observed at the Kentish Knock Lightship. 1.21 



by a reference to the " Daily Weather Chart " issued by the 

 Meteorological Office, and also by the observations registered 

 at the lightship. The fact is that the weather changed rapidly 

 under a falling barometer and a southerly wind ; and thus, 

 although the migrants set out under favourable conditions 

 for the passage, they were overtaken while en route by the 

 changes which became more and more unfavourable as they 

 neared the English coast, and at the same time approached 

 more nearly the storm-centre which lay oft' our own western 

 shores. Thus were they trapped, and had to make the best 

 they could of a bad passage. 



There were also westward flights of considerable magni- 

 tude on the part of the same species on the following day, 

 October 1:2th, and again on the 15th. These were performed 

 under conditions which were not unfavourable to the 

 migrants. On the latter date some remarkable cross- 

 migrations were observed on the part of Skylarks and Chaf- 

 finches, flocks of which were passing to both S.S.W. and W., 

 sometimes simultaneously, during the morning. 



On the 17th of October Skylarks and Starlings were passing 

 W. at intervals during the day, in spite of a somewhat high 

 northerly wind. Late in the afternoon the first Hooks and 

 Jackdaws appeared in small numbers, as they did also at the 

 Galloper Lightship, a vessel moored over thirteen miles to 

 the E.N.E. of us. The advent of these birds was of great 

 interest to me, for I had been expecting them for some time. 

 Several individuals of each species appeared at 4.30 p.m. and 

 alighted on the ship, but did not remain long ere they departed 

 westward. At 6.30 p.m., in continuance, no doubt, of the 

 movement referred to, several Rooks and Jackdaws appeared 

 at the lantern and flew around for some hours, indeed until 

 daybreak the following morning, one adult Rook and two 

 Jackdaws having been captured. A great number of Star- 

 lings, Skylarks, Chaffinches, Mistle-Thrushes, Song-Thrushes, 

 Goldcrests, Meadow-Pipits, Wagtails, and doubtless other 

 Passerines, were also present at the time. 



The 18th added some interesting experiences. The 

 "relief" at the Kentish Knock Lightship was effected by 



