The Avifauna. 109 



matters is allowed to exist is a blot on our legisla- 

 ture, and it is to be hoped that some humane mem- 

 ber of Parliament may take the matter up, otherwise 

 the extirpation of the lark, not to speak of other 

 feathered favourites, may have at no distant date to 

 be deplored. 



Grouse we have shot on a stubble field at Craig- 

 millar. It was, however, after a high gale from the 

 south-west, when they had doubtless been blown from 

 the Pentlands. Several gentlemen of our acquaintance 

 have seen them on Arthur's Seat. 



The Greylag Goose is common in Mid-Lothian, 

 and they sometimes alight on the reservoir of the 

 Liberton Water Company. 



Golden Plover, after returning from their breed- 

 ing haunts, frequent the fields around Craigmillar 

 during the autumn and winter, feeding on the insect 

 life found on grass fields, turnip fields, and ploughed 

 land. 



The Peewit or Lapwing is much more plentiful 

 than the Golden Plover, and is to be seen here at 

 all seasons, though large numbers migrate from the 



