RK-155

812

Washington June 7' 1856

My Dear Robert,

I am very glad to hear of the commencement of an Acad. Nat. Science in Chicago. and hope it may eventuate in something worth while. You have enough men out west to make such an association tell, especially if you can include the Wisconsins: Hoy, Lapham, Barry &: You need not have asked me whether I would help - I am always ready to do this, especially where you are concerned. I do not know that I have copies of any constitutions of Societies, but will send if I can find them. The Academy in Phila. will however be your best model. The simpler such organizations are the better.

I will at any time label your specimens of any kind I can, with all my heart. as well as send others from our duplicates. I forward a dozen copies of our pamphlet.

I will write to Dr. Clark as you suggest. We will be very happy to have him send specimens for the Chicago Acad. through us, thus saving you great expense.

Prof. Agassiz says that there is no true Emys picta in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin. It is a new species associated with E. belli also found there.

Very truly Yours Spencer F Baird

Robt. Kennicott West Northfield Ill