44 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



shoals into the sea lochs of the West Coast, it swims vigorously 

 after its prey, and is in many instances overtaken by night at a 

 great distance from where it set out. At the close of these 

 expeditions it generally rises on wing to return to the open sea. 

 It may then be seen flj'ing at a great height in the air, with a 

 direct, rapid flight, its comparatively small wings giving it a 

 curious appearance when contrasted with the sea-gulls, which, 

 although fast fliers, are soon overtaken and passed by the engine- 

 like speed of the diver. When the birds return at the end of 

 autumn, many of them are seen with the spotted plumage yet 

 visible, but which falls off" like flakes of snow on the hand being 

 passed along the back. Mr Gray concluded his remarks by 

 observing that the great northern diver would appear to be 

 invested with a greater interest than most sea birds. At certain 

 seasons it may be seen in small companies of four or five, fishing 

 by day, which are heard shouting to one another at nightfall with 

 loud, hoarse cries. At other times a single bird will startle the 

 ear with a strange, melancholy cry, as of a man in distress — 



" The wild scream of one whose life is perishing in the sea." 



It has also been likened to the howling of a wolf, when storms are 

 approaching, portending disasters to seafaring men, among whom 

 the bird is generally regarded Avith but little favour. 



Dr Dewar stated to the meeting that this species of Cohjmbus is 

 known to frequent the shores of North and South Uist all the 

 year in limited numbers, and that, having made inquiries 

 on the spot, he had no reason to doubt the accuracy of 

 their information, although all writers on British birds agree in 

 saying that the ring-necked loon is strictly migratory. As the 

 nest, however, had not yet been found, it would be unsafe to infer 

 that these stragglers had remained to breed, as their movements 

 may have been influenced by other causes. 



The Secretary likewise exhibited a specimen of Sirex Juvencus, 

 from Aberdeenshu-e, an insect belonging to a genus especially 

 destructive to plantations and forests, but happily of uncommon 

 occurrence in our own country. Tliis specimen had been captured 

 during the present month. 



PAPER READ. 



On Zoological Classificatmi. By Dr Alexander Lindsay. 



