96 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



it seem to find a home, as far as I have been able to observe, 

 where birch-wood only abounds. Numbers may be seen in the 

 season at Eosehall, and between that place and Bonar. 



PASSE RES. 

 C0NIR08TRES. Fam i., CORVIDAE. 



MAGPIE. 



PICA RUSTIC A, Linnaeus. 



Common in the east, but utterly unknown, save by name, in 

 the west. When it does mioTate westward, it will doubtless 

 receive a "warm reception," as its name and character have 

 preceded it. 



THE RAVEN. 



COR V US CO RAX, Linnaeus. 



Still common, though killed down at every opportunity. T 

 received several layings of eggs in 1869, both while staying in the 

 county, and, after returning home. Ravens frequently dispute 

 with the Buzzards for the ownership of some favourite nesting 

 place. A " Buzzard-rock " may almost be considered synonymous 

 with a " Raven-rock," as one or other of these species is sure to 

 occupy it. The Raven has the advantage of being a much 

 earlier breeder, and thus is able to verify the truth of the 

 saying, "First come, first served." The Peregrine Falcon, how- 

 ever, often steps in and takes possession of the last year's nest, 

 to the utter disgust, no doubt, of both Ravens and Buzzards. 

 "Might is right." 



HOODED CROW. 



CORVUS CORN IX, Linnaeus. 



Only too plentiful, and really a destructive bird, not only to 

 eggs and young of other birds, but also to the interests of the 

 sheep -farmers. On one occasion I actually shot fi Hooded Crow, as 

 he rose from the body of a half -horn lamb. To give a list of the 

 Grey Crow's misdeeds would only be to occupy space unnecessarily, 

 but I may mention two instances of his oophilous (to coin a word) 

 propensities. Two Hooded Crows once robbed both the parent 

 birds and myself of a fine pair of Black-throated Diver's eggs, and 



