_Inchkeith._--Robt. Grierson sends a schedule with the following diary: "During the night of the 5th September a small flock of birds was observed hovering around the lantern at 11 P.M., wind W., light breeze and haze, and two young Stonechats were caught." At midnight, also, two more; and other small movements are given.
_Fidra._--William Ross. Arrival of the Solan Geese noted on March 27; also Eider Ducks. Mr Ross sends two well-filled schedules, but is disappointed with the results. He need not we think, as Fidra lies somewhat land-locked and out of the stream. We are much obliged to him for the first Schedules from the new Firth of Forth Station. Mr Ross writes under date of July 24: "Solan Geese, Gulls, and all sea birds have deserted our island entirely. About a dozen sparrows are now our only feathered visitors;" and on Aug. 4th--"Having been on the mainland, I was quite surprised to see the numerous and varied flocks of many kinds of birds, not one of which came near our island."
_Isle of May._--J. Agnew (principal), Messrs Young and Anderson (assistants), send twenty full schedules, indicating a very heavy migration, past this favoured isle. At present a staff of men are busy putting in electric light machinery here. It will be curious to watch the result next season.
New occurrences continually turn up at Isle of May, and this year we have to record amongst rarities and acquisitions the Common Dotterel (_Endromias morinellus_, L.), the Red Backed Shrike (_Lanius collurio_), and Ortolan Bunting (_Emberiza hortulana_)--two specimens obtained. Also Turtle Dove (_Columba turtur_, L.)--one shot; and the Dipper was obtained for the first time, though it had been seen before, as stated in previous reports. It proved to be the British form. Specimens of these are added to the collection at Isle of May. We gave earlier notice of the first three above enumerated, in the _Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society_, Edinburgh, as we belong to that class of naturalists who do not believe in withholding facts until they become rusty. To do so may be useful for selfish motives and personal _kudos_, but is not calculated to promote further study, and is, indeed, calculated to delay it.