BIRDS TRAVEL AT NIGHT 193 



way ; before results can obtain, circuitous 

 connection must be established. But as these 

 forces ply through a medium not apparent to 

 sense, we cannot determine the necessary 

 conditions. 



Now, with regard to migrations, it is a well- 

 known fact that migrating birds travel, for the 

 most part, at night.^ There is a reason for this. 

 In the writer's belief, migration takes place at 

 night because darkness (absence of sunlight) is 

 a condition favourable to telaesthesia, in that 

 it strengthens the connections. 



When surrounded by obscurity there is 

 nothing (not even landmarks) to distract the 

 bird's attention ; subconscious mind, therefore, 

 functions uninterruptedly. But when a bright 

 light, such as a lighthouse, appears, the bird's 

 physical eye is immediately attracted, the 

 migrant is drawn towards the light, and if 

 not shattered by coming in contact with the 

 structure, is, for the time being, bewildered. 

 The physical faculty has led to the disruption 

 of the psychological connection, and until the 

 former conditions are re-established the bird 

 cannot proceed on its true course ; the conse- 

 quence is, the unfortunate migrant batters 

 itself in a vain endeavour. Thus, many 



1 It is noteworthy that the Marconi system works better at 

 night than by day. 



