PROCEEDINGS OF THE PERTHSHIRE SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCE. 
179 
altogether, at least to deposit it on loan. Information is 
very desirable as to when or where a wild cat was last 
killed or seen in Perthshire, and I should be glad if anyone 
who can give guch information will communicate with me. 
Domestic cats which have run wild are sometimes mistaken 
for wild cats, but the two species are quite distinct. The 
latest occurrence (known to me) of the wild cat in Perth¬ 
shire was in 1869, when one was killed at Finlarig by Mr 
Duncan Dewar. 
2. The Pox (Canis vulpes L.) is still common enough 
throughout the country. We possess two specimens, one 
from the Highland hills, and one from the Sidlaws, but a 
few more—especially a good Lowland fox, and young cubs 
either Highland or Lowland—are desirable. We wish 
also a good skull. 
3. The Yellow-breasted Marten or Marten Cat (Martes 
sylvestris Nils.) is not represented in the Museum, and is 
probably now very rare in Perthshire. Perhaps the 
possessor of a stuffed Perthshire specimen may be found 
generous enough to present or lend it to us. The latest 
instance of its occurrence (known to me) was at Finlarig in 
1867. 
4. The Weasel (Mustela vulgaris Erxl.) is common 
enough throughout the county. We have five specimens 
(including a curious mottled variety), but as they are all 
from Lowland localities, Highland examples are desirable. 
The latter may or may not show a difference in size or 
colour. This can only be seen when specimens are placed 
alongside each other. Lowland and Highland examples of 
some common animals show a marked difference. In 
connection with the weasel, it should be mentioned that 
some persons are of opinion that there are two species,— 
one much smaller than the other, and called the “ Mouse 
Weasel." I believe that there is only one species, and that 
the supposed other species is founded only upon specimens 
of unusually small size. Still the matter is worth investi¬ 
gation. 
5. The Stoat, or, as it is sometimes called, the Stoat 
Weasel (M. erminea L.) is also common enough in Perth¬ 
shire, but we have only three representatives of it. As is 
well known, the stoat is subject to a change of the colour 
of its fur in winter. In cold countries this change always 
takes place, and specimens from more northern countries 
than ours have a high commercial value as “ ermine.” In 
more southern countries the change from the reddish fur to 
the white winter fur is not invariable. In Perthshire it is 
probable that the change is not invariable. A series of obser¬ 
vations on this point would be very interesting. Amongst 
the points to be observed may be mentioned the following:— 
Do all the stoats in the locality where the observations are 
made change colour in winter ? Is the change a complete 
one— i.e., do they become completely white? Does the 
change take place every year, or is it dependent on the 
amount of cold? At what seasons do the changes from 
summer to winter fur, and from winter to summer fur, take 
place ? For our collection we have need of specimens from 
both Highland and Lowland localities, and in various con¬ 
ditions of fur. 
6. The Pole Cat (M. putorius L.). Rare in Perthshire, 
but occasionally seen both in the Highlands and Lowlands. 
We have no specimens. 
7. The Badger (Meles taxus Schr.). Of this we have but 
a single specimen, and that not a typically-coloured one. 
The badger still inhabits several parts of Perthshire, but 
information as to its distribution is desirable. I know of 
only four or five places where it is said to be of regular 
occurrence, and should be glad to hear of others. 
8. The Otter <Lutra vulgaris Erxl.) is, I believe, by no 
means uncommon throughout the county. We have three 
specimens, but would be glad of one or two more. The 
otter sometimes varies in colour, being occasionally spotted 
with white. It need scarcely be said that any such varie¬ 
ties would be very acceptable. 
Order Pinnipedia. 
9. The Common Seal (Phoca vitulina L.), of which we 
have yet no specimens. I suppose this is common in the 
lower part of the Tay, but it is not impossible that young 
individuals of the next species are mistaken for it. Seals 
occasionally come up the river as far as Perth—I have 
heard that they have been seen even as far up as Stormont- 
field,—but I am not aware that the species has been 
recognised. 
10. The Gray Seal ( Halichcerus gryphus F.). This is 
said to be a common species in the Tay, where it is called 
the “ Black Seal.” We have a young example of it. 
11. The Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata Erxl.). Very 
rare. It is included in our list only because a young in¬ 
dividual was killed in St Andrews Bay (see Scottish 
Naturalist II., 1.) It is possible that the Greenland or 
Harp Seal (Phoca groslandica F.) might be found as a 
straggler to the Tay if a lookout was kept for it. 
Order Cetaeea. 
12. The Porpoise (Phoccena communis F. Cuv.) is the 
only species that is of regular occurrence. It has been seen 
as far up as Perth Bridge. We possess a small one from 
the lower Tay. 
13. The Hump-backed Whale (Megaptera longimana 
Rud.). To this species belongs the well-known “ Dundee 
Whale,” whose occurrence allows us to include this amongst 
the mammals of the basin of the Tay. 
