50 



the hickory limbs. It proved a valiant fighter and aid when a red 

 squirrel climbed up and robbed some of the nests. 



Discovering this menace to the eggs, we put a flaring tin band 

 around the trunk of the tree, which prevented further molestation. 



Up to this time your book, describing the habits of martins, had 

 not been sent us. Therefore we passed through all these experiences 

 and heartbreak's in ignorance of many things. There are now many 

 young birds. The problem of sleeping quarters seems to be a serious 

 one judging from the musical expostulations at twilight. 



Next year we intend to add another house. The present colony 

 is so popular that our enthusiastic guests and neighbors often make 

 pilgrimages to the garden to see them. 



Thanking you for your interest and valuable information. 



Yours truly, 



O. P. Hoffman. 



P. S. I have no photographs and I am not able to count the birds 

 as we did at first. 



March 10, 1909, we filled an order for a style No. 2, complete, for 

 Wm. McConway, Pittsburgh, Pa., shipping the same to his summer 

 home at Torrington, Conn. 



Writing from his Torrington home, August I, 1909, Mr. McConway 

 writes : 



"Replying to yours of 29th ult. I have had one pair settle and 

 raise a brood of four (4) young. The sparrows have been very trouble- 

 some, otherwise, I am of the opinion we would have had a greater 

 number. 



Yours Aery truly, 



Wm. McConway." 



Parkersburg, \V. Ya., August 21, 1909. 

 Mr. J. Warren Jacobs, Waynesburg, Pa. 

 Dear Sir: 



In reply to yours of July 27, have just returned from an extended 

 trip to the west, and found your letter on my return. 



In regard to the bird house; after receiving it from you I put it 

 up on the 12th of March, as I thought perhaps there might be some 

 stragglers come along early and locate it. But none came, and I heard 



