Vol. xli.] 58 



determination. Birds made about a mile an hour ground- 

 speed, but were at frequent intervals making a minus ground- 

 speed though still facing the wind. Hen Eider failed to 

 face the wind, though I saw many attempt to do so. 



Of smaller birds, Twites were in flocks cowering under 

 walls ; if disturbed they were dashed to the ground and 

 were in some cases killed against walls and rocks. Black- 

 birds were in the same predicament. Redwing could rise 

 from the ground, but had to turn with the wind and be blown 

 away out of control. 



Life on water for birds was impossible. Gulls were sitting 

 on land with head held low. All Duck were on land or in 

 very small shallow puddles. Geese were in huddled flocks 

 sitting without sentries behind small knolls and hillocks. 



Mr. G. R. Humphreys exhibited four clutches of Corn- 

 Buntings' [Emheriza calandra) eggs collected by Mr. W. J. 

 Williams in county Dublin. Amongst these was a very 

 handsome clutch of five showing distinct erythrism. 



Mr. IIuMPHREYS also exhibited a clutch of five, two of 

 which closely resembled Cuckoos' eggs, collected by him in 

 the same county, which were on view and described by him 

 at the eighth Oological Dinner, and explained that Mr. P. F. 

 Bunyard had very carefully examined these and was satisfied 

 they were all Corn-Buntings' eggs. 



The Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain made a short statement with 

 regard to the proposed Oxford University Expedition to 

 Spitsbergen in 1921. With the exception of Prof. Koenig's 

 expedition, little has been done in the way of zoological 

 research and much of the country remains still unexplored. 

 It is proposed to carry on the work by means of three parties, 

 from June onward, to investigate the fauna, flora, and 

 geology (especially fossils), and to attempt a traverse of 

 New Friesland. It is estimated that a sum of not less than 

 £3000 would be required, and towards this several sub- 

 stantial promises of help have already been received. 



