2 The Irish Naturalist. January, 



Another feature is that each species is treated of separately, 

 which brings out the wide differences in the migrational 

 habits of birds. The author confines himself almost exclu- 

 sively to strict inductions, and generally denies himself the 

 luxury of theorizing on many fascinating questions which 

 are prominent in most writings on migration. 



Mr. Barrington's analysis abounds in facts and statistics, 

 though they follow no hard and fast rules, as the tabulated 

 statements applicable to one bird are replaced in the case 

 of other species by displays of different facts that are elucidated 

 by their study. 



Where a bird is known and distinguished bythelightkeepers, 

 their notices of it are tabulated and compared with the records 

 of specimens received, and the latter generally corroborate 

 the results of the former ; but where the observers have not 

 learned to distinguish species reliably, the specimens alone 

 are cited as evidence. 



These specimens, amounting to more than 2,000, consist 

 chiefly of legs and wings of birds which have killed themselves 

 by striking against the lanterns at night. This is the readiest 

 means of accurate identification, and was suggested by the 

 late A. G. More in 1884 ; but at Mr. Barrington's request, 

 strange birds have been sent to him entire, and these have in 

 not a few instances turned out to be additions to the list of 

 Irish-taken species or birds of extreme rarity in the country. 

 The following seven species thus obtained, were new to 

 Ireland : — 



Woodchat Shrike. Short-toed Lark. 



Redbreasted Flycatcher. Lapland Bunting. 

 Lessor White-throat. Mealy Redpoll (var. rostrata). 



Yellow-browed Warbler. 



The Sheathbill, an antarctic bird, would make an eighth, if 

 its occurrence could be attributed to natural causes ; while the 

 Great Spotted Cuckoo, which appears to have been observed 

 on the Skelligs on 30th April, 1897, nas been accurately 

 described. Unless a mistake occurred, this is the second 

 instance of the latter bird in Ireland. 



Besides the above species, others of a greater or less rarity 

 have been taken at or near light-stations, as the Pied Fly- 

 catcher (seven times), Golden Oriole, Barred Warbler, White 



