58 PROCEEDINGS OP THE 



It was during a heavy blast of rain and wind ; only a field's-breadth 

 from the sea-side ; wind N. and tempestuous. 



Woodpigeon. — Columba palumbus, Lin. — Pigeons remained very 

 plentifully about Aberfoyle until Christmas, when they all dis- 

 appeared. 



Grouse. — Lagopus scoticus (Lath.). Ptarmigan. — L. mutus, 

 Leach. — Whilst all the district round about " Bonnie Aberfoyle " 

 is covered with snow, we, who live in the lower part of the glen, 

 have been enjoying much milder weather, and the scenery is only 

 varied by a few small patches of snow. In consequence of this, 

 hundreds of Grouse are frequenting the southern slopes of Craig- 

 more and the adjacent hills in packs of from two to three hundred, 

 almost darkening the air as they fly over one's head, and making 

 a rushing noise like what one would expect from the " Flying 

 Scotsman" — [Stirling Journal, 25. ii. 81]. 



From Fannich Forest, Ross-shire, I have the report that Grouse 

 look remarkably well and healthy — [J. Maclennan in lit, 28. ii. 

 1881]. 



About Ptarmigan my accounts are all negative up to March, 

 owing to the absolute inaccessibility of their haunts. When spring 

 comes we may hear more. 



Lapwing. — Vanellus cristatus, Meyer. — In the Stewartry they 

 are in immense flocks, and have been more than usually abundant 

 and early this autumn — 1880. In E. Lothian they are reported 

 as unusually scarce. In Ireland they began to assemble on the 

 shores of Co. Wicklow by the 22nd July. 



Golden Plover. — Charadrius phivialis, Lin. — Considerable 

 numbers have frequented the Solway mud-flats since early in Oct. 

 On the mud-flats of Stirlingshire they usually arrive as early as the 

 end or even the middle of Aug. This year they appeared about 

 the usual time, or rather earlier. Unusual numbers frequented the 

 Outer Hebrides, and Mr. Henderson writes me they were more 

 numerous than in any year since he went there. 



Dotterel. — Eudromias morindlus (Lin.). — Mr. D. Dewar shot 

 a pair, male and female, on the hill of Stron Chorm, above Remony, 

 on 1st Oct. The weather had been a little stormy, and the wind 

 was from N.E. There were three in company at the time. This 

 hardly indicates their line of migration from their Scottish breeding 

 haunts, being a comparatively new locality for their appearing. 



Glossy Ibis. — Falcinellus igneus (Gm.). — Mr. G. Sim reports 



