WILD LIFE IN A WEST HIGHLAND DEER ^OREST 281 



season all assume their white or Ermine dress. Though common 

 generally, it is less so on the high ground. 



Weasel, Mustela nivalis. 



This little carnivore is quite common, and has been trapped at 

 1730 feet, and higher still at the ruins of an old shieling at i860 

 feet. It is not known to occur in the Forest above the altitudes 

 named. 



Badger, Meles meles. 



Was formerly numerous on some rough sandy ground, with 

 knolls and peat-hags, bordering the Blackwater. Only two, however, 

 have been obtained in the Forest since 1891. One of these was 

 bolted by terriers from a cairn, at 1500 feet, at the south end of 

 Amar Strath Ossian. 



Otter, Lutra Intra. 



A few pairs are to be found on Lochs Ossian (1269 feet) and 

 Treig and on the River Ghuilbin. Formerly it frequented Loch na 

 Lap (1930 feet), but it has not been observed there for some 

 years. 



Long-tailed Field Mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus. 



I found this pretty Mouse to be common in the Lodge gardens, 

 at the foot of Loch Ossian, at 1300 feet. 



House Mouse, Mus musculus. 



Occurs in the houses at the foot of Loch Ossian and elsewhere 

 in the Forest. 



Brown Rat, Epimys norvegicus. 



Was very abundant a few years ago about the stables and other 

 buildings at the foot of Loch Ossian, but has been practically 

 exterminated. 



Common Field-Vole, Microtus agrestis. 



Scottish Race, M. agrestis neglectus. 



This is by far the commonest mammal in the Forest, where 

 evidence of its presence is to be found almost everywhere, except 

 in the gardens, where its place appears to be taken by the Bank- 

 Vole. Its nest was found in the cairn at the summit of Beinn 

 Eibhinn (36 11 feet), and its runs and nests were observed to be 

 numerous on the narrow grassy ledges of precipitous rock-faced 

 escarpments. The Scottish race is peculiar to the Highlands. 



