216 THE WHITE WAOTAJL. 



The Common Shrew, {Sorex amneus,) is found, though not numerous. I 

 was going to say that Bats never were seen in lona, but I recollect on one 

 single occasion, while waiting at a Pigeon cave, after dusk, seeing a solitary 

 Bat flitting about the mouth of it. This is the only one I ever saw cither 

 in lona, or in the adjoining part of Mull, though there are numberless dark 

 caves round these shores. They are very abundant on the mainland of 

 Argyleshire, in the district called Lorn, opposite to the Island of Mull. 



yhe Stoat, (Mustela erminea,) is very common throughout the island, living 

 in dry-stone dykes, or holes under rocks. In one of these dens, after killing 

 its inmate, I took out the nest which the little animal had made, consisting 

 of dry grass and sea-weed; there was also a good collection of small birds' 

 feathers, and four or five wings of Ringed Dotterels. These must have been 

 caught when sleeping on the shore. I have frequently seen the tracks of the 

 Ermine over the wet sand at low water. I am not aware whether or not 

 it is common for these animals to take to the water; but I had the following 

 anecdote from a humble friend, who, I believe, could not misrepresent a fact, 

 though he were to try: — He saw a Stoat watching a flock of young ducklings 

 swimming in a pool, and after some hesitation he plunged in, and swimming 

 unperceived among them, caught one and brought it ashore. My friend, the 

 owner of the Ducks, now rushed forward to resent the liberties taken with 

 his property, not in time to save the poor Duckling though, as its throat was 

 cut. Accordingly he threw it in the midden in front of the door, (the usual 

 locality of the dung-heap in the Highlands;) the robber having taken refuge 

 among the stones of a dyke. In a short time he was surprised to see the 

 defunct Duckling moving away, the persevering little quadruped having watched 

 what was done with his prize, and actually returned to appropriate it. 



I must conclude rather abruptly, as the postman will begin to indulge in 

 profane expressions, as ho is waiting at my elbow. 



(To be continued.) 



THE WHITE WAGTAIL, (MOTAOILLA ALBA.) 



BY O. S. ROUND, ESQ. 



T SUPPOSE there is no common British Bird which has a greater title to 

 elegance than this, he is as familiar as he is pretty, and must really be 

 looked upon as an ornament to our paths and grass-plots His plumage, 

 although only gray, black, and white, is so variegated, as to produce a lively 

 effect; his white forehead and cheeks make a pretty contrast to his glossy 

 black crown and velvet breast; whilst the elegant slope of his long tail with 

 its black centre and white outsides, which is constantly in motion, like any 

 long, flat, thin substance, gives an idea of elasticity and ease to all his 

 motions: this undulating movement it is which gives the name to this genus. 

 Then his long, black, slender legs and bill, and intelligent large circular eyes, 

 contribute not a little to the general effect of his appearance. 



