78 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



The specimens in the case were obtained in the west 

 of Eoss-shire, in May, 1868. 



PTARMIGAN.— (Autumn.) 



Case 77. 



By this time the male has changed the showy dress he 

 wore m the courting season, and, clad in sober grey, 

 matching in colour the rocks and stones he frequents, 

 he gives timely warning of approaching danger to his 

 unsuspicious brood. 



On fine days at the commencement of the season it 

 is occasionally no easy matter to force the young birds 

 to take wing, as, unaccustomed to the sight of anyone 

 more terrible than a wandering shepherd, they run 

 like chickens a few yards in advance of the sportsmen. 



In wet and windy weather their nature seems 

 entirely changed, as, unless surprised in some rocky 

 corry, no bird is more difficult to approach within 

 gunshot. 



The specimens in the case were shot on Benderich, 

 one of the hills to the north of Glenlyon, in Perth- 

 shire, in the months of August and September, 1805. 



CORMORANT.— (Immature.) 



Case 78. 



As Cormorants in the immature dress may be seen at 

 all times of the year, it is certain that they must 

 be at least two, and possibly three, years old before 

 they assume the adult plumage. 



Though most persons would fancy this bird unhkely 



