XXXV1 DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLE OF MAN 
was almost entirely absent, and, as above noted, is still 
scanty, and of gardens, has undoubtedly greatly increased 
the number, and perhaps even encouraged new species of 
small birds, and the abundance of the Rook, Magpie, Missel 
Thrush, Starling, and Chaffinch probably attests to some 
extent a change of this nature. The legal protection of 
sea-birds, and perhaps other modern conditions, have con- 
duced to what is likely an enormous increase in the numbers 
of the Herring Gull, to which Man appears to be a paradise. 
The seventeen parishes of the Isle of Man are often men- 
tioned in particularising localities. Jurby, Andreas, Bride, 
Maughold, Lezayre, Ballaugh, and Michael may be regarded 
as forming the northern or Ramsey district; Lonan (which 
has also a centre in Laxey), Onchan,’ Braddan, and Santon, 
with the central parish of Marown, the eastern or Douglas 
district ; German and Patrick, the western or Peel district ; 
and Malew, Arbory, and Rushen, the southern or Castle- 
town district, in which are situated also the increasing 
townships of Port Erin and Port St. Mary. 
The official division into Sheadings (6), and the sub- 
division of the parishes into Treens and Quarterlands, 
though interesting historically, need not concern us here. 
which 2228 were imported and 466 only Manx. Further details will be found 
under the headings of species. The information for 1902 is taken from the return 
published in /sle of Man Times, that for 1903 was courteously furnished me 
direct by Colonel Freeth, Chief Constable of the island. 
1 Conchan is the correct and official form of this name, but is now unusual. 
