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Washington April 12, 1856
My Dear Robert:
You please to stop talking about that snake. The description is as much yours as if you had done it all yourself. The one you sent me years ago was as good and complete as that I forwarded you, and I remember my admiration of the excellence and precision of the characters given. I merely added a few comparisons with other species, and did what I have had done for me dozens of times: You will therefore please not talk so, nor make any explanations whatever to anybody: the description is totally and entirely yours, and the whole arrangement your own. I have merely acted as a sort of clerk or scribe in what I have done. If I did not think what I have done right both for you and me, I would not have prepared it. Thats all. - Nor will
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I strike out the remarks relating to Dr. Kirtland which are very proper. My turn will come when you call something after me.
The book shall certainly go to Miss Helen. Will you be jealous if I write her a short note.
I dont care for large collections of fishes this year, although If you can readily get them from Iowa, Texas & Miss. of course I want them. I referred more to localities from which if I dont get them this year I am another, through your mediation. Get as many reptiles, in alcohol as you can from everywhere however: There is never even a temporary glut of these... Collect the Salamanders particularly, and the Allies: Menohambus &c. Ask your Southern correspondents to collect Congo eels, (Sirens and Amphiumas) Keep it up very strong in Mammals, and get skulls of the commonest in quantity.
Certainly we will refund the cost of alcohol for the critters as heretofore - By all means.
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If you scratch up plenty of eggs, and get some rarities, I have no doubt Brewer will put you in the way of getting the Bost. Journal in the way you propose. The State Agricultural transactions would be good to offer, as they contain Nat. History. Cultivate Prof. Agassiz as much as possible, and offer him fish if he wants them. You can do much for him in the way of Turtles & Umonidae. He tells me the true Emys picta does not occur on the Lakes, but E. Belli and a new species - E. margineola
Send the State Ag. Trans. to Phila. Acad. as an exchange for Proceedings -
In a box to Dr. Hoy, I sent a bundle of books, chiefly Sm. [Illegible], for you. If you dont get it soon write him about it.
Ever Yours SF Baird
Robt. Kennicott West Northfield