372 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
R. McFarlane was one of the most interested and 
energetic of the Hudson Bay Company’s factors among 
those with whom Kennicott had camped and sledged. He 
was given charge of most distant and isolated posts 
requiring the utmost courage and skill in the commander. 
Such was that at the mouth of the Mackenzie River, 
where McFarlane passed several years and from which 
he sent precious collections of Arctic birds and mammals. 
To him Kennicott writes of the plans under discussion. 
From Robert Kennicott to R. McFarlane. 
Wasuinoton, D. C., April 15, 1864. 
My pear McFartane, 
Our hearts were gladdened some two weeks since by the arrival 
of our share of the winter packet. I got a letter each from Lockhart, 
Hardisty, Orion, Kinkly and yourself—yours being of the 23rd of 
August written at Fort Simpson. I shall hope for much later news 
from you by the spring packet. 
Upon my word McFarlane you and Lockhart quite make me 
ashamed of the little work I did in R. District. 
You tell me you think I flatter you when I speak of the value 
of your operations. Permit me to say, oh Mr. Wiseacre that I’m a 
better judge of their value than you are. You must observe that in 
most cases it is not the intrinsic value of the specimens themselves 
(for I will own that most of the specimens are necessarily in a damnable 
condition from being carried where you had no conveniences—) that 
renders them so important, but their ability to tell us the story of 
Arctic zoology is what renders your collection so valuable to science. 
Upon my honor McFarlane I would rather have had the honor 
of contributing what you and Lockhart have to the history of Arctic 
zoology than to be a chief factor in the H. B. Co. or a member of 
Parliament. The latter would be jolly during life but in the former 
case my name would be immortal among naturalists. 
Not the least important part of your operations has been your 
notes on the specimens as collected. When you see my report you 
will observe that your notes tell pretty much the whole story. 
