318 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 



always am, I have been obliged to work harder than ever even to 

 keep up with my duties, especially with the amount of time which 

 is daily wasted by the thoughtless visits of strangers and others, an 

 average of at least four hours in the working day. 



I have also done a considerable share of zoological investigation, 

 especially among birds and batrachians. I have completed the 

 enumeration and determination of some 350 species of birds from New 

 Mexico, principally collections of Lt. Couch, Mr. Clark, and Doctors 

 Suckley and Evans. I have detected several new species and deter- 

 mined the range of others. I have also nearly finished my examina- 

 tion of the batrachians and reptiles. I have added a good many new 

 species, and have razeed some old ones and have established several 

 genera, among them one for the little Hy lodes Maculatus of yours. 

 This cannot go with the genus as established, or rather restricted, 

 by Dumeril and Bibra, as it has a web to the foot. . . . 



Spencer F. B air d from William M. Baird. 



READING, 22nd June, 1854. 

 DEAR SPENCE: 



Your letter was received this evening and I answer it at once 

 according to your request. 



I have never been at Beasley's Point and my wife has never been 

 there in summer. From what I have heard, what I know respecting 

 other places on the coast and what Harriet knows, I will answer your 

 questions. 



1st. As to the comfort, Mr. Ashmead could probably tell you 

 more than we can. The old house at the Point is plain, and kept in 

 a plain manner, about as well I suppose as what we in Pennsylvania 

 would call a good country-tavern; plenty of room and plenty to eat, 

 though not cooked in the best style. As to health the sea air is 

 most admirable for some complaints, but does not do for others. If 

 Mary has anything like bronchitis, it will not do for her at all. Harriet 

 used to lose the use of her voice at Cape May and kept getting worse 

 in this respect as long as she lived there. As soon as she left she 

 recovered and has never been troubled with anything like it since. 

 The house at Beasley's Point is right on the bay, no trees near it 

 (same as at Cape Island) plunge bath in the bay at the door surf 

 in the sea ^ mile off. Always cool even in the hottest weather on 



