204 Transactions of tJie [Sess. 



To commence with tlie Corn-Bunting : this bird is the largest 

 of his order, and certainly the least numerous in North Britain, 

 although found more or less in all arable parts over the island. 

 Information has reached me from several gentlemen in different 

 districts of Scotland that, whereas in the particular localities in 

 which they live this species was at one time very plentiful, now 

 it has, with the exception of a few pairs scattered up and down, 

 almost entirely disappeared, — some among them attributing this ex- 

 tinction to the gradual cultivation and draining of the land, which 

 has swept away many of the old ditches and moist places that used 

 to border the tilled portions, and which they aver this Bunting 

 was fond of frequenting. This may or may not be the correct solu- 

 tion, but it at any rate contains a strong element of probability, 

 as you will often notice that, during the breeding season, where 

 such ditches skirt the fields, this Bunting is on most occasions found 

 inhabiting their vicinity. In the South of England, where it seems 

 to be most numerous, the numbers . are annually thinned by bird- 

 catchers, who net them, along with Skylarks, to supply the food 

 market. This hateful custom, which panders to a low gormandis- 

 ing taste, is, I am happy to say, except perhaps in a very few 

 instances, confined to the southern portion of the island — and I feel 

 confident you will all agree with me in devoutly wishing that the 

 day is far distant when our countrymen of Scotland will be infected 

 by such useless and cruel practices. Surely Providence has sup- 

 plied us with quite a sufficient variety of food to permit of any 

 palliation for those whose desire for change causes them to connive 

 at the wanton destruction of our innocent little birds. In our own 

 locality of Edinburgh the Corn-Bunting may generally be seen in 

 summer near the road which runs by the side of the Braid Burn 

 from the foot of Liberton Brae to the Blackford Quarry, and also in 

 or near the irrigated meadow at Peffer Mill, now traversed by the 

 Suburban Eailway. Once observed, it cannot be mistaken for any 

 other species, the peculiar harsh note alone amply indicating its 

 presence. This note, which is nothing more nor less than what 

 would be termed in Lowland Scotch a " skraugh," is his utmost 

 effort at a love-song ; but what it lacks in beauty is fully made up 

 , for by the patient manner in which the bird will continue for 

 lengthened periods of time reiterating this dismal ditty to cheer 

 his mate engaged hard by in nesting duties. Who knows but this 

 rudimentary dirge may be just as pleasing in the ears of the female 

 Corn-Bunting as the finer melody of the Nightingale is supposed 

 to be in those of his partner. On a calm day the note is carried to 

 long distances ; and as proof of this, and also of the steady per- 

 sistence with which the bird will remain seated at or near the 

 same spot during the nesting period, I may mention that last 

 summer, having occasion to pass and repass a certain field in the 



