n8 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



neck green as in the Mallard drake. The cheeks, front and 

 sides of the neck, and breast, rich chestnut, much lighter than the 

 brown of the male Mallard's breast. No white ring round neck. 

 The scapulars and sides below the wings uniformly grey, of a slightly 

 darker shade than the similar parts in the Mallard, and the wing is 

 not conspicuous as a dark line along the side, as it is in the latter 

 bird. There is a broad white crescentic patch on either side, 

 between the grey of the sides and the black feathers surrounding 

 the tail and vent. Outer tail feathers white, but no curled feathers 

 above the tail. The bill is a light bluish lead colour, very different 

 from the yellowish bill of the Mallard. There has been no 

 opportunity for observing the colour of the feet, and the bird has 

 not been heard to utter any note. As the bird seems to combine 

 some of the features of the Mallard and the Wigeon, it is considered 

 to be a hybrid between these species ; but of course it is impossible 

 to be sure as to this, seeing that no minute examination can be 

 made. Mr Eagle Clarke has seen the bird, and agrees as to the 

 probability of the cross mentioned. There are no tame or pinioned 

 wildfowl on the lake. T. G. Laidlaw, Duns. 



Smew on Duddingston Loch. An adult male Smew 

 (Mergus albeihis), in perfect plumage, appeared on the loch on the 

 20th March, and has been there for a considerable time each day 

 till to-day, the 29th. It has done all its feeding in shallow water 

 within an area of about 20 square yards. It has made its 

 resting-place mostly on a stone standing in the water, some- 

 times in a nest that a Coot is busy building. Here it has regularly 

 preened its feathers and laid its head along its back to rest. It has 

 kept by itself, taking no notice of the Coots or the Tufted Ducks 

 that are swimming about. This is the first Smew I have seen on 

 the loch during a residence of eleven years. William Serle, 

 Duddingston. 



Woodcock in the city of Edinburgh. On 21st October 

 last I observed a Woodcock in the herbaceous border at the Royal 

 Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. It remained in the garden for about 

 a fortnight. I think it very remarkable that the Woodcock should 

 appear so near the heart of the city. Andrew M'L. May, Royal 

 Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. 



Scarcity of Frogs and Toads near Perth. There is a 

 great absence of Frogs and Toads, and consequently of spawn, this 

 year around Perth. It would be well to know if this condition is 

 local or general. I am afraid it will prove general, and that by 

 reason of last summer's drought. A. M. Rodger, Perth. 



