1850 TO 1865 283 



hoped to bring it in person, but sickness detained him in New York. 

 The specimens themselves arrived about the same time, and I must 

 confess to a little astonishment at the amount and value of the col- 

 lection. I am so much accustomed to have promises made with little 

 or no result that, although feeling assured that you would keep yours, 

 I was entirely unprepared for what you have done. Everything 

 arrived in most capital order, and although the delay in receiving 

 some jars ordered has prevented my arranging the specimens for a 

 careful examination, I still see great promise of scientific novelty. 

 The fishes are especially interesting, and the whole collection enables 

 me to fill up a great gap in the Zoological geography of the country. 

 It will afford me the greatest pleasure to furnish an appendix to the 

 Captain's report on these, to be illustrated by figures of new species. 

 When I see him, I can learn more fully his views on this subject. 



Inside of the box, and outside of the cans, came a skin of Bassaris 

 astuta, or Civet Cat. Where was this found? Its locality must be 

 further North than any other yet given. The Rio Grande has been 

 its limit previously. 



I was much indebted to you also for the account of the route in 

 your letter. It is just what I wanted for my report on scientific explo- 

 rations to the Regents of the Smithsonian. I have received a similar 

 one from Capt. Sitgreaves of his Zuni trip. 



The Bayonet exercise takes well, and is considered quite a stand- 

 ard of printing. Col. Freeman told me that he had sent you one. If 

 you have not received it, let me know. I copyrighted it, as you 

 desired. Lippincott has not yet published an edition, but wants to 

 ascertain the demand. The entire cost of the 2000 copies was about 

 $800.00. Write soon and often and thereby increase the obligation 

 under which labors, Yours sincerely) 



S. F. BAIRD. 



I wrote to Dr. Shumard at the suggestion of his brother, offering 

 my services in having his collections elaborated for publication, but 

 have received no reply. When Capt. Marcy comes on, I will endeavor 

 to inoculate him with the Nat. Hist, virus, and if I have as good 

 fortune as with you, shall be well satisfied. He can do much for us, 

 and I trust will feel so much inspirited by the results of his last trip, 

 as to continue the operation ever after. 



