400 
ON THE MIGRATION, kc. 
discover the P. cristatus (Crested Titmouse), said to in- 
habit the Forest of Glenmore. This unexpected and un- 
wonted desertion in all probability proceeded from some 
instinctive feeling, which impelled them to fly from ap- 
proaching danger ; but what causes prevented their return 
to their native habitats after the severity of the season was 
past, is a question not so easily solved. Among various 
surmises, it has occurred to me, that the late period of 
the season, or rather early part of the year, at which this 
migration took place, as well as the distance to which it ex- 
tended, may have combined to prevent their return to their 
native haunts in sufficient numbers, or at the usual period 
they begin to breed; and that thus situated, they have 
been obliged to yield to the imperative demands of nature 
in those parts, or on their return from those regions to 
which they had been driven under such unwonted circum- 
stances. What favours this supposition is, the very early 
period at which the Regulus begins to feel the influence of 
love, and to breed, for they very frequently pair towards 
the end of February. Their migration did not take place 
till the last week in January, which allows but a short in- 
terval to elapse before the amorous propensities would be 
in action, and these probably accelerated by the mildness 
of the climate in which they had taken refuge. I have not 
yet ascertained whether the Reguli of the southern parts of 
England were likewise observed to migrate, or if they were 
known to breed in their usual or in greater numbers during 
the last season, viz. that immediately following their migra- 
tion from the north. Few, I am afraid, will be found to 
have paid the attention necessary to establish these facts, 
particularly as the object is of so diminutive a complexion, 
and offers but little to excite attention or remark, except 
to those ardently engaged in ornithological pursuits. 
January ^0. 1823. 
