278 AUDUBON, THE NATURALIST 



husband. We are all well at present. I have not done anything 

 with the Birds which, indeed, my son Victor has sent to the 

 Academy of Philadelphia. I suppose I need not look any more 

 for a Black Fox in the flesh from you during the next winter. 

 Consider me always my Dear Friend, 



Your most sincerely attached, 



JOHN J. AUDUBON. 



Should you procure a black fox, be sure to forward him 

 uncut to our office New York 78 John Street. Adieu, and 

 God bless both you and your Dear Wife. 



This is a mistake, I brought them back, V. G. A. 



The letter press will be ready in a few days. I will for- 

 ward a Copy to you to Philada. from whence you can no doubt 

 easily get it. I will join my Father, dear Mr. Baird, in con- 

 gratulations, and in sincere wishes for your happiness & wel- 

 fare. 



Yours faithfully, 



V. G. AUDUBON. 



Victor Audubon's gift of the volume was acknowl- 

 edged by Baird on January 19, 1847, when he said: 



I have been trying for some time past to find time for 

 writing and thanking you for the copy of the Viviparous text. 

 Never had mortal man such a feast as I in turning over the 

 pages and reading the interesting and copious accounts of the 

 habits of animals, many of which were unknown to me beyond 

 the name. I was exceedingly gratified by the kind terms I 

 found myself mentioned throughout the book, more so than 

 I deserve. Be assured that no effort of mine however humble 

 shall be spared to assist in the perfecting a labor so stupendous 

 and important as that in which you are engaged. Would that 

 I could be of more substantial aid by sending half a dozen sub- 

 scribers, I may do so yet, who knows. 



