Page:Percival Lowell - an afterglow.djvu/172

Percival Lowell

It arrived bearing its fill of good wishes and what an imposing box it was, and how beautiful within with its bark and blue bows. Two houses in fact! What munificence! Nothing could have been more appropriate; for my birthday practically begins the spring and the birds return. Thank you all so much. They, the houses, shall be set up forthwith. Where? that is the question. When placed they shall be photographed and you all be sent a copy. With my appreciative thanks to each member of the quartette I am

MARS' HILL

The snow is going; going fast. One can now walk in oases of ground with portages between. It silently sublimates chiefly; though there are also rivulets here and there.

The houses for the birds were duly put up this morning and are now to let. We allowed the beautiful blue bow on the little one to remain fluttering to advertise that desirable property to prospecting tenants. When these arrive I shall notify you again. Meanwhile, as the real estate broker, allow me to present to the kind givers my appreciation of these excellent family residences. 134