EXTRACT 
Of a Communication from J. E. De Kay, dated New-York, 
April 24, 1839. 
You will excuse me, sir, for not adverting to the fact that the ad- 
mistration of the affairs of the State had fallen into other hands, and that 
you must necessarily be unacquainted W’ith the state and progress of my 
department. It was my intention, however, to have communicated 
personally with you whenever you visited this city, (which I was in¬ 
formed would be the case during the winter,) and thus saved myself the 
necessity of a journey to Albany with my voluminous papers, and a 
consequent interruption to my studies. 
I have now the honor to state to you that I have drawings and de¬ 
scriptions in detail of nearly seven hundred animals of the State of New- 
York; and I take this opportunity to bear witness to the skill and fide¬ 
lity of the Draughtsman, Mr. J. W. Hill, who is unw^earied in his labors. 
I have also rough notes and descriptions of many others, w^hich are in 
course of preparation for publication. 
I can, if your Excellency requires it, prepare by the 30th instant, a 
list of such as are already drawn and described; but I have many mis¬ 
givings as to the appearance which such a catalogue will make in the 
hands of an unskilful printer. 
I am, Sir, with unfeigned respect. 
Your obedient servant, 
J. E. DE KAY. 
