki) was this year added to
the fauna of Fair Isle (1.1911.53). Two Ruddy Sheldrake
(Casarca ferruginea), one of each sex, were shot near Sarsclet
(Caithness) on 27th June (2.ii. 134), while King Fider
(Somateria spectabilis) were seen at Fair Isle in spring
(1.1911.53) and at Noss Sound, Bressay, on 29th June, one
drake in each case.

A female of Baillon's Crake (Crex bailloni) was shot near
Halkirk (Caithness) on 2 1st August, and in Bute a Dotterel
(Eudromias morinellus) was seen on i 5th May, the first note
of this species in Bute (2.^.142), while on 3ist May one
was procured on the Flannans, this being the second record
for the Outer Hebrides. The Red-necked Phalarope
(Phalaropus hyperboreus) is reported for the first time from
Fair Isle (1.191 1.53), and a Great Snipe (Gallinago media}

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 141

from the same station in spring. There are an unusual
number of records of the Green Sandpiper (Helodromas
ocJiropus] this year ; it is recorded from Fair Isle on
four days in spring and fourteen in autumn, one to three
birds at a time. A Green Sandpiper was seen on
ist August beside the Medwin between Peeblesshire and
Lanarkshire, and on the same day one is recorded near Largo
(Fife). On i6th August a male was found with a broken wing
close to a telephone wire on Dunipace property, and on the
i 8th a male was shot at Westerdale, near Halkirk. Spotted
Redshanks (Totanus fuscus) were again seen at Waulkmill
Glen Dam on seven occasions between the 26th June and
1 8th September, one to three each day (2. ii. 142), and on
3<Dth August a bird of this species was seen at Donmouth
near Aberdeen (1.1910.249). There is only one previous
record of this species in " Dee." On 3<Dth March and 8th
April a Black -tailed God wit (Limosa limosa) in summer
plumage was seen on the Cromarty Firth (1.1910.247), and
on /th June one is recorded as having been seen in Orkney,
"very tame" (3.iv.22i). There is no previous note of this
species in Orkney. In Tiree, on 7th September, three very
wild Black-tailed Godwits are recorded. Red-necked Grebes
(Podicipes griseigena) are reported from Lerwick in autumn ;
one was seen on 2ist October and four on the 26th one of
these had "summer plumage partly moulted only." Finally
Sooty Shearwaters {Puffinus griseus) were seen on three
occasions in the Firth of Forth one not far off Elie on
8th September, one near Fidra next day (i. 191 i.i 14), and
one off the Isle of May on i6th October (1.191 1.6).

SUMMER AND NESTING.
As will be seen from the details given below nesting was

o o

earlier this year than in 1 909 ; although the spring was very
cold, it was extremely dry, and the birds seem to have reared
their broods pretty successfully. Blackbirds are described
as an increasing species in Orkney, nesting all over the
mainland (3.iv.22o) ; and in Clyde the Sedge Warbler has
almost recovered its normal numbers after the scarcity of
1909 (2.iii.47). Swallows were nesting both at Bunscarth

I 4 2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

and Balfour (Orkney), a few pairs in each case (3.iv.22i) :
and the Hawfinch bred in Lauderdale (1.191 1.53). Gold-
finches are increasing in Clyde, a few nesting in one locality
(2.iii-47). Crossbills showed a marked increase at Meikle-
our (Perthshire) in March and April (1.1910.181). Jays
abounded on the island of Inchtavannoch, Loch Lomond ; at
least three pairs reared broods within a few hundred yards of
the house-boats: none were seen in 1907, but by 1909 they
had become comparatively common (2.iii.32). Pintail and
Tufted Duck are increasing as breeding-species in Orkney
(3.iv.22i), while Capercaillie are reported to be becoming
plentiful in Moray (1.19 10.248). A new breeding colony
of the black-headed Gull is reported from Renfrewshire
(3.iv.223), and this species was nesting in numbers on the
islands at Ollaberry (Shetland), and is said to be on the
increase at Lerwick. The number of Kittiwakes breeding
at Barrahead is increasing, while the Fulmar is also nesting
more plentifully there and at Cape Wrath.

There was a marked scarcity of Willow Warblers about
Largo (Fife), and of Redstarts, Tree Pipits, and Cuckoos at
Loch Awe. while House Martins were unusually scarce in
Mull, and Corn Buntings at Kirkliston. Great Spotted
Woodpeckers nested in Dumfriesshire (" Birds of Dumfries-
shire," p. 1 60), and birds of this species are recorded in
several localities between mid-March and 2Oth August, i.e.
Dunkeld, Gordonbush (Sutherland), near Glasgow, and at
Cadder (2.11.143).

A Dipper's nest at Kilduncan (E. Fife) was built in the
cleft of a tree stump, 4 feet from the ground and over 150
feet from the nearest stream ; the bird nested twice in the
same place.

Turnstones remained throughout the summer in Largo
Bay, the Cromarty Firth, North Ronaldshay, and Tiree ; a
flock of twenty or thirty was seen on the shore near
Wick on I 3th July.

The earliest note of nesting in 1910 appeared in the
"Scotsman" for the 5th February, where it is recorded that
Starlings were seen on 24th January, " feeding their young
in the crack of a chimney top in the main street of Grantown-
on-Spey." On 3rd February, Rooks were repairing their old

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 143

nests near Colinsburgh (Fife), and one pair had begun a new
one. A Missel Thrush's nest was found at Thornhill
(Dumfries) on 2oth March, and on the 26th a pair of
Long -tailed Tits were observed building their nest at
Swordale (E. Ross), " both assisted and were working
vigorously." From the " Scotsman " we take the note of a
Dipper's nest by the Birkland Burn, Castle Douglas, with
four hard-set eggs, "these eggs were hatched on the 3ist,
a very early date." Young Ravens were found in South
Perthshire on the 2;th March. On 8th April Mallard
were hatching at Craignish (Argyll), and next day
Stock -doves are reported as nesting, commonly in
rabbit holes, at Luce Bay, and a Hoodie Crow's nest with
three eggs was found at Craignish. On the loth a Sparrow-
hawk's nest was found at Kirkliston, but the first egg was
not laid till 5th May, and our correspondent notes that the
young were fed by their parents till eight weeks old. From
this time onward the nesting of our commoner species was
general all over Scotland, the first dates of laying being
rather earlier than last season. On the 2ist a Grouse's nest
with seven eggs was found at Forvie Sands near Aberdeen.
Eider had eggs at Craignish on the 25th, and two days later
a Little Grebe was laying at Kirkliston, exactly the same
date as the first there last year. The persistency of a Song
Thrush in nesting is recorded from Eoligarry, where the same
pair of birds had four different nests, one after another
(see 1.1911.55). From North Unst, under April, comes
the note, " The Fulmar resides here and is now breeding."

On the yth of May a Wigeon's nest with 8 eggs was
found in Roxburghshire (1.1911.117), and a nest in Forth
contained 9 eggs on the I3th (1.1910.249), and by the
1 9th young Eiders were hatched at Craignish (Argyll).
From Kirkliston comes a note of very few Hedge Sparrows
having laid before May. At least three pairs of Missel
Thrushes were seen on the Mainland, Orkney, near Finstown
this summer. There were two nests in mountain-ash trees,
with four eggs in each on the 2Oth May (3-iv.22o). This
species is uncommon in Orkney, there being apparently only
two records of its having nested there before, both being at
Kirkwall (" Fauna of Orkney," p. 91). During the last week

144 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

of May about a dozen nests of Grey-lag Geese, all with young
hatched, were found in Lewis. There were numerous nests
of the Common Tern at Forvie, on 28th May, with 1-3 eggs.

.From 3Oth May to 3rd June two pairs of Blackcaps
were seen in Orkney, " and one pair on the island of Shapinsay
undoubtedly had a nest." A pair of Whitethroats were also
seen, and from their behaviour were believed to be nesting
(3.iv.22o). The Blackcap has been recorded before as
breeding in Orkney. On ist June two Golden Eaglets
were taken from an eyrie near Loch Awe.

A pair of Tree-sparrows nested on the Isle of May, and
on 2nd June many Arctic Terns were found breeding on
Vatersay, where Hoodies, Rock-doves, and Starlings were
nesting in the cliffs. A Bullfinch at Eccles, Berwickshire,

o ' y

built its nest in the interior of a well, the only entrance being
by the inlet provided for the handle, the bird seemed quite
at home and had laid 6 eggs (" Scotsman ").

On the Shiant Islands (Minch), on the 8th, several pairs of
Fulmars flew up again and again to the ledges on the cliff,
but it could not be ascertained if they were nesting. On
the 1 4th a Gadwall's nest was found in Forth (1.1910.249).
On the 1 8th a hen Snow-bunting had begun to build in
Aberdeenshire ; two days later the nest was finished and
contained one egg, four more being laid later (1.1911.115).
A newly-fledged young Hawfinch was found in a shrubbery
near Haddington on the 28th, while a Hawfinch's nest was
found in Lauderdale (1.1911.53).

A late nest of a Lapwing was found at Kirkliston on 3rd
July ; it contained 2 eggs, and the bird was sitting. On 5th
and 6th July White Wagtails were seen on Fair Isle, evidently
breeding there again (" Ibis/'igi i.i), and in East Ross two
parties of young Merganser of forty or fifty each were seen,
" each party was in charge of one female only, who led, the
young ones struggling after in a long line." A Willow
Warbler's nest was found on the i6th, built among ivy on a
wall 3 ft. 6 in. from the ground (1.1910.246), and on the I9th
Arctic Terns, Greater and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring
Gulls, Kittiwakes, Shags, Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins,
Fulmars, and Storm Petrels are recorded as nesting on North
Rona (1.1910.212-213).

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 145

On 3rd August Quails were heard calling near Stornoway
(3-iv. 156), and on the 6th a Nightjar's nest with 2 eggs was
found on the slope of Torrmore near Tayvallich (Argyll)
(1.1910.248). Two Corncrakes' nests with partially in-
cubated eggs were found in a hayfield at Beattock on the
8th and 9th, and in the second week of August a Cuckoo was
hatched out in a Corn Bunting's nest near the manse of
Ollaberry (Shetland). A few days previous to ipth August
a Greyhen was seen with two sets of chicks, one lot well
grown, the other two or three days old (1.1910.247). A
Stock-dove's nest with 2 eggs is reported from Kirkliston on
4th September, and a Twite's nest with 3 fresh eggs was
seen at Inverfirth (Shetland) in the middle of September.

WINTER.

The climatic conditions in the early part of 1910 were
such as to cause much distress among Redwings. Though
these birds were scarce in the end of 1909, we have records
of them in January 1910 in varying numbers from the
Flannans, Butt of Lewis, Fair Isle, Pentland Skerries, Bass
Rock, East Fife, and Craignish (Argyll). As these localities
are all practically sea-girt, the birds congregated there when
driven by severe weather from the interior of the country, or
from the Continent. In East Fife they were "swarming on
the 27th," and a good many very emaciated Redwings were
found shortly after lying dead under the holly trees. Thrushes
and Blackbirds, the latter mostly males, were noticed in
Shetland, on the Pentland Skerries, Fair Isle, and the
Flannans, and in great numbers in East Fife. Great Spotted
Woodpeckers were noted early in the year in the Girvan
Valley and at Glenorchard, Stirlingshire (2.ii. 143). Green-
land Falcons visited various parts of Scotland.

Eight Whooper Swans were noted in January flying
over the moor at Corsemalzie (Wigtown), and there were a
good many Swans in the Tay from time to time. A Gadwall
was shot on the Loch of Stempster, while immense droves
of Wigeon frequented the estuary of the Urr (W.H.A.,
" Scotsman ") and the Tay, and this species is recorded several
times from the Pentland Skerries. Among the Waders,
79 c

I 4 6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

large numbers of Ringed Plover are reported from the Butt
of Lewis, Lerwick, and North Ronaldshay, all in January.
Large flocks of Golden Plover occurred on the Pentland
Skerries, North Ronaldshay, and in Largo Bay ; from this
last locality Grey Plover are recorded several times. There
was a great shortage of Woodcock at Gilston (E. Fife) in
the winter of 1909-10, but this species and Snipe were " more
plentiful along the sea-shore " in the estuary of the Urr than
ever seen before by the recorder (W. H. A. /'Scotsman"). Snipe
were numerous on Fair Isle in the end of January. Ice-
land Gulls occurred on the Flannans and near the Isle of
May.

The winter of 1909-10 differed entirely in character from
that of 1910-11, the former being extremely cold, the latter
very mild. Large numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares are
noted in various places at the end of 1910, and we have
many records of Blackbirds from the Fair Isle and Lerwick,
this species being also numerous on Tiree in early winter. A
few Grey Wagtails stayed throughout the winter in Mull, and
several Waxwings are reported in November and December.
Siskins were rather common in the Lothians early in winter.
A good many Mealy Redpolls lingered after the great
immigration, and are noted in many places. Northern
Bullfinches too are recorded right into winter. Great Spotted
Woodpeckers were seen in Dumfriesshire (1.1911.116), and
early in November two Hen-Harriers were seen hunting the
moors in the West Linton district (Peeblesshire), and on the
1 7th an adult female was shot on the White Moss, Medwyn
(1.1911.55). On 2 4th December a young male of this species
was procured at Scarfskerry, Caithness. A Rough-legged
Buzzard was noticed at Drumiblair Moor, Luce Bay, in mid-
November, and about this time one was shot in Fife.

Whooper and Bewick's Swans are noted in hundreds in
Tiree in December, the latter predominating ; Whoopers are
also recorded from Mull, and on 25th November 19 arrived at
the White Loch of Myrton (Wigtown), and 4 more had joined
them before next morning. All left about 9 A.M. on the 26th
(1.1911.113).

Immense flocks of Wood-Pigeons are recorded as passing
the Bass on 2/th November, and they frequented East Fife

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 147

in great numbers about this time ; while large flocks of
Rock-doves are noted at Barra Head.

A great many Sclavonian Grebes and Great Northern
Divers are recorded from Barra in November, and quite a
lot of Little Auks occurred in various parts of Scotland.

FOOD, ETC.

In East Ross in July flocks of Greenfinches were feeding
on the sea-pink seeds by the shore. The large flocks of
Mealy Redpolls paid toll to the birds of prey ; at Ollaberry
(Shetland), on 3Oth October, a small Hawk [probably a Merlin]
" dropped on the rearguard of a flock of Mealy Redpoles "
and secured a victim, when only about 10 yards from the
observer. In East Fife on 2ist March, a female Kestrel was
seen trying to fly off with a young Leveret, which, however,
she dropped, after carrying it a few yards. It was still quite
warm, but the head was wanting. On the 26th of the month
a Kestrel was seen by the Glasgow Natural History Society,
to catch a bat ( Vesper ugo pipistrellus) on the wing, seizing
it in its talons (2.ii.i 37) ; while on 8th July, in East Ross, one
of these birds was seen attempting to eat a snake [ ? slow-
worm]. A Mallard Drake is recorded as having been found
on Ailsa Craig choked by an eel in its throat (" Scotsman "),
while a Heron met the same fate when endeavouring to
devour a Water-rat, 9 inches long (" Scotsman "). Black-
headed Gulls are noted on Loch Awe, on I ith March, eating
the small grey fly, while one of these birds was drowned in
the Tay near Perth, by a Mallard Duck, who, resenting its
presence too near her brood, seized the Gull by the back of
the neck and shook it as a terrier does a rat. Then, still
holding the Gull's neck in her bill, she forced the unfortunate
bird under water and swam backwards and forwards with
short rapid rushes till the Gull was drowned (" Scotsman ").
A Herring Gull in immature plumage, on the shore at
Dalmeny, seized a Dunlin which had incautiously come
within reach of it, tore its victim to pieces, and swallowed it
(" Scotsman "). In North Unst the Arctic Skuas often
persecute the Puffins, which are there in myriads. " To
escape their pursuer the Puffins sometimes fly so high that

I 4 8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

they can just be seen as a mere speck. When the Skua
observes a good catch, he makes straight for the Puffin at a
terrific rate. The Puffin never seems to see the Skua till he
is upon him, then makes a headlong flight for the water,
dropping like a stone from the heavens, the Skua just a
pace or two behind. When about to strike the water he
takes a shear along the surface, and as he enters the water
he drops his catch and dives immediately. I have never
seen a single instance of the Puffin showing fight." Our
excellent correspondent writes further : " This summer I have
repeatedly seen the Great Skua swoop down on a Puffin or
Kittiwake on the water, seize it and hold it under till
drowned ; then pluck and eat it in the manner of the Falcon."
A curious accident to a young Tern is recorded from the
Butt of Lewis ; this bird was found in a dying condition on
i 5th August with a quill feather, 6 inches long, fixed in its
throat.

PLUMAGE, VARIETIES, ETC.

Several albinistic varieties have been recorded during the
year. Two pied Blackbirds are reported, one in Edinburgh,
the other in East Fife ; the latter was a curious variety,
being white and black all over in alternate small patches,
looking almost like a shepherd's plaid. On I5th July an
almost perfect albino Wheatear was procured in Unst
(1.1910.246) and a bird of this species was seen near Largo
(E. Fife) on ist August, with the whole of its head and back
white, right down to the rump. A pure white Wood Warbler
was obtained near Drumlanrig, Thornhill, in the end of July
(1.1911.55), and an albino Chaffinch was seen near Largo on
loth and i ith February, i/th June, 3rd July, and ist Decem-
ber. A cream-coloured Sparrow is recorded at Ballantrae
(E. Ross) on 1 4th July, and a white one in the same county on
4th November. On 8th August a Rook with white secondaries
in both wings is reported from Tarbatness. It seems wiser
to reserve judgment on the abnormally coloured Gannet
recorded from the Bass on I4th and 3 ist July and ist August
(3.iv. 152) pending the results of this year's observations, as
to whether it was a painted bird or not. An Eider Duck,
of a uniform pale whity fawn, was seen near the Isle of

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 149

May on 3rd September. Three pied male Black Grouse were
shot on the Loch Inch Moors in the autumn of 1910, while
a white Grouse, a female, was shot at Bamff, near Alyth, on
i 3th August (1.1911.56). The only other albinistic variety
recorded is a white Ringed Plover, obtained near Kirkwall
(Orkney) on 2Oth August ("Field," September 17, 1910).

On 2Oth September an adult male Black Grouse was shot
at Glen Trool (Wigtown), which had partly assumed female
plumage. The generative organs appeared to be perfectly
healthy and similar to those of a normal male (" Field,"
March 11, 1911). A few notes on the assumption of
summer plumage have been sent. On 29th January Black-
headed Gulls at Kirkcaldy were assuming their black hoods,
while by iith February two were seen at Saltoun in full
summer dress. By 26th February Cormorants were seen in
nuptial plumage, and next day a Guillemot in full summer
plumage was found lying dead in Largo Bay. On the other
hand, on I3th May in Loch Linnhe, and on 9th June in the
Sound of Sleat, where many Guillemots and Razorbills were
seen, " quite a number " were still in winter plumage ; and on
1 6th June a Common Tern, in winter plumage with a white
forehead, was swooping at intruders on an East Fife ternery.

(To be continued.}

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE
NORTH EBUDES.

By FRANK BALFOUR-BROWNE, M.A. (OXON), F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.

THE group of islands including Skye, Rhum or Rum,
Canna, Eigg, and Muck were named the North Ebudes, by
the late H. C. Watson, in the " Cybele Britannica." So far,
very few Coleopterists seem to have visited any of these
islands, and the records of Water-beetles apparently include
only six species of Hydradephaga and none of Gyrinidae or
Hydrophilidae, one of the records being for Rhum and the
other five for Skye.

150 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

As the fauna and flora of these western islands are of
extreme interest in connection with the question of the origin
of the Britannic l fauna and flora, I took the opportunity of
spending a week in the district during last September,
staying a few days at Broadford in Skye, and a few days
on the island of Eigg.

Neither of these islands presents much variety of habitat,
peat-moss and stream being practically the only kinds of
collecting ground. In Skye, I spent my time on the ground
immediately around Broadford, chiefly on the peat-mosses
between Ben Suardal and the road from Broadford to Loch-
na-Dal and Isle of Ornsay. My chief object was to discover
as much as possible of the ' Arctic ' group of water-beetles of
which Deroncctes griseo-siriatus, Dytiscus lapponicus, Hydro-
porus nwrio, tristis, and nielanarhts, Agabus arcticus and
congener^ and Ilybius cenescens are examples. Several of
these species have an extensive range in the British Islands,
but the first two are limited to highland lochs in Scotland
and Ireland, 2 and, so far as is at present known, they show
a decidedly discontinuous distribution. I was therefore
specially anxious to know what their associates were, and
kind of habitat they survive in.

Those who have taken D. lapponicus in the British
Islands have favoured us with fairly minute descriptions of
habitat and other details. I have less than a dozen refer-
ences to the capture of this species, but in every case where
sex is mentioned the scarcity of the female is remarked upon.
Somerville (1867) mentions that he took 45 specimens in
Mull, and " with very few exceptions all were males."
Buchanan White (1870) remarks on the scarcity of females
in Mull and in Strathglass (East Inverness) ; in this latter
locality out of 12 or 14 specimens only 3 were females.
J. J. King (1897) also remarks that in Mull he found the
females much scarcer than the males.

In every case where details of the habitat are mentioned,
the absence of fish and the presence of newts is remarked

1 The term "Britannic" includes all the British Islands. Vide G. H.
Carpenter and W. Evans, " Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edin.' 5 xv. 219(1904); or
G. H. Carpenter, "Irish Nat." xv. 13 (1906).

2 For Deronectes griseo-striattis in Ireland, -vide. "Irish Naturalist," Sept.
1910, p. 183.

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE NORTH EBUDES 151

upon, the absence of fish being associated with the fact that
no stream flowed out of the loch.

The habitat in Mull l is a deep lochan with bottom of
loose stones, broken pieces of lava, and almost no vegetation,
the edges rapidly falling away into deep water. Buchanan
White compares the Mull and Strathglass habitats, the
latter being a loch on Ben Chearan [Beinn Acharain ?], as
follows : " In both localities the lochs in which the beetle is
found are somewhat similar in character. In both cases
they are near the tops of hills, in one case about 2000 ft.,
and in the other 600 to 700 2 ft. above sea-level. In both,
the bottom is stony with little or no vegetation, and into or
out of neither of them flows any conspicuous stream. Con-
sequently, perhaps, no fish inhabit them. In the Strathglass
loch the Dytiscus occurred to me only in one corner where,
upon the only muddy part of the loch, rested some large
stones. On and under these stones the beetles rested,
betaking themselves to deeper water when disturbed, and as
they seemed very easily alarmed, repeated visits to the loch
resulted in only about a dozen captures." He also mentions
that in Mull he found the easiest way to take the beetles was
to turn over the stones gently, and lift the beetles with the
fingers as they swam slowly away.

In my experience, gained in Norway, Skye, and Eigg, I
found that where D. lapponicus occurred there were no out-
flowing streams, and fish were apparently absent. In all
cases the habitats were mere lochans.

I first took the species some years ago in Norway near
Fefor (Gudbrandsdal) at about 3000 ft. elevation in a small
deep peaty loch. In one corner of this loch was a mass of
vegetation (sphagnum, etc.), and here I took three specimens,
2 and i 9 , and a large number of nearly full-grown larvae.
The time of year was July. The whole bottom of the loch
was peat with an occasional large stone or two, but the
water was too deep, even at the edge, to examine these or
turn them over. With the Dytiscus were such British species
as Hydroporus wnbrosiis, palustris, and erythrocephalns,

1 The "crater "loch above Tobermory is the habitat to which, I believe,
most authors refer. Alex. Somerville, however, took the species in the south
of the island.

- The "crater" loch in Mull is about 775 ft. above sea-level.

152 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Agabus arcticus and bipustulatus, Ilybius subcenetis (common),
Rhantus bistriatus and Acilius sulcatus (common). I have
no record of newts, though possibly they occurred.

Above Broadford in Skye I found, at 800 ft. elevation,
a lochan, one corner of which reminded me very much of
the Norway loch ; this corner was peaty, though not more
than perhaps 3 to 4 ft. deep, and was thick with water-plants
Castalia speciosa, Myriophyllum, Potamogeton lucensl, Spar-
ganium natans or minimum, etc. and in this corner I took
one or two females of D. lapponicus. The other end of the
loch and all along one side was stony, and the day being
sunny and calm I saw several other specimens and took
altogether 5 females and no males. One of the specimens
was very soft, having evidently only recently emerged from
the pupa. The lochan literally swarmed with Gammarus,
and young newts were numerous ; there were also a number
of tadpoles and one toad came up in the net.

Associated with the Dytiscuswere the following species:

Haliplus fulvus (two or three). Rhantus exoletus (abundant).

Deronectes griseo-striatus (fairly Acilius sulcatus, var. scoticus

common). (common).

Hydroporus erythrocephalus Gyrinus minutus.

(common). G. natator.
Agabus arcticus (very common).

Many of the A. arcticus and most of the Rh. exoletus were
soft, and many specimens of these two species were sitting
out of the water upon projecting stones. The temperature
of the water at 3 P.M. was i 5.5 C. (about 60 F.).

The form of the Rh. exoletus was such that, at the time,
I was uncertain whether the specimens really belonged to
that species. The specimens are smaller, narrower, and
more parallel-sided than the typical form, and quite recently
Mr. Anderson-Fergusson sent me a specimen taken by him
at Fauldhouse (West Lothian), "750-1000 ft.," which in all
respects agrees with my Skye specimens. The form is not,
however, entirely confined to mountains, as I have a similar
specimen, except that it is much larger, from East Norfolk ;
also it is not the only form found on mountains, as I have
specimens from a highland loch in Antrim in which Deronectes

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE NORTH EBUDES 153

griseo-striatus is common, which are of the typical form of the
species.

This lochan was the only one which I visited in Skye in
which the Dytiscus occurred, and it was the only one I
found which satisfied the conditions of having no visible
outflow and a reasonable depth. Quite close to it is another
small loch named on the ordnance map "Loch-an-Starsaich."
This loch is stony and comparatively shallow for some
distance from the edges, and has a stream running from it
down to Loch Eilort. Its fauna was as follows :

Deronectes assimilis. Dytiscus punctulatus (i J ).

Hydroporus palustris. Acilius sulcatus.

H. erythrocephalus. Gyrinus natator.

Agabus arcticus. G. opacus.
Rhantus exoletus.

I am inclined to think, although I am speaking on
somewhat meagre experience, that D. assimilis and griseo-
striatus are what might be called " complementary " species,
the former occurring in lochs not highland enough for the
latter and the one tending to replace the other. The same
relationship exists, I think, in the case of Hydroporns morio
and gyllenhalii, the former being found in peaty pools up
to a certain level, above which the latter replaces it. Of
course no sharp line can be drawn in either case, and the
species overlap, but this does not invalidate the statement.

In Eigg I found D. lapponicus in two different parts of
the island, and I feel certain that it occurs in one or two
lochans other than those in which I found it.

Near Beinn Tighe is a series of three deep peaty lochans
about 850 feet above the sea. Along the sides are patches
of Sphagnum, Scirpus fluitans, and other water plants, and in
one or two places are more extensive swampy Sphagnum
patches which at some previous period have been open
water. In the water are patches of Menyanthes, of Lobelia
Dortmanna, and Sparganium minimum? or natans? and on
the bottom in the deep water Isoetes is to be seen. The
three lochans differ slightly from one another in their level,
in their flora, and in the extent of open water. Their
depth, especially in the case of two of them, and the

154

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

steepness of the sides in places made collecting difficult,
and except in the swampy Sphagnum areas I could only
collect by scraping the net along the edges where Sphagnum,
Scirpus, and other plants gave some possibility of shelter.
The Beetle fauna of the three lochans is the same, except
that I did not find D. lapponicus in the third and two
elements are clearly distinguishable in the following list, the
loch fauna and a fauna characteristic of pools on peat
mosses. The latter species came from the Sphagnum
swamps without exception. Newts abounded in all three
lochans. The fauna was as follows :

Deronectes assimilis (i).
D. griseo-striatus (common).
Hydroporus tristis (common in

swamp).
H. gyllenhalii (common in

swamp).
H. erythrocephalus (loch and

swamp).

H. obscurus (swamp).
H. pubescens (swamp).
Agabus arcticus (very common,

loch and swamp).
A. bipustulatus (common

swamp).
Ilybius jenescens (i in swamp).

in

Rhantus bistriatus (a few in

swamp).
Dytiscus punctulatus (i 6* and

2 9 in two lochs).
D. lapponicus (i 6* and i $ in

lochs).

Acilius sulcatus (common in loch).
Gyrinus natator.
Philhydrus melanocephalus (in

swamp).

Anacaena globulus (in swamp).
Limnebius truncatellus (in

swamp).
Helophorus viridicollis (in

swamp).

On the last day of my stay on Eigg I visited the
Lochan-na-Beinn Buidhe, a small shallow loch in the north
end of the island, 950 feet above sea-level. The bottom is
quite hard and covered with a fine gravelly silt, and all over
the loch Eleocharis, the club rush, was growing sparsely
with occasional patches of Juncus. On the west side a
low bank overhangs the water, while on the east side there
are a number of large loose stones in the shallow water.
I should imagine that nowhere does the loch exceed 3 feet
in depth, if it even reaches that.

I first collected by wading in the water and working the
net under the overhanging bank on the west side, and by
this means I found all the species in the list. D. lapponicus
was represented by 5 or 6 specimens on that side, but when
I worked along the other side, gently lifting the loose stones,

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE NORTH EBUDES 155

one or more specimens appeared under most of them. The
specimens were easily captured in the fingers, and as they
were common I noted the proportion of the sexes, and in
twenty minutes I had counted 2 I females and I 2 males.

In the loch Gammarus was common, but I only saw one
or two newts, and it certainly did not look a suitable place
for them. A large proportion of the D. lapponicus were
soft and recently emerged specimens.

The list of species is as follows :

Deronectes griseo - striatus Dytiscus lapponicus (common).

(common). Gyrinus natator.

Hydroporus obscurus (i). Anacasna globulus (2).

Agabus arcticus (common). Limnebius truncatellus (i or 2).
A. sturmii (2).

The H. obscurus, A. globulns, and L. truncatellus occurred
at a spot where a trickle of water fell over the western bank
into the loch from a patch of boggy ground.

My experience with regard to Dytiscus lapponicus there-
fore differs in one respect from that of other British
collectors, since I found in two cases the females were
more common than the males. The habitat of the species
also varied to some extent, and the Lochan-na-Beinn Buidhe
was, from my previous experience, a most unlikely place to
find the species. One or two other lochans on the western
side of the island, in which D. griseo-striatus and A. arcticus
were common, would possibly have yielded D. lapponicus
if I had carefully turned over the stones.

For this kind of collecting, calm weather is essential, as
a ripple on the water makes it impossible to see the Beetles
when a stone is turned over, but, although King stated that
sunshine was essential, I took the species on Ben Buidhe
while the mist was down on the higher ground just above
the loch. In the last-named place I found one full-grown
larva of the species, and that was the only specimen I saw.

The proportion in the numbers of the sexes is a point
of some considerable interest. Of those who refer to the
dominance of the male, Buchanan White mentions, in
referring to his visit to Mull in the beginning of September,
that numbers of full-grown larvae were about. Somerville

156 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

mentions that he took the species in Donegal in August,
and King visited Mull in July.

Although my experience was gained at the same
period of the year as that at which Buchanan White spoke
of Mull, I found only one larva and numbers of newly
emerged imagines, a fact which suggests that the season
was perhaps earlier in 1910 than in 1870; but it also
suggests a possible explanation of the difference in the
proportionate numbers of the sexes. It suggests that the
female is short-lived, perhaps dying after oviposition, while
the male survives more than a season, and this seems to be
the only possible way of accounting for the difference in my
observation from that of others, unless the phenomenon
was abnormal. It was only because I collected the newly
emerged specimens that I found females more numerous
than the males. Had this possibility occurred to me when
at Loch Buidhe, I would have noted the number of im-
mature specimens among males and females, but now the
problem must remain obscure until some one once more
hits upon the psychological moment when the new in-
dividuals are appearing !

Having discussed at some length the habits and habi-
tat of D. lapponicus I will only mention a few other species
which seem worthy of special note. The Broadford River
yielded two interesting species ; Deronectes latus occurred in
it, as did also a single specimen of Platanibus inaculatus.
With regard to the former species, with the exception of a
record for " Moray" (Sharp, "Coleoptera of Scotland," 1871-8)
this is the most northern record in the British Islands.
The species is a southern one, as is also the genus, which is
chiefly Mediterranean, although a few species, such as our
D. griseo-striatus, reach the Arctic regions and extend into
North America. Of British records, there are only three
other Scottish ones -- Clackmannan (Andrew Murray),
Stirling (Power), and Berwick (Andrew Murray and T. J.
Bold). It has been recorded for most of the northern
counties of England, but for none of the Midland counties, but
in the south there are records for Glamorgan ; N. Wilts ;
Berks ; Sussex E. ; Hants S. ; Dorset ; and Devon N. and S.

With regard to P. inaculatns the specimen was not the

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE NORTH EBUDES 157

dark unspotted variety often found in highland streams, but
one with a fair amount of yellow marking such as is common
in lowland streams in the south of Scotland.

Although Hydroporus rivalis was common in the Broad-
ford River, H. septentrionalis was not to be found, and the
peculiar vagaries of these two species as to their distribution
is a mystery. 1 At present I have no record in Scotland for
the latter species north of Dumbarton, Perth S., and Clack-
mannan and Fife except Aberdeen S., Easterness, Elgin,
and Ebudes Mid. It is recorded for almost all the southern
Scottish counties, and probably occurs in all the northern
English ones, though the records are only for Cumberland,
Northumberland S., Durham, Yorks N.E. and Mid W., and
Lanes Mid and S., and the only other English records are for
Chester, Salop, Hereford and Devon S., with an outlying one in
Leicester. In Ireland the records are at present all for coastal
counties, its distribution being what Praeger has termed mar-
ginal. 2 There is therefore either a great deal to be discovered
or a great deal to be accounted for in its distribution.

Agabus congener had been previously recorded for Skye
(W. A. Forbes), but in my experience it was rare, as I only
took two or three specimens in a Sphagnum pool on the
lower slopes of Beinn na Caillich, where a single specimen of
Ilybius cznescens, the only one I saw in Skye, also occurred.
A few specimens of Paracymus nigrocenens turned up on Eigg,
but the species was evidently scarcer than in the Mid Ebudes. 3
Ot-//iebius/ejo/istia\so,a\thoughdiff\cu\t enough tofind at Oban, 3
and on Coll, 3 was infinitely more so on Eigg, where, after an
hour's search, I found one imago and one larva, and another
half-hour failed to discover any more. While waiting for the
steamer at Mallaig (Inverness W.) I spent half an hour on
the rocks just to seaward of the fish-curing buildings and
found a single specimen there also. I did not attempt to find
the species in Skye, though it is probably to be found there.

(To be continued.}

1 Vide also ' The Aquatic Coleopteraof the Isle of Man ' on this point, " The
Naturalist," 19 1 1.

- ' On Types of Distribution in the Irish Flora,' R. H. Praeger, " Proc.
Roy. Irish Acad." xxiv. Sect. B. 1902.

3 'The Aquatic Coleoptera of the Mid Ebudes,' "Ann. Scott. Nat. Hist.,"
April 1910, p. 79.

158 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

CONTRIBUTION TO OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE
HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOT-
LAND.

BEING AN ACCOUNT OF COLLECTIONS MADE
BY SIR JOHN MURRAY, K.C.B., ON S.Y. "MEDUSA."

By JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., B.Sc.,

The Royal Scottish Museum.

( Continued from p. 3 4, No. 7 7 , January 1911.)

Family CAMPANULINID^E.

38. STEGOPOMA FASTIGIATUM (Alder) (= Calycella fastigiata
of Hincks's " History ").

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms.
FIRTH OF LORNE, 20-30 fins.

39. CALYCELLA SYRINGA (Linn.).

As Broch J has recently shown, an extraordinary amount of
variation takes place in this species, especially as regards the relative
proportions of peduncle and hydrotheca. As a rule, however,
according to Broch, the length of the former lies between a half and
the full length of the hydrotheca. The specimens obtained by Sir
John Murray, on examples of Aglaophenia tubitlifera from Loch
Lome, 30-110 fms., are exceptional in several respects. The hydro-
thecae are themselves longer than is normal ; but, notwithstanding,
the length of their peduncles is far out of proportion, for they may
be twice as long as the hydrotheca. The hydrothecse, too, are
characterised by the presence of many successive margins due to
the death and subsequent regeneration of the hydranths, as many as
seven being counted in one case. I am of opinion, in view of
Broch's researches, that these unusual proportions could well fall
within the limits of variability of Calycella syringa, although Hart-
laub 2 has created a species, C. gradlis, for specimens with similar
habit. The following measurements of the Loch Lome and typical
forms give a more accurate idea of the relative sizes :

1 Hj. Broch, 'Die Hydroiden der arktischen Meere,' in " Fauna Arctica,"
Band v. Lief, i, 1909, p. 164, Fig. 22.

2 Cl. Hartlaub, 'Die Hydromedusen Heligolands,' " Wiss. Meeresunters.
deutsch. Meere," 1897, p. 451.

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 159

Typical Specimens from Loch

specimens. 1 Lome, 3O-iiofms.

Stem, length . . . . .0.15 mm. up to 0.70 mm.

Stem, diameter . . 0.051-0.063 mm. -54 mm.

Hydrotheca, length of primary

hydrotheca .... 0.31 mm. 0.33-0.49 mm.

Hydrotheca, total length includ-
ing additional margins . . 0.42 mm. 0.56-0.66 mm.

Hydrotheca, diameter . . 0.11-0.13 mm. 0.10-0.13 mm.

Gonangium stalk, length . ? 0.17 mm.

Gonangium, length of body . 0.28-0.38 mm.

Gonangium, greatest diameter . ? 0.17 mm.

CLYDE SEA AREA. KYLES OF BUTE off Tighnabruaich, on
Thuiaria tenera. BARRIER PLATEAU Sound of Sanda, 22
fms., on Campanularia vertirillata ; between Sanda Is. and
Ailsa Craig, 24 fms., on Tint i aria lonchitis, Diphasia attentuata,
and Hydrallmania falcata.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 50 fms., on Haleciitm muricatum ; 64 fms.,
on Antennularia ramosa and Abictinaria filicula.

SOUND OF JURA, 17-25 fms., on Campanularia verticillata.

SOUND OF MULL, 68 fms., off Duart Castle; 70 fms., on Abictinaria
abietina.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 10-30 fms., c. on Diphasia pinaster ; 30-110 fms.,
on' Aglaophenia titbulifera 70-80 fms., on Diphasia pinaster
and Thuiaria cupressina; 60-70 fms., on Eudendrium lapilla re
and Diphasia alata.

40. OPERCULARELLA LACERTA (Johnston).

CLYDE SEA AREA. BARRIER PLATEAU Sound of Sanda, 22 fms.,

on Campanularia verticillata.
LOCH ETIVE, 70 fms., r. on Hydrallmania falcata.

41. CAMPANULINA REPENS, Allman.
FIRTH OF LORNE, 60-70 fms. (M.).

42. CUSPIDELLA GRANDIS, Hincks.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-110 fms., on Aglaophenia tubitlifera.

43. CUSPIDELLA HUMILIS, Hincks.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-110 fms., on Aglaophenia tubulifera; 50-70
fms., a solitary hydrotheca on Bougainvillia ramosa (?).

1 From north of Cape Wrath, 125 metres.

160 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Family SERTULARID^.
PARASCYPHUS, gen. nov.

As I have found it necessary to found a new genus for
the following species, I give here a short diagnosis of the genus.

Trophosome. Trophosome Campanularian in aspect, consisting
of a hydrocaulus, divided into a series of internodes, each bearing
a hydrotheca. Hydrothecse subcylindrical, pedunculate, having an
emarginate rim furnished with an operculum consisting of a few
definite valves ; the cavity of the hydrotheca separated from that of
the peduncle by an imperfect diaphragm. Hydranth bilaterally
symmetrical, of Sertularian type, with blind-sac, retractor and pro-
tractor muscles, and a wide hypostome surrounded by a whorl of
filiform tentacles.

Gonosome. Unknown.

The discovery of the Sertularian nature of the hydranth places
this genus in the family Sertularidas.

The following is the only species known :

44. PARASCYPHUS SIMPLEX (Lamouroux).

Laomedea simplex, Lamouroux, " Hist, polyp, corral. Zoophytes,"
1816, p. 206.

Campanularia tridentata, Bale, " Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria"
(n.s.), vol. vi., 1894, p. 98, pi. iii. fig. 3.

Sertularella tridentata, Hartlaub, " Abh. Ver. Hamburg," vol.
xvi., 1900, p. 46, fig. 21.

Thyroscyphus tridentatus, Hartlaub, " Zool. Jahrb. Syst." vol.
xiv., 1901, p. 369, pi. xxi. fig. 14, pi. xxii. fig. 23. Idem, Ritchie,
"Trans. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh," vol. xlvii., 1909, p. 75, fig. i, a, b.

Thyroscyphus simplex, Billard, " C. R. Acad. des Sc." vol.
cxlviii., 1907, p. 1065. Idem, Billard, "Ann. Sc. Nat. Zool."
(n.s.), vcl. ix., 1909, p. 312.

The following short description of the specimen before me will
serve to indicate the characters of this species, which has not
hitherto been recorded from the North Atlantic :

Trophosome. The two stems are short (the longest 8 mm.
high) and unbranched, springing from a stolon which itself appears
to be the continuation of a stem. The stem is divided into regular
internodes, between which are slanting nodes, often, however, very
indistinct. On each internode is borne a hydrotheca which
alternates with its predecessor and successor, and lies in the same
plane with them. A hydrotheca rests upon a short process at the
distal end of an internode, and is marked off from this process by a
distinct boundary line. Occasionally one or more joints appear to
be inserted between the hydrotheca and the stem-process ; but these,
as I have already shown (1909, p. 75, fig. i, b}, are not normal but

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 161

ha.

pr. m.

reg.p.

P-

accidental, due to the destruction and subsequent regeneration of
the hydrotheca. The stem itself shows evidence of truncation and
regeneration. Near the
base of the adcauline
wall of the hydrotheca
and on its inner surface
is a knob of chitin repre-
senting, in optical section,
the diaphragm which
separates the hydrotheca-
.cavity from that of the
stem, and which is
bilaterally symmetrical,
being well developed on
the adcauline wall and
gradually diminishing as
it traverses the sides of
the hydrotheca until on
the abcauline wall it has
disappeared.

The hydrothecre are
subcylindrical, much
deeper than broad, and
bilaterally symmetrical
along the plane in which
stem and hydrotheca? lie.
They have an almost
straight abcauline and a
strongly convex adcau-
line profile, and the

margin is divided into three deep bays separated by three large,
equal, pointed teeth, of which one is adcauline and the other two
latero-abcauline. There is a three-valved operculum.

The hydranth is of Sertularian type, with dome - shaped
hypostome, a large blind-sac, and with a protractor muscle attached
to the abcauline wall close to the margin, and a retractor muscle
attached to a slight projection in the adcauline wall, a short distance
above the diaphragm. It has 14-16 tentacles.

Fig. I. PARASCYl'IlUS Sl.MfLEX. X 40.

Fragment of stem with hydrothecce of Para-
scy pints simplex, from between Sanda Is.
and Ailsa Craig. b.s, blind-sac of hy-
dranth ; d, diaphragm ; ha, hydrotheca ;
/////, hydranth ; /, perisarc of old stem ;
pr.m, protractor muscle of hydranth ; r.m,
retractor muscle of hydranth ; reg.p, thin
regenerated perisarc of new stem.

The gonosome is unknown.

Dimensions :
Colony, height .
Stolon, diameter
Hydrocaulus, diameter
Distance between hydrothecre
Hydrotheca, length

maximum breadth

79

8 mm.

0.24-0.25 mm.
0.15-0.18 ,,
0.45-0.82

-45--5 6
0.18-0.19 ,,

D

162 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Those measurements show that the Scottish specimen differs
from the type specimen, measurements of which are given by
Billard (1909), and from the Gough Island specimen, which I have
described, in having hydrothecae smaller in all dimensions than
theirs.

Locality. CLYDE SEA AREA BARRIER PLATEAU between Sanda
Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.

The valuable investigations of Dr. A. Billard have shown that
the species described by Bale as Campanularia trident ata is
identical with Laomedea simplex of Lamouroux, the locality of
which is indeterminable. The only records of which I am aware
are: Port Phillip in the south of Australia (Bale, 1894); French
Pass, north of South Island, New Zealand (Hartlaub, 1901) ; Gough
Island, midway between Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn
(recorded by me in 1907 from the collections made by the Scottish
Antarctic Expedition), and the present record, which adds the
species to the fauna of the North Atlantic.

45. DlPHASIA ALATA, Hincks.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 20 fms. ; 60-70 fms., many colonies growing on
two bivalve shells.

46. DlPHASIA ATTENUATA, Hincks.

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN E. side, 8-42 fms., r. (M.).
ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, Otterard to Carradale,
18-20 fms., r. (M.). BARRIER PLATEAU between Sanda Is.
and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.

MULL OF CANTYRE.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 70-80 fms. (M.).

BETWEEN CANNA AND RUM, on Diphasia pinaster.

47. DIPHASIA FALLAX (Johnston).

CLYDE SEA AREA. ARRAN BASIN centre, off Saddell, 47 fms., r.

(M.).
FIRTH OF LORNE, 50 fms. (M.); 60-70 fms., on Diphasia pinaster.

48. DIPHASIA PINASTER (Ell. and Sol.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound (M.).
FIRTH OF LORNE, six records at depths from 10-110 fms. ; at one

locality, specimens were growing on the back of a masked

crab.
BETWEEN CANNA AND RUM, 60-110 fms. (M.).

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 163

49. UIPHASIA ROSACEA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). -DUNOON BASIN 20-40 fms. ; E. side,

8-30 fms. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound.
BETWEEN CANNA AND RUM, 60-100 fms. (M.).

ABIETINARIA, Kirchenpauer.

The genus Abietinaria includes a group of species distinguished
from those belonging to Sertularia, Sertularella, and Thuiaria, by
the fact that the operculum is attached to that wall of the hydro-
theca which is nearest the internode (adcauline), and is single-valved ;
and from Dip/iasia, because the hydrothecae are not strictly opposite,
are flask-shaped, and taper to a small aperture.

50. ABIETINARIA ABIETINA (Linn.) ( = Sertutaria abictina
of Hincks's "History").

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). GARELOCH, 20 fms. ; DUNOON BASIN
E. side, 8-20 fms. ; centre, 20 fms., r.r. ; W. side, 6-8 fms., r.
UPPER LOCH FYNE Minard Narrows, 12-20 fms., r. ARRAN
BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, in line with Davarr Is. and Brown
Hd., Arran, 27-30 fms. ; Otterard to Carradale, 15-20 fms., r. ;
off Saddell, 47 fms., r. ; off Pladda, 30-35 fms., r. BARRIER
PLATEAU Sanda to Achinhoan, 1 9 fms., r. ; between Sanda
Is. and Ailsa Craig, abundant and fine.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-35 fms., c. ; 60-70 fms.

SOUND OF MULL, 70 fms.

LOCH CARRON, 60 fms. (K.).

51. ABIETINARIA FILICULA (Ell. and Sol.) ( = Sertularia filicula

of Hincks's " History ").

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). GARELOCH head to Stroul ; across
Narrows, 5-21 fms. LOCH GOIL across Barrier, 9-20 fms.
UPPER LOCH FYNE Minard Narrows, 11-25 fms., r.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 64 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms. (M.). LOCH ETIVE, 70 fms.

52. THUIARIA ARGENTEA (Linn.) ( = Sertularia argentca of
Hincks's " History ").

CLYDE SEA AREA. GARELOCH (M.) head to Stroul, m.c. ; across
Narrows, 3-14 fms., c., plentiful at Narrows ; E. side, 5-9 fms.,
r. DUNOON BASIN (M.) E. side, 5-16 fms., r. ; centre, 10-20
fms., m.c. ; W. side, 6-8 fms., r. UPPER LOCH FYNE (M.).
ARRAN BASIN (M.) Otterard to Carradale, 18-20 fms., m.c.

1 64 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

BARRIER PLATEAU Sanda to Achinhoan, 19-22 fms., m.c.

(M.) ; between Sanda Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.
MULL OF CANTYRE, 50 fms.
SOUND OF MULL, 70 fms.

53. THUIARIA CUPRESSINA (Linn.) ( = Sertitlaria eupressina
of Hincks's "History").

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). GARELOCH across Barrier. LOCH GOIL

across Barrier.
FIRTH OF LORNE, 70-80 fms.
LOCH BUY 9-15 fms.
LOCH CARRON, 60 fms. (M.).

( To be continued. )

SCOTTISH PLANTS, CHIEFLY FROM SKYE,
PEEBLES, SELKIRK, AND KIRKCUDBRIGHT.

G. CLARIDGE DRUCE, M.A., F.L.S.

(Continued from p. 99.)

SAGINA SAGINOIDES, Dalla Torre, 3400 feet on Ben Lawers, 88.

S. SUBULATA, Presl. Dunvegan, Lawson MS. ; on shingle at
Sligachan, Skye, 104.

S. NODOSA, Fenzl. Loch Sligachan, Broadford, 104, Lawson MS.
SPERGULA SATIVA, Boenn. Portree, 104.

MONTIA FONTANA, Z. (M. lamprospermci, Chamisso). The pre-
vailing form in Scotland, for which the restricted M. verna
Neck., should be queried. St. Mary's Isle, growing in the short
turf near the mansion, as well as in gravel paths and ditches,
73; St. Mary's Loch, etc., Selkirk, 79; thus completing the
comital distribution for the aggregate species. Lawers,
Crianlarich, etc., Perth M., 88 ; near Tyndrum, Argyll, 98 ;
Fortwilliam, Westerness, 97 ; Loch Alsh, etc., W. Ross, 105 ;
Glen Brittle, in stony debris on the road-side, Sligachan,
etc., 104. On Loch-na-gar it ascends to 3400 feet. Var.
BOREO-RIVULARIS at Crianlarich, Loch Alsh, etc. Even when
Montia fontana is reduced to \ in. in size, the seeds remain
true to the character, as do those of M. verna, even although the
plant is 5 to 6 inches in length and growing nearly submerged
as I saw it this year in Jersey.

SCOTTISH PLANTS 165

HYPERICUM ACUTUM, Moench. *Near Walkerburn, Peebles, 78.

H. PULCHRUM, L. Ascends to 2300 feet on Stuich-an-Lochan,
88.

GERANIUM SYLVATICUM, L. Ascends to 3300 feet on Stuich-an-
Lochan, 88.

var. PARVIFLORUM, Blytt. Kirkcudbright, 73; Lawers,
88.

ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA, Z. Broughton, Innerleithen, etc., Peebles,
78.

MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS, Lam. (altissima, Thuill.). *In a cornfield
near Walkerburn, Peebles, 78.

LOTUS CORNICULATUS, L. A form with slightly ciliate leaves, and
very large golden flowers occurred on shingle at Sligachan, 104.
It ascends to 3000 feet on Stuich-an-Lochan, 88.

ASTRAGALUS GLYCYPHYLLUS, L. Rather frequent on the cliffs near
Port Mary, Kirkcudbright, 73.

VICIA CRACCA, L. A very narrow and rather rigid-leaved form on
shingle by Loch Tay, 88.

V. LUTEA, Z. * forma LIVIDA, with pale brown or fawn-coloured
flowers, on the cliffs near Port Mary, Kirkcudbright, certainly
native, 73.

V. SYLVATICA, L. Watersteen, Skye, 104, Lawson MS.
LATHYRUS SYLVESTRIS, L. St. Mary's Isle, 73.
PRUNUS PADUS, L. Kyle Akin, 104, Lawson MS.

RUBUS SAXATILIS, Z. Descends to 50 feet near Sligachan, 104,
and ascends to 3300 feet on Stuich-an-Lochan, 88.

GEUM RIVALE, Z. Ascends to 3200 feet on Ben Lawers, to 3000
feet on Aonach Mhor.

*var. PALLIDUM, C. A. Meyer. Plentiful in East Lothian,
S. Anderson, who sent me specimens to name.

G. INTERMEDIUM, Ehrh. Near Traquair, Peebles, 78.

ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS, var. GLABRA, DC. St. Mary's Isle, 73; St.
Mary's Loch, 79 ; Sligachan, etc. ; the prevailing form in Skye,
both as a large-leaved lowland plant, and a small-leaved alpine
form. So far these are keeping distinct in culture.

var. MINOR, Huds. (A. filicaulis, Buser, / vestita, Lind.).
Kirkcudbright, 73.

A. ALPIXA, Z. Descends to sea level on river shingle in Skye, and
grows at 50 feet by stream-sides. A form with leaflets slightly
connate at base, and with broader and somewhat darker leaf-
segments, occurred by Loch Sligachan.

166 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

ROSA EGLANTERIA, L. Peebles, 78; Ettrick, 79.

var. APRICORUM (Rip.}. Dunragit, Sandhead, Wigton, 74 ;
Duns, Berwick, 81.

var. COMOSA (Rip.}. Duns, Berwick, 81.
var. ECHINOCARPA (Rip.}. M. Perth, 88.
var. ROTUNDIFOLIA (Ran.}. Duns, Berwick, 81.

R. OBTUSIFOLIA, Desv. Yair Bridge, Selkirk, teste A. Ley, 79.
R. BORRERI, Woods. Selkirk, 79.

R. CANINA, Z., var. SPH^ERICA (Grot.}. Peebles, 78 ; Selkirk, 79.
var. SEPARABILIS, Deseg. Thornielee, Peebles, 78.

R. DUMETORUM, Tkuill.

var. SPH^ROCARPA (Pugef). Teste Ley, Galashiels, 79.
var. PLATYPHYLLA (Rait.}. Galashiels, Selkirk, 79, teste
W. Dod.

var. SEMIGLABRA (Rip.}. Peebles, 78, teste W. Dod.
var. TRICHONEURA (Rip.}. Selkirk, 79, teste W. Dod.
var. URBICA (Lem.}. Yair Bridge, Selkirk, 79.

R. HIBERNICA, Tempi. Spey side, Easterness 1883, 96, "probably
a form of this hybrid," W. Dod.

var. GLABRA, Baker. Banffshire, 94.

R. OMISSA, Deseg. Dunragit, Wigton, 74 ; Galashiels, Selkirk, 79.

var. RESINOSOIDES, Crep. Drummore, Wigton, 74 ; Yair
Bridge, Galashiels, Ettrick Bridge, Selkirk, 79, Peebles, 78;
Crieff, M. Perth, 88; Ballater, S. Aberdeen, 92.

R. MOLLISSIMA, Willd.

var. SUBERECTA (Woods\ Peebles, 78; Ettrick Bridge,
79 ; Selkirk, 79 ; Gala, Roxburgh, 80 ; Dunragit, Wigton, teste
Ley, 74; Forfar, 90; Lawers, 88; Spean, 97; Findhorn, 95;
Armadale, Skye, 104 : Jamestown, East Ross, 106 ; Applecross,
West Ross, 105 ; with s.v. GLABRATA (Scheutz), which also
occurs at Lawers, 88, and Beauly, 96.

var. SYLVESTRIS (Lindley}. Ettrick, Selkirk, 79.

var. SCABRIUSCULA (Woods). Peebles, 78; Castleton,
Caithness, 109.

var. UNCINATA (Lees}. Duns, Berwick, Si.

var. PSEUDO-RUBIGINOSA (Lej.}. Selkirk, 79.

var. GLOBULOSA (Roity). Beauly, 96.

var. SHERARDI (Davis}. Lawers, 88.

R. VILLOSA, L. (R. mollis, Sm.), a glandular form, Melrose, C. E.
Palmer, So ; and Dunkeld, George Don in Herb. Palmer,
teste W. Dod.

var. SUBMOLLIS (Ley). Drummore, Wigton, 74; Thornie-
lee, Peebles. 78.

var. RECONDITA (Puget}. Peebles, 78.

SCOTTISH PLANTS 167

var. GRENIERII, (Desi-g.}. Duns, Berwick, 81 ; teste W.
Dod.

var. C^RULEA (Woods}. Port Logan, Wigton, 74 ; Peebles,
78; Galashiels, 79; Killiecrankie, 89; Dunphail, 95.

R. GLAUCA, Vill.

var. REUTERI (Godet}. Drummore, Wigton, 74 ; Gala-
shiels, 79.

var. COMPLICATA (Gre/i.}. Drummore, Wigton, teste W.
Dod, Peebles, 78.

var. SUBSCRISTATA (Baker}. Peebles, 78 ; Duns, Berwick,
8 1 ; Selkirk, 79.

var. SUBCANINA (Christ}. Drummore, Wigton, 74 ; Apple-
cross, West Ross, 105.

R. POMIFERA, L. Dunkeld, George Don in Herb. Palmer,* 89 :
Ballater by the Dee, Aberdeen S.,* 92.

R. C/ESIA, Sin. (R. coriifolia, Fries). Galashiels, 79 ; Dryburgh, 80 ;
Peebles, 78.

var. WATSONI (Baker}. Yair Bridge, Selkirk, 79 ; teste
W. Dod.

var. PRUINOSA (Baker}. Galashiels, 79.

R. SPINOSISSIMA, . Dunvegan Head, Sligachan, Kyle Akin, Coruisk,
104, Lawson MS.

fRc-SA ARVENSIS, Huds. *Near Ashiestiel, Selkirk, but possibly

planted, 79.

fPvRUS ARIA, Ehrh. Ashiestiel, probably planted, Selkirk, 79.
P. AUCUPARIA, Ehrh. Ascends to 3200 feet on Ben Lawers, 88.
P. MALUS, L. By the Ettrick, Selkirk, 79.

^CRAIVEGUS OXYACANTHA, L., var. QUERCIFOLIA, nov. var. Leaves
with rounder leaf-segments, paler green, sparingly hairy, above
and below, leaf-veins recurved, fruit calyx densely hairy, style
i, straight. Locally common about Kirkcudbright. The
young leafy branches strongly suggest those of the oak.

fSAXiFRAGA UMBROSA, L. Naturalised on the railway side near
Kirkcudbright, and near Tyndrum, 88.

SAXIFRAGA STELLARIS, Z., *var. FONTANA, Dntce. Ben Wyvis,

1 06, Mrs. Davy.
S. CERNUA, L. Mr. H. Sanderson of Galashiels has succeeded in

hybridising this with S. gramilata. The hybrid is a tall plant

bearing flowers and bulbils.
S. AIZOIDES, Z., S. NIVALIS, Z., and S. OPPOSITIFOLIA, L. At Quirang

and Storr, Skye, 104, Lawson MS.
PARNASSIA PALUSTRIS, L. Between Storr and Steinscholl, 104.

Lawson MS.

1 68 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

RIBES RUBRUM, var. SPICATUM (Rob.}. Uig, abundant on rocks-
about Dunvegan Head, Skye, 104, Lawson MS.

fSEDUM ALBUM, L. Railway bank near Thornielee, 78.

*S. ACRE, L. Selkirk, 79.

S. VILLOSUM, L. at 800 feet by the Ettrick, growing by the road-
side, Selkirk, 79.

*fS. LYDIUM, Boiss. This plant of Asia Minor is naturalised by the
river at Clovenfords, Selkirk. It grows in the garden in the
village. The first British record.

DROSERA LONGIFOLIA, L. Steinscholl, Skye, 104, Lawson MS.

EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOHUM, L. Dunvegan, Steinscholl, Skye, 104,.

Lawson MS.

E. ALPINUM, L. Common on the north mountains of Skye.
E. ALSINIFOLIUM, VilL Quiraing, Storr, 104, Lawson MS.

CIROEA ALPINA, L. Quiraing, close to the sea at Steinscholl,
104, Lawson MS.

LIGUSTICUM SCOTICUM, Z. Steinscholl, Waterstein, 104, Lawson
MS.

*CH/EROPHYLLUM AUREUM, L. This very interesting discovery was
made in 1909, by Mr. Fraser, who found it by the Teith at
Callander, 87. It clearly shows how much remains to be done
at the Scottish Flora since few places have been more visited
by botanists than Callander, and yet within a hundred yards
of the chief hotel the plant occurs in great plenty, and extends
for nearly a mile up the river, and in adjacent pastures in the
greatest profusion. I had not time to investigate the river side
below the town. Its very abundance has doubtless led to its
being mistaken for C. sylvestre, from which, however, its spotted
and unfurrowed stem easily distinguishes it. Its perennial
growth and acute leaf-segments readily separate it from C.
temuhiin. It has much the appearance of a native species ;
but I could not find that it extended up the Leny. It is
difficult to explain its occurrence here. At any rate it is com-
pletely naturalised ; and it was extremely pleasing to see
another of the plants which rested upon Don's uncorroborated
evidence in such natural surroundings. By the Teith I saw
young plants of an American Aster, probably aggregate Novi-
belgii, L. ; while the Charophyllum is a plant of central and
eastern Europe, including France and the Pyrenees, and is
said to be naturalised only in South Norway. Don found it
(" Fasc. Brit. PI." 207, 1806), by the sides of cornfields between
Montrose and Arbroath, and a few plants near Corstorphine,
within four miles of Edinburgh ; since which time it has not
been recorded for Britain. It is figured in "E.B." 2103.

SCOTTISH PLANTS 169

HEDERA HELIX, L. The plant of Glen Brittle and Sligachan, 104,
has the upper leaves narrower than in the English form.

fCoRNUS STOLONIFERA, Michx. Semi-wild by the Tweed near
Peebles, and by the Yarrow, 79.

|C. SANGUINEA, L. By the Yarrow, doubtfully native, Selkirk, 79.

fSAMBUCUS RACEMOSUS, L. Completely naturalised and seeding
freely in the woods about Elibank, and very ornamental when
the scarlet berries are ripe, Selkirk, 79.

GALIUM BOREALE, L. On shingle by the sea-loch-side, Sligachan,
104.

G. PALUSTRE, L. var. WITHERINGII (Sm.), Selkirk, 79.
VALERIANA DIOICA, L. Peebles, 78.

|V. PYRENAICA, L. Abundant in St. Mary's Isle, Kirkcudbright,

73-
VALERIANELLA OLITORIA, Poll. Common and certainly native on

the cliffs near Port Mary, Kirkcudbright, 73.

GNAPHALIUM SUPINUM, L. On the Falloch side of Creuch Ardran,
88 ; personal voucher.

ANTHEMIS NOBILIS, L. Steinscholl, 104, Lawson MS.
TANACETUM VULGARE, L. *Near a house, Innerleithen, 78.

ARTEMISIA VULGARIS, L. * Innerleithen, thus completing its comital
census, 78.

fDoRONicuM PLANTAGINEUM, L. *In great quantity, St. Mary's
Isle, 73.

ARCTIUM MINUS, Bernh. *Selkirk, 79.

*A NE.MOROSUM, Lej. Near Lunan, Forfar, 90, with Mr. and Mrs.
Costorphine.

CENTAUREA CVANUS, L. Galashiels, Selkirk, 79.

fONOPORDON ACANTHIUM, L. Waste ground, Galashiels, Selkirk,
97, with Miss Hay ward.

CARLINA VULGARIS, L. Waterstein, 104, Lawson MS.
CARDUUS ACANTHOIDES, L. Dryburgh, So.

SAUSSUREA ALPINA, DC. Sparingly, Quiraing, abundant on
Cuchullins, 104, Lawson MS.

CREPIS CAPILLARIS, Wallr., *var. nindnata (Bisch.) Lawers,
plentiful, and consistently of this form, in a cornfield, 88.

LEONTODON HISPIDUS, L. *Tyndrum, 88.

L. AUTUMNALIS, L. Ascends to 3200 feet on Ben Lawers, 88.

170 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

TARAXACUM SPECTABILE, Dahht. *Kirkudbright, with var. MACULI-
GERUM (Dahlst.): St. Mary's Loch, 79; Crianlarich, 88; Fort
William, 97; Near Tyndrum, 98; Sligachan, 104.

T. PALUDOSUM, Schlecht. * Kirkcudbright, 73.

HIERACIUM PILOSELLA, L. ascends to 2800 feet on Ben Lawers.
var. NIGRESCENS, Fr. *Sligachan, 104.

H. VULGATUM, Fries. Symington, Lanark, 77.

H. ACROLEUCUM, Stenstr. *Symington, Lanark, 77.

H. STICTOPHYLLUM, Dahlst. *Symington, Lanark, 77.

H. PRENANTHOIDES, Vill. Ettrick Bridge End, Selkirk, 79.

H. EXIMIUM, Backh. Ben More, Sutherland AV., Mrs. Davy.

CERVICINA HEDERACEA, Druce. *Near Newton Stewart, Kirkcud-
bright, 73.

OXYCOCCOS QUADRIPETALA, Gilib. Near Loch Brittle, Dr. Webster
in Lawson's MS., Skye, 104.

ARCOSTAPHYLLOS UVA-URSI, Spreng. Near sea level at Sligachan,
104. Lawson noticed it at Storr and Dunvegan, and abundantly
on the limestone at Broadford and Kyle Akin, Rev. Mr.
Mathieson.

PYROLA SECUNDA, L. Sligachan, 104, Lawson MS.

PRIMULA VULGARIS, Hnds. *Near Traquair, Peebles, 78, thus com-
pleting its comital census.

SAMOLUS VALERANDI, L. Loch Scavaig, 104, Lawson MS.

JANCHUSA SEMPERVIRENS, L. Established in several localities
about Selkirk, 79.

SYMPHYTUM PEREGRINUM, Ledeb. Galashiels, 79.
fLiNARiA CYMBALARIA, Mill. On a wall, Sligachan, 104.

fMiMULUS GUTTATUS, DC. Tyndrum, 88; Sligachan, 104. It
was noticed at Dunvegan and Broadford by Lawson.

VERONICA HEDERIFOLIA, L. *Innerleithen, 78 ; *Sligachan, 104.
V. MONTANA, L. St. Mary's Isle, 73 ; Dunvegan, 104, Lawson MS.

V. OFFICINALIS, Z., *var. HIRSUTA, Williams (Very doubtfully V.
hirsuta, Hobkirk) from Carrick, Ayr. It is much smaller
than typical officinalis and more hairy ; but its chief difference
is in the capsule being unnotched at the top, and in the much
smaller and narrower leaves. The capsule, too, is said to be
seedless. It kept true in cultivation.

At Elibank I found on a dry bank a small form of V.
officinalis with more hairy leaves and an entire capsule, with
seeds, which would come under Dr. Williams's description as

SCOTTISH PLANTS 171

given in the Prodromus^ pars vi., p. 297 ; but I doubt its being
Hopkirk's plant. I should propose to call it var. fn/ncafa, had
it not been for Mr. Beeby's statement ("Scot. Nat." 1889,
p. 36) that in the very same plants the withered flower-stalk
of the previous year bore deeply notched capsules, indicating
that the serration is due to some merely temporary cause.

EUPHRASIA BREVIPILA, Burncit. Ettrick, Selkirk, 79.
E. NEMOROSA, H. Mart. Drumore, Wigton, 74.
E. CURTA, Fries. Ettrick, 79.
*RHINANTHUS STENOPHYLLUS, Schur. Sligachan, 104.

UTRICULARIA MAJOR, Schmid. *Cluny Loch, 89 ; *Loch Mallachie,
96 ; Selkirk, 79, named for me by Professor Gliick.

*U. OCHROLEUCA, Hart m. Loch Mallachie, 1882, 96; Scourie, 107,
also named for me by Dr. Gliick. N. Uist, 110, 1894; and
Loch of Spiggie, Shetland, 112, in Herb. Brit. Mus.

U. MINOR, L. Brackish pools, Steinscholl, Sligachan, 104,

Lawson MS.

OROBANCHE RUBRA, Sm. Waterstein, Skye, 104, Lawson MS
MENTHA ALOPECUROIDES, Hull. Tyndrum, 88.
M. PIPERITA, L. *Sligachan, in some plenty, 104.

THYMUS OVATUS, Miller. Mull of Galloway, 74 : Peebles, 88 ;
Selkirk, 79; Glen Brittle, etc., Skye, 104.

T. PR/ECOX, Host. *Sligachan, 104 ; varying with flowers of a deep
violet colour, and, of course, with the two forms of flowers.

NEPETA HEDERACEA, Trev. A large-flowered hairy form on the

clifTs at Port Mary, 73.

GALEOPSIS LADANUM, L. Steinscholl, 104, Lawson MS.
MARRUBIUM VULGARE, L. *Galashiels, on waste ground, with Miss

Hay ward, 79.
STACHYS OFFICINALIS, Trev. Steinscholl, 104, Lawson MS; both

records queried in "Top. Bot."
S. AMBIGUA, Sm. Tyndrum, 88.
TEUCRIUM SCORODONIA, L. Peebles, 78.

PLANTAGO MARITIMA, Z., var. MARITIMA (sensu Williams, doubtful
if of Linn.). -*Sgur Alastair, Skye, 104.

P. CORONOPUS, L. Waterstein, 104, Lawson MS.
ATRIPLEX PATULA, L. Kirkcudbright, 73.
POLYGONUM BISTORTA, L. St. Mary's Isle, 73.
P. VIVIPARUM, L. Storr, Cuchullins, 104, Lawson MS.
P. LAPATH i FOLIUM, Z. *Sligachan, 104.

172 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

OXYRIA DIGYNA, Hill, At sea-level, Sligachan, 104.
URTICA DIOICA, L. At 2900 feet on Stuich-an-Lochan, 88.
J-ULMUS GLABER, Mill. Callander, 87 ; probably planted.
fFAGUS SYLVATICA, L. Selkirk, 79.
BETULA ALBA, L. Sligachan, 104.

fPoPULUS MAJOR, Mill, (P. canescens, Sm.). Selkirk, but doubtless

planted, 79.
fP. EU-NIGRA, L. Selkirk.

|P. DELTOIDES, Marsh. Kirkcudbright, 73; Selkirk, 79; Peebles,
78 ; Melrose, Roxburgh, So ; Callander, 87 ; planted of course.

fSALix FRAGILIS, Z. Sligachan, doubtless planted, 104.
JUNIPERUS SIBIRICA, Burgs. Near sea-level, Sligachan, 104.
LISTERA CORDATA, Br. Kyle Akin, 104, Lawson MS.

ORCHIS MACULATA, L. Type, Selkirk, Kirkcudbright, and on Ben
Lawers, also a form with nearly undivided labellum, with
broader and blunter leaves.

var. PR/ECOX, Webster (O. ericetorum, Linton). St. Mary's
Loch, 79; Lawers, 88; Sligachan, 104; and also with pure
white flowers ; intermediate forms between pracox and type
occur.

O. MACULATA x HABENARiA GYMNADENIA. One specimen as found
at Lawers, growing with both parents. The spur was shorter
than in Gymnadenia ; but the lateral petals were broader and
were, with the labellum, covered with darker markings. The
leaves were narrow and the outline of the spike less cylindric
than in Gymnadenia, the flowers were also fainter in odour.

*O. LATIFOLIA x MACULATA, var. pR,*:cox. Sconser, Skye, with
both parents, a rich-coloured and handsome plant, the flowers
larger and distinctly suggesting the influence of maculata, and
vegetatively much more luxuriant.

O. MACULATA, L., var. KELLYI, Druce. To this must be referred, I
think, the Inchnadamph plant gathered by the Rev. E. S.
Marshall. This year I have had the opportunity of seeing it
in the fresh state from N. Sutherland. This, too, is the opinion
of Mrs. Davy, who made a most beautiful painting of the Irish
form. The Scottish plant, like the Irish, is occasionally tinged
with pink. Doubtless it is the limestone analogue to the plant
of the peat named var. prcecox by Webster ; the type maculata
being essentially the plant of argillaceous soils.

O. MASCULA, L. St. Mary's Isle, 73.

HABENARIA ALBIDA, Br. Sconser, Skye, 104; lacking personal
authority in " Top. Bot."

SCOTTISH PLANTS 173

H. GYMNADENIA, Druce (H. Coiwpsea, Benth.). Plants with pure
white flowers were noticed at Sconser, 104 ; and at Lawers, 88.

H. VIRIDIS, Br. Quiraing, between Steinscholl and Storr, 104,
Lawson MS.

H. VIRESCENS, Druce. Near Sconser, abundant, with H. bifolia,
Br. (at Steinscholl, Lawson MS.). A single specimen was
found with five regular petals, no spurred labelluin, the petals
being nearly of the same size, Sconser, 104.

*H. BIFOLIA x VIRESCENS. With the above a single specimen of
an intermediate plant was found, the anther lobes very slightly
converging ; the spur and colouring were intermediate, on the
whole perhaps nearer to bifolia. I don't think it has before
been recorded for Britain.

ALLIUM SCORODOPRASUM, L. St. Mary's Isle, 73.

SCILLA NONSCRIPTA, Link.- Nothing could have been more beautiful
than the profusion of this plant, intermixed as it was with the
white-flowered, double-blossomed Saxifraga granulata, in St.
Mary's Isle, or as it grew on the coast cliffs in cascades of
colour, which were crowned at the summit with golden Furze.

JUNCUS TRIGLUMIS, L. Ascends to 2400 feet in Perth. (Storr and
Cuchullin, 104, Lawson MS.)

J. TRIFIDUS, L. Ascends to 4200 feet on Ben Nevis.

J. BIGLUMIS, L. On range of mountains between Storr and Quiraing,
104, Lawson MS.

JUNCOIDES MULTIFLORUM, Druce, and as rat: CONGESTUM (DC.}.
Sligachan, 104.

var. PALLESCENS (Hoppe, not of Besser). *Crianlarich, 88.

J. SYLVATICUM, O.K. Ascends to 3000 feet in Perth.

ERIOPHORUM PANICULATUM, Druce (E. latifolium, Hoppe). *In
several stations near Sligachan, 1 04 ; also seen near Tyndrum, 88.

SCIRPUS RUFUS, Wahl. -Near Loch Harbort, abundant, 104.

S. MARITIMUS, L. Uig, 104, Lawson MS.

CAREX PAUCIFLORA, Light/. M'Leod's Tables, 104, Lawson MS.

C. DISTICHA, Huds. Selkirk, 79.

C. RIGIDA, Good. At 4350 feet on Ben Nevis.

C. GOODENOWII, Gay. var. CHLOROSTACHYA (Reichb.}. Crianlarich,
88; Tyndrum, 98; Sligachan, 104.

var. RECTA, A. and G. Peebles, 78; St. Mary's Loch, 79;
Crianlarich, 88; Tyndrum, 98; Sligachan, 104.

C. PALLESCENS, L. Dunvegan, 104, Lawson MS.

C. PENDULA, Huds. Abundant on sea-cliffs in Kirkcudbright, 73.

C. FULVA, Host. Creach Ardran, 88; Sligachan, 104.

C. BINERVIS, Sm., var. ALPINA, Drej. Corrie Ardran, 88; Falloch, 87.

174 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

C. FLAVA, L. Ascends to 3300 feet on Ben Lawers.

C. LEPIDOCARPA, Tausch. *Sgur Alastair, Sligachan, 104.

C. CEDERI, Retz. Sligachan, 104.

var. CEDOCARPA, Anders. Sligachan, 104.
C. XANTHOCARPA, Deseg.- Sligachan, 104 (C. fulva -*flava).
C. INFLATA, Huds., var. BRUNNESCENS (Anders.'}. Corrie Ardran, 88.

C. INFLATA x VESICARIA. *Plentiful by the Teith, near Callander,
with both parents.

C. VESICARIA, L. Lacked personal authority in "Top. Bot." for 87.
ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM, L. At 3600 feet on Ben Nevis.
SAVASTANA ODORATA (Z.), Scribn. (Hierochloa borealis, R. and S.).

Still exists in small quantity on the Kirkcudbright coast.
DESCHAMPSIA ALPINA, Beauv. Corrie Ardran, 88.

D. C^SPITOSA, Beaur., var. ALPINA, Gaud. *Cuchullins, 104;

ascends to 4300 feet on Ben Nevis.
AVENA PUBESCENS, Huds. -Grassy bank, near Walkerburn, 78;

by the Yarrow in pastures in several places, 79.
A. ALPINA, Sm. Stuich-an-Lochan, abundant, ascending to 3300

feet.
ARRHENATHERUM TUBEROSUM (Gilib.\ Dnice. *Sligachan, 104;

Lawers, 88.
PDA ANNUA, Z., var. PICTA, Beck. *Corrie Ardran, 88 ; *Ben Nevis,

97 ; *Cuchullins, 104.

P. ALPINA, L. Steinscholl, 104, Lawson MS.
P. NEMORALIS, L. *St. Mary's Isle, 73.
P. PRATENSIS, Z., var. SUBC^RULEA (6w.). *St. Mary's Isle, 73 ;

*St. Mary's Loch, 79 ; Corrie Ardran, 3300 feet, 88 ;

*Sligachan, 104.
GLYCERIA MARITIMA, Wahl. Portree and Sligachan, lacked personal

authority for 104.

BROMUS HORDEACEUS, Z., var. GLABRATUS. "'Sligachan.
HORDEUM MURINUM, Z. * Galashiels, 79.

ASPLENIUM MARINUM, Z. Very fine on Kirkcudbright coast, 73.
DRYOPTERIS ^EMULA. Kyle Akin, 104, Lawson MS.
OSMUNDA REGALIS, Z. Orbost, Loch Scavaig, 104, Lawson MS.

BOTRYCHIUM LUNARIA, Sw. On a turf-topped wall near Sligachan,

104.
EQUISETUM MAXIMUM, Lam. Steinscholl, 104, Lawson MS.

E. HYEMALE, Z. Lake between Loch Staffin and the Storr, 104,

Lawson MS.
PILULARIA GLOBULIFERA, Z. Steinscholl, 104, Lawson MS.

MAN'S INFLUENCE ON INDIGENOUS FLORA OF ABERDEEN 175

MAN'S INFLUENCE ON THE INDIGENOUS
FLORA OF ABERDEEN.

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

DURING a number of years my attention has been directed
to the plant life of the North-east of Scotland, and more
especially to the plants growing in the neighbourhood of
Aberdeen apparently wild, or as weeds among crops and on
waste ground. All available information has been collected
from published records, old herbaria, and other sources that
can throw light on the past state of the flora ; but these are
unfortunately scanty, and scarcely extend beyond 1750.

My aim has been to trace, as far as in my power, the
changes that have occurred since the beginning of the
historic period, and to ascertain their causes. Among these
man's influence has been increasingly potent ; indeed, it has
become difficult within the boundaries of the city to realise
how great an effect that influence has had on the flora, and
to realise how recent much of the effect has been.

The earliest published map of Aberdeen and the
surrounding country is that of the " parson of Rothiemay,"
the Rev. James Gordon, son of Robert Gordon of Straloch,
whose Atlas of Maps, published in 1648, and in later editions,
supplied the first trustworthy information of this kind on
Scotland. The map of Aberdeen was prepared at the
request of the Town Council of Aberdeen, probably between
1650 and 1660, and bears the date 1661 on the published
map. From it and from an accompanying description of
Aberdeen and of Old Aberdeen we see how very small an
area was then occupied by houses, and that the two small
towns were about ^ mile apart at their nearest points.
Aberdeen shows a few houses along the estuary of the Dee
(where a quay gave access for shipping) and its tributary
the Denburn, which since 1860 has disappeared from view
in a covered channel. From this quay a main street (the
Shiprow) ran northward following a ridge, as it still does,
to the Market place (now Castle Street), from which opened
several narrow closes or wynds. These have been largely

I 7 6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

cleared away to permit of the formation of Union Street
from 1800 onwards, a change of vital importance in the
growth of the city. The streets were few and extended
along the higher parts of the naturally undulating site, but,
as in most towns of the same age, they did not extend far,
although Aberdeen does not seem to have been hindered in
its expansion by a city wall for defence. Gordon's map and
description show that gardens and trees were numerous,
covering the slopes of the ridges on which the streets lay,
and that fields were cultivated close to the town, where the
soil was suitable ; but they also show large marshes in the
hollows, and a loch covering several acres now under
streets.

Moors and rough broken ground strewn with boulders
and ice-borne debris covered much of the surface at a short
distance from the town, and formed a surrounding belt of
several miles in width, except in the lower part of the valleys
of the Dee and the Don. Maps of considerably more recent
date show these features almost unchanged, and the area
covered by streets was little extended until towards the close
of the eighteenth century. About the middle of that
century efforts were directed to bring parts of the rough
ground around the town into cultivation ; and great progress
was made in this direction during the next fifty years. In
many cases it cost large sums to clear the surface of the
stones, exceeding 30 per acre in some places ; but much,
if not all, of the cost is said to have been repaid by the price
obtained for the stones, which were exported for building
and for other uses. From 1 800 onwards Aberdeen spread
over a rapidly enlarging area, especially from 1860 to
1900; and the municipal limits were moved outwards
several times. In 1893 they were determined as at present,
occupying an extent of more than ten square miles, bounded
by the Don on the North and including a strip of
Kincardineshire south of the Dee.

Within this area the surface has undergone very great
changes ; moors and marshes have almost completely dis-
appeared, the soil having been drained and converted into
agricultural ground where fit to be so used, or covered with
buildings, or roads and streets, or enclosed as pleasure-grounds

MAN'S INFLUENCE ON INDIGENOUS FLORA OF ABERDEEN 177

and public parks. The numerous streams have been largely
carried in channels underground, the valleys have been filled
up, and the heights frequently lowered, until it has become
difficult to recognise the features shown on the earlier maps.
The estuary of the Dee, originally of considerable extent,
has disappeared except in so far as it is occupied as a
harbour, a new channel being cut before 1870, for about a
mile of the river's course, and much of the former estuary
being afterwards filled with rubbish of all kinds, and built
over. Where rock comes to the surface it has been quarried
in several places. Most of the quarries within the
municipal area have ceased to be worked, and in one or two
places can no longer be traced ; but some remain more or
less filled with water, and surrounded with piles of debris.

Less change is apparent on the sandy coast and dunes
between the Dee and the Don, and on a strip of varying
width inland from the dunes, part of it, near the Don, liable
to be flooded by high tides ; but even here there has been
considerable changes made in recent years, and they are
likely to be still greater in the immediate future.

The flora in and around Aberdeen has been greatly
affected by the alterations of the surface ; but actual records
by botanists are few prior to 1830, and none go back to
1750. However, in view of the evidence, stated above, that
the town-area was small until considerably after 1750, and
that there had been few attempts made to reclaim the rough
and barren soils except in the immediate neighbourhood of
the town, it may safely be assumed that over much of what
is now covered by Aberdeen the natural flora grew almost
unchanged by man. There still existed lochs, swamps, and
streams, moors and peat-mosses, rough thickets by the
streams, estuaries little, if at all changed, shingles and marsh
by the rivers, and dunes in their natural condition along the
coast. The streams had not been polluted with domestic
sewage or industrial waste, except that the dyers seem to
have discharged coloured refuse into the Loch, which was
probably in a not very clean state. It seems likely that no
plantations, and certainly no natural woods, existed near
the town. Peat was probably still cut from mosses within
the area, as at Ferryhill, where an old peat-moss was a
79 E

i;8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

well-known home of several plants until it was drained
about 1850.

One or two fragments of moor still exist west of
Rubislaw, but the last moor worth the name disappeared
from Aberdeen when Stocket Moor was broken up and
cultivated, about iSSo.

The endeavour to ascertain what was known of the flora
of Aberdeen in the past appeared for a time likely to show
only manuscript notes by Dr. David Skene, a native of
Aberdeen, who at the time of his death in 1771, was one of the
leading physicians of the North of Scotland. In professional
visits over a district extending beyond Inverness he was an
unwearied recorder and a naturalist in the best sense. He
corresponded with Ellis, Linnaeus, and others of the best-
known naturalists of the time. Though he died, it is believed,
at the age of 39, and had been in poor health for a number
of years, he left a large quantity of manuscript notes in all
departments of science ; but his interest seems to have been
keenest in the flora and fauna. Many of the plants and
animals found by him are described very fully, especially
when from his books he could not discover their names ;
and so careful are these descriptions that in most cases there
is little room for doubt of the species, except with critical
forms. But while he proves the existence of many plants
in this part of Scotland prior to 1771, he does not often
name definite localities within what are now the limits of
the city.

The next to study the plants of this neighbourhood was
James Beattie, Professor of Natural History in Marischal
College and University. He was a nephew of James Beattie,
Professor of Moral Philosophy in the same University (a
poet and philosophical writer of high repute for a time) ; and
the uncle and nephew have been confused in even so
trustworthy an authority as the " Biographical Index of
British and Irish Botanists." The younger man was a keen
and an accurate botanist. The chief published evidence
of his botanical studies is found in Sir J. E. Smith's
acknowledgments of the Carices sent from near Aberdeen
by Dr. Beattie, some of which Smith described as new species.
Not long ago I found a number of pencil-notes by Beattie

MAN'S INFLUENCE ON INDIGENOUS FLORA OF ABERDEEN 179

in a copy of Hudson's " Flora Anglica " ; and subsequently
purchased at a sale his copy of Lightfoot's " Flora Scotica,"
with additional notes by him. Some of these notes give
evidence of the occurrence of plants in localities from which
they have long disappeared. He died in 1 8 1 o, aged 43.
His successor in the chair of Natural History was of very
different and inferior type ; but the investigation of the
plants of Aberdeen was continued by one of those taught
by Beattie, Dr. William Knight, who, though Professor of
Natural Philosophy in Marischal College, taught Botany
there, as lecturer, for a number of years. He published
little, but he left a great amount of manuscript on many
subjects. Among other notes are lists of plants observed in
various localities in and near Aberdeen, during excursions
of his classes and at other times.

In 1836 appeared the first published work on the flora
of the North of Scotland, "The Northern Flora," Pt. I.,
by Dr. Alexander Murray, including about a third of the
flowering plants. It is most careful and suggestive, con-
taining many personal observations, but the author's early
death prevented the completion of the work. The " Flora
Abredonensis " by Dr. George Dickie, in 1838, gave a list of
the higher plants of Aberdeen and of a district of about I 5
miles radius around; and it was followed in 1853 by "A
Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Ferns growing in
the neighbourhood of Aberdeen, by Paul H. Macgillivray,
son of the well-known Professor William Macgillivray, who
had taught botany in Marischal College for some years
before his death in 1852, and had collected the plants of
the district. Dr. Dickie in 1860, just after his appointment
to the newly founded chair of Botany in the University of
Aberdeen, issued his " Botanist's Guide to the Counties of
Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine."

In these various lists a number of localities within
Aberdeen are named under both native and alien species
where the plants do not (and often could not) now exist ;
but this applies chiefly to the rarer or more local plants ;
and the information they contain has been supplemented by .
the use of collections made prior to 1850 which have come
into my possession, or which I have been permitted to examine.

i8o ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

From these sources, and from a comparison with the
plants still found at distances not exceeding a few miles from
Aberdeen under conditions similar to those that prevailed
formerly within its present limits, it is possible to realise in
some degree the changes that the flora has undergone since
1750. Before that date the destruction of the native woods
seems to have been almost if not quite complete, and with
them must have gone most of the plants that prefer their
protection. Among the influences most destructive in their
effects on the native flora were the changes due to the
drainage of the wet hollows, in part occupied by peat-mosses
and in part by marshes not on peat ; and numerous species
have become extinct in this way. Others have disappeared
in consequence of the alterations at the mouths of the Dee
and Don, and on the Links between the rivers.

(To be continued.}

NOTES ON THE GENUS POTAMOGETON OF
THE LONDON CATALOGUE. ED. 10.

By ARTHUR BENNETT.

IN the "Journal of Botany " (1907), pp. 172-76, I remarked
on some forms of the genus new to Britain. In this note I
run through the names and add, or reject, as later know-
ledge suggests.

1. P. NATANS, Z., var. TERRESTRE. Gray, "Nat. Arr. Brit. PI."

(1821), p. 33. Woking, Surrey, A. Bennett.

2. P. POLYGONIFOLIUS, Pourr., var. AMPHIBIUS. Fries, "Nov.

Fl. Suec." (1828), p. 30 ( = ericetorum, Syme).

var. SPHAGNOPHILA. Neuman, " Bot. Not." (1896),
91. Moidart, Argyll, Symers Macvicar, sp,

var. CORDIFOLIA. Asch. et Graeb., "Syn. Fl. Mitt.
Europ." (1897), p. 306.

A large cordate-leaved form, not uncommon.

P. POLYGONIFOLIUS x NATANS ( = P. Gess?iacensis). Fischer,
in " Ber. Bayr. Bot. Ges.," xi. (1907), p. 20. Rudha
Gheadha, Isle of Colonsay, Argyll, M. M'Neal, sp.

NOTES ON THE GENUS POTAMOGETON 181

3. P. ANGUSTIFOLIUS, Berdch et Presl., var. LACUSTRIS, Ar, Benn.

( = lucens, var. lacustre, Thore).

Mr. Fryer objects to the name angustifolius x coloratus
as representing his x P. Bilhtpsii, the correct name being
" coriaceus x Zizii" or lacustris x coloratus of the " Catalogue."

4. P. HETEROPHYLLUS, Schreb., var. TERRESTRIS. Schlecht, "Fl.

Berol." (1823), i. p. 116.

5. P. NITENS, Weber, var. MAXIMUS, Ar. Benn. Delete, and

substitute var. prcslongifolius^ Tiselius ! .

6. P. PERFOLIATUS, Z., var. MACROPHYLLUS. Blytt, " Norges

Flora" (1861), p. 367, River Isla, E. Perth, 1882,
A. Sturrock, sp.

var. PSEUDO - DENSUS, Asch. et Graeb. Lc. Loch
Brotachan, S. Aberdeen, alt. 2300 ft., Marshall, sp.

var. CORDATO - LANCEOLATUS, Mert. et Rich. " Deut.
Flora" (1823), p. 852. Not uncommon.

var. RICHARDSONII, Ar. Benn. ( - var. lanceolatus,
Robbins, non Blytt). Very common in the Great Lakes
and westward in North America ; Mill - dam, Selkirk
(1876), Brotherston, sp. ; Loch Ordie, E. Perth (1898),
W. Barclay, sp.

7. P. PR^ELONGUS, Wulf., var. ANGUSTIFOLIUS, Graeb. ( = var.

folio-angitstifolia, Hooker).

8. P. ALPINUS, Balb., var. spathulifolius, Fischer, I.e. Black Loch,

Cleish Hills, Fife, G. West, sp. Loch Fada, Colonsay,
Argyll, M. M'Neill, sp.

9. P. PUSILLUS, Z., var. ACUMINATUS, Ar. Benn. Delete, as there

is acuminatus of Fieber (1836), and substitute var. similis.

10. P. RUTILUS, Wolfg. Probably limited to Anglesea. The

Stafford (?) specimens are somewhat doubtful, though
decidedly near to Nolte's cizspitosus.

11. P. FILIFORMIS, Notte, var. ALPINUS. Blyth, I.e., substitute

P. marinas, L.

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES.

An Old-time Vermin List : a Correction. Since sending you,
as not previously published, " An Old-time Vermin List," see pages
no-iii, I have discovered that I was wrong in thinking that this
list had not before appeared in print. It is to be found on pages
158-159 of the "Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal," vol. xx.,
1836 ; being part of a paper by P. J. Selby, F.R.S.E., F.L.S., etc.,
etc., read before the Wernerian Natural History Society, on 2ist

182 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY $

Nov. 1835, "On the Quadrupeds and Birds inhabiting the
County of Sutherland, observed there during an Excursion in the
Summer of 1834" (pp. 159-161 and 286-295). The list there
given is exactly similar, but the following information is added :
The Crows killed were "all of the species Corvus Comix, Hooded
Crows " ; and as regards the " 548 King-Fishers," Selby notes, " The
Dipper is so called throughout Sutherland and other parts of the
Highlands. The Alcedo Ispida is rarely seen." From another part
of the paper we learn that Mr. Baigrie was "the intelligent Factor
of the Scourie and Assynt districts." The list which I transcribed
for you is undoubtedly the original list sent by Mr. Baigrie to Sir
William Jardine, and presumably lent by him to P. J. Selby for use
in the compilation of his paper above referred to. HUGH S.
GLADSTONE, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.

[To those of our readers who may not be aware of the existence
of an even earlier certified List of Vermin killed upon the same
estates, and paid for by the " Sutherland Association for the Pro-
tection of Property," between the years from July 1819 to August
1826, it may be of interest to compare that list with the one
given by Mr. Gladstone in the April No. of "The Annals,"
above referred to, dating, as shown, between March 1831 and
March 1834.

It would almost appear on such a comparison as is above suggested,
that "Kingfishers" (i.e. Dippers) were not considered vermin by
the members of "The Association'' in 1819 to 1826, but that they
were killed down to a frightful extent in 1831 and to 1834.

Personally, I can vouch that even as late as 1867 or thereby,
Dippers were mercilessly slain and a premium put upon their heads,
and I may perhaps yet again be permitted to take credit to myself
that I was instrumental in having a stop put to the barbarous
practice my influence with my old friend, Mr. Evander M'lver of
Scourie, who was then Factor for the Assynt and Edderachyllis
parish estates of the late Duke of Sutherland, getting the head-
money shifted from the innocent "Water-crow" to the Prince of
Ruffians, the "Hooded Crow." Those who are sufficiently interested
will find the earlier list I refer to in vol. i. of our "Vertebrate Fauna
of Scotland," Appendix, p. 301. J. A. HARVIE-BROWN.]

Mealy Redpolls in Aberdeenshire. Several small flocks of
Mealy Redpolls up to a score in number appeared in this
neighbourhood (Old Aberdeen) on 2ist, 23rd, and 3oth October
last. Mr. Eagle Clarke kindly identified a specimen which I sent
him, as Acanthis Unarm linaria, Aberdeen. L. N. G. RAMSAY. |

Nesting of Pied Flycatcher in East Lothian. As I had
previously seen a male Pied Flycatcher (Muscicapa atricapilld]
frequenting a patch of wood z\ miles from Haddington, I made a
thorough search on 26th May and after a little came upon both

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 183

cock and hen birds near a rotten ash-tree. I eventually managed
to climb to a hole 10 feet from the ground, and on looking down,
assisted by a gleam of sunlight, I saw clearly two green-blue eggs at
the end of a cavity nine inches deep, with a very narrow entrance-
hole. There were probably more eggs, but the light only showed
me two. I returned on 3151 May and ist June and watched both
birds going in and out of the hole, and got several photographs of
them both. The hen was so tame that she sat unconcernedly on
the eggs while I looked in at her. The male's song surprised me.
I did not know that this species had anything more than a call note.
I have seen this bird in the country before, but as it was not paired,
I suppose it did not sing. The cock entered the nesting-hole with
food in his bill for the sitting hen on several occasions. H. N.
BONAR, Saltoun.

Icterine Warbler in Shetland. A fine specimen of Hypolais
icterina was obtained near Lerwick on the i5th of May 1910, a
day on which a number of migratory birds were observed on passage.
It was observed on the lee side of a hill some distance from the
town, where Redstarts and Blackcaps were also present. I had
always been a little doubtful as to its identity, and recently sent
the specimen to Mr. Eagle Clarke for his opinion on it. I believe
this is only the second record of the occurrence of this species in
Scotland, the previous known visit having been obtained at Fair Isle
in 1908. GEORGE W. RUSSELL, Lerwick.

Continental Great Spotted Woodpecker in Aberdeenshire.
It may be useful to record that a Great Spotted Woodpecker which
occurred near the village of Sauchen in December 1909 belongs to
the Continental race Dendrocopus major major. Having seen
several records of the visits of birds of this race to Scotland, I
thought it well to send my specimen to Mr. Eagle Clarke for precise
determination. DAISY HAMILTON, Skene House, Aberdeenshire.

Wig-eon Nesting on Loeh Awe. That the Wigeon nests on
Loch Awe was established by the Misses Baxter and Rintoul who
found a nest there on 2yth May 1908, as reported at the time in
the "Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist." A nest was found on loth May last
by Colonel Lister Kay of Cladich on one of the islands of Loch
Awe, and an egg, down, and flank feathers identified by Mr. J. A.
Harvie-Brown. Several pairs of Wigeon were seen by the same
observer in April, and later the drakes by themselves. CHAS. H.
ALSTON, Letterawe, Loch Awe.

[To the above note by Mr. Alston I may add that Mr. William
Evans informs me that he knew of their breeding in the Loch Awe
district about ten years ago, and has a note of a nest found there by
Mr. R. Godfrey, on 25th April 1906. I am aware of their having
bred in fair numbers on the Moor of Rannoch as long ago as 1874,
which district is not far removed from the valley of the Orchay, via

184 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Loch Tulla in the Black Mount Deer Forest, by which route there
can be little hesitation in saying they in all probability advanced
southwards to Loch Awe. I am unaware whether any earlier record
than the above of their nesting at Loch Awe exists.

I did not observe any flank feathers amongst the down and grass
tufts, etc., sent by Mr. Alston. If there were any flank feathers
they escaped my observation. My servant cleaned the down and
picked out all foreign addenda, as instructed by me. Mr. W. Evans
saw the egg and the down, and at once confirmed my identification.
I understand the round glass-topped box containing the down and
egg were afterwards presented to Miss Baxter by Mr. Chas. H.
Alston. J. A. HARVIE-BROWN.]

Turtle Dove on the Isle of May. On ist June 1911, I put up
a Turtle Dove (Turtur turtur] in the lighthouse superintendent's
garden on the Isle of May, where it was again met with an hour
later. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.

Extension of the Capereaillie in Moray. Hearing that Caper-
caillies had recently appeared frequenting forest- ground near
Inverness, I made enquiry. Captain Fleming, of Fairburn, writes
that about four years ago Capercaillies were installed as a nesting
species on that property, and since then, they have increased in
numbers and are frequently seen, but none have as yet been shot.
He had also heard of a bird having been seen at Scatwell, but does
not vouch for it. The nearest place to Fairburn that they had
been heard of before this, was Belladrum. It is well to note such
finger-posts in dispersal as early as possible, and I wish I could
furnish more details, because the longer such statistics are delayed
the more difficult it becomes, to obtain them correctly not only
of this, but of all species which are extending their areas of distribution.
-J. A. HARVIE-BROWN.

Gadwall in Barra. Not "as recorded in 'A Fauna of the Outer
Hebrides,' Appendix D, p. 254," a Garganey. The error consists
in the misapplied name Anas strepera, "Garganey Duck" (sic).
The correct note will be found in Graham's " The Birds of lona
and Mull," and had been correctly given by Robert Gray in his
" Birds of the West of Scotland." I cannot now at this late date
account for the error except as a lapsus calami, and regret that it
should have so long remained unchecked, my attention not having
been directed to it until mentioned to me by Mr. Wm. Evans a
day or two ago. J. A. HARVIE-BROWN.

Pisidium amnieum in Haddingtonshire, Sphaerium laeustre in
Stirlingshire, and Limax maximus in Shetland. On i3th May
1911, I found a few examples of Pisidium amnieum in the river
Tyne, below East Linton, Haddingtonshire, and on the 25th of the
same month several of Sphcerium laeustre in the duck pond, at

ZOOLOGICAL NOTES 185

Dunipace, Stirlingshire. Specimens have been submitted to Mr. J.
W. Taylor, who tells me the 6 1 . lacustre is var. ryckholti. Both are
additions to the " Census " lists of Mollusca for the two counties.
Half a dozen slugs from Mr. R. C. Haldane's garden at Lochend,
Lerwick, Shetland, in May, have been forwarded to me by Mr.
Harvie-Brown. Three of them are dark examples of Limax mdxzmus,
var. fasciatus, and the rest Arion ater. L., maximus is not in the
authenticated " Census " list for Shetland, but it was recorded from
there by Jeffreys many years ago. WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.

Cherries panzeri (C. L. KocJi) in Forth. When looking for
pigeon ticks in Mr. Harvie-Brovvn's dovecot at Dunipace, East
Stirlingshire, on 25th May 1911, I was pleased to find this False-
Scorpion in considerable numbers. They were among the dirt and
refuse at the bottom of the pigeons' nests. Mr. \Vallis Kew, to
whom specimens have been submitted, confirms my identification.
Chernes panzeri is an addition to my list of the " False-Scorpions of
the Forth Area," published about two years ago ("Proc. Roy. Phys.
Soc." xvii. 40). In Mr. Godfrey's account of the " False-Scorpions
of Scotland" ("Annals," 1908, p. 157) it is only recorded from the
counties of Lanark, Peebles, and Ross one locality in each.
WILLIAM EVANS, Edinburgh.

Northern Records of Diptera. The following captures may be
of interest to Dipterists, since little is known of the distribution of flies
in the northern counties of Scotland, Cephenomyia auribarbis, Mg.,
one ct with red beard, red tail, pubescence on abdomen reddish, and
thorax distinctly divided like Hypoderma bovis Loch Assynt ; Hypo-
derma diana, Brauer, one $ , Loch Assynt ; Physocephala nigra, Deg.,
two , Loch Assynt a far north locality, though I took a single ^
at Rannoch high up on the Erebia cassiope ground ; Gymnochceta
viridis, Fin., one $ , Loch Assynt another far northern locality :
Ptiolina atra, Staeg., one $ , Loch Assynt ; Porpliyrops gravipes,
Wek., one $ , Dingwall. J. W. YERBURY.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS.

Pyrola uniflora, Z., in the Outer Hebrides. Dr. Williams, in
the 8th part of his Prodromus FL Brit. (1911), p. 474, records
that " 2 specimens are in Smith's Herbarium, gathered about 1783
by Mr. James Hoggan in the island of Bernera." This is in the
Sound of Harris, between Lewis and N. Uist. " One specimen is
8 cm., the other 10 cm., each having 5 leaves." This he records
as its most northerly station ; but it is found in E. Sutherland,
farther north ; in " Little Ferry Wood in Golspie," Mr. Doull, sp.,
and Balbin Pine Wood, with Linnaea, Dr. Joass, sp.

1 86 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

This definitely makes the species an Outer Hebridean plant.
A. BENNETT, 17, 3. 1911.

Valeriana dioiea, Z., in the Outer Hebrides. Among some
undetermined plants from the Isle of Scarp sent by Mr. J. S.
Duncan in 1901, I find specimens (root leaves only) of this species.

It is recorded from W. Sutherland * by the Scottish Alpine Club,
" near the foot of Beinn Laoghal."

Dr. R. Brown (Campster) recorded it for Caithness in a
marked London Catalogue (ed. 6) to Mr. H. C. Watson. 2 It
certainly occurs in Stirling (Kidston !). For Dumbarton, Mr.
Watson was uncertain 3 whether Balvie was correctly referred to that
county ; but it must mean a locality near Milngavie, and seemingly
belongs to Dumbarton.

It does not seem to be recorded for Lapland or Finland ; is
very rare in Norway, and is recorded from Skane, Halland,
Bohuslan, Smaland, and Oland in Sweden. It is not common in
Denmark.

The figure in English Botany, t. 628 (ed. 3, t. 1548) does not
give a good idea of the root-leaves, anyhow before the plant flowers ;
and I have had the root-leaves sent me several times asking what
the plant was ; and one correspondent, at least, was very sceptical
as to my naming.

Beyond the above records it is named as occurring in vice-
counties : 72, 73, 75, 77? and 79 to 86, all in Scotland.

It is sometimes divided in continental Floras into two or three ;
viz. : /?, simplicifolia,) Rabath (sp.\ and y, silvatica, Schmidt (sp.\
not L. ARTHUR BENNETT.

Poa Chaixii, VHL, in Scotland. A new locality and a
warning 1 . On the 23rd of May last I found this plant in great
profusion covering a large area in the private grounds of Monteviot,
Roxburghshire, quite close to the house. It has already been
recorded for several places in the county, but not as far as I know
for this locality.

Twice in the last two years this plant has been sent me for
identification by parties who found it in an apparently natural
habitat in Roslin Glen, Midlothian. Its presence in that locality
is due to the mistaken zeal of a local botanical enthusiast who
planted it there in 1903. Planting out of this kind leads to
confusion, misunderstanding, and disappointment, and should not
be practised. JAMES FRASER.

Memorial to George Don at Forfar. On 8th September 1910,
a monument erected over the grave of George Don, in the
form of a granite obelisk, was unveiled in the presence of a large

1 "Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin." (1888), p. 374. 2 "Journ. Bot." (1883), p. 343.

3 "Cyb. Brit." ii. (1849), p. 25.

BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS 187

gathering of townsfolk and visitors assembled to show respect to his
memory. The monument is the gift of subscribers who recognised
the value of Don's work for Scottish Botany. For many years his
accuracy and trustworthiness were distrusted, and " Don's reputed
discoveries " were notorious. But as the years have passed his
discoveries have in many cases been confirmed. Unfortunately he
gave ground in part to the distrust by refusal or unwillingness to
make clear the localities of the rarer plants, causing them often to be
sought for in vain ; and in part by distributing, as wild, plants from
his garden which he believed were sprung from plants brought from
their native habitats in Scotland by himself, but were not so, but
from garden plants that had grown among or replaced the wild
plants. No one has done so much to establish Don's true claims
to honour and respect from botanists as Mr. G. Claridge Druce. by
whose own investigations the botany of Scotland has been so greatly
advanced ; and it was most suitable that he should have been
chosen to unveil the monument, and to express the desire of the
subscribers to honour G. Don. This he did in an eloquent
address on the life and work of the man, on his rugged and sturdy
character, his unwearied energy, his love of nature, his simple
tastes, his extensive journeys in search of plants, and his numerous
discoveries.

Much credit is due to Mr. John Knox for the successful
carrying out of the scheme of placing a memorial in the town so
long the home of G. Don.

CURRENT LITERATURE.

The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural
History which have appeared during the Quarter April-June 1911.

[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 under mentioned.]

ZOOLOGY.

THE BEARDED SEAL IN SCOTLAND. J. G. Millais, The Field,
April 22, 1911, p. 791. A young female shot by Mr. W. Berry
at the mouth of the Beauly River, at the end of March 1911.

OSPREY IN RENFREWSHIRE. Thomas Malloch, Zoologist, June
1911, p. 237. A male bird found dead on igth May in a glen in
the north-west corner of the county.

BLACK TERN NEAR PAISLEY. C. S. B. R., The Field, April 29,
1911, p. 840. A single specimen observed 2ist April.

1 88 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

NOTES ON THE BIRDS FREQUENTING ELDER PARK, GOVAN.
William Rennie, Trans. Nat, Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. viii. (N.S.)
pt. ii. (May 1911), pp. 209-218. Notes on 43 species.

AUTUMN AND WINTER BIRD-LIFE OF THE FAIRLIE SHORE.
Robert W. S. Wilson, Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. viii.
(M.S.) pt. ii. (May 1911), pp. 173-185. Notes on 115 species.

THE RETURN OF SUMMER BIRDS TO THE " CLYDE " AREA IN
1911. John Paterson, The Glasgow Naturalist, May 1911, pp.
92-5. Dates of arrivals given for 23 species.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER (DENDROCOPUS MAJOR) IN
LANARKSHIRE. John Paterson, 27ie Glasgow Naturalist, May 1911,
p. 97.

BLACK TERN (HYDROCHELIDON NIGRA), TURTLE DOVE (TURTUR
COMMUNIS), AND SCAUP DUCK (FULIGULA MARILA) IN RENFREW-
SHIRE. C. Stephen Bine Renshaw, The Glasgow Naturalist, May
1911, pp. 96-97.

RINGED PLOVER (^EGIALITIS HIATICOLA) IN LANARKSHIRE.
John Paterson, The Glasgow Naturalist, May 1911, p. 96.

NOTES ON RICHARDSON'S SKUA (STERCORARIUS CREPIDATUS,
GM.). Robert W. S. Wilson, Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol.
viii. (N.S.) pt. ii. (May 1911), pp. 235-236. Principally devoted
to observations made on the island of Yell, Shetland.

GLAUCOUS GULL (LARUS GLACUS) AND ICELAND GULL (L.
LEUCOPTERUS) IN AYRSHIRE. John M'Crindle, The Glasgow
Naturalist, May 1911, p. 96.

ADDITIONS TO " BRITISH CONCHOLOGY." J. T. Marshall,
Journ. Conchology, July 1911, pp. 192-209. Many interesting
Scottish records included.

Six DAYS AT GLEN TILT, PERTHSHIRE. G. H. Conquest,
Entomologist, April 1911, pp. 155-157. Twenty-five species of
Lepidoptera recorded obtained in July 1910.

NOTES ON HEPIALUS HUMULI AND ITS SHETLAND FORMS.
Robert Adkin, F.E.S., Proc. S. Land. Ent. and Nat. Hist. Soc.
1910-11, pp. 13-14.

MAMESTRA PERSICARI.E IN SCOTLAND. (Capt.) H. Holmes-
Tarn, Entomologist, June 1911, p. 225. Specimens taken on the
Morayshire coast (20 miles from Craigellachie) in August 1910,
and another seen.

TACHYPORINA, ETC. AT NETHY BRIDGE. T. Hudson Beare,
Ent. Mo. Mag., June 1911, pp. 139-140. Nineteen species
recorded.

CURRENT LITERATURE 189

A NOTE ON QUEDIUS ATTENUATUS, GYLL., VAR. PICIPENNIS,
HEER. Norman H. Joy, M.R.C.S., F.E.S., Ent. Mo. Mag., June
191 1, pp. 132-133. Records the insect from Garvie, Ross-shire,
and Dalwhinnie, Inverness-shire.

EPIPEDA NIGRICANS : A CORRECTION. Norman H. Joy, Ent.
Mo. Mag., May 1911, p. in. Records the species from Pitlochry.

A NOTE ON DR. SHARP'S NEW SPECIES OF GABRIUS. Norman
H. Joy, M.R.C.S., F.E.S., Ent. Mo. Mag., April 1911, pp. 80-82.
In this paper G. appendiculatus is recorded from Blair-Atholl and
Dalwhinnie.

CASSIDA NOBILIS, L., IN DUMBARTONSHIRE. William Evans,
Ent. Mo. Mag., April 1911, p. 90. Five specimens taken on the
shore of Loch Long, near Peaton, Dumbartonshire, on 27th June
1910. Apparently new to Scotland. Identification confirmed by
Dr. D. Sharp. See also The Glasgow Naturalist, May 1911, p. 96,
where somewhat fuller details are given.

SOME HYMENOPTERA PARASITICA FROM THE HIGHLANDS. E.
A. Elliott, Ent. Mo. Mag., April 1911, p. 93. A list of forty-five
species of Ichneumonidas taken between Banchory and Ballater in
1910.

THE DIPTERA OF CLYDE (Third List). R. Henderson, Trans.
Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. viii. (N.S.) pt. ii. (May 1911), pp. 156-
173. A list of 323 species, of which 215 are new to the Clyde
Area.

HlLARA AERONETHA, MlK. : A DlPTERON NEW TO THE BRITISH

LIST. A. E. J. Carter, Ent. Mo. Mag., April 1911, pp. 83-84. A
male taken at Comrie, Perthshire, 7th July 1907.

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO THE BRITISH LIST OF MUSCID/E
ACALYPTRAT^:. J. E. Collin, F.E.S., Ent. Mo. Mag., June 1911,
pp. 145-148. Numerous Scottish records are included in this
useful paper.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE DIPTEROUS FAMILY PHORID^.
J. R. Malloch, Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. viii. (N.S.)
pt. ii. (May 1911), pp. 153-156. Several Scottish records
included.

NOTES ON BRITISH ORTHOPTERA IN 1910. W. J. Lucas, B.A.,
F.E.S., Entomologist, June 1911, pp. 208-211. The following
Scottish records are given : Gornphocerus maculatus : Linlithgow-
shire, 4th July (Brock); Lumphanan, i5th-3ist July (Morton).
Omocestus viridulus : Linlithgowshire, 29th June (Brock); Lum-
phanan, i5th-3ist July (Morton). Stauroderus bicolor, Tynemouth,
Haddingtonshire, ist Oct. (Evans). Chorthippus parallelus :
Lumphanan, 1 5th-3ist July (Morton). ^f^'^

^%.

I 9 o ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

BRITISH ORTHOPTERA IN THE DALE COLLECTION. I. EARWIGS,
COCKROACHES, AND CRICKETS. W. J. Lucas, B.A., F.E.S., Ent.
Mo. Mag., June 1911, pp. 135-138. Forficula auricularia, ?,
mentioned from N. Uist.

LIST OF PYCNOGONIDA COLLECTED IN THE CLYDE AREA.
Richard Elmhirst, F.L.S., Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Glasgow, vol. viii.
(N.S.), pt. ii. (May 1911), pp. 146-149. Notes given on u
species.

LABORATORY AQUARIUM NOTES. James S. Gemmill, M.A.,
M.D., D.Sc., The Glasgow Naturalist, May 1911, pp. 77-81.
Notes on Leucodore (Polydora) ciliatus, Johnston ; Ophryotrocha
puerilis, Clap, and Mets. ; and Amphitrite johnstoni, Malmgren.
All these are new records for the Clyde.

BOTANY.

FLOWERING PLANTS FOUND DURING EXCURSIONS OF GLASG.
NAT. HIST. Soc. to Strathleven, Calder Glen near Lochwinnoch,
Duncomb, Cambusnethan, and Inch Conaig near Loch Lomond.
{Glasgow Naturalist, i. 1908, 140-144). Dimensions of trees are
stated.

ON SOME ADDITIONS TO THE FLORA OF DUMBARTONSHIRE. By
Laurence Watt (Glasgow Naturalist, i. 1908, 65-69). A number
of species of flowering plants.

ON SOME FLOWERING PLANTS EXHIBITED by Laurence Watt,
29/3/10 (Glasgow Naturalist, ii. 80-82). Several species from
Banff, one from Elgin, and several from Dumbartonshires ; some
are new records for the counties.

DALMALLY PLANTS, 1910. By Rev. E. S. Marshall (Journ.
Bot., 1911, 191-198). Some new vice-county records.

INTRODUCTIONS AT PAISLEY. (Journ. Bot., 1911, 126-127, ex ~
tracted from a paper in the Selborne Magazine for March 1911.)
Forty species of casuals on rubbish on waste ground.

EXCURSIONS OF GLASGOW NAT. HIST. Soc. IN AUGUST 1909
(Glasgow Naturalist, ii. 27-30) to Perceton and to Kelburn Castle.
Dimensions of various trees stated.

EXHIBITED AT MEETINGS OF GLASGOW NAT. HIST. Soc. {Glasgow
Naturalist, ii.) : Corallorhiza innata from Ardeer, Ayr (p. 25); 32
species of Hymenomycetes from Brodick (p. 25) ; Calamintha Acinos
and Carex pendula from Islay (p. 96); Lathyrus Aphaca from banks
of Clyde near Newton, Lanark (p. 96) ; Mnium riparium from
Blantyre Priory, Lanark (p. 134); Schislostega osmundacea from
Carron Glen, and Viria Orobus from Stey Amry, New Cumnock, Ayr.

CURRENT LITERATURE igi

EROPHILA VIRESCENS, JORD., IN SCOTLAND. By E. S. Marshall
(Journ. Bot. 1911, 198). From Whinnie Brae, Galashiels, in Selkirk,
and near Melrose, Roxburgh.

NOTES ON LEPIDIUM. By C. E. Salmon (Journ. Bot. 1911,
163-164). " L. heterophyllum (DC.), Benth., var. leiocarpuni, Thell.,
near Montrose, Gardiner, 1863. L. neglect um^ Thell., Earlston,
Wigton, M' Andrew, 1889."

ON THE SYCAMORES IN THE CLYDE DRAINAGE AREA. By John
Ren wick (Glasgow Natura list, 1910, ii. 112-126). Careful measure-
ments of many trees.

NOTES ON EPILOBIUM HYBRIDS. By R. H. Compton (Journ.
Bot., 1911, 158-163).

CH^ROPHYLLUM AUREUM, L., IN BRITAIN. By G. Claridge
Druce (Journ. Bot. 1911, 117-118). In plenty by the Teith near
Callander, detected by James Eraser.

ON THE BEECHES IN THE CLYDE DRAINAGE AREA. By John
Renwick (Glasgow Naturalist, i. 1908, 75-92). Dimensions, ages,
localities, etc., of many large trees.

NOTES ON ORCHIS ERICETORUM, LINTON, AND OTHER FLOWERING
PLANTS. By Laurence Watt (Glasgow Naturalist, i. 1908, 93-96).

HABRODON NOTARISII, SCHPR. By D. A. Boyd (Glasgow
Naturalist, 1910, ii. 144). At Kelburn Castle, Largs.

LIST OF ARRAN HEPATIC/E. By Symers M. Macvicar (Glasgow
Naturalist, 1909, ii. 36-43). Ninety-nine species named, with
localities.

FOSSOMBRONIA DUMORTIERI (HUB. AND GENTH.) IN DUMBARTON-
SHIRE. By Wm. Evans (Glasgow Naturalist, 1910, ii. 144).

MYCOLOGICAL NOTES. By I). A. Boyd (Glasgow Naturalist,
1910, ii. 92-96). Many microscopic species from living plants, etc.

A DAY ON THE LOWTHER HILLS. By D. A. Boyd (Glasgow
Naturalist, i. 1908, 1-5). A number of microscopic fungi on plants
in Upper Clydesdale.

WITH THE CRYPTOGAMIC SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND AND BRITISH
MYCOLOGICAL SOCIETY AT DRUMNADROCHIT. By D. A. Boyd
(Glasgoiv Naturalist, i. 1908, 33-35). A good many fungi noted.

MlCROFUNGI FOUND AT HUNTERSTON, AYRSHIRE. By D. A.

Boyd. (Glasgow Naturalist, i. 1908, 52.)

SOME RECENT ADDITIONS TO THK FUNGUS-FLORA OF THE CLYDE
AREA. By D. A. Boyd (Glasgow Naturalist, i. 1908, 110-115).
Numerous microscopic fungi.

MICROFUNGI FOUND AT ARDLAMONT (Glasgoiv Naturalist, i.
1908, 139), AND AT ARDGOWAN (I.e. 140).

I 9 2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

OCCURRENCE IN AYRSHIRE OF CHRYSOPHLYCTIS ENDOBIOTICA,
SCHILL., THE FUNGUS OF BLACK-SCAB POTATO -DISEASE. By D.
A. Boyd (Glasgow Naturalist, i. 62-65). At Saltcoats.

SOME RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE FRESH-WATER ALG^E OF THE
CLYDE AREA. By Robert Garry (Glasgow Naturalist, 1909, ii.
13-14). Eight species added.

BOOK NOTICE.

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BIRD LOVERS : A PRACTICAL GUIDE. By
Bentley Beetham, F.Z.S., with photographic plates. London :
Witherby & Co. Price 58.

The author of this little book is already favourably known in
ornithological literature, and therefore former readers will welcome
new work from his pen and camera. In the introductory chapter
Mr. Bentley Beetham discusses from many points of view the work
of the bird-photographer and indicates how a knowledge of field craft
must be combined with a practical knowledge of photography before
success can be hoped for. In chapter two the question of apparatus
is thoroughly gone into, whilst in those following the photographing
of different sorts of nests are described, and many practical hints
are given as to the manipulation of the camera, etc. Throughout
the whole book, which amounts to 122 pages, the author combines
to give practical photographic instruction with ornithological lore
in a pleasing and instructive fashion. He has much to say about
exposure, signals, photography by concealment, etc., and at the
same time he initiates us into the ways and habits of the Curlew,
Lapwing, and many other birds. The chapter which deals with
the photography of birds in flight is particularly interesting, whilst
another chapter is devoted to bird photography in colour and in
cinematography, two up-to-date aspects of this kind of the Science.
As regards the illustrations, Mr. Bentley Beetham is to be con-
gratulated on the fine series of photographs which clearly show his
ability to act as mentor in " photography for bird lovers."

G. E. G.-M.

The Annals

of

Scottish Natural History

No. 80] 1911 [OCTOBER

TO OUR READERS.

WITH the present number the " Annals " completes its
twentieth volume. Such an event presents a suitable
opportunity for instituting such changes as the experience
gained during the past seems to suggest. In the first place,
Mr. Harvie-Brown, who, besides being an Editor, is the
present proprietor of the magazine, feels that he should be
relieved of certain of his responsibilities. Secondly, in the
present age of specialisation it appears to be no longer
desirable to combine the sciences of Zoology and Botany
within the covers of one journal. And further, it is thought
that a monthly issue instead of a quarterly would be likely
to stimulate the interest of our readers and would lead to a
more frequent and rapid publication of important informa-
tion. The changes thus involved have been decided upon,
and, commencing with the 1st January next, the journal will
appear monthly under the title of " The Annals of Scottish
Natural History (Zoology)."

The magazine has been acquired by Messrs. Oliver and
Boycl, of Edinburgh (Messrs. Gurney and Jackson, London),
and will in future be edited by Messrs. W. Eagle Clarke,
William Evans, and Percy H. Grimshaw, with the assistance
of Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown, Misses E. V. Baxter and L. J.
Rintoul, and Messrs. Hugh S. Gladstone, James Ritchie, and
A. Landsborough Thomson.

80 B

194 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

The outlook of the " Annals," which has hitherto been
exclusively Scottish, will be considerably broadened, since
an important new feature will be a section devoted to
notices of recent literature in the various branches of British
Zoology, including records of new and rare species in all
parts of the British Isles, observations on habits and life-
histories, and other cognate subjects. This feature is
intended to keep the reader in touch with the progress of
zoological science in Britain generally.

The Editors desire it to be understood that, in spite of
the changes indicated, the new " Annals " will be virtually a
continuation of the old, and they trust that those who have
kindly supported it in the past by subscriptions and literary
contributions will continue to do so in the future.

All communications intended for publication, and all
books, etc., for notice should be addressed to Percy H.
Grimshaw, The Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh.
Advertisements should be sent to the Publishers, Messrs.
Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh.

Terms of Subscription : Six shillings per annum ; post
free, Six shillings and sixpence.

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY

IN 1910.

Compiled by LEONORA JEFFREY RINTOUL, H.M.B.O.U., and
EVELYN V. BAXTER, H.M.B.O.U.

(Continued from p. 149.)

MIGRATION.

January. The first month of the year shows little
migration, but after the i/th about which time cold
weather set in over Scotland there was a certain amount
of movement among the Turdinae, Anatidse, and Charadri-
idse. Large flocks of Starlings passed over Aberdeen on
the 2 ist in frost and snow, while by the 26th many
Guillemots had returned to the Flannans. There are half-
a-dozen records of Greenland Falcons during January.

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 195

February. The weather during February was persistently
unsettled, and frequently stormy ; the winds were chiefly
southerly or westerly, and the month generally was rough
and boisterous. Throughout February Skylarks were on
the move, and there are many records of flocks of Geese
going north. On the 2nd a Dipper was seen at Barra
(1.1910.183), and a large flock of Golden Plover arrived
on North Ronaldshay ; next day Shoveller appeared on
Linlithgow Loch, while on the 4th hen Chaffinches were
seen at Lerwick. Vast numbers of Red-throated Divers
and a fair number of Gannets were present in Largo Bay
on the 8th, while on the loth Curlew arrived at North
Ronaldshay, and the first Lesser Black-backed Gulls are
noted at Dysart (Fife) ; by the I3th this species had reached
North Ronaldshay, but it is not reported from the West
Coast till 1 8th March at Kilmalcolm (2.11.127). On the
1 4th Gannets arrived at North Ronaldshay, an Arctic Skua
was seen in Largo Bay, and large flocks of Bar-tailed Godwits
in Luce Bay. About this time Song-thrushes returned to
Loch Awe, and Fulmars to the Flannans, while one of the
latter species is reported from Tiree. On the I9th Lap-
wings arrived on the Pentland Skerries, and by next day
this species had reached Fair Isle and the Butt of Lewis.
On the 23rd a flock of about forty Tree-sparrows arrived on
Fair Isle, while next day the first movement of Rooks is
recorded from this locality, and small numbers kept on
passing there till the end of the month. A flock of Cross-
bills appeared at Lerwick on the 25th, and two flocks were
noted in the same vicinity on the 27th, one of which was
seen to arrive from a southerly and go off in an easterly
direction (3.111.373).

March. This month shows more decided migration.
There was an arrival of Stonechats between the ist and Qth,
and during March large movements of Lapwings are noted
from many stations. Rooks, too, were on the move through-
out the month, their passage being noted at Fair Isle,
Lerwick, North Ronaldshay, and Sule Skerry, while many
notes come of the migration of Golden Plover and Curlew.
At Fair Isle on the 2nd a male Reed-bunting in almost
full plumage, Greenfinches, and Skylarks are recorded, while

196 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

arrivals of Pied Wagtails are reported from this station,
Alness (E. Ross), and Beattock. From the 6th to the I ith,
with light southerly winds, there was a wide-spread move-
ment of Redwings, Thrushes, Missel-thrushes, Blackbirds,
Starlings, and Skylarks. Records come from Little Ross
(Kirkcudbright) of a big passage of these birds on the nights
of the 6th, /th, and 8th, and the movement in a lesser degree
was noted up to the I ith at North Unst, Sule Skerry,
VVhalsay Skerries, Pentland Skerries, the Flannans, and
Montroseness. From the i 3th to the end of the month the
wind blew, almost without intermission, from W. and N.
Snow-buntings in numbers are reported from the 1 3th
to the 1 7th at Lerwick, Fair Isle, the Flannans, and Pent-
land Skerries. On the 2oth a Yellow Wagtail was seen at
Dalbeith (Clyde) (2.ii.i 27), the next recorded in this area
being at Beith on I9th April. On the 24th Meadow-pipits
arrived on the moors in Mull, on the 26th at Beattock, and
by the 3<Dth this species had reached the Flannans and Fair
Isle. The northward passage of Whooper Swans in Orkney
began on the 25th (1.1911.55), and on this day most of the
Barnacle Geese left the Flannans, though a few lingered for
a month or so longer. The first definite record of Wheatears
comes from the Bell Rock, a male being got at the lantern
there at 4 A.M. on the 26th ; by next day this species is
reported from the Flannans and Girvan, where, however, it
had been "seen a day or two previously" (2.^.127), and by
the 3Oth it had reached a good many places on both East
and West Coasts. On the 27th the first Ring-ouzel of the
season is noted in South Perthshire, and next day a Chiff-
chaff is reported as having been heard at Skelmorlie, Ayr-
shire (2.ii. 127). A male White Wagtail is reported from
Arthur's Seat on the 29th, the first West Coast records of
this species being on the 3ist at Cambuslang and Carmyle,
both in Clyde (2.H.I27).

April. With the advent of April a long spell of disturbed
conditions set in, westerly and northerly winds predominated,
and the temperature was generally below the normal, there
being a marked absence of warm days. Constant migration
is recorded during the month. During the whole of April,
Redwings are recorded all over Scotland, passing north to

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 197

their breeding-haunts. Rushes are noted at the Flannans on
the 2nd and I ith, at Sule Skerry on the 5th, and at Fair
Isle on the I4th and 2oth. Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Snow-
buntings were also moving throughout the month, and Lap-
wings are noted at Fair Isle during this period. At this
station Rooks were passing till the 8th, while on the i$th
one was captured on the " Goldseeker " in the North Sea in
57 i i' N. x 3 5' E. Great Skuas began to arrive at their
nesting-places on the ist, while by the 3rd the first Swallows
are recorded from Fossil Marsh, Clyde (2.ii.i28), by the I4th
they are reported from several localities on both East and
West Coasts. On the 4th the first Redstart of the season
appeared on Fair Isle, and a Great Grey Shrike arrived at
this station on the 6th. The first record of Sandwich Terns
comes from Largo Bay on the 7th, this being unusually
early ; on the same day an early arrival of Whimbrel is
noted at Tiree. Sand-martins are first recorded on the gth
at Duddingston and Dalmore (Ross), both on the East Coast,
the first West Coast record being at Beith (Clyde) on the
1 4th (2.ii.i28). Ring-ouzels are reported on the loth from
Dumfriesshire, on the I2th from Little Ross (Kirkcudbright),
on the i 5th from Mull, and from Clyde next day (2.11.128) ;
by the 24th they had reached Bressay (Shetland). On the
i ith House-martins arrived at Lamlash (2.ii.i 28), and the
1 4th brings the first record of the Willow-warblers, one being
killed at the Mull of Galloway Light ; and Common Sand-
pipers arrived at Crosswood Reservoir (Forth) and Beith
(Clyde, 2.ii. 128). A Robin was caught on the "Goldseeker" in
57 1 8' N. x 3 43' E. Cuckoos arrived in Dumfriesshire on
the i 5th (" Birds of Dumfriesshire," p. 173), and at Kilmal-
colm (Clyde) on the 1 7th (2.ii. i 28). On the 1 6th two Wheat-
ears, a Meadow-pipit, a Siskin, and a Goldcrest were caught
on the "Goldseeker" in the North Sea, 57 5' N. x o 5' E.,
and the last Grey Plover was seen in the Dornoch Firth.
The 1 9th shows an arrival of Willow- warblers, these being
recorded from several places in Forth and one in Clyde
(2.ii. 128), and up to the end of the month the arrival of
small numbers of these birds is noted in many Scottish
localities. The first record of Common Terns comes from
Little Ross on the igth, and on the 22nd Tree-pipits arrived

I 9 8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

in Mull. On the 22nd the first Corncrake was heard at
Dairy (Clyde, 2.ii. 128), and the first Whitethroat appeared
at Corsemailzie (Solway) on the 24th ; at this place, Tiree,
and the Butt of Lewis, Golden Plover were on passage from
the 24th to the 26th. Chiff-chaffs are noted at Dairy
(Clyde) on the 25th (2.11.127), ar >d at Beith on the 3Oth,
while the first mainland record of a Redstart comes from
Kirkliston on the 29th.

May. Early in May a low-pressure system advanced
from the Arctic Sea, north of Ireland, down to North- Western
Europe, the lowest barometric reading being recorded on the
6th. Immediately after this the barometer began to rise,
and the filling-up process was completed by the loth.
From the ist to the 9th the wind was generally of consider-
able force, and from some point between NW. and SW. ;
during this time the arrival of migrants in small numbers is
recorded in Scotland. On the 2nd the first Swifts of the
season are reported at Corsemailzie (Solway), Swallows in
Tiree, and Goldeneye at Mull and Loch Leven. A White-
fronted Goose is noted at Sule Skerry on the 3rd, and next
day the first Whinchat of the season is recorded from Luce
Bay (Solway), this species being seen at Beith (Clyde) two
days later. There was an arrival of Whitethroats on the
5th and 6th on the East Coast and at Loch Awe, while from
the 5th to the 8th White Wagtails on passage are noted
from both East and West Coast stations. The first Black-
cap of the year struck the lantern at Little Ross (Kirkcud-
bright) on the 5th, Yellow Wagtails were passing Kirkliston
on the 6th, i 3th, and I7th, and two were seen at Duddingston
Loch on the 8th. At Kirkliston the main arrival of Sand-
martins took place between the 6th and I7th. On the 8th
the appearance of Sedge-warblers is recorded simultaneously
from Corsemailzie (Solway), Beith (Clyde), and Duddingston
(Forth). On the 9th the wind was E. and a good many
birds arrived on Fair Isle, including the first Lesser White-
throat of the season ; next day many Greater Wheatears
and White Wagtails arrived at this station, quantities of
Pied Wagtails appeared at the Butt of Lewis, and the first
Wood-warbler of the season at Beith (Clyde). On the iith
Curlew - sandpiper, many Turnstones, and some Golden

\

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 199

Plover were seen in Luce Bay, and next day the last
Redwing of the season was noted at the Flannans. In
Scotland, from the I ith to the 24th, the wind blew almost
without exception from some point between NE. and SE.,
and an area of comparatively high pressure lay over our
island. There was a marked variation from the normal
conditions of pressure during this time, a low-pressure area
to the SE. of us replacing the usual high. These weather
conditions induced an enormous rush of migrants to our
shores ; the largest numbers were seen at Fair Isle, but a
great deal of movement is recorded from the Flannans, North
Unst, Pentland Skerries, North Ronaldshay, Sule Skerry,
and Lerwick, while the migration was noted in a lesser
degree at stations in Forth, Clyde, Argyll, and Solway.
Wave upon wave of Ring-ouzels, Redstarts, Whitethroats,
Willow-warblers, Spotted Flycatchers, Tree-pipits, Bramblings,
and Red-buntings struck our shores, while smaller numbers
of Fieldfares, Thrushes, Wheatears, Greater Wheatears,
Whinchats, Arctic Bluethroats, Robins, Lesser Whitethroats,
Black-caps, Garden-warblers, Wood-warblers, Chiff-chaffs,
Hedge -accentors, House -martins, Swallows, Red -backed
Shrikes, Pied Flycatchers, Meadow-pipits, White Wagtails,
Siskins, Chaffinches, Wrynecks, Cuckoos, Kestrels, Lapwings,
Corncrakes, and Whimbrel participated in the rush. By the
23rd this rush had begun to decrease, and by next day the
great majority of migrants had left. Some records must
be specially noted ; on the i4th a Wheatear, Redstart, and
Reed-bunting, all females, were caught on board the " Gold-
seeker," 75 miles E. -| S. from Outskerry Light (Shetland),
while next day a Long-eared Owl was seen on Fair Isle, and
a Dotterel in Bute (2.H. 142). On the i6th a male Golden
Oriole was found dead in West Fife (1.1910.182), and a
Crossbill of the Loxia curvirostra curvirostra form was shot
near Colinsburgh (E. Fife), and next day two Rock-thrushes
appeared on the Pentland Skerries (1.1910.149). Near
Largo (Fife) on the 1 9th flocks of hundreds of Greenfinches
were seen, and a flock of about sixty " perhaps migrants " is
recorded from Kirkliston, while a male Red-backed Shrike
was seen near Pittenweem (E. Fife). A Lesser Whitethroat
was seen at Rouken Glen (Lanark) on the 2Oth (1.1910.1 83),

200 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

and a passage of Sandpipers took place at Kirkliston on the
nights of the 2Oth and 2ist. The arrival of some of our
common summer migrants was exceptionally protracted, the
full number of Willow - warblers, Swallows, and House-
martins not appearing at some of the East Coast stations till
about 2Oth May. The last Bramblings of the season were
seen on Fair Isle on the 2ist, and a Grass-hopper Warbler
was noted at Beith next day. About twelve Fieldfares and
a Red-backed Shrike were seen on the Isle of May on the
23rd, and a male of the latter species is recorded at Balcomie
(E. Fife), and also a Long-tailed Drake. After this, up to
the end of the month, the wind was between NW. and SW.,
and not much migration is recorded. On the 26th four
Brent Geese visited Fair Isle, and a flock of about a hundred
Greenfinches was seen in Largo Bay, where was also a
Sanderling. The last Fieldfare of the season was seen on
Fair Isle on the 28th, while on the 3 1st a Dotterel is recorded
from the Flannans.

June. As might be expected, but little movement took
place in June. During the first fortnight a few Swallows
and House-martins were passing the Flannans, Butt of
Lewis, Fair Isle, and Lerwick. A Night-jar is reported from
Tranent on the 3rd, and on the 6th small flocks of Lapwings
were seen at the Butt of Lewis. On the 8th and 9th a few
migrants were present on Fair Isle, the species recorded
including Ring-ouzel, Redstart, Robin, Whitethroat, Lesser
Whitethroat, Willow-warbler, and Swift. Spotted and Pied
Flycatchers were very late in appearing at Thornhill (Dum-
fries), not being seen till mid-June. On the iQth several
hundred Scoter were seen in the sea off Aberdeen, mainly
(E. nigra. On the 25th an adult male Crossbill of the Loxia
curvirostra curvirostra race arrived on Fair Isle (1.1910.245),
and at this place a Long-tailed Duck was seen on the 28th,
and three days later one is recorded from Lerwick.

July. In Britain the first six days of July were very
unsettled, from the 6th to the ipth the country was under
the influence of an anticyclone, and after the 1 9th unsettled
weather again became common to all districts. The return
migration began early in July, becoming stronger later in the
month. Golden Plover and Whimbrel were on the move,

\

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 201

and Common Sandpiper were passing down the East Coast
after the 5th. An adult Scaup-drake was seen at Lervvick
on the 4th. The autumn movement of Whinchats began at
Largo on the loth and at Kirkliston on the I3th, on which
day Meadow-pipits also began to pass there. A female
Crossbill of the curvirostra curvirostra type was found starved
on St. Kilda on the /th (1.1910.246), and a Crossbill arrived
on the Bass on the loth and stayed a week. In many
places Cuckoos are noted as having left their summer
quarters, while on the I4th a Great Skua was seen near the
Isle of May. After the middle of the month Lapwings
are recorded in some numbers from Fair Isle and North
Ronaldshay, and by the 2Oth Wheatears were passing at
the Flannans and Redstarts in East Fife. On this date an
assembly of " hundreds if not thousands " of Swifts was
seen near Corstorphine, and on the last two days of the
month many were present at the Butt of Lewis. Small
numbers of Herons were seen at Fair Isle and Barra Head.
Bar-tailed Godwits are recorded from the Cromarty Firth
on the 23rd, Largo Bay on the 24th, and Aberlady Bay
on the 3Oth.

August. The type of pressure distribution in August
was of a very unstable character. The direction of the
wind in Scotland varied greatly, while in Shetland there
was a large proportion of breezes from the NE. Constant
migration southwards is recorded, but only small numbers
of birds at a time. Wheatears, Whinchats, and Cuckoos
are recorded from many places as passing on migration,
while during August the majority of Swifts left Scotland.
Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers, and Greenshanks
were also on the move. On the ist, Sanderling returned to
Largo Bay, Knots to Aberlady, and a Storm-petrel was
found dead at North Berwick. Seven Crossbills were noted
at Barra on the 3rd (1.1910.246), while by the yth Willow-
warblers were on return migration at Fair Isle. On the
8th three Sedge-warblers and a Willow-warbler struck the
lantern at the Mull of Galloway, while nine Crossbills
arrived on Fair Isle (1.1910.245) ; two which were procured
proved to be Loxia curvirostra curvirostra. An immature
Crossbill was procured at Torphins (Deeside) on the 9th

202 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

(1.1910.246), and on the Isle of May on the iith were
a Whitethroat, a Garden Warbler, quantities of Willow-
warblers, a Sedge-warbler, an adult White Wagtail and a
Ringed Plover. On the I4th a Two-barred Crossbill was
procured on the Flannans, and a Ruff, a Reeve, and a
Spotted Redshank were seen at Waulkmill Glen Dam
(2.ii. 142). Yellow Wagtails were passing Kirkliston on the
i 5th and 2Oth, and on the latter date a Lesser Whitethroat
arrived on Fair Isle and two Hoodies on Whalsay Skerries.
On the 22nd the Tree-pipit migration began at Largo, and
" simply enormous flocks of Lapwings " were seen there,
while the last Sedge-warbler is noted at Beith. On the
23rd in the middle of Fife, about the watershed between
Forth and Tay, a large flock of Sandwich Terns flew over
about 5 P.M. going south and calling as they flew. Next
day the Crossbills left Fair Isle, where they had been in
small numbers since the 8th. A flock of about fifty Pied,
and at least one Yellow Wagtail was seen on the coast near
Aberdeen on the 25th, and two days later three Spotted
Redshanks were seen at Waulkmill Glen Dam (2.11.142),
and Great Northern Divers returned to Tiree. On this day
and the 28th Sand-martins on passage are recorded from
many places, sometimes in large numbers. The 2 9th
brought some migrants to our shores, many Willow-warblers
arrived on Fair Isle and some at North Unst, flocks of
White Wagtails were passing south in Tiree, and Wigeon
arrived in the Cromarty Firth and Luce Bay. A Spotted
Redshank was seen at Donmouth on the 3Oth (1.1910.249),
small numbers of a good many species appeared on Fair
Isle, and a Goldcrest and a Wryneck struck the lantern at
North Ronaldshay. On the last day of the month a
Wryneck occurred on Fair Isle.

September. With the advent of September the anti-
cyclone which had occupied the middle region of the
Atlantic expanded north-eastwards and embraced the entire
area of the United Kingdom. Thenceforward for nearly
four weeks an anticyclonic type was maintained over these
islands. Frequently the area of high barometer readings
was of enormous extent, stretching westwards right across
the Atlantic to Newfoundland and beyond, and eastward

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 203

across the northern half of Europe. The winds were
variable in direction, mainly from some westerly point in
Scotland. A good deal of migration is recorded. Through-
out the month Wheatears, Greater Wheatears, Meadow-
pipits, White Wagtails, and Skylarks were on passage, while
after the i i th movements of Song-thrushes took place.
Though there was no great immigrations of Goldcrests,
constant small arrivals are recorded during September and
October at the lighthouse stations, most of those procured
on the Isle of May being of the Continental race. On the
ist many Greenshanks occurred at Morton Loch (N. Fife),
and about a dozen on Fair Isle ; the first Snow-bunting
returned to the Pentland Skerries, and that night and the
next large bodies of Terns were passing over Lerwick. The
last Common Sandpiper of the season was seen at Beith on
the 3rd, on which day a good many Waders arrived on Fair
Isle. Next day some Pied Flycatchers (1.1911.4) and a
great many Rock-pipits appeared on the Isle of May. On
the 5th the last Yellow Wagtail was seen at Beith, and
about this time a Fulmar was caught at North Berwick.
Hundreds of Swallows and a Sand-martin passed the Isle
of May on the 6th (1.1911.4), and next day a Scarlet
Grosbeak was got there (1.1911.4), three Black-tailed
Godwits were seen in Tiree, and the last Swift of the season
at Netherburn. On the 8th the last Garden-warbler is
recorded at Kirkliston, a Sooty Shearwater was seen not far
off Elie and one near Fidra next day (1.1911.114). Early
on the 9th birds are reported at the lanterns of the Butt of
Lewis, North Ronaldshay, the Mull of Galloway, and Isle of
May ; at the last station flocks of Common, Arctic, and
Sandwich Terns (old and young) were passing south steadily
all day, and three Crossbills arrived on Fair Isle. Grey
Plover appeared in Aberlady Bay on the loth, and an
Arctic Bluethroat on the Isle of May (1.1911.2), where
Lapwings began to call in the rays at 10.25 P.M. and flew
round the lantern most of the night. At Kirkliston the
autumn passage of Whinchats, which began on July I3th,
finished on September I3th, and a Lesser Whitethroat
(1.1911.3) and some Spotted Flycatchers arrived on the
Isle of May. An arrival of Knots is recorded from the

204 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Dornoch Firth, Aberdeen, and Loch Ryan on the I4th, and
next day the first Glaucous Gull of the season appeared at
Lerwick. During the latter half of the month Golden
Plover were on the move in considerable numbers. On the
1 6th a Ruff is reported from Aberlady Bay and hundreds of
Swallows were seen on the Isle of May (1.191 1.4), while
next night Storm-petrels and Manx Shearwaters were at
the lantern on North Unst, several being caught. A great
many Swallows had left Scotland by the i 8th, and on this
day the last Tree-pipit was seen on the Isle of May. On
the i pth a Hoopoe was caught at Baltasound (Shetland)
and three Crossbills are recorded from Fair Isle. A
Fulmar is reported at North Berwick on the 2Oth, and next
day a Blackcap appeared at Lerwick, the last Spotted
Flycatcher of the season was seen at Aberdeen, and an
Iceland Gull on North Unst. The 22nd shows many Pied
Wagtails at Lahill (E. Fife) which had all passed on by
afternoon, and the arrival of thirteen Mute Swans in Tiree.
On the 24th another Hoopoe was noted at Baltasound, Pied
Flycatchers on the Isle of May (1.1911.4), and the first
Goldeneye of the season at Aberdeen. On the 25th the
first arrival of Fieldfares is noted on the Isle of May
(1.191 1.2) and near Elie (E. Fife), and Bramblings appeared
simultaneously at Tarbetness and the Isle of May (1.191 1.4) ;
at this last station were also arrivals of Blackbirds, Ring-
ouzels, Rock-pipits, and Starlings. At night Terns were
passing Barra Head and Montroseness. On the 26th Field-
fares are recorded at Cathkin (Clyde), and the first Redwings
arrived at the Isle of May, as did a Missel-thrush, some
Redstarts, the last Whinchat (1.191 1.2) and Willow-warblers
(1.1911.3); Whimbrel were heard passing over, and many
of the Rock-pipits had left. The first Siskin and a Turtle-
dove are noted on Fair Isle, while about 8 P.M. six Wood-
cock appeared on the Bell Rock : " one rested on the lantern
for a few minutes, then the six flew off towards the land in
a westerly direction." On the 2 7th Red-necked Phalaropes
were passing North Ronaldshay, and some migrants arrived
on the Pentland Skerries and Fair Isle. Early on the 28th
Terns were passing over Aberdeen, and Grey Geese are
reported from Barra Head, and next day from Aberlady Bay,

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 205

while on the 3Oth flocks of Geese were passing over
Beattock and Crosswood Reservoir. Long-tailed Duck are
reported on the 3Oth from Gott Bay (Tiree) and Tarbetness.
During September a Crossbill was obtained at Ollaberry
(Shetland), and an Osprey was seen on Tweedside on
autumn migration.

October. For the whole month the distribution of
pressure differed widely from the normal. Instead of a
gradual increase in the values from N. to S., the highest
mean pressure was shown in an area having its central
space on the east side of the North Sea and extending
west across these islands. Pressure was low off the mouth
of the English Channel and north-west of Iceland. There
was a great deal of migration during October, increasing in
intensity in the latter half of the month, when a large
immigration of northern species took place. Throughout
the month large numbers of Redwings were coming south,
rushes are recorded on the 2nd and I ith, and a big one on
the 1 5th. Missel-thrushes, Fieldfares, Song-thrushes, and
Blackbirds were also on the move. From the i6th to the
end of the month (wind mainly easterly) one continuous
vast immigration of Turdinse took place ; the species affected
were mainly Redwings and Fieldfares, but Missel-thrushes,
Song-thrushes, and Blackbirds also occurred in considerable
numbers. The stations recording this rush are : North Unst,
Lerwick, Fair Isle, Sule Skerry, Fentland Skerries, Cape
Wrath, Butt of Lewis, Flannans, Barra Head, Mull, Tiree,
Skerryvore, Carmyle (Clyde), Cathkin, Glasgow, Beith,
Tarbetness, Bell Rock, Isle of May, Bass, Largo, Kirkliston,
Saltown, and Glenorchard. Up to the i6th (wind W. and
N.) Wheatears and Greater Wheatears were constantly on
the move, and many reports come of the arrival of Bramblings
all from Orkney, Shetland, and the East Coast, with the
exception of Mull whence they are recorded on the I3th.
Siskins and Greenfinches arrived at many of our lighthouse
stations during October, several Hoopoes were seen, and
Golden Plover and Lapwing were on the move. On the 3rd
Swallows arrived on the Isle of May from the East, a great
Skua was seen there (1.1911.6), and one occurred near the
Bell Rock. From the 3rd to the 5th there was a decided

206 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

immigration of Chaffinches at Lerwick, Fair Isle, the
Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, while a Lapp-bunting
arrived at this last station on the 4th (1.1911.5). From
the 6th to the 9th there were a good many Hedge-
accentors on the Isle of May (1.1911.3), and at 6 A.M. on
the 7th an Arctic Tern was caught at the lantern on Sule
Skerry. About the 9th the first arrival of Mealy Redpolls
is recorded from Ollaberry (Shetland), on the loth Snow-
buntings appeared at North Unst, the Flannans, and Butt of
Lewis, and Snipe were arriving at Tiree. Next day many
Chaffinches, Meadow-pipits, Snow-buntings, and the last
Sand-martin of the year are recorded from Fair Isle, and
Yellow-hammers appeared on the Isle of May ; at this last
station on the I4th two Mealy Redpolls (1.1911.4), a
Short-eared Owl, and an adult Glaucous Gull put in an
appearance, and the last House-martin was seen at Kirk-
liston. On the 1 5th Barnacle Geese arrived at the
Flannans and Balgray Dam (2.iii.52), and a Continental
Great Tit (1.1911.3), Wrens, Yellow-hammers (1.1911.4),
and a Hoodie on the Isle of May. The last Redstart is
recorded from Cairnryan, and a White Wagtail in winter
plumage was shot on Tiree (1.1911.52). During the last
half of October many arrivals of Robins are recorded from
Lerwick, Fair Isle, Isle of May (one Continental sent), Pent-
land Skerries, Bell Rock, and Bass. On the i6th the wind
was in the east, and many migrants arrived on the May ;
these included several Ring-ouzels, a Siberian Chiff-chaff
(1.1911.3), a Wood-lark (1.1911.5), three Ortolan Buntings
(1.1911.4), a Reed Bunting (1.1911.5), more Wrens, a
Mealy Redpoll (1.1911.4), a Sooty Shearwater (1.1911.6),
and a Little Grebe. Many Starlings were at the lantern
in the early morning and again next morning. Mealy
Redpolls arrived on Fair Isle, and about this time arrivals
of Woodcock are noted from various places. On the I /th
and 1 8th many Bramblings and some Wheatears, Swallows,
Snow and Yellow Buntings, and Rooks arrived on Fair Isle.
Mealy Redpolls appeared on North Unst, and a Black-
cap (1.191 1.3), Chaffinches, Hoodies, Jackdaws (1.1911.5),
and Grey Geese on the Isle of May. Great Tits were seen
on the sea-braes near Skateraw (Dunbar), and a Little Auk

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 207

in the sea near by (1.191 i.i 14), while others are recorded in
the Forth a few days later. Rooks are reported from
Lervvick and North Ronaldshay on the 1 8th, and a little
later they were on passage in various localities. Mealy
Redpolls arrived on the Pentland Skerries on the 2Oth, and
at Aberdeen and Mull (1.1911.114) next day; at the last
locality they were accompanied by Lesser Redpolls and
Twites. On the 2ist the wind was due east, and remained
E. and SE. till the 28th. On the 2ist an immigration of
Snow-buntings took place on Tiree and Fair Isle, and
Sclavonian and Red-necked Grebes are noted at Lerwick.
Next day more Snow-buntings are recorded from Fair Isle,
North Ronaldshay, and the Pentland Skerries, and the
Mealy Redpolls received additions to their ranks, arrivals
being recorded from North Unst, Largo, Bell Rock, Isle of
May, Prestonpans, and Musselburgh (" Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.,"
xviii. 198). Northern Bullfinches were procured on the
Isle of May, and this species is recorded on Fair Isle in
varying numbers from the 24th to the 3Oth. On the 23rd
a Long- eared Owl was seen at Whalsay Skerries shore
station, and from Lerwick and neighbourhood come notes of
Northern Bullfinches, Bramblings, and a Red-backed Shrike.
Many more Mealy Redpolls arrived, and with them some
Lesser Redpolls and a Holboell's Redpoll, which was
procured on the Isle of May (1.191 1.4), and next day more
Mealy Redpolls are recorded from Barnsness Lighthouse
(" Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.," xviii. 197), North Ronaldshay, and
Crail. Many Snipe were seen at the Butt of Lewis on the
25th, a Great Tit on North Unst, and Mealy Redpolls at
Cape Wrath, Saltoun, and Bolton. Two Northern Bull-
finches were procured on the Isle of May on the 26th
(1.1911.4), a Lanceolated Warbler was captured on the
Pentland Skerries (1.1911.71), and a flock of Greenfinches
arrived on Tiree. A small flock of Mealy Redpolls visited
the Bass on the 27th, and Whooper Swans returned to Tiree ;
next day a large flock of AcantJiis linaria linaria was seen
near Carvenom (E. Fife), and two Holboell's Redpolls and a
Siberian Chiff-chaff were procured at Seafield, near Lerwick
(1.1911.115). Woodcock arrived at Barra Head, Pentland
Skerries, and the Bass, and next night at the Butt of Lewis.

2o8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

On the 29th (variable wind) the last Greenland Wheatear of
the season was procured at Lerwick, where a Blackcap is
also recorded. A Holboell's Redpoll was procured on the
sea-braes near Skateraw (1.1911.114), and a Northern
Bullfinch at Archerfield (1.1911.113). On the 3oth two
Lapp-buntings were seen at Baltasound (Shetland), and
Mealy Redpolls were caught at Fossil Marsh (Clyde) (2.iii.35),
while the last Swallows of the season were seen in East
Fife. A note comes from Cairnsmore (Kirkcudbright) in
October of a remarkable dearth of Snipe and great
abundance of Stock-doves.

November. During November the British Isles were
almost always under the influence of low-pressure areas,
generally of considerable depth, and as a whole the month
was very windy and even stormy. The wind was mainly
between W. and N. The movement of Turdinae continued
during the first week of November, though on a much
smaller scale. Many arrivals of Siskins are recorded, while
the immigration of Northern Bullfinches which began in
October continued in November, these birds being noted at
North Unst, Lerwick, Fair Isle (1.1911.54), and the Isle of
May (1.1911.4). On the 2nd many Mealy Redpolls are
reported from the Isle of May and the Bass, and on the 4th
the last Wheatear of the season was seen at Tranent, and
the last Corncrake on Barra. Next day a Black Redstart
was seen at Scarnish (Tiree), and about this time some
Holboell's and enormous flocks of Mealy Redpolls are noted
in the Lothians (" Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc.," xviii. 198), and a
good many Mealy and Lesser Redpolls near Beith (2.iii.34).
On /th November seven Lesser Black-backed Gulls were
seen at the mouth of the Orchy, and two Mealy Redpolls
were procured in Skye (3-iv.255)> while on the 9th fresh
arrivals of this species took place at Lerwick. A Great
Grey Shrike was procured at the Tyne estuary near Dunbar
on the i ith, while on the 1 2th more Redpolls arrived
on the Pentland Skerries, and a Waxwing was observed
near Edrom ("Berwickshire Field," Nov. 19). Next day
an utterly exhausted Water-rail was picked up on South
Ronaldshay. On the I3th and I4th (S. and E. wind) a
small rush took place at the Bell Rock lantern, the species

REPORT ON SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY IN 1910 209

recorded being Missel-thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Song-
thrush, Blackbird, Rock-pipit, Skylark, and Starling. Most
of these species and a fair-sized flock of Lapwings occurred
on the Pentland Skerries on the I4th, and about sixty Lap-
wing along with other Wader at Fair Isle next day. On
the 1 5th a Rough-legged Buzzard is reported from Luce
Bay, and one was procured in Fife in " late autumn." The
last Sandwich Tern was seen in Largo Bay on the i6th,
on the i /th a Continental Great Tit appeared on Fair Isle
(1.191 1.53), and next day Bewick's Swans occurred at this
station. On the ipth Mealy Redpolls were seen at Giffnock,
and next day at Cathkin (Clyde) (2.iii.35), while on the
22nd they are recorded from Craignish (Argyll). On the
2 5th a Waxwing was caught near Tranent (1.191 1.54), and
on the 2 /th great flocks of Woodpigeons were seen passing
south near the Bass, and the last Ring-ouzel of the season
was seen at Fair Isle. At this station Mealy Redpolls were
seen up to the 28th and Meadow-pipits up to the 3Oth.
A Glossy Ibis was shot on South Unst in November
("Field," Dec. 10, 1910), and a Fulmar was found
dead at North Berwick. During October and November
the number of Mealy Redpolls in Scotland was phenomenal,
notes of their abundance come from all down the East Coast
from North Unst southwards, but the numbers seem to have
been greater in " Forth " than in any other area. Smaller
numbers are recorded from several places in the West of
Scotland. This immigration extended to the very south of
England.

December. During December, the temperature on the
whole was well above the average. Small numbers of
Passeres are recorded as moving. Mealy Redpolls occurred
at Skerryvore and the Pentland Skerries, and Siskins in
various localities. Small numbers of Northern Bullfinches
arrived at Lerwick, Rooks on Fair Isle and Whalsay
Skerries, and Lapwings on North Ronaldshay. A Goldfinch
is recorded at Tranent on the iith, and a Hen-harrier at
Scarfskerry (Caithness) on the 24th. Little Auks appeared
at various places on the coast and a Fulmar at Aberdeen ;
at Barrahead about thirty of these birds arrived early on the
1 6th, and by the end of the month fifty or sixty were present
80 C

210 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

there. On the 2Oth a Teal-drake was shot at Glenorchard
when flighting, which had been ringed on Isle Fano, S.W.
Denmark, on igth October 1909.

We are indebted to the Weather Report of the
Meteorological Office for the Meteorological data used in
this Report.

CORRECTION. Page 141, line 20. For "there is no previous
note of this species in Orkney," read "There is one previous note of
this species in Orkney."

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE
NORTH EBUDES.

By FRANK BALFOUR-BROWNE, M.A. (OxoN.), F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.

(Continued from p. 157.)

The total number of species taken during the few days
in Skye was 43, such common species as C.incequalis and H.
pahistris only occurring once each in a total of 24 collections.
Although the list for Skye cannot be by any means
exhaustive, I am inclined to think that my Eigg list is more
nearly so, although it only contains 37 species, as I worked
practically the whole island, and visited, I believe, all the
different kinds of habitat there were. No doubt some species
could still be added to the list, especially if a visit were made
at some other time of year. For instance, such a northern
species as Ccelambus g-lineatus might be expected to occur in
Loch Beinn Tighe, which, by the way, produced absolutely
nothing after about half-an-hour's search. Along one edge
of the .loch were many fine patches of moss growing in
the water, but although I raked these in with the net and
examined them carefully no Beetles appeared.

With regard to the elements comprising the fauna, I have
already referred to the northern or arctic species at some
length. The southern group is represented here, as in the
Mid-Ebudes, 1 by P. nigrocerieus and D. lejolisn, and, in
addition, by D. latus. Except for these species, and the two

1 Loc. cit. pp. 79, So.

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE NORTH EBUDES 211

or three already referred to as being strictly northern in their
distribution, the Water-beetle fauna is chiefly composed of
species widely distributed in the British Islands.

But although the majority of Britannic Water-beetles are
widely distributed, they are for the most part associated more
or less closely with some particular kind of habitat, and in
this association the elements of the fauna are merged together.

I have already mentioned that the only kind of ground
worked in Skye was peat moss excepting the Broadford
River and one or two streams while in Eigg, except in a
small area close to Kildonnan, there were no collecting places
which were not either peaty lochs or pools, excepting the
streams. In both cases therefore the oxylophile associations
dominate the fauna, as the following lists, giving the number
of occurrences of every species taken in the two islands, show.
I have given the figures as percentages in order that they
may be compared in the two lists :

SKYE.

24 collections. 43 species.

per cent.
62

5

H. pubescens, GyU.

A. bipustulatus, L. }

A. globulus, Payk. j

H. tristis, Payk. \

H. gyllenhalii, Schiod. \

H. obscurus, Sturm. I

Ph. melanocephalus, Ol.}

H. viridicollis, Steph.

H. lineatocollis, Marsh.

G. natator, Scop.

H. fulvus, F.

H. morio, Dej.

H. erythrocephalus, L.

A. sulcatus, L.

Ph. minutus, F.

H. brevipalpis, Bedel.

1 H. ruficollis, Brit. Authors)

H. rivalis, GyU. f

29

2 I

12

ElGG.

33 collections. 37 species.

per cent.

A. bipustulatus, L. .
H. pubescens, GyU.
A. globulus, Payk.
H. obscurus, Sturm.
Ph. melanocephalus, Ol. .
H. tristis, Payk. \

H. gyllenhalii, Schiod. /
H. viridicollis, Steph.
H. erythrocephalus, L.
A. arcticus, Payk. \

G. natator, Scop.
L. truncatellus, Thunb. )
H. nigrita, F. }

Rh. bistriatus, Forst. /
D. griseostriatus, DC G. .
H. lineatocollis, Marsh. \
A. sturmii, Gyll.
A. sulcatus, L. j

75
54

48
33

3

27
24

21

18

I 2

1 The recent paper by Edwards (EMM. January 1911) points out that
several species have been included under the name of "ruficollis." I have not
kept my specimens and therefore cannot say to which species they belonged.

212

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

SKVE (continued}.

EIGG (continued).

H. nigrita, F,

A. congener, Payk.

A. arcticus, Payk.

Rh. exoletus, Forst.

G. minutus, F.

H. picicrus, Thorns,

L. minutus, L.

L. truncatellus, Thuni>.

H. confinis, Steph. \

C. insequalis, F.

D. latus, Steph.

D. assimilis, Payk.

1 D. elegans, Pans.

D. i2-pustulatus, Ol.

D. griseostriatus, Zte G.

H. lepidus, (97.

H. palustris, L. }

H. incognitus, Sharp.

A. chalconotus, /*

P. maculatus, L.

I. cenescens, Thorns.

D. punctulatus, .#

D. lapponicus, Gyll.

G. opacus, Sahib.

H. aquaticus, Z.

per cent.

per cent.

8

D. lapponicus, Gyll, \

H. brevipalpis, Bedel. /

H. rivalis,

H. morio,

I. fuliginosus, /

D. punctulatus,

D. assimilis, Payk.

H. celatus, Clark.

H. melanarius, Sturm.

H. discretus, Fairm.

H. lituratus, ^".

I. senescens, Thorns.

G. minutus, /;

H. fuscipes, Z.

H. picicrus, Thorns.

Ph. minutus, /^

P. nigroaeneus, Sahib.

A. limbata, ^

C. orbiculare, F,

O. lejolisii, Rey and
only occurred in brackish water-
pools on the rocks, and I have
not counted this or L. Tighe in
the above 33 collections.

Now although all the species high in these two lists are
oxylophiles (or species such as A. bipustulatus which are
equally at home as halophiles, helophiles, etc.), some of
those far down are also undoubtedly oxylophiles, and their
lowness is, of course, due to their rarity. It is not easy to
account for the rarity of some of these species, as for
example : A. congener, A. cJialconotus, I. cenescens. Some,
such as P. nigrocsneuSy are evidently at the northern limit of
their range, while in the case of certain others some remarks
may be of interest.

The oxylophile group is not a simple association

1 Through correspondence and exchange of specimens with M. Sainte Claire
Deville I find that all my Britannic specimens recorded as D. depressus, F. , are
in reality D. elegans, Panz. D. depressus is an arctic species and may occur in
Scotland or the North of Ireland, but I expect that all the specimens in our
collections under this name are Panzer's species. It is surprising that such a
mistake should ever have got into our catalogues.

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE NORTH EBUDES 213

adopting the definition of this term used by the cecological
botanists but contains at least two associations, one
characteristic of the bog-pool habitat, the other of the lochs
of the peat moors. Species belonging to one of these
associations will often be found associated with species of
the other association, since the two habitats obviously merge
in places. For instance, there are few highland lochs
without at least some Sphagnum patches round their margins,
and these patches will usually contain some of the pool
species ; also it is difficult to decide between a large pool
and a small lochan. Even so it is probable that some
species are more restricted to actual pools than others. For
instance, H.gyllenJialii seldom occurs in lochs, while H. obscurus
is much less particular. If we compare the associates of the
H. gyllenhalii with those of a species such as D. griseostriatus,
which, in our district, only occurred in the lochs, this point
is clearly seen :

Associates of H. gyllenhalii.

SKYE and EIGG.
19 collections. 31 species.

Associates of D. griseostriatus.

SKYE and EIGG.
6 collections. 22 species.

H. pubescens

A. bipustulatus

A. globulus .

H. tristis

Ph. melanocephalus

H. obscurus .

H. viridicollis

H. erythrocephalus^

H. nigrita /

H. morio "^

G. natator

L. truncatellus j

H. brevipalpis J

A. sturmii

I. fuliginosus

Rh. bistriatus

Ph. minutus

H. lineatocollis

D. assimilis

D. griseostriatus

per cent.
100

95
79

74
68

63

47

2 I

16

1 1

A. arcticus .

H. obscurus ^

A. bipustulatus J

H. erythrocephalus

D. lapponicus

A. sulcatus

G. natator

L. truncatellus

H. tristis

Rh. bistriatus

D. punctulatus

Ph. melanocephalus

A. globulus

H. fulvus

D. assimilis

H. gyllenhalii

H. pubescens

A. sturmii

I. asnescens

Rh. exoletus

per cent.
IOO

3 3

68

5

33

H. viridicollis ' '

214 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Associates of H. gyllenhalii Associates of D. griseostriatus

(continued]. (continued}.

SKYE and EIGG. SKYE and EIGG.

per cent. per cent.

H. incognitas ~\ G. minutus

A. arcticus
I. senescens
D. punctulatus
D. lapponicus
G. sulcatus
G. minutus
H. picicrus
P. nigroasneus
A. limbata
H. aquaticus

From these lists it is seen that H. obscurus and A.
bipustiilatus are practically indifferent as regards loch or
pool habitat, while others such as H. pubesccns and tristis,
A. globuhis, etc., A. arcticus ; A. sulcatus, etc., are almost
confined to the one or the other. The composition of
either association will vary in different parts of the country,
new species coming in and others disappearing, and as
showing the subtle influence of climatic factors in giving
advantage to one species in one place and another in another
place, the cases of Hydroporus morio and Agabus arcticus
are very good illustrations. The former is undoubtedly a
member of the pool association, and so far as I know occurs
nowhere as a loch species. The scarcity of this species in
Eigg and in Skye, so far as my collecting went, was
probably due to insufficient elevation. The height above
sea-level, at which the species becomes common, no doubt
varies considerably in different localities, but is, I think,
usually somewhere near the 1000 ft. contour in the southern
part of Scotland.

I have already pointed out that it replaces H. gyllenlialii
at the higher elevations. An interesting case of this change
occurred in Arran, where I was collecting in June 1906.
On Goatfell, climbing by way of Brodick Castle, one
comes to a more or less extensive peat moss at about
1000 ft. elevation. Here I collected in a number of pools,
and H. gyllenhalii was common ; it was in fact the dominant

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE NORTH EBUDES 215

species. H. morio occurred in many of the pools, but always
in small numbers. A little farther on at 1200 ft. is another
extensive " plateau " with numerous pools, and here H. morio
was common, while, after much work, I could only find a
single specimen of H. gyllenhalii. In Skye and Eigg this
latter species was not dominant, as it only occurred in 37
and 30 per cent respectively of the collections-, but H. morio,
owing to the absence of higher ground, was not there to take
its place.

The case of A. arcticus is interesting as being an example
of a species truly " limno-oxylophile " in this district, whereas
it is not so restricted in many other localities. I found it
commonly in July 1905 on Rannoch Moor (Perth Mid) at
about 950 ft. in the peaty pools, and also at Aviemore
(Easterness) in June and July 1904 it occurred in many of the
pools at elevations of 1600 ft. and over. Apparently the
explanation of this fickleness is that below a certain elevation
varying, of course, in different localities the species is
excluded from the pool association, and only in the higher
and colder places can it force its way into that group. The
same remarks also apply to Deronectes griseostriatus, which
at high elevations invades pools as well as lochs.

What I have said here concerning the associations of
Water-beetles is deduced from somewhat meagre and incom-
plete material, but it seems to me that what is being done
by the cecological botanists is equally capable of being done
by zoologists, especially in groups where statistical results
can be accumulated. I hope later to deal with the subject
of the associations of the Aquatic Coleoptera more fully.

The only helophile (Fresh-water marsh) habitat which I
found on Eigg was a few small grassy pools below Kildonnan
and just on the edge of the rocks at the shore. Here, H.
discretus, H.fuscipes, //. brevipalpis, and C. orbiculare occurred.
A single specimen of //. lituratus occurred at the same place,
and was the sole representative of the halophile (Salt marsh)
group, for which there seemed to be no suitable ground.

The interesting question as to whether these few pools
at Kildonnan hold the remnants of a once extensive helo-
phile fauna, or whether they represent the first foothold of
species which have recently invaded the island, cannot be

2i6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

answered as the result of one visit to the island. Only long
experience with the various species and with the successive
changes, both in the plant formations and in the correspond-
ing Water-beetle associations, can satisfactorily settle such a
point. Hence the use of such lists of species as I have
given lies largely in the future, when a re-examination of
the ground will indicate changes in the fauna, which may
help to explain the origin of island faunas, and to solve the
question whether land-connections are of such importance as
some authors have declared.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Of papers relating to Water-beetles in the North Ebudes and
also to the capture, etc., of Dytiscus lapponicus in the British
Islands.

1854. Clark, Rev. Hamlet, (i) 'Notes on the Capture of some of the Rarer

British Hydrocantharida;,' "Zoologist,"
p. 4532. (The first Britannic record of
D. lapponicus. Isle of Mull. )

1855. ,, ,, (2) 'Notes on Certain British Hydrocantharidae,'

ibid. p. 4770.

,, ,, (3) 'Synonymic List of the British Carnivorous

Water-Beetles, together with Critical Remarks and Notices of Foreign
Allied Species,' ibid. p. 4850. (These two papers merely refer to the
1854 record.)

1860. Somerville, Alex. ' A Glimpse of Mull and its Fauna.' "Zoologist,"
xviii. pp. 7055-7059. (D. lapponicus in southern part of the island.)

1868. Somerville, J. E. ' Re-occurrence of D. lapponicus in Mull,' "EMM." iv.

1869. ,, ,, ' D. lapponicus in Ireland,' ibid. v. 141.

1870. White, F. Buchanan. 'Notes on the Habits of D. lapponicus, Gyll.,'

"Scot. Naturalist," vi. (He mentions that
Somerville also took the species " in an island
near Mull."

1871. ,, ,, ' Notes on the Insects of Strathglass, Inverness-
shire,' "EMM." vii. 45-53-

1871-8. Sharp, D. 'The Coleoptera of Scotland,' "Scott. Naturalist," vols.

i.-iv. (Records of D. lapponicus for "Moray, Clyde, and Argyll"

districts. Unfortunately the Clyde record cannot now be traced.)
1876. Forbes, W. A. ' Notes on the Entomology of Skye,' "Scott. Naturalist,"

iii.
1895. Grimshaw, P. H. 'On some Coleoptera from the Island of Rum."

(Collected by Mr. Symington Grieve in July 1884.) "Ann. Scott.

Nat. Hist." iv. 128.

1897. King, J. J- F. X. 'D. lapponicus in the Island of Mull,' "EMM." ser.

2. viii.

1898. Thornley, Rev. A. 'Additional Coleoptera from the Summit of Ben

Nevis.' (Collected by Mr. W. S. Bruce in May 1896.) "Ann. Scott.
Nat. Hist." vii. 30. [D. lapponicus in tarn about 2500 feet.]
1903. Beare, T. Hudson. ' D. lapponicus in Tobermory district, Mull, MS.
Note of Captures in August 1903 kindly sent me.

THE AQUATIC COLEOPTERA OF THE NORTH EBUDES 217

The complete list of " Britannic" records for D. lapponicus
up to the present time seems to be as follows :

" Clyde district " (uncertain). Inverness, E. (Strathglass).

Ebudes Mid (Mull). W. (Ben Nevis).

,. North (Rhum, Skye, Donegal (probably West ! ?).

El 'gg)-

CONTRIBUTION TO OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE
HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOT-
LAND.

BEING AN ACCOUNT OF COLLECTIONS MADE
BY SIR JOHN MURRAY, K.C.B., ON S.Y. " MEDUSA.'

By JAMES RITCHIE, M.A., B.Sc.,

The Royal Scottish Museum.

(Continued from p. 164.)

54. THUIARIA LONCHITIS (Ell. and Sol.) ( = Thuiaria articnlata

of Hincks's "History").

Kirchenpauer, in 1884, endeavoured to unravel the confusion
which had gathered round the Thuiaria articnlata of authors, a
designation which included two distinct species, the Sertnlaria
articnlata of Pallas and the Thuiaria articulata of Fleming, the latter
of which had been earlier designated T/iuiaria lonchitis by Ellis and
Solander. Comparison of the Cape of Good Hope species with that
found in British waters leaves no doubt as to their specific distinct-
ness, although so recently as 1 900 Pictet and Bedot considered
them specifically identical, and there can be almost as little doubt
that the Cape species, with opposite pinnae springing from the middle
of the internodes, is the original T. articulata of Pallas. After
examination of a large number of specimens, including those in the
British Museum and in the collections made by the Scottish North
Sea Investigation Committee, I am convinced that T. articulata,
Pallas, does not occur in British waters, and that that name may
therefore be safely deleted from British lists and replaced by Thuiaria
lonchitis (Ellis and Solander).

CLYDE SEA AREA. KYLES OF BUTE off Tighnabruaich. ARRAN
BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, 20 fms. (M.). BARRIER PLATEAU
Achinhoan Head and Davarr Is., sand, 17-20 fins. ; Sanda
to Achinhoan, 19-22 fms., m.c. ; Sound of Sanda, 22 fms...;....
between Sanda Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.

SANDA Is., 35 fms.

LIBRARY

<

2i8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

55. THUIARIA TENERA (G. O. Sars).

As T. tenera has never been recorded in Britain, I give a short
diagnosis of the species for the guidance of British workers. This
is the more necessary, as I feel certain that the species is not a very
uncommon one in our waters, and that, in all probability, its general
likeness to young colonies of Thuiaria argentea has caused it to be
overlooked or erroneously assigned to that species.

Trophosome. The colonies attain a height of between two and
three inches, and are characterised by the delicacy and fineness of
their build. The stems are unfascicled and straight, but zigzag
almost imperceptibly between the branchlets towards the summit.
They are divided into long regular internodes, each with three hydro-
theoe, two on one side and one placed intermediate to these on the
other side. From beneath the lower of the pair a branch arises, the
branches being alternate, usually simple, and lying in one plane.
The branches are divided into long internodes which generally bear
three pairs of hydrothecae. The hydrothecae are subalternate, but
they vary much in the details of shape (see Broch, ' Die Hydroiden
der arktischen Meere,' in "Fauna Arctica," 1909, p. 172, fig. 27).
They are always slender, flask-shaped below, the upper portion, which
juts out from the internode more or less abruptly, tapering to
the orifice. Nutting ("American Hydroids," part ii., 1904, p. 70)
describes the margin as " sometimes being round and without teeth,
and sometimes being curved, with two teeth of regular Sertularian
type. In many cases the margin is produced into a thin collapsible
tube. Operculum usually composed of one flap attached to abcaul-
ine side of margin, but sometimes composed of two flaps." While
the hydrothecse in some of the colonies I have examined agree with
Nutting's description in having tubular terminations and single-valved
opercula, these seem to me to be secondary features apparent where
the original margin of the hydrotheca has become obscured by the
regeneration of successive new margins, each new margin retaining
the stamp of its predecessor less and less clearly. Even in such
cases the primary hydrotheca of the series shows two lateral lobes,
and indications of two valves in the operculum, the abcauline being
much larger and more perfectly formed.

Several abnormalities occur. In one a branch has been replaced
by an elongate oval hydrotheca which, but for its base, is altogether
free and projects in line with the existing portion of the branch. In
another, there occur abnormally long cylindrical hydrothecse similar
to those I have described and figured in Sertularella quadridens
(" Proc. Zool. Soc.," 1 9 1 o, p. 8 1 9, fig. 7 9). Again a branch bifurcates
into and terminates in two gonangia (fig. 5), while many gonangia
on one colony are abnormally attenuated and are marked by deep
annular constrictions (fig. 4).

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 219

Gonosome. The gonangia vary much in size, but their out-
line is fairly constant, except in such abnormal cases as are figured
below. They are elongate, ovate, with an insignificant stalk, a
round aperture, and a short collar surrounded by translucent points
of chitin. They arise immediately proximal to a hydrotheca and
occur in close rows, a single hydrotheca being sometimes accom-
panied by two gonangia (fig. 2).

Fig. 2.

Fig. 5-

Fig. 3. Fig. 4.

FIGS. 2-5. THUIARIA TENERA. x 30.

Fig. 2. Fragment of branch from Tighnabruaich, with hydrotheca: and gonangia.
,, 3. ,, ,, ,, Mull of Cantyre, with hydrothecoe.

,, 4. Abnormal annularly constricted gonangia, Tighnabruaich.

,, 5. Abnormal branch terminating in two gonangia.

The following measurements give some idea of the variable pro-
portions of the species :

Specimens from Specimens from

Tighnabruaich.

Hydrotheca, length free .
Hydrotheca, length adnate
Hydrotheca, greatest diameter .
Hydrotheca, diameter at mouth

Cantyre.

o.i 7-0.29 mm.
0.14-0.15 mm.
o.i 2-0.18 mm.
0.06 mm.

o. 2 1-0.29 mm -

0.25-0.28 mm.

o. 14-0. i 7 mm.

0.08-0.10 mm.
Gonangium, length . . . 0.81-1.33 mm -
Gonangium, greatest diameter . 0.31-0.44 mm.

Localities. CLYDE SEA AREA. KYLES OF BUTE off Burnt
Islands ; off Tighnabruaich (specimens in Rothesay Museum
and in my collection).

MULL OF CANTYRE, 50 fms., growing on Halerium muricatum;
small fragment.

Although this species is not to be found in British lists, speci-
mens in the Natural History Museum, Vienna, have been recorded

220 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

by Marktanner-Turneretscher as from a Scottish locality, " Great
Cumbray." l Broch, too, has found specimens at the depth of 68
metres, in latitude 56 50' N., long. i 36' W., sufficiently near the
coast of Kincardineshire to be regarded as British. 2

Thuiaria tenera is a boreal species confined apparently to the
North Pacific, the North Atlantic, and the Arctic Oceans.

56. THUIARIA THUJA (Linn.).
CLYDE SEA AREA. BARRIER PLATEAU Loch Ryan (M.).

57. SERTULARIA PUMILA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). GARELOCH shore; head to Stroul, 10-15
fms., m.c. ; E. side above Narrows, 14 fms. LOCH GOIL
shore, low water, c. DUNOON BASIN, 20-40 fms. ; E. and W.
sides, shore. LOCH STRIVEN shore, m.c. UPPER LOCH FYNE
shore, c. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, Kildalloig Bay;
Davarr Is., 15 fms., sand, m.r.

58. SERTULARELLA FUSIFORMIS (Hincks).

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). UPPER LOCH FYNE E. side, 15 fms., r.r.
ARRAN BASIN off Pladda, 30-35 fms., r.r.

59. SERTULARELLA GAYI (Lamouroux).

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN E. side, 16-20 fms., r.r. (M.).
ARRAN BASIN (M.) Kilbrennan Sound; off Davarr Is., 20
fms., r.r.; Otterard to Carradale, 18-20 fms., r. ; centre, off
Saddell, 47 fms., r. BARRIER PLATEAU between Sanda Is.
and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 50-70 fms.

LOCH BUY, 9-15 fms.

60. SERTULARELLA POLYZONIAS (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN centre, 10-15 fms. (M.).
ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, Kildalloig Bay, Davarr Is.,
15 fms., m.r. (M.). BARRIER PLATEAU Sound of Sanda, 22
fms., on Thuiaria lonchitis.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms., on Thecocarpus myriophylluni.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 56 fms., on Eudendrium ramosum.

1 G. Marktanner-Turneretscher, ' Die Hydroiden des k.k. naturhistorischen
Hofmuseums' in "Ann. naturh. Hofmus. Wien," vol. v., 1890, p. 231.

2 Hj. Broch, " Nordsee Hydroiden von dem norwegischen Fischerei-
dampfer ' Michael Sars ' in den jahren 1903-1904 gesammelt," Bergens Mus.
Aarbog, 1905, No. 6, p. 20.

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 221

6 1. SERTULARELLA RUGOSA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. UPPER LOCH FYNE Minard Narrows, 12-20
frns., r. (M.). ARRAN BASIN off Pladda, 30-35 fms., r. (M.).
BARRIER PLATEAU between Sanda Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.

62. SERTULARELLA TAMARISCA (Linn.) ( = Diphasia tamarisea of

Hincks's "History").

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). BARRIER PLATEAU between Achinhoan
Head and Davarr Is., 17-20 fms., sand, on Thuiaria lonehitis
(M.) ; Sound of Sanda, 22 fms., on Thuiaria loneJiitis.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms., on Antennularia antennina ; 70-80 fms.,
c. on Diphasia pinaster and Tubularia indivisa.

63. SERTULARELLA TENELLA (Alder).

CLYDE SEA AREA. BARRIER PLATEAU between Achinhoan Head
and Davarr Is., 17-20 fms., sand, on Thuiaria lonehitis (M.) ;
Sound of Sanda, 22 fms., r. on Thuiaria lonehitis.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms., on Antennularia antennina; 70-80
fms., c. on Diphasia pinaster and Tubularia indivisa.

64. HYDRALLMANIA FALCATA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). GARELOCH--E. side above Narrows,
10-15 fms.; centre, above Narrows, mud, 20-30 fms.;
Shandon to Narrows, 1 5 fms., mud and hard ground ; above
buoy, at Narrows, 15-12 fms., m.r. Narrows, 3-5 fms., c.
DUNOON BASIN, 20-40 fms. ; E. side, 5-42 fms., r. ARRAN
BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, in line with Davarr Is. and Brown
Head, Arran, 27-30 fms., r. ; Otterard to Carradale, 18 fms.,
r. ; centre, off Saddell, 47 fms., r. BARRIER PLATEAU Sanda
to Achinhoan, 22 fms., r. (M.) ; between Sanda Is. and Ailsa
Craig, 24 fms.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 50 fms.

LOCH ETIVE, 70 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms., 70-80 fms.

LOCH CARRON above Stromeferry, 50-60 fms., mud.

Family PLUMULARID^.

65. ANTENNULARIA ANTENNINA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). DUNOON BASIN, 20-40 fms. ; E. and W.
sides, 10-20 fms. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound, below
Isle of Ross, 12-14 f ms -j r - r - ; Cumbrae Is., off Tan Buoy,
7 fms. ; 3 miles N. of Pladda Light, 17-20 fms., c., also 27-30
fms. (M.).

FIRTH OF LORNE three records between 30 and no fms.

222 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

66. ANTENNULARIA RAMOSA, Lamarck.

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN (M.), 20-40 fms. ; E. side,
8-42 fms., r. ; centre, 18-20 fms., r. ; W. side, 8 fms., r. ;
Skelmorlie Bell Buoy, 7-15 fms. ARRAN BASIN (M.)-
Kilbrennan Sound; Otterard to Carradale, 18-20 fms., r.
BARRIER PLATEAU 3 miles N. of Pladda Light, 17-20 fms.,
m.c. (M.); between Achinhoan Head and Davarr Is., 17-20
fms. (M.); Sanda to Achinhoan, 19-22 fms., c. (M.) ; between
Sanda Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms. ; 64 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms.

67. PLUMULARIA CATHARINA, Johnston.

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN, 20-40 fms. (M.) ; off Cloch
Lighthouse, 16-30 fms. (M.). ARRAN BASIN -- Kilbrennan
Sound (M.); off Pladda, 30-35 fms., r. (M.). BARRIER
PLATEAU between Sanda Is. and Ailsa Craig, 24 fms., r. on
Antennularia ramosa and Halecium beanii; Ailsa Craig, 24
fms.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms., on Halecium halednuin 64 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 10-30 fms., on Diphasia pinaster; 30-50 fms., c.
on Antennularia ramosa and Diphasia pinaster; 60-80 fms.,
on Diphasia pinaster ; 30-110 fms., on Aglaophenia tubulifera;
50-110 fms., on Schizotricha frutescens.

68. PLUMULARIA PINNATA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. LOCH GOIL (M.), 10-15 fms., r. ; outside
Barrier, 10-12 fms., r. DUNOON BASIN (M.) E. side, 16-20
fms., r.r. ; centre, 10-15 fms. BARRIER PLATEAU Sanda to
Achinhoan, 22 fms., r. (M.); between Sanda Is. and Ailsa
Craig, 24 fms.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms.

69. PLUMULARIA SETACEA (Ellis).

CLYDE SEA AREA. GARELOCH across Barrier, 5-21 fms. (M.).
FIRTH OF LORNE, 30-50 fms., on Antennularia ramosa.

70. PLUMULARIA SIMILIS, Hincks.
CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN, 20-40 fms. (M.).

POLYPLUMARIA, G. O. Sars.

As a description of this genus may not be available to local
collectors, I give the following definition :

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 223

Trophosome. Colony with compound stems and branches, the
latter being arranged in pinnate fashion. Hydroclades (ultimate
hydrotheca-bearing branchlets) often bearing on the lowest internode
a simple or branched secondary hydroclade more slender than
themselves. Each hydrotheca is accompanied by a single pair of
definitely placed lateral sarcothecos which are not fixed immovably
to it. Margin of hydrotheca smooth.

Gonosome. Gonangia sac-shaped, springing from branches or
from hydrocladia, at the origin of the latter.

The only British species is

71. POLYPLUMARIA FLABELLATA, G. O. Sars.

( = P. pumila, Allman).

Trophosome. Colony attaining a height of 10 cms., composed
of fascicled stems, and fascicled branches which arise from the
stem in opposite pairs, and themselves bear opposite branches. All
of these lie in one plane and are furnished with alternate hydro-
clades arranged in no definite number on the internodes of an
anterior cladate tube. The hydroclades are only from i to 3 mm.
long, are set on a long process furnished with sarcothecas, and are
divided into internodes, on each of which, except sometimes the
basal, a hydrotheca is borne. The proximal hydrothecate internode
of a hydroclade gives rise to a simple or branched hydroclade, the
first internode of which bears only a series of nematophores. The
hydrothecse are cylindrical, widening slightly towards the mouth,
unattached to the internode, except at the rounded base. They are
accompanied by three definitely placed trumpet-shaped sarcothecas,
one proximal, placed medianly a little below the hydrotheca,
and two flanking the hydrotheca near its margin. In addition
there are generally present one, two, or three smaller sarcothecas,
lying in the median line of the internode above the hydrotheca.

Gonosome. The gonangia, which were not observed on the
Scottish specimens, arise on the branches near the base of a primary
hydroclade. They are ovate, with obliquely truncated summit, a
short neck surrounded by a whorl of nematophores, and a short
peduncle.

Localities. CLYDE SEA AREA. BARRIER PLATEAU - - fragment
of a colony from between Sanda Island and Ailsa Craig,
24 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 50-110 fms. A single complete colony, which,
although it is only 64 mm. high, less than half the size of
those collected by the " Travailleur " and "Talisman," shows
no lack of robustness in its finer structures, for measurements
of the trophosome agree in every detail with those of specimens
from the Bay of Biscay and the Azores recorded by Dr. A.

224

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

Billard. 1 One of the accessory tubes projecting beyond the
cladate tube had developed a stolon-like extremity, and several
of the hydroclades also terminated in similar prolongations.

Distribution. The species
appears to be widely distributed
in the neighbourhood of the
Azores (Allman, 1883, as P.
pumila ; Pictet and Bedot,
1900; Billard, 1907) and in
the Bay of Biscay, off the N.W.
corner of Spain. At the time
when I identified these speci-
mens in the British Museum,
P. flabellata had not been re-
corded from British Seas.
Since then, however, the occur-
rence of a specimen in the
collection of the Swedish State
Museum has been recorded
by Dr. Jaderholm from the
" Shetland Islands, ' Jutska
Refvet,' some sterile colonies
growing on Diphasia alata.
Collector unknown." 2

While I cannot but agree
with Pictet and Bedot that no

pr.hd.

FIG. 6. POLYPLUMARIA FLABELLATA.
X40.

Portion of hydroclade of Polyplumaria
flabellata. b>; branch of secondary
hydroclade ; ha, hydrotheca ; i.s,
inferior median unpaired sarcotheca ;
I.s, paired lateral sarcotheca ; pr.hd,
primary hydroclade ; s.s, supracaly-
cinc unpaired sarcotheca sec. hd,
secondary hydroclade.

specific distinction exists between Allman's P. pumila and the form
recorded above, more evidence is required ere Diplopteron insigne
(Allman, 1874) of the "Porcupine" Expedition can be definitely
linked with it. For the opposite hydrocladial nematophores, upon
whose occasional occurrence in P. flabellata Bedot lays stress, are
indefinite in their position on the hydroclade and even in their
relation to one another, and on this account are of altogether
different value as a distinguishing character from those definitely
placed, strictly opposite nematophores which may be regarded
rather as supplementary appendages of the lateral nematophores
than as independent structures arising directly from the hydroclade.
Nutting, indeed, regards them, provisionally at least, as of generic
significance (1900, p. Si).

1 A. Billard, "Expeditions scientifiques du ' Travailleur ' et clu 'Talisman," :
' Hydroides,' vol. viii., 1907, p. 222.

' E. Jaderholm, ' Hydroiden, in Northern and Arctic Invertebrates in the
Collection of the Swedish State Museum,' " Kungl. Svenska Vetens. - Akad.
Handl." vol. xlv., 1909, p. 109.

I have been unable to find 'Jutska Refvet' on the one inch Ordnance Survey
Maps of the Shetland Islands.

THE HYDROID FAUNA OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND 225

72. AGLAOPHENIA PLUMA (Linn.).

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN E. side, 8-42 fms., m.c. (M.).
FIRTH OF LORNE, 50-110 fms. (M.).

73. AGLAOPHENIA TUBULIFERA (Hincks).

CLYDE SEA AREA (M.). DUNOON BASIN E. side, 16-20 fms.,
m.c. ; centre, 20 fms., r. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound,
Otterard to Carradale, 15-20 fms., r.

MULL OF CANTYRE, 64 fms., many colonies.

FIRTH OF LORNE three records between 30 and no fms., with
corbul^e, c.

THECOCARPUS, Nutting.

From the genus Aglaophenia there have been separated and
placed in Thecocarpus such species as possess a hydrotheca at the
base of each leaflet of the phylactocarp, or corbula, in which the
reproductive bodies are protected. Such species are also to be
distinguished by the insignificance of the lateral teeth of the
hydrothecal margin.

74. THECOCARPUS MYRIOPHYLLUM (Linn.)

(^ Aglaophenia myriophyllum of Hincks's "History").

CLYDE SEA AREA. DUNOON BASIN (M.), 20-40 fms.; Warden
Bank, 8 fms. KYLES OF BUTE, off Tighnabruaich. ARRAN
BASIN (M.) Kilbrennan Sound, 10-15 fms.; below Isle of
Ross, 12-14 fms. ; Kildalloig Bay, Davarr Is., 15 fms. ; Davarr
Is. to Brown Head, Arran, 17-30 fms. BARRIER PLATEAU
Ailsa Craig, 24 fms.

SANDA Is., 4 miles S.E., 30-35 fms. (M.).

MULL OF CANTYRE, 49 fms.

FIRTH OF LORNE, 10-30 fms. ; 60-70 fms.

HALICORNARIA, Busk.

Halicornaria is distinguished from Aglaophenia by the arrange-
ment of the gonangia, which are entirely unprotected by any
special developments of the hydroclades. According to Nutting,
further distinguishing marks of the genus occur in the trophosome,
the chief of these being the presence of an anterior intrathecal
ridge, and the absence of septal ridges in the internodes.

75. HALICORNARIA PENNATULA (Ell. and Sol.)
( Aglaophenia pennatula of Hincks's " History ").

CLYDE SEA AREA. ARRAN BASIN Kilbrennan Sound (M.).
80

226 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

A CONTRIBUTION TO OUR KNOWLEDGE OF
THE FRESHWATER RHIZOPODA AND
HELIOZOA OF SCOTLAND.

By JAMES MEIKLE BROWN, B.Sc., F.L.S.

COMPARATIVELY little systematic work appears to have been
done on the distribution of the Freshwater Rhizopoda and
Heliozoa of Scotland. Penard and Murray published in
1905 a report on material collected by the Lake Survey
from Loch Ness; G. S. West, also in 1905, gave lists of
species found chiefly in plankton collections from the Orkney,
Shetland, and other outlying islands ; while Murray again
in 1907 and W. Evans in 1909 published lists of species
from the Forth Area. Beyond these papers, and scattered
references in Cash's monograph, no published results seem
to be available.

It was with a view to commencing a more detailed
investigation that material was collected by the writer
during August and September of last year, from various
localities in Scotland ; and it was hoped that some species
hitherto unrecorded for this country might be found. This
hope has been justified by the results, and it is probable
that further work will yield still more interesting finds ; but
it will require much more extended observations before the
problems dealing with the general distribution of these
interesting animals can be solved. Further, it will be only
after a very careful study of the variations occurring amongst
the "species" and many seem to have a rather wide range
of variability that the limits of, and relationship between,
the different species can be definitely decided. At present
it is often very difficult or even impossible, especially in
some genera, to discriminate between species, unless the
individuals are quite " typical." This is particularly the case
amongst the Euglyphae, many small forms occurring which
at present defy the systematist.

As it will probably be some time before further collec-
tions in other localities can be made, it has been thought
desirable to publish the results so far obtained.

FRESHWATER RHIZOFODA AND HELIOZOA OF SCOTLAND 227

For the purpose of recording the results the material
collected may be divided into A. Gatherings of sphagnum
and other bog-mosses ; and B. Gatherings of drier mosses
from woods, rocks, and walls. This division is convenient,
for it is found that while many species of Rhizopod inhabit
"moss" indifferently, whether wood-moss or bog-moss,
some species are restricted to sphagnum, while others again
are characteristic of the drier mosses growing on rocks and
walls, or on the ground in woods, and these latter are
generally less well-known than the others.

The following gatherings were made :

A. BOG-MOSSES (SPHAGNUM, ETC.).

1. From Craigcaffie (near Stranraer), Wigtownshire.

2. Genoch Moor (near Stranraer), Wigtownshire.

3. ,, Dindinnie Moor (Rhinns of Galloway), Wigtownshire.

4. ,, Carsphairn, Kirkcudbrightshire.

5. Drumboy Hill, Ayrshire.

6. ,, Colintraive, Argyleshire.

7. ,, Aberfoyle, Perthshire.

8. ,, between Aberfoyle and the Trossachs, Perthshire.

9. ,, Trossachs Pass, Perthshire.

10. the slopes of Ben Ledi, Perthshire.

11. ,, Glen Shee, Perthshire.

12. ,, near the summit of the Cairnwell, Aberdeenshire.

13. near Ballater, Aberdeenshire.

B. MOSSES (OTHER THAN BOG-MOSSES).

1. From near Portpatrick, Wigtownshire.

2. ,, walls near Kirkcudbright, Kirkcudbrightshire.

3. ,, walls near Gatehouse-of-Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire.

4. the ground in Glen App, Ayrshire.

5. the ground in Trossachs Pass, Perthshire.

6. ,, rocks in Glen Devon, Perthshire.

7. rocks in Glen Eagles, Perthshire.

8. the ground in Pinewoods, Blairgowrie, Perthshire.

9. the ground near Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.

10. ,, walls near Kincardine O'Neil, Aberdeenshire.

The collections, as will be seen from the tabulated summaries,
varied greatly in richness, both in point of number of species and
of individuals. The richest gatherings came from Craigcaffie and
Ben Ledi.

228

ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY

TABLE I. SPHAGNUM GATHERINGS.

o

.

o

o

:~

J- en

<U ,

in

rt

J

a>

c

K

QJ

<D

<1

tf

__.

u

_.

LIST OF SPECIES.

a!

'c

'3

o

'3

c o

CJ

1)

.G

~v

h

u

CJ

c

v2

rt

J

C/}

%

_bj>

a

a.

1/3

c

c

% ^

t-^

c

c

l*

_rt

'3

c

rt

c

"o

93

5" 13

2

5

u

'3

"c3

CJ

o

3

u

Q

o

<!

w

H

PQ

o

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

AMCEBINA.

Amoeba limax, Dujardin

X

X

vespertilio, Penard

X

X

limicola, Rhumbler .

X

Dactylosphaerium radiosum

(Ehrenb.), Biitschli .

X

X

X

X

X

Vampyrella lateritia (Fresen.},

Leidy ....

X

ARCELLINA.

Pseudochlamys patella, Clap.

et Lach. ....

X

X

Arcella vulgaris, Ehrenb.

X

X

X

X

discoides, Ehrenb.

X

catinus, Penard .

X

X

X

X

X

Centropyxis aculeata (Ehrenb.),

Stein ....

X

X

X

X

X

X

Centropyxis aculeata, var.

ecornis (Ehrenb.), Leidy .

X

Centropyxis Irevigata, Penard

X

DlFFLUGINA.

Difflugia oblonga, Ehrenb.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

bacillifera, Penard .

X

rubescens, Penard .

X

X

X

fallax, Penard .

X

X

bacillariarum, Perty

X

globulus, Ehrenb.

X

X

X

constricta (Ehrenb.),

Leidy .

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Pontigulasia vas (Leidy), Schout

X

compressa ( Carter),

Cash

X

X

Lesquereusia spiralis (Ehrenb.},

Biitschli ....

X

Cryptodifflugia oviformis, Penard

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

NEBELINA.

Hyalosphenia papilio, Leidy .

X

X

X

X

X

elegans, Leidy .

X

X

Nebela collaris (Ehrenb.),

Leidy ....

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Nebela tincta (Leidy), A-uaerintz

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

bohemica, Tarant'k

X

X

y

longicollis, Penard

X

tubulosa, Penard

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

flabellulum, Leidy

X

X

X

X

X

X

FRESHWATER RHIZOPODA AND HELIOZOA OF SCOTLAND 229

TABLE \,Contimied.

c

o
o

Ij

,

u

o
o

r

3

aJ

^ TJ

1

a5

LIST OF SPECIES.

S

u

"B

a

c

o
.a

'3

>*

8

u

rt

3

OJ

QJ

1

a;

.?

3

&i

rf.

c

^

> H

T.

"

Q

c

J3

5

c

c

rt

3

"o

_Q

u "^

o

V

53

"a

"3

U

o

5

u

Q

u

<

K i

H

pq

o

o

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Nebela carinata (Archer), Leidy

X

X

X

marginata, Penard

X

X

militaris, Penard

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

tubulata, Brown .

X

X

X

X

X

dentistoma, Penard

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

vitraea, Penard .

X

Quadrula symmetrica ( Wallich),

Schulze ....

X

X

X

X

Heleopera petricola, Leidy

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

rosea, Penard

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

EUGLYPHINA.

Pamphagus granulatus, Penard

X

Euglypha alveolata, Dnjardin

X

X

X

ciliata (Ehrenb. ),

Leidy .

X

X

X

X

strigosa (Ehrenb.),

Le