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[printed letterhead] No. [written] 109 [printed] Smithsonian Institution, [written] 1 [printed] Washington, D. C. [written] January 29 [printed] 18 [written] 57
My Dear Robert
Yours of the 17 has just arrived. Unfortunately the transit was too long for fresh mice, and they were not identifiable when they arrived. I will now before very long go into the mice, and try to work out the group
The squirrels came two days ago, in good condition - still rather shy. I will have fine figures made of them.
As Audubons description is very vague of Mus. Michiganensis. You can without much fear, fix one of the two supposed allies as this and call the other what you will. I shall be much flattered at being godfather.
The little shrew you sent, I have written you is near S. cinereus, but probably new. I
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will know in a few days as I am on the genus now.
I will get up the apparatus you want; and have it cost as little as I can. By what time will you want it. The new seine will be desirable I can have the jointed nets made as you want. 5 gallons is too large a size for cans! 2 1/2 much better. They should be in a chest, like the one you have. Better send me exact dimensions of you can and I will get another made just like it to fit the other division. My plan is to carry but small cans, and as fast as filled pack in kegs or cans and send home by express.
You scarcely need smaller shot than no 10. I preferred this to fives.
If the folks close the bargain at 90.00 per month, and keep it up long enough it will answer very well
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[printed letterhead] No. [written] 109 [printed] Smithsonian Institution, [written] 2 [printed] Washington, D. C. 18
[handwritten] A small terrier dog will be a great acquisition in catching mammals. The traps I use are the common live and dead mouse traps. They should be larger than as sold for house mice.
Do the folks who are down on you, really mean Scalops. You know the Arvicolae are very commonly called ground moles. I should infer from the articles that they mean arvicolas I cannot be made to believe short of actual vision, that a Scalops would eat vegetable matter. Catch one and try.
I will send you the copies of Melsheimers catalogue free gratis for nothing.
Yours truly S.F. Baird
Robt. Kennicott Chicago