172 THE AJJEKICAN MOTTLED OWL. 



beyond its posterior edge. Thinking that many of the readers of the 

 Naturalist would be gratified by seeing the Owl figured, I have obtained the 

 able assistance of Mi*. Denny, who has marvellously brought out eveiy 

 feather. At a future period I may trouble you again, with a brief notice of 

 some other rather rare birds, which have been shot in our district. 

 Leech, July 6th, 1856. 



STALKED-EYED CRUSTACEA OF BANFFSHIRE. 



Local lists, however uninteresting they may be to the general reader, have 

 great advantages. What observatories are to the meteorologist, local lists 

 are to the natural historian. By them he is enabled to determine the zones 

 of animals, — one of the most interesting subjects of Natural Histoiy. When 

 there are added, carefully-made observations regarding the place of capture, 

 the size, colour, &c., of the specimens, so much more is contributed to the 

 knowledge regarding each species. Natural History is founded on the ob- 

 servation of facts ; and, therefore, the more observers there are, the more 

 ground has the philosopher to go upon in tracing the laws which regulate 

 the animal kingdom. In this way, the observations of even the humblest 

 individuals acquire an importance, and contribute to the advancement of 

 science. Local lists may also have the effect of inducing others to turn their 

 attention to the study of Natural History. When shewing any beautiful 

 specimens, such, for instance, as Cellipora cervicomus, Retepora Beaniana, 

 or Ooniaster equestris, the usual remark is, " That's a foi'eign specimen." 

 Curiosity is excited, and, in some cases, a desire of studying the subject 

 is engendered ; and, if it does not amount in others to a desire, it teaches 

 them that they have not kept their eyes open ; and even this is some- 

 thing gained. They are also of use to those engaged in the pursuit of Na- 

 tural History. They serve as guides to them to look for such and such spe- 

 cies within certain zones, and thus prevent a good deal of trouble and doubt 

 to][the young student. But to advocate the uses of such lists with the read- 

 ers of The Natubalist seems to be useless. I shall therefore proceed, at 

 once, to give a list of the Stalked-Eyed Crustacea of Banffshire, with the 

 remark, that the following have been obtained in a short space of time, and 

 within a rather limited range. All the specimens, with few exceptions, have 

 been obtained by myself. 



Long- legged Spider-Crab. (Stenorynchus Pkalanginm.) Rather common; 

 brought up by the fishing hooks. 



