CORRESPONDENCK 173 



NOANK, Conn., July 25, 1874. 

 My Dear Mr. Boardman: 



Thanks for your clever letter. As to the nest of the Pileated 

 Woodpecker, if you do not disturb it at all, nor the old birds, 

 they will in all probability nest in the same place next season, 

 and by a little judicious mauoeuveriug, by taking out one egg at 

 a time with a spoon, they may yield a dozen eggs as the Red- 

 headed Woodpeckers and the Golden-winged do under the same 

 circumstances. It would be a grand thing if you could get about a 

 dozen eggs from this one nest. 



We are having a very good time here, and our party has met 

 with success quite equal to our expectations. The dredgers go out 

 every day or two, and bring back lots of nice things. The fishes 

 are also interesting. Dr. Palmer is still in Florida; but I have a 

 very good substitute for him. Lucy is still at North Conway 

 where she is having a good time. 



Very truly yours, 



S. F. Baird. 



West Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 13, 1876. 

 My Dear Mr. Boardman: 



Yours of the 10th is to hand. I am happy to say that the 

 pleasant weather has greatly improved the comfort of the exhibi- 

 tion and that we are all doing pretty well in consequence. I hope 

 you will not fail to carry out your intention of coming on in 

 October. 



If I were you I would not sell my pair of Labrador Ducks at 

 any price. Sometime you will probably want to give or sell your 

 collection to some institution and the including in it of a pair of 

 Labrador Ducks will add greatly to its value. Under any cir- 

 cumstances do not hint at a less price than .$200 or $250 in gold 

 for the pair. There seems to be a fancy for Labrador Ducks, and 

 you can get that as well as not. I would not sell them for a cent 

 less. You may be able to get another female, but it is doubtful 

 in regard to a male. 



Mind what I say about the price. Tell him that you do not 



want to part with them, but that they are worth the amount 



mentioned by me. 



Sincerely yours, 



S. F. Baird. 



