BIRDS OF ARRAN. 291 



Account of the Parish of Kilmory (1793, vol. ix. p. 170) 

 contains a slight reference to one or two birds, by the 

 Rev. John Hamilton, who speaks of the wild swan being 

 found there in winter, the fieldfare in time of snow, and the 

 lapwing as a visitant for the months of May and June only. 

 In 1807, the Eev. James Headrick published a work on the 

 Mineralogy, Agriculture, and Antiquities of Arran, in 

 which, under the head of " Game," he has the following re- 

 marks : " Among the feathered tribes, the capercailzie for- 

 merly abounded, but seems now to be extirpated. The black- 

 cock and grouse swarm in the most unbounded profusion; and 

 I suspect their further multiplication is prevented by not 

 having a sufficient proportion annually destroyed. Among 

 these a few quails occur; on the granite mountains the ptarmi- 

 gan has chosen his residence. Among the wild birds are 

 plovers of various species, starlings, and others of smaller 

 size, which seem to be migratory. A few partridges are 

 found at South End; and this bird can only propagate as 

 cultivation increases. The birds of prey are eagles, kites, 

 hawks of various species, and carrion crows. The premiums 

 given by the late Duke for the preservation of game have 

 nearly effected their extirpation." In Mr. Headrick's book, 

 fi*equent mention is made of localities bearing Gaelic names 

 derived from their association with birds, as Castle Abhael 

 (ptarmigan's castle), Glen Chalmadale (glen of pigeons), 

 Torneadaneoin (heap of birds' nests), &c., shewing that in 

 early times the bird-life of the island had forced itself upon 

 the attention of the inhabitants. 



The next account of the ornithology of Arran, written in 

 1837, and revised in 1840, includes a somewhat extended list 

 of species, and was ptiblished in the New Statistical Account 

 of Scotland, by the Rev. Allan M'Naughton, D.D., minister 

 of the parish of Kilbride. This writer also speaks of the 

 great abundance of grouse and blackgame the latter 

 descending to the low grounds, and seriously annoying the 

 farmer in spring-time and harvest. Pheasants had been. 



