304 TraJisactions of the [Sess. 



XL— THE RING AND WATER OUSELS: THEIR HOMES 

 AND HABITS. 



By Mr AE,CH. CRAIG, Jun. 



(Read Feb. 19, 1886.) 



The two species which are the subject of the ensuing remarks 

 have been selected, not because of their rarity, as they are far 

 from uncommon, but for various other reasons which seem to me 

 sufficiently valid to create more than a momentary interest, and 

 repay the slight trouble and time expended upon their examina- 

 tion. The rare bird is not of necessity the most interesting, as, 

 considering the fact that such may only be observed once or twice 

 in a lifetime, and then possibly only for a few minutes, no oppor- 

 tunity of studying its habits is attainable. It is quite otherwise, 

 however, with our common species, whose sojourn in this country, 

 even if migratory, is of sufficient length to permit of comparatively 

 close watching ; and consequently many little traits and pleasing 

 actions may be marked, that add greatly to our knowledge and 

 increase our pleasure at the same time. 



Briefly stated, the following are a few of the reasons which I 

 have thought potent enough to warrant this selection : First, the 

 two, although bearing the same popular name, are of different 

 genera — the Ring-Ousel [Turdus toi-q^iatus) belonging to the family 

 of Turdida3 or Thrushes, and the Water-Ousel [Cmclus aquatims) 

 being the sole representative, in Scotland, of the genus Cinclidae. 

 Second, they serve as illustrations of two classes of feathered fauna 

 — the former being a migrant, and the latter a constant resident. 

 Third, the plumage of both, besides bearing a certain similarity, is 

 peculiar, and almost unique, among our native land-birds — the dis- 

 tinct contrast between the black and white giving to both a cleanly, 

 sprightly appearance, which more brilliantly attired species do not 

 possess. Fourth, both are solitary in disposition, and frequent 

 equally those lonely situations where other bird-life is not abun- 

 dant. Fifth — and this is applicable to one only — notwithstanding 

 its comparative harmlessness, the Water-Ousel is an example of 

 that ignorant prejudice which is the origin of the phrase, " Give a 

 dog a bad name," e*cc. — as for long it has been subject to constant 

 senseless persecution at the hands of salmon-fishers and their too 

 ready satellites, the motives for which cruelty will be adverted to 

 more fully later on. Sixth, and lastly — although the reasons might 

 be multiplied considerably, and I fear you will consider this one 

 the weakest of all — these species have always been especial favour- 

 ites of my own ; and as an easy day's walk from town during the 



