RK-190

1127 671

Washington Oct. 8. 1856

Dear Robert

I have just had some talk with Mr. Brown, agricultural clerk of the Patent office about an article for the next report on the quadrupeds injurious to vegetation, and he seemed well inclined to have one. They pay well for such things and I want you to go to work and write as full a memoir as you can in the habits of the mice, squirrels, gophers, hares, woodchucks &c, especially as regards their injuries to crops, and to the land. Give all notices of reproductive phenomena, number of broods and of young, character of food, &c, [illegible] of ravages and the like. Although there is no positive promise to accept it, yet I think it will be done, and you may get a hundred dollars or thereabouts for it – if it makes 15 or 20 pages.

This will be much better than publishing in our report, or that of the Phila. Academy, as the pay will be positive and the circulation much better.

If you choose to introduce notices of the birds, reptiles, & insects injurious or beneficial to the farmer and nurseryman, it will be all the better. You can make out articles of much interest and originality – indeed I do not know any one so able to do this.

Very truly Yours Spencer F. Baird

Robt. Kennicott West Northfield Ill