34 On Elephantine Bones, 



of zoological science on the score of lost species. 

 Doubtless, many species of animals have ceased to exist. 

 But of not a few of these Ave shall be able to ascertain 

 the precise forms and characters (and even the mores, or 

 manners) ; and thus, Sir, to assign to each its proper 

 place, in that more finished view of the animal creation, 

 for which your laborious researches, the researches of 

 many of your countrymen, and of the learned in other 

 parts of the world, are rapidly preparing us. 



I fear I have fatigued you. But read on, to be as- 

 sured of the high esteem with which I am, 



Dear Sir, 



Your friend, &.c. 

 Benjamin Smith Barton. 

 Philadelphia, October \Atb, 

 1805. 



NOTES ON THE PRECEDING PAPER. 



Note 1. Page 27. The licks, of which I have 

 given some account, are resorted to by various spe- 

 cies of animals, particularly Deer (Cervus virginia- 

 nus), the American Elk (my Cervus Wapiti), and the 

 Bison, or Bos americanus of Gmclin. It is a fact, 

 not generally known, that the animals which I have 

 mentioned not only lick the soil, and drink the water 

 of these salines, but even cheiv and swalloiv the ground, 

 in large quantities. Hence, our Indians designate 

 some of the licks bv a name which mav be translated 



