| 44 Andrew Fackson Grayson. [ZOE 
more interesting, in as much as it is found upon these islands, where I know it to 
be a constant resident (see page 353, review of Am. Birds, and Nos. 83, 84, 85 and 
86 in my catalogue transmitted to you of Tres Marias birds). These things are of 
much importance to me, as I expect to make reference to your valuable and inter- 
esting correspondence (by your permission).. The review of ‘‘American Birds” will, 
I consider, be invaluable to all ornithologists, whether professional or amateurs, 
- comprising, as it will, such a vast number of species showing the geographical dis- 
tribution, and of a truly reliable nature. I shall be engaged, during this rainy 
season which is now upon us, in drawing and writing up my notes, &c., &c. 
The Academy of Sciences in Mexico have acted in good faithiso far with me in 
their contract to aid me in my collections and the completion of my work, but the 
amount is so small without having anything else to depend on at present, makes me 
feel rather pressed, or compressed, if you like. I have read and re-read your letter 
of 15th Nov., and I am of the opinion that I often pass or let pass birds which I 
think I know to be such, that by procuring them would prove to be entirely difier- 
ent. I shall change my tactics, however, in regard to this matter. 
_ You can not regret more than I my inability to make Socorro another visit this 
season, or rather to have made, for now it is too late to go. Jan., Feb., March or 
April are the best months to go to Socorro. I am sure there are many birds, as 
well as mammals, reptiles, &c., that remain, yet to be brought to light inhabiting 
this remote and but little known island. I must, however, bide my time and hope 
at some future day to make a stay of at least two months. Iam not yet done with 
_ the Tres Marias. I am anxious to know what names you will give the Socorro 
birds. How sorry I am that I could not procure more and better specimens. I 
have trained a young Mexican boy to assist me in my collections, as well as pre- 
paring them; he has been constantly with me for two years, and is very fond of 
the occupation; he is the only valuable article I did not lose when rcbbed on the 
road to Mexico (except portfolio); he is a keen observer in natural history and of 
good service to me. 
It does seem to me that when my spirits become the darkest, something comes 
in like a bird, with good tidings, whose melodious notes have often, as I wandered 
alone in the wilderness, cheered my lonely spirits and gave me hope, and excited 
in my heart and soul a greater love for our God, whose works shine forth every- 
where in all things so beautiful and mysterious. As we were sitting gloomily at 
our lonely table to breakfast this morning, when lo! the polite and ever agreeable 
gentlemanly agent for the steamers in this place (Mr. Wyman) made his appear- 
ance, bringing me two more letters from you, besides package of books, among 
which another copy of vol. ix, also mammals of North America, land and fresh 
water shells, &c., &c., for which ‘please accept my thanks. I begin to think my 
old frends have not deserted me, and seeing these welcome visitors, these prizes 
from the Smithsonian Inst : 
- I feel once more like old times, and can now work 
with better heart; and my dear wife, who ever cheers me in my saddest hours, also 
felt the agreeable and welcome surprise, These letters are dated Jan. 24th, 1866, 
No. 9,736, and May the 20th, 66, No. 10,692. These letters and package came 
through the care of Mr, Hubbard, S. F., but the arsenic you mention did not come. 
I need very much the alcohol and cans, and also No. 11 shot, which cannot be 
obtained in San Francisco. 
