[5] Distinctly illustrative of the effect of the quickly revolving light.—J. A. H.-B.
We have given Mr Agnew's correspondence very fully, as it is the last we shall get from him at the Isle of May, and it would be very ungracious if we did not take this opportunity of once again expressing our warmest thanks for his able assistance and always interesting correspondence. Comparisons are said to be invidious, but we are quite sure none of his fellow-keepers will grudge him the fullest praise which our Migration Committee can accord. Mr Cordeaux says (16th Oct. 1886): "I am much concerned that Agnew is leaving the Isle of May." We do not undervalue the observations of any of our reporters, many of whom have not the opportunities of observation which others have; but we can point to a good many more of the lighthouse keepers, both at the best stations and at the least frequented, who, according to their opportunities, are not far behind Mr Agnew, if at all; and there is ever increasing interest and ability displayed year by year.
Fidra.—Mr Win. Ross has taken up the subject earnestly, and sends us three excellent schedules, carefully adhering to the columnar arrangement, which is so important to the Members of Committee, who have to transcribe into the ledger, and then write its Report. Attention to this is of infinite service and saving of time in getting the Reports printed. We are much obliged to Mr Ross for the care taken in this respect.
Under date of 4th September, Mr W. Ross writes: "I have to acknowledge receipt of your printed circular, concerning envelopes to contain wings of unknown birds, to be forwarded to you for identification, and labels for marking the same." .... "After Sunday, my last schedule, I continued making jottings, and the 24th of March, from 9 P.M. to daylight, was really interesting. The flocks of birds about the lantern were immense, and so numerous, that in striking the glass they broke the outside glass protector of our thermometer. There has not been anything unusual since that date." [Fidra promises well to be an important observatory, under certain conditions of wind and weather.—J. A. H.-B.]
Later, under date of 18th September 1886, Mr W. Ross says: "Had I known Moths would have been of any use to you, I believe I could have given you a varied, rare, and enormous parcel. Last month it was Moths everywhere, after darkness set in. I had to sweep them down with a towel, some very large and beautiful. Mr Anderson (of Messrs A. & F., Edinr., Advocates?) seems a keen entomologist, and I was describing some of these to him (on the occasion of a visit he paid to Fidra on the 6th September). One beautiful specimen—not a moth, I think—of a size between a daddy-long-legs and dragon-fly, and much the same shape; enormous bronze wings, beautiful vermilion body, black head, with a red (or yellow?) streak (or spot?), and antennas more like a young lobster than anything else.
"Eider Ducks, I understand, used to breed on all the islands about here. But this year a man got a dozen small boats, and hired them out at N. Berwick; the consequence is that the Ducks have entirely left the Craig and Lamb Islands owing to their nests having been plundered. We on Fidra consequently have had a greater number of birds breeding, and found many nests with 6 to 8 eggs; also Terns, and many smaller birds. As we are strictly prohibited from using a gun on this precious island, I can't send you many specimens; but if anything does turn up, I will not fail to send it you."
Later, under date of 1st October, in reply to inquiries, Mr W. Ross writes: "It was the latter half of August that these Moths were so numerous; and though in September there were a few, it was nothing in comparison with the multitudes that occurred the previous month. Some guide such as you suggest" [referring to Johns' "Book of Birds">[, "to enable observers to recognise species, would be of immense advantage. I am woefully deficient in this respect, and I am persuaded others are equally so. I hope your Committee will succeed in supplying some reliable book to render assistance in this respect."
Separate Report under Genera and Species.
Turdidæ.—Thrushes.—In February the only returns are from Bell Rock and Isle of May, between the 3d and 20th; earliest at Isle of May on 3d, one Missel Thrush; N.E., light clear. Other species mentioned are Blackbirds, Redwings (along with Larks and Starlings), at Bell Rock, with S.W. fresh breeze. Great many struck and killed. Two female blackbirds at Isle of May on 15th, and possibly remaining to breed. Mavises on 20th at Isle of May, and some Fieldfares; showers of snow.
In March no great movement, and a few records from Pentland Skerries of single or small numbers of Blackbirds, and one Thrush on 10th and 23d. Solitary Redwing on 23d at Isle of May; and numbers of Thrushes at Fidra (XXVIII. B.), flying about all night.