THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 129 
come to Reading this winter, if not I will stay at home. Give my 
best respects to every body & believe me, 
Yours affec— 
Spencer F. Bairp. 
P.S. I got a copy of Fremont’s 1 & 2 Report the other day. 
Mother received your draft for the bank interest. 
From John J. Audubon to Spencer F. Baird. 
Minnie’s Lanp, N. Y. 
December 25 1845. 
My pear Frienp,— 
It is indeed a very long time since I have had the pleasure of 
hearing from you. I hope and trust that you were not offended at 
my letter, when I wrote to you on the Subject of accompanying our 
son John to Texas where he is now I hope safe and sound, and I 
believe at Corpus Christi. 
I wrote to you especially for you to procure for me a specimen 
in the flesh of the farfamed Cat-amount; and also the one of a Black 
Fox, also in the flesh. I have at last received a fine Red Fox from 
our Friend E%. Harris, who although he did not kill it, obtained the 
Cunning Animal very shortly after its death. I have drawn it the 
Size of life, and I think made a good figure of it. 
I have been drawing pretty constantly these last past Weeks 
and have finished 6 plates for the Engravers. I wish you would 
have the goodness to write to me as soon as you can conveniently, 
and let me know what you have been a-doing this Sharp cold Weather. 
Weare all quite Well, and send you our best Wishes, and a Merry 
Christmas to yourself, Mother, Sisters, and Brothers all. 
We are hard at Work preparing the letterpress for the 1°* Vol. 
of the Quadrupeds, a copy of which I hope to send you about the 
beginning of April. Do try your best to send me the animals men- 
tioned in this letter, and with my blessing towards yourself and 
family, believe me Your ever Sincerely Attached Friend and Servant, 
Joun J. Aupuson. 
P.S. You may pay and draw upon us for the price of a black 
Fox and a Catamount! 
9 
