i96 ANiJiVEESAUY ADDRESS 



to mention the rate at which birds fly — very differently 

 estimated by various writers — the extent to which their 

 powers of vision tell upon their movements, and the 

 "rushes" or sudden " inpourings " of multitudes of indi- 

 viduals at some particular spot, a phenomenon constantly 

 brought under the notice of observers at lighthouses ; 

 but the discussion of these would necessitate a most 

 undesirable prolongation of my Address. 



In conclusion, I would urge upon my hearers that 

 there is yet much more to be learnt with regard to the 

 subject, and that there is the greatest need for them to 

 observe (and to observe intelligently) the movements of 

 our native species, while carefully considering to what 

 these observations and those of others may lead. 



To take an example suggested by Professor Newton, 

 it would be more than interesting to know what happens 

 to the early broods of the Skylark, and where all its 

 young betake themselves when they are fledged ; to 

 ascertain more fully what happens to all the Guillemots 

 and Razorbills during the winter ; or to keep records of 

 appearances and disappeai-ances of birds in concert with 

 some observant friend in the far north or south. A 

 regular report on the Fame Island birds would also be 

 of general interest. 



It is now my pleasant duty to nominate the President 

 for the ensuing year, and I am sure that all our members 

 will join me in hailing with delight the acceptance 

 of the post by our friend and neighbour. Sir George 

 Douglas, so well known for his literary achievements. 

 The services which others of his name have rendered to 

 the Club in past years will be within the recollection of 

 most of us, and in no way can we more fitly inaugurate 

 the new century than by once more gathering for our 

 annual forays under the banner of a Douglas. 



