9844 Birds. 



that the thermometer this morning at 8 o'clock was 68°, and at raid-day 

 74'^. That this gathering is preparatory to their raigratioti there can 

 be no reasonable doubt; but they may linger for a while on the 

 southern coast, should the weather prove favourable. 18th. 9 a.m. 

 Swallows and martins are again passing, but in greatly diminished 

 numbers, the former exceeding the latter in the proportion of about 

 ten to one : the flight of the martin is less rapid and direct, and that of 

 the young somewhat laboured. 21st. Only a few swallows seen, but 

 a large flock of martins passed over the town this morning in an 

 easterly direction, flj'ing very high, and hawking by the way, 

 seemingly enjoying the slight shower. The thermometer was 66° 

 yesterday at 9 A. M. ; this morning but 55°, and it would appear that 

 this sudden change of temperature was anticipated. Though yesterday 

 was one of the finest and hottest days of this the hottest of seasons, I 

 observed towards sunset a small white misty cloud gathering on our 

 downs, leading me to expect a change ; but the instinct of birds is 

 something wonderful and incomprehensible. 23rd. Some swallows 

 and a iew martins seen this morning in rapid flight to the eastward ; 

 wind still easterly : thermometer, at 9 A. M, 58°. 25th. Some swallows 

 and martins have passed to the eastward to-day, and several of the 

 former were seen yesterday, resting for a time on the leafless branches 

 of the trees. 30th. A few swallows and martins continue flying to the 

 eastward. Although it may be thought somewhat strange and incon- 

 sistent in one wlio has so often recorded the presence of swallows and 

 martins in the island in November, and even December, 1 must never- 

 theless say, after an experience of many years, that I have come to the 

 conclusion that the first migration of both species takes place in 

 September, which I will endeavour to prove by extracts from some of 

 my journals. But it may be questiouied whether these flights are 

 really migrating. 1 would answer this by other questions, — What 

 becomes of these flocks? where do they — where can they — halt? 

 If anywhere, it must be on the coast of Sussex ; so possibly your 

 correspondent, Mr. Jeffery, who is in the line of flight, may enlighten 

 us. Besides, if not migrating, how comes it that these autumnal flights 

 are invariably to the eastward? Notes. — "1852, September 10th. 

 There are to-day some hundreds of swallows congregated in our garden. 

 24th. Remarked that hundreds of swallows had collected on the roofs 

 of the houses on the edge of the cliffs, where I have observed thera 

 annually assemble." A few days later numbers were seen near 

 Gosj)ort, crowding the telegraph-wires. " 1853, September 17th (the 

 same date as this year). Observed that hundreds of swallows had 



