194 Deane, Letters of J. J. Audubon and S. F. Baird. [amU 



is, therefore, probable that both the Coot and the Gallinule breed 

 in those ponds." 



The above, it will be observed, was written by Mr. Hendrickson 

 before our investigations of last summer (1905), and though we 

 were then only able to establish the fact of the breeding of the Galli- 

 nules, our search was conducted too superficially and inter- 

 mittently to detract from the probability that the Coot may also 

 nest here. In fact 1 am very much inclined to agree with Mr. 

 Hendrickson that the Coot also nests here, at least occasionally 

 if not regularly; since his identification, which I regard as posi- 

 tive, as to its presence there on June 28, in the previous year 

 (1904) at so late a date, must be regarded as significant. 



It is hoped that this important question, which can by no means 

 be regarded as settled definitely in respect of the Coot, may be 

 determined during the coming season (1906), since extensive 

 filling in of these flats has already commenced and unless the 

 matter is absolutely decided now, it must hereafter be regarded 

 by ornithologists as an opportunity neglected. 



UNPUBLISHED LETTERS OF JOHN JAMES 

 AUDUBON AND SPENCER F. BAIRD. 



BY RUTHVEN DEANE. 

 I. 



I take unusual pleasure in presenting the following letters, 

 written by two such prominent characters, who have the love and 

 respect of the ornithological world, and whose life and writings 

 are ever cherished. Another point of interest is the fact that 

 Audubon in his fifty-eighth year formed, through correspondence, 

 the acquaintance of young Baird, then only fifteen years of age, 

 and, appreciating the young man's ardent love for natural history, 

 his energy and marked ability as a field collector and close observer, 

 wrote him letters of encouragement which doubtless had a stimu- 

 lating influence. These letters, representing certain periods be- 



