170 J'auna of Glenoairn. 



early evening long before dusk or late in the morning flying about 

 in quest of gnats, etc. Occasionally one may be noticed as early 

 as March if the weather is mild, also as late as the end of October. 

 Its colour is rich dark brown over the back, with a mousy grey 

 over the belly. The ears are very small and mouse-like. I have 

 secured a specimen already this year, which was shot flying about 

 with another in this locality. 



Daubenton's Bat ( VespertiHo daubentonii). 

 Not observed by writer but by others. 



Long-eared Bat {Pkcotus auretus). 



Not so common as the short-eared. It prefers the tiled 

 roofs of houses, which are non-existent in this district. 



Common Fox {Cams vulpes) 



A few are killed each year in our upper districts. This not 

 being a hunting locality, it is no crime to shoot reynard at sight, 

 and is, therefore, not numerous enough to do a great deal of 

 mischief. 



Common Weasel {Musfela vulgaris). 



Although the weasel is universally looked upon as a dread 

 to the safe upbringing of game, it has a worse name than it 

 rightly deserves, and in reality does a great deal of good in hunt- 

 ing down rats, mice, and various insects, although a young 

 rabbit, pheasant, or partridge do not come amiss if in their path. 

 In early autunna as many as seven or eight may be seen 

 apparently hunting together, probably the members of a family. 



Stoat {Mustela erminea). 



Here we have a true destroyer of game, and woe betide the 

 covey of young pheasants, grouse, or partridges that comes in his 

 way. He is verily a true blood-sucker, and is a continuous 

 scourge to game preserves. It is a very common occurrence to 

 see a stoat running down a rabbit, though the rabbit is so 

 paralysed by fear that it is unable to run either far or long. In 

 winter it takes on a fine white coat, and is a beautifully soft fur. 

 Although considerably trapped, there are still numbers well 

 distributed throughout the district. 



