BIRD RECORDS 193 



but have that most desirable of all qualities — reliability. The 

 size of the record is not a criterion of its value. 



And so, in the matter of birds records, let us strive not so much 

 for a large record as an accurate one. This habit, it is psychologi- 

 cally interesting to know, leads most surely to the desirable end 

 of attaining a wide acquaintance as represented in a large record. 

 Accuracy first and accuracy last, is the prime essential. Better 

 incomplete than an imperfect record. 



The large record implies an extensive acquaintance with birds. 

 But even here we need in most cases, a more definitely organized 

 plan. All too frequently the purpose, as we have stated, is merely 

 to demonstrate one's avian knowledge by presenting to admiring 

 or pitying friends a list of birds observed during the season. This 

 end is, no doubt, attainable by any person with average intelli- 

 gence. 



But our knowledge of bird habits could be greatly augmented 

 were our efforts better organized toward that end. Thus, it is 

 useful to know that a given species occurs in a given locality, 

 but it is equally so to know when, in the main, it arrives, and when 

 it leaves. Were observations at many different places thus 

 systematically and accurately made, we would be supplied with 

 data from which to learn much concerning migratory movements. 

 It is granted, of course, that many such records are being made, 

 but that we need more, is also to be emphasized. It is desirable 

 to know if habits are changing, if migration routes are being 

 modified, and if so, how much, and why. These problems have 

 broad biological bearing. Accurate and extensive studies are 

 then desirable. 



Systematic studies thus carried on are not only interesting to 

 the bird lover, but at the same time may be valuable as scientific 

 data. That such records require more time and regularity of 

 observation than would otherwise be true, is readily understood. 

 However, once you are into it, you will find yourself impelled to 

 continue. 



A method of making records is involved. Such a scheme as 

 will facilitate recording the needful facts has been tried out by the 

 writer, and is here suggested for the benefit of those who may be 

 interested. 



Two sets of cards are used, of the usual 3 -inch by 5 -inch size. 

 The first may be called the Field Card (fig. 1) and a set may easily 



