208 John Packman. 



but always declined. Reserved in manner, and of a 

 temperament so unlike her father's: it was not until 

 several years later, that he discovered how entirely 

 he had misunderstood her character. 



On his return to Charleston, he wrote to Victor 

 Audubon : 



October 31st, 1845. 



We arrived at our own dear home, well, though 

 much fatigued. My good wife is not suffering to- 

 day. 



While at Washington, I worked like a horse 

 among the quadrupeds Peale assisted me. 



The specimens are here before me, ready to be 

 handled, also the Elk horns I thank you. 



I see De Kay makes two species of our Northern 

 Grey Squirrel I think it an extraordinary mistake. 

 The three you figured are in Summer pilage, without 

 hair-like tufts on the back of the ears. My opinion 

 is, that the Squirrels of the first summer get no tufts 

 the first Winter; but the second Winter the tufts ap- 

 pear, and return always. I once obtained in the 

 New York Market, three with tufts in December. I 

 remember too, that when a boy I caught them in 

 traps in Winter, they had tufts ; and in Summer, they 

 were all Grey Squirrels; and I was much puzzled. 

 Now friend, can't you ransack the market for caged 

 squirrels, and examine for yourself? 



It is late, and I am weary, weary. To-morrow I 

 shall finish this. 



January 1st, 1846. 



Dear Audubon As I do not like to disappoint you 

 in anything, I send you one of the articles. It is 

 about a fair sample of the whole some please me 

 far better there are a dozen superior to this, whilst 



