Autumn," there is no doubt that much fewer birds now strike the lanterns than was formerly the case. This is probably not due to any actual decrease in the number of migrants, but to the present modern system of lighting. A very intelligent lighthouse principal lately explained to me exactly how this happened. Formerly, he said, when birds approached the lantern they were dazzled and confused by the glare of many lamps, backed by the highly polished mass of reflectors. Now, however, the rays from the large central lamp are collected by the lenses and deflected in a line parallel to the horizon: the consequence is that when birds approach the light they are not to the same extent dazed by the glare, but have sufficient time to discern the obstacle opposing them, and swerve either to the right or left. With reference to the editorial note appended to my own communication (p. 103), after looking through all the authorities for the specific and generic names of the Longtailed Duck, from Fleming (1822) downwards, and finding nobody to back me up, I admit that I was in error when I wrote Harelda as a specific name for that species.—John Cordeaux (Great Cotes, Ulceby).
Singular Immigration of Jays into Oxfordshire.—Having often had occasion to go into Oxfordshire, during the last few years, I have had good opportunities for observing most of the local birds, and I now wish to chronicle a wonderful increase of Jays in that county during the last six months. Up to October last it was a very rare sight to meet with them in the open country, and even in the woods they were far from plentiful. On March 16th, last year, I noticed three frequenting a large gorse covert; these, I think, had been driven there from a neighbouring wood by the hounds. I am told two examples only were seen in the summer months, and so only one nest could have been brought off in the vicinity. But on October 18th, last year, I saw several Jays; and on the 18th I observed two coming directly overhead, to the north, at an immense height. These, however, as far as I am aware, did not settle in the neighbourhood. By the 22nd they were exceedingly plentiful; and I am informed they were there in equal numbers all through the winter. A few days ago I had the pleasure of seeing certainly twelve Jays, about twenty Magpies, and a Sparrowhawk, in the course of a short walk. I shall be interested to hear whether they stop to breed.—C. Matthew Prior (Bedford).
The Habits of the Merlin.—During the winter months, immature birds of this species are frequently met with in the south, though the true home of this dashing little hawk is evidently in the land of the heather and mist. They are said to be very destructive to game, and as such usually pay the penalty that the possession of a bad name incurs. Whether it is that my own experience with regard to this bird has been too limited to form a correct judgment, I am unable to say; but I hardly think that
