7338 Notes on the 



Lepus tiraidiis. On the mainland only. 



L. cuniculus. Common. All that I observed near Balta Sound 

 had a small white star in the centre of the forehead. 



Equus Caballus. These hardy little fellows were probably imported 

 from Norway, and are introduced here to call attention to a singular 

 fact in their economy, which is, that during the winter, when grass is 

 scarce, they resort to the shore and eat the sea-weed ; at the same 

 time the capacity of the stomach is much reduced, and the whole 

 .viscus contracted to half its ordinary size. It is needless to add that 

 at this time they are incapable of work. An analogous instance of the 

 adaptability of the stomach is given in reference to Larus argentatus. 



Bos Taurus. Shetland cattle have also a strange peculiarity of diet, 

 feeding freely on the young of what are called " sillocks," when, as is 

 often the case, they are caught in quantities far greater than sufficient 

 for human consumption. 



Phocaena communis. Locally called " nisack " or " sprite." Can this 

 soubriquet have arisen from its propensity for gobhlmg the herrings ? 



P. Orca. This species is addicted to astonishing small craft by its 

 sudden appearance alongside, of which habit we had ocular demon- 

 stration. 



P. melas. The caain' or driving whale continues to exercise its 

 suicidal vocation at intervals, and to the great benefit of the fisher- 

 men ; but we were not so fortunate as to witness any instance. 



Monodon monoceros. I know of no recent examples. 



Physeter Tursio. Probably the species indicated by the term 

 " finner," from the prominence of its dorsal fin. 



Balaena mysticetus. Of rare occurrence. 



Balsenoptera Boops. This also is a " finner," and of frequent 

 occurrence. 



An arctic fox was also lately an involuntary denizen of the main- 

 land ; but, a price having been set on his head, his existence there 

 came to a rapid end, but not before he had shown a most natural 

 appreciation of Shetland mutton. 



The species of birds are numerous ; principally, however, as sea- 

 sonal or occasional visitants. Some stress has been laid on the fact 

 that since the introduction of shrubs into some of the gardens of this 

 treeless region several of the smaller insessorial birds have appeared ; 

 but though their stay in the islands might be influenced by these 



