1 8 WILD NATURE IN STRATHEARN. 



something that was at least 'uncannie.'" (Knox's 

 " Autumn on the Spey.") 



The Lapwings are diving and wheeling over 

 the fallows, where their mates are resting, the 

 Wild Birds Protection Act preventing roving 

 boys from harrying their nests, which are simply 

 holes scooped in the barren earth. By and 

 by the plough and harrow will appear and 

 many eggs will be destroyed. The weird cry 

 of these birds at night as they rise and fall 

 in the air, as if blown hither and thither, the 

 poacher does not like, as it alarms the game 

 and proclaims his approach. 



I cannot say 



" From the neighbouring vale 

 The Cuckoo, struggling to the hill-tops, 

 Shouteth faint tidings of some gladder place," 



for I have not heard him yet. In 1899 I 

 saw and heard him on 3rd May. It is said 

 to bring good luck to hear the gowk early. 

 " Gang and hear the gowk yell, 

 Sit and see the swallow flee; 

 See the foal before its mither's 'ee, 

 'Twill be a thriving year wi' thee." 



