266 AUDUBON, THE NATURALIST 



The Beaver 



The history of the Bison 28 pages 

 and Fiber Zybethicus (muskrat) 12 pages, 

 Tamias quadrivittatus 

 This will shew you that I have not been very Idle since I 

 began and I should like to know from you, whether you would 

 like to see what I have said of these, as if you do, I will have 

 them copied as soon as I receive your letter, and will forward 

 the whole, and the additional written in the interim, at the same 

 time. I have a beautiful drawing of a fine male moose, that 

 of the Elk is already engraved, and next week we will forward 

 to the engraver no less than five or six drawings of the best 

 quality, by the way I am sorry that you should look upon 

 the Texan Skunk as a bad figure. The animal is an ungraceful 

 one in its Singular Colouring, but it is nevertheless quite true 

 to nature, with all its specific characters to a T. 



Victor wrote to you that I was anxious to have your opin- 

 ion about the Title page and I hope you will send me your 

 ideas forthwith on that subject. I send you now by mail a long 

 article about our work which I conceive and hope will prove 

 to you that the "mutual friend" knew but very little of my 

 feelings or actions or sayings as regards you — 



I really & most truly regret that you should. have been put 

 out, and mis-led about this our work by a third party, who 

 must to say the least of it [have] abused your credulity to the 

 very extreme. 



However, the sooner forgotten, the sooner mended, it is 

 with deeply felt regret from every one of my Family that we 

 read the account in your letter of the condition of your dear 

 wife, but hope that she will accompany you early next spring 

 to visit our humble but comfortable residence. Now do Come ! 

 Present our joint regards to every one of your family, and 

 believe me when I say that none will ever feel more delighted 

 than I, to hear of the welfare of the beautiful "Rabbit" — 



And now that I am exceedingly fatigued, having been writ- 

 ing for upwards of seven hours, I will wish you good night & 

 all the blessings that God may grant to [the] good man and 



