The Avifauna. 



115 



with their young broods came and stalked about with 

 characteristic activity over the spots where the eggs 

 were deposited, but in no case were these interfered 

 with. While not regarding 



this as an infallible test, we 



• -, • • • f 



consider it presumptive evi- ^ 



dence that starlings are in no 



way responsible for the scarcity 



of the lark. 



The Swift is plentiful at 



Craigmillar, and breeds in 



holes in the south front of the 



castle ruins. Most people 



wonder at the small hole they 



go in at, considering the size 



of the bird. 



The Swallow also frequents 

 the district. 



The Sand-Martin abounds, 

 and bores in nearly every sandbank in the district, where 

 it deposits its eggs. This must be a hardy bird, as some- 

 times severe weather is experienced after its arrival. 



rHK Swift. 



