RK-559

[printed letterhead] No. [written] 806 [printed] Smithsonian Institution, [written] 1 [printed] Washington, D. C. [written] July 17 [printed] 18 [written] 58

Dear Robert

I have yours of July 13 and 16(?) before me and hasten to answer them so as to clear off my docket. The crane has not yet arrived but I shall look for it on Monday. I will make all right with the owner. I am impatient to see it. I will send the money as soon as I can ascertain whether I had better keep the specimen here

I have read carefully your long statement of experiences with Dr. Evans and the trustees. I think they will perhaps do what is right in the end. I hardly know what or how to advise in the matter, I he circumstances are so ever [illegible - stifling?]; If you are assured of future support and encouragement you would do well to continue at moderate pay. If engaged

for a short time only., you would require more

As to the relation of the Smithsonian to the University. they of course must be without special reference to persons. If the Museum of University gives full assurance to Professor Henry of permanence and proper administration of its trusts, he will do what he can for it. Otherwise, not. I hardly think that the balance of obligation is even now in favor of the University. The very species received from the University are few compared to what we have given it. and the use of duplicates is not for our benefit but for that of science generally

I am a little inclined to think that the Lake Superior excursion will not pay to go and return on one trip. If you could go up and remain some weeks on the Lake. The more northern

[printed letterhead] No. [written] 806 [printed] Smithsonian Institution, [written] 2 [printed] Washington, D. C. 18

and western or perhaps northern, the better. I have absolutely no net at all here I am sorry to say, or I would send one

Cooper is not here and I do not know where to write him. He left some weeks ago. Ostensacken is now Secretary acting Minister and cannot leave. Ulke I think has left. I have not seen him for some time.

I will attend to the circular letter on Monday.

The bottles are all moved out of east end of building except a few lizards, we do not go up stairs but have a much better place in the basement under the Library. We have had three

persons at work for three weeks marking snakes and changing liquor. We have used 9 barrels of alcohol or 360 gallons, on the snakes alone.

I am through my birds articles except a few points here and there. Hope to leave about tenth of August, for Carlisle and will take Saurians[?] with me to work up.

I think on the whole that as the season is so far advanced, the Lake Superior trip will not pay very brilliantly. Perhaps on the whole, if you conclude to come to Washington next fall, you had better stay at home this summer and husband your resources. So as to come to washington early in October. If you want to work on the snake report, the sooner you are here after my return the better. I hope to have

[printed letterhead] No. [written] 806 [printed] Smithsonian Institution, [written] 3 [printed] Washington, D. C. 18

[written] the whole report printed before January, or even December! So there is no time to be lost. Stay here till about February! then go to Mississippi (. or even in January) so as to be on hand when the reptiles first begin to waken up. Stay in Mississippi till May or June. You shall have a first rate outfit and you will collect enough of Southern things to supply all creation. I am quite serious in advising you to husband resources for this expedition. It will pay a hundred times better than Lake Superior

You dont say where to address you, so I write to W Northfield

Your truly S F Baird

R. Kennicott

[page turned] P.S. Land birds of report all printed There are 150 species net in Audubon