64 ORNITHOLOGICAL RAMBLES. 



of new migratory parties from the north during 

 the following autumn.* 



* It has been my anxious wish to exclude as much as 

 possible from these pages all matters of a controversial na- 

 ture, and I have generally abstained from entering into 

 the subject of migration, as a "quastio vexata" which 

 would appear to have baffled or puzzled so many great 

 zoologists. Still, one's views and opinions will, however 

 carefully kept in check, occasionally ooze out, as it were, in 

 spite of one's self. Even so I find that I have been un- 

 consciously attempting to account for the migration of the 

 kestrel. Should these remarks ever meet the eye of the 

 distinguished author whom I have just quoted, and whose 

 interesting and truthful descriptions must endear him to 

 every lover of Nature, I hope he will not think that I am 

 ambitious of running a tilt with him in a field where he has 

 already gathered so many laurels. 



