OTES 



" BRITISH BIRDS " MARKING SCHEME. 



In addition to those already acknowledged, I have received 

 subscriptions towards the expenses of the " Marking Scheme " 

 from the Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, Mr. W. Mayall (third 

 subscription), Mr. Howard Bentham, Mr. M. Portal, Mr. W. 

 Davies, Mr. C. F. Archibald and Miss M. Garnett. 



I am very glad to be able to report that the response to 

 m}^ appeal for funds towards the expenses of the Marking 

 Scheme has been sufficiently encouragmg to enable me to 

 decide to issue whatever rings may be required for the coming 

 season. I should mention, however, that the amount received 

 does not yet cover the costs incurred last j'car, so that more 

 subscriptions will be most welcome. 



By the advice of several experienced " ringers," I am making 

 certain alterations in last year's arrangements. 



1st. A list of birds with the size of ring suitable for each 

 will be issued. 



2nd. The sizes will be designated by numbers, and new 

 sizes will be introduced as follows : — 



No. 1 size = former " small " size. 



No. 2 size = former " medium " size. 



No. 3 size is a new size for Black-headed Gulls, etc. 



No. 4 size = former " large " size. 



No. 5 size is a new size for Gannets, Cormorants, etc. 

 3rd. The " instructions " on the back of the schedules 

 have been revised, and should be carefully read. 



All those who are Avilling to assist in the ringing this year 

 should apply for a list of the birds, so that they can determine 

 how many rings of each size they Avill require. Those who 

 have rings and schedules left over from last j-ear should use 

 these before apptying for new ones. H.F.W. 



REMOVAL OF F.^CES BY BIRDS. 



In reference to the notes that have appeared on this subject? 

 it may interest readers of British Birds to know that my 

 experience is that it is only the female birds that swallow 

 the fceces. The female Song-Thrush nearly always swallows 

 them, and I am inclmed to think that these form her chief 

 food-sui)j)ly during the time of feeding the young. My 

 bioscope pictures clearly show how she Mill wait at the nest 



