THE FINDHOUN HERONRY. 251 



The nosts, too, are curiosities in their way; at this time they resembled huge 

 straw doormats, (basses Scolice,) stretched over the branches, or curved up 

 where the boughs spring from the parent trunk; their general appearance in 

 spring resembles, according to Mr. Miller, "the wigs of the Court of Session." 

 They are renewed and slightly repaired by their occupants as they return to 

 breed here annually, without molestation. There were about thirty nests in 

 all, some of which were unoccupied, while various individuals sat or perched 

 on the others. A parent bird sat in one — an 'old inhabitant' stood on the 

 side of another — four young ones stood silent on a distant nest, while, as we 

 gazed, a very unsettled-looking character arrived — dropped on his nest — looked 

 about him — rose — croaked — spread his wings — made a tour through the colony 

 — attempted with great gravity — much flapping — and very little success to 

 balance himself on the top shoots of a neighbouring larch — and at length with 

 a flap and a croak, started down the river. The scene was one of restlessness 

 and bustle; and though very many of the Herons had left, those that remained 

 seemed to do their best in the way of keeping up a stirring appearance about 

 their settlement. . The best time for seeing them however was long past, when 

 the tricks of the Jackdaws, and the clamour of the Herons, with the cooings 

 of the Wood Pigeons, and the sweet warblings of the birds, give the whole 

 scene a very lively aspect. On the opposite side from the Heronry, a small 

 company of Peregrines and other Hawks reside, but, except a slight alarm as 

 they pass over the Heronry, do no mischief to their long-legged neighbours. 



Leaving the Heronry, we turned down the river, passing several Butterflies 

 in the height of enjoyment. They were diflicult to catch, as they were so 

 quick, or, perhaps, their pursuers so slow. The pleasantly- shaded path led us 

 into the wood, but speedily returned to the Findhorn. Turning down by 

 another way, the eye was attracted to one of the most pleasant of our British 

 plants, the Eyebright, {Euphrasia qfficinaUs,) whose delicately-streaked flowers 

 and modest appearance never fail to delight us. We were much struck with 

 it in one locality in particular — when wandering near Dunnottar Castle we 

 came upon a considerable patch, where many years before, the Rev. Mr. 

 Longmuir discovered it in great abundance. Many is the 'sunny memory' 

 of the past which it brings up in the solitude of the granite city. "A thing 

 of beauty is a joy for ever." 



But here, a considerable way farther on, 



"The hazel hangs 

 With auburn branches, dipping in the stream 

 That sweeps along, and threatens to o'erflow 

 The leaf- strewn banks;" 



And here also, stands an old wooden house, the walls covered, inside with 

 inscriptions, outside with lichens, puff'-balls, and spiders. The river has been 

 gradually widening, and the plain spreading out on both sides; a fine level 

 ground at no great distance, entitled the 'Mead of St. John,' having been 

 at one time famous for its tilts and tournaments; but ripe grain [now waves 



