SESSION 1895-96. 



I. — THE ROLLER. 

 By Mr TOM SPEEDY. 



(Read Nov. 27, 1895.) 



The bird which I now exhibit is a vara avis in this country. 

 In all my peregrinations over Scotland I have never had the 

 pleasure of seeing it. The specimen in question was shot at 

 Swordale in Eoss-shire by my friend Mr David Brotherstone on 

 September 30, 1892. It was frequently seen on the public 

 road, the nature of the adjacent ground being whins and 

 heather. It never seemed to be in the company of any other 

 bird. It was observed feeding on the " hips " or seeds of the 

 dog-rose. This observation was strengthened by the excre- 

 ments, which were of a reddish colour. It frequently perched 

 on a post, but seldom sat any length of time, being evidently 

 restless in its habits. As to how far the shooting of such a 

 stranger can be justified, a considerable diversity of opinion 

 exists. Personally I am opposed to the killing of rare birds, 

 unless for preservation in public museums, in the interests of 

 science. This bird will be presented by its owner to the 

 Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh. 



The Eoller (Coracias gamdus) is an autumn, or more rarely 

 a spring, visitor to the British Islands. It was first noticed 

 by Sir Thomas Browne in 1644. In proof of its rarity, it 

 may be mentioned that only about a hundred have been re- 

 corded since that time. No doubt many will have been 



