BIRDS OF ARRAN. 303 



long been the subject of special protection. Writing in 1703, 

 Martin says, " The black cock is not allowed to be killed 

 here without a licence; the trangressors are liable to a fine." 



RED GROUSE (Lagopus Scoticus). Is found in very great 

 numbers in Arrau especially, and is there remarkably tame 

 during the close season. 



PTARMIGAN (Lagopus vulgaris). Has been long known as 

 a native of Arran. All the older writers mention it as an 

 inhabitant of the granite mountains. For many years it has 

 been on the decline, and attempts have recently been made 

 to restore the bi'eed by importing birds from Inverness-shire. 

 Mr. Halliday and Mr. Mackenzie agree in saying that there 

 are still a few on Ben Ghnuis and Goatfell. 



PARTRIDGE (Perdix cinerea). Appears to have been intro- 

 duced into the island of Arran previous to Pennant's visit, in 

 1772. It is also mentioned as one of the birds of Bute by 

 Mr. Blain, whose unpublished account was written in 1800. 

 In both islands it is now fully established. 



QUAIL (Coturnix vulgaris). Mentioned by Headrick, 

 in his work on Arran, in 1807. It is almost unknown at 

 the present day, though in Ayrshire, on the opposite main- 

 land, it is a regular summer visitant. 



127. GRALLATORES. 



GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis). Very common, 

 breeding on all the hills, and frequenting tbjfc shores, at low 

 tides, during the autumn months. 



Obs. I have utterly failed to trace the dotterel (Ch. 

 morinellus) in any of the western islands. 



RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula). A common species 

 on all the islands, where it breeds. 



SANDERLIXG ( Calidris arenaria). This species only appears 

 in the end of July or beginning of August, and remains no 

 longer than a week or ten days. I have failed to distinguish 

 it on the Arran shores in spring-time. 



GRAY PLOVER (Squatarola cinerea). Occurs "ifc small 



