TETRAONID^. 



497 



THE PTARMIGAN. 



Lagopus mutus (Montin). 



As regards Great Britain, the Ptarmigan is now confined to 

 Scotland ; but there are traditions of its occurrence in former times 

 on the fells of Cumberland and Westmorland. Investigations by 

 Mr. R. Service (Zool. 1887, pp. 81-89) have shown that a few birds 

 existed in the highest portions of Dumfriesshire and Galloway until 

 about 1822, when the last were captured near Sanquhar, but a 

 subsequent attempt by the late Duke of Buccleuch to re-stock that 

 district proved unsuccessful ; while on Arran, though at one time 

 re-introduced, its presence is now doubtful. A few pairs survive on 

 the Paps of Jura, and gradually decreasing numbers are found in 

 Skye, Harris, and Lewis. From the vicinity of Ben Lomond north- 

 ward, the Ptarmigan inhabits the " region of stones " on the higher 

 mountain-masses, especially in Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Inverness- 

 shire, Ross, and Sutherland. In Ireland it is unknown. 



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