6 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 
portance, was, at the same time, short, sharp, and decisive. The 
principal spring rush was similar, occupying only a few days at 
the comparatively late date of the beginning of May, particulars 
of which can be gleaned directly from the Diaries of the 
stations, and especially under Zurdidew, Fieldfares being un- 
usually plentiful. This appears to have been the heaviest 
movement, taking all species together, but Saxicoline travelled 
all April and May, and Stlviinw about the middle of April. 
Shortly, we may describe the migration of 1885 thus :— 
In spring of 1885 the rush was pronounced, somewhat late, 
compressed, and in many respects very similar, but not so ex- 
tensive as 1884. The prevailing winds were easterly and south- 
easterly in April and May, and had been very continuous. 
The effect was the compression spoken of—a closed fan. The 
largest migration ever witnessed at the Isle of May was on 3d 
May 1885. 
In autumn the rushes partook of a similar nature,—short, 
sharp, and decisive, but very considerable in numerical impor- 
tance. Previous to middle of October, migration was very 
slight at any stations, but great rushes took place between then 
and about the middle of November. An interesting note of the 
cross-migration of Woodcocks, and other birds, is given at the 
Isle of May. Woodcocks travelling towards the N.W., and 
striking the 8.E. side of the glass, whilst other species were 
flying 8.E., and striking on exactly the opposite side of the 
lantern, both flights being equally favourable, or nearly so, by 
the light E. wind. Another N.W. to S.E. rush took place 
during the day-time, of what must have been a very extensive 
migration, upon the 10th November ; wind light south, and birds 
flying high. An unprecedentedly high gale as coming from 
the 8.E. is recorded at Isle of May on the 23d. 
We would like to ask our readers, and the British Associa- 
tion, of which we are a Committee, to recognise that the more 
we know about migration, apparently the less reason is there 
for scientists to use the term “ Accidental.” At present “ Ab- 
normal” is better. “Of accidental occurrence” is a term or 
phrase which ought to be expunged, root and branch, from 
scientific records of migration. Every year’s statistics prove 
this more and more fully. “ Probably an escape” is, no doubt, 
a safeguard against undue admission to the British List; but 
