312 BIRDS OF ARRAN. 



129. CONCLUDING REMARKS. 



It will be seen from a glance at the preceding list that it 

 does not contain much that may be said to possess special 

 interest. Compared with the counties of Ayr and Wigtown, 

 the islands forming Buteshire present a smaller number of 

 species. A patient research, especially if carried out by 

 some one resident on the islands, might result in very many 

 additions to the present catalogue. Meanwhile, the chief 

 interest centres in the more conspicuous birds of prey; and it 

 is particularly gratifying to know that these are now to be 

 protected. As I have stated in the notes on the golden 

 eagle, hopeful signs are already apparent, two eyries of that 

 bird having this year been found within forty miles of the 

 city of Glasgow. A better refuge than Arran for eagles 

 there could not be; and should the now deserted haunts 

 be again occupied, I trust that no west country landowner 

 will allow his keeper to kill the poor birds should they at 

 any time venture beyond the boundaries of their own hunting 

 grounds. 



