C 319 ] 
I have now fubmitted the bed anfwers that have 
occurred, not only to the general arguments for the 
migration of birds acrofs oceans, but alfo to the parti- 
cular fads, which are relied upon as aCtual proofs 
of fuch a regular and periodical paflage. 
Though I may be poffibly miftaken in many of 
the conjectures 1 have made, yet I think I cannot be 
confuted but by new faCts, and to fuch frefh evidence, 
properly authenticated, I (hall molt readily give up 
every point, which I have from prefent conviction 
been contending for. 
I may then perhaps alfo flatter myfelf, that the 
having exprefled my doubts with regard to the proofs 
hitherto relied upon, in fupport of migration, may 
have contributed to fuch new, and more accurate 
©bfervations. 
It is to be wifhed, however, that thefe more con- 
vincing and deciflve faCts may be received from 
iflanders (the more diftant from any land the better*) 
and not from the inhabitants of a continent 5 as it 
does not feem to be a fair inference, becaufe certain 
birds leave certain fpots at particular times, that they 
therefore migrate acrofs a wide extent of fea. 
For example, ftorks difappear in Holland during 
the winter, and they have not a very wide traCl of 
fea between them and England $ yet this bird never 
frequents our coafts. 
* I would particularly propofe the iflands of Madera and 
St. Helena ; to thefe, I would alfo add the ifland of Afcenlioa 
fhad it any inhabitants), as likewife Juan Fernandez, for the 
.Pacifick ocean. 
The 
