The Skokholm Cage • Everyone knows how much has been
discovered about the mystery Of the way of a bird in the air by help of the ringing of birds. All over North America and Europe this device is employed. A narrow aluminium (or lighter-than-aluminium) ring is attached to the leg of the bird ; and the brief numbering or lettering on it announces the station where it was ringed. Mr. Witherby, of High Holborn, whb is the father of the scheme in Britain, has been perfecting his organization ; and apart from a host of individual amateurs a series of ringing stations has been set up. Elaborate schedules are made torten by volunteer assistants from the universities) which co-ordinate the facts acquired and give much minor informa- tion (for example on the question whether the rings are in any degree a handicap to the bird). Perhaps the most fruitful of all stations is the Island of Skokholm, where, as I mentioned last week, it is desired to set up a spacious (and humane) aviary ; and the sum of 120 is desired for this purpose.
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