1850 TO 1865 277 



The little quadrupeds promise nicely. The one with white stripe 

 on tail and long hind leg is the Dipodomys, a Californian form. The 

 coyote with cheek pouches is a Pseudostoma. I wish you would (get) 

 specimens of all the species of mammals in skins, as well as in alcohol, 

 this fades the color. In sending in skins of mammals and birds, espe- 

 cially small ones, it will be well to inclose each in a cylinder, or paper 

 cone, to be pasted up or other-wise secured against the intrusion of 

 insects. 



I hope that this year will see the arrival of as large collections 

 from you as the last. Don't suppose that you could ever get enough 

 specimens of a species. Collect every confounded individual of the 

 reptiles, except perhaps rattlesnakes or other most common serpents 

 of which get, say, 15 or 20. But for lizards and smaller serpents, get 

 500 of each, if you can. Also crawfish, crustaceans generally, crickets, 

 katydids, fish, etc. 



Mr. Wright sends me some highly interesting notes on the birds 

 observed by him last winter and it is a thousand pities he got no speci- 

 mens, as several were no doubt new. Don't neglect the birds, but col- 

 lect all you can. And by all means get nests and eggs. But it is of no 

 use for me to write to you about special desiderata, as you already 

 know these so well. The whole may be summed up in a few words. 

 Collect everything you can find, especially the very COMMONEST 

 species. 



I think I had better send back your copper kettles filled with 

 alcohol. I don't suppose you can have much material left. 



Lucy was much interested in the pet squirrel, especially with the 

 suppositious incidents, which I added by way of embellishment. She 

 talks a great deal about you. Mrs. Baird begs to be especially remem- 

 bered to you and will look for your promised letter. 



I have no particular news to tell that I can think of. Mr. Hamil- 

 ton, of Carlisle, was here to-day, and I astonished him with the speci- 

 mens. Dr. Peck 7 comes to Washington as Pastor, after his time at 

 Carlisle, next July. They propose to raise a scholarship fund, by 

 selling them for four years at 25.00! 



Very truly and affectionately yours, 



SPENCER F. BAIRD. 



7 Former President of Dickinson College and later Bishop of 

 the M. E. Church. 



