296 The Scottish Naturalist. 



they were probably nesting on the Glencarse or Balthayock 

 rocks, — a most fitting locaUty for the purpose. This, together 

 with the recording of two examples, obtained lately in the south- 

 ern part of Perthshire (/^/j", July 1878), leads me to hope that 

 this bird will eventually prove to be more frequent than is gene- 

 rally supposed. The Turtle-Dove (Tiirtiir atiritus, Ray), on the 

 other hand, though on more than one occasion noticed by my- 

 self, besides the capture of two examples in the district, within 

 the last ten years, is, I think, of too irregular occurrence to war- 

 rant its being considered anything more than merely accidental ; 

 but as many birds of late years — probably from the gradually- 

 increasing extent under agriculture — seem to be extending their 

 area of distribution, and coming further north, the Turtle-Dove 

 may in time increase in number. 



86. Tetrao urogallus, Linn. (Capercailzie.) 



Since the reintroduction of the Capercailzie, in 1837, by the 

 late Marquis of Breadalbane, after a lapse of nearly three-quarters 

 of a century, it has again become abundant; but for particulars 

 of its increase and distribution, I must refer the reader to Mr 

 Harvie-Brown's most carefully drawn up account of its extension 

 in this country, as shown in his late very interesting publication 

 on the subject — ' The Capercaillie in Scotland.' 



87. Tetrao tetrix, Linn. (Blackcock.) 



In former years the Blackcock was much more numerous 

 and widely spread in the district than it is at present. This is 

 believed by many to have been caused by the presence and great 

 increase of Capercailzie, on the first glance — perhaps naturally 

 so — as the corresponding decrease in the black game dates 

 from about the time of the reintroduction of the former. I, 

 however, quite agree with Mr Harvie-Brown in believing that 

 there are other causes at work, and that the principal of these 

 are, extensive drainage and improvement of land. This is strongly 

 shown to be the case on many spots on the Sidlaws and else- 

 where, now highly drained, where, I recollect, black game were 

 once numerous, but which have now totally disappeared, — and 

 this in places where Capercailzie are not frequently seen. 



88. Lagopus scoticus. Leach. (Red Grouse.) 



Grouse abound in all the more highland parts of the district. 

 On the lower hills, however, such as the Sidlaws and the eastern 



