276 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



time visible. This fine species appears to be more sensitive to 

 persecution than other birds of prey, judging from the very rapid 

 diminution of its numbers throughout Scotland during the last 

 twenty years. 



Mr Gray lately examined a beautiful specimen shot near Beith 

 many years ago. It is now never seen there. 



The Common Buzzard {Buteo vulgaris). 

 Very uncommon, having doubtless yielded to the wide-spread 

 persecution which has been practised since the excessive protection 

 of game became common. In the upland ranges of both counties 

 the nest is sometimes found. Specimens of both young and old 

 birds are occasionally taken to Ne-wton-Stewart from the neigh- 

 bourhood of Loch Trool — a charming bit of scenery about sixteen 

 miles north-east of that town. Mr Gray lately examined a speci- 

 men of this buzzard shot near New Cumnock, 



The Honey Buzzard (Pernis cqnyorus). 



A young male bird of this species was shot on 21st September, 

 1864, at Wellwood, near Muirkirk, Ayrshire. It had been seen 

 in the neighbourhood previously, and the keeper who shot it 

 states that he trapped a bird of the same species in September, 

 1863, but that it broke away on his approach, leaving part of one 

 of its legs in the trap. 



Obs. — The Rough-legged Buzzard {Buteo lagojnis) has occurred 

 in Lanarkshire on the' confines of our district, but not, so far 

 as we are aware, within the limits we have prescribed for our- 

 selves. 



The Hen Harrier {Circus cyaneus). 

 Even of greater rarity than the preceding. A solitary pair may 

 yet be seen frequenting some of the wilder moors of Wigtown- 

 shire, but so soon as their whereabouts is discovered, means are 

 used for their destruction. The conspicuous appearance of the 

 male bird against the brown heath, especially during flight, has no 

 doubt tended to the discovery of the nest, and consequent capture 

 of both birds. Keepers, on finding a nest, usually wait until the 

 eggs are hatched, and are in the habit of killing all the young 

 birds except one, which they fasten by the leg to a stake, and 

 thus oblige to remain there, even after being fully fledged intil 



