THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 167 



From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird. 



T^ TT7 CARLISLE, May 31. 1847. 



DEAR WILL, 



I gave Sam a few days ago that copy of Storer's Synopsis I prom- 

 ised and also two plates of Audubon, the Prairie wolf, & the Wild Cat. 

 I would have sent the whole 8 or 9, but I got them from Bowen for the 

 express purpose of trying to get subscribers at Commencement. 



I have pretty well finished ornithologizing this spring, and have 

 done worse than ever. Birds seem to be getting scarcer every day. 

 The only rarities are Bonaparte's Gull, Black tern & Male Mourning 

 warbler. I have collected & still continue to collect very many 

 nests & eggs although I get nothing rare. 



My principal labors this spring have been among Fishes and 

 Reptiles of which I have many species. A number however are 

 undetermined, & probably several new species among them. 



Many of these I have collected in great quantities for exchanging, 

 as I am determined to make a large collection. I have about 40 live 

 snakes in a barrel; I find it a first rate way to get good specimens, 

 as they shed their coats, & I get them then in perfect order. I am 

 making the College Museum look quite smart with the additions. 

 They give me anything I want, bottles, liquor, cases, &c. 



I wish very much you could come up this summer sometime before 

 commencement and see what I have got. Mary & her Mother want 

 to go to Lake Champlain during the vacation, to Mr. Hunter's, so 

 that I shall not see you unless you come before we go. 



The college is doing very well now, indeed is more flourishing 

 than ever since the Methodist administration. I expect to have a 

 material increase of salary at the next meeting of the board. 



Can't you collect specimens of fish about Reading. The College 

 will defray all expenses. Write soon. Mary sends her love. 



Your affectionately 

 SPENCER F. BAIRD. 



From George P. Marsh to Mrs. S. F. Baird. 



A , A , BURLINGTON, VT. Tune 6, 1847. 



MY DEAR MRS BAIRD, 



I have been almost constantly in motion since the adjournment 

 of Congress, and it is but a week since I returned with Mrs. Marsh 

 from my last excursion, and we are hardly yet settled. 



