88% Arrival and Departure of Migratory Birds. 



Although no new conclusive facts have been established dur- 

 ing the period embraced in this Report, the statistics afforded 

 regarding the growth of the fish recaptured, and the confirmation 

 of former experiments, are not without value ; and the Commit- 

 tee are sanguine that further experience may solve doubts respect- 

 ing the maturity of the Grilse, as well as the alleged varieties of 

 Orangefins, Smolts, and Blaektails." 



Perhaps it may be interesting to give some account of the 

 mode of marking, as done on the Tweed. The fish are first 

 landed with a harry water-net of small meshes. They are 

 then put into corves, perforated with holes all round the sides; 

 and from these they are carried in pails to a tray full of water 

 on a stand. Their length is taken by a measure on the 

 bottom of the tray. The wire is then inserted, and properly 

 twisted, at the top of the tail, with a slight hold of the fleshy 

 part to prevent it slipping down the rays of the tail. The 

 wires are carefully prepared before, by being stamped with a 

 number, and also with private marks ; and this is so small 

 that it can only be seen with a strong magnifying glass. 

 This is found necessary to prevent any person tampering with 

 them, or substituting other wires. They are then weighed, 

 and returned to the river. 



Arrival and Departure of Migratory Birds in 1872, at 

 North Sunderland. By Rev. F. R. Simpson. 



Sand Martin, April 12 ; Chimney Swallow, April 24 ; Blackcap, 

 April 29 ; Corncrake, May 6 ; Willow Wren, May 1 1 ; Pied 

 Flycatcher, May 14 (a pair about the garden and shrubberies for 

 quite ten days) ; Sand-grouse (doubtful, but believed to have 

 reappeared), May 16 to 20 ; Swift, May 18 (only one pair seen) ; 

 Flycatcher, May 23 ; Yellow Wagtail, May 24 ; Woodcock, first 

 shot October 21, but had been seen over the middle of the week 

 before. 



The Flycatchers disappeared from about the garden house, 

 about a fortnight after the young brood came off in July ; and I 

 have not seen them again till last week (Sept. 20). During the 

 storm which has prevailed, they have been seen under the shelter 

 of some trees feeding, and one is a pied bird. The bulk of the 

 Swallows left about the middle of last week (Sept. 18) ; some 

 stragglers only having remained to brave the equinoctial storms. 



