The usual schedules were sent to twenty-seven stations. Thirteen stations on the East Coast of Scotland have returned forty-eight schedules. Isle of May gives heaviest returns with nineteen schedules. Pentland Skerries follows with eleven. Bell Rock again is next in importance.
In the List of Stations we follow the same plan as in that of 1884, but we add in several cases the names of the assistant light-keepers whose names have been returned as taking interest in the proceedings. The present year's returns will be indicated by asterisks.
We do not repeat the explanation of migration values of the the stations here for the Scotch Coast, that being done in our last Report (_q.v._ p. 10).
Returns in 6 In years. 1885. Values. Feet.
4 * 4. N. Unst, IV. 230 3 5. Whalsey Skerries, II. 143 1 6. Bressay, III. 105 4 * 7. Sumburgh Head, I. 303
5 * 8. N. Ronaldshay, IV. 180 * 9. Start Point, V. 80 6 * 10. Auskerry, I. 110 11. Hoy Sound (Low), V. 65 12. Hoy Sound (High), V. 115 13. Cantick Head, III. 115 6 * 14. Pentland Skerries, I. 170
6 15. Dunnet Head, Caithness, V. 346 16. Holborn Head, Caithness, V. 75 17. Noss Head, Caithness, V. 175 18. Tarbat Head, East Ross, V. 175 4 * 19. Cromarty, East Cromarty, V. 60 3 * 20. Chanonry Point, Elgin, V. 40 21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin, V. 160 22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen, V. 120 23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen, V. 130 24. Girdleness, Aberdeen, V. 185 25. Montroseness, Forfar, V. 124 6 * 26. Bell Rock, Fife Coast, I. 93 26B. _Carr Rock Light-ship_, Fife Coast,† ? 6 * 27. Isle of May, Firth of Forth, I. 240 1st 27B. Fidra, Firth of Forth,† 5 * 28. Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, IV. 220 29. St Abb's Head, Berwick, V. 224
_N. Unst._--John Nichol (principal), J. J. Morrison, Robert Agnew, and John Down (assistants), send in three well-filled schedules. J. N. in a note says: "Wood's Natural History, second edition, would be very useful to us here." Amongst rarities, a Wryneck, obtained on 9th September (see under species). "About 5th September all Puffins, Marrots, Kittiwakes, and Guillemots disappeared. Puffins and Mosscheepers (probably Rock Pipits, J. A. H. B.) breed on the rock, and a Gull or two. Falcon Hawk on the island ashore, and visits the rock in search of small birds. No Swans seen as in former years in November and December. I was told a great flock was seen at Lerwick going north early in November. Since my arrival at this station in July last from Dhuheartach, not a single Eider Duck was seen. Only birds we see now are from the shore (December 26, 1885), _viz._, Starlings, Sparrow Hawks, Crows; a few Gulls flying about; Solan Geese all away."--Signed J. N.