160 WILD NATURE IN STRATHEARN. 



over-abundance of small trout On a good day 

 his basket will show a great variety in size, and 

 in quality also, when contents come to be cooked. 

 The small trout, covered with oatmeal, or with 

 bread crumbs and the yolk of an egg, and fried, 

 are a most delicious dish. If the trout are 

 large, they are better split down the back before 

 frying. 



In the summer evenings Mallard Ducks and 

 young may be seen paddling about the sides of 

 the river, that bit at the Old Castle being a 

 favourite breeding ground, the Teals breeding in 

 the tributaries. The Water Craw is never absent, 

 flying up and down the river, uttering his dis- 

 cordant cries, or sitting bobbing on a stone. It 

 is only at times the Kingfisher is to be seen ; 

 but along the banks the Water-Hen is never 

 absent ; and the Cutty Wren, the Willow and 

 Wood Warblers may be heard lilting their sweet 

 song; while the "chee, chee" of the Blue Tit 

 on the higher trees lends variety to the pleasant 

 noises. While resting on the bank waiting on 



