BIRDS OF DUMFEIESSHIRE 227 
1835 it was stated that round Lochmaben the Heron was 
very seldom destroyed, from a behef that it devoured the 
adder.* 
A Heron, caught in the stake-nets near Glencaple 
Quay m September, 1828, was taken to the King's 
Arms Inn, Dumfries, where it was fed on pig-wash. 
It became most dexterous in catching Sparrows. Con- 
cealment by crouching was carefuUy studied ; distance, 
too, was calculated with the greatest nicety 
Unfortunately he was killed by a careless * postboy 
driving over him."t It has been recorded that at 
Burnfoot (Langholm) a Heron " managed to creep near 
a trough in which some small birds were feeding and 
seize a cock shilfaj with its beak, killed it and swallowed 
it whole, feathers and all." 
In hard winters, as in 1878-1879, and 1894-1895 this 
species suffers severely ; and though a regular autumnal 
immigration is perceptible on the east coast of Great 
Britain, our resident stock is scarcely influenced by 
these visitors. Mabie Moss," however, recorded that 
the species was exceptionaUy numerous in November and 
December, 1895, and attributed the increase to such an 
immigration. § 
It is recorded that " a nest at Kirkconnel, which con- 
tained four eggs, was precipitated to the ground, with the 
top of the tree, which was blown off by a gust of wind— 
an exception to the rule that birds usuaUy select safe trees 
for nesting." II 
The following tables of past and present heronries 
are possibly incomplete, but I would again thank 
those of my correspondents who have helped me to 
compile them : — 
* New Stat. Acct. Scot., Vol. IV., p. 382. 
t Sketches from Nature, pp. 191-194. 
t Chaffinch. 
§ Dumfries Courier and Herald, December 18th, 1895. 
II Ann, Scot. Nat. Hist., 1905, p. 210. 
q2 
