86 



About the 20th of June a single Martin — almost black- — was seen perched on the 

 bird-house. He entered every room and we noticed him for three days, in the forenoons. 

 We were in hopes the bird would bring his mate and friends. 



( >n the 8th or 9th of July two Martins appeared, but remained only two days. 



We are disappointed, but not discouraged- — the house was erected too late. 



1 think we have a fine place for the bird-house, it being erected on a high post on 

 the lawn, surrounded by buildings, open toward the south. We have no sparrows and 

 will not allow them to stay, if they should try to come from our nearest town — Jack- 

 man — where they are plentiful. We are situated on a high altitude, between high 

 mountains, in the most northern part of Maine, and about thirty miles from the Canadian 

 bine. 



We have heard that the nearest Martin colony is about sixty miles south of us. We 

 hope, nevertheless, to get the Purple Martins to make their homes with us next summer 

 when my children can take snap-shots of them for you. 



Our interest in the Purple Martin remains, in spite of our failing to have them this 

 summer. 



I thank you for the copy of "Gleanings" you sent me, and will always be glad to 

 learn of other people's success with the Martins." 



Very truly yours, 



Mrs. Michael Piel. 



Here is a pretty effect in mounting a Martin house on the top of 

 a dead tree stub, with vines and flowers growing around the base. 



Poles of this sort should be provided with a broad band of sheet 

 tin, tacked around it seven or eight feet above the ground, to protect 

 the occupants of the house from attack's by snakes, or cats, squirrels 

 and other destructive enemies. 



Following Airs. Gunther's letter is the report of \Y. Scott Way, 

 which should be read by persons having Martin houses erected on 

 wood poles, without means of protection. 



Babylon, L. I., New York, July 15, 1910. 

 Mr. J. Warren Jacobs, 

 Dear Sir: 



1 am very pleased to tell you of my experience with the little bird-house. It was 

 safely received and put in place, and the Martins anxiously looked for. But none 

 arrived for many weeks, and in the meantime the sparrows had taken full possession. 

 After giving up all hope of any Martins this year, one morning there was a great 

 commotion, and there were two Martins fighting for the house. The Martins finally 

 taking the upper part of the house, and the sparrows the lower floor. 



There are now about six pairs and they all live in peace, each pair keeping to their 

 part of the house. They are a great pleasure, and I only wonder why more people do 

 not try to get the birds around their homes. 



Very truly, 



(Mrs.) W. H. GunTHER. 





