[Proceedings United States National Museum, 1881. Appendix.] 

 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. 



XJJiTITEr) ST.A.TBS IST^TIO^ST^L MITJSEXJM: 



No. 3. 



CIRC'VIiAB IIV REFEBEIVCE TO PETJROI^EUM COl-l-ECTaOlVS. 



My Dear Sir: Prof. S. F. Peckbam, of Providence, K. I., lias been 

 requested by myself to collect and arrange for exhibition a suite of 

 specimens of petroleum which will illustrate the occurrence of that im- 

 portant substance in the United States. Will you render him such 

 assistance as you may be able, and oblige, 

 Very truly yours, 



S. F. BAIRD, 

 Secretary Smithsonian Institution, 

 and Director United States National Museum. 



Washington, D. C, January 1, 18S2. 



My Dear Sir : Will you please send me a sample of petroleum by 

 express from 



Please send at least a quart. Will you also fill out and sign the cer- 

 tificate hereto attached as fully as you may be able. 



Very respectfully, 



