24 



lower Canadian Life Zone of the Boreal Region, and out of 

 the common range of the Purple Martin. 



There may be wide expanse of territory, well adapted 

 to the Martin's habits, in which it does not breed, because 

 no inducements have been advanced for its consideration, 

 or if such have been offered in suitable localities and not ac- 

 cepted by the birds, it is probably because the new house 

 was far from any breeding colony, where there is an an- 

 nual overflow of young birds to seek new quarters upon their 

 return from the South. 



F)abitS. The Martins, both old and young, return to 

 the house of their nativity as long as it will accommodate 

 them. When the young, of the previous year, return in 

 such force as to overcrowd the old home, they are fought 

 out by those already in possession, and retreat to new quar- 

 ters, which will be selected near the old home if such exist. 

 Therefore, the hope of establishing a new colony, depends, 

 chiefly, upon an overflow, or a supply of surplus young birds 

 from a neighboring colony, or discontented adults from ne- 

 glected or dilapidated bird boxes. I know of colonies in 

 this county which are five miles apart. It would be an easy 

 matter for residents living between these points to establish 

 colonies, and many times this distance from any known 

 colony should be no discouragement to the person who is 

 willing to make an effort to establish the birds. 



These birds travel over wide expanse in quest of food. 

 I have followed my birds three miles from their home boxes 

 when they were procuring food for their young; and during 

 their summer stay in this region, they, no doubt, roam over 

 the whole county. 



Where the country is of similar nature in climate and is 

 not traversed by mountains of high altitude, I am of the 

 opinion that new colonies may be started within a radius of 

 twenty-five miles from a well established colony, especially 

 if there be an overflow or surplus of young birds, or if the 

 original boxes be allowed to become dilapidated, or the 

 colony be neglected by allowing the Sparrows to fill the nest 

 rooms with rubbish. 



