Page:The Natural History of Ireland vol1.djvu/132

 of these species in the one island rather than in the'other, in con- nection with the countries which they severally frequent, we shall find, 1st. — That the exclusively American species Elanus furcatus, might be equally expected to visit either island ; 2nd. — That Surnia funerea, being an inhabitant of the northern parts of Europe, should rather be expected to occur in Great Britain (either in Scotland or England) thaiyn Ireland; 3rd. — That all the others, Neophron percnopterus, Vultur fulvus, Aquila nævia, Noctua passenna, and Noctua Tengmalmi, from their inhabiting (periodically or permanently) the more southern portion of Europe, should rather, on account of its comparative proximity thereto, be ex- pected to visit England, than either Scotland or Ireland. Such has partially, but only partially, been the result. Accidental visitants cannot in such a point of view be placed under any positive law.