298 Mr. Selby mi the Quadrupeds and Birds 



Is met with upon the northern and western coasts of Sutherland, where it breeds in 

 the holes and caverns of the limestone rock. We saw several about the Smoo Cave, and 

 a large flock at Scourie. 



42. Corvus corax, Raven. 



This powerful bird is still plentiful in Sutherland, although every exertion is used to 

 destroy it, on account of the frequent attacks it makes upon the sick sheep and new- 

 dropped lambs. 



43. C. comix, Hooded Crow. 



This is the common crow of the county, the C. corone, or carrion crow, being unknown, 

 or a very rare visitant. It is a great destroyer of the eggs of the various grouse, as well as of 

 their young, and young hares, &c. It generally makes its nest about the root of some birch 

 or mountain-ash, growing out of the face of the rocks or deep ravines, or where birch- 

 woods abound, in the highest trees. 



44. C.frugilegus, Rook. 



A small rookery exists at Aucheny, about four miles above the bridge of Shin, and we 

 iaw a small flock on our return, about three miles above the bridge of Oikel. Towards 

 autumn we were told that great numbers of rooks spread themselves over the county, as- 

 cending the mountains to a considereble altitude, where they feed upon the larvae of Ti- 

 pulidae, &c, and alpine berries. 



45. Troglodytes Europmus, Common Wren. 

 Was seen at Tongue and Lairg. 



46. C. canorus, Common Cuckoo. 



The cuckoo we found very numerously distributed over the county, and its well known 

 notes were heard for some time after our arrival in every direction. As with us (upon the 

 Northumberland moors) it generally makes use of the pipit's nest, wherein to deposit its 

 egg, and the young, as well as the eggs, are frequently found by the shepherds. The 

 larvae of the nocturnal Lepidoptera, particularly of the genera Lasiocampa, Odonestis, 

 and Saturnia, are very numerous, and afford it a constant and luxurious repast. 



47. Columba palumbus, Ring Pigeon. 



The ring pigeon was observed as far north as Tongue, where the plantations and birch- 

 wood about the base of Ben-Laighal afford it a retreat. A few pairs only were seen du- 

 ring our excursion. 



48. C. livia, Rock Pigeon. 



This species, the stock of our common dovecote pigeon, is found in a wild state along 

 the whole of the northern coast of Sutherland, inhabiting the caves and rocky precipices, 

 which rise in parts to several hundred feet in height. It is abundant about Whiting Head 

 and the eastern shore of Loch Eribol, composed of rocks abounding in caves and deep 

 cleft fissures. The prevailing colour is a dark blue, the wings with two black transverse 

 bands, and the lower back white. 

 40. Tretao tetrix, Black Grouse. 



