Springfield Public Schools
J. H. Collins, Supt.
Springfield, Illinois

April 12, 1905.

MAY 3 Ans’d

Prof. Lawrence Bruner,
Lincoln, Nebraska.

Dear Sir:-
I was recently discussing “birds” with a gentleman who said that you believed that the so-called “Jack-o’-lantern”, or “Will-o’the wisp”, was caused by a specie of heron that frequented swampy districts. This explanation of that mystery appealed to me as a reasonable explanation of certain movable lights seen at night where I lived as a boy. I shall be glad to hear from you on this subject, as I occasionally speak on the subject of birds. I shall not quote you without your permission. Hoping to hear from you as soon as you can conveniently write me, I am
Very truly yours
J. H. Collins

Call attention to Holden’s book on Lights in Nature – also the peculiar fluffy feather patches of Herons.