Goldcrests which used to flock about the lantern never come near it; _though they are very numerous on the island_,[5] I have only seen two at the lantern. A fixed white light is no doubt best for attracting birds; the alternate light and darkness baffles them altogether, and the quicker the revolutions are, the worse baffled they become. There has been almost total absence during the past two years of Redpoles and Siskins." On the 19th November Mr Agnew writes: "James" (his son) "shot a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the 12th of this month. It is the first of its kind I have seen here. It came after the great N.-E. gale reported in my last schedule. The wind continued to blow strong from the N.-E. for days after the gale took off. I have sent it to Small to get stuffed and set up. I want to give it in a present to the young lady to whom my son, Joseph, is going to be married at Dunbar." Mr Agnew then continues: "There has not been much worth reporting since I sent you my last schedule (Nov. 6, 1886); the only birds (not resident) were some Wagtails and Common Wrens. I suspect very much you have got the last schedule from Isle of May. I am sorry for that, as you see from the Woodpecker that strange things are always turning up. I am very sorry at leaving the collection here, and I doubt if it will be so well taken care of when I am away." [Footnote 4: _i.e._, effectual in alluring the birds to it.] [Footnote 5: Distinctly illustrative of the effect of the quickly revolving light.--J. A. H.-B.] We have given Mr Agnew's correspondence very fully, as it is the last we shall get from him at the Isle of May, and it would be very ungracious if we did not take this opportunity of once again expressing our warmest thanks for his able assistance and always interesting correspondence. Comparisons are said to be invidious, but we are quite sure none of his fellow-keepers will grudge him the fullest praise which our Migration Committee can accord. Mr Cordeaux says (16th Oct. 1886): "I am much concerned that Agnew is leaving the Isle of May." We do not undervalue the observations of any of our reporters, many of whom have not the opportunities of observation which others have; but we can point to a good many more of the lighthouse keepers, both at the best stations and at the least frequented, who, according to their opportunities, are not far behind Mr Agnew, if at all; and there is ever increasing interest and ability displayed year by year. _Fidra._--Mr Win. Ross has taken up the subject earnestly, and sends us three excellent schedules, carefully adhering to the columnar arrangement, which is so important to the Members of Committee, who have to transcribe into the ledger, and then write its Report. Attention to this is of infinite service and saving of time in getting the Reports printed. We are much obliged to Mr Ross for the care taken in this respect.