220 BRITISH BIRDS. [vol. xv. 



only able to ring on a small scale ; but I should like to suggest another 

 view of the matter which I have not seen mentioned. 



It seems to me that, now that financial considerations have been 

 disposed of, the point at issue between promiscuous and special ringers 

 is a very small one, and as time passes the tendency will be for it 

 to become even smaller. I think the chief aim at present ought to 

 be to enlist the help of as many readers as possible, and certainly 

 promiscuous ringing is the more attractive to the majority. 



During 192 1, my brother and I ringed some two hundred birds, 

 but of these, eighty-five were of one species. If that is a common 

 experience, it follows that as soon as the scheme receives the support 

 it deserves, while ringing promiscuously on the chance of some new 

 and unexpected discovery, we shall automatically approach as near 

 as is possible for part-time workers to the scientific ideal of Dr, 

 Landsborough Thomson. For then, several ringers in various parts 

 of the country will mark simultaneously a large number of that species 

 which happens to be commonest or most easily procurable in their 

 particular districts. J. N. Douglas Smith. 



AsHwooD, Broughty Ferry, Forfarshire, i2,th Jan. 1922. 



Sirs,- — As one who has only limited time for this most fascinating 

 branch of the study of birds, I should feel very disappointed were the 

 idea of only marking certain kinds to become the rule. Having of 

 necessity to give less time during the war to ringing, and only 

 having recommenced last year I am looking forward to a good season 

 during 1922. 



Having ringed for several years in the neighbourhood of London, 

 I found the interest taken by farmers, keepers, boys, etc., very keen, 

 and I did all in my power to spread the knowledge of and the reasons 

 for the Scheme. Were restrictions imposed upon us we should also 

 be restricted in our opportunities of this useful propaganda. 



Having recently removed to S. Wales, I found the Scheme scarcely 

 known in the part where I now am, but I was greatly helped and 

 encouraged by the interest taken in it by those whose work keeps 

 them about the country where they may be of great use in returning 

 to us the rings and in assisting generally in the Scheme. 



If it were wishful to concentrate on certain of the more " remunera- 

 tive " species, could not a list of the same be forwarded to the ringers 

 with the request that though " all are welcome " the following species 

 are to receive, where possible, the prior attention. Would not this 

 meet the case ? 

 Jan. 2yd, 1922. Clemence M. Acland. 



FORMER BREEDING OF THE OSPREY IN IRELAND. 



To the Editors of British Birds. 

 Sirs, — Referring to the Rev. F. L. Blathwayt's letter in January 

 British Birds (p. 192), I should like to mention that early records of 

 the Osprey breeding should not be taken for granted as referring to 

 Pandion haliaetus. The bird was much confused with the Sea-Eagle 

 by old writers. Willughby's Osprey is Haliaetus albicilla, and no 

 doubt the old letter of 1683 mentioning " several eyries of Eagles as 

 also of Ospreys " may refer to the Golden Eagle and White-tailed 

 Eagle. 

 New Barnet, Jan. jlh. 1922. H. Kirke Swann 



