125 



IKISH COAST. 



In the spring of 1884 schedules were forwarded to thirty-six 

 light-stations. Twenty-seven replied by returning the schedules 

 either partially, or wholly, filled with observations. 



In the autumn a similar number of schedules were sent out, 

 and twenty- six stations replied. 



Several stations filled two, and some light-keepers, who took 

 a special interest in Ornithology, returned as many as three and 

 four schedules, both in spring and autumn. Observers placed on 

 isolated rock stations at a distance from the coast, or on light- 

 vessels, have, as a rule, taken the most interest in the subject of 

 migration. This is fortunate, as such stations are least influenced 

 by the local movements of birds on the mainland. 



Observations have now been taken on the Irish coast for 

 three years and a half, during which period a large body of 

 statistics has been collected. Their value cannot be questioned ; 

 but as the records accumulate the importance of correctly identi- 

 fying every species becomes more apparent. To attain this object 

 the light-keepers were asked to forward the leg and wing of all 

 birds about which they felt any doubt. Several wings, &c, have 

 been sent, and a list of them is subsequently given. In future, 

 it is hoped that the light-keepers will not think it too much 

 trouble to preserve and label the wings and legs of at least one 

 specimen of each kind of bird which is killed at their station. 

 This is very desirable, since it cannot be expected that with so 

 short experience as they have had the light -keepers would be able 

 to identify all species beyond a doubt. 



With the view of still further attaining accuracy of identifi- 

 cation, a request was made to the Commissioners of Irish Lights 

 to supply to the Lighthouses some copies of the eight-volume 

 edition of Morris's ' British Birds.' The Commissioners very 

 kindly consented to purchase and distribute six copies, and we 

 are greatly indebted to them for thus placing in the hands of the 

 light-keepers this useful book, which will at once assist their 

 observations and relieve the monotony of some lonely stations. 

 The stations which have received copies of Morris are the 



