568 Migration of Birds, &c. By Dr Charles Stuart. 



Saxifraga oppositifolia is a great favourite with me. There are several 

 varieties of this plant. The largest flowered is S. oppositifolia. Pi/renaicn ; 

 but a variety of the ordinary Highland plant, which Mr W. Boyd gathered 

 on Craigcaillioch near Killin, is not only the best flower with me, but is 

 also the brightest in colour. Last spring a patch I have planted in the top 

 of a fireclay vent-lining sunk in the ground, and raised some six inches 

 above the surface, has flourished and hangs down the sides. This was so 

 covered with its blooms of a bright magenta colour, that a green leaf could 

 not be seen on the patch which was more than twelve inches across. Without 

 doubt, it was the finest Alpine I ever saw, and in its own way was a rival 

 to a patch of Gentiana verna, which I always treasure as the acme of 

 perfection. 



Weather continued very cold at this time, and was much against the 

 advent of our summer migrants. The Sand Martins were first observed at 

 the quarry at East Blanerne on the 22nd, and on the 25th at Allanton 

 Bridge. The 27th was a fine warm day, with the wind south-west. 

 Temperature 68°. Distant thunder was heard, the wind being northerly 

 afterwards. Barometer fell — temperature fell. Next day there were no 

 less than 28° difference in the temperature ! Such is Scotch weather,which 

 is very trying indeed. We have now plenty of Swallows in the village ; 

 and three Willow Wrens were seen at Spital Mains in Hutton parish. 

 Pied Wagtails also at Allanton Bridge. Young Blackbirds almost fit to fly 

 occupy a nest in a privet hedge on the south side of the garden. The 

 parents no sooner got rid of their young family than they set to, and 

 occupied the same nest ; hatching ont another brood by the first week in 

 June. Feeling insulted at my impertinence in looking at their operations 

 and nest of young birds, on getting quit of thorn, they changed their abode 

 to a Persian lilac bush higher up in the garden, where they again hatched 

 a third brood successfully all in one season. I could trace them no farther, 

 but I am disposed to believe that the old birds hatched a fourth set on a 

 pear tree on the gable of the house. My reasons for supposing so are — 

 the Blackbird always sat on one point of the corner of the spouting and 

 sang to his mate when incubating, and never failed to occupy the same 

 station on all the occasions his mate was sitting; and never allowed any 

 other cock-bird to approach the place. The Willow Wrens are plentiful at 

 the Pistol plantings, Tempest Bank, etc. 30th April. The month closed 

 with very bright cold weather. Notwithstanding, the Narcissi are splendid 

 — I counted 100 fully expanded blooms on one row of plants in my herba- 

 ceous border, which is not very extensive. Willow Wrens are everywhere. 



3rd May. Saw the Redstart at Ninewells for the first time this season. 

 4th May, the Greater Whitethroat near West Foulden. The Cuckoo was 

 heard at Whitehall on the 6th, and the Landrail was craiking on the Crofts 

 also. 7th May, temperature 79° at West Foulden — never so hot here on 

 the hill — very hot however. Saw Sandpiper and Chiff-chaff at Broom- 

 house. 10th May, Bleak and cold weather after rain, which has refreshed 

 the brairds after the heat and drought. The corn braird never looked 

 better. 13th, The temperature at times low, and to-day with the north 



