246 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



teresting contributions to the Society's Proceedings many of 

 tliem retain a pleasing and vivid remembrance. 



SPECIMENS EXHIBITED. 



Mr James Lumsden exhibited a specimen of the Little Auk 

 (Merguhis melanoleucos), shot on 7th January last by one of the 

 Duke of Hamilton's keepers in a turnip field about three miles 

 from the sea, near Shisken, on the south-west of Arran. This 

 bird, which proved to be a male, was, like others obtained on the 

 West Coast, in very poor condition when contrasted with the state 

 of those found on the East Coast. Mr Lumsden also exhibited a 

 specimen of the Common Bittern (Botcmrus steUaris), obligingly 

 lent by Mr Alexander Martin, Exchange Square. This bird was 

 shot on 14th January last by a keeper at Newholm, Lanarkshire. 

 When observed it was standing at the edge of a small pond, 

 and at first sight was supposed to be an owl, but on a nearer 

 approach it was seen with its head raised and the bill pointing 

 upwards. Upon noticing the keeper, it quickly rose and flew 

 among the bushes, but was stopped by a long shot at about 50 

 yards. Its measurements were — length, 30J inches ; exj)anse of 

 wings, 52 inches. The stomach contained black water-beetles. 

 This species, which was very common in Britain many years 

 ago, is now of rare occurrence, especially in Scotland, the drain- 

 ing of bogs and marshes where it found a home, and it being 

 esteemed a delicacy for the table, having tended to reduce its 

 numbers materially. So much was it prized in olden times that a 

 heavy fine was imposed on any one found guilty of taking its eggs. 

 The Bittern is somewhat owl-like in its habits, lying close during 

 the day and beginning at twilight its search for food, which 

 consists of beetles, frogs, or even small birds, which its large 

 throat enables it to swallow entire. 



Mr Peter Cameron, jun., exhibited living specimens of Formica 

 nigra and Aphis radicis, taken from one nest on 14th February. The 

 plant lice were very numerous ; and on the nest being disturbed, 

 the ants took them up carefully in their jaws and carried them to 

 a place of safety. Mr Cameron remarked that it is very unusual 

 to find these insects in a state of activity so early in the year. 



Mr Duncan M'Lellan, as evidence of the mildness of the present 

 season and of its efi'ects on vegetation, read a list of plants in 

 flower in the Queen's Park on 1st February. The list comprised 



