1850 TO 1865 33i 



particularly want is specimens of the quadrupeds, such as the rabbits, 

 squirrels, wild rats, mice and moles, kangaroo rats, &c. The very 

 commonest about the post are the most wanted, they can be easily 

 preserved by skinning, and putting arsenic on the skin; or a mixture 

 of alum and saltpetre, or by throwing into alcohol or spirits of any 

 kind. I will mail a pamphlet to Capt. Gardiner which will explain 

 the modus operandi. Skulls of bears and such larger animals would 

 also be highly valued. 



Specimens can always be sent us from San Francisco without 

 cost if addressed to the Smithsonian Institution, and delivered to 

 Messrs. Forbes and Babcock, agents, in San Francisco, of the Panama 

 line of steamers. 



Mary says the point of my letter is that portion relating to speci- 

 mens, but I say it is not I wanted to write to you by return mail 

 to assure you that your letter was received and valued. As to news 

 and all that, I never could do much; Mary as soon as able will attend 

 to that. . . . Kindest regards to Capt Gardiner, I am 



Very affectionately yours, 



S. F. BAIRD. 



From Spencer F. Baird to Dr. Leonard D. Gale?* 



WASHINGTON, April 5, 1856. 

 DEAR SIR: 



I am in receipt of your note of Thursday asking what I know of 

 Dr. J. S. Newberry of Cleveland, and asking my opinion of his quali- 

 fications as Professor of Natural Sciences in Columbian College. In 

 reply I beg to state that I have long been acquainted with Dr. New- 

 berry and have all confidence in his ability to fill the above Chair 

 in such a manner as to enhance the already high reputation of the 

 College. He is about thirty five years old, and a physician of great 

 skill, having graduated in his profession in the city of Paris. During 

 the several years that he resided in France, he studied the different 

 branches of Natural Science with several of the professors of the 

 Jardin des Plantes, and obtained a very thorough foundation in this 



23 Associate of Professor Henry in electrical research and later 

 examiner in electricity in the U. S. Patent Office. 



