Springfield, Mass., March 23rd, 1898. 
Dear Sir:- 
A few weeks ago, at my request a young man sent you 
some specimens of the shore lark for identification. Please tell 
me the result of your investigation. 
Since the disappearance of the snow here, the work r the 
field mice is found in unusual large amounts, indicating the 
presence of these animals last winter in numbers far beyond the 
average, which undoubtedly accounts for so many rough-legged 
hawks being here, 
The March birds came this year much earlier than usual, but 
the robins were not so near the head of the procession as ordin- 
arily. The phoebe appeared the 13th. About the middle of 
March, at my farm, five miles from Springfield, a pair of sparrow 
hawks by their actions gave the best of evidence that they intended 
: pigeon 
to nest. They have taken possession of a,box, driving the 
occupants away. This seems to me very early for them to breed. 
Yours truly, 
Mr. Brewster. 

