372 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 



R. McFarlane was one of the most interested and 

 energetic of the Hudson Bay Company's factors among 

 those with whom Kennicott had camped and sledged. He 

 was given charge of most distant and isolated posts 

 requiring the utmost courage and skill in the commander. 

 Such was that at the mouth of the Mackenzie River, 

 where McFarlane passed several years and from which 

 he sent precious collections of Arctic birds and mammals. 



To him Kennicott writes of the plans under discussion. 



From Robert Kennicott to R. McFarlane. 



WASHINGTON, D. C., April 15, 1864. 



MY DEAR McFARLANE, 



Our hearts were gladdened some two weeks since by the arrival 

 of our share of the winter packet. I got a letter each from Lockhart, 

 Hardisty, Orion, Kinkly and yourself yours being of the 23rd of 

 August written at Fort Simpson. I shall hope for much later news 

 from you by the spring packet. 



Upon my word McFarlane you and Lockhart quite make me 

 ashamed of the little work I did in R. District. 



You tell me you think I flatter you when I speak of the value 

 of your operations. Permit me to say, oh Mr. Wiseacre that I'm a 

 better judge of their value than you are. You must observe that in 

 most cases it is not the intrinsic value of the specimens themselves 

 (for I will own that most of the specimens are necessarily in a damnable 

 condition from being carried where you had no conveniences ) that 

 renders them so important, but their ability to tell us the story of 

 Arctic zoology is what renders your collection so valuable to science. 



Upon my honor McFarlane I would rather have had the honor 

 of contributing what you and Lockhart have to the history of Arctic 

 zoology than to be a chief factor in the H. B. Co. or a member of 

 Parliament. The latter would be jolly during life but in the former 

 case my name would be immortal among naturalists. 



Not the least important part of your operations has been your 

 notes on the specimens as collected. When you see my report you 

 will observe that your notes tell pretty much the whole story. 



