CH. IX. BIRDS. 139 



lochs, such as Loch Erriboll, is considered to fore- 

 tell severe weather. 



116. The Gray Lag Goose breeds in Loch Mad- 

 die, Loch Laighal, Loch Urigil, etc.; but I am 

 sorry to see that these fine birds have every chance 

 of being entirely driven away from their haunts. 



117. The Bean Goose breeds on Loch Shin. [?] 



118. The White-fronted Goose is a winter visitor, 

 and the rarest and handsomest species that fre- 

 quents this country. 



119. The Brent Goose comes to most of the 

 inlets of the sea in immense numbers during the 

 winter: it is one of the best wild-fowl for the 

 table. 



120. The Bernicle Goose, though an occasional 

 visitor, is much more rare than the last-named 

 species. The brent goose is more frequent on the 

 east coast, while the bernicle keeps to the western 

 side of the county. 



121. The Sheldrake breeds very commonly about 

 the sandy parts of the coast. 



122. The Pintail, a very beautiful bird, visits 

 this county in the winter. 



123. The Common Mallard is everywhere to be 

 found, as is its miniature likeness, 



124. The Teal, during the whole year. 



125. The Widgeon breeds in a few localities 



