RK-141

490 163

Washington April 5, 1856

My Dear Robert,

I received the very nice lot of little beasts - two days ago. The two Hesperomys I cannot consider at all as different species the difference in length of tail being of no value. They will doubtless [illegible] as the Mus Michiganensis, of Aud. The Arvicola looks most like a good winter skin of Arvicola riparius; you have sent it before, I hope soon to get round to this genus [illegible (torn page)] I will then try to settle all the vexed questions.

The articles on the mice and Franklins Marmot will probably be in ample time if received by the first of September

I would like amazingly to have some live Mus michiganensis and Arvicola. It would be first rate. Fill the box loosely with [illegible], and make sundry partitions to divide them up into small lots. Put in plenty

of corn and bread, and they would probably not hurt each other. Some soft fruit, as apple or pumpkin would furnish enough moisture.

I don't know how many times Mus leucopus breeds; three or four times a year probably.

Please drop a line to Mr Odell again on the subject of sending the can.

I acknowledge receipt of the Miss. specimens last week. I shall send you in a few days a batch of sm. books.

Yours ever S.F. Baird

Robt. Kennicott West Northfield Ill