NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BANKS OF THE TAY. 
79 
may be abundant in a locality where its occurrence is not even 
suspected. We have yet to learn much about the bats of Perthshire. 
Hedgehog {Erinaceus europcEUS^ L.). 
Mole {Talpa europcEa^ L.). 
Common Shrew {Sorex tetragonurus^ Herm.). 
All of common occurrence. The Lesser Shrew {Sorex minutus, 
L.) should possibly be included in the list, but we have as yet no 
evidence of its occurrence in Perthshire. 
Water Shrew {Crossopusfodiens, Pall.).—No record for the banks 
of the Tay, but, as it has been found at no great distance, it is almost 
certain to occur. 
Wild Cat {Fells catus, L.).—Since comparatively recent specimens 
have been got from the banks, it is very probable that, in days when 
the species was not uncommon in Perthshire, an occasional wanderer 
may have entered our district. 
Yoyi{Ca?iis vulpes, L.).—Again no record, but there can be no 
doubt of its occurrence as it is a common species. The toxes in the 
Museum are all Highland ones. We need a characteristic Lowland 
specimen. 
Polecat {Mustela putorius, L.).—A now very rare Perthshire 
Mammal of which the Museum does not yet possess a specimen. 
As it has been killed near Stormontfield Ponds about 40 years ago 
{fide Mr. T. Marshall), and used to inhabit Strathtay, it may perhaps 
be included in this list. 
Weasel (Af. vulgaris^ ErxL). 
Stoat {M. eruiinea^ L.). 
Both common. 
Badger {Meles taxus, Schreb.).—Though less common than in 
the western half of Perthshire, the Badger has occurred at various 
places in the valley of the Tay from below Perth upwards. Near the 
water side, at Pitfour, there are some old “earths,” which Sir James 
S. Richardson tells me are still occasionally inhabited. 
Otter {Lutra vulgaris, ErxL).—Common in various parts of the 
Tay, though not often seen by casual visitors. 
Common Seal {Phoca vitulina, L.).—Though Perthshire is prac¬ 
tically an inland county, and has no proper sea board, yet, as we 
have seen in treating of the flora, the Tay affords facilities for the 
growth of some plants which are usually considered to be maritime. 
. In like manner the waters of the Tay, even within the limits of the 
district to which these papers are restricted, are not destitute of some 
animals whose proper and more usual home is rather salt than fresh 
water. Amongst mammals, the most important of these is the 
Common Seal, and regarding its distribution and habits in the Tay 
I have endeavoured to get some information, for which I am indebted 
