THE BIRDS OF SINGAPORE ISLAND 
had direct personal evidence of migration in Singapore where 
all migratory phenomena are difficult to observe. On certain 
nights in July we have at times heard large flocks passing 
over the Gardens. The air won Id be noisy with their well- 
known notes and on one evening in particular an enormous 
number of birds must have passed. 
[The chestnut- backed Bee-eater may be seen sitting on 
posts, exposed branches or very often on telegraph wires 
looking out for insects which when sighted it quickly pursues 
and catches. Sometimes when a hatch of some moth or fly 
brings a swarm of such creatures into the air large parties of 
Bee-eaters may be seen, in company with other birds, perform- 
ing graceful evolutions after their prey. Towards evening 
flocks — sometimes small and sometimes very big — gather 
together and, after circling about, apparently aimlessly, for a 
time, settle down to roost in some tall favorite trees which 
constitute a regular nightly rendezvous: In the Botanic 
Gardens is such a haunt.— J. A. S. B.], 
