44 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



foundation, with the result that the nest frequently tilts to 

 one side and the eggs roll out. About the going away of 

 the Garden-Warbler in autumn I know little. After it ceases 

 singing in early July, the denseness of the foliage baffles all 

 attempts to trace it, the only chance being when it comes 

 into the gardens to eat fruit. Even then I have not noticed 

 it later than the beginning of August. 



Of the Blackcap Gray, in The Birds of the West of Scotland, 

 gives no specific instance of its occurrence in CI) de. It is 

 an uncommon and local species in Clyde generally, being one 

 of the least, if not actually the least common of our local 

 warblers. I have heard it at Lanark in the east, Inveraray 

 in the west, Loch Lomond in the north, and Culzean Castle 

 in the south, and I have observed it, or have reliable 

 information of its occurrence at a few localities between these 

 points. It is more common in the valley of the Clyde 

 between Bothwell Bridge and Lanark than in any other 

 district in the area. Though it affects situations similar 

 to those favoured by the Garden-Warbler one may listen in 

 vain for it at likely spots times without number, while with 

 the Garden-Warbler under similar circumstances a little 

 patience generally meets with success. This may be due 

 partly to the fact that the Garden -Warbler sings oftener and 

 longer at a time than the Blackcap, but the main reason is 

 undoubtedly the scarcity of the latter. The earliest date I 

 have for the return of the Blackcap is 6th May. About 

 its withdrawal in autumn I know nothing. Considerable 

 difference of opinion exists among ornithologists as to which 

 of the two species is the better singer. In my estimation, 

 if one is able to hear the Blackcap at its best by no means 

 a common occurrence in Clyde there is no doubt as to its 

 superiority. I am afraid, however, that the songs of the two 

 species are not always correctly discriminated. 



