208 THE NATURALIST OF THE ST. CROIX 



was I kuew you must be very busy getting ready to go to New- 

 port and the folks away with so many tilings to the great fair in 

 Europe. We arrived home four weeks ago; found everything in 

 good order about our premises. Was sorry not to have been able 

 to remain west until fall and had some fall shooting. I was sur- 

 prised to see so many species of ducks breeding in the vicinity of 

 Minneapolis ; I saw flocks of male Ruddy Ducks, Blue-wing Sliov- 

 elers, Gadwalls, Blue-wing Teal, as well as Wood ducks, Mallard, 

 Hooded Mergansers, etc. ; saw but few females as they were away 

 breeding; saw some Franklin Rosy Gulls shot, real beauties. I 

 believe I wrote you of seeing Blue Heron, Crested Cormorants 

 and Blackbirds breeding all on the same trees at Lake Miunetonka, 

 also Swallow-tail Hawk near the same place, but the eggs were 

 hatched. On the way home at Chicago we were told of the 

 marriage of Mr. Dall but did not hear who was the lady. I have 

 been away a week with Mr. Hersey up St. John river to the 

 Grand Falls. Had a nice trip. John Taylor and Georgie are 

 with us and we expect Charles' wife and children next Thursday. 



We are having nice cool weather and hope you and Mrs. Baird 

 will be able to come down to make us a visit. I know Newport 

 to be a nice place but for cool, nice weather Eastport and Bay of 

 Fundy are hard to beat this time of year. 



All join in much love to you, Mrs. B., Lucy and all the 

 friends. Sincerely yours, 



Geo. a. Boakdman. 



MiLLTOWN, N. B., 19 Sept., 1880. 

 My Dear Professou: 



I received the paper Republic you sent me. A very good 

 picture of your house and a very good account of your dear self, 

 written by some fellow that knew you pretty well, but some 

 points he did not get in. He should speak of your love of nice 

 kid gloves, and how good you always feel when you get on that 

 swallow tail coat, etc. 



I also received your letter about a month ago ; hope you may 

 all have a pleasant time in Newport tliis season. I know Mrs. Baird 

 and Lucy must enjoy the place in summer and would be pleasant 

 to be with Capt. Churchill's folks. We have had a tine cool sum- 

 mer, Charles' wife and children, Georgie and Mr. Taylor have 



