254 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 



Uniones now are entirely barren, and some species have become nearly 

 or quite extinct in the Cuyahoga River. Both fluviatile and terrestial 

 univalves have also decreased with equal rapidity. The delicate 

 Helix Sayii is no longer found in Northern Ohio so far as my observa- 

 tion extends, and many other species that were once very common 

 are now to be met with only accidentally. 



In a recent communication from J. Bartlett of Columbus, he 

 has furnished me with many interesting facts that go to show that a 

 similar change is taking place in other sections of our state. He and 

 myself made extensive collections in the valley of the Scioto sixteen 

 years since. Various species then existed there in profusion and the 

 specimens were more perfect and beautiful than I could elsewhere 

 obtain. He is now going over our old ground and he informs me that 

 they have become as barren as ours at the North. In another genera- 

 tion many of our finest species will cease to be known except in books 

 and cabinets. 



The causes seem to be, 1st; The corruptions accumulating in 

 canal and smaller streams from barnyards, roads, manufacturing 

 establishments &c. 2d; The destruction by swine. Our woods are 

 constantly ransacked by these animals and at low stages of water 

 and when the water in our canals is let out they are searching every 

 sand bar for testaceous animals. 



Very truly yours, 



J. P. KlRTLAND. 



From Thomas M. Brewer to Spencer F. Baird. 



BOSTON, Feb. 7, 1851. 

 MY DEAR BAIRD; 



. And now a few words as to the bird from Labrador. In 

 New York, Mr. Lawrence had prepared me for thinking it a new 

 species, but upon my arrival at Philadelphia, I mentioned to Dr. 

 Wilson and Mr. Cassin the brief description of a species resembling 

 the Saxicola Oenanthe described in Beechey's voyage; We took the 

 volume, compared the bird by measurement with that description 

 and Mr. Cassin expressed himself perfectly satisfied it was the same 

 thing. He said nothing about any generic differences nor did there 

 appear in his mind any doubt upon the subject. Of course, if I had 



