,8 AXXALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



seen skimming over the waves, passing from the top^of one 

 sea to another, scarcely moving a muscle ; but by trimming 

 its wings, if such an expression is allowable, first poised on 

 one wing and then on the other, it is apparently propelled 

 without an effort on its part, but simply by the action of 

 the wind beneath. This method of flight, however, is 

 frequently varied ; for, when necessary, the hagdon can and 

 does move its wings with great power and considerable 



rapidity." 



The breeding-place of P. grains has yet to be discovered ; 

 we only know that the bird is found throughout the Atlantic, 

 from Iceland and South Greenland, during our northern 

 summer, to the vicinity of Cape Horn on the west, and the 

 Cape of Good Hope on the east. 



NOTES ON BRITISH SALMONID^E. 

 By J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. 



FOR upwards of thirty-five years I have been a salmon 

 angler. During much of that time I have kept very careful 

 notes upon certain aspects of the natural history of the 

 Salmonidai which were presented to my mind and observa- 

 tion whilst prosecuting my sport. And, for many years 

 past, I have thought that much matter so collected, if 

 brought together, might, as likely as not, supplement the 

 work of our Salmon Commissioners. Without in any way 

 wishing to grumble or to find faults, still it seems to me 

 that the modus operandi hitherto applied has followed too 

 closely the mere commercial aspects, and has somewhat 

 vainly I think tried to appease conflicting interests with 

 a sacrifice of scientific truth. A gentleman who has had 

 very considerable experience of stocking a salmon river in 

 Ireland, and a personal friend, writes to me as follows : 



1 I do not know anything more difficult to get than accurate 

 information about White Trout, or any fish which is more 

 different in its habits according to locality. In one river 



I know there is a very distinct run early on the season 

 fish like spring fis/t ; but then there are a lot of subsequent 



