It is believed that Martins, the kind that fly-- not the Martens that walk on four legs--were able to move eastward due to the efforts of the native Americans. They made houses for them from dried gourds which they hung near their villages.  Today you see metal and wood "bird hotels" for sale but research has shown that they prefer the natural ones. They also look much better. They're beautiful.  They can be hung in colonies on poles (instructions included) or separately as you choose. Depending on the size of the hole and location other birds will readily choose them for their home.  Squirrels will sometimes damage them but we include a couple of easy methods for foiling those rascals. The gourds are field grown on trellises then harvested and dried for several months.  At this point they are soaked in hot water to soften the skin which is removed.  This leaves a beautiful buckskin colored finish.  The seeds are removed and an appropriately sized hole is drilled.  Hanging holes and drain holes are then added. Traditionally,  the houses are painted white, but I prefer  them natural. Both color finishes are available and I offer different models in several sizes in addition to the one pictured, such as wall mounted models with the neck of the gourd serving as the entrance. You can also hang one inside as an art object or conversation piece. In that case it will come mounted on weathered barn board and finished with brown wax with the distinct appearance of polished leather. - A. Robinson