144 Occasional ^^otes. 



(21) Bird Migration. — In order to endeavour to carry 

 out immediately some part of the programme outlined at the 

 Third Annual JMeeting of the South African Ornithologists' 

 Union an attempt is being made to start to obtain some 

 definite idea of the migration of some of the more typically 

 migratory South African species of birds. AVith this object 

 a short circular has been drawn up, a copy of which will be 

 found enclosed in this number of the Journal, which will be 

 circulated throughout South Africa to all persons whom it 

 may be thought may be able to assist in furthering the scheme. 

 It will be observed that at the commencement the list of 

 birds chosen is a very small one ; but this course has been 

 thought advisable in order not to deter those who may be 

 willing to co-operate by any apparent difficulty or serious 

 work in connection with the proposal, and at the same time 

 an attempt has been made for the same reason to pick out 

 species which are easily capable of being recognized, even by 

 those who are not serious students of ornithology. 



If the plan seems to promise success it is hoped that next 

 yeara more elaborate list can be circulated forasimilar purpose. 



It is hoped that every endeavour will be made by members 

 of the Union to further the undertaking, and that it may lead 

 up to a series of careful and accurate observations which may 

 make possible a proper ornithological survey of South Africa, 

 which will embrace the country south of the Zambesi River 

 on the east, and the Cunene River on the west coast. At 

 the commencement this surve}^ would occupy itself mainly 

 with the question of migration. 



It will be remembered that a Committee of the Union has 

 already been appointed to arrange, classify, and record 

 systematically all observations which may be sent in, and 

 this part of the work will be undertaken at the Transvaal 

 Museum, Boom Street, Pretoria, under the superintendence of 

 Dr. Gunning, F.Z.S. 



The Secretary of the Union will, on application, be pleased 

 to supply any number of the forms which are now prepared 

 to any persons desirous of lending their assistance. 



It may be mentioned that the results which have been 



