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.

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.

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.

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.