CHAPTER X. 



EXTENSION IN KINEOSS-SHIEE.^ 



There are no extensive pine woods in Kinross. Consequently, 

 the Capercaillie is a rare bird in the county, comparatively 

 speaking. The only locality where they are resident in the 

 county is at Cleish Castle. Aldie is really in Perthshire, near 

 the Crook of Devon {y. Perthshire under 1866). As there are 

 considerable woods upon Aldie, and the birds are likely to 

 increase there now, Kinross will probably be supplied with 

 occasional stragglers, but until more ground is planted it is 

 not likely to become resident in any numbers. 



1866. This is the earliest date I have for their appearance 

 in Kinross — probably a stray bird from Aldie. This was at 

 Craigow, Milnathort, where, at the present time, they only 

 appear occasionally in autumn and winter, leaving in spring. 

 The woods are small and old. Perhaps altogether two pairs 

 may be seen in a season. 



A few birds have been seen from time to time in the 

 Knock Wood in the Ochils. In 1873 one was seen at 

 Thomanean, side of Loch Leven. It occurs occasionally at 

 Portmoake, in the northern and eastern portions of the 

 county, probably coming from the Perthshire side of the 

 Ochils and from Fife. They have also been shot at Touchie, 



1 My returns from Kinross are 12 in number, representing all the im- 

 portant estates in the county. 



