70 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



null and void. The winter quarter begins on the 

 1st July, proximo, and terminates some time next 

 year. 



" (Signed) PHOZBUS APOLLO." 



The weather has been extremely unsettled, un- 

 pleasant, and rough, in the early part of the present 

 morning ; nevertheless I have set off with my knap- 

 sack and gun, intending to take a line across the 

 island " as the crow flies " (which I have specially 

 observed in the north is most wonderfully straight), in 

 the direction of Bin' Scarth, and take the chance of 



finding Mr. S h, the Banker, and Russian, 



Prussian, French, American, and Swedish Consul in 

 Orkney, at home. I carry a letter of introduction to 

 him from Dr. S r, of Wick. 



I retraced the original country as far as the noble 

 Loch of Steanhouse. Then, striking off across a con- 

 siderable hill, I mounted its heathery side and revelled 

 in the freedom of a cooler breeze. Having made 

 about two-thirds of its ascent, surprising on its unfre- 

 quented braes the timid and solitary hare, as, bounding 

 away aslant the slope, she rested upon some higher 

 ledge, sharply upraising her elegant ears, and carefully 

 reconnoitring with her soft and prominent eyes the 

 scene of her unceremonious flight, I hear a sweet 

 flute-like cry with which I happen to be unacquainted. 

 List ! I hear it again ! " tweet," " tweet," " tweet" 



