1850 TO 1865 277 
The little quadrupeds promise nicely. The one with white stripe 
on tail and long hind leg is the Dipodomys, a Californian form. The 
coyote with cheek pouches is a Pseudostoma. I wish you would (get) 
specimens of all the species of mammals in skins, as well as in alcohol, 
this fades the color. In sending in skins of mammals and birds, espe- 
cially small ones, it will be well to inclose each in a cylinder, or paper 
cone, to be pasted up or other-wise secured against the intrusion of 
insects. 
I hope that this year will see the arrival of as large collections 
from you as the last. Don’t suppose that you could ever get enough 
specimens of a species. Collect every confounded individual of the 
reptiles, except perhaps rattlesnakes or other most common serpents 
of which get, say, 15 or 20. But for lizards and smaller serpents, get 
500 of each, if youcan. Also crawfish, crustaceans generally, crickets, 
katydids, fish, etc. 
Mr. Wright sends me some highly interesting notes on the birds 
observed by him last winter and it is a thousand pities he got no speci- 
mens, as several were no doubt new. Don’t neglect the birds, but col- 
lect all you can. And by all means get nests and eggs. But it is of no 
use for me to write to you about special desiderata, as you already 
know these so well. The whole may be summed up in a few words. 
Collect everything you can find, especially the very COMMONEST 
species. 
I think I had better send back your copper kettles filled with 
alcohol. I don’t suppose you can have much material left. 
Lucy was much interested in the pet squirrel, especially with the 
suppositious incidents, which I added by way of embellishment. She 
talks a great deal about you. Mrs. Baird begs to be especially remem- 
bered to you and will look for your promised letter. 
I have no particular news to tell that I can think of. Mr. Hamil- 
ton, of Carlisle, was here to-day, and I astonished him with the speci- 
mens. Dr. Peck’? comes to Washington as Pastor, after his time at 
Carlisle, next July. They propose to raise a scholarship fund, by 
selling them for four years at 25.00! 
Very truly and affectionately yours, 
SPENCER F. Bairp. 
7Former President of Dickinson (elicse and later Bishop of 
the M. E. Church. 
