The handwritten manuscript features a rough draft of "Bird lives" as well as other manuscripts that most likely were broken up into different manuscripts later.
Mr. Francis H. Allen wrote to Finley about procuring a few samples of Finley's of work so that Allen could submit the work to be published by Houghton, Mifflin, & Co.
Manuscript discussing how little is known about California condors. The document details physical characteristics and behavior as well as nesting habitats. Features excerpts from "Condor 1."
Fanciful handwritten manuscript on the casual observation of a wren mother and her family. This document has parts from both "Rearing a wren family" and "Vigor's wren".
Manuscript that contains a few related excerpts from "Scarcity of hawks & owls." Talks about how from a naturalist's point of view, there is desire for the extermination of any species, even if they are predators.
Manuscript in which William L. Finley and Edgar F. Averill are searching for mountain lions. The document goes into detail about an additional companion by the name of Miller and his dogs. The dogs were key in aiding to find mountain lions.
Manuscript that documents the first year of an agreement with trappers that specified they would have to provide the government half of their take. The document thoroughly assesses fur prices, the process, muskrat population, muskrat behavior, and several other topics.
Manuscript that marvels at how birds adapt and seem to remember their environment. Author remarks on the difference in behavior of birds when they perceive danger.
Document that contains two manuscripts. The first is on the subject of housing for birds, including bird box homes. The second is primarily focused on swallows.