152 
BIRDS. 
In Assynt in 1874 
17 
And in Durness in 1878 
9 
„ 1875 . 
24 
1879 
. 16 
„ 1876 . 
10 
1877 
7 
1878 
2 
„ 1879 
1 
Total in Durness and Assynt in ten years, .... 189 
In the Eeay Forest in .six years to 1880, 112 
And by another hand in same place in seven years — 1873 
to 1879, 224 
In Assynt, by one keeper, besides the above, . . . 134 
At Dunrobin, 1873-80, 202 
Assynt, by another hand, 31 
Total kiUed in the county, so far as our returns show in a single 
decade, 662 ravens, which, at a premium of 2s. 6d. each, 
represents money to the amount of ^82, 15s. 
In the winter of 1885-86 one keeper poisoned a dead 
kelt on the bank of the river I^Taver, and accounted for 
between 20 and 30 ravens. It does seem a pity to destroy 
such numbers of these truly noble Corvidse, and where little 
or no sympathy is extended to hooded and carrion crows, 
some might be granted towards the ravens, and they at least 
might be allowed to benefit by the dead kelts, carrion, and 
garbage, such being by far their most favourite food, as we 
have times without number observed, both at home and 
abroad. 
Generally distributed through the county, but diminishing 
yearly in numbers. Thirty or forty years ago (previous to 
1867) the raven was very abundant, while the hooded crow, 
so report goes, was very rare ; now, it is just the reverse. 
This is confirmed by Mr. Osborne's own experience (0. MSS., 
1868) . 
There are two specimens in the collection at "Welbeck 
Abbey. They are sufficiently rare in the county now to 
make the record of interest, and could the dates be added 
the interest would be increased. Holborn Head, amongst 
others, was a breeding-place in Mr. WoUey's time, in 1849 
(Woll. B.-E., Ill and 248). It was decidedly very rare in 
