ES  ——— 
2 ———— 
i ee te 
1899-1900. | The Birds of Bute and Arran, 83 
be in suitable localities during the evening when it comes out 
to feed; but that it occurs is certain. While glancing lately 
at a very old ornithological work, I came across a curious 
description of how swallows were reputed to be an unfailing 
specific for various disorders that afflict humanity. The 
writer, whose name was Schroder (a German, most likely), 
goes on to indicate how, if swallows were eaten whole, or if 
their ashes were mixed with honey and taken as physic, that 
a certain cure for the falling sickness, dimness of sight, and 
blear eyes would take place. He does not explain, however, 
whether “ blear eyes” are the product of excessive indulgence 
in alcohol or attributable to other causes—he leaves that to 
our imagination. Among other complaints that various parts 
and preparations of the swallow are supposed to mitigate, if 
not to cure finally, is the squinancy or quinsy: but not to 
prolong this matter, I will only mention other two maladies 
that fly before this sovereign balm—viz., the biting of a 
mad dog and the colic—a fairly representative list of 
diseases. All three species of pipits——the meadow, tree, 
and rock varieties—were found, the latter, of. course, fre- 
quenting the sea-beach; and that lovely songster, the sky- 
lark, occurred, but, as far as my observation went, it was rather 
sparsely distributed. 
Glancing rapidly over some of the others, we have to record 
the starling (on the increase, as elsewhere); and the thrush 
family consisted of missel-thrush, mavis, and blackbird: but it 
was a disappointment not to be able to include the ring-ouzel, 
as many parts seemed likely to suit its wants. Chaffinches, 
ereenfinches, redbreasts, hedge-accentors, all were plentiful; 
and it goes without saying that house-sparrows were as 
numerous and as impertinent as in other places. These last- 
named birds are increasing in far too great a ratio as compared 
with many much more interesting and less destructive species : 
in fact, in the suburbs of our large cities it is a rare thing 
now to see a house-martin’s nest in the corners of the 
buildings or windows, the sparrows waging constant war- 
fare against the more delicate race. The titmice identified 
were only three in number—the great, cole, and blue tits. 
Common wrens abounded, and there were also a goodly 
VOL. IV. G 
