INTRODUCTION. 



Since the publication of "The Story of a Martin Colony", 

 in 1903, by the present writer, as the second number of 

 "Gleanings," he has been the recipient of hundreds of let- 

 ters requesting further information on the habits of the 

 Martins, their colonization, extension of their present com- 

 munities, construction of houses and numerous kindred 

 topics. 



Hours have been spent in attention to this correspon- 

 dence, cheerfully disseminating such knowledge at my com- 

 mand. Publishers of scientific journals have procured my 

 assistance in giving to the Martin lovers, and bird students 

 generally, much information to guide them in their efforts 

 to cultivate an intimate acquaintance with these fine birds 

 and induce them to build their nests and rear their young in 

 miniature residences put up for their use. 



Many persons have been successful and have written me 

 of their pleasure in the presence of the birds, and the en- 

 chanting twitter of their song throughout the summer. 



Three of these articles, written for the magazines, have 

 been selected to enter into the compilation of this brochure, 

 inasmuch as their character and scope cover, pretty thor- 

 oughly, the points and topics mostly inquired about by cor- 

 respondents. 



It seems desirable to bring together these articles for 

 publication under one cover, for the following reasons: 



First: the edition of Gleanings No. 2, "The Story of a 

 Martin Colony", is now nearly exhausted. 



Second: two of the published articles were printed in 

 the Pennsylvania State Zoological Bulletin, a state publica- 

 tion and not readily obtainable to students residing outside 

 of this Commonwealth. 



Third: not the least important of these articles appeared 



