MAMMALS. 



155 



of our smaller Mammalia. No doubt it remains to be seen 

 whether westerly distribution or easterly distribution of this species 

 is most maintained. 



Order INSECTIVORA. 

 Family ERINACEID-S. 



Erinaceus europaeus, L. Hedgehog. 



The Hedgehog is found not uncommonly from the eastern parts 

 of Ross-shire southwards, and even inhabits some of the wilder 

 and less frequented glens, such as Guisachan, where we are told 

 it is plentiful (1893). It seems pretty generally distributed 

 all through the more cultivated areas of Ross- and Inverness- 

 shires. One of the earliest recorded examples near Inverness was 

 taken, Mr. Macleay informs us, at Millerton, close to the town, in 

 1862, since which time the species has rapidly spread. We noted 

 them as common at Scotsburn in 1887, and have records from 

 many other places in the east of Ross-shire, though, as far as we 

 know, the Hedgehog is not as yet found in a wild state in Suther- 

 land, although it has been introduced on several occasions. The 

 last known to us was in August 1888, when Mr. Houston brought 

 four, two of each sex, from Ross-shire,^ and turned them into his 

 garden at Kintradwell, from whence they made their escape, as 

 they usually do under similar circumstances. 



We find the old Statistical Account - silent as regards this 



^ St. John makes no mention of the Hedgehog in any of his works on Morayshire 

 (1847). 



- Afterwards quoted as O.S.A. 



Regarding the authenticity of the records by the numerous writei-s in the 

 O.S.A., it is now almost impossible to ascertain definite and reliable facts. How- 

 ever, such names as can be repeated as worthy of credence we wish to notice here 

 once and for all. The late Dr. Gordon assured us that the Rev. James Smith of 

 Monquhitter could be relied upon for all his own personal observations, being 

 exceedingly cautious, and 'a gentleman highly distinguished both in moral and 

 natural science ' {O.S.A., parish of Monquhitter, p. 151). 



Also the Rev. Alex. Smith, author of the Philo.xophy of Morals, an intimate friend 

 of the Rev. James Smith, and writer of the article in the Xttc StatiMtical ArcoutU of 

 the parish of Banff" for Messrs. Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh, can l.i- vtMrA ui>on 

 in most cases. 



