ScoTTiIsH MERMAIDS. 157 
mermaids are said, with more apparent matter-of-factness than 
is the case with most of the legends just brought to your notice, 
to have been seen on our coasts. The task would probably be 
as thankless as that of investigating the identity of the “ mer- 
maids’’ whose seizure has been recorded with full circum- 
stantiality from time to time. It would probably also prove as 
futile as the oft-made attempt to grasp the elusive personality of 
that more up-to-date apparition of the vasty deep, the sea- 
serpent, whose actual capture, in spite of the growing frequency 
of its appearance even in our own waters, and the general agree- 
ment among those who have encountered it of at least the 
ferociousness of its aspect, has yet to be chronicled. 
Notes on Birps In Morrat District. By Mr T. A. 
JOHNSTONE. 
An interesting note of his observations of the bird life of the 
district, regarding nesting, habits, etc., was contributed by Mr 
Johnstone. 
Jupiciat OaTus. By Mr M. H. M‘KeErrow. 
A witness in all the courts of justice is required to give 
evidence on oath. The rules excluding the evidence of certain 
persons which at one time prevailed in Scotland have been gradu- 
ally relaxed in practice and by legislation, and it may be laid. 
down as a general proposition that all persons capable of giving 
rational evidence are competent witnesses both in civil and 
criminal causes. The witness by imprecating the wrath of God if 
he speaks falsely, or by calling attention to the fact that he speaks 
as in the sight of a Supreme Being, is found by experience to tell 
the truth more exactly than if he were merely making a statement 
without such sanction. One of the chief matters in witness- 
bearing is the appeal to God or sanction of an oath. Sanction of 
an oath has always been required by the Law of Scotland. 
Balfour says:—‘“ He wha is producit and ressavit as witness sould 
sweir that he sall not false say, nor suith conceil wittinglie in that 
cause, neither for love of the ane partie, nor for the haitret of the 
uther.’’ The full form of the oath is:—“I swear by Almighty 
God, and as I shall answer to God at the Great Day of Judgment, 
