THE BIRDS OF ST KILDA 229 



observed by Martin (p. 46) in 1697. MacGillivray 

 (p. 58), who was at St Kilda in the summer of 1840, 

 states that a few occurred among the corn, and that 

 their cry might be heard all night long. It was also 

 heard by Wilson (ii., p. 73) in the first week of August 

 in 1 84 1. These are the only visitors who make any 

 mention of this species, which would seem to have been 

 a summer visitor to the main island in the past. It 

 may have ceased to seek the island when the area 

 under corn was insufficient to offer it inducements to 

 nest, as the grass is not rank enough to afford the 

 bird suitable cover. 



* Rallus aquaticus, Water-Rail. — A specimen 

 captured by a cat on 3rd November 1903, and sent to 

 Dr Wiglesworth, is the only known instance of the 

 occurrence of this species at St Kilda. 



* FuLiCA ATRA, Coot. — This was a most unexpected 

 visitor to meet with at such a far-western isle. It was 

 found on 24th September 1910 at the foot of the low cliff 

 which encircles the head of the East Bay. It appeared 

 to be fatigued, and took wing unwillingly when pressed, 

 to alight again a few yards off. Finally, on being 

 further disturbed, it flew some distance out into 

 the bay, alighted in a calm sea, and was not seen 

 again. 



Since my return, Dr Wiglesworth has informed me 

 that he received an immature specimen which allowed 

 itself to be picked up, and that another was seen 

 on the water at the same time — i.e., 12th November 

 1902. 



*^GiALiTis HiATicoLA, Ringed Plovev. — This species 

 is not a native bird ; indeed it does not appear to have 

 been observed previously in the islands. During our 

 II. p 2 



