The Zoological Society of Philadelphia. 
Fairmount Pari:. 
t Philadelphia, May 6, 1900. 
Mr . J o s i ah Ho o pe s , 
Dear Sir, 
On Saturday, April 28, several martins visited the 
Garden. They remained some little time flying aoout and feed- 
ing. I was away and cannot say that they alighted on the box 
but think not. This is all the encouragement I have had so 
far . 
Will you be kind enough to notify me when your birds begi* 
to build. It is not quite time for them yet I think. In case 
they do not come here, as I am afraid, would you care to spare 
me out of your abundance a few half grown young ones? I think 
with the experience we had last year we would be able to raise 
them and it would give us one more chance to establish the 
colony I so much want. Ten or a dozen would be enough or if 
you would not care to have so many taiien I would try it with 
less. They could be taken when most of the old birds are 
away and but one from a clutch. If you wuld not care to have 
the box disturbed you will, of course, not hesitate to say so. 
Very truly yours, 
( copy ) . 
Rob't D. Carson. 
