16 
diligent collector that he had been familiar with it for the last 
nineteen years. “Almost all the young plantations,” writes Mr 
Eaton, “are frequented by a pair; they arrive with our other 
summer visitors.” We are also satisfied of the species being a 
native of Wigtownshire. It is stated in a communication by the 
late Rev. Thomas B. Bell, published in the Proceedings of the 
Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, that it breeds in the parish 
of Leswalt in that county. We took notice of this interesting 
species near Girvan in the beginning of July, 1869. 
THE SEDGE WARBLER (Salicaria phragnutis). 
One of the commonest warblers in Ayrshire, and, so far as we 
can judge, a common species also in Wigtownshire. It is a very 
conspicuous bird on the banks of the Water of Girvan, where its 
unceasing mirth is sure to attract the most careless observer. It 
breeds in some numbers on the farm of Enoch, near Girvan, and is 
also very common near the curling pond. We have often observed 
this bird singing while on wing mounting into the air, and 
descending again with jerks to the hedge or growing grain from 
which it rose. 
THE Biuackcap WARBLER (Curruca atricapilla). 
Wherever a soft, sylvan spot occurs throughout our district, the 
blackeap is a well-known element in the bird life of the locality. 
Being, in appearance at least, a firmly-built and hard-billed 
warbler, it might be expected to combat the rigours of a blustering 
autumn or early winter; hence we find that even when the woods 
are fast losing their tints, and all other warblers are gone, the 
blackcap lingers in young plantations and orchards, garden plots 
and sheltered nooks, feeding upon small fruits and insect prey, in 
searching for which it exhibits great restlessness. It may at these 
times be heard uttering a hard but clear note, reminding the 
observer of the habits of some of the larger Tits. 
THE GARDEN WARBLER (Curruca hortensis). 
Found sparingly in cultivated districts, chiefly frequenting 
orchards and cottage gardens, and taking up its perch regularly 
on some old apple tree, from the top branches of which it may be 
seen, morning and evening, pouring out its rich notes, to the 
delight of the listener. The song of this warbler, indeed, is only 
