OCCASIONAL NOTES. 133 
Autumn,” there is no doubt that much fewer birds now strike the lanterns 
than was formerly the case. This is probably not due to any actual decrease 
in the number of migrants, but to the present modern system of lighting. 
A very intelligent lighthouse principal lately explained to me exactly how 
this happened. Formerly, he said, when birds approached the lantern they 
were dazzled and confused by the glare of many lamps, backed by the 
highly polished mass of reflectors. Now, however, the rays from the large 
central lamp are collected by the lenses and deflected in a line parallel to 
the horizon: the consequence is that when birds approach the light they 
are not to the same extent dazed by the glare, but have sufficient time to 
discern the obstacle opposing them, and swerve either to the right or left. 
With reference to the editorial note appended to my own communication 
(p- 103), after looking through all the authorities for the specific and generic 
names of the Longtailed Duck, from Fleming (1822) downwards, and 
finding nobody to back me up, I admit that I was in error when I wrote 
Harelda as a specific name for that species.—JoHn CorDEaux (Great 
Cotes, Ulceby). 
SineuLtar ImmicRaTION oF JAys INTO OXFORDSHIRE.—Having often 
had occasion to go into Oxfordshire, during the last few years, I have had 
good opportunities for observing most of the local birds, and I now wish to 
chronicle a wonderful increase of Jays in that-county during the last six 
months. Up to October last it was a very rare sight to meet with them in 
the open country, and even in the woods they were far from plentiful. On 
March 16th, last year, I noticed three frequenting a large gorse covert; 
these, I think, had been driven there from a neighbouring wood by the 
hounds. Iam told two examples only were seen in the summer months, 
and so only one nest could have been brought off in the vicinity. But on 
October 18th, last year, I saw several Jays; and on the 18th I observed 
two coming directly overhead, to the north, at an immense height. These, 
however, as far as I am aware, did not settle in the neighbourhood. By the 
22nd they were exceedingly plentiful; and I am informed they were there 
in equal numbers all through the winter. A few days ago I had the 
pleasure of seeing certainly twelve Jays, about twenty Magpies, and a 
Sparrowhawk, in the course of a short walk. I shall be interested to hear 
whether they stop to breed—C. Marrarw Prior (Bedford). 
Tue Hasirs or THE Meruin.—During the winter months, immature 
birds of this species are frequently met with in the south, though the true 
home of this dashing little hawk is evidently in the land of the heather 
and mist. They are said to be very destructive to game, and as such 
usually pay the penalty that the possession of a bad name incurs. Whether 
it is that my own experience with regard to this bird has been too limited 
to form a correct judgment, I am unable to say; but I hardly think that 
