232 



THE "BRITISH BIRDS" MARKING SCHEME.* 



PROGRESS FOR 1921. 

 BY 



H. F. WITHERBY. 



It is with great pleasure that I am able to report that during 

 1 92 1 more birds were ringed under our scheme than in any 

 year since 1914. This satisfactory result has been achieved 

 not only by the enthusiasm and energy of experienced 

 " ringers " who have increased their former totals, but also 

 by the welcome assistance of others who had not previously 

 taken part in the scheme. The following are the totals : — ■ 



Number of Birds Ringed. 



In 



It is obvious that results of real importance can only be 

 obtained by ringing very large numbers, and I hope that 

 present enthusiasts will, if possible, increase their activities, 

 and that more readers will join in the work. 



This brings me to Dr. Landsborough Thomson's interesting 

 suggestions and the correspondence on the subject subse- 

 quently published. Since the last number went to press I 

 have received several other letters, which I hope the writers 

 will forgive me for not publishing as all express the wish that 



* For previous Reports see Vol. III., pp. 179-182, for 1909; 

 Vol. IV., pp. 204-207, for 1910 ; Vol. V., pp. 158-162, for 1911 ; 



Vol. VI., pp. 177-183, for 1912 ; Vol. VII., pp. 190-195, for 1913 ; 



Vol. VIII., pp. 161-168, for 1914 ; Vol. IX., pp. 222-229, for 1915 ; 



Vol. X., pp. 150-156,- for 1916 ; Vol. XI., pp. 272-276, for 1917 ; 



Vol. XIII., pp. 96-100, for 1918 ; Vol. XIII., pp. 237-240 for 1919; 



Vol. XIV., pp. 203 207, for 1920. 



