164 THE NATURALIST OF THE ST. CROIX 



that now roam in Washington undisturbed. So do the best you 

 can for us, "and your petitioner will ever pray." 



With much love to Mrs. Boardman from all of us, believe me, 

 Truly yours, 



Spencer F. Baird. 



Washington, D. C, May 9, 1871. 

 My Dear Mr. Boardman: 



You may be sure that we shall look out for the barrel of 

 potatoes, and hope it will come before we leave. Our plan is still 

 to get away to Woods Holl as early in June as possible, although 

 the precise date is a matter of some uncertainty. I had a very 

 pleasant interview to-day with Mr. Whitcher, the Fish Commis- 

 sioner of Canada, and he proposed a good deal of joint work. He 

 says if I will go to the Bay of Fundy next year he will be present 

 himself, or by deputy, and will furnish on the part of the gov- 

 ernment, all necessary assistance in the way of vessels, etc., and 

 we can have a good time overhauling the natural history of the 

 fishes. This was what I had looked forward to, and was very 

 glad to have him suggest it. 



We have agreed to take the Moose that your boy sent 

 Wallace, and the Caribou, at .$75 each, which he says was about the 

 price of mounting ; and I believe he has already been paid this 

 amount, so that it will hardly be possible to have the one Brewster 

 offers. 



I suppose you have not seen Wallace's specimens so as to 

 judge of their excellence. He promises to keep them on hand 

 until we want them, which will not be until next fall. 



Bidgway has painted up your Auk's egg and it will be sent on 

 very soon. I will put it in the same box with that little duck 

 that has been here so long, and forward it in a day or two to your 

 brother Gorham. Bidgway has just returned from New York, 

 where he has had a very good time. He is very much interested in 

 the Central Park. 



I hope those Moose skeletons will be forthcoming, as we 

 have lately had inquiry for Moose bones and were unable to 

 exhibit them. Love to all. 



Very truly yours, 



S. F. Baird. 



