RK-289

[printed letterhead] No. [written] 567 [printed] Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C. [written] April 25, [printed] 18 [written] 57

Dear Robert

Your of Ap. 17 just received. Most of your questions already answered.

Upon the whole, I think it will be as well not to send me any live reptiles this summer. Perhaps you can bring them along with you in the fall, but it is getting so late that it will hardly be worthwhile, unless I sh[page folded over word] want some for Europe, when I will let you know

Let me know what Col. Ashley wants, and I will try to supply him.

I would certainly give the gentlemen you mention the overhauling of the collection of snails, neuroptera hemiptera. Mr. Binney I know will be delighted to have all kinds of living snails. He already possesses many specie

in his cochliarium. They will doubtless all be glad also to send you returns from their our collections.

It will do, very well to send specimens in alcohol in two boxes. Those with screw caps such as are used for putting up vegetables fruits do very well, as they can be used several times.

Your report is now being stenotyped. It makes, 35 pages down to the generalities on the meadow mice. I have just read ten pages of proof. I will send you a set when all is done, as well as look after the pay. The commissioner is away now, but will be back in a few weeks.

I am presenting my mammal volume: 32 pages already done.

Yours truly S. F. Baird

Robt. Kennicott Anna Union Co Ill