West Va. May 1874 oaks, beech hemlock (the only coniferous tree here) maple and willow. The "red bird" is in full blossom and as a very beautiful thing. Wake robins are abundant everywhere and in full bloom; in many places in the low lying thickets the ground is carpeted with them. I also notice what I take to be a species of the same genus with red instead of white petals. Numbers of Anthostoma vociferus were heard last night by Mr. Burgessoll and they must be abundant here though we have started roses in the woods as yet. The weather is now delightful, cold nights and very warm in the middle of the day. May 8th. Clear, morning cold, but this at noon prob. as high as 80°. A boil on my face was so painful this morning that I was obliged to spend the day in the house. R.D. J Burgessoll went out as usual. I brought in the good assortment of warblers &c., but nothing new. I heard a Sturnella magna in the fields across the creek for the first time. His long drawn plaintive whistle was entirely typical. In the forenoon Skinned Birds shot yesterday. One P.M. not later &c.