MAY, BEAN GEESE PARTRIDGES. 223 



to the streams and pools of the river, where the 

 angler expects them. 



There is much snow on the Monaghleahd moun- 

 tains this year (1847) ; and in consequence of this 

 melting gradually from the heat of the noonday 

 sun, the water rises at a certain hour daily ; here, 

 at Dulsie, the rise takes place about three or 

 four in the morning. Having risen for an hour or 

 two, it again falls to its usual level. 



May 6. — The salmon-fry begin to appear. 



May 7. — I observe a flock of bean geese in the 

 bay, probably the last I shall see this year, as it is 

 time for them to be nesting in the far north. On 

 this day, also, the spotted fly -catcher appeared in 

 the garden, where it builds every year in one of the 

 apricot trees. 



During this month the oyster-catchers remain in 

 larger flocks than at any other time of the year, 

 although many are breeding far inland on the stony 

 banks of the Findhorn, Spey, and other rivers. 



The partridge covers its nest and eggs with per- 

 haps greater cunning than any other bird ; entirely 

 concealing not only the nest itself, but so disposing 

 the surrounding grass that no vestiges of its track 

 to and fro can be seen : they commence laying hen*. 

 about the 10th of May. The landrails are about a 

 week later. 



