rTAinriGAN. 
7 
in the more sheltered corries at a lower elevation. Ptarmigan would doubtless increase were it not for the 
tribute they are forced to pay to the mountain-fox and Raven. A bird or two may occasionally fall victims 
to the Ragle , but the depredations committed by the king of the air have, according to my own observations, 
little effect in thinning down their numbers. Tlie nest and eggs are by no means easily discovered ; though 
frequently searched for, I never had tlie luck to meet Avith a nest except by accident. At last, after many 
unsuccessful attempts, three nests were found Avithin a fcAV hundred yards of one another on the hills above 
Glenlyon, in the north-west of Perthshire. A fcAV extracts from my notes for June 18G7, Avhile engaged in 
procuring specimens in summer plumage, will describe the retiring and artful habits of the female ”and the 
noisy and demonstrative actions of the male at that season 
“ Having repeatedly gone over the ground within eight or ten miles of the lodge without success, I at 
length determined to search the land belonging to some adjoining shootings, over Avhich I had liberty to 
hunt for any specimens required. Accompanied by one keeper and a gillie leading a pony Avith provisions 
and plaids in case aa^c did not get back that night, an early start Avas effected, the lodge being left at daybreak. 
By mid-day several of the rough lulls lying betAveen Loch Ranuoch and the Lyon had been closely examined 
Avithout success. Having started but a single female after about ten hours’ work, we came to the conclusion, as 
heavy thunder was rumbling away among the hills to the west, and there appeared every indication of an 
approaching tempest, that it Avould be the wisest plan to return home and rencAV our search in more favourable 
weather. While resting for a short time after lunch on the top of the hill before turning back, we were 
surprised by a shot, and on looking with the glasses far below us, three men with about a dozen dogs 
were discerned attempting to bolt a fox from a rough cairn of stones. We aftenvards learned that although 
the foxes had been there very lately, as Avas clearly indicated by the remains of some fresh Grouse and hares 
which the terriers dragged from the earth, none of the family Avere then at home. The shot had been fired at 
a young Raven, hatched in the rocks above the fox-cairn. The old birds Avere very noisy, circling round and 
round in the air above their nest, but being too good judges of distance to venture Avithin shot, unfortunately 
escaped. Almost at the same moment a fine cock Ptarmigan appeared on a large rock close by ; here he 
stationed himself for some time, croaking loudly, and going through \mrious amusing antics, puffing out his 
feathers, spreading his tail, and showing himself off to the greatest advantage. As he resolutely refused 
to leave the spot, running only a yard or two in advance Avhen approached, aa'c searched every inch of the 
ground, which was almost a mass of large stones, Avithout putting up the female ; it Avas, hoAvever, evident 
from the actions of the male that she Avas elose at hand. I also tried a brace of steady setters, broimlit upbill 
by way of an experiment *, though I had not much faith that they would be of any service. On returning to 
the lunehmg-place we discovered the three men (who were soon recognized as two keepers and a shepherd) 
coming in our direction. While making their way uphill, the rain which had been threatening some time 
came down in torrents, and the thunder becoming more distant, the afternoon turned cold, a dense mist driftin^r 
up with the Avind. ® 
“The keepers Avere agreeably surprised on ascertaining the identity of the intruders on their beat, 
especially as they caiiied neither meat nor drink, and needed but little pressing to commence operations on AAdiat 
^ve AAcre able to provide them Avitli. When their hunger Avas appeased, finding they Averc desirous of the 
assistance of an additional gun whilst trying another large cairn where they expected to find the cubs missed 
down the hill, I agreed to finish the day with them. As the top of the hill was nothing but rocks and stones 
piled on the top of one another, we AAcre forced to IcaA’e the pony where Ave had lunched. Our course was noAV 
kept north, as the earth Ave were going to Avas on the Rannoch side of the hill. One hollow Ave passed through 
seemed alive with Ptarmigan, the cocks AAcre flying and croaking in all directions; but as no hens were started 
I was anxious to learn whether there is any truth in the statement that a sitting bird has no scent. As the rough ground and heat 
a already affected the dogs, it is uncertain whether the female would have escaped them had they been in working order. 
