306 BRITISH BIRDS [vol. vi. 



Whinchat (Saxicola r. ruhttra). 

 Increase 8. Decrease 20. Normal numbers 21. No returns 64. 



A majority of observers considered that the Whinchat 

 was belo^\' its average numbers in 1912. Negative as well as 

 positive evidence would seem to prove that this species is 

 decreasing. A decrease is the rule, and an increase the 

 exception, M'hile, as far as can be seen, there is only one 

 instance of a decrease in one district being made good by an 

 increase in an adjacent area, viz. : Shere (Surrey), " none 

 seen for eight or ten years (C. Russell), Farnham (Surrey), 

 " more numerous than I have ever seen them " (A. R. Gillman). 

 A few increases are reported, viz : Coventry (Warwick), 

 "an increase" (R. and B. Starley) ; Cheltenham (Glos.), 

 " an increase " (R. and V. Wilde) ; Abergavenny (Mon.), 

 " an increase, 1911 and 1912 both good years " (S. \^^lite) ; 

 Windermere (Westmorland), " an increase and above the 

 average" (D. G. Garnett). In Stafford it seems to be 

 maintaining its ground. 



From many counties there is no return at all, while froni 

 many quarters there comes ample evidence of the scarcity 

 of this species, e.g. Holderness (Yorks.), " once common, 

 now gone " (E. W. Wade) ; Lincoln, " none seen, very 

 scarce " (F. L. Blathwayt) ; Copdock, Ipswich (Suffolk), 

 " not seen one for twelve years " (F. L. Bland) ; Beaulieu 

 (Hants.), " not one for three years" (P. Gosse) ; Wark-on- 

 Tyne (Northumberland), " great decrease " (A. Chapman) ; 

 Scarborough (Yorks.), "not one this year in well-knoA\n 

 haunts " (E. A. Wallis) ; Shere (Surrey), " none seen for 

 eight or ten years " (C. Russell); ^\^^arfedale (Yorks.), "a 

 decreasing species " (H. B. Booth) ; Bloxham (Oxon.), 

 " below the average " (O. V. Aplin). 



It is possible that a more thorough working of a county 

 or district might bring to light localities where this species 

 is holding its own. 



Redstart {Phcenicurus ph. phoenicunis). 

 Increase 11. Decrease 28. Normal numbers 22. No returns 53. 



A majority of observers considered that the Redstart Avas 

 below the average in numbers in 1912, but making every 

 allowance for this the species seems to be decreasing in 

 many localities. In very few districts, if any, can it be 

 described as numerous, and, as can be seen from the map, 

 in many counties observers have failed to detect its presence. 



In one district there is a distinct increase — Sunning- 

 dale (Berks.), "eight pairs, where the average is two" 



