1850 TO 1865 307 
tion for your return to help me in some of my work. The row of 
still packed kegs, cans, and boxes is perfectly appalling, containing 
representatives from many regions. 
I find the $650.00 you sent on here, in good condition $500.00 
I will send to Frank Churchill to invest. He already has a dividend 
on the first of 35.00, from which is to be deducted 20.00 on the original 
$1000.00. 
I have just seen the Major at his house. He seems in good spirits; 
nearly well again. You know he had an attack of yellow fever on the 
“Yellerbam.” I took the drawings to show him—those which Richard 
has been doing. They are the most magnificent affairs ever executed. 
A large number are done. If you don’t send on more specimens, 
there will be nothing left for him to do. I wish you would now go 
to work, with every force at command, to make a very large collection 
of specimens from the Brazos. Get everything, and look particularly 
for crabs of all kinds, especially the minute ones. Worms, shells, 
star fish, &c. secure with all diligence. Look sharp for the Hydragiras, 
the little banded fish; . . . I have a special reason for wanting 
such quantities independently of the ordinary want of specimens. 
Ever yours, 
S. F. Barren. 
From S. F. Baird to Robert Kennicott . 
October 6, 1853. 
My DEAR SiR: 
I have just come across a very interesting work called the “‘ Boy 
Hunters,” by Capt. Mayne Reid, of which I beg your acceptance. 
It will always give me much pleasure to stimulate your tastes for 
natural history by means of such works as this, which are well cal- 
culated to impart the spirit of their authors. I also send some mis- 
cellaneous works which I hope may all reach you. 
I have not yet had time to make any minute examination of the 
fish, &c., you so kindly sent me, but hope to do so before very long. 
I trust to be put in possession, through your kind instrumentality, 
17 This is the first letter to Mr. Kennicott which I find. L. H. B. 
