IGO Ml* Selby on the Quadrupds and Birds 



lupt the return of his game from their predatory excursions to the lower 

 districts. Upon such occasions he is attended by a pack of dogs, con- 

 sisting of several terriers of an excellent and hardy breed, an old fox-hound 

 or two, and a half-bred greyhound or lurcher. He is also provided with a 

 gun, and generally carries materials to set traps, &c. for such vermin as 

 betake themselves to holes and fissures of the rocks where they cannot 

 be got at by his dogs. Besides the fox, he is assiduous in his pursuit of 

 the wild cat and marten, both of which animals abound in the county, and 

 are, like the fox, the frequent destroyers of lambs, poultry, &c. Till with- 

 in the last year, the fox-hunters, or vermin-destroyers, were appointed 

 and supported, and the premiums for the destruction of the various ani- 

 mals paid, by the Duchess- Countess of Sutherland. To each parish a dis- 

 tinct one was regularly appointed, and, in addition to a salary of L. 20 per 

 annum, he was provided with a house and potato garth, and sufficient 

 oat-meal for himself and ten dogs. This was exclusive of the premiums 

 paid for the various animals destroyed, which generally amounted to as 

 much as the stipulated money payment, and sometimes to a much larger 

 sum, as we were informed upon good authority, that the fox-hunter of 

 Ben Hope district had the preceding year drawn as much as L. 40 for 

 the animals and eagles he had destroyed. By a late regulation they are 

 now to be kept and paid by the farmers or lessees of the estate at the 

 same rate, and with the same conditions and allowances as they enjoyed 

 imder the Noble proprietor of the county. 6. Mustela vulgaris. Com- 

 mon Weasel. 7. M. erminea. Ermine Pole-cat. In greater plenty 



than the common weasel. 8. M. putoria. Foumart. Common upon 



the banks of the rivers, margins of lakes &c. 9. M. Fagorum aut 



Abietum. Abundant in the mountainous districts, particularly where 

 birch or other wood grows ; is sometimes destructive to young lambs, 



and often attacks the hen-roost. 10. Lutra vulgaris. Otter. The 



otter is still pretty abundant upon the numerous lakes and rivers of 

 this interesting county, although no opportunity is neglected of destroy- 

 ing them, both on account of their valuable skin and for the injury they 

 do to the salmon fisheries. Upon the salt-water lochs or inlets they are 

 also frequently taken, but these are said to be of smaller size, and of a 

 lighter colour. We had not an opportunity of comparing the two together, 

 and are therefore unable to say whether the animal that affects the salt 

 water is merely a variety, or a species distinct from the common otter. 

 Specimens of both kinds are however promised, and we hope ere long to 



be able to decide this interesting point. 11. Felis sylvestris. Wild or 



Mountain Cat. Wild cats are very numerous in this mountainous district, 

 where they attain a great size, and sometimes commit great ravages upon 

 the young lambs. In Assynt, upon the Ben More ridge, they are very- 

 plentiful, and find secure shelter and protection in the numerous caverns 

 and holes of the limestone district. Of their specific distinction from the 

 eommon or domestic cat no doubt is now entertained^ and, in addition 



