SPRING RETURN OF WOODCOCKS IN FORTH AND CLYDE 147 



and autumn, of the Woodcock to the west, in contradistinction 

 to its extensions as recorded to the east (vide antca], we 

 have abundance of evidence ; but perhaps no one has paid 

 such complete and thorough attention to this part of our 

 inquiry, and as regards its increase and extension as a nest- 

 ing species, as Mr. R. M. Buchanan of Fairholm, Giffnock, 

 Renfrewshire, whose careful and excellent accumulations of 

 statistics and ingeniously marked mapping of the Clyde area, 

 north of the firth, we hope to reproduce in reduced form at 

 some future time. 



Now, all the above may at this time form one chapter 

 only in the completed history of the distribution, dispersal, 

 and migrations of the species in Britain. 



But, to complete such a history, it would be necessary to 

 analyse all the records as far back as the history of the 

 species in Britain can take us ; and these brought down to 

 date for every county or every definable natural area from 

 as early a period as possible. That done, then it would be 

 desirable to continue the inquiry upon more elaborated lines, 

 and to see whether the results fit in with our previous 

 knowledge and these said analyses, or in what respects they 

 differ. 



Then the present contribution and its significance might 

 merely occupy one small paragraph, or one portion of a 

 whole chapter, if properly condensed. 



Here lies work for those who do not consider that our 

 knowledge of this species is yet completed. And in this 

 work lies a suggestion of similar endeavour as regards the 



o o 



distribution, dispersal, and migrations of every species known 

 in the country, whether resident or migrant, whether breeding 

 or merely passing portions of their lives in this country. 



This knowledge of species, if acquired in any country 

 which is included within the range of all seasons of each 

 species, in time could scarcely fail to illuminate the still 

 brooding darkness which surrounds these several natural 



o 



phenomena. Future means towards advancing the informa- 

 tion may be found in marking (or labelling) birds caught 

 for the purpose, and released, so that the individuals may be 

 recognisable whenever they may a second time be met with. 

 Something has been attempted on these lines already 



