CHAPTER OF VARIETIES. 



283 



to bear the violence of tempests, the rage and fury of the winds, and to 

 govern ships of that bulk and burden." — R. T. C. 

 Shouldham, April 25, 1833. 



Scarce birds in Scotland. — Last month I observed the Bearded 

 Tit, (Laniellus Biarmicus, Blvth,) at Paisley Water Mouth in a 

 marsh among the reeds. I could not obtain a specimen, (being Sunday,) 

 but I can specially speak to their identity, as I was within a few yards 

 of the tribe when feeding. A pair of black caps were shot in Sir John 

 Maxwell's garden last week ; I have stuffed them, and would be proud 

 indeed to have the liberty of submitting them for your inspection. The 

 spotted fly-catcher and redstart, of rare appearance, are now to be 

 found in our walled gardens. It is generally remarked by old people, 

 that the winters are not so severe, nor the summers so hot here, as in 

 some years past, and that, in fact, a complete change has taken place 

 in the atmosphere, therefore I cannot account for the presence of such 

 birds here, (though merely birds of passage,) at so uncongenial a season. 

 The spring weather has been most boisterous. I wish you would account 

 for this change, because, on the same principle, I may be wrong. I 

 think the nightingale and nuthatch will pay us a visit soon. 



I am very fond of birds' eggs, but I do not agree with Captain Brown 

 in his mode of clearing, who opens them at the ends. I make two small 

 holes on the one side, and, consequently when exhibited in the cabinet 

 they appear entire. — Henry Johnson. 



84, Queen-street, Glasgow, May Stk. 



Use of the long hind claws in larks. — There is an opinion 

 that larks have long claws, in order that they may remove their eggs 

 from place to place, when disturbed by mowers. This seems to me 

 very unsatisfactory. Perhaps some of your correspondents might help 

 me to a better explanation of the fact. — T. 



On an unknown bird, and a br ambling's nest. — Last Satur- 

 day I walked from the high rocks through Waterdown Forest, and 

 particularly remarked two birds which flew pretty high above my head 

 in a wide circuit, several times, uttering a strange and, to me, an 

 unknown and distressing cry : one was very vociferous, but I think both 

 called. They were about the size of a crow, or rather smaller ; short 

 throat, flattish head — all the upper part of the body and wings black, 

 except a white bar across the tail, which was short — all the under parts 



