BIRDS OF ARRAN. 309 



nearest breeding places are Ailsa Craig and the Mull of 

 Cantire. 



GANNET or SOLAN GOOSE (Sula alba). Very abundant 

 throughout the summer months off all the islands. It occa- 

 sionally comes into the sheltered bays of Arran, Bute, and 

 C umbrae, and its appearance in such places generally, if not 

 always, forebodes a storm. Some years ago, during a terrific 

 gale, two of these birds dashed themselves against the lantern 

 of the lighthouse on Pladda, and caused the utmost conster- 

 nation among the keepers, one of whom declared the end of the 

 world was at hand, as he had seen angels with outspread wings 

 looking wistfully through the spray-covered glass. Daylight, 

 however, revealed the fact that they were but solan geese. 



SANDWICH TERN (Sterna, Boysii}. I have seen this bird 

 passing Lamlash on one or two occasions. It is easily 

 distinguished from the commoner species while in flight. 



ROSEATE TERN (Sterna Dougallii). First made known as 

 a British bird in 1812, by Dr. M'Dougall, who discovered a 

 colony of roseate terns on two small rocky islets, called the 

 Allans, in the Bay of Millport, Cumbrae. This colony existed 

 until 1848 or 1849, when, through repeated molestation, the 

 birds dwindled to a few pairs, and were afterwards completely 

 extirpated. In 1859 I found that another colony had 

 established itself on a similar group of islets off Carradale, in 

 Kilbrannan Sound, in company with a number of common 

 terns. A careful search within the limits of the county 

 would doubtless lead to the discovery of other settlements. 



COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo). Numerous throughout 

 the summer months. 



ARCTIC TERN (Sterna arctica). Very common in the Firth 

 of Clyde, and often seen in the bays, fishing. 



LESSER TERN (Sterna minuta). Occasionally met with. 

 I know of no breeding station in the district. 



Obs. Though I have not detected the black tern in Arran 

 or any of the other islands, I have no doubt it has been 

 passed over, especially in the plumage of the first year. 



