The Zoologist — January, 1866. 19 



have been able to obtain several shots before the trick was discovered. 

 Such deception is decidedly mean, but it is wonderfid how soon a diet 

 of salt-fish and bad potatoes will convert an ornithologist into a pot- 

 hunter. Riders can nearly always approach a flock within thirty or 

 forty yards before it will take alarm. Once while riding across a moor 

 I could not resist the temptation of firing at a large flock which rose 

 before me. Three birds fell, and I am resolved that they shall be the 

 last I obtain in that manner, unless indeed some means can be devised 

 which will ensure their fall only. 



Gannet. — On the 27th (wind N.W.) 1 saw the only gannet which 

 has appeared this season. 



Redbreasted Merganser. — A young bird of this species was shot in 

 a fresh -water loch on the 28th, four others about the same size and one 

 adult being in company with it. The only feathers apparent among 

 the down were those of the scapulars and tail, and a ievf upon the sides 

 beneath the wings. The bill, although small, resembled that of an 

 adult female in colour and form, and the serrations upon each edge 

 of the upper mandible, about thirty in number, were sharp and horny 

 to the feel; those upon the lower mandible were smaller, more nume- 

 rous, and scarcely so hard. The colours of the down were also similar 

 to those of an adult female ; the legs and feet were large and strong; 

 the wings were without feathers and extremely small, measuring only 

 one inch and a half from the carpal joint to the tip. The old bird was 

 evidently a female. The whole family dived instantly on being 

 alarmed. 



Wild Duck. — Young wild ducks are quite strong upon the wing, 

 but they still keep together in families, and are seldom to be met with 

 far distant from their breeding-grounds. I do not remember having 

 seen wild ducks in salt water at this time of the year. 



Turtle Dove. — On the evening of the 29th (wind N.), a turtle dove 

 came flying northwards across the voe, and alighted abruptly in the 

 garden. Every night it roosts among the sycamores, but I can never 

 find it in the day-time. On taking wing it spreads the tail like a fan, 

 the white tips of the feathers then becoming very conspicuous. 



Merlin. — Merlins are now becoming more numerous, but they 

 are chiefly young birds of the year. I shot one in the garden on 

 the 30th. 



Kestrel. — On the 24th a well-fledged young female kestrel was shot 

 among some rocks near the shore, by Mr. Thomas Edmonston, jun. 

 The tarsi were, as usual, feathered as far as their upper third, but 



