NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 231 



WHITE-TAILED EAGLE. 

 IIALIAETUS ALBICILLA, L. 73. 



I have not much of fresh interest to give concerning ^lis species. 

 It does not appear to increase in numbers, nor to equal those of 

 the Golden Eagle. 



PEREGRINE FALCON. 



FALCO PEREQRINUS, Gmel. 74. 



The Peregrine is said to be scarcely so numerous as formerly, 

 having been shot down. The true cause, however, I believe will 

 be found in the diminution in the numbers of the grouse, its 

 favourite food. The grouse have not become scarce owing in any 

 way to the abundance of the Peregrine, but the Peregrine has 

 become scarcer because its supply of food has become scarcer.* I 

 found one old haunt still frequented, and from another eyrie, Mr 

 H. E, Dresser, who was with me this year in Sutherland, procured 

 a single young bird. This eyrie used to be frequented at intervals 

 by the same birds which held another crag about two miles off, 

 but which was untenanted this year. On the other hand, in 

 certain districts the Peregrine appears to hold its own remarkably 

 well. (See introductory remarks, page 228). 



MERLIN. 



HTPOTRIORCHIS AESALON [Gmel.) 76. 



The Merlin is certainly not nearly so common in the west as 

 formerly, either because it has been shot down, or on account of 

 diminution of food ; but the former cause I consider in this case 

 the more likely, as they have undoubtedly been killed to a 

 considerable extent. Mr Crawford reports them as also scarcer in 

 the north, along with other species of Raptors. 



* I wish sportsmen would begin to hail the Peregrine as a bird of good omen 

 on their moors, as a herald of good sport, an indicator of a well stocked hill, a 

 sanitary commissioner appointed by nature looking out for weakly members of 

 the community, and removing them to where alone they can do any good. 

 Where the grouse are, there shall the Peregrines be gathered together, but 

 lohere the grouse are not, dont blame the Peregrine. 



