504 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
fields and sea-shore of South Morar and Arasaig: they were very 
tame, allowing a near approach. 
Bullfinches were common at Poltalloch and at Arasaig. In 
August they collect in small flocks, and frequent the larch and 
other plantations in this locality. The splendid colours of the 
old males were very conspicuous close to the terrace at Arasaig 
House. The flock appeared to follow a regular routine, as every 
day, at about the same hour, I found them in the same place. 
Although Macgillivray and other authors say that the Starling 
is found in thousands in the Hebrides, there was scarcely one to 
be seen in the localities above mentioned during the months of 
August and September. 
The Raven is indeed a bird of ill omen to the sportsman who 
may be after deer. His hoarse croak, as he flies overhead or sits 
upon the highest point of rock, is a warning the stags well know, 
and makes many a stalk fruitless labour. The Carrion Crow was 
not common, and very few Hoodies were observed this year either 
at Arasaig or South Morar; I do not think I saw a dozen during 
the ten weeks’ residence. Last year at Killelan, in Ross-shire, 
they were very numerous. The Rook was commonly observed, 
but the Jackdaw was scarce about Arasaig and South Morar: 
lower down the coast this bird is so numerous that it has become 
a perfect pest from its daring depredations. It breeds in the 
inaccessible rocks by the sea-coast. ‘lhe nests are very difficult, 
almost impossible, to be got at. Every man’s hand is against 
them, and they are mercilessly destroyed. 
In the woods close to Arasaig House the Great Spotted Wood- 
pecker is very scarce, and was only once seen. ‘The keeper 
informed me he had never seen one before. Along the whole of 
the west coast the Wren appears common. A young Cuckoo 
frequented the garden of Traigh House, South Morar, and was 
last seen on the 24th of August. 
Very few Swallows were noticed this year, at Poltalloch, 
Oban, &e.; but further west, at Arasaig or South Morar, I do not 
think I saw one. The same may be said of the Martin: I saw 
one flock of them in August passing southward over Arasaig. 
The Sand Martin, on the other hand, was very plentiful about 
Poltalloch. On August 4th I saw a large flock of these birds 
sporting over Loch Ault, near Arasaig. At Poltalloch and Arasaig 
I saw the Ring Dove, and on the rocks near the sea-shore at 
