442 Birds of the Great Glen. [Sess. 



others whose existence can be vouched for by competent 

 parties. Meanwhile, let us glance more particularly at any 

 of the more uncommon species which may naturally be 

 expected to have greater interest for a body of naturalists 

 like our Field Club. 



To begin, as in duty bound, with what are called the 

 nobler species — viz., Eaptores or birds of prey — so far as 

 this part of the country is concerned, one might cry 

 " Ichabod ! " with something like reason, as what with shoot- 

 ing, trapping, and relentless persecution in general, the num- 

 bers are sadly reduced, and in some instances certain species 

 are now extinct. In fact, it is almost no exaggeration to say 

 that it would be as difficult for a hawk or other bird that the 

 sporting fraternity are pleased to designate " vermin," to get 

 rest for the sole of its foot as it was for tlie poor dove that Noah 

 let out of the Ark. It would be unwise to enter upon the 

 vexed question of hawk versus grouse, as so much evidence 

 can be adduced on both sides in favour of their extirpation or 

 preservation ; but one may perhaps be pardoned if a remark 

 be made in passing to the effect that I fancy there are few 

 lovers of nature, worthy of the name, who would not prefer 

 to watch the graceful falcon or hawk sailing or hovering in 

 the air, than to have the opportunity of seeing a set of hen- 

 reared pheasants prowling about the woods like tame chickens 

 waiting to be slaughtered. In despite of shooting-tenant and 

 keeper, however, many species show face now and then. The 

 golden eagles bred for some years on the precipitous slope of 

 one of the spurs of Mealfourvounie, and to tlie credit of the 

 then Earl of Seafield be it said, they were forbidden to be 

 disturbed ; but unfortunately one of the pair got killed in a 

 trap set for a fox or wild cat, and the remaining bird, con- 

 trary to the usual custom, did not return to the eyrie with 

 another mate. This happened a good many years ago, but my 

 information is not of so recent a date as to say for certain 

 whether any of those birds still rear their young in the old 

 locahty. The kite, before the mania for game preservation 

 took such a hold upon the local magnates, was not so uncom- 

 mon a resident as to be thought a rara avis; but from the 

 most authentic reports the last pair were ruthlessly shot off 

 the nest a year or two prior to 1865. I knew the man well 



