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336 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
theory may seem, without seeing the intermediate form. But I have 
always believed that in the rage for multiplying species—varieties 
are made into species. I have never for instance believed in the spe- 
cific distinction of our short-eared owl from the European, indeed in 
this particular case I do not believe it can be called a variety, for I 
have specimens that are as light-colored as many European specimens 
and which I cannot separate by any marks whatever. Many of our 
other allied birds I am willing to have described as separate, whether 
they should be called species or varieties I do not know, and, in the 
present undetermined state of the term species, it is hard to say 
which—according to my definition no two species can produce fertile 
hybrids—or permanently fertile to speak exactly, and I therefore 
consider the N. Mexican turkey to be a variety. I am willing to 
admit that the domestic variety probably was derived from that 
source, but I know from my own experience that the domestic turkey 
with our common wild bird produces a more fertile and healthier 
and more vigorous offspring than the domestic bird is capable of 
alone. In all cases however slight the difference may be, if constant, 
I am ready to admit the specific difference when it seems improbable 
that one form could have been derived from the other in a manner 
readily explained, as it can be in most of the Arctic species. But I 
can’t argue on paper, it is too hard work,—so look out when I see 
you again for a worse fight than the Kentuckian had with the bear. 
Until which believe me 
Y’rs affec. 
Henry Bryant 
Please tell Stimpson that 1 am making arrangements about the 
Labrador trip, and ask him to let me know whether there is any 
probability of his joining me. I enclose a copy of my letter to my 
agent so that he can see what I am about. 
During the year (1860) just passed Baird notes that 
he had written (without the aid of a stenographer) on 
Smithsonian business 3,050 letters of which about 200 
were drafts of letters for the use of Professor Henry. On 
the 22nd of April, 1861, affairs were so unsettled in 
