65 



cover which grew near some small loch and with out- 

 stretched neck attack any dogs I happened to have 

 with me ; the female at the same time being either 

 heard or seen endeavouring to get the young into 

 some place of safety. 



When on the wing,evenat a distance, this Goose 

 may readily be distinguished by the conspicuous 

 grey feathers from which it takes its name. 



In 1862 and 1863, when living in East Lothian, 

 we were visited every winter by large flocks of 

 Geese, which were on some farms so destructive to 

 the young corn that herds were obliged to be 

 employed to keep them from the crops. 



They take little notice of the labourers while 

 at work ; but, though appearing to be all intent on 

 searching for food, the slightest sign of danger is 

 almost certain to attract the attention of the 

 sentinel on duty. 



The specimens in the case were obtained in the 

 west of Koss-shire, in May, 1868. 



See " Kough Notes," Vol. III., Plate 1. 



PTARMIGAN. (AUTUMN). 



Case 77. 



By this time the male has changed the showy 

 dress he wore in the courting season, and clad in 

 sober grey, matching in colour the rocks and stones 

 he frequents, he gives timely warning of approach- 

 ing danger to his unsuspicious brood. 



On fine days at the commencement of the 

 season it is occasionally no easy matter to force 

 the young birds to take wing, as, unaccustomed 

 to the sight of anyone more terrible than a wandering 

 shepherd, they run like chickens a few yards in 

 advance of the sportsmen. 



In wet and windy weather their nature seems 

 entirely changed, as, unless surprised in some rocky 

 corry, no bird is more difficult to approach within 

 gunshot. 



