VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE 
ELLISON A. SMYTH, Jr., A. M., LL. D., 
(STATE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE) HEAD OF DEPARTMENT 
HORATIO S. STAHL, M. S., 
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY INSTRUCTOR 
PAUL B. BARRINGER, M. D., LL.D., 
PRESIDENT 
BLACKSBURG, VA.. Sept.I6th.'II 
Mr.Wm-Prewster. 
145 Brattle St. 
Cambridge, Mass. 
Dear Sir; 
About 1903 I thonght I would try and get together a collection of 
Birds of Paradise. I have a fairly large native collection,and also about 150 
spp- of Hummers. I now feel that,while no longer an active coOllector,for "Audu- 
bonio" reasons,I wish to limit my collection to native species,and would be glad 
to get rid of my Paradise Birds,if I can appxwximate anything near their value. 
I enclose yo herein a list of what I have and take the liberty of asking you 
if you can put me in the way cx anyone interested therein. I do not desire to 
advertise,for various reasons. 
If you can assist me in any way to dispose of the lot,I will gladly 
make such returns to you as yo may consider proper. 
For your information,I would add that the Paradise Birds alone cost m 
$214.00,and the Argus pair and the Impeyan Pheasant,$37.DD,the pair of Argus 
coming at $25.00. 
Yours very truly, 
Blacksburg, Va. 
