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582
286

January 15th, 1900.

Mr. Abbott Thayer,
Scarboro on the Hudson,
N.Y.

My dear Thayer:-
I am delighted to have your letter of the 13th inst., which reached me this morning, and I hasten to send an instant reply, notwithstanding the fact that I am compelled to call to my aid the assistance of a typewriter.

What you said of the destruction of the wild birds inhabiting our coast line interests me greatly. The horrible slaughter being perpetrated is most shocking.

While in India, I was fascinated with the great number of splendid birds to be seen, but then they exist in the midst of gentle minded people. We Americans are and always will be at least semi-barbarians, and I suppose it is largely because of such qualities that we see such rapid material arivance throughout our land. But what does it all stand for, if materialism is to be the very ideal? The wild birds should be protected and allowed natural opportunities for [[?]] their kind; and I hope your efforts in this direction will meet with every success. I enclose herewith draft on New York, payable to your order, for $100.00, to aid in the good work.

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