42 
and thick tufts of herbage. From such places of concealment it 
is very difficult to dislodge the bird. There is a great difference 
in size between the sexes. 
Mr Thomas Anderson, jun., informed us some time ago that he 
captured a water rail, which flew on board one of the Cunard 
steamers in December, 1867, when about 450 miles from land. 
The ship was on an outward voyage from Liverpool. 
THE Moor HEN (Gallinula chloropus). 
The familiar water hen is very common in all the streams, lochs, 
and pools of our district, frequenting also mill-dams, ditches, and 
other water courses, especially such as are frmged with a pro- 
fusion of water plants, where the birds can hide themselves from 
observation. The eggs of this species are, in some districts, 
subject to considerable variation in size, markings, and general 
appearance. 
LOBIPEDIDA. 
THE Common Coot (Fulica atra). 
Found with the preceding species in the larger lochs, but not, 
so far as we have observed, in water courses or drains. 
NATATORES. ANATIDA. 
THE GREY-LAG GOOSE (Aunser ferus). 
Stray birds of this species are occasionally found during the 
winter months on the larger inland lochs and marshes. Their 
appearance, however, is uncertain. The attractions of the western 
islands as a feeding ground are sufficient to prevent these birds 
wandering to any great extent. A portion of both counties is 
visited by small flocks in passing southward in the beginning of 
winter, and again in March and April as they return. On these 
occasions they often alight on Ailsa Craig, and pitch upon a 
marsh there. 
THE BEAN GOOSE (Anser segetum). 
Of occasional occurrence in moist ground in retired moorlands, 
and sometimes seen in flocks on the sands at the Bay of Wigtown 
and near Glenluce. The following note is taken from Thomson’s 
“Birds of Ireland” :—“A sporting friend, residing in the south of 
