258 Mr. W. Eagle Clarke—^ Month 
chief periods being from 1 a.m. to 1.45 a.m. and from 
2.30 a.m. to 3 A.M ; but some of the species named were 
observed at intervals until dayligbt appeared. There was 
practically no tarrying at the lantern^ owing to the attractive 
periods being so short in duration, and the observations 
afforded direct evidence that the movement was continuous 
and that it was in progress for at least ten hours. 
The Song-Thrush and the Skylark appeared to be the 
most abundant species, and the latter was occasionally quite 
a nuisance at the lantern. The extreme scarcity of the 
Starling was remarkable, but, on the other hand, the abun- 
dance of the Mistle-Thrush was noticeable. The emigrants 
were at times very numerous, and though the atmospheric 
conditions were not greatly in favour of many striki^ig the 
lantern, yet those killed included 11 Thrushes, 8 Larks, 
3 Mistle-Thrushes, 4 Blackbirds, and examples of the Meadow- 
Pipit, Redwing, Goldcrest, Wheatear, Grey Wagtail, Wren, 
and Storm-Petrel. 
I will now treat of the migratory movements observed 
during the daytime. 
It will be well to preface the observations by remarking 
upon the great difficulty of detecting small birds at sea. 
This is chiefly to be accounted for by the fact that the 
surface of the water being ever in motion forms a most 
unsatisfactory background on which to " pick up ^' such 
birds on the wing. Dark or sober-coloured species are 
especially difficult to detect; but the few that shewed any 
white in their plumage during flight came under notice 
almost at once. 
The day migrations of land-birds observ^ed, though of 
considerable importance, were entirely confined to passage 
movements across the Channel in a due southerly direction. 
The species participating in these emigrations were few, and 
consisted chiefly of Meadow-Pipits, several kinds of Wag- 
tails, and Swallows ; but the number of individuals was 
very considerable. A few Willow-Warblers, Linnets, and 
House-Martins were also observed, but their numbers were 
