9 
It seems probable (1) that some martins may have survived 
and bred in places not reached by this inquiry; the few 
birds left may form the nuclei of new martin colonies. 
Probably, also, (2) martins breeding in parts of northern 
ISTew England and migrating through Massachusetts may, 
in time, overflow into this State. (3) Martins are said to 
be breeding still in Connecticut, New Hampshire and Ehode 
Island, not far from the Massachusetts line; and there is 
some probability that these colonies may spread over our 
borders, although their numbers are much reduced. Mr. 
Robert Curtis of Stratford, Conn., where martins were 
abundant in the spring of 1903, says that only one was seen 
there in 1904; but Mrs. Mabel Osgood Wright says they 
are still breeding at Stamford. Mr. Morris reports that 
martins are numerous at Windsor Locks, Conn., about twelve 
miles south of Springfield, Mass. ; and, as numbers of them 
probably migrate up the Connecticut valley, the repopula- 
tion of Massachusetts by martins may be expected to pro- 
gress as rapidly there as anywhere. It seems to be believed, 
however, by most careful observers that the martins were 
diminishing in Massachusetts before 1903. For this decrease 
the English sparrow was largely responsible. The sparrows 
are now occupying most of the boxes where the martins form- 
erly dwelt, and, when firmly intrenched therein, they may 
be able to prevent the martins from retaking the boxes. On 
the other hand, the decrease of martins and swallows is likely 
to be followed by an increase of the insects on which they 
feed. This will probably attract these birds into the State 
and favor their breeding; but unless boxes are generally put 
up for the martins, and the English sparrows kept out, the 
martins may never again become common in Massachusetts. 
The June storms of 1903 will long be remembered as the 
chief cause of the passing of these beautiful and useful 
birds. 
The effect of the hard winter of 1903-04 upon our resi- 
dent birds seems not to have been very serious except with 
a few species. The bob-white, or quail, has been nearly ex- 
terminated over much of the State. The ruffed grouse, or 
partridge, although considerably reduced in many sections, 
