306 LOCH CRERAN. 



We noted the destruction of a litter of cubs that had 

 been discovered under the neighbouring scaur, after a 

 large number of lambs had been found dead. The 

 attempt to secure the parents did not prove successful, 

 as the weather was bitterly cold, and those lying in wait 

 did not keep to the highest point of the scaur. So the 

 fox, as is customary with this wise animal, sought the 

 point of vantage in order to scan the vicinity, and, peep- 

 ing over, discovered its adversaries in time to make 

 good its retreat. But what exercises the minds of those 

 interested is, the tails of the lambs killed were alone 

 taken to the young cubs, so far as could be seen. This 

 is looked upon as an endeavour to provide playthings 

 for the youngsters for the young of foxes, dogs, and 

 cats all play with the tails of themselves or their parents ; 

 and the supply of extraneous appendages are supposed 

 to have been provided by the knowing Reynards for the 

 purpose of withdrawing the youngsters' attention from 

 their own brushes, or else amusing them when the old 

 folks were from home. 



JUNE, 1883. 



Everything tending towards fruiting; and there is a 

 row of stately cabbages running to seed ! " Come and 

 see this peculiar growth on the cabbage," we call to the 

 partner of our wanderings, who loveth " all things, both 

 great and small." Down the row until we come to one 

 of the larger growths, and, looking down upon a knot on 

 the stem apparently, there meets our gaze two upturned 

 bills, with the mandibles stretched to the uttermost, as 



