84 



Cvai^inillar and its Environs. 



The Water-Ousel is a most interesting bird, and 

 is well known on all the streams in the neighbourhood. 

 We are of opinion that it should be included in the 

 singing class, as its low sweet note is frequently 



heard, even 

 when the 

 brooks are 

 almost co- 

 vered with 

 ice. 



The King- 

 fisher, the 

 most beau- 

 tiful of all 

 our British 

 birds, is b}^ 

 no means 



uncommon near Craigmillar. They regularly frequent 

 the Braid burn, and are strictly preserved by the 

 proprietor. Last year we kept one in a cage, which 

 was the most tame and interesting pet we ever had. 

 It appeared to have no fear, and would sit on our 



