SHOOTIXG. 15 



thought that this was essential to the passage ; but it appears 

 not to be the case, as whether it be an east or west wind, if it 

 be the time for migration, birds will pass, though they linger 

 longer on the African coast before starting should the wind be 

 westerly ; and all the very large flights of Raptores (Kites, 

 Neophrons, Honey-Buzzards, &c.) which I have seen passed 

 with a Levanter. After observing the passage for five springs 

 I- am unable to come to any decided opinion, the truth being 

 that as an east wind is the prevalent one, the idea has been 

 started that migration always takes place during that wind. 

 Nevertheless it is an undoubted fact that during the autumnal 

 or southern migration of the Quail in September, they collect 

 in vast numbers on the European side, if there be a west wind, 

 and seem not to be able to pass until it changes to the east ; 

 this is so much the case that, should the wind keep in that 

 quarter during the migration, hardly any are to be seen. 



On some occasions the passage of the larger birds of prey is 

 a most wonderful sight ; but of all the remarkable flights of any 

 single species, that of the Common Crane has been the most 

 noteworthy that has come under my own observation. 



On the Andalucian side the number of birds seen even by 

 the ordinary traveller appears strikingly large, this being, no 

 doubt, in a great measure caused by the quantity which are, 

 for ten months at least out of the year, more or less on migra- 

 tion ; that is to say, with the exception of June and July, there 

 is no month in which the passage of birds is not noticeable, 

 June being the only one in which there may be said to be 

 absolutely no visible migration, as during the month of July 

 Cuckoos and some Bee-eaters return to the south. 



Though shooting is hardly a subject within the design of 

 an ornithological brochure like the present, yet it generally 

 happens that an ornithologist is also a sportsman ; and there- 

 fore a few lines on the subject may be acceptable. 



In the coast-districts of Morocco no large game is found 



