REED WARBLER. 91 



The Sedge Warbler frequents the island of Mull in limited 

 numbers, and will perhaps be found in Skye, especially on the 

 eastern side, where there is but a short separation from the main- 

 land of Inverness; it is also found sparingly in Islay, as I have 

 been informed by Mr Elwes, but is not, so far as I am aware, ever 

 seen in any of the Outer Hebrides. 



THE REED WARBLER. 

 SALIC ARIA ARUNDINACEA. 



THIS species, which, in its geographical distribution, appears to be 

 confined to the continent of Europe, is a very rare bird in Scot- 

 land. My only authority indeed for introducing it into this 

 volume is my correspondent, Dr Turnbull, of Philadelphia, who 

 has stated in his little work on the " Birds of East Lothian," that 

 it is sometimes seen in that county, and that it has also been seen 

 in the neighbourhood of Bathgate, in Mid-Lothian, where it 

 breeds. 



Not having met with this bird in its natural haunts, I must 

 refer to the observations of others. The best account of its 

 habits I have yet read is to be found in Mr Stevenson's admirable 

 volume on the " Birds of Norfolk." " This species," says that 

 very pleasant writer, " like the sedge warbler, is an incessant 

 songster, heard at short intervals throughout the day, except in 

 windy weather, but saving its choicest music for the twilight 

 hours. Its lavish notes are thus associated in my mind with many 

 a calm summer's night on the open broads, the stars shining 

 brightly overhead, and the soft breeze sighing through the rust- 

 ling reeds, mingled with the hum of insect life on the water. It 

 is at such times that the song of these marsh nightingales is heard 

 to perfection. All is still around save those murmuring sounds 

 that seem to lull to sleep; the barking of the watch-dog has ceased 

 in the distance, and the hoarse croak of the coot or the moorhen 

 harmonizes too well with the scene to startle with its frequent 

 repetition. Presently, as if by magic, the reed-beds on all sides 

 are teeming with melody; now here, now there; first one, then 

 another, and another of the reed-birds pour forth their rich 

 inviting notes, taken up again and again by others, and still, far 

 away in the distance, the same strain comes back upon the breeze, 



