WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

Schedules were sent to thirty-four stations as before. We have received returns from fifteen.

Generally the returns are as well filled up as in previous years.

We have notes on about thirty-one species of land birds from this coast; about sixteen species of water birds; and of a few species of littoral or wading birds.

I have kept the spring and autumn movements distinct.

In the following list of stations we indicate the numbers of years in which each station has sent in returns, and the consecutive numbers of the stations, in the same way, and for the same reasons, that we have shown those in the report of the East Coast, and we also indicate the value and brilliancy of the lights at each.

List of Stations.
Returns
in 5
years.		1884.Feet.
3*81.Cape Wrath, SutherlandIII.400{W. Wither &
H. Morrison.
3*82.Elm Stoir, Do.II.195Wm. Wither.
Outer Hebrides.
583.Butt of LewisI.170{T. Edgar.
A. Thompson.
384.Stornoway, 2 lights{II.
I.		}56J. Grierson..
385.Island of GhlaisI.130
5*86.Monach Isles{I.150}J. Youngclause..
I.62
287.UshenishVI.176
1*88.Barra HeadII.683Wm. Irvine.

Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides.

0*89.Rona, SkyeIV.222Frazer.
4*90.Kyleakin, RossIV.53D. M'Culloch.
291.Isle of Ornsay, SkyeI.58
292.ArdnamurchanI.
5{93.Hynish Signal Tower, Tyree}II.150T. Dawson.
*94.Skerryvore, off Tyree
5*95.Dhuheartach, S. of Ross of MullI.146W. Davidson.
596.Sound of MullV.55W. McLellan.
097.Corran Ferry, Loch EilIV.38
498.Lismore I., ObanI.103
299.Fladda, EasdaleVI.42
3*100.Rhuvaal, IslayIV.147G. Boreham.
4*101.M'Arthur's HeadIV.128Wm. Maill.
5*102.Skervuile, JuraII.73John Ewing.
5103.Rhinns of IslayIV.159P. Anderson.
2104.LochindaulIV.50
0105.Mull of KintyreVI.297
0106.Devaar, off KintyreII.120
0107.Pladda, ArranII.130
2*108.LamlashIV.46D. M. Scott.
2109.Turnberry, AyrshireIV.96Andr. Nisbet.
4*110.Corsewall, WigtonshireIV.112R. Laidlaw.
5111.Loch Ryan, do.I.46
5112.Portpatrick, do.I.37
4*113.Mull of Galloway, do.II.325Alx. Murray.
1*114.Little Ross, KircudbrightIV.175Jas. Ferrier.

Isle of Man.

3115.Point of Ayre, I. of ManIII.106
2116.Douglas Head, do.I.104
*117.Chickens Rock, do.II.122
2118.Bahama Bank (L.V.), do.??
*119.Langness, do.??Robt. Clyne.

Notes from the Stations.[34]

[34] Only the notable events, or anything of particular interest, are here taken notice of. Such may be useful for faunal purposes.

Mr. Morrison, at Cape Wrath, Bays birds are scarce at this station: the coast being so wild they keep more inland. Gamuts frequent the coast all the year from February to November. The Peregrine Falcon is on the coast almost all the year.

From Stoir Head Mr. Wither sends a few notes on land birds. Arrival of Swallow noted May 11th, rather an early date for the West Coast of Sutherland. Gannets were passing north continuously in August.

Mr. Youngclause, after a long residence on the Monach Isles, has removed to an E. Coast station, but sends a last schedule from the former, dating March 30th to April 7th. Wrens seem scarce here, and the Goldcrest he saw this year, but never on any previous occasion. A robin had not been seen before for ten years until April 7th, 1884. Snow Buntings on April 4th are noted as unusual.

Mr. Youngclause adds "There has been a great scarcity of birds at this station for a number of years back, and unless the winds happen to be off the mainland, with hazy weather at the time of migration, we scarcely see a bird. Even Eider Ducks have deserted this place of late years, ever since we had the fearful storm of Nov. 15th, 1877, but I am told they have been very abundant about the Sound of Barra, and the sheltered places on the east side of the island."

Mr. William Irvine sends two interesting schedules from Barra Head. In September a continuous flight of birds flying east is noticed on 6th, light S.E. wind.

From Rona Lighthouse the Goldcrest, a single bird, is recorded in October as unusual, and is accurately described; evidently of rare occurrence here.

I have to thank Mr. McCulloch, Kyleakin, for the careful attention he has given to the subject of direction of flight in every instance of a record, and, I may add, I am pleased to find much more attention paid throughout the 1884 records to this important item of our inquiries.

Skerryvore.—Mr. Thomas Dawson sends full schedules from February to December, but remarks, "Not one bird seen here between Dec. 1st and Jan. 15th, date of latest schedule." The only evidence of rushes was that of Turdidæ, in November, correlating with E. coast rushes, but there are many light entries. The same gale which detained a Blackbird on the rock also detained Mr. Crow, the under light-keeper, twelve days after time at Hynish Signal Tower. He and the Blackbird changed residence on the same date.

Dhuheartach.—Numerous light entries also from this station, dating Dec. 2nd, by Mr. William Davidson.

Sound of Mull.—Mr. William McLellan pays careful attention to the directions of flight, and set of the tides and movements of birds in connection therewith.

Rhuvaal.—Mr. George Boreham also notes these important particulars, and takes note of the rainfall in August—3rd to 25th—a new feature in our reports. He adds, "It is only very rarely a bird strikes our lantern, as they keep well off shore when passing on the wing."

M'Arthur's Head.—Evidences of a rush of migrants, of many species, are given in Oct. 7th, 8th, 9th, by Mr. W. Mail. Wind prevailing S.W., but an E. gale on 9th, when "great numbers" are recorded.

Skervuile.—Mr. John Ewing sends well-filled schedules dating Jan. 13th to Nov. 19th, giving many directions of flight. A curious and interesting note is added. "On Oct. 5th" a "Sandpiper" occurs. "This bird came to the rock five years ago, when I succeeded in taming it, but I have not seen it since that time till now."

Rhinns of Islay.—Mr. Peter Anderson makes a very good proposal indeed, and that is that our Committee ask the cooperation of assistants as well as principals, as "by so doing you will have a far better chance to get more notes; because, as at present assistants care very little about recording their operations, as they get no credit for doing so, whilst they have one-half of the night on duty." Mr. Anderson anxiously desires a "small book of plates of birds," and complains of the confusion connected with local names in different parts. I have urged, and still urge, on our Committee the advantage there would be in a printed list of local names. For Scotland, the MS. is ready in my hands to be made useful as it stands, and there is abundant room for enlargement; but it would cost somewhat to print and distribute it. I have three excellent schedules from Mr. Anderson. I think his proposals are worthy of the attention both of our Committee and of the British Association. Mr. Ross has also materially assisted Mr. Anderson in filling these up. We would be glad to receive from all stations the names of all the assistant keepers, which can be inserted in next return of schedules. A very pronounced rush is recorded at this station. It is quite a principal station on our W. coast.

Lamlash, Arran.—Mr. David M. Scott does not consider it necessary to mention all occurrences of Herons at this station, "as they breed on the high rocks on the Island, and, of course, are always in the locality."

Turnberry.—From February to December almost all records are accompanied by winds from S.S.E., S. or E. We have records on twenty-one dates in that time, and only on one day (Nov. 19th) is the wind out of another quarter, viz. N.N.W.; on this date a solitary Redshank was killed at the lantern.

Corsewall.—Rushes evident both in spring and autumn. Winds on dates of heaviest records S. to E. and N.E., but also heavy returns on Sept. 22nd, with fresh S.W. and haze. Dates of rushes very marked. A short but largely bulking schedule.

Mull of Galloway.—The migration is, on the whole, more distinctly shown in October on the West Coast south of the Clyde than on the East Coast at Isle of May during October. The direction of flight usually given is, where noticed, S.E. While on the East Coast, at Isle of May, winds were north of either E. or W. between Sept. 26th and Oct. 17th, on the West Coast south of Clyde they were S. and W. light. The coast lines in the W. thus showed their influence on the migration; and the normal winds, being west on the West Coast, developed a larger and steadier visible migration than on the East Coast. The only Woodcock recorded at this station in October—Oct. 19th—came during strong N. breeze. A considerable number of Swallows occurred between June 29th and July 4th, when there was a rush. I have no returns from the Mull of Galloway after Oct. 23rd.

Little Ross.—Considerable evidence of rushes in latter end of October and in November. Mr. James Ferrier says, "Since the above dates—viz., plates of last schedule, 18th Nov. to 24th Dec.—there have been no birds." ... "No day migration observed here."

Langness, Isle of Man.—Mr. Robt. Clyne, formerly under-keeper at Isle of May, writes that he considers the great flights of Linnets—grey and green—are all local, and also Starlings, and he thinks they need hardly be mentioned in the schedules, in the meantime. A very large congregation of Green Linnets took place at Langness on Nov. 19th, which must be noticed in connection with our records elsewhere, on both E. and W. coasts (J. A. H. B.),—probably about 500 to 600, Mr. Clyne says. The Committee marvels very much what can have become of their late coadjutor Mr. Philip M. Kermode. He has not, to Mr. Clyne's knowledge, as yet paid him a visit. Mr. Clyne mentions the abundance of Red-legged Crows. He had entered them as "Jackdaws," but subsequently has become aware of the error. They are numerous about Castletown. Very little fog has been experienced, and the fog-signal has only been once used in the past two months (in lit. Nov. 24th). The Committee are much obliged to Mr. Clyne for his interesting and well-filled schedules. He gave some interesting notes also on the species breeding around the station.

Chickens Rock, Isle of Man.—A very heavy rush is recorded between 15th Oct. and 21st to 26th, "the flocks being so dense that no approximate number could be given; they formed by far the most numerous flocks of migrants seen this season" (James Black, principal keeper). We were singularly unfortunate at the Isle of May, the winds there being N. of E. or W.; while here, in the Isle of Man, they were, during the heaviest filled dates, 15th and 21st Nov., strong W. and haze, the migrants crossing the wind, and showing largely at these more southerly stations of our West Coast.

To Mr. M'Iver, Teacher at Culken, in Assynt, Sutherland, I am obliged for some land notes of interest, which will appear under the various species in connection with Stoir Head Lighthouse.

Report under Species.

Turdidæ.—While in 1883, Spring migration almost escaped notice on the West Coast, in 1884 a rush was very evident between the 18th and 20th Feb., at stations south of Clyde, such as at Corsewall, and indications of same movement north of Clyde, at Skerryvore; but most records south of Clyde. Doubtless Isle of Man could also testify to this, but we have no schedules thence till date of July 20th, when Mr. Clyne went there. There are also a few movements in March at Skerryvore and Skervuile. In both months winds light S.S.E. or S.E. In autumn, much greater than on the East coast. Every station from Cape Rhu Stoir, south, gave movements, as follows:—Rhu Stoir (slight), Barra Head (six seen, 19th Nov.), Rona (light, and only in July), Kyleakin (light indication, 15th Nov.), Skerryvore (a number, 12th, 15th and 16th Nov.), Dhuheartach (light, 15th, 16th to 24th Oct., a few as early as 4th July and 1st Aug., probably local), Sound of Mull (few only, on 19th Sept. and 19th Dec.), Skervuile (light, in November), Rhinns of Islay (enormous rush of Redwings, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, with Woodcocks, Larks, Crows, 14th to 19th Nov.), and southwards, at Lamlash, Arran (good indication on 10th), at Corsewall (a rush on 10th), at Mull of Galloway (rushes, between 10th and 13th and 23rd), and at Little Ross (mostly of Blackbirds). Winds, north of Clyde, in October northerly and westerly, and in November southerly and easterly; for the most part returns lighter in October than in November, and great rushes in November at stations south of Clyde, where winds, during latter half of October and November, were S. and easterly. Great rushes all this time, correlating with East Coast of England, but not so much observed on East Coast of Scotland, owing to winds then being N., and never S., of E. or W. The species mentioned are for the most part Thrushes and Blackbirds, Fieldfares and Red-wings, but there is reason to believe that the latter really bulk largely in the migration, as where the bird is distinguished from the Thrush or Mavis they appear to have come in numbers,, as at Isle of Man (R. Clyne) and Rhinns of Islay (Peter Anderson and Wm. Ross). The migration extended over a considerable time; yet the rushes were remarkable for intensity and uniformity in time at the various stations. The earliest record given is at Dhuheartach (July 4th), but may have been a local movement, along with two other summer records. Next in August (1st, 10th and 28th, a few). Actual first migration in mass commencing Sept. 19th, 21st, and 25th at Sound of Mull, M'Arthur's Head, and Corsewall, respectively. The latest records reaching me date Dec. 19th, at Sound of Mull,—a solitary Blackbird; and by the 19th Nov. the body of the rush was past, the latest record being on that date at Rhinns of Islay. The rush was strictly defined, and there are not many full records before the last week in October. The earliest species recorded (excluding July) is Thrush, and the next Fieldfares, at Skervuile. The latest species recorded are Blackbirds, at Sound of Mull. Those species which bulk largest are Blackbirds and Thrushes; and those least, Fieldfares. Redwings are probably more numerous than actually recorded, as all our reporters do not perhaps distinguish them.

Saxicolinæ.—Note.—For all purposes of this Report, "Stonechats" and Wheatears are identical. Where true Stonechats are recognised and mentioned, the records relating to these are kept distinct. In Spring: earliest Wheatears at Sound of Mull (29th March); latest, single bird at Skerryvore, 14th May, and one on 11th; appearance of rush at Skerryvore on 22nd, twelve birds at the lantern, fresh S., haze; and at Skervuile indications on 22nd to 24th, light E. and S.E. In Autumn: earliest at Isle of Man stations, 2nd, 9th, and 10th Aug.; almost a rush on 10th at Chickens Rock; and several, 9th and 10th, at Langness. [Note.—Chickens Rock reporter calls them "Stonechats," but Langness reporter correctly terms them "Wheatears.">[ Then at Rhu Stoir, in the north, comes the next earliest date, 16th Aug. Thereafter stations returning them are Rhu Stoir, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Chickens Rock, and Langness. Bush appears most decided at the early dates at Isle of Man; and again between 20th and 24th Aug. at Dhuheartach, N. of Clyde, and at Skervuile; whilst a third considerable movement is noticeable on 15th and 26th Sept., at Isle of Man. The latter is also the latest date on record. Besides Wheatears we have the following records of true Stonechats (Stonechat, Pratincola rubicola). Earliest at Dhuheartach, August; and at Skervuile between 20th and 26th, accompanying rush of the last species. Of Redstarts only one record; and two or three at Langness on 8th Sept. Winds in August at most localities, S., S.E. and S.W., light or fresh.

Silviinæ.—In spring only one record, viz., Robin; one, at Monach Isles, on 7th April, S.E., clear; and a rush at Corsewall on 29th March. In autumn: earliest at Kyleakin, 24th Aug., light S. (Two previous records on 19th and 28th July at Rona, Skye, are in the debatable ground between local and general migration.) In September two single records only, at Sound of Mull and M'Arthur's Head, both on 19th, at which latter station it is reported as "arriving in winter." One Blackcap, female, sent me for identification from Skerryvore, on 16th Nov., moderate N.E., haze, completes our records of this group.

Phylloscopinæ, Gold-crested Wren.—Evident rush noticeable in spring, when great numbers, along with the Robins, were seen at Corsewall on 29th March. One bird occurred at Monach Isles, "new to Mr. Youngclause," but accurately described, therefore hitherto rare at that station; and one is recorded from Rona Skye, but no date given. In autumn a considerable migration, beginning with the earliest at Sound of Mull, on 28th Aug., strong S., with showers. Ending with latest at Lamlash, on 16th Nov., a single bird. (Note here the exactness of how even single records on West coast agree with movements on the East coast.) Scattered records occur at Lamlash, Firth of Clyde, and at Corsewall, between 10th and 19th Sept.; almost a rush on latter dates. Rush on 24th at Little Ross, and indications of ditto at Langness, on 17th and 18th; desultory records at Little Ross before these dates, 11th to 22nd. In October evidence of rushes on night of the total eclipse of the moon, viz., 4th Oct., between the same hours, 9 and 12 midnight, the hours of total eclipse of greatest darkness, just as was observed by Mr. Geo. E. Paterson and myself at Isle of May, on the East coast; another indication of a rush, between Oct. 19th and 23rd, at Mull of Galloway. Only single records at Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and Lamlash in November; but, as before remarked, these single records marvellously coincide with East Coast records, and are therefore important. Wind at stations returning, mostly light and various, W., E., and S. Night of eclipse, light W., cloudy and dark. Of Willow Warblers, a few on 10th and 11th Sept., at Little Ross.

Acrocephalinæ.—No records either spring or autumn. The negative evidence is worth positive record.

Paridæ.—Two records only. At Mull, of Galloway, on Sept. 10th, two Titmice, in strong S. wind at lantern, and at Sound of Mull, two struck, but not killed, on Oct. 30th, light S.W. How far these are only local movements or not, it is difficult to know with the small data yet to hand.

Troglodytidæ.—On March 30th, one Common Wren returned in schedule from Monach Isles. Fresh south haze. It would be interesting to know the original starting place of this solitary Wren. The newly-discovered insular variety of St. Kilda is, however, probably entirely resident there all winter. Nevertheless we would like specimens of Wrens from Monach Isles at all seasons for examination. In September, one occurred at Lismore, sitting on rock, on 22nd, light N.E. wind and haze. In October a single bird at Rhu Stoir, at noon, strong S. and rain, and three occurred at Lamlash on Nov. 4th, flying south against a strong S.W. wind and showers.

Motacillidæ.—Only spring record of Wagtails on May 11th two males and two females at Rhu Stoir. In autumn, earliest Aug. 27th, at Skerryvore, when one remained three days on the rock, indicating thus the correlating rush on 31st at Langness, where about a hundred in a large flock of young Pied Wagtails were seen all day. These are called "Grey Wagtails or young Pied Wagtails" by Mr. Clyne. The true Grey Wagtail is a yellow bird with a black throat and very long tail. [Surely British ornithologists can find a more descriptive and truer name than Grey Wagtail for Motacilla boarula. If confusion occurs amongst ordinary observers as to names, it is as often the fault of the naturalists who misapplied the names in the first instance as not.] In September a further rush of the same young Pied Wagtails observable on the 10th at Langness—a flock seen—and a dozen at Rhinns of Islay on 7th; and a few at Barra Head and one at Dhuheartach on Sept. 1st. In October a few at Langness, on the 6th, the latest given.

Motacillidæ, Pipits.—Earliest Meadow Pipit in spring, single records on 8th and 21st, at Skerryvore, light S.E. haze and fresh N.W. clear respectively. One rested on lantern of Lamlash Light on May 2nd. In autumn, the rush of Meadow Pipits took place at Isle of Man—Langness during Sept. 4th (a lot), 9th (very many), 24th (large flock), 29th (large flock). Earliest, August 31st (large flock). Later, a few in October at Skerryvore, on 6th and 16th, fresh S.W. breeze, and at same station on 1st and 12th Nov., fresh S.W., rain.

Muscicapidæ, Flycatchers.—Only one record at Longness (R. Clyne), the first record in six years' observation, on Sept. 11th. Mr. Clyne has met with the Pied Flycatcher on Isle of May, as well as the Spotted, but these two seen on Isle of Man are only designated "Flycatchers." As the Pied Flycatcher breeds in Cumberland and N. of England, it would be interesting to know which species (or if both) visits Isle of Man.

Hirundinidæ, Swallows.—Dates of arrivals are as follows:—March 30th, at Corsewall. It is worthy of note that I observed a Swallow at Glendoune Girvan hawking for insects as late in autumn of 1884 as Nov. 8th (see [East Coast Report]). May 11th, three seen at Rhu Stoir (an early arrival for Sutherland W. coast, J. A. H. B.), light south, one seen at Skerryvore, light S.E.; 17th, one at Skerryvore, fresh, S.W.; 14th, three at Lamlash; 19th, several all day at Rhinns of Islay, light S.E., haze; 21st, one seen at Rhu Stoir, light S.; 22nd, two Sand Martins at Barra Head; June 3rd and 4th, two Sand Martins at Barra Head, light N., cloudy; 19th, two Swallows at Kyleakin, flying S., light S. and clear; 22nd, one Swallow at Rhu Stoir, light fog and rain; 29th, great numbers (rush) flying around at Mull of Galloway, and ditto flying E. at same place on 30th; and on 30th one seen at Cape Wrath; in July, eight Swallows on 3rd and "scores" on 4th (probably local at Mull of Galloway, preparing for departure); one at Langness on. 25th; in August, flock at Langness of Swallows on 20th, and another on 25th; in September, several on 5th, at Langness, and on 8th and 10th, and single records at same place, and at Rhinns of Islay on 29th and 30th; in October, a large flock of Swallows and a party of twelve at Langness, and a flock at Chickens Rock on 6th; a flock of twelve on 19th at Langness, the latest record.

Fringillidæ.—Very few returns in spring. A few Grey Linnets on May 12th at Skervuile, and a few at Rona, Skye, on 26th, being all. In autumn, a rush, and earliest record save one, at Rhuvaal, of young Grey Linnets flying W. on Aug. 20th, and a few same day at Skervuile. The earliest date is a flock at Isle of Man (Langness) on July 29th. Latest record on Nov. 19th of Green Linnets, a rush of 700 or 800, and rushes between 4th and 19th, all at Langness. Bushes during latter end of October at Langness, and sufficient indications at several stations N. of Clyde, as Kyleakin, Skervuile, and Rhinns of Islay. This species bulks largest in all the schedules. Other species noticed are Sparrows (large flock at Langness, Oct. 13th); "Mountain Sparrow" (true Tree Sparrow), one at Rhinns of Islay; "Small Linnets" (Twites or Redpoles?) at Rhinns of Islay, Oct. 21st; Chaffinch, a few stray entries at Dhuheartach, one found dead on rock on Nov. 2nd, others seen on 17th and 19th (male), and a flock at Langness on Oct. 3rd.

Emberizidæ, Buntings.—Snow Buntings in spring, 203 on 14th to 17th March at Barra Head; a large flock at Rhu Stoir on 16th, and one female, same place, on 24th; flock at Monach Isles April 4th; one female at Rhu Stoir as late as June 2nd, fresh various rain. In autumn, records light everywhere. One in October only at Barra Head; ten on Nov. 2nd at Cape Wrath; ten on 7th at Barra Head; odd birds at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach on 16th, and an apparent rush or local flight of fifty on Island at Rhinns of Islay on 14th, and a number (with Thrushes) on 16th at same place.

Alaudidæ, Larks.—Autumn migration of 1883-4 continued with some force into January, 1884, especially noted at Kyleakin, or these may have been local flights. In spring, Larks occur sparingly at same time as Thrushes and Starlings. Feb. 1st, at Lamlash, and Feb. 19th at Skerryvore; also nine (three killed) at latter station March 10th; no more till June 15th; "Larks" at Skervuile, and four on 29th at Dhuheartach. In July, four at Dhuheartach. In autumn, earliest record at Dhuheartach on Aug. 1st, the only record that month; then only a single bird all September, on 21st, at Langness. Latest record, October 24th, a few at Rhinns of Islay. The rush was very great, and took place between the 14th and 21st October, or perhaps more compressed still between the 14th and 19th Oct. The whole duration of time in which Larks migrated is thus very limited this season, viz., between Oct. 14th and Oct. 24th, the latest date given. During the rush, which was observable principally at Rhinns of Islay, north of Clyde, the wind was northerly or north-westerly, the same as on the East Coast at the same dates, which accounts for the body of the rush penetrating more to the north and reaching further than in other winds. At Rhinns of Islay hundreds, and on 19th thousands were seen, wind fresh W. to N.W. All flying west. On the East Coast the winds favourable to their continued flight prevented my observing them in any great numbers at Isle of May, but there can scarcely be any doubt these great flights passed up the Firth of Forth, as we had plentiful opportunities of seeing almost continuous indications of their presence at the above dates on the Isle of May. The stations returning Larks are Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and Rhinns of Islay, and Langness (only a small record on Oct. 2nd). Query, will our Irish Coast returns show the continuance of this flight of Larks?

Sturninæ, Starlings.—Spring, rare indications at Rhu Stoir, March 25th (probably local), one female, and at Lamlash, one on April 1st, and March 2nd one killed, and at Corsewall on Feb. 19th, struck along with Thrushes and Larks. The latter record may have been an indication of real migration, the others are most likely local only. In autumn, earliest Aug. 12th, at Isle of Man, a flock; on 23rd, a number at Rhinns of Islay, culminating in hundreds and hundreds on August 30th at Langness (Isle of Man), and again in hundreds and hundreds at Langness Sept. 18th, and indication by a flock at Mull of Galloway. Again, in October, rushes evident it may be said between 18th and 23rd, and on 29th, observable at Kyleakin (on 18th), at Mull of Galloway on 22nd and 23rd, "flocks," and on 29th by 200 or 300 at Rhinns of Islay. Another rush along with Thrushes, &c., dating Nov. 14th, at Rhinns of Islay. Indications of movements also at Kyleakin and Dhuheartach on Nov. 1st and 2nd. Latest, a solitary record on Dec. 24th at Lamlash. Migration of this species we may designate in 1884 as short, sharp and decisive.

Corvidæ, Crows.—Spring: movement of Carrion Crows, Ravens and Rooks few, and only in February and March. In February, "Black Crows" at Barra Head, one on 23rd, and fifteen on 14th and 15th, fresh S.E. and strong E.; also Carrion Crows at Skerryvore (three, "very seldom seen") flying around, fresh S. clear. Ravens, two at Cape Wrath (probably breeding in the neighbourhood, at Craig Riabhach), light S.W. haze; and one at Skerryvore flying N.E. Rooks at Rhu Stoir, probably belonging to one of two rookeries in N. and W. of Sutherland, viz., at Cama Loch in W. Cromarty, or at Tongue. In autumn, from 1st to 25th Aug., a very large flock, mostly young, feeding daily around Rhu Stoir (probably a local visitation from Cama Loch or Tongue), but Tongue Rooks are known to feed, regularly in winter at Far-out Head in the neighbourhood of Durness, and in severe winters are seen going there and returning in evening. The Rhu Stoir birds are therefore more likely to belong to the Cama Loch rookery. At Chickens Rock, Isle of Man, a number of Rooks flying W. towards Ireland on 11th August. No records in September. In October, Hooded and Carrion Crows flying W.S.W. for Ireland at Rhinns of Islay, and a few seen for days at Langness, feeding, about the same time. Records continue to increase in November, a rush of hundreds and thousands at Rhinns of Islay by 13th, continuing in force up to 17th and 18th, flying east on 13th, but resting or flying S.W. on 17th and 18th, along with enormous rush of Curlews, Woodcocks, Snipe, Sandpipers, Larks, Redwings, Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, and a few Jacksnipes. Latest record on 19th. Also Ravens same dates, a few, and Jackdaws on 16th and 1st Dec. at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach.

Cypselidæ, Swifts.—On July 20th, about twenty flying S., strong E., rain and haze, at Skervuile, and at same station a few along with Swallows, light E. and clear.

Cuculidæ, Cuckoo.—In spring, arrivals as follows:—At Rona Skye, May 11th, first heard, light S.W. Kyleakin, May 10th, first heard, moderate S.S.W., haze. Sound of Mull, May 8th, first heard, moderate S.W., clear. Skervuile, May 10th, first seen, light E. Rhinns of Islay, May 19th, first seen, fresh E., clear. Lamlash, May 12th, first heard. Corsewall, May 11th, first heard. Autumn, Barra Head, June 28th, 1 first seen. Mull of Galloway, 1 first seen in July. Autumn records of Cuckoos scarce during six years' records.

Strigidæ.—Spring, April 28th, one Brown Owl for three days at Skerryvore; and 1 Owl in May (probably Short-eared Owl) at Dhuheartach. No autumn records.

Falconidæ.—At Skerryvore, one Sparrow Hawk on 29th. At Cape Wrath, Game Falcon and a "Small Hawk" (Merlin?) on the coast all the year round. In autumn, fewer records than usual on predatory visits. One Falcon on Aug. 28th at Rhuvaal. Sparrow Hawk on 1st, and again on 19th, at Skerryvore; one on Oct. 15th and 16th at Dhuheartach; and one Sparrow Hawk resting on sun-dial on 9th. One Eagle seen at Erraid ("rarely seen here") in November.

Pelicanidæ, Gannet.—Records in order of dates:—At Skervuile, March 10th, one flying S., fresh S.E.; 14th, one flying N., S. gale. Rhu Stoir, April 25th, five fishing, light S.E., clear. Skervuile, April 16th, one flying N. (local?). Rona, May 25th, twelve, W. clear; 29th, one, strong N., clear. Kyleakin, June 20th, in flock flying E., E. clear. Lismore, 22nd, flying S., various, light, clear. Dhuheartach, July 4th, one; 20th, flying S. Skervuile, 6th and 7th, Solans flying S.; 23rd and 24th, Solans flying S. Little Ross, July 9th, three flying W. from the Solway. At Rhu Stoir, Aug. 28th, rush, and passed daily in flocks flying N. up to the middle of August (see directions of flight at Pentland Skerries, E. Coast). During the rest of August, 24th to 30th, records are given from Rhuvaal, Skervuile, and Lamlash and Little Ross, but directions of flight are omitted under the dates given (see records off Cape St. Vincent). In September, a flock flying W. at Langness on 21st, a single bird flying N. at Barra Head, and two flying S.E. on 6th; and a late record at Lamlash on Nov. 6th (marked "late").

Anatidæ, Ducks, Geese, Swans.—Spring records of "Wild Geese" are six flying S.E., wind E. and snow, at Kyleakin (local), and two on March 23rd flying S.W. In April, 17th and 21st, two or three flying W. and flying S. Autumn ditto of Wild Geese, numerous. Earliest, Aug. 21st, flying S., at Kyleakin. Latest, Dec. 9th, six flying S. at Lamlash. Other records in Oct., but no rush evident. Of Eider Ducks there are many records. Earliest at Rhinns of Islay, seventeen males and females on Aug. 6th. Latest December 14th, seven males and seven females flying S. on 3rd, and six on 22nd at Rhinns of Islay. Greatest numbers seen at Rhinns of Islay Oct. 29th, when at least 200 were seen at 7 a.m., and 100 at 9 a.m. In November the "first seen this fall" at Skerryvore on 1st, and large flock on 6th flying S., and others at Dhuheartach. Other species are Sheldrakes (breeding at Rona), arrived in May; Barnacle Geese, thirteen at Barra Head on Oct. 13th, resting. Wigeon, one female, at Rhinns of Islay, on Aug. 23rd. Of Swans, two flying N., seen at Sound of Mull on June 2nd, with light N.W. airs. Barnacle Geese identified by head sent me.

Columbidæ.—Two Rock Doves flying S. (local) at Kyleakin, and six Wood Pigeons at same place on 22nd, flying S.S.W., moderate S. wind. In August, five doves flying E. at Rhuvaal; and in December, at Rhinns of Islay, 300 flying south, about one mile inland, light W., haze.

Rallinæ, Corn Crakes, Water Rails, &c.—Only spring record: a Corn Crake at Barra Head on 6th June. Only autumn records: one killed at lantern of Mull of Galloway, and one Water Rail killed at Rhinns of Islay (sent to me in the skin, J. A. H. B.) on 23rd October.

Charadriadæ.—Large flocks of Golden Plover arrive on the coast around Rhu Stoir during winter, when snow lies inland, and are seen onwards after March 12th and 15th, 1884, at same station. In autumn, records of Golden Plover unusually scarce; single ones at Sound of Mull, Sept. 19th, and Rhinns of Islay, Sept. 18th. Large flocks begin to arrive at Rhu Stoir ("to come towards the shore ") early in November, remain all winter. At Rhinns of Islay, two "Gray Plovers," marked "rare," seen on Oct. 6th. Usual records of Oystercatchers, not so abundant or general as usual.

Lapwings.—One seen Feb. 15th at Barra Head; twenty on March 15th at Rhu Stoir, and one or two single ones there on 7th and 11th; and two on April 2nd. No great movement recorded in autumn. Rhinns of Islay, 10 flying about on 24th August and seven resting at Barra Head on 7th October.

Scolopacidæ, Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel.—Woodcock: Earliest in autumn, Oct. 9th, one shot at Mull of Galloway. Latest, Nov. 18th, one at Dhuheartach, resting. Indication of more general movement between 15th, 16th, to 23rd Oct., but very slight, at Barra Head, one on 19th at Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, and at Dhuheartach. Snipe: Only some three records; in September one at Skerryvore, in October one at Dhuheartach, and in August two at Rhinns of Islay, killed. Curlews: Numerous records from July on to November at many stations. Whimbrel: One noticed at Langness in August. A few records of Sandpipers (see notes under stations at Skervuile.)

Sterninæ, Terns.—Arrivals in spring: At Rona, a rush of 200 arrived on May 11th, light S.W. and clear. At Skervuile, one first seen on May 23rd, calm; a number arrived between 24th and 31st, light, various. At Kyleakin, Terns first seen 26th June, strong S. At M'Arthur's Head, Terns first seen 18th June. At Rhinns of Islay, Terns first seen 23rd and 24th July, light S.W. Query, return Journey? In autumn: Terns seen 11th and 12th at Skervuile; and more on 18th; and at Chickens Rock large quantities flying north on August 8th. Last seen at Kyleakin on September 6th.

Laridæ.—Considerable movements of Gulls of sorts from July 5th on to winter. Black-headed Gulls are marked as "very few this year" at Skervuile. Continuous flocks flew E. past Barra Head on Sept. 6th. Continuous flocks flew N.W. past Sound of Mull in August. Skervuile returns "numbers" about the middle of August. At one station, viz., Skervuile, the following are their recorded movements: in variable but prevailing N. to N.W. winds till Nov. 17th; thereafter light N.E. In August: 19th, one Boatswain Gull; 26th, flock of Herring Gulls; 31st, flock of Gulls. September, two records of flock of Terns, and Kittiwakes. Oct. 16th and 17th, ditto, ditto. November, on three dates Boatswain Birds and Kittiwakes. At Stoir Head vast flocks of Common Gulls and Herring Gulls passed N. Herrings "set into" Lochs Coul and Dhu, a little to the north of this, about this time, December, 1884, which locally accounts for this rush. Most of the Common Gulls were young. At Rhinns of Islay two "one-year-old Iceland Gulls" with hundreds of other Gulls flying about. We are particular in recording Gull returns, as this was an extraordinary Gull year on the East Coast.

Procellariidæ.—On July 26th one Storm Petrel on lantern at Barra Head, the earliest record of any for six years, light E. with fog. One ditto at Stoir Head (rare) in August, and one on Sept. 3rd at Lismore (also rare), killed, light N.W., haze.

Alcidæ, Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins.—On Feb. 23rd, increased from 20th to date at Barra Head. "Marrots" and Razorbills, all March 6th to 8th, 14th to 17th, 23rd to 24th and 29th, winds light S.E. and S.W. In April: 4th to 11th, rush at Barra Head, various, N.E., clear, and Puffins; a few on 9th; 17th to 22nd, a few only of Marrots and Razorbills seen. On May 6th and 7th, Puffins, Razorbills and Marrots (Marrot or Guillemot) arrived in great numbers; and at Kyleakin two Tysties (i.e. Black Guillemots) seen flying S.E. In autumn, all left Barra Head except a few by Aug. 20th, but reappeared for a day on 30th, on which day all the Puffins left, light S.W. In October, continuous flocks of Puffins flying S. before a north gale at Rhinns of Islay, on October 12th.

General Remarks.

During the past six years' Migration Reports we have to thank many of our correspondents for the regularity with which they have acceded to our requests. Specially must we thank the following for the unbroken series of schedules during the past six years, viz.: Sumburgh Head, six years, Messrs. William Anderson (1879 and 1880), John Wilson (1880, 1881, 1882), D. M. Scott (1883 and 1884). Pentland Skerries, six years, D. MacDonald (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1884), and Mr. J. Gilmour (1884). Dunnet Head, Caithness, five years, George McLachlan, (1879, 1880 blank), David Laidlaw (1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). Bell Rock, James Jack (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). Isle of May, Joseph Agnew, six years (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884).

These stations are situated as follows:—

Sumburgh Head300 feet highwhite fixed light.
Pentland Skerries170 feet highwhite fixed light.
Dunnet Head346 feet highwhite fixed light.
Bell Rock93 feet highwhite and red revolving.
Isle of May240 feet highwhite fixed light.

Were Bell Rock also a fixed white light, no doubt returns would be equally extensive, or greater, possibly, than Isle of May. The white fixed lights have superiority; and when this is combined with low height over the sea and insular position, the best conditions appear, and are only to be beaten by floating light-ships. The flash lights have little chance to compete.

Next let us also thank the following correspondents:—At Whalsea Skerries, 3 years, Neven Kerr (1880, 1881, 1882). N. Ronaldshay, four years, John Tulloch (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882). Cromarty, R. S. Ritson, four years (1880, 1881, 1882, 1883).

This class of stations are situated as follows:—

Whalsea Skerries148 feetwhite, revolving every minute.
N. Ronaldshay180 feetwhite, revolving every ten seconds.
Cromarty60 feetred, fixed (in the town).

Revolving lights, whatever the height, yield fewer returns than fixed, but are better than flash or red sectors.

We also thank those who, situated at still less likely stations, have nevertheless taken an interest in our work.

Bressay sends one year's return (1882); 105 feet; red and white, revolving every minute.

Ross Head.—One year (1883), A. Greig; 175 feet; white and red revolving, every half minute.

Kinnaird Head.—One year (1884); a blank schedule, valuable on negative grounds; 120 feet; white and red sectors, fixed.

Girdleness.—Two years (1880 and 1884); 185 feet; white fixed. Thomas Gallie and J. McAlister. The situation is said to be unfavourable, apart from light or altitude.

Finally, taking the remaining lights which have returned no years schedules, we will analyse their positions, &c.

Start Point.—80 feet; red, fixed. Class V.

Hoy Sound.—(55 and 115). Low, white, fixed, facing N. High ditto; red and white sectors, fixed. V.

Cantick Head.—115 feet; white, revolving every minute.

Holborn Head.—75 feet; white and red flash, 10 seconds, facing N. V.

Tarbat Ness.—175 feet; white intermittent, 2½ minutes. It is not quite clear to me yet why this station should not yield returns (see [map]), unless it be considered partially land-locked from E. and S.E.

Buchan Ness.—130 feet; white flash, every 5 seconds; and close to fishing village.

Montroseness.—124 feet; white, fixed; but amongst houses. V.

We think the above analysis places almost beyond doubt that the best position for a lights to attract birds is in a light ship (witness the E. English Coast returns); next, an island of low elevation; next, an island of considerable elevation, if facing east, not if facing north; and that the worst are those at high elevations, and especially if facing otherwise than E., on the East Coast, or on East Coast Islands, or those in midst of towns, or in land-locked situations; that the best description of light is "white, fixed,"—in fact, the brightest. Thus in many instances we consider that it is owing to position and nature of lights to a very considerable extent that we receive more schedules from some stations than others, and none at all from the least likely, whereas on the English East Coast all light-ships are almost equally good as regards position.

Yet we do not allow that this is entirely the cause of least and greatest migration at different points, because we now know well enough, from land data, that certain tracks are preferred to others, and that these tracks over land have very strong connection with the East Coast Scotch principal stations, as we think our Reports will show.

As regards the influences of winds, &c., sufficient has already been said on this head throughout the Reports, and every succeeding schedule goes to prove our previous ones.

Analyses of the West Coast schedules almost always show much lighter returns than those from the East Coast, even from the best West Coast stations. Our previous five years' experience in great measure explains why it is so, and it seems natural to expect lighter returns on the West than on the East in most winds or weather. But, having regard to the said experience and the facts of migration which may now be said to be ascertained and certain, there are also one or two additional causes for the light nature of West Coast returns as against East Coast ones; while on the latter, the lights which give the greatest illumination, if in other respects suitably exposed, give the heaviest returns; on the former, it seems that the positions of the various stations have more to do with these. Thus most of the East Coast stations face the east, whence come the birds naturally, and while on the west birds travel from N.W. towards S. or S.E., the extraordinary variety of situations, and the equally great—or nearly so—variety of lights of no great power and brilliancy, must undoubtedly influence the quantities of birds visible on migration. And we find that while such stations as Kyleakin (white and red, fixed), Isle Ornsay (white, fixed), Sound of Mull (red, green, and white sectors), Corran Ferry (red and white sectors, fixed), &c., give small returns, or none at all, this is resultant upon their positions even more than their brilliancy or absence of brilliancy. And we find that the best situated stations, such as Monach Isle (though only upper white flash, and lower, red fixed) gives better, though uncertain, returns, and Skerryvore (white revolving) and Dhuheartach (white and red sector, fixed), and Rhinns of Islay (white flash every five seconds) seem to be the surest stations north of Clyde. Indeed it is, perhaps, almost certain that most of the land-locked stations of the West Coast should be marked with the symbol of lowest value, V. South of Clyde, undoubtedly, we get more into the great groove of migration which crosses Scotland from the Firth of Forth, and if not yet so heavy as, for instance, at the Bell Rock, Isle of May, in all the years till 1884, yet we have more decided indications of rushes and throbs keeping time with the East Coast movements. When to this we add a less indented coast line, open lights, and, on the whole, greater power and brilliancy, we expect to find all the conditions more favourable. That this is the case our schedules for 1884 show decidedly, and even swamp the East Coast returns for the first time in our experience. When we come to the Isle of Man, where the Irish Channel contracts considerably, we again find heavy rushes of birds, equalling or exceeding those at such stations as Skerryvore and Dhuheartach and Rhinns of Islay. Of these Langness sends the heaviest returns, but we have there now a trained reporter, Mr. Robert Clyne, who was previously under Mr. Agnew at the Isle of May. Mr. Clyne's eager application to the subject now stands us in good stead.

The reason in 1884 for the contrary of the usual rule, viz., that East Coast stations of Isle of May and Bell Rock usually giving heavier returns than the West Coast stations S. of Clyde, is not far to seek for. The heaviest rushes at Isle of Man, and all down the West Coast S. of Clyde, occurred between the 15th to 21st and 26th October (see under [Chickens Rock] especially), while at Isle of May, Firth of Forth, no great movements of birds were visible. The winds on East Coast of Scotland were N. and E., and rarely W., but at Isle of Man and West Coast southerly and westerly. The migration on East Coast was pressed down on to the East English Coast by northerly winds. But on the West Coast birds travelled with light arid most favourable winds, concentrating their forces at the central and commanding stations of the Isle of Man. We regret we have no returns from the other Isle of Man stations. I hope the men are not disheartened by the non-appearance for two years of the West Coast of England Report which was entrusted to Mr. Philip M. Kermode. We earnestly hope they will now continue to send in schedules, the Isle of Man stations being most important.

The rapid increase of the Stock Dove in South and Central Scotland is very remarkable. They appeared commonly in East Stirlingshire in 1884-85, and have been nesting for some years in the Vale of Menteith, one of the high roads of migration. Many crossed the North Sea this past season to the East English coasts. Migration undoubtedly has a great influence upon extension of range, and the process seems easy to trace out; and it is very interesting also to find a similar extension of the Stock Dove to the rabbit-burrows of the sandy coast of Moray of late years (auct. Rev. Dr. Gordon and Capt. Dunbar Brander).

It appears useful in this place to speak of the comparative numbers of Woodcocks in the past six years. At the conclusion of our General Remarks on the last Report (1883) we called attention to the unusually large movement of Woodcocks, and to the area which appeared to have been principally selected by them before their final departure for N. Europe. As mentioned already (Report 1883), we had very few indications of their passage over Isle of May or East Coast lighthouse stations; and all stations returning any mark them as "rare" (see Report, 1882) or "rare in spring." Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle of May in six years have only recorded amongst them an infinitesimal number of spring records, and almost always with the remark "rare."

In 1879, which was a good Woodcock year in Scotland, we have not a single lighthouse record from either W. or E. Coasts. Yet I saw nineteen killed one day near here. In 1880, no records. In 1881, no spring records and scarce in autumn. Records at Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore and Lismore. Earliest, Oct. 28th. In 1882, a few spring records, one at Isle of May, April 9th ("not remembered before at this season," J. A.) Considerable and steady records, however, in autumn at five stations, north of Pentland Skerries inclusive, and at Isle of May. Rush Oct. 20th (twenty shot at Isle of May). In 1883, one record in spring at Bell Rock, April 7th, and rare in autumn; none till October, when a few at Monach Isle, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Loch Ryan, and in November at Kyleakin and Lismore, all between 29th and 31st Oct., indicating a rush. In 1884, which was a good Woodcock season on shore, with immense spring returns visible between Firths of Forth and Clyde, yet only two spring records at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, April 3rd and March 30th respectively. In autumn, near this, one day I saw eighteen Woodcocks killed. The similarity of circumstances of 1879 and 1880 are worth attention. A considerable number of Woodcocks were killed in October and November, 1884, at Isle of May, and indications of arrivals very general. The spring records must have been weakly birds (one was disabled), as they appeared long after the spring return rush, great numbers being observable on land on 8th, 9th, 10th to 12th March. Indeed it would almost appear that any records sent from Island- or East-Coast stations during spring were of probably maimed or weakly birds, or birds delayed long after the "return of the Woodcocks" in March. As before remarked, the spring birds were all small russet cocks, and they rested 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th March between Firths of Forth and Clyde, "lifted" again, and did not alight till they had crossed the German Ocean (see 1883 Report, pp. 80, 81). The autumn rush was considerably later than usual in 1884 (see details).

Regarding the unusually extensive migration of Gulls to our coasts in 1884-85, several suggestions as to the influencing causes are readily at hand, but the following appears to have the greatest weight and importance.

As we are informed in 'Nature,' of Feb. 12th, 1885, recent Norwegian explorations in the Spitzbergen seas show that the year 1884 was a very remarkable ice year. "The west side of Spitzbergen was blocked by a belt of land ice the whole summer through, whilst the east side, which is nearly always blocked with ice, was more open than it had been for many years. These conditions, there seems little doubt, depend on the prevailing direction of the winds."

Now, the temperature of water having been lowered by the accumulation of ice along the W. coast of Spitzbergen, which is comparatively approximate to the furthest N.E. influence of the Gulf Stream, it seems natural to suppose that a deflection of the branch of the Gulf Stream, caused by the colder Arctic ice and current, the accumulation of which former was caused by the prevailing N. and E. winds on the Arctic Seas, would reach round past the S. end of Spitzbergen to the East Coast, and would cause the unusually open sea there. But the main channel of the Gulf Stream would still be towards the S.W., and would afford the natural outlet for all manner of ocean life, which requires certain temperatures; and which, such as Entomostraca, Copepods, Molluscan larvæ, &c., afford food to other higher organisms.

The great quantity of such food which in ordinary summers and autumns accumulate around the shores of Spitzbergen, or in the warm shallow summer seas off the N. coast of Europe, no doubt retire to deeper water on the approach of winter. In unusually cold seasons the retreat is continued, following the course of the milder Gulf Stream until more temperate seas are reached.

In the course of its retreat it is discovered by vast shoals of fish, which pursue these minute forms of life even to the uttermost limits of its possible extension, up certain firths arid inlets of our East Coast of Scotland. Naturally also the last link of the migratory chain is taken up by the enormous population of Gulls and other species of sea-fowl, as we know has been the case in the winter of 1884-5 in the Firth of Forth.

In the log of the steam whaler 'Eclipse,' Captain D. Gray (see Report, antea, [p. 7]) in summer, repeated mention is made of the unusual abundance of "whale food" in the Spitzbergen seas, and I am indebted also to Captain Gray, through Mr. Thomas Southwell, of Norwich, for a return of sea-temperatures of the same seas.

Mr. Hugh R. Milne, of the Marine Station at Granton, sends me some temperatures taken from the Firth of Forth, extending over June, 1884, to January, 1885, taken at three points, viz., Isle of May, Queensferry, and near Alloa. These data, in connection with the vast swarms of sprats or garvies (Clupea sprattus) and the attendant thousands of Gulls, are useful for future comparisons, and I append them here. It would be interesting to know similarly taken temperatures of the Tay Estuary, which was completely deserted this season by these migratory fish, and consequently by the birds also. If we had also means of knowing the temperatures of the Firth of Forth in 1872-73, when a similar vast migration of Sprats and Gulls was witnessed, such data would assuredly lead to most interesting, useful, and scientific results.

One great difference in the migration of Gulls in 1884-5 from that of 1872-3 is that in 1884-5 there were very few Glaucous Gulls (Larus glaucus) or Iceland Gulls (L. islandicus), but in 1872-3 both these species were in vast numbers, comparatively speaking. It seems to me possible that the 1872-3 migration indicated by these Arctic Gulls was of even wider and more extensive influence than that of 1884-5. But of course there is room here for still further elucidation and collection of statistics.

Again, while the Tay usually is visited by sprats in great sprat seasons, equally, or nearly so, with the Forth, and was so visited in 1872-3 though not to the extent that the Forth was, in 1884-5 it appears to have been almost utterly deserted by fish and bird alike. The cause was, no doubt, comparative scarcity of entomostracan life, dependent, most likely, upon certain undefined conditions of sea-temperatures, affected, possibly, from the river-basin of Tay and its tributaries. If light can be thrown upon these not-difficult-to-ascertain data, in a few years, at most, much of our uncertainty as to causes and effects of migration of Entomostraca, Sea-fish, and even Salmon and migratory Salmonidæ will be removed.

Temperatures of the Firth of Forth, June, 1884 to January, 1885.

Isle of May.Queensferry.Near Alloa.
June (1884)515358
July(52)58(60)
August54(59)(65)
September(53)5458
October535251
November494745
December4441(38)
January (1885)(43)3935
Range of surface
temperature
of the water		}10°20°30°

Note.—The figures in brackets were not observed, but are entered hypothetically.

Mr. Milne, in writing to me, adds, "I believe that in hot summer days the temperature at Alloa would be 70° or more, and during severe winter weather would certainly be down to 32°. My belief is that in October and April the temperature is uniform all over the Firth, and from April till October it is higher at Alloa than at the Isle of May, the difference attaining a maximum between July and August. From October to April it is lower at Alloa than at the May, the difference attaining a maximum about the end of the year. The maximum difference between the two places will be about 10° or 12°, giving a rate of change of 0° 2′ per mile." Suspended matter taken in ten samples at Kincardine on Forth varied from 5 to 20 grains per gallon, averaging about 10 grains.

Note.—It was at Kincardine on Forth, the narrowest part of the Firth, between Alloa and Borrowstoness, that the greatest quantities of sprats were taken.

I personally visited Kincardine several times both in 1872-3 and 1884-5, and witnessed the extraordinary congregation of Gulls and the myriads of sprats. In 1884-5 one smack anchored off the pier at Kincardine took 16 tons of garvies (or sprats) during one tide. There were, in all, some twenty smacks all lying anchored at this narrow part of the Firth, but all of these were not fishing with the small meshed nets; some for herrings only. Hundreds of tons were sold at from 14s. to, latterly, 8s. a ton, and were spread over the adjoining farm lands for manure. Hundreds of tons more were sold for making up a compost manure—being in themselves considered too rich in phosphates—to a firm in Alloa. Hundreds of tons more besprinkled the mud-flats at low tide, or hung by their gills in festoons along the tangle covered timbers of the piers. The water itself was alive with them, and every wave that broke on the lower piers left the piers covered with glittering garvies. A man with a minnow landing-net could have caught an indefinite number by sweeping each wave as it came in.

Mr. J. T. Cunninghame, of the Scottish Marine Zoological Station, Granton, in reply to inquiries, tells me that "his notes dating 28th Nov. show that Copepods were very numerous and varied in the Firth of Forth, as were also Molluscan larvæ." The temperatures of the water, as will be seen by Mr. Milne's notes in December and January, 1885, were lower than at any other time of the year being (38) and 35 near Alloa (and Kincardine) as compared with 41 and 39 at Queensferry, and 44 and 43 at Isle of May. By the 17th Nov., as is recorded in our Migration Report, garvies are reported as very abundant around the Isle of May, at which time the temperature at that point was 49° against 47° at Queensferry and 45° at Alloa. These shoals were accompanied by great numbers of Gulls at Isle of May.

As early as March, 1884, vast numbers of Gulls are reported to have been fishing off N. Unst in Shetland for many weeks together, such an assemblage never having been observed before by the oldest inhabitant.

I feel convinced that a steady and carefully recorded journal of bird movements will result in very extensive additions to our knowledge of the natural laws which govern them.

In conclusion, I may say that in the course of another year's work we hope to be able to produce some certain data regarding this matter of relative conditions of the temperatures of the Arctic Ocean in 1884-5, and the data already given above, from inquiries now being made by Mr. Alexander Buchan of the Scottish Meteorological Society; also the connections between such data and the migrations of Entomostraca and "whales food"; also to institute a comparison with similar or dissimilar conditions in other years.

Mr. William Evans, a most careful and excellent Field Naturalist, sends me records of the occurrence of high Arctic birds on the Firth of Forth in 1884. The Grey Plover, Knot, and Bar-tailed Godwit were seen on the 9th August (which, however, was the first day Mr. Evans visited the shore). The Sanderling was seen on the 14th August, and the Little Stint on the 20th.

Anticipatory of our 1885 Report, it may interest our readers here to learn that the spring migration of 1885 has developed still more extraordinary results, such as the migration of Pied Flycatchers dining the first week in May, past Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and other stations; and the occurrence of such rarities as Ortolan Buntings, Red-backed Shrike, &c., at Isle of May about the same time. White Wagtails also have been commonly observed at land-stations. (Vide R. Gray, Esq.)