The Zoologist — February, 1866. 61 



they reached this neighbourhood about the year 1791 or 1792." (Stat. 

 Ace. Peeblesh. p. 136.) 



Edward R. Alston. 



Slotkbrip:gs, Lesinabagow, January 4, 1866. 



Ornithological Notes from Shetland. By H. L. Saxby, M.D. 

 (Continued from page 20). 



September, 1865. 



September 1. Wind N. Sudden increase in the number of rock pipits. 



„ 2. „ S.E. Oystercatcher last seen. 



„ 3. „ S.E. Curlews re-appearing along shore. 



„ 3. „ S.E. Ravens becoming more numerous. 



„ 22. ,5 S.W. Several male chaffinches arrived. 



„ 30. „ S.E. Young wheatears still remaining. 

 Knot. — During the early part of the month knots contimied to 

 appear in large numbers. On arriving here they are exceedingly tame, 

 so that it is by no means difficult to approach within half-a-dozeu 

 yards of them upon the open shove, but they soon become suspicious, 

 and when once fairly roused fly high and wildly, wheeling over the 

 ground many times before alighting. Usually we meet with them in 

 small parties of about a dozen, but occasionally several of these join 

 and continue in company for days together. Whatever may be the 

 case elsewhere, here they seem lo prefer gravelly to sandy or muddy 

 places, the attraction, no doubt, consisting in the myriads of small 

 periwinkles which are found below high-water mark in the former 

 situations. Knots generally keep close together while feeding, and 

 although some occasionally stray apart, they seem to become suddenly 

 aware of the fact, and hastily return to the main body. As far as I can 

 ascertain, it is their custom to feed silently, but the moment an intruder 

 is perceived, without interrupting their employment, they commence 

 a constant low chattering, not unlike that made by a flock of starlings, 

 but when too closely approached they stand motionless for a few 

 seconds and then fly off", uttering louder cries. Very often they alight 

 close to their dead or wounded companions, not taking wing again 

 until the shooter is within a few steps of them, and even then they are 

 nearly sure to realight close to the same spot. When wounded these 

 birds will crouch and hide if they happen to fall upon the land, and 



