CHAPTER XVIII.

_CONCLUSION._

EDWARD’S labours were now drawing to a close. He had fought the fight of science inch by inch, until he could fight no more. He had also fought the fight of honest poverty—a great triumph and a great glory.

The honest man, though e’er sae poor, Is king o’ men, for a’ that.

It is said that the man who can pay his way is not poor. Edward could always do that. He was in no man’s debt. He had lived within his means, small though they were. Towards the end of his life, he could only earn about eight shillings a week. But his children were now growing up; and as he had helped them in their youth, they now helped him in his age.

He had become prematurely old. His constitution had been seriously injured by his continuous exposure to the night air. He had repeated illnesses—inflammations of the throat and lungs, inflammations of the stomach and bowels—each attack rendering him weaker than before, until at last he altogether gave up his researches, and confined himself to shoemaking,—occasionally attending as curator at the museum.

[Sidenote: _CRAVING FOR NATURE._]

Yet he never could get rid of his love of Nature. He continued to admire the works of the Creator as much as ever. On recovering from one of his illnesses, he went to Huntly for a change of air. His wife accompanied him. When she proposed doing so, he asked the reason. “O!” she replied, “just to keep ye company, and to help ye.” Accordingly she went with him. While at Huntly, he felt his old craving for Nature returning upon him. He wished to go out and search the woods, the mosses, and the burns, as before; but his wife never left him.

Whenever he indicated an intention of penetrating a hedge or leaping a wall, she immediately interfered. The hedge would tear his clothes, and she could not accompany him in jumping dykes. He demurred, and said, that if he went across, he would “come back again.” But that did not suit her purpose, and she would not let him go. As evening approached, she said, “We’ll awa back noo.” He protested that he would rather stay out. “No, no,” said she, “I’m no gaun intill a hole like a wild beast; and, besides, the nicht air would kill me.” In fact, as he afterwards observed, “he had fallen into the hands of the Philistines.”

[Sidenote: _TRAPS AT TARLAIR._]

Edward still took pleasure in wandering along the coast, and surveying the scenes of his former exploits. One day he took a friend round to Tarlair, to look at the rock from which he had fallen. Standing on the high ground above the shore, and looking down upon the rock-pools beneath the promontory, he observed: “I set many of my traps down there. I filled them with seaweed, and sometimes with a piece of dead fish. The sea came in and filled my traps, and sometimes brought in many rare Crustacea. I set my traps along the coast for about ten miles, from Portsoy to Melrose Head. Many a time have I scrambled amongst these rocks. But when I took ill, and the inflammation went to my brain, I had to leave all my traps, and there they are still.”

“What a fine chance that will be for some future Ichthyologist,” said his friend; “he will find the traps ready-made, and perhaps full of new species of crustaceans!” “Weel,” said Edward, “it may be sae; but I dinna think there’ll be sic a feel as me for mony a lang year to come!”

Although he had long given up searching along shore for new specimens of Fish, Crustaceans, or Molluscs, yet he had still another discovery to announce. There was a new fish remaining in his possession which had been entirely lost sight of. He had taken it in 1868, whilst searching amongst the rock-pools at the Links. He kept it alive for two days, and when it died he put it into a bottle, intending to send it to Mr. Couch; but somehow or other the bottle got lost, and, though he turned the house almost upside down, he could never find it.

[Sidenote: _THE NILSSON’S GOBY._]

Only about a year ago, while turning over his papers to find the letters referred to in the preceding pages, he found the bottle containing the new fish at the bottom of the box. How great was his delight! But what was he to do with it? Mr. Couch was dead, all his fish friends were dead, and he did not know to whom to apply, to name the new fish. But as he was about to proceed to Aberdeen to see Mr. Reid, who was so kind as to offer to paint his portrait, he took the fish with him. Mr. Reid procured an introduction for him, through Dean of Guild Walker, to Professor Nicol of Marischal College. The Professor did not at first recognise the fish, but on referring to his works on Ichthyology, he found that it was a specimen of Nilsson’s Goby, a species not before known to have been taken in British seas.

Notwithstanding the thousands of specimens and the hundreds of cases that Edward had been obliged to part with during his successive illnesses,[58] he has still sixty cases filled with about two thousand specimens of natural objects. During his lifetime he has made about five hundred cases with no other tools than his shoemaker’s knife and hammer, and a saw; and he papered, painted, and glazed them all himself.

[Sidenote: _EDWARD’S DISCOVERIES._]

As to the number of different species that he has accumulated during thirty years of incessant toil, it is of course impossible to form an estimate, as he never kept a log-book; but some idea of his persevering labours may be formed from the list of Banffshire Fauna annexed to this volume.

Many of his discoveries have already become facts in history, but a large proportion of them can never be known. His specimens were sent to others to be named, but many of them were never afterwards heard of. This was particularly the case with his shrimps, insects, zoophytes, corals, sponges, sea-slugs, worms, tunicata or leathern-bag molluscs, fossils, and plants. “Had any one,” he says, “taken pity on me in time (as has sometimes been done with others), and raised me from the dirt, I might have been able to name my own specimens, and thereby made my own discoveries known myself.”

Many of Edward’s friends told him that he should have extended his inquiries into Aberdeenshire and the northern counties; and that he should have explored the coasts of the Moray Firth in all directions. Others told him that he should have written and published much more than he did, or was ever able to do; and that he should have given many more facts to the public. The only reply that he gave to such advisers was, that he had neither the opportunity nor the means of doing so, having to work for his daily bread all the time that he was carrying on his researches.

[Sidenote: _AT LAST ACCREDITED._]

He had another difficulty to contend with, besides his want of time and means. When he did publish what he had observed with his own eyes, and not in books through the eyes of others, his facts were often disputed by the higher class of Naturalists. He was under the impression that this arose from the circumstance that they had never been heard of before, and that they had now been brought to light by a poor shoemaker—a person of no standing whatever. This deterred him, in a great measure, from publishing his observations, as he did not like his veracity to be called in question. And it was not until years after, when others higher up the ladder of respectability had published the same facts, that his observations were accredited,—simply because they could no longer be denied.

Towards the close of his labours, Edward, on looking back, was himself surprised that in the midst of his difficulties—his want of learning, his want of time, his want of books—he should have been able to accomplish the little that he did. He had had so many obstructions to encounter. His bringing up as a child, and his want of school education, had been very much against him. Then he had begun to work for daily bread at six years old, and he had continued to labour incessantly for the rest of his life. Of course there was something much more than the mere manual labourer in him. His mind had risen above his daily occupation. For he had the soul of a true man. Above all, he loved Nature and Nature’s works.

[Sidenote: _SELF-RELIANCE._]

We need not speak of his stern self-reliance and his indomitable perseverance. These were among the prominent features of his character. Of his courage, it is scarcely necessary to speak. When we think of his nightly wanderings, his trackings of birds for days together, his encounters with badgers and polecats, his climbing of rocks, and his rolling down cliffs in search of sea-birds, we cannot but think that he taxed his courage a great deal too much.

A great point with him, was his sobriety. For thirty-six years he never entered a public-house nor a dram shop. He was not a teetotaller. Sobriety was merely his habit. Some of his friends advised him to take “a wee drap whisky” with him on cold nights; but he never did. He himself believes that had he drunk whisky, he never could have stood the wet, the cold, and the privations to which he was exposed during so many years of his life. When he went out at night, his food consisted for the most part of plain oatmeal cakes; and his drink was the water from the nearest brook.

He never lost a moment of time. When his work for the day was over, he went out to the links or the fields with his supper of oatmeal cakes in his hand; and after the night had passed, he returned home in time for his next day’s work. He stuffed his birds, or prepared the cases for his collection, by the light of the fire. He was never a moment idle.

[Sidenote: _EDWARD’S FAMILY._]

Another thing must be mentioned to his credit,—and here his wife must share the honour. He brought up his large family of eleven children respectably and virtuously. He educated them much better than he himself had been educated. They were all well clad and well shod, notwithstanding the Scottish proverb to the contrary.[59] Both parents must have felt hope and joy in the future lives of their children. This is one of the greatest comforts of the poor,—to see their family growing up in knowledge, virtue, industry, well-being, and well-doing. We might say much of Edward’s eldest daughter, who has not only helped to keep her parents, but to maintain her brother at school and college. It is families such as these, that maintain the character and constitute the glory of their country.

But to return to Edward and his culture. In one of the earliest letters which the author addressed to him, he made inquiry as to the manner in which he had become acquainted with the scientific works which are so necessary for the study of Natural History. “You seem to wonder,” he said in his reply, “why I did not mention _books_ in my memoir. You may just as well wonder how I can string a few sentences together, or, indeed, how I can write at all. My books, I can tell you, were about as few, as my education was brief and homespun.

“I thought you knew—yes, I am sure you knew—that any one having the Mind and the Will, need not stick fast even in this world. True, he may not shine so greatly as if he were better polished and better educated; but he need not sink in the mire altogether.

[Sidenote: _HIS POWER OF WILL._]

“You may very likely wonder at what I have been able to do—being only a poor souter,[60]—with no one to help me, and but few to encourage me in my labours. Many others have wondered, like yourself. The only answer I can give to such wonderers is, that I had the WILL to do the little that I have accomplished.

“If what I have done by myself, unaided and alone and without the help of books, surpasses the credulity of some, what might I not have accomplished had I obtained the help from others which was so often promised me! But that time is past, and there is no use in saying anything more about it. If I suffered privations, I had only myself and my love of Nature to blame.”

He was sometimes told that it was his “pride” which prevented him from being assisted as he should have been. His answer was, that he did not know anything about pride. But if it consisted in not soliciting aid when in want, and in endeavouring to conceal his poverty even when in need of help,—in order that the world might not know of the misery which himself, his wife, and his family suffered,—then he did not hesitate to say that he and his wife were proud. They never refused a kindly gift, but they always refused public charity.

[Sidenote: _NEVER DESPAIR!_]

“Although,” he says in a recent letter, “I have not known the pangs of want for some time, thanks to my children, I could scarcely have failed to do so in the years that are past. It would have been beyond the common run of things, if I had not. What working-man, especially what journeyman shoemaker, could have brought up and educated a large family, without at times feeling privation and the pressure of poverty? There are other trades which have their dull seasons; but, unlike most other tradesmen, shoemakers are not, from their low pay, able to lay anything by, even when they have plenty of work. And, as a matter of course, this made the struggle, when it did come, all the worse to bear.

“From these facts and others which I have told you before, I say, and am ready to maintain against every opposition, that no one who steps this earth, or even crawls upon it, need ever despair, after what I have done, of achieving whatever of good they have once set their minds on. Firmness of purpose and the Will to do and dare, will accomplish, I may say, almost anything. The Will is the key that opens the door to every path, whether it be of Science or of Nature, and every one has it in his power to choose the road for himself.”

[Sidenote: _MONEY CONSIDERATIONS._]

Notwithstanding Edward’s power of will and indomitable perseverance, and the amount of useful scientific work which he has accomplished, it was easy to see that he was rather disappointed at the results of his labours. It is true that his zoological labours did not enable him to earn money: indeed, he had not worked for money considerations. Natural science is always unremunerative, especially to those who have to work for their daily bread.[61] Nor had his self-imposed labours lifted him above his position in any way. He began life as a shoemaker, and he continued a shoemaker to the end. Many called him a fool because he gave himself up to “beasts.” He himself says, “I have been a fool to Nature all my life.”

“If it had not been for the industry of my children,” he says, “my wife and myself would have been in starvation these many years back, as all that I have been making could scarcely have kept myself in bread. So that is something. But if ever I complained about my life, I never meant it to be in that way. Had the object of my life been money instead of Nature,—had I pursued the one with half the ardour and perseverance that I did the other,—I have no hesitation in saying that by this time I would have been a rich man.

[Sidenote: _THINGS HE HAS NOT DONE._]

“But it is not the things I have done that vexes me so much, as the things that I have _not_ done. I feel that I _could_ have accomplished so much more. I did not want the will, but I wanted the means. It is that consideration that hurts me when I think about it, as I sometimes do. I know what I have done, and from that I can conceive how much more I might have done had I got but a little help. Think yourself—only think for a few moments—of a poor illiterate working man struggling against every sort of privation for so many years, with no other object in view but simply to gain a little knowledge of the works of creation,—think of that, and say if I can be blamed because I occasionally grieve that I had no help, when it would have enabled me to do so much more than I have already done. For these reasons I sometimes consider my life to have been a blasted one—like a diamond taken from the mine, and, instead of being polished, crushed to the earth in a thousand fragments.”

[Sidenote: _EDWARD AT HOME._]

Still, Edward must, to a great extent, have enjoyed a happy life. He was hopeful and cheerful. He had always some object to pursue, with a purpose. That constitutes one of the secrets of happiness. He had an interesting hobby: that is another secret. Natural History is one of the most delightful of hobbies. He had the adventure, the chase, the capture, and often the triumph of discovery. He must have found great delight in finding a new bird, a new star-fish, a new crustacean, a new ascidian. It must also have been a pleasure to him to be in correspondence with some of the most enlightened men of the time; to have received their congratulations upon his discoveries; and to have been rewarded with the titular honours which they had to bestow.

But what did they think of him at home? A man may be a well-disposed man out of doors, yet altogether different in his domestic circle. Follow him home, and see what he is there. We have seen that Edward was a happy father and a happy husband. His children, as we have said, were brought up well and virtuously. There was no better conducted family in Banff. When young they assisted him in his labours amongst his fishes and crustaceans; and, when old, they were proud to help him in all ways. Is not this a great feature in a man’s character?

What did his wife say of him? When reminded of his wanderings about at night, and asked what she thought of them, she replied, “Weel, he took such an interest in beasts, that I didna compleen. Shoemakers were then a very drucken set, but his beasts keepit him frae them. My man’s been a sober man all his life; and he never negleckit his wark. Sae I let him be.” Wise woman!

Scotch people are very reticent. They rarely speak of love or affection. It is all “understood.” It is said that a Scotchman will never tell his wife that he loves her, until he is dying. But you can always tell, from the inside of a house, what the woman is, and how her husband regards her. In these respects, it may be said, that Edward, though poor and scrimp of means, has always enjoyed a happy home; and that is saying a great deal.

[Sidenote: _HIS OUTSIDE HELPERS._]

It is not, however, the amount of love and respect with which a man is regarded at home, that satisfies him,—so much as the esteem with which he is regarded by his fellow-men. When a man works gratuitously for science, and labours for the advancement of knowledge, he seems entitled to admiration and respect. But Edward did not think that his labours had been properly recognised. This seems to have vexed him very much. He had often been promised aid in the shape of books. But no such aid ever came. “All my honours,” said he, “have come from a distance. I have kept the museum of the Banff Institution for about twenty-one years, for I may say almost nothing; and though the Linnean Society thought me worthy of being elected an Associate, the people here did not think me worthy of being an honorary member of their Society. Still, I am not complaining. The people of Banff had no right to make me a gentleman.”

The truth is, that it was a misfortune for Edward to have lived so far from the centre of scientific pursuits. Banff was a place comparatively unknown. In the pursuit of science, a man requires fellowship. He especially requires the fellowship of books. Banff could do little for him in this respect. Had he lived in a larger town, with a library at his command, he could have acquired the friendship of scientific men, who are rarely disposed to be narrow in their “encouragement of native genius and talent,” however poor the student may be.

[Sidenote: _HIS FAILURES._]

But it was difficult for Edward to remove to any other place. He had his family to provide for, and he had not the means of removing them elsewhere. He was tied like a limpet to its rock. Still, he did all that he could to improve his position where he was. He tried to secure an appointment in connection with the police; but having no influence, he failed. He applied to the London College of Surgeons for a curatorship, but Mr. Quekett having informed him that it was only a fourth portership that was wanted, he failed there too. Then he studied electricity, for the purpose of assisting a doctor in electrifying his patients; but thinking that he might kill more than he could cure, he gave up the idea of proceeding further. He next tried photography, but not being provided with sufficient capital, he gave up that too. The last application he made was for an appointment as sub-curator of the City Industrial Museum of Glasgow, but he received no encouragement.

[Sidenote: _RESIGNATION._]

After abandoning photography as a means of subsistence, he returned to his old trade. “As a last and only remaining source,” he said in June 1875, “I betook myself to my old and time-honoured friend, a friend of fifty years’ standing, who has never yet forsaken me, nor refused help to my body when weary, nor rest to my limbs when tired—my well-worn cobbler’s stool. AND HERE I AM STILL on the old boards, doing what little I can, with the aid of my well-worn kit, to maintain myself and my family; with the certainty that instead of my getting the better of the lapstone and leather, they will very soon get the better of me. And although I am now like a beast tethered to his pasturage, with a portion of my faculties somewhat impaired, I can still appreciate and admire as much as ever the beauties and wonders of Nature, as exhibited in the incomparable works of our adorable Creator.”

FOOTNOTES:

[58] After parting with the greater part of his third collection in 1867, Dr. Gray of the British Museum wrote to him: “I wish I had known that you had one or more collections to dispose of, as I should have been very glad to have purchased specimens of the Mollusca, Annelids, Star-fish, Holothurea, Echina, and small fishes of the coast of Banffshire, as I like to get specimens from the different parts of the coast. Should you have any more, please let me know.” But the request came too late.

[59] “The Smith’s meer and the Shaemakers’ bairns are aye the worst shod.”

[60] _Souter_—a shoemaker. _Ne sutor_, etc.

[61] We are sorry to observe that the late Mr. Jonathan Couch, for whom Edward made so many of his researches at Banff, died in reduced circumstances,—rendering it necessary for his daughters to go out in search of employment.

THE FAUNA OF BANFFSHIRE.

[Only a selection of the Fauna is given in the following pages. Had the Insects, Reptiles, Starfishes, Zoophytes, Molluscs, Plants, etc., which Edward found in Banffshire, been given, it would have more than filled the present volume.]

SELECTIONS FROM THE FAUNA OF BANFFSHIRE,

BY THOMAS EDWARD, A.L.S.

MAMMALS.

MELES TAXUS [_Badger or Brock_]. See p. 102.

Sparingly met with in our wooded districts.

MUSTELA MARTES [_Pine Marten_].

Found chiefly in the higher parts of the county. One was observed, in 1848, to descend from a tree in the hills of Boyndie, and go into a rabbit’s hole. The hole was stopped up, and a spade was brought to dig the animal out. It had, however, escaped by another outlet from the burrow.

MUSTELA PUTORIUS [_Polecat or Fumart_].

See page 116.

MUSTELA VULGARIS [_Weasel or Whitret_].

More frequent than the polecat. Whilst the latter would seem to delight more in plantations and whins, the other would appear to think more of old dykes, grassy hillocks, and small cairns of stones. Both are very destructive, killing much more than they devour. See p. 111.

MUSTELA ERMINEA [_Ermine or Stoat_].

This species is often mistaken for the weasel. They are very similar during summer, their colours being then the same. In winter, however, the ermine changes to a pure white, excepting in a portion of the tail, which is always black. In this state they are all but universally called “_White_,” or rather “_Fite Futrates_.” The true weasel never changes.

LUTRA VULGARIS [_Otter_].

Often met with in suitable localities along the sea-shore, as well as by many of our streams and streamlets. See p. 115.

CANIS VULPES [_Fox, Tod Lowric, or Reynard_].

A well-known animal, especially in the country districts. See pp. 109, 219.

FELIS CATIS [_Common Wild Cat_].

The wild cat is now, perhaps, extinct with us, though at one time it was frequently found in the woods and rocky glens of the more alpine portions of the interior. One which I had the pleasure of seeing, and which was killed in Glen Avon, measured over four feet in length, and was well proportioned in every other respect. It was altogether a very formidable looking animal.

TALPA EUROPÆA [_Mole or Mowdiewort_].

This harmless creature is often met with. It is very useful to agriculturists by turning up the fertile soil, yet they constantly wage war against it. Pure white varieties are sometimes met with.

ERINACEUS EUROPÆUS [_Hedgehog_].

Even since I remember, “hedgey” was altogether unknown, or at least very seldom seen, in Banffshire. Now he is plentiful, and seems to be still on the increase. See p. 102.

VESPERTILIO PIPISTRELLUS} [_Bat or Backie_].

VESPERTILIO DAUBENTONII }

These are both to be found here. The first is the most common. It appears that we have another species of bat here. It is larger than either of the other two. I have met with it in our woods.

SCIURUS VULGARIS [_Squirrel_].

It is only of late that this agile and tricky little quadruped has become domiciled in this county.

MYOXUS AVELLANARIUS [_Dormouse_].

I am not quite sure whether we have this animal or not; I think I have taken it, but am not able to ascertain the fact with certainty.

MUS MUSCULUS [_Common Mouse_].

There is no doubt about this sly little domestic. Specimens of various colours—such as white, gray stripped with white, reddish, and yellow—sometimes occur. Musical individuals of the genus are not infrequent. See p. 110.

MUS SYLVATICUS [_Long-tailed or Wood Mouse_].

Is to be found in almost every conceivable situation, except in towns.

MUS MESSORIUS [_Harvest Mouse_].

This sleek little thing, the smallest of British quadrupeds, is now well ascertained to be a native of Banffshire. I have myself taken it several times.

MUS RATTUS [_Black Rat_].

This, the native British rat, though at one time very abundant, is so no longer. It has been expelled or driven back, as the Celts have been by the Scandinavians, by the Norway rat. The black rat is seldom seen now. Pure white varieties have been found.

MUS DECUMANUS [_Norwegian Rat or Rottin_].

Very plentiful, and bids fair, erelong, to extirpate his weaker relative, the Black Rat. See p. 113.

ARVICOLA AMPHIBIA [_Water Rat_].

To be found on the banks of all our streams. It is sometimes turned up with the plough, at a considerable distance from the water. It is a curious circumstance that the water rats of England are mostly of a light brown colour, whilst those of Scotland are usually jet black.

ARVICOLA AGRESTIS [_Short-tailed Field Mouse_].

Plentiful, and very destructive to young trees.

ARVICOLA PRATENSIS [_Meadow Mouse_].

Like the last in appearance and habits. It is recognisable by its much longer tail.

SOREX ARANEUS [_Common Shrew_].

Plentiful.

SOREX FODIENS [_Water Shrew_].

Found along burnsides, and occasionally in ditches.

SOREX REMIFER [_Black Water Shrew_].

Not so frequently found as the last. The water shrew is very difficult to be taken. I never could manage to trap any of them. They baffled all my ingenuity. My only resource was the gun, and even with it I have often had enough to do. I have sat for from six to seven hours without moving, watching for an opportunity of shooting the water shrew, and been doomed to disappointment at last.

LEPUS TIMIDUS [_Common Hare or Maukins_].

Very plentiful in the low grounds. See pp. 106, 274.

LEPUS VARIABILIS [_Blue or Alpine Hare_].

This species is only to be met with in the hills and mountains, except when driven down by stress of weather. In very severe winters they occasionally descend in great numbers to the lower part of the county, at which time they are of a pure white.

LEPUS CUNICULUS [_Rabbit_].

Very plentiful, in every conceivable spot, from the rocky shore, the sandbank, the quarry hole, the stony cairn, the old dyke, the garden, the orchard, and the open field, to the thickest woods. White, black, cream coloured, stripped, and pied varieties, occur. See pp. 106, 275.

CERVUS ELAPHUS [_Stag, Red or Highland Deer_].

This, perhaps the fleetest, as he is the noblest of our wild animals, still holds his place in the county, though not now so numerous as he used to be.

CERVUS CAPREOLUS [_Roe Deer_].

The roe seems to be more widely distributed than the red deer; and whilst the latter usually inhabits the more sequestered heath, grassy dells, and wooded glens of the higher lands, the other is mostly found in the plantations and copses of the lower levels. See p. 106.

PHOCA VITULINA [_Seal or Selch_].

Stray individuals of this aquatic tribe pay us a visit now and then. They are common in Cromarty Firth.

DELPHINUS PHOCÆNA [_Porpoise or Sea Hog_].

This is another watery visitant, much more frequently seen than the seal.

DELPHINUS DELPHIS [_Striped Porpoise or Dolphin_].

A specimen of this beautiful porpoise was taken here in 1853.

DELPHINUS TURSIO [_Bottle-nosed Porpoise_].

This species is said to have been taken here, though there are some doubts as to the fact.

DELPHINUS DEDUCTOR [_Pilot Whale_].

Several of these have from time to time been met with. There are other species of whales which have been captured here. One, reported to have been a monster for size, is said to have been found amongst the rocks, so far back as about the beginning of last century, betwixt the Boyne and the point known as the King’s Head, but of what species is not accurately known. It is stated in the “Statistical Account of the Parish of Rathven,” which extends about ten miles along the coast west of Cullen, that the porpoise, the grampus, and the spermaceti whale, are frequently seen along the shore.

BIRDS.

AQUILA CHRYSAETOS [_The Golden Eagle_].

The eagle breeds in the highest parts of the county, in the rocky heights near Ben Avon (see p. 121). They have also been seen hovering about the sea-braes between Banff and Portsoy.

AQUILA ALBICILLA [_The Erne or Sea-Eagle_] has also been found.

AQUILA HALIAETUS [_The Osprey, Fish Hawk, or Fishing Eagle_] has also been found. A very fine male specimen was shot amongst the high cliffs of Gamrie Head. Another was seen at Melrose, a few miles from where the other was obtained.

FALCO PEREGRINUS [_The Peregrine Falcon, Blue or Hunting Hawk_].

The Peregrine is one of our native hawks, and breeds annually, though very sparingly, and usually in inaccessible places in some of our highest headlands. Peregrine falcons have been taken from their nests in Troup Head. As to the manner in which they devour their prey, see p. 223.

FALCO ÆSALON [_The Merlin_].

A daring little fellow that breeds on several of our hills, more particularly on the Knock, the Bin (Huntly), Auchindoon, and Benvennis. When strolling along our sea-braes early one morning, I heard a tremendous noise of rooks and jackdaws ahead of me, and on coming to the spot I found them attacking a little merlin. One would have thought that such a host would have smothered the little creature in a twinkling. But such was not the case. The crows did not assail him all at once, nor yet singly; but three, four, and as many as seven, would be on him at a time, the main body keeping at a short distance, encouraging their companions, as it were, with their cawings. After a while, one of these storming parties would retire, and then another would sally forth to the charge. The merlin, however, being of lighter mettle and swifter of wing, managed, with wonderful dexterity, generally to avoid their attacks; now rising, now descending, and now turning in a zigzag direction, first to one side, then to the other; and succeeding, whilst doing so, in giving one or other of his adversaries a pretty severe peck, which had the effect of sending him screaming away. At last, however, a crow, which seemed more courageous than the rest, rushed at the merlin with such fury that I actually thought he would have swallowed him up at once, or sent him headlong into the sea. But no! the merlin withstood the shock, and contrived to deal his assailant a thrust as he approached and passed him. The merlin now rose considerably higher, and was followed only by this single opponent, who returned with redoubled fury to the combat. Up, up they soar, fighting as they go. They close, they scream, they grapple, and their feathers fly like dust. Down they come, locked in deadly embrace. I run to catch them both. But no! See! they part, mount again and again, scream, close, and, as before, fall, but not this time to the earth; they part and mount again. But ’tis now their last time; for the hawk, rising several yards above his bold and venturous antagonist, rushes down upon him with a yell, such as hawks alone, when irritated, know how to utter, and with such force that both fell right down into the sea, above which they were then fighting. I looked to see them rise again; but they did not. After a little splashing, all was over with the crow, but not with the hawk: he was still alive, although in a very precarious situation, from which he made several unsuccessful attempts to rise, but could not. It would seem that in dealing the death-blow to his tormentor he somehow or other got himself entangled, perhaps by his talons entering some of the bones of the crow, from whence he could not extract them. Both met with a watery grave, for on my leaving the place, they were both fast drifting seaward, a breeze blowing off the land at the time, with the crows hovering over them and still cawing.

FALCO NISUS [_The Sparrow-Hawk_].

This is another daring individual. When standing on our Links not long since, and speaking to one of our keepers, something struck me on the breast and fell to the ground. Instantly, and like a flash of lightning, down rushed a sparrow-hawk, and picked up a thrush from betwixt us; it rose with its booty, and was out of sight before we could raise our guns to fire at it. The keeper grumbled a great deal at our seeming stupidity.

FALCO TINNUNCULUS [_The Kestrel_].

This mouse-, insect-, and caterpillar-eating bird, or hawk if you will, is very common with us. When a boy I kept, amongst a host of others, several of this species. I remember that when a mouse, a young rabbit, a leveret, and a middle-sized rat, were presented at the same time, either of the former was sure to be pounced upon, whilst the latter usually lay unheeded. Since then, during my thirty years of taxidermal practice, I have often dissected this bird, and found in its stomach the remains principally of the smaller quadrupeds, insects (chiefly beetles), and caterpillars. Yet this poor bird is persecuted with as much severity as birds of the most destructive kind.

FALCO PALUMBARIUS [_The Goshawk_].

One was shot at Tomintoul a short time ago, and two others—one at Hillton, the other at Macduff. It is rather a rare bird.

FALCO MILVUS [_The Kite_].

This bird was once plentiful here, but it is now rarely seen. A splendid specimen was recently shot at Eden, about four miles from Banff.

FALCO BUTEO [_The Buzzard_]. Occasionally met with.

FALCO LAGOPUS [_The Rough-Legged Buzzard_].

More frequent than the last. One in my collection was killed on the hill of Dunn, and another in the museum was shot at Forglen. The nests of this species have also been found in the neighbourhood, though rarely.

FALCO APIVORUS [_The Honey Buzzard_].

A still rarer species. A splendid specimen was shot at Gamrie a few years ago. They are usually termed “Gleds” with us.

FALCO ÆRUGINOSUS [_The Marsh Harrier_].

Specimens of these birds are occasionally shot in this neighbourhood.

FALCO CYANEUS [_The Hen Harrier_].

Occasionally met with. The male is known here by the names of gray, blue, and lead hawk; the female by the name of ring-tail.

FALCO CINERASCENS [_Ash-coloured Harrier_].

I have only met with one of this species here. It was a first-rate specimen,—a male, and a very pretty bird.

STRIX OTUS [_The Long-eared Horned Owl_].

Plentiful. I once found a nest of this bird with eggs about the middle of March. See p. 121.

STRIX BRACHYOTUS [_The Short-eared Owl, Woodcock, or Grass Owl_].

A migrating species with us. Specimens are frequently met with by sportsmen when out shooting snipes, woodcocks, etc.

STRIX FLAMMEA [_The Barn Owl_].

This bird, though common in England, is very rare with us. I know of only four being procured within twenty-four years. One is in my own collection.

STRIX ALUCO [_The Tawny or Brown Owl_].

Almost equal in numbers to the long-eared owl, which is plentiful.

STRIX NYCTEA [_The Snowy Owl_].

One of the most magnificent of the owl tribe. What a splendid and showy bird! I think the term “glistening” or “spangled” might, with all truth and justice, be applied to this shining species. What a noble-looking bird! What beautiful eyes! the pupil dark, and the iris like two rings of the finest burnished gold, set, as it were, in a casket of polished silver. I am glad, nay proud, of being able to give this king of British owls a place in my list, and of being able, perhaps for the first time, to say that at least one pair have been known to breed within the district. A few miles west of Portsoy, and not far from Cullen, stands the bold and towering form of Loggie Head. In connection with this rocky promontory, and about midway up its rugged height, there is a narrow cave or chasm called “Dickie Hare.” In this cave a pair of these owls bred in 1845. Unluckily, however, for them, a party of fishermen belonging to Cullen, returning one morning from their vocation discovered their retreat, by observing one of the birds go in. This was too good to lose sight of, so up the dangerous and jagged precipice scrambled one of the crew, and managed to reach the aperture where the bird disappeared; but instead of only one, as he expected, he was not a little surprised to find that he had four to deal with, two old and two young ones well fledged; and the apartment was so narrow that only one person could enter at a time, so that help was out of the question; and his ambition grasped the whole. What was he to do, or what could he do? Turn?—then the birds would have flown. No! but, just as I would have done had I been in his place, he set upon them all; and, after a prolonged and pretty severe battle, in which he got himself a good deal lacerated and his clothes torn by the claws of the birds, he succeeded in capturing them all alive, except one of the young ones, which fell a sacrifice to the struggle. The state of excitement which the little town was in as the man landed with his prizes, and the news of his morning’s achievement spread, may in some measure be imagined, but can hardly be described.

STRIX PASSERINA [_The Little Owl_].

I give this bird a place on the authority of a Mr. Wilson, who informs me he saw one in a wood near this place.

MUSCICAPA GRISOLA [_The Spotted Fly-Catcher_].

It is somewhat strange, but not less strange than true, that this sylvan and garden-loving species should also be found nestling and inhabiting our wild and rocky ravines; yet such is the case. I have met with them twice.

MUSCICAPA ATRICAPILLA [_The Pied Fly-Catcher_].

I have a specimen of this bird, a male, in my possession, which was shot about thirteen miles from this place.

CINCLUS AQUATICUS [_The Dipper, or Water-Cockie_].

Every means has been put in requisition to destroy this little bird. It was abundant thirty years ago; but it is now rarely to be seen. It was supposed to destroy the young salmon, hence it has been shot down wherever found. But I have never as yet found anything appertaining to fish in its stomach, and I have dissected about forty,—water insects and their larvæ being what I have most frequently observed.

TURDUS VISCIVORUS [_The Missel Thrush_].

About twenty years ago such a bird was scarcely known among us, but now it bids fair to outnumber the common species; for as the one gains ground, the other seems to lose it.

TURDUS PILARIS [_The Fieldfare_].

A winter visitor. We call them “Hielan’-pyats,” that is “Highland piets.” They arrive in October, and depart in April. Some seasons they occur in thousands, but in others only sparingly.

TURDUS MUSICUS [_The Song Thrush or Mavis_].

Usually very common in this neighbourhood, but becoming superseded by the missel thrush. (For its singing propensities see p. 269.) There is one fact in connection with the rearing of these birds which I must not omit to mention,—namely, that if any of the young refuse to open their mouths to receive food when offered, the old one knocks them soundly on the head with his bill until they did so. I have observed this frequently, and was not a little amused at it.

TURDUS ILIACUS [_The Redwing_].

A winter visitor, like the fieldfare, but not nearly so numerous.

TURDUS MERULA [_The Blackbird, Blackie_].

Generally distributed, but not in great plenty in any place. White varieties have occasionally been met with, as well as pied. When the winter storms send the thrushes to the sea-shore to seek for food, this bird betakes himself to farm-steadings and stable-yards, so that he never suffers so much as the thrushes do.

TURDUS TORQUATUS [_The Ring Ouzel_].

Rare. A few breed now and then among the higher districts of the county.

ACCENTOR MODULARIS [_The Hedge Sparrow_].

Generally distributed, but nowhere in abundance.

SYLVIA RUBECULA [_Robin Redbreast_].

This rather bold, red-breasted gentleman, or cock-robin as we call him here, is somewhat more numerous than the last.

SYLVIA PHŒNICURUS [_The Redstart_].

Frequents our gardens, and breeds there.

SYLVIA TITHYS [_The Black Redstart_].

I am only aware of two of these birds having been seen in our county.

SYLVIA RUBICOLA [_The Stonechat_].

SYLVIA RUBETRA [_The Whinchat_].

Neither of these birds are very numerous with us; but they may occasionally be seen in suitable localities,—the first is with us all the year, and the other, though migratory, is occasionally seen in winter.

SYLVIA ŒNANTHE[_The Wheatear_].

A summer visitor. Wheatears generally appear on the sea-coast first, from whence they disperse inland. They are called with us the “Stone Chatterer.”

SYLVIA PHRAGMITIS [_The Sedge Warbler_].

Comparatively rare. It is only of late years that this bird has visited us. How pleasant and enchanting it is to wander by the margin of the running stream either at latest even, or at earliest morn, or even during summer’s midnight hours, and hear the sedge warbler pouring forth his long harmonious song,—himself all the while hid in some neighbouring bush. See pp. 51, 125.

SYLVIA ATRICAPILLA [_The Blackcap_].

Rarer even than the last. A most noble songster, though I prefer the thrush.

SYLVIA CINEREA [_The Whitethroat_].

More numerous than either of the two last. It arrives about the same time.

SYLVIA SIBILATRIX [_The Wood Wren_].

Very rare. It is only seen at intervals, though it is supposed to breed here.

SYLVIA TROCHILUS [_The Willow Wren_].

Common throughout the whole county. It is found in plantations, whins, brooms, and in gardens and orchards. It generally nests on the ground. It is a very lively songster.

SYLVIA RUFA [_The Chiffchaff_].

The only bird of this kind that I have seen, is one that I took myself in the Duff House policies.

REGULUS CRISTATUS [_The Golden-crested Regulus or Wren_].

Wherever there are suitable woods, this bird is to be found among us in pretty fair numbers.

PARUS MAJOR [_The Great Titmouse_],

PARUS CÆRULEUS [_The Blue Titmouse_],

PARUS ATER [_The Cole Titmouse_], and

PARUS CAUDATUS [_The Long-tailed Titmouse_].

These birds all exist in the county in about equal numbers. It is rather an interesting and pleasant sight, and one which I have often witnessed, to see small bands of these lively, active little birds, together with the goldcrests and creepers, all in company, foraging about amongst the leafy trees in winter; the tits on the branches, the creepers on the trunk, and, if there is no snow on the ground, the goldcrests generally lower down, near about the roots. All is life, bustle, and animation, each cheering the other with its tiny note. See p. 69.

PARUS PALUSTRIS [_The Marsh Titmouse_].

This bird is very seldom seen among us.

PARUS CRISTATUS [_The Crested Titmouse_].

This rare British Tit is an inhabitant of the higher and middle districts of the county, where it breeds occasionally.

BOMBYCILLA GARRULA [_The Waxwing_].

This bird is an occasional winter visitor. Some seasons large flocks appear, then only a few; then, again, perhaps none; and this may be the case for many succeeding seasons.

MOTACILLA YARRELLI [_Pied Wagtail_].

Wherever there is a stream or a quarry, you will meet, in summer, with a pair or two of these active little insect-eaters. During winter, they are invariably to be seen on lawns, or about mills and farm-steadings. They remain with us all the year round.

MOTACILLA BOARULA [_The Gray Wagtail_].

This is our yellow wagtail, being known by no other name. Though generally distributed throughout the country, it is not nearly so abundant. It sometimes breeds in company with the sand martin.

MOTACILLA CAMPESTRIS [_Ray’s Wagtail_].

Only an occasional visitor with us. They breed plentifully amongst the hillocks which stretch along the line of coast between the Don (Aberdeenshire) and Newburgh,—then again from Peterhead to Fraserburgh.

ANTHUS ARBOREUS [_The Tree Pipit_].

This bird is frequently seen; it breeds near Inverkeithnay, Rothiemay, and Inveraven.

ANTHUS PRATENSIS [_The Meadow Pipit_].

Plentiful throughout the whole county.

ANTHUS OBSCURUS [_The Rock Pipit_].

Known all along our coast.

ANTHUS RICARDI [_Richard’s Pipit_].

I have only seen this bird once, at the foot of the Knock Hill.

ALAUDA ARVENSIS [_The Skylark or Laverock_].

Universally distributed along the whole length and breadth of the county. It is, I think, the most numerous bird we have. Towards the months of October and November a great diminution of its numbers takes place. But a little after New Year’s Day they again begin to make their appearance. Where they have been in the meantime, I have never been able to ascertain; one thing is certain, however, that I have seen them returning from the east and from the north, in immense numbers. (See pp. 127, 269.)

ALAUDA ARBOREA [_The Wood Lark_].

I have seen but one of these birds, in the avenue of Duff House. It was alone and in song at the time—May 27, 1850.

EMBERIZA NIVALIS [_The Snow Bunting_].

Seen in large flocks during winter, and exhibiting a motley mixture of pure white, jet black, dull tawny, and deep chestnut,—a beautiful band across the wings being conspicuous only in flight. They arrive about the beginning of November, and depart about the first of April. They sing beautifully, in a sweet low lilt.

EMBERIZA MILIARIA [_The Corn Bunting_].

This bird is not very numerous with us.

EMBERIZA SCHŒNICLUS [_The Black-headed Bunting or Ring Fowl_].

It frequents the mosses. I have found their nests in bushes, amongst reeds, or on the ground. It is called the “Moss Sparrow” by the country people. I once saw a black variety of this bird, and another almost yellow.

EMBERIZA CITRINELLA [_The Yellowhammer_].

More numerous than either of the two last. The common name here is “Skite.” It is not particular as to the place where it builds its nest. I have seen one built in a rut on a cart-track, close by the wayside. On passing afterwards, I found the nest had been destroyed by a cart-wheel passing over it.

EMBERIZA CIRLUS [_The Cirl Bunting_].

Very rarely found in this quarter.

FRINGILLA CŒLEBS [_The Chaffinch_]. Abundant.

FRINGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA [_The Brambling_].

A winter visitor. A few may be met with every season.

FRINGILLA MONTANA [_The Tree Sparrow_].

To be found in several localities throughout the county.

FRINGILLA DOMESTICA [_The House Sparrow_]. Numerous.

FRINGILLA CHLORIS [_The Green Finch_].

Pretty generally distributed throughout the country, and especially in woody places. The bird is easily tamed.

FRINGILLA COCCOTHRAUSTES [_The Hawfinch_].

A rare bird with us.

FRINGILLA CIRIS [_The Painted Finch_].

A migratory species. Only one specimen has been seen.

FRINGILLA CARDUELIS [_The Goldfinch_].

These birds have in a great measure been captured by the bird-catchers. (See p. 270.)

FRINGILLA SPINUS [_The Siskin_].

Fewer than before. They have been thinned by the bird-catchers. A tamable bird.

FRINGILLA CANNABINA [_The Linnet_].

There is no house bird that possesses so many names as this one. It is the rose lintie so long as it retains its red breast; but when that is gone or wanting, it is then the gray lintie, the whin lintie, the brown lintie, and so on. Cultivation is driving the linties away, by tearing down every whin, knoll, and brae, where it is possible for the plough and spade to work their way.

FRINGILLA LINARIA [_The Lesser Redpole_].

This is found most plentifully in the higher districts of the county; but in severe winters, large flocks of them descend to the lower grounds.

FRINGILLA BOREALIS [_The Mealy Redpole_]. A rare species.

FRINGILLA MONTIUM [_The Twite_].

Another mountain as well as sea-shore rocky species. It is the most elegant of all our linnets.

LOXIA PYRRHULA [_The Bullfinch_].

This is another prize for the trapper. But great numbers are annually destroyed by gardeners and nurserymen, who believe that they are destructive. Yet their principal food consists of insects; and insects are also the chief food for their young. I hope a better day will arrive for these lovely little birds, when they will be cherished and encouraged rather than hated and destroyed. The bullfinch is easily taught to whistle, or to “pipe” familiar tunes.

LOXIA CURVIVOSTRA [_The Crossbill_].

This bird is on the increase. They nest with us, and have done so for some years. There is a great diversity of colour and size amongst them.

LOXIA PYTIOPSITTACUS [_Parrot Crossbill_].

While walking one morning round the Whinhill, and just as I reached the south side, I was rather surprised at hearing the voice of what I knew to be a stranger. On looking to a low, bare wall, about three or four yards in front of me, I beheld, in all his pride and beauty, a male parrot crossbill. This is the only instance, to my knowledge, of its existence amongst us.

LOXIA LEUCOPTERA [_White-Winged Crossbill_].

About fifty years ago, a large flock of these birds suddenly made their appearance on the “Castle trees,” in this neighbourhood. Their strange appearance and gaudy plumage soon attracted notice,—nearly the whole town flocking to see the “foreigners.” They appeared quite exhausted, many of them dropping from the trees.

STURNUS VULGARIS [_The Starling_].

The starling has been rapidly increasing of late years. At one time single starlings were rarely to be seen, whereas flocks of this bird now appear towards the close of every season.

STURNUS PREDATORIUS [_The Red-Winged Starling_].

A pretty bird which occasionally visits this county.

PASTOR ROSEUS [_Rose-Coloured Pastor_].

This is another rare beauty, occasionally seen in this county.

CORVUS CORAX [_The Raven_].

A few of these birds inhabit the precipitous parts of the coast, where they breed in company with the falcon, kestrel, gull, guillemot, etc. The raven will tame pretty well; it will talk hoarsely, and do mischievous tricks.

CORVUS CORONE [_Carrion Crow_], and

CORVUS CORNIX [_Hooded Crow_].

Both occur in about equal numbers. (See p. 271.)

CORVUS FRUGILEGUS [_The Rook_].

Many large rookeries exist in the county. (See p. 126.)

CORVUS MONEDULA [_The Jackdaw_].

Very plentiful. (See p. 25.)

CORVUS PICA [_Magpie_].

One of the most bashful of birds. It is very sparingly distributed, and in some places is scarcely known. Our keepers both shoot and trap them wherever found.

PICUS MAJOR [_Greater Spotted Woodpecker_].

Several pairs of this showy bird have been procured within our district. It is also found in the higher parts of the county. A specimen was shot near Banff, and when dissected, its stomach was found crammed with two species of grub, of a creamy or grayish colour. It contained also several beetles and a small spider.

PICUS MINOR [_Lesser Spotted Woodpecker_].

More rare than the last. One sent to me, fourteen years since, from Mayen, where it was shot, and another seen on the Lodge hills, are all that I am aware of. Very probably others have occurred.

YUNX TORQUILLA [_Wryneck_].

The late Professor Macgillivray, of Marischal College, Aberdeen, informed me that one was taken at or near Portsoy, by a pupil of his. One, now in the Banff Museum, was taken six years ago, about fourteen miles from the town.

CERTHIA FAMILIARIS [_Creeper_].

Wherever there are suitable woods, these birds are sure to be found. We sometimes read and hear as extraordinary occurrences, that nests have been found in the hearts of trees that have been sawn up. Now, to those acquainted with the facts, these occurrences are easily accounted for. I know a tree myself which contains _two_ nests, both with eggs. About seventeen years ago there was in the side of this tree a small aperture, about six feet from the ground, which led downwards to a cavity in the centre of the trunk. The opening was so narrow outwardly that it only admitted two of my fingers, but widened as it proceeded to the bottom, a distance of about eighteen inches. In this hole, at the time referred to, a pair of creepers built their nest and laid eggs, after which they disappeared. Next season a pair of blue titmice acted in a similar manner; and they also disappeared, doubtless in consequence of being tormented by boys, and of the narrowness of the entrance. The growth of the tree caused the hole to get less and less every year, and it has been for several years so completely closed that the point of the finest needle cannot be inserted. The tree, a sturdy beech, has the two nests and eggs in its very core. It is thus evident how easily these “extraordinary occurrences” may be accounted for.

TROGLODYTES EUROPÆUS [_Wren_].

The dear little wren, the lion of small birds, with his short, jerking little tail, I have known and admired from childhood. Who that has trod the woods in spring or summer has not heard a very loud, though by no means inharmonious song, proceeding from some bush or bank, and not admired it?—and who is there, if he did not know the bird, that would not be surprised beyond measure at so small a creature being able to make such a loud noise? Of all the deserted nests I have ever met with, those of the wren would, I am sure, count twenty per cent over any other species. I am unable to account for this, but perhaps it arises from their building several before they get one to please them. I once found one of their nests in an old tin kettle, which had become fixed amongst the branches of a holly. The wren, like other birds, does not sing so well in confinement. When in their native haunts, there is a pathos in their voice and a music in their melody, which makes the heart thrill with pleasure.

UPUPA EPOPS [_Hoopoe_].

Three or four of these pretty birds have occurred here: one was taken at Duff House, in 1832, by a Mr. Mackay, in such a state of exhaustion as to allow itself to be captured by hand; another was seen by myself, a few years back, in the same place; and two others are said to have been since obtained in other parts of the county.

CUCULUS CANORUS [_Cuckoo_].

This is another sweet and darling gem. Well do I remember, when only a little fellow, rummaging about the Den of Rubislaw, near Aberdeen, how surprised I was on hearing the sound of “Cuckoo, cuckoo,” from a small plantation close by, and how overjoyed I was when I obtained a sight of the bird; and now that I am old, the sweet voice of the harbinger of sunny days still cheers me. They are not very numerous with us along the sea-coast, but are very frequent in the higher districts. They generally appear about the end of April. It is said that they can retain their eggs for a number of days after they are ready for extrusion. I will relate, without comment, a circumstance of this sort which came under my own observation:—A female specimen, shot in a garden here, was brought to me to be preserved. On dissecting it, I was agreeably surprised at finding in the oviduct an egg as perfect as if it had been obtained from a nest.

CORACIAS GARRULA [_Roller_].

I am only aware of one specimen of this pretty and rare bird being obtained in our county; it was a splendid specimen killed on the hills of Boyndie.

MEROPS APIASTER [_Bee-Eater_].

I give this species a place here from having heard that a greenish bird, somewhat less than a thrush, with a longish bent bill, and with two feathers of the tail longer than the rest, was killed in a garden between Huntly and Dufftown, about seven years ago. It has since been found at the hills of Boyndie, about two miles from Banff.

ALCEDO ISPIDA [_Kingfisher_].

Several of these sparkling gems have been taken here at different times. (See p. 52.)

HIRUNDO RUSTICA [_Swallow_], and

HIRUNDO RIPARIA [_Martin_].

These birds are in about equal numbers. The latter generally nestles in the corners of windows, the former in barns, etc.; they also breed along the sea-shore wherever there is a cave or projecting rock suitable. White and cream-coloured varieties are sometimes met with.

HIRUNDO URBICA [_Sand Martin_].

Wherever there is a bank of any height and not too hard, whether along the sea-shore or river-side, or a quarry or sand-hole, a colony of these active little creatures are almost sure to be met with during summer. It is surprising to see how they perforate these places, and the depth to which they will sometimes go, especially when we consider the remarkably feeble instruments with which they do it—namely, a very small and slender bill, and feet equally small and tender.

CYPSELUS APUS [_Swift_].

Of all our migratory species this is generally the last to arrive, and the first to depart. Next to the skylark, the swift appears to ascend highest in his aerial flights; and a very beautiful sight it is to see it, on a clear, still evening, gambolling about so far above the earth, and, it may be, screaming its farewell requiem to the departing sun. The swift is the first to depart, towards the end of August or beginning of September, and it returns about the middle of May; the sand martin next, or about the second or third week in September, and it usually returns about the third week in April; and the swallow and house martin commonly about the first week or middle of October, and it reappears about the 1st of May. Before I part with this interesting tribe I must become a little arithmetical. We are frequently told, and justly, of the great benefit swallows and other insect-feeders do, by the countless herds of noxious creatures which they destroy. I will relate an instance of my own experience in this respect. Picking up a swallow which had been shot by a friend, I found that its mouth was crammed with gnats and flies. Some of them were alive. They all seemed attached to the mouth by a glutinous fluid. The bird had apparently been catering for its young. Being desirous of making a further examination, I wrapped it in paper and put it in my pocket. On reaching home I opened the paper, when a number of the gnats buzzed out into my face, much to my regret; but I succeeded in counting upwards of 70, and I am quite sure there were more than 100 in all. Now it is a well-known fact that both birds assist in rearing their young. Well, say that they visit the nest every ten minutes (which is under the mark), and that every time of doing so, each bird conveys 70 insects; this in an hour amounts to 840; in a day of twelve hours, which is but a short day for a swallow at that season of the year, to 10,080; in a week of seven days, to 70,560; and in a fortnight, to 141,120. But if we carry the calculation a little further, by supposing that the birds rear two broods in a season, although the number is often three, we have, at the ratio at which we have been counting, a total of 282,240 insects destroyed in one year by _two birds alone_, while rearing their two broods!

CAPRIMULGUS EUROPÆUS [_Nightjar_].

Of late years this species would appear to have become more numerous, but it is still very far from plentiful.

COLUMBA PALUMBUS [_Ring Dove_].

Or, as we have it, _Cushie Doo_. This bids fair to become one of the greatest pests of the farmers. The wild pigeons have increased amazingly within the last few years, and the damage they do is incalculable. This increase is caused by the almost total destruction of the hawk tribe, which tended greatly to thin their numbers.

COLUMBA LIVIA [_Rock Dove_].

A few pairs breed in the caverns along our coast. It is a rare case, however, to get a pure specimen; as domestic pigeons from the farms near, sometimes breed with them. I have seen white specimens, as well as those of a sand colour.

COLUMBA TURTUR [_Turtle Dove_].

Three or four specimens of this species are said to have been seen, and some of them obtained, within the county; but whether wild ones, or individuals that had escaped, has not been ascertained.

PHASIANUS COLCHICUS [_Pheasant_].

Introduced, but seems to thrive very well; it is a beautiful ornament to parks and woods. Partially pied varieties sometimes occur, and another called the “silver pheasant.”

TETRAO TETRIX [_Black Grouse_].

Exists chiefly in the higher districts.

TETRAO SCOTICUS [_Red Grouse_].

Exists on all our moors and hills, but not in great numbers.

TETRAO LAGOPUS [_Ptarmigan_].

Less frequent than either of the two last. Ptarmigans inhabit the summits of our highest mountains; they are seldomer seen than those which frequent the lower ground. Like all others of the grouse tribe, they are yearly decreasing in number.

PERDIX CINEREA [_Partridge_].

Pretty common. A very cunning and faithful mother is the female; for when she has eggs she never goes out, if time permits, without hiding them so carefully that it is almost impossible to detect their whereabouts; and if you take her by surprise, away she hobbles on one leg, and a wing trailing on the ground as if wounded. (See p. 254.)

PERDIX RUFA [_The Red-legged Partridge_].

Commonly called the French Partridge; it has been recently found in Banff.

PERDIX COTURNIX [_Quail_].

That this species is a regular visitor I am not prepared to say; but that it is an occasional visitor and breeds here is beyond all doubt. Nests and eggs of this species are sometimes met with in cutting grass; they are generally passed over as those of the landrail.

CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS [_Golden Plover_].

Where moorfowl occur, the golden plover is generally to be met with. When the hills, heaths, and fields are covered with snow, the plover comes down from his alpine abode, and stays at the sea-side, where great numbers fall an easy prey to the gun of the sea-side fowler.

CHARADRIUS MORINELLUS [_Dotterel_].

Occasionally met with. On once asking an old keeper from the higher grounds as to where this species breeds, he replied, “On the gray slopes of the highest mountains, far above all the other birds, except the ptarmigan.” I am doubtful whether it breeds with us at all.

CHARADRIUS HIATICULA [_Ringed Plover_].

These breed with us, and remain all the year round. I have found their eggs on the sand by the beach, and forty miles inland. They likewise nestle on the shingly banks and islands along our river-courses. They are known here by the names of “sea lark” and “sanny liverock.”

VANELLUS MELANOGASTER [_Gray Plover_].

Rather rare, and I believe only a winter visitor.

VANELLUS CRISTATUS [_Lapwing_].

Found on heaths and moors, and in fields, where they breed. Many of them leave us towards winter. This is another species which endeavours to mislead you when searching for its eggs. Of all our field and heath birds, the lapwing is one of the most useful in destroying destructive insects, such as _Zabrus gibbus_, etc.

STREPSILAS INTERPRES [_Turnstone_].

An occasional visitor, generally in winter. (See p. 242.)

CALIDRIS ARENARIA [_Sanderling_].

A regular visitor, generally arriving in August, a few of them remaining through the winter. I have met with them, too, in summer, when their predominant colour, instead of being whitish, is a most beautiful reddish fawn. On their first arrival here they are very tame, allowing you to approach within a yard or two. (See p. 175.)

HÆMATOPUS OSTRALEGUS [_Oystercatcher_].

Why this bird is called oystercatcher, I cannot understand. Had it been named “limpetcatcher” I could have understood it. I have crawled amongst the rocks in order to see them feed; when I have seen the limpet driven from its hold, and scooped out of its shell with as much apparent ease as I could have picked up a _Gammaris locusta_; but I have never seen it attempt to catch an oyster. On this part of the coast its food generally consists of the limpet, and very rarely of _Acmæa testitudinalis_. I have counted as many as forty-one of the former in the stomach of a single bird, whilst of the latter I have not met with more than three or four examples. The oystercatcher is a summer visitor with us, arriving here to breed. Now and then it may be seen during winter. Large flocks visit us some seasons, generally in September, and after remaining for a day proceed farther south. “Sea piet” is the name the bird is known by here.

ARDEA CINEREA [_Heron_].

We have some small spots where these birds breed, but which hardly deserve the name of heronries. At one time, however, they were in greater numbers. I remember taking from the stomach of one a large water-rat, three middle-sized trout, and fifteen minnows. Some time ago, a person belonging to this town, whilst passing through one of the streets, was startled at being hit on the head by something which had fallen from above, and which proved to be a small fish, the five-bearded rockling, apparently quite fresh. On looking up he saw nothing but a “craigie” passing over the houses, pursued by a number of crows. Of course the fish had dropped from the heron; but the man could not be persuaded that it had not dropped from the clouds.

ARDEA PURPUREA [_Purple Heron_].

One of these birds is said to have been shot about thirteen miles from hence. My late friend, the Rev. Mr. Smith, saw fragments of the bird some time afterwards, and believed it to be of this species.

ARDEA EGRETTA [_Great White Heron_].

Two of these birds were observed to frequent various parts of our coast about twenty-six years ago; but a specimen has not since been procured.

ARDEA STELLARIS [_Bittern_].

Three or four of these birds are known to have paid us a visit. One in the Banff Museum, a very pretty one, was killed near Banff about twenty-four years since; another in the Moss of Park, and one or two at Balveny.

PLATALEA LEUCORODIA [_Spoonbill_].

One of these rarities was found in a ditch in a wood near here, by a young naturalist; he says it could easily have been shot, for he approached quite close to it, and it did not appear at all shy. It has since been found in this neighbourhood.

IBIS FALCINELLUS [_Glossy Ibis_].

On one occasion I perceived three of these birds hovering about the coast for a whole day, but I could not get a shot at them; it was in winter and during a very severe storm.

NUMENIUS ARQUATA [_Curlew_].

Plentiful in certain localities along the shore in winter; they retire in spring to the alpine and sub-alpine districts Their note in winter is simply “Whaup,” with sometimes a loud scream when come upon suddenly. In summer, however, and whilst among the moors and hills, it is more varied, being then “Poo-l-ie, poo-l-ie,” then “Coor-lie, coor-lie,” with a long “Wha-a-up” at the end. They are not then so shy as when seen by the sea-shore.

NUMENIUS PHÆOPUS [_Whimbrel_].

Seldom a summer passes but a whimbrel or two may be met with along the shore, and sometimes in some of our mosses. I think they breed with us. They are generally very shy, and not easily approached. Their call-note at once distinguishes them from the curlew.

TOTANUS CALDRIS [_Redshank_].

We have this red and long-legged gentleman rather sparingly with us, but we have him all the year. There are certain spots coastwise not much frequented, where, for seven or eight months in the year, you will seldom if ever fail to meet with a few; and when disturbed their wild scream accords well with the solitary places which they frequent, especially where there is a low hollow murmuring from the ocean. This is another species, which, lapwing-like, will flap about you when in the way of their nest, and for noise they exceed them completely. They generally breed in marshy and boggy places and about the grassy margins of lochs, but I have also found them amongst bents and dry sandy places by the sea-shore.

TOTANUS HYPOLEUCOS [_Common Sandpiper_].

The common sandpiper (or, as we have it, “Kittie-needie,” from its cry) is one of our summer birds; there is scarcely one of our streams but has its “kittie-needies” in the season. They breed on the banks.

TOTANUS GLOTTIS [_Greenshank_].

This is a rarity with us. I have one in my possession, out of two which were shot in the moss of Banff.

RECURVIROSTRA AVOCETTA [_Avocet_]. More rare than the preceding.

LIMOSA MELANURA [_Blacktailed Godwit_].

Only two specimens have been taken here.

LIMOSA RUFA [_Bartailed Godwit_].

A few of these may generally be observed every autumn, either by the sea-side or in our mosses. They do not stop long with us; a few days at most sufficing. Perhaps we have not suitable localities for them.

MACHETES PUGNAX [_Ruff_].

Rare. Three, I think, have been obtained, all birds of the year, and all in autumn.

SCOLOPAX RUSTICOLA [_Woodcock_].

Though a pair or two have been known to breed, the woodcock can hardly rank with us but as a winter visitor. In some seasons they are more numerous than in others. Does the snow affect the colouring of this species? My reason for asking this question is because, in very severe and snowy weather, I have seen many of them of a remarkably light colour; but in milder seasons, and when there were little or no storms or frost, I have never seen any of them with the same gray-like coating.

SCOLOPAX GALLINAGO [_Common Snipe_].

Though many of these breed and remain with us all the year, still we receive great additions annually from elsewhere, and generally towards the end of autumn; but neither during summer nor winter are they so plentiful as they were. Drainage is said to be the cause of their comparative scarcity.

SCOLOPAX GRISEA [_The Brown Snipe_].

Some specimens of this bird have been met with near Banff, but it is rarely seen.

SCOLOPAX GALLINULA [_Jack Snipe_].

A winter visitor only, so far as I am aware,—and by no means so numerous as the preceding. The jack snipe would appear to be a solitary animal; at least I have never seen more than two of them together (of course in winter), but more commonly only one; in fact, they are nearly always seen single. Unlike the others, however, I have seen them return to the same spot three times, after being as often fired at.

TRINGA SUBARQUATA [_Curlew Sandpiper_].

I have only met with one specimen of which I can speak with certainty.

TRINGA CANUTUS [_Knot_].

A few generally visit us every autumn on their southward passage. They are remarkably easy of approach.

TRINGA MINUTA [_Little Stint_].

A very fine little fellow. I once had a desperate hunt after one. (See p. 140.)

TRINGA TEMMINCKII [_Temminck’s Stint_].

Mr. Taylor, gamekeeper to the Earl of Fife, once shot a specimen on the Deveron bank.

TRINGA VARIABILIS [_Dunlin_].

This bird breeds in a few of our marshy places, and may now and then be met with along the coast. Towards autumn large flocks appear, but they do not remain long. Specimens may be picked up occasionally, during winter, almost pure white, except the bill, legs, and feet, which retain their usual colour. This species appears to differ considerably in size, the legs and bills included,—the larger birds often having the shortest bills.

TRINGA MARITIMA [_Purple Sandpiper_].

A rock-loving species whilst with us, never leaving the rocks unless from necessity. They are gregarious, and huddle so closely together that I have known as many as twenty-three killed at one shot. I have killed them occasionally during summer, their colour being then of a rufous or rusty character, or more like that of the dunlin, the purple gloss and dark gray plumage of winter having all but disappeared.

GALLINULA CREX [_Landrail_].

“Corn craig” or “crake.” Very sparingly distributed here. It arrives generally at the beginning of May, and departs usually in September, but I have seen it as late as December. These birds often feign themselves dead, when hard pressed, rather than fly,—a fact that may seem incredible to those who have paid no attention to such things. Is it possible that these birds remove their eggs on its coming to their knowledge that their nests have been discovered? I knew of a nest which contained seven eggs. I took one, and, wishing to get all that the hen would lay, left the remainder untouched; I also carefully obliterated all my foot-marks, to prevent others from suspecting anything if the nest was found. I went back three days afterwards, when, although there were no signs of human footprints, all the eggs were gone.

GALLINULA PUSILLA [_Little Crake_].

Only one of this British rarity has been procured here, so far as I know. It occurred at a place called Thornton, on the banks of the Isla.

GALLINULA CHLOROPUS [_Moorhen_].

The “waterhen.” In consequence of our having but few lochs, and those very small, we have not many of this species. As skulkers, they almost rival the landrail.

RALLUS AQUATICUS [_Water Rail_].

Far more scarce than the last; in fact it is almost a rarity. Perhaps their skulking habits prevent their being oftener seen.

FULICA ATRA [_Coot_].

An occasional visitor. On the loch of Strathbeg (Aberdeenshire), where they are pretty numerous, they breed, and remain all the year round. In very wet summers the water of this loch rises at times considerably above the usual level; on such occasions I have seen the coot sailing nobly along with her nest beneath her.

PHALAROPUS PLATYRHYNCHUS [_Gray Phalarope_].

Three specimens were procured on the sands of Sandend.

PHALAROPUS HYPERBOREUS [_Rednecked Phalarope_].

One specimen, a male, was shot on the beach here, in the spring of 1855.

ANSER.

Of the genus Anser we are remarkably scanty. Several kinds of geese have from time to time been procured, and not an autumn or spring passes without many large flocks being seen passing and repassing, but to what species they belong it is difficult to say. That the _Graylag_ (ANSER FERUS), the _Brent_ (A. BERNICLA), the _Egyptian_ (A. ÆGYPTIACUS), and the _Spur-winged_ (A. GAMBENSIS), have been met with, is beyond doubt; but that these are all that have visited us, it is hard to say. The _Brent_ is very numerous in certain seasons along the coast.

CYGNUS.

The genus Cygnus is still more scantily represented. Some of them visit us in passing to and from their breeding grounds.

ANAS TADORNA [_Common Shieldrake_].

This pretty bird is only a winter visitor with us, and then not in large numbers.

ANAS CLYPEATA [_Shoveller_].

This pretty bird is quite a rarity here. In the latter part of the winter of 1837-8, which was of great severity, a mutilated specimen of the shoveller was found dead amongst the rocks at Blackpots.

ANAS STREPERA [_Gadwall_].

Another great rarity, so far as I am aware; one, a female, procured in the Deveron by Dr. Leslie, about the time the shoveller above alluded to was picked up, is the only one I know of.

ANAS ACUTA [_Pintail Duck_].

I remember being roused rather early one morning, many years ago, by a loud knocking at the street door, and a person calling at the top of his voice, “Rise, man, Tam! I’ve brought a rare bird t’ ye—a Duke.” Being awake, I immediately jumped up. On seeing the bird, I was delighted to observe a beautiful male pintail. It had been shot that night on the Deveron.

ANAS BOSCHAS [_Wild Duck_].

Plentiful, especially in winter. Among the sandy bents almost close to the ocean’s verge, and on the tops of our heath-clad hills and moors, I have found this species breeding; as well as on a tree about thirteen feet from the ground, and on a rock in the craigs of Alvah. This latter nest was placed on a ledge fully thirty feet above the water, and had eight or nine feet of perpendicular rock above it. There is a hill near here, which I believe they used frequently to nestle on, but which they have now quite deserted—viz. Fern or Whin Hill, better known as Gallow Hill. It was on this hill,—or rather piece of ground, for it hardly deserves the name of hill,—that the celebrated free-booter M’Pherson finished his earthly career. It is a rough and stony place where he lies, covered with heath and whin. The pheasant and wild duck used not unfrequently to breed on his very grave. On a small island on the Deveron stood a tall old poplar. About five feet from the ground it divided into two arms, one stretching upwards, whilst the other bent over the river, and it is with this one that I am now concerned. In 1839 the Deveron, like the other rivers in Scotland, rose far above its usual height, so far indeed that it reached the arm of the tree alluded to, on which it deposited a good deal of rubbish. A female wild duck built her nest, a few years afterwards, amongst the _debris_ thus left, and succeeded in rearing a brood of thirteen young ones. Neither nest nor bird, though known of by some salmon-fishers who had a station close by, was disturbed. One morning the female was observed by these men to leave her nest and fly up and down the water in an unusual manner. Presently she was joined by the male, and both disappeared beneath a bank a little above where the nest was. The fishermen, who had watched them, observed the female reappear alone, and, after flying up and down once or twice, again settled down on the water, just below the tree which contained the nest. After sailing about for a few minutes, she was heard to give a “quack,” when down went something into the water, and presently a young one was seen by her side. Away she swam with it to the bank referred to, consigning it to the charge of the male; after which she returned, and, having again sailed about for a short time, gave another “quack,” when down came another youngster, which she also led away to the bank. In this way she continued until all were safely removed. The female never gave more than one “quack,” and she never carried more than one young one at a time; nor did she return after taking away the thirteenth.

ANAS QUERQUEDULA [_Garganey_].

Two specimens of this species were shot in December 1840; and one is said to have been obtained at Cullen, in the spring of 1841.

ANAS CRECCA [_Teal_]. Occasionally met with in winter.

ANAS PENELOPE [_Wigeon_].

One of our rarest duck visitors. A splendid male specimen was killed at Boyndie in September 1853.

ANAS AMERICANA [_American Wigeon_].

A mutilated male specimen of this rare duck, shot on the Burn of Boyndie, in January 1841, was for many years in my possession.

ANAS MARILA [_Scaup Duck_]. Pretty frequent during winter.

ANAS FULIGULA [_Tufted Duck_]. Very rare.

ANAS CLANGULA [_Goldeneye_].

A regular winter visitor, generally coast-wise, but they are also met with on mill-dams some miles inland.

ANAS GLACIALIS [_Long-tailed Duck_].

Abundant, but always keeping near the coast. I have shot them when in their full breeding dress, which gives them quite a different appearance. In spring they are very clamorous, pursuing each other through the water, and diving and skipping about like Merry Andrews. The noise they make on such occasions is so loud that I have heard it, on a still morning, nearly three miles off. They are generally among the first birds to arrive and the last to leave.

MERGUS CUCULLATUS [_Hooded Merganser_].

I was told by an old gunner and bird-stuffer that he had shot a specimen of this species, but I cannot vouch for his accuracy.

MERGUS SERRATOR [_Redbreasted Merganser_].

Not very plentiful. All along the coast, in suitable localities, they are met with, singly, and two or three together, rarely more.

MERGUS MERGANSER [_Goosander_].

A winter visitor. The male is a very showy gentleman. As many as seven or eight specimens were procured at one shot, on the Deveron. I have seen as many as live or six together.

PODICEPS CRISTATUS [_Great Crested Grebe_]. An occasional visitor.

PODICEPS RUBRICOLLIS [_Rednecked Grebe_].

Of more frequent occurrence, but generally in immature plumage.

PODICEPS AURITUS [_Eared Grebe_]. Less frequent than the last.

PODICEPS MINOR [_Little Grebe_].

A winter seldom passes without an opportunity occurring to obtain this species. It is one of the most expert divers we have.

COLYMBUS GLACIALIS [_Great Northern Diver_].

Some seasons pretty plentiful. Splendid specimens are at times procured, but they are generally immature.

COLYMBUS ARCTICUS [_Blackthroated Diver_], and

COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS [_Redthroated Diver_].

Winter visitors, in about equal numbers. A few of them gradually fall victims every spring to getting entangled in the bag-nets set for salmon. They not unfrequently visit our larger streams, where they make great havoc among the smaller of the finny tribe.

URIA BRUNNICHII [_Brunnich’s Guillemot_] has been once met with.

URIA TROILE [_Common Guillemot_],

URIA LACHRYMANS [_Ringed Guillemot_],

URIA GRYLLE [_Black Guillemot_],

MORMON FRATERCULA [_Puffin_], and

ALCA TORDA [_Razorbill_].

All these species breed with us, but the black guillemot only rarely. I have procured several ringed guillemots both in winter and summer; I have also been shown places in the cliffs where the fishermen say they breed.

ALCA ALLE [_Little Auk_].

A winter visitor. In December 1846 a terrific sea-storm raged here for the greater part of the month; at its termination I counted between the Burn of Boyne and Greenside of Gamrie, a distance of about nine miles, nearly sixty of these little birds lying dead, besides a number of guillemots and razorbills. Great numbers were also found dead in the fields throughout the county.

CARBO CORMORANUS [_Cormorant_].

Frequent, except for a short time during summer. A pair or two may breed with us, but that is all. Like the divers, they destroy great numbers of fish.

CARBO CRISTATUS [_Shag_].

Only, I believe, an occasional visitor.

SULA BASSANA [_Gannet_].

A spring and autumn visitor, and occasionally during summer and winter. When overtaken, as they sometimes are, by strong north winds, I have known them driven to great distances inland, where they are frequently seen lying dead. Immature specimens are now and then procured during their autumnal passage. From their different plumage they are looked upon as distinct from the “solan goose,” as the gannet is here called.

STERNA CANTIACA [_Sandwich Tern_].

An occasional visitor, generally in summer.

STERNA DOUGALLII [_Roseate Tern_].

Two specimens have been obtained between Banff and Cullen.

STERNA HIRUNDO [_Common Tern_].

STERNA ARCTICA [_Arctic Tern_].

Annual visitors, generally in autumn. During some seasons they come in immense numbers. Although they do not breed with us, they do so on part of the sandy shores of the adjoining counties of Aberdeen and Moray.

STERNA MINUTA [_Lesser Tern_].

This pretty little lady-like bird does not breed with us, but does so in the places mentioned for the two preceding. It is only an occasional visitor.

STERNA NIGRA [_Black Tern_].

I know of only one instance of its having been found here.

LARUS SABINI [_Sabine’s Gull_].

I had an exciting chase after a specimen, but failed in capturing it; it was the only one I have seen or heard of here.

LARUS MINUTUS [_Little Gull_].

I believe only two specimens have been met with.

LARUS CAPISTRATUS [_Masked Gull_].

I am informed that two of these birds were killed about thirty years ago.

LARUS RIDIBUNDUS [_Black-headed Gull_].

Like the common and arctic terns, this species, although it has no breeding-grounds with us, breeds on either side in great numbers, and is a frequent visitor here, chiefly in spring and autumn.

LARUS TRIDACTYLUS [_Kittiwake_].

Breeds with us, but not in such numbers as formerly.

LARUS EBURNEUS [_Ivory Gull_].

Several specimens have been shot near Gamrie. It is a polar bird, almost pure white.

LARUS CANUS [_Common Gull_].

Abundant during winter and spring. The gull may be met with all the year round, though I believe it does not breed with us.

LARUS LEUCOPTERUS [_Iceland Gull_].

Sometimes, during winter, a specimen of this northern bird may be obtained, but mostly in an immature state of plumage.

LARUS FUSCUS [_Lesser Blackbacked Gull_].

Met with now and then, but not in great plenty. It does not nestle here.

LARUS ARGENTATUS [_Herring Gull_].

Breeds at Gamrie Head and at Troup. Numbers are taken when young by the fishermen and their children, and brought up quite tame, walking about the villages like poultry.

LARUS MARINUS [_Great Blackbacked Gull_].

Like his lesser brethren, this gentleman is but a visitor here, and generally goes before he gets his black coat.

LARUS GLAUCUS [_Glaucous Gull_].

A female, in an immature state of plumage, was killed in Gamrie.

LESTUS CATARRACTES [_Common Skua_], and

LESTUS RICHARDSONI [_Richardson’s Skua_].

Both are to be met with as visitors, the latter the rarer of the two.

PROCELLARIA GLACIALIS [_Fulmar Petrel_].

An occasional winter visitor. I had a specimen sent me from Gamrie, which approached a boat so closely that one of the fishermen knocked it down with an oar; this was several miles out at sea.

PUFFINUS MAJOR [_Great Shearwater_], and

PUFFINUS OBSCURUS [_Dusky Shearwater_]. Only winter visitors.

THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA [_Stormy Petrel_].

A visitor, like the rest of its kindred, but more frequent, and may be met with at intervals all the year round. The superstitious dread of this little bird by sailors and fishermen is well known.

* * * * *

With the stormy petrel ends my List of the Birds of Banffshire. Many species given as “rare” may turn out to be of frequent occurrence, and many given as “occasional visitors” may prove to be natives. Species, too, not mentioned in this List may have to be included in the birds of the county; and no one will be more pleased to hear of such additions than myself.

FISHES.

LABRAX LUPUS [_The Basse or Sea Perch_].

This is a rare species with us, only three having come under my notice. One of these, a beautiful specimen, was found dead in our river, the Deveron, not far from its mouth, in 1839.

ACERINA VULGARIS [_The Ruffe or Pope_].

One is said to have been obtained off Troup Head about forty-two years ago.

TRACHINUS DRACO [_The Great Weever_].

Occasionally found. The fish is said to be possessed of very poisonous qualities, insomuch that a prick or even a mere scratch from either of the rays (which are hard and spinous) of the first dorsal or back fin, causes the severest pain imaginable. On the continent, where they are more numerous than they are here, and where they are used as an article of food, there is a very stringent law which forbids them being brought to market, or even exposed for sale in any shape whatever, unless these spines are all cut off; and in order to enforce obedience, parties found transgressing the law are severely punished.

TRACHINUS VIPERA [_The Little Weever_].

Specimens of the little weever are not unfrequently met with; which would seem to indicate that they are more numerous in the Firth than the preceding.

MULLUS BARBATUS [_The Bed Surmullet_].

This and the striped red mullet (M. SURMULETUS) have both been obtained, the latter being the most frequent.

TRIGLA CUCULUS [_The Red Gurnard_] is pretty frequent; as is also

TRIGLA HIRUNDO [_The Sapphirine Gurnard_].

Some splendid specimens of this latter fish are annually brought on shore by our fishermen towards the end of autumn.

TRIGLA GURNARDUS [_The Gray Gurnard_].

This is our commonest gurnard; and, judging from the numbers taken, must be very numerous. They are known here by the term of ‘Crunack.’ They are not much esteemed as an article of food, even among the peasants; and they are, in consequence, seldom brought to market.

TRIGLA PŒCILOPTERA [_The Little Gurnard_].

Somewhat rare. I remember once taking one from the stomach of a great northern diver, which was shot between Findochtie and Speymouth, in the spring of 1840, and which was sent me for the purpose of being preserved.

COTTUS SCORPIUS [_The Short-spined Cottus_].

Pretty frequent.

COTTUS BUBALIS [_The Long-spined Cottus_].

Rather plentiful. I find them in abundance, in pools left by the tide, or beneath stones at low water. Many of them exhibit some most beautiful markings.

COTTUS QUADRICORNIS [_The Four-horned Cottus_].

I have never found this species but in the stomachs of other fish; which leads me to conclude that they generally inhabit deep water; or, at least, that they do not come so near the shore as the preceding species.

ASPIDOPHORUS EUROPÆUS [_The Armed Bullhead_].

This is another stomach species. But I have found these, also, though very sparingly, amongst the rocks at low tide.

GASTEROSTEUS TRACHURUS [_The Rough-tailed, Three-spined Stickleback_] and

GASTEROSTEUS LEIURUS [_The Smooth-tailed Stickleback_] are both plentiful. The former along the coast, and the latter in our streams and rivulets.

SPINACHIA VULGARIS [_The Fifteen-spined Stickleback_].

Common amongst the pools along the shore. I have seen this species with sixteen and seventeen spines. They are known amongst our fishermen by the very peculiar denomination of “Willie-wan-beard.”

CHRYSOPHRYS AURATA [_The Gilt-head_].

I have only seen two specimens of this fish which have been procured with us. The one was taken off Buckie in 1841; and the other was brought on shore at Portsoy, in 1839. They appear to be scarce, from the fact that the fishermen do not know them.

PAGELLUS CENTRODONTUS [_The Sea Bream_].

This is a more common species,—numbers appearing annually. In some seasons they appear in greater abundance than in others. They are sold here under the name of “Perch.”

BRAMA RAII [_Ray’s Bream_]. Rare.

CANTHARUS GRISEUS [_The Black Bream_].

A few of these are generally procured every autumn, or about the beginning of winter. They are known and sold here under the term of “Old Wife.”

DENTEX VULGARIS [_The Four-toothed Sparus_].

Although this species, like many more, bears the name “_vulgaris_,” or _common_, it is not so with us. I am only aware of one specimen, which was taken off Troup Head.

SCOMBER SCOMBER [_The Mackerel_].

This beautiful and highly prized fish generally appears on our part of the coast about autumn,—in some seasons, in great plenty,—in others, not so numerous.

SCOMBER COLIAS? (_The Spanish Mackerel?_)

As will be seen, I have placed this species here as doubtful. A mackerel differing in many respects from the one noted above, and which agrees very well with _Scomber colias_, was taken off Portknockie, but by the time I had the pleasure of seeing it, it was a good deal disfigured. Still, as I have already said, it exhibited many of the markings and other characteristics of the Spanish Mackerel.

THYNNUS VULGARIS (_The Tunny_).

Several specimens of this fish have, from time to time, been taken with us. A very large one was captured in a salmon-net at Portsoy. It measured over nine feet in length, and six feet in girth.

XIPHIAS GLADIUS [_The Sword Fish_].

A small specimen of this fish—rare on this part of the coast—was caught in our harbour by a shrimper.

NAUCRATES DUCTOR [_The Pilot Fish_].

A very fine specimen of this rare and rather peculiar fish was taken in our bay some years ago, and was exhibited as a curiosity. It was unknown in the place, and also to the person who took it; but an old tar chancing to see it, who had seen some service abroad, having hitched up his trousers, and rid his mouth of a yard or two of tobacco juice, exclaimed, with something of a knowing air—“Well, I’ll be blowed if that aint a Pilot; and a pretty one it is, too. We used to see them often, when sailing in the Mediterranean.”

CARANX TRACHURUS [_The Scad or Horse Mackerel_], or, as it is termed here, the “Buck Mackerel,” is not very numerous, and is very seldom used as an article of food. Its appearance here, is usually about the time of herring-fishing. I once found a rather strange variety of this species. It was about the usual size; but it was all over of a most beautiful golden yellow, finely striped and variegated with numerous lines of the brightest blue, except the fins, which were of the finest carmine.

LAMPRIS GUTTATUS [_The Opah or King Fish_] has occurred on several occasions; as off Troup Head, at Black Pots, on the shore near Portsoy, and at Buckie.

MUGIL CAPITO [_The Gray Mullet_].

I am only aware of two specimens of this Mullet which have been procured within our limits; the one at Gardenstown, the other at Cullen.

BLENNIUS MONTAGUI [_Montagu’s Blenny_].

One specimen taken from the stomach of a haddock.

BLENNIUS GATTORUGINE [_The Gattoruginous Blenny_].

I have met with this species only on two occasions.

BLENNIUS YARRELLII [_Yarrell’s Blenny_].

Rarely met with. I have a splendid specimen in my collection, which was found cast on shore between Gardenstown and Crovie.

BLENNIUS PHOLIS [_The Shanny or Smooth Blenny_],

GUNNELLUS VULGARIS [_The Spotted Gunnel_], and

ZOARCES VIVIPARUS [_The Viviparous or Green Blenny_].

Are all to be met with amongst the low-lying rocks along our line of shore.

ANARRICHAS LUPUS [_The Wolf Fish_].

Frequent, but seldom used as food. I find them pretty often cast on shore dead, after a storm; which would seem to indicate that their habitat is not always in deep water.

GOBIUS NIGER [_The Black Goby_].

These inhabiting the rocky parts of the coast, become, at times, the prey of the haddock, etc. Though they do not seem to be numerous in this arm of the sea, I meet with them occasionally in the stomachs of fishes.

GOBIUS MINUTUS [_The Freckled or Spotted Goby_].

This is another stomach species; as also the

GOBIUS RUTHENSHARRI [_The Double Spotted Goby_], which appears to be the rarest of the three.

CALLIONYMUS LYRA [_The Gemmeous Dragonet_].

This splendidly coloured fish is frequently met with; and the so-called

CALLIONYMUS DRACUNCULUS [_Sordid Dragonet_] is found in about equal number; for it is a general maxim, that where the husband is, there also should the wife be. Ichthyologists cling to the idea that these fish are distinct species. Out of about one hundred specimens which I have dissected, I have never yet found anything like _roe_ or _ova_ in those having the long rays on the first dorsal, and which are known as the Gemmeous; and in like manner I have never yet met with anything at all pertaining to a _milt_ in those having the short rays, and which are known as the Sordid Dragonet. My conclusion is that they are only male and female of the same species.

LOPHIUS PISCATORIUS [_The Angler or Fishing Frog_, or, as it is called here, the _Sea Devil_] is frequently met with, but is not used as an article of food.

LABRUS BERGYLTA [_The Ballan Wrasse_].

Pretty frequent during summer.

LABRUS MIXTUS [_The Blue Striped Wrasse_].

Rare. A very pretty specimen was taken off Macduff.

CRENILABRUS MELOPS [_The Gilthead_]. Rare.

CRENILABRUS RUPESTRIS [_Jago’s Goldsinny_].

I have only seen one of this species in the neighbourhood. A beautiful specimen which I found one winter’s day, was cast on shore at the links.

ACANTHOLABRUS EXOLETUS [_The Small-mouthed Wrasse_].

Like the last, only one specimen of this fish has, as yet, come under my notice, and that one was captured off Troup Head.

CYPRINUS AURATUS [_The Gold and Silver Carps_, as they are termed], have been introduced, and have thriven pretty well, as at Macduff, where they have propagated to an amazing degree.

LEUCISCUS PHOXINUS [_The Minnow_].

This pretty active little fish is to be found in most of our streams. It is curious to see it stated in works on Ichthyology that this species is not to be met with north of the Dee, Aberdeenshire.

BELONE VULGARIS [_The Gar Fish_, or, as it is called here, “The Greenbeen,”] is by no means scarce, at certain seasons.

SCOMBERESOX SAURUS [_The Saury Pike_].

Not so often met with as the last. In fact, it must be termed rare.

SALMO SALAR [_The Salmon_].

This valuable and highly-prized fish is found both along our coast and in our fresh waters. At one time, they were very numerous in the Deveron. From a _pot_ or _hole_ which once existed a little below the bridge which spans the river, at a little distance from the sea, and not far from the town, as many as one hundred, and sometimes more, have been taken at a haul. This was before stake and bag nets were so thickly planted along our sea-shore as they are now.

SALMO ERIOX [_The Bull or Gray Trout_].

Some large individuals of this species are often taken.

SALMO TRUTTA [_The Salmon Trout_].

These were at one time believed to be the young of the Salmon; and the tacksman gave orders that they should not be taken. Previously, they had been fished for with small-meshed nets, and sold as Trout, under the name of “Finnock.” Time passed and the river beheld another tacksman, who, differing from his predecessor, gave orders that they should be again taken. Accordingly, they are now annually fished for, and are once more sold as “Sea Trout,” “White Trout,” and “Finnock.”

SALMO FARIO [_The Common Trout_].

In all our streams. These also are taken, and sold with the last mentioned.

OSMERUS EPERLANUS [_The Smelt_]. Rare with us.

CLUPEA HARENGUS [_The Herring_].

This species abounds along this coast, towards the middle of summer, and the beginning of autumn. The fry of this fish is met with nearly all the year round.

CLUPEA LEACHII [_Leach’s Herring_].

A rather smaller-sized herring than the common species. It is generally met with in small shoals in May and June.

CLUPEA SPRATTUS [_The Sprat or Garnet Herring_].

This is also met with about the same time, but in smaller numbers.

ALOSA FINTA [_The Twaite Shad_].

Rare. A very fine specimen was taken in our river last summer, about a mile from the sea.

ALOSA COMMUNIS [_The Alice Shad_].

The same may be said of this species,—it is rare. They are termed, “rock herring.”

MORRHUA VULGARIS [_The Cod_].

It is to the stomach of this species that I am most indebted for many of the rarer of the testaceous and crustaceous specimens which I possess. (For the cod’s bill of fare see p. 284.) The cod is extensively fished for along this part of the coast, and may be termed _the poor man’s salmon_. Great numbers are salted and dried, and in that state sent to the southern markets. I have occasionally met with a cod of a red colour, in all save the fins, which are generally of a yellowish tinge, and never larger than a common sized haddock. They are known here by the name of “rock codlings.”

MORRHUA ŒGLEFINUS [_The Haddock_].

Like the cod, it is extensively taken, and largely cured and forwarded south. Our Buckie haddocks are well known for their excellence, and are far famed for their superior qualities. Like the cod, the stomach of this species is also a rich mine for the Naturalist.

MORRHUA LUSCA [_The Bib or Whiting Pout_].

Frequent; but not often brought to market, although they are most excellent eating. The fishermen generally cut them up and use them as bait.

MORRHUA MINUTA [_The Power Cod_].

Not known as an inhabitant of the Firth until recently. They are excellent eating. It is a great pity that they are so small and scarce.

MERLANGUS VULGARIS [_The Whiting_].

Often taken, but not so much admired as the Haddock.

MERLANGUS POLLACHIUS [_The Pollack or Lythe_]. Frequent.

MERLANGUS CARBONARIUS [_The Coal-fish_].

Like the last; when young, great numbers of them are occasionally taken in our harbours, in small-meshed nets. They are termed “Gerrocks.”

MERLUCIUS VULGARIS [_The Hake_]. Found occasionally.

LOTA MOLVA [_The Ling_].

Fished for with the cod, and cured in the same manner. When salted and dried they are called “Kealing.”

MOTELLA QUINQUECIRRATA [_The Five-bearded Rockling_].

Frequent among the pools left among the rocks by the tide.

MOTELLA CIMBRIA [_The Four-bearded Rockling_].

Rare. I have not met with it often.

BROSMIUS VULGARIS [_The Torsk or Tusk_].

Taken with the cod and ling, and cured in the same fashion.

PHYCIS FURCATUS [_The Great Forked Beard_].

This fish is of rare occurrence with us, and that only at long intervals.

PLATESSA VULGARIS [_The Plaice_].

Plentiful, and highly prized by many for its very delicate flesh and agreeable flavour.

PLATESSA FLESUS [_The Flounder_], or as it is called here, the Common Fluke, and the

PLATESSA LIMANDA [_The Saltwater Fluke_] are also pretty frequent. In the stomachs of these fish I occasionally find, among other matters, _Tellina fabula_, _T. tenuis_, _T. punicea_ (a most beautiful little shell), _Natica Montagui_, _N. Alderi_, _Philine scabra_, _Cylichna truncata_, _C. cylindracea_, etc.

PLATESSA MICROCEPHALA [_The Smooth Dab_] and

PLATESSA POLA [_The Pole Dab_] are not so often met with.

PLATESSA LIMANDOIDES [_The Yellow or Rough Dab_], and the

PLATESSA ELONGATA [_Long Flounder_] are of rare occurrence.

HIPPOGLOSSUS VULGARIS [_The Halibut_] and

RHOMBUS MAXIMUS [_The Turbot_] are both met with, inhabiting deep water. They are seldom taken near the shore. The former is the more plentiful. The latter is known here as the Roan Fluke, and always commands a ready sale and a high price. The other is called the Turbot; and though it sells well, it is not so valuable as the true turbot, nor yet so eagerly sought after by the higher classes.

RHOMBUS VULGARIS [_The Brill or Pearl Turbot_].

This species is occasionally taken along with the two preceding, but must rank as rare with us.

RHOMBUS HIRTUS [_Muller’s Topknot_] occurs at intervals along our whole line of coast.

SOLEA VULGARIS [_The Sole_] is not so common with us as its name would seem to indicate.

SOLEA PEGUSA [_The Lemon Sole_]. Rare.

MONOCHIRUS LINGUATULUS [_The Solenette_] is of more frequent occurrence. I have found it in the stomach of the cod and haddock.

LEPIDOGASTER CORNUBIENSIS [_The Cornish Sucker_].

I remember finding a small fish, on one occasion, where our fishermen clean their lines, and which resembled the above in almost every particular. It is the only specimen that has come under my notice.

LEPIDOGASTER BIMACULATUS [_The Two-spotted Sucker_].

Brought on shore, now and then, amongst the refuse entangled in the fishermen’s lines, and occasionally in old shells, such as _Fusis antiquus_, _Buccinum undatum_, and _Cyprina Islandica_, etc.

CYCLOPTERUS LUMPUS [_The Lump Sucker_].

Frequent. Known here by the name of “Paddle Cock.” Not used as an article of food.

LIPARIS VULGARIS [_The Unctuous Sucker_]. Of partial occurrence.

LIPARIS MONTAGUI [_Montagu’s Sucker_].

I have only once met with this beautiful little fish here, and that but lately. It was brought on shore in an old shell. I should think it rare in the Firth.

ANGUILLA ACUTIROSTRIS [_The Sharp-nosed Eel_] and

ANGUILLA LATIROSTRIS [_The Broad-nosed Eel_] are both found. The former is the most numerous, and brings the highest price.

CONGER VULGARIS [_The Conger or Great Eel_].

This large species is often met with, but is not used as food.

AMMODYTES TOBIANUS [_The Sand Eel_], and

AMMODYTES LANCEA [_The Sand Lance_].

The latter the most numerous. Both these are used by our fishermen for bait.

SYNGNATHUS ACUS [_The Great Pipe Fish_] and

SYNGNATHUS TYPHLE [_The Lesser Pipe-fish_] are both met with, and are accounted by the fishermen to be superior to any other bait.

SYNGNATHUS LUMBRICIFORMIS [_The Worm Pipe-fish_] is met with; and is not so rare as one might expect.

HIPPOCAMPUS BREVIROSTRIS.

This rare and peculiar horse-headed looking creature has been met with here. Two were found cast on shore at the sands of Boyndie, near Banff, after a severe sea storm.

ORTHAGORISCUS MOLA [_The Short Sun-fish_] and

ORTHAGORISCUS OBLONGUS [_The Oblong Sun-fish_] have been occasionally met with. Several have been brought on shore by the fishermen of Gardenstown, Crovie, and other places.

ACIPENSER STURIO [_The Sturgeon_].

Rare. One has been taken in a salmon net.

SCYLLIUM CANICULA [_The Small Spotted Dog-fish_].

Found occasionally.

GALEUS VULGARIS [_The Tope_].

I am only aware of two instances in which this fish has been found within our limits: the one near Buckie, the other in the bay of Banff.

ACANTHIAS VULGARIS [_The Picked Dog-fish_].

Plentiful; often too much so.

SCYMNUS BOREALIS [_The Greenland Shark_].

In May 1849 a large specimen of the above shark was captured by some fishermen belonging to Pennan, off Troup Head. When brought on shore, it measured thirteen feet nine inches in length, and eleven feet in circumference where thickest.

ECHINORHINUS SPINOSUS [_The Spinous Shark_]. (See pp. 228, 231.)

SQUATINA VULGARIS [_The Angel Fish_], or as it is here called (like the Angler), “the Sea-devil,” is sometimes procured. A large specimen was cast into our harbour during the winter of 1851.

TORPEDO VULGARIS [_The Cramp-fish or Electric Ray_].

A specimen of this fish is said to have been taken about six miles off Loggie Head, near Cullen, in 1817. Others are stated as having been caught.

RAIA OXYRHYNCHUS [_The Sharp-nosed Skate_].

Large individuals of this species are sometimes taken, with the more frequent of our Rays. One measuring upwards of seven feet in length, and over five in breadth, was captured by our fishermen some years ago.

RAIA INTERMEDIA [_The Flapper Skate_].

A small skate, agreeing in many essential points with the flapper, was taken, in a bag-net set for salmon, some years ago, said to be a young one of the above species, and as such I include it here.

RAIA BATIS [_The Blue or Gray Skate_] and

RAIA CLAVATA [_The Thornback_].

Taken, occasionally, In great numbers; the former being the most numerous and the most prized.

RAIA RADIATA [_The Starry Ray_].

This small species is picked up now and then.

PETROMYZON MARINUS [_The Lamprey_], or, as it is called here, the Lamper Eel, is often met with.

PETROMYZON FLUVIATILIS [_The River Lamprey_].

Considered rare. A very fine specimen was taken in the Deveron, some years since.

PETROMYZON PLANERI [_Planer’s Lamprey or Lampern_] has also occurred. These fish are generally termed “Nine-ee’d Eels,” and are by no means held in high estimation.

GASTROBRANCHUS CÆCUS [_The Myxine or Glutinous Hag_].

This very curious and singular animal, whether you call it a fish or a worm, is of frequent occurrence.

ADDITIONS.

PERCA FLUVIATILIS [_Perch_].

Several of these fishes have been taken in the Deveron.

TRIGLA BLOCHII [_Bloch’s Gurnard_] _in the Moray Firth, at Banff_. An example of this gurnard (or, as we call them, “crunacks”) was captured here in a rock-pool. (See p. 281.) I am not aware of the species ever having been detected on this part of the coast before.

SEBASTES NORVEGICUS [_Norway Haddock_].

One taken off Buckie in 1859 is the only instance of this fish having been taken on our coasts.

THYNNUS PELAMYS [_Stripped Tunny_].

A fine specimen of this tunny is in our Museum, taken off Whitehills in 1867.

AUXIS VULGARIS [_The Plain Bonito_].

Several of these have now come under my notice. One taken in a herring-net off Cullen measured over 20 inches in length and 12 in circumference behind the first dorsal. One very peculiar feature connected with it was, that if stroked down when wet it gave the hand all the appearance of having come across a piece of metal newly black-leaded. I am not aware of this peculiarity being mentioned in Yarrell or elsewhere.

ZEUS FABER [_The Dory_].

I have now ascertained that many of these fish have been taken here, chiefly in salmon-nets. It would seem that the dory is by no means an uncommon summer visitor on this part of the coast.

CAPROS APER [_Boar-fish_].

At least one example of this curious-looking fish is now known to have found its way to our shores. It was taken in a bag-net near Crovie in August 1862, and was sent here to be stuffed and named.

TRICHIURUS LEPTURUS [_Silvery Hair-tail or Bald Fish_].

A very fine specimen of this fish, which is rare in the British seas, and especially on the east coast of Scotland, was found in the Firth here in April 1876. Although the head and tail were a good deal injured, it measured over 12 feet in length.

GOBIUS GRACILIS [_Slender Goby_]. Frequent.

GOBIUS ALBUS [_White Goby_].

Frequent also. Numbers of these little fish are to be met with in our rock and sandy pools, whilst others are only to be found at extreme low water.

GOBIUS NILSSONII [_Nilsson’s Goby_]. (See pp. 375-6.)

LABRUS DONOVANI [_Donovan’s Wrasse_].

A specimen of this wrasse was captured in the bay of Boyndie in August 1863. The fishermen said that there were more, but they only managed to hook the one, and looked upon it as a curious species of mackerel. It was mostly of a beautiful pea-green colour, but striped with numerous yellowish lines.

LABRUS MICROSCOPICUS [_Microscopical Wrasse_].

It was during the summer of 1861 that I first observed this minute species. It was not, however, until 1864 that I had an opportunity of submitting a specimen for examination to some of our best ichthyologists, amongst whom was Mr. Couch. (See p. 334.)

TINCA VULGARIS [_Common Tench_].

One specimen taken in our bay in 1864 is the only example I have seen. It is now in our Museum.

SCOPELUS HUMBOLDTII [_Argentine_].

This beautiful little creature would seem to be a regular winter visitor with us. I took it first in January 1863; and, since then, I have never missed it during that month. It is of various sizes. I have taken Argentines from under one inch to about three inches in length. I have never seen them in summer.

COUCHIA GLAUCA [_The Mackerel Midge_].

Of all the little fish that I have yet found, this one resembles the Five-bearded Rockling, more than any of the Midges do the other Rocklings.

COUCHIA THOMSONI [_Thomson’s Midge_].

I first took a few of this species in May 1863. They were new to me, and as I could not find them in Yarrell, nor in other works of the same kind which I had an opportunity of consulting, I thought they might prove an undescribed form. Since that time, however, I have seen Mr. Thomson’s work, and have now no doubt but that my fish are identical with those taken by that gentleman in Strangford Lough, County Down, in July 1838, and named as above. (See p. 337.)

COUCHIA MONTAGUI [_Montagu’s Midge_].

I first obtained this species in October 1864. (See p. 341.)

COUCHIA EDWARDII [_Edward’s Midge_].

First taken at Banff, November 1865. (See p. 344.)

RANICEPS TRIFURCATUS [_Tadpole-fish_].

Several of these are now known to have been found in this part of the Firth.

RHOMBUS MEGASTOMA [_The Whiff_].

This species seems to be rather rare with us. I have a very fine specimen which I found at the place where our fishermen clean their lines.

RHOMBUS ARNOGLOSSUS [_The Scaldfish or Smooth Sole_].

This would appear to be another very scarce species with us. I have never met with it but in fish stomachs, and very seldom there. It is about the smallest of British flat-fish.

MONOCHIRUS VARIEGATUS [_Variegated Sole_].

This species would appear to be met with occasionally. Two pretty large ones were exposed for sale in our market in September 1860.

ECHIODON DRUMMONDII [_Drummond’s Echiodon_].

In March 1863 I took the first specimen of this strange-looking fish that I had ever seen. Since then, however, I have met with it several times, and always in winter,—save once, when I obtained it in summer. They were unknown in the Firth before. Specimens from here are now in the British Museum, London.

ACESTRA ÆQUOREA [_Equorial Pipe-fish_]. This species and the

ACESTRA ANGUINEA [_Snake Pipe-fish_] are both occasionally found. The latter, however, are seemingly the most frequent.

CHIMÆRA MONSTROSA [_Northern Chimæra_].

A specimen of this deep-sea and rather rare species was brought into our harbour in 1859 on board a herring-boat. It was found floating, and quite dead. The first dorsal was somewhat injured, and the cord-like portion of the tail was wanting. It was unknown to the fishermen who found it, and who, for want of a better name, called it the “_devil_.”

SCYLLIUM MELANOSTOMUM [_Black-mouthed Dog-fish_].

I am led to believe that this species does occasionally occur with us. It is generally mixed up with the commoner sorts.

ZYGÆNA MALLEUS [_Hammer-headed Shark_].

A specimen of this strange-looking animal was found dead on the shore about two miles beyond Whitehills in 1861. It was a middling-sized specimen, measuring about five feet in length and about eighteen inches across the head. It had lain some time, for the skin was blackish, and had the appearance of charred or burnt leather.

LAMNA CORNUBICA [_Porbeagle_].

It is now well known that the Porbeagle finds his way here occasionally, and usually about the herring season. There is a very fine specimen in our Museum.

ALOPIAS VULPES [_The Fox Shark_].

So far as I have been able to learn, this shark appears to be very rarely met with here. It has, however, been found.

NOTIDANUS GRISEUS [_Brown or Mediterranean Shark_].

A large specimen of this shark was taken in the Firth here, and brought on shore at Whitehills in December 1857. After being exhibited in Banff by the fishermen, its captors, as an unknown monster, it was bought for the Banff Museum, where it now is. This shark is the first known to have been found in the British seas.

RAIA MIRALETUS [_Homelyan Ray_]. Occasionally met with.

RAIA SPINOSA [_Sandy Ray_].

This species is well enough known to the fishermen, but they do not often take it.

RAIA CHAGRINEA [_Shagreen Ray_]. This is also occasionally taken.

AMMOCÆTES BRANCHIALIS [_Pride or Mud Lamprey_].

We have, at least, one species of this peculiar genus as an inhabitant of the Deveron.

CRUSTACEA.

STENORHYNCHUS ROSTRATUS.

STENORHYNCHUS TENUIROSTRIS.

INACHUS DORSETENSIS.

INACHUS LEPTOCHIRUS.

HYAS ARANEUS.

HYAS COARCTATUS.

EURYNOME ASPERA. From deep water.

CANCER PAGURUS [_Parten_].

PIRIMELA DENTICULATA. In rock pools, and from deep water.

CARCINUS MŒNAS. See p. 271.

PORTUMNUS LATIPES. Amongst sand at low tide.

POLYBIUS HENSLOWI.

PORTUNUS PUBER.

PORTUNUS HOLSATUS.

PORTUNUS CORRUGATUS.

PORTUNUS DEPURATOR.

PORTUNUS MARMOREUS.

PORTUNUS LONGIPES.

PORTUNUS PUSILLUS. From stomachs of fish.

PINNOTHERES PISUM. Inside of Mediola mediolus.

PINNOTHERES VETERUM. Once from Gamrie; inside of Pinna pectinata.

EBALIA TUBEROSA.

EBALIA CRANCHII.

EBALIA TUMEFACTA, or BRYERII.

ATELECYCLUS HETERODON.

DROMIA VULGARIS.

LITHODES MAIA.

PAGURUS BERNHARDUS. Common in rock pools when young.

PAGURUS PRIDEAUXII.

PAGURUS CUANENSIS. Both these are brought in from deep water.

PAGURUS LÆVIS. Frequent in the stomachs of flukes.

PAGURUS FERRUGINEUS. This little fellow was only added to the list in 1866.

PORCELLANA LONGICORNIS. In rock pools.

GALATHEA SQUAMIFERA.

GALATHEA STRIGOSA.

GALATHEA DISPERSA.

GALATHEA NEXA.

GALATHEA ANDREWSII.

MUNIDA BAMFFICA. From deep water.

CALLIANASSA SUBTERRANEA.

GEBIA STELLATA.

GEBIA DELTURA.

CALOCARIS MACANDREI.

HOMARUS VULGARIS.

NEPHROPS NORVEGICUS.

CRANGON VULGARIS.

CRANGON SPINOSUS.

CRANGON SCULPTUS.

CRANGON TRISPINOSUS.

CRANGON ALLMANNI.

NIKA EDULIS.

ATHANAS NITESCENS.

HIPPOLYTE SPINUS.

HIPPOLYTE or DORYPHORUS GORDONI.

HIPPOLYTE VARIANS.

HIPPOLYTE CRANCHII.

HIPPOLYTE THOMPSONI.

HIPPOLYTE PANDALIFORMIS.

PANDALUS ANNULICORNIS.

MYSIS FLEXUOSA.

MYSIS LAMORNÆ.

MYSIS VULGARIS.

MYSIS SPIRITUS.

MYSIS MIXTA. First taken as British at Banff, in 1863, by T. E.

MYSIS SPINIFERA. Burrows in sand. First taken at Banff by T. E. in 1862, and some years afterwards in Sweden, by M. Goes.

MYSIS ACULATA.

MYSIS HISPIDA. N.S. Taken at Banff by T. E. in December 1863.

CYNTHILIA FLEMINGII.

THYSANOPODA COUCHII.

THYSANOPODA LONGIPES.

THYSANOPODA NORVEGICUS.

THYSANOPODA ALATA.

THYSANOPODA ENSIFERA. N.S. Taken at Banff by T. E. in 1863.

THYSANOPODA BATEI. N.S. Taken at Banff by T. E. in 1862.

DIASTYLIS RATHKII.

DIASTYLIS ECHINATA.

CUMA SCORPIOIDES.

CUMA COSTATA. Burrows in sand.

CUMA LUCIFERA. New to Britain. Found at Banff by T. E. in July 1865.

HALIA TRISPINOSA.

VENILIA GRACILIS.

TALITRUS LOCUSTA.

ORCHESTIA LITTOREA.

ORCHESTIA MEDITERRANEA.

ORCHESTIA DESHAYESII.

ORCHESTIA BREVIDIGITATA. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

ALLORCHESTES NILSSONII.

ALLORCHESTES IMBRICATUS.

NICEA LUBBOCKIANA.

OPIS QUADRIMANA. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

MONTAGUA MONOCULOIDES.

MONTAGUA MARINA. With eggs in December.

MONTAGUA ALDERI.

MONTAGUA POLLEXIANA. Eyes red. With eggs, in November and December, of a greenish colour. A most beautiful variegated species.

MONTAGUA NORVEGICA. First taken at Banff as British by T. E.

LYSIANASSA COSTÆ.

LYSIANASSA AUDOUINIANA.

LYSIANASSA ATLANTICA.

LYSIANASSA LONGICORNIS. With young in December.

ANONYX LONGICORNIS. Of a straw colour, spotted with red. Eyes large, oblong; white with red markings.

ANONYX EDWARDSII. Eyes red, with black spots. With eggs in December.

ANONYX OBESUS. N.S. Eyes red, round, and small. First taken at Banff by T. E.

ANONYX DENTICULATUS.

ANONYX HOLBOLLI.

ANONYX MINUTUS.

ANONYX PLAUTUS. N.S. First taken at Banff as British by T. E.

ANONYX LONGIPES.

ANONYX AMPULLA. Eyes red.

CALLISOMA CRENATA. With eggs in November.

LEPIDEPECREUM CARINATUM. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

AMPELISCA GAIMARDII. With eggs in December of a green colour.

AMPELISCA BELLIANA.

PHOCUS SIMPLEX.

PHOCUS HOLBOLLI. With eggs in December and March.

PHOCUS PLUMOSUS. Two other new species of this genus have been taken at Banff by T. E., but are not yet named.

WESTWOODILIA CÆCULA.

WESTWOODILIA HYALINA.

ŒDICEROS PARVIMANUS. With eggs, which are of a bright orange colour, in September, October, and November. A sand-burrower.

ŒDICEROS SAGINATUS. With eggs, which are reddish, in January. First taken at Banff as British by T. E.

MONOCULODES LONGIMANUS. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

MONOCULODES CARINATUS. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

MONOCULODES STIMPSONI.

KROYERA ARENARIA. With eggs in August and September.

KROYERA ALTAMARINA.

AMPHILOCHUS MANUDENS.

DARWINIA COMPRESSA. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

SULCATOR ARENARIUS.

UROTHOE BAIRDII. Eyes black; with eggs in December.

UROTHOE MARINA. With eggs in December.

UROTHOE ELEGANS. Burrows in sand.

LILJEBORGIA ZETLANDICA.

PHÆDRA ANTIQUA.

ISÆA MONTAGUI.

IPHIMEDIA OBESA.

IPHIMEDIA EBLANÆ.

OTUS CARINATUS.

PEREIONOTUS TESTUDO.

ACANTHONOTUS OWENII.

DEXAMINE SPINOSA. With eggs, which are of a greenish colour, in April.

DEXAMINE BEDLOMENSIS. Colour a deep and brilliant orange, occasionally mixed with red and brown. The eyes, which are slightly raised, are round and of a bright crimson. The female, which is similar to the male, has eggs, which are of a pea green, in April and May, and again in October.

ATYLUS SWAMMERDAMII. With eggs, which are of a brownish colour, in September.

ATYLUS GIBBOSUS.

ATYLUS BISPINOSUS.

PHERSUA BICUSPIS.

PHERSUA FUCICOLA.

CALLIOPE LÆVIUSCULA.

CALLIOPE OSSIANI. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

CALLIOPE GRANDACULIS.

EUSIRUS HELVETIÆ. N.S. Taken at Banff by T. E., the first of the genus taken in Britain. A burrower, and very sluggish in its habits.

LEUCOTHOE ARTICULOSA.

LEUCOTHOE FURINA. First taken as British at Banff by T. E.

HORA GRACILIS.

STIMPSONIA CHELIFERA.

MICRODEUTOPUS GRYLLOTALPA.

MICRODEUTOPUS WEBSTERII.

MICRODEUTOPUS ANOMALUS.

MICRODEUTOPUS VERSICULATUS.

PROTOMEDEIA HIRSUTIMANA. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

PROTOMEDEIA WHITEI. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E. With eggs, which are of a very dull green, in November.

BATHYPOREIA PILOSA. Eyes red.

BATHYPOREIA ROBERTSONI.

BATHYPOREIA PELAGICA. Eyes red.

MELITA PALMATA.

MELITA OBTUSATA.

MELITA PROXIMA. With eggs, which are of a purplish colour, in December. Eyes brownish.

MELITA GLADIOSA.

EURYSTHEUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS

EURYSTHEUS BISPINIMANUS. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

AMATHILLA SABINI.

GAMMARUS MARINUS.

GAMMARUS CAMPTOLOPS.

GAMMARUS LOCUSTA.

GAMMARUS TENUIMANUS.

GAMMARUS EDWARDSII.

GAMMARUS PULEX.

MEGAMDERA SEMISERRATA.

MEGAMDERA LONGIMANA.

MEGAMDERA OTHONIS.

MEGAMDERA ALDERI.

MEGAMDERA BREVICAUDATA.

EISCLADUS LONGICAUDATUS.

AMPHITHOE RUBRICATA.

AMPHITHOE LITTORINA.

SUNAMPHITHOE HAMULUS.

PODOCERUS PULCHELLUS.

PODOCERUS VARIEGATUS.

PODOCERUS CAPILLATUS.

PODOCERUS PELAGICUS. Eyes black.

PODOCERUS OCIUS.

PODOCERUS FALCATUS.

CERAPUS ABDITUS.

CERAPUS DIFFORMIS.

DERCOTHOE (CERAPUS) PUNCTATUS. With eggs in June.

SIPHONDECETES TYPICUS.

SIPHONDECETES CRASSICORNIS.

NÆNIA TUBERCULOSA. With eggs in December. The female has the palms of the two first pairs much narrower than the male.

NÆNIA RIMAPALMATA.

CRATIPPUS TENUIPES. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

COROPHIUM LONGICORNE.

COROPHIUM BONELLII.

VIBILIA BOREALIS. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E.

THEMISTO CRASSICORNIS. First taken as British at Banff by T. E. Great hordes of this species occasionally visit this part of the coast, and large numbers are sometimes destroyed in consequence of coming too near the land.

LESTRIGONUS EXULANS. Occasionally in vast numbers.

LESTRIGONUS KINAHANI.

HYPERIA GALBA.

HYPERIA OBLIVIA. In great shoals at certain seasons. These are the only species of this family which I have ever found on the Medusæ. I consider Lestrigonus Exulans to be the male of Hyperia Galba, and L. Kinahani the male of H. oblivia.

HYPERIA TAURIFORMIS. N.S.

HYPERIA PREHENSILIS. N.S.

HYPERIA CYANEA. N.S.

All these three new species were first taken at Banff by T. E.; the males and females of all three being procured. The males differ but little from the females, except that they are somewhat larger.

DULICHIA PORRECTA.

DULICHIA FALCATA.

I look upon these as being male and female of the same species.

PROTOMEDIA PEDATA.

PROTOMEDIA GOODSIRII.

PROTELLA PHASMA.

CAPRELLA ACANTHIFERA.

CAPRELLA LOBATA.

CAPRELLA TYPICA.

TANAIS VITTATUS. On tangle roots.

PARATANAIS FORCIPATUS.

PARATANAIS RIGIDUS. On tangle roots.

ANCEUS MAXILLARIS.

ANCEUS (PRANIZA) CÆRULEATA.

I consider these two to be male and female of the same species.

ANCEUS (PRANIZA) EDWARDII. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E. There is another species of Anceus or Praniza found here which I take to be the male of A. or P. Edwardii. I find them associated, and they have precisely the same habits. (See p. 299.)

PHRYXUS ABDOMINALIS.

PHRYXUS FUSTICAUDATUS. N.S. First found at Banff by T. E. on _Pagurus Bernhardus_ and _Cuanensis_.

AEGA TRIDENS.

AEGA PSORA.

AEGA MONOPHTHALMA.

CIROLANA CRANCHII.

CIROLANA SPINIPES.

EURYDICE PULCHRA.

JÆRA ALBIFRONS.

MUNNA KROYERI.

JANIRA MACULOSA.

ASELLUS AQUATICUS.

LIMNORIA LIGNORUM.

ARCTURUS LONGICORNIS.

ARCTURUS GRACILIS.

IDOTEA TRICUSPIDATA.

IDOTEA PELAGICA.

IDOTEA EMARGINATA.

IDOTEA LINEARIS.

SPHÆROMA RUGICAUDA.

DYNAMENE RUBRA.

NÆSEA BIDENTATA.

CAMPECOPEA CRANCHII.

LIGIA OCEANICA.

PHILOSCIA MUSCORUM.

PHILOSCIA COUCHII.

PHILOUGRIA RIPARIA.

PHILOUGRIA ROSEA.

PLATYARTHRUS HOFFMANII.

ONISCUS ASELLUS.

ONISCUS FOSSOR.

PORCELLIO SCABER.

PORCELLIO PICTUS.

PORCELLIO ARMADILLOIDES.

PORCELLIO PRUINOSUS.

ARMADILLO VULGARIS.

ADDENDA.

CHEIROCRATUS MANTIS.

HELLERIA COALITA.

NEBALIA BIPES. From deep water. Burrows.

PHOXICHILIDIUM COCCINEUM. In rock pools.

NYMPHON GRACILE. }

NYMPHON HIRTUM. } Sea-spiders.

NYMPHON GROSSIPES.}

PALLENE BREVIROSTRIS.

PYCNOGONUM LITTORALE. In rock pools.

ANOMALOCERA PATERSONII.

CETOCHILUS SEPTENTRIONALIS.

Both these are occasionally met with during summer, in millions.

NOTODELPHYS ASCIDICOLA. Found in the branchial sac of Ascidia mentula and communis.

PELTIDIUM PURPUREUM. From deep water.

CALIGUS DIAPHANUS.

CALIGUS RAPAX.

CALIGUS MINUTUS. A variety of the foregoing.

CALIGUS MICROPUS.

CALIGUS CURTUS. All these are found on various fishes.

CALIGUS ISONYX. On the common gurnard. First taken as British at Banff in 1864 by T. E.

LEPEOPHTHEIRUS PECTORALIS. On various flounders.

LEPEOPHTHEIRUS NORDMANNII. On the short sun-fish.

CHALIMUS SCOMBRI.

TREBIUS CAUDATUS. Found on a Ling, _Lota malva_.

MONIMA FIMBRIATA, or FIMBRICATA. On the short sun-fish. First taken as British at Banff in 1862, by T. E.

LÆMARGUS MURICATUS. On the Short Sun-fish.

CECROPS LATTREILLII. Attached to the gills of the sun-fish, both _short_ and _oblong_.

CHONDRACANTHIDÆ SOLEÆ. On the gills of _Platessa vulgaris_. First taken as British at Banff, in August 1863, by T. E.

LERNENTOMA CORNUTA. On gills of Platessa vulgaris.

LERNENTOMA ASELLINA. On gills of _Trigla gurnardus_.

LERNEOPODA SALMONEA. Attached to the gills of the Salmon.

BASANISTES SALMONEA. On the gills of the common trout.

BRACHIELLA BISPINOSA. On gills of Trigla. N.S. First taken at Banff by T. E. in May 1863.

ANCHORELLA UNCINATA. Attached to various fishes, such as the cod, haddock, whiting, etc.

ANCHORELLA RUGOSA.

LERNEA BRANCHIALIS. Attached to the gills of the cod and haddock.

PENNELLA FIBROSA? Found on the short sun-fish.

By the same Author, Post 8vo, 6s.,

SELF-HELP;

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS OF CHARACTER, CONDUCT, AND PERSEVERANCE.

“_If I had read this look when I was a young man, my life would have been very different._”—Such was the remark made to me by a friend on returning Smiles’s ‘Self-Help,’ which I had given him to read. I was very much struck by the observation; and while thinking of the immense effect which this incomparable book has produced in England, and of the universally favourable reception which the Italian translation has received in this country, I received a letter from signor G. Barbèra, in which he invited me to write a book similar to the English one, but illustrated by Italian examples. I was much astonished at his thinking me equal to the work: but his valuable suggestion greatly delighted me, and I accepted his proposal with much cordiality.“—MICHELE LESSONA, in _Volere è Potere_.

“‘_Volere è Potere_’ (‘Will is power’). Such is the title of a very interesting popular work just issued by the eminent Florentine publisher, G. Barbèra. The history of this production is rather curious. It may not be known that the most remarkable literary success achieved of late years in Italy (where literary successes are the rarest of all events) has fallen to the lot of Mr. Samuel Smiles’s admirable ‘Self-Help,’ an Italian version of which, published some time ago at Milan, has since gone through several editions, and still appears to be in continual demand. The idea of the book was a novelty for Italians, and the moral which it inculcates one so eminently deserving of being enforced upon all classes of the public of Italy, that the question soon arose whether it would not be advisable to extend the sphere of its utility by promoting the publication of a similar book, specially designed for Italian readers, and in which the examples of patient industry and of untiring perseverance in the pursuit of a fixed design should be drawn from home materials. An association founded in Florence with the express object of stimulating the educational movement among the people, offered a prize of 3000f. for the best production of the kind, and all the literary men of Italy were invited to compete. M. Lessona, an agreeable writer upon popular subjects, has already entered the lists, and printed his work (‘Volere è Potere’) without waiting for the award of the committee appointed to decide between the rival competitors.”—_Standard._

“Une grande sagesse qu’on pourrait appeler la splendeur du bon sens, comme Platon définissait le beau la splendeur du vrai,—tel est le caractère qui distingue surtout ‘Self-Help.’ Ce livre, si populaire chez nos voisins, répond admirablement aux idées de la famille anglo-saxonne. Recevra-t-il chez nous le même accueil? Je l’espère, mais il aura aussi, je le crains, plus d’un vieux préjugé à combattre. En France, n’a-t-on point trop compté sur les institutions politiques malgré la durée éphémère des gouvernements? L’État peut faire du premier venu un ministre; il ne saurait en faire un grand homme, il même un fonctionnaire intègre et capable. Il est donc bon de chercher à d’autres sources ces énergies morales qui développent et régénèrent les sociétés.”—_Revue des Deux Mondes._

“Mr. Smiles’s book is wise beyond the wisdom of any but a very few books that we have read. The chapter on the use and abuse of money we must commend to the reader’s own perusal. It is pregnant with practical wisdom, and contains, besides, some excellent remarks upon the improvidence of the working classes, and upon the evils entailed by the pursuit of vulgar ‘respectability’ among their so-called superiors. ‘Self-Help’ is one of the soundest, wisest, most instructive, and most wholesome works we have opened for a long time.”—_Leader.

By the same Author, post 8vo, 6_s._,

THRIFT:

A BOOK OF DOMESTIC COUNSEL.

“There is no book among the current literature of the day we would rather see in a young man’s hand than this. Although every person in his daily experience must meet with many instances of the folly of unthrift, especially among the poorer classes, the frequency of the text, and it is to be feared the disposition of the age, render the lesson valueless. Domestic economy as an art and a science is an unstudied subject, and one few writers have deemed worthy of their thoughts. We cannot therefore feel sufficiently thankful that the able writer of ‘Self-Help’ has turned his attention to it, and endeavoured, in language that has not only a literary charm about it, but bears the stamp of philanthropic earnestness, to rouse the interest, and thereby the reflection of the British public, in so important a matter of national welfare. The dignity of labour, the necessity of inducing habits of saving, the wickedness of extravagant living, the dangers of prosperity, and the want of sympathy between employers and employed, are topics on which Mr. Smiles speaks hard, and it may be unpleasant truths, accompanied by a fund of illustration. Perhaps no part of the book is so valuable as the dissipation of the superstitious belief in goad-luck, and the chapter on the art of living. We trust the work will be found in every village and public library, that its principles may be disseminated broadcast among our youth; and we can assure all that they may enjoy in it many an hour’s pleasant and profitable reading.”—_Spectator._

“In Mr. Smiles’ latest book he gives us something more than an illustrative treatise on that homely and excellent virtue, Thrift. He deals with some of the leading social questions of the day, such as Co-operation and Association. He sketches the sanitary movement unsparingly, satirises the feminine follies of fashionable circles, and lastly concludes with an admirable essay on what may be called the æsthetics of common life. We all know what a book from Mr. Smiles is sure to be, anecdotical, practical, and abounding in good sense and every-day wisdom,—a book that is sure to entertain the old and instruct the young.”—_Academy._

“Mr. Smiles has produced an interesting volume. His pages bristle with sage precepts and with admirable illustrations of the virtue he has undertaken to inculcate on his countrymen. There is no doubt ample room for a judicious homily on Thrift. The wealth of England was never so great as at this time, and the thoughtless improvidence of Englishmen was never so conspicuous. Mr. Smiles complains, as well he may, of the monstrous folly of highly-paid artizans, who spend half their wages in selfish pleasure; and he shows that the large gains of such men are no proof of prosperity, as they do but add to their thriftlessness, and serve to gratify animal indulgences. Money, like political power, in the hands of uncultivated men, is certain to be abused. . . . On the whole, Mr. Smiles’ volume is marked by sound good sense, tersely and vigorously expressed. There are few readers who will not gain from it more than one useful lesson; and to young men it may prove specially serviceable.”—_Pall Mall Gazette._

“In writing one more good book, in these days when much that is worthless in literature finds favour with the masses, Mr. Smiles has added permanency to the lustre of a name which has long been a ‘household word’ amongst us, and entitled himself to the renewed thanks of every one who is interested in the prosperity, the happiness, and the well-being of the community. . . . May the lesson he teaches be deeply grafted in the minds of the rising generation, to whom more especially we commend the careful perusal and study of the work now before us.”—_Derby Advertiser._

“Mr. Smiles has done something in the concluding pages of this volume to give us the supplement which many people have thought was lacking to his teaching. They are full of the highest thought, replete with generous sentiment, based on the true conception of man as a being who only begins his life here below. . . . The book in several ways supplements the former ones; and it is in one respect, at least, superior to them.”—_Nonconformist.

By the same Author, post 8vo, 6_s._,

CHARACTER:

A COMPANION VOLUME TO ‘SELF-HELP’ AND ‘THRIFT’.

“This work is so exactly fitted for a gift-book (and indeed a school-boy or a boy leaving school need desire no better one) that we are inclined to mention it here. The value of character above all mere intellectual culture, the blessedness of work, the necessity of courage and self-control, the sense of duty as the guiding star of life—these are some of the topics discussed in ‘Character,’—not, however, as abstract propositions, but with the help of a store of illustrations drawn from the biographies of great men. The book possesses, if we may use the expression, a _vital_ force, and can scarcely fail to stimulate the reader. The chapters headed ‘Companionship of Books,’ and ‘Companionship in Marriage,’ will be read with special interest.”—_Pall Mall Gazette._

“To the lovers of a pure and healthy literature, this invigorating and high-toned volume from the pen of the author of ‘Self-Help’ will afford real and genuine enjoyment. In the clear and attractive style which has rendered his previous writings so deservedly popular, Mr. Smiles has here shown to what a height of mental and moral excellence our weak and imperfect nature may attain, and how much true nobility of character it may develop and sustain. . . . The last two chapters, on Companionship in Marriage and the Discipline of Experience, form a fitting conclusion to so excellent a book, and are pregnant with interest and lessons of the highest wisdom. The breadth and soundness of the views enunciated in the former on some delicate but universally important topics are especially commendable, and should be read and pondered over by all who see a much-neglected source of happiness for the people in the elevation of their home-life, and a more extens ive cultivation of the domestic virtues.”—_Leeds Mercury._

“Uniform in size with the author’s very popular ‘Self-Help,’ this work is of the same tone and cast of thought. Believing that character is a great power in the world, the author treats the various points in which it may be developed, or which call it forth. Hence, we have chapters on Home Power, Companionship, Temper, Marriage, Experience, and abundant citations of examples, so that the work is full of interest. It is difficult indeed to limit the good that may arise from these honest, earnest books, full of right thinking; plain, sensible, and not too full of sentiment.”—_Publishers’ Circular._

“Readers of ‘Self-Help’ will need no further inducement to send them in search of the new work by the author of that charming book. . . . It would be difficult to select a book more admirably adapted as a present to a young man or young woman at the outset of life. The charm of the style is irresistible; the moral conveyed altogether unimpeachable.”—_Manchester Courier._

“The author of ‘Self-Help’ has produced another little book which will soon run over the face of the land, and help to inspire the rising generation with ennobling sentiments. In our hunger for facts, we must not overlook the value of ideas. While we are striving to give our young people technical information, we must not omit to teach them to be truthful, high-thoughted, noble men and women. We must foster their abilities, but not forget Character. . . . Mr. Smiles, in this very charming volume, has brought together the opinions and sayings of good and wise men of all times, as to the various qualities which go to form character. . . . The result is a valuable book, calculated as well to give delight as to do good.”—_Builder._

“Mr. Smiles has been fortunate in the choice of his subject: and, as a work of wise counsel and thoughtful instruction, the new book is quite as successful as any of its author’s previous works. Nor is it any less entertaining. It literally teems with apposite and interesting anecdotes, and the writer’s style is at once so lively and dignified, that on the one hand he never becomes dry however earnestly and seriously he discusses life and duty; and, on the other, he never degenerates into flippancy in his most amusing illustrations.”—_Manchester Examiner.

By the same Author, post 8vo, 6_s._,

INDUSTRIAL BIOGRAPHY:

IRON-WORKERS AND TOOL-MAKERS.

“Mr. Smiles has hit upon a rich vein of ore, and works it with great success. He has the art of biography, which is by no means so easy of attainment as, judging from the number of persons who attempt this species of composition, one would imagine it to be. Memoirs are countless, but the number of biographies that can be accepted as successful works of art are very few indeed. Mr. Smiles is not only a skilful workman, he has chosen a new field of work. Hitherto the great biographies have been written of soldiers and sailors, and statesmen, poets and artists, and philosophers. It would seem as if these only were the great men of the world, as if these only were the benefactors of mankind, whose deeds are worthy of memory. The suspicion has arisen that, after all, there may be other heroes than those of the pen, the sceptre, and the sword. There are, indeed, men in various walks of life whose footsteps are worthy of being traced; but, surely, considering what England is, and to what we owe most of our material greatness, the lives of our Engineers are peculiarly worthy of being written. ‘The true Epic of our time,’ says Mr. Carlyle, ‘is not Arms and the man, but Tools and the man—an infinitely wider kind of Epic.’ Our machinery has been the making of us; our iron-works have, in spite of the progress of other nations, still kept the balance in our hands. Smith-work in all its branches of engine-making, machine-making, tool-making, cutlery, iron ship-building, and iron-working generally, is our chief glory. England is the mistress of manufactures, and so the queen of the world, because it is the land of smith; and Mr. Smiles’s biographies are a history of the great family of smith. Many of the facts which he places before us are wholly new, and are derived from the most likely sources. Thus, Maudslay’s partner Mr. Joshua Field, and his pupil Mr. Nasmyth, supplied the materials for his biography. Mr. John Penn supplied the chief material for the memoir of Clement, and so of the other memoirs; though they necessarily go over much well-trodden ground, they contain also much original information, expressed with great clearness, and with a practised skill which renders the reader secure of entertainment in every page.”—_Times._

“This is not a very large book, but it is astonishing how much individual, conscientious, and thoroughly original search has been required for its composition, and how much interesting matter it contains which we possess in no other form. Mr. Smiles rescues no name, but many histories, from oblivion. His heroes are known and gratefully remembered for the benefits they have conferred on mankind, but our knowledge of our benefactors has hitherto been mostly confined to our knowledge of the benefit. It was reserved for Mr. Smiles to discover in the workshop, heroes as true as ever hurled their battalions across a battle-field, and to present us with much-enduring, much-endeavouring, and brave men, where hitherto we had been content with disembodied, almost meaningless names. The present work is further distinguished, not indeed from its predecessors, but from much of the current literature, by the exquisitely pellucid English, the vigorous but unobtrusive style, in which the narratives are conveyed, the value of the work before us is doubled, and the time required for perusing, and especially for consulting it halved, by the full and minute index in which its contents are tabulated.”—_Edinburgh Daily Review._

“This is one of the most delightful books we have ever read. It is at once practical, instructive, and suggestive. Whoever wishes to benefit his young friends will present them every one with a copy of this book. Whatever struggling mechanic who, feeling that there is something beyond what he now knows or can execute, yet hesitates or fears, let him read this book. It is a sovereign panacea for doubt or cowardice. Whoever takes delight in watching the development of knowledge and in ascertaining the sources of the privileges which surround him, let him possess himself of this book, and we can promise him a treat of no ordinary character.”—_Sheffield Daily Telegraph.

By the same Author, Crown 8vo, 7s. 6d.

LIFE OF GEORGE STEPHENSON,

INCLUDING A MEMOIR OF HIS SON ROBERT STEPHENSON.

_Illustrated with Two Steel Portraits, and numerous Engravings on Wood._

“It is a singular fate that some of the world’s greatest benefactors should pass from the world with their history comparatively unnoticed . . . and we rightly rejoice when the claims of any of them are vindicated—when, from the hidden company of the Brindleys and Watts, men risen from the ranks to do world-wide service, and incidently to be the architects of their country’s later greatness, we can obtain the authentic history of such a creator as George Stephenson. It is not too much to say, that by Mr. Smiles, who has performed this office with eminent success, a considerable void is filled up in the page of modern history. We see the vast proportions of our modern achievements, and the epic story of this age of iron, more than half comprised in the feats of its strongest and most successful worker. The worker himself, with his noble simplicity and energy, his zeal for his kind, his native-born gentleness, and indomitable tenacity, would probably have been eminent in any age or condition of society; but, in virtue of his actual achievements and the obstacles he surmounted, of his struggles and triumphs, we may designate him a hero, and ask, in defence of this arbitrary title, what real conditions of heroism were wanting?”—_The Times._

“We have read this book with unmingled satisfaction. We hardly ever remember to have read a biography so thoroughly unaffected. There is no pushing forward of the author himself—he never comes between us and his subject. The book is an artless attempt to set out the character and career of one of the most ingenuous, honest, resolute, homely, and kind-hearted of human beings. We thank Mr. Smiles for having made the man walk before us in a most life-like picture. The entire style of the work is unambitious, lucid, thoroughly manly, and good.”—_Saturday Review._

“We should like to see this biography in the hands of all our young men. One breathes a healthy, bracing atmosphere in reading this book. It sets before us a fine instance of success in life attained purely in the exercise of genuine qualities. There was no sham about George Stephenson. . . . He was a great and good man, and we can give the ‘Life’ no higher praise than to say that it is worthy of its subject. Mr. Smiles is so anxious to place the character and career of Stephenson justly before his readers, that he quite forgets himself. . . . We do not know that there ever lived an individual to whom each separate inhabitant of Great Britain owes so much of real tangible advantage.”—_Fraser’s Magazine._

“It is the fate of few men, even of those who are the most signal public benefactors, to be known and appreciated by the generation in which they live. The fame of George Stephenson spread slowly, and, great as it has at last become, we cannot question that it will continue to increase with time. Not only is he a surprising example of a labourer raising himself to wealth and eminence without one solitary advantage except what he derived from his own genius; but the direction which that genius took has stamped his name upon the most wonderful achievement of our age. . . . He died, leaving behind him the highest character for simplicity, kindness of heart, and absolute freedom from all sordidness of disposition. His virtues are very beautifully illustrated, and by no means exaggerated, in his Life by Mr. Smiles. . . . There is scarcely a single page of the work which is not suggestive, and on which it would not be profitable to institute inquiry into the results of past experience as compared with present practice. The whole ground is novel, and of the highest interest.”—_Quarterly Review._

“The author of the Railway System—already adopted in every civilised country, and everywhere bringing forward vast social changes—is the real hero of the half-century. This instructive and deeply interesting story of his youth will contribute to keep alive the hopes, incite the perseverance, encourage the industry, and form the mind of after generations. It is one of the tales which ‘the world will not willingly let die.’ The realities of Stephenson’s life, which till now have found no biographer, are more astounding than the fancies of even Eastern poets. . . . His life is an admirable model for youth, supplied by one of the working multitude, while his exertions will help to relieve them from the extraordinary difficulties which he had to surmount.”—_Economist.

By the same Author, in 5 vols. crown 8vo, with 9 Steel Portraits and 342 Illustrations on Wood,

LIVES OF THE ENGINEERS.

WITH AN

ACCOUNT OF THEIR PRINCIPAL WORKS,

INCLUDING A

History of Inland Communication in Britain, and the Invention and Introduction of the Steam-Engine and Railway Locomotive.

_A New and Revised Edition._

VOL. I.—EMBANKMENTS AND CANALS—VERMUYDEN, MYDDELTON, PERRY, BRINDLEY.

” II.—HARBOURS, LIGHTHOUSES, AND BRIDGES—SMEATON AND RENNIE.

” III.—HISTORY OF ROADS—METCALFE AND TELFORD.

” IV.—THE STEAM-ENGINE—BOULTON AND WATT.

” V.—THE LOCOMOTIVE—GEORGE AND ROBERT STEPHENSON.

⁂ _Each volume is complete in itself, and may be had separately._

* * * * *

“A chapter of English history which had to be written, and which, probably, no one could have written so well. Mr. Smiles has obtained a mass of original materials. It is not too much too say that we now have an Engineers’ Pantheon, with a connected narrative of their successive reclamations from sea, bog, and fen; a history of the growth of the inland communication of Great Britain by means of its roads, bridges, canals, and railways; and a survey of the lighthouses, breakwaters, docks, and harbours constructed for the protection and accommodation of our commerce with the world.”—_Times._

“We cannot but refer in passing to the captivating and instructive volumes which Mr. Smiles has devoted to the ‘Lives of the Engineers,’ a record not before attempted of the achievements of a race of men who have conferred the highest honour and the most extensive benefits on their country. ‘Who are the great men of the present age?’ said Mr. Bright in the House of Commons,—‘Not your warriors—not your statesmen; they are your Engineers.’”—_Edinburgh Review._

“Mr. Smiles has profoundly studied, and has happily delineated in his lucid and instructive biographies, that remarkable succession of gifted minds which has, not by lucky guesses, but by incessant labour and by lifelong thought, gradually erected that noble example of dominion of man over the earth—the science of Engineering; and we are proud to know that there are men yet among us who can wield the arms of the invincible knights of old, and who will leave no meaner memory behind them.”—_Quarterly Review._

“Mr. Smiles may fairly claim the merit of having produced one of the most interesting and instructive works. He has discovered almost unbroken ground, and has worked it with so much skill and success, that his readers will recognise in his volumes an illustration of the truth of Lord Macaulay’s saying, that history, personal or national, may, when properly written, be rendered as interesting as any novel.”—_London Review._

“In tracing the history of English engineering from the beginning, Mr. Smiles really gives a history of English civilisation. He has produced a kind of philosophical biography, the progress of discovery and industrial conquest having necessarily a general correspondence with the mental development of the great representatives of man’s external action. We think Mr. Smiles has done what was well worth the doing, with skill, with honesty, with purpose, and with taste.”—_Westminster Review._

“There may be many here who have made themselves acquainted with a book that cannot be too widely brought into public notice—I mean the recent publication of a popular author, Mr. Smiles, entitled ‘The Lives of the Engineers.’ There may be those here who have read the Life of Brindley, and perused the record of his discouragement in the tardiness of his own mind, as well as in the external circumstances with which he determined to do battle, and over which he achieved his triumph. There may be those who have read the exploits of the blind Metcalfe, who made roads and bridges in England at a time when nobody else had learned to make them. There may be those who have dwelt with interest on the achievements of Smeaton, Rennie, and Telford. In that book we see of what materials Englishmen are made. These men, who have now become famous among us, had no mechanics’ institute, no libraries, no classes, no examinations to cheer them on their way. In the greatest poverty, difficulties, and discouragements, their energies were found sufficient for their work, and they have written their names in a distinguished page of the history of their country.”—_The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone at Manchester._

“I have just been reading a work of great interest, which I recommend to your notice—I mean Smiles’s ‘Lives of the Engineers.’ No more interesting books have been published of late years than those of Mr. Smiles—his ‘Lives of the Engineers,’ his ‘Life of George Stephenson,’ and his admirable little book on ‘Self-Help’—a most valuable manual.”—_The Right Hon. Sir Stafford Northcote at Exeter._

“Mr. Smiles has done wisely to link the names of Boulton and Watt together in the volume before us. The more we read of the correspondence between these two great men during the birth of the new motive power, the more we feel convinced that the world has to be thankful for their happy partnership. Boulton seemed by some happy chance to possess all the qualities of mind that were wanting in Watt. . . . From the heaps of dusty ledgers in the counting—house at Soho, the author has drawn the materials for these deeply-interesting lives, and has so handled them as to produce a volume which worthily crowns his efforts in this most interesting, because before untrodden, walk in literature.”—_Times._

“Boulton was the complement of Watt’s active intelligence. . . . His is a memory of which the leaders of industry in Great Britain may well be proud. His virtues were the common virtues which render the English character respected throughout the world, but in him they were combined with admirable harmony, and were unsullied by any of those vices which too frequently degrade the reputation of our countrymen. We cannot read of Mr. Boulton’s grand struggle to bring the steam-engine into further use without a feeling of pure admiration. . . . We lay down this volume with a feeling of pride and admiration that England had the honour of producing at the same time two such men, whose labours will continue to benefit mankind to the remotest generation, and with gratitude to the distinguished biographist who preserves for the instruction of the times to come, pictures of them so full of life and reality.”—_Daily News._

“That Mr. Smiles’s will be the standard life of the great engineer is simply the necessity of his greater art as an industrial biographer. His skill in weaving together anecdote and description, representations of what was known with a distinct specification of what was contributed by his hero; his dramatic power, in this volume especially, exhibited in the contrast of the two partners,—the sanguine, speculative character of Boulton; the anxious, morbid, cautious temper of Watt,—one full of hope in the very darkest circumstances, the other full of fear in the brightest,—give the volume a wonderful charm. The life of Watt is a great epic of discovery: the narrative of it by Mr. Smiles is an artistic and finished poem.”—_British Quarterly Review._

“We venture to think that this, Mr. Smiles’s most recent work, will achieve even a higher popularity than those which have preceded it. We are impressed by this book with the fact that hitherto, however highly public speakers and writers may have lauded Watt and his achievements, the general public have really known little or nothing of this great man’s history, life, and character. These are admirably and graphically depicted in the volume before us; in the preparation of which the author appears to have had access to a vast mass of authentic documents, of which he has made excellent use.”—_Observer.

Just Published, by the same Author, in Crown 8vo, 7s. 6d.

THE HUGUENOTS:

THEIR SETTLEMENTS, CHURCHES, AND INDUSTRIES IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND.

_A NEW EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED_

“The cunning of Mr. Smiles’s hand never fails him. He has chosen the prosaic side of Huguenot history, and has made it as fascinating as a romance. He has not essayed to depict the religious heroism or the social tragedy of the Huguenot story—he has restricted himself to the economical influence of its migrations, and he has made the statistics and genealogies—of which his work is full—as interesting as Homer’s lists of ships and heroes, or as Milton’s array of the demigods of hell. The process seems very simple and easy, but it can be saved from utter dreariness only by consummate art. Mr. Smiles has pursued his investigations with a laborious minuteness worthy of the Statistical Society and of the Heralds’ College; and yet it is as impossible to skip a page, as in reading his life of Stephenson.”—_British Quarterly._

“Avec un rare déssintéressement national et un sentiment de justice qu’on ne saurait trop encourager, un écrivain Anglais vient aujourd’hui rendre aux étrangers ce que la riche et laborieuse Angleterre du xix^{me} siecle doit aux étrangers. M. Smiles est l’historien de la vapeur et de toutes les découvertes utiles; ses héros sont les inventeurs, les artisans célèbres, les ingénieurs, tous ceux, en un mot, qui out dérobé á la nature un secret ou un force pour étendre le règne de l’homme sur la matière. Les conquêtes de l’industrie et du commerce le préoccupent bien autrement que les victoires des armées Anglaises. . . . Par la tournure de ses idées et l’ordre de ses études, M. Smiles était done préparé à traiter cet interessant sujet,—la naissance des arts utiles chez un grand peuple qui, à l’origine, n’avait pas d’industrie.”—_Revue des Deux Mondes._

“The work of Mr. Smiles embraces a subject which has never been adequately treated, at least in English literature—the history, namely, of the French and Flemish Protestant refugees in this country, and their descendants.

“Of the powerful influence exercised by this immigration on our industry, commerce, arts, literature, even our usages and modes of thought, few are aware. The subject is by no means a familiar one among ourselves. The whole revolution, so to speak, took place so gradually, the new population amalgamated so readily and thoroughly with the old, that people hardly attached to the phenomena which passed under their eyes their real importance. Mr. Smiles’s account of it is, therefore, admirably calculated to impart, not only new knowledge, but really new ideas, to most of us.

“To readers who love to dwell on heroic vicissitudes rather than on mere details of economical progress, Mr. Smiles’s account of the persecution in France, the sufferings of the many and the marvellous escapes of the few, will prove the most attractive part of his work.

“How this noble army of emigrants for conscience sake—the truest aristocracy, perhaps, which has ever developed itself—gradually and peacefully amalgamated with that mass of the English people which they had done so much to enrich and to instruct, Mr. Smiles has fully shown. He recounts their euthanasia, if such it may be termed, as he does their rise. To one of the great causes of their success, and not in England only, he does ample justice. They were, as a body, extremely well educated; and they jealously transmitted that inheritance, which they had brought from France, to their children. The poorest Huguenot refugee was almost always a cultivated man. Hence their great advantage in the fair race of industry.”—_Pall Mall Gazette._

“Mr. Smiles’s book on the ‘Huguenots’ is an improvement on anything he has yet done, and it deserves a success which, by reason of its very merits, we fear it has no chance of attaining. The subject breaks ground that may almost be called fallow. Many chapters of English history, and these not the least interesting or important, are for the first time written, with the care and breadth they deserve, by Mr. Smiles.”—_London Review._

* * * * *

Transcriber’s Notes:

Obvious punctuation errors repaired. Ditto marks were replaced in the Appendix with the actual words. Superscripted letters are preceded by ^ and wrapped in {curly brackets}.

Page xiii, “Pertinaceous” changed to “Pertinacious” (Pertinacious Rats)

Page xiv, “Locustra” changed to “Locusta” (Locusta migratoria)

Page xv, “Entomostracea” changed to “Entomostraca” (Bate--Entomostraca--Parasites)

Page xvi, “Thompsonii” changed to “Thompsoni” (Couchia Thompsoni)

Page 44, “ask” changed to “asp” (an asp, but it)

Page 207, sidenote, “LOCUSTRIA” changed to “LOCUSTA” (LOCUSTA MIGRATORIA)

Page 253, word originally split over two lines after the first “con”, “concontributor” changed to “contributor” (afterwards became a contributor)

Page 328, “Holothuriadæ” became “Holothuridæ” (of the Holothuridæ family)

Page 428, parentheses changed to brackets. ([_Edward’s Midge_].)

Page 429, “Chimaera” changed to “Chimæra” ([_Northern Chimæra_])

Page 432, “oth” changed to “other” ( Two other new species)

Page 442, “whch” changed to “which” (it contains which we possess)

Page 443, “laboure” changed to “labourer” (example of a labourer)

End of Project Gutenberg's Life of a Scotch Naturalist, by Samuel Smiles