VOL. VI.] THE 1912 INQUIRY. 309 



(Sussex), '* has been decreasing for the last ten years " 

 (R. Morris). In one locality in Yorkshire, Ackworth, the 

 numbers are said to be much the same as usual. 



On the Avhole the Nightingale seems to be holding its own, 

 but with difficulty, though we must not forget to take into 

 account that 1911 was an exceptionally good year and 

 therefore 1912 may have suffered by comparison. 



Swallow [Chelidon r. rustica). 

 Increase 9. Decrease 71. Normal numbers 30. No returns 3. 



A majority of observers considered Swallows well under 

 the average in numbers in 1912. The returns seem to 

 indicate that this species is decreasing, especially as some 

 (eleven) observers consider that this decrease has been going 

 on for some years. 



A decided increase is reported from Farnham (Surrey), 

 and the numbers at Brunstead (Norfolk) and at Chelmsford 

 (Essex) are said to be above the average. In fact, Essex 

 and Hants, are among the few counties where the Swallow 

 appears to be maintaining its ground. 



The decrease is not confined to any one county or district, 

 and as far as can be seen is not nullified by a corresponding 

 increase in any adjacent area. The following instances will 

 serve to illustrate this : Tenterden (Kent), " fifty per cent, 

 decrease " (N. F. Ticehurst) ; Midhurst (Sussex), " far 

 below the average " (J. G-. Dalgleish) ; Banstead (Surrey), 

 " in one farm seven nests 1911, two in 1912 " (Miss Acland) ; 

 Hayling Island (Hants.), " marked decrease " (J. E. H. 

 Kelso) ; Sunningdale (Berks.), " fifty per cent, decrease " 

 (G. J. Clarke) ; Hexham (Northumberland), " much 

 Ijelow" (M. Portal); Harrogate (Yorks.), "much below" 

 (E. Steward) ; Abergavenny (Monmouth), " not much differ- 

 ence between 1911 and 1912, but big decrease compared to 

 average of five years ago " (S. W. White). 



House-Martin [Hirundo u. urhica). 

 Increase 11. Decrease 78. Normal numbers 14. No returns 5. 



A majority of observers considered the House-Martin 

 to be far below the average in numbers in 1912. This species 

 seems to be decreasing in numbers, and as far as can be seen 

 the decrease is general and is not confined to any part of 

 the country. 



Distinct increases have been reported from Farnham 

 (Surrey), Culmstock (Devon), Coventry (Warwick), Kingham 

 (Oxon.), and from Lydiard Millicent (Wilts.), where no birds 

 were seen until May 12th. From Sunningdale (Berks.) 



