70 TRANSACTIONS. 
--a most unmerited slight, as all who have listened to the bird 
will be ready to testify. 
The Missel Thrush (Zrdus Viscivorus)is common, Deservedly 
famous as a songster, he is no less gifted in the use of bird 
Billingsgate, and woe betide the luckless egg-collecting wight upon 
whose head is poured the full venom of his wrath! The Fieldfare 
(Turdus Pilaris) is of frequent occurrence in the winter months. 
The Song Thrush (Zwrdus Musicus), I am pleased to say, abounds. 
The Blackbird (7urdus Merula) is plentiful, and its near ally, 
the Ring Ouzel (Zurdus Torqguatus), not uncommon. The Hedge- 
Sparrow (Accentor Modularis) is common, and sociable as well. 
Two years ago a remarkable instance of interrupted egg-laying 
came under my notice. A nest had been built in the garden 
hedge, anda single egg laid therein, when the birds to all appear- 
ance forsook the nest. Six days later, however, the birds re- 
turned, and re-arranged the nest, when laying was continued. 
The Robin (Zrythaca Rudecula), another lover of human abodes, 
is met with everywhere. The Redstart (Phoenicura Ruticilla), 
although occurring throughout the parish, can scarcely be con- 
sidered common anywhere. In Tynron district it seems to be 
much more abundant. On one occasion I found no fewer than 
three nests in the immediate vicinity of Tynron Village. The 
Whin Chat (Saxicola Rubetra) a bird we call Stonechat in 
Glencairn, and the Wheatear (Saxzcola Ginanthe) are both common. 
A year or two ago I would have described the Grasshopper Warbler 
(Salicaria Locustella) as rare, but I have satisfied myself that in 
Glencairn at least it occurs in considerable numbers. I had my 
attention first directed to the bird some five or six years ago when 
rod-fishing on the Cairn, and I have frequently heard it during 
similar excursions since. The nest is said to be very difficult to 
find, and to this circumstance may perhaps be attributed my want 
of success in the search. I have information of a bird shot in the 
water of Ken district which, from the description I received of its 
note and plumage, and, what is still more characteristic, its 
peculiar habit of skulking, I have no doubt was the Grasshopper 
Warbler. That delightful nocturnal songster, the Sedge Warbler 
(Salicaria Phragmitis) is common. During mid-summer it sings 
the greater part of the night as well as the day, and while some 
people profess not to care for its hurrying manner in song, I have 
often been entranced with its melody. Both the Blackeap (Curruca 
Atricapilla) and Wood Warbler (Sylvia Sibilatrix) are rare. The 
