990 William Wilson. 



seen by Pennant in Inverness. In 1840 after some had been 

 introduced from Scandinavia, it is noted that the species may be 

 classed as naturalized. During the last 20 years or so it has spread 

 over the country and increased in numbers. Probably during the 

 intervening years it had been about stationary. 



Black Grouse Tetrao ietrix has decreased of late years. 

 Become more retiring in its habits. In fact where a decided 

 flock would have been seen at one time in Spring on the field or 

 Autumn scarcely any or none will appear. They seem to recede 

 before the Wood Grouse. While rabbits spoil their best nesting 

 ground. And in many cases sportsmen have not been giving them 

 much attention. There are signs of this being altered and we 

 shall hope to see this bird again increase. Brown Ptarmigan 

 Lagopus scoticus has received more attention of late years than 

 any other wild bird on account of the great value placed upon it 

 for sport. I believe that the numbers over a series of years 

 remain about stationary. Of course every attempt being made 

 of farming land properly for them. There seems to be a decrease 

 in disease. It is probable that some of the protected birds of 

 prey eat up faulty birds. Thus assisting in having healthy stock. 

 They are certainly less inclined to eat grain than they once were. 

 Probably owing to the excellent preparations made for them on 

 their natural grounds now — in having heather of various ages, 

 facilities for water and so on. Migration proceeds down from 

 the high mountains in the fall as formerly. Returning again in 

 the Spring before nesting. Little has been made either of 

 artificial introduction or of nesting. The male remains as 

 attached to the female as ever known. Being a contrast to the 

 last, and as is more or less believed the new stock of Capercailzie. 



We finish land birds by touching on the Grey Ptarmigan 

 Lagopus cinereus we can learn of no marked change upon this 

 one of recent years. Seemingly keeping its place among its 

 summits of snow for long years. 



We now deal with Water Birds. 



XIII. Cursitrices. — We connect with some not represented 

 in Europe. Then others which have vanished from ourselves 

 until we reach the Golden Plover Pluvialis aurea. Neither pro- 

 tection of grouse nor any change on arable land seems to have 

 had any marked effect on this one. However, the Dotterel Plover 

 Pluvialis morinellus seems to have receded. The Ringed Plover 

 Charadrius liiaticula is on the protected list. Its movements 

 would be uncertain and irregular. 



We now reach the Green Crested Lapwing Vanellus cristatus 

 it had need of a more pleasant nesting time. As it was being 

 continually assailed — and was moving away from certain places. 

 It has now spread out again. We believe the system of collecting 

 early dropped eggs a good one. They seem also to stay longer. 



