132 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 
IRISH COAST. 
THE number of lght stations returning schedules was only 
one less than in 1885, although four schedules less were sent out. 
There was no light shown at the Tuskar Rock—the best Irish 
station—between from June lst to November 20th, but since 
that date a more powerful light has been exhibited. 
The great importance of forwarding a leg and wing of at least 
one specimen of each species killed, cannot be too strongly im- 
pressed upon on the light-keepers. Unless the birds are cor- 
rectly identified, the value of this inquiry is materially 
diminished, and ornithologists may refuse to accept the state- 
meuts of the observers. 
In the schedules sent out in the spring of 1886, the request 
to forward the legs and wings of birds was conspicuously printed 
on the top of each schedule. Mr Edward M‘Carron, who had 
already proved himself a most intelligent observer at the Tea- 
raght Rock (removed to Mine Head in the autumn), has been 
the largest contributor of specimens, and his careful notes prove 
the interest taken in this inquiry. 
Anticipatory of the report for the spring of 1886, it may be 
mentioned that several rare species have occurred, which would 
probably have passed under another name, were it not for the 
distribution of six copies of “ Morris’s British Birds,” with 
coloured plates, and the production of specimens. We trust the 
Commissioners of Irish Lights will distribute six additional 
copies of Morris in the present year. We believe these volumes 
are greatly appreciated, and that in placing them in their annual 
list of books to be purchased for the hght-keepers, a wise selec- 
tion has been made. 
No specimen of the Greenland Falcon or Snowy Owl was 
observed in 1885. The former species cannot, therefore, be re- 
garded as a more than an accidental winter visitor to the West 
Coast; and only one specimen of the Snowy Owl was recorded 
since these observations were commenced. Thrushes, including 
probably Redwings, were noted in considerable numbers about 
the lights, over a range of sixty miles on the Wexford and 
