Thanksgiving-Day. 225 



habitants of Terra-firma. Well, they say that " it is 

 an ill wind that blows nobody any good," so, after 

 preaching to about twenty half-drowned people, I 

 am seated by the fire, ready, without fear of inter- 

 ruption, to write you the names of your recent 

 drawings. * * * 



There are the five all plain sailing ; the sixth, 

 friend here is no fun. 



Short-tailed Marmot. By some unaccountable mis- 

 take I never saw the specimen in London. I am 

 mortified. Lewis & Clarke mention, but do not 

 describe it. Short-tailed is an improper name; its 

 tail is longer than many others. Now, we are to 

 describe it ; but not without a close examination of 

 the specimen. John has access to it in London. 

 Waterhouse will verify his measurements ; but let 

 him not hint, that it has not yet been described, as 

 those Zoological boys, would name it an hour after- 

 wards. Meanwhile, let Victor send me an outline of 

 the drawing, dabbling on it a little of the colors, to 

 give me an idea of it. 0, that I had wings just for 

 an hour, that would carry meat telegraphic speed to 

 London, to see the specimen for myself ! but here 

 I am seated, without wings. Write at once to John. 



The second and third proofs have come to hand. 

 I have received the opinion of the post-master. We 

 are allowed to write corrections and additions to our 

 proof-sheets. 



We wrote you of Jane's safe arrival. She cannot 

 say enough of your kindness to her and your 

 thoughtfulness of her comfort. Harriet and Haskell 

 both have been ill with fever. I brought them 

 home with me ; they are well enough to be down 

 stairs to-day. Julia's health continues very delicate. 



P. S. To AUDUBON : The snuff the snuff, it is 

 here! I have just taken a pinch, and the ladies 



