Through their influence upon the food supply, weather conditions in the breeding areas do, of course, figure prominently in the picture. In fact, they are the major factors in determining the average dates of arrival of the different species. The word "average" must be emphasized, for the migrations of birds have so evolved that in general they synchronize with average climatic conditions. In other words, migration is so ingrained that each species moves north in spring when the average weather that will be encountered is not unendurable. The hardy birds travel early, fearless of the blasts of retreating winter. The more delicate species come later, when there is less danger of encountering prolonged periods of inclement weather. Some of these hardy birds pause and allow the spring season to advance, and then by rapid travel again overtake it, or in some cases actually outstrip it. At times this results in some hardship and occasionally in the destruction of large numbers of individuals, as has happened when early migrating bluebirds have been overwhelmed by a late winter storm. Unless such conditions are prolonged, however, no serious effect on the species is noted. Nevertheless, the soundness of the bird's instincts is evidenced by the fact that natural catastrophes, great though they may be, do not permanently diminish the avian population. As has been pointed out, the advance of average temperature lines, known as isotherms, is found to correspond closely with the northward movements of certain species. For example, the northward travels of the Canada goose are found to coincide with the advance of the isotherm of 35° F. (fig. 8). The spring flight of migrants, if interrupted for any reason, is resumed when weather conditions again become favorable, and it is probable that all instances of arrival of birds in stormy weather can be explained on the theory that the flight was begun while the weather was auspicious. The state of the weather when a flight starts at any southern point, the relation of that place to the average position of the bird under normal weather conditions on that date, and the average rate of migratory flight, are data basic to any reasonably accurate prediction of the time arrival may be expected in northern areas. Head winds are as unfavorable to migration as is rain or snow, as they greatly increase the labor of flight and cut down the speed of cross-country travel. If such winds have a particularly high velocity they may force down the weaker travelers, and should this happen over water areas, large numbers of birds would be lost. Even strong winds that blow in the direction of aerial travel are unfavorable for the birds, as they interfere with their balance and disarrange their feathers. Moderate tail winds and cross or quartering breezes appear to offer the best conditions for the passage of the migrants. [Illustration: B3712M