41 



Larus minntus. Little Gull. Autumn. Skinburness, 

 August, two observed by Mr. Low and Mr. Nicol (who has shot 

 the species), towards the end of the month. 



Stercorarius crepidatus. Richardson's Skua. Autumn. 

 Mr. Johnston writes from Beckfoot, that he saw several Skuas 

 in the fall of the year. 



CoLYMBiDvE. Colymbus ardiciis. Black-throated Diver. Winter. 

 Silloth, December 29th, one shot in winter dress. 



Colymbus septentrionalis. Red-throated Diver. Mr. Low 

 writes that "a good many speckled divers [as well as Scoters 

 and Scaups]" frequented the Wampool estuary during the 

 autumn and winter of 1886. 



Alcid^. Uria grylle. Black Guillemot. Waver estuary, Sep- 

 tember 28th, a single bird observed by Mr. W. Duckworth. 

 Prior to its arrival, heavy gales from VV. and S. W. had prevailed, 

 accompanied by very high tides. 



SUMMARY. 



A careful study of the data thus collated suggests that the 

 vernal passage of small immigrants was unusually protracted in 

 1 886; though it should be borne in mind, that the first birds 

 observed are usually pioneers, and that at least a month elapses 

 before the bulk of summer visitants have generally completed the 

 passage to their breeding grounds. 



In i886, the Wheatear, ChifT-chaff, and Sand-Martin arrived as 

 usual at the end of March ; but the following month was cold, and 

 it was not until May 7th that all the Sylviadse had arrived. This 

 tardiness of movement was correlated with the prevalence of cold 

 winds, accompanied by an apparent absence of insect life. 



Thus, during the week ending April 24th, cold N.E. winds pre- 

 vailed, and small birds were scarce. The succeeding week proved 

 unsettled, the wind shifting from S.E. to W., and then to N.E., 

 and the birds appeared to be hanging back. 



