RK-144

[stamped] SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON D.C.

667

April 14' 1856

My Dear Robert

I have had your last letter before me for a couple of weeks, but have hitherto not had time to answer it. You must not think however that my delay is on account of considering it a "bore" as you term it. I never find it such, to write to any one so much interested in my favorite pursuits, as you are.

The figure of Esex Umbrous came in Annals of Science a few day after you mentioned it. It is not sufficiently distinctive however

Spring is coming on apace, and the fish will soon begin to run. I have now the net for you and will send it very soon. I hope you will make many interesting discoveries with it. You must not let your Natural History pursuits interfere with your business in life: Your first care, is to establish yourself in a permanent and definite position and then embellish this position with the graces of science and literature. Remember too that you are young, and it is to be hoped, have a reasonably long life before you during which you can be steadily -

improving and progressing in your avocations of a Natural History character

I keep all my birds in skins. I have none mounted at all, nor would have. They occupy much less space and can be prepared in greatly shorter time this way.

Look sharp, for the habit of the Salamanders. Find where they lay their eggs, how they copulate &c. You must begin very early however as they are soon at work.

I have not yet determined whether to send the net separately to you, or to send it in a parcel I am about forwarding to Rev. A. C. Barry of Racine, with request to send to you. I will determine in a day or two.

With kindest regards to Your father family I remain

Sincerely Yours S.F. Baird

R. W. Kennicott West Northfield Cook Co Ill