92 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
say so, and I will. If you can procure one of the double-barrelled 
Rifles of which you speak do so, and half a dozen good and strong 
check shirts! J. J. A. 
It is probable from Audubon’s next letter that as an 
additional reason why he should not undertake a journey 
certain to call for the utmost vigor, Baird’s relatives 
laid stress on the attacks of palpitation of the heart 
which young Baird had suffered from at times. 
From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird. 
New York, February 23, 1843. 
My pear Younc Frienp,— 
Your letter of the 17th Inst. reached me yesterday, and I feel 
truly sorry at the reading its contents. It is in fact with sincerest 
regret on my part, as well as the whole of my family to hear of the 
malady under which you at times suffer, and I think with your kind 
Parents and friends that nothing more injudicious could be to you, 
than to absent yourself from home. Nay, I would even more recom- 
mend to you, not to follow your uncle in the Wilds of Schuylkill 
County, portions of which I have myself visited many years ago. 
I also think you should be careful in your application to your different 
studies, but confine yourself periodically only to them, and to take 
moderate daily exercise, as soon as the weather becomes milder. 
Since the receipt of your letter, I have concluded to take a Young 
Gentleman in your stead who is a Neighbor of ours, but who alas 
is no Naturalist, though a tough, active, and very willing person. 
Whatever you procure in the way of Quadrupeds that you consider 
new or very rare, please to save for us, taking notes of their exact 
measurements, localities, and dates of capture. We all Join in best 
wishes to you and to all yours, and I remain as ever your Sincerely, 
attached Friend Joun J. AupusBon. 
The following letter written by Audubon after his 
return may not inappropriately find a place here, though 
out of its chronological order: 
