The Scottish Naturalist. 
Leader. In the high parts of Selkirk, Peebles and Dumfries, in 
the opposite direction, it is again met with ; and, in short, may be 
said to be a plentiful hill-bird throughout the surrounding coun- 
try. Nests are found from April to June. 
Wheatear {Saxicola cenantke).- Very common on the higher 
Cheviots, and not unfrequently found on the lower hills. It 
appears, as a rule, about the beginning of April, and begins to 
breed early in May, preferring holes in walls to any other nesting 
sites in this countryside, where, indeed, I have not heard of other 
positions being used. On the East Coast, it nests in holes in the 
ground commonly. 
Whinchat {Pratincola riibetra). Not very common in the 
neighbourhood, but widely distributed. 
Stonecliat {Frati?icola mbicola). Breeds locally through 
Roxburghshire and the neighbouring counties, though I have 
never noticed it in large numbers at any spot. It is occasionally 
found high up the Cheviot valleys. 
Redstart {Ruticilla phcenicurus). Many persons in the dis- 
trict consider that this species has increased considerably of late 
years, but, in my opinion, the supposed increase is chiefly due to 
closer observation. Fifteen years ago or more, the bird was 
certainly not uncommon in certain parts, especially in the valleys 
of the Cheviots ; and, though many of the nesting-sites were on 
the English side of the Border, I think that a more careful search 
would have disclosed an equal number on the Scotch side. At 
all events it is now to be found breeding in many places in the 
low country of Roxburghshire and the adjoining counties, as at 
Faldonside near Melrose, Lauder, and Stobo, as well as high on 
the hills. I once found a nest close to Great Cheviot with dis- 
tinctly spotted eggs. 
Redbreast {Erithacus rtibecula). Conmion and extending to 
the head of the hill valleys. 
Whitetliroat (Sylvia dnerea). Not a very common bird, 
though it breeds in many places. 
Lesser Whitethroat {Sylvia currucd). I have only heard 
of the occurrence of one specimen of this bird in the counties 
on the Eastern Borders, though several observers have recorded 
supposed instances. It is not an especially easy bird to distin- 
guish at a distance, and until further examples are procured 
