56 The Scottish Naturalist. 



might in time be raised to the dignity, which it scarcely at pre- 

 sent occupies, of a science. Vast as is the number of facts which 

 we are in possession of regarding the subject, the time scarcely 

 seems to have arrived when these may be formulated, and a 

 theory of birds' eggs be established. The interesting researches 

 of Mr Sorby into the nature and composition of the colouring 

 matter of birds eggs belong rather to the sciences of chemistry 

 and spectroscopy than to those of oology or animal physiology. 

 What has been done towards an elucidation of the subject may 

 form matter for future consideration. If this appeal should in- 

 duce one lover of birds to take any steps to form a permanent 

 and accessible record of their habits of nidification, it will have 

 more than served its object. 



NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE BASIN OP THE TAY 

 AND ITS TEIBUTAEIES. 



By Colonel H. M. DRUMMOND HAY, C.M.Z.S., B.O.U., &c. 



I, Aquila chrysaetos, Briss. (Golden Eagle.) 



Notwithstanding the almost total extermination of most of our 

 birds of prey, the Golden Eagle, we are happy to say, may still 

 be seen soaring over the shoulders of Ben Aldar on Loch Ericht, 

 as well as some of the higher peaks in Athole and Breadalbane ; 

 and were the good examples of some noble proprietors, who allow 

 it to breed unmolested in their deer-forests, a little more followed 

 by others, this fine species might still long be preserved to be 

 an ornament to our mountain sides, and to enhance the interest 

 of our Highland scenery. 



2. Haliaetus ALBiciLLA, Cuvicr. (Earne or Sea Eagle.) 



Though more generally an inhabitant of our sea coasts, this 

 species has for long been known as a resident in the neiglibour- 

 hood of the larger lochs in the district; but I fear, with the ex- 

 ception of a straggler or two from the Continent, and those in 

 the immature plumage, the bird is now scarcely ever seen. Mr 

 James Stewart, who has had long experience as head-keeper on 

 the Earl of Mansfield's grouse-shootings, informs me that some 

 years ago, when in charge of his lordship's shootings in Rannoch, 

 a pair of Sea Eagles, called by the people there the Water 

 Eagle, had their nest for several years in an old fir-tree in a corner 



