1850 TO 1865 319 
account of the strong breeze. If Mary’s complaint is only of the 
nerves and has nothing to do with the organs of respiration, I should 
think it a very good place for her. Harriet tells me that they were 
talking last summer of building a new hotel; if one is put up perhaps 
more style is observed than in the old house. 
2d. As to collecting fishes? I should consider it the very best 
place on the Jersey coast. You have the bay and sea close by, and 
little creeks in the meadows which are not far off. Lots of fishermen, 
amateurs as well as professional. 
3rd. As to reptiles—Good—In the woods and cedar swamps I 
think there must be some new species. 
4th. There are plenty of birds (aquatic) on the beach and in the 
meadows—and a great abundance of the smaller land-birds in the 
woods a mile or two off. By the middle or last of July the migratory 
shore birds begin to return and by Ist September they swarm. There 
are many that stay and breed. No eggs to be had so late in the 
season, except perhaps a few laid by birds whose nests had been 
destroyed two or three times. It is not very comfortable after the 
beginning of September, at least, visitors leave Cape Island at that 
time. There are plenty of green fields near Beasley’s and good rides, 
though the scenery is flat. Mosquitoes are “mighty unsartin,” some- 
times they come in swarms enough to eat you up bodily, at other times, 
there are none. Generally speaking they are not very bad at Cape 
Island and Beasley’s I would suppose is about the same. You can do 
a big business in getting birds’ skins, if the birds are not moulting. 
On the whole I think you would enjoy yourself amazingly, though 
I doubt whether Mary would find it so pleasant. If you will write 
to Richard Holmes he can tell you all about the tavern, as he has been 
a great deal at Beasley’s. 
Yours affectionately, 
Won. M. Barrp. 
From Spencer F, Baird to Dr. John Edward Hallowell. 
WasuincTon, May 12, 1854. 
My pear Doctror:— 
In reference to the matter of reptiles of Heermann’s collection, 
I certainly would not hesitate in your place to send any specimens 
you may have to spare, to Mr. Duméril for the Paris Museum. As 
