This theory holds as its major premise that quantity of light and length of day are the stimulating causes of migration. Its proponents urge that migration is a phenomenon far too regular to be created anew each season merely under stress of circumstances, such as need for food; and that it begins before the necessity for a change in latitude becomes at all pressing. Swallows, nighthawks, shore birds, and others may start their southward movement while the summer food supply in the North is at peak abundance; while robins, bluebirds, and others may leave an abundant food in the South in spring and press toward northern points when food supplies there are almost entirely lacking and when severe cold and storms are likely to cause their wholesale destruction. The regularity of arrival and departure is one of the most impressive features of migration, and since birds travel in almost strict accordance with the calendar, the proponents of the theory ask: "What phenomenon to which we may attribute the stimulating impulse occurs with such precise regularity as the constantly increasing amount of light in spring?" Experimental work has abundantly demonstrated the effect of increased light upon the growth, flowering, and fruiting of plants. Similarly, experiments with the common junco or snowbird reported by Rowan (1931: 121), resulted in increased development of the sexual organs by the end of December, although the birds were confined in outdoor aviaries in Canada, and had been exposed to temperatures as low as -44° F. From the first of November until early in January, the juncos were subjected to ever-increasing light, supplied in the aviaries by electric bulbs. As regards illumination, they were thus artificially provided with conditions approximating those of spring. At the close of this period, it was found that the sexual organs of the birds had attained the maximum development normally associated with spring. With gradual reduction of the lighting over a period of little more than 1 month, the organs returned to their normal winter condition.