324 Deane, Letters of J. J. Audubon and S. F. Baird. C^uiy 



I do not believe that those were larger than this of mine, and a cat 

 of 36 inches may be considered very large. The dimensions were 

 as follows: To root of tail 27| inchs. To end of tail verteb. 33. 

 Fore to hind foot, both extended 50 inchs. Height of ear externaly 

 3 inchs. Laterally 2\ Tufts 1. Circumference of body 13 J. The 

 animal was exceedingly thin yet weighed 16J lbs. Had it been fat 

 it would have drawn 20 or more. It was also a male. 



Have you received anything new lately, from Smith or any body 

 else. Please let me know the dimensions & weight of your wild 

 cat, and what you have figured since I left New York. The meas- 

 urements of the cats taken by me are much fuller than I have given 

 here I merely wished to give you some idea of its size. Please give 

 my respects to Mrs. A., your children & such of my acquaintances 

 as you may chance to see, and believe me. 



Your affectionate Pupil 



Spencer F. Baird. 



P. S. I forgot to say that I had a fine steak of the wild cat broiled 

 and it tasted like a tender piece of fresh pork. I will certainly eat 

 the whole of the next one obtained. I intend to taste all the Quad- 

 rupeds inhabiting this part of the country. 



S. F. B. 

 [Superscription] John James Audubon Esq. 

 No. 86 White St. 

 New York 



N. Y. 



Audubon to Baird. 



New York, Feby. 10, 1842. 

 My dear young Friend. 



It is about half an hour since I had the real pleasure of receiving 

 your letter of the 8th inst. and my earnest thanks to you for it and 

 its contents; to all of which I will try to answer at your request. 



That Beautiful Carlisle, its surrounding hills bordering its valleys, 

 all within the bosom of quiet nature should appear to you as a small 

 affair when compared to our largest city in the Union, is not at all 

 remarkable, but let me ask you the following questions. Did you 



